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LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

PRESENTED BY
URS. R. C. 11. ?AOS

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THE \^^^v

"-- -■ ^ .X

ANNALS OF ALBANY.

BY J?WnSELL.

VOL. VII. ^- X

■. v/

■1 'J"

ALBANY:
J. MUNSELL, 78 STATE STREET.

i85a

^•7
ILLUSTEATIONS.

Map of Albany and Schenectady Counties, - 1

First Congregational Church, - - - 250

Dudley Observatory, - - - - - 303

Yates' House, 329

CONTENTS-

The City Records, 1713 to 1718, - - . 9

Notable Women of Olden Times, - - 86

The Transit of Albany, 94

Ancient Documents, ----- 97
Inscriptions in the Second Presbyterian Burying

Ground, 104

Early attempt to locate Union College at Albany, 126

Notes from the Newspapers, 1818 to 1822, - 133

TheWhirhgig, 168

By-Laws of the City, 1686, - - - - 170

Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany, - - 178

From an Englishman's Sketch Book, - - 195

Population of Albany, 1855, - - - - 200

Provincial Convention, - - - - 202

Provincial Congress, ----- 203

Dutch Church Papers, 232

Albany Mechanics' Society, - - - - 240

iT Contenis,

The Ferry Controversy, - - - - 245

First Congregational Church, - - - 250

The Stnrgeon Trade, 255

New York Colonial Mannscripta - - 257

Dudley Observatory, ----- 303

Biographical Notices, - - - - 311

Annals of the Year 1855, - - - - 313

Crosby's Hotel, 341

Examinations at a Court of Inquiry at Albany,

1745, 342

Index, -------- 345

PEEFACB,

This volume embraces the period in the City Re-
cords in which the first English Church was built*
The sturdy men composing the common council
exerted all their energies to prevent it from being
erected in State street; but that especial location had
the countenance of the governor. It was in vain that
they sent an express to New York mih a canoe to
consult two eminent counsellors! the building went
on in spite of the arrest of the workmen, and was
completed. It was also an era of speculation in
real estate. The authorities began to permit lots
to be sold and houses to be erected without the walls
of the city. There was at the same time a mania for
farms at Schaghticoke; and the common council
having weighed the matter profoundly, and deter-
mined to gratify the capitalists in this popular scheme
to a limited extent, eight farms were drawn by lot
out of the mayor's hat ! Among those who were so
fortunate as to secure one of the lots" so cautiously
doled out, was Johannes Knickerbacker,* whose
posterity have ever since held an eminent position
there.

* This was not the original family name.

vi trtfact.

The Notes from the Newspapers embrace the erq,
of the building of the Erie Canal. A newspaper
critic prononnces these awfully diffuse. On consult-
ing several persons whose judgment it was thought
safe to confide in, all fears have been dismissed on
that point. The work having now reached its seventh
volume, and there being but little increasing demand
for it, the critic may have formed a just conclusion,
viewing it in the light of a successful speculation.
But the project of its publication was not conceived
as a source of profit, nor has it been continued with
any such expectation. The number printed is very
small, and it is pretty much determined to reduce
the edition of the next volume to the actual demand.

ANNALS OF ALBANY.

<-^#» ►

THE CITY KECORDS.

Ck>ntinued ftom vol. tI, p. 291.

At a Comon Council held in y® City hall of Albany y^
16th day of novemb'r 1713: Present, Rob' Living-
ston Jun'r Esq'r mayor Job's Cuyler Esq'r Record:
David Schuyler Wess. Jen Brook Abrah'm Cuyler
har : wendell Esq's Aldermen Gysb' marcelis Dan'l
Brat Evert wendell Job's hanse Peter Ryckman
hend.: Roseboom Ass'ts
It is orderd that the following persons be appointed &
nominated fire masters for y^ city of Albany to Serve for
y® Ensueing year, who are to go Round in this City &
perform Such duty as Shall be Required of y'm in a i^ar'
to be directed unto them, viz'

First Ward,
John Dupbaer Claes Wyngaert

Second Ward,
Barent Sanders • Hend'k Ten Eyk ,

Third Ward. '
* Frans Winne * Peter Waldron

Resolved that the following warrant Shall be (lii'GCtedi
to the "8*^ fire masters (viz')

Albany ss

Whereas the mayor aldermen & Oomonalty of the
city of Albany have this day nominated & appointed yow

10 The City Records.

to be fire masters of the City afores^ for y« Ensueing
year, yow or the major part of yow are therefore hereby
Required & Commanded forthwith & then once in Every
forthnight to go Round and view y* Chimneys harts &
fire places where fire is kept within the said City and
wherever they find such Chimneys harts & fire places
Extraordinary foul or dangerous shall fine y® owner or
owners in y® Sume of Six Shillings for y® behoofe of year
Selvs and to Sue for y® Same yow are also to take notice
that no fodder be Layd or logd w'h may tend to be dan-
gerous to y® owner or his neighbours upon penalty of y®
like Sume of Six Shill's for each day where fire & fodder
be kept in Such dangerous & uncOnvenient places after
warning given him her or them given in albany the 16th,
day of nov'r in y® 12th year of her ma}'s Reign annoq'o
Do. 1713

To John Dunbaer Claes wyngaert Barent Sanders

Hend'k Ten Eyk fraris winne Peter waldron fire

masters

It is further orderd & Resolved that y® s^ fire masters
shall goe round in y^ s^ City & perform such duty as ex-
pressed in the war^ to them directed on pain and penalty
of forfeiting twenty shillings for every such neglect.

Whereas severall of y® Commonalty do delay to come
at y^ time appointed to keep Comon Council, It is there-
fore Resolved and Concluded that no member of y® Com-
on Council shall fail to appear in Comon Council, when
summoned at the time appointed or at y^ bell Ringing
for that purpose, or a half an hour after y^ time on pain
and penalty of forfeiting the Sume of three shillings for
the behoofe of y® s^ Comonalty to be Recovered by dis-
tress & sale of y offenders goods and chatels by warrant
under the hand of the mayor or recorder or any thre^-of
y* aldermen ♦

It is Resolved that Anthony Bogardus shall deliver up
to morrow to Rob^ Livingston Jun'r Esq'r mayor of this
city nine Lathers which he made for the use of the said
City

Th€ City Records. 11

It is orderd & Concluded that the following ordinance
shall be publisbd (viz^)

' By the mayor Recorder aldermen and Comonalty of
the Citty of albany

An Ordinanct

Whereas complaints are made that severall persons in
this City do presume toretaile & use manual occupations
without being made freemen or citizens of y* s** city, It
is therefore pnblishd ordaind & declard y^ no person or
persons shall hereafter sell or expose to sale by retaile
any wares or merchandize by themselvs or any other
person or persons whatsoever or use any trade mystery
or manual! occupation in y® s*^ city or liberties thereof
unless he or they shall have his or their freedom and be
actuall dwellers & inhabitants of y® City afores^ on pain
& penalty of forfieting of such fines & penalties as are
mentioned and expressd in y® charter of y* s^ city for y*
behoofe of jr* sherrif or any oy'r person or persons who
shall sue for the same

Given in Albany y* 18th day of Nov'r in y* 12th year
of her maj*es reign a'o Do. 1713

By order of y° Comonalty

Philip Livingston D. C.

Dec. 22. — It is orderd that an ordinance be made and
publishd ag^ unorderly rydeing in the streets of this city
viz*

By the Mayor Aldermen & Commonalty of the Citty
of Albany

An Ordinance.

Whereas sundry persons within this City and county
do presume to ryde with slee and horses in y° streets of
the s** City very fast & unruley whereby many unhappy
accidents may attend and come forth for preventing y«
same, It is hereby publishd ordaind & declard that from
& after y^ publication hereof no person or persons shall
ryde or drive any horse or horses with Slee Wagon or
Cart in y® streets and lanes of y® s^ city faster than on a
steap on pain and penalty of forfieting for every such
offence y® sume of six shillings for the behoof of the Sher-

12 The City Recorda. '

rif or any other person or persons that shall sue for the
same

And whereas y* children in the s^ city do very unor-
derly to y® shame & scandall of their parents ryde down
y* hills in y® streets of the s^ city with small & great
slees on the lord day and in the week by which many
accidents may come now for preventing y® same it is
hereby publishd and declard y^ it shall & may be lawful
for any Constable within this City or any other person
or persons to take' any slee or slees from all and every
such boys or girls rydeing or olffering to ryde doun any
hill within y® said city and breake such slee or slees in
peeces

Given under our hands and seals in Albany y® 22th of
December in the 12th year of her maj's reign. A'a Do.
1713

•

It is Resolved by y* Comonalty that none of y® land
at Schaahkook shall be lent out before the same be first
surveyd & measured

Orderd that y® owners or farmers of y® seven farms at
Schaahkook be sumoned to appear before the Comonalty
•on y® 15 of January next.

Att a Comon Councill held in y® City hall of Albany
y^ 15th day of January 17 1|

It is resolved by y® Comonalty that y® land at Schaah-
tekook shall be surveyed on ye 25th of April next as
well that which is lett to y^ severall tenants as that iv'h
is yet unapprov'd

Upon y** request of Col. Peter Schuyler who desires a
release for a certain gardin on y^ plain w'h he formerly
bought of y® Comonalty of the city of Albany now in his
possession

It is orderd y*^ Rob' Livingston Jun'r Esq'r may'r shall
in behalf of y® Comonalty give a release for y® s** gardin
lying between y^ pastures & gardin of Cap' Jan Janse
Bleeker & y® gardin of Cap' Ryckman

Th€ City R$cardi. 13^

March 4. — It is resolved by y® Comonalty that y* fol-
lowing persons 'bee appointed a comittee viz*^ Robert
Livingston Jun'r Esq'r mayor David Schuyler Wessel
Ten Brook and Abraham Cnyler Esq's ald'n to go to
Schaahkook with a sworn surveyor to survey the land
there belonging to y® s*^ €ity as well that which is lett
out to y^ severall tenants as that which is yet uninprovd
and to take speciall regard and care that y^ s^ tenants
have no more land than what is incerted in their several
Indentures and to make report thereof to y* Comonalty
with a draft of the same from y* surveyor on or before

r *

It is also resolved by y« Comonalty y^ y« following
persons be appointed a Comittee viz* Joh's Cuyler Esq'r
Record'r Hend'k Hansen Job's Roseboom & Harm anus
Wendell Esq's Aldermen to go to Tiondorogue at which
place y® Comonalty have a grant to purchase from y«
Indians at their pleasure one thousand acres of meadow
land by y® City Charter to view and make a calculation
of what land lyes there and to make report of their view
to }® Comonalty on or before y* * •

March 13. — Whereas the passage or high way which
leads through the street from y* corner of y® houses of
major Dirck Wessels & Thomas Wendell to y« corner of
y® lott of Jacob Lansingh in this city, and y? street from
y* corner of y* house of Gysbert Marcelis and Abraham
Kip down j^ street till y* comer of y* house of Job's
Dwandlaer & y^ lott of y® heirs of Job's Brat deceased
is very insufficient & out of repair,

It is, therefore Resolved & Concluded that the owners
or tenants of y* houses or lotts of ground fronting any
of y® s^ streets shall repair & pave y® same with stone
half ye breadth of y^ s° streets fronting as aforesaid in
such manner & order as Frans Winne Wm. Hogan and
Job's Vinhagan or any two of them shall order & direct
and that on or before p'mo June next on pain & penalty
of forfieting y' sume of fifteen shillings for every person
who shall refuze deny dela^ or neglect

14 Th$ City Records.

•July 30. — Pursuant to y® resolution of y® Comonalty on
y^ 4th of March last y" Committee then* appointed to go
to Schaahkook with a sworn surveyor to* survey y® land
there they do bring in their report with a draft of the
same

Ordered that public notice be given by advertisement
that all persons who have any just demand on this city
to bring in their accounts to Tennis Brat Treasurer of
y* s** city on or before y* 6th of August next

Resolved that y® following persons Johannis Cuyler
Esq'r recorder Wessel Ten Broek Job's Roseboom Eisq*s
aldermen Hend'k Roseboom Evert Wendell & Johannis
Hanse assist'ts be appointed a Comitee to view examine
& audit y^ accounts and debts that are to be brought
unto y® treasurer of y® s^ City by those persons who
have any just demand or claim thereon and bring report
thereof to y^ Comonalty on or before the 7th of August
next

Orderd that a warrant shall be directed to y® assessors
of this city for y® equally assessing & rateing y^ Inhabit-
ants of y® 8^ city and deliver an estimate thereof under
their hands & seals on or before y^ 6th of August next
in y® Clerk's Office of y® s^ city

August 16 — The petition of Petrus Van Driesen
minister of y® Nether Dutch Reformed Congregation of
the city of Albany and y® elders & deacons of y® s** Con-
gregation being read praying a grant or release of twelve
foot of ground on the south side and twelve foot on the
north side of y^ s*^ church belonging to the said Nether
Dutch Reformed Congregation & in lenth eighty foot on
both sides Rynland measure, and a Confirmation of y® s^
Church ground and premises.

Resolved that the said petition be taken into, conside-
ration. "

Ordered, that a committee be appointed, vizS Jobs
Cuyler Esq. Recorder, Wessel Ten Broeck Esq. Alder-
man, and Danl Brat assistant, to cause the streets front-
ing y* s'^ Church be Surveyed, and bring a Report thereof
in next Comon Council.

TAe City Records. 15

August 21. — Whereas the Commonalty have Resolved
to grant a Confirmation of y^ Church, belonging to jr*
Nether Dutch Reformed Congregation, standing and be-
ing in this City, and an addition often foot of groand on
y® south side and ten foot of ground on y® north side of
y^ s^ Church wood measure and in lenth Eighty foot.

Resolved that y® following persons viz'^ Robert Living-
ston Junl Esq'r mayor Job's Cuyler Esq'r record: Hend:
Hansen Wessel Ten Broeck & Harmanus Wendell Esq's
aldermen do make a draft of 3^^ said church ground and
premises and make return to y^ Comonalty next Comon
Gouncill day

August 23. — Resolved that public notice be given to
the inhabitants of the city of Albany by advertizement
that on Friday next at two a clock in the afternoon
several] farms at Schaahkook & places adjacent belong-
ing to y® s^ City of Albany shall be let out in y® City
Hall of y* said City by a public vendue on such conditions
and acknowledgement as then shall be read

In Common Council, August 27, 1714.
Present: Rob* Livingston Jun'r Esq'r mayor John
Cuyler Esq*r recorder Hend: Hansen Wessel Ten
Broek David Schuyler Abraham Cuyler Job's Rose-
boom harmanus wendell Esq'rs ald'n Daniel Brat
Hendrick Roseboom Gysb* Marcelis Evert Wendell
Peter Ryckman Joh*s Hansen assistants
Whereas notice has been given by advertisement to y*
inhabitants of this City that some land lying at Schaah-
kook & places adjacent belonging to the said City shall
be farm'd out this day at two a clock in y® afternoon

It is therefore Resolved that severall pieces of land at
Schaahkook shall be let or farm*d out on the severall
Conditions following by a public vendue

No. One.

A certain peice of Land lying on the East side of
Hudsons river over against where La Fleur formerly

16 The City Rteoris.

lived containing seaventy morgan, Bounded on y® South
by Schaahkook creek including a small flatt on y^ north
side thereof and from y" west end of y* s'^ flatt with a
straight line to Hudsons river & on y® West by y® river
& on y® east by the hills till it shall take up y^ qu^itity
of seaventy morgan or one hundred & forty acres, the
acknowledgement is to be fifty six & one quarter bushel
of good merchandable winter wheat to be paid and de-
livered yearly every year in January and February after
y® first day of may 1720 uiUo y® mayor aldermen and
comonalty their successors and assigns for ever

No. Two.

A certain piec^ of land comonly called Jan Cow's fiatt
lying over against y^ place called Quick tekook where
Mees Hoogheboom formerly lived, containing sixty acres
Bounded on y^ south by a place called Meesen gatt from,
thence in the woods two hundred yards and so up till it
takes in sixty acres the acknowledgment is to be fifteen
bushels of good winter wheat to be paid & delivered
yearly & every year in January & February after y® first
day of May 172 unto y* Mayor Aldermen and Common.-
alty their Successors and Assigns for ever.

No8. Three^ Four, Five^

A third part of a piece of Land called y^ Round flatt,
lying and being at Schaahkook afores', on y® North side
of y® Creek, containing fifty four morgan^ and a third part
of a small piece of Land adjoyning to y®- Land of Dirk
van Yechten, containing six morgan, and a third part of
sixty morgan of wood Land on the hill adjoyning to the s^
Round flatt, which wood Land being bounded to y^ said
Round flatt extends northeast till it shall take in y®
quantity of sixty morgan or one hundred and twenty
acres of wood Land. The acknowledgement is to be for
each third part thirty Bushels of good merchantabld
winter wheat to be paid & deliverd yearly and every
year in January & February after y® first day of May
1717 unto the mayor aldermen & comonalty their sue*
cessors & assigtis for ever

The City Records. 17

No. Six.

A certain piece of land containing fifteen morgan or
thirty acres of low land bounded en y® north by y® land
of Corsit Veder on y« west by Job's D'Wandlaer on the
south by Marte Dellemont & Lewis Viele on the east y^
Creek and a small flatt of six morgan on y® south side of
Schaahkook Creek about one half mile to y® east of
Corsit Yedder together with nine morgan or eighteen
acres of wood land adjoyning to y^ wood land of Corset
Vedder on y* south side of y* Creek the acknowlegment
is to be twenty six & one quarter bushels of good mer^
chandable winter wheat to be paid yearly & every year
in January and February after y* first day of May 1720
unto y® mayor aldermen & comonalty their successors &
assigns for ever

Provided that of y® first thirty acres ten thereof along
y* Schaahkook Creek '$hall not be cultavated but lay for
hay or pasture

No, Seven.

A certain piece of land lying over Tamhenieks kill
at Schaahkook commonly called Barrent Gerritses bower
containing twe.nty nine morgan Low land or fifty eight
acres & one hundred and thirteen rodd bounded on the
north by the land of Lowis Viele and Daniel Ketelhuyn
& to y® west and south Tamhenieks kill and six morgan
of wood land where shall be thought most convenient y*
acknowledgm^ is to be forty five Bushels of good winter
wheat to be paid & delivered yearly and every year in
January & February atter y« first of may 1720 unto y®
mayor aldermen &, comonalty their successors & assigns
forever

Dirck Vanderheyden is y'' highest bidder for one third
part of y^ Round flatt 8t one third of a small flatt of six
morgan on y^ south side of y^ Schaahkooks Creek to-
gether with one third of sixty morgan of wood land ad-
joyning to y® s^ Round flatt for y* sume of seaventy five
Pounds and y^ Rent of thirty bushels of merchandable
winter wheat after y® first day of May one thousand

18 The City Records.

seaven hundred and seaventeen yearly and every year in
y® month of January or February for ever and on such
conditions as y® other tenants

Dirk Vanderheyden is the highest bider for one third
part of y^ Round flatt & one third part of a small flatt
of six morgan on y® south side of y^ Schaahkooks Creek
together with one third of sixty morgan of wood land
adjoyning to y® said Round flatt for y® sume of Eighty
Seaven -Pounds and y® Rent of thirty bushell winter
wheat after the first day of May one thousand seaven
hundred and seaventeen and on such conditions as the
other tenants

Dirk Brat is the highest bider of one third of y® round
flatt and one third part of a small flatt of six morgan on
south side of y® Schaahkooks Creek together with one
third of sixty morgan of wood land adjoyning to y® said
Round flatt for j* sume of Eighty Four Pounds and y®
Rent of thirty bushell of merchandable winter wheat
after y® first day of May seaventeen hundred & seaven-
teen yearly and every year for ever and on such condi-
tions as y^ other tenants

Philip Livingston is the highest bidder for a certain
peice of land over y® Tamhenicks kill at Schaabkook
comonly called Barrent Gerritses Bowery, Containing
twenty nine morgan Low land Bounded as aforesaid and
six morgan of Wood land where shall be thought con-
venient for y® sume fifty pounds and yearly and every
year after y® first of • * one thousand seaven hundred
and twenty • ' forever in y^ month of January and
February y® quantity of forty five bushels good mer-
chandable winter wheat

Harmanus Wendell ^is the highest bidder for fifteen
morgan of land bounded on y* north by y® land of Corsit'
Vedder

Sept. 3. — ^This day being appointed by y* Comonalty to
sign & scale Indentures with the following persons who
have bought land in vendue from the Comonalty on the
27th August last viz^ with Dirk Vanderheyden Dirk Brat
Harmanis Wendell Philip Livingston

The Ciiy Records.

Ordered that Robert Livingston Jun*F Esq'r Major of
y® said City in behalf of y® Comonalty shall sign seal and
deliver y® said Indentures and order the City seal to be
thereunto affixed and y^ said Indentures to be entered on
y® publick Records

Att a Common Councill held in the City hall of Albany
y 4th of Sept'r 1714

Resolved that warrants be drawn on Teunis Brat city
treasurer for the payment of y® Debts brought in and
allowed in Com on Councill this day viz^

To the several persons mentioned in the
Report of the comitte on y* 7*^ of August
last being - - - - £153; 8; 6

Robert Livingston Jun'r Esq'r

■William Hogan -

Ph: Livingston

Abraham Govemeur

Jean Rosie -

Harmanus Wendell

Evert Banker

Daniel Brat

Samuel Babington

The Petition of Johannis Dwandlaer being read pray-
ing refusall of a low piece of ground or Swamp lying at
Schaahkook between hisfarm and the land of Harmanis
Wendell,
Resolved that the same be taken in consideration
The Petition of Doritie widow of Isaac Casperse being
read praying for a grant of six or seaven acres of unim-
provd land on the west of her land on the hill,
Resolved that y® same be taken in consideration
The petition of Johannis Cuyler being read praying a
Release for a peice of vacant ground on the north side of
his lott in this city on the east side of Paril street to

. 16:

- 6:

•

15:

14:

12:

£184:

20 The City Records.

contain in breath at the front of f^ said street five rodd
keeping y^^same breath in the rear in lenth on the south
side running eastward nine rodd three foot and on
the north side ten^ rodd Rynland measure adjoyning to a
lott of ground formerly belonging to Jan Verbeek by
Patent from Francis Lovelace late governor of this pro-
yince on the 12th day of September 1670 at such reason-
able price as y^ Comonalty shall seem meet

Resolved that the said Petition be taken into con-
sideration

Sept. 14. — Pursuant to y^ Resolution of the comonalty
on y^ 2 1st of August last the comittee then appointed to
make a draft of y church and ground belonging to y^
Nether Dutch Reformed Congregation of the city of
Albany and make return thereof to y* Comonalty, which
comittee now make a return thereof accordingly

Petrus Van Driesen minister of jr® New Nether Dutch
Reformed Congregation of the city of Albany and the
Elders and Deacons of y^ said Congregation do desire
that y® Comonalty would be pleased to grant unto them
for y® use of y® said Congregation in stead of y^ ten foot
wood measure on the south and north side of y^ said
church, eleven foot and eight inches Rynland measure &
eighty six foot long so that -^ whole breath of the said
Church be five Rodd in lenth seaven Rodd and two foot
all Rynland measure together with free drop round the
same which request ye Comonalty have resolved to
grant and ordered that a release may be drawn accord-
ingly

Mr. Harmanus Wendell haveing bought of y« Comon-
alty some land at Schaahkook and by his Indenture, he is
obliged to give the Comonalty the refusall thereof at y^
lowest price which he doth now affirming that he can
gett of Daniel Ketelhuyn Eighty pounds and one hundred
& fifty pounds pork

The Comonalty resolved not to take the said land at
the above mentioned price do give liberty tO' the said
Harmanus Wendell to dispose of the s^ land

The City Records. 21

Albany y« 14th October 1714
This day being appointed by the Charter of y« City of
Albany for the dldermen of y® s*^ City to make a Returne
of the aldermen assistants & Constables who are Choisen
to Serve for y® Ensueing year and find by the written
votes taken in each Respective ward that the following
persons are Choisen viz^

First Ward.

Aldermen. Assistants.

Harmanus Wendell Peter Ryckman

Goose Van Schaick Evert Wendell

William Wilson Constable

Second Ward.
Joh's Roseboom Hend. Roseboom

Abraham Cuyler Gysbert Marcelis

James Alden Constable

Third Ward.
Hend. Hansen Johannis Hansen

Wessel Ten Broeck Peter Waldron

Jan Maase Constable

Teunis Brat Chamberlain
Thomas Macbeth High Constable

Att a meeting of y'^ recorder aldermen and assistants
of the city of Albany the 8th day of November,
1714

Whereas this meeting is creditably informd y^ y*^ Rev^
Mr. Thomas Barclay Collo. Peter Mathews & John Dun-
bar have this day layed out some ground on y^ west end
of j^ Joncker street in this city for erecting & building
a church without haveing any title from y^ said city

It is Resolved nema contradicenta y^ y^ s^ Mr. Barclay
Collo. Mathews and Jno. Dunbar be advised to delay that
work untill Mr. Mayor of Albany shall be here, and that
they be served with a copy hereof

[Annals, tit.] 3

22 The City Records.

Att a Comon Council , held in the Citty hall of Albany
y 7th day of December 1714.

It is ordered that the following persons be appointed
fire Masters for the City of Albany for y® year ensueing
who are to perform such duty as shall be of them re-
quired in a warrant to be directed unto them

. ' First Ward.

Benjamin Eghberts Harme Ryckman

Second Ward,
Andrs Nak Johannis Evertz

Third Ward.
William Rodgers Mathys Nak

Resolved that a warrant be directed unto them for y^
purpose

"Whereas on y® 14th day pf September last past there
was granted by y® Comonalty unto Petrus Van Driesen
minister of y® nether Dutch reformed congregacon of y®
city and county of Albany and y® elders and deacons of
y® s^ congregacon some ground about y® Church belong-
ing to y® congregacon so y* y® whole be in breath five
rod and in length seaven rodd and two foot Rynland
measure for errecting and building a new Church for y*
use of y® s^ congregacon which was then ordered to be
released unto them

And in stead thereof y® said minister elders & deacons
of y® s^ congregacon desire by Cap^ Job's Roseboom one *
of y^ elders of y® said congregation that there may be
released unto them for y^ use afores^ sixty foot of ground
in breath & eighty foot in lenth wood measure so that it
be forty five foot distance from y^ house of Goose Van
Schaick to y® north east corner of y* said ground and fifty
five foot distance from y® house of Luycas Wyngaert to
y^ south east comer of y^ said ground both English
measure and y^ south west and north west comer of y®
s^ ground to be an equal distance from y^ house of Job's
Van Alen on y^ south side & y^ of Anna Maria Carstense
on y® north side

The City Records. 23

Which request y^ Comonalty have resolved to grant &
orderd that a Release shall he drawn Bccordingly

The ace* for making y® well in the first ward of this
city heing layd before the Comonalty,

Resolved, that the following persons viz* Joh*s Rose-
boom Wessel Ten Broeck and Goose Van Schaick Esq's
aldermen Hend'k Roseboom Joh's Hansen & Peter Ryck-
man assistants be appointed a Committee to view and
examine y® ace* of y® said well and bring in their report
to y® Comonalty next Comon Councill day

Resolved, that one Stone well shall be made at the
charge of y® City of Albany in y® second ward of y® s**
city at any time before the first day of August next at
such convenient place as the comonalty shall think fitt

It is also resolved y* one stone well shall be made, at
y® charge of y® City in y® third ward of y* said City at
any time before y* first day of August next at such con-
venient place as y® Comonalty shall think fitt -

Dec. 8. — The Comittee appointed yesterday to view &
examine y® accounts for makeing y® well in y^ first ward
of this City, who report y* y® Charges &c. in makeing s^
well doth amount to £61: 16: 10

Ordred that a warrant be drawn on Tennis Brat City
Treasurer for paying y® same

Dec. 21. — The release of y® Church & some ground
on y* south & north side thereof orderd to be drawn on
y® 8th instant being now read arid resolved that Rob*
Livingston Jun'r Esq'r mayor shall sign y® same in be-
half of y® Comonalty and y* y^ scale of the said city be
thereto affixed

Att a Comon Councill held in the City Hall of Albany
the 5th day of January, ITlf

It is resolved by the Comonalty of this City that
notice be given to Mr. Andris Coyman that he does not
proceed in surveying the severall lots of ground obtaind
by Andris de Vos deceased on the north side of the city
of Albany within the corporattion thereof before he gives

24 The City Records.

notice to the mayor of the said city and other neighbors
interested therein & adjoining and upon such notice given
the following persons viz^ Joh*s Guyler Hend*k Hansen
Abraham Cuyler Harmanus Wendell Esq's Gysbert Mar-
selis Evart Wendell and Peter Waldrum assistants are
appointed to be a committee to see the same justly sur-
veyed, and to make report thereof the next Common
Councill day and that the said Andris Coyman be servd
witli a coppy hereof

Jan. 8. — Whereas Mr. Nicholas Schuyler surveyor by
his petition appears in Comon Councill and sets forth
that Daniel Ketelhuyn hath in his possession five hund-
red and four square rods of land belonging to Johannis
Knickerbocker at Schaghtekoek it is resolved by the
Comonality that the said lands of Daniel Eettelhuyn be
surveyed to the end that the s** Johannis Knickerbacker
and Daniel Kettelhuyn may have each their Just Right
according to their several Deeds they paying the charges
of Surveying

It is resolved by the Comonalty that forever hereafter
thef e be a common high street laid out on the north side
of the s** City of Albany beginning from Brewers street
between the lott of Barent Brat and the house of Jacob
Lansing stretching up westwardly with a derect line
along the north side of the said house of Jacob Lansing
to the Pearle street haveing y* breadth of eighteen foot
and ^ half Rynland measure and on the west side of s^
Pearle street westward the same course as the north
line of the above mentioned street runs till upon a front
with the dwelling house of Mr. Job's Roseboom four
rod like measure w'h street is to be layd out on y® south
side of the said north line by the Committe appointed
to see the lotts surveyed belonging to Andris DeVoss
deceased

^ It is also resolved by y® Comonalty y* Abraham Cuyler
Esq'r & Mr. Evert Wendel assistance be appointed to
view what stockadus be wanting to fortifie the said Citty
and make their report of the number thereof the next
Common Gouncel day ^

The City Records. 25

Jan. 13. — Whereas the Comonalty are informed that
Andries Coyman hath affixed an advertizement on the
Church porch signifying thereby that he designs to dis*
pose of some lotts of ground lying on y** north end of the
Pearl street on y* west side thereof in this City & on the
plain without y® gate there, and y* s^ Coyman having
measured and layd out some ground at y^ places afores'^
belonging to y*^ s** City

It is therefore resolved that an advertizment be affixed
giveing notice thereby to warn all persons not to buy
any ground of y*^ s^ Coyeman at y* places afores^ belong-
ing to y« s^ City

Resolved that warrants be issued unto y® assessors of
this City to asses y^ inhabitants residents sojourners and
freeholders of y® s^ City for rideing of five hundred yal-
low pine stockados of thirteen foot long & one foot thick
at y® thinest end and deliver an estimate thereof in the
Clark's Office of this City on or before f 15th of this
instant

Att a Mayor's Court held in y« City Hall of Albany y®
18th day of January Hlf : Present, Rob' Livingston
Jun'r Esq'r mayor John Cuyler Esq'r recorder Hend.
Hansen Abraham Cuyler Goose Van Schaick Esq's
aldermen
Job's Cuyler by his attorney John Collins plentive
Gerrit Roelofse by his attorney Robert * Livingston
defendant

Declaration being read, plea being read
The Jury being called and sworn who bring their ver-
dict itor y« plentive with 6«* Cost

The plentive's attorney moves for judgm' for £2:13:6
with costs of suite which was granted

David Schuyler and Robert Livingston Jun'r plentives
The plentives move to y® court y' they will be pleased to
admitt Mr. John Collins to be their attorney which was
granted

26 The Giiy Records.

Nanning Harmense by his attorney Robert Liyingston
defendant

Referd till next court

It is orderd by y^ court that all pleas are to be enterd
in y^ clerks office of this court three days before y® court
ensueing y® court at which y® writ or sumonce is return-
able

At a Mayor's Court held in y® City Hall of Albany y*
first day of February 171 J

David Schuyler & Robert Livingston Junior by their
attorney John Collins plentives

Nanning Harmense by his attorney Robert Livingston
defendant

The declaration & plea being read issue joyn'd

Leendert Gansevoort by his attorney Rob* Livingston
plentive

Jean Van Loon by his attorney John Collins defend*

The court then adjourned till this day fortnight

Att a Mayor's Court held hi y® City Hall of Albany
y® 15th day of February 171 J

Leendert Gansevoort plentive

Jean Van Loon by his attorney John Collins defend*

Declaration being read y® defendants attorney demurs
to y® plaintives declaration which being read

The Court of opinion y* y® action is well brought

Ordered that y® plentives attorney do enter his plea in
due time against next court

Arent Brat by his attorney John Collins plentive,
Carel Hansen defendant

Johannis Teller plentive by Philip Livingston who
appears for him, Carel Hansen by his attorney John
Collins defendant

Barent Wemp plentive, Carel Hansen by his attorney
John Collins defendant

Jan Wemp plentive by Philip Livingston who appears

The Ciiy Records. 27

for him, Carel Hansen by his attorney John Collins
defendant

The Court adjourned till this day forthnight

Att a Mayors Court held in y« Citty Hall of Albany

y« 1st day of March 17 1|
Leendert Gansevoort plentive by Thomas William's
Jean Van Loon defendant by his attorney John Collins
The Jury called & sworn yiz'

William Jacobse Johannis Van Alen

Dirck Ten Broeck Benjamin Eghbertse

-Anthony Coster Niccolas Schuyler

William Hogan Claes Wyngaert

Warnaer Casteuse Casper Van Hoesen

Johannis Wendell Jacob Evertse

Declaration & plea being read>&a & y® Jury sent out
who return & bring in their verdict and find for y^ plent<
ive with 6^ costs

The plentives attorney moves for judgment according
to y® verdict

The defendants attorney moves for arrest of judgment.

The court give judgment against y^ said defendant for
four pounds seaven shillings & 1^^ & for cost of suite

William Hogan by his attorney plentive , Abraham
Staats defendant

The plentive^ attorney move for judgment by default
against y^ defendant for sixteen pounds nine ishLIlings &
one penny with costs of suite

The court give judgment accordingly

Job's Teller plentive by Philip Livingston, Carel Han-
sen defendant by John Collins his attorney

Barent Wemp plentivq by Philip Livingston, Carrel
Hansen defendant by John Collins his attorney

Jan Wemp plentive by Philip Livingston, Carel Hansen
defendant by John Collins his attorney

The defendants attorney moves to the court that no
advantage shall be taken in these three actions for any

2S The City Records.

error before this court comitted by reason of an agree-
ment alleadged to be made between the parties that the
actions should be withdrawn which was granted

Att a Comon Councill held in y® City Hall of Albany
y« 1st of March 17 1|

Resolved by y® Comonalty that Johan's Cuyler and
Hend'k Hansen Esq's be appointed to apply to his Excel-
lency y^ governer and endeavour to procure from him a
confirmation of y® grant of one thousand acres of low or
meadow land mentioned in y® Citty charter situate lying
and being on y^ south side of y® Maquase river with cer»
tain bounds to witt to begin from a small Creek which
vents into y® s^ river on y® west side of a certain piece
of land called or known by y® name of Roberts vlackje &
so to run up westerly that it doth take in all ye land
between y® s^ Maquaw river and y® foot of y® hills to y®
Tionondoroges Creek & then all y® land on y® west side
of y^ s^ Creek between y® river & y® foot of y® hills and
so to run up westerly till it shall take in y® quantity of
one thousand acres of low meadow land & that y* charges
thereof shall be defrayed by y® said City

Philip Livingston informs the Comonalty that he is
willing to dispose of the land he bought of them on the
27th of August lying and being at Schaahkook & desires
that they will be pleased to give him libertie to dispose
of the said land or else pay unto him what he is ofiPered

The Comonalty haveing taken y® same in consideration
do give the said Philip Livingston libertie to dispose of
y® s^ land as he shall think fitt

March. 2. — Whereas the Mayor Recorder and Alder-
men of the City of Albany are impowered by an act of
general assembly of y^ Colony of New York entituled an
act for encouraging y® Indian trade at Albany to appoint
a good and sufficient person to visit and inspect all deer
buck and doe skins as shall be exposed to sale by any
Christian in y* s'* city or offered to be shipd off. In pur-
guance whereof they have thought fitt to appoint Mr.

TA« City Records. 29

Dirck Ten Broeck to be surveyor of y* said skins w'h he
has accepted to do for a half penny for each skin he shall
survey as afores^ and he is to give a certificate for such
skins according to y® directions of y® said act

March 3. — It is resolved by the Comonalty that the
following letter shall be writ to his Excellency y* gover-
neur

Albany y« 3th March, 17 If

May it please your Excellency

Since your Excellency has been pleased by patent to
grant unto the Reverend Thomas Barclay Collo. Peter
Mathews & John Dunbar a certain lott of ground on the
west end of y® Joncker street in this city for to errect &
build a Church on, they have caused part of y® foundation
to be layd, we are with submission to your Excellency
humbly of opinion that y^ s^ lott of ground belongs to y®
said city being included in our charter, It seems to us
on their side either as an incroachment on y® rights of y*
s^ city or a disregard to y® Comonalty, however to shew
that we are not against that pious design but reather to
promite it we have offered them a more conveinent lott
and are still willing to grant the same altho* they have
refused to accept it now to prevent any further trouble
we apply to your Excellency that your Excellency will
be pleaded to signify to them such remedy whereby the
matter may be reasonably accomodated, we are with re-
spect

May it please your Excellency

Your Excelleucys most obedient servants

In Mayors Court March 15th 17 If
Reyer Schermerhoorn by his attorney John Collins
plentive

Carel Hansen defendant who appears

In Mayors Court March 29th 1715
Reyer Schermerhoorn by his attorney John Collins
plentive t

30 The City Records.

Carel Hansen defendant who appears
Issue joined

Att a Mayors Court held in y« City Hall of Albany y«
8th day of April 1715

An Ordinance.

Whereas the Comonalty of the said City are creditable
informed that the bakers within this city do take an ex*
cessive price for bread k y® yictualars for beer It is there-
fore resolved by y® s^ Comonalty that it shall be ordaind
published & declared and it is hereby ordaind publishd &
declared that from and after the date hereof no baker or
other person within y^ said city or liberties shall take or
receive more for one pound of white bread bakd of good
fine fiower than one penny & four fifths of a penny w'h
is six stivers in wampam and no more for three pounds
of bread baked of cornel than four pence half penny and
for six pounds of such bread nine pence on penalty of
forfeiting all such bread as shall not have its assize as
aforesaid

Be* it further ordained published and declared that no
victualar or retailer within this city or liberties thereof
shall from & after y® date hereof take or receive more for
one beer quart of good strong beer then three pepce

Be it also ordaind publishd & declard by y® authority
aforesaid that no hog or hogs pig or pigs shall run at
large in y^ said city or liberties thereof at any time after
y^ publication hereof till well ringed in y® nose with good
iron wire and that all hogs & pigs which shall be found
running at large without being ringd as aforesaid shall
be forfieted to y^ use of such person or persons as shall
take up y^ same

The inhabitants of y* s* city are warnd by y® s^ pre-
sents to remove their fire wood from y^ streets & to pile
up their timber & stone for building at or before y® 16th
instant upon forfieture of six shillings for y^ behoofe of
y® sherrif who is to take , care that this order be duly
executed

The City Records. 31

Wessel Ten Broeck Abraham Cuyler Esq's aldermen
and Evert Wendell assistant, are appointed a Gomittee
to draw up an indenture of five morgan of land at
Schaahkook which Corsett Vedder is ta release unto y®
comonalty in liew of five morgan of land which y« com-
onalty are to release to him

Whereas Mr. Thomas Barclay Colo. Peter Mathews &
John Dunbar have layed out a certain lott of ground on
the west end of y^ Joncker street in this city and have
caused part of a foundation to be layed thereon which
lott of ground properly belongs to the city of Albany &
yet they proceed to lay the same without leave or con-
sent of y® Comonalty

The Comonalty are therefore resolved to maintain &
defend y^ rights & liberties of this city as much as lays
in their power and to prosecute such proceedings as far
as the law will permit

Whereas y® Comonalty are informd that Job's Visger
hath erected a fence & other building on y® ground to y®
westward of his house in y® lane fronting y® stockados
contrary his indentures from the Comonalty of y® s^ city

It is therefore resolved that the said Visger be orderd
to remove such building within the time of eight days or
otherwise that he be prosecuted for so doing and that be
be served with a copy hereof

Att a Mayors Court held in y® City Hall of Albany y«
12th day of April 1715

Reyer Schermerhoorn by his attorney John Collins
plentive Carel Hansen defendant who appears

Carel Hansen moves to y® Court that this action may
be refered till y® next Mayors Court alleaging he wants
a lawyer and three matteriall wittnesses releating to this
action

Mr. Collins moves that the action may not be refered
unless Carel Hansen doth pay the charges of this court
& sumonesing y^ jury and evidences

The court considering the matter do refer the action

32 The City Records.

till y* next Mayors Court and that Carel Hansen do pay
y® costs of this court & charges of sumonesing y® jury &
evidences accordingly <

Att a Comon Councill held in y® City Hall of Albany
ye 14th day of April 1715

It is resolved by y® Commonality that letters be writ
and sent by an express with a canoe (at the charge of
this city) to New York for advice from two attorneys at
law concerning y® trespass which is comitted by several
persons in laying a foundation on a certain lott of ground
on y® west end of y^ Joncker street in y® s** city

Ordered that Philip Livingston deputy dark do sign y®
said two letters in behalf of y® Comonalty of y^ said city

Albany y« 14th of April 1715
Mr. Livingston

We think that you have doubtless heard y* Mr. Bar-
clay Collo. Mathews & John Dunbar have obtained from
his Excellency go verner Hunter a patent for a certain
lott of ground on y® west end of y^ Joncker street in this
city and that they have caused a foundation to bp layd
thereon which lot of ground properly belongs to this city
comprehended in the charter as youl perceive thereby
upon your perusall thereof, for your ease we send one
here inclosed, we have forbidden some of the men who
are busy to lay y® said foundation to cease from working
which they have not regarded so that we have caused
two masons to be arrested for actions of trespass which
will depend at y^ next inferior court of comon pleas they
have given bail and go on with y® work, we desire yow
to be our attorney in these and in such other actions as
we shall commence against these proceedings and if yow
can possibly come here with this canoe we hope yow
will not delay and we shall reward yow very well, in
case yx)u cant come now, send us then your advice how
we shall ground these actions for trespasse

We write also about this subject to Mr. George and
desire his advice concerning it, with whom consolt

The City Records. 33

whether there can't be found out any proper course
whereby this work may be stopd untill y® actions which
we have and shall enter against these proceedings be
determined and ended by due course of law pray be not
backward to come yourself with one of y® first sloops if
not with y* canoe

Per order of y® Comonalty of y® city of Albany

Philip Livingston D. C.

To Mr. Robert Livingston Attorney at Law

Albany y« Hthof April 1715
Mr. George

Sir, Yow enterd last fall by order of Rob^ Livingston
Jun'r Esq'r mayor of this city a Cavat against a patent
which Mr. Barclay Colo. Mathews & John Dunbar havQ.
since obtained from his excellency Governor Hunter for
a certain lott of ground on y® west end of the Joncker
street in this city (which is comprehended in our city
charter as youl perceive by y® perusall thereof) whereon
they have caused a foundation to be layed & do ' still go
forward, though we have forbidden them to proceed, we
have since arrested two masons for actions of trespasse
depending at y® next inferior court aiid have resolved to
defend y® rights and liberties of y® s^ city, to our grieve
we are obliged to defend ourselves against such incroach-
ments we do therefore apply ourselves to yow to send us
your advice in this matter We have also sent to Mr.
Livingston to consolt with you whether there can't be
found out any proper court whereby this work may be
stopd untill the actions which we have and shall enter
against these proceedings be determind & ended by due
course of law & how to ground y® actions which we shall
enter against y^ workmen, we shall pay and satisfy yow
for your advice in this matter as also for what is due to
^yow for entring y® Cavat. Pray dispatch y** bearer hereof
as soon as possible
' • Per order of y® Comonality of y* city of Albany

Philip Livingston D. C.

To Thomas George Esq'r

[Antkih, vii.] 4

34 The City Records.

Att a Comon Councill held in y® City Hall of Albany
y« 25th day of April 1715

Whereas Jacob Lansing of this city baker has presentd
a petition unto y® Comonalty praying to have a release
for two foot in breath of ground where part of his house
now stands on scituate & being on the west side of the
Brewers street in the s^ city which y® Comonalty haveing
viewed & measured it is resolved by the Comonalty that
there be granted unto y^ said Jacob Lansingh nineteen
inches breath of ground at y® place aforesaid where his
house now stands on streching from the north side or
corner thereof westward slainting to nothing to y® end of
his lott for which he shall pay six pounds.

Resolved that Robert Livingston Jun*r Esq'r mayor
shall in y^ behalf of y® Comonalty sign a release of the
said piece of ground and cause y^ city seale to be there-
unto affixed & y^ said release to be entered on y^ records

Att a Mayors Court held in y® City Hall of Albany y^
26th day of April 1715

Reyer Schermerhoorn by his attorney John Collins
plentive, Carel Hansen defendant

Mr, David Schuyler desires in behalf of Carel Hansen
that he and Evert Wendell may be admitted to speak in
his behalf

Mr. Collins the plentives attorney moves that only
one of them may be admitted which was granted accord-
ingly by y® court and left to Carel Hansen choice who to
appoint of the two whereupon he appointed Mr. David
Schuyler to plead for him

The court asked the parties if they were ready for
try all- who answered yes then the jury being called up &
sworn who are as follows

Rutger Bleecker Casper Van^Hoese

Hendrick Ten Eyck Anthony Coster

Johannis Vinhagen Johannis Hansen

Jan Evertse Niccolas Schuyler

Claes Wyngaert Hendrick Douw

Jan Rosie Claes Fonda

Th$ City Records. 35

The Declaration & Plea being read y® evidences from
on both sides & y® Jury sent out who returnd & bring
in their verdict and find for y® plentive with six pence
cost

Mr. Collins attorney for y® plentive moves for judg-
ment against y® defend* for one hundred pounds accord-
ing to y^ bond with costs of suite w*h is granted accord-
ingly

Att a Comon Council held in y® City Hall of Albany
the 3th of May 1715

Johannis Vinhagen appears before the Comonalty and
complains that the street wherein he lives is very much
out of repair and desires that the same may be mended
orderd that the same be taken in consideration

The petition of Arient Vedder and his brethren and
sister being read praying a release for a certain lott of
ground on the south side of the city of Albany formerly
possessed by their father Harme Vedder dec^ alleading y'
y** writing thereof was burnt when Schinectady was cut
of by y® French and Indians, which petition was taken
in consideration & granted

Resolved that Robert Livingston Jun'r Esq'r Mayor
shall in y® behalf of y® Comonalty sign a release of y® s*^
lott of ground & cause the city scale to be thereunto
affixed and y® same to be entered on y® publick records

May 19. — Whereas upon complaiat of the mayor
aldermen and comonalty of this city, Johannis Schuyler
Evert Banker Johannis Sanderse Glen & Jonas Douw
Esq's justices for y® said city & county went to a certain
lott of ground on y^ west end of y® Joncker street in this
city and ordered Casper Rouch Adam Smyth and other
labourers to desist from working on y® same on penalty
of being prosecuted but they in no wise regarding the s^
order do now go on to work on y® said lott of ground

It is therefore resolved by the Comonalty to make
complaint unto y® said justices to give them releave in y*
matter

36 The City Records.

Att a Mayors Court held in the City Hall of Albany

this 22dday of June 1715
Peter Comine plentive
Teunis Van Sluyck defendant
The plentive appears by John Collins his attorney
The defendant in his own person

Att a Comon Councill held in y® City Hall of Albany
y® first of August 1715

It is resolved by y^ Comonalty that four hundred and
fifty stockados be procurd for fortifying of y® city & that
y^ gates be repaird to which end Hend'k Hansen Wessel
Ten Broeck Harmanus Wendell Esq's aldermen & Peter
Waldrons assistant or any three of them be appointed a
Comitte to agree with proper persons to procure y® said
stockados & for y® repairing of y® said gates

It is also resolved y^ a tax of one hundred pounds be
layd on y® inhabitants &c. of ys city to defray y® charges
of the 8^ city to which end it is orderd that warrants be'
directed by the mayor recorder aldermen or any three of
them to the assessors & collectors of y® said city for the
laying, thereof

At a meeting of the recorder aldermen and assistants
of y« City of Albany y® 10th day of September 1715

It is resolved that this meeting or any five of them be
appointed a comittee to view examine and audit the
accounts of this city and bring in their report the 13th
instant

Albany y*^ 29th September 1715
This day being appointed by the City Charter for the
aldermen ofy® said city to bring their return of y® alder-
men assistants & constables choisen by y® inhabitants of
y® s' city to serve for y® ensuing year who are as follows
(vizO

Tie City Records. S7

First Ward.

Aldermen. Assittants.

David Schuyler Peter Ryckman

Goose Van Schaick Johannis Ten Broeck

Luycas Wyngaert Constable

Second Ward.

Johannis Roseboom Gysbert Marcelis

Abraham Cuyler Hendrick Roseboom

Jacob Verplank Constable

Third Ward.

Hendrick Hansen Johannis Hansen

Wessel Ten Broeck Peter Winne

Mathys Nak Constable •

Tennis Brat Chamberlain
Christophel Yetts High Constable

Att 9 Comon Oouncill held in y« City Hall of Albany
y« 30th day of September 17 15

The Comitte appointed on the lOthday of this instant
do bring in their report of y® accounts payable to several
persons mentioned in a list amounting in all to seaventy
eight pounds eight shillings and three pence, which is
approvd off and allowd

It is resolved by the Comonalty y' publick notice shall
be given that on the eight day of November next there
shall be exposed to sale severall parcells of land belong-
ing to the said city near to Schaahkook

The Comonalty have this day agreed with Jacob Wat-
son and James Davis to be bell men in this city to go
round every night & call in such places as they shall be
directed for which service they shall receive at y® rate
£21 per annum

Oct. 8.— The Petition of William Apple of y« City of
New York being read which is refered till y* 1 1th instant
when y® same is to be taken in consideration

38 The CUy Records.

Oct. 1 1 . — The following Petition was read and taken
in consideration

To the worshipful mayor recorder aldermen & assist-
ants of the city of Albany in Comon Councill con-
vened »

The humble petition of William Apple of the city of
New York vintner shewetb

That by order of y^ majestrates of this city on y® 14th
of February 16f J your petitioners house then standing
on the north side of the city was pulld down by which
ever since he has lost the use and benefitt of it

That your Petitioner at the request of the Common
Councill of this city some time since made his applica-
tion to y* General Assembly of this province for satis-
faction for the losses sustained as aforesaid as a means
for to ease this city from some -part of the satisfaction
he desired, but notwithstanding your petitioner after
constant solicitations and a great deal of trouble and
expenses could only obteyne an allowance of sixty
pounds in part for y^ satisfaction for y® losses

Wherefore your Petitioner humbly beggs (his losses
being much greater) that you would be pleased to assure
to him y® lott of ground lying between y® house now in
possession of Mattys Nack and the house in possession
of Casper Van Hoe3e in this City which by y® records of
this city may appear, otherwise to give to your petitioner
such other just recompence as to this worshipfull comon
councill may seem most equitable & your petitioner as in
duty bound shall ever pray

William Apple

Resolved to allow William Apple (over and above y*
JE60 allowed him by y* assembly) the sume of twelve
pounds for y^ damages in polling down his fathers house
in anno 16|J which if he agrees to shall be paid him next
year & therewith to rest satisfyd & of all further claim
all y^ lott of ground thats between the house of Mathys
Nack & Casper Van Hoese which being read to him .and
therewith was satisyd

The City Records. 39

Samuel Babington delivers a petition in Comon Coiin-
cill which is as follows viz^

To the mayor recorder aldermen and comonalty of y®
city of Albany

The petition of Lew* Samuel Babington of y^ said city
sheweth

That your Petitioner is desirous to purchase of this
city a certain parcell or lott of bush land scituate lying &
being ony* north side ofy® Beavers Creek and adjoining
on the south corner of the widdow Caspers fence to con-
sist of about one acre square for a house and gardin and
also your petitioner is further desireous to rent of the
city a certain parcell or quantity of bush land adjoining
to the said lott running westerly along y® side of y® said
creek and between y® said creek and the path that leads
to Frederick Visgers mill to consist of fifty acres or there-
abouts

Your Petitioner therefore desires the concurrence of
your worships in his request hoping you will agree with
him ^pon reasonable terms & your worships will much
oblige your petitioner

Resolved that the said petition shall be taken in con-
sideration & y* y® petitioner shall have the refuzall of y®
land he prays to have

Peter Ryckman desires y* Comonalty to give y® refuzall
of a small piece of ground lying behind y® lott of William
Hilton & near his lott in this city which is granted ac-
cordingly

Att a Mayors Court held in the City Hall of Albany
y« 11th day of October 1715

Mathys Goes plentive by Philip Livingston his attor-
ney

Peter Van Slyck defendant Mr. John Collins appears
for him

The Court adjourned till two a clock in the afternoon

The Court met according to adjournment

40 The City Records.

The following persons, to witt

Petrus Van Driesen Jacob Weerer

Jan Lansingh Christian Houys

Chies Van Der Volgen Johannis Keyser

Jan Janse Bleecker Hendrick Elock

Peter Eneskern Jacob Feeck

Juryh Herck Heemmer Jacob Snell

Hans Jury Kast Peter Feeck

Warnaer Deygert Roelof Steel

Niccolas Wever Hendrick Seix

Johannis Feeck Leendert Helmer

Fredrick Scheffer William Schief

Reynhaert Scheflfer Paul Dinser

Jurry Beenner ^ Johan Frederick Bell

Anthony Schyet Philips Helmer

Jacob Kop Nicholas Schieflfer
Nicolas Korning

Did in open Court take the oaths by law appointed to
be taken in stead of the oaths of allegiance & supremacy
subscribe the test and make repeat and swear to & sub-
scribe the abjuration oath pursuant to the directions of
an act of general! assembly entituled an act declareing y^
all those of foreign birth heretofore inhabiting within
this colony and dying seized of any lands tenements and
hereditaments shall be for ever hereafter deemed taken
& esteemed to have been naturalized and for naturaliz-
ing all protestants of foreign birth now inhabiting within
this colony

To whom certificates are forthwith to be given accord-
ing to the directions of y* said act

. Albany the 14th Qctober 1715
This day being appointed by the charter of the city of
Albany for y^ aldermen assistants constables & chamber-
lain of y® city to be sworn according to y® return there-
of made on y® 29th of September last who are as follows
(vizO

Th€ City Records. 41

First Ward.

Aldermen. Assistants.

David Schuyler Peter Ryckman

Goose Van Schaiek Johannis Ten Broeck

Lujcas Wyngaert Constable

Second Ward.
Johannis Roseboom Gysbert Marcelis

Abraham Cuyler Hendrick Roseboom

Jacob Verplank Constable

Third Ward.
Hendrick Hansen Johannis Hansen

Wessel Ten Broeck Peter Winne

Mathys Nak Constable

Christophel Tetts High Constable
Tennis Brat Chamberlain

• Att a Comon Council held in y® City Hall of Albany,
y« 8th of November 1715

The petition of Samuel Babington being read wherein
he desires to have some bush land on y® north side of y*
Beavers Crisek &; to rent or farm some bush land adjoin-
ing to y® s^ land running along y® s*^ Creek between the
same and y^ path that leads to Frederick Visgers mill to
contain 50 acres or thereabouts

Resolved that David Schuyler and Wessel Ten Broeck
Esq's aldermen &; Peter Ryckman assistant be appointed
a committee to view the said land and bring report to
the Comonalty on or before y® * * *

It is resolved that y® following ordinance be published

viz^

By y* worshipfull mayor recorder aldermen & comon-
alty of y* city of Albany

An Ordinance

Whereas severall persons for their own private lucr^
& gain do buy & take in pawn of y^ soldiers of his maj's

42 The City Records.

establishd companys in this garrison their cloathing
acutrements and provisions by which means they are
rendered incapable of doing tlieir duty and are often
inveigled to drink to excesse

It is therefore hereby strictly prohibited the buying,
receiving or detaining any cloathing acutrements or pro-
visions belonging to any souldier or souldiers of this
garrison and if any person or persons do after the pub-
lication hereof presume to buy or take in pawn any
such cloathing acutrements or provisions of any soldier
upon due proof thereof such person shall pay as a fine
the sum of forty shillings, and to restore such cloathing
provisions or acutrements without recompence or pay-
ment

And whereas divers persons within this city & county
do presume to sell strong liquor by retail without being
duely licenced, for preventing the same it is hereby pub*
lishd ordaind and declard that from and after the publi-
cation hereof no person or persons within y® said city &
county shall by themselvs or others sell or expose to sale
any strong liquor by retaile under the quantity of five
gallons without being duely licenced on pain and penalty
of forfieting for each such offence what is mentioned and
expressd in an act of* general assembly of the colony of
New York in that case made and provided

Given in Albany this 8^ day of November in the 2^
year of his majesties reign A. D. 1715

Att a Comon Councill held at y« City Hall of Albany
y« 16th day of November 1715

The Church Wardens of. the Nether Dutch Reformed
congregation of the said city do make application to the
Comonalty to have a release for Eight feet of ground in
breath on the south of the great door of the said church
and so much in lenth eastward as shall be thought con-
venient for a porch to be built thereon which request is
granted nemanicontradictante

The City Records. 43

Att a Mayors Court held at the City Hall of Albany

y« 22th day of November 1715
The following persons to witt

Adam Vroman Andries Bartel

Evert Janze Philip Bartel

Johan Andries Drpm Jacob Schieffer

Hans Pieter Heyser David Chierts

Johannis Rousman Johannis Schiets

Hans Michall Brack Jacob Schoemaker

.Pieter Vonk Christophel Hagedorn

Johan Coenraet Petrie Hend. Ch'l Wiederwax

• Jacob Bsheere Johan And, Wiederwax

Peter Smith Hans Adam Schiets

Hendrick Nies Andries Vink

David Hoefler Fredrick Kietman

Jonas Smitt Johannis Beerman

Johan Joseph Proper Thomas Schoemaker
Johan Pieter Proper ^ Hans Jury Thomas
Johan Fred'k Proper * Fredrick Bellinger
Ananias Tiel

Did in open court take the oaths by law appointed to
be taken instead of the oaths of alligiance & supremacy
subscribe the test & make repeat & swear to & subscribe
y® abjuration oath pursuant to y® directions of an act of
generall asembly of the coloney of New York entituled
an act declareing y* all protestants of foreign birth here-
tofore inhabiting within this colony shall be for ever
hereafter deemed taken & esteemed to have been natural-
ized and for naturalizing all protestants of foreign birth
now inhabiting within this colony.
To whom certificates are given accordingly

Att a Comon Council! held in y" City Hall of Albany
y« 26th day of November 1715

It is orderd that y^ following persons be appointed fire
masters for the city of Albany for y® year ensueing who
are to perform such duty & services as shall be of them
required in a warrant to them to be directed

44 Tht City Records.

First Ward.
Johannis Wendell Claes Van Woert

Second Ward.
Abraham Lansing Dirk Van Schelluyn

Third Ward.
Gysb^ Van de Berg Leendert Gansevoort

Resolved y^ a warrant be directed unto them for that
purpose

In pursuance of an act of generall assembly of the
colony of New York entituled an act for the better
repairing y^ fortifications of y* city of Albany providing
their military watches with fire wood and discharging of
other the public and necessary charges of y® said city

It is resolved that a writ be directed to y^ assessors of
y- said city to be and appear in y® City Hall of y* said
city on y® 28th of this instant at four a clock in the
afternoon then and there to take their oaths for well
truely equally and impartially and in due proportion as
it shall appear to them according to their best under-
standing to asses and rate on the freeholders inhabitants
and sojourners of y® said city five hundred y allow pine
stockados of thirteen foot long and twelve inches thick
at y® smallest end for fortifying of y^ said city, und to
deliver a fair estimate thereof under their hands and
seals in y® clerks office of y* said city on or before the
3th of December next

Att a Mayor's Court held in y« City Hall of Albany

y« 6th day of December 1715
The following persons to witt

Jan Luycasse Andries Schiert ' ^

Joseph Janse * Wouter Quackenboss

Did in open court take y® oaths by law appointed to be
taken instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy
subscribe the test and make repeat and swear to & sub-
scribe y® abjuration oath pursuant to y® directions of an

The City Records. 45

act of generall assembly of y* colony of New* York enti-
tuled an act declareing y* ail protestants of foreign birth
heretofore inhabiting within this colony shall be for ever
hereafter deemed taken & esteemed to have been natural-
ized and for naturalizing all protestants of foreign birth
now inhabiting within this colony to whom certificates
are given according to y^ directions of y® said act

Att a Comon Councill held in y® City Hall of Albany
y« 16th day of December 1715

Pursuant to- the resolution of y® Comonalty of the 26th
November last y^ assessors of y® said city have deliverd
in their estimates for 500 pitch pine stockados to be 13
foot long & one inch [foot ?] at y® smallest end

Resolved y^ notes be drawn out of y® said estimates to
y® end that y® same be rid on or before the fifteenth of
January next

Att a Mayors Court held in y^ City Hall of Albany y®
3^ day of January 17 If

Melgert Van Der Pool and Catrin his. wife by John
Collins their attorney plentives

Stephanis Van Alen defendant by Philip Livingston
his attorney

The following persons to witt

Johannis Heinex: Johan Hendrick Loucks

Johannis Kessler Jacob Timmerman

Johannis Miller Jury Taxstieder

Jacob Moussier Hans Hendrick Clock

Johannis Jury Heyn Philip Scheffer

Baltus Annsbach Harme Sep^edorp

Hans Jury Moussier Christian Former

Dewaeld Pryl Symon Herhardt

Christian Vink Omy de la Grangie

Johannis Skans Hendrick Jong
Johan Christ Smit - Tebald Young
Melgert Volts

[Annah, vii.] 5

46 Th$ City Records,

Did in open court take the oaths by law appointed to be
taken instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy
subscribe the test and make repeat & swear to & sub-
scribe the abjuration oath pursuant, to the directions of
an act of generall assembly of the colony of New York
entituled an act declareing that all protestants of foreign
birth ];ieretofore inhabiting within this colony shall be for
ever hereafter deemed taken and esteemd to have been
naturalizd and for naturalizing all protestants of foreign
birth now inhabiting within this colony. To whom cer-
tificates are given according to the directions of the said
act

Att a Mayors Court held at y® City Hall of Albany the

17th day of January 17 If
Melgert Van Der Poel & Catherina his wife plentives
Stephanis Van Allen defendant by Philip Livingston
his attorney

The following persons to witt

Hendrick Heydorn Hendrick Michiel

Jurick Mower Hendrick Michiel Jun'r

Hendrick Sneyder Anthony Michiel

Coenraed Barringer Jonas Shinkel

Johannis Vinger Johan Hendrick Shinkel

Niccolas Smith William Rees

Coenraed Smith Claes Van Pettn

Johan Adam Smith Patron Anders

Niccolas Smith Johan Jurch Muller

Hans Hendrick Hoek Johannis Leek

And. Lod'k Casselman Daniel Janze

Abraham Berk Jacob Best

Peter Smit Abrahahi Langer

Samuel Muller Jacob Bayer

Philip Loucks Johans Christman

Michiel Heyntie Harma Betser

Hendrick Winter David Kesselaer

Christiaen Lang Jacob Sneyder

Mathys Coens Johan Wm. Siemon

The City Records,

Johan Jurch Shmidt
Johannis Wm. Pulver
Peter Clop
Hans Jurch Row
Peter Philips
Niccolas Philips
Christiaen Haver
Johan Hend. Plas
Eiiliaefi Mincklaer
Josias Mincklaer
Coenraet Schuerman
Adam Ding
Johan Christ. Miller
Jurich Kelmer
Christ. Dederich
Jurich Emrig Scherp
Peter Stoppelbert
Niccolas Hes
Johan Wm. Shoe
Johannis Shoe
Martinus Shoe
Coenraet Ham
Johan Hend. Plas
Philips Vingler
Jury Houck
Philips Hejpt
Marte Server

Johan Jacob Server
Peter Lautman
Philip Wm. Moor
Niecolas Bonnesteel
Johannis Hes
Peter Burger
Johan Casper Rouch
Johan Willem Dal is
Hendrick Coenraet
Baltrus Stiever
Frans Dompsback
Jost Hend Dompsback
Ulrigh Jacobi
Firdinard Menti
Martin Tiel
Fiet Miesick
Johan Wm. Hambough
Christiaen Diederigh
Daniel Buch
Johan Hend. Buch
Enrich Bliss
Daniel Post
Johan Hend. Post
Michel Herder
Peter Betser
Willem Sneyder
Hendrick Lodwick

Did in open court take the oaths by law appointed to be
taken instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy
subscribe the test and make repeat & swear to and sub-
scribe the abjuration oath pursuant to the directions of
an act of generall assembly of the colony of New York
entituled an act declareing that all those of foreign birth
heretofore inhabiting within this colony and dying seized
of any lands tenements & hereditaments shall be for ever
hereafter deemed taken & esteemed to have been natur-
alized & for naturalizing all protestants of foreign birth
now inhabiting within this colony.

48 The City Records.

To whom certificates are given according to the direc-
tions of y® said act ^

January 31. — The following persons (to witt)

Johan Lodolph Corning Philips Bender

Johannis Scholdies Johan Jacob Besharn

Hans Jury Stomf Johan Willem Foex

Johan Harme Spickerman Johannis Coens

Abraham Loucks Jurch Scherts

Johan Coenraet Jefback Christian Berck

Uldrich Dandier Hans Marte Weytman

Jacob Eswine Fredrick Willem Leer

Adam Starn Hans Casper Liepe

Diedrich Loucks Adam Ho ft

Philip Clom Andries Hoft

Peter Belinger Lodwick Watiner

William Nelles Christian Nelles

Niccolas Eckhar Peter Waggenaer

Johan Pieter Diegert Johan B. Sterenbergen

Marten Stiep Adam Kleyn

Hans Jury Herckhemer Sefreen Deygert

Did in open court take the oaths by law appointed to be
taken instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy
subscribe the test & make repeat & swear to & subscribe
the abjuration oath pursuant to the directions of an act
of generall assembly of y® colony of New York entituled
an act declareing that all those of foreign birth hereto-
fore inhabiteing this colony & dying seized of any land
tenements and hereditaments shall be for ever hereafter
deemed taken and esteemed to have been naturalizd and
for naturalizing all protestants of foreign birth now in-
habiting within this colony. To whom certificates are
given according to the directions of y® said act

February 14. — The following persons (to witt)

Dirck Wessels Ten Broeck Casper Ham
Uldrich Weyniger Hans Michiel Edich

Willem Linck Hans Michiel Edich Jr.

Johan Sneyder Nicpolas Stickling

Hans Gerhard Weyniger Johan Joest Sneyder

The City Records. 49

Johannis Oraet Jacob Eroush
Jacob Coens Aiccolas Steyger

Philip Coens Johannis Daet

Jurich Loundert • Hans Bemhard Daet ^
Jurich Reyfenburger Jacob German

Willem Hagedorn

Did take the oaths (in open court) by law appointed to
be taken instead of the oaths of allegiance & supremacy
subscribe the test and make repeat & swear to and sub-
scribe the abjuration oath pursuant to the directions of
an: act of generall assembly of the colony of New York
entituled an act declaring that all those of foreign birth
heretofore inhabiting this colony and dying seized of any
lands tenemeens & hereditaments shall forever hereafter
be deemed taken & esteemed to have been naturalized &
for naturalizeing all protestants of foreign birth now in-
habiting within this colony. To whom certificates are
given according to the directions of y^ said act

February 28, — The following persons (to witt)

Isabella Staats Johan Pieter Lodwick

Geertry Isabella Lydyus Jury Mathys

Maria Adrianata Lydyus Peter Ham

Hendrick Meyer Johan Adolph Warraven

Johannis Krems Lawrence Herder
Jeron Van Flyeren

Did in open court take the oaths by law appointed to be
taken instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy
subscribe y^ test and make repeat and swear to and sub-
scribe y^ abjuration oath pursuant to the directions of an
act of generall assembly of the colony of New York en-
tituled an act declareing that all those of foreign birth
heretofore inhabiting within this colony & dying seized
of any lands tenements and hereditaments shall be for
ever hereafter deemed taken and esteemed to have been
naturalized & for naturalizing all protestants of foreign
birth now inhabiting within this colony. To whom cer-
tificates are given according to the directions of the said

act

50 The City Records.

March 13. — The following persons to witt

Jan Salomonse Abesse Johan Jacob Seybert

Goe wy Christopher Warnaer

Michiel Riet Peter Spyes

Johan nis Moore Johan Peter Baal

Bastiaen Speykerman Michiel Frymeyer

Johan Earnest Emegin Jacob Prymeyer

Johannis Emegin Tennis Sneyer

Johan Martin Seybert Hans Jury Barner

Did in open court take the oaths by law appointed to be
taken instead of y® oaths of allegiance & supremacy sub-
scribe y® test and make repeat and swear to & subscribe
the abjuration oath pursuant to the directions of an act
of generall assembly o£y' colony of New York entituled
an act declareing that all those persons of foreign birth
heretofore inhabiting within this colony and dying seized
of any lands tenements & hereditaments shall be for ever
hereafter deemed taken & esteemed to h£^ve been natural-
ized and for naturalizing all protestants of fbreign birth
now inhabiting within this colony

To whom certificates are given according to y® direc-
tions of y® said act

Att a Comon Councill held in the City Hall of Albany
this 13th day of March 17 If

The Petition of John Dunbar praying a release for a
small piece of ground- without y® southeast gate of y® s^
city being read. Resolved that the same shall be taken
in consideration

The Petition of severall inhabitants of the first and
second wards of this city praying twelve pounds towards
making a well at the east end of y® Joncker street in y®
first ward of y® said city being read. Resolved that the
same shall be taken in consideration

The Comonalty having taken y® s^ Petition in consid-
eration and granted that twelve pounds shall be paid out
of the publick money of the said city towards making of

The City Ricords. 61

thp s** well after the wells in the second and third wards
of y® said city which are ordered to be mad^ be finished

The petition of Abraham Truex T)f y® said city cooper
praying the liberty to build a shed or workshop on the
west end of y® market house in the Joncker street beihg
read. Resolved y* y® same shall be taken in considera-
tion

Whereas Johannis Knickorbocker Lowis Viele Dirk
Van Veghten Daniel Ketlehuyn Johannis D'Waudlaer
Corset Vedder and Marte Dellemont who have farmed
each a farm from the former Comonalty of this city in
1709 who are obliged by their several! indentures to pay
each the yearly acknowledgement of thirty seven & one
half bushells good merchandable winter wheat unto the
mayor aldermen & comonalty in the months of January
and February every year for ever after the first day of
May 1715 whereby one years rent is expired last Feb-
ruarjp

And whereas the said tenants take no regard to their s^
indentures but delay to pay the said thirty seven & one
half bushells of wheat

It is therefore Resolved that Teunis Brat treasurer of
yc s*^ city be appointed to signifie unto the s'^ tenants that
they do forthwith come to pay unto him y® said rent of
thirty seaven and one half bushels of wheat due from
each of them from y® s^ lands on or before the 15th day
of April next and on neglect thereof to distrain accord-
ing to y® instant of y® s*^ indentures

The Qomonality have at y® request of Peter Ryckman
sold unto him for y® sume of three pounds a small peece
of ground scituate lying and being in the said city being
y* vacancy on y® west of y® lott of ground of Harme &
Tobias Ryckman on the south of the lotts of William
Hilton & the said Peter Ryckman on the east of the lotts
of Major Dirk Wessels Samuel Babington Jan Lahsingh
and the heirs of Gabriel Thompson and on the north of
j^ comon land

Orderd that a release shall be drawn of y® same lott
of ground that y® mayor shall in behe^lf of y® comonality

62 The City Records,

sign the said release and y^ y^ same shall be entered on
y* public records

^ Resolved y' y® constable of y® respective wards of this
city shall give warning to y® inlyibitants of their several 1
wards that they appear on Wensday next between 10 &
12 a clock before the aldermen of y® said wards to show
y® stookados each inhabitant has ride pursuant to y^ last
assesment on penalty of three shillings for each stocado
which is not ride as aforesaid

Att a Mayors Court held at the City Hall of Albany

the 27th day of April 1716
The following persons (to witt)

Andries Hanse Scherpe Adam Dingman
Adam Meichel Smith Peter Van Olinda

Symon Hawse

who did in open court take the oaths by law appointed
to be taken instead of 3^® oaths of allegiance & supremacy
subscribe y^ test and make repeat and swear to and sub-
scribe the abjuration oaths pursuant to the directions of
an act of generall assembly of the colony of New York
entituled an act declareing that all those of foreign birth
heretofore inhabiting within this colony and dying seized '
of any lands tenements and hereditaments shall be for
ever hereafter deemed taken and esteemed to have been
naturalized & for naturalizing all protestants of foreign
birth now inhabiting within this colony To whom cer-
tificates are to be given according to the directions of y®
said act

Att a Comon Councill held in the City of Albany the
28th of March 1716

Goose Van Schaick Esq'r alderman and Johannis Ten
Broeck assistant have layd before the Comon Councill a
draift of y® land called Evert Wendells flatts within y-
bounds of this city under y® hand of y^ deputy surveyor
y® §aid surveyor haveing suryeyd y® same as directed

The City Records. 53

pursuant to an order of comon councill to them given
for Samuel Babington gentleman containing in y® whole
fifteen acres and three rod as by the said survey may
appear

It is likewise orderd that the mayor in behalf of the
comonalty shall give a conveyance of }® same by way of
indenture reserving to y® city for ever y^ yearly rent of
three bushels and three pecks good merchantable winter
wheat yearly for ever the-first payment to commence on
y« 25th day of March 1721

Resolved that an ordinance be issued forth that all y^
respective inhabitants within this city do severally clean
the streets from y® dung dust chipps & filth lying before
their houses or lotts in y® said streets, and that all wood
& stone except for present building or coopers wood be
removed out of the s^ streets before y® 15th of April next
ensueing on penalty of paying for every default after-
wards by them made the sume of six shillings to y^ use
of y® sherrif or any constable who shall sue for the same
and that hereafter if any dung dust chips or filth shall
be found (on any Saturday after twelve a clock at noon)
lying in the said streets against the house or lott of any
person within the said city y' such person shall pay also
for such default and contempt the like sume of six shil-
lings to be sued for as afores^ and that hoggs or swine
belonging to any of y® s'^ inhabitants be ringd with one
ring in the nose before Saturday night next, and remaine
ringd from that time, and if the hog or swine of any
person as aforesaid shall be found not ringd the owner
of such hog or swine shall pay for every such default or
neglect the sume of six shillings to the sherrif or consta-
ble who shall sue for the same

April 7. — The petition of Johannis De Wandlaer Dirk
Van Veghten Lowis iPeterse Viele Johannis Knicker-
baeker Corset Vedder and Marte Dellemont praying to
have allowance to pay no rent or acknowledgment for
y® time their quiet and peaceable settlement of y^ lands
in their possession has been hindered by the enemy w'h

54 The City Records.

petition being read the comonalty haveing taken y® same
into their consideration and do abate unto the said
petitioners three half years rent for y® lands mentioned
in their sfevarall indentures foi: y^ years 1715 1716 1718

Provided they shall pay y® first payment on or before
y* 21th of this instant and the remainder for y® other
two half years on the time expressd in their s^ indentures
for y® paying of y® whole rent and when such payment
shall be made they shall have a receipt from y® treasurer
in full for one year

The persons appointed by the comonality to lay out
some land within y® limitts or bounds of this city near
Schaahkook who bring return by a draft from y® deputy
surveyor what they have layen out

Whereupon it is resolved y' y® following advertisement
shall be put up in this city

AdvertiBemeriA.

These are to give notice to y® freemen and inhabitants
of y® city of Albany that on y® 18th of May next in the
City Hall of y® said city y® comonalty of y® said' city or
as many of them as shall be present will expose to sale
by a public vendue to y® highest bidder y® four following
lotts or parcels of land belonging to y^ said city with
condition that there shall be paid for ever after the
expiration of five year one scheple of good merchandable
winter wheat for every two acres of land

Two lots of y® said land are scituate and being on y®
east side of Schaahkooks creek and over against the
plantation of La Fleur each lott contains forty eight
acres the whole is bounded party by y' river and a pine
point on y® east by a small run of water being y® north
bounds of Schaahkooks patent on y® south and south
east by y® hill on y® west by Schaahkooks creek to each
of said lotts is to be added ten acres of wood land being
a pine point is bound on y® north by y^ river on y® east
and south by the aforesaid tract of land

One of y- s** lotts of land consists in two flatts one
contains thirteen acres begining by a roak which lyes

Th$ City Records, 55

on j^ side of Scbaahkooks creek from thence along y^ s^
creek to a small run of water, from thence along y® said
run of water to the hills thence along y® hills to y^ place
were first begun

The other flatt contains sixteen acres it begins seventy
two rodd from y* aforesaid runn of water by a black oak
tree thence along y® great creek till where y® creek runs
by y® foot of y® hill thence along the said foot of y® hill
to y* place first begun to which is to be added thirty one
acres of y° best wood land which lyes most convenient
to y® said flatts

One other lott of land consists also in two flatts one
contains twelve acres being one English mile distance
from y® last mentioned flatt begining by a white pine
tree which stands just upon y® bank of y® river thence
along y® river to a small run of water thence along the
said run to a stone bank thence along the said bank to
y" place where first begun the other peece contains 15
acres bounded oh y® west by y® river on y® south by a
run of water on y® east by y® pine woods on y® north by
two white pine trees to which is to be added thirty three
acres of y® best wood land which lyes most convenient
to y® said lott

May 22. — It is resolved that y® following ordinance
shall be publishd relating the assize on bread and beer

By the Mayor Recorder Aldermen & Comonalty of y®
City of Albany

An Ordinance.

Whereas y*" comonalty of y® said city are credibly
informd that severall bakers within this city do take
excessive prices for their bread and victualers for beer,
for y^ preventing whereof it is resolved ^by y® aforesraid
comonalty that it shall be ordaind publishd and declard
and it is hereof ordaind publishd and declard that from
and after y® date hereof or until further order no baker
or other person within the said city and libertys thereof
shall receive more for one pound of white bread baked of
good fine flower to weigh one pound shall be sold for one

56 The City Records.

penny half penny and bread of cornel to weigh three
pound shall be sold fpr three pence on penalty of forfiet-
ing the bread and be liable to be bound over to the
sessions and that one pot of good strong beer shall be
sold for three pence on penalty that the retailer or
rfetailers do forfiet their lycence

This day the coraonalty agreed with Jacobus Luycasse
& Jacob Schermerhorn Jun'r to sett up y^ StcJckados
where they are wanting about this city which they are
to square at two sides & scharpe at y® top and to sett
them three foot in y^ ground which they are to perform
at or before primo July next for which they shall be paid
six pence a piece and give bond of £ 1 5 to perform said
agreement

Att the request of Philip Livingston in behalf of
Johannis Dwandlaer y^ comonalty have appointed Job's
Hansen & Peter Winne to go to Schaahkook at y® charge
of y® said Dwandlaer to show him where the Mudder
kill is^ he haveing some dispute with Daniel Ketelhuyn
who incroaches on his land, which said persons are
impowered to order y® said Wandlaer to make his fence
where the said Mudder kill is

Att a Comon Council, held in the Cittyhall of Albany
the 19th of June 1716

By the Mayor Aldermen & Comonalty of the City of
Albany

An Ordinance,

Whereas complaint has been made that severall sold-
iers of this his majcstys garison.are very much inticed to
drink especially at unseasonable hours in y^ night where-
fey .great mischief may issue forth at this juncture that
y*^ Indians of y? lire nations have had a misunderstanding
with the said soldiers for preventing of any accidents
which may happen for the future

It is resolved y* it shall be ordaind publishd & declard
and it hereby ordaind publishd and djclard that if any
victualer retailor or inkeeper who shall entertain or
sell any liquor to any. soldier or soldiers belonging to
this garrison, after nine a clock at night, or taptoo

The City Records. 67 1

beat shairforfit for every soldier so entertaind as afores*^
the sume of six shillings for the behoof the sherrif who
shall. sue for y® same before any of his majesty s justices
of y® peace within this city

Given in Albany the 19th day of June in the second
year .of his majesties reign Anno Do. 1716

Orderd that an ordinance be publishd that y® assize of
white bread made of fine flower to weigh one pound
shall be sold for one penny half penny, and bread of
Cornell to weigh three pound shall be sold for three
pence on penalty of forfieting y® bread and be liable to
be bound over to y^ sessions and that one pott of good
strong beer shall be sold for three pence on penalty of
forfieting their lycenre

Pursuant to y^ resolution of y® coiiionalty on y"^ 22th
May last Job's Hansen and Peter Winne then appointed
to show Johannis Dwandlaer to y® Mudder kill who
report that they have shown him y® said kill and have
found the said Mudder kill to be to the eastward of y^ s**
Dwandlaers house at y® side of the swamp where the s^
Dwandlaer has now made his partition fence

July 4.— ^The comonalty have this day layd out the
street without y® south gate of y^ said city on the south
side of y® house of Frederick Myndertse & other lott of
Sweer Marcelis w^hich street streches up westerly and
contains in breath twenty three foot and eight inches
rynlanda measure

The Comonalty do grant unto Frederick Myndertse to
build a shop on y® north side of his house of fifteen foot
in breath and leave six foot between y® said shop and y®
stockados, for a passage, and he being obliged in time of
war when y* Comonalty or their successors shall think
needfull to break down y® said shop

Att a Comon Councill held in y* City Hall of Albany

y« 22th of September 1716
Ordered that by vertue of an act of generall assembly
of y® colony of New York entituled an act for y^ better
[AnnaU^ vii.] 6

58 The City Xicordf,

repairing of the city of Albany a warrant be directed'
unto y® assessors of y* said city to appear in the city of
Albany on y® 25th instant at nine a clock in y® morning
y' day then & there to take their oaths for well traely
equally and inpartially and in due proportion as it shall
appear unto them according to the best of their under-
standing to assess and rate all & every the inhabitants
residents & sojourners of y® s** city and deliver such es-
timate in y® clerks office of the s" city & county on of
before 29th instant

The following persons vizj. Job's Cuyler Esq'r recorder
Hendrick Hansen Johannis Roseboom Abraham Cuyler
Esqr's aldermen Hendrick "Roseboom Johannis Hansen
and Job's Ten Broeck assistants are hereby appointed
a comittee to view & auditt y® accounts of this city &
bring in their reports on the 29th instant

Ord^rd that advertizements be put up given notice to
all persons that have any account or lawfull claim on
this city to deliver y*' same unto Tennis Brat city cham-
berlain on or before y® 27th instant

"Resolved that the street between the house of Jacob
Lansing and y^ lott of Jacob Visger running up west-
ward shall be regulated, & also y® street runing between
the houses of Johannis Mingaels & Arient Pruyn north-
ward till behind y* lott of y® widow of Jan Dirkse to w'h
end y® following persons are appointed viz^ JohanAis
Cuyler Esquire recorder Hendrick Hansen Johannis
Roseboom Gysbert Marcelis Johannis Ten Broeck and
Peter "Winne or any three of them, who are to employ
a surveyor at y® charge of y® said city to lay out the s^
streets & the lotts of ground without y® gate late belong-
ing unto Andries D'Vos and others, and cause a draft to
be made thereof & make a report of y® same as soon as
conveniently may be

City of Albany the 29th day of September 1716
This day being appointed by the city charter for the
aldermen of the s*^ city to bring their return of y® alder-

The City Recerds. 59

men assistants & constables choisen by y® inhabitants of
the said clly to serve for the ensuing year who are as
follows

First Ward.

AMermen. Assistants.

Goose Van Schaick Peter Ryckman .

Johannis Schuyler Johannis Ten Broeck

Daniel Hogan Constable

Second Ward.
Johannis Roseboom Nicholas Blecker

Abraham Cuyler Johannis Lansing Jun'r

Mynd^ Lansingh Constable

Third Ward.
Hendrick Hansen Johannis Hansen

Wessel Ten Broeck Dirk Ten Broeck

Will Vanden Bergh Constable

Teunis Brat Chamberlaine
Mathys Nak High Constable

The assessors of this city have pursuant to y® warrant
unto them directed delivered in their estimates in the ,
clerks office of y® said city & county amounting in all to
£2400 whereon is layd six pence on the pound which
doth amount to £60

Orderd that warrants be directed unto y® collector to
collect y® said sum and pay the same unto Teunis Brat
city chamberlain on or before the 13th day of October
next deducting nine pence per pound for collecting y® same

Att a Comon Councill held in y® City Hall of Albany

y« 14th day of December 1716
The following persons are appointd to be fire masters
for y* ensuing year

First Ward.
Johannis Beeckman Volkert Dow

Second Ward^
Jocob Bogaert Jun'r Arent Pryn

Third Ward.
Isaac Fonda Jacob Miller

60 The City Records.

Resolved that a warrant be directed unto y® said fiie
masters for y* purpose

Philip Livingston produces a petition of Lowis Viele
praying the Comonalty to appoint one of their meeting
to show were the mudder kill is that he may without any
molestation or hinderance of Daniel Ketelhuyn make
his fence who he says incroaches on his land because the
s*^ Ketelhuyn.raises a dispute where y^ ^ mudder is y^ s^
petitioner being willing to pay those who shall be ap-
pointed

Resolved that Johannis Hansen & Dirk Ten Broeck
be appointed to show the said petitioner where the said
mudder creek is y^ he may make his fence without any
molestation of y® s*^ Daniel Ketelhuyn

Philip Livingston in behalf of Hendrick Roelofse desires
y^ y® Comonalty will be pleased to dispose unto him the
tract of land belonging unto the Corporation lying and
being over against the farm where Lafluer formerly livd

Whereupon it resolved that the following two lotts of
land scituate & being on y® east side of y® Schaahkooks
Creek over against y^ plantation where Lafluer formerly
livd each lott containing fortyeight acres thfe whole is
bounded party by the river and a pine point on the east
of a small run of water

Att a Comon Councill held in y^ City Hall of Albany
y« 15th day of January 171^

Conditions whereon the mayor, recorder, aldermen
and comonalty of the city of Albany design to expose
to sale at publick vendue to the highest bidder or
bidders the following two lotts of land scituate, lying
aud being on the east side of Schaahkooks Creek and
over against the plantation of Lafleur containing in all
fourtyeight morgan and bounded part thereof by y^ river
and by a pine point on the east by a small run of water
it being the north bounds of Schaahkook on the south &
south east by the hill on the west by Schaahkooks Creek
to each of the said lotts is to be added ten acres of wood

The City Records. 6tl

land being a pine point is bounded on the north by the
river on the east & south by y® aforsesaid tract of land

The farmer of any of the said lotts shall be obliged to
pay in two payments the money he shall farm any of the
said lotts for, viz' half thereof primo May next and the
other half primo May 1718 for which he is to enter
forthwith in a penal bond and is to pay yearly and every
year for ever in months of January or February after y®
month of May 1723 twenty one bushells & three quarter
good fmerchandable winter wheat for which he is to
exchange indentures for payment of the said yearly
acknowledgement, and y® Comonalty shall forthwith give
a release to the farmer of any of y® said lotts with such
condition & provisos as y® other tenants of Schaahkook
have in their indentures, the farmers shall be obliged to
divide y® s^ lotts at their own charge and pay y® charge
of writing

The said two lott of land being put up in vendue and
no person appearing to bid a reasonable price for y* same
one of the Comonalty farmd the said lotts and doth by
consent of y® Comonalty quite his pretention to the same

The Petition of Corse tt Vedder being taken in consid-
eration

Resolved that Wessell Ten Broeck Johannis Roseboom
Esquires aldermen Johannis Hansen Dirk Ten Broeck
assistants shall go to Schaahkook with y® surveyor and
Philip Livingston to measure the land of Daniel Ketel-
huyn adjoining to y^ said Corsett Vedders land and take
exact bounderis of y* said Vedders land of which he has
yet received no release of which they are to make return
to y® Comonalty as soon as conveniently may be

The Comonalty have granted unto Bartho Pickard
his heirs & assigns a lott of ground at the Verrebegh on
the north side of y® highway over against (or near to
it) the house of Isaac Valkenburgh for which he shall
pay yearly two shillings and six pence

Whereas y® chamberlain of this city complains that
Caleb Beck of Schinectady is severall year in arrear for
bis liberty to draw or sell liquor by retaile. Resolved

62 The CUy Records.

that he be ordered to make an account how much he is
in arrear, and that Mr. John Collins be employd to prose^
cute the said Caleb Beck in behalf of y® Comonalty

February 18.-^The indentures between the Comonalty
of this city and Colo. Killiaen Van Renselaer being read
concerning his grant unto the inhabitantaand freeholders
of y® s*^ city & liberties thereof to have free ingress egress
& regress by themselves or servants to ride cut & carry
away out of s^ manor of Renselaers wyck from any part
thereof wood and stone for building fencing fewell and
matterialls for all uses as they y® said inhabitants and
freeholders shall have occasion for during the term oft*
twenty two years ensuing y® feast day of saint Michael
the Archangell last past for the consideration of ten
pounds current money of New York and a fatt sheep as
by the said indentures may at large appear which is ap^
provd of

Resolved by y* Comonalty that the mayor of the said
city do sign y*^ said indentures in behalf of himself and y^
Comonalty of y® said city and orderd y® city scale to be
thereunto affixed & that y® same be enterd on y® publick
records of y^ s^ city and county

March 12.— The Petition of Cornells Van Schelhiyne
being read praying a grant lor a small piece of ground to
oome in front with a straight line with y® house of Elbert
Gerritse and lott of ground of Jan Gerritse, that he may
build his house regular which is resolved to be taken in
consideration

Att a Mayors Court held in y® City Hall of Albany y*
36th day of March 1717

The Court opened

Thomas Williams plentive by John Collins his attorney

Gysbert Marcelis defendant by Evert Wendell his
attorney

The attorney for defendant alledges that y* sumonce
was not served on y® defendant in due time & therefore
not obliged to answer

Th$ City JRicarda. 68

The Court is opinion that y® same is served according
to the directions of y® act of general! assembly of y® proT-
ince of New York in that case made and provided

April 9. — Thomas Williams plentive by John Collins
his attorney

Gysbert Marcelis defendant appears

April 23.-«Thomas Williams appears by his attorney
John Collins

Gysbert Marcelis appears by his attorney Evert Wen*
dell

• A Habeus Corpus being produced by defendants att'y
from the Supreme Court to remove y* said action to the
Supreme Court in New York the said Habeas Corpus is
allowed by the court

— r-P]

Att a Comon Council held in y« City Hall of Albany
the 17th of April 1717

The Petition of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Barclay
being read desireing to purchase from the Comonalty a
piece of ground without y* stockados beginning about 30
or 40 yards on the west of the horse guard blockhouse
extending from thence to the gate which is at the block*
house at the Luthren Church thence southerly with a
straight line on y® corner of y® fence of Johannis Mingael
leaving a comon road to the place first mentiond

The Comonalty have taken the said petition in their

consideration and are of opinion not as yet to dispose of

' the said ground but that y® said Barclay shall have th^

refuzall of a lott of ground at y® sa}d place when they

shall dispose any there

May 21.— The petition of Paniel Ketelhuyn being read
desireing such an abatement of rent as the rest of the
inhabitants of Schaahkook have been favourd with which
was granted

May 22, — Resolved that y* ground on y* plain shall be
layd out and surveyd in order to be disposed of at a pub*
lick vendue to j* best advantage and for y® accomodation
of y® inhabitants of this city, reserving unto Mr. Barclay

J* refuzall of a lott according to y« resolutiou of Corooa

64 The City Records.

Councill dated y* 17th of April last. To which end the
following persons are appointed a Comittee viz' Wessell
Ten Broeck Esquire alderman Peter Ryckman and Joh*8
Lansingh assistants who are to employ a surveyor and
bring in tlieir report in Comon Councill as soon as con-
veniently may be

Resolved y* y® following ordinance be publish relateing
to the Indian trade

By the worshipfull Mayor Aldermen and Comonalty of
the City of Albany

An Ordinance,

Whereas severall persons resideing at and near Schin-
ectady dp make it their business on the arrivall of any
Indians with their bever and peltry to ryde such Indians
with waggons to this city who when they arrive exact &
impose such an extravagent price for ry deing from those
who are inclined to trade such bever and peltry which
must consequently if not prevented be a great disadvan-
tage to the trade for preventing whereof and that y® said
trade may be fairly managed to the best advantage

Be it ordaind publishd and declard and it is hereby
ordaind publishd and declard that no person or persons
who shall at any time or times hereafter be eraployd by
any far Indians living beyond our five nations to carry
them or a,ny of their wives & children their peltry beaver
or other furs in their waggons from any place in the
county of Albany shall not bring them or either of them '
or their said effects any nigher to the said city than the
new Indian house which is built .on the hill and there
unload them with their said effects upon pain of forfieting
the sum of five pounds lawful! money of New York for
every far Indian male or female or any of their said
effects to be carryd in his or their waggons contrary to
this ordinance to be recovered in any court of record
within y® said city by bill plaint or information one half
for behoof of the said city and half for the sherrif or any
person that shall sue for the same

Be it further ordaind publishd & declard & it is hereby

The City Records. 65

Ordaind publishd and declard that no person or persons
who shall at any time or times hereafter be employd by
any of our five nations to carry them or any of their wifes
and children their peltry beaver or other furs in their
waggons from any place in tha county aforesaid shall not
bring them or either of them or their said effects any
neigher to the said city than 500 yards distance from the
stockados of y® said city upon pain of forfieting for every
offence the sum of five pounds money aforesaid for every
Indian male or female or any of their s^ effects so carry d
in his her or their waggons contrary to this ordinance
to be recovered as aforesaid in manner aforesaid for the
behoof as aforesaid

Be it also ordaind publishd and declard & it is hereby
ordaind publishd ^ declard that if any person or persons
within the said city of Albany shall at any time or times
hereafter suffer any of y® said far Indians or any of their
peltry beaver or other furs to remain in his or their
houses warehouses or shops after sunsett or at any other
time of the night every person or persons so offending
shall for every Indian or his or their effects so found
there after y® time aforesaid forfiet y® sum of five pounds
current money aforesaid to be recovered as aforesaid for
the bphoof aforesaid

And be it further ordaind as aforesaid that it shall &
may be lawfull for the high sherrif of y^ s^ city & county
or his deputy or deputys at any time before the hours of
ten at night to sarch the houses warehouses or shops of
such persons within the city aforesaid where such fai:,
Indian or Indians are suspected to be & remain or are
entertaind after the time aforesaid and finding any such
Indian or Indians there or there peltry beaver or other
furs to order the master or mistress of the said house
warehouse or shop to turn y® said Indian or Indians and
their said effects out of doors "which if he she or they
refuze immediately to do and perform such person or
persons shall forfiet for every such offence over & above y®
j£5 before mentioned to be paid for eirtertaining or suffer-
ing any of the s^ far Indians in their houses warehouses

^ Tht City Rtcords.

or shops after sunset t as aforesaid the sum of iE5 current
money aforesaid to be recoverd as afores^ for the behoof
aforesaid

And whereas the streets and allys in y® said city are
stopd up with wood stone timber dirt and filt to the very
^reat damage of severall inhabitants of y® said city for
preventing whereof be it ordaind as aforesaid that all
owners of wood stone & timber which is not to be used
this ensuing summer shall cause the same to be removed
out of the said streets & allys at or before 29 of this
instant on penalty of 20s. and all persons shall remove
all durt dung & lilt from before his or her doors & lott
in y® s** city within the time aforesaid on penalty of 20s,
and for every day .the same shall remain after the 9th
instant y® sume of six shillings to be recoverd before (he
mayor recorder or any alderman of y® city aforesaid for
y^ behoof aforesaid

Be it further ordaind &c. that if the sherrif his deputy
or deputies or any person or persons shall compound or
make up with any person or- persons offended against
this ordinance for any less or other sum than is herein
before mentioned shall forfiet for every such offence the
sum of £ 10 current money aforesaid to be recovered in
manner aforesaid for the use of any person that shall sue
for the same

Given in Albany the 22th day of May in the third year
of his majestys reign Anno. Do. 1717

In Comon Councill
May 3h — Pursuant to y® resolution of Comon Councill
dated the 22th instant y® comiltee then appointed to
return that they have surveyd the ground on the plain
according to y* return of y* surveyor which they do pro-
duce to y® Comonalty

August 21. — Resolved that an ordinance shall be pub-
lishd prohibiteing all Indian trade without the walls of
this city pursuant to the directions of y® charter of y® s^
city and that y® mayor recorder and aldermen do put y®
saiae in execution

The City Records. 6T

By the worshipful! Mayor Aldermen and Comonalty
of y® city of Albany

An Ordinance

Whereas in and by our charter given under y® seale of
y* province of New York bearing date y® 22th day of July
1686 for y® consideration therein expressd amongst divers
other things there is granted ratifyed and confirmed unto
the mayor aldermen & comonalty of y^ s'^ city for the time
being: To have hold & enjoy the priviledge preheminence
and advantage of haveing within their own walls y® sole
management of y^ trade with all y*^ Indians living within
and to y® eastward northward and westward of y® county
of Albany within the compass* of his majestys dominions
here therein and thereby prohibiting & discharging all &
every off the inhabitants of the said province (the inhab-
itants of the city of Albany only excepted) to trade or
trafique with any of y® five nations of Indians called the
Sinnekes Cayouges Onnendagos Onneydes and Maquase
who live to y® westward or with any oth^r Indian or
Indians whatsoever within the county of Albany or to
y® eastward northward or westward thereof so farr as his
s^ majestys dominions here do or may extend or to have or
keep within their houses or elsewhere any Indian goods
or merchandize upon y® pain & penalty of y® forfeiture &
confiscation of such Indian comodities whether the same
be beaver peltry or other Indian comodities whatsoever
except Indian com venison & drest deer skins so traded
for and upon pain & penalty of y® forfeiture & confisca-
tion of all such Indian goods and merchandi:ie as guns
powder lead duffells rum and all other Indian goods and
merchandize which should at any time hereafter be found
concealed or kept in any house or place without y^ walls
of y® said city and, within the said county & of y^ limitts
& boundries therein & herein before sett forth & prescribd
to be sued for prosecuted & disposed off in such manner
as therein is particularly sett forth and prescribed

Be it therefore ordaind publishd and declard and it
is hereby ordaind publishcland declard that no person or

68 l^he City Records.

persons whatsoever within this city & county or without
the same within y® limitts and boundries aforesaid shall
trade or traffique with any Indian or Indians for any
bever or peltry or any Indian comodities without the
gates of this city except for Indian corn vennison & drest
deer skins on penalty of forfeiting such Indian comodities
so traded for as aforesaid as also under penalty of being
fined for so tradeing att y® discrecon of such court before
whom y^ same shall be prosecuted so as such fine exceed
not twenty pounds current money of this country two
thirds of such fine so to be adjudged to the mayor aldermen
& comonalty of y^ said city and y® other third to such per-
son as shall sue for y*^ same

Bee it further ordaind publishd and declard and it is
hereby ordaind publishd and declard that no person or
persons whatsoever within y® s^ city & county or without
y^ same within y^ limitts and boundries aforesaid shall
have and keep within their houses or elsewhere without
y® gates of y® s^ city any guns strouds blankets rum powder
lead or any other Indian comodities or merchandize what-
soever on pain & penalty of forfeiting isuch Indian merchan-
dize and comodities so kept & concealed as aforesaid one
third part to y^ use of y^ mayor of y® s^ city for the time
being one third to y® use of y^ mayor aldermen & comon-
alty of y^ s^ city and y® other third to the person y* shall
sue for y® same Given in Albany this 21th day of August
in the fourth year of his majestys reign Ann. Do. 1717

Albany the 29th of September 1717

This day being appointed by the charter of this city

of Albany for y^ aldermen of y® s^ city to bring in their

return of the aldermen assistants & constables choisen

by y^ inhabitants for y® ensuing year who are as follow*

First Ward.

Aldermen. Assistants.

Johannis Schuyler Peter Ryckman

Goose Van Schaick Johannis Ten Broeck

Joseph Yetts Jun'r

The City Records. 69

Second Ward.

Aldermen. AssiBtants.

Johannis Roseboom Niccolas Bleeker

Abrahan Cuyler Johannis Lansing

Cornelis Cuyler

Third Ward.
Hendrick Hansen Johannis Hansen

Wessel Ten Broeck Dirk Ten Broeck

Johannis Van Sante Constable

Daniel Hogan High Constable
Teunis Brat Chamberlaine

Att a Mayors Court he^d in y® City Hall of Afbany y*

8th dav of October 1717 •
Samuel Babington by his attorney John Collins pl'fF
Arent Vedder defendant by his att'y Philip Livingston
Samuel Babington by his attorney John Collins pl*iF
Johannis Visger defendant who appears

Albany y« 14th of October 1717
This day beings appointed by the charter of the city
of Albany for y® aldermen assistants constables & cham-
berlaine of the ^aid city to be sworn according to the
return thereof made y® 29th of September last

Att a Mayors Court held in the City Hall of Albany
the 5th day of November 1717

Samuel Babington plentiye by John Collins his att'y

Arent Vedder defendant Philip Livingston appears
for him

Samuel Babington plentive by John Collins his att'y

Johannis Visger defendant Philip Livingston appears
for him

John Mebee plentive by John Collins his attorney

Danieh Van OUnda defendant

[Annals, vii.] 7

7a The City Reeordi,

Mr. Collins sajs be bas a Warrant of attorney to con^
fess judgment

•

AFbany the 16th November 1717
Robert Livingston Jun'r Esq'r was sworn Mayor of

the city of Albany Clark of y* market of y® s** city and

Coronor of y® s'* city and county
Samuel Babington Esq'r sworn sherrife of y^ city and

county of Albany

Att a Comon Councill held in the city Hall of Albany
this sixteenth day of November 1717

Orderd that an ordinance be publishd prohibiting all
persons within the county of Albany to sell strong liquor
-before being first duely lyeenced.

Att a Mayors Court held in the City of 'Albany this
19th day of November 17 17

Samuel Babington plentive by John Collins his att'y

Johannis Visger defendant by Philip Livingston bis
attorney who appears for him

Issue joynd

Samuel Babington plentive by John Collins his att*y

Arent Vedder defendant by Philip Livingston his att'y
who produces a Habeus Corpus to remove this action
before the Chiefc Justice of this province at the city of
New York and desires the allowance of this court

Mr. John Collins attorney for the plentive produces an
act of Generall Assembly of y* Colony of New York
enlituled an act ' * that no action shall be removd
under £'^0 out of any court within this province by
babeus corpus and therefore y^ court is of opinion that
the s^ action cant be removd

Wherefore issue is joynd in the said action

Jan Mebee plentive by John Collins his attorney

Daniel Van Olinda defendant

Mr. John Collins produces the following warrant of
attorney to confess judgment

The City Reearii. 71

To John Collins attorney at law Daniel Van Olinda of
the precinct of y* Half Moon in y® county of Albany
yeoman sendeth greeting
These are to authorize and empower you for me and
in my name to confess judgment against me at any court
of record hereafter to be held in this province of New
York on y* within written bond & surae of money there-
in conteyned on any action brought or to be brought
against me on the said within written bond and for so
doing this Rhaii be your sufficient warrant

Given under my hand and seale this twelyeth day of
day of June 1717

was signed Daniel Van Olinda [ 1. s.]

Sealed and delivered in the presence of us

Reter Schermerhoorn
Philip Verplank

Pursuant to the said warrant of attorney Mr. Collins
confesses judgment for £13:4 and the court give judg-
ment thereupon accordingly with costs of suite

Ordered that for the future the plentives in- any action
that shall depend in the Mayors Court in this city shall
give notice of tryall to the defendant or his attorney
eight days before such tryall is to be on penalty of being
nonsuited for his neglect

Att a Comon Councill held in the City Hall of Albany

y« ltd day of December 1717
The following persons were appointed fire masters for
y* ensueing year

First Ward.
' Jan Van Ness Salomon Goewy

Second Ward.
Dirk Vftn Scherluyne Christophel Yetts

Third Ward.
Johannis Mulder Philip V. Veghteh

Dec. 3. — It is resolved that the following ordinance
ghall be published riz^

72 The City Records.

By the worshipful Mayor R'ecorder Aldermeu & Com-
onalty of the City of Albany

An Ordinance,

Whereas seyerall persors for- their own private lucre
& gaine do daily make great wasts & spoils in the jvoods
belonging unto y^ said comonalty by cutting masts saw
logs &a for preventing whereof and preserving the said
woods

It is resolved by y^ s^ comonality that it shall be pub-
lishd ordaind and declard & it is hereby publishd ordaind
and declard that from and after the publication hereof
no person or persons whatsoever shall cut ride convey
or carry away by land or water any masts saw logs or
other timber out of y*' woods belonging unto y® said
comonalty to transport sell or convey y® same on penalty
of being sued for an action of trespasse

And whereas the streets pavements passages or high-
ways within this city are very insufficient and out of
repair, particularly these following viz' the way or pas-
sage from y® comer of y® houses of the heirs of Major
Dirk Wesseis deceased & Thomas Wendell till the corner
of the lott of Jacob Lansingh, the street from y® corner
of y* houses of Gysbert Marcelis & Abraham Kip till y®
corner of y* house of Johannis D'Wandlaer & y« lott of
y® heirs of Johannis Brat deceased from y« corner of y®
houses of Leend' Gansevoort & Jan Evertse till y® gate
at y® water side & from y® corner of y® houses of Maritie
Van Dyck widow & Luycas Wyngaert till y® little gate
which leads to y® river, from y*' corner of y® houses and
lotts of the widow of Paulis Van Benthuysen and the
widow James Parker till y® gate of the burying place,
and from y® corner of y® -houses of Joseph Tetts & Wm.
Vanalan to y® corner of y® house & lottof Henry Holland
the passage from y** corner of y® house of John Schuyler
£s4*r & y^ house of the heirs of Harme Sievese till the
Luthren Church; and y* passage from the corner of the
houses of Maihys Nack & y® heirs of Jurian Van Hose
till the corner of the brew house of Bastian Visger and
corner of y^ fence of Mathys Nack

Th€ CUy Records. . ''^

Which.said streets passages or high ways are resolved
concluded ordaind ordcrd & declard by y^ «aid coinonalty
shall be sufficiently made & repaird, and they do hereby
resolve conclude ordain order and declare y' y® owners
or tenants of y** houses or lotts ot* ground fronting any
of the said streets passages or highways shall at or be-
fore y® last day of July next ensueing repair and pave y®
same with stone each half y** breadth of y* s*^ streets
passages or high ways the lenth of his her or their bouse
or lott of ground fronting as aforesaid and that in such
manner & form as the mayor recorder aldermen & assist-
ants of each respective ward or the major part of them
present shall order direct and appoint and y'on pain and
penalty of 20 shillings for every week (after y* said last'
day of July) any person shall neglect deny or delay to
repair pave or make his her or their proportion as afores*^
to be recoverd before any of his majesties justices of y®
peace within y® said city by any persons that shall sue
for y same

And be it further ordaind publishd & declard and it is
hereby ordaiud publishd & declard that the pavement of
the Rum street and all y® pavements with this city shall
be sufficiently repaird and made at least eight foot in
breadth at or before y® s^ last day of July next in such
manner & form as j® said mayor recorder aldermen and
assistants of each respective ward or the major part of
them present shall order direct & appoint who are hereby
authorized & empowered to order all dirt filt & dung to
be removed taken up & carryd away and to order the
taken up & laying of links & spouts within y® said city
as they shall judge necessary & convenient on y® like
pain & penalty as aforesaid

Given in Albany this 3d December in y® 4th year of
his majestys reign

The petition of Dirk Van Schelluyne being read desire-
ing to buy a small piece of ground from y® Comonalty

Orderd that y® same shall be taken in consideration

The petition of Daniel Ketelhuyn being- read wherein
he begs leave to dispose of 23 morgan of land he has

»
1^

74 Tie City Records.

farm from a former Comonalty scituate & being on the
west side of Tamhenicks at Schaahkook, which is
granted

Att a Mayors Court held in the City Hall of Albany
this 28th day of January 17 If

William Bodgers plentive by his attorney John CoUina

Adam Hayden defendant appears

The plentives attorney desires y' y^ defendant may
give speciall bail being the action is on bond for fourty
pounds.

Orderd y' sherrif shall take y* defendant in custody tilt
he doth glYe speciall baile accordingly

Att a Court of Sessions held in y« City Hall of Albany
y« nth day of February 171 J

William Rodgers plentive by his attorney John Collina

Adam Hayden defendant who appears

The plentives attorney moves for judgment by defauU
against y*^ defendant for not entering his plea according
to y® rule of this court dated the • day of ' * for
y® sume forty pounds debt on bond with costs of suites
which is granted accordingly

Att a Compn Councill held in y® City Hall of Albany
y^ llth day of February 17 1 J

Resolved, that y* mayor Robert Livingston Junior
Esq*r shall in behalf of the Comonalty sign y® indentures
for a certain piece of land scituate lying & being on the
east side of Schaahkooks Creek and over against y^plan-^
tation of Lafluer containing in all forty eight morgan &
is hounded part thereof by Hudsons Kiver and by a pine
point of land & on y® east by a small run of water being
y® north bounds of y® patent of Schaahkook on y® south
east by the hill on the west by Schaahkook Creek and
also ten morgan of land which being intended for a hoof«
stead and is bounded on y* north by y® river on y* east

Th$ City JBecorf*, 75.

•

& south by y^ afoi?esaid tract of land unto Lowis Veilo
and Isaac Ouderkerk each an equal half thereof for the
aum of JC3& and y® yearly acknowledgment of twentyone
bushells and three quarters winter wheat after y^ first of
May 172-4; to be paid in the months of January or Febru-
ary, and that y® mayor doth cause the city scale to b^
thereunto affixed and y® same to he entered on y® publicly
records

Whereas Johannis Ijansingh has requested the Comon<
alty for a release of a certoin small piece of ground scit<i
nate lying & being on y® east of the lott of the heirs of
JHendrick Van Dyck deceased containing in breath to th^
lane which leads to the water side twcntyfive inches and
running in lenth easterly slanting till it comes to nothing
on which small piece of ground part of the said Johannia
liansingha hou^e is now built which request is granted &
resolved that Robert Livingston Jun'r Esq*r mayor shall
an behalf of y^ Oomoaalty sign a release for y® said piece
of ground for the consideration of forty shillings, and y^
y^ city scale shall be thereunto afixed and the same bo
enterd onr the publick records

Resolved that the following ordijiance be made and
published :

By the Worshipfull Mayor Recorder Ald^rmea apd
Comonalty of y® City of Albany

^7i Ordimnce^

Whereas complaints have been made that several) per*
sons for their private lucre & gain doe buy and take in
pawn of y® soldiers of his majesties establishd companies
in this garrison their cloathing and accutrements by
which means thay are rendered incapable of doing their
duty and are often inveigled to drink to excess wee doe
therefbre hereby strictly prohibite the buying receivings
or detaining any cloathing or accutrements belonging to
any soldier or soldiers of this garrison, and if any person
or persona do after the publication hereof presume to
Ruy or take in pawn any such cloathing or accutre^
meuta of any soldier upon due proof thereof before any

n The Ciiy Records.

of his majestys justices of y^ peace such person or per-
sons shall forfiet as a fine the sum of fifteen shillings and
y* cloaths to be restored without recompence or pay-
ment

And whereas severall soldiers of said garrison are very
much inticed to drink especially at unseasonable hours
in y" night by which great mischief may issue forth f »r
preventing whereof

It is ordaind publishd and declard and it is hereby
publishd ordaind & declard that if any victualer retailer
or inkeeper who shall entertain or sell any liquor to any
soldier or soldiers belonging to y® said garrison after nine
a clock at night or taptoo beat shall forfiet for every sol-
dier so entertaind as aforesaid the sume of six shillings
for y® behoof of y® sherrif or any other person that shall
sue for y® same before any of majestys justices within this
city

February 15. — The petition of Obediah Coeper of this
city baing read praying to purchase a small lott of ground
belojiging to y" Comonalty lyino: on y® south side of this
city between y® lott of Mathews Flensburgh & horse guard
blockhouse which y® Comonalty have granted and orderd
that y'' same shall be measured and have agree that he is
to pay for y® said lotts twenty eight pounds

March 22. — This day y® Comonalty have taken up y*
accounts due from this city to sundry persons as appears
by a list & order given on y^ chamberlaine Teunis Brat
amounting to £ 1 1 6 : 1 : 9|

Resolved that y^ street between y® bouse of Jacob
Lansingh and y^ lott of Jacob Visger running up west-
ward shall be regulated & also y^ street running between
the houses of Johannis Mingael and A rent Pruyn north-
ward till behind y® lott of the widow of Jan Dirkse to
which end Johannis Cuyler Esq'r recorder Hendrick
Hansen Johannis Roseboom Esd*s aldermen Johannis
Hansen and Nibcolas Bleecker assistants are appointed
a committee to imploy a surveyor at y® charge of this
city to lay out y® said streets and y® lotts of grounds
without y® gate late belonging to Andries D'Vos Harme

The City RecardB. TT

J&nze Mettselaer & others & cause a drauft to be made
thereof and make report of y® same to this comonalty as
soon as conveniently may be

Resolved that Robert Livingston Jun'r Esq'r mayor
shall on behalf of the Comonalty of the said city sign a
release unto Obediah Coeper for a lott of ground scituate
lying and being on y^ south side of y® s^ city for y® con-
sideration of i£28 and ordered y^ scale of y® said city be
thereto affixed and the same to be entered on y^ publick
records. ^

Resolved also that Robert Livingston Junior Esquire
mayor shall on the behalf of the Comonalty of the said
city sign a release unto Mr. Thomas Barclay of the city
of Albany li^inister for a certain lott of ground scituate
lying and being on the south side of y^ s^ city without y®
stockados near y® Luthren blockhouse fronting towards
the hill, and on a line with the corner of the pasture of
Johannis Mingael containing in breath towards y® li'l
six rods & in length nine rods for which he is to pay forty
eight pounds

Orderd that the scale of the said city to be thereto
affixed and y® same to be enterd on y^ publick records

Att a Comon Councill held in the City Hall of Albany
y« 18th day of April 1718

The comittee appointed on y^ 15th of January 17 If
report that they have caused y® land of Daniel Ketelhuyn
adjoining to y« land of Corsett Vedder and taken exact
boundaries of y® said Vedders land as may appear by y*
s** report dated the 16th of this instant and that they are
of opinion y* y® s^ Corset Vedder may be granted a new
release according to s*^ boundaries taken he surrendring
first his claim to y® land he has inserted in his release

Whereupon it isj'esolved that y* said Corset Vedder
shall be granted a new release according to y^ aforesaid
report he releasing first his claim to the land in his pos-
session and orderd y^ s'^ clerk to draw the said indentures

The said comittee have also shown Lowis Viele wtu;re

7S The City Recordi.

the Madder kill is which is on the south side thereof
where they have caused trees to be marked

The petition of Maria Brat widow of Johannis Brat
deceased being read praying for an abatement of the
heavy acknowledgment which is on the land in her pos-
session, and also a release for a small spott of ground
on the east of Tamhenicks creek above the bridge as
may be sufficient for a hoftstead

The comonality have taken the said petition in con-
sideration and granted her the land aboye the bridge to
contain about three or four acres be it some what more
or less to be bounded on the south by Tamhenicks creek
on the north by the road keeping one rodd from the said
road to near the gully thence to the land of the s*^ Maria
Brat thence along her land to the said creek, orderd y^
a release be drawn for the same

April 26. — The petition of Thomas Barret desiring to
purchase a lott of ground within this city being read, &
resolved that the same be taken in consideration

The petition of Abraham Lansing praying to purchase
a piece of vacant ground on the north of this city, and
o.i the north of the lott of Johannis Roseboom Esq*r to
contain thirty foot in breadth in the front & rere and in '
length as the lott of the s^ Roseboom

Resolved the same shall be taken in consideration by
councill and thereupon agreed with the said Abraham
Lansing for the said lott of ground to pay for the same
thirty pounds in two equall payments lifteea pounds at
receiprof the release and the remaining fifteen pounds
a year afcer receipt, and have orderd y^ the release for
the s^ grond shall be drawn and y' the mayor shall sign
the same in behalf of the Comonalty and affix the city
seale thereto and that the same shall be entered into y®
publick records

The petition of Jacob Boeckman being read praying
to purchase a lott of ground on the north of the lott of
Johannis Cuyler Esq'r which is referred to future con-
sideration

July 12. — The Comonalty have pursuant to their former

The City Records. 19

resolutions sold & granted unto the Rev^ Mr. Thomas
Barclay of the city of Albany minister a certain lott of
ground seituate lying & being on y® south side of y® said
city without y® stockados near to y® Luthren blockhouse
fronting towards y® hill and on a line with y® corner of
the pasture of Johannis Mingael containing in breadth
towards y^ hili six rodd & in length eastward nine rodd
for which the said Thomas Barclay is to pay y« sume of
foftyeight pounds in three equal! payments that is to say
sixteen pounds at the receipt of y® release and sixteen
pounds in July next & the remaining sixteen pounds in
July 1719

^ - --

Att a Mayors Court held in the City Hall of Albany
the 15th day of July 1718

The petition of Symon Danielse being read desireing
liberty to build and errect a small griss mill on a smail
creek to the south of his land which is referd to further
consideration

The petition of Anthony Van Schaick of this city
being read desireing to purchase a small spot of ground
^ithin this city on y® west of y® lott of ground of Luy-
case Hooghkirk which is referd to further consideration

July 29. — William llogan plentive who appears

Fredrick Myndertse defendant:* Mr. Collins appears &
produces a warrant of Attorney to confess judgment on
a bond of twenty pounds, dated the 13th day of May,
1717, against him the s** Fredrick Myndertse which
warrant of attorney bears date the 19th day of June,
1718.

The court gi^e judgment for ten pounds with the in-
terest and costs of suite *

Att a Comon Councill held in y* City Hall of Albany
y«8th day of August 1718

Whereas an ordinance made by y® s^ mayor aldermen
and comonalty publishd on the 3d day of December last
past relateing paveing and repairing of the streets and

80 The City Records.

alleys within this city is expird by its own limitation,
and sundry persons not being able to pave and repair
the same within the time therein Jimitted

It is therefore hereby ordaind pubiishd and declard y'
y® above recited ordinance shall be in force untill the
15th day of September next ensueing as if y* several
clauses and penalties where herein particularly mentiond
and containd any thing herein containd to the contrary
hereof in any wise notwithstanding

Johannis D*Wandlaer of Schaahlcook appears in Com-
on Councili acquaints y^ comonalty that he has sold his
land at Schaahkook to Daniel Ketelhuyn for two hund-
red and forty pounds but being oblidgd by indenture to
give y® comonalty the refuzall thereof which he now
doth give unto them

The comonalty having taken the same unto consider-
tion do resolve to take unto themselves y® s** land of y*
8^ Johannis D*Wandlaer at Schaahkook aforesaid on
such conditions and payments as he had made with the
8^ Ketelhuyn for y® s' land which was to pay £120 the
first of May 1719, and £120 y« first of May 1720, for
which sums y* comonalty have given bonds and y® said
D'Wandlaer released his claim to y® s^ land

The petition of Isaac Van Valkenburgh being read
praying a lease for eight morgan of land at y® Verre-
bergh for y® term of 31 years commencing the first day
of April last & ending y® first day of April 1749 paying
therefore yearly after May 1721 two skeple of winter
wheat and & a couple of fatt hens & to clear y® s** eight
morgan & deliver the same in a good fence

The mayor aldermen & comonalty having taken the
Petition of Isaac Van Valkenburgh into consideration,
w hich they have granted, and order y' a lease be drawn
accordingly.

The Petition of Jacob Visger being read, praying Li-
berty to remove some Stockados to build a house on his
1-ott of ground situate lying and being in y® said City on
the west of the mainguard blockhouse, which Petition is
Resolved to be referred till further consideration.

The City Records. 81

Sept. 15.— It is Kesolved by the Comonality, that a
gutter shall be made above y^ English Church by the In-
habitants of this City to be orderd by the Surveyors of
y** highways of this City, at or before primo October
next.

Albany the 29th September 1718

This day being appointed by the charter of this city
for the aldermen of the respective wards to make return
of the aldermen assistants and constables choisen for the
ensuing year who are as follows viz'

First Ward.

Aldermen. Assistants.

Myndert Schuyler Johannis Ten Broeck

Goose Van Schaick Jacob Lansingh

Lamb' Radlif Constable

Second Ward.
Johannis Roseboom ^ Niccolas Bleeker
Abraham Cuyler Johannis Lansing

Arent Pruyn Constable

Third Ward.
Hendrick Hansen Elbert Gerritse

Johannis Pruyn David Schuyler

Johannis D. Garmoy Constable

Johannis Van Sante High Constable
Teunis firat Chamberlain

Att a Mayors Court held in the City Hall of Albany
y*^ 7th day of October 1718

John Hogan plentive by Evert Wendell his attorney

Thomas Barclay defendant John Collins his attorney
appears for him

The defendants attorney desires that y* write may
abate since the plentive has enterd his action in the
name John Hogan instead of Jurjyaen* Hogan which y*
court have taken in consideration & do grant accordingly

[♦George.]

[ Annals f vii,] S

82 Tht City R$cord$.

Att a Comon Council held in y« City Hall of Albany
y« 13th day of October 1718

Pursuant to the resolution of the comonality on the
18th day of April last a new release according the
Report of y\Comittee for Corsett Vedder being drawn
& read in Comon Councill, and orderd that the same
shall be now signed by the mayor in behalf of the com-
onalty and y^ the city scale shall be thereto affixed and
the same enterd in the publick records of the said city
The said Corsett Veeder having released first his claim
to the land in his poss'ession

»The Comonalty have granted unto Simon Danielse his
heirs and assigns for ever a certain small Creek on the
south side of his land to build a griss mill thereon pro-
vided he grinds no wheat for bouiting except y® same be
boulted within the city 'of Albany fipr which he is to pay
yearly after January 1724 six skeple wheat yearly

Daniel Ketelhuyn gives tHe comonalty the refuzall of
seven morgan of land which he has sold unto Peter Winne
the Comonalty give him leave to dispose of the same

Att a Mayors Court held in y^'.City Hall of Albany y'
18th day of November 1718
Jurian Hogan by Evert Wendell his attorney plentive
Thomas Barclay by bis attorney John Collins defend'
Vincent Mathews by Evert Wendell his attorney
plentive

John Burk by his attoritey John Collins defendant
December .2. — Vincent Mathews by Evert Wendell his
attorney plentive t

John Burk by his attorney John Collins defendant
The defendants attorney desires a nonsuit against the
plentive for not delivering a copy of the note mentioned
in his declaration to the defendant or leaveing in the
clerks office according to the law in that case made and
provided

The plentives attorney affirms y® defendant n^yer de-
manded of y® note or writing mentioned in his declaration

The City Records. 83

and therefore prays judgment against tha defendants
with costs of suit

The court having taken y^ same in consideration and
are of opinion y^ y® plentire shall be nonsuited and pay
y^ costs of suit and he is hereby nonsuited accordingly

Att a Gomon Councill held in Albany the 6th Decern-

ber 1718
The comonalty have this day appointed the fo^llowing
persons to be fire masters for the year ensueing (viz^)

Harme Ryckman Daniel Flensburgh

Warnaer Van Yvere Jurian Hogan

Teunis Eghbertse Johannis Van Oostrande

Orderd that a warrant shall be directed unto- them to
perform that office

' The following persons are appointed to be comittee to
view and examine the accounts of this city viz' Myndert
Schuyler Johannis Roseboom Esq*s aldermen Niccolas
Bleecker & David Schuyler assistants who are to bring
in their report att or before y® 18th instant

December 9. — Resolved that an ordinance shall be
published prohibiting all Indian trade without y^ walls
of this city pursuant to y* directions of y* charter y® s*

city is as follows

By the worshipfull mayor recorder aldermen and com-
onalty of y® city -of Albany

An Ordinance

Whereas in & by our charter under the seale of the
province of New York bearing date the 22th day of July
1686 for the consideration therein expressed amongst
divers other things there is granted ratifyed and con-
firmed unto the mayor aldermen & comonalty of y* said
city for the time being To have hold & enjoy the privil-
edge preheminence & advantage of haviilg within their
own walls the sole management of the trade with the
Indians liveing within & to the eastward northward and

84 The CUy Records.

westward of the county of Albany within y* compasse of
his majestys dominions here therein & thereby prohibite-
ing & dischargeing all & every of y^ inhabitants of the
said province (the inhabitants of the city of Albany only
excepted) to trade or trafique with any of y® five nations
of Indians called the Sinnekes Cayonges Onnonndages,
Onneydes, & Maquase who live to y*' westward or with
any other Inditin or Indians whatsoever within y® county
of Albany or to y® eastward northward and westward
thereof so far as his said majesties dominions here do or
may extend, or to have or keep within their houses or
elsewhere any Indian goods or merchandize upon penalty
of y® forfeiture & confiscation of such Indian comodities
whether the same bfe bever peltry or other Indian como-
dities what soever except Indian corn venison and drest
dear skins so traded for« and upon pain and penalty of
y^ forfieture & confiscation of all such Indian goods and
merchandize as guns powder lead duffels rum and all
other Indian goods & merchandize which should at any
time hereafter be found concealed or kept in any house
or place without y® walls of y® said city and within y* s*
county and other y® lunitts and boundaries therein and
herein before sett forth and prescribed to be sued for
prosecuted & disposed off in such manner as therein is
particularly sett forth and prescribed

Bee it therefore ordaind publishd and declard and it is
hereby ordaind publishd and declard that no person or
persons whatsoever within this city and county or with-
out the same within the limitts and boundries aforesaid
shall trade or trafique with any Indian or Indians for
any beaver or peltry or any Indian comodities without
the gates of this city expect for Indian corn venison and
drest deer skins on penalty of for fieting such Indian com*
odities so traded for to be taken & sued for by y® sherrif
his deputy or deputys as also under penalty of being fined
for so tradeing att the discretion of such court before
whom the same shall be prosecuted so as such fine exceed
not twenty pounds current money of this country two
thirds of such fine so to be adjudged to the mayor alder-

The CUy Records. - 85

men and comonalty of y« said city and the other third to
y^ sherrif his deputy or deputys or such persons as shall
^sue for y* same

Be it further ordaind publishd aiid declard and it is
hereby ordaind publishd and declard that no person or
persons whatsoever within y® said city and county or
without y® same within y^ llmitts and boundaries afores^
shall have and keep within their houses or elsewhere
without y^ gates of y^ said city any strowds blankets
rum or any other Indian comodities or merchandize
whatsoever on paki and penalty of forfieting such Indian
comodities or merchandize so kept and concealed as
aforesaid to be taken & sued for by y® sherrif his deputy
or deputies one third part to y* use of y® mayor of y* sfi
city for y« time being one third part to the use of the
mayor aldermen & comonalty of y** s^ city and one other
third to y® sherrif his deputy or deputys who are to sue
for y® same

Given in Albany the 9th day of December in the fifth
year of his majesties reign Anno. Do. 1718

(86)

NOTABLE W OMEN OF OLDEN TIMES.

From D. T. Yalentine^s Manual of the Common Cooncil of
New York, 1855, p. 517, et seq.

Elizabeth Van Es,

The daughter of Cornelius Hendriksen Van Es,
magistrate at Albany. When Elizabeth grew up to
woman's estate, she married a joung man named 6er-
rit Bancker. a trader at that plaee. The weddings,
ift those days, were scenes of great festivity, and
gathered a company from miles around, and one unfor-
tunate youth* named Oryn Cornelisen, while on his
way to the hon^e of the bride (it was in the early spring
of 1643) and conveying some of the guests over the Hud-
son river on the ice, with a double team and sleigh, the
ice gave way, and the whole party were immersed. By
the gallant exertions of the young men the girls were
rescued, but the horses were carried uiider the ice, and
were drowned. The record states that the party were
in a sad plight on arriving at the festival. After the
decease of her husband, Mrs. Bancker removed with her
family to New York, where she opened a store on her own
account. She resided there until her death, which took
place in 1694, at the age of about seventy years. The
inventory of her effects is worth preservii]g, as showing
the personnel of a first rate lady of ancient times in New,
Amsterdam. After enumerating a large quantity of store
goods and a share in a brigantlne, we find, one negro boy
named Toby, two bands of seawant (Indian belts), two
breast plates of seawant, one Bible with silver clasps^

Notable WomiTh of 01dm Tim$s. 87

one silver tankard, one silver becker, one silver mustard,
three gold hoop rings, two gold rings with stones, one
hundred and three beaver skins, eighteen otters, twenty-
three martins, nine fishers, eight minks, two cats, eight-
een water-rats, forty-nine hespannen, nine grey squirrels,
one red squirrel seven bear skins, one wolf skin, one
beaver rok, two Dutch Bibles, one small Bible with sil-
ver clasps, one New Testament with silver clasps, two
Catechisms, one Isaac Ambrosius, one House-wife, one
Horim's Church History, one French Flock of Israel,
one Coleman's Christian Interest, three Christ's Ways
and Works, one De Witt's Catechism, two Dyken'a
Church History, &c.

Helena Teller,

A daughter of William Teller, merchant, at Albany*
This gentleman was one of the pioneer traders of the
New Netherlands, having first commenced as an itine-
rant fur trader, and finally, after his marriage, became
settled at Albany as a general storekeepe/.

Helena was one of his daughters by his first wife»
and married a young Frenchman named Francois Rom-
bouts, who having come to New Netherlands in 1654»
as supercargo of a merchant vessel, met with some mis-
fortune that prevented his return, and he established
himself in New Amsterdam as a merchant. He became
successful in business, and was for some years a magis-
trate in that city. In 1679 he held the office of mayor.
Mr. Rombouts resided on the west side of Broadway,
below Rector street, on property formerly occupied by
Paulus Leendersen Yandiegrist, embracing a large garden
and orchard. He died in the year 1691, leaving his
widow and an only daughter. His widow survived him
some year?. Her father, the venerable William Teller,
Sen., died in the year 1701, at an advanced age. Some
familr difficulties between the children of the first and
second wives of Mr. Teller bad occasioned him much
domestic trouble^

^ NaaUe Women of Olden Times.

Johanna De Laet,

A daughter of Johannes De Laet, a merchant in
Holland, and one of the four original proprietors of the
colony of Rensselaerswyk, married first Johannes De
Hulter, in Holland, and, secondly, Jeronimus Ebhing,
whom she accompanied to this country. Ebbing was
a man of property, and conducted an extensive trade
between this and the fatherland. His place of residence
was on the Brouwer straat, in New Amsterdam, in
1674 his wife sold all her right and claim as heiress of
Johannes De Laet, to the colony of Rensselaerswyk for
the sum of five thousand seven liundred and sixty- two
florins or two thousand three hundred and one dollars,
which debt was discharged by the transfer to her of
certain bouweries and lands, which were deemed an
equivalent. This lady was proprietor, among other
tracts, of the weyland'or pasture lying between the third
and fourth kills, now called on the map of the city of
Albany Rutten and Fox creeks. About the year 1675,
Mr. Ebbing removed his residence to Esopus, now Kings-
ton, where, it is believed, both himself and the subject
of this sketch lived during the rest of their lives. Tliis
couple were among the most distinguished supporters of
the church, and the society in that era owed much to
t heir example in this respect.

Katrijn Roelofs.

This lady was the daughter of the famous Annetje Jans
by her first husband, Roelof Jansen.

Kaatje was not born in this country, but came hither
with her parents in 1630, when still a child. She lived
for a time near Albany, and shortly after removed to
New York, where she resided until near the close of the
century. Her advanced age, towards the close of her
life, made her an oracle in respect of events of the olden
time. She could remember when the habitations of the
town, with the exception of two or three buildings, were
no better than temporary shanties, or the rude huts of

Notable Women of OUtn Times. 89

the Indians. She recollected the old Indian war of 1641,
and events several years preceding, Katrijn was married
to Johannes Van Brugh, a respectable merchant, with
whom she passed half a century of domestic happiness.
Soon after their marriage the couple established their
residence on the outskirts of the town, on th^ present
Hanover square, where they lived until taken away by
death. The present open space called Hanover square,
then lay along the river shore, and was still occupied by
several of the primitive trees of the forest, which were
permitted to stand for many years, casting their broad
shadows over the handsome green. There the Indians
came to camp on their visits to the city, and the market
wagons rested from their journeys under the cooling
shade.

Annetje Jans.

Every«one has heard of the name of this lady, whose
fame has penetrated to many a hearth-stone, bearing
visions of unbounded wealth to any quiet family, whose
pedigree can be traced through two or three generations
back in this city To count up those' who in their imag-
ination represent untold wealth as the descendants of this
famous lady, would be an impossibility. iVnnetje Jans
was the widow of Dominie ^ogardus, the first clergyman
of New Amsterdam, who arrived in 1633.

He married this lady some years after his arrival, she
being then called Annetje Roelofs; she was the widow of
Roelof Jansen, one of the earliest settlers; at the time of
her marriage to Dominie Bogardus, Annetje Jans, or
Roelofs, had four children, the issue of, her former mar-
riage, and by the Dominie she subsequently had also four
children. The farm about which this controversy has
been so long sustained, embraced about sixty-two acres,
which were granted to Roelof Jansen, in the year 1636;
upon his death it passed to his widow, and after her
marriage with the Dominie it commonly went by the
name of the Dominie's bou wery. It extended from a line
a little south of the present Warren St., north-westerly

90 Notable Women of Olden Times.

about a mile and a half, to what is now Christopher
street, forming an irregular triangle, having its base on
the river, running, however, on Broadway only from
Warren to Duane street. Dominie Bogardus embarked
on the ship Princess, on a visit to the fatherland, in the
year 1647, and the vessel being cast away, the Dominie
with about eighty others perished. The widow continued
her residence in New York, and in 1654, thegrant of the
farm was confirmed to her and her heirs by Governor
Stuyvesant, and subsequently in 1667, after her death,
it was confirmed by the English government (which had
then recently come into possession of the province) to
her heirs. Itappears that in 1670, the vendue master
of New York sold by order, and for the account of the
heirs of Anna Bogardus, deceased, a part of this property
consisting of land and .meadow lying on the north of
Mespath*3 kill (above Canal street), commonly called
Dominie^s hook; John Sharpe became the purchaser at
7,950 florins; Sharpe afterwards refused to ratify on
account of some- alleged flaw in the title, and the sale
■ was never carried through.

In the following year William Bogardus for himself and
brothers, Jan and Jonas, and two of Annetje Jans^s sons-
in-law (acting in the' right of their wives, and by an
assignment of Peter Bogardus) conveyed this farm, to
Colonel Francis Lovelace, the Governor of New York.

One of the sons (Cornelius) did not join in the convey-
ance, and it is alleged that his heirs are entitled to a
share of the -property. In 1705, the farm (then called
the King's Farm) was leased by the colonial authorities
to Trinity Church, who have since remained in possession
and enjoyed the income of the property which is immense,
being in the best parts of the city. The ground recently
taken on behalf of the heirs, is not simply as the repre-
sentatives of the son Cornelius, but upon the ground that
whatever title the Colonial Government took from the
heirs, became vested after the Revolution, in the people
of this state; to place the matter in a situation which
maiy benefit the heirs, legislative action has been invoked

Koiabh Women of Olden Times. ^1

and the matter is now again pending in the supreme
court of New York.

To return to the personal affairs of the subject of this
sketch, it appears that she was a lively person, and as
scandal concerning the great ones of those days was
much in vogue, this lady was not without being assailed
by its shafts; though they fell harmlessly before her.

Lysbet Van Voorhuydt,

Daughter of Cornelius Segars Van Voorhuydt, of Castle
Island near Albany. Forming an attachment for a young
French trader who visited Albany on his peregrinations
among the Indians, she married him against her parents'
consent, and was renounced by her family. She left her
home, and her husband, Francis Boon, after accumulating
somemone}, established himself in the mercantile line
in New Amsterdam, his place of business being on the
West side of Broadway, opposite the present Bowling
Green. He became a man of wealth, and af\er some
years' residence there, removed to the West Indies,
where this lady died. Her parents had cut her off Uith
a shilling, but her own affluent circumstances, before her
death, had rendered their vindictiveness a matter of in-
difference in a pecuniary point of view.

Gkertruyd Schuyler.

This lady, a native of Albany, and inheriting the spirit
of one of the leading citizens of the time, married Ste-
phanus Cortland. She came prominently before the
public in the time of the Leislerian troubles, at the com-
mencement of which her husband was mayor of New
York. The rerolutionists having ordered a popular elec-
tion of city officers, and chosen a body friendly to their
cause, the latter found themselves without any of the
municipal paraphernalia, such as the city record, seal, &c.
as Van Cortland, in whose custody they were deposited,
had baen compelled to escape from the city, to avoid a war-
rant which had been issued against him by Lcisler. It
was understood, howerer, that the public property in

92 Notable Women of Olden Times.

question was still at his house, and a committee was
appointed to wait on Madam Van Cortland, to procure
the delivery of this property. She received them respect-
fully, but declined giving up any thing left with her by
her husband. The sergeant-at-arms was then directed to
make an official visit to her ladyship, but he was received
in a more cavali&r manner, by having the doors shut in
his face. • A great commotion now ensued, between the
revolutionists and Madam Van Cortland, and all sorts of
threats were held out before her, but the lady triumphed
in spite of all her opponents, and gained great honor in
her own party by her heroic defence of their cause.

Machtelde Willemsen.

In 1642 this lady accompanied her husband, Dominie
Johannes Megapolensis, to New Netherland, whither he
was sent in the quality of a clergyman of Rensselaerswyk.
This lady was, at that time, forty-two years of age; her
husband thirty-nine. Their children, Hillegond, Dirrick,
Jan and Samuel, accompanied them. The family remained
at F(Jrt Orange, or Albany, for several years; but madam,
to whom the charms of society in fatherland, and some
family affairs, extended an invitation which she could not
resist, and her husband finally consented to return.

Madam departed for Holland, her husband making
his arrangements soon to follow her. But. upon Teaching
New Amsterdam, where he was to take ship, in 1649, he
found that place without a clergyman, owing to the
departure of Dominie Backerus. He was pressed, by
Governor Stuyvesant, ** for the honor of God, for the
increase of the church and for the interest of meji, " to
remain in the country, for. a time at least. He resisted,
but persuasions were still added* **if it were only for the
instruction of the children who are every Sunday presented
at the Manhatans for ^baptism — sometimes one — some-
times two — yea, sometimes three and four together; " so
that the Dominie at last consented to stay, and he was
installed minster of the church of New Amsterdam, at a
salary of four hundred and eighty dollars per annum.

Notable Women of Olden Times. 93

Mrs. Megapolensis returned in the following year, and
thenceforth resided in New York. Her daughter married
Cornelius Van Ruyven, the colonial secretary. Her
son Samuel graduated at Harvard University, and was
subsequently established as clergyman in New York.

Ltsbet Gbeveraet,

Married, first, Mr. De Reimer, a young merchant of
New York, and after his death she became the wife of
Dominie Samuel Drissius, who, in the year 1652, was
appointed to assist in his clerical duties in New Amster-
dam, *' that worthy old servant the Rev. Megapolensis."
She brought to her husband a considerable property,
consisting of real estate, and the mercantile effects of her
late husband. It is one of'the peculiar features of those
early times, that the ladies of some of the most afQuent
and distinguished citizens, whose callings were of a pro-
fessional character, conducted mercantile pursuits in their
own names; this was true with Mother Drissius, as she
was called, who kept a thread and needle, or lady's fancy
store, in the best business part of the town, on the present
Pearl street, between AVhitehall and Broad street. By
her former husband she had several children, viz: Mar-
garet, who married Cornelius Steenwyck; Machteld,
who married Nicholas Gouverneur; Pie ter and Hubert.
By her second husband she had no children. Mother
Drissius died in. New York, at an advanced age, in the
year 1688, having survived her husband some years.

[Annah, viL] 9

(94)

THE TRANSIT OF ALBANY-

1853.

[In William Chambers's Things as they are in America
we find the following notice of Albany at p. 175.]

Southwards from Syracuse, the railway gets into the
valley of the Mohawk, and after passing the flourishing
town of Utica, much fine scenery is disclosed. At Little
Falls, a small but busy town situated among rocky pro-
tuberances and overhanging cliffs, with the river dashing
and leaping over its rugged channel, the draughtsman
would find numerous subjects for his pencil, equal in
picturesque beauty to some of the best points in Swiss
landscape. When we consider that only seventy years
have elapsed since pretty nearly the whole of the district
through which we are passing was a wilderness possessed
by tribes of Indians, its present condition as an apparent-
ly old-settled country, with thriving cities, elegant man-
sions and improved farm establishments, seems quite
marvelous. A gentleman at Canandaigua told me that,
about forty years ago, be could not reach Albanj'- in less
than a week, the journey being oneof great toil on horse-
back. Now, the distance is performed by railway in ten
hours.

My previous visit to Albany having been very brief,
I now remained some time in the place, to see its state
house, public libraries, and normal school establishment.
The State House, situated on the top of the rising ground
on which the city has been built, is a conspicuous and
elegant structure, devoted to the meetings of the legisla-
tures of the state of New York. In connection with it,
I was shown a library of 30,000 volumes, for the use of
members, and open to the public. A considerable number
of the books are of the best English editions, no expense

Charnb$rri Trofmf of Albany. 95

being spared t6 procure works of the highest class ia
general literature. Adjoining is an extensive law-library.
Among the more intei»esting works shown to strangers,
is a series of large volumes, embracing the printed legis-
lative proceedings since the English organization of the
colony. It is interesting to observe in the series, how
at the Revolution, the British royal arms and styles of
expression are quietly dropped, and followed by the
republican forms, as if no break had taken place in the
course of procedure. One of the volumes during the
colonial regime purports to be printed by Frankliii.
There are likewise shown some old colonial charters
from the king of England — dingy sheets of vellum, kept
as curiosities in glass cases, along with mummies from
Thebes, and other instructive antiquities. It is pitiable
to see ** George the Third, King of Great Britain, France,
and Ireland,'* as he is styled in these old writs, reduced
to this condition; but at the same time, it must be
allowed that if George and his advisers had possessed a
little more discretion, his charters and those of his
descendants might hare been living utilities, instead of
obsolete curiosities.

At the time of my visit, a new building for a state
library was fitting up at an expense of 80,000 dollars.
On the opposite of the square stands the State Hall, con-
taining the administrative offices of the state; and near
It is the City Hall. Both are of white marble, and have
a fine architectural effect. In these several establishments
I received every desired information ; and on my depar-
ture, I carried with me not only the grateful recollection
of much undeserved kindness, but presents of state papers
and reports on a most munificent scale. Of all the states
in the Union, that of New York has excelled in the gran-
deur of its public documents. Numerous statistical,
historical, and scientific investigations have been issued
at the expense of the state, in a series of large and splen-
didly iliustrated volumes; and these are imparted in^
manner so liberal and considerate as to command uni-
versal respect.

96 Chambcrs*s Tratmt of Albany.

Originally a Dutch settlement, Albany in the present
day is a substantial city of thoroughly American appear-
ance, with about 60,000 inhabitants; and its situation
near the head of the navigation of the Hudson, renders it
a flourishing emporium of commerce. Steam yessels
daily descend the Hudson to New York, making a voyage
of 145 miles; and the return voyage upwards is con-
sidered to be one of the most agreeable trips in river
navigation. The time of departure of the boats not
being quite convenient for me, I descended' not by
steamer, but by railway — the line, in many parts of
its course, being erected on piles within the edge of the
water, and at other places keeping within sight of the
finer parts of the river. After so much has beep written
by travelers of the scenery of the Hudson from New
York to Albany it will not be expected that I should
describe its varied beauties. For about twenty miles,
midway, ft goes through a picturesque mountainous dis-
trict, known as the Highlands of the Hudson; and here
it may be said to resemble the Rhine without its ruined
castles.

(97)

ANCIENT DOCUMENTS.

COL. CARTWRIGHT'S COMISSION TO GOE TO FORT ORANGE.
From General EDtries, vol. i, p. 35, Secretary's Office.

These are to will and require you and every of you to
bee ayding and assisting to Col. Geo: Cartwright in the
prosecution of his maHyes interest against all such of
what nation soever as shall oppose the peaceable sur-
render and quiet possession of the fTort Aurania, and to
obey him the said Col: George Cartwright according
to such instructions as I have given him in case the
Mohawkes or other Indyans shall attempt any thing
against the lives, goods or chattells of those who are
now under the protection and obedience of his majesty
of Great Brittaine : whereof you nor any of you are to
fayle as you will answer the contrary at your utmost
perrills.

Given under my hand and scale at ffort James in New
York on Manhatan's Island this 10th day of September^
1661. R. NicoLLs.

To the present Deputy Govenor and Magistrates and
Inhabitans of fforl Aurania.

THE CONFIRMACON OF MR. JEREMIA8 RENZLUER9 AUTHORITY
AND PRIVILEDGES IN RENZLUERSWICK.

From General Entries, vol. i, p. 50, Secretary's Office.

By vertue of my comission from bis royall highnesse
James Duke of York & Albany, I doe by these presents
ordeV and appoint that Mr. Jeremias Renzluer shall and

98 Ancient Documents.

may lavefully enjoy and execute all such priTiledges and
authority within the limits of Renzluerswlcke, as he did
enjoy & execute before the surrender of New Vork into
his majesties obedience: And I do further declare that
all persons in the said colony of Renzluerswicke shall
haye and enjoy the benefitt of the articles made ajid
agreed upon at the surrender of New Yorke as fully and
effectually as if the said colony had been expressly men-
coned therein : Provided all ways, that within the space
of one yearo, after the date hereof, the said Jeremias
Benzluer do procure a different pattent for the colony
from his royal highnesse, and in the meane time that all
the inhabitants shall take the oath to his majesty and
the present government.

Given under my hand & s^ale at ffort James in New
Torke on the Isle of Manhattans, this 18th day of Octo-
ber 1664 R: NicoLLs.

INSTRUCTIONS FOB CAPTAIN JOHN BACKER FOR THE WELL
REGULATING OF THE MIUTIA AND OTHER AFFAIRS AT
ALBANY.

From Orders, Warrants, Letters, p. 239, Secretary's Office.

1. Because tis in vaine to give instructions unlesse
you observe them punctually you are strictly charged &
required to read them over frequently, and not to follow
your owne humour but my order.

2. You are to keep a constant guard in y^ fort: But
since there is no evident danger of force or surprisall,
you may lessen the duty of y* souldiers whereby they
may have liberty to advance themselves by worke or
trade.

3. Tou are to keepe good order and discipline with y®
souldiers not lending to easy an eare to their complaints
against their land lords ; But where you find the coin-
plaints reasonable you are to make it known to y®
comissaryes yr who are empowered to give redl'esse

Ancient Documents. 99

therein against their land lords or any other inhabitants
who shall offer violence or injury to the souldiers.

4. If any of y^ inhabitants made a Just complaint
against a souMier the punishment of y^ souldier belongs
only to your selfe.

5. In matters capitall or treatyes with y® Indians you
are to sit in y® fort with y® schout and comissaryes as y®
upper court whereof you are to bee president and upon
equall division of voices to have the castinge & decisive
voice: But in the ordinary courts for civill affaires you
have nothing to doe.

6. You. are to give the word to y® militia officer of
y* towne and especially when any report is brought of
any danger to cause more strict guards to bee kept.

7. You are to keepe a faire correspondence with y®
comissaryes and towarde all the inhabitants & endeavor
to live as brothers together. Avoiding all occasion of
publick controversy or falling out: But if you have any
greevance make it knowne calmly without heate or pas-
sion to y® court : And if they do not give redresse you
are to remitt y® matter to mee as it was delivered to y®
court.

8. Lett not your eares bee abused with private storyes
of y® Dutch, being disaffected to y* English, for generally
wee can not expect they love us : But when you have
any sufficie^nt testimony against any Dutchman of words
or actions tending to y® breach of peace or scandalous
defamacon deliver over the testimonyes to the comisaryes
from whom I expect justice shall bee done.

9. You are to cause the guard house to be repaired, as
also other necessarye repaires to bee made, with as little
expence as is possible, knowing the narrowness of our
present condition.

10. You are to receive the third of y® fines from y«
scout as they a.re establish t under my hande as also to
continue the practise of giving ticketts for entryes of
goods upon sloopes as formerly not to increase the rates
but by each sloop send y® entry signed with your hands
to Mr. Van Ruyv^n.

100 Ancient Documents.

11. If it shall at any time happen that y^ Indjans
comitt any violence at or neare Albany, you are to joyne
in councell with y^ comissaryes, what is best to bee done
till my further directions can bee knowne.

12. I have taken that care for y® provisions that you
shall not meddle further therein.

13. You are from time to time, as occasion presents,
in company with y® comissaryes to give audience to y*
sachem of all nations. And after advice with y® comis-
saryes, returne them answer, suitable to their proposals.
You are to receive their presents. And make them pre-
sents at your own charge.

14. Y'ou are to receive from y® pachter of y® great
accise two hundred guilders seawan for y® service of y*
house the comissaryes will pay the hireinghe of y^ scowe
alone without hands for your use twice in y® yeare.

' 15. There are some souldiers who have undertaken to
furnish the guard and soldiers quarters in toune with
sufficient firewood yearely for six hundred guilders
seawan the comissaryes will lend them y® scowe six
times at their charge, but y^ souldiers are to man y®
scowe.

16. You are to see that those bedds and appurtenan-
ces which were delivered to you bee distributed amongst
y^ souldiers according to their numbers bee not any
wayes embezeled or abused by them since an account
will be required from you of them.

17. You are as often as occasion presents to send to me
to give an accountof y® state of all affaires and transac-
tions with you: And in case of great importance and imer-
gences, you are to sent express messengers either Christ-
ians or Indyans according to y^ seasonableness of the yeare
by either of which that can perform the yourney best.

18. And forasmuch as it appeares evident to mee that
severall complaints being exhibited against the burgers
of this toune whereof some of them are very meane in
their nature, others of some years standing, all tending
but to y^ unsettling of mens minds: And rising up those
seedes of distrust and jealousie amongst us» which aboue
all things ought principally to bee avoyded; my will and

Ancient Documents^ 101

pleasure is that to tbis present there bee a general! am-
nistia and oblivion and for y^ future that no complaints
bee brought before rnee but such as are of high nature,
and the proofs grounded upon sufficient testimony es and
to referre crimes of smaller nature to y® comissaryes
before whom they properly lye.

These instructions were given at Albany by both the
governors in August 1668.

[A series of instructions corresponding with the fore-
going, from 1 to 11, inclusive; was issued to Captain
Baker by Richard Nicolls previously. These, without
date, are recorded in the Secretary's Office, Patents,
vol. i, p. 133.

Captain Baker was dismissed from all military service
at Albany or elsewhere by a resolution of the council.
May, 14, 1670, and Captain Salisbury was elected to his
place. See Council Minutes, vol. iii, p. 2T.]

FORM OF MANOR LEASE, MDCXCVI.

[The following is a copy of the original lease of the
island below the city, on the east side, kilown as Staats's
Island. This island, formerly called by its Indian name
Papskna, is about five miles in length and half a mile in
width. On the south extremity is an elevation called
by the Dutch Hooghberg (high hill). The hill has been
occupied as a dwelling of the Staats family from the
time of its first settlement, and the stone foundation of
the present house was laid more than one hundred and
sixty years since. It is at present owned and occupied
by Joachim P. Staats, brother of the Doctors Staats of
this city, who are the lineal descendants of Samuel
Staats, and were born on the island.]

This Indenture made the Seventh day of Sep'r in y*
yeare of our Lord God 1696, in y« Eight yeare of His
Majties Reigne, Wm y* 3th over England &c King.

Between Kllian Van Renselaer of y* Lordship or Manor
of Renselaerswyck in y* county of Albany, and Province
of New York in America Esqr sonn of Jeremia Van
Renselaer, late of y^ same place deceased, of y^ one part,

102 Aneitnt Documents.

and Samuel Slaets of y* Citty of New Yorke, Chirurgeoh
of y® other part, Witnesseth, that y^ s^ Kiiian Van Rens-
elaer, as well in performance of a certain covenant and
agreement, contained, specified and declared in a certain
Indenture of covenants bearing date y® 14th day of April),
Anno one thousand Six hundred Ninety-six, made be-
tween y*' s** Kiiian Van Renslaer and Kiiian Van Rens-
laer, now at present of the Citty of New York, in
America Esqr sonn of John Baptista Van Renslaer, late
of y® Citty of Amsterdam in Holland dec** as also for
divers good caus^-s and lawful considerations, him 3^ s*'
Kiiian Van Renslaer, thereunto especially moveing and
for y® further consideration of five shillings current
money of New Yorke, to him in hand paid by y^ s^ Samuel
Staets, at and before tb* ensealing & delivery of these
presents, the receipt where of he doth hjreby acknow-
ledge and him there wth, fully satisfied and contented.

Have granted, bargained & sold, aliened, Enfeofed &
confirmed «nd by these presents doth grants bargain and
sell, alien, Enfeof and cpnfirme, unto y® said Samuel
Staets and to his heirs & assigns for ever, All that a
Certain Farme or Plantation, scituate lying and being on
y® East side of Hudson's River, in y® county of Albany
& Province afores^, being part of y*^ Lord ship or Manner
of Renslaers Wyck afores**, lately in y* possession of
Comilis Teunison Van Veghten, & now delivered in y*
possession of s^ Samuel Staets, upon y^ Island called and
known by y*' name of Paapskane, containing in bignesse
as it is now in possession of s^ Cornilis Teunison, with
halfe of y® pasture. »

Together with all houses, out houses, erections and
buildings, barnes, barracks, stables, orchards, gardens,
yards, backsides. Fences, wayes, Easements, Lands, Tene-
ments, meadows. Feedings, Pastures, Woo4s, underwoods,
Profitts, comodities and hereditaments, with their and
ever J of their rights, members and appurtenances whatso-
ever, thereunto belonging, or in any manner of way
appertaining, or therewith all used & enjoyed, as part,
parcell & member thereof, and y® reversion and rever-
sions, remainder and remainders^ rents, issues & profitts

Ancient Documents. 103

of y® same, and of every t)art and parcell thereof, and all y*
estate right, title, interest, possession, property, claime
and demand, whatsoever of y® s** Eilian Van Renselaer of
in or to y® same, or any part or parcell there of, with
free priviledge of cutting & hewing of timber, fencing
wood & fire wood for y® use of y^ s^ Farme out of y®
Commons.

To HAvjE AND TO HOLD y* s^ Farme or Plantation, and
all & singular other y® premises hereby granted, bargaind
& sold, or mentioned or intended to be herein or hereby
granted, bargaind & sold, with their and every of their
rights, members and appurtenances whatsoever to y® s'^
Samuel Staets, his heirs & assigns forever. To & for y«
only proper use, & behoofe of y ' s^ Samuel Staets, his
heires & assigns for ever. Yeelding, rendering & paying
therefore yearly & every yeare; and y^ s** Samuel Staets
for himselfe, his heires. Executors, Adminstrators &
assigns, doth promise, covenant and grant to and with y®
s ' Eilian Van Renselaer his heires & assigns to yeeld
render and pay to him y® s** Kilian Van Renselaer his
heirs & assigns for y*^ s^ farme yearly & every yeare, the
tenth part of y® yearly produce of y^ s** Land, above
granted bargained sold & released according to y® Cus-
tom and usage of said 'Manor. And y® s' Kilian Van
Renselaer for him self, his heires & assigns y® s^ farm or
plantation & all other singular y^ premises before herein
mentioned to be granted, bargained and sold, wth their
& every of their appurtenances, unto y® s^ Samuel Staets
his heires and assigns in his & their quiett & Peaceable
Possession & Seizen against him the s ' K4Iian Van Rense-
laer his heirs and assigns, and all & every person and
Persons whatsoever lawfully claiming by from or under
him them or any of them shall atid will warrant & for
ever defend by these presents. In witness where of s**
partys to these present Indenture have hereunto inter-
changeably sett their hands and scales Datum ut Supra

Samuel Staats. [l. s.]
Sealed and delivered in y'^ presence of

Joachim Staats,
Jan Ner Curie,

(104)

INSCRIPTIONS

IN THE

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN BURIAL GROUND.

Beneath this tomb rest the remains of the first person

interred in this cemetery.
In memory of E. Kiilam Abbey, who was born Nov. 12,

1806, and died Aug. 8, 1834, aged 27 years, 8 months,

19 days.
In memory of Eliza, wife of Thomas Acres, who died

Sept. 2, 1824, aged 26 years.

AH things are vain; be wise and )earn to know,
Vexation, pain and trouble dwell below.
True happiness, the Christianas glorious prize.
Is found beyond the grave, above the skies.

In memory of Ann Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Eliza
Acres, who died Sept. 8, 1825, aged 1 year, 2 months
and 17 days.

There is rest in Heaven.

Sacred to the memory of Mary, wife of Tilly Allen, who
died Sept. 25, 1816, in the 26th year of her age.

Sacred to the memory of Mary, wife of Tilly Allen, who
died Jan. 15, 1833, in the 44th year of her age.

In memory of Elizabeth Huntington, daughter of E. F.
and Elizabeth Backus, born 14th Oct., 1811. died 23d
Sept., 1816, aged 4 years, 11 months. 9 days.

Prudence M. Jenkins, wife of John F. Bacon, died Dec.
29, 1832, aged 42 years; and their infant boy.

Neither can they die any more;
For they are equal unto the angels.

Burial Ground Inscriptions. 105

In memory of Caroline Elizabeth, iiho died April 6,
1816, aged 6 months, 8 days: John Fairbanks, died
July 29, 1820, aged 9 months, 24 days; children of
John and Prudence M. Bacon.

In memory of Naomi, wife of Henry A. Bancraflt, who
died July 2, 1833, in the 29th year of her age.

George W. Barnes, died April 4, 1844, aged 51 years, 11
months, 23 days.

Sacred to the memory of Matilda Batchelder^ who de-
parted this life July 23, 1825, in the 38th year of her
age.

In memory of Mary Ann Bennett, wife of Sala Bennett,
who died May 15, 1823, aged 22 years, 1 month, 22 days.

In memory of Mary Ann Bennett, daughter of Sala and
Mary Ann Bennett, who departed this life June 8th,
1823, aged 27 days.

Israel Huntington, son of the Rev. Israel Brainard, of
Verona, Oneida county, N. Y., died July 8, 1836, aged
28 years and 5 months.

In memory of Henrietta Breakey, daughter of William
and Catharine Breakey, who departed this life October
28, 1828, aged 1 year, 8 months, 2 days.

In memory of Isabella S., wife of Isaac Brown, who
died August 26, 1831, aged 25 years, 5 days.

Behold I we see, while here we look,
The dearest ties of friendship hrbke;
The grief and sorrow pierce the hearty
The dearest friends we see must part.
'*Can this dust live? " blind natare cries;

The Gospel answers, "Yes, it can."
When Christ descends the saints shall rise,

And hail thy advent, son of man.

In memory of Mrs. Lucy Brown, who died on the 9th of
January, 1836, in the 59th year of her age.

From pure affection take this tribute due
To such a mother, wife and friend as you.
But rest in peace, departed shade, thy worth,

Thy deeds shall ever in our bosoms dwell;
Thy form, now mouldering into mother earth,

Sleep on in peace, in heaven — farewell,

[AnnalSf vii,] 10

106 Sectrnd Presbyterian Church

Bufus Brown died September 26, 1841, aged 59 years.
In memory of Cornelia, wife of Rufus Brown, who died

Oct, 23, 1819, aged 37 years.
Margaret Bullock, wife of Rufus Brov^n, died February

7, 1832, itged 34 years, 4 months.
In memory of Alfred L. Brown, son of Allen and Nancy

Brown, born March 23, 1809, died July 26, 1813, aged

4 years, 4 months, 24 days.
A. L. Brown, died March 1, 1814, aged 5 months, 20 days.
Alfred A. Brown, son of Allen and Nancy Brown, died

January 31, 1816, aged 39 days.
Charles E., son of Allen and Nancy Brown, died May 1,

1625, aged 6 years, 2 months and 24 days.
Abigail, wife of John Boardman, died April 19, 1843,

aged 70 years, 3 months.
John Boardman, son of John and Abigail Boardman,

died March 14, 1834 , aged 24 years and 8 months.
Nancy, wife of Samuel Boyd, died February 19, 1844,

aged 60 years.

She is not dead, but sleepetb.

In memory of Hannah, wife of Chester Bulkley, who
died December 23, 1820, aged S5 years; and their in-
fant son, Chester.

^^ Can tilts dust live?^ blind nature cries;

The Gospel answers, *' Yes, it can:**
When Christ descends the saints shall rise,

To hail thy advent, son of man.

In memory of Elizabeth, daughter of Chester and Hannah

Bulkley, who died August 26, 1807.
The grave of Silas B., son of Chester Bulkley, who died

May 18, 1831, aged 19 years.
The grave of John, son of Chester Bulkley, who died

May 26, 1833, aged 19 years.
Hannah Tyler, daughter of B. T. and H. Butler, died

April 8, 1833, aged 5 years, 6 months and 26 days.

The turf is on her^ weep not now;

All blessings crown the*^early dead.
She was called home ere from her brow

One trace of radiaat mirth had fled.

Burial Ground Inscriptions. 107

Knowing but lovers unclouded sun,
Her dream of earth was bric^ht as brief.

Rejoice, that, when the goal the won,
Her crown had .not a withered leaf.

In memory of Mary Buttre, wife of WiHiam Buttre, who
died September 18, 1817, aged 38 years.

Blessed are Ithe dead that die in the Lord, for their works shall
follow thepi.

In memory of Charles Buttre, son of Levi Buttre of
Wethersfield, Conn., who died December 12,' 1834, in
the 19th year of his age.

To the memory of Georgeanna, daughter of Charles and
Margaret Burrows, aged 4 years and 7 months.

Ellen D. Campbell, wife of John C. Campbell, born July
1,1818, died June 26, 1850.

Cathrine Marl Case, died January 29, 1821, aged 17 years.

Fredrick A. Case, died at St. lago de Cuba, May 31,
1821, aged 20 years.

In memory of Elizabeth Center, consort of Asa H. Cen-
ter, who departed this life July 16th, 1824, aged 39
years, 6 months, 19 days.

Unveil thy bosom, £iithful tomb,
Take this new treasure to thy trust,

And give these precious relics room,
To seek a slumber in the dust. ^

In paemory of Miss Abby Center, who departed this life
September 14, 1810, aged 24 years, 4 months, 22 days.

In memory of Abby Center, daughter of Asa and Eliza-
beth Center, who died July 4, 1813, aged 1 year, 6
months and 20 days.

In memory of Theodore, son of Asa H. and Elizabeth

Center, who died January 5, 1814, aged 3 months.
.In memory of Juliet P., daughter of Sidney and Pamelia
A. Chapin, who departed this life January 25, 1833,
aged 4 years.

Early removed from bleak misfortune^s power,
Secure from storms, here rests a tender flower.

Harriet, daughter of Samuel Cheever, Esq.. died Sept. 5,
1833, aged 5 months; Gertrude died Sept. 28, 1834,
aged 20 days.

If aught in Heaven avoids reproach, 'tis infant innocence.

108 Second Presbyterian Church

Julia S. R, Cheever, daughter of Samuel Cheever, Esq.,

died September 13^ 1B35, aged 13 years and 7 months.

Neither mind nor loveliness could put by the demands of death,
else earth had been longer and heaven become later the scene of her
endearments.

John Chester, D. D., born at Wethersfield, Connecticut,

August, A. D. 1785, and installed pastor of the Second

Presbyterian congregation in the city of Albany, A. D.

1815. He died at Philadelphia, January 12, 1829.

where his ashes lie intombed.

affectionate remembrance of the loveliness of

his character, the purity of his life, and the

faithfulness of his ministry,

Bereaved and sorrowing people have raised this -monument.

To the memory of Arthur Fitch Clark, son of Asahel
and Sabine Agusta Clark, who was born June 20th,
1829 and died April 14, 1831,

This stone is erected by his parents in affectionate remembrance
of their only child.

Sacred to the memory of Parmela Batchelder, wife of
Daniel P. Clark, who departed this life March 29th,
1834, in the 42d year of her age.

Beneath this stone a gem doth lie,'

Whose home is in yon distant sky;
It there will beam in glory bright,

When earth is wrapt in sudden night.

Amelia Ann, wife of Albert Conkling, and daughter of
Chauncey and Marinda Mills, died October 14, 1838,
in the 23d year of her age.

The victory now is obtained,

She has gone her dear Saviour to see,
Her wishes she fully has gained,

She is now where she long wished to be.
Then IH us forbear to complain,

That she has now gone from our sight.
We soon shall behold her again,

With new and redoubled delight.

To the memory of Roscoe, infant son of Alfred and
Eliza Conkling, who died July 1st, 1828.

Burial Ground Inscriptions, 109

Sacred to the memory of Catherine, daughter of Daniel
and Harriet Conkling, who died February 25, 1831,
aged 1 year, 2 months, 7 days.

This lovely bud, so young and fair,

Called hence by early doom,
Just came to show how sweet a flower

In paradise would bloom.

In memory of William Bulkley, infant son of Daniel
and Harriet Conkling, who died January 11th, 1832,
aged 15 months.

Benjamin Smith, son of Erastus and Harriet Corning, died
September 18, 1821, aged 1 year, 8 months, 18 days.

The wind shall whistle o^er
His grass grown grave,
And all within be peace.

Josepl^ Weld, infant son of Erastus and Harriet Corning,
died August 14th, 1830, aged 17 months and 6 days.

Lie still, sweet babe,
And take thy rest ;
God called thee home
• When he thought best.

John Spencer, son of Erastus and Harriet Corning, died
February 25th, 1833, aged 5 years, 3 months, 12 days.

Weep not for those whom the vale of the tomb.
In lifers early morning hath hid from our eyes.

Ere sin threw a veil o^er the spirit^s young bloom,
Or earth had profaned what was born for the skies.

In memory of Sarah Martin, wife of George Couchman,
who departed this life January 22, 1836, aged 32
years, leaving a husband and four children to mourn
her loss : Elizabeth, Fanny, Sarah and Mary Jane.

Farewell, dear husband, my life is past, .

Iloved you whilst my life did last;
Weep not for me •, no sorrow take •,

But love my children for my sake.

In memory of Thomas Cunningham, son of Ichabod and
Jane Cunningham, who departed this life October 15,
1828, aged^ years, 10 months and 17 days*

110 Second Pnthtfttrian Church

In memory of William Ogden, oldest son of Hoffman and
Hannah Maria Covert, who died March 9, 1848, aged
2 years, 10 months, 22 days.

In this grave sleep together two children of Nathaniel
and Catherine Davis; Nathaniel died 20th January,
1818, aged 3 years, 4 months. 23 days; Susan Mary
died April 17, 1819, aged 11 years, 12 days.

Together down they sink in social sleep,

Together freed their gentle spirits fly,

To scenes where love and bliss immortal reign.

Sacred to the memory of Sarah, wife of John C. Draper,
who departed this life on the 21st November, 1827,
aged 27 years.

'Precious shall be the memory of the many viitoes that . adorned
and elevated her character.

Also, Edward Alexander, son of John C. and Sarah
Draper, who departed this life on the 1 2th July, 1827,
aged 2 years.

Pure as from Heaven his spirit came,

To Heaven as pure *tis gone again ;

His heavenly parent bid it come, *

Then why should earthly parents mourn?

Melville Gregory, son of Josiah H. and Adelia W. Draper,
died April 23, 1850, aged 1 yealr, 5 months, 7 days.

Morson, son of John M. and. Olive Eddy, died July 15,
1832, aged 5 months.

In memory of John Edic, of the town of Deerfield,
Oneida county, who was accidentally drowned at
Albany, on the 10th day of November, 1823, aged
30 years. 11 months, 25 days.

In memory of Mrs. Sally Fanning, wife of Mr. Amos Fan-
ning, who died September 3, 1816, aged 24 years, 4
months and 14 days.

Ah, cruel death, thou destroyest the hopes of man. It is thou
that causest this sweet innocence to moulder here.

Also in memory of Edwin S. Fanning, son of Mr. Amos
and Mrs. Sally Fanning, who died October 1, 1816,
aged 7 months and 15 days.

Sacred to the memory of Captain John Fisher, a native

Buria I Ground In8cri][dums, 111

of Scotland, who departed thi& life August 13, 1841,

aged 81 years and 2 months.
Theodore, son of Elisha and Delia Foot, died January

14, 1826.
Esther, daughter of Elisha and Delia Foot, died Decern-

ber 2, 1830.
Elizabeth Avery^ wife of Benjamin JFriday, born in

Watervliet, July 20, 1797,. died in Albany, February

2, 1850, aged 52 years, 6 months, 12 days,

A loving wife, a Christian mother,
A Christian true this stone discover,
Faithful and patient, chaste in love,
Dead to this world but lives above.

Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Gifford, died September 9,

1845, aged 63 years, 7 months and 3 days.

Be ye followers of them who through faith and patience inherit
the promises.

Sacred to the memory of Lucy, wife of Timothy Glad-
ding. She died March 12, 1822, aged 31 years.

The holy triumphs of her soul,

Did death itself outbrave;
Left dull mortality behind,

And flew beyond the grave.

Margaret Grant, bom in Strathspey, Scotland, died in

Albany, May 25, 1845, aged 83 years.
R. Glenn.
In memory of James Grassie, a native of Aberdeen,

Scotland, who died in the full assui^nce of a blessed

immortality, April 2, 1839, in the 73d year of his age.
Louisa Grassie, died May 7, 1839, aged 5 years and 6

months; also, James Grassie, 2d, died May 11, 1839,

aged 3 years and 7 months : children of William C.

and Jane C. Grassie.
In memory of Lewis Grinnell, who died August 25th,

1834, aged 40 years; formerly of Bhode Island.

The memory of the just is blessed.

In memory of Miranda Hammond, consort of J. D.
Hammond, who died August 27, 1831, in the forty-
fourth year of her age.

112 Second Presbyterian Church

Jabez Hammond, son of J. D. and Miranda Hammond,
who died February 17, 1828, aged 6 years, 8 months
and 17 days.

Alas how frail is the tenure of human hopes.

See truth, love and naercy in triumph decending,
And nature all glowing in Eden's first bloom;

On ihe cold cheek of death smiles and roses are blending,
And beauty immortal awakes from the tomb.

In memory of Samuel Hascy, who died October 12, 1830,
aged 53 years, 27 days.

Sarah Hills, wife of Eras t us Hills, died October 8, 1850,
aged 53.

There shall be no night there. — Rev. zzi, 25.

Charles Whiting, son of Erastus and Sarah Hills, died

October 19, 1839, aged 23 years.
Henry E. Hills, son of Erastus and Sarah Hills, died

September 14, 1850, aged 19.

I go to prepare a way for you.— Jesus Christ.

Sacred to the memory of W. R. Hills, who departed this
life February 15, 1844, aged 51 years, 6 months, 9 days.

Sacred to the memory of Laura Hills, born September
5, 1829, and died January 23d, 1832; also, George
Augustus Hills, born December 5, 1831, and died Feb-
ruary 23, 1832; and also William Henry Hills, born
September 17, 1823, died July 6, 1835; children of
William R. and Adaline Hills.

Emily, daughter of Jesse and Nancy Holland, died April
12, 1842, aged 42 years.

In memory of Isabella, relict of John Holmes, who died
November 3, 1841, aged 80 years,

Eatherine E. Sawyer, wife of Elias Holmes, died Sep*
tember 9, 1850, in the 33d year of her age.

In memory of Hannah Hopkins, daughter of Major John
Hopkins, of Boston, who died March 8, 1825, aged 49
years and 24 days.

Sacred to the memory of Louisa Maria Howe, wife of
Silas B. Howe, and daughter of Caleb Davis, who died
May 12, 1830, aged 22 years and 5 months; also, Hul-
dah Emily, infant daughter of S. B. and L. M. Howe,

Burial Ground Inscriptions. 113

Sacred to the memory of Letitia, wife of Maltby Howell,

who died November 20, 1821, aged 32 years, 7 months

and 23 days.

Sweet are the slumbers of that blessed bed
On which our Saviour laid his sacred head ]
In this dark mansion is no jasting gloom,
For hope^s bright torch illuminates this tomb.

In memory of Margaret Ann, daughter of Maltby and

Letitia Howell, who died July 28, 1843, in the 24th

year of her age.
In memory of James, son of Maltby and Letitia Howell,

wh(J died March 28, 1832, in the 22d year of his age.
In memory of George Huntington, Jr., son of George

and Hannah Huntington, of Rome, in the county of

Oneida, and a student in the Theological Seminary at

Andover, who died March 25, 1828, in the 21st year

of his age.
Mrs. Lucy James, wife of Daniel James, died January

II, 1818, aged 31 years.
Mrs. Esther James, wife of Daniel James, died July ^2,

1821, aged 39 years.
In memory of John Herman, son' of Edwin and Maria

Ann Jessup, who departed this life April 20, 1830,

aged 5 years, 7 months and 9 days.
Margaret Jermain, widow of John Jermain, deceased,.

died March 30, 1833. aged 69 years.
John Ogden and Frances Joy, beloved children of Miles

and Eunice Joy, died of scarlet fever; the former,

September 2, 1842, aged 4 years, 3 months, 16 days;

the latter, September 16, 1842, aged 2 years, 1 month,

15 days.
Sacred to the memory of Lucretia, wife of James Keeler,

departed this life, December 11, 1836, aged 61 years,

9 months, 19 days.
In memory of Margaret Morgan, daughter of Charles A.

and Ann Maria Eeeler, died April 26, 1838, aged 2 y.
In memory of Spencer, son of Charles A. and Ann

Maria Keeler, died May 13, 1842, aged 7 years, 2

months, 12 days.

114 Second Presbyterian Church

In memory of David Wells, infant son of David and
Harriet Kilboum, who died July 11, 1828.

Ellen, wife of Rufus King, and daughter of Robert Elliott,
born July 29, 1812, died July 2, 1838.

Sacred to the memory of Harriet Lansing, wife of Ger-
ritt Lansing, Jun'r, who died on the 21st day of Feb-
ruary, aged 56 years, 10 months and 9 days.

Sarah Preston, wife of Harvey Lathrop, died April 5,
1847, aged 48 years, 9 months and 8 days.

Also, their four children: Henry died February 17,
1822, aged 11 months; Justus died July 15, 1827, aged
10 months; Henrietta died April 26, 1829, aged 4 years
and 9 months; Minerva died December 25, 1837, aged

2 years and 7 months.

Sacred to the memory of Juliet E., wife of Thomas
Lawrence, Jun'r, who departed this life the 3d of
December, 1832, aged 23 years and 10 months, in the
fiill hope of a blessed immortality.

Stranger, prepare to meet your God.

Gordon Ley, bom in Aberdeen, Scotland, died March 17,
1847, aged 46 years.

Orren Lincoln, died April 30, 1840, aged 47 years.

In memory of Catharine Fairbank, daughter of N. S.
and L. Littlejohn, born February 28, 1836, died Feb-
ruary 28, 1838.

So fades the lovely, blooming flower,
Frail smiling solace of an hour;
So soon our transient comforts fly,
And pleasure only blooms to die.

In memory of Sarah, wife of Elisha Mack, who departed

t^is life March 4, 1819, aged 29 years and 3 months.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of Elisha and Julia Ann Mack,

died July 6, 1840, aged 1 year, 2 months and ^ days.
Uriah Marvin, died November 24, 1848, aged 78 years,

3 months, 16 days.

Olive, wife of Uriah Marvin, died April 7, 1849, aged 74
years, 7 months, 1 day.

Burial Oround InscriptimiB, 115

In memory of Edward Marvin, son of Uriah and Olive
Marvin, who died September 14, 1810, aged 1 year, 4
months, and 25 days.

In memory of Edward Marvin, son of Uriah Marvin,
who died April 16, 1813, aged 2 years, 3 months and

5 days.

In memory of Phebe Ann, daughter of Uriah and Olive
Marvin, who departed this life 3d January, 1815, aged
1 year and 5 months.

Benjamin Marvin, son of Uriah and Olive, died Septem-
ber 23, 1825, aged 17 years.

In memory of Harriet Eliza, daughter of Henry and
Harriet Marvin, who died June 6, 1836, aged 2 years,
8 months and 29 days.

In memory of Walter, son of Henry and Harriet Marvin,
who died June 17, 1836, aged 8 years, 3 months and
3 days.

In memory of Jane Agnes, daughter of Charles and
Maria Marvin, who died February 1, 1837, aged 5
years, 9 months, 11 days; also, their son, Edward,
who died July 26, 1828, aged 11 months and 4 days.

In memory of Eunice Walker Mascraft, only child of
William and Eunice Mascraft, who died December 10,
1837, aged 5 years, 1 month and 6 days.

Suffer little chiUren to come unto me and forbid them not, for of
anch is the kingdom of Heaven.

A tribute of friendship, this stone marks the spot where
repose the mortal remains of Fredrick Matthews, born
in New Braintree, Mass., April 22, 1793; died in
Albariy, June 4. 1830.

He was a good friend; a good man; a devout Christian.

Elias Mather. Died September 6, 1843, aged 66 years.
Sacred to the memory of Ann Mather, wife of Elias
Mather, who died December 24, 1819, aged 33 years,

6 months, 18 days.

Sacred to the memory of Cynthia Mather, wife of Elias
Mather, who died December 14, 1827, aged 36 years,
5 months.

116 Second Presbyterian Church

In memory of Charles C. Mather, son of Elias and

Nancy Mather, who died August 7, 1810, aged 13

months, 15 days.^
In memory of James, son of Elias and Nancy Mather.

who died August 21, 1814, aged 13 months, 15 days.
In memory of Cynthia Ann, daughter of Elias and Nancy

Mather, born September 18 and died October 21, 1815.
Susan Batch elder, wife of William McCammon, bom

July 21, 1814, died June 5, 1839, aged 24 years, 10

months, 15 days.
Sacred to the memory of William McConnell, who de-
parted this life January 25, 1811, aged 44 years, 2

months, 4 days.
Sacred to the memory of Ann McConnell, wife of Wil-
liam McConnell, who departed this life February 14,

1839, Aged 69 years, 3 months.
In memory of Mary McKenney, wife of Erastus Mc

Kenney, who departed this life April 17, 1828, aged

22 years, 1 1 months, 1 day.
In memory of Jane, wife of Erastus McKinney, who

departed this life, August 22, 1832, in the 27th year

of her age,
Agnes, daughter of James and Susan McEewn, died 22d

March, 1821, aged 1 year, three months and 23 days.
Sacred to the memory of Finlay McNaughton, who

departed this life on the 28th of March, .1828, aged

36 years, 2 months, and 28 days.
In memory of George McPherson who departed this life

December 31, 1833, aged 50 years.
In memory of Charles, son of George and Harriet Mc

Pherson, who departed this life October 13, 1822,

aged 1 year, 1 month, 24 days.
In memory of John, son of Horace and Sarah Meacham,

who died December 18, 1818, aged 1 year, 8 months.
In memory of Sarah, daughter of Horace and Sarah
Meacham, who died October 5, 1820, aged 1 year,
4 months.
Maria, Lucretia and Richard; children of Richard M.
and Maria Meigs. Maria died June 9, 1825, aged 10

Burial Ground Inscriptions. 117

years and 7 months; Richard died February 28, 1823,
aged 7 months.
In memory of Bevil Cosbom Mills, son of Chauncey
and Miranda Mills, who departed this life October 19,
1825, aged 17 years, 5 months.

Hope looks beyond the bounds of time,

When what we now deplore
Shall rise in full immortal prime,

And bloom to fade no more.

Sacred to the memory of Chauncey Mills, who departed
this life October 31, 1829, aged 19 years, 1 month.

Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb,

Take this new treasure to thy trust,
And give these lacred relics room,

To seek a slumber in the dust.
So Jesus slept*, God^s dying son

Passed through the grave, and blessed the bed ;
Rest here, blest saint, till from his ihrone

The morning break and pierce the shade.

In memory of Seymour B. Mills, son of Chauncey and
Maranda Mills, who departed this life September 20,
1829, aged 19 years, 6 months.

Received, O earth, this faded form.

In thy cold bosom let it lie ;
Safe let it rest from every storm,

Soon must it rise, no more to die.

Sacred to the memory of Dencey Moore, wh departed
this life March 9, 1822, aged 25 years, 4 months.

Her days how short, how early called away
To pay that debt each mortal has to pay*,
But cease to mourn, ye friends, from tears refrain.
Your transient loss is her eternal gain.
A few more days of grief will soon be o'er,
'S When absent friends will meet to part no more.

Harry Morgan, of Aurora, Cayuga county, who died

September 20, 1838, aged 25 years.
George, died September 5, 1836, aged 1 year, 10 months

and 6 days; Caroline Russell, died November 12,

1836, aged 3 years, 7 months and 5 days: children of

Samuel and Eliza Morgan.

[Annals, vii.] 11

118 Second Preshjfterian Church

Eliza, wife of Henry Morse, died February 26, 1839,
aged 31 years; also, William Henry, infant son of
Henry and 'Eliza Morse, died July 26, 1839, aged 6
months.

Henry Clay, son of James and Sarah Morse, died Janu«
ary 14, 1835, aged 9 months and 22 days.

Go to thy rest, my child,

Go to thy dreamless bed,
Gentle and undefiled,

With blessings on thy head •

Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of James and Sarah Morse,
died Dec. 16, 1839, aged 8 years, 1 month, 16 days.

They're here in this turf bed, those tender forms
So kindly cherished tind so fondly loved;
They're here, sweet sisters pleasant in their love,
And not in death divided.

Clarissa, daughter of James and Sarah Morse, died
December 20, 1839, aged 3 years, 11 months, 20 days.

I am weary of loving what passes away,

The sweetest, the dearest, alas, may not stay •,

I long for that land where those partings are o'er,
And death and the tomb can divide hearts no more.

In memory ^of Mary Eliza, wife of Enoch Noyes, and
daughter of Earl P. and Mary Pease, who died Nov.
21, 1829, aged 26.

Alas how changed this lovely form so dear,
Which bloomed and cheered my heart *,

Fair, fleeting comfort of a year,
How soon we're called to part.

John Rockwell, son of John I. and Caroline Olmstead,

born July 9, 1836, died August 11, 1836, aged 1

month, 2 days.
Sacred to the memory of Nathaniel Parke, who departed

this life January 3, 1822, aged 53 years, 11 months,

and 7 days.
In memory of Philip S. Parker, who died June 29, 1831,

in the 55th year of his age.

Sweet be his sleep, and when the resarrection trump awakes the
dead, immortal life be his.

In memory of George Monell Parker, son of Philip and

Burial Ground InscripHom. 119

Jannett Parker, who died 19th November, 1815, aged

11 years, 3 months and 19 days,

Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of
such is the kingdom of heaven.

Edwin B., son of Joel B. and Frances L. Parsons, died
June 20, 1832, aged 6 months.

In memory of Hannah Peck, who died August 21, 1838,
aged 48 years.

In memory of Ebenezer Pemberton, who died January
31, 1823, aged 44 years, 3 months, 22 days.

Sarah Pemberton, died December 4, 1837, aged 58.

Abigail, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah Pemberton,
died December 18, 1819, aged 4 years, 9 months and
26 days.

Charlotte Pemberton, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah
Pemberton, died December 20, 1819, aged 11 months
and 20 days.

In memory of Sarah Jane Pemberton, daughter of
Ebenezer and Sarah Pemberton, died Sefptember 8,
1819, aged 3 years, 2 months and 9 days; also, Sarah
Pemberton who died July 13, 1826, aged 2 years, 9
months and 26 days.

In memory of Harriet, daughter of Ebenezer. and Sarah
Pemberton, who died February 16, 1826, aged 15
years, 2 months and 6 days.

Sacred to the memory of Clarissa L. Pemberton, who
departed this life March 2, 1833, aged 25 years.

Harriet, daughter of Ebenezer and Eunice Pemberton,
died November 30, 1841, in the 8th year of her age.

Gideon Prentice, died December 17, 1837, in the 62d
year of his age.

The grave of George Cheney, only child of Ezra P. and
Philena C. Prentice, who died possessing all the fond-
ness of a creature's love, 22d of December, 1827, aged
3 years, 1 month and 4 days. - •

Marian J. Prentice, only daughter of Ezra P. and Phi-
lena C, Prentice, died July 10, 1836, aged 7 years, 9
months and 1 day.

William Cheney, only son of Ezra P. and Philena C.

120 Second Presbyterian Church

.Prentice, died 18tb June, 1833, aged 1 year, 9 months,
23 days.

George, only child of John H. and Sarah N. Prentice,
died August 26, 1833, aged 6 months and 16 days.

In memory of Catherine Davis, only child of John H.
and Sarah Prentice, died 22d September, 1832, aged 8
months.

Sacred to the memory of Louisa Maria, youngest daugh-
ter of Asaph and Or«lia Preston, who died November

30, 1828, aged 10 months.

To those who for her loss are grieved,

This consolation's given ;
She's from a world of wo reheved,

And blooms a rose in heaven.

David Redden, died April 13, 1850, aged 60 years.

In memory of James George Redden, son of David and
Mary Redden, who died September 11, 1827, aged 10
years, 10 months and 13 days.

Sarah, daughter of Nathan and Sabra Rice, died Decem-
ber 30, 1832, aged 19 years, 11 months and 19 days.

Caroline, daughter of Nathan and Sabra Rice, died July

31, 1834, aged 17 years, 10 months and 5 days.
Sacred to the memory of John Rockwell, who departed

this life December 13, 1826, in the 61st year of his age.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

In memory of Mary Rockwell, wife of John W. Rock*
well, who was bom May 20, 1774, died January 8,
1937, aged 63 years, 7 months and 28 days.

Oh Lord, thou didst lead her gently through the dark valley and
shadow of death, and she feared not death, for thou wert her rock
and support.

In memory of George Washington, son of John W. and
Mary Rockwell, who died January 5, 1820, aged II
years and 6 months.

In memory of Mary Ann, daughter of John W. and Mary
Rockwell, who departed this life on the 11th March,
1818, aged 2 years, 11 months and ^ days.

In memory of Utilly, wife of Jedediah Rogers, who died

October 28, 1820, aged 39 years, 9 months, 6 days.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Burial Oround ImcripHims. 121

In memory of Hannah Rude; who died February 5,

1840, in the 81st year of her age.

Elizabeth P. Sanford, died September 23, 1833, aged 22
years and 7 months.

Mourn not because the, righteous pass away; to them it is not death.

Nathaniel Sawyer, died February 20, 1851, in the 71st

year of his age.
Orpha Batchelder, wife of Nathaniel Sawyer, died June

16, 1848, in the 64th year of her age.
George Sidney Sherman, died August 27, 1832, in the 3d

year of his age.
Sarah L. Turner, wife of Watts Sherman, departed this

life August 4, 1838, in the 2l8t year of her age.

She is not dead,~hut sleepeth.

Erastus Corning, son of Watts Sherman, died August 9,

1841, aged 5 years and 3 months.

Henry Gibson, son of Watts Sherman, died September

15, 1843, aged 5 years and 8 months.
In memory of Caroline Watson, infant daughter of

Bennington and^ Sidney P. Sill, who died November 7,

1829, aged 14 months'.
In memory of Theodore Paul, son of Bennington and

Sidney P. Sill, who died November 4, 1829, aged 5

years, 2 months and 17 days.
Sacred to the memory of Erastus D. Skinner, who died

July 22, 1843, aged 19 years.
Sacred to the memory of Joseph Spencer, born in East

Haddam, Conn., December 29, 1789; counselor at

law, in Rochester, and senator from 8th district of the

state of New York; died at Albany May 2, 1823,

aged 33.
In memory of Sophia C. Spring, Petersham, Mass., who

died in Albany, December 2, 1824, aged 28 years.
Sacred to the memory of Harriet, daughter of A. P. and

E. A. Smith, who departed this life August 2, 1840,

aged 1 year, 1 month and 11 days.
In memory of John Stafford, who died October 12, 1819,

in the 51st year of his age.

Be ye also ready.

122 Stcond Presbyterian Church

In memory of William, son of Chandler and Hannah

Starr, who died December 28, 1824, aged 4 years, 8

months and 11 days.
In memory of Walter, son of Chandler and Hannah

Starr, who died November 4, 1824, aged«l year, 1

month and 13 days.
In memory of Sally Steel. She left this world, which she

adorned by her example and blessed by her charities,

in the joyful hope of a better, in March, A. D. 1821,

aged 33 years.

Sweet is the scene when virtue dies;
When sinks a righteous soul to rest.

William Barnett, son of James and Frances Stevenson,
died November 17, 1850, aged 2 ye^^rs, 1 month and
1 day.

This tender bud, so young and fair,

Called hence by early doom,
Just came to show how sweet a flower

In paradise to bloom.

In memory of Irena Stewart, wife of Adam Stewart,

died August 5, aged 30 years and 29 days.
Sacred to the memory of Job Tabor, who died September

12, 1822, aged 35 years.
Thomas Tate, died August 19, 1832; in the 74th year of

his age.
In memory of Irsael Tuffs, born in Brookfield, Mass.,

March 30, 1774, died November 22, 1834, in the 61st

year of his age.
Joseph, infant son of Lucian and Joanna Tuffs, died 9th

of April, 1839, aged 6 months and 18 days.
To the memory of Joshua Tuffs, who died on the 14th

of November, 1843, aged 58 years and 4 months.
Sacred to the memory of Hannah Van Buren, wife of

Martin Van Buren, who departed this life on the 5th

of February, A. D. 1819, in the 36th year of her age.

She was a sincere Christian, dutiful child, tender mother, and
affectionate wife. Precious shall be the memory of her virtues. -

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea,
saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works
to follow them.

Burial Ground Inscriptions. 123

Frances, wife of Rev. J. M. Van Buren, and daughter of
Uriah Maryin, died April 2, 1842.

The evening heavens aroand me shine
With beams of sacred bliss.

I run with joy the shining way,
To meet my dearest Lord.

Sacred to the memory of Mary McConnell, wife of
Teunis Vandevcer, who departed this life August 25,
1823, in the 28th year of her age.
Died, Myron G , son of Samuel and Mary A. Wait,

November 14, 1847, aged 1 year and 5 months.
Died, Georgianua, daughter of Samuel and Mary A.

Wait, November 17, 1846, aged 2 years, 6 months.
In memory of Mary Louisa, daughter of Abraham A.

and Hester Waterhouse, who died Uth July, 1824,

aged 18 months.
Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth, wife of Nathan

Webb, who died January 6, 1824, aged 26 years, 7

months and 2 days.
In memory of Elizabeth, daughter of Jane and J. E.

White, died March 4, 1835, aged 3 months and 3 days.
In memory of Deacon Nathan Wilcox, of Ogden, Monroe

county, N. Y., son of Jesse and Thankful Wilcox,

N. H., who died suddenly in this city, June 6, 1825,
Ephraim Wilder, Jr.,. died April 25, 1838, in the 53d

year of his age.
In memory of David Laurence, son of John and Mary

Ann Willard, who died 1st March, 1816, aged 1 year,

8 months and 15 days.
In memory of Joseph Laurence, son of John and Mary

Ann Willard, who died December 20, 1821, aged 1

year and 9 months.
In memory of Catharine, daughter of John and Mary

Ann Willard, who died on the 9th day of September,

1829, aged 11 months and 26 days.
In memory of Edward Kirk, infant son of John and

Mary Ann Willard, who died on the 11th day of Feb-
ruary, 1831, aged 1 year, 1 month and 8 days.
In memory of Francis Burdet, infant son of Denison and

124 Second Presbyterian Church

Maria Willams, who died January 25, 1820, aged 5
months and 3 days.

Sleep on sweet babe, and take thy rest.

In memory of Douglass Piatt, infant son of Denison and
Maria Williams, who died Jan. 12, 1827, aged 1 year
and 8 months.

He has gone ; the lovely, blooming flower has fled to realms of
bliss.

Erected, November 29, 1828, in memory of Mrs. Jane»
wife of Samuel Wilson, globe manufacturer, who died
May 8, 1827, in the 28th year of her age.

That frailties and foibles are inherent in the human
bri^ast, is not to be denied ; and if the lamented subject
of this brief memoir possessed them they were few,
and lost in the natural good qualities of her heart, and
in the splendor of those virtuous attainments which
distinguished her fair fame as a philanthropist, a wife,
and a mother.

Also, in memory of an infant son, who died April 28,

1827, aged 2 months and 19 days.
Erected, November 29, 1828, in memory of Mrs. Abigail,

second wife of Samuel Wilson, globe manufacturer;

who died August 28, 1828, in the 25th year of her

age.

The many exalted virtues which conspicuously
adorned the character of this amiable woman, will
render her long remembered and lamented by a
numerous circle to whom she was allied by the
tenderest ties of consanguinity, friendship and
affection; by whom her society was ever hailed
with delight, and joy, and esteem, as a balm to
sooth their sorrows and afflictions.

In memory of William, son of Richard and Mary Wins-
low, who departed this life November 6, 1838, aged
20 years, 9 months and 25 days.

In memory of Mary, infant daughter of Richard and
Mary Winslow, who died December 14, 1824, aged 1
year and 7 monfhs.

John Worcester, died July 17, 1847, aged 48 years.

' Burial Ground Inscriptions. 125

In memory of Joseph Clement, son of John and Jemima

C. Worcester, died January 16, 1841, aged 6 months

and 22 days.
Sacred. to the memory of Ellen, daughter of William

and Margaret Worth, born October 9th, 1830, died

October 3d, 1833.

The tears that bedew thy early grave, dear child — the agony of
heart-stricken parents — tell how loved, how mourned thou art.

In the bosom of him who gave and who has taken away, the gentle
and spotless soul rests in peace. '^ Blessed be his name."

Maiy Jenkins Worth, daughter of the late Thomas
Worth, of Hudson, died November 6, 1839.
Dearly beloved in life, thy memory is sweetly cherished in death.

In memory of George Young, who died April 12, 1828,

aged 43 years.

May we die the death o^ the righteous, and may our last end be
like his.

(126)

EARLY ATTEMPT TO LOCATE UNION
COLLEGE AT ALBANY.

BY F. B. HOUGH.

At the commencement of the Revolution, there had
spread throughout the northern section of the colony of
New York, a general feeling, that Kings (now Columbia)
College, was insufficient for the wants of the colony,
and that another institution located in the interior was
required to supply the wants of that growing section.
The earliest notice of this movement which we have met,
is a record in the journal of the Assembly, tha( on the
26th of August, 1779, a petition was presented to that
body then in session at Kingston, from John Cuyler, and
e^ght hundred and forty-two other inhabitants of the
counties of Albany and Tryon, and another from Thomas
Clark and one hundred and thirty-one other citizens of
Charlotte county, praying that a number of gentlemen
might be incorporated in a body politic, with power to
erect an academy or college in the town of Schenectady,
and to hold funds for its support*
^ These petitions were referred to a committee appointed
the day previous on the affairs of the town of Kingston,
consisting of Mr. Schoonmaker, Mr. L'Hommedieu and
Mr. Palmer, to which Mr. Gordon, Mr. Tredwell, Mr.
Benson, and Mr. Harper, were added. On the 20th of
October, Mr. Benson from this committee reported, favor-
ably, and recommended that the petitioners be allowed to
bring in a bill at the next session, but the emergencies
of the war appear to have diverted attention from the
measure, which was for a time forgotten.

On the return of peace the plan was revived, and

Union College. 127

application was again made to the legislature for aid
in securing an endowment of the proposed college, as
shown by the following petition on file in the office of
the secretary of state.* An academy had at this time
been established but not chartered by the regents :

To the Hon'ble the legislature of the state of New York.
The petition of John Glen, Nicholas Veeder, Cornelius
A. Van Slyck, and others, the managers of the acade-
my in the town of Schenectady, in the county of Albany;

Humbly sheweth. That a very considerable number
of the citizens of the state, have for a number of years
been fully convinced of the necessity of a public sj^mi-
nary of learning in the northern part of this state, for
training and fully preparing youth to fill the important
stations in society.

That the citizens of the town of Schenectady, influ-
enced by the importance of the object, and a conviction
of their central and advantageous situation for such insti-
tution, have heretofore, and about the close of the late war
and before the passing of the statute for instituting a
university within this state, made very liberal proposals
to the legislature for endowing a college if one could be
established in this town of Schenectady, since which an
ancient suit has been revived in the court of chancery of
this state; relative to the subject of such proposals as
aforesaid, which has hitherto deprived the inhabitants of
realizing and appropriating the proposed estate to the
advantage of education, and thereupon soliciting the privi-
leges set forth in the statute, for instituting a university
within this state.

That Derick Van Ingen, Esq., of the town of Schenec-
tady, with two other gentlemen having lately, that is in
October last, obtained a lease from the Oneida nation of
Indians, for the term of twenty-one years, of all that tract
of land situated, lying and being in the Oneida reserva-
tion known and distingnished in said treaty by the name
of the residue of the Oneida reservation.

* Assembly papers, Miscel. vol. iii, p. 474.

128 Union CoU$g$.

The said DirckVan Ingen, Esq'r, with the other two
gentlemen lessees, did on the 26th day of Norember last,
conyej by lease ten thousand two hundred and forty
acres of said residue of the Oneida reservation for the
benefit of a college in Schenectady, reserving therein for
the said Oneida Indians, the annual rent of two hundred
and fifty Spanish milled dollars, the first payment to com-
mence five years computed from the 1 8th day of October
past, until the full term of twenty and one years are com-
pleted.

That said Dirck Van Ingen, Esq'r, did afterwards fur-
ther convey by lease to the said gentlemen and for the
said benevolent purpose 5120 acres more of his third part
of the remaining leased lands, reserving the annual rent
of one shilling only.

That the income which will arise from the said leased
lands will be gradual and at best temporary, and of con-
sequence can not afford the respectability and permanence
requisite to give energy and character to an institution
of learning which will coincide with the views and wishes
of the judicious and enlightened people of the state of
New York.

Your petitioners therefore, that they may be enabled
to make the earliest application to the regents for the
privilege set forth in the statute for instituting a univer-
sity in the state of New York, humbly pray that power
may be granted by law to any three or more of them at
their own expense, to purchase from the said Oneida na-
tion of Indians, their reversion to said 15360 acres of
said leased lands, and in such manner as the honorable
legislature shall in their wisdom think proper to direct.
And your petitioners as in duty bound shall pray.

Garrit S. Vedder, Jr., John Glen,

Joseph Shurtlifi^, Abram Oothout>

Mynd. S. Ten Eyck, Andries Van Patten,

Cornelius A. Van Slyck, Corn's V. Dyck,

Barnardus T. Schermerhorn, Arent A. Vedder,

Schenectady, Dec. 30, 1791.

Nicholas Vedder.

Union College.

129

We the subscribers fully approving of the contents of
the above petition, humbly pray that the prayer thereof
may be granted; ^

Alexander Vedder,
Albert S. Vedder,
Harmanus Van Slyck,
Jno. W. Brown,
John Mynderse,
C. Vandervolgen,
Thomas B. Bancker.
Corn^s Z. V. Santvoord,
John Sanders,
Ryer Schermerhorn,
Joseph Yates.
Isaac Newman,
Cornelius Vrooman,
Daniel Campbell,
Abraham Fonda,
Jacob Ten Eyck,
Nicholas A. Van Patten,
Francis Vedder,
Aha's Meras,
Lancaster Conner,
Wm. White,
John Cuyler,
John Van Allen,
Jno. 6. Schuyler,
W. Van Schaick,
Maus R. Van Vranken,
AVm A. Lansingh,
Volkert A. Douw,
P. W. Douw,

James Van Ingen,
James Elliott,
Robert McClell^n,
P . S . Van Rensselaer,
Joachem I. Staats,
Jacob Mynders,
Jno. B. Van Eps,
Rem. Van Slyck,
Nicholas V. Petten,
Harmanus Bradt,
Charles Martin,
Wm. Corbett
Abram Yates, Jr.,
Ab'm Ten Broeck,
Henry Glen,
Abraham Cuyler,
Jno. Jas. Backman,
Corn's Van Schelluyne,
Geo. Banyard,
Jno. R. Bleecker,
Abraham Ten Eyck,
Wm. Van Ingen,
D. P. Ten Eyck,
H. Woodruff,
S. H. Wendell,
Corn's Wendell,
Teunis Van Vechten,
Garret G. Lansing,
John Giren.

Endorsed, "A petition of John Glenn and other mana-
gers of an academy at Schenectady, relative to a leaSe
and the purchase of the reversion of part of the lands re-
served for the use of the Oneida nation.

•*In assembly, Jan. 16, 1792. Read, and referred to Mr.
J. A. Fonda, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Hasbrouck, Mr. H. Liv-
ingston, Mr. Barker.

"Feb. 13, 1792, Mr. Fonda reported, that the prayer
of the petitioners should be grafted if it was not dero-
gatory to the interests of the state.*

* The following is a copy of the report :

" Mr. J. Fonda, from the committee to whom was referred the

[Annaht viu] 12

i30 Union Colhge.

The house resolved that it was derogatory to the inter •
ests of the state.

'*N. B. Interest, in this report, means Dignity, Honor,
Interest, Peace, and Public Faith. Rejected and ended."
^ Meanwhile the citizens of Albany took active measures
to secure the location of the college, which it was felt
must erelong be established; a subscription was opened,
and on the 4th of January, 1792, the corporation resolved
to convey ibr this purpose a part of the public square.
On the 29th of January, 1793, the regents of the univer-
sity granted a charter to the Schenectady academy, and
in this and the following year, the eflforts of both parties
were continued to secure the necessary funds for the pro-
posed college. We are indebted to Prof, Jonathan Pear-
son, of Union College, for a copy of the Albany subscrip-
tion for this purpose, a transcript of which, in the hand-
writing of Col. John Taylor, the first professor of the
college, is among the papers belonging to that institution.

** The subscribers severally promise to pay the sums
annexed to our respective names to John Tayler in trust
to be paid by him to the trustees of any college which
may be founded in the city of Albany, the payment of
one half of the said sums to be made whenever the
regents of the university of the state of New York shall
by an instrument under their common seal approve of
the plan on which and the funds with which it is intended
to found and provide the same college. And the remain-
ing half in six months thereafter, to the said John Tayler,
having given security to the Mayor, Aldermen and Com-
monalty of the city of Albany, for the payment of the
subscription money to such trustees, or refunding to us

petition of John Glenn and otber managers of an academy at Sche^
nectady,

Report, That by an investigation they find that the commissioners
appomted by law to hold treaties with the Oneida Indians respecting
their lands, have guaranteed said lands to them and their posterity
forever, for their own use and cultivation, and that if it would not be
derogatory to the interest of the state, the prayer of the petitioners
ought to be granted. .

Thereupon, Resolved, that it would be derogatory to the interests
of the state to grant the prayer of the petitioners.**

Union ColUgt. 131

the sums which we respectively, subscribe if the college

should not be founded in three years from the date hereof.
24th December, 1794.

Stephen Van Rensselaer, .... £500 Dudley Walsh, £15

Stephen Lush, • .... 100 Thos. Hnn, 20

Samuel Stringer, 100 Abm. Hun, 10

John Tayler, 100 Isaac Hutton,. 10

Abm. G. Lansing, 100 Hars. Ten Eyck, 20

T. V. W. Graham, 100 Nicholas Bleecker, 10

Abm. Van Vechten, 100 Henry Bleecker, 10

Abm. Ten Broeck, 100 Philip S. Van Rensselaer, » 59

Abm. Ten Eyck, 80 John V. Henry, 40

John Jauncey, 40 Stewart Dean, 40

Jacob Van Derheyden, 40 Peter Edmd. Elmendorp, . . 40

Dirck Ten Broeck, 40 Abm. A. Lansing, 60

Daniel Hale, 40 Abm. Schuyler, 10

Elisha Kane, 40 Isaac Truax, 10

Jno. D. P. Douw, 40 Lucas Van Vechten, 40

John Stevenson, 50 John C. Cuyler, 20

John D . P. ^Ten Eyck, 40 Barent Bleecker, 40

Gold. Banyar, 100 John Kirk, 10

John N. Bleecker, 40 James Verner, 30

David Fonday 40 Thomas Spencer, *•••.... 14

Leonard Gansevoort, 40 Wm McClelland, 12

John B. Schuyler, 40 Geo. Johnson, •. 12

Garret Van, 40 John Bogart, 6

Barent G. Staats, 30 Elias Kane, 20

Francis Nicoll,.. 10 Henry Guest, Jr., 10

Barent Ten Eyck, 40 Robert V. Henry, 20

Richard Lush, 40 Arie Lagrange, 20

Tennis T. Van Vechten, 40 James Bleecker 2(i

W.Woodruff, 25 Robert McClelland, 20

John Fondey, Jun., 12 Jas. Dole, 12

Enoch Leonai d, 20 Corn. Van Schelluyne, .... 25

John Bassett, 15 John R. Bleecker, 12

Sanders Lansing, 20 Seth Lansingh, 15

Henry Spencer, 10 George Merchant, 15

John R. Bleecker, Jun...... 40 Jno. Jac. Beekman, . . . . • • 10

Hugh Boyd, 10 Sebastian Visscher, 10

J. H. Wendell, 10 John Shepherd, 20

W. Mancius, 20 Isaac Denniston, 8

Matt. Trotter, 10 Thos. Ellisot?, 6

Nicholas Fondey, 10 Abm. Bloodgood, 10

Spencer Philpot, 15 Elisha Crane, 4

James Murdock, 3'4s Jas. Warren, -. .. 2

David Newlandj 2^ Charles Chestney, 6

Jacob 6. Lansingh, 3 John Given, 10

^ \

132 Union College.

^ William Fryer, 3 David Blackley, .. ...... iQ

Chrislian Miller, .» 4 James Mc Gouch, ....... . 8

James Kershaw, 8 Luther Trowbridge 3

Danl. McEvers, 8 Corns. Wandell,... 8

Saml. Hill, 5 John) McMillan, 5

Warner Scovilie 8

Several applications having been made, at first to the
legislature, and after the institution of the Board of
Regents to that body, for the incorporation of a college
at Schenectady, a meeting was held at Albany, Dec. 16,
1794, for the purpose of uniting upon a plan-that might
be best calculated to secure the desired object. At this
meeting the name of the institution and the outline of its
organization were agreed upon, and the names of those
who were to form its first board of trustees were selected.
A subscription headed by Abraham Oodthout, dated Jan.
7, 1795, obtained £1,390,^ among 231 subscribers,* and
on the 8th of February, 1795, the Regents created Robert
Tates, Abraham Yates Jr., Abraham Ten Broeck, John
Glen, Isaac Vrooman, Joseph C. Yates, James Shuter,
Nicholas Veder, Goldsbrow Banyar, John V. Henry,
George Merchant, Stephen Van Rensselaer, James Con-
diet, Jacobus Y. C. Romeyn, James Cochran, JohnFrey,
D. Christopher Pick, and their associates a body corpo«
rate by the name of the Trustees of Union College in the
Town of Schenectady.

"* This subscription list is published in the ^' First Semicentennial
Anniversary of Union College," 1845, page 172. The appendix of
the book cited contains the application and charter, with other inter-
esting details of the origin of the institution.

(133)

NOTES FEOM THE NEWSPAPERS.

Continued from vol. vi, p. I3a»

1818.

Charles Smith advertised that he would transmit
merchandise from New York to Pittsburgh, for five
dollars per hundred weight.

The festival of thanksgiving, so long observed annually
in New England at the close of the harvest was celebra«
ted first in 1817, it is believed, in the state of New York,
and repeated this year. De Witt Clinton has the honor,
as the chief magistrate, of introducing the custom, which
has continued ever since.

The trustees appointed in pursuance of the law for
establishing a public library at the seat of government,
had at this time made considerable progress, and ap-
pointed John Cook librarian; an individual who had
long conducted a circulating library in the city, without
much profit to himself, and was at this time keeping a
reading room.

Benjamin F. Butler was appointed cashier of the
Washington and Warren Bank, at Sandy Hill.

Nov. 16. — The common council of the city resolved that
all debates and proceedings of the board should in future
be public, and that arrangements should be made in the
council room for the accommodation of the members and
attendants.

A line of stages from Albany to Montreal, on the west
side of Lake Champlain, commenced running early in
December of this year, by which the mail was trans-
mitted three times a week.

134 Notes from th$ Newspapers,

Dec. 17. — The copartnership of Thomas Carson and
Green Hall was dissolved. The former continued
business at the old stand 34 State street, and the latter
continued to manufacture silver work and jewelry, at
No. 11 Plain ^street.

An application was made to the legislature, for the
passage of a law to separate the fifth ward of the city of
Albany, from the said city, and restore it to its ancient
rights and privileges, by the name of the town of Colonic.

1819.

The expense of erecting the Capitol,- and the manner
in which the different apartments were occupied at this
time, appear from some papers accompanying a message
of the governor to the legislature.

The building appears to have been erected at the joint
expense of the^tate, the city, and the county, in the fol-
lowing proportion.

Paid by the state, $73,485*42

city, > 34.200-00

county, 3,000-00

(C ((

hC (4

Total cost, $110,685-42

All the rooms on the first floor were occupied by the
state, except the northeast corner, which was used as
the common council room of the city. The rooms in the
second story were occupied by the court of chancery,
supreme court, common pleas, general sessions, and may-
or's court, except the one immediately above the lobby of
the assembly room, which was used two or three times a
year by the supervisors of the county. All the apart-
ments in the third story were unoccupied except the south-
west corner room, which was appropriated in 1812 to the
use of the society for the promotion of the arts. The base-
ment was occupied, the Isoutheast corner by the county
clerk and the northeast corner by the keeper of the Capitol.

By the annual report of the treasurer of the Lancaster
school, it appears that the expenses of the institution
were $1719 for the year ending February 1st; of this

Notes from the Newspapers. 135

sum $500 was, paid out of the city treasury, $676"34 out of
the county treasury, $150 by subscriptions, $345*51 by
collections for tuition, and the remainder out of funds on
hand. The number of students entered during the year,
723, of whom 390 were then in attendance.

Gov. Clinton, in his annual message, estimated that
the expense pf transportation from Albany to Buffalo by'
the canal when finished, would not exceed $10 a ton!

About this time it was proposed to establish a line of
post coaches from Albany to Niagara, to accomplish the
distance in four days. It was thought by this means to
connect New York with Detroit, so as to occupy 7 or 8
days only in the transit.

The amount of auction duties paid by the auctioneers
in the city of Albany during the year ending September
30th, .1818, was as follows: Benjamin V. Clench, $8M0;
Lewis Clark, $63-09; Asahel Hall, $75-54; Jesse G.
Brush, $1,159-47; John M. Willard, $1,394-72.

A loaf of superfine inspected flour was required to
weigh 21bs. 8oz. for Is.

Feb. 24. — A meeting of citizens was held at the inn of
C. N. Bement, 55 state street, to express their dissent to
the laws for the imprisonment of debtors. Goiild Hoyt
acted as chairman, and Peter Lansing as secretary.
They resolved that the time had arrived for the abolition
of the barbarous custom.

Albany and its Prospects. A series of articles in the
Daily Advertiser commencing March 1st.

**A few short years only have passed since the whole
of the unoccupied part of our city was up at auction.
The daily cries of the auctioneers might be heard upon
all its avenues. No price was too extravagant to be
asked, and to be obtained for a lot of ground. Men
who never before dreamed of wealth, found themselves,
as if by magic, in possession of untold riches ; the philoso-
pher's stone was at length disco vered ; the crucible which
received an ounce turned out its pound of gold; the
infectious madness became general, and pervaded all
classes,, all trades, all professions. A few individuals.

186 * Notes from the Newspapers.

more moderate and reflecting than the multitude, saw
that all this was but an airy bubble in a summer's sun ;
and that the children who were gazing at golden colors,
would And it vanish at the grasp. It has vanished, and
we are left in disgrace, to wonder at our folly in supposing
that a new city was instantly to appear upon our barren
plains, and that we were immediately to be but into pos-
session of what industry, time, and the gradual progress
of the country only can produce."

The mayor, aldermen and commonalty of Troy applied
to the legislature for liberty and money to erect a dam
across the Hudson at the island about two miles above
the city of Albany, for the purpose of improving the
navigation. A bill was reported to the assembly, by Mr.
Warren favorable to the prayer of the petition.

March. 11. — Mr. J. V. N. Yates, from the committee
appointed by the house of assembly to inquire into the
subject of the improvement of the navigation of the
Hudson river, made a report, which was published in
the Daily Advertiser of March 13th. It appears that up
to this time $80,000 had been expended by the legislature
in improving the channel of the river between Troy and
Waterford and nearly as much more had been expend-
ed between Troy and Albany, and below the city of
Albany. Various schemes were proposed for the pur-
pose of removing the obstructions complained of; one,
by the erection of piers and dams, another of projecting
dykes or jetties, as adopted in deepening the river
Clyde, and a third, which was urged with great persever-
ance by Mr. Genet, was the construction of a lateral
canal. Between the years 1797 and 1818, a period of
twenty-one years, $148,707*94 was raised by lottery for
improving the navigation of the river, which was divided
as follows: between Albany and Troy $30,500; between
Troy and Waterford, $82,641-78; below the city of
Albany, $35,566-16.

An association* styled the Albany Chamber of Com-
merce and public improvements, was formed about this
time, the objects of which were not made public; but a

Notes from the Newspapers, 137

committee of five was appointed for the month of April,
to settle any disputes that might arise between mer-
chants of the city, who might choose to submit them for
settlement. Isaiah Townsend, Joseph Alexander, Peter
Van Loon, Walter Clark and John Spencer were the
committee.

March 27. — John Woodworth was appointed by the
council a judge in the supreme court of the state of New
York.

A sloop of 137 tons, owned by Trotter & Douglass,
and intended for th^ river trade, was launched at Ken-
yon's ship-yard in Ferry street. It was pronounced by
the papers one of the largest and finest ever built in this
city.

Isaac Q. Leake resigned his office of cashier of the
Niagara Bank.

April 1, — William James gave notice that he had
withdrawn himself fron the superintendence of his com-
mercial concerns, having relinquished that part- of his
business to his son, who would cbnductit in future, under
the firm of Robert James & Co.

April 22. — John Kane died in New York aged 58.

April 26. — A Mr. Peloubet gave notice that he would
ascend in a balloon from the Capitol. The expenses he.
would attempt to raise by collection from the audience
before the ascension. He apologized two days after that
in consequence of the high wind the balloon did not rise
with sufficient rapidity to get out of the reach of the boys,
one of whom threw a stone which penetrated the balloon
and brought it to the earth. But he would send up a
small and a large one on Wednesday the 28th.

April 30. — Benjamin Whipple died, aged 64, for many
years door keeper to. the house of assembly of this state.

There appears to have been six candidates for state
senator, as follows : Abraham Van Vechten (federal) re-
ceived 329 votes in the city ; Solomon Southwick (demo-
cratic), 106; Elislia Jenkins, 134, and Arunah Metcalfe
(Clintonian), 56; Charles E. Dudley, 213, and John T.
Moore (Tammany), 109.

138 Notes from the Newspapere.

May 10. — At a meeting of the Albany Sunday School
Society, in the consistory room of the North Dutch
Church; the following persons were elected officers for
the ensuing year; George Upfold, Pres. ; Theodore Sedg-
wick, 1st Vice Pres.; John Boardman, 2d Vice Pres.;
William Stead, 3d Vice Pres.; Nahum Rice, 4th Vice
Pres.; Thomas W. Ford, Treasurer, Absalom Towns-
end,* Secretary; Roderick Sedgwick, John Taylor Jr.*
Gilbert F; Lush, Galen Batcheldor,* William Mayell,
Harmanus Wendell Jr. Henry T. Jones, Anthony Civill,
William C. Miller,* Richard V. De Witt,* Tilly Allen,
Stephen J. Rider,* and James Balentine, Directors.

May 11. — 'fhe following persons were elected direct-
ors of the Bank of Albany: John Van Schaick, Nicholas.
Bleecker, John Robinson, Abraham VanVechten, Jacob H,
Ten Eyck,* Volkert P. Douw,* Matthew Trotter, Philip
S. Van Rensselaer, John Brinckerhofif, Barent Bleecker,
Stephen Lush, James Stevenson, Stephen Van Rensselaer,
Jr.* John Van Schaick was reelected president. Mr,
Jacob H. Ten Eyck, is now president of the bank.

May 24. — ^Ramo Samee, the Indian juggler, appeared
in Albany, and performed at Skinner's Mansion House.

A writer in the Daily Adyertiser says that the Academy
Park was excavated to the, depth of three or four feet for
the purpose of filling up Lydius street, and that after a
shower it was a perfect pond.

The common council advertised for proposals for lathing,
plastering and painting the Market situate on the ground
purchased of the Lutheran congregation, and for digging,
filling and paving an avenue from South Pearl street
to said market. The earth for filling to be taken from
such parts of Hudson street as should be directed by the
superintendent.

H. Bamman advertised that he would open the Eagle
Tavern on the first of June, under repairs and enlarge-
ment, and new and fashionable furniture. Having pro-
cured the choicest liquors, he promised to spare no

* Survivors, 18«S5.

Notes from the Newspapers. 139

pains to afford comfort and satisfaction to his customers,
which he was confident of a competency to do, from his
acquaintance with the business of entertaining genteel
company at the York House, Utica. [He made his fortune
at the Eagle.]

June. 1. — The following persons were elected directors
of the New York State Bank for the ensuing .year; John
Tayler, William James, Elisha Jenkins, Thomas Gould,
Isaiah Townsend, John D. P. Douw, Francis Bloodgood,
John Woodworth* Anthony Lamb, James Thorn, Nathan-
iel Davis,* James Clarke. John Tayler was unanimously
reelected president.

June. 7. — The following persons were elected directors
of the Mechanics and Farmers Bank* for the ensuing year:
Benjamin Knower, William Fowler,^ Benjamin Van
Benthuysen, Peter Boyd, Charles E. Dudley, Russell
Forsyth,] John Marvin, William Boyd, Jesse Buel, Ezra
Ames, Richard Dusenbery, James Gibbons, Thomas
Herring.

June. 21. — The Misses Lewis advertised that they had
fitted up the house No. 76 State street, opposite the
State Bank, formerly occupied by Mr. Stewart Lewis
as the City Tavern, as a boarding house.

This was a time of great embarrassment among the
banks. Jacob Barker's Bank stopped payment, and the
citizens of Baltimore commenced a run upon their banks,
which they sustained for a considerable time. The bank
of Niagara, Bank of Hudson, Aqueduct, or Green county
Bank, Jefferson county, CatskilH Bank of Columbia at
Hudson, Ontario, Middle District, Washington and War-
ren, Plattsburgh, were among the discredited concerns.
The Albany banks, however, sustained themselves.

Elisha Jenkins, mayor of the city, having resolved to
remove to Hudson, resigned his office.

J. Heermans, merchant tailor, 399 South Market street,
believing that the state of the times required a reduction
in the prices of labor, advertised the following prices, the
clolh being furnished by the customer.

* Survivors, 1865. • t Still directow, 1856.

140 Naies from the Newspapers,

For making a plain dress coat or surtout $4*00

Or for the above including trimmings 6*00

For plain pantaloons, • - - TSO

do including trimmings, • - - 2*00

For making plain vests, - • - 1*25

do including trimmings, - . . r75

do if trimmed with flannel or rattinet, 2*00

•

Aug. 16. — A loaf of superfine inspected flour to weigh
31bs. 2oz. for Is,; common or mixed bread to weigh 31bs.
12oz. for Is. or lib. 14oz..for 6d.

Dr. James Low advertised that he would instruct- ten
or twelve medical students in elementary and practical
pharmacy, chemistry and botany, at a moderate fee.

Sept. 28. — The "election for charter officers was held
on Tuesday, September 28, when the following gentlemen
were elected:

First Ward. — Theodore Sedgwick and Sebastian Viss-
cher; John Russell and James Keeler, assistant aldermen,

Second Ward. — Charles E. Dudley and Chauncey
Humphrey; John Cassidy and Herman Jenkins.

Third Ward. — 'Nicholas Bleecker and Richard S. Treat;
Conrad Gansevoort and Herman G. Wynkoop.

Fourth Ward. — Mathew Trotter and Estes Howe;
William McHarg* and Philip Hooker.

Fifth Ward. — John Gibbons and Richard Dusenberry;
Herman V. Hart and Henry W. Snyder.

The election was pretty sharply contested, it is re-
marked; but no political question was agitated, except in
the second ward, where the republicans carried their
whole ticket. TJie new board consisted of 14 federalists
and 8 republicans.

John Bogart was reappointed chamberlain and Paul
Hochstrasser, city marshal.

Green Hall, of the late firm of Carson and Hall, gave
notice that he had removed from the old stand corner of
State and Market streets, to the shop lately occupied by
Joseph T. Rice, No. 431 South Market street, nearly
opposite A. Moody's Tavern, Mr. Carson removed out

♦ Onfy survivor of this board, 1855.

Notes from the Newspapers^ 141

of town and Mr. Rice removed into the store left by
Carson & Hall.

Oct. 2. — George Reelman, a German, died at Settle's
Hill, in Guilderland, aged 112 J. He was born in the
city of Landau, March 8, 1707, and was in the great
battle of Prague.

Oct. 12.— John Stafford, of^the firm of Stafford &
Weed, died,

Oct. 25. — John E. Lovett was appointed attorney to
the board of common council in place of Teunis Van
Vechten, resigned.

IJov. — Asa H. Center, Nathaniel Davis, William Du-
rant, Alexander M. Muir, Noah Brown and John Mead,
Albanians, gave notice that they intended to apply to the
legislature, at their next session, for an act of incorpo-
ration, in the name of the Lake Erie Steam Boat Company,
with a capital of $76,000.

- Dec. 10. — The president's message, which was deliv-
ered in Washington on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 12 o'clock,
arrived in New York on Wednesday morning at 6 o'clock,
and was published on Friday in Albany, making four
columns of the Daily Advertiser. The ** unprecedented
speed" to New York was accomplished through the united
exertions of Stockton of Baltimore, Stockton & Howell
of Philadelphia, and Gulick & Sons, New York.

A writer in the Daily Advertiser, under the signature
of Verdicius, ascribes the scheme of uniting the Hudson
river to Erie lake by a navigable canal, to Elkanah
Watson, offering in proof the private journal of Mr,
Watson, during a tour from Schenectady to Geneva in
1791 when he carefully explored the ground, streams and
small lakes lying on his route. This journey is said to
have been made with a view of recommending to public
notice the project of uniting the two waters.

Dec. 21. — A meeting of citizens was held at the Capitol
to take into consideration the subject of the prohibition
of the further extension of slavery in the United States.
Lieutenant Governor Tayl6r presided, and William A.
Duer and Dr. Chester addressed the meeting. Teunis

[Annah^ n'l.] 13

142 Notes from the Newspapers.

Van Vechten secretary. A memorial was prepared by
William A. Duer and adopted, and subsequently presented
to congress.

One Russell is announced as haying arrived in the
city on Tuesday evening in the New York stage, ac-
companied by one of his friends, and on Wednesday pro-
ceeded in the Vermont stage to Manchester. All that
was remarkable about the circumstance arose from the
fact that he was believed to have been th3 first person
on record who after having been supposed dead, was found
and restored to his friends after the trial and conviction
of his supposed murderers, before their execution.

1820.

Jan. 10. — Died on Monday morning, Jan. 10, Mr.
Abraham Eights, in the 75th year of his age, a respectable
citizen, and more than thirty years an elder in the first
Presbyterian church in this city.

Jan. 19. — The flouring mills belonging to Philip S.
Van Rensselaer, situate on the Norman's kill at the
crossing of the Bethlehem road, were destroyed by fire
in the night of Wednesday Jan. 19. Two days after, the
plaster mill at the same place was burnt.

Jan. 21. — The corporation having passed a law to go
into operation on the 22d Jan., prohibiting the sale of
wood in State street east of Middle lane (now James
street) the dealers in grain gave notice that they would
purchase only in State street, east of Middle lane. The
object of this was to concentrate a market in that spot,
for the mutual accommodation of buyers and sellers, and
to do away with runners.

A company of comedians from the New York Theatre
leased the Thespian Room in North Pearl street, which
had been fitted up by a society of amateurs, Itnd on the
26th January opened with Othello and the Wag of Wind-
sor. May wood, Spiller and WoodhuU were the principal
stars of this galaxy. The Thespian stood near the corner
of Quackenbush (now Patroon) street on the east side of
North Pearl, opposite Clinton Park.

Notes from the Newspapers^ 143

Dr. Peter Wendell and Jonathan Eights were appointed
by-the common council physicians to the poor of the city.
A Mr. Plimpton announced to the citizens of Albany
the completion of his musicial instrument called the
Apollino, which seems to have been brought out by sub-
scription, and consisted of a combination of several
instruments.

A loaf of superfine inspected flour to weigh 3 lbs. 5 oz.
for one shilling and a loaf of like flour fo weigh 1 lb.
11 oz. for sixpence ; common or mixed bread, 3 lbs. 14 oz.
for is.; or 1 lb. 15 oz. for 6d.

The common council made a retrenchment in the sala-
ries of the corporation officers, &c., to' the amount 'of
about two thousand dollars.

A stage company boasted of making the shortest trip
to New York by land, namely 15 hours.

March. 1. — John Van Schaick, .president of the Bank
of Albany died , aged 47.

Col. Stepheoi Lu^h, Jr., died at Simaboa on the coast of
Africa, March 2.

The price of steam boat fare to and from New York
appears to have been $8 at this time, and the number of
passengers in 1819 was 16,000, the compai^y paying a tax
of $1 each to the state, for canal purposes. The new
company, which applied for a charter proposed to pay
the state $5000 a year, and reduce the fare to $6.

March. 24. — A law entitled, "An act to incorporate
the Albany Savings Bank," passed the legislature on the
24th March. The first managers were Stephen Van
Rensselaer, president; William James 1st vice president;
Joseph Alexander 2d vice president; John Townsend 3d
vice president; Charles R. Webster, Jesse Buel, Thomas
Russell, Volkert P. Douw, John W. Yates, William
Durant, Douw Fonda, Simeon De Witt, Peter Boyd, John
Spencer, John L. Winne. William McHarg, Matthew
Gill, Harmanus Bleecker and Sylvanus P. Jermain,
trustees.

March. 27. — The steam boat Paragon, Capt. 'Roor-
back, arrived at the dock at 5 o'clock in the morning,

144 Notes from the Newspapers,

^ving the first assurance to the citizens that the river
was open. The fare was reduced to $6 at this time.

The steam boat and sloop captains began to complain
of bars in the river below the city where they had been
unknown before. A certificate was published by four
teen captains, that previous to the execution of the dam
at Winne's bar, the channel way at the upper end of
Beekman's or Schodack creek was wide, and extended
almost to the east shore ; that there then existed no bar
or shoal at that place ; but that since the erection of
the dam, a shoal had been gradually increasing at that
point, and that the channel way there had become quite
narrow and difficult of navigation. This paper was signed
by Samuel Wiswall, Daniel Peck, Isaac Newton, Isaac
Eeeler, Jeremiah Austin, Jasper S. Keeler, James N.
Cobb, George Monteath, Henry Green, Austin Matson,
Roorback, Thomas S. Donnelly, David Attwood, Barnum
Whipple.

John Randel, Jr., in confirmation of the above, al^o
stated that the deep water in front of Castleton, although
embodied in a descending mass of from sixteen to twenty-
three feet in depth, at common high water, and confined
on the east by the shore, and on the west by an extensive
sand bar, bare at low water, to a breadth of only forty-
eight rods, had not sufficient momentum to dislodge the
shoal formed in the midst of the channel; but on the
contrary had, at that very spot, deposited a bed of sand
eight feet in depth, forming the Castleton shoal.

James Wynkoop certified that since the building of
dams above Albany, islands and shoals had been formed
below; and that to his perfect recollection, he had fished
in deep water where the island above Bath, and below
the first dam was then seated; and that since the erection
of the dams, in general the fisheries had been very
materially damaged.

An estimate of the expense of improving the navigation
of the Hudson rfver, on the plan of Mr. Gouldbourn, by
means of alternate piers, 2000 feet apart, and raised to
the level of high water mark; and. also by submarine

N&ies from the Newspapers. 145

excavations, the produce of which it wsls contemplaled to
deposit behind the piers ; the work to reach from Troy
to Coeymans overslaugh, was estimated at two millions,
seventy-six thousand, one hundred and five dollars,
eighty-nine cents.

D. K. Van Vechten, who had been a partner witn
William Seymour in the book«binding business, now
advertised books at 38 State street. Mr. Seymour con-
tinued book-binding at No. 73 State street.

April. 1, — William James gave notice that he had
withdrawn himself from the superintendence of his com-
mercial concerns, and had relinquished that part of his
business to his son; who would conduct it in future
under the firm name of Robert James & Co., holding
himself accountable for the engagements of the firm.

April. 6. — The firm of Pratt & Durant, consisting of
Ralph Pratt and William Durant, was dissolved.

At the election for governor, Albany county gave
Clinton 1720 votes, and Tompkins 1028.

The expense of transporting a barrel of flour from
Cayuga lake to Albany was $2 "50, before the opening of
the canal. .

April. 11. — A loaf of superfine inspected flour to
weigh 3 lbs. 11 oz. for Is. and 1 lb. 12 oz. for 6d.; of
common or mixed flour, 4 lbs. 6 oz. for Is., or 2 lbs. 3 oz.
for 6d.

April. 12. — Cornelius W. and David W. Groesbeeck
commenced the auction business. The other auctioneers
at this time were Asahel Hall, Henry A. Williams, Wm.
Clench, John Jauncey, Benjamin V, Clench and John
M. Cuyler. (Samuel Morgan, resigned.)

Mr, Trowbridge, who kept the Museum, advertised as
an attraction, **one of the largest animals of the United
States, a BucJc Moose ^ from Jefferson county, six feet
six inches high, with full grown horns complete.*'

April. 22. — Thomas Gould was buried from his dwell-
ing house No. 18 Montgomery street.

Theodore Ostrander, late of Albany, died at New York
aged 30.

146 Notts from the Newspapers.

At the election for state officers a larger number of
votes was polled than usual, De Witt Clinton received
883, D. D. Tompkins 239, Clinton's majority in the
county was 692.

April. 27. — William Durant advertised that he had
taken his brother Clark Durant into partnership, and
had commenced business under the firm of William
Durant & Co., at the fire proof store on the dock, corner
of Hamilton street, in front of the Eagle Tavern.

Barent Bleecker was elected president of the Bank of
Albany, in the place of the late John Van Schaick.

May. 1. — The firm of Mather & Thome was dissolved.
Elias Mather was for some years later a liquor merchant,
doing business on the corner of State street and Middle
lane now James street.

May. 2. — The Rev. William Hogan designing to leave
the city and accept a call to Philadelphia, the following
citizens sent him their regrets: De Witt Clinton, John
Tayler, John V. N. Yates, Archibald Mclntyre, William
B. Lacy, P. S. Van Rensselaer, William James, Francis
Bloodgood, Charles R. Webster.

May. 6. — George A. Hoyt commenced business as a
watchmaker and jeweler, on the corner of South Market
and Hudson streets. He announced that besides his
regular apprenticeship he had served a considerable time
in New York for information, and upwards of Gye years
with Mr. Joseph T. Rice in this city, and felt confident of
his ability to do his customers justice. Mr. Hoyt con-
tinued in business on that corner during bis life, and
maintained a reputation for integrity, industry and fru-
gality that always become the man of business.

Christopher Dunn, who had occupied the old stone
house in Green street, opened the Albany Cofiee House,
corner of Green and Beaver streets, which he represented
as being one of the most spacious, convenient and airy
buildings in the city.

May. 8 — The steam boats began to make four trips a
week, instead of three. This change was made osten-
sibly for the accommodation of way passengers. Those

To Kinderhook, •

1-50

Coxsackie, •

1-50

Hudson,

2-00

Catskill,

2-00

Redhook, • •

2-50

Kingston,

2-50

Staatsburgb, *

2-75

Notes from the Newspapers. HI

who have been .accustomed to consider the fare rather
extortionate at $2, for a passage to New York, will be
relieved of an imaginary grievance on consulting the
following table of fares :

Hydepark, ' 275

Poughkeepsie, ' 3*00

Newburgh, • 3*50

West Point, • 3*75

Caldwell's Landing, 4*00

Verplank's Point, 4*00

New York, • 6*00

June. 2. — Abraham J. Lansing died aged 44.

June. 5. — Elias Mather advertised that he had formed
a copartnership with Finlay McNaughten, at the store
lately occupied by Thomas Gould deceased, at No. 63
State street.

June. 10. — The Savings bank, the first in this city,
was opened, and the sum of $527 was received from 21
depositors, as follows: a silversmith, $25; a gentleman
for his daughter, $45; a seamstress, $40; two mechanics,
$22; three apprentices, $1 each; a laborer, $10; a clerk,
$5 ; a lady, $50 ; a lady for her daughter, $25 ; another the
same; a colored servant, $46; another, $3; a carman, $2
a single man, $3; a widow, $200; a merchant, $15. On
the 17th, $768 were received.

June. 11. — Benjamin Ford, formerly deputy secretary
of state, died, aged 40.

June. 20. — At a meeting of the common council it was
stated by one of the members that several of the magis-
trates were willing to perform the duties of police justices
without salary, and a resolution was offered to discon-
tinue the payment of salary to that officer. The division
on the question was as follows:

For the affirmative, Messrs, Visscher, Trotter, Rus-
sell, Keeler, Cassidy, Hart; 6.

Negative: Messrs, Humphrey, Dudley, Bleecker, Treat,

Gibbons, Dusenberry, Jenkins, Gansevoort, Wynkoop,

Hooker, Snyder; 11.

148 Not e% from the Newspapers.

The board then elected Philip Phelps and Tunis Slin-
gerland police magistrates, and John Meigs police con-
stable.

The firemen and a number of citizens went up to Troy,
which' was visitd by a great conflagration which swept
down the west side of River street, destroying by esti-
mate a million of dollars worth of property.

July. 9. — Henry Guest Jr., "one of the most respect-
able merchants and a gentleman whose memory will
long be cherished in the esteem and respect of a nu-
merous acquaintance," died in the 61st year of his age.
He had a leather store and factory on the corner of
Church and Lydius streets, which he disposed of to
Andrew ^ Light body a few months before his death.
Lightbody had been a partner.

July 18. — Swan & Thorpe advertised the Post Chaise
Line of stages, running to Utica for $2 only, through in
one day. They notified passengers destined to any place
west or north of Utica, that this was the only line run-
ning farther than that place.

The price of bread was 59 oz. for 12J cts. The price
of wheat was from 8s. to 9s.

Early in August a geological survey of the county was

'Commenced by Amos Eaton and T. R. Beck, under the

direction of Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. Every town

was visited, and samples of all the soils, rocks, minerals,

springs, &c. were taken.

Aug. 24. — Peter Relyea and Thomas Wright entered
into copartnership at 371 North Market street. They
were successful in business, as merchant tailors, and had
the lead of the profession several years.

An apprentices' library was founded by a number. of
citizens feeling an interest in the condition of young
mechanics.

William Mayell, who came from England in 1795 (see
Annals iii, 172), and after a tour on horseback through
the wilderness which then overshadowed the whole of
the western part of this state, settled in Albany, where
he established himself in business. At this time his

Notes from the Newspapers. 149

store was described in his advertisements as opposite the
Eagle Tavern. It stood on the east side of Broadway
below Hamilton street. He was the most extensive
manufacturer of hats in the city; and besides being a
good mechanic, made some pretensions to science. He
was an active member of the Mechanics' Society, and
afterwards of the Albany Institute. His sdvertisement
is rather above the ordinary grade of those productions
as a literary performance.

'*The progressive improvement of American manu-
facturers is admirably displayed in the article of Hat^,
Not many years have elapsed since gentlemen of taste in
dress almost invariably sought for English hats: now the
case is reversed, and American Beavers command a
decided preference. But a. still greater improvement has
lately been made, which far exceeds all that England or
France have yet done in this branch of manufacture.
Imitation Beavers are now made, which for elegance of
form, richness of lustre, and intensity of blackness, are
equal to the real beaver, and may be purchased at less
than half their price. Hats of the above description,
together with a general assortment of ladies', gentlemen's
and children's hats, of the newest fashion and best fabric,
are for sale at Mayell's hat store opposite the Eagle
Tavern, South Market street.

Sept. — The Albany Library was removed from Chapel
street to the large and spacious room over the store of
Mr. John Pruyn fronting State street, one door north of
the Albany Bank, now the site of the Exchange building.
^ Sept. 1. — D. K. Van Vechten. who since the dissolu-
tion of the firm of Van Vechten & Seymour, had done bus-
iness at 41 Dock street, gave notice of his intention to
remove from the city, and recommended to the public for
patronage, his late partner William Seymour, as "a
young man every way qualified to give general satisfaction
in his line of business, and as well worthy of encourage-
ment."

A survey of the road from Albany to New York was
made some years previous to this by John Randel, Jr.,

150 Notes from the Newspapers.

under the direction of the board of common council, by
which it appeared that the distance was more than one
hundred and fifty miles by the post road. Mr. Randel
proposed certain alterations in the road which would
leduce the distance by the traveled rout. Various al-
terations and improvements in accordance with his re-
commendation had now been made, and by a new survey
it was ascertained that the distance had been reduced to
one hundred and forty four miles. This inured to the
advantage of the business portion of community, as the
postmaster-general had his attention called to the circum-
stance, and the postage was reduced from 18| cts. to 12^
cts. on letters between the two cities. The postmaster-
general rated the distance 145 miles; but the editor of
the Daily Advertiser averred that it was not more than
135 by land, over the post route;

The price of bread was Is. for a loaf of 3 lbs. 11 oz.
superfine inspected flour, and 6d. for 1 lb. 12 oz; of com-
mon or mixed bread, 4 lbs. 6 oz. for Is. or 2 lbs. 3oz.
for 6d. The same as in April, although wheat was 6s.

The partnership between Christian Miller and Jacob
J. Fort was dissolved, and Mr. Miller took his son William*
C. into partnership, at the store No. 56 State street.

Sept, 4. — The firm of Caldwell & Solomons, consisting
of James Caldwell and Levy Solomons, carrying on the
tobacco business, was dissolved, the latter continuing the
business, at 346|North Market street, above the modem
Bleecker Hall.

Sept. 10. — Mrs. Catharine, wife of Abraham Van Vech-
ten, died, aged 54.

Sept. 12. — Complaints having been made of the assize
of bread, it was altered so as to give 63 oz. for Is. This
was still 2 oz. less than the New York standard.

Sept. 13. — Obadiah Fenniman, formerly a bookseller in
Albany, died at Troy, aged 44. He came to Albany
luider the auspices of Isaiah Thomas, of Worcester,
Massachusetts.

Sept. 19. — William Powell, one of the proprietors of

Notes from the Newspapers. 151

the western line of stages, died on the road to Schenec-
tady of an apoplectic fit.

Capt. Dayid Van Der Heyden, an ofiicer in the war of
1812, died.

Sept. 20. — Mr. and Mrs. Saunders opened a school for
young ladies at 678 South Market street where a great
many accomplishments were added to the usual branches
of learning taught in schools at this time.
I Sept. 24. — Jacob Vander Heyden was buried from his
residence No. 85 North Pearl street.

Oct. — Charles Parks, usually called the common show
man, died, aged nearly 40. His weight was over 300 lbs.

A good deal of interest was felt by some of the citizens
in having the parks at the head of State street improved
in their appearance, which does not seem to have been
highly ornamental at this time. The subject was agi-
tated through the medium of the newspapers, and it was
finally announced, on the 21st October, that " a party of
spirited gentlemen are to turn out in the morning to
work on the public square."

Timothy Clo'.ves, who had been some time before rector
of St. Peter's Church in this city, now advertised The
Hempstead Academy and School for Foreigners, of
which he was the principal.

The census of the city as computed by Calvin Pepper,
was 5653 white males; 6144 white females; 110 slaves;
634 free blacks: total 12,541. Increase in ten years,
1779.

Oct. 26. — The steam boat Paragon, on her upward
trip, was supposed to have sunk in shallow water about
three miles below the city. The horse boat went down
and took off the passengers. It was found that the boat
had only grounded, and received but slight damage.

Nov. 3. — The firm of William H. Seymour & Co. con-
sisting of William H Seymour & Russell Forsyth, was
dissolved. Mr. Forsyth retiring, and Robert M. Seymour
taking his place, at No. 2 State street.

John Champlin, formerly a lawyer in this city, died
at Kingston, Ulster county.

152 Notes from the Newspapers,

Nov. 7. — At the annual meeting of the legislature De
Witt Clinton sent in his message, which occupied three
and a half columns of the Daily Advertiser. John C.
Spencer received 52 votes for the office of speaker of the
house, which was a minority of 17. Derrick L. Vander
Heyden of Albany was elected clerk by 63 votes; Aaron
Clark, the former clerk, receiving 62. The members of
the house of Assembly for Albany, were Gerrit Hogan,
James McKown, Moses Smith, Stephen Willes.

The Mechanics' Academy, Mr. Mills having resigned,
was placed under the management of Elias Warner.
Thomas Russell, Elisha Dorr and John Meads received
applications for admission.

Nov. 13. — The majority of the common council being
democratic, the old federal officers were removed. John
Bogart, chamberlain, was succeeded by Henry W. Snyder.
Dr. Eights, city physician, gave place to Christopher C«
Yates. Philip S. Van Rensselaer resigned the office of
mayor, which he had held a greater number of years
than any of his predecessors.

Nov. 20. — Mrs. Margaret Chinn was buried from her
residence No. 26 Maiden lane. She presented to the
General Synod of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church,
a case of books valued at $860, but a short time before
her death, which occurred on the 17th of November in
the 79th year of her age. She was the Widow of Edward
Chinn, and was endowed with many enobling qualities.

A chamber of commerce was formed this year of which
Nicholas Bleecker. Jr., was secretary,

Nov. 30. — A number of citizens having formed the
project of an apprentices library, advertised for donations
of books, John Cook, who had a reading room at No.
353 North Market street, was appointed libarian. The
committee consisted of Charles R. Webster, Ebenezer
Baldwin, Gideon Hawley,* Solomon Southwick, Ben-
jamin Knower, Asa H. Centre, John Meads,* N. H.
Carter, I. Q. Leake,* Spencer Stafford, William Mayell,
Daniel Carmichael, Philip Hooker, Joseph Fry,* On the

♦ Surviving, 1855.

Notes from the Newspapers. 153

Ist December Mr. Cook acknowledged the receipt of 30
Toluraes from De Witt Clinton, 29 from Philip S. Van
Rensselaer, and 19 from Chancellor Kent.

Dec. 4. — The firm of Pemberton & Mitchell was dis-
solved, and John I. Mitchell admitted his brother,
William, into copartnership, under the firm name of
W. & J. I. Mitchell, dealing in groceries and provisions.

Dec. 5. — At the annual meeting of the Chamber of
Commerce, the following were elected officers for the
ensuing year : Isaiah Townsend, president; Joseph Alex-
ander, William James, and Charles E. Dudley, vice
presidents; S. P. Jermain, treasurer; N. Bleecker, Jr.,.
secretary. The Board of Commerce and Improvements
consisted of William McHarg,* Israel Smith, Peter
Boyd, Willian} Durant, John Brinckerhoff, Thomas
Russell, Jacob H. Ten Eyck,* Jamqs B. Douglas, Allen
Brown, George W. Stanton, Asa H. Center, John
Spencer, James Keeler, John Townsend, William
Walker, Douw B. Slingerland, Volkert P. Douw,*
Robert Shepherd, William W. Staats, Charles R.
Webster, Joshua Tuffs, Ephraim Wilder, Jr., John
Still well, James Mabbett, James Thorne. ,

Dec. 18. — ^The common council decided that it was
inexpedient any longer to continue the regulation con-
cerning the assize of bread, and appointed a committee
to prepare and report an ordinance for the future regu-
lation of the bakers. >

Dec. 21. — The New York mail stage broke through
the ice in crossing the river, and sunk in fifteen feet
water. A reward of twenty dollars was offered for the
rescue of the mail, which was fished up, and dried, and
remailed. None of the passengers ventured to cross in
the stage; the driver was rescued with difficulty; three
horses were drowned; the stage and baggage were finally
recovered, and proprietors suffered a loss of about five
hundred dollars,

Dec. 22.T-The second centennial anniversary of the

- * Survivors, 1855.

[Annals^ m«] 14

154 Notes from the Newspapers.

landing of the pilgrims at Plymouth, was celebrated in
this city by New Englanders. A sermon was preached
by Dr. Chester, in the Second Presbyterian Church, and
a supper given at the Mansion House of N. S. Skinner.

Dec. 30. — The house of Mrs. W. Groesbeek, in North
Market street took fire and was burned, together with
that of Israel Smith, adjoining. The fire took place at
%5 o'clock in the morning, the weather being unusually
dreary and inclement, and the streets glare with ice.

Mrs. Sidney Lewis, relict of the late Robert Lewis,
died, aged 77.

1821.

Jan. 11. — William Barclay died, at the island of Ber-
muda, whither he had gone for the recovery of health.

Jan. 18. — The Daily Advertiser began to publish a
regular journal of the proceedings of the house of assem-
bly, and gave occasional sketches of the debates. These
had been attempted by the same paper before, but were
attended with discouragements, which led to their discon-
tinuance.

Jan. 25. — ^The Board of Agriculture imported a library
from England, which was placed in the hands of the editor
of the Plough Boy, Solomon ^outhwick, as secretary of
the board..

The common council removed from the office of city
superintendent Capt. David Olmsted, who had enjoyed
it for many years, and appointed Philip Hooker in
his place. They at the same time dismissed Tunis
Slingerland, one of the police magistrates, on the score
of economy, under the presumption that the duties of
the office could be performed by one magistrate, Mr.
Philip Phelps. John E. Lovett was at this time attorney
to the board.

From the comptroller's report for 1821, it appears
that the aggregate valuations of real and personal
estates in the county, were, for 1818, $13,986,143; for
1819, $7|633.881; for 1821, |7,63l,583.

Jan. 29 — Henry C. Southwick, brother of Solomon
South wick, died at New York.

Ndesfrom the 'Newspapers. 155

The Albany Female Society in aid of Missions was
formed.

Feb. 2. — An ice-boat with sails, having five passen-
gers on board, arrived from Athens, a distance of thirty
miles, in 1 hour, 32 minutes. It is represented as
beingof a triangular shape, with two parallel run-
ners, a rudder, bowsprit, mainsail, and jib. It would
go either before or against the wind with great
velocity.

Feb. 3. — Websters & Skinners advertised a vindication
of the Claim of Elkanah Watson to the Merit of project-
ing the Lake Canal Policy, as created by the canal act
of 1792. And also a Vindication of the claim of the late
Gen. Schuyler, to the merit of drawing the act and pro-
curing its passage through the legislature: by Robert
Troup.

Feb. 13. — ^The council of appointment removed Archi-
bald Mclntyre from the office of comptroller, and An-
thony Lamb from that of commissary-general. William
L. Marcy was appointed adjutant-general in the place of
Solomon Van Rensselaer. Some of the most prominent
citizens gave Mr. Mclntyre a public dinner. George
Merchant was appointed clerk in the place of Henry
Truax; Benjamin F. Butler district attorney in the place
of Samuel A. Foot; and Abraham E. Ten Eyck surrogate
in the place of Ebenezer. Baldwin.

A swine was exhibited at Winants' stable in Beaver
street, *• for the moderate price of one shilling," which
measured ten feet in length, and seven feet around the
.body; its weight 1100 pounds.

Feb. 19. — Robert Lincoln died, aged 30. He was a
native of Boston, and came to this city in 1811, where
he was greatly esteemed for many virtues of character.
He was connected with the military establishments of
the city, and a battalion of the rifle corps performed
his funeral obsequies.

Feb. 20.— Ann, wife of Pierre Van Cortland, died,
and was buried from the house corner of Steuben and
North Market street.

156 Notes from the Newspapers.

Feb. 22. — John 0. Cole was appointed one of the
justices of the Justices' Court and a justice of the
peace, in the place of Leonard H. Gansevoort, declined.
Welcome Esleeck was appointed superintendent of com-
mon schools, in place of Gideon Hawley, removed.

The anniversary of Washington's birthday was cele-
brated, and an address delivered in the Baptist church
by Hooper Cumming.

March 5. — William Caldwell advertised his intention
to retire from business ; advertised his stock of goods
for sale, and his store, No. 64 (now 58) State street, to
let.

March. 8, — Mr, Hotchkiss of Niagara, reported a bill
to the house of assembly, authorizing a fdnd to be raised
for the support of female literature, which was ordered
to be printed. It proposed a tax on bachelors over 28.
A notice was immediately inserted in the Daily Advertiser,
calling a meeting of bachelors at Skinner^s Long Room,
in Market street, for the purpose of remonstrating against
the passage of the bill, and a punctual attendance re-
quested.

March 27.— John C. Fredenrich died, aged 69. His
fiineral was attended by the members of the Mechanic's
society.

Captain Bartholomew, who had commanded the steam
boat Richmond, was superseded by Capt. Center, Capt.
Wis wall sailed the Chancellor Livingston.

April 12. — Hooper Cumming gave notice that he
would commence a course of lectures on Elocution at
he Albany Academy on Tuesdays and Fridays, at $5
the course.

The legislature reduced the pay of its members in the
future to three dollars a day. The per diem had been
four dollars. The reduction of salaries efifected by this
session amounted to $22,220 a year.

Solomon Van Rensselaer was elected congressman at
the April election.

April 29. — William Patterson died, aged 81.

May l,^»Israel W. Clark proposed to revive the

Notes from the Newspapers. 157

Albany Register, ** the recollection of which was so dear
to the old republicans of this state." \

May 11.— Martin Van Buren and B. F. Butler, coun-
selors at law, removed their office to 353 North Market
street, next door to Rockwell's Mansion House.

An election was held on the 26th of April for members
of congress and the state legislature. At this date the
returns were not all received in this city.

In the fall of 1820, money was raised by subscription
for improving the square in front of the Capitol. This
year it was proposed to raise a thousand dollars for im-
proving the Academy square, to correspond with it. It
was thought that this square could be improved in. such
a way as to render the lots on the north side of it which
were now perfectly useless, desirable for buildings, that
would^ " command a most beautiful prospect, be retired
from the ordinary bustle of a town, and combine the
healthfulness of a country situatidn."

May 23. — The state canvassers met in this city and
examined the votes of the state. Archibald Mclntyro
received, in Albany county, 1533 votes for senator;
Abraham Hasbrouck, 1519; Lake Wells, 1106; Far-
rand Stranahan, 1109.

A vote was taken at the same time on the question of
a convention to revise the constitution of the state.
The vote of the county was 3012 for the convention;
opposed 1414.

May 24. — *'A good and substantial horse boat" was in
operation at the North ferry. Foot passengers paid 3
cts. ; carriages 9 cts.

May 27. — John Nicholson, aged 47, died in this city;
formerly a representative in congress from Herkimer
county.

There was a great deal of complaint about these* days
against the extravagance of salaries. Some one thought
the police justice received too much money. His salary
was f 300. As poor master he received $100 more. Not
satisfied with salaries attached to these offices, it was
proposed that he should receive a dollar for every bond

158 Notes from the Newspapers,

he should execute, which would gire him about |250
more. These salaries look ridiculously diminutive now,
after a lapse of thirty-five years. When the office was
first created, the salary was made $80 a year for two
days' service in each week. Afterwards, when these ser-
vices were required daily, they were $200, $300, $400^
and even $500; at one time it was thought to have
reached $600; then two justices were employed at $500
each. But recent retrenchment had reduced the office to
one incumbent at $300, the duties at this time being per-
formed by Mr. Philip Phelps, now deputy comptroller.

May 28. — Russell Forsyth gave notice that he had
withdrawn from the firm of W. H. Seymour & Co. and
connected himself with Friend Humphrey, under the firm
name of Forsyth & Humphrey, dealing in hides and
leather.

May 29. — The candidate Henry N. Pohlman, of Albany,
was ordained a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran
church, at New York, the Rev. F. A. Mayer, of Albany,
preaching the ordination sermon. He proposed to take
charge of the Lutheran Congregation at Ramapo and
Sadillerine.

June 4. — The trustees of the Albany Academy adver-
tised for proposals for removing about 10,000 loads of dirt
from the Academy square to the corporation lots on Elk
street, and Spencer street.

June 7. — John Dey Ermand, merchant, died, aged 41.
He was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and he resided here
eleven years.

June 18. — Giles Bogart died, aged 40.

June 21. — A negro concealed himself in the State Bank
building with a view to robbing tbe bank, but was dis-
covered by Mr. Yates as he was going to bed, atid secured
after a desperate struggle and sent to jail.

June 26. — The corner stone of the Female Academy
was laid in Montgomery street M 11 o*clockin the fore-
noon by the Rev. John Chester, in presence of the trustees
and a numerous assemblage.

June 29, — The steam boat United States was put on

Notes from the Newspapers. 159

the river, running between Albany and Perth Amboy,
touching at New York. She was advertised to leave
Albany every Monday and Thursday, at 5 -o'clock in the
morning. Fare. $4; freight, 25 cts. per 100 lbs. An
injunction was granted against this boat July 2, 1821.

June 28. — Henry J. Bogart died, aged 92.

The vote for delegates to the convention for the
revision of the constitution stood as follows :

FEDERAL TICKET.

S. Van James Ambrose Abraham

Rensselaer. Kent. Spencer. V.Vechten,

City of Albany, 1025 980 978 996

Watervliet 223 214 214 217

Bethlehem 463 444 442 438

Westerlo, 325 315 315 319

Bern, 505 491 491 505

Guilderlaiid,... 233 228 234 230

Rensselaerville, 180 179 . 179 180 *

Coeymans, 76 76 72 73

^^■•^^^ wa^na^B ^a^a^B^^ M>^^^_aM

3031 2927 2925 2957

REPUBLICAN TICKET.

John V.N. Wm. A. Archibald Jesse
Yates. Duer. Stephens. Wood.

City of Albany, 1170 1135 1118 1119

Watervliet, ... 92 86 89 89

Bethlehem, 236 202 207 207

Westerlo, 214 2ll 223 219

Bern, 247 227 227 233

Guilderland,-.. 163 157 149 148

Rensselaerville, 318 318 318 318

Coeymans, 321 321 323 323

2765 2657 2644 2656

There is a slight discrepancy in the footings.
July 4.— *Robert James, son of William James of this
city, died at Geneva, where he was on a visit, aged 24.
This anniversary was celebrated by the citizens , the

160 Notes from the Newspapers.

customary oration being delivered by Dirck L. Vander
Heyden.

July 16. — The justice's court was removed from the
Capitol to the newly erected court room in South Pearl
street.

The expense of transporting a ton weight from Albany
to Buffalo, now that a part of the canal was completed,
was $50.

Aug. 15 — Terence O'Donnell, merchant, formerly of
Albany, died at Stillwater, aged 73.

Aug. 17. — John Reid, an Albany merchant, died at
Saratoga Springs, aged 43.

Aug. 19 — The Rev. John Summerfield preached in the
Methodist Episcopal church, and a collection was taken
up for the benefit of the church, which amounted to
$95*12. On the evening of the 21st he preached in St.
Peter's and a collection was taken up for the same object
amounting to $88.

Aug. 27 — Dr. Gannon informed his friends and the
citizens of Albany in general, that in consequence of his
health being injured by the fatigue of many years' country
practice, he had removed into town, and resided at No.
6 South Pearl street, opposite Fly Market.

Aug. 28. — The convention for the revision of the con-
stitution of the state met at the Capitol. Daniel D.
Tompkins was chosen president; John F. Bacon and
Samuel S. Gardner, secretaries; Henry Fryer sergeant-
at-arms.

Aug. 30. — The Chancellor Livingston steam boat
brought up a band of music, for the entertainment of
her passengers. This was the introduction of that pecu-
liar attraction on the North River boats.

Aug. 31. — Henry Trowbridge gave notice that he had
added the New Hay^en museum^to his own collection,
and that it was superior in natural and artificial curiosi-
ties to every other in the country except Peal's in Phila-
delphia.

Sept. 1. — Dirk Van Schelluyne offered a large quantity
of real estate in various parts of the city for sale.

\ .

Notes from the Newspapers, 161

Among other parcels is '* one large lot, containing about
two acres bounded on Lydius and Hamilton streets, occu-
pied by the North River steam boat company as a wood
yard."

The Rev. John McDonald died at his residence No.
41 North Pearl street, and was buried on the 3d.

Sept. 2. — ^Daniel Hale died. Also William H. Seymour.

Sept. 18 — Gerrit Heyer died, aged 83.

David Schuyler, formerly of Albany, died at Amsterdam;
John Van Vechten, merchant, died at New York;
formerly of Albany. Joseph Bingham, formerly of this
city, died at Delaware, Upper Canada, on the 10th Sep-
tember.

Oct. 10. — The Albany County Agricultural Society
held its third anniversary. The members assembled at
Skinner's Mansion House, and after having elected their
officers for the ensuing year, marched in procession to
the Lancaster schoolhouse, preceded by a cart drawn by
six oxen, decorated with the flags of the society, and
literally loaded with . specimens of household manu-
factures, and the choicest productions of the earth;
bearing also a stand, which displayed to great advantage
the plate intended for premiums. Having with great
difficulty on account of the press of the people, obtained
an entrance into the school room, and order being restored,
the Rev. Dr. Chester addressed the throne of grace in an
appropriate prayer, after which the annual address was
delivered by Jesse Buel. The reports of the committees
were read by the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, presi-
•dent of the society. Among the awards was one of $10
to Jesse Buel, for the best two acres of wheat in the city
of Albany. Among the products of the city, were the
following: 39 bushels 12 quarts of wheat from an acre;
another, of 37 b. 16 q. ; spring wheat, 26 b. 8 q. ; corn, 133
b. 16 q. ; another, 90 b. ; oats, 74 b. 22 q. ; potatoes, 430
b. For the second best two acres of wheat, to Isaac
Gibson $5. Jesse^Buel for the best two acres of Indian
corn, $10; Eli Perry $5 for the second best.
Oct. 21. — ^Francis M. South wick, oldest son of Solomon

162 Notes from the Newspapem.

•

Southwrick, died, aged 23. His funeral was attended by
the mililarj, of which he was an officer.

Oct. 24. — Col. John Visscher died, aged 85.

Oct. 26.— Wheat sold in the city at 14s. 6d., or, $1-81.
On the 27th it went up to 16s. Id., or, $2*01. On the
30th, "in consequence of the news brought up by the
steam boat." it fell to 12s.

Oct. 29.-r-The steam boat Chancellor Livingston,
which left Albany this day, grounded on the overslaugh,
and remained there twenty-nine hours. The Richmond,
which went down the next day, ran aground also, and
was detained four hours. The editors of the Daily Ad-
vertiser called upon the citizens to exert themselves to
deepen the channel, lest the canals which were fast
approaching the city, should be carried down to a point
below these obstructions.

Nov. 3. — Mrs. Catharine Groesbeeck died, aged 73,
widow of William Groesbeeck.

Nov. 6. — Dirck Leaman was buried this day from his
dwelling 48 Chapel street.

John McDqle was buried from his house in Liberty
street.

Nov. 10. — The state convention for the revision of the
constitution, which had been in session at the Capitol
seventy-five days, adjourned. The final vote on the
adoption of the constitution was 98 to 8, eighteen mem-
bers being absent.

Nov. 5 — The common council passed a law abolishing
all previous laws regulating the price of bread and in-
spection of flour, so far as they required the licensing of
bakers or the weight of bread; but required bakers to
stamp their loaves with their initials and the weight
thereof.

Nov. 17. — It was announced that wheat was again
going up, the price having reached 10s. 6d.; on the 20th,
it had attained 12s. 6d.

Nov. 25. — The Rev. Hooper Cumming delivered a
lecture in the Baptist church for the benefit of the Sun-
day School Union, and a collection amounting to $91*70
was taken up.

Notes from the Newspapers. 163

Not. 28. — ^A yoke of oxen, said to be the best fatted
ever exhibited in this city, were to be seen at Fly Market ;
their weight being 3000 lbs. each. They were raised at
Hartford, Vermont.

Junius W. Roorback, son of A. H. Roorback, of this
city, died at Samarang, island of Java, aged 20.

Nov. 24. — A report was made by Absalom Townsend,
B. Brinckerhoff and Thedore Se^wick on the state of
the schools in the city under the Union Sunday School
Society. It appears that there were at this time ten
Sunday schools as follows :

First African, 41 scholars.

Second African, 30 do

Second Presbyterian,. 45 do

South Dutch 64 do

First Episcopal, 59 do

Lutheran, 34 do

Baptist,^ ^ — 26 do

Second Episcopal 33 do

First Presbyterian, -.56 do

North Dutch, 90 do

The last named school was not organized until the
28th December, 1820.

Complaint was made that the meetings of the common
council had been changed from ten o'clock in the forenoon,
to the " evening after dark," much to the detriment of
business, and the interests of the city.

1822.

Jan. 1. — The legislature met. The members of the
house of assembly for Albany county were James Mc-
Kown, William McKown, Volkert D. Oothout and John P.
Shear. Charles E. Dudley and Archibald Mclntyre were
in the senate.

Jan. 6. — The cold was so great that the thermometers
in some parts of the town went down to 14 degrees
below zero.

164 Not 69 from the Newspapers.

Jan. 14. — It was announced that Solomon Southwick
had been removed from the office of postmaster, and Gen.
Solomon Van Rensselaer, then a member of congress
from this county, appointed in his place. Gen. Van
Rensselaer returned from congress immediately and re-
signed his seat. Th^ governor on the I4th ordered an
election to take place on the 5th of February to fill the
vacancy.

The thermometers indicated 14 degrees and 15 degrees
below zero in various parts of the city.

The votes cast in the county on the adoption of the
amended constitution were as follows:

Yes. No.

Albany 690 614

Watervliet, 95 208

Bethlehem, 169 412

Guilderland, 127 163

Coeymans, 235 54

Niskeuna, 9 52

Berne, 195 269

Westerlo, 160 149

Rensselaerville, .234 112

The vote of the county was a majority of seventy-six-
against the constitution; 1905 yes, 1981 no.

The Rev. William Neill, late of Albany, edited the
Presbyterian Magazine, which was begun in January,
1821, at Philadelphia.

Feb. 3. — Ur, James Low died, aged 40. He was
buried at Charlton, Saratoga county, and the members
of the medical society resolved to wear crape on the left
arm for the space of thirty days, as a tribute of respect to
bis memory.

Feb. 7 — The county having established the poor house
farm, a committee of the common council reported the ^
following bill of fare :

Breakfast and Supper. — Milk porridge four times a
week, and mush and milk three times a week, with
bread.

Notes from the Newspapers, 165

Dinner. — Sunday, rice, or Indian meal pudding, with
milk and molasses and bread. Monday, pork, with beans
or peas, vegetables, and bread. Tuesday, soup, vege*
tables, and bread. Wednesday, beef, vegetables, and
brtead. Thursday, soup, vegetables, and bread. Friday,

fork or beef, with peas or beans, vegetables, -and
read. Saturday, fish, salt or fresh, with vegetables and
bread. The superintendent might occasionally substi-
tute dishes of other- meats in lieu of the above, provided
the expense wus not increased, and occasionally allow
tea and sugar, to the aged and infirm.
Feb. 14. — John H. Eversten died.
Feb. 16. — The house of Solomon Van Rensselaer,
just below the city line, was destroyed by fire. It being
supposed that the house was set on fire by incendiaries,
the governor offered a reward of $500, and Gen. Van
Rensselaer offered $500 more for the discovery of the in-
cendiaries; the common council added $250.

The plan of a turnpike road on the east side of the
Hudson river, through the highlands, to connect the
cities of New York and Albany by a good road, was -
first projected in Poughkeepsie, in the winter of 1800.
It was then generally considered to be a visionary
scheme, unworthy of serious attention, and absolutely
impracticable considering the obstacles to be encountered,
especially over the highlands, and .that no one would
think of subscribing to the stock with a view to any
emolument. But as no steam boats were then in being,
it was the only practicable land communication between
these two cities; and yet the lives and limbs of travelers
were in daily jeopardy. The first attempt to obtain an
act of incorporation failed, and when finally the law
passed, it was regarded by many as a dead letter. The
patriotism of a few gentlemen induced them to subscribe
to the stock. It was thought that these liberal men
could not have entertained a hope that the tolls would
ever exceed the amount sufficient to keep the roads ia
repair. Up to this time $91,000 had been expended, of
which $1,5000 was contributed by the state, and the
[Annah, vii,] 15

1 66 Notes from the Newspapers.

whole line of road had been completed except 35 miles
oyer the highlands. The legislature was petitioned for
a loan of |30,000 to complete that portion of the road.

Charles E. Dudley was reappointed mayor of the city.

Feb. 21. — ^A severe thunder storm passed over the
city, accompanied with vivid lightning, in the evening.

The valuation of real and personal estate in the county
of Albany for the year 1819, was |7,633,881; for 1820,
♦7,630,583; for 1821, |7 ,484,647.

Abraham A. Lansing died at his residence at Cherry
Hill, aged 70.

Feb. 22. — A sermon was preached to the members and
patrons of the Apprentices' Library by the Rev. William
B. Lacey, which was repeated at a future day, and after-
wards published. ^

At an election for members of congress, the following
rote was cast in this county :

9. Van Solomon

Rensselaer. South wick.

Albany 734 455

Bethlehem 365 19

Westerlo 220 5

Rensselaerville, 140 20

Watervliet 153

Guilderland, 183

Berne, 402

Coeymans, • — 69

2266 499

Mr. Southwick in a communication to the Dailv Ad-
vertiser, says that he was not a candidate in the strict
sense of the word; that it was considered useless by the
democratic party to oppose a candidate to the patroon,
and that there was no systematic effort against him.

March. 4. — John Vernor, Jr., died, aged 51.

March 6. — The ice in the Hudson river broke up, but
Bavigation was not open to New York.

The secretary of state reported to the legislature the
account of the fees of certain officers, in which it appears

Notes frani the Newspapers. 167

that from May 1 to Nov, 1, 1821, the county clerk of
Albany county swore to $300 fees. $62 office expenses;
district attorney, $427, disbursements, $8; surrogate,
$326, disbursements, $16.

March 9. — ^At about five minutes past ten o'clock a
meteor of extraordinary size and brilliancy passed over
this city in a direction from north-east to southwest,
leaving a trail of light of great length behind it.

It was announced that the Rev. John Bassett, had
finished the translation of Vander Donk's account of New
Netherland, which had never been renderedrinto English.
Mr. Bassett was now settled at Bush wick, on Long
Island.

The amount of money deposited in the savings bank
during the second year of its business, was $14,333, by
297 depositors.

Anthony Van Schaick, counsellor, &c., formerly of
Albany, died on the island opposite Lansingburgh, aged
43.

April 11. — Major John Lush was buried from his
house No. 320 North Market street.

April 17. — The legislature adjourned, having been 107
days in session.

April 23. — ^The remains of Jane McCrea having been
removed to the burying ground at Fort Edward, the Rev.
Hooper Gumming attended the ceremonies and preached
a sermon on the occasion from Micah ii, 10.

April 28. — Abraham Angus was buried from his resi-
dence No. 54 Green street.

April 29. — A quantity of silver plate stolen from the
house of Mr. Thomas Shipboy in 1778, was found by a
person plowing up a new field on the hill west of the city.
The articles, consisting of a tea pot, coffee pot, sugar bowl,
tea and table spoons, &c., were not materially injured,
although they had been buried forty-four years. Only
one of Mr. Shipboy's family was surviving at this time,
the wife of Col. Sebastian Yisscher.

(168)

THE WHIRLIGIG.

BY JOHN H, CANOLL.

In the year 1812, the United States government
purchased three hundred acres of land, lying nearly
opposite the southern part of the city of Albany, and
erected barracks and other buildings thereon for the use
of a division of the army and the reception of recruits.
The barracks comprised at least twelve distinct build-
ings, constructed of wood; the greatest number of which
were each of two stories and a basement, having a front
of one hundred feet and a depth of thirty feet ; and all
were united by colonnaded galleries which facilitated
communication between the respective buildings.

The undertaking had been projected with great liber-
ality, and although, in its details, the original plan was
not accurately adhered to, the accommodations were
ample and extensive, and, including the cost of the
grounds, must have involved the expenditure of nearly
|lOO,000.

The commanding officer at this post was Major*
Oeneral Dearborn, of whose eccentricities of govern-
ment many instances might be adduced. One of the
peculiar features of the establishment was a mode of
punishment called riding the whirligig. The instrument
employed was a rudely-formed box or cage, made to
revolve with great rapidity around an upright post that
passed through it, sustaining the relation of a pivot.
The invention of this mode of punishment has been
very erroneously imputed to Gen. Dearborn, who merits

The Whirligig. 169

only the equivocal honor of extending its application to
a wider range of offenses than that to which it had been
restricted. The evidence of its prior use may be traced
back into military antiquities. In Reese's Cyclopedia
is a very brief description of the contrivance in ques-
tion which is copied, almost verbatim, by Dr. Webster,
in his lexicon, as follows: "Whirligig. — An instrument
for punishing petty offenders, as sutlers, brawling
women, etc.; a kind of wooden cage turning on a pivot,
in which the offender was whirled round with great
velocity." At the cantonment opposite Albany, the box
was composed of a great number of slats, widely
separated; the occupant was consequently exposed to
the view of an idle crowd which this spectacle never
failed to bring together, and whose vitiated tastes were
thereby developed. The effect originally contemplated
was, probably, the public humiliation of the culprit.
Practically, however, other results ensued. The prison-
er's hands being secured to the upper side of the box, it
was made to revolve with a rapidity that soon caused
extreme giddiness, and prevented the subject of this
discipline from retaining an upright position, who however
was prevented from falling, his hands being immovably
fixed. Of course the arms were subjected to unwonted
strain, and dislocations and other injuries were frequent.
While the box was revolving, the sufferings of the
culprit became momentarily more acute, and, if long
sustained, finally reached a crisis of agony that was
.frequently followed by temporary unconsciousness, and,
sometimes, by permanent intellectual disturbances.

In consequence of these results, this mode of punish-
ment was soon discarded at the locality to which we
have alluded, and probably has become obsolete in all
civilized communities. Its use, it will be perceived, sub-
jected the culprit to public shame, physical' injury and
mental derangement — evils sufficient to warrant the
cutting down of any whirligig, by whatever name it
^ay be called.

(170)

BY-LAWS OF THE CITY OF ALBANY,

1686.

From the New York Colonial MSS. in the office of the Secretary of

State, vol. xxziv.

[The first page of the original MS. is lost.]

Relating UttoCamt. — That there shall bee within this
Citty and Libertyes thereof, Two or more ffitt persons
yearly to be appointed by the Mayor for the viewing of
wheate and all other grain within the same, who shall
bee y^ Judges in all cases where any difference arises
between the buyer and seller of and concerning the
goodnesse of such corne who shall have for his paines for
soe doing for each parcell of corne soe viewed, y® sum
of 1 Id. if above 25 schiple if under nine pence. To bee
payd by the buyer if that the said corne soe viewed prove
to be good and by the seller, if that the same be otherwise
than merchantable.

[That all merchants and other persons that shall here-
after Export or ship of out of this Citty and the Libertyes
thereof, any wheat or other grain shall first catise the
sayd viewers or one of them to view such come or other
grain and obtain from them or one ,of them a certificate
that the same Is good and merchantable, under the pen-
alty of ffbrty shillings for every hundred scippel of corn
(and so proportionably that shall bee otherwayes shipped
of or Exported. That the viewers shall bee paid by the
Exporter for such view & certificate one shilling.

That noe master of sloops or other vesshell shall within
the Citty or Libertyes thereof take on board or Remove
any wheat or other grain Except such as shall have such
certificates as aforesayd under the penalty of Twenty
shillings for the first offence and fforty shillings for every
other after.*]

* The two paragraphs in brackets are partially erased in the MS.

By- Lam of 1686« 171

2d, Strangers. — That the constable of each ward and
division within this Citty and Libertyes thereof doe from
Tyme to Tyme make a strict search and Enquyre within
their severall wards and divisions after all strangers
that shall Come, Reside or Inhabit within their sayd
seyeral wards or divisions and give a List and account
of their names To the Mayor or In his absence to the
Eldest Alderman that further examination may be made
and orders therein to save this Citty from Charges, &c.

That if any stranger or strangers whatsoever shall att
any tyme hereafter come into any of the wards & di-
visions of this Citty and Libertyes thereof and shall
there Reside and Inhabit by the space of flForty days and
a list or account qf his their names shall not before that
time be given to the Mayor or Eldest Alderman as afore-
sayd By the Constable of such ward or division and any
charges doe fall on this Citty thereby, such charges
shall bee particularly borne and defrayed By that ward
or division wherein such stranger or strangers shall so
Reside and Inhabit as aforesaid. And the Constable for
his neglect shall forfeitt and pay the sum of Twenty
shillings.

That all and everye keeper of publique houses, tapp
bouses or ordinaryes within the Citty or Libertyes there-
of that shall Receive any person or persons to Lodge or
Sojourn In their houses above two days shall before the
third day after his or their comeing thither give know-
ledge to the Constable of the ward or division where
such person or persons shall bee so Receaved of the
name surname dwelling place profession and trade of life
and place of service of all such person or persons and
for what cause hee or they came to Reside there, and
noe keeper of such publique houses, Tapphouses, or or-
dinaryes are to Lodge or Sojourn in their houses any sus-
pected persons or men or women of Evlll names under
the penaltye of Tenn shillings for each offence, &c.

Carmen, — That there be five Carmen and noe more
appoynted and allowed by the Mayor and Court of Alder-
men for the service of the Citty and that none doe serve
In that Capacity for hire or wages but who shall be ap-

172 By-Lam of lesa.

poynted and allowed. That the Carmen appoynted for
^his Citty shall and doe fill up amend and repair the
breaches in the streets and highways in and about this
Citty when Required by the Mayor, gratis, That the
said Carmen shall and doe weekly on everye Satur-
day In the afternoon carry and carte the dirte out of all
the streetes and lanes within the Citty and Convey the
same to some convenient place where the same shall be
appoynted to be leyed; provided the sayd dirte bee first
swept together or Loaden or putt into their cartes by the
Owners or Tenants of the house Before which the same
lies. That the sayd Carmen are to have and Receive no
more for a load to any place within the gates of the Citty*
than three pence unless for timber, Lime pantiles, and
Bricke Requiring time and care to load and unload they
are to have sixpence for each load, &c.

That when any corne or other goods Is Brought to the
Citty the Carmen are Immediately to unload and dis-
patch the same and if any Corne and meate bee in any
boats they are with all possible speed to unload and
house the same before other work done — all the sayd
orders are to bee observed and kept by the Carmen of
this Citty under the penalty of six shillings for the first
offence, Twenty shillings for y® second and for the third
to be putt out of their places.

All the sayd Carmen are to behave themselves Civilly
to all persons and be Careful! of all goods they are
Imployed to carry and if any hurt or damage happen to
any goods or merchandize what soever while under their
Charge, through their fault, neglect or want of care they
are to make sattisfaction for the same.

That noe Negroe or other Slave doe drive any carte
within this Citty under the penaltye of Twenty Shillings
to be paid by the owner of such slave for Each offence.
Brewers drays or Carriages for Beer only excepted, &c-

Ffiremen. — That noe person or persons whatsoever
within this Citty or Libertyes doe keep shop and sell any
goods, wares by Retayle or Exercise any handicraft,
trade or occupation But such as are fttee men thereof or

By-Laws of 1686. 178

soe admitted by the Mayor or Court of Aldermen for the
tyme Being under penal ty of ffive pound for Each offence
and all persons hereafter to bee made flFree shall pay as
/bllows, Every Merchant, Trader or Shopkeeper the sume
of three pounds twelve shillings & every handicraft man
one pound sixteen shillings on being made ffree as afore-
said for y« use of the Citty— That if a ffreeman shall bee
absent outt of the Citty by the space of T waive months
and not keep fire and candle and not pay scot and Lott
bee shall lose his ffreedom, &c.

Streets, — That no Carrion, Gutts, Garbidge ashes or
any other kinds of dirte or filth whatsoever that may
give anoyance bee thrown into any of the streets within
this Citty undr the penaltye of 3 shillings and all person
within this Citty are on Every Saturday morning when
the season of the year and the Weather will permitt to
clean the streets and sweep y^ dirte before their houses
Into heaps and cause the same to bee Loaden and putt
Into the Cartes which are oppoynted to carry away the
same under the like penaltye — That no person or persons
shall or doe shoot any Gunn or Pistol In .the street for
wager or other wyse nor throw or castt any stone there
under the penaltye of three shillings, &c.

RetayJers of Liquors. — That none butt such as are
Lycensed by the Mayor of this Citty for y« tyme being
doe presume to keep publique houses or sell any wyne
Rumm, Beer or other Liquors Either to Christians or ^
Indians by retayle or a less quant itye than ffive Gallons *
within this Citty or Libertyes thereof under the penalty
of ffive pounds for every or each offence, &c.

Surveyors, — That there be sworn surveyors appoynted
for this Citty by whose advice and directions y® Ground
within this Citty shall bee built And that none doe build-
before the front of their Ground be preised and layed out
by -them and as they shall direct that a Regular ordr and
uniformity bee kept and observed In the streets and
Buildings and that none pave before Their houses but In
such manner as appoynted by the sayd surveyor and that
for Laying out of Each house Lott and Giving Certificate

174 By-Lam of 1686.

thereof the sayd surveyor shall have and Receive from
the Ovirners thereof the sum of one shilling & six pence

To prevent Fire, — That persons be annually appointed
by the Mayor and aldermen to bee viewers and searchers
of Chimneys fire hearthes and to make complaint and
presentmt where they ffinde the same defective to the
Court of Mayor and aldermen who are to order the same
to be mendid and Repayred or In default to punish the
offenders by fifine not exceeding Twenty shillings for each
default, &c.

That no person or persons do lay any hay straw or
other combustable matter within their dwelling houses
in the Citty or- places adjoining to the same butt att
distance from their houses and the streets, &c.

That provision bee made for hooks, Ladders and
bucketts to bee kept In convenient places within this
Citty for avoyding the perrill of ffire that if any person
shall sufifer his Chimney to bee on ffire he shall pay the
summe of 15 shillings.

Negroes — ^That no person or persons whatsoever with-
in this Citty and Libertys thereof doe harbour entertayne
or countenance any Negro or Indian slave In their houses
or otherwyse or sell or delyver to them any wine Rumm
or other strong Liquor without Leave from the master or
Receave or take from them any money or other goods
on any other acco" whatsoever. Butt if any oflfer
device or attempt mSide by any such slave soe to doe
they are forthwith to Reveale the same to y® Mr. or
owner of such slave or to the mayor of this citty or
eldest alderman under the penaltye of ffive pounds.

Market,^Tha.t Tuesday Weddensday and Saturday in
each week be and are hereby appoynted market dayes
in this citty for the exposing to sale at the market
house all butchers meatt and flesh whatsoever.

That ffish, butter, cheese, eggs, poultry, fruits, roots
and herbs may bee sold every day in the week att any
time in the market or other convenient place that noe
person shall forestall any provisions or victuals coming
to the market or to buy in any private or other place

By-Laws of 1686, ITS

than the markett under the paine of forfeiture of the
same whether it hee found in y® hands of y^ huyer or
seller.

Noe person shall engrosse any provisions or victuals
which is in y^ market or city for y® market to retaile
these again especially such as he knowne for hucksters,
butchers or other people occupy inge their living by such
provision or victuall as they shall soe ingross under
payne of forfeiture of such provisions and victuals soe
ingrossed.

Noe huckster shall engrosse any poultry, eggs, flesh
or butter comeing to the market under paine of ffbrty
shillings.

Noe unwholesome or stale victuals shall be sold in the
market under the payne of fforty shillings no blown meat
or leprous swine shall be sold in ye market under y^
payne of fforfeiting the same and fforty shillings.

That the Clerk of the market or his deputye is to
take care that the above orders are duelye observed and
present defaulte And sett out and appoynt conveninte
hearths, stalls and standings for all persons that come
to the market that the orders relating to the markett
shall not bee put in execution until fiveteenth day of
May next ensueing when the same is to bee duelye
observed and kept.

' Apprentices. — That noe person or persons whatsoever
within this citty or the precincts and libertyes thereof
hereafter bee permitted to exercise any handicraft, trade
or other imployment untill he shall have served as an
apprentice to some burger of this citty of such respect-
ive employment for and dureing the term of flour whole
years unlesse such person or persons shall have other-
wayes been sufficiently qualified for such employment
and have been admitted into y® flreedome of the sayd
citty upon the payment of such admission money as
herein before is mentioned upon penal tye of payeing
for each offence the summe of Ten Shillings curr^ money
of this country.

Swine. — That from and aAer the first day of December
next ensueing noe person or persons whatsoever shall

176 By-Laws of 1680.

keep any swine or hoggs abroad in the streets or else
where within the libertyes and precincts of y® sayd citty
upon paine and penaltye of paying for each hogg or
swine so often as it shall bee so found abroad the sunime
of six shillings.

Provided all ways it shall and may bee lawfull to and
for the mayor of the sayd citty for y® time being att his
discretion to lycense such poor people as hee shall think
fitt to keep hogs within the said citty precincts and
libertyes thereof so all ways as the number of such hoggs
lycensed by each person to be kept do not exceed three.
And that the hoggs of such persons so lycensed to bee
kept when found abroad shall not incurr the penaltye
aforesayd any thing herein contained to the contrary
thereof notwithstanding.

That the hoggs so lycensed to be kept as aforesayd
shall be well and sufficiently ringed upon paine and
penalty of forfeiting such of them as shall bee found
going abroad other w ayes.

Bread — That the mayor and aldermen for the time
being doe onse every three iponths or oftener if they see
cause ascertaine and establish the value and assize of
bread to be sold by the bakers in this city and cause the
same to be publickleye ffixed on the citty hall that all
persons may take notice thereof and likewise to appoynt
ffitt persons to bee viewers of Bread to inspect the good-
ness thereof and see* that the same be of full and due
assize and all bakers are to bake their bread good
according to the assize so established under the penaltye
of forfeiture of all such bread as shall be found not to
bee good or not of the due assize as aforesayd, and
twenty shillings fyne for each offense.

That the sheriff, constables and other officers of the
citty doe take care and look after the due observance
and execucion of these laws and orders and make com-
plaint and presentmentt of the breach thereof and all
the fines, penal tyes and forfeitures arising thereby shall
bee disposed of in manner following: That is to say:
Two thirds to be payed to the Treasurer for the use of

City Ordinances. 17'^

y^ city and one third to the sayd sheriff, constables or
other officers that shall complaine or present the same
except the third of all ffines and forfeitures relating to
y® markett to belong to the clerk of y*' market onely.
* * these Lawes and Orders haveing * *
* been openly re^d in Common Cjouncil now *
read and assented unto and ordered that the same be
published.

[The blanks are in consequence of the loss of parts of
the original manuscript from decay.]

[AnnaU, tni.] 16

(178)

ORIGIN OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS IN

ALBANY.

It is diflficult to determine when and where Sunday
schools had their origin. The subject has given rise to
a good deal of controversy. As early as 1695, the
ecclesiastical synod of Germany made provision for a
species of Sunday school instruction; but long before
this, we are 'told, schools were formed in connection
with some of the Roman Catholic churches of Europe,
particularly at Milan about 1570. In England, they are
traced to the year 1763, twenty years before the cele-
brated Robert Raikes undertook the work, and there is
good reason to believe that others were before that time
engaged in the benevolent effort* to make the sabbath
subservient to the education of neglected children in
that country. But these differed very materially from
our American Sunday schools.

The Rev. Johannes Megapolensis, who came over from
Holland in 1642, to take spiritual charge of the Dutch
and Indians, at Rensselaerswyk, was accustomed to
impart catechetical instruction to the young on the
sabbath ; and when he closed his ministry, in 1649, with
the intention of returning to Holland, he was pressed by
Gov. Stuyvesant, "for the honor of God, for the increase
of the church, and for the interest of men," to remain at
New Amsterdam. But these motives did not change the
inclinations of the dominie ; it was only when these other
persuasions were added: ** If it were only for the
instruction of the children, who are every Sunday pre-
sented at the Manhattans for baptism, sometimes one,
sometimes two, yea, sometimes three and four together,"

Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany. 1*79

that he relented from his purpose, and consented to
remain. His successors at Albany continued to give
Sunday instructions to the Christian and Indian children
which gathered on the sabbath for that purpose.

In the year 1813, Mr. George Upfold, who taught a
private school in Van Tromp street, opened a free Sun-
day school at his room, which was held from- 6 to 8
o'clock in the morning, and from 12 to 2 in the after-
noon. These hours would seem of themselves suffi-
ciently inconvenient to' render the school irksome to the
pupils; but Mr. Upfold found other difficulties to contend
with. He undertook to teach ** several useful branches
of English education," which did not comport with the
notions of those who thought themselves entitled to lead
in such matters, and the school did not prosper. His
school was probably modeled after that of Robert Raikes,
and was designed to teach the rudiments to the children
of the poor, on Sunday, which to many was their worst
day, spent idly and viciously.

The active members of all the churches gradually
yielded their prejudices to Sunday schools, and in a few
years they became a prominent religious institution. In
November, 1822, Mr. Absalom Townsend, one of the
most energetic leaders in the cause, made a report in
the name of the Sunday School Society, which embodied
a very complete history of the origin and progress of the
different schools to that time. It is here published entire,
as it appeared in the Albany Daily Advertiser of Decem-
ber 3, 1822, to which we have appended a few notes.

RKPORT OP THE ALBANY SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIETY.

An accurate statement can not ijow be given of the
rise and progress of Sunday schools in this city. It has
been attempted, but the attempt has failed, as facts have
not been preserved from which they could be traced.
This seeming neglect has arisen from the manner in
which our Sunday schools were established, and the with-
drawal of such of their founders as were capable of fur-
nishing a correct account of them. Solely intent on

180 Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany.

giving substantial instruction, they did not attend to pre-
serving records that would exhibit its results. It has
been ascertained however that while these institutions
had gained an extensive footing in sister states, and neigh-
boring cities and towns ; and while every year brought
accounts of the favorable effects from them in foreign
countries, we looked on with indifference, or thought them
fanatical, oj met them as though we acted from the nar-
row prejudice, that it was not lawful " to do good on the
sabbath day. " Notwithstanding this general apathy,
there were some few of more liberal views, who felt that
the talent committed to them, however humble, was not
given to be buried, or that active and constant bene-
volence was ever separated from vital piety. Convinced
of their importance, they could not delay, and without
patronage, and in some cases without concert, and in
others with it, they determined on laying the foundations
of these laudable institutions, and to commit their issue
to Him who hath promised all things needful.

The first Sunday school in this city, of which we
have "any account, was commenced some time in the year
1813, by Mr. William Young, in the school room of Mr.
Upfold, in Van Tromp street. No records have been
preserved- of it, and hence the impossibility of giving
any account of its number or its usefulness. From the
strictures that appeared about that time in the public
prints, it is presumed that it never received any patron-
age or Encouragement, and having constantly to contend
with prejudice, it soon languished and died.

Some time in the year 1816, a Sunday school was
established by certain members of the Methodist church.
Commenced and pressed by a zeal that characterizes that
people, it soon became respectable. It shortly numbered
272 on its books, and during its continuance was one of
the best conducted and most interesting in the city. Its
average attendants were 120. But owing to the estab-
lishment of other schools in its vicinity, or more likely
owing to the flagging of that zeal that had made so good
a beginning and promised so much, it soon declined,

Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany. IBl

although this society did all they could to assist it ; and
it is now utterly extinct.*

About the same time, and it is not now more accurately
ascertained, certain members of the Moral society in this
city commenced a Sunday school in the western part of
Washington, then Lyon street. It was thought that the
location of it there would be the means of doing much
good, as children in the- extremities of the city hare
more temptations to play, and very few advantages of
instruction. This likewise flourished. Many were
gathered in it who habitually broke the sabbath, and
indulged in vices; but no pecuniary assistance being
afforded by the Moral society, or others , and the teachers
left to the double burden of instructing and defraying
its expenses, soon became wearied, and abandoned the
school.

However, one has arisen from its ruins in the same
place, called the Washington street Sunday school, and
still continues in operatibn with tolerable success. It
was established about two years since, by the Rev, Mr.
Davis, missionary in this city, whose active benevolence
is always devising new means for relieving the miseries
of his fellow men. He saw the necessity of a Sunday
school in that quarter, and though pressed by multiplied
and urgent duties, spared time from them. Assisted by
several young ladies and gentlemen, he commenced, and
personally attended it every sabbath, until he left the
city for the western country. Since that the school has
declined. Several of its teachers have fallen off; 22
having been engaged since its commencement, only 7 of
whom now attend. The number of scholars is now 41,.
and the average attendants 35. It is feared that this
school will go down. Destitute of funds, it has no
church to foster it. All its expenses for rent and neces-
sary books have been derived from this society. Indeed,

* A sabbath evening school was established at Mr. Young's school-
room in Washington (now South Pearl) street, in 1816, and appears
to have had the support of the Moral society. It was attended by
150 children and 50 adults. (See Annals i, 79.)

182 Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany,

the society feels no reluctance in assisting it, as far as
its own limited funds will allow, as it has always
esteemed it one of the most useful schools connected
with it. It is hoped that the teachers who remain will
not be disheartened by the many discouragements that
attend them, and that they may be joined by others,
who are desirous of doing good, as they will find this
the most likely place to gratify their wishes.

In the month of June, 1816, certain ladies of the
Reformed Dutch church opened a Sunday school in Green
street, for the instruction of girls.* The number on their
books was 87, and average attendants 50. It continued
about a year, was suspended on account of the severity of
the winter, and was revived about two years after. It is
now known as the South Dutch Sunday school, and is
held in that church, j It is cherished by the church to
which it is attached, and is in a flourishing condition; 86
being the number of scholars, and 60 the average attend-
ants; 26,749 verses having been recited the present year.
Four of the teachers have joined the church while in the
school, and eight are professors. Their zeal to advance
the interests of the school, instead of diminishing, as is
generally the case with attendance, appears to have in-
creased. Very favorable effects have sprung from their
labors, and it is hoped that their success will long influ-
ence them to continue their eflbrts.

* The late Lieutenant-Goverrtor John Tayler fitted up a room in
his storehouse in Green street, which was in ihe rear of what is now
Cooper's Building, v^here his daughter, Mrs. Cooper, assisted by a
few pious ladies, among whom were Mrs. David Pruyn, and Mrs.
Christian Miller, slathered the school which is here alluded to. These
schools had not yet been admitted into the churches.

tThe Sunday school of the South Dutch Church, as it was then
called, was begun in 1818 or 1819, by Messrs. William C. Miller
and Richard Varick De Witt, then just returned as graduates from
Union College. They began with four boys and three girls. Gradu-
ally the number of attendants increased, so as to rrquire more teach-
ers, and the school has never been interrupted to this day. It was
the first Sunday school held in the church, the other experiments
having been made in school rooms and other places, and not strictly
sabbath schools, after the settled plan of our own day. The acces-
sion of Mrs. Cooper^s school was made a short time before this report.

Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany. 183

Miss Oakie, with the aid of Miss Berbank and Aimes,
in July, 1816, commenced a female Sunday school, in
Beaver street. They received little or no assistance,
except from teachers, yet the school prospered. In 1818,
the plan was extended so as to admit male children, and
it forms that useful and interesting school denominated
the First Presbyterian. Its worthy principal, Mr. War-
ner, having determined to leave this city, lately resigned
his office. This event it was feared would affect the
school. But from the discreet selection it has made of
a successor, we are led to believe it will sustain no
interruption.

About the 1st of September, 1816, the Young men's
society commenced a Sunday school in Green street, for
boys, in the school room of Messrs. Badger and Lion. It
was soon filled beyond the means to accommodate them,
120 children attending; so much so, that the year follow-
ing applicants for admission were turned over to that
worthy and faithful instructor, Mr. Dillingham. That
gentleman had commenced a Sunday school for boys, in
the month of August, 1817, at the corner of Chapel and
Steuben streets,* and individually had become responsible
for its expenses. His zeal and faithfulness soon recom-
mended the school to the notice of the Second Presby-
terian church. Its worthy pastor countenanced his
enterprise, and assumed his liabilities.

The school was soon after removed to the Lancasterian
building. At this place, the remaining scholars of the
Green street school were united with it ; that having in
the meantime greatly declined in zeal and in numbers.
While there it was still further enlarged, by admitting
girls for instruction, then bearing the name of the Chapel
street Sunday school, and now that of the Second
Presbyterian. It was soon after removed to the Uranian

* It was opened in a carpentries shop, the benches serving for
desks, and temporary seats were formed of such materials as the
place afforded. Mr. Dillingham was assisted by Messrs James Mc-
Clure and Isaac Hutton. Mr. Archibald MeClure, the present su-
perintendent, has been connected with this school thirty-two years «

184 Origin of Sunday Schaoh in Albany.

hall, and thence successively to the Mechanic's academy
and the Albany library room, where it still continues.
Thus has this offspring of piety been doomed to be a
sojourner in the midst of us. Still, however, fostered
by the church to which it was attached, and conducted
by pious, faithful and punctual teachers, it flourished
during a considerable part of its pilgrimage, beyond any
school in the city, the usual number of its attendants
being 180. A circumstance, however, occurred, in the
domestic history of this school, which entitles it to the
lasting gratitude of the friends of Sunday schools, and
gave a turning influence to the encouragement and exten-
sion of them in this place. On the 14th of April, 1817,
the Albany Sunday School Society was formed, for the
purpose of superintending, improving and assisting such
Sunday schools as should put themselves under their
direction.

With the countenance of so important a school as the
Second Presbyterian then was, the society would have
encouragement to proceed; without it, the other schools
would distrust their usefulness and resist their influence.
In order to deter the managers of it from uniting with
the society, they were given to understand, that in that
event, they must look exclusively to it for assistance.
The alternatives of losing a promised and certain sup-
port, or blighting the prospect of doing much good, were
placed before them. They did not hesitate, but gene-
rously gave up the former for the public weal ; and by
joining the society, put their trust in an Almighty hand,
to guide and protect them. The choice made by them
has been injurious to the school, its number being
reduced from 180 actual attendants to 38; but upon Sun-
day schools in this city, it has been invaluable. Its
teachers, one and all, zealous and efficient, labored to
impart their zeal to other schools, and to stir up the
friends of these institutions to establis^h more. The
consequence has been, as they must have anticipated.
By multiplying Sunday schools, and with them the
means of doing good, they thereby created drains that

Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany, 185

diminished their own numbers. Since their union they
have depended on themselves, and such trifling assistance
as could be afforded them from the limited funds of this
society. It is hoped that, injured by such disinterested
acts, it may a^ain be restored to the favor of its natural
parent; and, fostered by her patronage, once more
assume tliat rank among its sister schools, to which its
virtues so eminently entitle it. Its history is intimately
blended with that of Sunday schools in this city, and no
small share of their present interest and usefulness is
attributable to its worthy founder. A few years since,
he removed to Cincinnati, in Ohio. There, in the very
face of prejudice, and that ecclesiastical, he established
several Sunday schools, and continues to animate and
encourage them. Though absent, he has left that behind
him that will long continue him in the grateful remem-
brance of our poor and the benevolent.

Ten scholars have been dismissed from this school,
having acquired all that is taught in them. One scholar
has joined the church, and two soon after they were
dismissed.

In the month of January, 1816, Mrs. Upfold opened at
her own house, with the aid of Mrs. Bocking and others,
a Sunday school for the instruction of female Africans ;
and soon after one was established in the Uranian hall,
for males. These were finally united and are the origin of
that denominated the J'irst African. The teachers of this
school have always met with difficulty in obtaining a place
to instruct it ; and owing to the prejudice excited against
the enlightening of this people, they have seen it more
than once brought to the very brink of ruin. Still they
persevered, although the expense, as well as labor of
instructing it, fell principally upon themselves. Lately,
they acknowledged that a protecting hand had been
extended to them by the Sunday school society, and that
a room, free of expense, has been allowed them by the
corporation of the city, in the Lancasterian building.
Very considerable encouragement has rewarded their
labors. Many who attended them at first, and who

i86 Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany,

hardly had a sense of decency, much less of morality or
piety, they now have the satisfaction of seeing punctual
and orderly in their attention, and discovering, and in
many instances feeling a respect for religious ordinances.
Some of them have been taught to read, who did not
know their letters when they commenced. It is a mixed
school, composed of 4 male and 12 female adults, and 29
boys and 20 girls. It is a pleasing circumstance reported
of it, that 10 female adult scholars are professors in dif-
ferent churches in this city, and that they appear to
have named the name of Christ in sincerity, and to
have departed from iniquity. Six of its teachers are
also professors of religion; two of whom became such
since they joined the school. Thus strengthening the
belief, that few are ever permitted to serve their Lord
for naught, and that while they benevolently lend them-
selves as instruments of communicating grace to others,
they are mercifully made the subjects of it themselves.

It would be unjust to pass unnoticed Mrs. Upfold and
Booking, those pious matrons and coadjutors in the
establishment of this and other Sunday schools in this
city. Never has it flourished as under their united and
persevering exertions. Until the school was securely
established, through wet and cold,' or storm, trembling
under the infirmities of age, and sometimes sickness,
they were ever found at their posts, patiently enduring
all the drudgery of teachers, and laboring as for their
lives to impart spiritual instruction.

Such zeal did not pass unnoticed -even by the heedless
Africans. It inspired respect. They received their in-
struction and their advice, as coming from the mouths of
oracles; and several who connected themselves with the
church, are evidences of their earnestness and their
labors. Mrs. Becking occasionally attends, but the in-
firmities of Mrs. Upfold have compelled her to retire
altogether from Sunday schools.

Such examples, while they excite admiration for their
selfdenial, and faithfulness to the end, cast an implied
censure on many of their sex still in the vigor of lit'e»

Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany. 187

who affect a fear of exposing their healths, in attending
to the drudgery of such duties, and yet never admit that
any ill effects result from plunging into the fashionable
amusements of the day.

Sdme time in the year 1820, soon after the Baptist
African church was established in this city, certain pious
young gentlemen and ladies, in order to enlighten that
people, and give countenance and encouragement to their
church, commenced in it a Sunday school, for the
instruction of adults and children. Its average attend-
ants were usually 30, and the number of verses respect-
able, but can not accurately be ascertained, as no
minutes were kept by them. They were taken under
the patronage of this society, on the 12th of December,
1820, and received every assistance and encouragement
it could afford. Only occasional reports were received
from it; and as far as these enable us to judge the school
continued to flourish until about the time that church
was suspended by a sale of the building they occupied,
to another sect.

The place of that is more than supplied, by the
establishment of a Sunday evening school for adult
blacks. It was commenced on the 12th of May last, at
the request of the Rev. Mr. Paul, by certain teachers of
the several Sunday schools in this city, who are profess-
ors of l-eligion. The number on their books is 133;
average number of attendants, 75; and, since their
establishment, 6460 verses have been recited. It is now
held in the Uranian hall, in a room free of expense, but
too small to accommodate it. This circumstance renders
it very disagreeable to teachers, and no doubt prevents
its increase. Its teachers have made several ineffectual
attempts to get a more convenient one. It is certainly
among the most interesting of any in the city. Con-
vinced of the value of learning, the scholars show an
eagerness to obtain it, which at once encourages teachers
in their instruction, and rewards them for their labor.

At the request of the Hon. S. Van Rensselaer, a Sun-
day school was commenced on th« 24th of May, 1818,

188 Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany,

in the fifth ward; he having made a donation for that
purpose of fifty dollars to this society. The number
enrolled were 36 boys and 21 girls. For a time it
flourished, and, situated in the extremity of the city,
like that in Washington street, was composed of that
class of children for whom Sunday schools are peculiarly
intended. The difficulty, however, of obtaining a room
for its accommodation, the exaction of enormous rents,
and the reluctance shown by teachers to instruct it,
cooperated in its destruction. It is feared that not
many -of its scholars have found their way into other
Sunday schools; and it is hoped that the benevolent,
who can find leisure from their other duties, will rebuild
and make it permanent and useful.

The St. Peter's church Sunday school was established
on the 1st of January, 1818. It is the best organized
of any in the city. The pastor has condescended to be-
come its principal. Deriving considerable funds from its
parent congregation, and instructed by teachers who
feel the responsibility of their stations, it stands first in
size and usefulness among our Sunday schools. Number
of boys, 65 ; average attendants, 40. Number of girls, 70;
average attendants, 55. Total average attendants, 95.
Number of verses recited the past year, 29,180. It is an
interesting fact, that fifteen girls have been dismissed
from it, as having acquired all that is usually taught in
Sunday schools, and that their conduct has been regular
since they left it. Thirty-two children have been put out ,
to service, and are permitted by their employers to at-
tend a part of the sabbath. The managers of the school
have distributed since its commencement 20 Bibles, 70
Testaments, and 84 Common Prayer Books.

Some time in the year 1818, Mr. W. A. Tweed Dale
commenced a Sunday school on the Lancasterian plan,
at the Lancasterian school house in Eagle street, which
was received into this society Nov. 13, 1819. It was
composed principally of those who attended his day
school, and was orderly and well conducted. From this
specimen it may be inferred, that that means of instruc-

Origin of Sunday Schools in Albany, 189

tion might be carried into Sunday schools with great
economy and success. The average attendance oi' this
school was 50. It was discontinued after it had been
in operation about two years.

Mrs. Pugsley, commisserating the neglected situation of
the Africans, opened a Sunday evening school, princi-
pally to give religious instructions to the females of that
people. The number of its attendants are not known.
It was continued through the successive winters of 1817 ,
1818, and 1819, and was held at such places as she or
the scholars could procure. She sustained all its inci-
dental expenses, and finding that they could be accom-
modated in the First African school, she discontinued it.
Such individual exertions are worthy of notice and of
imitation. .

- On the 13th of November, 1819, a Sunday school
was connected with this society which had been insti-
tuted some time in the same fall, in Mr. McDonald's
church, by the Rev. Mr. Rattery, a Baptist. He had
taught in the Sunday sdhools of Scotland, and introduced
inf:o this the methods of instruction to which he had
there been accustomed. It consisted of about thirty
scholars, and was afterwards removed to, and placed
under the patronage of the Baptist church. Here it has
since remained. Its average number of attendants con-
tinued about 30, until the present year, when by the
zealous and faithful efforts of its present principal, for
we know not to what else it can be attributed, th^ school
has unexpectedly increased to 100 attending scholars,
and now holds the first rank among Sunday schools in
this place, 29,535 verses having been incited the past year.
It is hoped that its principal and teachers, instead of
relaxing their labors, from past success, will be stimu-
lated by it to redouble their exertions.

Miss E. Pohlman, on the 30th of April, 1820, chiefly
by her own exertion, established a vSunday school for
both sexes in the Lutheran church. 133 scholars have
been admitted — 67 girls and 46 boys. The average
number of attendants is 40; 10 boys and 30 girls.

[Annahf vii.] 17

190 Origin of Sunday SchooU in Albany.

The school has ever since remained under the charge
of that young lady, with the exception of three months,
when it was committed to the care of Mr. Badger.
There are 5 teachers engaged with her, 4 of whom are
professors ; and the school is regularly and efficiently
conducted. The number of verses recited the past yea?
are 35,749; two of its scholars haying committed th«
whole of the New Testament.

By previous notice, a considerable number assembled
in the North Dutch Churcb, on the 17th of December^
1B20, and resolved on the establishment of a Sunday
school ; 48 of that congregation set down their names to
become its patrons and teachers. On the next sabbath,
a respectable school was established in the consistory
room belonging to the church, where it still continues.
The number of scholars on its books are 434, of whom
' 230 are boys and 204 girls. The usual number of attend-
ance was about 110, but it gradually diminished to 77,
which is now the average number. 34,434 verses have
been recited the last year.

This school joined the society on the 12th day of May,
1821, and with no more resources than several oth^r
schools, magnanimously resolved to depend on its own
means for support, and has never since demanded ov
received any assistance from their funds.

It is hoped that zeal, which marked its establishment,
may not diminish with its continuance.

The Rev. Mr. Bruen, with the aid of several young
ladies, commenced a Sunday school, during the last sum-
nver, in South Market street. They were induced to it,
by the number of children ' they saw, every sabbath,
playing in the street, notwithstanding the schools ojjened
on that day to receive them. The first day, they col-
lected near 30 children, which number they retained
until it was discontinued. Its teachers being instructors
in other schools, began it with a view of discontinuing
it when the days became too short to keep it after th^
second church. A few sabbaths since, they dissolved
it, taking their scholars to the Sunday schools in the
vicinity.

Origin of Sunday Schooh in Albany. 191

These facts show, that though we hare VO Sunday
schools, most of which are in successful operation, that
the field of their usefulness is not yet occupied, and that
still vigorous efforts are loudly called for, to establish
them in the suburbs. They indeed require more money
and labor to sustain them ; and, cramped as the society is
in its funds, and disinclined as professors are to incur
the trouble of them, we can scarcely hope that they will
be instituted.

The teachers now engaged in these schools have quite
as much, and more, than they can attend to; owing to
the scarcity of teachers, many are obliged to instruct in
two, and some in three schools, in order to sustain those
which have been commenced.

Such is the history, simple and correct as can be given,
of the several Sunday schools that have been established
in this city. Long have they had to struggle agaibst
the apathy or actual prejudice of our fellow citizens.
Long have they had to contend with poverty and embar-
rassments. Seldom with more than one hundred dollars
in their treasury, and frequently with that sum pledged
and anticipated, by the expenses of the past year, the
society has been driven to the closest economy, and, in
acting too rigidly upon it, evidently have curtailed the
usefulness of these institutions. They acknowledge,
with gratitude, the aid furnished them at their anniver-
saries; the donations of some few subscribers; and the
supply of wood which they have heretofore received for
the several schools, from the corporation. Indeed, with*
out this assistance, inadequate as it may seem, the society
would be compelled to suspend their labors, and children
would again be turned loose to violate the sabbath. The
burden of instructing is quite sufficient for teachers,
without the additional one of defraying the expenses of
their schools. As yet, it is the conscientious, principally,
who have engaged in them, and few, if any of these,
have any thing but their labor to bestow. They look to
an enlightened community for support, and trust tHat the
pious and benevolent part of it, who duly appreciate the

192 Origin of Sunday SehooU in Albany^

yalue of these schools, will cheerfully assume th-eir
expenses, and never permit them to go down for the
want of necessary funds.

Among the various Christian institutions devised for
doing good to mankind, few appear so well calculated as
the humble one of Sunday schools. The others are
adapted to the present generation, and with them they
can do little or nothing. Confirmed in their habits, as
well may the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard
his spot, as they be induced to alter their depraved and
settled propensities. If some few, however, are brought
into God's marvelous light, it appears to be the interpo-
sition of miraculous power; and they stand as monuments
of his mercy.

But Sunday schools work according to the order of
nature. Taking children before they are confirmed in
vice, they get the start of it ; and by impressing upon their
memories texts of scripture, hymns and prayers, and
giving them moral and religious instruction, they implant
a fear to do wrong, and an inclination to virtue. Should
they afterwards depart from it, and plunge into vice,
that misery which always attends such a course will
bring these to their memories, disgust them with them- '
selves and amend their lives ; and thus because they have
remembered their Creator in the days of their youth,
they will find the promise fulfilled to them, that in their
old days He has not departed from them.

These institutions are peculiarly intended to gather
children from scenes of vice, where they Would ripen for
crimes. Here they are taught the rudiments of cleanli-
ness, piety, virtue and industry. Even their young minds
contrast these with the former, and perceiving their
advantage, and being countenanced and encouraged by
their teachers, they insensibly become l^lessings, as well
to society as themselves.

Wherever Sunday schools have been some time in
operation, the state of community has sensibly improved;
public taxes and expenses have lessened; and crimes,
misery, mendicants, and poverty have diminished.

Origin of Sunday Schooh in Albany, tB9

Statesmen have viewed them as the most likely cure
for these evils, and every enlightened community have
established and sustained them.

Convinced as this society is of their general utility^
they can not withhold their surprise, that the public has
been so sparing in its patronage. Nor is it less surpris-
ing, that, while Sunday schools are so evidently required
in our suburbs, and those which are instituted are so
destitute of pious and regular teachers, professors, with-
out the excuse of duties, should view them with apathy,
and withhold assistance. .

Not so is the spirit of Christianity in other places.
.There, an eye of compassion is turned back upon those
left in their sins, by such as have felt the singular mercies
of the Almighty. The high are not above joining the
humble professor in his ranks, to work for their common
Master. ^

Charities like these they esteem more valuable than
those given to relieve immediate wants. The latter
afford a mere temporary supply, and they recur again
with increased inveteracy. But the former administered
to the moral infirmities of the heart, and by healing
these they dry up those issues of vice, misery and want,
that flow so destructively from them.

Absalom Townsend,
Albany, Nov. 1822, John Blair Linn.

194 Origin of Sunday Sohooh in AVtany.

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(195)

FROM

AN englishm:an's sketch book.

From the Albany Daily Advertiser of 1822.

Curiosity has again induced me to visit Albany. With
my note book in my hand, I wandered about in its
interesting vicinity, and have, I believe, put down
everything which is worthy of being related. Albany,
or as it was first called, Oranienburgh, is in north
latitude 42 degrees 45 minutes, and 73 degrees 80
minutes west longitude from the royal observatory at
Greenwich, and is distant from New York about 145
miles. At Albany all the great western turnpike roads
center, and terminate; the grand canal unites with the
Hudson, and an unparalleled river affords the greatest
facilities to trade. From the opposite side of the river,
in some respects, it resembles Richmond, in Virginia;
but although the two capitols or government houses are
both built on eminences, and overlook the water, yet
Richmond is smaller, and there are rapids opposite the
town which prevent any further resemblance.

Albany is very unlike what it was. It is described
by Ka^ and Mrs. Grant of Laggan as being quite small,
situated under a steep hill, having two principal streets,
which cross jsach other, and that in the middle of the
largest all the public buildings were placed — the English
church, guard house, town hall and market. The town
had a rural appearance. Every door was shaded with
trees, and every house had a garden. Those who were
so fortunate as to have lots on the river side, had there
the most delightAil gardens, from whence the water

196 An Englishman's Sketch Book.

prospect was admirable. A fort, rather slight, but yet
a regular stockade, crowned the hill and presented a few
pieces of cannon from its peaceful embrasures. The
first commander was a Capt. Massey, the father of Mrs.
Lenox, Dr, Johnson's favorite friend. It was afterwards
commanded by Capt. Winepress, and garrisoned by regu-
lar troops of the 55th regiment. The English church,
— which was in the diocese of the bishop of London —
was immediately under its walls, and the canons of
the spiritual, were protected by those of the temporal
kingdom.

At present, Albany is quite changed. It is extended
over a much larger surface, and has a population of
nearly 13,000 inhabitants. The steep hill already men-
tioned has been cut away, and State street has no longer
a line of public buildings in its center. A large, massy
building of freestone, called the Capitol, is the place of
the legislative sessions. It has three fronts of a very
common design, and a portico at the east front over the
grand entrance, whose wooden roof is supported by
marble pillars. These are Corinthian, but altbo€gh
very large rest upon bases of only six inches, thickness.
The steps up to the entrance are made of thin strips of
stone, and are much too small to harmonize with the
general air of the 'building. A large area, or rather
court, next the entrance, and paved with marble which
came out as ballast many years since from Italy, is sur-
rounded by rooms for public bodies. The senate and
assembly meet in two large and handsome rooms below,
and the county courts, and the sessions of the judges in
banco, are held in a splendid room in the upper story,
surrounded by a dome. Over the legislative h^alls are
committee rooms, and a hall appropriated to a state
society for the promotion of the useful arts. A few
hundred feet to the north of this, stands a fine building
in freestone, called the Academy, and devoted to literary
pursuits. The cupola of this is in admirable taste. I
was very much pleased with a marble banking house, in
Market street, the interior of which is lighted from

An Englishman's Sketch Booh, 197

above by a glass dome. It is very chaste and correct in
its proportions, and has niches in the wall, which should
properly be ornamented with statues. The churches are
well constructed, but have so great a resemblance to
each other, particularly in their steeples, that I should
not be surprised to hear that one architect had designed
them all.

The Indian trade was formerly the principal object
with the Albanians, and a driving business was carried
on. Blankets, beads and spirits were paid for by the
natives in the most valuable furs, and even the French
came from Canada to purchase goods for their own
trade with them. To guard, however, against the fero-
city of the savages, there were pickets about the town,
and gates at the north and south ends of the city, which
are not yet forgotten. Among the peculiarities of the
tim^s were some feudal and manorial customs, which
belonged to the manor of Rensselaerwick, and even now
have not ceased to exist. A princely territory was
obtained by one family, and in its descendants it con-
tinues still to be preserved. An immense influence
followed its possession, and the entailment of the estate
would have of course continued it down to the latest
posterity. But a statute of allodial import has cut it
ofl', and the present owner is the last who enjoys the
hereditary honors. This person is an exact model of
our wealthy English landholders, but adds to the pos-
session of his wealth a liberal mind, and the most
generous munificence. His name is at the head of every
public charity; it is first in every spirited enterprise; it
is synonymous with virtue and philanthropy. In public
life he is a distinguished member of the canal board, and
in private life, he is the most amiable of men.

The river navigation was formerly attended with
more difficulty than at present. The spirit of the age
was a cautious one. The captains of sloops made as
many preparations for a voyage down the river, as if
they were about to cross the ocean. Little dependence
was placed on the tides, arid prayers for wind were

198 An :Efigii8hTnan'8 Sketch Book.

perpetually put up by them. At the overslaugh, or bar,
a few miles- below the city of Albany, they experienced
great detention, and this too, although, according to
Kalm, their barks were only of about 40 tons burthen.
The present number of sloops owned at Albany of 30
tons and upwards is very large, and a very great trade
with New York is kept up with them.

The manners of the inhabitants were very peculiar.
They were colored by and partook in a great degree 'of
the uniformity of the times. Now and then the arrival
of a new governor, or a meeting of the Five Nations,
called forth a new train of incidents, and a red coat had
then, as now, its bewildering effect upon the simplicity
of female hearts. Gen. Ambercrombie had his head-
quarters, in the city of Albany for some time, and a
very large body of troops lay encamped in what is called
the pasture. Sir Jeffrey (afterwards Lord) Amherst
also established his head quarters there in 1759, pre-
vious to his brilliant campaign in Canada, and the
capitulation of Mons. De Vandreuil. This was the
greatest event in its history. A large force lay in its
suburbs ; in every part of the town was heard " the note
of preparation.'* During the few hours of leisure which
the necessary delay afforded, a theatre was fitted up by
the officers, and the Beau's Stratagem performed before
a delighted audience. Parties of pleasure were ever on
foot, and every adjacent island in the river was explored.
Fishing tackle became part of the contents of every
lady's basket, and old Izaak Walton would have been in
ecstacies at their conquests over the finny tribe. The
military bands vied with each other for distinction, ani
the music from the boats which calmly floated with the
current down to the encampment, was heard by groups
of listeners on the shore. To these so slightly acquaint-
ed with the effect of instruments, every sound was full
of beauty, every nbte occasioned new delight. When
the different boats had passed the town, and the moon*
light serenade, was over, they would turn slowly back to
their dwelling^, ..anil only in dreams of to-morrow's
pleasure, would they forget the remembrance of to-day.

An Englishman's Sketch Book. 199

Among the distinguishad persons who have been at
. Albany, Lady Harriet Ackland and the Baroness Reide-
sel are well known. Under the hospitable roof of the
celebrated Gen. Schuyler, every attention was paid them
which wealth could afford or delicacy suggest to him*
The horrors of an eventful campaign, and the panga
which rend the bosom of a wife, had only excited in
these two accomplished females the anticipation of new
misfortunes. Judge of their surprise on becoming the
inmates of a mansion where the virtues of benevolence
and humanity flourished in all their loveliness: where
repose, quiet and ease were superadded to the charms of
hospitality ; where the disgrace of defeat was soothed by
the gentle voice of friendships and where, in the storms
which an ill-attempted [invasion had raised, they found
and enjoyed all the kindness of brothers, lovers and
kinsmen*

(200)

POPULATION OF ALBANY, 1855.

The following table of the population and number of

native and naturalized votes in the city and county, is

made from the returns of the canvass of June, 1855.

City. Total pop. Native vote. Nat. vote.

1st Ward 8,038 226 7S0

2d do 4.518 417 412

3d do 4,667 524 381

4th do ,...4,492 66^ -282

5th do ,.3,016 328 152

6th do 3,460 377 173

7th do 6,006 476 607

8th do 7,467 ^ 562 733

9th do 7,343 660 502

10th do 8,326 824 540

Total city, 57,333 5,060 4,562

Bern 3,206 687 42

Bethlehem, 5,151 683 161

Coeymans, 2,963 631 31

Guilderland, 3,188 656 51

Knox, 1,888 461 7

New Scotland, 3,327 735 20

Rensselaerville. ... 3 ,088 752 21

Watervliet 20,889 2,134 1 ,283

Westerlo, 2,648 635 4

Total county, 103,681 12,434 6,182

(201)

[AnnaU, vii.} 18

(202)

PROVINCIAL CONVENTION.

On the 20th April, 1775, the Provincial Convention met
in the city of New York, when Col. Philip Schuyler, CoK
Abraham Ten Broeck, and Abraham Yates, Jr., produced
a certificate subscribed by John N, Bleecker, clerk of the
committee of correspondence for the city and county of
Albany, certifying that they, together with Col. Peter R.
Livingston and Walter Livingstop, Esq., were elected by
the said committee (which committee was expressly em-
powered for that purpose)) as deputies for the city and
county of Albany, to attend the Provincial convention to
be held in the city of New York on this day, for the pur-
pose of choosing delegates to represent this colony at the
next Continental Congress, to meet at Philadelphia on the
10th. day of May ensuing, which certificate bore date at
Albany on the 21st day of March last past, and being
read and accepted, was filed with the secretary.

The delegate chosen by this body to represent the city
and county of Albany, was Philip Schuyler.

There does not seem to be any transaction recorded in
the Minutes of the Convention having special reference
to Albany.

(203)

PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.

This body met in the city of New York on the 22d of
May, 1775. The deputies for the city and county of
Albany produced a certificate of the committees of the
city and nineteen out of the twenty districts of the coun-
ty* by which it appears that the following persons were
elected deputies for the said city and county:

Robert Yates, Walter Livingston,

Abraham Yates, Robert Van Rensselaer,

Volkert P. Douw, Henry Glenn,

Jacob Guyler, Abraham Ten Broeck,

Peter Silvester, Francis Nicoll.
Dirck Swart, *

On the 1st of June a letter from the subcommittee of
the city and county of Albany, covering a number of
papers relating to the state of the country, was received
bearing date May 26th ; after enumerating which, they
proceed to state :

** We now shall take notice of the New York commit-
tee's letter to us, of the 28th instant, enclosing the reso-
lution of the Continental Congress, from which we find
that the reduction of Ticonderoga by our forces is ap-
proved of, and recommending us to proceed with all pos-
sible dispatch, with a sufficient body of forces etc., to the
northward, and to remove the canon and stores from
Ticonderoga to the south end of Lake George. We are
now busy to raise two companies, each composed of fifty
men, in order to go up on said expedition, whom we
expect will be in readiness to march in two or three days.
But, gentlemen, there are a number of very material
dlfiiculties that immediately arise. We have no ammu-

*
* Did not appear.

204 Provincial Congress.

nition; all the powder already gone up, with what we
can possibly collect, yet among us, will ^not amount to
aboyie 2501b. And with so small a quantity it is impos-
sible for us to do anything of consequence. Nor can we.
possibly conceive how the Provincial forces can maintain
these northern posts, or withstand the attack of the British
troops from Quebec, who are, from the best intelligence
we collect, preparing as fast as possible to come down,
in order to retake those places from us — an enterprise, if
by them undertaken and completed, will introduce our
enemies into the very bowels of our country. We beg
•of you, gentlemen, without delay to take these important
matters into your most serious and immediate considera-
tion, and afford us the necessary assistance in this^our
•distressed situation; and send us up, with all possible
speed, a sufficient quantity of powder, without which
(nothing can possibly be done. We likewise stand in
(need of blankets, pitch, tar, oakum, nails, spikes, gin,
ropes, camp kettles, intrenching tools, &c.. and some rice,
•oatmeal and barley &c. Also, for the sloop and schooner,
two mates, two gunners, two gunners' mates, two boat-
swains, and eighteen seamen, agreeable to Col. Arnold's
list; copy enclosed. No. 15, All which you will be
pleased to cause to be sent up to us with all possible des-
patch.

"We would beg you likewise to take into considera-
tion some mode or plan for raising and paying ofur forces.
The one which w£ have adopted here pro hac vice, until
you conclude upon a better one. we enclose you a copy.

To which the following reply was made :

**In Provincial Congress,
'*At New York, June Ut, 1775.
** Gentlemen — Agreeable to the minute of the Grand
Congress, we (being unable as you know to garrison
Ticonderoga, Crown Point or Fort George,) made appli-
cation to the eastern Colonies for their assistance. In our
letter to Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, we desire
him to order troops on that service, and inform him that
it is our intention that the commanding officer of those
troops should be the commander of the forts by them

Provincial Congress, 205

garrisoned. We moreover request him, to give orders
to such officer to use great diligence to prevent any
inroads into Canada. This morning we have received
his Honor's and the Assembly's answer, of which we send
you a copy.

•• You will find that one thousand men are already on
their way to the frontier country; their commanding
officer is Colo. Hinman, wherefore we beg you will inform
all persons in that part of the country of his appoint-
ment.

" We have at present no powder in this city, nor can
we possibly tell you when we shall have any. The rea-
son of this uncertainty is, that the British Ministry have
taken measures to prevent supplies of powder from com-
ing to America, from any part of Europe. But you will
easily see that though such attempts may delay, they
cannot prevent us from getting somQ. Should the Indi-
ans again mention their uneasiness on the subject of pow-
der, it will, as we conceive, be proper to mention to them
the endeavor of Great Britain to hinder both them and
us from obtaining any.

** We have received your despatches of the 26th ulto.,
and already forwarded copies to the Grand Congress.
We are, gentlemen,

** Your most obedient, hum. servants.

" To Doct'r. Samuel Stringer, Chairman of
the Sub- Committee of the Citj and County
of Albany.'*

On the 6th June the following letter from the commit-
tee at Albany was read :

Albany Committee Chamber, 2d June, 1775.

Gents.— In consequence of a letter from this commit-
tee to Govr. Trumbull, dated 27th ult. we received his
answer of the 30th, whereof you have a copy enclosed,
and from which it appears that you have sent them a re-
solve with a request to send up forces to Ticonderoga,
&c., in consequence whereof, one thousand of them are
now on their way. You will therefore be pleased to send
up with all possible despatch, a sufficient supply..of pro*

206 Provincial Congress.

visions (except flour, peas and bread, which we can sup-
ply them with) and other necessaries, for which purpose
we send you enclosed a copy of a list from Colo. Arnold's
letter to us of the 29th ult.

•• We have, in the alarm above, raised several com-
panies to go up to Ticonderoga, &c. two of which are on
their way up. This we did in consequence, first, of the
resolution of the Continental Congress of the 18th ulto.;
secondly, of the letter from the New York committee,
enclosing said resolve, dated the 20th ult.; and thirdly,
Colo. Arnold's letter to us requiring immediate assistance.
But on our receipt of the above letter from Govr. Trum-
bull, we are in great doubts with respect to our men
already raised in this county, and those who stand ready
to march up. As we know not the nature of the resolve .
you have sent to Govr. Trumbull, and his letter contains
a clause that these one thousand forces are to continue
at Ticonderoga, &c. until relieved' by the troops from
this Colony, &c.

'* We should be extremely glad to have plain, explicit
instructions from time to time, that we need not wander
astray, and act contrary to your intentions and the gen-
eral good of the public.

** There are some troops (twelve in number) taken by
the Provincial Forces from St. John's, who are now in
this city, and who daily call upon this committee for the
common necessaries of life — but can give the commis-
sioners or agents no directions in the premises, as these
instructions from you will not warrant them to supply
them with provisions, although they liave been hitherto
supplied out of the Provincial Store. But we would be
glad of your resolution on this matter, and let us know ,
whether we should supply these troops any longer, or let
them be supported from the provisions here in the King's
Store; and upon the whole, what would you have us do
with them, as they are only a burthen to jis. Please to
take these matters into your immediate consideration,
and send us your resolution in consequence thereof, and
you will oblige, gent. " Your most humble servt.
(** By order of the committee,)

Saml. Stringer, Chairman, P. 2\'

Provincial Congress. 207

Ordered, That (he powder which Mr. Peter T. Curte-
nius has in his custody, be sent to the committee at Al-
bany, to be by them retained ; and that Mr. Curtenius
write to the committee and acquaint them therewith.

Ordered, That the gentlemen who are Deputies for the
city and county of Albany, and Mr. Richard Lawrence,
be a committee to prepare a draft of an answer to the
letter this day received from the committee at Albany,
and that they make report with all convenibnt speed.

June 1th, 1775

The order of the day being read, the Congress resumed
the consideration of the letter from the Delegates of this
Colony, at the Continental Congress, and after some time
spent therein, the Congress unanimously resdlved and
agreed, that Collo. Philip Schuyler is the most proper
person in this Colony to be recommended as a major-
general, and Richard Montgomerie, Esqr. as a brigadier-
generaL And

Ordered, That Mr. Scott and Mr. Morris be a commit-
tee to prepare and report the draft of a letter to our
Delegates at the Continental Congress, informing them of
our sentiments on this subject, and the reasons of our
choice.

The committee appointed for that purpose, reported a
draft of a report of additional artificers and stores to be
forwarded to Ticonderoga, The same was read and agreed
to, and is in the words and figures following, to wit;

** The committee having considered the requisition on
this colony, made by Colo. B. Arnold, commandant at
Ticonderoga, for provisions, stores, &c. transmitted to this
Congress by the committee of Albany, and at the same
*time compared it with the list of supplies already ordered
to be sent, do report that the following additional stores,
&c. ought to be provided and sent :

10 men of the train of artillery. 1 coil 2^ inch rope. ) -^^ . ,,
12 ship carpenters and caulkers. 1 do 3 do J ^"° laiboms

2 gun smiths 1 do U do ) *^^^'

2 blacksmiths. 4 ps ravens duck.

2 masons. 40 lb. sewing twine.

100 hatchets. 10 doz of sail and colt rope needle^.

20 broad axes. 1 doz. palras«

208 Provincial Congress.

60 spades. " 2 seines, 30 fathom long, capt. 12

50 hoes. feet, and arms feet deep, of

The iron work for 4 gins and coarse twine, meshes 1 i inches

blocks; 8 falls for do. of 4^ square,

inch rope. 2 doz. nail hammers.

I fagot of steel.

*' As to the oxen, carts, &c, mentioned in the said re-
quisition, your committee are of opinion that those can
be procured in the neighbourhood of that post."

Ordered, That a copy thereof be made and delivered
to Peter T. Curt^nius, and that he be desired to obtain
the said artificers, men and stores, and forward the same
to Albany with all possible despatch.

The same committee also reported the draft of a letter
to the committee of Albany, which was read and approved
of, and is in the words following, to wit:

** New York Provincial Congress, >
June 1th, 1775. )

" Gent. — Before this comes to hand you will be fur-
nished with our directions, dated 1st inst. We are con-
vinced of the necessity of giving you explicit instructions
respecting your conduct, but the -variety of business in
which this Congress has been engaged, and the time which
is necessarily taken up in our friendly intercourse with
the Continental Congress and the Colony of Connecticut,
does necessarily occasion at times 'an apparent delay in
our directions to you. We highly approve of your zeal
and activity in raising troops, but request you not to pro-
ceed in making farther levies, until further orders.

** The two companies raised in our county, and already
on their march, you will suffer to proceed to join the forces
at Ticonderoga; but must observe to you, that by the di-
rections of the Continental Congress, their pay will stand
on the same footing with that of ^he eastern Colonies,
without allowing bounties or clothing to the men; and that
they are to continue in the service until the last day of
December next, unless the Continental Congress shall di-
rect that they be sooner disbanded.

'•Those companies which are under your direction
formed, and not sent up, you will continue in pay, if your

Provincial Congress. 209

engagement with them will not justify your discharging
them, and request that you send to this Co'ngress a return
of the officers and men in each company.

" The troops taken at St. John's, who are with you,
should remain at liberty, and they may probably be of
service in instructing your inhabitants the military exer-
cise. If they refuse earning their bread, in this or any
other way, it is, however, the intention of this Congress
that they shall receive their subsistence out of the Colony
provisions.

" Enclosed we send you a copy of a letter from the Con-
tinental Congress, and their resolve respecting the appoint-
ment, of commissaries for receiving supplies of provisions
at Albany.

** Enclosed is also a copy of a resolve of the Grand
Congress to discourage any incursions into Canada, but
this has in some measure been anticipated by a former
resolution of this House, (already published,) as well as
your request respecting our letter to Govr. Trumbull, a
copy of which has been sent you by Colo. Ten Broek.

" We are, &c."

Ordered, That a copy of the said letter to the commit-
tee of Albany be engrossed, signed by the President, and
transmitted.

The gentlemen appointed a committee for that purpose,
reported drafts of .two several letters to the Delegates of
this Colony, at the Grand Continental Congress, which
were severally read and approved, and are in the words
following, to wit:

** Provincial Congress, )

'*New York, June 7th, 1775. )

*^ To the Delegates in Congress.

•* Gentlemkn — The Colonies of Massachusetts and
Connecticut have formed their respective armies, and
nominated to the general command of them. The suppo-
sition that in case a continental army should be established
by authority of your respectable body, their officers will
be permitted to preserve their respective ranks, appearsT
to us highly probable. In this view, we think it not im-

210 Provincial Congress,

probable that we shall be called on for a recommendation
to fill the offices in the military appointment of this Colony.
We take the liberty for the present, to furnish you with
our sentiments on the appointment of a major and briga*
" dier-general, and submit them to your superior wisdom,
either for use or concealment: our only motive is to pre-
vent a delay that might otherwise be occasioned by an
opinion you may entertain of the necessity of asking our
sentiments on that subject.

•' Courage, prudence, readiness in expedients, nice per-
ception, sound judgment, and great attention — these are
a few of the natural qualities, which appear to us to be
proper. To these ought to be added an extensive acquaint-
ance with the sciences, particularly the various branches
of mathematic knowledge, long practice in the military
art, and above all a knowledge of mankind. On a general,
in America, fortune, also, should bestow her gifts, that he
may rather communicate lustre to his dignities, than re-
ceive it; and that his country, in his property, his kindred
and connections, may have sure pledges that he will faith-
' fully perform the duties of his high office, and readily lay
down his power when the general weal requires it. Since
we can not do all that we wish, we will go as far towards
it as we can. And, therefore, you will not be surprised to
hear, that we are unanimous in the choice of Colo. Philip
Schuyler and Capt. fiichard Montgomerie, to the offices of
major and brigadier- generals. If we knew how to recom-
mend them to your notice more strongly than by telling
you that after considering the qualifications above stated,
these gentlemen were approved of, without a single dissent,
our regard to the public service would certainly lead us to
do it in the most forcible terms. Nor will we enter into
a minute detail of the characters and situations of two
gentlemen, with whom our Delegates can not but be ac-
quainted. In a word, we warmly recommend them, be-
cause we have no doubts but that their appointment wifl
give general satisfaction.

Mr. John N. Bleecker sent in a return of stores and
provisions which have been received at Albany from New
York, of the quantities forwarded to Fort George, and of

Provincial Congress. 211

»uch as yet remain at Albany or have been there escpended.
The said return was read and filed.

A letter from John Bay, Secretary of the committee of
Albany, was read, and is in the words following, to wit;

" Albany, I6th June, 1775.
** Sir — By order of the committee of this city and
county, of the-15th inst. you have enclosed a copy of a
letter from the Revd.' Samuel Kirkland, missionary among
the Onida Indians.

" I am, Sir, your humble servt.

** JOHN BAY, Secry. P. T.

[This letter of Mr. Eirkland's related the manner in
which Col. Johnston forbade his missionary labors, under
a jealousy of his influence with- the Indians in faror of
the liberal party.]

A letter from the committee at Albany was read, and
is in the words following, to wit :

Albany, 17 th June, 1775.
•* Gent. — You have enclosed, by order of the committee,
a request of Adonijah Strong, (Deputy Commissary,) to
the committee of this city and county.

** I am gent, your humble servt,

-JOHN BAY, Secry. P. T."

The request of Adonijah Strong mentioned and enclosed
in Mr. Bay's letter, being read,

Ordered, That the same be put on the file.

A letter from the committee at Albany was read, and is
in the words following, to wit:

** Albany Committee Chamber, }
June 2lst, 1775. J

'* Gentlemen — Mr. Dirck Swart, a member of this
board, who is just returned from Crown Point, brings us
the following intelligence: That one Mr. Hay, who lives
aSout forty miles up Lake Champlain, came down to Crown
Point, who told Colo. Benedict Arnold, and others, that
he had been at Montreal for some flour; that Governor
Darleton had him seized and confined for several days;
! hat by the interposition of the English merchants of that

212 Provincial Congress.

place, he received liberty to return home, and that the
merchants, who procured him the pass from the Lieutenant*
Governor, desired him to go down to Crown Point and
Ticonderoga with all speed, and communicate to the com-
mander of those fortresses that the French Gachnawaga
Indians had taken up the hatchet ^ but that they refused to
go out upon any scouts, until nine of their men who were
then out returned, and that Governor Carleton was giving
them presents daily.

., " We are very sorry to inform you that from a number
of corroborating circumstances, we have but too much rea*
son to believe the above information to be true, and more
especially as the troops, which amount to about six hun-
dred men, suffer no persons coming up the lake to pass
St. John's, if they can avoid it, where they are building
floating batteries and boats. Mr. Swart also acquaints us
that Mr. Hay said that Governor Carleton had asked the
English merchants to take up arms against the Yankees^
(to make use of his own phraseology,) that the merchants
refused, upon which he told them he would set the town
on fire, which the merchants said he was welcome to do ;
and added they could carry as much fire as himself. Mr.
Hay also desired Mr. Swart, if he should happen to meet
Mr. Price, he should request him not to proceed,' as the
English merchants in Canada conceive it unsafe for him.

" The forces above are in no proper state of defence,
principally owing to the scarcity of powder, of which article
we have not been able to send up more with the supply
we have received from you, than three hundred and fifty
pounds, which quantity is altogether insufficient to answer
the purposes intended, and of little service in case of an
attack. We can further inform you, this city is not half
supplied, nor have the frontier inhabitants either powder
or arms, for which applications have been and daily are
making to us. We must therefore beg you will afford us
all the assistance in your power, and send us per the first
opportunity, such an additional quantity as you can con-
veniently spare.

•* We must also beg of you to send- us seventy-eight
blankets, for so many of the men enjisted in this county.

Provincial Congress, 213

who are now at Fort George, without any. As also some
money to pay the companies, as they are very uneasy and
threaten to desert; two of their officers are now in town,
and declare that they dare not return without some cash
to satisfy their men.

** We thought it our indispensible duty to inform you of
these matters; therefore, send them you per express.

•• We are, gent.

"Your very humble servts.
** By order of the Committee.

** Saml. Stringer, Chairman.

** To the gentlemen of the Provincial

Congress of the Colony of New York."

Ordered, That Mr. Peter T. Curtenius purchase seventy-
eight blankets and forward the same to the committee at
Albany, with all possible dispatch. And,

Ordered^ That Mr. Abraham Yates write a private let-
ter to the committee, in answer to their letter.

A draft of a letter to John N. Bleecker and four other
persons, formerly appointed agents at Albany, was read
and approved, ^nd is iu the words following:

** In Provincial Congress,
. ''New York, June 2dth, 1775.

•* Gsntlemen^ — We have received a letter from Mr.
Elisha Piielps of the 22d instant, informing us, that in
the absence of Mr. Bleecker, he was refused the provisions
and stores left in his custody, and designed for the troops
at Lake Champlaiu, &c.

•* You will perceive by the enclosed copy of an order of
the Continental Congress, that the appointment of Com-
missary in that department, is left to the disposal of
that government, or the General of the forces of Connec*
ticut.

" And it appears to us by a letter from Governor Trum-
bull, dated the 19th instant, that Mr. Phelps is appointed
Commissary, and that he doubts not he will conduct with
prudence and good satisfaction; that he has directed him
to correspond with Col. Hinman, to employ persons al-
ready engaged, especially George Palmer, Esqr.

[Annals viiJ] 19 ^

214 Provincial Congress.

*• You will pleaso, therefore, to deliver up to him, or
his order, all the supplies of provisions and stores in your
hands and custody for the said forces, and take his receipt
for every thing you deliver him, and send us an account
of all such stores as you have issued to the troops or shall
deliver to the said Commissary, and your account of ex*
penses to this time.

*' To ihe Commissaries at Albany,

" Appointed by the Provincial Congress."

"Philadelphia, 30th June, 1775.

*• P. S. Since writing the above, the Congress have
requested the Com. of Philadelphia, immediately to send
forward 50 quarter casks of powder; it set out this day,
consigi)edto the committee of Elizabeth Town, who will
send it to DQbbs's ferry — you will provide for its being im-
mediately taken from thence and carried to Albany, for
the use of the troops at Ticonderoga a'nd Crown Point.

*'To PBTKE Van Bkitqh Livingston, Esqr,

President of the Provincial Congress at New York.'*

Mr. Pye offered to go to Dobbs's ferry to take care of
the powder mentioned in the letter from the New York
Delegates; and thereupon anr order was signed by the Pre-
sident pro tempore, and delivered to Mr. Pye as the bear-
er, directing the person or persons who shall have the said
powder to deliver it to Mr. Pye, taking his receipt for the
same. And also another order was made, signed as afore-
said, and delivered to Mr. Pye, directing him to deliver
the said fifty quarter casks of powder to such person or
master of a sloop as may have an order from this Con-
gress for that purpose.

A draft of a letter to -the committee of the city of Al-
bany concerning the said 50 quarter casks of powder, was
read and approved of, and is in the words following, to
wit:

** Provincial Congress. ) .

''New York, July 3(f, 1775. \

** Gentlemen — You will receive by the bearer 50 quar-
ter casks of gunpowder, sent from Philadelphia by the
Continental Congress, for the use of the forts at Crown-
point and Ticonderoga. You are sensible of the necessity

Provincial Congress, 215

of forwarding it with all possible dispatch and safety, and
will doubtless duly attend to a matter of so much import-
ance.

** We are, gentlemen, your humble servts.

** By order of the Provincial Congress,

*'To Samuel Strinqeb, Esqr. Chairman of

the Committee at Albdny."

Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, signed by
the President pro tempore, and delivered to the Albany
members, to be transmitted by such skipper as they shall
direct to stop for and receive the said powder.

A letter from General Schuyler was read, and is in the
words following, to wit:

New York, July 3d, 1775,

" Gentlemen — I do myself the honour to enclose you
an estimate of such stores, &c, as at present appear to me
necessary to be forwarded to Albany. The pitch, oakum
and nails, I wish to have sent with all possible dispatch.
I am very certain that a variety of other articles will be
wanted which I shall be better able to ascertain after my
arrival at Albany, for which place I propose setting out
tomorrow.

'* I am informed that a considerable quantity of lead was
found at Ticonderoga; but if it should not equal my ex-
pectations, I may be exposed to insurmountable difficulties.
I, therefore, wish ihat at least half of the quantity which
I have estimated, may be ordered up without delay, to-
gether with 50 casks of powder, which I am advised will
be sent you from Philadelphia.

** As it is probable from the manoeuvres of Govr. Carl-
ton, that I shall speedily want a reinforcement of troops
at Ticonderoga, and not being at liberty to remove the
Connecticut troops from hence, I entreat that you will be
pleased to forward whatever men may be levied in this Co-
lony immediately to Albany, without waiting until the
corps are completed.

*' f hope, gentlemen, on ererj occasion to be favored
with your advice ; and indeed, as the important charge
conferred on me by the Continental congress, was done
in deference to you, your polite and honorable (yet alto-
gether unmerited) recommendation of me, I shall with the

216 * Pramneial Congress,

fullest confidence look up to you for your aid and counte-
nance, at once to promote the public service and to prevent
me from sinking under the weighty concerns of my office.
And give me leave to assure you that, though I have the
clearest conviction that I shall never be al)le to equal the
high opinion you have induced the Congress to entertain
of me, yet no effort shall be wanting on my part, to deserve
it as far as possible, that I may not draw disgrace on you,
my country or myself.
** I am. gentlemen,

'* With sentiments of the most profound respect,
'* Your most obedt. and most hble. servt.

**Ph. Schuyler."

A letter from Elisha Phelps, Commissary at Albany for
the Connecticut troops, was read, and is in the words fol-
lowing:

Albany, July 7th, 1775.

"HoN'D Sir — Received your favor dated June 29th,
1775, on the 6th day of July instant. I also received the
stores of provisions in place of Mr. Bleecker, who I was
in hopes might have been ordered to purchase provisions
and deliver to me to forward. Sir, flour is either very
scarce in this city or can not be purchased without money.
I have been throughout this city, with the assistance of
Esq. Palmer, and could get but twenty barrels; also have
been to Schenectady and could not get but ten barrels there.
I am much afraid the troops will suffer if they can not
be immediately supplied. I wrote by the post to one of
the gentlemen of the committee for two or three hundred
barrels of flour; should be glad your Honor would see
and order as you think proper. Col. Hinman has wrote
orders to me for hospitial stores, and they can not all be
got in this city. Capt. Motte will inform you more par-
ticularly. Sir, should be glad to know who in particular
to write to for provisions, &c. at New York, that is and
will be wanted.

•* Sir, I am with esteem, your most

** Humble servant at command,

'' Elisha Phelps.

*'To the Honorable P. V. B. Livikgstoh, Esq."

-Provincial Congress, ^11

A letter from John N. Bleecker at Albany, was read,
and is in the words following, to wit:

Albany, 4th July, 1775,
** Gentlemen — I received your letter of the 29th iilt.
and have, agreeable to your directions, delivered up all the
stores and provisions in my care, an account whereof you
have enclosed. I can't omit observing that the person in
whose care I have left the stores, &c. ducing my absence
did not think himself justified to deliver them without an
order from you, especially as it appears by Mr, Phelps's
warrant that he is only appointed for one regiment, a copy
of which is enclosed. A number of different accounts for
provisions and necessaries, purchased as well by me as in
my absence, have not yet been delivered in, which pre-
vents my transmitting an account at present of the expenses
which we have been at, but I shall not fail to render an
account in a few days. Five barrels damaged powder from
Ticonderoga is sent to Judge Livingstones mill. The gar-
rison will be in want of flour very soon, iand none to be
had here before I delivered up the stores.

" I am, gentlemen, your most

'* Obedie^it and most humble servt.

*' John N. Bleecker.
" To P. V. B Livingston, Esq."

The account of provisions and stores, and also the ap-
pointment of Eiisha Phelps, mentioned in Mr. Bleecker's
letter were also read and filed.

July 31s^ 1775.
The Deputies for the city and county of Albany pro-
duced new credentials, which were read and filed, and are
in the words following, to wit :

'' Albany Committee Chamber,
'* July ISth, 1775.
** The committee of this city and county having here*
tofore appointed Messrs. Abraham Yates, Jr. Robert
Yates, Abraham Ten Broeck, Jacob Cuyler, Henry Glenn,
Francis Nicoll, Peter Silvester. Dirck Swart, Walter Li-
vingston, Volkert P. Douw and Robert Van Rensselaer, the
Deputies of this city and cou«ity to attend the Provincial

218 Provincial CongreBS.

Congress, with general powers to represent Ibis city and
county, hilt by reason of the inconvenience attending the
attendance of all the Deputies in the said Provincial Con-
gress, it is therefore

'* Resolved, That for the future the said deputies attend
the said Congress, or any four or more of their number,
for the purposes aforesaid, with the same power and au-
thority as if all the said deputies i^re present.

*' Abrahm Yates, Junr. Chairman.

" John Bay, Secry, P. T."

A letter from John N. Bleecker, at Albany, with the ac-
counts enclosed, were read and tiled.

Mr. Robert Yates of Albany, delivered into Congres
sundry papers relating to Indian affairs, which were read,
and are marked and numbered as follows, to wit:

No. 1. A speech of four Oneida chiefs to the committee
of Albany, dated at the Committee Chamber at Albany,
June 24th, 1775.

No'. 2. A speech of the inhabitants of the county of
Albany, drawn up by the committee of Albany, spoken
at the German Flats to the Oneida Indians.

No. 3. A speech to the inhabitants of Albany, being the
answer of the Oneidas and Tuscaroras at the German
Flats, dated July 1st, 1775.

August Bth, 1775.

A memorial of Philip Van Rensselaer, of Albany, ap-
pointed by Robert Livingston, Esq, Deputy Commissary
General, to purchase barreled pork for the use of the
Continental army, was read.

The said memorial set forth that p6rk can not be pur-
chased in this Colony, and requests that this Congress
would write to Gov. Trumbull for leave to purchase 450
barrels of good merchantable pork in Connecticut.

A copy of the examination of Gerrit Roseboom of
the city of Albany, taken before the sub-committee of the
city and county of Albany on the 15th July last; and also*
a copy of the examination of Benjamin Davis, (alias John
Johnson,) sworn before John Ten Broeck, Esq., at Al-
bany, both relating to Indian affairs, were read and filed.

Propincial Congress. 219

August 15/A, 1775.
** Please* to order all the powder, that is m^deat Judge
Livingston's powder mill, to Albany, with as much dis-
patch as possible, directed in the care of the Deputy
Commissary-General, Walter Livingston, Esq.

**The clothing and tents, for the Green Mountain Boys,
I wish you to forward as soon as possible.
** I am, gentlemen, with great respect,
'* Your most. obedient humble servant, ,

Ph. Schuylbb.'*

Ordered, That a letter be wrote to the Hon. Robert B.
Livingston, requesting that all the gunpowder, now at the
powder mill at R^iinebeck, be sent to Walter Livingston,
Esq. Deputy Commissary General, at Albany, to be by
him forwarded to Gen. Schuyler, at Ticonderoga, or his
order, agreeable to Gen. Schuyler's request,

A letter from the committee at Albany was read and
filed, and is in the words following, to wit :

** Albany Committee Chamber,
•* \Oth August, 1775.
** Gentlemen — We find ourselves once more obliged
to trouble you with respect to the soldiers who were
taken prisoners at St. Johns, who have been furnished
with provisions by Elisha Phelps* Esq. commissary (ap-
pointed by the Governor of Connecticut) till a few days
ago, when Mr. Phelps went into Connecticut on business
and left no order with his deputy to supply them, who
being unwilling to supply them without orders from our
Board, spoke to the chairman, who told him he thought
as the army was now properly organized, it was their
business to give orders concerning prisioners, and re-
ferred him to Gen. Montgomery, who, (as the said deputy
informed us) found much fault with their insolence, and
thought it improper that they should be suffered to re-
main in this town, as being a frontier place where they
might do disservice to the public cause, and therefore
declined doing anything in the affair. Upon which, Mr.
Phelps's deputy made application to us again, advising us

220 Provincial Congress,

at the same time, that the soldiers were so insolent as
to threaten to take provisions *by force if he refused to
supply them. We have come to a resolution to supply
them as formerly, till we have your farther instructions
in the premises.

'* We are, gentlemen.

'* Your humble servants,

**By order of the committee.
Abm. Yates, Junr, Chiirman.

A. draft of a letter to the committee of Albany was
read and approved of, and is in the words following, to
wit :

^ *• In Provincial Congrkss,
New York, Aug. 2U^ 1775.
Gentlemen— We received your letter of the 10th inst.
in answer to which we inform you, that it is the direction
of the Congress that provisions be furnished for the pri-
soners, for which you will apply to the commissary.

*• We are, gentlemen, your humble servants.
*'To Abraham Yates, Jr. Chairman

of th« Committee at Albany."

Messrs. Abraham Ten Broeck, Jacob Cuyler and Robert
Yates, Deputies for the city and county of Albany, pro-
duced a certificate from "the committee of the city of Al-
bany, which is In the words following, to wit :

*' Albany, Committee Chamber, }
*• leth August, 1775. - i
" Whereas the endeavors of this committee in collect-
ing the accounts and charges of this county, chiefly accru-
ed by the recommendation of this committee, have as you
proved ineffectual, and sundry people are daily very
pressing for their money :

** Be it Resolved by this committee, immediately to ap-
ply to Provincial Congress, by draft, for one thousand
pounds, to enable them to discharge such of their debts
as are now most pressing, and that said committee shall
hereafter lay before the Copgress proper vouchers for
such disbursements.

"A true copy from the minutes.

•• Mat. Yisscher, Clerk.

ProvinciaJ Congress, 221

The same gentlemen, Deputies from Albany, produced
the draft mentioned in the said resolve of the committee
of Albany, which is in the words following, to wit:

** Albany Committee Chamber, )
" leth August 1775. S

•* Gentlemen — Please to pay to Messrs. Abraham Ten
Broeck, Jacob Cuyler, and Robert Yates, or either of
them, or order, the sum of one thousand pounds for the
use of this committee, to be applied towards defraying
part of the public charge, as per advice of a resolve from
the committee.

** Abm. Yates, Junr, Chairman.

Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq. pay
to Messrs. Abraham Ten Broeck, Jacob Cuyler and Rob-
ert Yates, or either of them, or their order, one thousand
pounds, on account of the use of the committee of Albany,
to be applied towards defraying the public charge, ac-
crued in that part of the Colony, and take a receipt for
the same.

September Isf, 1775.

A letter from Col. Goose Van Schaick, dated the 29th
August, was read and filed, and is in the words following,
to wit:

'* Albany, August 29/A. 1775.

" Genixemen — I am at present stationed in Albany by
Gen. Schuyler to forward the troops that arrive here, to
Ticonderoga, and it gives me pain to inform you that Col,
Clinton arrived here with the other field officers and six
companies of his battalion, five of which are armed, but
in bad repair. They have been supplied with blankets
at this place — other necessaries are wanted.

'*'Col. Van Cortlandt is also arrived here with five com-
panies of Holmes's battalioL, who have not arms sufficient
to supply one company, and are totally destitute of all
other tents, accoutrements and necessaries, saving their
I'egimental coats. We shall endeavor to procure as many
stand of arms as possible, upoii terms of the resolve
published by you ; but am very well persuaded that the

222 Provincial Congress,

number will greatly fall short of the number wanted to
supply the companies that are now here and those ex-
pected.

'• As Gen. Schuyler is returned to Ticonderoga, this
matter I conceive, comes w thin my province ; and I
should ever accuse myself of inhumanity and want of love
to my country, should I be backward in giving you a
tru« account of the situation and distress of these compa-
nies, when I consider how much they are wanted at the
forts above. I therefore loo a up to you, and beg that
you will, without delay, send up such or so many arms,
tents, blankets and other necessaries, as will supply those
companies, so that they may be forwarded with the great-
est dispatch.

"I must also inform vou, the men are much discon-
tented for want of their pay, and. do assure you that the
service greatly suffers. There is scarce anything to be
heard in the camp but mutinies. I have for that pur-
pose, wrote to Mr. Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. who, I am in-
formed, is appointed deputy-paymaster-general, which
letter I enclose you, as I do not know where he is at
present. I beg, therefore, that you will forward it to
him by express.'

•*I am very happy, however, to inform 70U that, not-
withstanding the clamors and discontents of my men at
first, there is at present nine of my companies up at Ti-
conderoga, with the other two field officers in actual ser-
vice, and the last will march to-morrow.

"I am gentlemen,

** Your most obedient

•* Humble servant,

" Goose Van Schaick,

A letter from the committee of Albany of the 29th ult.
was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit :

"Albany Committee Chamber, )
** August 29^/i, 1775. S

*• Gentlemen — We expected when the army was once
organized, we should not be so frequently called upon
about matters not in our province. But the situation of

Provincial Congress, 223

Col. Van Cortlandt and the men under his command, in
a great measure obliges us to give him all the assistance
in our power — not, however, that it is to be made a pre-
cedent of. The enclosed letter from Col. Van Cortlandt
will show you the posture. he is in, and the necessity of a
speedy relief. We fear we shall be able to afford him
but little assistance. The hospital and barracks are
filled with Indians attending the congress; the barns about
the town loaded with the crops of the season, and the
city crowded continually with a numerous cone surse of
people. The former and frequent applications for amu-
nition has drained us in short of almost every thing of
that sort.

•• We are, gentlemen,

•* Your humble servants,

'* By order of the committee,
" Abm. Yates. Junr. Chairman.

*' P. V. B. Livingston, President

of ihe Congress.''

A letter from Philip Van Cortlandt, lieutenant-colonel
of the fourth regiment, dated at Albany, August 28th,
1775, was read and filed, and is in the words following,
to wit:

*' Albany, August 28/*, 1775.

"Dear Sir — Agreeable to verbal orders received from
Col. Holmes when last in New Y'ork. made all the dis-
patch in my power to this place, where I arrived the
26th inst. finding Capt. Henry B. Livingston with his
company in a small house in town. He wants many
things — such as shoes, stockings, shirts, under cloths,
haversacks and cash, having advanced all himself that
has been paid his men as yet. The day I arrived, came
up the following captains with their companies : Capt.
Herrick, Capt. Palmer, Capt Horton and Capt. Mills — all
without blankets, excepting Capt. David Palmer — many
of the men wanting shirts, shoes, stockings, under cloths,
and in short without anything fit for a soldier, except a
uniform coat, and not more than thirty guns with four
companies fit for service.

224 Provincial Congress.

•* They are now on board of the small boats that
brought them up, having no place for them to go into, as
there is not one tent that I can find for our battalion;
and three companies without blankets, and none to be
had at this place. I do not know how to act, or what
to do with them. They begin to ask for cash and better
lodgings, being much crowded in the small boats in
which I am obliged to keep them.

" I this morning made application to the committee
of Albany, who uiil do all in their power for me, which
I belreve, is but very little.

*' I shall be much obliged to the Honorable Congress
tcTsend me with all convenient speed, arms, blankets,
tents, shoes, stockings, haversacks, and cash by all means.
I want to be going forward, where, by what I can learn,
we shall be wanting if we can go soon, or not at all.

'*The men say, * give us guns,' blankets^ tents, &c.,
and we'll tight the devil himself, but do not keep us here
in market boats, as though we were a parcel of sheep or
calves.' In short nothing can give me morre pleasure
than the arrival of the aforesaid articles; until which, I
shall do all in my power to keep the men together, and
in as good order as clubs and canes can keep them, with-
out arms to keep a proper guard; as I have orders from
the general to collect all the arms together, and send as
many men off directly to Ticonderoga, (and that without
tents) which will not be a lull company, unless I can
purchase some arms here.

'*I remain, dear sir,

•• Your most obedient, hum, servant,
•* Philip Van Cortlandt,

*• Lieut. Col, of the 4th battalion.

••p. S, The cash I received I was obliged to pay to
the mutinious menin the lower 6arracks; and I sent by
Lieut. Riker to Capt. Woodard, at Newton, Long
Island, some part of it."

September 20th, 1775.

A letter from Walter Livingston, Esq. Deputy Com-
missary-fieneral at Albany was read and filed, and is in
the words following, to wit :

Provincial Congress, 225

•* Albany, September Qth, 1775.

** GENTLirMEN — I lately received a number of gun bar-
rels, which were sent by Maj. Gen. Schuyler's orders
from the garrisons above, to be stocked, locked and
made fit for the service ; as many of them as could be re-
paired in this city and in Schenectadv I have delivered
to the armorers; 180 are sent to Connecticut, the re-
mainder wete ordered to be sent to the Provincial Con-
gress; they shall be sent down and consigned to Mr.
Peter T. Curtenius.

''Those repaired in this city and Schenectady I can not
with propriety pay for; I must therefore request the Con-
gress will give orders for it. I know of nobody to whom
I can apply for that purpose, it being in the general's
opinion a Provincial charge, ultimately to be paid by the
associated colonies.

'* The number of barrels sent are 237.

Walter Livingston, D. C. Genl,

September 22d, 1775.

Maj. Nicoll informed the Committee, that the com-
missioners for Indian affairs at Albany, having occasion
for gunpowder to make presents to the Indians, the com-
mittee of Albany had, on application of the said com-
missioners, spared to them the gunpowder which was
lately ordered for the county of Albany, and Maj. Nicoll
informed that Albany is entirely destitute of powder.

Ordered, That two hundred weight of gunpowder be
supplied to Maj. Nicoll, or his order, from the powder
mill in Khinebeck precinct, to be delivered to the com-
mittee of the city and county of Albany, and that the
said committee pay for the said gunpowder to the manu-
facturer thereof, at th^rate of £20 per hundred.

A letter to the Hon. Robert R. Livingston, was read
and approved, and is in the words following, to wit :

•*SiR — The committee of Albany has spared their
small supply of gunpowder to the commissioners for In-
dian affairs, and earnestly requested of us an order for
tOOlbs.

[Annals vii.] 20

226 Provincial Congrets.

*• We have given an order for two hundred weight at
your mill to Maj, Nicoll, or his order. The committee of
Albany are to pay for it to you at your order.

Ordired^ That the committee at Albany are requested
to have the barracks, or hospital at Albany, or both, as
the committee shall think proper, repaired with all possi-
ble dispatch, in the cheapest and least expensive manner,
so as to make them fit for the reception of the troops of
the Continental army; and that the said committee be
farther requested to direct such a quantity of firewood
to be procured for the use of the said barracks as they
shall think necessary; and that the said committee send
an account, with the most authentic vouchers, of the ex»
pense and disbursements occasioned by making such re-
pairs and procuring firewood, to the Congress or Com-
mittee of Safety, of this Colony, that the same may be
audited and paid.

The petition of Elizabeth White, wife of Alexander
White, sheriff of Tryon, praying that her husband may
be discharged from Albany jail on his parol of honor, or
be heard before the committee of Albany, was read and
filed.

A draft of a letter to the committee at Albany, to
cover the order for repairing the barracks and hospital,
was read and approved, and is in the words following, to
wit •

Oct, 4lh, 1775.

"Gentlbmen — By the enclosed resolutions you will
see that the barracks and hospital, or either of them, as
you may think proper, are to be prepared and firewood
to be procured. It is, howefer, the sense of this Con-
gress, that the burden of this commission should not be
troublesome to your committee, iniless you incline to act
therein, as it may be now expeditiously and eflTectually
done by appointing two persons; Messrs. Guysbert Mer-
selis and Cornelius Santfort, of your committee, are re-
commended to superintend this business, under your di-
rection. If you approve of this appointment, you can
immediately set about the work. We think it not ira-

Provineial Congress, 227

proper to hint to you, that the less expensive the opera-
tion is, will be the most agreeable ^to, gentlemen,

•* Your most obedient servant.

•* By order.

A letter from Benjamin Baker on the subject of making
saltpetre, was read and filed, and is in the words follow-
ing, to wit :

**Gentlkmkn — Gen. Montgomery when in Albany,
heard of my attempts towards the production cf nitre,
sent for me to his lodging, and after some examination
and inquiry, requested of me to make application to the
committee for their assistance towards establishing a
manufactory. Colonel Abraham Ten Broeck, requested
me to write you somewhat of my pretensions in that way
for your farther consideration. In conformity to this re-
quest, I have wrote you as follows :

" From repeated trials and experiments have strong
reasons to believe that saltpetre may in these parts of
America, be made in as large quantities as now pot and
pearl ashes are, or even to intercept in a great measure
the East India trade in that article. Common alkaline
salts and wood otherwise concentrated into an acid juice,
— these two oppositions, and yet affinities, form a neutral
commixture, and becomes, as it were,' a proper magnet
for the attraction of nitrous particles. These two ma-
terials only with circulatory vessels properly adapted,
and other apparatus convenient, large quantities assuredly
may, at one work be made, even to 20 or 30 tons a year,
and at the same time, the method so simple that the
country people may easily learn the process, to the bene-
fit of themselves and Continent. A capital work to make
the above -quanjity, would require a stock at least of
£1000. and so on in proportion for lesser quantities. It
is not the want of business ind .ces me to make this ap-
plication, but on the other hand to serve the country^
and oblige the gentleman that applied to me. I am
already established in business in an art peculiar to my-
self, in preparing in such purity alkaline salts, as to an-

228 Provincial Congrea^

8wer all the different purposes in pharmacy, which may
hereafter bring in great emoluments to America.

*'I am gent, with due obedience,

'* Your humble servant,

" Benjn Baker.

** N, B. It is not in the power of any art yet known
to make from its origin, saltpetre in that limited time
you are pleased to offer a price so extraordinary for.'*

Ordered, That the gentlemen who are members from
Albany, write to the said Benjamin Baker, to know
what quantity of saltpetre he can make by the first day
of May next, and on what terms.

Oct. 6th, 1775.
A letter from Maj. Gen. Schuyler was read and filed,
and is in the words following, to wit:

*'Ticonderoga, Sept. 29th, 1775,
"Gentlemen — I am still confined with the remains of
an inveterate disorder. I have this moment received a
line from Gen. Montgomery; he holds St. Johns besieged,
but the weak state of our army and artillery cause the
operations to go on slowly. The Canadians are friendly
to us, and join us in great numbers, but unless we suc-
ceed against St. John*s. all other operations in that quar-
ter will avail little. We are in want of powder, and I
send this by express, that you may forward me five tons
if you can. It should come in boats that can be rowed,
that no delay may be made. Several rascals of the
first battalion have deserted to the enemy, and Capt.
Mott of the same corps, shamefully ran away from our
bomb battery, when not one of the enemy was near
him.

**Pray let the powder be sent to the care of Col. Van
Schaick, at Albany.

*'We have taken fifteen prisoners, seven of which are
soldiers, the rest unfriendly Canadians and Scotchmen,
in the service of the ministry.

•Th. Schuyler."

A draft of a letter to the Hon. Robert R. Livingston,

Provineial Congress. 229

was read and approved of, and is in the words following,
to wit:

"Sir — Gen. Schuyler has, by express, sent to lis for
five tons of powder; we have sent forward 1,400 weight,
all that we have, in a boat rowed with oars, to make
dispatch.

** We pray you to order all the powder at the mill at
Rhynbeck, to be forwarded by this conveyance."

October 13/ A. 1775.
A4ong let,ter in French from Jean Viellatt, on behalf
of himself and some other French gentlemen from Can-
ada, who are prisoners at Albany, was read in English
by Mr. Morris.

The draft of a letter to the committee at Albany^
was read and approved of, and is in the words following,
to wit:

"Gbntlemkn — The Canadian prisoners in your city
have applied to us in order to obtain their liberty,
which it certainly is not in our power to give them.
The Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, must have had
good reason to take them into custody; yet it is our duty
to alleviate as much as possible the evils of their con-
finement. We therefore request this of you,and also to pro-
vide them with lodgings and board at the public expense,
taking the necessary precautions to prevent their escape,*'

A draft of ah answer to the said Jean Viellatt, was
read and approved of, and is in the words following, to
wit :

•'Gentlemen — We are sorry that the fortune of war
hath deprived you of liberty, and are unacquainted with
the reasons that have induced the Generals to take that
step. It is our misfortune equally with yours that we
are not authorized to take this matter into our consi*
deration; and therefore we have sent your memorial to
the Continental Congress, who are alone competent.
All that is in our power is to obey the dictates of 'hu-
manity by endeavors to alleviate the rigors of your cap-
tivity; for this purpose we enclose you a letter to the

230 Pnmneial Congrts$*

committee of Albany, which you will be pleased to de-
liver them; and believe that we are with regret.

A letter from Jacob Lansing, Jr. Esq , chali-man of the
committee at Albany, was read and filed, and is in the
words following, to wit:

Albany, Oct. 9/A, 1775.

*'6bntlembn — In consequence of your letter respect-
ing the repairing df the barracks, we have appointed
those persons whom you recommended to us, who we
judge are. competent for the purpose; we will give them
all the advice they may stand in need of, in order to
complete this business with expedition. And as many
articles can not be got without cash, viz: firewood, lime,
brick, &c., we have therefore taken the liberty to draw
upop you in favor of Messrs. Peter Silvester, Abraham
Yates, Jr., and Henry Glenn, Esqs. for the sum of two
hundred pounds, for which sum this committee will be
accountable for after the work is completed.

'*Jacob Lansing, Jon. Chairman.^'

The draft for two hundred pounds mentioned in the
letter of Jacob Lansing Jr. Esq., chairman of the com-
mittee of Albany, was read and filed, and is in the words
following, to wit:

''Albany, October 9th, 1175.

••Sir — Please to pay or cause to be paid, unto Messrs.
Peter Silvester, Abraham Yates Jr. and Henry Glenn,
Esqs. the sum of two hundred pounds. New York cur-
rency, for the purposes mentioned in our letter of this
day's date.

•Jacob Lansing, Jox. Chairman,'^

Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., aa
Treasurer of the Provincial Congress, do pay to Peter
Silvester, Abraham Yates, Jr. and Henry Glenn Esqs.«
the sum of two hundred pounds, New York currency,
for the purpose of repairing the barracks at Albany,
and that Mr. Livingston take a receipt from those gen*
tlcmen for that sum.

Mr. Abraham Yates from the members of Albany
brought in a draft to Walter Livingston, £sq..tho Depu*

Provincial , Congnu. 231

ty Commissary General at Albany, relating to the ac-
counts of ferrymen for ferrying soldiers in that county,
which was read anii approved of, and is in the words
following, to wit;

•*SiR — Upon application of the members from Albany
representing the unsettled state of the ferrymen's
charges for carrying over the troops on their way to the
seat of action, we think proper to inform you that we
conceive those charges should be a Continental charge,
and would recommend it to you to settle the same, that
no obstruction may arise to the troops passing and re«
passing to and from that quarter.'*

A letter from Col. Goose Van Schaick of the 15th
inst. was read and filed, and is in the words following,
to wit:

''Albany, October I6th, 1775.

"Sir — Agreeable to General Schuyler's orders to me,
I send down sergeant Neil McFall of the 2Cth regiment
and William Elphiston. bv>th taken in Canada. Those
prisoners will be delivered you by Thomas Batts, ser-
geant in the Connecticut troops; hope he wiU deliver
them safe to your custody.

•*GoosE Van Schaick."

A long letter from Benjamin Baker, at Albany, on
the subject of making saltpetre, was read and filed. The
gentlemen who were deputies from Albany are request-
ed to write him an answer, that the Congress does not
at present incline to comply with his proposals.

A letter from Col. Goose Van Schaick .dated at Alba-
ny on the 2d November ult., informing Congress of the
death of John Keyser, second lieutenant in Capt. Chris-
topher Yates*s company, and recommending that Mr.
Tobias Van Vechten may be appointed to supply the va-
cancy.

(232)

DUTCH CHURCH PAPERS.

There remain in the hist of the IJCorth Dutch Church,
a few ancitnt papers, which have an interest from their
antiquity, their historical connections, or the quaintness
of their style. The oldest of them is a conveyance by
Governor Stuy vesant himself, of a lot for an almshouse,
dated 1652, which being translated from the original Ne-
derlandsch, is as follows:

We Petrus Stuy vesant Director- General and counsel-
lors of their Highnesses the States General of the Unit-
ed Netherlands, his Highness of Orange and the Di-
'rectors of the Octroyed West Indian Company, resid-
ing in New Netherlands make known by these presents,
that we on this day, as written below, have granted and
conveyed as an almshouse, in behalf of the inhabitants
of Beverwyck, near Fort Orange, within the limits and
jurisdiction of the West Indian Company, the farm,
bounded north by the Fuyck kill and south by the pub-
lic road, west by Jacob Janssen and east by the wagon
road, with express condition and stipulation that the
holders and possessors of the aforesaid farm shall ac-
knowledge the Directors of the West Indian Company
as Patroons under the sovereignty of their Highnesses
the S ates General of the United Netherlands and to
obey here their Director and Counsellors as good and
faithful subjects are bound to do, and to pay ail duties
and taxes as ordered or to be ordered hereafter by the
Directors of the said company; granting and convey-
ing by these presents to the Deacons of the aforesaid
city, real and actual possession, to hold it, cultivate it,
or make it productive to provide for the wants of the
poor, without any compensation whatever to us the
aforesaid Grantors, but do grant and convey the same-in
behalf of the poor now and for ever. In witness where-
of we the subscribers have caused our seal in red wax
to be affixed hereunto.

Dutch Church Papers. 233

Fort New Amsterdam in New Netherland, 23d April,
anno 1652.

P. Stuyvksant.

By order of the Director General aftd counsellors of
New Netherland. Cor. van Tiekhoven, Seer.

No. 2.

conveyance of a garden lot to JACOB JANSEN.

We Petrus Stuyvesant Director General and Counsel-
lors of their Highnesses the States General of the Unit*
ed Netherlands, and the Directors of the Octioyed
West Indian Company, residing in New Netherland,
make known by these presents that we on this day, as
written below, have granted and conveyed unto Jacob
Jansen, the brewer, as a garden, the farm situated within
the limits of Fort Orange, bounded south by Domine
Schaets, east by Gysbert Cornel isse, west and north by
the public road, beini; lot No. 19, wide four rods and a
half and long six rods and a half, with express condition
and stipulation that the holders or possessors of the same
shall acknowledge the Directors of the West Indian
Company as Patroons under the sovereignty of their
Highnesses the States General of the United Netherlands
and to obey here their Director and Counsellors as good
and faithful subjects are bound to do and to pay all du-
ties and taxes as ordered or to be ordered hereafter by
the Directors of the West Indian Company, granting
and conveying by these presents to the said Jacob Jan-
sen, his heirs or executors in this state, real and actual
possession to use and dispose of the same as his owii
property without any compensation to us the aforesaid
Grantors. In witness whereof, we the subscribers have
caused our seal in red wax to be affixed hereunto.

Fort Orange in New Netherland, 25th October. 1653.

P. Stuyvesant.

By order of the Director Qcneral and Counsellors of
New Netherland. Jacob Kip, Seer.

No. 3.
lease by the deacons of the alms house.
Memorandum that we the undersigned John Cuyler

234 Dutch Church Paprs.

and Evert Rancker, Deacons of the Church at Albany of
the first part, and Robert Barrett of the second part,
made an agreement, as follows, viz :

Cuyler and Bancker certify to have let to Robt. Bar-
rett and Robt. Barrett to have rented from Cuyler and
Bancker, the western part of the almshouse with half
the farm occupied by it, such as the same is situated
within its fences, for the term of one year, commencing
this date, and ending the 1st May 1701, for the sum of
eighty-four guilders, vahie inSewant, to pay the first
half November 1st 1700, and the other half at the ex-
piration of this agreement, and no deduction of the rent
or any allowance will be made for any improvements
made on the aforesaid house and farm.

In consideration of which the letters and their suc-
cessors, and the tenant and his heirs bind themselves by
law.

Signed and sealed at Albany May, 1st, 1700.

Robt. Barrett.

Signed and sealed in presence of

No. 4.

INDENTURE OF SERVITUDE.

This Indenture witnesseth that Aulkey Hubertse,
Daughter of John Hubertse, of the Colony |of Rensse-
laerwyck deceased hath bound herself as i^Meniall Ser-
vant and by these presents doth voluntary and of her
own free will and accord bind herself as a Mcniall Ser-
vant unto John Delemont of the Citty of Albany, weav-
er, by and with the consent of the Deacons of the Re-
formed Dutch Church in the Citty of Albany aforesaid
who are as overseers in the disposal of the said Aulkey
Hubertse, to serve from the date of these present Inden-
tures unto the full end and term of time that the said
Aulkey Hubertse shall come to Age, all which time fully
to be compleat and ended, during all which term the said
servant her said Master faithfullv shall serve, his se-
crets keep, his lawful commandsgladly everywhere obey,
she shall do no Damage to her said Master nor see it to

Dutch Church Papers. 235

be don by others without letting or giving notice thereof
to her said Master; she shall not wast her Masters goods
or lend them unlawfully to any; she shall not commit
fornication; at Cards, Dice or any other unlawful Game
she shall not play, whereby her said Master may have
Damage; with her own goods or the goods of others
during the said Term, without Licence from her said
Master, she shall neither buy nor sell; she shall not ab-
sent herself day or night from her Master's service with-
out his leave, nor haunt Ale-houses, Taverns or Play-
houses, but in all things as a faithful servant, she shall
behave herself towards her said Master and all his du-
ring the said Term. And the said Master during the
said Term shall find and provide sufficient wholesome
and compleatmeat and drink, washing, lodging and ap-
parcll and all other Nccessarys fit for such a servant;
and il is further agreed between the said Master and
Servant that in case the said Servant Aulkey Hubertse
should contract Matrimony before she shall come to age,
then the said Servant is to be free from her said Mas-
ter's service by virtue hereof, and at the expiration "^of
her said servitude, her said Master John Delemont shall
find, provide for and deliver unto his said servant double
apparell, that is to sa}', apparcll fit for to have and. to
wear as well on the Lord's Day as working days both
linnlng and woollen stockings and shoes and other Neo-
essarys meet for such a Servant to have and to wear, and
for the true performance of all and ever"y of said Cov-
enants and Agreements the said parties bind themselves
unto the other by these presents. In witr.ess whereof
they have hereunto set their hands and seals this 10th
day of May in the nineth year of the Reign of our Sov-
ereign Lady Anno by the Grace of God, over Great
Brittain, France and Ireland Queen, defender of the
faith, etc. Anno Dommini 1710. .

Jon Delemont.

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of An-
tho. Brat, Theunis Brat, Jona. Rumney.

It is further agreed between the said parties that the

236 Dutch Church Papers,

said Master shall before the expiration of the said Term
teach or cause to be taught to read. This don before
sealing and delivering.

No. 5.

BEQUKST TO THE POOR.

Know all men by these presents, that I Marietie
Tymissen, widow of Cornelius Tymissen of Kwistag-
ewene in the county of Albany, in the province of Nvw
York, having a particular affection and love, which I
feel within myself, for the poor and indigent members of
the Reformed Dutch Church in Albany, in the before
mentioned province, have given and assigned, and do by
these presents give and assign to the Consistory of the be-
fore mentioned church, the sum of twenty pounds current
money of the before said province, in behalf of the in*
digent members of the before mentioned church, to be
paid to the aforesaid Consistory, for the time being, six
weeks after ray death by my heirs, executors or admin-
istrators without any delay or contradiction whatever,
and that this may be observed and adhered to, I oblige
my heirs, executors and administrators and every
one who is walking in the way of truth; therefore
I have signed and sealed this at Albany, Jan. 24th Anno
17 12-13.

Mark

Marietie q Tymissen.

Signed and sealed in presence of us, Evert Bancker,
Rutger Bleecker.

No. 6.

LETTER PROM THE CONSISTORY AT ALBANY TO SCHENEC-
TADY IN RELATION TO DISTRIBUTING FOOD TO THE PAL-
ATINES.

Albany, July 7, 1713.

The consistory of the Dutch church of New York
having again sent to us the quantity of 80 bushels corn,
50 pieces of smoked pork (rookspeck), weighing about
500 lbs. and 100 lbs. bread to be distributed among the

Dutch Church Papers. 237

Palatines of Schoharie, you are hereby kindly requested
to send thither by the first opportunity 5 wagons to bring
the said victuals to Schenectady and have it there stored
away. Please bring also as many bags as will hold the
corn, and be sokind as to buy flour to the amount of £6.
We also entreat you to summon all the said Palatines at
your place a week after to-morrow being Wednesday
the 15th instant, that they may be early in the morning
at your place, when God willing the domine and some
of the consistory intend to be at your place to distribute
with you the said victuals.
Respectfully yours.

Per order of the Consistory of Albany.

No. 7.

BORROW FROM THE POOR FUND TO REBUILD CHURCH.

Enow all men by these presents that we the subscri-
bers, elders of the Reformed Dutch church of Albany, in
consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds cur-
rent money of New York received of Mess. Hend'k Ten
Eyck and Jacob Lansingh, deacons of the aforesaid
churdi, being money collected for the poor, which sum
we borrow to pay the arrears of the debt for rebuilding
the said church, we therefore promise to pay out of the
income of the church pasture to the said Hendrick Ten
Eyck and Jacob Lansingh or their successors in the
year seventeen hundred seventeen the sura of fifty pounds,
and the other fifty pounds in the year seventeen hundred
and eighteen.

In consideration of this we bind ourselves and succes-
sors. Witness our hand Albany Dec. 28th, Anno 1716.

Peter Van Brugh.
RoBT. Livingston, Jr,

In presence of Albert Ryckman, Jonas Douw,

Albany in the year seventeen hundred seventeen re-
ceived on the within, the sum of fifty pounds current
money. John Van Vechten.

Beyer Gerritse.

[Annah vii.] 21 .

23d JDiifch Church Papers.

Albany, Dec. 30th, 1718.
Received of Mess. Evert Bancker and Johannes
Bleecker on the within bond the sum of thirty-eight
pounds fourteen shillings and sixpence.

Harm. Wendell.
KoENRADT Ten EycK.

No. 8.

BORROW FROM I'OOR FUND TO REBUILD DOMINE'S HOUSE.

Enow all men by these present that we the undersigned
elders of the Reformed Dutch Church of Albany, in con-
sideration of the sum of one hundred forty-eight pounds
one shilling and fourpence current money of New York
received from Mess. Myndert Roseboom and Dirck Ten
Broeck, deacons of the aforesaid church, being the mon-
ey collected for the poor, which sum we borrow to pay
the expenses of rebuilding the house of our minister;
we therefore promise to pay the said sum in three years
out of the income of the church pasture to the said
Myndert Roseboom and Dirck Ten Broeck or their suc-
cessors and we also bind thereto our successors.
Witness our hand Albany this 9th October Anno 1721.

Hendr. Van Rensselaer.
WiLLEM Van Deusen.
' In presence of Abraham Cuyler, Anthony Coster.

No. 9.

petition of johani^es boom.

Albany, April Sth, 1739.
To the respectable Gentlemen, the Consistory of the
true Christian reformed religion, now assembled in
the Dutch church at Albany. The humble petition
of Johannes Boom.

Set forth his misfortune.

As it has pleased God to set him a father of a wife
and six children, and it being hard for him to make a
living, the principal support to provide for his family
being a milk cow, which died yesterday, your petitioner

Dutch Church Papers. 239

is at a loss what to do to provide for his wife and chil-
dren ; for he is a new beginner.

For this reason I take the liberty to keep my family,
and pray you to have the kindness to advance me so
much money as will enable me to buy another milk cow ;
and I will honestly pay you over the same, when God
Almighty might bless me. This is the humble prayer
of him who prays that God may bless the reformed re-
ligion and churches, and that you the present Consis-
tory take my petition in favorable consideration and
grant the same.

I am your humble servant who prays God may bless

you and prolong your life.

His

' Johannes IB Boom.

mark.

No. 10.
borrow from poor fund to pay expenses of minister.

Know all men by these presents that we the subscri-
bers, elders of the Reformed Dutch church of Albany, in
consideration of the sum of one hundred and sixty- five
pounds current money of New York, received from Mess.
Volckert Douw and William Winne, deacons of the said
church being money collected for the poor, which sum of
money has been borrowed by us to pay the debts which
said church has made in calling and having brought over
our Rev. Minister Eilardus Westerlo. Therefore we
promise to pay annually to the deacons, who have charge
of the money chest for the poor, (de armen kist) the bal-
ance of the income of the church pasture as soon as there
i9 any,

Jn consideration whereof we bind ourselves and suc-
cessors. Witness our hands, Albany this 10th day of Nov.
1760.

GeriCit Van Den Bergh.
Jacob Q, Ten Evck,

Witness, John Douw,

(240)

ALBANY MECHANICS' SOCIETY.

BT E. W. S.

Although this society closed up its business a quarter
of a centurj ago, the. position it held and the influence
it exerted upon society during an important period in
the history of the city, entitles it to a place upon the
record of our institutions.

On the 10th of January, 1793, upwards of one hun-
dred and fifty mechanics met for the purpose of forming
a society. A committee of one fi om each trade was
appointed to prepare a constitution, which was adopted
on the 1 1th February following, under the title of the
Albany Mechanics' Society. It was composed of the
principal mechanics of Albany and its vicinity, **for the
laudable purpose of 'protecting and supporting such of
their brethren as by sickness or accident may stand in
need of assistance, and of relieving the widows and
orphans of those who may die in indigent circumstances,
and also of providing the means of instruction for their
children. The first ofiicers elected were:

John W. Wendell, president.

Charles R. Webster, 1st vice president.

Bernardus Evertsen, 2d vice president.

Isaac Hut ton, treasurer. *

John Barber, secretary.

At the January election, 1796, Charles R. Webster
was elected president. In 1797 the following officers
were elected:

President — Jacob Wright.
Ist Vice President — Casparus Hewson.
2d Vice President — Thomas S. Webb,
Treasurer — Isaac Hutton.
Secretary — ^John Barber.

Albany Mechanics^ Society. 241

Trustees — John W. Wendell, Isaac Hutton, Charles R.
Webster, John I. Van Alen, James Hodge, Thomas S.
Webb, John Mascraft, Elisha Dorr, Caspanis Hewson,
Jacob Wright, John Barber, John Easton, John Randall,
James Linacre, James Kinnear.

The Society was incorporated by the legislature of*
New York, March 6. 1801; afid was dissolved by like
act, November 25, 1824. The object of this association
is briefly set forth in the preamble of the act of incorpo*
ration, and is as follows:

*• Whereas Bernardtis Evertsen and others. Mechanics
and Tradesmen of the city of Albany and its vicinity, asso-
ciated as a society, for the laudable purpose of protecting
and supporting such of their brethren as by sickness or
accident may stand in need of assistance^ and of relieving
the widows and orphans of those who may die in indi-
gent circumstances; and also of providing the means of
instruction for their children, by their petition presented
to the legislature have prayed to be incorporated to ena-
ble them more beneflcialiy to carry into effect their char-
itable intentions: Therefore," &c.

The officers declared under the act, were as follows:

Charles R. Webster, president; James Hodge, first
vice president; Philip Hooker, second vice president;
Isaac Hutton, treasurer; John W. Fryer, secretary.

Mr. Webster was elected president as early as 1799,
and was annually reelected to that office, from this date
to the final dissolution of the society.

Mr. HuUon was continued treasurer by annual elec-
tion, from the commencement of the society to about the
year 1808; and on his resignation was succeeded by Wil-
liam M'Harg, who continued in office to the dissolution
of the society,

John Barber continued in office, as secretary, to the
act of incorporation, and was succeeded by John W.
Fryer, named in the act. He held the office to 1808,
when he was succeeded by Elisha W. Skinner, who was
continued to the final dissolution of the society.

The society as incorporated, consisted of sixty-four

243 Albany MecJianies* Socieiy.

members — comprising at the^ime the prominent leading
mechanics and tradesmen of this city; to which were
subsequently added many others, and swelling the 'aggre-
gate number of its members to one hundred and fifty.
The general register, to which this sketch is attached,
and deposited in the State Library, will show the original
signatures of the members, with their professional occu-
pations.

The proceedibgs of the board of trust, appointed by
the act of the legislature, dissolving the society,, are also
deposited in the State Library. The trustees named in
the act to dissolve the corporation of the society, and
to whom the real and personal estate is vested, for the
purposes set forth in the act aforenamed, are John Meads,
John Bryan, Henry Newman, Abraham F. Lansing, Ben-
jamin Van Benthuysen, Teunis Slingerland, Charles R.
Webster, John Hermans, Joseph Russell, Benjamin D.
Packard, Levi Steele, Robert Boyd, John Buckbee, Eli-
jah Brainard, David Pruyn, John Goodrich, Eljah Hos-
ford. Elisha W. Skinner, Arthur Hotchkiss and Moses
Kenyon.

The committee made report of their investigations and
of the sale of the real and personal estate of the Society;
and that a dividend of sixty three cents on each dollar
of the contributions, individually made to the Society,
will, in their opinion, be in accordance with the letter
and spirit of the law under which they have been ap-
pointed to act.

The board of trustees adopted the report of the com-
mittee, and resolved ** that a dividend of sixty-three
cents on each dollar of said contributions be and is hereby
deelared, and made payable from and after the 1st day
of June, 1826."

The Board further reported, that Mr. John Meads, the
chairman of the committee, be and he is hereby appoint-
ed to pay out the dividends, as above specially authorized
and directed, for the space of six months ; and that he
give bonds to this board for the faithful discharge of his
duty.

Albang Mechanics* Society.

34 3

In thus closing this imp^fect sketch of the rise, pro-
gress and termination of this long established society, it
is due to it to say, that to its untiring efforts in the
' cause of education and good morals — in the establish-
ment of schools and the erection of school houses^and
in elevating the grade of education in this city, its design
has been faithfully fulfilled; and has left for it the cher-
ished recollection as among the pioneers and promoters of
sound learning and good morals in the history of Albany
in the present centuiy.

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS, WHOSE NAMES ARE
SIGNED TO THE GENERAL REGISTER.

Henry Abel,
Gilbert Akerman,
Richard Ailansou,
John Barber,
James Barclay,
Thomas Barker,
N. B. Bassett,
Jacob Best,
Ebenezer Belts,
Isaac Betticher, .
John Boardman,
Robert Boyd,
William Boyd,
Charter Boynton,
Elijah Brainard,
Timothy Brigden,
Anthony Brooks,
John Bryan,
Nathaniel Bunnel,
Samuel T Burrows,
John Buckbee,
Thomas Campbell,
Robert Carlisle,
Henry Carpenter,
Thomas Carson,
James Chesney,
James Clark,
James Davis,
William M. Diamond,
Elisha Dorr,
John Doty,
James Dnnlap,

John Dur.8,
Richard Duncan,
Waller Easion,
William Easton,
John. Epes,
William Fowler,
John C. Fredenrich,
John W. Fryer,
William Fryer,
John Fryer
Peter Furlong,
Garrit De Garmo,
William Giles,
James Gibbons,
John Goodrich,
James Gourlay,
David I. Groesbeek,
John I. Groesbeck,
John Grant,
John Guest, jun.,
Green Hall,
Thomas Harman, jun.,
John Heerrnans,
Casparus Hewson,
Charles Hill,
Andrew Hoffman,
Ephraim Ho^^ard,
Elisha Hosford,
Elijah Hosford,
James Hodge,
Arthur Hotchkiss,
Lucas I. Hcoghkirk,

244

Albany M$chanics* Society.

Philip Hooker,
Ephraim Howard,
Silas W. Howell,
Isaac Hutton, '
George Hutton,
Robert Hurst,
James Hunter,
John Hinckley,
Nathaniel Judson,
IVloses Kenyon,
George Klinck,
Benjamin Knower,
Myndert Lansing,
Abm. K. Lansing,
Edward Le Breton,
James Linacre,
James Lloyd,
Isaac Lucas,
D. M'Donald,
William M'Harg,
John M'Chesney,
John Mascraft,
John Meads,
Jacob Miers,
Daniel Morrel,
David MulhoUand,
David Osborn,
Gowin Patterson,
Isaac Packard,
Benj. D. Packard,
Robert Packard,
David Peck,
Ebeiiezer Piatt,
Giles W. Porter,
Ira Porter,
Jesse Potts,
David Pruyn,
Elisha Putnam,
William Randall
John Randall,.
James Rodgers,
Robert Rotlery,

Caleb Russell,

David Russell, jr ,

Thomas Russell,

Joseph Russell,

Joseph Russel (Market at.))

John Rnssel,

Wilhs. G. Ryckman,

John Scovilie,

Thomas Scott,

James Scryoiser,

James Selle,

Thomas Shepherd,

Elisha W. ISk inner,

Tunis Slingerland,

^benezer Smith,

John Smith,

Daniel Steele,

Levi Steele,

John Stilwell,

Wm. Slilwell,

Spencer Stafford,

Thomas W. Stanton,

Ziba Swan,

John Todd,

Thomas Thompson,

Amos Thayer,

John Turner,

Jacob Van Ness,

Jer, Van Rensselaer,

Henry B. Van Benthuisen,

Benj. Van Benthuisen,

James P. Van Benthuisen,

Jacob Van Duersen,

Austin Warner,

Joseph War ford,

Charles R Webster,

George Webster,

William W Williams,

William B. Winne,

Daniel I. Winne,

James Young,

William Young,

(245)

THE FERRY CONTROVERSY.

Benjamin Aiken and James Schuyler against thb
Western Railroad Corporation.

J. J. Werner for Plflfs, C. B. Cochrane for Deft.

The controversy in this cause was submitted at the Gen-
eral Term of the Supreme Court, Judges Harris, Gould
and Watson presiding, on the 14th May, 1856, without
action under section 372 of the code. The following is
an analysis of the statement of facts agreed upon. That
on the first day of October, 1852, the corporation of the
city of Albany entered into an agreement with the plain-
tiffs by which the said corporation of Albany granted to
said plaintiffs '*ali and singular, *the sole and exclusive
right, license, privilege and franchise of ferrying on each
side of the Hudson river, leading from Greenbush oppo-
site the east bounds of the four original wards of said
city, to the said city, and from the said original four
wards of said city to Greenbush, excepting and reserv*
ing however, any right of ferriage heretofore granted,
or which may hereafter be granted by the said parties of
the first jpart to any railroad company, whose road is or
may be terminated or constructed along the east shore of
the Hudson river, opposite said original wards, which
said rights shall not be extended beyond the passengers,
freight agents and servants carried or to be carried upon
said roads, or in the service of said company."

The said lease also provided that the said plaintiffs
"shall provide and furnish at their own expense, two
good, substantial and suitable skiffs or yawl boats, and
keep the same constantly plying from the foot of Maiden
lane in said city across said river, for the carriage of

246 The Ferry C&ntroverey.

foot passengers both day and night during said term, and
when not prevented by ice."

That the railroad of defendants terminates at a point
on the eastern shore of the Hudson riyer, in said town
of Greenbush opposite the four original wards x)f the city
of Albany, and is authorized by several acts of the legis-
islature.

That the defendants made an agreement with the May-
or. &c , of Albany, in 1840, in which the following pro-
vision is made. ** And the said party of the first part
(the Mayor, &c.) further agree that no charge shall be
made to the said party (the defendants) for the right, at
their own expense, to carry across the Hudson river at
Albany thej)assengers and freight, to be transported on
said road, or the officers, agents and servants of said par-
ty of the third part (the defendants, &c.)

That the said defendants. are in the habit and practice
of carrying across said river, on their said ferry boats,
other persons, teams and carriages, than such as are
specified and mentioned in the agreement last aforesaid,
free of any charge therefor, and which would necessarily
cross said river by means of the plaintiff's ferries, but for
such carriage by the defendants.

The right and privilege granted to the city of Albany,
and on which the plaintiff *s claim is primarily founded,
was granted by Thomas Dongan,

That at the time of the grant of the ferry by Governor
Dongan, there was but one ferry used at Albany, and
this is the same now used by the plaintiffs at the foot of
Ferry street in the said city.

The ferry maintained by the defendants is exclusive*
ly a ferry for railroad purposes. No passengers, teams
or carriages, or other than those connected with the de-
fendants' railroad, are solicited to cross said river on
their said ferry boats, and no ferriage is charged or col*
lected of any body, but the said defendants do in fact
carry ac ross said river on their said ferry boats other
persons, passengers, teams and carriages than suph as they
are privj leged to carry as aforesaid.

That the ferr^ boats used by defendants sail under a

The Ferry Controverst/. 247

coasting license, authorized by act of Congress, relating
to the coasting trade.

Upon this statement of facts the plaintiffs demand
judgment, that the said defendants account to them for
such loss and damage, and that they be restrained from
further violation of the aforesaid rights, privileges and
franchises of the said plaintiffs.

PLAINTIFF'S POINTS.

The plaintiffs rest their claims of right:

On the right and power of James II, to make the char-
ter of the city of Albany known as the Dongan charter.

On the true interpretation and meaning of the charter
thus granted.

On the rights reserved by the several constitutions of
this state..

On the rights reserved by an act entitled "Of the regu-
lation of ferries."

On legislative construction as to the meaning and ex-
tent of the ferry grant contained in the charter.

On the contract made between the plaintiffs and the
city of Albany, a portion of which is contained in the
case.

None 'of the acts creating the defendants, or the act
amending the same, confer on or concede to the said com-
pany any right of ferry.

The agreement of defendants with the corporation of
Albany, contains no grant of rights to the defendants,
inconsistent with the plaintiffs' claim. The defendants
are restricted, in express terms, to the carriage of their
passengers, &c.

The defendants can acquire no rights inconsistent with
those of the plaintiffs, under their coasting license. A
coasting license confers no rights of ferry.

The defendants have no naturalrights. They exist by
the statute alone, and can exercise no functions that are
not expressly conferred. Consequently, they have not
even the right of self ferry that an individual might
have.

248 The Ferry CanirovBrsy.

DEFENDANT'S POINTS.

The plaintiffs have not (as claimed by them) the sole
and exclimve right of ferry across the Hudson river op-
posite the original four wards of the city of Albany.
That they have the exclusive right to ferry now operated
by them at the foot of Ferry street is denied.

The city charter granted by Governor Dongan in 1686
after reciting among other things that a ferry had been
established by the inhabitants of the town of Albany,
grants and confirms the same to said inhabitants by the
name, &c., with power to establish other ferries leading
to the city, needful and convenient for the inhabitants
of said city and parts adjacent. But the right in terms is
not exclusive.

Grants of exclusive privileges being in derogation of
public rights belonging to the state or the people at large,
and calculated to impair the efficiency of the govern-
ment in its power to afford facilities to progress and im-
provement, must be construed strictly — nothing can be
taken by implication.

The franchise granted to the defendants by the act of
1840 to the extent claimed and exercised by them, is not
an interference with the rights of the plaintiffs for which
an action can be maintained.

The cases above cited are authorities to show:

That an act of the legislature conferringthe franchise
of ferry or toU-bridge at a given place, and guarding
such franchise by prohibiting, under penalties, all other
persons from prosecuting the same business at or in the
neighborhood of the same place, does not restrict the
power of a future legislature to establish a toll or free
bridge at the same locality. '

That the exercise of said power does not impair the
obligation of any contract with the owner of the prior
franchise within the meaning of any constitutional pro*
hibition, state or national.

That a franchise to a railroad company to cross with
its line of road a public river, by means of bridge or
ferry boats, is not the same as that of the old or com-

The Perry Controversy. 249

mon ferry, nor so similar as to be deemed an interfer-
ence with the latter.

The new railway and toll-bridge authorized by a late
act to be constructed across the Hudson at Albany, will
doubtless diminish the business and gains of the plain-
tiffs' ferry, but the power of the legislature to make the
grant as against Gov. Dongan's charter or these plain-
tiffs will hardly be questioned. The changed circum-
stances and necessities of another age, and the demands
of an increased and almost incalculable commerce re-
quire new channels of communication and improved
ways of outlet and transport, attainable only by the aid
of the legislature. It will not be presumed that th^
legislature has or ever intended to surrender a poijrer so
necessary to the public good.

Persons come upon the defendants' boats, some going
a greater and some a less distance vpo^ the road, and it
can not be required of the "defendantsi that they should
station a police of espionage upon their boats to ascer-
tain the destination of the passenger^ on board. Such
a requirement would be impractica,bl^.

The injury, if any, siustained by the plaintiffs, is
^annnum absc^ue injuria.

[AnnaU, vii.] 22

(S5o;)

FIEST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

In the earl/
partoftheyear
18A0, an asso-
ciation of gen-
tlemen connec-
ted withdifftr-
ent congrega-
tions in the ci-
ty, purchased
the house of
worship then

ed by the First
Pre sbyttrian
Church, with a
view to the es-"
tablishment of
anew religious
society.togeth-

church of the
failh and order
of the Pilgrim
fathers of New
England. This
r-'.ouM.jifLi, atep u as taken
from a conviction that there was need of another church,
and it 'was hoped that one which was Congregational in
its form, while it would meet the wishes and the sympa-
thies of nnmerous families of New England origin, already
in the city or removing into it from time to time, might
also have a happy influence, as a new religious element
in the general system of instrumenta titles, already estab-
lished in the city, for the advancement of the cause of

First Congrigationdl Church. 251

Christ. The house thus secured was opened on the first
sabbath in April, 1850, and the services were conducted
by the Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., of West Haven, Conn.
From this time the house was filled with a large and at-
tentive audience.

On the tenth of the July following, eighty-one persons
(forty-seven of whom weVe from the First Presbyterian
church,) dismissed by letter from other communions, were
duly organized by an ecclesiastical council assembled for
the purpose, as the First Congregational Church in Al-
bany.

The pulpit during the summer and fall was occupied
by some of the most distinguished clergymen from New
York and New England. The society was organized in
June of the same year, and in the course of the succeed-
ing autumn, the church and congregation with great
unanimity invited the Rev. Ray Palmer, then minister of
the Third Congregational Church in Bath, Me., to be-
come their pastor. The call was accepted, and on the
lOth of December Mr. Palmar was installed by council,
with the usual services. The organization of this new
enterprise was thus completed; and those who had en-
listed in it, with a desire to do something for the promo-
tion of spiritual religion among the growing population
of the city, had the satisfaction of seeing their place of
worship occupied, almost at once, by a large and i;^gular
congregation, and of believing, from many indications,
ths^ God was pleased to smile on their humble efforts to
do good.

The society, after the organization, received from the
association of gentlemen, the title to the church^ proper-
ty, and assumed the obligations which had been entered
into for the payment of the same. A portion of the mo-
ney necessary for the purpose was raised by collections
and subscriptions, and the building was mortgaged for
ten thousand dollars to secure the remainder. To meet
and pay the mortgage when it became due, a subscrip-
tion was immediately made, payable in four annual
installments^ the last of which, paid during the month

252 First Congn gat tonal Church.

of May, 1866, freed the church and society from all
incumbrance. Immediately after paying the debt of the
church, the congregation determined to purchase an organ*
For this purpose more than four thousand dollars has
been subscribed ; the building has been prepared for its
reception, and by the first of December, the instrument
will, no doubt, be inserted in its place. Although the
immediate necessary expenses of the enterprise have
been great for so new a church and congregation, yet they
have not neglected the various benevolent objects for the
spread of the cause of Christ, in other places and other
lands. All or nearly all the great benevolent societies
have received from them an annual collection; and the
amount raised to promote the cause of Christ abroad, in
connection with the varied sums paid for the building,
for repairs, and the annual expenses, during the first six
years, amount to upwards of fifty-two thousand dollars;
add to this the four thousand dollars raised for the organ,
and the sum amounts to over fifry-six thousand dollars;
no inconsiderable sum for so new an undertaking. The
pews are owned by the society, and the sittings annually
rented to the occupants. By this arrangement the rents
have been so graduated, that the income from the pews,
let during^ the first six years, has been just about sufficient
to cover the ordinary expenses. The obligations assum-
ed by the society have all been paid; and the congrega-
tion, now one of the largest in the city, find themselves
the owners of a fine building, in one of the most eligible
situations in the city; entirely free from debt, and with a
fine prospect of usefulness before them.

The church (organized as above stated by eighty one
persons) has continued to increase by additions at every
communion save one since it was formed, and now (Aug.
1856) numbers two hundred and eleven individuals. The
whole number received into the fellowship of the church
is two hundred and fifty- five; and of this number thirty-
six have been dismissed by letter, to other churches, and
eight have been removed by death.

The officers of the church are the Pastor, Clerk,

First Congregational Church*

25S

Treasurer, six Deacons and six Examining Committee,
Two deacons and two of the examining committee .are
elected each year, and hold their offices for the period of
three years.

litie first officers, and the original members are as fol-
lows :

Rev. R\Y Palmer, D. D., Pastor,

Thomas Tr-: AD WELL, Clerk,

Anthony Gould, Treasurer,

Thomas Boyd, Anthony Gould, Andrew Lightbody,
Henry S. McCall, William B. Treadwell, C. P. Wil-
liams, Deacons.

Abram Covert, Anthony Gould, James McNaughton,
E. WrcKKS, Jr., C. P. Williams, B. R. Wood, Examin^
ing Committee,

original
James McNanghton,
Caroline McNaughton,
Archibald Campbell,
Joseph Fry,
Ann Fry,
Andrew Lightbody,
Mary Lightbody,
Thomas Boyd,
Julia M. Boyd,
Maria L. Boyd,
William McHench,
Margaret McHench,
Margaret A. McHench,
Euphemia B. McHench,
James Burton,
Margaret I. Burton,
Elizabeth Hill,
Eliza C. Campbell,
Caroline Savage,
Jno. C. Kennedy,
Maria Walker,
Hannah Bush,
AnnaM. Goodrich,

members.
Isaac Edwards,
Phebe Mvgatt, .
William B. Treadwell.
William Gould,
Sarah M. Gould,
Anthony Gould,
Martha I. Gould,
Abram Covert,
Helen Knapp,
Eliphalet Wickes, Jr.,
Chauncey P. Williams,
Martha H. Williams,
Sarah McDonald,
Mary B. B rower,
Harriet D. Brower,
Elias Vanderlip,
Margaret A. Vanderlip,
John A. Payne.
Rachel Webster,
Hugh Dickson,
Caroline Mitchell,
Rosanna Visscher,
LydiaA. Visscher,

254

Pird Congregational Church.

Mary Steele,
Mary McSiurdy,
James Blackall,
Sarah Blackall,
John Cuyler,
Maria Cuyler,
Sarah Knapp,
Charles E. Burton,
Jane F. Burton,
Daniel Cameron,
Maria Cameron,
Isabella Holmes,
Frederick W. White,
Elizabeth White,
Mary Austin,
Elizabeth W. Austin,
Joseph Cook,
Bradford R. Wood,

Eliza Wood,
Amanda Payne,
Horace M. Payne,
William P. Homer,
Luce Homer,
Benjamin I. Owens,
Mary Ann Owrens,
Lucia M. Gregory,
Edward Norton,
Amanda Mallory,
Herman H. Hinman,
Uriah G. Bie^elow,
Austin S. Kibbee,
Samuel W. Larcher,
Frances R. Larcher,
Jacob L Werner,
E. W. Angus Esmay.

DEACONS SINCE ELECTED.

In 1851, Abram Covert, John Vosburgb.
In 1852, H. S. McCall, John G. TreadwelK
In 1853, Lorenzo Antes, William Gould.
In 1854, Aaron Conklin, C. P. Williams.
In 1855, Jamin Hamilton, Henry Tread well.
In 1856, Anthony (Sould, John Vosburgh.

CLERK ELECTED IN 1853.

Henry TVeadwelL

(255)

THE STUEGEON TRADE.

Albany, as a city, has many peculiarities, but we do
not think it stands alone in this respect. We will not
stop to discuss this question, but merely call to mind
the fact that among the many epithets bestowed upon
her and her citizens, is one of which she may justly be
proud, when spoken of as a multitudinous peculiarity
with respect to the latter. We refer to the epithet some-
times applied to our citizens while in other localities,
as having emigrated from Sturgeondom^ or as being Stur*
geanites^ that they have been brought up on Albany
beef, &c.

Now it is of this Albany beef that we purpose to speak,
in detail, so that outsiders, those "not to the manor
born," can, if they choose, enlighten themselves some-
what with regard to this luxury, with which the people
residing on the banks of the Hudson, do regale them-
selves from year to year.

In looking over the Natural History of this great
state, we find there recorded as a fact, that there are
distinct and separate kinds of sturgeon, viz: one called
the lake sturgeon, which measures from two to four
feet, and is found in the waters of Lakes Ontario and
Erie, as well as in all the upper lakes; and the other,
the sharp-nosed sturgeon which is mostly found in the
waters pf the Hudson, though some of the species are
occasionally caught as far east as Maine.

The sharp- nosed stui^eon, as caught in the Hudson,
is from four to eight feet in length and varies in weight
from 100 to 450 pounds. We believe the largest ever
seen in Albany was caught some five years ago and
weighed 486 pounds.

256 Th€ Sturgem Trade.

But our object in writing this article was and is sim-
ply to show how much Albany is annually benefited by
the catch and sale of this fish, and to show that the
people of a city can stand a little ridicule on a subject
that brings money to their purse.

The catch usually commences about the middle of i

April, and continues until nearly the first of September. j

They are caught at most of the fishing stations from '

Troy to New York bay, but the localities that yield the
greatest number are Hyde Park, and Low Point, a little
below Newburgh, on the opposite side. The number dis-
posed of in Albany and vicinity, daily, say from April
]5th to June 1st, is about 20. From that time to the
middle of August, the number disposed of in the city and
vicinity will average 150 weekly, say during the whole
season 2,500. These, at an average weight of 250 lbs.
gross, will amount to 625,000 lbs. gross. Allow that
one half of this weight is offal, and you have 312,500
lbs., which retails on an average at 6 cents per pound,
which makes the total amount realized $18,750.

This is not all. There is yearly extracted from the
ofFal of these fish, oil to the amount of nearlv 100 bar-
rels. At Newburgh, last year, the fishermen extracted
the amount of 5i)0 barrels. It is as good as any sperm
oil for the purposes of light, and is highly esteemed by
many as a curative agent for cuts, bruises, &c. This
oil sells by the barrel for $1.25 per gallon. Thus, it
will be perceived, that the sturgeon yields to those en»
gaged in the trade and belonging to this city, at least
$20,000 annually, of which over $12,000 is clear profit.

Mr. Simmoiis, of Centre Market, probably disposes of
as many of these fish in a season, as any retail dealer,
and next on the list comes Mr. Sawyer, of the same
market.

We acknowledge our indebtedness to J. Maloy, Esq.,
for most of the above statistics. — Newspaper,

(257)

NEW YORK COLONIAL MANUSCRIPTS.

Copied from Documents relating to the Colonial History of th»
btate of New York, vol. iii

COL. NICHOLLS'S INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSARIES.

1666.

[New York Papers, I. 35.]

Messieurs*. Yours of the 12th Currant is receiu'd, the
particulars whereof are taken intd consideration, to the
first point I hope jou will hare no cause to be jealous
that the Souldiers should disturbe the Trade with the
Indyans, but your memory does faile you of what past
the lastyeare for I was prsesent and you cannot but know
that all the trading was done and the whole Troopes
marcht away before that two or three guns from the
Indyans which were immediately restored. You need
not to doubt of Capt. Bakers care to obserue my orders
for the freedom of the Trade &c and I wish you would
do the like amongst the Burgers to the second.

I am and euer was of opinion that every inhabitant
ought to exercise his trade without molestation and
whereas you are appointed to make such orders as con-
duce to^the benefitt of the Inhabitants, it depends upon
you to regulate the number of Bakers witiiout excluding
such as are already priviledgt, and yet it is worthy your
consideration to direct that all Bakers so priviledgt by
you should be constant Bakqrs, for the supply of the
Towne in the winter as well as for the Trade in the
summer, so that I referre the Request of Gerret Lan-
sinbk and Jan Jansen Vanderkell back to your discre-
tions.
To the 3d

I perceiue you haue demurred the execution of my
order against Cobus the Loper till he gaue you a particu-
lar new occasion, I expect your more ready complyance

258 New York Colonial Manuscripts.

with my directions and that you doe not over much relye
upon your own sense and Judgments hereafter, except in
cases wholly left to yourselues.
To the 4th

Euery souldier ought to haue a blanket and som bad
bedding, for I cause them to be delivered -for their use
but if any had imbezeld their accommodations it is a
kind of action of any Burger to help their necessities and
I hope no such great burden as to become a grieuance
of the Inhabitants howeuer your Intelligence from N.
Torke is mistaken for their are no soldiers-quartered and
accommodated in the Towne; besides that the Towne
paies 200 guilder a weeke to the easing of those upon
whom souldiers are quartered. I referr you to my last
by Capt. Abraham in matters relating to the french.
To the 5th

I have newly received a letter from Governour Win-
thropp who giues me hopes that by his and the Magis-
trates mediation with the Northern Indians, the Peace
with the Maquais will be facilitated, some Mahicanders
are at Hertford in consultation with others the Rivers &
Northern Indians.

Lastly I must tell you that some priuiledges which I
gaue you when I was at Albany are either undervalued
or not understood by yow, for heer is a Burger of this
Towne who did proffer 50 Schepills of wheat to obtain
liberty from mee to trade in Sewant and bread this Su-
mer at Albany. This is all at present from

Tour affectionate friend
22th June
fort James

COL. NICOLLS TO THE COMMISSARIES OF ALBANY.

[New Nork Papers, I. 31.1

Messieurs : Tour of the 26th October is receiued, and
in answer thereunto Ist I doe confirme the persons nomi-
nated for this Ensuing Teare to be Comissaries,
Capt. Abraham Staets Aron Van Curler

Philip Pieter Schuyler Ricl\ard Renzlaer

New Yort Colonial Manuscripts. 259

Thennis Cornells Spitsenbergh, and that Schout Swart
continue in his Office till further order. I suppose my
letters to you may by chance be broken up, but not pur-
posely by Capt. Baker, howeuer since Complaint is made
I shall prsevent the like in the future.

In my last letter I sent you full directions for your
safety in case the french doe attempt to doe you further
prejudice. In regard tis uncertaine whether the River
will be open before the Time prsefizt by the Court of As-
sizes for bringing in your Ground Breifes under a Penal-
ty in your favour I shall suspend the paenalty exprest for
the space of one moneth Extraordinary.

I could wish that all the land -bet weene the Fort and
Towne lay in Common so that the people who lost their
houses may be recompenct upon the hill with accommo-
dation. I know that you only are authorized to give
billets for the quartering of Souldiers, and none exempt-
ed where you shall place them, but if you Exempt by
favour the chiefest men, the comon people will cry out
against you. I doubt the River will be shortly frozen
and therefore doe earnestly require and desire you to be
carefull of the Publick Peace and safety, and that amongst
yourselues no quarrells or disputes may arise, and to the
end that English and Dutch may live as brothers keep a
strict hand upon the authors or reporters of strange
newes which commonly tends to the dividing of mens
hearts, and if any Newes happens this winter be it good
or bad you shall have the truth from me. Thus wishing
you health and peace I remain e

Your aff 'te friend,

R. NiCOLLS.

COL. NICOLLS TO MR. RENZEILAER.
[New York Papers, I. 3S.1

Moneieur Renzelaer: By the date of your letter from
Renzelaerwicke in Albany October the 25th I perceiue
that you conclude the Towne of Albany to be part of
Renzelaer wick; 1 giue you friendly aduice not to grasp

260 New York Colonial Manmcripts.

at too much authority, and you may probably obtaine
the post more to your profitt. I haue lately returnd an*
swer to His R. Hs his last letters, and doubt not of his
finall determination of all matters relating to this Juris-
diction in May next ; if you imagine there is pleasure in
titles of Government I wish that I could serue your appe-
tite, for I haue found onely trouble. You seeme to plead
for a succession to your "brother Baptista as of right be-
longing to you, I will make answer in a Latine verse
which in some sort you may apply

Filius ante diem Patrios inquirit in annos.

Let there be no Controuersies of this nature betweene
you and mee who will in all reasonable things serve you.
Sett your hearth therefore at rest to bee contented with
the profitt not the jjovernment of a Colony, till we heare
from His Royal 1 Highness. In my letter to the Comis-
saries you will find Theunis Cornelius Spitsenburgh con-
firmed. My service to your wife, your Brother and Mon-
sieur Curler

I am. Your aflF'te friend
-ft- 9ber 1666 R. Nicolls.

COLONEL NICOLLS TO THE COMMISSARIES AT ALBANY.

(New England I. 360.]

Messieurs: Yours of -ft- of 9ber as also of the ^
of lOber, with the enclosed propositions from and answers
to the Maquaes and your resolutions, are all well re?
ceived; wherein I find good cause to return you thanka
for your care in the preservation as well of His Majes-*
ties as of your own true interest in these times of diffi-
culty with the ambiti'ous French. Neither have I been
unmindful to prepare the English in the North to your
succor, in case the French should disturb the peace. All
the soldiers at the Sopes will be ready at an hour's warn-
ing, and further I have wrote to the Schout andSchepens .
there, to be ready for your assistance with as many men
as they can possibly spare, of the Burgers, for I know

N$w York Cdanial Manuscripts^ ' 261

>
weB how impossible it is to send any fr6ni hence in the

winter. I may well hope that the Freifch are not onely
weary of their two fruitlesse voyages, but Ihat most of
their souldiers, eommanded away with the Viceroy into
the West Indies, and now that the warr between Spaine
and France is renewd, in probability the French will fine}
worke enough at home. These last are but specujciiiphs
and feed my hopes that yow may live Iq peac(^' her^eafter,
though your circumspection ought not io be tlie I^sise. I
may not forgett to tell you with how much satisfaction to
mee all the letters from Albany this winter, are received,
in regard no complaints are made one of another, but a
generall complyance to peace and friendshipp which is very
agreeable to my disposition Therefore I should returne
yow a complement, but I chouse rather to expect a time
wherein I may more emphatically doe yow a service, un«
to which I am most heartily inolind being.

Your aff 'te friend,

R.N,
T of Jan. 1666.
Fort James.

66. >

•mmm.

COU>N£L NIOOLLS TO M;Bt. 4RENDT VAN CURLER.

Sir: Yours of the -iV of 9ber and of the if of lOber
with the account of the affaires under your care are kind-
ly received, and will be soe acknowledged when opportu-
nity presents.

I percieve my former iiustructions are observed, and I
hope by that unanimous resolution taken the French wiU
be discouraged from attemptiivg to disturbe yow, and the
Maquaes, forever obliged by the kindness, and protection
showd them in their necessity.

I would gladly heare of the demolishing of that fort
mentioned in yours, and that the Paper oould be found.
Yow have not forgott your promise to perfect the Cart of
the Lake, with the French Forts, and how it borders up-
on the Maquais River .Sir, I am so abundantly satisfyed

\Anm\s viu\ 23.

262 New York Cohnial Manuscripts.

with your care and conduct in these troubles, that I
shall now only desire yow to continue in well doing,
wherby you have and will extremely oblige -

Your very aflf 'te friend,

B. N.
7 January 1666 )
Fort James. 5 i

COLONEL NIC0LL8 TO MR. GERARD SWART, SHERIFF OF

ALBANY,

Sir: Yours of the H lOber is received; the messenger
made no great haste, and I hope you will have no extra-
ordinary occasion to send another before the River opens.
I am very glad to heare that all afiaires are carried with
so much discretion, that not one complaint is made;
which is wellcome tydings to mee, and showes that every
man walkes in his owne station. It remaines that I returne
yourselfe and all the officers particular thankes for thf»
care taken in your defence against any nation that may
disturbe yow assuring yow that on my part nothing shall
be wanting to prseserve yow all in peace or promote your
wellfarc I am

Your aflT'te fiiend,

R. N.

COLONEL NIOOLLS TO SIR. ARENDT VAN CURLER,

(New York (Papers, 1. 49.)

Mons. Curler: Yours of the 29th lOber is receued but
not by the hand of Smits Jan who staid in Esopus so
that I am disappointed of all the intelligence he might
have giuen mee ; bee pleased when you see Smits Jan to
take in writing from his mouth whateu6r he can inform
you worth the writing, and send it mee by the next op-
portunity. By circumstances in letters and the Passeport
to the Indians I make my guessing that the french will
not trouble your Parts this winter. I haue wrotat large
to the Comissaries therefore ahatl not say more to yoa

New York Colonial Manuscripts, 263

not doubting of the continuance of your care and paines
in this publik concerne. Smits Jan must carry mine and
the Comissary's' former letters to the Vice Roy at Can-
ada. I haue enclosed sent you all the french letters
back again, for my part I understand well Banchot's
meaning, which is to lett you know how little good will
Mons. de Tracy hath for the Dutch and when time serves
he will make use of those pretences to color his ambi-
tion of Ingrossing the Bever trade by destroying and
interrupting ours at Albany. In returne of those novellea
which he sent you pray send him these two Copies one
relates to the fight in June the other relates to the En-
terprise of Schelling Island, after the defeat given the
Dutch fleet upon the 25th of August; and let Mons. Ban*
bhot hear that we haue later intelligence than himselfe,
and probably he knows not that the warr is lately begunn
between France and Spaine. I hope the publik and your
private affaires will permitt you in the spring to visit these
Parts which you haue not done since I came into the
Country.

Mons. Le Rolle and Mons. de Ville haue wrote to
Monsr fountaine to returne to Canada with Smits Jan as
also that the french would not lose this Opportunity:
Monsr fountaine hath kept his Christmas with Capt.
Carterett in New Jersey, and can not stir thence this
moneth; but if he could 'tis impossible for him to march
from hence to Canada through the snow afoot. All the
french souldiers except one thats lame and in service
with a french man upon Staten Island, are gone to Bos-
ton to seeke a passage thence, by the helpe of the Alin-
conguins. I haue no more at present but to ussure you
that I am Your very aff 'te friend

To serue you,
11th of Jan 1666) R. N.

fort James. )

COLONEL NIOOLUS TO CAPTAIN JOHN BAKER,
'' • (New York Papers, I. 60.)

Capt Baker; Tours of the 20th of lOber which should

264 New York Colonial Manuscripts.

haue come by Smits Jan is brought by another Indian
who calls himselfe Mr Thomas. So that I want all the
infomatlon which hee could glue mee. In another of this
date to the Capt. and Comissaries at Albany I have
sent the best advice and direction which my knowledge
of the present affaires could collect out of the seueral let-
ters ; but I must referr the management thereof for the
best to the discretion of yourselfe and Comissaries
whose former letter with mine to the Viceroy of Cana-
da must be sent by Smits Jan. The relation you made
mee is sent to Mr Winthrop and Capt. Pinchen. I col-
lect from the letters and from the Viceroy his passeport
to the Indians, that we are not much to feare their at-
tempts this winter yet such collections may faile and not
much to be relyed upon, for the french forts are too
neare neighbours and can poure forth men before we are
aware, if we be not always watchfull. I do not see
cause to change my former directions but because the
Maquaes desire my advice it is that they make a good
peace or none with the french, such as may bring in
berer to Albany, and leave them without feare or Jeal-
ousy of the French, one point will be necessary that the
Maquaes should declare to the French that the King of
England is the Great King of all their Country and parts
adjacent, and unto him they are subordinate, living in
peace and trading with all his subjects, and now they
are willing to make peace with the french and will re-
solue to keep it if the French will demolish their forts
and bring no more troopes of Souldiers into the King of
England's country or their Plantation.

To this purpose you may take seueral opportunities of
instructing not onely Smits Jan but the Maquaes Saga-
mores, shewing them it is their Interest to make an hon-
orable mention of the King of England, what numbers of
English there are round about and all the Country over,
how considerable a force from all the adjacent colonies
are come to Albany in three or four dayes, and with what
freindship the English, Dutch and Maquaes Hue togeth-
er in all points except warr with Christians, Such Ian-

Nm York Colonial Manuscripts. 865

guage or the like you may make use of to the Maquaes,
Sachems and Smits Jan, some Dutch here are persuaded
that Smits Jan hath receiued so much kindness from the
french that hee is turned frenchman, hut he hath drawne
so much blood from the French that he can not be so
foolish as to thinke that they haue good intentions for
him onely to serue their present endes.

Wee have no late newes from any Parts being shut up
with a hard winter. I had almost forgot a short passage
in a French letter to Monsr La fountaine from a friend
of his at Quebec where speaking how kind the Viceroy
is to him, says that the Viceroy intended to haverelieued
him at any hazard, upon which subject he would have
write more if he thought the letter should passe directly
to Monsr fountaine's hands, further that they had found
an easy and Admirable means to transport their men up-
on all occasions, therefore it is necesaary to inquire of
Smits Jan what new passage or Inventions they haue
found. This is all at present from

Your aff 'te freind.

DUKE OP YORK TO GOVERNOR ANDROS IN FAVOR OP THE REV.

MR. VAN RENSELAER.

[New Tork EntriM GLI. 18.]

Major Andros: Nichalaus Van Renseslaer having made
his humble request unto me, thkt I would recomend
him to be Minister of one of the Dutch Churches in
New York or New Albany when a vacancy shall happen ;
whereunto I have consented. I do hereby desire you to
signify the same unto the Parishoners at that [place]
wherein I shall look upon their compliance as a mark of
their respect and good inclinations towards me. I
am &c.

23 July 1674.

206 New Torh Cohnial Manuscripts.

8IB JOHN WERDEN TO OOYERNOB ANDBOS.

[New York Entries GU. 21.]

Sir : I hare forgott to mention in m j long letter of the
28th instant one particular which I have been informed
of, and it is this.

I'me told that in the whole time of your predecessours
In that government they never permitted any Foreigners
vessells to pass up the river of New Yorke to sell their
goods up at Albany or elsewhere in the country, but
obliged them alwaies to sell what they had at New Yorke,
thereby not only securing better the publique dutyes at N.
Yorke, but inriching the people thereof by giving them
the opportunity of the first marketts and of keeping the
bever trade within the hands of the inhabitants our owne
colony. Whereas 'tis said that you permitt the Bosteners
and other strangers to goe up in their small vessells to Es-
opus and Albany and elsewhere as freely as the very natu-
ral subjects of his Royal Highness's Colony.

I know not whether the thing be truly represented to
me, or whether such ill consequences attend it as are
presaged by some, but finding it reported as a new thing
I am not sorry for ' this opportunity to give you notice
of what I heare and shal be glad to have your reasons
for a proceeding different fi*om what was heretofore
thought best for the place, if my intelligence be good.
I am &c. St. James's 31 Jan. 167f «

To Major Andros &c.

REPORT OF COUNSEL ON THE PETITION OF KIUAEN VAN

RENSSELAER.

[New Tork Papers B. 11. 104]

May it please Your Royall Highness: We have in pur-
suance of the refference unto us upon the Report of the
Governor of New York and the Petitioners of the heir-
ess of Eilliaen Van Rensselaer considered thereof, and
do find both , by the Governors Report and by several
acts or adjudications in Holland, whereby the right of

Niuf York Colonial Manuscripts. 267

the Petitioners to the lands called the Rensselaers Wjok
^ heretofore called Williamstad and now Albany, doth of
right belong unto the Petitioners by a sale made to their
predecessors in the year 1630, and have been for some
years unduly kept out of the enjoyment thereof, and do
humbly conceire that it may be just for your Royal High-
ness (if you so please) to grant unto the Petitioners the
said Ransselaers Wyck colonic with such priviledges and
imunities as formerly they had, excepting* the Fort
called Orange Fort and the land it stands upon, that
whereas dureing the time they have been out of posses-
sion viz since the years 4652, divers persons have built
several houses upon some part of the premises, that such
persons shall hold and enjoy the same for one and thirty
years from this time, paying to the Petitioners yearly
the value of two beaver skins for the great houses, and
for the middle sort of houses one beaver skin, and for
the lesser half the value of a beaver skin during the
term which the Petitioners do assent unto, and with this
also that the Petitioners and all that shall claime under
them shall from time to time well and truely pay and
performe all publik dutties and impositions as formerly
have been by them, or their predecessors and all such as
shall be imposed on them by your Royall Highnesse or
your Governors upon the other persons that hold and en-
joy any part of your Highnesss lands or Colonies which
[lie] in your territories of New Yorke or Albany.

John Churchhill,
London Heneaoe Finch.

4 Junij 1678.

WARBAI7T TO GOVERNOR ANDROS TO ISSUE A PATENT FOU

RENSSELAERSWTCK.

(New York Entries, GLI.26.)

Whereas I have perused the peticon of the heirs of
Eillian Van Rensselaer setting forth their right to cer-
tain lands called the Rensselaers- Wicke (heretofore called
Williamstadt and now Albany) and have heard the opin*

268 iViito Torh Cohnial Manuserijis.

ions of yourself and my counsell at law thereupon : these
are to will and require you to cause Letters Patent un-
der the seal of your government to be granted to the
said petitioners to grant and confirm unto them the said
Rensselaers-Wicke colony with such privileges and im-
unities as formerly they had (excepting the Fort called
Oranges Fort and its outworks, if any be, and the lands
they stand upon) and whereas during the time they have
been out of possession, viz since the year 1652, divers
persons have built several houses upon some part of the
premises, you are to take care that such persons and all
deriving under them shall remain in quiet possession of
the same yielding and paying during the term of 31 years
to commence from the date of the Tetters patten t above-
mentioned, unto the said petitioners or their assigns
such yearly rent as you with the advice of your counsell
shall think reasonable, not exceeding the value of two
beaver skins for the great houses and of one beaver skin
for the middle sort of houses and of halfe a beaver skin
for the lesser sort of houses, and from and after the ex-
piration of the said 31 years the rent for the future to be
agreed on between the said parties themselves or as you or
your successors for the time being, with the advice of
your counsell shall judge reasonable. All which the said
petitioners do assent unto. And further you are to take
care that the said petitioners and all that claim under
them shall from time to time well and -truly pay and per-
form all public dutyes and impositions as formerly have
been by them or their predecessors and ail such as shall
be imposed by myself or by you or other my Lt. Gov-
ernors for the time being upon the other persons that
hold or enjoy any part of the lands or colonies within
the territories of New York or Albany or their depend*
encyes in America. For all which this shall be your
warrant. Given under my hand and Scale at St. James's
this 7th day of June, 1678.

To Sir Edmund Andros Knight and Goyemor of New
York and its dependencyes in America.

New York Colonial Manuscripts, 269

PROPOSITION OF THE ONONDAGA AND CAYUGA INDIANS.

(New York Papers, 1. 338,)

Brother Corlaer : Your Sachim is a great Sachim and
we are but a small people, when the English came to
Manhatans that is New York, Aragiske, which is now
called Virgini^, and to Jaquokranegare now called Mary-
land, they were but a small people and we a great peo-
ple, and finding they were good people we gave them
land and treated them civilly, and now since you are a
great people and we but a small, you will protect us
from the French, which if you do not, we shall lose all
our hunting and beavers. The French will have all the
beavers, and are angry with us for bringing any to you.

Brethren: Wee have putt all our land and our selfs un-
der the protection of the great Duke of York, the brother
of your great Sachim; we have given the Susquehanne
river which we wonn with the sword to^this government
and desire that it may be a branch of that great tree
that grows b^re, whose topp reaches to the sunn, under
whose branches we shall shelter ourselves from the
French or any. other people, and our fire burn in your
houses and your fire burns with us, and we desire that
it always, may be so and will not that any of your Penns
people shall settle upon the Susquehanne river; for our
young folks or soldiers are like wolfes in the woods, as
you Sachim of Virginia know, we having no other land
to leave to our wives and children.

We have put our selves under the great Sachim Charles
that lives over the great lake, and we do give you Two
white drest dearskins to be sent to the great Sachim
Charles, that he may write upon them, and putt a greatt
redd scale to them. That we 'do put the Susquehanne riv-
er above the Washinta* or falls and all the rest of our
land under the great Duke of York and to nobody else,
our brethren his servants were as fathers to our wives
and children, and did give us bread when we were in

* Evidently an abbreviation of Too-wawsunthah, the Mobawk
word for «* Falls." Gallatin' t Synopsit^ 387.

270 New York Colonial ManuscripU.

need of it, and we will neither joja Ourselves or our
land to any other government than this, and this propo-
sition we desire that Corlaer the Governor may send
over to your great Sachim Charles that dwells over the
great Lake with this belt of wampum Peeg, and another
smaller belt for the Duke of York his brother, and we
give a Bever to the Corlaer to send ovef this proposi-
tion.

And you great man of Virginia, meaning the Lord
Effingham Governor of Virginia, we let you know that
Great Penn did speak to us here in Corlaer'g house by
his. agents, and desired to buy the Susquehanne river,
but we would not harken to him nor come under his
Government, and therefore desire you to be witness of
what we now do and that we have already done and lett
your friend that lives over the great lake know that we
are a ffree people uniting ourselves to what Sachem we
please, and do give you one beavor skin.

This is a true copy translated, compared and revised
by me

RoBT. Livingston,

PETITION OF THE C0]tf MISS ARIES OF ALBANY.
(New York Papers, 1. 333.)

To the Eight Honorable Thomas Dongan, Lieut, and
Governor Generall of the Province of New York &c.

The Petition of the Commissioners for the town of

Albany.

Humbly sheweth— That of late years the French un*
der pretence of propagating^ the Christian Faith among
the Indians have much encroached upon the Indian trade,
and have likewise drawn away many of our Indians to
themselues, by means whereof the Trade of this place is
much diminished and the Increase of his Majesty-s Rev-
enue obstructed, for remedy whereof there will be nothing
wore effectuall in gluing satisfaction to the Indians and
being conducive to regain them from the ffrench, then

New York Colonial Manuscripts. 271

that your honor in your great wisdom will take care that
those ffrench priests that are in the Indian castles may
be removed, as in pursuance of the Reiterated Proposals
of the Indians, their Places supplyed with English capa-
ble to instruct and continue them in the knowledge of
the Christian Religion.

Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that your
honor would be pleased to address unto His Majestic in
their behalf that due care may be taken in the Premises.

And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
&c.

rfM

OOYERNOR DONOAN TO THE LOAD PRESIDENT.
(New York Entry, II. 166.)

New York, Sep. 12th, 1687.

My Lord: Since writing my other letter some mes-
sages bave come to my hands from Albany of their ap-
prehensions of the French which obliges me to carry up
thither two hundred men, besides the Garrison and go
and stay there this Winter, 'and to get together five of
six hundred of the five nations about Albany and Scho-
nectade which will be a great charge but I see no remedy
for it.

My Lord it is a great misfortune for this Government
that there are so few of his Majesty's natural born sub-
jects, the greater part being Dutch, who if occasion
were, I fear would not be very fitt for service.

I am sending to the further Indians fo try if I can
make a Peace between them and the Sennekas and ^Iso
to the Christian Indians about Canada who have a mind
to come, to lett them know I will get a priest for them,
I will do what is possible for me to j>are the government
against the French til I have further Orders from your
Lordp. Judge Palmer lias more Papers to shew your
Lordp that came from Albany, by those he carries with
him your Lordp may perceive the grounds I have for my
proceedings.

I am your Lordps most obedt

and humble servant

Tho. DongAn.

272 New York Colonial Manuscripts.

PBOPOSITIONf OF THE MOHAWK INDIANS TO THE MAYOR,

&C., OF ALBANY.

(Board of Trade Papen, New York, III.)

Propositions made by the Maquass Sachim to the May*
or and Aldermen of the city of Albany in the City
Hall of the said city on the ninth day of Sept., 1687^

Present— P. Schuyler, Esq., Mayor.

Dirick Wessells, Recorder.

Adr. Geritse, ^

Hend. Cuyler, > Aldermeiu

Alb. Ryckman, )
Interpreters : H. Keeman and JRobert SaBdevs^
Bode was Speaker.

Brethren, It is not unknown to you how that the Gor*.
of Cannida hath begun an illegal war upon us without
any provocation or cause. He throws his axe every-
where' and exercises acts of hostility upon all people
without respect of persons, hee hath not only taken of
our people prisoners in time of peace but our brethren
the English also that were about their lawful occasions
in travelling to Ottawawa, which certainly you have as
^ood a right to as the French, and since amongst the rest
Arnot the interpreter is also taken prisonjer who hath
done good services for us in travelling up and downe in
our country, and we haveing a French prisoner according
to our custom doe deliver him to the family of Arnout in
his stead and room to wash off the tears of his wife and
children hopeing he will be acceptable.

The Governor of Cannidas hart is naught, it is turned
upside down, but we hold fast the covenant chaine here in
Corlaer*s house, and with all them that are in friendship
with Corlarr doe give a belt of wampum 14. deep.

Let the Governor of Cannida do what he will and pull
as hard as hee can hee shall not break the chain that is
between us and Corlaer, wee will all hold fast, and let
us all hold* the chain of friendship verry fast, and that
will be the only means to make the Governor of Canida

New York Colonial Manuscripts. 2^i

fall upon his left side— do give a belt of wampum 12.
deep.

Lett your hart be full of understanding and hearken
not to any privat^ or common discourse of any prateing
drunken Indian, butt to what shall be spoke by the Sa-
chims, and wee will bee careful to doe the same, doe give
a Belt 10 deep.

Now, we hare done speaking of Civil affairs shall now
proceed to say somewhat of Military affairs. —

Tahajadoris their General being speaker.

Wee are extreame sorry for that misfortune that befell
our people in not bringing off Cryn and his company
prisoners here, it is a greatt Joss to all the Country and
we are full of griefe quite to Tionondoga* for it. doe give
a Belt 12. deep.

The Governor hath often told us, that wee should not
trust the Governor of Canida, and wee have great reason
to returne a thousand thanks to His Excell: for his good
advice, which we now doe, for we have found it to be true,
what he hath said of the French, and therefore wee take
up the Axe now and declare and denounce warr openly
against them ; wee have now at Schennectida a Company
of one hundred and thirty men that goe out to-morrow
towards the Lake of Canida to do all the Mischief they
can against the French, and there are three Companys
^ out the same way, whom we expect home speedily, who
* forthwith shall go out agalne. doe give a Belt 10 Deep.

You have now heard wee have proclaimed and declared
warr against the French, which we intend to pursue with
all vigo**, and for the better prosecution of the same wee
pray your Excell: to engage and induce as many Nations
of Indians as you can to join in the warr against the
French, and any Nation of Indians that can be pers waded
to lay downe the axe that your Excell : will doe your
endeavour to effect it that wee may have the more free«
dome to be revenged of the French, and if any oi' those
Indians newly united in our covenant should be inclined to-
wards the French, and break a link in the chain, we muat

=*The third castle, and capital, of the Mohawl^ cpjantr^^

[Annals vii.] 24«

274. New York Colonial Manuscripts.

go to the Smith and have it mended, doe give a belt of
wampum 10 deepe.

Answer to the Propositions. — You have done very well
in delivering the French prisoner, and wee are certaine, it
will be very acceptable to his Excellency, intending to
send him down to New York with the first opportunity.
Wee find that the Brethren are mindful of what his Ex-
cell: hath proposed to you, and we desire you to putt the
other four Nations in minde of doinge the same, and by noe
meanse to kill the prisoners, since it is the onlymeanseto
preserve the people that are among the French.

You need not doubt that Corlaer will keepe the Cove-
nant Chaine fast and firme« and endeavor to link as many
Nations in itt as possible, and will be very glad to he^re
that the Brethren are at last so united as we here are, and
see that you bee watchful to purge your people of French
spyes and corrupt rotten members.

And since you are absolutely resolved to warr with the
French, and defend yourselves and Country, proceed and
go on with vigor and courage and bee careful, that busi-
ness may be carried on with more prudence and conduct
than that of Cryn was, which certainly will vex bis Ex-
cell: exceedingly, since you were so often charged to
bring him here.

You never did finde, wee were very credulous of any
common reports as sometimes the Brethren have been
and that very lately too ; and therefore when you hear
any story, first satisfy yourselfs of the truth of itt by
inquiring of the magistrates before itt bee blazed abroad.
Wee shall send downe the propositions to the Governor
with the first [opportunity] — was given back 75gl : lOst
white Wampum, for which the belts were exchanged and
for a gun which was given to Tahajadoris their General.

Examined pr me.

RoBT. Livingston.

PROPOSITIONS op the ONONDAGAS TO THE MAYOR AND COM-
MON COUNCIL OF ALBANY.
(BoaicL of Trade ; New York Papers, B. IIL) j

Propositions made by the Onondagas to the Mayor and

New York Colonial Manuscripts. 275

Aldermen of the citty of Albany the 14th day of
September, Anno 1687. Present — Peter Schuyler,
Esq., Mayor; Direck Wessels, Recorder; Andr.
Geritse, Hend: Cuyler, Abel Rykmann, Aldermen;
Robert Saiidors, Interpreter,

Wee heard the news this spring from hence that the
French would warr upon us, which accordingly we found
to bee true, our Sachims have been here and heard his
Excellency's propositions concerning our wives and chil-
dren to be brought here for reliefe and not to stay in our
Castles and repeating the propositions, all which we ap-
prove of very well.

We Onondagas and some of all the Nations except the
Maquasse (who have don nothing) have been lately at
Cadarachqui and gott som prisoners there, butt have
scarce seen the Maquass ; wee desire of his Excellency six
great gunns for our fort at Onondage.

The Governor of Canida desyred us to come to Cada-
rachqui this spring to speak with him there, but his Ex-
cellency commanded us not to goe, whom wee obeyed,
The Go vernor desired us likewise, to take as many French
prisoners as we could, and not to kill them, and we hav-
ing received assistance of Powder, lead and amunition of
his Excellency, Wee doe now offer our thanks, full ac-
knowledgments and to shew our obedience to his Excel-
lency's commands wee have saved the lives of these two
french prisoners whom wee now deliver to your Excel-
lency haveing taken them at Cadarachqui.

The Governor ordered us to look out where the French
army was and where they made any forts, we have found
tliat they have a strength and Men at Cadaraghqui and
also a Fort at Onnyagaro, and since the Cayouges and
Sinnekes see that the French are so powerful and
strengthen themselves by fortifications, begin to grow
faint-hearted, and therefore desire His Excellency's help
and assistance against the French, without which we
will not be able to subsist.

His Excellency discoursed concerning the makeing of a
Fort, which was proposed to be made att Kajonhare but
wee are of opinion that itt would doe better at Sowego %

276 Niw York Colonial Manuseripts.

place a dayes journey from Onondage; They doe renew
th^ Corenant Chain and give a belt of wampum 10 deep.

Answer to the said propositions. — Wee doubt not but
the Brethren are sencible of the many favours and good
advice you receive of his Excellency and particularly
that in advising you of not going to Cadarachqui, which
if you had, the French would have taken you all pris-
oners or killed you as he did the rest of the people, you
doe well to obey his Excellencys commands in not killing
of the French prisoners ; we shall acquaint the Governor
with it and send the prisoners downe.

We shall also acquaint his Excellency with your re-
quest about the great Guns, but we must tell you, you are
not well advised in asking for Cannon, that would tend
to your greater ruine if the French should surprise you
as they did the Sinnekes, for wee can assure you, that
they Intend to ruine you all if they can. The Governor
has received a very angry letter from the Governor of
Canada for supplying you with powder and lead and
looks upon his Excel : to be an enemy to his Colony and
an ill Man; The Governor will have the Five Nations to
stick to one another and hee will bee as good as his word
and stand by the Brethren, and let them want for nothing,
intending to be up himselfe in person early in the spring;
he has sent up orders to send to all the Five Nations and
accordingly Eeman is gon yesterday to tell them to send
their wives and Children and old Men to winter at Catts*
kill Roolofie Johnsons Kill and other convenient places
along the River that wee may bee able of assisting them
and also to putt them strictly in minde of their promise,
not to admit of the least Proposition of peace without
acquainting the Governor, for if you and the French will-
always be at the same rate they are and will cheat and
Cozen you so long till they get you all into the snare ; and
therefore be advized and let none stay in the Castles but
such as are fit fbr warr; the French are making great
preparations of snow shows and otherwise, and if they
can not ruin you otherwise will endeavour to do it by sur-
prise ; therefore faiie not to send downe your Wives and

iVW Forib Cifhmal Matku^eripU^ 21%

children and old Men according to the Grovernor'Si orders,
especiallj since wee here, ittis a great obstruction to the*
Men that goe out a warring, who stay at home to defend
and prouide for their families, and leaye no more come in
your Castles than what is just necessary for them that
stay there, the rest bury itt secretly in the woods, if itt
be too far off to bring hither, that the Enemy may not
find it.

The Governor doth send this gentleman Mons« La
Parre to Canida with an answer of the French QoTcrn-
ers angry letter for letting you have powder and lead to
warr with the French, and has writt to him in as much
anger to demand of the French Governor that he restore
and send back our Christian and Indian prisoners, and
to know what reason he had to invade our Brethren in
the King's territories. The Governor is a sending a
gent; to England to acquaint the great King of England
with the French doeings, and therefore if any Christian
Indians comes to your Castles with any propositions of
peace, seize thexh. As for the place you propose for a
fort, wee shall acquaint his Excellency with itt, butt the
year being spent, nothing can bee expected to be done in
building a Fort this season, lett the Cajouges and Sinne-
kes have courage and not to be faint-hearted, they need
not fear the French strength, the Governor will stand
by them and assist them if occasion be, and your wives
and Children shall be maintained and protected. Was
given back 30 glss white string Wampum.

Albany, 15th Sept., 1678.
Upon the receipt of his Excellencys letters per Marte
Garrette, the said Indians accompanied by some of the
Sinnakes and Cayouges were told that his Excellency
was informed from Canida, that they were makeing great
preparation of snow shoes, threaten the Indians and
Christians here for giving the Indians amunition and
therefore the Governor was fully resolved to come up
here and stay all winter, and would bring the Garrison
and some of the Militia along with him to assist the
Brethren if occasion be, and therefore desired a hundred

27a N0» Tavh Colonial MdnuKripta.

Men frcHn the Sennekes, fifty from the Cayouges, sixtjr
from the Onondages, fifty from the Oneydes, and forty
from the Maquasse to be at Schannectida this winter to
joine with the forces his Excellency should bring up on
occasion, since itt is to bee believed the French, if they
do come and will eome by the way of Corlaers Lake.

Which Message was very pleasing and acceptable to
said Indians and would return home with joy and acquaint
all the Nationa here with — there being some Wampum giv*
en to be left at each Castle as a letter about this affair.

Examined per me.

RoBT. Livingston, CL

KXAMINATION OF JOHN ROSIE,
(New England, IV, 931.>

Examination of John Rosie. — ^John Rosie of the Cittj
of Albany aged thirty- foure yeares or thereabouts being
examined sayeth, that on the eleventh of June last he
went from Albany with Dericke Wessels who was sent
by Governor Dongan to carry the truce or cessation
made between the Kings of England and France to the
Governor of Canada, and the twenty-second following
came with him to Mount Royall where they found the
sayd Governor of Canada and there he saw the sayd Der-^
ick Wessells the same day deliver the letters of the sayd
cessation to the Governors own hand. And this exam-
inante further sayeth that the twenty-fifth of July past
the sayd Derick Wessells being againe sent from Albany
to carry some prisoners to Canada, be this examinant
accompanied him, and about the seventh or eighth of
August came againe to Mount Royall, where they also
found the Governor of Canada, and that about two days
after the Governor of Canada told to the sayd Derick
Wessells and this examinant that there was gone out
from Canada eleven of the North Indians in company
with some Maquaes,and that theMaquaes were returned
but the North Indians were not, that he ordered them

N^w York Colonial Manuscripit. 27d

ta stay but thirty days, which time was expired, but he
hoped they would doe noe mischiefe in these parts, for he
had ordered them to doe none to any Christians, but when
they are in the woods they doe what they will. Where-
upon the sayd Derick Wessells replyed that if those In-
dians should doe any misc^efe in these parts it would be of
ill consequence. And that the Governour of Canada then
further sayd, who can help that, for yow know that in
Europe sometimes six monthes after a peace there ia
battells fought before itt is knowue. And the sayd Der-^
icke Wessells againe replyed that must be in such places
where nothing was knowne of a cessation, but here itt
was well knowne : and that hee this examinant well un-
derstanding the French language did interprett what was
sayd by the French GoTernour, as above, to the sayd
Derick Wessells and also what was replyed by him to
French Governour. And this Examinant further sayth
that att the time before menconed when Derick Wessells
carryed the Cessation to Canada, he did every day dure-
ing his stay at Mount Koyall, which was about five dayes,
see and discourse with a certaine Indian called Quaetseits>
who lormerly lived on Hudson's River, and was well
knowne to him, and att their departure left him there^
And further sayth not.

The 25th of September 168g. the sayd
Jean Rosie came before mee and
made oath of the above Examinacon.

P. ScHUYLBR, Mayor,

COLONEL BAYARD TO CATTAIN NICHOLSON.
(N«w Tork Papers, B. IT. 208.)

New Albany 28 July 1689.
Honnored Sir: I hope you have met with a pros-
perous voyage and that ere long wee may hear of your
safe arrival — Since your departure the insolencies and
cruelties of the great mutineer Jacob Leiseler and his
crue are in no manner dinlinished, but rather augmented,
as you will find by the inclosed abstract of the Jounxall
till my departure from New Torke. And have also de«

280 N$w Tark Colonial Manuuriph.

sired Mr Mayor by this opportunity to give you an ac-
count of the chief ocenrrances that have happened since:

Great endeavours have alsoo been made by the said
Lesteler and those of his faction to overthrow, All civill
Goyernmeut in the remaining parts of the Government,
as in the late province of New Jarsie, in the county of
Kichmond, in the county of Ulster and in this county of
Albany by sending of messengers and letters to sfome of
the military Officers and factious men, inticing them to
follow their steps; but all the said places disapproving of
their mutinous proceedings, are agreed to remaine steady,
and retaine, their civil Government pursuant to His Ma-
jesties said proclamation of the i4th February, last till
orders do arrive from England ;

Here at Albany has been but a very slender trade,
which occasions great poverty, by most of the inhabitants,
having had little or no trade this three years past, neither
can they expect any as long those of Canida be not re*
duced to other terms.

I had a letter from Mr West of the 28th of June who
tells me all continues in the same state at Boston, only
the Government is removed to the Castle and he to the
prison — I am now retired at Albany where I intend to
continue till orders do arrive from His Majesty to settle
the desolate affairs of the Government which pray God
may be very speedily — In the interim I shall take leave
with the offers of my most humble service assuring that
I am Honnored Sir Your very humble servant

(signed) N Bavard. — •

MEMORIAL OF THE AGENTS FROM ALBANY, ETC., TO THE

GOVERNMENT OF CONNECTICUT.
(New York Papen, HI. 8, B. 20^

Memorial delivered to the Honorable Governor and Coun-
cil of Their Majesties' Colony of Connecticutt by Robert
Livingstone and Capt: Gerite Teunise Agents Com*
missionated by the Convention of Albanie and Capt
Thomas Gorton sent frcHB the County of Ulster,

Neiff York Colonial ManuKfipts. . 281

Wee have yesterday given your Honors an account of
the state of afifaires with us and in whatt danger Albanie
is in if nott speedily assisted by our neighbours we of
ourselves and they of N. Yorke whatever they pretend
are nott able to maintaine that part of their Majesties
Territory without a considerable supply of men and pro-
visions and since wee now understand by the French
prisoners taken by the Maquase that the French of Cani*
da are intended to make an assault upon Albanie with a
considerable body of French and Indians early in the
Spring for which purpose they have flatt bottomed boates
canoes and engines of war ready by which means they
will bring the 5 Nations or Cantons of Indians to trucle
under them who have hitherto proved faithful! to the
English Crowne the signall tokens whereof being now
sufficiently demonstrated by their killing and taking nine-
teen french and Indians of that party that committed the
Massacre at Shinnectady and thatt with the loss of four
of their men.

And perceiving by your Honors letters to the Gent, of
Albanie that upon the Inductions of Capt Leyslers Agents
(whom we concluded were come here for more assistance)
your honors draw of the forces sent there last fall for
assistance as if the men which said Leysler engages to
send up were sufficient to resist the force of Canida we
must conclude that Captain Leisler must be very igno-
rant of affairs with us to strive to have the forces there
drawne of else has some by ends which we are afraid will
prove destructive and extreme dangerous to their Majes-
ties affairs at Albanie and doe therefore in their behalfe-
of their Majesties Subjects in the Citty and County of
Albanie desire and request,

Istly That your Honnors would be pleased to raise
200 brisk young men with all expedition to defend Their
Majesties Iting William and Queen Mary's Interest att
Albany and to joyne upon occasion with our young men
and goe out along with the Indians to annoy the French
off Canida and keep them in a continuall alarme till such
times things be in readiness to invade them both by sea
and land

282 New York Colonial Manuscripts.

2ni\j Since nothing can be more dangerous than rais-
ing jealousies among the Indians att present who con-
tinually presse for assistance from hence, That an ex-
press be sent with all Speed to Albany to stop Capt:
Bull's drawing of the men till a considerable Garrison be
in the Citty for itts sufficient defence against the French
which cannott be less than ^ve hundred men besides the
140 Inhabitants that live in the City.

3rdly Since we are informed that Mr Milborn goes up
with a party of Men from New Yorke to overthrow the
government of the City of Albany and (urn all upside
downe and in all probability to remove those Gentlemen
of the Convention with whom the Indians of the 5 Nations
do keep their correspondence and covenant chain as they
call it all which we fear may prove fatall in such a junc-
ture wee des3rre that your honors would be pleased to
putt a stop te such dangerous proceedings till our neigh-
bours of Boston be informed of all affaires who advised
us in their last letter that they had written to Capt :
Leysler to forbear those measures which occasion us soe
much disturbance since your honors may be assured that
the Convention of Albany who aim att nothing but the
publick good will be willing to submitt to any thing that
ever shall be thought expedient and requisite by the
neighbouring Colonies who have no small interest in the
preservation of that place from confusion securing the
5 Nations to pursue the present Warr

41y That the Gent of Albany as well those who are of
Leysler*s Party as well those who are nott satisffied of
his having the authority which h% assumes to himself
have unanimously sent an agent to N. Torke praying
them to lay aside all animosities and private differences
and contests and joyne heart and hand with all might
and force against the Common ennemy and to send up
what men provisions they can procure for maintaining
and defending their Majesties King William and Mary's
Interest in these parts hoping they will not take any ad-
vantages att present to promote theire owne Interest but
mind the welfare of the Countrey and the preservation
of their Majesties subjects and the opposing of the common
annemy.

New York Colonial Manuscripts. 288

5thly Since the people of Albany are so much impov-
erished by a continuall charge for these 3 years past
without any trade or, commerce whereby they are ren-
dered incapable of fournishing the souldiera with pro-
visions Shennectady being destroyed and most of the out
plantations deserted that your honors would be pleased
to send a supply of one hundred barrels of porke or beefe
equivalent for maintaining their Majesties Forces

6thly Since wee plainly see the French of Canida de-
sign no less then the destruction of their Majesties in-
terest in these parts of America and that it is impossible
that their Majesties subjects can expect any peace or
tranquility soe long as the French of Canida bee not sub-
dued it is our only Interest that all their Majesties sub-
jects of the United CoUonies joyne and procure a con-
siderable force by sea and land to invade and subdue
Canida and to the end itt may be the more speedily ef-
fected since delayes are extream dangerous in such cases
we desire that your honors would be pleased to depute
some Gentleman to go to Boston to consult and joyne
with that Collony who wee understand are a fitting out
Vessels for the purpose that so glorious a work may be
carried on with all cheerfulness and expedition itt being
every true Englishmans interist in these parts to lend
their helping hand on such occasions which will contribute
to our ftirther peace

7thly That your honors would be pleased to consider
the quantity of provisions that will be requisite for the
carrying on the expedition and what want there would
be if the reaping and sowing should be obstructed by the
enemy (which God forbid) hoping that your honors will
take that fitting care that your Collony be not drained
of so needful a commodity in these dangerous times

8thly That your honors would be pleased to consider
what we now propose is nott meerly for our own safety
but the general good of all N. England since wee are all
embarked in one bottom and though they who are near-
est the fire burn first yett if Albany be destroyed which
is the principal land Bulwark in America against the

1284 New York Cotaniat Manuseripts.

French then there is not onlj an open road for French
and Indians to make inpursions in your Honors Territor-
yes but the 5 Nations who are now for us will be forced
to turn their ax the other way and how dangerous that
is none of the Gent. I suppose are ignorant of

9thly Wee cannot omit to acquaint your honors whatt
wee have obsenred in our travels through your Collony
how that the people are generally much inclined and very
eager to be employed against the French which we hope
will the more facilitate your honors Councils and under-
takings begging your honors to use all expedition imagin-
able in soe great a business of import for iff Canida re-
ceive there expected supplies from France we fear itt
will be too late to conquer .those enemies to America's
Peace

We beg your honors answer with all convenient speed
being designed to hasten our journey to Boston we re-
main your honors most obedient Servants

Hartford the I2th Robt. Livinotone

of March 16|^ Gebrite Teunis

Thos Gabton

MEMORIAL OF THE AGENTS FROM ALBANY TO THE GOV-
ERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS.

(New York Paperg, III. B^ 22.)

Memorial delivered to the Honorable Governour and
Council and Representatives of their Majestys Collony
of Massachusets assembled at a general 1 Court in Char-
les Towne the 20th day of March 16if by Robert Liv-
ingstone '^ and Capt: Gerrit Teunice Agents commis-
sionatedby the Convention of Civil and Military officers
from the City and County of Albanie and Capt; Thomas
Garton sent from the .County of Ulster.

In pursuance of our Commission and Instructions wee
have laid the case before your Honors in what condition
Albanie and that part of their Majesties dominion is in
how the 5 Nations westward stand affected and the state
of affaires att Canida so far as wee could learn of those

2Vet£^ York Colonial Manuscripts. \ 285

French lately taken by the Masquaes which are the three
main points that now ought to be considered off and see-
ing the neighbouring Collonies and wee wholly under God
depend upon your honors who are only capable in these
parts of performing soe glorious a design to subdue the
French of Canida the Enemies to our Religion and Peace
wee will therefore offer these following considerations
to be weightly pondered and considered by you Honors
since the preservation of their Majesties in America the
welfare of their leidge subjects and our future tranquility
doth chiefly consist therein.

In the first place we must acquaint your honors of the
mean condition that Albanie isJn being no ways fortified
to withstand the force of Canida which we understand
the French design to bring against us early in the spring
which being subdued (as God forbid it should) they not
only procure a peace with the Maquase and other nations
westward (without which wee know they cannot subsist
all Canida baring confess'd as much themselves) but will
compel the five Nations to bend the force towards their
Majesties subjects and to joyn with the French in all
their wicked designs and enterprizes.

2ndly To prevent which since wee of the Province of
N. York are not able to maintain that part of their Ma-
jesties Territory without a considerable supply of men
and provisions we desire that your honor% would be
pleased to raise five hundred brisk young men with all con-
venient speed to goe for Albany with provisions that is
beefe and porke (corne being there) and amunition with
suitable Cloths stockings Indian Shoes &o fit for such an
expedition which joyning with the men sent from N.
York some to Garrison said place some to goe out with
our young men and Indians to annoy the French of Can-
ida and keep them in a continuall alarm that they break
not out to do mischief to their Majesties subjects in these
Dominions.

3rdly That your Honors would be pleased to supply
us with a good Ingenier tcrlay out Fortifications and con-
trive how the City of Albany may be better fortified as

[Annals vii.] 25

286 New York Colonial Manuscripis.

also with ten or twelve good guns and some experienced
men in gunnery which wee want there extreamly and
cannot expect to he supplied with them from N. York.

4thly Your Honors are sensible that the Indians being
employed in the war against the French which they take |

to be our war not theirs (since peace is tendered them) ^

doth bring a considerable charge along with lit and can-
not be effected without dayly supplying them with what
they want wee pray that Your Honors would contribute
four or five hui^red pounds worth of Indian goods such
as Duffles Strouds White oBzenbriggs Blanketts leads Out-
lasses i&c to be disposed of to said Indians by such person
as Your Honord shall think meet to appoynt by the ad-
yice of the Gentlemen of Albanie all which charge wee
doubt not in the least butt will be allowed and reimburs*
ed by our Gracious Leige Lord King William.

5thly The way to secure the five nations is to joyne
them in the prosecution of the war against the French
since wee cannott or must not expect they will goe out
alone as they did formerly they seeing that it is our war
now and although they have given sufficient testimonies
of their fidelity by pursuing takeing and killing nineteen
French and Indians that committed the Massacre att Shin-
ctady with the loss of four of their men yet wee must not
too much depend upon that but have Christians continu-
ally along jirith them which will prevent the French hav-
ing any opportunity of treating with them

6thly Wee found that the French gained much upon
the Indians by sending their Clergymen amongst them
not so much to convert their soules as their bever and
other trade to Canida; yet by their familiarity and con-
tinuall converse insinuated into the minds of the Hea-
then and prevailed much we move that your honor be
pleased to persuade some of your young divines to under-
take to instruct the Indians especially the Marquase in the
true Protestant Religion since divers have an inclination
to itt One being by the great pains and industry of Our
Minister Dom: Dellius brou^t so far that he made his
publick confession in the Church at Albany to every
body's admiration and wa^ baptized accordingly.

Ntw Ytnrk Colonial MahuscrifU. 287

71y Wee are much grieved to think of the factions and
divisions att Albany and in other parts of the Province
of N. Yorke occasioned by Capt: Leysler assuming to
himself the Authority to command in chiefe withoute any
Order or Commission from our dread soverign King Wil*
liam soe to doe as ever wee could see, nay after all en-
quiry imaginable we cannot so much as procure a Copy
of their Majestys Letters sent to Capt: Nicholson by Mr
Riggs commanded from him by said Leysler who were
directed in Capt: Nicholson's absence to such as for the
time being take care for the preserving of the peace and
adminstering of the laws in their Majesties province of
N. Yorke the said Leysler's Agents having refused a Cop-
py of said Letters to Governor Treat and the Gentlemen of
Connecticutt neither can we learn that your Honors have
itt so that we have reason to believe hott only they can-
nott belong to him but that they t;ontinue protestants
Majestrates in their respective functions till his Majesty
shall take further order to settle us neither will the said
Leysler hearken or adhere to the wholesome admonitions
given him by Your Honors to leave off those measures
which occasioned so much disturbance but on the contrary
hath fully concluded and is now about to subvert the
Government of Albanie to remove the Mayor and other
Magestrates with whom the five nations westward have
soe frequently renewed their covenant chain since these
revolutions which doeings will render us so mean and
dispicable in the eye of the Heathen that wee have reason
to fear they will side with the French and no ways de-
pend on us as formerly. Those thi/igs being of most
dangerous consequence mooved us to implore the favour
of the Government and Council of Connecticut to send
an express away in all speed to Albanie to stop Capt :
Bulls coming away with his Company and Leysler's pro-
ceedings there till wee had given your honors to under-
stand our condition but they having gave positive orders
to Capt : Bulls to draw off his men upon the arrivall of
the N. Yorke forces did not grant our request so that wee
feare there is either bloodshed or a greatt confusion att

288 ^ Ntw York Cohnial Manuserijpis.

A)banie and since your honors have no small interest in
the preservation of that place and the 5 Nations from con-
fiision and mine att such a juncture when all ought to he
unanimous against the common ennemy and' perceiving
that your honors seem all to he inclined that wee should
submitt to Capt: Leysler's power for the present Author-
ity wee cannot say because he hath none from his sacred
Majesty King William our Leidge Lord, if he hath itt
we are of opinion he is much to blame never to make itt
knowne to us since his Majesties gracious letter to your
honors is published to the whole world so we beg thatt
your honors would be pleased to use such proper means
and methods whereby the publick good and welfare of
their Majesties subjects may be preferred and that their
Majesties leidge people of the City and County of Albanie
and County of Ulster whether Officers or private per-
sons may remain unmolested in their persons and estates
iVom Capt : Leysler or his associates and that they may
have the privilege to answer what he or any of hi » party
can lay to their charge as soon as a Governor or particu-
lar orders from his most sacred Majesty King William
shall arrive and nott to be dealt withall so cruelly as wee
hear severall of our protestanf friends and fellow subjects
are at N. York declaring as we told the Gentlemen of Con-
necticott thatt wee are willing to submit to whatever
shall be thought expedient and requisite by your honors
in such an extremity doubtless your honors find by ex-

Eerience that there is neither pleasure nor satisfaction to
e in office in such times as wee now live in. Wee have
exhausted for the publick to keepe all in due order think-
ing every day a settlement will come which God send
speedily and nothing would be more welcom to us than
an orderly discharge we have Indians to deal withal at
Albany and wee fear «uch changes as Mr Leysler is now
about there, will raise jealousies. Our Interest and De-
pendence is chiefly in the welfare of Albany and rather
than his Majesties affaires should in the least be neglect-
ed we will undergo all the miseries imaginable and suffer
att this juncture hoping God will send a speedy deliver-

N$w York C^hnial Manuicrifts. 969

ance when every true protestant subject may bare redress
wee have left no stone unturned to procure a good cor-
respondence having sent down an agent on purpose to tKeat
with the Gent, of N. Yorke praying them to lay aside all
animosities differences and private contests and to joyne
heart and hand with us against the common ennemy but
we cannot hear that he has any ways prevailed but ra«
ther that Leysler is exasperated to proceed in his rash
undertakings.

8thly To come to the main business which is the sub*
duiug of Canida nott so difficult as is represented to peo*
pla.here we conceive itt is of thatt moment that all true
protestants subjects ought to joyne and according to their
qualities and capacities to be aiding and assisting in the
same and understanding your honors are equipping of
vessells and sending of men to annoy our enemies at Port
Boyall which we pray may have good success if they pro-
ceed butt wee are of opinion that such an expedition vgjl
not obtain our aim and therefore if it could be possibly
effected the only way is to strike at the head by taking
Quebeck and then all the rest must follow and many will
be glad to see that day for they ne\er can live worser
than they doe now, their force we know and the terrour
that our Indians will putt them in dayly we are sensible
of, so that by making a good appearance of Christians
and Indians by land will draw the principall force up to
Mount Royall and so facilitate the taking of Quebec which
if once effected and the French removed every one may
sit down peaceably under their Vine and Fig trees and
plow and sow and reap it quiettness besides the honor of
subduing such a people -declared enemies to our religion
and peace and the addition of so considerable a Territory
to the Imperial Crown of England ought to be a great en-
couragement. May itt please your honors this is the time
to effect itt, if ever itt be done wee fear never the like
advantage will occur if they gett their expected supplyes
from France it will be too late and now the grand Coun-
cill of Your honors CoUony sitting wee hope they will
make itt theire only business to raise men and money and
fitt out with all expedition for soe glorious an enterprise

290 New Tort Colonuti Manuneripis.

and those Vessels and men tbatt are ready will be of good
stead to cleere the coaste as they goe and stop the river
of Canida till the other vessells be fitted to goe and joyne
with them fbr if they should attaque Port Royall it
would only awaken our enemies to fortify themselves
and putt them in a better posture of defence and soe
obstruct the main business therefor wee hope your
honors will direct the Councills to obtaine the whole and
what will not the Countreymen be willing to give to such
Fathers of their Countrey to such persons thatt accom-
plish so noble a design doubtless the late Indian War is
nott forgott what ruines and desolations itt did occasion
butt now a worse enemy must be expected French worse
than Heathens will be disturbers of our peace and they
once being subdued all Indians in America must submit
and pay homage to the English Growne and we have ob-
served in our travells both through this dnd the neigh-
bouring Collony that the people are extream willing to
be employed against the French our Indians do tender
their service by land to joyne with the English and alsoe
to make canoes to carry men and provisions and doe
whatt in them lyesf They long to see itt goe on and wee
have more reason than they for this countrey is not for
warring wee have no walled Townes nor Bulwarks wee
pray Tour honors and Gent. Representatives to take itt
into consideration we are ten men to one in Canida if
every body help a little according to their abilities the
business will be effected tis better to give ten pounds
to save an .hundred than of one hundred pounds ten the
enemy can soon destroy and have already as will pay for
such an expedition we have felt the smart of it already
and wee pray God itt may rest there which cannot be
expected itt is better to maintain men to kill the en*
emy than to maintain the poor women and Children who
are drove away by the enemy the French are generally
too quick for us therefore time is precious and let good
use be made of itt there are diverse good omens that God
Almighty has determined the downfall of Anti- Christ, in
our days this is the only means in all probability to ef-

New York Cohniar Manuscripts. 291

feet it in America. Besides if money and other good
plunder can encourage soldiers to perform such a noble
design as the taking of Canida there is good store more
than will ten times pay the charge of the expedition. Itt
is now come to thatt pass thatt wee must either speedily
conquer them else they will soon destroy us. Wee beg
this honourable Board to take the above proposalls into
mature consideration and an answer with all convenient
speed that wee may give an account to the Gent that
sent us and to the Indians of the 5 Nations the result of
the honnors Councills we remain

Your Honors most obedient Servants

Robert Livingston
Gerritt Teunisb
Thomas Garton

MR. LIVINGSTON TO MR. FERGUSON.

[New York Papers, B. 11. 834.]

27. March 1690 Boston
Honourable Sir : It will undoubtedly be a surprise to
you to see a line from me especially about affairs of the
publicke, but the extream good character I have heard of
yourself and your zeal you have for the true protestant
religion in being so active in our late delivery in conduct-
ing our gracious Liege Lord and Lady King William and
Queen Mary to the throne, doth embolden me to trouble
you with the perusal of the inclosed papers, which will
inform you of affairs with us, and withall to entreat you
to deliver them to their Majesties Secretary of State, that
speedy care maybe taken to settle us, if not already
done, else the Country will be lost — When we received
the happy news of Their Majesties accession to the Throne
it was as refreshing as a reprieve to the condemned;
nevertheless we have had the misfortune to live very un-
easy occasioned by one Jacob Leysler a M:erchaQt at New
Yorke, whose ambition hath with the aide of the vulgar
prompt'd him up to Command and Domineer over there
Majesties subjects upon pretence of freeing them from

SM N$w York CoUmial Manu9cripi9.

arbitrary power, vbich thanks be to God was done bjr a
more glorious instrument, wee of Albany hare en-
deavoured to keep all quiet there, free from such revolu-
tions as many of our neighbours have had, resting our-
selves satisfyed with their Majesties gracious proclama-
tion of the 14th February 168f wherein all protestants
Sherriffs, Justice and Collectors are confirmed, but the
said Leysler did continually disturb us, sending his Emis-
saries amongst us to incense the people against one
another, so that if Governour come not speedily, am
afraid the Country will be destroyed, but we expect a
Governour one Col: Slaughter for New Yorke every day,
which makes us bear withal the more patiently. —

I am informed by some of our countrymen here that
you are acquainted with Mr. Andrew Russell of Rotter-
dam my brother in law, which makes me the more bould
to'request that you would befriend me concerning my dis-
bursements made for tho publicke, that orders be sent
by his Majesty to settle all affaires of New Yorke having
launched most part of my estate in the year 168i when
Coll: Dongan our late- Governour was at Albany for the
maintenance of the Souldiers that opposed the french in-
terest, when they fell upon our Indians and destroyed
their Castles, and were designed if not resisted by that
force to have all the five nations of Indians Westward to
Trucle under them. I perceive the King takes particu-
lar notice of it in His Majesties declaration of War
against ^e French King soe that I doubt not but will be
minded. I am out six and twenty hundred pounds, upon
that expedition, the Autheutique copies of all my ac-
counts I sent to Mr Jacob Harwood of London Merchant
my Correspondent to whom I am considerably indebted
and cannot pay it till I gett in my money—I have been
at Albany about 15 years and in contlnuall employ of
Secretary and collector of that place, and the Gentlemen
there have prevailed with me to come as their Agent to
these Collonies of Massachusets and Conetticut, to pro-
cure assistance, and they have promised us that we shall
have some men from Conetticut Colony speedily, at least

Ntw York Colonial ManuBcripis. 293

they will endeavour to perswade them to it, and they at
Boston are fitting out five hundred men by sea to take
Port Royall under the command of Sir William Phipps,
but things are carried on very slow, the principal reason
they give me, why they goe not directly to Quebeck , is
because of want of powder, and therefore they sent an
express to his Majesty to be supplied. I shall not insist
at present fearing of Prolixity, begging a line in answef
directed to me merchant at Albany, and being sent by
any Vessell bound for New Yorke or New England will
come to hand, and if I knew it would be acceptable would
give you a further account of all proceedings with us in
the mean time shall break off and remain
Honourable Sir

Tour most humble and obedient servant
(signed) Robt Livingston

COMMISSION TO MR« JOHANNES DE BRUYN AND OTHERS TO
' SUPERINTEND AFFAIRS AT ALBANY.

(New York Papers, B. U. 440.)

By the Lieutenant Governor and Councill ettc.

Whereas a certain number of people terming themselves
a Convention, within the City and County of Albany
have vindicated the Authority of Coll : Tho : Dongan and
countenanced his and Sir Edmund Andros there illegall
and arbitrary Commissions and proceedings acting there-
by, likewise have assumed tothemselfs the rueling power
by keeping His Majesties fort and contrary to the authori-
ty of this province to the great disturbance of His Majes-
ties subjects and other the good and peaceable inhabitants
thereof, as also contemning his Majesties orders and di-
rections not only by not proclaimeing their Majesties ac*
cording to an order from the Right Honourable the Lords
of His Majesties most Hon. privy Councill dated the 29th
July 1689, but opposeing in a hostill and rebelious manner
forbidding and hindering the same, besides many other
seditious practices all which are pernicious and destruct-

294 New York Cohhial Manuteriptt.

ire to HU Majesties Interest, the peace tranquility and
welfare of this province and the GoYernment thereof and
had been the occassion of Encourageing the French and
Indian enemies, to attacke and destroy the inhabitants of
Shinechtady to the great weakning of His Majesties forces
in the said County — ^These are to authorise, empower,
and constitute you Messrs Johannes de Bruyn, Johannes
Provost and Jacob Milbome to take into your care and
your direction and command all the forces raised in New
Yorke and the adjacent counties with all amunition and
provisions thereunto appointed and forthwith proceed
from hence to Albany aforesaid where you are to super-
intend, direct, order, and controle all matters and things
relating His Majesties interest and revenue in that County
and the security and safety of his people and subjects
therein, by treating with the confederate Indians, and use
such methods and means as [to] you shall seem meet that
may conduce to the ends before mentioned, likewise to
proclainie their Majesties, publishing their gracious or-
ders, and denounce warr against the French King ettc —
Reducing, subduing and bringing to their obedience all
such as oppose the same and to settle and establish the
said County in the same method and constitutions as this
His Majestys City and County of New Yorke and others
thereunto appertaining, and further you are to obtain the
fort Orange at Albany from those of the convention and
theire adherents, by due summonce, offring them such
conditions as may be agreable to the ends above said,
but in case of refusall or resistance, then you are to treat
them as Ennemies to our Souveraigne Lord the King his
crowne and dignity, the same to subdue and overcome by
force of arms and all manner of hostility whatsoever,
willing and commanding all persons within that County
aforesaid to be aiding and assisting therein, as they will
answer the contrary at their utmost perrells — hereby
giving and granting you full power and authority to con-
sult, act, doe and conclude all matters and things for or
concerning his Majestys interest and the welfare and se-
curity of that County as the case shall require and to
your judgments shall seem requisite, confirming, ratify-

Neui Torh Colonial ilanutcriptt. 295

Ing and establishing Whatsoever ^ou shall so act or do
in the premises to be good, valid and of full force and
virtue to all intents constructions and purposes whatso-
ever — Given under our hands and sealed with the scale
of this province of Fort William in New Yorke this 4.
day of March in the 2cd yeare of H. Majestys reign An*
no Dommino 1689. (:was signed) : Jacob Leieler —
Pr delanoy Thos Williams, ' Samll : Edsall, Benj . Blagge,
9amtl Staats, Hend: Jansen van Feurden, Hen: Cuyler.

I 70 THE GOVERNMEirr OF CONNEQTICUT

(Mew Voik Pupen, III, B. 31.)

To the Honourable the Governour and Council] and Re-
presentatives of their Majesties Colonie of Connecticutt
assembled at a general Court at Hartford the Iltfa day
of April 1690.

Honourable Gentlemen: Not long since Capt: Gerrit
Teunison and myself commissionated by the Citty and
County of Albany and Capt: Garton from the County of
Ulster did relate to the Honourable Governor and Coun-
cill of this Collony the stale of affaires in the Citty and
County and in what dangerous condition they were in by
reason of the French and Indians of Canida and how ne-
cessary it was for assistance to be sent thither speedily
for the preservation of his Majesties Intrest there wee did
allso for your honors better information deliver copies of
the Maquase propositions and a newbris examinations of
the French prisoners that had committed the Massacre
■at Shennecleady together with a Memoriall containing
divers propositions for the better preservation of Albany
by sending of men and provisions thither the securing
the 5 Nations of Indians to the English Crowne the an-
noying the French the subduing Canida by the joyot
concurrence of His Majesties Gollouies the preven-
* The uiDis " ThomiB Williams," i« not subscribed lo the original .
in NttB York Caloniat Manuicripli, XXXVI. JobiaDci Termilje
tigat it, though bia naine is oi]iimtte<l ia Ihe above.

S96 N$w York CoUmial ManutCrifit.

tion of dissentions among bis Majesties subjects and as
appears by said Memorial to which reference is bad, all
which the GoTcrnor and Councill did think convenient to
acquaint their neibours of Massachusetts withal] whicli
letters are delivered to the Governor and Council! and
Bepresentatives of said Colony then sitting together with
memorial representing to them the absolute necessity of
attacking Quebek by water the only way totally to subdue
Canida not so difficult as people there ware made to be-
lieve as also the state of Albany and that part of their
Majesties Dpminions how the 5 Nations affected and the
State of afiares of Canida in Genersll as it was declared
to us by said prisoners which they found afterwards con-
firmed by a Frenchman tahen att the Eastward one of
that party that did the mischeefe at the Salmon falls all
which sufficiently demonstrates the desires of our bloody
enemies and how eager they are to subdue Albany which
they judge will be most obnixious to them by reason of
the near tye and covenant they are in with the 5 Nations
which they cannot bear withall and since this and the
neighbouring Collonies are linked in the Covenant chain
with the' 5 Nations which never will come in better stead
than att this juncture wee conceive it will be of one of the
least conserns of this honorable assembly to think upon
such methods as may preserve the same entire according
to engagement since the common interest depends so
much upon the same juncture. We have made applica-
tion to the Colony of Massachusetts for assistance of men
and provisions to joyne with our forces and Indians to
direct and annoy the Enimy by land through the Cuntrey
who are alike sencible \ft ith us of the necessity of the
same but they being infested by the Enemy upon their
out townes and plantations eastward and northward and
setting forward a navall Expedition against the French
of Nova Scotia and Lacadie Sir William Phipps going
comander in cheefe^th 500 men which will draw forth
considerable of theire forces which makes them in no
presant capacity of graunting our request but refers us to
this Honourable Assembly declaring that they have writt

New York Colonial Manuscripts. 297

as effectually as they can to stirr up your honors their
neighbours and confederates to yeald your succor and as-
sistance to us and to send some forces from thence to
joyne our Indians in prosecution of the common ennemy.

These and your considerations doe prompt us to make
this second addresse to this Colony not doubting of a very
happy'issue, since wee are apt to believe that the meet-
ing of this^Houourable Assembly is cheefely if not wholly
to consult of matters for the earning on the present warr
wee will therefore in all submission, tender these follow-
ing proposalls to your honors consideration which we hope
will not be unseasonable at this dangerous juncture when
80 weighty matters are to be discussed.

In the first place we perceive as well by Your honours
Letters to Albany by us perus'd by the way as by the
conferences wee had with the honourable Governor and
Coiincill -when last here as also with the Governor and
Gouncill of the Massachusetts bay that all earnest desires
were that wee should wholly submitt to Capt Leysler's
power we can inform your honors having received letters
from Albany that the Gentlemen there who alwayes since
these revolutions have endeavoured to keepe a good cor-
respondence with the Gentlemen of New York and desire
theire assistance and concurrence on all occasions in the
carrying on of this warr, but not so reasonably comply 'd
withall as theire argent necessitye and the circumstances
of affares could have expected yett upon your honors ad-
vice and that our neibours may be satisfied that Albony
was never wanting on these parts they have comply*d
with what your honors thought convenient and most re-
quisite in such an extremity and have surrendered the fort
to them of N. Yorke and are and ever were most willing
and ready to receive any auxiliary troops sent from N.
Yorke for assistance so they were not sent by Leysler to
disturb the peace of the place

2. That they of Albony to shew there forwardness In
the prosecution of the warr have not only born with and
passed by sundry enormities committed by Capt : Leysler
and his adhearance referring the address thereof till a

[Annah, vii.] 26

2d8 New York Cohnial Manuncriptt.

Governor comes from His Majestie King William but
hare notwithstanding their mean and low condition hare-
ing had noe trade or commerce for 3 years past agreed
with the N. Torke Commissioners for the earring on of
the present warrto procure 140 men 6000 lb Biskett 400
lbs pouder 30 canoes 100 drest deer skins 60 guns 100
hatchets and 100 skepel pease which is^ to be ready in a
month's time and N. Yorke is to deliver 200 men and 60
men from with other necessaries all which forces

to go out along with the Indians to annoy the French
with all expedition

3dly That your honors would be not pleased to resent
the undecent carrige of Capt : Leysler to your Honours in
Generail by hb declaration put forth in the name of
the Leift : Gorernor and Councill etc. of New York for
your good intentions and servis done to there Majesties
and for the common safetyes in sending Capt : JBull with
his Companye to enforce and strengthen the garrison att
Albanie which ever shall be acknowledged by your obliged
neighbours nor that your honors will not be pleksed to
take noatis of Mr Milbornes uncivil intreaty of the Com*
panic in particular at their comeing away hoping that
such outward and ungrateful actions att which wee are
muph concerned will not discharge your honors from
mmding the main intrest.

4thly That your honors would be pleased to raise such
a qiuantity of brisk young men as your honors in your
wisdbme shall think requisite to send up to Albany with
provisions and your necessaries and some of your Indians
to j.oyne with the 5 nations against the common ennemy
which will proove very advantageous if it were but one
good company or two for the present and that in severall
respects at first it will be an eternal tye or connaction of
the 5 nations to your honors whereby they will see that
the promises made to them by the Agents of this and
neighbouring Collonyes ware not complementall nor
feigned but real and sincere which will ever oblige them to
depend upon the like future. 21y It will be a means to
draw the seat of warr into our Enemyes Countrey by

Ntw York Colonial Manuscripts. 299

disturbing and disquieting them at home and hinder these
incursions and outrages on your honors territory which
otherwise we must of necessity expect neither can all
the gards and forces of the Collony wholly preserre the out
plantations from the crueltyes of the French and theire
Indians except they be penned up at home and wee must
beleeve itt is French Policy to alarm our out townes to
cause us [to] draw our forces there that they may sitt
quiet att home

3dly It will train your young men up fitt for any ex-
pedition they will learn the wayes and passages of the
Cuntrey and that manner of living make them fitt for
travell by water as well as by land and accustum them
to fatigue and hardinesse for what is itt that is the Bugg-
bear of Ganida but their Busblopers as they call them
and they being once overcome Canida will be a prey to
him that first approach itt.

Sthly The only way to secure the French nation to the
English Crowne will be by sending of aid from hence for
if they perceive that this Collony yeeld noe assistance
and that they must wholly depend on the province of N.
Yorke if anny disaster should happen since fortune of
warr is ticleish then they will hudle up a peace with the
French so either sitt still or worse whereas if they see
that New England (whose war it is, not theirs) joyn with
them itt will be soe much an incuragement they knowing
the power and force of Teritores that nothing will keep
them back from prosecuting the warr briskly.

61y That your honors affares relating to the present
exigency be accompanied with expedition since nothing
can be daingerous than delays in such a juncture it being
the generall greevance both of this and the neighbouring
CoUonies that the business of the warr carried on so
slowly, for we aught to consider what a quick enemy wee
have to deal withall who will lett neither time nor op-
portunity slip to do us a mischeefe or prejudice.

7thly That Your Honors would consider what a re-
proach itt would be too the English Nation that a hand-
full of people as the French are in Canida should disturbe

800 Nevf York Colonial Manu$eriptB.

and mine the Cimtrey when we are more than ten to
theire one neither is itt 80 difficult to come at them as
people here are made to beleeye for the whole journey
to Canida from Albany can be performed by water except
at the cariing place where the Canoe is to be carried ten
English miles wee must turn our tradeing into warring
and instead of loading our Canoes with goods for Canida
for Bearer as formerly we must load the Canoes with
provisions and ammunityoh to be rerenged of our cruel
and perfidious Enemies, if we consider nothing but diffi-
culties charges and nothing can be expected to be don
against them nay not so much as to secure ourselves as
wee ought therefore Honourable Gentlemen there is no
medium now left wee must either destroy or be destroyed
and thank be to Almighty God Tour Honors neither want
men nor provisions and them that are brisk and willing
to goe about itt if they be but sett on and incuraged as
they ought in such a time.

81y Since this General Court will undoubtedly choose
Commissioners to go to Rhoade Island that they will be
pleased to assist with all the plenipotentiaries there as
ware all f eady with the Massachusetts CoUony the abso-
lute necessity there is of taking Quebeck speedily before
theire supplies come from France and that the Ships now
fitting at Bostonne for the Port Royall expedition may be
imployed that way before they returne els the warr will
be soe tedious chargeable and troublesome there will be
noe living espetially if the French gett theire expected
supplies from France which never faile them wee hope
Your Honors will think itt the generall Interest of the
Cuntrey to graunt our present request which is requisite
should be signified to the five nations that they may be
incuraged to come doune the faster to proceed on the ex-
pedition this being the best time of the year for the make-
ing Canoes wee beg Tour Honors ansure to the above
said proposealls that wee may acquaint the people of Al-
bony with Tour Honors result

In the mean time remaine
Tour Honors most humble and obedient Servant

fioBT Livingston

-- !■

Nem Y^rk CohmM MafnaerifiU. 301

To the Honourable the Members of the Generall Court
now sitting at Hartford

1 That Your Honors would be pleased to be mindful!
of the 7th Article of the memoriall delivered in formerly
to the Governor and Council by myselfe and the other
agents for Albony and Ulster the expectation of provi-
sions divers are come up yesterday which if not pre-
vented will drain the Collony speedily

2dly That since Your honors are pleased to cause
raise a 100 men to send to Albony forthwith under one
Capt: Lievt and Ensign, that your honors would be
pleased to ad so many men more as will make two com-
pleat companies which will remove all jealousies of the
Officers if anny be, itt being thought the wisdome of these
latter ages to have smal companies for theire better Gov-
ernment that would make a greater show to the Indians.

3rd That Your honors would be pleased to send an ex-
press to all acquaint the Gent: there and the Indians
that upon your request you will forthwith send 2 com-
panies and some Indians as soone as the meeting of Road
Island is over and that need require itt you will send
some hundreds more

4. That since nothing can be don without a present
supply of money and provisions and perceiving that sun-
dry substantial! inhabitants are willing to contribute
voluntarily that in my opinion the most speedy way to
raise effects to carry on the warr would be by subscrip-
tion and way of loan which our neighbours of Boston doe.

fioBT Livingstone

Hartford the 12th

day of Aprill690

After this had bin signified to the principal! member I
desired to have audience before the Court was adjurned
and returned hearty thanks in the name and behalfe of
the Citty and County of Albony for the present succor
and supply which their honors had graunted hoping they
would proceed nobley in the carriing on the warr as they
had begun assureing Albony would not be wanting in

808 New Tori CoUmiat Manuueriptt.

theire parts and in due time signefy to his Majesty theire
redinesse to releeve us in our necessity.

N. B. An embargo was laid on provisions immediately
two Companies established Gapt : Fitsh 70 men and Capt :
Johnson 65 men and 80 Indians. A Rate of 9d per lb
was made to carry on the warr the Goremor and Coun-
cill agreed to send an express to all they paying half of
the charge which I consented to.

A Generall Court held at Hartford by Spetiall order of
the Governor April the 11th 1690

Mr Livingston also moved the Court in the behalfe of
Albony that some forces might speedily be sent thethere
for the preservation of that post and offending the Enemy
(as by severall proposeals he gave into the Court in writ-
ing will appear) all which was considered by -the Court
and the court did see a necessity of utmost endevors to
prevent the French of attackeing or settleing at Albonie
and therefore did Order that two foot companies shall be
withall speed raised and sent to Albony to take all oper-.
tunities and advantages against the Enemy to distroy
them.

Extracted out of the Court

Records was signed
John Allyn Secretary

(SOS)

DUDLEY OBSERVATOKT.

During the summer of 1852, several influential gen-
tlemen of the city became impressed with the conviction
that something more shoi]}d be accomplished bj the state
of New York in the cause of popular education. Though
aware that our system of common schools, our acade-
mies and colleges were answering all the purposes which
their respective founders bad in riew, stitl there seemed
to be a deficiency of adequate facilities for prosecuting
, the higher branches of education to their fullest exlent;
in consequence of which our young men were driven to
foreign countries for advantages which should be furnish-
ed them at home. This suggested the idea of a National
University, an institution possessing a character that
would meet the exigency in question. Several public
meetings were held in relation to this matter, which
many distinguished gentlemen and scholars from other
states attended, and favored with their sympathies and
counsels. As a result of these deliberations, and aa a
part of the great project which we hope yet to see fully

d04 DftdUjf Obnervaiary.

realized, it was resolved to establish, at the capital of
the Empire State, an Astronomical Observatory, with such
instruments and agents as would meet the present demands
of astronomical science. In prosecuting this object, it
is gratifying to record the liberal and cheerful response
that was made to individual applications for the neces-
sary funds. As an earnest of the success which should
ultimately crown- the efforts of the gentlemen who espe-
cially committed themselves to the prosecution of the
enterprise, they received ftom Gen. Stephen Van Reus- >

selaer a donation of several acres of valuable land as an {

appropriate site for the contemplated building. This
munificent gift, at once proved that the enterprise had ]

taken a strong hold on the minds of our citizens. The
plot of ground thus dedicated to the interests of science,
is situated on the northern side of the city and within its
corporate limits, and is peculiarly adapted to the pur-
pose in question. It rises with an elevation so gentle as
to allow of an easy ascent, to the height of about two
hundred feet above the level of the river, terminating in
a beautiful plateau sufficiently extensive to meet every
desirable object connected with the contemplated edifice.
No sooner had this point been gained, than another dona-
tion was announced, of an amount which, at the time,
was considered nearly if not quite sufficient, to erect and
complete the Observatory building. Mrs. Blandina Dud-
ley, a lady distinguished for wealth and liberality, in
token of respect for the memory of a devoted husband,
cheerfully appropriated f 12,000 to the enterprise; in con-
sideration of which, and as a testimony of their grati- *
tude, the trustees resolved that the institution should be
called The Dqdlet Observatory. It is a pleasing
reflection to Mrs. Dudley, that her noble husband during
his lifetime, cherished a special interest in this depart-
ment of science, and that no appropriation could be made
by her, more likely to be in accordance with his wishes.
The favor with which the enterprise had been thus re-
ceived, led its friends to hope that a yet more extensive
plan might be entertained, and that a building might be

DuiUy Observatory. 305

erected of more ample dimensions and of more perfect
appliances than was at first contemplated, requiring at
the same time a more liberal outlay of capital. In this
they were not disappointed. Several gentlemen at once
contributed, until the sum of $25,000 was secured. In
the winter of 1853 an act of incorporation w^a granted
by the legislature, by which the government of the insti-
tution is vested in a board of trustees, of whom Stephen
Van Rensselaer is president, T. W. Olcott vice president,
and J. H. Armsby secretary. The scientific council who
have charge of the institution, are. Prof. A. D. Bache»
Supt. U. S. C. S.; Prof. Benjamin Pierce, Cambridge;
Prof. Joseph Henry, Smith. Institute; Dr. B. A. Gould,
of U.S. C. S. The building was commenced early in the
spring of 1853, under the supervision of Prof. G. R. Per-
kins, and completed during the following year.
' The ground plan of the building is in the form of a
cross, with a front of 84 feet, by 72 feet in depth. The
center hall through which passes the great pier for the
heliometer, is 28 feet square; the east and west wings,
which are designed for the meridian circle and transit
instruments, are each about 26 feet square, with a semi-
circle area, in front and rear for collimator piers, and
provided with the usual openings in the meridian. The
rear or north wing is about 40 feet square, divided into
a library room of 27 by 23 feet, two computing rooms of 14
by 16 feet, and several small rooms for magnetic appara-
tus, for recording observations, &c. The heliometer
room, in the second story, is of a circular form of 24
feet diameter. The revolving portion is in the form of a
tower, moving by ingenious machinery. The main pier
for the heliometer was commenced seven feet below the
bottom of the cellar, with a base of 15 by 15 feet, rest-
ing on a bed of conorete and rubble of 24 inches thick.
The size of the pier was gradually reduced, by stepping,
to the height of the cellar bottom, where it is 10 by 10
feet, and was continued of this size throughout the rest
of its height. The whole is built in the most-substantial
manner, of large stone, well bedded by hammer dressing.
The piers in the circle and transit rooms and for the

896 Dudlty Observalorg*

clocks and collimators are constructed with the same
care, of similar construction. The walls of the building
are of great thickness, and made of the best quality of
pressed brick. The basement story, the window sills,
caps, corner blocks, belt courses, and portico are con-
structed of dressed free stone. The library room and
computing rooms of the north wing are warmed by heat-
ed air from a basen^ent furnace, great care being taken
to cut off all heat from the main building. Both the cir-
cle and transit rooms have been recently enlarged, giving
a circular form to the front and rear walls, to make
room for collimator piers, and for much larger instru-
ments than were at first designed.'

A beautiful marble bust of Mr. Dudley, executed by
E. D. Palmer, is to be placed opposite the principal en-
trance. In a niche on the right is the celebrated clock
presented by the Hon. Erastus Corning, for giving time
to the Central, and other railroads diverging from Albany*

At the Providence meeting of the American Associa-
tion for the Advancement of Science, in 1855, Professor
Bache, Supt. of the U. S, Coast Survey, proposed to Dr.
Armsby the establishment of a great heliometer at Albany,
and to furnish observers from the Coast Survey to take
charge of it, provided the requisite funds could be furnished
for its purchase. Dr. A. guarantied the amount necessary,
and wrote Mr. Olcott to this effect. Mr. 0. read the- let-
ter to Mrs. Dudley, and she cheerfully contributed $6,000
for the purpose. This sum was soon increased to $8,000,
and subsequently to $14,500. Mr. Olcott at the same
time contributed $5,000 for the purchase of the splendid
meridian circle, by Pistor & Martins, of Berlin. This is
the largest instrument of the kind in the world, and has
been named by the Scientific Council in honor of its gen-
erous donor, The Olcott Meridian Circle. A fine transit
instrument, also by Pistor & Martins, ordered by Prof.
Bache, occupies the west wing of the building, the Olcott
circle the east, and the Dudley heliometer is to be placed
in the central tower. Several valuable clocks, barome-
ters and thermometers have been ordered in France and

Dudley Ohsertatorp, 3Cff

Germany. The chronographs are made by the celebrated
artist, Mr. Farmer, of Boston, who, it is hoped, may be
induced to remove his valuable establishment to Albany.

The construction of the heliometer has been confided
by Dr. Gould, after visiting the 'workshops of Europe, to
our eminent countryman, Charles A. Spencer, who has .
just returned from a European tour to visit observatories
of England and the continent.

At the inauguration of the Dudley Observatory, on the
28th of August, 1856, the following letter, addressed to
the trustees by Mrs. Dudley, wa» read to the vast audi-
.ence there assembled, who rose simultaneously to tbeir
feet and greeted the noble and generous donor with the
most enthusiastie and heartfelt cheers :

Albany, August 14th, 1856.
To the Trustees of the Dudley Observatory :

Gentlemen — I scarcely need refer in a letter to you, to
the modest beginning and gradual growth, of the institu-
tion over which you preside, and of which you are the
responsible guardians. But we have arrived at a period
in its history, when its inauguration gives to it, and to
you, some degree of prominence, and which must stamp
our past efforts with weakness and inconsideration, or
exalt those of the future, to the measure of liberality
necessary .to certain success. You have a building erect-
ed, and instruments engaged of unrivaled excellence, and
it now remains to carry out the suggestion of the Astron-
omer Royal of England, in giving permanency to the
' establishment. The very distinguished Professors, Bache,
Pierce and Gould, state in a letter which I have been
permitted to see, that to expand this institution to the
wants of American science, and the honors of a national
character, will require an investment which will yield
annually not less than $10,000. And these gentlemen
say in the letter referred toi '• If the greatness of your
giving can rise to this occasion, as it has to all our pre-
vious suggestions with such unflinching magnanimity, we
promise you our earnest and hearty cooperation, and
Btake our reputations that the scientific success shfldl fill
up the nieasure of your hopes and anticipations."

]

808 DudUy OUervatarp.

For the attainment of an object so rich in scienti-
fic rewards and national glory, guarantied by men with
reputations as exalted and enduring as the skies upon
which they are written, contributions should be general,
and not confined to an individual or a place.

For myself, I offer as my share of the required endow-
ment, the sum of $50,000 in addition to the adyances
which I have already made ; and trusting that the name
which you have given to the Observatory may not be con-
sidered as an undeserved compliment, and that it will not
diminish the public regards, by giving to the Institution
a seemingly individual character,

I remain, gentlemen.

Your ob't svt.,

BlANDINA D0DLET.

The reading of the letter was followed by the address
of Hon.* Edward Everett, of Boston, Mass. The annals,
neither of Albany or the world, can furnish the parallel
of such an audience, composed as it was of the beauty
and fashion of Albany, and the most distinguished scien-
tific men on the continent of North America. At the
close of the address a burst of applause broke forth from
the mighty assemblage, thus sending up the welcome of
science and of Albany to the Dudley Observatory. '

Complete sets of the Greenwich observations, 29 quarto
vols., and of the Radcliff observations, 19 vols, have been
recently presented to Dr. Gould for the Observatory.

Prof. Bache has ordered for the use of the Observatory
a Transit Instrument to cost $1500.

It was announced by Prof. Bache, that Gould's Astro-
nomical Journal was to be removed from Cambridge to
Albany. This is the only astronomical journal published
in America, and there is' but one published in Europe.
The result of this will be to make Albany the great astro-
nomical center of the American continent.

The following are the subscriptions and contributions
for the Observatory:

Mrs. Dudley, $76,500 T. W. Olcott, (for

T. W. Olcott, (for building) 500

general fund), 10,000 Wm. H. DeWitt,.. 1,500

J-^'TstIO''""
JB.J"?!''".-

600 J-V Nort""' ...

600 ''•

600 ^
350 1
360 ■ .. .

850 "r osM"' ;:■

»60

a60

260
860
860
SSO

800

100

^.A«l»l

^vii^

(310)

THE MOHAWK FLATS.

By the charter granted by Gov. Dongan to Albany
in 1686, that city obtained the right to purchase one
thousand acres of land from the Indians at what is
now Fort Hunter, and a committee was shortly after sent
to view the lands. On the 12th October, 1730, the city
took from the Mohawk Indians of the Lower Castle, a
deed to hold the lands in trust for them so long as they
should be settled thereon, with remainder to the city.
This deed continued in possession of Mr. John Depeyster,
the Mayor, until 12 September, 1733, when it was de-
livered to Governor Cosby, who destroyed it, and on the
4th of November, following, obtained the above deed from
the Indians, conveying said lands to the King in trust for
them. The Mohawks, notwithstanding, continued uneasy,
and to quieten them, the city of Albany signed an instru-
B»ent on the 18th December, 1773, surrendering to the
Indians residing in the Lower Mohawk Castle, all right
and title to the said thousand acres of land, (with the
exception of a few parcels that private individuals had
previously purchased from the Indians and held under
the corporation,) ** so long as they shall continue a Na-
tion and be settled on said lands." In 1788, a number
of the Mohawks residing at Canajoharie, petitioned the
legislature to be reinstated in their lands at Fort Hunter
and elsewhere; and by two instruments, dated respectively
the fifteenth of April, 1789, and 16th June, 1790, the city
bought out all the claims of the surviving Indians to the
lands in question, as appears by the various instruments
on file in the office of the City clerk. The lands were
divided into farm at first and leased by the corporation,
but all these farms have since been sold except one, which
is still under lease. — E. B. 0*Callaghan, Col, Hist., «t.,
p, 16., note.

(311)

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.

PHILIP LIVINGSTON,

Second proprietor of the Manor of Livingston, was the
son of Robert L. and Alida Schuyler, widow of the Rev.
N. Van Rensselaer. He was born at Albany in the year
1686. In 1705 he accompanied his uncle, Col. Vetch, to
Quebec, that gentleman having been sent with Mr. W.
Dudley by the government of Massachusetts bay, to Ca-
nada, to procure an exchange of prisoners, and if possible
to conclude a treaty of neutrality. He served in the
expedition against Port Royal in 1710, and after the re-
duction of that place, was ordered to proceed with the
Baron de St. Castine to Quebec, to communicate the
articles of capitulation to M. de Vaudreuil. He set out
accordingly in the middle af October, and went up the
Penobscot river as far as Indian Old Town, where, had
it not been for his companion, his brains would have
been knocked out by an enraged Indian, because some
English prisoners had run away with his canoe. After
some time the party again started but had not proceeded
far when the ice so shattered their canoes that they were
obliged to continue their journey by land and to travel by
eompass through a dense and almost impassible forest,
^e greatest part of the way over broken and mountain-
ous land. Six days before reaching the French settle-
ments their provisions gave out gnd they were obliged to
live on moss, leaves and berries. At length, after a most
fatiguing march, they arrived at Quebec on 16th Decem-
ber, 1710. Mn L. returned to New York and was ad-
mitted to the bar on Sl^Decr., 1719; in 1720 he was ap-
pointed, one of the commissioners for the management of
Indian affairs, and in 1721 succeeded his father as secre-
tary of that board and as clerk of the county of Albany,
&c. He was called to the council in May, 1725, and

8 12 Biographiea I Natieet.

took his seat in October following. In July of the next
year he, for a third time visited Canada, as bearer of Got.
Burnet's despatch, complaining of the erection of a French
fort at Niagara. In 1737 he acted as president of the
commission appointed to run the boundary between New
Hampshire and Massachusetts, and in 1740 was named
one of the board to determine the line between Massa-
chusetts and Rhode Island; on which occasion Hutchin-
son says he had great influence. In 1746 and 1747
he was one of the commissioners on the part of New
York to meet and cooperate with commissioners from
the other American colonies in measures for carrying
on the war and securing the interests of the Indians.
He continued in public life until his death, which occured
in New York, in February, 1749. Mr. Livingston mar-
ried Catharine, daughter of Pliilip Van Brugh, mayor of
Albany, and had two sons and three daughters. Sarah,
one of the latter, was the wife of General Lord Stirling,
who served in the American Revolution. — E, B. O'CaU
laghan, N, Y. Col. Hist., vi.p. 60, note.

JOHN DE PEVSTEB,

•

Was grandson of Abraham . He was born at New York
on the 14th of January 169f , and moved to Albany, where
he married Anne Schuyler, by whom he had two daugh-
ters; Anne, the wife of Volkert P. Douw, and Rachel the
wife of Tobias Ten Eyck. He was recorder of the city
of Albany from 1726 to 1728, and mayor from 1729 to
1731, and again in 1732. In 1734 he became one of the
commissioners of Indian affairs ; was subsequently a con-
tractor with the government to supply Oswego and other
outposts with stores, and in 1755 one of the commission-
ers for paying the forces in the expedition in which Gen-
eral Johnson defeated Dieskau. His name appears as a
patentee of lands in Schoharie ; also in Herkimer county
and near Schaghticoke. — Ibid, p. 132, note.

(818)

ANNALS OF THE TEAR 1855.

January, 1855.

1. The new year day was mild and beautiful, although
the cold of the preceding day had closed the ferries, and

made the ice sufficiently strong for crossing Myron

H. Clark inaugurated Governor of the state, and Henry
J. Raymond Lieutenant Governor, at the Capitol, when
the customary speeches were made by the outgoing and
incoming functionaries Sherman Croswell and Gid-
eon J. Tucker announced that they bad transferred their
interest in the Albany Argus to James I. Johnson, who

associated Calvert Corns tock with him as editor

The Bank of Albany declared an extraordinary dividend
of 50 per cent on its capital, in stock to its stockholders,
who unanimously accepted the dividend in that form,
by which the capital of the bank was raised from $240,000
to $360,000, and to each possessor of ten shares five more
were added.

2. The legislature met at the Capitol, which had been
enlarged and improved during the summer for their con-
venience Bernard Mclntyre died, aged 68. Cata-

lina Ten Eyck dLsd, aged 76.

3. County Agricultural Society elected its officers: A.
Osborn president, L. Tucker vice-pres., G. I. Van Allen
secretary, L. G. Ten Eyck treasurer.

4. Joseph Parker died, aged 37. He had been connect-
ed with the fire department about fourteen years and was
an efficient and popular officer. Elizabeth Brown died,
aged 65. Julia C, wife of Gilbert C. Angus, died, aged
23 years. Thomas J. Boyd, a native of Albany, died
in New York, where he had been engaged in mercantile
business for several years.

5. While the senate was in session, a number of Onei-

814 Afmah of 1855.

da and Onondaga Indians, painted and costumed, enter-
ed the chamber and remained half an hour witnessing
the routine of business.

6. A drore of sheep fell through the ice while crossing

the rirer, and 69 were drowned, valued at $292.50

A meeting of the people of Bethlehem opposed to a dirlsion

of the county Mrs. Jane Rawson died, aged 68.

Mrs. Hannah Murdock died, aged 64. Orrin Leeman
died, aged 38,

7. Burial of Joseph Parker, attended by the fire compa-
nies in uniform, and delegations from other cities

Rev. Ezra A. Huntington, pastor of the third Presbyte-
rian church, preached bis farewell sermon to his congre-
gation, having accepted a professorship in a college

The railroad ferry boats resumed their trips, a week of
mild weather having reduced the ice in strength and
thickness Abraham A. Lansingh died, aged 33.

8. A fire destroyed a house in Washington street, about
two miles from the City Hall. It had been vacated that
morning.

9. It was found necessary to run the ferry boats again,

the ice being unsafe Mrs. Catherine C, wife of

Theodore V. Van Heusen, died, aged 32.

10. An alarm of fire in the evening caused by the

burning of shavings in a eooper's shop Mrs. Ann

Van Cortlandt, relict of Philip S. Van Rensselaer,
died, aged 89. She wa9 the youngest daughter of Pierre
Van Cortlandt, the first lieutenant-governor of this
state under the constitution, and who continued to fill
that office for eighteen years, and sister of Col. Phillip
Van Cortlandt, who, with the late Col. Van Schaick, of
Albany, commanded the two New York continental regi-
ments which rendered gallant service at Saratoga, York-
town, and throughout the whole revolutionary struggle.
Mrs. Van Rensselaer was born at the Manor House,
Croton, in 1766, and at an early age came to Albany,
where she has resided more than sixty years. During
this period her home was distinguished as the seat
of a generous and extended hospitality, and an unfailing

Annah of 1855. 315

and ever ready charity. After a long and tranquil life,
marked by its active benevolence, and the graces and vir-
tues that most adorn the female character, she died at
her residence, corner of State and Chapel streets. — Eve^
ning Jaurnah William Norton died, aged 35.

11. An alarm of fire proceeding from the hurning of a
curtain corner of Green and Division streets Ma-
ry Bookhout died, aged 21. Died at Greenbush, Peter S.
Hogeboom, aged 64.

12. A foot race took place between an Albanian and a
Brooklynite, to West Troy and back. They started from
State street at half past 9 at night, and returned at 5
o'clock the next morning. The roads were very bad,
and the parties wore completely fagged out. But Albany
won and Brooklyn paid the forfeit.

13. An alarm of fire in the evening, caused by the
burning of a chimney.

14. John Ableman, aged 70, was found frozen to death
on the Western turnpike, returning home from the city.

A frame building at the head of Orange street

caught fire in the evening, and was partly burned.

17. Elizabeth Waltz died, aged 87.

18. Rev. Theodore F. Wyckoff died at the island of
St. Thomas, whither he had gone to take charge of a
Dutch Reformed Church. He was the son of Rev. Dr.
Isaac N. Wyckoff, of the 2d Dutch Church, Albany, and
was 35 years of age. Nancy McDonald died, aged 70.

19. An alarm of fire in the evening proceeded from a
dwelling which was burnt in the western part of the

city A sleigh load of people crossing the river

broke through the ice; the horses were drowned, but the
passengers escaped.

21. Hannah wife of Patrick Henry Shaw died, aged 22.

22. A rain storm commenced at an early hour in the
morning, which became violent about eight o'clock, flood-
ing the streets and doing much damage to buildings, and
filling tho basements of a great many houses with mud
and water. One house in Howard street presented the
novel spectacle of a torrent pouring out of the front

(

8t6 Jnnah of \M6.

basement windows into the street. There were many
rueful countenances at the small chances of a break-
fast.

23. Ann Boyd died, aged 69.

24. Joseph Lord, Jr. died, aged 25.

25. Eliza Easterly, wife of Isaac Morris, died, aged 27.

26. A festival was held for the benefit of the Orphan
Asylum, the profits of which were $1648,87.

27. The body of a man aged about 45 was found float-
ing in the basin. * ... .A sale of 115 shares Commercial

Bank stock was made at a premium of 15| per cent.
..... .The dead body of a man named Bergen was found

in the slip of the Boston railroad ferry, with marks of
riolence about him i . . . . Edward A. Staats died, aged 20.

28. A fire was discovered in a barn in the Foxen
Creek hollow, supposed to have been set by an incen-
diary .Bridget, wife of Michael Donnelly, died,

aged 28.

29. An inquest was held in the case of Phelps, con-
demned to be hung for murder, who had been respited
on the plea of insanity. It was the first case of the
kind in this city The snow which had fallen dur-
ing the last two or three days was nearly all dissipated
by a severe rain storm which began at an early hour in
the morning. . . . .Barney W. Lord died, aged 32.

30. Herman Knickerbocker died at Schaghticoke, aged
75. He read law in Albany with John V. Henry, and is
remembered rather as a companionable man, than as a
scholar or a statesman. Judge Knickerbocker's ances-
tors emigrated from the province of Brabant, during
the political changes consequent upon the death of Wil-
liam the Second, Prince of Orange, in the middle of the
seventeenth century. Herman was born July 27th, 1779,
being the second son of John Knickerbocker, of Schagti-
coke, and grandson of Col. John Knickerbocker, of the
French and Revolutionary wars. Having been educated
for the bar, as a pupil of John V. Henry, and afterwards
of John Bird, he commenced the practice of his profes*
9ion at an early age, taking immediately a prominent

Annah of 1855. 817

place in it, as well as in political life, for which he was
well suited. Being a decided Federalist and possessed
of wealth and great personal influence, he was soon
chosen to fill important ofBces, and when less than thirty
years of age, was elected to the United States Congress
during the administration of President Madison. He
was afterwards a memher of the New York Legislature,
then Judge of the county of Rensselaer, until the infir-
mities of age forced him to retire from public life. In
the ofiice of Supervisor, which he held for many years,
his influence was often useful to the city of Troy, par-
ticularly in having it established as the shire town, an
advantage which, except for his exertions, wojuld have
been given to the village of Lansingburgh.

In social life Judge Knickerbocker always filled a bril-
liant place. Bred from his childhood to association with
some of the most distinguished men of an age remarka-
ble for its high-toned courtesy, and to the control of a
large family of slaves, his manners acquired that blend-
ing of suavity with dignity peculiar to those accustomed
to early intercourse with the world, and the early habit
of command. This with his generous hospitality and jo-
vial humor won for him the popular sobriquet of " Prince
of Schaghticoke," and surrounded him with numerous
friends, whom, says the historian, " he received with
open arms, and treated them with wonderful loving kind-
ness." These, to their credit, did not desert him in his
age and misfortune, but ever with a kindness he well de-
served gathered about him to console his grief and con-
ceal his faults. With him has passed away nearly the
last representative of his class — the old Dutch gentle-
men, whose memory, long after their places shall have
been filled, and their language forgotten, will live green
among the lovers of hospitality and humor. A charac-
teristic anecdote is told of him while he was a member
of Congress. Being asked the difference between the
Dutch Reformed tenets and those of the Presbyterians :
and not willing to acknowledge his ignorance of the sub-

818 Annah of 1865

ject, he replied, naively, that he believed one sang short
metre and the other long!

31. John W. St. John died, aged 66.

February.

1. Hezekiah Dickerman died, aged 39.

2. David W. Boyd died, aged 20. Uretta V. Moore
died, aged 69. Hugh White died.

3. Hugh Feeney died, aged 68. Joseph Carnehon
died, aged 24.

5. A fire early in the morning burnt the satinet facto-
ry at Tivoli Mrs. Martha Collins died, aged 71.

6. The thermometer 10° below zero State Med-
ical Society met at the City Hall Grand Royal

Arch chapter of Masons of the State of New York met.
Election of United States Senator by the legisla-
ture; William H. Seward chosen for six years; 300 guns
fired on the occasion ..... Emeline L. Van Rensselaer,
widow of the late Walter H. Livingston, died, aged 35.

7. Very cold day ; thermometer 20 below zero

Three criminals arrived from Poughkeepsie to the Alba-
ny Penitentiary, arrangements having been made with
Dutchess county to employ a part of her felons, and
these were the first sent up The gas company re-
solved to reduce their prices for gas from 4 to 3 cents
per foot.

8. An election of officers of the Young Men*s Associa-
tion resulted in the choice of Ralph P. Lathrop for Pres-
ident Several of the friends of Capt. Amos Pils-

bury, of the Penitentiary, it being his fiftieth birth-
day, presented him with a gold headed cane Eliza-
beth A. Goodrich, aged about 50, committed suicide by

hanging, in a fit of derangement Rebecca, wife of

Wm. M. Diamond, died, aged 80. Caroline, wife of H.
P. Cook, died.

9. Esther Christian died, aged 75.

10. Mrs. Catherine, wife of Washington Castle, aged

Annah of 1855. 319

27, died of injuries caused by a camphene explosion.
Henry Mindebrook, a German, died of want and misery.
A quantity of money and valuables was found among his
effects.

11. An alarm of fire in the evening, caused by the
burning of a boarding and lodging house in Dean street,
which had been fired several times before.

12. Seth Richards died, aged 62; formerly printer of
the Albany Morning Chronicle, which advocated the elec-
tion of John Quincy Adams, for President.

13. J. N. M. Hurd died, aged 77. During the war of
1812 he commanded a brigade at Sackett*s Harbor. He
was buried at Cazenovia. Margaret, widow of William
Dumary, died, aged 58. Urbane Hart died, aged 57.

14. A convention of women was held in the Univer*
salist Church, to discuss the just and equal rights of wo-
men to make laws for themselves, and to remonstrate
against the tyranny of taxation without representation.

The State Agricultural Society held its annual

meeting in the Capitol, and elected its officers for the en-
suing year The State Hotnoepathic Medical Society

held its annual meeting at the City Hall, and elected its

officers Francis Horth, formerly of this city, died

in New York, aged 27. Mrs. Sophia Combs died, aged
63. Orpah, wife of Hiram Holden, died.

15. The Albany County Agricultural Society offered
premiums to the amount of $2000 to be dispensed at
their annual fair, to be held in the September following.

16. Henry Gibson died, aged 28. Laban W. Keith
died, aged 85. Emily Knight died, aged 20.

17. A fire took place in the kitchen of Remond's Res-
taurant, in State street, which was got under before

much damage was done Adaline Duncan died, aged

18.

18. John A. Johnson died at Newark, aged 34.

19. William L. Crandal died, aged 40. Samuel Haw-
ley, formerly of Albany, died at Millford, Wisconsin,
aged 75.

820 JnnaU of IS&5.

20. Mary, wife of Wm. Millett, died, aged 36. Jane
Ann, wife of Wm. J. Snjder, died, aged 31. John WalU
formerly of Albany, died at Hilwaukie, aged 33.

22. The anniversary of Washington's birth daj was
celebrated by the military. There was a procession of
Col. Frisby*s 25th regiment in the morning, which lis-
tened to an oration by Samuel G. Courtney, Esq., at the
Capitol; and in the afternoon another procession consis-
ting of the police in their new costume, three companies
of Continentals, a company of citivens on horseback, a
company of youth in ancient costume, and several fire
companies, who marched to the Capitol, and were ad-
dressed by Hon. Wm. U. Goodwin Mrs. Mary De

Witt, wife of Jacob V. L. De Witt, died at Pitlstown,
Pa., aged 44, formerly of Albany.

23. Richard Cunningham died, aged 46.

24. Hiram Halliday died, aged 53.

25. Mrs. Eliza Young died, aged 73. Mary Lane, wife
of John Hogan, died, aged 25.

26. General Sam Houstan lectured before the Young
Men's Association, on the subject of the Indian race.

27. Susan, wife of William Cashman, died, aged 33.

28. The number of arrests by the police during the
month was 261.

Mabch.

1. Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Augustus James, died.

3. A fire in Alderman Bleecker's garret was quenched
with little damage Gerrit L. Winne died, aged 64.

4. Persons broke through the ice,, and were rescued

with difficulty Died at Bed Bank, N. Y., George

C. Heron, aged 53, a large property holder in Albany.

5. Teams and cattle broke through the ice to-day at

different points in attempting to cross the river

Thomas Jordan, formerly of Albany, died at Troy, aged
34.

6. A fire about two o'clock in the morning, destroyed

AnmU of 1855^ 321:

two ancient buildings in the upper part of the city. The

loss was about $6000 Theodore Bicknell died, aged

30. Thomas Downey died, aged 23.

7. Mrs. Mercy Matthews committed suicide by hang-
ing herself with a skein of yarn; age 48. Harriet Big-
elow died, aged 52. Mary Campbell died, aged 75.

8. Phelps, the murderer, under sentence of death, es-
caped from the jail at an early hour in the morning, but
was arrested on the tow path, and brought back to this
city Edward Artcher died, aged 49.

9. Harriet N. Benjamin, wife of C. Cornwell, died,
aged 24.

10. Lydia J. Chollar died, aged 30.

11. Ephraim Ketchum died, aged 57.*

13. A fire at two o'clock in the morning destroyed a
grocery corner of Hudson and Hawk streets.

14. Anna, widow of James Vanderpool, died, aged 73.
Elizabeth Taylor died, aged 02. John J. Roggen died
at Pittsburgh ; formerly of this city.

17. The anniversary of St. Patrick observed by the Hi-
bernian Provident Society, who had a banquet at the Mer-
chants' Hotel, in Broadway; also, by the Friendly Sons

of St. Patrick, at Van Vechten Hall, in State street

Rev. F. W. Schmidt, pastor of the German Lutheran
Church, died.

19. The ice moved away from that portion of the riv-
er running between the pier and East Albany, but return-
ed with the returning tide, and presented the phenom-
enon of flowing up stream Augustus Waterman

died, aged 28. ^ ■ '

20. The steamboat Oregon reached the dock at 7 o'-
clock this morning, having encountered very little oppo-
sition from ice till within a few miles of the city. The
ice had nearly all left the river before it disappeared in
front of the city, a thing almost unprecedented. The
ice had just wasted away without the usual flood and
the customary breaking up. The water was unusually
low, the rain and snow of the last two months scarcely
sufficing at any time to cause a rise in the river

[Annahf viu] 28

822 Amah of 1855.

Bichard Yates, late of Albany, committed suicide in
California by shooting himself through the head. Susan,
wife of John Hastings, died, aged 63. Cornelius H. Clin-
ton died, aged 56. Alexander McEensie died, aged 85.

21. The steamer Austin with two barges arrived, be-
ing the first tow from New York this season. • • . .Mary
McFarland died, aged 54.

22. Neil McCotter died, aged 67. Susan, wife of Jo-
seph C. Henderson, died, aged 25.

2S. Patrick Mulcahy died, aged 56.

24. Franz Wachter leaped from the Isaac Newton
steamboat and was drowned, aged 20. Alexander
Sickles died, aged 18. Thomas Home died.

25. S. W. Furman died, aged 24, Richard Fazackerly
died, aged 20. John D. Doughty, formerly of Albany,
died at Cincinnati, aged 44.

27. The Gorernor commuted the sentence of Phelps
the murderer, from death to imprisonment at hard labor

for life, in the Clinton prison Lewis Clark died»

aged 73. He had been engaged in the auction
business a great many years, and was the senior partner
of the firm of Clark & Blake at the time of his death.
He was an ofiicer in the war of 1812, and being tall and
athletic had a martial bearing. Wm. H. Bradstreet died,
aged 44. John Lean died, aged 60.

28. The New York steamboats, and the ferry boats
grounded in the river, the water being lower than at any
time during the remarkably dry season last year.

29. Lewis Clark buried with military honors. .....

Sophia Muir died, aged 33. Lydia A. Hough died, aged
21. Martin Stead died, aged 57.

30. A fire at one o'clock in the morning destroyed a
stable comer of Orange and Hawk streets, and burnt

two horses and a cow. Loss $1400 Thomas J,

Gibbons, died, aged 35.

April,

1. The diureh of St. Joseph was found to have been
robbed of its sacramental vessels, valued at $300» . . . , .

Annah of 1855. B28

The farm house of Teunis Van Vechten, on the plank-
road, beyond the almshouse, was destroyed by fire....
The wind blew a hurricane, unroofing houses and blow-
ing down chimneys. The vane of St. Peter's Church
was bent forty-five degrees out of line, and the cross
on St. Mary's Church was carried away. The Peniten-
tiary also sustained considerable injury.

2. The gale continued with unabated fury during the

whole day, doing much damage Two alarms of

fire, but no damage done A woman named Doni-

gan died of wounds said to have been inflicted by her
husband. Rudolph Ziegenhorn, aged 28, committed sui-
cide by shooting himself in the head.

3. Mrs. Margaret Sloan died, aged 63. Roxana R.,
wife of John Cook, died, aged 53.

4. Alarm of fire caused by the burning of goods in a

milliner's window in Broadway The body of a man

apparently long drowned, was washed ashore below the
city. Hannah, wife of Charles A. Baker, died, aged 42.
Fidelia Bowen died, aged 88. Margaret, wife of John
McLachlan, died, aged 42. Bradford Crane died, aged
45. Cretia Jackson died, aged 57. <* Aii humble colored
woman, who will long be remembered with respect and
affection by all who knew her. For more than fifty
years she lived a domestic of Mr. Robert Boyd, and by
her faithfulness had won the strong attachment of every
member of his family, who treated her as a friend rather
than a servant. Above all, she was a truly Christian
woman, remarkably consistent in her conversation, and
most ready to do what she could for the cause of her
great Master. Her end was peace, and her memory
blessed . — Argu$»

5. Catherine Gaffit died, aged 80. Roswell Churchill
died in New York, aged 78; formerly of Albany.

7. Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson died, aged 64. Ellen
Robbins died, aged 69. Almeda Vaii Dusen died, aged
21. Joseph Wincher, a prisoner in the jail was found
dead in his cell.

10. The Delavan House was splendidly illuminated on

V^ . AnmU of 1855.

tiie ocoftsion of the passage of the temperance bill, and
a sapper was giren to the friends of the measure. • • . . •

City Bank stock sold for $1.41 the house occupied

bj the late John Boardman, on State street, was sold far
13,325.

11. Mary, wife of Robert W. Litle, died.

12. Mary H., wife of Joseph Burbanks, died.

13. William McQueen, a noted machinist, died at
Schenectady, aged 28.

14. The legislature adjourned after a session of 103
days ...... Patrick McGee died, aged #5.

16., Lucy Gilbert Van Deusen, wife of David W.
Groesbeeck, died, aged 70.

17. The Albany Dime Savings Bank organized, John

Winne, President Margaret, wife of James McOlure

died, aged 46.

18. The occultation of Venus by the moon was wit-
nessed at 22 minutes before nine in the evening

Keyes Stone drowned, aged ^. Mrs. Susanna Fryer
died, aged 91. Rev. H. S. Smith died, pastor of the
Methodist Episcopal church on Arbor Hill.

19. Dyer Lathrop died, aged 67. He was born in
Norwich, Conn., and came to Albany in 1811, where he
resided until his death, in the capacity of a merchant.
Upright, honorable and industrious, various trusts were
confided to him. He was treasurer of the Orphan Asy-
lum from its first organization, and frequently used his
own money to relieve its embarrassments. He repeat*
edly discharged the duties of the ofBces of Alderman and
Supervisor with ability. He was the only merchant
whose name appeared in the Directory of 1813, that had
made no change in his business since that day.

20. Lydia, wife of Levi Cornell, died, aged 51. John
Henry Langguth died, aged 24.

21. Truman S. Chiritree died, aged Si.

23. William A. ^iver died, aged 45. Samuel Phipps
died, aged 84.

24. Anna, wife of Isaac Huddleston, died, i^ed 73.
Mary, wife of John Newman, died, aged 54. Francis

J$mah €f 1855. BS5

Bryan died on his return from California, aged 53; foV-
merly of the firm of John Bryan & Son.

27. A fire on the corner of Hudson and Lark streets
damaged the contents of a grocery, but was soon got un-
der A fire in Montgomery street destroyed a safe

maker's shop and tools; loss $500 James Holiday,

formerly of this city, died at Auburn, aged 78. He was
for a long time a justice of the peace for the town of
Bethlehem, residing Just beyond the city line, and his
court was a famo*us one, at which many singular cases
were tried. He was one of the founders of the Hiber-
nian Provident Society of this city, was its first Presi-
dent, and held the office many years. For many years,
and until the time of his leaving the county, he was a
constant attendant at the First Presbyterian Church, of
which he was a highly respected member. Some twelve
years ago he retired from the active pursuits of life to a
farm in the town of Cato, which he left two years be-
fore his death, and resided at Auburn. He is charac-
terized as a good citizeui a faithful friend, and an exem*
plary Christian.

28. The Albany Museum, which was opened by Henry
Trowbridge at least as early as 1809, was closed up. The
curiosities had been carted away some weeks before, and
transported to another part of the country . it is believed
to form a floating museum on the Mississippi.

May.

1. Business commenced on the canals A fire

broke out in the garret of a house in Lydius street above
the Cathedral, which was speedily subdued by the fire-
men The cartmen charged such as moved one dollar

and fifty cents a load. . .*. . . A total eclipse of the moon

took place in the evening, beginning at 9.20m P. M

James Fortune died, aged 25. Marie, widow of the late .
H. L. V. D. Holstein, died, aged 55. •

2. The Green street Theatre was opened by the late

manager of the Museum, Charles T. Smith Gusta-

vus Bacsko died, aged 65.

326 AnnaU €f 1855.

5. Rer. Samuel T. Seelye installed pastor of the Fourth
Presbyterian Ghurebi •••• •Edmund James Young died,
aged 21.

6. Rev. Hbenezer Halley commenced his pastorate over

the Third Presbyterian church Rev. S. T. Seelye

began his ministry at the Fourth Presbyterian Church.
• . • • . .James Gtemmel died, aged 42. Philena M., wife
of J. L. Roser, died, aged 37. Rose, wife of James
Gonnell, died, aged 62. John Hughes died, aged 49.

7. Helena, wife of E. Emmons, Jr., died, aged 25.

8. A sturgeon lO^feet in length, and weighing 350 lbs.
was exhibited at the Centre Market. •....A policeman
was attacked by an animal, at the corner of Lydius and
Hawk streets, which proved to he a mink. The hens
had been molested nights in that neighborhood, but no
watchfulness could detect the depredator. None of his
species had been known here for a long time.

10. Hannah M., wife of John D^ Chism, died, aged
34.

11. A fire in Morton street, destroyed a small dwel-
ling-house.

13. Benjamin Oakley died, aged 77. Gen. Anthony
Lamb, a resident of Albany in the early part of the pre-'
sent century, died in New York, aged 84. ^

14. A law passed by the common council to prevent
the use of martial music on Sunday, and imposing a pen-
alty of $10 upon every one violating it Elias Gil«

lespie died, aged 54.

15. An alarm of..fire, caused by the burning of a ca-
nal boat in the basin. • • • . .Mary Bell died, aged 80,

16. Peter Johnson died, aged 29.

17. George Skerrett died, aged 45. Maria L. Boyd,
wife of Hooper C. Van Vorst, died in New York; fu-
neral in Albany on the 20th. John C. Spencer died,
aged 68. (See vol. vi, p. 307, et seq.)

18. Margaret Gilchrist died, aged 21.

19. Horace Pearce, formerly of Albany, was drowned
at Williamsburgh, Long Island.

22. Frances, wife of Isaac Jones, died, aged 24^

JmwJH of 1855. 88T

93. Ezekiah C. Molntosh died. For many years
Mr. Mcintosh was among the most prominent, enterprising
and successful of our business men. and during the same
time had not been less distinguished for his high personal
worth and character, and his warm interest in religious
and benerolent institutions. As a member of the late
firm of E. & E. G. Mcintosh, having by integrity and
trell directed industry secured a competent fortune, he,
some eight or ten years ago, on the dissolution of that
firm, withdrew from mercantile pursuits, and soon after
accepted the Presidency of the Albany and Schenectady
Railroad Gompany-^then laboring under financial embar-
rassments. Under his able and efficient management the
affairs of that company were soon placed in a sound and
prosperous condition, and so continued with constantly
improving prospects until the company was in 1853
merged by the act of consolidation in the general line
of the New York Gentral Railroad.

At this time Mr. Mcintosh, with a view to pleasure
and information, as well as relief from the cares of busi«
ness by which he had been so long engrossed, sat out up*
on an extended tour in Europe and the East. While
thus absent, he was attacked with a severe illness, and
returned in the fall in a very feeble condition. After his
return, although hopes were at times entertained of hia
restoration to health, they were variable and un-
certain, and death unexpectedly put an end to his suffer-
ings and to the ardent hopes of a wide circle of friends
to whom he was justly endeared, and by whom his mem*
ory will be long and fondly cherished.

24. The funeral of John DeGroot, a native of Holland,
was attended by the military companies and the Ger«
man lodge of Odd Fellows.

27. Lydia H., wife of Robert Davis, died, aged 80.

28. A fire in Lark street consumed a stable and a
horse John Moran died, aged 48. William May-
ell died, aged S3. He came to this city in June, 1795,
ft*om London, and opeqed his goods in a store on the east
fide of Broadway, below. State street. He pursued the

S» JmctU pf 1855

business of a manufacturing hatter many years, was an
active member of the Albany Mechanics' Society, which
was composed of prominent men of various trades. He.
was also a member of the Albany Institute for nearly
half a century.

^. David Newland died, aged 82.

31. William Wallace died, aged 66. Eliza Hale, wife
of Dr. ^H, D. Paine, died,

June.

1. Levi S. Littlejohn died, aged 58,

2. John D. Carls died, aged 35. Mary, wife of Wil-
say Hunter, died, aged 41.

3. Michael Garrity died, aged 58. 4. Richard Morrell
died, aged 61.

5. Bebecca M., wife of Thomas Thacher, died, aged
52. Catherine, wife of £. Mitchell, died, aged 25.

6. Workmen commenced the demolition of the old
State Hall, corner of State and Lodge streets. The ed-
ifice was built in 1797, under John Jay's administration,
and served the purposes of the state for about thirty-five
years.

7. Daniel Whiting died at Philadelphia, aged 87. He
was admitted to the Albany bar about sixty years ago,
and was one of the proprietors of the Albany C$rUineh

11. The first high water of the season, which nearly
reached the top of the docks.

12. Michael Farren died, aged 26.

13. An alarm of fire in the morning proceeding from
a house in Orange street, occupied by several families ;
damage small. .... The dry goods store of Fryer & Co.,
in Broadway, was robbed of a large quantity of goods*
The burglars were traced to Castleton and jarrested, and
all the goods recovered. They proved to be adroit
thieves from New York, who came up to Castleton in a
yacht, and were about to return when captured. . • . • .
Cornelius Truax died, aged 82.

. 14. George H. Nebmire died, aged 57.

AmaU. of 1855. 8X9

15. A fire in Canal street destroyed & ]ftrga stable, and
five horses were burnt,

17. Mrs. Sally, widow of George Vance, died, aged 7S.

18. Mrs. M. M., wife of William Davis, died, aged 23.
Edward W. Ford died, i^ 44.

19. John Thornton died, aged 66. Christiana Rice,
wife of John Dubois, died, aged 46. Hugh Robinson,
formerly of Albany, son of John Robinson, died at
Schenectady.

20. Isaac B. Briggs, formerly of Albany, died at Brat-
tleboro, Vt., aged 54.

22. A child six years of age in attempting to catch
rain drops, felt from the third story window upon the
pavement, and received only a slight injury.

23. A floral celebration by the pupils of Mrs. Oour-
lay, took place at Mount Hope, which was conducted
with so much ingenuity and propriety as to form a very

interesting fete Russell Packard, formerly of Al*

bany, died at Detroit, aged 49, John Van Zandt died,
aged 80, [This is not the former cashier of the Bank
of Albany, who still lives.]

24. A fire corner of State and Lodge streets destroyed

the contents of a grocery Rer. Duncan Kennedy

preached his farewell sermon to the congregation of the
North Dutch Church, of which be bad long been the
pastor,

26, Workmen commenced'pull-
ing down the house No. 106 State J!
street, the residence of J. V. N. /
Tates dnring his lifetime.

27, Rev.Mr.Halley wasinstal-j
led pastor of the Third Presbyte- 1
nan church, . The sermon was li
preached by Rev. J. N. Campbell. |
the charge given by Dr. W. B. I
Spraguc, and the charge to the ■

people b^ Dr. Huntington, late Yit«Eio<i>n,

pastor of the church.

28, Isaac Linacer died. Benjamin Hoffman died, aged

SSO AwiaU of 1835.

64. He vras connected with the Evening Journal from
1831 to 1842, as one of its publishers* Christopher B.
Wait died. Dianthus 0. Fanning, late of Albany, died
at Nicaragua, aged 43.

29. First hot day of the season, 94^ in the shade •

A camphene lamp exploded in the office of the Freie
£^^<er, doing but little damage... ...Joseph Kirkland,

aged 38, was killed by falling from .a wagon. Maria
Dunbar died, aged 70. James Wilson died, aged 60.

30. The thermometer in one locality rose to 99 de-
grees in the shade Wm. A. Melius died, aged 36.

John Lee died, aged 72.

July.

1. Thermometer 97 degrees Abigal Van Steen-

berg, wife of Wm. B. Frisbee, died, aged 26. Rebecca
Fonda died.

2. Almira Putnam, wife of Robert H. Wier, died, aged
37. Mrs. Mary Parker died, aged 71.

6. A fire at half past one in the morning damaged a
house in Green street near Hamilton.

7. The first complaint under the new liquor law was
made against the proprietor of the City Hotel.

9. A race between two propellers took place on the

riyer between Albany and Hudson Stewart Wilson

died, aged 77. John F. Steele died, aged 34.

11. A cricket match between the Albany and TJtica
clubs resulted in the defeat of the Albanians by 3 runs.
. . . .James M. French died. He was the son of Abel
French; graduated at Williams College; studied law
with his relative James McEown, then recorder; and,
in 1812, became connected with the Albany Atlas, as ed-
itor and publisher, , in which year he was an unsuccess-
ful candidate for congress. In 1846 he left the Atlas
and went into mercantile business. He was appointed
pension agent in 1854; but disease had sometime before
incapacitated him for actiire business.

12. Mrs. Ellen Baldwin died.

13. Stephen Hadley died, aged 49.

Jntialt of 1855. ^1

14. John Hitchcock, one of the ancient skippers of
the Hudson, died, aged 68.

17. Thermometer at 97 Mrs. Naomi RadcIifT

died, aged 90.

18. Luke F. Newland died, aged 63. Few among us
were better known or more highly respected. He was
for more than a quarter of a century the life of the so-
cial circle, and the favorite and friend of all who knew
him. With fine literary taste he combined a profound
appreciation of harmony, and contributed largely to the
cultivation of the love of music which has so generally
obtained in this city. He was a pattern husband and fa-
ther, an unobtrusive Christian and a warm friend. He
leaves behind him the odor of a good name, and all
who knew him will ever cherish a grateful recollec-
tion of his many virtues. Isaac Waterman died, aged
71.

20. Mrs. Rebecca Van Zandt died, aged 87. Mrs. £1-
linore, wife of William Williams, died, ^ed 64.

21. The last of the dwelling houses on the east side
of Montgomery street, forming the block between S^teu-
ben and Columbia streets, was demolished to mak^ room
for the Central rail road. This was once a row of very
elegant residences, and the site of the Female Academy
for several years.

22. Mrs. Rebecca Shaver died, aged 67. Richard Van*
denburgh died, aged 63.

24. The famous old North River steamboat Commerce
sank in the river opposite Harlem Flats.

28. A large reservoir in Lydius street, above Eagle,
which had been built several years, caved in and present-
ed a vast chasm. It was constructed of plank, and sup*
plied from a spring. A great number of people were
supplied by it, its vast capacity answering the severest
tests by drouth. The pump which had been so long and
actively exercised was swallowed up with nearly a hun-
dred cartloads of earth and stones, and still there was

room for more Margaret Cain died, aged 70. Pat*

rick 0*ReUly died, aged 31.

83S Annals of Albany.

30. The demolition of the Atheneum building in Broad*
way was begun, with the intention of erecting a banking
bouse for the Exchange Bank and Bank of the Union.

, August.

8. Aaron S. Ward died, aged 80.
4. Anne Fitzsimmons died, aged 50. Catherine Dickie
died, aged .84.

6. Elizabeth Hilton died, aged 70.

8. Anna, wife of Sidney W. Seelye, died, aged 28.
Maria, wife of Philip Luke, died.

9. An alarm of fire at an early hour in the morning,
was caused by the light of a fire in the direction of Troy.

Thomas Newborg, a German, aged 64, was found

dead in a barn in rear of 349 Bowery.

11. An alarm of fir^ occasioned by the explosion of a
lamp John Dickson died, aged 40. . Helen Feather-
ley died, aged 35. John Hun Meads died, aged 20.

12. A fire in a basement near the upper end of Wash*
iiigton street was extinguished without much damage.

1 3. A fire destroyed a stable in Washington street, in
which a horse was burnt. There was a fire at the same

time in Dallius street Gilbert C. Angus died, aged

27. Mrs. Margaret Dunnigan died,, aged 42.

15. A fire destroyed the cooperage of Charles Radcliff,
which was the largest in the city, extending fr6m the
track of the Northern rail road to the canal above North

Ferry street Nathaniel Crocker, some years since a

resident of Albany, died at Buffalo, aged 98.

19. A fire broke out on the corner of Pearl and Van
Bensselaer streets, which was extinguished before it had

done much damage Mrs. Alice McAlister died, aged

87.

22. John V. S. Visscher died, aged 57.

23. A great shower inundated the basements in many
streets, turning the thoroughfares into foaming torrents,
and carrying a\vay all obstructions in its impetuosity. It
began about one o'clock. All the streets running east
and west were soon filled to the top of the curbstones,

JntMh of 1855. 333

and in many tbo sideviralks were covered with an angry
flood, which pouring into . basement windows and down
the passages, caused great damage to household effects
in particular, and soaking every thing in general. In
State street the pavements were completely hidden, and
large boulders and several of the foundation stones, to be
used on the Geological Hall, were taken by the force of
the water to the comer of Pearl street, and there de-
posited. Dry goods boxes, fruit stands, and in one in-
stance a horse and cart came down the street. At the
corner of each intersecting street, huge piles of alluvial
deposits were left as standing relics of the effects of the
shower. On Howard street, below Lodge, nearly every
basement was inundated. Furniture, stoves, &c., were
completely ruined. So great was the current of water
in this vicinity, that at the corner of Howard and Lodge,
it passed through the first story or ground hall of several
houses, and flooded all th» yards and cellars in the rear
on Beaver street. At the corner of Beaver and Daniels,
the pavements were torn up, and carried to Pearl street,
as was also several cylinder stoves, left standing in front
of Tread well. Perry & Norton's foundry. In Lydius
street the damage was very great. The work of laying
a new drain was under headway, and the street was
excavated for a long distance. The flood poured into the
opening with terrific force, washing away the earth and
doing much damage. Many of the kitchens in this street
were flooded. Near the dock were several large piles of
sand which were swept entire into the river. On South
Broadway, many cellars were flooded with several inches
of water. The Marble Pillar was also nearly submerged
in water. So sudden was the entrance of the water, that
several present sprang into chairs to save themselves.
The water came in with a rushing noise, as though some
vast reservoir had suddenly been opened upon them. In
all quarters of the city more or less damage was sus-
tained by the overflow of drains and flooding of cellars.
The storm, though extremely violent, did not last as long
nor was the quantity of water that fell as large as on a

[Annah, vii.] 29

884 AnnaU of 1855.

certain Sunday in 1848, but it was sufficiently defitructire
enough to cause hope that another will not occur soon —
if accompanied with the same consequences.-r^JE^xprtfs^.
..••. .Eleanor Emma Jean, wife of Peter Smith died,
aged 45.

28. A torch light procession was got up as an escort

to the Yacht Club Harriet A. wife of Edward

Burt, Jr., died, aged 28.

29. Charity, wife of Daniel Bede)!, died, aged 58.
Thomas Hewson died at Greenbush, aged 90. He resided
in Albany upwards of eighty years, and had voted at
every presidential election from Washington to Pierce.
He witnessed the entrance of Burgoyne into Albany. At
the time of his birth, 1766, the city of New York con-
tained 20,000 inhabitants, and Schenectady was the only
city between the Hudson river and the Pacific ocean.
Mr. Hewson was a master carpenter upwards of fiflty
years. He assisted in building the old State Hall in
1799, and the Capitol in 1806. During the war from
1812 to 1815, he held the office of assistant quarter
master, and was stationed at Sacketts Harbor, where he
remained till the declaration of peace,

September.

2. Mrs. Margaret Buckbee, relict of Stephen Buckbee
died, aged 29. Hebertie Lansing, widow of David Pruyn
died, aged 83; a lady of exemplary piety and benevolence,
who had done much towards establishing Sunday schools
in the city at an early day.

3. Thomas Magee died, aged 41.

4. Charles 0. Dobbs died, aged 24.

5. l?ev. George T. Simmons, sometime pastor of the
Unitarian church in this city, died at Concord, Mass.,
aged about 43.

6. The New World, the most successful and gigantic
specimen of steamboat architecture in the world, made
its first appearance at the landing. The New World was
a creation of Isaac Newton, a native of Albany.

Annah of 1859. 335

8. Isaac Hutton died at Stuyvesant Landings itged 88;
formerly a silFersmith at Albany.

9. A fire about three o'clock in the morning, destroy-
ed four wooden buildings in Montgomery street.

12. Thomas Martin died, aged 49.

13. The coal dealers subscribed $200 for tbe relief of
the sufferers by yellow fever at Norfolk and Portsmouth,
Va J. Stacey Phelon died, aged 29.

16. Edward C. McCiintock died, aged 35.

17. Mary Mesick died, aged 24. Wm. W. Eoser, a na-
tive of Albany, died at New Orleans of yellow fever.

21. John Cottle Huston died* aged 27. Mary Deyo
died, aged 27.

22. Oyrenus St. John died, aged 33. Olive Amelia
BoUes, wife of Thomas Easterly died, aged 29.

23. Accident on State street bridge; one hundred per-
sons were precipitated into the water by the falling of a
portion of the side. They were witnessing the extin-
guishment of a fire in a canal boat.

24. Mary Walsh, widow of Andrew H. De Witt, died.

28. Mrs. Catharine Schuyler died at Watervliet, aged
92.

29. Sillick Mead of Albany died in New York, aged 72.

OCTOBETR.

i. Mr. Samuel Wilkeson became one of the editors of
the Evening Journal^ in the palce of Thurlow Weed, who
retired.

2. Mrs. Catharine Burk, wife of James White died«
aged 36.

3. Oeorge B. Eiggs, formerly of Albany, and sometime
captain of the steamboat Rip Van Winkle, died at Du-
buque, Iowa.

5. John Moore died, aged 37.

7. The priests of the Roman Catholic diocese of Albany
opened the first diocesan synod of the see of Albany, at
the Cathedral, in the presence of several thousand spec-
tators.

8S6 Annals of 1855.

8. Mary Ann, wife of G. A. Birch, died, aged 23.

12. Helen Pruyn, wife of S. G. Wood, died, aged 24.

13. Eliza M. Cook died at Poughkeepsie, eldest daugh-
ter of the late John Cook of this city. She was buried
from St. Paul's church on the 16th.

14. William Finehout died, aged 49. Garret Hayes
died at Springfield, Illinois, aged 30, formerly of Albany.

16. A fire destroyed three wooden buildings on the
pier, of small value and well insured.

17. Albert Hayden died, aged 62,

18. Mary Clemshire died, aged 69. Peter McQuade
died, aged 77.

19. Catharine, wife of Cornelius Brady, died, aged 55.

21. Ann Crouch died, aged 62.

22. Eliza Chase, died. William Bradford, formerly of
Albany, died at Brooklyn, aged 62.

23 Benjamin Turner died, aged 45.
24. Seth Crapo, a merchant respected for his integrity
and urbanity, died, aged 54. Frilla Pennet died, aged 63.

26. Mary, wife of Charles M. Gillespie, died, aged 20.

27. Christiana, wife of John Goldwait, died, aged 29.

28. Hugh Johnson died, aged 29.

80. Mrs. Margaret Kirkpatrick died, aged 62. She was
a native of England, but had resided many years in Albany,
where she was not less extensively known for her enter-
prise and intelligence in business, which she conducted
herself, prosperously, than respected for the charities and
kindness daily and hourly extended to all who were des-
titute and sick. — Journal, John Mangan died, aged 21.
Margaret Bain, wife of Robert C. Campbell, died, in the
61st year of her age.

81. The hull of the steamboat Diamond, used as a coal
barge, was run into and sunk at the foot of Hamilton

street, with 200 tons of coal on board John Mofiat

died, aged 65.

Amah , of 1855.

NorVEMBER.

1. Elizabeth Smith died, aged 20.

2. Augustus F. tend died, aged 24. Mary L. An-
drews died, aged 73.

3. An alarm of fire from the burning of a cabinet shop
in James street; loss $300. Another from a dwelling
house in Ferry street; damage slight Esther, wid-
ow of the late Elisha Putnam died, aged 80. Mrs. Jo-
hanne Dorr died.

5. Thomas G. Copetand died. \

6. Election day — the Know Nothings carrying nearly

all their candidates into office Michael Brennan

shot at the polls in a riot ; agM 33.

8. Elizabeth Crounse died aged 24.

9. James Wilson died, aged 85. Wm. Van Rensselaer
died, aged 62. ^

10. Rebecca Enower, daughter of the late Benjamin
Enower, died in New York.

12. Geo. W. Somarendyck died, aged 41.

13. The body of Owen McGraw was found in the river
at the foot of Cherry street, supposed to have drowned
himself.

14. Cornelia H., wife of Geo. Baker died, aged 20.

16. William Russell died, aged 83. Judith , wife of
James Clinton, died, aged 55.

17. The wooden ware factory of Woolley k Harris,
No. 120 Washington street, took fire in the evening and
communicated to three dwellings adjoining, the upper
stories of all of which were burnt, one man fatally in**

jured, and several others wounded The first snow

of the season fell in the city.

18. John Gardiner died, aged 33.

19. Dr. T. Romeyn Beck died, aged 64. An obituary
notice will appear in the next volume of this work.

22. Anna Belle w died, aged 20.

23. Patrick Galvin died, aged 52.

24. The basement of the Third Presbyterian Church
was entered at night, and the communion service broken

338 AnnaU of 1855.

so as to render it useless The city was visited by a

gale, which did considerable damage to property of vari-
ous kinds. It blew down an ancient elm which was
planted in the Dutch church yard on Beaver street, but
which, sinde the widening of Uie street, has stood, with

its fellow, outside the fence.' David Martin died.

aged 70.

25. Matthew Clark died, aged 56.

29. Mary, wife of Hugh Tanney, died, aged 27.

30. The canal was found to have been effectually
closed by the chills of the preceeding night ; but not for
the season.

Deoembeb.

?. Rev. Thomas Clapp Pitkin, late of Trinity Churchy
New Haven, began his rectorship in St. Peter's Church.
Maria, wife of Peter Cagger, died.

4. Prof. Woolworth, of the State Normal School was
elected Secretary of the Regents of the University in the

place of Dr. Beck, deceased Rosanna, wife of Wm«

Sugden, died, aged 32.

5. Marcha, wife of James McClelland died. Anna
Stacia Aikins died, aged 21.

6. William Martin died, aged 28.

8. The New York boats did not arrive till 3 o'clock in
the afternoon, having grounded on Cuyler's bar.

9. Franklin R. Ferry died at St. Paul's, Minnesota^
aged 40.

10. Mrs. Elizabeth, widow of the late William Chap-
man, died in Brooklyn, aged 83.

12. Andrew W. De Witt died, aged 24.

The canal was closed at all points, and the ice was
beginning to form in the river.

12. Angelica Van der Volgen died aged 83.

14. The steam boat Nassau was burnt at 10^ o'clock
in the evening, at her winter berth in the Basin. Loss
115,000— insured $8,000.

16. William Miller died aged 33.

Annah of 1855. 839

17. Joseph Alexander died, aged 91. He was former-
ly president of the Commercial Bank, and one of the
founders of the first sayings bank in Albany. He was a
man of exemplary liberality, and one of the oldest mem-
bers of the Second Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Caroline H. Miller died aged 23.
The last canal boat was locked into the Hudson, and
the canal closed for the season. v

18. Jacob Van Ness died, aged 80.

19. Elizabeth, widow of John Weaver, died, aged 81.

20. Louis D. Pilsbury elected superintendent of the

Penitentary, in the place of his father, resigned

Miss Anna Mancius, daughter of the late Dr. Wilhelmus
Mancius, died at Watervliet, aged 79. Catharine Ann
Dunn, late of Albany, died at Wilmington, N. C; aged
25.

21. The river was crusted over so thick as to prevent
the passenger boats from moving through it, and naviga-
tion was said to be closed for the time; nevertheless, a
tugboat forced its way up before night,.. ....An alarm

of fire in the forenoon caused by the burning of some
outhouses in the western part of the city. Another soon

after arose from the burning of a chimney Mary

Croogan died, aged 56.

22. Great rain storm. .. William McCrossen, tried

for the murder of Michael Brennan, acquitted.

23. Edward McDonald died aged 29. Robert S. Wands
died, aged 54.

25. Hail, rain and snow fell during the whole day and

evening, producing the first sleighing of the season

E. G. Chesebro died, aged 43.

26. Andrew McGuire died.

27. The funerals of E. 6. Chesebro and Andrew Mc-
Guire, were both attended by the military companies.

28. Lucinda, widow of Capt. Isaac B. Hand, died, aged
81.

29. Narcisse Remond died, aged 43. John P. Tracy »
ornamental writer, died.

340 JmoU of 1865.

80. Miss Sally Van Zandt died, aged 60 Letitia Groei-
beck, daughter of the late Jacob D. Groesbeck, and wife
of Nathaniel Lewis, late of Albany, died.

31. Mrs. Kebecca Yates died, aged 73. Edward M,
Gough, late of Albany, died in San Francisco of conges-
tion of the lungs.

(841)

CEOSBT'S HOTEL.

Many persons remember the queer building with its
high wooden stoop that stood on the corner of South
Pearl and Beaver streets, known as Crosby's Hotel,
A great many curious incidents transpired there before
it burnt down; and the Clinton Hotel rose upon its ruins.
Among them is the following: "^me time between
1820 and 1825, when Mexican revolutions were frequent,
Don Lorenzo de Zavala, governor of the city of Mexico,
left his country for state reasons, and spent two or three
years in the United States, during which time he wrote
a history of his travels in this country, which was highly
spoken of for its impartiality and correctness. During
a short stay at Albany he met, and bec'ame enamored
with. Miss Amanda West, of Westerlo, who, at the time,
was at service with Mrs. Crosby. She was a beau-
tiful and intelligent girl, read romances a good deal, and
frequently expressed a strong presentiment that she would
one day be elevated to a h^h position in life. Zavala
married her, and took her with him to Mexico, on the
success of his party in a new revolution. He was after-
wards sent to France as Mexican minister, when his beau-
tiful Helderberg wife, with the aid of 'a French teacher,
received some addition to a good country school educa-
tion. On a subsequent visit to this country, Zavala
realized a large fortune in the sale of Texas lands, and
finally settled on a rich plantation on the Rio Trinidad,
where he afterwards died, leaving his widow with four
children. A fine river in Texas now bears his name.
Mrs. Zavala's mother, previous to the first visit of the
Don to this country, married a second husband* a German
named Laupaugh, in Westerlo.

(342)

BXAMINATIONS

AT A

COURT OF INQUIRY AT ALBANY.

IFrom NewYork Oolonial H&rtory, toI. t], p. 374.]

At the Fort at Albany 11th Decemher 1745.
Whereas. Captain John Rutheford having applyed to
me for a Court of Enquiry relating to the condition of the
Fort at Saraghtoga, before and at that time, when the
Detachment was recalled, [summoned the following
Officers, who were present, Yizt.

Captain Hubert Marshall. President.

Captain Thomas Clark

Lieut: John Lindsay

Lieutenants John Marshall and Stephen Eastwick.
Lieut Edmund Blood, declared to us that he was pre*
sent there, when his Excellency ordered a party: yizt a
Sergeant, a Corporal and ten Private men to be posted
in the Fort at Saraghtoga, upon these express conditions,
that the Gentlemen of Albany (at whose desire he sent
them) should immediately put the said Fort in good re-
pair, also to make a Well and Oven; that His Excellency
ordered him, in case these things were not done accord-
ingly to withdraw the Men he having sufficient proof that
there was neither Well nor Oven made, many other ne-
cessary reparations not complyed with he would have re-
called the Men long before they were, if Captain Ruthe-
ford had not been here, and that he often advised Cap-
tain Rutheford to recall that Detachment before he did it.
Sergeant Convers, who commanded the above party
being on duty at this time at Fort Hunter, the Corporal
to the said party was called in and examined on outb;
declared that he was Corporal at Saraghtoga and came

Court of Inquiry at Albany. 34 S

down with the Men when recalled, that there was neither
Well nor Oven in the Garrison, the Floors above never
laid, except the Floor in one of the Block houses, that
the Roofs of none of the Block houses were made tight,
and that they neither could keep themselves or arms ettc,
dry when it rained ; that their powder was at last dam-
aged notwithstanding they took the greatest care to pre-
serve it.

David Mahany Soldier being sworn, declared : he was
one of the party at Saraghtoga ; that the Roofs in all the
Block houses were leaky, no floors laid above or below,
except the Floor in one Block house and that, considerably
damaged by the rain, no Well or Oven in the Fort.

William Schaw Soldier, being sworn, declared: as above
that when it rained they could not keep their arms,
amunition or clothes drye, and in no way could shelter
themselves from the weather.

Benjamin Schaw Soldier, being sworn declared as above
and that most of the Soldiers, who had been on that
party were attending at the^ door, ready as they said
to swear to the same purpose, ettc But we thought the '
proofs so plain, as to need no further evidence.

Captain Rutherford declared, that he had often applyed
to Coll. Schuyler and to the Commissioners for Indian Af-
fairs ettc, and told him that he had every day complaints
from the Men posted at Saraghtoga of the hardships they
suffered there, and if they would not repair the Fort as
they had promised, he would be obliged according to his
Excellency's order to withdraw the Men ; that he repeated
this again and again, and nothing done ; he accordingly
recalled the party agreable to his orders.

Sergeant Convers who commanded the party had often
begged to be degraded to a private Centinel, and that he
had lost two of his best Men. by desertion, being assured
by his companions that the hardships they suffered at
Saraghtoga induced them to desert the service.

Hubert Marshall
Thomas Clark
John Marshall
Stephen Eastwick.

( 445 )

INDEX.

Abbey, E. K., 104.
AblemaD, John, 315.
Academy Park, 138, 158.
Acres, Thomas, 104.
African School, 185, 189.
Agricultural Soc, 161, 319.
Aikins, Anna S., 338.
Albany Atlas, 330.
Albany Centinel, 328.
Albany Coffee House, 146.
Albany Committee Correspon-
dence, 203.
Albany Library, 152, 149.
Albany Morning Chron., 319.
Aldermen, 1714, 21.

1715, 36.

1716, 58.

1717, 68.

1718, 81.

1719, 140.
Aldermen, fines, 8, 10.
Alexander, Joseph, 137, 339.
Allen, Jooylin, 302.

Allen, Tilly, 104.
Almshoase, 164.
Ancient Documents, 97.
Andrews, Mary L., 337.
Andres, Gov., 266.
Angus, Abraham, 167.
Angus, Mrs., 313.
Angus, G. C, 332.
ApoUino, 143.
Apple, Wm., 38.
Apprentices, 175.
Apprentices' Library, 148, 166.
Armsby, J. H., 305.
Arrests, No. of, 320.
Artcher, Edward, 321.

[Annah, vii.]

Assessments, 14, 25, 36, 58, 69.
Astronomical Journal, 308.
Atheneum Building, 332.
Auction duties, 135.
Auctioneers, 145.
Aulkey, Hubertse, 234.
Austin, steamer, 322.
Babington, Saml., 19, 39, 61, 63,

Bachellors, tax on, 156.
Backer, John, 98, 101.
Backus, E F., 104.
Bacon, John F., 104, 160.
Bacsko, G., 325.
Badger & Lion, 183.
Bakers, 176.
Bakers, (see bread.)
Bakei-s, exorbitant, 30, 55.
Baker, Capt., 257, 259, 263.
Baker, Mrs. 323.
Baker, Mrs. G., 337.
Baker, Benj., 227, 231.
Baldwin, Ellen, 330.
Balloon ascent, 137.
Bamman, E., 138.
Bancroft, H. A., 105.
Bancker, Evert, 234.
Bancker, Gerrit, 86.
Bank of Albany, officers, 138.
Bank of Albany, 313.
Bank of the Union, 332.
Bank pressure, 139.
Barber, John, 240.
Barclay, Thomas, 21, 63, 79.
Barclay, William, 154.
Barnes, G. W., 105.
Barracks, 226, 230.
Barrett, Robert, 224.

446

Initx.

Bassett, John, 167.

Batohelder, Matilda, 105.

Bay, John, 211.

Bayard, Col., 279.

Beaver trade, 263, 266, 269.

Beck, Caleb, 61.

Beck, T. R., 148, 337, 338.

Becker, Capt. John, 98.

Bedell, Mrs., 334.

Beer, price of, 30, 55.

Bellmen, 37.

Bellew, Anna, 337.

Bell, Mary, 326.

Bennett, Sala, 105.

Bergen, 316.

Bicknell, Theodore, 321.

Bigelow, Harriet, 321.

Bill of Fare at Poor Houfie, 165.

Bingham, Joseph, 161.

Birch, Mrs., 336.

Bleecker, Barent, 146.

Bleecker, John N., 210, 213,

217.
Bleecker, N., Jr.. 152.
Boardman, John, 106, 324.
Booking, Mrs., 185, 186.
Bogardus, Anthony, 10.
Bogardus, Domine, 89.
Bogart, Giles, 158.
Bogert, John, 140, 152.
Bookhout, Mrs., 315.
Boom, Johannes, 238.
Bowen, Fidelia, 323.
Boyd, Ann, 316.
Boyd, D. W., 318.
Boyd, Samuel, 109.
Boyd, Thomas J., 313.
Brady, Mrs., 336.
Bradford, Wm., 336.
Bradstreet, Wm. H., 322.
Brainerd, Israel H., 105.
Brat, Tennis, 14.
Brat, Dirk, 18.
Bread, assize of, 30, 55, 57, 140,

143, 145, 148, 150, 153, 162,

176.
Breakey, Wm. 105.
Brennan, Michael, 337, 339.

Briggs, Isaac B„ 329.

Brown, Allen, 106.

Brown, Elizabeth, 313.

Brown, Isaac, 105.

Brown, Lucy, 105.

Brown, Noidi, 141.

Brown, Rufas, 106.

Bruen, Rev. Mr., 190.

Bryan, Francis, 325,

Buckbee, Mrs., 334.

Buel, Jesse, 161.

Bulkley, Chester, 106.

BuU, Captain, 282, 287.

Burbankd, Mrs., 324.

Bni^huy, 328, 337.

Burrows, Charles, 107.

Burt, Mrs. 334.

Bushland, 39.

Butler, B. P., 106, 133,' 155, 157.

Buttre, Wm., 107.

By-Laws of city, 170.

Cagger, Mrs. Peter, 338.

Cain, Margaret, 331.

Caldwell & Solomons, 150.

Caldwell, Wm., 156.

Campbell, John C, 107.

Campbell, J. N., 329.

Campbell, Mary, 321.

Campbell, Mrs., 336.

Camphene explosion, 330.

Canal closed, 338, 339.

Canals open, 325.

Canal originator, 141.

Canoe express, 32.

Cantonment at Greenbush, 168.

Capitol, 134.

Capitol Park, 151.

Carls, Jolm D., 328.

Carmen, 171.

Camehon, Joseph, 318.

Carson & Hall, 134.

Carson, Thomas, 134, 140.

Cartmen's charges, 325.

Cartwright's commission, 97.

Case, 107.

Cashman, Mrs., 320.

Casperse, Doritie, 19 .

Castle, Mrs., 318.

Index,

447

CastletoH bar, 144.

Catholic Synod, 335.

Cayugas, 269.

Census, 1820, 151.

Census, 1855, 201.

Center, Asa H., 107, 141.

Chamber of Commerce, 136, 152,

153.
Chambers^s visit, 1853, 94.
Champlin, John, 151.
Chapin, Sidney, 107.
Chapman, Mrs. Wm., 338.
Chase, Eliza, 336.
Cheever, Samuel, 107.
Chester, John, 108.
Chester, Dr. 154.
Chesebro, E. G., 339.
Child, fall of a, 329.
Chinn, Edwai'd, 152.
Chinn, Margaret, 152.
Chiritree, T. S., 324.
Chism, J. D., 326.
Christian, Esther, 318.
Church collection, 160.
Church porch, 42.
Churchill, Roswell, 323.
City bank stock, 324.
City debt, 37.
City prospects, 135.
Clark, Aaron, 152.
Clark, Daniel P., 108.
Clark, Israel W., 156.
Clark, Lewis, 322.
Clark, Matthew, 338.
Clark, Myron H., 313.
Clark, Walter, 137.
Clerk of Market, 175.
Clemshire, Mary, 336.
Clinton, C. H., 322.
Clinton, De Witt, 133.
Clinton, Gov., 145, 146.
Clinton, Mrs.^ 337.
Clowes, Timothy, 151.
Coal dealers charity, 335.
Coasting prohibited, 12.
Cobus the loper, 257.
Coeyman, And., 23, 24, 25.
Cold, 163^ 164, 318,

! Cole, John 0., 156.

I College, effort to establish, 126.

Collins, Mrs., 318.

Colonial Manuscripts, 267.

Colonie, 134.

Combs, Mrs., 319.

Commercial bank stock, 316.

Commerce steam boat, 331.

Commissaries, 258, 270.

Common councils made public,
133.

Conunons, 62, 72.

Comstock, Calvert, 313.

Congregational church, 250.

Conkling, Albert, 108.
Daniel, 109.

Conn. Memorialized, 280.

Connell, Mrs., 326.

Constitution rejected, 164.

Constitution, revision, 157.'

Convention, 160, 162, 293.

Cook, Eliza M., 336.

Cook, John, 133, 152.

Cook, Mrs., 323.

Cook, Mrs. H. P., 318,

Cooper, Mrs., 182.

Copeland, Thomas G., 337.

Com viewers, 170.

ComeU, Levi, 324.

Coming, Erastus, 109, 309.

Couchman, George, 109.

County Geological survey, 148.'

County Agricultural Society, 313,
319.

Court of Inquiry, 342.

Courtney, S, G., 320.

Covert, Hofiman, 1 10.

Crandall, Wm. L., 319.

Crane, Bradford, 323.

Crapo, Seth, 336.

Cricket match, 330.

Crouch, Ann, 336.

Crounse, Elizabeth, 337.

Crocker, Nathaniel, 332.

Crosby's Hotel, 341.

Croswell, Sherman, 313.

Cumming, Hooper, 156, 162, 167.

Cunningham, Ichabod, 109.

448

Ind$s.

Cunniiigliam, R., 320.

Cuyler, Jacob, 217.

Cuyler, Joh., 19.

Cuyler, Joho, 234.

Dam across the riyer, 136.

Damages for polling down house,

38.
Danielse, Symou, 79.
Davis, Nathaniel, 110, 139, 141.
Davis, Mrs., 329.
Davis, Robert, 327.
Dearborn, Gen., 168.
DeBruyn, Joh., 293.
Debts of city, 19.
De Groot, John, 327.
De Laet, Johanna, 88.
Delevan house, 323.
Delemont, John, 234.

Dellius, Dom., 286.

De Peyster, John, 312.

Dewandelaer, Joh., 19, 80.
De Witt, Andrew, 338.

De Witt, Mrs. A. H., 335.

De Witt, Mrs., 320.

DeWitt, R. v., 182.

Deyermand, John, 158.

Deyo, Mary, 335.

Diamond, Mrs. 318.

Diamond steamboat, 336.

Dickerman, Hez., 318.

Dickie, Catherine, 332.

Dickson, John, 332.

DiUingham, ?^Ir., 183.

Dime Saving's Bank, 324.

Discontent of soldiers, 222, 224.

Dobbs, Chas. 0., 334.

Dongan, Tliomas, 271.

Donigan, 323.

Donnelly, Mrs., 316,

Dorr, Mrs., 337.

Doughty, John D., 322.

Douw, Volkert P., 217, 312.

Draper, John C, 110.

Draper, J. H., 110.

Drisius, Samuel, 93.

Drowned, 316, 323.

Dubois, Mi-s., 329.

Dudley, Chas. E., 137, 166.

Dudley Observatorj, 303.
Dudley, Mrs. Blandina, 304.
Dumary, Mrs., 319.
Dunbar, John, 9, 50.
Dunbar, Marjn, 330.
Duncan, Adaline, 319.
Dunn, Catherine Ann, 339.
Dunn, Christopher, 146.
Dunnigan, Mrs. 332.
Durant, Clark, 146.
Durant, Wm., 141, 145.
Dutch Church Papers, 232.
Dutch Church almshouse, 232.
Dutch Church almshouse lease,

233.
Dutch Church consistory send

food to Palatines, 236.
Dutch Ch. rebuild church, 237.
Dutch Church build Domine's

house, 238.
Dutch Church, 14, 25.
Dutch Church borrow to pay

minister's expenses, 239.
Dutch Church elms, 338.
Dutch Church enlargement, 15,

20, 21, 22, 23.
Dutchess County criminals, 318.
Eagle tavern, 138.
Easterly, Mrs., 335.
Eclipse of moon, 325.
Eddy, J. M., 110.
Edic, John, 110.
Eights, Abraham, 142.
Eights, Jonathan, 143.
Eights, Dr., 152.
Elections, 21, 36, 58, 68, 81, 140,

145, 146, 157, 159, 166.
Election Day, 337.
Election returns, 157.
Election senator, 318.
Emmons, Mrs., 326.
English church, 21, 29, 31, 32,

35, 81.
Englishman's sketch book, 195.
Erie canal project, 155.
Esleeck, Welcome, 156.
Evening Journal, 330.
Everston, John H., 165.

Iui»*t

441:

Exchange bank, 332.
Express speed, 141.
Factions, 287.
Fanning, Amos, 110.
Fanning, D. 0., 330.
Farren, Michael, ^28.
Fast riding, fines, 11.
Fazackerly, R., 322.
Featherljr, Helen, 332.
Feeney, Hugh, 318.
Fees of officers, 166.
Female Academy, 158.
Female society, 155.
Ferry boats, 314.
Ferry controversy, 245.
Ferry, F. R., 338.
Ferrying, 231.
Fifth ward, 134.
Fine of aldermen, 10.
Finehout, Wm., 336.
Fire, 3l4, 315, 316, 318, 319, 320,
321, 322, 323» 325, 326, 328,
329, 330, 332, 335, 336, 337,
338, 339, 154.

Fure at Cherry Hill, 165.

Fire masters, 9, 22, 43, t9, 71,
83.

Firemen, 172.

Fire laws, 10.

Fire prevented, 174.

Fire in Troy, 148.

First Presbyterian church, 250.

Fisher, Capt. John, 110.

Fisheries, 144.

Fitzsimmons, A., 332.

Floral Celebration, 329.

Flour, freight of, 145.

Forestalling prohibited, 174.

Fonda, Rebecca, 330.

Foot, EUsha, 111.

Foot race, 315.

Ford, Benj., 147.

Ford, E. W., 329.

Forsyth h Humphrey, 158.

Forsyth, Russell, 151.

Fort Orange, 267.

Fortifications inadequate, 285.

Fortune, James, 325.

Fredenrich, John C, 156*
Freemen, privileges, 10.
Freie Blatter, 330.
Freight expense to Buffalo, 135.

160.
Freight expense to'Pittsburg, 133.
Freight to Cayuga, 145.
French, James M., 330.
French, Albany a bulwark a-

gainst, 284.
Friday, Benj., 111.
Prisbee, Mrs., 330.
Fryer, Susanna, 324.
Funds for committee, 221.
Furman, S. W., 322.
Gaffit, Catherine, 323.
Gale, 338.

Galvin, Patrick, 337.
Gkknnon, Dr., 160.
Gansevoort, Leendert, 44.
Gansevoort, L. H., 156.
G^dner, John, 337.
Garrison, 271.
Garrety, Michael, 328.
Gas, price reduced, 318.
Gtemmel, James, 326.
Gterritse's bouwery, 18.
Gibbons, Thomas J., 322.
Gibson, Henry, 319.
GiJOford, Daniel, 111.
Gilchrist, Margaret, 326.
Gillispie, Elias, 326.
Gillespie, Mrs., 336.
Gladding, Timothy, 111.
Glenn, Henry, 217.
Gold wait, Mrs., 336.
Goodrich, Eliz. A., 318.
Gough, E. M., 340.
Gould, Thomas, 145, 147.
Gourlay, Mrs., 329.
Grain market, 142.
Grant to city, 28.
Grant, Margaret, 111.
Grassie, James, 111.
Greveraet, Lysbet, 93.
Grinnell, Lewis, 111.
Grist mill, 79.
Groesbeeck, C. W. & D. W., 145.

450

Ini$x»

Oroesbeeok, Ifhi., 324.
Gioesbeeok, Mrs., 154.
Groesbeeck, Mrs. Wm., 162.
Gun barrels, 225.
Gaest, Heniy, 148.
Gutter, 81.

Hadley, Stephen, 330.
Hail, rain and snow, 339.
Hale, Daniel, 161.
Hall, Green, 134, 140.
Hallej, Ebenezer, 326.
Halley, Rev. Dr., 329.
Halliday, Hiram, 320.
Hammond, J. D., 111.
Hand, Mrs. I. B.,339.
Hart, Urbane, 319.
Hasey, Samuel, 112.
Hastings, Susan, 322.
Hawley, Gideon, 156.
Hawlej, Samuel, 319.
Hajden, Albert, 336.
Hayes, Garret, 336.
Heermans, J., 139. '
Henderson, Susan, 322.
Henry, John V., 316.
Henry, Joseph, 305.
Heron, G. C, 320.
Hewson, Thomas, 334.
Heyer, Gerrit, 161.
High water, 328.
Highways, 13.
Hills, Erastus, 112.
HUls, W. R., 112.
HUton, Elizabeth, 332.
Hitchcock, John, 331.
Hochstrasser, Paul, 140.
Hoffman, Benj., 329.
Ho£&tead, 78.
Hog, large, 155.
Hogan, Mrs.,- 320.
Hogan, Wm., 146.
Hogs, 175, 176.
Hogs to be ringed, 30, 53.
Hogeboom, P. S., 315.
Holden, Mrs., 319.
Holland, Jesse, 112.
Holiday, James, 325.
Holmes, Elias, 112.

Holmes, John, 112.

Holstein, Mrs., 325.

Homes, Thomas, 322.

Homoepathic Med. Society, 319.

Hooker, Philip, 154, 241.

Hooghberg, 101.

Hopkins, Hannah, 112.

Horth, Francis, 319.

Hospital, 226.

Hot day, 330, 331.

Hough, Lydia A., 322L

Houston, Sam», 320^

Howe, Silas B., 112.

Howell, Maltby, 113.

Hoyt, Geo. A., 146.

Hoyt, Gould, 135.

Huddleston, Mrs., 324.

Hughes, John, 326.

Hunter, Mrs., 328.

Huntingdon, E. A., 314, 329.

Huntington, George, 113.

Hurd, J. N. M., 319.

Huston, J. C, 335.

Button, Isaac, 183^ 240, 335.

Ice boat, 155.

Ice broke through, 314, 315,.

320.
Ice broke up, 321.
Imprisonment for debt, 135*
Indenture of servitude, 234.
Indian proposition, 273, 269.
Indian trade,. 28, 270.
Indians in senate,. 313.
Indian regulations, 64, 66, 67, 83.
Indian converts, 286.
Indians in city, 223.
Inscriptions, tomb stone, 104.
Inspector of skins, 28.
Jackson, Cretia, 323.
James, Mrs. Augustus, 320.
James, Daniel, 113.
James, Wm., 137, 145.
James, Robert & Co., 137, 145,
James, Robert, 159^
Jan, Smits, 262.
Jans, Annetje, 88, 89..
Jansen, Jacob, 235.
Jenkins, Eli^ha, 137^ 139^

Index.

451

Jessup, Edwin, 113.

Jermaiii, John, 113.

Johnson, Hugh, 336.

Johnson, James I., 313.

Johnson, John A., 319.

Johnson, Peter, 326.

Jonas, Mrs., 326.

Jordan, Thomas, 320.

Joy, Miles, 113.

Justice's court removed, 160.

Kane, John, 137.

Eeeler, James, 113.

Eeeler, Charles A., 113.

Keith, Laban W., 31».

Kennedy, Duncan, 329.

Kenyon*s ship yard, 137.

Eetchum, Ephraim, 321.

Ketelhuyn, Daniel, 20, 63, 77, 80.

Keyser, John, 231.

Kilboum, David, 114.

King, Rufus, 114.

Kirkland, Joseph, 330.

Kirkpatrick, Mrs. , 33d.

Knickerbocker, Herman, 316.

Knickerbocker, Joh., 24.

Knight, Emily, 319.

Knower, Benj., 337.

Know Nothings, 337, -

Lacy, Wm. B., 166.

Ladies inventory, 86,

La Fleur, 15, 60.

Lafontaine, Mons., 265.

Lake Erie steamboat Co., 141.

Lamb, Anthony, 326.

Lancaster school, 134.

Lansing, A. A., 166, 314.

Lansing, Abm. J., 147.

Lansing, G^rrit, Jr., 114.

Lansingh, Jacob, 34, 230.

La Parre, Mons^, 277,

Lathrop, Dyer, 324.

Lathrop, Harvey, 114.

Lathrop, Ralph P., 318.

Law suits, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 34,

81.
Lawrence, Thomas, 114.
Leake, I. Q., 137.
Leaman, Dirk, 1^62.

Lean, John, 322«

Lee, John, 330.

Leeman, Orrin, 314.

Legislation, 313.

Legislative proceedings publish-
ed, 164.

Legislature met, 152, 163.

Legislature adjourned, 167, 324,

Legislative pay reduced, 156.

Leisler, 281, 291, 295, 207,

Lewis, Misses, 139,

Lewis, Mrs., 340.

Lewis, Mrs. Robert, 154,

Lewis's tavern, 139.

Ley, Gordon, 114.

Library, Agricultural, 154.

liightbody, Andrew, 148.

Linacre, Isaac, 329.

Lincoln, Orren, 114.

Lincoln, Robert, 155.

Links, 23.

Linn, John Blair, 193.

Liquors not to be sold without
license, 42, 70.

Liquor retailers, 173^

Liquor law, 330,

Litle, Mrs., 324,

Littlejohn, Levi S., 328.

Littiejohn, N. S., 114.

Livingston, Henry B., 223..

Livingston, Philip, 18, 28, 311,

Livingston, Robert, 70.

Livingston, R., 284, 291.

Livingston, R., agent, 292, 295,
300, 301.

Livingston, Walter, 217.

Livingston, Mrs. W. H., 318.

Longevity, 141, 334,^335.

Lord, Joseph, 316.

Lord, B.W., 316.

Lovett, John E., 141, 154.

Low, Dr. James, 140„ 164,

Low water, 338.

Luke, Mrs., 332.

Lush, Maj. John, 167.

Lnsh, Stephen, Jr., 143.

Lydius street filled, 138.

Lydins street reservoir, 33 Xs

452

Indix.

McAIister, Mrs., 332.
McCammon, Wm. 116.
McClelland, Mrs., 338.
McCUntock, E. C, 335.
McClure, Archibald, 183.
McClare, James, 183.
McClure, Mrs., 324.
McConnell, Wm., 116.
McCotter, Neil, 322.
McCrossen tried, 339.
McDole, John, 162.
McDonald, John, 161.
McDonald, Nancj, 315.
McDonald, Rev. Mr., 18^.
McFarland, Mary, 322.
McGee, Patrick, 324.

McGraw, Owen, 337.

McGuire, Andrew, 339.

McHarg, Wm., 241.

Mcintosh, E. C, 327.

Mclntyre, Archilald, 155, 157.

Mclntyre, B., 313.

McEensic, Alex., 322.

McEewn, James, 116,

McEinney, 116.

McLaohlan, Mrs. 323.

McNaughton, Finlaj, 116, 147.

Mcpherson, George, 116.

McQuade, Peter, 336.

McQueen, Mrs., 324.

Mack, Elisha, 114.

Magee, Thomas, 334.

Mancios, Mrs., 339.

Mangan, John, 336.

Manor lease, form of, 101.

Manor privileges, 62.

Market, 138, 174.

Martin, David, 338.

Martin, Thomas, 335.

Martin, Wm., 338.

Marvin, Uriah, 114.

M&rvin, Henrj, 115.

Marvin, Charles, 115.

Mascroft, Wm., 115.

Masonic Convention, 318.

Mather, Elias, H5, 145, 14T. .

Mather & Shome, 146.

Matthews, Frederic, 115,

* Matthews, Mercj, 321.
Mayell, Wm., 148, 327.
Major's court rule, 71.
Meacham, Horace, 116.
Mead, John, 141.
Meads, John Hun, 332.
Mead, Sillick, 335.
Mechanics' Academy, 152.
Mechanics' Society, 240.
Mechanics' & Farmers' bank, 139.
Medical School, 140.
Megapolensis, Joh., 92, 178.
Meigs, John, 148.
Meigs, Rich, M., 116.
Melius, W. A., 330.
Memorial to Conn., 280.
Memorial to Mass., 284.
Merchants, Ancient, 324.
Merchant, George, 155.
Merselis, Guysbert, 226.
Message of President, 141,
Mesick, Mary, 335.
Meteor, 167.

Methodist Ep. church, 160.
Mill regulations, 82.
Milbom, 282.

Militia regulations, 98.

Miller, Christian, 150.

Miller, Wm. C, 150, 182.

Miller, Wm., 338.

Miller, Mrs. Christian, 182.

Miller, Mrs., 339.

Millet, Mrs., 320.

Mills, Chauncey, 117.

MinSebrook, Henry, 319.

Minister's salary, 92.

Mink, 326.

Miser, 319.

Mitchell, Mrs., 328.

Mitchell, Wm., 153.

Moffat, John, 336.

Mohawk Indians, 272.

Mohawk Flats, 310.

Montgomery street, 331,

Moore, Dencey, 117.

Moore, John, 335.

Moore, John T., 137,

Moore, U. V., 318.

Index,

453

Morgan, Harry, 117.

Morgan, Samuel, 117.

Moran, John, 327.

Morrill, Richard, 328.

Morris, Mrs., 316.

Morse, Henry, 118.

Morse, James, 118.

Mndder kill, 66, 57, 60, 77.

Muir, Alex. M., 141.

Muir, Sophia, 322.

Mulcahy, Patrick, 322.

Murder case, 142.

Murdock, Mrs., 314.

Museum, 146, 160, 325.

Myndertse, Fred., 57, 79.

Nassau steam boat burnt, 338.

Navigation, 136.

Navigation closed, 339.

Navigation, proposed improve-
ment, 144.

Nehmire, G. H., 328.

Negro burglar, 158.

Neill, Rev. Wm., 164.

Negroes, 172, 174.

Newborg, Thomas, 332.

Newland, David, 328.

Newland, L. F., 331.

Newman, Mrs., 324.

Newton, Isaac, 334.

New Worid, 334.

New York, distance of, 160.

Nicholson, John, 167.

NicoU, Francis, 217.

Nicolls, Col., 257.

NicoUs confirms Jer. Van Rens-
selaer, 97.

North ferry, 157.

Norton, Wm., 315.

Noyes, Enotjh, 118.

0*DonneU, Terence, 160.

O'ReUley, Pat., 331.

Oakie, Miss, 183.

Oakley, B , 326.

Oath of aUegiance, 40, 43, 44, 45,
46, 48, 50,. 52.

Olcott, T. W., 305, 308.

Olmstead, David, 154.

Olmstead, John I., 118.

Onondagaci, 269, 274.

Oranienburgh, 195.

Oregon steam boat, 321.

Orphan Asylum, festival, 316.

Ostrander, Theodore, 145.

Oxen, fat, 163.

Packard, Russell, 329.

Paine, Mrs. 328.

Palatines, 236.

Palmer, Ray, 251.

Papskni island, 101.

Paragon steam boat, 143, 151.

Parker, Joseph, 313, 314.

Parker, Mrs., 330.

Parker, Nathaniel, 118.

Parker, Phillip S., 118.

Parker, PhiUp, 118.

Parks, Charles, 151.

Parsons, J. B., 119.

Patterson, Wm., 156.

Paul, Rev. Mr., 187.

Pavements, 73, 79.

Paving, 13.

Pawns not to be taken of soldiers,

42, 75.
Pearce, Horace, 326.
Peck, Hannah, 119.
Peloubet, balloon, 137.
Pemberton, Ebenezer, 119.
Pemberton & Mitchell, 153.
Penitentiary. 323.
Pennet, Frilla, 336.
Penniman, Obediah, 150.
People impoverished, 283.
Pepper, Calvin, 161.
Perkins, O. R., 305.
Phelon, J. S., 335.
Phelps, Elisha, 213, 216, 219.
Phelps, Philip, 148, 168.
Phelps respited, 316.
Phelps, 321, 322.
Phipps, Samuel, 324.
Pilgrim anniversary, 164.
Pilsbury, Amos, 318.
POsbury, Lewis D., 339.
Pitkin, T. C, 338.
Plain, laid oi^ for sale, 63, 66.
Plimpton's musical instrument,

143.
Pohlman, Henry N., 158.

454

Index.

Poblman, Miss E., 189.
Police salaries, 147.
Pond, Aug. P., 337.
Poor house, 164
Population 1855, 200.
Pork, scarcitj, 218.
Postage to New York, 150.
Post office removed, 164.
Pouglikeepsie criminals, 318.
Powder, 214, 219, 225.
Powder, Baker's proposal, 227,

231.
Powell, Wm., 150.
Pratt & Durant, 145.
Prentice, Gideon, 119.
Prentice, E. P., 119, 309.
Prentice, John H., 120.
Preston, Asaph, 120.
Prisoners, 219, 228, 229, 231.
Proyincial convention, 202.
Provincial congress, ^3.
Proyincial cougress, delegates

from Albany, 217.
Pruyn,. Mrs. David, 182, 334.
Public square, 151.
Pugsley, Mrs., 189.
Putnam, Mrs. E., 337.
Quichtecook, 16.
Radcliff, Charles, 332.
Radcliir, Mrs., 331.
Rain, 316.

Rain storm, 315, 332, 339.
Ramo Samee, 138.
Randel, John, 149.
Rattery, Rev. Mr., 189.
Rawson, Mrs., 314.
Real estate valuation, 154.
Redden David, 120.
Reelman, George, l41.
Register, Albany, 157.
Reid, John, 160.
Relyea & Wright, 148.
Remond, Narcisse, 339.
Rensselaerwyck, 259, 266.
Rents, 16, 17, 18, 51,53, 61,78,80.
Revolutionary incidents, 204.
Rice, Joseph T., 140.
Rice, Nathan, 120.
Richards, Beth, 319.

Riding down hill, 12.
Riggs, G. B., 335.
Rip Van Winkle boat, 335.
River open, 144, 166, 314.
River obstructions, 144.
River closed, 313,339.
River improvements, 135.
Robert's vlakje, 28.
Robinson, Hugh, 329.
Robinson, Mrs., 323.
Rockwell, John, 120.
Roelofs, Eatrijn, 88.
Rogers, Jedediah, 120.
Roggen, John J., 321.
Rombouts, Francois, 87.
Roorback, Junius W., 163.
Roorback, A. H., 163.
Roorback, Capt., 143.
Roseboom, Gerrit, 218.
Roser, Mrs. 326.
Roser, William W., 335.
Rosie, John, 278.
Round flat, 16, 17, 18.
Row-boat, for despatch, 229.
Rude, Hannah, 121.
Rum street, 73.
Russell, Wm., 337.
Ryckman, Peter, 39, 51.
Salaries reduced, 143.
Salaries unsatisfactory, 157.
Salisbury, Capt., 101.
Saltpetre, 228.
Sanders, Barent, 9.
Sanford, Eliz. P., 121.
Santfort, Cornelius, 226.
Saunder's school, 151.
Savings bank, 143, 147.
Savings bank, 167.
Sawyer, Nathaniel, 121.
Schaghticoke, 12, 13, l4, 15, 16,

24, 28, 31, 37, 61, 63, 54, 60,

63, 74, 78, 80.
Schenectady, 286.
Schmidt, F. W., 321.
Schuyler, Mrs. C, 335.
Schuyler, David, 161.
Schuyler, Geertruyd, 91.
Schuyler, Peter, 12.
Schuyler, Philip, 155, 202.

Index.

465

Schuyler, Philip, letter from, 215.

Schuyler, Philip, recommended as
Maj. Gen., 207, 210.

Schuyler ,Philip, complains of dis-
ease, 228.

Scow for public use, 100.

Second Presb. church, 339.

Second Presb. burial ground, 104.

See of Albany, 335.

Seelye, Mrs. 332.

Seelye, S. T., 320.

Service, menial, 235.

Sewant, 234.

Seymour & Co., 151.

Seymour, Win., 145, 149.

Sheep drowned, 314.

Shaw, Mrs., 315.

Shaver, Mrs., 331.

Sherman, Geo. S., 121.

Sherman, Watts, 121.

Shipboy, Thomas, 167.

Sickles, Alex., 322.

Sill, Sidney P., 121,

Silver ware stolen, 167.

Silvester, Peter, 217\

Simmons J G. T., 334.

Siver, Wm. A., 324.

Skerrett, George, 326.

Skinner, Erastus D., 121.

Skinner, E. W., 241.

Slavery meeting, 141.

Sleighing, 339.

Sloan, Margaret, 323.

Sloop launch, 137.

Smith, A. P., 121.

Smith Elizabeth, 337.

Smith, H. S., 324

Smith, Mrs. Peter, 834.

Smyth, Charles, 133.

Snow, 337.

Snow disappeared, 316.

Snyder, H. W., 152.

Snyder, Mrs., 320,

Soldiers, destitute, 221, 223.

Soldiers directions, 258.

Soldiers enticed to drink, 56, 77.

Soldier's pawns, 42, 75.

Soraarendyck, G. W., 337.^

Southwick, P. M., 161.

South wick, Henry C, 154.

Southwick, Sol., 137, 164, 166.

Spencer, John C, 152, 326.

Spencer, John, 137.

Spencer, Joseph, 121.

Spitsenbergh, T. C, 259.

Spouts, 73.

Sprague, W. B., 329.

Spring, Sophia C, 121.

Staves, 172.

St. John, J. W., 318.

St. John, C.,335.

St. Joseph's church, 322.

St. Mary's church, 323.

St. Patrick, 321.

St. Peter's church, 323, 338.

St. Peter's sab. school, 188.

Staats's island, 101.

Staats, E. A. 316.

Stafford, John, 121, 141.

Stage broke the ice, 153.

Stage to Montreal, 133.

Stage to Niagara, 135.

Stage speed, 143.

Stage to Utica, 148.

Star, Chandler, 122.

State bank officers, 139.

State bank, attempt to rob, 158.

State of the country, 203.

State Hall, old, 328.

State Library, 95, 133.

State Medical Society, 318.

State street bridge fell, 335.

State street market, 142.

Stead, Martin, 322.

Steam boat captains, 156.

Steam boat fare, 143, 159.

Steam boats aground, 338.

Steam boat Livingston, 160.

Steam boat music, 160.

Steam boat detentions, 162.

Steam boat trips, 146.

Steam boat fare, 147.

Steam tug race, 330.

Steele, John F., 330.

Steel, Sally, 122.

Stevenson, James, 122.

456

Index*

Stewart, Adam, 122<
Stockades, 24, 25, 36, 44, 45, 52,

56, 80, 82.
Stone, Keys, 324.
Stores at Albany, 210.

Storm, 166.

Strangers, 171.

Streets to be cleaned, 30, 53. 66,
173.

Streets repaired, 72.

Streets, new, 24, 67, 58*

Stringer, Samuel, 213.

Strong, Adonijah, 211.

Sturgeon, 326.

Sturgeon trade, 255.

Sugden, Mrs., 338.

Summerfield, John, 160.

Sunday Schools, 161, 162, 173.

Sunday music prohibited, 326.

Sunday school officers, 138.

Surveyors, 173.

Swan & Thorpe, 148.

Swart, Dirck, 211, 217.

Swart, Gerard, 259, 262.

Swine, 175.

Tabor, Job, 122.

Taney, Mrs. 338.

Tate, Thomas, 122.

Taylor, Elizabeth, 321.

Taylor, John, 182.

Teller, Helena, 87.

Teller, Wm., 87.

Temperance fete, 324.

Ten Broeck, Abm., 202, 217.

Ten Broeck, Dirk, 29.

Ten Broeck, John, 218.

Ten Eyck, Catalina, 313.

Ten Eyck, Hendrik, 9.

Ten Eyck, Tobias, 312.

Test oath taken, 40, 43, 44, 45,

46, 4S, 50, 52.
Thacher, Mrs. 328.
Thanksgiving first observed,

133.
Theatre, 325.
Thermometer, 318.
Thespian room, 142.
Third Presb. church, 337.
Thomttn, John, 329.

Tiononderoga, 13, 28.

Tomhannoc kill, 17, 18«

Torch light procession, 334.

Townsend, Absolom, 163, 179.

Townsend, Isaiah, 127.

Tow boats, 322.

Tracy, John P., 339.

Trade, 258.

Trade regulations, 11.
. Trade slender, 280, 283, 298.

Transit of Albany, 94.

Transportation, 145.

Travel, slow, 94.

Trial of cause, 34.

Troops for Albany, 302.

Trooi)8, expenses of ferrying, 231.

Trotter & Douglas, 137.

Trowbridge, Henry, 145, 160*

Troy, great fire, 148.

Truax, Abm., 51.

Truax, Cornelius, 328.

Tuf&, Israel, 122.
Tuffs, Lucien, 122.
Tuflfe, Joshua, 122.
Turner, Benjamin, 336.
Turnpike to New York, 165.
Tweed Dale, W. A., 188.
Tymisson, Marietie, 236.
Union college, 126.
United States, steam boat, 159.
Unitarian church, 334.
Upfold, George, 179.
Upfold, Mrs., 185, 186.
Uranian hall, 183, 187.
Van Brugh, Joh., 89.
Van Buren, Martin, 122.
VanBuren, J. M., 123.
Van Buren & Butler, 157.
Vance, Mrs., 329.
Vandeveer, TeunisJ' 123.
Van Cortland, Mrs. P., 155.
Van Curler, Arendt, 261, 262.
Vanderheyden, D. L., 152, 160.
Vanderheyden, David, 151.
Vanderheyden, Dirk, 17, 18.
Vandenburgh, Richard, 331.
Vanderpool, Mrs. J., 321.
Vandervolgen, A., 338.
Van Driesen, Petrus, 14, 20, 40.

Index.

457

Van Dnsen, Almeda, 323.

Van Dyok, Hend., 74.

Van £s, Elizabeth, 86.

Van Hensen, Mrs., 314.

Van Loon, Peter, 137.

Van Ness, Jacob, 339.

Vaa Rensselaer, 259.

Van Rensselaer, KU., 266, 267.

Van Rensselaer, Jer. confirmed,

97.
Van Rensselaer manor, 62.
Van Rensselaer, N., 265.
Van Rensselaer, Philip, 218.
Van Rensselaer, P. S., 152, 153.
Van Rensselaer, Mrs. Philip S.,

314.
Van Rensselaer, Robi., 217.
Van Rensselaer, Sol., 156, 164,

165.
Van Rensselaer, Stephen, 166,

187, 304.
Van Rensselaer, Wm., 337. -
Van Schaick, Anthony. 167.
Van Schaick, Col., 3l4
Van Schaick, Goose, 221.
Van Schaick, John, 143.
Van Schelluyn, Dirk, 44,73, 160.
Van Schellnjn, Ck>melins, 62.
VanVechten, Abm., 137.
Van Vechten, Mrs. Abm., 150.
Van Vechten, Dirk, 16.
Van Vechten, D. K., 145, 149.
Van Vechten, John, 161.
Van Vechten, Tennis, 141.
Van Vechten, Tobias, 231.
Van Voorhuydt, Lysbet, 91.
Van Vorst, Mrs., 326.
Van Zandt, John, 329.
Van Zandt, Mrs., 331.
Van Zandt, Sally, 339.
Vedder, Arent, 35.
Vedder, Corsit, 18, 31, 77, 82.
Venns, occnltation, 324.
Vemor, John, 166.
Veneberg, 61, 80.
Viellat, Jean, 229.
Vinhagen, Joh., 53.
Visger, Joh., 31.

Visger, Jacob, 80.

Visscher, Col. John, 162.

Visscher, J. V. S., 332.

Visscher, Matt, 220.

Visscher, Sebastian, 167.

Vos, Andrew, 24.

Voters, 1855, 200.

Wachter, Franz, 322.

Wait, C. B., 330.

Wait, Samnel, 123.

Waldron, Peter, 9,

WaU, John, 320.

Wallace, Wm„ 328,

Waltz, Eliz., 315.

Wands, Robert S., 339.

Ward, Aaron S., 332.

Warner, Ellas, 152.

Warrant of attorney, 71.

Washington's birth day. 156.

320.
Water, low, 322.
Waterhonse, A. A., 123.
Waterman, Aug., 321.
Waterman, Isaac, 331.
Watson, Elkanah, 141, 155.
Weaver, Mrs., 339.
Webster, C. R., 240.
Webb, Nathan, 123.
Weir, Mrs., 330.
Wells, 22, 50.
Wemp, Jan, 27.
Wendell's flats, 52.
Wendell, Harmanns, 18, 20.
WendeU, Peter, 143.
Werden, John, 266.
West, Amanda, 341.
Westerlo, Eilardos, 239.
Wessels, Derick, 278.
Wheat, prices, 162.
Whipple, Benj., 137.
Whirligig, 168.
White, Elizabeth, 226.
White, Hugh, 318.
White, Mrs. James, 335.
White, J. E., 123.
Whiting, Daniel, 328.
Wilcox, Nathan, 123.
Wilder, Ephraim, 123.

468

Ini$t.

Wilkinson, Samuel, 335.
Willard, John, 123.
Willemsen, Machtelde, 92.
WilUams, Denison, 123.
Williams, Mrs., 331.
Williamstad, 267.
Wilson, James, 330.
Wilson, Samuel, 124.
Wilson, Stewart, 330.
Wincher, Joseph, 323.
Wind, 323, 338.
Winne, Frans, 9.
Winne, G. L., 320.
Winne, John, 324.
Winslow, Richard, 124.
Weed, Thurlow, 335.
Wilson, James, 337.
Women's convention, 319.
Women of olden times, 86.
Wood market, 142.
Wood, Mrs. S. G., 336.
Woodworth, John, 137.

Wood worth, l>rof., 338.
Worcester, John, 124.
Worth, Wm., 125.
Worth, Thomas, 125.
Wyckoff, T. F., 315.
Wyngaert, Claes, 9.
Yates, Abraham, 213, 217, 220.
Yates, Abraham Jr., 202.
Yates, C. C, 152.
Yates, J. V. N., 136, 329.
Yates, Mrs., 340.
Yates, Richard, 322.
Yates, Robert, 217, 218.
Yellow fever charity, 335.
Young, Mrs. Eliza, 320.
Yonng, E. J., 326.
Young, George, 125.
Young men's association, 318.
Young, William, 180.
Zavala, Lorenzo de, 341.
Ziegenhom, R., 323.

LIST OF BOOKS

PUBLISHED BY

Joel Munsell, 78 State Street, Albany, N.T.

Considerftble interest being now manifissted, among "book col-
lectors, in the snbject of American Local History, the attention of
such is requested to the following list of respectable works in that
line, and to all others the suggestion is respectftilly made, that a
library of American History is at least a suitable appendage to the
household of every American <»tizen.

Betail
Piioef

History of Herkimer Conntyy including the Upper Mo-
hawk Talley. By S. S. Bmraow. 1 vol. 8to, cloth,^ * W

Life and Times of Gen, John Lamb, an Officer of the Re-

Tolution, who oommanded the post of West Point at the time of Arnold's
defection, and his correspondence with Washington, Clinton, Patrick Henry,
andotherdistinguishedmenofhistixne. By ISAAC Q. LxAXX. lToL8yo,432

pp. Portrait and Maps. Sheep, • W 00

This is a yalnable contribution to the history of the Amorican Bero*
Intlon, presenting a mass of new ftcts in relation to the preliminary
moyements of the principal actors in that great drama, derired from
the papers of Gen. Lamb, and other sonrces not before inyestigated.

History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Connties, New

Yoric, from the earliest period to the present time. By P. B. Hough. 1 yoL

History of Schoharie Connty, and Border Wars of New

York, By J. B. Snocs. 1 yoL 8yo, sheep (scarce), * W

Hotes on the Iroquois, or contributions to American

Bthnology, chiefly in relation to the AborigfaiBl History, Population and An-
tianitifls of Western New York. By H«fRT E. Sohooiotaw, 2 colored ^^
traits (King Bendrik and Pocahontas). 1 yoL 8yo, doth........................ S W

History of Jefferson Connty, in the State of New York,

from the earUest period to the present time. By F. B. Hotoh. 1 yol.. 8yo,
maps, portraits and cuts, doth, .....".... • 00

>••■•...

American Literary Magazine, by T. Dwioht Speaguk.

Albany, 1847. 2 yols. 8yo, >i sheep, « • ^

Cases of Personal Identity, 1 vol. 8vo, i cal^ .% i • i w

Bnrgoyne's Oanipaigiif itn origintl, compiled and correet-

ed aooovint oA and the memonble tettle of Bemis'B Eteighti, Sept 19, anci
Oct 7, 1777, from fhe mort auUMottio soozom of inlbnnatkm, iaduding many
iDteKMdng inoidents oonneeted nith fhe jame; and a map of the Battle
Ctomnid. Br Osixut NxDMir. 1 rol. Umo, bbomooo, ..........%..«........ 160

American (Genealogy, being a HiBtory of some of tEo

Early SetUen of North America and their Desoendants, from their first emi-
gration to the present time, with their inteimarria«ee and ooUateral branches.
i»i»iii^<wg notices of promfoent fimiUeB and dJettnguisbedJndiTidnak, witb
•needotes, traditions, oketehes of the ftrnHftag ef cities, tillages, maiiors,
•nd jgogreasive JmpioTemflnts of the ooantry from its wildumess state *»
the prewmt eratUliutisted bj gqnealogical tables. By JEBxadt B. Holoats.
X ToL Md^ hi Turkey Bioroooo,.^..^ - - 5 00

American Geology, containing the Principles of the Sci-

enee and their AppUcation to ADning, etc., by Dr. E. Eiacoini, 1 toL 8to,
iUnstrated on stone and wood, m • S. Oe

ATini^ff of Albany. By Joel Munsell. 7 vols, l^mo, 7 oe

Its contributions to history and antiquities contain much that is
carious and interesting, obtained at no little cost of time and labor.
No one has done more to recall the andent features of the dty. Oo-
zious in these matters, the author culls and preserves them in their
antiQue forms, and thus rescues them from the oblivion into which
fhe structures, the ways,, the customs, and even the names of the
olden times would otherwise be liable to pass. The modem names
and places, by the side of the ancient annals and things, combine the
past and the present in useltil and interesting juxtaposition. The
curious in these researdies will find this book a treasure, and wen
worth the price. It has fine views of Albany, as it is, and illustra-
tive wood cuts and maps ; but its chief interest consists in its portrai-
ture «f Albany as it was in tlie olden time.— J^vw*

Eelderbergia : an apotheosis of the Anti-Rent War. Al-
bany, 1865. 54 pp. Svo, paper,.... ., 60

^pographical Hiscellany. (Historical and Practical.)
ByJ. Mqhsul. 1toL8vo Cloth, « 100

Webiter'e Cal»ldar, or the Albany Almanac; Astrono-
mical calenlatlons prepared witii aocuraoy and care, and copyrighted by.

J.MinrBxz£. 8dpp., 12mo, paper, OS

This is the oldest ahaanae now published in the United States, hav-
ing been commenced in 1784. The trade supplied, by the gross or
thousand, at short notice, with advertisement on last page if desired,
at a liberal discount

Vreauent calls being made tat back numbers, considerable pains
have been taken to gather them, so that sets may be had, from the
year 1844 to the pxeeent time, embracing twelve years, in paper covers,
pike one dollar.

Catalogue of the Library of the Albany Institute. 1 toL

8to, K moroooo, 1855,.. 8 00

Lncinda, or, the HotmtaiQ Mourner, being authentic

Ikcts ia a seriee of Letters from Mbs. Manyhx, in the state of Nev York, to

her sister in Pennsjlyania. l^mo (paper 25 cents), doth, ^« 50

The Model Pastor: Life, &c., of Rev. Elisha Yale, D. D.

By Bey. Jtokmiah Wo^. 1 toL 12mo, doth, 1 25

Transactions of the Albany Institute, 3 vols., 8vo, with

illustrations, 7 50

Conversations on the Present Age of the World in con-
nection \rith Prophecy. By Jerome B. Holgats. 12 mo, cloth, 1 00

Memorial of Ambrose Spencer, former Chief Justice of

fhe Supreme Court of the State of New York. 1 yol. 8yo, with portrait,.... 1 50

Map of the City of Albany, colored and bound in cloth, 25

Every Day Book of History and Chronology, embracing

the Anniyersaries of Memorable Persons and Eyents in eyery period and
state of the world, fh>m the creation to the present time. By Joel Mun-

BELL. 2 yols. 12mo, }i sheep 2 00

This work disooyers great research and good judgment, and espe-
cially as a work of reference is deserying of all praise. Its great y aluo
consists in its bringing together a multitude of important fiicts from
the four winds and presenting them in a form which renders them at
once accessible to eycry body. To eyery student this book is a perfect
labor-saying machine; and to persons of eyery description it will bo
Ibund of great yalue, as bringing a great amount of yaluable matter
within yery narrow limits.— ^tutim.

Catechism ibr the use of Evangelical Lutheran Churches,

18mo, paper,- « per hundred 4 00

Albany Directory. By J. Munsell. 12mo, i cloth,*... i oo

Gospel Crown of Life. A System of Philosophical Theo-
logy. By Thomas Mitchell. 1 yol. 8yo, cloth, 1 00

Contriblltions to the knowledge of the different kinds

of Brand m Cereals and Blight in Grain. By A. G. Cobba. Translated
from the German by £. Goodrich Smith, of the United States Patent Office.
82 pp. 4to, 3 steel plates, paper bO cts. (large paper copies), }i morocoo,.......» 1 00

American Biographical Panorama. By William Hunt.

1 yol. 8yo, 480 pp. with portraits of all the signers of the Declaration of
Indep«adence, % sheep^ ^^ 2 00

The American Magazine and Repository of Useful Lit-
erature; deyoted to Science, Literature and Arts, and embellished with en-
grayings. By J. 8. & B. Wood, Albany. 2 yols. in 1, Syo, 1841-2 (complete)
a doth, «....„ I 00

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