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IF 

129 
IA35M8 
185O 

lv.4 
c.  1 
ROBA 


Presented  to  the 

LIBRARY  of  the 

UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO 

by 


?.IO  LEGISLATIVE  Li3?A?.Y- 


THE 


ANNALS  OF  AL 


«   .. 


BY.  J.  MUNSELL 


VOL.  IV 


ALBANY: 

JOEL  MUNSELL,  78  STATE  STREET. 
1853. 


PREFACE. 


It  has  been  said,  truly,  that  antiquity  has  a  just  claim 
upon  our  veneration.  But  it  does  not  follow,  as  has  also 
been  said  in  the  same  connection,  that  the  enthusiastic 
antiquary,  peering  into  the  murky  recesses  of  the  olden 
ages,  till  his  eyes  become  dim  with  ancient  dust,  must 
necessarily  be  wholly  blind  to  the  splendid  realities  of 
the  present.  The  past  and  the  present  are  equally  the 
objects  of  preservation  here. 

Among  the  contents  of  this  volume  will  be  found  a 
portion  of  the  Albany  Records.  They  disclose  the  mo- 
tives which  induced  Gov.  Stuyvesant  to  insist,  with  so 
much  resolution,  upon  the  boundaries  of  Fort  Orange, 
now  the  city  of  Albany.  His  employers  at  home  strenu- 
ously inculcated  an  energetic  defence  of  the  title  to  the 
premises  against  the  patroon.  The  notes  at  the  bottom 
of  the  pages  of  these  records,  in  British  New  York  cur- 
rency, are  the  work  of  the  translator,  and  seem  to  be 
discrepant,  although  the  translator  should  have  had  the 
best  knowledge  of  the  subject.  The  same  remark  is 
made  of  the  guilders  reduced  to  English  currency  in  pa- 
rentheses. 

The  current  annals  of  the  year  are  almost  confined  to 
a  necrology;  repetitions  of  events  of  daily  occurrence, 
needing  a  greater  lapse  of  time  to  give  them  sufficient 
dignity  in  print,  have  been  somewhat  abridged, 


CONTENTS. 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize, 7 

Capitulation  of  the  Dutch  to  the  English, 28 

Charter  of  Liberties  and  Privilege?, 32 

Albany  Records, 40 

City  Records,  1699  to  1705, OS 

Plan  of  Albany,  1676, 200 

Acts  relating  to  Albany,  1691  to  1713, 203 

Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany ,  219 

Burning  of  Schenectady, 240 

Inscriptions  in  the  Episcopal  Burinl  Ground, 277 

Notes  from  the  Newspapers, 306 

Objections  to  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution, 336 

Plan  of  Albany,  1765, 344 

Annals  of  the  year  1852, 345 

Heal   and  Personal  Property  assessed,  1852, 385 

Rain  Tables, 388 

Governors  under  the  English  Dynasty, 394 

Opening  and  Closing  of  the  Rher, 391 

Index, 395 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Plan  of  Albany,  1770, Frontispiece.. 

Plan  of  Albany,  1676, 200 

Cohoes  Falls. 233 

Plan  of  Albany,  1765, 344 

Taylor  Monument, 300 

Old  City  Hall, 326 


ANNALS  OF  ALBANY. 


RECORDS 

OF 

THE    COUKT   OF   ASSIZE 

From  a  Volume  in  the  Office  of  the  Secretary  of  State.* 


New  York,  Sept.  27th,  1666. 

William  Teller  Plaintiff,  Cornelius  Bogardus  Defendant. 
An  appeal  from  a  verdict  obtained  in  the  Court  at  Albany. 

William  Teller  Plaintiff.  The  Executors  of  Cornelius 
Bogardus  Defendants.  Mr.  Rider  and  Mr.  Sharp  attorneys 
for  Plaintiff. 

They  put  in  a  Declaration  complaining  against  the 
Judgment  of  the  Court  at  Albany,  whereby  the  Plaintiff 
was  ordered  to  give  in  a  Particular  of  his  Estate,  as  it 
was  at  ye  Decease  of  his  former  wife  that  her  children's 
portions  might  bee  ascertained  and  secured.  He  Alledges 
his  ignorance  of  the  Customes  at  Albany  at  that  time  so 
omitted,  but  gave  it  in  Gross  as  hee  was  informed  other 
had  done  before  him ;  That  it  was  absolutely  impossible 
for  him  to  comply  with  said  Judgment,  the  property  of 
divers  things  being  altered,  and  it  being  so  long  since  that 
many  things  are  out  of  his  minde.  but  hee  is  ready  to 
sweare  to  what  hee  formerly  gave  in.  A  Copy  was  read, 
of  the  Plaintiffs  giving  in  security  to  the  Weesmasters  for 
Three  Thousand  five  hundred  Guilders  for  the  Children. 

*  Only  such  matters  as  relate  to  the  city  of  Albany  and  its  inha- 
bitants are  copied  from  these  records,  which  were  kept  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  immediately  after  it  came  into  the  hands  of  the  English 

2 


8  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

before  his  Second  Marriage,  which  was  published  at  Alba- 
ny and  in  this  City.  That  no  exception  was  then  made 
against  it,»  so  the  Plaintiff  tooke  it  for  graunted,  hee  had 
performed  his  duty. 

Goosen  Garretsens  Evidence  was  read. 

Mr.  Bogardus  appeares  for  the  Defendants  and  putts 
in  an  Answer  to  the  Declaration,  and  produces  Proofes  to 
make  the  Plaintiffs  fraud  to  appeare.  Hee  produces  also, 
Depositions  from  several!  other  persons,  which  were  ob- 
jected against,  as  taken  since  ye  Tryall  at  Albany. 

The  Court  having  heard  the  Case  debated  at  large  and 
examined  the  proofes  and  Testimonyes  on  both  parts,  do 
thinke  fit  to  Order  and  Decree  as  followeth  (vizt.) 

William  Teller  Plaintiff.  The  Executors  of  Cornelius 
Bogardus  Defendants. 

At  the  Generall  Court  of  Assizes,  &c.  The  Court  doth 
Decree,  That  in  regard  ye  Apellant  did  not,  according  to 
the  Law  and  Custome  of  ye  Country  where  hee  Inhabitts 
(in  such  Cases  Provided)  give  in  a  peculiar  Account  of  his 
Estate  to  y6  Weesmasters  or  Overseers  for  Orphans,  who 
are  persons  appointed  to  receive  the  same  whereby  the 
Court  hath  reason  to  suspect,  that  the  Children  are  de- 
frauded of  their  due  Rights  Therefore  the  said  Apellant 
shall  pay  to  each  of  the  Children  hee  had  by  his  former 
wife,  the  Sume  of  Eighty  five  Bevers,  over  and  above  what 
his  Daughter  Helena,  the  widdow  of  Cornelius  Bogardus, 
hath  received  And  that  the  said  Appellant  do  put  in  Se- 
curity to  the  Weesmasters  or  Overseers  of  Orphans  at 
Albany,  for  the  due  performance  hereof  And  further, 
That  the  said  Weesmasters  and  Overseers  are  hereby  re- 
quired and  Authorized  to  put  this  Decree  in  Execution 
according  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  hereof,  And  also, 
that  the  said  Appellant  do  pay  the  Costs  of  Court  and 
Charges. 

Nov.  4th,  1669. — That  ye  Lawes  relating  here  unto 
(uniformity  of  Weights  &c,)  shall  be  put  in  execution. 
The  time  for  y6  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  of  New  Yorke 
Long  Island  &  places  adjacent  to  begin  on  y6  first  day  of 
January  next,  &  for  ye  Towne  of  Albany,  Rensselaerswijk, 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize.  9 

Schanecktade,  als  Kingston,  Esopus  and  these  parts  adja- 
cent on  y6  1st  day  of  Aprill,  by  which  tyme  all  persons 
that  sell  either  by  weight  or  measure  are  to  be  provided 
with  weights  and  measures  according  to  y6  English  stand- 
ard of  which  y®  Officers  in  each  respective  place  are  to 
take  care,  &  that  no  person  shall  presume  to  sell  by  any 
other  weight  or  measure. 


The  Governor's  Letter  to  ye  Commissaries  at  Albany. 

Gentlemen — There  hath  beene  with  the  Governor  Pere- 
wyr  lately  chosen  Sachem  of  y6  Hackingsack  Tappan  & 
Staten  Island  Indians  to  renew  and  acknowledg  ye  peace 
between  them  and  the  Xprime  here  &  with  all  declared 
y"  peace  made  between  them  &  y6  Maques  &  Syunaks 
Indians,  The  which  they  say  they  are  resolved  to  keep 
inviolably.  The  Governor  hath  comaunded  me  to  signify 
y6  same  unto  you  &  you  may  putt  it  upon  record  there  as 
it  will  be  here  to  be  a  Testimony  against  those  that  shall 
make  ye  first  breach.  This  is  all  at  present  from 
Gent,  Your  very  Loving  freind 

New  York,  August  13th,  1669. 
To  y6  Commissaries  at  Albany,  These. 


The  Governor's  Letter  to  ye  Schout  at  Albany. 

Mr.  G.  Swart — I  understand  that  in  taking  ye  security 
of  Captain  Baker,  for  his  appearance  at  ye  Assizes  you 
tooke  an  Inventory  of  all  his  goods  and  engaged  them 
likewise  y6  which  you  had  no  direction  to  do  the  Assizes 
being  putt  of  for  a  month  your  former  bond  stands  good, 
but  in  y6  meane  tyme  you  are  no  way  to  molest  Captain 
Baker  in  y6  disposall  of  his  goods  either  by  way  of  Trade 
or  any  other  occasione  he  shall  have  for  them  so  that  he 
make  not  away  all  his  Estate  with  fraudulent  intent  to 
deceive  y6  course  of  Law  and  Justice  which  is  all  I  have 
to  say  at  present  being 

Your  Loving  freind 

F.  LOVELACE. 

New  Yorke,  October  2d,  1669. 
For  Mr.  G.  Swart  Schout  at  Albany,  These. 


10  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

The  Governor's  Letter  to  the  Schout  and  Commissaryes  at 
Albany. 

Gentlemen — The  Governor  hath  received  y6  proposi- 
tions you  sent  from  y6  Matucander  Indians  a  Copy  where 
of  he  doth  intend  to  transmitt  to  Governour  Winthrop 
from  whom  he  dayly  Expects  a  returne  of  all  ye  former 
papers  of  which  you  will  have  an  Acct.  The  Governour 
hath  given  me  Orders  to  acquaint  you  that  he  would  have 
you  as  formerly  to  provyde  a  scow  to  help  y6  souldiers  in 
their  provision  of  fire  wood  against  winter  which  is  all  at 
present  from  Your  Loving  freind 

MATTHIAS  NICOLLS. 

October  27th,  1669. 
To  ye  Schout  &  Commissaryes  at  Albany. 


The  Governour's  Commission  for  Jan  Juriaens  Becker  to 

be  publique  notary  at  Albany. 
Francis  Lovelace  Esquire,  one  of  y6  gentlemen  &c. 

Whereas  It  is  thought  convenient  that  there  should  be 
a  publique  Notary  at  Albany  as  formerly  in  which  place 
at  present  there  is  no  person  to  Execute  that  office  & 
having  conceived  a  good  opinion  of  y°  Capacity  and  fittness 
of  Jan  Jurians  Becker  upon  ye  Recommendations  given  of 
him  to  me  I  have  thought  fitt  to  nominate  &  appoint  & 
by  this  my  present  Commission  I  do  nominate  Constitute 
&  appoint  him  y6  said  Jan  Jurians  Becker  to  be  publique 
Notary  for  y6  Town  of  Albany,  Rensselaerswijck,  Scha- 
nectade  &  places  adjacent.  By  virtue  of  which  Commis- 
sion he  hath  power  to  attest  any  Deeds,  Instruments,  wills 
Testaments  Codicell,  contracts,  Agreements  or  any  other 
Acte  or  Actes  as  publique  Notaryes  have  usually  power 
to  doe  as  also  to  take  &  receive  such  privileges  &  advan- 
tages as  to  y6  office  of  a  publique  Notary  doth  any  way 
belong  or  appertaine  He  taking  ye  oath  in  y°  Lawes  ap- 
pointed for  ye  due  perfourmance  of  ye  Trust  reposed  in 
him.  Given  under  my  hand  &  sealed  with  ye  Scale  of  ye 
Colony  at  Fort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  1st  day  of  No- 
vember in  ye  21st  year  of  his  Majesties  Raigne  Anno  Do- 
mini 1669. 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize.  11 


An  Order  concerning  Weights  and  Measures. 

Whereas  by  an  Acte  of  y6  last  Generall  Court  of  Assizes 
It  was  ordered  That  all  weights  &  measures  to  be  used 
within  this  Government  should  be  brought  to  the  English 
standard  &  that  no  goods  or  comodityes  should  be  either 
bought  or  Sould  by  any  other  weight  or  measure  in  this 
Citty  of  New  Yorke,  Long  Island  &  places  adjacent  after 
the  first  day  of  this  Instant  January  &  at  Albany,  Kings- 
ton, and  those  parts  after  ye  first  day  of  March  next  under 
y6  penalty  in  y6  Lawe  sett  forth.  But  finding  it  very  diffi- 
cult &  Inconvenient  to  putt  ye  said  Acte  in  practise  at 
y6  tymes  &  places  prescribed  for  want  of  a  sufficient  quan- 
tity of  weights  and  measures  of  y6  English  standard  to  be 
disposed  of  and  disperst  throughout  y6  Government,  I 
Have  therefore  with  the  Advice  of  my  Counoell  thought 
fitt  &  by  these  presents  do  thinke  fitt  to  order  publish  & 
declare  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawfull  for  any  person  or 
persons  within  this  Government  to  sell  and  buy  by  ye  same 
weights  and  measures  they  have  been  heretofore  accrs- 
tomed  unto  untill  y6  Country  can  be  supplied  with  such 
other  weights  &  measures  as  in  ye  said  Acte  of  Assizes 
are  required  for  y6  which  all  speedy  Care  shall  be  taken 
Alwayes  provided  That  every  one  do  observe  &  performe 
their  Contracts  y6  One  with  y6  other  whether  they  agree 
to  sell  or  buy  by  English  or  Dutch  weight  or  measure  so 
that  no  fraudulent  or  sinister  dealing  be  practised  for 
want  of  putting  y6  former  Acts  &  Orders  touching  this 
matter  in  Execution.  And  all  manner  of  persons  are 
hereby  injoyned  to  yeild  obedience  to  this  Order  which 
is  but  Temporary  The  said  Acte  of  y6  Generall  Court  of 
Assizes  or  any  other  Acte  or  Lawe  to  ye  Contrary  in  any 
wise  not  withstanding. 

Given  under  my  hand  &  Sealed  with  ye  Scale  of  y6  Co- 
lony at  Fort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  ffirst  day  of  January 
in  ye  21st  yeare  of  y*  Raigne  of  our  Soveraigne  Lord 
Charles  y6  Second  by  y6  Grace  of  God  of  England.  Scot- 
land, France  and  Ireland  Kinge  Defender  of  ye  faith  &c. 
Anno  Domini,  1669. 


12  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

The  Governor's  Letter  to  Capt.  Lovelace. 

Brother— I  Received  Yours  of  y6  2d  of  April,  1670  by 
Jaques  Cortelijou  &  have  not  since  had  an  opportunity  to 
return e  you  an  answer  neither  was  I  much  solicitous  so  to 
doe  for  my  Expectations  were  to  see  you  here  dayly  but 
understanding  of  new  resolutions  you  have  taken  of  goeing 
up  to  Albany  &  Mr.  Delavalls  occasion  likewise  calling 
him  thither,  I  am  very  willing  you  should  accompany  him 
&  y*  rather  in  regard  some  publique  affaires  will  occur 
which  will  require  y6  assistance  of  some  commissioner  for 
their  dispatch  You  are  there  to  assist  Mr.  Delavall  in  y6 
Execution  of  such  things  as  shall  tend  to  y6  good  &  welfare 
of  those  partes  &  likewise  if  any  private  business  shall 
fall  under  your  consideration  to  determyn  it  as  shall  be 
agreeable  to  Justice  &  ye  satisfaction  of  y6  oppressed 
amongst  which  here  haveing  beene  a  complaint  exhibited 
against  Captain  Baker  by  Jochem  y6  Baker  &  finding  it 
not  only  difficult  but  too  tedious  to  decide  y6  Controversy 
here  I  have  thought  it  good  to  transfer  y6  matter  to  y6 
Magistrates  at  Albany  together  with  Mr.  Delavall  & 
yourselfe  as  Comissioners  as  if  authorized  by  ye  formality 
of  a  Comission  I  know  you  will  be  vigilant  to  have  an 
inspection  into  all  matters  that  shall  relate  to  y6  publique 
both  as  to  y6  Garrison  and  Civill  affayres  y6  account 
whereof  I  shall  expect  from  you  both  not  doubting  but 
that  you  will  comport  yourselfe  with  such  prudence  & 
moderation  as  shall  tend  to  y6  firme  Establishment  of  y6 
publique  interest  there  &  give  me  an  occasion  to  subscribe 
my  selfe 

Your  affectionate  brother 

FRAN:  LOVELACE. 

Fort  James  llth  of  Aprill,  1670. 

Instructions  for  Mr.  Thomas  Delavall  fy  Capt.  Dudley 

Lovelace  at  their  arrival  to  Albany. 
1.  That  they  show  Mr.  Winthrops  Letter  to  me  to  y6 
Magistrates  there  &  consult  what  is  best  to  be  done  to  y* 
Accomplishment  of  a  peace  between  ye  Maquases  and 
north  Indians. 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize.  13 

2.  To  see  in  what  Condition  y6  Garrison  is  &  to  con- 
trive a  way  for  y6  reparation  of  y6  ffort. 

3.  To  state  ye  souldiers  Accounts  &  informe  me  what 
is  due  to  them  that  so  they  may  be  supplyed. 

4.  To  see  in  what  reparations  y6  confiscated  houses 
are  &  (if  an  advantageous  proffer)  happens  to  contract 
for  y6  sale  of  them. 

5.  To  see  how  y6  Excise  is  paid  &  what  is  in  Arrears 
and  to  forme  it  anew  for  y6  year  ensuing. 

6.  To  Examyne  into  Mr.  Renslaers  Rent  of  Corne  & 
what  he  is  behynde  &  to  speed  it  hither  as  likewise  to 
put  it  in  a  certaine  method. 

7.  To  acquaint  y6  Magistrates  that  I  look  upon  that 
Church  &  Ministry  as  the  porochiall  Church  of  Albany 
(for  it  was  found  Establish  t  by  my  predecessors  &  myself) 
&  leave  y6  supportation  of  it  to  y6  discretion  of  ye  magis- 
trates to  maintaine  a  minister  either  by  way  of  Taxe  or 
otherwise  &  that  no  Inhabitant  of  what  opinion  soever  be 
Exempt  but  bear  his  proportion  &  that  they  give  me  an 
Account  of  their  transactions  in  this  perticular. 

8.  To  make  a  prohibition  that  no  strangers  coming  from 
hence  or  goeing  from  Albany  that  have  no  residence  at 
Schanecktade  do  trade  there  &  that  y6  Inhabitants  of  that 
place  be  likewise  Jymited  as  to  their  Trade  with  y6  In- 
dians. 

9.  To  inquire  if  it  were  not  more  advantageous  to  y6 
Towne  of  Albany  to  have  another  house  for  y6  Indians  at 
y6  Entrance  of  y6  Town  below  y*  Hill  that  so  y6  Inhabi- 
tants may  have  an  Equal  benefitt  of  y6  Trade  as  well 
those  that  are  below  as  those  above. 

10.  To  prosecute  y6  design  of  raysing  a  Troop  of  horse 
there  of  y6  which  I  recomend  Mr.  Renslaer  to  be  Capt. 

An  Order  for  ye  suspension  of  ye  Ministerial  functions  of 

Mr.  Jacobus  Fabritius  at  Albany. 
Whereas  upon  severall  Complaints  y6  last  year  made 
unto  me  by  y6  Magistrates  of  Albany  against  Magister 
Jacobus  Fabritius  Pastor  of  y*  Augustan  Confession  in 
that  he  intrenched  upon  y6  Civill  Authority  there  I  then 
thought  good  to  suspend  his  ministeriall  function  at  Albany 


14  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

untill  either  by  Letters  or  the  mediation  of  friends  he 
should  be  reconciled  to  y6  Magistrates  there  &  that  I  from 
them  should  receive  a  Testimony  of  his  reconciliation  the 
which  hath  in  no  measure  performed  &  there  being  now  a 
difference  likewise  depending  before  me  betweene  y6  said 
Magister  &  a  Burger  of  this  Citty  for  ye  reasons  aforesaid 
&  for  some  other  Considerations  I  have  thought  fitt  for 
y6  present  to  continue  y6  suspention  of  y6  said  Magisters 
Ministeriall  functions  at  Albany  &  think  it  not  Conve- 
nient therefore  doe  order  that  he  go  not  up  thither  untill 
I  gbe  myselfe  which  I  intend  this  sumer  when  all  differ- 
ences betweene  y6  said  Magister  &  y6  Magistrates  or  others 
there  may  ye  better  be  composed  or  y6  Occasions  removed 
by  my  presence.  In  ye  mean  tyme  he  ye  said  Magister 
Jacobus  Fabritius  hath  liberty  to  Exercise  his  Function'in 
theise  partes  as  heretofore  without  any  disturbance,  pro- 
vided he  likewise  give  no  trouble  or  molestation  to  others 
differing  in  Judgment  from  him.  Given  under  my  hand 
at  Fort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  llth  day  of  Aprill  in  y6 
22d  yeare  of  his  Majesties  Raigne,  Anno  Domine,  1670. 

A  Pardon  graunted  to  Jan  Roeloffs. 
Francis  Lovelace  Esq.,  &c.  Whereas  Jan  Roeloffs  did 
in  y6  month  of  July,  1665  by  an  unhappy  accident  in 
shooting  of  a  Gunne  at  unawares  in  one  of  y6  streets  of  ye 
Towne  of  Albany  wound  ye  body  of  Gerritt  Verbeeck  an 
Inhabitant  of  that  place  of  which  said  wound  he  dyed. 
The  which  being  strictly  Examined  &  inquired  into  by  y6 
officers  there  &  represented  to  my  predecessor  Coll.  Rich- 
ard Nicolls,  &  withall  that  y6  said  Jan  Roeloffs  &  Gerritt 
Verbeeck  had  not  any  private  Grudg  or  former  difference 
upon  any  occasion  between  them  as  also  that  the  Gunne 
was  not  knowne  by  ye  said  Jan  Roeloffs  to  be  loaden  when 
he  shott  it  of.  The  said  Gerritt  Verbeeck  having  likewise 
forgiven  and  acquitted  him  upon  his  death  bed  of  any  ill 
or  malitious  intent  against  him.  Upon  which  &  divers 
other  considerations  my  predecessor  was  induced  to  order 
and  promise  a  pardon  unto  ye  said  Jan  Roeloffs  for  ye  said 
fact  y6  which  he  having  not  unto  this  day  procured  in 
forme  as  by  ye  Lawe  is  required  he  being  ignorant  of  ye 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize.  15 

Customes  in  such  cases  used :  Upon  ye  request  of  ye  said 
Jan  Roeloffs  &  at  y6  instance  of  his  relations  in  this  place 
that  ye  work  of  mercy  begun  by  my  predecessor  might  be 
compleated  his  Cryme  appearing  to  be  no  other  than  Un- 
happy Accident  without  any  malitious  intent,  I  have 
thought  good  to  Ratifye  &  confirme  what  was  heretofore 
ordered  &  promised  by  my  predecessor.  And  by  these 
presents  do  give,  graunt  Ratifye  &  confirme  unto  y6  said 
Jan  RoelofFs  a  free  pardon  for  the  aforesaid  offence  touch- 
ing yl  Accidentall  death  of  ye  said  Gerritt  Verbraeck  with 
a  release  of  all  forfeitures  and  Escheats  of  any  Estate  be- 
longing to  him  which  according  to  ye  strictnesse  of  ye 
Lawe  might  be  Extorted  from  him  so  that  he  hath  all 
priviledg  to  follow  his  vocation  or  calling  as  formerly 
without  any  Lett  hinderance  or  disturbance  from  any 
person  or  persons  whatsoever  within  this  Government  or 
any  other  of  his  Majesties  Dominions  upon  ye  occasion 
before  specified.  Given  under  my  hand  &  Sealed  with  ye 
Scale  of  y6  province  at  ffort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  1  st 
day  of  May  1670. 


An  Order  for  Jan  Jurians  Beecker  to  be  Schoolmaster  at 
Albany. 

Whereas  Jan  Jeurians  Beecker  had  a  Graunt  to  keep  ye 
Dutch  school  at  Albany  for  ye  teaching  of  youth  to  read 
&  to  wryte  y6  which  was  allowed  of  and  confirmed  to  him 
by  my  predecessor  Coll.  Richard  Nicolls  Notwithstanding 
which  severall  others  not  so  capable  do  undertake  ye  like 
some  perticular  tymes  &  seasons  of  ye  yeare  when  they 
have  no  other  Imployment,  where  by  yeSchollars  remov- 
ing from  one  Schoole  to  another  do  not  onely  give  a  great 
discouragement  to  ye  maister  who  makes  it  his  businesse 
all  ye  yeare  but  also  are  hindred  &  become  ye  more  back- 
wards in  there  learning  ffor  ye  Reasons  aforesaid  I  have 
thought  fitt  that  ye  said  Jan  Jurians  Beecker  who  is 
esteemed  very  capable  that  wa}-  shall  be  ye  allowed  school- 
master for  ye  instructing  of  ye  youth  at  Albany  &  partes 
adjacent  he  following  ye  said  Imployment  Constantly  & 
diligently  &  that  no  other  be  admitted  to  interrupt  him 
It  being  to  be  presumed  that  ye  said  Beecker  for  ye  youth 


16  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

&  Jacob  Joosten  who  is  allowed  of  for  y6  teaching  of  y6 
younger  children  are  sufficient  for  that  place.  Given 
under  my  hand  at  Sort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  16th 
day  of  May,  1670. 


The  Governor's  License,   granted  unto  John  Shutte,  for 

teaching  of  the  English  Tongue  at  Albany. 
Whereas  the  teaching  of  the  English  Tongue  is  neces- 
sary in  this  Government;  I  have,  therefore,  thought  fitt 
to  give  License  $o  John  Shutte  to  bee  the  English  School- 
master at  Albany:  And  upon  condition  that  the  said 
John  Shutte  shall  not  demand  any  more  wages  from  each 
Schollar  than  is  given  by  the  Dutch  to  their  Dutch  School- 
masters, I  have  further  granted  to  the  said  John  Shutte 
that  hee  shall  bee  the  onely  English  Schoolmaster  at 
Albany. 

Given  under  my  hand,  at  Fort  James  in  New  York, 
the  12th  day  of  October    1665. 

RlCH'D  NlCOLLS. 


An  Order  for  Trentie  Melgers  to  be  a  profest  sworne  Mid- 
wife at  Albany. 

Whereas  I  am  given  to  understand  that  Tryntje  Mel- 
gers ye  wife  of  Wynant  Gertse  Vander  pool  a  sworne  & 
approved  midwife  at  Albany  in  which  Imployment  she 
hath  Continued  for  y6  space  of  fourteene  years  past  in 
good  reputation  not  refusing  her  assistance  but  on  ye  con- 
trary affording  her  best  help  to  y6  poorer  sorte  of  people 
out  of  Christian  Charity  as  well  as  to  y*  richer  sorte  for 
reward  &  there  being  severall  other  less  skilful  1  women 
who  upon N  occasion  will  pretend  to  be  midwives  where 
they  can  gaine  by  it  but  refuse  their  helpe  to  y6  poore. 
These  presents  Certifye  That  I  doe  allow  of  y6  said  Tryntie 
Melgers  to  be  one  of  y6  profest  sworne  midwives  at  Albany 
&  that  she  and  one  more  skilfull  woman  be  only  admitted 
to  Undertake  ye  same  there  Except  upon  Extraordinary 
occasions,  They  continuing  their  Charitable  assistance  to 
ye  poore  &  a  diligent  attendance  on  their  calling.  Given 
under  my  hand  and  Seale  at  ffort  James  in  New  Yorke 
this  27th  Day  of  May  1670. 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize.  17 

An  Order  for  Dirck  Theunissen  to  have  ye  priviledg  of 

Cutting  and  gelding  of  horses. 

Whereas  I  am  informed  that  it  hath  formerly  beene  a 
Custome  in  y6  Collony  of  Renslaerswijck  Albany  &  parts 
adjacent  to  have  some  knowne  skilfull  person  approved 
of  &  allowed  for  ye  cutting  or  gelding  of  stone  horses  in 
those  partes  In  which  Imployment  y6  father  of  Dirk  Theu- 
nisse  Thuysman  was  alone  settled  by  y6  authority  then  in 
being  who  having  well  instructed  his  sonne  in  that  Arte 
did  sell  and  assigne  over  his  priviledg  unto  ye  said  Dirck 
Theunissen  his  sonne.  These  presents  Certifye  all  whom 
it  may  concerne  that  I  do  thinke  fit  to  allowe  of  ye  said 
Dirck  Theunisen  to  have  y6  Priviledg  sould  him  by  his 
father  as  aforesaid  at  Albany  Renslaerswijck  &  Schaneck- 
tade  for  cutting  or  gelding  of  such  stone  horses  there  as 
y6  owners  shall  employ  him  about  &  that  no  other  do 
molest  him  therein  he  performing  with  his  best  skill  & 
diligence  what  he  undertakes  &  shall  be  imployed  upon 
that  occasion.  Given  under  my  hand  &  seale  at  ffort 
James  in  New  Yorke  this  27th  day  of  May  1670. 


An  Order  for  Maritie  Damen  quietly  to  possesse  her  Land 
at  Albany. 

Whereas  Maritie  Damen  y6  wife  of  Cornelys  Van  Nes 
of  Albany  did  obtayne  a  patent  from  my  predecessor  Coll. 
Richard  Nicolls  for  a  certaine  peice  of  Land  called  Canes- 
tagione  y6  which  severall  persons  as  I  am  informed  who 
have  since  purchased  Land  neare  unto  it  upon  pretence 
of  an  Order  that  all  those  Lands  should  be  layd  &  divided 
into  Lotts  doe  give  out  that  they  will  without  y6  consent 
of  ye  owner  divide  &  cast  Lotts  for  y6  same  although  she 
be  willing  of  herselfe  to  obey  the  Order  made  concerning 
y6  Erecting  of  houses  in  a  Neighborhood:  These  are  to 
require  all  persons  whom  this  may  Concerne  That  they 
forbeare  giving  any  molestation  or  disturbance  unto  y6 
said  Maritie  Damen  in  y6  Enjoyment  &  possession  of  her 
Land  upon  any  pretence  whatsoever,  but  that  all  matters 
relating  thereunto  doe  remaine  as  they  are  untill  I  shall 
come  up  myselfe  or  send  some  persons  to  give  Orders 


18  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

therein  as  ye  nature  of  y1"  Cause  shall  require.  Given 
under  my  hand  at  ffort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  8th  day 
of  June  1670. 


William  Hoffmeyer  appointed  Corne  Meeter  at  Albany. 

Whereas  it  is  Thought  convenient  &  very  necessary 
that  some  person  should  be  employed  as  a  sworne  Corne 
Meeter  at  Albany  to  measure  all  manner  of  Graine  or 
Corne  that  shall  from  thence  be  brought  downe  ye  Ryver 
in  any  sloop  Boate  or  Vessell  y6  which  will  prove  as  well 
to  ye  satisfaction  of  ye  masters  of  such  Sloopes  boats  or 
vessells  who  take  it  on  board  as  of  those  who  are  to  re- 
ceive ye  same  upon  consideration  hereof,  I  have  thought 
fitt  to  nominate  &  appoint  &  by  these  presents  do  nominate 
&  appoint  William  Hoffemeyer  to  be  ye  Corne  Meeter  at 
Albany  who  is  to  take  an  oath  before  y6  Commissaryes 
of  that  place  for  ye  due  &  carefull  performance  of  his  Im- 
ployment  &  all  persons  concerned  after  ye  Publication 
hereof  are  required  not  to  load  on  board  any  sloop,  boate 
or  vessell  any  sort  of  Grayne  or  Corne  to  be  brought  dtown 
y6  Ryver  untill  it  shall  be  first  of  all  measured  by  y6 
sworne  Corne  Meeter  who  is  to  receive  for  his  paines  & 
trouble  such  reasonable  allowance  as  is  usuall  in  other 
places  or  shall  be  ordered  &  recommended  by  ye  commis- 
saryes :  Given  under  my  hand  and  Scale  at  ffort  James 
in  New  Yorke  this  13th  day  of  June  in  ye  22d  yeare  of  his 
Majesties  Raigne  Anno  Domini  1670. 

No  Stranger  or  Strange  Vessell  permitted  to  Trade  up  to 
Albany  or  Sopez  without  paying  ye  Dutyes  required  here. 

Whereas  It  is  Represented  unto  me  by  y6  Mayor  & 
Aldermen  of  this  Citty  that  it  proves  a  very  greate  Incon- 
venience to  ye  Inhabitants  here  that  divers  Strangers  and 
Strange  Vessells  any  way  Related  to  this  place  or  Province 
doe  frequently  goe  up  Hudson's  Ryver  to  Esopus  &  Albany 
there  to  trade  &  traffique  Contrary  to  former  Constitutions 
&  Customes  in  such  cases  provided.  It  is  this  day  ordered 
That  no  Stranger  or  Strange  Vessell  shall  be  permitted 
from  &  after  ye  Date  hereof  to  passe  up  ye  said  Ryver  to 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize.  19 

either  of  y°  places  aforesaid  there  to  trade  or  Traffique 
upon  any  pretence  whatsoever.  However  Such  Vessells 
unloading  their  goods  in  this  Citty  &  paying  ye  Dutyes 
required,  the  Owners  of  such  goods  have  liberty  to  trans- 
port them  into  these  parts  in  any  other  Vessels  belonging 
to  this  port  &  may  go  up  themselves  with  leave  to  nego- 
ciate  there  having  first  obtayned  y6  priviledg  of  being  free 
Burgers  of  this  Citty.  Given  under  my  hand  at  ffort  James 
in  New  Yorke  this  27th  day  of  June  in  yd  22d  yeare  of  his 
Majesties  Raigne  Anno  Domini  1670. 


A  Passe  for  John  Dixe  Master  of  ye  Sloop  ye  Cock. 

These  are  to  certify  all  whom  it  may  concerne  that  I 
have  given  liberty  to  John  Dixe  Master  of  y*  Sloop  y* 
Cock  to  passe  with  his  said  Sloop  up  ye  River  to  Albany 
with  her  loading  where  he  hath  freedome  to  trafick  as  y* 
rest  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  of  which  place  he  is 
admitted  a  Burger.  Given  under  my  hand  this  23d  day 
of  August,  1670. 

An  Order  for  John  Povey  &  Juriaen  Jansen  to  be  Pabliqiie 

Butchers  at  Albanye. 

Whereas  It  is  Thought  Convenient  that  some  person  or 
persons  should  be  Lycensed  &  appointed  at  Albany  as 
publique  butchers  to  slaughter  &  kill  such  beasts  &  cattle 
for  y6  use  of  y6  Towne  as  are  Etable  &  in  good  condition. 
To  prevent  severall  abusses  therein  I  have  thought  fitt  to 
graunt  Lycense  to  John  Povey  &  Juriaen  Jansen  Two 
persons  Inhabitants  of  y6  Towne  that  have  beene  Recom- 
mended to  jne  to  be  of  Capacity  &  to  have  good  knowledg 
in  ye  Trade  of  Butchers.  That  they  shall  have  y6  Privi- 
ledg to  slaughter  &  kill  any  sorte  of  beasts  &  cattle  in  good 
condition  fitt  to  be  killed  &  usually  vendible  &  y6  same  ta 
sell  to  ye  Inhabitants  of  ye  Towne  or  others.  And  that 
none  else  of  y6  Towne  have  ye  like  priviledge  Except  it 
be  for  their  private  Expence  of  provision  in  their  owne 
familyes.  They  ye  said  Povey  &  Jansen  engaging  to  sup- 
ply yc  Towne  for  their  better  Accommodation  with  fresh 
Provision  at  such  tymes  of  y6  yeare  as  they  shall  be  in 
3 


20  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

season  ye  which  they  are  to  performe  with  Care  accord- 
ingly. 

Given  under  my  hand  &  Seale  at  ffort  James  in  New 
Yorke  this  23d  Day  of  September  in  ye  22d  yeare  of  his 
Majesties  Raigne  Anno  Domini  1670. 

The  Governor's  Letter  to  ye  Commissary es  at  Albany. 

Gentlemen — I  have  Received  your  Letter  with  y6  Double 
choice  of  Commissaryes  of  which  I  do  approve  of  Goosen 
Gerrittse  &  Jan  Hendricks  Van  Baas  for  Albany  &  Theu- 
nis  Cornelijs  Van  der  Poel  for  Renslaerwijck.  This 
you'l  receive  by  ye  hands  of  your  Neighbours  Captain 
Jeremias  Van  Renslaer  &  Captain  Philip  Pieters  at  their 
retorne  home  which  is  all  at  present  from 

Your  very  Loving  freind 

FRAN.  LOVELACE. 

7"  26th  1670. 


An  Order  for  separation  of  Albert  Andriesen  &  Gertruyd 

Vosburgh. 

Whereas  strife  &  difference  hath  arisen  betweene  Albert 
Andriesen  &  Gertruyde  Vosburgh  his  wife  with  ye  which 
ye  Commissaryes  at  Albany  being  acquainted  fynding  there 
Inclinations  averse  from  living  together  as  man  and  wife 
ought  to  doe  they  did  by  consent  make  an  Agreement  of 
their  Seperation  as  likewise  how  their  estates  are  to  be 
divided  betweene  them.  These  are  to  Ratifye  and  Con- 
firme  what  hath  beene  Already  ordered  as  to  that  perticu- 
lar  by  ye  which  each  partye  is  to  res  satisfyed  without 
giving  any  fnrther  trouble  upon  this  occasion.  Given 
under  my  hand  at  ffort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  24th  day 
of  October  1670. 


An  Order  for  Thomas  Delavall  Esq.,  to  have  ye  Lott  of 
Land  formerly  graunted  to  Jotham  Wessels  at  Albany. 
Whereas  Jotham  Wessels  of  Albany  did  obteyne  a  Pa- 
tent of  me  for  a  double  Lott  of  ground  upon  y6  Hills  there 
next  above  Captain  Philip  Pieters  Schuylers  upon  pretence 
of  Erecting  very  good  building  thereupon  like  to  ye  rest 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize.  21 

of  his  neighbors  &  that  y6  same  was  proportionable  to  what 
they  had  y6  which  appears  to  be  otherwise  neither  hath 
he  built  upon  more  than  y«  next  Lott  to  Philip  Peters  y* 
other  being  onely  fenct  in,  &  left  void,  Contrary  to  ye 
Intent  &  meaning  of  y°  dispc  sail  thereof.  I  have  there- 
fore thought  fitt  to  graunt  ye  Lott  next  above  where  ye 
said  Jotham  hath  built  upon  ye  Hills  unto  Thomas  Dela- 
vall  Esq.,  Mayor  of  this  Citty  who  hath  liberty  to  erect  a 
house  and  building  thereupon  ye  same  conteyning  20  foot 
or  thereabouts  in  front  of  ye  which  when  a  due  Survey 
shall  bee  taken  and  retorned  to  me  he  may  have  a  Pattent 
of  Confirmation  any  former  graunt  or  Patent  for  ye  same 
notwithstanding.  Given  under  my  hand  and  Seale  at 
ffort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  22d  day  of  October  in  ye 
22d  yeare  of  his  Majesties  Raigne  Anno  Domini  1670. 


No  Stranger  or  Strange  Vessells  permitted  to  go  up  ye 

North  Ryper  to  Esopus  or  Albany. 
Whereas  I  have  Received  a  Petition  from  divers  of  ye 
Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  &  Province  who  trade  in  Sloops 
&  small  vessells.  That  no  Strangers  or  strange  vessells 
may  be  permitted  to  go  up  y6  North  Ryver  to  Esopus  or 
Albany  concerning  which  there  hath  an  Order  beene  for- 
merly made.  I  Have  therefore  thought  fitt  by  ye  Advice 
of  my  Councell  that  ye  former  Order  bearing  date  y6  27th 
day  of  June  last  be  revived  &  standing  in  force  to  all  In- 
tents &  purposes  &  that  no  person  or  persons  do  presume 
to  transgresse  herein  at  their  perills  of  which  ye  Officers 
at  y*  Custome  house  are  to  take  a  strict  &  Exact  Account. 
Given  under  my  hand  at  ffbrt  James  in  New  Yorke  this 
9th  day  of  March,  1670. 


A  Letter  from  ye  Governor  to  ye  Mayor  of  ye  City. 

Mr.  Mayor — You  being  one  of  ye  Councell  &  well  known 
in  all  ye  publique  Affairs  at  Esopus  &  Albany  whether 
you  are  now  takeing  a  voyage  I  shall  not  need  to  give 
you  any  particular  Instructions  but  referr  all  Matters  of 
that  nature  which  shall  come  before  you  there  to  your 
prudent  Management  of  which  at  your  Returne  I  shall  ex- 


22  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

pect  an  Account.     Soe  wishing  you  a  prosperous  &  speedy 
voyage  I  remaine 

Sir  your  very  Lov :  Friend  . 

FRAN:  LOVELACE. 
Apr:  28th,  1671. 


Grant  to  Mr.  Thomas  Willett  to  sayle  up  Hudson's  River 

to  Trade  nottcithstanding  ye  late  Order  Sec. 
Whereas  there  is  a  Prohibition  for  all  strange  vessels 
not  related  to  this  City  or  Province  to  sayle  up  y6  north 
River  comonly  called  Hudsons  River  either  to  Esopus  or 
Albany  there  to  trade  or  traffique,  And  Captain  Thomas 
Willett  who  hath  formerly  been  twice  Mayor  of  this  City 
&  is  at  present  one  of  the  Councell  to  this  his  Royal  High- 
ness Government  haveing  now  a  Vessell  or  sloope  here 
in  this  Porte  called  y°  Suan  which  hee  hath  a  desire  should 
sayle  up  y6  said  River  with  Goods  the  which  in  strictness 
may  be  adjudged  a  strange  vessell  &  soe  not  tolerated  to 
doe  y6  same  haveing  not  been  built  within  this  Province 
(although  in  one  of  his  Majesties  neighboring  Plantations) 
To  ye  end  that  scruple  may  be  removed  I  have  thought 
fitt  to  Grant  unto  y6  said  sloope  known  by  ye  name  of  yfr 
Swan  as  aforesaid  shall  ffrom  &  after  ye  Date  hereof  be 
lookt  upon  a  ffree  sloop  of  this  province  &  shall  have  yp 
like  Liberty  priviledge  &  ffreedome  to  sayle  up  the  said 
River  or  to  any  other  Porte  or  Place  within  this  Govern- 
ment as  other  vessells  or  sloopes  of  this  City  or  Province 
may  lawfully  doe  In  like  manner  as  if  shee  had  been  built 
in  this  place  &  soe  shall  be  taken  as  any  vessell  belonging 
to  this  Porte;  Any  Custome  or  Order  to  y6  Contrary  in 
anywise  notwithstanding.  Given  under  my  Hand  and 
Seale  at  fforte  James  in  New  Yorke  this  15th  day  of  May 
in  ye  23d  yeare  of  his  Majesties  Reigne  Anno  Domini  1671. 

FRAN:  LOVELACE, 
To  all  Officers  or  whom  else  this  may  concerne. 


An  Order  about  ye  Lutheran  Members  of  this  City* 
At  a  Councill  held  at  Forte  James  in  New  Yorke  ye  29th 
day  of  June  1671. 

Present — y6  Mayor  &  Aldermen  of  the  City, 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize.  23 

The  difference  betweene  y6  Lutheran  Magister  Jacobus 
Fabricius  &c.,  &  those  of  that  Church  that  petitioned 
against  him  being  taken  into  mature  and  deliberate  Con- 
sideration; It  is  ordered  that  all  those  persons  of  that 
profession  who  have  consented  or  subscribed  to  ye  pay- 
ment for  the  Church  House  that  they  pay  their  propor- 
tions according  to  Agreement  and  likewise  they  pay  or 
cause  to  be  paid  unto  ye  said  Magister  Their  Pastor  their 
proportions  of  his  Salary,  untill  ye  time  of  their  late 
publique  Disagreement,  upon  which  y6  Governor  gave 
Commission  to  Mr.  Lawrence  &  others  to  examine  into 
the  same. 


An  Order  about  ye  Lutherans  in  Answer  to  a  petition  pre- 
sented by  some  of  that  Congregation  dissenting  from  ye 
rest,  &c : 

Whereas  a  difference  hath  lately  arisen  between  some 
of  y6  Lutheran  Confession  in  this  City  &  Jacobus  Fabricius 
their  Pastor  whereupon  Hendrick  Williamsen,  Bay  Croes- 
velts,  Johannes  Freeze  on  y°  behalf  of  themselves  &  others 
have  preferred  a  Petition  unto  mee,  desireing  that  they 
may  have  nothing  more  to  doe  with  their  said  Pastor  nor 
that  he  may  more  molest  them ;  As  also  that  some  person 
may  be  appointed  to  supervize  their  Accounts  &  receive 
y6  money  they  have  subscribed  to  for  their  church,  with 
some  other  particulars  in  ye  said  Petition  sett  forth ;  These 
are  to  Authorize  &  appoint  Mr.  John  Lawrence  one  of 
the  Aldermen  of  this  City  and  a  Commissioner  appointed 
To  endeavour  a  Composure  in  this  Affayre  to  Supervize 
y6  Accounts  of  ye  Petition  &  to  receive  ye  moneys  which 
already  are  or  shall  be  Collected  from  ye  persons  who 
have  subscribed  to  pay  the  same  towards  ye  Church,  as 
also  to  make  an  Entrjr  according  to  their  desire  of  all 
such  Vtensils  as  doe  belong  to  y*  Church,  of  all  which 
hee  is  to  render  mee  an  Account  for  soe  doeing  this  shall 
be  his  Warrant.  Given  under  my  Hand  at  Forte  James 
in  New  Yorke  this  sixth  day  of  July  1671. 

FRANC:  LOVELACE. 


24  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

Gentlemen — I  have  lately  received  Letters  from  ye 
Duke  wherein  it  is  particularly  signifyed  unto  me  that 
his  Royall  Highness  doth  approve  of  ye  Toleration  given 
to  ye  Lutheran  Church  in  these  partes  I  doe  therefore 
Expect  that  you  Hue  freindly  &  peaceably  with  those  of 
that  profession  giving  them  no  disturbance  in  y6  Exercise 
of  their  Religion  as  they  shall  reciue  noe  Countenance  in 
but  on  ye  Contrary  strictly  Answer  any  disturbance  they 
shall  presume  to  give  unto  any  of  you  in  your  divine 
Worship,  So  I  bid  you  farewell  being 

Your  very  Loving  freind 
Fort  James  in  New  Yorke  this  13th  Day  of  October,  1669. 

Letter  from  ye  Governor  to  Captain  Delavall  at  Albany 
upon  ye  Rumour  that  thejfrench  were  Comeingtowarde 
us,  &c: 

Deare  Sir — I  received  your  last  ample  Letter  from 
Albany  though  when  it  arrived  I  was  on  Staten  Island 
with  a  Mill  Wright  to  search  a  convenient  place  to  fix  a 
Mill  on;  y6  person  you  employed  to  deliver  it  mee  made 
soe  fearfull  a  Narrative  af  y6  approach  of  ye  ffrench,  as  if 
y6  very  Sword  were  already  at  your  Throats;  That  toge- 
ther with  Manning's  impatience  in  presently  despatching  an 
Express  to  mee  (whereas  if  hee  had  stayed  but  3  houres 
I  had  been  with  him  of  my  own  Accord)  begatt  so  great 
a  pannique  ffeare  amongst  ye  Credulous  Women  that  I 
verely  beleive  had  not  my  presence  moderated  their  ap- 
prehensions, Their  ffeares  would  have  dorove  many  of 
them  to  some  remoter  partes;  &  therefore  for  ye  future 
pray  use  your  best  skell  to  allay  the  timorous  apprehen- 
sions of  y6  Inhabitants  there,  least  when  a  reall  danger 
doe  approach  they  become  Altogether  Useless.  I  can  not 
possibly  imagine  whence  ye  Beliefe  should  proceed  of  y® 
ffrenches  Intentions  to  invade  his  Majesties  Dominions ; 
you  know  there  is  ncfw  Peace  between  y6  2  Crownes,  & 
y6  Concernes  of  these  poore  parts  of  y6  world  cannot  be 
an  Intr<jduction  to  make  a  Breach  between  either.  Lucas 
&  Josen  are  returnd  from  Boston  where  they  mett  with  a 
Vessell  consigned  to  Mr.  Charlestowne  which  Ves- 

sel as  y6  skipper  affirmed  (a  Dutchman)  sett  sayle  out  of 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

y*  Texell  never  made  stay  in  any  of  y6  English  ports  to 
Cleare,  and  arrived  at  Boston  in  7  weeks,  Lucas  has  been 
14  dayes  on  his  way,  soe  that  in  all  it  amounts  to  nine 
weeks;  and  then  there  was  noe  appearance  at  all  of  any 
difference  between  y6  English  &  French,  some  Jealousyes 
there  were  between  Holland  &  ffrance  but  as  then  not  yet 
broke  out  into  Hostility;  And  if  soe  (as  I  am  very  confi- 
dent it  is)  how  could  any  of  those  of  Quibbeck  have  any 
Intelligence  of  a  Breach  ?  considering  likewise  they  must 
have  been  3  months  on  their  march  already,  &  9  weeks 
since  all  was  peace  in  Europe.  Certaine  I  am  Courtsell 
dare  not  Commence  a  Warr  on  his  own  head  especially 
such  a  one  where  of  necessity  hee  must  carry  it  on  victo- 
riously or  hee  is  utterly  ruined,  there  being  noe  Doore 
left  for  him  for  a  Retreat.  Perhaps  y6  apprehensions  of 
obstructing  some  of  y6  remote  Indians  from  visiting  and 
tradeing  with  you  may  be  a  Consideration  that  beares 
most  probability  with  it ;  since  that  may  be  performed 
with  a  party  only,  and  how  to  prevent  it  I  can  not  at  this 
distance  conjecture.  At  least  till  Stechtnoes  Return,  who 
may  perhaps  bring  more  cleare  Intelligence ;  In  the  meane 
time  it  will  bee  but  prudence  to  manage  these  Alarums 
to  our  best  advantage  and  to  use  those  meanes  that  shall 
best  conduce  to  our  safety;  To  which  end  It  will  be  ne- 
cessary that  in  y6  first  place  a  good  &  careful  Correspond- 
ence be  maintaind  between  Albany  &  Schanechtidee,  ffor 
I  look  on  that  as  a  Frontier ;  &  that  y6  Inhabitants  of  that 
place  putt  themselves  into  some  posture  of  Defence  by 
keeping  out  schouts,  and  makeing  some  Block  House 
which  may  give  some  Check  to  ye  Enemy  in  case  he  should 
presume  to  advance  into  his  Royall  Highness  Dominions. 

Next  that  at  Albany  a  strict  List  be  drawn  of  all  able 
persons  to  beare  Armes,  and  they  to  have  their  Armes 
visited  with  provision  of  Ammunition  proportionable. 

That  y6  Horse  likewise  make  an  Appearance  and  those 
to  be  putt  into  a  good  posture  likewise ; 

That  out  of  each  squadron  one  be  constantly  sent  to 
schout  between  you  and  Schanechtide  to  doe  y6  like  further 
into  y6  countrey  &  that  these  schouts  be  constantly  re- 
lieved. 


26  Records  of  the  Court  of  Assize. 

It  were  well  that  a  Guard  were  kept  in  Towne  By  y* 
Burghers  but  withall  Care  must  be  had  that  they  be  not 
too  much  harrast,  least  when  occasion  offers  they  then 
prove  unactive ;  But  above  all  keep  up  their  spiritts,  & 
lett  them  not  know  y6  Danger  (when  it  shall  happen)  till 
they  be  in  the  midst  of  it. 

For  y6  Forte  I  know  Salisbury  will  be  Active  to  putt 
all  Things  into  a  Readyness,  as  I  have  written  to  him  in 
particular  concerning  that  Affaire,  I  purpose  speedily  to 
be  with  you ;  but  would  gladly  receive  my  Masters  Pac- 
quett  which  in  all  probility  is  not  far  from  us. 

I  have  read  y6  Jesuites  Letter  &  look  on  it  only  as 
French  Rant,  when  I  come  up  I  shall  then  have  leisure  to 
discourse  more  close  with  him.  I  can  think  of  noe  more 
at  present,  only  I  rely  on  your  wonted  Care  &'Committ 
all  Affaires  to  your  prudent  Managery  till  my  Comeing  to 
you,  And  so  Comitting  you  to  Gods  protection  I  remaine 
Your  affectionate  Friend 

FRANC:  LOVELACE. 

N:  Yorke,  July  ye  6th,  1671. 

The  Governour's  Letter  to  ye  Commissaryes  at  Albany. 
Fort  Jarnes  in  New  Yorke  this  24th  day  of  January,  1669. 
Gentlemen — I  Received  your  Letter  of  y°  8th  of  January 
by  y6  Indian  by  which  I  understand  of  your  health  &  wel- 
fare which  to  me  was  a  most  welcome  New  Yeares  guift 
&  as  it  hath  beene  my  sole  Consideration  your  peace  & 
happiness  so  ye  continuance  of  it  shall  be  my  chiefest  study 
I  am  glad  all  ye  Indians  are  well  disposed  as  to  Imploy 
themselves  to  ye  Bcauer  hunting  I  doubt  not  but  you  will 
receive  ye  good  effects  of  it  by  your  next  yeares  handling 
by  which  tyme  I  am  in  greate  hopes  to  Constitute  a  firme 
peace  with  ye  Indians  now  in  Hostility  with  each  other 
&  am  sorry  I  have  hitherto  brought  it  to  no  greater  per- 
fection but  must  withall  assure  you  ye  fault  lay  not  in  yp 
least  on  my  parte  in  regard  Mr.  Winthrop  who  governes 
those  Indians  (by  an  accident  of  y6  Indisposition  of  his 
Wife)  has  beene  absent  from  his  Gouernment  all  this  sum- 
mer &  Retorned  not  till  y0  Churlishness  of  y6  winter  forbad 
all  manner  of  Intercourse.  In  ye  Spring  I  am  resolved  to 


Records  of  the  Court  of  Assizes.  27 

proceed  in  ye  worke  of  making  a  Generall  peace.  To 
which  end  I  have  already  made  some  preparation  there- 
unto which  I  beseech  God  to  blesse  It  tending  so  much 
to  y6  universal!  benefitt  of  those  partes  &  perticuler  yours. 
There  is  not  anything  of  moment  you  have  in  perticuler 
Recomended  to  me  if  you  had  I  should  have  answered 
your  desires.  If  any  thing  falls  out  in  y6  Interim  I  must 
recomend  it  to  your  prudent  management  till  I  have  je 
favour  to  see  you  which  I  purpose  this  summer  In  y6 
mean  tyme  I  recomend  you  to  ye  protection  of  him  who  is 
able  to  stand  by  you  in  all  Extremityes  which  God  I  be- 
seech to  blesse  &  guide  you  &  him  who  is 

Your  assured  freind, 

FRAN.  LOUELACE. 


October  (1672).— Capt.  Silvester  Salisbury,  Justice  of 
peace  at  Albany. 


(  28  ) 
CAPITULATION 

OF  THE 

DUTCH  TO  THE  ENGLISH. 


These  Articles  following  were  consented  to  by  the  Per- 
sons here-under  subscribed,  at  the  Governour's  Bouwery, 
August  the  27th  Old  Style,  1664. 

I.  We  consent  That  the  States  General,  or  the  West- 
India  Company,  shall  freely  injoy  all  Farms  and  Houses 
(except  such  as  are  in  the  Forts)  and  that  within  six 
months,  they  shall  have  free  Liberty  to  transport  all  such 
Arms  and  Ammunition,  as  now  does  belong  to  them,  or 
else  they  shall  be  paid  for  them. 

II.  All  Publique  Houses  shall  continue  for  the  Uses 
which  they  are  for. 

HI.  All  People  shall  still  continue  free  Denizens,  and 
shall  injoy  their  Lands,  Houses,  Goods,  wheresoever  they 
are  within  this  Country,  and  dispose  of  them  as  they 
please. 

IV.  If  any  Inhabitant  have  a  Mind  to  remove  himself, 
he  shall  have  a  Year  and  six  Weeks  from  this  day,  to  re- 
move himself,  Wife,  Children,  Servants,  Goods,  and  to 
dispose  of  his  Lands  here. 

V.  If  any  Officer  of  State,  or  Publique  Minister  of  State, 
have  a  Mind  to  go  for  England,  they  shall  be  transported 
Fraught  free,  in  his  Majesty's  Frigotts,  when  these  Frigotts 
shall  return  thither. 

VI.  It  is  consented  to,  that  any  People  may  freely  come 
from  the  Netherlands,  and  plant  in  this  Colon y,  and  that 
Dutch  Vessels  may  freely  come  hither,  and  any  of  the 
Dutch  may  freely  return  home,  or  send  any  Sort  of  Mer- 
chandize home,  in  Vessels  of  their  own  Country. 

VII.  All  ships  from  the  Netherlands,  or  any  other  Place, 
and  Goods  therein,  shall  be  received  here,  and  sent  hence, 
after  the  manner  which  formerly  they  were,  before  our 
coming  hither,  for  six:  months  next  ensuing. 

VIII.  The  Dutch  here  shall  injoy  the  Liberty  of  their 
Consciences  in  divine  Worship  and  Church  Discipline. 


Capitulation  of  New  Netherland.  29 

IX.  No  Dutchman  here,  or  Dutch  Ship  here,  shall  upon 
any  occasion,  be  pressed  to  serve  in  War  against  any  Na- 
tion whatsoever. 

X.  That  the  Townsmen  of  the  Manhattans,  shall  not 
have  any  Soldiers  quartered  upon  them,  without  being 
satisfied  and  paid  for  them  by  their  Officers,  and  that  at 
this  present,  if  the  Fort  be  not  capable  of  lodging  all  the 
Soldiers,  then  the  Burgomasters,  by  his  Officers,  shall  ap- 
point some  Houses  capable  to  receive  them. 

XI.  The  Dutch  here  shall  injoy  their  own  Customs 
concerning  their  Inheritances. 

XII.  All  Publique  Writings  and  Records,  which  concern 
the  Inheritances  of  any  People,  or  the  Reglement  of  the 
Church  or  Poor,  or  Orphans,  shall  be  carefully  kept  by 
those  in  whose  Hands  now  they  are,  and  such  Writings 
as  particularly  concern  the  States  General,  may^at  any 
Time  be  sent  to  them. 

XIII.  No  Judgment  that  has  passed  any  Judicature 
here,  shall  be  called  in  Question,  but  if  any  conceive  that 
he  hath  not  had  Justice  done  him,  if  he  apply  himself  to 
the  States  General,  the  other  Party  shall  be  bound  to 
answer  for  the  supposed  Injury. 

XIV.  If  any  Dutch,  living  here,  shall,  at  any  Time 
desire  to  travaile  or  traffique  into  England,  or  any  Place, 
or  Plantation,  in  Obedience  to  his  Majesty  of  England, 
or  with  the  Indians,  he  shall  .have  (upon  his  Request 
to  the  Governor)  a  Certificate  that  he  is  a  free  Denizen 
of  this  Place,  and  liberty  to  do  so. 

XV.  If  it  doe  appeare,  that  there  is  a  publique  Engage- 
ment of  Debt,  by  the  Town  of  the  Manhattoes,  and  a  way 
agreed  on  for  the  satisfying  of  that  Engagement,  it  is 
agreed,  that  the  same  way  proposed  shall  go  on,  and  that 
the  Engagement  shall  be  satisfied. 

XVI.  All  inferior  Civil  Officers  and  Magistrates,  shall 
continue  as  now  they  are,  (if  they  please)  till  the  custom- 
ary Time  of  new  Elections,  and  then  new  ones  to  be 
chosen  by  themselves,  provided  that  such  new  chosen 
Magistrates  shall  take  the  Oath  of  Allegiance  to  his  Ma- 

esty  of  England,  before  they  enter  upon  their  Office. 

XVII.  All  Differences  of  Contracts  and  Bargains  made 


80  Capitulation  of  New  Netherland. 

before  this  day,  by  any  in  this  Country,  shall  be  deter- 
mined, according  to  the  Manner  of  the  Dutch. 

XVIII.  If  it  doe  appeare,  that  the  West-India  Company 
of.  Amsterdam,  do  really  owe  any  Sums  of  Money  to  any 
Person  here,  it  is  agreed  that  Recognition,  and  other  Du- 
ties payable  by  Ships  going  for  the  Netherlands,  be  con- 
tinned  for  6  Months  longer. 

XIX.  The  Officers,  Military,  and  Soldiers,  shall  march 
out  with  their  Arms,  Drums  beating,  and  Colours  flying, 
with  lighted  Matches ;  and  if  any  of  them  will  plant,  they 
shall  have  fifty  Acres  of  Land  set  out  for  them ;  if  any  of 
them  will  serve  as  Servants,  they  shall  continue  with  all 
Safety,  and  become  free  Denizens  afterwards. 

XX.  If  at  any  Time  hereafter,  the  King  of  Great-Brit- 
ain, and  the  States  of  the  Netherland,  do  agree  that  this 
Place  and  Country  be  re-delivered  into  the  Hands  of  the 
said  States,  whensoever  his  Majestic  will  send  his  Com- 
mands to  re-deliver  it,  it  shall  immediately  be  done. 

XXI.  That  the  Town  of  Manhattans  shall  choose  Depu- 
tyes,  and  those  Deputyes  shall  have  free  Voyces  in  all 
publique  Affairs,  as  much  as  any  other  Deputyes. 

XXII.  Those  who  have  any  Property  in  any  Houses  in 
the  Fort  of  Aurania,  shall  (if  they  please)  slight  the  For- 
tifications there,  and  then  enjoy  all  their  Houses,  as  all 
People  do  where  there  is  no  Fort. 

XXIII.  If  there  be  any  Soldiers  that  will  go  into  Hol- 
land, and  if  the  Company  of  West-India  in  Amsterdam,  or 
any  private  Persons  here  will  transport  them  into  Holland, 
then  they  shall  have  a  safe  Passport  from  Colonel  Richard 
Nicholls,   Deputy-Governor  under  his  Royall  Highness, 
and  the  other  Commissioners,  to  defend  the  Ships  that 
shall  transport  such  Soldiers,  and  all  the  Goods  in  them, 
from  any  Surprizal  or  Acts  of  Hostility,  to  be  done  by  any 
of  his  Majestie's. Ships  or  Subjects.     That  the  Copies  of 
the  King's  Grant  to  his  Royal  Highness,  and  the  Copy  of 
his   Royal  Highness's  Commission  to    Colonel  Richard 
Nicholls,  testified  by  two  Commissioners  more,  and  Mr. 
Winthrop,  to  be  true  Copies,  shall  be  delivered  to  the 
honourable  Mr.  Stvyvesant,   the  present  Governor,   on 
Munday  next,  by  Eight  of  the  Clock  in  the  Morning,  at 


Capitulation  of  New  Netherland.  31 

the  Old  Miln,  and  these  Articles  consented  to,  and  signed 
by  Colonel  Richard  Nicholls,  Deputy- Governor  to  his 
Royal  Highness,  and  that  within  two  Hours  after  the  Fort 
and  Town  called  New- Amsterdam,  upon  the  Isle  of  Man- 
haloes,  shall  be  delivered  into  the  Hands  of  the  said  Colo- 
nel Richard  Nicholls,  by  the  Service  of  such  as  shall  be 
by  him  thereunto  deputed,  by  his  Hand  and  Seal. 
JOHN  DE  DECKER,  ROBERT  CABR, 

NICH.  VERLEET,  GEO.  CARTERET, 

SAM.  MEGAPOLENSIS,  JOHN  WINTHROP, 

CORNELIUS  STEENWICK,  SAM.  WILLYS, 

OLOFFE  STEVENS  VAN  KORTLANT,  THOMAS  CLARKE, 
JAMES  COSSEAU,  JOHN  PINCHON. 

I  do  consent  to  these  Articles, 

RICHARD  NICOLLS. 


(  32) 


CHARTER 

OF 


GRANTED  BT 

fflS  ROYAL  HIGHNESS  TO  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  NEW-YORK  AND 
ITS  DEPENDENCIES. 


Passed,  Oct.  30,  16:3. 

For  the  better  establishing  the  Government  of  this  pro- 
vince of  New- York,  and  thatt  Justice  and  Right  may  bee 
equally  done  to  all  persons  within  the  same :  Bee  it  enacted 
by  the  Govern'r,  Councell,  and  Representatives  now  in 
gen 'all  assembly,  mett  and  assembled,  and  by  the  authority 
of  the  same, 

Thatt  the  Supreme  legislative  Authority  under  his  Ma- 
jesty and  Royall  Highnesse  James,  Duke  of  Albany,  &c., 
Lord  proprietor  of  the  said  province,  shall  forever  bee 
and  reside  in  a  Governour,  councell  and  the  people,  mett 
in  Gene'all  Assembly. 

That  the  Exercise  of  the  Chiefe  magistracy  and  admin- 
istration of  the  government  over  the  said  Province  shall 
be  in  the  said  Govern'r;  assisted  by  Councell,  with  whose 
advice  and  consent,  or  with  at  least  four  of  them,  hee  is 
to  rule  and  govern  the  same  according  to  the  laws  thereof. 

Thatt  in  case  the  Governour  shall  dy  or  bee  absent  out 
of  the  province,  and  thatt  there  bee  no  person  within  the 
said  province,  commissionated  by  his  Royall  Highnesse 
his  heyres  or  sucessors,  to  bee  Governour  or  Commander 
in  Chief  there,  thatt  then  the  Councell  for  the  time  being, 
or  so  many  of  them  as  are  in  the  said  province,  do  take 
upon  them  the  Administracon  of  the  government,  and  the 
Execucon  of  the  laws  thereof,  and  powers  and  authoritys 
belonging  to  the  Governour  and  councell.  The  first  in 
.  nominacon,  in  which  councell  is  to  preside  untill  the  said 
Governour  shall  returne  and  arrive  in  the  said  province 


Charter  of  Liberties  and  Privileges.  33 

againe,  or  the  pleasure  of  his  Royall  Highnesse,  his  heyres 
or  successors,  bee  further  known — 

Thatt,  according  to  the  usage,  custome,  and  practice  of 
the  Realm  of  England,  a  sessions  of  a  generall  assembly 
bee  held  in  this  province  once  in  three  yeares  at  least. 

That  every  ffreeholder  within  this  province,  and  ffree- 
man  in  any  corporacon,  shall  have  his  free  choice  and 
vote  in  the  Electing  of  the  representatives,  without  any 
manner  of  constraint  or  imposition,  and  that  in  all  Elec- 
tions the  Majority  of  Voices  shall  carry  itt,  and  by  {free- 
holders is  understood  every  one  who  is  so  understood 
according  to  the  laws  of  England. 

That  the  persons  to  bee  elected  to  sitt  as  representatives 
in  the  Generall  assembly  from  time  to  time  for  the  several 
Cittys,  Towns,  Countyes,  Shires,  or  divisions  of  this  pro- 
vince, and  all  places  within  the  same  shall  bee  according 
to  the  proporcon  and  number  hereafter  expressed — That 
is  to  say — For  the  city  and  county  of  New  York  four — 
For  the  county  of  Suffolk  two — For  Queen's  county  two 
— For  King's  county  two — For  the  county  of  Richmond 
one — For  the  county  of  Westchester  — For  the 

county  of  Ulster  two — For  the  county  of  Albany  two — 
And  for  Schanectade,  within  the  said  county,  one — *For 
Duke's  county  one — For  the  county  of  Cornwall  one.* 

And  as  many  more  as  his  Royall  Highness  shall  think 
fit  to  establish. 

Thatt  all  persons  chosen  and  assembled  in  manner 
aforesaid,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  shall  be  deemed  and 
accounted  the  representatives  of  this  province,  which  said 
representatives,  together  with  the  Governor  and  his  coun- 
cell,  shall  forever  be  the  supream  and  only  legislative 
power  under  his  Roy '11  Highnesse,  of  the  said  province — 

Thatt  the  said  representatives  may  appoint  their  own 
times  of  meeting  during  their  sessions,  and  may  adjourn 
their  house,  from  time  to  time,  to  such  time  as  to  them 
shall  seem  meet  and  convenient. 

That  the  said  representatives  are  the  sole  Judges  of  the 
Quallificacons  of  their  own  members,  and  likewise  of  all 

*  Dukes  and  Cornwall  counties  do  not  appear  ever  to  have  sent 
members  to  General  assembly. 


34  Charter  of  Liberties  and  Privileges. 

undue  elections,  and  may,  from  time  to  time,  purge  their 
house  as  they  shall  see  occasion  dureing  the  said  sessions. 

Thatt  no  Member  of  the  Generall  Assembly,  or  their 
servants,  during  the  time  of  their  sessions,  whilest  they 
shall  be  going  to  or  returning  from  the  said  assembly, 
shall  be  arrested,  sued,  imprisoned,  or  any  wayes  molested 
or  troubled,  nor  bee  compelled  to  make  answer  to  any 
suite,  bill,  plaint,  declaracon  or  otherwise,  cases  of  high 
treason  or  felony  only  excepted — provided  the  number  of 
the  said  servants  shall  not  exceed  three. 

That  all  bills  agreed  upon  by  the  said  Representatives,, 
or  the  major  part  of  them,  shall  be  presented  unto  the 
Governour  and  his  councell  for  their  approbacon  and  con- 
sent, all  and  every  which  said  bills  so  approved  of  and 
consented  to  by  the  Governor  and  his  Councell,  shall  bee 
esteemed  the  Lawes  of  the  province ;  which  said  lawes 
shall  continue  and  remaine  in  force  untill  they  shall  bee 
repeeled  by  the  Authority  aforesaid :  That  is  to  say,  The 
Governour,  Councell,  and  Representatives  in  Generall 
Assembly,  by  and  with  the  approbation  of  his  Royal  High- 
nesse,  or  expire  by  their  own  limitations. 

Thatt  in  all  cases  of  death  or  removeall  of  any  of  the 
said  Representatives,  the  Governour  shall  issue  out  sum- 
mons by  Writt  to  the  respective  Townes,  Cittyes,  Shires, 
Countyes  or  Divisions  for  which  hee  or  they  so  removed 
or  deceased,  were  chosen,  willing  and  requiring  the  {free- 
holders of  the  same  to  elect  others  in  their  place  and 
stead.  .  > 

Thatt  no  ffreeman  shall  be  taken  and  imprisoned,  or  bee 
disseized  of  his  ffreehold  or  liberty,  or  free  customes,  or 
bee  outlawed  or  exiled,  or  any  other  wayes  destroyed,  nor 
shall  be  passed  upon,  adjudged  or  condemned,  butt  by  the 
lawfull  judgment  of  his  peers,  and  by  the  law  of  this  pro- 
vince, justice  nor  right  shall  bee  neither  sold,  denyed,  or 
deferred  to  any  man  within  this  province. 

That  no  aid,  tax,  tallage,  assessment,  custom,  loane, 
benevolence,  or  imposition  whattsoever,  shall  bee  layed, 
assessed,  imposed,  or  levyed  on  any  of  his  Majesties  sub- 
jects within  this  province,  or  their  Estates  uppon  any 
Manner  of  colour  or  pretence,  butt  by  the  act  or  consent  of 


Charter  of  Liberties  and  Privileges.  35- 

the  Governor,  counsell  and  representatives  of  the  people 
in  generall  assembly  mett  and  assembled. 

Thatt  no  Man.  of  whatt  Estate  or  Condicon  soever, 
shall  be  putt  out  of  his  lands  or  tenements,  nor  taken  nor 
imprisoned  nor  disinherretted,  nor  banished,  nor  any 
wayes  destroyed,  without  being  brought  to  answer  by  due 
course  of  law. 

Thatt  a  ffreeman  shall  not  bee  amerced  for  a  small 
fault,  butt  after  the  manner  of  his  fault,  and  for  a  great 
fault  after  the  greatnesse  thereof,  saving  to  him  his  ffree- 
hold,  and  a  husbandman  saving  to  him  his  wainage,  and 
a  merchant  likewise  saving  to  him  his  Merchandize,  and 
none  of  the  said  amerciaments  shall  bee  assessed  butt  by 
the  oath  of  twelve  honest  and  lawful  men  of  the  vicin- 
age— provided  the  faults  and  misdemeanours  be  not  in 
contempt  of  courts  of  Judicature. 

All  tryalls  shall  bee  by  the  Verdict  of  twelve  men,  and 
as  near  as  may  bee,  Peers  or  Equalls  of  the  Neighbour- 
hood, and  in  the  County,  Shire,  or  Division  where  the  fact 
shall  arise  or  grow,  whether  the  same  bee  by  Indictment, 
Informacon,  Declaracon,  or  otherwise,  against  the  person, 
offender,  or  defendant. 

That  in  all  cases  capitall  or  criminall,  there  shall  be  a 
grand  Inquest,  who  shall  first  present  the  Offence,  and 
then  twelve  Men  of  the  Neighbourhood  to  try  the  Offender, 
who  after  his  plea  to  the  Indictment,  shall  be  allowed  his 
reasonable  challenges. 

Thatt  in  all  cases  whatsoever  Bayle,  by  sufficient  suretys, 
shall  be  allowed  and  taken,  unlesse  for  Treason  or  ffelony, 
plainly  and  specially  expressed  and  menconed  in  the  War- 
rant of  Commitment ;  provided  alwayes,  that  nothing  herein 
conteyned  shall  extend  to  discharge  out  of  prison,  uppon 
Baile,  any  person  taken  in  execucon  for  debts,  or  other- 
wise legally  sentenced  by  the  judgment  of  any  of  the 
Courts  of  Record  within  this  province. 

Thatt  no  ffreeman  shall  be  compelled  to  receive  any 
marriners  or  souldiers  into  his  house,  and  there  suffer 
them  to  sojourne  against  their  wills;  Provided  alwaye,  it 
be  not  in  time  of  actuall  war  within  this  province. 

Thatt  no  commissions  for  proceeding  by  martial  law 


36  Charter  of  Liberties  and  Privileges. 

ag'st  any  of  his  Ma'ties  subjects,  within  this  province, 
shall  issue  forth  to  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever, 
least  by  colour  of  them  any  of  his  Ma'ties  subjects  bee 
destroyed  or  putt  to  death,  except  all  such  officers,  per- 
sons and  souldiers  in  pay  throughout  the  Government. 

That  from  henceforward  no  lands  within  this  province 
shall  be  esteemed  or  accounted  a  chattle  or  personall 
Estate,  but  an  Estate  of  Inheritance  according  to  the 
customes  and  practice  of  his  Majestye's  realme  of  Eng- 
land. 

Thatt  no  Court  or  Courts  within  this  province  have, 
or  att  any  time  hereafter  shall  have  any  Jurisdiccon, 
power  or  authority,  to  grant  out  any  execucon  or  other 
writt,  whereby  any  man's  land  may  bee  sold,  or  any  other 
way  disposed  of,  without  the  owner's  consent ;  Provided 
alwayes,  that  the  issues  or  meane  profitts  of  any  man's 
land  shall  or  may  bee  extended  by  execucon  or  otherwise, 
to  sattisfy  just  debts,  any  thing  to  the  contrary  hereof  in 
any  wise  notwithstanding. 

That  no  Estate  of  a  ffeme  covert  shall  be  sold  or  con- 
veyed butt  by  deed  acknowledged  by  her  in  some  Court 
of  Record,  the  woman  being  secretly  examined,  if  shee 
doth  it  freely  without  threats  or  compulsion  of  her  hus- 
band. 

Thatt  all  wills  in  writing  attested  by  two  credible  Wit- 
nesses, shall  be  of  the  same  force  to  convey  lands  as  other 
Conveyances  being  registed  in  the  Secretarye's  office 
within  fforty  days  after  the  testator's  death. 

Thatt  a  Widdow,  after  the  death  of  her  husband,  shall 
have  her  dower,  and  shall  and  may  tarry  in  the  chiefe 
house  of  her  husband  forty  days  after  the  death  of  her 
,  husband,  within  which  forty  days  her  dower  shall  bee  as- 
signed her,  and  for  her  dower  shall  be  assigned  unto  her 
the  third  part  of  all  the  lands  of  her  husband  during  co- 
verture, except  shee  were  endowed  with  lesse  before  mar- 
riage. That  all  lands  and  heritages  within  this  province 
and  dependencyes,  shall  bee  free  from  all  ffines  and  lycen- 
ces  upon  alienacons,  and  from  all  heriotts,  wardships, 
liveries,  primier  seizins,  year,  day,  and  wast,  escheats,  and 
forfeittures  upon  the  death  of  parents  or  ancestors,  natu- 


Charter  of  Liberties  and  Privileges.  37 

rail,  unnaturall,  casuall  or  judicial],  and  thatt  for  ever, 
cases  of  High  Treason,  only  excepted. 

Thatt  no  person  or  persons,  which  proffesse  ffaith  in 
God  by  Jesus  Christ,  shall,  at  any  time,  be  any  wayes 
molested,  punished,  disquieted,  or  called  in  question  for  any 
difference  in  opinion  or  matter  of  religious  concernmejit, 
who  do  nott  actually  disturb  the  civill  peace  of  the  pro- 
vince, butt  thatt  all  and  every  such  person  or  p'sons  may, 
from  time  to  time  and  at  all  times,  freely  have  and  fully 
enjoy  his  or  their  judgments  or  consciences  in  matters  of 
religion  throughout  the  province,  they  behaving  themselves 
peaceably  and  quietly,  and  nott  using  this  lyberty  to  Ly- 
cenciousnesse,  nor  to  the  civill  injury  or  outward  disturb- 
ance of  others:  Provided  alwayes,  Thatt  this  liberty,  or 
any  thing  conteyned  therein  to  the  contrary,  shall  never 
be  construed  or  improved  to  make  void  the  settlement 
of  any  publique  minister  on  Long  Island,  whether  such 
settlement  bee  by  two  thirds  of  the  voices  in  any  Towne 
thereon,  which  shall  alwayes  include  the  minor  part ;  or 
by  the  subscriptions  of  particular  inhabitants  in  said 
townes ;  Provided,  they  are  the  two  thirds  thereof:  Butt 
that  all  in  such  agreements,  covenants  and  subscriptions 
thatt  are  there  all  ready  made  and  had,  or  thatt  hereafter 
shall  bee  in  this  manner  consented  to,  agreed  and  sub- 
scribed, shall  at  all  time  and  times  hereafter,  bee  firm  and 
stable;  and  in  confirmation  hereof,  it  is  enacted  by  the 
Governour,  Councell  and  Representatives,  That  all  such 
summs  of  money  so  agreed  on,  consented  to,  or  subscribed, 
as  aforesaid,  for  maintenance  of  such  publique  ministers, 
by  the  two  thirds  of  any  towne  on  Long  Island,  shall 
alwayes  include  the  minor  part,  who  shall  bee  regulated 
thereby:  and  also  such  subscriptions  and  agreements  as 
are  beforemenconed,  are  and  shall  bee  alwayes  ratifyd, 
performed  and  payd,  and  if  any  towne  on  said  Island,  in 
their  publique  capacity  of  agreement  with  any  such  minis- 
ter or  any  perticular  persons,  by  their  private  subscriptions 
as  aforesaid,  shall  make  default,  deny  or  withdraw  from 
such  payments  so  covenanted  to,  agreed  upon,  and  sub- 
scribed, thatt  in  such  case,  upon  complaint  of  any  Collector 
appointed  and  chosen  by  two  thirds  of  such  towne  upon 
Long  Island,  unto  any  Justice  of  that  County,  upon  his 


38  Charter  of  Liberties  and  Privileges. 

hearing  the  same,  he  is  hereby  authorized,  impowered, 
and  required  to  issue  out  his  warrant  unto  the  constable 
or  his  deputy,  or  any  other  person  appointed  for  the  col- 
lection of  said  rates  or  agreement,  to  levy  upon  the  goods 
and  chattells  of  said  delinquent  or  defaulter,  all  such 
summes  of  money  so  covenanted  and  agreed  to  be  paid, 
by  distresse,  with  costs  and  charges,  without  any  further 
suit  in  law,  any  law,  custome  or  usage  to  the  contrary  in 
any  wise,  notwithstanding;  Provided  alwayes,  the  said 
summe  or  summes  bee  under  fforty  shillings,  otherwise  to 
be  recovered  as  the  law  directs. 

And  whereas,  all  the  respective  Christian  Churches  now 
in  practice  within  the  Citty  of  New-Yorke,  and  the  other 
places  of  this'  province,  do  appear  to  bee  priviledged 
Churches,  and  have  been  so  established  and  confirmed  by 
the  former  authority  of  this  Government;  Bee  it  hereby 
enacted  by  this  present  Generall  Assembly,  and  by  the  Au- 
thority thereof,  That  all  the  said  respective  Christian 
Churches  be  hereby  confirmed  therein,  and  thatt  they  and 
every  of  them  shall  from  henceforth,  forever,  be  held  and 
reputed  as  priviledged  churches,  and  enjoy  all  their  former 
freedomes  of  their  religion  in  divine  worship  and  church 
discipline :  and  thatt  all  former  contracts  made  and  agreed 
on  for  the  maintenance  of  the  several  ministers  of  the  said 
Churches,  shall  stand  and  continue  in  full  force  and  ver- 
tue,  and  thatt  all  contracts  for  the  future  to  bee  made, 
shall  be  of  the  same  power;  and  all  p'sons  that  are  un- 
willing to  performe  their  part  of  the  said  contract,  shall 
bee  constrained  thereunto  by  a  warrant  from  any  Justice 
of  the  Peace:  Provided  itt  bee  under  forty  shillings,  or 
otherwise,  as  the  law  directs:  Provided  allso,  That  all 
other  Christian  Churches  that  shall  hereafter  come  and 
settle  within  this  province  shall  have  the  same  priviledges. 

A  continued  bill  for  defraying  the  requisite  charges  of 
the  government. 

[This  continued  bill  grants  certain  duties  on  liquors, 
merchandizes,  &c.  to  the  Governor,  for  the  support  of 
government,  and  is  on  the  same  engrossed  bill  with  the 
foregoing  "charter  of  libertys,"  &c,  and  passed  with  it.] 

New  Yorke,  Oct.  26,  1683. 

The  Representatives  have  assented  to  this  bill,  and 


Charter  of  Liberties  and  Privileges.  39 

order  it  to  bee  sent  up  to  the  Governo'r  and  Councell  for 
their  assent.  M.  NICOLLS,  Speaker. 

After  three  times  reading,  it  is  assented  to  by  the  Go- 
vernour  and  Councell  this  thirtieth  of  October,  1683. 

THO.  DONGAN. 
John  Spragge,  Clerk  of  the  Assembly. 

N.  B.  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  the  Crown,  in  1697, 
repealed  a  law  very  similar  in  its  provisions  to  the  pre- 
ceding charter,  &o»  entitled  "  An  act  declaring  what  are 
the  rights  and  priviledges  of  their  Majestyes  subjects  in- 
habiting within  the  province  of  New-Ybrke."  This  act 
may  be  seen  at  large  in  Br.  ed.  pages  1,  2,  3,  4,  &c.  and 
was  passed  in  1691.  Vide  also  Smith's  History  of  New 
York,  76,  in  notes.  It  is  presumed  that  the  foregoing 
Charter  of  Lybertys,  &c.  shared  the  same  fate,  though 
no  record  has  yet  been  met  with,  to  ascertain  the  fact. 

By  "an  act  to  divide  the  province  and  dependencies 
into  shires  and  counties,  passed  Nov.  1,  1683,  the  county 
of  Albany  to  conteyne  the  towne  of  Albany,  the  colony  of 
Renslaerswyck,  Schonecteda,  and  all  the  villages,  neigh- 
bourhoods, and  Christian  plantacons  on  the  east  side  of 
Hudson's  River,  from  Roelof  Jansen's  Creeke,  and  on  the 
west  side  from  Sawyers  Creeke  to  the  Saraghtoga." 

In  April,  1691,  [Vide  Bradford's  edition  of  1710]  an 
act  was  passed  entitled,  "An  act  to  divide  this  province 
and  dependencies  into  shires,"  similar  to  the  preceding, 
except  in  the  following:  The  county  of  Albany — "the 
towne  of  Albany,"  omitted  to  be  named — "  Colony  of 
Renslaerswyck,"  called  "  The  Mannor  of  Ranslaerswyck ;" 
and  instead  of  "to  the  Saraghtoga,"  is  substituted  "to 
the  uttermost  end  of  Sarraghtoga." 


(  40  ) 

THE  ALBANY  RECORDS. 

These  records,  which  are  so  denominated  by  common 
consent,  although  they  were  kept  in  New  York  by  the 
secretary  of  the  Dutch  West  India  Company,  embracing 
a  period  of  about  forty  years  from  1638,  were  translated 
by  order  of  the  legislature.  FRANCIS  ADRIAN  VANDER- 
KEMP  having  been  employed  for  that  purpose,  deposited 
24  volumes  in  the  office  of  the  secretary  of  state  in  1819. 
We  have  gleaned  from  them  the  following  items  relating 
to  Albany  and  its  citizens : 

Copy  of  an  account  from  Cornells  Melyn  Merchant,  in 
the  vessel  named  the  Arms  of  Norway. 

The  account  made  up  on  the  4  Aug.  with  Michiel 
Jansen  for  fare,  for  himself  his  wife  and  two  children, 
amounting  to  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  forty  gl.  six- 
teen st.,/ 140: 16:* 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  shall  please  to  pay  to  Cornelis 
Melyn  or  order,  the  said  sum  of  / 140: 16.  was  signed 
Michiel  Jansen. 

The  account  made  up  of  Tonis  Dirksen  his  wife  and 
child  on  the  4th  Aug.  besides  his  two  servants,  for  all 
whom  the  fare  amounts  to  hundred  forty  one  gl.  and 
fourteen  st.  / 14 1:14. f 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  shall  please  to  pay  to  Cornelis 
Melyn,  or  order,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  forty  one  gl. 
fourteen  st.  x  mark  of  Tonis  Dirksen. 

Sir  Kilian  Van  Rensselaer  shall  please  to  pay  for  sun- 
dries which  we  wanted,  the  sum  of  /23:12  J  for 

MICHIEL  JANSEN. 

On  the  4th  of  Aug.  the  account  was  made  up  with  Jan. 
Michiels  for  fare  for  him  and  his  little  boy,  amounting  to 
fifty  gl. 

Mr.  Van  Renselaer  pays  fifty  gl.  to  Cornelis  Melyn  or 
order  was  signed  by  Jan  Michielsen,  Taylor. 

Mr.  Van  Renselaer  shall  please  to  pay  to  Cornelis 
Melyn  or  order  /27  in  behalf  of  Adriaen  Cornelissen,  of 

*  £23  9s   4d.  t  £23  12s.  4d.  J  £3  19s.  4d. 


The  Albany  Records.  41 

Barsingerhoon,  and  will  be  pleased  to  pay  farther  /2:10, 
which  were  received  in  Texel. 

To  wages  for  Michiel  in  conducting  horses,  /8. 
Three  tons  of  beans  for  the  horses,  the  ton  aj7  is  /21. 
For  the  freight  of  horses,  as  by  invoice,  /  1000. 

Michiel  Jansen  owes, / 140: 16 

Tonis  Dirksen, 14 1 :14 

said  Michiel  Jansen,  yet, 23:12 

Adriaen  Cornelissen, 29:10 

For  horses  /8,  beans  /21, 29:00 

Jan  Michielsen 50:00 

For  freight  and  sundries. 1000:00 


/1413-.12 

From  this  sum  must  be  deducted  wh#t  the 
director,  Kieft,  paid  to  Melyn,  and  with 
which  could  not  be  dispensed, /1 1 1:03 


So  that  a  clear  balance  remains  due  to  him  of  / 1 302:9* 

Vol.  i,  p.  36-7. 

This  day  the  22  March,  xvi°  xxxix,  appeared  before  me, 
Cornelis  Van  Tienhoven,  secretary  of  the  general  pri- 
vileged West  Indian  Company  in  New-Netherland,  in 
presence  of  the  undersigned  witnesses,  Gillis  Pieterson. 
Van  der  Gouw,  old  about  27  years,  actually  a  house  car- 
penter in  the  island  Manhattans,  well  known  to  me, 
secretary;  who  solemnly  declared  r.t  the  request  of  the 
honorable  William  Kieft,  director  general  in  New- 
Netherland,  that  it  is  true  that  he  during  the  direction  of 
Wouter  Van  Twiller  has  assisted  in  nearly  all  the  build- 
ings which  have  been  constructed  during  that  period, 
and  that  he  knows  what  buildings  have  been  made  during 
the  administration  of  said  Van  Twiller  for  the  service  of 
the  company.  On  Fort  Orange,  &c. 

"In  said  Fort,  an  elegant  large  house,  with  a  balus- 
trade, &c.,  by  Dirk  Cornelissen  of  Wesel. 

In  the  same  Fort  8  small  dwellings  for  the  people. 

Vol.  i,  p.  85. 
*  £1217  Is.  6d. 


42  The  Albany  Records. 

When  and  to  whom  (or  what  price)  the  stock  on  the 
six  farms  on  the  island  of  Manhattans  have  been  dis- 
posed. 


1  mare  of  the  farm  N.  4,  sold  to  John  Evertsen, 


1  —    of 

2  —    of 
1    —    of 

1  stallion  of 
1  mare  of 


to  Cornelis  VanVorst. 

to  Jacob  Van  Corlear. 

to  Anthony    Jansen 

Van  Salee. 


N.  1,  the  farm  of  Wouter   Van 


Twiller. 
and  by  him  sold  to  John  Evertsen. 

The  2  mares  which  said  Van  Twiller  ought  to  have 
provided,  is  uncertain,  if  he  did  so  or  not. 

4  mares  of  N.  2  &  3  have  been  sent  to  Fort  Orange  in 
the  colonie  to  Mr.  Van  Renselaer,  and  remain  yet  the 
property  of  the  companies,  as  appears  from  the  memoir 
of  late  director  Van  Twiller. 

2  milch  cows  from  N.  4  to  Cornelis  Van  Voorst. 

2  "  "  "  N.  6,  which  were  sent  to  the  colonie 
of  Mr.  Van  Renselaer. 

4  in  said  colonie  from  N.  2  &  N.  3. 

2  from  N.  5  have  been  killed  in  the  time  of  Minuit. 

2  cows  from  N.  6,  being  Van  Twiller's  farm,  it  is  un- 
certain if  these  were  transferred  to  the  company.  All 
the  remaining  stock  from  N.  2  &  3  has  been  driven  off  to 
the  colonie  of  Renselaerwyck. 

Of  the  sheep  N.  5,  on  said  director  Van  Twiller  sold  the 
half  to  Ba.  Dirksen,  and  the  other  half  made  to  answer 
a  debt  of  said  Barend  to  the  company,  as  he  said,  and 
were  sent  to  the  colonij  of  Mr.  Van  Renselaer. 

The  above  is  all  that  is  known  of  said  stock.  Vol.  i,  p.  90. 

By  Bastiaen  Jansen  Crol  was  at  Fort  Orange  arrested 
16  beavers,  of  which  the  proprietor  could  not  be  dis- 
covered— to  whom  is  allowed  by  order  of  the  Hon. 
Director  15  st.  for  each  beaver  to  be  placed  to  his  ac- 
count.— Vol.  ii,  p.  126.  20  June,  1641. 

8  Octr.  1644.  Symon  Pos,  plaintiff,  contra  Adriaen  Van 
der  Donck,  defendant,  in  a  case  of  appeal  from  an  inter- 


The  Albany  Records.  43 

locutory  judgment  pronounced  by  the  court  in  Rense- 
laerwyck. 

The  Hon.  Directors  General  and  Council  in  New  Nether- 
land,  having  examined  a  lawsuit  in  a  case  of  slander,  with 
the  judgment  of  said  court  between  parties;  having  heard 
both  sides  and  considered  maturely  every  point,  so  is  it, 
that  the  Director  and  Council  are  of  opinion  that  the 
judgment  is  correct  and  the  appeal  to  this  court  un- 
seasoned, wherefore  they  decree  that  said  judgment  shall 
be  executed  in  every  part,  and  condemn  the  aforesaid 
Symon  Pos,  in  the  costs  of  the  suit,  besides  a  fine  of /10 
for  the  building  of  the  church. 

The  Attorney  General,  plaintiff,  contra  Jan  Symensen, 
skipper  in  Renselaerwyck,  defendant: 

Decreed  that  the  Attorney  General  shall  deliver  a  copy 
of  the  indictment  to  the  defendant,  that  he  may  answer 
it  in  former. 

Willem  de  Pey,  attorney  of  Govert  Loockmans,  plaint- 
iff, contra  Nicolas  Coorn,  Sheriff  in  Renselaerwyck, 
defendant ;  because  the  defendant  hath  damaged  the  ves- 
sel of  Loockmans,  by  firing  at  it — when  the  Attorney 
General  stept  forward  to  prosecute  the  defendant,  in  be- 
half of  the  government  in  New  Netherland. 

Having  seen  and  examined  the  affidavits  obtained  and 
confirmed  with  oath  at  the  requisition  of  the  Attorney 
General,  and  considering  the  protest  and  warning  made 
by  the  same  Attorney  General  to  the  defendant  to  pay 
the  damages,  which  he  occasioned  by  firing  on  the  plaint- 
iff's yacht,  to  be  valued  by  two  impartial  men  as  arbitra- 
tors, and  to  forbid  him  seriously  never  to  do  so  again, 
under  the  penalty  of  corporal  punishment,  that  he  further 
must  obtain  from  the  Patroon  his  approbation  of  said 
judgment,  confirmed  by  authority.  If  he  fails  in  this 
respect,  then  conclusion  of  the  Attorney  General  against 
him  shall  be  put  in  execution,  while  the  defendant  must 
in  the  mean  while  remain  within  the  limits  of  New 
Netherland.  Vol.  ii,  p.  274-5. 

Symon    Dircksen  Pos,  plaintiff,  contra  Adriaen  Van 
der  Donck,  uefendant.  in  a  case  of  arrest.     Decreed  that 
5 


44  The  Albany  Records. 

Van  der  Donck  has  no  longer  any  further  claim  on  the 
beavers,  except  as  his  interest  arising  from  the  last  judg- 
ment has  a  bearing. 

The  Attorney  General  is  commanded  to  inquire  what 
the  schedule  contained,  which  Symon  Pos  hath  affixed  in 
Fort  Orange.  Vol.  ii,  p.  275. 

Whereas  the  Director  and  Council  have  decreed  to 
receive  the  duty  (recognition)  on  beavers,  because  the 
distressing  situation  and  the  welfare  of  the  country 
require  it,  so  is  it,  that  the  same  recognition  must  be 
paid  from  the  wares  and  merchandises,  laden  in  the  ship 
Renselaerwyck,  wherefore,  they  command,  that  it  must 
not  sail  without  having  paid  it,  under  the  penalty  of  con- 
fiscation. 

Done  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New  Netherland,  the  22d 
Oct,  1644.  Vol.  ii,  p.  276. 

On  the  3  November  1644.  The  Attorney  General, 
plaintiff,  contra  Symon  Volckertsen  from  de  Streeck, 
prisoner  on  theft. 

Aforesaid  Symon  Volckertsen,  old  20  years  declares 
and  confesses  voluntarily  that  Anthony  Peters  some  time 
past  assisted  him  in  stealing  four  beavers  from  the  shallop 
of  Egbert  Van  Borssum,  which  he  enveloped  in  a  blanket, 
carried  on  shore  and  offered  for  sale  to  Martin  Crieger, 
when  he  could  not  sell  the  beavers  there,  then  Anthony 
his  Accomplice  took  these  and  carried  the  beavers  to 
Schepmoes,  to  whom  he  sold  them  at  /2:10  the  piece, 
he  said,  he  sold  two  at  /7,  and  one  at  /2:10.  He  knows 
not  what  Anthony  obtained  for  the  fourth ;  he  took  in 
payment  brandy  which  they  sipped  out  together. 

Vol.  ii,  p.  278. 

The  Directors  and  Council  in  New  Netherland  having 
seen  the  conclusion  of  Cornelis  Van  Stogpens,  Attorney 
General,  against  Symon  Volckertsen,  born  in  de  Streeck. 
(Hicht  Van  Sctrecht)  on  theft  committed  by  him  in  the 
yacht  Prince  William — to  which  he  belongeth — which 
delinquent  voluntarily  confessed,  that  he  stole  four 
beavers  belonging  to  the  skipper  being  before  as  sus- 
pected of  theft  set  on  shore  from  the  yacht,  Eindragt, 

*j£13s.  4.1.  **.£,, 


The  Albany  Records.  45 

all  which  is  tending  to  give  a  bad  example,  and  spoil  a 
whole  commonwealth,  and  can  not  be  tolerated  in  a  land 
of  justice,  so  is  it,  that  we  doing  justice  condemn  said 
delinquent  to  be  brought  to  the  place  where  justice  is 
executed  to  be  there  flogged  with  rods  to  an  example  and 
terrour  of"  evil  doers  and  farther  to  be  banished  out  of 
the  limits  of  New  Netherland.  3  November  1644  to 
November. 

Jau  Schepmoes  sayd,  that  Anthony  Peters  and  Symou 
Wouters,  sold  him  two  beavers:  Anthony  said,  these  are 
not  mine  beavers  they  belong  to  Symon.  Next  day  they 
brought  one  beaver  more  and  sold  this  too : 

Schepmoes  declares,  that  he  knew  not  that  the  beavers 
were  stolen  neither  suspected  it  -  as  this  ware  is  a  cur- 
renty  in  this  country. 

Anthony  Pieterson  appearing  in  court  declared  at  the 
requisition  of  the  Attorney  General  that  Symon  Vol- 
kertsen  accosted  him  on  shore,  and  desired  to  be  con- 
ducted on  board  which  the  deponent  effected,  when  they 
arrived  there  said  Symon  took  two  beavers  from  his 
hang-mat  and  returned  with  these  on  shore.  Then  Symon 
went  to  Marten  Crigier  and  offered  to  sell  him  these 
beavers — who  declined  it.  From  here  they  went  together 
to  Schepmoes,  and  sold  to  him  two  beavers  at  /7:10.  The 
next  day  they  returned  on  board :  Symon  said  he  would 
fetch  some  peas — when  they  were  arrived  in  the  yacht — 
Symon  called  Anthony  to  hold  up  the  bag,  and  then  he 
saw  that  Symon  pulled  one  beaver  from  under  his  pillow, 
the  skipper  said,  take  care,  that  you  do  not  take  more 
peas  than  you  have  a  right  to.  So  they  returned  to  shore, 
and  sold  this  beaver  too  to  Schepmoes — Symon  told 
Anthony  he  earned  two  beavers  in  Fort  Orange  by  watch- 
ing, the  other  he  purchased.  15th  Novr.  1644. 

Vol.  ii,  p.  279. 

ADRIAEN  VAN  DOXCK,  plaintiff;  contra  JAXNETJE  TEU- 
xis,  defendant.' 

The  plaintiff  said  that  the  defendant  made  a  contract 
with  the  Hon.  de  Heer  Van  Rensselaer,  and  requests  that 
the  defendant  may  fullfil  it,  whereas  it  is  the  wish  of  the 


46  The  Albany  Records. 

Patroon  that  his  settlers  should  proceed  in  a  decent  man- 
ner to  his  colony. 

Parties  are  referred  to  the  spring,  as  the  defendant  has 
married  and  is  highly  pregnant — provided  she  gives  bail 
that  the  contract  shall  be  fullfilled  and  the  money  reim- 
bursed. Vol.  ii,  p.  191. 

On  the  petition  of  Jacob  Plank,  Sheriff,  (officer)  in  the 
colony  of  (Heer)  the  Hon.  Van  Rensselaer,  named  Rens- 
selaerwyck,  with  regard  to  the  sending  of  a  few  horses 
to  aforesaid  colony — and  whereas  many  heads  of  cattle 
have  before  been  removed  from  the  Manhattans,  and  no 
beasts  are  remaining  except  only  on  the  farm  of  the  late 
Director,  TViller,  while  the  other  five  farms  remain  des- 
titute of  any  creature,  wherefore  these  cannot  be  cultiva- 
ted, so  is  it,  that  the  Hon.  Director  and  Council  rejected 
after  mature  deliberation  Jacob  Plank's  Petition,  granting 
him  only  to  send  thither  a  few  goats.  Vol.  ii,  p.  2. 

Whereas  the  Director  General  and  Council  in  New 
Netherland  experience  that  many  persons,  some  in  the 
Company's  service,  and  other  Inhabitants,  do  not  hesi- 
tate to  sell  the  Indians  in  violation  of  the  commands  of 
their  High  and  mighty  Lords,  the  States  General,  and  the 
privileged  West  Indian  Company,  guns,  powder  and  balls, 
which  has  caused  already  some  mishap,  and  which,  if  no 
efficacious  remedy  was  to  be  applied  by  us,  ere  long  might 
be  followed  by  the  most  dreadful  events,  so  is  it,  that 
every  inhabitant  of  New  Netherland,  of  what  state,  con- 
dition or  dignity  he  may  be,  is  expressly  forbidden  to  sell 
to  any  Indians  in  this  neighborhood  any  guns,  powder  or 
ball,  on  the  penalty  of  suffering  death,  and  whoever  can 
bring  information  against  any  one  who  has  trespassed 
against  this  placard  shall  receive  a  reward  of  fifty  gl.* 

Vol.  ii,  p.  46-7. 

Every  inhabitant  is  further  warned,  that  no  person 
shall  dare  to  sail  with  boats  or  any  other  vessel  to  fort 
Orange,  or  to  the  South  river,  or  to  the  fort  Hope,  except 

*£8.  6s.  8d.  or  50  gl. 


The  Albany  Records.  47 

by  a  permit  of  the  Director  General,  and  in  their  return 
by  a  passport  of  the  Commissary,  there  residing  and  repre- 
senting the  company;  and  if  it  is  discovered  that  any 
individual  has  been  in  any  of  these  places  without  such 
a  permit,  in  such  a  case  shall  the  vessel  and  cargo  be 
confiscated  in  behalf  of  the  company,  besides  a  fine, 
which  is  to  be  determined  by  the  circumstances  of  the 
case. 

Our  dear  and  faithful  commissaries,  who  are  invested 
with  our  authority  in  these  places  are-  seriously  com- 
manded to  affix  this  placard  directly,  so  that  every  indi- 
vidual may  be  informed  of  his  duty  and  be  on  his  guard. 
Done  and  published  in  fort  Amsterdam  31  March,  1639. 

Vol.  ii,  p.  47. 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  one  thousand  six 
hundred  and  forty-two,  on  the  7th  of  June  N.  S.  appeared 
before  me,  Cornells  Van  Tienhoven,  secretary  in  behalf 
of  the  General  West  Indian  Company  in  New  Netherland, 
Peter  Jacobsen  from  Rensbeeck,  with  Gysje  Petersen  his 
lawful  wife  residing  in  fort  Orange,  situated  on  the  North 
River  in  New  Netherland,  both  being  at  present  enjoying 
bodily  health,  going  and  coming  in  the  full  possession  of 
their  senses,  memory  and  mind,  as  appeared  to  us,  who 
declared  that  they  contemplating  the  certainty  of  death, 
and  the  uncertainty  of  its  time,  and  wishing  to  prevent 
this  uncertainty  by  a  positive  testamentary  disposition, 
freely,  deliberately,  without  any  indirection,  persuasion 
or  lure  from  any  person  whatever,  declared  their  last  will 
in  the  following  terms : 

After  repealing  and  annulling  all  and  every  other  testa- 
mentary disposition  previously  made  jointly  or  by  either 
of  them,  they  recommend  their  souls  allways,  and  where- 
ever  these  shall  have  left  their  bodies  to  God's  unfathom- 
able mercy,  and  their  corpses  to  a  Christian  burial  in  the 
hope  of  a  happy  resurrection  at  the  last  day. 

Both  testators  institute  as  their  sole  heirs,  viz:  of  their 
whole  estate,  real,  personal,  present  and  future,  with  any 
increase  or  obtained  emoluments  and  profits  without  any 
exception,  one  another  reciprocally,  so  that  the  survivor 


48  The  Albany  Records. 

shall  possess  the  remaining  estate  in  full  property  with- 
out being  obliged  to  deliver  any  part  to  the  relatives  of 
the  deceased — only  with  this  exception — that  Peter  Ja- 
cobsen  shall,  if  his  wife  now  here  present  died,  first  pay 
to  Annetje  Alberts,  her  daughter,  as  her  mother's  heri- 
tage, twenty  car.  gl.  and  no  more  remaining  the  remainder 
to  the  survivor,  no  older  claims  being  admitted.  This 
disposition  Pieter  Jacobsen  and  Gysje  Petersen  declared 
to  be  her  last  will,  which  they  hope  shall  be  respected  and 
obtain  effect  even  if  it  was  deficient  in  some  legal  res- 
pects, or  contrary  to  any  particular  law  or  statute  which 
might  have  been  disregarded,  wherefore  they  solicited 
that  I  Cornells  Van  Tienhoven  might  examine  its  con- 
tents, and  keep  its  protocol  as  the  secretary  of  New 
Netherland  preparing  one  or  more  copies  in  debta  forma. 
Done  by  Peter  Jacobson  and  Gysje  Petersen  aforesaid  in 
the  presence  of  Bastian  Cros  commissary  in  Fort  Orange 
and  A.  Van  Curler  as  witnesses  who  signed  the  protocol 
with  me  secretary.  Done  in  fort  Amsterdam  in  New 

Netherland.  .  />. 

This  is  the  Mfymark  of 

GYSJE  -J    £»    PETERSEN. 

BASTIAN  KROP. 
Vol.  Hi,  p.  39. 

William  Kieft,  director  general  and  council  in  New 
Netherland,  make  known  to  all  whom  it  may  concern, 
whereas  Willem  Cornelis  Coster  was  murdered  by  the 
savages  called  Waspinox  (living  on  the  North  River  aboat 
half  ways  from  Fort  Orange),  which  savages  robbed  said 
Coster  from  several  articles  then  in  his  possession,  and 
whereas  said  Coster  has  yet  here  and  in  the  colony  of 
Rensselaerwyck  several  pretensions,  so  is  it,  that  we 
deemed  it  proper  to  qualify  a  competent  person  to  take 
the  administration  of  said  Coster's  estate  upon  him 
here  in  New  Netherland,  so  that  his  employers  and 
his  widow  may  receive  the  yet  remaining  property 
wherefore  we  persuaded  of  the  abilities  of  his  Cosin 
John  Laurens  and  Gerrit  Rievers  (both  men  of  a  good 
character),  appointed  and  qualified  them  to  collect  all 


The  Albany  Records,  49 

the  debts  and  pay  those  which  he  owed,  and  do  with 
said  estate  in  every  respect  as  they  shall  feel  themselves 
in  duty  bound  to  do,  approving  we,  whatever  by  John 
Laurens  and  Gerrit  Rieviers  shall  have  been  legally  tran- 
sacted, with  the  farther  power  of  assuming  to  themselves 
or  substituting  others  in  their  place,  provided  that  said 
constituents  remain  obliged  to  render  a  faithful  account 
of  their  administration  to  Coster's  employers  and  widow. 
Done  in  fort  Amsterdam,  7  August,  1643,  in  New  Nether- 
land.  WILLIAM  KIEFT. 

By  order  of  the  Hon.  Director  and  council  of  New 
Netherland. 

CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN.  Secretary. 

Vol.  Hi,  p.  143. 

Appeared  before  me,  Cornells  Van  Tienhoven,  secre- 
tary in  New  Netherland,  Hendrick  Petersen  from  Hasfelt, 
old  about  40  years,  and  Adrien  Reyntsen  Smit,  who  jointly 
at  the  request  of  Thomas  Teunis  declare  which  declara- 
tion they  were  willing  to  sanction  with  a  solemn  oath 
that  it  is  true  that  Thomas  Teunis  said  at  the  house  of 
Marten  Criger,  said  to  said  Criger,  at  what  price  will  you 
take  beavers,  who  replied  at  8*  gl.  Teunis  Thomas  said 
not  for  tenj  gl-  All  which  said  witnesses  declared  to  be 
true.  Done  September,  1643,  in  fort  Amsterdam. 

AERNT  REYNSEN. 


This  is  the  \/^  mark  of 

HENDRICK  PETERSEN^  ^*  from  Hasfelt. 
Present  CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN. 

Vol.  Hi,  p.  151. 

On  the  requisition  of  Cornelis  Vander  Huysen,  attor- 
ney general  in  New  Netherland,  declared  Cornelis  Melyn, 
old  44  years,  which  declaration  he  is  willing  to  sanction 
with  an  oath,  if  it  is  required,  that  it  is  true,  that  he  pur- 
chased on  the  20th  June  last  from  Laurens  Cornelis,  skip- 
per on  the  vessel,  the  Maiden  of  Enckhuysen,  a  quart 
blubber  oil  for  eight  beavers. 

*£1  6s.  8d.  f£l  13s.  4d. 


50  The  Albany  Records. 

At  the  same  requisition,  with  the  offer  of  an  oath  de- 
clared Jannetje  Melyns,  wife  of  Cornells  Melyn,  that  she 
purchased  from  Laurens  Cornelisen  on  the  same  day  a 
parcel  lace  amounting  between  eighty*  and  ninety!  gl« 
Done  29  July,  1644,  in  fort  Amsterdam  in  New  Nether- 
land.  CORNELIS  MELYN. 

Present  CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN,  Secretary. 

Vol.  Hi,  p.  214. 

[Vol.  3,  p.  433.] — Philip  Gerritsen  from  Haerlem, 
tavern  keeper,  laying  sick  in  his  bed,  but  in  full  posses- 
sion of  his  speech  and  memory,  declares  in  the  presence 
of  the  attorney  general,  Van  der  Huyhens  and  Arent 
Reiniersen  Smith,  at  the  request  of  Abraham  Planck  to 
be  the  truth,  which  he  was  willing  to  confirm  by  his  oath, 
that  he  Philip  Gerritsen  in  the  year  16  after  the  Water 
Hound  was  arrived,  assisted  Abraham  Planck  in  carrying 
a  quantity  of  beavers,  which  were  due  by  Abraham 
Planck  to  Hendrick  Roesen  for  friezes  purchased  from 
said  Roesen  and  brought  these  at  the  house  of  the  secre- 
tary in  the  fort  where  Roesen  boarded,  who  received  there 
the  beavers  from  Planck.  This  Gerritsen  declared  to  be 
true  and  he  said  so,  to  pay  his  homage  to  the  truth,  as 
any  person  is  bound  to  do,  when  requested  the  original 
instrument  was  recorded  on  the  15th  March,  1645,  at  the 
house  of  the  said  Gerritsen  in  the  Manhattans. 

PHILIPPAS  GERRITSEN. 

CORNELIS  VAN  DER  HOGHENS,  )  mtnesses 

ARENT  REINIERSEN,  $  n 

Present  CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN. 

[Vol.  3,  p.  436.] — Copy.  I  undersigned  declare  to  owe 
on  sight  of  this,  forty  three  and  a  half  beaver.  In  truth 
whereof  I  signed  this  note  on  the  26th  May,  1645. 

LUBBERT  GERRITSEN. 

Lower  stood,  paid  on  account  fifteen  beavers. 

Compared  with  the  original  it  was  found  correct  to 
April,  1645,  by  CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN,  Secretary. 

Appeared  this  day  before  me  Cornelis  Van  Tienhoven, 
secretary  in  New  Netherland,  Hendrick  Huygen,  commis- 

*£L36s.  8d. 


The  Albany  Records.  51 

sary  of  the  honorable  Crown  of  Sweden,  who  acknow- 
ledged that  he  owed  on  account  of  said  crown  of  Sweden 
to  William  Turck  merchant  on  the  ship  the  Black  Raven, 
two  hundred  ten  and  a  half  beaver,  originating  from 
whares  and  merchandises  which  Huygen  aforesaid  de- 
clared that  he  received  to  his  full  contentment  before  the 
signature  of  this  promissory  note,  as  is  evident  from  the 
account  joined ;  and  which  two  hundred  ten  a  half  beaver 
I  Hendrick  Huygen  promise  to  pay  on  warning  to  William 
Turck,  aforesaid  or  his  attorney,  submitting  therefore  his 
person  and  property,  real  and  personal,  present  and  fu- 
ture to  the  control  of  any  court  of  justice.  In  truth 
whereof,  this  instrument  was  signed  by  him  Huygen  afore- 
said,-and  the  secretary,  the  7th  July,  1643,  in  fort  Amster- 
dam in  New  Netherland. 

HENDRICK  HUYGEN, 

CORNELIS  VAN  DER  HoGHEXs.  AWy  Gen., 

GVSBERT  OPDYCK, 
Present  CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN,  Secretary. 

Vol.  Hi,  p.  139. 

Appeared  before  me,  Cornelis  Van  Ticnhoven,  secre- 
tary in  New  Netherland,  Mr.  Oloff  Stevensen,  commissary 
of  wares  and  merchandises,  and  Roulof  Jansen  Hoes,  re- 
ceiver of  the  recognitions  in  behalf  of  the  West  Indian 
Company  here,  who  jointly  at  the  request  of  Claes  Jansen 
Calf,  declared,  which  declaration  they  both  were  willing 
to  confirm  with  a  solemn  oath  when  required,  that  in  our 
presence  have  been  laden  two  hundred,  ninety  eight,  whole 
and  four  half  beavers,  in  a  box  marked  N.  13  IB.  j-  and 
consigned  to  Steventje  Comely,  his  wife  residing  at  Am- 
sterdam, of  which  Beavers  Claes  Calf  paid  the  recogni- 
tions to  the  receiver  of  the  company,  and  have  been  af- 
terwards directly  laden  in  the  vessel  De  Jager,  now  on  its 
voyage,  of  which  is  skipper  Willem  Tomassen,  to  deliver 
said  box  with  beavers  if  God  gives  him  a  prosperous 
voyage  at  Amsterdam,  to  his  Claes  Calf's  wife  afoiesaid. 
All  which  said  witnesses  declared  to  be  true,  and  was 
signed  this  act  by  Olof  Stevensen  and  Rouloff  Jansen,  in 
the  presence  of  Adriaen  Van  Tienhoven  and  Gysbert 


52  The  Albany  Records. 

Opdyck,  on  the  15th  September,  1646,  in  fort  New  Am- 
sterdam in  New  Netherland. 

OLOFF  STEVENSEN,  ] 

ROULOF  JANSEN,  JR.,  (  Wt-tnfwf, 

f~%  /-\  r  rr  Zt/tcooca. 

GYSBERT  OPDYCK, 
ADRIAEN  VAN  TIENHOVEN,  J 

Present  CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN,  Secretary. 

Vol.  Hi,  p.  322. 

I  Cornells  Huyhens,  attorney  general  in  New  Nether- 
land  to  Nicholas  Toorn  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Van  Ren- 
selaer  in  his  colony;  whereas  I  arn  informed  with  cer- 
tainty, that  it  is  your  intention  and  that  you  are  qualified 
by  your  patroon  to  establish  yourself  on  Bears  Island, 
situated  three  miles  below  fort  Orange  with  a  body  of 
men  to  build  there  a  fort  for  which  you  have  provided 
guns  to  defend  it.  And  whereas  this  is  inconsistent  with 
the  privileges  grante.l  to  patroons  and  lords  of  the  manors 
while  a  colony  may  not  be  farther  extended  as  four  miles 
along  the  coast,  or  two  miles  at  both  sides  of  the  river  as 
is  evident  from  the  5  art.  of  the  grant,  and  whereas  said 
Bears  Island  is  more  than  two  miles  from  the  limits  of 
said  colony ;  besides  the  old  attempt  to  construct  there  a 
fort  which  might  command  the  river  and  debar  Fort 
Orange  from  the  free  navigation,  all  of  which  would  be 
ruinous  to  the  interests  of  the  company,  so  is  it,  that  I 
solicit  to  know  what  authority  you  have  and  by  whom 
you  have  invested  with  it.  If  you  do  not  directly  comply 
with  it  then  I  forbid  you  to  construct  any  building  what- 
ever, much  less  to  construct  any  fortifications  out  of  the 
limits  of  said  colony  of  Renselaerwyck,  and  if  you,  not' 
withstanding  this  art.  daring  to  proceed,  then  I  protest 
against  all  damages,  which  must  be  the  consequences  of 
such  lawless  transactions,  which  I  shall  prosecute  against 
you  or  any  other  persons  whom  it  may  concern; 

I  Nicolaes  Toorn,  commander  in  Renselaer  Stein  in 
behalf  of  the  honorable  Kilian  Van  Renselaer,  under  the 
high  allegiance  of  their  High  Might,  the  States  General  of 
the  United  Netherlands  and  the  privileged  West  Indian 


The  Albany  Records.  -.  53 

Company,  first  commander  of  the  Colony  on  the  North 
River  in  New  Netherland,  make  it  known  to  you,  Cornells 
Van  Huygens,  attorney  general  of  New  Netherland  as  the 
vice  commander  of  the  Hon.  Van  Renselaer,  that  you 
will  not  presume  to  oppose  and  frustrate  my  designs  on 
the  Bears  Island,  to  defraud  me  in  any  manner,  or  to 
cause  me  any  trouble,  as  it  has  been  the  will  of  their  High 
Might,  the  States  General  and  the  privileged  West  Indian 
Company,  to  invest  my  patroon  and  his  heir  with  the 
right  to  extend  and  fortify  his  Colony  and  make  it  pow- 
erful in  every  respect;  wherefore  you  Cornelis  Van  Huy- 
hens,  attorney  general,  will  take  care  to  avoid  any  attempt 
on  these  rights,  and  if  you  did  so,  then  I  Nicholaes  Toorn 
protest  on  the  act  of  violence  and  assault  committed  by 
the  Hon.  Lords  Mayors  which  I  leave  them  to  settle  be- 
tween them  and  my  Honorable  Patroon,  while  the  under- 
taking has  nothing  else  in  view  as  to  prevent,  that  the 
canker  of  freemen  may  not  enter  in  his  colony.  The  at- 
torney general  persists  in  his  interdiction,  and  renews  his 
protest.  Done  in  Manhattans,  18  November,  1644  in  New 
Netherland. 

CORNELIS  VAN  DER  HCGHENS,  Attorney  General. 
NICOLAES  TOORN,      ) 
DAVID  PROVOST,         >  Witnesses. 
STOFFEL  STEVENSEN.  ) 
Present  CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN,  Secretary. 

Vol.  Hi,  p.  187. 

[Vol.  3,  p.  219.]  At  the  request  of  Govert  Loocke- 
mans  declared  the  undersigned  witnesses,  viz:  Cors.  Pe- 
tersen,  old  about  33  years,  Harmen  Arently  fromjBremen, 
old  about  35  years,  Cornelis  Mauritsen  Bort,  old  27  years, 
Willem  Petersen,  old  20  years,  Joannes  Verbrugge,  old 
about  20  years,  Carman  Douwes,  old  about  26  years, 
Harman  Bastiaensen,  old  25  years,  Jacob  Jansen,  old 
three  and  twenty  years,  and  Elbert  Elbertsen.  old  24 
years,  who  jointly  and  separately  declared,  which  decla- 

NOTE  — It  seerrs  Renselaerstein  must  have  been  in  some  manner 
fortified  and  defended  by  a  small  garrison  of  which  Toorn  or  Coorn 
was  the  commander,  called  Wachtmeester.  Stein  in  Netherland  and 
Germany  is  used  for  Castle,  Lowe  Stein,  Ehrenbreit  Stein,  Wall  Stiin. 


54  The  Albany  Records. 

ration  they  were  willing  to  confirm  by  an  oath,  whenever 
it  is  required,  that  it  is  true,  that  Govert  Loockemans  with 
the  witnesses  sailed  from  Fort  Orange  in  the  yacht  the 
Good  Hope  and  when  they  arrived  near  the  Bears  Island 
on  which  Nicolas  Koren  resides  in  the  name  of  the  Pa- 
troon  Van  Renselaer,  then  said  Nicolas  Koren  cry'd  out 
to"  Govert  Loockemans  when  we  were  passing  by,  lower 
thy  colours;  for  whom  should  I  do  so  retorted  Loocke- 
mans, then  Koren  replied  for  the  staple  right  of  Rense- 
laerwyck ;  then  Govert  Loockemans  answered  I  lower  not 
the  colours  for  any  individual  except  for  the  prince  of 
Orange,  and  the  lords  my  masters,  when  directly  Nicolas 
Koren  fired  a  gun,  the  first  shot  went  through  the  sail, 
broke  the  ropes  and  the  ladder,  a  second  discharge  passed 
over  us,  and  the  third  done  by  a  savage  perforated  our 
princely  colors,  about  a  foot  above  the  head  of  Loocke- 
mans, who  kept  constantly  the  colors  in  his  hand,  but  we 
continued  our  course  notwithstanding  this  insulting  as- 
sault without  returning  the  fire,  or  making  any  other  re- 
prisals whatever,  and  descended  gently  the  river.  All 
which  we  declared,  to  pay  our  homage  to  the  truth  with- 
out any  malice,  or  lurking  wish  to  court  the  favor  of  any 
individual.  Done  before  Fort  Amsterdam. in  New  Nether- 
lands, 5  July,  1644. 

This  is  the  ./     mark  of 
CORS    /*  PETERSEN. 


This  is    the    /V  mark  of 

/y\ 

HARMAN  /\     ARENTSEN. 

This  is  the    (\)   mark  of 
CORNEL  is-^^    MAURITSEN. 
HARMAN  DOUWES, 
HARMAN  BASTIAENSKN, 
JAN  VER  BRUGGE, 
ELBERT  ELBERTSEN, 
WILLEM  PETERSEN  DE  GROOT. 

Present  CORNELIS  VAN  TIENHOVEN,  Secretary. 


The  AlbanyRecords.  55 

[Vol.  3,  p.  203.]  In  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1644. 

I  undersigned  dismiss  freely  from  the  service  of  the 
Hon.  Patroon  Kiliaen  Van  Renselaer,  Nicolas  Toorn  (or 
Koren)  with  his  troop  Isbrand  Claessen  and  Harmen 
Arentsen  from  Breemen,  who  contracted  with  said  Pa- 
troon to  prosecute  their  own  affairs  out  of  the  limits  %of 
said  Colony,  on  the  place  towards  which  was  their  desti- 
nation, because  they  dislike  to  continue  in  said  service, 
and  I  have  no  wish  to  keep  any  one  against  his  inclina- 
tion. 

Done  in  the  "Manhattans,  in  the  year  above  mentioned 
on  the  sixth  of  March  new  style,  and  was  signed  N.  Koren. 

Proved  correct  after  examination,  and  having  compared 
it  with  the  original  6  April,  1644,  in  Fort  Amsterdam, 
New  Netherland.  OLOFF  STEVENSEN. 

Present  Cornells  Van  Tienhoven,  Secretary. 

[Vol.  3,  p.  390.]  Appeared  before  me  Cornelisen  Tien- 
hoven, Secretary,  in  New  Netherland,  Isbrant  Claesen, 
old  44  years,  and  John  Tomasen,  old  about  40  years,  who 
jointly  and  separately  at  the  request  of  Nicolas  Coorn, 
sheriff  of  Renselaerwyck,  declare  which  declaration  they 
are  willing  to  confirm  with  a  solemn  oath,  that  it  is  true, 
that  Govert  Lookemans  when  sailing  down  the  river  some 
time  ago,  came  about  Bears  Island,  when  Nicolas  Coorn 
fired  a  gun  without  a  ball  as  a  warning.  When  Govert 
continued  his  course  Nicolas  Coorn  said  Stryke!  when 
Govert  Loockemans  answered :  For  whom  should  I  strike  ? 
Nicolas  Coorn  answered,  to  pay  homage  to  Renselaer- 
stein.  Govert  answered,  I  stryke  for  nobody  as  for  the 
Prince,  or  them  by  whom  I  am  employed.  Then  Nicolas 
ordered  to  fire  behind  the  bark — when  Govert  Loockemans 
vociferated :  fire  ye  dogs  and  the  devil  take  you.  Then 
the  sheriff  offered  to  fire  once  more,  which  struck  and 
perforated  the  sail.  Done  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New 
Netherland,  7th  Oct.,  1644. 

ISBRAND  CLAESEN, 
LUBBERT  JANSEX. 

[Vol.  3,  p.  240.]  Whereas  Joan  La  Battie,  the  Car- 
[Annals  iv.]  6 


t>6  The  Albany  Records. 

penter  solicited  that  he  might  be  permitted  to  build  a 
house  at  Fort  Orange,  and  use  it  as  a  brewery  without 
injury  to  the  Interests  of  the  Company,  promising  that  he 
shall  pay  annually  for  this  favor  six  merchantable  Beavers 
to  the  company,  so  is  it,  that  this  boon  has  been  granted 
to  him,  viz :  that  he  may  make  use  of  the  house  which  he 
builds  in  the  fort  as  a  brewery,  and  remain  in  possession 
of  said  soil,  as  long  as  the  company  shall  retain  the  pro- 
perty possession  of  Fort  Orange — and  the  Company's 
affairs  and  interests  are  not  neglected  by  La  Battie,  and 
provided  he  annually  pays  six  merchantable  Beavers. 

Done  15  June,  1647,  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New  Neth- 
erlands. 

[Vol.  3,  p.  192.]  I  Peter  Wynkoop,  supercargo  on  the 
vessel  The  Arms  of  Renselaerwyck,  Commissary  Super- 
intendent of  Wares  and  Merchandises,  in  behalf  of  the 
Hon.  Kiliaen  Van  Renselaer,  protest  against  the  Hon. 
Van  der  Hoghens  on  the  insult  and  violence  used  against 
me  by  unloading  said  vessel,  as  if  the  Patroon  aforesaid 
was  personally  insulted.  While  such  a  conduct  can  not 
be  construed  as  to  vilify  and  injure  said  Patroon  who  is 
the  oldest  Patriot  in  this  country — I  say  that  it  is  inde- 
corous to  unload  such  a  vessel,  and  consign  the  goods  to 
other  hands — and  arrive  here  uncommissioned  and  dispose 
of  our  goods — to  which  shall  not  be  submitted,  and 
whereas  this  is  vilifying  New  Netherland  and  its  officers, 
although  they  cannot  vilify  our  Patroon,  who  made  such 
great  sacrifices  for  his  colony  and  New  Netherland.  So 
I,  Peter  Wynkoop,  renew  once  more  my  protest  against 
the  Attorney  General  Van  der  Hoghens,  and  solicit  the 
Director  and  Council  in  New  Netherland  to  repair  this 
our  injury  and  losses  which  we  suffered  by  the  taking  of 
the  ship,  the  "Arms  of  Renselaerwyck."  Done  at  Man- 
hattans, 18  March,  1644. 

The  Attorney  General  answers  that  he  followed  orders 
and  his  instructions,  and  that  he  used  no  force. 
PIETER  WYNKOOP, 

CORNELIS  VAN  DER  HuYHENs,  At.  Gen. 
Willem  De  Key.  ) 
Isbrand  Clasen,    [ 

Present  Cornells  Fan  Tienhoven,  Secretary 


The  Albany  Records.  57 

[Vol.  3,  p.  193.]  The  Attorney  General  gives  a  more 
explicit  answer  to  the  insolent  Protest  of  Peter  Wyn- 
coop — that  no  injury  has  been  done ;  that  no  violence 
has  been  used,  neither  that  any  insult  was  intended  to  the 
Hon.  Van  JRenselaer — but  well  that  the  most  unreasona- 
ble transactions  has  taken  place  which  could  have  been 
imagined,  viz :  that  you  declined  fifty  pair  of  shoes,  to 
be  paid  at  your  own  price  in  silver,  beavers  or  seawa.it 
which  was  more  than  once  solicited  by  our  director  an  i 
counsel  while  the  welfare  of  this  country  depended  upon 
it,  as  it  is  a  fact  that  with  a  few  pairs  of  shoes  so  many 
soldiers  have  been  mustered  as  were  sufficient  to  kill  five 
hundred  of  our  enemies.  But  you  even  declined  to  meet 
us  and  converse  on  the  subject  when  we  sent  you  a  mes- 
senger, and  used  such  harsh  language  as  your  Hon. 
Patroon  would  not  stoop  to  use.  But  Sir !  we  afterwards 
discovered  the  reasons  why  you  were  so  unmanageable, 
and  these  were :  that  you  prefer  to  retail  these  goods  to 
our  poor  settlers  at  an  exorbitant  usury,  which  you  would 
not  have  dared  to  ask  from  the  Directors  and  council, 
and  which  we  dare  say  is  against  the  will  of  your  Patroon ; 
but  further,  I  was  informed  that  there  were  in  said  vessel 
many  contrabande  articles,  so  was  it  my  duty,  would  I 
not  disobey  the  orders  of  the  Hon.  Directors,  -with  those 
of  the  Director  and  Council  in  New  Netherland  to  arrest 
and  examine  the  lading  of  said  vessel.  This  could  not  be 
done  without  unloading,  and  well  it  was  I  did  so — a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  powder,  many  guns,  were  discov- 
ered, which  were  unknown  to  the  Company,  neither  placed 
on  the  invoice ;  and  which  no  doubt  were  intended  for 
smuggling,  as  these  therefore,  beyond  a  shadow  of  doubt 
are  contraband  articles ;  as  therefore  these  smuggled  arti- 
cles were  no  doubt  intended  to  be  distributed,  or  rather 
sold  to  the  savages,  which  is  forbidden  on  the  penalty  of 
the  gallows ;  so  is  this  misconduct  of  such  direful  conse- 
quences as  I  have  demonstrated  in  my  prosecution  what 
jou  say,  that  I  ought  to  have  been  equally  vigilant  with 
regard  to  other  vessels  which  may  have  arrived  from  the 
company,  and  which  I  ought  to  have  confiscated.  It 
is  evident  even  in  this  respect  I  did  my  duty,  but  it 


58  The  Albany  Records. 

was  not  my  fault  that  the  Skipper  as  a  villian  violated 
his  arrest  and  sailed  away.  This  I  could  not  prevent — 
the  lawsuit  against  him  was  instituted — ship  and  goods 
condemned,  whenever  and  whereever  he  can  be  brought 
to  justice. 

Whereas  you  are  continually  trading  with  particular 
merchants,  and  make  use  or  abuse  their  colours  to  cover 
a  clandestine  trade,  which  too  is  forbidden,  and  by  the 
Directors  and  by  your  Patroon  under  a  frivolous  pretext ; 
to  keep  your  Colony  from  pollution,  to  which  we  should 
be  willing  to  give  our  assistance,  as  we  have  always 
shown  how  willing  we  were  to  assist  the  Colony  of  Ren- 
selaerwyck  whenever  it  was  placed  in  our  power,  so  as 
every  good  subject  will  attest,  and  of  which  last  winter 
such  luculent  proofs  have  been  given — when  we  provided 
one  of  their  vessels  with  75  gunpowder,  although  we 
ourselves  were  in  want  of  it  through  the  perilous  war  in 
which  we  were  involved  with  the  savages;  so  that  it  is 
far  from  us  as  you  insolently  pretend,  that  we  should 
wish  to  insult  the  Patroon  Van  Renselaer,  but  to  the  con- 
trary are  willing  to  assist  him  in  promoting  the  welfare 
of  his  colony;  and  whereas  you  exert  yourselves  to  frus- 
trate his  noble  plans  by  associating  yourself  with  private 
individuals,  while  our  director  spontaneously  made  you 
an  offer  of  one  of  his  yachts  without  any  expenses  of  the 
Patroon,  so  it  is  beyond  question  that  no  other  free  mer- 
chants can  be  prevented  to  trade  everywhere  as  they 
please.  If  your  conduct  could  be  justified  thus,  my 
innocent  transaction  is  freed  from  blame,  and  I  pointedly 
deny  that  any  damage  whatever  has  been  caused  by  my 
people  in  examining  or  unloading  said  vessel — are  you  of 
a  contrary  opinion,  call  me  before  any  court  of  justice 
whenever  you  please.  I  protest  against  the  consequences 
of  any  troubles  or  expenses  which  you  may  occasion. 
Done  the  22d  March,  1644,  on  Manhattans,  in  fort  Am- 
sterdam. 

CORNELIS  VAN  DER  HUYHENS, 

Attorney  General. 


The  Albany  Records.  59 

I  Peter  Wyncoop  shall  answer  as  soon  I  am  returned 
in  the  Colony  of  Renselaerwyck. 

GYSBERT  OP  DYCK, 
DAVID  PKOVOOST. 
Present 

Willem  De  Key,  by  absence  of  the  Secretary,  done  as 
above. 

[Vol,  3,  p.  196.]  I  undersigned,  Pieter  Wyncoop,  super- 
cargo of  the  Ship  Renselaerwyck,  acknowledge  to  have 
received  from  Cornells  Van  Der  Huyhens,  Attorney  Gen- 
eral in  New  Netherland  eighteen  kegs  gunpowder,  by 
order  of  the  Hon.  Director  Kieft,  and  this  without  any 
prejudice  of  the  Attorney  General's  claim  on  said  gun- 
powder— promising  to  defend  myself  against  the  suit  of 
the  Attorney  General. 

Done  23  March,  1644,  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New 
Netherland.  PIETER  WYNCOOP. 

E.  Boghardus,  )  Witnp,seg 
Th.  Willett.      \  Wltnes  es* 
Present 

Cornells  Van  Tienhoven,  Secretary. 

[Vol.  3,  p.  210.]  This  day  appeared  before  me  Cornells 
Van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  in  New  Netherland,  Nicolas 
Toorn,  residing  in  the  colony  of  Renselaerwyck,  who  ac- 
knowledged that  he  adopted  and  received  from  the  Hon. 
William  Kieft,  Director  General  in  New  Netherland,  a 
young  girl  belonging  to  the  West  Indian  Company,  Maria, 
daughter  of  great  Peter,  a  black  man,  for  four  succes- 
sive years,  during  which  years  said  Maria  shall  serve 
Nicolas  Coorn  aforesaid,  provided  he  maintains  her  in  vic- 
tuals and  clothes.  After  the  expiration  of  said  four  years 
Coorn  shall  return  said  girl  if  yet  alive  to  the  Director 
General  or  his  successor.  In  truth  whereof  this  instru- 
ment has  been  signed  by  Nicolas  Coorn,  the  25  May, 
1644,  in  Fort  Amsterdam  in  New  Netherland. 

N.  COOBN. 
Present 

Cornells  Van  Tienhoven,  Secretary. 


60  The  Albany  Records. 

[Vol.  3,  p.  198.]  Appeared  before  me  Cornells  Van 
Tienhoven  Secretary  of  New  Netherland,  Thomas  Badge- 
hott  planter  on  the  Island  Manhattan,  son  of  John 
Badgehott  Nobleman  residing  during  his  life  in  London, 
in  Old  England,  who  in  the  presence  of  the  undersigned 
witnesses  acknowledged  to  have  received  from  John 
Evans,  merchant  of  New  Haven  in  New  England,  the 
sum  of  forty  £  sterling,  for  which  forty  £  sterling 
Thomas  Badgehott  aforesaid  promises  to  pay  within  ten 
months  from  this  day  the  sum  of  fifty  five  £  st.  to  said 
John  Evans,  his  heirs  or  descendants,  or  his  attorney  said 
Thomas  Badgehott  promises  farther  if  he  through  the 
recommendation  or  credentials  of  said  John  Evans  might 
obtain  more  money  then  he  is  ready  to  give  his  notes  for 
it  and  pay  for  every  forty  £  st.  which  he  shall  receive, 
Fifty  five  £.  st.  in  return  and  well  that  this  payment  too 
shall  be  made  within  ten  months,  and  not  directly  after 
its  reception.  It  is  expressly  promised  by  Thomas 
Badgehott,  that  if  the  money,  which  he  already  received 
or  might  hereafter  receive  from  John  Evans  shall  not  be 
punctually  paid  by  him  on  the  stated  day  then  said 
Thomas  Badgehott  submits  to  a  greater  security  his  per- 
son and  property,  real  and  personal,  present  and  future, 
and  especially  a  tavern,  called  the  "  King's  Head  "  in  the 
Bishopsgate  Street,  which  tavern,  John  Evans  aforesaid 
or  any  one  at  his  order  may  take  possession  till  the  last 
payment  shall  have  been  made  by  Thomas  Badgehott  or 
his  heirs  to  John  Evans — submitting  himself  said  Badge- 
hott to  the  control  of  any  court  of  Justice. 

Done  by  Thomas  Badgehott  as  principal,  Isaac  Albertson 
and  Thomas  Willet  witnesses  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  New 
Netherland,  25  1644. 

THOMAS  BADGEHOTT. 

Isaac  Albertson,  )  nr.. 

Thomas   Willet,  I  Witnesses. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  9.]  One  (letter)  6  Sept.  1648  of  Charles 
Van  Brugge  from  fort  Orange. 

[  —  p  15.]  It  has  to  us  the  appearance  that  Brant  Van 
Slechtenhoost  is  a  man  of  a  quarrelsome  character  which 


The  Albany  Records.  61 

is  given  him  by  individuals  who  lived  under  his  direction 
in  the  colony,  we  intend  to  enter  on  this  subject  in  con- 
ference with  Sir  Wouter  Van  Twiller,  so  too  about  his 
private  pretensions,  when  we  will  send  your  Hon.  our 
final  resolutions  as  soon  as  it  shall  be  possible.  In  the 
mean  time  we  cannot  but  renew  once  more  the  recom- 
mendation, that  you  may  continue  to  live  in  a  good 
understanding  and  harmony  with  our  neighbors. 

By  the  account  of  this  transaction  we  remember,  that 
the  wife  of  Abramus  Staats,  who  lived  before  in  Rens- 
selaerwyck,  did  notify  us  that  she  with  your  consent 
had  built  a  house  in  Fort  Orange,  and  requests  there- 
fore from  our  college  an  act  of  approbation  of  which  we 
do  not  recollect  one  single  example,  but  as  she  farther 
solicits  that  she  in  that  case  may  become  entitled  to  all 
the  privileges  which  we  might  eventually  grant  to  our 
subjects  so  we  can  not  discern  what  may  be  pretended  to 
be  included  within  this  special  petition,  neither  can  give 
upon  it  any  other  answer,  as  this  is  to  be  understood  of 
all  equitable  conditions  which  every  good  and  honest 
burgher  of  the  fort  enjoys.  It  is  your  opinion  that  the 
houses  are  constructed  too  near  the  walls  by  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Rensselaerwyck,  of  which  you  deem  pride  to  be 
the  principle,  and  that  the  prospect  of  the  Fort  ought  to 
remain  unobstructed,  at  least  so  far  as  a  cannon  shot,  and 
you  farther  assert  that  there  are  remaining  convenient 
places  along  the  river  to  build  houses,  while  from  the 
other  side  it  is  maintained  that  they  have  no  other 
remedy  to  secure  themselves  against  an  assault  of  the 
Indians,  therefore  we  should  wish  that  you  would  ponder 
these  considerations  and  reflect,  thus,  as  much  as  you 
ought  to  be  on  your  guard  against  encroachments  upon 
your  jurisdiction,  so  from  the  other  side  the  inhabitants 
ought  to  accommodate  when  it  is  in  your  power. 

We  could  not  but  favorably  dispose  on  the  petition  of 
Rev.  Backerus  renewed  in  different  letters  while  it  ap- 
peared well  founded  by  the  approbation  of  the  classis. 
This  would  cause  us  a  greater  anxiety  if  we  were  not 
some  what  relieved  by  the  hope,  that,  perhaps  by  persua- 
sion the  Rev.  minister  of  Rensselaerwyck,  Megapolensis, 


62  The  Albany  Records. 

might  be  induced  to  remain  there  a  few  years  longer,  to 
which  we  should  incline  by  the  favorable  manner  in  which 
your  Hon.  has  spoken  of  him.  It  is  true  his  wife  is 
already  returned  here  with  the  prospect  that  he  soon 
would  follow,  as  it  seems  that  his  presence  is  required 
here  for  the  liquidation  of  an  estate  in  which  he  seems  to 
be  much  interested,  we  have  notwithstanding  this  con- 
versed often  with  his  wife  and  we  believe  that  she  could 
be  persuaded  to  return  once  more  to  her  husband  thither, 
provided,  she  was  assured,  that  it  was  not  unacceptable  to 
him.  Trusting  on  his  discretion  we  are  in  hope  that 
she  shall  acquiesce  in  our  wish.  We  shall  endeavor  to 
agree  about  his  salary  in  a  manner  to  his  satisfaction, 
wherefore,  your  Hon.  will  endeavor  to  obtain  directly 
his  consent  to  promote  the  service  of  God's  church  and 
render  these  our  news  palatable  to  his  congregation.  It 
is  otherwise  to  be  apprehended  that  this  church  for  a  long 
while  would  remain  without  a  minister,  and  so  we  em- 
ploy this  remedy  as  the  nearest  at  hand. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  23.]  The  recommendation  in  behalf  of  the 
Rev.  Megapolensis  had  been  so  much  attended  to  by  us 
that  we  have  appropriated  /600  to  his  wife,  as  the  salary 
for  one  half  year:  What  treatment  she  has  met  with 
from  the  heirs  of  Van  Rensselaer  for  the  services  which 
he  performed  in  that  district  you  may  learn  from  his 
wife,  and  to  her  we  shall  rather  send  you  than  say  a 
great  deal  about  it. 

We  appointed  at  your  request  a  school  master  who 
shall  officiate,  at  the  same  time,  as  a  comforter  of  the 
sick.  He  is  considered  an  honest  and  pious  man  and 
shall  embark  with  the  first  opportunity. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  25.]  Your  apprehensions  with  regard  to  the 
Rev.  Barkerus  have  been  verified.  He  has  made  a  com- 
mon cause  with  the  complainants  which  arrived  here  from 
your  country.  These  silly  persons,  at  least,  the  largest 
part,  of  the  petitioners  have  been  imposed  upon  by  a  few 
nothing  worthy  persons  viz:  Cornelis  Melys,  Adrian  Van 
Der  Donck  and  a  few  others,  who,  as  it  appears  will  leave 
nothing  untried  to  abjure  every  kind  of  subjection  to 
government,  under  pretext  that  they  groaned  under  a 


The  Albany  Records.   .  63 

galling  yoke.  In  this  frantic  opinion  they  are  confirmed 
by  Wouter  Van  Twiller,  who  aims  to  appoint  himself  as 
the  only  commander  on  the  North  river  and  dares  to  de- 
clare in  public  that  he  does  not  intend  to  permit  any  one 
to  navigate  this  river  with  a  commercial  view  and  that 
he  will  expel  with  force  every -one  who  in  that  purpose 
should  come  there  or  in  Rensselaerwyck,  asserting  besides 
that  Fort  Orange  was  constructed  on  the  soil  of  Rensse- 
laerwyck, consequently  that  the  company  has  no  right 
whatever  to  permit  particular  persons  either  to  build  a 
house  or  exercise  any  trade ;  without  considering,  that  said 
Fort  Orange — 15  years  before  any  mention  of  Rensselaer- 
wyck exists  has  been  constructed  and  usually  garrisoned 
by  the  company — that  besides  a  house  of  commerce  has 
been  established  in  the  Fort  till  the  year  1644,  so  that  the 
fur  trade  till  our  days  was  exclusively  reserved  to  the 
company  and  ought  to  remain  on  the  same  footing  when- 
ever the  company  shall  be  enabled  to  provide  their 
magazines  with  sufficient  store  goods.  Neither  are  we 
without  hope  to  discover  and  employ  the  means  as  soon 
as  the  opportunity  is  offered  to  exclude  from  this  com- 
merce these  impertinent  fellows,  using  this  sovereign  right 
with  the  best  title  to  the  confusion  of  this  ungrateful  indi- 
vidual who  if  we  may  express  ourselves  in  this  manner 
had  sucked  his  wealth  from  the  breasts  of  the  company, 
which  he  now  abuses  upon  which  the  merchants  pretty 
generally  transmitted  to  us  inclosed  petition  requesting 
to  be  maintained  by  us  in  their  right  to  a  free  trade. 

Apprehending  from  their  warnings  that  Wouter  Van 
Twiller  might  again  become  so  presumptuous,  to  obstruct 
once  more  by  force  the  navigation  on  the  North  River,  and 
use  violent  means  against  the  merchants  vilifying  in  this 
manner  the  right  of  jurisdiction  in  the  company,  in  such 
a  case,  it  is  our  express  will  that  your  Hon.  shall  repell 
him  with  prudence  for  your  guide,  by  force  of  arms,  if  he 
planted  again  some  guns  near  the  river,  as  Be  did  before, 
your  Hon.  will  carry  them  off  and  keep  them  in  your 
custody  till  you  have  received  our  further  orders.  He  has 
requested  us  in  behalf  of  Rensselaerwyck  to  freight  his 
own  ship,  with  6001b  powder  and  6001b  lead  which  we 


64  The  Albany  Records. 

fear  he  may  abuse.  It  is  our  intention  to  provide  you  too 
with  some  powder  and  lead,  not  with  the  intention  to  of- 
fend any  one  with  it  but  only  to  maintain  the  right  of  the 
company,  which  in  our  opinion  is  in  danger,  through  the 
machinations  of  many.  It  is  your  duty  to  keep  a  watch- 
ful eye  on  the  ship  of  this  Van  Twyler,  and  in  case  any 
articles  were  discovered  in  it  besides  our  general  invoice, 
or  freighted  without  the  consent  of  the  Comp.  then  you 
must  take  the  whole  in  your  possession  and  institute  a 
law  suit  upon  it  by  the  attorney  general,  conform  with  the 
laws  of  the  land. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  30].  The  wife  of  the  Rev.  Megapolensis  will 
have  informed  you  of  the  contentment  we  have  granted 
her  at  your  request,  and  what  respects  the  printing  of  the 
written  confession  by  him,  we  shall  converse  on  the  sub- 
ject with  the  delegated  brothers  of  the  Rev.  Classis  and 
communicate  to  you  their  decree  about  it. 

The  schoolmaster  for  whom  you  solicited  comes  in  the 
same  vessel  with  this  letter.  The  Lord  grant  that  he 
may  for  a  good  long  time  exemplify  the  favorable  testi- 
mony which  he  carried  with  him  from  here  to  the  edifica- 
tion of  the  youth. 

[Vol.  4,  p'  31.]  We  look  forward  with  anxiety  for  the 
resolution  of  the  English  to  go  to  war  with  the  Indians 
called  Waspings,  because  if  it  happened  that  they  should 
be  expelled  from  their  lands  then  the  English  should  in- 
quire the  means  by  the  conquest  of  this  country  to  sepa- 
rate Rensselaerwyck  from  our  dominions.  In  the  same 
manner  and  under  the  same  pretext,  they  might  occupy 
the  North  River  "and  become  exclusively  the  masters  of 
the  fur  trade,  for  which  we  have  here  already  too  many 
competitors.  Wouter  Van  Twiller  with  his  associates 
particularly  pretend  that  they  ought  to  be  privileged  to 
this  trade,  although  the  company  has  never  surrendered 
this  right  but  maintained  it  with  exclusion  of  all  others, 
and  which  in  fact  would  of  New  Netherland. 

NOTE. — Rev.  John  Megapolensis  wrote  an  account  of  the  Mohawks 
in  1644,  of  which  is  a  translation  in  Hazards  collection,  Vol.  t,  p.  517. 


The  Albany  Records. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  43.]  All  your  letters  are  full  of  various  com- 
plaints and  some  relating  to  persons  of  whom  it  could  not 
have  been  expected  as  holden  to  obeisance  by  their  oath 
to  the  company,  but  principally  so  with  regard  to  the  re- 
turned commissaries,  who  not  only  abuse  our  indulgent 
discretion  but  set  at  nought  the  good  intention  of  their 
high  mightinesses,  we  fostered  the  hope  that  these  persons 
as  they  are  advised  by  their  High  Might,  would  hence- 
forth have  conducted  themselves  in  a  quiet  and  peaceable 
manner.  As  we  are  however,  to  our  grief  informed  by 
your  letters  and  which  is  attested  by  many  credible  per- 
sons, who  lately  returned  to  this  country,  that  these  per- 
sons endeavor  through  all  means  even  the  most  culpable 
to  alienate  the  minds  of  the  unthinking  multitude  from 
the  company  and  its  ministers,  and  to  lure  them  from 
their  duty  of  allegiance  to  disposess  the  company  and  its 
ministers  if  it  was  possible  from  their  privileges  and  pre- 
rogatives as  well  as  of  their  government,  which  we,  by 
what  we  owe  to  our  high  might,  trust  not  longer  as  indif- 
ferent about  the  interests  of  so  many  interested  not  longer 
may  endure,  so  is  it,  that  we  have  found  otirselyes  obliged 
to  warn  by  our  inclosed  letter  so  well  our  subjects  as  the 
English,  to  be  on  their  guard  against  similar  destroyers 
of  the  public  peace  and  assist  us  in  opposing  "their  perni- 
cious councils.  We  entrust  your  Hon.  with  the  copy  of 
these  letters  in  the  view  that  your  Hon.  shall  conduct 
himself  in  all  circumstances  and  situations  with  prudence 
allways  inclined  to  moderation,  and  if  your  Hon.  shall  ob- 
serve that  said  persons  are  willing  to  do  their  duty  in  all 
respects,  then  he  ought  to  forget  all  what  is  past  as  if  it 
never  had  been  done,  which  conduct  wiH  be  gratifying  to 
Their  High  Might,  who  only  intended  by  their  granted 
letters  of  habeas  corpus  to  prevent  that  these  persons 
when  returned  home  should  not  be  vexed  with  regard  to 
the  complaints  which  they  have  brought  forward  when 
they  were  in  this  country ;  which  never  too  was  our  in- 
tention, nor  is  it  yet  if  we  only  see  that  these  persons 
shall  do  their  duty,  and  behave  themselves  peaceably  and 
with  respect  as  we  by  God's  mercy  hope  to  be  informed 


66  The  Albany  Records. 

of,  wherefore  we  deem  it  our  duty  to  warn  you  (the  Di- 
rector of  New  Netherlands,  Petrus  Stuyvesand)  that  we 
only  have  been  compelled  by  an  imperious  necessity  to 
this  proclamation  to  our  good  people  at  large. 

Our  surprise  at  the  boldness  of  some  individuals  can 
not  be  increased,  among  these  Cornelis  Melyn  has  been 
daring  enough  to  abuse  the  name  of  Their  High  Might, 
pretending  that  your  country  should  be  divided  in  seven 
provinces,  and  that  a  royal  fort  was  to  be  constructed  on 
the  point  of  Staten  Island  where  every  vessel  should  be 
obliged  to  come  to  before  it  would  be  permitted  to  proceed 
to  Manhattan,  we  never  heard  suggested  a  single  word  of 
similar  dreams  so  that  there  is  no  reason  at  all  that  your 
Hon.  should  feel  any  anxiety  about  it  or  take  any  notice 
of  it  whatever  you  may  hear  if  it  comes  not  directly 
from  us. 

We  observe  that  many  persons  do  not  scruple  on  this 
pretext  to  take  possession  of  the  best  lands  without  any 
form  or  limitation,  even  as  if  it  were  a  fact  that  the  com- 
pany and  its  ministers  had  no  longer  any  controul  and 
was  actually  dispossessed  from  all  her  prerogatives.  For 
this  reason  it  is  our  peremptory  command  that  your 
Hon.  shall  not  grant  to  any  individual  the  possession  of 
any  lands  except  under  a  solemn  acknowledgement  of  the 
West  Ind.  Company's  administration.  Your  Hon.  will 
pay  particular  attention  to  grant  in  future  no  more  lands 
to  any  person,  as  you  shall  deem  proper  after  an  exact 
examination  of  the  situation  of  such  individuals,  and  ob- 
tained assurance  of  their  sincere  intention  to  settle  it,  and 
and  promote  their  actual  cultivation.  It  appears  from 
divers  examples  that  by  a  contrary  method  many  tracts 
of  lands  have  been  pretended  as  acquired  property  which 
however  during  a  number  of  years  they  have  left  unim- 
proved, neither  settling  or  cultivating  these,  or  building 
any  houses,  as  we  have  experienced  of  Cornelis  Melyn, 
Wouter  Van  Twiller  and  others.  So  this  Melyn  is  in 
possession  of  an  7  or  8  miles  large,  with  only  one  single 
improvement  of  15  acres;  and  so  Wouter  Van  Twiller, 
not  satisfied  with  the  incorporation  of  Puts  Island  with 


The  Albany  Records.  67 

Hell  Gate,  is  now  trying  to  appropriate  to  himself,  and 
thus  to  become  master  of  Cats-kill,  above  all  which,  he 
further  appropriate  to  himself  two  flats  on  Long  Island, 
the  one  called  Twillers,  the  other  Corlears,  the  whole 
containing  between  3000  or  3750  acres. 

In  the  same  manner  Walter  Gerrets  and  Andries  Hudde 
have  acted,  taking  possession  of  about  3375  acres  of  which 
they  ought  not  to  possess  the  50th  part.  This  never  could 
be  the  intention  of  the  company,  while  in  this  manner 
many  valuable  and  important  tracts  with  high  preroga- 
tives might  be  claimed,  and  the  country  remain  in  the 
mean  time  a  desert.  Wherefore  it  is  our  express  will 
and  peremptory  command,  that  your  Hon.  shall  not  grant 
neither  permit  the  occupation  of  any  tract  of  land  as  with 
the  stipulation  which  we  have  mentioned  before  what  re- 
gards Long  Island — it  shall  in  our  opinion  best  promote 
the  interest  of  the  Company,  to  allot  to  every  one  in  pro- 
portion to  his  abilities  or  wants  so  much  land  as  he  can 
cultivate  and  may  want  for  buildings,  till  we  shall  find  an 
opportunity  to  establish  a  certain  Rule,  by  which  may  be 
ascertained  how  much  land  by  every  colonist  may  be  pos- 
sessed. 

We  cannot  conceal  our  surprise,  that  the  second  Dinck- 
laken  associated  with  Invaders  of  that  stamp,  particularly 
with  Go  vert  Loockemans  and  others,  who  purchased 
considerable  tracts  of  the  Raretans  on  the  Kill  opposite 
Staten  Island  without  knowing  on  whose  account  they 
imagine  to  receive  a  deed  from  their  H.  Might,  without 
knowledge  of  the  Company,  which  we  can  never  believe, 
and  which  we  shall  oppose  with  all  proper  means  when- 
ever an  opportunity  is  offered. 

Much  could  yet  be  said  upon  this  subject,  but  we  will 
delay  it  to  another  opportunity,  or  till  the  Secretary 
(Thienhoven)  shall  have  arrived,  who  in  our  opinion  has 
been  long  enough  detained  to  his  personal  disadvantage, 
and  by  the  manoeuvers  of  some  miscreants  and  purturba- 
tors  of  the  public  peace.***** 

[Vol.  4,  p.  46.]  The  querrulous  protestations  of  Brant 
Van  Sleghtenhorst  do  not  come  with  us  in  any  further 
consideration  as  that  we  accept  these  as  a  notification  of 
[Annals  iv.]  7 


6g  The  Albany  Records. 

his  wishes  to  obtain  Kats-kil,  which  tract,  long  before  he 
took  possession  of  it  had  been  granted  to  others ;  neither 
can  we  discover  to  this  moment  with  what  right  either 
he  or  his  principals  can  pretend  to  be  maintained  in  this 
possession,  as  they  never  petitioned  the  company  for  this 
grant.  No  more  can  we  discover  on  what  ground  the  colo- 
nists of  Rensselaerwyck  did  occupy  Bears  Island,  which 
they  called  Rensselaer's  Stein,  which  possession  they  have 
usurped .  in  such  a  lofty  way  that  they  named  this  place 
"  the  place  by  right  of  arms,"  (de  plaets  van  't  wapen 
recht)  and  compelled  every  one,  exempting  only  the  compa- 
ny's property,  to  pay  a  toll  of  5  per  cent. ,  and  as  if  this  was 
not  yet  enough,  they  indulged  their  presumption  so  far  that 
they  dared  pretend  that  Fort  Orange  was  built  on  their  ter- 
ritory and  that  they  would  not  permit  that  any  one,  not 
even  with  the  consent  of  the  company,  should  in  this  fort 
reside  and  share  in  the  fur  trade,  on  all  which  we  shall  only 
remark  with  few  words,  that  this  fort  was  built  by  the 
company  several  years  before  these  colonists  selected  that 
spot  for  their  Colony,  wherefore  we  commanded  your  Hon. 
before  to  maintain  our  good  inhabitants  of  that  fort  in 
their  right  which  we  again  confirm.  In  the  same  manner 
we  declared  before  and  renew  this  declaration,  that  if 
any  person  was  daring  enough  to  exact  upon  any  rivers, 
islands  or  harbours  within  the  limits  of  the  company,  any 
tolls  or  imposition  on  salt  to  the  injury  of  the  Inhabitants 
at  large,  or  of  private  traders,  such  vexations  by  all  pro- 
per means,  and  if  required  via  facte  must  be  prevented, 
as  it  is  our  firm  resolve,  never  to  part  with  similar  pre- 
eminences or  jurisdiction  to  any  colonists  whomsoever, 
as  these  persons  presume  to  arrogate  to  themselves. 


It  is  true  that  the  Notary  Jan  Van  de  Veen  solicit  at 
different  times  to  allow  him  to  select  a  large  tract  of  land, 
which  in  your  opinion  might  be  granted  to  him  by  us 
without  prejudice,  so  that  we  shall  not  make  any  diffi- 
culty in  acquiescing  in  it — proviso.  He  gives  up  his 
extravagant  claim  to  a  high  and  low  jurisdiction,  which 
we  should  deem  incompatible  with  the  supreme  rights  of 


The  Albany  Records.  69 

the  company,  and  which  it  is  yet  our  determined  resolu- 
tion to  preserve  in  behalf  of  the  company  by  ali  the 
means  in  our  power.  We  remain  however  inclined  to 
grant  him  such  a  sufficient  tract  as  he  may  desire. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  47.]  As  3Tou  may  expect  the  arrival  of 
many  passengers  with  the  vessels  which  are  now  ready 
for  their  voyage  to  establish  themselves  in  New  Nether- 
land,  so  is  it  our  desire  that  your  Hon.  will  provide  these 
with  lands  with  discretion,  paying  a  due  regard  to  their 
quality  and  the  number  of  their  persons,  as  it  is  our  de- 
sign to  promote  by  all  means  the  population  of  this  coun- 
try. While  the  Baron  Hendrik  Van  De  Capellan  seems 
inclined  to  acquire  some  tracts  of  land  in  that  country  to 
settle  and  cultivate  it  as  appears  to  us  from  his  letter, 
we  should  wish  that  you  might  accommodate  him  with 
a  good  and  convenient  tract,  as  we  can  have  no  higher 
object  in  view,  as  to  see  that  Persons  of  his  eminent  sta- 
tion in  life,  employ  themselves  in  similar  useful  under- 
takings. We  regret  indeed  that  we  can  not  fully  gratify 
Mr.  La  Montagne,  nevertheless  we  are  willing  to  assist 
him  upon  your  recommendation  as  shall  be  permitted  to 
us  from  the  situation  of  the  company;  wherefore,  we 
have  resolved  to  command  you  to  encourage  him  to  the 
continuance  in  his  service  to  allow  him  for  the  present  a 
longer  term  for  the  payment  which  he  owes  the  company, 
to  augment  his  annual  salary  from  /150  to  /200  and  to 
favor  him  with  any  vacant  office  for  which  you  may  deem 
him  capable  under  our  approbation. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  48.]  Although  some  merchants  pretend 
that  the  recognitions  on  the  BEAVERS  are  too  high,  as  a 
merchantable  beaver  is  taxed  at  /8  (£1  6s.  8d.)  and 
therefore  requested  to  lower  it  to  /6  (£1)  we  can  not 
consent  in  it  because  the  greatest  part  of  the  Beavers  im- 
ported in  the  last  vessels  have  been  sold  at/ 10  (£1  13s. 
4d.)  or  there  about.  We  perceive  besides  this  that  large 
parties  are  smuggled. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  49.]  We  are  not  surprised  at  all  "that  the 
passengers  complain  of  the  freight  of  their  passage"  but 


70  The  Albany  Records. 

it  is  not  yet  in  our  power  to  alter  it  as  we  tried  it  in  vain, 
so  that  we  even  threatened  the  masters  of  vessels  to  with- 
hold from  them  their  commission,  provided  they  would 
engage  to  charge  the  passengers  not  higher  as  7  (Is.  2d.) 
for  their  daily  fare,  but  it  was  all  in  vain,  we  have  been 
compelled  to  contract  with  Skipper  Bloemart  to  allow  him 
for  every  soldier  and  the  individuals  belorging  to  his  train 
8  (£0  Is.  4d.)  of  these  persons  we  shall  write  hereafter  at 
large. 

We  are  surprised  your  Kon.  amusing  himself  with  pro- 
tests and  contra  protests  against  the  common  council  on 
affairs  of  such  little  consequence  as  are  a  pew  or  a  seat  in 
the  church,  while  we  suppose  that  the  church  shall  be 
large  enough  to  accommodate  every  individual  agreeably 
to  his  quality  and  that  similar  trifles  do  not  deserve  so 
much  attention  in  such  turbulent  times. 

We  understood  with  great  regret  that  the  Mohawk  In- 
dians (Maquas)  made  an  incursion  on  the  territory  of 
France  in  Canada  and  taken  with  them  8  a  9  Christians 
as  prisoners  for  whom  no  doubt  they  will  demand  a  large 
ransom  or  they  shall  be  cruelly  tortured,  which  moves 
your  compassion.  This  is  indeed  becoming  a  Christian 
— but  we  first  ought  to  take  care  of  our  own  household. 
Your  Hon.  knows  how  a  few  of  this  nation  some  time 
past  have  been  delivered  at  the  expenses  of  the  Company 
and  from  the  public  money  of  which  never  a.  farthing  was 
returned — so  that  we  will  suppose  when  these  complaints 
shall  be  known  in  France  that  they  shall  take  care  of 
their  own  countrymen. 

It  is  not  yet  in  our  power  to  comply  with  your  request 
to  send  you  a  handsome  quantity  of  small  money  to  accom- 
modate the  public  and  consider  your  second  proposal  no 
more  practicable  viz :  to  oblige  the  traders  to  pay  the  recog- 
nitions of  8  per  cent  in  cash  and  well  in  small  coin  in  New 
Netherlands  as  they  leave  nothing  untried  here  to  get  rid 
of  every  burthen  at  least  of  the  recognitions  if  not  in  the 
whole,  therefore  their  largest  part.  They  are  encouraged 
in  this  by  Wouter  Van  Twiller  and  his  adherents  who 
would  persuade  them,  that  more  moderation  in  this  point 
ere  long  is  to  be  expected,  as  no  person  is  longer  inclined 


The  Albany  Records.  71 

to  employ  his  vessels  in  this  trade  or  bring  their  merchan- 
dise in  our  magazines.  We  do  not  know  in  what  these 
persons  do  trust  but  we  are  confident  they  shall  be  disap- 
pointed ;  and  more  so  yet  if  said  Van  Twiller  intends  to 
monopolize  the  trade  upon  the  North  River,  which  we 
know  to  have  been  his  aim  a  great  while  with  his  toll  on 
Bears  Island  now  called  by  them  Rensselaer's  Stein ;  but 
we  have  no  intention  to  permit  this,  but  that  every  one 
shall  navigate  this  River  unmolested  and  enjoy  a  free 
trade  in  our  fort  Orange  which  these  colonists  pretend  to 
have  been  constructed  on  their  territory.  Who  ever 
heard  a  more  impertinent  pretension?  This  example 
makes  us  averse  to  permit  any  one  in  future  such  an  un- 
limited colonization  and  jurisdiction,  but  remain  inclined 
to  allow  every  individual  so  much  ground  as  he  is  able  to 
settle  and  cultivate,  as  we  insinuated  before. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  52-3.]  We  are  importuned  by  Peter  Gabin 
upon  a  draught  drawn  by  ypur  Hon.  upon  the  company 
of  about  /500  (£83  6s.  8d.)  to  obtain  payt.  so  too  by 
Govert  Lookemans,  who  married  the  widow  of  Dirck 
Cornells  Van  Wensveen  for  an  account,  /861  9  8  which 
originates  in  delivered  merchandise  and  wages — But  as  we 
are  entirely  uninformed  of  the  first  transaction  and  know 
no  more  about  the  accounts  of  Wensveen,  and  as  we  have 
observed  in  this  and  other  similar  accounts  that  in  these 
are  inserted  monthly  wages,  Payments  of  laborers — 
Debts  and  credits  of  free  persons  which  does  not  agree 
with  the  Records  of  the  Wages  on  which  all  similar  tran- 
sactions are  set  down,  so  we  have  declined  to  meddle 
with  the  liquidations  of  these  accounts  leaving  it  to  your 
Hon.  to  settle  with  these  and  similar  persons  in  the  best 
manner  you  may  find  practicable — While  your  Hon.  shall 
recollect,  that  here  on  the  account  of  Dirk  Cornelis  Van 
Wensveen  has  been  credited  / 165  6  which  was  evidently 
placed  on  the  records  of  wages  upon  another  man's  ac- 
count of  which  sum  your  Hon.  shall  take  notice  by  a  final 
settlement. 

April  26,  1651. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  59.]  You  will  do  well  to  act  in  conformity 


72  The  Albany  Records. 

with  our  commands  which  we  communicated  in  the  letter 
to  your  Hon.  as  mentioned  above  and  in  one  which  we 
wrote  to  you  and  your  second  Dinclagen,  as  it  is  our 
wish  to  cultivate  mutual  harmony  with  the  prosperity 
and  increase  of  the  inhabitants  of  New  Netherland.  Of 
all  what  since  has  passed  in  the  negotiations  and  the 
arrival  of  the  Ambassadours  from  England,  so  with  re- 
gard to  the  termination  of  the  Limits  between  our 
colonies  as  the  mutual  complaints  can  your  Hon.  receive 
a  satisfactory  information  from  Cornells  Van  Tienhoven, 
who,  is  returning  to  New  Netherland  with  a  renewed 
commission  of  Secretary  so  that  there  is  no  necessity  for 
us  to  enlarge  more  on  this  subject.  _Said  Cornelis  Van 
Thienhoven  solicited  us  the  privilege  to  purchase  a  farm 
situated  in  New  Netherland  and  belonging  to  the  com- 
pany, large  about  30  or  33  acres,  besides  the  hay  land, 
a  farm  house  of  50  by  20  feet,  a  hay  loft,  two  mares  and 
a  horse  and  a  Negro,  all  now  in  use  by  Thomas  Hall 
whose  lease  was  to  expire  next  summer.  But,  as  we  do 
know  nothing  about  the  value  of  this  farm,  not  even  its 
situation  much  less  if  this  purchase  should  be  in  pre- 
judice or  advantage  of  the  company  we  thought  best  to 
communicate  the  subject  to  you  in  the  hope  to  receive 
from  you  a  satisfactory  account,  that  we  may  accommo- 
date said  secretary,  if  possible,  wherefore  it  shall  be  best 
not  to  enter  in  a  further  contract  with  Thomas  Hall  till 
you  shall  have  received  our  answer  upon  your  letter 
which  shall  be  your  guide.  We  have  engaged  here  our 
first  clerk  Johannes  Dyckman  as  Bookkeeper  in  New 
Netherland  with  a  salary  of  /30  in  the  month  besides 
his  boarding:  We  recommend  him  so  that  your  Hon: 
when  any  opportunity  to  favor  him  may  appear,  may  use 
it  to  his  advantage,  in  a  manner  as  may  be  justified  with 
his  merits  and  comportment. 

We  have  resolved  to  promote  the  population  of  New 
Netherland  and  fix  more  permanently  the  navigation  in 
that  place,  that  you  will  exact  16  per  cent  from  all 
wares  and  merchandises  imported  in  English,  Virginia 
or  New  England  vessels  to  New  Netherland  and  permit 
these  to  go  from  New  Netherland  thither  without  paying 


The  Albany  Records.  73 

any  recognition  whatever,  to  put  a  stop  to  the  practice  of 
those  who  send  their  goods  to  New  England  to  return 
these  afterwards  to  New  Netherland  on  a  diminished 
recognition  and  prevent  that  the  merchants,  trading  from 
here  to  New  Netherland,  are  not  longer  prejudiced. 

What  respects  the  proposal  in  your  last  letter  to 
increase  the  duties  on  merchandise  exported  from  here 
with  other  wares  to  New  Netherland  to  Virginia  to  lure 
the  commerce  from  there  this  indeed  is  impracticable, 
because  every  department  here  may  issue  commissions  to 
the  English  Virginias  because  it  would  be  to  their  pre- 
judice and  to  the  advantage  of  the  Department  of  Am- 
sterdam for  which  they  would  decline  to  give  their  consent, 
wherefore  your  Hon.  will  conform  himself  to  our  order 
of  exacting  16  per  cent  of  all  the  merchandise  imported 
from  English  Virginia  and  communicate  in  your  next 
your  opinion  about  its  success. 

26  April,  1651. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  61.]  Honorable,  Valiant,  Trusty:  We  have 
upon  the  proposal  of  secretary  Cornells  Van  Thienhoven 
as  that  he  by  your  Hon.  and  Council  not  long  before  his 
departure  was  appointed  in  the  place  of  Roelof  De  Haase, 
Receiver  of  the  company's  domains  and  revenues  either 
from  tithes,  recognitions  or  otherwise,  confirmed  this  ap- 
pointment for  his  long  and  faithful  services  till  our  fur- 
ther orders  with  the  allowance  of  2£  per  cent. 

And  as  we  know  from  experience  that  since  a  number 
of  years  no  tythes  have  been  paid  from  many  Lands  in 
New  Netherland  to  which  their  owners  were  holden  to  the 
company  by  contract,  and  that  they  have  been  connived  at 
and  excused  when  we  were  involved  in  War  by  the  insur- 
rection of  the  Indians,  and  as  they  now  about  six  years 
have  again  been  in  peaceable  possession  of  these  for 
which  they  ought  not  to  decline  this  payment,  so  that  we 
expect  that  your  Hon.  may  reflect  on  the  best  manner  in 
which  this  revenue  again  may  be  exacted,  avoiding  in  the 
beginning  to  create  much  cause  of  discontent,  and  inform 
us  of  his  success  by  the  first  opportunity  that  we  may 


74  The  Albany  Records. 

take  upon  it   a   final  resolution  such  as  we  may  deem 
proper.     In  which  confiding.  L  >•  ••? 

Honorable,  Valiant,  Trusty 
recommending  you  in  Gods  Protection 

we  Remain  your  Good  Friends 
The  Directors  of  the  West  Ind.  Comp. 

Department  of  Amsterdam 
JOHAN  LE  THOR 

Amsterdam  26  Apr.  1651.  ISAACK  VAN  BEECK. 

Sir  P.  STUYVESANT  Director  &c. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  63.]  The  contentment  which  our  last  letters 
have  given  so  to  our  Inhabitants  as  to  the  English  induce  us 
to  continue  our  course  in  the  same  track.  The  copying  of 
said  letters  causes  us  indeed -some  trouble  but  we  will  not 
shrink  from  this  task  because  a  few  seditious  persons  have 
endeavored  to  persuade  the  inhabitants  that  these  letters 
were  not  written  by  the  Company  but  only  by  a  few  of 
the  Directors  present  so  that  the  good  inhabitants  may 
clearly  discover  the  pernicious  machinations  of  the  sedi- 
tious persons.  We  do  not  have  a  shadow  of  doubt  or  it 
shall  be  in  our  power  to  crush  their  malicious  attempts  in 
the  birth.  The  inhabitants  will  yet  place  a  higher  trust 
in  our  good  intentions  as  soon  as  they  are  acquainted  in 
what  favorable  manner  we  havedisposed  on  their  requests. 

They  complain  loudly  that  a  fraudulent  commerce  is 
made  by  Individuals  in  powder,  lead  and  guns,  we  send 
you  to  prevent  this  dangerous  enterprise,  a  printed  proc- 
lamation to  whose  execution  the  unwearied  exertions  of 
the  Attorney  General  are  required. 

What  regard  their  complaints  of  the  vexations  of  the 
Indians  to  which  they  are  exposed  through  the  instiga- 
tions of  malicious  persons  who  endeavor  to  persuade 
those  savages,  that  we  dare  not  punish  their  insolent  bar- 
barity. It  shall  appear  to  them  from  the  execution  of  the 
secret  resolution  with  which  your  Hon.  is  intrusted  that 
we  can  effect  a  league  with  our  English  Nabors  to  guaran- 
tee our  mutual  possessions  to  crush  the  bold  attempts  of 
these  barbarous  hordes — proviso  always — that  no  con- 


The  Albany  Records.  75 

cessions  are  made  to  them  of  any  preeminences  which  in 
your  opinion  might  be  rather  perilous. 

We  consent  to  abolish  the  recognition  on  the  imported 
Tobacco  besides  this  we  are  actually  soliciting  our  Go- 
vernment that  from  the  new  taxation  of  the  tobacco,  cul- 
tivated in  New  Netherland  may  be  exempted,  which  must 
be  of  great  advantage  to  the  planters. 

To  the  Director  and  Council  of  New  Netherland. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  64.]  We  consent  to  show  another  favour  to 
these  plantations  upon  the  proposal  of  the  inhabitants  that 
they  may  import  in  their  own  vessels  so  many  Negroes  as 
they  may  want  to  the  cultivation  of  their  fields  on  the 
conditions  of  our  government  of  which  we  inclose  a  copy. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  66.]  We  have,  to  promote  this  end  [getting 
reports  ready]  established  a  separate  office  for  the  affairs 
of  New  Netherland  for  which  it  is  required  that  you  send 
us  by  the  first  opportunity  accurate  Registers  of  all  the 
Lands,  farms,  and  houses  which  are  rented  in  behalf  of 
the  company  and  upon  what  terms  and  conditions  these 
have  been  rented.  As  we  know  that  the  Island  of  Man- 
hattan has  been  exclusively  reserved  to  the  company  as  is 
evident  from  the  reservations  and  yet  have  reasons  to 
suspect  that  some  tracts  on  it  have  been  granted  to  indi- 
viduals without  our  knowledge,  so  is  it  becoming  that  we 
should  receive  a  full  account  of  similar  transactions; 
while  it  has  the  appearance  that  within  a  few  years  the 
population  shall  under  God's  blessing  be  considerably  in- 
creased, so  it  becomes  us  to  make  in  this  view  proper  ar- 
rangements for  it  and  provide  that  the  land  may  be  dis- 
tributed in  a  more  equal  manner  as  formerly  has  been  the 
practice,  when  every  one  seemed  to  have  followed  the  de- 
sire of  his  own  heart  and  this  without  any  previous  know- 
ledge of  the  Directors  or  that  of  their  ministers.  The 
necessity  of  similar  precautions  in  future  becomes  evi- 
dent from  the  conduct  of  Wouter  Van  Twiller,  Olfert 
Gerritsen,  Lubbert  Van  Dinklagen,  Jacob  Wobferts  and 
others  who  purchased  from  the  Indians  considerable  tracts 
without  our  knowledge  or  approbation  which  is  insuffer- 


76  The  Albany  Records. 

able  and  wherefore,  it  is  our  will  that  every  one  shall  be 
warned  by  a  proclamation  to  be  on  his  guard  not  to  pur- 
chase, or  take  possession  of  any  lands  whatsoever  with- 
out knowledge  and  approbation  of  the  company  or  its 
ministers — That  further  all  similar  purchases  shall  be 
annulled  and  rendered  void  with  the  reserve  that  a  reim- 
bursement shall  be  made  of  the  purchase  money,  actually 
paid  and  that  the  company  may  be  reinvested  in  that  pro- 
perty. It  remains  our  intention  nevertheless  that  every 
one  shall  be  able  to  acquire  so  much  land  as  he  can  settle 
and  cultivate,  provided  he  holds  it  from  the  company,  but 
we  are  very  averse  to  throw  away  these  lands  without 
•distinction  as  too  long  has  been  the  custom  viz :  with 
whole  Islands,  so  as  to  Cornelis  Melyn  who  settled  a  tract, 
long  8  miles  with  5  or  6  souls  and  who  consequently  had 
forfeited  his  right  and  title  to  it  long  since — wherefore  it 
had  been  well  that  you  had  divested  him  of  this  property 
long  since  and  entrusted  with  it  such  persons  who  would 
have  been  more  punctual  in  fullfilling  their  agreement.  It 
has  now  the  appearance,  that  the  Barons  Henrik  and 
Alexander  Van  de  Capelle  have  negociated  with  this  Pa- 
troon  and  purchased  a  part  of  the  said  Island  without  pur 
knowledge  or  approbation.  Besides  this  we  have  been 
informed  by  Baron  Hendrick  Van  De  Capellan  that  he 
purchased  for  his  account  the  tract  named  Newensing  and 
Raritans,  situated  behind  Staten  Island,  which  tracts 
knowing  nothing  of  these  transactions  we  had  already  en- 
gaged to  Cornelis  Van  Werkenhoven  who  has  embarked 
with  a  numerous  family  and  suit,  to  take  possession  of  it. 
As  your  Hon.  will  see  from  the  commission  which  we 
have  granted  him.  If  this  Nobleman  do  interest  himself 
in  the  welfare  of  New  Netherland  and  well  in  regard  of  the 
company,  as  we  have  reason  to  suppose,  then  he  might  be 
an  instrument  through  which  many  persons  might  be  al- 
lured to  embark  for  that  country  nevertheless  we  could 
have  wished  that  we  had  been  excused  of  disposing  of 
such  a  large  tract  in  his  favour  as  we  do  agree  with  you 
in  opinion  that  it  can  not  be  very  serviceable  to  the  com- 
pany, but  we  could  not  disoblige  this  man,  being  a  mem- 
ber of  our  Government  and  would  avoid  the  appearance 


The  Albany  Records.  77 

as  if  we  were  inclined  to  stop  the  course  of  the  popula- 
tion. We  experience  in  this  respect  the  inconveniences 
of  that  licentiousness  of  which  we  before  complained  as 
the  Baron  pretends  to  have  already  and  well  one  year  and 
a  half  before  this  time  been  in  possession  of  these  lands, 
to  which  we  can  only  answer  that  ive  had  not  received 
any  knowledge  at  all  so  that  they  ought  to  agree  upon  it 
among  themselves.  These  are  the  fruits  when  it  is  en- 
deavored to  establish  one  government  in  another.  If 
your  Hon.  had  sent  Dinklagen  hither  this  incident  might 
have  been  prevented.  This  might  have  been  perfected 
with  reason  and  decency  as  he  did  resign  his  office  without 
having  answered  the  trust  reposed  in  him  for  which  he 
could  not  make  a  pretention  to  any  wages  due  to  him.  It  is 
to  be  presumed  that  he  was  resolved  since  1650  to  leave 
the  company  in  the  lurch  when  he  was  pressing  your  Hon. 
with  such  an  importunity  to  pay  him  his  salary  in  full, 
with  which  however  he  was  not  satisfied  but  stirred  the 
soldiers  to  mutiny.  We  have  already  connived  too  long 
at  the  impertinent  behaviour  of  some  turbulent  individu- 
als to  make  them  ashamed  by  our  benevolence  and  dis- 
cretion but  perceiving  at  last  that  all  our  condescension 
does  not  avail  so  must  we  take  our  refuge  to  God — to  na- 
ture and  the  Law,  for  which  we  command  you  whenever 
you  might  discover  some  clandestine  associations,  conven- 
ticles or  machinations  against  the  Government  of  our  re- 
public or  company  that  you  will  proceed  against  such 
malignant  persons  according  to  the  rigour  of  the  Laws 
and  their  own  demerits  with  this  precaution  that  it  is  by 
no  means  our  intention  that  any  one  should  obtain  rea- 
sons to  complain  that  he  was  injured  by  private  malice 
which  is  far  from  us.  Although  we  plainly  perceive  that 
many  skulk  under  this  cloak  and  we  may  discover  their 
malice  under  this  Garb  yet  we  have  resolved  upon  your 
proposal  to  stop  the  slandering  mouth,  to  agree  that  you 
shall  establish  a  court  [of  Justice]  ?  similar  to  that  which 
exists  in  this  city  for  which  we  send  you  printed  copies  of 
all  the  Courts  of  Judicature  and  Magistracy.  We  sup- 
pose it  shall  at  first  answer  every  purpose  to  elect  a  sher- 
iff two  Burgomasters  and  five  Schepens,  so  that  all  judg- 


78  The  Albany  Records. 

ments  may  be  carried  in  appeal  to  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Judicature  to  obtain  a  definitive  judgment.  Every  atten- 
tion is  to  be  paid  in  the  Election  of  these  magistrates  so 
that  honest  and  respectable  persons  which  we  hope  that 
may  be  found  among  the  Citizens  may  be  chosen.  It  is 
our  earnest  desire  that  as  ir.uch  as  possible  the  preference 
shall  be  given  to  Individuals  of  this  Nation  which  in  our 
opinion  shall  be  gratifying  to  the  people  at  large.  We 
give  our  consent  above  all  this  that  one  public  school  may 
be  established  for  which  one  school  master  would  be  suf- 
ficient and  he  might  be  engaged  at  /250  annually.  We 
recommend  you  Jan  De  La  Montague  whom  we  have 
provisionally  favored  with  the  Appointment.  Your 
Hon.  may  appropriate  the  City  Tavern  for  this  pur- 
pose, if  this  is  practicable.  We  do  not  see  in  what 
manner  or  by  what  means  we  shall  be  able  to  stop 
the  abuse  of  which  you  complain  if  the  Attorney  General 
will  not  acquit  himself  of  his  duty,  and  we  fear  that  you 
have  erred  in  raising  the  value  of  the  money  25  per  cent., 
to  bring  by  these  means  some  more  cash  in  the  country. 
It  shall  soon  become  evident  what  fruits  may  be  expected 
from  this  resolution.  It  has  been  observed  by  experience 
that  the  raising  of  the  value  of  money  was  followed  by 
the  ruin  of  the  country  and  its  inhabitants,  wherefore  we 
deem  it  a  perilous  experiment,  and  had  rather  seen  that 
our  opinion  had  been  asked  before  such  a  plan  had  been 
adopted. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  72.]  We  can  conquer  our  surprise  at  the 
insolence  and  boldness  of  Barent  Van  Schlegtenhorst, 
who  has  dared  to  expel  few  individuals  from  their  Gar- 
den spots  which  they  cultivated,  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort 
Orange,  upon  which  we  will  say  nothing  else,  as  that  it 
is  our  firm  resolution  to  maintain  our  Jurisdiction  in  the 
neighborhood  of  this  Fort,  by  all  means  within  gunshot ; 
and  if  he  has  injured  any  citizen,  or  destroyed  any  of 
their  possessions  within  these  limits,  to  compel  him  to 
give  such  a  one  satisfaction  and  compensation,  in  what- 
ever manner  the  damages  should  have  been  done.  It 
seems  to  us  that  the  Colonists  of  Rensselaerwyck  here. 


The  Albany  Records.  79 

hare  agreed  mutually  upon  their  disputes,  and  it  is  pre- 
sumptive that  they  will  send  another  Director  thither, 
although  we  are  in  doubt  if  it  will  be  in  their  power  to 
disengage  themselves  from  Van  Schleghtenhorst,  more  so 
as  it  is  said  that  he  claims  from  the  Colonists  between 
/ 14  a./ 15,000;  but  we  cannot  say  what'is  the  truth. 

Wouter  Van  Twiller  has  renewed  his  claims  to  settle 
his  accounts  originating  from  victuals  delivered  at  the 
different  Forts.  We  could  not  fall  with  regard  to  him  on 
a  better  expedient,  as  to  declare  him  that  we  would  send 
you  orders  to  liquidate  with  his  assignees,  on  the  hope 
that  when  they  shall  account  for  the  tithes  of  that  Colo- 
ny, they  will  be  obliged  to  pay  us  some  balance. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  73.]  Your  journey  to  the  South  River  and 
what  has  passed  there  between  you  and  the  Swedes,  was 
to  us  very  unexpected,  as  you  did  not  give  us  before  so 
much  as  a  hint  of  this  your  intention.  God  give  that 
these  your  intentions  be  crowned  with  success.  We  can- 
not give  our  opinion  upon  it  before  we  have  heard  the 
complaints  of  the  Swedish  Governour  to  his  Queen,  and 
ascertained  how  at  her  court  these  have  been  received. 
We  hope  that  our  arguments  to  prove  that  we  were  the 
first  possessors  of  that  country  shall  be  acknowledged 
sufficient.  But  it  is  in  our  opinion  nearly  impracticable  to 
enter  here  with  the  Swedes  in  negotiations  upon  the  limits 
much  less  to  arrive  at  a  final  conclusion.  We  will  not 
enter  in  a  discussion,  if  the  demolition  of  Fort  Nassau 
was  an  act  of  prudence,  as  no  one  could  institute  any 
claim  upon  it  even  if  the  Swedes  made  a  show  of  pre- 
tense. Time  shall  instruct  us  of  the  design  of  the  New 
Built  Fort  Casimir.  We  are  at  a  loss  to  conjecture  for 
what  reason  it  has  received  this  name.  You  ought  to  be 
on  your  guard  that  it  is  well  secured,  so  that  it  cannot  be 
surprised.  We  cannot  determine  if  it  is  required  to  erect 
any  fortifications  on  the  East  side  opposite  this  Fort,  and 
must  leave  this  to  your  discretion.  But  on  this  point  we 
deem  it  necessary  to  warn  you  to  pay  a  continued  atten- 
tion that  no  Fortifications  on  any  of  the  isles  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  Manhattans  are  erected  from  per- 
[Annals  iv.]  8 


£0  The  Albany  Records. 

sons  who  have  dared  to  instigate  the  savages  against  118. 
We  declare  that  you  will  inquire  in  this  affair  with  a 
sedulous  attention,  and  in  case  you  might  discover  the 
truth,  to  prosecute  similar  persons  with  that  rigour  which 
their  demerits  deserve;  but  recommend  again  to  make 
use  of  all  prudent  discretion,  that  your  procedures  may 
be  laid  open  before  the  whole  world. 

We  have  objections  against  the  provisional  agreement 
with  the  English  about  our  limits.  In  the  instructions  of 
our  embassadors  to  England  is  recommended  to  them  to 
negotiate,  and  if  possible  to  agree  with  that  Government 
about  our  limits;  but  the  situation  of  affairs  between 
England  and  our  Government  bears  yet  a  very  unfavora- 
ble aspect.  God  grant  that  extremities  may  be  avoided. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  75.]  At  your  zealous  solicitations  to  be 
favored  with  another  clergyman  who  could  preach  in  Eng- 
lish as  well  as  in  Dutch,  we  left  nothing  untried  to  gratify 
you,  till,  as  if  the  Lord  had  guided  his  steps,  the  Rev. 
Sam.  Driess  adressed  himself.  He  is  single;  about  40 
years  of  age,  who  left  England  to  avoid  its  present  tur- 
bulent state.  He  is  recommended  as  a  pious  man  and  a 
man  of  talents,  able  to  preach  in  both  languages,  viz : 
Dutch  and  English — and  if  necessity  did  require  it,  in 
French  too.  He  is  said  to  be  a  man  of  peaceable  man- 
ners and  agreeable  conversation,  so  that  we  cannot  doubt, 
or  the  society  shall  reap  a  great  deal  of  contentment  from 
this  vocation,  as  we  may  expect  that  he  shall  be  a  pow- 
erfull  instrument  to  proclaim  the  holy  word  of  God — to 
make  his  glory  known,  and  assist  that  worthy  old  ser- 
vant, the  Rev.  Megapolensis. 

We  have  allowed  him  /  100  per  month,  and  /250  for 
his  boarding ;  and  as  he  is  single  it  did  strike  us  that  it 
might  perhaps  be  acceptable  to  all,  if  he  could  agree  for 
his  boarding  with  Mr.  John  La  Montagne.  We  do  not 
however  press  this  point  as  the  proposal  originated  by  us 
from  pure  affection. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  83.]  Now  is  it  however,  that  although  we 
did  flatter  ourselves  with  the  hope  that  some  arrangement 


The  Albany  Records.  81 

might  have  been  made  with  our  Government  and  the  Re- 
publick  of  England,  we  have  been  disappointed  in  it,  as 
this  Republick — all  our  honorable  and  just  proposals  not- 
withstanding, has  not  hesitated  while  our  Embassadors 
were  yet  there,  to  arrest  all  our 'vessels,  without  paying 
any  regard  from  what  place  these  might  arrive — to  take 
the  Crews  from  others,  who,  ignorant  of  the  present  state 
of  affairs  had  entered  their  harbours — to  arrest  these 
vessels  to  our  great  loss,  not  permitting  the  departure  of 
one  single  vessel ;  not  even  the  Men-of- War  arrived  from 
the  Brazils,  so  that  when  the  Embassadors  of  our  Repub- 
lick complained  to  the  Parliament  in  vain,  of  these  griefs 
and  received  empty  words  in  lieu  of  redress ;  these  have 
been  recalled  and  are  actually  returned  home.  It  appears 
to  us  from  the  formidable  equipments  and  preparations, 
principally  so  by  our  Government,  that  war  soon  shall  be 
declared;  more  so  as  our  Admiral  Tromp  has  been  sent 
about  the  North  with  about  a  hundred  sails,  while  the 
British  Admiral,  Blake,  was  steering  the  same  course. 
May  it  please  the  Almighty  to  bless  us  with  a  happy  event, 
and  crush  the  Brittish  pride. 

This  unexpected  Rupture,  which  we  had  not  courted, 
induced  many  merchants  trading  on  New  Netherland  to 
solicit  us  that  we  would  send  an  advice  boat  to  your 
Hon.,  so  that  you  and  the  Colonists  there  might  be  in- 
formed of  this  state  of  affairs.  We  have  considered  this 
plan  and  agreed  with  them  that  they  should  freight  and 
dispatch  a  swift  sailing  Galiot,  provided  they  should  be 
indemnified  for  this  voyage  from  the  freight  and  the  re- 
cognitions of  the  merchandise  charged  in  this  vessel — so 
too  of  those  which  shall  be  paid  on  its  return,  every  one 
in  proportion  to  his  shares  in  this  enterprise. 

Although  we  doubt  not  or  you  shall  have  agreed  about 
the  limits  with  those  of  New  England  in  conformity  to 
our  intentions,  or  entered  with  them  in  a  more  close 
Union  and  harmonious  compact  as  once  before,  so  that 
we  may  have  nothing  to  fear  from  New  England.  We 
considered  it  nevertheless  an  imperious  duty  to  recom- 
mend you  to  arm  and  discipline  all  free  men,  soldiers  and 
saylors — to  appoint  the  officers  and  rendezvous  to  sup- 


82  The  Albany  Records. 

ply  them  with  ammunition,  and  to  inspect  the.  fortifica- 
tions of  New  Amsterdam,  Fort  Orange  and  Casimir. 
To  this  end  we  send  you  for  your  protection  a  fresh  sup- 
ply of  Ammunition  as  you  may  see  from  the  invoice. 
We  warn  you  not  to  place  an  unbounded  confidence  upon 
your  English  Inhabitants,  but  to  keep  a  watching  eye 
upon  them,  so  that  you  may  not  be  deceived  by  a  show 
of  service  through  their  sinister  Machinations,  as  we 
have  been  here  illuded,  (deluded).  If  it  happened  which 
we  will  not  suppose,  that  those  of  New  England  did  in- 
cline to  take  a  part  in  these  broils,  and  injure  our  good 
inhabitants,  then  we  wffuld  advise  that  your  Hon.  en- 
gaged the  Indians  in  your  cause,  whom  we  are  informed 
are  not  partial  to  the  English,  and  employd  further  all 
such  means  of  defence  as  prudence  may  require  for  your 
security,  paying  attention  that  the  Merchants  and  Inhab- 
itants convey  their  valuable  property  within  the  forts, 
and  to  treat  them  with  kindness  so  that  they  may  be  en- 
couraged to  remain  there  and  abandon  the  thoughts  of 
returning  hither,  by  which  the  country  would  be  depopu- 
lated. It  is  therefore  advisable  to  surround  the  villages, 
at  least,  the  principal  and  most  opulent,  with  breast 
works  and  palisades,  to  prevent  a  surprise. 

We  made  here  to  accommodate  Individuals  who  used 
to  give  their  letters  to  a  saylor  or  a  free  merchant,  which 
then  were  often  lost  to  their  disadvantage,  through  the 
neglect  of  their  Trustees,  who  left  them  in  their  trunks 
or  took  these  with  them  when  they  unexpectedly  started 
for  another  city,  we  made  a  box  in  front  of  the  New 
Magazine,  where  we  hold  our  present  sessions,  in  which 
every  one  may  at  any  hour  of  the  day,  can  depose  his 
letters  to  be  conveyed  thither  with  the  first  sailing  ves- 
sels, of  which  we  have  now  informed  your  Hon.,  that  this 
example  may  be  followed  in  New  Netherland  so  that  the 
letters  from  a  greater  security  may  all  be  inclosed  in  one 
bag  and  directed  to  us  with  the  address  of  those  persons 
to  whom  the  letters  are  directed — who  usually  appear  at 
the  Magazine  and  may  receive  them  directly  without 
being  obliged  to  institute  a  search  and  run  after  the  indi- 
viduals who  had  been  charge  with  these. 


The  Albany  Records.  83 

While  it  now  through  our  troubles  with  the  English 
Nation  might  happen  that  some  malcontent  here  residing 
Englishmen  or  other  individuals  might  send  thither  some 
letters  to  irritate  your  English  inhabitants  against  the 
commonwealth,  that  you  did  examine  under  oath  the  Cap- 
tain of  the  Galiot  with  its  crew  and  require  the  surrender 
of  all  letters  committed  to  their  trust,  and  that  you  opened 
the  letters  sent  by  this  vessel  which  might  appear  sus- 
picious, so  that  we  may  not  in  sending  this  Galiot  have 
fostered  a  serpent  in  our  bosom,  and  they  who  are  our 
enemies  may  have  obtained  the  means  to  injure  us  from 
our  own  hands. 

In  this  vessel  embarks  one  Hugo  Claess  who  served  the 
Company  in  former  days  as  supercargo  and  now  has  been 
appointed  as  commander  or  superintendent  of  the  salt 
works  of  the  company  at  Bonaire,  to  the  choping  and 
cleaning  of  Stock  rish  hout  and  its  further  Cultivation  at 
/20  the  month,  so  too  Jan  Van  Der  Slust  a  carpenter  at 
/6  a  month — to  accompany  said  Hugo  Claess  to  Bonaire, 
your  Hon.  will  as  it  can  not  at  present  be  executed  here 
provide  them  with  materials  and  all  necessary  articles  as 
much  as  may  be  in  your  power  with  which 

Honorable  &c.  16  Aug.  1652  in  Amsterdam. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  88.]  Your  Hon.  has  misunderstood  us  with 
regard  to  the  Colony  of  Mr.  Van  Werkhoven  whose  two 
colonies  you  did  suppose  to  extend  twenty  miles  in  a 
straight  line,  or  you  did  not  pay  attentions  to  our  exemp- 
tions from  which  it  is  evident  that  no  colonists  may  ob- 
tain more  than  four  miles  along  the  side  of  a  navigable 
river  or  two  miles  at  both  sides.  Mr.  Van  Werkhoven 
had  his  choice  of  either  of  these  but  could  not  be  per- 
mitted to  take  both  in  possession.  But  as  he  did  not  so 
but  decline  it  and  settled  at  Nassau  so  the  half  of  that 
tract  remains  at  his  service  to  settle  it  to  his  best  advan- 
tage. This  example  again  confirms  us  in  our  own  opinion 
not  to  grant  New  Licenses  for  Colonies  as  pretensions  are 
made  to  similar  extravagant  boundaries. 

It  appears  from  your  letters  that  sum  turbulent  and  dis- 
affected malignants  meet  from  time  to  time  in  secret  con- 


84  The  Albany  Records. 

venticles  which  you  may  break  up  and  keep  under  your 
controul  conform  to  our  orders  and  we  engage  to  give  a 
good  account  of  them  at  the  Hague  if  any  false  reports 
might  be  sent  hither. 

We  are  greatly  surprised  that  your  Hon.  has  raised  the 
value  of  the  money  in  New  Netherland  contrary  to  our 
expressed  intention  and  against  our  orders — and  that  you 
did  solicit  Individual  persons  here,  to  supply  you  with 
Dutch  shillings  and  four  penny  pieces  to  the  amount  of 
25  a  /  30,000  which  we  can  by  no  means  approve  as  we 
are  not  yet  brought  so  low  that  our  ministers  must  step 
forward  to  obtain  us  credit  and  make  a  tender  of  our  con- 
quests for  its  security.  If  any  business  is  to  be  transact- 
ed here  it  behoves  you  to  address  yourself  to  us  and  not 
to  other  individuals.  You  may  depend  we  shall  not  leave 
unnoticed  any  similar  attempt. 

********* 

[Vol.  4,  p.  89.]  Our  merchants  complain  very  loudly 
of  the  exaction  .of  an  additional  tax  of  8  pence  above  the 
1-4  levied  on  every  merchantable  Beaver,  which  appears 
to  us  surprising  strange  indeed  as  we  did  send  our  express 
orders  that  your  Hon.  should  not  take  more  than  8  per 
cent,  and  your  Hon.  would  make  a  restitution  to  them  of 
the  surplus  of  whom  you  had  received  15  per  cent,  and 
although  you  appeal  to  the  case  of  the  Director  Kieft  so 
with  regard  in  the  granting  of  lands  as  in  the  exaction  of 
15  st.  for  every  beaver,  so  we  are  obliged  to  repeat  that 
this  was  not  our  intention,  neither  is  it  now  when  no  dis- 
cretion enough  can  be  employed  to  prevent  that  commerce 
in  this  critical  and  dangerous  period  is  not  discouraged  so 
that  it  might  be  abandoned  with  disgust  of  which  the  de- 
population of  your  conquests  would  be  an  unavoidable 
consequence  as  we  could  by  no  means  continue  to  procure 
such  supplies  of  new  settlers  we  will  communicate  to  you 
in  our  next  letter  our  intention  for  your  guide. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  91.]  In  reflecting  on  some  of  your  letters 
and  some  directed  to  me  by  the  late  Director,  Fan  Kieft, 
we  perceive  that  in  his  opinion  the  fisheries  of  Sturgeon 
and  Codfish  to  be  highly  valuable,  that  the  Sturgeon 


The  Albany  Records.  85 

above  all  is  in  your  rivers  in  such  abundance  and  can  be 
taken  in  such  vast  quantity  that  the  Caviar*  could  be  as 
well  manufactured  there  as  in  Muscovy.  If  this  is  so 
then  certainly  it  would  be  a  point  of  immense  profit  as 
by  these  means  an  immense  trade  might  be  opened  with 
salted  fish  Caviar  and  other  merchandise.  We  expect 
that  you  will  send  us  your  opinion  upon  this  subject,  and 
if  there  is  any  prospect  of  success  to  engage  any  persons 
who  are  acquainted  with  this  business  and  render  it  then 
their  advantage  to  pursue  it  so  that  commerce  may 
flourish  in  both  Hemispheres. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  92.]  We  inclose  a  copy  of  an  insinuation 
communicated  to  us  by  the  Notary  Van  Der  Vinne  in  be- 
half of  John  Van  Rensselaer  a  colonist  of  Rensselaerwyck 
from  which  you  shall  see  the  complaints  which  have  been 
made  against  you.  You  ought  to  act  in  all  similar  cases 
with  greater  circumspection  to  deliver  us  from  all  similar 
difficulties  as  much  as  it  impossible.  We  expect  in  con- 
formity to  the  answer  which  we  have  given  a  more  cir- 
cumstantial detail  of  this  case  in  your  next  letter,  with  an 
account  of  debt  and  credit — the  sale  of  vessels — hides — 
stock  wish  hout  &c.  during  your  administration  which  you 
ought  to  continue  to  do  by  your  ministers  every  year  to 
enable  us  to  make  up  our  balance  and  acquit  ourselves  of 
your  responsibility  to  others. 

13  Dec.  1652. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  93.]  Honorable  &c. — In  the  vessel  the  Graef 
have  embarked  Johan  De  Hulter,  one  of  the  partners  of 
Rensselaerwyck,  with  different  families,  taking  with  them 
a  number  of  free  men,  among  whom  are  several  mechan- 
ics, as  one  extraordinary  potter,  (Steinbacker)  and  many 
other  persons  whose  names  are  inserted  in  the  enclosed 
list,  who  intend  to  settle  either  in  the  Colony  or  any  other 
convenient  place,  to  assist  in  the  cultivation  of  the  land. 
As  it  cannot  yet  be  determined  where  he  may  fix  his  resi- 
dence, and  might,  for  aught  we  know,  prefer  the  Island  of 

*  NOTE. — An  important  branch  of  Dutch  Commerce.  It  is  prepared 
from  the  eggs  of  the  Sturgeon.  It  is  a  sort  of  cheese.  It  is  made  too 
in  Russia  on  the  River  Volga.  See  pallas  vay,  fyc. 


86  The  Albany  Records. 

Manhattans,  which  in  our  opinion  would  be  desirable,  so 
we  deemed  it  proper,  while  he  as  a  stranger  in  that  coun- 
try solicited  to  be  favoured  with  our  recommendation,  to 
command  you  to  accommodate  him  without  the  prejudice 
of  the  company,  in  the  best  manner  possible ;  and  to  give 
him  every  kind  assistance  in  your  power.  If  he  resolves 
to  fix  his  abode  upon  the  Island  of  Manhattan  or  Long 
Island,  then  you  procure  him  a  convenient  situation  and 
for  his  settlement  and  to  establish  a  pottery,  (Steinback- 
ery,)  as  he  remains  satisfied.  In  which  expectation 
Amsterdam  7  May,  1653.  Honorable  &c. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  96.]  That  it  never  was  our  intention  that 
any  individual,  upon  our  mere  consent,  which  we  never 
decline  to  any  one  embarking  to  New  Netherland,  should 
be  qualified,  without  regard  to  the  number  of  persons  in 
his  family — to  take  possession  and  appropriate  to  him- 
self one  or  two  hundred  morgen,  (about  214  or  428  acres) 
without  taking  these  in  his  actual  possession  by  their  cul- 
tivation— neither  could  we  be  understood  to  have  intend- 
ed the  appropriation  of  building  spots,  in  the  city  or  its 
suburbs,  being  allowed  to  any  one  without  erecting  edifi- 
ces upon  them,  we  concluded  to  print  these  placards  with 
some  small  alterations,  and  return  these  to  your  Hon.  to 
have  these  published  and  affixed.  To  promote  the  more 
punctual  execution  of  the  first  (settlement  of  New  Lands) 
we  deemed  it  advisable  to  make  no  alterations  in  your 
sketch,  except  that  the  payment  of  the  Land  tax,  viz :  of 
2  shillings  per  morgen  annually,  shall  only  take  place  a 
year  after  the  land  shall  have  been  settled  and  cultivated, 
as  you  may  discover  from  the  printed  proclamation. 
******** 

We  have  no  objections  against  the  provisional  measures 
which  your  Hon.  has  adopted  with  respect  to  Fort  Orange, 
as  we  have  examined 'all  the  transmitted  documents,  we 
would  only  recommend  to  your  attention,  to  place  the 
names  of  the  principal  men  and  magistrates  allways  at 
the  head  of  your  lists,  as  a  mark  of  courtesy,  and  to  be  on 
your  guard  not  to  give  any  offence  or  cause  of  complaint 
to  the  people  of  Rensselaerwyck ;  to  keep  with  it  a  good 


The  Albany  Records.  87 

correspondence,  and  .cultivate  with  it  an  harmonious  in- 
tercourse ;  the  Rights  of  the  company  always  remaining 
in  violated. 

We  were  peculiarly  pleased  that  you  did  not  give  a 
further  extension  to  the  limits  of  Rensselaerwyck,  as  the 
prerogatives  and  exemptions  did  allow ;  what  regards  the 
farms  now  remaining  beyond  the  limits  granted  to  that 
Colony,  we  have  no  objections  that  these  are  granted 
in  the  name  of  the  company  to  the  present  holders,  upon 
the  same  terms  and  conditions  on  which  other  individuals 
have  received  for  the  right  of  soil  which  they  possess, 
well  understood  that  all  such  farms  shall  not  be  submitted 
to  the  patronage  (Patronaatschap)  of  said  Colony  or  its 
limits  considered  to  have  been  extended  by  these. 


As  we  have  been  informed  that  there  rages  among  the 
sheep  a  prevailing  sickness  with  which  many  are  swept 
away,  so  we  do  not  hesitate  in  recommending  salt  as  a 
preservative  against  this  sickness.  It  ought  to  be  laid  in 
the  pastures  in  large  lumps,  as  is  practice  in  other  coun- 
tries. 

We  are  assured  that  a  considerable  party  of  furs  might 
be  obtained  from  the  savages  in  Canada,  in  case  this  na- 
tion could  with  less  danger,  and  a  less  circuitous  manner 
approach  Fort  Orange  and  the  Colony  of  Rensselaerwyck, 
in  which  they  continually  are  obstructed  by  the  Mohawk 
Indians,  with  whom,  although  their  nearest  neighbors, 
they  are  in  a  continual  warfare.  And  this  is  the  only  rea- 
son why  these  Canadian  savages,  scared  by  the  danger 
and  inconveniences  of  the  journey,  prefer  to  dispose  of 
their  furs  to  Frenchmen  or  other  merchantile  nations  who 
are  trading  in  that  neighborhood,  by  which  the  company 
and  their  subjects  are  in  so  far  frustrated  from  that  trade. 
For  this  we  give  your  Hon.  in  consideration  if  it  would 
not  be  advantageous  to  the  Company,  if  a  trading  house 
was  established  18  or  20  miles  above  Fort  Orange,  to 
render  it  a  staple  for  furs,  which  would  in  our  opinion  be 
an  important  object  to  the  Company.  Inform  us  in  what 
point  of  view  it  appears  to  you. 


88  The  Albany  Records. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  99,]  We  did  see  that  you  if  we  would  ratify 
it  engaged  to  favor  sundry  individuals  with  grants,  viz : 
one  for  erecting  a  potash  work  (aschbranderije) ;  one  for 
making  Tiles  and  Bricks,  and  the  third  for  salt  works, 
which  Grants  we  not  only  entirely  disapprove,  but  require 
that  you  will  not  give  one  single  grant  more  hereafter,  as 
it  is  in  our  opinion  a  very  pernicious  management,  prin- 
cipally so  in  a  new  and  budding  state,  whose  population 
and  welfare  cannot  be  promoted  but  as  through  general 
benefits  and  privileges,  in  which  every  one  who  might  be 
inclined  to  settle  in  such  a  country  either  as  merchant  or 
mechanic  may  participate. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  100.]  We  resolved  upon  mature  deliberations 
on  the  weakness  of  your  counsel  in  such  a  critical  period, 
to  strengthen  it  with  an  expert  and  well  instructed  man. 
In  this  mode,  application  for  an  employ  was  made  to  us 
by  Nicasius  Silla,  a  man  well  versed  in  the  law,  and  not 
unacquainted  with  military  affairs.  His  character  is  good, 
and  the  certificates  which  we  have  seen  leave  no  doubt  of 
his  acquirements.  We  could  not  hesitate  to  engage  him 
in  our  service  as  first  Counsellor  of  the  Director,  at  a 
salary  of  one  hundred  *  per  month,  in  which  his  board  is 
concluded.  Of  all  which  your  Hon.  may  be  informed  at 
large  by  our  vessel,  King  Solomo. 

We  did  farther  agree  from  particular  considerations  in 
favor  of  your  counsellor  La  Montagne,  that  your  Hon. 
might  increase  his  salary  to  /50|  per  month,  and  /200J 
yearly  for  his  board,  so  early  and  from  that  period  your 
Hon.  may  deem  proper,  so  that  his  debt  to  the  company 
may  in  this  manner  be  liquidated  and  cancelled,  which 
we  are  confident  that  will  be  a  spur  to  Him  to  devote 
himself  to  the  service  of  the  Company. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  103.]  You  will  be  informed  by  the  inclosed 
copies  and  request  of  Adrien  Van  Der  Donck  of  the  na- 
ture of  his  solicitations.  What  regard  his  memoir  we  can 
well  penetrate,  upon  what  ground  he  builds  his  claim  al- 
though we  are  not  sufficiently  instructed,  as  it  can  not  be 

*£16.  13s.  4d.  t-£8.  6s.  8d.  t  £33.  6s.  8d. 


The  Albany  Records.  89 

questioned  or  it  would  be  costly  and  very  inconvenient  to 
Individuals  who  have  engaged  boys  and  girls  in  their  ser- 
vice if  these  could  at  their  arrival  or  before  the  time 
of  their  engagement  was  expired  might  leave  the  service 
of  their  masters  without  having  previously  satisfied  them 
or  brought  forward  sufficient  and  imperious  reasons  which 
might  justify  their  emancipation.  Your  Hon.  we  expect 
shall  act  with  prudence  in  this  delicate  case  in  a  manner, 
that  neither  the  population  is  obstructed  neither  the  mas- 
ters or  their  servants  have  just  causes  to  complain. 

What  regards  the  six  guns,  sent  by  said  Van  Der  Donck 
in  1651 — it  is  our  opinion  that  if  those  have  not  been 
smuggled  but  exported  by  knowledge  of  the  company 
then  these  six  guns  may  be  restored  to  him. 

It  is  our  will  witft  respect  to  his  second  petition  rela- 
ting a  small  tract  of  land  or  common  swamp  (valley  con- 
tracted Vly)  of  about  30  or  40  morgen  (64  or  85  acres) 
near  theSaegkil  that  your  Hon.  shall  not  permit  its  occu- 
pation or  settling  by  any  one  before  you  shall  have  ex- 
amined thoroughly  its  situation  and  if  you  discover  that 
said  Van  Derdonck  did  purchase  this  valley  (vly)  from 
the  natives  with  previous  consent  of  the  Director  and 
Council  and  the  rights  of  the  company  are  not  brought  in 
jeopardy  then  we  have  no  objections  that  this  tract  of  land 
or  valley  (vly)  is  granted  to  him  upon  such  terms  and  re- 
strictions as  are  given  to  and  required  from  other  Inhabi- 
tants in  conformity  to  our  placards. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  104.]  As  the  Vessel  the  Flower  of  Guelder, 
of  which  Wouter  Van  Twiller  is  the  owner  or  at  least 
the  man  supposed  to  have  loaded  it,  had  in  a  clandestine 
manner  received  some  casks  with  powder,  so  has  it  been 
followed  and  finally  arrested  by  the  Custom  house  officers 
at  the  instant  of  its  intended  departure  from  the  Texel, 
of  which  a  gentle  bleeding  has  been  the  consequence  to 
the  proprietors,  but  Wouter  Van  Twiller  pretended  ig- 
norance, so  that  the  skipper  and  his  mate,  paid  the  reck- 
oning. We  doubt  not  or  more  articles  of  contraband  are 
concealed  in  this  vessel,  and  this  we  did  consider  it  proper 
that  you  should  receive  a  previous  information  with  a 


90  The  Albany  Records. 

view  that  you  will  command  the  Attorney  General  seri- 
ously to  be  on  his  guard  at  the  arrival  of  this  vessel,  and 
have  it  examined  with  all  rigour  so  that  similar  smugglers 
may  be  punished  in  conformity  with  the  tenor  of  the  pla- 
cards that  others  may  be  warned  to  commit  similar  tres- 
passes. 

6  Jan.  1653. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  122.]  We  hope  that  the  crops  which  were 
promising  shall  have  been  successfully  harvested,  and  al- 
though we  can  not  yet  believe  that  those  of  New  England 
can  contemplate  to  come  and  besiege  you  as  you  seem  to 
apprehend,  it  is  nevertheless  necessary  to  guard  that 
neither  grains  nor  other  provisions  in  this  critical  period 
are  wasted,  as  we  are  informed  that  takes  place  in  Rens- 
selaerwyck,  who  employ  their  grain  in  brewing  strong 
beer  &c.  wherefore  we  give  you  credit  that  you  give  them 
a  timely  warning  about  this  abuse  of  the  produce. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  129].  We  have  seen  with  displeasure  the 
pretensions  of  the  Colony  Van  Rensselaerwyck,  as  if  they 
were  not  holden  to  share  in  the  payment  of  contributions 
in  times  of  danger,  not  even  in  time  of  open  war,  we 
deem  it  irrelevant,  unreasonable  and  unjust  while  in  simi- 
lar cases  no  one,  what  privileges  and  exemptions  he  may 
have  obtained  can  be  excused  as  is  evident  from  the  daily 
examples  in  this  our  state  what  regards  the  ordinary  ex- 
pences  required  for  the  wages  of  civil,  ecclesiastic  and 
military  persons,  for  the  construction  and  reparation  of 
fortifications  all  which  are  intended  for  the  maintenance 
and  protection  of  society.  It  is  evident,  that  when  the 
Regalia  (sovereign  rights)  and  Revenues  are  insufficient 
for  these  purposes,  then  it  is  no  more  than  just  and  equit- 
able that  the  inhabitants  bear  their  share  in  the  burthen, 
as  is  the  established  practice  in  every  well  regulated  go- 
vernment and  cities. 

With  regard  of  the  exaction  of  the  tithes  from  the 
Colony  of  Rensselaerwyck  we  are  now  employed  in  ex- 
amining this  subject,  so  that  your  Hon.  may  expect  our 
decision  by  the  first  opportunity,1  but  as  Van  Twiller  and 
others  here  pretend  that  many  tracts  in  that  district 
should  be  privileged  with  immunities  from  the  tithes  so 


The  Albany  Records.  91 

we  have  deemed  it  necessary  to  recommend  your  Hon. 
the  inquiry  at  the  Secretary's  office,  confiding  that  Thien- 
hoven  shall  be  able  to  procure  you  the  best  information 
about  it,  and  we  desire  that  your  Hon.  will  send  us  as 
soon  as  possible  pertinent  and  distinct  lists  of  all  the 
tracts  of  land  which  from  the  beginning  till  this  day  may 
have  been  granted  and  more  especially  upon  what  con- 
ditions that  we  may  not  err  in  our  conduct. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  133.]  We  will  believe  that  your  Hon.  acted 
with  prudence  in  not  publishing  and  affixing  those  pro- 
clamations which  were  printed  here  and  related  to  lands 
and  lots,  and  we  are  resolved  to  leave  it  for  the  present  in 
its  actual  state.  But  which  we  recommended  about  the 
determination  of  the  limits  between  the  Colony  of  Rens- 
selaerwyck  and  Fort  Orange  ought  in  our  opinion  not  to 
have  been  delayed,  as  our  intention  had  for  its  basis  equity 
yea  even  liberty. 

Amsterdam  18  May  1654. 

What  relates  to  your  question  in  what  manner  it  is 
proper  for  you  to  act  with  regard  to  these  lands  situated 
beyond  the  precinks  of  said  colony  if  it  is  advisable  to 
offer  these  to  the  Patrons  or  Co  Directors  it  seems  to  us 
that  it  answers  itself,  as  if  said  persons  on  the  General 
Statute  by  which  everyone  may  obtain  lands  to  settle  and 
cultivate  these,  no  reason  can  be  given  why  they  should 
be  excluded  from  this  privilege  but  if  they  from  the  other 
side  intended  to  occupy  these  lands  as  Patrons  and  incor- 
porate these  under  that  title  with  their  colony,  then  these 
lands  can  not  be  granted  them. 

We  understand  meanwhile  with  a  sensible  pleasure  that 
the  Inhabitants  of  Fort  Orange  with  those  of  Rensselaer- 
wyck  converse  together  in  friendship  and  cultivate  be- 
tween them  harmony  and  correspondence. 


We  acknowledge  that  the  situation  of  the  country 
above  the  fort  Orange  was  quite  otherwise  described  to  us 
as  your  Hon.  has  delineated  it  wherefore  we  give  up  our 
opinion  and  adopt  the  plan  which  your  Hon.  proposed  t& 

[Annals  iv.]  9 


92  The  Albany  Records. 

erect  a  Fort,  even  if  it  were  only  a  redoubt  or  block- 
house, your  reasons  are  solid,  convincing  so  that  we  need 
not  to  recommend  its  execution,  only  mentioning  that  in 
all  other  places  where  it  may  be  required  to  intimate  pos- 
session, signals  ought  to  be  erected  bearing  the  arms  of 
their  High  Might.,  and  those  of  the  company. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  165.]  We  renew  our  recommendation  that 
the  limits  between  the  Colony  of  Rensselaerwyck  and  Fort 
Orange  as  soon  as  may  be  are  finally  determined,  and 
although  we  prefer  yet  to  hold  our  final  resolve  with  re- 
gard to  the  tithes  of  said  Colony  rather  in  suspense  till 
some  individuals  have  actually  paid  these,  as  the  company 
is  in  the  possession  of  receiving  these  tithes,  yet  we  will 
say  so  much  that  your  Hon.  when  he  exacts  any  new 
taxes,  may  in  such  a  case  levy  on  said  Colony  en  masse 
such  a  sum  for  one  year,  as  may  be  considered  a  just  pro- 
portion to  what  is  paid  by  other  individuals  for  houses, 
lands  and  cattle,  which  sum  is  to  be  collected  at  the  sta- 
ted term,  and  in  case  of  noncompliance,  obtained  by  way 
of  execution. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  211-12-13.]  We  have  seen  with  great  dis- 
pleasure, that  your  Hon.  contrary  to  our  resolution  of 
15  Feb.,  1655,  on  the  petition  of  the  Portuguese  Jews,  has 
interdicted  them  the  trade  on  Fort  Orange  and  the  South 
River,  so  too  the  purchase  of  real  estate  which  is  permit- 
ted them  in  this  country  without  any  difficulty.  We 
could  have  wished  that  this  had  not  happened,  but  that 
our  orders  which  henceforward  you  shall  have  to  obey 
had  been  executed  with  more  respect.  The  Portuguese 
Jews  nevertheless,  can  not  exercise  any  trade,  or  establish 
retail  stores  no  more  there  than  they  are  permitted  in  this 
city,  but  they  ought  not  in  any  manner  to  be  disturbed  in 
their  commerce,  and  may  peaceably  exercise  their  religion 
in  their  own  houses,  for  which  end  they  must  be  allowed  to 
build  their  houses  together  on  a  convenient  spot  at  the 
one  or  the  other  side  of  New  Amsterdam  at  their  own 
choice,  as  they  have  done  in  this  city. 


The  Albany  Records.  93 

We  are  not  surprised  nay  rather  coincide  with  your 
Hon.  in  the  opinion  that  it  shall  be  difficult,  if  at  all  prac- 
ticable from  what  has  happened  with  the  Indians,  by 
which  many  Inhabitants  in  the  country  have  been  re- 
duced to  poverty  to  exact  the  general  laud  tax,  with  that 
on  neat  cattle  at  this  moment,  more  so  while  neither  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Colony  of  Rensselaerwyck,  or  those  in 
the  village  of  Beverwyck,  who  have  suffered  nothing  by 
the  late  hostilities,  can  not  be  induced  either  by  our  admo- 
nitions or  your  persuasions  to  submission,  wherefore  we 
have  resolved  to  command  you  to  act  again  with  lenity 
and  moderation,  nevertheless  to  exact  this  payment  from 
said  Colony  and  village  without  coining  to  extremities  till 

you  receive  our  farther  orders. 

* 

[Vol.  4,  p.  216.]  We  inclose  here  the  invoice  of  the 
last  arrived  ship,  New  Amsterdam,  from  whose  margin 
you  can  discover  the  fraudulent  transactions  of  the  Col- 
lector Adriaen  Van  Thienhoven,  and  the  immense  quantity 
of  merchandise  whose  weight  or  measure  has  been  falsi- 
fied, through  which  it  happened  that  we  are  prosecuted. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  217.]  He  who  only  will  reflect  upon  his  last 
transaction  with  the  savages,  shall  acknowledge  that  he 
being  deeply  intoxicated,  was  the  prominent  cause  of  that 
doleful  massacre.  It  is  evident  that  he  (Van  Thienho- 
ven) might  have  prevented  it  it' he  with  prudence  and  dis- 
cretion had  warned  the  country  people  or  called  in  season 
for  assistance  which  your  Hon.  ought  to  know  better 
than  we  can  inform  him  about  it.  We  are  therefore 
greatly  surprised  that  you  can  plead  his  cause  in  such  a 
manner  which  has  indeed  greatly  displeased  us,  which 
displeasure  must  increase,  if  against  our  instruction  and 
order  you  should  have  employed  said  Van  Thienhoven  at 
the  one  or  other  opportunity. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  219.]  What  regards  the  alterations  in  plac- 
ing a  beaver  on  /6  [$2'40]  in  lieu  of  /8  [§3'20]  and 
sea  want,  in  lieu  of  6  at  8  a  stuyver;  this  appears  to  us  a 


94  The  Albany  Records. 

topic  which  deserves  our  serious  consideration,  and  we  de- 
layed thus  our  final  decision  till  the  next  spring. 

******** 

What  regards  the  collection  of  tithes  and  other  taxes 
in  the  Colony  of  Rensselaerwyck,  we  will  consider  this 
point  a  little  longer,  and  communicate  to  you  our  inten- 
tion in  the  spring,  while  you  must  endeavor  to  execute  it 
in  conformity  to  the  proposal  made  27  Jan.,  1656. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  222.]  We  intended  to  have  sent  by  this  op- 
portunity upon  the  petitions  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Fort 
Orange,  and  the  villages  Beverwyck  a  Bell  for  their 
new  'constructed  church — at  the  same  time  two  others  for 
the  villages  Midtwout  and  Heemstede.  But  as  these  are 
not  made  for  sale  beforehand,  and  the  shortness  of  time 
would  not  permit  that  it  now  might  be  effected  so  till 
these  may  be  expected  together  in  the  next  spring. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  233.]  In  this  vessel  is  sent  a  small  bell, 
which  had  been  solicited  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Fort  Or- 
ange and  the  village  of  Beverwyck,  to  adorn  their  new 
constructed  little  church  [Klokje  Kerkje].  Whereas  the 
25  Beavers  which  were  brought  hither  by  Dirck  Jans 
Croon  were  greatly  damaged,  while  he  intended  to  defray 
from  their  sale  the  payment  of  a  pulpit,  and  by  which 
misfortune  this  sum  was  not  sufficient,  so  we  listened  to 
his  persuasion  and  advanced  him  /75,  [$30]  with  a 
view  to  inspire  that  society  with  a  more  ardent  zeal. 
What  regards  the  two  other  small  bells  for  the  villages 
Mitwout  and  Heemstede,  these  too  shall  ere  long  be  ready 
and  be  sent  in  the  first  vessels. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  239]  May  26,  1657.  We  have  engaged  here 
for  your  assistance  as  Counsellor,  John  De  Decker,  before 
Collector  at  Fort  Orange.  As  we  have  observed  from 
time  to  time  that  the  finances  of  the  Company  go  back- 
ward, so  we  have  peculiarly  committed  their  care  to  said 
Decker,  for  which  he  shall  receive,  beside  the  /50  as 
counsellor,  /25  per  month,  and  / 200  annually  for  his 
boarding. 


The  Albany  Records.  95 

[Vol.  4,  p.  247.]  The  satisfaction  which  the  Inhabitants 
of  Fort  Orange  and  the  village  of  Beverwyck  have  shewn 
at  the  administration  and  direction  of  the  Counsellor  La 
Montagne  induce  us  to  continue  him  for  the  present  as 
collector  and  vice  Director. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  256.]  We  hear  with  regret  that  the  colony 
of  Rensselaerwyck  does  persevere  in  their  uncouth  notions 
and  can  not  by  any  means  whatever  be  persuaded  to  pay 
the  tithes  or  any  other  taxes — which  is  so  unreasonable 
and  can  not  be  indulged  in  for  the  dreadful  unavoidable 
consequences.  It  is  our  wish  that  you  will  make  one  ef- 
fort more  and  by  an  obstinate  refusal  to  compel  them  in 
compliance  by  execution. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  287J  We  have  been  pleased  with  the  com- 
position about  ine  tithes  in  which  you  entered  among 
others  with  the  Colony  of  Rensselaerwyck  so  that  we 
shall  not  make  the  least  alteration  in  it  even  if  the  Dele- 
gates of  said  colony  addressed  themselves  to  us,  to  whose 
entreaties  we  would  not  in  such  a  case  pay  any  regard  but 
maintain  the  agreement  which  you  concluded  with  the 
colonists,  and  whereas  the  company's  interest  is  deeply 
engaged  in  this  affair,  so  is  your  Hon.  seriously  recom- 
mended to  pursue  the  same  method  from  time  to  time. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  301.]  (25th  April,  1659.)  Since  we  dis- 
patched our  last  letter  of  13  Feb.  by  the  vessels  the  Truth 
and  the  Otter  we  received  from  the  Patroon  and  Directors 
of  the  colony  of  Rensselaerwyck  a  remonstrance  which 
is  filled  with  various  complaints  of  a  similar  nature  as 
former  ones  with  the  only  addition  of  their  griefs  about 
the  exaction  of  the  tithes  and  the  imposed  duties  on  the 
wines  and  beer  which  are  consumed  in  the  Colony  of 
Rensselaerwyck.  We  reconsidered  upon  these  two  last 
points  what  has  passed  in  June  1656  between  you  and 
John  Baptista  Rensselaer  and  approve  your  answer  on 
that  remonstrance.  We  could  have  wished,  that  you  had 
not  enlarged  so  much  on  the  burthen  of  the  Patroon  and 
Directors  in  the  maintenance  of  their  servants.  So  too 
Sir!  that  you  had  left  out  the  words  "or  by  impartial  &c." 
while  by  these  you  seem  to  favour  in  some  measure  the 
uncouth  pretexts  of  these  men,  as  if  they  could  free  them- 


96  The  Albany  Records. 

selves  of  paying  the  tythes  when  the  provided  in  the  sala- 
ry of  their  clergymen  especially  so  if  the  decision  was  left 
to  impartial  judges  in  which  they  have  often  tried  to  suc- 
ceed. But  we  can  not  discover  one  solid  reason  why  we 
should  comply  with  this  demand  neither  deem  it  at  pre- 
sent prudent  and  serviceable  to  the  company's  interests, 
which  otherwise  could  not  dread  such  an  investigation 
while  she  herself  has  many  grounds  of  complaint  against 
the  Patroon  and  Directors,  on  which  we  in  time  intend  to 
demand  satisfaction,  which  points  together  with  the  pro- 
visional answer  given  by  us  on  their  remonstrance  we 
have  transmitted  to  your  Hon.  with  the  request  that  you 
may  communicate  your  opinion  upon  to  us,  and  reflect  if 
you  have  yet  any  thing  else  to  the  charge  of  the  Patroon 
and  Directors.  We  can  not  discover  from  the  privileges 
and  exemptions  to  which  they  constantly  appeal,  that  we 
should  not  have  preserved  the  right  and  authority  to  ap- 
point a  sheriff  in  that  colony,  wherefore  we  command 
you  to  appoint  and  qualify  a  proper  person  to  that  office. 

We  would  nevertheless  give  your  Honour  in  serious 
consideration,  with  a  view  to  give  the  least  possible  of- 
fence if  it  would  not  be  proper  to  reappoint  the  present 
sheriff  Swart,  who  shall  not  hesitate  in  his  compliance  as 
he  before  took  his  oath  to  the  company,  provided  said  sher- 
iff in  such  a  case  should  receive  his  instruction  and  com- 
mission from  your  hands  in  the  name  of  the  company  as 
the  supreme  Patrons  and  Souverains  under  their  High 
Might,  the  States  General.  If  you  approve  this  then  you 
may  proceed,  or  even  in  any  other  proper  manner  as  you 
should  consider  yet  more  advisable,  and  take  hold  of  the 
first  favorable  opportunity  to  execute  this  measure,  while 
you  are  further  recommended  to  continue  with  the  exac- 
tion and  collecting  of  the  tithes  and  other  duties  in  said 
colony,  as  usual  till  you  receive  contrary  orders. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  317.]  All  unnecessary  expences  are  to  be 
avoided,  costly  undertakings  ought  to  be  delayed  till  the 
purse  is  swollen.  In  this  manner  might  in  our  opinion 
have  been  delayed  the  building  of  the  house  in  Fort 
Orange  by  the  collector  La  Montagne  which  shall  no 
doubt  cost  a  great  sum  to  the  company. 


The  Albany  Records.  97 

[Vol.  4,  p.  318.]  We  have  no  objection  to  the  appoint- 
ment and  salary  of  the  sheriff  of  Rensselaerwyck  and 
authorize  you  to  grant  him  the  same  salary  which  he  ob- 
tained before  from  said  colony,  which  in  our  opinion  can 
not  be  but  moderate  because  similar  officers  chiefly  de- 
pend on  their  fines  and  penalties. 

[Vol.  4,  p.  331.]  We  observe  in  regard  to  the  views  of 
the  English,  who  it  seems  are  contemplating  to  make  a 
settlement  not  upon  the  north  river  about  the  Wapping 
Creek,  but  at  no  great  distance  above  Fort  Orange,  by 
which  they  might  be  eventually  enabled  to  intercept  our 
Beaver  trade.  Your  Hon's.  reasons  are  so  irresistible  and 
the  example  how  we  have  been  dealt  with  by  that  nation 
on  the  Fresh  Water*  River  so  impressive  and  instructive 
that  they  must  not  be  permitted  to  make  any  encroach- 
ment whatever  upon  us.  If  this  however  happened  with- 
out our  knowledge  in  a  clandestine  manner,  then  your 
Hon.  ought  to  dislodge  them  directly,  by  friendly  persua- 
sion if  they  will  listen  to  it  or  by  force  if  they  should 
make  resistance. 


(  98  ) 

THE  CITY  RECORDS. 

1699  TO  1705.* 


Att  a  Mayor's  Court,  held  in  Albany  the  "22d  of  Aug. 
1699:  —  Present,  Hend.  Hanse,  mayor;  Jan  Janse 
Bleeker,  recorder;  Johannis  Cuyler,  Jan  Vinhagen, 
Albert  Ryckman,  aldermen. 

Elizabeth  y6  widow  of  Wouter  Utthoft  produces  the  ac- 
count of  charges  for  y6  funerall  &c.  of  Jan  Verbeek, 
amounting  to/286,  whereto  y6  Recorder  Jan  Janse  Bleeker 
and  Albert  Ryckman,  aldermen,  are  appointed  to  revise 
ye  same  and  to  make  returne  ye  next  court  day. 


Att  a  meeting  of  y°  Justices  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
ye  22d  of  August,  1699 -.—Present,  Hend.  Hanse,  Jan 
Janse  Bleeker,  Dirk  Wessels,  Joh.  Cuyler,  Jan  Vin- 
hagen, Albert  Ryckman,  Gen-it  Teunise,  Dirk  Teu- 
nise,  justices. 

Whereas  on  y6  18th  instant  ye  second  warrant  was  is- 
sued to  ye  Constable  of  Catskill  or  Coxhacky.  to  summon 
ye  following  persons,  viz:  Dirk  Teunise,  Jan  Albertse  & 
Jacob  Casperse,  to  appear  here  this  day,  Gerrit  &  Dirk 
Teunise  and  Jan  Bronk  only  appearing  hitherto,  and  still 
doe  fynde  Jan  Albertse  and  Jacob  Casperse  to  be  absent, 
not  knowing  whether  y6  Constable  has  served  ye  sd  war- 
rant, therefore  can  not  so  timely  give  Return  to  ye  Left. 
Governour  and  Councill's  order  as  was  required. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  Albany  this  10th  day 
of  Octobr,  1699: — Present,  Hend.  Hanse,  mayor;  J. 
J.  Bleeker,  recorder ;  Hend.  Van  Rensselaer,  Jan  Vin- 
hagen, Joh.  Cuyler,  Albert  Rykman,  Joh.  Bleeker, 
Ev.  Wendell,  Joh.  Mingael,  aldermen. 

Capt.  Kiliaen  van  Rensselaer  gelieft  to  betalen  aen  V.  E. 

*  See  Annals,  vol.  3,  pp.  7  to  56. 


The  City  Records. 

Breeder  Hend.  van  Rensselaer,  't  gene  gij  nogh  schudligtT 
zyt  in  stads  boek,  volg:  acccordatie  voor  desen 

Restant, / 102 

Idem  by  accordatie  28  Dec.  1698 440 

Samen  £13:11  tot  slot  van  V.  E.  Rek. 

Pr.  Vosburgh  &  Jan  Tysen. 

Betaelt  aen   Mr.  Hend.   Rensselaer  of  toonder  deser 

de  restant  van  tax  by  Mr.  Jan  Becker,  salg. . . .     / 140:18 

Idem  by  Antho.  Brad  van  een  accordatie, ....       448 :   5 

Id  vander  Laeste,  accord.  28  Dec.,  '98, 45  : 

Samen  £15  : 17  : 1  tot  slot  van  V.E.  Rek.  tot  den  14  Oct., 
1698,  aldus  in  Albany  desen  10  October  '99.  N.  B.  Inge- 
vallen  de  debiteurs  eenige  pretentie  mogten  maken  tegen 
eenige  der  voorsz  posten  sulx  sal  als  dan  d'  Commonality 
moeten  bevorderen. 

Was  getekent,  HEND  HANSE,  Mayor. 

JAN  VINHAGE,  alderm. 
JOH.  BLEEKER,  asst. 

Nov.  14,  1699. — It  is  resolved  by  yc  Mayor,  Aldermen 
and  Commonality,  that  ye  highways  and  bridges  within 
ye  limitts  of  ye  citty  shall  be  repared,  and  thereto  is  ap- 
pointed Luykas  Gerritse,  Joh.  Thomase  &  Gl  van  Ness, 
who  are  to  inspect  therein  and  order  ye  same  to  be  Re- 
pared,  and  cause  account  of  ye  charges  to  be  given  in  to  Mr. 
Mayor,  which  they  are  in  no  ways  to  omitt. 

It  is  further  ordered  that  the  sheriff  shall  give  warning 
to  ye  Carmen  not  to  Ride  for  ye  Inhabitants  without  they 
have  obtained  y°  Mayor's  licence. 

Nov.  21. — It  is  resolved  by  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  Alder- 
men &  Assistants,  that  a  tax  of  three  hundred  load  fyre 
wood  be  laid  and  assessed  upon  ye  Inhabitants  of  this 
Citty,  for  the  suppley  of  ye  Blockhouses,  and  that  war- 
rants be  issued  to  ye  assessors  to  make  their  assessments 
and  to  deliver  the  same  to  Mr.  Mayor  in  the  space  of 
twice  twenty-four  hours  ensueing  ye  date. 

It  is  further  Resolved  that  ye  Blockhouses  on  ye  Plain 
be  repaired  upon  y6  Citty  charges. 


100  The  City  Records. 

Att  a  Mayors  Court  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
this  27th  of  November,  1699. 

Johannis  Cuyler,  attorney  for  Cornelis  Swart,  doth  ap- 
pear, still  desiring  the  summe  of  fifty  shillings  of  ye  Estate 
of  JanVerbeek  deceased  maybe  allowed  to  defray  part  of 
an  obligation  signed  by  said  Verbeek  to  ye  aforesaid  Cor- 
nelis Swart,  dated  ye  13th  Sept.,  1695.  The  Court  are  of 
opinion  that  it  be  Referred  till  one  year  and  six  weeks  be 
expired  ensueing  ye  decease  of  said  Jan  Verbeek,  which 
was  on  ye  4th  March  last,  and  all  such  persons  as  doe  pre- 
tend to  said  Estate  shall  give  in  thare  accounts  before  the 
expiration  of  yc  aforesaid  time. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  Albany  ye  29th  Nov., 
1699: — Present,  Pr.  van  Brugh,  mayor;  Jan  Janse 
Bleeker,  recorder;  Joh.  Schuyler,  Da.  Schuyler,  Joh. 
Roseboom,  Albert  Ryckman,  Wessel  ten  Brook,  alder- 
men; Jacobus  Turke,  Hend.  Oothout,  Joh.  Bleeker, 
Luy.  Gerritse,  Ger1  van  Ness,  Joh.  Mingael,  ass'ts. 
The  Gentlemen  of  the  Common  Council  were  convened 
by  the  Mayor,  to  consult  about  ye  freeing  ye  Citty  of  ye 
charge  of  maintaining  two  Blockhouses  with  fireing  this 
winter;  since  y6  Inhabitants  who  have  been  so  much  im- 
poverished by  y*3  late  war  think  it  a  hardship  to  find  ye 
Souldiers  firewood  in  peaceable  times,  and  therefore  think 
yl  ye  fourteen  men  yl  lye  in  y°  south  Blockhouse  may  be 
lodged  in  his  Majesties  fort.     Whereupon  Coll.  ScLuyler 
and  Mr.  Livingston,  members  of  his  Majesties  Councill, 
were  sent  for,  for  their  advice,  as  also  Capt.  James  Weems 
yc  commandant. 

And  after  the  matter  was  debated  it  was  concluded  yl 
if  ye  fort  could  receive  ye  sd  14  men  it  would  be  a  great 
ease  to  y°  Citty,  and  for  ye  main  guard  ye  Common  Coun- 
cill would  take  care  to  establish  a  Ratle  Watch  for  this 
winter. 

The  Mayor  and  Aldermen  and  Commonality  being 
morally  assured  yl  ye  sd  14  men  can  be  lodged  in  ye  fort 
without  disturbance  to  those  already  garrisoned  there  are 
of  opinion  yl  ye  men  lyeing  in  y*  South  Blockhouse  be 
removed  to  y6  Fort,  with  beds  and  bedsteads,  and  ye 


The  City  Records.  101 

guard  drawn  of  y6  main  guard,  where  they  will  put  a 
Ratle  Watch,  and  Capt.  Weems  told  the  Gentlemen  he 
would  draw  off  ye  guard,  and  double  ye  guard  in  y*  Fort, 
and  would  use  all  his  endeavors  to  ease  ye  Citty,  and 
would  goe  up  and  see;  but  withal  told  the  Gentlemen  yl 
he  believed  Mr.  Hend.  Hanse,  late  mayor,  who  has  ye 
furnishing  of  y6  forts  wood  will  think  it  a  hardship. 
Whereupon  y6  Common  Councill  say  yl  if  he  declines  ye 
furnishing  y*  fort  with  firewood,  they  will  undertake  it  for 
y6  same  price  he  has. 

Conditien  waerop  de  Mayer,  Aldennens  &  Commonality 
van  voornemens  zyn  de  Ratelwagh  te  besteeden  aen  John 
Rateliffe  en  Robert  Barret,  voor  den  tydt  van  een  jaer 
ingangh  nemende  qp  huyden  de  29th  November  1699,  en 
eyndigen  de  29  November,  1700.  De  voorsz.  twee  per- 
sonen  nemen  aen  om  beyde  te  half  negene  alle  avonden 
op  de  main  guard  te  syn  &  daer  de  geheele  naght  te  bly- 
ven  alwaer,  sy  vuyr  maken  sullen  de  hout  op  stadts  kosten 
gelevert  te  worden,  en  alle  uren  in  den  naght  sullen  zy  de 
ronde  doen  met  een  lantheeren  als  het  donker  weer  is. 
dat  is  een  van  de  twee  personen  beginnende  te  10  uyre 
savonts  en  so  alle  ure  tot  dat  de  dagh  naekt,  eff  light  be- 
gint  te  worden  sullende  alle  oogen  blyken  off  yder  corte 
spatie  roepen  de  uyr  van  de  nacht  als  mede  wat  voor 
weder  en  wint  dattel  is  en  de  ronde  die  sy  doen  moeten 
alle  uyres  is  als  volght:  Sy  sullen  beginnen  aen  de  main 
guard  en  so  de  Brower  straet  langhs  tot  aen  de  brugh  by 
Coll.  Schuylers,  weder  daer  van  daen  de  Jonnker  straet 
langhs  tot  aen  de  hoek  van  Johannis  de  Wandelaers  en 
dan  de  Bergh  langhs  tot  aen  Alderman  Job.  Roseboom, 
en  dan  in  de  Parrel  straet,  en  die  straet  langhs  tot  aeti  de 
hoek  by  Gysbert  Marselessen,  en  so  de  straet  daer  Bries 
woont  aff  nae  de  maingard. 

Wanneer  hy  eenigh  brant  sien  (dat  Godt  verhoede),  off 
enigh  dievery  plegen  off  andere  onheyle  op  de  straet, 
snaghts  sy  sullen  allarm  ratelen  en  roepen.  cloppende  de 
naeste  buyre  op  haer  bekent  makende  van  d  onheyle. 

Voor  welke  dienst  d  voorsz.  twee  personen  hebben 
bedongen  's  jaerlijks  voor  haer  beyde,  de  summa  van  twee 
en  twentigh  Pont  sixteen  schillings,  currant  gelt,  om  be- 


102  The  City  Records. 

taelen  te  syn  alle  vieren  deel  's  jaers  door  stadts  trea 
surer,  en  80  vueren  hout  om  aen  de  maingard  's  jaerlyks 
gelevert  werden  dogh  indien  het  moghte  gebueren  dat 
gedurende  haer  Jaer  een  Militare  waght  mochte  gestelt 
syn,  so  sullen  zy  betaelt  worde  nae  de  proportie  van  die 
tydt  dat  se  gedient  hebbe,  sullende  haer  dienst  met  het 
waken  ophouden  en  neder  ingaen  als  de  militare  waght 
op  hout. 

NOTE. — The  purport  of  the  above  is,  that  John  Rateliffe  and 
Robert  Barrett  were  appointed  a  night  watch  for  one  year;  who 
were  to  patrol  the  streets  every  night  from  ten  o'clock  to  day- 
light, with  a  lantern  and  a  rattle;  beginning  at  the  guard  house 
they  were  to  proceed  along  Brewer  street  to  the  bridge,  at  Col. 
Schuyler's,  from  thence  through  Yonker  street  to  Johannes  de 
Wandelaer's  corner,  and  then  along  the  hill  to  Alderman  Johan- 
nes Roseboom's,  and  thence  through  Pearl  street  to  Gysbert 
Marselis's  corner,  and  then  through  the  street  where  Bries  lived 
back  to  the  guard  house.  When  they  saw  fire,  or  thieves,  or 
any  other  mischief,  they  were  to  raise  an  alarm.  For  which  , 
service  they  were  to  receive  £22 : 16,  or  about  $28  each,  for  the 
year. 

Dec.  6,  1699.— It  is  resolved  that  a  Tax  of  80  load 
fyrewood  be  laid  and  assessed  upon  y6  Inhabitants  of  this 
Citty  for  the  supply  of  ye  Ratle  watch,  and  that  a  warrant 
be  issued  to  yc  assessors  to  make  an  assessment  thereof, 
and  make  return  under  hand  and  seale  to  Mr.  Mayor  in 
y6  space  of  twice  twenty-four  hours  ensuing  this  date. 
As  also  to  make  an  assessment  upon  the  Inhabitants 
aforesaid  for  y6  summe  of  thirty  pounds,  and  make  return 
of  yc  same,  in  ye  space  as  afore  expressed  unto  Mr,  Mayor. 

Dec.  12,  1699. — Whereas  several  complaints  are  made 
that  ye  Indian  house  standing  on  ye  hill  on  ye  south  side  ' 
of  ye  Mohogg  Path,  are  dayly  broak  off  and  ye  planks  sto- 
len, wherefore  ye  sheriff,  Thomas  Williams,  is  appointed 
to  care  to  hinder  such  irregular  doings,  and  to  repair  the 
said  house  and  y°  oyrs,  arid  be  kept  account  thereof  till 
further  order,  wherefore  he  is  allowed  y°  summe  of  thirty 
shillings  to  be  paid  by  all  such  persons  within  this  Citty 
as  doe  make  profession  in  Indian  trade,  and  further  all 
such  person  or  persons  as  are  founde  breaking  or  taking 
away  of  any  ye  planks  from  said  house  or  houses,  shall 
be  fined  in  y°  summe  of  six  shillings. 


The  City  Records.  103 

Whereas  complaints  are  made  that  y6  Citty  Stockadoes 
near  ye  fort  are  dayly  cutt  by  the  soldiers  lyeing  therein, 
it  is  therefore  resolved  that  ald'n  David  Schuyler  and 
Jacobus  Turke  assistant,  doe  make  inquire  of  y°  matter, 
who  return  ye  following  Report,  that  they  acquainted  the 
commander  of  said  fort  thereof,  and  desyred  the  meaning 
whether  it  was  done  willinghr  or  out  of  necessity,  who 
replyed  that  Hend.  Hanse,  who  as  he  believed  was  obliged 
to  furnish  good  fyrewood,  had  delivered  none  else  than 
young  green  pine  for  one  months  time,  whereby  he  said 
y6  gentlemen  might  judge  if  it  was  not  for  want ;  notwith- 
standing since  last  Saturday  when  he  first  heard  of  ye 
cutting  of  sd  stockadoes,  he  strictly  discharged  it. 

Request  of  Mrs*  Cathaleen  Schuyler  to  plead,  whereby 
she  desyred  ye  quantity  of  14  foot  grounde  on  y6  north  of  her 
Lott  in  ye  third  warde  near  to  y6  Blockhouse  may  be  sold 
to  her,  being  willing  to  pay  ye  summe  of  15s  for  each  foot, 
which  y6  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonalty  took  in  con- 
sideration, and  putt  it  to  yc  vote,  who  are  most  of  opinion 
that  it  will  be  prejudicial!  to  y°  Citty,  since  it  will  reach 
too  near  yc  Citty  stockadoes,  therefore  doe  not  consent. 

It  is  further  Resolved,  according  to  former  Custome,. 
yt  ye  following  persons,  Maj.  Dirk  Wessels,  Recorder  Jan 
Janse  Bleeker,  and  Jacobus  Turke  assistant,  shall  inspect 
peruse  and  make  up  the  account  of  y6  Citty  and  Countyes 
charges  for  y6  late  year  by  the  treasurer,  and  make  re- 
turn thereof  next  Tuesday,  which  will  be  ye  19  of  y6  inst. 

Mr.  Jan  Vinhagen  and  Mr.  Joh.  Cuyler  being  committed 
by  y°  rest  of  ye  Elders  and  Deakens  of  ye  Dutch  Reformed 
Church  of  ye  Citty  of  Albany,  doe  request  y6  Mayor,  Al- 
dermen and  Assistants  of  ye  sd  Citty,  that  instead  of  ye 
25  Rodd  of  Land  &c.  from  ye  south  side  of  ye  Beavers 
Creek,  which  was  sold  by  yc  Commonality  of  sd  Citty  on 
ye  29  Novr,  1698,  now  may  be  transported  all  y6  Cittyes 
Land  onyc  south  of  said  Creek  to  y6  bounds  of  y6  Manor  of 
y6  Colony  Rensselaerswyk,  to  begin  from  y6  bounds  of  ye 
heirs  of  Capt.  Marten  Gerritse  deceased,  and  ends  at  y6 
westermost  part  of  y6  dam  or  pond,  and  from  thence  about 
south  soweast  to  ye  bounds  of  sd  manner,  and  so  downe 
east  warde,  includeing  all  ye  right  of  said  Citty  on  y6  south. 

[Annah  iv.]  10 


104  The  City  Records. 

side  of  said  kill,  as  aforesaid,  and  that  theretofore  was 
sold  and  now  shall  be  agreed  for  together,  be  included  in 
a  second  transport  for  y6  behooffe  of  said  Church ;  where- 
upon it  was  further  agreed  by  ye  Common  Councill  with 
ye  said  Vinhagen  and  Cuyler,  yl  ye  conveyance  as  afore- 
mentioned shall  be  made  forthwith.  And  yl  ye  Elders 
and  Deakens  for  yc  time  being  shall  pay  more  unto  ye 
Commonality  for  ye  time  being  ye  summe  of  seven  pounds 
tenn  shillings  currant  money  of  this  Province,  to  witt 
four  pounde  by  y6  eight  pound  which  shall  be  due  ye  31st 
of  December  next,  and  three  pounds  ten  shillings  by  y*" 
four  pound  due  ye  last  of  December,  1700. 

N.  B.  Received  from  ye  Elders  and  Deakens  aforesaid, 
on  y6  30th  December  1699,  the  summe  of  twelve  pounds 
to  witt  ye  eight  and  four  pounds  as  aforementioned.  N.  B. 
Ye  £3:10  &  £4:4  resigned  by  ye  Mayor,  Alder'n  &  Com- 
monality to  Joh.  Cuyler,  to  be  received  when  due,  to  witt, 
on  ye  last  of  December  1700,  being  in  full  between  ye  sd 
Commonality  and  y6  Elders  and  Deakens  aforesaid. 


Att  a  meeting  of  ye  Justices  of  ye  Citty  and  County  of 
Albany,  ye  28th  of  December,  1699  -.—Present,  Pieter 
van  Brugh,  Jan  Janse  Bleeker,  Joh.  Schuyler,  David 
Schuyler,  Joh.  Roseboom,  Albert  Ryckman,  Dirk 
Wessels,  Gerrit  Teunise,  Ryer  Schermerhorn,  Jan 
Casperse,  Jan  Tyse,  Pieter  Vosburgh,  Casper  Leen- 
dertse,  Justices. 

Whereas  ye  assessors  of  Kinderhook  lately  hath  as- 
sessed the  Island  of  Barent  Pieterse  Coeymans,  called 
Shallers  Island,  which  doth  not  belong  to  their  precink, 
although  so  collected  and  received  to  ye  late  tax  3^  summe 
often  guilders  without  orders.  It  is  therefore  resolved 
that  y°  same  be  restored,  whereto  ye  Justices  of  Kinder- 
hook,  Jan  Tyse  and  Pieter  Vosburgh  doe  promise  to  re- 
turn ye  sd  summe  of  money  into  ye  hands  of  Barent  Pie- 
terse  Coeymans,  so  that  ye  sd  Barent  Coeymans  may  pay 
his  Tax  in  Catskills  warde,  according  to  order. 

After  ye  Justices  have  vizited  yc  City  and  Countys  ac- 
count of  arrearages  from  the  14th  of  October  1698  to  the 
14th  of  October  1699,  have  concluded,  agreed  and  doe 
promise  to  contribute  thereunto  as  follows,  viz1. 


The  City  Records.  105 

Citty  of  Albany, 
Cattskill  and  Coxhacky, 
Kinderhook,    - 
De  Colony, 
Schennechtady, 
And  to  James  Parker,  viz1. 

From  Catskill  &c.,     -  £0:12s 

Kinderhook,  -  12s 

Colony,  -         -         -         12s 

Schuyler,   ...  •     12s 

—  £2:8 

And  it  is  further  resolved  that  y6  above  summes  of 
money  shall  be  paid  unto  the  Citty  Treasurer  at  or  before 
y6  first  of  March  mext  ensueing. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  y*  Citty  of  Albany  y* 
6th  of  January,  If  f|. 

Whereas  complaints  are  made  yl  y6  high  wayes  and 
bridges  of  ye  Citty  are  out  of  repair,  it  is  therefore  tho't 
convenient  yl  ye  following  person  be  appointed  to  see  the 
same  orderly  made  upon  y6  Citty's  costs,  to  witt,  Luykas 
Gerritse,  and  yl  in  space  of  four  days  ensuing  this  date. 


Att  a  Court  of  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality 

held  in  Albany  this  9th  day  of  January,  1$%%. 
Whereas  on  28th  of  December  last,  the  Justices  of  the 
County  have  contributed  to  the  Citty  and  County's  ar- 
rearages from  ye  14th  of  October  1698,  to  y6  14th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1699,  as  follows: 

Ye  Colony,          -  £  6 

Catskill  &  Coxhacky,    -  -         18 

Kinderhoek,     -  -     18 

Shennechtady, 

Which  is  distributed  as  follows;  To  Maj.  Dirk  Wes- 
sels  the  £6  due  from  the  Colony  aforesaid ;  to  Mr.  Liv- 
ingston y6  £18  from  Coxhacky  and  Catskill;  to  Recorder 
Bleeker  and  Hend.  Hanse  assemblyman  ye  £18  from  Kin- 
derhoek. 


106  The  City  Records. 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and 
Justices  of  ye  Citty  and  County  of  Albany,  ye  23d  of 
January.  1 -££•£. 

Whereas  severall  persons  of  ye  Citty  and  County  are 
gone  to  cutt  pine  trees  within  ye  County  of  Albany,  and 
since  a  proclamation  from  y6  Governour  and  Council 
bearing  date  yc  22d  of  September  last  is  published  here  at 
Albany,  which  doth  prohibite  and  restraine  all  persones 
upon  any  score  or  pretence  whatsoever,  from  cutting 
downe,  girdling,  takeing  off  ye  bark,  or  otherwise  hurting 
or  destroying  any  pine  trees  standing  on  any  unappropri- 
ated land  within  ye  county  aforesaid,  that  shall  be  of 
greater  magnitude  than  six  foot  round,  wee  therefore 
command  you  where  you  find  any  persone  or  persones 
so  cutting,  girdling,  taking  off  yc  bark,  hurting  or  destroy- 
ing any  pine  trees  standing  on  any  unappropriated  Land 
within  this  county  upwards  of  ye  bigness  as  aforemen- 
tioned, to  forbid  ye  same,  and  to  seize  upon  all  such  trees, 
loggs  as  you  shall  fynde  so  cutt  downe. 
To  the  Sheriffe  of  ye  Citty  & 

County  of  Albany,  or  his  deputyes. 

Att  a  meeting  of  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common 
Council  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany,  ye  23d  of 
January,  l${ft. 

The  request  of  Cornelis  Bogardus  by  yc  mouth  of  Mr. 
Will™  de  Meyer  to  be  admitted  a  schoolmaster  for  yc  Citty 
is  taken  in  consideration  and  unanimously  doe  graunt  ye 
same,  as  also  a  freeman  of  this  Citty  upon  his  arrival  1. 

Jan.  20. — Whereas  a  Letter  directed  to  Col.  Peter 
Schuyler  from  Canada  from  ye  Jesuit  Bruas,  who  when 
ambassador  here  last  summer  to  my  Lord  Bellomont, 
bought  any  horses  here  in  this  country,  which  at  their  de- 
parture from  hence  to  home  were  left  here,  and  now  de- 
syreing  Coll.  Schuyler  to  direct  said  horses  by  ye  bearers 
£c.  Christian  Indians,  which  Letter  Coll.  Schuyler  pro- 
duces to  ye  meeting,  desyreing  their  advice  therein,  since 
a  prohibition  is  made  against  transportation  of  horses  to 
Canada;  whereupon  it  is  put  to  ye  vote,  and  most  of 
opinion  that  it  is  not  in  their  power  to  allow  ye  same ; 


The  City  Records.  107 

but  that  they  must  make  application  to  y6  Governor  and 
Councill. 

It  is  resolved  by  y6  Commonality,  that  y6  following 
persons  be  admitted  Citty  Carters,  viz1.  Robert  Barret, 
Joseph  Yeates,  Edward  Corbett,  and  Thomas  Millington, 
Provided  they  obtain  a  license  from  Mr.  Mayor,  and 
thought  that  there  requires  six  Carts  for  yc  use  of  ye  Citty 
so  that  there  is  two  places  open  for  such  persons  as  y6 
Mayor  shall  think  meett  and  fitt  for  ye  service,  and  that  no 
other  cart  shall  Ride  for  ye  publick  but  those  who  have 
Lycense,  upon  forfeit  of  six  shillings  after  y6  first  warning. 
Feb.  11. — Upon  y6  Report  of  y6  Gentlemen  who 
were  appointed  to  calculate  what  quantity  of  Stockadoes 
are  wanting  to  jepair  ye  Citty  Walls.  It  is  Concluded 
that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  ye  assessors  of  this  Citty,  to 
make  an  assessment  upon  ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  for 
two  hundred  and  fifty  Stockadoes,  and  make  their  return 
to  Mr.  Mayor,  in  y6  space  of  three  times  four  and  twenty 
hours  ensueing  this  date. 


Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
ye  5th  of  March,  If  {$. 

Upon  y6  Request  of  Mr.  Joh.  Cuyler  and  Evert  Banker, 
Deakens  of  ye  Reformed  Church  of  Albany,  who  produce 
an  account  to  ye  charge  of  Ger1  &  Ryseck  Swart  deceased, 
with  the  severals  which  they  have  given  in  pand  to  y6 
Deakens  of  sd  Church,  desyreing  that  they  may  be  ap- 
praised with  ys  other  Moveables  founde  after  their  decease, 
and  allowed  to  discharge  said  account,  which  amounts  to 
/ 2229: 10  wampum;  which  ye  Court  have  taken  into  con- 
sideration, and  doe  appoint  Mr.  Killiaen  Van  Rensselaer 
and  Jacobus  Turke  to  make  an  appraisement  of  sd  Estate 
and  return  report  thereof  y6  next  Court  Day. 

March  19. — The  petition  of  Jan  Casperse,  ad'r  over 
y6  estate  of  Wm.  Hoffmeyer,  being  read,  who  sheweth 
y1  an  order  was  signed  by  y6  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  ye 
Citty  of  Albany  aforesaid,  dated  ye  18th  of  Feb.  16?£, 
to  move  and  break  downe  four  several  houses  then  close 
by  sd  Citty,  whereof  ye  house  of  sd  Hoffmayer  was  one, 
and  to  that  end  six  persons  were  appointed,  Pr.  Winne 


108  The  City  Records. 

deceased,  Pr.  Bogardus,  Win.  Clase  Groesbeek,  Harma 
Gansevoort,  and  Jan  Cornelise  Viselaer  and  D.  Bousing, 
first  to  agree  with  y6  owners,  otherwise  to  appraise  y6 
same.  Desyreing  if  yc  persons  appointed  as  aforesaid 
hath  not  already  performed  their  duty,  that  they  may  be 
ordered  forthwith  to  agree  with  y6  petitioners  to  calculate 
y6  same.  The  Court  having  taken  ye  matter  into  consi- 
deration, and  examined  William  Claese  Groesbeek,  Har- 
me  Gansefort  and  Jan  Cornelise  Viselaer,  as  afore  ap- 
pointed, who  declare  they  know  nothing  of  such  an  order, 
neither  have  they  ever  seen  it.  It  is  therefore  referred 
till  next  Court  day,  and  that  the  two  persons  wanting 
who  were  appointed  as  aforesaid,  in  ye  mean  time  may  be 
heard. 

In  pursuant  to  ye  order  of  Court  dated  ye  5th  of  yc  in- 
stant, wee  underwritten  have  appraised  y6  pand  effects 
which  Ryseck  Swart  widow  of  Gerrit  Swart  deceased,  in 
her  life  time  hath  delivered  and  left  to  ye  dyakens  of  y* 
Church  of  Albany,  ye  Garden  Lott  upon  ye  Plain,  accord- 
ing to  transport  from  y6  Mayor,  dated  ye  16  November, 
1686,  included  for  ye  sum  of/ 644  :  10  wampum.  And  y& 
remaining  moveables  for  ye  stimme  of /724.  Was  signed 

H.  VAN  RENSSELAER, 
JACOB  TUKKE. 

The  Court  have  taken  ye  same  into  consideration  and 
doe  confirm  y6  Pand  effects  with  ye  Garden  Lott,  as  by 
Transport  dated  as  aforesaid,  to  y*3  deakens  for  y6  behooffe 
of  ye  Church  of  Albany,  and  y1  credit  shall  be  given  for 
y*  same ;  and  doe  appoint  Mr.  Johannes  Cuyler  &  Evert 
Banker  administrators  over  y6  remaining  /"724  gelders 
wampum,  to  administer  ye  same  according  to  la\\r  with 
administration, 

April  2,  1700. — In  answer  to  ye  petition  of  Jan  Casperse 
administrator  of  ye  Estate  of  Wm.  Hoffmayer  deceased, 
which  was  given  in  ye  last  Court  day,  by  Mr.  Joh.  Cuyler 
his  attorney,  desyreing  allowance  for  y6  house  of  said 
Hoffmayer,  broak  down  by  order  of  Court  in  the  year 
16f|,  which  was  referred  by  y°  Court  till  further  inform- 
ation, who  have  now  examined  the  persons  then  appointed 
to  agree  and  appraise  y*  same,  who  declare  they  never 
saw  said  order,  neither  have  they  made  any  appraisement 


The  City  Records.  109 

and  agreement  thereof,  and  are  further  informed  by  Mr. 
Hend.  Hanse  y1  sd  Hoffmayer  in  his  life  time  lent  him 
some  quantity  of  the  Timber  of  sd  house,  and  afterwards 
satisfyed  sd  Jan  Casperse  for  y6  same.  Are  therefore  of 
opinion  y1  4  of  y6  persones  formerly  appointed,  Peter  Bo- 
gardus,  Harma  Gansevoort,  Wm  Claese  Groesbeek  &  J. 
Cornells  Viselaer,  be  appointed  and  are  hereby  authorised 
only  to  appraise  what  y6  costs  and  charges  ye  building  or 
setting  up  of  such  a  house  as  that  was  will  amount  to, 
when  y6  materials  and  timber  lay  ready,  and  that  the 
Court  will  be  assistant  to  ye  owner  if  possible  to  procure 
sd  assessment  from  the  Governour  and  Councill,  but  as 
they  are  informed  ye  timber  &c.  are  disposed  off  by  y6 
owner. 

April  16,  1700.-^This  day  being  the  16th  of  April,  1700. 
Jan  Verbeek  deceased,  the  year  and  six  weeks  being  ex- 
pired, and  no  creditor  appears  but  Cornelise  Swart,  by 
his  attorney  Johannis  Cuyler,  the  Court  are  of  the  opin- 
ion that  the  fyftie  shillings  demanded  the  17th  of  October 
last  shall  be  allowed  to  the  foresd  Cornells  Swart,  as  also 
the  remaining  nine  shillings  of  the  moveable  Estate  be 
allowed  to  Rob1  Livingston  Jr.,  deputy  clarke. 

There  is  a  Complaint  come  to  us  by  several  creditable 
persons  that  Barent  Albertsen  Bratt  is  about  the  inclose- 
ing  the  King's  highway  lying  at  the  bake  side  of  the 
maine  guard,  wee  doe  order  the  Sheriffe  to  goe  to  him 
and  prohibit  him  from  any  further  proceedings. 

April  30, 1700. — About  6  a  clock  this  morning  the  corps 
of  Abraham  Nikels  Allgas  the  Pooll  was  found  dead  in  his 
Canoe  at  the  first  sprout  above  the  Mill.  Pr.  Vanbrugh 
Mayor  and  Corner  of  the  Citty  and  County  of  Albany  did 
call  a  jury  of  12  men  as  the  law  directs. 

Lukas  Gerretseu,  foreman,     Joha.  Thomase,. 
David  Ketlem.  Anthony  Bratt  v 

Johannis  Beekman,  Walter  V.  Zea, 

Rynier  Mynderse,  Jona.  Broodhost, 

Warner  Kartsen,  Thomas  Harmen, 

Pr.  Waldrum,  Evert  Janse. 

Who  brings  in  thar  verdict,  that  they  found  the  Corpse  of 
Abra.  the  Poole  stark  dead,  and  having  vizited  his  naked 


110  The  City  Records. 

bodie  have  found  no  hurt  or  bruise  upon  his  body,  and 
give  thar  judgment  that  hee  died  a  natural  death. 


By  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonalty  of  the  Citty 
of  Albany. 

A  PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas  Complaint  is  made  by  the  Sheriff  of  the  Citty 
of  Albany  that  several  Inhabitants  doe  not  observe  the 
former  orders  dated  the  13th  day  of  August,  1689,  and 
the  16  June  1696,  and  the  17th  June  1699,  but  do  take 
the  freedom  to  fetch  the  Indians  with  their  packs  into 
their  houses,  which  is  to  the  great  disadvantage  of  his 
Majesties  peace. 

1st.  Wee  doe  therefore  here  in  his  majesty  King  Wil- 
liam's name  publish  and  declare  that  no  person  or  persons 
whatsoever  within  this  Citty  shall  upon  the  arrival  of  any 
Indian  or  Indians  address  themselves  nor  speak  to  them 
of  or  concerning  trade,  nor  shall  entice  them  within  or 
without  the  gates  of  the  said  Citty,  by  signs  or  other 
wayes  howsoever,  to  trade  with  themselves  or  any  other 
persons,  upon  paine  and  penalty  of  paying  for  each  such 
offence,  if  committed  without  the  gates  of  the  sd  Citty,  the 
sume  of  thirty  shillings ;  if  without  the  same  the  sum  of 
six  shillings  only,  which  fine  is  to  be  for  the  behoof  of 
such  persons  as  shall  sue  for  the  same. 

2dly.  That  no  person  or  persons  within  the  Citty  shall 
presume  to  take  any  Indian  or  Indians,  sachems  excepted, 
when  by  the  Mayor's  license,  or  in  his  absence  by  one  of 
the  Aldermen,  into  their  houses  with  pack  or  packs  of 
beavers  or  peltry,  and  so  trade  them,  upon  paine  of  pay- 
ing as  fine  for  each  offence  thirty  shillings,  and  the  Indian 
or  Indians  with .  said  pack  immediately  to  depart  out  of 
the  house,  without  trading  directly  or  indirectly :  provided 
also  that  the  Indians  commonly  called  the  River  and  Mo- 
haque  Indians  are  free  to  be  receaved  into  any  person's 
house  within  this  Citty,  with  their  packs,  any  law  of  the 
Citty  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 


The  City  Records.  Ill 

3dly.  That  no  person  or  persons  whatsoever  within  this 
Citty  shall  send  out  or  make  use  of  any  Brokers,  whether 
Christian  or  Indian,  in  the  management  of  the  Indian 
trade,  upon  paine  and  penalty  of  paying  as  a  fine  for  each 
offence  the  sume  of  thirty  shillings,  one  moyety  thereof 
for  the  use  of  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonalty  of 
the  said  Citty,  and  the  other  moytie  for  such  persons  as 
shall  sue  for  the  same. 

4thly.  That  no  person  or  persons  whatsoever  within 
this  Citty  doe  presume  to  trade  or  traffique  with  or  by 
any  means  whatsoever,  directly  or  indirectly,  or  intice 
any  Indians  soe  to  doe,  or  give  any  gifts  upon  the  Sabbath 
day,  upon  paine  and  penalty  of  forfeiting  such  goods  as  soe 
traded  for  as  aforesd,  as  also  upon  paine  and  penalty  of 
paying  as  a  fine  for  such  offence  the  sum  of  forty  shillings 
to  the  use  of  such  persons  as  shall  sue  for  the  same,  and 
that  this  order  may  be  the  more  punctually  observed,  it  is 
ordered  that  the  Constaples  by  turns  on  the  Sabbath  day 
walk  the  streets  with  their  staffs,  to  prevent  the  breach  of 
the  Lord's  day,  and  to  hinder  all  manner  of  irregularities 
whatsoever,  upon  the  paine  and  penalty  of  six  shillings. 

Sthly.  Likeways  ordered  that  all  Indians  the  Sachems 
and  River  Indians  and  Mohaque  Indians  excepted  as  afore- 
said, are  to  lye  in  the  Indian  houses  without  the  Towne 
from  the  first  of  April  to  the  first  of  December,  and  are 
permitted  to  be  received  in  people's  houses  in  Toune  from 
the  first  of  December  to  the  first  of  April. 

Given  in  Albany  the  30th  day  of  April,  in  the  twelft 
year  of  his  Majesties  reigne,  anno  do.  1700. 

God  save  the  King. 


Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
ye  14th  day  of  May,  1700. 

It  is  concluded  by  ye  Court  and  thought  that  the  fol- 
lowing Persones  are  convenient  and  fitt  to  be  fyre  masters 
for  ye  Citty,  and  have  therefore  authorised  Bastian  Har- 
inense,  William  Hogen,  Warner  Carstense,  Gysbert  Mar- 
selis,  Tierk  Harmense,  and  Jonathan  Bradstreet,  and  that 
they  forthwith  shall  make  it  there  business  to  vizite  all 
chimmeleyes  within  this  Citty,  and  whenever  they  fynde 


1 12  The  City  Records. 

any  (inconvenient  fyre  places  held,  to  break  downe  y6 
same,  and  such  chimneys  as  shall  be  found  unclean,  y6 
owner  to  be  fined  in  ye  summe  of  three  shillings. 

Dowe  Aukas,  of  Schenechtady,  appears  at  ye  barr,  re- 
questing yl  in  y6  late  warr,  when  Schennechtady  by  y6 
Enemy  was  destroyed,  he  lost  his  writtings  touching  and 
concerning  his  house  and  lott  lyeing  and  being  here  in 
Albany,  between  y6  house  and  lott  of  Jacob  Staets  and 
William  Hogen,  and  now  having  sold  ye  same  to  Jaen 
Rosie,  humbly  desyres  yl  Jacob  Staets  being  his  neighbour 
with  William  Hogen,  may  be  ordered  to  produce  their 
writtings  touching  these  lotts  whereby  said  Dow  Aukas 
may  fynde  out  y6  quantity  of  his  lott,  which  being  put  to 
ye  vote,  and  unanimously  of  opinion  yl  said  Jacob  Staets 
and  William  Hogen  to  that  end  must  produce  their  writ- 
tings  to  Dow  Aukas. 

The  Court  adjourned  till  this  day  14  night. 


Att  a  Common  Couiicill  held  in  ye  Citty  of  Albany  y6 
14th  of  May,  1700. 

It  is  concluded  and  thought  requisite  that  y6  streets 
within  this  Citty  be  cleared,  each  Inhabitant  before  his 
door,  and  to  remove  ye  fyre  wood  thereof,  and  whoever 
shall  be  founde  driveing  a  wagon  or  cart  through  y6 
streets,  and  y°  drivers  not  walking  afoot,  shall  forfeit  for 
each  such  offence  ye  sum  of  3s,  as  likewise  for  such  as 
are  neglecting  to  clean  the  street,  and  remove  the  wood 
before  their  doors. 

It  is  further  considered  and  ordered  that  ye  Constables 
shall  take  their  turns  on  ye  sabbath  day  to  prevent  draw- 
ing of  strong  drink  in  tipling  houses,  and  breaking  the 
sabbath  day,  and  whosoever  shall  be  founde  drawing  of 
any  strong  liquor  in  said  houses  to  any  person,  shall  forfeit 
ye  summe  of  twenty  shillings  for  each  offence. 

Hendrik  Oothout  appointed  surveyor  for  ye  Citty  and 
sworne. 

Jacob  Turke  is  appointed  to  sue  the  Kinderhook  Jus- 
tices to  y6  next  inferior  Court,  for  y6  arrears  due  to  ye 
Citty. 


The  City  Records.  113 

May  16,  1700. — Whereas  Pr.  Jedon  and  John  Pettitt 
and  family,  both  French,  from  Sopus.  appear  desyring 
liberty  to  passe  to  Canada,  and  that  a  man  or  two  may 
be  allowed  to  carry  them  thither,  which  is  permitted,  and 
thought  convenient  yl  ye  Persones  3rt  carry  them  thither 
shall  enter  into  bonde  that  they  shall  transport  noe  horses 
or  mares  to  Canida  as  ye  late  proclamation  requires, 
whereupon  David  Ketelheyn  and  Elbert  Harmense,  who 
are  their  guides,  have  given  bond  for  <£100. 

Itt  is  concluded  yf  ye  three  Constables,  each  in  his 
warde,  shall  goe  rounde  by  each  Inhabitant  yl  have  rid 
Stockadoes  for  ye  Citty,  and  order  him  to  show  ye  same, 
and  whoever  as  have  not  ride  their  quota  shall  pay  for 
each  Stockade  I8d.  which  is  to  be  done  in  the  space  of 
twice  four  and  twenty  hours. 

It  is  further  concluded  that  after  the  Citty  walls  are 
closed,  yl  y6  Constables  shall  take  care  to  see  that  no 
Stockadoes  be  broak  downe  and  wherever  they  fynde  or 
can  hear  of  any  person  yl  breaks  downe  said  Stockadoes 
shall  forfeit  for  Stockadoe  so  broak  downe  y°  summe  of 
6s.  according  to  former  custom,  and  then  said  Constable 
shall  order  Stockadoes  to  be  sett  up  againe  upon  ye  Cittics 
costs. 

May  21. — It  is  concluded  yl  a  warrant  be  given  to  y° 
Constables,  to  strain  all  Inhabitants  as  have  been  neglect- 
ing in  Riding  their  quota  of  Stockadoes  for  ye  Citty  walls, 
and  yl  4  men  shall  be  employed  to  sett  up  y6  Stockadoes 
already  Ride  upon  ye  Cittys  costs. 

May  24. — It  is  concluded  by  ye  authority  aforesaid, 
that  a  Tax  of  one  hundred  pounds  be  laid  and  assessed 
upon  ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty,  and  yl  a  warrant  be  is- 
sued to  ye  assessors  of  y°  Citty,  to  make  their  assessment 
for  y6  same,  which  shall  be  collected  and  received,  one 
half  at  or  before  ye  15th  of  July  next  ensueing,  and  ye 
other  halfe  at  or  before  ye  15th  of  September  then  follow- 
ing; ye  assessors  are  to  make  their  returns  to  Mr.  Mayor 
in  ye  space  of  eight  days  ensueing  ye  25th  of  this  instant. 

June  7. — Whereas  on  ye  24th  of  May  last  a  warrant 
was  directed  to  the  assessors  of  this  Citty,  to  make  their 
assessment  for  £100  upon  the  Inhabitants  therein,  and 


114  The  City  Records. 

to  make  their  return  in  y6  space  of  eight  days  to  Mr. 
Mayor,  under  hand  and  seale,  which  assessment  being 
made  and  produced  to  y*1  meeting,  desyring  approbation, 
but  being  founde  not  to  be  sealed  according  to  order,  is 
given  over  again  to  y6  assessors  and  referred  till  Harpert 
Jacobse,  Ben.  van  Corlaer,  assessors,  come  home  from 
New  York,  to  the  scaling  thereof. 

David  Schuyler  and  Jacobus  Turke  are  appointed  to 
inquire  if  there  is  any  debts  still  due  to  Abraham  Poel 
deceased,  by  Hend.  Hanse  and  others,  and  make  report 
thereof  next  Tuesday. 

At  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
y"  25th  June,  1700. 

John  Carr  Plaintiff,  William  Ketelheyn  Deft,  in  ye  2d 
fault. 

William  Teller  PL,  Hend.  Lansing  Deft.  The  Plentive 
demands  of  ye  Defendant  for  two  years  house  hyre  in  his 
house  here  in  Albany,  the  summe  of  nine  pounds  twelve. 
The  Defendant  denys  yc  Debt. 

The  Petty  Jury  being  called  and  sworne — Johannes  d. 
Wandelaer,  Fredrik  Harmense,  John  Fyne,  Casper  van 
Hoese,  William  Hogen,  Abraham  Prevost,  John  Rosie, 
Joh.  Beekman,  Abraham  Kip,  Cornelius  Schermerhorn, 
Warner  Carstense,  Claes  Ripse  van  Dam. 

The  partyes  have  Composed  ye  matter,  and  agreed  as 
follows,  which  is,  that  ye  Defendant  doth  oblidge  himselfe 
to  pay  the  Plentive  the  summe  of  Three  pounds  Twelve 
shillings  with  Costs  of  sute  &c.,  and  thereby  Dischargeing 
said  Plentive  from  all  Publick  Charges,  as  he  doth  pre- 
tend to  have  disbursed  for  ye  Plentive's  house  while  in 
hyre. 

The  Court  adjourned  till  this  day  fourthnight. 

July  9th.  John  Carr  Plentive,  William  Ketelheyn 
Defend.  The  Plentive  demands  of  ye  Defendant  by  De- 
claration yc  summe  of  seven  pounds  four  shillings  and  four 
pence,  as  per  bond  bearing  date  ye  27th  of  November  1699. 
The  Defendant  ownes  y6  debt,  but  Pleads  that  he  was 
neither  summoned  nor  arrested.  The  partyes  have  com- 
posed ye  matter,  and  agreed  in  ye  presence  of  yc  honorable 


The  City  Records.  115 

Court  that  y6  Defendant  shall  pay  unto  ye  Plentive  at 
or  before  ye  9th  of  Septem'r  next  ensueing  the  just  summe 
of  three  pounds  twelve  shillings  and  two  pence,  without 
delay,  that  then  ye  bond  given  unto  Plentive  y6  27th  of 
November  ?99  shall  be  void  and  of  no  effect,  otherwise  to 
stand  and  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

P.  Livingston  Col'r,  Plentive,  Johannis  Luykasse  Def. 
The  Plentive  demands  of  the  Defendant  by  a  Request  ye 
summe  of  44s.  for  44  gallons  Rom,  which  they  had  of 
Hendrik  Hanse  and  Retailed  in  ye  Sinneka's  Country, 
with  costs  of  sute,  &c. 

The  Defendant  pleads  not  guilty,  but  dcsyres  it  may  be 
referred  to  ye  judgment  of  a  Jury,  and  since  y6  Plentive 
have  submitted  ye  matter  to  ye  Judgment  of  this  Court. 

The  Court  are  therefore  of  opinion  that  y*1  Case  be  Re- 
ferred till  such  times  y6  said  Plentive  comes  from  New 
Yorke,  who  may  Plaid  for  himselfe,  being  Col'r,  and  that 
the  Costs  of  Sute  lays  wholly  at  the  Charge  of  ye  Plentive. 

The  Court  adjourned  till  this  day  fourthnight. 

July  23. — Whereas  on  the  2d  day  of  Aprill  last  an  order 
was  given  to  Peter  Bogardus.  Harme  Gansevoort,  William 
Claese  Groesbeek,  and  Jan  Cornelise  Visselaer,  to  agree 
what  Costs  or  Charges  y°  building  or  setting  up  of  such 
a  house  as  that  of  William  Hoffmayer  deceased  was  (be- 
fore broak  downe)  with  amount,  and  who  have  returned 
there  Report  of  aprizement  amounting  to  /336  for  build- 
ing, masons,  labour,  loss  of  nails,  and  boards. 

The  Court  adjourned  till  this  day  14th  night. 

Aug.  20. — Tho.  Williams,  Sheriffe,  did  make  an  appli- 
cation to  ye  Mayor  and  Aldermen  yl  there  ware  no  Com- 
mon Geall  or  Prissen  in  -Albany,  so  yl  he  desyred  yl  they 
might  macke  a  Common  Geall  or  Pressen,  and  ye  Mayor 
resolved  to  call  a  Common  Councell  upon  it. 


Att  a  meeting  of  the  Mayor.  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  Com- 
monalty of  y6  Citty  of  Albany  y6  22d  August  1700. 
This  day  came  before  us  Bay  Croesvelt  by  his  atturney 
Johannis  Cuyler  and  demonstrates  that  Geertruy  Jerone- 
mus  formerly  widow  of  Jochim  Wessels  Backer  sold  to- 
y6  sd  Bay  a  certain  house  and  lott  of  ground  here  in  Al- 
[Annals  iv.]  11 


116  The  City  Records. 

bany,  about  y6  Church,  as  by  Coopbrieffe  or  Contract 
dated  y6  26th  of  March,  A°  1683,  being  payd  to  five  gelders 
in  Beavers,  which  he  is  ready  to  pay,  and  since  Jan  Ver- 
berk  and  Pieter  Adriaense  in  their  lifetime  securitys  and 
administrators  over  ye  Estate  of  sd  Jochim  and  Geertruy 
deceased,  made  no  conveyance  thereof,  it  is  now  desyrd 
that  Jan  Casperse  administrator  of  his  father-in-law,  Wm. 
Hoflfmayer  deceased,  only  sone  and  heir  of  said  Geertruy, 
shall  make  performance  of  said  house  and  lott. 

Jan  Casperse  answered  that  he  was  not  concerned  with 
y6  Estate  of  sd  Jochim  and  Geertruy  aforesaid.  But  in 
case  he  should  become  no  damage/is  willing  to  transport 
ye  premises.  "  Says  further  that  ye  wriettings  concerning 
sd  house  and  lott  lays  in  his  hand.  The  Mayor,  Recorder, 
Aldermen  and  Common  Councill  are  of  opinion  y1  y6  afore- 
said John  Casperse  is  y6  nearest  heir  to  transport  y6  afore- 
said house  and  lott  for  ye  abovenamed  Jochim  Wessels 
and  Geertruy  Jeronemus  his  wife,  both  deceased. 

The  Commonalty  are  of  opinion  (except  ye  Mayor  and 
Recorder)  that  an  addresse  be  given  to  Excellency  Richard 
Earle  of  Bellomont,  Captain  Generall  and  Governor  in 
Cheeffe  of  his  Majesties  Province  of  New  Yorke,  setting 
forth  ye  State  and  Condition  of  this  Citty  and  County, 
humbly  praying  bis  Excellency  to  lay  ye  same  at  his  Ma- 
jesties feet,  which  is  as  follows:. 

To  His  Excellency  Richard  Earle  of  Bellomont,  Cap1  Gen"  & 
Gov  in  Cheeffe  of  his  JVlajes  Province  of  New  Yorke,  MJIS- 
sakhusetts  Bay,  New  Hampshire,  and  Territories  depending 
thereon  in  America,  and  Vice  Admiral!  of  ye  same,  his 
Maje?  Lev1  &  Commander  in  Cheeffe  of  ye  .Militia  and  of 
nil  ye  forces  by  Sen  &  Land  within  ye  Colonies  of  Con- 
necticut, East  and  West  Jersey,  &c.,  and  of  all  ye  Forts 
and  Places  of  Strength  within  ye  same,  &c. 

May  it  Please  your  Lordship: 

We  have  again  y6  happiness  to  see  your  Lordship  in 
this  place,  and  can  not  but  thankfully  congratulate  your 
Excel's  great  kindness  in  visiting  y6  frontiers,  the  which 
with  y°  greatest  Concern  imaginable  we  acquaint  your 
Lordship  are  in  a  most  deplorable  and  languishing  condi- 
tion. The  Citty  and  County  of  Albany  has  laboured  un- 


The  City  Records.  117 

der  y°  greatest  of  hardships  during  the  late  long  war  with 
y6  French,  when  they  were  exposed  to  unexpressible  dan- 
ger, being  barbarously  murdered,  skalped,  and  carryed 
captives  byy*  French  and  there  mercilesse  Indians  which 
terrifyed  many  of  ye  Inhabitants,  forced  them  to  Desert 
their  Habitations,  and  to  Remove  to  other  parts  of  ye 
Province,  seeing  ye  fronteers  not  so  well  secured  as  to 
Defend  them  from  ye  inroads  of  y6  French  and  there 
skulking  partyes  of  Indians,  but  were  in  hopes  that  since 
his  Majesty  had  so  graciously  obtained  a  peace  for  all 
Europe  by  his  valuor  and  conduct,  that  wee  who  had  so 
large  a  share  of  ye  miseries  attending  a  bloody  warr,  would 
also  Participate  of  ye  Blessings  of  joyfull  Peace,  but  to 
our  greatest  grieffe  wee  fynde  our  trade  more  Decayed 
than  formerly,  by  reason  of  y6  French  and  there  Mission- 
aries dayly  Deluding  and  debauching  of  our  Indians  of  ye 
Five  Nations  from  us,  sometimes  causing  them  to  be  kild 
by  y6  Farr  Indians,  and  at  other  times  seducing  them  to 
come  and  Live  at  Canida  to  be  instructed  in  ye  Christian 
faith;  and  where  these  two  prevail  not,  they  raise  fac- 
tions in  their  Castles  to  take  off  by  Poison  those  yl  can 
not  be  so  seduced  &  Deluded,  by  which  artifices  they  have 
Increased  ye  Castle  of  praying  Indians  at  Montreyall, 
which  consisted  of  fourscouce  fighting  men  (Indians  that 
had  deserted  ye  five  nations)  before  y6  last  warr,  but  are 
now  since  y~  Conclusion  of  y*  peace  by  ye  means  aforesd 
increased  to  above  350,  and  dayly  growing  more  &  more, 
so  that  if  a  warr  should  break  out  between  his  Majesty 
andy°  French  king,  they  would  totally  overrun  these  fron- 
teers and  thereby  facilitate  their  passsge  to  destroy  Vir- 
ginia, Maryland,  and  the  Rest  of  his  Majesties  Planta- 
tions, there  method  of  fighting  being  in  skulking  partyes 
(as  your  Lordship  is  sufficiently  informed)  so  yl  therewith 
they  may  easily  Enfest  this  whole  Continent,  y6  Planta- 
tions and  houses  generally  lying  stragling,  and  more  par- 
ticularly in  Virginia  and  Maryland,  in  such  manner  yl  it 
will  be  absolutely  impossible  for  y6  Inhabitants  thereof 
to  manure  or  cultivate  their  land.  This  will  be  no  hard 
matter  for  them  to  doe,  Considering  how  well  the  ffrench 
have  fortifyed  themselves  ever  since  ye  peace  with  more 


1 18  The  City  Records. 

viguor  and  diligence  y"  in  any  time  of  ye  warr,  having 
Continually  had  Supplyes  of  men  &  money  from  France 
to  doe  ye  same,  and  what  number  of  Indians 

[The  remainder  of  this  document  was  not  engrossed.] 


Att  a  Meeting  of  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  Com- 
mon Council!,  held  in  Albany  this  3d  day  of  Septem- 
ber, 1700. 

The  Churchwardens  of  Shinnechtady  doe  make  applica- 
tion to  ye  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  &  Common  Council!, 
desyreing  t\vo  persqnes  to  be  allowed  &  appoynted  to  goe 
Rounde  by  ye  Inhabitants  of  yc  Citty,  to  see  if  they  can 
obtain  any  Contribution  to  make  up  ye  Sellary  due  to 
there  Minister,  Do.  Freman,  whilst  on  his  voyage  from 
Amsterdam  to  this  place,  they  complayning  not  to  be  ca- 
pable to  make  out  said  Sellary  by  there  own  Congregation 
doe  therefore  desyre  assistance. 

The  Commonality  are  unanimously  of  opinion  that 
since  they  are  censible  that  sd  Church  wardens  have  not 
informed  themselves  what  there  Congregations  will  Com- 
ply to  said  Sellary,  that  they  first  goe  and  Visite  there 
owne  Congregation,  and  if  they  doe  not  obtain  said  Sellary 
by  them,  then  to  make  there  application  to  the  Common- 
ality at  ye  next  Court  day. 

Sept.  21. — Whereas  ye  Church  wardens  of  Shennechta- 
•dy  doe  again  make  application  that  two  persons  may  be 
appointed  to  goe  Round  by  ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  to 
see  if  they  can  obtain  any  contributions  for  Do.  freemans 
Sellary  as  there  Desyre  on  ye  3d  of  this  Instant  doth  now 
at  large  appear.  Whereupon  ye  Commonality  have  con- 
cluded and  doe  allow  and  admitt  two  or  more  of  sd  Church 
wardens  of  Shinnechtady  to  goe  once  Round  for  Contri- 
bution to  use  as  aforesaid  from  y°  Inhabitants  of  this 
•Citty  and  no  more  in  ye  time  of  the  Sessions,  which  will 
be  first  and  second  of  October  next  Ensuing. 

Albany  y6  14th  of  October,  A°  1700.— This  day  being 
appointed  by  y°  Charter  of  y*  Citty  for  y*"  Aldermen  in 
there  respective  Wards  to  make  return  of  y6  aldermen,  as- 
sistants, assessors  &  constables  for  ye  ensueing  year,  who 
are  as  follows: 


The  City  Records.  1 19 

First  Warde. — Johannis  Schuyler,  David  Schuyler,  al- 
dermen; Jacobus  Turke,  Hendrik  Oothout,  assistants;: 
Dirk  "Vanderheyden,  William  Hogen,  assessors ;  Johannes 
Lansingh,  constable. 

Second  Warde. — Johannes  Roseboom,  Johannes  Cuyler,. 
aldermen;  Luykas  Gerritse,  Johannes  Harmense,  assist- 
ants ;  Isaak  Verplank,  Pieter  Mingael,  assessors ;  Mathias 
Nack,  constable. 

Third  Warde. — Wessel  ten  Broek,  Johannes  Abeel,  al- 
dermen; Gerrit  van  Ness,  Harpert  Jacobse,  assistants; 
Tierk  Harmense,  Evert  Janse,  assessors ;  Jon.  Broadhorst^ 
constable. 

Johannes  Luykasse,  high  constable. 

Anthony  Bratt,  treasurer. 

In  de  Halve  Maan. — Mees  Hogeboom,  assessor;  Cor- 
nelis  Claese,  constable. 

Onastigeone. — Marte  Cregier,  assessor;  Cornelis  Ty- 
mese,  constable. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
ye  15th  of  November,  1700: — Present,  John  Johnson 
Bleeker,  mayor;  Joh.  Schuyler.  Da.  Schuyler,  Johan- 
nes Roseboom,  Joh.  Cuyler,  Wessel  ten  Broek,  Joh. 
Abeel,  aldermen ;  Jacob  Turke,  Hend. Oothout, Luykas 
Gerritse,  Gerrit  van  Ness,  Harpt.  Jacobse,  assistance. 
It  is  concluded  that  yc  following  Proclamation  be  pro- 
claimed. 

That  according  to  y6  yearly  Custome  they  doe  hereby 
prohibit  and  forbid  y6  Retailing  of  all  sorts  of  Strong  Li- 
quor within  this  Citty  and  County,  unless  by  Mr  Mayors 
Lycense,  on  penalty  of  forfeiting  as  a  fyne  upon  such  per- 
son or  persones  so  offending  ye  summe  of  five  pounds,  ac- 
cording to  act  of  assembly,  as  also  that  no  such  Retailers 
shall  receive  from  any  Souldier  upon  any  Pretence  what- 
soever any  of  there  Provisions,  Cloaths,  or  other  accou- 
trements, or  shall  retaile  to  them  in  their  house  after  yc 
ringing  of  y6  Bell  for  Eight  o'clock  at  night,  upon  penalty 
of  forfeiting  for  each  Souldier  so  founde  as  aforesaid  ye 
summe  of  six  shillings  for  y*  BehoofFe  of  such  Person  as 
shall  sue  for  y6  same. 


120  The  City  Records. 

Pursuant  to  an  order  of  Councill  dated  y6  23d  of  Sept., 
and  another  from  his  Excellency  dated  the  16th  of  Octo- 
ber last.  Coll.  Pr.  Schuyler,  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and 
Commonality  have  hired  the  house  of  William  Ketelheyn 
till  pmo  May  next,  for  ye  summe  of  six  pounds  for  two 
Lefts,  and  there  wifes.  Also  ye  Chamber  on  y6  south  side 
of  Elisabeth  widow  of  Wouter  Utthoft's  house,  with  the 
use  of  her  bedd  and  bedding  to  pmo  May  next,  for  four 
pounds  tenn  shillings  for  one  Leif1,  with  y6  condition  that 
at  ye  present  y6  magistrates  are  to  supply  her  with  two 
Blankets,  which  at  ye  Expiration  of  ye  time  as  aforesd  are 
to  be  deducted  off  ye  hire. 

Nov.  26. — Evert  Wendell  sen.  appears  in  Common 
Councill  and  makes  Request  verbally,  that  in  y6  time  of 
ye  late  Gov.  Thomas  Dongan,  orders  were  issued  to  de- 
mand all  Patents  or  Ground  Brieffes  belonging  to  this  Citty 
and  County,  in  which  time  ye  said  Petitioner  gave  up  his 
Grond  Brieffe  granted  to  him  by  ye  late  governor  Petrus 
Stuyvesant  for  a  certain  Lott  of  grounde  situate  lying  and 
being  on  ye  south  side  of  y6  Citty,  on  ye  east  side  of  y* 
hill  abutting  to  ye  north  of  ye  Land  and  Orchard  belong- 
ing to  Isaac  Casperse ;  and  since  said  Evert  Wendel  de- 
clares that  said  Ground  Brieffe  or  any  other  was  never 
returned  to  him.  Doth  therefore  humbly  request  of  y6 
hon.  Commonality  to  grant  him  a  Release  for  s°  Grounde, 
which  y6  Commonality  have  taken  into  Consideration, 
and  have  graunted  y6  same,  ordering  a  Release  to  be  writte. 
which  shall  be  signed. 

It  is  concluded  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  y6  fyre  mas- 
ters to  vizite  ye  Chimneys  and  fyre  places  within  this 
Citty  every  three  weeks,  beginning  ye  2d  of  December 
next  and  so  continuing  during  the  time  of  three  months, 
which  fyre  masters  are  as  follows:  Bastiaen  Harmense, 
William  Hogen,  Warner  Carstense,  Guysbert  Marselis, 
Tierk  Harmense,  Jonathan  Broadhurst. 

De  Ratelwaght  John  Rateliffe  &  Robert  Barrett  hebben 
d  Dienst  voor  de  aenstaende  jaer  die  genomen  ingangh 
nemende  van  die  29st  November  1700,  voor  de  oude  sala- 
ris  van  £22 : 16  om  betaelen  te  syn  alle  verrendeel  jaers  als 
rnede  80  vuur  brant  bout:  haer  waekt  Plaets  is  aen  gezijt 


The  City  Records.  121 

in't  Blockhuys  en  de  Parrel  straet.  Het  wert  verstaen  dat 
de  voorgaeude  accort  was  voor  £24.  Ergo  adest  nogh 
£1:4.  En  geordineert  dat  warrant  gegeven  sail  zyn  aen 
de  assessors,  om  haer  assessment  te  maken  voor  £30,  en  80 
vuur  hout  en  deselve  te  leveren  in  handen  van  de  meyor 
op  Saterdagh,  den  2  It  December. 

[The  purport  of  the  foregoing  is,  that  John  Rateliffand  Robert 
Barrett  were  reappointed  watchmen  for  the  ensuing  year  at  the 
same  salary  as  before,  £22,  16s,  and  80  loads  of  fire  wood; 
their  station  to  be  at  the  blockhouse  in  Pearl  street,  and  the  as- 
sessors were  to  make  an  assessment  of  £30  upon  the  inhabitants, 
and  return  it  to  the  mayor  by  Saturday,  the  21st  December.] 

It  is  Concluded  that  warning  be  given  to  the  Justices  of 
y6  Citty  &  County  to  appear  on  y6  23d  of  December  at  nine 
o'clock  in  ye  morning,  to  fewye  Citty  &  County's  accounts, 
for  ye  late  year  to  y6  14th  October  last.  To  which  end, 
Johannis  Abeel,  John  Schuyler&  Johannis  Roseboom,  al- 
dermen, and  Jacobus  Turke,  Luykas  Gerritse,  and  Har- 
pert  Jacobse,  assistants,  are  appointed  to  vizite  said  ac- 
counts, and  see  them  justly  made,  returning  them  in  the 
hands  of  Mr.  Mayor  the  21st  of  December  next. 

December  21. — The  Committee  aforesaid  brought  in 
there  Report  in  Common  Councill  according  to  ye  above 
Conclusion.  Also,  appeared  Mr.  Hansen,  and  brought  in 
his  certificates  for  service  in  the  Assembly  this  year,  de-' 
syring  that  credit  be  given  only  for  his  serving  dayes,  ac- 
quitting his  journey  days. 


Att  a  Meeting  of  ye  Justices  of  ye  Citty  &  County  of 
Albany  this  24th  December  in  y°  Evening,  1700. 

Whereas  in  y6  late  General  Assembly  held  the  day 
of  ,  an  act  is  past  for  £1000  to  be  graunted  to  his 

Majesty,  to  which  ye  Citty  and  County  of  Albany's  quota 
amounts  to  £60,  which  after  assessed  and  collected  must 
be  paid  unto  ye  Receiver  Gerierall  of  this  Province,  on  ye 
first  day  of  May,  1701:  in  Pursuance  thereof  it  is  Re- 
solved by  y6  aforesaid  Justices,  that  ye  assessors  of  ye 
Citty  and  of  each  respective  Presink  in  y6  County  to  whom 
warning  shall  be  given  by  there  Justices,  to  Convene  in 
ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany,  on  y6  20th  January  next,  to(make 
an  assesssement  of  £60,  upon  all  Inhabitants.  Sojourners 


122  The  City  Records. 

and  Freeholders  within  said  Citty  and  County,  and  make 
Return  thereof  on  y6  25th  then  following. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  inye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
y6  30th  of  December,  1700. 

The  assessors  have  returned  an  assessment  for  yc  Rat- 
tlewatch,  / 1200,  and  87  load  wood.  It  is  Concluded  that 
a  warrant  be  issued  to  ye  Collector  to  collect  ye  same 
forthwith,  and  order  that  y6  wood  be  Ride  to  ye  Burger 
Blockhouse  before  15th  of  January  next,  which  shall  be 
received  by  ye  Ratelmen. 

It  is  also  concluded  y1  on  yc  next  meeting  an  order  be 
made  prohibiting  ye  unruly  driving  of  slees. 

Att  a  meeting  of  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality, 
held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany  ye  3d  of  January, 
170?. 

Kiliaen  Van  Rensselaer,  supervisor,  returned  by  Ger1 
Theunise,  Justice  of  yc  Colony. 

Daniel  Janse,  supervisor  for  Schenectady. 

Lawrence  van  Ale,  for  Kinderhook,  without  a  Return. 

Frank  Salisbury,  for  Coxhacky  and  Catskill,  without 
Returned. 

•  It  is  Concluded  by  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common- 
ality that  a  proclamation  be  made  against  the  Driving  of 
slees,  carts  and  wagons  through  the  streets  of  this  Citty 
harder  than  on  a  stap,  and  Ryding  on  horseback  ye  like, 
upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  ye  summe  of  three  shillings  for 
each  offence,  for  ye  Behooffe  of  such  as  Prosecutes  for  y6 
same. 


,Att  a  Common  Councill,  held  in  ye  Citty  of  Albany  ye 
27th  of  January,  170f. 

The  Day  y6  Recorder's  oath  is  administered. 

It  is  concluded  and  thought  verry  necessary  that  fyre 
leathers  and  hooks  be  made  for  ye  Behooffe  of  this  Citty, 
since  ye  old  one  Deckayd  and  lost.  Wherefore  is  Re- 
solved that  three  leathers  of  five  and  twenty,  and  three 
of  eighteen  foot  be  made,  and  three  hooks  of  fifteen  foot, 
which  Hend.  Oothout  and  Harp1  Jacobse  have  underta- 
ken to  make  with  all  speed. 


The  City  Records.  123 

It  is  further  Concluded  since  ye  Bridge  by  Coll  Schuyler 
doth  decay,  that  Mr.  Roseboom,  Hend.  Oothout,  and 
Harp1  Jacobse  to  vizite  ye  same,  and  make  Returne  ye 
next  Court  what  is  required  to  be  repaired 

It  is  further  Resolved,  fynding  the  Citty's  Stockadoes 
Extreamly  Dekayed,  that  ye  same  be  new  fenced  with 
new  Stockadoes  of  a  foot  square  at  yc  small  end,  and 
thirteen  foot  long  from  ye  North  East  point  of  ye  fort  to 
ye  Burger  Blockhouse,  and  from  ye  South  East  point  of  y° 
fort  to  ye  small  Blockhouse  on  ye  Plain,  to  which  end  is 
appointed  Joh.  Cuyler,  Wessel  ten  Broek,  aldermen,  Jo- 
hannis  Harmense,  Jacobus  Turke,  assistants,  to  order  it 
be  measured  how  many  Rodd  it  will  reach  toe,  and  to 
make  Return  to-morrow  evening  one  hour  Sone,  together 
with  what  quantity  old  Stockadoes  they  think  Convenient 
to  Repair  yc  Citty  forth. 

Jan.  28. — Pursuant  to  yc  above  order,  y6  Gent'n  ap- 
pointed have  made  return,  and  thereupon  Resolved  that 
a  warrant  be  issued  to  the  assessors  to  make  an  assess- 
ment upon  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty,  for  one  hundred 
and  twelve  Rodd  of  Stockadoes  for  ye  use  as  abovemen- 
tioned  of  smove  pine  Bark  one  foot  thick  at  ye  small  End, 
and  to  make  there  Return  under  hand  and  scale  to  Mr. 
Mayer,  in  y6  Space  of  twice  four  and  twenty  hours. 
»  It  is  further  Resolved,  after  warning  be  given  to  ye  In- 
habitants that  sd  Stockadoes  be  Ridd  at  or  before  ye  15th 
of  Feb.  next  Ensuing,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  for  each 
Stockadoe  not  delivered  ISd,  to  which  End  ye  sd  Stocka- 
does be  Ride  according  to  form.  Mr.  Joh.  Schuyler  and 
Mr.  Joh.  Roseboom  aldermen,  and  Jacobus  Turke  and 
Joh.  Harmense,  assistants,  have  undertaken  to  vizite  ye 
same. 

Relateing  the  Bridge  at  Coll.  Schuyler's  ye  Gent'n  yes- 
terday appointed  to  vizite  ye  sa.me  doe  Returne  that  it 
Requires  to  be  Repaired  with  I  oak  Logg  of  17  foot,  12 
inches  square,  4  Post  10  foot,  10  inches  square,  2  Pine 
Loggs  of  10  foot,  1  foot  square,  3  do  17  foot  a  piece,  3  do 
a  20  foot,  1  do  a  37  foot. 

It  is  moreover  Resolved  that  yp  gutter  next  to  ye  house 
of  Mr  Cuyler  near  ye  fort,  and  yp  Creek  by  ye  Luttheren 


124  The  City  Records. 

Church  Requires  before  they  can  be  repaired,  one  pine 
logg  of  thirty  foot  long,  and  one  &  a  half  foot  thick,  at  ye 
small  end,  one  of  five  and  twenty  foot,  like  thickness,  one 
of  forty  and  one  of  thirty  foot  long  and  a  foot  thick  at  the 
but  end;  all  which  timber  wood  as  aforementioned,  Mr. 
Job.  Cuyler,  alderman,  Harp1  Jacobse  and  Hend.  Oothout 
assistants,  have  undertaken  to  agree  with  some  Particular 
Person  who  shall  Ride  ye  same  upon  ye  Citty  Charge. 


Att  a  Meeting  of  y6  Justices  of  ye  Citty  and  County  of 
Albany,  the  6th  of  February,  170;i. 

The  accounts  of  Charges  of  ye  County  being  made  up, 
from  ye  14th  of  October,  1699  toy6  14th  of  October,  1700, 

amounting  to /2099-.10 

Also  ye  Revenue  received  in  said  time  being. . .  2010:  2 

Remains  ye  County  indebted, /89 :  8 

Besides  ye  sallary  of  ye  3  assembly  men  for  ye  last  two 
Sessions,  according  to  ye  respective  Certificates  thereof, 
being/ 720, /480,  and/ 640;  in  all/ 1840. 

Memorandum  that  Mr.  Mayor  Bleeker  having  served 
according  to  act  of  assembly  68  days,  being  willing  to  re- 
ceive for  60  days  at  6s.,  and  that  Ryer  Schermerhorn 
having  served  64  days  as  aforesaid  is  willing  to  receive 
for  53^  days  at  6s.  per  diem.  » 

The  Justices  of  ye  County  in  ye  last  Court  of  Sessions 
have  Recommended  to  lay  before  ye  Supervisors  y '  neces- 
sity ye  Court  house  Requires  to  be  Repaired,  together 
with  a  new  Common  goal,  as  also  ye  Petition  of  Hend. 
Roseboom  ye  Church  Reader,  with  a  Remembrance  for 
James  Parker,  marshal. 

It  being  further  observed  that  ye  County  (excepting  y6 
Citty  and  Colony  Rensselaerwyk)  must  be  credited  for 
two  hundred  and  fifty  one  Gilders  wampum  value,  being 
the  half  of  Roseboom's  Sallary,  and  Repareing  y  'Church 
yard,  which  was  Charged  in  y?  General  County  aj^ct. 

Att  a  Meeting  of  yc  Aldermen  and  Assistance,  and  Su- 
pervisors of  ye  County  of  Albany  y6  18th  of  february 
170  \. 

The  account  of  ye  Citty  and  County  being  made  up, 


The  City  Records.    .  125 

doe  fynde  y"  Citty  and  County  (the  Colony  excepted)  are 
Indebted  £48  :  4 : 9.  The  meeting  have  resolved  that  the 
assessors  shall  meet  y6  27th  day  of  this  month  at  y*  Citty 
Hall  of  Albany,  to  make  an  assessment  of  the  Estates  of 
all  the  Citty  and  Count)-  of  Albany,  as  also  the  Super- 
vysors  are  to  meet  y6  next  day  following  at  one  the  clock 
at  y~  Citty  Hall  of  Albany. 

Feb.  28. — According  as  Concluded  on  y"  18th  of  ye  In- 
stant, the  assessors  of  the  Citty  and  County  have  Con- 
vened and  doe  Return  an  assessment  as  follows: 

Ye  Citty  for £5008 

Canastageone 696 

H.  Maen, 672 

Schinnechtady 3143 

Kinderhook,  ". 889 

Catskill, 1617 

The  Colony  except  Patkook, 4586 

£16611 

Upon  which  assessment,  excepting  the  Colony,  is  laid 
three  stuyvers  wampum  upon  the  pound.  In  Reguarde 
to  Defray  ye  arrears  of  ye  Citty  and  County's  Charges  to 
the  assembly  men  and  that  warrants  be  issued  to  y  seve- 
rall  Collectors  to  Collect  y"  same  before  the  15th  of 
Aprill  next  Ensueing,  then  to  deliver  said  summes  of  mo- 
ney unto  Anthony  Brad  y6  Citty  Treasurer,  and  that  sd 
Collectors  and  Treasurer  shall  share  alike  in  five  per  Ct, 
which  y"  meeting  doe  allow  for  the  Collecting. 

Relateing  ye  Prepareing  of  y6  Court  house  &  Common 
Goall,  which  y  Justices  of  y6  Citty  &  County  on  the  26th 
of  Feb'y  instant  Recommended  to  be  laid  before  ye  Super- 
visors, is  referred  to  their  Consideration,  who  of  the . 
County  Positively  Refused  to  Contribute  any  thing  unto 
y*  same,  alleadging  that  it  must  be  Repaired  out  of  the 
2  pr  cent  to  Defray  y°  necessary  Charges  of  y"  Citty  and 
County. 

Att  a  Mayers  Court  held  in  the  Citty  hall  of  Albany  ye 

18th  of  March,  170?-. 
The  Court  adjourned  till  this  day  fourthnight. 


126  The  City  Records. 

The  Court  have  appointed  Mr.  David  Schuyler  &  Mr. 
Johannis  Roseboom,  aldermen,  to  goe  to  Mr.  Van  Brugh, 
late  Mayor,  and  there  to  demand  severall  papers  relating 
y6  Citty,  which  he  took  in  care  whilst  Mayor  of  this  Citty , 
who  Report  that  sayd  van  Brugh  Refused  to  give  over  y6 
same ;  notwithstanding  a  little  after  came  and  delivered 
to  ye  present  Mayor  y6  following  writteings,  viz1:  Hend. 
van  Rensselaer's  patent  for  Skaakkook  and  his  Transp1 
for  y1  same  to  ye  mayor,  aldermen  and  assistants.  K.  v. 
Rensselaers  patent  for  yc  Colony  Rensselaerswyk.  P.  M. 
van  Bruggens  Release  for  a  lott  of  ground  on  ye  plain, 
together  with  his  patent  and  transp1  for  y"  same,  where- 
fore the  sd  mayor  passed  a  Receipt  to  sd  van  Brugh. 

Att  a  meeting  of  ye  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  &  As- 
sistants in  Albany  y   27th  of  March,  1701. 
*  After  Consideration  y   Gent'n  have  Concluded  that  in 
case  y"  Genii  assembly  at  there  meeting  on  ye  2d  of  Aprill 
next,  should  act  or  proceed  on  businesse,  that  the  mem- 
bers for  this  Citty  and  County  doe  make  application  to 
continue  ye  Revenue  of  2  pr  cent  laid  upon  Indian  wares 
here  Imported,  as  also  ye  3d  upon  each  gallon  for  y6  space 
of  two  years  ensueing  ye  expiration  of  that  act. 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  y"  Citty  of  Albany  y6  1st 
of  Aprill,  1701. 

Gerrit  Jacobse  plentive,  John  Fyne  defendant. 

The  Jury  called:  Claes  Ripse,  Harmen  Theunise,  Isaac 
Verplank,  Thomas  Harmense,  Gysbert  Marselis,  Rynier 
Myndertse,  Phillip  Wendel,  Goose  van  Schaack,  Melg1 
Melgertse,  Pr.  Waldrum,  Barent  Bratt,  Casper  van  Hoese. 

The  plentive  alledges  against  the  Defendant  ye  he  scan- 
dalized his  wife  Elizabeth  with  base  words,  in  calling  her 
a  theiffe,  and  that  she  had  stole  money  from  him  to  the 
damage  of  £100. 

The  Def l  appears  and  humbly  Desyres  if  the  Case  may 
be  Referred  till  next  Court  Day,  so  y1  he  may  in  that  time 
Provide  for  witnesses. 

The  honble  Court  have  taken  y6  Desyre  into  Considera- 
tion, and  have  Refferredy"  same  tilly6  ensuing  Court  day. 


The  City  Records.  127 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  the  Citty  hall  of  Al- 
bany yc  12th  of  Aprill,  1701. 

Whereas  Complaints  are  made  that  Barent  Albertse 
Bratt  hath  this  day  Infenced  some  part  of  his  Lott  of 
grounde  without  y6  north  gate  of  this  Citty,  to  y6  west- 
ward of  y6  main  guarde.  which  is  to  the  great  prejudice 
of  his  Majesty  and  Subjects  by  Inclosing  ye  highway,  and 
being  also  a  hindrance  to  the  fortifications  there. 

It  is  therefore  ordered  that  ye  said  Barent  Albertse 
Bratt  doth  remove  said  fence  in  y6  space  of  thrice  twenty 
four  hours,  upon  his  Perill,  or  else  that  ye  same  shall  be 
removed  by  the  sheriffe  of  this  Citty. 

Warrant. 

City  of  Albany,  ss. — WILLIAM  by  y6  grace  of  God  of 
England,  Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  King,  defender  of 
y°  faith,  &c..  to  y6  Sheriffe  of  y6  Citty  of  Albany  greeting: 
In  Pursuant  to  an  order  of  Common  Council  on  y0  12th 
of  this  Instant,  wee  command  you  to  cause  to  be  Re- 
moved y°  fence  which  is  made  by  Barent  Albertse  Bratt, 
without  y°  north  gate  of  said  Citty  to  y'  westwards  of  y6 
main  guarde,  being  to  great  prejudice  of  his  Majestic  and 
Subjects  by  inclosing  the  highway,  and  also  a  hinderance 
to  y6  fortifications  there,  and  y1  in  ye  space  of  four  and 
twenty  hours  ensueing  y°  Date  hereof,  in  doing  whereof 
this  shall  be  your  sufficient  warrant.  Given  in  Albany 
y6  15th  day  of  April  in  ye  12th  year  of  his  Maj'es  Reign, 
annoq  Do.  1701. 

Was  signed  JAHANNIS  BLEEKEK,  Rekordcr. 

JOHAXNIS  CUYLER,  Alderman. 
To  Jonathan  Broadhurst.  high  sheriffe  of  y° 
Citty  &  County  of  Albany, 

April  29.  —  Thomas  Williams,  attorney  for  Pr.  van 
Wuggelum  Plentive,  Joseph  Jansen,  Defendant.  This 
day  being  y6  3d  Court  day  &  no  Coram  of  magistrates  in 
y6  bench,  thought  fit  to  Referr  ye  action  without  N.  Sum- 
moned can  Proceed,  which  opinion  if  a  Coram  be  com- 
pleat  shall  lay  ready  in  y6  office  for  ye  Partyes  some  time 
in  next.  week. 

[Annals  iv.]  12 


128  The  City  Records. 

Att  a  Common  Council!  held  in  ye  Citty  hall  of  Albany 

ye  5th  of  May,  1701. 

The  Commonalty  have  concluded  that  the  Inhabitants 
shall  sett  up  there  quotaes  of  N.  Stockadoes  3  foot  in  ye 
ground  where  ye  old  stands,  and  even  above  yl  in  yc  space 
of  eleven  days  ensuing  ye  7th  of  this  Instant,  upon  penalty 
of  forfeiting  for  each  stockadoe  not  orderly  sett  up,  in  sd 
time  9d.  For  ye  orderly  planting  of  sd  stockadoes  Mr.  Joh. 
Cuyler  &  Joh.  Roseboom,  aldermen,  Ja.  Turke  &  Joh. 
Harmense.  assistants,  are  appointed  to  vizite  sd  stocka- 
does before  they  are  sott  up,  and  to  refuse  such  stockadoes 
as  are  not  according  to  form  of  13  foot  long,  and  one  foot 
squair  at  ye  small  end,  of  smove  pine  barke. 

The  Proclamation  made  Relateing  ye  Indian  Trade  on 
ye  30th  of  Aprill,  1700,  is  confirmed  for  one  year. 

It  is  further  Concluded  yl  each  Inhabitant  shall  Ring 
there  hoggs  in  there  noses,  and  remove  there  fyre  wood 
from  yc  streets  in  ye  space  of  8  days  ensueing  ye  date 
hereof,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  such  hoggs  not  Ringed, 
and  fyre  wood  for  ye  Behoofe  of  ye  Sheriffe  of  y6  Citty  & 
County,  who  shall  sue  for  ye  same. 

The  sd  Proclamation  is  Proclaimed  on  ye  12  of  May, 
1701. 

May  6th. — Mr.  Joh.  Lydius,  minister,  Anthony  van 
Schaik,  Elder,  and  Harp'  Jacobse,  Dyaken,  of  ye  Dutch 
Reformed  Church  of  Albany,  make  application  to  the 
Commonality  by  Complaint  against  Pr.  Bogardus  that  he 
is  about  Infencing  a  certain  Lott  of  grounde  Situate,  Ly- 
ing and  being  in  ye  great  pasture  to  ye  south warde  of  ye 
sd  Citty,  Belonging  to  ye  Church  wardens,  and  in  posses- 
sion to  which  Lott  they  owne  a  pretence.  Desyreing  y6 
Gent'n  in  Common  Councill  to  be  aiding  and  assisting  to 
them  in  yc  premises,  that  ye  further  infencing  may  be  stopt 
till  y6  arrival  of  Maj.  Dirk  Wessels,  who  is  supposed  can 
give  some  Information  relateing  said  lott.  Yc  Gent'n  in 
Common  Councill  have  taken  yc  Request  in  Consideration, 
and  sent  for  Mr.  Bogardus,  desyreing  him  to  forbear  fenc- 
ing four  or  five  days  till  Maj.  Wessells  arrives,  but  fynde- 
ing  unwilling  to  allow  sd  Days,  are  unanimously  of  opin- 
ion that  sd  lott  of  grounde  shall  be  no  further  Infcnced  till 


The  City  Records.  129 

next  Saturday,  or  the  arrival  of  Maj.  Dirk  Wessels,  who 
Emmediately  shall  be  sent  for. 

Alderman  David  Schuyler  informs  the  meeting  that 
upon  his  arrivall  at  Mont  Reyall  in  Canida,  on  ye  14th  of 
Aprill  last,  was  informed  y1  ye  merchandize  he  conveyed 
thither  were  prohibited  goods,  whereupon  he  Resolved  to 
ask  ye  governurs   leave  to  expose  them  freely  to  Sale, 
which  after  being  graunted,  was  Invited  to  dine  with  ye 
govern'r,  and  being  in  discourse  together  after  Dinner.  ye 
govern'r  pleased  to  ask  s>d  Schuyler  as  follows:  What 
news  have  you  in  your  Parts,  where  vessels  dayly  arrive 
from  Europe,  and  here  but  once  in  a  year;  wee  "have  here 
News  by  a  Letter  from  Lakadie  to  one  Mons.  Menel  a 
Jesuit  here  of  ye  death  of  ye  king  of  Spaine  and  the  Pope, 
with  an  other  king,  not  certain  whether  it  is  King  William 
or  King  James.     I  suppose  you  can  inform  the  truth 
thereof  to  us.     Said  Schuyler  answered  that  wee  have 
had  ye  tyding  of  ye  king  of  Spaine's  death  and  life  this  five 
or  six  years  long,  and  hearing  such  news  so  often  causes 
us  not  to  minde  it  without  the  certainty  thereof.     Then 
said  Schuyler  asked  why  such  strick  inquire  was  made 
after  y°  King  of  Spaine's  Death  by  severall  people  just  at 
his  arrivel  there.     The  governour  answered  because  they 
are  informed  of  a  dispute  for  ye  kingdom  of  Spaine,  and 
said  where  two  have  difference  sometimes  they  fall  out  in 
quarrel.     Sd  Schuyler  replyed  that  wee  received  news 
last  year  that  y6  two  kings  were  come  to  an  agreement 
concerning  sd  kingdom,  and  therefore  he  believed  there 
was  no  fear  of  warr.     Then  ye  goven'r  sayd  yl  he  still 
Remembered  y6  Cruell  and  Barbarous  murders  committed 
by  y6  heathens  in  shedding  of  Innocent  Christian  Blood 
in  y6  late  warr,  and  y1  it  would  be  much  better  for  these 
parts  in  America,  in  case  a  warr  broak  out  between  y* 
two  crownes,  that  both  kings  concluded  such  an  order  as 
was  in  King  Charles  Reign  for  us  to  sett  still,  since  wee 
only  injured  one  another  by  such  skulking  party s.     Then 
sd  Schuyler  answered,  y1  he  often  heard  say  among  ye 
head  men  here,  y*  it  was  a  shame  to  see  Christian  Blood 
soe  spilt  by  heathens,  to  which  ye  govern'r  answered  and 
said,  In  case  a  warr  doe  break  out  he  will  not  be  ye  first 


130  The  City  Records. 

to  send  out  such  partyes  against  us  as  formerly.  Then 
Schuyler  answered  that  he  beleeved  in  case  there  came  no 
skulking  partyes  from  him  there  would  be  none  sent  from 
hence.  Says  further,  yl  two  days  after  he  and  Alderman 
Wessel  ten  Broek,  Abrah.  Schuyler  and  Jean  Rosie  were 
invited  to  dine  with  Mons.  Supercaes  mayor  of  Mont 
Royal,  where  Mons.  Marricuer  and  severall  oy'r  Gent'n 
were,  who  used  ye  same  Discourse  as  aforesd,  and  ye  next 
morning  going  to  take  there  leave  of  Mons.  Marricuer  he 
told  them  yl  when  ye  Cheefe  Govr.  arrived  from  Quebek, 
who  he  dayly  expected,  he  intended  to  goe  for  Onondage, 
to  kindle  his  fyre  there  as  he  former  used  to  doe. 

Honbl6  Gent: 

Here  inclosed  lays  an  information  given  by  Alderman 
David  Schuyler  late  come  from  Canida,  which  after  (by 
us)  taken  in  Consideration  is  thought  a  Method  (Before  a 
warr  breaks  out  between  ye  two  Crownes,  which  as  we 
understand  by  severall  Confirmations  of  news  is  Dayly 
expected)  to  prevent  ye  Cruel  and  Barbarous  'murder 
which  Innocent  Christians  most  Enduer  under  ye  hands 
of  ye  mercilesse  Indians,  as  in  y6  late  warr  hath  been  used, 
to  little  advantage  of  both  sides,  hoping  that  your  honors 
will  take  y6  same  into  your  serious  consideration,  whilst 
yet  an  opportunity  can  be  had  by  some  fitt  person  or 
more  (as  here  be  among  our  aldermen  who  are  well  ac- 
quainted there  or  such)  as  your  honors  shall  think  best  to 
send  thither  to  Canida,  either  under  pretence  of  a  small 
trade,  or  any  other  way,  as  your  honors  shall  think  most 
Convenient;  in  ye  meanwhile  wishing  your  honors  all 
prosperity  doe  remain, 

Honblc  Gent'n 

Your  most  humble  &  most 

obedient  servants, 

JOH.  ROSEBOOM,  Jo.  J.   BLEEKER, 

WESSEL  TE.V  BROEK,    Jo.  BLEEKER, 
Jo.  CUYLER,  Jo.  SCHUYLER, 

To  the  Hon.  JOHN  NANFAN  Esq., 
His  Majies  Left.  Governor  fy  Com.  in  Cheefe  of  ye 
Province  of  New  York,  SfC.,  in  his  absence  to 
His  Maps  Hon.  Council  for  ye  same,  att  Fort 
Wm.  Henry. 


The  City  Records. 

May  10. — Pursuant  to  y6  Resolution  of  y6  Mayor,  Re- 
corder, aldermen  and  assistants  in  Common  Councill  on 
y*  6th  of  May  now  instant.  Maj.  D.  Wessels,  Anthony 
van  Schaik  and  Hendrik  van  Rensselaer,  Elders  in  y6 
Behalfe  of  y6  Church  wardens  of  y6  Reformed  Netherdutch 
Congregation,  doe  appear  and  complain  against  Peter  Bo- 
gardus  about  Infencing  a  certain  parcel  of  pasture  grounde 
situate,  lyeing  and  being  to  y6  southwarde  of  this  Citty, 
on  the  other  side  of  y6  Beavers  Creek  in  y6  great  pasture 
belonging  to  said  Church  wardens,  as  by  their  transport 
made  over  by  Dom.  Godefridus  Dellius  on  y6  31st  of  July 
1690,  viz1. 

Imprimis,  The  said  Mr.  Wessels  saith  that  in  the  3~ear 
1686,  in  July,  before  y6  Charter  was  obtained,  John  John- 
son Bleeker,  y6  sd  Wessels  and  Levinus  van  Schaick,  then 
Magistrates,  were  in  behalfe  of  y*  Court  appointed  to  En- 
quire by  y6  severall  Inhabitants  who  had  Lotts  of  grounde 
in  the  great  Pasture  aforesaid,  among  whom  they  came  to 
Deritie  widow  of  Volkert  Janse  and  Geertruy  widow  of 
Jan  Thomase  to  Desist  their  title  of  their  Certain  Parcell 
of  pasture  Land,  (being  that  as  aforementioned)  where- 
upon y6  sd  Geertruy  proposed  if  the  magistrates  would 
procure  a  graunt  from  the  governor,  Thomas  Dongan,  for 
a  peece  of  Land  some  where  else  at  their  own  costs,  upon 
which  y8  sd  magistrates  went  to  y*  Governor,  who  gave 
consent  to  a  grant  for  any  piece  of  vacant  land  in  y*  go- 
vernment to  which  y6  3d  Geertruy  replyed  to  Enquire  for 
y6  same,  and  so  parted  as  by  y6  memorandum  thereof, 
written  by  sd  Mr.  Wessels,  doth  more  at  large  appear  by 
ye  Deakens. 

2dly.  That  since  y6  magistrates  having  with  Deritie  y* 
widow  of  Volkert  Janse  and  Geertruy  widow  of  Jan  Tho- 
mase upon  account  of  said  parcell  of  pasture  grounde  to 
whom  it  lately  belonged,  discounted  to  each  of  them  y* 
summe  of  one  pound  sixteen  shillings  Currant  Money,  on 
y6  7th  of  Sept.,  1691,  as  by  y6  Cittyes  book  held  by  y6 
late  Treasurer,  John  Becker,  doth  appear,  therefore  de- 
syreing  of  y*  Gent'n  in  Common  Councill  to  maintain 
what  was  formerly  transported  by  their  predecessors,  and 
since  said  Great  pasture  is  lett  to  hyre  until  November 


132  The  City  Records. 

next,  that  ye  Gent'n  will  be  pleased  to  prevent  y*  further 
Infencing  of  said  Bogardus  until  such  persones  from  whom 
he  bought  s1  Pasture  ground  doe  punctually  performe 
there  conveyance,  and  further  alledging  that  this  Common- 
ality is  to  defend  the  premises. 

Whereupon  sd  Pr.  Bogardus  doth  Demonstrate  a  certain 
Conveyance  concerning  sd  Pasture  grounde  made  over  to 
him  by  ye  aforementioned  widow,  bearing  date  ye  1st  day 
of  March,  If  ££-,  together  with  a  Certification  and  Consent 
on  ye  backside  thereof,  signed  and  sealed  by  Jonas  Dow, 
eldest  sonne  of  sd  Deritie.  and  And's  Janse,  eldest  sonne 
of  sd  Geertruy,  dated  ye  18th  of  February,  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  one.  Witnesses,  Thomas  Williams 
and  Laurence  van  Alle.  Whereby  said  Pr.  Bogardus 
pretends  to  Infence  ye  same. 

The  Gentlemen  in  Common  Councill  are  unanimously 
of  opinion  that  such  persons  as  have  conveyed  said  pas- 
ture grounde  to  said  Bogardus  are  to  make  y6  same  good 
unto  him  y°  said  Bogardus :  in  ye  meantime  y6  said  Bo- 
gardus is  not  to  proceed  Infenceing  as  aforementioned. 

Att  a  Meeting  of  ye  Gentlemen  appointed  for  ye  manage- 
ment of  ye  Indian  Affairs,  the  12th  of  May,  1701-.— 
Present,  Coll.  Pr.  Schuyler,  John  Johnson  Bleeker, 
Johannis  Bleeker,  Johannis  Schuyler,  Wessel  ten 
Broek,  Johannis  Cuyler,  David  Schuyler,  Job.  Rose- 
boom,  Maj.  Dirk  Wessels,  Hend.  Hanse,  Lieut.  John 
Bennet. 

Coll.  Pr.  Schuyler  proposes  to  y°  Gent'n  ye  Information 
of  alderman  David  Schuyler,  lately  come  from  Canida, 
that  Mons.  Marricuer  (a  Gentleman  of  great  Influence 
among  our  Five  Nations)  intends  upon  ye  arrival  of  Mons, 
Callier,  Cheeffe  govern'r  of  Canida,  from  Quebec,  to  goe 
to  Onnondage  and  kindle  his  fyre  there,  as  he  formerly 
hath  done,  and  Believeing  its  only  to  Debauch  our  In- 
dians, desyres  the  opinion  of  yc  Gentlemen  whether  it  is 
not  requisite  to  send  some  fitt  person  or  more  best  ac- 
quainted with  yc  Indians,  besides  ye  Interpreter,  to  pre- 
vent his  Design. 

The  Gentlemen  convened  are  unanimously  of  opinion 


The  City  Records.  133 

that  with  all  Expedition  ye  Gent'n  in  Councill  shall  be  ac- 
quainted with  ye  same,  and  if  persons  shall  be  appointed 
to  goe  thither,  may  be  supplyed  in  station  to  honor  ye 
government,  expecting  there  further  orders  therein. 


Att  a  Mayor's  Court,  held  in  the  Citty  hall  of  Albany  ye 
13th  of  May,  1701. 

Thomas  Williams  atturney  for  Pr.  van  Wuggelum  Plen- 
tive,  Joseph  Janse  Defendant.  [This  case  was  brought 
to  recover  £52,  and  decision  given  for  the  defendant.] 

Before  ye  adjourning  of  y6  Court  ye  Gentlemen  have 
pursuant  to  an  order  of  Councill  dated  ye  8th  of  Aprill, 
1701,  hyred  yc  chamber  and  bedding  of  Elizabeth  widow 
of  Wouter  van  der  Utthoft,  on  ye  north  end  of  her  house 
for  Leif l  M.  Shanks,  for  ye  ensueing  year  from  primo  May 
last  for  ye  summe  of  £9,  upon  ye  king's  account. 

May  20. — It  is  concluded  by  ye  Commonality  (since  yn 
expiration  of  ye  order  on  ye  7th  Instant  to  sett  up  ye  new 
Stockadoes  at  y6  places  appointed  is  not  fulfilled),  there- 
fore for  ye  more  strick  charge  is  thought  requisite  to  sett 
forth  a  proclamation  ordering  such  persons  as  have  neg- 
lected to  sett  up  their  quotas  of  Stockadoes  according  to 
number,  that  the  same  may  be  orderly  planted  in  ye  space 
of  six  days,  or  before  ye  27th  of  this  instant,  upon  penalty 
of  forfeiting  ye  summe  of  three  shillings  for  each  Stocka- 
doe  not  sett  up  as  aforesaid,  for  ye  Behooffe  of  ye  Sheriffe 
who  is  to  see  them  orderly  sett. 

May  27. — Williem  Ketelheyn  :  Alsoo  wy  dagelyks 
Lastigh  gevalle  werden  door  de  woonders  van  uwe  buys 
over  de  unbequaamheyt  van  dien,  de  welke  noodigh 
Reparatie  manqueert.  Derhalve  versoeken  wy  uwe  per- 
soon  alhier  met  spoet  under  onse  Protectie  durende  drie 
dagen,  opdatuwe  huysmaghbequaamgerepareert,  werden 
anders  sullen  genootsaekt  syn  om  hetselve  met  dese  maent 
te  verlaten  sail  hier  mede  verblyve. 
UE  Frient  &  Dienaer, 

Per  order  van  Court, 

RT.  LIVINGSTON  JUN.,  Dep.  Clk. 

N.  B.  Dat  Willem  Ketelheyn  is  gekomen  en  aenge- 
nomen  het  buys  voort  te  Repareeren  &  dien  volgens.  So 


134  The  City  Records. 

blyft  het  in  huyr  van  primo  May  last  tot  primoMay  1702, 
voord  prys  als  voorhene  op  d  Conings  Rekening  indato 
den  15  Novr,  1700  t  wet.en  twaelf  pout  currant  gelt. 

Thomas  Williams  late  sheriffe  makes  request  that  ye 
Boedel  of  Abraham  Poel,  late  deceased,  may  be  adminis- 
tered ;  ye  Gentlemen  in  Court  takeing  ye  same  into  con- 
sideration and  fyndeing  the  Estate  of  so  little  value  that 
it  will  not  bear  to  goe  to  ye  charges  of  letters  of  adminis- 
tration, have  therefore  appointed  Mr.  Wessel  ten  Broek, 
Mr.  David  Schuyler,  aldermen,  together  with  y6  sd  Thomas 
Williams,  to  make  Enquire  of  all  Goods,  Rights  and  Cre- 
ditts  which  to  sd  Deceased  in  his  lifetime  did  appertain, 
ye  same  to  Receive  ye  Goods,  Exposeing  to  Sale  in  Publlck 
vandue,  and  to  pay  all  debts  as  farr  as  ye  same  will  extend, 
and  to  give  account  of  there  administration  to  this  Court 
on  or  before  y6  13th  of  June  next  ensueing,  being  one  year 
and  six  weeks  since  ye  Death  of  ye  sd  Deceased. 

William  by  y6  Grace  of  God  of  England,  Scotland, 
France  &  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  ye  Faith,  &c  ,  Greet- 
ing: Since  complaints  are  made  that  severall  Persones 
Inhabiting  within  this  County  doe  very  much  Diminish  y6 
Rights  and  Priviledges  of  this  Citty  by  Trading  with  In- 
dians contrary  to  the  Charter,  wee  therefore  command  you 
to  make  search  in  the  houses  or  else  vdiere  without  the 
walls  of  this  citty  and  in  y6  County  aforesd,  and  all  such 
Indian  goods  or  merchandize  which  shall  be  found  to  be 
traded  or  trafiqued  with  any  Indian  or  Indians,  together 
with  such  Indian  Commodities,  wither  ye  same  be  Beavers, 
Peltry,  or  other  Indian  Commodities  whatsoever,  [except 
Indian  corn,  venison  and  drest  dear  skins]  to  seize  and  to 
sue  for  y6  same,  which  after  Condemned  shall  be  for  y° 
behooffe  as  ye  Charter  directs. 

Given  in  Albany  this  27th  of  May,  in  yc  13th  year  of 

his  Majesty's  Reign,  annoq.  Do.  1701. 
To  Jonathan  Broadhurst,  high  sheriffe  of  y6 

Citty  and  County  of  Albany,  or  his  deputy. 
Signed  by 

JOHN  JOHNSON  BLEEKER,  Justice. 
JOHANNIS  ABEEL,  Justice. 


The  City  Records.  135 

Present,  Job.  Bleeker,  Recorder,  Job.  Abeel,  Job.  Schuy- 
ler,  Job.  Cuyler,  David  Schuyler,  Job.  Eoseboom, 
Ryer  Schermerhorn,  Capt.  James  Weems,  Jonathan 
Broadhorst,  Sheriffe,  Lawrence  Claese,  Interpreter. 

Message  sent  from  Onondage  (three  days  by  the  way} 
and  brought  here  by  Joseph  the  Indian  and  Cayindagoe, 
this  first  of  June,  1701. 

Says  y*  some  Onondagoe  Indians  being  out  hunting  and 
passing  by  Cadarachqui,  were  informed  by  ye  French  lay- 
ing in  garrison  there,  that  Mon.  Marrecuer  of  Canida  was 
coming  with  three  hundred  men,  which  Indians  were  de- 
syred  to  stay  there  till  his  arrivall,  but  Refused  and  went 
off  a  short  way  to  an  island  where  they  heard  y°  cannon 
fyred  most  part  of  ye  day,  therefore  beleeved  the  said 
Marrecuer  was  arrived  at  Cadarachqui,  as  the  French  in- 
formed them. 

Say  further,  yl  ye  sachems  of  Onondage  have  given  no- 
tice to  all  of  ye  Five  Nations  to  meet  at  Onondage  beleiv- 
ing  ye  sd  Marrecuer  was  coming  to  speak  of  peace. 

The  Gentlemen  appointed  to  manage  ye  Indian  affairs 
are  unanimously  of  opinion  that  some  fitt  persones  be  sent 
with  attendance  and  yc  interpreter  to  Onondage  forthwith 
to  observe  y6  motions  of  sd  Marrecuer,  and  therefore  have 
appointed  Recorder  Job.  Bleeker  and  Alderman  David 
Schuyler,  with  y6  following  Instructions : 

That  they  shall  forthwith,  with  all  speed,  Prepair  for 
Onondage,  taking  the  Interpreter  and  other  necessary  at- 
tendance with  them  as  is  thought  needful,  and  att  there 
arrivall  to  watch  ye  motions  of  Mons.  Marrecuer  of  Canida 
if  he  be  come  there,  and  to  advise  our  five  nations  of  In- 
dians to  stand  firm  by  there  Covenant  so  often  renewed 
with  Corlaer,  and  further  to  manage  as  they  shall  think 
most  Convenient. 

Albany  y6  1st  of  June,  1701. 

May  it  please  your  honor: 

Here  enclosed  is  a  message  sent  from  Onondage,  which 
we  think  to  be  of  great  moment,  have  therefore  thought 
requisite  to  dispatch  the  Gentlemen  with  y6  Inclosed  In 


IB6  The  City  Records. 

struction  to  Onondage.  So  Remaine  your  hon's  most  hum- 
ble servants.     Was  signed.  JOHANNIS  ROSEBOOM, 
JOH.  CUYLER,         JOHANNIS  SCHUYLEB, 
JAMES  WEEMS,       JOH.  ABEEL. 

June  10. — Verthoont  Reventelyke  Johannis  Cuyler,  hoe 
dat  enige  Buyren  in  dese  stadt  Albany  in  d  parrel  straet, 
aen  d  west  syde  van  dien  van  Joh.  Harmensens  tot  syn 
Moeders  Hester  weduwe  van  Harme  Bastianse  salg'r  met 
Malkanderen  hebben,  een  gemeen  Rejoel,  welke  voor 
desen  buyten  stadts  posten  uytwaterde,  dogh  comende  na 
niet  verder  als  een  wynigh  benoerden  gemelde  Cuylers 
buys  alwaer  synde  een  gestadige  waterpoel,  end  Kinderen 
dagelyks  in  gevaer  van  te  verdrinken  versoeke  derhalven 
ooutrnoedige  dat  U  E.  achtb.  gelieve  te  ordineeren  dat 
gemelde  Buyschap  hetselve  Rejoel  Remedieeren  dat  ge- 
melde het  magh  uytwateren  buytende  posten  off  ten  min- 
sten  tot  aen  de  selve,  sodanigh  U  E.  achtb  sail  ordeelen 
bequaem  te  syn,  hier  op  verwagtende  apostille  en  blyve 
altyd,  U  E.  achtb  ootm.  Dienaar, 

Albany,  10  June,  1701.  JOHANNIS  CUYLER. 

The  Court  doe  take  into  Consideration  &  fynding  no 
surveyors  or  waymasters  appointed  for  this  citty  have 
therefore  Resolved  and  appointed  Philip  Freest,  Abraham 
Kip  &  Wr.  Gysbertse  surveyors  as  aforesd,  to  whom  each 
one  yl  fynds  Inconveniencyes  on  ye  streets  or  ways  of  ye 
Citty  can  addresse  themselves  to  said  persones  who  are  to 
order  ye  same  to  be  Rectifyed,  which  sd  persones  are  au- 
thorized in  y'  office  till  yc  14th  October  next. 

June  24. — Since  often  complaints  are  made  by  diverse 
persones  for  want  of  certain  writteings  or  other  instru- 
ments writt  by  Mr.  Adriaen  van  Elpendam,  late  Notaris 
Publiq,  now  in  hand  of  Mr.  John  van  Loon,  alledging  that 
they  can  not  obtain  such  writteings  from  him,  y*  Gentn 
doe  therefore  require  yc  sd  John  van  Loon  to  deliver  to 
this  Court  on  ye  22d  of  July  next,  all  such  deeds,  writte- 
ings and  other  Instruments  as  he  hath  in  hands,  from  sd 
van  Elpendam,  belonging  to  any  Person  or  Persones, 
which  he  is  in  no  ways  to  omitt  dated  ye  day  and  year 
aforesaid. 


The  City  Records.  137 

Att  a  Meeting  of  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Assistance 
in  y"  Citty  Hall  of  Albany  the  1st  of  July,  1701. 

It  is  concluded  by  y6  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common- 
ality that  in  Pursuant  of  ye  severall  Requests  unto  them 
made  by  y6  Minister,  Elders  and  Dyakens  of  y*  Reformed 
Nether  Dutch  Congregation  how  that  ye  Church  of  Albany 
here  in  this  Citty  in  ye  first  warde  in  y6  Jonncker  street, 
by  severall  of  the  members  of  sd  Congregation  was  built 
and  erected  at  there  owne  proper  Costs  and  Charges  Ao. 
1656  and  1657,  and  by  ye  Commonality  is  obtained  in 
there  Charter  graunted  by  y6  late  Gov.  Thomas  Dongan, 
on  y"  22d  of  July,  1686,  they  being  therefore  desyreous  y1 
y6  same  be  released  to  them  and  there  successors  for  ever, 
together  with  a  warrantie. 

The  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  have  therefore 
for  diverse  Causes  and  other  lawful  Considerations  them 
thereunto  moving,  appointed  Mr.  Wessel  ten  Broek,  Mr. 
Job.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Johannis  Roseboom,  aldermen;  Jacob 
Turke,  Lykas  Gerritse  and  Job.  Harmense,  assistance,  to 
see  a  Lawfull  Release  Drawne  in  writteing,  to  the  Minis- 
ter, Elders  and  Deakens  and  there  successors,  in  trust  of 
y*  sd  Nether  Dutch  Congregation  forever,  inserteing  ye 
Breath  and  Lenth  of  sd  Church,  with  an  addition  of  four 
and  twenty  foot  on  y6  west,  and  fifteen  foot  lenth  on  ye 
east  end,  and  as  broad  as  the  Church  is,  and  ordered  y1 
ye  same  shall  forthwith  be  measured  by  Hend.  Ooothout, 
y6  sworne  Surveyor,  who  is  to  return  y  same  under  hand 
and  seale,  and  to  be  recorded  accordingly. 

Att  a  Meeting  of  y°  Justices  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
the  17th  of  July,  1701.  Present -.—John  Johnson 
Bleeker,  John  Bleeker,  Wessel  ten  Broek,  Joh,  Rose- 
boom,  Dirk  Wessels,  Jan  Casperse,  Joh.  Abeel,  David 
Schuyler,  Joh.  Cuyler,  Ryer  Jacobse,  Joh.  Sanderse, 
Casper  Leendertse. 

Whereas  a  Letter  of  the  17th  June  last  from  ye  Gover. 
and  Councill  is  produced  desyreing  to  calkulate  in  an  ex- 
act and  true  manner  the  number  of  males  in  each  towne 
within  our  County  who  are  above  ye  age  of  sixteen  years 
and  under  the  age  of  sixty  years,  and  to  returne  y6  same 


138  The  City  Records. 

either  to  ye  Governor  or  ye  Ceofye  Council],  so  that  y*1 
State  and  Condition  of  this  province,  as  to  that  matter 
may  be  represented  to  his  majesty. 

As  also  that  y°  Payment  to  ye  £1000  Tax  may  be  has- 
tened, together  with  ye  arrears  of  yp  £2000.  In  Pursuant 
to  yc  same  it  is  Resolved  that  each  Justice  in  his  Respect- 
ive warde  shall  in  the  space  of  fourteen  days  Return  or 
Cause  to  be  Returned  an  exact  list  of  the  number  of  males 
as  above  expressed  within  y6  same,  unto  Mr.  Mayor,  to- 
gether with  there  quotas  to  ye  sd<£1000  tax,  as  also  there 
quotas  to  y6  late  Taxe  of  £46  for  y°  Citty  and  County  of 
Albany,  without  delay. 

Att  a  Mayors  Court  held  in  y°  Citty  Hall  of  Albany  y* 
22dof  July,  1701 -.-Present,  Joh.  Bleeker,  Joh.  Cuy- 
ler,  David  Schuyler,  Johans  Roseboom. 
Whereas  on  ye  24th  of  June  last  a  Resolution  was  taken 
requiring  Mr.  John  van  Loon  this  day  to  deliver  to  this 
Court  all  such  deeds,  writteings  and  other  instruments  as 
he  hath  in  hands,  of  other  person  or  persons,  writt  by  Mr. 
Ad.  v.  Elpendam,  which  he  hath  omitted,  it  is  therefore 
Resolved  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  sd  van  Loon  to  ap- 
pear at  yc  next  Mayors,  to  be  held  on  ye  5th  of  Aug.  en- 
sueing,  to  deliver  s'1  writteings  according  to  y6  late  Reso- 
lution      N.  B.  Having  had  no  opportunity  to  send  ye  sd 
warrant  before  yp  5th  of  August,  is  therefore  inserted  in 
sd  warrant  to  appear  on  y6  2d  of  Sept.  next. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  yc  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
ye  23d  of  July,  1701. 

It  is  Resolved  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  the  fyre 
masters  to  goe  rounde  into  each  house  where  fyre  is  kept 
within  this  Citty,  and  wherever  they  fynde  fjTeing  in  un- 
convenient  Houses  or  Backsides  to  cause  yc  same  to  be 
broak  downe  and  yc  owner  fyndc  in  y°  sum  of  6  shillings 
for  ye  behooffe  of  sd  fyre  masters,  who  shall  emmediately 
with  assistance  of  one  or  more  Constables,  make  execu- 
tion for  ye  same,  that  is  in  case  y6  owner  be  unwilling  to 
pay. 


The  City  Records.  139 

July  31. — This  day  the  Release  or  Conveyance  of  y6 
Church  of  Albany  (which  on  y6  1st  of  this  instant  was 
appointed  to  be  drawne),  is  produced.  The  same  after 
being  perused  is  signed,  sealed  and  delivered  by  John 
Johnson  Bleeker,  Esq.,  Mayor  of  this  Citty,  by  and  with 
advice  and  consent  of  the  Aldermen  and  Common  Council, 
to  Mr.  Job.  Lydius,  Minister  of  y"  Gospel  of  ye  Reformed 
Nether  Dutch  Congregation  of  ye  Citty  of  Albany,  Maj. 
Dirk  Wessels,  Anthony  van  Schaik,  Hend.  v.  Rensselaer, 
and  Johannis  Abeel,  present  Elders,  and  William  Claese 
Groesbeek,  Harpert  Jacobse,  Gerrit  van  Ness,  &  Johannis 
Schuyler,  present  Dyakens  of  y6  sd  Congregation  and 
there  successors  forever. 

August  8. — It  is  concluded  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to 
y6  assessors  of  y6  Citty  to  make  an  assessement  of  thirty 
Pounds  upon  all  Inhabitants  within  this  Citty,  and  to 
make  returne  of  ye  same  in  y°  space  of  eight  times  four 
and  twenty  hours  ensueing  y6  date  hereof,  and  then  shall 
be  collected  before  y6  first  of  September  next. 

Att  a  Meeting  of  Justices  &c.  at  y6  house  of  Mr.  J.  J. 
Bleeker  Esq.,  Mayor,  in  y6  Citty  of  Albany,  y6  15th 
of  August,  1701: — Present,  John  Johnson  Bleeker, 
Esq.,  Mayor,  Joh.  Bleeker,  Recorder,  David  Schuyler, 
Jobs.  Roseboom,  Justices,  Capt.  James  Weeras,  Capt. 
John  Bennet,  Leut.  Henry  Holland. 
Luykas  Gerritse  of  y6  Citty  of  Albany  complains  in  the 
Behalfe  of  his  Doghter  Maria,  who  being  yesterday  after- 
noon with  some  Boys  &  Garrels  opposite  to  this  Citty  of 
Albany  over  y°  River  in  y6  woods  gathering  huckelberrys, 
where  she  the  said  Doghter  says  to  be  grievously  mishan- 
dled throw  the  hands  of  three  souldiers,  whereupon  said 
Doghter  was  asked  if  she  knew  them  souldiers.     Who 
answered  not  by  name,  but  beleeved  she  could  know  them 
by  sight.     Then  Capt.  Weems  sent  for  some  of  ye  soul- 
diers who  (as  he  was  informed)  had  yesterday  afternoon 
been  over  y6  River,  and  as  soon  as  ye  sd  Doghter  saw 
David  McDuggel,  and  Rob1  Anderson,  sayd  that  they  were 
two  of  the  Persons  that  struggled  with  her.     Upon  which 
it  is  Resolved  to  summon  a  Jury  of  six  women  to  search 
[Annals  iv.]  13 


140  The  City  Records. 

the  Body  of  said  Doghter,  and  to  see  if  they  could  fynde 
any  syn  of  her  being  Ravished ;  upon  which  was  sum- 
moned,    Tryntje  y6  wife  of  Hend.  Roseboom, 
Catharine  y '  wife  of  Wm.  Gysbertse, 
Angeniett  y°  wife  of  John  Jacobse, 
Marritje  y6  wife  of  Takel  Dirkse, 
Elsie  ye  wife  of  Gerrit  Lansingh, 
Susanna  ye  wife  of  Barent  Bratt. 

Who  were  given  ye  following  oath  by  Mr.  Mayor : 

Ghy  sweeren  by  den  Ewigh  levende  Godt  dat  ghy  vi- 
ziteeren  sullen  het  Lichaem  van  Maria  d  Doghter  van  Luy- 
kas  Gerritse  die  seght  vercraght  te  syn  van  enige  mans 
Persoonen,  en  daer  van  uytslagh  te  geven,  aen  my  off 
ghy  haer  bevind  sodanigh  gehant  harent  te  syn  volgens 
uwe  beste  kenisse :  So  help  U  Godt. 

The  Jury  give  in  there  verdict  y1  they  have  according 
to  oath  vizited  yc  Body  of  y6  said  Doghter  and  fynde  her 
hard  handled  by  some  Persones  by  severall  tokens  of  blew 
marks  on  her  theijs,  but  fynde  no  sign  of  her  being  car- 
nally known  in  body. 

The  verdict  being  read  to  her  father  and  other  of  her 
relations,  them  gives  satisfaction  that  she  is  not  bereaved 
of  her  virginity. 

The  Punishment  for  attempting  her  body  is  referred  to 
ye  marshall  law  (ye  Persons  being  Souldiers),  Capt.  Ben- 
nett and  Leift.  Holland  then  being  present,  promised  to 
see  them  severely  punished  for  ye  same. 

At  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
y6  19th  August,  1701. 

John  Carr,  Plentive,  John  Artcher,  Defendant.  The 
Plentive  demands  of  y6  Defendant  by  Declaration  the 
suinme  of  three  Pounds  tenn  Shillings.  The  Defendant 
ownes  y6  Debt. 

Evert  Janse,  Joh.  Bratt,  Daniel  Bratt,  Hend.  Roseboom, 
Melk1  Melkertse  Jun.,  Ph.  Foreest,  Isaac  Verplank,  Johs. 
de  Wandelaer  Jun.,  John  Rosie,  Bastiaen  Harmense,  Joh. 
Pruyn,  John  Nack. 

The  matter  is  decided  in  ye  presence  of  Capt.  Weems, 
who  oWidges  to  see  the  sd  £3  -.  10  satisfyed  to  y6  Plentive 


The  City  Records.  141 

before  ye  last  of  October  next  ensuing,  with  all  ye  costs  of 
sute  falls  to  ye  charge  of  ye  Defendant. 


Att  a  meeting  of  ye  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and 
Common  Councill,  y6  25th  of  August,  1701. 

The  assessment  for  JE30  upon  y6  Citty  as  was  concluded 
on  y6  8th  instant  to  be  made,  is  now  produced,  and  ap- 
proved off,  and  laid  4J  stuyver  upon  ye  pound,  ordered 
that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  ye  Collector  of  ye  Citty  to 
collect  y6  same. 

Sept.  12. — Mr.  John  Johnson  Bleeker  Esq.,  Mayor  of  ye 
Citty  proposes  in  Common  Councill  y6  insufficientie  of  ye 
Cittys  Stodkadoes  in  case  a  warr  should  break  out  (pray- 
ing God  to  prevent  y6  same)  and  fyndeing  ye  Citty  so  ill 
prepared  with  gates  and  y1  most  of  ye  Stockadoes  are 
broak  down  and  dekayed,  desyreing  the  best  method  may 
be  used  for  y6  better  security  of  ye  same.  Whereupon  is 
Resolved  y1  ye  present  Commonality  doe  tomorrow  morn- 
ing, at  Sone  raise,  goe  rounde  and  vizite  y6  Insufficiency 
of  this  Citty,  so  that  thereby  Calculation  canne  be  made 
what  ye  same  will  require  to  be  made  in  secure  and  de- 
fensive Posture  against  ye  approach  of  an  enemy. 


Att  a  Meeting  of  Mayor,  Aldermen,  Assistants  and  offi- 
cers, and  ye  Antient  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty,  the 
12th  of  Sept.,  1701. 

It  is  by  ye  Commonality  set  forth  ye  Condition  of  ye 
Cittyes  Stockadoes  (how  they  founde  y*  same  this  morn- 
ing) and  thereupon  by  this  meeting  unanimously  con- 
cluded, that  a  Bargain  be  made  with  some  Persones  to 
provide  a  quantity  of  Two  Hundred  Stockadoes,  in  ye 
space  of  Seventheen  days,  or  at  ye  end  of  this  instant 
month  (to  close  up  the  open  places  of  sd  Citty's  Stocka- 
does), for  which  trouble  to  be  satisfied  according  as  ye 
following  Gentlemen  shall  make  agreement  with  ye  la- 
bourers, shall  be  levyed  by  Tax  out  of  this  Citty.  The 
Gentlemen  to  make  sd  aggreement  are,  Mr.  Joh.  Abeel, 
Mr.  Joh.  Roseboom,  aldermen,  Mr.  Garret  van  Ness,  and 
Joh.  Harmense,  assistants. 


142  The  City  Records. 

Alt  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
y"  16th  of  Sept.  1701. 

Lawrence  van  Schaak  vs.  Abraham  Janse.  The  Plen- 
tive  still  demands  of  Defendant  by  Declaration  for  oats 
sowing  upon  some  certain  ground  at  Kinderhook  by  y6 
Plentive,  which  ye  Defendant  hath  carryed  away,  to  y6 
dammage  of  Twenty  Pounds,  with  costs  of  sute,  &c. 

The  Defendant  ownes  to  have  committed  yc  same,  but 
alleadges  that  the  action  can  not  be  tried  at  this  Court, 
being  it  relates  a  title  of  land,  and  therefore  graves  a  non- 
suite.  The  Court  having  taken  the  same  into  Considera- 
tion, and  fynding  that  no  title  of  land  can  be  tryed  at  this 
Court,  doe  therefore  graunt  Judgment  with  nonsuite 
against  ye  Plentive  with  costs  of  sute,  &c. 

Mr.  Johannis  Cuyler  alderman,  and  Johannis  Harmense 
assistant,  doe  produce  a  List  of  Persones  who  have  neg- 
lected to  sett  up  there  quotas  of  new  Stockadoes  on  y6 
south  and  north  side  of  this  Citty. 

Mr.  Verbrugh,  Myndert  Schuyler,  Anthony  van  Schaik 
and  Jacobus  Turke  appear,  and  make  Complaint  how  di- 
vers persones  arrive  from  New  Yorke  and  retail  mar- 
chandize  without  Lycence,  contrary  to  ye  Priviledge  of 
our  Charter,  and  to  ye  great  disadvantage  of  our  Inhabit- 
ants. The  Court  taken  ye  same  into  consideration  and 
ordered  that  y°  Sheriffe  do  fynde  such  person  or  persones 
so  offending,  in  y6  summe  of  £1,  as  yp  Charter  directs, 
for  each  offence,  until  such  time  they  have  obtained  there 
Lycenses. 

Memorandum  of  Freedom  to  such  as  are  not  Dwellers  in 
this  Citty  or  County. 

CITTY  OF  ALBANY  : 

To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  or  may  con- 
cern, Johannis  Bleeker  Esq.,  Recorder  of  Albany,-  in  y6 
absence  of  John  Johnson  Bleeker,  Mayor  of  ye  same, 
sends  greeting:  Whereas  Roeloff  van  Vleck  hath  made 
application  to  be  made  a  freeman  and  Citizen  of  said 
Citty,  these  are  therefore  to  Certify  and  Declare  y'  y6  sd 
Roeloffe  van  Vleck  is  hereby  admitted,  received  &  allowed 
a  freeman  and  Citizen  of  y6  sd  Citty,  to  have,  hold  and 


The  City  Records.  143 

enjoy  the  use  of  his  Trade  or  handy  craft  within  said 
Citty:  Provided  he  Behave  himselfe  as  oyrs  y6  Inhabit- 
ants of  sd  Citty.* 

In  Testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  sett  my  hand 
and  caused  y6  Scale  of  this  Citty  to  be  hereunto  af- 
fixed.   Dated  in  Albany  this  17th  of  September,  in 
y3  13th  year  of  his  majesties  reign,  Ao.  Do.  1701. 
Was  signed,  JOH.  BLEEKER,  Recorder. 

Likewise  a  Lycense  passed  to  Mrs.  Marg1  Verplank,  y* 
20th  day  of  Sept.,  1701,  for  £3;  y6  15th  April,  1702,  re- 
newed to  her  husband,  Mr.  Collins.  To  Pr.  Waldron  and 
Hendrik  Vrooman. 

*  The  price  paid  for  this  naturalization  seems  to  have  been  £1 :4. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 

y61  24th  of  Sept.,  1701. 

Whereas  Complaints  are  made  that  severall  persones 
within  this  Citty  doe  use  trade  or  handycraft  without 
being  qualified  as  freemen  to  doe  the  same,  and  that  on 
y6  27th  of  June,  1699,  a  list  of  such  persons  was  given  in, 
which  by  us  being  perused,  wee  have  taken  out  y6  fol- 
lowing Persons,  vizr. 

Peter  Van  Brugh,  John  Fyne,| 

Edward  Reims,*  Joseph  Janse, 

Luykas  Luykasse,  Jonathan  Bradhorst.t 

William  Hilton,  Gerrit  Ryckse, 

John  Carr,f  Robert  Frothyf 

William  Hogen,|  Job's  de  Wandelaer. 

Jan  van  Heyden, 
*  Lycence  to  Retaile  Liquors.         t  Lycense. 

Are  therefore  of  opinion  that  y6  above,  together  with 
y6  following  persones,  shall  be  discharged  from  using  their 
trade  or  handycraft  within  this  Citty  until  such  time 
have  obtained  their  Lycense :  Provided  them  y1  are  born 
in  ye  Corporation  or  allreacly  obtained  Citty  freedom. 

Pr.  Waldron.       Levinus  Winne,       Hend.  Vrooman. 

Oct.  14. — This  day  being  appointed  by  ye  Charter  of 
this  Citty  for  y6  Aldermen  in  there  respective  Wards  to 


144  The  City  Records. 

make  Return  of  y6  Aldermen,  Assistants,  Assessors,  and 
Constables,  who  return  as  follows: 

In  the  First  Ward. 
Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Johannis  Schuyler,  Jacob  Turke, 

David  Schuyler,  Luykas  Gerritse. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

Anthony  Coster,  Jean  Rosie. 

William  van  Ale. 

Harmanus  Wendel,  Collector. 

The  Second  Ward. 

Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Johannis  Roseboom,        Johannis  Harmense, 
Johannis  Cuyler.  Jonannis  Beekmaiu 

Assessors.  Constable. 

Abraham  Schuyler,          Nicholas  Blake. 
Gysbert  Marselis. 

Stephanus  Groesbeek,  Collector. 

The  Third  Ward.  - 

Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Wessel  ten  Broek,  Johannis  Mingael, 

Johannis  Abeel.  Harpert  Jacobse. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

Evert  Janse,  Pieter  Waldron* 

Frederik  Harmense. 

Jacobus  Schuyler,  Collector. 
Anthony  Bratt,  Treasurer. 

For  Canastageone. 

Jan  Ouderkerke,  Assessor.        Lupyen,  Constable. 
Maes  Ricksie,  Eldert  Ouderkerke,  Path  Masters. 

For  ye  Half  Moon. 

Jan  van  Ness,  Assessor.     Cornells  van  Ness  Constable, 
Ruth  Melgertse,  High  Constable. 

Att  a  meeting  of  y6  JusticesJn  y*  Citty  Hall  y8  14th  of 
October,  1701. 

In  obedience  to  y6  Resolution  made  in  y6  last  Court  of 
Sessions,  on  y6  7th  of  this  Instant,  Peter  Coeyman  doth 
appear,  and  alleadges  that  Hendrik  Dow,  y6  late  Consta- 


The  City  Records.  145 

ble  in  y8  Colony  of  Rensselaerswyk  ommitted  to  give 
warning  unto  severall  Inhabitants  in  said  Colony,  to  ap- 
pear and  make  choice  in  y6  late  Election  primo  June  last 
for  Assessors,  Constable  and  Collector,  to  the  sd  Peter 
Coeymans  disadvantage  of  so  being  chosen  as  Constable, 
notwithstanding  by  y6  Perusal  of  y6  Poll  it  is  found  that 
sd  Coeyman  is  by  majority  of  votes  chosen  Constable  for 
sd  Colony ;  therefore  wee  are  of  opinion  that  sd  Coeyman 
is  to  officiate  the  office  of  Constable  for  s"1  Colony  during 
y6  present  year,  and  that  Hend.  Dow  y6  late  Constable, 
for  so  neglecting  in  giving  warning  to  all  and  severall  y* 
Inhabitants  of  sa  Colony  shall  forfeit  as  a  fyne  y6  summe 
of  twenty  shillings  for  the  behooffe  of  y6  Sheriffe  of  y* 
Citty  and  County  of  Albany. 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common- 
alty y6  6th  of  November,  1701. 

Johannis  Bleeker,  Esq.,  Mayor  of  y6  Citty  of  Albany, 
produces  his  Commission  for  Mayor,  &c.,  and  read  to  y* 
Aldermen  and  Commonality ;  says  to  have  taken  y6  Oath 
in  New  Yorke  to  officiate  y6  office  depending  on  sd  Com- 
mission, whereupon  Capt.  John  Johnson  Bleeker,  y6  late 
Mayor,  delivers  unto  y^  present  Mayor  y6  following  writte- 
ings,  which  unto  y*  said  late  Mayor  were  by  y6  Common- 
ality intrusted,  viz1 : 

Copy  of  y*  Patent  for  y6  Colony  Rensselaerswyk,  bear- 
ing date  ye  4th  of  November,  1685. 

The  Charter  of  y6  Citty  of  Albany  dated  y6  23d  of  July, 
1686. 

The  Transport  of  Peter  van  Brugh,  dated  y6  23d  of 
November,  1697. 

Together  with  a  Dutch  and  English  patent  thereof,  for- 
merly to  his  father,  Johs.  van  Brugh. 

The  Patent  of  Schahkook  dated  y6  29th  of  March,  1698, 
together  with  Transport  of  y6  same,  from  Hendk.  van 
Rensselaer  dated  y6  8th  of  August,  1699. 

It  is  Resolved  by  y6  Mayor,  Aldermen,  and  Common- 
ality y1  whomsoever  of  sd  authority  as  shall  neglect  or 
delay  to  appear  on  certain  hours  as  shall  be  appointed, 
after  y6  warning  given,  shall  forfeit  y6  summe  of  six  shil- 


146  The  City  Records. 

lings  for  each  time  so  neglected,  and  in  case  of  refusal  in 
paying  such  fine,  shall  be  lawful  for  y6  sheriffe  to  strain  y8 
same  upon  there  goods  and  chatties  before  ye  then  next 
meeting,  as  also  y£  ye  aldermen  doe  lay  under  sd  fyne  in 
case  they  neglect  to  appear  timely  on  y6  certain  Mayors 
Courts,  or  depart  ye  Citty  the  morning  when  said  Court 
shall  be  held. 

Nov.  11. — Mr.  Johannis  Lydius  minister,  Anthony  van 
Schaick  and  Hendk.  van  Rensselaer  elders,  in  ye  behalfe 
of  the  Church  Wardens  of  ye  Reformed  Netherdutch  Con- 
gregation of  Albany,  doe  appear  and  verbally  sett  forth 
how  y1  in  Collecting  of  money  for  ye  Ministers  Sallary 
severall  of  said  Congregation  do  refuse  to  contribute  any 
more  thereto,  alleadgeing  that  they  have  no  settled  place 
in  y6  Church  to  sett  on  and  hear  y°  word  of  God. 

Doe  therefore  Request  that  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and 
Commonality  will  be  pleased  to  permit  them  to  appoint 
persones  to  goe  round  by  ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  and 
others  in  ye  County  belonging  to  said  Congregation,  to  see 
what  money  can  be  voluntarily  procured  for  ye  enlargeing 
of  said  Church  for  ye  more  accommodation. 

The  Mayor,  Alderman  and  Commonality  taking  y6  above 
request  into  Consideration,  doe  graunt  y6  same,  Provided 
such  summe  or  summes  of  money  as  so  shall  be  procured 
be  employed  for  ye  use  aforesaid  and  none  else. 

The  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  have  appointed 
ye  following  persones  as  fyre  masters  of  ye  Citty  for  y° 
ensueing  year,  viz1:  Ryer  Gerritse,  Thomas  Williams, 
Abraham  Kip,  Elbert  Gerritse,  Thomas  Harmense,  and 
Gerrit  Ryckse,  who  are  once  in  each  three  weeks  till  y6 
14th  of  October  next  ensueing,  to  goe  rounde  with  y6  assist- 
ance of  one  or  more  Constables,  and  vew  each  house  or 
room  where  fyre  is  held,  and  wherever  a  Chimney  shall 
be  founde  too  foul  or  fyre  keep  in  unconvenient  places,  to 
cause  the  same  to  be  removed  the  owner  paying  as  a 
fyne  3s.  for  y6  behooffe  of  ye  fyre  masters :  who  are  also 
appointed  ye  way  masters  within  ye  limitation  of  the  Citty. 

Mr.  Johannis  Cuyler  alderman,  Johannis  Beekman  as- 
sistant, are  appointed  to  inquire  by  the  Citty  Treasurer 
what  there  is  still  due  of  ye  late  Taxes  and  Lycence 


The  City  Records.  147 

money,  and  to  make  return  the  same  to  Mr.  Mayor  in  the 
space  of  three  days. 

It  is  concluded  that  a  proclamation  be  made  that  no 
person  shall  sell  strong  Liquor  by  Retaile  without  Ly- 
cence,  upon  pain  and  penalty  of  forfeiting  ye  summe  of 
£5,  according  to  act  of  assembly. 

As  also  that  ye  fyre  leathers  and  hooks  be  laid  by  y6 
Church,  and  whosoever  as  shall  presume  to  use  ye  same, 
unless  in  distress  of  fyre,  shall  forfeit  ye  summe  of  3s.  as 
often  as  they  shall  be  used,  for  y6  Behooffe  of  y6  Sheriffe, 
who  is  to  take  care  of  y"  same. 

It  is  concluded  yl  ye  following  persons,  viz*:  Johannis 
Abeel,  Johannis  Roseboom,  Aldermen,  Johannis  Harmense 
and  Harp1  Jacobse,  Assistants,  be  appointed  to  vew  y6 
Stockadoes  lately  brought  by  Tierk  Harmense  &c.,  whe- 
ther y6  same  be  sufficient  and  according  to  agreement, 
and  to  make  returne  of  ye  same  unto  Mr.  Mayor  in  ye 
space  of  three  times  twenty-four  houres  ensueing  ye  date 
hereof. 

Oct.  15. — Pursuant  to  y°  resolution  taken  y6  llth  of 
November  instant,  Alderman  Johaunis  Cuyler  and  Jobs. 
Beekman  Assistant,  doe  return  y1  ye  most  part  of  ye  Taxes 
and  Lycences  are  still  standing  out. 

And  whereas  on  ye  10th  of  October  1699,  an  order 
was  drawn  upon  Capt.  K.  van  Rensselaer,  for  £13:11, 
as  also  an  other  order  upon  Pr.  Vosburgh  and  Jan  Tysen 
for  £15:17: 1,  to  be  paid  unto  Hend.  van  Rensselaer, 
which  orders  wee  y6  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality 
being  uncertain  whether  they  are  accepted  off  by  y6  Per- 
sones  upon  whom  they  are  drawne  as  aforesaid,  doe  there- 
fore appoint  Mr.  Job.  Cuyler,  alderman,  Harp1  Jacobse 
assistant,  to  inquire  and  make  end  of  the  matter,  in  order 
that  y6  sd  Hend.  van  Rensselaer  be  charged  for  y6  same. 

Aldermen  Johannis  Abeel  &  Joh.  Roseboom,  Johannis 
Harmense  &  Harp1  Jacobse  assistant,  pursuant  to  y8 
Resolution  of  ye  other  side,  doe  returne  as  that  they  fynde 
y6  Citties  Stockadoes  delivered  by  Tierke  Harmense,  &c. 
according  to  agreement. 

Nov.  17. — The  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality, 
considering  the  great  neglect  of  diverse  Inhabitants  in  not 


The  City  Records. 

setting  up  their  quotas  of  Stockadoes,  on  y6  south  and 
north  side  of  this  Citty,  according  to  order,  by  proclama- 
tion on  ye  20th  of  May,  1701,  have  therefore  Resolved 
that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  the  Sheriffe  to  strain  the 
summe  of  3s.  upon  y6  goods  and  chattells  of  such  person 
or  persones  for  each  Stockadoe  so  neglected,  according  to 
y6  List  given  in  by  Mr.  Joh.  Cuyler  and  Job.  Harmense, 
on  ye  16th  of  Sept.  last,  who  were  thereto  appointed,  pro- 
vided y6  overplus  be  returned  to  ye  owner. 

It  is  further  Resolved  y1  another  warrant  be  issued  to 
y6  Sheriffe  or  any  of  y :  Constables,  to  collect  y6  arrears 
of  ye  severall  Taxes  on  this  Citty,  lately  given  out  ac- 
cording to  y6  assessments  thereof,  and  whoever  as  shall 
be  founde  unwilling  or  neglecting  to  pay  there  quotas,  to 
strain  y6  same  with  Costs  upon  there  goods  and  chatties, 
the  overplus  to  be  returned  to  ye  owners,  and  that  in  y6 
space  of  48  hours  ensuing  ye  date  hereof. 

It  is  Resolved  by  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen,  Commonality  and 
the  other  gentlemen  present,  that  y6  Citty  Stockadoes 
lately  brought  by  Tierk  Harmense,  &c.,  be  forthwith  sett 
up  in  needful  places  of  y6  Citty  walls,  whereto  Mr.  David 
Schuyler  alderman,  Jacobus  Turke  assistant,  is  appointed 
to  agree  at  y6  cheapest  rate  with  some  fitt  persones  forth- 
with to  sett  up  the  same  in  such  needful  Place  or  Places 
as  shall  be  ordered  them  by  sd  Jacobus  Turke,  who  is  ap- 
pointed overseer  thereof  with  reasonable  allowance  for 
said  duty;  further,  that  Mr.  Mayor  is  allowed  to  pay  y6 
charges  out  of  y6  first  money. 


Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
y6  25th  of  November,  1701. 

Patrick  McGregory  appears  and  humbly  requests  to  be 
admitted  one  Carman  for  this  Citty.  The  Court  taken 
ye  same  into  Consideration  doe  graunt  ye  same :  Provided 
he  first  takes  out  his  Citty  freedom. 


Att  a  Meeting  of  y6  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common- 
ality, ye  25th  of  Nov.,  1701. 

Whereas  Complaints  are  made  y1  diverse  Inhabitants 
doe  refuse  to  pay  such  summe  or  summes  of  money  as 


The  City  Records. 

they  are  indebted  to  y6  2  pr  ct  upon  Indian  go6«fe>  «tod 
3d  upon  each  gallon  Rom  graunted  by  act  of  assembly  to 
y6  Citty  of  Albany  and  County,  to  defray  their  necessary 
[expenses],  which  goods  and  Rom  being  landed  and  re- 
ceived in  there  houses  before  ye  Determination  of  sd  act, 
which  expired  1st  July  last.  The  Mayor,  Aldermen  and 
Commonality,  after  viewing  of  said  act,  take  it  into  con- 
sideration that  such  Person  or  Persones  must  pay  y6  mo- 
ney so  indebted  and  thereto  ordered  y6  City  Treasurer 
to  goe  rounde  and  collect  y6  same,  and  in  case  such  per- 
son or  persones  doe  refuse  to  pay  such  debts,  if  under 
40s.  to  summonse  them  before  any  Justice,  if  above  40s. 
to  sue  for  y6  same  at  y6  next  Mayor's  Court.  Moreover 
Jacob  Turke  and  Harp1  Jacobse  assistants,  are  appointed 
to  assist  said  Treasurer. 

The  Sheriffe,  Jonathan  Broadhurst,  produces  an  ac- 
count of  £4: 12:6,  for  householdship  lost,  which  he  by 
order  of  y6  Mayor  and  Aldermen  had  delivered  in  y6 
Leiv1  Gov.  lodgeing  in  ye  fort  last  July,  desyreing  an  order 
upon  y6  Treasurer  for  y6  same;  which  is  approved  off, 
together  with  an  account  of  Mr.  Abeel  for  £3: 19:  3,  to 
be  paid  by  y6  Citty  and  County.  Also  an  account  of 
Wm.  Hogen  for  15s. 

The  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  have  appointed 
Mr.  Johannis  Abeel,  David  Schuyler  and  Wessel  ten 
Broek,  aldermen,  Luykas  Gerritse,  Job.  Harmense,  and 
Joh.  Beekman,  assistants,  to  view  and  make  up  ye  Citty 
and  Countyes  accounts,  from  y6  14th  of  October  Ao  1700, 
to  y6  14th  of  October  Ao  1701,  and  to  make  return  of  y6 
same  on  y6  next  Mayor's  Court. 

Nov.  29.— The  Ratelwatch,  Jo.  Rateliffe  and  Rob1  Bar- 
rett, doe  continue  Ratelmen  for  y6  ensueing  year,  from  y? 
29th  of  Nov.  1701  to  y6  29th  of  Nov.  1702,  according  to 
y6  last  agreement  on  y6  26th  of  Nov.  1700,  for  £24  and 
80  load  fyre  wood,  ye  money  to  be  paid  quarterly;  the 
watch  they  are  to  hold  in  ye  Burger  Blockhouse,  on  y6 
Parrel  street.  Ordered  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  y6 
assessors  to  make  an  assessment  of  £30  and  80  load  of 
wood,  to  be  laid  upon  y*  inhabitants  of  this  Citty,  and  to 
deliver  said  assessment  to  Mr.  Mayor  next  Mayor's  Court. 


150  The  City  Records. 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
y^  9th  of  December,  1701. 

Anthony  Bratt  Treasurer  versus  Claes  Ripse  van  Dam. 
The  plentive  demands  by  declaration  the  summe  of  £4: 7: 6 
for  350  gallons  Rom,  entered  by  ye  said  defendant  on  y* 
23d  June  last,  due  to  said  Citty  and  County,  for  Imposi- 
tion, as  by  an  act  of  Assembly  expired  y*  first  of  July 
then  following.  The  Defendant  denyes  ye  debt,  alleadg- 
ing  yl  ye  said  act  was  expired  before  ye  Rom  was  consumed. 
The  Jury  called  and  sworne,  viz1,  Wm.  Claese,  Anthony 
van  Schaick,  Elbert  Gerritse,  Jacob  Bogart,  Johannis 
Claese,  Johannis  Luykase,  Levinus  Winne,  Wm.  van  Ale, 
Cornelis  Schermerhoorn,  Johannis  Lansingh,  William 
Gysbertse,  Takel  Dirkse:  who  went  out,  and  came  in, 
gave  a  verdict  that  they  fynde  y6  Defendant  not  obliged 
to  pay  for  what  Rom  he  had  at  y6  expiration  of  sd  act. 
The  Court  doe  approve  of  y6  verdict. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
y6  15th  December,  1701. 

Mr.  Mayor  proposes  desyringy6  opinion  of  y*  Common- 
ality if  it  is  not  requisite  to  issue  a  warrant  to  y°  assess- 
ors to  make  an  assessment  for  as  many  stockadoes  as  will 
require  to  fortifye  ye  Citty  with  y6  new  stockadoes  sett 
up  this  summer.  The  Commonality  are  of  opinion  that 
it  may  be  referred  till  y6  post  arrives  from  New  Yorke, 
which  will  be  about  new  years  day,  alleadgeing  that  per- 
haps wee  may  receive  assured  news  of  ye  continuation  of 
peace,  when  it  will  not  so  necessarily  require  so  great  a 
reparation  in  one  winter. 

The  assessors  have  made  an  assessment  for  y6  Ratel- 
watch  of  money  and  fyre  wood,  being  produced  by  Mr. 
Mayor,  is  approved  off,  and  ordered  that  a  warrant  be 
issued  to  ye  Collector  to  collect  y6  same. 

Further  Resolved  that  warning  be  sent  to  y6  Justices 
in  y6  County  to  appear  in  ye  Citty  Hall,  on  ye  29th  of  this 
instant,  in  ye  morning  at  9  o'clock,  there  to  make  up  y6 
Citty  and  County's  accounts. 

Nov.  29. — Nine  members  of  the  Court  met  pursuant  to 
the  foregoing  resolution,  and  adjourned  to  the  first  Tues- 


The  City  Records.  151 

day  in  February  on  account  of  the  absence  of  some  of  the 
country  members. 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  y°  Citty  Hall  of  Albany , 
ye  20th  of  January,  170^. 

This  day  appeared  before  this  Court  Mr.  John  van 
Loon,  and  hath  delivered  into  the  office  all  such  papers  as 
he  hath  in  his  hands  writt  by  Mr.  Adriaen  van  Elpendam 
relateing  y6  publick,  and  thereby  declared  upon  oath  that 
he  had  no  more  such  in  his  custody. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 

y6  2d  of  February,  170^. 

It  is  concluded  by  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common- 
ality that  part  of  y6  Citty  be  now  repaired  with  stocka- 
does,  viz1,  on  y6  north  side  of  y6  Citty  from  y6  east  side  of 
y6  Burger  Blockhouse,  where  y6  new  stockadoes  ends, 
round  by  ye  main  guarde  to  ye  gate  called  Moyealties 
poert,  for  which  end  Johannis  Beekman  and  Johannis 
Thomase,  assistants,  are  appointed  forthwith  to  calculate 
what  quantity  of  stockadoes  will  require  to  fill  up  y6 
same ;  which  persones  do  return  Eight  hundred.  Ordered 
that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  the  assessors  to  make  an  as- 
sessment upon  ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  for  y6  same, 
and  to  retume  their  assessment  under  hand  and  seale,  to 
Mr.  Mayor,  in  y6  space  of  twice  24  hours.  The  stocka- 
does are  to  be  of  smove  pinne  barke,  13  foot  long,  and  one 
foot  at  y6  small  end. 

Feb.  4. — The  assessors  have  returned  there  assessment 
for  y6  Citty  stockadoes,  laid  upon  ye  Inhabitants  as  an- 
nexed and  concluded  and  resolved  that  warning  be  given 
to  each  respective  inhabitant  by  y6  Constable  or  Consta- 
bles, to  ride  there  quotas,  as  by  y6  Tax  List  doth  appear 
to  ye  north  side  of  y6  Citty,  on  heaps  between  y6  Burger 
Blockhouse  and  y6  north  east  point  of  y6  Citty  wall,  be- 
hynde  y6  widow  Schuyler's,  and  that  in  ye  time  of  this 
instant  month,  and  however  as  shall  be  neglecting  to  ride 
their  qnotaes  in  ye  time  aforesaid,  shall  forfeit  a  fyne  of 
two  shillings  and  three  pence  for  each  stockadoe  not  so 
ride,  and  still  obliged  forthwith  to  fulfil  there  quota. 

[Annals  iv.]  14 


152  The  City  Records. 

Moreover  that  each  inhabitant  are  to  mark  there  stock- 


Albany,  y6  21st  of  Feb.  170£. 

A  Proclamation  proclaimed  that  all  persons  within 
this  Citty  and  County  doe  cause  there  weights  and  mea- 
sures be  adjusted  by  Coenraet  ten  Eyck,  in  ye  space  of 
six  months,  upon  pain  of  forfeiting  ye  sum  of  sixty  shil- 
lings ;  and  whoever  as  shall  send  bags  to  ye  mill  with 
Corn  without  y6  owners  mark  forfeits  ye  bags  for  ye  be- 
hooffe  of  y6  and  sheriffe  ;  y6  sd  Coenraet  is  sworne  this 
day  Eyk  master,  who  is  allow  for  ye  stamp  on  \veights 
Id,  and  on  ye  schepel  9d. 

February  21.  —  Whereas  Mr.  Johannis  Abeel,  Johannis 
Schuyler  and  Johannis  Cuyler,  in  ye  late  sessions  were 
appointed  to  enquire  why  ye  eighteen  pounds  by  y6  Jus- 
tice of  Catskill  and  Coxhacky's  warde  contributed  to  ye 
Citty  and  County's  charges  from  y6  14th  of  Oct.  to  ye 
14th  Oct.  is  so  much  neglected  to  be  paid,  and  to  de- 
termine yc  same,  who  do  returne  report  that  they  pro- 
ceeded in  y6  matter  and  desyred  ye  sd  Justices  and  Col- 
lector to  appear  and  answer  sd  neglect,  who  doe  not  ap- 
pear, only  ye  Collector,  who  pays  £3:12,  and  says  that  ye 
fault  for  not  collecting  ye  rest  of  ye  money  lays  in  y6  Jus- 
tice, who  forbid  him  to  proceed.  The  Commonality  ta- 
ken ye  same  into  consideration,  are  unanimously  of  opin- 
ion that  a  warrant  be  forthwith  issued  to  ye  Sheriffe  to 
attach  Dirk  Teunise  and  Jean  Casperse,  to  appear  before 
our  next  Inferior  Court,  and  answer  to  what  Complaints 
as  shall  be  given  against  them. 


Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Justices  of  the  Citty  and  County 

of  Albany,  y6  7th  of  March,  170| — Present,  Johannis 

Bleeker,  Johannis  Abeel,  Wessel  ten  Broek,  Johannis 

Roseboom,  Johannis  Cuyler,  Dirk  Teunise,   Gerrit 

Teunise,  Peter  Vosburgh,  John  Casperse,  Justices. 

Whereas  wee  and  the  rest  of  the  Justices  of  this  Citty 

and  County,  being  by  yc  Sheriffe  of  this  Citty  and  County 

summoned,  as  to  have  refused  or  delayed  to  take  care 

that  y6  quota  or  proportion  of  y6  £2000  Tax,  and  y0  quota 


The  City  Records.  153 

or  proportion  of  y8  £1000  Tax,  raised  by  act  of  General 
Assembly  of , this  Province,  be  paid  unto  ye  hands  of  ye 
Collector  and  Receiver  General ;  as  also  in  another  order 
to  transmitt  to  ye  Gov.  or  ye  Clerk  of  ye  Councill  of  this 
Province  ye  number  of  males  in  each  respective  Citty  and 
Township  within  ye  sd  County,  above  y6  age  of  16  and 
under  ye  age  of  60  years,  and  therefore  to  appear  before 
y°  Gov.  and  Councill  on  ye  breaking  up  of  ye  ice  in  ye 
River  in  ye  Spring  next,  to  answer  ye  same. 

Wee  have  therefore  inquired  in  ye  matter,  and  fynde 
that  ye  quota  to  ye  =£2000  Tax  being  for  this  County 
,£120,  is  raised,  collected  and  paid  to  Mr.  Hend.  Hanse, 
then  Mayor,  and  that  by  an  account  under  his  hand  ye 
said  £126  is  transmitted  to  S.  V.  Cortland,  in  his  life- 
time Receiver  General,  having  yet  over  and  above  said 
summe  in  hand,  £2: 18:6,  and  4  schepels  somer  Tarwe, 
or  wheat,  as  by  sd  account  doth  appear,  and  therefore  of 
opinion  in  case  said  Mr.  Hanse  doth  not  pay  what  money 
he  hath  still  in  hand  due  to  sd  Tax  before  ye  going  off  of 
ye  first  sloop,  that  then  ye  Gov.  and  Councill  may  be  ac- 
quainted with  y€  same.  N.  B.  They  demand  still  £4: 15: 10. 

As  to  ye  county's  quota  to  ye  £1000  Tax,  being  £60, 
which  is  almost  paid  in,  it  is  resolved  y1  ye  rest  thereof 
shall  be  paid  unto  Mr.  Johannis  Bleeker  ye  present  mayor 
forthwith,  before  any  sloop  goe  off,  and  whoever  Justice 
or  Justices  as  shall  neglect  to  pay  their  full  quotaes  to- 
wards the  same,  to  complain  of  him  to  ye  Gov.  &  Councill. 

As  to  ye  list  of  Males  within  this  County,  as  required, 
was  delivered  in  hands  of  Capt.  John  Johnson  Bleeker, 
late  mayor,  then  going  down  to  New  Yorke,  says  to  have 
given  them  over  with  his  own  hands  to  Mr.  Cozins,  clerk 
of  ye  Councill. 

It  is  further  Resolved,  that  for  ye  future  all  Taxes  laid 
upon  ye  Citty  and  County,  the  warrants  to  be  issued  shall 
be  signed  by  ye  Justices  of  ye  Citty  and  County,  provided 
y6  Justices  of  ye  County  are  to  appear  in  Albany  at  ye 
signing  thereof;  also  that  all  quotaes  or  agreements 
whatever,  by  ye  County  Justices,  each  in  his  respective 
warde,  as  shall  be  due  from  time  to  time,  are  obliged  to 
pay  y6  same  to  ye  Justices  in  ye  Citty. 


154  The  City  Records. 

William,  by  ye  Grace  of  God  of  England,  Scotland, 
France,  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  ye  Faith,  &c., 
Greeting:  You  are  hereby  commanded  to  collect  all  such 
arrears  of  Taxes  as  are  still  behynde  hand,  and  due  to  ye 
King  and  County  from  ye  warde  of  Catskill  and  Coxhacky, 
and  whoever  as  shall  be  founde  neglecting  or  unwilling  to 
pay  there  arrears  of  such  Taxes,  to  strain  ye  same  upon 
there  goods  and  catles,  ye  overplus  to  be  restored  to  ye 
owner;  in  doeing  whereof  this  shall  be  your  sufficient 
warrant.  Given  in  Albany  ye  9th  of  March,  in  ye  13th 
year  of  his  Majesty's  reign,  annoq  Do.  170£. 

To  William  Janse, 

Constable  and  Collector  of  Catskill  and  Coxlmcky,  to  be  served  forthwith. 

JOHANNIS  BLEEKER, 
JOH.  ABEEL, 
JOH.  SCHUYLER, 
JOH.  CUYLER, 
JOH.  ROSEBOOM, 
WESSEL  TEN  BROEK, 

bis 

GERRIT  -J-  TEUNISE, 

mark. 

DAVID  SCHUYLER, 
DIRK  TEUNISE, 
JAN  CASPERSE, 

Justices. 

Att  a  meeting  of  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common 
Councill  in  Albany,  the  31st  of  March,  1702. 

It  is  Resolved  that  a  Proclamation  be  made  to  Ring  ye 
hogs  belonging  to  this  Citty,  in  there  noses,  in  ye  space 
of  thrice  24  hours,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  ye  same,  as 
also  that  each  Inhabitant  doe  remove  there  fyre  wood 
from  ye  streets,  and  to  lay  ye  timber  wood  together,  be- 
fore y6  first  of  May  next  ensueing,  upon  penalty  of  for- 
feiting for  each  day  after  primo  May  not  so  removed,  ye 
summe  of  three  shillings,  and  that  ye  Constables  be  not 
neglecting  by  turns  to  goe  round  and  see  that  ye  Sabbath 
day  be  not  Broak,  which  proclamation  is  accordingly  pro- 
claimed. N.  B.  Ye  fynes  herein  contained  are  to  be  for 
ye  behooffe  of  ye  Sheriffe. 


The  City  Records.  155 

Capt.  James  Weemms  presents  to  y6  Hon.  Coll.  Peter 
Schuyler,  one  of  His  Maj.  Honorable  Councill  for  y6 
Province  of  New  Yorke,  &c.,  and  to  y6  worshipful  y6 
Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  the  Citty  of  Albany,  ye  pre- 
sent State  and  Condition  of  His  Maj's  Souldiers  posted 
in  this  Garrison  of  Albany,  viz1. 
Gentlemen : 

The  good  of  his  maj's  Service,  together  with  your  own 
Interest  and  Security,  doth  oblige  me  in  behalfe  of  his 
maj's  Companies  posted  here  and  at  Schenectady,  to  let 
you  know,  that  it  is  now  seventheen  weeks  since  any  sub- 
sistence has  been  remitted  to  them,  and  am  now  at  my  last 
shifts,  with  course  to  take  for  y6  supporting  of  them,  hav- 
ing already  advanced  every  penny  I  had,  and  pawned 
both  moveables  and  credit  as  far  as  it  will  goe,  for  there 
Relieffe  before  I  would  be  troublesome  to  you,  and  hitherto 
to  a  wonder  neither  outrage  or  dammage  has  been  done 
to  any  of  his  maj's  Subjects,  by  either  garrison,  tho  at 
present  to  my  certain  knowledge,  many  of  ye  souldiers 
are  reduced  to  Bread  and  water;  and  Gentlemen  it  is  al- 
together out  of  my  power  to  assist  either  officer  or  soul- 
diers, having  already  done  to  the  utmost  of  my  power  for 
his  maj's  Service,  so  that  it  now  remains  only  in  you  gen- 
tlemen to  take  our  Case  into  your  serious  Consideration, 
and  see  what  is  most  expedient  for  his  maj's  Interest  and 
the  present  support  of  both  garrisons,  until  some  other 
can  be  taken  which  is  all  I  can  offer  or  say  but  that  I 
am, 

Gentlemen, 

Your  most  humble  servant, 

JAMES  WEEMMS. 
Albany,  March  y6  2T,  1702.- 

In  pursuant  of  y6  above  Remonstrance  y6  mayor,  alder- 
men and  assistants  have  resolved  to  ask  Joh.  Groenendyk 
if  he  would  be  pleased  to  deliver  y6  first  quarters  rent  of 
ye  accise,  being  £42: 10,  expired  y6  28th  of  February  last, 
towards  y6  payment  of  ye  garrison,  and  that  Coll.  Schuyler 
Capt.  Weems  and  ye  sd  mayor,  aldermen  and  assistants, 
would  give  bond  to  indemnify  him,  who  after  a  Consider- 


156  The  City  Records. 

ation  condescended  to  ye  matter,  provided  that  an  assign- 
ment of  Richard  Hill  on  Capt.  Bennett,  being  £3,  should 
therein  be  axcepted  as  part  of  payment,  and  in  case  any 
dammage  should  accrue  on  y*  persons  so  signing  yl  yc 
Citty  should  be  layable  to  satisfye  ye  same. 

Att  a  Meeting  of  ye  Justices  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
y*  3 1st  of  March,  1702. 

In  pursuant  to  ye  late  summonse  from  Gouverneur  and 
Councill  as  entered  on  ye  7th  Instant,  it  is  concluded  that 
Mr.  Johannis  Cuyler  Esq.,  alderman,  shall  in  ye  behalfe 
of  y*  rest  of  ye  Justices  for  ye  Citty  and  County  of  Albany, 
addresse  himselfe  to  his  honor  ye  governeur  and  Councill 
to  ask  there  pardon  in  neglecting  the  former  orders,  as 
also  that  he  shall  take  along  to  New  Yorke  ye  remainder 
of  ye  £2000  Tax,  being  £4:15:10;  likewise  y6  Citty  and 
Countys  quota  to  ye  £1000  Tax,  being  £60,  or  as  much 
as  shall  be  ready,  to  deliver  ye  same  to  his  maj'es  Col- 
lector and  Receiver  Genii  for  ye  Province  of  New  Yorke, 
together  with  a  letter  to  the  governeur. 

Att  a  Meeting  of  ye  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  y°  Citty  of 
Albany,  ye  28th  of  April,  1702. 

This  day  Joh.  Groenendyk  produces  a  Deputation  to 
receive  his  maj'es  quit  rents  in  this  County  and  Ulster, 
and  hath  under  oath  faithfull  to  doe  y6  same,  together 
with  y6  oath  of  aleadgence  and  supremicy,  signing  ye  Test 
and  association. 

The  Mayor  proposes  ye  setting  up  of  y*  Citty  Stocka- 
does.  It  is  first  concluded  y1  ye  Constables  in  there  re- 
spective wards  shall  goe  rounde  and  appoint  each  inha- 
bitant to  shew  him  there  stockadoes,  which  they  were 
taxed  to  ride,  and  that  then  each  warde  shall  sett  up  there 
stockadoes  so  taxed,  beginning  with  y6  first  warde  on 
Monday  ye  3d  of  May  next,  then  y6  2tf  and  3d  warde. 

May  6. — Agreed  with  Mr.  Cuyler,  Joh.  Beekman,  and 
Melgert  Melgertse,  to  sharp,  squair  and  sett  up  in  good 
order  y6  new  Stockadoes,  Ride  by  y6  Inhabitants  for  ye 
Citty,  on  ye  place  appointed  on  ye  north  side  of  ye  Citty, 
also  to  close  ye  places  left  open  ye  last  year,  wherefore 


The  City  Records.  157 

they  are  to  have  for  each  Stockadoe  so  sett  up,  six  pence 
currant  money.  And  that  an  assessment  be  laid  on  ye 
Inhabitants,  and  raised  for  that  purpose  forthwith,  and  yl 
y*  old  Stockadoes  doe  remain  to  y6  Citty. 

May  20th. — The  assessors  having  returned  there  as- 
sessment of  £20:5:6,  which  is  by  Mr.  Mayor  produced, 
and  by  ye  commonality  approved,  doe  order  that  warrant 
be  forthwith  issued  to  ye  assessors  for  ye  speedy  collecting 
of  ye  same,  in  ye  space  of  six  dayes  ensueing  ye  date  hereof. 

May  30. — Whereas  Complaints  are  made  that  severall 
Persones  inhabiting  within  this  county  doe  very  much  di- 
minish ye  Eights  and  Priviledges  of  this  Citty,  by  Trade- 
ing  with  Indians  in  ye  County,  contrary  to  y6  Charter  of 
the  Citty,  it  is  therefore  concluded  that  Wessel  ten  Broek, 
Johannis  Cuyler  and  David  Schuyler,  aldermen,  doe  on 
Monday  next,  being  ye  first  of  June,  convein  and  vizite  ye 
Charter  of  said  Citty,  and  order  a  warrant  to  be  drawne, 
as  the  said  Charter  directs,  against  such  Tradeing  in  ye 
said  County. 

The  Proclamation  for  ye  Indian  Trade  is  made  and  or- 
dered to  be  published,  as  formerly,  only  altered  ye  fine  for 
ye  receipt  of  Indians  into  ye  houses,  that  it  shall  be  upon 
each  Indian  or  Squae,  and  that  all  ye  fines  are  for  y6  be- 
hooife  of  ye  Commonality  one-third,  and  for  ye  Sheriffe 
two-thirds,  to  sue  for  ye  same ;  excepting  y1  y*  fine  for 
Trading  on  ye  Sabbath  day,  which  is  for  such  as  shall  sue 
for  y6  same. 

Moreover  there  is  inserted  that  no  Indians  shall  be 
Ride  or  brought  nearer  than  ye  upward  Indian  house, 
upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  nine  shillings  for  ye  behooffe  of 
ye  Sheriffe.  This  is  published  ye  3d  of  June,  is  as  follows, 

[Here  follows  a  proclamation  very  similar  to  those  on 
p.  108,  vol.  ii,  and  p.  13,  14,  vol.  iii,  of  these  Annals.] 

It  is  further  concluded,  y1  each  Inhabitant  shall  Ring 
there  hoggs  in  there  noses,  to  prevent  damage  in  y6  Com- 
mons, as  also  to  remove  there  Fyre  Wood  from  ye  Streets 
y1  in  ye  space  of  Eight  Days  ensueing  ye  Date  thereof, 
upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  such  hoggs  not  Ringed,  and  fire 
wood,  for  ye  behooffe  of  ye  High  Sheriffe  of  ye  said  Citty 
and  County,  who  is  to  sue  for  ye  same. 


158  The  City  Records. 

Given  in  Albany  ye  30  day  of  May,  in  ye  14th  year  of 
his  majesties  Reign,  Ao  Do  1702.  God  Save  The  King. 

June  3,— Leiv1  Matthew  Schanks,  Henry  Holland,  and 
Richard  Brewer,  officers  of  his  maj'es  Garrison  posted  at  Al- 
bany, doe  appear  in  Common  Councill  and  sett  forth  how 
that  the  Mayor,  Recorder  and  Aldermen  of  the  Citty  of  New 
Yorke,  in  consideration  of  his  maj's  signall  favors  to  this 
Province,  in  sending  over  such  number  of  forces  for  ye 
defence  of  said  Province,  have  graunted  unto  y6  Officers 
and  Souldiers  posted  in  his  maj  'es  fort  at  New  Yorke ;  doe 
therefore  desire  that  this  Commonality  will  take  ye  same 
into  there  consideration,  and  admitt  ye  Officers  and  Soul- 
diers now  belonging  to  ye  companies  posted  at  Albany 
aforesaid  in  like  manner  there  freedom  of  this  Citty. 

The  above  desire  is  taken  in  Consideration,  and  doe 
adjourn  this  Common  Councill  till  towards  y6  evening  at 
one  half  hour  Sonne. 

In  y°  evening  y6  Common  Councill  being  convened,  Mr. 
Mayor  desyres  that  it  may  be  again  adjourned  for  eight 
days  longer,  which  by  y°  Recorder  being  put  to  y6  vote, 
the  major  votes  are  that  the  matter  desyred  may  be  an- 
swered as  well  now  as  over  eight  days,  and  therefore  are 
of  opinion  that  ye  Common  Councill  doe  proceed. 

Whereupon  ye  Recorder  desyres  the  opinion  of  ye  Com* 
mon  Councill  whether  ye  officers  and  souldiers  posted  here 
at  Albany  shall  be  admitted  freemen  of  this  Citty,  and  how. 

The  major  votes  are  of  opinion  that  there  freedom  be 
graunted  gratis,  and  that  ye  mayor,  recorder  and  aldermen 
or  ye  mayor  or  any  three  aldermen,  doe  administer  unto 
them  the  oath  of  a  freeman,  and  graunt  them  certifi. 
cates  thereof  under  the  Seale  of  the  Citty,  and  that  the 
Town  Clerke  register  there  names  as  freemen  accordingly, 
any  former  Law  to  the  contrary  in  any  wise  notwjth- 
Standing. 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
the  18th  of  August,  1702. 

Upon  y°  request  of  Coll.  Peter  Schuyler  in  y6  behalfb 
of  his  Mother,  Mrs.  Margaret  Schuyler,  on  ye  16th  instant 
ft  warrant  was  issued  to  ye  Sheriffe  to  fetch  y6  negroe 


The  City  Records.  159 

Tarn,  belonging  to  Claes  van  Bockhorne  ?  who  is  accused 
to  have  received  severall  goods  and  money  from  the  two 
negroe  women  of  said  Mrs.  Schuyler,  who  have  taken  ye 
same  from  her,  whereupon  ye  said  negroe  Tarn  appears 
here,  and  being  examined  confesses  to  have  received  money 
from  y6  said  negroe  woman,  but  hath  sometime  thereafter 
delivered  y6  same  to  ye  negroe  of  Johannis  Beekman,  ye 
Court  are  thereof  of  opinion,  since  he  hath  returned  said 
money  that  he  or  his  master  shall  be  pay  the  Charges 
fallen  thereon,  in  the  meantime  the  said  negroe  .shall  re- 
main y6  custody  of  y6  Sheriffe  till  such  time  he  hath  re- 
ceived satisfaction. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Al- 
bany the  18th  of  August,  1702. 

It  is  proposed  by  the  Recorder  that  his  Excellency  My 
Lord  Cornbury,  observing  ye  Gutter  from  ye  Spring  water 
into  ye  fort  well  decayed,  offers  in  case  ye  Inhabitants  will 
provide  wood  sufficient,  his  excellency  then  will  be  at  the 
charge  to  bore  ye  same,  in  order  that  a  lasting  gutter  may 
be  laid  before  ye  foundation  of  y*5  fort  wall  there  be  built. 
This  being  taken  into  Consideration,  the  Commonality 
are  unanimously  of  Opinion,  and  thereupon  Resolve  to  de- 
liver such  w'ood  to  y6  use  aforesaid  from  ye  spring  through 
y6  fort,  and  as  far  as  ye  east  bounds  of  the  said  fort,  hav- 
ing appointed  Johannis  Abeel,  Recorder,  and  Joh.  Schuyler, 
alderman,  to  endeavor  and  agree  with  my  lord  to  have  y? 
wood  bored  and  laid  so  far  as  aforesaid  Resolved,  and 
further  for  sd  persones  appointed  to  agree  with  some  fitt 
person  or  persones  to  Ride  said  wood  at  ye  cheapest  Rate. 

Resolved  that  a  Tax  of  one  hundred  pounds  be  laid 
upon  ye  Corporation,  and  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  ye 
assessors  to  make  an  estimation  of  ye  Estates  within  said 
Corporation,  and  to  return  y6  same  under  there  hands  and 
seales  in  ye  space  of  three  times  twenty-four  hours,  and 
then  said  assessment  be  collected  by  ye  Collector,  before 
ye  first  of  Sept.,  1702. 

Aug.  26. — The  assessors  have,  according  to  a  warrant 
of  y6  18th  instant,  delivered  to  Mr.  Mayor  an  estimation 


160  The  City  Records. 

of  the  Estates  within  this  Corporation,  which  is  now  by 

Mr.  Mayor  here  produced,  amounting  ye 

1st  warde  to,  -    £2652 

2dwarde,  -  .         -  1958 

3d  warde,     -         -         -         -  1294 


£5904 

Whereupon  is  Resolved  and  Laid  upon  each  pounde  four 
pence  half  penny,  and  ordered  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to 
y6  Collector  to  collect  yc  same,  in  ye  space  of  five  days,  or 
before  primo  .September  next  ensueing. 

It  is  further  Resolved,  fynding  ye  Citty  Stockadoes  so 
much  out  of  Repair,  and  y°  Gates  all  lying  open,  that  Mr. 
Johannis  Abeel  shall  forthwith  employ  persones  to  make 
and  fix  up  ye  Gates  of  said  Citty  in  good  order,  before  ye 
y°  Stockadoes  can  be  orderly  closed,  and  that  Mr.  Mayor 
and  Alderman  Schuyler,  Alderman  Roseboom,  and  Luykas 
Gerritse,  shall  supply  materials  to  close  y"  Gardine  or 
Citty  fence,  where  Creeks  run  throw  y°  same. 

Aug.  29. — It  is  Resolved  that  the  Supperior  Officers  of 
this  Citty  shall  give  ( warning  to  the  Inhabitants  of  there 
Companies,  viz1 :  The  Troops  under  Command  of  Capt. 
Schuyler,  and  ye  other  two  Companies  under  Command 
Capt.  Wessel  ten  Broek  and  Capt.  Mynd1  Schuyler,  and 
to  each  other  men  and  wedows  of  this  Citty,  not  under 
command  of  Companies,  to  appear  on  Monday  next,  being 
y°  31st  instant,  in  ye  morning  at  6  a  clock,  at  such  place 
or  places  as  yc  officers  shall  cause  to  be  warned,  then  and 
there  to  repair  the  Citty  walls,  upon  penalty  of  forfeit- 
ing ye  summe  of  6s.  currant  money. 

Sept.  2. — Ordered  that  the  following  Proclamation  be 
proclaimed,  viz1:  By  authority  aforesaid,  and  Justices  of 
y°  County. 

A  Proclamation. 

Whereas  wee  are  sencible  of  ye  dayly  visitations  of 
Almighty  God  to  our  neighbours  of  New  Yorke,  with  great 
sicknesse  and  sudden  death,  altho  lesse  punishment  than 
they  or  wee  have  deserved,  yet  not  to  withstand  ye  hand 
of  Almighty,  but  as  much  as  in  us  lyes  to  shune  any  ill 
distemper,  wee,  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen,  and 


The  City  Records.  161 

Commonality,  and  Justices,  doe  hereby  Publish  and  Pro- 
hibite  that  no  Person  or  Persones,  either  with  Sloop, 
Boat,  Canoe  or  other  Vessell,  shall  from  hence  depart  to 
New  Yorke,  except  it  be  an  Expresse,  and  that  no  per- 
son or  persons  shall  in  like  manner,  or  any  other  way, 
come  from  New  Yorke  to  this  Citty,  nearer  than  y"  Island 
called  Bearen  Island,  twelve  miles  to  y"  south  of  this 
Citty,  and  there  to  remain  till  further  order  from  us, 
and  also  that  no  wolling  .goods  be  landed  from  ye  sloop 
or  vessell  of  Peter  Bogardus  late  arrived,  or  any  other  ves- 
sells  that  arrives,  as  they  will  answer  to  y"  contrary  on 
there  outmost  perill. 

Sept.  15. — Mr.  Hendrik  Roseboom,  Sexton  of  this 
Citty,  appears  in  Common  Councill  and  desyres  they  will 
be  pleased  to  confirm  him  in  that  office,  which  being  taken 
in  consideration,  is  granted  him  according  to  his  former 
authorization. 

Sept.  18. — It  is  Concluded  that  Hend.  Roseboom  be  paid 
out  of  ye  late  Tax  of  £100  for  his  Services  ye  late  year 
expired  primo  August  last,  -  £10 

To  Turk  Harmense,      -         -         -  5;16:9 

To  Dirk  van  der  Heyden,  -         -         -     18:  9:9 
To  Rob1  Livingston  Junior,  10 

To  Anthony  Bratt,      ....     5 
To  James  Parker,  ...         5 

To  Mrs.  Marg1  Schuyler  ye  whole  what  is  due  to 
her,  having  appointed  Mr.  Johannis  Cuyler, 
and  Rob1  Livingston  Jr.,  and  Anthony  Bratt  to 
ballance  her  account. 


Att  a  Meeting  of  y°  Justices  of  y°  Citty  and  County  of 
Albany,  y6  21  September,  1702: — Present,  Johannis 
Rleeker,  Johannis  Abeel,  Johannis  Cuyler,  Johannis 
Roseboom. 

Dirk  van  der  Heyden  appears  and  informs  that  his 
Broyr  in  law,  Pawlus  Miller,  being  in  this  County,  is  in- 
formed of  ye  late  Proclamation  against  any  persones  from 
New  Yorke  to  come  nearer  this  Citty  than  Bearen  Island, 
therefore  humbly  makes  application  to  be  permitted  into 
this  Citty.  The  Justices  are  of  opinion,  since  his  Excell. 


162  TK6  City  Records, 

my  Lord  Cornbury  is  dayly  expected,  that  said  Paulus 
Miller  shall  remain  there  in  y6  County  where  he  now  is, 
till  his  Excellency's  arrival  here. 

Leiv*  Henry  Holland  makes  application  to  ye  Mayr,  Re- 
corder &  Alder'n,  that  they  will  be  pleased  to  appoint  two 
persones  to  take  an  Inventary  of  ye  Estate  of  Edward 
Reimes,  late  Souldier  under  Command  of  Capt.  Weems, 
and  freeman  of  this  Citty,  deceased,  who  accordingly  have 
appointed  Johannis  Groenendyk  and  Rob1  Livingston  Ju- 
nior to  take  Inventory  of  ye  sd  Estate,  and  appraise  y6  same. 

Sept.  22.— 'Ordered  that  ye  following  warrant  be  en* 
tered,  viz1: 

Citty  of  Albany:  Anne  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  England 
Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  Queen,  Defender  of  the 
Faith,  &c.,  to  ye  Sheriffe  of  ye  Citty  and  County  of  Albany 
or  his  Deputy,  greeting:  Wee  command  you,  that  since 
Wee  are  informed  yl  severall  persones  do  presume  contrary 
to  yc  late  Proclamation  to  come  within  ye  limits  of  sd  pro- 
clamation, yl  all  persons  that  have  entered  ewithin  ye  sd 
limitation  or  whatsoever  person  or  persones  as  hereafter 
shall  enter  within  ye  same,  to  take  such  person  or  persones 
into  your  custody,  there  to  remain  until  such  time  they 
give  sufficient  security  for  there  appearance  to  answer 
that  contempt  at  y°  then  next  Court  of  Sessions,  wherein 
you  are  in  no  ways  to  omitt.  Dated  in  Albany  this  22d 
of  Sept.  in  yc  first  year  of  her  maj's  Reign,  Ao  Do  1702. 

JOHANNIS  BLEEKEB,  Justice, 
JOHANNIS  ABEEL, 
JOHANNIS  ROSEBOOM, 
JOHANNIS  CUYLER. 

Albany  ye  14th  of  October,  Ao  1702.— This  day  being 
appointed  by  the  Charter  of  this  Citty  for  the  Aldermen  of 
there  respective  Wards  to  make  Return  of  the  Aldermeni 
Assistants,  Assessors,  and  Constables,  who  Return  as 
follows,  viz't 

In  the  First  Warde. 
Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Johannis  Schuyler,  Jacob  Turke, 

David  Schuyler.  Luykas  Gerritse. 


The  City  Records.  163 

Assessors.  Constable. 

Johannis  Gerritse,  Stephanus  Groesbeek. 

William  van  Alle. 

Claes  Luykase,  Collector. 

The  Second  Warde. 
Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Johannis  Roseboom,         Johannis  Beekman, 
Johannis  Cuyler.  Johannis  Harmense. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

Elbert  Gerritse,  Myndert  Roseboom. 

Warner  Carstense. 

Isaac  Verplank,  Collector. 

The  Third  Warde. 
Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Hendrik  Hanse,  Ruth  Melgertse, 

Johannis  Mingacl.  Frans  Winne. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

Gerrit  van  Ness,  Ary  Oothout. 

Dirk  Bratt. 

Jacob  Schuyler,  Collector. 
Anthony  Bratt,  Treasurer.     John  Rosie,  High  Constable. 

For  Canastageone. 

Dirk  Bratt,  Constable.     Cornelis  Tymese,  Assessor. 
Maes  Rickse,  Claes  Gerritse,  Path  Masters. 

For  ye  Half  Moon. 

Elbert  Harmense,  Asses'r.    Jacobus  Skoonhoven  Const'e. 
Jan  van  Ness,  Path  Master. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Al- 
bany, ye  29th  of  October,  1702  -.—Present,  Johannis 
Abeel,  Recorder,  Johs.  Schuyler,   David   Schuyler, 
Johs.  Roseboom.  Johs.  Cuyler,  Hend.  Hansen,  Johs. 
Mingael,  Jacob  Turke,  Luykas  Gerritse,  Johs.  Beek- 
man, Ruth  Melgertse,  Frans  Winne. 
The  Recorder  proposes  that  a  vessel  may  be  admitted 
to  Convoy  doune  y"  Representatives  to  Kings  County.  Ye 
Justices  are  of  opinion  and  doe  permitt  y°  same  to  goe 
doune  and  come  directly  up  to  Albany,  provided  ye  master 
of  y6  sd  vessel  or  any  oyer  passenger  y1  goes  with  him  doe 
[ Annals  iv.]  15 


i64  The  City  Records. 

not  goe  into  New  Yorke.  Ye  sd  master,  William  van  Ale, 
oblidges  himself  on  his  perrill  that  if  any  of  sd  passen- 
gers goe  into  New  Yorke,  they  or  none  else  from  thence 
shall  enter  again  on  his  board,  and  further  ye  sd  master 
is  on  his  arrivall  into  this  County,  if  any  persones  on  his 
board  befalle  sick  thereon  by  ye  way,  to  stop  at  Beeren 
Island  till  further  order,  otherwise  admitted  to  come  di- 
rectly up  to  the  Citty.  Johs.  van  Ale  upon  his  Request 
desyres  y6  same  priviledge,  oblidgeing  himselfe  in  like 
manner,  which  is  so  graunted. 

The  Recorder  desyres  y"  opinion  of  y°  Commonality 
whether  they  think  requisite  that  a  Gate  to  ye  south  of 
y°  fort  be  sett  up,  or  je  place  shutt  too.  Y'  major  votes 
are  to  sett  up  a  new  gate. 

Nov.  24. — Since  Complaints  are  made  that  ye  Burger 
Blockhouse  is  in  want  of  fyrewood,  and  whereas  severall 
persones,  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty,  have  neglected  to  Ride 
there  quota  of  wood  to  ye  same.  It  is  therefore  Resolved 
that  all  and  every  person  so  neglecting  shall  Ride  there 
sd  quotas  to  ye  sd  Blockhouse  in  space  of  five  days  after 
y6  date  hereof,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  ISd.  and  still 
oblidged  to  deliver  sd  wood. 

It  is  Resolved  by  yc  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality 
that  whosoever  of  said  authority  as  shall  neglect  or  delay 
to  appear  on  certain  hours  as  shall  be  appointed,  after  y  • 
warning  given,  shall  forfeit  ye  summe  of  six  shillings  for 
each  time  so  neglected,  and  in  case  of  refusal  in  paying 
such  fyne,  shall  be  lawfull  for  ye  Sheriffe  to  strain  ye  same 
upon  there  goods  and  chattels  before  ye  then  next  meet- 
ing, as  also  that  y"  Aldermen  doe  lay  under  said  fyne  in 
case  they  neglect  to  appear  timely  on  ye  certain  Mayor's 
Courts,  or  depart  ye  Citty  y°  morning  when  said  Court 
shall  be  held. 

The  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  have  appointed 
y"  following  Persones  fyre  masters  and  way  masters 
within  y  Citty  for  ye  ensueing  year,  viz1 :  Levinus  Winne 
and  Anthony  Coster,  Pr.  Mingael  and  Rynier  Myndertse, 
Barent  Bratt  and  Jan  Corn.  Visselaer,  who  are  once  in 
each  three  weeks  till  y6  14th  of  October  next,  to  goe 
round  with  y*  assistance  of  one  and  more  Constables,  and 


The  City  Records.  165 

vew  each  House  and  Room  where  fyre  is  held,  and  where- 
ever  a  Chimney  shall  be  founde  too  foul,  or  fyre  keep  in 
unconvenient  places,  to  cause  y"  same  be  removed,  ye 
owner  paying  as  a  fyne  3s.  for  ye  behooffe  of  ye  sd  fyre 
masters,  to  whom  a  warrant  shall  be  directed. 

Proclamation  is  given  out  against  Retailing  without 
Lycence,  which  is  Prohibited  on  penalty  of  five  pounds. 

As  also  that  ye  fyre  leathers  and  hooks  shall  not  be  ta- 
ken from  ye  Church  where  they  are  ordered  to  bo,  upon 
penalty  of  3s.  for  y6  behooffe  of  ye  Sheriffe,  who  is  ordered 
to  take  care  of  ye  same. 

Dec.  8. — [Present,  the  mayor,  recorder,  and  all  the  al- 
dermen and  assistants.]  Resolved  that  1550  Citty  stock- 
adoes  of  pain  wood,  and  two  hundred  load  of  fire  wood 
be  assessed  on  y6  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty,  between  this 
and  the  12th  of  this  Instant.  And  that  ye  same  stocka- 
does  be  in  length  13  foot,  and  at  ye  thinnest  end  one  foot 
square,  as  formerly,  and  them  to  be  Ride  between  this 
and  y°  first  of  February  next,  each  quota  on  there  re- 
spective number,  within  y"  Toun  stockadoes,  also  ye  fire 
wood  to  be  brought  at  y°  guards  where  it  shall  be  ordered, 
and  in  case  of  neglecting,  to  pay  for  each  stockadoe  ye 
fine  of  18  pence,  and  for  each  Load  of  Wood  3s.  to  ye 
behooffe  of  y"  Sheriffe,  and  that  a  warrant  shall  be  di- 
rected for  ye  assessement  accordingly. 

[Then  follows  the  warrant  in  the  usual  form.] 

Resolved  that  Johannis  Schuyfer,  Hend.  Hansen  and 
Johannis  Cuyler,  aldermen,  Luykas  Gerritse,  Johannis 
Beekman  and  Ruth  Melgertse,  assistance,  doe  inquire  to 
y-  accounts  of  Citty  and  County,  by  Anthony  Bratt  Trea- 
surer, and  that  they  bring  their  Report  in  Common  Coun- 
cill  on  ye  next  Court  Day. 

By  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  Assistance  of  the 
Citty  of  Albany. 

These  are  to  forbid  all  Retailers  in  this  Citty  that  they 
shall  not  presume  to  sell  any  Strong  Drink  to  any  of  y3 
Souldiers  belonging  to  Her  Maj.  Garrison  here,  or  to  re- 
ceive them  unto  their  Houses  after  nine  of  y6  Clock,  or 
Taptoe,  in  ye  night  time,  upon  Penalty  for  each  offence 


166  The  City  Records. 

twenty  shillings  Currant  Money  of  this  Province,  to  y* 
Behooffe  of  yc  Sheriffe.     Given  in  Albany  this  8th  day  of 
December,  in  ye  first  year  of  her  maj'es  Reign,  Ao  1702. 
God  save  the  Queen. 

ANNE  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  England,  Scotland, 
France,  and  Ireland,  Queen,  Defender  of  ofy"  Faith,  &c., 
to  y?  Sheriffe  ofy?  Citty  and  County  of  Albany,  greeting  : 
Wee  Command  you  to  summonse  Twelf  good  and  Lawful 
Men  to  Inquire  to  y"  Body  of  Jacob  van  Noorstrant  Junr, 
now  deceased,  how  he  came  to  his  End,  and  to  bring  there 
Verdict  upon  Oath  under  Hand  and  Seale,  unto  Me. 
Herein  you  are  in  no  ways  to  omitt  upon  Perrill.  Given 
in  Albany  this  8th  of  December,  in  y°  first  year  of  Her 
Maj'es  Reign,  Annoq  Dom  ,  1702. 

ALBERT  RYKM.,  Crooner. 
To  Jacob  Turke  Esq.,  High  Sheriffe  of  ye 
Citty  and  County  of  Albany. 

Gerritt  van  Ness  of  y"  Citty  of  Albany,  aged  about  57 
years,  declared  on  ye  Holy  Evangelists  upon  oath,  that 
this  day  about  three  of  the  Clock  in  y6  afternoon,  he  was 
into  y ;  Woods  on  Shinnechtady  Road  in  this  County  of 
Albany,  with  one  Jacob  van  Noorstrant  Junr,  deceased, 
and  that  y°  Deponent  was  Cutting  of  a  pine  three,  like- 
wise was  y°  said  Jacob  Cutting  to  another  Pine  Three 
close  one  to  an  other,  and  that  when  y'  Three  of  y6  De- 
ponent was  falling  doune,  he  called  to  sd  Van  Noorstrant 
and  saith,  Jacob,  Jacob;  at  which  Moment  the  tree  ofy" 
sd  Jacob  V.  Noorstrant  was  also  falling  doun.  And  y°  sd 
Jacob  did  runn  under  ye  tree  of  y  Deponent  just  in  y" 
falling,  in  so  much  that  yc  aforesaid  tree  of  yc  Deponent 
strook  y"  said  Jacob  V.  Noorstrant  to  Dead  by  his  acci- 
dent, and  further  sd  not. 

Gerritt  Van  Ness  Junr,  the  sonn  of  Hend.  v.  Ness,  of 
y6  Colony  of  Rensselaerswyck,  in  y1  County  aforesd,  aged 
about  one  and  twenty  years,  declared  upon  oath  that  he 
was  Present  in  ye  falling  of  sd  two  threes,  and  confirming 
y°  above  Deposition  of  Gerritt  van  Ness  his  uncle. 

Sworn  in  Albany  the  9th  day  of  December,  1702,  before 
mee,  ALBERT  RYCKMAN,  Justcs. 

JOH.  CUYLER,  JuSteS. 


The  City  Records.  167 

Wee  underwritten  Jury,  being  upon  oath,  bring  in  our 
Verdict  of  ye  body  of  Jacob  van  Noorstrant  Junr  decd,  and 
doe  find  that  the  said  Jacob  came  to  his  Dead  accidently 
by  cutting  of  Pine  Three  into  the  Woods  on  Shinnechtady 
Road,  in  the  County  of  Albany,  as  witnesse  our  hands 
and  seales  in  Albany  this  8th  day  of  Dec.  [&c.],  1702. 
[Signed]  Anthony  van  Schaick,      William  Groesbeeck, 
Pieter  Mingael,  Thomas  Harmensen, 

Johannis  Dewandlaer,      Hend.  Vroman, 
Barent  ten  Eyck,  Gerrit  Rycksen', 

William  Jacobsen,  Johannis  v.  Vechte, 

Warnaer  Karsteiisen,  Harmanus  Wendel. 
Dec.  14. — The  Tax  Lists  of  the  three  several  wards  of 
this  Citty  for  1550  Toun  stockadoes,  and  200  load  of  fire 
wood,  according  y°  Resolution  of  ye  8th  instant,  being 
brought  in  and  approved  of  ye  same,  and  Resolved  that  a 
Proclamation  be  published  as  following: 

By  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  Assistants  of  ye 
Citty  of  Albany, 

These  are  in  Her  Maj'es  name  to  give  notice  to  all  y* 
Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  that  each  of  them  doe  finde  or 
Ride  their  quota  of  one  thousand  five  hundred  and  fifty 
Toun  Stockadoes,  and  two  hundred  load  of  fire  Wood, 
between  this  and  the  first  of  February  next,  the  said 
Stockadoes  to  bee  of  yaloe  Pine,  and  in  length  thirteen 
foot,  and  one  foot  square  at  the  thinnest  end,  as  formerly, 
and  that  the  same  bee  Ride  each  quota  on  their  respective 
number  within  the  Walls  of  this  Citty;  the  first  Person 
or  Numbres  in  the  first  ward  is  to  lay  them  where  y"  new 
ones  last  Spring  were  left,  being  on  y"  north  of  y6  Geat 
by  Harme  Gansevoort,  and  so  southerly  along  with  ye 
Sunn,  and  at  y1  end  of  said  Ward  ye  Second  is  to  begin, 
and  at  y6  end  thereof  ye  Third  Ward  is  to  follow  accord- 
ingly, and  that  every  one  shall  bee  oblidged  to  produce 
there  Stockadoes  after  y*  first  of  February  aforesaid,  and 
to  Ride  y6  firewood  sufficient  loads  at  ye  Guard,  where  it 
shall  bee  ordered,  with  notice  thereof  before  unloaded  to 
y"  Constables  in  there  respective  Wards,  who  are  hereby 
required  to  take  notice  accordingly,  within  ye  time  afore- 


J68  The  City  Records. 

said,  and  in  case  of  neglect  of  y°  Inhabitants  or  others 
concerned,  to  pay  as  a  fine  for  each  Stockadoe  y6  summe 
of  18  pence  Currant  Money  of  this  Province ;  also  for 
each  load  of  fire  Wood  soo  neglected  3  shillings  like  mo- 
ney, for  ye  behooffe  of  y6  Sheriffe.  Given  in  Albany  this 
14  Day  of  December,  in  the  first  Year  of  Her  Maj's 
Reign,  Annoq  Domini,  1702. 

God  Save  the  Queen. 

Mr.  Johannis  Cuyler  having  produced  to  Mr.  Mayor  an 
Order  of  His  Excellency  ye  Governour  and  Councill  dated 
y°  17th  of  December  last,  for  ye  collecting  of  all  quit  rents 
due  to  Her  Majes.  in  ye  Citty  and  County  of  Albany, 
doth  therefore  demand  ye  quit  rents  dew  by  ye  Charter  of 
this  Citty,  dated  ye  22d  July,  1686,  at  one  Bever  Skinn  on 
yc  25th  March  annually.  Also  y°  quit  rents  of  ye  Patent 
from  Hend.  Van  Renselaer  of  Schaahkook  Land  to  ye 
Citty,  dated  y6  29th  of  March,  1698,  at  16  shillings  Cur- 
rant Money  yearly. 

Johannes  Abeel,  Recorder,  Hend.  Hansen  and  Johannis 
Cuyler,  Aldermen,  are  appointed  to  bee  a  Committee  to 
inquire  by  all  ye  former  Mayors  respectively  if  any  pay- 
ment since  sd  Charter  was  made,  and  to  bring  theire  Re- 
port in  Common  Councill  before  ye  first  of  January  next 
ensueing. 

Dec.  22. — Johannis  Schuyler  and  yc  rest  of  ye  Com- 
mittee appointed  yn  8th  instant  doe  bring  their  Report  of 
y*  Debts  of  this  Citty  and  County  on  a  sheet  Paper,  now 
delivered  in  Common  Councill,  of  which  is  Concluded  to 
be  layd  before  ye  Justices  of  sd  Citty  and  County. 

By  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  of 

the  Citty  of  Albany.  A  Proclamation. 
Whereas  Complaints  are  made  of  ye  disorderly  Rideing 
in  this  Citty,  also  of  ye  firing  in  Uncapable  Houses,  and 
other  Places,  and  that  no  care  bee  taken  of  ye  fire  and 
ashes  which  are  carried  out  yc  dwellings ;  likewise  that 
severall  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  doe  presume  to  take 
Hay  and  other  Long  Feed  for  their  Cattle  unto  their 
Houses  and  other  inconvenient  Places,  all  contrary  to 
former  Proclamations  respectively.  Wee  therefore  doe 


The  City  Records.  169 

Renew  all  former  orders  of  y°  Premises  in  full  power  and 
vertue  upon  y6  penalty  of  fines  therein  expressed,  to  y6 
behooffe  of  yc  Sheriffe.  Given  [&c.]  Dec.  22,  1702. 

Att  a  Mayors  Court  held  in  y°  Citty  Hall  of  Albany  the 
29th  of  January,  170|. 

Johannis  Cuyler,  Plentive,  Ryer  Schermerhoorn,  John 
Baptist  [van  Eps],  John  Wemp,  Defendants. 

Coonraet  ten  Eyck,  Hend.  Vroman,  Anthony  v.  Schaick 
Barent  ten  Eyck,  William  Claese,  Gerrit  Rycksen,  Johs. 
D.  Wandelaer,  Tho.  Harmense,  Harmanus  Wendel,  Le- 
vinus  Winne,  Peter  Mingael,  William  Jacobse.  [Jury.] 

The  Plentive  demands  by  Declaration  for  y6  behooffe 
of  her  majes.  ye  quit  rents  of  a  Certain  Patent  whereof 
the  Defendants  are  the  Patenties,  of  land  belonging  to  ye 
toune  of  Shinnechtady,  yc  quantity  of  160  bushels,  being 
4jaers  quitt,  at  40  bushels  per  annum.  Thomas  Wil- 
liams, attorney  for  Ryer  Schermerhoorn  and  John  Wemp, 
defendants,  in  there  behalfe,  and  John  Baptist  for  himself, 
informs  that  ye  sd  Defendants  have  Petitioned  to  his  Ex- 
cellency y6  Governour  and  Councill  for  releeve  in  said 
Quitt  Rent,  and  therefore  prays  that  the  action  may  be 
referred  till  an  answer  on  sd  request.  [Consented  to.] 

Melg1  Wynantse,  Plentive,  Effie  Hanse,  Defendant. 
The  Plentive  by  his  Atturney  John  Collins,  demands  by 
Declaration  96  Gilders  in  Beavers  and  2  schepels  of  wheat. 
The  Def l  by  her  sonn  Hend'k  Hanse  alledges  that  ye  at- 
turney  is  not  empowered  by  ye  Plentive  Melg1  Wynants, 
and  therefore  desyres  nonsuit,  which  is  by  ye  Mayor,  Re- 
corder and  Aldermen  taken  into  consideration  and  graunt- 
ed  accordingly. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
y6  19th  of  Jan'y,  170|. 

It  is  Resolved  that  an  assessement  be  layd  on  ye  Inha- 
bitants within  ye  limits  of  this  Citty  for  1600  Load  of 
Sand,  either  with  slees  or  carts,  to  be  Ride  to  fill  up  ye 
burying  place  of  ye  Citty. 

In  pursuance  of  ye  Resolution  of  ye  14th  December  last 
Johannis  Abeel  Recorder,  Hend'k  Hansen  and  Johannis 


170  The  City  Records. 

Cuyler,  Alde'n,  having  inquired  by  all  y°  former  Mayors 
of  this  Citty  of  Albany,  also  by  yc  books  of  ye  several 
Treasurers  thereof,  and  doe  fynde  y6  payment  towards 
her  Maj'es  quitrent  of  our  Charter  of  sd  Citty  till  y"  25th 
of  March,  1693,  and  no  further,  being  at  one  Beaver  skin 
per  annum ;  and  that  no  payment  of  quitrent  as  yet,  not 
.made  on  ye  Patent  from  Hen'k  van  Rensselaer,  of  Land  at 
Shaahkook,  dated  ye  29th  of  March  1698,  the  same  being 
a  sixteen  shillings  Currant  Money  yearly  on  ye  25th  day 
of  March. 

It  is  therefore  Concluded  by  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and 
Commonality,  that  John  Abeel,  Recorder,  Joh.  Cuyler, 
Alderman,  and  Jacob  Turke,  Assistant,  doe  buy  on  ac- 
count of  said  Citty,  Tenn  good  Beaver  skins,  to  be  paid  out 
of  ye  Citty  Treasury ;  also  to  receive  out  of  y6  same  four 
pounds  Currant  money;  and  that  ye  said  Beavers  and 
Money  both  be  paid  unto  Johannis  Cuyler  aforesaid,  on 
y6  25th  of  March  next  ensueing,  he  being  Impowered  to 
collect  her  Maj'es  quitrent  here,  it  being  in  full  for  quit- 
rent  of  y"  Charter  and  Patent  aforesaid,  to  y6  25th  March 
1703,  inclusive. 

Mr.  John  Abeel  informs  that  he  hath  hyred  the  hynde 
Chamber  of  Philip  Schuyler  for  lodging  for  Leiv1  Charles 
Congrove,  to  primo  May  next  ensueing,  for  £2:14,  to  be 
payd  by  y*  Province,  if  not  so  then  to  be  payd  by  ye 
Citty. 

But  considering  ye  sd  Congrove  not  having  full  bedding 
ye  sd  Abeel  undertakes  to  supply  ye  sd  Congrove  with  a 
pair  of  sheets,  one  pair  of  Pillows  and  two  Blankets,  pro- 
vided he  be  freed  from  yc  quartering  of  any  soldiers  till 
such  time  yc  sd  Bed  Cloaths  be  returned,  and  in  case  they 
be  damnifyed,  y°  magistrates  doe  promise  to  endeavor  for 
satisfaction. 

Coll.  Peter  Schuyler  produces  a  mortgage  on  ye  Land 
of  Shaahkook,  signed  with  y6  hand  and  seale  of  one  In- 
dian (therein  sett  forth  as  right  owner  to  sd  land),  called 
taspelalet  allias  Murhank,  for  y5  quantity  of  60.^  Beaver 
skins,  20  Otters,  25  Vissers,  and  10  Martens,  and  since 
[The  record  is  incomplete.] 


The  City  Records.  171 

Att  a  Meeting  of  y6  Justices  of  ye  Citty  and  County  of 
Albany,  the  19th  of  January, "l70|-.:— Present,  Alb1 
Ryckman,  Jonn  Abeel,  Hend'k  Hanse,  Johs.  Rose- 
boom,  David  Schuyler,  Johs.  Cuyler,  Johs.  Mingael, 
Killiaen  van  Renselaer. 

This  day  being  appointed  for  ye  assessors  of  y6  Citty 
and  County  of  Albany  to  give  in  there  Returnes  of  an 
Estimation  of  ye  severall  Estates  within  ye  Citty  and 
County  aforesaid,  according  to  ye  severall  warrants  to 
them  directed,  towards  ye  raising  of  ye  sd  Citty  and  Coun- 
tyes  quota  to  ye  £1800  and  £2000  Taxes,  whereupon  y1 
following  assessors  have  returned,  viz1:  [the  places  for 
the  sums  are  left  blank  in  the  book.] 

Since  y"  assessors  of  ye  Citty  and  County  doe  not  agree 
over  ye  severall  estimations  it  is  resolved  by  ye  sd  Justices 
yt  ye  sd  assessors  doe  forthwith  meet  and  produce  there 
sd  severall  estimations  to  one  an  other,  and  to  form  them 
in  equall  proportions,  and  make  returne  of  ye  same  to 
Mr.  Mayor  tomorrow. 

Jan.  20. — The  Assessors  of  yc  Citty  and  County  of  Al- 
bany, aforesaid  being  as  above  recommended  to  a  meeting 
and  to  produce  to  onother  ye  severall  estimations,  and  to 
form  them  in  equall  proportions,  have  accordingly  meet 
and  doe  returne  as  follows,  viz1: 

The  Citty  of  Albany  for  -  £3190 

The  Colony  of  Rensselaerswyk.  -  2050 
Shennechtady,  ....  2000 
Kinderhook,  ....  900 

Catskill  and  Coxhacky,  -  -  -  1000 
Canastageone,  ....  400 

The  Half  Moon,  ....  275 
Patkook, 400 

£10215 


Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  y°  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
ye  16th  February,  170£. 

Johannis  Cuyler,  Plentive,  Ryer  Schermerhoorn,  John 
Baptist  van  Eps,  John  Wemp,  Defendants.  The  Plentive 
demands  by  Declaration  as  followeth,  viz1 : 


172  The  City  Records. 

City  of  Albany :  To  y"  worshipfull  Mayor  and  Alder- 
men of  ye  Citty  of  Albany.  Johannis  Cuyler  of  ye  Citty 
of  Albany,  Impowered  by  his  Excellency  ye  Govenor  and 
Councill  of  Her  Majes.  Province  of  New  York,  to  collect 
and  receive  her  majes.  Quitt  Rents  of  ye  County  of  Albany 
complains  against  Ryer  Schermerhoorn,  Jan  Baptist  van 
Eps  eldest  sonn  and  heir  of  John  van  Epps,  deceased, 
and  John  Wemp  eldest  sonn  and  heir  of  Myndert  Wemp, 
deceased,  Patenties  of  a  Certain  Patent  dated  ye  2  of  No- 
vember, 1684,  and  saith  that  whereas  yc  said  Ryer  Scher- 
merhoorn, Jan  Baptist  van  Eps,  and  John  Wemp  are 
indebted  unto  Her  Majes.  for  ye  Quitt  Rent  of  ye  Land 
&c.,  in  sd  Patent  since  ye  25th  of  March,  1698,  untill  ye 
15th  of  March,  1702.  four  years  at  forty  bushels  of  Wheat 
per  annum,  being  one  hundred  and  sixty  bushels  of  Wheat, 
which  quantity  of  Wheat  ye  sd  Johannis  Cuyler  hath  de- 
manded from  ye  said  Ryer  Schermerhoorn,  Jan  Baptist 
van  Eps,  and  John  Wemp,  to  wit  on  ye  9th  of  December, 
on  ye  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
two,  and  often  afterwards ;  But  ye  sd  quantity  of  Wheatt 
to  deliver  y6  said  Ryer  Schermerhoorn,  Jan  Baptist  van 
Eps  and  John  Wemp  hath  altogether  Referred,  and  as  yet 
doth  Referred;  Whereupon  yc  sd  Johs.  Cuyler  says  that 
Her  Majes.  hath  Damage  to  ye  value  of  32  Pounds  currant 
money  of  ye  sd  Province,  &c.  Thereof  bringeth  this  sute 
&c.  The  Defendants  not  appearing  to  defend  there  cause 
the  Plentive  desyres  Judgment  may  passe  against  ye  De- 
fendants, for  y"  arrears  of  Quitt  Rent,  according  his  De- 
claration, the  which  being  taken  in  consideration  by  y6 
mayor  and  aldermen  doe  graunt  Judgment  accordingly 
with  costs  of  sute ;  whereupon  ye  Plentive  desyres  execu- 
tion, which  is  Referred  till  next  Court  day. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  yc  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 

ye  23dofFeb'y,  170|. 
Mr.  Pr.  van  Brugh  appears  in  Common  Councill  and 

gives  in  yc  following  Petition,  viz1: 

To  y"  worshipfull  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  As- 
sistants of  ye  Citty  of  Albany:  The  humble  Petition  of 
Peter  van  Brugh  of  ye  said  Citty, 


The  City  Records.  173 

Humbly  sheweth : 

That  your  Petitioner  hath  on  ye  1 1th  November  last 
bought  y'  corner  house  and  lott  of  grounde  formerly  be- 
longing to  his  father  and  mother  in  law,  Henry  and  Anna 
Cuyler,  deceased,  situate,  lyeing  and  being  here  in  ye  sd 
Citty  of  Albany,  in  ye  first  warde,  on  ye  south  side  of  y6 
Jouncker  street,  towards  ye  hills,  containing  in  breadth 
on  ye  front  sixteen  foot  or  thereabouts,  wood  measure, 
and  whereas  your  Petitioner  doth  intend  to  erect  a  suffi- 
cient house  thereon.  Your  Petitioner  therefore  humbly 
prays  your  worshipfull  Commonality  to  sell  unto  your 
Petitioner  eight  foot  of  ground  adjoining  to  ye  west  of  yc 
said  corner,  in  length  as  ye  aforesaid  lott,  if  not  hindered 
by  ye  Rounds  passage,  and  your  Citty  Stockadoes,  where- 
fore your  Petitioner  is  willing  to  pay  a  reasonable  Price 
for  ye  same,  and  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray,  &c. 
Signed  PIETER  VAN  BRUGH. 

Albany  y6  23d  of  February,  170£. 

The  Commonality,  taking  y6  above  Petition  into  con- 
sideration, have  appointed  four  out  of  y6  Common  Councill 
to  vew  sd  Ground,  who  have  brought  Report  that  sd 
Ground  is  not  prejudicial  to  ye  Citty.  The  Commonality 
have  therefore  bargained  and  sold  unto  ye  sd  Peter  van 
Brugh  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  eight  foot  of  Ground 
adjoining  to  ye  west  of  y6  sd  Corner  House,  and  in  length 
as  y6  lott  of  y6  sd  Corner  House,  if  not  hindered  by  ye 
Citty  Stockadoes,  y6  sd  van  Brugh  paying  therefore  to  ye 
sd  Citty  Tenn  Pounds  five  shillings  Currant  Money,  and 
y6  Charges  for  drawing  yc  Transport,  which  is  ordered  to 
be  drawn  up. 

Mr.Myndert  Schuyler,   appears  in  Common    Councill 
and  gives  in  y"  following  Petition,  viz1 : 
To  the  Worshipfull  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  As- 
sistants of  yc  Citty  of  Albany,  The  humble  Petition  of 

Myndert  Schuyler  of  ye  sd  Citty, 
Humbly  sheweth : 

That  heretofore  a  certain  small  lane  hath  been  used  by 
yc  Public  here  in  ye  Citty  of  Albany,  on  y°  south  side  of 
y6  Jouncker  street,  between  ye  great  house  and  lott  for- 
merly of  Gerrit  Banker  Deceased,  now  belonging  to  your 


174  The  City  Records. 

petitioner,  and  ye  house  and  lott  of  Evert  Banker,  sonne 
and  administrator  of  ye  said  deceased,  which  land  stretched 
from  ye  front  towards  Rutten  kill,  almost  to  nothing,  and 
is  supposed  to  belong  to  ye  citty  aforesd. 

Your  petitioner  therefore  humbly  prays  your  worshipfull 
Mayor,  Recorder  &  Alderman  now  convened  in  Common 
Councill  to  take  ye  matter  into  your  serious  consideration 
and  to  release  ye  ground  between  sd  house  and  lott  of  your 
Petitioner  and  ye  house  and  lott  of  Evert  Banker  aforesd, 
unto  your  Petitioner  for  ever,  he  paying  what  you  shall 
think  Reasonable.  And  your  pet'r  shall  ever  pray,  &c. 
Signed,  MYND'T  SCHUYLER. 

The  Mayor.  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  Assistance,  take- 
ing  yc  above  Petition  into  Consideration,  have  agreed  with 
ye  sd  Myndert  Schuyler  to  Release  y6  ground  petitioned 
for,  he  paying  to  ye  Citty  yc  summe  of  three  pounds,  and 
oy'r  charges,  to  wit,"  yp  Release,  which  is  ordered  to  be 
drawne. 

•  It  is  Resolved,  That  a  new  Bridge  be  made  over  Rutten 
Creek  where  the  old  lays,  by  Coll.  Schuyler's  house,  in 
all  haste,  Mr.  Mayor  having  undertaken  to  see  materials 
procured  for  ye  same,  and  to  agree  with  workmen  to  make 
said,  taken  to  his  assistance  any  aldermen  or  assistance 
of  this  Citty. 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
ye2d  of  March,  I70f. 

David  Schuyler  &  Thomas  Williams,  administrators  of 
y6  Legacys  of  Abraham  Nicols,  late  deceased  intestate, 
doe  appear  in  Court,  giving  in  an  account  of  there  admi- 
nistration, whereby  the  sd  Legacy,  amounting  to  £6:1,  ye 
charges  of  his  funeral,  &c.,  to  £8:16:6,  so  that  there  re- 
mains indebted  £2:15:6,  wherefore  yc  Court  have  drawne 
assignments  to  be  paid  by  ye  County  of  Albany. 

March  16. — The  humble  Petition  of  Gerrit  Luykasse, 
of  y°  sd  Citty,  humbly  sheweth :  How  that  your  Petitioner 
understands  that  your  worshipful  Commonality  hath  been 
pleased  to  dispose  by  sail  some  small  matter  of  ground 
towards  yp  hills,  and  whereas  a  little  ground  thereabouts 
would  bee  very  convenient  to  your  Petitioner,  since 


The  City  Records.  175 

dwelling  near  ye  same.  Your  Petitioner  doth  therefore 
humbly  pray  your  worshipful  Commonality  to  sell  unto 
your  Petitioner  eight  foot  of  ground  adjoyning  to  ye  west 
of  ye  lott  of  ground  lately  sold  by  your  worshipful  Com- 
monality to  Mr.  Peter  van  Brugh,  and  in  length  thirty 
foot,  or  as  ye  sd  lott  of  grounde  if  not  hindered  by  y6 
Citty's  Stockadoes,  wherefore  your  Petitioner  is  willing 
to  pay  a  reasonable  price  for  ye  same,  and  as  in  duty 
bound  shall  ever  pray,  &c.  GERRIT  LUYKASSE. 

Upon  ye  above  Petition  ye  Commonality  have  appointed 
Mr.  Jon's  Schuyler,  Johan's  Mingael,  ald'n;  Jacob  Turk, 
Ruth  Melgertse,  assistance,  to  make  a  vew  if  so  much 
grounde  can  be  conveniently  spared,  who  give  Report  that 
there  lays  eight  foot  of  grounde,  breadth,  and  thirty  foot 
grounde  length,  that  without  any  hindrance  to  the  Rounds 
passage  or  the  Citty  Stockadoes. 

Mr.  Peter  van  Brugh  appears  in.  Common  Councill  hum- 
bly desyreing  (that  since  he  is  informed  that  a  petition  is 
entered  that  eight  foot  of  ground  and  thirty  foot  length  to 
ye  west  of  his  lott  of  grounde  lately  bought  of  y6  Citty 
may  be  sold)  that  he  ye  sd  van  Brugh  may  have  y6  first 
priviledge  to  buy  y°  same,  or  else  to  y6  highest  Bidder  be- 
tween him  and  y6  Pet'r  yl  petitions  for  ye  sd  grounde. 

Whereas  'Mr.  Chas  Congroove  hath  made  application 
to  be  made  a  freeman  and  citizen  of  this  Citty,  which  ye 
Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  Assistance  taking  in  con- 
sideration, have  granted  gratis,  provided  he  pay  the 
clerk's  fees. 

The  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  Assistance,  putting 
to  ye  vote  whether  they  think  convenient  to  expose  said 
ground  as  requested  to  saile,  who  have  resolved  to  sell  y* 
same,  and  thereupon  called  Gerrit  Luykasse  and  Mr.  Pr. 
Brugh,  and  sold  unto  said  Gerrit  Luykasse  eight  foot  of 
ground  to  y"  west  of  ye  lott  of  ground  lately  sold  to  Mr. 
Pr.  van  Brugh  from  y6  Citty,  and  in  length  southwarde 
thirty  foot,  always  provided  that  now  or  hereafter  it  be  no 
hindrance  for  y6  Rounds  passage  and  ye  Citty  Stockadoes, 
he  y"  sd  Gerritt  Luykasse  paying  therefore  y6  summe  of 
tenn  pounds  five  shillirlgs,  currant  money,  with  ye  Clark's 
charges,  &c.,  for  drawing  a  Transport. 

[Annals  iv.]  16 


176  The  City  Records. 

Whereupon  y*  sd  Gerrit  Luykasse  further  prays  in  case 
hereafter  any  other  ground  to  ye  west  of  y6  said  lott  he 
layed  out  to  be  sold,  that  he  may  he  y6  first  previledge  to 
buy  ye  same.  Which  graunted  accordingly. 

Att  a  meeting  of  y6  Justices  of  y6  Citty  and  County  of 

Albany,  y6  30th  of  March,  1703. 

Mr.  Johannes  Abeel  produceth  an  account  of  what 
money  he  hath  received  from  the  respective  collectors  of 
ye  Citty  and  county  of  Albany,  towards  y*  quota  to  y6 
J61800  tax,  viz1. 

From  y6  Col'r  of  y6  first  warde,     -        -     £17:5 
ye  second  warde,      -        -  14: 
ye  third  warde,     -         -       10  :  1  :  4 
from  Schinnechtady,         -         -   28  :  8  :  5 
from  ye  Colony  Rensselaerswyk,  29:  5 
from  Kinderhook,  -       13:2:9£ 

the  Half-moon,  -  -  -  2:15:3 
Canastagione,  -  -  -  4:1:1 
Patkook,  -  -  5:16:8 

Catskill  and  Coxhacky,    -        -14:      :3 

£  1  38:1  6:2  £ 

Which  summes  being  perrused  by  ye  sd  Citty 
and  Countys  quota,  is  wanting          -  5: 


£144 

It  is  by  the  Justices  Resolved  that  by  Mr.  Albert  Ryk- 
man  yl  orders  be  given  to  y6  collectors  forthwith  to  col- 
lect y6  arrears  of  there  respective  wards  to  s*1  tax. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
this  first  of  May,  1703. 

Itt  is  resolved  that  the  stockadoes  now  ridd  be  sett  up 
by  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants,  each  in  his  own  ward, 
according  to  the  taxt  lists,  and  those  that  have  not  ridd 
their  stockadoes  are  obliged  to  ryde  their  quota  upon  the 
mayor's  order  next  winter,  that  they  may  be  sett  accord- 
ingly, and  he  that  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  work  upon 
the  mayor's  warning,  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  six  shillings 
currant  money  for  each  offence. 


The  City  Record*.  177 

To  the  Worshipfull  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and 

Commonality  of  the  Citty  of  Albany. 

The  humble  petition  of  Gerrit  Luykasse  Wynegaert, 
Stephanus  Groesbeek,  and  Evert  Wendell  Jun'r,  humbly 
sheweth:  That  your  Petitioners  being  Traders  with  y* 
Indians  as  well  as  many  others  whom  have  convenancies 
with  a  house  at  each  gate  to  accommodate  the  Indians  att 
their  arrivall  both  on  the  north  and  on  the  west  side  of 
the  fort,  and  that  it  hath  pleased  his  Excellency  my  Lord 
Corubury  to  permit  a  gate  on  the  south  side  of  the  fort, 
towards  the  Rutten  kill,  that  an  Indian  house  may  be 
build  on  the  south  side  of  sd  gate  on  the  hill  commonly 
called  or  known  by  the  name  of  the  Spring  hill,  for  the 
accommodation  of  Indians.  Your  Petitioners  therefore 
humbly  Prayes  that  your  worships  will  take  this  into 
your  serious  Considerations,  and  grant  that  your  Peti- 
tioners may  build  an  Indian  house  there  of  three  deal 
boards  length,  at  their  own  proper  cost  and  charge,  and 
your  Petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray.  Albany, 
this  29  of  April,  1703.  The  above  petition  read  and  rejected. 

May  11.— William  Holey  of  the  Citty  of  Albany  ap- 
peared before  us  and  produced  an  order  from  the  Mayes 
Court,  dated  the  2d  day  of  January,  169f ,  for  Porter  and 
Town  Cryer,  and  desires  a  Confirmance,  and  is  granted 
accordingly. 

Evert  Ridder  of  the  County  of  Albany  appears  before 
us  in  Common  Councill  and  desires  his  freedom  in  the 
Citty  from  Mr.  Mayor  to  be  a  free  citizen;  which  is 
granted  accordingly. 

Evert  Ridder  of  the  Citty  of  Albany  makes  his  humble 
application  to  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Assistance  to  be 
permitted  to  teach  schoole  in  the  Citty  aforesaid,  which 
request  is  taken  into  consideration,  and  granted  accordingly. 

Jacob  Turke  Esquire,  High  Sheriff  of  the  Citty  and 
County  of  Albany,  humbly  desires  from  the  Mayor,  Alder- 
men and  Assistance  that  the  Regulation  made  in  Common 
Councill  relateing  the  Indians  the  30th  May,  1702,  may 
be  confirmed  for  one  year  after  the  date  of  sd  Proclama- 
tion, which  is  granted  accordingly,  commencing  the  30th 
of  May  1704. 


178  The  City  Records. 

Itt  is  ordered  by  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Assistance 
of  the  Citty  of  Albany,  that  the  streets  within  said  Citty 
be  made  clean  before  each  inhabitant's  door,  and  all  fire 
wood  be  removed  from  the  street,  and  all  other  timber 
and  stones  may  be  heapt  up  and  layd  up  close  together, 
out  of  the  way,  before  the  14th  day  of  this  instant  month 
of  May,  upon  pain  and  penalty  of  paying  a  fine  of  three 
shillings  corrant  money  for  every  such  offence,  for  the 
behoofe  of  the  sheriffe. 

May  22. — William  Gysbertse  appeared  in  Common 
Councill  and  desired  that  he  might  infence  a  certain  Piece 
of  Pasture  ground  in  the  Corporation  of  the  Citty  of  Al- 
bany, on  the  third  kill  or  creek,  commonly  called  or 
known  by  the  name  of  the  Fossen  kill,  and  he  is  ordered 
to  produce  sufficient  titles  at  or  before  the  first  of  Sept'r 
next  ensuing. 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 

this  25th  day  of  May,  1703, 
Effie  Hansen  vs.  Melgaert  v.  d.  Poell  &  Elesibeth  his  wife. 

Jury — Abraham  Cuyler,  Elbert  Gerritse,  Joh.  Claessen, 
Tho.  Harmensen,  Gerrit  Luykasse,  Anth.  Coster,  Gerrit 
Rykese,  Ryer  Gerritse,  Dirk  v.  d.  Heyden,  Pieter  Mingaell, 
Gysbert  Marselis,  Jacob  Lansingh. 

The  Plantive  demands  by  Declaration  the  sume  of 
twenty  three  pounds  two  shillings  and  seven  pence  halfe 
penny,  corant  money.  The  Jury  finds  itt  for  the  Plantive, 
the  verdict  being  approved  by  the  Court  and  Judgment 
passt  against  ye  defendants  with  costs  of  shute. 

June  8. — Mr.  John  Collins,  atturney  for  Melg1  van  der 
Poel  and  Elisabeth  his  wife,  defendants  in  y"  action  with 
Effie  Hanse,  plentive,  appears  in  court  and  prays  that  the 
execution  in  that  action  may  be  delayed  to  ye  next  May- 
or's  Court,  or  till  the  Recorder  comes  home,  which  is  ac- 
cordingly graunted. 

June  22. — Eifie  Hansen  widow  of  Hans  Hendrikse, 
deceased,  by  her  petition  in  dutch  being  read,  she  desyres 
ye  honble  Mayor  and  Aldermen  in  Court,  in  pursuant  of 
her  action  with  Melg1  van  der  Poel  and  Elisabeth  his 
wife,  to  take  ye  same  into  their  serious  consideration,  and 


The  City  Records.  179 

grant  her  an  execution  thereon.  The  Court,  takeing  y* 
same  petition  into  their  consideration,  have  referred  ye 
matter  untill  the  Recorder's  arrival  from  New  York. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
ye  9th  of  July,  1703. 

It  is  Resolved  by  ye  Commonality  that  Billets  be  stuck 
up  in  a  Public  place,  to  give  notice  to  all  persons  who 
have  any  account  particularly  with  ye  Citty,  that  they 
give  in  ye  same  to  y*  Citty  Treasurer,  before  ye  26th 
instant.  And  that  Mr.  Johannis  Cuyler,  Mr.  David 
Schuyler,  ald'n,  and  Rob1  Livingston  Jun'r,  doe  convein 
at  ye  Citty  Treasurers,  and  there  make  distinction  of  the 
Citty  and  County's  debts,  and  to  see  ye  same  entered  in 
two  fair  books,  and  to  make  return  thereof  on  y6  nine- 
teenth instant. 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
ye  20th  of  July,  1703. 

Mr.  Johannes  Cuyler  makes  application  and  sets  forth 
how  that  on  the  16th  of  February  last,  a  Judgment  was 
graunted  by  this  worshipfull  Court  on  his  part  as  Deputy 
Collector  of  y*  Quit  Rents  in  ye  Citty  and  County  of  Al- 
bany, against  Ryer  Schermerhorn.  Jan  Baptist  van  Eps, 
and  John  Wemp,  Patenties  of  a  certain  Patent,  for  ye 
town  of  Shennechtady  for  y*  quantity  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  bushels  of  wheat,  for  ye  Quit  Rent  of  sd  Patent,  to- 
gether with  costs  of  sute,  &c.,  and  therefore  most  humbly 
prays  an  Execution  against  sd  persones,  which  after  being 
taken  into  consideration,  doe  graunt  an  execution  upon  ye 
Body  of  sd  Ryer  Schcrmerhoorn,  Jan  Baptist  van  Eps,  and 
John  Wemp,  or  their  goods  and  chattels  when  they  shall 
be  found  within  y6  Baylewyk  of  this  Citty. 

Att  a  Common  Couucill  held  in  y°  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
the  20th  of  July,  1703. 

Whereas  on  ye  9th  instant,  Mr.  Johannes  Cuyler  and 
Mr.  David  Schuyler,  ald'n,  and  Rob1  Livingston  JunM 
were  appointed  to  convein  at  ye  Citty  Treasurer,  there  to 
make  a  distingtion  of  ye  Citty  and  County  accounts,  who 


180  The  City  Records. 

doe  return  Report  with  a  book  whereby  the  Citty  have 
considerably  disbursed  for  y6  account  of  ye  County,  where- 
upon this  meeting  have  Resolved  by  ye  Justices  aforesaid 
that  warning  be  given  to  ye  Justices  of  y6  County  to  con- 
vene here  in  ye  Citty  Hall,  on  y6  10th  of  August  next, 
there  to  make  up  their  accounts,  in  order  to  take  some 
method  to  satisfy  ye  due  debts  of  sd  County,  and  that  in 
y6  mean  time  Billets  be  sett  on  ye  public  places  of  said 
County,  giving  warning  to  such  persons  as  have  any  ac- 
count with  said  county,  that  they  give  in  their  sd  accounts 
in  sd  time  to  ye  Citty  treasurer. 

It  is  Resolved  that  warrants  be  issued  to  ye  assessors 
of  this  Citty  to  make  an  estimate  of  ye  Estates  belonging 
to  yc  Inhabitants  and  other  Estates  within  ye  Baylewick 
of  this  Citty,  and  to  make  a  return  thereof  under  hands 
and  scales,  in  y6  space  of  thrice  twenty  four  hours,  to  y8 
end  that  an  assessment  of  fifty  Pounds  be  layd  and  as- 
sessed on  the  same ;  which  Estimate  is  to  be  given  to-  the 
Mayor. 

The  Petition  of  Jochim  Lambertse  praying  a  Release 
may  be  graunted  to  his  Moy'r  Annetje  ye  wed'w  of  Lam- 
bert Volkenburgh,  of  sd  Citty,  late  deceased,  for  a  certain 
lott  of  ground  and  house  thereon  erected,  which  Petition 
being  read  as  followeth : 

The  humble  Petition  of  Jochim  Volkenburgh  of  Kin- 
derhook,  of  ye  County  of  Albany,  humbly  sheweth :  How 
that  your  Petitioner's  father,  Lamb1  Volkenburgh,  late  of 
ye  Citty  of  Albany  aforesd  decd,  in  his  lifetime  and  at  the 
day  of  his  death  was  in  quiet  and  peaceable  possession  of 
a  certain  house  and  lott  of  ground,  situate,  lying  and  be- 
ing in  y8  Citty  aforesaid,  in  ye  voddemark,  haveing  to  y6 
west  y6  burying  place,  and  to  y6  north  and  east  ye  high- 
way, is  yet  in  ye  tenure  and  occupation  of  your  Petitioner's 
mother,  and  y8  heirs  of  sd  deceased,  containing  in  length 
and  breadth  according  to  ye  annexed  note,  measured  by  ye 
Citty  surveyor;  and  whereas  at  present  noe  deeds  or 
writings  of  ye  house  and  lott  can  be  found,  although  pub- 
lickly  kriowne  y1  ye  same  properly  did  belong  to  ye  sd 
deceased.  Your  petitioner  therefore  humbly  prays  y1 
your  worships  will  be  pleased  to  release  ye  said  house  and 


The  City  Records.  181 

lott  of  ground  unto  your  Petitioner's  moeder,  Annatie  y* 
widow  of  sd  deceased,  and  your  Petitioner  as  in  duty 
bound  shall  for  ever  pray,  &c»  JOCHIM  LAMBERTZ. 

Which  petition  being  taken  into  consideration,  is  or- 
dered that  a  Release  be  drawn  for  said  house  and  lott, 
breadth  and  length  according  to  y6  surveyor's  note,  and 
y*  y°  same  be  entered  on  our  Public  Records. 

Jacob  Turke  Esq.,  high  sheriffe  of  Citty  and  County  of 
Albany  aforesd,  prays  that  ye  Perquisites  contained  in  y6 
Proclamation  relating  ye  Indian  trade  may  be  wholly 
graunted  to  him.  Ye  Commonality  taking  ye  same  into 
consideration,  have  graunted  y6  same  Perquisites  unto  y6 
sheriffe,  and  ordered  y1  said  Proclamation  be  drawne  over 
and  to  insert  y6  sd  Perquisites  wholly  for  ye  Behooffe  of 
y6  sd  sheriffe,  which  Proclamation  is  so  confirmed. 

July  26,  1703.— The  Estimation  of  ye  Estates  belonging 
to  y6  Inhabitants  and  others  within  ye  Baylewyk  of  this 
Citty  .being  by  ye  assessors  of  s1  Citty  returned  to  Mr. 
Mayor,  and  layd  before  ye  Common  Council  amounting  to 
£2774:  which  assessment  being  approved  of,  and  laid  4.^4 
upon  each  pound,  and  concluded  that  a  warrant  be  forth- 
with directed  to  Anthony  Bratt  to  levy  y6  same,  before  y* 
one  thirtyeth  of  this  Instant. 

A  Proclamation  by  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality. 

Whereas  complaints  are  made  that  several  persons 
within  this  Citty  doe  trust  strong  liquor  to  Indians  upon 
account  of  their  cloathing,  especially  of  late,  when  on  her 
Majesties  service,  to  ye  great  disadvantage  of  her  Majes- 
ties interest  and  y"  good  of  this  Country.  These  doe 
therefore  in  her  Maj'es  name  Publish  and  Prohibite  all 
Persons  within  this  Citty  to  give  any  strong  Liquors  unto 
Indian  or  Indians,  directly  or  indirectly,  upon  account  of 
their  Cloathing  or  Arms,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  ye 
summe  of  six  shillings  for  each  offence,  and  to  restore  y° 
sd  Cloaths,  &c..  without  any  satisfaction,  which  forfeit 
shall  be  for  y6  Behooffe  of  ye  sheriffe,  who  is  to  sue  for  ye 
same. 

Given  in  Albany  ye  day  and  year  first  above  written. 


182  The  City  Records. 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
ye  3d  of  August,  1703. 

Jacob  Turke  Esq.,  high  sheriffe  by  John  Collins,  his 
atturney,  Plentive,  Aryaentie  Wendel,  Defendant,  Evert 
'  Wendel,  Jun.,  appears  for  her.     The  partyes  being  asked 
say  they  are  come,  and  ready  to  plead  their  cause. 

The  Def 'ts  atturney  producing  his  power  is  thought 
not  sufficient  whereby  an  action  in  Court  can  be  tryed; 
y°  sd  aiturney  desyres  that  his  moy'r  the  Defendant  may 
be  asked  if  she  hath  impowered  him  ye  sd  atturney  to 
plead  her  action  here  in  Court,  whereupon  ye  Court  have 
sent  ye  Marshall  of  ye  sd  Court  with  a  Constable  to  ask  ye 
Defend1  ye  matter,  who  brings  report  that  ye  DeF1  im- 
powers  y°  sd  Evert  Wendel  her  atturney  to  plead  her  ac- 
tion now  in  Court. 

The  Jury  called  and  sworn:  Mynd1  Schuyler,  Evert 
Janse,  Johan's  Hansen.  Nicolas  Bleeker,  Will'm  Hogen, 
Goosen  van  Schaick,  Rynier  Myndertse,  Johan's  Pruyn, 
Anthony  Coster,  Abraham  Kip,  Abraham  Cuyler,  Dirk 
vander  Heyden. 

The  Plentives  Declaration  read  as  followeth,  viz: 

Albany  County,  ss.  Jacobus  Turke  Esq.,  high  sheriffe 
of  y6  Cilty  and  County  of  Albany,  in  ye  Province  of  New 
York,  complains  against  Aryantie  Wendel,  widow,  of  y6 
sd  Citty,  in  yc  first  ward,  in  an  action  of  trespasse  upon  y6 
case,  and  thereupon  ye  sd  Jacobus  Turke  saith  that  whereas 
there  was  a  Proclamation  issued  forth  by  ye  Mayor,  Re- 
corder, Aldermen  and  Assistants  of  y6  sd  Citty  of  Albany, 
bearing  date  y6  1 1th  day  of  May  last  past  in  y6  present 
year  of  our  Lord  1703,  publishing  and  declaring  amongst 
other  things  that  no  person  or  persones  within  ye  sd  Citty 
shall  presume  to  take  any  Indian  or  Indians  (Sachems 
excepted),  with  pack  or  packs  of  Beavers  or  peltry  into 
their  houses  under  ye  penalty  of  paying  to  ye  sheriffe  of 
ye  sd  Citty  five  pieces  of  eight  for  such  offence,  except  Ly- 
cense  given,  yet  neverthelesse  ye  sd  Aryaentie,  not  igno- 
rant of  ye  premises,  on  ye  21st  of  July.  1703,  entertained 
three  Indians  in  her  dwelling  house,  in  ye  warde  and  in  y6 
Citty  aforesaid,  whereupon  ye  sd  Aryaentie  is  indebted  to 
ye  Plentive  four  pounds  ten  shillings,  whereupon  he  brings 


The  City  Records.  183 

this  suite  and  says  that  he  hath  dammage  eighteen  pounds. 
The  Defend1  not  having  entered  his  plea,  y6  Plentive's 
atturney  prays  a  nonsuite  for  y6  costs  of  suite,  and  y6 
Court  considering  ye  Matter,  doe  accordingly  graunt  a 
nonsuite  against  y  Defend1  for  ye  costs  of  suite. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
y6  3d  day  of  August,  1703. 

Whereas  Complaints  are  made  that  severall  Creditors 
of  ye  County  of  Albany,  doe  presume  thereby  to  discharge 
their  taxes  when  raised,  particularly  for  ye  behooffe  of  ye 
Citty  of  Albany.  It  is  therefore  Resolved  by  ye  Common- 
ality of  y6  sd  Citty,  henceforth  no  person  or  persones  who 
have  any  account  with  y6  County  shall  be  admitted  to  de- 
duct y6  same  or  any  part  thereof,  out  of  ye  taxes  when 
particularly  raised  to  defray  ye  Citty  charges,  neither 
shall  any  Creditor  of  y6  sd  Citty  deduct  more  of  any 
such  tax  of  ye  Citty  than  his  own  due  quota  therein. 
Further,  that  y°  Treasurer  is  hereby  discharged  to  suffer 
any  deducting  as  aforesaid,  upon  his  perill. 

John  Ruteliffs  accounts  for  service  done  for  y6  Citty: 
1  for  shutting  y6  Citty  Gates  from  ye  2d  November,  1702 

to  ye  2d  of  Aug1  1703.  21  pieces  of  8,  is     -     £6:6 
1  for  makeing  fyre  in  ye  Burger  Blockhouse,  for 

sd  time,  11  ps  of  8  and  3  gl.f  -  3:7:6 

1  for  sweeping  ye  Chimney  in  sd  Blockhouse,    .<*  -,     6:9 

£10:0:3 

Sept.  16. — Whereas  the  Lane  that  passeth  between  the 
house  and  lott  of  Johannis  Mingael  and  Frans  Pruyn  is 
found  unconvenient  to  pass  throw,  being  almost  close  up 
with  moud  and  other  filth,  complaints  whereof  is  here  made 
by  y6  Inhabitants  thereunto  adjoyning,  humbly  requesting 
that  this  Commonality  now  conveined,  will  be  pleased  to 
order  some  remedy  to  be  taken  for  y6  cleaneing  thereof. 
The  same  being  taken  into  consideration,  ye  Commonality 
do  appoint  Hend.  Othout  and  Thomas  Harmense  to  vew 
y°  sd  lane  and  make  Report  how  ye  same  may  be  most 
conveniently  Cleaned,  which  Report  must  be  given  unto 
Mr.  Mayor  ye  space  of  twice  24  honrs, 


184  The  City  Records. 

Albany  y6  14th  of  October,  1703.    - 

This  day  being  appointed  by  ye  Charter  of  this  Citty 

for  y6  Aldermen  to  make  their  return  of  ye  Aldermen 

chosen  for  y°  respective  wards  for  y6  ensuing  year,  who 

•  are  as  followeth  : 

The  First  Warde. 
Aldermen.  Assistants. 

David  Schuyler,  Hend.  Oothout, 

Evert  Banker.  Anthony  Coster. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

William  van  Ale,  Dirk  vander  Heyden. 

Johannis  Gerritse. 

Evert  Wendcl  Jr.,  Collector. 

The  Second  Warde. 
Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Johannis  Cuyler,  Gerrit  Roseboom, 

Johannis  Roseboom.  Abraham  Schuyler. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

William  Jacobse,  Hend.  ten  Eyk. 
Gysbert  Marselis. 

Isaac  Verplank,  Collector. 

The  Third  Warde. 
Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Hend.  Hanse,  Frans  Winne, 

Johannis  Mingael.          Ruth  Melgertz. 
Assessors.  Constable. 

Harp1  Jacobse,  Jacob  Gerritz.  Lansing. 

Gerrit  Ryckse.  Daniel  Ketelyn,  Collector. 

Myndert  Roseboom,  high  constable. 
Anthony  Bratt,  citty  treasurer. 

For  Canasta gione. 

Claes  Gerritse,  constable.        Maes  Ryckse,  assessor. 
Eldert  Ouderkerk,  collector. 
Jan  Christianse,  Cornelis  Tymese,  path  masters. 

For  ye  Half  Moon. 

David  Ketelheyn,  constable.     Jan  van  Ness,  assessor. 
RoelofF  Gerritz,  pathmaster. 


The  City  Records.  185 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  heZd  at  y«  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
ye  26th  of  October,  1703:— Present,  Johannis  Schuy- 
ler,  mayor,  Hend.  Hansen,  Johannis  Cuyler,  Johan- 
nis Roseboom,  Johannis  Mingael. 
Mr.  Mayor  being  this  day  sworne,  whereupon  Mr.  Albert 
Ryckman  ye  late  Mayor,  delivereth  into  ye  custody  of  ye 
present  Mayor  ye  following  deeds  and  written  property, 
belonging  to  ye  Citty  of  Albany,  viz1 :     Copy  of  ye  Patent 
for  y6  Colony  Rensselaerswyk,  dated  Nov.  4,  1685.     The 
Charter  of  y6  sd  Citty,  dated  y6  22d  of  July,   1686.     The 
Transport  of  Peter  van  Brugh,  dated  ye   23d  of  Nor. 
1697.     Together  with  a  Dutch  and  English  patent  thereof 
formerly  to  his  father,  Job's  van  Brugh.     The  Patent  of 
Schakkook,  dated  ye  29th  March,  1698,  together  with 
Transport  of  y*  same  from  Hend'k  van  Rensselaer,  dated 
y'Sth  of  August,  1699. 

Att  a  Common  Councill.  held  in  y6  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
the  26th  of  October,  1703. 

Whereas  by  y6  Returns  of  Aldermen,  Assistance  and 
Assessors,  &c.,  returned  on  the  14th  of  this  Instant,  so 
entered  herein,  wee  fynde  that  Mr.  Abraham  Cuyler  is  by 
ye  majority  of  voy:es  returned  for  one  assistant,  who  be- 
ing sent  for,  doth  appear  in  Common  Councill,  and  re- 
fuseth  to  take  on  that  service,  and  forasmuch  as  by  our 
Citty  Charter,  a  fyne  by  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Assist- 
ants can  be  imposed  upon  any  such  person  or  persones  so 
refuseing,  not  exceeding  ye  summe  of  five  pounds.  The 
which  being  put  to  y*  vote,  ye  Commonality  are  of  opin- 
ion that  ye  said  Abraham  Cuyler  shall  pay  as  a  fyne  for 
such  Refuse,  ye  summe  of  five  Pounds  currant  money  of 
this  Province.  Ordered  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  y6 
Constable  to  give  warning  to  ye  Inhabitants  of  y6  second 
warde  for  a  new  election  of  one  Assistant,  on  ye  27th  In- 
stant, at  3  o'clock  in  ye  afternoon,  and  y1  forthwith  re- 
turn of  sd  Election  be  made. 

It  is  further  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  issued  for  y"  re- 
ceiveing  of  said  five  pound  fyne. 

Oct.  27. — Whereas  severall  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty 
doe  presume  to  sell  strong  drink  by  retaile  without  Ly- 


186  The  City  Records. 

cence,  to  ye  disadvantage  of  her  majesty's  Interest,  and 
y*  welfair  of  this  Citty,  wee  do  therefore  hereby  publish 
and  declare  that  no  person  or  persones  shall  retaile  any 
strong  drink  within  this  Citty  and  County  without  ye 
Mayor  of  ye  Citty's  lycence  therefore,  upon  pain  and  pe- 
nalty of  forfeiting  as  a  fyne  ye  siflnme  of  five  pounds  for 
each  offence,  as  y°  act  of  General  Assembly  directs. 

Whereas  yesterday  in  Common  Councill  a  fyne  of  five 
pounds  was  layd  upon  Abraham  Cuyler  for  refusing  to 
take  ye  service  of  an  Assistant  upon  him  for  ye  ensuing 
year,  who  now  appears  in  Common  Councill  and  desyres 
they  will  be  pleased  to  abate  some  part  of  yesd  fyne,  being 
willing  to  pay  three  pounds;  ye  Commonality  considering 
ye  matter,  doe  discharge  ye  said  Cuyler  for  ye  said  summe 
of  three  pounds. 

The  Commonality  have  appoynted  Stephanus  Groes- 
beek,  Ryer  Gerritse,  Warner  Carstense,  Hendrik  ten 
Eyk,  Evert  Janse,  and  Jacob  Bogart,  fy remasters  for  y° 
ensuing  year,  until  yc  14th  of  October.  1704,  and  doe  or- 
der them  forthwith  to  goe  round  yc  Citty  and  vew  yc 
Chimneys,  and  whosoever's  Chimney  as  shall  be  found 
unclean  shall  forfeit  3s  for  each  offence. 

Nov.  9. — It  is  by  ye  Commonality  resolved  that  Ruth 
Melgertse,  assistant,  doe  agree  with  some  fitt  persones 
and  see  them  make  batteries  and  close  up  y6  vacancies 
of  y°  Cittyes  Stockadoes,  with  all  speed,  at  y6  Cittyes 
charge,  wherefore  ye  sd  Ruth  Melgertse  as  overseer  is  al- 
lowed 3s.  per  day. 

Dec.  4. — It  is  resolved  by  ye  Commonality  that  an  as- 
sessment of  200  load  of  fyre  wood  be  layd  and  assessed 
upon  ye  Inhabitants,  &c.,  of  this  Citty,  for  y6  Burger 
Guards,  and  ordered  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  ye  as- 
sessors of  this  Citty  for  that  purpose,  as  also  to  make  an 
assessment  upon  sd  Inhabitants  of  1600  load  of  sand  to 
fill  up  y°  Burying  Place  of  this  Citty,  and  to  make  return  of 
ye  sd  assessments  unto  Mr.  Mayor,  under  their  hands  and 
seales,  on  or  before  ye  7th  instant  December. 

Dec.  13. — Anthony  Bratt,  by  his  Petition  to  y6  Com- 
monality, humbly  prays,  since  Mr.  Hendrik  Roseboom, 
late  Sexton  of  this  .Citty,  deceased,  that  they  will  be 


The  City  Records.  187 

pleased  to  appoint  him  to  attend  and  doe  ye  service  of  y6 
said  office  of  Sexton  in  such  manner  as  ye  same  lately  did 
appertain  unto  ye  said  Roseboom,  and  to  graunt  him  ye 
like  Perquisites  thereof.  The  Commonality,  takeing  y* 
said  Petition  into  consideration,  have  granted  yd  said  office 
of  Sexton  of  y6  Citty  together  with  ye  Perquisites  thereof, 
unto  y*  said  Bratt,  in  such  manner  as  ye  same  was  given 
and  graunted  unto  ye  said  Roseboom,  always  provided  that 
John  Rateliffe  shall  yet  continue  in  ye  service  of  that  of- 
fice and  receive  such  perquisites  thereof  for  digging  of 
graves  as  he  did  in  ye  time  and  being  of  ye  sd  Mr.  Rose- 
boom  deceased. 

Pursuant  to  y"  late  Resolution  of  y*  4th  Instant  ye  as- 
sessors have  given  in  an  assessment  of  800  load  of  wood 
for  fuel  to  ye  Burger  Blockhouse,  ordered  that  ye  same  be 
directed  to  ye  Constables  in  each  warde  of  this  Citty  to 
give  warning  to  ye  Inhabitants  that  the  said  wood  be  ride 
to  ye  said  Blockhouse  in  ye  space  of  three  times  24  hours, 
upon  forfeit  of  18d  for  each  load  of  wood  they  shall  be 
found  neglecting,  and  that  ye  sd  wood  when  it  shall  be 
ride,  must  be  entered  by  Hend.  ten  Eyk,  or  else  not  ac- 
counted for,  which  service  of  ye  sd  ten  Eyk,  who  is  to  keep 
an  exact  account  thereof,  shall  be  allowed  15  shillings. 

February  15,  170?. — Whereas  ye  time  approaches  yl  y* 
hoggs  keep  by  ye  Inhabitants  of  ye  Citty,  unless  prevented, 
will  Rutt  up  and  spoyle  y6  Commons  of  this  Citty,  these 
are  therefore  to  publish  and  prohibite  that  no  person  or 
persones  whatsoever  within  this  Citty  or  thereunto  ad- 
joyning  shall  suffer  or  lett  their  hoggs  runn  out  on  y* 
Commons  belonging  to  ye  said  Citty  without  Ringed  with 
Iron  wair  in  all  and  every  of  their  noses,  in  ye  space  of 
thrice  twenty-four  hours,  upon  penalty  of  paying  as  a  fyne 
4s  curr1  money  before  such  after  taken  up  hath  been  twice 
twenty  hours  in  ye  custody  of  ye  sheriffe,  who  is  to  sue 
for  ye  same,  and  if  longer  in  his  custody  ye  owner  of  sd 
hogg  or  hogs,  great  and  small,  shall  pay  ye  charge  for 
keeping  them,  together  with  y6  sd  fyne  before  they  be 
Released. 

March  28,  1704. — It  is  resolved  that  a  warrant  be  is- 
sued to  ye  assessors  of  ye  Citty  of  Albany,  to  make  an  es- 

[Annals  iv.]  17 


188  The  City  Records. 

timate  of  y6  Estates  within  ye  limits  of  ye  Citty  aforesaid 
and  to  deliver  y6  same  under  their  hands  and  seals  unto 
Mr.  Mayor,  on  or  before  ye  18th  of  April  next  ensuing,  to 
y6  end  that  ye  summe  of  fifty  pounds  be  layed  and 
assessed  from  ye  Inhabitants  aforesaid. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Anthony  Sybrant  van  Schayck 
of  ye  said  Citty,  Glasier,  humbly  sheweth : 

That  whereas  there  lays  a  certain  small  Lott  of  ground 
opposite  to  ye  hinde  part  of  your  Petitioner's  Lott  of 
grounde  on  ye  south  side  of  ye  Rutten  Creek  to  ye  west  of 
ye  Lott  of  ground  belonging  to  Capt.  Myndert  Schuyler, 
to  ye  north  of  ye  highway,  and  to  ye  east  of  ye  said  Creek, 
it  lying  only  convenient  to  ye  Petitioner. 

Your  Petitioner  doth  therefore  humbly  pray  your  wor- 
shipfull  Commonality  to  sell  unto  your  Petitioner  ye  said 
small  Lott  of  ground,  wherefore  your  Petitioner  is  will- 
irg  to  pay  a  reasonable  Price  for  ye  same,  and  as  in  duty 
bound  shall  ever  pray,  &c.  ANTHONY  VAN  SCHAYCK. 

The  Commonality  after  a  vew  of  said  Lott  of  ground  have 
bargained  and  sold  unto  the  said  Anthony  Sybrant  van 
Schaick  ye  said  Lott  of  ground  from  ye  sd  Creek  south- 
warde  to  ye  highway  by  y"  ruttenair  [?]  bridge,  bounded  east 
by  Capt.  Myndert  Schuyler,  and  west  by  ye  said  Creek, 
that  for  ye  summe  of  four  pounds  tenn  shillings,  with  costs 
of  drawing  and  recording  ye  transport,  which  when  deli- 
vered he  is  to  pay  the  money. 

April  19. — According  to  resolution  ony  28th  of  March 
last,  y"  estimate  from  yc  assessors  of  this  Citty  is  here 
produced,  and  after  vewed  is  approved  off,  amounting  to 
2704  lb.,  whereupon  is  layd  4£rf  per  lb.,  ordered  that  a 
warrant  be  issued  to  y°  Treasurer  for  y6  due  collecting 
thereof  before  y6  first  day  of  May  next  ensuing. 

April  25. — The  humble  Petition  of  Patrick  McGregory 
souldier  and  Inhabitant  of  this  Citty,  humbly  sheweth : 
That  your  Petitioner  having  formerly  been  admitted  as  a 
porter  in  this  Citty  and  for  some  time  past  has  not  been 
Implyed  as  such,  your  Petitioner  prays  your  worshipfull 
to  admit  him  a  sworne  porter  for  the  said  Citty,  there 
being  now  but  one,  which  if  granted  will  be  a  great  relief 
to  your  Petitioner's  poor  ffamily,  &c. 


The  City  Records.  189 

The  said  Patrick  McGregory  is  permitted  and  appointed 
to  be  second  porter  of  the  said  Citty  accordingly. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Melgert  Melgertse,  of  the  Citty 
aforesaid,  gunnstocker,  humbly  sheweth : 

That  whereas  there  lyes  a  certain  parcell  of  ground  with- 
in the  bounds  of  this  Citty,  and  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Citty  aforesaid,  on  both  sides  of  the  Vossen  Creek,  ad- 
joyning  on  the  west  of  the  pasture  belonging  William 
Gysbertse  of  the  sd  Citty,  Carman;  [for  which  the  peti- 
tioner was  willing  to  pay  a  reasonable  price;  but  his  peti- 
tion was  rejected.  At  the  same  meeting  William  Gys- 
bertse applied  for  the  same  lot,  and  was  also  refused.] 

The  humble  petition  of  Joh.  Cuyler  and  Joh.  Harmensen 
Visscher  for  themselves  and  for  the  rest  of  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  Parrel  street,  beginning  from  your  Petitioners  south- 
ward to  the  house  of  William  Claessen  Groesbeek,  and 
opposite  to  the  house  of  his  father  Claes  Jacobse  Groes- 
beek included  in  the  second  ward  of  the  sd  Citty,  sheweth: 
That  a  certain  spring  of  water,  coming  out  of  the  ground 
without  the  gates  of  the  said  Citty,  towards  the  hills,  just 
under  the  foot  of  the  former  burying  place  for  several  1 
years  heretofore,  was  layd  by  gutters  under  y"  ground  in  a 
well  then  erected  in  the  said  street,  which  gutters  and 
well  afterwards  were  spoyled,  and  since  the  necessity  of 
water  absolutely  is  required  in  case  of  fire,  in  the  said 
Citty,  and  other  uses  for  the  Inhabitants  aforesaid.  Your 
Petitioners  doe  therefore  humbly  pray  your  worshipfull 
in  Common  Councill  as  aforesaid,  to  permit  unto  your 
Petitioners  the  Layding  of  the  said  water  Spring  down- 
wards to  a  convenient  place  near  or  about  the  gate  of 
the  said  street,  for  the  use  as  aforesaid,  and  that  the 
Charges  thereof  may  become  to  ye  sd  Citty,  if  your  wor- 
shipfull shall  think  it  reasonable,  otherwise  the  sd  Inha- 
bitants shall  Bare  the  same,  &c.  JOHANNIS  CUYLER. 

JOHANNIS  HARMSE. 

The  aforesaid  Petition  being  read  in  Common  Council! 
have  granted  the  Leading  of  sd  Water  for  the  uses  therein 
expressed,  and  that  the  Charges  shall  become  to  the  In- 
habitants of  the  aforesaid  street,  who  are  willing  to  con- 
tribute to  the  same,  and  that  the  placing  of  such  a  new 


190  The  City  Records. 

well  shall  be  regulated  by  the  Commonality  of  the  said 
Citty. 

May  9. — Upon  severall   Complaints  to  the  Common 
Councill,  it  is  Ordered  that  an  Address  be  made  to  his 
Excellency  to  sett  forth  the  difficultys  yc  Inhabitants  of 
this  Citty  lye  under  for  want  of  a  due  payment  of  their 
Debts  due  to  them  from  the  souldiers  of  this  Garrison. 
To  His  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury,  Cap*. 
General  and  Commander  in  Cheeife  of  ye  Province  of 
New  York,    and  Territories  depending  thereon  in 
America. 

The  humble  Adres  of  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Com- 
monality of  ye  Citty  of  Albany  in  Behalfe  of  themselves 
and  other  ye  Inhabitants  of  ye  sd  Citty,  humbly  sheweth: 
That  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty,  upon  the  Creditt  of 
your  Excellency's  Order  to  ye  officers  of  this  garrison,  at 
your  departure  last  from  this  Citty,  directing  them  to  give 
the  Souldiers  Creditt  for  necessary  Provisions,  in  pursuance 
of  which  direction  the  said  officers  have  past  their  notes 
to  be  paid  out  of  the  first  pay  that  should  come  to  this 
Garrison,  and  where  severall  other  of  the  Inhabitants  out 
of  a  j  ust  reguard  toy6  service  of  her  Majesty  have  Credited 
ye  Souldiers  \\ith  severall  Necessary s  and  Provisions,  to 
support  them  under  difficulty  of  a  severe  and  tedious  win- 
ter, so  that  indeed  the  best  part  of  the  money  in  arreare 
to  the  Souldyers  is  from  them  become  due  to  ye  Inhabit- 
ants. And  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty,  notye  Souldiers, 
ye  present  sufferers,  who  for  want  of  the  same  in  a  gene- 
ral Circulation,  find  extream  Difficultys  even  in  paying 
their  very  Taxes.  Nor  can  we  ommitt  acquainting  your 
Excellencys  that  Capt.  Weems,  at  his  arrivall,  bringing 
with  him  a  month's  pay  for  ye  two  companys,  upon  ye 
people  carrying  in  their  notes,  utterly  refused  to  deduct 
any  part  of  the  money  from  y*  men,  affirming  that  he 
could  not  do  it  out  of  so  small  a  payment.  And  a  further 
Danger  seems  to  attend  us.  In  report  of  y"  pay  behind, 
severall  of  the  Souldiers  so  indebted  being  deserted,  and 
by  experience  wee  have  found  that  dead  men  and  deserters 
are  generally  in  their  officers'  debt.  So  that  wee  humbly 
hope  from  you  Excellencys  goodness  such  orders  and  in- 


The  City  Records.  191 

structions  to  y6  Commanding  officers  of  each  Company  as 
may  be  for  ye  ease  and  security  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  this 
Citty  forcing  us  to  give  your  Excellency  this  trouble,  by 
their  reitterated  complaints  to  us. 

FRANS  WINNE,  JOHANNES  SCHUYLER,  Mayor, 

HEND.  OOOTHOUT,  HEND  HANSEN,  Alderm'n, 

GERRIT  ROSEBOOM,  JOHANNIS  CUYLER, 

ANTHONY  COSTER,  JOHANNIS  ROSBBOOM, 

RUTH  MELGERTSE, 

This  Addresse  is  ordered  to  bee  sent  to  His  Excellency. 
May  22. — It  is  Resolved  that  ye  Citty  Stockadoes  layd 
and  assessed  on  ye  Inhabitants  &c.  of  this  Citty,  on  y8  8th 
of  December,  1702,  which  were  wanting  to  be  sett  up  on 
y6  first  of  May,  1703,  must  be  sett  up  by  ye  freeholders 
and  inhabitants  of  y6  respective  wards  of  this  Citty,  on  ye 
29th  of  this  instant  May,  and  in  case  any  of  ye  said  free- 
holders and  inhabitants  be  found  neglecting  in  delivering 
their  quotas  of  said  Stockadoes,  according  to  ye  taxt  lists, 
shall  pay  as  a  fine  for  each  stockadoe  wanting,  y6  summe 
of  18rf  currant  money,  and  by  distresse  to  be  levied  by  y6 
sheriff  on  his  or  their  goods  and  chattels  forthwith,  and 
ye  neglecter  still  obliged  to  deliver  y6  same  before  the  31st 
of  this  instant,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  y6  like  fine  in 
manner  as  aforesaid:  further  however  if  y^  sd  freeholders 
and  inhabitants  as  shall  be  found  unwilling  or  neglecting 
after  warning  given  to  appear  to  make  up  said  Stockadoes 
on  the  29th  of  this  Instant  shall  forfeit  a  fine  of  six  shil- 
lings for  each  day  so  neglecting,  to  be  levyed  and  for  ye 
Behooffe  of  y6  other  Inhabitants  as  worke. 

The  Commonality  being  informed  that  Egbert  Teunise 
and  Dirk  Bratt  have  Infenced  a  Lott  of  ground  belonging 
to  y6  Citty,  scituate,  lying  and  being  on  y  north  side  of  y 
Citty,  and  on  y6  south  side  of  y'  lott  of  grounde  belong- 
ing to  y  widow  of  Jacob  ten  Eyk,  whereupon  y"  Com- 
monality thought  fit  to  send  for  them.  Dirk  Bratt  ap- 
pearing in  Commonality,  the  Mayor  told  him  y1  ye  Com- 
monality have  Resolved  to  give  them  warning  to  take 
downe  said  fence  again,  before  y"  first  bell  ringing  for  y3 
Mayor's  Court  tomorrow  morni:;g,  otherwise  that  a  war- 
rant shall  be  issued  out  for  ye  taking  down  of  ye  sam?. 


192  The  City  Records. 

The  23d  of  May  a  warrant  is  directed  to  Jacob  Turke, 
high  sheriflfe,  to  take  two  sufficient  persones  to  his  as- 
sistants, and  forthwith  to  break  down  y"  said  fence. 

May  23d. — It  is  by  y°  Commonality  concluded  and 
agreed,  that  Rob1  Livingston  Jun.  shall  be  payd  yearly  by 
ys  Commonality  of  ye  sd  Citty  of  Albany,  or  their  orders, 
the  summe  of  £5: 12s,  for  his  service  in  attending  ye  said 
Commonality  and  supplying  of  paper,  which  sell ary  is  to 
commence  from  y5  14th  of  June,  1703,  until  further  plea- 
sure. To  whom  y"  following  oath  is  given,  viz1: 

You  swear  that  you  will  a  true  minute  keep  of  ye 
Mayors  Court  and  Commonality  of  y"  Citty  of  Albany, 
and  of  ye  meetings  of  y'  Justices  of  ye  Citty  and  County  of 
Albany  aforesaid,  by  noteing  the  Resolutions  respectively 
when  thereunto  by  them  required,  that  you  will  also  keep 
a  true  Record  for  ye  said  Citty  and  County,  during  the 
time  you  shall  remain  in  that  office,  and  be  careful  of 
such  publick  books  and  papers  given  you  in  trust,  accord- 
ing to  ye  best  of  your  knowledge  and  understanding,  so 
help  you  God. 

The  Petition  of  Anthony  Bratt,  whereby  he  as  Sexton 
desyres  to  be  discharged  of  all  publick  charges,  in  like 
manner  as  his  predecessor,  Mr.  llendrik  Roseboom  decd, 
was  excused,  being  read,  y°  Commonality  considering  y- 
matter,  doe  not  allow  anything  thereby  requested. 

Jacob  Turke  Esq.,  high  sheriffe,  requests  that  yc  Pro- 
clamation relateing  y1  Indian  Trade  maybe  renewed  in 
such  manner  that  two-thirds  of  yc  fines  be  for  him,  and  y" 
other  half  for  the  Citty,  which  is  graunted  accordingly, 
and  ordered  that  ye  following  Proclamation  be  published: 

Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
the  30th  of  May,  1704 : — Present,  Johannis  Schuyler 
Mayor,  David  Schuyler,  Johannis  Roseboom,  Johan- 
nis Cuyler,  Johannis  Mingael,  aldermen  ;  Hend.  Oot- 
hout,   Anthony  Coster,  Abraham  Schuyler,  Gerrit 
Roseboom,  Ruth  Melgertse,  assistants. 
Whereas  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  doe 
make  pretention  to  a  small  streak  of  grounde,  scituate,  lye- 
ing  and  being  within  ye  fence  and  on  ye  south  side  of  y6 


TVze  C%  Records. 

V-'  *  v  »  ii  »    <, 

lott  of  grounde  belonging  to  Paulus  Martense,  which  y* 
Commonality  now  doe  sell  unto  y°  sd  Paulus  Martense, 
wherefore  y°  sd  Martense  promiseth  to  pay  y?  summe  of 
three  pounds  currant  money  of  this  Province  (when  a  re- 
lease thereof  shall  be  delivered  him),  together  with  the 
Charges  in  drawing  said  Release,  &c. 

Whereas  ye  sd  Commonality  doe  likewise  make  pre- 
tention  to  a  small  stroak  of  ground  within  ye  fence  of  Mr. 
Albert  Ryckman,  which  they  likewise  doe  sell  unto  said 
Ryckman  for  y?  summe  of  three  pounds  currant  money  of 
this  Province,  which  ground  is  situated  on  y"  north  side 
of  ye  sd  Ryckman's  Lott  of  ground  opposite  to  y*  Citty 
Hall  of  Albany,  for  which  summe  of  money  ye  sd  Com- 
monality are  to  give  Release  of  sd  ground  by  y3  Rec1  there- 
of, provided  the  sd  Ryckman  pay  y '  charges  for  drawing  sd 
Release,  &c. 

Mr.  Mayor  proposes  the  building  of  a  Market  House 
within  the  Citty,  the  which  being  put  to  y6  vote,  it  is 
Resolved,  that  a  Market  House  shall  be  erected  on  the 
midst  of  the  way  in  y"  Jounker  street,  opposite  to  ye  lane 
between  y'  house  of  Maj.  Dirk  Wessels  and  Evert  Wen- 
del  Sen'r,  at  ye  Citty's  charges,  and  that  ye  Mayor  of  sd 
Citty,  as  being  Clarke  of  y  Market,  doe  order  that  the 
same  be  forthwith  erected. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  the  Citty  Hall  of  Al- 
bany, the  23d  day  of  June,  1704. 

Resolved,  that  ye  Persons  who  are  neglecting  in  rijding 
their  full  quota  of  Citty  Stockadoes,  since  y6  resolution  on 
ye  22d  of  May,  1704,  shall  be  Ride  and  sett  up,  viz1:  y6 
neglectors  on  ye  first  warde  from  ye  Blockhouse  by  ye 
Citty  Hall  northwarde,  where  y6  old  Stockadoes  now 
stand;  y6  neglectors  of  y6  second  warde  and  third  warde. 
where  ye  Stockadoes  stand  behynde  Mr.  Mayor's,  on  or 
before  ye  first  of  July  next  ensueing,  upon  penalty  of  for- 
feiting as  a  fyne  ye  summe  of  3s  for  each  Stockadoe  as 
shall  then  be  wanting,  for  y6  Behooffe  of  ye  sd  Citty. 

It  is  by  y6  Commonality  concluded  and  agreed,  that 
James  Parker,  marshal!,  shall  be  payd  yearly  by  ye  Com- 
monality of  y6  sd  Citty  of  Albany,  the  summe  of  £3  cur- 


194  The  City  Records. 

rant  money  of  this  province  for  his  service  in  attending  y6 
sd  Commonality  and  y6  Mayor's  Court,  and  for  supplying 
fyre  and  candlelight  in  their  meetings,  which  sellary  is  to 
commence  ye  14th  June,  1703,  untill  further  pleasure. 

July  25. — Resolved,  that  those  men  come  with  Capt. 
Higby  be  quartered  out  in  publique  housen,  Daniel  Kelley 
ten  at  3s  9d  each  for  every  week,  and  John  Collison  the 
remainder  of  those  come  up,  for  the  same  price  as  before 
agreed  to  be  paid  within  ten  days  after  the  said  soldiers 
be  removed. 

August  1. — Resolved,  that  the  Constables  doe  take 
their  turnes  upon  the  sabbath  day  to  inspect  all  the  Ta- 
vern keepers  within  the  Citty,  that  all  Indians  &  Negroes 
found  in  any  Tavern  as  aforesaid,  that  such  Tavern  Keeper 
so  found  to  draw  any  Strong  Liquer  whatsoever  to  any 
Negro  or  Negros,  Indian  or  Indians,  whatsoever,  upon  the 
Sabbath  Day  as  aforesaid,  shall  pay  as  a  fine  for  each 
such  Default  the  summe  of  6s,  for  any  such  Indian  or  In- 
dians so  found,  and  for  the  Negros  according  as  the  acts 
of  Assembly  directs.  It  is  also  Resolved,  that  the  as- 
sessors make  an  assessment  on  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said 
Citty,  for  .£30,  for  defraying  the  Citty  Debts,  within  the 
space  of  twice  twenty-four  hours,  and  make  their  returne 
thereof  by  the  Mayor. 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Lord  Viscount  Cornbury, 
Cap1.  Generall  and  Gov'r  in  Chiefe  in  and  over  the 
Provinces  of  New  York  and  East  and  West  Jersey. 

The  humble  address  of  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen 
and  Commonality  of  the  Citty  of  Albany,  sheweth: 

Whereas  Cap1.  Higby  is  arrived  here  ye  15th  July  last 
with  nineteen  souldiers  under  his  command.  forherMaj's 
service  on  these  fronteers.  and  whereas  ye  said  souldiers 
have  no  subsistence  but  what  is  ordered  by  your  Excell : 
Petitioners,  although  the  Province  is  obleadged  to  supply 
the  Provisions  thereof,  since  wee  your  Excell :  Petitioners 
can  procure  no  further  Provisions  for  the  same. 

Wee  therefore  your  Excell :  Petitioners  humbly  submitt 
that  care  may  be  taken  in  the  premises,  and  your  Peti- 
tioners as  in  duty  bound  shall  Evier  Pray. 

August  8. — The  Commonality  being  desyreous  to  know 


The  City  Records.  195 

what  instructions  Cap1.  Higby  hath  received  from  his 
Excellency  relateing  y6  posting  ye  Detachment  on  y* 
fronteers  of  Albany,  which  Cap1,  being  desyred  here  doth 
appear.  Producing  his  Instructions  it  appears  that  at  y6 

Half  Moon  is  to  be  posted  20  men 

Schinnechtady,     -  20 

Canastagioene,         -         -  20 

Kinderhook,       -         -         20 

Stonearabia,  •  10 

Greenbush,  -  -  10 — 100  men  in  all. 
September  5. — It  is  by  ye  Commonality  concluded  that 
a  Proclamation  shall  be  Proclaimed  that  no  staeks  of  hay 
or  straij  shall  be  sett  within  this  Citty  on  any  person  or 
persones  yard,  nor  any  stables  erected  on  ye  front  of  any 
high  streets  in  said  Citty,  nor  that  any  dung  shall  be 
turned  out  upon  y6  said  streets,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting 
y6  summe,  of  15s  and  obliged  to  remove  y^  same  in  y6 
space  of  thrice  twenty-four  hours,  for  ye  Behooffe  of  ye 
sheriffe,  who  is  to  sue  for  ye  same. 

It  is  also  resolved  that  y6  streets  be  paved  before  each 
Inhabitant's  door  within  this  Citty,  eight  foot  breadth 
from  their  houses  and  lotts,  before  ye  25th  of  October  next 
ensueing,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  the  summe  of  15s  for 
y6  Behooffe  of  y6  sheriffe,  who  is  to  sue  for  y"  same. 

Albany,  this  14th  day  of  October,  1704.  — This  day 
being  appointed  by  ye  Charter  of  ye  Citty  of  Albany  for  y6 
Aldermen,  Commonality,  Assessors,Constables  and  Cham- 
berlain of  y"  sd  Citty  to  be  sworne,  who  are  as  folio weth: 

The  First  Warde. 

Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Evert  Banker,  Hend.  Oothout, 

David  Schuyler.  Dirk  van  der  Hey  den. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

William  Hogen,  Coenrat  ten  Eyk, 

Coenraet  ten  Eyk.  Stephanus  Groesbeek, 

Collector. 

The  Second  Warde. 
Aldermen.  •  Assistants. 

Johannis  Roseboom,  Gerrit  Roseboom, 

Johannis  Cuyler,  Abraham  Cuyler. 


The  City  Records. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

Gysbert  Marselis,  Bareiit  Sanders. 

Elbert  Gerritse.  Johannis  Luykasse, 

Collector. 

The  Third  Warde. 

Aldermen.  Assistants. 

Hend.  Hanse,  Frans  Winne, 

Johannis  Mingael.  Ruth  Melgertse. 

Assessors.  Constable. 

Harp1  Jacobse,  David  Ketelheyn, 

Gerrit  Ryckse.  Dirk  Bratt,  collector. 

Jacob  Lansing,  high  constable. 
Anthony  Bratt,  treasurer. 


Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  y°  Citty  of  Albany  y6 
21st  November,  1704: — Present,  Johannis  Abeel,  re- 
corder, six  aldermen  and  five  assistants. 

Whereas  Coll.  P.  Schuyler  and  ye  rest  of  ye  Court 
Marschal  by  their  addresse  of  yc  20th  Instant,  sett  forth 
that  y"  Burger  Blockhouse  is  very  much  out  of  Repair,  so 
far  that  it  is  uncapable  to  keep  guard  in,  and  therefore 
desyre  y'  same  may  be  Repared  in  order,  and  y6  great 
guns  therein  mounted,  which  being  taken  into  considera- 
tion, the  Commonality  doe  Resolve,  that  ye  same  be  forth- 
with Repared,  viz1.,  ye  Blockhouse  in  good  order,  to  which 
end  Mr.  Frans  Winne  is  appointed  to  see  it  done,  as  also 
that  ye  Citty  Walls  be  closed  at  ye  Citty's  Charge,  he  de- 
livering an  account  of  his  own  charge  and  others  thereto 
expended,  and  in  case  any  person  should  prove  unwilling 
to  be  assisting  in  Repairing  and  make  ye  work  aforemen- 
tioned, that  then  and  in  such  case  any  alderman  is  hereby 
impoured  to  issue  out  his  warrant  for  ye  maintaining 
thereof. 

Whereas  information  is  given  that  Candles  for  ye  Citty 
Guards  will  henceforth  be  wanting,  so  it  is  that  Mr. 
Hend.  Hansen  doth  engage  to  supply  candles  for  ye  same 
at  y6  price  of  9d  per  Ib,  to  be  paid  by  yc  Citty  Treasurer. 

Whereas,  Cap1.  Higby  appears  in  Common  Councill  de- 
syreing  that  care  may  be  taken  to  provide  quarters  or  some 
convenient  place  for  lodgeing  to  his  company,  whereupon 


The  City  Records.  197 

y6  Commonality  have  Resolved,  that  tickets  be  drawne  on 
ye  Inhabitants  of  this  Citty  for  there  quarters  viz1,  nine 
men  in  y6  first  ward,  and  nine  men  in  ye  second  ward,  and 
six  men  in  ye  third  ward,  which  tickets  are  to  be  given  by 
ye  Mayor,  Recorder  or  Aldermen,  for  their  said  respective 
wards. 

John  Rateliffe  doth  humbly  request  that  satisfaction 
may  be  given  him  for  his  service  in  making  fyre  for  yc 
Burger  Guard  and  locking  yc  Cittys  Gates  &c.  for  ye  last  half 
year,  expired  ye  2d  of  this  Instant.  The  Common  Coun- 
cill  considering  y6  matter,  doe  expect  he  shall  give  an  ac- 
count of  the  summe  what's  due  to  him,  and  that  then  fur- 
ther consideration  shall  be  taken  in  that  matter. 

The  Petition  of  John  Gilbert  whereby  he  requesteth 
that  ye  one-third  of  y6  forfeitures  relatcing  ye  Indian  trade 
due  to  ye  Citty  may  be  remitted  unto  him,  is  read,  which 
y6  Commonality  have  referred  until  such  time  Mr.  Mayor 
is  present  in  Common  Councill,  in  ye  meantime  is  ordered 
that  ye  sheriffe  doe  deliver  at  ye  next  meeting  an  exact 
account  of  ye  sd  forfeitures  so  due. 

Resolved  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to  ye  assessors  of 
this  Citty,  to  lay  an  assessment  of  two  hundred  load  of 
wood  for  fyreing  to  y*  Blockhouses,  and  to  make  returne 
thereof  unto  Mr.  Mayor,  in  ye  space  fourteen  days  ensuing 
y6  date  hereof. 

It  is  further  Resolved,  and  appointed  for  surveyors  and 
fyremasters  within  this  Citty,  viz1.,  in  ye  first  warde  Joan 
Rosie  and  Johan.  van  Ale,  ye  2d  warde  Hend.  Roseboom 
and  Abraham  Kip,  and  in  y*5  3d  warde  Jacob  Lansing  and 
Fredrek  Harmense,  and  that  for  that  purpose  a  warrant 
be  directed  to  them  or  ye  major  part  of  them,  to  visit  all 
voeder  houses  and  fyreings  within  this  Citty,  once  in  each 
three  weeks,  and  wherever  ye  same  be  held  in  unconveii- 
ient  places  to  fyne  ye  owner  thereof  in  ye  summe  of  6s. 

Resolved  that  ye  Cryer  goe  round  ye  Citty  and  give  no- 
tice to  such  person  who  have  undertake  without  leave 
to  use  ye  leather  and  hooks  belonging  to  this  Citty,  that 
they  forthwith  or  at  longest  in  ye  space  of  twice  twenty 
four  hours,  return  ye  same  to  its  place  on  ye  west  side  of 
y°  Church,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting  y°  summe  of  6s  for 
such  neglect. 


198  The  City  Records. 

November  27. — The  Common  Councill  fyndeing  that  y9 
sheriffe  according  to  ye  late  Resolution  on  ye  21st  Instant, 
hath  not  observed  the  same,  so  far  as  to  deliver  to  this 
meeting  an  exact  account  of  one-third  of  the  forfeitures 
relateing  ye  Indian  trade,  as  then  was  required,  it  is  there- 
fore ordered  that  the  said  sheriffe,  together  with  his  late 
deputy  Jo.  Gilbert,  doe  deliver  an  exact  account  of  y6  said 
forfeitures  at  our  next  mayor's  court,  without  fail. 

Ordered,  that  a  Proclamation  be  issued  out  against  re- 
tailing without  lycence;  forfeit  £5  for  ye  Behooffe  of  such 
as  sues  for  ye  same. 


Att  a  Mayor's  Court  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany, 
yc  5th  of  December,  1704 : — Present,  Johannis  Schuy- 
ler,  mayor,  Joh.  Abeel,  recorder,  and  four  aldermen. 

James  Parker  by  his  Petition  desyres  that  care  may  be 
taken  for  quarters  against  ye  1st  of  May  1705  for  Liev1  Mat- 
thew Shanks,  being  ye  said  Parker  hath  necessary  occasion 
then  to  use  the  house  where  ye  sd  Liev1  now  dwells;  ye 
Mayor,  Recorder  and  Aldermen,  considering  how  often 
ye  said  Parker  hath  requested  for  the  use  of  his  said  house, 
doe  Resolve  to  acquaint  his  Excellency  my  Lord  Cornbury 
hereof,  so  that  a  new  order  may  be  sent  up  to  provide 
other  Lodgeing  for  ye  sd  Liev1. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany 
the  19th  of  December,  1704. 

It  is  concluded  by  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common- 
ality, that  a  Proclamation  be  published  that  no  person  or 
persones  shall  within  ye  walls  or  stockadoes  of  this  Citty 
drive  horse  or  horses  before  either  slee,  wagon  or  cart, 
or  on  horseback,  on  the  streets  of  the  said  Citty,  faster 
than  a  stap  or  moderate  trott,  upon  penalty  of  forfeiting 
for  each  such  offence  as  a  fyne  the  summe  of  6s,  and 
wherever  any  dung  is  turned  out  on  y6  streets  of  sd  Citty, 
or  found  on  ye  same  upon  Saturday  in  the  week,  then  and 
in  such  case,  the  person  or  persones  who  are  guilty  thereof 
shall  forfeit  y6  summe  of  15s  for  ye  behooffe  of  the  sheriffe 
who  is  to  sue  for  ye  same, 

Jan  25,  170}  — Mr.  Frans  Winne  gives  in  an  account 


The  City  Records.  199 

for  sundreys  layd  out  of  ye  fixing  up  of  y6  Citty  great 
gunns,  Repaireing  the  Burger  Blockhouse,  &c. :  it  is  Re- 
solved that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  audit  ye  same, 
and  make  Return  thereof  yc  30th  Instant,  and  accordingly 
Evert  Banker,  Jobs.  Cuyler,  aldermen,  Dirk  van  der  Hey- 
den  and  Abraham  Cuyler,  assistance. 

GLOSSARY. 

Rounds  passage,  the  narrow  space  inside  of  the  wall  left  for  the 
guard  to  patrol. 

Pand^  pawn. 

Coop  brieffe,  (koop  brief,)  bill  of  sale. 

Grounds,  brieffe,  deed  or  conveyance. 

Leathers  and  hooks,  Ladders  and  hooks. 

Boedel,  personal  effects. 

Somer  tarwe,  summer  wheat. 

Slees,  sleighs. 

Stop,  walk,  or  pace. 

Canastageone,  Niskayuna. 

See  also  vol.  ii,  p.  143;  vol.  iii,  p.  57. 

A  difficulty  in  tracing  names  with  certainty  in  these  records  arises 
from  the  practice  with  the  Dutch  of  giving  only  the  first  name.  For 
instance  Rip  van  Dam  having  a  son  Claas,  the  latter  would  be  fre- 
quently called  Claas  Ripse,  (Rip  zoon)  that  is,  Claas  the  son  of  Rip, 
to  distinguish  him  from  some  other  Claas,  instead  of  using  the  sur- 
name. These  instances  occur  on  almost  every  page,  and  it  requires 
a  great  deal  of  familiarity  with  the  names  of  the  citizens  at  this 
period  to  know  who  is  intended  by  Gerrit  Gerritse,  Jan  Janse,  Jacob 
Jacobse,  Melgert  Melgcrtse,  SfC.  $c.  On  page  180,  Joachim  Volken- 
burgh  is  called  Jochim  Lambertse,  being  the  son  of  Lambert  Volken- 
burgh.  The  surnames  beginning  with  van  come  from  the  same 
practice  of  using  Christian  names.  Thus  Abraham  van  der  Poel,  is 
Abraham  from  (or  of)  the  Pond,  to  distinguish  him  from,  perhaps, 
Abraham  van  der  Heyden,  that  is  from  the  heathen.  The  Scotch 
who  have  a  great  many  words  in  common  with  the  Dutch,  have  also 
John  Johnson,  (Jan  Jansen  and  Hanse  Hansen  in  Dutch,)  Richard 
Dickson  (Dirk  Dirksen,)  #c.,  #c.  The  subject  can  only  be  glanced 
at  here. 

[Annals  iv.]  18 


(  200  ) 

PLAN  OF  ALBANY,  1676. 


The  diagram  on  the  opposite  page  is  a  fac  simile  of  the 
oldest  plan  of  the  city  that  has  yet  been  discovered.  It 
is  reduced  from  the  original  manuscript  in  the  office  of 
the  Secretary  of  State,  preserved  by  Dr.  O'Callaghan,  in 
the  series  marked  Land  Papers,  I,  58.  It  seems  to  em- 
brace that  part  of  the  city  now  bounded  by  the  river  on 
the  east,  Beaver  street  on  the  south,  Pearl  street  on  the 
west,  and  Steuben  street  on  the  north.  But  two  streets 
are  denominated  on  the  map,  Joncaer  straet,  now  State ; 
and  Rom  straet,  now  Maiden  lane.  Broadway  is  repre- 
sented by  parallel  lines.  The  earliest  title  that  we  know 
for  it,  was  Handelaer  straet,  as  seen  on  a  map  made 
twenty  years  later.  (See  Annals  Hi,  39.)  The  walls,  it 
will  be  seen,  are  pierced  for  six  gates  (poerts).  The 
guard  house  seems  to  have  occupied  the  old  elm  tree 
corner,  and  Pearl  street  was  eighty  feet  wide,  now  eighty- 
four.  The  bridge  (Jbrug)  crossed  the  Rutten  kill  just  north 
of  the  foot  of  Beaver  street.  The  dwellings  (huyseri) 
were  thus  confined  within  a  narrow  compass,  and  sur- 
rounded by  a  line  of  upright  posts,  of  which  pine  seems 
to  have  been  the  customary  material,  thirteen  feet  long 
and  one  foot  in  diameter.  The  preservation  of  this 
wooden  wall  was  expensive  and  vexatious  to  an  extraor- 
dinary degree,  as  the  records  bear  witness.  Mandates 
wenth  forth  periodically  to  compel  delinquent  burghers  to 
produce  and  "  sett  their  quotaes"; "  and  even  forlorn  widows 
were  sternly  commanded  by  the  burgomasters  and  schepens, 
in  grim  conclave  at  the  Citty  hall,  to  "  ride  their  stock- 
adoes ; "  in  default  whereof  the  schout  fiscaal  was 
diected  to  strain  18d  for  each  deficient  stockadoe ! 


(203) 
SYNOPSIS 

OF  THE 

PRINCIPAL  ACTS  RELATING  TO  ALBANY, 

•  PASSED    BY  THE 

GENERAL   ASSEMBLY  OF  THEIR  MAJESTIES'  PROVINCE  OP  NEW 
YORK. 

FROM  1691  TO  1713.* 

It  was  directed  that  a  court  of  sessions  of  the  peace 
should  be  held  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  at  the 
City  Hall  of  the  said  city  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  June, 
the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  and  the  first  Tuesday  in 
February,  for  "  the  increase  of  virtue  and  discouraging 
of  evil  doers,"  "  to  hold  and  continue  for  the  space  and 
time  of  two  dayes  and  no  longer."  And  for  the  more 
regular  and  beneficial  distribution  of  justice  to  the  in- 
habitants, a 'court  of  common  pleas  was  ordered  to  be 
held  at  the  same  place,  to  begin  the  next  day  after  the 
sessions  terminates,  and  to  be  held  for  two  days  only,  by 
one  judge  and  three  justices,  to  hear,  try  and  determine 
all  things  triable  at  the  common  law. 

In  order  to  supply  the  troop  of  horse,  it  was  required 
that  "  whenever  the  said  troop  shall  not  compleat  the 
number  of  fifty,  to  present  double  the  number  instead  of 
such  as  are  dead,  removed  or  wanting,  out  of  the  prin- 
cipal inhabitants  and  gentlemen  of  the  city,  unto  the 
governor  for  the  time  being,  who  from  time  to  time  may 
list  and  order  so  many  of  them  to  be  of  the  said  troop 
as  may  compleat  the  number  of  fifty  for  their  majesties 
service,  and  the  security  of  this  province,"  who  were 
obliged  to  serve  under  a  penalty  of  five  pounds  fine. 

It  was  enacted  that  for  the  good  government  and  rule 
of  their  majesties  subjects,  a  session  of  a  general  assem- 
bly should  be  held  in  the  province  once  in  every  year. 

*  These  laws  serve  better  than  any  thing  else  we  have  met  with 
to  show  the  great  expense  and  anxiety  of  the  citizens  and  the  govern- 
ment, in  defending  the  frontiers  at  Albany. 


204  Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany. 

To  this  assembly  Albany  was  allotted  two  representa- 
tives, and  the  colony  of  Rensselaerswyck  one.  Every 
freeholder,  by  which  was  understood  every  person  who 
had  forty  shillings  per  annum  in  freehold,  had  a  free 
choice  and  vote  in  the  electing  of  representatives.  Re- 
presentatives were  paid  ten  shillings  currant  money  of 
the  province  per  day,  from  the  time  of  their  going  out 
till  their  return  home;  which  was  a  city  charge. 

An  Act  to   enable  the  city  of  Albany  to  defray  their 
necessary  charge. 

Forasmuch  as  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  and  county 
of  Albany  have  been  during  the  time  of  the  late  dis- 
orders, very  much  aggrieved,  wasted,  destroyed,  and 
impoverished  by  the  incursions  of  the  French,  their 
majesties  declared  enemies,  and  that  it  is  absolutely 
necessary  that  some  suitable  and  convenient  way  should 
be  found  out  for  their  relief  and  more  easy  defraying  of 
the  necessary  charge  of  that  city  and  county,  be  it 
therefore  enacted  by  the  governor  and  council,  and 
representatives  convened  in  general  assembly,  and  it  is 
hereby  enacted  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  that  the 
imposition  or  rate  of  two  per  cent  shall  be  raised  and 
levied  upon  all  Indian  goods  that  are  brought  up  to  that 
city  and  county  of  Albany,  and  there  sold  or  consumed. 
And  also  that  the  impost  of  three  pence  be  raised  and 
levied  upon  each  gallon  of  rum,  that  is  sold  and  con- 
sumed within  that  city  and  county.  And  for  the  due 
and  orderly  collecting  of  the  said  respective  imposts  and 
rates,  the  treasurer  of  the  said  city  for  the  time  being, 
or  any  appointed  by  him,  and  the  mayor  of  the  said 
city,  under  the  public  seal  of  the  said  city,  are  hereby 
empowered  and  authorized  to  appoint,  constitute  and 
establish  a  collector  or  receiver  of  the  rates  and  im- 
posts aforesaid,  who  shall  have  power  to  receive  the 
same,  and  to  enter  in  a  fair  book,  kept  for  that  pur- 
pose, all  such  sum  and  sums  of  money  as  shall  be  so 
entered  and  received  for  the  respective  duties  aforesaid ; 
the  said  collector  or  receiver  appointing  certain  con- 
venient times  and  places  for  the  keeping  of  the  office,  as 


Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany.  205 

shall  be  directed  by  the  court  of  mayor  and  aldermen 
and  assistants  of  the  said  city.  And  all  persons  that 
trade  and  bring  up  to  the  said  city  and  county  the  afore- 
mentioned Indian  goods  and  rum,  are  hereby  required  to 
make  a  report  of  the  quantity  and  value  of  such  goods 
and  rum  they  so  bring  up  and  sell  in  the  city  and  county 
aforesaid,  and  pay  the  duties  and  impost  hereby  estab- 
lished, without  being  at  any  further  charge  than  the  said 
duty.  And  in  default  hereof  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the 
mayor,  treasurer,  or  any  other  officer  hereby  authorized, 
to  issue  out  his  or  their  warrant,  under  his  or  their  hand 
and  seal,  for  the  seizing  of  all  such  goods  and  rum  as 
shall  be  imbezzled,  and  not  pay  the  duties  aforesaid,  one 
third  to  the  informer,  one  third  to  the  said  city  and 
county  of  Albany,  and  one  third  to  his  excellency  the 
governor  commander  in  chief  for  the  time  being.  Pro- 
vided that  all  the  sum  or  sums  of  money  that  are 
hereby  received,  shall  be  only  appropriated  and  applied 
to  the  defraying  of  the  necessary  charges  of  the  city  and 
county  aforesaid.  And  that  the  treasurer,  collector  or 
receiver  for  the  time  being,  shall  not  pay  any  of  the 
money  received  as  aforesaid,  but  by  a  warrant  from  the 
mayor  of  the  said  city,  and  approved  by  the  court  of 
aldermen  and  assistants.  Provided,  that  this  act  shall 
only  remain  in  force  for  the  space  of  three  years,  and  no 
longer,  any  thing  contained  herein  to  the  contrary  in  any 
wise  notwithstanding. 

An  act  for  the  raising  of  two  thousand  pounds  for  pay- 
ing and  defraying  the  incidental  charges,  according  to 
establishment  of  one  hundred  fuzileers,  with  their 
proper  officers. 

"  For  the  securing  the  frontiers  of  this  province  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  it  is  thought  convenient  that  his  ex- 
cellency, the  captain  general,  do  raise  one  company  to 
consist  of  one  hundred  fuzileers,  with  their  proper 
officers,  which  shall  remain  in  the  said  county,  for  the 
defence  thereof,  one  whole  year,  to  commence  on  the  28th 
day  of  March  now  last  past."  Of  the  sum  of  £2000 
ordered  to  be  raised  by  this  act,  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany  was  rated  £180.  This  was  followed  by  another 


206  Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany. 

act  for  raising  and  paying  one  hundred  and  fifty  men, 
forthwith,  for  the  reinforcement  and  defence  of  Albany 
for  six  months.  This  act  set  forth  that  the  frontiers  of 
Albany  were  in  imminent  danger  of  being  lost,  being  daily 
threatened  with  invasion  by  the  French,  and  that  forasmuch 
as  all  their  majesties  neighboring  plantations  depended  on 
having  this  place  well  secured;  and  for  the  effectual  doing 
of  which,  application  had  been  made  to  (he  neighboring 
plantations  without  effect,  therefore  it  was  determined 
to  raise  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  to  reinforce  Albany, 
who  should  serve  six  months,  from  the  first  day  of  Novem- 
ber 1691.  Fifteen  hundred  pounds  was  ordered  to  be 
raised  for  their  support,  of  which  sum  the  city  of  Albany 
was  assessed  one  hundred  and  thirty  pounds. 

At  the  third  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  begun  in 
the  city  of  New  York  on  the  19th  April,  1692,  an  act  was 
passed  "for  raising  two  hundred  men  with  their  proper 
officers  for  the  securing  and  reinforcing  of  Albany  in  the 
frontiers  of  this  province."  It  recited  that,  "whereas  the 
forces  lately  raised  for  the  reinforcing  and  securing  the 
frontiers  at  Albany,  are  not  to  continue  in  the  service 
longer  than  the  first  of  May  next  ensuing  ;  and  forasmuch 
as  it  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  safety  of  all  their 
majesties  neighboring  colonies  and  plantations,  as  well  as 
for  the  security  of  this  province,  that  there  be  and  remain 
at  that  place  sufficient  force  for  the  defence  thereof;  and 
whereas  the  present  state  and  condition  of  this  province  is 
such,  that  they  are  not  able  at  this, time  to  make  sufficient 
provision  of  men  and  money  for  the  reinforcing  of  that 
place,  as  is  truly  necessary  for  the  maintaining  such  a 
considerable  post,  which  is  the  only  Bull- work  of  defence 
for  all  their  majesties  neighboring  colonies  and  plantations 
in  this  main  of  America:  yet  that  the  said  place  may  not  be 
deserted  nor  the  Indians,  who  have  been  so  constant  to  us, 
discouraged ;  Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  commander- 
in-chief  and  council,  and  representatives  convened  in 
general  assembly,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  that 
the  commander-in-chief  do  issue  out  his  warrants  to  the 
chief  military  officers  in  the  respective  cities  and  counties 
undernamed,  for  the  raising  of  200  men,  armed  as  the  law 
directs,  with  their  proper  officers,  in  such  proportions 


Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany.  207 

hereafter  mentioned,  to  consist  and  make  two  distinct 
companies  of  fuziliers,  for  the  reinforcement  and  security 
of  the  frontiers  of  this  province  in  the  county  of  Albany 
aforesaid,  which  shall  continue  and  remain  in  the  county 
of  Albany,  for  the  defence  and  security  thereof,  for  the 
term  and  space  of  five  months,  to  commence  on  the  first 
day  of  May  next ;  and  to  end  and  terminate  on  the  first 
day  of  October  then  following." 

For  the  payment  and  maintenance  of  these  soldiers,  an 
assessment  of  £1500  currant  money  of  the  province  was 
ordered.  New  York  was  to  furnish  £345  for  46  men;  the 
county  of  Westchester  £127:  10s,  for  17  men;  the  county 
of  Richmond  £67:  10s.  for  9  men;  the  counties  of  Ulster 
andDutchess  £210  for  28  men ;  the  county  of  Suffolk  £300, 
for  40  men;  the  county  of  Kings  £210  for  28  men;  the 
county  of  Queens  £225  for  30  men ;  the  county  of  Orange 
£  15  for  2  men.  The  soldiers  and  money  were  to  be  ready 
by  the  first  of  May  under  severe  penalties.  The  comman- 
der-in-chief  was  authorized  to  borrow  £700  at  ten  per 
cent,  to  prevent  delay  or  embarrassment. 

At  the  fourth  session  of  the  General  Assembly  begun 
in  the  city  of  New  York  on  the  14th  August,  1692, 
another  act  was  passed,  similar  to  the  preceding,  for 
raising  220  men,  to  be  peremptorily  at  Albany  on  the  first 
day  of  October,  and  there  to  continue  seven  calendar 
months.  For  their  payment  and  maintenance  £2860 
was  ordered  to  be  raised.  The  respective  counties  were 
allowed  to  pay  the  sums  allotted  to  them  in  current  silver 
money  at  New  York,  or  in  good  merchantable  provisions 
at  the  following  rates.  Pork,  50s.  a  barrel;  Beef,  32s.  6d. 
a  barrel ;  Winter  wheat,  4s.  a  bushel ;  Tallow  4^d.  a  pound. 

At  the  fifth  session  of  the  General  Assembly  begun  in 
city  of  New  York  on  the  24th  of  October,  1692,  some  of 
the  general  laws  of  the  previous  sessions  were  revised. 
It  was  ordained  that  there  should  be  held  in  the  city  and 
county  of  Albany  two  fairs  j-early;  the  first  at  Albany, 
commencing  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  July  and  continue 
four  days ;  the  second  to  be  held  at  Crawlier  in  Rensse- 
laerswyk,  on  the  thh'd  Tuesday  in  October,  to  continue 
four  days  and  no  longer. 


208  Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany. 

In  September  1693,  an  act  was  passed  for  raising  £6000 
for  the  paying  of  300  volunteers  and  their  officers,  to  be 
employed  in  the  reinforcement  of  the  frontiers  of  the 
province  at  Albany. 

In  October,  1694,  an  act  was  passed  for  raising  £500 
to  pay  100  men  for  the  same  purpose. 

In  March,  July  and  October,  1695,  the  following  acts 
were  passed: 

An  act  for  raising  £2660  to  pay  170  men  for  securing 
the  frontiers  at  Albany. 

An  act  to  enable  the  city  of  Albany  to  defray  their 
necessary  charge. 

An  act  for  raising  £800  for  paying  the  soldiers  em- 
ployed in  defending  the  frontiers. 

An  act  for  raising  £864: 15s.  for  paying  a  company  of 
fuzileers  on  the  frontiers. 

An  act  for  raising  £700  to  enable  his  excellency  to  keep 
the  men  that  are  now  in  the  companies  appointed  by  his 
majesty,  and  to  encourage  others  to  list  themselves. 

An  act  for  raising  £500  to  pay  100  men  to  be  raised 
for  reinforcing  the  frontiers. 

In  March  and  April,  1696,  were  passed: 

An  act  for  raising  120  effective  men,  to  be  employed 
for  the  reinforcement  of  the  frontiers  in  the  county  of 
Albany,  and  for  raising  the  sum  of  £2593 :6s.  8d.,  to  be 
distributed  by  his  excellency  among  the  said  men,  and 
the  rest  of  the  four  companies  sent  over  by  his  majesty. 

In  October,  1696,  being  the  4th  session  of  the  fifth  As- 
sembly, an  act  was  passed  "for  raising  100  men  to  be 
listed  in  his  majesties  three  companies  posted  at  Albany, 
for  the  security  of  the  frontiers  and  for  the  raising  of 
£1200  for  the  encouraging  such  as  shall  list  themselves 
in  the  said  companies,  and  for  the  defraying  of  other  con- 
tingent charges  at  the  said  frontiers." 

This  act  recites  that  "  whereas  the  provision  that  was 
lately  made  for  the  reinforcing  and  strengthening  the 
frontiers  of  this  province  at  Albany,  hath  not  had  that 
effect  that  was  designed,  many  of  the  soldiers  that  were 
listed  in  his  majesty's  companies,  and  posted  there  having 


Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany.  209 

deserted  the  service,  whereby  the  said  frontiers  are  much 
weakened,"  it  was  enacted  that  £1200  should  be  raised 
by  a  levy  upon  all  the  "inhabitants,  residents,  sojourners 
and  freeholders  "  in  the  province  to  be  employed  in  rais- 
ing 100  effective  men  to  be  added  to  the  221  men  already 
posted  there.  A  bounty  of  five  pounds  was  given  to  such 
as  voluntarily  enlisted,  and  one  pound  to  any  person  who 
should  procure  any  one  to  enlist.  A  further  sum  of  £200 
was  to  be  raised  in  the  same  way,  to  be  expended  by  Pe- 
ter Schuyler,  Derick  Wessels  and  Killian  Van  Rensselaer, 
in  procuring  corn  and  other  necessary  provisions  for  the 
Oneida  and  Onondaga  Indians,  whose  castles  had  been  de- 
stroyed by  the  French.  A  further  sum  of  £200  was  to 
be  raised  in  the  same  manner  and  entrusted  to  the  same 
persons,  for  the  purpose  of  employing  ' '  scouts  of  Christ- 
ians and  Indians  "  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy, 
to  prevent  false  alarms,  which  had  occasioned  great 
charge,  and  discontent. 

By  the  act  of  1696,  for  raising  $864: 15s.  the  following 
pay  was  fixed  upon. 

An  establishment  for  the  pay  of  a  company  of  Fuzeleers 
imployed  on  the  Frontiers,  at  present  under  the  com- 
mand of  Major  Schuyler,  for  the  security  of  the  Fron- 
tiers of  this  Province  in  Albany,  from  the  first  day  of 
August  last  until  the  first  day  of  March  next  following : 

£     s. 

The  Captain  a  212  days,  at  8s  pe*  diem,  -  84  16 
One  Lieutenant  at  4s.  per  diem,  -  -  42  08 
One  ditto  at  3s.  per  diem,  -  -  31  16 

4  Sergeants  at  Is.  6d.  each  per  diem,  •  63  12 
50  private  Centinels  at  12d.  each  per  diem,  530  00 
One  Town  Major  at  4s.  per  diem,  •  -  42  08 
One  Chyrurgion  at  2s.  6d.  •  26  10 

For  Incidentals,  -         -  -     27  08 

One  Muster  Master  from  1st  August  to  10th 

October,  at  2s.  Qd.  per  diem,         -  8  15 

For  do  from  10th  Oct.  to  1st  March,    142 

days  at  Is. 7  02 

£864  15s. 


210  Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany. 

By  an  act  passed  the  same  year,  the  city  of  Albany 
was  assessed  £60  as  its  proportion  of  £1000  ordered  to 
be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  sending  an  agent  to  London, 
to  represent  to  the  king  "how  far  the  security  of  the 
fronteers  at  Albany  hath  been  a  barrier  and  place  of  de- 
fence for  the  preservation  of  all  his  majesty's  adjacent 
colonies,  and  withal  to  represent  unto  his  majesty  the 
heavy  burdens  that  hath  lain  upon  the  inhabitants  of  this 
province  since  the  beginning  of  this  war,"  and  to  request 
that  means  might  be  devised  to  ease  them  of  these  burdens 
in  future. 

An  act  was  passed  by  the  general  assembly  in  March, 
1797-8,  for  raising  £2300  for  securing  the  fronteers  at 
Albany,  and  recruiting  the  three  companies  posted  there. 
Also  an  act  to  enable  the  city  of  Albany  to  defray  their 
necessary  charge. 

An  act  for  raising  £1500  for  Gov.  Bellomont,  and  £500 
for  the  Lieut.  Gov.  Nanfan,  assesses  Albany  £120,  as  its 
proportion  of  the  same,  was  passed  1798-9. 

An  act  was  passed  in  the  latter  year  for  annulling 
several  extravagant  grants  of  land  made  by  Col.  Fletcher, 
while  governor  of  the  province.  One  of  these  was  a 
grant  "  unto  Mr.  Godfrey  Dellius,  bearing  date  the  3d 
September,  1696,  and  registered  in  the  secretary's  office 
containing  a  certain  tract  of  land  lying  upon  the  cast  side 
of  Hudson's  river,  between  the  north  most  bounds  of  Sa- 
raghtoga  and  the  Rock  Rossian.  containing  about  70  miles 
in  length,  and  goes  back  into  the  woods  from  the  said  Hud- 
son's river  12  miles,  until  it  comes  unto  the  wood  back, 
and  so  far  as  it  goes,  be  it  12  miles  more  or  less  from 
Hudson's  river,  on  the  east  side,  and  from  said  creek  by 
a  line  12  miles  distant  from  said  river;  to  have  and  to 
hold  said  land  and  appurtenances  unto  him  the  said  God- 
frey Dellius  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  under  the  rent 
reserved  of  one  racoon  skin  per  annum. 

And  whereas  there  is  another  extravagant  grant  of 
land  made  unto  the  said  Godfrey  Dellius,  William  Pin- 
horn,  and  Evert  Banker,  &c.,  sealed  also  with  the  seal  of 
the  province,  and  bearing  date  the  30th  of  July,  1697, 


Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany.  211 

containing  a  certain  tract  of  vacant  land  lying  upon  Mo- 
haques  river,  above  a  place  commonly  known  by  the 
name  of  Orrakkee,  beginning  from  a  place  called  by  the 
nation  Owehdiere,  and  run  up  along  the  said  river  at  out 
50  miles  more  or  less  to  a  place  called  Arach  Schone  two 
miles  on  each  side  of  the  river  as  it  runs ;  to  have  and 
to  hold  the  said  tract  of  land  and  appurtenances  unto 
the  said  Godfrey  Dellius,  Evert  Banker,  W.  Pinhorn,  &c., 
their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  under  the  reserved  rent 
of  one  beaver  skin  for  the  first  seven  years,  and  five 
beaver  skins  yearly  forever  thereafter.  That  it  having  ap- 
peared before  the  house  of  representatives  that  Mr. 
Godfrey  Dellius  has  been  a  principal  instrument  in  delud- 
ing the  Mohaque  Indians,  and  illegal  and  surreptitious 
obtaining  of  said  grant,  that  he  ought  to  be  and  is  hereby 
suspended  from  the  exercise  of  his  ministerial  functions 
in  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

At  the  seventh  legislative  session,  begun  on  the  19th 
August,  1701,  it  was  enacted,  by  reason  that  the  engi- 
neer was  out  of  the  province,  and  the  necessity  of  put- 
ting the  frontier  in  defense  was  immediate,  a  part  of  the 
money  raised  for  building  a  fort  in  the  Indian  country 
should  be  used  for  repairing  the  forts  at  Albany  and  Sche- 
ncctady,  namely:  £150  to  be  put  into  the  hands  of  John 
Bleeker,  Sen.,  Hendrick  Hansen  and  Peter  Van  Brugh, 
for  the  immediate  repair  of  the  fort  at  Albany,  and  £50 
to  Ryer  Schermerhorn  and  Isaac  Switz  for  repairing  the 
fort  at  Schenectady. 

At  the  session  of  the  General  Assembly  begun  Octo- 
ber 20,  1702,  the  first  year  of  Queen  Anne.  "  Whereas 
by  the  great  neglect  of  those  who  have  lately  exercised 
the  powers  of  government  in  this  colony,  the  fortifica- 
tions on  the  fronteers  thereof  have  run  to  ruin  and 
decay,"  and  the  safety  of  the  colony  greatly  depended  on 
making  good  and  preserving  the  fortifications  and  out- 
posts, it  was  enacted  that  £1800  should  be  raised  for 
maintaining  150  fuzileers  for  five  months,  and  30  men  as 
scouts  for  62  days;  the  fuzileers  to  be  posted  on  the  fron- 
teers at  or  near  Albany,  from  the  15th  November  to  the 
19 


212  Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany. 

15th  April.  Of  the  above  sum  Albany,  which  for  many 
years  seems  to  have  paid  its  tax  by  quartering  the 
soldiers,  was  now  apportioned  £144. 

An  act  was  also  passed  at  the  same  session  for  raising 
£2000  for  Lord  Cornbury,  the  city  and  county  of  Albany 
being  assessed  £120  towards  the  sum  . 

In  order  "  that  the  breed  of  wolves  in  this  colony  may 
be  wholly  rooted  out  and  extinguished,"  an  act  was 
passed  fixing  different  rewards  in  different  counties  for 
the  destruction  of  those  animals.  "  In  the  county  of  Al- 
bany 10s.  for  a  grown  Wolf,  killed  either  by  Christians  or 
Indians,  and  half  that  sum  for  a  whelp." 

At  the  session  begun  on  the  13th  April,  1703,  an  act 
was  passed  obliging  persons  to  pay  their  arrears  of  £1000 
tax  "  laid  in  the  12th  year  of  William  III.,  1700,"  for 
building  a  fort  in  Onondage ;"  in  which  it  was  directed 
that  the  arrears  of  the  said  sum  of  £  1000,  as  Well  as 
what  had  already  been  raised  for  that  purpose,  should  be 
applied  towards  carrying  on  the  fortifications  at  Albany. 

An  act  was  also  passed  at  this  session  to  enable  the 
justices  of  the  peace  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany, 
to  repair  or  rebuild  a  common  jail,  city  and  county  hall, 
and  to  pay  the  arrears  of  their  public  charge.  It  au- 
thorized the  raising  by  tax  a  sum  not  exceeding  £400  for 
that  purpose,  during  three  years. 

In  1704,  an  act  was  passed  "  to  charge  the  several 
cities  and  counties  of  this  colony  with  £143  10s.  Wd.  for 
fitting  and  furnishing  a  room  for  the  general  assembly, 
with  a  lobby,  in  the  City  Hall  of  New  York."  The  share 
of  this  expense  allotted  to  Albany  was  £9  19s.  5d. 

In  1705  an  act  was  passed  "  for  defraying  the  common 
and  necessary  charges  of  the  Mannor  of  Rensselaerwick 
in  the  county  of  Albany."  It  made  it  lawful  for  the  in- 
habitants of  the  manor  to  elect  yearly  one  supervisor, 
one  assessor  and  collector;  and  directed  that  the  wages 
of  their  representatives  in  the  assembly  should  be  the 
same  as  in  the  other  cities  and  counties  of  the  province, 
which  was  10s.  a  day,  and  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 


Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany.  213 

manor  should  be  liable  only  for  the  wages  and  charges  of 
their  own  representative. 

Also  an  act  to  raise  £100  additional  to  the  £400  pre- 
viously authorized  to  build  the  jail  and  city  hall,  the 
latter  sum  proving  inadequate  to  the  completion  of  the 
work.  The  manor  of  Rensselaerswyck  was  not  to  be 
chargeable  with  any  portion  of  the  j£100  assessment. 

Also  "  an  act  to  prevent  the  running  away  of  negro 
slaves  out  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  to  the  French 
in  Canada."  "  Whereas  the  city  and  county  of  Albany 
on  the  frontiers  of  this  province  towards  the  French  of 
Canada,  and  that  it  is  of  great  concerns  to  this  colony, 
during  this  time  of  war  with  the  French,  that  no  intelli- 
gence be  carried  from  the  said  city  and  county  to  the 
French  at  Canada ;  and  whereas  the  justices  of  the  peace 
for  the  said  city  and  county  at  a  court  of  sessions  held  at 
the  city  hall  of  the  said  city  of  Albany  on  the  fifth  day 
of  June  of  this  present  year  of  our  Lord,  1705,  did  re- 
commend to  the  representatives  of  the  said  city  and 
county  to  lay  before  the  assembly  of  this  province,  now 
convened,  the  fears  and  jealousies  they  have,  that  several 
negro  slaves  belonging  to  the  inhabitants  there,  have  a  de- 
sign to  leave  their  respective  owners  and  go  to  the  French 
at  Canada,  as  some  have  already  done,  which  has  and 
would  be  to  the  great  loss  and  detriment  of  the  owner  or 
owners  of  such  negro  slave  or  slaves,  and  also  of  very  per- 
nicious consequence  to  the  whole  province  *  *  be  it 
enacted  *  *  that  all  and  every  negro  slave  or  slaves 
belonging  to  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany,  who  shall  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  August, 
of  this  present  year  of  our  Lord,  1705,  be  found  travel- 
ing forty  miles  above  the  city  of  Albany,  at  or  above  a 
certain  place,  called  Sarachtoge,  unless  in  company  of 
his,  her,  or  their  master,  mistress,  Or  such  employed  by 
them,  or  either  of  them,  and  be  thereof  convicted  by  the 
oaths  of  two  or  more  credible  witnesses,  before  the 
court  of  sessions  of  the  peace  of  this  city  and  county, 

*  *  shall  suffer  the  pains  of  death  as  in  cases  of 
felony." 

It  was  further  enacted  that  any  slave  belonging  to  an 
inhabitant  of  the  county,  who  should  be  found  offending 


214  Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany. 

against  this  act  after  the  first  of  August,  should  be  conveyed 
to  the  next  justice  of  the  peace,  and  be  by  him  committed 
to  jail,  without  bail  or  mainprise.  The  justice  was 
required  to  notify  the  owner,  that  he  might  appear  and 
nominate  one  or  more  indifferent  persons  to  appraise  the 
value  of  the  slave,  the  justice  appointing  as  many  more 
to  meet  with  them  for  that  purpose.  The  appraisers 
were  to  make  their  return  within  two  days  in  order  that 
if  the  slave  should  be  convicted  and  executed,  in  order  that 
the  sum  of  such  appraisement  and  the  charges  of  prosecution 
might  be  levied  and  collected  of  all  persons  owning  slaves ; 
and  the  valuation  of  the  slave  paid  to  the  owner  thereof. 
To  avoid  any  difference  concerning  the  value  of  any  slave, 
it  was  enacted  that  any  negro  slave,  male  or  female, 
above  the  age  of  fifteen  years,  fit  for  service,  should  be 
rated  and  assessed  at  thirty  pounds,  for  the  purpose 
of  defraying  the  above  charges.  The  law  was  to  continue 
in  force  during  the  war  with  the  French. 

"An  act  for  regulating  slaves"  was  passed  in  the  first 
year  of  Queen  Anne,  1702,  which  forbade  any  person  to 
trade  with  a  slave,  without  the  consent  of  his  owner,  under 
a  penalty  of  £5  and  treble  the  value  of  the  article  traded 
for.  The  owners  of  slaves  were  permitted  to  punish  them 
for  offences  at  discretion,  "not  extending  to  life  or  member." 
"And  forasmuch  as  the  number  of  slaves  in  the  cities  of 
New  York  and  Albany,  and  also  in  other  towns  within 
this  province,  doth  daily  increase,  and  that  they  have  been 
found  oftentimes  guilty  of  confederating  together  in  run- 
ning away,  or  other  ill  practices,"  it  was  enacted  that  there- 
after it  should  not  be  lawful  for  above  three  slaves  to  meet 
together  except  for  some  servile  employment  for  their 
owners,  under  penalty  of  being  whipt  upon  the  naked 
back  not  exceeding  forty  lashes.  A  common  whipper 
was  to  be  appointed  whose  salary  was  to  be  raised  by  a 
tax  upon  slave  owners  not  exceeding  three  shillings  for 
every  slave  owned.  In  case  any  slave  should  presume 
to  assault  or  strike  any  free  man  or  woman  professing 
Christianity,  the  justices  of  the  peace  were  authorized 
to  commit  him  to  imprisonment  for  fourteen  days,  and 
inflict  corporal  punishment  at  discretion.  Persons  were 
prohibited  from  employing  or  harboring  the  slaves  of 


Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany.  215 

others  under  heavy  penalties.  "And  whereas  slaves 
are  the  property  of  Christians,  and  can  not,  without 
great  loss  or  detriment  to  their  masters  or  mistresses, 
be  subjected  in  all  cases  criminal,  to  the  strict  rules  of 
the  laws  of  England,"  it  was  enacted  that  if  any  slave 
by  theft  or  other  trespass,  should  damnify  any  person  to 
the  value  of  five  pounds  or  under,  his  owner  was  liable 
to  make  satisfaction.  No  slave  was  allowed  to  be  good 
evidence  in  any  matter  excepting  in  cases  of  plotting  and 
confederacy  among  themselves,  either  to  run  away,  kill 
or  destroy  their  owner,  or  burning  of  houses  or  barns, 
or  barracks  of  corn,  or  killing  their  owner's  cattle,  and 
that  against  one  another,  in  which  case  the  evidence  of 
one  slave  was  allowed  to  be  good  against  another  slave. 

An  act  also  passed  for  levying  and  collecting  £1300 
for  the  defence  of  the  frontiers. 

An  act  to  enable  the  justices  of  the  peace  of  the  city 
and  county  of  Albany  to  raise  the  sum  of  £  100  for  the 
rebuilding  of  a  common  jail  and  city  hall. 

In  1706  an  act  was  passed,  For  the  better  raising,  levy- 
ing and  defraying  the  necessary  charge  of  the  Manor  of 
Rensselaerwyck  in  the  county  of  Albany. 

An  act  for  raising  a  fund  of  £983  10s.  for  the  defence 
of  the  frontiers,  &c. 

In  1708,  an' act  for  raising  a  fund  of  £1200  for  presents 
to  the  Five  Nations,  and  for  defence  of  the  frontiers. 

In  1709  a  law  was  passed  for  raising  £6000  towards 
defraying  the  charges  of  an  expedition  to  Canada,  of 
which  £600  was  assessed  on  the  county  of  Albany. 
Another  act  was  passed  at  the  same  session  for  raising 
JE4000,  of  which  £175  10s.  was  apportioned  to  Albany. 

An  act  to  revive  the  act  prohibiting  the  selling,  or  giv- 
ing of  rum  to  the  Indians  of  the  county  of  Albany. 

An  act  for  the  treasurer's  issuing  bills  of  credit  to  pay 
the  present  debt  of  the  expedition  to  Canada,  and  other 
uses.  Of  the  sums  appropriated  to  Albany,  were  the  fol- 
lowing. To  Col.  Killian  Fan  Rensselaer,  Maj.  Derrick 
Wessels,  and  Mindert  Schuyler,  appointed  commissioners 


216  Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany. 

for  managing  the  affairs  relating  to  the  provisions  and  all 
other  necessaries  for  the  said  expedition,  as  hath  been 
sent  to  them  at  Albany,  375  oz.  of  plate,  or  545^  Lyon 
dollars.  To  Johannes  Cuyler  their  clerk  75  oz.  plate,  or 
109  Lyon  dollars.  To  John  and  Abraham  Schuyler  and 
their  attendants  125  oz.  plate  or  18 If-  Lyon  dollars  for 
their  services  and  expenses  in  a  journey  to  Onondaga  and 
other  Indians  by  order  of  the  government.  To  the  com- 
missioners for  managing  the  Indian  affairs  at  Albany, 
.1850  oz.  plate  2018£  dollars,  650  oz.  (or  945})  to  be 
paid  such  Christians  and  Indians  as  shall  be  employed  for 
out-scouts  for  the  defence  of  the  frontiers  this  winter. 
362^  oz.  (§227  and  4  pwts.)  for  fire  and  candles  for  the 
garrisons  of  Albany  and  Schenectady.  151  oz.  ($218) 
for  necessary  repairs  of  the  blockhouses  and  building  a 
new  one  for  lodging  the  regular  troops  at  Albany.  To  Da- 
vid Schuyler  37£  oz.  ($54^),  and  to  Lawrence  Claessen 
25  oz.  plate  (f36^)  for  their  journey  to  Onondage  in 
May  last. 

An  act  for  the  better  watching  and  guarding  the  city  of 
Albany. 

An  act  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  to  pay  their 
arrears  due  to  their  representatives  and  for  other  uses. 

In  1710,  An  act  for  repairing  the  blockhouses  and 
other  fortifications  of  the  city  of  Albany  and  town  of 
Schenectady. 

Present  necessity  requiring  that  the  act  to  prevent  the 
selling  or  giving  of  rum  or  other  strong  liquors  to  the  In- 
dians in  the  county  of  Albany,  expired  by  limitation,  it  was 
reenacted  to  be  in  force  until  June  next  ensuing.  "  And 
whereas  Mr.  John  Cuyler  did  farm  the  excise  at  Albany, 
for  one  whole  year  upon  the  7th  day  of  July  last  for  the  sum 
of  £131  at  which  time  the  prohibition  of  selling  rum  and 
other  strong  liquors  to  the  Indians  in  the  county  of  Albany 
was  limited  by  an  act  of  General  Assembly  only  for  three 
months,  which  prohibition  is  now  revived,  whereby  the 
said  Cuyler  will  be  a  loser,  in  regard  the  Indians  con- 
sumed a  great  deal  of  strong  liquor,"  it  was  enacted, 
"that  what  damage  the  said  John  Cuyler  shall  sustain  by 


Public  Acts  rtkting  to  Albany.  217 

the  said  prohibition  shall  at  the  expiration  of  the  year 
be  taken  into  consideration  by  the  general  assembly,  and 
allow  him  as  they  shall  think  fit  and  reasonable. 

An  act  for  the  better  watching  and  guarding  of  the  city 
of  Albany.  Forasmuch  as  divers  officers,  both  civil  and 
military,  inhabiting  in  the  city  of  Albany,  the  frontier  of 
this  colony,  claim  a  privilege  to  be  exempted  and  free  from 
watching,  some  upon  pretence  of  law,  and  others  by  cus- 
tom, and  it  being  now  a  time  of  danger,  be  it  enacted, 
that  all  the  civil  officers,  and  all  those  that  for- 
merly have  had  military  commissions  and  are  not  now  in 
immediate  command,  and  others  who  are  not  listed  in  the 
city  companies  or  troops  inhabiting  in  the  city  of  Albany 
(except  ministers  of  the  gospel),  be  obliged  to  list  them- 
selves in  a  company  which  is  to  be  commanded  by  a  cap- 
tain and  two  lieutenants,  as  the  governor  shall  appoint 
out  of  the  said  civil  or  military  officers ;  which  company 
is  hereby  directed  and  ordered  to  take  its  respective  turn 
in  mounting  and  keeping  the  night  guards,  in  some  conve- 
nient place  in  the  city,  as  other  companies  of  the  militia 
of  said  city  do.  If  any  of  the  above  named  officers  should 
refuse  to  accept  such  commission,  they  were  to  forfeit  £20, 
one  half  to  go  to  the  prosecutor,  and  the  other  towards 
fortifying  the  city.  Any  citizen  not  a  member  of  the 
military  company  who  should  not  enlist  in  the  space  of 
30  days  after  publication  of  the  act,  was  to  forfeit  £6; 
and  any  one  of  said  company  refusing  or  neglecting  to 
mount  guard  in  his  turn,  and  keep  the  night  guard,  or 
send  a  fit  substitute,  forfeited  3  shillings.  In  time  of 
alarm  all  the  inhabitants  of  Albany  "  except  those  of 
Schenectady,"  as  well  as  those  listed  in  the  military  com- 
pany as  those  not,  were  required  upon  the  first  warning 
to  come  into  the  city  of  Albany,  with  their  arms,  for  its 
defence,  under  a  penalty  of  £50.  {Published  Nov,  12, 
1709.] 

An  act  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  to  pay  the 
arrears  due  to  their  representatives,  and  for  other  uses. 
This  act  sets  forth  that  noth withstanding  several  acts  of 
the  assembly  to  the  contrary,  sundry  persons  who  had 
served  as  members  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  had 


218  Public  Acts  relating  to  Albany. 

been  kept  out  of  their  lawful  allowance,  while  others  who 
had  served  both  before  and  after  them  had  been  duly  paid; 
to  prevent  which  for  the  future  it  was  enacted  that  the  su- 
pervisors, assessors  and  collectors  for  the  city  and  county, 
except  the  manor  of  Rensselaerwyck,  should  within  six 
weeks  after  notice  given,  raise  by  tax  a  sum  not  exceeding 
J6200,  for  the  payment  of  Myndert  Schuyler's  salary  for 
the  years  1702  to  1706  inclusive;  and  John  Cuyler  and 
Peter  Van  Brugh  for  the  years  1705  and  1706;  the  said 
officers  to  see  that  the  money  was  raised  and  paid  over, 
under  a  penalty  of  JE50,  and  to  observe  the  punctual  pay- 
ment of  the  same  expenses  in  future  under  like  penalty 
for  omission. 

And  forasmuch  as  there  was  a  want  of  public  wells  in 
the  first  and  second  wards  for  extinguishing  fires,  it  was 
made  lawful  for  the  common  council  to  raise  money  by 
tax  not  exceeding  .£30  in  each  ward  for  one  or  more  stone 
wells  in  each  ward  for  public  use. 

It  was  further  enacted  that  forever  thereafter  upon  the 
change  of  supervisors  and  treasurers,  by  annual  election, 
those  officers  should  deliver  over  to  their  successors  their 
books  of  public  accounts  and  other  papers  relating  to 
their  offices ;  and  that  citizens  should  have  access  to  the 
same  for  a  week  previous  to  the  day  of  election. 

That  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  Coxhacky  and 
Catskill,  and  all  those  lying  to  the  south  of  the  manor  of 
Rensselaerwyck,  on  the  west  side  of  Hudson's  river,  as 
far  as  the  county  of  Albany  extends,  and  the  freeholders 
and  inhabitants  of  that  part  of  the  manor  of  Livingston, 
living  on  the  north  side  of  Roeloffe  Jansen's  kill,  and  all 
the  inhabitants  to  the  northward  of  the  manor  of  Rens- 
selaerwyck, if  they  thought  fit  might  elect  one  supervisor, 
two  assessors  and  one  collector,  for  their  respective  ward 
or  precinct. 

In  1712  an  act  for  the  better  repairing  the  fortifications 
of  the  city  of  Albany  and  town  of  Schenectady,  and  pro- 
viding their  military  watches  with  fire  wood. 

In  1713  an  act  for  the  treasurer's  paying  the  sum  of  125 
oz.  of  plate  unto  Peter  Van  Brugh  and  Hendrick  Hansen, 
Esq.,  late  Commissioners  at  Albany. 


(219) 


THE 

DUKE  DE  LA  ROCHEFOUCAULT-LIANCOURT* 

IN  ALBANY,  1795. 


[The  Duke  de  la  Rochefoucault  Liancourt  was  one  of 
the  most  amiable  and  best  informed  of  the  French  no- 
bility who  were  exiled  by  the  revolution.  In  the  year 
1795  he  made  a  journey  for  philosophical  and  commercial 
observation  throughout  a  great  part  of  North  America, 
and  communicated  his  observations  to  the  world  in  a 
valuable  narrative,  from  which  that  portion  relating  to 
Albany  and  its  vicinity  is  given  below.  He  was  a 
traveler  of  no  ordinary  discernment  and  diligence,  in 
inquiry;  but  falls  into  the  customary  errors  of  brief  so- 
journers,  who  speak  freely  of  persons  and  places  which 
they  do  not  have  time  and  opportunity  to  become  thorough- 
ly acquainted  with.] 

He  set  out  from  Philadelphia  in  May,  and  passed 
through  the  state  of  Pennsylvania  into  Canada.  On  the 
25th  of  July  he  arrived  at  Oswego  on  his  return  from 
Canada,  where  he  learned  that  American  vessels  sail- 
ed from  that  place  less  frequently  during  the  harvest 
than  at  other  times,  which  would  probably  occasion  him 
some  delay.  Being  both  impatient  to  quit  the  English 

•FRAXCOIS  ALEXANDRE  FREDERIC,  DUKE  DE  LA  ROCHEFOTJCAULT  LiAxcorRT, 
born  in  1747.  was  a  member  of  ihe  constituent  assembly  in  1789,  alter  the  dissolu- 
tion of  which  he  took  the  military  command  at  Rouen,  in  his  capacity  of  lieulen- 
ant  general  (1792)  After  the  10th  of  August,  the  duke  de  Liancourt,  as  he  was 
then  styled,  left  France,  and  resided  for  eighteen  months  in  F,ngland.  He  then 
travelled  through  the  United  States,  whence  he  returned  in  1793,  and,  after  the 
18th  Brumaire.  returned  to  France,  where  he  devoted  himself  to  (he  promotion  of 
the  useful  arts  and  to  benevolent  offices.  It  was  through  his  influence  that  vaccina- 
tion was  introduced  into  France.  After  the  res  oration,  he  was  created  a  peer,  but, 
on  account  of  the  liberality  of  his  sentiments,  was,  in  1823  and  1624,  excluded 
from  the  council  of  stale,  and  removed  from  the  several  boards  of  which  he  was  a 
member;  among  others,  of  that  for  the  encouragement  of  vaccination  This 
venerable  philanthropist  and  patriot,  whose  lust  years  were  persecuted  by  the  in- 
temperate zeal  of  polit.cal  bigotry,  died  at  Puris,  in  ]?27,  at  the  age  of  eighty-one 
years.  His  life,  by  his  son,  was  published  the  same  year.  His  principal  work  is 
hi"  Voyage  dans  les  Etats  Cnis,  S  vols.,  8vo  [of  which  a  translation  was  published 
iu  England  jii  2  vols.  4<o.] — Encyclopaedia  Americana. 


220        Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795. 

dominions,  he  says,  and  afraid  to  incur  too  great  an  ex- 
pense by  hiring  a  whole  ship  for  ourselves,  we  were  walk- 
ing, in  some  degree  of  perplexity,  on  the  bastion  along  the 
shore,  when  we  discovered  a  vessel  approaching.  The 
soldiers,  who  have  learned  hatred  and  contempt  of  the 
Americans  along  with  the  manual  exercise,  perceiving  the 
attention  with  which  we  observed  her  approach,  said  to 
us,  "  Why,  gentlemen,  that  is  nothing;  she  is  but  a  vessel 

of  the  d d  Yankees;"  and  it  was  exactly  a  vessel  of 

the  Yankees,  we  wished  to  obtain.  Mr.  VANALLEN,  an 
American,  who  resides  in  the  vicinity  of  Albany,  com- 
manded the  vessel ;  became  on  shore  shortly  after,  to 
procure  some  fresh  provision,  of  which  he  stood  in  need, 
and  to  cure  himself  of  an  intermittent  fever,  that  he  had 
caught  in  the  woods.  From  want  of  an  inn,  he  had  no 
opportunity  of  buying  any  at  the  fort ;  the  officers  might 
have  easily  supplied  him  with  some  vegetables ;  but  in 
the  opinion  of  a  British  officer,  it  is  neither  necessary 
nor  decent  to  succor  a  Yankee. 

Mr.  Vanallen,  although  thus  disappointed  in  his  hope 
of  finding  in  Oswego  the  necessary  succor  for  his  re- 
covery, yet  promised  us  two  places  in  his  vessel.  He 
could  not  however  set  sail  for  Albany  sooner  than  the 
next  day,  or  perhaps  in  two  or  three  days,  after  having 
been  joined  by  three  other  vessels,  which  he  expected,  and 
in  quest  of  which  he  returned  to  a  certain  point  on  the 
lake. 

Two  whole  days  elapsed,  and  the  third  began  to  press 
heavy  upon  us,  when,  being  alone  in  the  fort,  I  at  last 
descried  two  vessels  with  my  telescope,  which  was  con- 
stantly pointed  to  the  coast,  whence  I  expected  my  de- 
liverance ;  my  effects  were  soon  packed  up  and  my  stores 
collected.  Whether  these  vessels  belonged  to  Mr.  Van- 
alien  or  any  other  person,  we  were  determined  to  seize 
upon  the  first  opportunity  of  departing  from  Oswego.  It 
was  Mr.  Vanallen ;  he  had  been  joined  but  by  one  of  the 
vessels,  and  had  resolved  not  to  wait  for  the  rest;  yet  as 
it  was  already  noon,  as  his  vessels  were  heavy  laden,  and 
the  rapids  two  miles  from  Oswego,  which  he  was  obliged 
to  pass,  would  have  detained  him  too  long  to  make  much 


Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795.       221 

way  the  remainder  of  the  day,  he  proposed  to  us,  to  fol- 
low him  on  foot,  at  four  o'clock  the  next  morning.  We 
thought  it  better,  to  share  his  tent  with  him  that  very 
evening. 

We  set  out  at  break  of  day,  and  yet  were  not  able  to 
advance  more  than  ten  miles,  the  whole  day.  The  navi- 
gation of  the  river  Oswego  is  extremely  troublesome, 
as  there  is  but  very  seldom  sufficient  water,  even  for 
pushing  the  vessel  along.  Each  of  our  vessels,  it  is  true, 
carried  about  one  ton  and  a  half,  but  each  was  worked 
too  by  three  men. 

Mr.  Vanallen,  in  whose  vessels  we  took  our  passage,  is 
member  of  the  congress  for  the  county  of  Albany  in  the 
state  of  New  York.  He  is  also  a  geometer  and  surveyor. 
His  age,  and,  no  doubt,  his  talents,  seem  to  have  pro- 
cured him  the  confidence  of  his  country.  He  is  charged 
with  the  commission  of  surveying  upwards  of  half  a 
million  of  acres,  situated  on  Lake  Ontario  and  the  River 
St.  Lawrence.  Mr.  Vanallen  is  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
for  this  reason  styled  'Squire  by  his  people,  if  he  do  not 
swear  at  them.  He  is  about  fifty  years  old,  is  said  to 
possess  a  tolerable  share  of  information,  and  seems  in 
fact  to  be  a  worthy  and  intelligent  man. 

After  a  navigation,  which  ran  constantly  between  woods, 
and  in  the  course  of  which  we  saw,  in  a  tract  of  country 
of  eleven  miles  in  length,  not  one  felled  tree,  we  reached 
at  last,  partly  by  rowing,  and  partly  by  pushing  the  vessel 
along,  the  rapids  of  the  Three  Rivers.  All  surperfluous 
people  were  here  obliged  to  leave  the  vessel.  Mr.  Van- 
allen, therefore,  as  well  as  myself,  went  on  shore,  and 
repaired  to  a  small  cottage. 

The  Three  Rivers  Point,  which  is  the  name  of  this 
place,  is  a  very  interesting  spot.  The  navigation,  by 
which  the  provision  from  the  district  of  Genesee  is  con- 
veyed across  the  lakes,  and  the  salt  from  the  brine-spring, 
near  the  borders  of  Onondago,  here  joins  that  by  which 
the  provision  is  procured  on  the  Mohawk  River  from 
Albany  and  all  the  eastern  provinces.  The  navigation 
between  Albany  and  the  Lakes  of  Genesee  has  hitherto 
been  far  more  frequent  than  from  any  of  these  points  to 
Lake  Ontario.  But  the  time  can  not  be  distant,  when  this 


222      Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795. 

spot,  where  at  present  stands  no  building  but  an  inn,  will 
become  the  site  of  an  important  town.  As  yet,  it  is  one 
of  the  most  unhealthy  spots  in  a  country  by  no  means  re- 
markable for  salubrit}'.  Our  'Squire,  who  had  purchased 
in  Kingston  flour  for  six  dollars  a  barrel,  and  pork  for 
sixpence  a  pound,  and  from  the  connivance  or  extraordi- 
nary blindness  of  the  English  officers,  conveyed  it  to  the 
River  Oswego,  thought  now  of  selling  it  here  with  con- 
siderable profit.  He  had  already  disposed  of  some  bar- 
rels of  flour  for  eight  dollars  a  barrel  at  the  Oswego 
Falls,  and  intended  to  transmit  his  whole  cargo  to  Salt 
Springs,  where  he  hopedt  o  sell  it  for  ten  dollars  a  barrel. 
But  he  learned  here,  that  the  meeting,  relative  to  the 
treaty  with  the  Indians,  was  not  to  take  place;  that  the 
country  was  full  of  provision;  that  it  was  sold  at  a  much 
lower  price  than  he  demanded;  and  that  specie  was  very 
scarce.  He  was,  therefore,  necessitated  to  give  up  his 
fond  hopes,  and  embrace  the  resolution  of  proceeding 
somewhat  farther  in  quest  of  purchasers. 

I  entertained  some  hope  that,  on  account  of  this  dis- 
appointment, we  should  this  afternoon  proceed  some  miles 
farther,  when  a  vessel  arrived,  on  board  of  which  were 
Messrs.  RENSSLLAER,  HENRY,  and  STOUTS,  all  inhabitants 
of  Albany  of  great  respectability.  The  first  was  not 
yet  perfectly  recovered  from  a  fever,  which  had  left  him 
in  some  measure,  but  still  carried  all  the  symptoms  of  an 
intermittent.  These  gentlemen  intended  not  to  proceed 
farther.  Mr.  Vanallen  proposed  to  delay  his  departure 
until  the  next  morning,  to  travel  in  their  company;  he 
introduced  us  to  them,  and  a  glass  of  good  wine,  which 
they  carried  with  them  (they  travelled  all  much  at  their 
ease),  consoled  Dupetitthouars  as  well  as  myself  for  this 
new  delay. 

The  passage  to  Lake  Oneida  was  attended  with  less  diffi- 
culties, than  that  of  the  preceding  days;  we  found  it  ex- 
cellent travelling  in  the  company  of  the  gentlemen  of 
Albany,  one  of  whom  was  brother  to  the  deputy-gover- 
nor of  New  York,  the  second  one  of  the  richest  mer- 
chants of  Albany,  and  the  third  a  very  respectable  law- 
yer; their  behavior  was  frank  and  polite. 

At   Rotterdam    Mr.   Vanallen  found    an   opportunity 


Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795.       223 

of  selling  his  whole  cargo,  as  well  as  one  of  his  vessels, 
but  at  lower  price  than  he  hoped  to  obtain.  His  flour  he 
sold  for  eight  dollars  a  barrel,  and  at  the  Oswego  Falls 
for  eight  dollars  and  a  quarter. 

We  counted  on  advancing  a  few  miles  on  the  Wood 
Creek,  before  we  should  stop,  when  we  fell  in  with  our 
company  from  Albany,  who  had  halted  at  the  mouth  of 
the  lake.  A  fit  of  the  ague  had  obliged  Mr.  Van  Rensse- 
laer  to  put  a  period  to  this  day's  journey  at  two  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon.  The  gentlemen  proposed  to  us,  to  stop 
likewise ;  our  conductor  accepted  the  proposal,  and  our 
consent  was  a  matter  of  course. 

Although  our  party  had  formed  the  bold  resolution  of 
pushing  on  to  the  head  of  Mohawk  River,  we  halted  at 
Canada  Creek,  resolved  to  let  the  vessel  proceed  onwards 
in  moonshine,  and  to  pursue,  ourselves,  the  voyage  on  the 
next  morning  at  break  of  day. 

In  the  whole  course  of  our  navigation  on  the  Wood 
Creek,  twenty-four  miles  in  length,  we  saw  not  one  build- 
ing, and  found  but  one  spring,  called  Oakorchard,  which 
was  four  minutes  tilling  a  small  glass,  and  the  water  of 
which  was  but  of  a  middling  quality.  Messrs.  Van  Rens- 
selaer  and  Vauallen,  the  two  sick  members  of  our  party, 
made  the  tour  on  horseback;  Mr.  Henry,  Mr.  Stouts, 
and  myself,  travelled  on  foot;  and  Dupetitthouars,  pas- 
sionately fond  of  vessels  and  navigation,  followed  the 
boats  to  help  them  along.  ^ 

Having,  at  length,  reached  the  place  on  the  River  Mo- 
hawk, where  we  were  to  embark,  we  found  Mr.  Rensse- 
laer  in  a  fit  of  the  ague.  An  hour  after,  arrived  the  mate  of 
Mr.  Vanallen's  vessel,  seized  with  the  same  illness,  and 
last  of  all  came  Dupetitthouars,  the  Hercules  of  our 
party,  complaining  of  pains  in  his  limbs,  head-ache,  and 
cold  shiverings.  Independently  of  my  apprehension  for 
my  companion,  I  most  devoutly  wished  to  see  the  end  of 
this  passage,  and  yet  our  arrival  in  Albany  was  continually 
delayed  by  new  obstructions.  The  navigation  of  the 
Mohawk  River  is  fortunately  not  like  that  of  the  rivers 
we  have  passed  lately.  We  descend  gently  with  the 
20 


224       Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,   1795. 

stream;  and  although  its  channel  is  in  some  places  ob- 
structed with  trees,  yet  they  may  be  easily  cleared. 

[The  travelers  reached  Schenectady,  after  much  fatigue, 
the  Duke  observing  a  great  deal  by  the  way  to  make 
note  of,  which  being  foreign  to  this  work,  is  necessarily 
omitted.] 

Skenectady  is  a  small  town,  as  old  as  Albany,  and  con- 
taining mostly  old  houses,  built  in  the  Dutch  style,  which 
give  it  altogether  the  appearance  of  an  ancient  European 
city.  The  Mohawk  River,  which  is  here  closely  hemmed 
in,  takes  a  large  sweep  in  the  vicinity  of  this  town ;  and 
a  cataract  renders  the  navigation  impossible.  You  here 
quit  the  vessel,  and  proceed  by  land  to  Albany.  The 
possibility  of  constructing  a  canal,  by  which  the  falls  as 
well  as  other  impediments  of  the  navigation  of  the  Mo- 
hawk River  may  be  avoided,  is  acknowledged  on  all 
hands;  and  plans,  it  is  asserted,  are  in  contemplation,  to 
facilitate  the  painful  passage  we  have  just  made,  and  to 
supercede  the  necessity  of  occasional  land-carriage.  This 
would  be  a  great  and  useful  undertaking,  equally  hon- 
orable and  advantageous  for  the  State  of  New  York. 
Vessels  of  fifteen  or  twenty  tons  burthen.it  is  said,  might 
be  employed  in  this  navigation,  which  would  thus  become 
an  outlet  far  preferable  to  that  of  the  River  St.  Law- 
rence, which  admits  of  only  boats  of  three  or  four  tons 
burthen.  "We  have  heard  it  reported  in  Upper  Canada, 
it  is  true,  that  with  an  expense  of  one  million  two  hun- 
dred thousand  pounds  sterling  an  uninterrupted  naviga- 
tion might  be  opened  from  London  to  Niagara.  But  in- 
dependently of  one  million  two  hundred  thousand  pounds 
sterling  being  a  pretty  large  sum,  the  whole  project  is  the 
work  of  an  adventurer,  whose  wishes  are  easily  converted 
into  hopes,  and  whose  hopes  speedily  mature  to  opinions, 
the  erroneousness  of  which  frequently  time  only  developes. 

The  information,  which  I  was  able  to  collect  respect- 
ing Skenectady,  is  as  follows.  The  settlement  was 
originally  formed  by  Brabanters,  in  the  year  1662;  but  in 
latter  times  most  of  the  colonists  arrived  from  New  Eng- 
land, and  so  they  do  at  present.  Two  thirds  of  the 
territory  of  Skenectady,  which  comprises  one  hundred 


Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795.       225 

and  twenty-eight  square  miles,  are  already  cleared;  the 
good  soil  is  five  feet,  and  on  eminences  two  feet  in  depth; 
good  land  yields  from  twenty-five  to  thirty  bushels  of 
wheat  an  acre ;  land  of  inferior  quality  from  twelve  to 
fifteen;  agriculture,  as  well  as  the  price  of  provision,  is 
much  the  same  as  in  the  more  advanced  parts ;  winter 
lasts,  in  regard  to  agricultural  operations,  from  Novem- 
ber till  April ;  the  grain  suffers  but  very  seldom,  and  in  a 
trifling  degree,  from  the  Hessian  fly,  and  from  blights; 
the  climate  is  healthy;  the  usual  mart  for  the  production 
of  the  country  is  Albany.  The  Episcopal  is  the  preva- 
lent religion;  although  the  town  contains  also  a  church 
for  German  Lutherans,  and  one  for  Presbyterians.  The 
Germans  were  also  the  most  liberal  benefactors  to  the 
institution  of  a  college,  which  was  incorporated  last  year 
( 1794),  and  the  property  of  which,  raised  by  subscrip- 
tions and  other  means,  amounts  already  to  forty-two 
thousand  two  hundred  and  twenty-two  dollars,  and  one 
thousand  six  hundred  acres  of  land,  given  by  the  states.* 
Skenectady  is  the  emporium  as  well  for  the  provision, 
which  comes  down  the  Mohawk  River,  designed  for  Al- 
bany, as  for  the  merchandise,  which  from  the  stores  at 
Albany  is  transmitted  to  the  countries,  intersected  by 
the  Mohawk  River  and  other  streams,  flowing  into  the 
former  as  far  as  the  district  of  Genesee.  The  township  of 
Skenectady  contains  about  three  thousand  five  hundred 
souls.j  It  is  the  frontier-town  of  the  county  of  Albany 
towards  Montgomery.  The  capital  of  this  county  is 
Albany;  the  county  of  Albany  contains  about  thirty 
thousand  inhabitants,  of  whom  two  thousand  five  hun- 
dred are  slaves. 

*  The  College  alluded  to  by  the  author,  is  Union  College,  which 
took  its  name  from  the  union  of  various  denominations  of  Christians 
in  its  establishment.  The  faculty  of  this  college  consisted,  in  1797, 
of  the  president  and  one  tutor,  and  the  number  of  students  was 
thirty-seven. — Translator. 

t  By  the  State  Census  of  1796,  the  township  of  Skenectady  con- 
tains three  thousand  four  hundred  and  seventy-two  inhabitants,  of 
whom  six  hundred  and  eighty-lhree  are  electors,  and  three  hundred 
and  eighty-one  slaves. — Translator. 


226       Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795. 

In  Skenectady  we  took  our  leave  of  Mr.  Vanallen,  who, 
in  addition  to  the  civilities  shewn  us  in  the  whole  course 
of  our  voyage,  declined  also  to  accept  any  money  for  our 
passage,  on  the  ingenious  pretence,  that,  as  we  carried 
our  provisions  with  us,  we  had  not  in  the  least  encreased 
his  expense.  We  remain,  therefore,  in  many  respects, 
under  great  obligations  to  this  gentleman. 

Mr.  Vanallen  had  business  to  transact  in  .Skenectady, 
and  we  wished  to  reach  Albany  as  soon  as  possible.  A 
stable-keeper  engaged  to  carry  us  the  same  night  to 
Albany,  though  it  was  already  late ;  we  took  accordingly 
our  seats  in  his  waggon,  bolstered  with  straw.  About 
four  miles  from  Skenectady,  the  driver  informed  us,  that 
he  could  not  proceed  farther.  Grumbling,  we  submitted, 
therefore,  to  the  necessity  of  taking  up  our  night's  lodg- 
ing in  a  bad  inn,  where,  as  soon  as  Dupetitthouars  had 
occupied  the  only  bed  which  was  in  the  house,  I  entered 
into  a  conversation  with  the  landlord  and  our  driver, 
which,  turned  upon  politics,  the  universal  topic  in  this 
country.  Since  we  have  set  foot  in  the  territory  of  the 
United  States,  we  find  newspapers  in  every  village.  My 
new  acquaintances  were  people  of  uncouth  manners,  and 
without  the  least  education;  but  their  opinions  were  just 
and  sensible,  and  their  judgments  extremely  correct. 
They  manifested  a  strong  attachment  to  France,  and 
most  earnestly  wished  her  success.  They  hate  England, 
confide  in  their  President,  and  speak  of  DE  LA  FAYETTE 
with  tears  in  their  eyes.  This  universal  attachment  of 
the  Americans  to  De  la  Fayette,  and  the  grateful  senti- 
ments of  him  expressed  by  all  without  exception,  though 
in  the  course  of  the  French  Revolution  he  acted  a  part 
not  approved  by  all,  refute  in  a  forcible  manner  the 
charge  of  -levity  and  ingratitude  frequently  preferred 
against  the  Americans.  "  May  he  come,"  said  a  man  to 
us  this  morning  who  was  riding  on  horseback  by  the  side 
of  our  carriage,  "  May  the  Marquis  come,  we  will  make 
him  rich.  It  is  through  him  that  France  made  us  free ; 
never  shall  we  be  able  to  do  so  much  for  him,  as  he  has 
done  for  us." 

After  a  three  hours'  journey  through  a  country,  which 


Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795.       227 

is  much  like  the  woods  of  Anjou,  sandy,  covered  with 
fern,  and  bearing  ijone  but  sickly  trees,  we  at  length  ar- 
rived at  Albany. 

Albany  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  settlements  in  North 
America;  it  was  formed  in  the  year  1660;  and  the  town 
incorporated  in  1686.  The  history  of  this  city,  which 
occurs  in  all  descriptions  of  the  United  States,  I  shall 
pass  over  in  silence.  It  is  seated  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
five  miles  from  New  York,  has  a  harbour,  and  a  very 
extensive  trade.  Ships  of  eighty  tons  burthen  sail  up  to 
the  town ;  and  the  trade  is  carried  on  in  vessels  of  this 
size.  A  sort  of  sand-bank,  three  miles  below  Albany, 
renders  the  navigation  rather  difficult ;  yet  it  is  easily 
cleared  with  the  assistance  of  pilots  acquainted  with  it,  and 
no  ship  arrives  without  one  of  them  on  board.  This 
impediment,  it  is  asserted,  might  easily  be  removed  at 
a  trifling  expense  ;  and  ships  of  a  much  larger  size  might 
then  anchor  near  the  city.  The  navigation  of  the  river 
from  the  north  country  is  open  from  the  middle  of  April 
until  the  middle  of  November.  The  trade  of  Albany  is 
chiefly  carried  on  with  the  produce  of  the  Mohawk 
country,  and  extends  eastward  as  far  as  agriculture  and 
cultivated  lands  expand.  The  State  of  Vermont,  and  a 
part  of  New  Hampshire  furnish  also  many  articles  of 
trade;  and  the  exports  chiefly  consist  in  timber  and  lum- 
ber of  every  sort  and  description,  potatoes,  potash  and 
pearlashes,  all  species  of  grain,  and  lastly  in  manufac- 
tured goods.  These  articles  are,  most  of  them,  trans- 
ported to  Albany  in  winter  on  sledges,  housed  by  the 
merchants,  and  by  them  successively  transmitted  to  New 
York,  where  they  are  either  sold  for  bills  on  England,  or 
exchanged  for  English  goods,  which  are  in  return  sent 
from  Albany  to  the  provinces,  whence  the  articles  for  ex- 
portation were  drawn.  Business  is,  therefore,  carried  on 
entirely  with  ready  money,  and  especially  in  regard  to 
pot-ash ;  not  even  the  most  substantial  bills  are  accepted 
in  payment.  The  trade  of  Albany  is  carried  on  in  ninety 
vessels,  forty -five  of  which  belong  to  inhabitants  of  the 
town,  and  the  rest  to  New  York  or  other  places.  They 
are  in  general  of  seventy  tons  burthen,  and  make  upon 


228       Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795. 

the  average  ten  voyages  a  year,  which,  on  computing  the 
freights  outwards  and  homewards,  produces  a  total  of 
one  hundred  and  twenty-six  thousand  tons  of  shipping 
for  the  trade  of  Albany.  Every  ship  is  navigated  by 
four  men;  the  master  is  paid  twenty  dollars  a  month,  if 
he  have  no  share  in  the  ship,  the  mate  fifteen,  and  a  sea- 
man nine.  There  is  also  generally  a  cabin-boy  on  board, 
or  more  frequently  a  cook,  as  few  ships  have  less  than 
eight  passengers  on  board,  either  coming  up  or  going 
down.  The  freight  of  goods  is  usually  one  shilling  a  hun- 
dred weight ;  but  this  varies,  according  to  their  value,  or 
the  room  they  occupy. 

The  trade  of  Albany  is  very  safe,  but  seems  not  to  be 
very  profitable.  The  neat  proceeds  of  a  voyage  amount 
upon  an  average  to  about  one  hundred  dollars,  which 
makes  for  the  whole  year  one  thousand  dollars  for  a  ship, 
a  profit  by  no  means  considerable.  If  you  add  to  this 
the  money  paid  by  passengers  for  their  passage,  which 
amounts  to  ten  shillings  a  head,  making  from  seventeen 
to  twenty  dollars  a  voyage,  and  from  one  hundred  and 
seventy  to  two  hundred  dollars  for  the  ten  voyages,  which 
are  made  in  the  course  of  the  year,  the  whole  yields  but 
a  very  moderate  profit,  which  is  however  encreased  by 
the  sale  of  the  goods.  This  is  as  yet  the  usual  way  in 
which  trade  is  carried  on  by  this  city;  it  deprives  the 
merchants  of  Albany  of  a  considerable  profit,  and  throws 
it  into  the  hands  of  those  of  New  York.  Some  of  the 
former  undertake  indeed  voyages  to  England,  Holland, 
and  other  countries  ;  but,  for  this  purpose,  they  charter 
New  York  vessels.  These  are  the  bolder  people ;  and  are 
called  men  of  the  new  notions,  but  their  number  is  small. 

The  ancient  customs  and  confined  views  of  the  timid, 
yet  covetous  Dutchmen,  have  c  irefully  been  preserved  in 
this  city.  No  ship  sails  from  Albany  directly  to  Europe ; 
and  yet  provision  is  sent  thither  from  this  place.  It  is 
evident  that,  if  the  inhabitants  would  take  themselves 
the  trouble  of  exporting  their  produce,  they  would  save 
useless  interest,  the  return-freight,  and  double  commission, 
and  would  obtain  employment  for  their  ships  during  the 
time  when  the  navigation  to  the  north  is  shut  up  by  ico. 


JRochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795.       229 

Ideas  of  this  complexion  begin  to  dawn  upon  the  minds 
of  some  merchants,  and  will  no  doubt,  produce  advan- 
tageous changes.  From  the  same  habitual  apathy  the 
merchants  of  Albany  relinquish  the  trade  in  horses  and 
mules,  great  numbers  of  which  are  reared  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, to  the  Connecticut  merchants,  who  purchase 
and  export  them  with  considerable  profit,  to  the  Antilles. 
The  building  of  ships  costs  in  Albany  about  twenty- 
seven  dollars  and  half  per  ton.  The  ships  are  all  fir- 
built,  and  last  about  ten  years.  Experiments  have  been 
made,  which  prove,  that  ships  built  of  dry  and  well  sea- 
soned timber,  last  thirty  years  and  upwards.  The  trade 
of  Albany  grows  daily  more  extensive ;  and  the  number 
of  shops  and  ships  is  increasing  fast.  Two  new  towns, 
built  five  or  six  years  ago,  a  few  miles  above  Albany,  on 
the  northern  bank  of  the  river,  share  in  this  trade. 
These  two  towns,  which  have  rapidly  raised  themselves 
to  a  considerable  degree  of  importance,  and  are  but  three 
or  four  miles  distant  from  each  other,  carry  on  the  same 
trade  as  Albany  with  about  twenty-five  or  thirty  vessels, 
which  belong  to  them,  draw  from  the  back  country  the 
productions  of  these  fruitful  provinces,  transmit  them  to 
New  York,  take  in  return  European  goods,  and  supply 
with  them  those  parts,  which  were  formerly  supplied  from 
Albany.  The  greater  distance,  however,  and  less  depth 
of  water,  are  circumstances  unfavorable  to  these  new 
towns.  The  freight  thence  to  Albany  is  two-pence  per 
barrel ;  their  largest  ships  are  only  of  sixty  tons  burthen, 
and  generally  can  not  take  on  board  more  than  half  their 
cargo,  the  remainder  of  which  they  receive  from  lighters, 
which  attend  them  for  that  purpose  in  the  vicinity  of 
Albany.  Yet,  they  continue  their  trade,  encrease  daily, 
and  will  probably  animate  Albany  to  greater  boldness 
and  activity.  New  City  contains  about  sixty  or  seventy 
stores  or  shops,  and  Troy  fifty  or  sixty.  These  new-set- 
tled merchants  all  prosper,  and  their  number  is  daily 
encreasing.  The  merchants  of  Albany,  it  is  reported, 
view  this  growing  prosperity  of  their  neighbors  with  an 
evil  eye,  and  consider  it  as  an  encroachment  upon  their 
native  rights.  If  this  be  true,  the  jealousy  of  the  mer- 


230       Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795. 

chants  of  Albany  must  be  the  result  of  their  ignorance 
and  confined  views.  The  provinces,  which  contribute 
their  produce  to  support  this  trade,  are  yet  far  from 
having  attained  to  the  highest  degree  of  cultivation; 
many  parts,  equally  proper  for  that  purpose,  but  are 
little  cultivated;  and  others  yet  uncleared.  Towns  will 
be  built  still  farther  northwards  than  Troy  and  New 
City ;  others  will  be  erected  even  on  the  western  side  of 
the  river,  while,  at  the  same  time,  the  greater  number  of 
settlements  and  encreased  population,  will  augment  the 
produce  and  wants,  and  every  town,  whether  ancient  or 
new,  experience  an  increase  of  business  beyond  what  it 
will  be  able  to  do. 

Albany  contains  six  thousand  inhabitants,  two  thou- 
sand of  whom  are  slaves,  as  the  laws  of  the  State  of 
New  York  permit  slavery.  The  old  houses  are  built  in 
the  Dutch  style,  with  the  gable-end  to  the  street ;  the 
pyramidal  part  rising  in  steps,  and  terminating  in  a 
chimney  decorated  with  figures,  or  in  some  iron  puppets. 
All  the  buildings,  which  have  been  erected  within  these 
last  ten  years,  are  constructed  of  bricks  in  the  English 
style,  wide  and  large. 

The  revenue  of  the  city  amounts  to  about  thirty- five 
thousand  dollars  a  year.  It  possesses  a  great  quantity 
of  land  in  the  neighbouring  country,  and  also  sells  the 
quays  on  the  river  at  two  dollars  and  half  per  foot,  and 
a  ground-rent  of  one  shilling,  which  is  irredeemable. 
This  revenue  is  partly  owing  to  the  economy  of  the  ad- 
ministrators, who  have  hitherto  endeavored  rather  to 
enrich  the  city  than  to  embellish  it,  and  render  it  more 
convenient.  The  senate  is,  at  present,  composed  of 
young  men,  who  promise  to  take  care  of  these  articles. 
But,  from  the  ignorance,  apathy,  and  antiquated  ideas, 
which  prevail  in  this  city,  it  is  much  to  be  apprehended, 
lest  the  results  of  their  exertions  should  prove  but  very 
trifling  for  a  long  time  to  come.  I  almost  incline  to 
think,  that  young  people  here  are  old  born. 

A  bank,  which  was  instituted  here  four  years  ago,  pro* 
motes  the  trade  of  Albany;  it  consists  of  six  hundred 
shares  of  four  hundred  dollars  each,  only  half  of  which 


Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795.       231 

have  hitherto  been  paid.  The  yearly  dividend  is  nine 
per  cent,  besides  what  is  deducted  for  the  expence  of  the 
building  in  which  the  bank  is  kept. 

There  is  in  Albany  a  Dutch  Lutheran  church  of  a 
Gothic  and  very  peculiar  construction;  the  Episcopa- 
lians, Presbyterians,  German  Protestants,  and  Methodists, 
possess  also  churches  in  this  town. 

The  price  of  land,  in  the  vicinity  of  Albany,  is  from 
sixty-three  to  seventy-five  dollars  per  acre.  Some  lands 
near  the  river  are  still  dearer.  These  are  remarkably 
good  ;  but  those  which  are  situated  more  backwards  are 
bat  of  a  middling  quality.  Agriculture  is  not  attended 
to  with  peculiar  care ;  the  farms  lie  half  in  grass  and  half 
in  corn.  No  country  had  ever  stronger  incitements  to 
perfect  its  agriculture  and  industry ;  for  none  was  ever 
furnished  with  outlets  more  safe  and  less  expensive. 

Some  manufactories  have  been  established  at  a  small 
distance  from  the  town,  among  which  is  a  glass  house,  in 
which  both  window  glass  and  bottles  are  made.  The 
former  is  pretty  smooth,  and  the  manufactory  is  carried 
on  with  much  activity.  Mr.  CALDHOWELL  possesses  also 
near  the  town  extensive  works,  where  tobacco,  mustard, 
starch,  and  cocoa  mills,  are  turned  by  water,  and  even 
every  accessory  labour  is  performed  by  the  aid  of 
water  machinery.*  The  tobacco-mill  is  the  most  import- 
ant part  of  these  works;  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  pounds  are  yearly  manufactured.  Last  sum- 
mer (July  1794)  a  complete  set  of  similar  works  having 
been  consumed  by  fire,  Mr.  Caldwell's  friends  immediately 
opened  a  loan  of  twenty  thousand  pounds  at  the  bank, 
and  the  legislative  body  of  New  York  resolved  also  last 
session  to  assist  him  with  a  sum  of  the  same  amount.  I 
am  to  add  in  honour  of  Mr.  Caldwell,  with  wham  I  am 
not  acquainted,  that  nearly  all  the  labouring  people  in 
the  city,  in  consequence  of  this  unfortunate  accident, 

*  These  valuable  works,  which  are  decidedly  superior  to  any  of 
the  kind  in  America,  are  situated  one  mile  north  of  the  city,  in  the 
suburbs.  The  ingenious  proprietor,  whose  true  name  is  JAMES 
CALDWELL,  has  obtained  a  patent  for  the  invention  of  the  water  ma- 
chinery, which  is  truly  admirable. — Translator. 


232       Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795. 

subscribed  several  days'  labour,  as  a  voluntary  contribu- 
tion to  the  reconstruction  of  these  works,  which  are 
truly  grand  and  beautiful.  They  give  employment  and 
subsistence  to  fifty  persons,  some  of  whom  receive  one 
hundred  dollars  a  year;  children,  nine  years  old,  can 
earn  from  six  shillings  to  one  dollar  a  week.  Tan-yards, 
corn,  oil,  paper,  and  fulling-mills,  have  also  been  erected 
in  the  surrounding  country;  and  labourers  are  found  in 
abundance.  The  wages  of  common  day-labourers  amount 
to  four  shillings  and  six-pence  a  day,  and  to  seven  shil- 
lings in  harvest. 

Hospitality  to  strangers  seems  not  to  be  a  prominent 
feature  in  the  character  of  the  inhabitants  of  Albany; 
the  few,  with  whom  we  got  acquainted,  looked  extremely 
dull  and  melancholy.  They  live  retired  in  their  houses 
with  their  wives,  who  sometimes  are  pretty,  but  rather 
aukward  in  their  manners ;  and  with  whom  their  hus- 
bands scarcely  exchange  thirty  words  a  day,  although 
they  never  address  them  but  with  the  introductory  ap- 
pellation of  "  my  love."  Exceptions,  undoubtedly,  exist 
in  regard  to  the  charms  of  the  ladies,  as  well  as  to  the 
conduct  and  conversation  of  the  husbands ;  but,  it  is  as- 
serted, they  are  very  few. 

The  Schuylers  and  Rensselaers  are  the  most  respect- 
able families  in  point  of  wealth  and  interest ;  having  in- 
termarried with  each  other,  their  influence  is  altogether 
irresistible  in  the  county.  The  Schuylers  are  endowed 
with  more  talents  and  knowledge;  but  the  Rensselaers 
possess  more  riches ;  and  money  is  a  powerful  spring  in 
the  management  of  a  state.  General  Schuyler  bears  the 
character  of  a  man  of  much  acuteness,  and  uncommon 
abilities.  He  is  frequently  employed  in  state  affairs  ;  and 
it  is  his  aarnest  wish,  to  promote  and  raise  the  navigation, 
industry,  and  prosperity  of  his  country.  He  is  father-in- 
law  to  the  celebrated  Mr.  Hamilton.  General  Schuyler, 
who  generally  accommodates  his  daughters  with  rich 
husbands,  gave  one  of  them  in  marriage,  five  years  ago, 
to  that  famous  orator,  from  respect  for  his  talents,  though 
he  was  poor.  I  should  not  omit  observing,  that  I  speak 
of  General  Schyuler  without  having  ever  seen  him. 


Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795.        233 

During  my  residence  in  Albany  he  had  gone  to  assist  at 
the  negociation  with  the  Indians ;  I  merely  know  him 
from  his  correspondence  with  me,  which  is  highly  polite 
and  elegant.  The  General  ranks  among  the  most  con- 
siderable men  in  the  United  States. 

I  have  seen  JOHN  SCHUYLER,  the  eldest  son  of  the 
General ;  for  a  few  minutes  I  had  already  conversed  with 
him  at  Skenectady,  and  was  now  with  him  at  Saratoga. 
The  journey  to  this  place  was  extremely  painful,  on  ac- 
count of  the  scorching  heat,  but  Saratoga  is  a  township 
of  too  great  importance  to  be  passed  by  unobserved. 

On  my  journey  to  Saratoga  I  had  passed  the  new 
bridge,  constructed  across  the  Mohawk  River.  This  bridge 
is  erected  on  the  spot  where  the  Cohoez  Falls  appear  to 
the  greatest  advantage.*  But  the  river'  contains  not  at 
present  sufficient  water  to  support  the  falls.  In  many 
places  the  rocks  are  quite  dry;  but  in  others  they 
afford  a  fine  prospect.  The  perpendicular  height  of  the 
falls  may  amount  to  about  fifty  feet,  and  the  river  is  about 
an  eighth  of  a  mile  in  width.  But  upon  the  whole,  the 
view  is  not  strikingly  wild,  romantic,  or  pleasant,  though 
the  falls  are  much  celebrated  throughout  America.  The 
bridge  is  constructed  of  timber,  and  rests  on  stone  pil- 
lars, about  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet  distant  from  each 
other.  The  masonry  is  not  remarkable  for  solidity  or 
neatness ;  but  the  carpenters'-work  is  exceedingly  well 
done.f 

On  my  return  from  Saratoga  I  crossed  the  northern 
branch  of  the  Mohawk  River  by  Halfmoon,  to  see  the  two 
new  towns,  New  City  and  Troy,  which,  as  has  already 
been  observed,  were  built  a  few  years  ago,  and  arc  already 
carrying  on  a  considerable  trade.  The  houses  are  very 
neat  and  numerous ;  almost  every  house  contains  a  shop ; 

*  The  Cohoez  Falls,  which  the  author  misnames  Xohos  fall,  appear 
most  romantically  from  Lansinburgh  Hill,  five  miles  east  of  them, 
although  they  likewise  offer  a  good  prospect,  when  viewed  from  this 
bridge. — Translator. 

f  The  bridge  is  eleven  hundred  feet  along,  twenty-four  feet  wide, 
rests  on  thirteen  piers,  and  was  erected  in  1794,  at  the  expense  of 
twelve  thousand  dollars. —  Translator. 


234       Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795. 

the  inns  are  excellent ;  vessels  are  moored  near  all  the 
keys;  tan-yards,  potash- works,  rope-walks,  and  mills, 
are  either  already  in  full  work,  or  building.  The  sight  of 
this  activity  is  truly  charming.  A  Mr.  TAYLOR,  who 
possesses  about  one  hundred  acres  nearPonstenkil  Creek, 
has  erected  here  two  gristmills,  two  saw  mills,  and  one  pa- 
per-mill. He  does  business,  it  is  said,  with  New  York  by 
water.  The  place  is  finely  situated,  well  distributed,  and 
may,  if  managed  with  skill  and  prudence,  become  very 
profitable.  We  are  told,  that  the  proprietor  intends  to 
sell  it ;  and  this  is  one  of  the  places  which  I  would  buy 
in  preference  to  all  others,  if  I  had  any  idea  of  settling 
in  America,  and  had  wherewithal  to  pay  for  it.  There 
are  a  variety  of  things,  with  which  a  man  may  occupy 
himself  every  day,  nay  every  moment  of  the  day,  with 
benefit  to  himself  and  the  country  at  large. 

The  land  between  Saratoga  and  Albany  is  upon  the 
whole  sandy;  especially  the  hills  about  Saratoga  consist 
of  an  indurated  sand.  The  stoney  matter,  on  which  lies 
the  stratum  of  sand,  is  slate  of  a  dark  colour,  and  coarse  . 
grain,  with  veins  of  white  quartz.  On  fragments  of  this 
slate  impressions  are  found  of  a  peculiar  and  very  curious 
appearance.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  medicinal  springs  of 
Balltown  and  Saratoga  are  several  veins  of  lime-stone. 
Ferruginous  and  cupreous  pyrites  are  also  found  in  the 
neighbourhood;  mines  of  these  minerals,  it  is  asserted, 
exist  in  the  environs,  but  they  are  yet  neglected,  as  in 
fact  are  nearly  all  the  mines  in  the  United  States.  You 
meet  with  few  or  no  rocks,  jmtil  you  reach  the  Cohoez 
Falls.  The  rocks,  which  form  this  cataract,  consist  of  an 
argillaceous  schistus,  some  of  which  may  easily  be  re- 
duced to  powder,  while  other  parts  are  harder,  have  a  con- 
choidal  fracture,  and  resemble  basalt.  Near  the  falls  are 
several  veins  of  feldtspar  of  a  reddish  colour. 

Between  these  falls  and  Albany,  the  soil  of  the  moun- 
tains consist  of  indurated  clay;  the  stones,  which  are 
found  there,  are  a  species  of  slate.  In  the  intervening 
space  between  the  mountains  and  the  present  bed  of  the 
river  was  an  uninterrupted  chain  of  small  sand-hills, 
rising  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  nearly  at  equal  distances 


Rochefoucault-  Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795         235 

from  the  shore,  and  which  undoubtedly  arethe  remains  of 
the  ancient  bed  of  the  river,  after  it  had  formed  the  pre- 
sent channel. 

Potash  forming  a  considerable  branch  of  the  trade  of 
Albany,  as  well  as  of  other  American  cities,  the  back 
country  of  which  has  been  lately  cleared,  I  shall  here 
insert  such  information  as  I  have  collected  on  the  manner 
of  preparing  this  salt,  which  is  generally  observed  in  the 
United  States.  This  alcaline  salt  is  extracted  from  com- 
mon ashes  after  they  have  been  previously  purified  from 
all  heterogeneous  matter,  It  is  obtained  by  solution  and 
evaporation.  Large  tubs,  with  a  double  bottom,  are 
filled  with  ashes;  the  uppermost  bottom,  which  contains 
several  holes,  is  covered  with  ashes,  about  ten  or  eleven 
inches  deep,  while  the  under  part  of  the  tub  is  filled  with 
straw  or  hay.  Water,  being  poured  over  the  ashes,  ex- 
tracts the  particles  of  salt,  and  discharges  all  the  hetero- 
geneous matter  which  it  may  yet  contain  on  the  layer  of 
hay  or  straw.  The  lie  is  drawn  off  by  means  of  a  cock, 
and  if  it  should  not  yet  have  attained  a  sufficient  degree 
of  strength,  poured  again  over  the  ashes.  The  lie  is 
deemed  sufficiently  strong  when  an  egg  swims  on  it. 
This  lie  is  afterwards  boiled  in  large  cauldrons,  which  are 
constantly  filled  out  of  other  cauldrons,  in  which  lie  is 
likewise  boiling.  If  the  lie  begin  to  thicken  in  the  caul- 
dron, no  fresh  lie  is  added,  but  the  fire  is  well  fed  with 
fuel,  until  all  the  aqueous  particles  are  separated,  and  the 
whole  is  completely  inspissated  and  endurated.  This  salt 
is  of  a  black  colour,  and  called  black  potash.  Some  man- 
ufacturers leave  the  potash  in  this  state  in  the  cauldron, 
and  encrease  the  fire,  by  means  of  which  the  oil  is  dis- 
engaged from  the  salt  in  a  thick  smoke,  and  the  black 
potash  assumes  a  grey  colour,  in  which  state  it  is  packed 
up  in  barrels  for  sale. 

The  process  of  preparing  the  potash  requires  more  or 
less  time,  according  to  the  quality  of  the  ashes  and  the 
lie,  and  to  the  degree  of  strength  of  the  latter;  the  me- 
dium time  is  twenty-four  hours.  The  ashes  of  green- 
wood, and  especially  of  oak,  are  preferred.  No  potash  can  » 
22 


236        Rochefoitcautt-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1796. 

be  prepared  from  the  ashes  of  resinous  trees ;  and  ashes 
which  are  five  or  six  months  old,  are  Jbetter  than  those 
that  are  new. 

Some  manufacturers  use  only  one  cauldron  for  boiling, 
which  they  fill  with  cold  lie,  as  it  conies  from  the  tubs; 
and  others  put  the  salt,  as  soon  as  it  begins  to  coagulate, 
into  smaller  cauldrons,  to  complete  the  crystallization. 

In  many  parts  of  the  State  of  New  York,  especially  in 
the  North,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Albany,  the  inhabitants, 
who  fell  the  wood,  prepare  the  potash.  But  there  are 
also  large  manufactories,  where  from  thirty  to  forty  tiibs 
are  used  for  preparing  the  lie,  aud  from  ten  to  twelve 
cauldrons  for  its  evaporation.  The  manufacturers  buy 
the  ashes  from  private  families.  The  tubs  and  cauldrons 
are  of  different  sizes  in  proportion  to  the  greater  or  less 
extent  of  the  manufactory.  By  a  general  estimate,  from 
five  to  six  hundred  bushels  of  ashes  yield  a  ton  of  potash. 

The  barrels,  in  which  the  potash  is  packed  up,  must  be 
made  of  white  oak,  or  if  this  cannot  be  had,  of  wood 
which  is  but  little  porous.  The  staves  ought  to  be  far 
more  durable  than  for  casks,  in  which  other  dry  goods  are 
packed ;  the  hoops  also  must  be  more  numerous ;  for  the 
least  fissure  would  expose  the  potash  to  humidity,  to  the  air, 
and,  consequently,  to  deliquescence  and  dissolution.  In- 
stances have  occurred,  when  barrels,  badly  made  and 
hooped,  and  which  had  been  filled  with  potash,  were  soon 
after  found  to  be  half  empty. 

Pearlash  is  potash  purified  by  calcination.  To  this 
end  the  potash  is  put  into  a  kiln,  constructed  in  an  oval 
form,  of  plaster  of  Paris;  the  inside  of  which  being  made 
otherwise  perfectly  close,  is  horizontally  intersected  by 
an  iron  gate,  on  which  the  potash  is  placed.  Under  this 
grate  a  fire  is  made,  and  the  heat,  reverberated  by  the 
arched  upper  part  of  the  kiln  compleats  the  calcination, 
and  converts  the  potash  into  pearlash;  which  is  taken 
out  of  the  kiln,  and,  when  completely  cooled,  packed  in 
barrels,  The  process  of  calcination  lasts  about  an  hour. 
Pearlash  is  proportionately  more  heavy  than  potash,  on 
account  of  its  great  compactness,  and  the  loss  of  weight, 
experienced  by  the  latter  through  the  calcination,  is  very 


Rochefoucault  Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795.        238 

trifling.  Although  pearlash  is  less  liable  to  deliquate  by 
the  air  than  potash,  yet  the  barrels,  in  which  it  is  packed, 
are  of  the  same  sort  and  structure  as  those  in  which  the 
latter  salt  is  barrelled.  They  are  of  different  sizes,  and 
contain  from  two  to  three  hundred  pounds.  Potash  as 
well  as  pearlash  are  sold  by  tons  in  the  course  of  trade; 
and  it  is  not  lawful  to  export  either  before  it  is  duly  in- 
spected by  the  public  searchers,  who  are  appointed  for 
this  purpose  in  all  the  states,  where  pearl  or  potash  is 
manufactured.  Dupetitthouar's  strength  having  been 
considerably  impaired  by  his  illness,  he  thought  it  pru- 
dent to  return  home.  I  will  proceed  to  Boston,  where  I 
expeet  to  find  letters  from  Europe,  which  I  must  desire 
to  see.  For  these  last  three  months  I  have  not  heard  a 
word  from  any  of  my  friends  or  relations. 

I  was  by  no  means  displeased  at  leaving  Albany. 
Young  Mr.  Rensselaer  and  Mr.  Henry  are  the  only  gen- 
tlemen from  whom  I  experienced  any  civilities.  The 
Albanians,  to  speak  generally,  are  a  set  of  people  re- 
markable neither  for  activity  nor  politeness ;  they  are  the 
most  disagreeable  beings,  I  have  hitherto  met  with,  in  the 
United  States.  In  every  other  respect  Albany  is  a  place 
where,  with  a  small  capital,  you  may  make  money, 
and  with  a  large  capital  acquire  great  wealth.  The 
trade  of  this  place  suits  any  amount  of  property,  and 
is  attended  with  less  risk  than  any  other  species  of 
commerce  carried  on  in  this  part  of  the  globe.  An 
industrious  and  enterprising  man  might  improve  the 
trade  of  this  place  to  a  very  considerable  degree. 

We  experienced  here  this  day,  Friday  the  7th  of  Au- 
gust, an  uncommon  heat.  My  thermometer  stood  at 
ninety-six  degrees  of  Fahrenheit,  or  twenty-eight  four- 
ninths  of  Reaumur.  We  were  told,  that  the  thermometer 
of  Mr.  Lewis,  who  is  esteemed  here  a  very  accurate  me- 
teorologist, stood  at  one  hundred  degrees  of  Fahrenheit 
or  thirty  two-ninths  of  Reaumur.  This  excessive  heat 
continued  several  days,  and  was  not  the  least  allayed  in 
the  night. 

My  horse,  which  was  to  be  sent  after  me  by  Captain 
Williamson,  was  not  yet  arrived.  I  took,  therefore,  a 


238        Rochefoucault-Liancourt  in  Albany,  1795. 

seat  in  the  stage  waggon,  that  is,  a  waggon  without 
springs,  but  covered.  You  cross  Hudson's  River,  on 
leaving  Albany.  The  road  to  Lebanon,  where  we  stopped 
for  the  night,  lies  over  a  mountainous  country.  Nearly 
the  whole  of  the  district  is  in  the  first  stage  of  settle- 
ment. All  the  land,  within  an  extent  of  twenty-five  miles 
belongs  to  Mr.  VanRensselaer,  Lieutenant-governor,  and 
one  of  the  richest  proprietors  in  the  State  of  New  York, 
perhaps  in  all  the  States  of  the  Union.  Much  of  this 
land  was  granted  to  his  ancestors  by  letters-patent,  at 
the  time  when  the  Dutch  settlement  was  formed.  He  has 
also  purchased  much  more.  A  considerable  part  of  this 
estate  has  been  sold;  but  he  sells  none  without  reserving 
a  ground-rent.  This  forms,  no  doubt,  a  very  pleasant 
sort  of  income ;  but  which,  in  my  opinion,  cannot  be  of 
long  duration  in  this  country.  A  man,  who  is  obliged  to 
pay  every  year  a  ground-rent,  soon  forgets  the  moderate 
terms  on  which  he  obtained  possession  of  his  estate,  feels 
only  the  unpleasant  compulsion  of  paying  money  at  a 
fixed  time,  and  eagerly  seizes  upon  the  first  opportunity  of 
freeing  himself  from  this  incumbrance. 

The  last  place,  before  you  reach  Lebanon,  is  Stephen- 
town,  situated  on  a  fine  large  creek.  It  belongs  to  the 
Patron ;  this  the  general  appellation  of  Mr.  Rensselaer, 
at  Albany,  as  well  as  in  its  environs.  The  face  of  the 
country  is  sad  and  melancholy;  it  is  mountainous  and 
rocky,  and  bears  no  trees  but  hemlock-fir  and  white  pine. 
On  the  road  from  Stephentown  to  Lebanon,  the  country 
expands  into  an  amphitheatre,  formed  by  numerous 
mountains  of  various  size  and  shape,  most  of  which  lie 
in  grass  up  to  the  very  summits.  At  the  end  of  a  very 
circuitous  journey  through  this  vale  you  reach  the  inn  of 
Mr.  STOW. 

Lebanon  possesses  a  mineral  spring,  close  to  which 
stands  the  inn  of  Mr.  Stow,  on  the  declivity  of  a  moun- 
tain; most  of  the  invalides,  who  drink  the  waters,  board 
therefore  at  the  inn.  From  this  point,  the  prospoct  of 
the  vale,  or  rather  of  the  low  grounds,  is  most  pleasing. 
A  number  of  small  houses,  scattered  over  the  fields,  and 
several  villages,  enhance  the  charms  of  this  delightful 


A  Stage  Coach  of  the  last  Century.  239 

view,  which,  on  my  arrival  at  the  inn,  I  was  too  indis- 
posed to  enjoy.  I  was  obliged  to  creep  into  my  bed, 
although  it  was  scarcely  five  o'clock,  to  sustain  my  fit  of 
the  ague,  to  take  an  emetic,  and  to  renounce  whatever  re- 
markable objects  this  place  itself,  or  its  vicinity,  may 
contain. 


A  STAGE  COACH  OF  THE  LAST  CENTURY. 


The  Western  Mail  Stages  from  Albany  to  White.toicn  and 

Cooperstown. 

fTlHE  Mail  leaves  Albany  every  Monday  and  Thursday, 
JL  at  two  o'clock  afternoon;  arrives  at  Schenectady  the 
same  evening;  and  the  following  at  Canajohary,  and  ex- 
changes passengers  and  mail  with  the  Whitestown  and 
Cooperstown  Stages,  and  returns  next  morning  to  Albany. 

The  Whitestown  Stage  starts  from  Whitestown  every 
Monday  and  Thursday  at  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  arrives  at 
Canajohary  next  evening;  returns  next  morning. 

The  Cooperstown  Stage  leaves  Cooperstown  every 
Tuesday;  arrives  at  Canajohary  the  same  evening;  ex- 
changes passengers  with  the  Albany  and  Whitestown 
Stages,  and  returns  the  following  day. 

NOTE.  The  Fare  from  Schenectady  to  Canajohary  is 
14s.,  returning  12s.,  averaging  only  4d.  a  mile.  The 
Whitestown  Stage  Fare  is  at  the  same  average  price. 

TICKETS,  ensuring  any  number  of  seats  in  the  Stage  to 
Canajoharie,  &c.,  may  be  had  at  Mrs.  Hudson's  Inn,  if 
applied  for  the  evening  before  the  Stage  starts. 


(  240  ) 

THE 

BUKNING  OF  SCHENECTADY. 

1690. 

[The  following  papers  relating  to  the  invasion  of  New 
York  and  the  burning  of  Schenectady  by  the  French,  are 
copied  from  the  first  and  second  volumes  of  the  Docu- 
mentary History  of  the  State  of  New  York,  compiled  by 
Dr.  E.  B.  O'Callaghan  from  the  documents  found  in  the 
office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  and  the  records  of  the 
city  of  Albany  in  the  City  Hall ;  forming  a  very  complete 
history  of  that  memorable  incursion,  which  was  designed 
to  destroy  Albany.] 

PROJECT  OP  THE  CHEVALIER  DE  CALL1ERES, 

Governor  of  Montreal  and  commanding  by  commission  the  troops  and 
militia  of  Canada,  regarding  the  present  state  of  affairs  in  that 
country,  January,  1689.  [Paris  Doc.  IV.] 

As  the  recent  Revolution  in  England  will  change  the 
face  of  American  affairs  it  becomes  necessary  to  adopt 
entirely  new  measures  to  secure  Canada  against  the  great 
dangers  with  which  it  is  threatened. 

Chevalier  Andros,  now  Governor  General  of  New 
England  and  New  York,  having  already  declared  in  his 
letters  to  M.  do  Denonville  that  he  took  all  the  Iroquois 
under  his  protection  as  subjects  of  the  Crown  of  Eng- 
land and  having  prevented  them  returning  to  M.  de  De- 
nonville to  make  peace  with  us,  there  is  no  longer  reason 
to  hope  for  its  conclusion  through  the  English  nor  for 
the  alienation  of  the  Iroquois  from  the  close  union  which 
exists  with  those  in  consequence  of  the  great  advantages 
they  derive  from  thence,  the  like  to  which  we  cannot 
offer  for  divers  reasons. 

Chevalier  Andros  is  a  protestant  as  well  as  the  whole 
English  colony  so  that  there  is  no  reason  to  hope  that  he 
will  remain  faithful  to  the  King  of  England  [James  II.] 
and  we  must  expect  that  he  will  not  only  urge  the  Iroquois 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  241 

to  continue  the  war  against  us  but  that  he  will  even  add 
Englishmen  to  them  to  lead  them  and  seize  the  posts  of 
Niagara,  Michilimakinak  and  others  proper  to  render  him 
master  of  all  the  Indians  our  allies,  according  to  the  pro- 
ject they  have  long  since  formed,  and  which  they  began 
to  execute  when  we  declared  war  against  the  Iroquois 
and  when  we  captured  70  Englishmen  who  were  going  to 
take  possession  of  Michilimakinak,  one  of  the  most  import- 
ant posts  of  Canada ;  our  entrepot  for  the  Fur  Trade  and 
the  residence  of  the  Superior  of  the  Rev.  Jesuit  Fathers, 
Missionaries  among  our  Savages,  and  which  belongs,  in- 
contestibly,  to  us. 

It  is  to  be  expected,  then,  that'  they  are  about  to  endea- 
vor to  invest  all  Canada  and  raise  all  the  Savages  against 
us,  in  order  to  deprive  us  wholly  of  every  sort  of  Trade 
and  draw  it  all  to  themselves  by  means  of  the  cheap  bar- 
gains of  merchandize  they  can  give  them,  nearly  a  half 
less  than  our  Frenchmen  can  afford  theirs,  for  reasons 
which  will  be,  elsewhere,  explained,  and  thus  become 
masters  of  all  the  peltries ;  a  trade  which  sustains  Cana- 
da and  constitutes  one  of  the  chief  benefits  that  France 
derives  from  that  Colony. 

No  sooner  will  the  English  have  ruined  our  trade  with 
the  Savages  than  uniting  with  them  they  will  be  in  a 
position  ^to  fall  on  us,  burn  and  sack  our  settlements, 
scattered  along  the  River  St.  Lawrence  to  Quebec,  with- 
out our  being  able  to  prevent  them,  having  no  fortress 
capable  of  arresting  them. 

Things  being  thus  disposed,  the  only  means  to  avoid 
this  misfortune  is  to  anticipate  it  by  the  expedition  which 
will  be  hereafter  explained  and  which  I  offer  to  execute 
forthwith,  if  it  please  His  Majesty  to  confide  its  direction 
to  me  on  account  of  the  particular  knowledge  I  have  ac- 
quired of  the  affairs  of  that  country  during  five  years 
that  I  had  the  honour  to  serve  His  Majesty  and  to  com- 
mand his  troops  and  military  there,  after  twenty  years 
service  in  the  army. 

The  plan  is,  to  go  straight  to  Orange  (Albany)  the 
most  advanced  town  of  New- York,  one  hundred  leagues 
from  Montreal ,  which  I  would  undertake  to  carry,  and  to 


242  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

proceed  thence  to  seize  Manathe,  the  capital  of  that  Colo- 
ny situated  on  the  seaside;  on  condition  of  being  fur- 
nished with  supplies  necessary  for  the  success  of  the 
expedition. 

I  demand  for  that  only  the  troops  at  present  main- 
tained by  His  Majesty  in  Canada  if  it  be  pleasing  to  him 
to  fill  them  up  by  a  reinforcement  of  soldiers  which  they 
require  in  consequence  of  sickness  that  has  produced  the 
deaths  of  many  among  them. 

These  troops  number  35  companies  which  at  50  men 
each  ought  to  give  1750.  Yet  at  the  review  made  when 
I  left,  there  were  found  only  about  1300,  so  that  450  sol- 
diers are  still  required  to  complete  them ;  thus  it  would 
be  necessary  that  His  Majesty  should  please  to  order  the 
levy  of  at  least  400  men,  and  to  have  them  enlisted  as 
quick  as  possible  in  order  that  they  may  be  embarked  in 
the  first  vessels. 

The  use  I  propose  to  make  of  these  1700  men  is  to 
take  "  the  pick  "  (I' elite)  of  them  to  the  number  of  1400 
and  to  adjoin  to  them  the  elite  of  the  Militia  to  the  num- 
ber of  600,  so  as  to  carry  these  2000  men  necessary  on 
this  expedition  ;  leaving  the  300  remaining  soldiers  to 
guard  the  principal  outposts  at  the  head  of  our  Colony 
in  order  to  prevent  the  Iroquois  seizing  and  burning  them 
whilst  we  should  be  in  the  field. 

I  propose  embarking  these  2000  men,  with  the  sup- 
plies necessary  for  their  subsistence  in  a  sufficient  number 
of  canoes  and  flat  Batteaux  which  we  already  employed 
in  the  two  last  Campaigns  against  the  Iroquois. 

My  design  is,  to  lead  them  by  the  Richelieu  River  into 
Lake  Champlain  as  far  as  a  Carrying  Place  which  is 
within  three  leagues  of  the  Albany  River  that  runs  to 
Orange.*  I  shall  conceal  this  expedition,  which  must  be 
kept  very  secret,  by  saying  that  the  King  has  commanded 
me  to  proceed  at  the  head  of  His  troops  and  Militia  to 
the  Iroquois  Country  to  dictate  Peace  to  them  on  the  con- 
ditions it  has  pleased  His  Majesty  to  grant  them  without 
the  interference  of  the  English,  inasmuch  as  the  Iroquois 

*  This  "  Carrying  Place  "  or  pona«re  is  now  traversed  by  that  section  of  th» 
Champlain  Canal  extending  from  Fort  Anne  to  Sandy  Hill. 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  243 

are  bis  true  subjects  ;  without  letting  any  one  know  our 
intention  of  attacking  the  English  until  we  have  arrived 
at  the  point  whence  I  shall  send  to  tell  the  Iroquois,  by 
some  of  their  Nation,  that  I  am  not  come  to  wage  war 
against  them  but  only  to  reduce  the  English,  who  have 
caused  our  division,  and  to  re-establish  the  good  friend- 
ship that  formerly  existed  between  us ;  therefore  they 
had  better  avoid  coming  to  their  aidif  they  wish  not  to  be 
treated  with  the  greatest  rigor,  the  said  English  being 
unable  to  protect  them  from  the  force  I  lead  against 
them,  and  that  I  shall  turn  against  the  said  Iroquois,  if 
they  dare  assist  them. 

As  the  Batteaux  cannot  proceed  further  than  the  Car- 
rying Place,  my  intention  is  to  erect  there  a  small  log 
fort  (u-n  petit  fort  de  pieux  terrasses)  which  I  shall  have 
built  in  three  days,  and  to  leave  200  men  in  it  to  guard 
the  Batteaux;  thence  march  direct  to  Orange,  embarking 
our  supplies  on  the  River  in  canoes  which  we  shall  bring 
and  which  can  be  convoyed  by  land,  we  marching  with 
the  troops  along  the  river  as  an  escort. 

I  calculate  to  seize  in  passing  some  English  Villages 
and  Settlemnts  where  I  shall  find  provisions  and  other 
conveniences  for  attacking  the  town  of  Orange. 

That  town  is  about  as  large  as  Montreal,  surrouuded 
by  picquets  at  one  end  of  which  is  an  Earthen  Fort  de- 
fended by  palisades  and  consisting  of  four  small  bastions. 
There  is  a  garrison  of  150  men  of  three  companies  in  the 
fort  and  some  pieces  of  Cannon.  Said  town  of  Orange 
may  contain  about  150  houses  and  300  inhabitants  capa- 
ble of  bearing  arms,  the  majority  of  whom  are  Dutch  and 
some  French  Refugees  with  some  English. 

After  having  invested  the  Town  and  summoned  it  to 
surrender  with  promise  not  to  pillage  if  it  capitulate,  I 
propose  in  case  of  resistance  to  cut  or  burn  the  palisades, 
in  order  to  afford  an  opening,  and  enter  there  sword  in 
hand  and  sfeze  the  fort.  These  being  only  about  14  feet 
high  can  be  easily  escaladed  by  means  of  the  conveniences 
we  shall  find,  when  Masters  of  the  town,  or  by  blowing 
in  the  gate  with  a  few  petards  or  two  small  field  pieces 
which  may  be  of  use  to  me  and  I  shall  find  means  of  con- 


Burning  of  Schenectady. 

veying  there,  if  his  Ma'y  will  please  to  have  them  fur- 
nished at  La  Rochelle  to  take  with  me,  and  some  gren- 
ades and  other  munitions,  a  list  of  which  I  shall  hand  in 
separately,  and  which  will  be  deducted  from  the  funds 
His  Majesty  destines  for  Canada  so  as  not  to  increase  the 
expenditure  of  preceding  years. 

After  I  shall  have  become  Master  of  the  town  and  fort 
of  Orange,  which  I  expect  to  achieve  before  the  English 
can  afford  it  any  succor,  my  intention  is  to  leave  a  garri- 
son of  200  men  in  the  fort  with  sufficient  supplies  which 
I  shall  find  in  the  City,  and  to  disarm  all  the  Inhabitants, 
granting  at  His  Majesty's  pleasure  pardon  to  the  French 
deserters  and  inhabitants  I  shall  find  there,  so  as  to  oblige 
them  to  follow  me. 

I  shall  seize  all  the  barks,  batteaux  and  canoes  that 
are  at  Orange,  to  embark  my  force  on  the  river  which  is 
navigable  down  to  Manathe,  and  I  shall  embark  with  the 
troops  the  necessary  provisions  and  ammunition,  and 
some  pieces  of  Cannon,  to  be  taken  from  Fort  Orange  to 
serve  in  the  attack  on  Manathe  (New  York). 

This  place  consists  of  a  town  composed  of  about  200 
houses  and  can  put  about  400  inhabitants  under  arms. 
They  are  divided  into  four  Companies  of  Infantry  of  50 
men  each,  and  three  companies  of  Cavalry  of  the  same 
number,  the  horses  being  very  common  in  that  country. 
This  town  is  not  enclosed,  being  situated  on  a  Peninsula 
at  the  mouth  of  the  river  that  falls  into  a  Bay  forming  a 
fine  harbour.  It  is  defended  by  a  Fort  faced  with  stono 
having  four  Bastions  with  several  pieces  of  cannon,  com- 
manding the  Port  on  one  side  and  the  town  on  the  other. 

I  contemplate  first  carrying  the  town  by  assault,  it 
being  all  open,  and  making  use  of  the  houses  nearest  the 
Fort  to  approach  the  latter;  forming  a  battery  of  the 
Cannon  I  shall  have  brought  from  Orange  and  of  that  I 
may  find  in  the  stores  of  the  town,  where  the  vessels 
arm  and  disarm. 

It  is  necessary  for  the  success  of  this  Expedition  that 
H.  M.  give  orders  to  two  of  the  ships  of  War  destined 
this  year  to  escort  the  merchantmen  who  go  to  Canada 
and  Acadie  or  the  fishermen  who  go  for  Cod  to  the  Great 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  245 

Bank,  to  come  after  having  convoyed  the  merchants, 
towards  the  end  of  August,  into  the  Gulf  of  Manathe  and 
cruize  there  during  the  month  of  September,  as  well  to 
prevent  succor  from  Europe  which  may  arrive  from 
England  or  Boston,  as  to  enter  the  port  when  I  on  my 
arrival  shall  give  the  signal  agreed  upon,  so  as  to  aid  us 
in  capturing  the  Fort  which  they  may  cannonade  from 
aboard  their  ships  whilst  I  attack  it  on  land.  They  can 
in  case  of  necessity  even  land  some  marines  (to  replace 
the  400  men  I  shall  have  left  on  the  road  guarding 
Orange  and  the  Batteaux);  also  some  pieces  of  Cannon 
if  we  require  them.  They  might  reimbark  and  return 
to  France  in  the  month  of  October  after  capture  of  the 
Fort  and  carry  the  intelligence  thereof. 

After  we  should  have  become  masters  of  the  town  and 
fort  of  Manathe  I  shall  cause  the  Inhabitants  to  be  dis- 
armed and  send  my  Canadians  back  by  the  Albany  river 
to  Orange  on  their  way  to  their  batteaux  and  on  their  re- 
turn home.  I  should  winter  at  Manathe  with  all  the 
troops  I  would  have  brought  with  me  except  the  200  sol- 
diers left  to  guard  Orange;  and  as  I  shall  have  nothing  to 
fear  from  the  land  side,  being  master  of  the  rivers,  I  would 
work  through  the  winter  to  strengthen  myself  against  at- 
tacks of  the  English  whilst  waiting  until  H.  M.  should  be 
pleased  to  send  what  may  be  necessary  to  secure  this  im- 
portant conquest. 

It  would  render  H.  M.  absolute  Master  of  the  whole 
of  Iroquois  who  derive  from  this  Colony  all  the  arms  and 
ammunition  with  which  they  make  war  on  us.  This  will 
afford  the  means  to  disarm  them  whenever  considered 
necessary,  and  thereby  impose  on  them  such  laws  as  H. 
M.  may  please ;  the  town  of  Boston  the  capital  of  New 
England  being  too  far  from  them  to  afford  any  aid. 

Having  mastered  the  Iroquois  we  shall  have  equal  con- 
trol of  all  the  other  Savages  who  will  come  without  hesi- 
tation and  bring  us  all  their  peltries.  This  will  cause  the 
trade  of  our  Colony  to  flourish ;  will  considerably  aug- 
ment H.  M.'s  revenues  and  eventually  diminish  the  ex- 
penses he  is  obliged  to  incur  for  the  preservation  of 
Canada. 


246  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

It  will  firmly  establish  the  Christian  Religion  as  well 
among  the  Iroquois  as  among  the  other  Savages  to  whom 
we  shall  be  able  to  speak  as  Masters  when  they  are 
encircled  on  the  side  of  Canada  as  well  as  of  New  York. 

It  will  secure  and  facilitate  the  Cod  fishery  which  is 
carried  on  along  our  Coasts  of  La  Cadie  and  on  the 
Great  Bank.  It  will  give  H.  M.  one  of  the  finest  har- 
bours in  America  which  can  be  entered  during  almost  all 
seasons  of  the  year  in  less  than  one  month  of  very  easy 
navigation;  whilst  that  from  France  to  Quebec  cannot  be 
prosecuted  except  in  summer  on  account  of  the  Ice  which 
closes  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  itself  long  and  perilous. 

It  may  be  objected  to  this  plan,  that  the  Colony  of 
Orange  and  Manathe  may  remain  faithful  to  the  King  of 
England  and  in  this  case  it  would  not  be  apropos  to  attack 
it  and  draw  down  an  open  war  with  that  English  Colony 
to  the  prejudice  of  the  Treaty  of  Neutrality  concluded 
between  the  two  nations. 

It  may  be  answered  to  this,  that  the  Colony  of  Manathe 
and  Orange,  being  the  same  as  that  formerly  called  New 
Netherland  which  the  English  took  from  the  Dutch,  and 
the  greater  part  of  which  is  still  of  this  latter  nation 
and  all  protestants,  it  is  not  to  be  doubted  but  that  they 
would  receive  the  orders  of  the  Prince  of  Orange  and 
even  force  their  Governor,  did  he  not  consent,  to  acknow- 
ledge him,  and  therefore  we  must  look  on  as  certain  a  war 
between  that  Colony  and  us,  and  not  give  it  the  time  to 
push  its  intrigues  with  the  Savages  to  ruin  us  by  means 
of  them,  if  we  do  not  anticipate  them.  And  in  case  that, 
contrary  to  all  appearances,  they  remain  faithful  to  the 
King  of  England  during  the  general  rebellion  of  the 
English,  we  might,  if  H.  M.  thought  proper,  being  on  terms 
with  that  King,  confide  to  him  the  secret  of  this  expedi- 
tion, draw  from  him  an  order  to  the  Commandant  of 
Orange  and  Manathe  to  surrender  these  places  into  II. 
M.'s  hands,  who  would  keep  them  for  him  and  pre- 
vent the  Rebels  becoming  masters  of  them,  so  as  to 
have  an  opportunity  to  treat  them  as  rebels  did  they 
not  obey  that  order,  being  besides  this,  in  a  position 
to  force  them  to  it,  on  condition  of  negotiating  eventually 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  247 

with  the  King  for  that  Colony,  which  is  the  only  means 
of  securing  Canada,  firmly  establishing  Religion,  Trade 
and  the  Kings  authority  throughout  all  North  America. 
If  the  favorable  opportunity  which  presents  of  becoming 
master  of  that  Colony  be  neglected,  it  may  surely  be  cal- 
culated that,  through  its  intrigues  with  the  Iroquois  and 
other  Savages,  it  will  destroy  Canada  in  a  little  time; 
whose  ruin  will  entail  that  of  the  establishment  at  Hud- 
son's bay,  the  beaver  and  other  peltry  trade ;  that  of 
Acadia,  the  local  fishery,  and  that  of  Newfoundland ; 
and  if  we  be  forced  to  abandon  Canada,  it  will,  hereafter, 
in  consequence  of  the  frequent  chasing  of  our  fishermen 
by  English  vessels,  render  very  difficult  and  dangerous 
for  H.  M.'s  subjects  the  Codfishery  on  the  Great  Bank, 
which  produces  several  millions  to  France,  and  is  one  of 
the  most  profitable  investments  that  Mre  have. 


MEMOIR  OF  INSTRUCTIONS  TO  COUNT  DE  FRONTENAC 

Respecting   the   Expedition   against   New-York.     7th   June,   1689. 
[Paris  Doc.  IV.} 

The  King,  having  examined  the  proposition  made  him 
by  Sieur  Chevalier  de  Callieres  Bonnevue  of  Montreal  to 
attack  New  York  with  his  Majesty's  troops  in  Canada  and 
a  number  of  the  militia  of  that  country,  has  the  more  wil- 
lingly assented  to  it  as  he  knows  that  the  English  inhabiting 
that  quarter  have  resolved  since  the  last  year  to  excite  the 
Iroquois  Nation,  His  Majesty's  subjects,  and  force  them 
to  wage  war  against  the  French,  having  furnished  them 
for  that  purpose  with  arms  and  ammunition,  and  endeav- 
oured^in  every  way,  even  to  the  prejudice  of  the  King  of 
England's  orders  and  the  faith  of  Treaties,  to  usurp  the 
trade  of  the  French  in  the  country  in  possession  of  which 
they  have  been  from  all  time. 

To  accomplish  this  project  His  Majesty  has  given  orders 

to  Sieur  Begon  to  prepare  the  munitions  necessary  for  the 

expedition  and  has  caused  two  of  his  ships  of  war  to  be 

equipped  in  the  port  of  Rochefort  under  the  command  of 

21 


248  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

Sieur  de  la  Caffiniere  whom  he  has  ordered  to  follow  ex- 
actly the  directions  which  said  Sieur  de  Frontenac  will 
give  him  regarding  this  expedition. 

He  will  set  out  with  all  diligence  to  embark  at  Rochelle 
in  one  of  the  ships  and  sail  without  loss  of  time  for  the 
entrance  of  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  and  Campseaux  bay, 
where  he  will  embark  in  the  best  of  the  merchantmen  that 
will  follow  and  repair  to  Quebec. 

Therefore  on  his  arrival  at  Quebec  he  will  take  advan- 
tage of  the  state  in  which  he  will  find  things,  to  complete 
the  suitable  arrangements  for  departing  with  batteaux, 
canoes  and  all  the  equipage  necessary  for  this  expedition 
with  the  Chevalier  de  Callieres  who  will  command  the 
troops  under  his  orders. 

He  will  despatch  by  land  or  water  as  he  shall  deem  most 
certain,  orders  and  instructions  to  Sieur  de  la  Caffinere, 
to  the  place  he  will  have  designated,  as  to  what  he  shall 
have  to  do,  in  order  to  repair  to  Manathe,  he  making  use 
of  the  cypher  which  shall  have  been  furnished  him. 

He  will  order  him  to  sail  directly  and  without  under- 
taking any  thing  along  his  course,  follow  the  cost  of  Aca- 
die  (where  he  will  leave  in  passing  what  he  shall  have 
for  the  said  coast  of  Acadie)  down  to  Manathe,  and  order 
him  to  anchor  as  safely  as  possible  and  to  observe  well 
the  quarter  where  he  will  make  his  landing  when  said 
Sieur  de  Frontenac  shall  have  arrived  there. 

He  will  give  orders  to  the  Sieur  de  la  Cafflniere  to  seize 
the  veseels  he  will  find  in  the  bay  of  the  said  Manathe, 
without  exposing  himself  to  any  accident  that  may  render 
him  unable  to  cooperate  in  that  enterprise. 

As  it  is  impossible  to  fix  on  a  certain  rendezvous  for  the 
arrival  of  said  vessels  at  Manathe  at  the  same  time  that 
the  Sieur  de  Frontenac  will  arrive  there  with  the  troops, 
without  alarming  those  at  that  place,  the  two  vessels  of 
war  must  go  right  into  the  bay,  more  especially  as  the 
attack  on  the  /rentier  post  of  New  York  will  give  warning 
to  those  of  Manathe ;  and  the  vessels  thus  arriving  before 

the  land  forces,  will  cause  a  diversion. 

*****  * 

The  said  Sieur  de  Frontenac  having  informed  himself 


Burning  of  Sch.nectady.  249 

of  the  route  he  is  to  take,  of  which  he  will  make  more 
particular  enquiries  on  the  spot,  as  regard  the  convenience, 
security  and  expedition  of  the  troops,  His  Majesty  will 
not  enter  into  further  detail  on  this  subject,  nor  on  the 
attack  on  Orange  and  Manatte  nor  on  any  thing  that  re- 
lates thereto.  He  will  solely  recommend  him  to  act  as 
much  as  possible,  in  such  a  manner  as  that  those  of  Orange 
may  not  be  advised  of  his  march,  so  that  he  may  surprise 
this  first  post  and  cut  in  below  Orange  to  secure  the  num- 
ber of  vessels  he  may  require  to  descend  on  Manathe,  and 
to  place  things  in  such  order  as  not  to  be  uneasy  when  he 
shall  depart  for  and  be  established  at,  the  said  Manathe. 
For  this  purpose  he  ought  to  leave  a  confidential  officer 
at  Orange  with  such  detachment  as  he  will  find  necessary 
to  be  left  there,  with  orders  to  be  on  his  guard  and  to  for- 
tify himself,  and  to  obtain  all  information  possible  for  the 
success  of  the  expedition  against  Manathe.  He  will  also 
cause  all  the  inhabitants  to  be  disarmed  and  their  effects 
to  be  seized,  giving  them  to  hope  every  good  treatment 
with  which  they  can  flatter  themselves  until  he  entertains 
no  further  apprehensions;  then  His  Majesty  desires  that 
what  is  hereinafter  prescribed  to  him,  may  be  executed. 

He  wishes  particular  care  to  be  taken  to  prevent  any 
plunder  of  provisions,  merchandize,  amunition,  property, 
cattle,  utensils  and  principal  household  furniture ;  and  as 
his  object  must  be  to  place  Forts  Orange  and  Manathe  in 
a  state  of  defence,  and  to  support  the  Frenchmen  who 
will  have  remained  there,  he  must  not  only  victual  the 
forts  for  the  longest  time  possible  but  collect  there  all  he 
can  of  provisions,  and  in  default  of  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
magazines  in  said  forts  he  will  lock  them  up  in  the  towns, 
taking  care  not  to  touch  those  which  he  should  deposit  in 
said  forts  except  when  obliged. 

His  Majesty  does  not  wish  any  suspected  inhabitants  be 
left  in  that  Colony.  His  intention  also  is  that  an  exact 
Inventory  be  made  in  the  settlements  and  plantations  by 
Commissiary  Gaillard  (whom  His  Majesty  wishes  him  to 
take  with  him,)  of  all  cattle,  grain,  merchandize,  furniture, 
effects  and  utensils  he  may  find  in  each  of  the  said  settle- 
ments ;  that  he  select  from  amonsc  the  inhabitants  of  Canada 


250  Burning  of  Schenectatiy. 

and  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  troops  those  who  will  be 
found  qualified  to  maintain  and  improve  them,  and  that 
he  furnish  these  with  farms  in  His  Majesty's  name  leav- 
ing them  of  the  provisions  that  will  be  found  there,  as 
much  as  shall  be  necessary  to  support  them  until  they 
have  produced  some  and  he  will  examine  one  with  another, 
those  to  whom  he  will  think  proper  to  grant  said  farms,  so 
as  to  distribute  the  greater  number  in  proportion  to  their 
skill  and  strength,  observing  to  associate  several  in  the 
same  settlement  when  he  shall  deem  such  necessary.  He 
will  inform  His  Majesty  of  all  he  shall  have  done  in  this 
regard  by  sending  him  the  enumeration  of  all  that  he  shall 
have  left  in  each  such  settlement,  and  furnish  his  opinion 
of  the  Quit  rents  which  they  will  be  in  a  condition  to  pay 
him.  After  having  settled  on  what  he  shall  judge  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  leave  to  those  to  whom  he  will  have 
given  these  farms,  he  will  place  in  store  all  the  surplus, 
such  as  grain,  whale  oil  and  all  sorts  of  merchandize  and 
other  principal  effects  of  which  also  inventories  shall  be 
made  to  be  equally  sent  to  his  Majesty. 

He  will  examine  into  the  means  of  distributing  said 
property  so  that  from  what  he  will  acquire  there,  his 
Majesty  may  order,  on  his  advice,  the  gratuities  he  shall 
judge  fitting  to  bestow  on  said  militia,  the  army  and  navy 
officers,  soldiers  and  sailors  who  shall  have  distinguished 
themselves  and  given  individual  marks  of  that  satisfaction 
which  he  expects  from  their  zeal  and  industry  on  this  oc- 
casion. 

If  he  find  among  the  inhabitants  of  New  York,  whether 
English  or  Dutch,  any  Catholics  on  whose  fidelity  he 
can  rely  he  may  leave  them  in  their  habitations 
after  making  them  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  His 
Majesty,  provided  there  be  not  too  many  of  them  and  they 
do  not  excite  any  suspicion,  having  regard,  in  that,  only 
to  what  will  best  promote  the  preservation  and  advantage 
of  the  Colony  and  its  security  at  the  same  time  as  well  as 
that  of  the  French. 

He  may  likewise  retain,  if  he  think  proper,  mechanics 
and  other  working  people  necessary  to  cultivate  the  land 
and  work  at  fortifications  in  the  capacity  of  prisoners, 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  251 

distributing  them  among  the  French  inhabitants  who  may 
require  them,  until  matters  being  in  a  state  of  entire  secu- 
rity, they  may  be  restored  to  libert}r. 

The  officers  and  principal  inhabitants,  from  whom  ran- 
som can  be  exacted,  must  be  detained  in  prison. 

Respecting  all  other  foreigners,  men.  women  and  children, 
His  Majesty  deems  it  proper  that  they  should  be  put  out 
of  the  Colony  and  sent  to  New  England,  Pennsylvania  and 
to  such  other  quarters  as  shall  be  considered  expedient, 
either  by  land  or  sea,  together  or  in  divisions — all  accord- 
ing as  he  shall  find  will  best  secure  their  dispersion  and 
prevent  them,  by  reunion,  affording  enemies  an  opportu- 
nity  to  get  up  expeditions  against  the  Colony. 

He  will  send  to  France  the  French  Refugees  whom  he 
will  find  there,  particularly  those  of  the  pretended  Re- 
formed religion.  When  he  will  have  captured  the  fort  and 
conquered  that  Colony  he  must  think  particulary  of  his 
return  to  Canada  to  convey  thither  the  Militia  and  Soldiers 
he  shall  deem  necessary  for  the  King's  service,  according 
to  the  disposition  in  which  he  shall  find  things  both  as 
regards  the  Iroquois  as  well  on  the  side  of  Canada  as  on 
that  of  New  York,  and  in  proportion  to  what  troops  he 
will  calculate  necessary  to  be  left  to  guard  the  forts  and 
country. 

And  as  nothing  appears  more  important.,  after  his  expe- 
dition, than  to  take  advantage  of  the  season  to  return  to 
Canada,  he  must,  in  case  he  can  not  execute  all  that  is 
above  contained,  confide  its  execution  to  Sieur  Chevalier 
de  CaiKieres,  giving  him  orders  conformable  and  according 
to  what  he  shall  consider  most  fitting  the  King's  service ; 
His  Majesty  having  determined  to  confer  on  the  said 
Chevalier  de  Caillieres  the  Government  of  New  York,  and 
of  the  town  and  fort  of  Manathe  in  particular,  under  the  au- 
thority of  His  Majesty's  Lieutenant  General  in  New  France. 

He  will  select  befoi'e  leaving,  the  officers  and  soldiers 
he  will  deem  proper  to  leave  at  New  York  and  put  over  the 
post  the  officers  best  qualified  to  maintain  and  fortify  them. 

In  case  he  find,  after  having  provided  sufficient  troops 
for  New  York  and  concluded  on  the  number  of  soldiers 
necessary  for  His  Majesty's  service  in  Canada,  that  he  has 


. 

.-j  .  $52  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

^"     •  •'•' 

a  superabundance  he  can  send  some  to  France  in  the 
King's  Ships,  and  retain  thirty-five  to  forty  men  to  be  sent 
eventually  to  Acadia. 

His  Majesty  is  very  glad  to  observe  to  him  on  this  head, 
that  he  must  regulate  himself,  as  regards  the  number  of 
men  he  will  leave  in  New  York,  by  the  means  of  subsistance 
there  and  the  necessity  of  guarding  the  country ;  and  he 
will  also  consider  that  his  return  to  Canada  will  be  more 
convenient  for  those  he  will  have  to  convey,  back  there, 
when  they  will  not  be  more  numerous. 

In  case,  contrary  to  all  appearance,  the  season  be  too 
far  advanced  to  admit  bis  return  to  Canada  during  the 
remainder  of  the  Fall,  he  will  give  advice  of  his  expedition 
and  sojourn  there  until  the  Spring,  and  he  will  employ 
himself  during  the  winter  in  securing  his  conquests  and 
waging  war  on  the  enemy. 

However  that  be,  he  ought  if  he  be  obliged  to  remain, 
either  personally  or  through  Chevalier  de  Caillieres,  if  that 
be  convenient,  profit  by  circumstances  -to  conclude  a  solid 
and  advantageous  peace  with  the  Iroquois,  whom  he  will, 
doubtless  find  disposed  to  sue  for  it,  being  deprived  of  aid 
from  and  communication  with  the  English. 

In  order  to  deprive  the  English  of  the  facility  of  under- 
taking land  expeditions  against  New  York  from  New 
England,  His  Majesty  desires  that  the  English  Settlements 
adjoining  Manathe  and  further  off  if  necessary,  be  destroy- 
ed; and  that  the  more  distant  be  put  under  contribution. 

He  will  send  an  exact  report  of  all  the  observations  he 
will  be  able  to  make  regarding  the  trade  of  the  new  inhab- 
itants of  New  York,  the  security  of  the  navigation  thence  to 
France,  the  communication  with  Canada,so  that  His  Majes- 
ty may  give  him  on  those  points  the  necessary  orders  to  de- 
rive from  that  conquest  all  the  advantages  to  be  expected 
from  it.  But  should  this  expedition  contrary  to  all  appear- 
ances and  for  reasons  which  His  Majesty  can  not  forsee,  not 
be  executed,  he  will  convey  his  orders  to  the  said  Sieur  de 
la  Caffiniere  to  make  war  against  the  English,  and  to  range 
along  the  Coast  of  New  England  and  New  York  to  capture 
there  as  many  prizes  as  possible,  and  to  remain  there  un- 
til he  have  no  more  provisions  than  are  necessary  for  his 
return  to  France. 


Burning  of  Schenectady. 

AN  ACCOUNT 


y^ 

s  in  Canada  from  the  depirfuj-e  1>L    -  /  ' 
November,    1689,  to  the  month  of'      *  *' 


Of  the  most  remarkable  occurrences 

the  vessels,   from  the  month  of  November, 

November,  1690.     By  Mons.  de  Monseignat,  Comptioller  General 

of  the  Marine  in  Canada.     [Paris  Doc.  17.} 

[EXTRACT.]  The  orders  received  by  M.  le  Comte  (de 
Frontenac)  to  commence  hostilities  against  New  England 
and  New  York,  which  had  declared  for  the  Prince  of 
Orange,  afforded  him  considerable  pleasure,  and  were 
very  necessary  for  the  country.  He  allowed  no  more 
time  to  elapse  before  carrying  them  into  execution  than 
was  required  to  send  off  some  despatches  to  France — im- 
mediately afcer  which  he  determined  to  organize  three 
different  detachments,  to  attack  those  rebels  at  all  points 
at  the  same  moment,  and  to  punish  them  at  various  places 
for  having  afforded  protection  to  our  enemies,  the  Mohawks. 
The  first  party  was  to  rendezvous  at  Montreal,  and  pro- 
ceed towards  Orange ;  the  second  at  three  Rivers,  and  to 
make  a  descent  on  New  Yorkv  at  some  place  between 
Boston  and  Orange  ;*  and  the  third  was!!  to  depart  from 
Quebec,  and  gain  the  seaboard  between  Boston  and  Peuta- 
gouet,  verging  towards  Acadia.  They  all  succeeded  per- 
fectly well,  and  I  shall  communicate  to  you  the  details. 
********* 

The  detachment  which  formed  at  Montreal,  may  have 
been  composed  of  about  two  hundred  and  ten  men.  namely : 
eighty  savages  from  the  Sault  and  from  La  Montagne; 
sixteen  Algonquins;  and  the  remainder  Frenchmen — all 
under  the  command  of  the  Sieur  Le  Moyne  de  Sainte 
Helene,  and  Lieutenant  Daillebout  de  Mantet,  both  of 
whom  are  Canadians.  The  Sieurs  le  Moyne  d'  Iberville 
and  Repentigny  de  Montesson  commanded  under  these. 
The  best  qualified  Frenchmen  were,  the  Sieurs  de  Boure- 
pos,  and  de  La  Brosse,  Calvinist  officers,  the  Sieur  la  Moyne 
de  Blainvill,  Le  Bert  du  Chene,  and  la  Marque  de  Mon- 
tigny,  who  all  served  as  volunteers.  They  took  their  de- 
parture from  Montreal  at  the  commencement  of  February. 

After  having  marched  for  the  course  of  five  or  six  days, 

*  This  detachment  entered  New  Hampshire  where  they  burned  a 
place  called  Salmon  Falls. 


254  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

they  called  a  council  to  determine  the  route  they  should 
follow,  and  the  point  they  should  attack. 

The  Indians  demanded  of  the  French  what  was  their 
intention.  Messieurs  de  Sainte  Helene  and  Mantet  replied 
that  they  had  left  in  the  hope  of  attacking  Orange  if  pos- 
sible, as  it  is  the  Capital  of  New  York  and  a  place  of  con- 
siderable importance,  though  they  had  no  orders  to  that 
effect,  but  generally  to  act  according  as  they  should  judge 
on  the  spot  of  their  chances  of  success,  without  running 
too  much  risk.  This  appeared  to  the  savages  somewhat 
rash.  They  represented  the  difficulties  and  the  weakness 
of  the  party  for  so  bold  an  undertaking.  There  was  even 
one  among  them  who,  his  mind  filled  with  the  recollections 
of  the  disasters  which  he  had  witnessed  last  year,  en- 
quired of  our  Frenchmen,  "since  when  had  they  become 
so  desperate?"  In  reply  to  their  raillery,  'twas  answered 
that  it  was  our  infe  it  ion,  now,  to  regain  the  honor  of 
which  our  misfortunes  had  deprived  us,  and  the  sole 
means  to  accomplish  that  was  to  carry  Orange,  or  to 
perish  in  so  glorious  an  enterprise. 

As  the  Indians,  who  had  an  intimate  acquaintance  with 
the  localities,  and  n o-e  experienced  than  the  French, 
could  not  be  brought  to  agree  with  the  latter,  it  was  de- 
termined to  postpone  coming  to  a  conclusion  until  the 
party  should  arrive  at  the  spot  where  the  two  routes 
separate — the  one  leading  to  Orange,  and  the  other  to 
Corlear  (Schenectady).  In  the  course  of  the  journey, 
which  occupied  eight  days,  the  Frenchmen  judged  proper 
to  diverge  towards  Corlear,  according  to  the  advice  of  the 
Indians;  and  this  road  was  taken  without  calling  a  new 
council.  Nine  days  more  elapsed  before  they  arrived, 
having  experienced  inconceivable  difficulties,  and  having 
been  obliged  to  march  up  to  their  knees  in  water,  and  to 
break  the  ice  with  their  feet  in  order  to  find  a  solid  footing. 

They  arrived  within  two  leagues  of  Corlear  about  four 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  were  harrangued  by  the  great 
Mohawk  chief  of  the  Iroquois  from  the  Sault.  He  urged 
on  all  to  perform  their  duty,  and  to  lose  all  recollections 
of  their  fatigue,  in  the  hope  of  taking  ample  revenge  for 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  255 

the  injuries  they  had  received  from  the  Iroquois  at  the 
solicitation  of  the  English,  and  of  washing  them  out  in  the 
blood  of  the  traitors.  This  savage  was  without  contra- 
diction the  most  considerable  of  his  tribe — an  honest  man 
— as  full  of  spirit,  prudence  and  generosity  as  it  was  possible, 
and  capable  at  the  same  time  of  the  grandest  undertakings. 
Shortly  after  four  Squaws  were  discovered  in  a  wigwam 
who  gave  every  information  necessary  for  the  attack  on 
the  town.  The  fire  found  in  their  hut  served  to  warm 
those  who  were  benumbed,  and  they  continued  their  route 
having  previously  detached  Giguieres,  a  Canadian,  with 
nine  Indians,  on  the  look  out.  They  discovered  no  one, 
and  returned  to  join  the  main  body  within  one  league  of 
Corlear. 

At  eleven  of  the  clock  that  night,  they  came  within 
sight  of  the  town,  resolved  to  defer  the  assault  until  two 
o'clock  of  the  morning.  But  the  excessive  cold  admitted 
of  no  further  delay. 

The  town  of  Corlear  forms  a  sortof  oblong  with  only 
two  gates — one  opposite  the  road  we  had  taken;  the  other 
leading  to  Orange,  which  is  only  six  leagues  distant. 
Messieurs  de  Sainte  Helene  and  de  Mantet  were  to  enter 
at  the  first  which  the  squaws  pointed  out,  and  which  in 
fact  was  found  wide  open.  Messieurs  d'Iberville  and  de 
Montesson  took  the  left  with  another  detachment,  in  order 
to  make  themselves  masters  of  that  leading  to  Orange. 
But  they  could  not  discover  it,  and  returned  to  join  the 
remainder  of  the  party.  A  profound  silence  was  every 
where  observed,  until  the  two  commanders,  who  separated, 
at  their  entrance  into  the  town  for  the  purpose  of  encircling 
it,  had  met  at  the  other  extremity. 

The  signal  of  attack  was  given  Indian  fashion,  and  the 
entire  force  rushed  on  simultaneously.  M.  de  Mantet 
placed  himself  at  the  head  of  a  detachment,  and  reached  a 
small  fort  where  the  garrison  was  under  arms.  The  gate 
was  burst  in  after  a  good  deal  of  difficulty,  the  whole  set 
on  fire,  and  all  who  defended  the  place  slaughtered. 

The  sack  of  the  town  began  a  moment  before  the  attack 
on  the  fort.  Few  houses  made  any  resistance.  M.  de 
Montigny  discovered  some  which  he  attempted  to  carry 


256  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

sword  in  hand,  having  tried  the  musket  in  vain.  He 
received  two  thrusts  of  a  spear — one  in  the  body  and  the 
other  in  the  arm.  But  M.  de  Sainte  Helene  having  come 
to  his  aid.  effected  an  entrance,  and  put  every  one  who 
defended  the  place  to  the  sword.  The  Massacre  lasted 
two  hours.  The  remainder  of  the  night  was  spent  in  pla- 
cing sentinels,  and  in  taking  some  repose. 

The  house  belonging  to  the  Minister  was  ordered  to  be 
saved,  so  as  to  take  him  alive  to  obtain  information  from 
him ;  but  as  it  was  not  known  it  was  not  spared  any  more 
than  the  others.  He  was  slain  and  his  papers  burnt  before 
he  could  be  recognized. 

At  daybreak  some  men  were  sent  to  the  dwelling  of 
Mr.  Coudre  [Sander],  who  was  Major  of  the  place,  and 
who  lived  at  the  other  side  of  the  river.  He  was  not 
willing  to  surrender,  and  began  to  put  himself  on  the 
defensive  with  his  servants  and  some  Indians ;  but  as  it 
was  resolved  not  to  do  him  any  harm,  in  consequence  of 
the  good  treatment  that  the  French  had  formerly  experi- 
enced at  his  hands,  M.  d'Iberville  and  the  great  Mohawk 
proceeded  thither  alone,  promised  him  quarter  for  himself, 
his  people,  and  his  property,  whereupon  he  laid  down  his 
arms,  on  parole,  entertaining  them  in  his  fort,  and  returned 
with  them  to  see  the  commandants  of  the  town. 

In  order  to  occupy  the  savages  who  would  otherwise 
have  taken  to  drink  and  thus  rendered  themselves  unable 
for  defence,  the  houses  had  already  been  set  on  fire. 
None  were  spared  in  the  town  but  one  house  belonging  to 
Coudre,  and  that  of  a  widow  with  six  children,  whither  M. 
de  Montigny  had  been  carried  when  wounded.  All  the 
rest  were  consumed.  The  lives  of  between  fifty  and  sixty 
persons,  old  men,  women  and  children,  were  spared,  they 
having  escaped  the  first  fury  of  the  attack.  Some  twenty 
Mohawks  were  also  spared,  in  order  to  show  them  that  it 
was  the  English  and  not  they  against  whom  the  grudge 
was  entertained.  The  loss  on  this  occasion  in  houses, 
cattle  and  grain,  amounts  to  more  than  four  hundred 
thousand  livres.  There  were  upwards  of  eighty  well  built 
and  well  furnished  houses  in  the  town. 

The  return  march   commenced  with  thirty  prisoners. 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  257 

The  wounded,  who  were  to  be  carried,  and  the  plunder 
with  which  all  the  Indians  and  some  Frenchmen  were 
loaded,  caused  considerable  inconvenience.  Fifty  good 
horses  were  brought  away.  Sixteen  of  these  only  reached 
Montreal.  The  remainder  were  killed  for  food  on  the 
road. 

Sixty  leagues  from  Corlear  the  Indians  began  to  hunt, 
and  the  French  not  being  able  to  wait  for  them,  being 
short  of  provisions,  continued  their  route,  having  detached 
Messieurs  d'Iberville  and  Du  Chesne  with  two  savages  be- 
fore them  to  Montreal.  On  the  same  day,  some  French- 
men, who  doubtless  were  very  much  fatigued,  lost  their 
way.  Fearful  that  they  should  be  obliged  to  keep  up  with 
the  main  body,  and  believing  themselves  in  safety  having 
eighty  Indians  in  their  rear,  they  were  found  missing  from 
the  camp.  They  were  waited  for  next  day  until  eleven 
o'clock,  but  in  vain,  and  no  account  has  since  been  re- 
ceived of  them. 

Two  hours  after,  forty  men  more  left  the  main  body 
without  acquainting  the  commander,  continued  their  route 
by  themselves,  and  arrived  within  two  leagues  of  Mont- 
real one  day  ahead,  so  that  there  were  not  more  than  fifty 
or  sixty  men  together.  The  evening  on  which  they  should 
arrive  at  Montreal,  being  extremely  fatigued  from  fasting 
and  bad  roads,  the  rear  fell  away  from  M.  de  Sainte  He- 
lene,  who  was  in  front  with  an  Indian  guide,  and  who 
could  not  find  a  place  suitable  for  camping  nearer  than 
three  or  four  leagues  of  the  spot  where  he  expected 
to  halt.  He  was  not  rejoined  by  M.  de  Mantet  and  the 
others  until  far  advanced  in  the  night.  Seven  have  not 
been  found.  Next  day  on  parade,  about  ten  o'clock  in 
the  forenoon,  a  soldier  arrived  who  announced  that 
they  had  been  attacked  by  fourteen  or  fifteen  savages] 
and  that  six  had  been  killed.  The  party  proceeded 
somewhat  afflicted  at  this  accident,  and  arrived  at  Mont- 
real at  3  o'clock,  p.  m. 

Such,  Madame,  is  the  account  of  what  passed  at  the 
taking  of  Corlear.  The  French  lost  but  twenty-one  men, 
namely  four  Indians  and  seventeen  Frenchmen.  Only 
one  Indian  and  one  Frenchman  were  killed  at  the  capture 
of  the  town.  The  others  were  lost  on  the  road. 


258  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

From  Mortgage  Book  B,  in  County  Clerk's  Office.  Albany. 

Albany  f  9th  day  of  February  16^ 
Die  Sabbathi. 

This  morning  about  5  o'Clock  yc  alarm  was  brought 
here  by  Symon  Schermerhoorn  who  was  shott  threw  his 
Thigh  yl  yc  french  and  Indians  had  murthered  ye  People 
of  Skinnechtady ;  having  got  into  ye  Towne  about  1 1  or 
12  a  Clock  there  being  no  Watch  Kept  (ye  Inhabitants 
being  so  negligent  &  Refractory)  and  yl  he  had  much  adoe 
to  Escape  they  being  very  numerous.  They  fyred  severall 
times  at  him  at  last  throw  his  Thigh  and  wounded  his 
horse  and  was  come  over  Canatagione*  to  bring  ye  news. 

The  allarm  being  given  all  People  Repared  to  there 
Post  y°  fort  fyred  severall  gunns  to  give  yc  alarm  to  ye 
farmers  but  few  heard  there  being  such  an  Extream  Snow 
above  Knee  Deep  Severall  y*"  People  haveing  Escaped  ye 
Cruelty  of  y6  french  and  there  Indians  came  Running  here 
&  told  us  ye  Village  was  a  fyre  and  y1  they  had  much  adoe 
to  Escape  for  all  ye  streets  were  full  of  french  and  In- 
dians, &  yl  many  People  were  murthered  and  yl  y°  enemy 
were  marching  hither  which  news  was  Continually  Con- 
firmed till  afternoon  Letters  were  sent  forthwith  to  Sopus 
for  ye  assistance  of  a  hundred  men  an  Expresse  sent  to 
Skachkook  but  by  reason  of  y?  highwater — deep  snow  & 
yse  could  not  Proceed,  notice  was  given  to  all  yc  farmers 
of  Kinderhook  Claverak  &l'a  of  y°  sad  news,  Some  horse 
men  sent  out  to  Discover  y "  Enemies  force  and  there  march 
but  were  forced  to  Return  ye  snow  being  so  Deep  yet 
some  were  sent  out  again  who  got  thither,  Laurence  ye 
Indian  with  y"  Maquase  y'  were  in  Town  were  sent  out 
also  to  Skinnechtady  to  Dispatch  posts  to  ye  Maquase 
Castles  for  all  y"  Indians  to  come  doune,  but  unhappily 
sad  Indians  comeing  to  Skinnechtady  were  soe  much 
amazed  to  see  so  many  People  murthered  and  Destroyed 
that  they  omitted  yc  sending  up  to  yc  Maquase  Castles 
according  to  there  Engagement,  .While  y1'  Enemy  was  at 
N.  Scotia  a  man  came  to  Ensign  Joh:  Sander  Glen  and 
said  he  would  goe  to  y*'  Maquase  Castles  and  warn  ye 

*Xow.  Niskayuna. 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  259 

Maquase  to  come  doune  who  was  ordered  to  goe  in  all 
haste  but  comeing  to  ye  Upper  Plantations  went  for  fear 
along  with  some  of  ye  oyr  Inhabitants  into  yc  Woods  and 
never  went  to  ye  Maquase  Castles,  this  night  we  gott  a 
letter  from  Skinnectady  Informing  us  yl  the  Enemy  yl  had 
done  yl  Mischieffe  there  were  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
or  200  men  but  that  there  were  1400  men  in  all;  One 
army  for  Albany  &  anoyr  for  Sopus  which  hindred  much 
ye  marching  of  any  force  out  of  y6  Citty  fearing  yl  y* 
enemy  might  watch  such  an  opportunity. 


The  IQth  day  of  February. 

Present.  Pr  Schuyler  Mayr  D.  Wessels  Recr  J.  Bleeck- 
er,  C.  Bull,  Capt  Staets,  Aid.  Shaick,  Aid.  Ryckman, 
Joh.  Cuyler,  Ens.  Bennett. 

Resolved  yl  Capt  Jonathan  Bull  be  sent  wth  5  men  out 
of  each  Comp>'  to  Skinnechtady  to  bury  yc  dead  there  & 
if  y6  Indians.be  come  doune  to  joyn  with  them  &  Pursue 
y6  Enemy. 


Instructions  for  Capt  Jonathan  Bull. 

You  are  to  goe  w'h  all  Convanient  speed  with  .  .  . 
men  to  Skinnechtady  &  there  Bury  ye  dead  which  are 
Killed  by  y6  Enemy  and  give  such  succor  and  Relieffe  to 
ye  Poor  People  left  alive  at  Skinnechtady  as  yu  can,  and  if 
there  be  any  considerable  number  of  friendly  Indians  at 
Skinnectady  yu  are  wtb  all  speed  to  Pursue  &  follow  after 
the  french  and  Indian  Enemy  £  them  Spoyle  and  Destroy 
what  in  yu  Lyes  and  use  all  means  Imaginable  to  Rescue 
y6  Prisoners  which  they  have  Carried  along  with  them. 

You  are  to  take  Especiall  Care  to  have  always  Spyes 

and  Skouts  out  on  both  -sides  of  ye  Path  where  yu  March 

yr  Men  and  to  be  as  Carefull  as  Possible  for  ambushes  of 

y6  Enemy  and  to  Keep  yr  men  in  good  order  and  Discipline. 

23 


260  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

List  of  y*  People  kild  and  destroyed  by  ye  French  of  Ca- 

nida  and  there  Indians  at  Skinnechtady  twenty  miles  to 
ye  westward  of  Albany  between  Saturday  and  Sunday 
y«  9tA  day  of  February  16»f. 

MjiubrtWemp  killd                                                    -  1 

Jan  van  Eps  and  his  Sonne  &  2  of  his  Children  kild  4 

a  negroe  of  dito  Van  Eps 1 

Serj1  Church  of  Cap1  Bulls  Comp?  -  1 
Barent  Jansse  Killd  and  Burnd  his  Sonne  Kild  • 

And*  Arentse  Bratt  shott  and  Burnt  &  also  his  child"  2 

Mary  Viele  wife  of  Dowe  Aukes  &  her  2  children  killd  3 

and  his  Negro  Woman  Francyn  1 

Mary  Aloif  Wife  of  Cornells  Viele  Junr  Shott     -         -  1 
S\veer  Teunise  Shott  &  burnt  his  wife  kild  &  ~\    all 

burnt                                                                  /     in  2 

Antje  Janz  doughter  of  Jan  Spoor  kild  &  burnt  C  1 
Item  4  Negroes  of  ye  said  Sweer  Teunise  y°  r 

same  death         •                                              V   one  4 

Enos  Talmidge  Leift  of  Capt  Bull  kild  &  burnt  Chouse  1 
Hend  Meese  Vrooman  &  Bartholomeus  Vrooman  kild 

&  burnt         -  ... 

Item  2  Negroes  of  Hend  Meese  ye  same  death         •  2 

Gerrit  Marcellis  and  his  Wife  &  childe  kild                  -  3 

Rob1  Alexander  souldr  of  Capt  Bulls  Shott    -  1 

Rob1  hesseling  shott ...                                    -  1 

Sander  ye  sonne  of  gysbert  gerritse  kild  &  burnt    •  1 

Jan  Roeloffse  de  goyer  burnt  in  ye  house  -  1 

Ralph  grant  a  souldier  in  ye  fort  shott    -  1 
David  Christoffelse  &  his  wife  wth  4  Children  all  burnt 

in  there  house        ....                           .  6 

Joris  Aertse  shott  and  burnt  Wm  Pieterse  kild        -  1 

Job. :  Potman  kild  his  wife  kild  &  her  skalp  taken  off  3 
Dome  Petrus-Tassemaker  y"  Minister  kild  &  burnt  in 

his  house       •                           .....  1 

Frans  harmense  kild      ...  1 
Engel  the  wife  of  Adam  Vroman  shot  &  burnt  her 

childe  the  brains  dashed  out  against  ye  wall    - 

Reynier  Schaets  and  his  sonne  kild         -                  -  2 

Daniel  Andries  &  George  2  souldiers  of  Capt  Bull  -  2 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  261 

a  french  girl  Prisoner  among  y6  Mohogs  kild      •  -1 
A  Maquase  Indian  kild                     - 

Johannes  ye  sonne  of  Symon  Skermerhoorn         -  -     1 

3  Negroes  of  Symon  Skermerhoorn        ...  3 

In  all  60 

Lyst  of  y1  persones  which  y6  French  and  there  Indians 

have  taken  prisoners   att  Skinnectady  and  carried  to 
Canida  if  9th day  of  February  16§§. 
Johannes  Teller  and  his  negroe          ...         -2 

John  Wemp  sonne  of  Mynd1  Wemp  &  2  negroes     -  3 
Symon,  Abraham,  Philip,  Dirck  &  Groot  all  5  sonnes 

of  Symon  Groot    -                           ....  5 

Jan  Baptist  sonne  of  Jan  Van  Epps        -                  -  1 

Albert  &  Johannes  Vedder  sonnes  of  harme  Vedder  -  2 

Isaack  Cornelise  Switts  &  his  Eldest  sonne    -         -  2 

a  negroe  of  Barent  Janse 1 

Arnout  ye  sonne  of  Arnout  Corn:  Viele  y6  Interpr     -  1 

Stephen  y6  sonne  of  Gysbert  Gerritse  1 

Lawrence  sonne  of  Claes  Lawrence  Purmurent          -  1 

Arnout  sonne  of  Paulyn  Janse  1 

Barent  ye  sonne  of  Adam  Vroman  &  ye  neger     •         •  2 

Claes  sonne  of  Frans  Harmense             ...  i 

Stephen  adopted  sonne  of  Geertje  Bouts     -        -         -  1 

John  Webb  a  souldier  Belonging  to  Capt  Bull         -  1 

David  Burt  belonging  to  ye  same  Comp*     -         -         -  1 

Joseph  Marks  of  ye  same  Compe    ....  1 

In  all     -         -     27 

The  way  how  y*  bloody  French  and  Indians  committed  this 
Tragedy  was  thus. 

After  they  were  gott  into  ye  Toune  without  being  dis- 
covered (no  watch  or  guard  being  kept,  notwithstanding 
severel  gent5  of  Albany  no  longer  than  3  days  before  were 
up  there  to  Perswade  ym  to  it)  The  french  &  ye  Indians 
faesett  each  house  and  after  they  had  murthered  ye  People 
they  burnt  all  ye  houses  and  barns  Cattle  &ca  Except  5  a 


262  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

6 :  which  were  saved  by  Cap1  Sander  to  whom  they  were 
kinde  as  they  had  Particular  orders  so  to  be  by  reason  of 
ye  many  kindnesse  shewne  by  his  wife  to  ye  french  Prison- 
ers. 

Albany  y"  22  day  offebruary  16f  | 
Symon  Van  Ness  and  Andries  Barents  who  went  out  ye 
first  with  ye  Maquaese  returning  told;  they  had  Pursued 
ye  Enemy  to  y°  great  Lake  &  would  have  overtaken  them 
had  they  not  been  spyed  by  some  of  ye  Enemy  Indians 
that  went  out  to  looke  for  2  Negroe  boys,  yl  were  Runn 
away  from  them,  &  yl  ye  Indians  &  Christians  were  all 
Tyred  when  they  came  to  ye  Croune  Point  neer  ye  Lake ; 
some  went  further  till  they  came  to  where  ye  Ise  was 
Smoth ;  where  the  french  had  with  horses  that  they  car- 
ried from  Skinnechtady  &  Skeets  and  Yse  Spurrs,  made 
all  the  way  they  could  over  ye  Lake  in  so  much  that  our 
People  could  gain  nothing  upon  them ;  whereas  at  first 
they  went  2  of  their  days  journeys  in  one;  neverthelesse 
Laureuce  ye  Maquase  and  about  140  Mohoggs  &  River 
Indians  are  gone  in  Pursuit  of  them,  &  will  follow  them 
quite  to  canida. 

Jacob  Leisler  to  Maryland. 

From  a  volume  in  the  Secretary's  Office,  endorsed  "  Duke  of  York's  Charter,  Laws, 
Papers  &c.  in  Leisler's  Time,  I." 

March  4,  1689  [O.  S.]  fort  william. 

To  our  great  griefe  I  must  acquaint  you  of  the  sad  and 
deplorable  massacre  which  happened  at  skenectady  near 
Albany  by  the  french  and  their  Indians  the  19th  of  ffebru- 
ary  last  betwixt  Saturnday  &  Sunday  at  eleven  of  the 
clock  in  the  night  200  men  fell  upon  them  &  most  barbar- 
ously murdered  sixty  two  men  women  &  children  &  burned 
the  place  left  but  5  or  6  houses  unburned  carried  away 
captive  27  the  rest  escaped  many  of  which  being  about 
25  persons  much  damnified  by  the  french  women  with 
chyld  ript  up,  children  alive  thrown  into  the  flames,  some 
their  heads  dashed  agl  the  doors  &  windows  all  occasioned 
by  their  neglect  of  their  not  watching,  deryving  to  obey 
under  the  command  of  the  Commission  of  Sir  Edrnond, 
the  sd  commander  being  onely  spared  withall  which  be- 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  263 

longs  to  tim  a  safeguard  being  sett  in  his  house  &  he  him- 
self to  release  the  prisoners  he  desired  last  Nov'ber  a 
certaine  nun,6er  of  rebellious  people  at  Albany  calling 
themselves  the  convention  &  ruling  by  the  arbitrary  Com- 
mission of  Sir  Edmond  £  encouraged  &  supported  by 
some  of  the  wicked  creatures  of  Sir  Edmoud,  desired 
from  me  assistance  of  men  gunes  ammunition  &  money 
being  afraied  of  the  french  to  whom  we  have  sent  52  men 
501bs  match  9501bs  pouder,  boulits  etc  wch  arryving  there 
agl  their  expectatione  would  not  receive  them,  &  were 
left  there  by  the  Inhabitants  desire,  the  sd  rebells  with  their 
fort  keept  the  Inhabitants  under  a  faire.  I  have  sent  up 
this  Winter  £  commissioned  one  Capn  with  25  men  to 
Joine  with  our  confederate  Indians  to  warre  agl  the  french 
at  Canada,  who  were  hindred  by  the  sd  rebells,  who  pro- 
claimed upon  paine  of  being  punished  for  rebells  if  they 
mett  above  four  men  soe  they  were  prevented  to  goe,  we 
would  else  have  discovered  the  enemy  &  prevented  that 
disaster 

The  same  to  the  Bisho})  of  Salisbury.* 

31  March,  1690. 

May  it  please  your  Lordship — The  foregoing  being  sent 
via  Boston  pr  the  agents  for  New  England  M'hich  we  hope 
are  safely  arrived  ere  this  date,  we  take  leave  to  add,  that 
[to]  a  certain  village  named  Schaneclede  24  miles  to  the 
northward  of  Albany  on  Saturday  the  9th  of  Febr.  last 
about  1 1  a  clock  at  night,  came  200  French  and  Indians 
near  1 00  each  and  attacqued  the  same  whilst  it  snowed 
thick,  barbarously  destroying  the  Inhabitants  all  being 
dutch ;  they  murthered  60  persons,  and  bore  away  with  them 
27  prisoners,  wounding  some  others  so  that  there  remain 
but  about  one  sixth  part  of  them  having  their  cattel,  goods 
and  provisions  destroyed  and  arrested  from  them,  the 
remnant  sheltering  themselves  at  Albany,  where  is  pro- 
vision made  for  them  from  New  Yorke.  Being  alarmed 
by  the  daily  expectations  of  the  French  and  Indians  ad- 
vancing towards  us  with  a  considerable  number  of  2500 
french  besides  their  Indians  at  Mout-Eeal,  endeavouring 

*Lond.  Doc.  VII. 


264  Burning  of  Schcnectady. 

to  obtaine  upon  the  allyed  Indians  with  us,  vize  The  Mac- 
quaes,  Oneydauns,  Onnondades,  Cayougaes,  Sinnekaes, 
and  Mehekanders  who  have  espoused  our  cause,  we  have 
appointed  persons  to  meet  them  at  Albany  in  a  fewdayes 
to  consult  our  best  way  to  intercept  the  Ennemies  march; 
The  Maquaes  having  given  us  a  proofe  of  their  fidelity 
and  courage  by  pursuing  those  who  destroyed  Schenech- 
tede  even  near  their  own  home,  taking  and  slaying  twen- 
ty five  of  them  who  lagged  in  the  reare,  and  promise  to 
rayse  more  than  1000  men  of  theirs  to  joyne  with  400  of 
ours  which  we  have  neare  raysed  for  that  intent,  keeping 
the  passe  upon  the  lake  with  a  Company  of  Indians  and 
Christians  in  number  about  50,  that  upon  the  enemyes 
approach,  we  maybe  timely  notice,  lying  about  150 miles 
northward  of  Albany  which  we  have  fortified,  to  the  best 
of  our  power  and  capacityes,  the  fort  having  13  canon,  10 
Barrells  of  powder  and  60  men  in  garrison  with  other 
habiliments;  the  towne  palasadoes  round  and  making 
breast  works  within,  but  want  canon. 


Roll.  Livingston  to  Sir  Edmond  Andros. 

Hartford,  14  April  1690. 

May  it  Please  yr  ExcelF — I  was  in  hopes  Yo  Excel : 
should  have  heard  yenewes  of  ye  destroying  Skinnechtady 
by  y6  French  and  Indians  before  your  departure  yl  your 
Excel,  might  ye  more  hastnd  their  motion  at  Whitehall 
for  our  Settlement.  On  ye  9th  of  Feby  last  a  compy  of  250 
French  and  Indians  came  upon  yl  place  when  they  were 
all  asleep  about  11  a  clock  at  night,  and  killd  and 
destroyed  60  men  women  and  children,  carryed  27  men 
and  boys  prisoners  and  burnt  ye  towne  except  6  or  7  houses 
which  are  saved  by  Captain  Sander,  whom  they  did  not 
touch,  having  expresse  command  to  meddle  w'b  none  of  his 
relations  for  his  wife's  sake  who  had  always  been  kind  to 
ye  French  prisoners.  The  people  of  that  towne  were  so 
bygotted  to  Leysler  that  they  would  not  obey  any  of  y6 
Magistrates  neither  would  they  entertain  ye  souldiers 
sent  thither  by  yl  Convention  of  all;  nothing  but  mea 
sent  from  Leysler  would  do  the  ire  turn. 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  265 

Thus  had  Leysler  perperted  y1  poor  people  by  his  sedi- 
tious letters  now  founde  all  bloody  upon  Skinnechtady 
streets  with  the  notions  of  a  free  trade,  boalting  &c.  and 
thus  they  are  destroyed ;  they  would  not  watch,  and  where 
Capt.  Sander  commanded,  there  they  threatened  to  burn 
him  upon  ye  fire,  if  he  came  upon  the  garde.  We  were 
much  alarmd  at  Albany ;  we  sent  y6  Maquase  yl  were  at 
hand  out  to  y*  Maquase  Castles ;  but  ye  Messenger  being 
so  timorous  did  not  proceed;  so  yl  it  was  3  days  before 
we  could  get  y6  Maquaese  downe  to  pursue  them,  who  be- 
ing joyned  with  our  men,  fowllowed  them  to  the  Great 
Lake,  where  y6  Yse  being  good  and  y"  French  haveing 
robb'd  sundrey  horses,  put  ther  plunder  upon  sleds  and 
so  over  ye  Lake ;  however  y6  Indians  pursued  and  gott  10, 
and  afterwards  5,  and  killed  3.  Who  being  examined  re- 
late, y1  ye  French  design  to  attacke  Albany  early  in  ye 
Spring,  haveing  120  batoes  100  birch  canoes  and  12  light 
morter  pieces  and  severall  other  engines  ready,  and  are  to 

come  with  1500  men Poor  Sharpe 

is  lame  being  wounded  with  a  great  gunn  y1  split  when  ye 
alarm  came  [to  Albany]  of  Skinnechtady. 

Jacob  Leishr  to  the  Got'ernour  of  Barbadoes.* 

Ao  1690:  17  May  in  fort  Wilkins. 

Honorable  Sir — The  French  of  Canada  with  their  In- 
dianes  committed  six  bloody  masacres  in  this  province 
three,  &  in  New  England  three,  they  have  destroyed  Ska- 
nectady  a  village  20  milles  from  Albany,  murdered  sixty 
three  men  women  and  children,  carried  captive  27 :  &have 
committed  the  greatest  tyranny  imaginable,  rypt  up  wo- 
men with  chyld  throwed  children  alive  into  the  flame, 
dasht  others  agl  door  post  till  their  brains  stuck  to  it, 
another  murder  of  eleven  people,  and  one  or  two  com- 
mitted since  last  fall,  we  send  fifty  men  up  to  guard  that 
place,  but  a  certaine  number  of  people  there  maintaining 
the  comissions  from  Sir  Edmond  Andross  &  Coll.  Dongan 
deryving  from  the  authority  of  the  late  King  James  would 
not  accept  them  there,  but  keept  the  fort  by  virtue  of  the 
sd  Commission  £  would  not  suffer  any  of  them  to  goe  & 
guard  sd  Village  being  the  frontier  but  send  of  their  peo- 

*  From  volume  endorsed:  Letters  in  Leisler's  time.  £c. 


266  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

pie  there,  by  which  means  from  treachery  cowardice  and 
carelesnes  that  too  unfortunate  and  to  be  lamented  acci- 
dent hes  hapened  there,  the  river  being  frozen  that  noe 
forces  could  be  sent  up  the  winter,  the  well  meaned  peo- 
ple lodged  our  souldiers  who  kept  guard  in  the  City 
whereof  the  french  &  Indian  (in  number  of  200  men)  had 
advise  the  Indianes  would  not  goe  there  &  so  altered  the 
designe,  and  that  place  was  by  that  meanes  spared  our 
Indians  pursued  them  kild  &  took  25  frenchmen  who  gave 
us  an  account  of  severall  troops  out  in  a  designe  in  the 
Spring  with  2500  french  beside  their  Indianes. 


Mr.  Van  Coflandt  to  Sir  Ed.  Andros.* 

19  May,  1690. 
May  it  please  your  Excellency, 

*  The  French  and   Indians  have 

againe,  since  yourExcell"'5  departure,  destroyed  some  peo- 
ple to  the  Eastward  of  Boston,  have  also  burned  Sche- 
neghtade  killed  60  people  and  tooke  28  young  men  and 
boys  prisoners;  about  150  Indians  and  50  young  men  off 
Albany  followed  the  French  overtooke  them  opon  the  lake 
killed  some  and  tooke  15  Frenchmen,  which  the  Indians 
have  killed  in  their  castles ;  the  french  Indians  have  killed 
eight  or  ten  people  att  Conestagione,  which  has  made  the 
whole  country  in  alarm,  and  the  people  leave  their  plan- 
tations. Most  of  the  Albany  Wood  men  are  att  New- 
Yorke.  Arent  Schuyler  went  with  eight  Indians  to  Cham- 
bly,  killed  2  and  tooke  1  Frenchman  prisoner. 


Mr.  Livingston  to  Capt.  Nicholson.* 

7th  June.  1690. 

Honble  Sir, — We  of  Albany  stood  out  the  longest  till 
were  deserted  by  all  New-England,  and  while  I  was  sent 
by  the  Convention  of  Albany  to  procure  assistance  from 
the  neighbouring  colonies,  Leisler  sent  up  one  Jacob  Mil- 
borne,  formerly  a  servant  to  a  man  in  Hartford,  but  now  a 
fitt  tool  for  his  turn  with  160  men,  whogott  the  fort  sur- 
rendered to  him,  after  I  had  maintained  the  garrison,  and 
allpublick  charge  to  the  12th  of  March,  turn'd  out  all  the 

*  Lond.  Dffc.  VII. 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  267 

Souldiers  but  12  or  13,  which  they  tooke  in  again,  and  so 
kept  there  for  some  weeks — This  Jacob  Milbourne,  John 
de  Bruine  and  Johannes  Provoost,  under  the  dominion  of 
New- York  commiss"  spending  their  time  with  drinking 
and  quaffing,  while  the  French  Indians  comes  and  cutts  off 
the  people  at  Canastagione  and  above  Synectady,  and 
never  one  of  them  catcht.  We  have  all  Leisler's  sedi- 
tious letters  secured  which  was  the  occasion  of  the  de- 
struction of  Synechtady,  miraculously  found  in  the  streets, 
all  embrued  wth  blood  the  morning  after  massacree  was 
committed,  so  that  we  want  nothing  but  a  Governor  to 
call  him  to  account. 


Letter  from  Leisler  to  Gov.  Treat. 

Fort  William  Feb.  15th  1689. 

HONBLE  Sr — Since  our  other,  the  sad  news  of  the 
French  wth  their  Indians  have  killed  most  of  the  In- 
habitants of  Shenectede,  burnt  their  houses  and  carryed 
their  provisions,  to  a  greater  number  as  is  to  be  feared, 
who  are  encouraged  by  that  convention  &  Colonel  Bay- 
ard's faction,  who  have  asserted  the  Commissions  of  Sr 
Edmund  Andross  to  remaine  in  full  force;  the  conse- 
quence thereof  is  very  dangerous,  for  that  King  James 
and  they  espouse  one  cause,  but  when  the  persons  advised 
of  arrive  [to]  you  wch  may  be  some  dayes  longer  than 
was  before  expressed,  supposing  Friday  next  it  will  be 
further  dilated  hoping  care  will  be  taken  that  all  conve- 
nient dispatch  may  be  offered  unto  them,  desiring  the 
Lord  to  give  us  suitable  supplyes  of  his  assistance  to  doe 
our  duty  in  this  sad  occasion  and  that  all  evil  members 
may  be  discovered  and  accordingly  censured 
With  due  respects  I  am 

Sr  yor  Honors  Humble  Serv1 
JACOB  LEISLER. 

Superscribed  to  the  Honble  Robert  Treat  Esquire  Go- 
vernr  of  His  Maties  Colony  of  Connecticutt  for  their 
Maties  Service  There 


268  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

Instructions  to  the  Military  and  Civil  Officers  of  the 
Southern  Counties  and  East  Jersey. 

Fort  William  February  15,  1689, 
GEN'TLERFEX, — Whereas  ye  ffrench  have  surprized  Scha- 
negtade,  &  killed  &  taken  Prisoners  the  most  of  Their 
Maties  Subjects  burning  &  destroying  ye  sd  Place;  and 
fearing  too  great  a  Correspondency  hath  bean  maintained 
between  ye  sd  ffrench  &  disaffected  P'sons  amongst  us. 

These  are  in  his  Maties  Name  to  will  &  require  you  to 
secure  all  Such  Persons  who  are  resputed  Papists  or 
Do  any  wise  despise  or  reflect  against  this  Governm1  or 
hold  or  maintaine  any  Comissions  from  the  Late  Go- 
vernrs  Colo  Thomas  Dongan  or  Sr  Edmund  Andros  by 
Virtue  of  their  Authority  derived  from  King  James  the 
second  &  ye  same  Safely  to  Convey  to  mee  forthwth 
Given  under  My  hand  &  seale  this  15th  ffeby  1689  and  in 
ye  first  yeare  of  Their  Maties  Reigne. 

JACOB  LEISLER. 


By  the  Lievt.  Governor  and  Councill,  &ca. 

Whereas  ye  ffrench  have  destroyed  the  Inhabitants  & 
their  howses  at  Shanegtade  Bearing  away  Provisions  & 
other  spoyles  wth  them  wch  sharply  alarms  that  Post  of 
albany  although  wee  doubt  not  (by  God's  Providence  & 
ye  numbers  upon  y"  Place)  to  secure  the  same  agst  what- 
sover  forces  of  ye  sd  french  Shall  adventure  to  attack  it. 
Yet  according  to  our  bounden  duty  to  God  yn  Kings  In- 
terest &  ye  Safety  &  prservacon  of  ye  good  People  of  this 
Province ; — 

These  are  in  his  maties  King  Wms  Name  to  will  and 
require  you  forthwith  (to  take  Measures  as  to  ypu  shall 
seem  meet)  for  raising  fifty  men  wthin  your  County  for  ye 
sd  Service  &  Expedicon  vpon  what  termes  soever  shall 
Be  agreed  on  ye  same  to  dispeed  to  y6  fort  Wm.  in  N. 
Yorke  where  all  due  Care  shall  be  taken  and  Encour- 
agem'  given  for  their  further  procedure  &  for  your  assist- 
ance herein  have  sent  Mr.  Jacob  Millborne  that  you  may 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  269 

advise  &  Conclude  what  shall  most  Conduce  to  the  Ends 
aforesd     Given  &c.     feby  16.  1689         JACOB  LEISLER. 

To  Major  Gerardus  Beeckman  &  others  ye  Military  & 
Civill  Officers  for  Kings  County  upon  Long  Island. 

From  Mortgage  Book  I,  in  County  Clerk's  Office. 

Feb  10th  16|| 

Resolved  yl  25  volunteers  goe  under  y°  Command  of 
Leift  Evert  de  Ridder  together  with  those  men  gone  to 
Shinnectady  this  morning  and  Pursue  and  follow  after  ye 
french  &  Indian  Enemy  who  have  carried  Sundrey  of 
there  Majes  Subjects  Captives  from  Shinnectady  who  had 
this  following  Commission. 

WHEREAS  the  french  and  Indians  of  Canida  have  come 
in  a  hostile  manner  massacred  and  murthered  Sundry  of 
there  Majes  Subjects  at  Shinnectady  burning  ye  Towne 
and  caried  divers  Captives  along  with  them;  yow  are 
hereby  required  in  there  Majes  name  king  William  and 
Queen  Mary  to  Pursue  and  follow  after  y6  sd  french  and 
Indians  with  so  many  volunteers  as  shall  be  sent  with 
yw  and  ye  sd  french  and  Indians  to  kill  and  Destroy  and 
ye  Captives  to  Rescue  and  Redeem  out  of  ye  sd  Enemies 
hands  if  Possible,  always  Provided  yow  meet  with  a  suf- 
ficient number  of  friend  Indians  at  Shinnectady  to  assist 
yow  in  said  Expedition. 

Yow  are  to  take  Especiall  care  to  have  always  Spyes 
and  Skouts  out  to  Prevent  all  ambushes  in  ye  march  and 
to  keep  y°  said  men  in  good  order  and  Discipline  &  ye 
men  are  to  be  obedient  to  yr  orders  as  Souldiers  are 
obliged  to  obey  there  officers  by  y6  Law  marshall  given  in 
albany  y6  10th  day  of  february  16jj-$ 

To  Leift  Evert  de  Ridder 

It  was  Resolved  to  Detach  30  men  more  out  of  ye 
Compe  to  go  to  Shinnectady  ye  Mayr  Pr  Schuyler  Jochim 
Staets  &  Robt  Livingston  were  to  goe  out  along  with 
them  but  after  that  y"  Respective  Posts  and  watches  were 
reduced  by  Mr  Wessels  Capt  Jochim  Staets  &  Capt 
Bleeker  they  were  found  so  weake  that  they  could  not  spare 
there  men  &  ye  People  generally  unwilling  to  consent  that 
any  more  men  should  go  out  of  Towne  not  being  much 
above  150  men  in  ye  Citty 


270  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

Die  Mortis  Albany  y"  llth  day  of  February  16|| 

Haveing  Received  Information  from  Shinnectady  last 
night  yl  no  messenger  was  yet  gone  to  ye  Maquase  Castle 
to  warn  them  to  come  doune  it  was  resolved  that  Mr 
Wessels  should  goe  in  all  haste  thither  to  bring  doune  ye 
Maquase  and  Capt.  Gerrit  Teunise  to  goe  with  a  Party  of 
men  now  att  Shinnectady  to  follow  ye  Enemies  Tract  to 
see  if  they  had  a  stronger  army  or  any  party  bounde 
hither  to  this  Toune  and  comeing  to  Shinnectady  were 
assured  that  a  messenger  was  gone  to  ye  Maquase  Castles, 
and  Lawrence  y6  Indian  haveing  been  out  in  pursuit  of  ye 
Enemy  with  9  men  which  Lay  here  in  Toune  got  an  In- 
dian Prisoner  by  ye  way  who  was  examined  and  told  y1 
the  Enemy  were  not  many  above  a  hundred  french  and  100 
Indians  ye  sd  Lawrence  ye  Maquase  Proposed  y1  he  now  had 
49  men  of  ye  Maquase  &  River  Indians  sent  from  Albany, 
y1  he  was  Intended  to  pursue  ye  Enemy  to  morrow,  for 
his  heart  was  Broke  to  see  so  much  of  his  Brethrens 
blood  shed  and  would  Procure  some  of  ye  Prisoners  back 
again  either  by  force  or  by  strategem,  upon  wh  Mr  Wes- 
sells  proposed  to  ye  young  men  come  there  with  Leift 
Evert  de  Ridder:  now  yow  see  what  that  Lawrence  ye 
Indian  Intends,  how  many  of  yow  are  willing  to  goe 
along  with  him  &  serve  there  Majes  king  William  & 
Queen  Mary  &  Pursue  there  Enemies  that  have  De- 
stroyed so  many  Christians,  out  of  which  Compe  &  of 
some  oyrs  y1  came  from  Albany  only  21  went  out  with 
Lawrence  ye  Maquase  on  ye  12th  of  february  being  Wed- 
densday,  and  just  as  they  were  furnished  and  Ready  to 
goe  ye  Indians  of  ye  first  &  2d  Castle  came  to  Capt  Sanders 
but  ye  weather  being  so  badd  &  such  a  Rain  they  could 
not  Proceed  y1  day  Expecting  y"  Indians  of  ye  3d  Castle 
would  be  there  that  night. 


The  12th  dito  Die  Mercury. 

Last  night  it  was  Resolved  upon  to  make  Ready  one 
hundred  men  to  joyn  wth  ye  50  men  y1  were  at  Shinnec- 
tady &  wth  ye  Maquase  &  River  Indians  &  so  pursue  y6 
Enemy,  but  this  day  ye  great  Thaw  and  Rain  prevented 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  271 

there  march  and  quite  Discouraged  y6  People  of  haveing 
any  Successe,  we  writt  therefore  to  Shinnectady  to  Mr. 
Wessels  y1  we  hoped  he  had  sent  ye  men  forward  that 
was  there  and  them  were  sent  him  last  night,  Since  we 
see  no  Probability  of  Sending  any  more  from  hence  ye 
weather  being  so  badd  which  accordingly  was  done  have- 
ing  advice  y1  Mr.  Wessells  had  Dispatched  about  90  or 
100  Christians  &  Indians  &  y°  Skachkooc  Indians  wch 
were  gone  by  the  way  of  Sarachtoge  were  to  meet  them 
together  with  y6  40  maquase  yl  were  out  as  skouts  Law- 
rence sending  forthwith  2  messengers  before  to  warn  ye 
sd  40  Indians  to  meet  them. 


The  13  dito.     DieJovis. 

About  10  a  Clock  y6  Indians  of  Tionondage  y6  3d 
Castle  of  ye  Mohoggs  came  to  Shinnectady  who  Rested 
there  that  day,  alderman  Shaik  Capt  Staets  &  Ensign 
Shuyler  were  Commanded  out  with  a  Party  of  men  to 
joyn  yp  Tionondages  and  so  Pursue  ye  Enemy  but  come- 
ing  to  Shinnectady  y6  Indian  Prisoner  taken  by  Lawrence 
being  given  to  ye  Sachims  of  Tionondage  after  they  had 
Tormented  him  he  was  given  to  an  Indian  wooman  ac- 
cording to  there  custome  who  gave  him  his  life,  who  then 
Confessed  y1  when  he  came  out  of  Canida  there  were  600 
men  making  Ready  to  come  out  towards  albany  or  N : 
England,  wch  Discouraged  alderman  Shaik  Capt.  Jochim 
Staets  to  Proceed;  The  more  because  a  negro  woman  of 
Shinnectady  was  told  y6  Same  by  a  Spanyard  y1  was 
among  y6  french  y1  a  Design  was  laid  against  albany,  So 
yt  ye  Tionondages  went  out  &  followed  Lawrence,  &  after 
they  had  been  out  a  day  came  back  again  till  Lawrence 
sent  a  messenger  that  he  was  within  a  days  journey  of 
y6  Enemy  and  Praid  them  to  come  up  with  all  Speed  then 
they  went  and  9  of  our  Christians  wth  Ens:  abr:  Schuy- 
ler,  but  could  not  overtake  ye  Enemy  ye  Christians  came 
back  &  y6  Indians  went  on.  The  maquase  upon  our 
24 


272  Burning  of  Schenectady. 

Dsyre  granted  the  Indian  Prisoner  to  be  sent  to  y*1  fort 
to  be  Secured  for  fear  of  his  Running  away  to  Canida. 

Capt.  Garten  Capt  Paling  Capt  Beekman  &  Capt  Matthys 
wth  30  men  carne  from  Sopus  for  our  assistance. 


Circular  to  the  Governors  of  the  several  Provinces. 

New  York  Aprill  2d  1690: 

HONBLE  SIR — The  unexpected  surprisall  of  a  small  vil- 
lage called  skenectady  by  the  french  &  their  Indian  Con- 
federates hath  so  alarmed  the  fronteer  post  of  Albany  & 
those  of  new  England  that  it  is  a  work  necessary  to  be  well 
consulted  how  to  secure  that  place,  the  wellfare  whereof 
concerns  all  the  neighbouring  Collonies;  And  therefore 
having  certane  notice  of  2500  french  posted  in  Montroyoll 
whch  advanceth  from  Quebeck  towards  Albany  near  250 
miles  &  an  additional  strenth  of  the  Indianes  being  ex- 
pected, may  sooner  attack  our  aforesd  post  then  happily 
we  are  aware  of,  wee  having  done  what  our  circumstan- 
ces &  endeavoures  could  well  contribute,  have  likewise 
communicated  the  same  to  the  Governor  of  Boston,  &  the 
gentlemen  of  Connecticutt  are  likewise  advertised  thereof, 
insomuch  that  wee  propose  for  a  generall  assistance  that 
such  persones  as  to  you  shall  seem  meet  may  be  commis- 
sionated  to  treat  with  them  of  new  England,  Virginia,  pen- 
silvania  &  Jerseys  relating  this  important  aifaire  here  at 
New  york  being  adjudged  the  medium  between  the  parties 
concerned  upon  the  24th  day  of  Aprill  next  after  this 
date,  that  soe  we  may  conclude  what  may  conduce  most  to 
the  Kings  intrest,  wellfare  of  the  provinces  &  the  pre- 
vention if  not  destructione  of  the  enymies  &c. 

Letter  to  the  Governor  of  Barbadoes. 

A:  1690:  17  May  in  fort  william 
The  french  of  Canada  with  their  Indianes  committed 
six  bloody  massacres  in  this  province  three  &  in  new  Eng- 
land three,    they  have  destroyed  Skanectady  a  village  20 
mills  from  Albany,  murdered  sixty  three  men  women  and 


Burning  of  Schenectady.  273 

children,  carried  captive  27:  &  have  committed  the  great- 
est tyrranny  imaginable,  ript  up  women  with  chyld  thro  wed 
children  alive  into  the  flame,  dashed  others  ag*  door  post 
till  their  braines  stuck  to  it,  another  murder  of  eleaven 
people,  and  one  or  two  committed  since  last  fall,  we  send 
52  men  up  to  guard  that  place,  but  a  certane  number  of  peo- 
ple there  maintaining  the  commissiones  from  sir  Edmond 
Andros  &  Coll:  dongan  deryving  from  the  authority  of  the 
late  King  James  would  not  accept  them  there,  but  keept 
the  fort  by  virtue  of  the  sd  Commission  &  would  not  suf- 
fer any  of  them  to  goe  and  guard  sd  village  being  the 
fronteer  but  send  of  their  people  there,  by  which  meanes 
from  treachery  cowardice  &  carelesnes  that  too  unfortu- 
nate and  to  be  lamented  accident  hes  happened  there,  the 
river  being  frozen  that  noe  forces  could  be  sent  up  the 
winter,  the  well  meaned  people,  lodged  our  souldiers  who 
kept  guard  in  the  citty  whereof  the  french  &  Indian  (in 
number  of  100  men)  had  advice  the  Indianes  would  not 
goe  there  &  so  altered  the  designe  &  that  place  was  by 
that  meanes  spared  our  Indians  persued  them  killd  & 
tooke  25  frenchmen  who  gave  us  an  account  of  severall 
troops  out  in  a  designe  in  the  spring  to  come  with  2500 
french  besides  their  Indianes,  your  honor  great  &  gen- 
erous example  and  loyall  attempt  agt  the  bloody  enimies 
the  french,  you  were  pleased  to  acquaint  me  besides  the 
foresight  and  good  advice  of  the  weaknes  your  honor 
suspects  the  french  at  Canada,  wherein  in  the  great 
advantages  his  Matie  &  his  subjects  may  reap  by,  who  have 
resolved  to  us  all  the  meanes  imaginable  to  prevent  &  if 
possible  destroy  them  there,  and  so  soone  the  weather  has 
permitted,  wee  have  sent  up  250:  men  more,  &  sent  out 
50  men  to  shout  &  watch  the  french  wee  discovered  12 
tracks  of  them  &  gave  tymlie  notice  wheupon  all  the 
stragelt  people  were  ordered  to  come  in  the  Citty, 
which  was  punctually  obeyed  except  tuo  families  who 
would  first  prepare  a  diner  &  so  were  surprized  &  the  sd 
eleaven  killed  &  captivated,  we  have  appointed  a  day  here 
to  send  Commissioners  from  all  the  Government  to  meet 
&  consult  &  negotiate  about  the  warre,  which  was  assured 
by  some  &  others  with  slow  &  frivolous  excuses,  at  last 


274  Petition,  $c. 

was  a  vessel  taken  whereof  your  honor  hes  a  inclosed 
besides  we  have  here  a  privateer  with  24  gurmes  150  men 
who  engage  to  goe  with  a  Briggantine  eight  gunnes  four 
pitteraroes  70  men,  one  sloope  with  four  gunes  tuo  pittera- 
noes  &  50  men  by  us  equipped  for  to  attack  Quebeck, 
Boston  hes  armed  considerably  some  ships  &  other  vessles 
for  to  take  port  royall  a  very  inconsiderable  place,  & 
puts  us  in  hopes  they  will  send  them  from  Canada,  but 
would  not  engage  it. 


To  the  honorable  John  Nanfan  Esq.  Lewten1  Governor 
&c.  commander  in  chief  of  his  Majes  Province  of 
New  York  and  territories  depending  thereof  &  to  ye 
Honorable  Councill. 

The  humble  Petition  of  John  Rosier, 
Abraham  Skuyler,  &  fraier  armoes. 
Humbly  sheweth: 

That  the  said  John  Eosier  and  Abraham  Skuyler  went 
a  voyage  by  his  excellency's  order  with  Coll.  Peter  Skuyler 
last  May  was  twelve  months,  for  which  voyage  your  sd 
petitioners  were  to  have  per  agreement  thirty  pounds. 
And  all  three  your  petitioners  went  another  voyage  last 
July  by  order  also  of  his  excellency,  both  voyages  for 
Canada,  the  2d  without  agreement,  but  expecting  that 
fourty  five  pounds  should  be  allowed  to  them  for  the  same. 
And  as  your  petitioners  have  no  estates  wherewith  to 
subsist  and  their  family  they  humbly  pray 

That  your  honor  would  be  pleased  to  order  that  your 
said  petitioners  may  be  paid  for  ye  same  two  voy- 
ages thirty  pounds  for  the  first,  and  fourty  five 
pounds  for  the  second,  in  all  75. 

And  your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound 
shall  ever  pray,  &c. 

[Endorsed]     Allowed  30  pounds. 


(275) 


EXPENSES  OF  AN  INDIAN  TREATY. 


In  the  month  of  June,  1699,  there  was  a  conference 
held  at  Albany  with  the  Iroquois.  The  manner  of  enter- 
taining the  natives  on  such  occasions  is  exemplified  by  the 
following  bill  of  expenses,  rendered  by  Robert  Livingston 
the  clerk  of  the  city,  to  the  government,  for  articles  fur- 
nished the  sachems  on  the  13th  and  14th  of  June. 

The  Province  of  New  York  Debtor  for  Sundreys  to  ye  Sa- 
chims  of  ye  Nations  at  their  Conference  in  Albany, 

To  Anthony  Coster  for  53  gilders  white  wampum  to  ye 
Five  Nations,  as  per  ace1,         -         -         -         £1   16  1 

N.  B.  The  Lead  yl  was  in  store  was  given 
to  ye  Indians. 
To  10  gals  Rom  given  at  ye  Publick  Propositions, 

at  6s  Qd  per  gall,  -  6  15 

To  6  galls  to  ye  Indians  besides  ye  Propositions,      206 
To  Philip  Foreest,  cooper,  for  kegs  for  y°  In- 
dians, as  per  ace1,  -  -         -  16  6 
To  Rut  Melgertse,  for  79^  Ibs  Tobacco  for  y6 

Propositions,  as  per  ace1  a  25s,         -         -  295 

To  50  Pouder  bags  of  blew  linning,  -      1   16 

To  blak  Ribbin  yl  tyed  y6  wampom  which  was 

given  to  condole  ye  death  of  Aguenderos  sonne,  2 

There  was  given  to  Aguendero,  Cheif  Sachem  in 
private  to  condole  y"  death  of  his  sonne : 
5  ells  fine  blew  strouds,  &c.     £3 
8  yds  Duffels  a  Id,     •        -         2  16 
3  shurts,        ...  18 

6  14 

The  Sachims  of  y°  five  nations  after  y6  proposi- 
tions was  over  24  £  yds  Duffels  in  private  a  Id,      8133 


276  Expenses  of  an  Indian  Treaty. 

To  a  Maquase  a  Pleains  Coat,        -        .        -        176 
To  ye  man  that  fetched  ye  Interpreter  from 

Shinnectady,  -  46 

To  Tarirjoris  a  Maquase  a  shirt,          -         -  6 

To  a  white  hat  and  a  keg  of  Rom  to  a  sachim 

who  had  dreamt  y1  such  a  present  was  made 

to  him,  -  1  12  6 

To  a  keg  of  Rom  to  Aguendero  y°  Cheif  Sachim,         14  6 
To  a  half  vat  of  good  beer  to  ye  Indians  when 

they  went  away,  ....  9 

To  Isaak  Verplank  for  fish  for  ye  Indians,  -      -  9 

36  5  6 
R.  LIVINGSTONE. 

Wee  doe  certify  yl  ye  above  goods  have  been  delivered 
by  Rob1  Livingston  for  y"  use  of  ye  Governm1,  amounting 
to  six  and  thirty  pounds,  five  shill  and  nine  pence,  which 
is  besides  thirteen  pounds  he  engaged  to  pay  to  M.  T. 
Wenham  for  200  pounds  of  powder  delivered  to  ye  In- 
dians at  ye  same  time,  and  hope  yl  ye  Gov1  will  take  care 
he  be  duly  paid,  which  may  [a  few  words  obliterated] 
when  y  kings  service  requires  it. 

Albany  ye  19th  June,  1699.  PR.  SCHUVLER, 

HENDRICK  HANSE. 


(277  ) 


INSCRIPTIONS 

IN   THE 

EPISCOPAL  BUKIAL  GROUND. 


George  F.Abbott,  died  31st  March,  1811,  36  years  9 

months  and  20  days. 

John  James  Abbott,  died  19  July,  1810,  in  his  84th  year. 
Ann  Bassett  Adams,  died  July  15th,  1814,  aged  22  years 

9  months  9  days. 
Ann  Sophia  Adams,  died  August  15th  1813,  aged  1  year 

3  months  17  days. 
Ann  Hall,  wife  of  James  Allen,  died  Nov,  12,  1832,  aged 

61  years.     A  native  of  SI igo,  Ireland. 
John  Agnew,  Parish  of  Dormuse,  Co.  of  Armagh,  Ireland, 

died  September  9th,  1837,  aged  37  years. 

May  he  rest  in  Peace. 
Rosina  M.  Ailing,  wife  of  Andrew  J.  Colvin,  died  Feb.  24th, 

1843,  aged  33  years. 

Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  thee. 

John  Andrews,  died  April  4th,  1816,  aged  84  years. 
Thomas  Andrews,  native  of  England,  died  January  23d, 

1839,  aged  48  years  9  months. 

James  H.  Ashenden,  died  Nov.  12,  1840,  in  his  29th  year. 
Robert  Barber,  printer,  born  at  Longford,  Ireland,  came 
early  in  life  to  America,  and  died  at  Albany  on  the  31st 
May,  1812,  aged  42  years. 

John  Barber,  born  at  Longford,  Ireland,  came  in  early 
life  to  America,  and  died  at  Albany,  where  he  was 
printer  to  the  State  of  New  York,  on  the  10th  July,  1808, 
aged  50. 

The  life  of  man 

Is  surrounded  in  birthdays  and  in  sepulchres ; 
But  the  Eternal  God  had  no  beginning, 
He  hath  no  end. 


278          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

Abel  Bagbey,  died  July  15,  1850,  aged  41  years. 
Elizabeth  Williams,   daughter   of  John    and   Catharine 

Barnes,  died  Sept.  15,  1840,  5  months  7  days. 
Elizabeth  Caroline,  daughter  of  Saml.  and  Ann  Barnes, 

native  of  Dorsetshire,  Eng.,  died  Aug.  28th,  1840,  aged 

3  years  2  months. 
Angelica   Alexandrina,  daughter   of  Katherine   Barnes, 

July  18th,  1840,  aged  1  year  2  months  13  days. 
William  Bartley,  died  Aug.  4th,  1847,  aged  30  years. 
David  Bedford,  Junr.,  died  March  20th,  1818,  aged  45  years 

5  months  13  days. 
Catherine  Bedford,  wife  of  James Benham,  died  Jan. 

27th,  1845,  aged  20  years  9  months. 
Theodore   W.    Beecher,  born  January   10th,    1811,  died 

October  17th,  1843,  and   also,  Francis   Seger  Beecher, 

born  July  6th,  1838,  died  January  2nd,  1839. 
Frances  H.  Bell,  daughter  of  James  and  Maria  Bell,  died 

Aug.  28,  1833,  aged  1  year  2  months.     Also,  their  son 

Charles  T.  Bell,  died  Sept.  7, 1851,  aged  2  years  4  mo's. 
Isaac  Bell,  died  Feb.  12, 1838,  23  y'rs  11  months  12  days. 
In  memory  of  Andrew  Berger,  a  native  of  France,  who 

died  July  13th,  1840,  aged  72. 
Lancelot  Bew,  died  Feb.  1st,  1847,  aged  11  years. 
William  I.,  son  of  John  and  I.  Black,  died  Sept.  29,  1843, 

aged  3  years  5  days. 

Mary  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Anthony  and  Elizabeth  Elan- 
chard,  died  Feb.  8th,  1840,  aged  16  years. 
Elizabeth  M.  Gill,  wife  of  Anthony  Blanchard,  died  April 

13th,  1838,  aged  36  years. 

William  Bleakly,  died  Nov.  12th,  1822,  aged  42  years. 
Charles  Bork,  died  Dec.  17th,  1848,  aged  41  years. 

Hugh  Boyd, 

died  June  27th,  1842,  aged  25  years. 
Also,  Hugh  son  of  Hugh  and  Mary  A.  D.  Boyd, 

died  June  13,  1839,  aged  6  months  and  21  days. 
Twine  gentle  evergreen  and  form  a  shade, 

Around  the  tomb  where  my  dear  husband's  laid, 
Redeemed  with  sorrow's  tear  an  emblem  prove, 
His  happy  state  in  God's  eternal  love. 

Mary  Catherine,  daughter  of  Hugh  and  Mary  A.  D.  Boyd, 
died  March  19th,  1845,  aged  2  years  6  months  19  days. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.  279 

Edward  Bradshaw,  Junr.,  son  of  James  and  Ellen  Brad- 
shaw of  Jamieson,  aged  19  months. 

Rebecca  Smith,  wife  of  George  Beebe,  died  26th  May, 
1852,  aged  36  years. 

Nancy  C.,  daughter  of  the  late  Elijah  Brainard  and  Par- 
thema  his  wife,  died  March  21st,  1849,  aged  60  years. 

The  sweet  remembrance  of  the  just, 
Shall  flourish  when  they  sleep  in  dust. 

James  Brammall,  died  October  21,  1841,  aged  28  years  2  m. 
William  Spencer,  son  of  Arther  and  Mary  Ann  Boyle, 
died  February  llth,  1842,  aged  2  years  6  months  8  d. 
Sacred  to  the  Memory  of 

Henry  Braneman, 
Died  June  5th,  1849,  aged  64  years. 

Catherine,  daughter  of  G.  T.  and  M.  Bratt,died  Nov.  9th, 

1836,  20  years  8  months  19  days. 
Peter  Briare,  a  native  of  France,  died  Nov.  10,  1828  aged 

59  years. 

Ann   Brown,  wife  of  Nathaniel   Brown,   died  July  21st, 

1815,  aged  27  years  2  months  16  days. 
David  Buckbee.  died  February  3d,  1819,  aged  27  years  4  m. 
Mary,  wife  of  Thomas   Burgess,  died  Sept.  5,  1823,  aged 

60  years  2  months  16  days. 

Thos.  Burgess,  died  Nov.  10, 1812,  aged  55  years  9m.  25  d. 
Thomas  Burgess,  died  August  15th,  1834,   aged  46  years 

5  months  2  days. 
Mary  Crawford,   wife  of  Mathew  Burns,  died  May  10th, 

1843,  aged  25  years  24  days. 

In  Memory  of  Lavina  wife  of  John  Calhoun,  died  Novem- 
ber 19th,  1844,  in  the  52nd  year  of  her  age. 
Edward  Calvert,  of  Leeds,  England,  died  January  30th, 

1834,  aged  23  years. 
Margaret  Anne  Staats,  only  daughter  of  John  and  Harriet 

Campbell,  died  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  April  15th,  1841,  aged 

1  year  4  months  23  days. 
John  Staats,  son  of  John  and  Harriet  L.    Campbell,  born 

April  llth  1836,  died  Jan.  29th,  1843. 
John  Campbell,  died  March  4th,  1846,  in  his  33d  year. 
Jane  Sheplandr  wife  of  Daniel  Campbell ,  died  Sept.  2nd, 

1851,  59  years  4  months  and  3  days. 


280          Episcopal   Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

Theophilus  Carter,  died  Dec.  2nd,  1826,  in  his  72nd  year. 
Theophilus  Carter,  died  in  February  1835. 
Catherine  Carter,  died  December  6th,  1834. 
Ann,  daughter  of  William  and  Rachel  Chesnut,  died  Au- 
gust 25th,  1816,  aged  4  years  6  months  20  days. 

Tho1  John  and  Peter  should  despise, 

Such  little  babes  as  we, 
Rebuke  them  not,  the  Saviour  cries, 

But  bring  them  unto  me. 

Wm.  A.  Clark,  of  Brockville,  C.  W.,  died  Feb.  27,  1843, 

aged  22  years. 
Ann  Dole,  wife  of  Thomas  Clark,  died  20  February,  1834, 

aged  59  years  6  months  15  days. 
Hannah  Clench,  daughter  of  Benj.  V.  and  Mary  Clench, 

died  May  8th,  1794,  aged  1  year  3  months. 
Mary  Shepherd  Clench,    wife   of  Benjamin  V.    Clench, 

died   5th  February,  1834,  aged  67  years  8  months  15  d. 
Benjamin  Vernor  Clench,  died  llth  May,  1837,  aged  73 

years  3  months  6  days. 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Benjamin  V.  and  Mary  Clench, 

died  June  29th,  1840,  aged  30  years  6  months. 
Benjamin  Clench,  son  of  B.  V.  and  Mary  Clench,  died  July 

llth,  1834,  aged  43  years  2  months  22  days. 
Geo.  Clench,  son  of  Benj.  V.  and  Mary  C.,  died  8th,  1834, 

aged  31  years  4  months  20  days. 
Richard  Clench,  as  above,  died  7th  March,  1834,  aged  26 

years  2  months  20  days. 
William  Clench,  died  20th  March,  1828,  aged  31  years  5 

months  8  days. 

John  J.  Cluett,  who  died  February  23d,  1836,  aged  83. 
Catalina  Gibbons,  daughter  of  Sanford  Cobb,  died  August 

9th,  1839. 
Phoebe  Ann,  wife  of  Sanford  Cobb,  and  daughter  of  James 

and  Esther  Gibbons,  died  March  5, 1825,  aged  31  years. 
Esther  Robinson,   daughter  of  Sanford  and   Phcebe  Ann 

Cobb,  died  March  7,  1840,  aged  16  years. 
Rowen,  who  died  August  4th,  1839,  aged  7  years  7  months 

and  Charlotte,  died  July  30th,  1839,  aged  5  years  7 

months.     Aaron,  died  Oct.  29th,   1838,  aged  2  months. 

They  were  beloved  and  lamented  children  of  John  and 

Adelina  Coffer. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.  281 

In  Memory  of 

Teresa  Sparrow  Collins, 

•who  departed  this  life  March  7th,  1838, 

aged  39  years. 

Also, 

her  son  James  Collins,  departed 
this  life  August  the  6th,  1835,  aged  3  mouths  and  17  days. 

Also, 
William  Collins,  who  died  May  30th,  1836, 

aged  1  day. 

Weep  not  for  me,  my  husband  and  children,  and  shed  not  your  teers 
in  vane,  for  your  loss  hier  is  my  eternal  gane., 
John  James  Collins, 

who  died  August  31st,  1838,  aged  1  year  2  months  21  days. 
Catherine  Colling,  Dec  24,  1832.  aged  72  years. 
John  Cook,  died  21st  Aug.,  1823,  aged  59  years. 
Margaret,  daughter  of  Edward  H.  and  Margaret  Cook, 

died  Aug.  1st,  1827,  aged  14  days. 

In  Memory  of  Elizabeth  Fennimore  Cooper,  aged  8  years 
daughter  of  Richard  F.  and  Ann  L.  Cooper,  of  Coop- 
erstown,  Obit  29th  September,  1811. 
Hester  Beeby,  wife  of  Moses   Corey,  died  July  15,  1851, 
aged  45  years. 

Sacred  to  the  Memory  of 
Ruth,  wife  of  Wm.  C.  Cottam, 
Died  April  14,  1825, 
aged  58  years  14  days. 
Stay  passenger,  examine  well  this  tomb, 
Twas  built  for  one  but  lately  taken  home, 
A  wife,  a  parent,  friend,  beloved  by  all, 
Was  summon'd  hence,  obeyed  the  gracious  call, 
With  calm  repose  she  left  this  house  of  clay, 
To  meet  her  God  in  everlasting  day. 

Jane  Cottam, 
died  August  1816,  aged  8  months. 

Here  lies 

The  remains  of  John  Craig, 

Deputy  Assistant  Commissary  Genl. 

to  the  forces  of  H.  B.  Majesty,  who 

departed  this  life  at  Albany,  in  the  State 

of  New  York,  upon  the  llth  Jan.,  1832, 

aged  44  years. 
He  was  the  son  of  the  late  Thomas  Craig  Tacksman 

of  Moray,  Scotland. 

This  stone  is  erected  by  his  afflicted  mother  in  testimony  of  affection 
for  a  dearly  beloved  son. 


282          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

Elisha  Crane,  died  April  14th,  1844,  aged  53  years. 
Rudolphis  Crane,  died  Jan.  28,  1834,  aged  17  years. 
John  Crawford,  who  died  October  2nd,  1846,   aged   54 
years. 

Sacred  to  the  Memory  of 
Aletia  Cunningham, 

consort  of 

Andrew  Cunningham, 
she  died  Sept.  7th,  1818,  aged  49  years  1  month  7  days. 

"  Her's  was  the  female  heart,  the  manly  mind, 

Where  wisdom,  wit  and  genius  joined, 

Were  sanctified  by  piety, 

By  faith,  beneficence  and  charity, 

From  youth  to  age  the  path  of  peace  she  trod, 

And  now  in  peace  eternal  rests  with  God." 

Mary  Cuyler,  relict  of  John  Cuyler,  and  daughter  of  John 

and  Eve  Vernor,  died  July  20th,  1846,  aged  70  years, 

9  months,  14  days. 
In  Memory  of  Charles  0.  Darke,  died  February  21,  1824, 

aged  35  years.     Also  of  Mrs.  Sarah  Darke,  who  died 

Jan.  24,  1825,  aged  73  years. 
Carey  son  of  John   and  Adriana  Daws,   died  22nd  June, 

1834,  aged  1  year. 
Simon  Dazen,  died  April  26th,  1807,  aged  24  years. 

From  France  and  parents  dear,  I  lie  alone, 

This  clay  cold  grave  is  all  I  own, 
In  bloom  of  youth  I  paid  the  debt  you  see, 

My  friends  prepare  and  follow  me. 

Penelope, 

relict  of 

Captain  John  Denny, 
of  the  Revolutionary  Army, 

who  died 

January  9lh,  1831, 
aged  73  years  7  months  and  8  days. 

Rachel    Dillon,    departed    this   life   March    9th,    1850. 

Laygan,  Co.  Down,  Ireland. 
Ann  Van  Santvoort,  wife  of  James  Dole,  died  10th  Dec., 

1833,  aged  84  years  6  months  2  days. 
Rebecca  Dole,  died  April  28th,  1825,  aged  32  years. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          283 

James  Dole,  died   10th  August,  1803,   aged  61  years  2 

months  9  days. 
Geo.  Dole,  son  of  James  and  Ann  Dole,  died   22nd  July, 

1813,  aged  27  years  4  months  5  days. 
Capt.  Peter  Donnelly,  Junr.,  who  died  Feb.  3d,  1828,  aged 

40  years  5  months  18  days. 

Memento  Mori. 

Martin  Dorset,  died  6th  November,  1826,  in  the  31st  year 

of  his  age. 
William  Henry,  son  of  Martin  and  Mary  Ann  Dorset,  died 

December  14,  1826,  aged  11  months  11  days. 
Nathan  Dummer,  son  of  Stephen  Dummer,  of  Newhaven, 
Connecticut,  died   1st  Nov.,    1809,   aged  21   years  9 
months. 

Mary  Dunlevy,  died  April  23,  1835,  aged  84  years. 
Richard  Dunn,  died  Oct.  15th,  1825,  aged  81  years. 
Margaret  Dunn,  Relict  of  Richard  Dunn,  died  Dec.  24th, 

1831,  aged  95  years. 
Wm.  Dunn,  son  of  Margaret  and  Richard  Dunn,  died  June 

6th,  1815,  aged  29. 
William  Rigby,  son  of  Richard  and  Margaret  Dunn,  died 

April  29,  1813,  aged  1  year  5  months. 
Francis,  son  of  Edward  and  Margaret  Dunn,  died  July 
17,  1805,  aged  4  days. 

In  Memory  of 
John  Hanbury  Dwyer, 

Professor  of  Elocution. 

One  of  the  most  distinguished 

actors  of  his  day,  a  man  of  brilliant 

talent,  an  ornament  to  the  British  and 

American  stage,  author  of  the  best 

essay  on  elocution  evor  published 

in  this  country.     Born  in  Clonmel  Co., 

Tipperary,  Ireland,  1780,  came  to 

America  in  1811,  died  in  Albany  14th 

Dec.,  1848,  regretted  by  all  who  knew  him. 

Richard  Eaglestone,  of  Oxford,  England,  died  Aug.  21st, 
1835,  in  his  60th  year. 

Catharine  McElchrean,  died   Sept.    18th,   1846,  aged  77 
years  4  months  18  days. 

Tryphena  Ann,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Tryphena  Eld- 
ridge,  of  Antigua,  West  Indies,  died  March  10, 1832. 
25 


284          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

Eliza  Selina,  wife  of  Marta  Erersten,  and  daughter  of 

Richard  and   Sarah  Tillman,  born  March   1st,  1790, 

died  May  8th,  1835,  aged 45  years 2  months  and?  days. 
Caroline  Fenno,  died  May  1st,  1805,  aged  14  years  1 

month  3  days. 

Francis  Fisk,  died  February  15,  1849,  aged  25  years. 
John   Fitzpatrick,  died  September  7th,  1834,  aged  47  y. 
Ebenezer  Foot,  died  July  21st,  1814,  aged  41  years  15  d. 
Mary  Eliza,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Eliza  Francis,  Feb. 

8,  1842,  aged  6  weeks  4  days. 
John  Henry  Francis,  died  June  29,  1846,  aged  1  year  4 

months  19  days. 
In  Memory  of  Catherine  Fryer,  daughter  of  Isaac  and 

Elizabeth  Fryer,  died  October  3d,  1791,  aged  60  years 

2  months  3  days. 
Sarah,  the  wife  of  Thomas  Fryer,  and  daughter  of  Joseph 

and  Sarah  Norres,  deceased,  died  October  6th,  1793, 

aged  22  years  and  30  days. 
Isaac  Fryer,  died  June  13th,  1802,  aged  68  years  5  months 

19  days. 
Elizabeth  Hilton,  wife  of  Isaac  Fryer,  died  September  27th, 

1794,  aged  57  years  10  months  28  days. 

"  Behold  and  see  as  you  pass  by, 
As  you  are  now,  so  once  was  I, 
As  I  am  now,  so  you  must  be, 
Prepare  for  death  and  follow  me." 

Wm.  Fryer,  son  of  Isaac  and  Elizabeth  Fryer,  died  27th 

Dec.,  1815,  aged  51  years  16  days. 

John  Fryer,  died   Dec.  16,  1815,  aged  49  years   15  days. 
Catharine  daughter  of  John  and   Christiana  Fryer,  died 

April  25th,  1818,  aged  10  years  2  months  13  days. 
William,  son  of  John  and  Christiana  Fryer,  died  Dec.  10th, 

1817,  aged  7  years  6  months  25  days. 
Francis  William,  son  of  Albert  and  Eunice  Gallup,  Sept. 

17th,  1842,  14  months  2  days. 
Daniel  V.  Gates,  died  September  6th,  1834,  aged  33  years 

8  months  27  days. 
Geo.  Gill,  died  Feb.  16th,  1816,  in  his  45th  year.     Also, 

his  wife  Martha,  died  April  19th,  1836,  in  her  66th 

year. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          285 

Mary  Fidler,  born  April  3,  1786,  died  Nov.  6th,  1837. 

Farewell  vain  world,  as  thou  hast  been  to  me, 
This  dust  I  leave  for  worms,  this  spirit  free, 
In  triumph  rise  to  meet  my  God, 
Cleansed  by  a  kind  Redeemer's  blood. 

Ellen   Hogan,  daughter  of  James  and   Matilda  Gibbons, 

died  March  11,  1827,  aged  10  months  7  days. 
James,  son  of  James  and  Matilda  Gibbons,  died  June  17th, 

1825,  aged  7  months  1  day. 

Mary  wife  of  John  Gill,  died  "March  19,  1814,  aged  73  y's. 
John  W.,  son  of  William  and  Eleanore  Gill,  died  Sept. 

27th,  1840,  in  his  7th  year. 

William  Gill,  died  June  9th,  1839,  in  his  63rd,  year. 
Mathew  Gill,  died  Feb.  10th,  1841,  aged  67  years  6  mo's. 
Rebecca,  widow  of  Mathew  Gill,  died  July  22d,  1848,  aged 
80  years. 

The  Grave  of 
Harriet  E.  DeNormandie  Gillespie, 

an  only  daughter, 
lovely,  interesting,  virtuous. 
This  hope  and  consolation  of 

a  Mother, 
was  buried  here,  Jan.  5th,  1S27. 

Margaret  Jane,  wife  of  Timothy  C.  Gladding,  died  Janu- 
ary 30th,  1832,  aged  20  years  11  months  8  days.  Also, 
their  infant  child,  August  15,  1832,  aged  8  months  5  d. 

"Thus  all  that's  bright  must  fade, 
The  brightest  still  the  fleetest, 
Thus  all  that's  sweet  is  made, 
But  to  be  lost  when  sweetest." 

Rosetta  G.  Clark,  wife  of  George  W.  Gladding,  died  July 

29th,  1846,  aged  33  years  and  8  months. 
Jane  McN.  Gladding,  died  May  9th,  1843,  aged  4  years  6 

months  1 1  days. 
Geo.  W.  Gladding,  Jr.,  died  June  2d,  1845,  aged  2  years 

4  m.  1  d.     Children  of  G.  W.  and  Rosetta  G.  Gladding. 
John  Glass,  a  native  of  Ireland,  was  drowned  August  5, 

1848,  in  his  27th  year. 
E.  P.  Goodridge. 

Mary  Goodrich,  died  Aug.  9th,  1841,  aged  28  years  36  d. 
Robert  Gray,  died  1837. 


286          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

John  McGlinn, 
died  Sept.  10th,  1823. 

Also, 
Archibald  McGlinn,  died  Aug.  28,  1840, 

aged  45  years. 
Also, 

Jane  McGlinn, 

died  April  15,  1842, 
in  the  70th  year  of  her  age. 

Octavia  Maria  Graham,  died  Dec.  23, 1829,  aged  29  years. 
Mary  Ann,  wife  of  Jacob  Goewey,  died  Aug.  23d,  1829, 

aged  30  years. 
Elizabeth,  wife   of  Matthew  Gregory,  who   died,  August 

2nd,  1826.     A  native  of  England. 
In  Memory  of  Matthew  Gregory,  Lieutenant  in  the  army 

of  the  Revolution,  died  1848,  aged  92. 
Ann  Jane  and  Frances  Elizabeth,  daughters  of  Edward 

and  Mary  Ann  Green.     Ann  Jane  died  April  5th,  1839, 

aged  4  years.     Frances  Elizabeth,  died  November  5th, 

1832,  aged  4  years  8  months. 
Erected  in  memory  of  Ann  Eliza,  wife  of  John  Groesbeck, 

youngest  daughter  of  John  C.  and  Eve  Fredenrick,  died 

Dec.  22d,  1830,  in  the  30th  year  of  her  age. 
Thomas  Hart,  died  December  21st,  1843,  aged  39   years 

8  months  27  days.     Native  of  Londonderry,  Ireland. 

Lie  here  dear  husband  in  the  dust, 
Since  God  was  pleased  to  call  you  first, 
And  still  with  Christ  it  is  my  prayer 
That  t  in  Heaven  may  meet  you  there 

Joseph,  son  of  Robert  and  Elizabeth  Hartley,  died  Febru- 
ary 19,  1841,  aged  1  year  1  month  and  21  days. 

Victoria  Harriett,  daughter  of  John  S.  and  Jane  S.  Hall, 
born  at  Reading  in  England,  died  at  Albany  July  — , 
1852,  aged  — . 

Wm.  Henderson,  of  New  York,  died  February  llth,  1825, 
in  the  27th  year  of  his  age. 

Theodore  Hendrickson,  son  of  John  and  Maria  Hendrick- 
son,  died  May  12th,  1824,  aged  26  years  1  month. 

George  Hendrickson,  son  of  John  and  Maria  Hendrickson, 
died  April  16th,  1830,  aged  28  years  8  months  and  28 
days. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          287 

Caroline,  daughter  of  John  and  Maria  Hendrickson,  June 
1st,  1823,  aged  2  years  1  month. 

Ann  Margaret  Thorn,  daughter  of  George  B.,  and  Marga- 
ret Hendrickson. 

Maria,  wife  of  John  Hendrickson,  died  March  23,  1851, 
aged  74  years  21  days. 

William  Hendrickson,  died  Jan.  9,  1842,  aged  38  years. 

Charles  Herner,  died  Oct.  31st,  1833,  aged  32  years  24 
days. 

Sarah  Ann,  daughter  of  John  Herner,  died  May  22d,  1840, 
aged  2  years  5  months. 

Mary  Louise  Herner,  died  June  21st,  1834.  aged  5  months 
14  days. 

Thomas  E.  Hewson,  died  Sept.  28th,  1818,  in  the  27th 
year  of  his  age. 

Margaret  Higham,  native  of  England,  died  Dec.  17, 1825, 
aged  63  years  4  months  5  days. 

John  Hill,  died  21st  Nov.,  1831,  aged  65  years. 

Thomas  B.  Hill,  son  of  Samuel  and  Mary  Hill,  who  de- 
parted this  life,  August  12th,  1825,  aged  21  years  3 
months. 

Is  this  the  fate,  that  all  must  die? 

Will  Death  no  ages  spare? 
Then  let  us  all  to  Jesus  fly, 

And  seek  a  refuge  there. 

John  Walter,  son  of  John  and  Rachel  Hill,  died  at  New 
Orleans,  Oct.  11,  1844,  aged  22  years  1  month. 

Sacred  to  the  Memory  of  Mary  Hill,  wife  of  Samuel  Hill, 
who  departed  this  life  January  15th,  1816,  in  the  44th 
year  of  her  age. 

"  Behold  we  see  while  here  we  look, 
The  dearest  ties  of  friendship  broke, 
Tho'  grief  and  sorrow  pierce  the  heart, 
The  dearest  friends  we  see  must  part.'' 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Samuel  Hill,  who  departed  this 
life  12th  May,  1819,  in  the  52nd  year  of  his  age. 

Friends  nor  physician  can  not  save, 
The  mortal  body  from  the  grave, 
Nor  can  the  grave  confine  me  here, 
When  Christ  commands  me  to  appear. 


288          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

Sarah  Hill,  wife  of  Daniel  Hill,  died  September  5th,  1842, 
aged  78  years. 

In  Memory  of 
James  Hinman, 

who  lost  his  life  by  the  fall  of  State  st. 
bridge,  August  22nd,  1848. 
in  the  52nd  year  of  his  age. 

Catharine,  wife  of  John  Hodge,  died  Oct.  21,  1841,  aged 

32  years. 
John  Hodge,  died  August  30th,  1850,  aged  54  years  7 

months. 
James  Holden. 
Mary,  wife  of  James  Holden,  died  September  15,  1833, 

aged  73  years. 
Philip  Hooker,  died  January  31st,  1836,  aged  69  years  3 

months  6  days,  in  the  full  hope  of  a  blessed  eternity. 
Mary,  wife  of  Philip  Hooker,  died  Sept.  26th,  1812,  aged  39. 
Mary  Hosford,  wife  of  IJarley  Hosford,  died   3rd  March, 

1815,  aged  23  years  1  month  12  days. 
Mary  Ann  Hughes,  wife  of  John  Spencer,  died  June  6th , 

1847,  aged  30  years. 

Elizabeth  Hurst,  died  August  7,  1838,  aged  47  years. 
Also,  her  daughter  Prudence,  aged  3  years. 
Mary,  wife  of  Samuel  Humphries,  died  August  16th,  1823, 

aged  25  years  1  day. 

William  Lightbody,  son  of  George  and  Eleanor  Hum- 
phrey, died  Jan.  24th,  1819,  aged  1  year  2  months  11 

days. 

To  the  Memory  of  James  Hunter,  printer, 

for  some  years  principal  Editor 
of  the  Albany  Daily 

Advertiser, 

who  died  suddenly 

on  the  15th  July,  1834, 

in  the  38th  year  of  his  age. 

"  Green  be  the  sod  above  thee, 

Friend  of  our  happy  days, 
None  knew^thee  but  to  love, 
None  knew  but  to  praise." 

Isabella,  wife  of  James  Hunter,  died  Dec.  25th,  1839,  aged 

80  years. 
James  Hunter,  died  June  1 1th,  1805,  in  his  43d  year. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          289 

John'W.  Hyde,  died  Dec.  19th  1831,  aged  33  years  7 
months  4  days. 

Elizabeth,  wife  of  John  W.  Hyde,  died  Feb.  16,  1824, 
aged  23  years,  10  months  16  days. 

Edward  Iggett,  died  March  26th,  1819,  aged  54  years. 
From  England. 

Johanna,  relict  of  Edward  Iggett,  died  Jan.  25th,  1841, 
aged  77  years. 

John  Iggett,  dep.  this  life  Feb.  7th,  1847,  aged  49  years. 

Adelaide  Jackson,  died  29th  May,  1840,  aged  46  years  4 
months. 

Augusta  Mary,  the  infant  daughter  of  Capt.  R.  H.  S.  Jack- 
son, of  the  British  Army,  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  who 
was  born  in  England,  at  Staindrop  Hall,  in  the  county 
of  Durham,  on  the  29th  July  1850,  and  who  died  at 
Albany,  whilst  on  her  voyage  to  Canada,  on  the  18th 
July  1851. 

Chancellor,  son  of  Win.  and  Mary  Janes,  died  Aug.  7th, 
184],  6  months  9  days. 

Mary  Jenkins,  died  July  28th,  1817,  aged  16 years  2  months 
23  days. 

Anne  Elizabeth,  wife  of  John  J.  Jones,  and  daughter  of 
David  Thomas,  Esquire,  of  Rumney  Iron  Works,  Wales, 
died  26th  April,  1844,  aged  35  years  2  months  9  days. 

Mary  Ann,  daughter  of  Thos.  P.  and  Jane  Jones,  died 
26th  June,  1842,  aged  5  years  3  months. 

Margaret  Howard,  daughter  of  Joshua  and  Ann  E.  Jones, 
died  April  29,  1841,  aged  11  months  8  days. 

In  Memory  of  Jane  Ingram,  second  daughter  of  Joshua  A. 
and  Anne  E.  Jones,  who  departed  this  life  Jan.  25, 
1843,  aged  7  years  10  months  and  18  days. 

Dear  parents,  if  you  could  but  hear 
The  Golden  Harps  around  me  ringing, 
You  would  not  shed  a  single  tear, 
But  join  the  songs  which  I  am  singing, 
And  could  you  see  the  shining  train, 
Who  met  me  at  those  Pearly  gates, 
And  led  me  o'er  the  golden  plain, 
To  where  my  God,  my  Saviour  waits, 
'Twould  make  you  long  from  Earth  to  flee 
And  seek  this  heavenly  home  with  me. 


290          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

• 

Also, 
In  Memory  of 

William  David,  son  of  Joshua  and  Anne  E.  Jones, 

who  departed  this  life  March  18,  1843, 

aged  4  years. 

This  lovely  bud  so  fresh  and  fair, 
Called  hence  by  early  doom, 

Just  come  to  show  how  sweet  a  flower, 
In  Paradise  would  bloom. 

Hugh  Johnson,  died  Nov.  20,  1843,  aged  29  years  8  months. 
Thomas  Perry  Jones,  native  of  Liverpool,  England,  died 

May  10th,  1843,  aged  32  years. 
Georgianna,  daughter  of  Thos.  P.  and  Jane  Jones,  died 

June  10th,  1844,  aged  2  years  and  7  months. 
Margaret  Jones,  died  llth  March,  1840,  aged  41  years. 
Lydia  A.  Kane,  wife  of  Geo.  Kane,  22  years  5  months  6  d, 
Eliza  Kane,  died  6th  Aug.,  1819,  aged  32  years  14  days. 

Also,  daughter  Mary  Jane,  aged  3  years. 
Prudence,  wife  of  James  Kelly,  died  February  4th,  1849, 

aged  38  years. 

Joseph  and   Michael,  sons  of  Prudence  and  James  Kelly. 
Samuel  and  Sarah  Hurst,  Father-in-law  and  Mother-in- 
law  of  James  Kelly. 
G.  Kirk. 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of 

Robert  Kerr,  Esq., 

Judge  of  the  Surrogate  Court  and  an  active  Magistrate 

for  the  district  of  Niagara  in  Upper  Canada; 
descended  from  an  ancient  family  in  North  Britain. 

He  faithfully  served  the  King 
as  surgeon  of  the  forces  and  on  the  staff 

for  upwards  of  forty-six  years. 
His  social  habits  and  kindness  of  heart 

endeared  him  to  his  acquaintance, 
and  his  loss  will  long  be  felt  by  those  who  knew  him  best. 

He  was  a  distinguished  mason, 

and  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the  Province. 

The  honor  paid  to  his  remains, 

by  the  ancient  Fraternity, 

and  by  several  honorable  members  of  the  Legislature 

at  Albany  in  the  State  of  New  York,  where  he  died, 

in  the  69th  year  of  his  age,  on  the  25th  Feb.,  1834, 

are  gratefully  acknowledged 

by  his  sorrowing  friends. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.  291 

Elizabeth  Kirk,  daughter  of  James  and  Gracy  Matchett 

died  July  7th,  1831,  aged  34  years. 
Sarah  and  Elizabeth  infant  daughter  of  Prudence  and 

James  Kelly. 

Ann  Kells,  died  April  6th,  1844,  aged  66,  a  native  of  Ire- 
land, Co.  Down. 
JohnT.  Kirk,  aged  1  year. 

In  Memory  of 

Mrs.  Hannah,  wife  of  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Lacey, 

who  after  faithfully  fulfilling  those  duties. 

which  shed  the  brightest  lustre  on  woman's 

name,  the  duties  of  the  friend,  the  daughter, 

the  mother,  the  wife,  died  in  full  triumph 

of  the  Christian  faith, 

llth  March,  1831, 
aged  37  years  5  months  23  days. 

Ann  Elizabeth  Leinhardt,  born  July  5th,  1849,  died  Oct. 

2d,  1851,  and  her  only  child  Fredereka  Elizabeth,  aged 

1  month  4  days. 
Peter  R.  Lansing,  daughter  of  Myndert  and  Mary  Lansing, 

died  Sept.  22nd,  1809,  aged  13  years? 
Myndert  Lansing,  who  departed  this  life  on  the  10th  day 

of  April'  1814,  in  the  40th  year  of  his  age. 
Mary  Lansing,  widow  of  Myndert  and  daughter  of  the 

Rev.  John  Usher  of  Bristol  R.  I.,  who  died  March  7th, 

1845. 

Myndert,  their  4th son,  died  April  24,  1842,  aged  43  years. 
Sally  U.,  their  3rd  daughter,  died  September  10th,  1842, 

aged  18  years. 
Eliza  Le  Breton,  daughter  of  Nathan  Sanford,  born  2nd 

August  1803,  died  13th  February,  1833. 
Edward  Le  Breton,  died  22nd  Feb.,  1811. 
Mary  Ann  Le  Breton,  died  3d  March,  1808,  aged  29  y.  3  m. 
Amelia  Le  Breton,  daughter  of  Edward  and  Mary  Ann  Le 

Breton,  aged  8  months  1  day. 

John  Le  Breton,  died  Dec.  16,  1830,  aged  27  years. 
Abigail  Lewis,  wife  of  James  Lewis,  died  Jan.  10th  1809, 

aged  49  years  29  days. 

Mrs.  Ruth  Lobdell,  died  July  14,  1834,  aged  60  years  3  m. 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Benjamin  W.  and  Jane  E.  Lock- 
wood,  died  28th  Sept.,  1823,  aged  1  year  7  months. 


292          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

Benjamin  Lockwood,  died  Jan.  llth,  1828,  aged  34  years. 
Jane  Eliza  Lockwood,  wife  of  Benjamin  Lockwood,  died 

July  25,  1828,  aged  30  years  4  months  5  days. 
Francis  Low,  died  Jan.  21,  1834,  aged  53  years. 
Balthasar  Lydius,  died  Nov.  19lh,  1815,  aged  78  years. 
Amelia,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Rebecca  Malcolm,  late  of 

Hudson,  who  departed  this  life  July  16th,  1829. 
James  Matchett,  Junr.,  died  November,  19th,  1829,  aged 

24  years  7  months  and  13  days. 
Thomas  Matchett,  died  April  3rd,  1826,  in  the  31st  year 

of  his  age. 
James  Matchett,  died  January  25,  1830,  in  the  80th  year 

of  his  age. 
William  Henry  Matchett,  died  June  10th,  1811,  aged  2 

years  and  7  months. 

Gracy  Matchett,  died  July  4th,  1833,  Pged  60  years. 
Rachel  Matchett,  wife  of  Garrit  Hagaman,  died  Aug.  12th, 

1837,  aged  35  years. 
Henrietta  Amelia,  eldest  daughter  of  William  Alexander 

and  Hannah  Mavadror,  died  August  18th,  1824,  having 

attained  the  age  of  15  years  11  months  18  days. 

Sacred  to  the  Memory  of 

Isaac  Mazyck,  Esq., 

late  of  South  Carolina. 

He  departed  this  life 

in  the  city  of  Albany, 

on  the  llth  October,  1806,  in  his  40th  year, 

on  a  journey  for  the  benefit 

of  his  health. 

John  McClellan,  died  January  29,  1849,  aged  16  years  5 
months  22  days. 

Joseph,  son  of  James  and  Martha  McClellan,  died  July  4th, 
1840,  aged  18  months. 

Richard  Richmond,  son  of  William  and  Dighson  Mc- 
Clellan, died  Jan.  16,  1847,  aged  5  years  3  months  12  d. 

Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Stephen  and  Elizabeth  McHugh, 
died  July  28th,  1832,  aged  8  years  6  months. 

Wm.  McElroy,  son  of  Henry  and  Mary  McElroy,  died 
Feb.  27th,  1842,  aged  12  years  3  months. 

Ann  McKowne,  died  Sept.  8th,  1846,  aged  13  months. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          293 

Ann  McKowne,  daughter  of  Francis  and  Agnes  McKowne, 
died  August  19th,  1840,  aged  1  year  24  days. 

Francis  McKowne,  died  August  17th,  1845,  aged  1 1  months. 

Margaret,  wife  of  Philip  McNiff,  died  May.  12,  1815,  aged 
36  years. 

Henry  Sergeant  Merchant,  died  July  29th,  1839,  aged  39 
years  11  months  and  26  days. 

Memento  Mori. 
Beneath  this 
Monument 

are  deposited  the  remains  of 

George  Merchant  and  Elizabeth  his  wife. 

The  former  died  August  14th,  1830, 

aged  73  years  and  9  months. 
The  latter  died  July  28,  1814, 

aged  55  years. 

The  one  a  kind  and  affectionate  father, 
The  other  a  tender  and  beloved  mother, 

Also,  here  lie  the  remains  ot 
Samuel  Leake  and  Eliza  Spencer  Merchant, 

the  former  died  Dec.  18th,  1819, 

the  latter  died  Sept.  28th,  1794,  aged  2  years. 

Erected  May  1st,  1833,  to  their  memory, 

by  their  surviving  sons  and  brothe.s, 

Horatio,  William.  Spencer,  Biddle, 

and  Henry,  to  the  memory  of 

Wishulathe,  mother  of  Geo.  Merchant, 

aged  76  years  2  months  and  3  days. 

Alfred  L.  Menand,  died  18th,  July,  1843,  aged  7  months 
15  days. 

Mary,  wife  of  William  Merrifield, 

aged  78. 
This  grave  contains  the  best  of  mothers. 

William  Merrifield,  died  August  17,  1824,  aged  68. 
Sarah  wife  of  Richard  Merrifield,  and  their  two  sweet 

babes. 
Eli,  son  of  George  and  Huldah  Merrifield,  died  March  llth, 

1842,  aged  3  years  1 1  months. 

Louisa  and  Charles  William,  children  of  Geo.  and  Huldah 
Merrifield,  who  died  on  the  26th  and  27th,  Nov.,  1829, 
Louisa  5  years  and  11  months,  Charles  William  I  year 
10  months  and  22  days. 


294          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

Frances  Moat,  died   April    26th,  1840,  aged   2  years   4 

months  11  days. 
William   James,  son  of  James  and   Ann   Mitchell,  died 

April  7th,  1847,  aged  6  years  2  months. 
Jesse  H.  Montgomery,  died  Sept.  10,  1840,  aged  29  years 

9  months  10  days, 

Jacob  H.  Montgomery,  died  August  31st,  1845,  aged  29  y. 
Elizabeth  daughter  of  Jesse  and  Lydia  Montgomery,  died 

July  31st,  1835,  aged  1  year  7  months  5  days. 
John  Moore,  died  August  2nd,  1849,  aged  68,  and  Harriet 

Moore,  died  July  12th,  1819,  aged  1  year  3  months  2  d. 
Ezekiel  Moor,  died  August  2d,  1805,  aged  28  years. 
Charlotte  Moranda,  died  Feb.  16,  1841,  aged  46  years  6m. 
Samuel  Morrow,  died  8th  Jan.,  1835,  aged  70  years. 
Mary  Ann  Morrow,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Mary  Morrow, 

aged  18  months.     Also, 

Samuel  Morrow,  died  January  8,  1836,  aged  4  years. 
Wm.  Morrow,  died  October  llth,  1813,  aged  41  years  3 

months  2  days.     Born  in  Belenpay,  Ireland. 
Wm.  Morrow,  a  native  of  Ireland,  Parish  of  Rahaspeck, 

Co.  of  Westmeath,  who  departed  this  life  Jan.  12th, 

1827,  aged  39  years. 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Mary  Ann,  wife  of  Robert  Mor- 
row, who  died  April  30th,  1840,  aged  84. 
Geo.  Maffitt  Mossop,  native  of  Dublin,  Ireland,  who  died 

Oct  8th,  1849,  aged  34  years.     This  tribute  of  aflectipn 

is  inscribed  by  his  widow. 
Mary  Weston,  wife  of  John  Mould,  died  Feb.  25th,  1843, 

in  the  54th  year  of  her  age. 

There  is  a  blissful  hope,  that  we  shall  meet  again. 
John,  son  of  William  and  Sarah  Mullen,  died  June  10th, 

1841,  aged  3  years  8  months  10  days. 
Celia,   daughter  of  Henry  and  Mary  Ann   Muslin,   and 

grand  daughter  of  Thomas    Andrews,  died  Jan.   8, 

1839,  aged  4  months. 

Joseph  Nellegar,  died  January  7th,  1831,  aged  73  years. 
Hannah,  consort  of  Joseph  Nellegar,  died  July  2d,  1843, 

aged  72  years. 
James  Nellegar,  died  April   18,   1828,  aged  39  years  3 

months  17  days. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          295 

Maria  Eliza,  daughter  of  John  and  Jane  Nellegar,  died 
Sept.  7th,  1833,  aged  5  years,  1  month  7  days. 

Sally  Ann  Nellegar,  died  June  29th,  1828,  aged  20  years. 

John  Nicholson,  born  in  Little  Britain,  Co.  Orange,  June 
4th,  1776,  died  29  May,  1821. 

Sarah  O'Neil,  died  March  18th,  1813,  in  her  18th  year. 

Elizabeth,  relict  of  Jeremiah  Osborne,  died  Nov.  26,  1839, 
aged  58  years. 

John  Owens,  died  Jan.  28th,  1842,  aged  39  years.  Also, 
four  of  his  sons,  Matthew,  aged  10  months;  Edward 
James,  1  year  5  months;  Wm.  Alexander,  1  year  9 
days ;  John  Alexander,  1  year  10  months. 

Samuel  J.,  son  of  John  and  Esther  Owen,  died  January 
1st,  1835,  aged  10  years  18  days. 

Sacred  to  the  Memory  of 

Thomas  Owen, 
brother  of  Commodore  Owen, 

of  the  British  Navy, 
who  was  born  in  London,  and  died  at 

Albany  in  May  1810, 
lamented  by  all  who  knew  him. 

Mary  Owen, 
the  beloved  wife  of  Thomas  Owen, 

lies  here. 

She  died  on  the  1st  day  of  Jan.,  1523, 
rejoicing  in  hope. 

Benjamin  D.  Packard,  died  May  18,  1835,  aged  53  years 
10  months  1  day.  And  his  son,  Charles  Packard,  died 
May  17th,  1833,  aged  17  years  4  months  5  days. 

Charlotte,  widow  of  Benj.  D.  Packard,  died  Nov.  13, 1840, 
in  the  52nd  year  of  her  age. 

Elizabeth  Pallet,  died  December  3d,  1839,  aged  39  years. 

Catharine  Palmatier,  wife  of  Francis  L.  Palmatier,  died 
Sept.  16th,  1841,  aged  57. 

Frances  L.  Palmatier,  died  March  13th,  1813,  aged  32. 

Belinda  Palmatier,  died  August  15th,  1834,  aged  28  years 
3  months  26  days. 

Short  was  her  race,  and  humble  was  her  sphere, 
Yet  was  her  single  talent  well  employed, 

And  length  of  days  which  Heaven  denied  her  here 
In  bliss  eternal  will  be  then  enjoyed. 
26 


296          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

William  C.  Patrick,  died  March  6th,   1846,  aged  1  year 

and  11  months. 
Caroline,  wife  of  Amos  C.  Pennie,  daughter  of  David  and 

Hannah  Wall,  died  Dec.  16,  1851,  aged  25  years.     Also, 

their  infant  daughter  Ann. 

"They  sleep,  but  we  do  not  forget  them." 

Ruth  Jane,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Ruth  Jane  Pennie,  died 

August  6th,  1851,  aged  2  months. 
Catherine  Howard  Penrose,  died  Oct.  13th,  1836,  aged  2 

years  2  months  4  days. 
Charles  Henry,  son  of  Edward  and  Mary  Perkins,  aged 

13  years  11  months  16  days. 
James  Edward,  died  July  13,  1830,  aged  5  months  and  3 

days.     Also,  Harriet  E.  Ann,  who  died  Oct.  14,  1837, 

aged  18  months. 
Lucy  Ann  Pierce,  consort  of  Joseph  Fisk,  died  Sept.  18th, 

1832,  aged  28. 
Geo.  Pincott,  died  July  21st,  1832,  aged  21   years    11 

months  24  days. 

Daniel  Pincott,  died  Nov.  24th,  1842,  aged  19  years. 
Martha,  wife  of  Thomas  Pincott,  died  April  9th,  1845, 

aged  67  years. 
Catharine,  wife  of  John  Pochin,  died  Jan.  1st,  1830,  aged 

47  years. 
Elizabeth,  widow  of  John  Pollock,  died   December  14th, 

1841,  aged  95. 

If  God  be  with  me,  who  can  be  against  me. 
Erected  by  her  son  John  Pollock. 

Robert  Lewis,  died  July  21,  1832,  aged  2  months. 
George  Lewis,  died  Nov.  6th,  1836,  aged  2  years  9  months 

25  days.     Sons  of  John  and  Mary  Pollock. 
Ira  Porter,  died  March  31st,  1823,  aged  48  years  2  months 

24  davs. 
John,  son  of  Ira  and  Sarah  Porter,  died  Oct.  14th,  1805, 

aged  1  year  3  months  10  days. 
James  Porter,  who  died  suddenly,  February  7th,  1839,  in 

the  53d  year  of  his  age. 
Charles,  son  of  Ira   and  Jane  E.   Porter,  died  Feb.  27, 

1844,  aged  9  months  4  days. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.  297 

Sarah,  daughter  of  Ira  and  Jane  E.  Porter,  died  May  3d, 

1851,  aged  3  years  1  month. 
Alice  Ann,  daughter  of  Margaret  Pownie,  died  November 

12,  1828,  aged  10  months  5  days. 
Ten   Eyck   Quackenboss,  Printer,   died   February  26th, 

1845,  aged  25  years  11  months. 
Ellen,  daughter  of  John  and  Jane  Reed,  died  June  2nd, 

1835,  aged  2  years  2  months. 

Sarah  Reed,  died  Aug.  20th,  1852,  aged  69  years. 

Amor  Richardson,  died  July  12th,  1837,  in  the  63d  year 
of  his  age. 

Mary  Richardson,  relict  of  the  above,  died  April  15th, 
1844,  aged  67  years. 

William  Rigby,  died  Feb.  12,  1826,  aged  77  years,  10 
months  21  days. 

Samuel  Robbins,  died  October  18th,  1837,  aged  50  years. 

Henry  Sanford,  son  of  Nathan  Sanford,  born  16th  Febru- 
ary, 1816,  died  19th  July  1832. 

Caroline,  daughter  of  Edwin  and  Dinah  Scace,  died  April 
8,  1828,  aged  4  years  4  months  4  days. 

William  Scott,  January  6th,  1829,  aged  56  years  8  months 

10  days. 

Nancy,  wife  of  William  Scott,  died  Dec.,  27,  1828,  aged 

48  years  3  months  and  17  days. 
John  Scudder,  M.  D.,  died  Jan.  4th,  1845,  in  the  36th  year 

of  his  age. 
Levi  Sexton,    died  Jan.    22nd,  1830,    aged  33   years  3 

months  21  days. 
Thomas  Shepherd,  died  June  20th,  1814,  aged  38  years 

12  days. 
Phoebe  Shepherd,  wife  of  Thomas  Shepherd,  died  Dec.  1st, 

1836,  in  the  59th  year  of  her  age. 

Wm.  Shepherd,  died'February  27,  1819,  aged  15  y.  6  mo. 
Robert  Shepherd,  son  of  George  and  Sarah  Shepherd,  died 

llth  March,  1838,  aged  19  years  11  months  11  days. 
Eliza  M.  Shepherd,  died  April  9th,  1840,  aged  41  years. 
David,  son  of  Matthew  and  Harriet  Sheridan,  born  July 

14th,  1828,  died  Oct.  23d,  1849,  aged  21  years  3  months 

1 1  days. 

Mathew   Sheridan,   died  Sept.  1849,  aged  56  years   9  m 


298          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions, 

Sarah,  daughter  of  John  and  Rachel  Simpson,  died  Sept. 

llth,  1834,  aged  1  year  1  month. 
In  memory  of  Rachel,  wife  of  John  Simpson,  died  Sept. 

9th,  1837,  aged  37  years. 
Julia  M.   Simpson,  died  September  4th,    1843,  aged  4 

years. 

John  Skerritt,  died  March  12,  1329,  in  his  69th  year. 
Hannah  Straw,  wife  of  Thomas  Smith,  born  Aug.   3rd, 

1796,  died  July  17th,  1846. 

Thomas  Smith,  died  Sept.  27th,  1829,  aged  33  years. 
Also,  Sarah,  his  daughter,  died  Jan.  10th,  1830,  aged  5 

years  7  months. 
Henry  Smith,  died  Dec.  17th,  1825,  aged   41  years  11 

months  17  days. 
Alexander  Smith,  of  the  city  of  Hudson,  who  was  drowned 

in  the  Albany  Basin,  on  the  6th  April,  1829,  aged  49 

years. 
Wm.  Smith,  born  in  Morill,  Donegal,  Ireland,  died  July 

31,  1840  aged  60  years. 

Behold  he  taketh  away,  who  can  hinder  him,  who  can  say  unto  him 
what  doest  thou? 

Maria  Howe, 
wife  of  Richard  Smith, 

died  Dec.   1st,  1851, 
in  the  57th  year  of  her  age. 
I  would  not  live  always,  no,  welcome  the  tomb, 
Since  Jesus  hath  lain  there,  I  dread  not  its  gloom, 
There  sweet  be  my  rest,  till  he  bid  me  arise, 
To  hail  him  in  triumph,  descending  the  skies. 

John  B.  Southwick,  died  June  23,  1833,  aged  27  years  6 
months  20  days. 

Solomon  Southwick,  died  Nor.  18,  1839,  aged  65  years 
10  months  24  days.  Also,  Francis  M.  Southwick,  died 
Oct.  21,  1821,  aged  29  years  9  days. 

Arthur  Southwick,  died  Dec.  10,  1845,  aged  32. 

Sacred  to  the  Memory  of  Presedentia  Sparks,  who  de- 
parted this  life  November,  14th,  1837,  aged  3  years. 

John  Spencer,  died  August  13th,   1824,  in  his  44th  year. 

Henry  Spencer,  died  August  20th,  1823,  aged  75. 

John  Spencer  Kimball,  son  of  Alba  and  Lydia  Kimball, 
died  July  17th,  1825,  aged  1  year  10  days. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          299 

John  Peter,  son  of  John  and  Mary  Ann  Spencer,  died 

Dec.  17,  1841,  aged  2  years  8  months. 
Joseph  Henry  Spencer,  who  died  July  31st,  1842,  aged  1 

year  4  months. 

They  were  lovely  and  pleasant  in  their  lives, 
And  in  their  death  they  were  not  divided. 

James  Sprinks,  died  January  12th,  1811,  aged  34  years, 

a  native  of  Great  Britain. 
Helen  Ann,  daughter  of  Dr.  B.  P.  and  Maria  Staats,  who 

died  August  18th,  1821,  aged  2  years  6  months  1  day. 
Maria  Gourlay,  wife  of  Dr.  B.  P.  Staats,  who  died  August 

16th,  1825,  aged  23  years  7  months  and  20  days. 
Maria  A.  Winne,  wife  of  Dr.  B.  P.  Staats,  who  died  May 

9th,  1830,  aged  25  years  3  months. 
Arthur  G.,  son  of  Joab  and  Amelia  Stafford,  died  July 

13th,  1849,  aged  18  years. 
Amelia  Gibbons,  wife  of  Joab  Stafford,  died  March  7th, 

1843,  aged  35  years. 
Mrs.  Hannah  Stafford,  relict  of  Wm.  Job  Stafford,  died 

22nd  March,  1827,  aged  60  years. 
John  Stanwix,  son  of  George   and  Jane   Stanwix,  died 

Sept.  24th,  1847,  aged  39  years  1  month  3  days. 
Geo.  Stanwix,  died  October  8th,  1836,  aged  61  years  5 

months  8  days. 
Jane,  wife  of  Geo.  Stanwix,  died  Oct.  15,  1825,  aged  58 

years  6  months  15  days. 
Mary  Ann,  wife  of  A.  N.  Starks,  died  July  14th,  1838, 

aged  32  years. 
Also,  Mary  Ann  Starks,  died  Aug.  7th,  1831,  aged  1  year 

14  days. 
Amy  Amanda,  daughter  of  A.  N.  and  Mary  Ann  Starks, 

died  Aug.  llth,  1838,  aged  6  weeks. 
Mary,  wife  of  Benjamin  Stebbins,  died  22nd  April,  1811, 

aged  38  years. 

Daniel  D.  Stone, 

who  died  April  6th,  1843, 

aged  32  years  8  months  24  days. 

Erected  by  his  brother  Geo.  Stone. 

Elizabeth  Stephen,  wife  of  Charles  J.  Taylor,  died  Oct. 
1st,  1829,  in  the  29th  year  of  her  age. 


300          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 


The  Taylor  Monument. 

Here  lie  the  remains  of 

Mary  Richmond, 
Born  May  13th,  1796,  died  March  14th,  1843, 

.consort  of 
John  Taylor, 

who  erects  this  deserved  tribute  to  her  memory. 
Stranger  tread  lightly  on  this  dust, 

Nor  desecrate  this  grave, 
Tho'  death  destroy,  and  worms  may  feast, 

Her  noble  soul  has  gone  to  rest 
Sweetly  sleeps  her  rising  dust, 
To  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 

In  memory  of 

Mary  Jane,  aged  16  months,  1824. 
Anna  Maria,  3  months,  1829, 
Jane  Elizabeth,  1  mo.,  1836. 
Daughters  of  John  and  Mary  Taylor. 
Ah!  Death,  could  not  your  shaft  then  spare 
Those  rose  buds  of  innocence  so  fair, 
To  spread  their  fragrance.     Ah!  so  must  all 
Bow  to  the  stroke,  when  God  doth  call. 
Sleep  on  sweet  babes,  embalmed  you  are, 
With  bleeding  hearts  and  many  a  tear. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          301 

In  memory  of 

Phceby  Taylor, 

born  January  2nd,  1755, 

died  July  10th,  1834. 

Her 

only  surviving  son 

in  remembrance  of  her  virtues, 

Pays  this  tribute  to 

Embalm  her  worth. 

Her  flesh  shall  slumber  on  the  ground 
Till  the  last  trumpet's  joyful  sound, 
When  bursting  forth  with  sweet  surprise, 
She  to  her  Saviour's  presence  flies. 

Elizabeth,  wife  of  James  Taylor,  died  April  14,  1830, 

aged  24  years. 
Eliza  Cosgrave,  wife  of  James  Taylor,  died  12th  Nov., 

1833,   aged   27  years;    also,   Charlotte  Taylor,   their 

daughter,  aged  11  weeks,  and  infant  son  aged  three 

weeks. 

Elisha  Taylor,  died  July  9th,  1837,  aged  7  years. 
Richard  Taylor,  died  May  6th,  1851,  aged  53  years. 
Sarah  Ann  Taylor,  died  July  7th,  1837,  aged  9  years. 
Sarah  Baker  Taylor,  died  December  31st,  1847,  aged   52 

years. 

J.  S.  T.,  England. 
Joseph  Thirkell,  Senr.,  a  native  of  Old  England,  from  the 

town  of  Staindrope,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  died  7th 

July,  1810,  in  the  63d  year  of  his  age. 
William,  son  of  Thomas  and  James  Tilt,  died  January 

20th,  1840,  aged  3  years  3  months  5  days. 
Also,  Sarah  Jane,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  James  Tilt, 

died  March  2nd,  1843,  2  years  and  8  days. 
Levi  Thomas,  died  August   24th,  1850,  aged  46  years  2 

months  6  days. 
Robert,  son  of  Robert  and  Elizabeth  Todd,  died   August 

8th,  1830,  aged  14  years,  2  months  21  days. 

One  only  son.  what  pleasure  bright, 

His  joyful  birth  did  give, 
He's  gone,  his  parents  chief  delight, 

To  moulder  in  the  grave. 


302          Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

Jane  Maria  Todd,  died  Oct.  8th,  1837,  aged  25  years  30 

days. 
Catherine  Eliza  Todd,  died  June   llth,   1839,  aged  24 

years  10  months  15  days. 
Miss  Mary  Ann  Torrey,  born  July  18th,  1814,  in  Georgia, 

Vermont. 

A  teacher  in  Cedar  Hill  Female  Seminary; 

A  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  Mount  Joy, 

Pa. ;  one  of  the  victims  in  the  wreck  of  the 

Steamboat  Swallow,  on  the  night  of 

April  7th,  1845. 

Mary,  wife  of  Benjamin  Tullidge,  died  August  15th,  1831, 

aged  48  years.     Native  of  England. 
Cornelia  Turbos,  died  March  30th,  1802,  aged  67  years  3 

months  17  days. 
Hannapp,  daughter  of  Rev.  John  Usher,  of  Bristol,  Rhode 

Island,  and  wife  of  James  Robechaux,  died  June  6th, 

1806,  aged  41  years  3  months. 
Caroline,  wife  of  Michael  Vanderhoff,  died  Jan.  31st,  1840, 

aged  57  years  1  month  16  days. 
Hannahe,  wife  of  Michael  Vanderhoff,  26  years  5  months 

14  days. 

Also,  her  son  James  Henry,  aged  2  months  27  days. 
In  memory  of  William  Van  Antwerp,  Esq.,  died  April 

22d,  1829,  in  the  31st  year  of  his  age. 
Margaret  Van  Buren,  wife  of  Peter  Van  Buren,  died  Aug. 

18,  1832,  in  the  46th  year  of  her  age. 

"  O  Grave,  where  is  thy  victory, 
O  Death,  where  is  thy  sting!" 

George  Vernon,  died  28th  June,  1830,  aged  31. 

John  Vernor,  died  Dec.  1st,  1825,  aged  79  years,  2  months 

13  days. 

John  Vernor,  jun.,  died  4th  March,  1832,  aged  51  years. 
Prudence,  wife  of  John  Vernor,  died  June  20,  1846,  in 

the  77th  year  of  her  age. 

Elizabeth  Wakefield,  died  April  13th,  1843,  aged  66  years. 
Also,  her  daughter  Eliza  Wakefield,  who  died  Jan.  1st, 

1839,  aged  29  years. 
Martha  Maria  Waldron,  died  January  25th,  1842,  aged  4 

years  11  months. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.          303 

Amos  T.  Walker,  Burke  County,  Georgia,  died  20th  June, 
1832,  aged  32  years. 

Peace  to  his  ashes. 

Elizabeth  Walker,  died  2nd  February,  1820,  aged  56. 
Samuel  Waterman,  died  Aug.  21,  1835,  aged  45  years  4 

months  17  days. 

James  Waugh,  who  died  Feb.  1st,  1825,  in  his  45th  year. 
Also,  Frances  Waugh,  daughter  of  James  and  Elizabeth 

Waugh,  who  died  Feb.  2nd,  1842,  in  her  29th  year. 

This  stone  my  name  and  age  contains, 
Beneath  it  lies  my  last  remains, 
My  soul  at  rest  all  heaven  doth  view, 
I've  left  my  love  and  prayers  for  you, 
Dear  friends  remember  me,  Adieu. 

Henry  Y.  Webb,  died  March  20th,  1835,  aged  4  months 

16  days. 

Jennet  Webb,  wife  of  Henry  Y.  Webb,  Jr.,  and  daughter 
of  Edward  and  Margaret  Kirkpatrick,  died  Dec.  19th, 
1839,  aged  29  years  5  months  12  days. 
Thomas  K.  Webb,  died  Nov.  25th,  1836,  aged  1  year  24 

days. 
Emma,  wife  of  Milton  L.  Webster,  died  Feb.  19th,  1848, 

aged  21  years  10  days. 
Fanny  Wells,  died  May  9th,  1805,  in  the  26th  year  of  her 

age. 
Mrs.  Hannah  Wells,  consort  of  Israel  Wells,  died  15th 

May  1817,  aged  61  years. 

William  S.  Wells,  died  Feb.  28th,  1821,  aged  51  years; 
also,  his  wife  Elizabeth,  who  died  Dec.  23,  18 19,  in  the 
40th  year  of  her  age. 

In  memory  of 
Nancy  Barber, 

consort  of 

James  Wesley, 

born  in  Woodford,  in  the  county 

of  Cheshire,  England, 

the  9th  May,  1793, 
died  in  Albany  17th  May,  1834. 

William  Weston,  died  August  13,  1835,  aged  72  years. 
Smith  Wheeler,  died  September  17th,  1828,  in  the  44th 
year  of  his  age. 


304  Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions. 

The  Tomb 

of 
JOHN    WHI  PPL  E  , 

who  was  murdered 
at  Cherry  Hill,  March  7th,  1827. 

With  deadly  aim  the  bullet  sped, 
Prone  to  the  earth  the  guiltless  victim  fell, 
Life's  brittle  cord  had  brcke,  his  spirit  fled, 
Urged  hence  unwarned  its  brief  account  to  tell. 

Industry, 
energy,  and  perse verence  in  business, 

the  fulfillment  of 
every  duty  pertaining  to  his 

social  and  domestic  life, 
and  a  solemn  sense  of  his  obligations 

to  his  Creator, 
characterised  the  life 
and  conduct  of  the 
lamented  Whipple. 


Erected  by  his  brother 
Barnum  Whipple. 

John  Whipple,  was  born 
at  Sunderland,  Vermont, 

August  llth,  1793. 

His  father  Ezra  Whipple, 

was  an  officer  in  the 

Revolutionary  War. 

He  was  shot  by  Jesse  Strang, 

about  9  o'clock  in  the  evening, 

thro'  the  back  window  of  his  apartment, 

where  he  sat  at  a  table  writing, 

unconscious  and  guiltless 

of  provocation  or  offence. 

The  ball  passed  thro'  his  body, 

and  he  lived  only  to  exclaim, 

.Oh!   Lord, 

and  expired 

in  the  34th  year  of  his  age. 

The  murderer 
confessed  he  had  meditated  the  deed 

for  six  months. 

He  suffered  the  punishment  of  the  law, 
August  24,   1827. 

Catharine  Abigal  Whipple,  who  departed  this  life  Feb.  8th, 
1833,  aged  18  years  9  months. 


Episcopal  Burial  Ground  Inscriptions.  305 

Richard  White,  died  September  14th,  1805,  aged  52  years. 

George  son  of  William  and  Catherine  Wilcox,  died  Oct. 
12,  1849,  aged  1  year  5  months. 

Deborah,  wife  of  John  A.  Wilson,  died  July  31st,  1836, 
aged  39  years. 

Levina  Augusta,  daughter  of  John  A.,  and  Deborah  Wil- 
son, died  November  29th,  1838,  aged  18  years  11  months 
and  20  days. 

Matthew  Gregory  Wing,  son  of  Dr.  J.  A.  and  Mary  Wing, 
died  25th  Dec.,  1824,  1  year  4  months  19  days. 

James  Wing,  died  30th  Nov.,  1824,  aged  1  month  27  days. 

Lydia  Wing,  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  A.  and  Mary  Wing,  who 
died  Feb.  27th,  1831,  aged  11  months. 

Mary  Gregory,  wife  of  Dr.  Joel  A.  Wing,  died  5th  Sept., 

1837,  aged  45  years. 

Captain  Oresmus  Whipple,  son  of  Col.  William  Whipple, 
who  died  at  Albany,  November  3,  1838,  aged  32  years. 

Elizabeth,  wife  of  James  Winne,  died  July  9th,  1838,  aged 
26  years. 

Elizabeth,  wife  of  Jas.  Wood,  daughter  of  John  Gill,  died 
March  27th,  1814,  aged  32  years  10  months  26  days. 

Mrs.  Betsy  Wood,  died  Jan.  5th,  1845,  aged  58  years. 

John  Wright,  died  Oct.  18th,  1844,  aged  55  years. 

Elizabeth  Brooks,  wife  of  John  Wright,  died  March  18, 

1838,  in  the  44th  year  of  her  age. 

Amelia  Caroline,  infant  daughter  of  John  and  Charlotte 
Wyatt,  died  July  16,  1841,  aged  1  year  11  months. 

To  Ellen, 
The  beloved  wife  of  F.  H.  Wyse, 

died  1850,  aged  23  years. 

Also,  our  little 

Mary  and  Caroline. 

"The  trumpet  shall  sound  and  the  dead  shall  arise." 

Monroe  Yager,  died  June  27th,  1850,  aged  23  months. 
Hannah,  wife  of  Robert  Youd,  died  Oct.  22nd,  1834,  aged 

65  years. 
Margaret,  wife  of  Francis  Youngs,  died  July  25th,  1829, 

in  her  55th  year. 


(  306  ) 

NOTES  FKOM  THE  NEWSPAPERS. 

Continued  from  vol.  iii,  p.  198. 


1798. 

Museum. — A  museum  is  now  established  in  this  city, 
and  is  open  for  inspection  at  the  corner  of  Green  and 
Beaver  streets,  opposite  Mr.  Denniston's  Tavern,  every 
day,  Sundays  excepted,  from  9  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
till  9  at  night.  It  contains  a  number  of  living  animals. 

Jan.  2.  The  legislature  met;  Dirk  Ten  Broeck  was 
elected  speaker  of  the  house  of  assembly  by  59  votes,  his 
opponent,  Denning,  receiving  42.  James  Van  Ingen,  ano- 
ther citizen,  received  a  unanimous  election  as  clerk. 
Robert  McClallen,  a  merchant  of  note,  was  appointed 
treasurer  in  the  place  of  Gerard  Banker,  who  had  filled 
the  office  many  years. 

March  12.    Phillip  Van  Rensselaer,  of  Cherry  Hill,  died. 

April  2.  Arie  La  Grange,  a  much  respected  citizen, 
died,  and  was  interred  in  the  Dutch  cemetery. 

The  partnership  of  Gould,  Dickinson  &  Co.  is  this  day 
dissolved  by  mutual  consent.  All  persons  indebted  to 
said  partnership  are  requested  to  make  immediate  pay- 
ment. BENJ.  DICKINSON,  JOB  GOULD,  THOS.  GOULD. 

The  business  is  continued  at  the  same  stand,  No.  13 
Court  street.  May  7,  1798.  JOB  GOULD. 

June  17.    Robert  Lewis  died,  aged  74. 

June  21.  During  the  session  of  the  classis  of  the  Re- 
formed Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  Albany,  Coenradt 
Ten  Eyck,  Robert  McDowell,  Abraham  Brockaw,  and 
John  B.  Romeyn,  were  licensed  as  candidates  for  the  mi- 
nistry; and  in  the  evening  Mr.  McDowell  was  ordained. 
The  ceremony  took  place  in  the  old  Dutch  Church ;  ordi- 
nation sermon  by  the  Rev.  Christian  Bork,  of  Schodack 
and  Bethlehem ;  the  Rev.  John  Bassett  presided,  and  gave 
the  charge. 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  307 

Notice. — A  general  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Albany 
and  its  vicinity  is  requested  at  the  City  Hall  on  Wed- 
nesday, the  16th  inst.,  at  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  to 
take  into  consideration  the  present  alarming  state  of  our 
country,  and  to  adopt  such  resolutions  as  the  importance 
of  the  subject  shall  require.  May  11,  1798. 

This  meeting  passed  resolutions  complimentary  of  the 
administration  of  John  Adams,  and  deprecatory  of  the 
French  system  of  spoliations  which  was  practiced  upon 
American  commerce.  The  resolutions  were  forwarded 
to  the  president,  who  replied  to  them.  (See  vol.  iii.,  p. 
190.) 

Jacob  Lorillard  opened  a  store  of  Tobacco,  Snuff  and 
Leather,  second  door  east  of  the  Low  Dutch  Church, 
State  street. 

The  votes  for  Jay  in  Albany  county  were  1639 ;  for 
Livingston,  335.  In  Rensselaer  county  1119  to  510,  by 
which  it  appears  that  Rensselaer  county  polled  only  345 
votes  less  than  Albany  county.  The  vote  in  New 
York  was  1060  to  793.  Total  vote  of  the  state,  Jay, 
16,012;  Livingston,  13,634.  Majority  for  Jay,  2378. 

Sept.  8.  Donald  McDonald,  lately  from  London,  now 
at  No.  13  Court  street,  introduced  "  the  new  Brutus  wig, 
worn  by  gentlemen  of  the  latest  fashion  in  London." 

Sept.  10.  It  is  with  the  most  heartfelt  satisfaction, 
says  a  writer  in  the  Gazette,  that  we  can  inform  our 
brethren  of  the  Roman  Catholic  faith,  that  their  church  in 
this  city  is  so  near  completed  as  to  be  under  roof,  glazed 
and  floored  (fire  proof).  That  it  is  a  neat  building,  and 
will  be  an  ornament  to  the  city,  and  a  lasting  blessing  to  all 
who  are  members  in  communion  of  that  church.  To  the 
citizens  in  general  of  this  city  and  its  vicinity,  and  several 
of  the  other  cities  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,  the 
sincere  prayers  of  the  members  of  this  church  are  due  for 
their  liberality  in  aiding  to  erect  it.  Such  of  our  Catho- 
lic brethren  in  this  neighborhood  as  have  riot  already  con- 
tributed, it  is  hoped  will  now  come  forward  and  offer  their 
mite  to  discharge  the  last  payment  of  the  contract,  there 
being  but  a  small  sum  in  hand  for  that  purpose.  To  give 
to  the  church,  is  itnot  to  lend  to  the  Lord,  who  will 
26 


308  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

richly  repay  the  liberal  giver  with  many  blessings  ?  Should 
not  all  the  members  unitedly  raise  their  voices  in  praise 
to  God,  who  has  cast  their  lot  in  this  good  land,  where 
our  church  is  equally  protected  with  others,  and  where 
we  all  so  bountifully  partake  of  his  goodness  ?  What  is 
man  without  religion,  which  teaches  us  the  love  of  God 
and  our  neighbor,  and  to  be  in  charity  with  all  mankind  ? 
Surely  without  this  he  is  nothing. 

1799. 

Henry  I.  Bogart  advertised  for  proposals  for  the  con- 
struction of  an  arsenal  on  the  lot  originally  purchased  for 
a  state  prison,  in  the  north  part  of  the  city.  [This  was 
the  first  step  towards  the  erection  of  the  State  Arsenal, 
on  Broadway  in  the  seventh  ward.] 

A  deputation  of  Cayuga  chiefs'arrived  in  town,  em- 
powered by  their  tribe  to  treat  with  the  government  for 
the  sale  of  all  their  remaining  lands  in  this  state. 

The  legislature  incorporated  the  Cherry  Valley  Turn- 
pike Company,  by  "An  act  to  establish  a  turnpike  corpo- 
ration for  improving  the  state  road  from  the  house  of 
John  Weaver  in  Watervliet  to  Cherry  Valley,  and  to  re- 
peal the  act  therein  mentioned."  The  first  commissioners 
were  William  North,  John  Taylor,  Abraham  Ten  Eyck, 
Charles  R.  Webster,  Calvin  Cheeseman,  Zenas  Perno, 
Ephraim  Hudson,  Joseph  White,  Elihu  Phinney,  and  Thos. 
Machin.  Also  a  law  incorporating  a  company  for  im- 
proving the  road  and  establishing  a  turnpike  from  Lebanon 
Springs  to  Albany. 

The  vote  for  senators  in  Albany  county  was  as  follows : 

Moses  Vail, 1481     I     Zina  Hitchcock, 1443 

Ebenezer  Russell, 1469     J     Robert  Yates, 282 


For  Members  of  Assembly: 

Dirk  Ten  Broeck, 2764 

John  V.  Henry, 2789 

Joseph  Shurtleff, 179'J 

Jacob    Winne, 2641 

Philip  Conine,  jr 2358 


Francis  Nicoll, 2473 

Johan  Jost  Deitz, 2444 

James  Bill, 2596 

Prince  Doty, 2643 

Jer.  Van  Rensselaer,  jr.  1069 


The  first  nine  were  elected.     The  last,  Mr.  Van  Rens- 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  309 

selaer,  was  the  opponent  of  Mr;  Shurtleff,  of  Schenectady. 
Two  other  candidates  also  had  opponents. 

May  17.  The  Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Com- 
pany declared  a  dividend  of  3  per  cent. 

June  21.  Never  do  we  recollect  to  have  seen  so  much 
Lumber  on  our  shores,  or  of  a  better  quality,  than  at 
the  present  time.  Wheat  is  14s  cash,  and  rising.  The 
Hessian  fly  is  making  its  ravages  in  our  wheat  fields,  and 
in  some  parts  of  Montgomery  county  the  most  promising 
crops  are  already  totally  cut  off. 

The  Common  Council  resolved  to  prohibit  all  breaches 
of  the  sabbath,  under  the  act  for  suppressing  immorality, 
as  follows : 

Resolved,  That  the  constables  in  this  city  be  and  they 
are  hereby  required,  on  every  Sunday  hereafter,  to  stop 
all  manner  of  persons  who  shall  be  riding  for  pleasure, 
or  who  may  expose  any  articles  for  sale  on  that  day  con- 
trary to  the  act  for  suppressing  immorality;  and  that 
they  report  the  names  of  aggressors,  on  every  Monday 
morning,  to  the  mayor  or  recorder,  to  be  proceeded 
against  according  to  law. 

The  obstruction  in  the  Hudson  between  Troy  and  Lan- 
singburgh,  occasioned  by  what  was  called  the  lower  reef, 
was  overcome  by  a  channel  30  feet  wide  and  5  feet  deep 
at  low  water,  so  that  taking  advantage  of  the  tides  it 
was  thought  vessels  carrying  2000  bushels  of  wheat 
might  pass  without  difficulty.  It  was  confidently  ex- 
pected to  render  the  navigation  as  good  above  Troy  as 
below. 

In  June,  1797,  the  Managers  of  the  N.  Y.  State  Road  Lot- 
tery, advertised  their  scheme  No.  1,  consisting  of  6,458 
prizes,  amounting  to  $125,000,  and  18,542  blanks,  mak- 
ing 25,000  tickets,  at  $5  each.  The  prizes  were  subject 
to  a  deduction  of  15  per  cent.  The  drawing  was  adver- 
tised to  commence  at  Albany  immediately  after  the  sale 
of  the  tickets  should  be  completed,  which,  considering 
that  the  object  of  the  lottery  was  one  of  great  public 
utility,  and  claimed  the  encouragement  of  the  citizens  of 
the  state  in  general,  it  was  confidently  expected  would 


310  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

be  very  speedy.  But  it  was  not  till  the  14th  of  May 
1799,  that  the  drawing  commenced,  and  continued  forty- 
two  days. 

The  expenses  for  lighting  the  city  and  for  a  night 
watch  amounted  to  £625  16s.,  and  the  revenue  for  the 
same  £146  14s.  4d.,  leaving  a  deficit  of  £479:1:8.  The 
total  deficits  in  the  revenue  for  the  last  five  years  for 
lighting  the  city  and  for  night  watch,  amounted  to  £844 
7s.  Id.  ($2110-88). 

A  collection  was  made  in  the  Dutch  Reformed  church 
at  each  of  the  three  services,  for  the  relief  of  the  dis- 
tressed citizens  of  New  York,  by  reason  of  the  yellow 
fever,  which  produced  $247. 

A  collection  during  the  afternoon  service  in  St.  Peter's 
church  produced  $107'87.  Two  collections  in  the  Presby- 
terian church  the  same  day  produced  $201.  Total  $555 '87. 

Abraham  Ten  Broeck  resigned  his  offices  of  president 
of  the  Bank  of  Albany,  and  mayor  of  the  city.  Philip 
S.  Van  Rensselaer  was  appointed  to  the  latter,  and  Jere- 
miah Van  Rensselaer  to  the  former  office. 

A  quantity  of  good  coffee  was  offered  by  John  Bryan, 
corner  of  Court  and  Beaver  streets,  at  2s.  Sd.  per  pound. 

Printing  Types. — For  sale  by  Thomas  Spencer,  very 
low  for  cash,  or  on  short  credit  for  approved  security,  a 
valuable  Printing  office,  complete,  very  little  worn,  con- 
sisting of  Long  Primer,  Small  Pica,  Pica,  Great  Primer, 
Double  English,  Script,  Canon,  Five  Line  Pica,  Flowers 
assorted,  Mahogony  Press,  Chases,  composing  sticks, 
Stands,  Galleys,  Letter  Boards,  Rules,  and  almost  every 
necessary  article  belonging  to  a  Printing  office. 

A  loaf  of  superfine  wheat  flour  to  weigh  12  oz.  for  six 
pence.  A  loaf  of  common  or  tail  flour  to  weigh  one 
pound  for  6d. 

Barber  &  Southwick  opened  a  circulating  library,  at  a 
yearly  subscription  of  $4;  folios  2s.,  4tos  Is.  6d.,  8vos. 
8  cts.,  and  12mos.  6  cts.,  per  week:  had  400  vols. 

William  Fowler  informed  his  friends  and  the  public 
that  he  had  for  sale  at  his  shop,  No.  9  Court  street,  the 
following  articles,  viz:  Leather  Breeches,  warranted  to 
be  good;  buck  and  sheep  skins,  dressed;  gloves,  mittens, 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  311 

mocasins;  and  every  other  article  in  his  line,  either  ready 
made  or  furnished  on  the  shortest  notice,  on  reasonable 
terms.  A  consignment  of  400  Racoon  skins ;  a  variety 
of  Paper  Hangings  kept  constantly  on  hand  at  the  New 
York  prices. 

Painting  and  Engraving. — The  subscriber  begs  leave 
to  inform  his  friends  and  the  public  that  he  has  removed 
his  shop  from  Mark  lane  to  Washington  street,  at  the 
sign  of  Raphael's  bust,  and  solicits  the  patronage  of  the 
admirers  of  the  fine  arts.  The  painting  of  Portraits, 
Miniatures,  Hair  Devices,  Standards,  &c.,  will  be  execut- 
ed in  the  most  elegant  taste  and  style;  also  Freemason's 
aprons,  sashes,  and  ornamental  paintings  in  general,  done 
in  the  best  manner,  and  on  the  most  reasonable  terms, 
&e.,  &c.  EZRA  AMES. 

A  law  to  regulate  the  assize  of  bread,  passed  the 
Common  Council,  accompanied  by  a  schedule  for  graduat- 
ing the  price,  and  every  baker  detected  in  selling  light 
bread  subjected  himself  to  a  fine  of  $1  for  every  loaf 
found  to  be  light  of  weight.  By  this  schedule,  when 
wheat  was  6s.  a  bushel,  a  loaf  of  bread  of  inspected  wheat 
flour  was  to  weigh  3/6.  loz.  8dr.,  for  6d.;  of  common 
flour  3/6.  1  loz.  8  dr. 

At    Sd.        2/6.     5oz          and   2/6.  120*.  8dr. 
10  1       13      8dr  238 

12  188  1       13       8 

14  150       198 

15  138       178 
20        14   8       118 

and  all  intermediate  prices  in  proportion. 

It  appears  by  advertisements  annually  inserted  in  the 
papers  that  a  fair  was  held  annually  in  the  fall  by  di- 
rection of  the  Common  Council.  No  notice  was  taken 
of  them  by  the  papers. 

The  Directors  of  the  First  Company  of  the  Great 
Western  Turnpike  Road,  advertised  for  proposals  for 
constructing  the  road  from  the  Schoharie  creek  west- 
ward; the  road  to  be  28  feet  wide,  the  arch  20  feet;  "and 
to  be  made  of  stone,  gravel,  or  such  other  hard  substance 
as  will  secure  a  firm  foundation  and  an  even  surface ; 


312 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 


and  the  hills  to  he  so  dug  down,  as  to  render  an  easy 
passage  for  loaded  carriages."  Also  proposals  for  build- 
ing a  bridge  across  the  Schoharie  creek,  at  the  place  at 
which  the  State  bridge  formerly  stood,  by  the  first  day  of 
November,  1800.  The  notice  is  signed  by  "  Charles  R. 
Webster,  Secretary  of  said  company."  This  turnpike  ap- 
pears to  have  been  constructed  upon  the  old  State  road. 
The  citizens  of  Hudson  were  also  on  the  alert  to  have  a 
road  to  intersect  this  turnpike,  to  lead  the  trade  from  the 
west  to  their  village.  They  had  already  subscribed  the 
stock  in  a  road  to  meet  the  Massachusetts  and  Connecti- 
cut turnpikes,  thus  forming  a  convenient  route  from  Bos- 
ton to  the  far  west. 

Valuation  of  Real  and  Personal  Property  in  the  County 
of  Albany: 


Towns. 

Real. 

Personal. 

Total. 

Tax. 

Tax- 
able. 

1st  Ward,  
2d         "     
3d         "     

Total,  

$816,952 
275,687 
339,178 

$154,157^ 
104,998 
155,734 

$971,  109* 
380,685 
494,912 

$686 
268 
348 

$635 
420 
204 

1,431,817 
899,911^ 
1,041,552! 
516,738$ 
288,599 
344,691 
510,454 
341,437| 
645,447| 
144,183| 
342,805i 

414,889i 
244,680 
205,377 
81,378 
50,112 
53,471 
43,007 
52,395 
101,407 
16,486 
42,997 

1,846,706^ 
1,144,5911 
1,246,9203 
598,116^ 
338,711 
398,162 
353,461 
393,832| 
746,8543 
160,669* 
385,802 

1302 
805 
880 
422 
238 
280 
248 
277 
527 
113 
271 

1259 
987 
821 
604 
395 
565 
551 
460 
800 
127 
662 

752 
882 
516 
404 
325 
389 
532 
341 
589 

i     456 

Schenectada,  .  .  . 
Watervliet,  .... 
Bethlehem,  .... 
Duanesburgh,  .  . 
Bern  

Rensselaerville, 
Coeymans,  .... 
Coxsackie,  .... 
Princetown,  .  .  . 
Freehold,  

6,307,638* 

l,306,199i 

7,613,838 

5363 

7341 

5186 

The  state  tax  was  one  mill  on  the  dollar. 

In  addition  to  the  state  and  county  taxes,  the  city  of 
Albany  was  assessed  $4,184  for  the  support  of  a  night 
watch,  the  city  lamps,  the  maintenance  of  the  poor,  and 
the  ordinary  town  charges,  including  moneys  to  be  raised 
for  the  support  of  common  schools. 

News  of  the  death  of  Washington  reached  the  city  Of 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  313 

Albany  on  the  23d  December,  and  the  Common  Council 
resolved  that  the  bells  be  tolled  from  three  to  five  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon,  and  that  the  members  of  the  board  wear 
crape  for  the  space  of  six  weeks.  The  churches  were 
dressed  in  mourning,  and  preparations  were  made  by  all 
the  military  and  civic  societies  for  celebrating  a  funeral 
procession  on  a  magnificent  scale. 

Gaine  &  Ten  Eyck,  advertise  Books,  Powder  and  Lot- 
tery Tickets.  [They  came  to  the  city  from  New  York  in 
1796.] 

1800. 

Jan.  9.  On  Thursday,  the  9th  of  January,  the  citi- 
zens with  one  accord  devoted  the  day  to  the  funeral  so- 
lemnities, closing  their  shops,  and  suspending  all  business 
for  the  purpose.  It  was  one  of  the  greatest  pageants 
ever  exhibited  in  the  city.  Civic.  Military  and  Masonic 
societies,  Law,  Physic  and  Divinity,  everything  turned 
out  on  the  occasion  that  ever  was  heard  of  before,  and 
much  came  from  abroad. 

The  directors  of  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation 
company  met  on  the  30th  December,  1799,  when  the  ca- 
nals and  locks  at  Little  Falls,  German  Flatts,  and  Fort 
Stanwix  being  completed,  and  no  further  work  of  im- 
portance intended  to  be  prosecuted,  it  was  found  expe- 
dient to  provide  money  to  discharge  the  debt  due  the 
banks,  for  which  purpose  it  was  estimated  that  ten  pounds 
($25)  on  each  share  would  be  sufficient ;  and  that  sum 
was  accordingly  assessed. 

The  Legislature  of  the  State,  then  sitting  at  Albany, 
resolved  to  commemorate  the  virtues  and  talents  of  the 
late  General  Washington,  by  setting  apart  the  22d  day 
of  February,  his  birthday,  to  be  observed  in  a  religious 
manner.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Nott,  Johnson,  Ellison  and 
Bassett  were  chosen  chaplains  for  the  session,  and  it  was 
recommended  that  they  should  choose  one  from  among 
their  number  to  pronounce  a  sermon  on  the  occasion. 

Feb.  29.  The  Gazette  contains  five  advertisements 
for  the  sale  of  negro  slaves,  which  is  quite  an  unusual 


314  Notts  from  the  Newspapers. 

number.  Such  advertisements  being  entirely  out  of  date 
at  this  day,  have  an  interest  only  as  an  obsolete  custom. 

A  Negro  Soy  for  Sale. — He  is  about  13  years  old, 
smart  and  active;  will  answer  best  for  the  country. 
Price  forty  pounds.  Enquire  of  the  printers. 

To  be  Sold,  a  Negro  Boy,  for  the  term  of  14  years,  at 
which  period  he  is  to  go  free.  He  is  ten  years  old,  very 
active,  lively,  and  honest.  His  master  is  forced  to  dis- 
pose of  him  only  because  the  little  fellow  can  not  please 
every  person  in  the  house.  Price  60  pounds. 

For  Sale,  a  Healthy,  Strong  Negro  Boy,  14  years  old, 
well  calculated  for  a  farmer,  or  attending  in  a  family. 
Apply  to  the  printer. 

To  be  disposed  of,  the  services  of  a  likely  young  negro 
man,  for  8  years.  He  can  be  recommended  as  sober  and 
honest.  Enquire  of  the  printers. 

A  Likely  Negro  Wench,  16  years  of  age,  for  sale  very 
cheap.  She  understands  cooking,  and  all  kinds  of 
kitchen  work ;  and  will  be  recommended  for  honesty  and 
sobriety.  Enquire  of  the  printers. 

In  conformity  with  the  recommendation  of  Congress, 
a  funeral  ceremony  in  memory  of  Washington  was  per- 
formed in  the  city.  At  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  an 
oration  was  delivered  in  the  Catholic  church  by  Rev. 
Matthew  O'Brien.  At  1 1  o'clock  a  procession  was  formed 
at  the  City  Hall,  composed  of  the  executive  and  judi- 
cial officers  of  the  state,  both  houses  of  the  legislature, 
the  corporation  and  citizens,  which  moved  through  State 
and  Pearl  streets  to  the  North  Dutch  church,  where  a 
sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev.  John  B.  Johnson,  Rev. 
Messrs.  Bassett  and  Nott  assisting  in  the  exercises.  In 
the  afternoon  an  oration  was  pronounced  by  Major  Mi- 
chael Gabriel  Houdin  in  the  City  Hall  to  a  very  numerous 
audience. 

John  Given,  who  had  long  been  sheriff  of  Albany 
county  was  succeeded  by  Harmanus  P.  Schuyler. 

By  the  census  of  1800,  the  population  of  the  city  and 
county  of  Albany,  including  the  city  of  Schenectady, 
which  then  belonged  to  it,  was  34,043. 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  3l5 

1801. 

A  bill  passed  the  Legislature  for  erecting  a  part  of  the 
counties  of  Ulster  and  Albany  into  a  new  county,  forming 
the  present  county  of  Greene,  comprising  4  towns,  Wind- 
ham,  Freehold,  Catskill,  Coxsackie. 

An  act  to  amend  the  act  entitled  an  act  to  establish  a 
turnpike  corporation  for  improving  the  road  from  the 
Springs  in  Lebanon  to  the  city  of  Albany;  and  a  like 
corporation  for  improving  the  road  from  the  village  of 
Bath  to  the  Massachusetts  line,  and  for  repealing  the  act 
therein  mentioned. 

An  act  for  dividing  the  first  ward  in  the  city  of  Al- 
bany. 

An  act  for  raising  a  sum  of  money  by  tax  to  make  al- 
terations and  repairs  in  the  jail  of  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany,  and  for  other  purposes. 

The  votes  for  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor  in  the 
city  and  county  stood  as  follows : 

Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  (fed,)  -  2133    I    J.  Watson  (fed.  Lt.  GOT.)  -    -    -    2048 
George  Clinton  (dem.)  ....   705    |    Jer.  Van  Rensselaer  (dem.)  -    -      789 

Since  the  last  election,  the  county  of  Greene  had  been 
erected,  embracing  a  part  of  the  towns  in  Albany  county, 
which  now  consisted  of  the  cities  of  Albany  and  Sche- 
nectady  and  the  towns  of  Bethlehem,  Watervliet,  Rens- 
selaerville,  Bern,  Duanesburgh,  Princetown,  Coeymans. 

The  total  number  of  votes  cast  for  Governor,  was 
46,221.  Clinton  received  24,808,  Van  Rensselaer  20,843. 

May  12.  Tontine  Coffee  House. — Mat.  Gregory,  from 
the  village  of  Waterford,  has  taken  the  Tontine  Coffee 
House,  State  street,  in  the  city  of  Albany.  He  has  also 
provided  himself  with  a  large  yard,  stable,  &c.,  for  hor- 
ses and  carriages,  for  convenience  of  the  gentleman 
traveller.  The  house  has  been  kept  for  three  years  past 
by  Mr.  Ananias  Platt,  and  will  be  open  and  ready  to 
wait  on  those  who  may  be  pleased  to  call  on  him,  the 
15th  inst.  Every  attention  in  his  line  of  business  shall 
be  strictly  attended  to,  by  the  public's  humble  servant. 

MAT.  GREGORY. 

[Mr.  Gregory  died  in  the  year  1848.] 


316  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

Daniel  Steele  advertised  as  just  printed,  The  Allany 
Collection  of  Sacred  Harmony,  containing  a  plain,  and  in- 
telligible instruction  for  learners  of  church  music;  to- 
gether with  a  lesson  for  every  mood  of  time,  and  for 
every  key  made  use  of  in  psalmody. 

For  Sale. — That  elegant  fire  proof  House  and  Stores, 
corner  of  State  and  Market  streets,  now  in  the  possession 
of  Messrs.  Andrew  Brown  &  Co.  The  building  is  38  ft. 
6  in.  breadth  on  Market  street,  and  64  ft.  6in.  on  State 
street  with  excellent  cellars  7  feet  high  under  the  whole, 
and  a  spacious  garret.  The  house  on  Market  street  is 
three  stories  high  with  13  rooms;  the  stores  on  State 
street  are  five  stories  high,  four  of  which  are  partitioned 
for  wheat,  and  may  contain  each  from  3  to  4000  bushels. 
The  stonewalls  are  more  than  three  feet  thick,  and  the 
brick  walls  are  two  and  a  half  bricks  thick  up  to  the 
roof,  with  three  partition  walls.  The  whole  was  built  in 
the  summer  of  1795,  of  entire  hard  bricks,  to  the  num- 
ber of  about  450,000.  The  very  best  materials  have 
been  employed,  and  the  best  masons  and  carpenters  the 
country  could  afford.  The  situation  is  certainly  the  best 
and  most  eligible  one  in  the  city  for  business,  being  in  the 
centre  of  trade,  within  sight  and  pistol  shot  of  the  dock, 
and  when  the  Dutch  church  is  removed,  which  it  is 
supposed  must  very  shortly  take  place,  it  will  increase 
the  value  of  the  property  greatly,  as  it  will  then  com- 
mand a  full  prospect  of  State  street,  through  which  all 
the  travellers  from  the  western  country  come  to  town. 

A  law  was  passed  by  the  Common  Council  "  for  filling 
up  Church  street,  parts  of  Lydius,  Van  Schee,  Westerlo, 
and  Sturgeon  streets,  and  parts  of  Bass  and  Herring 
lanes,  and  all  the  lots  from  Court  street  westward  to  Dal- 
lius  street,  and  from  Ferry  street  northward  to  the  north 
bounds  of  the  church  pasture." 

On  Saturday,  July  11,  Gov.  Clinton  and  his  family  ar- 
rived in  Albany,  and  took  up  their  residence  at  the  house 
recently  occupied  by  Gov.  Jay.  A  salute  of  cannon  from 
Fort  Hill,  announced  his  arrival.  [The  house  occupied 
by  these  two  governors  was  the  site  of  Nos.  66  and  68 
State  street,  instead  of  62,  as  stated  in  a  previous  volume. 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  317 

On  Wednesday,  Oct.  5th,  at  eleven  o'clock  in  the 
forenoon,  the  corner  stone  of  the  foundation  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  church  in  this  city,  was  laid  by  the  Rev. 
John  McDonald,  in  presence  of  the  trustees  and  ecclesi- 
astical officers  of  the  congregation.  After  the  stone  was 
fixed,  accompanied  by  three  strokes  of  the  hammer,  these 
words  were  added :  "  In  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  king  and  head  of  the  church,  we  solemnly 
place  this  stone,  the  corner  foundation  of  a  sacred  edi- 
fice, for  the  public  worship  of  God,  an  expression  of  the 
piety  of  the  United  Presbyterian  church  in  Albany. 
Amidst  considerable  opposition  from  some,  and  en- 
couraged by  the  generous  liberality  of  others,  this  infant 
society,  though  neither  distinguished  for  their  numbers  or 
their  wealth,  has  undertaken  this  expensive  work,  with 
full  dependence  on  God.  United  in  faith  and  affection, 
in  pursuit  and  prospect  they  look  to  God  for  success,"  &c. 

Several  brethren  of  the  order  of  Hospitallers  of  St.  Ca- 
millus  de  Lilies,  from  the  St.  Bernard,  arrived  in  the  city, 
to  obtain  pecuniary  assistance  to  enable  them  to  continue 
the  exercise  of  those  acts  of  benevolence  for  which  they 
had  so  long  been  celebrated.  They  stated  that  the  mer- 
chants of  Switzerland  and  Italy  had  formerly  contributed 
sufficient  sums  annually  for  all  their  wants;  but  that  the 
wars  for  the  last  few  years  had  not  only  cut  off  their  in- 
come, but  that  the  contending  armies  had  carried  fire  and 
sword  into  their  vicinity,  and  that  all  trade  between  Italy 
and  Switzerland  had  ceased.  In  this  posture  of  their 
affairs,  the  venerable  prior  of  the  order.  Father  Ignatius 
Sperzoni,  had  sent  several  of  his  order  to  the  United 
States  of  America  to  implore  the  assistance  of  its  gener- 
ous inhabitants  to  enable  them  to  repair  the  convent  and 
hospital,  and  to  continue  to  give  assistance  to  the  dis- 
tressed traveler  and  infirm  poor. 

Some  years  previous  to  this,  a  company  was  incorpo- 
rated to  construct  a  turnpike  road  from  Albany  to  Sche- 
nectady.  It  was  the  first  essay  made  in  this  state  to 
build  a  turnpike.  In  consequence,  the  law  was  defective, 
and  the  sandy  nature  of  the  soil,  and  the  difficulty  of 
obtaining  hard  materials,  were  considered  insurmountable 


318  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

barriers  in  the  way  of  success.  The  project  was  necessa- 
rily abandoned,  and  the  law  suffered  to  expire,  although 
it  was  a  complaint  that  the  old  road  was  the  worst  one 
in  the  United  States,  and  very  few  were  so  much  used. 
An  effort  was  now  again  made  to  get  up  an  excitement 
on  the  subject.  The  roads  throughout  the  country  had 
been  greatly  improved,  and  the  citizens  of  Albany  were 
called  upon  to  secure  the  travel  to  their  city  before  it 
should  be  diverted  elsewhere  by  better  roads,  and  lost  to 
them  forever. 

The  Common  Council  fixed  the  price  of  wheat  at  1 3s. 
a  bushel  (T63),  and  bread  at  2lb.  130*.  8dr.,  for  Is.  of 
inspected  flour,  and  Slbs.  7oz.  of  common  flour  for  Is. 

A  convention  of  delegates  appointed  to  revise  the  con- 
stitution of  the  state,  met  at  the  Capitol  on  the  13th 
October,  and  chose  Aaron  Burr  president. 

The  expenditures  of  the  year  for  lighting  the  city  and 
for  night  watch  were  as  follows : 

£        t.        d. 

For  1187  gallons  of  oil, 319         18        4| 

Watchmen, 454         17 

Wood,  candles  and  sweeping  chimney, 17         10 

Cleaning  and  lighting  lamps, 97         . .  7 

Repairing  lamps, 57         13         4J 

Spirits  turpentine  and  wick, 938 

Schenectady  Turnpike.  A  meeting  of  citizens  was 
held  at  the  City  Tavern  on  the  3d  November,  which 
was  numerously  attended,  for  the  purpose  of  awakening 
an  interest  in  the  project  of  constructing  a  turnpike  to 
Schenectady.  A  committee  of  nine  was  appointed  to 
prepare  and  digest  a  plan  to  be  laid  before  the  city  at  an 
adjourned  meeting. 

On  the  10th  another  meeting  was  held  to  hear  the  re- 
port of  the  committee.  The  plan  proposed  was  to  divide 
the  stock  into  2000  shares  of  50  dollars  each.  The  sub- 
scription for  1400  shares  was  immediately  opened  and 
subscribed  for,  leaving  600  shares  for  the  city  of  Sche- 
nectady. No  person  was  allowed  to  subscribe  more  than 
ten  shares,  nor  permitted  to  transfer  his  stock  within  a 
year  after  an  act  of  incorporation  should  be  obtained. 
This  was  to  prevent  speculation.  Five  years  previous, 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  319 

when  a  charter  had  been  obtained,  and  the  books  opened 
for  subscriptions,  not  a  share  was  taken  up  ! 

On  the  24th  November  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders 
was  held,  when  the  Hon.  John  Lansing,  jr.,  was  elected 
president  of  the  company,  and  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer, 
Stephen  Lush,  Daniel  Hall,  John  Taylor,  Garret  W.  Van 
Schaick,  Dudley  Walsh,  Abraham  Oothout,  Joseph  C. 
Yates,  directors. 

1802. 

Jan.  3.  Divine  service  was  performed  in  the  new  church 
belonging  to  the  united  Presbyterian  congregation  in  this 
city.  [This  church  edifice  still  occupies  the  corner  of 
Canal  and  Chapel  streets.] 

By  a  meteorological  table  published  in  the  Gazette  of 
Feb.  1,  it  appears  that  the  lowest  range  of  the  thermome- 
ter was  10  degs.,  and  the  highest  55.^  degs.  above  zero. 
The  winter  was  so  remarkably  mild  as  to  have  more  the 
appearance  of  April;  the  river  was  navigable  17  days  so 
that  vessels  passed  from  Albany  to  New  York,  and  at  no 
time  was  the  ice  strong  enough  for  any  team  to  pass  on 
it,  and  not  more  than  1^  inches  of  snow  fell  within  two 
miles  of  the  city  during  the  months  of  December  and 
January. 

The  highest  range  of  the  thermometer  for  February 
was  54  degs. ;  the  lowest  6  degs.  below  zero. 

Feb.  29.  John  W.  Wendell,  keeper  of  the  Hotel  in 
Court  street,  died,  aged  62. 

The  city  and  county  of  Albany  was  estimated  to  con- 
tain 35,000  inhabitants,  Rensselaer  county  30,442. 

The  number  of  electors  in  the  county  possessed  of  a 
freehold  of  £100  value  was  3,248,  do.  of  £20,  286;  do. 
renting  tenements  of  40s.  annual  value,  1476.  (New 
York  city,  £100,  2,332;  £5,  19;  40s.  5693.) 

Electors  who  were  freemen  on  the  14th  Oct.  1775,  and 
20th  April,  1777,  19;  in  New  York,  44. 

April  12.     Thomas,  Andrews  &  Penniman  gave  notice 
that  they  had  disposed  of  their  stock  in  trade  and  closed 
their  business  in  this  city. 
28 


|g  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

April  20,  The  Associate  Reformed  Presbytery  of 
Washington,  met  in  the  city  of  Albany  for  the  purpose 
of  installing  the  Rev.  Andrew  Wilson  over  the  united  con- 
gregations of  Albany  and  Lansingburgh. 

At  the  election  for  member  of  Congress,  and  for  repre- 
sentatives to  the  State  Legislature,  held  in  April,  Killian 
K.  Van  Rensselaer  was  elected  to  Congress  by  1306  votes, 
His  opponent,  Abraham  C.  Lansing,  received  793.  Ste- 
phen Lush,  Peter  S.  Schuyler,  Johan  Jost  Deitz,  Jacob 
Ten  Eyck,  John  Frisbie,  and  Maus  Schermerhorn,  were 
elected  to  the  Legislature.  George  Tibbetts  of  Troy 
was  elected  to  Congress  from  Rensselaer  county. 

The  water  works  company  declared  a  dividend  of  3 
per  cent  on  the  stock  for  the  last  6  months.  This  com- 
pany obtained  an  act  of  incorporation  Feb.  2,  1802,  capi- 
tal $40,000.  In  1813  it  was  increased  $40,000,  and  iron 
pipes,  6  inches  in  diameter,  laid  from  the  creek  to  the  re- 
servoir 

June  10.  A  bass  of  uncommon  size,  taken  in  our  river, 
was  yesterday  brought  to  our  market.  Its  weight  was 
55  pounds.  We  believe  this  is  the  largest  fish  ever  caught 
in  the  Hudson,  the  sturgeon  alone  excepted.  It  was 
bought  by  Mr.  Jared  Skinner  for  four  dollars  and  fifty 
cents. 

The  Legislature  passed  an  act  incorporating  Goldsbrow 
Banyar,  Abraham  Ten  Eyck,  Abraham  Ten  Broeck  and 
others,  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  by  the  name  of  the 
president,  directors  and  company  of  the  Albany  and 
Schenectady  Turnpike.  The  stock  was  fixed  at  2000 
shares  at  $50  each.  By  a  subsequent  act  this  road  was 
brought  into  the  city  as  far  as  Snipe  street. 

The  company  appropriated  the  revenue  of  the  year 
1801  to  facilitate  a  communication  from  the  canal  at  Rome 
to  the  junction  of  Wood  and  Canada  creeks,  and  to  re- 
move the  obstructions  on  the  Onondaga  and  Seneca  rivers, 
which  it  was  thought  would  be  a  good  investment  to  the 
company,  and  a  great  public  accommodation. 

An  ordinance  passed  the  Common  Council  against 
ringing  or  tolling  bells  at  funerals,  for  a  longer  time  than 
twenty  minutes,  under  a  penalty  of  25  dollars. 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  321 

Canal. — It  appears  that  there  was  great  difficulty  in 
getting  the  stock  paid  in  for  this  work,  and  that  those 
who  gave  their  energies  to  the  work  were  much  embar- 
rassed thereby.  The  state  had  advanced  money  to  carry 
on  the  project,  and  this  year  a  law  was  passed  forfeiting 
the  installments  already  paid  in  by  those  who  had  failed 
to  meet  the  calls  of  the  company  since  1796,  and  invest- 
ing the  state's  money  in  the  stock  of  the  company.  The 
following  table  of  tolls  was  given  by  the  Albany  Centinel, 
as  having  been  taken  at  Little  Falls: 

In   1796  the  nett  toll  collected  was $1759'50 

1797  2350-26 

1798  2938-26 

1799  2500-24 

1800      ...      5087-43 

1801      9490-33 

The  tolls  for  the  present  year  were  supposed  to  have 
doubled  those  of  last  year  for  the  same  period.  The  tolls 
collected  at  Rome  had  averaged  about  $2000  a  year  since 
1797.  The  tolls  had  been  reduced  at  some  points  50  per 
cent,  which  so  far  from  diminishing  the  product,  had 
tended  to  increase  it. 

A  company  consisting  of  some  of  the  most  respectable 
moneyed  men,  was  formed  for  exploring,  opening  and 
working  coal  mines,  and  all  the  necessary  tools  and  im- 
plements prepared  for  prosecuting  the  work  vigorously. 
It  appears  that  some  persons  professing  an  acquaintance 
with  coal  formations,  had  observed  indications  of  coal  in 
this  vicinity;  and  although  attempts  had  before  been 
made  to  discover  it,  they  were  supposed  to  have  failed  of 
success  for  want  of  sufficient  effort.  It  was  intended 
now  to  make  a  fair  trial,  and  the  location  decided  upon 
for  the  experiment  was  Wendell's  creek  a  little  to  the 
west  of  the  city,  where  appearances  were  supposed  to  in- 
dicate strongly  that  large  and  extensive  quarries  of  the 
mineral  would  be  found. 

Timothy  Shalor,  Money  Broker,  negotiated  approved 
notes,  payable  at  the  Bank  of  Albany. 

John  Jauncey  also  advertised  that  he  continued  to  ';  ne- 
gotiate all  approved  notes  which  had  from  30, 60,  or  90  days 
to  run,  and  which  are  payable  at  the  Bank  of  Albany." 


322  Notes  from  the  Neicspapers. 

A  contract  was  entered  into  by  the  Albany  and  Schen- 
ectady  turnpike  company,  for  clearing  the  track  of  the 
road,  building  fences  fifty-eight  feet  apart,  and  forming  an 
arch  42  feet  broad,  with  ditches  of  eight  feet  on  each 
side,  for  $26,000.  The  road  was  to  form  a  perfectly 
straight  line,  and  not  to  exceed  in  depression  or  eleva- 
tion, four  degrees  from  a  horizontal  line,  14  miles  in 
length. 

A  delegation  of  the  principal  sachems  and  warriors  of 
the  Seneca  nation  of  Indians  from  Buffalo  creek  visited 
the  city  and  concluded  a  treaty  by  which  they  ceded  to 
the  state  all  the  lands  reserved  along  the  Niagara  river, 
including  Blackrock  and  the  carrying  place  at  the  falls ; 
an  important  acquisition. 

Nov.  1.  The  partnership  between  James  and  William 
Caldwell  his  son  was  dissolved,  the  latter  advertising  that 
"  all  articles  in  the  Grocery  line,  and  those  of  Caldwell, 
Fraser  &  Co.'s  manufactory,  will  be  sold  as  usual  by 
William  Caldwell  at  his  store  in  State  st."  [Died  1848.] 

1803. 

The  legislature  incorporated  a  new  bank  in  the  city  of 
Albany,  with  a  capital  of  500,000 dollars,  under  the  title 
of  the  New  York  State  Bank.  At  a  meeting  of  the  di- 
rectors on  the  25th  March,  John  Tayler  was  chosen 
president,  and  John  W.  Yates  cashier. 

Among  the  acts  passed  by  the  legislature  this  year, 
was  one  "  to  straighten  the  public  highway  leading  from 
the  city  of  Albany  to  the  Ballstown  springs." 

Christopher  Dunn  gave  notice  that  he  had  taken  the 
tavern  in  Green  street,  formerly  occupied  by  David  Trow- 
bridge,  and  put  the  interior  in  thorough  repair,  and  that 
it  would  be  his  utmost  ambition  to  merit  and  preserve 
the  good  opinion  of  all  those  who  would  favor  him  with 
their  custom.  "  N.  B.  The  original  stage  office  kept 
here."  [Dunn  was  famous  for  his  jokes,  and  his  Coffee 
House  was  resorted  to  till  about  the  year  1830,  when  the 
street  was  widened  and  his  house  was  cut  in  two.  He 
died  pievious  to,  or  about  that  time.] 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  323 

The  Albany  Medical  society  resolved  that  they  would 
inoculate  gratis  all  the  poor  of  the  city  for  the  kine  pock, 
who  may  apply  for  that  benefit  during  the  season. 

A  corps  of  comedians,  calling  themselves  the  old 
American  company,  gave  an  entertainment  at  the  Thes- 
pian Hotel,  in  North  Pearl  street,  near  the  corner  ^>f 
Patroon,  and  continued  their  representations  several 
weeks. 

The  State  Bank  commenced  business  on  Wednesday  the 
7th  of  September;  hours  from  9  to  12,  and  from  2  to  4. 
Notes  offered  for  discount  were  to  be  drawn  payable  at 
the  bank  unless  the  drawer  resided  in  the  city  of  Albany 
or  New  York.  Discounts  were  made  for  36  days.  In 
December  the  banks  altered  their  hours  to  from  9  A.  M. 
to  2  P.  M. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  of  the  United  States,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  of  Albany,  Oneida 
acd  Columbia,  be  and  they  hereby  are  constituted  and 
formed  into  a  Synod,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Synod  of  Albany;  that  they  hold  their  first  meeting  in 
the  Presbyterian  church  in  Albany,  on  the  first  Wednes- 
day of  October,  at  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  be  opened  with  a 
sermon  by  the  Rev.  Jedediah  Chapman  of  Geneva ;  or, 
in  case  of  his  absence,  by  the  next  senior  minister  who 
may  be  present ;  and  that  they  aftei  wards  meet  on  their 
own  adjournment. 

Aug.  7.  Rev.  John  B.  Johnson,  a  minister  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  church,  died  at  Newtown,  Long  Island, 
aged  33.  In  consequence  of  impaired  health,  he  had 
withdrawn  from  the  cares  of  a  large  congregation  at  Al- 
bany, and  accepted  a  call  where  less  exertion  was  re- 
quired; but  his  disease  was  too  deeply  rooted,  and  the 
change  proved  ineffectual  to  his  relief.  After  the  death 
of  his  wife,  who  left  him  in  April,  with  three  infant 
children,  he  rapidly  declined,  and  his  complaints  termi- 
nated in  consumption.  He  was  distinguished  by  abili- 
ties which  marked  him  for  extensive  usefulness,  |and  his 
mind  was  improved  by  a  liberal  education,  and  indefati- 
gable study. 


324  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

Oct.  2.  Mr.  Sylvanus  Palmer  ordained  in  the  old  Dutch 
church,  by  a  commission  of  the  classis  of  Albany,  to  the 
office  of  the  sacred  ministry.  He  was  called  to  the  mis- 
sionary service  by  the  Northern  Missionary  Society  in  the 
state  of  New  York,  and  entered  immediately  upon  his 
mission  among  the  frontier  inhabitants  of  the  state.  A 
sermon  adapted  to  the  occasion  was  preached  before  a 
crowded  assembly  by  Rev.  John  Bassett.  from  2  Tim.  iv,  5. 

Oct.  4.  A  convention  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
church  in  the  state  of  New  York  met  in  this  city.  On 
the  same  day,  the  church  lately  erected  in  the  city  was 
consecrated  by  Bishop  Moore,  in  presence  of  a  large  con- 
course of  people.  A  discourse  was  delivered  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Hobart,  one  of  the  associate  clergy  in  the  city  of 
New  York.  On  Wednesday,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Beasley  was 
inducted  in  this  parish,  and  an  appropriate  sermon  pro- 
nounced by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Harris.  On  Thursday,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Phelps  was  ordained. 

Oct.  11.  An  election  for  president  and  directors  of 
the  Albany  Mercantile  Company  took  place,  when  the 
former  president  and  directors  were  defeated,  and  a  new 
board  chosen.  A  statement  of  the  condition  of  the  com- 
pany's affairs  was  published  in  the  papei-s  (Gaz.  Oct.  17) 
and  a  counter  statement  by  the  new  board  of  directors. 
It  appears  that  the  stock  of  the  company  consisted  of 
$32,000,  and  the  amount  of  specie  $.23,355. 

The  following  unique  advertisement  appeared  in  the 
Gazette  of  the  20th  October: 

"Those  who  wish  to  buy  one  of  the  most  valuable  ne- 
gro wenches,  one  free  from  ever  having  had  a  husband 
or  child,  and  one  not  in  the  least  used  to  black  company, 
and  free  from  every  vice  of  any  moment ;  will  please  to 
inquire  of  the  editors  of  this  paper,  from  whom  they  may 
know  the  price,  and  the  present  owner." 

In  February  of  this  year,  Robert  McClellan,  a  respecta- 
ble merchant,  and  treasurer  of  the  state,  proved  a  de- 
faulter to  a  large  amount.  He  published  a  justification 
cf  his  defalcation,  alledging  that  he  was  a  loser  to  a  very 
heavy  amount  by  the  state,  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution, 
in  consequence  of  having  outlayed  money  in  clothing 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  325 

and  stores  for  the  army,  imported  from  Canada,  and  that 
he  had  been  embarrassed  by  those  operations  ever  since. 

March  7.  It  was  ordained  by  the  common  council, 
that  a  loaf  of  inspected  wheat  flour  should  weigh  3Zfcs. 
Soz.  for  Is.  A  loaf  of  common  wheat  flour  to  weigh 
4 Ibs.  3oz.,  for  Is.  It  was  asserted  by  a  writer  of  the  day 
that  bread  was  4  ounces  to  the  shilling  heavier  in  Albany 
than  in  New  York,  and  when  the  river  was  closed  from  8 
to  12  ounces  heavier. 

May  19.  A  dividend  of  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents  on 
each  share  of  the  Albany  Water  Works  company,  was 
declared,  payable  to  the  stockholders  after  the  first  of 
June,  at  the  office  of  the  treasurer  in  Pearl  street.  Soon 
after,  Stephen  Lush,  John  Lansing,  jr.,  John  Taylor  and 
Isaac  Hutton,  were  elected  trustees,  the  recorder  of  the 
city  being,  ex-ojficio,  a  trustee  also. 

Daniel  Steele  advertised  that  he  had  opened  a  circulat- 
ing library,  consisting  of  400  volumes. 

The  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  Albany  were  informed 
that  I.  Wood  had  taken  rocms  at  Mrs,  Dole's,  next  door 
to  the  Albany  Coffee  House,  corner  of  Green  and  Beaver 
streets,  where  he  would  take  likenesses  in  profile,  at  five 
minutes  sitting,  at  a  dollar,  by  a  process  which  he  digni- 
fied with  the  name  of  Physiognotrace.  This  was  nearly 
forty  years  in  advance  of  the  Daguerreotype. 

In  consequence  of  the  prevalence  of  yellow  fever  in 
New  York,  the  Common  Council  required  all  vessels 
coming  from  that  city  to  perform  a  quarantine  of  a  few 
hours,  to  ascertain  if  there  were  any  sick  on  board,  before 
coming  up  to  the  city.  A  young  man  by  the  name  of 
Townsend,  died  in  Troy  about  this  time  of  the  yellow 
fever,  which  he  had  taken  in  New  York,  which  is  the  only 
case  mentioned  as  having  occurred  in  this  vicinity. 

Oct.  10.  The  St.  Andrew's  society  held  its  first 
meeting,  and  adopted  a  constitution,  and  celebrated  the 
nativity  of  its  patron  saint  on  the  30th  November  follow- 
ing. On  the  10th  November  was  held  the  first  election 
of  officers,  which  resulted  in  the  choice  of  the  following 
persons:  John  Stephenson,  President;  George  Ramsey, 
Vice  President;  Andrew  Brown,  2d  Vice  President;  Rev. 


326 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 


John  McDonald,  chaplain;  Dr.  Wm.  McClelland,  physi- 
cian;  Wm.  Milroy,  treasurer;  Archibald  Mclntyre,*  sec- 
retary, Peter  Boyd,  assistant  secretary;  and  Daniel  Cum- 
mirg,  Peter  Sharp,  John  Kirk,  John  Grant,  Geo.  Pearson, 
Thos.  Barker,  Wm.  French,  John  D.  Cunningham,  mana- 
gers. The  avowed  object  of  the  society  was  to  afford  re- 
lief to  poor  and  unfortunate  Scottish  emigrants. 
Garret  Van  Vranken  died,  aged  94. 

1804. 

A  bill  was  brought 
before  the  legislature  at 
its  session  this  year,  au- 
thorizing the  city  corpo- 
ration to  sell  the  old 
Court  House  on  the  cor- 
ner of  Hudson  and  Court 
streets,  and  erect  a  new 
one  on  the  public  square 
at  the  head  of  State 
street.  Most  of  the  other 
states  had  already  erect- 
ed public  buildings  for 
the  accommodation  of 
their  respective  legisla- 
tures, and  public  pur- 
poses, while  the  opulent 
state  of  New  York  was  still  without  any  such  conve- 
nience, but  met  in  a  building  which  had  long  served 
the  double  purpose  of  court  house  and  jail;  and  although 
the  jail  had  been  removed  some  time  previous  to  this,  the 
edifice  was  occupied  for  city  and  county  purposes,  as  well 
as  those  of  the  state.  In  it  criminals  had  been  incarce- 
rated, tried  and  executed.  The  whipping  post  stood  be- 
fore it  many  years. 

March  5.  There  was  a  great  depth  of  snow  upon  the 
ground  in  this  vicinity,  the  like  whereof  was  unknown  to 
the  oldest  inhabitant;  being  about  three  feet  on  a  level. 
A  man  with  two  horses  perished  in  the  tempest  on  the 

*  Mr.  Mclntyre  is  probably  the  only  survivor  of  the  board. 


•WPM  ^~ 

City  Hall. 


comer  of  Couit  and  Hudson  streets. 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  327 

night  of  the  2d  inst.  on  the  Schenectady  road,  in  attempt- 
ing to  reach  Albany.  The  traveling  was  wholly  impeded 
in  every  direction,  and  three  mails  were  due  from  New 
York.  The  weather  had  been  intensely  severe  since  the 
first  of  January. 

March  18.  A  charity  sermon  was  preached  by  Dr. 
Nott  in  the  Presbyterian  church,  in  aid  of  the  funds  of 
the  Humane  society,  established  by  the  ladies  of  the  city, 
for  the  "  relief  of  poor  women  and  small  children." 
The  collection  amounted  to  $327,  and  was  considered 
the  most  liberal  ever  taken  up  in  any  of  the  city  churches. 

Contracts  were  executed  in  the  beginning  of  this  year 
for  the  construction  of  a  turnpike  road  from  Hoboken  to 
Hackensack,  to  be  commenced  early  in  the  spring,  and 
completed  in  November.  This  was  to  form  a  link  in  a 
great  chain  of  roads,  which  were  to  connect  the  cities  of 
Albany  and  New  York  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  It 
was  thought  that  by  connecting  it  with  the  great  state 
road,  to  be  opened  in  the  spring  between  Goshen  and 
Albany,  the  distance  would  be  materially  shortened,  and 
the  preference  given  to  this  route  over  any  other,  by  the 
rapidly  increasing  travel  between  the  two  cities.  [There 
was  at  this  time  as  great  a  rage  for  turnpikes,  as  there 
has  been  at  any  time  since  for  canals  or  rail  roads.] 

Feb.  4.  Benjamin  V.  Henry,  a  merchant  of  Albany, 
died  at  the  island  of  Jamaica. 

The  legislature  passed  an  act  authorizing  the  Common 
Council  to  raise  money  by  tax  for  defraying  the  expense 
of  lighting  the  city  and  for  night  watch. 

Also,  to  prevent  the  bringing  in  and  spreading  of  in- 
fectious and  pestilential  disease,  in  the  cities  of  Albany 
and  Hudson. 

Also,  an  act  to  vest  certain  powers  in  the  freeholders 
and  inhabitants  of  that  part  of  the  town  of  Watervliet 
commonly  called  the  Colonie. 

Also,  to  establish  the  Albany  and  Bethlehem  turnpike. 

E.  Hosford.  Bookseller,  Stationer  and  Binder,  opposite 
the  State  Bank,  has  commenced  business  in  the  above 
line,  and  offers  for  sale  an  assortment  of  Books,  compris- 
ing Divinity,  Law,  Physic,  History  and  the  various 


328  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

branches  of  Literature,  School  Books,  of  all  kinds  in 
common  use.  Also,  an  assortment  of  stationery,  con- 
sisting of  Royal,  Medium,  Demy,  thin  Posts,  Foolscap 
writing  paper,  wrapping  do.  Also,  trunks  of  all  descrip- 
tions. Bookbinding  in  all  its  various  branches,  performed 
with  neatness  and  expedition.  Merchants'  account  books 
ruled  aud  bound  to  any  pattern,  and  the  least  favor  thank- 
fully received.  [The  above  is  the  first  advertisement  of 
E.  Hosford,  who  subsequently  became  an  extensive  pub- 
lisher in  the  edifice  now  occupied  as  the  American  Hotel.] 
Vote  for  Governor. — At  the  annual  election  the  follow- 
ing majorities  were  given: 

Lewis.  Burr. 

City  of  New  York,  majority, ]01 

Albany,                              "        384 

Columbia,                                   1162  1290 

Greene.  majority, 51       

Rensselaer,                               1388  1132 

2611        2970 

May  10.  The  State  Bank  commenced  business  in  their 
new  banking  house  in  State  street. 

March  18.  A  meeting  of  the  citizens  was  held  at  the 
City  Tavern,  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of 
instituting  an  academy.  The  Lieutenant  Governor,  Ma- 
yor, Chancellor,  Rev.  Mr.  Nott,  Dr.  De  Witt,  and  Messrs. 
Henry  and  Beers  were  appointed  a  committee,  to  report 
a  plan  of  an  institution.  The  plan  was  submitted  at  a 
subsequent  meeting  on  the  5th  May,  and  approved,  and 
another  meeting  appointed  on  the  10th  May.  It  was 
proposed  to  make  the  academy  a  reorganization  and  re- 
form of  the  city  schools,  which  were  to  be  incorporated 
in  one. 

June  2.  It  was  announced  that  his  Excellency  Mor- 
gan Lewis  and  family  had  arrived  in  town,  and  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  his  office  as  Governor  of  the  State  of 
New  York. 

June  21.  Wheat  9s  per  bushel.  A  loaf  of  superfine 
4lb.  \oz.  for  a  shilling.  A  loaf  of  common  flour,  bibs. 
for  1  shilling. 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  329 

June  22.  "  Buried  on  Friday  last,  that  truly  good  and 
well  known  character,  Capt.  Shawk,  of  African  origin, 
and  for  upwards  of  half  a  century  ferryman  between  this 
city  and  Greenbush.'  ' 

Episcopal  Church,  Troy.  —  "  It  can  not  but  be  pleasing 
to  the  friends  of  religion  to  notice  the  ardor  for  erecting  x 
convenient  places  of  public   worship,   which  at  prest-n^ 
actuates  the  citizens   of  this   flourishing  village.     This 
ardor  is  not  confined  to  any  particular  sect  or  class  of 
worshippers,  but  seems  equally  diffused  through  all  class- 
es, which  exhibits  itself  in  their  liberal  subscriptions  for 
the  erection  of  churches  the  present  season.     Yesterday 
morning   at  10  o'clock  the  Rev.  David  Butler,  accompa-^ 
nied  by  the  Rev.    Mr.  Coe,   pastor   of  the  Presbyteria; 
church,  and  a  respectable  number  of  citizens,  formed  i 
procession,  and  proceeded  to  the  spot  destined  for  t' 
Protestant  Episcopal  church,   and  with  the  usual    ex- 
cises of  prayer,  vocal  and  instrumental  music.  &c.,  ' 
~  ~   l°  uuildan  edifice  for  the 


Mad  and  Herring  Fishery-.  An  abundant  source  of 
employment  and  profit  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  borders 
of  the  Hudson  river,  were  the  fisheries.  In  one  net  du 
ring  this  season  40,000  shad  were  taken  at  the  city  of 
Hudson,  which  may  not  have  been  the  most  successful 
on  the  river  At  one  fishing  place  46.000  were  * 

'' 


employed  within  the  limits  of  the   city  of  Hudson      IT 
^ving  to  each  20,000  shad,   at  the   lowest  price  of  Uie 
market,  $3  per  hundred,  the  product  would   be  $30  000 
and  computing  the  herring  at  half  the  value  of  the  sha 
the  revenue  from  the    bosom  of  the  river  at  one   fi  hut 
place,  for  about  two  months,  would  be  $45,000 

zette  of  '*LireXandeT  Hami]ton—*^  12.  '  The  Ga- 
zette  of  July  16  announces  the  report  of  the  death  of 
Col.  Hamilton,  and  the  three  succeeding  numbers  were 


330  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

filled  almost  exclusively  with  the  proceedings  of  various 
societies  on  the  occasion,  and  the  ceremonies  attending 
the  obsequies,  orations,  resolutions,  &c.  A  meeting  of 
students  at  law  was  held  in  Albany,  Teunis  Van  Vech- 
ten,  secretary,  which  resolved  that  the  members  should 
wear  crape  on  the  left  arm  six  weeks.  Eulogies,  &c., 
.followed  in  the  Gazette  for  many  weeks. 

July   13.     Mrs.    Harriet  Backus,  wife  of  Eleazer  F. 
Backus,  bookseller,  died,  aged  25. 

A  line  of  stages  commenced  running  between  Albany 
and  New  York,  which  accomplished  the  journey  in  three 
)  days,   lodging    at   Rhinebeck   and   Peekskill.      This  ar- 
rangement was  made  in  regard  to  the  ease  of  the  tra- 
iler, who  was  allowed  all    the  time   at  the  different 
feges  requisite  to  make  the  passage  agreeable.     [So  far 
mine  was  concerned,  surely  no  one  could  wish  to  be 
Wter  on  the  road.]     Fare  $8. 

>y  18.     Rev.  Samuel  Blatchford  was  installed  pastor 
Jot  the  unifed  P'resDyteriaiT'con^ltJ^QA^of.  Lansingburg 
(,  and  Waterford.     Rev.  Jonas  Coe  of  Troy  delivered  in,, 
sermon  from  2d  Tim.,  xi,  15;  and  Rev.  Mr.  Miller  of  Al- 
bany delivered  the  charge. 

July  29.  Eliphalet  Nott,  A.  M.,  delivered  a  discourse 
in  the  North  Dutch  church  on  the  death  of  Alexander 
Hamilton,  which  was  published  in  a  volume  of  similar 
effusions,  by  William  Coleman,  at  p.  104. 

Aug.  2J.  Rev.  Eliphalet  Nott,  pastor  of  the  First 
.  Presbyterian  church  in  Albany,  was  elected  president  of 
Union  College,  Schenectady,  vice  Dr.  Marcy,  who  had 
accepted  the  presidency  of  the  University  of  South  Caro- 
lina. [Dr.  Nott  just  previous  to  this  delivered  a  sermon 
on  the  death  of  Alexander  Hamilton,  which  was  published, 
and  was  characterized  by  the  editor  of  the  Hudson  Bee  as 
"  one  of  the  most  eloquent  and  highly  finished  productions 
of  the  kind  which  this  country  has  produced,''  and  he 
was  pronounced  one  of  the  ablest  divines  in  the  United 
States.] 

Sept.  1.  Wheat  13s.  Qd.  per  bushel.  A  loaf  of  su- 
perfine flour  to  weigh  2lb.  \2oz.  for  one  shilling.  Of 
common  flour,  3/6.  5oz.  for  one  shilling  (12£  cents). 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  331 

Oct.  2.  The  stockholders  in  the  Albany  arid  Bethle- 
hem Turnpike  company  met  at  the  City  Tavern  and 
chose  the  following  directors:  Francis  Nicoll,  James  Van 
Rensselaer,  Peter  S.  Van  Rensselaer,  John  H.  Burhans, 
Abraham  Ten  Eyck,  Goldsborough  Banyar,  jun.,  Gerrit 
Bogart,  Sebastian  Visscher,  Solomon  Russell;  F.  Nicoll, 
president.  The  editor  of  the  Gazette  remarked  that  no 
part  of  the  country  suffered  more  on  account  of  bad 
roads  than  the  town  of  Bethlehem  for  many  years  past, 
in  its  intercourse  with  this  city. 

Oct.  17.  The  Common  Council  ordained  that  part  of 
State  street,  Lion  [now  Washington]  street,  Washing- 
ton [now  South  Pearl]  street,  which  remained  unpaved 
and  greatly  out  of  repair,  should  be  immediately  paved 
by  the  owners  and  occupants,  the  work  to  be  completed 
within  eight  days  after  they  should  receive  notice  from 
the  city  superintendent. 

It  appears  by  the  annual  report  of  the  Chamberlain, 
Elbert  Willett,  that  the  expenditure  for  lamps  and  night 
watch,  was  as  follows,  for  the  year  ending  Oct.  8,  1804. 
1652  gals,  oil,  $1739-21;  night  watch,  $1008.44^;  wood 
and  candles,  $50;  lighting  lamps,  $390'68|;  8lbs.  wick, 
$4-98;  total,  $3193'32.  The  amount  of  expenditures  for 
the  last  seven  years  more  than  taxes  $4785'95.  The 
total  amount  of  the  city  expenditures  for  this  year  was 
$18,l87'70.]j  cents.  Among  the  receipts  into  the  treasury 
this  year  was  that  of  $1128'46£  for  land  sold  at  Schagh- 
ticoke;  $50  for  rent  of  ferry  house,  and  $274  for  ferri- 
age; and  for  "  lots  of  ground  sold  at  vendue,"  $9596*75. 

Nov.  6.  The  legislature  of  the  state  met  in  the  city 
on  Tuesday,  Nov.  6;  Alexander  Sheldon  was  chosen 
speaker  and  Solomon  Southwick,  clerk.  The  message 
of  Gov.  Lewis  would  not  fill  a  column  of  our  modern 
daily  papers. 

Nov.  8.  Wheat  17  shillings  per  bushel.  A  loaf  of 
superfine  wheat  flour  to  weigh  2lbs.  Zoz  ,  for  one  shilling. 
A  loaf  of  common  flour  to  weigh  2lbs.  lOoz. 

Nov.  18.  Major  Gen.  Philip  Schuyler,  an  officer  of  the 
revolution,  and  eminent  also  as  a  civil  officer,  died,  aged 
71.  He  was  buried  on  the  21st  with  military  honors,  in 
29 


332  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

the  family  vault  of  the  Hon  Abraham  Ten  Broeck.     [See 
biog.  sketch,  in  vol.  i,  p.  250.] 

Nov.  20.  Ontario  Wheat.  A  wagon  load  of  wheat 
was  brought  to  the  city  from  Bloomfield,  Ontario  county, 
a  distance  of  230  miles.  The  load  consisted  of  100 
bushels,  and  was  drawn  by  four  yoke  of  oxen ;  and  had 
the  traveling  been  good  the  teamster  thought  the  quan- 
tity might  have  been  increased  to  150  bushels.  The 
wheat  was  purchased  at  Bloomfield  for  five  shillings  a 
bushel,  and  sold  for  13s.  3d.  The  net  proceeds,  after  de- 
ducting expenses  and  prime  cost,  was  not  less  than  $100. 
It  was  calculated  that  the  journey  both  ways  might  be 
performed  in  20  days,  notwithstanding  the  badness  of 
the  roads.  It  was  the  first  adventure  of  the  kind  known 
to  have  been  undertaken,  but  was  warranted  by  the  high 
price  of  grain,  and  rewarded  satisfactorily  the  individual 
who  achieved  it. 

Nov.  26.  A  school  building  was  erected  by  the  chari- 
table contributions  of  the  benevolent,  for  the  benefit  of 
neglected  and  helpless  female  children ;  and  a  family  of 
twenty-three,  gathered  under  the  care  of  a  discreet  go- 
verness, were  daily  instructed  in  reading,  writing,  and 
plain  work,  and  in  the  strict  observance  of  every  Christ- 
ian and  moral  duty. 

Waterford  Bridge.  Dec.  The  ceremony  of  opening 
the  Union  Bridge  across  the  Hudson  at  Waterford,  was 
celebrated  with  considerable  parade.  The  Waterford 
Gazette  conceived  it  the  most  perfect  model  of  architect- 
ure, beauty  and  strength  in  the  United  States.  Its  length 
was  800  feet,  and  its  greatest  height  from  the  bottom  of 
the  river  33  feet ;  its  width  30  feet.  There  was  much 
firing  of  cannon  all  day,  and  a  procession  from  Lansing- 
burgh  to  Waterford,  where  a  dinner  was  served,  at  the 
expense  of  the  directors,  and  partaken  of  by  the  dignita- 
ries of  state  and  many  gentlemen  of  the  city  and  villages 
in  the  vicinity. 

Turnpikes  west.  Great  effort  was  making  at  this  time 
to  push  the  line  of  turnpikes  through  from  this  city  to 
Lake  Erie.  It  was  already  nearly  completed  to  Canan- 
daigua.  At  the  same  time  a  rival  road  was  attempted, 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  333 

and  already  partly  finished,  leading  from  Esopus  to  Jeri- 
cho, a7id  continued  to  Bath  in  Steuben  county,  by  another 
company,  with  the  expectation  that  a  third  company 
would  take  it  to  Lake  Erie,  making  the  distance  about 
280  miles ;  promising  an  advantage  over  the  more  north- 
ern route  in  distance  as  well  as  in  the  superiority  of  the 
road,  arising  from  the  better  nature  of  the  soil  and  mate- 
rials. The  inhabitants  of  the  interior  of  the  state  were 
alive  to  these  improvements,  and  meetings  were  held  and 
new  turnpikes  projected  and  companies  formed  and  incor- 
porated, in  every  direction.  But  the  grand  project  of  a 
thoroughfare  from  the  Hudson  to  Lake  Erie  particularly 
occupied  the  attention  of  active  men,  as  did  the  rail  road 
schemes  forty  years  later. 

Dec.  20.  Wheat  15  shillings  per  bushel.  Bread  21bs. 
7 oz.  8 dr.,  for  Is.,  superfine  flour;  common  flour,  3/fcs. 
for  Is. 

1805. 

Jan.  31.  Three  mails  were  due  from  New  York, 
owing  to  the  obstruction  of  the  roads  by  snow.  It  was 
said  on  the  occasion  that  no  instance  of  the  failure  of 
three  mails  in  succession,  had  ever  before  occurred  in  this 
city  from  the  first  establishment  of  the  post  office.  The 
editor  of  the  Gazette  had  forgotten  that  he  announced 
the  same  failure  in  the  previous  March.  [See  March  5, 
1804.]  The  North  river  was  closed  at  this  time  as  far 
down  as  the  state  prison  in  the  upper  part  of  the  city  of 
New  York,  and  the  suffering  of  the  poor  was  very  great 
from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather  and  the  high  price  of 
food. 

An  act  was  passed  in  the  spring  of  this  year  by  the  le- 
gislature, incorporating  the  Albany  and  Delaware  turn- 
pike company. 

James  Van  Ingen  of  the  city  of  Albany,  was  appointed 
to  translate  the  public  records  in  the  Secretary's  office, 
under  the  law  for  that  effect. 

April  18.  At  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  the 
Albany  and  Delaware  turnpike  company,  held  at  Lewis's 
Tavern,  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer.  John  Lansing,  jun., 


334  Notes  from  the  Newspapers. 

Henry  Guest,  Abraham  Hun;  Jacob  Ten  Eyck,  Rensselaer 
Westerlo,  Goldsborough  Banyar,  jr.,  were  elected  the 
first  directors. 

Sept.  14.  The  Common  Council  prohibited  vessels 
from  New  York  proceeding  above  the  large  island  below 
the  city,  without  a  permit  from  the  health  officer,  the 
object  of  which  was  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  the 
yellow  fever  then  prevalent  in  New  York. 

Official  statement  of  the  votes  cast  for  Members  of  As- 
sembly in  Albany  county: 

Federal.  Demooraiir 


Stephen  Lush, 1578 

J.  Shurtleff. 1577 

Ab'm  Van  Vechten, 1623 

Adam  Deitz, 1461 

Asa  Colvard, 1377 

David  Burhans, 1447 


Elisha   Dorr, 9GO 

Benj.  Wallace 806 

Wrn.  Jas.  Teller, 1078 

Nath.    Gallup, 1116 

J.  Jackson,  jr., 1048 

James  Wands 555 


J.  T.  V.  Dalfsen, 608 

July  1.     Wheat  had  fallen  to  $1-62^  per  bushel. 

Aug.  5.  The  price  stood  at  $1'37£  per  bushel.  On  the 
15th,  $1-68. 

Aug.  11.  John  Melanch ton  Bradford  ordained  and  in- 
stalled pastor  or  bishop  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  church 
in  this  city.  He  was  deposed  from  the  ministry  in  1821, 
but  subsequently  restored,  and  died  without  pastoral 
charge. 

It  was  announced  that  the  city  corporation  had  es- 
tablished a  ferry  on  the  Greenbush  side  of  the  river,  op- 
posite the  Albany  ferry,  and  had  licensed  Mr.  James 
Wynkoop  to  keep  the  same ;  that  he  was  furnished  with 
good  scows  and  boats,  and  would  employ  as  ferrymen 
none  but  those  who  were  sober  and  obliging,  and  that- 
every  endeavor  would  be  made  for  the  passage  of  car- 
riages and  travelers  in  a  safe  and  expeditious  manner. 
The  rates  of  ferriage  were: 


Foot  passenger, 2cts. 

Man  and  horse, 6 

Wagon  and  two  horses, ....  12^ 
u     loaded  with  firewood,     4 

Chair,  sulkey  or  chaise,. . .  12! 

Four  wheeled  2  horse  plea- 
sure carriage, 25 


Each  additional  horse, ....     6cts. 
Mail  stage,  two  horses,...   25 
Each  additional  horse, ....      3 

Horse  and  cart, 6 

Double    ferriage    from   one    hour 

after  sunset  to  day  break,  except 

for  the  mail  carriages. 


Notes  from  the  Newspapers.  335 

Sept.  11.     Wheat  12  shillings.     Bread  3/&.  loz.  and 
3J6.  1  loz.  for  one  shilling. 
Sept.  20.     Wheat  13s.  6d. 

Physiognotrace  Likenesses  Engraved.  L.  LEMET,  re- 
spectfully informs  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  Albany, 
that  he  takes  likenesses  in  crayon  as  large  as  life,  and 
engraves  them  of  a  reduced  size  in  a  new  and  elegant 
style.  The  price  of  the  large  likenesses,  with  an  en- 
graved plate  and  twelve  impressions,  is  $25  for  gentle- 
men, and  $35  for  ladies,  or  $8  for  the  drawing  only. 
For  further  particulars  apply  at  his  room  at  Capt.  Lock- 
wood's,  the  corner  of  Dock  and  State  street,  where  a 
great  number  of  portraits  of  distinguished  characters  may 
be  seen. 

By  the  report  of  the  city  chamberlain,  the  expenses  of 
the  city  watch  and  night  lamps  were  as  follows : 

3178?  gallons  of  oil, 3666'2l 

Attending  night  watch, 130T81 

12  Ihs.  wick  for  lamps, 7*75| 

Wood  and  candles  for  watch, 54'84 

Lighting   lamps, 4V3-15 

5454  36  i 

The  amount  of  money  received  for  taxes  towards  de- 
fraying these  expenses  was  $4940  94,  leaving  a  deficit  of 
$513'42|.  And  the  deficit  in  the  7  years  after  exhaust- 
ing the  amount  raised  by  taxes,  was  $2 121  '55.^. 

The  Brig  Troy.  This  is  the  first  square  rigged  vessel 
ever  built  in  this  place,  and  very  properly  bears  the  name 
of  the  village.  She  was  built  at  the  upper  ship  yard  by 
Capt.  Storer,  is  a  very  handsome,  stout  vessel,  of  170 
tons  burden,  well  calculated  for  a  West  India  or  Ireland 
trader,  and  does  honor  to  the  workmanship  of  her  con- 
structer  and  owner. 

A  collection  was  taken  up  in  the  old  Dutch  church  at 
the  foot  of  State  street,  in  aid  of  the  funds  of  the  Humane 
society,  which  amounted  to  §114'44. 


(336) 
OBJECTIONS 

TO  THE 

ADOPTION  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION, 


1788. 

[The  anxiety  and  zeal  of  the  opponents  of  the  con- 
stitution of  the  United  States  in  this  quarter,  may  be 
gathered  from  the  following  document,  which  was  pro- 
mulgated on  the  10th  of  April,  1788,  and  embodies  the 
principles  upon  which  they  founded  their  objections.] 
(See  ante  p.  318,  and  vol.  ii,  pp.  205,  207.) 

On  the  last  Tuesday  of  April  instant,  delegates  are  to 
be  chosen  by  the  people,  to  determine  the  important 
question,  whether  the  proposed  new  Constitution  shall 
be  adopted  or  rejected;  a  determination  of  the  utmost 
consequence  to  the  citizens  of  the  state  and  to  posterity. 
From  an  apprehension  that  the  Constitution,  if  adopted 
in  its  present  form,  would  deprive  the  people  of  their 
dearest  rights  and  liberties,  a  number  of  gentlemen,  from 
different  parts  of  this  county,  met  for  the  purpose  of 
nominating  and  recommending  Delegates  for  Convention, 
and  unanimously  resolved  on  the  following  gentlemen : 

ROBERT  YATES,  DIRCK  SWART, 

JOHN  LANSING,  JUN.,  ISRAEL  THOMPSON, 

HENRY  OOTHOUDT,  ANTHONY  TEN  EYCK, 
PETER  VROOMAN, 

As  we  have  been  informed,  that  the  advocates  for  the 
new  Constitution,  have  already  travelled  through  the 
several  districts  in  the  county,  arid  paropgated  an  opinion, 
that  it  is  a  good  system  of  government ;  we  beg  leave  to 
state,  in  as  few  words  as  possible,  some  of  the  many 
objections  against  it: 

The  Convention,  who  were  appointed  for  the  sole  and 


Objections  to  the  Constitution.  337 

express  purpose  of  revising  and  amending  the  Confedera- 
tion, have  taken  upon  themselves  the  power  of  making  a 
new  one. 

They  have  not  formed  a  federal  but  a  consolidated  go- 
vernment, repugnant  to  the  principles  of  a  republican 
government;  not  founded  on  the  preservation  but  the 
destruction  to  the  state  governments. 

The  great  and  extensive  powers  granted  to  the  new 
government  over  the  lives,  liberties  and  property  of 
every  citizen. 

The  powers  in  many  instances  not  defined  nor  sufficient- 
ly explained,  and  capable  of  being  interpreted  to  answer 
the  most  ambitious  and  arbitrary  purposes.  , 

The  small  number  of  members  who  are  to  compose 
the  general  legislature,  which  is  to  pass  laws  to  govern 
so  large  and  extensive  a  continent,  inhabited  by  people 
of  different  laws,  customs  and  opinions,  and  many  of 
them  residing  upwards  of  400  miles  from  the  seat  of 
government. 

The  members  of  Senate  are  not  to  be  chosen  by  the 
people,  but  appointed  by  the  Legislature  of  each  state 
for  the  term  of  six  years.  This  will  destroy  their  re- 
sponsibility, and  induce  them  to  act  like  the  masters  and 
not  the  servants  of  the  people. 

The  power  to  alter  and  regulate  the  time,  place,  and 
manner  of  holding  elections,  so  as  to  keep  them  subjected 
to  their  influence. 

The  power  to  lay  poll  taxes,  duties,  imposts,  excises, 
and  other  taxes. 

The  power  to  appoint  continental  officers  to  levy  and 
collect  those  taxes. 

Their  laws  are  to  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  land,  and 
the  judges  in  every  state  are  to  be  bound  thereby,  not- 
withstanding the  constitution  or  lau's  of  any  state  to  the 
contrary.  A  sweeping  clause,  which  subjects  every 
thing  to  the  control  of  the  new  government, 

Slaves  are  taken  into  the  computation  in  apportioning 
the  number  of  representatives,  whereby  50,000  slaves 
give  an  equal  representation  of  30,000  freemen. 


338  Objections  to  the  Constitution. 

The  provision  that  the  net  produce  of  all  duties  and 
imposts,  laid  by  the  legislature  of  any  state,  on  imports 
Or  exports,  shall  be  for  the  use  of  the  treasury  of  the 
United  States. 

The  provision  that  none  of  the  states  shall  coin  money 
or  emit  bills  of  credit. 

The  po\ver  to  raise,  support  and  maintain  a  standing 
army  in  time  of  peace.  The  bane  of  a  republican  go- 
vernment; by  a  standing  army  most  of  the  once  free 
nations  of  the  globe  have  been  reduced  to  bondage:  and 
by  this  Britain  attempted  to  enforce  her  abitrary  mea- 
sures. 

The  power  to  call  forth  the  militia  to  any  part  of  the 
continent,  without  any  limitation  of  time  or  place,  under 
the  command  of  t'ie  President,  or  such  continental  officers 
as  shall  be  appointed  over  them. 

Men  conscientiously  scrupulous  of  bearing  arms,  made 
liable  to  perform  military  duty. 

The  power  of  the  new  government  to  establish  the 
salaries  for  their  own  services. 

The  power  with  respect  to  the  payment  of  the  salaries 
to  infeiior  court  judges  in  the  several  states  ;  and  which 
salaries  the  new  Constitution  declares  are  not  to  be  di- 
minished. 

Tlieir  power  relative  to  the  migration  or  importation 
of  foreigners. 

The  not  securing  the  rights  of  conscience  in  matters 
of  religion,  or  granting  the  liberty  of  worshipping  God 
agreeable  to  the  mode  thereby  dictated;  whereas  the 
experience  of  all  ages  proves  that  the  benevolence  and 
humility  inculcated  in  the  gospel,  are  no  restraint  on  the 
love  of  domination. 

The  vast  executive  power  vested  in  one  man  (not 
elected  by  the  people),  who,  though  called  President, 
will  have  powers  equal  if  not  superior  to  many  European 
Kings. 

His  legislative  power  of  negativing  all  laws,  resolu- 
tions and  votes,  thereby  to  prevent  their  passing  unless 
agreed  to  by  two  thirds  of  both  houses  of  the  legislature. 


Objections  to  the  Ccnitilulicn.  339 

His  long  continuance  in  office,  and  even  at  the  end  of 
four  years  capable  of  being  again  chosen,  and  continued 
for  life. 

The  great  powers  granted  to  the  grand  continental 
supreme  court,  extending  to  all  cases  in  law  and  equity, 
and  the  allowing  that  court  original  jurisdiction  in  cer 
tain  cases. 

The  granting  of  appeals  to  that  court  in  loth  law  and 
fact.  A  powerful  engine  in  the  hands  of  the  rich,  to 
oppress  and  ruin  the  poor. 

The  power  to  establish  inferior  courts  in  every  state. 

No  provision  being  made  to  prevent  placemen  and  pen- 
sioners. 

Nor  for  the  liberty  of  the  press,  that  grand  palladium 
of  liberty  and  scourge  of  tyrants. 

The  trial  by  jury,  that  sacred  bulwark  of  liberty,  is 
not  provided  for  in  civil  cases. 

The  power  of  appointing  as  many  continental  officers 
as  they  shall  think  proper  in  every  state,  and  thereby 
extending  their  influence  over  every  part  of  the  United 
States. 

The  great  additional  expenses  of  the  new  government, 
and  the  burtherisorne  and  heavy  taxes  which  will  thereby 
be  occasioned. 

Their  guaranteeing  to  the  several  states,  not  the  sub- 
stance, but  a  republican  form  of  government,  and  the 
states  left  at  the  mercy  of  the  general  government,  to 
allow  them  such  a  form  as  they  shall  deem  proper. 

They  have  declared,  that  if  the  convention  of  nine 
states  ratify  the  constitution,  it  shall  be  established  between 
the  states  so  ratifying  the  same ;  by  which  means,  if  all 
the  states  should  not  adopt  it,  they  have  laid  a  founda- 
tion to  defeat  the  confederation  and  dissolve  the  union  of 
the  states.  A  clause  dictated  by  the  same  genius  of 
aristocracy,  which  prompted  the  convention  to  enjoin 
secrecy  on  their  members,  to  keep  their  doors  shut,  their 
journals  locked  up,  and  none  of  the  members  to  take  any 
extracts. 

By  the  articles  of  confederation  each  state  retains 
what  is  not  expressly  granted  to  congress;  but  in  the 


340  Objections  to  the  Constitution. 

new  constitution  there  is  no  provision  or  bill  of  rights, 
to  secure  any  of  the  fundamental  rights  and  liberties  of 
the  people. 

Notwithstanding  so  many  and  such  powerful  objections 
to  this  constitution,  some  of  its  zealous  advocates,  have 
industriously  attempted  to  persuade  the  people  to  adopt 
it.  Is  it  for  the  sake  of  the  poor  and  common  people, 
that  the  rich  and  well  born  are  so  indefatigable?  or  is  it 
because  they  and  their  friends  and  connections  expect  to 
possess  some  of  the  many  lucrative  offices  under  the 
new  government? 

They  have  asserted,  that  the  present  confederation  is 
defective  and  will  tend  to  anarchy  and  confusion. 

That  the  expenses  of  the  new  government  will  be  less. 

That  the  value  of  produce  will  be  raised. 

That  the  concurrence  of  nine  states  will  bind  the 
whole. 

That  the  constitution  may  hereftaer  be  amended. 

As  to  the  first,  it  is  the  weakest  of  all  weak  reasons, 
to  adopt  a  bad  constitution  because  the  present  one  is 
defective.  A  person  of  a  sickly  habit,  or  constitution 
might  as  well  put  an  end  to  his  existence,  for  fear  that 
his  sickness  or  infirmity  would  be  the  cause  of  his  death. 
As  to  the  second,  a  man  must  be  very  credulous  and  ig- 
norant indeed,  who  can  suppose  that  the  new  government 
will  not  be  more  expensive.  Will  not  the  raising  and 
supporting  the  army  and  navy,  in  time  of  peace,  create 
additional  expense?  Can  the  multitude  and  variety  of 
the  salaries  of  the  continental  supreme  court  judges,  the 
continental  inferior  court  judges  in  the  different  states, 
and  other  civil  officers  in  the  judicial  department,  be  paid 
without  great  additional  expense?  Can  a  federal  town, 
for  the  seat  of  the  national  government,  be  built  without 
additional  expense?  Will  not  the  furniture  necessary 
for  the  Continental  President,  Vice  President,  Secretaries, 
Treasurers,  Comptrollers,  Ministers,  &c.  &c.  &c.,  to  grace 
their  tables  and  adorn  the  rooms  of  their  stately  palaces, 
be  costly  and  expensive?  Can  all  these  things,  with 
many  others,  be  accomplished  without  great  additional 
expense,  and  without  laying  heavy  and  burthensome  taxes 


Objections  to  the  Constitution.  341 

on  the  people  ?     As  well  might  the  Israelites  of  old,  have 
made  brick  without  straw. 

With  respect  to  the  regulation  of  trade,  this  may  be 
vested  in  congress  under  the  present  confederation,  with- 
out changing  the  fundamental  principles  of  the  general  as 
well  as  all  the  state  governments ;  nor  is  it  probable  that 
if  the  new  constitution  should  be  adopted,  the  value  of 
produce  would  be  thereby  increased.  As  well  might  it 
be  said,  that  our  soil  will  be  better  and  our  lands  more 
fruitful. 

The  assertion,  that  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  by 
nine  states  will  bind  every  state,  is  not  true.  This  false- 
hood is  contradicted  by  the  express  words  of  the  last 
clause;  and  the  threats  given  out  that  the  dissenting  states 
will  be  compelled  to  adopt  it,  is  the  language  of  tyrants, 
and  an  insult  on  the  understandings  of  a  free  people. 

With  regard  to  amendments,  some  of  the  strongest  and 
most  zealous  advocates  of  the  ne\v  constitution,  at  Jirst, 
and  for  a  long  time,  affected  to  hold  it  up  as  a  good  system 
of  government ;  but  after  various  and  repeated  journeys 
into  the  country  (having  discovered  that  the  people  were 
generally  opposed  to  the  constitution,  and  that  they  can 
and  will  judge  on  a  matter  of  such  consequence  to  them- 
selves and  their  posterity)  these  same  zealous  advocates 
have  since  changed  their  ground,  and  altered  their  plan 
of  operations.  They  now  acknowledge  it  to  be  defective, 
but  endeavoV  to  prevail  on  the  people,  Jirst  to  adopt  it, 
and  afterwards  (like  Massachusetts)  trust  to  a  recommend- 
ation for  future  amendments.  Would  it  be  prudent  or 
safe  for  the  people  to  surrender  their  dearest  rights  and 
liberties,  to  the  discretionary  disposal  of  their  future 
rulers?  First  to  make  a  surrender  and  aftencards  ask 
for  terms  of  capitulation. 

The  freemen  of  America  have  fought  and  bled  to 
oppose  the  oppression  and  usurpation  of  Great  Britain, 
and  shall  they  now  resign  these  rights  and  privileges,  to 
a  government  which,  if  possible,  may  be  still  more  arbi- 
trary and  despotic  ?  Sacred  as  well  as  profane  history 
afford  abundant  examples  to  prove  that  the  most  strenu- 
ous asserters  of  liberty,  in  all  ages,  after  having  success- 


342  Objections  to  the  Constitution. 

fully  triumphed  over  tyranny,  have  themselves  become 
tyrants,  when  entrusted  by  the  people  with  unlimited  and 
uncontrollable  powers. 

No  amendments  ean  be  obtained  without  the  consent 
of  three  fourths  of  the  states.  Is  it  probable  that  such 
consent  will  ever  be  obtained  to  amendments  which  will 
tend  to  abridge  the  powers  of  the  new  government?  Is 
it  not  rather  more  probable,  that  if  any  amendments  are 
made,  they  will  ratliQr  enlarge  those  powers?  Will  not 
those  in  power  have  influence  sufficient  at  all  times,  to 
prevent  more  than  o;>e  fourth  of  the  states  to  consent  to 
future  amendments  ?  From  this  source,  then,  amendments 
are  not  to  be  expected,  nor  is  it  to  be  presumed  that  if 
the  people  once  resign  such  great  and  extensive  powers, 
they  will  ever  be  enabled  to  wrest  them  from  a  national 
government,  having  the  command  of  the  purse  as  well  as 
the  sword. 

The  5th  article  of  the  constitution  points  out  a  mode  to 
obtain  amendments  after  it  is  adopted,  which  is  to  call  a 
convention  for  the  purpose;  and  we  conceive  that  a 
convention  may  be  called  to  amend  the  constitution, 
before  it  is  adopted  with  so  many  material  and  radical 
defects. 

These,  among  many  others,  are  the  reasons  that  have 
induced  us  to  oppose  the  new  constitution  in  its  present 
form.  A  constitution  destructive  of  the  fundamental 
principles  of  the  general  as  well  as  all  the  state  govern- 
ments ;  dangerous  to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  people, 
and  which,  if  adopted  without  previous  amendments,  will, 
in  our  opinion,  terminate  in  slavery. 

If  therefore  you  entertain  the  like  sentiment  relative 
to  this  constitution,  we  beg  leave  to  request  your  vote 
and  interest  in  favor  of  the  above  delegates,  whose  opin- 
ions, we  have  reason  to  conclude,  agree  with  ours  on  this 
important  subject. 

We  are,  gentlemen,  your  most  humble  servants, 
By  order  of  the  Committee, 

JER.  VAN  RSNSSELAER  ,  Chairman, 

MAT.  VISSCHER,  Clerk. 


Objections  to  the  Constitution. 


343 


The  subscribers  being  of  the  opinion,  that  the  reasons 
above  mentioned,  are  conclusive  against  adopting  the  new- 
constitution  without  previous  amendments,  recommend  the 
above  named  gentlemen,  as  candidates  for  members  of 
convention,  and  the  following,  for  members  of  senate  and 
assembly,  to  wit:  Peter  Van  Ness,  for  senator;  John 
Lansing,  Jan.,  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer,  Cornelius  Van 
Dyck,  John  Duncan,  John  Thompson,  Henry  K.  Van 
Rensselaer,  and  John  Younglove,  for  assemblymen. 
Jacob  C.  Ten  Eyck,  Robert  Lansing, 

John  R.  Bleecker,  John  Price, 

Gerrit  Lansing,  Jun.,  Arie  Lagrange, 

Cornelius  K.  Van  Den  Berg,  Henry  Lansing, 


Abraham  Yates,  Jun. 
Gysbert  Fonda, 
Cornelius  Wendell, 
Volkert  A.  Douw, 
Abraham  Cuyler, 
Henry  Ten  Eyck, 
Henry  Wendell, 
Peter  W.  Douw, 
Wm.  Mancius, 


Jacob  G.  Lansing, 
John  W.  Wendell, 
Ab'm  Bloodgood, 
Gysbert  Marselus, 
Peter  W.  Yates, 
Dirk  B.  Van  Schoonhoven, 
Jacob  Roseboom, 
Richard  Lush, 
Peter  Sharp. 


SO 


(344) 

PLAN  OF  ALBANY,  1765. 


The  plan  here  inserted  is  found  in  a  small  work  in  the 
State  Library,  entitled,  A  Set  of  Plans  and  Forts  in 
America,  reduced  from  Actual  Survey,  1765,  containing 
thirty  maps  of  the  forts  in  British  North  America,  and 
published  in  London  by  MARY  ANN  ROCQUE,  topographer 
to  the  Duke  of  Gloucester. 

The  map  bears  the  following  inscription :  Plan  of  the 
city  of  Albany,  with  a  design  for  the  better  securing  it  by 
altering  the  ancient  form  of  its  stockade,  adding  a  ditch 
in  front,  defended  by  a  number  of  blockhouses,  with  a 
banquette  within,  from  which  a  double  fire  of  musketry 
can  be  made  through  loopholes  in  the  stockade ;  also  a 
design  for  a  magazine  for  provisions,  barracks  to  complete 
one  thousand  men,  with  a  general  hospital  for  four  hun- 
dred sick,  arid  a  small  quay  for  the  convenience  of  loading 
and  unloading  the  vessels,  which  will  also  serve  for  a 
battery  for  two  guns  to  command  the  river. 

This  plan  embraces  within  its  boundaries  the  space 
now  included  between  Hamilton  and  Patroon  streets,  east 
of  a  line  running  about  midway  between  Eagle  and  Lodge 
streets.  We  have  not  yet  met  with  any  documentary 
evidence  that  the  stockade  was  extended  to  so  large  a 
compass.  The  gates  within  the  memory  of  the  oldest 
inhabitants  were  at  Hamilton  street  on  the  south,  and  a 
little  above  Orange  street  on  the  north,  on  Broadway, 
but  the  stockades  are  supposed  to  have  converged  from 
those  points  to  the  fort  in  State  street  without  taking  in 
the  north-west  and  south-west  angles  here  described. 
There  was  a  hospital  occupying  the  site  of  the  one  indi- 
cated on  the  map,  whichis  now  the  site  of  the  Lutheran 
Church.  The  location  of  the  fort  has  been  described  and 
pictured  in  the  previous  volumes. 


(345) 

ANNALS  FOR  THE  YEAE  1852. 


Col.  P.  V.  Shankland,  formerly  chamberlain  of  Albany, 
died  at  Pittsfield.  Pike  Co.,  Illinois,  aged  49.  He  was 
clerk  of  the  county. 

JANUARY. 

1.  New  Year.     The  rains  and  fogs  the  previous  three 
or  four  days,  produced  a  rise  of  water  in  the  river  and 
swept  away  the  ice.     The  docks    were  inundated,  and 
crossing  at  the  ferries   suspended.     Early  in  the  morn- 
ing a  canal  boat  passed  down  with  the  ice,  having  on 
board  a  woman  and  two  children,  who  called  for  assist- 
ance, but  the  running  ice  was  so  formidable  that  no  aid 
could  be  safely  afforded.     They  were  rescued  safely  at 

Castleton A  burglar  entered  the  office  of  the  Albany 

State  Register,   broke  open  the  door,  desk,  and  drawers, 
but  disdained  to  take  away  the  few  pennies  that  were  in 

the   latter Mary   Louisa,  wife   of  Wilson   Purdy, 

died,  aged  36.     Louis  Sporberg  died  at  Utica,  aged  45, 
and  was  buried  on  the  4th  by  the  German  military  and 

lodges William    A.    Young   sworn   into   office   as 

city   recorder,   and   A.    D.   Robinson   as  county  judge. 
.  .A  new  military  association,  composed  of  the  staff  and 
officers  of  the  25th  regiment,  turned  out  to  call  in  a  body 
upon  the  governor. 

2.  Patrick  Heary  died,  aged  35.     Frederick  W.  Hux- 
ford  died  at  Albion,  Michigan. 

3.  Adam  A.  Ramsey,  some  time  a  writer  for  the  Daily 
Knickerbocker,    died    at    Jacksonville,    Florida.     Sarah 
Barnard  formerly  of  Albany,  died  at  Cobleskill,  aged  20. 

4.  Fire  in  Wiles'  dry  goods  store,  in  the  Dutch  house 
corner  of  State  and  South  Pearl,  at  an  early  hour  in  the 
morning,   was  extinguished  with  triflii  g  damage  to  the 
building,  but  with  almost  a  total  loss  of  the  goods   


346  Annals  of  1852. 

A  fire  was  discovered  at  the  same  time  in  Briare's  saloon 

in  Broadway The  Rev.  W.  W.  Moore,  late  pastor  of 

the  State  Street  Baptist  Church,  began  his  labors  as  pas- 
tor of  the  South  Baptist  Church,  corner  of  Herkimer  and 
Franklin  streets. 

5.  Mary,  wife  of  Andrew  Millan  died,  aged  67.    Mary, 
wife  of  Hugh  Temple  died,  aged  55. 

6.  A  total  eclipse  of  the  moon,  rendered  invisible  by  a 
snowstorm Peter  Turner  died,  aged  60 Meet- 
ing of   the  legislature Elizabeth,    widow  of   Henry 

Bleecker,  died,  aged  87. 

7.  John  Yertz,  a  German,   aged  66,  fell  and  fractured 
his  skull,  causing  instant  death. 

A  fair  held  at  Bleecker  Hall  for  the  benefit  of  the  Or- 
phan Asylum  produced  $3,249  dollars. 

8.  The  basement  of  the  Centre  Market,'  occupied  as  a 
fish  market,  was  broken  into  and  robbed  of  a  few  bad 
pennies  left  there. 

9.  George  Graves  died,  aged  32 The  river  was 

again  bridged  over  with  ice,  so  as  to  admit  of  being  crossed 
by  persons  on  foot.     A  man  fell  in,  however,  at  a  tender 

place,  and  was  with  difficulty  rescued A  democratic 

county  convention  met  to  appoint  a  delegate  to  attend 
the  convention  to  be  held  at  Baltimore  to  nominate  a 
candidate  for  president.     Erastus  Corning  nominated. 

10.  Alfred  Mayell  died,  aged  37.     Mary,  wife  of  Philip 

Dunn  died,  aged  63 A  party  of  Rocky  Mountain 

Indians  exhibited  their  customs  and  dress  at  Van  Vechten 
Hall.     Margaret,  wife  of  Wm.  Fowler  died,  aged  76. 

11.  The  North  Methodist  Church,   erected  on  the  site 
of  the  old  circus,  was  dedicated  with  the  usual  ceremonies. 
The  edifice  was  built  under  the  direction  of  L.  Woollett, 
jr.,  is  49  by  88  feet,   capable  of  seating  700  persons,  and 
cost,  with  the  parsonage  adjoining,  $10,000. 

12.  A  fire  occurred  about  one  o'clock  in  the  morning  in 
the  basement  of  a  boarding  house  in  Water  street,  which 

was  extinguished  before  it  had  done  much  damage 

Edward  M.  Cole  died,  aged  20. 

13.  The   mayor's   oath  of  office  administered  to  Eli 
Perry  at  his  house,  where  he  was  confined  by  sickness. 


Annals  of  1852.  347 

14.  Samuel  Waddy  died,  aged  50 The  scientific 

department  of  the  University  opened  with  a  lecture  on 

Scientific  Agriculture  by  Prof.  Norton John   Lee 

died,  aged  22.    Benjamin  Bowers  died,^aged  56.    Jane  M., 
wife  of  George  W.  Palmer  died,  aged  22. 

15.  .Mary  W.,    wife   of  Frederick   G.  Tucker,   died. 
Augustus  S.  Hills  died,  aged  37. 

16.  Henry  Herring  died,  aged  20.     Benjamin  W.  Car- 
ter died,  aged  55. 

17.  The  Spanish  minister,  M.  Calderon  de  la  Barca,  ar- 
rived from  Washington  to  intercede  for  the  life  of  a  young 

Spaniard   convicted  of  murder A   large   audience 

collected  at  the  Hall  of  the  Young  Men's  Association  to 
witness    a   vocal   entertainment  by   Miss    Greenfield,  a 
negress,  whose  performances  were  of  unusual  excellence. 

18.  Mrs.  Fanny  Munger  died,  aged  71    The  ther- 
mometers marked  from  6  deg.  down  to  0  during  the  day, 
and  what  was  more  remarkable  at  so  low  a  temperature, 
it  snowed  steadily  all  day  and  night. 

19.  The  first   train  on  the  Harlem  Rail  Road  came 
through  with  a  few  invited  guests,  who  took  dinner  at 
Congress  Hall,  there  being  no  other  celebration  of  the 
event ;  except  a  smash  caused  by  running  into  another 
train   Mrs.  Gloranah  Pruyn  died,  aged  61. 

20.  Julius    Rhoades   died Meeting   of  the  State 

Agricultural  Society Thermometers  ranged  from  8 

to  15"  below  0  in  the  morning. 

21.  The   State  Agricultural   Society  held  its  annual 

meeting Thermometer  5    deg.    below  zero   in  the 

morning. 

22.  Mary  JaneNeely  died,  aged  24 Thermometer 

5  deg.  below  zero  in  the  morning.  .  .William  John  Bat- 
tersby,  a  native  of  Albany,  died  at  Rochester,  aged  20. 

23.  Thermometer  below  zero  in  the  morning.     Began 
to  moderate  during  the  day. 

24.  Warren  C.  Norris,  formerly  of  Albany,  was  killed 
at  San  Francisco,  California,  in  a  fracas. 

26.  A  fire  at   night   partially   destroyed   a    wooden 
"building,  corner  of  Green  and  Hudson  streets. 

27.  The  State  Temperance  society  met  at  the  Pearl 


348  Annals  of  1852. 

street  Baptist  church,   to  hold  its  semi-annual  session. 
Eugene  Sullivan  died,  aged  35. 

28.  The  Temperance  societies  of  the  city  and  a  large 
delegation  from  abroad,  formed  a  procession  and  marched 
to  the  Capitol,  preceded  by  a  band  of  music  and  the  Re- 
publican Artillery.     The  Capitol  not  admitting  the  whole 
of  the  procession,  a  part  marched  off  and  organized  at  the 
State  street  Baptist  church. 

29.  Ann  wife  of  William  Patrick  died,  aged  36 

Tryphena  Case  died,  aged  22. 

31.  By  the  report  of  the  directors  of  the  Albany  and 
Schenectady  rail  road  company  it  appeared  that  the  re- 
ceipts for  the  year  were  $260,041 '07;  the  expenses  of 
operating  the  road  $102,611-49;  interest,  tolls,  improve- 
ments, &c.,  $68,145-42.  The  dividends  were  $75,000, 

leaving   a   surplus    of    $14,284*16 Mrs.    Rebecca 

Hays  died,  aged  69,  widow  of  the  late  Solomon  Hays. 

FEBRUARY. 

2.  John  Gott  died,  aged  68. 

This  fine  old  gentleman,  who  has  been  identified  for  nearly 
Lalf  a  century  with  the  interests  of  this  city,  and  whose  presence 
and  name  were  as  familiar  to  the  risen  and  rising  generation 
as  long  standing  could  make  them,  went  yesterday,  to  his  long 
home,  ripe  in  years,  regretted  by  numbers,  and  leaving  behind 
him  the  pleasautest  odor  of  a  good  name.  Mr.  Gott  was  a 
Green  Mountain  boy,  having  been  born  in  Vermont  in  1786. 
When  quite  young,  while  Vermont  was  still  reckoned  as  within 
the  county  of  Albany,  his  parents  moved  into  this  state,  and 
settled  in  Tryon  county,  then  a  wilderness  embracing  the  whole 
western  and  northern  parts  of  this  state.  In  1799  Mr.  G.  re- 
moved to  Albany,  and  for  a  long  time  acted  as  clerk  to  Mr. 
George  Pierson,  a  gentleman  well  known  to  the  snuff  takers  of 
the  last  century,  and  whose  memory  is  still  cherished  with  de- 
served respect.  At  Mr.  Pierson's  death  Mr.  Gott  associated 
with  him,  in  the  tobacco  business,  the  late  Mathew  Kline,  pur- 
chased his  late  employer's  interest  in  the  factory  and  fixtures, 
and  commenced  business  for  himself.  When  Mr.  Kline  died, 
Mr.  Gott  continued  the  business  in  his  own  name.  Until  nearly 
the  time  of  his  death,  he  occupied  the  same  old  premises; 
the  factory  in  James  street  being  the  identical  building  that  he 
entered  with  the  freshness  of  boyhood  half  a  century  since.  As 
the  Dutchman,  from  whose  columns  we  procure  the  above 


Annals  of  1852.  349 

facts,  observes,  "  Mr.  Gott  was  probably  the  only  Vermonter  of 
whom  history  has  any  knowledge,  that  ever  remained  fifty  years 
in  any  one  place."  An  old  and  thriving  merchant,  a  valuable 
citizen,  an  honest  man,  Mr.  Gott's  quiet  modesty  and  retirement 
kept  him  aloof  from  politics,  and  from  offices  of  distinction, 
where  his  integrity  would  have  done  good  service.  His  business 
capacity  and  perseverance  elevated  him,  and  his  nice  sense  of 
honor  and  pure  integrity  maintained  him,  in  an  enviable  posi- 
tion, in  the  esteem  of  those  whose  opinions  are  really  valuable. 
Of  all  the  quiet  old  gentlemen  who  have  faded  away  within  the 
last  few  years,  none  will  be  remembered  more  kindly  than  Mr. 
Gott.  Peace  to  his  ashes. — Knickerbocker. 

William  Lansing  died,  aged  18. 

3.  Anna,  wife  of  Alexander  Norris,  died,  aged  20. 

4.  Semi-annual  exercises  of  the  pupils  of  the  Albany 
Academy,  held  at  Van  Vechten  Hall.     The  Caldwell  and 
Van  Rensselaer  medals  awarded  to  John  Bogart,  jr.,  who 
was  the  first  student  to  carry  off  both. 

5.  Election  of  officers  of  the  Young  Men's  Association ; 

Theodore    Townsend   elected     president Closing 

exercises  of  the  semi-annual  examination  at  the  Normal 

School James  Neely  died  at  Jacksonville,  Florida, 

aged  27. 

6.  Mary  L.  J.  Wilson  died. 

7.  Sylvanus  J.  Penniman  died,  aged  71. 

One  by  one,  the  ripe  old  citizens  of  the  past,  the  well  known 
hale  old  gentlemen  who  were  recognized  as  aged  in  our  earliest 
days  of  youth,  and  who  have  marked  the  impress  of  time  upon 
our  city  for  the  better  part  of  a  century — one  hy  one  they  vanish 
from  among  us — one  by  one  Death  gathers  them  in,  and  the 
places  that  knew  them,  know  them  no  more.  Last  week  we 
chronicled,  with  regret,  the  demise  of  the  late  John  Gott;  we 
are  now  called  upon  to  render  a  due  tribute  to  the  memory  of 
Sylvanns  J.  Penniman,  another  landmark  of  the  past,  and  one 
whose  honest  industry  and  integrity  accumulated  here  such 
fortune  and  respect  as  true  merit  ever  deserves.  An  attempt  to 
trace,  minutely,  the  chequered  career  of  this  well  known  citi- 
zen, would  run  over  the  whole  field  of  enterprise,  and  consume 
more  space  than  we  are  able  to  afford ;  for  there  is,  perhaps,  no 
branch  of  industry,  no  pursuit  in  the  whole  catalogue  of  various 
business,  with  which  Mr.  Penniman  has  not  been  at  some  period 
of  his  life  identified.  He  was  the  son  of  a  New  England 
farmer,  and  one  of  a  numerous  family  of  sons  and  daughters, 


350  Annals  of  1852. 

though  none  besides  himself  known  to  present  fame.  His  birth 
place  was  the  town  of  Meriden,  in  the  county  of  Worcester,  and 
state  of  Massachusetts,  where  he  *irst  saw  the  light  in  the  year 
1780.  The  advantages  of  a  district  school,  comprised  the  whole 
of  his  early  education.  Leaving  home  about  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  to  seek  his  fortune,  he  made  a  temporary  sojourn  at  Troy; 
subsequently  spent  some  time  among  the  Green  Mountains  in 
Vermont,  and  at  length,  about  the  year  1803,  established  him- 
self in  a  small  book  bindery  in  the  village  of  Lansingburgh. 
Several  specimens  of  his  industry  at  this  period  are  still  ex- 
tant, and  do  credit  to  his  skill  and  taste.  Here,  he  was  but  a 
short  time  settled  ere  he  married  Miss  Fitch  of  Connecticut, 
who  has  been  the  sharer  of  his  cares  and  fortunes  for  the  last 
fifty  years.  Forsaking  book  binding,  after  a  sufficient  trial  of 
its  merits,  he  entered  into  the  business  of  tanning,  on  the  river, 
near  Lansingburgh,  having,  as  foreman  of  his  establishment,  our 
worthy  ex-mayor,  Friend  Humphrey.  Finding  his  tannery  ra- 
ther a  losing  speculation,  Mr.  Penniman  soon  surrendered  the 
business  into  the  hands  of  Russell  Forsyth,  taking  in  exchange 
therefor,  the  drug  and  medicine  store  of  Dr.  F.  This  business 
transaction,  which  occurred  just  previous  to  the  war  of  1812, 
proved  most  fortunate  and  lucrative  to  the  subject  of  our  notice. 
On  the  declaration  of  war,  the  advance  in  the  price  of  opium 
and  other  drugs,  became  enormous,  and  secured  an  abundant 
harvest  to  the  quondam  tanner.  About  1823,  he  resolved  to 
emigrate  to  Albany;  and  accordingly,  transported  his  stock  to 
this  city,  and  continued  the  business  here  until  1832;  his  resi- 
dence, fora  part  of  the  time,  being  the  beautiful  country  seat  of 
the  Van  Rensselaer  family  below  Greenbush.  In  the  year  1832 
he  sold  out  the  entire  concern  to  the  late  firm  of  J.  &  A.  Mc- 
Clure.  Freed  from  the  mortar  and  pestle,  Mr.  P.  now  entered 
with  all  the  energy  of  his  spirit,  and  his  vast  business  expe- 
rience into  the  oil  business,  with  which  lie  has  been  actively 
identified  ever  since.  But  a  short  period  elapsed,  before  the 
public  saw  him  hotly  engaged  in  an  unbloody  but  determined 
battle  with  certain  rogues  of  oil  mixers,  who  then  contrived  to 
enjoy  a  monopoly,  and  carried  on  an  independent  system  of 
imposition  on  the  public.  He  had  invented  and  constructed 
with  great  ingenuity,  a  little  brass  instrument  called  the.oilome- 
ter,  for  the  purpose  of  testing  the  purity  of  oil,  &c.  Against 
all  the  influence  and  exertions  of  a  host  of  roguish  opposers, 
Mr.  P.  procured  the  passage  of  a  legislative  enactment,  making 
this  little  instrument  a  legal  test ;  and  providing  a  five  years'  re- 
sidence in  the  state  prison  for  all  dishonest  dealers  in  oil. 
Time  and  again,  the  combined  forces  of  oil  dealers  have  been 
marshalled  to  the  Capitol  for  the  overthrow  of  this  law,  but  in 


Annals  of  1852.  351 

vain.  The  old  hero  has  always  met,  and  vanquished  them.  About 
five  years  since,  he  retired  from  active  life,  to  enjoy  the  evening 
of  his  days  amid  the  quiet  of  domestic  life.  His  eldest  son 
James  is  known  as  one  of  the  most  opulent  merchants  of  New 
York.  One  of  his  daughters  is  the  widow  of  Phineas  Smith, 
Esq.,  brother  of  Hon.  Truman  Smith,  U.  S.  Senator  from  Con- 
necticut. Mr.  Pennim  m's  personal  habits  were  accurately 
primitive.  He  always  did  his  own  mnrketing,  and  always  carried 
it  home,  and  in  this  respect,  as  in  a  thousand  others,  was  a  model 
for  the  young  sprouts,  who  blush  now-a-days  at  the  sight  of  a 
bundle.  He  was  a  striking  instance  of  what  indomitable  per- 
severance and  exertion  will  accomplish  in  spite  of  all  obstacles. 
Peace  to  his  ashes. — Knickerbocker. 

Mrs.  Mary  Gould  died,  aged  75.  relict  of  the  late  Wil- 
liam Gould A  burglar  was  arrested  in  attempting 

to  break  into  a  house  in  Broadway. 

8.  A  fire  in  Green  street  burnt  a  wooden  building  and  a 
shoe  maker's  stock,  at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning.     In 
the  evening  another  alarm  arose  from  a  fire  at  the  corner 
of  Maiden  lane  and  Dean  street,  which  was  soon  extin- 
guished  P.  V.  Watson,  formerly  of  Albany,  died  at 

Jersey  City. 

9.  Paul  T.  Taber,  M.  D  ,  formerly  of  Albany,  died  in 
Buchanan  County,  Missouri. 

11.  A  fire  discovered  in  the  evening  at  No.  32  Hudson 
street,  was  got  under  before  it  had  done  much  damage. 

12.  Mrs.  Rebecca  Bulson  died The  recent  mild 

weather  and  heavy  rains  caused  a  rise  of  water  in  the 
river,  which  submerged  the  docks. 

14.  Mrs.  Martha  French  died,  aged  89. ....  .A  fire  in 

Bassett  street  destroyed  a  carpenter  shop  and  stable. 

15.  Mrs.  Alice  Newton  died,  aged  95. 

16.  Two  burglars  arrested  in  the  act  of  breaking  into 
the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  off 
the  communion  service. 

17.  A  meeting  of  scientific  gentlemen  was  convened  by 
invitation  of  the  Legislature,  to  deliberate  and  report  a 
plan  for  the  organization  of  a  national  university.     Hon. 
Amasa  Parker,    chairman,  T.   Romeyn  Beck,  secretary. 

Mrs.  Murray  died,  aged  90.     Anthony  Van  Sant- 

voord  died,  aged  91. 


352  Annals  of  1852. 

19.  Eveline  0.  Lansingh  died,   aged  20 Splendid 

aurora  borealis.     The  weather  at  the  time  very  cold  and 
a  high  wind  prevailing. 

20.  Harriet  Woodworth  died. 

22.  Mrs.  Dorothy  DeWitt  died,  aged  83.     Datus  E. 
Frost  died,  aged  26. 

23.  A  posse  of  twenty  two  policemen  went  out  to  the 
Helderberg  to  capture  certain  Anti  Renters  who  had  been 
concerned  in  tarring  and  feathering  Mr.  Fish  some  months 
before,  and  returned  with  two  prisoners  by  the  name  of 
Turner,  although  they  were  attacked  by  a  large  party  of 

Anti  Renters,  with  weapons The  anniversary  of  the 

birthday  of  Washington  celebrated  by  a  procession  and 

other  appropriate  demonstrations A  meeting  of  the 

young  men  of  the  city  was  held  at  the  City  Hall,  which 
organized  a  society  entitled  the  Hungarian  Liberty  Asso- 
ciation, a  constitution  was   adopted  and   officers  were 
elected. 

24.  A  fire  early  in  the  morning  destroyed  a  clothing 
store  and  ball  alley  in  South  Broadway.     In  the  evening 
an  alarm  from  a  house  in  North  Pearl  street,  where  only 
a  kitchen  curtain  was  burnt Richard  H.  M.  Whit- 
ney died,   aged  18.     William  Walsh,  a  foreigner,  died, 
aged  65. 

25.  Mr.  Taber  of  the  Senate,  introduced  a  bill  to  incor- 
porate a  company  to  construct  a  tunnel  under  the  Hudson 
river  at  Albany. 

26.  John  Kimball  died,  aged  56 The  Regents  of 

the   University   made   their   annual   distribution   of  the 
literature   fund,   amounting  to    $40,000.     Of   this   sum 
$298,69  was  appropriated  to  the  Albany  Academy,  $509* 
41  to  the  Female  Academy,  and  $169'82  to  the  "Female 
Seminary;  total  $977 '91  for   the  support  and  encourage- 
ment of  education  in  three  of  our  city  institutions. 

28.  The  House  of  Assembly  after  a  night  of  stormy 
debate,  on  the  subject  of  a  contested  seat,  adjourned  at  5 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  the  seat  of  Col.  Snow  of  the 
16th  district  was  declared  vacant  by  a  democratic 
majority Mrs.  Jane  Floy  died,  aged  63. 


Annahof  1852.  353 

29.  Cornelia  T.,  wife  of  Lewis  Wiles  died,  aged  31. 
Mrs.  Anna  Defreest  died,  aged  51. 

MARCH. 

2.  Hugh  McGrath  died,  aged  33. 

3.  Mrs.  Catharine  P.,  wife  of  Anthony  L.  Harrison, 
died.     Sarah  Jane  McAlister  died,  aged  16.     Catharine 
Dooner  died. 

4.  Eliza  McFarlane  died,  aged  24. 

6.  The  Bethlehem  Washington  Guards,  a  new  German 
company,  made  a  parade  In  the  afternoon  a  riot  grew 
out  of  the  affair,  a  party  of  boys  having  offered  insult  to 

some  of  the  Guards,  and  the  police  were  called  out 

Alexander  Brennan  died,  aged  32. 

8.  Meeting  of  the  young  men  of  the  city  at  the  rooms 
of  the  Young  Men's  Association,  on  the  subject  of  the 
University,  at  which  Frederick  W.  Seward  presided. 

9.  Alexander  Borthwick  died,  aged  75. 

10.  The  gun  store  of  0.  Churchill  robbed  of  goods 

early  in  the  morning William  Doggett  died,  aged 

53 A  span  of  horses  and  a  loaded  wagon  broke 

through  the  ice  and  were  lost,  the  driver  barely  escaping 
with  his  life. 

11.  Alarm  of  fire  at  night  caused  by  the  burning  of  a 

chimney Meeting  at  the  Capitol  on  behalf  of  the 

University,  which  was  addressed  by  Prof.  Mitchell. 

12.  Michael  Mannin  died,  aged  78. 

13.  Eveline  M..  wife  of  C.  L.  Underner  died,  aged  25. 

14.  The  ice  moved  down  a  little  distance  below  the  city. 

15.  The  heavy  rain  of  the  preceding  day,  raised  the 
water  above  the  docks,  and  the  ice  in  the  river  moved 
down  to  Castleton,  where  a  great  barrier  had  been  formed 
at  a  previous  freshet.     The  ice  from  the  upper  streams 
passed  down  during  the  day  in  great  quantities. 

16.  Joshua  G.  Dix  died,  aged  48.     Thomas  Hall  died, 
aged  42. 

17.  St.   Patrick's  day  celebrated  with   unusual   cere- 
monies by  the  Catholics Helen,    wife  of  Patrick 

Nally  died,  aged  65. 

18.  George  G.  Brown  died,  aged  48. 


354  Annals  of  1852. 

19.  St.  Joseph's  Day  celebrated  by  the  St.  Joseph's 
Friends  Society,  a  German  association  instituted  for 
benevolent  purposes,  who  marched  in  procession,  with  a 
band  of  music,  to  the  church  of  the  Holy  Cross,  and  took 

part  in  the  religious  services  of  the  day Amelia, 

wife  of  John  Meigs,  jr.,  late  of  Albany,  died  at  Milwaukie. 

About  this  time  the  governors  of  the  hospital  purchased 
the  Jail  for  $9000.  The  old  Green  street  Baptist  Church 
was  purchased  by  a  theatrical  company  for  $6000,  after 
having  been  a  church  forty  years.  It  was  built  in  1811, 
and  used  as  a  theatre  during  the  war  with  Great  Britain. 

22.  William  P.  Bailey  died,  aged  42. 

23.  Sarah,   wife  of  Peter  Van  Loon   died,   aged   76. 

John  Donaghey  died,  aged  24 The  store  of  Michael 

Dowd  took  fire  about  4  o'clock  in  the  morning,  but  was 

extinguished  with   slight   damage Martha,  wife  of 

William   McMillen  died,  aged  41.     Jane  Eliza,  wife  of 
Henry  D.  Smethurst  died,  aged  29. 

26.  The  confectionery  establishment  of  J.  R.  Vernam 
in  North  Pearl  street  entered  by  burglars  and  the  safe 
robbed. 

27.  Mrs.  Richard  Bulger  died,   aged  28.     John  Bulger 
died,  aged  35. 

28.  Steam  boat  Nimrod  arrived ;  thirteen  days  after  the 

clearing  away  of   the  ice  before  the   city Samuel 

Chandler  died,  aged  53.     Mrs.  Maria  Shaw,  widow  of  the 
late  Jonathan  Shaw,  died,  aged  65.     Mrs.  Harriette  M. 
Johnson  died  at  Utica,  daughter  of  the  late  John  D.  P. 
Douw. 

29.  Francis  Leonard  died,  aged  32 A  meeting  of 

the  Common  Council  to  consider  the  project  of  loaning 
the  bonds  of  the  city  to  the  amount  of  one  million,  to  aid 
the  construction  of  the  Albany  and   Susquehanna  Rail 
Road.     The  subject,  after  an  animated  discussion,  was 

laid  on  the  table  indefinitely,  1 1  to  10 Ann  George 

died,  aged  33.     Phillis  Topp  died,  aged  64. 

30.  Hugh  Denniston,  aged  57. 


Annals  of  1852.  355 

APRIL. 

1.  Caleb  Benjamin  died,  aged  84.     William  Brownlow 
died,  aged  24. 

2.  William  Leggat  died,  aged  52.   Joseph  Henry  Peck* 
ham  died,  aged  17. 

4.  Mis.  Margaret  Higgins,  formerly  of  Albany,  died  at 
Utica. 

5.  John  D.  Hewson  died,  aged  63,     He  held  the  offices 
of  alderman,   supervisor  and  loan  commissioner  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  and  was  a  man  of  irreproachable  charac- 
ter.    Mrs.  Jubal   T.  Russell  died.     Mrs.  Catharine  Me* 
Gee  died,  aged  37. 

6.  Benjamin  L.  Wallace  died,  aged  55. 

7.  Catharine,   wife  of  John  Steelman  died,    aged  26. 
Charles  Gilchrist  died The  ceremony  of  the  pre- 
sentation  of  a  new   scroll    (sepher  torah')   was  held   at 
the  synagogue   Bethel  in   Herkimer   street.     The  scroll 
consisted  of  the  five  books  of  Moses,  written  in  Hebrew. 

10.  John  Griffin  died,  aged  27. 

13.  The  Legislature  adjourned  at  half  past  9  in  the 
morning,  having  sat  24  hours  without  any  recess,  an  un- 
precedented feat  in  legislation. 

14.  Mrs.  Nancy  Van   Emburgh  died,  aged  64.      Mar- 
garet, wife  of  Anthony  McGuire  died,  aged  32. 

15.  Snow  storm. 

16.  Flood  submerged  the  docks Margaret  wife  of 

William  Sands  died,  aged   35.     Mrs.  Helen  Thompson 
died,  aged  62.     Loren  P.  Fairman  died  in  California. 

17.  The  Legislature  adjourned  at  half  past  five  in  the 
morning,  having  continued  in  session  102  days,  and  two 
whole  nights. 

18.  Elizabeth  Hale  died,  aged  53.     Mary  Kane  died, 
aged  18. 

19.  John  Murray  died.      Elizabeth,  wife  of  John  Ne- 
ville, died.     John  Frazer  died. 

20.  Erie  Canal  opened  for  navigation.     Less  business 
than  usual  on  account  of  the  heavy  rain  storms  and  high 
water. ....  .The  new  board  of   Common   Council  took 

their  seats  and  elected  officers  for  the  ensuing  year 

The  workmen  commenced  laying  the  foundations  of  the 

31 


356  Annals  of  1852. 

First  Baptist  Church  on  the  corners  of  Hudson,  Philip 
and  Plain  streets. 

21.  The  docks  and  pier  submerged  again Mrs. 

Jane,  widow  of  the  late  James  Carmichael,  died,  aged  77. 
Margaret  Gunn  died,  aged  19. 

22.  A  meeting  of  citizens  at  the  Capitol,  in  relation  to 
the  Susquehanna  Rail  Road;    G.  Y.  Lansing,   pres.,  E. 
Corning  and  34  others,  vice  presidents,  J.  I.  Werner  and 

13  others,  secretaries Allen  Brown,  formerly  and 

for  a  long  time  a  merchant  in  Albany,  died  at  Roxbury. 
Peter  Van  Loon  died,  aged  78. 

23.  Gen.   Solomon  Van   Rensselaer,   of  Cherry  Hill, 
died,  aged  78. 

Gen.  SOLOMON  VAN  REKSSELAER,  long  known  in  the  history 
of  the  city  and  state,  by  his  civil  and  military  position  and  ser- 
vices, died  yesterday  afternoon  at  his  residence  at  Cherry  Hill, 
n  short  distance  below  the  city.  He  was  in  the  ?8lh  year  of  his 
age.  His  death  was  sudden,  he  having  maintained  the  vigor 
of  his  constitution  throiuh  a  long  life  of  hard  service  and  pome 
suffering.  In  the  sketch  helow,  which  we  take  from  the  State 
Register,  the  reader  will  find  an  ample  record  of  the  main  inci- 
dents of  his  eventful  life.  One  passage  is  omitted  (perhaps 
rightly  so)  that  might  have  illustrated  the  degree  of  animosity 
which  once  prevailed  in  politics — a  drama  of  partizan  violence 
and  virulence  in  which  the  first  men  in  the  state  figured.  We 
do  not  allude  to  it  now,  except  because  it  was  so  much  in  con- 
trast with  the  relations  which  his  political  adversaries  bore  to 
him  in  after  life.  Though  a  federalist,  he  was  appointed  to  office 
under  Monroe,  and  retained  by  his  successors,  Jackson  and  Van 
Buren,  till  the  removal  of  the  Democratic  state  officers  by  the 
Whig  legislature,  and  the  sweeping  change  made  in  the  De- 
partments of  the  State,  induced  Mr.  Van  Buren  to  appoint  Mr. 
F'lagg  to  the  post  office.  Restored  by  Harrison,  with  whom  he 
was  in  relations  of  intimacy,  he  was  removed,  at  the  instance 
of  his  Whig  associates,  by  Tyler.  His  claims  on  Gen.  Taylor 
were  regarded  as  of  great  force,  but  the  fact  did  not  secure  his 
appointment;  and  he  fared  no  better  under  his  National  Whig 
successor,  the  present  incumbent  of  the  chief  Executive  chair. 
He  was  unswerving  in  his  political  views  and  attachments,  and 
the  demeanor  of  his  political  adversaries  towards  him  was  an 
acknowledgment  of  the  value  and  extent  of  his  public  services. — 
Mas. 

Gen.  SOLOMON  VAN  RENSSELAER  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Greenbush,  and  in  the  old  Genet  Mansion,  at  the  foot  of  the 


Annals  of  1852.  357 

hill,  Haifa  mile  back  from  the  river,  and  about  three  miles  from 
this  city.  His  father  was  Gen.  Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer.  who 
fought  with  great  ardor  and  distinction  in  the  Revolutionary 
war,  and  was  desperately  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Ann, 
Washington  county,  in  this  state.  This  action  has  never  occu- 
pied the  place  in  the  history  of  that  war  which  its  importance 
entitles  it  to.  It  occurred  several  days  before  the  great  battle 
which  resulted  in  the  defeat  and  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  en 
Betnis  Heights,  and  was  swallowed  up  and  forgotten  in  the  su- 
perior brilliance  and  importance  of  that  decisive  conflict.  It 
was  maintained  for  an  entire  day  by  a  force  of  about  1,000  men, 
against  an  advanced  brigade  of  Burgoyne's  army,  and  was  u 
series  of  desperate  and  bloody  skirmishes.  It  was  fought  by 
order  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  who  felt  the  importance  of  checking  the 
enemy's  advance  at  that  point.  Gen.,  then  Col.  Henry  K.  Van 
Rensselaer,  commanded  a  regiment  of  500  men,  which  was  en- 
tirely mustered  on  the  Van  Rensselaer  Manor.  The  stand  taken 
by  them  held  Burgoyne  in  check  an  entire  day,  and  enabled 
Schuyler  to  remove  artillery  and  stores  from  Fort  George, 
strengthen  his  position  on  Bemis  Heights,  and  gain  invaluable 
time.  But  it  nearly  cost  the  brave  Van  Rennselaer  his  life. 
As  he  was  rising  from  a  kneeling  position,  after  firing  a  fuzee, 
he  received  a  musket  ball  in  his  thigh,  which  passed  down  to 
his  knee.  The  ball  was  afterwards  removed  by  a  surgeon,  by  a 
most  frightful  operation,  and  he  never  entirely  recovered  from 
the  frightful  wound.  So  close  and  desperate  was  the  encounter, 
that  he  lay  many  hours  after  he  fell  within  hearing  of  the  groans 
of  Col.  Armstrong,  of  the  British  army,  who  was  also  badly 
wounded. 

Gen.  IT.  K.  Van  Rensselaer  afterwards  lived  for  many  years 
in  this  city,  and  died  here  some  28  years  since,  at  the  age  of 
about  76  years.  Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rennselaer  inherited  the 
military  disposition  and  dauntless  heroism  of  his  father.  At  the 
early  age  of  18  he  was  appointed  a  cornet  in  a  company  of 
dragoons,  mustered  in  Greenbush,  and  joined  the  army  under 
the  command  of  Gen.  Anthony  Wayne.  Before  he  was  20  he 
was  promoted  to  the  command  of  a  troop.  In  the  battle  of 
Miami,  August,  1794,  under  "  Mad  Anthony,"  he  received  a 
terrible  wound  through  the  lungs,  which  was  supposed  to  be 
mortal,  but  which  his  youth  and  vigorous  constitution  enabled 
him  to  surmount.  How  he  acquitted  himself,  the  despatches  of 
Gen.  Wayne  bear  ample  and  conclusive  testimony.  He  stiff:  red 
greatly  from  the  effects  of  this  wound  until  1797,  when  he  was 
commissioned  by  Gen.  Wilkinson,  at  Philadelphia,  to  perform  a 
delicate  and  dangerous  military  duty,  which  he  promptly  and 
satisfactorily  discharged.  He  was  also  particularly  noticed  by 


358  Annah  of  1852. 

Gen.  Washington,  and  raised  by  him  to  the  command  of  a 
squadron  of  cavalry,  after  a  personal  interview  with  that  great 
man. 

After  the  disbanding  of  portions  of  the  army  took  place,  (Ten. 
Van  Rensselaer  was  appointed  adjutant-general  of  this  state, 
under  Governor  John  Jay.  This  appointment  he  held  during 
the  respective  administrations  of  his  successors,  Governors 
George  Clinton  and  Morgan  Lewis,  for  nine  years  during  Gov. 
Tompkins' administration,  and  for  nearly  the  whole  period  of 
Gov.  De  Witt  Clinton's,  which  latter  period  was  subsequent  to 
the  time  he  rendered  such  important  and  brilliant  (service  in  his 
country's  behalf,  in  the  capacity  of  aid  to  Geu.  Stephen  Van 
Rensselaer  (the  late  Patroon),  who  was  appointed  by  Governor 
Tompkins  to  take  command  of  the  forces  raised  for  the  defence 
of  the  northern  and  western  frontiers  of  this  state,  in  1812.  The 
history  of  that  campaign  is  well  known  to  every  reader  familiar 
with  the  events  of  the  last  war,  as  it  is  still  called. 

The  brilliant,  but  unfortunate  battle  of  Queenstown,  was 
fought  on  the  13th  of  October.  The  plan  of  it  was  simple  and 
soldier-like,  and,  if  it  had  been  carried  out  in  full,  would  have 
resulted  in  a  brilliant  and  decisive  victory.  As  it  was,  the  force 
under  Col.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  contending  with  greatly 
superior  numbers,  stormed  and  carried  the  fort.  The  gallant 
Colonel  fell,  riddled  with  wounds,  and  bleeding  profusely,  but 
cheered  with  the  shouts  of  victory.  But  the  reinforcements 
neglecting  to  cross  the  river  at  the  proper  time,  the  enemy  came 
up  in  superior  force,  and  the  fort  was  retaken,  and  Van  Rens- 
selaer's  troops  were  obliged  to  retreat. 

Ensign  Morris  was  killed,  and  Capts.  Malcolm,  Armstrong 
nnd  Wool,  were  wounded  in  this  action.  Col.  Solomon  Van 
Rensselaer  received  a  ball  in  his  hip,  which  passed  out  at  his 
spine,  two  in  his  thigh,  one  of  which  lodged — and  which  he  car- 
ried to  the  day  of  his  death — two  in  his  leg,  and  a  sixth  contused 
his  heel.  With  all  these  he  kept  his  feet  until  the  enemy  fled 
towards  the  town,  and  Capt.  Wool,  by  his  orders,  ascended  the 
mountain  and  carried  the  battery.  During  this  time  he  had 
concealed  his  wounds  under  a  great  coat  borrowed  from  Maj. 
Lush;  and  when  the  party  filed  off  before  him,  unable  any  long- 
er to  stand,  he  fell  to  the  ground,  about  daylight,  among  the 
dying  and  the  dead,  and  was  only  prevented  from  fainting  by  a 
crust  of  bread  and  a  cup  of  water,  furnished  by  one  of  the  form- 
er. While  in  this  situation,  the  shouts  of  victory  reached  him 
from  the  hill,  and  remunerated  him  for  all  his  Bufferings. 

This  closed  his  active  military  life;  and  we  have  only  room 
to  just  glance  at  his  subsequent  career. 

lie  was  elected  to  Congress  from  this  district — the  year  we  do 


Annals  of  1852.  359 

not  recollect — and  served  his  term  faithfully  and  ably.  At  its 
close  he  received — we  believe,  under  Monroe's  administration — 
the  commission  of  post  master  of  this  city,  which  he  held  under 
the  successive  administrations  of  Adarns  and  Jackson.  He  was 
removed  by  Van  Buren.  In  1839,  he  was  the  Albany  District 
Delegate  to  the  Whig  National  Convention  at  Harrisburgh,  Pa., 
and  was  one  of  the  delegates  from  this  state  who  cast  his  vote 
for  his  old  companion  in  arms,  Gen.  Harrison.  He  had  the 
satisfaction  to  see  that  gallant  soldier  and  pure  statesman  nomi- 
nated for  and  elected  to  the  presidency,  and  from  him  received 
again  the  appointment  of  post  master  of  this  city,  which  he  held 
until  removed  by  Tyler.  Since  that  time,  he  has  not  been  in 
public  life,  and  has  resided  with  his  family  at  Cherry  Hill. 

James  Duncan  died,  aged  49.  Elijah  Hubbard,  for 
many  years  a  merchant  tailor  in  South  Market  street, 
died  at  Ft.  Edward,  where  he  was  stationed  as  a  Method- 
ist preacher,  a  profession  he  had  followed  twelve  years. 

24.  Mrs.    Rosanna  Murray   died,   aged   52.      Samuel 
Crane  died,  aged  78. 

25.  Mary  Ann  Boom  died,  aged  38. 

26.  The  funeral  of  Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  at- 
tended from  Cherry  Hill  by  the  military  and  a  large  con- 
course of  people By  the  spring  arrangements  of  the 

Hudson  River  Rail  Road,  the  New  York  papers  were  re- 
ceived at  half  past  ten  in  the  forenoon,  instead  of  coming 
up  by  the  afternoon  steam  boat,  at  three  or  four  o'clock. 
Margaret  Catharine  Veeder  died,  aged  26. 

27.  James  Dey  Ermand,  jr.   died,  aged  27 The 

office  of  Clement  Warren  in  Water  street  robbed  of  its 
most  valuable  effects  at  mid-day. 

28.  Mrs.  Ann  Fitzgerald  died,  aged  47.  Ellen  McGuire 
died,  aged  48.     Daniel  S.  Newton,  formerly  of  Albany, 
died  at  Kilback,  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y. 

29.  Margaret  Horn,  died  aged  32.     Owen  Ward  died, 
aged  30.     Mrs.  Betsey  Drohan  died. 

30.  By  the  report  of  the  chief  of  police,  John  Morgan, 
it  appeared  that  during  the  three  months  past,  734  arrests 
were  made  by  the  police;  698  destitute  accommodated 
with  lodgings;  $2500  counterfeit  money  seized;  arrests 
by  police  constables  312,   making   1,046  arrests.     But  3 

fires  occurred   The  whole  amount  of  money  rais'ed 

by  tax  for  the  city  and  county  expenses,  was  $191,769. 


360  Annals  of  1852. 

MAY. 

1.  John  Johnson  died,  aged  54. 

2.  John  H.  Nichols  died,  aged  26. 

3.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Williamson  died,  aged  77.     William 
Scorsby  died,  aged  37. 

4.  Mrs.  Harriet  M.,  wife   of  Thomas  J.  Dobbs  died, 

aged  21 A  fire  occurred  in  Norton  street,  which 

destroyed  several  wooden  buildings,  including  the  dwell- 
ing and  bathing   establishment  of  Dr.  Dean The 

office  of  Coffee,  Bruce  &  Turner,  Van  Rensselaer's  dock, 
was  entered  by  burglars  and  robbed  of  valuable  articles. 

5.  The  hair  dressing  establishment  of  J.  W.  Blanchard 
in  Broadway,  was  entered  by  burglars,  about  three  o'clock 

in  the  morning,  and  several  articles  taken  away 

Margaret   L.   Bleecker,   wife  of  Henry  A.  Allen,  died, 
aged  33.     Mrs.  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Daniel  Leonard,  died, 
aged  79. 

6.  James  O'Donnell  died,  aged  40 An  unknown 

man,  supposed  to  be  a  German,  threw  himself  into  the 
river  at  the  foot  of  Westerlo  street,  and  was  drowned. 

Bridget  Lane  died,  aged  40.     Charity  Pangburn 

died,  aged  73. 

8.  Samuel  S.  Peck  died,  aged  48.  Mrs.  A.  B.  Hutchin- 
son,  daughter  of  the  late  George  Wilcox  of  Albany,  died 
at  Jersey  City. 

9.  A  thunder  shower,  during  which  a  house  in  Lydius 

street  was  struck  by  lightning A  burglary  in  William 

street Ann,  wife  of  Abram  E.  Jackson,  formerly  of 

Albany,  died  in  New  York. 

10.  There  was  a  rise  in  the  river  occasioned  by  the 
melting  of  snow  at  the  upper  sources  at  this  late  season. 

The  docks  were  nearly  submerged William  McElroy 

died,  aged  34. 

11.  Betsey,  widow  of  John  Buckman  died,  aged  55. 

12.  Edward  Murry  died,  aged  41. 

13.  Mrs.  Mary  Kane,  aged  29,  widow  of  the  late  John 
Inncs  Kane,  and  daughter  of  the  late  Leonard  Kip  of 
New  York,  was  buried  from  St.  Paul's  Church. 

14.  Catharine,  wife  of  Martin  Stalker,  died,  aged  31. 

15.  A  man  fell  from  the  steam  boat  Hendrik  Hudson 
and  was  drowned. 


Annals  of  1852.  361 

16.  Lemuel  Sherwood  died,  aged  68 A  mad  bull 

was  killed  in  Arch  street,  and  a  mad  dog  shot  in  Dove 
street. 

17.  There  were  upwards  of  80  sail  of  vessels  in  port. 

18.  Kossuth,    the  Hungarian   exile,    arrived   by   the 
eastern  train  in  the  afternoon,  and  was  received  by  the 
military  and  citizens,  and  escorted  through  the  city  to 
Congress  Hall,  where  he  was  addressed  by  Gov.  Hunt. 

19.  Joel  J.  Kibbe  died,  aged  38. 

20.  Louis  Kossuth  made  a  brief  address  at  the  Third 

Presbyterian  Church,  to  an  audience  of  about  800 

A  meeting  was  held  at  the  Capitol,  of  the  opponents  of 
the  loan  of  the  city  credit  to  the  Albany  and  Susquehanna 

Rail  Road,  the  mayor  in  the  chair A  meeting  of 

German  citizens  was  held  and  a  society  organized  for  the 
protection  of  emigrants  against  frauds  on  their  arrival  in 
the  city. 

21.  James  Hannah  died,  aged  55.     Elizabeth,  wife  of 
James  Jackson  died,  aged,  36.     Mrs.  Kerin  died.     Mrs. 

Mary  Ann  Ward  died,    aged  43 Kossuth  left  the 

city  by  rail  road  to  Niagara,  having  received  material  aid 

to   the   amount  of    about   $2000   in  Albany Mrs. 

Lydia  C.  Pickering  died,  aged  35. 

22.  The  river  had  subsided  to  its  ordinary  level  for  the 

first  time  since  the  25th  March,  a  period  of  57  days 

A  meeting  of  the  friends  of  the  loan  of  the  city  credit  to 
the  Albany  and  Susquehanna  Rail  Road  was  held  at  the 

Capitol.     John  Townsend  in  the  chair Christopher 

Streeter,  formerly  of  Albany,  died  at  Delavan,  Wisconsin, 
aged  48. 

24.  Mary  Farrell  died,  aged  40.     Mrs.  Margaret  Ash- 
ton  died. 

26.  John  Donovan  died,  aged  52.     Abram  P.  Johnson 
died,  aged  21. 

27.  William  H.  Rawson  died,  aged  20.   Mary  McEntee 
died,  aged  75. 

28.  Elizabeth   Hiney  died,  aged  75.     Rebecca  Beebe 

died,  aged  80 At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  the 

Dudley  Observatory  the  following  officers  were  elected: 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  president;  Thomas  W.  Olcott, 


362  Annals  of  1852. 

vice  president,  0.  M.  Mitchell,  cor.  secretary;  J.  H. 
Armsby,  rec.  sec. ;  Isaac  W.  Vosburg,  treasurer.  Plans 
of  the  observatory  building  were  presented  by  Mr.  Down- 
ing, and  the  following  appointed  building  committee:  John 

N.  Wilder,  E.  Wickes  and  John  B.  Tibbets  of  Troy 

Elizabeth  Judson  died,  aged  69. 

30.  Bridget,  wife  of  John  Gaffney  died,  aged  68. 
JUNE. 

1.  A  meeting  of  citizens  was  held  at  the  City  Hall  to 
consider  the   matter  of  tendering   to   Thomas   Francis 
Meagher,  the  Irish  exile,  a  public  welcome  to  the  capital 
of  the  state.     Speeches  were  made,  and  a  committee  ap- 
pointed to  make  arrangements  for  the  reception 

James  Donovan  died,  aged  19. 

2.  Sarah  Hoffman,  wife  of  John  M.  B.  Davidson,  died, 
aged  22.     Harman  W.  Elmendorf  died,  aged  35.     Eliza- 
beth Linacre  died,  aged  65. 

5.  Kossuth    addressed  the    Young   Men's   Hungarian 
Association  at  Association  Hall,   which  was  well  filled 
with  people,  and  beautifully  decorated.     He  stated  that 
this  was  probably  the  conclusion  of  his  wanderings  in 
America.     The  amount  of  material  aid  which  he  had  re- 
ceived in  Albany  was  about  $2200.     The  exercises  were 
opened  by  prayer  by  Rabbi  Wise,  the  first  occasion,  per- 
haps, at  which  a  Jew  officiated  in  a  similar  capacity  in 

Albany Ebenezer  J.   Don  died,    aged  20.     Sarah 

Murphy  died,  aged  61. 

6.  A  wooden  building  in  Wilson  street,  probably  fired 
by   an   incendiary,   was  burned  to   the  ground  about  2 

o'clock  in  the  morning It  has  been  unusual  of  late 

years  to  mention  quick  trips  of  sloops,  so  much  greater  is 
the   speed  of  steam  boats.     The  sloop  Capitol,  Captain 
Hawkins   arrived   at  the  dock,  at   1 1  o'clock  at  night, 
having  made  a  trip  to  Providence  and  back  in  7  days  and 
9  hours,  including  two  days  detention  at  Providence,  un- 
loading her  cargo  of  corn  and  flour,  and  taking  in  return 
cargo. 

7.  The  Common  Council  revised  the  law  requiring  dogs 

to  be  muzzled Kossuth  left  the  city  for  New  York 

in  the  morning  steam  boat  Alida. 


Annals  of  1852.  363 

9.  Mrs.  Anna  Lansing  died,  aged  88. 

10.  A  large  building  in  progress  of  erection  on  North 
Ferry  street  for  a  steam  planing  mill,  was  blown  down, 
killing  one  of  the  workmen  and  wounding  four  others. 

Britton  B.  Tallman  died,  aged  54.     Mrs.  Catharine 

Hewitt  died,  aged  38. 

11.  The  grand  jury  presented  the  pond  on  the  west 
side  of  Lark  street,  corner  of  Lancaster,  as   a  public 
nuisance,  arising  from  its  stagnation,  and  from  being  the 
receptacle  of  dead  animals  and  garbage.     This  was  for- 
merly the  head  of  Rutten  kill,  and  its  condition  a  good 
many  years  ago,  before  the  ravine  was  filled  up,  gave  rise 
to  an  article  in  the  Temperance  Recorder,  which  led  to 
a  libel  suit  between  Mr.  E.  C.  Delavan  and  the  brewers. 

The  water  had  long  been  used  for  malting Mrs. 

Christina  Laramer  died,  aged  80.     Lewis  Aspinwall,  for- 
merly of  Albany,  died  in  New  York,  aged  60 The 

south  wall  of  White's  malt  house,  a  building  six  stories 
high,  on  North  Ferry  street,  fell  in,  and  several  men  who 
were  at  work  in  taking  it  down,   were  severely  injured. 

William  Irwin,  formerly  of  Albany,  died  at  New 

Orleans  of  cholera,  aged  29.      Mrs.  Emily  White  died, 
aged  40. 

14.  A  new  express  train  commenced  running  from  New 
York  to  Buffalo  in  14  hours.     The  train  which  left  New 
York  at  6  A.  M.  arrived  at  the  depot  on  this  side  at  10 

minutes  past  10,  and  arrived  at  Buffalo  at  8  P.  M 

Isaac  L.  Weaver  died,  aged  41. 

15.  Thermometer  95  on  the  shady  side  of  State  street. 

Mrs.  Jane  Radley  died,  aged  53.     Mrs.  Caroline 

Hutchinson  died,  aged  27. 

16.  Thermometer  96  on  south  side  State  street 

Magdalena  Wynkoop  died,  aged  63 Five  burglaries 

were  found  to  have  been  committed  during  the  night. 

17.  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Grimes  died,  aged  21. 

20.  Sophia  wife  of  John  S.  Hughes,  died  at  Buffalo, 
aged  40 ;  late  of  Albany. 

21.  The  new  steam  boat  Francis  Skiddy  arrived  from 
New  York John  Gallien  died,  aged  30. 

24.  Jeannie  wife  of  Joseph  Warren  died,  aged  23. 
27.  An    accidental    fire    destroyed  the    Albany   Nail 


364  Annals  of  1852. 

Works,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  near  Troy, 
owned  by  Messrs.  Corning  &  Winslow.  The  loss  of 
property  was  about  $50,000,  which  was  insured;  and  more 
than  200  workmen  were  deprived  of  their  customary  oc- 
cupation. 

29.  Depeyster  D.  Austin,  late  of  Albany,  drowned  at 
Memphis,  Tenn.,  aged  19. 

30.  The   new   steam   boat  Francis  Skiddy  made   the 
passage  up  from  New  York  in  7h.  25m.;    or  6h.  55<|m., 
deducting  time  lost  at  landings. 

JULY. 

1.  Richard  Finn  died,  aged  22.  Mrs.  Ellen  Early  died, 
aged  37 Store  No.  700  Broadway  opened  by  burg- 
lars at  night Mrs.  Catharine  Rubey  died. 

3.  James  Stevenson,  an  estimable  citizen,  died,  aged 
65.  He  held  the  office  of  Mayor,  and  other  trusts,  with 
credit  to  himself,  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  constitu- 
ents. 

Mr.  STEVENSON  was  born  in  this  city,  and  after  completing 
his  education,  which  was  thorough  and  liberal,  pursued  the 
study  of  the  law  with  the  late  John  V.  Henry,  of  this  city,  and 
was  subsequently  admitted  to  the  bar.  Being  early  possessed 
of  a  competency,  he  paid  but  litile  attention  to  his  profession, 
and  soon  became  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  his  native 
city.  After  having  repeatedly  served  as  a  member  of  the 
Common  Council,  he  was  in  1826  appointed  Mayor,  and  held 
that  office  till  1828 — succeeding  the  late  Ambrose  Spencer,  and 
being  in  turn  succeeded  by  Hon.  Charles  E.  Dudley.  And  from 
that  period  down  to  within  a  few  weeks  of  his  death,  he  has 
ever  been  found  practically  and  usefully  interested  in  every  local 
enterprise.  The  last  capacity  in  which  he  served  the  city  was 
as  President  of  the  Board  of  Water  Commissioners  for  Albany, 
and  his  resignation  was  caused  by  his  declining  health.  In  this, 
as  in  every  other  station  held  by  him,  he  rendered  prompt  and 
valuable  services. 

He  was  for  many  years  an  officer  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  a 
trustee  of  the  Albany  Academy  for  more  than  thirty  years,  and 
a  member  of  the  Albany  Institute. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Stevenson  will  not  be  less  generally  mourn- 
ed, than  long  and  widely  felt  in  our  city.  Though  his  manners 
were  so  unobtrusive  as  to  render  him  less  prominent  than  many 
whose  usefulness  and  activity  could  not  compare  with  his,  yet 


Annals  of  1852.  365 

his  departure  will  be  realized  in  n  thousand  ways,  for  his  life 
was  a  busy  one,  and  of  practical  usefulness. 

The  remarks  of  Aid.  Dexter  in  the  Common  Council  on 
Saturday,  and  the  resolutions  submitted  by  him  in  reference  to 
the  death  of  Mr.  Stevenson,  so  eloquently  and  truthfully  sum  up 
the  virtues  that  adorned  the  character  of  the  deceased,  that  we 
have  nothing  to  add,  save  that  his  loss  is  truly  an  irreparable 
one,  creating  a  void  that  may  not  be  filled;  for  he  was  one  of 
tho  few  surviving  members  of  that  once  large  class  of  polished, 
high  toned,  old  fashioned  gentlemen  who,  in  years  gone  by,  lent 
such  a  lustre,  and  shed  such  a  delightful  and  genial  influence 
upon  social  life  in  Albany.  With  integrity  above  reproach,  a 
character  of  spotless  purity,  and  perfect  suavity  of  manners,  com- 
bined with  true  dignity,  James  Stevenson  nobly  represented  the 
gentlemen  of  the  old  school,  passed  through  a  long  life  with  un- 
interrupted honor,  and  has  gone  down  to  his  grave  universally 
admired  and  lamented. — Register. 

Charles  E.  Simmons,  aged  17,  drowned  by  falling  off  a 
sloop Mrs.  Christina  Andrew  died,  aged  79. 

5.  The  anniversary  was  celebrated  as  usual  by  the  citi- 
zens in  the  morning,  J.  I.  WERNER,  Esq.,  orator;  and  in 
the  afternoon  by  the  Young  Men's  Association,  S.  G. 

COURTNEY,   Esq.,  orator A   fire   broke   out   in   a 

building  in  North  Pearl  street,  which  burnt  off  the  roof. 

The  remains  of  Henry  Clay  were  received  at  the 

steam  boat  landing  at  ten  o'clock  at  night,  and  escorted 
by  torch-light  to  the  City  Hall  by  the  military  and  fire 

companies The  Theatre  in  Green  street  reopened, 

after  an  interval  of  nearly  40  years,  during  which  it  was 
used  as  a  Baptist  church. 

6.  The  remains  of  Henry  Clay  were   escorted  to  the 
rail  road  by  the  Burgesses  Corps,   and  accompanied  by 

them  to  Syracuse Mrs.  Caty  Shepherd,  who  died  in 

New  York  on  the  4th,  aged  65,  was  buried  in  Albany. 

An  alarm  of  fire,  caused  by  the  burning  of  the  roof 

of  a  dwelling  in  North  Ferry  street. 

7.  Thomas  Kessan  died,  aged  49 The  Board  of 

Supervisors  entertained  the  subject  of  dividing  the  county 
of  Albany,  proposing  to  set  off  with  the  city  a  part  of  Water- 
vliet  and  of  Bethlehem,  as  the  county  of  Albany,  and_erect 
anew  county  from  the  remainder  of  the  present  county, 

8.  John  Cochran  died,  aged  30 Closing  exercises 


366  Annals  of  1852. 

of  the  16th  term  of  the  State  Normal  School,  when  Prof. 
Perkins  took  leave  of  the  institution. 

10.  Several  persons  were  sun-struck  during  this  and 
the  preceding  day Jane  Ann  Moore  died,  aged  37. 

11.  Mrs.  Caroline  A.  Anderson  died,  aged  21. 

12.  Mrs.  J.  McCrossen  died,  aged  66 Daniel  Har- 
ris died,  aged  73. 

13.  Mrs.  Flood  died,  aged  40. 

14.  Mrs.  Catharine  M.,  wife  of  George  W.  Gladding, 
died,  aged  27. 

16.  Mrs.  Jane  M.  Foster  died,  aged  33. 

17.  John  Brangan  died James  McEnelly,  aged  40, 

was  drowned  by  falling  from  a  barge. 

19.  A  fire  at  No.  96  State  street  damaged  the  furniture 
of  a  large  wareroom,  but  was  soon  extinguished  by  the 
bountiful  supply  of  water  from  the  hydrants. 

20.  John  Brady  and  John  Connors  were  drowned  in  the 

pond  on  Patroon  street,  while  bathing The  store  of 

Hagaman  &  Cowell  robbed  by  burglars. 

22.  Ralph  McClintock  died,  aged  84. 

23.  The  large  paint  and  drug  store  of  A.  McClure  &  Co., 
in  State  street,  consumed  by  fire,  and  two  persons  severe- 
ly burnt  by  the  ignition  of  alcohol. 

24.  John  Bamber,   who  was  burnt  at  the  fire  of  the 
previous  evening,  died  at  1  o'clock  in  the  morning,  of  the 
severity  of  his  bums Robert  Niblock  died,  aged  32. 

25.  Mrs.  Sarah,  widow  of  the  late  Daniel  Harris,  died, 
aged  66 Elizabeth  Drake  died,  aged  18. 

26.  Thomas  James  died,  aged  47 Moses  K.  Vea- 

ziedied,  aged  28. 

28.  E.  A.  Camp  died,  aged  33 The  steam  boat 

Henry  Clay  burnt,  on  her  way  down  the  river.  Nearly  a 
hundred  lives  lost. 

30.  James  Wilson  died. 

AUGUST. 

1.  A  fire  at  10  o'clock  at  night,  in  a  grocery  store,  cor. 
Church  and  Lansing  streets,  was  extinguished  with  small 
damage. 

2.  Joseph  M.  Holmes  died,  aged  33. 


Annals  of  1852.  367 

5.  Mrs.  Sarah  Cunliff  died,  aged  44.  John  Whish 
died,  aged  57.  Thomas  Adee  died  in  New  York,  former- 
ly of  Albany. 

8.  Edward  Rafferty  died,  aged  57. 

10.  Mrs.  D.  R.,  wife  of  Uri  Burt,  died,  aged  59. 

12.  Catharine  Nowlan  died,  aged  88.      William  Mc- 
Donald died.      Wm.    Gibson   died,    aged  46. The 

performances  at  the  Green  Street  Theatre  were  brought 
to  a  close  by  the  sheriff,   who  took   out  the   scenery. 

Nicholas  McMahon  died,  aged  64.    Rebecca  Conine 

died,  aged  88. 

13.  A  fire  occurred  in  a  grocery  in  Orange  street,  which 
was  got  under,  with  the  damage  of  a  part  of  the  building; 
loss  $200 Joshua  R.  Hays  died,  aged  55. 

14.  A  fire  damaged  an  outhouse  in  Lumber  street. 

15.  A  man  fell  from  a  fourth  story  window  in  Hamilton 
street,  and  was  killed;  and  another  from  a  sloop,  and  was 

drowned;    both  intoxicated Gilbert  Shattuck  died, 

aged  32. 

16.  A  fire  damaged  two  frame  buildings  in  William 
street.     Another  alarm  in  the  afternoon  arose  from  the 

burning  out  of  a  chimney First  public  procession 

of  the  Turn-verein  and  Sing-verein,  who  had  a  steam  boat 
excursion  down  the  river.     One  of  them,  Rein-hart  Andol, 
aged  20,  was  drowned. 

18.  Isaac  Hempstead  died,  aged  48. 

19.  A  fire  at  the  corner  of  Cross  and  Orange  streets, 
destroyed  a  small  wooden  building Margaret  Sheri- 
dan died,  aged  16. 

20.  Mrs.  Sarah  Reid  died,  aged  69. 

21.  Wm.  Henry  Duncan  died,  aged  23.      William  D. 

Wynkoop  died,  aged  43 Alarm  of  fire  at  11  o'clock 

at  night,  caused  by  a  fire  in  some  brush,  three  miles  out. 

22.  A  boat,  containing  about   15  or  20  persons,  who 
were  crossing  the  river  at  the  rail  road  ferry,  was  cap- 
sized, and  but  five  escaped  with  their  lives. 

The  news  of  the  calamity  spread  rapidly  through  the  city,  and 

in  a  few  minutes  thousands  were  hastening  to  the  Pier — many 

fearfully  apprehensive  that  some  ol'  their  relatives  or  iriemls  were 

among  the  unfortunates.     As  soon  as  possible,  boats  were  sem 

32 


368  Annals  of  1852. 

to  drag  the  river  for  the  dead  bodies.  In  the  course  of  an  hour, 
four,  and  before  9  o'clock,  ten,  were  recovered — probably  all  that 
were  drowned.  Their  names  were  as  follows: 

Peter  Engle,  aged  22;  a  native  of  Germany;  lives  with  hia 
father  at  No.  720  Broadway.  Recognized  by  his  brother,  Nicho- 
las Engle.  Segar-maker,  and  orderly  sergeant  of  the  German 
Rifle  Corps.  [His  watch  was  stopped  at  40  minutes  past  4.] 
William  Sporborg,9  years  and  10  months  old ;  born  in  America; 
lived  with  his  father,  at  No.  101  South  Pearl  street.  Augustus 
A.  Kreuder,  son  of  George  Kreuder,  No.  15  Montgomery  street; 
19  years  old;  native  of  Germany;  fifteen  years  in  America. 
Joannah  Diinfrey,  21  years  old;  from  county  Waterford,  Ireland; 
has  a  sister  in  this  country,  and  a  brother  living  at  Cincinnati;  a 
servant  iti  the  family  of  Dr.  Ford,  Washington  street;  friends  at 
No.  155  Orange  street.  Recogni/ed  by  her  sister.  Anthony 
Valentine,  county  Kildare,  Ireland;  has  been  three  years  in  this 
country;  recognized  by  his  cousin,  Mrs.  Gary;  lives  at  No.  108 
Water  street;  has  a  brother  at  Auburn;  remains  token  charge 
of  by  his  friends.  Bernard  Gill,  native  of  the  city  of  Dublin, 
Ireland;  recognized  by  his  friends;  had  $2'33  in  overalls,  and 
38  in  porte  monnaie;  was  a  ferryman.  Martin  Murphy,  aged 
32;  a  laborer,  and  cousin  of  the  woman  who  was  drowned. 
George  Hartman,  moulder,  worked  for  Messrs.  Ransom  & 
Co.;  aged  34  years ;  a  native  of  Germany.  His  brother,  George 
Adtuns  Hartman,  has  taken  charge  of  his  remains.  Joseph 
Franks,  19  years  old;  a  native  of  Germany;  has  no  parents  in 
this  country ;  was  a  clerk  for  Joseph  Sporborg.  Remains  taken 
charge  of  by  his  uncle,  Isaac  Franks.  Unknown  man,  about 
live  feet  eight  inches  high;  dark  brown  hair;  dark  blue  eyes; 
has  a  German  appearance;  wore  a  black  coat,  vest  and  pants, 
and  high  boots;  had  a  Troy  railroad  ticket,  one  key,  one  cor- 
nelian ring,  two  white  linen  handkerchiefs,  one  marked  R.  B., 
or  R.  D.;  two  small  scars  on  his  forehead;  linen  shirt,  and  grey 
woolen  socks.  Remains  taken  charge  of  by  Coroner. 

23.  Hamilton  Bundy  died,  aged  24.  George  H. 
Bullions,  son  of  Rev.  Peter  Bullions,  late  of  Albany,  died 
at  New  Orleans. 

25.  James  Maher  died,  aged  72. 

We  regret  to  announce  the  death  of  an  aged  and  esteemed 
citizen  of  Albany,  JAMES  MAHER.  Mr.  M.  was  born  in  Ireland, 
but  he  passed  the  greater  portion  of  his  life  in  this  city,  where 
for  more  than  half  a  century  he  was  known  for  his  intelligence, 
his  public  spirit,  his  patriotism,  and  the  deep  interest  he  took  in 
the  fortunes  of  his  adopted  fellow-citizens,  and  in  the  measures 
tor  their  social,  political  and  religious  advancement. 


Annals  of  1852.  369 

He  was  one  of  the  earlier  class  of  emigrants,  wliose  advent  to 
this  country  was  cotemporaneous  with  the  formation  of  the 
Constitution — a  hody  of  educated  and  energetic  men,  whose  in- 
fluence was  early  felt  in  the  country,  and  who  at  once  acquired 
position  in  it.  Mr.  M.  entered  mercantile  life,  and  was  at  the 
head  of  an  extensive  and  profitable  business  when  the  war  of 
1812  broke  out.  Without  looking  at  the  sacrifice,  Mr.  Maher 
promptly  organized  a  volunteer  corps — the  Irish  Greens,  of 
which  he  was  chosen  captain — and  placed  it  at  the  disposal  of 
the  government.  He  served  with  distinction  through  the  bril- 
liant campaign  of  Niagara,  and  was  in  active  service  through  the 
war. 

He  was  for  many  years  the  state  librarian,  was  repeatedly 
chosen  to  the  common  council,  was  a  candidate  of  the  Demo- 
cracy for  sheriff,  and  received  from  the  general  government 
the  appointment  of  paymaster  to  the  troops — the  small  emolu- 
ments of  which  however,  were,  after  a  brief  time,  abolished. 

Though  for  many  years  in  imperfect  health,  he  retained  the 
appearance  and  vivacity  of  youth,  to  an  extreme  old  age.  In  his 
death,  the  city  loses  one  of  its  most  spirited  and  devoted  citizens, 
and  his  fellow  countrymen  a  sympathizer,  counsellor  and  friend.— 
Mas. 

Mary  M.,  widow  of  the  late  Lawrence  Paddock,  died, 
aged  47.  Delia  Ann,  wife  of  Wm.  Davis,  died,  aged 
31.  Jane  R.,  wife  of  Squire  Moon,  died,  aged  31. 

26.  Thomas  O'Connell  died,  aged  77.     Mrs.  Armenia, 
wife  of  Wm.  Whitney  died,  aged  53.     Mrs.   Catharine 
Peacock  died,  aged  36. 

27.  John  Conley  died,  aged  52.     Henry  B.  Webb  died, 
aged  48. 

28.  Two  companies  of  Hudson  firemen   arrived,  and 
were  received  by  company  11. 

30.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Havens  died,  aged  76.     Jacob  Van 
Ness,  formerly  of  the  city,  died  in  New  York,  and  was 

brought   up   for   interment The   Jersey   Blues,    a 

military  company  from  Paterson,  arrived  by  the  day  boat, 
and  were   received   by  the  Burgesses  Corps  and  escort- 
ed through  the  city Mrs.  Catharine  Shields  died, 

aged  50. 

31.  A  fire  in  Orange  street  damaged  a  shed  only 

Ellen  Rider  died,  aged  57. 


370  Annals  of  1852. 

SEPTEMBER. 

1.  Elizabeth  Bell,  died,  aged  53.     John  Hancock  died, 
aged  28. 

2.  Desire  W.  Peckham  died,  aged  84.     Arthur  Shields 
died,  aged  46.     John  W.  Wands  died,  aged  55. 

3.  Daniel  K.  Winne   died,   aged   63.      Wm.   Mascord 
died,  aged  51. 

4.  Eliza  Born,  wife  of  Joseph  S.  Henshaw,  died,  aged 
aged  34.     Jeannie  W.,  wife  of  Thomas  Lord,  daughter  of 

the  late  Jonas  Wickes,  died  at  Bridgeport,    aged  23 

The  steamboat  Reindeer,  while  on  her  way  up  to  this  city 
from  New  York,  burst  a  flue  at  Bristol,  about  40  miles 
below  Albany.     By  this  disaster  7  persons  were  instantly 
killed,  and  about  25  more  died  in  a  short  time.     Among 
them  were  Mrs.  Lockwood  and  daughter,  Mr.  D.  N.  Bow- 
ers and  wife,  and  H.  D.  Holdridge  of  Albany. 

5.  John  Pitkin  Norton  died  at  Farmington,  Ct.,  aged  30. 
He  was  a   native  of  Albany,    an   eminent  agricultural 
chemist,  and  a  professor  of  that  science  in  Yale  College. 

6.  Dr.  Joel  A.  Wing,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  valued 
physicians  of  Albany,  died  at  Hartford,  Ct. 

For  many  months,  Dr.  Wing  had  been  suffering  under  a 
malady,  attended  with  aberration  of  mind,  which  defied  medical 
treatment,  and  mocked  all  hopes  of  recovery. 

The  deceased  was  universally  beloved,  and  professionally 
occupied  the  highest  rank  among  his  brethren,  in  and  out  of  the 
city.  Devotedly  attentive  to  those  under  his  charge,  skillful, 
ixperienced  and  successful  in  his  practice — cheerful  and  warm 
itarted — he  was  a  model  of  a  family  physician — and  in  all  the 
relations  of  life  a  pattern  of  usefulness  and  good  works.  His 
society  was  sought  after,  as  well  for  his  professional  learning,  as 
for  his  admirable  social  qualities.  In  both  respects  he  was  the 
object  of  the  warm  esteem  of  all  who  had  the  pleasure  of  his 
acquaintance  during  a  residence  of  nearly  forty  years  in  tin's  city. 

"  Dr.  Wing  (says  the  Evening  Journal)  was  a  native  of  the 
comity  of  Berkshire.  He  studied  his  profession  under  Doctor 
De  La  Ma'er,  in  Florida,  Montgomery  countv,  and  received  his 
license  to  practice  in  May,  1811.  He  commenced  his  practice 
in  Columbia  county,  but  removed  to  Albany  in  1814.  In  1825, 
he  received  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine  from 
Williams  College.  In  1843  he  was  elected  President  of  the 
State  Medical  Society.  In  1848,  the  only  time  he  ever  allowed 
himself  to  become  a  candidate  for  office,  he  was  elected  a  Mem- 
ber of  the  Legislature." 


Annals  of  1852.  371 

Few  men  were  better  calculated  to  win  and  secure  ardent 
friends,  and  few  depart  more  universally  and  deeply  lamented. 
— .tfrgus. 

7.  Susannah  wife  of  George  Osborn  died,  aged  61 

The  city  authorities  took  possession  of  the  south  ferry, 
the  lessee,  Lansing  D.  Abeel,  having  forfeited  the  same. 
The  jail  calendar  contained  the  names  of  21  per- 
sons waiting  trial  as  follows:  manslaughter,  3;  attempt 
to  kill,  1;  robbery,  1;  forgery,  1;  grand  larceny,  9;  re- 
ceiving stolen  goods,  2;  attempt  to  commit  arson,  1; 

false  pretences,  1 ;  disorderly  person,  1 John  Austin 

died  at  San  Francisco,  aged  39. 

9.  Mazeppa  Engine  Co.  No.  48  arrived  from  New  York, 
and  were  received  and  entertained  by  D.  D.  Tompkins 
Engine  Co.  No.  8,  of  this  city.      They  marched  to  the 
City  Hall,   where  they  were  welcomed  by  Mayor  Perry, 
and  in  the  evening   the  lire  department  honored  their 
guests  with  a  torch-light  procession. 

10.  A  copper  kettle,  containing  200  barrels  of  beer,  fell 
from  its  place  in  Messrs.  Taylor  &  Son's  brewery,  doing 
great  damage  to  the  premises. 

11.  The  grand  jury  closed  their  session,  by  presenting 

to  the  court  25  indictments John  Joynt  died,  aged 

35. 

12.  Sarah   Ten   Eyck,   formerly  of  Albany,   died    at 
Amsterdam,  N.  Y. 

13.  Mrs.  Ann  Cameron  died,  aged  34 The  dry 

goods  store  of  Bernard  Hiller,  in  South  Pearl  street,  was 
robbed  of  goods  worth  $500,  before  daylight  in  the  morn- 
ing. 

15.  Abraham    Sickles    died,    aged    42.       Mrs.    John 
Lacey,  formerly  of  Albany,  died  in  New  York. 

16.  Emily,    wife    of   Wm.    Johnson,    died,    aged   28. 
Mrs.  Catharine  Staats,  daughter  of  the  late  Jacob  Cuyler, 
and   widow  of  Barent  G.    Staats,  died,   aged  86.      An- 
thony Gearon   died,  aged  54.      Thomas   R.  Richardson 
died  at  Milwaukie,  aged  52. 

18.  Rensselaer  Reno  died,  aged  49. 

19.  Thomas  Austin  Hammond,  of  Orwell,  Vt.,  died  at 

122  State  street A  fire  in  Washington  street  slightly 

damaged  a  shoe  store William  Spears  died,  aged  37. 


372  Annals  of  1852. 

20.  Mrs.  Mary  Eurnop  died,  aged  75 The  Green- 
bush  ferry  leased  to  Stephen  Harris  for   12  years,  at  an 
annual  rent  of  $4,000. 

21.  S.  A.  Parke  died,  aged  54 A  meeting  of  rail 

road  engineers,  to  take  into  consideration  the  tunneling 

of  the  river  at  the  rail  road  ferry Elizabeth,  wife 

of  Henry  Eager,  died,  aged  36. 

22.  Ira  Nichols  died. 

23.  George  Hanfbrd  died,  aged  62 The  lots  74 

and  76  State  street,  purchased  by  A.  McClure,  for  $15,- 
000. 

24.  The  two  story  wooden  store  on  the  pier,  above  the 
cut,  was  destroyed  by  fire,  with  the  contents,  consisting 
of  grain  and  flour,  belonging  to  S.  M.  Fish  £   Co.      The 
first  use  of  a  fire  annihilator  in  Albany  was  made  here, 
with  good  effect. 

26.  An  alarm  of  fire,  caused  by  the  burning  of  a  chim- 
ney   Thomas    McCambly   died,    aged    24.       Mrs. 

Elizabeth  Beaver  died,  aged  61. 

27.  Mary  C.,  wife  of  Garret  Bensen,  died. 

29.  Mary  Montanye  died,  aged   16.      Anthony  Wood 

died,  aged  45 At  a  meeting  of  the  common  council, 

Wm.  Seymour  was  elected  city  chamberlain,  in  the  place 
of  C.  W.  Bender,  who  had  faithfully  discharged  the  duties 
of  the   office   during   ten   years.      Henry  C.  Southwick 
was  elected  deputy  chamberlain,  in  the  place  of  Hamlet 

H.  Hickcox Mr.  Harris  having  declined  to  accept 

the  lease  of  the  ferry,  it  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Akin  & 
Schuyler,  at  an  annual  rent  of  $2.200,  conditioned  that 
the  lessees  should  keep  two  large  steam  boats  for  the  con- 
venience of  passengers. 

30.  An  alarm  of  fire,  caused  by  the  burning  of  a  bed  in 
the  attic  of  a  house  in  Hamilton  street.     Damage  slight. 

John  Coleman  died,  aged  27.     Jacob  Winne  died, 

aged  53. 

OCTOBER. 

1.  Mrs.  Ann  Fitzpatrick  died,  aged  40 At  a  trial 

before  the  Circuit  Court,  there  were  seven  witnesses  who 
were  of  the  aggregate  age  of  about  Jive  hundred  and  nine- 


Annals  of  1852.  373 

teen  years,  as  follows:  David  Newland,  88  years;  John 
Van  Zandt,  86;  John  Erwin,  78;  Wra.  McHarg,  76;  S. 
Topping,  72;  Jesse  P.  Mitchell  61;  A.  D.  Rosekrans, 
(about)  58 — making  a  total  of  519  years. 

2.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Cure  died,  aged  62.     Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Potts   died,   aged   75.      Mrs.  Elizabeth  Boardman  died, 
aged  76. 

3.  Edwin     H.    Williams    died,    aged    43.        Bridget 

Guarin  died,  aged  23 The  congregation  of  the  First 

Baptist  Church  held  their  first  service  in  the  lecture  room 
of  their  new  edifice,  corner  of  Philip  and  Plain  streets. 

5.  Margaret    Countreman    died,    aged    80.       Matilda 
Ann,   wife    of    John   Mitchell,    died,    aged    23.      Mrs. 
Mary  D.  Foot  died,  aged  30 A  Convention  of  dele- 
gates from  Congregational  Churches  in  different  parts  of 
the  country,  met,  to  the  number  of  about  500,  at  the  Con- 
gregational Church  in  this  city.    Dr.  Hawes.  of  Hartford, 

delivered  the  introductory  sermon  in  the  evening 

A  striped  bass,  weighing  25  Ibs.,  was  taken  with  a  hook 
by  Capt.  Hitchcock,  while  fishing  from  the  Pier.     A  bass 
of  that  size  is  seldom  taken  in  that  way  here. 

6.  Joseph  Weaver  died,  aged  43. 

8.  A  fire  in  Water  street  destroyed  nine  wooden  stables, 
and  burnt  three  horses The  Congregational  Conven- 
tion adjourned  after  a  session  of  four  days Mary  E. 

Price,  wife  of  Sylvester  Hull,  died,  aged  19. 

11.  Capt.  Ira  Gridley  died,  aged  68 Messrs. 

Schuyler  &  Akin  took  possession  of  the  Greenbnsh  ferry 
on  lease,  bringing  a  good  steam  ferry  boat  to  the  work. 
Mrs.  Mary  Porter  died. 

15.  James    K.    Strain  died,   aged   35.      Mrs.   Sarah, 
wife  of  Peter  Fitzpatrick,  died,  aged  68. 

16.  Joseph   Neely  died,  aged   52.      Sarah   Lane  Cun- 

liff  died,  aged  19 Gen.  Winfield  Scott  arrived  in  the 

city,  and  was  escorted   from  the  depot  to  the  Capitol, 

where  he  was  addressed  by  John  C.  Spencer David 

Carson,  late  of  Albany,  died  at  Dubuque,  Iowa,  aged  36. 

18.  Gen.  Chauncey  Humphrey,  late  of  Albany,  died  at 
Middlebury,  Vt..  Mrs.  Margaret,  wife  of  Wm.  Mc- 

Hench,  died Gen.  Scott  left  the  city  in  the  morning 

for  New  York. 


374  Annals  of  1852. 

19.  Mrs.  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Jacob  Lewis,  died,  aged  60. 
Ann,  wife  of  Felix  Loughran,  died,  aged  36. 

20.  Christopher  Dunn  died,  aged  54. 

21.  Lorenzo  M.  Bedell  died,  aged  35. .. The  Albany 

City  Volunteers  organized  by  an  election  of  officers,  as 
follows:    John    Arts,    Captain;    Francis    Marshall,    1st 
Lieut.,  Christopher  Hess,  2d  Lieut. 

22.  Emily  E.  Williams  died,  aged  17.      Eunice  Moore 
died,  aged  64.     Mary,  wife  of  Andrew  Davison,  died. 

25.  A  Temperance  Convention  was  heM  at  the  City 
Hall,   which   nominated  county  officers   for  the  ensuing 

election Caroline,  wife  of  John  Krantz,  died,  aged 

47. 

26.  Miss     Angelica    Lovett    died.       Alida    Visscher 

died,  aged  31 A   meeting  of  the   members  of  the 

Albany  bar  was  held  at  the  City  Hall,   to  express  their 

sentiments  on  the  death  of  Daniel  Webster Michael 

Dady  died,  aged  42. 

27.  John  Scott  died,  aged  70. 

28.  A  telegraphic  dispatch  from  Troy,  requesting  the 
assistance  of  the  Albany  engine  companies  to  extinguish  a 
fire  which  threatened  a  considerable  portion  of  the  former 

city Mrs.  Hannah  Rawls,  formerly  of  Albany,  died 

at  Romeo,  Mich.,  aged  63. 

29.  The  citizens  of  Albany,  by  recommendation  of  the 
Mayor,  closed  their  places  of  business  at  12  o'clock,  dur- 
ing the  funeral  services  of  Daniel  Webster  at  Marshfield. 

In  the  evening,  a  great  mass  meeting  of  the  Whigs 

at  the  Capitol,  and  a  large  procession  of  the  Democrats. 
There  never  was  before  such  a  display  of  banners  and 

transparencies  in  State  street At  a  meeting  of  the 

Common  Council,   the  Mayor  offered  a  resolution  that 
boxes  be  placed  at  the  polls,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving 
contributions  to  the  Washington  Monument. 

30.  Bridget  Donahue  died,  aged  32 Antonio  Lo- 
pez, a  Portuguese  sailor,  died  at  the  station  house,  whither 
he   had  been  taken,   insensible,   from  exposure   in  the 
streets. 


Anwls  of  1852.  375 

NOVEMBER. 

2.  Election  day — ihe  result  of  which  was,  the  success 

of  the  whole  Democratic  ticket Welcome  C.  Tucker 

died,  aged  21.     Sophia  M.  Walworth  died,  aged  21. 

4.  A  fire  on  the  dock,  above  Steuben  street,  destroyed 
several  poor  wooden  tenements. 

5.  John  A.  Zeilman  died,  aged  75. 

7.  Mrs.  Margaret  Vanderzee,  late  of  Albany,  died  at 
Newark,  aged  67. 

9.  Matthew  Kizinger  committed  suicide   by  stabbing 

himself  to   the  heart    with    a  carving  knife John 

Clark  hanged  himself  with  a  handkerchief  in  his  cellar. 

10.  Great  democratic  procession  in  honor  of  the  recent 
success  of  the  party  in  the  election  of  their  candidates. 

11.  John  Harrington  died,  aged  57. 

13.  Thomas  Ryan,  formerly  of  Albany,  died  at  Phila- 
delphia, aged  61. 

14.  William  A.  Bard  well,  formerly  of  Albany,   died  at 
Brooklyn,  aged  43.     Richard  Bygate  died,  aged  27. 

15.  A  fire  on  the  pier  destroyed  part  of  the  contents  of 
Messrs.  Griffin  &  Buel's  flour  store. 

16.  Sarah   widow  of  the  late  Capt.  Israel  P.  Hand, 
died,  aged  77. 

17.  Joseph  Gibson  died,  aged  38. 

18.  George  Turner  died,  aged    22. 

20.  The  dwelling  houses   162  and   164  Lydius  street 
were  entered  by  burglars  and  robbed  of  plate,  jewelry  and 
other  articles. 

21.  Dedication  of  the  cathedral  by  Archbishop  Hughes, 
assisted  by  another  archbishop,  five  bishops,  and  above 
fifty  priests.     An  audience  of  nearly  four  thousand  people 

witnessed  the  ceremonies Stephen  Langiidge  died, 

aged  52. 

22.  First  snow  of  the  season. 

23.  A   convention  of  the  friends  of  a  rail  road  from 
this  city  north  to  Plattsburgh   was  held  in  this  city,  Hon. 
Erastus  Corning,  president Mrs.   Mehitabel  Web- 
ster died. 

25.  Democratic  Festival  at  Stanwix  Hall  in  commemo- 
ration of  the    recent  achievements  of  the  party  at  the 


376  Annals  of  1852. 

polls Wm.  Chatfield,  late  of  Albany,  died  at  Wa- 

tertown,  Wisconsin,  aged  81. 

DECEMBER. 

1.  The  Rev.  A.  A.  Thayer  was  installed  pastor  of  the 
Universalist  congregation,  which  had  for  some  time  been 
without  a  pastor.     A  new  organ  was  also  provided  for 
the  church. 

2.  Mrs.  Priscilla  Fay,  relict  of  the  late   Edward  Fay, 
and  formerly  a  resident  of  Albany,  died  at  Sacramento, 
Cal.,  aged  63. 

5.  Dr.  James  A.  Russell  died,  aged  29. 

6.  John  En os  Helme  died,  aged  21. 

The  Chamberlain  and  Finance  Committee  submitted  an  esti- 
mate of  the  probable  deficiencies,  which,  in  their  opinion,  will 
exit-t,  in  consequence  of  the  sums  authorized  to  be  raised  by 
chap.  139  laws  1848,  being  less  than  the  probable  expenditure 
during  the  municipal  year  on  the  same  accounts.  Also,  an 
estimate  of  the  amount  that  will  be  received  prior  to  the  close 
of  the  municipal  year  from  apportionments  and  assessments, 
approved  and  confirmed  during  the  year  ending  Nov.  1,  1852, 
with  the  balance  that  will  remain  unpaid  at  the  close  of  the 
year.  The  amount  authorized  by  the  a-:t  referred  to,  to  be 
raised  to  pay  the  interest  on  the  public  debt,  contracted  prior  to 
May  1,  1848,  exceeds  the  sum  that  will  be  required  for  that  pur- 
pose. It  is  estimated  that  the  following  sums  will  be  required 
to  be  raised  by  tax  to  defray  the  contingent  expenses  of  the  city 
for  the  year,  viz: 

For  contingent  expenses  (ordinary) $30,000-00 

For  expense  of  Fire  Department 10,000-00 

For  purchase  of  additional  lands  for  district  schools 

Nos.  1,3  and  8 ..       2,400-00 

For  purchase  of  lot  and  erection  of  schoolhouse  for 

colored    children 2,500-00 

For  deficiency  in  amount  authorized  to  be  raised  for 

the  expense  of  Police  Department 2,000-00 

Total $52,900-00 

Authorized  to  be  raised 30,000  •  00 


Deficiency $22,900-00 

To  defray  the  expense  of  providing,  lighting  and  re- 
pairing public  lamps $10,500-00 


Annals  of  1852.  377 

Authorized  to  be  raised 10,000  •  00 

Deficiency $500-00 

The  aggregate  of  all  the  apportionments  and  assess- 
ments approved  and    confirmed  during  the  year 

ending  Nov.  1,  was $10,230-58 

There  was  received  on  account  of  the  same   during 

the  year 9,448-85 

$6,831-73 
Estimated  receipts  to  close  of  year 1,831-73 

Deficiency ... $5,000-00 

The  Committee  recommend  the  following  to  be  included  in 
the  tax  lists  of  this  year  to  provide  for  payment  of  interest  on 
city  debt,  appropriated  to  Sinking  Fund  and  for  the  support  of 
citv  government  during  the  year,  viz: 

Police  Department, $27,000  00 

Public   Lamps, .     10,500-00 

Interest  on  debt  contracted  prior  to  May  1,  1848,.  . .     27,f  00-00 

Interest  on   waier  debt, 8,000-00 

Account  of  Sinking  Fund, 10,000-00 

Temporary  relief  of  city  poor, 5,000-00 

Contingent  expenses  (ordinary J $30-000 

Fire  Department, 16-000 

Water  for  Alms  House, 2  000 

Purchase  of  land  for  District  Schools  Nos.  1, 

3  and  8 , 2-400 

Colored  School  House  and  laud, '.       2-500 

52,900-00 

Account  of  Public  Schools, 5,000-00 

Deficiency  on  account  of  improving  streets, 5,000-00 

$150,400-00 

The  annual  report  of  the  Chamberlain,  Trustees  of  the  City 
Sinking  Fund,  and  the  Trustees  of  the  Western  Rail  Road  Cor- 
poration Sinking  Fund,  were  received  and  referred  to  the 
finance  committee. 

The  following  presents  a  condensed  statement  of  these  docu- 
ments: 

CHAMBERLAIN'S  REPORT. 
Receipts  from  November  1,  1851,  lo  November  1,  1852. 

Water  Loan, $200.000'00 

Water  Rents 48,835-98 

City  Water  Works, 11,22674 

City  Water  Debt,  interest, 9,3 : 6-03 

Assessments,  48,491*57 


378  Annals  of  1852. 

Costs  on  Assessment  sales, |100  00 

Rente, 1,981-97 

Commutation  of  Rents, 612-00 

Keal  Estate,   766-10 

Bond*  and  Mortgages, 50-00 

Interest, w 7,409.07 

Dividends 279-50 

Markets, 1,951-50 

Police  Office, 366-04 

J  ustices'  Court, 2,300-48 

City  Poor, 6,197-30 

Alms  House, 6,473-53 

Contingents,    2,391-32 

Redemption, 1,67470 

Surveyor's  Office, ,  241-00 

District  Schools, 12,336-48 

City  Taxes, 136,900-00 

County  of  Albany, 1 1,000-00 

Temporary  Loan, 20,COO'00 


Total  Receipts, $530,901-31 

Cash  on  hand  NOV.  1.  1851, 63,704-44 


Total, $594,605-75 

Disbursements  during  the  same  period: 

City  Water  Work.*. $216,969-25 

City  Water  debt,  interest  account, 41,733-43 

W«ter  Rents, 1,225-22 

Trustees  of  Sinking  Fund, 52,426-03 

Interest, 35,503  61 

Basin  assessment, 64*99 

Grading  and  paving  streets, 65,876-24 

Constructing  drains, 3,774  70 

Costs  on  assessment  sales, 158-50 

Alms  House, 35,847-82 

City    Poor, 10,779-81 

Police  Department, 27,565-28 

Police  Office, 1,872-25 

City  Lamps 10,03603 

Fire  Department, 16,178  92 

Ferry, 468-37 

Markets, 1,564-99 

District  Schools, 13,415-14 

Surveyor's  Office, 1,200-00 

Salaries, 4,700-00 

City  Hall, 1,146-21 


Annals  of  1852.  379 

Elections, 534-50 

Printing  and  advertising, 1,074*35 

Justices  Courts, 3,40374 

Court  of  Special  Sessions, 60-50 

Redemption, 1,57676 

Repairing,  &c., streets,  drains  and  wells,. .  10,260-56 

Contingencies, 9,25772 

Total  disbursements, $558,674-82 

Cash  on  hand  Nov.  1,  1852, 35,930-93 


Total, $594,60575 

TRUSTEES  OF  SINKING  FUND. 
Receipts. 

Sales  Real  Estate, $5,272-10 

From  City  Treasury, 35,000-00 

Tax, 10,000-00 

Assessments, 5,950-89 

Loan  from  City, 8,015  93 


Total  Receipts, $64,238-92 

Expenditures. 

Redemption  City  Bonds.  7  per  cent., $50,626-03 

do.                          6      do 4,800-00 

Payment  to  Chamberlain, 3,812-89 

Deposited  to  apply  on  Water  Debt, 5,000*00 


Total $64,238  92 

WESTERN  RAIL  ROAD  CORPORATION  SINKING  FUND. 
The  investments  made  by  the  Trustees  are  as  follows,  viz: 

Bonds  and  Mortgages, $221,042 

City  Bonds  (canceled) ,  55,000 

City  Water  Stock, 60,000 

Total, $336,042 

The  amount  thus  invested  has  been  derived  from  the  following 
sources : 

Contribution  by  Western  Railroad  Co $193,111'10 

Interest  on  investments, 137,417*04 

Mechanics'  and  Farmers'  Bank  (overdrawn) . .         5,513'86 


Total, $336,042-00 

9.  The  City  Volunteers,  a  new  military  company,  Capt. 
John  Arts,  made  their  first  appearance,  in  an  unique  uni- 
form. 

33 


Annals  of  1852. 

10.  John  Taylor's  malt   house  partially  destroyed  by 

fire;  loss  about  $15,000 John  Mitchell  died,   aged 

41.     Eliza  Kennedy  died,  aged  65. 

11.  Gilbert  Millen  committed  suicide  by  poison,  at  the 
Merchant's  Hotel. 

12.  John  B.  Gibbons,  late  of  Albany,  died  in  New  York, 
aged  31.      Ellen,  wife  of  Henry  Pierce,  late  of  Albany, 
died  in  California. 

13.  Garrit  Lansing  Van  Heusen,  formerly  of  Albany, 
died  at  Newark,  N.  J.,  aged  37. 

14.  Miss  Rebecca  Eights  died,  aged  76.     James  Scher- 

merhorn   died,    aged  19 Grace    Church   dedicated 

by  Bishop  Wainwright,  assisted  by  thirty  clergymen. . . . 
Mrs.   Sarah  Shaw  died  at  Amsterdam,  widow  of  Isaiah 
Shaw,  formerly  of  Albany. 

15.  The  canal  closed;  boats  had  almost  entirely  ceased 

to  run,  the  season  being  so  far  advanced The  sales 

of  barley  in  the  market  amounted  to  1,620,300  bushels; 

the  prices  ranging  from  64  to  84  cts John  Kinney 

died,    aged   65.      Mary,    wife  of  Levi    C.   Tuck,  died. 
Elizabeth,  wife  of  Isaac  Litterby,  died,  aged  103. 

16.  The  river  navigation  had  so  far  ceased,  that  but 
one  vessel  under  canvas  was  seen  within  a  range  of  forty 
miles,   and  that  was  bound  for  winter  quarters  below. 
Some  of  the  lesser  steam  boats  still  made  their  trips, 
slightly  obstructed  by  floating  ice. 

17.  Mrs.  Sarah  Hubbard  died. 

19.  Annual  meeting  of  the  Albany  Tract  Society.,  Re- 
ceipts of  the  past  year  $1345;  expenditures,  $1148.  Num- 
ber of  distributors,  100.  Rev.  David  Dyer  had  been  em- 
ployed as  agent  of  the  society,  since  July  last. 

We  gathered  from  the  report  that  there  are  at  present  100  dis- 
tributors, who  visit  120  districts;  number  of  visits  of  Superin- 
tendent (Rev.  Mr.  Dyer)  and  his  Assistant  (Mr.  Cone)  during  last 
six  month*,  4069;  that  during  the  year,  656,466  pages  of  tracts 
have  been  distributed ;  143  bibles  and  69  testaments  given  away ; 
127  sermons  preached ;  166  sick  persons  visited;  17  funerals 
Attended;  121  persons  relieved;  JOO induced  to  attend  public 
worship;  133  children  brought  into  Sunday  schools;  $200  dis- 
tributed among  the  poor,  &c.  There  are  four  mission  stations 
under  the  general  supervision  of  the  Society,  whose  meetings 


Annals  of   1852.  381 

are  generally  well  attended,  and  to  each  of  which  a  Sabbath 
school  is  attached.  Besides  these,  three  sewing  schools  have 
been  established,  and  from  these  instrumentalities  the  managers 
hope  for  much  good.  The  report  also  referred  to  the  facilities 
which  the  Society  afforded  for  the  judicious  distribution  of  aid 
to  the  poor,  and  particularly  pressed  this  point  upon  the  attention 
of  the  benevolent.  Rev.  Drs.  Kennedy  and  Campbell,  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Post,  delivered  addresses.  A  collection  was  taken  up,  and, 
after  a  benediction,  the  audience  dispersed. — Express. 

20.  The  Green  Street  Theatre,  which  had  been  a  long 
time  undergoing  improvements  and  decorations,  opened 
this  evening,  under  the  management  of  Madame  de  Mar- 

guerittcs Horace  Meech   formerly  of  this  city,  died 

at  Freeport,  111.,  aged  63. 

22.  The   river   was  entirely  frozen  over,  so  that  the 
boats  could  no  longer  move  through  the  ice.      The  Hen- 
drik  Hudson  was  frozen  in,  on  her  way  down  the  river, 
about  ten  miles  below  the  city. 

23.  Mary   Lindsay   died   of  apoplexy.      John    Cayhe 

died,  aged  31 The  supervisors  fixed  upon  the  rate 

of  assessment   of  the   city  and  county.      For   assessed 
valuation  of  real  estate  in  the  city,  see  table,  page  385. 

24.  Nathaniel  Rogers,  formerly  keeper  of  the  Delavan 

House,  in  this  city,  died  at  Buffalo,  aged  50 The 

water  rose  in  the  river  so  as  to  carry  the  newly  formed 
ice  entirely  out,  except  a  barrier  at  Coeymans,  which  ob- 
structed navigation. 

26.  A  fire  corner  of  Church  and  Vine  streets  destroyed 
the  morocco  factory  of  Anable  &  Smith,  and  the  stock 

therein The  pews  in  the  Cathedral,  to  the  number 

of  180,  were  rented;  the  first  twenty  in  the  middle  aisle 

at  $40  each The  new  church  edifice  of  the  First 

Baptist  Society,  corners  of  Hudson,  Philip  and  Plain  sts., 
was  opened  for  service. 

27.  Waterman's  dry  goods  store,  in  Washington  street, 

robbed  by  the  clerk Alarm  of  fire,  caused  by  the 

burning  of  a  chimney The   pews   in   the   Baptist 

Church,  on  Philip  street,  were  rented  at  prices  varying 
from  $16  to  $36. 

28.  Michael  Maher  died,  aged  59.      Isaac  Denniston 
died,  aged  86. 


Annals  of  1852. 

29.  The  police  were  attacked,  and  four  of  them  seri- 
ously wounded,  by  a  party  of  Irishmen,  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  city The  Isaac  Newton,  having  been  pre- 
pared by  a  sheathing  of  iron,  forced  her  way  through  the 
barrier  of  ice  at  Coeymans,  and  arrived  at  the  dock,  fol- 
lowed by  the  Hendrik   Hudson Mrs.   Ann  Randall 

died,  aged  53. 

30.  Alarm  of  fire  from  a  millinery  shop,  which  was 

extinguished  before  much  damage  was  done Another 

fire  in  Blunt's  Building,  which  was  also  soon  extinguished. 

31.  The    Mechanic's    and    Farmer's   Bank   closed  its 
business,  on  the  expiration  of  its   charter,   which   was 
granted  in  1811.     (See  Annals  Albany,  vol.  i,  p.  32  ) 

Of  the  original  Directors  of  the  Bank,  the  following  gentlemen 
survive  : — WILLIAM  FOWLER,  GILES  W.  PORTER  and  WALTER 
WEED.  Of  the  first  Officers  of  the  Bank,  all  but  the  President, 
the  late  SOLOMON  SOUTH  WICK,  survive,  viz: — The  then  Cashier, 
,G.  A.  WORTH,  is  now  President  of  the  Union  Bank  of  New 
York.  The  first  Clerks  were  ISAAC  Q.  LKAKE,  PHILO  L.  MILLS 
and  THOMAS  W.  OLCOTT.  Mr.  OLCOTT,  the  Junior  Clerk,  at  a 
salary  of  $'250  a  year,  was  appointed  Cashier  in  1817,  and  be- 
came President  in  18^6,  upon  the  death  of  the  late  EZRA  AMES. 
The  Presidents  of  the  Bank  were,  successively,  SOLOMON  SOOTH- 
friCK,  ISAAC  HUTTON,  BENJAMIN  KNOWER,  EZRA  AMES  and 
THOMAS  W.  OLCOTT.  Its  Cashiers  were  G.  A.  WORTH,  T.  W. 
OLCOTT,  E.  E.  KENDRICK  and  THOMAS  OLCOTT. 

The  financial  history  of  the  Mechanics'  and  Farmers'  Bank 
has  been  one  alike  satisfactory  to  stockholders  and  useful  to  the 
business  interests  of  our  community.  It  has  furnished,  except 
in  two  emergencies  when  a  suspension  of  specie  payments  was 
authorized  by  law,  a  uniformly  sound  and  desirable  currency. 
Beside  its  regular  semi-annual  dividends,  this  Bank  made,  in 
1830,  a  surplus  dividend  of  50  per  cent.  Its  stock  sold,  a  few 
days  since,  100  per  cent,  above  par,  an  advance  which  probably 
indicates  about  the  amount  of  its  surplus  dividend  upon  the 
final  close  of  its  affairs.  The  same  stockholders,  taking  the 
same  name,  will  organize  a  new  institution,  with  the  same 
capable  and  experienced  officers,  under  the  General  Banking 
Law,  simultaneously  with  the  expiration  of  their  charter.  Con- 
nected with  the  new  institution  will  be  a  Savings  Bank  Depart- 
ment, where  the  earnings  of  the  industrious  and  frugal  may  be 
deposited  with  the  assurance  of  safely  under  all  and  every  con- 
tingency. With  the  Mechanics'  and  Farmers'  Bank,  to  which 


Annals  of   1852. 

we  have  had  frequent  occasion  to  apply  for  favors,  both  for  our 
friends  and  ourself,  and  were  never  refused,  we  should  part  with 
regret,  if,  Phoenix  like,  another  institution,  under  the  same  kind- 
ly auspices,  were  not  to  spring,  full-grown,  from  its  ashes. 
Though  Banks  are  artificial  creations,  and  therefore  "  soulless,** 
we  have  found  among  those  who  manage  moneyed  institutions 
men  with  both  souls  and  hearts.  Some  years  ago,  when  the 
Canal  Bank  failed,  its  notes,  having  entered  largely  into  general 
circulation,  were  held  by  journeymen,  laborers,  seamstresses, 
&c.,  &c.  The  brokers,  in  a  season  of  panic,  were  purchasing 
those  bills  at  30,  40,  and  even  50  per  cent,  discount  Those 
least  able  to  lose  were  necessarily  the  largest  sufferers.  To 
save  this  class  of  citizens  from  such  hard  sacrifices,  Messrs. 
Olcott,  Towusend,  Corning,  King,  Taylor,  Sherman,  Plumb 
and  Kendrick,  the  Presidents  and  Cashiers  of  the  Mechanics' 
and  Farmers',  State,  Commercial  and  City  Banks,  authorized  us 
to  seek  out  all  the  laboring  and  poor  classes  who  held  Canal 
Bank  bills,  and  redeem  them  at  par.  This  authority  was  un- 
limited, except  as  to  brokers  and  rich  persons.  Acting  with  the 
late  James  Maher  and  the  late  Duncan  Campbell  (two  of  the 
best  and  truest-hearted  men  we  ever  knew),  thousands  of  dollar* 
were  thus  saved  to  the  mechanics  and  laborers.  Each  of  the 
Banks  named  furnished  its  proportion  of  the  Redemption 
Fund. — Journal. 

The  mean  temperature  of  December  was  24°,  being  2° 
higher  than  December  of  the  year  1851. 

ALBANY  MARKET. — Rye  from  80  to  85  cts.  per  bu.  of  60  Ibs.; 
Corn,  75  cts. ;  Barley,  from  68  to  72  eta. ;  Oats,  from  50  to  53 
cts.;  Beans,  from  10s.  to  13s. ;  Flaxseed,  from  9s.  to  10s. ;  Buck- 
wheat Flour,  about  $2  percwt.;  Pork,  from  $775  to  $8  per 
cwt.;  Poultry,  from  10  to  12  cts.  per  lb.;  Butter,  from  $22  to  $25 
per  cwt. ;  Cheese,  9i  cts.;  Dried  Apples,  $1  per  bush.;  Apples, 
from  12s.  to  $2  per  bbl.;  Hay,  $25  per  ton;  Straw,  $18  per 
ton. 

CRIMINAL  STATISTICS. — Statement  of  the  arrests  of  persons 
charged  with  criminal  offences,  and  brought  before  the  Police 
Magistrates,  during  the  month  of  December,  1852: — 

Whole  number  of  arrests, 246 

Arrested  by  the  Policemen,  District  No.  1, 30 

«  «  «  «         "2, 59 

»  «  «  u         "3 38 

(t  »  u  «         "4 40 

"  by  Bernardus  B.  Whalen, . . . .' 24 

"  «    Elisha  Mack,  Jr., 12 


384  Annals  of  1852. 

Arrested  by  Franklin  Smith, 23 

"            "    George  6.  Johnson, 9 

M             "    George  Brainard 5 

"    Myers  Henderer, 4 

"    Others, 3 

OFFENCES. 

Felonies — False  pretences, 6 

Perjury, 1 

Forgery, 1 

Grand  Larceny, 4 

Attempt  to  commit  burglary, 1 

Making  thirteen  cases  of  felony, —  13 

Assault  and  battery, 50 

"         "        "        on  officers, 5 

Riot  and  affray, 6 

Breach  of  the  peace 39 

Drunk  in  the  street, 31 

Keeping  disorderly  house; 1 

Petit  larceny, 35 

Vagrancy, 26 

Miscellaneous, 40 

Total, 246 


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383 


RAIN    TABLES, 

Showing  the  quantity  of  Rain  that  fell  during  a  part  of  the  year* 
1850  and  1851,  at  Albany;  communicated  to  the  Regentsofthe  Uni- 
versity by  Hon.  Wm.  J,  McAlpine,  State  Engineer  and  Surveyor. 

I  have   made  some  extensive   experiments  to  determine  the  amount  of  water 
which  can  be  collected  for  the  supply  of  the  city  of  Albany. 

PATROON'S   CREEK,   AT  RAIL  ROAD  JUNCTION. 


Months. 

Rain 
Guage 

Inches. 

Falling  water 
on  an  area  ol 
2,600  acres. 

Cubic  feet 

Amount  of 
water  passing 
sluice  from 
same  source. 

Cubic  feet. 

Semi- 
yearly 
ratio. 
per 

cent 

Yearly 
ratio. 
per 
cent. 

1850,  May  (10  days)... 

1.21 

5.72 
8.57 
2.50 
6.56 
4.31 

11,419,980 
53,985,360 
80,883,660 
23,595,000 
61,913,280 
40,677,780 

6,681,321 

15,880,320 
24,155.732 
20,338,500 
21,805,494 
24,432,192 

41.50 
77.60 

82.60 

55.00 
80.00 

July  .  . 

October  

Totals  

28.87 

272,475,060 

113,293,619 

2.20 
4.41 
0.78 
4.38 
0.94 
4.41 

17.12 
28.87 

20,763,600 
41,621,550 
7,361,640 
41,338,440 
8.871,720 
41^621,580 

19,641,312 
18,438,624 
16,722,720 
15,774,848 
23,748,768 
21(076,416 

"      December  

1851    January   

February  

"      March  

"      April  

Totals  of  half  years,  .  .  . 

From  May,   1850,   to) 
April    185]     ) 

161,578,560 
272,475,060 

125,402,688 
113,293,619 

45.99 

434,053,620 

238,696,307 

1851,  May  

2.61 
4.57 
3.28 
2.17 
1.27 
2.93 

24,633,180 
43,131,660 
30,956,640 
20,480,400 
11,986,260 
27,653,340 

18,583,776 
22,476,096 
21,033,216 
24.845,184 
23,016,096 
21,353,760 

July  

October  

Total,  .... 

16.83 
17.12 

158,841,540 
161,578,560 

131,309,128 
125,402,688 

From  Nov.,  1850,  to) 
Oct.,  1851,  j 

33.95 

320,420,100 

256,711,816 

Rain  Tables. 


389 


PATROON'S  CREEK,   AT  TfVOLI  FALLS. 


Months. 

Rain 
Guage 

Inches. 

Falling  water  on 
an  area  of 

8.000  acres. 

Cubic  feet. 

Amount  of 
water  pass  ng 
sluice    from 
same  source. 

Cubic  feet. 

Semi- 
yc-arly 

I  IlliO. 

Yearly 
ratio. 

1850,  July  (16  days).. 

4.49 
2.50 
6.56 
4.31 
2.20 
4.41 

130,389,60! 
72,600,000 
190.502,400 
125,162,400 
63,888,000 
128,066,400 

25,489,728 
38,954,736 
38,593,288 
46,391,616 
41,018,400 
48,521,488 

33.60 
53.60 

43.42 

42.03 
49.04 

September  
"      October  

24.47 

710,608,800 

238,969,256 

0.78 

4.38 
0.94 
4.41 
2  61 
4.57 

22,651,200 
127,195.200 
27,297^600 
128,066,400 
75,794,400 
132,712,800 

46,929,024 
50,599,146 
46,744,128 
46,263,140 
43,714688 
41,384,983 

March  

From  July,   1850,  to) 
June,  1851,  [ 

1851.  July  

17.69 
24.47 

513,717,600 
710,6»8,&00 

275,635,109 
238,969,256 

42.16 

1,224,326.400 

514,604,365 

3.28 
2.17 
1.27 
2.93 
5.00 

95.251,200 
63,016,800 
36,880,800 
85.087,  2i)0 
145,200,000 

40,127,987 
37,916,985 
33,815,474 
39,155.099 
33,905,960 

"      August  

"      October  

November  

From  Jan.,   1850,  to) 
Nov.,  1851,  J 

14.65 
17  69 

425,436,000 
513,717,600 

124,921,505 
275,635,109 

32.34 

939.153,600 

460.556,614 

The  guaging  of  the  Pntroon's  Creek  has  been  continued  at  two  places,  from  May' 
1850,  to  Itecember,  1851.  The  above  tables  show  the  amount  of  water  which 
passed  through  each  of  the  sluices  on  this  stream  for  each  month  during  the  above 
period,  and  also  the  fall  of  water  at  the  Albany  Academy,  as  furnished  by  Prof.  Cook. 

The  area  of  the  water-shed  above  the  sluice,  at  the  junction,  is  2,COO  acres,  and 
that  above  the  sluice,  at  Tivoli  Falls,  is  8.000  acres. 

The  rain-guage  at  the  academy  was  about  five  miles  from  the  centre  of  the  water- 
shed, and  upon  ground  about  100  feet  lower.  The  quantity  of  water  which  fell  on 
the  drainage  above  mentioned  was  not  ascertained;  but  the  guage  at  the  academy 
furnished  a  c  ose  approximation  to  the  true  quantity,  and  has  been  used  in  preparing 
the  following  tablss. 


390 
*• 

£ 


Rain  Tables. 


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Greatest  fall  in  any  one  month,  was  in  July,  1850,  which  amounted  to  8.57.  Least 
fall  in  any  one  month,  was  in  December,  1828,  which  amounted  to  0'24.  Greatest  fall 
in  any  one  year,  was  in  1850,  which  amounted  to  50'97,  Least  fall  in  any  one  year, 
w»s  in  1852,  which  amounted  to  31.79. 


(391) 


OPENING  AND  CLOSING  OF  THE  RIVER. 


Table  of  the  periods  when  the  Hudson  river  opened  and 
closed  at  Albany,  so  far  as  the  same  can  be  now  as- 
certained. 


River  Closed. 


February  3, 

December  8, 

December  8, 

December  12, 

December  26, 

January  12, 

January  21, 

November  23, 

November  26, 

November  23, 

January  6, 

January  3, 

February  3, 

December  16, 

January  12, 

December  13, 

January  9, 

December  11, 
January 
December 
January 

December  14, 

December  20, 

December  21, 

December  22, 

December  10, 

December  2, 

December  16, 

December  7, 

December  14, 

December  13, 

November  13, 

December  13, 
34 


4, 

9, 
19, 


1790 
1790 
1791 
1792 
1793 
1795 
1796 
1796 
1797 
1798 
1800 
1801 
1802 
1802 
1804 
1804 
1806 
1806 
1808 
1809 
1810 
1810 
1811 
1812 
1813 
1814 
1815 
1816 
1817 
1818 
1819 
1820 
1821 


River  Open.  Days  Closed 

*March          23,  1786 

*March           27,  1790                 52 

*March           17,  1791                99 


*March 
*March 


Feb. 


*APril 


6,     1793 
17,     1794 


28     1801 


6,     1804 


^February      20,     1806 
*April  8,     1807 

*March  10,     1808 


*March  12,     1813 


March 

April 

March 

March 

March 


25,  1818 

3,  1819 

25,  1820 

15,  1821 

15,  1822 


81 
81 


84 

42 

121 

65 


108 
110 
102 
123 
92 


392 


Opening  and  Closing  of  the  River. 


River  Closed. 

December  24,  1822 

December  16,  1823 

January  5,  1825 

December  13,  1825 

December  24,  1826 

November  25,  1827 

*December  23,  1828 

* January  11,  1830 

*December  23,  1830 

*December  5,  1831 

*December  21,  1832 

*December  13,  1833 

*December  15,  1834 

*November  30,  1835 

*December  7,  1836 

*December  13,  1837 

*November  25,  1838 

*December  18,  1839 

*December  5,  1840 

*December  19,  1841 

*November  29,  1842 

*December  9,  1843 

*December  11,  1844 

*  December  4,  1845 

*December  15,  1846 

*December  24,  1847 

*December  27,  1848 

*December  25,  1849 

*December  17,  1850 

*December  13,  1851 

December  22,  1852 

Mem. — All  those  marked  *  are  derived  from  authentic  records 
or  personal  observation.  .,  ., 

NOTES  .—In  a  diary  kept  by  the  late  William  Caldwell,  I  find  the 
following  entries: 

1801. — February  27.  The  ice  moved,  and  the  river  was  entirely 
clear  on  the  28th.  W.  C. 

1802. — January  11.  The  ice  moved  this  morning,  and  the  river 
was  entirely  clear  at  night.  January  22.  The  river  again  frozen 
over.— W.  C. 

1817-18. — This  winter  was  long  and  intensely  cold.  On  the  third 
of  March,  1618,  the  ice  moved  in  a  body  downwards  for  some  dis- 
tance, and  there  remained  stationary.  The  river  was  not  clear  until 
March  25. 

1820-21.  The  river  closed  on  the  13th,  opened  on  the  20th,  and 
finally  closed  December  1 .  This  was  one  of  the  four  winters  during 


River  Open. 

Days  Closed 

March 

24, 

1823 

90 

March 

3, 

1824 

78 

March 

6, 

1825 

60 

*February 

26, 

1826 

75 

*March 

20, 

1827 

86 

*February 

8, 

1828 

About  50 

*April 

1, 

1829 

100 

*March 

15, 

1830 

63 

*March 

15, 

1831 

82 

*March 

25, 

1832 

111 

*March 

21, 

1833 

SO 

*February 

21, 

1834 

73 

*March 

21, 

1835 

100 

*April> 

4; 

1836 

125 

*  March 

28, 

1837 

111 

*March 

19, 

1838 

94 

*March 

21, 

1839 

116 

*February 

21, 

1840 

65 

*March 

24, 

1841 

109 

*February 

4, 

1842 

47 

*April 

13, 

1843 

136 

*  March 

14, 

1844 

95  . 

*February 

24, 

1845 

74 

*March 

15, 

1846 

100 

*April 

6, 

1847 

112 

*March 

22, 

1848 

89 

*March 

19, 

1849 

82 

March 

9, 

'  1850 

73 

February 

25, 

1851 

69 

March 

28, 

1852 

105 

March 

21, 

1853 

91 

Opening  and  Closing  of  the  River.  393 

a  century,  in  which  the  Hudson,  between  Powles'  Hook  and  New 
York,  was  crossed  on  the  ice;  the  other  three  being  1740,  '41,  1765, 
'66,  and  1779,  "SO. 

Jannary  12,  1824.  The  river  was  clear  of  ice,  and  remained  so  for 
several  days. 

1827-28.  The  river  opened  and  closed  repeatedly  daring  this  win- 
ter. Dec.  21.  it  closed  a  second  time. 

1830-31.  Opened  in  consequence  of  heavy  rains,  and  closed  again 
on  the  10th  of  January.  1831. 

1832-33.  Opened  again  January  3;  closed  again  January  1 1. 

1834-35. — March  17.  River  open  opposite  to  the  city.  March  18. 
Steamboat  John  Jav  came  to  Van  Wie's  Point;  ice  at  the  overslaugh. 

1S47-4S. — December  24.  River  closed.  December  31.  River 
open. 

As  the  river  throughout  to  New  York  has  not  always  been  clear  of 
ice  on  the  days  stated  above,  the  time  at  which  the  first  stea  nboat 
passed  from  New  York  to  Albany,  or  vice  versa,  is  also  added  for  a 
few  years : 

1835,  March  25. 

1836,  April  10. 

1837,  March  31,  Robert  L.  Stevens. 

1838,  April  10. 

1839,  March  25,  Swallow. 

1840,  February  25.  Mount  Pleasant. 
1841^  March  26,  Utica. 

1841,  February  6,  Telegraph.     In  consequence  of  heavy  rains,  the 
river  opened   in  front  of  the  city  of  Albany  on  the  8th  of  January, 
and  can  hardly  be  said  to  have  closed  again  during  the  season.     Th« 
ice,  however,  continued   piled  up  some  miles  below,   at  and  about 
Barren  Island,  near  Schodack  Landing,   and  thus  rendered  the  chan- 
nel impassable.  Cold  weather  followed  about  the  middle  of  February, 
and  again  obstructed  the  navigation.     A  steamboat  arrived  again  on 
the  1st  of  March,  1842. 

1843.  April  13,  Utica. 

1844,  March  18,  11  A.  M.,  Utica. 

1345,  February  24,  steamboat  Norwich   at  1  A.  M.,  from  New 
York.     Left  that  city  on  the  22d,  at  8  P.  M.     River  full  of  ice  from 
West  Point  upwards.    Ice  opposite  Albany  stationary,  except  a  small 
portion  that  broke  away  yesterday,  opposite  Lydius  street. 
1846,  March  IS.  steamboats  Columbia  and  Oneida  arrived. 
1S47.  April  7,  steamboat  Columbia. 
March  22,  steamboat  Admiral. 
March  18.  steamboat  Columbia. 

1850.  March  9.  steamboat  Buffalo. 

1851.  February  25,  Oregon. 

1852.  March  2S,  Nimrod. 

1853.  March  21,  John  L.  Lockwood. 


GOVERNORS 

OF 

NEW  YORK,  DURING  THE  BRITISH  DYNASTY, 

1664  TO    1775. 


Governors. 

Began  Office. 

Time 
Years 

of  Se 
MOP. 

rvice. 
Dayg 

August  27,  1664  

3 
5 

7 
1 
7 

9 
2 

7 
3 
6 
4 

1 
7 
1 
2 
8 

2 

11 
7 
4 

11 
2 
3 
6 
2 
1 
7 
6 

10 
9 
1 
11 

7 

4 

10 
1 

8 
8 
2 

22 
4 
7 
3 

14 
15 
18 
3 
1 
4 
3 
28 
16 

10 
12 
18 
2 
14 
29 
1 
27 
19 
1 
11 
28 

7 
20 

27 
18 

May    1668,  

Andros     

October  31,  1674,.... 
May   16     1672  

August  27    1683  

March  19,  1691    

July  23    1691,  

1 
5 
1 
1 

Fletcher,    

August  30,  1692  

April  2    1698    

Nanfan,  

May,  1699,  
July,  1700  

March  5    1701    

Smith  

March   1701    

May  19    1701  

May  3    1702  

6 

Schuyler,  

May  6,  1709,  

Beekinan    

April  10    1710     . 

June  14    1710  

10 
7 
3 
1 

3 

7 
10 

1 

1 
3 

September  J7,   ]720,.. 
April  15     1728    ...... 

July  1    1731    

August  1,  1732,  

Clarke    

March  10,   1736,  
September  22,  1743,.. 
October  10,  1753,  
October  12,  1753,  
September  3,  1755,  .  .  . 
June  2    1757  

Hardy.  . 

August  4,  1760,  

October  26,  1761,  .... 
November  13  1761  . 

June  14     1762  .  .  . 

1 
2 
3 
1 

Golden,  

June  25    1763  .  .  . 

November  13,  1765,  .  . 
September  12,  1769,.. 
October  19    1770,  .... 

Tryon,  .... 

July  9,   1771,  

1 

1 

Colden  

April  6    1774    ...   . 

Tryon,  

June  26,  1775,  

INDEX. 


Academy  project,  328 

Albany,  343,  352,  386 

Female,  352,  386 

Statistics,  386 
Agriculture,  231 
Agricultural  society,  347 
Agent  to  London,  21 0 
Akin  $  Schuyler,  372,  373 
Albany  mercantile  company,  324 
Albany  records,  4!)  to  97 
Alb.  £  Schen.  rail  road,  348 
Alderman,  fine  for  absence,  145, 

164 

refusal  to  serve,  185 

new  board,  355 
Ames,  Ezra,  311,  382 
Andriessen,  Albert,  20 
Annual  accounts,    103,  104,  121, 
124,    L25,    149,    150,    165, 
168,  176 
Anti-renters,  352 


Arms  of  Rensselaerswyck,  vessel, 

56 

Arsenal,  308 
Assemblymen,  124,  352 
Assize,  court  of,  7 
Associate  Ref.  Presbytery,  320. 
Aspinwall,  Lewis,  363 
Aukas  Douw,  112 
Aurania,  privileges  reserved,  30 
Aurora  borealis,  352 
Austin.  John,  371 
Backer'us,  Rev.  61,  62 
Baker,  Capt.,  9,  12 
Ballstown.  road  to,  322 
Bamber,  John,  366 
Bank,  230 
Banker,  Evert,  210 
Banker,  Gerard,  306 


Baptist  church,   346,   354,   356, 

365,  373,  381 
Jarley  trade,  380,  383 
Barber  £  Southwick,  310 
Barber,  Robt.  £  John,  277 
Jarca,  Calderon  de  la,  347 
Bardwell,  Wm.  A.,  375 
Bass,  large,  320,  373 
Bassett,  John,  324 
Bears  island,  52,  54,  55,  68,  71, 

161,  164 
3eaver  creek  lands  sold  to  church, 

103 
Beavers,  price  of,  44,  49,  69,  84, 

93 

consignment  of,  51 
Beasley,  Rev.  Mr.,  324 
Beck,  T.  R.,  351 
Becker,  Jan,  notary,  10 
schoolmaster,  15 
Bedell,  L.  M.,  379 


Beer,  90,  95,  371 
Bender,  C.  W.,  372 
Benjamin,   Caleb,  355 
Bennett,  Capt.,  140 
Bellomont,  address  to,  116 

assessment  for,  210 
Bethlehem  Washington   Guards, 

353 

Beverwyck,  93,  94 
Bleeker,  Jan  Janse,  recorder,  98 
Bleeker,  John,  recorder,  35 

mayor,   145 
Bleecker,  Mr.  Henry,  346 
Blockhouses.   93,   108,  123,   149, 

196,  199,  216 
Bloemart,  skippar,  70 
Bogardus,  Cornelius,  teacher,  106 
Bogardus,  Peter,  128,  131 


Index. 


Bogart,  Henry  J.,  308 
Bondage  of  negro  girl,  59 
Boothwick,  Alex.,  353 
Bradford,  John  M.,  334 
Bratt,  Anthony,  sexton,  180,  192 
Bratt,  Barent  Albertsen,  109,  127 
Bread,   310,  311,  318,  325,  329, 

330,  333 
Brewery,  56 

accident  to,  371 
Briare,  Peter,  279 
Bricks,  88 
Broadhurst,  Jon.,  sheriff,  127, 134, 

149 

Blown,  Allen,  356 
Brown,  Andrew  4"  Co.,  316 
Brown,  George  G.,  354 
Bryan,  John,  310 
Bulger,  354 

Burial  ground  inscriptions,  277 
Burial  place,  169,   186 
Burgesses  Corps,  3691 
Burr,  Aaron,  318 
Burgomasters,  77 
Burglary,  34C,  346,  351,  3^3,  354, 

359,  360,  363,  364,  366,  371, 

375 

Bygate,  Richard,  375 
Butchers,  public,  19 
Building,  style  of,  230 
Caldwell  James,  231,  322 
William,  322 
medal,  349 
Calf,  Claas,  51 
Camp,  E.  A.,  366 
Canal,   309,  313,  320,  321,   355, 

380 

Canada,  passport  to,  106,  113 
visit  to_,  129 
expedition  to,  215 
Canastagione.  17,  119,  125,  144. 

163,  184^  195 
Candles,   196 
Carmen,  99,  107,  148 
Catskill  (see  Katskill),  125,  152, 

154,218 

justices  summoned,  98 
Carson,  David,  373 
Cartel,  Benjamin  W  ,  347 


Cathedral,  375,  381 
Catholic   church,  307 
Caviar,  85 
Census,  138,  314 
Chandler,  Samuel,  354 
Chamberlain,  372 

annual  report,  376 
Chaplains,  legislative,  313 
Charter  of  liberties,  32 

quit  rent,  168,  170 
repealed,  39 

officers,  119,  144,  162,  184, 

195 

Chatfield,  Wm.,  376 
Cherry  Valley  turnpike,  308 
Churches,  231 

privileged,  38 
Church,  maintaining  of,  13 

bell,  94 
,     seats,  70,  146 

purchase  Beaver  creek,  103 

bequest  to,  107,  108,  137, 
139 

at  Schenectady,  118 

reader,  124 

yard,   124,  169,  186 

pasture,  128,  131,  316 

collections,  310,  327,  335 

enlargement,   146 

Troy,  329,  330 
Circus,  346 
City  hall,  213,  215 
City  records,  98  to  175 
City  volunteers,  374,  379 
Clay,  Henry,  365 

steam  boat,  366 
Clench,  Benjamin  V.,  280 
Clerk  of  court,   192 
Clinton,  Gov.,  316 
Coeymans,  104,  145 
Cohoes,  235 
Cold  winter,  333 
Coleman,  John,  372 
Collectors,  114,  125 
Colonists,  85 
Colonie,  327 
Comedians,  323 
Commerce,  227 
Commissaries  appointed,  20 


Index. 


397 


Commissions,  fines  for  acceptance, 

217 

Commons,  106 
Confiscated  houses,  13 
Congregational  convention,  373 
Congrove,  lieut.,  170,   175 
Constitution,  convention  to  revise, 
318 

objections  to,  336 
Contributions  to  church,  118 
Cook.  John,  281 
Coorn,  Nicholas,  43,  54.  55,  59 
Cornbury,  assessment  for,  212 
Cornbury,  lord,    159 
Come  measurer,  IS 
Cornelissen,  Adrian,  41 
Coroner's  inquest,    109,  166 
Coster,  Win.  Cornelis,  murdered, 

48 
County  of  Albany,  its  bounds,  39 

state  and  condition  of,  116 

taxes,  180,   183 

divided,  315,  365 
Courts,  jurisdiction  of,  36 

to  be  established,  77,  203 
Courthouse,  124,  125,  326 

martial,  196 
Courtney,  S.  G.,  365 
Cows  sent  to  Fort  Orange,  42 
Coxsackie,  152,  154,  218 
Craig,  John,  281 
Crane,  Elisha,  282 

Samuel,  359 
Crawford,  John,  282 
Creek,  123 

Cregier,  Martin,  45,  119 
Crier,  177,  197 
Crime,    statistics    of,    353,    359, 

371,  383 

Croesvelt.  Bay,  115 
Crol,  Bastifn  Jansen,  42 
Cunningha  n,  Andrew,  282 
Cuyler,  Abram,  refuses   to  serve. 
185 

Johannes,  216 

John,  216,  218 
Damen,  Maritie,  17 
Deacons,  139 
Dean,  Dr.,  360 


Death  penalty  for  selling  Indians 

guns,  4rc.,  46 
Debts  of  city,  168 
De  Decker,  John.  94 
Defreest,  Anna,  353 
De  Hulter,  a  patroon,  85 
Delavall,  lot  granted  to,  20 
Dellius  grants  annulled,  210 
Democratic  festival,  375 
Democratic  convention,    346 
Derrocratic  procession,  375 
DeWitt,  Dorothy,  352 
Denniston,  Hugh,  354 

Isaac,  381 
Dirkson,  Tonis,  40 
Divorce,  20 
Dix,  Joshua  G.,  353 
Dixe,  John.   19 
Dries,  Rev.  Samuel,  80 
Driving  regulated,  112,  122,  168, 

198 

Dole,  James,   283 
Domestic  habits,  232 
Donnelly,  Peter,  283 
!Don,  E.  J.,  362 

'Dogs,  required  to  be  muzzled,  362 
Dudley  Observatory,   361 
Dunn,  Christopher.  322,   374 
Phillip,  346' 
Richard,  283 
Duncan,  James,  359 
Dutch  church,  306 

capitulation,  28 
Duties,  38,  72,  73,  150 
Dutch  school,  15 
Dwyer,  John  Hanbury,  283 
Dyer,  David,  380 
Eaglestone,  Richard,  283 
Eclipse.  346 
Eights,' Mrs   R.,  380 
Elders,  church,  138 
Electors,  319 

Elections,  privileges  of,  33 
Election  returns,  119,    144,    162, 

184,  195,  307,  308,  315.  320, 

328,  334,  374 
Elpendam,  136,  138, 151 
Elmendorf,  Harman  W.,  362 
Emigrant  society,  361 


398 


Index. 


English  school,  16 

settlements,  97 
Engraving,  311 
Episcopal  convention,  324 
Episcopal  church,  Troy,  329 
Episcopal  burial  ground,  277 
Epidemic,  160,  162 
Estates,  valuation  of,  160,    171, 

180,  181 
Excise,  216 
Exports,  228 
Fabricius  suspended,  13 

difference  with,  22,  23 
Fairs,  207,  311 
Ferry,  334,  371,  372,  373 
Ferry  boat  upset,  367 


Fines,  110,  111,  112,  113,  119, 


Fowler,  Wm.,  310 

Freeman,  dominie,  118 

Freight,  228 

Freemen,   immunities  of,  34,  35, 

142,  143,  158,  175,  177 
French  panic,  24.  130,  132,  135 

Martha,  351 

war,  117  204,  206 
Freshet  (see  high  water) 
Frontiers,  117,  205  to  218 
Frost,  Datus  E.,  352 
Fryer,  William,    284 

Isaac,  284 

John,  284 
Funeral  expenses,  174 

bells  regulated,  320 


Fur  trade,  63,  64,  68,  87 


122,  128,  138,  142,  145,  147,  jFyne,  John,  126,  143 
148,  151,  164,  165,  168,  181,  Gaine  £  Ten  Eyck,  313 
185,  186,  187,  191,  197,  203,  jGarretson  Meth.  ch.,  346 
217  Garrison,  want  provisions,  155 


Fire  annihilator,  372 


Gates,  Daniel  V.,  284 


Fires,  345,  346,  347,  351,    352,  Gates,  160,  164,  177,  183,  197 


353,  354,  360,  562,  363,  365, 

366,  367,  369,  371,372,  373, 

374,  375,  380,  381,  382 

Fire  apparatus.  122,  147, 165,  197, 

regulations,  168 

companies,  369,  371 

Firewood,  99,  102,  103,  128,  149, 

150,     164,    165,     167,    186, 

197,  218 
Firemasters,  111,  120,   138,  146, 

164,  186 

First  ward  divided,  315 
Fisheries,  329 
Fitzpatrick,  Ann.  372 
Fletcher  grants  annulled,  210* 
Flogging  for  theft,  45 
Forfeitures    (see  fines),  197,  198, 

217 

Fort.  13.  30,  101,  211 
Fort  Orange,   houses  at,   41,  61, 

63,  68,   71,  78,  82.  86,    87, 

91,  92,  94,  97 
Fortifications,  212,  218 

neglected,  211 
Fourth  of  July,  365 
Fowler,  Mrs.  Wm.,  346 


elder,  public,  17 

eneral  assembly,  203,  212 

eological  formations,  234 

Gerritsen,  Phillip,  50 

Gibbons.  John  B.,  380 

Gibson,  Joseph,  375 
William,  367 

Gilbert,  John,  197,  198 

Gill,  Matthew,  285 
George,  284 

Given,  John,  314 

Glass  works,  231 

Glossary,  199 

Good  Hope,  yacht  attacked,   54, 
55 

Gott,  John,  348 

Gould,  Job,  306 

Gould,  Mrs.  Mary,  351 

Gould,  Dickinson" 4-  Co.,  306 

Governors  of  New  York,  399 

Grace  church,  380 

Grain  measurer.  18 

Graves,  George,  346 

Graveyard.  169,  186 
disrger,  187 

Great  pasture.  128,  131 


Index. 


399 


Greenbush  ferry,  334 
Grenfield,  Miss,  347 
Gregory,  Matthew,  286,  315 
Gridley,  Ira,  373 
Groenendyk,  receiver,  156,  162 
Guns,  great,  196,  199 
Half  Moon,  119,    125,   144.   1G3, 

184,  195,  233 
Hall,  Thomas,  353 
Hamilton,  Col.,  330 
Hanford,  Geo.  372 
Hansen,  Hend.,  mayor,   98,  121, 

153 
assemblyman,    105,     169, 

196,  218 

Harlem  rail  road,  347 
Harrington.  John,  375 
Harris,  Daiiiel,  366 
Harrison,  Catharine  P.,  353 
Hays,  Mr.  Solomon,  348 
Hays,  J.  R  ,  367 
Haystacks  prohibited,  195 
Heat,  excessive,  237 
Hell  gate,  67 
Hempstead,  Isaac,  367 
Hendrickson,  William,  287 
Hendrik  Hudson,    381 
Henry,  Benj    V.,  327 
Herring  fishery,  329 
Hessian  fly,  225,  309 
Hewson,  J.  D.,  355 
High  water,  345,  351,  353,  355, 

356,  360,  361,  381 
Highways,  99 
Hills,  Augustus  S.,  347 
Hill,  John,  287 

Samuel,  287 
Hodge,  John,  288 
Holfmeyer,  Wm.,corn  measurer, 

18 
Wm.  estate  of,  107,   108, 

116 
Hogs,  to  be  ringed,  128,  154,  157, 

187 

Hogen,  Wm.,  112 
Holmes,  Joseph,  366 
Hooker,  Phillip,  288 
Holland,  Lieut.,  140,  158,  162 
Horse  drowned,  353 


Horses  sent  to  Rensselaerswyck, 

42,  46 
Horses,    exportation  prohibited, 

106,  113 
Efoqpital,  354 
Hospitality,  232 
Hosford,  E.,  328 
Houdin,  Michael  Gabriel,  314 
Houses,  confiscated,  13 

taken  down,  107,  108 

erected  under  Van  Twiller. 
41 

by  Montanye,  96 

rented  for  officers,  120,  133, 

170,  198 
Hubbard,  Elijah,  356 
Hudson  river,  227,  228 

obstructions,  309 

rail  road,  359 
Humane  society,  327,  335 
Humphrey,  Chauncey,  373 
Hungarian  association,  352 
Hunter,  James,  288 
Ice  broke  up,  345,  353,  381 
Iggett,  John,  2S9 
Indians,  peace  with,  9,  10,  26 

guns  sold  to,  46 

invade  Canada,  70 

vexations  of,  74 

Mohawk,  privileged,  1 10 
Indian  trade,    13,  110,   117,   126, 
128,  134,  149.  157,  177, 
180,  182,  192,  197 

exhibition,  346 

murder,  48,  129,  130 

houses,  13,  102,   111,  157 

sell  their  lands,  308,  321 

goods  taxed,  204 

presents,  215 

treaty,  275,  321 
Isaac  Newton  steam  boat,  382 
Jail,  115,  124,  125,  213,  215,  315, 

354 

James,  Thomas,  366 
Jansen.  Michiel,  40 

Juriaen,  19 
Jauncey,  John,  321 
Jay,  John,  307 
Jersey  blues,  369 


400 


Index. 


Jesuit  letter,  26 

ambassador,  106 
Johnson,  John,  360 

John  B.,  314,  323 

Harriette,  354 
Joosten,  Jacob,  teacher,  16 
Joynt,  John,  371 

Jury,  trial  by,  35,  139,  140,  1500 
167,  169,  182 

grand,  371 
Justices,  150,  152,  153,  156 

arrested,  152 
Katskill,  67,  68 
Kennedy,  Elisha,  380 
Kerr,  Robert,  290 
Kelelheyn,  David,  113 

Wm.,  114,  120,  133 
Kibbe,  J.  J.,  361 
Kinderhook    justices,    104,    112, 

125,  142,  152,  195 
Kine  pock,  323 
Kinney,  John,  380 
Kizinger,  Matthew,  375 
Knower,  Benj.,  382 
Koren  (see  Coorn  and   Toorn) 
Kossuth,  361,  362 
La  Battie,  Jan,  56 
La  Fayette,  226 
La  Grange,  Arie,  306 
Lamps,  310,  312,  318,  327,  331, 

335,  376 

La    Montagne,  69,  78,  88,  95,  96 
Land,  price  of,  231 
Langridge,  Stephen,  375 
Lane  obstructed,  183 
Lansing,  E.  O.,  352 
Lark  street  pond,  363 
Leake,  I.  Q.,  282 
Le  Breton,  John,  291 
Legislature,  331,  355 
Leggatt,  Wm.,  355 
Lemet.  Lewis.  335 
Lewis,  Morgan,  324 
Lewis,  Robert,  306 
Liberty  of  conscience,  28 
Library,  circulating,  310 
Licenses  required  to  trade,  143. 

147, 149, 198 
Lightning,  stroke,  360 


Liquor  laws,   112,  115,  119,  147, 

165, 181,  186,  194,  215 
Literature  fund,  352 
Livingston,  Robt.,  salary,  192 
Lockwood,  Benj.,  292 
Loockmans  Govert,  43,   54,    55, 
Lopez,  374  [67,71 

Lorillard,  Jacob,  307 
Lots,  sale  of,  172,  173,  175 

disputed,  191 
Lottery,  309 
Low,  Francis,  292 
Lumber,  309 
Lutheran  minister  suspended,  13 

dissention  from.  22,  23 
toleration,  24 
Lydius  Balthazar,  292 

Joh.,  128,  139,  146 
Lovelace,  letters  of,  8  to  27 
McClellan,  Robert,  306,  324 
McClintock,  Ralph,  366 
McClure,  A.,    372 

McDonald,  Donald,  307 
John,  317,  326 

McDowell,  Robert,  306 

McElroy,  Wm.,  360 

McGregory,  Patrick,  carman,  148 
porter,  188 

McMahon,  Nicholas,  367 

Mad  animals,  361 

Maquas  incursion,  70 

Maher,  James,  368 

Mail  stage,  239 

Malthouse  fell,  363 

Manning,  Michael,  353 

Manufacturers,  231 

Males,  census  of,  137,  153 

Mares  sent  to  Fort  Change,  42,  46 

Maria,  a  slave,  59 

Maricuer,  Mons.,  130,  135 

Market  house.  193 
prices,  '383 

Martial  law,  35 

Mass  meeting,  374 

Matchett,  James,  292 

Mayell,  Alfred,  346 

Mayor,  directions  to,  21 

Meagher  meeting,  362 

Mechanics'  £  Farmers1  bank,  382 


Index. 


401 


Medals,  Academy,  349 
Medical  society,  323 
Meech,  Horace,  381 
Megapolensis,  61,  62,  64,   80 
Melgers  Trentje,  midwife,  16 
Melyn,  Cornelius,  40,  62,  66.   76 
Merchant,    George,  293 
Merrifield,  William,  293 
Michielson,  Jan,  41 
Midwife,  sworn,  16 
Military  association,  345 
Millen,  G.,  380 
Mitchell,  John,  380 
Mohawk  bridge,  233 

incursion  70 
Money,  small,  70 

value  raised,  78,  84 
used  in  business,  227 
Montreal,  expedition  to,  129,  130 
Moore,  Rev.  W.  W.,  346 
Morgan,  John,  359 
Morrow,  Samuel,  294 
Mossop,  George  M.,  294 
Munger,  Mrs.  F.,  347 
Murray,  Mrs.,  351 
Museum,  306 
Nail  works  burnt,  364 
Nanfan,  address  to,  130 

assessment  for,  210 
Navigation,    227,  228,309,  319, 

354,  380,  381 
Negro  songstress,  347 
Negroes  to  be  imported,  75 

regulations  concerning,  19- 
Nellegar,  Joseph,  294 
New  city,  229,  233 
Newland,  David,  373 
Newspapers,  New  York,  359 
Newspapers,  226 
Newton,  Alice,  351 

Daniel  S.,  359 
New  York,     intercourse    forbid, 

160,  162, 163 
New  York  State  bank,  322,   323. 

328 

Niblock,  Robert,  .366 
Nichols,  letters  from,  8  to  16 

Abram,  legacy,  174 
Nimrod,  steamboat,  354 


formal  school,  349 
Vorton.  John  P.,  370 
forth  Methodist  church,  346 
Votaries,  10,  136 
Vote,  form  of,  50 
Vott,  Dr.,  327,  330 
Oats  carried  away,  142 
»Brien.  Matthew,  314 
Observatory  361 
O'Donnell,  Daniel,  360 
Oil,  cost  of,  49 
Olcott,  T.  W.,  382 
Onondaga,  132,  135,  212 
Ontario  wheat,  332 
Oothout,  Hend.,    112,  122 
Orphan  asylum  fair,  346 
Owen  Thomas,  295 
3  wens  John,  295 
'ackard,  Benj.  D.,  295 
Palmer,  Sylvanus.  324 
Paper  mill,  234 
Parker  Amasa.  351 
Parke,  S.  A.,  372 

James,  193.  198 
Passages,  high  price,  70,  228 
Patents,  list  of,  126,  145,  185 
Patkook.  125 
Paving  ordered,  195.  331 
Pay  roll,   209 
Penniman.  S.  J.,  349 
Perkins,  Prof.,  366 
Perry,  Eli,  346 
Pestilence,  regulations,  327 
Petcrsen,  Gysje.  will  of,  47 
Physiognotrace,  325,  335 
Pierson,  George,  348 
Pines,  cutting  forbid,  106 
Pinhorn,  W.,  210 
Plank,  Jacob,  46 
Plan  of  Albany,  344 
Platt,  Ananias,  315 
Poel,  A.  N.  A.,  109,  114,   134 
Poestenkill,  234 
Police  report,  359 

attacked,  382 
Politeness,  want  of,  237 
Population,  137,  230,  314,  319 
Porter  and  town  crier.  177,  188 
Porter,  Ira,  296 


402 


Index. 


Porter,  James,  296 

Pos,  Symon,  42,  43 

Potash,  235 

Potasherv.  £8 

Povey,  John,  19 

Precinct,  erected,  218 

Presbyterian  synod  of  Albany,  323 

Printing  office,  310  • 

Procession,  374,  375 

Profiles,  325 

Provisions,  prices  of,  207 

Pruyn,  Mrs.  G.,  347 

Public  books  and  accounts,  218 

Pulpit,  94 

Quarantine,  160,  162,  163,   325, 

334 

Quays,  price  of,  230 
Quit  rents,  168,  169,  170, 172 
Rafferty,  Edward,  367 
Rail  road  receipts,  348 

speed,  3o3 

convention,  375 
Rain  tables,  388 
Ramsay,  Adam,  345 
Katcliffe,  100,  120,  149,  187 
Rattle  watch.  10J,  120,  122,  149, 


150 
Real  estate  valuation,   160,  312, 

381,  385 

Records,  Albany,  40  to  97 
translation  of,  333 
Reims,  Edward,  estate,  162 
Reindeer  blown  up,  370 
Releases,  172,  173,  175,  ISO  188, 

193 

Religious  liberty,  37 
Reno,  Rensselaer,  371 


Ridder,  Evert,  teacher,  177 
Ridinsr,  disorderly.  112,  122,  168, 

198 

Rigby,  William,  297 
Riot  353,  382 
Road  toBallstown,  322 
Rochefaucault,  Liancourt,  219 
Robbins,  Samuel,  297 
Robinson,  A.  D.,  345 
Rodgers,  Nathaniel,  381 
Roeloffe,  Jan.,  pardoned,  14 
Romeyn,  John  B.,  306 
Rape,  case  of,  1 39 
Roseboom,  Hend.,  church  reader, 

124,  161,  186 
Rosier,  John,  274 
Rosie,  Jan.,  112,  129,  163 
Russell,  James  A.,  376 
Ryan,  Thomas,  375 
Sabbath,  111,  112,  154,  157,  308 
Salaries,  124,  161,  183,  192,  193, 
197 

representatives,  204 

commissioners,  215 
Salisbury,  Capt.  S.,  justice,  27 
Salt  works,  88 
Saratoga,  233 
Schaghticoke,  331 
Schaakkook,  126,  168,  170 
Schenectady,  195,  216,  224 

churchwardens,  118 

patent,  169,  172 

fort,  211 

burning  of,  240 

turnpike,  317,  318,  320 

rail  road,  348 
Schepens,  77 


Rensselaerswyck,  86,  87,  90,  93,    Scientific  convention,  351 

94,  204,  212,  215  School,  Dutch,  15,  78 

Rensselaerstein,  52,  53  note,  55,  English,  16 

68,  71  j School  house,  332 

Representatives,  33.  204  Schoolmaster,  15,  16,  62,  64,  106, 

convoyed,  163 
expenses,  216,  217 
Retail  trade  prohibited,    143 
Revenue,  124,  126,  230,  310,  335, 


376 

Rhoades,  Julius,  347 
Richardson,  Thomas  R.,  271 


177 

Scott,  Gen.,  373 
John,  374 
William,  297 

Scroll,  presentation  of,  355 

Schuyler,  Col.  Peter,   132, 

158,  274 


Index. 


403 


Schuyler,  D.,  129,  132,  135,  216 

Myndert,  215,  218 

Philip,  232,  331 

John,  233 

General,  23'J 

Harmanus  P.,  314 
Scudder,  John,  297 
Sea  want,  93 
Seminary,  Female,  352 
Sepher  Torah,  355 
Settlements  to  be  encouraged,  76 
Sexton,  161,  186,  192 
Seymour,  Wm.,  372 
Shad  fishery,  329 
Strangers  prohibited  to  trade,  13 
Shankland,  P.  V.,  345 
Shank,  Lieut.,  133,  158,  198 
Shallers  Island,  104 
Shaw,  Maria,  354 
Sheep  sickness,  87 
Shepherd,  Thomas,  297 
Sheridan,  Matthew,  297 
Sheriff,  77,  96,  97,  115, 127,  134, 

197 

Sherwood,  Lemuel,  361 
Shields,  Arthur,  370 
Ship  building,  229 
Shipping  in  port,  361 
Shutte,  John,  teacher,  16 
Sickles,  Abraham,  371 
Sing-verein,  367 
Skerrett,  John,  298 
S  kiddy,  steam  boat,  363,  364 
Skinner,  Jared,  320 
Skulking  parties,  129 
Slavery,  59,  74,   213,   215,  230, 

313,  314,  324 
Sloop  ye  Cock,  19 

speed,  362 
Small  coin,   70,  84 
Snow,  347 

Snow  storm,  326,  333,  355,  375 
Soil,  234 
Soldiers,  165,  139,  205  to  218 

enfranchised,  158 

debt,  due  by,  190 

quartered,  194,  196,  212 

subsistence,  194,  195 

scow  for,  10 


Soldiers,  reservation,  30 
arrested,  139 

Southwick,    Solomon,    298,   310, 
331,  382 

Spears,  Wm.,  371 

Spencer,  John  C.,  373 
Henry,  298 
Thomas,  310 

Sporberg,  Lewis,  345 

Staats,  Abraham,  61 
Jacob,  112 
widow  of  Barent.  371 

Stanwix,  George,  299 

St.  Andrews'  society,  325 

Sta'e  Normal  school,  366 

State  of  the  country,  116,  307 

Stage,  238,  239,  330 

St.  Bernard,  monks  of,  317 

Steam  boat  speed,  364 

Steele,  Daniel,  316,  325 

Stevenson,  James,    364 

St.  Joseph's,  354 

Stockadoes,  103,  107,  113,  123, 
128,  133,  141,  142,  147,  148, 
150,  151,  156,  160,  165,  167, 
176,  186,  191,  193,  196 

Stone,  Daniel  D.,  299 

Store  house,  316 

St.  Patrick's  353 

St.  Peter's  church  consecrated, 
324 

Strain.  J.  K.,  373 

Streets  filled  up,   316 

ordered  paved,  331 

Street  regulations,  112,  154,  157, 
178,  183,  195,  198 

Sturgeon,  85 

Suicide,  375    ' 

Sun  stroke,  366 

Supercaes,  Mons.,  130 

Surveyors,  112,  136,  137 

Susquehanna  rail  road,  354,  356, 
361 

Swart,  sheriff,  96 

G.  schout,  9,  107,  108 

ISymensen,  Jan,  skipper,  43 

I  Synod  of  Albany,  323 

JTaber,  P.  TM  351 

'Tallman,  Britain  B.,  363 


404 


Index. 


Tarn  arrested,  158 
Tavern  keepers,  194 
Taxes,  34,   69,  84,    104-5, 


113, 


121,  122,  125,  138,  139,  141, 
146,  147,  150,  151,  152,  153, 
157,  159,  169,   171,  176,  180, 
181,  187,  188,  204,    205    to 
218,  312,  315,  376,  381 
Taylor  brewery,  37 1 
malthouse,  380 
Mary  Richmond,  300 
Richard,  301 
Teller,  Wm.,7,  114 
Temperance  convention,  374 

society,  347,  348 
Temperature,  237,  319,  326,  333, 

337,  352,  363,  381,  383 
Ten  Broeck,  Dirck,  306 

Abraham,  310 
Ten  Eyck,  Coenradt,  152 
Test,  signing  of,    156 
Thayer,  A.  AM  376 
Theatre,  354,  365,  367,  381 
Theft,  trial  for,  44 
Thespian  hotel,  323 
Thomas,  Andrews  £  Penniman, 

319 

Thuysman,  D.,  gelder,  17 
Tile  works,  88 
Tippling  houses,  112 
Tobacco  works,  231 
Tonnage,  228 
Tontine  coffee  house,  315 
Toorn,  Nicholas,  52,  59 
Torch  light  procession,  371 
Townsend,  Theodore,  349 
Tract  society,  380 
Trade  of  strange  vessels  prohibited, 

18,  21,  142 
exception  in  favor  of  Capt. 

Willett,  22 
Trade,  227,  228,  237 
Treasurer,  125 
Trials,  how  conducted,  35 
Troop  of  horse,  13,  203 
Troops,  short  of  rations,  155 


Tunnel,  352,  372 
Turck,  William,  51 
Turk,  Jacob,  112.  180 
Turn-verein,  367 
Turnpike,    308,    311,    315,    331, 
320,  321,  327, 330,  332,  333 
Tythes,  96 

Universalist  church,  376 
University,  347,  351,  353 
Union  college,  225 
United  Presbyterian  church,  317, 

319 

Utthoft,  Wouter,  98,  120,  133 
Valkenburgh,  Jochim,  180 
Van  Allen,  220 
Vander  Huyghens,  Cornelis,    56, 

57 

Van  de  Capellan,  69,  76 
Van  Baas,  Jan  Hendricks,  20 
Van  Brugh,  Peter,  126,  172,  175, 

218 

Van  Brugge,  Charles,  60 
Van  Dam,  Claes  Ripse,  150 
Van  Derdbnck,  law  suit,  42,  43, 

45,  62,  88,  89 
Van  Elpendam  (see  Elpendam) 
Van  Heusen,  G.  L.,  380 
Van  Ingen  James,  306,  333 
Van  Loon,  John,  136,  138,  151 

Peter,  354,  356 
Van  Ness,  Jacob,  369 
Van  Noorstrandt,  killed,  166 
Van  Rensselaer,   40,  42,  46,  52, 
232 

Solomon,  356,  359 

John,  85 

Philip,  306,  310 

Jeremiah,  310,  342 

Killian  K.,  320 

Jan  Baptist,  95 

Kiliaen,  98,  122,  147,  215 

Hendrick,  99,  147 

Stephen,  238,  308 

medal,  349 

rent,  13 
Van  Santford,  Anthony,  351 


ordered  to  repair  walls,  160  Van  Schee  street,  316 


Troy,  229,  233,  335 

nail  works,  364 


Van  Slechtenhorst,  Brant,  60,  67, 

78 


Index. 


405 


Van  Twiller,  Wouter,  63,  64.  66, 
70,  71,75,  79,  89,  90 

Van  Vechten,  Teunis.  330 

Van  Vleck,  Roeloff,  142 

Van  Vranken   Gerrit,  326 

Van  Zandt,  John,  373 

Veazie,  M.  R.,  366 

Vessels,  227 

Verbeek,  Gerrit,  shot,  14 
Jan,  98,  100,  109 

Vernon,  George,  302 

Vernor,  John,  302 

Vessels,    strange,    prohibited    to 
trade,  18,  21,  46 

Waddy,  Samuel,  347 

Wands,  John,  W.,  370 

Wages  of  labor,  232 

Waspinox  Indians,  48,  64 


Wendel,  Ariaentje,  182 
Wendell,  Evert,  120 
John  W.,  319 
Werner,  J.   I.,  365 
Wessels,  Jotham,   patent  taken 

from,  20 

Dirk  Cornelis,  41,  105 
Dirck,  215 
Western   inland  lock  navigation 
company,  309,  3J3,  320, 
321 

rail  road,  374 
West  India  company,  28 

records,  42 
Weston,  Wm.,  303 
Wheat,  309,  318,  329,  330 

332,  333,  334,  335,  383 
Wheeler,  Smith,  303 


Washington,  death  of,   312,  313,  jWhipple,  John,  304 
314  White,  Richard,  305 

anniversary,  352  Widow,  dower  of,  36 

monument,  374  Will  of  Gysje  Pietersen,  47 

Watch  (see    Rattle  watch),   100,  Philip  Gerritsen,  50 


102,  149,  216,  217,  310,  312, 

318,  327,  331,  335 
Water  works  company,  320,  325 
Waterman,  Samuel,  303 
Waterford  bridge,  332 
Watson,  P.  V.,  351 
Waugh,  James,  303 
Way  masters,   136,  146,  164 
Weaver,  Isaac  L.,  363 

Joseph,  373 
Webb,  Henry  B.,  369 
Webster  meeting,  374 

Charles  R.,  308,  312 
Weems,  Capt.,  139,  155,  190 
Weesmasters,  7 

Weights  and  measures,  8,  11,  152 
Wells,  Wm.  S.,  303 
Wells  and  water,    136,  159,  189, 

218 


Wills  to  be  attested,  36 
Williams,  Thos.,  sheriff,  115 

E.  H.,  373 
Wilson,  Rev.  Andrew,  320 
Wind  storm,  363 
Wing,  Joel  A.,  370 
Winne,  Daniel  H.,  370 

Jacob,  372 
Wise  Rabbi,  362 
Witnesses,  ancient,  372 
Wolves,  bounty  for,  212 
Wood  Anthony,  372 
Woodworth,  Harriet,  352 
Wynkoop,  Wm.  D.,  367 

Peter,  protest  of,  56,  59 
Yellow  fever,  310,  325 
Young,  William  A.,  345 
Young  Men's  Association,  349 
Zeilman,  John  A.,  375 


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