•
AR C H I VE S
STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
FIRST SERIES
Vol. IV.
This volume was compiled and edited by authority
of the State of New Jersey; at the request of the
New Jersey Historical Society, and under the direc-
tion of the following committee :
Nathaniel Niles, Clin,
Marcus L. Ward,
Joel Parker,
W. A. Whitehead.
DOCUMEN Y-%1M?S*.
RELATING TO THE 1
COLONIAL HISTORY
OF THE
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
EDITED BY
WILLIAM A. WHITEHEAD,
Corresponding Secretary of the New Jersey Historical Society; Author of
East Jersey Under the Proprietary Governments; Contributions
to the Early History of Perth Amboy and the Surround-
ing Country; Editor of the Papers of Lewis Mor-
ris, and of an Analytical Index to the
Colonial Documents of New
Jersey, etc., etc.
VOLUME IV.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF GOVERNOR ROBERT HUNTER AND
PRESIDENT LEWIS MORRIS.
1709-1720.
NEWARK, N. J. :
DAILY ADVERTISER PRINTING HOUSE.
1882.
FiSi
•7) 63
-«y
jam» 3 ww
PREFACE.
It was stated, in the preface to the preceding volume,
that it was intended this volume should contain all
the remaining documents relating to the Union Era —
or that period during which |JewYork and New Jersey
were in charge of the same governors — of a character
to warrant their preservation in this series; but the
prosecution of the work having revealed others equally
deserving, another volume will have to be filled with
them ; so that the printing of the documents relating
to the Provincial Era, commencing with the adminis-
tration of Lewis Morris in 1 738, is necessarily deferred
to the sixth volume.
SOURCES
WHENCE THE DOCUMENTS IN THIS VOLUME WERE OBTAINED.
Public Record Office, London. England.
Documents relating to the Colonial History of the State of
New York.
New York Colonial Documents in Office of the Secretary of
state, at Albany.
Rutherfurd Collection of Manuscripts.
Manuscripts of New Jersey Historical Society.
Manuscripts of Wilt i am A. Whitehead.
Smith's History of New Jersey.
Pennsylvania Colonial Records.
Pennsylvania Historical Society Library.
CONT E NTS.
PAGE.
1709 — Dec. 23-37. — Governor Robert Hunters Instructions 1
" " 23. — Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Hun-
ter— conveying some special instructions 2
1710 — July 5. — Letter from Col. Robert Quary to John Pulteney.
Esq. —relative to the arrival of Governor Hunter 0
— . — Petition of the Freeholders of the County of Mid-
dlesex to Governor Hunter — against Peter Sonmans. 8
" "• 10. — Letter from Governor Hunter to Lord Dart-
mouth, Secretary of State — relating to Lady Love-
lace 10
" Oct. 3. — Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade — respecting an intended meeting of the As-
sembly of New Jersey - 11
" Nov. 1. — Letter from John Barclay (to whom is uncertain) —
relating to preparations for the accommodation of
Governor Hunter at Burlington 13
" " 1. — Statements under oath respecting the conduct of
Peter Sonmans at Woodbridge 15
" •' 14. — Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade — about the place of meeting of the New Jer-
sey Assembly 16
1711 — Jan. — Address from the New Jersey Council to Governor
Hunter 17
" " 2.— Minutes of the House of Assembly of New Jersey 19
" " — . — Extract from Minutes of the New Jersey Assem-
bly— expelling Major William Sandford '-'-
" Feb. 9. — The Representation of the General Assembly of
New Jersey to Governor Hunter — relating to the
administration of Lord Cornbury - 1
•' May 7. — Letter from Governor Hunter to the Commission-
ers of Customs — about the removal of the Collector
at Perth Amboy i;'
x\\[ CONTENTS.
PAGE.
1711_May 7. -Communication from Governor Hunter to the
Lords of Trade— with a number of documents
referring to affairs in East Jersey
.« Feb 6 —Several addresses and depositions against Jere-
miah Basse, Secretary of New Jersey, referred to in
the foregoing communication of Governor Hunter.. <1
„ May 7._Letter from Governor Hunter of New Jersey to
Secretary St. Johns-recommending John Kiel for
Surveyor General of New Jersey - '8
« Address of the Assembly of New Jersey to Gov-
ernor Hunter- against Mr. Hall, one of the Council
of New Jersey, Judge of the Inferior Court of Com-
mon Pleas, etc., with Mr. Hall's answer-inclosed
in the foregoing letter -
« \ memorial from the Assembly of New Jersey to
Governor Hunter-relating to the perversions of
justice in the Courts of Law. inclosed in the fore-
going letter - -
•< Answer of Mr. Basse, Secretary of New Jersey, to
a representation of Mr. George Willocks against him. 90
« May 25.— An address from inhabitants of Salem to Governor
Hunter— relative to the payment of taxes and the
election of new representatives for that County 112
« Jlinc ao.— Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Hun-
ter, in answer to his communication of May 7th 113
« juiy 9.— Letter from Edward Richier, a West Jersey Pro-
prietor, to Secretary Popple -- ll0
" " 13.— Letter from William Dookwra to Secretary Popple,
transmitting the letter that follows 116
<< _. —Extract of a letter from a member of the Council
of New Jersey to William Dockwra . - 118
« 16.— Address of the New Jersey General Assembly to
t lie Queen, tendering their support .- 134
_ —Letter from Governor Hunter to Captain Cox-
about dispatching troops to Albany -135
July 31.— Letter from Col. Thomas Farmar to Governor
Hunter— ab.mt supplies for the troops 135
—.—Letter from Governor Hunter to Col. Cox— about
dischargi ng volunteers
Vua 3 —Letter to Col. Farmar, about the movements of
137
his troops
Sept. 12.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary St.
John— about New Jersey affairs -- 137
Oct. 22.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Jeremiah Basse,
Secretary, etc.— about Commissions for Supreme
Court Judges 139
CONTENTS. ix
PAGE.
1711 — Nov. 7. — Memorial of New Jersey Proprietors in England,
to the Lords of Trade — about the disputes between
the Council and Assembly 140
" "' 25. — Letter from Governor Hunter to Jeremiah Basse,
Secretary, etc. — relative to sundry Commissions 141
" " 29. — Letter from Jeremiah Basse to Governor Hunter —
relating to surveys 142
'• Dec. 11. — Letter from Thomas Gardiner to Governor Hun-
ter— about his being qualified as Surveyor General., 144
" " 5-12. — Protest of Daniel Leeds and others — against the
proceedings of the Council of Proprietors of West
Jersey 146
" " — . — Letter from Jeremiah Basse to Governor Hunter —
about the swearing into office of Thomas Gardiner. . 148
1712 — Jan. 1. — Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade — about changes in New Jersey Council 149
" March 1. — Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade — asking for action in relation to the New
Jersey Council 151
" April 10. — Letter from Jeremiah Basse to Governor Hunter —
about a meeting of the Council of Proprietors 151
" May 12. — Persons recommended to fill vacancies in the
Council of New Jersey 152
" June 2. — Representation of the state of the Church of Eng-
land in New York and New Jersey, by Rev. Jacob
Henderson 155
" " 9. — Letter from Governor Hunter to the magistrates
of Gloucester County — thanking them for services
rendered 158
" " 9. — Letter from Governor Hunter to Jeremiah Basse.
concerning the seizure of a vessel at Gloucester bo!*
" " 9. — Letter from Governor Hunter to Col. Gookin,
Governor of Pennsylvania, relating to his course
respecting the seizure referred to in the foregoing
letters 160
" " 17. — Remarks on the Rev. Mr. Henderson's State of
the Church of England in New York and New Jer-
sey, dated June 2d 161
" " 23. — State of the Courts of Judicature in New Jersey. . 166
" Aug. 14. — Letter from Secretary Popple to the Bishop of
London — relating to the proposed New Jersey Coun-
cillors 168
" " 27.— Communication from the Lords of Trade to the
Queen — relative to the changes in the Council of
New Jersey 169
x CONTENTS.
PAGE.
1712— Oct. 31.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade, on New Jersey affairs. . - - -
' • March 5.— Letter from the clergy of New York and New Jer-
sey to the Rev. Jacob Henderson— disapproving of
his course toward the Council of New J ersey 173
14. —Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade— about New Jersey affairs -. 174
21.— Letter from Thomas Gordon in answer to the Rev.
Jacob Henderson, with inclosures - 176
« April 23.-Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Hun-
ter. relative to the Council of New Jersey 182
« —.—Letter from Governor Hunter to Attorney Gen-
eral Griffith ---- - - 184
« x)ec- —.—Petition of the Freeholders of Middlesex County
to the House of Assembly— against the election of
Thomas Farmar 186
—.—Petition of the inhabitants of Woodbridge, Middle-
sex County, to Governor Hunter, for a License to
build a church for worship after the manner of the
Church of England 189
1714— June 23.— Accounts of Thomas Gordon, Receiver General,
from June 23d, 1710, to June 23d, 1712 185
" Aug. 5-28.— Letter from Joseph Morgan, of Freehold, New
Jersey, to the Lords of Trade— relating to some
improvements in modes of navigation 190
« « 27.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade— about New Jersey affairs I95
1715— Jan. 14.— Letter from Dr. Daniel and Mr. Samuel Coxe to
the Lords of Trade— against the renewal of Gov-
ernor Hunter's commission - 1!)8
« Feb. 8.— Letter from the Earl of Clarendon (Lord Corn-
bury) to the Lords of Trade— about certain acts of
the New Jersey Assembly 1"
11 —From the Lords of Trade to Mr. Secretary Stan-
hope, with drafts of new Commissions to Governor
Hunter va
21.— Letter from Dr. Daniel Coxe to the Lords of
Trade— remonstrating against the reappointment of
Governor Hunter ~ ,J
" March 28.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade— on the State of affairs in New Jersey 200
.. April 9._Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple—about the Rev. Mr. Talbot; of Burlington, and
Messrs. Griffith, Coxe and Basse... --- -- 209
" May 21.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade -- 21°
CONTENTS.
XI
1715— May 21.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Mr. William
Popple, Secretary, etc.— relating to Lord Cornbury's
objections to an act of the New Jersey Assembly 211
June 24.— Letter from the Lords of Trade to the Bishop of '
London, relating to the character of Missionaries. _. 212
July 25.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade— about New Jersey affairs 213
Aug. 13.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade— acknowledging the receipt of his Commis-
sions 01~
31.— Order in Council relating to the payment of a cer-
tain sum of money by Thomas Gordon 217
Oct. 10.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Mr. Secretary
Popple— relating to certain appointments of the
Bishop of London 218
Nov. 9.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple—respecting certain proceedings of the Bev. Mr
1 Vesey--- -- 219
12.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade— about certain acts of the New Jersey As-
sembly _ ___ m
14.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Mr. Secretary
Popple— relating principally to the Bev. Mr. Talbot
and the Bev. Mr. Vesey 223
1716— March 22.— Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Hun- '
ter — about New Jersey matters 227
April 16.— Letter from Mr. Secretary Popple to Governor
Hunter 229
30.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade — about New Jersey affairs 230
" 30.— Indictment of Chief Justice Jamison— referred to
in foregoing letter _ 236
30.— Indictment of Lewis Morris by the Grand Jury of
Burlington County, New Jersey 239
—.—Authority from Charles Dunster and Joseph
Ormston, Proprietors, to James Alexander to col-
lect their Quit-rents 241
May 1.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple—inclosing two Quaker speeches relating to Mr.
Coxe 242
19.— Governor Hunter's Speech to the Assembly of New
Jersey 249
" " 23.— Address from the Assembly of New Jersey to Gov-
ernor Hunter— relating to the expelling of then-
Speaker, inclosed in foregoing 250
xii CONTENTS.
PAGE.
1716_May 25.-Address to the King from the Council and Assem-
bly of New Jeney-on the defeat of the Scotch
,,. .- 252
Rebellion.-- "
« .. 29 -Letter from Governor Hunter to the agent of New
York in London-Coxe and his friends expelled the ^
House of Assembly T~ ~ V ~ ~ i
tt June 6.-Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Tra(je— about New Jersey affairs
« « 8.-Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple—about Mr. Coxe and others - ^°
8 -Indictment of Thomas Gordon, Attorney General,
by the Grand Jury of Burlington County-for not
allowing the affirmations of Quakers 35y
« Oct. 2.-Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade— about proceedings of Mr. Coxe <*W
,. Nov. i._Letter from Samuel Bustal to his wife-about
Governor Hunter - - " " "
12 —Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords ot
Trade— about leaving for Burlington to dissolve the
Assembly, in consequence of the prevalence there of
the small-pox * -"
16 —Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
' pie— inclosing a letter from Daniel Coxe 265
27— Speech of Governor Hunter to the New Jersey
' Assembly, and their address to him 267
_._William Pinhome's project for raising money by
paper bills for the encouragement of trade 269
1717—Jan 21-25.— Documents referring to an attempt to defraud
some Indians of their land— referred to in the fol- ^
lowing letter
« Feb. 13.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords ot
Trade— about New Jersey affairs 273
u Mai.ch -.-Memorial to the Lords of Trade from Thomas
Coram— about the production of hemp and iron _ _ _ 286
_ —Extract from minutes of the Council of West Jer-
sey Proprietors— appointing James Alexander Sur-
veyor General
„ kpri] 3.— Letter from George Willocks to Governor Hunter-
about Rev. Mr. Talbot 290
3.— Letter from Rev. John Talbot to Governor Hunter 291
8.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
' Trade— with acts of the New Jersey Assembly 291
" May 3.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple—with minutes of the New Jersey Council 294
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
1717 — May 13. — Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple— relating to Daniel Coxe and New Jersey affairs 295
" 24. — Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple— relating to disorders in New Jersey 297
" 21. — Deposition of George Willocks relating to conver-
sations had with Rev. John Talbot — inclosed in fore-
going letter 301
" 24. — Address of the House of Representatives of New
Jersey to Governor Hunter 303
" ' 27. — Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple— transmitting a petition embodying complaints
against him 305
July — . — Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade — relating to a memorial against him pre-
sented by Daniel Coxe 311
" 27.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Ambrose Philips,
agent for New York — in answer to the complaints
against him 312
Aug. 13. — Letter from Governor Hunter to the Secretary of
the Lords of Trade — recommending three Council-
ors to fill vacancies 326
" 22.— Letter from J. Addison, Secretary of State, to the
Lords of Trade— notifying them that the King is
satisfied with the conduct of Governor Hunter 327
Sept. 4. — Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Hun-
ter— informing him of the King's approval of his
conduct 3S27
Nov. 14. — Reports of the Attorney General and Solicitor
General— on the effect of the Proclamation for par-
doning pirates 329
<• 27.— Order of Council appointing three New Jersey
Councilors 331
Oct. 8.— Warrant to Governor Hunter for using a new seal
for New Jersey 332
Nov. 16.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple, of the Lords of Trade— relative to vacancies hi
the Council of New Jersey 333
27.— Representation from the Lords of Trade to the
King— recommending the approval of the New Jer-
sey act allowing Quakers to affirm 334
3.— Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Hun-
ter—informing him of the action taken on his vari-
ous communications 335
10._ Representation from the Lords of Trade to the
King, with the names of Commissioners for trying
pirates in America -- 339
1718— Jan.
Feb.
i. a
xiv CONTENTS.
PAGE
1718— March 16.— Order of Council referring to the Lords of Trade
a petition against allowing the Quakers to affirm... 341
1715 —.—Scheme or treatise relating' to the Plantations-
referred to the Lords of Trade by Mr. Secretary
Stanhope - «**»
1718— April 19-20.— Governor Hunter's message and speech to the
New Jersey Assembly 364
May 3.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade — about New Jersey affairs 363
June 18.— Representation from the Lords of Trade, to the
King— relative to a petition against the act allowing
Quakers to affirm 3(56
July 11.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade— referring to Councilman George Deacon 373
" 23.— Letter from the Secretary of the Lords of Trade
to Governor Hunter— about the members of the
Council of New Jersey 374
Nov. 3.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple— about New Jersey Council 376
pec< 10.— Letter from James Logan to George Willocks—
relative to the division line between the Provinces.. 377
1719— March 5. — Report of Solicitor General upon the act natural-
izing Jacob Arents and his children 382
1710-1719— —.—Account rendered to the Auditors by Thomas
Gordon, Receiver General, of his receipts and ex-
penditures from 23d June, 1710, to 26th March, 1719 368
1719— May 1.— Commission of the New York Commissioners and
Surveyors to run the line between New York and
New Jersey 382
•' :i 27.— Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of
Trade — transmitting public papers 386
" June 6.— Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Pop-
ple— reference to his intended departure for London 387
" " 27.— Letter from James Logan, of Philadelphia, to Col.
Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey, then in London 388
'< •• 30.— Instructions from the Commissioners on the
boundary line to John Harrison — relative to prepara-
tory examination of the course 391
" July 8. — Proceedings of the Council of Pennsylvania on
the approaching departure of Governor Hunter for
England 393
" " 25.— Tripartite Indenture settling the north partition
point between New Jersey and New York 394
" Aim. '^0. — Proclamation of Lewis Morris, President of the
Council of New Jersey — about the neglect of the
Assessors of some coimties - 400
rONTENTS. \ \
PAGE.
1719— Sept. 24.— Petition of Allane Jarratt, Surveyor of New York,
to the Council there — relating to the partition line
between that Province and New Jersey, with the
Council's report thereon 403
" Oct. 12.— Memorial of the Proprietors of New Jersey to
Lewis Morris, President of the Council — relating to
the survey of the boundaries between that Province
and New York 408
'• " 31. — Letter from Colonel P. Schuyler, President of the
New York Council, to the Lords of Trade— relating
to Surveyor Jarratt 431
" ■ — . — Petition of inhabitants of New York to the Coun-
cil there — relating to the survey of the partition line
between that Province and New Jersey 433
Nov. 21. — Letter from Colonel Schuyler, of New York Coun-
cil, to the Lords of Trade, as to the rights of the
owners of the lands bordering on New Jersey 438
" " 21. — Letter from Lewis Morris, President of the Coun-
cil of New Jersey, to the Lords of Trade — about the
boundary line and other New Jersey affairs 439
" Dec. 8. — Caveat of Daniel Coxe — relating to partition line 444
1720 — March 31. — Letter from President Lewis Morris, of New Jer-
sey, to Peter Schuyler. President of the Council of
New York — relating to the boundary line 446
" May 4. — Letter from the Lords of Trade to Mr. Secretary
Craggs — with commission of William Burnet. Gov-
ernor of New York and New Jersey 447
" " 0. — Letter from Lewis Morris, President of New Jer-
sey, to Peter Schuyler, President of New York 448
NEW JERSEY
COLONIAL DOCUMENTS.
Governor Hunter's Instructions.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. Iffl: p. 34.]
Instructions for Our Trusty and Welbeloved
Eobt* Hunter Esqf Our Captain General
and Governor in Chief in & ouer Our Prov-
ince of Nova Cassarea or New Jersey in
America. Given at Our Court at the
[27th] Day of [Decr] in the- Year of
Our Reign 17[09]/
1. With these Our Instructions you will receive Our
Commission2 under Our Great Seal of Great Britain.
Constituting you Our Captain General and Governor
in Chief of Our Province of New Jersey.
2 You are with all Convenient Speed to repair to
Our said Province, and being there Arrived, yon arc to
take upon you the Execution of the place and Trust
we have reposed in you, and forthwith to call together
the following persons, whom we do by these presents
1 The draft was agreed upon December 23d, 1709. but tlie Instructions were not
dated until December 27th. 1709.— Ed.
2 The Commission was prepared by the Lords of Trade as early as September 15th,
1700, and will be found at length in New York Colonial Documents, Vol. V, p. 92.— Ed
2 APMTNISTKATION OS GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1709
appoint & Constitute Members of ?*\Co™C*™*^
for that Province Viz? Lewis Moms, Andrew Brown,
[Bowrie,] Francis Davenport, William Pmhorn, Geo.
Deacon, W? Sandford, Rich:' Townley, Dan Cox,
Roger Mompesson; Peter Sonmans, Hugh Hoddy, V\ ,
Hall & Rotf Quary Esq?.
[It is thought unnecessary to print the ^™c^™
in full, as they are similar in all respects to those
given Lord Lovelace which may be found on page .lb
of Volume III. Some additional instructions are
added, relative to the laws for regulating the Planta-
tion Trade, but as they were not particularly applica-
ble to New Jersey, they are omitted They were sent
to Col. Hunter also, as Governor ot New York and
may be found at length in New York Colonial Docu-
ments, Vol. V.. p. 111. -Ed.
From the Lords of Trade to Governor Robert Hunter.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol V. (>. 154.]
To Collonel Hunter.
[Extracts.]
Or
Besides what is contained in Her Maj,s Instructions
to you there are several other particulars relating to
your Governments of New York and New Jersey
wnich we think Ourselves obliged to take notice of to
you.
J ***** *
Tho' the design of the Act for uniting and quieting
the. minds of all Her Majesty's subjects in New Jersey
be very good, Yet there are some clauses in the Act,
which render it unfit for Her Majesty's Eoyal Con-
firmation. viz1 That it pardons (amongst other Crimes)
all High Treasons, Murders, and Piracy committed be-
1709 J ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 3
fore the 13th of August 1702, Whereas Her Majesty by
her Instructions to you has reserved to her self the par-
doning of those Crimes; which crimes are always ex-
cepted in Acts of general pardon here, and therefore
we desire you to endeavour to get this amended in an-
other Act to be passed for the like purpose.
We have no other objection to the Act for Altering
the present Constitution and Eegulating the election
of Representatives &c?, but that it does not assertain
the quantity of Acres necessary to qualify Persons to
elect or be elected Representatives in the General As-
sembly, yon will see by Her Majesty's Instructions
what is intended upon that matter, viz1 That 1000
acres of Land, or £500 personal Estate should qualify
Persons to be Elected, and that 100 acres of Land and
£50 personal Estate shou'd qualify to be Electors, But
if you find this Regulation too high, you may endeav-
our to get a new Act passed for proportioning that
matter otherwise. In the mean time this Act will re-
main in force, without being confirmed by Her Majes-
ty, and you will make a Suitable use of Your Instruc-
tions in that behalf.
A Complaint having been made by the Proprietors
of the Western Division that the Lord Cornbury now
Earl of Clarendon had caused their late Secretary to
deliver all Public Books. Papers and Records to M1 Bass
Secretary of the Province, and that their Records and
deeds have been carried out of the Province, which may
be of great Prejudice to the said Proprietors we are of
Opinion (and accordingly signified the same to His Lord-
ship) That all Books and Papers. Deeds and Evidences
relating to the Property of the soil be lei i and do remain
in the hands of the Agents for the Proprietors; and
therefore if this be not remedied yon will do well to
give Directions therein.
The said Earl of Clarendon having informed us that
an Opinion had lately been started in his Governments
VIZ
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1709
That if he sends any orders to New Jersey, re-
lating to the Affairs of that Province, whilst he is a
resident at New York, they are of no force, and to the
same of his sending Orders from New Jersey to New
York; We think it necessary to acquaint you that it is
a very groundless and unreasonable Opinion, the con-
trary being practised every Day here, by the Lords
Lieutenants of Counties and particularly by the Lords
Lieutenants of Ireland, whilst they are Resident in this
Kingdom.
* *****
The said Earl of Clarendon having transmitted to
us a Remonstrance from the Assembly of New Jer-
sey to him, with his Answer thereunto, (a copy where-
of is here inclosed) we have considered the same and
have made the following Observations thereupon,
which we think necessary to communicate to you.
The first Article.
It appears evidently by his Lordship's Commission
that he has no power to pardon Treason and Wilful
Murder: But in such Cases he was allowed to grant
Reprieves to the Offenders untill and to the Intent
Her Majesty's Royall pleasure may be known therein,
In order whereunto he was with all Convenient Speed
to transmitt to Her Majesty a full state of the matter
of fact relating to such Offenders, which we do not
find that he has done. Upon this Occasion we must
take notice to you that the want of Prisons in New
Jersey is a matter proper to be laid before the General
Assembly; You will therefore represent to them the
Necessity of having such Prisons built that they may
grant a sufficient Fund to be appropriated to that ser-
vice.
The second Article.
As to the Complaint of Paying the Fees of Court
tho' the Bill of Indictment be not found by the Grand
1709] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR flUNTEH. 5
Jury, We are of Opinion that the Person accused not
being properly in Court till arraigned before the Petty
Jury, no Fees till then can be demanded.
The third Article.
Tis true that the Probate of Wills and granting
Letters of Administration is by Her Majesty entrusted
with the Governor, yet we do not see that the settling
such an Officer in each Division in New Jersey, as
Proposed by the Remonstrance for the Ease of Her
Majesty's subjects there, will be a lessening of the
Rights of the Prerogative or of the Governor.
The fifth Article.
We are of Opinion notwithstanding His Lordship's
Answer to the Remonstrance that such a Patent for
the sole carting of Goods as is therein mentioned is a
Monopoly within the 218? King Jac. 1st cap 3d
We are also of Opinion that no Fee is lawful unless
it be warranted by Prescription, or Erected by the
Legislature, as was adjudged in Parliament the 13th of
K. Hen: 4th in the case of the office then Erected, for
measuringe of Cloths and Canvass (vide Coke's 2a In-
stil, fol. 533, 534.)
We do not think His Lordship's answer to this Arti-
cle is plainly expressed for it does not appear whether
the Person who has the Custody of the Records has
given sufficient Security for that Trust.
Her Majesty having been pleased by her order in
Council of the 24th October last (a Copy whereof is here
inclosed, the Original having already been sent to the
President and Council) to signify her disallowance and
disapprobation of an Act passed in the Province of
New Jersey in December 1704 Entituled ' An Art for
Regulating Negro Indians and Mulato Slaves within
this Province of New Jersey;' by reason of the Punish
ment to be inflicted on Negroes &c:l is such as never
was allowed by or known in the Laws of this King-
6 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1709
dom, You are to cause the said order to be published
and Entred in tin- Council Books of that Province, if
not already done as usual.
******
So We bid you heartily farewell,
V our loving Friends
Stanford J. Pulteney
Dartmouth R. Monckton
Ph: Meadows Ch: Turner.
Whitehall,
Decembr the -23, 1 709.
Letter from Colonel Quary to John Pulteney, Esq.1
i rom N. V. (oi Docts., Vol. v., p. 165.]
To John Pulteney Esqf
[Extract. ]
Right Hon"1'
As soon as I heard of His Excellency Collonel Hun-
ter's arrival! in his Government of New York" I
hastened thether to pay my duty to him, in few days
he went to the Jerseys and published his Commission
in that Province to the great satisfaction of all persons
and part ys whose spirits and tempers he had so allayed
and sweetened by his speech in Council (which was
soon made publick) that there appeared a very great
disposition in all persons towards an union and recon-
ciliation of all p'ticular differences, disputes and former
quarrells so that those who were the greatest enemies
seemed to contend only who should soonest refer all
Contests to the Judgement & Determination of so
1 Mr. Pulteney was one of the Lords of Trade.- Ed.
8 Governor Hunter arrived at New York, June 14th, 1710.— New York Colonial
Documents, Vol. V, p. 165.— Ed.
1710] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 7
good a Governor, & I begg leave to assure Your hon-
our that the reconciliation of these private quarrells
will very much tend to the accommodating all the
publick desputes and Contests of the Country in a
Generall Assembly; the main of all being that of
Property, in which his Excellency hath assured them
that he will not interpose or concern himself, but leave
it wholly to the determination of the Law. Had some
former Governors taken that just and prudent stepp
the Country would never have been involved in those
heats and confusions which of late they have laboured
under. I may truly say that never any Governor was
sent into these parts of the world so very well quali-
fied to answer this great end as his Excellency Colonel
Hunter is, his Judgment, Prudence and temper is very
extraordinary and sufficient to overcome great1" diffi-
culty than what he will meet with in composing the
differences of these Governments,, I cannot at pres-
ent be more particular but shall by the next.
Before I conclude I begg leave to assure your Honr
that his Excellency hath shewn much prudence and
conduct in order to the settleing the poor Palatines by
which the end which Her Majesty proposed will be
effectually answered in a vast advantage and security
to all these Governments. I will not presume further
on your Honrs time but referr to my next and begg
leave to subscribe myself. Right Honb.,e Your Hon"
most faithful and obedient Servant
New York this 5th Robt Quaky '
July 1710.
« For notice of Colonel Quary, see Vol. U, p. 280. The position held by him was
that of Surveyor General of Customs, besides being a member of several Provin-
cial councils.— Ed.
8 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1710
Petition of the Freeholders of the County of Middlesex
to Governor Hunter- against Peter Sonmans.
[From N. Y. Col. 5JSS.. Vol. LIV, p. 138. |
To His Excellencie Robert Hunter Capt* Gen-
erall and Governour in Cheeff of Her Maj-
esties Province of New Jersey, New York
and Territories thereunto belonging, and
Vice Admirable of the same, &c.
The Petition of us whose names are hereunto sub-
scribed being jfree holders of the Countie of Midxe.
In New Jersey.
Humbly Sheweth,
That amongst the many memorable blessings En-
joyed by the Subjects of Great Brittian under hei Maj-
esties happy Reigne. None in our humble opinion
conduces more to the advancement of their Comon
Interest than the Union of the two Kingdoms of Eng-
land & Scotland into one Monarchy, and since we are
Informed that it is Her Majesties pleasure & Princely
care by wholesome Laws to preserve it Entire In all
its parts we out of a profound acknowledgment of
Her Royall wisdom & goodness as well as concern
for the welfare of this Province Do with all submis-
sion beg leave to Represent to your Excellencie the
Insolent behavior of Peter Sonmans Esqr. In a late
Election at Woodbridge where the freeholders were
conveened to chuse Representatives to meet your Ex-
cellencie In the then Ensueing Assembly this Gentleman
is (as we are credibly Informed) an Alien born and
Bankrupt In England tho unworthily dignified with
Honl. Officers In the Government endeavored to dis-
unite the Affections of the people by publickly declar-
ing We will not go to North Brittian for Justice No
1710] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 9
Turkish Government, No ffrench Government No Ar-
bitrary Government, Liberty and property For yu
more Effectuall accomplishing of his sinster designes
he endeavored to ouerawe the Electors in opposition
to that ffreedom our happy Constitution allows he
dared the Sheriff e to set up Capt: Farmer as a Candi-
date and ordered him to take Mr Mathew Moore in to
Custody and Mr Still well in a threatening manner at
the time of the Pols that he had his Name down
&c: his deportment was Inconsistant with the Gravity
of a Counsellor the truth whereof will be attested by
undeniable concurrent Testimonies. We shall not
trouble your Excellencie with more Complaints but
shall pass in silence severall Enormous crimes which
he might be Justly charged with and which he escaped
with Impunity by the Death of the Lord Lovelace
which was A Generall loss to this Government and is
now repaired by Her Majesties unparalelled care &
prudence In placeing your Excellency over us And as
we Esteem it our singular happiness so,
We humbly pray that your Excellency will take the
premises under your wise consideration and use such
methods as your Excellency will Judge expedient to
unite the affections of Her Majesties most happy Sub-
jects and to discourage all * " '" * that already
has or for the future may molest thepublick peace and
tranquillitie of this Province and your Petitioners as
In duty bound shall ever pray.
his Ills
Allen Callwell George X Cumin WilliamOOulver
Mark. Mark
Thomas Bedford, George Brown, Geo Willocks
John Molleson Tho. Leonard John Barclay
Jeremiah Field John Campbell Jn" Eudyard
Robert Webster, Mathew Moore Tho: ffarmer
Robert Grachoise Henry Pofen Jediah Higgins
Will Layng Wm Harrison Tho Wetheril
John Curyslet Edward Harrison John Brown
10
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1710
Daniel Clackford
Elisha Parker,
Daniel Stillwise
Robert Wright
John ffreeman
John Bishop
Sam11 Leonard
Will Sharp
Michiel Van * *
John Field
John Harrison
John Scotts
John Pike
Adam Hnde
John Die
Thomas Grub
Benjamin Cumin
David Hewett
Wm. Thomson
John Mathie
WilMam Hoost
Henary Knap
Chas. Pike.
Richard Cutter
John Ford
Letter from Governor Hunter to Lord Dartmouth,
Secretary of State-relating to Lady Lovelace.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V, p. 169.]
New York ye 28 July 1710
My Lord .
Her Maty was pleased to direct me to see that justice
was done here to my Lady Lovelace, and spoke very
feelingly of that Lady's affaires, when I had the
1 u „ lor to kisse her hand for leave. The case stands thus :
Bv an Act of Assembly in the Jerseys there was £800
given to the Lord Lovelace; after his death there was
another Act of Assembly past giveing £500 of that sum
to Coll Ingoldsby the then Lieu* Govern' £100 forcon-
tingencys, and £200 only to the Lady Lovelace. I sup-
pose by this time both these acts are laid before her
Ma<> and I make no doubt of her Ma*8 approving the
first and disapproving the latter, but the difficulty will
betogett back the money. Coll. Ingoldsby havemg
already toucht it and his necessitous eirumstances will
hardly allow him to refund, as I am Inform'd. 1 wan-
ner Matys orders in that matter and shall do all my best
to procure that Lady justice, and in every thing to act
for her Matya service, which on many acc,s ought to be
1710]
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HfN'TER.
ii
the whole businesse of my life, and beg your Lordship
to believe that 1 am with the greatest gratitude and
deepest regard,
My Lord Your Lops most faithfull
and most humble SerV
I wrote at large by the Kingsdale: this comes by the
Maidstone. —
Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade — respecting an
intended meeting of the New Jersey Assembly.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V, p. 170.1
To the Right Honble the Lords Commissioners
of Trade and Plantations.
[Extract.]
My Lords
The Assembly in the Jerseys is to meet at Burling-
ton the 141'1 of November next, where I foresee more
difficulties, if possible, then I have mett with here, the
Council were divided about the place of meeting, one
1 Robert Hunter was the first of the royal Governors of New Jersey, who re-
garded the province with sufficient favor to secure upon its soil anything like a
permanent home. He had a comfortable dwelling at Perth Amboy, commanding
a fine view of the harbor and ocean beyond, which he made his official residence
when on tours of duty in New Jersey, and at other rimes when seeking recreate m or
relief from the pressure of his administration of New York affairs. He was born in
Scotland, and at first was apprenticed to an apothecary, but subsequently entered
the army, and in 1707 bore the title of Colonel. In that year he was appointed
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia through the influence of Addison, then Under Sec-
tary of State, who with Swift, Steele and other literary and distinguished men ol
that day, were his personal friends and associates. He did not reach Virginia,
being captured by the French and detained a prisoner in Paris for some months.
Addison still continuing one of the Secretaries of State, Hunter, in September,
1709, was appointed Governor of New York and New Jersey, and arrived at New
York, June 14th, 1710. and commenced an administration more successful than any
12 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1710
party insisting upon the Act past last Assembly (which
is not vet returned with her Majesty's Approbation or
dissent) in their meeting for the future at Burlington,
The other, on the Instruction for their meeting alter-
nately at Burlington and Amboy, I proposed that in
regard to the season there being hardly any house at
the place called Amboy, they should meet pro hac vice
at Burlington and in case her Majesty should think
fit to disapprove of that Act, that Sessions to be made
good to Amboy by the two next insuing which was
accordingly agreed to.
******
I beg leave to subscribe myself, My Lords,
Your Lordships most humble and
obedient Servant
Eo: Hunter.
(Supposed [N. York] Oct: 3d 1710.)
which had preceded it, and which in substantial benefit to the Province no one ex-
CeTntre were many discordant elements at work in the Province, and the majority
of the Council were opposed to the measures which the Governor was deposed to
favor as being called for by the public generally. He adopted the views of
Lewis Morris, Dr. John Johnstone and others, including theQ-iaker interest, known
as the " Country party," and necessarily brought upon himself the opposition of all
those who had been countenanced and sustained by Lord Cornbury, leadmg to his
askintr in May 1711, for tfle dismissal of Pinborne, Coxe, Sonmans and Hall, who
represented that faction in the Council. The documents that follow show the many
and varied difficulties Hunter had to encounter.
In addition to his property at Perth Amboy he purchased in 1,10 Mattenecunk
Island in the Delaware, near Burlington, retaining possession of it for sev-
eral years after he left the Province, and at one time was anxious to secure a tract
of land at Iuians Ferry, now New Brunswick.
While in the army he married Lady Hay, the relict of Lord John Hay, and daugh-
ter of Sir Thomas Orby, Bart., and had several children. Mrs. Hunter came to
America with the Governor, but died in August, 1716; and his own health failing, he
left his governments In 1719 never to return. On his arrival in England he effected
an exchange with William Burnet, taking an office in the Customs then held by that
gentleman and resigning his position in America. In 1727 he was appointed Gov-
ernor of Jamaica. His interest in New Jersey was not lessened by absence, nor did
distance estrange him from the many friends he had here secured by his intelligence,
ability and many gentlemanly characteristics. He retained his interest in a con-
siderable quantity of land, and an active correspondence was kept up with James
Alexander and others. He died in 1734 leaving one son and three daughters, one of
the latter being married to William Sloper, who at one time was Secretary to Lord
Cornbury.-History of Perth Amboy and Surrounding Country-New York Colonial
Documents- Swift's Works. Rutherfurd MSS.-Ed.
1710] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 13
Letter from. John Barclay— relative to preparations for
tlte accommodation of Governor Hunter.
[From N. Y. Col. MSS. in office of Secretary of State, Albany, Vol. LIV, p. 90.]
Per: Amb. 9br 1st 1710.
Dear Sr
The inclosed is an answere to yours, you sent by me
to The Revernd M' Talbutt whom I overtooke before he
gott to Burlington, and I went with him to view Mr
Tathams house at the Poynt, where his Excellencie
may have the use of six Roomes 3 In the Lower Story
& 3 above. All in pretty good repaire besides a kitchen
In the sellar & a Pantry with dressers and shelves
which is under Lock & Key as Also a small sellar
which will secure what Liquors may be putt In it
Mr. Trent happened to be at Burlington when I was
there who told me he had good wine of his owne who
has promised to send a Pipe of the best he can buye
for his Excellencie I have spoke also for Hay & Oates,
and gott the promise of a Load of Clover grass for the
Horses, there is Also A very good stable and I have
spoke for ffirewood.
Mr Gardner has promised to lend his Excellencie a
large table and a dozen of chaires there is a small
table or 2 & a Chest of drawers, In the house to-
gether with 2 bedsteads standing with curtains & two
bedds & bolsters All belonging to Mr Tatham I sup-
pose his Excellencie will send some Household furni-
ture before he Comes himself with some of his ser-
vants to take care of it and whoever goes may apply
themselves to Mr Robert Wheeler Mev'V In Burling-
ton Mr Talbotts Landlord where they will find the
keyes of the house he will be Assistant to procure what
shall be needfull to be gott ready Against his Excel-
lencie comes himselfe, I suppose that you have heard
that Mr. Bass has gott himselfe chosen for one of the
14 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1710
Representatives of Burlington which was done by A
trick as I was credibly Informed the people not have-
ing Legall warning of the time of the Election And
those that had the cheeffe hand In buying him have
a Designe of getting one Charles Cose to be Clerk to
the CounciU as a Deputy who was some time agoe a
servant to Coll. Coxe. I am also Informed that Coll.
Coxe has lately expressed himselfe very maliciously
Against me telling how severely I ought to be dealt
with & showing the Evidences they have taken against
me so that if he & W Sonmans [?] * * * of my
Judge at the next Supream Court I must expect to be
prosecuted as iff I had done what they accuse off out of
designe & for a reward therefore I begg you to use all
the means you cann that if its possible I may not be
so violently prosecuted as one should be that had been
guiltieof an ill thing on purpose I think you told me
you thought the Cheeffe Justice would not be severe
upon me so I leve it to your self e to mention me to him
or gett any one Else to do it as you see cause or if you
think it convenient for me to confess the matter of
fact so as I really was ledd Into it & what advice you
can give me In this unfortunate affaire I wish you
could send it me either in writing or by word of Mouth
by W- Raygneere, who is my friend so being unwilling
to trouble you any further with my Humble Duty to
his Excellency & humble service to yourself e
I remain e
Your very Humble servant
John Barclay.
Capt: Hamiltons Mother gives her Duty to his Ex-
cellence cv says she is sorry she cannot lend him any-
thing at present haveing sent most of her Household
ffurniture to New- York Intending to move there.
1710] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 15
Statement under oath, respecting the conduct of Peter
Sonmans <ii TVoodbridge.
(From N. Y. CoL 31SS. in office of Secretary of State af Albany, Vol. IJV, p 01.1
Memorandom that on the first day of November
Anno: Dom 1710. George Willoks Thomas Farmer
John Rudyards John Johnson Junior and John Bar-
clay came before me Thomas Gordon Esq, one of Hoi-
Majesties CounciU for the Province of New Jersey,
and did solemnly swear upon the Holy Evangelists of
Almighty God, That being yesterday at Woodbridge
at a meeting of the Freeholders of this Countie of
Middlxe: appoynted for Electing of Two Representa-
tives for said Countie to serve in the General Assem-
bly of said Province at Burlington the Fourteenth of
November Instant they the said deponents & Every
of them did hear Peter Sonmans Esq. speak publickly
amongst All the people In the time of the Election
We will not go to North Brittain for Justice No Turk-
ish Government, no French Government, Liberty and
Property, Capt Farmer answered that he taxed the
Queens prudence, (or words to that Effect i who was
pleased to Appoynt a North Brittian Governour. he
after said with a Lond voyce, Xo Turkish Govern-
ment No French Government, No Arbitrary Govern-
ment &c: then turned about and clapt his hand upon
his breach and made a great noise And the said Son-
mans upon some words that passed between him and
Mathew Moore, Commanded the Sheriffe (when on
horse back at the time of the Election) to take s"
Mathew Moore Into custody and very much disturbed
the Election and as the Deponents firmly beleeve En-
deavored by Virtue of his Authority to overawe and
terrify the Electors.
Jedediah Higains swears also to what is a Wove writ-
16 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1710
ten excepting only these words (clapping his hands on
his breach) and they further say not.
9V1 2d Anno, Dom 1710.
John Barclay Jedediah Higgins John Pike
George Willocks Tho: Farmer Jn° Rudyard
John Johnson Jun.
John Pike being also sworne deposeth to the truth
of what is above written excepting clapping his hands
on his breach.
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade
— about the place of meeting of the New Jersey
Assembly.
[From the X. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V, p. 177.
To the Right Honble the Lords Commissioners
of Trade and Plantations.
[Extract.]
My Lords
The slow measures of this Assembly1 have obliged
me to adjourn that of the Jerseys to the first of Decem-
ber next, which should have met this day.
I acquainted Your Lordships in mine by the Dept-
ford of the expedient I found to end the dispute about
the place of meeting of that Assembly If your Lord-
ships think it for her .Majesty's Interest that there
should be one Assembly for the two Provinces, I be-
leive Her Majesty's approbation of the Act past
in Colonel Ingoldesby's time for that Assembly's
meeting constantly al Burlington for the future, it
Of New Fork.
1710] ADMINISTKATION 0! GOVERXOK HUNTER. IV
would be an inducement for the Majority of the Pro-
prietors and inhabitants to address for such an Union.
Your Lordships' most obedient
and most humble Servant
[New York] Ro: Hunter.
Novr 14th 1710
Address from New Jersey Council to Governor Hunter.
IFroni P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. I, C. 95.1
To his Excellency Rob1 Hunter Esqr Cap*11 Gen-
eral! & Governo1: in Chief in & over the
province of New Jersey &ca.
The humble Address of the Members of her
Majties Council for the province of New Jer-
sey whose names are hereunto Subscribed.1
May if please To' Exce1?
The Law of Heaven as well as that of Nature re-
quires ye Support of Grovernm- the necessity whereof,
hath been allowed in all ages <fc our own Experience
hath let us see how useful! it is to maintain the Hon'
and Dignity of the Crown, in ord- to the preservation
of the Libertyes and propertyes of the Subjects of all
Nations in the Universe Wee have reason to Esteem
ourselves the most happy in being Subjects to the
Queen of Great Brittain the best of Princes, and under
the Wisest Constitution of Government in the world.
not to be mended by humane Invention. Wee there-
fore Deem our Selves in Conscience bound as far as in
'The copy for the Lords of Trade did uot reach them until March 81st, (711, bav
ing beer, forwarded to Portugal. — Ed.
IS ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR 111 NTKK. [1710
us Lyes in Our Several! Stations to use Our Endeav-
ours to preserve the Prerogative from Lycensious In-
croachments as the Rights & Liberty es of the Subject
from open violation
That all Just Debts of the Governing be cluely satis-
fied, that Courts of Judicature be thoroughly estab-
lished that fitt and proper Officers be appointed in Each
County. That convenient Jayles for the Security of
Debtors & Crimenalls be Erected and that there be a
Steady Equall & Impartiall Distribution of Justice to
all men are the true & reall Sentiments of our Souls
And lias been our Utmost Aime & constant Practice
and amidst the Confusions & disorders of this Collony
Since Wee have been Stil'd & treated as a party.
With all humility think it necessary to Acquaint
Yo1 Excel that this is the Party & the only party wee
have 'ver been of And from wc!' wee can see no reason
to recede But thiuke the Duty of Our trusts & tye of
our Oaths required these things which wee Suppose to
be agreable to the reason and Justice of Mankind to
the hon'. of the Crown & the quiet & prosperity of
the Province.
The Noble Character we recd of Yo1.' Excel Loyalty
Justice & Great Abilityes before wee had the hon? of
seeing you assured us of all Imaginable Countenance
& Support in these our just Endeavo18 And Since
Justice is thereby & Surest foundation of Governm* &
the Strongest Ligament to sement the minds of men
in peace & Union Wee could not but rejoyce to hear
that worthy expression of YoV Exc? at yor first arrivall
in this Province that Justice should be impartially ad-
ministered & that there should be no Determination of
any mans property but by Legall proceedings in the
ordinary Courts of Judicature wc." has since been con-
firmed to us by Yor Exceys Speech at the opening of
this present Assembly.
Wee heartily pray for Yo1.' Excels happyness and
1711] ADMINISTRATION" OF GOVERNOR Ill'XTKi;. I'.l
prosperity and shall Sincerely as in Duty bound use
reall Endeavours to Support the honnour of y" G-ov-
ernm* and the preservation of the peace & wellfare of
this province and Yo-" Excel- 'f Administration
W" Pinhorne
Rich" Townly
Danl Coxe.
[January 1710-11] Roger Mompesson
Peter Sonmans
Hugh Huddy —
William Hall
Rob?' Quary —
[These Eight above are the Gentlemen of the Coun-
cil that opposes his Excel y in Every thing who sets u j i
for the true friends of the Ld C. [Cornbury.J ]'
Minutes of House of Assembly of Neiv Jersey.
LFroin P. B. O. B. T.. New Jersey, Vol. I. C. 95.]
Die Martie 9 ho A:M: 2d January 1710 [1710-11.]
The Engrossed Bills Entituled an Act for Regulating
& appointing Fees of the Severall Officers & Practi-
tioners of the Law in all Courts of this Province of
New Jersey, And the bill Entituled an Act for R< fil-
iating the Practice of the Law being Read the I bird
time were agreed to by the House & ordered to be sen!
up to the Council! for their Concurrence
The House according to ord1 Resolved into a Com-
mittee of the whole House to consider further of the
papers Layd before this H" by his Excels alter some
time spent therein Mr Speaker resinned the Chair &
Doctor Johnston Reported from the sd Committee
1 By whom the lines in brackets were added is not stated.— En.
20
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. \\<W
That the 43" Article of her Maf?8 Instructions being
read Requireing an Act to be past for Settling the
Properties & possessions of all Persons concerned in
this Province they do think it to be a matter of the
greatest concern for the quieting of the minds of the
People & making the People happy bu1 do think it
will be to no purpose to spend time about such a bill
seeing the Council! has put them out of all hopes of
having any such Act to pass.
Doctor Johnston also Reported from the s" Commit-
mittee that the sixtieth Article of her Majties Instruc-
tions beingread requiring An Act to be past for those
people thai make a Religious Scruple of Swearing to
the like Effect of that past in the 7'" & 8th of K W"1 the
third in England so far as may be consistent with good
ord1 & Governm? that the ho[use] have already sent
up such an Act to the CounciU for their Concurrence
as near to the like Effect as the Circumstance of this
Collony will admit of which the Councill rejected with-
out committing the Same.
And further that the 94t> Article of her Ma fr In-
structions being read requiring An Act to be past As-
certaining ye Qualifications of Jurors that the same
was included in the Act Entit an Act for ascer-
taining the Quallincac'ons of Jurors cv Enabling the
people called Quakers to serve on them &c? which the
Councill rejected without Committing the same as is
Reported before to the 60th Article And that he was
directed to move that they might have leave to Sit
again &c*
January ?»d A Committee was appointed to prepare &
bring in a bill to relieve Persons agrieved by an Act
Entit An Act for Settling the Militia of this province
past in the 3d year of her Majties Reign.
The Engrossed bills Entituled An Act for Prevent-
ing Corruption in Courts of Justice And the Bill Entit
An Act for the better Settling and Regulating the
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOB EUNTER. 21
Offices of the Sec'ry & Clarke of the Supream Couri
were sent up to the Council for Concurrence.
The House haveing been Creadably inform'd y' An
Address was sent to her Maj1'' signed by the Councill
in the year 1709 which Address the H" conceives to be
in the Minutes of Councill Orders that Doctr Johnston
& Mr Fretwell attend upon his ExcelP & requesl a
perusall of the Minutes of Councel relateing to the
Expedition against Canada and get a Copy of s Ad-
dress & lay before this H? which message they per
formed, And M- Sec'y brought a message from his
Excel? that he was Commanded from his Excel-to
show to the h" of Representatives such minutes of
Council as related to the passing of Laws during the
Administra°" of Coll Ingoldsby but the Council does
not consent to the showing the Address or Represen-
tation.
January 4r" The Engrossed bill Entit An Act for
Relieving the Creditors of Persons that are or shall
hereafter become Bankrupts in the Kingdom of Great
Brittain was sent up to the Councill for their concur
rence.
Ordered that An Act be prepared and brought in to
prevent comenceing Actions und' £10 in the Supream
Court & removeing the Same from the County ( 'ourts
of Common Pleas.
January the .V" An Act for Regulating Elections &
ascertaining the Qualifications of Representatives of
this province was read the first time.
The H° according toord? Resolved into a Committee
Of the whole H° to consider further of the Support of
Covernm1 after some time spent therein the Speaker
resumed the Chair & Doctor Johnston reported from
s.d Committee that they had come to severall resolves
w: they had directed him to report to the B? which
are as followeth Viz-
Resolved that five hundred pounds' Proclamacon
uioiiv be raised for bis Excel5'8 Salary a Year.
'.''J ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Eesolved that One hundred Pounds Proclamation
Mony be raised for his h.° Rent fire Candle Expenses
&ca a Year
£
Resolved &c? For the Chief Justice - 100
For the Treasurer - 40
For the Clerk of the Councel 35
For the Clark of the Assembly - 15
For the Doorkeeper to the Council 10
For the Doarkeeper to y? Assembly 1 2
For the Serj? At Arms - V2
For the Auditor Generall 1< »
For the Printer - - 30
Resolved that the above Support of Government be
for two years provided Coll0 Hunter continue so long
Governo-' &c?
Ordered that the H" Resolve itself into a Committee
of the Whole H° on Monday next to consider further
of ye support of Governm1 &ca
The Above is an Abstract the above four days pro-
ceedings of the Assembly.
Burlington Janry 6*? 1 Tin [11].
Extract from Minutes of the New Jersey Assembly,
Jan nary, L711 — expelling Major William Sand-
ford.
[From Smith's History of New Jersey, p. 374.]
A copy of a paper entitled
The humble address of the lieutenant governor and
council of Nova Coesarea or New Jersey, in America,
to the Queen's mast excellent majesty: signed by Rich-
ard Tngoldsby, William Pinhorne, Roger Mompesson,
Thomas Revell, Daniel Leeds, Daniel Coxe, Richard
Tounley, William Sandford and Hubert Quary in the
.1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOB III NTF.K. •.':'.
year 1707, was read in the house; and being taken into
consideration, the question was put, whether the said
humble address (as it is called) of the lieutenant go'v
ernor and council to the queen's most excellent maj-
esty, be a false and scandalous representation ol the
representative body of this province in the present and
former assemblies, or not it was carried in the affirm
ative. A motion being made, and the question being
put, whether this house do address her majesty for
the justification of the proceedings of the representa-
tive body of this province, in the present or former
assemblies or not* it was carried in the affirmative.
A motion being made, and the question being put
whether any person that has signed the above men-
eioned false and scandalous representation of the rep-
resentative body of this province, be a fit member to
sit in this house, or not;! it was carried in the negative.
Major Sandford,' one of the members of this house,
having acknowledged that he signed the above men-
tioned address to her majesty, was asked if he would
acknowledge his fault to this house for the same? his
answer was, he signed it as he was one of her majesty's
council, and was only accountable to her majesty for
the same; wherefore the question was put, whether
Major Sandford be expelled from this house for the
same or not.
Ordered that Major Sandford be expelled from this
house, for signing a false and scandalous paper, called
the humble address of the lieutenant governor and
council to her majesty, in the year 1T<>T, and be is ex-
pelled this house accordingly.
• For a notice of Major Sandford see Vol. H. p. 314— and East Jersey under the
Proprietors, Second Edition, p. 110.— Ed.
24 A D5I] N [STB \ 1 'Ion OF GOVERKOR HUNTER. [1*11
The Representation of the General Assembly of New
Jersey to Governor Hunter— relating to the Ad-
ministration of Governor < 'ornbury.
.As printed iu Smith's N''« Jersey, p. •'iTO. Original in P. R. O. B. T.. N. Y..
vol. n, T). ii.i
The humble representation of the general as-
sembly of h^v majesty's province of New-
Jersey.
To his excellency Robert Hunter, Esq; captain
general and governor in chief of the prov-
inces of New Jersey and New- York in
America, and vice-admiral of the same. &c.
May it please your excellency,
When the lord Lovelace was pleased to let the rep-
resentative body of this province know, that her maj-
esty desired to be informed of the causes of the differ-
ences between the gentlemen of the council and them:
aothing could be more satisfactory; because they en-
tirely depended, that a person of so much justice and
veracity, would put things in their true light; and had
he lived long enough to have complied with her maj-
esty's commands, we had not now been under the ne-
cessity of laying the following representation before
your excellency.
We are very sorry we have so much reason to say
it was lately our misfortune to be governed by the lord
Combury, who treated her majesty's subjects here not
as freemen who were to be governed by laws, but as
slaves, of whose persons ami estates he had the sole
power of disposing. Oppression and injustice reigned
everywhere in this poor, and then miserable colony;
and it was criminal to complain or seem any way sen-
1"!1| ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 25
sible of these hardships we then suffered; and whal
ever attempts were made for our relief, not only
proved ineffectual, but was termed insolence, and flying
in the face of authority: The most violent and im-
prudent stretches of arbitrary power, were stamped
with the great name of the queen's prerogative royal;
and the instruments and strenous assertors of that
tyranny, were the only persons, who in his esteem and
their own. were for supporting her majesty's govern-
ment: Bribery, extortion and acontempt of laws, both
human and divine, where the fashionable vices of thai
time; encouraged by his countenance, but more by his
example; and those who could most daringly and with
most dexterity trample upon our liberties, had the
greatest share both in the government of this province
and his favour: This usage we bore with patience a
great while, believing, that the measures he took pro-
ceeded rather from want of information or an erroneous
judgment, than the depravity of his nature; but re-
peated instances soon convinced ns of our mistaken
notions; and that he was capable of the meanest things,
and had sacrificed his own reputation, the laws, and
our liberties, to his avarice: No means were left unes-
sayed, that gave hopes of gratifying that sordid passion.
The country was filled with prosecutions by informa-
tions of the attorney general, contrary to law: Those
of her majesty's subjects who are called Quakers, were
severely harrassed, under pretence of refusing obedi-
ence to an act of assembly for settling the militia of
this province, when neither the letter nor meaning of
that act justified the severities used on that account;
tlie measures that were then taken, being chiefly such
as the implacable malice of their adversaries suggested :
The rights of the general proprietors, which upon the
surrender of the government, were promised to he pre-
served inviolable to them, and which her majesty, by
her instructions, had taken all possible caretodo, were
26 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
by him invaded in a very high degree; their papers and
registers, being the evidences they had to prove their
titles to their lands and rents, violently and arbitra-
rily forced from them, and they inhibited from selling
or disposing of those" lands; by which means their
titles were made precarious, the value of lands through
the whole province fell very much, and a great stop
was put to the settlement and improvement of it: To
be short, all ranks and conditions of men grossly
abused, and no corner of the country without com-
plaints of the hardships they suffered from the exer-
cise of a despotick and mistaken power: An adminis-
tration so corrupt, so full of tyranny and oppression
in all its parts, induced the assembly to have a regard
to the cries of that unhappy country they represented,
and to endeavour (if possible) some redress, and ac-
cordingly, in a most humble manner, remonstrated to
his lordship their grievances; who was of opinion,
their remonstrance lay open to a very ready answer;
but that he might give them no occasion to say he had
done it with heat and passion, he took some few days
to do it; but with what coolness and temper it was
done, those who have seen it can judge; they both He
before your excellency (No. 1 and 2.) Sometime after
the assembly were adjourned; and when we met
again, made a reply to that answer; which reply (No.
3.) lies before your excellency ; but neither the one nor
the other procured the desired effects; on the contrary,
the number of our grievances were increased, some of
the most considerable of our inhabitants deserted the
province, and many of those that remained thought
themselves unsafe in it; the only hopes they had, was
the arrival of the lord Lovelace, which supported their
sinking spirits, and gave them an expectation of better
days.
Upon the first sitting of the assembly, after his ar-
rival, he communicated to them a paper, called, The
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. %"\
address of the lieutenant governor and conned of New
Jersey. It was no surprize to us, to find any thing in-
decent or virulent proceeding from such men; but it was
with some concern, we beheld what endeavours they
had used, to render her most gracious majesty dis-
affected with her honest and loyal subjects here, by
accusations which were not only false, but what they
knew to be so, at the time of their writing of them,
and which we had made appear to be so, had they not
used evasions and shifts to avoid coming to the test,
in the time of lord Lovelace, and while the assembly
was sitting; then they seemed to be for reconciling
matters, and burying every thing in oblivion, in hopes
their own deeds of darkness might partake of the same
covering; and hoped the sweetness of that noble lord's
temper, and inclinations to peace, might secure them
lit >m that examine which was necessary to expose them
in their true colours; and how much on that occasion
they fawned and flattered, appears by an address of
theirs to him, which for the peculiarity of the lan-
guage (and we might say the unintelligibleness of the
terms) ought never to be forgotten: It begins thus,
Your lordship has not one virtue or more, but a com-
plete accomplishment of all perfections, &c. and at
the same time they were deifying him (if such an ad-
dress could do it) they were were caballing and artic-
ling against him, triumph'd in his death, and have
barbarously treated his memory; and notvvithanding
the laws of heaven and nature, (as they are pleased to
express themselves) and all the fine things they say of
you, added to the justness of your administration,
they'll give you the same treatment when they can;
the knowledge we have of their practices, has made us
trespass a little longer on your excellency's patience
than we at first designed: But to return to the address:
we believe the gentlemen of the council have trans-
mitted something to one of her majesty's secretaries
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
of state, which they called proofs, and with all the
secrecy they could, hoping it may obtain at that dis-
tance especially when backed by some whose interest
it is, that all they have said be credited: To prevent
the ill consequences that may attend the belief of what
they have said, or indeed can say, we shall endeavour
to prove every article of the said address false; and
the subscribers knew several of them to be so at the
time of their signing; what we say is publick, not car-
Lied on in darkness, to prevent that reply, which the
gentlemen concerned to justify themselves, and upon
the spot, may make if they can.
We begin with the title of the address; which is
The humble address of the lieutenant governor and
council of Nova-CcesaHa, or New Jersey in America.
This carries a falshood in the very front of it; for it
was no act of council; but signed by some in the west-
ern, and by others in the eastern division of New Jer-
sey, by one or two in New- York, at different times,
being privately carried about by a messenger of my
Lord Cornbury's; and some were raised out of their
beds to sign it: it never pass'd the council: was never
minuted in the council books, and the lieutenant gov-
ernor has several times protested he signed it without
ever reading it: The gentlemen of the council cannot
deny the truth of this: if they do. we can prove it:
hut 'to justify themselves they say, it was signed by the
lieutenant governor and the gentlemen of the council.
though not in council; So that it's plain, they designed
to abuse the queen, by giving it the stile of an act of
council, which her majesty and everybody that reads
it would take to be so, when they knew in their con-
sciences it was not so: but that their malice or servile
(cars induced them to sign it, and may not improperly
be called, forging an act of council; it's apparent that
Roger Mompesson, esq; signed it by himself: that it
was brought to him as an act of council, and that as
1111] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. '."•'•
such he thought himself obliged to sign it, as by his
reasons for signing it appears; which reasons could
have had no weight, had he not understood it to he so;
for he owns he never examined into the particulars
of it.
The first article is. We the lieutenant governor and
council of her majesty's province of Nova-i. 'aisaria or
New Jersey, having seriously and deliberately takt n
into consideration the proceedings of the present as-
sembly or representative body of this province, thought
our selves bound, both in duty and conscience, to testi-
fy to your majesty our dislike and abhorrence of the
some. This is true, if signing any thing without read-
ing or examining into the particulars of it, and by
some between sleeping and waking, be arguments of
seriousness and deliberation, otherwise not; except by
the words seriously and deliberately, be meant, their
resolutions on all occasions to do what the lord Corn
bury commanded them: as indeed their signing this
address, and their conduct in every other thing, did
but too plainly evince, to be the only seriousness and
( 1 el i Iteration they were capable of: When col. Quarry
sign'd that address, we believe he was misled, and
depended too much on the credit of others; we musl
do him the justice to own, that he has of late declined
joining with them in many of their hot and rash
methods, and behaves himself at present like a man
of temper, who intends the service of the queen and
good of the country. These addressers tell her majes-
ty, that they were in duty and conscience bound to
testify their dislike <<n<1 abhorrence ofthesaiue to her:
Had they abhorred falsehood, and discharged then-
duty as in conscience they were bound to do, in refus-
ing to join with the lord Cornbury, in all his arbitrary
and unjust measures, and particularly in that scanda
lous address (pardon the expressions) the countr}
would not have had that just cause to complain, as
• Ill ADMINISTKA I I<>\" OF GOVERNOR EUNTER. [171]
now they have, and in probability always will, while
they continue in their present stations: There were no
proceedings in that assembty that any honest man had
reason to dislike; and their endeavours for the good of
the country, deserve the highest praise, and ought
never to be forgotten by New-Jersey.
The second article is, That the unaccountable hu-
mours and pernicious designs of some particular men
have put them upon so main/ irregularities, with in-
tention only to occasion divisions and distractions, to
the great and weight// affairs which her majesty's hon-
our and dignity, and the peace and welfare of the
country required: The so many irregularities are, we
suppose, what the lord Cornbury mentioned in his
answer to their remonstrance; which that house re-
plied to; as may be seen in their reply (No. 3.) and
whether they were irregularities or no, the world can
judge; but be they what they will, the addressors are
never able to prove, that the unaccountable humours
of some particular men put them upon them; they
may indeed boldly say they did, and if that will do,
they may say again, that it was with intention to occa-
sion divisions, &c. but that neither proves, that any
particular men influenced that assembly, nor that the
intentions of doing so. where as they say: that being
impossible for them to know; and if we may be al-
lowed to know the intentions of that assembly, they
were otherwise than what the addressors represent
t hem to have been.
The 3d article was. That ice had highly incroached
upon her majesty's prerogative royal.
The 4th, That we had notorious/// violated the rights
and liberties of the subject.
The 5th, That we had manifested interrupted jus-
tice.
These three articles are what the lord Cornbury in
his answer to the remonstrance, charges that assembly
I '. 1 1 I A DM IX IS! i; ATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. :!i
with, which are fully answered in the aforesaid reply,
and proved to be false charges; and this the addressors
knew when they signed the address, if ever they read
the reply or address (which is very much to be ques-
tioned) and we believe, if the truth were known, not-
withstanding their pretensi. >ns to seriousness and delib-
eration, they had little more hand in it than setting
their hands to it as we shall endeavour to evince: It is
undeniably true, that it was signed at different times
and different places; it then must be true, that it was
brought ready drawn to the signers, and its very prob-
able that they did not read it, certainly not with any
consideration: The lieutenant governor, as we ob-
served before, has owned he did not, and the late chief
justice, Roger Mompesson, Esq; a man as likely to
read and consider as any of them, owns under his own
hand, he never did examine the particulars of it;
which is, in other words, owning he did not read it;
and its not very likely the rest should: These three
articles are the very words used by the lord Cornbury
in his answer: the whole address sems to bean abridg-
ment of that answer, several sentences the same, the
stile the same, and the same vein of intemperance and
ill nature through them both; and in all likelihood
done by his lordship, who made the addressers father
whatever his lordship was ashamed to own.
The 6th article is. That the remonstrance was a m<>sl
scandalous libel.
The 7th, That the Lord Con/bury made <i full and
ample answer to it.
The 8th, That the reply of the house of representa-
tives of the province of New-Jersey, was a scandalous
and infamous libel; and they add on that head, this
lust libel came on! s<> suddenly, that tin// had not time
as yet, to answer it in all its particulars.
Certainly it is impossible, that ever men in their
right wits, after reading such an address, should sign
32 A.DMIBUSTRATIOS OF GOVERKOB FIUNTKU. [17U
if Was it ever known, that any book or paper wrote
by a house of commons, was called a libel and a most
scandalous and infamous libel? If the gentlemen had
intended to shew their talents of railing and abusive
language; they could hardly have taken a more effec-
tual way. than by that address, which if it prove noth-
ing else, proves them to be very much masters of
those qualifications: but we cannot be of opinion, that
their calling the remonstrance or reply a libel, proves
them to be so; nor had they any reason to expect it
would be taken by her majesty, for anything more
than a demonstration of their want of temper; for it
those two papers were libels, then the house ot repre-
sentatives might have been punished for them, or at
least prosecuted; and if so, any vote, resolve, address
or remonstrance that they made, or any other house
of representatives (the authors of them) to the same
inconveniency, whenever the gentlemen of the council
were pleased to call them so: This is so contrary to the
known practice of England, to the laws, to the rights
and privileges of the house, that it is a needless labour
to prove, either that the gentlemen never read what
they signed, or knew what they signed to be false at
the time of their signing it: But to say a little more,
the remonstrance and reply are so far from being false
that they are most true: Several of the facts are owned
by the lord Cornbury, and where he either evades or
denies the.n. they are made oui in the reply: His
bribery was proved by a cloud of evidences m the
house; and whatever else is charged upon him, he
knew to be tin.': and it is neither in the power of ins
full and ample answer, nor even of the address itself,
t(( persuade the contrary: The assembly say indeed in
then remonstrance, Had the affairs of New- 1 ork ad-
mitted Ms Ionising oftener to attend those oj New-Jer-
sey he had not then been unacquainted with their griev-
ances; and that they "-ere inclined to believe they could
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF G-OVERNOR HUNTER. 33
not have grown to so great a number. This, perhaps,
may be one of the falsehoods the addressors mean; and
truly it ought to he acknowledged, that the then as-
sembly had no reason to believe his lordship's presence
in this province would have any other effect, than the
increasing, instead of diminishing their grievances;
but when the addressors say, that the reply came so
suddenly out, that as yet, they had not time to answer
it in all its particulars: They seem to imply, that
they had answered it in some of them; which has not
been done, no, not as yet, though it has been out
above three years: And, its coming out so suddenly,
&c. is a great mistake, to say no worse of it; for it
had been out about six months before their address
was signed: This is another proof that they never
read the address before they signed it; or if they did,
that they knew what they signed to was false, at the
time of their signing.
The 9th article is, That these disturbances are owing
wholly to inc. Lewis Morris and Samuel Jenings, men
of turbulent, factious, uneasy and disloyal principles
men notoriously known to be uneasy under all govern-
ment, and men never known to be consistent with them-
selves.
The 10th article is, That to these, men are owing all
the factions and confusions in the governments oj
New-Jersey and Pennsylvania.
These articles are not only the stile of the iordCorn-
bury's answer to the remonstrance; but for the most
part the very words. If mr. Morris, and mr. Jenings
were such men as the addressors say they are, viz.
turbulent and factions, uneasy under all governments,
and the causers of the factions and confusions of New-
Jersey and Pennsylvania; then certainly to continue
thus turbulent, &c. evinced they were not inconsistent
with themselves, but constantly pursued the same
measures: This was an expression the lord Corn bury
3
34 'administration of governor hunter. ]1711
was very fond of, and very much used, and the adres-
sors here have been but the parrots of his thoughts;
and all they have said of these gentlemen (one of
whom is in his grave, x'va. Mr. Jenings) is a notorious
abuse; for whatever was done by the assembly (if it's
their proceedures they call disturbances) was not done
either by the influence of Mr. Morris or Mr. Jenings,
but from a just sense of their duty, in discharge of the
trust reposed in them by the country, and to prevent
the ill effects of an arbitrary and unjust use of power,
by the lord Cornbury, so much encouraged by the
slavish compliances of the addressors, men never
known to be inconsistent with themselves, nor we fear
never will.
We should not trouble your excellency longer on
this head, did we not know this is an article which the
addressors think they can justify, and which they sup-
pose will prove a sufficient defence for all they have
said; therefore, to put this matter in some measure
out of dispute, we say, in the first place, that should
they be able to prove what they say in that article, yet
it would not justify their other accusations, nor the
severe reflections the}r have unjustly made on the rep-
resentative body of this province; 2dly, It plainly ap-
pears by the journals of the house, that the assembly
insisted on the same things, when neither Mr. Morris
nor Mr. Jenings were among them; and now endeav-
ours to evince to your excellency, that their proceed-
ings were reasonable. 3dly, The disturbances in Jer-
sey or Pennsylvania, ascribed to Mr.' Morris or Mr.
Jennings, were no other than the opposition of an un-
lawful and unjust authority, and that during the pro-
prietors government, before it was surrendered to the
queen; so not a fit matter to have been at that time
seriously and deliberately meddled with by the address-
ors, and could be done with no other intent but to mis-
lead the queen, into a belief that Pennsylvania and
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 35
New- Jersey, were then disturbed by these gentlemen;
4thly, We do not find, that ever Mr. Morris was con-
cerned at all, even during that time, the western divi
sion of New-Jersey or Pennsylvania.
The 11th article is, That this is done with design to
throw off the queen's prerogative royal, and conse-
quently to involve all her majesty's dominions, in this
part of the world, and the honest and good well mean-
ing men in them, in confusion, hoping thereby to ob-
tain their wicked purposes.
It is evident from this article, that the accusations
of Mr. Morris and Mr. Jennings, were to mislead the
queen into such a belief as we have instanced; 1st,
from their using the terms (is done) being in the pres-
ent tense: 2dly, they assign the reason why 'tis done,
viz. not only to encourage this government, but all
the governments in America, to throw off her majes-
ty's prerogative royal, and as a consequence of that, to
involve all her dominions in this part of the world, &c.
in confusion; which is in plain English, throwing off
our allegiance, and revolting from the crown of Eng-
land; the addressers in the first place, suppose all the
plantations on the continent of America inclinable to
a revolt, whenever they have an opportunity; or at
least if they don't believe it themselves, would have
the queen believe so, and be apprehensive of some
danger from it; which if she had, it's natural enough
to suppose such severe methods would have been taken
as would prevent any such thing; so thai what the
addressors have said, is not only an accusation of all
the plantations in America, of want of loyalty and
affection to her majesty: but an endeavour t<> alienate
her affections from them; We thank God it has not
had the ill effects they intended, and hope no represen-
tation founded on the malice of any men. ever will;
but that the authors of them may always meet with
as little credit as they deserve: Can it be thought, or
36 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
could the addressers themselves ever seriously and de-
liberated think, that the province of New-Jersey, -one
of the most inconsiderable' of all her majesty's colonies
and the most incapable of making, any defence, hav-
ing no fortification that exceeds a stone house, and of
them but very few, a great part of whose people
are quakers, who by their principles are against fignt^
ing) would be so unaccountably mad, as throw ott
toir allegiance (especially to be the first in doing 'it)
and expose themselves to unavoidable ruin and de-
struction? Whoever can seriously think this, and with
deliberation assert it, ought very seriously, and without
much deliberation, be confined to the society of mad-
men, as persons that can seriously and deliberately be-
lieve and say any thing; which is all we shall say to
this ridiculous, as well as malicious charge, and pass
to the 12th article; than which nothing more untrue,
and knowingly so, could be asserted, as we shall by
what follows, make out; the article runs thus: That
the assembly are resolved neither to support the queens
government with a revenue, nor defend it by settling a
veil it in.
Now it is plain, that this house never did deny to
raise a sufficient support for the government, and took
proper care concerning the militia, as by the several
acts for those ends does more largely appear; nay,
when the expedition against Canada, was on foot, we
gave three thousand pounds for that end, over and
above the support of government; and the casting vote
for the raising that money, and the settling the militia
now, was given by Mr. Hugh Middleton, one reputed
a qu'aker; so that it will very easily appear, that accu-
sation of the addressers, was not only very untrue,
but that they knew it to be so at the time of their sign-
ing of it; nay more, we shall make it appear, that the
gentlemen of the council have used their utmost en-
deavours to defeat the government of a necessary sup-
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 37
port, and to frustrate, as much as in them lay, the ex-
pedition against Canada; so that the accusation lies
most justly against them, and not against us; for the
acts for the support of the government, and settling
the militia, made in the time of the good lord Love-
lace, was pass'd by them, with the greatest difficulty;
and the act for raising three thousand pounds, towards
carrying on the expedition against Canada, was at
their direction, by Elisha Lawrence and Gershom Mott,
two of their tools, who were members of this house,
(and were not quakers) voted out, and who on the first
and second reading, voted for it, concealing their design
of voting against it, otherways care had been taken
to put it out of their power; and to make it appear,
that it was done with design, by direction of the lieu-
tenant governor and council, to cast a reflection on the
house, and to justify their allegations in their address,
even at the expence of defeating the expedition; the
lieutenant governor colonel Ingoldsby, tho' assured by
the speaker, and other members of the house, that if
the house was prorogued but for twenty four hours,
care should be taken the bill should pass; who pres-
ently after did, notwithstanding, adjourn the house,
from the thirteenth of June to the twenty eighth of
July following; a time so long, that if the house and
council had been never so willing, the season would by
that time have been so far advanced, that it had been
of no use then to have raised either men or money to-
wards that expedition; as the lieutenant governor and
council very well knew; and had not the honourable
colonel Nicholson, and col. Vetch, in an extraordinary
manner, prest the calling the house sooner than the
time appointed, viz. on the twenty third day of June,
neither money nor men had been raised on that ac-
count: This we think comes up to a demonstration,
that these gentlemen, rather than not gratify their re-
sentments, and give some colour of justifying what
35
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HITTER. [1711
they had said, chose to sacrifice the service of the
queen, and the common good, on so extraordinary an
occasion, to their private piques; and indeed their pro-
cedures ever since, have confirmed the country in
that opinion, and exposed their conduct to a just cen-
sure and shewed that they have been so far from en-
deavouring (as they say, in the last article) by appli-
cation to the governor, to remove the grievance, <£ any
■ire re- that if their best advice was at any time ottered,
it was rather how to continue and render them more
intollerahle: We are sorry we have so much reason to
say this as we have; but a long and uninterrupted
series of despotick and arbitrary government exacts it
from us; and which we are sure they will, to then-
power, continue as long as to the great misfortune of
this colony, they remain in any places of public*
trust. , . .
To enter into a detail of their several male-admmis-
trations, 'twould take up more time than we can at
present spare, and stretch the bounds of this repre-
sentation to too great a length: We have already laid
before your excellency some proofs against mr. Han,
one of the council, of his extortion, and imprisoning
and selling the queen's subjects; who, if they had been
guilty of the crimes alledged against them, ought to
have been prosecuted accordingly, and not discharged
on any hopes of private gain; and if not guilty, ought
not to have been laid in prison and in irons, and by
those hardships forced to become his servants, rather
than endure them: But a man that could, after taking
up adrift several casks of flour, deny them to the owner
and sell 'em, is capable of any thing that is ill; and
how fit lor so honourable a post as one of her majes-
ty's council, or indeed any other place of trust in this
government, is most humbly submitted to your excel-
lency's consideration
Were there nothing against Mr. Peter Sonmans, but
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 39
his being indicted for perjury; from which by a packed
jury he was cleaved, as appears by the memorial (No.
4.) there being but too much reason to believe he was
justly accused; it would be no mean reason to lay him
aside from her majesty's council; it being some sort of
reflection to continue a person even supposed guilty of
so heinous a crime, in so high a post, which her maj-
esty in a particular manner has endeavoured to secure
the honour of, by directing in her instructions that no
person necessitous or much in debt shall be of it; much
less a person known to be a bankrupt, as Sonmans is,
and who at this time, and for some years past, has
lived in open and avowed adultery, in contempt of the
laws, which his being in power not only protects him
from being punish'd but enables him to carry on his
wicked designs, by imposing on the honest and simple
people, who suspect no trick from a person of his rank;
as appears by the depositions (No. 5 ) relating to the
Amboy petition against dr. Johnston and mr. Reid;
and to stretch and warp the laws, to the manifest
prejudice, ruin and undoing of many of her majesty's
subjects whose complaints from the several parts of
the province (so unfortunate as to be under his direc-
tion,) we make no doubt has long e'er this reach'd your
excellency's ears; and which, we persuade ourselves,
will, when your excellency is satisfied with the truth
of them, have their proper effects.
The courts of law in which the gentlemen of the
council were judges, instead of being a protection and
security to her majesty's subjects, of their liberties and
properties, in disputes that came before them, became
the chief invaders and destroyers of them both; and
what should have been the greatest benefit, proved
the greatest grievance; as we shall instance in a few
of the many things we could: And first, notwithstand-
ing her majesty, for the ease of her subjects here, has
been pleased to appoint the supreme court of this
40 ADMINISTRATION or GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
province to be held alernatively at Amboy in the east-
ern, and Burlington in the western division of this
province: yet The causes of one division are tried in the
other, and juries and evidences carried for that end, at
the great and needless charge of those concerned, as
well as great expenee and lots of time to the people in
general; who can receive no benefit by the courts
being held alternatively, it' the ends tor which they are
so held, be not answered, and causes tried in the same
division to which they do belong; besides it is a prac-
tice of very mischevious consequence, making the peo-
ple entirely depend on and be subject to the judges of
the said court, who can by that method, lay any per-
sons they do not like, under the necessity of being at
the bef orementioned charge, and make them that way
sensible of their resentments; which, as we have in-
stanced, they have been too ready and willing on all
occasions to do: Secondly, the writ of habeas corpus,
the undoubted right, as well as great privilege of the
subject, was by William Pinhorne, Esq; second judge
of the supreme court, denied to Thomas Gordon, Esq;
then speaker of the assembly; and, notwithstanding
the station he was in, was kept in fifteen hours a pris-
oner, until he applied by the said Pinhorne's son, an
attorney at law, and then, and not before, he was ad-
mitted to bail; which fact, as well as other things.
may appear by the said Gordon's case l No. 6) now laid
before your excellency. The proceedings against a
person in thai station, and at that time, made it but
too evidently appear that the said Pinhorne would not
stick to join with the lord Cornbury in the most daring
and violent measures, to subvert the liberties of this
country; and cannot be look'd on by this house, orany
succeeding assembly, duly considering the procedure
and the address above-mentioned, afterwards signed
by him, but as a prison ready and willing on any oc-
casion, to attempt upon their liberties, and overthrow
1711] ADM1V1STKA TION OF GOVERNOR HUXTER. 41
them if he can; and how safe we can think ourselves
while he continues in power to hurt, is most humbly
submitted.
Many persons prosecuted upon informations, have
been, at their excessive charge, forced to attend court
after court, and not brought to tryal. when there was
no evidence to ground such informations on; but they
kept prisoners in hopes that some might be in time
procured; and two of them, to wit. David .Johnston
and his wife, after some weeks imprisonment, not ad-
mitted to bail till they entered into a recognizance
the condition of which was. That if the lord Cornbury
was dissatisfied with admitting them to bail, upon no-
tice thereof signified to them, they should return to
Their imprisonment: His lordship was dissatisfied, and
Leeds and Kevell, who took the recognizance, sent
their orders to them To return according to the condi-
tion of it.
Actions have been suffered to continue, after the
persons in whose names they were brought, have in
open court disa vowed them, declaring they had never
gi\cn orders for any such actions to be brought.
Actions upon frivolous pretences have been post-
poned, and the tryals delayed to serve particular per-
sons, when the juries and evidences were all ready,
and attending on the tryals.
Though it be the right of the subject, by proper
writs, to remove actions from any inferior to a supe-
rior court: y^t at the court of sessions held at Burling-
ton, in December 1709, colonel Daniel Coxe, colonel
Hugh Huddy. colonel Thomas Revell and Daniel
Leeds, esquires, justices of the said county, did reject
a writ of certiorari, obtained by mr. George Willocks,
and allowed by Roger Mompesson. chief justice, and
committed said Willocks till he entered into recogni-
zance, to appear at the next court of oyer and term
iner.
42 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
The case of Peter Blacksfield, who by a mistake or
design, was divested of his estate, and ruined; is so
well known to your excellency, that we need say noth-
ing more about it.
The people called quakers, who are by her majesty
admitted to places of the most considerable trust with-
in this province, are sometimes admitted to be evi-
dences; as one Mr. Beaks, a quaker, was in a capital
case against one Thomas Bates, at a court of oyer and
terminer, held by justice Mompesson, col. Coxe, col.
Huddy, and others; on which evidence, he was con-
demned to be executed; and sometimes they have been
refused to be jurors or evidences, either in civil or
criminal cases; so that their safety, or receiving the
benefit of her majesty's favour, seems not to depend
on the laws, or her directions, but the humours and
capricios of the gentlemen who were judges of the
courts: We, with all humanity, take leave to inform
your excellency, that the western division was settled
by those people, who combated with all the inconveni-
encies attending a new settlement; and with great
difficulty and charge, have from a wilderness improved
it to be what you now see it is; there are great num-
bers of them in it, and should they not be admitted as
evidences or jurors, they would be very unsafe; for it
is in the power of ill men, to come into their religious
assemblies, and murder as many as they please, and
with impunity, tho' look'd on by hundreds of quakers;
or break open their houses and rob with safety; and
the encouragement the gentlemen of the council have
given to the meanest of the people, to abuse them,
confirms us in the opinion, that there wants not those
who have will enough to perpetrate the greatest mis-
chiefs on that people, when they can escape the pun-
ishment due to their crimes.
The procedure of the wThole body of the council, in
relation to Mi*. Barclay, is a demonstration of their
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 43
arbitrariness and partiality, as by his case, (No. 7.)
now laid before your excellency, will more fully ap-
pear. When he produced a commission before them
from the proprietors in England which superceded that
lame one given to Mr. Sonmans; they (as appears by
an order of council) took the said commission from
him : than which nothing could be more arbitrary
and unjust; for that commission was the property
of Mr. Barclay, and he had the right of executing
the powers of it; and if any persons was aggrieved,
or the commission not good, the law was open to
dispute it ; and a copy of it sent to the queen would
have answered all the just ends that sending the
original could do: It was indeed a short way of deter-
mining in favour of Peter Sonmans, and putting it out
of the power of Mr. Barclay, to right himself, during
that administration: The gentlemen may call this a
strenuous asserting of the queen's prerogative royal ;
but we can call it by no other name than an open rob-
bery, committed in their judicial capacity, under a pre-
tence of authority: than which nothing could be worse,
or of more pernicious consequence.
To conclude, all persons not friends to the gentle-
men of the council, or some of them, were sure in any
tryal at law to suffer; everything was done in favour
of these that were: Justice wasbanislrd, and trick and
partiality substituted in its place: No man was secure
in his liberty or estate: but both subjected to the ca
prices of an inconsiderate party of men in power, who
seemed to study nothing more than to make them as
precarious as possible. Your excellency's coming, has
put a check to that violent torrent of injustice and op-
pression, that bore down every thing before it: and
we hope, that during your administration, ill men will
not have authority to hurt, nor their representations
gain any credit with a person so able to discern the
motives of them: which are no other, than the grati-
44 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERSTOB IH'N'TER. [1711
fication of their own resentments, even at the price of
the pnblick safety, as we have in great measure al-
ready proved; and their proceedings now does plainly
confirm what we have offered; for what can be the
intent of rejecting our bills without committing of
them, but to irritate us to that degree, that nothing
might be done, either towards the support of the gov-
ernment, or the settling of a militia, that they might
have wherewithal to justify themselves in what they
have said of us? What was the cause of their reject-
ing the bill for preventing of corruption in courts of jus-
tice, but the consciousness of their own crimes, and the
fears they had of that examine, which must neces-
sarily have exposed their conduct to a due censure?
What was it that made them throw out the bill against
bankrupts (though made by her majesty's express di-
rection) and profess themselves against any bill what-
soever on that head, but the dread they had of feeling
the just consequences of it themselves? Nay, one of
them, William Pinhorne, esq; by name, was pleased
to say, it was with horror and amazement he beheld a
bill with that title; we are not so fond of the bill as it
was drawn, but that we would have readily joined
with the council in any reasonable amendments, had
they offered them; but we think no honest man could
be against a bill that makes the estates of persons be-
coming bankrupts, liable to pay their just debts; and
we hope New- Jersey won't long be a sanctuary for
such. The bill, entitled. An act for enabling persons
aggrieved by an act for settling the militia for this
■province, was, to make the distresses unreasonably
and illegally made on pretence of the militia act, re-
turnable to the owners, and to punish the persons that
did it; but this they will not pass, knowing that so
just an act would be attended with consequences they
can by no means bear; the instruments of that oppres-
sion being to be protected by them at any rate, and
1711] A.DMISTISTRATIOS OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 4ri
nothing to be heard against them, because they were
officers of the government, tho' their practices were
never so unreasonable or unjust, and her majesty's
subjects left remediless, and must patiently sit down,
after having their houses and plantations plundered,
and their persons abused by a crew of needy and mer-
cenary men, under pretence of law; but it was such
persons that were useful to them, and such they musl
for their own safety, protect: Tis for this reason they
combine together, to secure, as far as they are able,
Jeremiah Bass, their clerk, the secretary of this prov-
ince, and prothonotary of the supreme court; in all
these offices his pen is to be directed by them; they
dread an honest man in these offices: How he has be-
haved himself, is in seme measure known to your ex-
cellency, especially in the case of Dennis Linch, the
Maidenhead people, and Peter Blacksfield; the two last
are notorious malversations in his office, and appear
under his hand, and by the minute books of the su-
preme court; and it is no excuse in him, when men
are turned out of their estates and ruin'd, to say, it was
a mistake; if such an excuse would do, it is very easily
made on any occasion: and in this province, can !><•
safe, when such a person continues in offices of so
great trust. All the original copies of the laws passed
in the time of the just lord Lovelace, are somehow or
other made away with; Bass offers to purge himself
by his oath, that he has them not, nor knows any
thing of them; and it may he so for aught we know;
but in this province where he is known, it is also
known, that few men ever believed his common con-
versation, and several juries have refused to credithis
oath; he corroborates what he says with the evidence
of Peter Sonmans, one of the council, a person once
indicted for perjury; and how lie was cleared, the
aforesaid memorial makes out; so that we do not
think him a person of sufficient credit to determine
•16 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
that point. It is certain, that the secretary's office is
the place those laws ought to be in. and he ought
not on any pretence to have parted with them out of
the province: It is certain, the lieutenant governor
ought, within three months after the passing of them
to have sent copies of them to the lords commissioners
for trade and plantations, and duplicates of them by
the next conveyance after; and this under pain of her
majesty's highest displeasure, and the forfeiture of
that year's salary, on which he should on any pretence
tvhat soever omit the doing of it; how comes it then
about, that neither the secretary Bass, nor mr. Cock-
rill, private secretary to the lord Lovelace, and who
lived six months after his master's death, was never
examined about them? Mr. Cockrill could have cleared
up that matter while alive, if the lieutenant governor
could be thought so grossly to neglect what he knew
to be his duty; why did not mr. Bass apply to him in
all that time for those laws? If he had parted with
them, as he pretends, so much against his will, it was
very natural to suppose he would have used the ut-
most application to get them again ; yet no one enquiry
is said to be made after them, either by Bass or the
lieutenant governor, of the lady Lovelace, who staid
in New- York long after the death of her lord, or of his
secretary; nor no noise at all made about them till this
time, so long after the arrival of your excellency; can
any body think it was the interest of either the lord or
lady Lovelace, or his secretary, or any of his lordship's
friends, to destroy a law which gave the lord Lovelace
eight hundred pounds, and without which he could
not have it; but it does appear to be the interest of
the lieutenant governor and his friends to destroy it;
for they had go1 an act passed, which took from the
lord Lovelace three hundred and thirty pounds of that
money, and gave it to the lieutenant governor: and
two hundred and seventy pounds more of it was given
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. i '.
to him for the support of the government. Had he
sent the act made in favour of the lord Lovelace, to
the queen, for her approbation or disallowance, and
her majesty had approved of it. as in all probability
she would have done, then the act made in colonel In-
goldsby's favour had been void; but had the other gone
home first, there was an expectation it might pass,
the queen knowing no more about the first act, than
that a vote had passed in favour of the lord Lovelace.
And to make it plainly appear, that colonel Ingolds-
by, and the gentlemen of the council, were apprehen-
sive of the danger of sending those acts to England;
to the act we have now past, for making the printed
copies as effectual as if the originals were in the secre-
tary office, that your excellency may be enabled to
transmit them to her majesty; they have added a pro-
viding clause, that the act made in col. Ingoldsby's
time, (which takes that money from the lord Lovelace)
shall not by this act we have past, be made void in the
whole or any part thereof; but continue in full force
and virtue, as if this act had never been made: This
amendment they insist on, tho' they knew, and do
know, we will never agree to a clause so foreign to the
title and intent of the bill: but this is done by them,
with design that the bill shall not pass; by which
means her majesty will be without authentic copies of
the acts, during that good lord's administration; and
they hope will confirm the acts past in colonel Ingolds-
by's time: What we have said on this head, shews
very plainly who are the persons that ought, with
most reason to be charged, with the making away
those original laws.
We are concerned, we have so much reason to ex-
pose a number of persons, combined to do New-Jersey
all the hurt that lies their power: Her majesty has
been graciously pleased to remove colonel Richard lu-
goldsby from being lieutenant governor, and we can-
t8 ADMINISTRATION OK GOVERNOR HUXTER. [ 1< 1 1
not sufficiently express our gratitude for so singular a
favour; and especially for appointing your excellency
for our governor: We have all the reason in the world
to be well assured, you will not forget that you are her
subject; but will take care that justice be duly admin-
istered to the rest of her subjects here; which can
never be done while William Pin home, Eoger Mom-
pesson, Daniel Coxe, Richard Townley, Peter Son-
mans, Hugh Huddy, and William Hall, or Jeremiah
Bass, Esqrs, continue in places of trust, within this
province, and seek some safer place of abode: We
shall wrait till your excellency can transmit accounts of
the state of this colony, to her majesty; and assure
you, that we will on all occasions very readily, to our
power, comply with her majesty's directions, and be
wanting in nothing that may conduce to make your
administration happy, both to yourself and us.
Signed by order of the house of representatives.
We Veneri^A. M. J Wlu Bradf0EDj clk
[The governor answered, 'that her majesty had
given him directions to endeavour to reconcile the dif-
ferences, that were in this province: but if he could not
that he should make a just representation to her; and
that he did not doubt, but that upon the representa-
tion he should make, her majesty would take such
measures, as should give a general satisfaction.']
1711 J ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 40
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Commissioners of
Customs— About the Removal of the Collector at
Pert 1 1 Amboy.
From the N. V. Col. Docts., Vol. V. p. 289.
[Extracts.]
Gentlemen
* * * * Another thing I shall take notice of to you
is Mr. Birchfeilds1 suspending Mr. Farmer from his
Collectors office at Amboy in New Jersey the sole rea-
son seems to be his non residing and the delay vessells
were put to by that means: this is in some measure
time but Capt" Farmer did not live for some time at
Amboy. But [it] is likewise true that at the time of
his suspension and for some months before, he lived
there with his family and if its allowable to a Collec-
tor to live out of his Port Mr Farmer had the best
reason to expect it of any man for his House on Staten
Island in the Province of New York is directly oppo-
site to Amboy from which Port no vessell can goe or
come without bis seeing it, but to take away all occas-
sion of complaint he appointed a Deputy at Amboy
who duly attended there, but you will perceive by the
Affidavits and representation to Mr Birchfeild where
complaint is of his not attending, that little or no no-
tice is taken of any enquiry being made after his
deputy.
The truth of the matter I take to be thus: Mr Birch-
feild having (as I am credibly informed) promised this
office to Mr Swift even before he had seen Mr Farmer
or been at Amboy, was resolved to make room for him
on any pretence or he would never have displaced Mr
Farmer, for not living in Amboy and put in Mr Swift a
1 The Surveyor General of Customs.
4
oO ADMINISTRATION OF GOVJlRNOB HUNTER. [Till
Tavern Keeper in New York, where he lives with his
family and indeed very seldom leaves it to attend his
duty at Amboy which is near forty miles from his
habitation.
Had Mr Swift been in Commission and been suspend-
ed to make room for Mr Farmer t'would have been much
less surprising the latter being a gentleman of honesty
and very good capacity for that employ. The former
a Tavern Keeper of no good reputation but on the con-
trary blackened with the imputation and violent pre-
sumption of crimes unfit to be mentioned.
1 am Aery unwilling to give you the trouble of a
Recommendation but the good service Mr Farmer has
done His Majesty in the Assembly of Jersey being a
principal instrument in settling a support for the Gov-
ernment and promot- her interest in whatever else
came before that house, deserves some notice.
1 heartily wish I had as good reason to speak well of
Mr Birchfeild, whose office if rightly administered leads
him to do a world of good, bvt I have too good cause
to say, the use he has made of it has had very perni-
cious effects. Merchants by his behaviour and pas-
sionate desire of gain are discouraged, officers whom
he tells he ought to go equal shares with in the per-
quisites of their places are made very uneasy, and in
short whatever he has any influence in has a very ill
aspect, I wish he would take example by Col Quary
Gentlemen &c
Ro: Httnter.
New York May 7,n 1711
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
Communication from Governor Hunter to the Lords
of Trade — with a number of documents referring
to affairs in-East Jersey.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts.. Vol. V. p. 109.|
To the Rr Honble the Lords Commissioners for
Trade and Plantations
I Extracts. |
My Lords
- ■• •■ : ;:" * I have such variety of matter 1 1 1
trouble your Lordships withall that T am at loss
where to begin. — I shall follow the order of time
Immediately upon prorogueing the Assembly of this
place I went to attend that of the Jerseys where I met
with difficulties of* a new nature, there I had a Coun-
cil to struggle with which had well nigh rendered all
my endeavours for her Majesty's service there as fruit-
less as the humours of the Assembly have done here.
I am ordered by her Majesty to compose the differ-
ences there, or Keport their time Causes, and what op-
position I meet with. The former being past all human
power or Act I shall do the latt' with all the cander
imaginable; It is needless to goe back soe farr as the
Assembly's Eemonstrance in the Lord Cornbury's
Government, your Lordships having had sufficient
trouble in that already. But that remonstrance beg< >tt
the Councills address, com'only soe called wcb indeed
was not soe, but a private Act of a number of the
Counsellors signed by them at different times and in
different Provinces, and by two of them, as they have
owitd to me, much against their inclinat" being wise
enough to foresee the consequences thereof; These
Gentlemen, T mean the Addressors, thus link't to-
gether in order to make good the allegations in thai
62 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR .HUNTER. [1711
address, combin'd to take such measures as should
make all publick Affairs miscarry in the house of Rep-
resentatives, and that soe avowedly that Mr Quarry
thought fit to leave them in most things, and Mr Mom-
pesson in some, without which I should never have
been able to have CarrVed one thing in Councill as it
The first three Acts which came up to the Councill
they rejected upon the second reading; and coud by
noe means be prevailed with to commit them tho it
was urged that paying so little respect to those Bills
was but a bad step to reconciliation soe earnestly rec-
ommended to them, and that if there was anything
in these Acts they disliked, they might either amend
it in the Committee or Reject it at the third Reading.
These Acts were, An act for acknowledging and re-
cording of Deeds &c
An Act for preventing prosecutions by informations.
An Act for ascertaining the Qualifications of Jurors
as in the first, second and third pages of the Book A.
Your Lordships will have the Acts at large.
The next was an Act for regulating the practice of
the Law as in page 4 of the said Book A. All that was
urgd against this Act was that the Laws of England
were sufficient for that matt' The next which came
was an Act for Regulating and Appointing the Fees
of the several officers and Practitioners of the Law
&c as in page 5 of the said Book A.
With relation to this Act I must beg leave to acquaint
Your Lordships that having in Her Majesty's Instruct*8
ample directions as to the maimer of appointing and
regulating Fees, and having at the same time lour
Lordships opinion in Your remarks on the Lord Corn-
burv's -Vnswer to the Assembly's Remonstrances, That
noeFee is lawfull unless it be warranted by Presumption
or Enacted by the Legislature. I thought it the best
Expedient to have it wav'd and lye on the Table, until
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 53
such time as I should receive Her Majesty's orders, or
your Lordships directions therein, being pretty well
assured that the Assembly would make noe great stir
about it at that time.
The next was an act for the better settleing and
regulating the offices of the Secretary and Clerk of
the Supream Court, as in page 1 1 of the said Book A.
This was Justly rejected because of the Impossibility
of keeping of the Records in both places and the great
expense it would create upon a very small salary.
The next was an Act for preventing Corruption in
the Courts of Justice, as in page 11 of the said Book A.
This Act was approved with great vehemence as im-
plying that there had been such corruption, and having
a Retrospection they were prest much to pay some Re-
gard to this Act, because of the specious title, and that
the preamble of the Act was only Declaratory, That
all Laws for that purpose made in England were in
force here, soe with adoe we got it committed, but
upon its being Reported there happened such a Jumble
as I believe never before was heard of at such a Board.
The Chairman reported that the Committee had made
several amendments. These amendments were their
rejecting all the several Paragraphs except the first,
upon Reading each Paragraph the Question was put
whether this Board doe agree with the Committee in
rejecting that Paragraph. It past in the Affirmative,
soe upon the third reading when the Clerk was going
on, after having read the First Paragraph, hee was
stopt and told that that was all as the Bill was then
amended, hee replyed that it was not, the Council!
having receded from the amendments of the Commit
tee, and had accordingly soe minuted it. This 1 could
not help mentioning as a notorious falcifying of tli«>
Minutes of Councill, most of them stood up in his Jus-
tification, but being put in mind of their own argumts
for rejecting each Paragraph, and the mistake imputed
;,4 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOB HUNTER, [1711
to the Clerks misund'standing the words Recede from
the Amendment for Rejecting the Paragraph, they
acquiesced and the minutes were ratifyed; but upon
the Question, if the Bill as amended, do pass Votes
were Equal, upon which I put the Question If the Bill
be rejected, It passed in the affirmative; Mr Hall m
the first question having voted that it doe pass, and m
the second that it be rejected.
Then came up the Act for Relieving the Creditors ot
persons that are or hereafter shall become Bankrupt
in Great Britain, as in the 12th page of the said Book.
It is impossible to imagine with what indignation
this Act was treated by that Majority, the mildest
terms that it received were that the very name of it
created horror, that it was evident mine to that Prov-
ince, and that Her Majesty was ill informed, when she
gave such an Instruction. I told them that altho 1
seldom troubled them with my Opinion, in passing of
Acts in Councill, but was very willing to be concluded
by theirs, but when Her Majesty's Instructions were
called in question they must pardon me the freedom
which I conceived to be my duty to use on such an oc-
casion ; I told them that I thought it needless to mf orme
them, that these Instructions were not formed upon
the private Insinuations of any person, but prepared
with due deliberation by a Board com'issionated for
that, and other, purposes, Read and considered by Her
Majesty in Councill and then approved by her. That
when, in conformity to such an Instruction, the Rep-
resentatives have prepared an Act and sent it to them
for their concurrence, their Rejecting of it as preju-
dicial! to the Interest of the Province could not well
bear any other construction, then that Her Majesty,
Her Privy Councill, Her Commissioners for Trade, &
the Representative Body of the Province, were acting
in opposition to the true interest of it, or that the
Council, or rather a certain number of them, under-
1111 J ADMJNISTIJATION ol <;o\ KKNuK llT;\Ti:i;. 55
stood that matter better than all of them together, or,
what Ishould be very unwillingto believe, that some of
themselves were personally too nearly c< >ncerne< I in the
consequences of passing such a Bill ; I told them like-
wise that I had observed all along a very commenda-
ble caution in them, that all Acts here should be very
wisely conformable to the Laws of England. I hop'd
there was likewise some regard due to the Interest ot
England, which was evidently intended by this Act,
especially when it was no wayes repugnant to that of
this Province. All the effect this had upon them was
that the Bill was committed, Reported with amend-
ment and Rejected.
I have enlarged upon this Head that your Lordships
may be the better inform'd of these Gentlem"8 Inclina-
tions, and their methods of Proceeding in Councill,
and because, as I am informed, they have been draw-
ing up Reasons in then- justificasion, the chief of
which, with relation to this act, will be, as I suppose
that it would shake their titles; many of them holding
their lands from such Bankrupts that Comm,,a of Bank
rupts may be surreptitiously obtained in England to
their mine, and that it would frighten People from
settling in that Province, but they were frequently
told that the House of Representatives meant this Acs
only as the ground work, leaving the superstructure
to the Councill. who were more learned in the Loans.
for all these inconveniencies mentioned were easily to
be remedyed by proper additions and amendments.
The Act to prevent commencing Actions under ten
pounds in the Supream Court &" as in the 14"' page
of the said Book was Rejected after the same manner
as the others
The Act for regulating Elections and assertaining
the Qualifications of the Representatives of this Prov-
ince, Page L5; This Act the' founded upon and con-
formable to an Instruction of Her Majesty for this
56 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Purpose was Rejected, because repugnant to an Act
past in Coll. Ingoldsby's time, which act as they them-
selves owne was made on purpose to exclude Doctor
Johnston and Captain Farmer from being Elected;
These Gentlemen at that time living by chance in the
Province of New York, tho' their Estates, which are
very valuable, lye in the Jerseys, and who have acted
very zealously, and strenuously for her Majesty's ser-
vice.
The next act that came up was an Act declaring all
the printed Copyes of all the Acts past in the Session
of March and April 1708, and 1709 of the General
Assembly of this Province, to be as effectual to all
Intents and purposes as the Originals could or would
be, were they duly and regularly in the Secretaries
Office, Page 17, To let your Lordships into the mean-
ing of this Act, I must begg your patience whilst I
numerate sev" perticulars necessary for that purpose.
About the beginning of that session, I sent to the
House of Representatives a message in the close of the
36th page of the Minutes of Assembly mark't B, and
with it amongst other things Her Majesties letter in
favour of the Lady Lovelace as in the 39th page of the
said Book B. The Assembly observing from these
words of Her Majesty, that we not only consent to
their giving the Petitioner the sum they have voted of
Eight hundred pounds, but approve &c That it being
mentioned only as a vote she did not know that it was
past into a Law, and consequently that these Laws
past in the Lord Lovelace's time had not been sent
home for her approbation.
They had recourse to the Secretaries office for the
Originals which were not to be found there, the former
Lieutenant Governor, Collonel Ingoldsby when ques-
tioned about these Acts answered that he knew
nothing of them, and that he believed the Lady Love-
lace had burnt them amongst other papers of her
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 57
Lords. Upon this I had the Secretary examined more
particularly, who said the Lord Lovelace had carryed
them to New York to have them printed, there being
noe time to take copyes, The Printer being examined
declared that he had printed these Acts from the
Originals, and that Mr Cockerell the Lord Lovelace's
Secretary, who is also dead, had them from him in
order to retnrne them to the Secretaries Office in the
Jerseys; These Acts being thus lost, that due regard
might be paid to Her Majesty's soe Just and charita-
ble Intentions and desires, there could be noe other
expedient thought of But that of this Act, because
their being an Act past in Collonel Ingoldsby's admin-
istration, giving six hundred pounds to him of the
Eight granted by the former Act to the Lord Love-
lace; and sent home for Her Majesty's Approbation
and that Act in favor of the Lord Lovelace never
having come to her Royal hands, she was left noe
choice, wch to approve or disapprove.
The Councill in their Committee added a clause in
these words
And whereas in the Eighth year of Her Majesty's
reign in the Session of the generall assembly for this
Province, held at the towne of Burlington in the
months of December and January 1709, An Act of
Generall Assembly was past, entituled an Act for
explaining- and rendering more effectual! an Act for
support of Her Majesty's government of Nova Caesarea
or New Jersey for one year, the original whereof is
lodged in the Secretaries office; Be it therefore enacted
by the authority aforesaid that nothing in this Ad
contained shall be construed, deemed or taken to the
prejudice of the said Act, either by avoiding it in the
whole or in any part thereof, but the same shall
remain in full force and virtue as if this Act had never
been made.
It was urged against this Clause that seeing this Act
58 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
as it stood imputed noe more than that the Acts past in
the Lord Lovelaces' time should be of the same force
as if they had been duly in the Secretaries Office,
unless it could be imagined that these Acts if they had
been duly there could have made voyd or repealed those
late ones in whole or in part, this amendment was to
noe purpose, and had really noe meaning. The House
of Eepresentatives were apprehensive that this was
intended by the Council] as a confirmation of that Act
past in Collonel Ingoldsby's time, giving him the
money granted by the former to the Lord Lovelace, or
at least that the passing of this Clause might be con-
structed as if they were satisfyed it should be soe but
the only reasons they gave for not agreeing to it were,
that they would never consent to a Clause soe foreigne
to the Title and intent of the Bill, the Councill adhered
to their amendment, and so the Bill was lost, I have
however ventured to send Your Lordships these Acts
of the Lord Lovelaces under the seal of the Province in
the Bundle markt C having had them compared with
such copies as remained in the hands of the then Clerk
of the Assembly.
The next was an Act for releiving of persons
aggrieved by an Act past in the third year of Her
Majesty Queen Anne, intituled An Act for settling the
Militia of this province. It is manifest that many per-
sons have been agriev'd, under colours of this Act. by
Distresses to a much greater value than the fynes
which have either never been sold and remain in the
hands of the distreiners or other Officers, or. if sold.
the overplus not returned to the owners, as by the Act
directed, however it was committed, reported without
amendments & rejected.
The next in order was an Act for raising of money.
for building and repairing Goals, and Court Bouses
&' as in the 20Ul page of the Book A. Your Lordships
well know how earnestly Her Majesty has recom-
1111 I ADMINISTRATION" OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 59
mended that matter, and everybody here sees the
necessity of such a Law, for want of which many
malefactors escape and the County is put to great
charges to guard them; The Councill however made
severall amendments to it, most of them only changing
the places to others Judged by them more convenient;
The Assembly agreed to most of them, but disagreed
to one, which directed the building of a Goal in a cor-
ner of the Count}7-, in a place little frequented ; The
Councill insisted upon it, alleadging that the Under-
takers, upon the credit of the former Act, had already
begun that work, the Assembly offer'd for remedy that
by paying that expence out of the money raised by
this Act, but all to no purpose, soe this good Bill was
lost.
The last was an Act for preventing the Waste of
Timber and Pine trees, as in the 23*'' page of the said
Book A, which tho' of noe great consequence had the
same ffate with the others.
Having thus run over yc Acts passed by the Assem-
bly and Rejected by the Councill before I enter on
Observations of the Acts by them past I must begg
your Lordshipps patience whilst I make a few on their
conduct.
Finding all my efforts towards a Reconsiliation
fruitless, at the beginning of the Sessions I thought of
an expedient to allay heat's and prevent a further rup-
ture; I recommended to the cheif amongst them, that,
in order to enter speedily on the publick affairs, there
should be noe object"" started on either side to any
elections, notwithstanding of which the Councill's
party in the Assembly, very unadvisedly, being but an
inconsiderable number objected against the Elections
of two of the chief members of the house, [mediately
upon the Speaker's communicating my Speech to them,
Upon which the other, called the Country party 1 1 am
sorry for the distinction) told me it was hard to tye
60 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
their hands, while the others attacked them, soe they
expell'd two members of the other party, one Major
Sanford for having sign'd the Gouncill's Address
against the Assembly, when he was of that Board, as
he was at my arrival here, but begg'd to be excus'd
that service being guilty of a very f oule crime consent-
ing, and contriving the escape of a ffellon, for his
money which he had in his hands to a considerable
value, and who was afterwards apprehended and
hang'd, confessing at his death the whole matter,
which was but too well known before.
This Majority in Councill which I am sorry I have
occassion to mention soe often under that name, having
boasted all along, that they and their Friends only
were for supporting Government, I was surprised to
heare that their few friends had voted in the Assem-
bly in that matter for sums and times differing from
the rest and one another, which made all then votes of
noe use towards the passing of the Bill. But, what
was more notorious, upon the passing the Militia Act,
the Quakers, as their Custom is, left the House that
the Bill might pass without their voting in it. But
the Councill party there voting against it, the Votes
fell to be equall, upon which one of the Quakers re-
turned to the House, ask't how the Votes stood, and,
being told they were equall, he said he knew the mean-
ing of that very well and voted for it. by which the
Bill was carry ed.
Their method of proceeding in relation to Bills was
at first rejecting them on the second Reading, and ;it
last when prevailed with to commit them, they either
reported them without amendments, and soe rejected
them, or clogg'd them with such as made it impossible,
or ;it least very improbable they should pass the other
house as perticularly in the Bill declaring all Laws past
in England against corruption in the Courts of Justice
to be of force in that Province, they added a clause
1711] ABMlNtSTKATIOS OP (t()Vi;hN0K HUNTRU. til
enacting the Protestant Succession Rights of the
Chmch &c This howevr they were ashamed of and
the Councill disagreed with their Committee being told
that that amendment was foreign to the title of the
Bill, and that it would sound very oddly in England-
that wee should imagine that the Protestant Sucession
wanted any further sanction here.
Much time was spent in Councill Cavilling and
wrangling on matters fforeign to those before them,
some time in indecent reflections on the memory and
conduct of a person of honour deceased, frequently to
that degree of heat that I was obliged much against
my nature to exert the authority I am cloathed with,
to keep them to order and rules, these disputes were
chiefly managed and promoted by Collonel Cox, who
as I am informed, is going to England. I hope he
will and then your Lordships will better Judge how fit
a person he is for a Council Board.
I protest to your Lordships in the sincerity of my
heart I have noe ends to pursue but Her Majesty's
service, That I have noe personall dislike to any man.
That 1 have avoided party prejudices, and have acted
by noe passions in any part of my administration,
which emboldens me tell Your Lordships, that unless
Eer Majesty be pleased to remove from Her Councill
in the Jersey's William Pinhorne. Daniel Cox, Peter
Sonmans, and William Hall there are noe hopes of
peace and quiet in that Province. Collonel Townley is
since dead, Huddy a weak man led by the rest, Mr
Mompesson Joyned with them in most matters, being
son-in-law to Mr Pinhorne and tack'd to them by that
fatal address. Col. Quary, tho' unwarily link't to them
by the same chain, has behaved himself most worthily
for her Majesty's interest at this time.
The state of the Question I humbly conceive to he
this, whether these Gentlemen shall be continued hi
their places, which are indeed a trouble and expence
62
ADMINISTRATION OK GOVERNOR HUNTER.
[171
to them, and for which they can have noe reall incli-
nation, as matters stand, but to gratify their passions,
and, by that means, the confusion here be perpetuated,
or that they be removed and others put in their room
to the entire satisfaction and perfect settlement of the
minds of the people in that province, For let who will
governe unless he doe it by will and pleasure, Pie be
bold to affirme he can effect nothing to purpose, whilst
these Gentlemen are in the Councill, and I can promise
in the name of the people that nothing shall be want-
ing hereafter, as farr as their ability will goe which
may be Judged necessary for Her Majesty's Service, if
they are gratifyed in this particular.
For this purpose I send Your Lordships a list of the
names of Eight persons for Her Majestie's Councill in
the Jerseys, that out of them Your Lordships may
choose a number to supply the place of such as you
shall think good to remove
In the Western Division
John Hambleton [Hamilton] Gen11 Post Master.
Thomas Byerly Collector and Receiver Generall of
New York and a Proprietor of the Jerseys.
John Reading' Proprietor and Clerk to the Councill of
Proprietors
was among the early immigrants to West Jersey, arriving with his wife, Rebecca
from London, England, prior to 1683. He settled at Gloucester and was Clerk or
Recorder of the County from 1G83 to 1701, and subsequently held various offices of
trust in the county, being highly respected by his fellow-citizens. His nomination
for the Council of Governor Hunter was approved in April, 1713. He held the
office until his death, in 1718. when he was succeeded in that and other positions by
his son. John. .Mr. Reading became the owner of a large tract of laud on the New
Jersey side of the Delaware, near where Lambertsville is now, and removed thither.
His remains lay in the yard of the Buckingham Friends meeting, Bucks county.
IVniia. — Mickle's Gloucester, p. 43. Judge Clement.— En.
L711] ADMlNISTEATION OF GOVEENOE HUNTER. 03
Robert Wheeler a very honest substantiall Inhabitanl
at Burlington.
In the Eastern Division
David Lyall' a Proprietor.
John Anderson \
William Morris V Wealthy honest men.
Elisha Parker '
5Tour Lordships will also receive with this a Bundle
markt D containing Representations, Petition and
Affidav'" against these Gentlemen of the Council] and
the Secretary of the Province with some of then-
answers which to me appeared trifling and Evasive,
and if Your Lordships take the trouble to read them I
believe you will be of the same opinion As to the
Secretary lie say no more of him than this, that if
there be any credit to be given to the universall report
of mankind there lives not a more corrupt man upon
the earth than he; I received an address of the Assem-
bly markt E in the a tore mentioned Bundle D of which
I give him a Copy, sometime after I received an Ad-
dress from these gentlemen of the Councill in his
favour as you will find it in the separate Minutes of
the Councill Page 2'" to which I reply ed as in the third;
towards the close of ye Sessions bee gave mee his
answer mark't ft' in the Bundle D; There is no man
thinks himself safe in his property whilst he is in Ids
was a goldsmith by trade
of St. Martins-in-the-Field ,
London, a dependent, tra-
dition says, of a wealthy
family named Lorraine,
with a near connection of
which he formed an at-
tachment, that, being reciprocated, led to their seeking a new home in America
arriving about 1697. Although he became a proprietor of East Jersey soon after
his arrival, he resided in New York for a few years, but finally took up bis perma
nent abode in Perth Amboy. He was appointed one of the Council under the
administration of Governor Burnet in 1719, and held it until 1723. He died in Mon-
mouth county, where he then resided, in 1726, and his headstone is still standing
(1881) in the cemetery at Topanamus. He was fifty-five years old. Whitehead'*
Perth Amboy and Surrounding Country, p. 84.— Ed.
64 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
office, for few or none will venture Deeds in his hands
to be Recorded; It is a place of honour, trust and
emolument, and deserves the service of a better man.
You have also in the bundle D an abstract of a long
Representation of the Assembly, relating to the State
of the Province, it has been printed without my
knowledge for which reason I seiz'd, in the Printing
House, all the Copies, and suppress'd them: The
Preamble containing a series of Reflections of past
miscarriages and the administration of a person of
Honour, heretofore in the Governm'
The Acts passed by me that session are as f olloweth.
An Act for the support of her Majesty es Government
of New Jersey in the Bundle G as are all the others.
Your Lordships will observe that the supply is given
in the manner it ought to be, but by their Reading,
The Salaries of the respective Officers of the Govern-
ment are but small, which I hope to have remedyed
next time.
An Act for amending and explaining An Act of Gen-
erall Assembly of this Province, entituled an Act for
the Currency of Bills of Credit for £3000 The mistake
mentioned in the Preamble of this Act, which obstructed
the Currency of these Bills struck for the Expedition
against Canada, are occasioned by the decease of one
of the persons appointed to sign and issue these Bills,
the two surviving persons not thinking themselves suf-
ficiently authorized to doe it, chose one of the man-
agers named in the Act for that Expedition to joyne
with them in signing the said Bills, when, with much
difficulty, wee had got this Bill committed, which was
only intended to make good the publick credit. Mr
Sonmans said in the Committee that they might enact
what they pleased, noe man should force him to take
ym in payment; being tax'd with this Expression in
Councill hee answered that noe man could force him
t<> take silver money in payment, if he had a mind to
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
65
forgive the Debt, this inclined the Councill, some of
them having of these Bills in their hands, to add a
clause declaring the tender and refusal of such bills
legal payment of all debts for the value. The Assem-
bly disagreed to this amendment. The Councill was
told that if they had adhered the Assembly would
upon a Conference agree, being since better Informed,
but for that very reason they departed from it, which
I am afraid will prove a very great hindrance to the
currency of these Bills.
An Act for reviving the Militia Act of this Province.
Your Lordships will easily observe the mistake com-
mitted in the title of ye Act, Reviving an Act which was
not to expire 'till about a month after, soe there was
an amendment offered in Councill to the title. These
gentlemen said it was irregular to amend the title of
an Act. It was replyed it might be soe but they did
not always think soe, for but a few days before they had
made an amendment to the title of an Act, which was
agreed to by the Assembly, but they could not be per-
suaded to doe it, soe I was forced to take it with this
blunder or loose it.
An Act for reviving and continuing the Courts of
Common Pleas in the County of Glocester.
This is an Act of course which Your Lordships have
had frequently before that Court, being often discon-
tinued for want of Justices.
An Act for enabling the Owners of the Meadows
and Marshes adjoining to, and on both sides of the
Creek, that surrounds the Islands of Burlington to
stop out the tide from overflowing them.
This is an Act for the benefit of the Owners, and to
noe mans prejudice.
I am commanded by Your Lordships in Your last to
me to send you my observations on the Acts past in
New Jersey, during Coll. Ingoldsby's Administration.
The first is an Act for explaining and rendring more
5
66 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
effectual an Act for support of Her Majesty's Govern-
ment of Nova Caesarea.
This Act instead of explaining the other or making
it more effectual] indeed destroys it for it gives six
hundred pounds of the Eight grant'1 by the former Act
to the Lord Lovelace, to the Lieuten1 Governer Collonel
Ingoldsby, who was already provided with a sallary by
that Act. In the former Act the money is directed to
be issued by Warrant signed by John Lord Lovelace
in Councill, where it is indeed defective, had they ex-
plained it by adding the words or the Com'ander in
Chief for the time being, the title and Act had been of
a peece, for this was most certainly the meaning of
that act whatsoever the Letter may import, and should
Her Majesty approve the formr, as I am apt to believe
she will, and disapprove the latter, there appears to be
a necessity still of an Explanatory Act, for the reasons
above mentioned, tho' I am afraid to little purpose, for
the behoof of that Lord's family, Collonel Ingoldsby
not being able to repay what he has had, and I believe
others have had their share of that sume, being led to
that belief by a story which I must entertain your
Lordshipps withall, and which I had from some of
the gentlemen concerned.
Whilst that Act of Collonel Ingoldsby was in de-
liberation before the Councill, they thought that since
such a sume was given to him for support of Governm1
they had a just title to a share of it, so before they
would agree to pass the Act they were promised each
a piece of plate. In the last Section whilest the Coun-
cill had under consideration the Bill declaring the
printed copyes of the Acts passed in the Lord Love-
laces time of the same validity as if the originals had
been duely in the Secretary's Office. These gentlemen
thought it a proper season to put Collonel Ingoldsby
in mind of their Tankerds. Hee at first huff'd and
called names, soe that at that time the bill had like to
1711] ADMINISTRATION' OF GOVERNOR HUNTEK. G7
have passed, but afterwards they came to a better un-
derstanding, and our Bill was lost. In a word my
opinion is that the passing of this Act will not only be
an encouragement and Precedent for appropriations
for the future, but lead them into a way of shifting
and altering their owne appropriations at pleasure.
The second is an Act for ascertaining the place of the
sitting of the Representatives to meet in general As-
sembly.
This Act is possitively against Her Majesties In-
structions, directing that the Sessions should be alter-
nately at Amboy and Burlington founded as I have
been told upon the Concessions of the Crown at the
surrender of the Government.
I have formerly given Your Lordshipps my opinion
on this matter, and acquainted you with the expedient
I have found to compromise it, but if there be a neces-
sity of another Assembly before I receive any directions
from Your Lordships in that matter, I believe I shall
call them to Amboy. This act being as I conceive, of
an extraordinary nature, and contrary to Her Majesty's
Instructions and consequently of no fforce untill ap-
proved by her, and may goe a great way in making
the breach wider, between the two Divisions.
The third is an Act for building and repairing Goale
Houses.
This Act gives a power to a few to assess and leavy
money at discretion. There is indeed a clause which
makes them accountable, to the Justices and Free-
holders when called thereunto, but noe penalty ap-
pointed: By virtue of this Act they have designed a
Court House in the remotest Corner of the County of
Monmouth, which will be a great tax upon the people
of that County, and was raeer party pique.
The fourth is an Act for the better qualifying Rep-
resentatives.
This was levelled particularly against Captaine
68 AinriNl^TKATroN ok <H>vi:r:KOR iU'NTKR. [1711
ffarmer and Doctor Johnston men of the best Estates
and ability in this Province, and who have been vrery
active and useful] in Her Majesty's Affairs and may
deprive us of more such, and is contrary to that Con-
stitution of Assembly appointed by Her Majesty upon
the surrender & confirmed by all her subsequent In-
structions, obliging the elected to an actual residence,
whereas the Instruction mentions, noe other qualifi-
cation but an Estate to a certain value within the Di-
vision.
The fifth is an Act for dividing and ascertaining the
Boundaries of all the Counties in this Province. The
inhabitants generelly complaine the Countys are not
equally and Justly divided, perticularly the Inhabit-
ants of Middlesex, are obliged to travell twenty miles
through the County of Somersett to repair High wayes,
which ought properly to be the charges of the Coun-
tyes of Somersett and Monmouth, that part of the
County of Middlesex being a narrow slip of Land be-
tween the Boundaries of those two Countyes, And all
publick Roads are repaired with greater ease and less
charge by the neighborhood.
The sixth is an Act for ascertaining the Representa-
tion ffees.
In this Act by mistake or designe of the Clerk, the
words p' diem are omitted, soe that they were entituled
to noe more than five Shillings in the whole for their
service, but that being remedyed in the present Act,
for support of Government, that Act is of noe use.
The seventh is an act for regulating ffences.
1 have heard the men of Estates and such as are
possessed of large Tracts of Land, complaine much of
this Act, as putting them upon a Levell with those
who had little or none at all nay rather in a worse con-
dition because having larger tracts of land they have
greater numbers of cattle, but cannot reap the benefit
of then own pastures, their Neigh boors Cattle having
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR Hl'VTEB. 69
graized them before. And by this Act they can Im-
pound noe cattle, but such as breaks into their Fences.
Whereas in many other cases there is a necessity of
impounding those that trespass upon their other Lands.
The eighth is an Act for amending the Act for pre-
venting Swine running at large.
The Act mentioned to be amended was thought a
very good Act for ye Country, for Swine running at
large is very pernicious to their corne. pasture, meadow
and wood land, and occasions a great consumption of
timber in making ffences to guard against them, soe
that noe penalty can be too great for restraining them,
neither will the value of the swine pay the damages
those creatures commonly doe of which itself they are
debarred by this Act, and have noe Recompence left
but the pleasure of killing of them, with the trouble
and charge of finding out the owner, which perhaps
lives at ten or a dozen miles distance.
The ninth is an Act for regulating of Stone horses
or Stallions that run at large.
Some complaine of it, but I can see noe harme in it.
The tenth is an Act for reviving and continuing the
Courts of Common Pleas in the County of G-locester.
Your Lordships have already heard the meaning of
that Act.
These are the objections against these Acts, which
occur to me, your Lordships are the best Judges if
they are of validity enough for a Repeal.
Before I leave the affaires of the Jerseys I mustbegg
leave to acquant your Lordships with some few
things necessary for your notice.
As the Supream Court is now constituted all the
Councill are Judges Assistants by which means the
benefit of appeals may be lost, for it may soe fall out
that soe many of the Counsellors may be upon the
Bench, as not to leave a quorum for the Council! in
case of appeale, seeing none that have any voice in the
70 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Judgement by the Instructions are permitted to vote
in the appeals. I thought it necessary to acquaint
your Lordships with this matter beforehand, because
I beleive I shall be under a necessity to alter the Con-
stitution of that Court, by assertaining the number of
the Assistants,
In both Provinces I have been pelted with Petitions
for a Court of Chancery, And I have been made ac-
quainted with some Cases, which very much require
such a Court, there being no reliefe at common Law,
particularly one of Mr Provost, one of the Councill of
New York who has been close prisoner almost ever
since my arrival here having unwarily confess'd Judg-
ment for four thousand pounds, tho' the Reall Debt is
evidently not above four hundred. I had ordered the
Committee of both Councills to forme a scheme for
such a Court but to noe purpose; the trust of the
Seales, they say, constitute a Chancellor and unless
the Governor can part with the Seals there can be noe
Chancellor but himself, I have already more business
than I can attend to, besides I am very ignorant in
Law matters, having never in my life been concerned
in any one Suite, Soe I earnestly begg your Lordshipps
directions, as to that Court.
Mr Mompesson finding himself obnoxious to the
generality of the People of that Province desired to be
excused serving any longer in the station of Chief
Justice, soe I have supplied that place with one Mr
David Jamison, who acted formerly here as Secretary
in this Province with great applause, and is a Man of
knowledge and Integrity.
* * * ******
I am with the deepest regard My Lords
Your Lordships most humble
& most obed1 serv1
New York 7,h May 1711 Ro: Hunter
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 71
Several Addresses and Depositions against Jeremiah
Basse, Secretary of New Jersey1 referred to in
the foregoing communication of Gov. Hunter.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey. Vol. I. C 'M 100.]
To his Excels Bob* Hunter Esqr Cap4 Gen!1 Govr &
Com'and'in Chief e of Her Maj^s Provinces
of New Jersey New York and ye Territo-
ries depending thereon in America and Vice
Admiral of ye same:
The humble Address of ye house of Eepresenta-
tives of this her Maj^s Province of New
Jersey.
May it Please your Excel!*?
Were not ye honr of her Maj1-8 Governm1 & ye com'on
safety of her subjects in this Province so deeply con-
cern'd we should decline addressing yo[ Exc.y ag' a per-
son whom our most Gracious Sovereign has honored
with her Conrission for Secr'y of this Province.
He has from his first coming into y' same in all his
sevl1 Stac'ons behaved himself so very 111 yl his evi-
dence with sev" Jurys has gained as little credit t as
his Com'on Conversation doth with ye generality of
Mankind so y* his name Bass and a Lye are Synoni-
mous Terms.
Indictmts ag- him by a Grand Jury for some of y
foulest Crimes puts no Stop to ye Carrier of his (Jnjusl
& indirect Practices being supported by those Gent,
whose Representac'ons in favour of him we hope will
gain no more Credict with y<V Ex" than we believe
1 For Notice of Jeremiah Basse see Vol. II. P. M-
72 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
their foul Address agl y? Eepresentative Body of this
Province has done with our most good & gracious
SoVaign.
Wee do not pretend to enter into a detail of all Mr
Bass's Crimes but beg leave to Lay before yor Excy ye
Proofs of sevn of his Wiek'd & unjust Practices some of
wc.h were in ye Execution of his office & appear very
evidently To this House. One of ye Affidavits here-
with delivered plainly shew his Intentions were to op-
pose her Maj*?s service and prevent as much as in him
lay ye raising a Support for her Governm- here by Re-
flecting on & endeavouring to prevent ye Choice of
those who were obedient to her wise & Just Com-
mands relating to ye Canada Expedic'on & have ac-
quitted themselves withall Fidelity in serving y' true
Interest of ye Country they represent.
It was a great Injustice and Malversation in his of-
fice by Base and Wiek'd Practices to turn so many
people out of their Possessions or oblige them to com-
ply with ye heaviest Terms their antagonist would Im-
pose as by ye case of sevV persons in Maidenhead &
hopewell under his own hand doth plainly appear.
Wee with all submission humbly begg Leave to
acquaint yor Ex°y That we can'ot think yc Province
safe so long as he Continues to Execute ye sev1.1 offices
he now enjoys or y? he ought to be trusted with ye
Public Eecords & other Instrument It being a mat-
ter of so great Importance to prevent yc Ruin of many
for ye futher wc." Lays us ye Representative Body of this
Province under a Necessity of applying to yo1 Excy &
in most humble manner earnestly pray y! yoT. Excy
would be pleased not only to deprive him of his au-
thority till her Majtvs pleasure shall be signify 'd in yl
respect but y- you also will lay an acco. of ye Crimes
of yl Person before her May1?6 or Ministers at home as
you shall think fitt wcl1 we shall esteem & greatefully
acknowledge amongst ye many Acts of Justice we have
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTT.K. 73
received & do expect from yo- Ex"'s wise Adminis-
trac'on y* yc Province for ye t'uther may be free'd from
such uncom'on Injustice & y Fears & Terrors y Peo-
ple in Gen" labour und- be removed, who can'oi think
themselves safe while he either is or is like to be con-
tinued in offices of so great Trust.
By ord? of the House of
Representatives
Will: Bradford, CI.
Burlington Feb. 6. 1710.
The humble Address of ye Representatives of Her
Majesty* Province of New Jersey.
Most humbly sheweth
That some time since we ordered some of our Mem-
bers to Inspect ye Journals of ye Council to Inform us
how far ye Gent, of ye Council had proceeded in rela-
tion to ye passing of some bills not long before sent by
this House to them for their Concurrence. Upon
applicac'on to Mr Bass y" Clerk of ye Council such an
Inspecc'on was denyed us pretending lie had orders
from ye Council to warr- his Refusal than which
nothing was more false; for no such order as we can
learn was ever given since it was our happyness to be
und- yo'.' Excys administrac'on, nor do we believe ever
before, or if it was could not be in force now.
We have now ordered him to lay before this House
all y° accot8 & Papers relateing to y" accot8 concerning
ye Expedicon ag'- Canada w." lie lias also refused to do,
saying ye Corni" has ordered him not to delivere them
to yL' House; We beleive this pretence is most false,
& y! he had no such ord1., & if he had we desire to
know why yc Gent, of yc Council 1 assume to them-
selves, such a Power, for ye Papers we required were
74 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
our Papers and should have been long since delivered
to us.
We think ourselves highly affronted by this proce-
dure & humbly lay it before your Excellency Praying
that if M!" Bass has asserted a falsehood, as we believe
he has he may meet with an Exemplary Punishm? for
its not to be born that y° Representatives Body should
be Publickly Nosed by a person whose sev1.1 Crimes &
Misdemeanours deserve a Publick Censure and ag*
whom we fear we shall be und? necessity to proceed by
way of Impreachment.
By order of the House of
Representatives.
Will Bradford CI.
Burlington ye 111'1 Janr.y 1710.
[Affidavits were appended from Richard Robins, as
to disparaging terms used by Basse against the mem-
bers from Salem county; and from Isaac Sharp, John
Barclay, Thomas Gordon and George Willocks in rela-
tion to the prejudicial course pursued by Basse in sun-
dry legal cases in which they were interested. It was
thought unnecessary to print them, as they merely
substantiated the statements made in the foregoing
addresses.— Ed.]
Several Papers complaining of Maladministration in
the Courts of Justice in New Jersey, and of Judge
Pinhorns refusing Writs of Habeas Corpus &c"
referred to in Col: Hunters Letter of 7 May 1711.
Thomas Farmer aged about thirty Six years being
Solemnly sworn upon yc holy Evangelists of Almighty
God doth depose that on, or about the twelfth of May
Anno Dm. 1708, Thomas Gordon Esq": then Speaker of
17111 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 75
y° House of Representatives of Her Maj*?8 Province of
New Jersey being arrested by Hugh Huddy Esqc then
Sherriffe of ye County of Burlington after ye Assembly
was ajourned, A little time after MV Gordon did desire
this Depont to go to Judge Pinhorn and make Apply-
cac'on on behalfe of said Mr Gordon for an habeas Cor-
pus to be admitted to baile, and accordingly this
Depon' did apply to William Pinhorn Esq*: then Second
Judge of ye Supreame Court of said Province, that at
ye desire of Mr Gordon he would please grant him an
habeas Corpus to be brought before him in Ord^ to be
Admitted to baile. To w^1 Judge Pinhorne answered,
that he must ap'ly by his CounlL at Law, this Depon'
replyed, he believed he might do it by his freind, and
used sevli arguments to that Effect but could not pre-
vaile, with wf? this Depon- Acquainted Mr Gordon who
Imployed John Pinhorn Attorney at Law and Next
Morning was Admitted to baile and further saith not.
Jurat Decimo Die Feb1?
Anno Dni 1710 Coramme
Robt Wheeler Justice.
The Case of Thomas Gordon Esqr
The case of Thomas Gordon N? 5
About the year 1703, Thomas Gordon Esqr was by
the Proprietors of ye Eastern Division of New Jersey
Commissionated their Register or Recorder, on ye 25*
76 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
of August 1705. My Lord Cornbury & his Councill
made an Order that s? Thomas Gordon then ye Pro-
prietors Record1 should deliver all y Public Bookes
Records papers &c. In his hands to Jeremiah Bass
Secretary of said Province, with wc!' ordr said Mr Bass
served Mr Gordon at Shrewsberie In Monmouth Coun-
ty & required him to Comply therewith to \vch W
Gordon answered ye Records &c. were at Amboy, so
could give no positive answere till he came there, on
which M1-' Gordon, was by Cap- Andrew Bown, then
one of her Maj1™ Councill Com'itted to ye Sheriffs Cus-
tody, where he remained till he gave £2,000, Baile
to answer ye Govr & Councill at Amboy ye 4*!' of Octor
following, the Assembly being then to meet there, at
\vch time M-' Gordon was very much threatned &
abused by My Lord Cornbury for refuseing to deliver
said Records According to said Order of Councill to
wc!' M1 Gordon Answered he could not with honesty &
Justice deliver them, till ye Proprietors had notice.
And after ye Proprietors had been severall times heard
before ye Gov'. & Councill they were at Last delivered
by Ordr of y,; Councill to Mr Bass.
At the Supreame Court at Burlington, In May 17<»7.
Mr Gordon was suspended from practising as an \i
torney at Law without any Cause Assigned.
In February L706 M'.' Gordon being Informed thai
warrants were Issued out for Apprehending of him,
he writt to M' Shipheard who was then A Justice of
ye Peace, that if he would admitt him to baile he would
give baile for what sume he Pleased to answere every
thing that could or should be Objected against him, to
w'1' M' Shipheard sent no answere till February 1707
And then he sent him notice, that he had procured
Liberty to Admitt him to baile, ec Accordingly he gave
baile Immediately and at May Court LT08, at Burlington
he Appeared & was discharged by Proclamation noth-
ing Appearing Against him, and within three days
lTJi") AJJlflNISTRAftOtf OF GOVERNOB EUNTER. 7T
after ye Court, the Assembly Satt at Burlington and
Mr Gordon was Chosen Speaker In yc Roome of Mr Jin-
nens who was then sick, and within three Days after
that ye Assembly was Ajourned & Abount halfe an
houre after yL' Ajournemet of it Mr Gordon was againe
com'itted by My Lords own warrant upon y' same
pretence for w''.h he had been discharged by the Su-
preame Court but Six days before, and was kept by ye
Sherriff fifteene houres In custody & when he Applied
by his ffriends Thomas Farmer Esq1 to Judge Pinhome
for A Habeas Corpus, he was derived till he should
apply by his Councill at Law, on w°.h M- Gordon was
forced to Imploy Cap* Pinhorne ye Judges son (there
being no other Attornies then in Towne) to procure
him his Habeas Corpus, for which he paid thirtie Shil-
lings notwithstanding he Drawed ye Writs himselfe,
and was Admitted to baile and Appeared, at ye next
Supreame Court at Amboy In November LY08 where
he was againe discharged by Proclamation nothing
Appearing against him Continued still suspended to ye
great Loss & ruin of himselfe and numerous family
(having a wife & seaven small children & no other
way to maintain them) untill ye happy arrival of My
Lord Lovelace In December 170s who Admitted him
Againe to practise ye Law as formerly.
For u Notice of Mr. Gordon See Vol II.. p. 10G -Ed.
78 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Letter from Governor Hunter of Neiv Jersey to Secre-
tary Sl Johns — recommending John Kiel for Sur-
veyor General of New Jersey.
[From America and West Indies, Vol. C]
New York 7th May 1711.
s:
Having acquainted my Lord Dartmouth with the
unhappy state of her Majty's Governm* here, I will not
trouble you with particulars only beg your Concurrence
towards a Remedy.
If I am a Sufferer I have that to Comfort me that I
suffer in and for the Service of the Best of all Princes
who has alredy relieved me from greater difficulties
these.
I gave you the trouble of a line by John Kiel. I
recommended him to you for an Imployment which is
indeed an handsom one, but of fatigue and labour,
that was the Secretarys Office of the Jerseys. I un-
derstood afterwards from himself that he had a mind
to ask for another that of Surveyor Gen11 of this di-
vision. Had I known when he went over what I now
know, I would have made it my earnest request to put
him into that office, for M1 Birchfield the Gentleman
who was put into that office when I had the Honour
of the Government has taken it into his head which
I'm afraid is not very sound to make Every body and
everything uneasy here as I have at large informed
Commissioners of the Customs. No man can better-
Execute that office than John Kiel. I need not tell
you so, but being incouraged by the generous and kind
reception I have ever had from you, I venture to rec-
ommend my friends with myself to your Patronage.
I shall endeavour in the Post I have the honor to pos-
sess to acquit myself to the best of my Capacity and
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 79
power for her Majty's Service and Interests, and then I
shall have a better title 'tis impossible to have a better
inclination to be accounted
Sr
Your most Faithfull and
Most Humble Servant
New York Ro: Hunter.
May 7th 1711.
The Rl Honoble Mr Secry Sl Johns
Address of the Assembly of New Jersey to Governor
Hunter, against M'. Hall, one of the Councill of
New Jersey, Judge of the Inferior Court of Com-
mon Pleas, &ea, with Mr. Halls Answer. [En-
closed in the foregoing letter.]
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey. Vol. I, C 93.]
To His Excellency Rob? Hunter Esqr Cap'
Generall & Governour in Cheife of ye
Provinces of New Jersey and New York
&c.
The Humble Address of ye Genn Assembly of
said Province of New Jersey.
Humbly Sheweth,
That we ye Representatives of this her Maj1?8 Colony
of New Jersey find our selves under a Necessity of
Addressing your Excellency Against William Hall
Esqr one of her MajtJ.'s Council & Judge of ye Inerior
Court of Coraon Pleas for ye County of Salem, who
has Appeared to this house to be guilty of High Crimes
& Misdemeanures, wc.h need not be aggravated by us,
they appearing so plain that we can't think Her Maj'-3
Subjects safe In either their Liberties or properties
SO ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR IH'NTER. [1711
while he is continoued In power to Oppress them at
Pleasure.
We therefore herewith lay before your Excellency
ye Matters of facts with ye prooffs & Humbly pray
yo- Excellcy to remove him from all places of profitt
and Trust within this Province.
By order of the House
Will: Bradford 01.
Articles of ye sevu Crimes & Misdemeanurs
Exhibitted by ye Representatives of her
Maj^s Colony of New Jersey mett in Gen"
Assembly agl William Hall Esq1* one of her
Maj^s Councill, and Judge of ye Inferior
Court of Com'on Pleas of ye County of
Salem.
That William Hall aforesd hath Extorted & taken
sev1.1 unjust & Unwarrantable fees at sev'1 times from
sev1.1 persons prosecuted before ye Court of Gen1.1 Quar-
ter Sessions, and the Inferior Court of Com'on Pleas
for s? County of Salem.
That one Thomas Barlett who by Virtue of A Hue
& Cry for Theft was brought before sd Hall, And by
him & others threatned with being prosecuted for
Fellony unless he would bind himself e by Indentuie to
Serve one Simion Morgan for three yeares, the feare
of w0.1" prosecuc'on made' sd Barlett Comply & by In-
denture bind himselfe to serve y.esd Morgan, on wc"
y?s? Barlett was by Hall discharged out of Custody.
That one Francis Godbolt & Ann his wife were also
by said Hue & Cry brought before said Hall & William
Dare an other of her Majtl08 Justices of ye peace, The
sd Godbolt was threatned by them, that there would
be Burglary sworn ag' them, and through feare thereof
sd Godbolt consented to bind himself by Indenture
1711 J ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 81
(but not his wife) with wc.h s'1 Justices not being satis
fyed, ye s(1 Godbolt & Ann his wife, were by them
(upon prooffs & confession of their Theft) com'itted to
ye Goal of ye said County by ye srt mV Hall & Cap!
Dare untill delivered by due course of Law where they
remained for sev" days untill they were admitted to
Baile by Mr Hall onely, and ye prosecutor Morgan be-
came their surety, who sometime after delivered them
up 'to s? Hall, for that he would be no longer bound
for them, whereupon ye s-1 Hall, discharged them with-
out any further prosecution.
That sometime afterward sa Godbolt was by s'1 Hall
sold aboard of a New England Sloop & transported
out of ye Province the woman at ye same time con
tin ouing servant to said Hall.
That one John Reeve having lost foure Barrels of
flower. Said Hall took them up adrift In Delaware
River near Glocester, and sold ye same In Morris
River, and denyed yu haveing or knowing of it both
before & after he had sold it, but at Last ye man come-
ing to ye knowledge of his mower said Hall paid him
for it. By Order of the House
Will Bradford CI.
[Accompanying the foregoing are the following doc-
uments:
—Commitment of Francis Godbolt and his wife to
Salem county Jail dated February 10th, 1709-10.
-Memorandum of Recognizance of Francis God
bolt Anne Godbolt and Simon Morgan in 40£ each, for
the appearance Anne Godbolt at the next Court of
Quarter Sessions for Salem County, Hated February
20th 1709-10
-Memorandum of Recognizance of Francis GodboH
and Simon Morgan in 4<>£ each, for the appearance of
the former at the next Court of Quarter Sessions,
dated February 2< >th, 1 7< >9- 1 < ».
6
82 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Memorandum of the surrender of Godbolt and of
Morgans discharge in consequence, dated March 13th
1709-10.]
The Answer of Wm Hall Esq* to ye Arti-
cles of ye sev11 Crimes & Misdeameanors
Exhibitted by the Kepresentatives of her
Majties Colony of New Jersey met in Gen"
Assembly ag* Wm Hall Esq.' one of her
Majties Coimcill & Judge of ye Inferior Court
of Com'on pleas of ye County of Salem
To His Excellcy Rob1' Hunter Esqr Cap1 Gen1.1
Govr in Cheife in & over ye Provinces of
New Jersey New York & all ye Territories
& Tracts of Land depending thereon in
America & Vice Adm" of ye Same &c
May H Please yo' Excellcy
The first Article Charges me with Extorting and
taking sev!1 & unwarrantable fees at sev!' times from
sev!1 persons prosecuted before yc Court of Gen!1 Quarter
Sessions and ye Inferior Court of Com'on pleas for said
County of Salem, and there are three bills of Cost
taxed by me produced as Evidences to prove that
Charge. To wch I answer; that I am not yett Sensible
<>t' any mistake much less Extorcon in y" first, but
can very well Justify it by ye Ordinances for ye Regu-
lac'on of fees. In y'' two others if there be any mis-
take in yc fees I have taxed for my self e it is but five Shil-
lings in each one of wc.h I restored as soon as I was
made sensible of my error. And by the other, tho' I
might be mistaken in y* taxac'on, yet no person is
wronged, since I have not yet rec'ed one farthing of
y" whole, and if any had thought himselfe aggrived.
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BUNTER. 83
the proper remedy would have been to have made his
Applicac'on to ye Court, to have had v" same reviewed
& Settled by ye Court.
The whole Second Article appears a Confused dream,
there never haveing been anything like what is in-
serted in The Charge. wch is wholy false, incoherent &
inconsistant with itself it concludes with my Dis
charging Bartlett out of Custody. Whereas he was
never Com'itted, And an unintelligible Jumble is made
of Indentures, of felony, and threats, Whereas ye
truth of ye matter is, that ye s-1 Bartlett was indebted
to ye s'1 Morgan in a considerable sum' for money Lent
by ye s'1 Morgan to ye s'.1 Bartlett to Release him out of
Goal at New Castle, and I am greatly in jur'd by ye false
insinuation that by threats of Prosecuting him for
felony induced him to indent with Morgan, whereas y*
Debt paid for ye s-1 Bartlett being to ye best of my Re
membrance 12 or lf> pounds was the ground and foun-
dation of his becoming bound to ye s'1 Morgan. That
there was a Hue & Cry granted against said Bartlett
for theft upon ye Complaint of Morgan is true but when
he was brought before me upon ye same Morgan declar'd
and it appeared that he had nothing to charge him with,
for what was found belonging to Morgan was in y"
bundle of Godbolt's wife: And was Valued at 1<>" P.
Morgan who Claim'd yc same being (as it was
Termed in ye Accusation) a Childs Cap.
As to ye Attestation of Benj" Wright upon wc." this
Article seems to be grounded, its Untrue in sev" parts:
he is first pleased to put me under a Double name
Will'!1 Hall, otherwise Call'd George Trenchant sen!
whereas T deny that 1 ever went by any other name
nor was ever called otherwise then Wm Hall, But by
this attestac'on.
SECONDLY y" s'! Wright Affirms that Morgan com
plained that Barlett & Francis Godbolt two Persons
that were undertakers with him to clear a peice of
84 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
ground for me had got all their pay, and yc work not
half compleated were run away. Whereas y" s" Bartlett
never undertook with ye s'? Morgan & Godbolt to Cleare
any Ground for me as Appeares by ye Articles them-
selves.
And ye insinuation in ye s^ Attestac'on that yu Hue
& Cry was granted after ye s^ person for that Reason
is utterly false.
A further false insinuation is that a bagg or bundle
wc.h they had was open'd & Search'd & there was a
Childs Cap own'd by Morgans wife, Whereas ye same
if with Reference to Barlett is untrue for he had
nothing to do with ye bundle.
That suggestion that I put ye Question to Bartlett
that if he would Indent with Simon Morgan to serve
him three years he should not be prosecuted, and that
he complid Accordingly, is Intirely false, I never put
any such Question to Barlett, and ye Compliance of *
Bartlett to Morgan, to becom his Servant, was att New
Castle upon ye Score of Debt, which Morgan paid for
him to release him out of Goal there, as has been
before intimated to yor Excellency, and before I had
any Opportunity of takeing any Examination .
The third Article contains ye same false insinua-
c'ons with ye former; as if Godbolt consented to bind
himselfe by Indentures to Morgan to Escape a prose-
cution for Burglary Whereas there was no such thing
ever mentioned : but the Reason of his being bound by
Indenture to Morgan was for Debt owing from God-
bolt to Morgan: and ye close of ye Article that I dis-
charged him without any further prosecution is utterly
false for he still Continues bound over upon his own
Recognizance.
The Fourth Article The Matter was truely Thus.
The said Godbolt being in Debted to me yc sum' of six
pounds at ye request of ye sd Godbolt I accepted of ye
payment of six pounds from one wells in full satisfac-
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 8-3
tion & Discharge of an Indenture from yesrt Godbolt
Assigned over to me from Morgan for ye terme of two
years service: And ye s? Godbolt voluntarily entered
into New Termes & Covenants with ye s'1 Wells for six
months, the woman continueing some time a Serv' to
me until 1 she had wrought out a farther debt of about
40?, was then discharged, has been at her own disposal
ever since, And still Continues at Salem.
As to ye unworthy reflections Endeavour'd to be
thrown Upon me by ye Fifth Article, that matter has
been heard before ye Hoirable Coll. Quary Judge of
ye Admirallty who I doubt not but will Vindicate my
Reputation therein, and as to some Expressions in
Reevs his affidavitt. think it a full Justification of my
Selfe to say that I know not what Answer was made
him when he called aboard my Sloop, as he said he
did, haveing neither heard him call'd, much less given
any answer, being fast a Sleep in ye Cabbin when tins
pretended fact happened. The flower was taken up by
Thomas Jacobs Master of my sloop, who Reevs himself
in his deposition ownes to have made ye answer from
my Sloop, and accordingly ye same deposition declares,
that yc s? Jacob gave security for three pounds woh was
afterwards paid for ye s(1 flower, and ye other three
pound Tenn paid by me was also for ye Remainder of
s'1 flowrer sold by ye s-1 Jacobbs.
As to ye Address of ye Gen" Assembly it is very won-
derfull to find this Expression That they should find
themselves under a Necessity of Addressing your Ex-
cellency upon such false grounds and trifling Acca-
sions, And without referring ye matter to a Com'ittee
& having it there inquir'd into and Reported, as ye
Method of proceeding in parliam* require or soe much
as hearing what I had to say in my Justify cacon t<>
form so hasty a Judgern^ upon me as to Declare that
it has appear'd to that house that I was guilty of high
Crimes & Misdeameanors wch need not be aggravated by
86 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR tftTNTER. [17ll
them, they appearing soe plain that they cannot think
her Majtie8 Subjects safe either in their libertys or
properties whilst 1 am continu'd in power to oppress
them at pleasure;
This Sort of Language from an Assembly, who
(Right to be as Tender & tenacious of ye Lyberties &
properties of her Majufs Subjects as of their lives, must
need seem very surprizing to yo1-' Exc?' can there be a
greater violation of those inestimable Jewells, Lyberty
oc property then to be Arainea try'd condemned, and
execuc'on pray'd without being heard, the Evidence
confronted or ye Accusac'on Legally prov'd? if this be
allowable In what do we differ from ye most Arbitrary
Governm' or what becomes of our Justly boasted priv-
iledge, of Jurys both Grand & petty, and that no
Evidence shall be allow'd but what is upon oath de-
liver'd in Court, the Accused being present that he
may make what Objections he iinds necessary there-
unto & ask even ye Evidences what questions he shall
think necessary for his Vindication.
The Parliem! in England, may it Please yo1 Ex-
cell'?', proceed not soe, but if they find themselves
obliged to take notice of Grivences neither Judge,
much less Condemn, but pray that ye Attorney Gen!1
may be Com'anded to prosecute, that jc. Accused, may
have all ye Liberty y"' Laws allows, and not be sen-
tenced untill Legally convicted. It must be left to
yo' Ex'." prudence how safe either ye Libertys or prop-
perties of her Majtys Subjects are under such pro-
cedure.
Your Excellency will please to observe from what
I have been obliged to trouble you with, how severaly
but yet unjustly yf s'1 Articles load me. And that ye
pretended Crimes & Misdemeanours, even when they
are Endeavoured to be forc'd up to y'e night, if they
were as true, as they are false, amount to noe more
than y'' Value of Ten Pence, a sum so mean that it
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 81
ought to be below ye Observation of yeGeneral Assem-
bly of a whole Province & not worthy to build an Ad-
dress to yo'' Excellency upon.
Wherefore I have no Doubt but your Excels will
be fully satisfyed of my Innocency, acquit me of* any
imputac'on of Oppression the sd Articles & Address
would Cast upon me, disreguard ye prayer thereof and
thereby discourage such irregular, unwarrantable. &
unpresidented proceedings, wcl1 Can only tend to dis-
courage Officers of ye Go vernm- from doeing their duty
must distroy ye Peace of our County & a gap to in-
numerable inconveniences that must necessarily fol-
low from such sort of Proceedings.
I am
Your Excellency Most Humble
and Most Obedient Servant
WM Hall.
Memorial from the Assembly of New Jersey to Gover-
nor Hunter—relating to the perversions of Justice
in the Courts of Law, enclosed in foregoing tetter.
(From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey, Vol. I. C. 99.]
A Memoriall from ye House of Representatives
of ye Province of New Jersey, sitting at Bur-
lington, To his Excellency The Governour
&c: Setting forth some few Instances how
Justice has been perverted In the Court of
Law, and divers guilty persons Escaped
with Impunity.
May it Please yo'. Excellency
Att the Supreame Court November Terme 1708 Pel er
Sonmans Esqr one of her Maj'?8 Councill & a Judge of
yes? Court, & Judge of ye Inferior Court of Pleas In
88 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
ye County of Mid'x: was Indict'd by Grand Jury of
Mid'lx: for Perjury and Adaltrie.
Jeremiah Bass Esq'.' Secretary^ &c: was Indicted for
Pei'jury & Forgery
May Bickley Gent, was Indicted for Barratrie.
Jacob Arents was Indicted for taking Mr John Bar-
clay on Whit Sunday as he was acoming out of ye
Church from ye Holy Communion. Elizabeth Arnald
Late Servant to Samuel Jennens was then alsoe In-
dicted for Adultry with said Sonmans who still Con-
tinous with their bastard at his house In Perth Am-
boy.
The next Supream Court being May Terme was held
at Burlington Before August Terme 1709. The Sher-
rifT of Midl'x: received from ye Attorney Gen'1 Veniries
for Sumoning of Juries & Subpoenas for Evidences to
try y° above mentioned persons upon yesd Indictm,s all
wc.h writts were made returnable at yesd Supreame
Court to be held at Perth Amboy ye If1 Tuesday of
August, but ye l?1 Day of yes? Term was not till ye Sec-
ond Tuesday of the Said Month.
The then Sheriffe W. Adam Hudd [Hude] returned
All yes? writts to ye Attorney Gen-1 at Burlington &
Acquainted him with y° mistake & to obviate all ob-
jections desired they might be amended. The Attorney
Gen'1 altered ye time of ye return of All yesa writts to
ye Second Tuesday & Sent them back to Mr Hudd, but
when ye Juries & Evidences were all ready at that
August Court to try ye Indictm-S it was Objected that
non of ye s(1 writs had been touched with ye Seal by M!
Bass. After they had been Altered, so All the tryals
were put of, wcl1 may be presumed to be done with de-
signe, as will appeare by what followes. that they did
not Like to have Juries Empanelled by M- Hudd then
Sherriffe.
New Veniries & Subpoenas were sent to S? M- Hudd
by ye Attorney Gen11 before November Terme 170!) and
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 89
ye Juries & Evidences were Sum'oned & ready at ye
Court to try ye st Indictm1.8, but then at that Court Mr
Barefoot Brumson produced A Com'ission for Sheriff
tho' ye former Sherriffs time had not expired by all
most three months & no objection had been made
against him In ye Execution of his Office.
The Court would not take upon them to determine
wch of the Sherriffs ought to Act & drilled ye Matter a
long without determining weh Sheriffe Should till the
Last day of the terme when All ye Juries were dis-
charged by ye Court and then y' s '! ( Ynirt did accept ye
returnes of writts made by the Said Adam Hudd by
wch proceedings none of ye Aforementioned Indict-
ments could be then tryed.
Before May Terme 17 H>. A bundle of Veniries for
Suin'oning of Juries & Subpoenas for Evidences to try
y s(- Indictments were sent open to ye Post Office at
Amboy directed to Said Sonmans & by said Barefoot
Brumson then Sheriff of Midd'x: A Jury was prepared
who tried ye s(! Actions at Burlington \" ' s'1 Last May
Terme wc.h Jury may be reasonably presumed to be
pick and packed on purpose. Cap- Bond y' Storekeeper
In New York Fort was brought Down & made one of
them a person who has been known to be made use of
as a Surveyor by a pretended power from s(l Sonmans
;it whose House ye Last Sumer ye s'.1 Elizabeth Arnald
was brought to bed of another bastard & who also
claims ye being a freeholder In y' s'.' County of Midd'x:
by A title derivd from said Sonmans.
The Evidences whose Names were Indorsed upon
ye Indictm*8 were not Subpcened, so that All y'Crim
inalls Escaped without punishment for their faults &
detestable wickedness & reasonably may be supposed
by A Combination of those whose Duty it was to have
punished them.
90 ADMINISTRATION Or GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
A nswer of Mr Basse Secretary of New Jersey to a Rep-
resentation of M'- George Willocks against him.
(I- rom P. H. O. B. T.. New .Jersey. Vol. 1. C. 103.1
To his Excellency Robert Hunter Esq1" General
and Governor in Chief in and over her
Majesty's Provinces of New Jersey New
York and all the Territories and Tracts of
| Land f\ Depending thereon in America and
Vice Admiral of the Same &c.
The Answer of Jeremiah Bass, Secretary of her
Majesty's Province of New Jersey and Clerk of her
Majesty's Conncill.
To a Defamatary Paper Entituled &c a Representa-
tion of the hardships that George Willcoks of Perth
Amboy in the Said Province &c Hath and doth Labour
under by the Injustice of Jer Bass Esqr Secretary Clerk
of the Supream Court &c In the Execution of his
Office are hereby Offer'd to the Consideration of the
jjonbie j10use Dv t}ie s<i George Willocks.
May it Ptease Yo1l Excetlency
Injustice is never without Some pretence to Palliate
her Actions and rather then faile will Masque her Self
Under the Couler of the Publick Good; Envie is Ever
[ . . . \ ... | and Uneasy never pleased but in C'ontrive-
ing and perfecting Mischief e. The wicked Like the
Troubled Sea always Casting up Mire and Dirt Uneasy
to themselves and always Troublesome to Others, to
whome this Charecter is Due will plainly appeare to
Yo! Excellency by the s'1 Representation which is so
untrue and Malitious in all its parts that it would
Justly be wondred at how any Dar'd So farr to Pre-
sume upon Yo' Excellency and the house of Repre-
1711) ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BUNTER. 9]
sentatives as to Offer Such a Lible; if any Other but
Mr Willocks had been the Author thereof. But as it is
Imposible to Gather Grapes from Thornes soe can it
not be Expected that Ought-Else but Rancor Splean
and falshood Should Come ffrom that Gentleman who
has for many Years appear'd to the Province to be
made up of Nothing Else, and even Long before the
Surrender of the Government to her Maj-U' hath been
one of the Chief Firebrands and Contrivers of all the
Discords Divisions and Great Disorders of this poor
Province, and as if he took a Pride in Braveing the
Laws Complains of Imaginary hardships when In
Truth one of the Greatest to the Province, Is that a
.\<>ii Juror who Publickly professes to be Soe and Tel-
leth Others who take the Oaths as by Divers Laws
Establisht That they are Damn'd and that if there be
a hotter place in Hell than another they may be sun'
itt will fall to their Lott for So Doing is thus permit-
ted to Abuse and Vilifie the Officers of the Goverment;
But that Yo- Excellency may be Rightly Informed I
will take Notice of Every Article In the Said Repre-
sentation and make a full and plaine Answer thereto.
The first Clause Yo- Excellency will please to Observe
Is so Generall as Renders it Impossible to be An-
swer'd Nor Indeed Deserves any, being Grounded only
on the Information of his Attorney; That lie ever had
any Such Information appears not and may very well
be Doubted Since it is highly Reasonable to Suppose
his Attorney would Long ago have Complained to the
Court if he thought any Injury had been Done his
Clyent, If Mr Willocks had Mentioned all or any of
these Articles Cutt of and Usually Allowed to Others
in the Like Cases I doubt not but I could have Justi-
fyM what I did but the whole being Intirely false 1 1 i<
no wonder he uses Generall (Dolosus Versatur in
Generalibusi were the Said Bill to be Retax'd by the
p sent Ordinance it would not amount to above £13:-
92 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
9s: 5d. which is 20s less than it was Tax'd at; To Give
Yo? Excellency a Further Instance of the Unreason-
abless of this Complaint I must beg Leave to Inform
Yr- Excellency that my Own Fees in that Cause
amounting only to £2: 2s: 2d and are not Yet paid me
though the whole Costs have been Long Since paid to
the Said Willocks or his Attorney; I must Likewise
Observe a further Demonstration of the untruth of
this Charge that after a Strict Examination of the Bills
of Costs taxed and the time of Taxing that Doe Re-
maine in my Office, I doe not find one Civill Cause
Taxed that had been tryed proceeding this Cause Con-
sequently the Allegation that Divers Articles which are
Usually Allowed to Others in ye Like Case must be
utterly false.
The Second Article being a matter forreigne and
Containing no Charge against me I shall Trouble Yor
Excy with no Answer thereunto.
The third Article as farr as it relates or Seems to
Charge me is in all its parts the very Reverse of Truth
It was by No pretended but Real Rule and Order of
Court that a Special Jury ought to have been Struck
in the Cause In the S'- Article Mentioned which I pre-
sume to Trouble Yor Excellency with is in these words:
Die Sabbat 10"': May 17<>7: Supream Court p'sent
The honb?e Roger Mompesson Esq1 Chief Justice.
William Pinhorne (_ Robert Quary ) t^qrs
Dan1-.1- Coxe. ) Daniel Leeds j" h^
Governner )
ves y Ejectment at the Demise of Peter Son-
Willocks ) mans Esqr
On the motion of M'' Bicklay pro Que0, that if Issue
be Joyned in this Cause there may be a Speciall Jury
Struck.
Order'd that the Sheriffe of middlesex Doe returne
the Freeholders Book to the Secretary in three months
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 93
that both partys have Notice to Attend and that forty
Eight be taken out of the Said Book by the Secretary
Twenty four of which are to be Struck out by the
Plaintiff e and Deffendant or their Attorneys and the
first Twelve that Appeare of the Remaining Twenty
four to try the Cause; Ml' Walker the then Sheriff e being
Served with the Above Rule Returned me the Free-
holders Book very few of which whither knowing or un-
knowing Understanding English or not and Whether
under the Direction of the Said Peter Sonmans and
Friends to him or not, I was a Stranger to and Conse-
quently Could use no partiality, That in Complyance
to the Rule I did not pick but took Eight and Forty
Names Indeferently as they Come to my hand which
at the Desire of M- Bickley Attorney for Mr Sonmans
I sent to York where the Said Bickley wrote me and
the Attorney of the Other Side would Consider of the
List and Strick the Jury but Mr Emet the Attorney for
the Other Side [of ?] Bickley Disagreeing the List was
Return'd to me Some time before the Court and no
Jury Struck, Whereupon Mr George [...?...] also
Attorney for M1' Sonmans took a Sumons from me to
[..?..] the Other Side to attend at Office in Amboy
in Order to [ . . i . . j the s;1 Jury as was directed by
the Above -Rule, But the Other Side not Attending
Nothing was done of which Complaint was made ti-
the Court by M." Bickley and M' George wherupon the
following Rule was made —
Die Jovis: 6V November 1/T07: At a Supream Court
prsent
The honb:le Roger Mompesson Chief Justice—
William Pinhorne / Coll: Townley.
Daniel Coxe j
On the motion of Mr George, < >rder'd that a Speciall
Jury be Struck in this Cause that is that the Sheriffe
of the County of Middlesex and Somersett doe Attend
04 ADMINISTRATION OF GOV ERNOR H I'NTER. [1711
the Prothonotary with the Freeholders Book and that
the Plaintiffe and the Deffendant or their Attorneys
doe Attend : That the Prothonotary take the Book and
Opening of it Doe take the Names in Order as they
Stand Untill forty Eight be taken out in the presence
of all the Said Party s and then that the Attorneys or
the persons themselves Strick out Each of them Twelve
the Plaintiffe beginning first &the Remaining Twenty
four to be Eeturned by the Sheriffe.
I utterly Deny that any Partiality and Un justice as
is Falsely Alledged appear'd to the Court against me
and must appeale to the Gentlemen who were Judges
of Court and are present In Town for proof e; and Yo'
Excellency will Evidently See by Above Rule that it
was not any partiality and Injustice in Me as is falsely
Alledged that Delayed the Tryall but the Disobedience
of M' Willocks Attorney to the first Rule which
Obliged M- Sonmans his Attorney to Obtain the Sec-
ond Rule whereby the Attorneys on both Sides were
Commanded to Attend hi Order to have a fair Jury;
And I dare further appeate to the Sheriffs who Served
for those years that these Causes were Commenced in.
who I am Sure must Doe me the Justice to Say that I
neither Directly nor Indirectly advised or intermeddled
in the Choice or Return of any Jury in tjiese or any
Other Causes.
As to what relates to the Letter of Attorney of Had-
den 1 doe not Remember or believe that any body
Came to me to Demand the Said Copy but if W Wil-
locks had Mentioned both the Person and Place and
lime It would have refreshed my memory that] might
have given a fuller Account thereof; But I am very
Sure I had not nor Could have any Designe of Defeat-
ing the Said Willocks and all Others of what they had
purchased by virtue of that power And [hope Yo' Ex-
cellency will allow me to he the hest Judge of my Own
Intentions.
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 95
If I refused the Recording Haddons Release as I
know not Weither I did or not till Desir'd by Capt1
Hamilton it must only Proceed from my Diffidence of
being paid by the Person that Owned it but Since it
was Done as he Owns in the Said Article I think that
Accusation might have been Spared and the Carrying
over the Records out of the Western Division and Cap'
Hamiltons Orriginal Will from Burlington to Amboy
in Ml" Hudelys Waggon for which Books there was no
Other Occation but to Serve him at that Tryall and of
which the Charges are not to this Day Repaid me
might have Given me Just Grounds to Expect better
Treatment then so False and Malitious an Accusation,
but if it Should be granted as I doe not that I Did
Refuse to Record Haddons Release having as I have
Shewn already soe much reason to Doubt whither 1
should be paid for my Labour; I cannot Devise how
M1 Willocks Conclusion Can from thence be Drawn
(Viz1) That it was Done with an Intention to Defeat
him of the Benefitt of the Said Release and upon the
Ensueing Tryall Because its Being Recorded or not
add no Strength to the Release nor Could the Record
of it have been produced as Evidence whilst the Origi-
nal it Self was in Being and in his own Custody.
What Ml" Willocks means by these words (M'. Bass
Sent out pretended Copys of the Last Mentioned Rule
to the Sheriffe of Middlesex Defendent &c) to attend
at Burlington the striking of the The Special] Jury; I
protest to To- Excellency I know not being unintelli-
gable I own that I rec? ffrom M' Norton a parcel 1 of
Loose papers Carelessly tyed together which M: Wil-
locks is pleased to Call the Freeholders Book but that
the Sheriffe Sent it to me I doe not know Nor that the
said Mr Norton was his Deputy, on the Contrary .M
Norton Said he was not but was only Desired to Leave
those papers with me how much that Looks like a
Freeholders Book I need not tell Yor Excellency Your
96 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Excellency having Seen it and it Yett being Eeady to
be produced when Required and when the Said Norton
1 nought the Said Book as it is Called, I very well
Remember I looked on it and told the Said Norton
that I could not Accept of that as a freeholders Book
for it was not Soe being Irregular and Containing a
Confused Jumble of the Names of the Inhabitants
Some out of Somersett and the next perhaps out of
Amboy or woodbridge to which he Reply'd that it was
None of his Business or words to that Effect but that
the Sheriffe told him he had Jumbled an honest man
and a knave together or words to that purpose.
But Since this was made the Subject matter of an
Indictment to which I have taken my Try all and was
acquitted by the Jury not Sheltering my Selfe from
these pretended As Some Others have done from Eeal
Crimes by Noli prosequi or Ces at processus Though
the one was Actually Sent me from my Lord Cornbury
then Governour of this province In the words follow-
ing wrot in his Own hand —
By his Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury Cap?
General and Governour in Chief of the Province of
New Jersey New York & Territorys Depending there-
on in America and Vice Admiral of the Same &c.
Whereas I am inform'd that on the Last day of the
Supreame Court held for the Province of New Jersey
att Perth Amboy in November Last att the Instigation
and by the Incouragem1 of ( lertaine III minded Wicked
People Enemys to Governm! the grand Jury of the
County of Middlesex was prevailed upon by their
Foreman and Some few other 111 tempered men to
Preferr Bills of Indictments against Mr Sonmans One
of the Gentlemen of her Majestys Council M'.' Bass the
Secretary of this Province and Mr Bickley her Majesty's
Attorney General for the Province of New York for
Suposed Crimes without any Legall Proofs and being
1711] ADMINISTi; ATION OF GOVERNOR BUNTEK. 91
well Satisfy'd that the Chief foundation of those Bills
of Indictments was the Wicked Contrivance of John
Royce and John Harrison the two first named in the
Said Grand Jury Men Void of Morralls Enemys to
Religion of Scandalous Lives who by their unwearied
Endeavours to doe Mischiefe have Contrary to the very
Tenor of their Oaths prevailed upon Some honest well
meaning men of that Grand Jury who were not a ware
of their Wickedness to Joyne with them to Preferr
those Indictments the design Whereof was only to
throw Dirt upon those who have the Honour to Serve
the Queen (And have Done it Faithfully) The
better Therefore to Discourage Such Scandalous Prac-
tices for the future and to put a Stop to their present
Extravagances I doe think iitt as I doe hereby Require
and Command You forthwith to Enter a Noli prosequi
upon the Indictments against Peter Sonmans Jeremiah
Bass and May Bickley Esq™ and for So doing this Shall
be to You a Sufficient Warrant Given under my hand
and Seale at Horsimas this first day of December 1708.
Cornbury.
To Alexander Griffith Esqr
Attorney General of the Province
of New Jersey att Burlington —
And another offer'd me by my Lord Lovelace in
p'sence of Mr Attorney Generall— I shall only beg
Leave to Transcribe the Said Indictment and Tryall as
an Undoubted Evidence of my Inocency
Supreame Court 4th November 1709
Dom: Reg- )
ves > On an Indictment for altering the free-
Jer: Bass J holders Book &c in these Words.
New Jersey ss
Middlesex: The Jurors for our Sovereign Lady the
Queen upon their Oaths Doe present that Jeremiah
Bass Esqr Secretary of the Province Clerk of her
Majestys Councill and Prothonotary of the Supream
;
9S ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Court of Judicature of Said Province the fiveteenth
Day of October in the Seaventh Yeare of the Eeign of
our now Sovereign Lady Anne Queen of Great Brit-
tain &c Designing Contriveing and Intending to Pick
a Jury in a Case then Depending in the Supream
Court of Judicature of Said province Between Abra-
ham Govern ner on the Demise of Peter Sonmans Esqr
Plaintiffe against George Willocks Deffendant and in
another Case Betwixt the aforesd Plaintiffe and John
Harrison Deffendant and in another Case between the
said Plaintiffe and Jediah Higgins Defendant and
fraudulently Corruptly and Malitiously alter Change
and Transpose the books of the Freeholders of the
Said Colony and also Did Give a false Copy of the
Rales of the Said Court made in these Cases with De-
sign to Defeat the Said Deffendants Contrary to the
Duty of his Office and the Evill Example of Others
and against the peace of Our Sovereign Lady the
Queen that now is her Crown and Dignity To which
the Said Bass Pleaded not Guilty— And put himself on
his Country.
Proclamation made and the Jury Called over
no Exception being made the Jury were sworne as
follows
i Viz1)
William Fisher William Adkinson .in? Rogers
Charles Miller Jn? Hancock Jn° Ogborne Junr
Jn? Stockton Jn° Hammell Jn? Moore
Tho: Potts William Ogborne James Thompson
Proclamation made for Information for the Queen
and the witnesses Sworne as Follows Viz' John Nor-
ton David Hariott John Brown and Adam Hude—
.Jn? Norton Saith that in October he Received a Book
from Adam Hude highSheriffe of Middlesex Called the
Freeholders Book which he Deliver'd Jeremiah Bass to
strick a Jury And that when he brought y^e said Book
back to the Sheriff e the Pages were Alter'd; Being
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 99
asked what the said Bass said to him when he brought
him the Book he reply'd that said Bass was Displeased
and found fault with the Book and said it was Irregu-
lar and Refused to Strick any Jury out of it because
of its being Irregular.
David Hariott said that he saw a Book that it had
been taken Assunder and had been Altered and that
page 13. were put were page the Second was but he
knows nothing who alter'd it.
Jn? Brown saith that att the request of the Sheriff e
he Did write and bind a Book (Viz) The freeholders
Book and paged it that when it Came Back from Bur-
lington the pages were Altered but nothing Else but
the pages no Names being Added or Altered.
Adam Hude said that he knows nothing of the mat-
ter [that?] he received no list of any Names of a Jury
from the Secretary [nor?] was any Jury Struck by him
that he knows of and then [produced?] the Book in
Court which appear'd to be the names of Sundry per-
sons Confusedly Sett Down not in any Regular Order
and only tied Together with a piece of Sad Coulerd
Tape.
On which the Chief Justice Sum'd up the Evidence
and the Jury without Going from the Barr Unani-
mously Cry'd out
Not Guilty.
Which verdict being Recorded and read to them
they altogether agreed to itt.
When Yor Excellency shall please to take the trouble
of seriously Considering that Tryall and the Charec-
tors as well of Judges as Jurys, W- Willocks base Re-
flections upon both in the Close of this Article Cannot
Escape Yor Excellency's Observation And I believe
Yor Excellency will be of Opinion that it Deserves
the Severest prosecution the Law Directs (Certainly
no body but one who is in the Gall of Bitterness could
have fallen upon so Malitious a Thought (that it may
LOO U)MltflSTKATiON OF GOVERtfOB HUNTER. [1711
Justly be presumed by undue proceedings I Escaped
with Impunity.)
I look upon it to be a no Small misfortune that what
M1 Willocks affirmes in the fifth Article hapnecl by
his own Shewing when only himselfe and I were To-
gether because I am thereby Debared from Convicting
him of palpable falshood by Concurrant Testimonys of
Standers by, I doe Acknowledge that Mr Willocks
came to my Office in November 1708, and p'haps I
might make Some Difficultys of Shewing him the Book
of Records till he paid me for the Transporting of them
thither being brought Wholey for his Service on that
Tryall and It is very Probable I might meet with Such
Treatment from him as I might Resent in Some
Warme Expressions; but that I Either Express'd my
Selfe with Such Admiration at the Sight of the Said
Power of Attorney or afterwards beged his Pardon
and Accompanied him at Least a Quarter of a Mile
from the Office; I must Assure Yov Excellency I
utterly Deny and Requires much better proof e then M1;
Willocks bare Assertion Especially Since as I Observed
before my bringing the Books and that without any
Rule of Court to Oblidge me and produceing them in
Court for his Service If a Demonstration I never De-
signed to Conceal what was Recorded therein or to
hinder him from having anything that might tend to
his Just Defence But to Shew Yol Excellency how fan-
Spleen and Revenge hurry this Gentleman into Incon-
sistancy with himselfe and that he was not under any
Aprehensions of Danger if Either the Letter of At-
torney of John Haddons had not been Recorded nor
the Books brought over; I must Informe Yol Excel-
lency that after he had in Court Caused about tenn
Deeds and Other Writeings to be Read and Sundry
Evidences Examined the Councill for the plaintiffe
Offering to Demurr to all the Evidences produced he
himselfe gave Directions to his Councill to wave all his
1711] ADMINISTHATIOX OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 1 ( ) 1
Proofs as Appears by the Minutes of the Said Court in
these words:
Dies Marcuri 3'! of November 1 T< >s.
At a Supream Court &c
Present
The Honble Roger Mompesson Esq1 Chief Justice
William Pinhorne: Coll: Rich? Townley
Abra: Gove rimer
v Ejectment att the Demise of Peter
Geo: Willocks f Sonmans Esq1
The Plaintiffe and Deffendant Called and apear'd
and the Jury Called over and Sworne as by the Panell
and Record and after many Evidences Sworne both
for the Plaintiffe and Defendant and many Records
Read the Plaintiffe Offer'd to Demurr to the Evidences
of the DefF On which the DefTendant Waved his Evi-
dence and the Evidences For the Plaintiffe were Sum'd
up and the Charge Given to the Jury &c.
As to the Sixth Article It is true that the Said Wil-
locks Did Obtaine a Verdict and Judgement &c; But
brought me not any Bill of Cost untill the 26th: of Sep-
tember 1 "<>!>. and that Drawn by his Own hand and
not SigiTd by his Attorney; So that Ml Willocks had
Elapsed two Supream Courts < )ne in May and an ( >ther
In August before I had the Bill of Costs att both or
Either of which the Attorneys on both Sides Attend-
ing this Bill of Costs might have been Taxed 1 very
well Remember motion was made in Court by the At-
torney for M1 Sonmans that there might be a Rule not
to Taxe the Said Bill of Cost without Notice to the
Other Side but it was Not thought necessary to Enter
any Rule because its well known to be the Constant
practice in England for the prothonotary not to Tax
Costs without notice when Either the plaintiffe or De-
ffendant Desired it and it is a maxim in Our Law A
Com'uni Obsevantia Non est recedendum, thai this was
Desired both by the Plantiffe and his Attorney will at
L02 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR Hl'XTEK. [1711
all times be Owned by them and Should I have Taxed
it wth out Such Notice after I was Spoke to both by the
Defendant and his Attorney It would have been Irreg-
ular and Just Cause of Complaint As to the Bill of
Costs which he Calls Excessive Sonmans against Har-
rison neither Harrison nor his Attorney had Desired
to have Notice when the Bill Should be Taxed and
therefore I could not Delay the Taxation when it was
Desired nor was Oblidged to Give Notice.
But to Convince Yo- Excellency of the 111 Grounded
malice of this Story I must Begg Leave to Inform Yor
Excellency this Cause of Sonmans against Harrison
was Tryed the Ninth of May 1707, and the Bill of Costs
not taxed untill the Sixteenth of May 1708, So that
Harrison had above a Years time to Object what he
pleased against the Bill of Costs if he had Judged it Either
Necessary or the Costs to high or to have Caveated the
Taxing it without Notice, I have further to Add that
Mr Eegnier Attorney for M • Willocks in a Letter of his
Dated 20f September 1709: mentioning this Bill of
Costs tells me that as to those Articles which regard
. the Expences on Witnesses (amounting to about £22:
18s: 6d:) M- Willocks will give Reasonable Satisfaction
but Mr Willocks has not to this Day Given any Satis-
faction Either by Affidavit of the moneys paid or
Otherwise; I doe acknowledge to Yor Excellency that
M- Willocks Did Bring me a Bill of Costs to be taxed
but not as he Saith Drawn by his Attorney but in his
Own hand and not so much as signed by his Attorney
that a great many hott words passed between me and
the si1 Willocks in Relation to the Said Taxing of the
Bill at that time which he with much Violence and
many Rude Expressions and Barbarous Threats would
have Oblidged me to do Contrary to my Duty and
Trust and I doe Own that I did Deny to tax the Said
Bill of Costs without giveing Notice Either to the s?
Sonmans or his Attorney But that I might make the
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR EUNTER. L03
matter as Easy as I could and take from him all ( !ouler
of Complaint I took Mr Attorney Generall along with me
and Carry'd a Sum'ons Ready Drawn for Either Mr
Sonmans or his Attorney to Attend and tendred It to
the Said Willocks telling him at the same time that if
he would Serve that Sum'ons or Notice and make
affidavit of the Service thereof If the party or his At-
torney did not Attend I would proceed to tax the Bill
(exparte) Nay I further Offer'd him that if he would
pay my Expences I would Goe over to Amhoy for that
purpose; But how Barbarously I was used for my Ci-
vility both in words and Actions and what 111 returns
was made me for it I shall pass it Over in Sylence; 1
doe Own Soon after M- Regnier Delivered or Sent me
the Bill of Costs in the S" Causes to be Taxed and he
Rec? from me Notice for M1' Sonmans or Some of his
Attorneys to Attend to the Best of my Remembrance;
I sent a Copy of the Said Bill to M- Bickley Attorney
for Mr Sonmans who made Severall Objections to the
Said Bill amounting in the whole to 37: 2s: lOd: which
were Spedily Deliver'd to W. Regnier for his Answer
that I might Regularly Proceed To tax when I had
heard Both Sides, which tho1 I have Severall times
Asked him for and Even when he was Last In Towne
and Mr Bickley was hear Yett I have not had one word
in Reply from him Soe that Yo1.' Excellency will Easily
Perceive the Reason why the S'1 Bill is Not taxed Is
wholy Oweingto themselves. And that I neither could
nor Can yett Doe it without being Partial To the one
or the Other Side But this matter Relateing whole) to
the Customes of the Court Ought Regularly to be
Tryed by the Judges of the Said Court; Tryal per pars
Cbap: 2? See': 8: who would I Doubt not have Justi-
fy'd me in what I have Done.
The Seventh Article being Altogether Generals is
Impossible to be Answer'd; But Yor. Excellency will
allow me to Affirme that it is not the fear of Jealousy
1<>4 ADMINISTRATION OP GOVERNOR HUNTER. [171]
of my Injustice but the Reasonable Expences that
hinders M!' Willocks from puting Severall of his own
Deeds on Record in My Office as appears by a Letter
of his to me In which are these words; ' Amboy 9bj" the
* 24^ 1708: I have a Prity many Deeds if you would be
4 Easy with me I would Record them — but money is
4 Scarce and Recording not Absolutely Necessary Soe
4 that if I cannot have them Done on Easy Terms they
' must Remaine Undone.
I doe Not Doubt but Yo1' Excellency is well Ac-
quainted that this method of Accusing in Gross is the
only Refuge of those who would fain Accuse But Yet
want matter and therefore always Judged to be only
Flinging of Calunmys at Random in hopes that Some
may Stick; Generals never Prove anything perticuler
Charges Legally proved can Only with Submission
have weight.
But since his Malice is so Evident throughout the
whole Representation Yo1-' Excellency will Easily be-
lieve that he would not have fail'd of being as perticu-
lar in Mentioning some of the many f earf ull & Jealous
of the Province as Carefull to paint Severall Instances
in the Blackest Colours and makeing as severe reflec-
tions on the one as he is in the Other tho' But Imagin-
ary Accusations if it had been in his Power; The many
Deeds I have recorded and have now by me for that
purpose Together with. Abundance of Evidences now
In Town Confute this false Imputation beyond Con-
tradiction I shall therefore trouble Yor Excellency no
further on this head which I am Satisfy'd can make no
Impression on Any thinking man much Less YoV Ex-
cellency.
To the Eighth Article that having been the Subject
matter of an Indictment against me to which I pleaded
and was found not Guilty as by the said Indictment
and Tryall on Record doth and will appeare; It there-
fore requires no Other Answer then the Common and
L711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. L05
Legall one (autrefois acquit) which Even Barbarrous
Nations allow; Though Mr Willocks who 'pretends to
' Insist that It is the Right of the Subject not to be
' Deny 'd Justice and that Delaying and Denying are
'Attended with the same Consequences So much the
Reverse of Justice that Rather than faile of Doing his
Utmost to Load me with a fault I have been Acquited
of by Due Course of Law will meddle with what no
manner of way Concerns-him ; Yo!' Excellency will See
this whole Article relates nothing to him Nor is he any-
ways Concerned with it whither it were true or false.
To be tryed by ones Peers is the greatest Priviledge
a Subject can Wish for, and so Excellent is the Con-
stitution of the Government of this Kingdom that no
Subject Shall be tryed but by his Peers the Lords by
theirs and the Commons by theirs which is the For-
trese and Bulwarke of their Lives Liberty s and Estates;
and if the Good of the Subject be the good of the King-
as most Certainly it is then those are Enemys to the
Good of the King and State who Attempt to Alter or
Invade this Fundamentall Principle in the Administra-
tion of the Justice of this Realm by which the Kings
Prerogative has flourished and the Just Libertys of the
people have been Secured In so many Ages Try all \'.\ p'
pars cap1 1.
For who would not Choose to live under that Law
wherein he might Live with Security then under that
Law which would Sett him naked and succourless
against the Cruelty of his Enemys Verily no man Can
be Safe in Body or Goods whome his Adversary may
convince In every Cause with two unknown Witnesses
of his Own Chuseing and bringing forth Forth For
tescue in Com': of the Laws of England Chap: S*!1 but
to what purpose are these Laws by this and Several]
other Sages of the law so highly Valued when a house
of Representatives without Legall Evidences without
hearing the party accused or any Defence made Shall
106 ADMINISTRATION <>K OOVERXOK HT'NTER. [1711
Condemn or at Least Censure a Guiltless person; this
way of proceeding Is more Justly to be feared then
that of the Civill Law, which that worthy Author in
so many Instances Justly findes fault with whilst on
the Contrary under the Legal and [usual way?] of Pro-
ceeding by Jurys an Innocent person may pass his
Life in Quietness and Security.
To the Ninth Article Eelateing to the Records I must
beg Leave to Inf orme Yo1-' Excellency that in a Petition
of the Representatives of the Eastern Division a Copy
of which I have hereunto annext for Yo- Excellency's
Perusall; There was an Ord- of the Governour in
Councill made the Seventh of November 1705, for the
Delivering of all Records and other Publick papers into
my hands to be keept in the Eastern Division That
some Persons who then had them in Custody Did only
Deliver Some Records and Other Publick papers And
M- Willocks and an Other Gentleman to this Day
Detaine as I am Informed Very near as Considerable a
part of the Publick Records and Other publick papers
in their hands as are Deliver'd and though Repeated
orders have been since made are Soe fan* ffrom Deliv-
ering of them that it is not known were they are nor
any Possibility of having a Sight of them and No body
but Mr Willocks (who by a Letter from M!" Gordon and
a Copy of a Receipt Signed by him and Doctor John-
son Confess to keep the Said Records and papers In
their Custody) would have the Assurance to Complain
of what himselfe Only is Guilty of—
This may it Please Yor Excellency is Indeed a Griev-
ance that Publick Books and Records Should be kept
in perticular hands Soe Privately that no Recourse Can
be had to them and of which many have Complained
I am very well assured Neither M1; Willocks nor Any
Body Else was Ever Deny'd Access to the Records nor
Copys from them nor to have the Records themselves
In Court when Ever he or they had Occasion for them
and Frequently without any Fees paid for the Same.
1711] ADMINISTRATION 1)1' G<)\ KUXoR HrNTER. 101
That I have not any Deputy Eesideing at Amboy 1
acknowledge and Shall not Easily be prevailed with to
Appoint one (and if I would know not where to have
one In that Towne), Since I was So 111 Served by the
two former Mr John Royce and M1' Benjamin Griffith:
The first having So Mismanaged that Trust that I was
Oblidged to Dismise him or be Lyable to Answer for
more Real than This Representation Contains Imagi
nary faults, and the Other though an honest Man was
Surprized into a Mistake by John Barclay who raised
and Altered the Records while the Others Back was
turned as appears by two Affidavits, for which the Said
Barclay Is now
I need not Observe to Yor Excellency that this Arti-
cle is only a Story of Mr Willocks but that nothing
Therein Contained any ways Charges me with any
faults Omission or Misdemeanour, and it is wholy
wrapt up in Generall Terms and to which Yor Excel-
lency I am Sure will not think it possible that Any
Perticular Answer Can be Given.
I shall now with Yor Excellency's Leave begin with
the Affidavits of Jacob Tappan to which I shall only
Answer that I can Not Devise to what Purpose this
Affidavit was brought into the house of Representa-
tives Except it was to Expose Mi' Sharp for I am So
farr Believing it to be a Charge against me that I Own
the Greatest part of it to be true Continueing of the
Same mind and for proofe present Yo? Excellency with
the following Transcripts of Records now in my Office
Glocester Com":
The Jurors for our Lady the Queen being Sworne
upon their Oaths doe present that Isaac Sharp late of
new Town in the County of Glocester Yeoman on the
Seventeenth day of August in the Second yeare of the
Reign of our Lady Ann by the Grace of God of En-
gland Scotland France and Ireland &c Queen Defender
L08 A-DMISTISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
of the faith &c with force and Arms a Certaine Close
or field of one Samuell Harrison at the Town of Glo-
cester near new Towne Creek in the County aforesaid
Did Break and Enter and in and upon one peru a Negro
Woman Slave of the Said Samuell Harrison then And
there in the peace of God and of our Lady the Queen
being An Assault and Affray Did make and with a
Certaine penknife of the value of one Shilling which
the Said Isaac in his Right hand then and there held
the Said peru in her Left Breast and in her Left Side
under her Said Left Brest then and there Greaviously
Did wound So that of her Life it was Dispared and
Other harms to her Did against the peace of our Lady
the Queen her Crown and Dignity &c.
Glocester ss.
The Jurors for our Sovereign Lady the Queen being
Sworn e upon their Oaths Doe present that Isaac Sharp
late of new Towne in the County of Glocester Yeoman
on the Seventeenth Day of August in the Second Yeare
of the Reigne of our Lady Anne by the Grace of God
of England Scotland France and Ireland &c Queen
Defender of the faith &c with force and Arms a Cer-
tain Close or feild of one Samuell Harrison at Gloces-
ter near New towne Creek in the County of Glocester
Afores. Did Break and Enter and in and upon Sarah
then the Wife of the Said Samuell Harrison then and
there in the peace of God and our Lady the Queen being
an Assault and Affray Did make and her Did Beat and
Evily Intreat and ( >ther harms to her the Said Sarah
Did against the peace of our Said Lady The Queen her
Crown and Dignity &c Witness Sworne in Courl Sarah
Harrison Ann Harrison Rich'1 Bull.
Glocester ss:
The Jurors of our Lady the Queen being Sworne
Upon their Oaths doe present Isaac Sharp I ^ate of New
Towne in the County of Gloucester Yeoman on the
Seventeenth Day of August in the Second Yeare of the
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 109
Reign of our Lady Ann by the Grace of God of Eng-
land Scotland France and Ireland &c Queen Defender
of the faith &c. with force and Arms a Certaine Close
or feildof one Samuell Harrison at Glocester near New
towne Creek in the County aforesaid Did Break and
Enter and in and upon Ann the Daughter of the Said
Samuell and Sarah his wife in the peace of God and of
our Lady the Queen then and there being an Assault
and Affray Did make and her then and there Did
Beat and Evily Intreat and other harms to her the
Said Ann Did against the Peace of our Lady the Queen
her Crown and Dignity &c.
The Petty Jury Returned into Court and were Called
over and brought in on the Indictment against Isaac
Sharp for wounding the Negro Woman Slave Called
peru Guilty.
On the Indictment of Isaac Sharp for the saulting of
Sarah Harrison Chiilty.
On the Indictment of Isaac Sharp ffor Assaulting of
aim Harrison Guilty.
The Latter part Relateing to the Three Thousand
Pounds the Deponant hath mistaken my Sence It not
being to be Supposed that I was or Could be against
Giving the Queen Money. Neither was that the Subject
of what was discours'd But the Necessity of Saveing
what was Posible of that three Thousand pounds that
had been Given to the Country as it Appears Might be
Done by the Reports made to the [ . \ . . ] of the Coun-
cill and Assembly made the twenty fifth day of Jan-
uary Anno q Dom: 1709 and now Remaineing in the
Secretary's Office.
Having thus Gone Through with my Answer to the
Said Representation I have Nothing more to Add but
that I am
May it Please Yor Excellency,
Yor Excellency s most humble
and Obedient Servant, J. Bass
110 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
To his Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury Cap-
Gen1.1 and Govr in Chief of her Majesty's Provinces of
New Jersey New York and all the Territories and
Tracts of Land Depending thereon in America and vice
Admirall of the Same &c.
Iu Council I
The Petition of Severall of the members of the Gen-
erall Assembly that are Chosen for the Eastern Divi-
sion of this her Majestys Province of New Jersey
Humbly Sheweth
That wee Yor Excellencys Petitioners Together with
those Whonie wee are Chosen to represent having
Great Part of the Evidences of our Estates and Titles
to our Lands Recorded in the Publick Records of the
Said Eastern Division of this province which are
Informed are not Lodged in the hands of her Majesty's
Secretary to whome we may on all Occasions have a
Constant Recourse But remains in the possession of
those whom neither wee Nor those whom wee Repre-
sent have any Confidence in and as we humbly Con-
ceive are not any was Qualify'd for So great a Trust
being no Sworne Officer of Records and being at
present Left not only in a very Great uncertainty
where the Said Records Are and how wee may have
Recourse unto them but also having no Mean Cause to
fear that all things may not have been fairly Managed
by those persons.
Wee therefore humbly Pray Yo' Excellency that a
Com'ittee of the Councill Together with a Committy
of the faire Representation may be Appointed to View
the Said Records and that Peter Sonmans Esqr Agent
for the proprietors of the Eastern Division of this
Province may be present at the Said View and that
Thomas Gordon be Likewise Ordered to Attend at the
Said Com'ittee and when they are So Review'd that
the Said Records may be Imediately put into the hands
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. Ill
of her Majestys Secretary for this province as being an
Indifferent person betwixt her Majestys Subjects In-
habiting this province and the present proprietors of
the same that the Eecords may be kept by the Secre-
tary or his Sufficient Deputy Approved by Yor Excel-
lency within the Eastern Division of this province of
Nova Cesaria.
And yor petitioners as in Duty Bound &c
Richd Salter Rich'' Hartshorne Jn? Royce
Jasper Crane Anthony Woodward Obadiah Bowk
Jn° Tunisber Peter Vanneste Jn? Lawrence
Middlesex ss
Memorandun That on the Twenty fifth day of May
in the Eighth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady
Anne over Great Britain France and Ireland Queen,
Defender of the Faith &c We Peter Sonmans & John
Drake Esq1':- two of Her Majestices Justices of the
Peace for ye Countys of Middlesex and Sommersett
Quorum unus, did by Warrant under our hands &
Seals Com'and a Constable to bring George Willocks
of the Town of Perth Am boy in the sd County of Mid-
dlesex Gent: before us who was Accordingly on the
*'! Twenty fifth day of May brought before us & pur-
suant to the Statute of ye first of King William &
Queen Mary Entituled an Act for the Abrogating of
the Oaths of Supremacy an Allegiance & appointing
other oaths we did then tender unto ye Said George
Willocks the oath mentioned and appointed by ye Said
Statute to be taken, which said Oaths being sotendred
the said George Willocks utterly refused to take. &
Said That he was not Sattisfyed in the Authority of
us ye Said Justices humbly certify to this honble ( !ourt
Peter Sonmans
John Drake
A true Copy
J Bass Sy
112
ADMINISTRATION <>F GOVERNOR HUNTER.
[1711
[Another affidavit from the same parties of like
tenor, stating that Willocks also refused to take the
oath prescribed by an Act for the better security of
her Majesty's Peace and Government, passed in the
6th year of the reign of Queen Anne.] — Ed.
An Address from Inhabitants of Sit/em to Governor
Hunter— relative to the payment of taxes and
the election of new Representatives for that Connty.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey. Vol. I. C. 108.]
Salem May yc 25t.h annq Domini 1711
To his Exc? Eobert Hunter Esq1' Captf Generall
and Gov1' in Cheife of ye province of New
Jersey New York &c
The Humble Address of the Inhabitants of ye County
of Salem who are deeply Senceable of Our Gratious
Queens innewmerated favors bestowed upon her Sub-
jects though Sepperated from her whom God Grant
long to Reign One of which favours is in Sending yo1'
Excellency whose mild and Gentle Conduct we hope
will cause us to say we are happy in Congratulating
yor Excellencys Safe Arrival and humbly Sheweth
that we Esteem it our bound duty Honourb?y to Sup-
port Goverment and humbly Desir your Excellency in
yo!' Clemency to Grant that those of us that cannot
produce Silver Money to pay our Taxes the Collectors
may be allowed to receive wheat Silver money being
Extreamly Scarse, the Straits must Unavoidedly
Come make us intrude with this Humble Request that
those who cannot procure there Taxes may be pre-
served from distraints and as peace and Concord is
the Strength of a Country we humbly Address your
Excellency to Grant us a New Choise for Represent;!-
1711] ADMINTSTKATIOK OF GOVEBNOR MlNTKi;. ll-'i
tives for our County many of us being Neglidgent in
ye last Election that those of our Members who in
dangers our depopulation by strife & Anymositiesmay
be removed from that honourabl body that designing
men may be disinCouredged and we Her Majfys Loyal
and Obedient Subjects for your Excellency's Long life
and Everlasting felissity your Addressors shall pray
John Hollingswortb Roger Huchings
Thomas Wright Isaac Pears* > 1 1
Jacob Hendrixson Sam1.1 Wade
Benjamin Jones Joseph Ware
Jeremiah Smith Jonathan Smith
his
John ^ Lovd William short
Mark
and two hundred and ffifty persons more
Reed: 10 April wth Coll: Hunters Lre: of the 1° Janu:
1 7-1-1
Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Hunter in
answer to his communication of May 1th. 1711.
I From P. R. O. B. T. New York No. 52, Ent. Book H, p. 391]
Letter to Colonel Hunter Govern1- of New York
and New Jersey.
June the 29th 1711
Sr
Since Our Letter of the Tenth of Aprill last, a
Duplicate whereof is here inclosed, We have received
two from you both, Dated the Seventh of May 1711
We have at present the said Letters and the Papers
therein referred to under Our Consideration, in Order
to Our laying before her Majesty, what shall appear
necessary in relation to both Your Governments, so
that till we have gone through the whole, and Her
Majesty's pleasure be Declared thereupon, We shall
114 ADMINISTRATION OP GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
not be able to give you particular answers to the Sev-
eral Mattrf contained in Your said Letters.
# '■'■ -M- vr vf 'K'
With Our Letter of the sixteenth of March last?
relating to the Government of the Jerseys, a Duplicate
whereof has been sent you, We transmitted to you
Her Majesty's Order in Council, of the first of the said
Month, confirming the Act for ascertaining the place
of Sitting of the General Assembly of that Province,
So that that Matter is now at an end.
As to what you write in relation to the Court of
Chancery, and to the Members of the Council being
Judge Assistants in the Supream Court, and to the
inconveniences that may arise thereby; we can only
observe that by your Com'ss" you are Empower'd and
Authorized to Erect Constitute and Establish, with the
Advice and Consent of the Council, such and so Many
Courts of Judicature and publick Justice, as you and
they shah think fit and to Constitute and appoint
Judges Com'issionrs of Oyer and Terminer Justices of
the Peace &cc So that if you find any inconvenience,
by the present Constitution of the Supream Court,
Your Commission and Instructions in that behalf, will
be your best guide.
We desire that you would send us by the first Con-
veyance, a Complete Collect" of all the Laws of New
York since y? Year 1691,
We have only to add that hereafter in your Cor-
respondence with Us, It will be more easy and proper,
that what you write relating to each of your Govern-
ments, be in Separate and distinct Letters
So we bid you heartily Farewell
Your very Loving Friends.
WlNCHELSEA.
Whitehall June ) Ph: Meadows.
the 29th 1711 \ Geo: Baillie.
Arth: Moore.
Fra: Gwyn.
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTEK. 115
Letter from Edward Richier, a West Jersey Proprie-
tor, to Secretary Popple.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol I, C. 108.]
Letter from Mr Richier relating to the Com-
plaint he and others have to make agst four
of the Council of New Jersey.
Hamsted 9th July 1711
sr
I had ye favour of yrs wch came not to my hand till
Satturday night occasional by its being directed to my
brother Isaac to whom my Servtl sent it. We have as
yet rece'd no Letters from ye Jersies, but I have writ
to M' Dockminique ye President of our Society who in
a day or two will wait upon ye L'ds Coram1'' &c wht we
have to offer lies in a narrow compass we have for-
merly complain'd (& not without very great cause)
againt these 4 men in ye Council viz1 Cox, Sunmans,
Hall & Pinhorn, & agl Jerimiah Bass Secretary, & ye
late Reprsentac,on of ye Assembly has justified our
complaint. I shall not wonder if Dockwrey become
an Advocate for ym because they have been his Tooles
to act Such things for his private advantage, to ye
great wrong of those who intrusted him yt I hope
wIH he can offer will have very little weight wth their
their Lordsp as to Dockwrey8 Character, we must refer
to a memoriall left Some years Since at yc Board wth
Severall Affidavits ag* him transmitted to us under y"
Seal of ye Province of East Jersie
I am Yr mDst humble Sarv11
vcoir
1 It is not known that Mr. Richier ever visited New Jersey, but he was always
active in connection with the affairs of West Jersey in London. — Ed.
Ill
AD.MIXJSTKA TlOK OP GOVERNOU HTJNTEB.
[1711
Letter from William Bockwra to Secretary Popple,
transmitting the Idler that follows.
[From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey, Vol. I. C. 111.]
Letter from M1' Dockwra, inclosing the Extract
of One to him from one of the Council of
New Jersey relating to that Goverment.
Wm Popple Esq1' These
Sr
Having Recd Your Letter on Thursday the 5- Cur-
rant, Signifying, the Lords Commrs required to know,
whether I had recd any further accor from Jerse}r re-
lating to the transactions of the Councill & Assemhly
of that Province, I forbore to write a Negative Answer;
but purposed to have attended the Office at 10 or 11 on
Monday last to have accquainted You (or the Lords
Com1"-8 if they required it), what was the Unlucky Oc-
casion of the want of the Second Packet, that my first
gave me advice was following, being Unwilling to
trouble their Lordships, or You with so long a Read
ing as the Narrative required to write; but, so far as I
had been informed on the Wednesday; which was only
that the Gentleman One M' Read, into whose hands
the Care and trust of the Packet was com'itted at New
York to be delivered to me died on boord the Said
Packet boat 12 daies before it's arrival at Bristoll; And
All our Enquiry wee coiild make, amounted to no fur-
ther discovery in London, untill Wednesday the 1"' 1
had Answer from a Relation of Mine at Bristol, with
Instruction what was become of the things the de-
ceased left on boord in his Chest.: the Cap- telling him
the Keys thereof were Sealed up and could not be
opened till his Relations, who had the right, came to
Settle things with him; And then he was ready to de-
liver the Keys to open the chest, But none of his Re-
1711] ADMINISTRATION" OF GOVERNOB III NTER. Ill
lations had then been with him. but had a Letter from
Lond1.1 that either one M1' Tmbshaw or Mr Stockwel]
would come to Bristoll this Week, and Settle things
and open the Chest; but for any Packets that were in
the Chest, the Post tax must first be paid at I' P
ounce, to that my Kinsman had order to agree, and
will take care of their receipt and conveyance to Lon-
don.
This I intended to report Monday last if I had had
no further Aeco1 than the Said Read was dead, 1 >ut
Saturday Evening was I taken So 111 as not only to
confine me to my Chamber, but, most to my bed till
Yesterday, but not out of my Chamber yet, though I
thank God willing to have ventured abroad today for
two or three hours Air, but overruled to keep home till
Sunday.
I feared my not appearing, and continuing Silent to
next Monday might expose me, to be censured for
Neglect &c? therefore though not allowed to goe forth
today though pretty well. I chose rather to write the
Cause of the delay of my Packet, & my not paying
my Duty of answering & appearing to attend the boon I
as I proposed to do on Monday last.
I have in some Intervals of my Ills read over Some
of the Many New-Jersey Papers lying with Me. &
taken from some of the last letters tree'1 1 r June last i
an Extract of some such Transactions as are so very
Extraordinary, & that come from One of my friends
An Honest South Brittain, & Obedient Son of the
Church, who is no Insinuating Hypocrite, hut a Man
of Probity, And the Noble Lords & Hoii"-'1" Gentlemen
at the boord may depend upon the truth of what fu-
ture Reports & Representation^ will, appear trans
mitted by the Same good hand. & two or three More
of the like Character; And hope their Lop-s will bestow
such credence as they will find they deserve.
Meantime I hope they will please to view this en-
118 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
closed Paper of Small Samples. I have taken off from
the bigger Pieces, which, when shall be thought fit to
be called for, their Lordships will find them True pat-
terns; And, if these two Sheets of Paper of Collections
be Accepted of by their Honours, as an Attornment
for my Involuntary Absence, I shall, with all humble
Submission, acknowledge it to be a very Great favour,
And, if You'le please to forgive the drawing this Letter
to Such a length, you will by yo^" patience & good
nature Oblige,
Sr Yor most humble Serv*
Wm: Dockwra
13,h July 1711
Extract of a Letter from a Member of the Coun-
cil1, in New Jersey to Mr Dockwra relating
to the Proceedings of some of the Council
and of the Assembly of that Province, and
to Colonel Hunters Administration [Sent
with the foregoing letter]
Sir
My last two letters were by 'our good Friend the
Honb,e Collonell Nicholson of the 14th 9b?r and by Mr
Norton of the 10tM of December, to which narratives
(without Repetition) I referre you of Our New Gover-
nors surprising beginnings falling in with the Seditious
faction of turbulent Men whose chief Ringleader has
in his whole life time, (ever since he writ man) in
all Governments, been Lewis Morris
The first thing great busines I will beginn vvth is to
tell you That The Assembly mett the 4th day of Decem-
b- and continued sitting untill the 10th of February
1 By whom this letter was written has not been ascertained.— Ed.
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 119
Enclos'd you'l finde the Governors speech, and the as-
sembly es & Council Is Addresses.
Mr Son mans will send over coppies of the Acts past,
and of such as the Councill Rejected, by which will be
plainly percsived what our Pollititians attempted to
compass by the countenance & encouragem- of His
Excellency, who, notwithstanding his repeated Pro-
fessions of his Impartiality and desire of Peace &
Union, has entirely & passionately expoused the Sedi-
tious Party of Morris, Johnstone &ca and united with
the Quakers; and little has been transacted during the
Sitting of the Assembly without his Previous Knowl-
edge and Connivance.
His Cabinet Councill has been and is Lewis Morris,
George Clark1 Johnstone2, late Cap1 now Coll. Farmer,
Thomas Gordon, Tho. Gardiner a Quaker, & Geo Wil-
// <rfy?\ y^r-7£i^4-Tl\+~>
1 George Clarke was Secretary of the Province of New York and was consequently
brought into close relations with Governor Hunter. He rose to eminence in that
Province, but is not known to have had any special connection with New Jersey af
fairs, excepting at one time being Auditor General.— See notice of him in N. Y.
Col. Docts. Vol. XIV, p. 10G9.— Ed.
was one of the pas-
sengers on board the
' Henry and Francis,"
that arrived at Perth Am-
boy in December, 1635, from Scotland. He had been a druggist in Edinburgh and
became known immediately in New Jersey as L>r Johnstone. Having been asso-
ciated with George Scot inducing emigration from Scotland, and marrying his
daughter, the Proprietors in 1(58(5 confirmed to him a tract of five hundred acres of
land on account of his wife (S^ot having died on his way to the Province), and again
in 1701 a further grant of over thirty thousand acres for his own and Scut's service,
and in consideration of their heavy losses. But notwithstanding he was so largely
interested in New Jersey lands, he soon took up his residence in New York i although
oftentimes alluded to as of New Jersey), of whose Assembly he was a member in
1700 and 1710. In 1711 his permanent residence appears to have been there, and
about 1716 he became Mayor of the City. He was subsequently recommended for
the Council in that Province, but was not appointed a member imtil 1720, under
Governor Burnet, but about that time he removed permanently to Perth Amboy and
was consequently dismissed from that Council. He was subsequently for several
years (Smith says thirteen, but that number cannot be verified), in the Assembly of
New Jersey, most of the time being Speaker. He was one of the Commissioners
in 1719-20 for settling the boundary between New York and New Jersey, and at dif
ferent times held other offices with credit to himself. He died September 3d, 17::.'
" very much lamented by all who knew him. and to the inexpressible loss of the
poor, who were always his particular care. "—Whitehead's Hist, of Perth Amboy and
Surrounding Country— N. Y. Col. Doct.— Ed.
120 A OMINISTBATION OF GOVEKNOE HUNTER. [1711
lokes. The three First Chiefest Managers, they began
with entering into a Strict League with the Quakers.
Preliminaries being Settled, & Articles agreed <m.
they fell to work; and drew up & Presented their Ad-
dress, by which it is Evident they Act by the Same
Principles & moved by the Same Spirit as formerly.
And the Earl of Clarendon though absent & out of
their Reach, must be attacked in Order to open the way
to ruin his Friends.
Her MajM.es Councill of State was Seldome Consulted,
except about passing of Bills.
The Gentlemen of the Councill might have taken
Just Exception to the contents of their Address, but
Wee forbore, that the Governor might see Wee were
willing to Joyn with Him in accomplishing The Great
Work of Peace & Union which he pretended to be so
desirous of, how really the Event will Shew.
Wee presented Our Address to His Excellency, by
which you will see Our Principles are the Same as
Ever, And that Wee did avoid whatever might look
like entering into the List of Controversy.
Our Address was Extreamly Opposed by M' Morris
Tho Gordon, George Deacon & Thomas Gardiner,
Neither of Whom would Sign it, for what Reason I
never could learn, except that the first of those had not
the Penning [?] it with Reflections on The Lord Clar-
endon's Administration but Our Peaceable Address
disappointed them Extreamly; for they, could from
thence gather No matter for a Quarrell with Us, which
Wee found, they Earnestly desired.
They then fell on New Measures, which were, to
Pass some Bills which they knew Wee must reject;
Accordingly A Bill for Recording of Deeds in the Sev-
erall Counties of the Province; another for Destroying
Prosecutions by Informations, and A third for Quali-
fying Quakers to serve on all Juries give Evidence in
Criminall Causes, & hold & enjoy Offices of Profit &
L711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERJSTOK IIIXI'KK. \'l 1
Trust in the Government; Which were Accordingly
Sent up to Us.
The 1st took away the Only Valuable Perquisite be-
longing to the Secretaries Office, & was directly con-
trary to his Patent, & indeed impracticable the Clerks
of many Counties being Scarce able to write, & hav-
ing no particular Offices, and on Other Acco'- most In-
capable of Such a Trust.
It was moreover proved, that the Records of Sever-
all Counties have been lost or embezzled by the Negli-
gence or Roguery of the Clerks, besides Severall other
Reasons which were urged, too tedious to relate.
The Bill for Destroying Prosecutions by Informac'ons
was directly contrary to the Acts of Trade & Naviga-
tion, & indeed the Prerogative of the Crown— but
You have too well known what Vallue this Factious
Crew have ever had for That.
The Last Bill was Such a Monster that Every Part
of it was Terrible. It unhinged Our Very Constitu-
tion of Government, as directly contrary to the T1" &
sth K. William A great Encouragemt of Quakerism or
rather it's Establishment, at least in this Pro vice; And
of the most Pernicious Consequence to the Church of
England.
The Quakers in the Councill, & their two Fast
friends Morris & Gordon attempted the Passing thai
with Mighty warmth; The Govr Himself extrea mis-
pressed the Same, at least Com'itting it, for fear of
Angring the Assembly, or putting them, as was the
Pretence, out of Humour.
But Wee considered if it was Com'itted, some trick
or Other might be used to pass it So Wee Resolved to
Reject it on the Second Reading; which being done;
And the Quakers disappointed of their Magna Charta
as it was termed, And indeed the very darling of their
Souls. & no doubt part of the Prize promised them by
Morris &c.a they grew Angry; On which Doctor John-
122 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
stone Reported from a Com'ittee of the Whole House,
that, Notwithstanding it was of the Utmost Conse-
quence to the Prop1-.8 and Inhabitants of this Province,
that a Bill should be brought in for Settling their
Rights to their Lands, Yet it was to No purpose to do
it at this time; because there was no likelybood that
The Councill would pass it, or to that Effect.
This was designed to throw aSlurronthe Councill &
to imprint an 111 Opinion of them in the Minds of the
Ignorant Unthinking Multitude, as Men who Opposed
any thing that was of benefit & Advantage to them.
He Reported likewise, that they had past a Bill in
that House Conformable to Her Majties injunctions in
Relation to the Ease of the People called Quakers but
that the Councill without Com'itting it had rejected it
designing thereby to Mag'nifie their Obedience, & Our
dis-obedience to Her MajtleB Instructions when the
Case is Really thus.
Her Majesty Orders Her Governor to take care, that,
in Order to the Case of the Quakers in what they con-
cieve to be matter of Conscience So far as may be con-
sistent with Good Oorder, and Government, An Act
be passed in the Gen1.1 Assembly to the like Effect as
that parsed in England in the 78 & 8l? year of His late
Maj,ies Reign, Intituled, An Act that the Solemn
Affirmation & declaration of the People called Quakers
shall be accepted instead of an < >ath in the Usual form
&ca Now this Act of theirs being directly contrary to
what the Queen recom'ends, & to the Abovementioned
Acts of Parliament. Mankind must wonder how any
Set of Men could have assurance enough to make so
false & Scandalous a Report, but the Men & their
Principles are too Ma 1 1 ifest by their Notorious Practises.
They Resolved to have a New Clerk to their Assem-
bly, presuming that M- Pinhorne being formerly of
the E. of Clarendon's appointment would not be a tool
to them; they Addrest the Gov' ag* him. And though
1711 J ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 123
every thing they Alleged was false in fact, or no
Crime, Yet the Governor appointed one Bradford the
Printer at New- York in his Room, who had been
waiting in this Town about a Week before in Expec-
tation of that Place.
Thus You will plain perceive N. York & the Party
Supply N. Jersey with Instruments requisite to acom-
plish it's destruction.
And having in this been Successfull, they Next at-
tack the Secretary & Clerk & Councill M'.' Basse first
by Complaints afterwards with Petitions and Ad-
dreses.
The Councill finding So Great an Inconvenience in
the loss of One Honest man, the Clerk of the Assem-
bly, & understanding Ml' Farmer1 was designed to suc-
ceed M- Basse if they could remove him, The
Council resolved, if possible, to prevent that, there-
fore by Advice of Colonel Quary, they drew up
an Address to the Govr in the Secretaries behalf,
which I believe broke their Measures by the Unpleas-
ant Answer the Council received, which together with
the Address the Governor Ordered to be enter'd in the
removed to Perth Am-
boy in 1711, from Bent-
ley, Staten Island, hav-
ing previously, however-
filled the post of Collec-
tor of the Customs at
the former place.— See
Governor Hunter's let-
ter to the Commissioners of the Customs, May Tth. 1711. Soon after his removal to
New Jersey he was appointed Second Judge of the Supreme Court of the Prov.
ince, and from March. 1738 to November, 1729. was the presiding Judge. In 1785 he
was appointed one of the Council. He represented Middlesex County in the Assem
bly from 1740 to 1743 during the administration of Governor Morris. F< »r some time
before his death he was insaue. He left several children, one of whom. Christo-
pher, took the name of Billop. which was the maiden name of his wife, and with it
inherited a large estate on Staten Island, including its southern termination which
is yet known as "Billop's Point." He identified himself with the enemy during
the war of the Revolution, and it was in his house that the conference took :
in September, 1776, between Lord Howe and Franklin, Adams and Rutledge,the
Committee of Oongress.-History of Perth Amboy and the Surrounding Country,
pp. 92-334— New York Colonial Documents.— Ed.
124 ADMINISTRATION OF G0VERN0B HUNTER. [1711
minutes, And therein Condemning M' Bass, as if posi-
tive proof ag1 him, tho' at that time he was intirely a
Stranger to the Particulars of the Charge, having had
no Sight of it, much less required to answer it.
M!' Birchfield having Suspended M- (now called Col-
lonel) Farmer for Generall Misdemeanors in his Office
of Collector of Amboy,1 though the Governor made
Interest to keep him in, it was Resolved by the fac-
tion, that Gentleman should be recompensed with the
Secretaire's Office —
You can easily judge what reason Wee had to ward
agl his being in Such Considerable Posts, as Secretary
of the Province & Clerk of the Councill.
It is reported, but I cannot affirm it. that His Ex-
cellency sends over the charge ag- Mr Basse to Brit -
taine & recom'ends M- Farmer in his place; I hope you
& all our friends will at least Endeavour to prevent
that Party-Man being tosst upon Us, or any of that
Party, which would be eaqually Mischievous.
M-' Willokes was all this while busy in drawing Com-
plaints against Mr Sonmans which were much of the
Same Nature with those in my Lord Lovelace's time,
with this Addition, that, at the Middlesex Election,
he clapt his hand behind, Declaring ag- a North-Brit-
tain Government which was urged as a designed Af-
front ag1 His Excellency & all of that Nation, but, M-
Sonmans answered All very largely, aCoppy of which
he designs to send home to You in his Packet.
M- Hall of Salem, was at the Same time, addrest
ag- by the Assembly for making a wrong taxation of
a Bill of Costs & Selling a Servant of his, whome they
alleged was then a Prisoner, but he presented the Gov!
with an answer in writing, as was thought to his Sat-
isfaction; however it did not prevent his being tinned
1 According to Governor Hunter, t lie sole reason therefor was Ms nol residing at
Amboy.— New York Colonial Documents, Vol. V, p. 231.
i;il| ADMINISTRATION' OF GOVERNOK HUNTER. 1 '.'■">
out from being chief* Judge of the Place, tS: Since the
Grand Jury have found an Indictment ag1 Benj.a
Wright of Philadelphia for taking a false Oath ag- M'.'
Hall about the Servant.
You may be informed, that Mr Hall being a reputed
Quake]-, that Party depended on him for their tool, &
he was at first highly caressed by the Governor who,
(as M' Hall affirmed to me & most of the Gentlemen of
the Coimcill) told him as a Secrett, that he bad resolved
in a Month's time to have Settled the Governm* in
another Manner than it was, had not the Surprizing
alteration of the Ministry in Great Brittain intervened.
However M1 Hall could not be prevailed with to joyn
with Morris, Johnstone &cl! but vigourously opposed
their proceedings both in & out of Councill the
Quakers have now given him a Surfeit, So that he
went constantly to Church during his Stay in this
town; And Some talk, (upon what grounds I know
not) as if that was the Chief reason why he was
removed from being Judge, & one Middleton a Quaker
(who came into the County in Such a Poor condition,
lie was forced to Sell himself a Servant to pay for his
Passage) appointed Judge instead of M1.* Hall.
The Assembly could now no longer disenable their
designs; but, at once pluckt off the Mask by falling on
Major Sandford a Representative, for the Count} of
Bergen; because he had formerly, when of Her Majt,e>
Councill joyned with the Lieu' Gov1 & Seaven more of
that body in Signeing an Address to Her Majly ag.1 the
proceedings of the Assembly in vindication of Earl
Clarendon, for this they expelled him the House
making at the Same time a Vote, That that Address
was False, Scandalous, &ca And That No Member of
Her Majtits Councill that Signed it, should be Ever
capeable of Sitting in that House, till he had Publickly
acknowledged his fault in So doing.
Major Sandford was afterward elected a Representa
126 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
tive a Second time for the Same County, not One op-
posing him, with a Present of Money to bear his
charges, & a Declaration that if they refused to admit
him Or expelled him again, he Should be as often
chosen; the Sheriff returned the Writt, but the House
would not admitt him.
Mr Mott one of the Representatives for Monmouth
County, a Gentleman who warmly opposed their
Extravagant proceedings, was in like manner expelled
the House because He & M1 Lawrence had formerly
petitioned the Governor & Councill to have Some Rea-
sons about the Bill for the Canada expedition, which
they had presented to Coll Nicholson, enter'd into the
Journall, though the true Reason was his dissenting
from them; He soon after was returned again by the
County with a Gen!1 concurrence, but not allowed by
the Assembly to Sitt, Some in the House declaring it
was Impudence in the County to return any Man they
had expelled.
Mr Trotwell [Fretwell?] was the next they designed
for the Same fate with Major Sandford & M! Mott;
but, what they had done in relation to those two mem-
bers had So incenced the Counties for which they were
chosen, with the Generality of the Province (that were
not Quakers) that it was thought adviseable to proceed
no further in Expulsions.
From the time the Councill rejected the three Bills
above mentioned there was a Whispering that Shortly
Something would appear So frightfully to Severall of
the Councill. as to oblige them to abandon the Province
and then it would be in the Gov'" power to appoint a
number of new Counsellors, Sufficient to carry all
things as they had projected, this was
A Bill, Enacting that all the Statutes ag- Bankrupts
made in England Should be in force in this Province, —
And it was Past & sent up, where, after Long Debates
& Reasonings it was found the most Pernicious Bill
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. L2 i
Imaginable; for besides, that M1.' Edward Billing, and
M" John Fen wick, under whome all Persons in West-
Jersey held their Lands, So that no man could be
secure of his Estate, but the Ored1'.8 of those two Gen-
tlemen might come & take, from us Our Settlements;
and Hundreds of the Inhabitants have purchased
Lands of Other Prop1'8 who are likewise Bankrupts; So
that to Pass Such a Bill were to depopulate and ruin the
Province — But, there will be many Other Unanswer-
ble Reasons Shown why Such a Destructive Bill
ought not to Pass, and Wee doubt not to Satisfie Her
Majesty & the Honb,e Com'8 of the Board of Trade &
Plant a Why Some Other Bills were refused; hoping in
few days more to recover the Packet Sent over by Petr
Stamons Esq-' from the Council in N. Jersey, which,
by the Death of the Gentleman to whose hands it was
intrusted to be delivered to Mr Dockwra the Prop" Sec-
retary has occasioned this loss of time.
Another Bill is past for Support of Her Maj"?8 Gov-
ern in1 to the value of £!»44 and £300 for the Assembly
for One Year, New Currency; And the Same for the
Next Year if the Govr Shall continue So long among us
But, in Case He should die, or be recalled before that
time, then He or His Exec1'8 & the Other Officers of the
Governm* aretorecieve their Salary, only to the time of
his Death or rem o vail from the Governm? and what
remains is to be lodged in the Treasurers hands to be
disposed of by Act of General Assembly; Which is
contrived to make all Governors and Other Officers
Tools to the Assembly, or elce they Shall have no
Salarys for, say they, Wee know not who may be Gov^
next, perhaps One that is no friend to the Quakers &
Doct1' Johnstone &ca whether this can be called a Rev-
enue, or Something elce, I care not to name but You
will easily Judge.
The Governor assured the Assembly that Collonel
Morris was Presid1 of Her Maj,U8 Councill by Her
Particular Letter; And they Soon after Order d All
128 ADMINISTRATION <>J- GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
their Bills to be delivered to Mr Morris as President,
who brought them afterwards to the Gov"' this was
Opposed by the Majority of the Councill but to no
purpose, the Governor declaring the Assembly must
be humoured. Indeed the Greatest Care Imaginable
was taken not to displease them, but to allow them
their head in every thing.
As for the Councill, as little regard was had for them
(except Morris Gordon Gardiner & Deacon) as possible,
nay less than during my Lord Lovelace's administra-
tion: Howsoever, Notwithstanding all the Affronts
wee met with, all the hardship wee lay under, Wee
lost not a Jot of Our Courage, but did what was Our
Duty to Our Queen & Country here; It is true, the
Quakers & ther Adheerents in the Assembly revile us,
but the Greater part of the Country thank and
Contend us, And Wee are not out of hopes of Her
Majti<>s Countenance and Protection, for without it
Wee must all be crusht, and Sink under the weight of
a Quaker- Arbitrary Assembly, than which Nothing
can be more Intolerable to the English Men,& true Mem-
bers of the Church of England by Law Established.
M- Gardiner is to be Our Surveyor Generall if he is
not already. '
1 Thomas Gardiner, the father of the one named in the text, was among- the first
settlers of Burlington, arriving with his wife and children in 1618, and bringing with
him considerable property. It is presumed that he was a brother of Peter Gardiner,
a prominent Friend, who resided near Castle Hedingham. in Essex, England. He
was elected a member of the first provincial Legislature that sat at Burlington in
1682; and filled the positions of Commissioner for dividing and regulating land,
Judge of Burlington County Courts, Treasurer of the Province and one of the Gov-
ernor's Council with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. He
died in 16!M, leaving a widow and several children. Thomas Gardiner, mentioned
in the text,
w as one of
his sons.
He married y . i* L**^ / ■ s-i ) '
Hannah f ////TZO .' L/ (7J7/jC*
M a the ws
and resided
for some
years at
Woodbridge. He was a practical surveyor and one of the Judges of Gloucester
county. After the death of his father he removed to Burlington, and notwith-
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 129
Mr Gordon is Deputy-Treasurer under Johnston Bil-
lop & Bradford.
Billop has a Com'ission to be Escheator Generall.
Captain Farmer is made a Collonel & Judge of the
Pleas in Middlesex and Somersett, in the Room of Mr
Sonmans, where there is likewise an intire new Sett of
Justices.
Collonel Pinhorne is removed from being Judge in
Bergen, & Fferry Morry in his Place.
Cap- Bown is out in Monmouth, & Coll Morris first
Judge in his Stead,
Doctor Johnstone is Second Judge.
Major Spicer, who went on the Expedition to Canada,
is Superseded by Justice Tomlinson in Gloster County,
& One Townsend a Quaker made Judge in Cape May
County.
In Short the Greatest part of those put in by Earl
Clarendon and Collonel Ingoldesby, are turned out of
Com'ission & Severall Quakers, and Men reconr ended
by Quakers, put in.
Collonel Townley is lately dead, in Whome the Hon-
est Part of the Councill has Sustained a Great loss.
Collonel Huddy is no more my Lieu1 Collonel lie is
So Uneasy at a Prosecution < >rder'd ag! him for a Mo-
nopoly, onacco- of the Patent E: of Clarendon grunted
him about Setting up His 1 mention of Carriages for
Conveying Goods through the Province, that i believe
if it is not Speedily Stopt, He will leave the Province,
which 1 should heartily regret, he having been at a
Vast expence in bringing matters to such a Perfection.
As to my Self. 1 have dropt some words since the
standing the difficulties encountered when lie would have entered upon his duties
as Surveyor General of West Jersey, he appears to have filled the position for si i
eral years with satisfaction. He was also, for several years, a member of the Coun< il
and Treasurer of Cue Western Division and alter the union of the Provinces in 1703.
the Speaker of the first Assembly. He died at Burlington in 1717. Smith's Nov.
Jersey, p. --'00. Clements' First Emigrant Settlers in Newton Township. Gloucester,
p. 353.— Ed.
130 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
rising of the Assembly as if I designed for Brittain,
which has Occasioned not a little Uneasiness to some
People.
I had like to have omitted informing You, that the
evening before the Assembly was Prorogued, they de-
livered the Governor a Representac'on of the State of
the Province (as they call it) containing 32 Pages close
writt Penn'd by Coll Morris & the non-Juror George
Willokes; Doctor Johnstone read a [it ?] to Him, the As-
sembly & Severall Other People being Present, but not
one of the Councill except M- Morris; & as I am told
by Some of the Assembly; his Answer was He would
represent the Matters to the Queen, & doubted not but
She would take Such Measures as would give a Gen1.1
Satisfaction. It contains (as Some Honest Assembly
Anti-Quakers assure me) the most Scandalous and Vil-
lainous Reflections on the E. of Clarendon & His Lp.8
Administration that could be invented. So bad, they
avoided nameing many of them. Severall Pages are
writt ag- His Lo? & Coll Iogoldesby is likewise miser-
ably traduced, and the late Chief Justice Mompesson,
Collonel Pinhorne, Townley & Huddy, Mr Sonmans,
Mr Hall & my Self, if youle believe 'em, are some of the
worst of men — Two Hundred Coppies I hear have been
printed but, Since the News of the happy change of the
Ministry, & the Good agreem? bet'wixt Her Majesty and
the Parliament; they were Ordered out of BradFord's,
the Printer's hands & I understand wee here are not
like to have a Sight of them.
It is talkt abroad, as if Something like Scandalum
Magnatum against his Lordship in that Representa-
tion, had terribly scared Some People; And I believe
the fear of that, Joined with the change of the Minis-
try &ca keep it So private; Some here are of opinion it
will be sent for Great Brittain by the Governor to some
of his friends if not more Publickly; the first part I
believe, though scarce the last; Yet no body doubts, but
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 131
Collonel Moms & Doctf Johnstone will send Coppies to
Sr William Ashurt Michaiah Perry, my Lady Lovelace;
And the Jersey Society.
I just now hear a Report (but how well-grounded I
know not) that what concerns the Lord Clarendon is
to be omitted, & the Remainder ag? Collonel Ingoldes-
by, and the Councill to be exposed.
I cannot forbear mentioning one thing more, which
a Gentleman assures Me to be true. & is as Great a
piece of Knavery as can be imagined; The Assembly
in their Representation Say: that when Collonel Quary
Signed that Address (meaning that ag? Morris, Jen-
nings &ca) Wee believe he was Misled, and depended
too much on the credit of Others; for he has since
(they say) very much declined from Joyning with
them, in many of their Hott & Rash Humours, and
doth at present behave himself like a Man, that doth
intend the Service of The Queen & the Good of the
Country. This was to make the Councill Suspicious
of Collonel Quarry. And to compliment him out of his
design of exposing their Proceedings at home. Collonel
Quary thinks himself highly affronted & injured on
this Occasion; their Intention (as he imagins) being to
make him both Knave & Fool; And he has often de-
clared to Me, this Assembly was One of the Worst he
ever knew, that, as far as he could percieve, there was
Nothing So bad, but they won Id attempt; if they
thought it would injure any of the Councill, that were
not their tools, declaring he was Sick of them, & Re-
solved never to see 'em again
Mr Sonmans has lately procured Some heads of tin's
Famous Representation which he will transmit! to
you; what I have seen arc entirely false <>r miserably
misrepresented. Judge Mompesson is turned out, &
one Jemmison a North-Brittain, who lives at X: York
is Chief Justice in his stead in this Colony of N. Jer-
sey; the Man & his Morals are too well known.
132 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Mi" Kegnier in imitation of the Assembly forbears not
according to his Usuall custome, to make out writts
ag? the Gentlemen of the Councill; and but a few dayes
since, Sent one to the Sheriffe of this County, to arrest
Mr Huddy for £20, which he pretends is due to one
Gomez a Jew in N. York; though in November term
he had filed a Declaration ag! him for the very Same
Money, and Mr Huddy had put in his Plea to it; And,
wee are told by Some People, that the Gentlemen of
the Councill have no Privilege at all tho' an Assembly-
Man, or an Attorney of the Court has.
Collonel Morris is made Second Judge of the Supream
Court, and Thomas Gardiner & George Deacon both
Quakers, Assistant Judges.
The Governor of Pensylvania having past an act of
Assembly, whereby a Solemn Protestation is to be
taken, (the Name of God being Omitted, ) instead of the
Solemn Affirmation appointed by act of Parliament,
has Occasioned Addresses from Severall of the Minis-
ters & Vestry's in that Colony to the Queen age passing
y1 Bill And Our Minister & Vestry of Burlington have
done the Same.
Wee are now in a much worse Condition than if
Im'ediately under the Governm1 of N. York, for most
of Our Officers live in and belong to that Province,
Yet wee must pay them.
Mr Morris The President of Our Councill, who is also
Judge of the Pleas, in the County of Monmouth lives
an Inhabitant of New York; Our Chief Justice, who
has not One farthing Interest in the whole Province,
Our Eeciev1:8 Generall, Our Treasurers and their Secu-
rities, Our Escheator Generall Mr Joseph Billop, who
has likewise no manner of Estate here; Our Auditor
Generall the like; And Collonel Farmer the Judge of
this County, Doctor Johnstone— Second Judge of
Monm? County; Bradford the Clerk and Printer of the
Assembly, all live in New York-Government; and, of
1711] ADMINISTRATION OK GOVERNOB HUNTER. L33
those that reside in this Province, all the North-Brit-
tains that can be found, though never So Scandalous
are preferred. And next to them the Quakers; So that
the few tolerable Officers will not Act. or be concerned
with them.
You will by this Easily perceive the Miserable Con-
dition of this Poor Province, how far we are from
being reconciled or agreed; And I see no Prospect of
Amendm1. while the Gov1' of New York is Governor of
New Jersey; And Wee labour under the dead weight
of the Quakers.
Now if the Councill was Purged of Mr Morris, who
has ever been Ringleader of the Seditious, Ml' Deacon,
Mr Gordon, and Mr Gardiner; And, the Quakers kept
close to the Indulgence the Laws allow them, but not
permitted to bear any Offices, much less to sit either
in Councill or Assembly.
And then the Vacancies in the Councill filled up
with Honest Well-Meaning Men, Such as John Bown,
Cornelius Long-field, and Charles Duncan for the East-
ern; and Daniel Leeds Jacob Spicer &ca for the West-
ern Division, I beleive this Province might be easily
Settled, but if the two Vacancies now in the Council
viz^ Major Sandford and Coll. Townley are supplied
with Quakers or Others of the Confederacy in their
Interest, as at the last time, and Such I have no doubt
the Governor will recom'end, I doubt the County
[Country?] will be ruined.
[Rec'd p. Mr Dockwra l-tfl June 1711
Rec'd at ye Honb:,e board of Trade 13 July 1711 pr Mr
Popple the Seer]
134 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Address of the New Jersey General Assembly to the
Queen. Tendering their Support.
From P. K. O. America and West Indies, Vol. VI. 1
To the Queens most Excell? Majesty
The humble Address of your Majesty's Loyall
and Dutifull Subjects the General Assem-
bly of your Majesties Colony of New Jer-
sey.
Most Gracious Soveraign
The great Preparations your Majesty has made for
the Reduction of Canada is a Demonstration that the
Remotest of your Dominions are not Exempted from
Your Roy all Care; and that the benefit ease and safety
of your Subjects where ever they are as they are the
good Effects of your Administration, So they are what
Your Majesty most chiefly Studies to promote, which
cannot fail of Engaging the favour and Assistance of
heaven to make you always Victorious, and will pro-
cure you a just ffame as lasting and as Glorious as the
Trophies gain'd by your Triumphant Arms can Entitle
you to.
Our Duty and the Share we shall have in the com'on
Security of North America, engages our Thankfull
Acknowledging for Your Majesties ffavours. And as
we have with great Chearfulness contributed to the
very utmost of our Abilities to it,1 so wee Shall most
readily and most willingly Support Your Majties Gov-
ernment and Study to do it in Such a manner as shall
be most agreeable to you, espetially now wee feel the
happy Effects of it in the Prudent Conduct of your
1 Equal to £5,000, currency.— Ed.
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 135
Majesties faithful Servant his Excellency Robert Hun-
ter Esq- our Governour. God give Your Majesty
many Days and may those days be happy, is the
hearty Prayer of
Your Majesties Most Dutiful Subjects
Die Luna? 16th July 1711
By Order of the House
John Kay Speaker.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Captain Cox — about
Dispatching Troops to Albany.
[From the N. Y. Col. MSS.. LVT, p. 2.1
Sr
It is high time the Levys for the present Expedition
were on their march and that I may discharge my
promise to them and Enable them to to marche, I have
ordered the Treasurer of your division to pay to Each
voluntier you shall certify to have entered in this Ser-
vice the Bounty I promised them and to give them a
shilling a day apiece for their Subsistence on their
march in lieu of provisions.
I desire you to hasten them to Amboy wlh what
speed is possible where their Clothing, Accutrem19 &
Arms lye ready for them and where vessells that be
sent to transport them.
Capt Cox— I am &c.
Letter from Colonel Thomas Farmar to Governor
Hunter— about Supplies for the Troops.
[From N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. LVI, p. 10.]
Amboy July 3191 1711
Sr
I recd Yours ye 20th & 30,h Instant by Kirlon but
Know of no Salt provision to be had in these parts for
l.'5<i ADMINISTRATION (> !•' GO V EK N'OR HUNTER. [1711
I have made Inquiry about it Except about 400 lb of
Smokt Beef that M1 Rudiard has w" liele take with
him for his Company therefore there will be a neses-
sety for Sending down as much as will serve them on
their passage to Albany. The two CaptB has got
between 7<> c<: 90 men between them & would I belive
have fild their Companies by this Time If they had
not bin disapointed in Essex and bergen by the Com-
panies Not meeting the begining of this Week as was
Expected but however I belive they will be reddy to
Imbarke ye begining of ye next week here will be
Sloops ready for them then What they do in ye West-
ern division I know not but If they Get as many men
there as here there will be more Clothes & arms
Wanted pray Sr Give my humble Duty to his Exce" &
belive to be,
Sr Your Most Humble Servt.
Thos. Farmar.
I have sent 400 pounds in bills to Mr Gardner at
Burlington.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Colonel Cox, about
Discharging I rolunteers.
[From N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. LVL, p. 12.]
S'
I have the favor of yours of the 3d Instant which
tells me of a Petition sent to me from Philadelphia I
have reced it indeed but Cannot do anything therein
for its neither in my power nor for the Service to dis-
miss the Voluntiers nor is Col Gookin very solicitous
about it. I desire youT send the deserter to Amboy
to be delivered to the Sheriff of that County the Charge
whereof I will pay and direct him to send him in safe
( Custody hither.
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. lol
I will Endeavor to make Capt Strangeham and his
officers as easy as I can I hope to see him wth his men
here before I goe for Albany which will be in 2 or
three days I am
S' very humble Servt,
Col. Cox. Ro. Hunter.
Letter to Colonel Farmar, at Perth Amboy, about the
Movements of His Troops.
[From N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. LVI, p 18
His Excellency Desires you to let yo1 Troops Come
hither as soon as possible because he would see them
before they go up and here they may have their
victuals and those who want it Clothes if you have
not engaged Sloops for Albany they may go from
hence in Bateaux I hope you will hasten them for his
Excellency will go up the Begining of the Week I am
Sr Yo' Most humble Servant
New York August 3d 1711.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary St Joint.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts.. Vol. V. p. 252. |
| Extracts. |
New York 12 th September 1711
Sir
What past in the two Assemblys which rnett ye one
at New York y" 2'1 of July, the other at Perth Amboy
ye 6Ul the Journalls of Councills and Assembly's of both
Provinces mark'd C, will amply inform you.
138 A D MINISTRATION" OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
The Assembly of New York raised ten thousand
pounds [for the Canadian Expedition.]
The Assembly of ye Jerseys raised Five thousand
pounds for this service to be disposed on by me, as
ye minutes will informe you; I im ployed all hands and
arts for levys there, and with some difficulty found at
least neare upon two hundred volunteers. In short
before ye end of ye month, I had the troops levy'd,
clothed, accoutred and victualled and upon their march
for Albany, had ready made 330 batteaus, capable of
carrying each six men with their provisions * *
You are pleased to lay yo1 commands upon me to
take into my thoughts the whole state of ye Brittish
interest in these parts. I am highly sensible of ye
honour you doe me, and at ye same time of my want
of capacity to think much to the purpose on soe great a
subject, which indeed deserves and requires the
thoughts of the greatest councill in ye realme.
That it is in a bad state the frequent tumults in all
parts and ye generall aversion to ye support of govern-
ment in most, are sufficient indications. What you
are pleased to hint of putting all North America under
one uniforme plan of government would most certainly
be a sure remedy; but I am afraid it is too lingering a
one for ye present exigences; The purchasing pro-
priety es and takeing away of usurpations being a
work of time and trouble. The Proprietary Govern-
ments which were modell'd according to ye humours
of their respective Proprietors consist of ye Governour
and ye Representatives, the Council in most being a
mere cypher, haveing no share of ye legislature : by
which meanes ye Governonrs depending upon ye good
will of ye people for their dayly bread, have beene
obliged to make such concessions and past them into
laws, that if these governments be purchased and con-
tinued upon the foot they now stand, her Majty pay
deare for much trouble and noe dominion. This is
1711] ADMIXISTKATION OF (iOYF.UNOK HUNTER. 139
ye plan of the government however they all aime at,
and make noe scruple to own itt.
* -x- •;•:• * # *
I wish it were in my power to doe for Mr Harrison as
he deserves and I cou'd wish. There is one imployi nent
which is imediately in yor owne, that is, y Secretaries
place of ye Jerseys; Mr Bass the present Secretary be-
ing soe obnoxious a man and indeed infamous that I
cannot believe her Majty will be induc't to keep him
there, after the representations T have made agl
him: There is another since Mr Keile has given over
thoughts of returning hither, which is, Surveyor Gen-
erall of ye Customes in these parts, M1 Brushfield
[Birchfield] who is possest of that place being gone
for England and demeaned himself in such a manner
whilst here that I can hardly be perswaded ye Commis-
sioners of ye Customs will send him back hither againe
'.': -X- -if -V: Vc '■';
I am Sir
Your most faithfull. most
humble and obed* Serv1
Ro: Hunter
Letter from Governor Hunter to Jeremiah Basse Sec-
retary, &c— about Commissions for the Su-
preme Court Judges.
IFrom N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. LV1. p 136.1
New York Octr 22d 1711.
Sr.
I Returne you ye paper sealed w"1 proclamation
which I desire you1 Cause to be published forthwith to
make out and send me to be Sealed by ye Returne of
this Post two Com'issions for Judge of yc Supream
Court one in yc name of Thomas Ffarmar Esq! and
140 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
ye other of John Reading Esq' and also a Ded: pro
testatem Directed to David Jamison Esq!" to Swear
them, the time of sitting for ye next Supream Court
is drawing on apace, Soe that you will perceive that
there is a necessity of yor Dispatching those things
that I may have them on Satturday next lam
Yor humble Servt.
To Jeremiah Bass, Esqr Eo: Hunter.
Memorial of New Jersey Proprietors in England to the
Lords of Trade — about the disputes between the
Council and Assembly of New Jersey.
I From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey. Vol. I. C 110.]
The Memoriall of the Proprietors of New Jersey
to the Right Honb|e the Com1;8 of Trade &
Plantations. Dated 7th Novf 1711.
To the Right Hon'ble the Lords Comissions^ for
Trade & Plantations.
The Memorial of the Proprietors of the Province of
New Jersey.
Humbly Sh ewe th ,
That by Severall Letters from thence they have re-
ceived Advices of the Great Disorders and Confusions
there amongst the people in Breach of the Peace and
quiet of the Province and preventing the Prosperity
thereof.
That the Causes and Springs of these Disorders are
largely Sett forth in a Representation of the Assembly
of the Province to which the Proprietors humbly de-
sire to referr.
That they have often laid before this Hono'ble Board
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 141
particularly in their Memoriall of the 26'? Novr 1709
That the Continuing W Daniell Cox, Peter Sonmans
and others (therein mentioned) in the Council tended
to promote those factions and Divisions, and prayed
that they might be left out, and men of Justice &
Temper nominated to Succeed them
That Matters are now Come to Such a heighth that
unless Some Speedy Remedy be applyed, the Proprie-
tors Interest will be lost, and the Province brought to
utter ruine.
For preventing therefore these ill Consequences the
Proprietors do again humbly apply to this Hono'ble
Board That the Said Daniell Cox Peter Sonmans and
also William Pinhorn Hugh Huddy and W1!1 Hall may
be left out of the Gov? Councill, and that Jeremiah
Basse who is Notorious for many ill Practices may be
dismissed from the Office of Secretary of the Province
and their places Supplyed by Such fitt persons as to
yor Lordships great Wisdom shall seem meet
Jn° Norton J Dominique
Joseph Ormston for E Eichier
himself & by procuration Jn" Bridges,
for George Willocks. Chas Michel
Char: Dunster Fra Michel
John Whiting Rob Michel
Letter from Governor Hunter to Jeremiah Basse,
Secretory. &c.
[From N. Y. Col. MSN.. Vol. LVII, p. 8.]
s
Mr Gardner having represented to me that for want
of his being Sworne Surveyor Gen" to the Proprietors
of the Western Division of New Jersey some Incon-
veniencies have arisen whereby And desiring me to di-
rect you (who have aGenerall | . . >. . . |) to Swear him
142 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
I think his request very reasonable and I doe hereby-
direct you to qualify him for that office that no further
inconveniencys may happen by the neglect of it.
I desire you likewise to make out Commissions for
the underwritten persons Edward Earle Shinar High
Sheriff of Bergen County.
John Cooper, High Sheriff of Essex. John Camp-
bell of Amboy High Sheriff of Middlesex and Somerset
County.
John Barclay Clerk of Middlesex & Somerset Coun-
ty. Henry Leonard Sheriff of Monmouth County
Thomas Hoiks Junr Sheriff of Burlington County. I
will send you the names of the other Sherriffs for the
Ensueing year I am Sr
New York Yr very humble Servt
Nov. 25t.h 1711.
Letter from Jeremiah Basse to Governor Hunter,
Relating to Surveys.
From N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. LVII. p. 8.1
Burlington the 29th Novem 1711.
May it please Your Excellency —
Sr—I Received Your Excellcy. of the 26tl instanl
and have made out the Commissions according to Your
Excellcy orders. Mr Gardiner hath not as yet been
with me to take the oath and think it my duly to
acquaint your Excellcy. that before I Received your
Ecellencys Letter there was a Caveat entered againsi
him as Surveyer General by Col Coxe a Copie which 1
have sent your Excellency & shall waite your Excel-
lent pleasure therein as I acquainted Your Excellency
that Mr Gardiner and others were dissatisffied with .Mr
Leeds Serveys & have Caveated the entry soe I must
likewise informe your Excv that severall persons that
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 143
have had lands serveyed by Mr Leeds are very much
displeased they Cannot have them put on Record they
thinke that they are as Equaly entitled to have them
Entered as Mr Gardiner or any other & look upon it as
matter of property which the Court of Juicature Can
determine this Controversary may it please your Ex-
cell — hath been no new thinge Since in the time of My
Lord Cornburys administration this was an order of
his Lordship in Councill Dated the 20"' May 1700 to
the Attorney Generall to presecute Thomas Gardiner
for Pretending to be a Surveyor Generall of the West-
ern division of this province producing any authority
for soe doing on this Mr Attorney Gen" filed an Infor-
mation against him to which he appeared in Court but
before it came to tryall on Some aplication to Col
Ingoldesby he sent a note * * * to the Attorney
Generall on which Mr Attorney Generall by an order
to me of the 24th Oct1" 1709 put a stop to all proceed-
ings. Since which time Surveys coming to the office
either from one or the other of them have been entered
without Scruple till this New Caveat unless in some
particular Cases where a Prior Survey of the same
lands has been alleged I have thus given your Excel-
lency a short accot of the matter which I must leave
to your Excellencys determination onely I begg leave
to add that if either the one or the other doe act
irregularly in their Surveys the Law is open and the
person, agreived may without much difficulty be
righted & there is little danger, but when it comes to
a Jury their owne interest will obleidge them to be
( arefull how they Give their verdict I begg your Ex-
cellencys pardon for what I have writt and thai you
will esteame me to be may it please your Excellency
Your Excellencys most
affectionate & humble Servant
J. Bass.
144 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
Letter from Thomas Gardiner to Governor Hunter.'
[From N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. JJVJL, p. 23.1
Burlington, Decern!? ye 11th 1711.
May it Please the Governed
I hoped I should not haue Gaue ye Gover. any fur-
ther trouble Consarning my being Quallified as Sur-
veyor Gen" nor Indeed had not but Secetoary Basse
takeing on him to Interperit the orders the Goverl Was
pleased to Derect him by to Quallifie mee as Such,
first tell ye next Day I beliue hee had not tell then his
full Instructions how to actt I here y* night they had
a meetting &c; soe Next Morning I came againe &
then hee tooke mee to the Attorneys & After some
small time possitiuely Eofuysed Except I would take
the Oathes, the Which hee knew I Could not doe, And
I Deseired him to Quallifie mee ye same Way as hee
well knew I had Don several! times to serue in Gener1.
Assembly & Now as a Member of her Majesties Coun-
sell I alsoe aded that hee knew had hee not taken the
Dedemus & Eowles [rules) home from the Gove1"
house it had not been then to be Don, and further
Where hee Beliued had it then boon Don Were >
Gover. Would Eefuysed mee for not Swereing to
Which with a short answer told mee hee Did not
know (nor) beliue (con-) how Euer all would not pre
vaill With him to Obay y Goverl! orders hee Giue
more Regard to the orders of some other here away.
the truth of all is both hee & Coll Coxe Knew I will
not Eun on Land Knowing ye same to be formerly
Survayed to Oblidge & Gratifie any person how Great
1 This letter is printed as furnished from the New York Colonial Manuscripts at
Albany, but from the estimation in which Thomas Gardiner was held for his intel-
ligence and ability, the Editor is not willing to consider him responsible for the
many errors in orthography and diction which it contains.— Ed.
1711 J ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 145
Soever as Daniell Leeds Doth frequently doe & hath
Don in Several places & Basse Resevd them & Say
lett ye owners try for it, Nor Indeed Can they as much
as hope I licke [like] them Shall act Contrary to all
our former and p'sent Rulls such as hath been Estab-
lished from the first Settelling of this Country and
allowed both by ye proprietors here & att home* &
Euen Docttor Coxe himselfe tooke vp noe Land as I
I know of but by the same authority, althow his Son
now Indever to Destroy it, I shall not further inlarge
the Gover! may better Inform him selfe by another
from ye Counsell of propriety them seines Which
Cometh herewith, I here of a Large Written Instru-
ment Carried about by Leeds to gett Subscribers it is
all Ready subscrib by Coxe Sinnomons and a pretty
many others of their Interest allthow Some Repent as
hath don it I know not Well What it Containe I here
the Gov! is mentioned in In it and my Selfe I had ye
Information from Some as was perswaded to Signe
but would not When I Can be fully Informed If any
thing in it Consarne ye Gover! I shall advise accord-
ingly I had written by ye Last post but tell Satterday
a lettell befor Sun Sott I gott my Letter & next Day
ye post Retoorned soe Could not, I pray the Gov! to
pardon this trouble and hee will ffurther oblidge him
Whoe is With all Due Respects the Gover5 Reale &
sencere ffrend to serue him In What I may
Tho: Gardiner,
I am told Just now that Basse hath been & Swore to
ye Grand Jury that hee had tendered mee ye Qualifi-
cation as Survey" Gen11 & I Refused What hee Intend
by it time will make it appeare (Decembr ye 12) this 1
thought Good to advise ye Gover! as hee may see What
is in hand & how fare is Commands is obeyed
10
146 AbMi^isTkATioN or GOVEftKoit iiixtek. [l^H
Protest of Daniel Leeds and others — ((gainst the Pro-
ceedings of the Comic it of Proprietors of West
Jersey.
[From N. Y. Col. MSS.. Vol. LV1L. p. 35'.]
Whereas, we whose names are here underwritten
Proprietors or Purchasers of our Several Respective
Shares and Rights in the Westerne division of New Jer-
sey haue with many other our fellow proprietors of the
sd Westerne division here in England and elsewhere
for many Years last past Groaned vnder the burthen
of a dispotical uncontroled power exercised by a perticu-
ler set of men Stileing themselves a Councell of Pro-
prietors for the Westerne division of New Jersey who
have taken upon them to Inspect and Judge of mens
titles allowing or dissallowing them according to their
owne humors with out any Regard to the known laws
of England or the rights of their fellow proprietors
and haue Contrary to the Said known laws and in Con-
tempt of her Majesties Authority taxed the Subject by
demanding and taking several Sumes of money from
them under pretence of paying for Warrants to Lay
out Land and Recording them & [ . ? . ] a Common Seale
Chuse officers and enter their on [. ( . j Registers and Ac-
tuarys as if they were a body Corperate and politiq in
perpetuity [ . '. . | Warrants to Survey land directeing
them to their pretended Surveyor Generall or his deputy
impowering him to take up any land not legally sur-
veyed thereby asumehig a power to appoint their Sur-
veyor. Judge of what land is legally taken up and sur-
veyed and what not. All which with many other things
of the like nature tend to the dishonor of her Majesty
and her Government to the disturbance of thepublique
peace of the province and to the destruction of the
property of the Subject. Wherefore we in behalfe of
1711] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 1 W
ourselves and many other our fellow proprietors t < >r
[ > i < 'ser veing our Just Rights and Property to our sever; 1 1 1
and Respective shares of land of the said Western divi-
sion of New Jersey doe in the best manner and [. '. . j We
Can disowneand prefect [protest] against all the said
proceedings of the said pretended Councill of proprie-
tors disowning their authority and Reguardiug them
onely as private persons who can take up and dispose
of no more then their particular shares of land and
this we pray may be entered upon the publiq Records
of the province in the Secretary's office. Daniell Leeds,
John Woolsson Abraham Hewlings John Gosling,
John Woolsson Jun. Samuelle Woolsson
Leeds, Philo Leeds, Sam1 Gooldy Jacob Sebering J.
Pinhorne John Halgard Jacob Hewling John Cramer
Samuell Potter Japhet Leeds.
December the 5"' 1711.
I Thomas Gardiner Surveyor ( reneral of the West-
ern division of New Jersey doe by these presents for-
bid & desire that no Survey or Returne of Survey
whatsoever made and Returned by any Surveyor that
may pretend any authority from me or otherwise to
l»e entred on * - * only such as shall be Signed by
[me] untill the matter be heard and determined by the
Governer in Councill whereof I pray due observancy
may be had,
Tho Gardiner Sur. Generall.
Mr. Secretary Bass
1 do hereby Caveat against Thomas Gardiner his
being sworne or asserted Surveyor Generall till he has
the Concent of me as a proprietor and the rest of the
proprietors in Generall and also against all Surveys
US ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
being Recorded that are or shall be Returned by him
or any other Surveyor which is not qualified Accord-
ing to the Queenes instructions and that of Parlia-
ment.
Daniel Leeds
Dated t2tb Dece: IT 11
Letter from, Jeremiah Basse to Governor Hunter —
about swear i ng Thomas Gardiner into office.
IFrom N. Y. Col. MSS.. p. 36.]
May it please Your Excellency,
Sr.
Since my last to your Excellency Mr. Gardiner has
been with me to qualify him as Surveyor Generall of
the Western division of this province I acquainted him
with Col. Coxe Caveat that I had sent a Coppy to
your Excellency & waited Your further orders after
Some other discourse M1 Attorney Generall being present
I told him of the order I had Recieved from Your Excel-
lency to sweare him on which I asked him if the Cav-
eat was dismissed whether he would take the usual!
oaths &c: he told me no but that he would take an
attestation : I told him had no orders but to swear him
oc the dedimus I had Received gave me no authority
to administer an attestation to [ .... '. .... J
qualify for an office of profit. Since the act of Par-
liament that admitted the Quakers sollemn afirma-
tion did perticularly provide against it he aserted
that it was your Excellences intentions that he should
be admitted on an animation which I thought he
was mistaken in | . . ( . . J your Excellency had we
plainly explained yourselff by useing the word [ . ? . |
Sweare he told me he should Complaine of the delay I
gave him which since it had no better foundation then
because I would not satisfie his humor against your
1712] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. L49
Excellencys orders & the known laws of the land I was
very little solicitious about: Inclosed I send Your Ex-
cell'y a Coppy of a paj)er I Keced from him and an-
other Caveat from Mr Leeds with a paper delivered
to me by Coll Coxe all which are submitted to Your
Excellencys Judgement I received by the last post the
Proclamations for the further prerogation of the As-
sembly which I published and shall take to send to the
Severall Sheriffs by the first opertunity I begg the
favor of your Excellency to Sealethe Enclosed Coppy s
of Wills & that you will believe me to be
Your Excellencys most humble and
affectionate Servant
J. Basse.
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade,
about Changes in New Jersey Council.
[From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey, Vol. I, C. 122.]
Letter from Colonel Hunter, Governor of New
Jersey, Reed: 10 April 1712 Ex'1
New York 1 s.1 January 1 11 1— [1 71 1-12]
My Lords.
This Letter Serves to Inform Yor Lordps of the
Affairs in the Jerseys, Which will not give Yor Lordps
much trouble. All matters being in Suspense there till
her Majties pleasure be known concerning those Gen-
tlemen of her Council mentioned in my former. Lie
venture to promise an Intire Settlement both as to her
Majtie8 Interest and the Animosities in the Country Soe
she'l be pleased to Remove Daniel Cox. William Pin-
horne Peter Sonmans and William Hall Esqrs from
that Board, Mr Pinhornehas not thought fitt to Attend
150 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR BUNTER. [1712
the Council Since ye Assembly at Burlington, and Mr
Hall has been the Cheife promoter of an Address from
the County where he lives of a very Extraordinary
nature, a Copy of Which I herewith send Yor Lordps
Mark't F: the Consequences of Which have been that
little or noe Taxes have been paid by that County and
I very much doubt Whether any will be paid without
some Extraordinary Measures to Compell them.
As to the Supream Court there I found it necessary
to displace all the Gentlemen of the Council of both
Sides from being Judges Assistants, and to place others
of known Integrity and Reputation in their Room,
their being, soe being noe part of the Institution of the
Court and holding these places only by Special Com-
mission from the Governours this was the only method
left to Obviate Confusion in that Court, Where all
matters were in danger of being determined more by
Spirit of party than Rules of Justice, And also to Re-
store the people to the benefitt of Appeals of Which
they might be bereaved by the number of Assistants
on the Bench leaving noe Quorum to determine in the
Appeale, Such by my Instructions haveing noe Vote
there.
If Yor Lordps Approve of ye Method of Opening the
Court of Chancery in New York I shall be under a
necessity of doeing it by a Proclamation in the Jerseys
despairing of ever Obtaining the Advice and Consent
of that Majority in Councill there as they now Stand,
Or any Advice for Opening such a Court, there being
nothing more Dreaded by that Sett of Men than a
Court of Equity not without Reason.
I am with all due honor and regard My Lord
Your Lordships most humble and most obed* servant
Ro: Hunter.
1712] ADMINISTRATION' OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 1 •"> 1
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade,
Asking for Action in Relation to the New Jersey
Council.
I From P. R, O. B. T. New York No. 1 ■">, A a 102.
Letter from Colonel Hunter, Dated the 1°
March 178
My Lords
[Extract.]
* * * * ::" I must again Beg your Lordships to
signify her Majesty's Pleasure Concerning the Gentle-
men of the Council of Jersey whom I Desired to have
Removed from that Board, for by the means of some
of them the Taxes in many Countys are now in very
Great Arrear, & I fear the Influence they have had
on these will have* very Pernicious Effects on the rest,
& whilst they Continue in their present Stations 1 can
Propose to my Self very Small Hopes of Effecting any
thing for her Majesty's Service.
Your Lordships may Guess at my Uneasiness, hav-
ing heard nothing from your Lordships Since last
Summer. * " * ::" I wait with Great Impatience
for your Lordships Commands & Am with All Imag-
inable Honour & Regard
My Lords Your Lordships Most obedient
and most Humble Servant
Ro: Hunter
Letter from Jeremiah Basse to Governor Hunter.
[From N. Y. Col. HSS., Vol. LYII. p. 137.]
Burlington the 10th April 1712
May it please Your Excellency
Sr I thinke it my duty to acquaint your Excellency
that this being the day that the Gentlemen that call
152 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1712
thenaselves Proprietors of this division anualy are ac-
customed to meet to chuse what they Call a Council!
of Proprietors there were about thirty mett at the
house of Captain Allison & after time they proceeded
to Elect five persons to take [care] of the Concernes of
the Proprietors in this County and the Choice by a
very great majority fell on Coll. Coxe John Wills
Peter Fretwell Thomas Stevenson and Josua Hum-
phreys Mr Merry was put up by M1 Gardiner but had
not above three or four votes as I saw after the Elec-
tion over Coll Coxe told them that since that [they? J
had made Choice of him to be one of them that are to
manage the afaires of the Proprietors for the ensueing
Yeare he should soe far accept of their choice as to
doe what ever he Legally could for their service &
should on his Endeavor for the Obtaineing a law to
settle their estates and to enable them to doe anything
tending to that End which they perhaps now might
not be authorized to doe. Some one person in the
Company saying that he hoped since they were so
unanimously Chosen that they would take care [not
to?] loose any power that Custome might have given
them or some such words the Collonell againe Reply ed
that he should Endeaver to answer the trust they Re-
posed in him in doeing Every thing for their Service
that the Law would warrant. * * * * * Beleive
me to be
Your Excelly most Affectionate
humble Servant
J. Bass.
Persons Recommended to Fill Vacancies in the Coun-
cil of New Jersey.
From P. R. 0. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. I, C Ill and 115.]
Memorial from M? Richier Vice President of
the Society of y? Proprietors of New Jer-
1712] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 153
sey, recommending- 6 persons to hv of the
Council of that Province.
London ye U-^'l May 1712
At a meeting of ye Proprietors of ye Province of New
Jersie Upon reading over ye Names transmitted from
thence to the Right Hono'ble ye Lords Comm's for
Trade & plantations for their Lordsh1" to make choice
of Six Persons to Supply y" places of five men in y
Council complain'd of both by y" Assembly there tSc y
Proprietors here, viz1 W" Penhorn: Peter Sunmans in
ye Eastern Division, & Dan Cox Hugh Hoddy & Wln
Hall in ye Western, & one viz* Eichd Townley lately
dece'd in ye Eastern It is most humbly proposal by ye
Said Proprs yl ye Persons undervvrit may fill up y"
intended vacancies being men of Substance & probity
recom'ended both by yc Govern1 & Assembly of y'
Province & approv'd of by y' Proprietors here. And
ye said Prop18 do make it their humble request to Paul
Doeminique Esq1 President of their Society yl he would
represent This to ye Right Hono'ble ye Lords Commrs
&c that this may have ye needfull dispatch given it;
being well assured yl if it be much longer delayed her
Maties interest as well as y' of y" Prop1"3 will Suffer
very much by it & ye province brought into ye utmost
confusion
Signed by ye order of the said Proprietors
E. Richier V P
In ye room of t Wn.1 Pinhorne - John: Anderson E
Western Division < Peter Sonmans- Wm: Morris E
( Richd Townley Elisha: Parker E
i Dan: Cox - - - John: Hamilton W
Western Hugh Hoddy - Tho: Byerly W
( W"1: Hall Jn? Redding W
\:a
ADMINISTRATION <>F GOVERNOR BUNTER.
171!
Wm Morris.
John Hamilton,
Tho: Byerly
John Reading
Names and Characters of 6 Persons, recom-
mended by M1; Doeminic to supply Vacan-
cies in the Council of New Jersey.
John Anderson , both inhabitants in Pirth Amboy,
Elisha Parker [ very large Trader's, and Old Plant-
er's, and men of the Best Estates
upon the place
A man of an extraordinary Charac-
ter, as well as Master of a good Estate
Postmaster Gen;1 of North America
a Gentleman of the best Estate in the
Country & in a Plublick post.
I have not yett mett w11' any body
that personally know's him tho' hee
is transmitted by the propriet™ from
thence as a man fitly Qualified for
that post &c
My Lords
Seeing you vouchsafed mee the favour to nominate
& recomend the above S'1 Persons to be placed in the
Council] in the Roome of those who have brought the
Jersies into the Utmost Confusion &c 1 Begg leave to
assure you I have bin very diligent in my enquirys &
doe find there is not one of 'em inclinable to Presbytery.
but all well affected both to Church & State, and whose
Estates & abilitys qualifie 'em for that post, all w '' is
Submitted to yr Lordsh'ps
L712] VDMIMSTKATION OF GOVEKXOB HUNTER! 155
Representation of the State of the Church of England
in New York and New Jersey — by Rev. Jacob
Henderson, Missionary.
| From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V. p. 334.]
A short State of the Church of England planted
in the Provinces of New York and New-
Jersey in America1
Notwithstanding there are two Acts of Assembly for
establishing a Ministry in the Province of New York and
several particulars in those two Acts y* make it plain,
y* it is the Church of England ministry they establish,
and that ministers of the Church of England have al-
ways possessed the six churches in that Province and
all the Benefits belonging to them, provided by the
aforea Laws, yet the Dissenters have taken forcible
possession of the Parsonage house Glebe Lands and
Salary of Jamaica on Long Island, which does belong
to one of the aforesaid six Churches and do keep the
same from the present Incumbent, and y' by tlie
countenance of Coll Hinder the Govemour of New
York and New Jersey, who turned out of the commis-
sion of the peace & other places of the Governm1 the
Gentlemen of the Church of England and promoted
Dissenters in their Room who have refused to do jus-
tice to the Church in that particular.
In New Jersey there are noe laws made in favor of
the Church, and but four Ministers of the Church of
England in that Province The Quakers and other Dis-
senters are most numerous and do make up the great
est part of the Assembly, which is the reason why no
Law has been passed, in the Church's favour, but they
have not been able to do any harm to it. in regard of
the Plurality yl the Queens Council are good church-
1 This representation is not directed to any one. but was intended to be presented
to the Lords of Trade, and certainly reached them. See letter from the Governor
to the Board under date of March 1 Ith, 1713.— Ed.
L56 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVKRNOB HUNTER. [1712
men, and have always opposed any attempts made to
her Prejudice by y" Quakers or other Dissenters, who
have at their head one Coll : Morris a profess'd Church-
man, but a man of noe manner of principles or credit,
a man who calls the service of the Church of England
Pageantry, who has Joyned in endeavours to settle a
conventicle in the City of New York and whose prac-
tice it is to intercept letters, and let such as pleases
him pass, and those y' doe not he destroys as can be
fully proved.
This Coll Lewis Morris with the present Governor
Coll Hunter have written to the lords commission" of
trade, to turn out of the Councill six church of Eng-
land men and to put in six others in their room, some
of them Dissenters and those that are of the church
are such as will run into all the measures of the As-
sembly and therefore of the worst consequences to the
Church in that Province, for by the countenance that
the Dissenters now have in that Province one Woolsey a
new England Preacher took the Church of Hopewell,
tho' it was built by the subscriptions of church of Engld
men and for the service of the church of England, what
u sage then must the church expect if both the Queens
Council and the Assembly I mean yl Plurality of both
are inclined to serve the Dissenters Interest which will
certainly be the issue of turning out these six Gentle
man and advancing the other six in their Room
A SCHEME OP THE CHANGE-NEW JERSEY.
EAST division— out. I John Anderson,
j a Scotch Presby-
I terian. who com-
j mantis a ship to
: Darein in the Scot
A verv suitable honest] jtish expedition
Gentleman who is a zeal- I w.„. _. .. ... ! thither and on his
._ c 4.1. -William Pinhorne- -m his room- r„hlr], in at \...
ous trne member of the i return in at aiii
Church of England. bo>" N JerseJ' & lett
| his ship rot & plun-
j drd her and with
ye plunder bought
(.Land.
L'712]
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
L57
A person who is a declar-
ed Church of England man
whom I have seen several
times at Church in ye city
of New York and once at
Burlington, & who has giv-
en 200 Acres of Land to ye
Church at Hopewell.
Was as I'm creditably
inform'd a very worthy
zealous Church of England
man but dead and is suc-
ceeded in Estate of his son
a very proper person to be
of the Council.
WEST DIVISION.
A very worth Gentleman
and a zealous church man
who has given 200 Acres of
Land to the church of
Hopewell.
A good Churchman .
Once a Quaker but now
a Church man and very
zealous to serve the Church
Peter Sonmans — in his room-
Richard Townlev— in his room-
Daniel Cox— in his room-
f Wilson Morris, a
) poor ignorant
j person who once
| kept a Ferry at
I New York.
Elisha Parker,
an Independent
John Harrison,
! who as I amcred-
I itably informed
! was brought up
with one Kid a Pi-
I rate.
Hugh Huddy— in his room-
William Hall
, Thomas Byerly
! Ye Queen's Col-
I lector at New York
who has been often
: suspended for mis-
demeanors & is
I n6w under suspen-
{ sion.
| Thomas Reading
a man of no prin-
ciples & who joyns
with the Quakers in
in all their meas-
ures.
This is the manner they would have the Council of
New Jersey modelled but it is strange to observe what
sort of Persons some are that they would have con-
firmed
Robert Quary . . . The Queens Surveyor Genii whom
they were afraid t<> write
against.
George Deacon .
Thomas Gordon
A Quaker.
A poor ignorant insignificant fel-
low- whom they have made
158
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
[1712
Treasurer of ye Province tho'
he has no Estate but a Tool to
serve y'" in all affairs.
This is a true state of the Matter to which I sub-
scribe this 2'"1 day of June 1712.
Jacob Henderson Missionary.
Dover Hundred in Pensilvania1
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Magistrates of
Gloucester County.
LFrom N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. LVII., p. 164.]
N. York June 9th 1712.
Gentlemen
I am informed by Col. Quary and Ml Bass that you
have been very zealous in prosecuting the Custom
house officers who seized a Shallup laden wth foreign
Sugar- and brought her to Gloucester from whence Coll
1 Governor Hunter in a letter to John Chamberlayne. dated February 25th, 1711-12
thus alluded to this gentleman : 'There came over hither one Mr. Henderson, a
missionary with a new Light who was pleased to define the repairing of the Chap-
pel [in the Fort] a Schism, and having by that means sett us all on fire again, he is
upon his departure for England charged with the clandestine representation [re-
flecting upon the Governors administration in reference to the interests of the
Church of England.] This young gentleman came from England not long agoe for
Dover Hundred in Pensilvania whether he disliked the people or the people him I
cannot tell but he remayned but a very short time among them and returning to
Burlington in the Jerseys Mr Talbot got him to supply his place during his absence,
being come himself to New York to pursue a resolution he had taken of tcoing to
England ; Col Quary acquainted me that in his passage through Burlington he found
that poor congregation all in a flame, Mr Henderson it seems had thought fit in per-
forming Divine Service to leave out that prayer in the Litany for Victory over Her
Majestys enemies, and the prayer appointed to be said in the time of War; The
cheif of I hat congregation had took exceptions at this, but he gave- them no other
reasons for so doing but that Mr Talbot had done so, they reply'd that having
been long acquainted with Mr Talbots exemplary life they were willing to bear
with his scruples, but he could pretend none having formerly never
omitted them & further that this would look as if that congregation could
not bear any such prayers w hich was a thiiiK far from their hearts, and intreated
him to pray as he was appointed bj his superiours, or they would not willingly as-
1712] ADMINtSTKATlON OF GOVERNOR ni'NTKi;. 159
Gooking would by f'otce have taken her if Mr Bass had
not Issued his warrant to quell the tumult. I think
myself obliged to acknowledge the service you did her
majesty therein and to applaud your Courage and
your Conduct in that affair for the Coll Gooking in
Jersey is no more than a private man Yet his being-
governor of the [Pennsylvania] Province might have
made some [...?...] too much [••?•*] Neglect to do
what in duty and honor they were obliged and there-
fore are you the more to be Commended and you may
be assured I shall always be ready to my power to En-
courage those who are forward in Exerting themselves
for her Majesties Service.
The_ [Justices?] of the [County?] of Glocester.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Jeremiah Basse.
[FromN. Y. Col. wss.. v., I. LVil. p. [65
New York June 9th 1712
*S: 1 have received your letter w,h the affidts con-
cerning the Seizure of the Shallop and Sugars at Glou-
cester and Coll Quary [..'?. .] being of opinion wth you
that it will be best to have them sent upt to Burlington
I am very willing it be so. 1 am very glad of the beha-
vior of M' Bule who has acted like a good Magistrate in
Endeavoring in what in him lay to preserve the Queens
sist at them for the future. Mr Quary desired me to speak to Mr Talbot upon this
head I begg'd of "lim first to do so. and then if there was any necessity I wou'd, he
did so, & tin- result was that Mr Talbot went back to Burlington and Mr Henderson
came hither to go for England in his place, having in charge I he secret Rep'n men-
tioned; one thing more with relation to that young gentleman known to me no
otherwise than by the civilities I have paid him, I cannot omitt. Mr Willocks a zeal-
ous churchman here told me, that he had used [abused?] the most reverend the
Primate of all England sv'th most scurrilous and opprobious language, for which he
reprimanded him & for the truth of which he desired that his. Mr Talbot's and Mr
Vaughan's oaths might be taken being present at the com ersation, Thus this Gen"
tleman having set us all on fire goes over to justify his own unaccountable conduct
i 5 accusing i I the Innocent.'*— N. V. Col. Duels.. Vol. V. p. 315.- Eo.
160 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1712
peace & to protect the Custom hofese officer and [...?..]
they will give him what assistance he may want in
transporting this Seisure to Burlington and I hope you
will do the same I have wrote to the [Justices?] of
Glocester County to that purpose.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Colonel Qookin, Gov-
ernor of Pennsylvania.
[From N. Y. Col. MSS.. Vol. LVII, p. 166.]
New York June 9th 1712
Sr I am sorry for the occasion which you have
given me to complain to you of your [treatment] of
the Comptroller of her Magesties Customs of Jersey
and Pensilvania when he was in the Execution of his
office on board a Sloop at Glocester in the Province of
New Jersey which he seized and brought in there laden
\v"' foreign Sugar in order to bring her to a tryall for
a Breach of the Laws of Trade It might be imagined
that an officer of her majesties Customs having made
Seizure [of ] goods wlh[in] ye [jurisdiction would] have
been intituled to your [favour] so fare as the Law would
permit but when despairing of that (as it seems he
did) he should choose to put himself and his seizure
under my protection you should even there come in a
I . { .] manner to dispossess him of it and to treat him not
only with threatening language but wth blows is such
a procedure as I beleive will astonish Every one who
hears. You have had time now to reflect on it and I
hope y' and more [. L] considerations have brought you
to be of opinion that the Custom house officer deserves
some reparation and that the Magistrates of Gloucester
have done no more then was their duty.
To the Honorable Col Gookin.
1712] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 161
Remarks on the Reverend Mr. Henderson's State of
the Church of England, &c.'
[From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V. p.
Remarks upon a Paper Intituled a State of the
Church of England Planted in the Prov-
ince of New York & New Jersey in
America, Dated June 2d 1712 & signed
Jacob Henderson, Missionary of Dover
Hundred in Pennsylvania.3
It is a very ungrateful task to answer pretended
matters of Fact advanc'd by Clergyman under the
plausible pretence of promoting the Interest of the
Church of England and screened with the respect that
that character naturally inspires into an honest man.
But as the Purport of that Rep" before mentioned is to
wound the Reputation of a worthy Gentleman who
can be taxed with nothing else than that he uses too
much Lenity with his declared enemies there is an
absolute necessity to expose the malicious falsehood
thereof. This is therefore to give as true and sincere
information of that matter as is possible at so great a
distance, referring the further illustration thereof to
another time, when it may be done more fully & bet-
ter attested from those Provinces. •'• * -:" * * *
The Representer complains that there are no Laws
in favour of the Church of England in the Jerseys w
is granted. But doth he know any Law in favour of
lTliis document has no signature and, like the one to which it is an answer, is not
directed to any one. It was probably written by Lewis Moms, — Ed.
2 See page 153.
11
L62 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1712
any other Religion. He grants that the Quakers &
other Dissenters are most numerous there. And he
might perhaps have added, that those who are of the
Church of England are so dispersed, that if gathered
together. Two instead of four churches might serve
them and without the gift of Prophcy one may ven-
ture to say that his conduct will not contribute very
much to encrease their numbers nor to bring over
many of the Dissenters. Now as there is no estab-
lished Church in those Provinces there seems very
little occasion of a Law in favour of the Church of
England, and the effect the Law that was made in
New York in favour of the church of England, hath
hitherto had will not very much recommend the
making any in the Jerseys, as may be seen from Coll
Morriss last letter before mentioned who may be
safely said to be as good a Judge thereof as the Repre-
senter. The Council of the Jerseys, he says, hath
always pre rented the Assembly from hurting the
( 'hvreh and presently falls foul of the President of y"
Councill Col Morris whom however he owns is a pro-
fessed Churchman but a man of no manner of princi-
ples or credit, and who calls the service of the Church
of England Pageantry who hath joyued in endeavours
to settle a conventicle in the City of New York. The
KV presenter writ in so much hast that he did not
observe that a professed Church man, & a man of no
principles &' looks very much like a contradiction left
him therefore explain his meaning more clearly or
otherwise he will be thought to do the church but little
honor to call a professed Churchman a man of no prin-
ciples &c.
As to the accusation of that Gentleman of joyning
in endeavours to settle a conventicle at New York, it
is too general to be answered, as being a hard matter
to knowT what he means by it for if he persists in his
former opinion, to call the Queens Chapel in the Fort,
1712] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 1G3
repaired by the care of Brigadier Hunter, ' by that hard
name, and those who preach and resort thither to serve
God, Schismatics a little Helebore might do him more
good than a reply.
He is so full of Spleen against Coll: Morris, that he
cannot dismiss him without an other blow, viz' his
practice as he says, of intercepting Letters &c, wherein
he is perhaps as ill grounded as in the other accusa-
tions, for he confutes even himself by his affirmation,
that it can be fully proved, because if either he or his
friends had received hurt thereby, one may without
breach of Charity, say that they do not want good will
to make him suffer for it. As to that Gentleman's
conduct: if a mans outward behaviour at home or
abroad and in all the duties of his life is a true means
of judging of a man all who know any thing of Coll
Morris will say that he is unexceptionable.
The Principal part of the last paragraph relating to
the characters of men in the Council of the Jerseys
proposed to be removed & of others to be put in their
room shall be answered hereafter, The Story about Mr
Woolsey preaching in the Church at Hopewell may be
best understood from M' Sinclairs mouth who knows
the whole matter. As to the dismal consequences the
Representer apprehends from such removal the Queen
will doubtless think, the Lords of Trade, the Govr &
such others of the Councill who are not excepted
against better Judges of it than the Eepresenter, who
officiously, not to say pragmatically, meddles in affairs
he knows little of, & that are foreign to his mission &
1 The repairing of this chapel brought upon Governor Hunter much abuse ar.d
misrepresentation from the Rev. Mr. Vesey, of Trinity Church, on account of the an-
ticipated diminution in the number attendant upon his services. Gov. Hunter, in a
letter dated February 25th, 1711-12, says: " I sent for him and reasoned with him
upon that heart, from the Decency, Expediency and necessity of it. that Chapje 1
being one of the Oldest Houses of Prayer in the place, tho" for some time past a
B^ar Garden, I urged that the Souldiers had no room nor place in the Church
neither was it safe to march the Garrison so far from the Fort, and that Her
Majesty paid a Chaplain for that particular purpose, and had graciously bestowed
Plate, Books & other Furniture for the use of it, but all this served only to plunge
him into a fit of Passion. "— N. Y, Col. Docts.. Vol. V, p. 315 —Ed.
L64 ADMlXISTKATIOX 01' GOVERNOR HFNTEK. [1T1^
had he but discharged that part of his duty whilst at
Burlington, which is incumbent upon him, as he ought,
the people had not refused to hear him as they did.
Remarks upon the persons of the Council! of the
Jerseys which the Representer proposed to be removed
bears a fair character as to his domestick
Mr. Pinhorne T . . ,
manner of Living, only he is a very prag-
matical man, not to say factious, and there may be
some reasons assigned why he agreed so well with a
former Governor.
Wants the first Character, but is eminent
for the latter, his immoralities are such*
that the Revd Mr Holyday, Minister of his Parish doth
refuse to give him the Communion, & a small sum
which he owed to a poor woman here & which
the Governor did oblige him to pay, is not the least
reason for his ill will to his Excellency.
Is dead and ye Representer recommends
Richd Townly -, A • -, ,
his son to succeed him, perhaps because
he doth not degenerate from the abilities wch recom-
mended his father to their favor.
Daniel cox & No matter which for they are inseparable
Hugh Ruddy companions, who sett very bad examples
to the Inhabitants as Mr Sinclare can testify.
Once a Quaker now of no Religion referred
WmHall jn .,,,«• i
to the said Mr Sinclare
As to the other six recommended to the Governor to
be put in their room, his Excellency has doubtless very
weighty reasons for such Recommendation, and it is
not to be supposed that he is so blind with prejudice as
to remove Saints to put knaves in their place, as the
represent1, endeavours to insinuate
To pass by the unmanerly expressions the Repre-
senter uses when he mentions the modelling the Coun-
cill of the Jersey it is strange to observe (to use his
own words) whether Robt Quary the Queens Survey1'
Gen" doth not stand in his way also
1712] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 165
George Deacon & Being both Quakers and doubtless a great
Thomas Gardiner eyesore to him
m , , He calls a poor ignorant insignificant fel-
Tho Gordon x o o
low whom they (meaning the Governor &
Councill) perhaps with the concurrence of the Assem-
bly (as becoming a manner of speaking of his betters
as before taken notice of) have made Treasorer tho he
hath no estate but a Tool to serve them in all affairs,
what Tool is M1' Gordon Master of to serve them in all
affairs is hard to determine unless it be a strong chest
to put ye money in out of the way of Theives.
Now after all this, its ten to one but upon enquiry this
Mr Gordon will be found neither so poor, ignorant & in-
significant a fellow, as that he hath a competent estate,
& as much honesty as is requisite in a Treasurer of
that small Colony As for his Tool to serve them
(meaning as before) in all their affairs, it may be a
Tool to do good as the Eepresenter will upon the like
enquiry be found, the Tool of a Faction there, headed
and encouraged from hence, by whose direction he
hath wrote this representation, to confound as much
as in them lye, the affairs & perplex the Governor of
those Provinces here as they have already done there,
by the endeavors of that missionary, whom they
prompt underhand to do their drudgery & who gener-
ally sacrifices that little reputation which by the ob-
scurity of his person had been preserved, had he not
signalized his Talents in this manner
This will upon enquiry be found the true state of
that matter to which several here who might if thereto
required, subscribe
After all the Governors of the Queens Plantacons
must have a fine time of it, if every private man is
allow'd to meddle in the affairs of their Governments,
& upon this foot no man of honour would accept of
such tiresome Places
17 June 1712
166 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1712
State of the Courts of Judicature in New Jersey.
[From P. R. O. B. T.. Kewjersey, Vol. I. C. 120. |
The present State of yf Courts of Judicature in
New Jersey Referred to in Coll. Hunters
Lreof 23d June 1712
1 The Suprem Court of Judicature has the powers
of King's bench com on pleas & exchequer & can try
all causes Civil & criminal real personal and mixt is
Established by an ordinance of the Govern our &
Council
This Court is not limited to any number of Justices
there are at present three commissionated whereof one
refuses to act. It is to sitt at Amboy on the first tues-
day in November and at Burlington on the first tues-
day in May yearly, and on the second tuesday of Au-
gust yearly one year at Amboy and the next at Bur-
lington alternately.
In this Court anyacc'on being upwards temi pounds
value may be brought or commenced, and to this Court
may be removed by certiorari habeas corpus or other
lawfull writt any acc'on from any inferiour Court
where the debt or damage upwards tenn pounds or
concerns title of land also all indictments & matters
criminell. this Court may hold five days & no lon-
ger. There is Sherifs assistants appointed for this
Court in the other Countys intended to supply the
room of nisi prius trialls but it is not well exprest and
understood which is to sit two days & no longer where
a Justice of the Supreme Court is to be aided by the
Justices of the peace of such respective County two or
more
For Bergen at Bergen the thiid tuesday in April
For Essex at Newark the fourth tuesday in April
For Monmouth at Shewsbury the 2rt tuesday in May
1712] ADMINISTRATION- OF GOVERNOR HUNTEH. 16?
For Glocester at Glocester the 3d tuesday in May
For Salem at Salem the 4U' tuesday in May
For Cape May at Shamger Land the fifth tuesday in
June
2 The Court of quarter sessions or sessions of the
peace
For Midd'x at Amboy 3 tuesdays of Febry May &
August 4 tuesday Novemr
For Bergen at Bergen 1 tuesdays in Feb. May &
Aug1 & 2 tuesday in November
For Essex at Newark, 2 tuesdays in Feb May &
Aug1 & 3 tuesday in November
For Monmouth at Shewsbury 4 tuesday, Feb May &
Aug1 & 1 tuesday in December.
For Burlington ibidem first tuesday, march June
Septem' & 2 tuesday Decern1
For Glocester ibidem 2. tuesday in March June Sep-
tem1" & 3 tuesday Decern'
For Salem at Salem 3 tuesdays march June Septem1"
& 4 tuesday Decern1'
For Cape May at Shamger Land 4 tuesdays March
June Septem1" & 1 tuesday January to hold for any
term not exceeding two days
3d Court of Comon pleas in each County to begin
immediately as the general sessions of the peace termi-
nates, & then to hold and continue so long there is
business not exceeding three days.
This Court of pleas hath power of any acc'on to any
value saving there is an appeal] or removal by h'eas
corpus or otherwise of any suite judgmt or execution
of upwards tenn pounds value or where title of land is
concernd to any smaller value whatsoever The Judges
of this Court are comonly of the Justices of the peace
for their respective Countys
4 Court of Conscience each Justice of the peace Has
power to determin any matter under fourty shillings
without a Jury, the process by summons of a consta-
L68 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [ 1 '. L2
ble left 4 days at Defts house if the Deft do not appear
the Justice will proceed to hear the cause and del li-
mine in his absence & to grant execuc'on.
The process agst an itinerant person inmate or for-
anner is by arrest by warr' directed to the Constable
to bring him before the Justice who proceeds imme-
diately to hear determine & grant execuc'on by deliv-
ering over the body for want of money to the consta-
ble to be conveyed & delivered to the Sheriffe who is
to cause the judgm1 [to '. J be executed but from this
judgm' there is an appeal to next Court of sessions if
upwards of twenty shillings.
5 Court of Chancery is not open
6 But the Govern' & Council are a Court of ap-
peals from the judgm' of the Suprem Court upwards
£100 value, from which there lyes a further appeal to
the Queen in Council if upwards £300 value but the
appeal does not barr execuc'on.
Letter from Secretary Popple to the Bishop of London
—relating to the proposed New Jersey Councillors.
[From P. R. O. 3. T. New Jersey, Vol. XIII, p. 161.]
To the Rf Reverend Father in God Henry Lord
Bishop of London.
My Lord
In mine of the 7":' Instant I acquainted Your Lord-
ship by Order of the Lords Commissioners of Trade
and Plantations that they had agreed to take into Con-
sideration, what Colonel Hunter had writ in relation
to the Settling the Counsellors of the Province of
New Jersey, on Thursday the 1 4th Instant about Eleven
of the (lock in the morning, And that they were de-
sirous of Your Lordships Assistance in that Matter If
1712] ADMINISTRATION' OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. L69
Your other Affairs would permit, I am now further to
acquaint Your Lordship that the Board is verry sorry
to hear of your Lordships Indisposition, which has
hindred them of the Advantage of your Lordships As-
sistance this Day, However they have Commanded Me
to Send your Lordship the Names, of six Persons recom-
mended by Mr Doeminique, & others, Viz John Ham-
bleton, [Hamilton] Thomas Byerly, John Reading,
William Morris, John Anderson & Elisha Parker,
thereupon to beg the favour that your Lordship would
please to lett them know whether your Lordship have
any objection as to the Principles of these Men, that
May disqualify them, for the Place of Councillors in
New Jersey, and that your Lordship would please to
let the board have your Lordships answer Sometime
this week or on Monday Morning next, if your Lord-
ships health will permit1 I am
My Lord Your Lordships Most
Whitehall Aug8* Obedient & most humble Servant
ye 14,:h 1 7 J 2 : WJ:' Popple.
Communication from the Lords of Trade to the Queen
—relative to the changes in the Council of Neie
Jersey.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. XIII.. p. 1C3.J
To the Queen's most Excell;1 Majesty.
May it please Your Majesty.
Having rec'd Letters from Coll: Hunter Your Maj-
esty's Gov!' of N: Jersey Complaining that by the be-
haviour of WT Pinhorn, Daniel Cox, Peter Sonmans
1 The Bishop sent his approval under date of August 17th.— Ed.
r,0 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOK HUNTER. [1712
& Wm Hall Members of that Councill, all his Endeav-
ours for Your Majesty s Service there were rendred in-
effectually Perticularly that fourteen Bills were rejected
most of them on the Second Reading, That Such as he
prevail'd to have Committed; were either reported
without Amendments & so rejected, or were Clogg'd
with Such Clauses as made it impossible the Assembly
shou'd pass them ; Three whereof the Governor was
directed by Your Majestys Instructions to Endeavour
to have pass'd into Laws, Viz!' An Act for relieving the
Creditors of Persons becoming Bankrupt in this King-
dom; An Act for Qualifications of Jurors; And an
Act for Building & repairing of Goals &cf
That unless Your Majesty be pleas'd to remove from
the Said Council the said four Persons there is no hopes
of Peace & Quiet in that Province; But if Your Maj-
esty shall be pleas'd to dismiss the said Councillors, it
will be so much to the Satisfaction of the Inhabitants
of that Province, that he does not doubt but he shall
be able to make Such a Settlement, as will be for Your
Majesty's Interest, and tend to the Composing the
Animosities in that Country, according to Your Maj-
esty's Additional Instruction to him. And Several of
the most considerable of the Proprietors of that Prov-
ince having also attended Us with Complaints against
the said four Councillors praying that they may be re-
mov'd, We therefore humbly Offer that Your Majesty
be pleas'd to dismiss them from the said Council; And
that the following Persons be appointed Member's
thereof who have been recommended to us both by
Your Majesty's Said Governor & the Proprietors, as
well Qualify "d to Serve Your Majesty in that Station
Viz: John Anderson; W" Morris. John Hamilton, and
John Reading.
And there being besides two Vacancies in that Conn
cill, We likewise humbly Offer that Your Majesty be
Graciously pleas'd to Constitute and appoint Elisha
1712] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 1 ', 1
Parker, and Thomas Byerly, Members of the said
Council, they having been also recommended to Us by
the Governor and Proprietors aforesaid.
All which is most humbly Submitted
Guilford
Whitehal Ph: Meadows.
Aug'? y^ 27? 1712 Arth: Moore.
T. Hynde Cotton
[These recommendations were approved of by the
Queen in Council June 15th 1713, with the exception of
William Morris who had died.] — Ed.
Letter from' Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade
on New Jersey affairs.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V. p. 347.]
To the El Honb|e the Lords Commissioners for
Trade and Plantations
[Extract.]
My Lords
* * * My constant attendance in the Assembly
here hath obliged me as constantly to prorogue that of
the Jerseys,1 neither can 1 promiss myself any good
issue from that meeting if those gentlemen formerly
1 In a letter written June 23d. 1712 he gave another reason for it : "It being abso-
lutely needless to meet the assembly so long as the councill is so constituted, for
they have avowedly opposed the Government, in most things and by their influ-
ence obstructed the payment of a great part of the taxes so that I wait with great
impatience, for the remedy your Lordships have made me hope for."— N. Y. Col.
Docts., Vol. V., p. 343. And again, at a later date, December 16th (Ibid., p. 351 ). he
wrote "I cannot resolve upon meeting the Assembly of the Jersies until I know
Her Majesty's Pleasure with relation to the Council of that Province, foreseeing
nothing but inevitable confusion. Mr. Sonmans since his having Imbezeled the
Records, has thought fit to retire to Pennsylvania, where he diverts himself with
priming and dispersing Libels against the Government here."- Ed.
172 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1712
mentioned, continue in the council, that faction upon
all occasions vilify and affront the Government in all
its branches, one of them Peter Son mans, an alien
lately after having given orders to a servant of his (to
whom it seems during a former administ" Mr Bass
had intrusted the records of the eastern division of
that Province) not to shew them to those who had not
only my order, but M1' Basse's for that purpose, upon
hearing of a 2(1 application and complaint to me from
the parties concerned, thought fitt to break open the
trunck in which the records had been kept and carry
them out of the Province, Some time after the Chief
Justice having issued out his warrant for a search, and
another for apprehending the said sonman, the records
were sent from New York by a purmit for Philadel-
phia but Mr Bass who his likewise Surveyor of the
Customs at Burlington as he affirms to me suspecting
there might be some prohibited goods in the said trunk
when at Burlington and having a key sent him by an
unknown hand sealed up in a blank piece of paper had
the curiosity to hopen the trunk where to his great
surprize, he found all the records of the eastern divi-
sion safe and sound, and swears he will now never part
with them more but with his life, I suppose the collu-
sion is palpable enough to your Lordships but I shall
make all more plainly by the next conveyance, In the
meantime the taxes are paid with daily difficulty and
prosecution, occasoned by the ill example and coun-
tenance of some of these gentlemen and matters of
Government in the high road to the same confusion
that reigns in this province, whilst the remedy is easy
and nobody hurt by it. * - * *
My Lords Tour Lordships' most
humble & most obed' Servant
New York (Jet 31st 171 2 Ro : Hunte k.
1712] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 173
Letter from the Clergy of New York and. New Jersey
to the Reverend Jacob Henderson — Disapprov-
n>{1 °f his Course toward the Council of New
Jersey.
(From X. V. Col. Docts.. Vol. V. p. 354.]
New York, 5 March 1 7]jj
Reverend Brother.
We are heartily sorry for the unhappy occasions of
giving you the trouble of this with the inclosed Memo-
rial and a letter from Coll: Morris with our answer to
it, and are deeply concerned that we are thereby laid
under the ungratefull necessity either of disapproving
the Characters you are said to have given of some
gentlemen, to the HY>nble the Board of Trade and
Plantations, or of doeing wrong to our own consciences,
if, when so earnestly required to it, we should by our
unmannerly silence seem to justify what several of us
know to be false and unjust.
As a means of that strict union amongst ourselves
injoyned us by our Patrons at home and of promoting
the real interest of the Church, the true end of our
mission, where, [we're?] by His Excellency our Gover-
nour's approbation, appointed to keep our next meet-
ing at Amboye for the convenience of our brethren of
Pensilvania, if they please, for mutual advise and
assistance, to give us a meeting.
If in justification of your self and for our satisfac-
tion, you will please to give a return to this, with
respect to what is laid to your charge, in calumniating
some Churchmen that never shewed any inclinations
to Presbitery or annarchy, which is an imputation on
all our Order and brings us under the contemptible
174 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [K12
appellation of party tools, we desyre you would direct
for the Reverend Mr M'Kenzie, and we remaine
Reverend Sir
Your loving Brethren
and humble Servants.
Alexander Innes Chris: Bridge. Daniel Bondet
.ZEneas McKenzie Edward Vaughan.T. Haled ay
John Bartow John Sharper. Henricus Beys.
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade,
— about New Jersey Affairs.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts.. Vol. V. p. 355.]
N York ye 14 March 171^
My Lords
This letter relates to the affairs in New Jersey,
which remain still in ye same perplexity untill Her
Majesty's pleasure be known touching the alteration of
her Councill there, upon which intirely depends the
quiet of that Province.
There has been somehow handed over hither a copy
of a Representation said to be given to your Lordships
signed by Jacob Henderson Missionary for Dover hun-
dred in Pensylvania, aspursing foully some gentlemen
recommended by me for Counsellors; some of the gen-
tlemen concerned being so basely attacked in their
reputations thought it necessary for their justification
to appeal to the Convocation of the Clergy of both
Provinces assembled at New York, who unanimously
agreed upon the resolution of sending to M1' Hender-
son a letter signed by them all, a copy of which is here
enclosed, by which your Lordships will perceive how
] IT?] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 175
little credit is to be given to representations of that
nature.
Nothing but the appeal I have made to Her Majesty
could have kept me from suspending some of these
Gentlemen of the Council for their turbulent and un-
dutifnll behaviour, and I can not doubt but that your
Lordships will doe your endeavours to prevent Her
Majesty from being trampled upon in the person of
her Governour, how inconsiderable soever that maybe,
while she is pleased to continue him in that office. Mr
Sonmans still absconds and continues to dispurse his
libels, M1' Pinhorne has never attended the Council
since the first Assembly and I believe resolves never
more to do so; Mr Townley, Mr Gardiner and Mr
Quary are dead; M1 Cox talks still confidently of his
goeing for England: So I shall hardly be able to make
a Quorum of Council for business, and even many of
them disposed and resolved to obstruct all business.
I formerly wrote to your Lordships about a Court of
Chancery in that Province; the subject in this, finds
ease and releif from it, and there in the Jerseys [they?]
beg and groan for it; but there is no hopes of opening
such a Court with the advice of the Council as it is
now constituted. I desire to be resolved by your Lord-
ships whether ye custody of the Seal does not actually
constitute such an Office and Court, and if so, whether
I may not by proclamation, without the Council's con-
currence, declare such a Court to be opened.
It is to no purpose to let the Assembly meet until
Her Majesty's pleasure relateing to Her Council there
be known. I am, with all imaginable honour and
regard ;
My Lords Your Lordships
most humble and most obedient Servant
Ro: Hunter.
176 A HMIXISTKATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1712
Letter from Thomas Gordon — in answer to the Rev.
Jacob Henderson.
[From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey. Vol. II, D 19.)
Letter from Mr Gordon a Member of the Coun-
cil of New Jersey, with Several Certificates
relating to his own & Col Andersons Char-
acters wc_h Mr Henderson had injured.
Sr
Herewith Comes the Certificate of Severall worthy
Ministers of Establish'd reputac'on to Cleare mine from
the wound Endeavour'd to be made by a person alto-
gether a Stranger to me who Lived in an Other Prov-
ince one hundred and fifty Miles distant from me and
that but a few Months before his returne for England
where I'm Inform'd he gave a Memoriall To the Lords
of Trade Containing a Scandalous Character unjustly
of Divers Gentlemen besides me I Earnestly beg Sr the
ffavour of you that you will be pleased to Lay the
Certificates before the right Hon1,11' The Lord's Corn-
miss" for Trade and Plantac'ons to Informe their L1|,s
that Mr Henderson has been Very unjust to
Sr Your most huble Serv1
New Jersey March 2 Is.1 17V5.
Doctor Innes Minister of Monmouth County in
East New Jersey relating to ye Character
1712] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. L71
of Thomas Gordon Esqr a Member of ye
Council there
Thomas Gordon Esq7' one of Her Majesties Council
for the Province of New Jersey Having seen a Memo-
rial subscribed by Jacob Henderson Missionary to
Dover hundred in Pensilvania and by him presented to
my Ld Winchelsea President to the Lds commissioners
of Trade containing an unjust and scandalous charac-
ter of him and desiring a certificate from me the Curate
of the congregation to which he belong'd, before any
Missionary came to Amboy of his deportment during
his communion with us.
These are to certify to all Christian People that the
sd Thomas Gordon kept constant communion with us,
liv'd in exact conformity to the Constitution of the
Church of England as by Law Established, was a con-
stant communicant with us and Exemplary in his Life
and conversation amongst his Neighbours. And is a
Person of an University Education and being born in
the same neighbourhood and by the more than com-
mon friendship between our Parents I can certify with
a good Conscience that he is descended from an hon-
ourable Orthodox and Loyal Family, being Grand
child by the Eldest Son to the memorable Eobert Gor-
don of Pitburg and Straloch, who for Wisdom and
Learning was reputed inferior to none in his time in
the Kingdom of Scotland, and that I believe the scl
Thomas Gordon for Learning, honesty and integrity
of Life is inferiour to no Lay man in the Province
where he Lives; Is well esteem 'd of by all his Neigh-
bors known to be a Promotter of Peace among 'em,
one who during the Proprietors Administration Exe-
cuted the offices of Secretary & Register many years
with a general Approbation. And since the surrender
by the Proprietors has been Speaker in the General
12
ITS ADMINISTRATION OF COVERXOR HUNTKK. [1713
Assembly, and for some time Cheif Justice of this
Province. And a Person as I am credibly inform'd y'
hath the service of the church celebrated in his Family
daily when at home, and who bringeth his children &
Slaves to be catechised & Instructed in the Principles
of the Christian Religion in the time of Divine Service.
And as to his Estate he is now actually seised of above
six thousand acres of Land in tee simple besides his
Practice in the Law and his good Credits cc chattels of
a considerable value. In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this 12,h of March lffj
Alexander Innes. Presbiter.
Certificate from M1' Innes relating to the Char-
acter of Col John Anderson recom 'ended to
be of ye Council of New Jersey
Lew1. Coll': Anderson having seen a Memorial sub-
scribed by Jacob Henderson missionery to Dover Hun
dred in pensilvania presented by him to my Ld win
chelsea president to the L'ls Commissioners of trade.
Containing an Unjust & scandalous Character of s'1
ColT Anderson And desiring A Certificate from me
the Curate of the Congregation to wch he doth belong
of his Deportment during the time of his being a mem-
ber of y s1 Congregation.
These are to Certifie to all Christian people the sd
Leiv': Coll1. John Anderson for the space of eleven
years hath lived in Communion with us & in Exact
Conformitie to the Constitutions of the Church of
England as by Law Established, hath been a Constant
Communicant; and Exemplary in his life and Conver-
sion Amongst his Neighbours; And his house hath
been the Common .Receptacle of the Clergie going to
or coming from Burlington & Philadelphia: hath pur-
chased No Lands, but lives on the Lands he had with
his wife: And as I'm Crodiblv Informed he was born
1713] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 179
Baptized and Educated in the Communion of the Epis-
copal Church of Scotland, and that he had the honour
to have the Right Reverend Father In God John Lord
Bishop of Ross for his Godfather. In Testimonie
whereof I have here unto set my hand this 12*)' of
March Anno Dom: 171i>
Alexander Innes Presbitek
[Eevdd Rob*] Wats of New York relating to the
Character of Cap* John Anderson
By Virtue of a Commission to me directed from the
HonoWo the Court of Directors of the Company of
Scotland trading to Africa & the Indies impowring
to inspect into the management of Cap- John Ander-
son late Comdr of the Ship Unicorn and to settle and
adjust all Accotts with him the srt John Anderson re-
latting to s'1 Ship I Do hereby certifie to whom it may
Concerne that after due enquiry made I find that the
sd Cap. John Anderson hath carefully & honestly dis-
charged the trust reposed in him as Master or Comdr
of sd Ship having dilligently attended her three years
& upwards, at the expiration of which time She being
unfit for further Service, and he without any instruc-
tions from the owners, thought fitt to leave her having
Sold or Secured all her furniture and apperrell except-
ing the Great Guns which by the Authority of the
Right Honob,e the Earl of Clarendon then Governour
were brought to New York, and now remain mounted
on our Platforms And I Do further Certifie that the
sd Cap^ Anderson has exhibited and to me deliverd in
behalfe of the Company aforsaid full & particular
AccoUs of all things Sold or disposed off by him belong-
ing to sd Ship, together with proper Vouchers for his
own Claimes & Demands, all which being duely Stated
in a general Acco" the ball?0 falls in his favours one
hundred & fifty Six pounds two Shillings & two pence,
L80 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1713
for which Sum, the Ship still remains his debiter. In
Witness wherof I have hereunto affixed my hand &.
Seale this i>o,h March 17{«
Ro1 Watts
Certificate of Mr Vaughan and Mr Haliday re-
lating- to the Character of Tho: Gordon
Esq1' a member of the Council of New Jer"
sey
Whereas Thomas Gordon Esq1 one of her Maties
Council] for the Province of New-Jersey, having seen
a Copy of a paper, entitul'd a short state of y? Church
of England in y.e Provinces of New- York & New- Jersey
in America, & said to be given to the Right Hon™6 the
Earl of Winchelsea President of the Board of Trade &
Plantations and signed by Jacob Henderson Missionary
of Dover-Hundred in Pensylvania, and since it ap-
peares, y- that Memorial containes an unjust & Scan-
dalous character of the said Thomas Gordon, We the
Subscribers, do think our selves obliged in conscience
and duty (as friends to truth and justice) to declare &
testifye what we Know and believe to be true concern-
ing that Gentleman, upon whose request, we therefore
certifye all whom it may concern, That the said
Thomas Gordon, is a member of, and a constant com-
iinicantin the Church of England, as by Law Estab-
lished, living in exact conformity to her constitutions,
and adorning his profession by an exemplary life &
conversation amongst his Neighbours, & hath given
sufficient demonstration of his affection to the service
of God by his liberal contributions on all occasions
towards the Building of Churches: He is a person
Learned in ye Law, and Science Mathematical, & by
reason of his honesty & integrity much esteemed in the
Countrey, a person that hath publique worship dayly
celebrated in his family according to the directions of
1713] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOE HUNTER. 181
the Rubrick, who not only chatechises & instructs his
children, but his slaves in y" Principles of the Christian
faith, and requires them to join in ye time of Divine
Service by their alternate Responses to the Psalms &
Hymns, & hath, as we believe, a better visible Estate,
than several of the Persons approved of by the Authour
of the Memorial: In Testimony whereof we have
hereunto set our hands the sixteenth Day of March
Anno Dom' 1712
T. Haliday Minister Edward Vaughan Minister
of Perth- Amboy A:c in of Elizabeth Town in
New Jersey New Jersey.
Certificate of the Reverend Mr iEneas M'Kenzie
Minister of Sfc Andrews on Statten Island
in the Province of New York in behalf of
Thomas Gordon Esq1"
Thomas Gordon Esq' one of her Majesties Council
of New Jersey, and some others of his friends on his
behalf Earnestly Requesting me to declare, and Testi-
fy what I Know of as to his Character, Principles, and
Conversation etc —
These are to Certify all whom it may Concern that
since my Acquaintance with that Gentleman, which
was upon my first coming into these Parts Seven Years
agoe I ever esteem'd him, and do still as fair as I dare
pretend to Judge, think him a Man of Good Education
of Sound Principles, and Christian Conversation.
That he has to my Knowledge shewn him Self on
several occasions to be Very Zealous for the Promo-
tion of v Church of England as by Law Established,
and that his frequent appearing so constant, and in-
wavering in defence of that Apostolicall Constitution
has been often Managed as a Popular Argument against
him upon such Publick occasions by ye Severall Sec-
taries of that Province.
182 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1713
That I believe upon the Creditable informations of
Severall of my Brethren, and other Worthy Gentle-
man that he hath Publick Worship daily perform 'd in
his family according to the Kubricks of our Excellent
Liturgie.
That he takes due Care to instruct not only his chil-
dren, in the Principles of ye Christian Religion, but his
Slaves, (a Practice not Common in these Parts) in ye
Church Catechism.
That he has always appear'd Very assisting forward
in promoting the Building of Churches, wherever
wanted, by his advice, and free, and liberall Contribu-
tions as I myself have particularly found him towards
building my Parish Church.
I am Credibly informed that he has Considerable Es-
tate, and that he is of an Hon'ble family, that has been
always of Good Esteem both for Loyalty, and Learning,
in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand this 21 day of March Anno: Dom: 1711
JEneas McKenzie.
Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Robert
Hunter — relative to the Council of Neiv Jersey.
[From X. York Col. Docts., Vol. V. }>. 360.
To Robtf Hunter Esqr
[Extract.]
~ ->:• -:• •::• * y^e hope now, you will be made
easy, in relation to the Councillors of New Jersey, we
laid that matter very fully before her Majesty, with-
pur opinion that William Pinhorn, Dan: Cox. Peter
Sonmans and W'" Hall should be removed from the
council, and John Anderson, Wm Morris, John Hamil-
ton" & John Reading admitted in their places, and that
Elisha Parker and Thomas Byerly be added to fill up
1713] \DM1NISTKATI0N 0I< GOVERNOR HUNTEK. 183
two vacances, which her Majesty has been pleased to
approve,1 so that there remains nothing to be done,
bnt that some person here, take out her Majesty's
orders in this matter.
If you had an agent here, we could send to him to
do it, but as you have none, we do not know how long
the Orders may lye before they are dispatch'd to you this
shows you the necessity of having an agent for each
of your Governments, and we desire therefore that yon
use, your utmost endeavours to get such a one estab-
lished.
We have this day, received your letter of the 14th of
March last relating chiefly to the counsellors of that
Province needs no other answer than what we have
writ above, except that when the Council is changed,
you may then by their advice establish a court of
Chancery. * * * *
Sir Your most humble Servants
Guilford
Whitehall Ph. Meadows
April 23d 1713 Ro, Monckto>
.). Hinde Cotton.
1 Under date of July 18th, before this letter was received by Governor Hunter, he
wrote to the Lords of Trade: " I have of ten told your Lordships that it is vain to
attempt anything in the Jerseys, until the Council be alter'd, I know that your
Lordships are of the same opinion, and I do again affrin that you must charge
[change?] the Council, or change the people, for changing the Governor will uot
do." — N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V, p. 366.
» was the son of Andrew
Hamilton, Governor
of the Province under
the proprietors. His
appointment as one
of Governor Hunter's
Council, was his first
introduction into public life, and lie continued to fill the position under the admin
istrations of Burnet, Montgomerie and Cosby, so that he was prepared by his expe
rience as a Councillor to enter upon the more extended duties devolving upon him
on the death of Governor Cosby, of which succeeding documents will give full in-
formation. He was appointed in 1785 an Assistant Judge of the Provincial Supreme
Court. In 1740 he was appointed one of the Commissioners to settle the boundary
lines between Masssachusetts and Rhode Island. As President of the Council he
assumed the government on the death of Governor Morris in I74ti. but died soon
184 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1713
Letter from, Governor Hunter to Attorney General
Griffith.
[From N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. I/VH, p. 185.1
Sir
I have received Complaints from the Collector of
Burlington County that the People are very remis in
Paying their Taxes particularly the Town of Spring-
field I have formerly wrote you on some occasions
of the like Nature desiring you to use all legal and
proper methods to oblige the Delinquents to pay their
arrears of taxes which I am told had then a pretty
good effect. I must now again Desire you to Exert
yourself on this occasion and when you know from Mr
Westland, the Collector who are in arrears or what
towns that you take the Speediest and most effectual
methods for obliging them to pay their arrear of taxes,
the Court is speedily to sit for that County & I choose
to give you these directions now that you may then
Compell them to do what in justice they ought to have
done before. I desire you'll Inform yourselfe as soon
as Possible from Mr Westland of the Delinquents to
whom I have wrote to give you an account thereof
and likewise to the Justices to do their part.
Alexander Griffith Esq.
thereafter. It was to Colonel Hamilton, as he was generally called, that the colo-
nies were indebted for the first scheme for the establishment of post-offices in
America. He obtained a patent for it from the Crown about the year 1C94, but sub-
sequently for an adequate remuneration reconveyed it to the Government. Colonel
Hamilton's residence was in Perth Amboy, and he died and was buried there.
Whitehead's History of Perth Amboy and Surrounding County, p. 1G8.— Ed.
1713]
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
1 85
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186 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVBENOB HUNTER. [1113
Petition of the Freeholders of Middlesex County to
the House of Assembly, against the Election
of Thomas Farmar..
[From N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. LIX. p. 13.]
To the Hono'ble House of Kepresentatives of
the Province of New Jersey:1
The Humble Peticion of Samuel Dennis Ed-
mond Dunham, Moses Rolph, John Griff eth
Nath: Fitzrandolph, Wm Ilsley Hugh Dunn
Charles Gillmann David Dunham Nicholas
Munday John Moore on behalf of them-
selves & many more of the Freeholders of
the County of Middlesex:
Sheweth
That on the 31st of October last y* Freeholders of
the s'1 County of Middlesex meett at the House of
Thomas Davis Jn Woodbridge to elect two Freeholders
to he their Representatives in this P'senl Assembly
according to the Appointment of Gawen Lockhart
Esq High Sheriff e of the County.
That Captain Thomas Farmer being proposed a van
didate against Samuell Dennis Esq, the High Sheriffe
aforesd was told y' the s Farmer ought not to be set
up because he was not capable of being Elected cv the
several! Laws which Incapacitated him were then and
there also shown to v said Sheriffe & it was pray1' &
insisted upon y' they might be lead which th»j said
Sberriffe utterly refused & saying we will have noe
law here & a pole being demanded for y said Farmer
ye s! Sherriffe proceeded to pole for him.
'Presumed to have been presented al the session which commenced on December
7th, 1713.— Ed.
1713] ADMIN 1ST RATI ON 0 F G < > V E R N ( ) I! H 0 NTE R. 1 8 !
That Edmund Dunham Esq being nominated another
Candidate Adam Hude Esq was Named against him ec
a pole being demanded for the s'1 Adam Hude it was
Readily agreed to.
That yc s'1 Sherriffe did not P'mitt the s' Dennis &
Dunham to nominate their Inspectors of the Clarks of
the Pole as the Law directs but appointed them him-
selfe without their knowledge & Consent of the said
Dennis & Dunham nor administred ye Oath by Law
Appointed to ye sd Clarks.
That very soon after yc sl1 Pole was begun the s
Dennis and Dunham haveing a considerable majority
& the Freeholders appearing very forward in Poleing
for them & very backward for the other two, the s"
Sherriffe, Contrary to the Consent & Desire of the sd
Dennis & Dunham adjourned ye s ' Pole under Pretence
of Going to Dinner
That some time after the pole being again opened,
the freeholders contraueing to pole fast for the sd Den-
nis & Dunham, the sd Sherriffe obliged the freeholders
to come at the end of the Table where he was to pole
and then summoned many upon Juries if they pol'd
for the sd Dennis & Dunham tho those that Poled for
y two other Candidates were permitted to Pole out of
the Window & very few of them summoned for Jury-
men & none until! great clamor wras made against
such palpable partiality whereby divers who intended
to Pole for Dennis & Dunham were frighted away and
did not Pole at all &
That about sun sett the s Dennis & Dunham keep-
ing a considerable majority & many more attending to
pole for them. Contrary to their consent & Express
Desire, the sl Sherriffe adjourned y Pole untill Satur-
day ye Fourth of November.
That on Saturday aforesaid the s" Sherriffe haveing
again opened the Pole behaved himselfe very partially
suferd divers to pole for y s'1 Farmer & Hude without
188 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1713
haveing taken the Oath appointed by Law and turnd
others away y' would pole for Dennis & Dunham tho
they were willing to take the sd Oath & att last Shutt
np the Pole so Suddenly & abruptly y1 y" very ( 'larks
at the Table knew not of it but lost their votes as did
Divers others who were there attending to Pole for the
s(l Dennis & Dunham.
That by these indirect Practices the sd Farmar
obtained a majority of & the sd Hude of Eight votes &
were by the sd Sheriffe declared duly Elected; whereas
if all those there waiting to vote for yc sd Dennis &
Dunham had been permitted to Vote, the majority
would have been for them notwithstanding all the
before recited Partialities & unfaire actings of the sd
Sherriffe.
All wc" proceedings of the sd Sherriffe (as your Peti-
c'oners are advised) are arbitrary, directly contrary to
the very letter of the Law & tending to robb ye sd
Freeholders of their Just rights & Libertys.
But for as much as they cannot be relieved any
where else save by this Hono'ble House & for Prevent-
ing the like irregularities & palpable partiality for the
future
Yor Petic'oners therefore Humbly pray-
That this Hono'ble House will please to take ye
premises into Consideration & give your Petic'oners
such relief & redress as to yo1' Wisdom shall seem Just
and necessary.
And yor Petic'oners shall ever pray &c
Was signed
Henry Rolf John Moor Daniel Sulen
Caleb Winger t W'" Ilslee Henry Freeman
Thomas Davis Will Robinson Francis Lost
Josias Wooding Sam' Dennis Edmd Dunham
Hugh Dun Noah Bishop Jon Worth
Daniel Betten Benajah Dunham Samuel Dun
Moses Rolf Charles Stillman Hopewell Hull
1T1'?| VMMINISTlfATION" OF liOVEIiXHK HUNTER. 189
Nicholas Munday Richd Seafer Andrew Drake
John Pitzrandolf Miles Bmm David Dunham
John Sutton John Else Sam11 Slater
Johnathan Tagnitz Joseph Gillnian Benj11 Rolph
James Clarkson Cornelius Paulsen Will Clauson
Benjamin Hull Nathanell Fitz John Griffith
George Ewbank Randolph Ed\vd Freeman
Petition of Inhabitants of Wbodbridge, Middlesex
County, for a License to build a Church for wor-
ship after the manner of the Church of England.
I From N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. L1X, p. 51.]
To his Excellency, Robert Hunter Esq, Capt
Generall and Governor-in-chief of the Prov-
inces of new Jersey new York Vice Admi-
rall of the same etc.,
The Petic'on of the Subscribers Freeholders &
Inhabitants of the Town of Woodbridge in
the Province of sd Newe Jersey
Humbly Sheweth.
That the Petitioners Esteeming themselves under an
Indespencible Obligac'on to Promote the Public Wor-
ship of God after the Maner of the Church of England
as by Law Established and haveing no church in the
said Toune nor Publick House for Divine Worship to
which they can Claime liberty to resort
Do therefore humbly pray that yr Excell'y would be
pleased to Giant them your Licence for Erecting a
Church in the said Towne for the Service of God. And
that your Excellencie would allow and authorize the
Petic'oners or some of them to Receive the Charitable
Benevolence of Godly and well Disposed Persons for
190 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1714
Assisting the Petic'oners by their Contributions to
Accomplish their Intended Design, and Your Excel-
lencies Petic'oners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray
[December 1713]
Robert Wright Benjamin Donham Geo Ewbanke
John Shippoy John Bishop. Henry Rolph
D. Hooglandt John Alston Philis Dennis
tils
John + Halker
ranrk.
Letter from Joseph Morgan, of Freehold, New Jersey.
to the Lords of Trade — relating to some improve-
ments in modes of navigation.
IFrom P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey. Vol. II, D. 35.]
Lre from M- Joseph Morgan of Monmouth County in
ye: East Division of New Jersey, inclosing a
Scheme for ye improvement of Navigation
To the Right Honourable The Lords Com-
missioners of Trade and Plantations in ye
Realm of Great Brittain These
Freehold in Monmouth county in ye East division of
New-Jersey in North America
Aug. 5. 1714-
May it please //our Lordships
I hope y° inclosed Work will excuse my Presumtion.
in writing to your Lordships; & though hitherto I am
to you unknown, yv Work inclosed will be never ye
Worse known It being yl wch will justify or condemn
it-Self when effectually put to Tryali
What I propose to do by it I know to be true: but
what ye Benefit of it may be at Sea in Calms & con-
trary Winds I (having never crost ye Sea) must leave •
to Marriners to judge; & I believe yy can give no good
1714] ADMINISTRATION 0tf GOVERNOR HUNTER. L91
Judgement till yy have tryed it. The Small cost, ye
Lightness & little Lumber in a Ship, recomends ye
Work to tryal The oars keeping stroke on both sides
ye Ship, to a hairs breadth, if yr were an hundred of
y"1 *& ye Same Machine serving to row wth many or few
Oars indifferently. & ye Ease of Weakling yl Oars if
great enough to require an hundred men to carry one
of ym, & by consequence Oars big enough for a Span-
ish Gallion or ye Royal Sovereign, or such great Oars
y* a Pair or two (if need require) Shall be Sufficient for
a Ship; (together w,h ye hanging of ye Oars so y* ye
rowling Sea can have no power on ym any other way
y" only to thrust yp Ship forward. & y* ye Strength of
One man will row as much as 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or ten men
according to ye way y* is taken, beside y- Addition of
3 ' weight of ye wheel by it's motion, & ye Swiftness of
ye Oars, into & in y" Water by ye help of Weights or
Springs (all w' are infallibly sot recomends ye Tryal of
it against y? Wind at Sea w1' if good may Save many
a Ship from Ship-wreck & by weathering of points &c.
many weeks & Months in voiages & be excellent in
War.
I having been a Passenger in ye Sound about New
York, Saw y3 want of such an Invention, & imagin-
ing v possibility of it, set my Self to Study it has cost
oie y Labour of many years I from Time to Time find
ing an Inconvenience in ye way I had Projected was
forced to throw all away & begin a new; till at length
I found ye Several ways here inclosed at y" time Speci-
fy. ><I in y1' inclosed When i was satifyed in ye Inven-
tion I proceeded to make Tryals wherein I have been
at greater expense y" my Small means to maintain a
great Family of Small children, could hold out, &
could not make Tryal to my desire: but what Tryal 1
made I found to answer my Expectation; wdl imbold-
ens me to recomend it to abler hands Seeing hopes of
its being usefull I believe it my duty to make ye first
offer of ye Benefit of it to her Majesty (though I believe
192 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1714
all ye World ought to have ye Benefit of it, having giv
en a proportionable reward to him yl Almighty God
has made ye Inventer of it) Wherefore I sent a Paper
of these Diagrams to his Excellency ye Govern our of
New York two months ago desiring him to write to
your Lordships, & lest it Should miscarry (or be so
long in ye way y some other who have Seen part of it
here should get to Europ first & get y3 Reward) I Sent
another to his Ex-V ye Govern- of Boston wtb ye same de-
sire: & now having Oppertunity by a Passenger I send
a third my Self The Governour & Assembly in New
York having seen it in ye Diagrams & most of ym Saw
one way of it rowing in a Boat
I humbly Offer it a Present to her Majesty & her
Successors for ye use of her Navy (believing it my Duty
so to do) & I leave it to ye Justice & Liberality of her
Majesty & her Ministry to Order me a Reward from
Such as use it for their own Profit: humbly Praying yf
her Majesty will give it me for a certain number of
years &c. by Patent or by Act of Parliameut or as her
Wisdom Shall See good I also humbly Pray y* her
Majesty will use her Interest w\h forreign Powers for
a reward to ye Inventer; & I will —
I have found out another Art (hitherto unknown to
ye World) of far (yea an hundred Times) greater con-
sequence, & benefit to ye World, wch I cannot so dis-
cribe upon Paper; but I am not able to defray yp
Charge of making Tryal of it, nor do I expect ever to
be able except I be enabled by a Reward for this, &
then (God willing) I shall not fail
I trust y1 your Lordships, in your desire to promote
y1' publick good, & in kindness to an unknown well-
wilier, will take such Methods as in your Wisdom you
shall judge meet, & pardon my Boldness com'itted
w" a good desire And it Shall be a continual Obligation
unto Thankfullness from
Your Lordships most humble Servant
Joseph Morgan.
1714] ADMINISTRATION OP GOVERNOR BUNTER. 193
P. S. If any gentleman will be so kind as to write
to me, how this is accepted lie will greatly oblige his
humble Serv1
[Then follow thirteen descriptions of the mode of
applying the invention to ships, with pen and ink
figures, showing the wheels, cranks booms &c that
were to aid men employed in moving the oars, which
were to project from the sides of the vessels; as
" Found out in yR year 1712 [to 1714] by Joseph Mor
gan of Freehold in New Jersey in North America."
* * " "The Oars hanging as aforesaid, will
feather every way before ye Water or waves except ye
way yy week. The work hanging in due proportion.
One man can give all ye Oars yr Motion if y" Ship be
full from end to end on both sides or if ye Oars be as
big as Trees y* would take fourty men to carry one of
■yj-m '' * 77 -if -Jrl
" Now if any one of these thirteen ways be good my
Art is good, although twelve of ye ways were good for
nothing I have some more ways yet, but I think these
enough to make tryal wu
" If this Art come into use it will doubtless gain by
Practice to be twice So good as when first found out
'for all Arts must have y' lime t<> begin & grow)
" But I fear y1 if ye first Tryals be made when y" first
[nventer is not present, y' by some thing or other not
done light yc work will be discouraged: for in such
work (like as in mills) one Small thing done amiss or
out of ( )rder Spoils all
"I have also Several ways to row Small Boats but I
think y are needless in Europe One I Shewed in New-
Fork dune IT1" 1714. where one man rowed with 2, 4,
5 or six oars & could w' ye same labour have rowed
with twenty • * * '
^■■> -:;- * * [n this work it being a- easy to weald
Oars for ye greatest Ship en ye Ocean as lor y Small-
13
L94 il»\II NISI i; A TIO.N UK i!OVi:HN0R HTJNTEK. [1714
est Boat: & one mans Strength equalizing so many;
yL benefit must be exceeding great for Ships yl lye be-
calmed or wind bound &c. '" . ::
'•This Art is humbled offered i by ye Inventer)to her
Majesty for ye Use of her Navy"
And he prays her Majesty to order him a Reward
from Such as use it for their own proper Benefit And
to use her Interest w"' forreign Powers to do ye like
for ye In venter.
Joseph Morgan*.
To the Right Honourable the Lords Commis-
sioners for Trade & Plantations These
To leave at London
Freehold in ye County of Monmouth in ye Eastern Di-
vision of ye Province of New Jersey in North
America Aug. 28, 1 714.
May it Phase your Lordships
Several of ye inclosed Diagrams I have Sent to you
(Several ways lest ye first Should miscarry) & now for
surety I Send again Via Philadelphia In this I Send 15
Figures (wLh is more than in ye former) & can send
Several more of quite different way of working. The
device is all wholly my own I never borrowed one
tittle of it from any man except Oars and mill-wheels
& cranks
1 hope y" Inclosed matter will excuse my Boldness
though I am to your Lordships unknown
The Governour & Assembly & City of New York
(where I Shewed part of it "openly ye 17u' of June last)
can witness for me y- no man in these parts of y°
World (& I have never been in any other) ever pre-
tended to any part of it before me and I have had it
on foot many a year but never could please my Self
L714] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERXOR Hl'N'TER. 195
till, wth ye ways here inclosed & Some other better or
worse
My Offer, & Request, to her Majesty, I sent in my
last & have mentioned in ye end of ye inclosed (wcl
contains four leaves )
Hoping yl your Lordships will not despise a Pro-
posal for ye publick good; till it is Effectually tryed
(whatever some who like nothing new may object) al-
though it be from one whose name is obscure (yet I
am sure it is from a hearty7 good-Wilier & Loyal Sub-
ject) but take such methods as your Wisdom Shall di-
rect to And it shall be a continued Obligation unto
Thankfulness from
Your Majesties very dutiful I Subject &
Your Lordships Most humble Servant
Joseph Morgan.
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade —
about New Jersey Affairs.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol II. D. 9.]
Lre from Brigdr Hunter Govr of New Jersey to
the Board.
N York ye 27 Aug 171 I
My Lords.
This Acknowledges the Honour of yor Lordps. with
the Treaties of Peace & Commerce with Spaine Which
I have Published in both Provinces in the usual man
ner.
This Letter shall trouble Your Lordships with the
Affairs of the Jersies only, The Paper Markt A i is a
Li^st of the Acts passed there in the last Sessions 23
Publick and 15- -private ones. I know as near as I can
Judge that none of those Acts are contrary, but con-
formable as much as can be to her Majesties Instruc-
L96 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1714
tions for which reason Yo'' Lord'ps willnotbe troubled
with reading many Remarks, Our Men of Noise have
Exerted their Talent against the Act. that ye Solemn
Affirmation of ye People called Quakers &c Yo1' Lord-
ships well know that her Majesties Instructions to me
are positive for Endeavouring to procure and pass such
an Act, Which of itself is sufficient reason to me for
soe doeing, but the State of that Province absolutely
Requires such One, that People being by farr the most
numerous and wealthy in the Western Division, and
as I may affirm upon Experience the most Dutyfull.
There are besides some Acts relating to the Practice of
the Law, which the Lawyers and none but They Cavil
at. The Practicers of Law (for there is not a Lawyer in
the Country) were by their Illegal Exactions and un-
warrantable Splitting and Spinning out of Causes,
become the only remaineing Grievance in that Coun-
1 1 y. the Ordinance and ye Law Enforceing ye Observa-
tion of it with the other Acts for Regulateing their
Practice were ment and framed to prevent for the
future these abuses. Your Lord'ps can never be
Induced to believe that the unreasonable gaines of a
very few can outweigh or over Ballance the quiet and
prosperity of a whole Province, soe I need say noe
more upon that head.
The Act Laying a Duty on Slaves is Calculated to
Encourage the Importation of white Servants for the
better Peopeling that Country, a Law something like
that in Pensilvania haveing evidently had that effect
That for laying a Duty on Wheat Exported is for
the Encouragement of their own manufacture of Bolt-
ing, that they themselves may have the benefitts
Arrising from their own produce.
That for Confirming Conveyances of Land, nmde
and to be made by Wills and powers of Attorney was
Judg'd absolutely necessary, for in a New Country the
Proprietors of which live for ye greatest part in Eng-
1714J ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 1 9 i
land, where also the Original Grants and Deeds
remaine, without such a Law noe Man will Venture to
purchase Lands or can be safe in his Purchase if he
should.
There are amongst the Private Bills two, for Natu-
ralizeing three persons Inhabitants of that Province.
Mr Baird is a very worthy and Ingenuous Man, and
One of the most Considerable Traders in that Country,
and very usefull to ye Government Which are suffi-
cient Inducements to reco'mend his Act to her Majes-
ties Approbation.
I Acquainted M' Popple of ye reason which Induced
the Assembly there to settle the Support of Govern-
ment for a shorter time than they had proposed, when
these Apprehensions are over and the Malitious designe
of such Insinnuations more aparent as they already
beginn to be. I make noe doubt of Settleing that other
matters in that Province in a manner Agreeable to her
Majesties Interest and Your Lord'ps desire.
The Act for Ascertaineing and Settleing the property
of Lands comeing in late in that Session, miscarryed
for want of being rightly understood, The tenures in
the Western Division are soe doubtfull or precarious
(occupansey being one of their best titles) That it must
either remaine unpeopled, or the People be involved in
unextricable Law Suites and Confusion without such
an Act which I shall Endeavour to procure next As-
sembly.
Mr Sonman's sometime of her Majesties Councill in
the Jerseys haveing as 1 formerly Inform'd Your
Lord'ps stole and Conveyed away out of the Province
all. ye Publick Records, thought fitt after haveing for
some time absconded to Convey himselfe to England,
Where he has Imploy'd much time in Writing over
malicious and false Rep< rts to Alarm the People, and
in as much as in him lyes to Continue ye Confusion
which he Cheifley liaised there, soe I firmly hope lie
1.98 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1714
can neither find Credit with or Countenance from
Tour Lords'] >s howsoever he comes Recommended,
I shall at my next going to the Jerseys Endeavour
to open a Court of Chancery there which is Indeed
much wanted. I humbly Recommend myselfe to Yo1
I i< >rdships Patronage and am with the Greatest Honour
My Lords Your Lordships most humble
& most Obed- Servant.
Ro: Hunter.
Dr. Daniel and Mr. Samuel Coxe of London to the
Lords of Trade — against the renewal of Governor
Hunter's Comm iss ions.
I From P. R. 0. B. T.. New Jersey. Vol. I. (' 129.]
To the Right Honb.le the Lords Commissioners
for Trade & Plantations.
Reasons humbly offer'd by Docr Daniel Coxe &
M1 Sam!1 Coxe Citizen of London ag* renew-
ing the Commissions of Coll Hunter ye
present Governour of New Jersey & New
York—
May it Please your LoVps
Bi'iiaj informed that Coll Robert Hunter the present
Grovernour of the Severall Provinces of New York &
New Jersey in America is now applying by his Friends
to have his Severall Commissions renew'd to prevent
which We humbly begg to lay before your Lordships
tin- greviances & oppressions his Majestys Subjects of
y? Said Provinces have suffered & are like to do under
his Administration to Satisfy your Lordships of which
we arc ready to make it appear when ever your Ldps
shall please to permit! us.
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 109
That he hath all along Acted in a very Arbitrary
manner contrary to the Laws of Great Brittain with-
out any regard to his Instructions (which he hath fre-
quently broke thro) & to the power & Authority given
him by his Commissions.
That he hath delaycl & perverted Justice, taken
upon himself in an illegall manner to dispense with
an Act of Assembly & also by misrepresentac'ons im-
pos'd upon the late Queen's clemency & goodness which
induced her (to the great detriment of the said Prov-
inces) to pardon severall Notorious murtherers, & other
Malefactors.
All which we doubt not to make so clear y' your
Ld'ps may be prevaild on to put a Stop to the renew-
ing of the said Commissions by representing this case
to his Majesty whose many Princely Virtues, but espe-
cially celebrated Justice & Mercy gives us certain hopes
of redress & that the present Governour Shall not be
continued to oppress his Majestys good Subjects whom
he ought to protect.
Daniel Coxe
Samuel Coxe
14th Janr 1T||
Letter from the Earl of Clarendon [Lord Cornbury]
to the Lords of Trade — about certain acts of New
Jersey A sse nibly .
[From N. Y. f!ol. Docts., Vol. V. (> 398.]
My Lords
Your Lordships having signified to me by your Sec-
retary Mr Popple, that I should this day lay before you
in writeing my objections against two Acts of Assem-
bly, the one past at New York in America Intituled an
Act for Payment of the Debts of the Government of
200 ADMINISTRATION OP SOT KKNOR HUNTER. [1715
New York and the other past in New Jersey In Amer-
ica Intituled an Act to enable Thomas Gordon Esq"
Treasurer of the Province to pa\ the sum of £$99. 13?
3d towards the support of the Government, and for dis-
charging y said Treasurer thereof , before I enter upon
the objections I have to make to those two Acts, I
must acquaint your Lordships that at the time Her
late Majesty was pleased to recall me from those Gov-
ernments several sums of Money were then, and still
are, due to me in the Province of New York, both upon
account of my salary as Governor, and upon account of
severall disbursements made by me for the service of
the Govemm- Now I am informed that the Act above
mentioned past at New York is so unjust in its nature
as to direct the Payment of considerable sums of money
where none is realy due, and allows toother just debts,
to some one half, to others a third, to others a fourth
part, and to others nothing, nay, I am informed that
there is a Clause in that Act, that says, no demand
shall be made for any Debt not there provided for,
which is plainly excluding me who was not upon the
place to make any demands, though my Demands are
never so just, this will be found to be the case of others
as well as myself, I am informed farther that by this
Act there is a gratuity given to every member
of y" Assembly for this Act, and perticularly to
Mr Morris for drawing it a thing never before heard
of in that Government, and which must be attended
with very ill consequences, these are the reasons I have
to offer to your Lodps against this Act at present,
not haveing yet seen the Act, but if I may have a
copy of it from M' Popple, which I desire your Lord-
ships will please to order I may I do not doubt but I
shall be able to offer more reasons to induce your
Lordshipps to advise His Majesty to reject this Act so
injurious to many people
Xow give me leave to inform your Lordshipps that
L715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 201
on the 29th of July 1 70S to the best of my remembrance,
I received atNewYork the late Queens commission un-
der the broad seal of England constituting me Governor
of New Jersey, it was about sixteen months after that
before I could prevail with the Assembly of that Prov-
ince to settle any Revenue and then they settled it
but for two years, so that I served in that Govern-
ment upwards of three years, without receiving any
salary as Governor, but on the contrary was forced to
disburse severall sums of money, out of my own Pock-
ett for the service of that Government, which are still
owing to me, because the Assembly of that Province
have not settled any Revenue since the two years
above mentioned expired. Now by the Act lately
passed in New Jersey they take upon them to dispose
of a sum of money remaining in the Treasurers hands.
Out of a greater sum granted to the late Queen, for
the Expedition against Canada and which is the first
sum of money that I or anybody else could make any
demand upon, first I say that the Assembly have no
power- to dispose of that money, because it is the
money of y" Crown, and to be disposed of by the
Crown only, secondly, I say it is by this Act ordered
to be paid to the Governor, which is contrary to his
instructions, thirdly this Act discharges the Treasurer
Ins Heirs &c from being accountable for the said sums.
whereas by the Governors Instructions all moneys
granted to the Crown by the Assembly of that Prov-
ince are to be accounted for to the Treasury here in
England, these I hope will be sufficient reasons to in-
duce your Lordships to advice His Majesty to reject
this act tho' I don't doubt but when I see the Act. 1
shall be able to offer more good reasons against the
said Act, I am
My Lords Your Lordships
mo faithful humble Serv*
Somerset House Clarendon
Febry 8. 17! \
202 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1715
From the Lords of Trade to Mr. Secretary Stanhope,
with Drafts of New Commissions to Governor
Hunter.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. XIII. p. 177]
To the R' honb:le M? Secref Stanhope.
Sr
In Obedience to his Majy.'8 Commands, Signify'd to
Us by your Letters of the 25l.h past, We have prepar'd
ye Draughts of Comissions for Robert Hunter Esq!" to
be Cap* General, & Governor in Chief of his Majy.'8
Provinces of New York & New Jersey in America,
wf We herewith transmit to you to be laid before
his Majesty in Council. And in further Pursuance of
his Majesty's Pleasure, we are preparing draughts of
Instructions, as usual, for the Said Roberts Hunter's
Guidance in those Governments. We are,
S-r. Your most obedient and most humble Servants,
Whitehal Berkeley,
Febf 11* m| RoT Moleswoth,
Arch: Hutcheson,
Cha: Cooke,
P: Doeminique.
| The Commission of Colonel Robert Hunter as Gov-
ernor of New Jersey, renewed in consequence of the
death of Queen Anne, does not differ in any important
particular from that received by him in 1709, and it-
has not therefore been thought necessary to insert it
in this connection. — See page 1. The same remarks
will apply to the Instructions which were issued on
the 6th May following. They differed but little from
those printed on page 1 et seq. -Ed. J
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 203
Letter from Dr. Daniel Cox to the Lords of Trade —
Remonstrating against ilte Re-appointment of
Governor Hunter.
(From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey. Vol. I. C. 188.]
To the Right Honb!e the Lords Commissioners
for Trade & Plantations
Further reason against renewing Coll Hunters
Commissions for the Grovernmts of New
York & New Jersey humbly offered by
Doctr Dan11 Coxe & his Son Sam11 Coxe
May it ptease your Ld'ps :
Having already humbly offerd to your Ld'ps. rea-
sons why the Commissions of Coll Rob1 Hunter the
prsent Govr of New York & New Jersey should not he
renewed, (pursuant to your Ld'ps: directions) we now
further presume & present the following particulars in
oi"der to make out the Gen1.1 charge at that time Left
with your Lordships which we should have been
enabled to have done more fully & much sooner, had
not (to our great surprise & as we with humble sub-
mission take the liberty to suppose against all com-
mon right) the Copys of Coll Hunters Commissions,
some of his Instructions & the Extracts of two of his
letters, been denyed us.
What was then laid before your Lordships, charg'd
Coll Hunter That he had all along Acted in a very
Arbitrary manner, contrary to the Laws of Great Brit-
tain, without any regard to his Instructions, (which
he had frequently broke) & to the Power cK: authority
given him by his Commissions.
That he had delay 'd, denyed & perverted Justice,
taken upon him in an illegall manner to dispense with
304 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1715
an Act of Assembly, & also by Misrepresentations
imposd upon the late Queens Clemency & goodness,
which induc'd her (to the great detriment of the s?
Provinces) to pardon severall notorious murtberers &
malefactors, which we hope will sufficiently appear to
your Ld'ps in the following particulars.
Imp9'" He turn'd out the sheriff of Middlesex &
sommerset in New Jersey & the sherriff of the Citty
& County of New York before their respective years
were expir'd, Contrary to the Laws of England, his
solemn promise & without signifying any cause for his
so doing to Her late Majesty & to the Commissioners
for Trade & Plantations against the representac'on of
one of the Gentlemen of her Majesty's Councill, &
directly contrary to his Instructions.
-2 He turn'd out most of the Judges & Justices of
the Peace throughout the Province of New Jersey
without signifying his cause for so doing to her late
Majesty & to the Commissioners for Trade and Plan-
tac'ons as by his Instructions he is Commanded to doe,
& without giving any reasons to the persons turn'd
out or charging them wth any crime or misdemeanor.
3. He appointed and put in severall new Judges &
Justices of the Peace in New Jersey & New York,
some not residing in the Province for which they were
appointed, others not fitt for those employments, but
all without the advice & Consent of her Majesty's
Councill, expressly contrary to his Instructions.
4. He has permitted te sitt & Act in the Assembly
of the Province of New Jersey without qualifying
themselves According to the Laws of England, altho
such persons are by his Commission & Instructions for
the sd Province particularly made incapable.
5. He has past all the Laws Enacted by the Assem-
bly of both Provinces in a Stile directly Contrary to
his Instructions, altho otherwise advised by Her
Majesty's Councill.
L715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR EUNTER. 205
6. Not one of all the Acts of Assembly for raising
money or Value of Money which he has past have been
framed According to the Stile of Acts of Parliament in
England nor such money or Value of money in the s'.'
Acts mentioned to be given or granted to the late
Queen with the humble desire of such Assembly &c as
his Instructions particularly require & Command.
7 He has p'mitted uery great sums of money to be
Issued & disposed of directly contrary to his Instruc-
tions.
Nor hath he taken care that books of Accounts of
receits & Payments have been duly Kept & fairly
attested upon oath; nor transmitted such books to the
High Treasurer or Commissioners of the Treasury for
the time being, & to the Commissioners for trade &
Plantions as by his Instructions he is enjoynd to do
A nd hath also permitted a clause to be inserted in
an Act of Assembly of New Jersey whereby the Estate
of the Treasurer hath been for ever acquitted, exoner-
ated & discharged from a great sum of money then in
his hands altho the same was never accounted for here
likewise contrary to his Instructions.
8. He hath past severall Acts of Assembly in both
Prouinces directly repugnant to the laws of England,
which his Commissions & Instruction expressly forbid.
9. He hath arbitrarily imprisond, injurd the Free-
hold. & taken away the goods of severall of the inhabi-
tants of New Jersey, not only without any law to
Justify him. but directly repugnant to the laws of
England & Contrary to his Instructions.
10. He hath erected Courts or officiers of Judical i ire
in the said Province of New Jersey, not before erected
& Establisd. to the great detriment of the Inhabitants,
whereby Justice has been deny'd & perverted contrary
to the Laws of England & his particular Instrucc'ons.
11 He hath very much injurd & oppressed the
Inhabitants of New Jersey by the great delay of Jus-
tice, occasiond by his not calling a Councill in 2 years
206 A !>M1 NISI RATION < > F ( ,<> Y KU NOli HUNTER. [1715
time, tho many writts of Error were depending before
the Councill, & by adjourning the Supream Court of
New Jersey without adArice or Consent of her Majesty's
Councill, for a whole Term, which is contrary to the
Laws of England (expressed in Magna Charta) to
which by his Commission he is to keep as close, as
can be.
12. He hath illegally orderd the restitution of the
goods of severall persons which (pursuant to an Act of
Assembly of New Jersey made before he was Gover-
nour) were regularly destrained.
These may it please your Ld'ps: are some few of the
many mismanagements of Coll Hunter, which we can
clearly prove. And many more equall, if not greater
weight we question not fully to make out if from your
Ld'ps goodness & impartiall Justice we might obtain a
Coppy of his Commissions, some of his Instructions,
& the extracts of the before mentioned two Letters
wch favour has been granted to others, & which with
humble submission we concieve ought not to be deny'd
us.
Febf yf 21s? lt\i Dan; Coxe
From Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade, -on
tho state of affairs in Neiv Jersey.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts., v..i. v. p. 399.
To the Right Honb.,e the Lords Corn'8 for Trade
and Plantations
My Lords
Not having received any directions from your Lord-
ships or the present Ministry since his Majesty's happy
accession to the Crown,1 except what was picked up
1 George I was proclaimed by Governor Hunter in New York and New Jersey in
October preceding.— N. Y. Col. Docts., V, p. 380.— Ed.
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOE HUXTF.R. 20'i
from the wreck of the Hazard Sloop, I am at a loss
what to write, only in general 1 must inform your
Lordships, that by the choice made of representatives
for both Assembly's here, 1 have to much reason to
expect little besides confusion in both Provinces, The
Jerseys are so divided about their claims and Titles to
lands, that whatever party in the Assembly, will ex-
pect to be gratify'd by some acts in favour of their
claims, befor they consent to do any thing for the
Government, Mr Cox who is the sower of sedition, has
got himself chosen by those who are link't to him by
land purchases, on purpose to make confusion he is
indeed capable of nothing else, he has done what in
him lay to raise tumults and has hitherto escaped
prosecution and punishment by the means of the two
infamous officers of the Government, the Attorney Gen-
erall and Secretary, the first of whom I was laid under
a necessity of suspending, and [as?] your Lordships will
[have?] perceived by the inclosed minutes of Council
and must immediatly take the same measure with the
other, or suffer that Government to be trampled upon
& stuck, I think my Lords I may now without a crime
speak out. those two with their abetters have acted no
otherwise than as they were prompted all along from
tin' other party by a late Governor of these provinces,
and his agents on this side, and that very avowedly,
the people being incessantly threatned and frieghtned
with his restoration, that freight how groundless so-
ever, even at that time, had some effect, but I thank
God it is now over, how far ( 'ox may work upon the
ensuing Assembly by the means I have already men-
tion'd, time will show.
T shall whilst I live retain a just sence of your Lord-
ships Justice to me, and your endeavours for my re-
lief, tho' for reasons that I can not dive into, they
have hitherto proved ineffectual, but as matters stand
at present, I must conclude it impossible that the
^08 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVEENOB Ul'.NTEIt. [1715
wretched condition of this Government should be any
longer overlooked or neglected at home for I must
with confidence affirm that some men in my station
would have made concessions of any kind, how preju-
dicial soever to the interests of the Crown, rather than
be reduced to that misery that I have groaned under
these five years past, if it may be of any service to
His Majesty or the publick, that I should continue to
beg my daily Bread of those who take pleasure in my
sufferings I submit with pleasure, I know your Lord-
ships are of another opinion, which encourages me hum-
bly but earnestly to obtest your Lordships again to use
your endeavours for a settlement here by Act of Par-
liament, as Her late Majesty was pleased to direct, for
I can stake my life and fortune upon't that never any
can be obtained on this side, but from Year to Year,
and that not half sufficient to answer the ordinary and
necessary expence of Government, the funds for this
last year not compleating one half of their own scanty
allowance.
And if ever such a precarious provision is made il
must be upon such conditions that a man who lias in
the least measure the intrest of the Crown at heart,
can never assent to.
I shall not farther trouble your Lordships at this
time, but as you have been hitherto my most worthy
Patrons and protectors, having to my knowledge not
so much as in a thought rendred myself unworthy of
it. I must most humbly intreat that you'] beleive thai
I am with an unalterable duty and all imaginable
honour.
My Lords Your Lordships
most faithful and most humble Servant
Ro: Hunter
New York Mai eh 28. 171.\
Mr Mompesson our Chief Justice is dead, I" have com-
missionated Lewis Morris Esqr in his room for these
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTKR. 809
■reasons amongst others, that he is a sencible holiest
man, and able to live without a salary which they
will most certainly never grant to any in that
station, at least sufficient to maintain his Clerk, 1
have in the room of Mr Griffith granted a Commis-
sion to Thomas Gordon Esqr heretofore Chief Justice.
From Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple about
Rev. Mr. Talbot, of Burlington, and Messrs. Grif-
fith, Core and Basse.
[From xN. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V. p. 401.]
To Wm Popple Esqr
Sir [Extract]
* •• •• * * I have been obliged to turn out that
vile fellow Griffith, the Attorney General of the Jer-
seys, who has been all along an impudent tool of Lord
Clarendon's, and that noisy fool Cox has betray'd the
publick service so avowedly, that I verily believed he
had orders from home to do so, Mr Talbot has incorpo-
rated the Jacobites in the Jerseys under the name of a
church, in order to sanctify his sedition and insolence
to the Government.1
That stale pretence is now pretty much discused and
I am easy and shall make them so in spite of themselves.
Cox, Griffith and Bass are his main prop's, if the
Society take not more care for the future than has
been taken hitherto in the choice of their Missionaries,
instead of establishing Religion, they'l destroy all Gov-
1 This accusation against the Rev. John Talbot was transmitted by the Lords of
Trade to the Society for Propagating the Gospel, and by then- Secretary to Mr.
Talbot, that it might be answered. It was so by Jeremiah Basse, the Church War-
dens, and Mr. Talbot himself, and the charge considered effectually refuted. See
Dr. Hill's History of the Church in Burlington, pp. 137-145.— Ed.
14
210 ADMINISTRATION' OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [l?lo
eminent, and good manners. I have not time to add
more, but that I am very heartily.
Sir Your most obliged humble Servant
New York April 9, lTir. Ro. Hunter.
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade.
[From P. R. O. B. T.. New York, Vol. LIII. p. 353.
To the Right Honb!e the Lords Com1'* for Trade
and Plantations
My Lords
(Extract.]
When the Assembly here has done, or done nothing,
1 am to attend that in the Jerseys, The Copy cast to
them by this will have influence on that: For M1 Cox,
by the Surprize of an Inundation of Swedes has got
himself Elected in one of the Counties, and the many
assurances from him all over that Province that I was
actually superseded has had great influence over the
Elections in some other Counties, as to the persons
when they find that they have been imposed upon he
may be disappointed in his Expectation but I dare
promise nothing from the choice which is made
As to the Caveat given in by his Father and Brother,
I have nothing to plead to't more than if they had
accused me of Murder and Treason, that is the General
issue not Guilty; But I must humbly intreat your
Lordships to give Orders that the Original may be Kept
Safe until it pleases God to Send me to England, for
Obvious reasons:
Tims humbly Submitting my Actions to your Lord-
ships Scrutiny my Endeavours and intentions to your
favorable construction and my woful condition to your
Compassion, I beg leave to Subscribe my Self.
My Lords Your Lordships most faithful
and most humble serv!
New Y^ork May 21s:1 1715 Rob: Hunter
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 211
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Wil-
liam Popple.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, In. |
Letter from Brigadr Hunter Grovr of New Jer-
sey &c to ye Sec1*3"' relating to ye Ld Claren-
don's objections to an Act for applying
999£ for Support of that Gov1
To William Pople Esqr
New York May 21 1715.
Dr Sr
Having wrote particularly to their Losps about the
Ld Clarendons Caveats, For they are all his, I shall
only add to you to he communicated to them If
there be Occasion that his Exceptions Ag'st the Jersey
bill is as ill grounded as the other for when his Emis-
sary s In the Council Cox Sonmans Etc: had made it
Impracticable to hold an Assembly there to Any pur-
pose I was force! to wait Her Ma'tys pleasure about
their removeal which was so long in procuseing that
the Countrey was in arrear to the Government In a
greater Summ and upon Stateing And takeing the
Accts of ye Expeditions With other Accts of Taxes the
Assembly found a balance of so much remaining In
their Treasurers hands wcb by a special Act was given
to me In So much of that which was Indue to me, I
believe his Lo'sp w^ould not have ask'd for an Act of
Assembly In Very deed And the King never have been
the Richer for it but it is all I have for my Sellary for
that Time and when His Ma'ty Approves the Act It is
his gift. I know not if any thing be due to him there
but I'm Sure he has given me no Reason to Solicite his
-1\! ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HTXTEK. | 1 i 1 ">
payment. I beg the favour of the Continuation of
that Friendship which has Stood me in So much Steed
perhaps one day I may be able to Return it.
IV S1 I am wih the Greatest truth
Your most Obliged Humble Servant
B<>: Hunter.
W" Pople Esq:
Letter from the Lords of Trade to the Bishop of Lon-
don— relating to the character of Missionaries.
I From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. XIII, C. p 301.1
To the Right Rev? Father in God, John Lord
Bishop of London.
My Lord
We find by Letters from the Northern Continent,
that several Nations of Indians have been desirous of
Protestant Missionaries to instruct them in the true Re-
ligion, Upon which We must observe to your Lord-
ship, that it seems to Us very necessary the Persons
sent over for that purpose, shou'd be of unspotted
Characters, & whose Lives & Conversations ought to
be unblamable, But We have frequently received Ac-
counts of some of them very different from that Char-
acter, wc:h rather admisters Occasion of Scandal than
contributes to the Propagation of Christianity, and
particularly We have rec'd a Letter from Brigadier
Hunter, Governor of New York cSc New Jersey (an
Extract whereof is here inclos'd)' wherein he gives Us
a Character of one who is now in the Jerseys; We
cou'd not omit acquainting yonr Lordship therewith,
1 Set- page 17-1.— Ed.
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 213
that your Lordship may give the necesssary directions
that persons of Piety, Principles, exemplary life, & well
affected to his Majesty's Government, be sent for the
future;
We are, My Lord Your Lordship's
Most obedient & most humble Servants,
Whitehal,
June 24*:" 1715 R: Molesworth
Jn? Cokburne.
John Chetwynd.
Charles Cooke.
P. Doeminique.
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade
— about New Jersey affairs.
[From N. V. Col. Doets., Vol. V. |>. liii.
To the Right Honble the Lords Com1'3 for Trade
and Plantations.
| Extracts, j
MlJ Lards
::' " ::' ::" '"• The long session here lias obliged
me to adjourn the Assembly in the Jerseys till the har-
vest is over, that is to the first of September, what is
called the Western division in that Province is in dan-
ger of confusion by the means of Mr. Cox <x. his party.
The paper marked D. will inform your Lordships in
part, of their present dispositions, the grand Jury have
presented and the Justices hound ov.er the signers and
promoters of it. when the a If airs in this Province | New
York) shall give me leave to attend these in the other.
I'm confident I shall make all easy there, there being-
no real ground for their uneasiness, unless it be in
their nature, for they are all from New England who
214 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1715
have signed it, but whether they be a true sample of
the body of the people their, or only a sett of unquiet
and restless men, who could be easy no where, and so
left that Province for this, I cannot determine but this
I confidently affirm that all the oposion and vexation
I have met with in both these Provinces has been in a
great measure owing to those who have come to us
from that, * * * * * *
I formerly acquainted your Lordships with the death
of M1 Hempesson [Mompesson] and that I had Com-
missionated Lewis Morris Esq- Chief Justice in his
room, conceiving him to be the fittest person for that
trust in this place. - '"' ";: *
I am My Lords Your Lordships
most obedient humble Servant
New York July 25th 1715 Eo: Hunter
Paper Subscribed by several Inhabitants of New
Jersey, Signifying their Refusal to pay
Francis Pagit, acting as Constable, any
mony assessed on them by a Person alledg-
ed to be a Roman Catholick. [referred to in
foregoing letter.]
Wee whose Names are under Written do Utterly
Denie to pay or Suffer to be taken by Distress or any
other ways any money Goods or any other thing by
Frances Pagit our so called Constable Because wee
Doubt of his Being a Lawful Constable & more espe-
cially Because wee have been Illegally Assesed by an
Asseser who being a Known & open protest Roman
Catholick which is Utterly Repugnant to the Laws of
Great Brittain & Contrary to y:c Rights & Liberties of
of his Royall Maj'l? faithfull Subjects & if wee Sub-
mitt To Suffer or Acknowledge any such Roman
1715]
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
215
Catholick to Usurp or bare any place in office of proffitt
or trust Among us wee Should Count our Selves Tray-
tors to his Majtie our King & all True Protestants
Thomas Maskell
Joseph Denes— —
Jonathan Dennies J:r
Sam!1 Dennis —
Rob? Robins
W? Bacon —
Joseph Bacon
Sam1.1 Bacon —
Peter Fitzrandolph
Thomas Craven —
Jacob Tapping * —
Richard Smith
Charles Dennis
Philip Stathem
Alex1-' Smith JunF —
Peter Cravon
Robert Tullie —
Vera Copia
Zebulon Stathem
Jn? Candler
Thomas Stathem - -
Christf Fitzrandolph
Thomas Twigg - - -
John Bacon - - - - -
W? Wattson
Enoch more - - - -
Joseph Simkins - -
Seth Smith ■
Alexr Foreman - -
Jn? Cook - - -
Rob- Alexander -
Joseph Alexander
^-Jn? Reed -
David Sayre -
Josiah Filhing - -
John Rolfk Clerk.
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade-
acknowledging the receipt of his Commissions.
IFrom N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V. p. H9.
To the Right Honble the Lords Commiss1'8 for
Trade & Plantations
My Lords
[Extract. ]
****** i have lately received my Patents
for the Govern' of these Provinces,1 I am amazed to
' His Instructions were approved by the King in Coiricil .rune 17th. and David
Lyell added to the Provincial Council at the same time— Ed.
216 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1715
hear of the opposition some men made to their pass-
ing, and the more so because there is not one man
found out hitherto in either Province who does not in
terms renounce and deny having any hand directly or
indirectly in instructing or encouraging these men who
have given themselves and my friends all this trouble,
I know at all of Sam and Dan: Cox citizens but as to
Mr Sonmans I have formerly informed your Lordships
that he had fled from prosecution for having carry 'd
out of the Province of New Jersey and imbezeled all
the publick records which were seized by an accident
at Burlington in their passage from New York to
Philadelphia under a permit as a chest of goods, he is
indeed one of the most infamous men in those parts,
and his life and conduct is to foul to he the subject of
any letter which your Lordships are to read.
The other person the Revd Mr Vesey had laboured
hard for a persecution ever since I had the honour to
Govern here, but to no purpose, so at an interview be-
tween him and a very great man then at Boston it was
resolved that he should go for England and cry out fire
& church at all hazards, and accordingly he went in
the manner your Lordships have heard, but that plot
in all other of its parts so well concerted happen'd to
be deficient in the point of time & season and the rage
of disappointed polititian prompted him to join in
these impotent and unchristian efforts against me, He
has wrote to his friends here that he is to return with
the character of Commissary to the Bishop of London,
I have wrote to his Lordship that 1 can hardly believe
it, since there is a happy issue put to the confusion at
home, it is to little purpose to propagate what was by
the means of that man raised here, which cannot be
his Lordships intention tho' it may have that effect.
There are wanting three Councillors in the Jerseys
in the room of Mr Quary, M1 Mompesson and Mr Hall
deceased, I humbly recommend in their rooms David
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 217
Jamison the Chief Justice of that Province David Lyel
a proprietor there and John Bambridge another pro-
prietor of the Western division I have recommended
George Clark Esqr in my former to the place vacant in
ye Council of New York by the death of Mr Mompes-
son. * * * * *
My Lords Your Lordships most humble
and most obedient Servant
Eo: Hunter.
New York Aug: 13th 1715.
Order in Council Relating to the Payment of a Cer-
tain Sum of Money by Thomas Gordon
(From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey. Vol. II, D 8]
Order of Council, for confirming an Act of
New Jersey, to enable Thomas Gordon
Esq- Treasurer of that Province, to pay
the sum of 999. 1 3. 8 &c.
At the Court of St Jamess 'the Hlst Day of
August 1715 Present
TJie Kings Most ExcelV. Majesty in Council
Whereas by Commission under the Great Sealo of
England the Governour Council and Assembly of His
Majt8 Province of New Jersey in America are author-
ized and empowered to make constitute and ordaine
Laws Statutes and Ordinances for the Publick Peace
Wellfare and Good Governm! of the said Province
which Laws Statutes and Ordinances are to be as near
as conveniently may be agreeable to the Laws and
Statutes of this Kingdome And to be transmitted to
His Majtv for His Roy all approbation or Disallowance
of them: And whereas in Pursuance of the said
218 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1715
Powers a Law past in the General Assembly of the
said Province the 16th of February 1715 hath been
transmitted from thence the Title whereof is as fol-
lows viz1
An Act to enable Thomas Gordon Esq- Treasurer of
this Province to pay the sum of nine hundred ninety
niue Pounds thirteen Shillings and three Pence towards
the Support of the Government, and for discharging
the said Treasurer thereof
Which said Law having been perused and well con-
sidered by the Lords Commissioners for trade and
Plantations and by them presented to this Board with
their humble opinion that the same be confirmed : His
Maty in Council this Day taking the same into Consid-
eration is graciously pleased with the Advice of his
Privy Council to declare his Approbation of the said
Law and Pursuant to his Majt>8 Roy all Pleasure there-
upon, the said Law is hereby confirmed finally enacted
and ratify eel accordingly.
Vera Copia
Christo" Musgrave
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple-
Relating to Certain Appointments by the Bishop
of London.
[From the N. Y. Col. D<«ts . Vol. V. p. 450.
To William Popple Esq Secry To the Right
Honble the Lords Comrs for Trade and Plan-
tations
Sir
[Extract. |
:; -::- * •::• rpjje Bjghop of London 1 hear has ap-
pointed Mr Vesey his Commissary here, at least he
writes so to his friends I hope his Lordship has also^
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 219
constituted Talbot1 his Commissary for the Jerseys
& Phillips for Pennsylvenia, these being the three
Clergymen mentioned in mine to my Lord Stair, and
then I shall know what he means, the best on't is that
tho' I know no good they have ever done I know no
great hurt they can do at present * * * *
Your most obliged friend & humble Serv1
New York October 10th 17L."> Rob: Hunter
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple-
Respecting Certain Proceedings of Rev. Mr.
Vesey.
LFrom P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. It, D 12.]
Letter from Brigade Hunter, Grovr of New Jer-
sey, to the Secretary, relateing to the ill
Character & Behaviour of Mr Vesey, the
Bishop of London's Commissary in these
parts.
Perth Amboy ye 9 Novr 1715
Haveing wrote a very Long letter to their Lo8ps
whilst at New York I am asham'd to give them fresh
trouble here, but must Intreat you In my Name to be
a Suiter to their Lo8ps for their Protection against a
Persecution that I am not able to bear
Since I arriv'd here the Rev'"1 Mr Vesey came hither
with a letter from My Lord of London acquainting me
that his Losp had Constituted him his Commissary in
these Parts and had directed him as Such to Inquire
Into the truth of what I have wrote heretofore In Re-
lation to Mr Talbot and his Congregation. It is noto-
rious to everybody on this Side that In the late reign
'Seepage 209.
220 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVEKNOE 1HXTER. [1715
there was a plott Laid and measures concerted between
Ml" Talbot Mr Vesey and Mr Nicolson for my utter
mine. I have seen a letter under Mr Talbots own hand
that he was to have gone to London but that M' Vesey
when at Boston had agreed wth Mr Nicolson that he
should be the man. Talbot is too plaine a man to hide
his dissaffection or ev'n the open profession of it, Mr
Vesey has never had or deserv'd any other Character
than that of Sower Jacobite, and as I have formerly
wrote stands on record in the Council books at New
York for base and Indecent Language of his Sovereign
King william whilst upon the Throne an Extract of
wch Mr Secry Clarke will send you wh this Now If I
must at this time o'th day when I had Lay'd my ac-
count wth being made easy after all my Sufferings have
my Conduct Canvas'd And my Veracity Submitted to
ye Scrutiny of my Protest Enemies as well as of his
Ma'tys Gov1. I think I have the hardest fate of any
man In his Ma'tys Dominions
M1' Vesey Enter'd New York In Triumph like his
friend Sacheverel And Immediately on his arriveal
assur'd every body that I had neither Intrest nor
Friends at home. It may be so, but I have that
within me w1' will ever befriend me In Spite of all
Such pitiful and base Efforts to my Prejudice. I know
the Bishops Spleen and the Cause of it but was In
hopes it was Long ago forgott.
If you Judge it proper t<> Show this to their Losps or
any of them I give you leave. If you think they tan
not help me Let it alone. I have demean'd my Self So
that I should not be afraid, of Submitting all my Con-
duct to a Jury of Clergymen So they he honest men.
I have ever found you a worthy friend and what ever
befalls me I can never without black Ingratitude he
other than D' S1' Your most obliged and
Most humble Servant
Ro: Huntek.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR Hl'N'TKR. 221
Lei lei' from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade-
About Certain Acts of New Jersey Assembly.
I From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V. p. 161.]
To the Right Honble the Lords Comre for Trade
& Plantations.
My Lords
[Extract.]
There is also another Act passed in this Province
and Jersey for shortning of law suits & regulating the
practice of the law, another in this Province for pre-
venting the multiplicity of law suits1, which Acts the
.fudges and other Officers of the supream courts have
represented to me as destructive of the Jurisdiction of
those Courts: and being perpetual if more inconveni-
encies should be found, we have no remedy. The
Assemblies in the Jersey's also past another act con-
firming the Ordinance for establishing Fees, which was
(I tawn by a committee of the Council & Assembly and
trenches much upon the fees & perquisites of the
Secretaries office: It is aparent that it was the dislike
of the person then in that office, against whom they
had so often represented, which made 'em go these
lengths.
There was also an Act passed, whilst Col: Ingoldsby
Act'd as Lieut' Gov: of the Jersey's, fixing the session
of Assembly to Burlington, whereas by the tacit con-
dition of the Surrender, It was to be alternately at
Burlington & Amboy; It was approved by her late
1 Under date of Feb. -.'."itli, 1717-18, the Lords of Trade wrote to Gov. Hunter: " We
send you here inclosed Mr Attorney Generals objections to the Act for shortning of
law suits &ca whereby you will see the necessity of getting another Act passed for
that purpose. The Act for preventing the multiplicity of Law suits lies now before
his Majesty with our opinion, for his confirmation, which we hope may be trans-
mitted to you by the next conveyance. " — Ed.
222 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1715
Majesty, but is attended with many inconveniencies,
particularly the remoteness of the place, subjects the
Governor here to much trouble and charge and when
occasion shall so require, debars the Governor from
holding the Assemblies of both Provinces at the same
time, And that the Town of Philadelphia reap the chief
benefit from the expence of the concourse on such
occasions, that town being for the most part supply 'd
by the Philadelphia markets.
Quaere, whether an instruction from his
Majesty, may not be sufficient to suspend the
execution of that Act, and to restore that mat-
ter to its former state, as by the Surrender.
There is one hardship which I have observed ever
since I came into this country, which fall chiefly upon
the poorer sorts: that is that there being no currency
but of silver and bills of credit, the smallest of which
is of two shillings, they have not the same relief from
the ordinary markets as in other places; for this there
is an easy remedy, if his Majesty would be pleased to
grant it, there being a Copper mine here brought to
perfection,1 as you may find by the Custom house
books at Bristol, where there was imported from this
place about a Tonn in the Month of July or August
last, of which copper farthings may be coyned, to
answer their ordinary uses, if his Majesty will be
pleased to grant a patent for that purpose, as I have
more particularly inform 'd and pray'd the assistance
of Secretary of state.
* * •?:- # * *
I am with all possible honour and regard
My Lords Your Lordships
most faithfull and most humble servant
New York Novr 12, 1715 Ro: Hunter
1 Presumed to refer to the mine at Belleville, near Newark. N. J.— Ed.
1715] ADMINISTRATION OP GOVERNOR HUNTER. 223
Letter from Governor Hunter to Mr. Secretary Popple
— relating principally to the Rev. Mr. Talbot and
Rev. Mr. Vesey.
[From P. R. O B. T.. New Jersey. Vol II. D 13. i
Letter from Brigadier Hunter, Govr of N. Jer-
sey to the Secretary.
Amboy the U^ Novr 1715
D S>
I hope this may overtake the Ship at York that was
to cary my Last
I have since I have been here rec'd a letter from Mr
Sacket the director of the Tar- work Informing me that
he has cut down and Split Several of the prepar'd trees
and finds that they will not answer his hopes, whether
this be from their Long standing after their due time
Expir'd a wrong preparation, or whatever it be If the
work is to be cary'd on there is an Absolute Necessity
of Sending for men well Instructed in that matter
from the Countreys from whence it is usually brought,
for as I have often affirmed here are pitch pine Enough
to furnish Tarr for Ever for all ye Navigation of Brit-
taine and by Constant and Long Experience we know
that these trees yeild great quantitys of Turpentine,
Tar is but the Turpentine burnt out, whereas that is
tapt out as they call it. JVP Bridger I hope by this time
has been call'd upon to give an account who it was
who perswaded him to betray his Trust and that de-
sign.
I wrote to you In haste the other day after haveing
receiv'd the Bishop of Londons letter by His New Com-
missary M1 Vezey, I now affirm to you againe that
this is but a continuation of a Coutriveance On the
224 A D.M IX IS'] RATION OF (JOYERNOR HUNTER. [1715
Other Side to undo me by the means of Mr Nicolson
and two or three factious and Jacobite Clergymen of
which M1 Vezey and Mr Talbot were the Chief e, I need
not tell you what hand a Noble Peer at ye head of a
Party in the Society had in this, but to Convince you
and all mankind of yc Truth of what I affirm, here fol-
lows an Extract of Two letters wrote by Mr Talbot the
Originals wrote and Sign'd by himself e lye now before
me and If he denys 'em shall be producd The first is
addressed to Mrs Anne Walker at James Eiver Vir-
ginia and dated at Burlington July IT. 'I had the
" favour of 2 letters from you wch are always welcome
' to me and my Friends, Your Friend Jonathan is not
* fallen before the Philistins but hopes in god to see
' them fall before him and that in a litle time. Gen1
' Nicolson has promis'd to be here in the fall and then
' he says he will make us all easy. He would not Con-
1 sent to My Going home without leave of our Society
' least I should not come again, But Bro' Vesey ye
' Rector of Trinity Church at New York is fled before
' the Philistins, He has gott the Generals letters 'tis
* now 3 weeks ago since he Sail'd, God Speed him well
k and then No More Need go upon that account Now
' there's no Minister of our Church at New York but
' we serve it by turns next moneth I shall be there.
' meanwhile I have Enough to do to Keep the peace of
' the Churches at Philad" and New York we have so
v many Adversarys without and within but Never fear
' your friend Jonathan will never yeild to 'em so long
* as he has the Grace of God and ye prayers of the Sts
' we are going to open a New Church at N. Bristol
' over against Burlington which I Intend to nominate
' S* Ann's or Sl Margts more for the Sake of your good
' family then any other of that Name that I know —
This is letter for letter as it stands in his Epistle.
That wdl Follows, In like maner in his own hand is
directed To The Rev'"1 M' John Urmston missioner in
1715] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 225
Nth Carolina to be left at M1 Blackamores in Virginia
dated Philadelphia July 17 —
' I thought you had been dead in that dismal Swamp
'where there is hardly anything that is good as for
• those things y' you send here for 1 would send them
' with all my heart but since you design to Remove
' the best way is to come soon here are several Churches
' vacant that you may serve and I will Ingage my
k Intrest with the Society that they shall allow your
• Sellary. General Nicolson sent a letter here last post
1 that He would be here in the fall, I can do anything
' with Him and He with the Society. M' Vesey is fled
k for Persecution from New York So that Church is
' destitute at Present only the Missionary s stave it by
' Turns Next week we are going all hands to Open the
• Church at New Bristol over against Burlington I have
•sent to the Society for a Missionary for that and
' Hopewell but first come first serv'd. Therefore make
' the best of your way
Now S1 what d'ye think am I in the Right or no.
This I desire you May lay before their Losps, You'll ask
me why not before the Bishop of London I'll tell you
why. There was a Representation to the Bishop Long-
ago Complaining of the dangerous Conduct of Mr
Vesey particularly of his Arbitrary Infractions of their
('barter Sign'd by all the Men of worth or figure of
the English Church here all the Reply that has been
made to 't was that it was handed about here Imme-
diately upon the news of M' Vezeys arriveal at Boston
wth the manerly title of y' N York Monster many
bands and no beads, and the Person Complain'd of
Returns with the New Character of His Losps Commis-
sary w"! orders from bis Los" to inquire Into the truth
of what 1 bad Represented to the Lords of Trade
relateing to M' Talbot's and bis own Conduct. The
world knows that Talbot is a protest Jacobite: Nay he
will not dissemble it. Vesey has more dissimulation
15
226 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1715
but never was reputed other wise by any Sober man
whicli all his Conduct has sufficiently Evinc'd. I
have told him that If the Bp of London would take
care to make him a good Commissary I would Indeav-
or to make him a good Subject. This happen'd on his
Accosting me here after his Splendid Entry at York,
when I had read the Bps Letter I told him that My Ld
of London had assur'd me that he was return'd with a
disposition to make every body he was Concern'd with
easy for the future, he Interrupted me and told me
that it had ever been his Conduct, wcb provok'd me but
made ye Company Laugh.
I am ashamed to dwell So Long upon this Subject,
but it is of greater Consequence here then you at a
distance can easily Imagine, The Jacobite faction hefe
tho' few in Number are strong in Malice and the rage
they have conceiv'd at their dissappointment makes
them use all the vilest hidden arts in their power to
make the Administration uneasy. If they continue to
receive Countenance from the other Side they may
grow in numbers too. It is not to be beleiv'd what I
bore of these men during the late Ministry's time,
being aware of what was projected, I'll give you but
one Instance, I wrote to Mr Talbot as I had done to all
ye Missionary s at their own desire that they should
meet at York to Addresse their new Bp I think, He
return'd me for Answer, that there was a great Gulf
between us so that they who would passe from us to
you or you to us Cannot If their LoP1" think fitt that I
should Suffer in Silence under these affronts for ye
future, upon the Least hint from them I shall do So,
In the mean time I am firmly Resolv'd by all Lawfull
means to Stifle the growing Evil, In complyance w,h
my duty Let the Consequences to me be what they
will I need not repeat that I am unalterably
Dr Sr Your most obliged and
most Humble Servant
Ro: Hunter
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 22?
From the Lords of Trade to Governor Hunter — About
New Jersey Matters.
[From P. R. O. 15. T. New Jersey, Vol. XIII, p. 326.]
Letter to Brig^ Hunter, Governor of New Jer-
sey &c
To Ro Hunter Esqr
March v 22d 17JJ
Sr
Since our Letter to you of the 13th Instant relating
to your Government of New York We have read yours
t<> us of the 27th August 1714; As also those to our
Secretary of the 21st of May & 14,h of Novb:er 1715
relating to New Jersey.
In your Letter of the 13,h of August from New York
You say that there are three Vacancies in the Council
of Jersey & propose David Jamisson, David Lyol &
John Bainbridge to fill up the said Vacancies, but upon
examing your Instructions which you had not receiv'd
when you writ that Letter, We find that David Lyol
has already been put in, And that there is only one
Vacancy by the Death of M.1.' Mompesson, And We
shall immediately recommend either Robert Wheeler,
or the aforesaid Bainbridge to supply thai Place.
As to what you write in your Letter of the 12" of
Nov^er 1715. also from New York, relating to the Act
for fixing the Sessions of Assembly in the Jersies at
Burlington. That Act having been cortfirm'd by her
late Majesty the Execution of it can ho ways be set
aside, but by another Act the Preamble whereof is to
set forth the Inconveniences of the present Act. and to
pray his Majesty that it be repeal'd & that what is to
follow be substituted in the Place of it.
'.'.'> A M\IIXISTRATIO> ; OF GOVRRXOR HUNTER. [1716
We have not heard any thing of M1' Sonmans since
lii- \ nival here in England, We are apprized of what
you write concerning him & shall not fail of doing you
Justice when he or indeed any else do apply to us.
The Act to enable Thomas Gordon to pay £ 999 &c
having been confirm'd and the Order long since sent
you. We have nothing to say in answer to your fore-
said Letter to our Sec7 of the 21st of May last, but that
We send you a Copy of the said Order here inclosed
least the Original should have mis carried.
In relation to the other Acts, We shall let them lye
as probationary, unless we should find there is a Neces-
sity of having any of them confirm'd or repeal'd : Upon
this Occasion We must take Notice to you of the Want
of an Agent to sollicit the Affaires of that Province &
particularly that the Persons concerned in the private
Acts transmitted, have not directed any Persons here
to sollicit the Dispatch of them. We are obliged ic»
send all such private Acts to M' Attorney or M' Sollici-
tor (fen! for their Opinion in Point of Law, and if there
be no body here to follow such Acts they will not re-
port upon them; and frequently upon the Removal of
Attorneys or Sollicitors the said Acts are liable to be
lost.
As to Mr Vesey & ffi Talbott We have spoke & shall
take such other Measures as Mr [we?] hope will make
you easy in that Matter: so we bid you heartily fare-
well and are Sir
Your very loving Friends & humble Servants,
Jn? Cokburn
Jn? Chetwynd
Oha" Cooke
Jos: Addison
Jn:1 Molbsworth.
17161 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. .'■.". i
From {Secretary Popple to Governor Hunter.
I From N. Y. Col. boot*.. Vol. V. p. 172.]
To Brigr Hunter
Sir
You will see by the Boards letter to you here
inclosed that I have laid your Several letters to me
before them, & by consequence that I have little to
add to what their Lordships have writ, however some-
thing I shall say for your information —
As to the business of Vesey and Talbot, I hope in a
little time you will be made easy in it; for the board
have taken such measures by speaking to the proper
persons that it seems reasonable to conclude these two
gentlemen will not long be troublesome to you.
There are several of the New Jersey Acts, and par-
ticularly the private ones that require to be sent to the
Attorney or Solicitor General, for their opinion before
the Board can present them to His Majesty for his
approbation. But there being no Agent here for that
Province, enabled to disburse what may be necessary
from time to time, those Acts will lye forever in their
hands for want of such agent to pay their fees; It is y
same case with respect to Councillors; For if the Board
had reported (as they were inclined to do) that the per-
sons you had recommended should be appointed Coun-
cillors by his Majesty, nothing would have been done
therein, for want of a person to pay the fees in the
Council & Secretaries Office. I could give you many
more instances of the necessity of having Agents to
transact the bussiness of each Province, but that I am
satisfy 'd you are fully convinced of it your self I am
Sir Your Most obedient humble Servant
W" Popple
Whitehall April 16th 1716
330 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade-
About New Jersey Affairs.
From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey. Vol. II, I). 37.]
Letter from Brigade Hunter Gov? of New Jer-
sey &c
Amboy April 30th 171(5
My Lords
This Letter relates to the Affairs of the Jerseys I
wish I could with truth inform Your Lordships that
matters are as Easy & quiet there as they are att New
York att present but the restles Spirit of that turbu-
lent Man Cox assisted by the furious Zeall of Mr Tal-
bot has inflamed the Lower Rank of People to that
degree that only time & patience or stronger measures
than att present in my power can allay the heat.
I formerly Acquainted Yo' Lordships That the Act
for the Constant Sessions of Assembly att Burlington
past by Collonel Ingoldsby when he assumed the Gov-
ernment after the death of the Lord Lovelace gave
great inconveniencys & was of very ill consequence
here I took the liberty to ask Your Lordships the ques-
tion whether his Majestys Instructions would not be
Sufficient to restore that matter to that Just & Equal
foot upon which it was put upon by the terms & att
the time of the Surrender of the Government by the
Proprietors it was no Small Satisfaction to mee to find
that Matter by his Majestys Instructions remedied &
the alternate Sessions att Amboy and Burlington
restored for I know not how Long it may be safe to
hold Either Assemblys or Courts of Justice att Bur-
lington As Your Lordships will perceive by the Inclosed
Coppys of the Inditements by the Grand Jury there
by which the Cheif Justice the President of the Coun-
1716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 531
cill & the Attorney Generall are indited for doeing
their duty according to the Laws in force.
The Assembly being dissolved upon the Arrival of
My New Patent Writts were Issued Out for a New
Election when by the means of false suggestiors
fraudulent Conveyances and the Rum botle the Per-
sons abovenamed j:>rocured Such a return to be made
as Induced the Councill & Every body who was a
friend to the Government to advise a dissolution in
Order to give the Country One Opportunity of making
a fewer & better Cheifs as Your Lordships will now
fully understand by the Inclosed Minutes of the Coun-
cill Mark' t (Gr) which was accordingly done And Writts
issued out for Another Election Matters are something
Mended by the Last returns the Quakers having car-
ried the Elections Against M1 Cox in the County of
Burlington and now after much Strugle they are mett
att this place according to the tenor of his Majestys
Instructions Mr Cox Laboured hard to disswade the
members of the Western Division from comeing to
Amboy but in Vain but by foul Insinuations carried
An Address in that House to remove the Sessions to
Burlington to which I Answered that his Majestys
Instructions which are a Law to mee haveing restored
that Matter to the terms of the Surrender I could not
give My consent to Any thing that Might Elude the
Intention of them without giving Juster ground of
Complaint against mee than I had hitherto done
The Noise which that Man had made about dis-
penceing with Laws obliged me to take Some pains to
State that Matter right for the Satisfaction of such of
them as were Capable of Conviction but Seemed to
retain some Scruples I told them that the Ascertain-
ing the time & places for the Session of Parliaments as
Well as Assemblys was an undisputed part of the pre-
rogative and that Her late Majestys Approving of An
Act confmeing the Sessions to any One place could
•.'.'-I'.' ADMINISTRATION OF (MH'KRXOR HUXTKR. [1716
hear no other Construction than that she was pleased
in dispence with the Exercise of it in that Instance
but could no waves hind up her Royal Successor who
had now by his Instructions to mee been pleased to
put the affair again upon its former foot.
Your Lordships will observe that the Incitements
Sein You are founded upon a Notion instilled into the
People by some pernicious pretenders to Law here that
the Act passed in this province some Years ago for
qualifieing Quakers for imployments by their Affirma-
tion or Attestation was Actually repealed by the Act
of Parliament passed in favour of that People in the
first year of His Majesty's reign whereas 'tis as plain
as words can make it that that Act Extends the Act-
made in the Seventh and Eighth of William the third
t( > the plantations Only so fair as relates to ye Affir-
mation And that it has no Negative but upon its Self
The Words in the Act laid hold of for their pretence
Are these Provided and be it Enacted that No Quaker
or reputed Quaker shall By Virtue of this Act be
qualified &cf Now no Quaker pretends that he is by
Virtue of that Act Qualified but he is well Assured
that he is so by Virtue of An Act of Assembly passed
some time agoe in this province by Her Late Majestys
Speciall Instructions and never as Yet dissallowed or
repealed I am sorry that Your Lordships must share
the torture of persueing these men through all the
Mazes of their folly & Mallice which I am laid under a
Necessity of doeing or of Suffering a Whole province
to be mislead and the Government to be trampled
upon it was Confidently given Out by Mr Cox & his
Party that all Laws past in the last Assembly in the
Late Queens time were null & Void by reason of the
Act for Triennial] parliaments that Assembly haveing
Continued for a Longer time than three years this
Absurd Notion gained Credit to that degre that many
Absolutely refused to pay their taxes And M1 Cox the
l; lt'>| ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. '!'■)'■'>
head has never Yett paid one Penny but Suffered him-
self to be distrained and when I was last att Burling-
ton his goods were sold by the Constable att Publick
Outcry for the Value of fourteen Shillings the Extent
of that Great Mans Yearly Tax
The Assembly is now mett att this place and M'
Cox was chosen Speaker by the same means he was
chose Assembly man 1 know not but 1 may be Able
to beat him wlh his Own tools Att the Opening of their
Session I spoke to them as in the Paper Marked i H )
they have satt above three weeks but have done
nothing I have been informed that he has Sent a
Remonstrance through the Country for Subscription
tlie Import of which is to desire his Majesty to put this
province under a Separate Government God knows if
it were consistent with my Duty I would heartily Join
with them in that Supplycation but knowing it to be
an 111 president and of dangerous Consequence I shall
Endeavour to find it out or put a stop to it if it Goes
home I hope Your Lordships will advise his Majesty
to give it that reception it deserves Your Lordships
will be att a Loss to Conceive how One man and he so
weak should be able in Spite of Laws & Authority to
embroil a Whole province but it is a truth tho' a para-
dox that An Abler man would not have done it for
Palpable Lyes Contradiction and Absurdity backed
with a Large dram botle have more force upon the
minds of the lower Rank of men in these parts than
Self Evident troths and their Own Interest it Self for
that Man has for Six Years past published lyes with
relation to the Government and Publick Affairs and
Nothing but lyes which the People have by the Con-
stant Events found to be, so Yet they grow fond of
the delusion and take party with the deceiver Cannot
Your Lordships call to mind something like this prac-
ticed Else where Your Lordships will ask with good
reason Why is he not punished I'll tell you why the
234 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
Quakers who are the only friends to the present Estab-
ment in the County where he lives (thanks to the
Reverend Mr Talbot) And Almost the Only men of
Substance Sence and probity there are not Capable by
the Laws of Serveing on Petty Jurys in Criminal cases
the rest are his Associats & Abettors who by the Ad-
vice and Arts of that Vilest of Prostitutes Basse have
defeated and are Still Able to defeat the Laws and
render all such piosecutions of no other effect but upon
Such defeat to bring the Government into Contempt I
am now studying to detect his practices in other Coun-
trys which If I can Accomplish I shall be able to deal
with him
In the mean time to Strengthen the hands of the
Government here I intreat Your Lordships to recom-
mend to his Majesty's Approbation the Act Entituled
An Act that the solemn Affirmation and declaration
of the people called Quakers shall be accepted instead
of an Oath and for quahneing the said People &c?
which now lyes before you And to transmit that Ap-
probation when Obtained as soon as may be
If Your Lordships doe not think fitt to advise A
declaration of the Nullity of all the Laws past by Mr
Ingoldsby during the time he possest himself of the
Government after the death of the Lord Lovelace
without Any Right or Title to the Same he haveing
been Suspended by her Late Majesty from the Office
of Lieutenant Governor Severall Years before that as
Your Lordships will find it Entred in the Councill
Book while S' Charles Hodges was Secretary of State
There are how Ever some of these Laws wc_h as unjust in
themselves, and of Evil tendency Your Lordships will
undoubtedly Judge ought to be disallowed As particu-
larly An Act explaining An Act Intituled An Act for
the Support of her Majestys Government &c by which
Act the Mony Given to the Lord Lovelace by the Act
which this pretends to Explain is given away to Mr
L716] V D M r NISTRATIO N ( > F G 0 V B R NO R H I N'T BR. 235
Ingoklsby and Others against all Justice and her
Majtys Express Commands There is also another Act
Intituled An Act for the better qualifieing Representa-
tives which was meant and Intended Only to Exclude
some persons of the best Estates and figure in the
provinces from the Assembly who for the Sake of
their Ohildrens Education or other Conveniencys
resided att York which as differeing widely from the
Instruction for that purpose which have Ever been
looked upon as the terms of the Surrender I hope
you Lordships will Judge Necessary to be disallowed
The Other Acts Passed during that time are Either
Expired by their Own limitation Or their Intent Sup-
plyed by Subsequent Acts (upon all which I have
amply observed heretofore by Order from Your Board)
that a Generate declaration of their Nullity can be
attended \v,h no ill consequence that I can foresee.
I shall be Obliged to give Your Lordships fresh
trouble by the Next Conveyance with relation to the
Proceedings of the Present assembly here to which
time I shall refifer what further Accounts of the Affairs
of this Province I have to lay befor Your Lordships
having allready trespassed too much upon your
patience by this And shall conclude with assureing
your Lordships that I am with all Imaginable honour
Gratitude and regard
My Lords Your Lo>,s most
Humble And most Obed1 servant
Ro: Hunter.
236 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR .HUNTER. [1716
Indictment of Chief Justice Jamison — referred to in
the foregoing letter of Governor Hunter.
I From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey. Vol. II. D 28. |
Indictment ag* the Cheife Justice of ye Jerseys
Recd June 20th 1716.
Burlington ss
The Jurors for our Sovereign Lord the King upon
their Oaths do p'sent That David Jamison1 of
the City of New York Esqre Chief Justice of the
province of New Jersey at A Sup'am Court of Judica-
ture held at Burlington in the County of Burlington
afores-1 on Tuesday being the first day of Novem- in
the Second Year of the Reign of our most Gracious
Sovereign Lord George by the Grace of God King of
Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the
Faith &c There being an Act of Parliament made in
the first Year of our s(1 Sovereign Lord the King Enti-
tuled an Act for making perpetual an Act of the
Seventh & Eighth Year of the Reign of his late Majes-
tic King William the Third Intituled An Act that y"
Solemn Affirmation and Declarac'on of the People
called Quakers Shall be accepted in Stead of an Oath
in the Usual form and for Explaining and Enforcing
the said Act in relation to the payment of Tithes and
For notice nt
see Vol. II, p. 114.
L716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 2'6"i
Church rates and for appointing the form of an
affirmation to be taken by ye s? people called Quakers
instead of the Oath of Abjuration And a printed Coppy
of the afores'1 Act of parliament being then and there
in the afores? Court produced from the Kingdom of
Great Britain and by Order and Authority of the
afores? Court then and there held and by Jeremiah
Bass Esq. Clerk of the afores? Court then and there
was openly read & publish VI But the afores'1 Chid
Justice Jamison his Solemn oath for the observance of
ye Laws and Statutes of yc Kingdom of Great Britain
not at all minding nor his duty of allegiance towards
our s? Lord the King little regarding nor the Con-
temptuous Violation of ye afores'1 Law and Statute of
ye Kingdom of Great Britain any manner of way
fearing Advisedly Maliscously & of his own proper
Maliscous Intention And Imagination to Draw the
aforesaid Act of parliam- into Question and Contempt
These. Seditious & Contemptuous English words (he
the s'1 Chief Justice Jamison upon ye Bench then and
there being) Did Speak and promulgate in the presence
and hearing of Divers of his Maj'ties Liege Subjects
(that is to say) that tho1 it was a presumptuous Evi-
dence meaning the afores'1 printed Act) he took no
notice of it and Accordingly he the s? Chief Justice
Jamison then and there in like manner Directed
Jeremy Bass Esq- Clerk of the afores1.1 Court toQualifie
the Grand Jury of the people called Quakers then and
there by the Sheriff of ye afores!1 County returned by
an affirmation and the afores? Jeremiah Bass ( !lerk of
the afores'1 Court then and there objecting to him the
s'1 Chief Justice Jamison that there being an Act of
parliament made in the first Year of King Georges
Reign produced and published which Excludes the
people Called Quakers from Serving on any Jurys and
that I (meaning himself) make as much Conscience of
breaking the Laws of England as they do (meaning
238 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
the s? people called Quakers) of taking an Oath and I
(meaning himself will not qualifie them for which for
wch Lo}ral words by him the said Jeremiah Bass then
and there Spoken and promulgated the afores-1 Chief
Justice Jamison declared him the s? Jeremy Bass to be
in Contempt and then and there fined him the said
Jeremiah Bass Clerk of the afores-1 Court and Secre-
tary of the Province of New Jersey in the Sum of
Twenty pounds and then and there Committed the
Body of him the sd Jeremiah Bass into the Custody of
the Sheriff of the County aforesaid untill the afores?
Sum should be paid, And further ye s? Chief Justice
Jamison did then and there (upon the Motion of Mr
Henry Vernon Practitioner of Law Challenging the
the array to A pannel of A Jury returned by Samuel
Gouldy Coroner of the County afores? he the sd Sam1
Gouldy being of the people called Quakers And no
otherways Quallified than by an Affirmation without
the Usual Solemnity of an oath prayed the afores?
Court that the Pannel might be quashed in like man-
ner Maliscously Contemptuously & publickly did Speak
and promulgate these other Seditious & Contemptuous
English words (that is to Say) that if he (meaning the
s? Henry Vernon) had nothing ag1 it but that Act pro-
duced in Court Yesterday of the first of King George
tho' it was a p'umptuous Evidence he (meaning him-
self) took no notice of it and allowed the afores? Re-
turn to be Good against the oath of his office Contrary
to the afores-1 Act of parliament in that behalf made
and provided in Grievious Contempt and Defamation
of the Same And Against the Duty of his Allegiance
to the Evil Example of others and also against the
peace of our s? Lord the King his Crown and Dignity
&c a true Copy
Billa vera. James Thomson CI
1716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 239
Indictment of Lewis Morris, by the Grand Jury of
Burlington County, New Jersey.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey. Vol. II. D. 29.]
Copy of ye Indictment ag* ye President of y6
Councill in ye Jerseys Referr'd to, in
Brigadr Hunter's Lett1" of 30th April 1716.
Burlington
The Jurors for our Sovereign Lord the King upon
their Oaths do present That Lewis Morris of West
Chester in the Province of New York Esq1' one of his
Ma'ties Council for the Province of New Jersey at the
General Court of Quarter Sessions of the peace of our
Sovereign Lord the King held for ye County of Bur-
lington at Burlington afores? on the Fourteenth Day
of December Last past in the Second Year of the Reign
of our most Gracious Sovereign Lord George by the
Grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ire-
land Defender of the Faith &c Whereas Notwithstand
ing an Act of Parliament made in the first Year of the
Reign of our said Sovereign Lord the King Entituled
an Act for making perpetual an Act of the Seventh
and Eighth Years of the Reign of his late Ma'tie King
William the Third Entituled an Act that the Solemn
Affirmation and Declaration of the People called
Quakers shall be Accepted Instead of An Oath in the
Usual form and for Explaining and inforcing flit- said
Act in relation to the paym' of Tithes and Church
rates and for appointing the form of affirmation to be
taken by the Said People Called Quakers Instead of
the Oath of Abjuration &c and the afores'1 Act of par-
liamt being Extended to that part of his Ma'ties Do-
minions (Jailed the Plantations Kxcluds Quakers or
240 ADMINISTRATION OF (JOVERNOfl HUNTER. [1^'IH
reputed Quakers from Serving on any Jurys. And a
printed Coppy of the afores-1 Act of Parliam- being
produc'd from the Kingdom of Great Britain in his
afores-1 Ma'ties Supream Court of Iudicature Held at
Burlington in the County of Burlington on the first
Day of November in the Second Year of his s? Ma'ties
Reign And by Order and Authority of the s'1 Court
then and there held by Jeremiah Bass Esq!" Clerk of
the s(1 Court then and there openly read and published,
The s'1 Lewis Morris Acting as one of the said Maties
Justices of the peace in the General Court of -Quarter
Sessions aforesaid his Duty of Allegiance to our Said
King Little regarding nor the Contemptious Violation
of the afores? Law and Statute of the Kingdom of
Great Britain any manner of way fearing Arbitrarily
Advisedly Maliciously and of his own proper Malicious
Intention and Imagination to draw the afores'1 Act of
Parliam- into Question and Contempt Did in a most
Arbitrary Manner and procedure order the return of a
Grand Jury of the People Called Quakers after the s(!
Grand Jury had been Dismissed by the aforesd Ma'ties
Justices of the s(l Court in the Absence of him the said
Lewis Morris. And further that the said Lewis Mor-
ris then and there Did Command and Direct Charles
Weston Clerk of the said Court to Qualifie the afore-
said Grand Jury of the People Called Quakers by an
affirmation contrary to the afores'- Act of parliam' in
ih.it behalf made & provided against the Duty of his
Allegiance to the Evil Example of others as also
againsl the peace of our said Sovereign Lord the King
his Crown and Dignity &c. A true Copy By me
I Villa vera. James Thomson CM.
1716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 241
Letter from Charles Dunster and .Joseph Ormston
Proprietors, giving authority to James Alexander'
to collect their Quit-Rents, &c.
[From Copy in "Rutherfurd Collection," Vol. IV, p, 23.
London . . . April I7l6a
Ml James Alexander
Sr
We the Under subscribing proprietors of the prov-
ince of New Jersey having received a very good Char-
acter of you, both with regard to your probity & hon-
esty, as also of your vigilance and application have
appointed you to be the receaver General & Collector
of the Quit rents, and the Arrears that are due there-
upon, and accordingly we do Inclosed Send our Com-
mission with full power & Authority to act in that
Station, as also an Order from his majesty Our Most
Gracious King to the Governour to admit & Counte-
nance you in the Execution of yc office. The Quit rent
roll, we do presume will be delivered to you by M-
John Barclay, whereby you will see the names of every
Landholder, & the respective sums each is to pay for
quit rent of the number of Acres posest, who must
produce receipts to acquit them of Arrearages we pre-
sume that the whole will amount to about 350tls Ster-
ling p1 annum, which is equall, if not Superior to 500tb
p' annum, of the Countrey money
We believe that the Strange distractions & divisions
that prevailed under basses administration, & the four
Last years of the proprietors have brought man) of
1 Mr. Alexander had sailed for America in May, 1715.— Ed.
2 From other documents, it is probable the original was not dated until late in
May. -Ed.
1G
242 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
the people into a belief that nothing is our due, because
they have been disused to pay, but we desire you to
spare none of them but Consult with the best in the
Countrey upon proper methods to Compell them, and
if there should happen that such a Corrupt Jury
should be found, as Contrary to all Justice (which is
as plain by the patents on our side as the Sun) to
bring in a verdict against us, we desire you to Lodge
an Appeall, and to send over all the necessary papers
& Instructions for determining of it here. We hope
you will not tread in the Corrupt paths and steps of yr
predecessors, in this post, but in a faithfull honest dis-
charge of the trust Committed to you, pursue those
methods that will most tend to our Interest, to be dili-
gent in recovering what money you Can of such as
are both willing and able to pay, and please to remitt
the same either in gold, or good bills of Exchange unto
Mr Edward Eichier of Aldermanbury, till our further
Order.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple —
enclosing two Quakers- speeches, relating to Mr.
Coxe.
! From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, D 26.]
Letter from Brigad1* Hunter Govf of New Jersey
&c to yc Secry with two of the Quakers
Speeches at an Election in the Jerseys re-
lating chiefly to Mr Cox.
To William Pople Esqr Sec5 to ye R H ye Lds of Trade.
Dr Sr.
The two Papers or Preachments of the Quakers at
the Late Election I think will pretty well Inform you
of the true state of ye Case in the Jerseys, I send you
1716] A.DMINTSTRATION OF GOVEKNOR HUNTER. 243
the Very Originals If they are not ryme they arc
reason I assure yon Adieu make your own use of them,
and shew them to Your Board or any of the Loapa as
you think fit
1 am Ever Yours
Ho: Hunter
May 1 L716
The Case Stated Betwixt our present Governour
and Daniell Coxe PrT: S [Tho's Sharpe?] A
Well Wisher to All those whose Inclina-
tions is to moderation
The ( 'ase Stated Betwixt our Present Governour and
Daniell Coxe Whereby People who are unprejudiced
And not biassed may plainely Make A True Judge-
ment which of the Twaine Intendeth the most Good
to our Common Wealth.
When he first Arived here with Commission from
the Queen to be Governour of the Jerseys as well as
yx of york he brought the Queens Instructions with
him According to which (faire Demonstration giveth
ass Assureance) he fully Intended to Act And there-
upon Calls an Assembly In order thereto who Pre-
paid many bils to be pastt into Lawes butt Finding
( !oxe Sunman with Som others who were of y" Coun-
cell att that time utterly to opose those preparations
by Reason of which Little or no business for the Good
of this Province Could be Gon on with they beeiug be-
fore hand Preposestt with Resolutions not to do Any-
thing for makeing the People Called Quakers Capable
in Common with others to be Servicable to their Neigh-
bors & Countrymen in the Goverment Beeing tinctured
by the Precedentt Greatt Governour the Lord Corn
bury who owed them no Good Will Whereupon out
Governour whose Inclinations \Yass to doe the People
244 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVEENOB HUNTER. [1716
all the Good he Could Gott these Obsticles Eemooved
out of the way by the Faire & Just Representation of
the Representative body of this province Correspond-
antt to the Queens Desyres In the time of the Lord
Lovelace and others putt in their places that hath been
Instrumental! in Passing many Good And Wholsom
Lawes Which Could by no means be Attained before,
Whereupon the S'1 Coxe Sett himself on work with all
the vigor & Secrett undermings that he Could by Any
meanes Contrive or Invent In order to Attaine his
Malicious Ends which Fairly is Layde downe ass fol-
io weth.
Whereas Divers Artickles and Representations hath
been Exhibited home Against our present Governour
Colin11 Hunter by Daniell Coxe Formerly one of his
Councell Which haveing Prooved Ineffectual: And It
being the nature of Reveng Never to be Idle untilly1
bent against be overcome —
He hath in the First place Indeavoured to Poses the
mindes of the Inhabitants of this Province For
himself And Consequently against our present Gov-
ernour: by makeing as many tools as he Could in
the ffirst place And next to be Chosen himself as one
of the Representatives of the Province to Sitt in Gen"
Assembly where he might be Capable to Sway the restt
to his own Revengfull Ends, In order to which he
spared neither Time Labour nor mony: And beeing
Well Aprised that it was to no purpose to Endeavour
to Carry on or Attempt Any Such Design In the Coun-
ty of Burlington wherein he Dwelt (beeing so well
known there y* it putt him out of a Capacity to De-
ceive) He therefore Streneously Driveth it forward in
the County of Gloucester (And thereby Ocasioned
Great Animosities In the minds of the People y' be-
fore was Generally in Love And friendship one with
Another) Where haveing Gained over A few persons
With much Industry to his Syde they Like Servants
1 ; Ui | ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 245
to his Mallice And haveing Som Influence over Som:
number of Sweedes & others yf Liveth on the Lower
Syde of this County Who hardly Ever Concerned
themselves in Such undertakings before Beeing Per-
sons who for Want of Good Education And Conversa-
tion Are nott so Ripe in their Judgments As to Rightly
understand how to Avoyde the Intreagues of men y'
Intendeth nott well to the Common Wealth Beeing
Easyly taken with fayer Speeches & Gennerous words
by which meanes he became Chosen.
Togather with the hopes of theyer beeing Eased of
taxes which they never have been burthened with by
Any Large Revenue Raised for our Present Governour
Butt being Inconsiderate Concerning the Expedition
tax And trailing much into Areares upon that Account
And Likewise yf allways Interfearing yeare by yeare
with the taxes of Late for ye Supportt of Goverment
hath made things heavy for Poor People but they nott
( 'oncidering things A Rightt Are Willing to take hould
of Any Handle to Ease themselves In their ownn Con-
ceit.
Allthougb at the Same time may Proove very much
to their & our Prejudice And is In no wise owing to
our Governour.
Another Stratagem of this Designing Person the
People Seemeth to be Taken With by his Insinuations
of a Sepparate Governour which Thinking Persons can-
not Suppose or Imagine Will Proove Much to our Ad-
vantage bet yf which seemeth Worthy to Conduce to
our Benefit Is to be Annextt to Pensilvania when it
Shall So happen y* that Goverment Shall Fall under
the Crown.
And In the meane time to be Content In the Station
we now are. For Ass much ass that our Governour
Is Inclined to Moderation And to Assistt in whatt he
Can For the Common Wealth of this Province.
Lett us Lay aside the thoughts of Makeing Choyce
<J-±G ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
of Such man or men Ass by what hath been obsereved
will utterly Disappoint uss (For our Representative
And nott be so befooled to be made use of as tools to
Distroy our Selves to Answare the Implacable Hatred
of hottheaded men Which Notwithstanding all that
may be Sayde by him or them I may Say to deceive
Itt is Impossable to Allure the Well Inclined And In-
spections over to Answare his Designing And Splenatick
[purpose?]
An Expostulation With my Friends Neigh-
bors And others Concerned In this Weighty
affair of Choosing Persons to Represent
uss For Ye Common Good of this Province
by A Well Wisher thereoff Tho: Sharpe
And was Read in Publicque att the opening
of our Election the 10th of this Instant 12th
m° Called February: 1715.
Haveing read of this Writt which Sheweth the Oc-
casion of this dayes Convention I desyer And Earnest-
ly Intreat A little further Attention to whatt I have to
Say by way of Expostulation with my Neighbours
and Country men upon this weighty & Important
affaire we Are now Goeing upon
Me thinks it is A greatt pitty y' we Should: with So
Greatt heat be Divided in our Judgments Concerning
a matter of So greatt Weight & Consequence on which
Dependeth our Well being or otherwise our Greate Dis-
advantage In the making of An 111 Choice Which I
much feare Som Are Running upon through Prejudice
& others lmplicittly by Insinuation and Fals Repre-
sentation.
I think itt is our Interest And would highly Conduce
1716] ADMINISTRATION OP GOVERNOR HUNTER. 24?
to our Advantage to avoyde the Choosing of Such Per-
son or Persons who would Sacrifise the Common
Wealth of their Country Either for Revenge or Profntt
which I conceive Som of uss were Running into at our
Lastt Election though his or their Pretences were Guild-
ed over with A verry Specious Pretextt Crimminating
our former Assembly And Promising the People
Greatt Ease & Amendment of matters for the time to
Com, butt there was nothing in itt I am bold to Say
butt Revenge or Profftt as I have observed before To
Strengthen which Assertion Lett the Preperations of
the Person by us Choosen Att the Last meeting of
members be butt Concidered And then I Presume yl
none butt the Prejudiced Party butt must Confess itt
is to true.
Concidder I pray you y* We have a Governour y*
Intends nothing but the Common Good of the People
And to Serve uss in all things y* will Agree with his
Instructions therefore It is A pitty Since itt hath
Pleased God to favour uss with so Greatt An Advan-
tage y* we Should Proove So ungratefull: for iff we
had one y* was never So opposite to the Common
Good he would finde A way to Obleige uss to Supportt
y° Goverment how much more Should we be willing
Concidering ye Premises.
One thing more I Presume Is worth our notice that
he is A man not upon the Extream In Regard to Re-
ligion that is in Shewing An Aversion to Any Particu
lar Society butt Carrying An Equall Countenance And
Distributing a share of Goverment Indifferently unto
all Especially where the marks of Christianity is ap-
pearing Butt if otherwise he Shews A neglectt of fouour
I think he is not to be blamed Especially to Such As
hath been his minnisters to boath Invite And take In
with his Adversary.
Itt is Also worth your Sereous thought that Cheifly
for Favouring your Peaceable neighbours The Quakers
•>4S ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER, [1710
who were the First that boath the Goverment and
Soile of this ( lountry Did belong to And In all Reason
and Justice ought to be favoured with as much Re-
spect And Privilidg as maybe So Long as they Re-
inavne Loyal] Subjects to y' Crown of Great Brittan
in this one povnt y' Since we make A Religeous Scru-
ple of takeing an oath that our affirmation with Som
Lim nutation Shall pass Instead; which act was only
to Correspond with our Late Queens Instructions: And
>•' he Should make himself obnoxious to y° Spite and
Revenge of a Person y1 opposed it And because y' he
w ass Discarded for opposing And acting Somthings y'
were against the common Good hath made it his busi-
ness to go up & down ths Co'ntry he & his Agents to
Insinuate with the People Absolam Like Though in
Greatt Secresy to the oversetting our present Gover
nour which I desyer all butt more Especially our peo-
ple to beware of Leastt He Should Proove If Ever it
were brought to bare to be our Governour Which I
much Question Like Rehoboam In Action as he was In
threates.
And now I think It may Reasonably be Concluded
And Experience Will give uss Throughly to under-
stand that we Shall never be better Served butt by
Choosing men dwelling Among our Selves men of
Good morralls Feareing God Who In the firstt place
best understandeth how to Represent our Greivances
^: I n the next place to be Instrumentall to putt for-
ward & propose those things that maybe for our Good
And therefore Laying asyde all Privat Controversyes
In opposition to Each other Lett uss As one man Con-
s-alt togather who of uss may best Represent uss and
In So Doing we Shall doe our Selves Good And Dis-
apoynt the Intreagues of Designing men.
And now Least I Should Seem over tedeous Fearing
what I say will not be well Relisht so when A man or
men is Biggotted to an opinion though It may prove
LT16] ADMINISTRATION OF GOYERNOK HUNTER. 249
Ever So much to bis or theier prejudice it is pretty
Difficult to be Remooved And So Shall conclude with
part of a Parragraff out of a treatisy Called English
Liberties Be not over fond to receive bribes & Gratifi-
cations from Persons yl would fame make a prey of
you & by their purses Lavish treates Cv Entertain-
ments would allure you to prostitute your voyces for
their Elections you may be Assured they would never
bid So high for your Sufferages but y1 they know
where to make their markets Choose v worthy unwil-
ling Person before ye complementall unworthy man
whose Extraordinary forwardness Prognosticates he
Seeketh nott your Good but his own Sepperate from
thePublick Lett uss nott Have Fools or Knaves to neg-
lect or betray the Common Intrest of our Country by
a base Election Lett neither Feare Flattery nor gaine
Biass uss Concidder with your Selves what Loos-
ers you will be if to Laugh & be merry one day the
Person you Choose Should (live you & your Children
( Occasion to mourn Ever after.
Governor Hunter's Speech to the Assembly of New
Jersey.
[From P. R. O. P. T.. New Jersey, Vol. II. (>. :-M.
Brigade Hunter's Speech to the Assembly of
New Jersey, referrVl to in his 1/ of June
6: 1716 Reert 30*? July 1716.
Gentlemen
Whereas it is apparent and Evident that there is at
present a Combination amongst Some of yo' members
to Disappoint and Defeat Your Meeting as a h.>nse of
250 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
Representatives by their wilful absenting themselves
from the Service of their Country In the General as-
sembly of which they were Elected Members and more
particularly from the Service of his most Sacred
Majesty King George by Virtue of whose writts they
were Summon'd and Elected to be an assestant to his
Majestys Governour here in Such Matters as Should be
required of them for that purpose and the Interest of
the Country, I have Judged it absolutely necessary for
that Service and to prevent Confusion and the very
absolution of the Government in this province to re-
quire you (there being as I am well Inform'd, one half
yo' Number mett besides william Lawrence who is or
was this Day present here but has Since the time he
appeared withdrawn or absconded himself) forthwith
to meet as a house of Representatives, and to take the
usual Methods to oblige your fellow Members to pay
their attendance.
Given under my hand and Seale this 19l* Day of
May 1716. In the Second Yeare of his Majestys Reign.
Ro: Hunter.
Address from the Assembly of Neiv Jersey to Gov-
ernor Hunter,— relating to the expelling of their
Speaker.
[From P. B. <>. r t. New Jersey, Vol. II. D. 36.1
To His Excellency Robert Hunter Esqr Cap*
Generaie & Governour in Cheife of the
Provinces of New Jersey New York and
Territories Depending thereon in America
and Vice Admiral of the same &c.
The Humble Address of the house of Repre-
1716] A l>\[[ Nisri; A TION OF GOVERNOR Hl'STEIt. 251
sentatives for the Province of New Jersey
in Generall Assembly Conven'd
May it please Your Excellency.
Yonr Administration has beene a Continued Series
of Justice, and Moderation, and from Your past Con-
duct. Wee dare Assure our Selves of a Continuance of
it, And wee will not be wanting in our Endeavours to
make Suitable Returnes both in Providing a handsome
Support for the Government, and of such a Continu-
ance as may Demonstrate to you and the world the
sense wee have of our Duty and your worth.
The Gentleman, our late Speaker', has Added this
One Instance of Folly to his past Demeanour, to Con-
vince us, and the World, that in all Stations, Whether
of a Councellor. a private Man or a Representative, his
Study has beene to Disturb the quiett and Tranquility
of this Province. And Act in Contempt of Laws and
Government, Wee are sensible of the Effects it has
had and may have on the publick peace; And our Ex-
pulsion of him, wee hope Evinces wee are not the Par-
tizans of his heat and Disaffection to the present
Government, Wee are very Sorry he has beene Capa-
ble to Influence soe many into a Combination with
him, to make Effectual his 111 purposes, but wee hope
it is rather the Effect of Weakness than Mallice. And
that their Eyes are now soe much opened that they'll
Returne to their Duty and Joyne with us in provide-
ing for the Publick Creditt, and what ever else may
make this Province happy, and your Excellency Easie.
Signed by Order of the house
Will Bradford CI
New Jersey Perth Amboy 2:V" May 1716.
1 Daniel Coxe Ed
■.'•"••-' ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUXTEK. [l7l6
Address from the Council and Assembly of New Jersey
to the King — upon the Defeat of the Scotch Rebel-
lion.
I From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey. Vol II. D. 35.]
To the Kings Most ExcellT Majesty.
The Humble Address of the Councill and gen-
erall Assembly of yor Majestys Colony of
New Jersey in America.
Most Gracious Sovereign
Had We Sooner mett together We had Sooner Ex-
prest our Gratefull Sense of that Deliverance We (by
your Majestys accession to the Throne) have had in
Common with the rest of your Majestys Subjects from
those Dangers which threatened the Distraction of
our Civil and Religious Liberties.
Time, as it has added to our Security by the Success
of your Councills and Arms, So it has administred New
Causes of Gratulation, in which we heartily Joyn with
every true Lover of your Majesty and the British Con-
stitution, and gives thanks to Almighty God for De-
feating the Designes and Traiterous Attempts of those
unnaturall Rebellious Wretches that have Drawn
Downe the Divine Vengeance on themselves for Hy-
pocrisie and Prevarication, who while und! the strict-
est obligation of Repeated Oaths, throw off a regard to
what in the Generall Sense of Mankind has always
been esteemed Sacred and prostituted their Consciences
to Conspire against your Majesty and the peace and
happyness of their Country.
Their foolish Hopes have been Blasted, and we are
Safe in the enjoyment of those Blessings which Can
1716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR IHNTKK. 253
only be Secur'd to us and our posterity by a protestant
Succession in the Ulustrous house of Hannover.
As that shall always have our prayers for its pros-
perity and utmost assistance for its Defence, so we
will not be wanting to Support and maintaine your
Government here in as ample a Manner as the Circum-
stances of our Country will admitt of haveing besides
our Duty and Allegiance to your Majesty, so great
Reason from the Just, Temperate and prudent Con-
duct of your Governour of this Colony
That God for the benefit of yo1- Majestys subjects
would Lengthen your Days and Increase your Glories,
are and Shall be the Sincere and fervent prayers < »f
Most Gracious Soveraign
Your Majestys Most Loyal and Dutifull Subjects.
Several members of the Generall assembly being of
the people Called Quakers, Doe heartily Concurr in the
above written address as to the matter and Substance,
but make Some Exceptions as to the Stile
Perth Amboy May 25th 1716
John Hamilton Lewis Morris i Members of
T. Byerly Thomas Gordon - his Majestys
David Lyell John Anderson ) Councill
Joseph Bonnet John Kinsey Speaker
Tho? Hall Tho. Harmer [Farmar?]
Danll Smith Char: Morgan
Benja Clarke Isaac Sharp
Matthew Champion W1" Lawrence
Sam!1 Smith Jacob Doughty
John Harrison Josiah Ogden
254 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Agent for New
Yor-Jc in London.'
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. II, D. 32. |
N. York, ye 29th May L716
Sr
This is to Catch a Ship under Saile So I can only
Acquaint you that since writeing what goes by that
Ship (the Larke) I have Yours with the papers In-
closed, A Ship Goes by Next week by which I shall
write fully
Only, till I can do So, I beg you'll Inform the Lords
of Trade, that Cox and his party as I foretold in my
Last, have made a Shift to gett themselves Expell'd
the Assembly and in the Addresses Of the House to ye
King, (and one paper to me) To be distinguisht as
Enemys to his Ma'tys Government and the Peace of
the Countrey, But Our difficulty remains. For If he
were guilty of Actual Treason, he'll be acquitted by
Talbot's Church who alone in that County can be of ye
petty Jury, And they have lately brought in One Not
Guilty who Confess'd ye Crime In open Court. And
Another So Contrary to positive and Unquestionable
Evidence, I shall get rid of Talbot with My L" of Lon-
dons good Leave, and then that Province will be quiet.
The Comissary here is the humblest Clergy man
And warmest Whig all of a Suddain, I'll keep him So
if I can, I am to-day to meet the Assembly here, and
to morrow to return to that In y' Jerseys which must
(after passing a necessary Act or two) be adjourn'd
during harvest and to give the Countrey time to choose
others in the room of such as are Expell'd
I hope you will not take it ill that I Imploy you in
Jersey buss'nesse, for I am not without hopes of
1 Ambrose Phillips. —Ed.
K16] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 255
having you at Least as well rewarded fo the trouble
you shall take in that as in y° other
There is a Poor Weake Gentleman Gooking Ll Govr
of Pensilvania a going home Coxes Embassador Extra-
ordinary, he has a paper Signed by Cox and ye other
Malcontents, watch him I have not time to add one
word more and I'm afraid you'll hardly be able to read
this Adieu
Yours heartily
Ro: Hunter
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade,
— about New Jersey Affairs.
[From P. R. 0. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. II. D. 33.!
Lr from Brigadr Hunter Govr of New Jersey
and New York.
New York June 6th 1716.
My Lords.
In my last I gave your Lord'ps an Account of y
Distractions in the Jerseys and at the same time some
faint hopes of a better Settlement, I was noe bad
Prophett, For ye Conduct of Mr Speaker Cox has
opened the Eyes of ye whole Country, hee has now as
I am well Inform'd fled the Province since his Expul-
sion with many of his Crew at his back, and holds
frequent Councills at Bristol in Pensilvania, Where
the Sculking Disaffected few with the Reverend Mr
Talbott at their head Meet him, were their power
Equal to their passion, their Meetings might prove
dangerous, but the First is Dwindled, noe matter for
the last
The Imperfect Minutes of the Proceedings of that
Assembly here Inclosed Marked (A) will Inform your
256 ADMINISTRATION OP GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1710
Lord'pps of all y Steps in that matter, I have not time
to send them by this Conveyance in form.
Be pleas'd however to take this Succinct account of
that matter. During a Short prorogation by me on
Account of ye Sitting of the Supream Court, A very
worthy Member Mr Sharpe1 was Return'd for One of
those places for which Mr Cox had beene Chosen, hee
haveing made his Election for ye other, Which did Cast
the Ballance on the right Side, Soe Despaireing to
Carry any point in the Assembly hee Absents himselfe
and pers wades those over whom he had any Influence
to doe the same, hopeing by these meanes to Dissolve
the Assembly or at least to Stave off all Buisness for
that time; The Members to the Number of Twelve
being Mett, but unwilling to Act as a house without a
Majority after several Adjournments Addressed me to
take such Measures as I thought meet to Oblige the
absent Members to Attend, upon which I sent Orders
to severall who were at hand, under my hand and
Seale by the Serjeant at Amies, which some of them
thought fitt to Obey, When they found themselves a
Number, which they Conceiv'd Sufficient to Act as a
house. I think they were then Fifteene, They proceed-
ed to a New Choice of a Speaker, Sent their Serjeant
at Arms for their absent Members and at his Returne
being by him Inform'd that none of them were to be
found but that he was well Assured that most of them
had fled into Pensilvania, They proceeded to the Ex-
1 Thomas Sharp was the nephew of Anthony Sharp, a wealthy merchai
Dublin, ami settled at Newton, Gloucester County, in 1681. He appears-to have
had better opportunities for education than most of these with whom he was asso-
ciated, which undoubtedly led to rapid advancement among tin m, and to his enter-
ing upon the duties of several important positions in the Province, among them
being that of a member of the Assembly in 1683; and as one of the Judges of
Gloucester County in* 1700. His name, it is said, "will be oftener found among the
records at Burlington, Trenton or Woodbury, than thai of any other man of those
early times." The Gloucester County record Of deeds at Trenton contains an
account, by him, of the first settlement at Newton. He died in 1729.— See Clement's
sheieiies of I he First Settlers of Newton Township. [>. 23.— Ed.
1716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HrXTI'l', 257
pulsion of all those their Members, Ordered Writts for
the Election of others in their Rooms Addressed me as
in the Paper Mark'd (B) And in Conjunction with the
Councill Drew upp and Signed a Loyal and Dutifull
Address to his Majesty a Copy of which is herewith
Mark'd (C) The Originalls I have Committed to the Care
of Mr Champance Agent for New York, Of all which
Proceedings Your Lordpps will be better Inform'd by
ye Inclosed Minutes of Councill and Assembly, If I
have gott Rid of Talbot, as I hope I have I doubt not
that the rest will Returne upon their knees to their
Duty, and that Province be as Easey and happy in a
little time as this,
The affaires of New York will not Require the Give-
ing Your Lord'pps the trouble of a Separate Letter at
this time, The Assembly mett Yesterday, and I spoke
to them as in the Paper (D) and I assure Your Lord'pps I
did them in that noe more than bare Justice, For Real
Joy Appeares almost in every State for his Majesties
Suceess over his and the Nations Enemies, I can
promise my selfe nothing but what is Dutiful and faire
In this Sessions, When it is older Your Lord'pps shall
heare more.
Since the Writeing of what is above the Assembly
here in Conjunction with the Councill have Signed an
humble Address to his Majesty, which I have trans-
mitted to the Agent Mr Champance and here Inclosed
a Copy thereof, Most humbly Recommending my Selfe
to Your Lordships Patronage I am with all Imagin-
able honour My Lords
Your Lordships most Obed' and most Humble Servant
Ro: Hunter.
17
358 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple —
about Mr. Coxe and others.
IFrom P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, D 40.]
Lr from Brigadr Hunter to ye Secrr relating to
Mr Cox & others of y° Assembly of New-
Jersey.
N York ye 8 June 1716
Dr Sr
Mine to the Board will Inform you that Cox and his
pitifull Crew are defeated and Fled, he holds Councils
In Pennlvania, at the Last it was Eesolv'd that He
and Talbot should Go over, and apply to the house of
Commons Since they can not prevaile with the King
the Minis or the Lords ha ha ha. I doubt he will not
Go after all but get in his Subscription money and
remaine at Philadelphia where I hear he has taken a
house. Do not forget me nor my Palatine Clames,1 1
now believe That I shall live to thank you.
I am ever and Intirely Yours
Ro: Hunter.
The Indictment of ye Atty Gen" was forgot by negli-
gence in ye Last, here you have it
W Pople Esq
An Indictment of Mr Gordon Attorney Gen? of
New Jersey rece'd [30th July] wf Brigade
Hunter's Lr. of S^ June 1716 to yc Secretary
Burlington
The Jurors for our Sovereign Lord the King upon
their Oaths do Present That Thomas Gordon Esq'-' of
1 Referring to the settlement of Palatines in New York —See N. Y. Col. Doets.—
Ed.
1716] ADMINISTRATION" OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 259
Mount Gordon in the County of Monmouth in the
Province of New Jersey one of his Majesties Council
and Kings Attorney General for the province of New
Jersey at his Ma'ties Supream Court of Judicature held
at Burlington in the County of Burlington afores" on
Tuesday being the first day of November in the Second
Year of the Reign of our most Gracious Sovereign
Lord George by the Grace of God King of Great
Britain France and Ireland Defend!" of ye Faith &c
There being an Act of parliament made in the first
Year of the Reign of our s? Sovereign Lord the King
Entituled an Act for making perpetual an Act of the
Seventh and Eighth Years of the Reign of his late
Majestie King William the Third Intituled an Act that
yc Solemn Affirmation & Declaration of the People
Called Quakers shall be Accepted instead of an Oath in
the Usual form And for Explaining and Enforcing y*
sa Act in relation to the payni- of Tithes and Church
rates and for appointing the Form of an Affirmation
to be taken by the s'.1 people called Quakers instead of
the Oath of Abjuration &c A printed Coppy of the
aforesaid Act of Parliament being then and there in
the af ores-1 Court produced from the Kingdom of Great
Britain and by Order and Authority of the aforesaid
Court and by Jeremy Bass Esq' Clerk of the afores"
Court then and there was openly read and published,
The said Thomas Gordon then and there personally
being his duty and aiiegience towards our s" Lord the
King little regarding nor ye Contemptuous Violation
of the afores" Law and Statute of the Kingdom of
Great Britain any manner of way fearing Advisedly
maliciously and of his own proper Malicious Intention
and Imagination to draw the aforesaid Act of par-
liam* into Question and Contempt The false and Sedi-
tious English words, falsly Maliciously and publickly
Did Speak and promulgate in the presence and hearing
of Divers of his Majesties Liege Subjects (that is to
360 ADMIN Isti: \ tion OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
say) that the printed Coppy of the aforesaid Act of
parliament which he the s-1 Thomas Gordon then In-
stantly held in his hand and in a Scornfull and Con-
temptuous manner east down upon the Table was a
Ballard and it being then and there replied to him the
s1 Thomas Gordon by Jeremiah Bass Esq!" Clerk of the
aforesd Court that he was Sony that the Attorney
General of the Jerseys should be heard to call an Act
of King, Lords and Commons a Ballard, He the said
Thomas Gordon did likewise then and there in like
manner Say it was no better than a Ballard Against
the Duty of his Allegience in Grievious Contempt and
Defamation of the aforesaid Act of parliament, to the
Evil Example of others as also against the peace of
our s? Sovereign Lord the King his Crown and Dignity
&c.
Billa vera
A true Copy by me James Thompson CI
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade-
About Proceedings of Mr. Coxe.
| From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, D 40.]
Letter from Brigadier Hunter Gov1: of New
Jersey.
New York Octr the 2nd ITU'.
My Lords
This relates to the affairs of New Jersey which tall
at present within a small compass
After M' Cox with his Associates were expell'd the
house of Representatives I had informations from
many places that he, and his Emissaries were very
busy in carrying papers privately round the Province
for subscriptions upon which there was an order of
the Governour and Council in Council directed to
1716] A DMT NTTSTRATIOX OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 261
severa] Sheriffs for apprehending him, and his accom-
plices, and bringing them before the Governour and
Counci] by a day prefixed, but he and they fled lh<i
Province and is now with one Rustill [Bustall] a very
mean wretch, but cheif instrument of M' Cox's, era-
bark'd for England from Philadelphia, I know not bis
errand nor the purport of the papers he carry s. neither
can I guess at any ground of complaint he can have
against me, unless it be that I suffer d him to run too
far in his way to his own ruin: but shall most humbly
submit it to your L 'ship's judgement, whither such
persons as M' Cox, and Mr Sonmans who have fled
from justice (the former standing accus'd by the Coun-
cil, and two several general Assemblys for disturbing
the publick peace, and a combination against the Gov-
ernment; the latter for baveing feloniously stolen
away, and convey'd out of the Province the publick
Records) should not in the first place be order'd, or
sent back to answer these crimes of which they stand
accused according to law before any Representations
or Complaints be received from their hands; at the
same time I am ready to answer to the strictest enquiry
for all or any part of my administration: If calling the
last Session of Assembly, to Amboy was an error, it
was his Majesty's instructions with my new Patent
that led me into it by the advice of the Council, and
all who pretend to the law, which I own I was the
readier to close with, because at that time, as I hope I
have by what I formerly sent convine'd your I/ships,
it was something more than hazardous to hold an
Assembly at that place, I have now issued a Proclama-
tion for the Assembly's meeting at Burlington, for
since the removal of that Boutefeu the country i-
quiet, and I believe I shall have a quiet and good ses
sion there.
The only Act passed hi the last Session, entituled an
act to enforce the payment of publick taxes, I here-
262 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
with send you; Mr Cox and all his associates haveing
ever refused or declin'd to pay their taxes I beleivc
there can be but few instances where any who are
honoured by the name of his party have paid one
farthing without being distrain'd, that Assembly is to
meet in the beginning of November. I shall God will-
ing attend them if I have then but tolerable health
I have given orders to the Treasurer of the Jerseys
to transmit forthwith the accounts of the Revenue
there, if they doe not arrive here before this ship sails
they shall goe by the next.
Most humbly recommending my self to the continu-
ation of your Lordships Patronage I am with all im-
aginable honour My Lords
Your Lordships most humble and most obedient servant
Ro: Hunter.
Letter from Samuel Busted! against Governor Hunter.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, D (3.]
Lettter from Samuel Bustall to his wife1
London November yc 1th 1716
Dear Dear Gracey
[Extract.]
As to our Busness I cannot informe you much but
we are asured of Success my Lord high Chanceler is
Intirely on our side And So my Lord Townsend Sec-
retary att State These things which we have Against
Colli' Hunter are most Amaseing and he is my Lord
Chanseller Declared if these things are proued against
him unfitt to serve his Majesty in any post whatsoever
Co'.1 Coxes has a Uast Intrust with Lord Chanceller
And what Co1-1 Hunter has Said to the Contrary is most
1 Transmitted to the Lord.3 of Trade by A. Philips, agent for New York, July 4th,
1717.— Ed.
1716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 263
Candellesly fauls my Lord Secretary wl.h 5. more of my
Lords Chefe Officers being last night in Company with
Docter Cox Co" Cox and his Brother Dam(! Hunter for
Saying in his Speach that they war Treated \v,h Con-
tempt when it was So much the Reverse of that that
my Lord paid him that respect and Distintion as Sur-
j>rized them all that Saw it and promesed him hus Ut-
most Service in the affare he came about is thought
my Lord will much resent what Co1.1 Hunter has Said
upon that head Co1? Cox will be next weak Intredused
to my Lord Chancelor my Lord Townend and my Lord
Nail sell who are the three prime Minestars of State
and doth Every thing wth the prince Co1-1 Cox has Grate
friends And the Accommendations he has brought
with him from pensaluaney and the New Jarsey Sign-
ed by So many hands is wonderfully Seruesssable and
Secures his Intrust with this Minestry who I beleive
are as Just as any that ever was in Ingland The King
is Gon for Holland and wont return till after Christ-
mass but ys prince can do our Busness My Lord Sum-
mers is dead And the Duke of Argile is out of every
thing And by the King was Banished yc Cort So that
Co" Hunter has not one friend att Cort And tis thought
he will be ruined about the Pollentines Bills as Soon
as he is out of his Gouerment thare two Gentlemen
Laying in for the Gouerment Uiz Our Gen1.1 Ward A nd
one Bowls it is not known who will have it but our
Busness is to get a Seperate Gouerment So that we
Shall not trouble our Selues about New York neither
do we Care who getts it my Dear I have So far Given
you a Genarall Account of affars as far as has been
proseaded in I have time only add that I have Injoyed
my helth through Mercey parfectly well we have A fair
prospect of accomplishing our Busness to be back by
June next but we have to doe wth Grate men And all Grat
Bodys moufes Slow But Good friends & Good Intrust
And Money will Surmount Grate Difficultye In relation
264 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
to Mr Sandmon he has Secured his Lands but he has Un-
hapely fell in w,h the Wrong Intrust to be of Service to
us he depends much upon my Lord Clarendine who is
nobody at Cort nor he neauer will be Capable of doing
our Busness had he Staid here this Thousand Years As
the present Intrust Stands I must Conclude for I have
Trespassed on the time Allowed me I cannot wright to
any bodey else You may Communicate Sum part of
this Letter to whome you please of our friends And to
who me in Generall I hartely Give my humble Service
My Dear I am most Unolturable Your trewly Affec-
tinate Husband
Sam1? Bust all
in my next I hope I shall be Able to Give A full
and Ample Account of our Busness I long to be with
You farewell
June 16, 1717
I gave this Letter to M.T. Roberts to Shew it to my
Ld Chancellour. When he returned it to me, he Said
his Lordship has read it, Saying that All that related
to him was pure Fiction, Oc without his Knowledge
A Philips
Letter from Governor Hunter. to the Lords of Trade
— about leaving for Burlington to dissolve the
Assembly in consequence of the small pox pre-
vailing there.
[From N. Y. Ool. Docts., Vol. V, p. 481.]
To the Right Honb|e the Lords Comr:s for Trade
and Plantations
My Lords
[Extract.]
* ■■ * :: I am Just upon my journey to the
Jersey Assembly at Burlington. The Small Pox are
raging in that place, and I am already addressed by
1716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 266
many of the Council and Assembly to adjourn them
for that reason to Amboy, I know not what to do, fori
shall not have a Quorum of either at that place for
the reason mentioned, and can not it seems adjourn
them to the other because of that Act if the plague
were there, and the country will be in confusion about
their bill of credit the currency of which expires in a
fortnights time unless remedied by an Act, the taxes
which were to sink these bills not being as yet all payed
by means of the evill influence & example of Mr Cox
and his party. I shall do my best in that as in every
thing to convince your Lordships that I have no views
but the publick good, that I maybe the better entituled
to the honour of being My Lords
Your Lordships most humbe and most faithful Servant
New York Novr 12 1716 Rob: Hunter
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple —
enclosing a letter from Daniel Coxe.1
[From P. R. OB.T., New Jersey. Vol. n, D IS.
sr
Jeffers by whom I send my Letters is under Saile. 1
have Just receiv'd from the Ch Justice at Burlington
the Original of this Inclosed Copie which I beg you'll
Shew to their Lods'ps, for Since Mr Cox is gone to Lon-
don there is Nothing will be left Undone there to
blacken my Administration seeing he fail'd of weak-
ening it here I am as Ever
D' SrIntirely Yours
Ro: Hunter
N. York ye 16 Nov' 1716
'The Lords of Trade sent copies of these two documents to Mr. Secretary Methuen
that he might know "what indirect measures are taken to make His Majesties
Governors uneasy in the Plantations."— Ed.
266 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
Letter from Daniel Cox to Mr Allison, enclosed
in the foregoing.
Philadelp 7 July 1716
Dr Sr
I received yesterday a Long Letter From Mr Son-
maus and another from Mr Streat. They both de-
clare that If we do not make a regular Complaint
against Our Oppressor either this Summer or Fall and
that with great Vigour we must be Content to Re-
maine Sadled with him till the Province is ruin'd,
they add that the remissnesse of the people in not
Complaining regularly before King Etc: has given
Credit C — H"1 Friends declareins that every thing al-
ledg'd against him is false and proceeds only from a
pique of some few discontented persons: They both de-
clare 'twill cost much more money to Solicit the Affaire
now then 'twould if the affaire had not been Starv'd
before besides nothing will go down as Evidence but
what is viva voce or On good affidavits of the Fact.
Certificates will do no good therefore the Copie of the
Indictments of Morris Etc: must be well prov'd. I
have wrote fully to Mr Basse you must presse him to
get all ready, he may do it privatly at home and come
on this Side and be Safe, all you do must be kept very
private, you must procure a Copie of My Recognizance
before Jameson as likewise the Minutes of Council for
my discharge You must likewise gett a Copie of the
writt Thomson Serv'd on me by Order of Gordon and
a Copie of the Recognizance enter'd into and Order of
Court for my discharge I must likewise have out of
the Secy's Office a Copie attested of the Information
brought against me by Gordon these things will be of
great Use to them how I have bean harass'd from time
1 Col. Hunters.
1716 J ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 26?
to time and for what. There should be An Affidavit
of Gordons proceeding against M' Fox and ordering
Processe against him tho' never presented by the
Grand Jury.
Whatever else is necessary let it be ready against
tuesday or Wednesday next at Farthest when I intend
god Willing to be at Bristol to finish all matters and
take my Leave of my Friends for the Ship will Saile
the week after Mr Carle is in haste else I had writt by
him to Mr Bustill, desire him to gett all things ready
I hope the Petition Etc: are Sign'd as likewise the Cer-
tificates of Vestry Etc: we want to know what is be-
come of Lockart, pray give us a line If you hear any
thing. Give my Service to Emmanuel Smith and all
ye rest of our Friends as If named and You'll oblige
S1' Your real Friend and Servant
Dan Cox
Ask Mr Bustill if he has sent one of y° Certificates to
Hunterdon if not somebody must go with it
To Capt Richa Allison at Burlington.
Speech of Governor Hunter to the Assembly — and their
Address to him.
His Excellency's Speech
To the General Assembly of the Province of
New- Jersey, the 27 November 1716.1
Gentlemen;
I Must refer you to what I said to you in the first
Sessions of this Assembly and shall only mention what
I think requires the first place or principal part in
your present Deliberations, I mean, the Support of the
1 The Assembly met at Crosswicks, in consequence of the prevalence of small-pox
at Burlington.— Ed.
268 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
Government and the publick Credit. You all know,
that the Fonds for the first are Expired Fifteen Months
ago, and that the other has suffered much by the Ob-
stinacy of some in refusing the payment of Taxes, or
Remisness of others in collecting or putting the Laws
in Execution which were sufficient if duly Executed,
to have answered the End, and in great Measure to
have prevented or Remedied that evil. I doubt not
but you are now met with good Disposition, as well as
full Freedom, all Clogs and Bars being Remov'd to
pursue, to Effect, the good ends of your Meeting, and
to make good your Engagements and Promises in the
Several Addresses of your last Sessions. The true In-
terest of the People and the Government are the same
I mean, a Government of Laws, no other deserves the
name, and are never Seperated or Seperable but in Im-
agination, by Men of Craft, who are either Abettors of
Lawless Power, on the one hand, or Confusion and
Anarchy on the other. As I am well assured, as you
also well know, That the first is not the case of this
Province, so I have conceived Avell grounded hopes,
That all Endeavours towards the latter are well-nigh
censed. I can hardly guess at any one thing that can
Enterpose to Defeat Your Purposes of making your-
selves and those you Represent, Happy, and me Easy,
as you have yourselves very well exprest it.
Ro. Hunter.
The Addresse of the Gen11 Assembly of New
Jersey to the Gov' at Amboy.
May it I 'lease Your Ke'
Your Administration has been a Continued Seriesof
.lust ice and Moderation and from your past Conduct
we dare assure our Selves of the Continuation of it
and we will not be wanting In our Endeavours to make
1716] AKMlxisTKA TION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 269
Suitable returns both In provideing a handsome Sup-
port of Government and of Such a Continuance as
may demonstrate to you and the World the Sense we
have of our duty and your worth.
The Gentleman our Late Speaker has added this one
bance of foly to Ins past demeanour to Convince us
and the World that in all Stations whether as a Coun-
celler a Private man or a Representative his study has
been to disturb the Quiet and Tranquillity of this Prov-
ince and Act in Contempt of Laws and Government.
We are Sensible of the Effect it has had and may have
on the Publick peace and our Expulsion of him wo
hope Evinces thai we are not partisans of his heat and
disaffection to tin1 Present Government. We are Very
Sory he has been Capable to Influence So many into a
Combination with him to make Effectual his Evil pur-
poses, but we hope it is rather the Effect of weaknesse
then Malice and that their Eyes are now So much
open'd they'll return to their duty and Joyn with us
In provideing for the Publick Credit and whatever else
may Make this Province happy and Your Ex" easy.
William Pinhorne's Project for Raising Money by
Paper Bills for th? Encouragement of Trade.
LFrom a Contemporaneous Copy in the Possession of W. A. Whitehead. |
A Project by William Pinhorne to Raise a Sum
of Money by Paper Bills, for the encour-
agement of Trade in the Province of New
Jersey in 1716.
S'r; Hearing that Som Gent 11 of the assembly had
it under Consideration to Rayse a Sum of Money by
paper Bills, for the Encouragement of Trade, and Ina-
bling the Ynhabitants of the Province to Improv thir
Estates, — as also an Ease of Taxes for the Necessary
Support, of Goverment, and that they Disigned the
*70 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1716
Obtaining these Ends By the Giving out theer Bills, to
the Inhabitants and Traders vpon Land Security, at
the Interest, of live pr. ct., I, Humbly Conceive said
designe would en no ways answer the End, and with
all Humble Submission apprehend the Sam to be
Lyable to many Objections, the greatest of which
appeares the Vncertainty, or Indeed the vnlikelyhood
that any Considerable Sum or for any Considerable
Time Could be Disposed of on those Terms, People
being rather Inclinable To Take vp vpon Common
Securitys and so Repay againe at any Time theer Con-
veniency allowed what moneys they Had Occasion of,
although they gave a ffar Greater Interest; wherefore
for their Greater Encouragiment to take off Such a
vallue in Bills, and that the Country May Enjoy the
Benefit of so Considerable a stock for a Longer Time
— with all Obedient Submission Offer to their Con-
sideration what thoughts hae Occurd to me thereon.
In which if I am vnder a Mistake, Hope to obtain an
Easy Pardon since the Desyre of Benefit to the Prov-
ince was the Only Motive Lead me to Give you this
Trouble.
My thoughts are these, that if Paper Bills were
made, to the vallue of Twenty Thousand Pounds — and
Given Out vpon Good Land Security for Twenty yeares
Gratis, without any Interest at all, and Instead of
Paying ffve pr. ct. Interest, they should be Obliged to
Repay annually the Twentieth part: of what they
should so take vp, which for one Hundred Pound is
five Pounds, in Twenty yeares they will have Repaid
the Principall stock they Tooke vp. This seems to me
an Incouragement that will Imadiately take off all the
Bills, when Instead of Paying five pr. ct. Interest pr.
annum and the Principall still Remaining a Heavy
Burthen on ther Estates. By this Method, the Bare
Paying of five pr. ct. pr. annum shall Discharge the
very Principall,
In the Next place please to Consider the Security of
1716] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 271
the fund to sinke these Bills at 20 yeare's End, for so
long must be their Currantey, to be passt and Received
in all Payment whatsoever, except, Only the five pr.
ct. : or annuall Payment of the Twentyeth part: of
what is so let Out, which must Not be paid in Bills
but in Currant Silver Money of the Easterne Divesion,
or Proclamation Money. Elce there will be no fund for
the sinking thes Bills. Then be pleased & further
Consider the advantage to the Goverment — and the
Ease of Taxes when by the Hollowing Table it ap-
peares, that Besydes the ifund to sinke the Bills, there
well Remaine in the Hands of the Goverment, the sum
of 14,659 pounds 1 shillings 0 — which grow from the
Interest of ye Money pd. annually in to the Hands of
the Receivers— which being but 1000 pt. pr annum
and in Silver Money, will Easily be let Out at the
Common Interest for Every one that wants to take up
money, will know where to be supplyed. And that
"the fund May be more Certaineand Ready at the Expi-
ration of the Bills, I have Computed the Interest, for
Nineteen years Only, that so the Money my be Ready
in the Receivers hands a yeare Before the Currency of
the Bills Expire.
And whosoever shall fayle in paying in the 20th
parts — annually as a fore seid of such Bills as he Re-
ceived, shall imediately fall vnder the same prosecu-
tion and fTorfeiture, as if it were an absolute fay lure of
the whole. Elce it will make a 1 >efitiency in the ffund.
This I Hope will Render my Conception Plaine, and
Practicable, and with all Humbly Humility Subscribe
my selfe Sr. Yr. Obedient Humble Servt.
Nov: 27 Ao. 1716 Wm. Pinhorne.
A true Cop. per me
T. Arents.
A Table Demonstarting the Interest arising from
the Annuall Payments of a Twentyeth part: of the
Bills lett out: and from the Increasing Interest money,
272
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
[1716
all which is Still but a Simple and Single Interest for
moneys Lett Out, and Can no ways be Construed as
Interest vpon Interest.
The first yrs. Interest will be Nothing.
2d yre. the Interest of 1000£. at 8 pr. ct. is - 80 (JO 0
3de yeare 100
4th 240
5 --------- 320
(! --------- 400
7 --------- 480
8 - - - - 500
y - - - - . - - - - 040
10 - - - - - - - - - 720 ^
11 - 800
12 --------- 880
13 --------- 960
14 - 1040
15 1120
10 -------- - 1200
17 -------- - 1280
18 -------- - 1360
19 -------- - 1440
The Growing Interest of ye Int. Mom £13080
is as folw's 979 4
The 1st & Sec : is Noth :
The 3d yrs. Int'st of 80£ is - 0 8 0 £14069 4 0
4th 12 10
5 ----- 19 4
6 - - - - - 25 12
7 ----- 32
8 ----- 38 8
9 - - - - - 44 10
10 ----- 51 4
11 57 12
12 04
13 70 8
14 - - - - - 76 16
15 ----- 83 4
10 89 12
17 96
18 ----- 102 8
19 108 10
£979 4
171?] A-DMINISTRATIOX OF GOVERNOR III NTKK. 273
If ye Interest were Computed to the End ye 20th
yeare, the Time of ye Expiration of the Currency of
the Bills- it will a mount to the Sum of K;2!i4!'. Ss.
Which will be a New fund vpou which Bills may be
made and Given Out to the Vse of the Government So
ih.il by giving Out 20000 pds. Bills Gratis to the In-
habitants for 20 yeares, in the former Method there
appears a fund for 36294 pounds Eight Shillings. The
Benifit to the Province and Improvement of Trade, is
So Obvious that it is Needles to Say anything on thai
head, and it will also be a Great Means of Bringing
Monevs into the Province.
Letter from ( lover nor Hunter to I he Lords of Trade
—about New Jersey affairs.
(From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II. I), 15.
To the Right Honobles the Lords of Trade
X York ye 13 feb 171?
My Lords
Being but just arriv'd from the Jerseys and finding
the Ship Xew York Captn Clarke Commander ready to
sail for London I cannot send your Lordships so very
particular accounts of the affairs of that Province as
yon may expect and I shall transmit by the next opor
tunity.
We have had a very happy Session of Assembly
there. At the opening of that Session which was held
at Chesterfield' near Burlington (where the small pox
raged at that time) I spoke to them as in the paper, (A i
and soon after that was address'dby that Assembly as in
the paper, (B) they have made good their engagements
1 Smith, in bin History of Xew Jersey, p. 108, say* the session was held at Cross
wicks
IS
274 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HFNTER. [1717
in that and their former address as your I/ships may
be inform'd by the list of acts past in that Session
mark'd, (C) the acts themselves I shall transmitt so soon
as they can be engrossed, with the necessary observa-
tions upon them, amongst these your L/'ships will
observe one act for repealing a former act fixing the
Session to Burlington which I earnestly beg may be
immediately recommended to His Majesty for his
approbation, I have said enough as to the reasons for
that repeal, and shall only add now that it was the
hand of Providence which prevented y1' Session at that
time at Burlington, Mr Talbot has thought fit to give
some faint light towards the discovery of a most hell-
ish contrivance, which as he says he in some measure
defeated, he says in one of his letters to the Gentle-
man to whom he instrusted the secet, that he'll doe
what he can salva Conscientia in that discovery, I
have given him leave to come to me for that purpose,
or if he thinks fit to write and sign the Narrative, and
transmitt it to me, I expect the one, or the other every
day, if he grows squeamish the Gentleman to whom
he has discovered it will take his Oath as to the truth
of the information he has given. Talbot seems very
penitent, I know not how sincere he may be, I guessd
that there was something more than ordinary in the
sudden flight of the party, and the great endeavours
and sollicitations of almost all of them for pardon, and
forgiveness, which I have granted to all who have
submitted, and have ask'd it, and can now assure your
L/'ships that the Jerseys which about a year agoe was
the most tumultuous, is at present one of the most
quiet and best satisfyed of his Majestys Provinces.
That mark'd (D) is the Copy of a letter of M' ( iox's
to his freind Allison who is since dead, I know nothing
as yet of the papers, subscriptions, and Certificates he
mentions there, but am prornis'd a copy of them from
a Gentleman of Philadelphia, who is ashamed and
1717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 575
greiv'd at his haveing joind with them; he says that
even while he was link'd to them he was ashamed
of the trifling articles of accusation, and except two,
none of them could bear the appearance of a just com-
plaint, the first of there [them?] is that I robbd one
Wetherhill of an Indian deed, the paper markd (E)
will inform your Ldships how just a complaint that is,
if persuadeing a man to make amends for an act of
Villany, by restoreing a deed which was not only
basely obtaind of a single Indian, whom he had made
drunk (contrary to law which requires every man to
have a Lycence for such purchase before it is made) at
ye earnest desire of the Speaker and many of the Prin-
cipal members of yl Assembly to prevent confusion,
and the danger of a rupture with these Indians,
instead of punishing him for what he had done, if this
I say be just ground of complaint from the person and
party concernd, I must own that I understand nothing
of my duty, or business, I am sure the whole country
applauded what was done in that matter as a very
necessary, and considerable peice of justice and service.
The other material Article as that Gentleman con
ceives is the cutting of wood upon a man's land with-
out his leave, it was sometime before I could make
any guesse at the meaning of that, but at last I think
M' Secretary Clark has hit upon it, which be pleased to
take under his own hand in the paper markd (F) as
for my part I never saw the man 'till within this
twelvemonth, neither does he say that he ever apply \1
to me if he was aggreiv'd, but to cut crooked sticks in
a country of wood, for a publick, and immediately
necessary service, the whole value of which is in the
cutting, is a sort of a crime that can serve for no other
use but to make it apparent t hat the Plaintiffs have
nothing to complain of.
If I had any prospect of being able to make use of
this letter of Lycence which His Royal Highness has
276 \ DMiNivn; \ thin of GOVERNOB iii'NTKi;. [1717
been graciously pleasd to grant me, I would not have
given your Lordships this trouble at this time, but
haveing fixd my meeting with our five Indian nations
to the middle of May next, and there being an abso-
lute necessity of holding an Assembly in the Jerseys
in the fall, to perfect what is so happily begun, I can-
not leave this country without detriment to His
Majesty's service this year at least, whatever my pri-
vate affairs may suffer by my stay, for I shall never
put them in competition with that, and if I be not
much mistaken I shall in that time put these Govern-
ments upon such a foot, that any body may govern
who has but honesty, 'though but indifferent capacity.
There is nothing material in this Province to give
your L/'ships the trouble of a separate letter, I only
take the liberty to send you the enclosed account of
the encreased Navigation and trade here in my time, I
have not as yet obtained a compleat list of the num-
bers of the people, but am in hopes of being able to
transmit that of both Provinces very speedily.
I am with all due honor
My Lords Your Losls most Humble
And Most Faithfull Serv'
Ro: Hunter.
Documents Relating to an attempt to defraud
some Indians of their land — referred to in
foregoing letters.
The Affirmation in'. John Wills taken before John
Uoberdes one of his Ma'ties Justices of yu peace for the
( oimty of Burlington .January y 21s! 1 7 1 6-7 And also
before Isaac De Cow and Samuel ffurnis two Justices
of the peace of the Same County the Day and year
above Said.
L717J administration of governor hunter. ".'I!
Mehemickwon the Indian King who was Commonly
by the English Called King Charles made his Com-
plaint to me Several times That John Wetherill had a
design to Cheat him of Some of his Land at a place
Called Coerping: I asked him w^ way that could be,
he Answered that he had made him Drunk and when
So had made a writing and got him Set his hand to it
And this is what he Affirmed at all times when we
Discoursed on that Subject And further he told me
that y" Said John Wetherill offered to give him more
Drink next morning? the Indian Said he asked the said
Wetherill for what he would give him Drink, the said
Wetherill Answered do you not know for w' do you
not Remember you Sold me the Land last Night, no
said the Indian I knew nothing of it. for I was So
Drunk last Night, that I knew nothing, not So much
as where I was. And if you have done Any Such thing
by me when I was in that Condition as to get my
hand to A writing, you have Cheated me. And I will
have none of yor drink nor you Shall never have the
Land, And for that time they parted, And Soon after
y1 Indian Came to my house, very uneasy he was,
And gave me this Account, And Still from time to
time as he met wth me, Seemingly with great Indigna-
tion he would treat on that Subject, till in process of
time he heard the Governour would be at Burlington
And hoping the Governo- would redress his Grieveance
in the Case, was quiet till that came to pass and when
ye Governo1.' was come to Burlington And the Assem-
bly was Sitting he came to my house and told me that
John Wetherill was about to Build a house upon the
Land he had fraudulently taken from him the thoughts
of wc.h (said he) Burns like Affire in my Breast so that
I cannot rest day nor night, nor eat my Victuals.
Come Brother said he to me you know that Henris is
gone and John Woolton is Dead I have none left but
von to Assist me, All my old friends & Brothers who
278 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [171?
were the first Settlers here and understood our Lan-
guage are gone but you: Wherefore (Says he) come
Brother you must go w"' me to Burlington to the Gov-
ernor for I am resolved to Complain to him of ye
abuse 1 rece'd from John WetheriU Do not Deny me.
I told him that I was otherwaies Engaged and could
not go myself But I would write to Peter tfretwell &
Joshua Humphris (who likewise were his Brothers)
And Desire them to go w11' him to ye Governour he
Alleadged that they had not yp Indian Language I told
him they might get an Interpreter and So wrote to
them, and got myself Excused for y' time But when
he came to Town and Delivered the Letter to them the
Business of ye Assembly (they being members) took up
their time so that they could not Attend on him but
Treated him well wth Victuals and Drink and Sent him
home again, ordering him to come again abo- a week
or ten Days after and be Sure to bring me along wtb
him. Accordingly he came again to my house and told
me they Said I must come to Town wth him, So wtb
him I went and when come there I got Peter tfretwell
and Joshua Humphris together and we Sent for John
WetheriU hoping that we might Reconcile the matter
wthout troubling ye Governor but our Endeavours in
that respect were all in vain for nothing would Sntis
tie the Indian but Destroying the paper the s.' Weth-
eriU had So basely got his hand to but the said Weth-
eriU notwithstanding we laid before him the injustice
of his proceeding, and ye Danger he would not only
bring himself into But that it might be ye occasion of
A war in the Country if he persisted, yet he obstinately
refused to Deliver the said Writing to the Indian and
So we parted for that time and in y Evening when
the House broke up we got ye Assistance of Several of
the Assembly men and particulary John Kay who was
the Speaker of the House Also Samuel ffurniss and
Thos WetheriU (Brother to the Said John WetheriU)
171?] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 279
was w'.h us and we Sent for yc s.d John Wetherill again
hoping that amongst we might prswade him to make
ye Indians Easy, for by this time the was Several In-
dians come to See and hear how yr matter would End,
his Bror Tho? Wetherill offered that if he would De-
liver up the paper to the Indian that he would let him
have So much land in Another place and all the Rest
that were present gave their JudgmV that his proceed-
ings both in obtaining & refusing to Deliver the papr
to ye Indian was both unjust and of Evil Consequence
not only to himself in particular but also to ye Coun-
try in General But he Still Continued in his obstinacy
and would not Condescend at all Notw,hstanding all that
could reasonably be offered to him So we parted wth
him the Second time And then we Desired ye Speaker
to lay the matter before the Governor And to request of
him that ye Indians might have A hearing before him
in the Case wc.h the Governo- was pleased to Grant and
appointed the Next morning at Nine A Clock; Accord-
ingly Sam1 Furnis Thomas Wetherill and I, went
Along w'\ the Indians to ye Governo1' And when we
Came there the Indian King laid his Case before the
Governo" I (being Interpreter) Rehearsing the matter as
above Si1 how that fraudulently & unjustly John
Wetherill had obtained his hand to Deed for a parcel
of land out of ye Tract he had reserved for the Indians
to live upon out of wch he never Intended to Sell any
having Sold all the rest to the English and Said if that
be taken from us where must ye Indians go Signifying
that he had Lived Amongst ye English ever Since
they came into the Country and that they had lived
lovingly and like Brothers together And that a little
Land would Serve the Indians And that there was
Enough in the Country for both And therefore has [he]
was not willing to be put upon Seeking a habitation
Among Strangers; When the Governo" understood the
Matter he urged it very mildly w'." the Said Wetherill
".'SO A DMIXIS'J KATIOX OF <;<>\ EKXOI! BUNTER. |lil!
Setting before him the Mischief's and Dangers that
might Attend Such a proceedure And how that Such
a Trifling matter as that was might Cost many peo-
ple their Lives as well as the Charges of a War and
persuade him (w*)1 very Inducing Expressions) to make
the Indians Easie telling him that he Should have A
Lyceiice for Nothing to purchase Land Anywhere else
in the Country and his Bro- Tho? Wetherill told him
he would furnish him wfl' A Right to the Same Quan-
tity of Land to be taken up in any other part Of the
( Vmntry then John Wetherill Urged that the Land in
Dispute was purchased of the Indians by ye Commis-
sioners at their first Arival in this Province In An-
swere whereunto I Signifyed to ye Governor that the
Relation would be tedious but if he was willing to
hear it I was able to Clear up that matter And prove
to his Satisfaction that That Land was not purchased
(I being an Eye and Ear witness to that matter being
in the Country w1.1' the very first that came to Settle
at Burlington where that matter was Debated) and So
1 Did, Then the Governo- well understanding that
That Land was not purchased formerly he Endeavour-
ed w"' all fair means Still to Convince him of his Error
in the Case. Said. M' Wetherill take the Indians And
M- Wills home wtu you and go and make yL Indians
Easy and let me hear no more of this Complaint and I
Shall be Satisfied, But when I had Informed the In-
dians w' the Governor said they reply Yl and Said they
would not go from the fireside till they Se that papr
Destroyed; The Indian also affirmed that he never
rece'd Any thing from sd Wetherill Either in all or in
part of payment for the Said Land But the s:' Wether-
ill Said the Indian owed him money, but when he was
asked for wl it was mostly if not all for Treating of
him at Several times which is Common here for the
English to Treat y° Indians And not to make them
Debtors for it At length the Governo? perceiving that
1 M 1 J A DMIMST.KATION or <;o\ KKNOK I! I N'I'HR. 281
fair means had no Effect upon him he told him unless
he would by Some moans make the Indian Easy he
would order the Attorney General to prosecute him
for making a Disturbance among the Indians, And
also for that he Contrary to Law had purchased Land
of the Indians without Lycence Unless he would De-
liver up that paper to the Indians, other than w'h would
not SatishV thom: When he perceived the Governo*
was In Earnest wrh him he fell and Condescended to
go home and fetch the paper And notwithstanding he
might have performed that matter in half an hour yet
(as I have great reason to believe) was prevented by
Some was Enemies to the Governm! and Embrac'd
every thing out of w':'1 they Conceited they Could form
Something (whether true or false) that might Cast an
Odium upon it or the Governo1') So it was that he came
not again in three or four hours In the meanwhile the
Governo! Signifyed to y Indians that they might go
and Come again Another time But they Reply'd they
was by no means willing to go till they Saw that
paper Destroyed, So when the Said Wetherill was
come and had brough- y' pap1 he Delivered it to the In
dianthe Governo^'and Some of his Council being p'esent
the Indian having got it forthw"' tore it to pieces And
threw it into the fire all but A Small Scrap that fell
upon the floor Another Indian perceiving of it Step'd
and pick'd it up and threw it into y" fire also Shewing
thereby their Great Aversion to it Andthen the Indian
King gave the Governor his hearty thanks for Doing
him that Great Act of Justice And after y Governo-
had treated them well wth Victuals and Drink they
went away very well Satisfied.
John Wills
Examinations taken before John Roberdes and
Isaac De Cow Esqr two of his Majesties Justices of the
282 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [171?
Peace for the County of Burlington the twenty Second
Day of January In the Third Yeare of his Majesties
Reigne Anno Dni 1716. [1716-17]
Thomas Wetherill aged forty two years and Sam-
uell ffurniss Agedfifty Seaven Yeares Being Quakes De-
clars upon their Solemn Affirmation that Abought
february 1713, there being a Complaint made unto
Robert Hunter Esq'. Captain and Governour in Chief
of the Province of New Jersey By an Indian King-
Called King Charles Against John Wetherill of the
County Aforesaid the he had a Designe to Cheat Him
of Sum of his Land At a Place Called Coerping Say-
ing that he had made him Druuck And had Got a
Wrighting made and Got him to Sett his hand to it
And we being present when the Indian King was be-
fore the Governour with the Said John Wetherill and
Hearing them Debate the matter A Great While and
the Governour understanding it He Argued it very
Mildly With the Said Wetherill Setting before him the
Mischiefs and Dangers that might Attend Such pro
cedure and Telling him that he Should Have A Licence
for Nothing To purchase As much Land any where
Else In the Country and also Said Mi' Wetherill take
the Indian and M- Wells home With You and Goe and
make the Indian Easey and Let me Hear no more of
this Complaint and I Shall be Satisfied, but when John
Wills had Informed the Indians what the Governour
Said the Indian King Replied Said thay Would not
Go: frcm the fire Side till they See that paper De-
stroyed the Indian also Affirmed that he Never Re-
ceived anything from Said Wetherill In pay for the Said
Land And after Som time John Wetherill Went home
to fetch the paper and further the Said Thomas Weth-
erill Saith Not But the Said Samuell ffurnis further Pro-
ceds and Saith when the Said Wetherill Returned with
the paper He Delivered it to the Indian In the Presence
1717J ■ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. '<!83
of the Governour and Some of his Councill and the In-
dian tore it to Peiees and threw it into the fire and
went away Very Well Satisfyed.
Thomas Wetherill
Saml.l ffurnis
Taken Before us John Roberds and Isaac Decow two
of his Majesties Justices of the peace for the County of
Burlington the day and yeare aforesaid
John Roberds
Isaac Decow.
John Kay Came before me one of the Kings Justices
of peace for the County of Burlington and upon his
Solemn affirmation Declared to the truth of the under-
written to best of his knowledge Rememberance act
Jacob Dough i s
These may Certifye that in or aboute the month of
ffebruary in the Yeare of our Lord One thousand
Seven Hundred and thirteen John Wills Came to Bur-
lington and a Indian King Called by the English King
Charles and other Indians with him the Said Indian
King with the rest of the Indians made Great Com-
plaint against John Weitherill John Wills being Inter-
piter for Said Indians, John Wills Peter Fretwell and
my Selfe with Severall others Sent for John Weithrill
and heard the Indians Complainte against him which
was that Said John Weitherill had Come to Said
Indian King, and treated him with Sider and made
him Drimck. and that he Came againe to him the next
morning and would have Given him more Sider and
tould him he Sould him Some Land the night before
being land which Said Indian King and other Indians
lived on and had Sett his hand to a Deed or writeing
284 ADMINISTKATION* OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1711
for Sale of Said Land the Said Indian King Declared
he remembered nothing of Selling any land to Said
John Weitherill or Setting his hand to any paper and
further Said he had allways Refused to Sell that Said
Land and had reserved it for him Selfe and the In-
dians to live upon and that the Indians had a right in
it and would never Suffer him to Sell it he had also
promised them that he would not Sell it and that he
loved to live neare John Wills and other Englishmen
which he Called his Brethren and could not goe out to
Settle from them and that if John Weitherill had Got
him to Sign any paper it was by Defraud and Cheat-
ing him and that he Could neither eate Drink nor rest
with quiet untill that writeing or paper was Destroyed
we used what Endeavours we could with John Weith-
erill to perswade him to Deliver the writeing to the
Indian King and make him and the rest of Indians
Easey telling him how unjust an action it was and the
Dangerous Consequence that might thereby happen but
could not prevaile with him to give any Sattisf action,
I then being Speaker of the Assembly of the province
of New Jersey John Wills Desired me to give our Gov-
erno1 an accompt of it which I did that Evening and
Desired his Assistance with John Weitherill and he
told me he would Send for John Weitherill the next
Day to Enquire into the matter I tould John Wills of
the matter and he said he would goe up to the Gover-
nour with the Indians the next day for they would not
goe Home untill the paper was Destroyed the next Day
I was at Diner with our Governour who was pleased
to tell me that John Wills and the Indian King with
other Indians had been with him and that he Sent tor
John Weitherall and advised him to Deliver up the
paper to the Indian King and make them Easey which
he was not very willing To do, the Governour Signi-
fyed to him the Evill and Danger of hurt that might
hapen for want there of and of the Damage to him
1717] U'MTMSTRATTOX OF (ioVHKXOH HUN.TEJR. 285
Selfe by being prosecuted for Such unwarrantable act-
ing he then fetched the paper or Deed of Saile and liiin
Selfe Delivered it to the Indian King in the Presence
of the Govern' and others, the Indian King tore it into
little peices and burnt it and this is a true accompt of
of what I know of the Matter- to best of my memory
as witness my hand this 25th of January 1716: [1716-17]
John Kay
Certificate relating to some Timber taken from ye
Land of One Hartshorn for building Boats for ye
Canada Expedition in 1711. referr'd to in foregoing-
letter.
These are to Certify That in the Year 1711. a Certain
Number of Batteaus being ordered to be Built for the
Service of the then Intended Expedition against Cana-
da, which Admitting of no Delay the Carpenters were
directed to go to Sandy hook or thereabouts to Cut
Crooked Stick or Timbers for the Batteaus, which the
Did accordingly; That afterwards A Demand was
made by or in the Name of one Hartshorn (the re-
puted proprietor of the Land from whence they were
('iiii of a Greater Sum of money for those Sticks or
Timbers than was Judged Reasonable. But so much
was offered him for them as was thought an ample
Satisfaction, which being refused to be taken he has
hitherto Remained without Payment for the Same:
And I am of Opinion that had there been time to Speak
beforehand to Any person, for the like quantity of
Crooked Sticks or Timbers If anything had been de-
manded for a matter of So little Value it might have
been got for less money Than was afterwards offered
to Hartshorn for his—
Geo: Clakke
New York februarv ye <>"' 1716 11716-171
286 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1717
Memorial to the Lords of Trade from Thomas Coram
— relating to the Production of Hemp and Iron in
the Provinces.
[From P. R. O. B. T. Plantations General. No. "VII, K. 83.]
Thomas Coram upon Hemp & Iron from the
Plantations
March 1716-7
Right Honrble
Pursuant to your Lordships Commands I prsent you
my weake Thoughts relateing to Hemp & Iron to be
procured in New England And His Maj,ies other Plan
tations, for the Service of This Kingdome.
What I think is Wanting to make the bounty already
Granted a Suficient encouragement for Supplying
Hemp from Thence And what will be a Sufficient
encouragement for procureing good Iron from Thence
The bounty of Six pounds I' Ton Settled by Parlia-
ment for Such good Hemp as shall be Imported from
Thence L humbly conceive to be enough for the Crowne
to give But as that bounty is all given to the Importer
and nothing to the Planters or Raisers, These looke
upon that Bounty as no benilit to them to raise it
Makes the Act for encourageing the Importing Naval
Stores not to have the Desired effect as to Hemp
Therefore let each & every person liaue for all good
Merchantable Hemp he or the} -hall raise The Same
Bounty of Six pounds l>r! "Yin paid him or them by the
Province where the Same Shall be raised
And for further encouragement of [ndustry tor the
planting & raiseing Bemp in the Plantations lei each
person who apply8 himself well or thai i- well imployd
to raise the Same be (for his sodoeing) Exempted from
1717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 287
being imprest to Serue as a Soldier in any ffort. Garri-
son or otherwise than in the Mallitia whilst there are
others in The Same Township who not been so well
imployed in Raising Hemp
This would haue better effect for raiseing Hemp
than all the bounty that is giuen. And would be no
maner of desservice to His Maj'1L or Inconveniance to
any Plantation.
A Ton of the best Hemp in Yarne will weigh (after
it is Tar'd and prest as it ought to be) about Twenty-
four Hundred and some times not so much
A Ton of Dryer Hungry Hemp will take up nere one
Hundred weight of Tar more altho prest as well but
the rope makers for sake of gaine doe very often press
their Yarne but very Slightly in the Taring of it by
which a Ton of Yarne will after being Tar'd weigh aboue
Twenty Six Hundred To the prejudice of the Coardage
as well as a great abuse- to tiie buyers
AS TO IRON
There is plenty of Iron Oare in New England and
several Iron Workes There from whence a good Sup-
ply may be had but the iron hitherto made there is
Generally bad which I conceive is for Want of Skilful]
Workemen and good encouragement
1 haue experienced good Iron can be made there
haueing had very good purpose!} Mad*' for the Worke
of a Ship built there in the Yeare L698 which Iron
worke was extraordinary good The Chaine plates in
perticular I saw remaineing upon that Ship in the
Yeare 171 1
For The encouragement of Makeing good Iron in the
Plantations & Importing it into This Kingdome
Let a bounty of 4<>s P Ton to the Maker of all Iron
equall in goodness to the best Sweds Iron be paid by
the province where The Same Shall be made. And 20s
P Ton to the Next Sort Not altogether so good to be
288 \ DMINISTRATION OF (iOVEIIN'OU HUNTBB. [171?
also paid by the province where made but no bounty
To the third" sort or for bad Iron
That each Sort of Iron be distinctly Marked where
Made with the Kings Marke and that of the Province
upon every Bar by an Assay Master or proper person
to try the Iron by His Majtits Appointment
And that it may be fellony for any to Counterfeit or
misapply the Kings Marke upon any Iron
And that it may not be Trespass to dig or take Iron
Oar in Any Lands lying Wast or not within fence And
llif Same exemptions from Impressing to all those
im ployed in Makeing Iron as is proposed for Those
who shall be constantly employd in raiseing Hemp
That for all Iron of the best Sort marked as afore
said which shall be Imported into This Kingdome Such
bounty be given to the Importer as His Majtie & His
Parliament shall think fitt to encourage the Same
There may upon easy encouragement be very good
Copper had from New England
This is what is most Humbly Oft'erd to This Right
Hon,ble Board by
Your Lordships Most obedient Serv'
Thomas Coram
To the Bight Hon11 The Lords Commissioners For
Trade & Plantations
March 171;
Extract from Minutes of the Council of West Jersey
Proprietors, March, L716-17 appointing James
Alexander Surveyor General.
|From Papers of James Alexander, Surveyor General, In Rutherfurd Collection. |
Whereas for two years past No Surveyor General!
lias been appointed by this board but the persons the
last named have been hitherto continued. It is now
Resolved that James Allexander be the Surveyor Gen-
1717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 289
erall of the Western Division of this Province during
his good behaviour in the discharge of which office he
is to observe the following regulations
The said Office shall be held and kept in the Town
of Burlington by him the said James Allexander or in
his absence by a sufficient Deputy for whom lie shall
be answerable but such Deputy shall first be approved
by this board.
All warrants shall be lodged in the said Office and
there entred and the Surveyor Generall shall direct his
order for operating the same to some one of his Depu-
ties from whom he is to recieve such Deputies return
and the same has been duely examined and Corrected
if need be the said Surveyor Generall or his Deputy in
the said Office shall make out another return signed
under his or his said Deputies hand to be made to this
Board for their approbation after which the same shall
be recorded or entered at large in the said Office.
The said Surveyor Generall or any of his Deputies
by his appointment shall not Survey any lands within
the Western Division without a Warrant from this
board authorizing him so to do.
The said Surveyor Generall shall according to a
former minute of Agreement made with Coll. Morris
endeavour to Collect and shall lodge in the said Office
at Burlington all Books and entras of Surveys (the
Records of the Secretary's Office excepted) Warrants
Draughts Maps and papers whatsoever which concern
the Proprietors or Purchasers of Lands within this Di-
vision and there safely keep them for the service of
the Publick and Shall not at any time remove such
books entries Warrants Draughts or papers out of the
said Office or out of the Town of Burlington for any
longer time than the space of twenty days and then
only where it shall be absolutely necessary for vouch-
ing any Survey contested at any of the County
( 'ourts.
19
290 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1717
The said Surveyor Generall shall not as Surveyor of
the Eastern Division of this Province (in case any
lands should be contested between the Proprietors of
the two Divisions) presume to Survey for those of the
Eastern Division any lands whatsoever that have been
regularly Surveyed before our Proprietary rights of
this Western Division.
And it is further ordered that all the Surveys not yet
made on Warrts already Granted shall be brought into
the said Office and returned from thence to this board
pursuant to the foregoing articles.
A true Copy p-me.
John Wills Cleric:
Letter front George WilJocks to Governor Hunter —
about Rev. Mr. Talbot.
| From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, in V 75.]
May it please your Excellency
I perceive mr Talbot is Scrupulous to discover the
names of those that were concerned in the wicked de-
sign, which made me desirous he should stay that I
might have a little time here with him either to make
a further discovery to me, or to prevail with him to doe
it to your Excels when he waits on you, which I am
hopefull to effect, and shall accordingly inform your
Excellency; I earnestly wish he might give such a light
that some other person could be brought in for an In-
former, and he for an Evidence.
niv Wife gives her humble duty to your Excell^? as
doth
Sl Your ExcellT faithfull & oblig'd humble Servant
Geo: Willocks
True Copie
Ro: Hunter
Amboy April 3d 1717
]',\'i\ ADMINISTRATION OF liOVKRN'ni; 111 KTER. '-"•' 1
Letter from Rev. John To/hot to Governor Hunter.
(From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey. Vol. II, D. 62.]
Amboy April 3? 1717
May it please //'' E.r"
I had the favour of yo' Ex" Letter this Morning w ''
I might have answered sooner if I had it but I could
not come sooner unless I had left all the Churches des-
titute from Philiadf to this place, I can [trove to yo1'
Excy what ever I have said, or what ever is said of me
that I have done no harm in your Province but have
prevented a great Deal that would have bin done by
others had I consented to it I am for peace w"1 all men
especially Gov" & peticularly to yo1 Excy I hope al-
ways to approve myself a dutiful Subject There is no
Minister for next Sunday so my Good ffriend M1 Wil-
likes &' have prevailed w"1 me to Stay till Monday
Then God willing nothing shall hinder me from wait-
ing upon your Exy at New York I have no other busi-
ness & nothing could have Called me so far from my
Church this Lent But to make it appear that I am
Yov most humble & dutifull Servant
John Talbot
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade—
iritlt Acts of New Jersey Assembly.
[From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey. Vol. II. D .".-». |
New Jersey.
N York y" 8 April! 1717
My Lords
Haveing nothing material to trouble your L'ships
with in the affairs of New York at this time, this
letter relates chiefly if not solely to these of New Jersey.
292 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [171?
I herewith send your Lrtships the Minutes of Assem-
bly, and all the ingross'd acts pass'd last Session, there
haveing been some mistakes in the Copying of the
minutes of the Council I cannot send them by this
conveyance, the Acts are
1 An iVct for repealing an Act intituled an Act for
ascertaining the place of the sitting of the Assembly —
That act which by this is repeal'd haveing been
obtain'd and carryed through that Assembly by the
most notorious tricks that ever were put in practice,
being unequal and unjust in its self, a clog upon the
administration here, and the pretended grounds on
which it was founded intirely remov'd by the increase
of the people and building at Amboy, I thought fit
according to your L'ships advice to have it repeal'd by
a law here.
2 An Act for the support of Government for three
Years &c:
3 An Act for the currency of Bills of Credit.
4 An Act for laying an Excise on all strong Liquors
retailed &c:
5 An Act for the more regular chooseing Collectors
and Assessors &c:
6 An Act for the better laying, out regulateing and
preserving Public roads.
7 An Act for the better inforceing an Ordinance for
the farther Establishment of fees and ferryages.
8 An Act for explaining an Act entituled an Act for
eimabling the Owners of the Meadows adjoyning to
Burlington to stop out the Tide.
These I think want no observations upon them
9 An Act to infore the payment of 340 ounces .Jd:-
weight of plate due from the Inhabitants of Burling-
ton county, being their part of the 5000 lb: tax for the
year 1714.
Mr Hewlings one of the expelld Members of this
Assembly, and M Cox's cheif Minister being Assessor
1717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 293
for that county chose to incurr the penalty in the
former Act rather than doe his duty in Assessing, in
order to put a stop to the payment of taxes as far as
in him lay which created the necessity of this Act.
1<» An Act for vesting the lands late the estate of
William Hall esqr in Trustees to he sold for the pay
ment of his debts.
This act was pass'd upon the application, and con-
sent of the widow and children of the deceas'd.
11 An Act to enable John & Sicha Pettinger to sell
the estate late of Richard Pettinger for payment of
debts.
This was also pass'd on the same grounds.
12 An Act to Naturalize Jacob Arents and his three
Children.
13 An Act to prevent unreasonable burning of the
woods.
1 4 An Act to repeal part of an act entitled an Act to
prevent the waste of Timber &c:
15 An Act for repealing a Law entituled an Act for
laying a duty on Wheat exported out of the Eastern
division of New Jersey.
16 An Act to enable some persons in each County to
inspect the Rolls of all the Assessments in said Coun-
ty s. &c:
All which are most humbly submitted to your
Ldships consideration and recommendation to His
Majesty
In the mean time that Province enjoys more perfect
tranquility than it has hitherto ever known, and I can
hardly believe it would be in M' Cox's power to raise
any new disturbance, his very accomplices being
ashamd, and sick of him.
I have sent to Mr Philips some papers relateing to
that Gentlemans conduct, and his complaints; and
shall only observe once more to your L'ships, that if
such as he, Mullford, and Son mans all notorious
294 ADMINISTRATION OP GOVERNOR II I VTKH. fl'K
criminals fled from Justice, meet with countenance or
incouragement on thai side We may indeed be made
easier by their absence, but yom Ldships will have
more trouble than it is reasonable you should undergoe.
M1 Talbot mentioned in my last is come to Amboyin
order to come to York, I expect him every day 1 have
sent a Copy of his letter, and the other Gentlemans to
Mr Philips. M' Talbot it seems is unwilling to be an
informer 'tho he will not decline being an Evidence if
need be. when I know more of that matter I shall
more fully inform your Ldships. in the meantime I am
with all imaginable honour
My Lords
Your Ldsps Most Humble And Most Obed1 Servant
Ro: Hunter.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple—
with minutes of the New Jersey Council.
I From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey. Vol. II, D. 15.]
N. York ye 3d May 1717
D' Sv
By this poor Conveyance I send the Minutes of Coun-
cil of ye Jerseys wdl were omitted by the Last please to
lay them before their Losps.
I have heard Nothing of Cox or his buss nesse, but
must Still Insist upon'tthat If three Notorious Crimi-
nals Cox Sonmans and Mulford all tied from Justice
shall he any means meet with Countenance and In-
couragement untill they have Surrender'd themselves
to tryal for what they stand Accus'd, the order of
things In y" Plantations is Inverted and Government
or Grovernours of no further use. In hott Countreys
we have many hott heads, and Every man who is not
Employ'd or Gratify 'd In his own way is a Crumbier
1717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 29o
and hopes Some advantage from a Change, So thai
Subscriptions for maintaining plaintiffs in Engld are
Easily obtain'd but not Easily pay'd as Some I believe
have found to their Cost. I have wrote to M1 Philips
What Talbot Confess'd to me which he'll Communi-
cate to you.
If it were never so necessary I can not Get home
Now, our Station Ship having thought fitt to proceed
directly for Eng1'1 from Jamaica as we are Inform'd,
So now we have no Guard Ship and Two pyrates ac-
tually plying on our Coast
I beg my clame in parlia't may be pusht and take its
chance, I know nothing I could do that may not be
done by my friends. If these who sent me on that
Earand abandon me it is In vain to look for redresse
if they stand by me I can not faile. Whatever be
comes of me or that I am unalterably
Yours
Ro: Hunter
A good Ship goes Next week by which I shall write
more amply to M' Banmptield.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple-
relating to Daniel Coxe and New Jersey affairs.
I From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V, p. 482.]
To Wm Popple Esq1-, &c.
Sir
The Ship which was to carry the Packets having
sprung a leake and return'd, this other by which this
comes is sent off in such haste, that I have not time
to add more, than to desire you'l Inform their Lord-
ships, that the Assembly in this place is now sitting in
very good disposition for the Publick intrest, My jour-
<J96 \ l>\II MS] KATION nr HOVERXOR Hl'NTKlf. [ 1?I ?
ney to the Frontiers may give them some small inter-
ruption, the Endians being on their March thither to
meet me.
I have had no letters since those which brought me
niv licence, which I cannot make use of, least the Jer-
seys should run again into confusion. Mr Cox has writ
Over to M Trent of Philadelphia, and others his friends
that that Province is certainly to be put under a sep-
arate Government. And I doubt not but he has as-
sured his accomplices that he is to be the Governor,
now all the use he can propose to make of this is to
keep up the confusion he has raised and since his de-
parture was well nigh laid, for a wretch one Hunt who
has basely murder d the High Sherif of Salem County
(where Cox's chief tools live) being examined by Mr
Lyal one of the Council, confessed and seemed Peni-
tent for the Barbarous murder but said withall that
one inducement to his wickedness was, that he was
made to believe that Col: Cox was on return Governor
of the Province, and that he was secure, having been
prompted to what he did by suggestions, that the
Sherrif, Col: Sharpe the Judge of the County and
Justice Wyatt had the chief hand in laying on the
Taxes, Thus are these poor creatures deluded and mis-
led, what I have to desire is not that it may not be
made a separate Government but if the King does not
think fit that it should as I believe nobody besides that
vile party does, that some speedy method should be
taken to undeceive the people who if never so well
disposed will waver and turn doubtful upon these re-
A letter from their Lordships to that purpose will
effectually do the business. I must still insist upon
what I have so often writ, that if these Criminals Cox,
Soi 11 nans, Mulford and Huddy who have fled from
Justice are not discouraged, or ordered back to take
their tryals their numbers will increase, the adminis-
1717] A UMIN [STKATION OF GOVERNOR HUXTEK, 291
tration here indanger'd, and the Ministry at home mo-
lested from time to time with false and groundless
clamours Pray instruct M' Bainneld & Philips in the
best manner you can to apply in this matter, as you
shall think most convenient, for that party like a
greater of the same time at home subsists by lyes lam
without reserve
Sir Four most obliged humble Servant
New York May L3, 1717. Ro: Hunter.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple—
relating to Disorders in New Jersey.
IFrom P. H. O. B. T.. New .Jersey, Vol. II. D 56.]
X York y' :24th May 1717
D' Sir
I have Just recd yours by the way of Boston wth the
Copie of that Complaint of M' Coxes to his Ma'ty, 1
am this minute going on board for y Jerseys to com-
municate it to His Ma'tys Council there. And I believe
the Council the Assembly and all the freeholders of yl
Province, a very few Excepted, even Some of these
who's hands are Sett to that petition will give it the
lye in Every Particular, Some of these having Solemnly
declar'd that they never Sett their hands to any paper
reflecting on me but only to one desireing a Separate
Governm'
So Soon as I receive it by Order I Shall answer it in
Form, though what I have already transmitted and
herewith Send to you may be Judg'd Sufficient to
Expose the falsity and Malice of that Paper, there be
no possibility of answering to Gen" Articles, and these
Affidta or Affitmations relate to all that is particular
298 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1717
I can not See any use M' Cox can propose to make
< >f that paper unlesse it be to keep up the Seditious
1 miner and disposition In the minds of these unwary
men whom he has seduc'd and try to procure a Sub-
sistence to himself on that Side by their Subscriptions
as Sonmans did for a Long time till his Subscribers
Smoak't him and left him in the Lurch, for his Con-
science must tell him that the Articles are all false and
Groundlesse and can not fail of being made appear to
be so upon hearing
The Inclosed Affidavit of Mr Willcocks with the Copie
of Mr Talbots Letter to me will show the Lords what
Spirit the Faction is of
I wrote to you In my Last that M' Talbot was un-
willing to be Informer, but own'd to me the whole
Contain'd In Willocks Affid' wh some aggravations but
desir'd to be Excus'd nameing names or persons 'till
there was a necessity for it to which I answer d that I
Should not then Insist upon that but If Mr Cox or his
Party (which was at present Quiet Most of them
having Submitted and ask'd pardon) gave me any
fresh trouble he must resolve to answer upon oath to
Such Interrogatorys as should be put to him to which
he answer'd that he was moraly assur'd that I never
would hear more of them, Now I am about to Git his
detection and Infirmat'n upon oath which I Shall
transmit when it is done, but he living at a distance
and I being under a Necessity of meeting our Indians
Immediatly at Albany it will go over Later then I
could wish
I beg you'll also put their Loaps in mind that Mr Cox
& his party wcl' were dignify 'd by and proud of the
Name of ye Ld Cornburys party did in ye first place all
they could to render the administration of ye Lrt Love-
lace Uneasy, and had Sent home 19 articles of Com-
plaint ags' him (a Copie of wdl I had from their agent
M' Dockwra upon my being appointed G-ovr of y'
Kill ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. ".".I'.l
Province) before he had been So many weeks In his
Gov1 That Upon my arriveal they Serv'd me in the
Same .Manor, that I Submitted their whole Conduct to
Her Late Ma'ty and her Ministers, that Upon full and
I think frequently repeated hearings both at y' Board
of Trade & Privy Council her Ma'ty was advis'd to
dismisse Mr Cox and his associates from her Councils
as disturbers of y Public peace which she was pleas'd
to do accordingly That (If I be not Mistaken) every
Assembly In y' Province have address'd against him as
Such to which 1 referr all having been transmitted to
Yp hu of Trade from time to time That Instead of 49
I undertake to Send if requisite 4000 voluntary Sub-
scriptions to a testimonial that Shall Confirm his Just
clame to y' Character That if there be not Some
Method found or follow'd to discourage his Clamours
at home faction & Confusion must be reviv here
again where all is Quiet. To Confirm my assertion
One Hunt who barbarously Murdered the High Sheriff e
of Glocester In his bed and is at this Instant on his
tryal Confess'1 to M' Lyal one of ye Council upon Ex-
amina" that, hearing that Co" Cox was arrived in
Virginia w' ye Com" of Gov1 prompted him to that bar-
barous fact being assurd that in that case he would
Escape with Impunity, That Sheriffe M' Justice Sharp
and Wyatt who were also mark'1 for destruction) hav-
ing had (as he Said) the Chiefe hand in Laying of
Taxes on ye people. After his Tryal I Shall Send a
more Ample account of this Mattel-. That the few
Subscribers of his Lybel are either Notorious delin-
quents or Ignorant and Obscure men who have been
Impos'd upon, as one of them by Name Clements was
in ye Subscription of another Paper of a very danger-
ous Nature presented to ye Last Assembly he Came
Voluntarily and gave his oath that Rchd Ball another
of these Subscribers first made him and the Comp'y
drunk and then presented a paper which lie told him
300 ADMINISTRATION OF GOV KRXOR EtfNTJBfi. [ 1 7 1 T
and them was Only a Copie of the Poll of yl Election
and that they had Signed it only as Such, though the
true contents of ye paper was a Menace to the Assem-
bly to forbid them to make any Laws for laying on of
Taxes
This Bristol Ship goes off this Evening I have Stopt
her only for ye Letter which being writt In Such hurry
I'm asham'd to desire it to be lay'd as it is before their
Losps but Such as it is I believe it will be Necessary
they Sie it as also y* Mr Bamfield and Mr Philips
have either Copies of it or yl it be communicated to
them.
Now I dare not use the Licence, for I know not but
that Province may run into Confusion upon my
departure, being then under ye administration of ye
Eldest Councelor Independent of this Government,
the factious are fed wr Lyes and false rumours which
when they think themselves uncomeatable will push
them perhaps on Extremity dangerous to themselves
and the Government, but if I could leave them wh
Safety to ye Publick I have at present No means of
Transport Nor Can I propose to have any till the Sta-
tion Ship receives Orders for her return Considering
the train of Motherlesse Infants wch I must not leave
behind me.
You have been ever a Generous and warm friend to
me, wch procures you all that Trouble I hope to
acknowledge it Some time or Other In a better maner
I hope my Clame In parlia1 has not been putt off
upon ace' of my Absence I can not See that my pres-
ence is So absolutely Necessary in So plain a case,
whatever betide me depend upon my being Intirely
Yours Ro: Hunter
L717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 301
[Deposition of George Willocks, relating to the
conversations had with the Rev. John Tal-
bot,— enclosed in foregoing letter. ]
Province of New Jersey.
George Willocks of Perth- Amboy in the County of
Middlesex And Province aforesaid aged fifty Six years
Maketh Oath that Some time in the month of Septem-
ber last he the Deponent being in private Conversation
\vth ye Revd Mr John Talbot Missionary from the So-
ciety for the propagation of the Gospel in Forreign
parts for the Church of Burlington wUl whom for divers
years before he had an Intimate Conversation but In-
terrupted as the Deponent believed by Mr Talbots weak-
ness in being drawn aside by Mr Cox Mr Bass and
divers other p'sons in Burlington to State himself a
forward person to oppose the Administration of the
Govern m' under yc prsent Governor Brigadier This
Dep^ did then Endeavor to make ye stl Mr Talbot Sensi-
ble l8t of being out of ye duty of his office as Minister
to widen, but to reconcile breaches 21"1 of Ingratitude,
that j" Governo! had always treated him wlh ye Great-
est Esteem he could Expect 3".a of Injustice that it was
not in ye power of Brigadier Hunter's Enemies Justly
to Tax his Administration as Governo!: or his morrals
as a Gent., after having Conversed several times on
this Subject he told the dep'that he was Sorry there
had Such misunderstandings happened and that he
had fallen under ye Governo" displeasure & wished y
breach between them Could be made up, he for y fu-
ture would take care never to Concern himself in mat-
ters of Government, in that or any other province
The Dep^ Said he believed yv Governour to be of y!
temper upon the Acknowledgment of ye faults his
greatest Enemies they could not be readyer to ask than
he to forgive, He desired this Dep1 to Endeavor A re-
302 ADMINISTRATION OF GO VERNOE HUNTER. [1711
conciliation the Dep' Answered he pretended to no
Interest wth ye Governo- but was Acquainted w*h divers
Gent that had yc bono', of Conversing w1!' his Excel-
lency and that by some of them he would do w! be
could, and doubted not (unless be had put it already
out of ye Govern™ power) upon Acknowledging of the
truth of being misled, and better Conduct in time
Coming he might be Easy as he could wish under his
Govern ml
I had A Letter from him dated the 1 '>lh of October
last wherein he did Express his Sorrow for y1' misun-
derstanding between his Excellency And him that he
had really an hon- for yc Governo'' that he was for in
Church and State and yl we all ought wisely to Con-
sider (as Livy says) what has an ill begining will have
an ill end.
About yL middle of January yl Depts occasions call-
ing him again to Philadelphia being then in Discourse
thereupon yc Same Subject wtu M- Talbot the Dep1 re-
flected upon his past Conduct in being Ensnared by
Unjust Men to oppose any transactions in y° Gov-
ernm- he reply'd to y' Dep' that ye Goverm* (meaning
that of New Jersey) lay under an Obligation to him
if he had prevented the Destruction of houses and a
great deal of trouble & mischief that would otherise
have happened.
Upon my return from pensilvania I waited upon his
Excelly Brigadier hunter in West Jersey the Assembly
being then Sitting And Did then Acquaint the Gover-
no- w*h what I had as above from Mr Talbots Mouth
In the Month of April M' Talbot was Some Nights
at the Dep1.8 House in Perth- Amboy, in bis passing to
and Coming from New York, And then he told the
Dep1 That at the time of Election of representatives at
Burlington there was a Man Came to him And said
they would pull down the Quakers — Meeting bouse &
Dwelling Houses or Burn them, from which Resolu-
I'. I I | A UMI NISTKATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 303
(ion he Diswaded them And if not prevented by lii^
Advice it had been put in Execution And probably
Ended in the Destruction of ye town, further that an
old Fool (as he called him ) Advised with him at another
time and asked him if they should not break all the
Quakers Glass windows for not putting out of Lights;
And Lastly that there was an Agreement Amongst
them if he had been Imprisoned to have pulled down
the Goal bit by bit which he told them he would pre-
vent by Leaving ye province wherein my memory has
failed in Expressing y° matter of ye above deposition
in yc Exact words it wTas Expressed I have not deviate
from the true sence and meaning Witness my hand at
Perth Amboy in New Jersey this 21 Day of May 1717
Geo: Willocks.
George Willocks appeared in open Court and made
Oath on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God that y1'
Contents of ye within & above written is true and fur-
ther Saith not
Ad: Hude
Thomas Gordon John Field
Moses Ralph
Tho* Pike
Address of the House of Representatives of New Jer-
sey to Governor Hunter, May, 1717.
The Humble Address of the House of Repre-
sentatives of the Province of New-Jersey.
May it please your Excellency;
The Speediness and Unanimity of our Resolves, in
which there was not one Dissenting Vote, we hope,
will induce your Excellency to believe. That this House
304 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. . [1717
is fully designed to make good all they have given
your Excellency just reason to expect from them in
their former Addresses. And we beg leave further to
assure your Excellency, That no Clogs or Obstructions
laid in our way by Crafty or Designing Men shall ever
have power to Obstruct our united Endeavers to make
your Excellency easy, by providing an honourable
Support for the Government, according to the Abilities
of our Country, paying of the Arrearages due, and
supporting of the publick Credit, and the People we
Represent happy, by providing such Laws as may be
for their Advantage, and as much as in us lies, put-
ting an end to those UnChristian Divisions that have
almost Ruin'd this unhappy Province. May the God
of Peace so bless the Endeavours of your Excellency,
the Gentlemen of his Majesties Council and this House
that this General Assembly may to future Genera-
tions have the Character of Establishing that Love
and Peace in this Province which too many have en-
deavoured to hinder and too few to promote.
Several Members of the General Assembly being of
the people called Quakers do heartily concur in the
above-written Address, as to the matter and Substance
but make some Exception as to the Stile.
HIS excellency's answer,
I thank you for your Address; and as I believe it is
the Sentiment of your Hearts so I will freely declare
mine to you. That seeing His Majesty lias been pleased
to intrust me with this Government, it shall be my
Endeavour and thought to make every person therein
Easy under my Administration.
1T17 I ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERN OH HUNTER. 305
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple —
with a Minute of Council.
[From P. K. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. II, D. 53.]
Lr from Brigade Hunter Gov?" of New Jersey &c
to ye Secry with the Copy of a Minute of ye
Council of that Province relating to a Peti-
tion to his Ma^ containing Articles of Com-
plaint against him.
Dr Sir
Having wrote by the Same Sort of Conveyance (by
Bristol) two or three days agoe, I have only to add to
what I then wrote, the Inclosd Copie of a Minute of ye
Council Of N Iersey relateing to ye Paper you Sent
me, being to meet that Council before my Journey to
the Frontieres to meet our Indians I thought it neces-
sary that the Paper should be in the mean time Sub-
mitted to them. What will you say when the Whole
Province even the Suppos'd Subscribers themselves
shall disown it under their hands. I have not inett
yet with one man who is not astonisht at the Impu-
dence and folly of ye promoter who must know that
by ye very first opportunity he must be disprov'd as to
every Article In the paper that requires any Answer I
beg you'll also lay this before such as you Judge fitt,
letting Mr Philips and Bampfield have Copies. If that
Man could Contrive to get me once absent for a little
while before matters are fully setled I am apt to
believe his despaire would prompt him and his few
Associates to do Something that would hazard not
only the Peace but ye being of y! Province. I know
20
306 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVBBNOB BUNTKR. [1711
Not how he appears with you, with us he is lookt upon
t<> be besides himself L am all and Intirely
Yours
N York v 27 May 1717 Ro: Hunter
[Enclosed in the foregoing letter. |
To the King's Most Excellent Majesty
The humble Petition of several Traders, Inhabi-
tants, and Proprietors of New Jersey in
America in behalf of themselves and many
others.
Sheweth
That Robert Hunter Esq haveing been appointed by
Her late Majesty Cap.1 Gen1 & Gov! in cheif of the
Province of New Jersey, New York and the Territories
thereon depending in America and Vice Admiral of
the same, and the Commissions for continueing ye said
Robert Hunter in the said Post being lately renew'dby
your Majesty, and the said Robert Hunter haveing
dureing his said Govern? acted very illegally, unwar-
rantably and unjustly to the great damage and preju-
dice of your Petitioners, and the rest of the Traders
and Inhabitants, in, and Proprietors of the said Prov-
ince, and your Petitioners being unable to releive
themselves against the oppressions of the said Robert
Hunter any other way than by applying to your
Majesty, Your Petitioners have presum'd to lay before
your Majesty in the following particulars some few of
the many mismanagements of the said Rob' Hunter.
!■' . . . The said Coll Hunter dureing the time of
His Gov! delay'd Justice, and took upon himself in an
illegal manner to dispence with the laws of Great
Brittain, and of the Assembly of New7 Jersey.
171?] . ADMINISTRATION OF GO VERN0B BUNTER. Wi
He turned out the Sheriff of Middlesex and Somerset
in New Jersey before his Year was expired.
Without any cause assigned, and contrary to his
Instructions (to the great detriment of the Province i
he turned out most of the Judges and Justices of the
Peace throughout the said Province of New Jersey,
and put in several new Judges and Justices some not
resideing in the Province for which they were
appointed, others not fitt for these employments.
He permitted persons to sit, and act in the Council
and Assembly of the said Province of New Jersey
without qualify eing themselves as his Commissions
and Instructions direct.
He invaded the property, and injured the ffreehold
of your Majestys Subjects by causing their timber to
be felled upon their estates, and carryed away in a
very illegal manner, and by burning and destroying
the deeds and titles to their lands.
He passed all the Laws enacted by the Assembly of
both Provinces in a Style directly contrary to his
Instructions, altho otherwise advised by Her late
Majesty's council.
He permitted very great sums of money to be issued
and disposed of contrary to his Instructions.
He hath not caused books of accounts of receipts
and payments to be duely kept, and attested upon
oath, nor transmitted such books to England as by his
instructions he is enjoy ned to doe.
He hath passed several Acts of Assembly in both
Provinces directly repugnant to the laws of England
which his Commissions and Instructions directly forbid.
He hath erected New courts of ludicature within
the said Province such as were not known there before,
whereby the Inhabitants have been much injured con-
trary to his Instructions, and the laws of England.
He hath illegally order d restitution of the goods of
several persons, which pursuant to an Act of Assem
508
Administration of oovf.rnor hunter.
[in:
bly of the Province of New Jersey made before he was
(Jover1, were regularly distrained.
He hath stopped Prosecutions of his own head with-
out adviseing with the Council, 'tho those Prosecutions
were expressly directed by the Council ( Nemine Con-
tradicente) before his arrival, against persons who
upon Examination appearVl guilty of gross crimes.
He hath illegally taken upon him to grant diverse
patents & Charters for constituteing and makeing
Townships in. the Province of New Jersey, whereby
diverse persons have been divested of their property
without being heard, notwithstanding Caveats have
been enter'd against the passing of such Charters and
Patents which Charter or Patents never pass VI any
office in the said Province.
He hath in the Writ for Summoning two Repre-
sentatives to serve in General Assembly for the town
of Burlington directed the Qualifications of the Elect-
ors to he repugnant to what his Instructions require.
He summoned two Assemhlys in a short time one
after another without permitting either to meet.
He hath by frequent and short Prorogations of the
Assembly obliged several of the Representatives to
travell many hundred of miles forward and backward
from their own habitations to the place where the
Assembly was directed to sitt, without so much as
ever meeting them, to their great trouble loss &
expence.
He hath not only dispenced with but endeavour*!
intirely to destroy an act of Assembly of this Province
that has received the Ro}^al Sanction in Great Brittain,
and was publishd by himself, and enter'd in y Coun-
cil books, notwithstanding the humble request and
Representation of the General Assembly of this Colony
to the Contrary.
He hath presumed in an illegal manner to grant
warrants for apprehending and forcing several of the
1717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 309
Members of the Assembly to come to Perth Amboy,
and when there by threats and commands he obliged
them to continue in the said town several days, 'tho
the Assembly not sitting, to the great damage of their
private affairs, as well as the debarring them from
serving God in any place of worship on the Lords day.
He hath fomented kept up and increased the divi-
sions and animosity s among the Inhabitants of this
Province by publishing and dispersing Papers in Print,
which contain positions contrary to the laws of Great
Brittain, and the Right and liberty of the Subjects.
He hath neglected ever since his accession to the
Government to keep the Militia of this Province under
such order & discipline as is necessary for the defence
of it agaiust the attacks of the Barbarous and Trech-
earous Heathen enemy who lay in considerable num-
bers at no great distance from us.
By which Arbitrary proceedings of the said Robert
Hunter your Petitioners are so very much greived that
without your Majestys Protection (which your Majes-
ty's Petitioners humbly Implore) they and their
familys. as wTell as your Majesty's said Province must
be inevitably rained.
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray they may
be heard to this charge, and that your Majesty would
please to give directions that your Petitioners may
have recourse to such Commissions. Instructions.
papers &c: and such persons whose attendance is
necessary may be obliged to appear, that your Peti-
tioners may be ennabled more fully to make out these
particulars, and that your Majesty would doe in it
what to your Princely wisdom and clemency shall
seem meet for the releif of your Petitioners in these
deplorable circumstances, and your Petitioners as in
duty bound shall ever pray &' :
Wm Clowes Joseph Piron Joseph Dennis
Jacob Heulings Alexr Lochart John Starke
Richard Kirbv Abra" Browne Dan! Leeds
310
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HOTTER.
[in
Will: Spenser
J on a" Lovett
Will- Cuttler
George Willis
Tho* Shreave
Will'" Dowes
Step: Harris
John Garrett
Will™ Dean
R*_ BaU
Jacob Clements
Benj" Kirby
Samuel Wright
Thos Dowse
Rich01 Allison
Nich" Browne
Mic1 Newbound
Arthur Clcavton
Thos Mackinsey
Thof Wright
Will™ Kirby
Charles Millard
•John Bulark
Elisha Lawrence
Zebnlon Cleayton
Rich. Lawrence
Rob1: Lawrence
Jos: Lawrence
Tho^ Fox
John Wright
John Marshal
W™ Fox
Thos Bransart
John Bowne
John Ineth
John Rudvores
John Lawrence
Nichs Gateau
Dan! Robins
Benj" Lawrence
Will: Evillman
John Hammell
The Above written Paper haveing been commu-
nicated to us by your Excellency as accusations made
against you by the persons above named, calling them-
selves Traders, Inhabitants, & Proprietors of New
Jersey, We beg leave to observe to your Excellency
that the Persons signing the same are for the most
part the lowest, and meanest of the people of this
Province, who we beleive have been influenc'd by m-
Daniel Cox, to whom we cheiliy owe those disturb-
ances that have unhappily distracted this Province.
and haveing look'd over those Articles of complaint we
find the most part of them false in Fact, and such of
them as have any colour of truth, are what we hum-
bly conceive your Excellency might & ought to have
done for preserving of the publick peace.
At a Council held at Perth Amboy the 25Ul May 1717
T: Byerley Lewis Morris
David Lyell Thomas Gordon
John Anderson
John Hamilton
A true copy from the original minute of Council
Ro: Hunter
K17] \ DMIXISTRATION OF ROVKRXOK HUNTKB. 311
Letter from Governor Hunter to thr Lords of Trade.
IFrom N. Y. Col. Doots.. Vol. V, p. 483.]
To the Right Honble the Lords Com™ for Trade
& Plantations
My Lords
[Extract.]
* * * * Having received from our agent a copy
of a memorial containing complts against me, pro-
moted and presd to His Majesty by Mr Dan: Cox, I
have by this conveyance transmitted to him as full
and satisfactory an answer as ever was given to any
thing of that kind, which if your Lords1" please, he
will communicate to you, by the contents of which
you will perceive that if that country is not now ac-
tually in arms and Rebellion, it is not for want of
pains in the Gentle" and his associates, I have formerly
acquainted your Lordships that all the divisions in the
Jerseys were owing to him. and that he had fled from
prosecution for the same, and crimes of that nature,
and thought that I had reason to insist that he should
first be remanded to answer for his conduct to the
laws here, before he could well be received as a plain-
tiff on the other side, however T have now answered
without regard to that and cannot see what reparation
it is possible for him to make for the injury he may
have done to my reputation by such false and ground
less complaints, for thousands will hear of the accusa-
tion who may probably know nothing of my Justifica-
tion ::" * '"
My Lords Your Lordships most humble
and most obedient Servant
I Jo: Hunter
IJulv 17171
312 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER, [1717
[Und'er date of May 18* 1719 Governor Hunter wrote
to Secretary Popple "Cox has writt to liis friends
that he has had a full hearing in Council. If he has
new matter it is but Just I should be acquainted with it,
if not I have answered the old but I am weary of this
life"— Bp.]
Letter from Governor Hunter to Mr. Philips, Agent
for New York, — in answer to the Complaint*
against him.
[From K R. O. B. T. New Jersey. Vol. Xlli, p. 396.]
To Ambrose Philips Esqf
[New York July -1VU 17171
Sir
I have received yours with the Copy of a Paper
called the humble Petition of several Traders, Inhabit-
ants, and Proprietors of New Jersey in America, in be-
half of themselves & many others. What follows is a
Sketch, from whence I desire you may frame an An-
swer in form, being myself a Stranger to all such
forms, having never been before laid under any neces-
sity of giving Accounts of my conduct, or any part of
it, either in pnblick or private Stations by way of An-
swer to articles of accusation.
Although T am well persuaded that the Lords to
whom the consideration of it was referred, must at
one view have been fully convinced, that the com-
plaints are malicious & frivolous, but being by them
touched in the tenderest pari I now shall by theclearesl
proof the accusation can admit of prove them false and
scandalous.
And in the first place I have just reason to affirm
that there never was any such Petition signed as men-
tioned in the title, for the proof of which take the
L717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 3.13
opinion of his Majesties Council of that Province in
fol: (4) of the inclosed Cedules, Nicholas Gateau one of
the supposed subscribers his Letter or address to me
fol: (17; 18) the said Gateau's Affidavit before the Re-
corder of Philadelphia in Pensylvania fol: (19, 20) the
Declaration of Arthur Clayton, Daniel Leeds and W"
( 'utler as in the Affidavits of David Lyel Esq!' & W?
Bradford in fol: (26, 27; 39 40; 41) the Certificate of
W? Spencer one of the supposed Subscribers fol: (6) &
the address of the Justices of the County of Hunter-
don, relating to it, fol: (5). by all which it will appear
that the Petition presented to his Majesty is either a
forged Paper, or that it was offered to the signers as a
[taper of a quite different nature from that which ap-
pears now to be of, & that taking it for granted that it
had been subscribed by the Persons whose name are
set to it. they are not Traders. Proprietors & Inhabit-
ants of the Jerseys, but many loose, vagrant and in-
considerable Labourers real Inhabitants in no fixed
place.
In the next place intirely waving that Plea at this
time (though I must not. will not depart from it for
reasons very forcible, & which 1 hope in a little time
will fix the tranquility of that Province for ever in
spite of all M'.' Cox or his few associates maybe able to
do) & taking it for granted that such a Petition was
actually signed willingly ec knowingly by these very
Persons, whose names are affixed, I do affirm that it's
contents as far as they have the appearance of griev-
ances or just grounds for Complaint are absolutely
false. & first as the general accusation of having acted
very illegally, unwarrantably & unjustly, of having
oppressed the Inhabitants & Governed arbitrarily &c?
I appeal to the former publick Declarations & Testi-
monies of all Councils. General Assemblys. Grand
Jurys, & Quarter Sessions in their several Addresses
to her late Majesty, to his present Majesty, ec to my
314 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOB HUNTER. [1717
self, most of which remain with the Lords of Trade or
in the Secretaries Office, as also to the addresses of the
Several Counties, Justices, & Grand Juries, relating to
the 'very Petition or Complaints, and the Councils
Opinion of that Complaint in fol: (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
12, 13, 14, 15) & whether the Suggestions of a few,
obscure, ignorant, and unwary men may be sufficient
in a just Ballance to outweigh so many solemn, volun-
tary Declarations of, I think I may say, all the men of
figure, sence, and probity in that Province, I most
humbly submit to my Just and Illustrious Judges.
And now I am to decend to the particulars, & in-
deed if it were not for the assistance of some of M-
Cox's own party who have let me into the secret, I
should never have been able from anything mentioned
in that Petition to have guessed at the mean-
ing of the accusations, being conscious to my self of
no one individuall Act of mine that could give the
least ground for such complaints.
I am first accused of delaying Justice, this might
have been reckoned amongst the Generals, for I know
not in what Instance it can be alledged, for the Courts
of Justice are established in that Province as directed
by my Instructions, and the Law's, I am not the
Judge in any of their Courts, in matters of appeal to
the Councill I have but my vote, all appeals have been
readily heard as oft as they have been made, which
has been but very seldom, cS: the Court of Chancery in
that Province I think was not opened when that Com-
plaint was signed.
In the next place they say I have dispenced with the
LawTs of Great Britain, I cannot understand the mean-
ing of that unless they had condescended upon sonic
particular fact, which they judged to be dispensing
with these Law's, but am confident that no act of
mine, strain it as they please, can bear any such Con-
struction. If in any sence I can be said to have
1717] ADMINISTRATION* OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 315
delayed Justice, or dispensed with Law's it is in ono
which I have just ground to believe the Petition does
not intend, that is, that after Mr Cox with others was
by her late Majesty's Letters Mandatory, a copy of
which you have here (fol: 44) enclosed) after full &
frequent hearing at the Board of Trade, & before the
Privy Oouncill, dismissed from her Council in the Jer-
sey's for disturbing the publick Peace of that Province,
after which he redoubled his endeavours by many
little vile Artifices, and false Reports to continue that
Disturbance, as appears by the address of the General
Assembly herewith sent you in the Minutes of that
Assembly, & the other addresses before mentioned, I
say if I am guilty of any delay of Justice or seeming
dispencing with Law's, it is in that only instance, that
the Law's in force against Sedition, Riots, Tumults, &
avowed Opposition to all Government were not so
severely & speedily put in Execution as the nature of
Crimes & their tendency required, but to this I have a
very good and sufficient answer, when I shall be
accused of it.
In the next place I am accused of turning out the
Sheriff of Middlesex before his Year was out, and
several Justices & Judges without any Cause assigned,
as to the first I was upon my arrival in that Govern-
ment addressed by the principal Freeholders & Pro-
prietors of that Country, begging to be relieved from
what they suffered under that Sheriff called Brimstone
Bare! out, an ignorant, vile, mean fellow put in by M:'
Sonmans's Recommendation. & a Tool of his. one of
the crimes proved against him was his making a false
Return of a Writ contrary to his Oath, in favour and
by the Pursuasion of Sonman's or his friends, for which
lie was sued in one of the Courts of Justice, & cast, &
before he payd the damages had absconded near two
Years; which Sonman's, as I have amply informed the
Lords of Trade, carryed away by Stealth all the pub-
316 ADMINISTRATION OF COVF.RNOH HUNTER. [171?
lick Records of the Eastern Division of New Jersey. &
had sent them from New York to Pensylvania with a
Locket as a Chest of Goods, and it was by chance that
they were discovered and seized at Burlington, for
which fact he has thought fit to fly the Province, &
has been some time at London as to the Judges and
Justices, I after Publication of my Commission issued
forth a Proclamation for continuing of men in Offices
till further Orders, after that having it in my Instruc-
tions that I should use all possible Endeavours to put
an end to the unhappy divisions that raged in that
Province, I with the advice of the most disinterested
persons either in Councill, Assembly or Commissions
of Peace, issued new Commissions as has been ever
practiced upon every change of a Governor, in which
all imaginable caution was had that there should not
be the least ground to affirm that I had then any
regard to. or private Inclinations towards any one
party more than another, but a certain Number of
Persons, whose names were in those Commissions
being let into a Secret, a fatal one, the then intended
Change of the Ministry, declined serving in these
Offices, believing as they have since owned, & as they
then publickly gave out, that my time was to be but
short amongst them, but even after that, I believe
there cannot be assigned one single Instance of so few
changes of that nature made upon the Change of a
Governor. I know not what is mean't by appointing
Persons who resided out of the Province, to be Jus-
tices, unless it be Col: Morris the President of the
Council, and Agent for the Proprietors, and Col: John-
son who have the most considerable Estates in the
Jerseys. & their principal Residence there, tho their
Occasions, or the education of their children did then
require their having also habitations in New York,
whore the first has also a considerable Estate.
In the next, he permitted Persons to sit & act in
1 J 1 ; | .ADMINISTRATION OF liOVKKNOK HUNTER. 317
Council and Assembly of the said Province, without
qualifying of themselves as his Commission & Instruc-
tions direct; by this I suppose is meant the Quakers,
who qualify themselves by affirmation instead of an
Oath, in answer to this take the very words of my
Instruct ions from her late Majesty ec also his present
Majesty, whom God long preserve.
'•Instruction Co'.1' And whereas Ave have been fur-
"ther informed that in the first Settlement of the
" Government of our said Province, it may so happen
"that the number of Inhabitants fitly qualifyed to
"serve in our Council, in the Gen! Assembly. & in
" other Places of trust & profit there, will be but small,
"it is therefore our will & Pleasure that such of the
"said People called Quakers as shall be found capable
" of any of those Places or Employments, and accord
"ingly be elected or appointed to serve therein, may
"upon their taking c\: signing the declaration of alle-
"giance to Us in the form us'd by the same people in
" this Kingdome, together with a solemn Declaration
"for the true discharge of their respective trusts, be
"admitted by you unto any of the said Places or
" Employments.
Next comes a terrible Stroke. He invaded the Prop-
erty & injured the Freehold of your Majesties Subjects,
causing their timber to be felled upon their estates, &
by burning & destroying the titles of their Lands.
This is indeed something to the Purpose, and were 1
guilty either of the one, or the other, I assure you, I
would not offer at a defence, but throw myself at his
Majestie's feet for his pardon. Upon the last of the
two unhappy Expeditions intended against Canada I
was ordered by her late Majesty by her Instructions
under her hand, & signet amongst other things to pro-
vide a sufficient number of Batteaux or hat bottomed
Boats, for transporting upon the fresh lakes men. &
Provisions, the number judged sufficient I think was
318 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HINTEK. [171?
three hundred, these Orders came to my hands (the
Vessel which carryed them having met with contrary
winds) just as we had also advice, that the Fleet with
the forces for that Expedition were already upon the
Coast, for which I was also ordered to furnish provi-
sions for three months, you may guess the task I had
to go through on so little warning; I pressed all the
Carpentars in the place (I wonder that was no part of
the complaint) for the dispatch of these Batteaux, &
having found Plank, the Carpentars represented, that
they could not go on for want of Knees as they call
them, which are little crooked Sticks not so big as my
arm, & that they might he conveniently had on the
desert Beach called Sandy Hooke; I ordered them to
go thither, & fetch them with all possible dispatch,
and if any man claimed Property in that Beach they
should acquaint him that I would satisfy him to the
value, which accordingly they did, I heard no more of
this matter, till a Copy of a Complaint given into his
Majesty by Daniel & Samuel Cox in order to stop the
passing of my Patent was sent over to me. when that
was made publick, the Persons who had given rise to
that Complaint, the two Hartshorn's Father & Son
owned that they had been the authors of that Com-
plaint, which made me enquire into it, & take the
declarations & depositions, relating to that matter as
you have them fol: (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, & 35) if cutting
a Number of Sticks on such an emergency on a barren
Beach, where they might have indeed remained uncut
to the end of the world, had it not been for this fatal
Expedition, in a Country where all the value of Tim-
ber especially of that sort is in the Labour of cutting,
for a publick & immediately necessary Service & for
which all reasonable Satisfaction was tendered, &
refused, if this I say be a crime it is most certainly one
that may deserve a ready pardon, especially consider-
ing how strictly accountable 1 had reason to conclude
171?] \ I) MINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTKR. #19
my self to be to those then in power tor the least
failure on my part, which mighl have had the smallest
appearance of retarding that Expedition.
As to the burning and destroying the deeds and
titles to lands, read the attestations & affirmations in
foil: (36, :'>7. 38, 50, 51, 52, 53, .">4, 55) and take the
truth of the matter of fact, as follows, whilst the
Assembly was sitting at Burlington the Speaker with
some other Members. & other principal Freeholders in
that County acquainted me. that the Indian King-
Charles, as they called him. was come to town to com-
plain of a grievous abuse or trick put upon him by one
Wetherhill. who having made him drunk, got him to
sign a Paper, which he fold him the next day was a
Conveyance of that Land where these Indians lived, &
had been expressly reserved for them in the original
Contract, & all succeeding ones, representing at the
same time the dangerous consequence of such illegall
& unwarrantable practices: I was prevailed upon to
send for Wetherhill. ife soberly expostulated the mat-
ter with him, and its Consequences, in presence of
many of both Council & Assembly: all he had to say
was that the Indian was not drunk, to which the
Indian replyed how could I be sober when I gave that
which was not mine to give: and asked him if he had
ever given him the value of a Wampum in lieu of it ;
to which Wetherhill replyed, that he had given him
the greatest part of half a Barrel of Cyder, I then told
Wetherhill, that such a deed of gift would be of no
availe to him, being expressly against the Law which
obliges every Purchaser to have a previous Lycence
from the Government to purchase, & being obtained
by base means of making an Indian drunk, & that it
was well known that no Indian can despose of Laud
but the whole tribe or Canton by themselves or then-
Deputy, they all having an undivided right to & Prop-
erty in the Land they claim, & that he would only
320 IDMINTSTRATIOUT OF GOVERNOR 1UXTER. [1717
expose himself to a Prosecution for a fraud &cf how-
ever he might carry the Indians with, & if he could
make them easy I should be so, when this was inter-
preted to the Indian, he said he would never be easy,
that his heart was sick, & he would never stir out of
that room, till he had that deed, as it was called, again,
I bid Wetherhill go home & consider of it, and to
encourage him to do what he ought in Justice to do
without any Encouragement I told him that when he
had any just title to such a parcell of Land elsewhere
I would give him a Lycence gratis, and free of all fees.
& his own Brother then present offered him a track
elsewhere to make him easy, upon this he went away,
& some time after, I remember not how long, he
returned, the Indians remaining at my home all the
while; I asked him if he had brought that deed along
with him. & if he was willing to give it up to the
Indian, he replyed yes, & accordingly with his own
hand gave it up to the Indian, who after some pause
tore it to peices, & gathered up every scrap, & put it
into the fire, saying his heart was now whole, & he
would live many Years the longer for it, & Wetherhill
went away well satisfyed, the truth of tins will appear
by the affirmations abovementioned.
The following Accusation of passing all Laws in a
style different from that in my Instructions in both
Provinces, & suffering money to be disposed of con-
trary to my Instructions, are best answered by his
Majestie's Royal Approbation of most of those Laws.
particularly of that relating to the issue of money in
the Jerseys which I know they complain of.
I know not what they mean by not keeping clear
books of Accounts of the Revenue, there is a Treas-
urer or Receiver Gen! for that purpose, he has con-
stantly accounted. & has had all his Accounts nicely
examined by both Council and Assembly, & his Ac-
counts were sent home bv Mr Nicholson, who demand-
171?] \ DMIN1STRATI0N OF GOVERNOR HIN'TER. .'!->l
ed them as he was impowered by a special Commission
to do, and I have ordered again and again both Treas-
urers to send home their Accounts in Form, audited to
the Treasury there is indeed some difficulty in the
audit, the Deputy Auditor scrupling to audit without
a Salary & unhappyly there is no allowance made in
either Province for that Service, however he is now re-
solved to audit these Accounts, without any regard to
that, & I hope to transmit them soon audited in form,
in the mean while if it can be made appear, that I
have at any time in either Province touched one far-
thing but what was my due by the Laws and my In-
structions, I submit to the punishment due for such
transgression, which has been perhaps not without a
precedent in both Provinces.
I have passed no Laws directly repugnant to the
Laws of England, if I had they would not have been
left to guess at.
I have erected no new Courts of Judicature, I did
order the restitution of goods distrained, & the Case
is thus. There had been in my Lord Cornbury's time
several distresses make upon the Quakers for not serv-
ing- in the Militia, which had remained in the hands of
M1. Bane unsold for many Years, the Gentlemen of
the Assembly, & the people conserned applyed to me,
I asked M1 Bane how it came about that they were
not sold as the law directed, he answered that nobody
would buy them, & indeed they were neither worth
buying or keeping, on that I ordered him to restore
them to the owners; I have a power in my Instruc-
tions of remitting fines to the value of ten pounds,
these were not in value the half of that, I believe how-
ever some other Governors would have made some
other use of them.
I did stop some prosecutions commenced before my
time, but it was upon full proof & conviction that they
were malicious and vexations.
•>1
822 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1T1?
I have granted Patents & Charters though very few
but none except such as I am amply & sufficiently em-
powered to grant by my letters Patents, & my Instruc-
tions; &. Caveats which were entred against one of
them (there were no more) were actually heard, & de-
bated. & set aside as frivolous and vexatious.
The Writ of summons for choosing Representa-
tions for the county of Burlington is in the terms pre-
scribed by my Instructions, or by the Law's in force
for that purpose.
I did dissolve one Assembly by the advice of the
Council as it stands in their minutes, & to which min-
utes, I refer for the causes of that dissolution, & the
honor of 1VP Cox & his party.
The next Assembly did meet, chose Mr Cox their
Speaker, & then expelled him their house for the
reasons mentioned in their votes, & their Addresses to
me herewith sent you marked (Extract from the Min-
utes of) I have destroyed that Act of Assembly fixing
the Session of Assembly to Burlington, but it is by a
law repealing it, as to the dispencing with it, upon re-
ceipt of my Instructions from his present Majesty I
found that I was then ordered to hold the first Session
at Amboy, & the Subsequent alternately, which In-
struction came in the most seasonable time possible,
for it was no longer safe to meet at Burlington for
the reasons I have formerly transmitted to the Lords
of Trade, & which are sufficiently confirmed by W
Talbots Letter to me fol° 20) M'' Wilcocks's disposition
fol: (21, 22, 23, & 24) M1- Lyels letters & attestations
fol (26, 27, 28, 39, 40) & Mr Bradfords to the same pur-
pose.
For granting Warrants as he calls it for apprehend-
ing & forcing Members to come to Perth Amboy, I
appeal to the whole Proceedings as they stand in the
Journals of both Council, & Assembly with the Lords
of Trade, by which it will appear that there was noth-
1717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTEK. 3#3
ing done by nie, but at the earnest desire of the Assem-
bly its self, and what was absolutely necessary to pre-
vent confusion, and a dissolution of the Government.
I have done what was in my power to allay animosi-
ties, & abolish divisions, & hope I have pretty near
affected it, & T will answer for it, that there shall be
no more noise of either if M- Cox will Keep away, or
return whilst I am upon the Spot, if he returns during
my absence, or at a time when that Province has no
dependence on the Commander in chief in this I can-
not promise so much, I believe you understand me. I
know not what he means by publishing Papers, con-
trary to the Laws of England, & the rights & liberties
of the Subject, so cannot answer to it.
The Militia of that country is I think in very good
order ever since M- Cox & his Associates were turned
out of it, it was not indeed safe in their hands who had
for the last years of her Majesties Reign rung the Peal
of the Churches danger, under the auspicious Influence
of the Reverend Nonjurhig Mr Talbot, lowder than
ever it had been rung in England, and indeed their
whole conduct was but an Echo to that on the other
side, if there should be any doubt of this M!. Smith the
Secretary of the Jerseys may be interrogated upon
Oath in what manner and in what terms M'. Cox told
him, long before the Pretender's landing, that he was
at the head of 50,000, Men in Scotland, & Mr Flower
the Postmaster of Philadelphia shall take his Oath to
the following words spoke by M' Cox upon reading
the votes or resolves of the Lords, relating to the
Treatise of Commerce. "By God these Whig Lords,
will never be quiet till twenty of their heads are struck
of. I hate the method of exculpation by recrimina-
tion, but MV Cox as I am Informed carryed with lrim
a testimonial of his great moderation and affection to
the Protestant Succession, signed by some who are
just as moderate, & as well affected that way as him-
.'5*.M AhMIYISTHATroX 0 I' OOV I'.KXOR Jl V XTER. j 1 ", 1 ?
self, which makes me judge so much at least as is here
said, not unnecessary. In the mean time the Indians
there, & all around are perfectly quiet, & easy.
notwithstanding the repeated endeavours of these
mad men to make them otherwise, the story of Weth-
erills deed is one minute instance.
You must carefully look over the hook containing
the Affidavits, Addresses &c, for there maybe some
papers there, relating to the same affair which 1 have
omitted to mention, having so little time, and most of
these were signed ( I mean the Originals) & sent dur-
ing my absence on our Frontiers, from whence I am
but lately returned, I was advised to keep Originals
& send over the Copies attested under the Seal of the
City in the manner you have them, they being neces-
sary upon M' Cox's return hither, when that shall
happen.
I believe you'll be at a Loss to find out a cause for
such inveterate malice, <& fury, without Provocation.
I will help }rou out upon my arrival here that Party
called my Lord C — s, of which Cox was the cheif , was
the forwardest & warmest in their Compliments and
Protestations, I believing them sincere laid hold of
them as means put into my hands for healing the di-
visions, which tore that Province to pieces, & laboured
hard in it accordingly, but to my surprise, & every
bodies besides those who were in the secret, in the
very first Assembly, which I held in the Jerseys I met
with such avowed opposition from that party both in
Council, & elsewhere, that if I had not found means
to take off W- Mompesson, & Col: Quarey from then-
side in some things material, no one thing could then
have been done at that Session, either for the Good of
the Government, or of the Countrey, but any surprise
was soon at an end, for that fatal change of the Min-
i .try (which I only apprehended from very dark hints)
was noised about the country by these men before it
was made, and wagers openly lay'd that I should be
HI/] ADMINISTRATION" OF GOVERNOR BUNTER. 325
superceded in a few months, as an unavoidable ( lonse-
quence of that. However as I was bound in duty, &
in answer fco the Representation of that Gen! A.ssem
bly, J submitted the whole conduct of these Gentlemen
to her Majestie's Ministers, & the Lords of Trade, who
after a full hearing advised her Majesty to dismiss
them from her Council, as disturbers of the publick
peace, as you will see in the Copy of her orders fol ( )
this Blow so little expected, put him in particular into
such a rage, that he has breathed nothing but revenge
ever since, add to this, that he has a dispute depend-
ing with the Proprietors of the Jerseys for the greater
part of the lands he possesses or claims, and juding
[judging?] of me by himself, I suppose thought it not ad-
viseable to trust a Decision to one whom he had so much
provoked, but if I know myself he was in no danger if
he has Justice on his side, & to cure him of these sus
picions, I have constantly advised the contending par-
ties to bring that Suit to an issue, feigned, or real,
that it may be carryed before the King in Council, but
in reality, no Government would Serve his turn that
was not intirely tractable to his Interest's right or
wrong as I believe it sometimes has been.
Upon the whole matter if upon representing to the
Lords of his Majesties Council what I have I think so
plainly made out, (and much more of the same kind
shall be transmitted if necessary) their Lordships arc
persuaded as I cannot doubt but they will be. that the
accusations are false, and infamous; I humbly submit
it whither it may not be necessary for the Peace of
that Province, that there be a publick declaration of
their Lordf Opinion, for on the other hand, if 1
thought myself guilty I pronounce my self deserving
of the most publick and exemplary punishment. I
am sincerely
Sir Your very humble S'erv!
Robert Hunter.
New York July _>7l:" 1717.
326 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1717
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Secretary of the
Lords of Trade — recommending three Councillors
to fill vacancies.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. H, D. 18-19 2.]
N. York ye 13 Aug: 1717
Dear Sir
This Serves only to cover the Naval Officers
Accounts here which I beg you'll present to their
Lo8ps, as also acquaint them that Mf Huddy and Mr
Parker' two of the Council of the Jerseys are Lately
dead and Mr Byerley is little better and Mr Deacon
through Age Unable to Attend. If their Losps please
to recommend to his Ma'ty Peter Fretwell and John
Wells In ye western Division and John Read In the
Western [Eastern?] for Councillors I think them duely
qualify'd every way. Pray try to put them all Into
one Letter for I am put to all that charge in that
Province.
I have some hopes of ye pleasure of Embraceing }rou
next Spring and not 'till then but I am Very Sincerely
D'r Sir
Your most hearty and most obliged humble Servant
Ro: Hunter,
1 Elisha Parker removed from Staten Island to Woodbridge about 1675. In 1694
he was appointed High Sheriff of the County of Middlesex. In 1707 he was chosen
to represent the county iu the Provincial Assembly, and continued a member for
two years. In 1711 he was appointed a member of Governor Hunter's Council, lie
died, as stated in the above letter, June 80th, 1717, and his memory is associated
with the characteristics — as enumerated by Ids contemporaries- of a good father
a kind master and a sincere Christian. Mr. Parker was married and had several
children, from one of whom, John, a son of his second wife, Hannah Rolfe,
descended the Parker family of Perth Amboy, for many years one of the leading
families of New Jersey.— See Contributions to the History of Perth Amboy, p. 138.
Ed.
1717] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR Ht/XTEB. 327
Letter from J. Addison, Secretary of State, to the
Lords of Trade — notifying them that the King is
satisfied with the conduct of Governor Hunter.
[From P. R, O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. H, D 18.]
Lr from Mr Secry Addison, Signifying his Ma*78
Approbation of ye Conduct of Brigade Hun-
ter Govr of N. York & New Jersey.
Whitehall 22d August 1717
My Lords
I have laid before his Majty your Lop> Letter of the
3? of July last, relating to some ill practices made use
of to keep up Divisions, and foment Disorders in New-
Jersey, together with the Extract of a Letter from
Brigadier Hunter the Governor thereof, complaining
of malicious Reports raised against him, and am com-
manded to acquaint your Lops that his MajV is very
well satisfied with the Conduct of the said Governor,
which you will please to signify in such a manner, as
you shall think the most likely to silence such Reports,
and defeat such Practices for the future.
I am My Lords Your Lordships
most Obedient and most Humble Servant
J. Addison
R^ Honb,e Lords Coram" of Trade.
Letter from the Lords of Trade to Governor Hunter-
informing him of the King's approval of his con-
duct.
From P. R. O. B. T. New .Jersey, Vol. XIII, p. 337.
To Brigadier Hunter
Sir
Having seen what you writ to our Secretary in your
Letter of the 13? May last, relating to the ill practices
328 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [17K
made use of to keep up Divisions, & foment Disorders
in New Jersey, and to the Report spread of your being
to be removed from the Government of that Province,
We immediately transmitted the same to Mr Secr:y
Addison to be laid before His Majesty. Whereupon
his Majesty has been pleased to command Us (as you
will perceive by the inclosed Copy of a Letter from M!
Secretary Addison) to signify to you that he is very
well pleased with your Conduct, to which we may add
that the Reports of your removal are malicious and
groundless. This you may make known in such man-
ner as you shall think the most likely to silence such
Reports and defeat such Practices for the future, And
you may be assured that we shall do all that in Us lies
to discourage the same as Opportunity shall offer. 80
we bid you heartily farewell and are
Your very loving Friends and humble Servants
Suffolk,
Whitehal Sepf IP* 1717. Char Cooke,
D. PlJLTENEY.
Martin Bladen,
(On February 2d, 171s, Mr. Philips, the Agent for
New York, transmitted to the Lords of Trade an
affidavit of John Drummy relating to letters written
by Mr. Coxe and others against Governor Hunter, and
copies of letters from Mr. Coxe and Henry Joyce to
correspondents in New Jersey, detailing the views of
the King and prominent individuals adverse to the
Governor, which the two preceding documents effect-
ually refute, and it is therefore thought to be unneces-
sary to print them here. — Ed. |
111?] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HI NTER. 3 ",
Report of the Attorney General and Solicitor General
— on the effect of the Proclamation for pardoning
Pirates.
LFrora P. R. O. B. T. Plantations General, No. 7, K. 113.1
To the R- Honble the Lords Com'issioners for
Trade and Plantations
May it Please your Lordships
In Obedience to your Lordship's Com ands signify ed
to Us by M- Popple Wee have considered of the annext
Queries proposed to Us by Your Lordships And as to
the ffirst Query Whether the Proclamation is a full
and sufficient Pardon to any persons who may have
Com'itted Pyracies & Robberies upon the High Seas in
America within the time therein mentioned, or if not.
What Steps must be taken to obtain it of the Govern'."
of America.
Wee are of Opinion that the Proclamation does not
contain a pardon of pyracy but only his Majesties' gra-
cious promise to Grant pyrates such pardon on the
Terms mentioned in the proclamation, On which every
Subject may safely rely. But that it will be reasonable
for his MajV to give Instructions to his Govern1? in
America to Grant the persons Surrendring themselves
according to the Terms of such proclamation his
Majesty's most gratious pardon for pyracies & Rob-
beries on the High Seas.
As to the 2".cl Query Whether by this proclamation
murthers comitted by such pirates are pardoned?
Wee are of Opinion that where the Murther is Com-
'itted in the pyracy, it was his Ma'tie's intention to
pardon the Murther So Com'itted, and that therefore
it may be reasonable in the Instructions to his
330 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [171?
Majesty's Govern1".8 to direct them to insert in the par-
dons by them to be passed of the piracies and Rob
beries Com'itted on the High Seas a pardon of all
murthers com'itted in the same.
As to the 3? Query Whether the persons who have
com'itted any Robberies or pyracies or any other by
that title can hold the moneys and effects they may be
so possessed of and not be liable to be prosecuted for
them
Wee are of Opinion that as to the proper Goods of
the Py rates, they being pardoned, the same will not
be forfeited, but they may retain them to their own
Use. But as to the Goods of other persons which they
have taken unlawfully from them, the property
thereof by such taking is not altered, but the Owners,
Notwithstanding any pardon, may retake them, or
they may recover the Same by an Action to be brought
ag* the Robbers for the Same.
And as to the 4th Quer: Whether if any persons
having Notice of this Proclamation should between
such Notice and the ffifth day of January next com'it
any pyracies or Robberies, are entituled to the Benefit
of it.
Wee are of Opinion that there is no Exception of
any Notice in the proclamation and his Majesty has
been pleased to give his Royal promise, which he will
never break, to pardon pirates Surrendring themselves
All pyracies com'itted or to be com'itted before the
said ffifth day of January, And for p' venting the mis-
chiefs hinted at in this Query, his Majesty's Officers
are to be diligent in apphending All pyrates, ffor his
Majesty has not been pleased to promise pardon to any
pyrates but such as surrender voluntarily according to
the terms of the proclamation.
Edw. North ey
14'" November 171 7 \VM Thomson
1717] ADMIXISTRAtlOX OF ffOVERXOR HUXTKR. 331
Order of Council appointing three New Jersey Coun-
cillors.
[From P. R. 0 B. T., New Jersey, Vol. n, D 74.1
An order of Council upon a Rep? of ye 21s* of
Novf 1717, for appointing 3 New Counsel-
ors for ye Province of New Jersey
At the Court at S7 James's
the 27l-h Novernb1" 1717
Present
The Kings Most ExcellT Majesty in Council.
Upon reading this day at the Board a Representation
from the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Planta-
tions dated the 21th Instant, Setting forth that there
being Three Vacancys in the Council of New Jersey by
the Death of Hugh Hoddy and Elisha Parker Esq" and
by the Great Age & Infirmity of George Deacon Esq"
And humbly Recommending John Parker Peter Fret-
well and John Wells Esq" to Succeed the said Persons
being every way fully Qualified to Serve His Majesty
in that Station. His Majesty in Council Approving
thereof. Is pleas'd to Order as it is hereby Ordered
That the said John Parker, Peter Fretwell, and John
Wells Esq'" be Constituted and appointed members of
the said Council to Supply the said Vacancys; And the
Right Hon'ble Joseph Addison Esqr His Majesty's
Principal Secretary of* State is to prepare a Warrant or
Warrants for His Majesty's Royal Signature Consti-
tuting and -appointing the aforesaid Persons Members
of His Council in the said Province of New Jersey
And requireing the Governor or Command1 in Chief
of the said Province to Swear and Admit them of His
Majesty's said Council accordingly.
A true Copy.
Edward Southwell
332 ADMINISTRATION 0 F G01 KRXOR HUNTER. [1717
Warrant to Governor Hunter for using anew scat for
New Jersey.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. XIII. p. 338.]
Draught of a Warrant for his MajfcP Signature
to the Governor of New Jersey for using
the new Seal.
To Our Trusty and Wellbeloved Robert Hunter
Esq? our Cap. General and Governor in
cheif of our Province of New Jersey &
the Territories depending thereon in Amer-
ica, and to the Commander in Cheif of the
said Province for the time being.
Greeting
* Here with you will receive a Seal appointed by Us
for the Use of our Province of New Jersey and the
Territories depending thereon in America, the same
being engraven with our Arms, Garter, Supporters,
Motto and Crown, with this Inscription round the
same, Sig: Provincial nostrce de Nor'/ Coesared in
. I merica, which said Seal we do hereby authorize and
direct to be used in the sealing all Patents and Grants of
Lands and all publick Instruments which shall be
made and passed in our Name and for our Service
within our said Province, And that it be to all intents
and purposes of the same force and Validity as an\
former Seal within our said Province hath been here
tofore. And we further Will and require you upon
the receipt of the said Seal to cause the former Seal to
be broke before you in Council, and then to transmit
the said former Seal so broken to our Comm™ for
Trade and Plantations to he laid before Us in Council
111! I ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 333
as usual. Given at our Court at Hampton Court the
8^ Day of October 1717. In the fourth Year of our
Reign.
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple of
the Lords of Trade — relative to vacancies in the
( Um licit of New Jersey.
From P. R. ( ). B T. New Jersey. Vol. II, D. 71. |
X. York y 16 Nov' 1717
D' S'
| Extract. |
I have wrote Several times for Councillors for the
Jerseys, there are two more Lately dead viz: Elisha
Parker and John Reading In the room of the former I
beg leave to recommend his son John Parker' a very
Sober Sensible Young man and of a Considerable es-
tate In the room of ye Later Peter FretwelF a man of
very good Ability s and Estate though a sort of a
Quaker.
^^'jf^r/C^S
son of Elisha Parker, was
born November 11th, 1694.
He married September
16th, 1721, Janet, daughter
of Dr. John Johnstone,
whom we have seen occu-
pying a prominent posit i< >n
in New Jersey. Although residing permanently in Perth Amboy, the stone part of
the old well known Parker mansion having been built by him— he was engaged in
business in New York as a merchant from 1726 to 172tf. He continued a member of
the council, under the administrations of Governors Hunter and Burnet, until 1741.
Their children were Elisha, James, Mary, John, and Lewis Johnstone. See. White-
head's Contributions to the History of Perth Amboy. p. 130.— Ed.
was one of the passengers in the
Shield that arrived from Hull in
December. 1678. They landed at
Burlington, going ashore on the
ice which had suddenly formed in the night sufficiently thick to bear them. He is
spoken of in the text as a " sort of Quaker," but he appears to have been identified
with the Friends throughout, and to have been highly respected by them. En.
f.*4Ur off?*~cfrnrZ&
834 .vnMI.VlsTHA'iroN OF g«vkiinor HUNTER. [171?
If I am under a necessity of holding an Assembly
in y Jerseys This Winter 1 must make use of ye
power given me by my Patent and Instructions For
all ye Councilors now alive are these
Lewis Morris, Living in York George Deacon, Su-
perannuated Thomas Gordon aged & Infirm John
Anderson Th: Byerley In York & paralitica1 John
Hamilton Post Mr Gen11 David Lyal remov'd to York
I have formerly & beg again to recommend for ye
Eastern division
John Read John Parker Adam Hudd
for ye Western
Peter Fretwell Joshua Wells
Yours
Ro: Hunter
Representation from the Lords of Trade to the King —
recommending the approval of the New Jersey Act
allowing Quakers to affirm.
IFrom P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. XIII, p. 426.1
To the Kings most Exc* Maj?
May it please Your Majesty.
Having had under Consideration An Act passed in
your Majesties Province of New Jersey the 11*? March
1713, Entituled An Act that the solemn Affirmation
and Declaration of the People called Quakers shall be
taken instead of an Oath in the usual form & for quali-
fying <k enabling the said People to serve as Jurors &
to execute any Office or Place of Trust and Profit
within this Province; & having had the opinion of
your Majesties Sollicitor Gen! thereupon, We humbly
IMS] iDMINISTJRATIOK OF GOVERNOR lUXTKR. 335
take leave to represent to your Majesty, that tho this
Act gives the Quakers greater Indulgence, than is
allowed them in this Kingdom, yet as your Maj"88
Governor, and other Persons concerned in the Affairs
of that Province have represented to Us that this Act
is absolutely- necessary tor the strengthening the hands
of the Government there. We have no Objection why
your Majesty may not be graciously pleased to confirm
the s? Act.1 *
Which is most humbly submitted
Cha: Cooke
P. Doeminique
j. molesworth.
Tho: Pelham
D. Pulteney
M. Bladen.
Whitehall
Janr:y 27^ 1717-8
Letter f rem the Lords of Trade to Governor Hunter
—informing him of the action taken upon his va-
rious communicat io ns.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. Xm, D 428 J
To Brigadier Hunter.
Sir
We have now before us vour Letters of the 30*3
of Aprill, 6? of June, 2? of October 1716 131!1 of Feb-
ruary 1716-7 and 8? of Aprill 1717 to Us and have seen
> The Solicitor General said in his report, bearing date December 19th, 1717. " The
Act * * * goes further than is allowed to them in England they cannot be A\ it -
nesses or have concern in criminal causes, or have Offices, etc. But whether the
neeessity in that Country may not require a greater indulgence to them their L dps
best know." — Ed.
336 ADMINISTRATION' OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [K18
those you have writ to our Secretary of the Is* and
29V of May, 8? of June 1716, 27? of May & 28? of
September 1717.
We take notice in the first Place of the Difficulties
you have laboured under in relation to the Place of
sitting of the Assembly of New Jersey, but that Diffi-
culty will soon be removed since we have laid the Act
to repeal a former Act, Intituled an Act for the ascer
taining the Place of the sitting of the Representatives
to meet in Gen! Assembly, before his Majesty for his
Royal Approbation.
We hope you will meet with no more Difficulties
upon Account of Mr Cox, & his Friends after the Re-
ceipt of our Letter to you of the 4? of September last,
which we writ you by his Majesties Commands, a Du-
plicate whereof is here inclosed.
We are very well pleased to see you have put the
Affairs of the Jerseys on so good a foot as you men-
tion in your Letter of the 1 3? February last.
You need not be apprehensive of any Attempts of
your Adversaries against you, since you will always
have an Opportunity of justifying your Conduct be-
fore you are condemned.
W. Philips has laid before us what you write in An-
swer to the Paper called the humble Petition of sev-
eral Traders, Inhabitants & Proprietors of New Jersey
which is very satisfactory, & we hope you'll be able
fully to vindicate yourself from what M- Mulford has
charged you with, an Account of which our Secretary
sent you by our order the 19? of September 1717.
According to your desire we have recommended
John Parker, Peter Fret well, & John Wells, to be
Member of the Council of New Jersey, & his Majesty
has been please to appoint them accordingly, but as
there are no Persons here authorised either on behalf
of the Province, or of the Persons to be appointed
Councillors to pay the fees in the several Offices, there
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUXTEH. 33?
may be some delay in getting the Orders and War-
rants dispatched which we observe to you that Care
may be taken in this particular for the future.
Whereas it is necessary for Us in considering the
general state of the Trade of this Kingdome to have
Accounts of the Trades of each particular Country &
as we have Accounts of what Goods are sent from
hence to the Maderas & Western Islands, so it is nec-
essary we should be informed of what returns are
made from thence; but as the Main of the Exports
from those Islands is to the Plantations in America. We
can get here no Accounts of them. And the Naval
Officers do sometimes give Accounts of the Entry's of
Ships inwards, yet it is in such a confused manner
(expressing the Quantities of Goods in some Ships and
of tener omitting it) that it is scarce practicable to form
a true state of that Trade, We desire you therefore
to give immediate Directions to the proper Officer to
make out an Account of the Imports from the Maderas
& Western Islands for three Years last past, & to send
Us the same by the first Opportunity, & for the future
we desire you to take Care to give Us annual Ac-
counts of the said Imports.
We send you here inclosed the Copy of a Memorial
lately laid before us concerning the Progress the french
have made in finding out and securing a Passage from
S: Lawrence or Canada River to their own Settlement
called Louisiana and down the River Mississippi in the
Bay of Mexico; Whereupon we must desire you to in-
form yourself as particularly as you can of the facts
therein mentioned, & to acquaint us therewith as soon
as possible & give us your Sentiments what Methods
may be most proper to be taken for preventing the
Inconveniences to which his Majesties Plantations on
the Continent of America, & the Trade of this King-
dom may be subject by such a Communication between
the french Settlements.
22
338 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
We have laid the New Jersey Act about Quakers
before his Majesty for his Royal Approbation. So we
bid you heartily farewell, and are
Your very loving Friends and humble Servants
J. Chetwynd,
Cha: Cooke,
Whitehall P. Doeminique
Feb? 3? 1717-16 Tho: Pelham.
J Pulteney.
M Bladen.
P S Since what is above we have considered your
Desire that the Acts passed by Col: Ingoldsby may be
repealed and the reason you alledge for it is because
he passed them without Authority. We find indeed
that his Commission as Lieu- Governor of New York
was revoked but we do not find that his Commissf
as Lieuc GovF of New Jersey was revok'd at the same
time, You must therefore explain particularly to Us,
what grounds you had for saying Col: Ingoldsby had
no Authority to pass those Acts, We desire likewise
to know what Objections, you have against such of
the Acts themselves as are not expired
We have received from M* Philips an Affidavit to
the Truth of the Copies of two Letters writ by D. C. &
Henry Joyce, which we have transmitted to M- Secre-
Addison to apprise him of the Endeavours of your
Enemy's to disturb your in your Goverment' There shall
be nothing wanting on our parts to discountenance
any such Attempts against you. [Signed as above]
1 See page 338.
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 330
Representation from the Lords of Trade to the King
with the names of Commissioners for trying
Pirates in America.
[From P. R. O. B. T. Plantations General. No. XXXIV. Eut: Book E, p. 161.]
To the King's most Excell' Maj1y
May it Please Your Majesty,
In obedience to an Order of the 30- of last month,
for issuing of Commissions for the Tryal of Pirates in
your Majesty's Plantations in America, in the like
manner as those which were issued by His late
Majesty King William in the Year 1700, We humbly
offer to your Majesty the Names of Commissioners for
the said Plantations, with our humble Opinion which
of those Plantations may be fitly comprehended within
each Commission Viz-
[Here follow the names of the Commissioners for
Jamaica, &c, &c]
Commissioners for New York East & West New
Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Robert Hunter Esqr your Maj'-? Captain General &
Governor in Chief in and over Your Majesty's Prov-
inces of New York and New Jersey, & the Territorys
depending thereon in America, or the Governor and
Com'ander in Chief of the said Provinces for the time
being.
William Perm Esqr Proprietor and Governor of youi
Majestys Province of Pennsylvania or the Proprietor
and Governor or Commander in Chief of Pennsylvania
for the time being.
The Governor of your Majesty's Colony of Con-
necticut for the time being.
The Vice Admiral or Vice Admirals of the Provinces
340 ADMIN ISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [171 8
of New York East & West New Jersey, Pennsylvania
& the Colony of Connecticut for the time being.
Peter Schuyler, Rob1 Walters Gerardus Beckman,
Rip Van Dam, Caleb Heathcoat, Killian Van Ranslaer
John Barbarie, Adolphus Philips, Abraham De Peys-
ter, David Provost and George Clerk Esqrs Members of
your Majesty's Council in the Province of New York
during their being of your Majesty's said Council;
And the Members of your Majys Council in the said
Province for the time being.
Lewis Morris, Thomas Gordon, John Anderson, W1!1
Morris. John Hamilton Thomas Byerly David Lyol,
John Parker Peter FretwelL and John Wells Esq1'?
Members of your Majesty's Council in the Province of
East & West New Jersey, during their being of your
Majesty's said Council, And the Members of your
Majesty's Council in the s(:' Province for the time being.
The Chief Justice in the Province of New York for
the time being.
The Chief Justice in the Province of New Jersey for
the time being.
The Judge or Judges of the Vice Admiralty in the
Provinces of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania &
Colony of Connecticut for the time being.
The Captains & Commanders of your Majesty's
Ships of War within the Admiralty Jurisdiction of the
Provinces of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
nnd y'; Colony of Connecticut for the time being.
The Secretary of the Province of New York for the
lime being.
The Receiver General of your Majesty's Revenue in
the Province of New York for the time being.
The Surveyors General of your Majesty's Customs
in America for the time being.
The Collectors of your Majya Plantation Dutys in the
Provinces of New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania
& the Colony of Connecticut pursuant to an Act passd
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 341
in the 25th Year of King Charles the 2d for the better
regulating the Plantation Trade for the time being.
[Feby K)"1 171 7- is |
[Under date of July 4-th, L718, the Lords of Trade,
in a letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs, gave directions
that the Governors of the several Islands and Colonies,
authorized to try the Pirates, should also have authority
to pardon those who might surrender in accordance
with the King's proclamation.]
Order of Council referring to the Lords of Trade a
Petition against allowing tl/e Quakers to affirm
[From P. R, O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, I) 79. |
* — '—•* At the Court at S? James's
] L. s. J- the 16? of March 171 7-1 s
*- — , — * Present
The Kings most Excellent Majesty in Councill—
Upon reading this day at the Board the humble
Petition of the Several Inhabitants and Traders of His
Majesty's Province of New Jersey in America, Whose
Names are thereto Subscribed, in behalf of themselves
and many others relating to an Act passed in that
Province and lately Confirmed by His majesty allow-
ing the Affirmation and Declaration of the People
called Quakers to be accepted instead of an Oath in
the Usual Form, and for Qualifying and enabling them
to serve as Jurors & to Execute any Office or place of
Trust and Proffitt within the said Province: and pray-
ing that before the Order of Council Confirming the
said act be Issued, they may be heard as to what they
have to Offer against the same: it is Ordered by His
Majesty in Council That the said Petition (a Copy
whereof is hereunto annexed) Be, and it is hereby
343 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
Refered to the Lord Commissioners of Trade and
Plantations to Examine the Petitioners Allegations
and Report their Opinion thereupon to His Majesty at
this Board.
Edward Southwell
To the Kings most Excellent Majesty in
Councill —
The humble Petition of the Several Inhabitants
of and Traders to Yo? Majestys Province of
New Jersey in America whose Names are
hereunto Subscribed, in behalfe of them-
selves & many others Yo? Majestys Opprest
Subjects of that province —
Sheweth
That by the ancient Statute Law of this Realm to
Witt the 14th Chapter of Magna Charta no Man is to
be amerced but by the Oath of honest and Lawfull
Men.
That by an Act of Parliament of the Tl" and 8th of
His late MajV King William of Glorious Memory, the
the Affirmation and Declaration of the People called
Quakers was to be accepted instead of an Oath but
with and express proviso That no Quaker or reputed
Quaker, should by Vertue of that Act be Qualified or
permitted to give Evidence in any Criminal Causes or
Serve on any Jurys or bear any Office or place of profit
in the Grovernm'
That the last mentioned Act being only Temporary
the same was by another of the 13th & 14*.u of his said
1718] A DMINISTRATIOtf OF GOVERNOB HUSTTEB. 343
late Majesty revived and coutinued in force for a fur-
ther time, and the same hath also hy an Act of Parlia-
ment passed in the first Year of Yo- Majesty's Eeign
been revived and further Continued with a particular
Clause to extend the same to the Plantations for five
Years & to the End of the next Sessions of Parliament.
That Robert Hunter Esq- was appointed Govern' of
New York and new Jersey by Her late Majesty &
hath been Continued in the said Govern1 by Yor
Majesty.
That in the Commissions and Instructions which the
said Govern!" Hunter rec'ed, As well from Yo- Majesty
as the s? late Queen, The said Govern" is required in
the passing Acts of Assembly there, that the same be
not repugnant but as near as may be agreeable to the
Laws and Statutes of this Realm
That the said Govern' Hunter in the Year 1713 did
pass an Act of Assembly in New Jersey That the
Solemn Affirmation and Declaration of the People
called Quakers shall be accepted instead of an Oath in
the Usual form and for Qualifying and enabling the
said people to serve as Jurors & to execute any Office
or place of Trust or proofitt within the said province
of New Jersey.
That Yor Petition1-8 are advised the said Act is
directly repugnant to the Laws and Statutes of this
Realm & the Rights and Liberty* of the Subject and also
contrary to the s? Govern1:8 Commissions & Instruc-
tions and tend to the great Damage & prejudice of
Yor Petition™
That the said Act of Assembly of New Jersey being
lately sent up to Yor Majty by the Lords Commiss™ of
Trade without first hearing what Yo' Petition1-8 or any
other persons concerned in the Consequences thereof
had to Object ag* tin? same, Such Act rec'ed Yor
Majestys Approbation of Course On the 13th of this
344 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
Instant February but Yor MajV9 said approbation under
the Seal of Yo' Privy Councill is not yet Issued.
That Several of the Inhabitants Traders and pro-
priet™ of New Jersey had some time since by Petition
to Yo- Majesty in Council humbly Complained of the
Arbitrary & Illegall proceedings of the said Govern r
Hunter (& amongst others) of the passing Acts of
Assembly directly repugn1 to the Laws of England &
which his Commissions & Instructions directly for-
bade, of which the Act before mentioned is One
Instance, which Petition was referred to a Committee
of Y or Majestys Privy Councill & now depends there.
So that while they were Seeking relief against and
Complaining of the said Act That same has been of
another Channell laid befor Yo' Maj^ for Yo' Approba-
tion exparte, without the knowledge of Yo' Petition™
or of any of the said Inhabitants Traders or Proprie-
tors who had before petitioned Yor Sacred Majesty
Complaining of the said Act —
Now forasmuch as Yo- Majesty has usually indulged
Yor Subjects with hearings in Cases of the like Nature.
Your Petition1".8 most humbly beseech Yo- Majesty to
Ordr the Issuing Yo' said Royal approbation of the
said New Jersey act to be stayd until the Laws be
Consid'd and Yo- Petition1'9 heard by their Council
before Yor Majesty, Or a Committee of Yo- Privy
Council, and that on such hearing the said act may be
disallowed Or Yo' Petition rs may have such other
relief as thereon to Yo'' Majesty's great Wisdom &
Justice shall seem meet.
And Yo' Petition'8 as in duty bound shall ever pray
&e»
Chris: Billoppe J Barkstead
Sam!1 Mulford Charles Lodwick
( !ha : Huddy Jo Lloyd
Sam!1 Bustill Joseph Lowe
Thos Clarke Joseph Paice
Peter Humbly Moses Levy
1718
ADMINISTRATRIX OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
345
[On a separate piece of paper — loose.]
Chris! Billop — --of Staten Isld
Mulford— — Long Island
Huddy -his father was of yc Jerseys
but is dead he was L- in ye
Company at N. Y. but lives
here
Tho: Clarke— —He was here very lately, a
very young Lad
—a Hatter who lives here
Peter Humbly
J Barkstead —
Charles Lodwick-
Jn? Lloyd-
Joseph Lowe-
Joseph Paice-
Moses Levy-
— A Factor here for Some N.
York Merch13
Long IsP
-a Jew here
[The Lords of Trade, in answer to the foregoing,
under date of June 18th, 1718, refer the Council to
their decision made January 27th, 1718 (see page 334),
which had been approved of by the King. They see no
reason for changing their opinion.]
Scheme, or Treatise relating to the Plantations— refer-
red to the Lords of Trade by Mr. Secretary Stan-
hope, February, 1715.
IFrom P. R. O. B. T. Plantations General, No. 7, K. 391
OF THE AMERICAN PLANTATIONS
The Brittish Plantations in America were but thin
of people till the persecution of Dissenters in the Reign
346 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
of King Charles the first, by which, and the Civil
Wars, great numbers were forced to settle there.
When the Plantations had but few Inhabitants,
Justice in Criminal Cases was administred by Marshal
Law, and cases Civil in a sum'ary way.
On the increase of people and propriety amongst
them, it was found necessary to establish a better
method for their Government and the Administration
of Justice. To this end power was given by Letters
Patents to divide each Collony into districts, with
Liberty to the Inhabitants to elect Members to repre-
sent them in a General Assembly (in the nature of a
house of Commons) to consent to the passing of Laws,
and the raising of mony for the publick uses. And a
( 'ouncil of the Inhabitants was likewise appointed to
Assist the Governour. (the number of which was
usually twelve) and all Laws were to pass by the Con-
currence of the Majoritys of the said Council and
Assembly, with the consent of the Governor. They
had power likewise to errect such and so many Courts
of Justice amongst them as they thought fit. Pursu-
ant to such powers many and different Courts were
established in the several Collonys. Which being
erected by Persons not knowing the methods of ad-
niinestring Justice, and rilled with Judges made of the
Merchants Planters and others in Trade and Com'erce,
and not learned in the Law, Justice could not be so
well administred by such persons, as if they had bin
more knowing, and less interested. And such persons
only are hitherto made Judges in the Plantations.
Courts thus erected and filled with such persons, tho
at first it might be necessary, has in process of time
produced many gross errors, partialitys and delays in
the administration of Justice.
Many Persons have withdrawn themselves their
Estates, and great Stocks out of the plantation Trade,
to prevent the wrongs which they or their Posteritys
L718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 347
might suffer for want of Justice. Which Stocks if
continued would have much encreased, if not doubled
the plantation Trade.
During the Reign of King Charles the second Little
was done to amend the administration of Justice in
the Plantations, or for the improvement and encrease
of them, except some Acts of Parliament then passed
to retain the benefit of them from forreign Nations.
In the Reign of King William of Glorious Memory,
a Council for Trade and plantations was erected with
very good power and Instructions which if they had
bin well executed might have produced much good.
ADVANTAGE BY THE PLANTATION TRADE
It appears by the Inspector Generals Abstract that
the Importations from the Plantations have bin one
Year with another about a Million Sterling P Ann™
And the exportations from England to ye Plantations
about Seven or Eight hundred thousand pounds.
The said Abstract shews that in the Year begining
at Christmass 1700. (about which time the Council of
Trade was erected) the imports from the Plantations
were 1,226,701. And the exports to them 682,414.
making together 1,999,115.
S! Josiah Child in his printed book of Trade affirms
that the Plantations imploy two thirds of our Ship
ping, and did thereby, and by takeing off our manu-
factures give sustenance to near two hundred thousand
persons in England.
THE PLANTATIONS SEVERALLY CONSIDERED
In order to the better Government and improvement
of the Plantations, it is necessary to consider which of
them are of greatest advantage and which of the least,
or rather which are disadvantageous to Brittain.
By the Inspector Generalls account the importations
348
ADMINISTRATION- OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
[1718
from the several plantations in the said Year 1700.
Stood thus.
Antio-o-
Barbados -
Bermndos-
Carolina —
Jamaica —
Imported from*
Montserat
Nevis and
S' Christophers
New England
New Providence-
New Yorke — ■ —
Pensilvania
Virginia and
Mary Land
Total —
I
£
s
i)
87,773
11
2
356,024
6
0*
1,232
6
8
14,058
14
6
239,758
18
9*
42,343
4
6i
88,345
12
9
41.486
9
9
3,704
19
H
27,567
10
Of
4,608
8
6f
317,302
12
114
1,224.206
18
H
By which it appears that our Sugar and Tobacco
Collonys are of greatest Advantage, and deserve most
regard.
All our Sugar Collonys are Islands, and produce few
things that England does, for which reason, and
because they want manufactures, they are incapable
of Subsisting by themselves; and being under a neces-
sity of being supplyed from abroad, it is much the
interest of Brittain to have it done from thence.
Virginia and Maryland are the Tobacco Collonys,
their Trade being under some discouragements of late,
they plant less Tobacco, and more provisions, and are
i mproving in some manufactures.
They may be capable in time of subsisting without
any Supplys from Brittain.
Our other Collonys on the Continent of Am erica are
Carolina, Pensilvania, the Jerseys, New York, and
New England. These vast tracts of Land, and several
of them, especially New England are much more
populous then the other more advantagious Collonys.
L718] ADMINISTRATION' OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 349
They produce most of the same things that England
does and are capable of subsisting without any depend -
ance on it.
They supply our Sugar Collonys with provisions and
some Manufactures, which England formerly had the
advantage of furnishing them. In return for which
goods they carry back Sugar and other produce of the
Sugar Collonys, which is consumed in the said Planta-
tions on the Continent; and thereby the benefit that
such Sugar and other goods would bring us by their
importation and exportation again in f orreign Trade is
likewise lost.
OF THE PLANTATION COURTS.
It has bin observed in what manner the Courts of
Justice were erected, and what sort of persons were
made Judges in them.
The Laws and establishments of the Courts being
different in the several Collonys, a particular and dis-
tinct account of each of them, would be too long to
insert here. Here follows the state of one of them in
one of the Collonys, by which and some observations
thereon the Condition of the rest may be conjectured.
In one of these Islands (not so large as some Countys
in England) there are usually about one hundred and
fifty Justices of the Peace. Nine Courts of Justice for
Civil Affairs, besides the petty Sessions of the Jus-
tices, and the Court of Grand Sessions held two several
times in the Year for Criminall matters, or Pleas of
the Crown.
In the Civil Courts there are forty-four Judges, or
Justices, not one of which learned in the Law.
The Court of Grand Session is held by the Governor,
Council, and the Judges and all the Justices of the
peace, if they think fit to sitt there, but there are sel-
dom above 60 or 70 of them at one time on the Bench.
350 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [K18
Thus most of the Chief persons being Judges or
other Magistrates, there are few of note left to do
Justice upon, and if they should do it against each
other it might be retaliated upon them, and few per-
sons can be prosecuted who are not dependant upon,
or of Kindred to some of these persons.
Such Courts produce (as might well be expected)
many gross errors, and great partiality s. especially in
the most considerable Cases. Persons wrongfully pos-
sessed of Estates belonging to others, persons indebted
and Merchants and factors trusted with the Estates,
and consignments of others, and not willing to account
fairly and pay their Creditors, have by the favour of
Governors bin put in these Judicial places, by which
they engage the com'on interest in their defence and
protection. And this together with the difficulty in
recovering debts, is the cheif reason that the Brittish
Merchants are worse used by their factors in America
then in any other part of the world, which they pro-
verbially attribute to the effect of the Climate, being
ignorant of the true Cause.
It is the interest of those who inhabit the Planta-
tions to break (if they can) the Laws by which they
are restrained from Trading with any Nation but
Brittain. and they do frequently break them, to our
great prejudice, are safe in so doing, being both partys
and Judges.
In the said Grand Court for tryal of Crimes; Mur-
ders, Fellonys, and other great crimes frequently
escape punishment, when at tlie same time words of
the least disrespect to the Governor, or other principal
person's in the Island are severely punished. ( )ne per-
son for some disrespectful 1 words of the Governor was
fined two thousand pounds, and laid in Prison till he
paid it. And another for disrespectfull words to one
of the Council, was striped naked and whipped at a
Carts tail through the chief Town, although he was
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 351
then in a sad condition, one of his Armes, and Legs
being bound up in Splinters, which he had broken a
few days before. This person had born the late
Queens Commission as a Lieutenant in the Militia of
that Island, and had a sufficient Estate to have paid
any reasonable Fine, and although he did offer and
earnestly pray the Court to inflict imprisonment, and
any Fine whatsoever on him, rather then such an
ignominious punishment, yet he could not prevail.
Sometimes the said Justices quarrel with each other
on the Bench in a most scandalous manner, and at one
Court they shoved and justled the chief Justice, and
laid their hands on their Swords on the Bench, and
were going to draw on each other, if a Company of
the guards had not immediately rushed into Court
with Muskets charged and presented, with whose
Assistance one part of the Justices sent the others to
prison.
This transaction and the whipping of the aforesaid
person, were complained of in England, and fully
proved, and have lain before the Board of Trade for
about six Years to no purpose.
It is usual with people in the plantations to engage
in Suites at Law tho* they are advised against it. they
know the ignorance of their ( 'ourts. and say they will
try their luck for they have friends on the Bench.
This is so groat an encouragement to litigiousness that
there have bin above nine hundred Causes in one Year
depending in the aforesaid small Island. To the great
prejudice of Trade, and Neglect of their Plantations.
OF PLANTATION GOVERNORS.
Governments have bin sometimes given as a reward
for Services done to the Crown, and with design that
such persons should thereby make their Fortunes.
But they are generally obtained by the favour of great
Men to some of their Dependants, or Relations, and
352 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
they have bin sometimes given to persons who were
obliged to divide the profit of them with those by
whose means they were procured. The Qualifications
of such persons for Government being seldom consid-
ered.
The Governor is by his Commission made Captain
General, Chancellor, Chief Justice, and Admiral, which
are great and different powers, and can never be justly
executed by one person, unless he have some reason-
able knowledge of the matters in which he is to exer-
cise such powers. This is seldom to be found in one
man, and never was so in any of the said Governors.
So that if a Governor should be a good man, and
intend to do well, yet his want of knowledge in those
things that most nearly concern the peace and happi-
ness of the people, will make him subject to many and
great errors, and the being misled by others; and
render him utterly incapable of Judging whether the
inferior parts of the Government under him be rightly
administred, or of applying fit remedys if it be not.
Thus the people may be very much oppressed and
injured, and many Complaints be made of them in
Brittain, and yet such a Governor may not be so
blamable, as those who procured his being sent to exe-
cute powers, of which they knew he was not capable
A bad Governor invested with all these extraordi-
nary powers, do's thereupon grow haughty and inso-
lent, he knows those who had power to put him in,
have also power to protect him in a great measure
from all Complaints that may be made against him.
He knows the great trouble and hazard they must run.
and the great charge, vexation, loss of time, and
damage to their Estates, who are forced to take long
and dangerous Voyages to prosecute him. He knows
that most of the Planters will rather bear any injury
then thus seek for an uncertaine redress, and that not
one Planter in an hundred is able to bear the expence.
1718] ADMIVISTHATIOX OF GOVKHXOII HUNTER. .".*>.'!
He likewise is sencible that after they have proved all
they can against him, the worst that can happen is.
that after they have spent two or three Years after
this manner, he may be recalled, when the usual time
of such Governments is almost expired. And may
enjoy at quiet in Brittain the fruits of all his oppres-
sion and rapine.
Such a Governor sells his Judgments and decrees to
the highest bidder, and all places both Civil and Milli-
ta iy without any regard to the fitness of the persons
to execute them, which multiplies oppressions. He
protects the inferior Officers and others who pay Him
yearly pentions, in the neglect and breach of their
duty; so that all complaints or prosecutions against
them are in vain. He encourages and protects those
who declare of his party against all others in their
insults, oppressions, and violence. The greatest crimes
committed by any of his party escape unpunished, and
the smallest trans-gressions in the other are magnified
into the greatest crimes. By arts and violence he
forces the people to chuse such members for the gen-
erall assembly as he knows will consent to the raising
of most money by taxes on the people, which is done
on pretence of building, or repairing forts, storing-
Magazines, and other publick uses of the place; but
really with design to get most of it for himself in a
covert manner.
These things are not aggravated, but much less said
of them then might have bin with truth. This is
apparent by the following fact, which was done about
eight years since.
The person above mentioned who paid the two thou-
sand pounds fine for words spoke by him against a
Governor, did afterwards complain to the late Queen,
of the said proceedings, and excessive punishment;
whereupon he obtained an order to have said mony
returned him by the Governor, who had received it.
23
354 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
The Governor enraged that he was ordered to part
with the monv, resolved on a more severe revenge, and
with the assistance of a person he used to employ on
such occasions, suhorned one to swear High Treason
against the aforesaid Person used him severely, and
threatened to hang him in a few days, giving out, and
making the prisoner believe, that he had two possitive
witnesses against him.
The Treason he was charged with, was a Confeder-
acy with the French Governor of Martinico to deliver
up severall Brittish Islands into the hands of the
French King. The prisoner (who was a weak sickly
old man near seventy years of age) to save his life, and
obtain his Liberty, was at last forced to give the said
two thousand pounds privately to the Governor.
Whereupon he was delivered out of prison without any
Tryall, or being bound to appear at any Court to An-
swer it.
The acquiting of him in this manner, was alone a
Violent cause to presume he was not guilty of any
Treason, and that he had bought his Liberty of the
Governor.
Full proof of all this matter was afterwards exhibit-
ed to the late Queen and Council, and laid before the
Board of Trade.
And the Generall Assembly of the Island made a
full representation thereof in the most zealous man-
ner, humbly praying Her Majestys protection for their
Lives, Liberties, and Estates.
All which produced no other effect then the paying
back of fifteen hundred pounds of money by the Gov-
ernors Agent who had received it: and this was done
by Composition the person greived loosing the rest.
And no person was punished, or any effectual remedy
advised or proposed by the Board of Trade against such
wrongs for the future.
All Nations but the Brittains have Civil Governors,
1718] ADMINISTRATION 6r GOVERNOR fiUNTEB. 355
or Chief Justices, in their Collonys as well as Military.
They rightly Judge that no person can administer
Justice, but those who understand it. And till it be
so with us, no Plantation can be well Governed.
OF APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS FROM THE PLANTATIONS
As Appeals to the Prince from inferiour Jurisdic-
tions, are the rights of the Subjects in all Nations they
would contribute very much towards Keeping Gov-
ernors, and Plantation Courts in awe, if they were al-
lowed from thence, as was formerly practised.
But in the Year 1689, the Governors by their Instruc-
tions were directed not to suffer any Appeal to be
made to the King, unless the Estate, or matter con-
tended for, did amount to the value of five hundred
pounds.
This Instruction covered the Governours and Courts
from an Inspection into their Conduct in all cases of a
less value, thereby giving them the ultimate Jurisdic-
tion in all other cases. And Whereas most of the
Suites amongst them concern Traffick, and not one in
fifty of so great a Value, their power was thereby
made absolute in all the rest.
This has subjected the people to many grievous
wrongs, but it has made Governments and Judicial
places worth more mony when they are sold.
In many cases whereby the said Instruction Gov-
ernors ought to allow appeals, they frequently refuse
them, pretending that the Land, Estate, or Negro
Slaves sued for are not of the value of £500 tho' they
are worth much more. Some have bin forced to come
from the Plantations, and on a Petition to King get
leave to appeal, and then return to the Plantations,
and come back again with then Appeal, and with the
papers and writings necessary for the prosecution of
it. And thus they are forced to two or three long
356 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
Voyages, with great hazard, expence, and loss of time,
before they can obtain Justice.
Where Appeals have bin made against Sentences
and Judgments of the Courts, and all the proceedings
and Records transmitted under the Seal of the Planta-
tion, it is not to be doubted but Justice has bin done,
the whole matter appearing by such papers, and the
ultimate Judgment given by the King in Council.
But on complaints of grievances, and of many great
oppressions, which have not been done in a Judicial
way, and where the proceedings were not of Record,
and consequently could not be proved so fully before
the King, as in the aforesaid Case of Appeals, the
persons injured meet with unsupportable difficultys
and have seldom bin relieved on their complaints.
These Complaints are commonly against Governors,
who being the Chancellours have the keeping of the
great Seal of the Collony, and will not suffer it to be
put to any papers that may be used against them, un-
till a speciall order for that purpose can be obtained
from the King.
This forces those who have cause to complain to ad-
dress themselves first by Petition to the King, praying
to have his Majestys Order tb the Governor command-
ing Him to let them have copys of such Records and
Papers as they want, attested under the Broad Seal.
Which being obtained and carried to America, they
may be able after a Year or two thus spent, to return
again to Brittain prepared to prove their grievances.
But as it very seldom happens that such oppressions
can be fully proved without the Depositions of Wit-
nesses, and as there is no Law by which Witnesses can
be compelled to depose in such extrajudicial Cases, or
any power in the Plantations, except the Governors
themselves to take their Depositions, and return them
autlxentically to Brittain, if they were willing to be ex-
amined, for this reason it often happens that the great-
est wrongs done there cannot be proved in Brittain.
1718] \ r»M I MSTRATIOX OF GOVERNOR IH'NTER. 357
And whore the persons oppressed can prevail with
Witnesses to come over from the Plantations, they
must bear the expence of it, and likewise pay them for
their trouble, hazard, and loss of time, which with
their own charges in the prosecution, may amount to
above a thousand pounds. This is what few of the
Planters can bear, and several have been ruined by it.
This sort of Complaints are begun by Petition to the
King in Council, upon leading it there, it is referred
to the Board of Trade, to examine into the matters
complained of, and report their opinion to his Maj-
esty.
As these complaints are alwrays grounded upon
breaches of the Laws, Constitutions, and rules of Gov-
ernment in force in the Plantations, of which no per-
sons can Judge truly, or make any reasonable report
to the King, without having a perfect knowledge of
the Plantations, and of their Laws, and Constitutions;
as likewise of the Laws of Brittain, so that there be-
ing seldom or never hitherto any such person in the
said Commission, the Subject of such Complaints has
seldom bin truly understood by the Board, and conse-
quently could not be rightly reported by them to the
King, whereby his American Subjects have failed of
that Justice, and relief they otherwise might have
had.
That Board having found it difficult to make such
reports as they ought in such Cases have kept the
matters referred to them a long time under their con-
sideration, and have had severall hearings of thepartys
concerned, who have frequently bin forced to attend
above twelve Months, before they were able to get a
report made to the King.
The said Commissioners having power by their Com-
mission to examine Witnesses on Oath, but alway re-
fusing to exercise that power (as it is necessary they
should) they are' thereby the less able t<> make their re-
358 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
ports with exactness and truth. The not exercising
such a power, has occasioned much Confusion, variety
of opinions and different proceedings at that Board at
several times. The Board have sometimes directed
the party concerned to carry their Witnesses to a Mas-
ter in Chancery, and get the Depositions taken in
writing, which they have after received as Evidence.
At other times they have refused to receive such
Depositions as evidence, and at the same time have
admitted the examination of persons viva voce, who
were not upon Oath. And at other times have allowed
nothing to be good Evidence, but what came over from
the Plantations under their Broad Seals.
This uncertainty and variety in their proceedings
has often produced more trouble, and greater oppres-
sions then what were at first complained of, and gen-
erally their reports to the King amount to little more
then giving their opinion, that the Complaints and
proofs should be sent back to the Governor for his an-
swer.
The Governors generally delay their Answer as long
as they can, and after their Answers are returned to
Brittain, there is usually so much time spent in a fur-
ther consideration of them, that their Governments ex-
pire, and they are recalled before there be a final de-
termination. And so the matter commonly ends, the
persons wronged knowing they can have no further
relief on the said Complaints.
Thus after two or three, and sometimes four or five
Years excessive charge and trouble, and severall long
Voyages from the other part of the World, the un-
happy American Subjects are forced to bear their op-
pressions.
OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE AND PLANTATIONS.
The Board was erected about fifteen Years since, as
has bin before observed. By their Commission they
are directed to enquire into the severall obstructions of
1718] A bMIXIStRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 359
Trade, and the means of removing the same And
particularly to inform themselves of the condition of
the respective Plantations, as well with regard to the
Government and administration of Justice in those
places, as the Commerce thereof. And to consider
how the Collonys there may be eased, and secured, and
rendered more beneficial to England. To look into
Governors Instructions, and see what is fit to be added
omitted or changed in them. To take an account
yearly by way of Journal of the administrations of
such Governments. To hear Complaints of oppres-
sions and Male- Administrations from the Planta-
tions. To examine into and weigh such Acts as shall
be passed in the Plantation Assemblys, and to consider
whether they are fit for his Majesty to consent to, and
establish for Laws. And upon these and severall other
heads to make representations to his Majesty of such
regulations as are fit to be made in the Plantations.
As by a Copy of the said Commission will more fully
appear.
If this power had bin always vested in persons of
knowledge and Integrity, to whom the plantation Af-
fairs were well known and unanimous in the design of
promoting the publick service only, it might have pro-
duced much good. But there having bin many per-
sons at severall times put into that Commission for
different reasons then their ability to discharge such a
trust (as is well known) it has not hitherto produced
such effects as might be expected from it. And it was
impossible that Board should make a right Judgment
of wrongs, oppressions, and Male administrations, and
of Acts, sent from the Plantations to be passed into
Laws, or be able to represent what regulations were
fit to be made in the Governments, and administration
of Justice, unless some at that Board had a perfect and
personal knowledge of the nature of the Plantations,
and of the people, as likewise of their different Laws
and Constitutions.
360 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
Many instances might be here given of many incred-
ible things done, and omitted by that Board, but since
the design of this is not to reflect on past miscarriages
but to prevent the like for the future, and since there
is now reason to expect from his Majesty's Wisdom,
and the Justice and prudence of his ministers that the
said Councill will be in a short time better filled, 1 w< >
instances need only be now mentioned.
They are by the said Commission directed to exam-
ine and look into the usual Instructions given to Gov-
ernors, and to see if anything may be added, omitted
or changed therein to advantage. As likewise to con-
sider what trades are taken up and exercised in the
Plantations which are or may be prejudicial to Eng-
land. They have accordingly had the consideration
and setling of all such Instructions, in which never-
theless a clause has bin constantly incerted command-
ing Governors to endeavour, and encourage the setting
of Workhouses to set the poor at work, and many
Manufactures are made in the Collonys on the Conti-
nent of America, which encrease daily, so that in time
they may supply our Sugar Collonys, as well as them-
selves with things that make a great part of our Brit-
ish Trade, to our great prejudice, and contrary to the
Pollicy of all other Nations.
They likewise continue the aforesaid Instructions
against Appeals, and have bin so far from advising a
change thereof, that about thirteen Years since, when
on the Petition of many Merchants, and Planters
about it, a Committee of the Privy Council made a re-
port that it should be altered; the then Board of Trade
made an Interest to have it referred backto them, and
on their report it has bin continued.
THE WAV TO PRESERVE AND IMPROVE THE PLANTATION
TRADE.
This may be best done by a good Council for Trade
and Plantations, filled with persons of Integrity, and
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUXTTR. 361
resolution, and fit for the Buisness they arc imploy-
ed in.
In order to this besides one or two Lords, which are
usually in that Commission, there might be one or two
persons of Note, who well understand the Constitution
and Affairs of Brittain, and if they have bin Embassa-
dors, or Envoys abroad they may be the better quali-
fied. Two Merchants of reputation, who have bin
concerned in General Trade, and have given it over,
are likewise necessary. And as the Plantations are to
be the greatest part of their province, it is necessary
there should be some at that Board who have lived in
the Plantations, and have a perfect and personal
knowledge of them, and especially of their Laws, Cus-
toms, and Constitutions of their severall Courts, as
likewise of the Laws of Brittain, it being impossible to
understand perfectly the Laws of the Plantations with-
out the other, most of the English Laws being in force
in the Plantations.
If any who have bin plantation Governors, or others
who have served the Crown in Superior Stations in
America, have done their Duty, and have behaved
themselves with an unblamed Integrity, such persons
might not only be of great Service at that Board, but
their employment in that Commission would be a great
encouragement to all others in the Service of the
Crown in America to behave themselves well, when
they have such a prospect of being employed after
their returne to Brittain. This alone would produce
many good effects.
But as such Commissioners if they do their Duty
may be forced to disobliege many Governors, and
other great men, by whom such Governors may be
favoured and supported in Brittain, it will be absolute-
ly necessary to encourage them, that they be personally
known to the King, and not removable from that
Board, without some fault and his Majesties immediate
362 A.DMTMSTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
knowledge. Such a Council would be able to make
proper observations on the State of the Plantations,
and every thing concerning them, and full representa-
tions thereof to his Majesty from time to time on
which fit remedy s may be apply ed. As no part of the
Brittish Dominions has bin hitherto so little under-
stood, and so much neglected, so there is more room
there then in any other part of the Kings Dominion
for the gaining much Honour to the Administration
of his Government and much good to his Subjects.
As a great part of his Majesties personal Revenue
arises on the Plantation Trade, as well as of the pub-
lick revenue, so both these are fallen by the decay of
the Plantation Trade, and will encrease when that
is improved. There is likewise a casual revenue
arrising to his Majesty in all the Plantations, which if
well managed might amount to a good sume; but by
neglect, connivance, and fraud, it is now become so
little, that it is scarce thought of. His Majestys Hon-
our and Interest is more peculiarly concerned in the
good Government of the Plantations, then in any
other of his Brittish Dominions, for his power is great-
er over them, then over any other of his Subjects.
All Appeals from thence are determined by his
Majesty in Council and not by the House of Lords, as
they are from the rest of his Dominions His Maj-
esty has power to repeal any of the Plantation Laws,
without the concurrence of the Plantation Assembly s
by whom they were made, or of any whatsoever.
Which cannot be done in the rest of his Dominions.
He has power to errect any new Courts of Justice.
or to change those already established And in most
things the will of the Sovereign has hitherto bin the
Law of the Plantations.
October the Kh 1714.
1718] ADMINISTRATION Of GOVERNOR HUNTER. 3ft3
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade —
— about New Jersey Affairs.
[From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey, Vol. II. D 80.]
N. York, ye 8d May 1718
My Lords
The New Jersey affairs require but little room, in
the main all is easy and like to continue so, in spite of
the continued endeavours of these restless men who
had misled the people, of which they are now sensible
I mett the Assembly but it being their busy Seed time,
at their own desire I let them adjourn til the fall of
the Year, enclos'd your Ldships have what I said to
them, and their answer, they have given me all pos-
sible assurances of settling a Revenue for a longer term
at their next meeting.
I was lay'd under an absolute necessity of nomi-
nating two Councellors for each division, Reading
Huddy and Parker being, lead. Deacon and Byerly un-
able to attend through age and infirmity, and m' Ham-
ilton's being called to Boston on the business of the
Post Office under his care, the Gentlemen I have ap-
pointed for the Eastern division are John Johnston
Junr, and John Parker both of very good aestates, and
capacity, resident in the Province and zealously well
affected to His Majesty and his service, those for the
Western are Peter Fretwell and John Hugg wealthy
sensible men, but Quakers both or reputed so, the ses-
sion was so short that the two last did not come in
time, I humbly beg for His Majestys confirmation of
these for with them the number stands thus, only ten
in Number
Lewis Morris. George Deacon. Thomas Gordon John
Hamilton John Anderson, Thomas Byerly John John
H64 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
ston, John Parker Esqs. Peter Frettwell and John
Hugg are not yet qualified
I have not had the honour of any of your Ldships
Commands for several months past I am with all due
honor
My Lords
Your Ldships most humble and Most obedient Servant
Ro: Hunter
Governor Hunters Message and Speech to the
New Jersey Assembly April 19th and 20th
1718. [enclosed in the foregoing letter.]
Mr Speaker
The Absence of the Gentlemen of the Councill
Obliges me to dispence with some Customary forms,
and least business Should Stand Still to Supply that
want by this message, in the meantime I shall take
care according to the Powers granted me to have a
Sufficient number of that Board here Present before
anything that you may have under yor Consideration
Shall necessarily require their Assistance.
That w0!1 in my Opinion requires at this time yor at-
tention & more immediate care is the Support of His
Majestys Governm* in and over this Province the Pro-
vision made for that Expiring in a few months by it's
Short Limitation
As to measures for advancing or rather for giving a
being to Trade amongst you the Generality has Shew M
Such Aversion to Solid ones, and others Such a fond-
ness for Imaginary or ruinous ones that without the
virtue and Resolution of serving those whom you Rep-
present against their inclination yo- Endeavours will be
to little Purpose But if anything of that nature fall
under yor Deliberation, 1 cannot think of a better
Ghiyde than a Just inspection into the State of Trade
L718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 365
in other Provinces, where it is in a Good and flourish-
ing Condition the means hy wc.h it became So can be
no mysteries, where it is otherways or has decay 'd
you'll find the true Causes of Such decay Conspicuous
and it is but a Rational!. Conclusion That what has
Destroyed Trade, or that on which it depends Creditt
in One Place cannot he the most Proper means either
to begin it or Preserve it in another.
I am to acquaint you that the General Assembly of
New York have Impowered and enabled me to appoint
proper persons for running the Division Line betwixt
this Province and that in Conjunction wth Such Sur-
veyors And Comissarys as Shall be nominated for this,
In Ord- to prevent future Disputes & Disquiet And to
do Justice to the Proprietors on the Berders of both a
like Law for that purpose is necessary here.
Former Assemblies or Sessions of this have Passed
so many Laws for the ease of the Subject that there
is not much left for that kind as fan* as I can disern
for you to do, but if any more can be thought of if
they are consistant with the rights and powers of the
Govern m? and true Interest of the People I promise
you my assent to them
All this I desire may be by you Communicated to
the House and Representatives
Ro: Hunter.
Amboy y« 19V1 of Ap! 1718
Gentlemen
The message which I sent in writing to the Speaker
Yesterday to be Comunicated to you makes it unneces-
sary to detain you long by Saying much now, I shall
only put you in mind agam that the funds for Support
of Governm1 Expire in Sep1 next & as all Assemblys
wch have met Since my arrival Amongst you have taken
due Care of that I cannot doubt of yours, I know there
are Some (I hope none of vol" Number) who would if
366 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
it were in their power obstruct it in order to throw the
blame upon Innocent Men, wch has been formerly very
Conspicuous, or perhaps from a Reall Aversion to all
Grovernm- for as to my administration in Particular I
think I have taken Care to Govern myself in Such
manner Y? malice itself Should have no handle To Lay
of, You must give me leave to boast of this, his Ma^
the most Indulgent Father of his People having
thought fit to declare so by his Ordr to the Secretary of
State to informe the Lord Comm™ of Trade, that he
was well pleased w,h my Administration in this Prov-
ince & at a time when the unweared disturbers of your
Peace (mine they never Rufled) had laid before him or
his Ministers every thing wch they thought might be
be construed — The best Return I can make for Such
Condescention is to have before my Eyes In all my ac-
tions, that Justice & goodness So peculiar to him as my
great example and Guide in Governing y! part of his
people wch he has intrusted to my Care, if you think
there is any due from you, for it was made in regard
to yo^ Peace, I shall not doubt but y- you will make it
in ye most dutifull & thankfull manner
Ro: Hunter
[April 20th 1718]
Representation of the Lords of Trade to the King —
upon the Petition of several 'Traders relating to
the act allowing the affirmation of Quakers.
From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey, Vol. XIII. p. WO.]
To the King's most Excell? Majesty.
May it please Your Majesty,
In Obedience to Your Majesty's Order in Council of
the 16th of March last, referring to Us the Petition of
Several Persons, Stiling themselves Inhabitants and
Traders to Your Majesty's Province of New Jersey in
America, relating to An Act passed in that Province
1718J AD\UNFSTI;ATIo.\ OF GOVERNOR Hl'NTKi;. 367
allowing the Affirmation and Declaration of the People
called Quakers to be accepted instead of an Oath in
the usual Form, and for qualifying d'- Enabling titan
to serve as Jurors, and to Execute any Office or Place
of Trust <>r Profit within the Said Province: Praying
that Your Majesty's Approbation of the said Act may
be Stay'd, until the Laws be considered, & the Peti-
tioners heart I by their Council, and that the said Act
may be disallowed or the Petitioners have such other
Relief as to Your Majesty's great wisdom Shall Seem
meet; We have considered the said Petition, andthere
upon humbly take leave to Represent to Your Majesty
That the Act above mentioned was passed in Your
Majesty's said Province of New Jersey in March 1713,
which lay by till Decern- 1717, when having no com-
plaints against it and the Gov! on the other hand hav-
ing Represented to Us. that the said Act was absolute-
ly necessary for Strengthening the hands of Yrour
Majesty's Governm* there. We consulted Your Maj-
esty's Solicitor Gen! upon it. and in Jan' v last We hum-
blp represented that we had no Objection to the said
Acts receiving your Majesty's Royal Conlimation
Whereupon your Majesty by your Orders in Council
of the 13th of Feb'ry last, was pleased to approve the
Said Act, and the Sd Order was transmitted by Us to
the Govr the 20th of March last.
We further humbly take leave to observe that Your
Majesty's Order of Reference upon the Complaint
made against the above mentioned Act is dated the
16th of March last, but was not deliver'd t< > us till the
10th Instant (near 3 Months after your Majesty's Order
of Confirmation was sent away) before which time We
had no notice of any Complaint against the said Act.
which is most humbly Submitted
Cha: Cooke
Tho Pelham
Whitehall Dan1; [Jn°] Pulteney
June lbth 1718 Mart: Blades
368
ADMINISTRATION OF (JOVHKMiR HUNTER.
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ADMINISTRATION" OP GOVERNOR HUNTER.
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1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 378
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade
— returning old seal, &c.
[.From P. R O. B. T.. New Jersey, Vol. II, D. 84 |
Letter from Brigdf Hunter, GovT of N Jersey,
transmitting ye Old Seal of y* Province &
rectifying a Mistake about Mr Geo. Deacon,
one of the Council there.
New York July yellth 1718.
Mtj Lords
Since the writeing of these of the 7th Inst1 I have
had a ( Council in the Jerseys In which I broke the old
Seale according to His Ma'tys Commands, and by the
Same Ship (which is still here by Contrary winds) I
herewith Send it to your Lo'sps.
I humbly Intreat your Lo'sps to be pleased to rectify
Something In the Letters for New Councellers by an
Order or Instruction, It relates to George Deacon who is
to be Superseded by John Wells, it is true he is very old
and not able to travel far but has constantly attended
when Councills have been held in that division where
he lives and has been a Just and faithfull Servant to
the Crown In all times, and this I am afraid will
break the old Mans heart. I humbly presume that it
must have proceeded from some mistake. For there is a
vacancy in that division by the death of John Reading-
Esq" And then the Council stands Thus. Lewis Mor-
ris, George Deacon, Thomas Gordon, John Hamilton,
John Anderson, Thomas Byeasley, David Lyal — John
Johnston Junr John Parker Peter Fretwell and John
Wells So that there is Still one vacancy for John Hugg
formerly recommended.1 I humbly beg pardon for
1 John Hugg was approved of by Council July 2d, 1718, — Ed.
374 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
this second trouble in that affaire Supposeing the mis-
take may have proceeded from misapprehending of
what I had formerly wrote on that Subject I am with
the greatest honor and gratitude
My Lords
Your Ld3ps Most Humble And Most Obed* Servant
Ko: Hunter.
Letter from the Secretary of the Lords of Trade to
Governor Hunter — about the Members of the
Council of New Jersey.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. XIII, p. 444.]
To Brigf Hunter.
Sir
Since the Boards letter to you of the 20tL of March
last, they have received Yours of ye 3d of May follow-
ing, relating to Your GovemmJ of the Jerseys, and
have commanded me to acquaint you
That they are very glad that all things in the Jerseys
are So easy at present, and they doubt not but that by
your prudent Managem! they will continue so.
They take notice of what you write about the Coun-
cillors, but as there seems to be some Mistake either in
your Letter or in yu Entries in their Books (which
however were made from your former Letters) I am
to take Notice, that Peter Fret well and John Wells
were recommended by the Board in Nov!' last for the
Western Division, in the Eoom of hugh Hoddy, and
George Deacon, & Jn° Parker for the Eastern, in the
room of Elisha Parker and his Majesty was pleased to
appoint them of y? Council accordingly. The Orders
were Sent you by Mr Bampfield, who took them out,
that the publick business might not be retarded for
want of a due Number of Councillors.
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 375
Upon this I am to remind you of the Necessity of
having an Agent, well instructed in the Affairs of the
Province, in order to be ready to answer to such Ques-
tions as may from time to time be proposed to him,
and to defray such Charges as the Service of the Prov-
ince requires.
But that they may be the better inf orm'd of the true
State of the Council, I send you here inclosed a List of
them as they Stand upon Our Books, for Your Obser-
vations there upon. You will perceive that by this
List there is no Vacancy in the Eastern Division, So
that Jit? Johnston jun! whom you Say you have put
in, is Supernumerary for that Division and ought not
to have been ad mitted
In the Western Division there seems to be two
wanting, but as they are not Sure how the Fact really
is, they have only recommended Jn° Hugg for his
Majesty's Confirmation till they hear further from you.
They find that formerly Miles Foster John Kead and
Adam Hudd, [Hude] were recommended by you for
the Eastern Division & Jn? Harrison Rob* Wheeler
and John Bainbridge, for the Western. And as they
are not of those put into the Council by you, they
desire to know whether they are dead, and if not,
what reasons you had, for putting other persons not
before recommended instead of those you had formerly
named, as well qualify'd for that Post. I am further
to desire you would send their Lordships a new list of
Six persons for each Division, that they may not for
ye future be at uncertainties.
It being for His Majesty's Service, that this Board
be at all times acquainted with y" absence of Council-
lors from their Posts in ye Plantations; their Lordships
Command me to desire that when ever you give leave
to any Member of His Majesty's Council in your Gov-
erning to be absent from his Post, that Such leave be
under your hand and seal & that you forthwith trans-
376 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
mit to their Lordships a Copy of such Licence of
Leave, as also an Account when such Councihf de-
parted Your Governm* and to what place he is gone.
Least you should have misunderstood what their
Lordships writ you the 16th of May 1717. I am to
observe to you, that by the first Clause of the Act of
Navigation mentioned in the 3d Article of your
Instructions relating to the Acts of Trade, No Foreign
Ships are to be allowed to Trade into His Majesty's
Plantations, But their Lordships are of Opinion that
British Ship's cannot be condemned nor their Lading-
confiscated only for Trading to or from Foreign Plan-
tations, provided that Trade be not carry'd on in any
manner contrary to the Laws of this Kingdom or of
New Jersey, whereby the Ships or Ladings might be
liable to be confiscated. However their Lordships
think you will do well to observe your last Orders so
far as to discourage this way of Trading which is con-
trary to the Treaties of Peace, tho' not contrary to
Our Laws I am
Sir Your most Obedient humble Servf
Whitehall July 23d 1718 W* Popple
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple —
about New Jersey Council.
[FromN. Y. Ool. Docks., Vol. V. p. 521.1
To William Popple Esq:
Sir [Extract.]
In my former letters to their Lord1" I have in effect
answer'd to what you writ in relation to the Council
of the Jersey's But there is a mistake in that list of
Councillors you sent me, for W'" Morris has been dead
many years and never was in the Council, so that there
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVEKNOB lllNTI.i;. 3 ', ",
is room for John Johnstoun in the Eastern Division1
& for the confirmation of the good old man Geo: Dea-
con for the Western. Of those formerly recommended
Miles Forster, & Rob1 Wheeler are dead and John
Bainbridge become altogether unfit by age and hard
drinking. For the Eastern Divn I continue my recom-
mend" in case of vacancies for John Reid, Adam Hude,
John Johnstoun & Thorn" Leonard, & John Harrison
is now of the Geir1 Assembly but he is of the Eastern
Division also. . For the Western John Reiding son of
the deceased of that name, Peter Baird Merchant &
Inliab4 of Burlington, John Muirhead & Anthony
Woodward, but before I can venture to recommend
more I mast be better advised.
I am with great respect
Sir Your most obed1 humble Serv1
New York Nov' 3, 1718 Ro: Hunter
Letter from James Logan to George Willocks — relative
to the Division line between the Provinces.
From the original among Paris Papers in the possession of the N. J. Hist. Society,
West Jersey Bundle 6, No. 7.]
To George Willocks Esq, at Perth Amboy
Esteemed (friend
The Council of Proprietors for the Western Division
of New Jersey being informed at their Meeting in
November last that the persons who had purchased
Lands in Whippening Neck had been disturbed by
1 Under date of July 7th, Gov. Hunter had written to the Lords of Trade: " I
have * * received His Majesty's letter nominating John Parker, Peter Fretwell
and John Wells of the Council for that Province [New Jersey] ; I beg the same
favour for John Johnston Junr in order to keep the equality, Mr. Fretwell and Mr.
Wells being of the Western Division." John Johnson, Jr., John Reading and Peter
Baird were appointed May 31st, 1720.— Ed.
378 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
Some Proprietors of the Eastern Division who on some
late Discovery claimed all the Said neck as belonging
to East Jersey, they took the whole matter into con-
sideration, of which I purposed before this time to
have acquainted thee personally at Amboy, but that
being deferred, I think it proper to doe it now by
writing, that we may in some measure be prepared
against the Meeting of the Assembly.
The Partition by which both Divisions Seem to have
governed themselves for about thirty years past is that
wch was made between R Barclay & D Coxe in 1688, of
which I procured a Copy and because it Seems to refer
wholly to J Reids printed Map I furnished my Self
with that also.
The matter of Controversy is the Line from the
North branch of Rariton to Passaiak River. This you
would have to be from Allametunck to Rockaway
River, which last because it Suits you best you would
make your Passaiak, but how unjustly we Shall See.
As those Gentlemen in London could have nothing
to direct them but ye draughts laid before them, tis
plain from their own Instrum1 of Partition that J
Reids map was their guide. This divides the North
Branch of Rariton into two others, by which we con-
ceive nothing else could be intended than Pepeck and
Allametunck, and as the Map makes the Eastermost
of these two, which of the two must be Pepeck about
twice as large as the other, that branch So described
must certainly be what they intended by the largest
Stream or Current of Water belonging to ye N. Branch
of Rariton, but upon ye Spott it is found it Seems to be
less than ye other therefore quitting ye Intention you
adhere to ye words, and without regard to ye Design
have laid hold on Allametunck, & because not hitherto
controverted, take it for granted So far the Letter of
ye Agreem1 has best Served you, but when it will no
longer doe So, it must be forsaken it Seems and by
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 379
Passaiak is not to be understood the River it Self which
has hitherto been called So but ye nearest water that
runs into it. Tho' I appeal to your Selves and to thy
Self particularly, whether you doe not know that the
blew hills laid down in ye Map by ye Side of Passaiak
doe not truly run in that manner by ye Side of what
we and every body else hitherto have called Passaiak
but principally whether you have not Lands and
Patents for them on Record laid out on Passaiak by
name, and Scituate on ye Same Passaiak by an actual
Survey or location before the date of that Agreem1 in
16S8 above the mouth of Rockaway River. If So, how-
ever strongly Interest Sways I hope you will have too
much honour ever to insist on this farther. You
alledge indeed that you ought to have one half of ye
Province but that you have not by any Division hith-
erto made near your Share wch will naturally be fullly
answered on the next head viz
Ever since I have been concerned in ye Jersies I
have mett with a party who have been violently bent
on Standing by yc first Partition from little Egg Har-
bour to ye Northern point on Delaware River, com-
monly called the Quinquepartite Line, because of the
Deed by which it was made, and their Clamours about
this have obliged me to consider the whole of yc divi-
sion as far as I was capable, and upon it I must con-
fess that I think what they have to say is in Law
unanswerable, ffor.
It appears, that this Division was made by the two
Parties only in whom ye whole Province was vested,
that Billing and his Trustees Sold only Shares of that
Land which lay on ye Western Side of that Line as
particularly mentioned in each particular Deed And
Sr G. Carteret or his Lady Sold only Shares of what
lay on ye Eastern Side of the Same Line mentioned
also in every particular Deed from them. This fully
answers ye Complaint of an Inequality in ye Division,
380 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1718
for tho' the Eecitals Say that ye Ld Berkely and Sr G
Carteret had the whole granted to them in equal
Shares, yet as the Same Recitals tell us, that they or
their assigns &c agreed mutually on a Division, and
each party Sells to ye Proprietors according to that
Division had Carteret taken up with the town of Ber-
gen alone, in lieu of his half, none that derived from
him while 'tis expressly Said the Sales are made in
pursuance of that agreem\ could ever claim any more,
And if any other Division were to be afterwlls made it
could not be done by any others than all the Proprie-
tors themselves, on both Sides, that had made any
under Purchases. It was therefore extreamly absurd
in the two Governours, and Seems to be of a piece
with the Skill of the Draughtsman of ye last partition
to imagine that any Such thing lay in their power.
These Western Proprietors alledge that this latter
Agreem1 was a Contrivance of ye Eastern, who became
Sensible of their Disadvantage, which has since
appeared more clearly Since Delaware is found to
bend in so much to ye Eastern, that about Maghacka-
mack it is not above 34 miles or thereabouts distant
from Hudsons River, wch is known to run very nearly
due North & South, and therefore that the old Line
will cut off to yc Eastern Division a much less portion
than was expected. As for my own part, I have
alwayes been of opinion, Since I had any tolerable
notion of the matter that the case was much like those
marriages, of which 'tis Said, that they ought not to
have been made but Since they are made, ought not to
be broken. Both Sides have broke far in upon the first
Division, the Eastern Proprietors first by extending
their Surveys westerly within about Seven Miles of
Delaware near the flails and ye Western in some
measure, in other places. Therefore the utmost Con-
fusion must arise, if all these are to be made void, and
the people who honestly purchased under the Proprie-
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 3S1
tors, and commonly, I believe, with general War-
ranties, must be distracted to the last degree. This I
think we ought in regard to yc publick peace, to
endeavour by all reasonable means to prevent. But
Since I am perswaded it is more your Interest on ye
Eastern side to labour this than it is theirs of the
western, you ought in my poor Judgem* at least, to
Shew your Selves disposed to pursue it by ye most ami-
cable measures, and with a Spirit different from the
last you have taken. We may please our Selves with
the thoughts of gaining present Advantages by Address
and Skilful Manage in* But Lands and the Inheritance
of them are of Such a nature that no man can be
Secure of what may follow after that address and skill
as to his part dies with him. Pray excuse this ffree-
dom I would not write thus to any but a friend who I
hope will interpret every thing in the best Sence from
one who is and desires to continue
Thine Sincerely
Philadia 22d 10br 1718 James Logan1
Postscript — I ought not to have omitted mentioning
what I did thro1 a desire of finishing my Letter with
the paper, That in case we can come to terms of
accommedation on the last Division, divers of us will
use the best of our Interest when we have an oppor-
tunity to promote on our parts an Act of Assembly
for confirming that Division, otherwise we must return
to the quinquepartite Deed, and then endeavour for an
1 James Logan was descended, originally, from a Scotch family. In the troubles
of Scotland in the reign of James VI., his grandfather, Robert Logan, was deprived
of considerable estate, and his father, Patrick Logan, removed in consequence to
Ireland, taking up his residence at Lurgan. where James was born, who, having
good abilities and being favored with a suitable education, made considerable pro-
ficiency in various branches of learning and science, after which he went to Eng-
land, whence, in 1699, being about twenty-five years old, he accompanied William
Penn to Pennsylvania, and in 1701 was appointed Secretaiy of the Province and
Clerk of the Council. He corresponded with several prominent gentlemen of New
Jersey and other letters from him will be found in this volume.— Ed.
382 ADMINISTRATION^ OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1719
Act to Settle in ye best manner that may be, the
former Purchasers in their Posessions if that be practi-
cable; wdl doubtless it is not without great Difficulty.
I am as before Thine J. L.
Report of the Solicitor General upon the act Natural-
izing Jacob Arents and his children.
[From P. R. 0. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, D. 88.J
Mr Sol ; Gen1? Eeport npon an Act passed in New
Jersey to naturalize Jacob Arents & his
three Children.
To the Right honourable the Lords Commis-
sioners for Trade and Plantations.
My Lords
In obedience to Your Lordships Commands signified
to me by William Popple Esq? the 10V of December
last I have consider'd the bill to naturalize Jacob
Arents and his three Children in New Jersey and as
such naturalization can have the effect to give them a
right to enjoy the priviledges of natural born Subjects
in that Province only I don't see any objection to the
passing this Act since the Assembly there think them
proper objects of that favour
I am My Lords Your Lordships
Most Obedient Humble Srv1
5th March 1718-9 WM Thomson
Commission of New York Commissioners and Survey-
ors to run the Line between New York and New
Jersey.
[From Papers of F. J. Paris in Library of N. J. Hist. Society, Vol. A, No. 13.]
George by the Grace of God King of Great Britain
France and Ireland Defender of the Faith &ca To all
1/19] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 383
to whom these presents shall come Greeting Know Yee
that we Reposing Especial trust and confidence in the
prudence Integrity and ability of our trusty & Well-
beloved subjects Robert Walter Isaac Hicks and Allan
Gerard [Jarratt] Esq'? have Commissionated assigned
Authorized Impowered and appointed and by these
presents do Commissionate assign Authorize impower
and appoint the said Robert Walter and Isaac Hicks
Commissioners and the said Allan Gerard [Jarratt]
Surveyor for the Province of New York that they the
said Commissioners and Surveyor in Conjunction with
the Commissioners and Surveyor or Surveyors ap-
pointed or to be appointed upon the part and behalf of
our Province of New Jersey carefully and diligently
inspect and Survey all or such of the Streams of water
that formes the River Delaware which they the said
Commissioners or the Surveyor or Surveyors may
esteem necessary to be inspected or Surveyed in order
to find out and determine which of the Streams is the
Northermost branch of the River Delaware and that
then when such Branch is so discovered that the said
Surveyor or Surveyors carefully according to the best
of their knowledge and understanding discover and
find out that place of the said Northermost Branch of
Delaware River that lyes in the Latitude of Forty one
degrees and forty minutes which is the North Parti-
tion Point of New York and New Jersey. And for
the better preserving and perpetuating the knowledge
of the said North Partition Point Wee do hereby
require the said Commissioners and Surveyors that
they take notice of the most remarkable and Conspicu-
ous places near to the said North Partition Point
whether they be Rocks hills Gullies Ponds runs or
Streams of Water and observe on what Courses and
distances such Remarkable places bears from the said
North Partition Point All which the said Commission-
ers and Surveyors are also hereby required distinctly
384 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1719
to Certifie under their hands and seals unto our Gover-
nour or Commander in chief of our said Province of
New York to be filed and Eecorded in our Secretary's
office of New York And we do by these presents
further Commissionate Authorize and impower the said
Eobert Walter and Isaac Hicks Commissioners and
Allan Gerard [Jarratt] Surveyor of our said Province of
New York that in Conjunction with our Commissioners
and Surveyor or Surveyors for the Province of New
Jersey that carefully they according to the best of
their knowledge Skill and understanding as near as
may be they shall find out and discover that part on
the West side of Hudsons Eiver that lyes in the Forty
one degree of Latitude and that when that place is
known which is the furthermost place of the Province
of New Jersey that is bounded by said Hudsons River
then the said Commissioners and Surveyors according
to the best of their Skill and knowledge shall run Sur-
vey and mark out a Streight and direct line from that
part of Hudsons River in the Forty one Degree of
Latitude unto to that place aforesaid called the North
Partition point upon the northermost branch of Dela-
ware which is in the Latitude of forty one Degrees and
forty minutes which line being so rim and markt out
is forever hereafter (pursuant to an Act of the General
Assembly of our said Province of New York past in
the fourth year of our Reign Intituled An Act for
paying and discharging several debts due from this
Colony to the persons therein named and for raising
and putting into the hands of the Treasurer of this
Colony several quantities of plate to be applyed to the
publick and necessary uses of this Colony and to make
Bills of Credit to the Value of Forty One thousand five
hundred and seventeen ounces and an half of Plate for
that purpose) to be deemed taken be and remain as
the Partition line limit and boundary between our said
Provinces of New York and New Jersey and for the
1718] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 385
better preserving and perpetuating the knowledge of
that part of Hudsons River that lyes in the Latitude
of forty one Degrees and also of the line of Partition
or division betwixt our Provinces of New York and
New Jersey the said Commissioners Eobert Walter and
Isaac Hicks and Allen Gerrard [ Jarratt] Surveyor shall
take Notice not only of the most Conspicuous and
remarkable places and of the courses and distances
they bear from the said place upon the West side of
Hudsons River that lyes in the forty one degree of
Latitude as also likewise of all and every the Remark-
able places where the said line of Partition or Division
Cutts and the distances such places are at from one of
the Terminations of the line either on Hudsons River
in the Latitude of forty one degrees or on the said
Northermost branch of Delaware River in the Latitude
of Forty one Degrees and forty minutes all which the
said Commissioners and Surveyor are hereby also
required to Certine and return distinctly under their
hands and Seals to our said Governour or Commander
in chief of our said Province of New York in order to
be filed and Recorded in our Secretary's Office of New
York.
In Testimony whereof wee have caused the great
Seal of our said Province to be hereunto affixed and
these our Letters to be made Patent this first day of
May in the fifth of our Reign Annoq1 Domini One
thousand seven hundred and Nineteen Witness our
trusty and wellbeloved Robert Hunter Esq' Captain
General and Commander in chief of our said Provinces
of New York New Jersey the Territories and Tracts of
Land depending thereon in America and Vice Admiral
of the same &ca. at our Fort at New York
[Certified to by | J. Bobin Depty Secr'y
in the absence of Ja Allexandor
25
386 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1719
Letter from Governor Hunter to the Lords of Trade —
transmitting public papers.
[From P. R. O. B. T., NewJersey, Vol. II, D. 92.1
N York ye 27 May 1719
My Lords
By this Ship (The Beaver Cap' Smith) Your Lo'ps
will receive the Acts Of Assembly And the Minutes of
( Jouncil and Assembly of New Jersey. A list of the
Acts You'll find in the Close of the Minutes of Coun-
cil: If Your Losps think that Any of them require
remarks, I hope soon to Satisfy Your Losps at Your
board being determin'd to make use of the Leave of
Absence for Six months which was graciously granted
me my present ill State of health absolutely requireing
it. And the Beale Castle I hear is In Sight
There is nothing new in this Province Since my
Last, The Assembly is Sitting and I Shall Inform Your
Losps of their proceedings by a vessel which is to de-
part next weeke All is in perfect peace here and on
the Frontieres
If any objections Should be made against those Acts
for running the Division Lines in the Jerseys by Mr
Cox or his Associats who find fault with every thing
that I do, I only beg Leave to Inform your Losps that
they were after Long deliberation framed and agreed
to by All the Proprietors or their Agents and Repre-
sentatives of both Divisions And pass'd at their earnest
desire, I own I left nothing undone that I might do to
have them perfected Judgeing them absolutely neces-
sary to the Peace and highly for the Intrest of that
Province. I can not frame to my Self the Appearance
of an Objection agst them; but I know it is a Sufficient
one with those I have mention'd. that I did it. When
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 38?
I am present I can put them to Silence For the Rest I
beg Leave to refer your Lo?ps to the Minutes, and am
with all honor And Indelible gratitude for your Con-
tinu'd Patronage
My Lords Your Lo'ps most Humble
and most obed1 Servant
Lords of Trade. Ro: Hunter
Letter from Governor Hunter to Secretary Popple —
Intending to leave for London.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey. Vol. II. D 94-95.]
N York y 6 June 1719
D Sir
This is only to Cover the Minutes of the Gen" As-
sembly of N Jersey wch ought to have gone with the
Acts last weeke but their Clerk had not perfected them
The Assembly here (now Sitting) have read twice
and Committed a Bill for ye Continuation of the Reve-
nue for one year after the Expiration of y" Present
Acts The Report of my Going Home Curtail'd the
Term for they had determin'd to Settle it for five
years. Cap' Willis in the Beale Castle arriveing here
gave the alarum, and had I not given a sort of Assur-
ance that I was not to depart wth him I had not even
obtain'd That. However Sir I shall (god willing) have
the Long wish'd for satisfaction of being with you
before winter but if Capt Willis departs so soon as his
orders Oblige him my Passage with him is Impossible
without hurt to the Kings Service
I shall leave both Provinces In perfect peace to
which both had been long Strangers
I Live in Such Torture with a violent pain in my
hipp or Buatuk as 'tis Call'd that it is with all Inagun-
able pain that I write this. I have no hope of Ease on
this Side having try'd all remedys Christian and
388 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1719
Pagan, Palenieal Chymical and Whimsical to no pur-
pose Aix La Chapelle is all my present Comfort.
I labour'd hard for an Agent in ye Jersey but the
fearfull and Stingy nature of a Sett of men in our
Assembly gott the better of me and I must find a bet-
ter way to reward our friend Bampfield for his good
Services. I am with all Imaginable Sense of Gratitude
Dr Sir Your most Obliged And most faithfull Ser*
NYorky6 6 June 1719
Letter from James Logan, of Philadelphia, to Colonel
Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey, then in London.
I From a Copy by Mr. Edward Armstrong, from the Original Letter Book of Logan,
in the Possession of the Historical Societv of Pennsylvania.!
Coll. Cox
Discoursing w1!1 W. Trent concerning thy affairs and
those of Jersey, he desired me to give thee some acco-
of ye late act of assembly for dividing that Province
between ye Eastern & Western Propriety w°h I must
at present doe very briefly.
Di Johnston procured a Clause, to be inserted in ye
Revenue Act of N York 8bre 1717 allowing 300lb on ye
part of that Govm1 for dividing ye Province from N
Jersey, also an Act last Winter at Amboy for running
ye Same Line on ye part of Jersey, but no way could
be then found to raise the money, another Act was
proposed for dividing ye Jerseys in which Provision
should be made for defraying ye charges of both, but
this was like to prove very intricate.
Last Summer those of East Jersey finding that ye
head of Rockawav came much nearer to Allametunck
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 389
than that we call'd Passyock intended in thy ffathers
agreement and by this they would cutt off from the
Western Prop" all Weppenunck Neck. We then
insisted on it that Pepock not Allematunck was ye
true Branch of Raritan. This brought the agreement
itself into question & we soon found as it had been
long suspected that it had no sufficient foundation in
ye Law to built upon. We therefore had recourse to
ye Division of ye Quinquepartite Deed as ye true &
only legal Boundary Since by it all ye Prop" of both
Divisions had purchased, Those of E Jersey insisted on
an equal Division & endeavoured to prove this was
alwayes intended & that in Ltl Neil Campbells time all
ye principal Proprietors had agreed on both sides to
recede from the Quinquepartite Division for which
they really had a great deal more to shew than any of
our side expected, We however insisted strenuously on
this Line as both our & their Right & would by no
means recede from it.
But as they had for 30 yn been broke in upon, it was
in vain to propose it to the Assembly unless all ye
settlers & Purchasers on both sides should be secured.
It was therefore agreed that all ye Lands taken up by
ye Eastern Proprietors on ye west side of ye Line
should be still held in ye same right in ye same man-
ner as if they had been taken up in the Eastern Divi-
sion provided they did not exceed ye quantity that ye
western Proprs had taken up on ye East side of ye
Line. The same Provision was made for the Lands of
the western Prop1'3 & when the quantities taken on ye
wrong sides of ye Line respectively by the Prop" of
both Divisions were compared, ye Surplusage after
two y" allowed on both sides to buy rights, is to be
taken off from ye unsettled Lands of the 2'1 & 3rd Divi-
dends on ye Eastern side & from ye like Lands of the
4th Dividend in ye Western side, or out of ye uusur-
vey'd Lands on either side if such can be found of
■VM) ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1719
value Thus both sides are to have ye exact quantity
they first purchased, And all ye settlers on both sides
are made easy
This act cost me a months attendance at Amboy in
feb & March last but none was a happier lustrum1 in
obtaining it than Dr Johnston who has lately pur-
chased a whole Propriety in West Jersey. The Com-
missi of N. York & N Jersey are now actually out
upon that Partition Line, and when the northern
l>(»iiit on Delaware is fixed in Discovering of which
there is a very good brass lustrum' wt]l able artists
employed we shall easily find how ye other Line
between the two Divisions is to run. By ye inclosed
Print thou wilt see who are the managers to raise the
money &c for ye western Division. The Commissrs
for running the Line on their part are Jas. Kirkbride
& John Reading (ye old man is deceased) on ye East-
ern side Dr Johnston & Geo. Willocks are appointed
who with J Alexand1 & Jacob Taylor on our part &
Jerrat for N York are now actually upon ye work
Tho this Division will not I believe prove so advan-
tageous to us as that of thy ffather & R Barclay
could we have got Pepeck & Whippenunck Neck with-
out any dispute yet we all beleive at p'sent we shall be
no Losers by it, but shall have this great advantage
that ye Titles of Land will be much better settled &
their prices will considerably advance.
I admire in ye mean time that no body appears here
in thy behalf to take care of thy affairs if there were
any such they would have all due regard shewn them
by ye Council of Prop" who still continue much ye
same, Pray ordr the Pay for thy three Proprieties at
501 each for the first paym* for tho' we have very full
Power We would not use any rigorous measures.
Having this opportunity I must mention an other
affair in which thy name has suffered much tis thine
& P. Sonmans Releases of those old irregular Surveys
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 391
in the first Letters [?] Purchace. Yours and mine
were all dated [delivered?] together to J. Basse to be
[recorded?] When called on for them he produced
mine but could not find yours being threatened to be
sued by those to whom the Release was given, he
excuses himself by alledging that they were privately
taken out of ye office of which he has made affidavit
It can be abundantly proved that they were executed
& delv'd to him & I need not mention what further
construction must be putt on it by all men if they
be not produced I hope they will be found for ye
reputation of all concerned. Pray excuse the hurry of
this, I sett about it Just as thy bror Trent informed me
he was sealing up. If I can serve thy Just interest in
any things acquaint me with it & I shall readily serve
thee as Thy real well wishing frd
Philada 27th June 1719 J. L.
pr Simmons to Lond?
From the Commissioners on the Boundary Line to
John Harrison — relating to preparatory examina-
tion of the course.
[From Certified Copy among the Papers of F. J. Paris, in New Jersey Hist. Society
Library. Vol. A. p. 111.1
By the Commissioners &c
Instructions to John Harrison Esqr to be ob-
served by him during his Journey from
Delaware River to Susquehannah River
and back again, for the discovery of the
Branches of Delaware.
1st You Shall Sett out from Minisinks Island and Go
the Indian Path to Susquehannah River, and go up
Susquehannah River till you meet the Indian path that
comes from thence to the Indian Town in Delaware
392
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER.
[1719
Branch Called Cashieghtonk; during which time you
Shall observe the following directions.
2 You are to take with You a Compass for observ-
ing the several courses you Shall go; and a watch to
Know the time you go in each Course.
3 You Shall Keep a fair Journal in this manner
Course
Time
steered
on same
Course
how much
by Judgem't
you walk'd
that hour
Blank for
afterwards
filling up the
distances
Observations
In which you Shall distinctly Sett down each course
you go in the first Collumn, The time you go in the
Same course, in the Second Column. Your Judgement
at what rate you went per hour, in the third Column,
Leave the fourth Column Blank, to be afterwards
filled up with the distances which will appear from
comparing the Time and the Rate per hour of your
walking, In the fifth Column, of Observations, you
may Sett down what observations you Shall think
proper: Such as Mountains &c: But above all be sure
to take Care to Set down every Stream you Cross, how
or on what point of the Compass the Stream thereof
Runs and take particular care to Judge well of the
breadth depth and Swiftness of the Stream; and Sett
down also, the opinions of Your C4uides Concerning
the Same Branches —
Given under our hands and Seals this thirtieth of
June 1719
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 393
Proceedings of the Council of Pennsylvania — on the
approaching departure of Governor Hunter of
New Jersey for England.
[From Pennsylvania Colonial Records, Vol. Ill, p. 00. ]
At a Council held at Philadelphia, July the 8 th
1719 Present
The Honourable William Keith, Esqr Governour.
Richard Hill Robert Assheton
Jonathan Dickinson James Logan.
The Governour acquainted the Board, that having
received certain advices from Brigadier Hunter, Gov-
ernour of the Provinces of New York and New Jersey
that He designed speedily to embark for Britain, there-
fore considering the near Relation this Government has
to that of New York & New Jersey upon the account
of our Neighbourhood, and the affairs depending to be
yet settled between these northern Colonies in Rela-
tion to the Indians, the Governour Judged it conve-
nient that He should at this time take a Journey to
New York, not only to pay Governour Hunter a visit
of Respect at his Departure, but also to settle some
Foundation for a Correspondence with those who were
to succeed in the powers of Government in case of any
future Emergency, and for these Reasons, if the
Board had nothing to object, He designed very speedily
to set out expecting that his Absence from the Govern-
ment would not be long.
The Board approved of the Governours Proposal,
wished him a good Journey & safe Return, and then
adjourned.
394 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 1719]
Tripartite Indenture settling the North Partition
Point between New Jersey and New York.
| From Papers of F. J. Paris in N. J. Hist. Society Library, Vol. B, p. 57. |
This Indenture Tripartite made the Twenty fifth
day of July in the fifth Year of the Reign of George
over Great Brittain France and Ireland King &c An
noque Domini 1719. Between Robert Walter of the
City & Province of New York Isaac Hicks of Queens
County in said Province Esq1 s Allain Jarret of the City
and Province aforesaid Esqr Surveyor for and in Be-
half of the said Province of New York of the first
Part John Johnston and George Willocks of the East-
ern Division of the Province of New Jersey Esqr.s and
James Alexander Surveyor General of the said East-
ern Division of the Second Part And Joseph Kirkbride
and John Reading of the Western Division of the Said
Province and said James Alexander Surveyor General
of the said Western Division of the Third Part1
Whereas his said Majesty the King by Letters Pat-
ents under the Great Seal of the Province of New
York did Commissionate, Authorize and Appoint the
said Robert Walter and Isaack Hicks Commissioners
and Allain Jarret Surveyor of the Province of New
York That They the sd Commissioners and Surveyor
in Conjunction with the Commissioners & Surveyor
or Surveyors appointed or to be appointed upon the
Part and Behalf of the Province of New Jersey that
they carefully & Diligently Inspect and Survey all such
of the Streams of Water that Form the River Dela-
1 These gentlemen were appointed Commissioners. &c in pursuance of the Act
for running and ascertaining the Division line at a meeting of the Council, held at
Perth Amboy, March 28th, 1719 at which there were present Gov. Robert Hunter,
Thomas Gordon, John Anderson, John Hamilton, David Lyell, John Parker, Jolin
Wills and John Johnstone.— Ed.
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. :59o
ware, which they the said Commissioners or the Sur-
veyor or Surveyors may Esteem necessary to be In-
spected or Surveyed in Order to find out & Determine
which of the Streams is the Northermost Branch of
Delaware River and that then when such Branch is so
Discovered that the Surveyor or Surveyors according
to the best of their Knowledge & Understanding Dis-
cover and find out that Place of the said Norther-
most Branch of Delaware River that Lyes in the Lati-
tude of forty one Degrees and forty Minutes which is
the North Partition Point of New York and New Jer-
sey And for the better Preserving & Perpetuating the
Knowledge of the said Partition Point, the said Com-
missioners and Surveyors by the said Letters Patents are
Required to Take Notice of the most Remarkable & Con-
spicuous Places near to the said North Partition Point,
whether they be Rocks, Hills, Gullys, Ponds, Runs or
Streams of Water and Observe upon what Course and
Distance such Remarkable Places Bear from the said
North Partition Point all which the said Commission-
ers are Required by the said Letters Pattents Distinct-
ly to Certify under their hands and Seals unto the
Governour or Commander in Chief of the said Prov-
ince of New York to be filed & Recorded in the Secre-
tary's Office of the sd Province of New York All
which by the said Letters Pattents bearing date the
first day of May in the fifth Year of his said Majesty's
Reign and in the Year of Our Lord One thousand
Seven hundred and Nineteen and remaining upon the
Records of the said Province of New York may more
fully and at Large appear And Whereas his said
Majesty by other Letters Pattent under the Great Seal
of the Province of New Jersey Did Commissionate
Authorize and Appoint the said John Johnston and
George Willocks Commissioners for the Eastern Divi-
sion of the said Province of New Jersey, Joseph Kirk-
bride and John Reading Commissioners for the Western
396 ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1719
Division of New Jersey and James Alexander Survey-
or General of both Divisions of the Province of New
Jersey aforesaid in Conjunction with the Commission-
ers and Surveyor or Surveyors Appointed or to be Ap-
pointed upon the Part and Behalf of the said Province
of New York That They the said Commissioners and
Surveyors carefully and Diligently Inspect and Survey
all or such of the Streams of Water that Formes the
said River of Delaware which They the said Commis-
sioners or Surveyor or Surveyors may Esteem neces-
sary to be Inspected or Surveyed in Order to find out
and Determine which of the Streams of Water is the
North ermost Branch of the said River and that then
when such Branch is so Discovered that the said Sur-
veyor or Surveyors carefully according to the best of
their Knowledge & Understanding Discover and find
out that Place of the said Northermost Branch of Dela
ware River that Lies in the. Latitude of forty one De-
grees & forty Minutes which is the North Partition
Point of New Jersey aforesaid, and the Point as well
of the Line of Partition or Division between the East-
ern & Western Divisions as that Place where the
Line of Partition or Division between New York and
New Jersey Terminates, and for the better Per-
petuating and Preserving the Knowledge of the
said North Partition Point, the said Commissioners Ov:
Surveyor for the Province of New Jersey are Required
by the said Letters Pattent to Take Notice of the most
remarkable & Conspicuous Places near to the said
North Partition Point whether they be Rocks, Hills.
Gullys, Ponds, Runs or Streams of Water & Observe
on what Courses and Distances such remarkable
Places bears from the said North Partition Point — All
which the said Commissioners and Surveyor are further
Required as aforesaid Distinctly to Certify under their
hands & Seals unto the Governor or Commander in
Chief of the Province of New Jersey aforesaid to be
1719] ADMINISTRATION' OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 397
filed and Recorded in the Secretary's office thereof,
All which by the said Last Recited Letters Pattents
bearing date the Last day of March in the fifth Year of
His said Majesty's Reign in the Year of Our Lord One
thousand Seven hundred & Nineteen and Remaining
upon the Publick Records of the said Province of New-
Jersey may fully and at Larg appear Now this In-
denture WITNESSETH That the said Commissioners
and Surveyors as well upon the Part and Behalf of the
Province of New York as upon the Part and Behalf of
the Province of New Jersey in Pursuance of the Trust
Reposed in Them by the Several and above Recited
Letters Pattents under the Great Seals of the Respec-
tive Provinces of New York and New Jersey, having
Carefully and Diligently Inspected and Inform'd them-
selves which of the Several and Respective Branches
of said River of Delaware is the Northermost Branch
thereof Do find And therefore by these Presents Do
Certify and Declare That That Stream or River
which is Commonly Call'd or known by the Name of
the Fish kill is the Northermost Branch of the said
River Delaware And further That They the said Com-
missioners and Surveyors according to the best of their
Knowledge and Information Do Esteem and believe
the said Fishkill to be the biggest and Chief est Stream
that Forms the said River Delaware, And Whereas
the said Allain Jarrett and James Alexander haveing
taken Repeated observations as well nigh Adjoining to
the said Fishkill or the Northermost Branch of Dela-
ware River as in sundry other Places in Order to Dis-
cover that place of said Northermost Branch that Lies
in the Latitude of forty one Degrees and forty Minutes
And that they the said Surveyors according to the
best of their Skill and Understanding haveing Discov-
ered the same to be upon that Place of the said Fish-
kill or Northermost Branch of Delaware after men-
tion'd Therefore they the said Commissioners and Sur-
39& ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. [1719
veyors Doe Certify by these Presents To all whom it
may Concern That the North Partition or Devision
Point upon the Northermost Branch of the River Del-
aware between the Provinces of New York and New
Jersey (which Likewise is the North Partition Point
between the Eastern and Western Divisions of New
Jersey) the Latitude of forty one Degrees and forty
Minutes upon the East side of the said Fishkill Branch
is upon the Low Land in the Indian Toim CalPd Cos-
heghtonk which Indian Town is distant from Thomas
Swartwoots House at a Place known by the name of
Pinpeck near to Machackemack River, twenty nine
Miles and a Quarter, upon a Streight Course North
forty four Degrees twenty Minutes West by the Mag-
neticall Position, or a Course North Fifty-two Degrees
twenty Minutes West by the true Position From John
Decker's House at the Place CalPd Titendah by said
Machackemack River about Twenty nine Miles and
three Quarters upon a Course North thirty five De-
grees West by the Magnetical Position or upon a Course
North forty three Degrees West by the true Position
and upon the Several Courses by the Indian Path from
said John Deckers about thirty five miles and a half
Which Point of Intersection of the Latitude of forty
one Degrees and forty Minutes upon the said Fishkill
or Northermost Branch of the River Delaware is Dis-
tant thirty Eight Chains (Reckoning four Perches to a
Chain) from the Mouth of a Brook known by the In-
dian Name of Lamachanock and at all times Comeing
to be Call'd or known by the Name of Station Brook
(which Falls from the Hills at the Entering in of the
Indian Path to the said Town Cashiegtonk) upon a
Course Nearly North five Degrees forty five Minutes
West by the Magnetical Position and upon a Course
North thirteen Degrees forty five Minutes West by the
true Position Which Point of Intersection is ninety
nine Chains and a half Reckoning four Perches to a
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR HUNTER. 399
Chain from a Large Stone or Rock the Greatest Length
of its Superficies being about Eleven Foot and three
Inches and its broadest Part about Seven Foot three
Inches Lying partly in and partly out of the Water
upon the Bank of the said Branch called Fishkill upon
a Course South Ten Degrees forty five Minutes East by
the true Position, which Stone is markt with the Let-
ter M And is one hundred and thirty Seven Chains
Distant from the Mouth of the said Brook upon a
Course North Seventy Eight Degrees forty Minutes
East by the true Position at which Stone or Rock the
Low Land Ends and the hills Gome Close to the said
Branch or River Fishkill, the Courses and Situation of
the said Brook and of the said River and Hills from
the said Brook to the Stone aforesaid will better Ap-
pear by the Draught to these presents Annexed. In
Testimony whereof the said Parties to these Inden-
tures have Putt their hands and Seals the Day and
Year first above mentioned —
R. Walter [l. s. j John Johnston [l.s.]
Joseph Kirkbride [l.s.] Isaac Hicks [l.s.
Geo: Willocks [l.s.] Jn° Reading [l.s.]
Allane Jarratt [l.s. ] Ja: Alexander1 [l.s.]
in Behalf of the Eastern & Western Divisions of New
Jersey
Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of James Steel
John Harrison.
was of distinguished
Scotch parentage,
' and before coming
to America was re-
cognized as the presumptive heir to the title of Earl of Sterling. At an early age
he had acquired a good education and was especially proficient in mathematics;
fitting him for the duties of an officer in the Engineer Corps of the Pretender,
with whose cause he became to such an extent identified that, on its abandonment
in 1715. he thought it advisable to seek for personal safety in America, and sailed
for New York in May of that year, being then twenty -four years of age. What
introductions he brought with him other than authority from some of the
the proprietors of East Jersey to look after their interests in the province, or to
400 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
Proclamation about the Neglect of the Assessors of
some counties in New Jersey.
I From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II. D. 101.]
By the Honoueable
Lewis Morris, Esq; President of His Majesty's
Council for the Province of New-Jersey
and the Territories depending thereon in
America, &c.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas by an Act of the General Assembly of this
Province; entituled, An Act for the Support of the
whose influence he was indebted for his advancement is not known, but soon after
his arrival he received the appointment of Deputy Secretary of the Province of
New York. Robert Hunter, then Governor of both New York and New Jersey,
having been himself born in Scotland, it is presumed that fact, and young Alex-
ander's affiliations and attainments, tended to facilitate the formation of the
friendship which soon sprang up between the two. Alexander's appointment as
Deputy Secretary which was received in 1715, brought him into association with
the prominent men of the time, made him familiar with the condition ot public
affairs, and strengthened the foundation for his future successful career. The
time not required for his official duties was devoted to the study of the law,
and his evidently rapid advancement therein is an indication, not only of his
industry but also of previous acquisitions in that direction. He became early
identified with the settlement of the boundary between New York and New
Jersey and subsequently became Surveyor General of both provinces. In July,
1721, he was appointed Attorney General of New York and filled the position until
March, 1733, in which year he was made Naval Officer, a position which was resigned
in 1735. In 1731 he was called to the Council of New York on the recommendation
of Governor Burnet— into whose confidence he seems to have been soon taken, at the
suggestion, probably, of Governor Hunter— and filled that important position for
several periods thereafter. As his acquaintance with several of the proprietors of
New Jersey brought him into close connection with that province, he naturally be-
came interested in the soil and soon was appointed one of the Council of that
province also, succeeding Thomas Gordon He is represented by those who
knew him, says Smith in his History of New York, as " a gentleman emi-
nent in the law and equally distinguished for his humanity, generosity, great
abilities and honorable stations." With the exception of William Cosby, tho
Governors of the provinces of New York and New Jersey recognized in Mr.
Alexander an able and willing supporter. It is to be regretted that no biography
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 401
Government of his Majesties Province of New- Jersey, '
for two years, to Commence from the 23d of Septem-
ber last past, and to end the 23d of September LY20.
several Arrearages of Taxes, therein mentioned, are
directed to be assessed and levyed on the Inhabitants
of the several Counties of this Province, in order to
take up and sink several Bills of Credit formerly made
current in this Province, and now remaining in the
hands of many Persons; Which nevertheless has been
neglected to be done in the Counties of Burlington and
Hunterdon; the Assessors of the said Counties being
prevailed upon, by the Arts of ill- Disposed Persons to
neglect their Duty in Assessing the same, under Colour
of some Clauses in the Act before mentioned, which
directs Inquiries to be made of Stuns of Money sup-
posed formerly to be paid, and have presumed to make
such Constructions of the said Clauses, as will Elude
and utterly Defeat the good Intentions of the Legisla-
ture in Enacting the same. And whereas I am in-
duced to beleive, the Neglect of the said Assessors has
of him has been written. There are abundant materials to be obtained, as he was
closely connected with the public affairs of both New York and New Jersey, as the
conteuts of these volumes clearly show, and the many original documents pre-
served by him, to which access may be had, illustrate his eminent ability and
moral worth. Mr. Alexander married in 1725 the widow of Samuel Provost, a mer-
chant of New York, and for some years Mrs. Alexander carried on a dry -goods
business in that city, her establishment being resorted to by the gentry generally
of the surrounding country. Mr. Alexander had one son, William, who is known
in American history as Lord Sterling and held a commission of Major General in
the army of the United States, during the Revolution. Of Mr. Alexander's four
daughters, Mary married Peter Van Brugh Livingston; Elizabeth, John Stevens;
Catherine, Walter Rutherfurd; and Susannah, John Reid. Mr. Alexander died
April 2d, 175G. in the 65th year of his age. He was one of the founders (with Dr.
Frankliiv and others) of the American Philosophical Society. His scientific attain-
ments were manifested in the manner of his conducting the various matters
which required his attention as Surveyor General of New York and New Jersey,
and he kept up a correspondence with Halley, the Astronomer Royal at Greenwich,
and other learned scientists in different parts of Europe. See Smith's History of
New York— Duer's Life of Lord Sterling— New York Col. Docts., Vol.V. p..982, note.
■New Jersey Hist. Society Library.— Rutherfurd Collection of MSS., &c— Ed.
1 Governor Hunter left for England about July 10th, 1719, and arrived there in
October, being detained at Plymouth several days by bad weather. Lewis Morris
became clothed with the chief authority in the Province as President of the Coun-
cil.—Ed.
2G
402
ADMINISTRATION" OP PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
proceeded rather from their Weakness, and has been
an Error of their Judgement, and not any Depravity
of their Nature or 111 Affection to the Government I
have, by the Advice of his Majestys Council for this
Province, thought fit to Suspend any Prosecution of
them and to direct them to Assess the said Arrearages
on or before the Fifteenth of September next, in order
that .they may as speedily as possible, be Collected and
Paid, that the Publick Credit of the Government may
be Supported, and private Persons who have advanced
their Money, depending on it, may not be Sufferers.
Hereby declaring, That if the said Assessors, or any
else concerned, shall hereafter Neglect the Perform-
ance of their Duty, That they shall be Proceeded
against with the utmost Severity of Law
And Whereas by the said Act Colour is given to
suppose That there may be Money Concealed in the
hands of several Persons, which has been formerly
Collected and Paid for the publick Taxes, in the said
Act mentioned, I Have therefore thought fit, by and
with the Advice of his Majesties Council for this Prov-
ince, strictly to Require, Charge and Command ""the
Treasurer of the Western -Division of this Province
us Majesty's Attorney General, Judges and Justices in
the said Counties of Burlington and Hunterdon to
make Strict and Diligent Inquiry, and use their utmost
Endeavours by proper and Legal Means to Discover
the said Concealments (If any such there be) that they
T^ u k CrerGd aild Appl^ed as the Law Directs
And all his Majesty's Loving Subjects inhabiting the
said Counties or else- where in this Province? are
hereby Required to give what Information they can to
his Majesty's Attorney General, or to the Treasurer o
the Western Division of this Province, of all or any
such Concealments, (If any such they know) that they
may be Recovered and Applyed according to the True
Meaning and Intention of the Law.
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 403
Given Under my Hand and Seal at Perth- Amboy
the 22th Day of August, in the sixth year of His
Majesty's Reign, Annoq; Domini 1719.
L. Morris.
By his Honour's Command,
John Barclay, D. Secry.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
Petition of Allane Jarratt, Surveyor of New York, to
the Council there, relating to the Partition
Line between that Province and New Jersey, with
the Committee 's Report thereon.
[From P. R. O B. T., New Jersey. Vol. n, D 99.]
To the Hon Peter Schuyler Esq. President &
the other Gentlemen of the Councill of the
Province of New York
The Humble Petition of Allane Jarratt
Humbly Sheweth
That whereas yor Petionr having been Appointed by
his Excellency Rob1 Hunter Esq by Letters Patent
under the Great Seal Surveyor for the Province of
New York and thereby Commissionated with full
power and Authority in Conjunction with the Sur-
veyor of the Provinces of New Jerseys, Carefully and
Dilligently According to the best of their Skill and
Understanding Discover and find out that place upon
the Northermost Branch of Delaware River that Lies
in the Latitude of forty one Degrees and forty Minutes
and that to be the North Partition Point of the Prov-
ince of New York and New Jersey, As also Carefully
404 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [17V3
According to their Skill and Understanding Discover
and find out as near as may be that place on the West
side of Hudsons Eiver that Lies in the Latitude of
forty one Degrees which shall be the furthest place of
the Province of New Jersey Bounded by Hudsons
Eiver. And then in Conjunction with the Commis-
sioners of both provinces to Run a Direct Line from
across Two Stations (when Determined) to be the par-
tition Line between the Two Provinces.
Now yor Petition' pursuant to the Great trust Re-
posed in him in behalf of the Province of New York
by the said Commission has in Conjunction with the
Commissioners of both provinces and the Surveyor
Generall of the New Jerseys proceeded from New
York to Mahacamack and from thence in Conjunction
with the Surveyor Generall of the Jerseys up the Fysh
Kill to the Latitude of forty one Degrees forty Minutes
Observed in July last by a Brass Quadrant of about
Twenty Two Inches or thereabouts Radius and the
Latitude last mentioned determined and adjusted in
this Manner after four Repeated observations with the
Plumett, at each End of the Quadrant found them not
to Differ from each other above half a Minute or there-
abouts the Difference being so Small the Latitude was
Adjusted by a Mean between the differences of the
said Observations As also Allowing the Obliquity of
the Ecliptick to be by a Mean between 23? 30! & 23° 291
as may more fully appear by a Journal ready to be
produced and a Triparty Indenture Executed by the
Several! persons Concerned for Confirming the Same
From thence yor Petition' in Conjunction with the
Surveyor General of the Provinces of New Jerseys
proceeded to Madam Corbetts as they Adjudged that
place to be nigh the Station on Hudsons River made
Sundry Observations the Last Month in Order to De-
termine and Adjust the Latitude of Forty One Degrees
1719] ADMINISTRATION OP PRESIDENT MORRIS. 405
with the aforesaid Quadrant more Carefully and Dilli-
gently (having the Advantage of a Good Sun and Clear
Weather) then the former they had up at the other
Station. The first of which observations with a
Plumet at the End of the Quadrant (as it was in all
the Observations at the former Station) made this Sta-
tion to Fall near Two Minutes to the Northward of the
place of Observation or near Taphan Creek, the Last
of which Observations with the plumett about the
Middle or Two Thirds of the Quadrant made the Station
fall between Two or Three Minutes to the Southward
of the place of Observation or near opposite to the
Jonkers Mills as has formerly been Reputed to be near
the Station.
Yo'' Petition'. Conceiving a Great Difficulty to Decide
the true Latitude of Forty One Degrees in so Wide
Differences of Observations by so Small an Instrument
upon the Same place and not Daring to Reive on his
own Judgment in so Weighty an Affair that so highly
Concerns the Case of this provinces for Taphen and
Sundry other Gentlemens Estates bordering on the
above Mentioned partition or Division Line Requireing
a Larger Instrument and the most Exquisite Exact-
ness and Niceness to Determine And Also to Vindicate
himself from all future Reproaches and Aspertions of
being Bribed or Byast therein; could have no other
Recourse then Laying this Matter before the Wisdom
of this province, And at this time being prest upon by
the Commissioners for Discharging and Executing
this great trust Reposed in him and having Given
Security for the performance of the Same and Making-
Matter of Conscience how to Come at the Exact truth
by such an Instrument that Discovers such a differ-
ence in these Observations Humbly prays that this
Honourable Board would take it into Consideration
and give yo! Petition1 such Instructions to Direct his
406 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
Judgment in this Affair as Seem most proper to your
Great Wisdoms
And yor petition' as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray &c
Mmam
[September 1719]
Councills report on Jarrats Petic'on
May it please Yor- Honour
In Obedience of your Honours order in Council of
this Day Referring to us the annexed Petition of
Allane Jarratt, We have in presence of M'. Alexander
Surveyor General of the Province of New Jersey and
D!' Johnston one of the Commissioners for the said
Province fully Examined the Pet!' upon the Severall
Particulars Sett forth in his Said Petition, and before
Wee proceed to Declare our Opinion thereon, Wee
take leave to Report that the matter of fact appeared
to us in the following manner, to witt, That by a fair
Journall produced to us by the Pet!' of the Several
Observations taken at the Fish Kill & at Mad'" Corbets,
the Observations taken near the midle of the Quadrant
made use of in that Service Differed from those taken
at the Ends upwards of four minutes. That this dis-
covery was not made untill they Observed at Mad™
Corbetts and that the Pet" thereupon Imediately
declared to the said Mr Alexander in the presence of
Severall people then on the Spot he could neither
Rectify the wide Errors of the Instrument nor take
upon him to fix the Station by it the same varying So
much in itself.
That notwithstanding the methods proposed by Mr
. 1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 407
Alexander for Correcting the Said Errors the Pet!' De-
clared he could not adventure to Settle a Lattitude that
could be Depended upon by that Quadrant.
That he being by Repeated Questions put to him in
all the Various ways We then could think of askt
Whether he could not find means to proceed with that
Instrument for fixing an Exact Lattitude, he Still De-
clared that he could not take upon him to Doe it by
this Instrument for the Reasons above mentioned But
that in Case one of five or Six Foot Radius could be
procured, Certifyed by able and Skillfull Mathemati-
ciants from Great Britain to be true and Correct, he
would then be ready to ascertaine the Station accord-
ing to his best Skill and that the Observations whereby
the Lattitude was Settled upon the Fish Kill were
taken at the Ends of the Quadrant and the Errors and
Defects thereof not being Discovered at that time he
affirmed that the Said North Partition Station upon
the Fish Kill is wrong and Erroneous Notwithstanding
the Tripartice Indenture mentioned in the Said Peti-
tion to be Executed thereupon that occasion.
Upon the whole matter as the Petr was made Choice
of for this Service as the best and Ablest Mathema-
tician of this Province and he having not only by the
Declarations in his Petition but by his Repeated As-
surances before us of the Defect of the Instrument
and also his Declaring the methods proposed by M"
Alexander for Correcting them were not Satisfactory
to him and the matter being of Such Importance that
it Requires not only the best of Instruments but the
Nicest Skill and Exactness to Settle, Wee cannot
advise your Honoure to order the said Surveyor to
proceed and fix the Said Lattitude by this Instrument,
but Rather that he Should be Directed to Sett forth
and Certifie by Some Instrument under his Hand and
Seal that the Station pretended to be fixt at the Fish
Kill is wrong and Erroneous to the End this Province
408 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. | 1 H.9
may not at any time hereafter receive any Prejudice
by the aforesaid Tripartite Indenture Executed there
by the Surveyors and Commissioners on both Sides
before the Defects and Errors of the Quadrant by
which that Station was fixt were Detected and that all
further proceedings ought to be Staid untill a Correct
and Large Instrument be procured for Settling the Said
Stations, all which is Nevertheless humbly Submitted
by. Your Honours Most Obed1 Servants
A Depeyster
New York Sept. the 24* 1719. Gerard: Beekman
Rip Van Dam1
John Barbarie
D Philipse
Memorial of the Proprietors of New Jersey to Coll:
Morris President of the Council there — relating to
the Survey of the Boundaries between that Prov-
ince and New York.
[From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. II, D 100.1
To the Honourable Lewis Morris Esqr President
of His Majesties Councill for the Province
of New Jersey in Councill.
The Humble Memoriall of the Proprietors of
^C^fu fo^J^a^n/
was a prominent
merchant of New
York, identified with
many important
events in the history
of the city, and fill-
ing, during a long
life, many eminent positions and becoming thereby involved in several severe
controversies. He became one of the Council under Lord Cornbury. and continued
an active member of the Board during subsequent administrations, and being
senior councillor, on the death of Gov. Montgomerie assumed the government of
the Province as President of the Council. He was superseded by the arrival of
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 409
the Eastern and Western Division of said
Province of New Jersey.
| October the 12th 1719]
Most Humbly.
sets forth, that they have considered the Petition of
Jarrat & others to the President & Councill of New
York, And are very much surprized to find that the
Persons now concerned In that Government, should
put A stop to the Riming & Ascertaining the Line of
Division & Partition betwixt that & this Province,
upon the groundless, weak and untrue Suggestions of
the Petitioner, And the Visionary Whim & Cant of
the Surveyor, After the same had been directed to be
done by the Legislature of both Provinces, And
Commissioners had been Appoynted under the Great
Seale of Each of them for that purpose, And had
made (At a very Great Expence) so considerable A
Progress.
They begin with setting forth that the Dukes Grant
being made In the year 1680 The Tables then In use
ought to be the Rule of setling the Latitude, And that
by those Tables, the obliquity of the Cliptick was uni-
versally Allowed to be 23: 30 n)ts
1st If that way of reasoning be conclusive they
should have mentioned the Grant in the year 106-1.
(there being no such Grant In the Year 1680. that we
know of) and the Tables then In use, for If the Lati-
tude mentioned In a Grant In the year 1(364 might be
Ascertained by Tables In use In the year 1680. they
Gov. Cosby, and subsequent difficulties with that official caused his dismissal from
the Council, and his age and impaired energies preveuted his restoration, although
earnestly tried for. He died on the 10th of June, 1749, at a very advanced age. He
was born in Albany, and married Sara Van der Spiegle in New York on September
14th, 1684. It is said they had fifteen children. Three daughters married into
families that were the original stock of the Livingstons and other distinguished
men of New York. See New York Colonial Documents -New Jersey Historical So-
ciety Collections. Vol. IV.— Mrs. Lamb's History of New York. &c— Ed.
410 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
might As well be settled by any Subsequent Tables If
they were Right, the truth of Tables, and not the Hy -
pothesis on which they are made, or the time of
making them, being to be considered In a case of this
Nafcue, when that Grant was made by the Duke, It
was upon a certain knowledge, that there was A Place
In Hudsons River in the Latitude of 4:1 f8; and an other
on Delaware In the Latitude of 41d & 40 m:it9 and the
Province of New- Jersey was by that Grant Intended
to Extend so farr North as these Latitudes really were
And the best and most proper means for the discovery
of them were to be made use of without Regard to this
or that Table.
2cl'.y The Authors of some of the Tables in the year
1680. might be of Opinion that the Obliquity of the
Ecliptick was 23: & 30. and we Suppose Calculated
their Tables of the Suns declination Accordingly; but
it is the Tables of the Suns Place, that can only be
made use of In this case, and these Tables have no
concerne with the Obliquity of the Ecliptick, whether
made by those Authors or any Else.
3tUy That the Obliquity of the Ecliptick was In the
year 1680. universally Allowed to be 23: & 30: is A
Position that (with All Due Defference to the Creditt
& Knowledge of the Petitioners Informers) we think
is not true; for Mr Flamstead long before found it to
be 23: & 29: and About the year 1680 publisht his doc-
trine of the Sphere and through that book uses 23: &
29. as the Greatest obliquity, and so Its used by Si'
Isaac Newton In his Theory of the Moon, this was In
England by two as Good Mathematicians as any In
Europe In France Monsr Tehire one of the Royall Ac-
camedy of Paris by observations of the Sun near the
Zeaneth and out of All danger of Refractions of any
considerations found it before that time to be 23: &
29: and about that time and since It has been Gener-
ally Allowed to be so.
1710] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 411
4.thiy With all Due Deference as before, we have
reason to think, that the Tables the Petitioners men-
tion was not In use In the year 1680. but decry ed, and
that the opinions of Flamstead Newton and the most
Celebrated Mathematicians of the Obliquity of the
Ecliptick being 23: & 29: obtain'd at that time, And If
we may use the method of the Petitioners to speak by
Information, and Reserve to ourselves the liberty of
Altering and Amending, we are Informed that In the
year 1682. (At the End of which the Duks Grant of
Confirmation to the Proprietors Past) the Tables then
In use were calculated According to the Obliquity of
the Ecliptick At 23: it 29: and then According to what
themselves have advanc't these Tables ought to be the
Rule of Setling the Latitude.
5t":,y Admitting the Obliquity of the Ecliptick to be
23 & 30: or what Greater Number of Degrees the Pe-
titioners Please, the Advantage or dissadvautage to
them would not arise from that Obliquity; but from
the time of the year In which the observations were
made, And had they been made during the time of the
Suns declention to the Southern Tropick, the Petition-
ers would have complained, and According to their
happy way of reasoning, Inferred, that it was In-
tended by the Dukes Grant that the observantions
should be made After the Sun had Past the Vernall
Equinox, and before Its returne to the Autumnall. be-
cause that Grant Past the 14lh of march, some small
time After the Sun had Past the Vernall Equinox.
gtwy rp^le 0kiiqUity of the Ecliptick, Refraction of
Rays aud things of that Kind were proper Subjects
of debate between the Commissioners and Surveyors
of each Province (to whom the discovery of the Places
of Latitude were Intrusted) In order to use such
methods as they should Agree to be Most Just and
Effectuall for the obtaining of that End, And Accord-
ingly such debates were, and by Agreement between
them.
41 'I ADMINISTRATION" OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [171 ^
The obliquity was settled to be A meane between 23:
& 29: and 23: & 30: and pursuant to that Agreement
the observations made and the Station setled though
something to the disadvantage of your Honours Me-
morialists, the true Obliquity being 23: & 29: which
Jarrat cannot chuse but Know, and that the consent of
our Surveyor to any Addition to it was In Compliance
with Jarrats Capriciousness and to promote the Setle-
ment and discovery of those Latitudes, and the Line
of Partition by the Legislature and All Impartiall of
both Provinces, so Earnestly desired, and not from
any beleef e or Knowledge he had, that such an Addi-
tion was Just, and After those matters have been dis-
cuss't and Agreed upon, and the Station Setled, we
hope it will not be In the Power of A few dissatisfied
Persons by Clamour and Noyse without reason or
Common sence to defeat is done In so Solemn A man-
ner and Prevent what ought to be done In pursuance
of their Oaths And Commissions.
The Petitioners second reason for what they call
their Just Apprehensions that A Due and Equall Re-
gard has not been had &c: is that by A Draft made by
George Keith Surveyor of the Jersies, the Norther-
most Branch of Delaware River is laid 25 Miles to the
westward of the msh Kills.
P.1 We deny that by any Map of George Keith, any
Branch to the westward of the msh Kill is laid downe
as the Northermost Branch of Delaware River, there
is A Map made by Philip Wells, Surveyor of New
York, which is calFd George Keiths, that lays downe
A Branch to the Westward of the msh Kill; but does
not determine whether that or the ffish Kill is the
Northermost Branch.
2d?y If there was or is any such Map made by George
Keith as they say, we can't see what can be InferrYl
from, thence, other then that the maker of such Map
was made beleeve there was such A Branch; but will
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. L13
no more prove there was such A Branch In reality, or
any unf aire proceeding as is suggested, then A Map
(of which there are severall) that lays downe A Large
River Riming from Hudsons River, Into Hakingsack
River making that part of Jersie, that borders on Hud-
sons River an Island, will prove that there is in reality
any such River or Island as there laid downe, nor
will either of these mistakes prove any unfaireness or
Partiality of Proceeding, had there Indeed been such
A River as is said to be laid downe by Keith, and had
that River been the Northermost Branch of Delaware,
and the Commissioners & Surveyors had fix't the Sta-
tion 25 Miles East of it there had been Just reason of
Complaint; but to Inferran unfaireness of Proceeding
because A Certaine Person laid down A River In A
Map (which has no being In Rerum Natura) is such A
way of reasoning as can have no weight with any men
of Common sence not very much Predisposed In the
Petitioners favour.
3<uy we begg leave to Informe your Honour, that If
there had been any such River as is Suggested to be
laid downe In the Map, the Proprietors of the Eastern
Devision, and the Commissioners of the Jersey side,
would not have fail'd to have found it out and fix't the
Station upon it, It being very much their Interest to
have it so, A Station so fix't giving to the Eastern
Devision of Jersey above 3< >< II M > acres of Land which is
worth more then so many Pounds, whereas the low
Land supposed to be Acquired by the Station on ffish
Kill, and which the Petitioners by their low and Vile
Reflections Suggest to be the motive of (their Imagi-
nary) unfaire dealing, hardly amounts to 3000 Acres
and that not worth above sixty pounds pr Hundred,
which shews how little ground there is for the unrea-
sonable clamour they are Incouraged to make on that
head.
That In the year 16s6. the Latitude of 41dsrs on Hud-
•414 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
sons River was Ascertained to be Due west from
Phredrick Philips Lower Mills by the Surveyors of
New York and the Jersies by consent of the Respective
Governours of both these Provinces is A very Great
mistake In fact no such thing being to be found Ex-
tant of Record In Either of the Provinces, Indeed
Philip Wells Surveyor of the Province of New York
and one Andrew Robeson Surveyor of the Province of
West Jersey, which was then A distinct Province
from East Jersie made some Attempts to fix the Lati-
tude of 41 dfrs on Hudsons River, and made A Report
that they had so done, In which they made use of
Keiths Name In the Body of the writing to give A
collour to their Proceedings; But It was without
Keiths consent, and he never signed it, and the Lati-
tude so Ascertained by them was not as the Petitioners
say due west of the Mills but one minute and 25 Sec-
onds to the North-ward of them; How farr Coll: Ham-
ilton by some unguarded Expressions In any Letter of
his might give occasion to wrest them to A construc-
tion of owning A thing that never was we Know not;
But have no reason to beleeve it on the Creditt of the
Relators, whose many mistakes In matters of fact
gives us good reason to beleeve they are misinformed
In this, and It seems very odd that the Petitioners for
so considerable A fact as the Agreements of Gover-
nours of Provinces concerning the settlement of Lines
of Partition between them could produce No better
Proofe than an Accidentall Expression In A Letter
wrote seaven years Afterwards, besides should It be
true, that Coll: Hamilton did owne what never was,
we can't think the Proprietors are to be concluded by
his mistaken Sentiments, having had no Authority
from any of them to make any such Acknowledge-
ment, and If the Expressions of A Letter can be made
use of to conclude the Proprietors In an Affaire of
that consequence, will not Coll: Dungans taking out A
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 415
Pattent from the Province of New Jersey (at the time
he was Governour of New York) for the Lands he held
In Staten Island with an Eqnall Parity of reason con-
clude the Crowne as to that Island, this was an owning
upon Record, and an owning with A witness.
Though we think that neither of those ownings will
conclude the Crowne, or the Proprietors, yet we begg
leave to mention one that (as we Humbly coneive) In
Law and Justice ought to coclude both; and that is
the Solemn Agreement made between Coll: Thomas
Dungan when Governour of New York, and Gaun
Lawrie Esq- Governour of East New-Jersey In the
year 1684. who Agreed and Ascertained the Latitude
of 41 d?,s on Hudsons River, to be at the mouth of
Tappan Creek In the meadows where it runs Into
Hudsons River, this was An Agreement not to be
charged with Partiality, Craft or practice, both the
Governours, with the Councill of Each Province, or
the Greatest part of them, and severall Gentlemen of
figure of both Provinces went upon the Spot; the most
Eminent Lawyers of both Provinces, attended to
Advise In case any difficulty should arise In construe •
tion of the words of the Dukes Grant, The Surveyors
of Each Province were there who understood Astro-
nomicall observations, and were men skillfull In their
Professions; there were others of both Provinces very
Able In Mathematical! Learning; the observations
they made were done with Instruments of six foot
Radius two of which they had nicely Graduated; the
observations often Repeated In the Presence of both
the Governours; Councill, and Persons there Attend-
ing: so that All Pretence and Collour of fraud was
taken away.
The Latitude fix't with the Nicest Exactness In that
Great Presence, and Agreed to by the Persons con-
cern'd, and is Extant of Record In this Province As
(we suppose) it is In that, this is an owning we con-
416 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1710
ceive to be conclusive, and we Humbly hope His
Majesties Goodness and Justice will Induce him to
continue what was done In so Publique and Solemn a
manner nothing so free from All objection, being to be
hoped for from A second Essay, however we are not
without some hopes, the Justice and Prudence of the
Government of New York In Enforcing A Compliance
with the directions and Intentions of the Legislature,
will make Applications to His Majestie needless on
this head, and prevent these measures we shall other-
wise be under the Necessity of taking, and the Justice
of our cause will warrant.
What the Petitioners say with Eespect to the
Naming of Commissioners by the Governour, not
duely Elected, is an Arraignment of his Conduct, and
an Accusing him of Partiality in that Affaire; but
with how much Justice, may Appeare from the Min-
utes of the Councill booke, by which it is plaine, they
were Appoynted by order of Councill
This is an other Instance what Credit ought to be
given to what they Represent, and shows how willing
and ready they are to sacrifice the Reputation of A
Person, who has deserved much better treatment.
It is very true that John Johnston and George Wil-
locks are Proprietors of East Jersey, and the Province
of New- York could not be hurt by them, It being much
more their Interest to have the North Partition poynt
(as is before hinted) fix't where the Petitioners have
Placed their Imaginary River, then auy of the Peti-
tioners or All of them put together, and that the Com-
missioners tooke up Lands on the borders of this
Province, while this matter was In Agitation or some
years before, is a mistake, and the Petitioners have
been very much misinformed As they have been In All
the following Articles.
That there was any obligation on the Surveyor of
New- York to Grant the bond mentioned is an other
mistake, for the same was his owne voluntary offer,
1719]. ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 417
and made for this reason, A Little Time After his
being Appoynted, and After the Commissioners had
gott warrants to receive £120 .. — .. — they were for*
Agreeing with him for twenty shillings pr day, cer-
taine, which he would not accept; but said he would
be upon the same footing with the Commissioners, to
have the third of the £300 . . — . . — Appropriated for
that purpose, and they having gott £60.. — .. — A
Peece already, If the same could be procured to him,
he would give security for the Performance of the
work, or to Kefound the money, and In case of his
death upon the Work, his Executors to retain In their
hands so much as should be satisfaction for the work
he had done, All which was but reasonable, and not
for performance of the Work alone, as is sett forth In
the Petition.
It was not with not seeking for the Right branch
that the Resolution was taking, of observing upon the
ffish Kill, as the Petitioners sett forth; but with very
good reason, for before that Resolution, the Commis-
sioners and Surveyors had Information from many, of
the severall Branches of Delaware, many of whom
were willing to take their Oaths, that there was no
considerable more westerly Branch of Delaware, that
went near so farr North as the ffish kill, but not being
willing to trust to that, John Harrison an East Jersey
Man, and A considerable Proprietor there, and no Pro-
prietor of West Jersey, (and his being so was rather
the best qualification In the World for him to find a
Westerly Branch) was Pitch't upon, and Agreed with,
to go and view All the Branches betwixt Delaware
and Susquehanna River.
And It was no loss to have observed upon the ffish
Kill for If the Latitude had been found there, and no
more Westerly Branch found, there would have needed
no more than to have run A true West Line to that
more Westerly Branch.
27
41S ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
Its an other mistake, that upon Cap* Harrisons
return, his Report was, that there was no Branch to
the westward of the ffish Kill, for In his Report he
gives an Accpt: of several, with Each of their breadths;
but there was not one of these Above 30 foot wide,
whereas the ffish Kill at the Station poynt (which as
they owne is Above 24 Miles further North than the
way Capt: Harrison went) was found by measuring to
be 462: foot over and widens much below that.
As to any Branch that could be betwixt the Place
that Capt Harrison went from & the Station poynt
the River was particularly search't by the Com'ission-
ers themselves, and no considerable Branch they
found, but one of About two chains over at its mouth,
which runs to the West and South, and which even
Capt: Harrison Crost In his way, he being Assured It
was the same from the Information both of Indians
that he mett with, and of the Whiteman that was his
guide, who had gone from that Place where he Crost
it downe In Canoes to the ffish Kill, and besides It is
not Likely that A Branch of two chains over, should
run more Northerly, than one of 8 chains over, and
which is much deeper, and At the same time a very
Swift streame, seeing that the ffish Kills course is
Generally Nor- westerly, and that Branch goes out to
the West & turns to the Southward.
There was not one of the Jersey Commissioners at
Madam Corbitts during the time that the Surveyors
together took any observation there, Its true that Mf
Willocks came According to his Appoyntment with
the other Commissioners, after Capt. Jaratt had taken
observations Enough, and was gone to York, and was
present at some observations made by Mr Alexander
for his owne diversion; but no one observation was
taken by Capt: Jarret or Mr: Alexander after Jarrets
returne.
Its true there was A difference of four Miles in some
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 419
of the observations at Madam Corbits; but from thence
It cannot be Inferr'd that the Instrument is Errone-
ous, for If the Object Glass of the Telescope of the
Instrument be not so Plac'd, or that the axis of the
Glass is coincident with the Rays of the Sun shining
thro' the Telescope, there will be a variance, which to
do Exactly, is beyond the Art of Man to do, but what
ever that differs from the truth may be found out, by
only Inverting the Telescope, and the difference
between that and the former observation halted and
added to the least, and substracted from the greatest
gives the true observation, which every one that is
tolerable vers'd In the Knowledge of Glasses Knows
to be true, and this method was followed at Mahache-
math, and Capt. Jarret Acknowledges this to be the
reason of the variations, but can't conceive whats so
Notoreously Known, And James Alexander does posi-
tively say, that he has observed with All the parts of
that Instrument, and that the meane of the severall
observations at the same Place of the Quadrant with
the Telescope both ways doth not differ one from
another Above one minute and A halfe; What they
say is Evident beyond contradiction, is rediculous In
it selfe, and proves beyond contradiction that the
Petitioners Know nothing of the matter, for the differ-
ence of the Observations between the msh Kills &
Madam Corbitts no more proves that the Partition
poynt is Plac'd foure miles to the North-ward, than it
does that its foure miles to the South- ward.
We presume that the Petitioners don't know the
difference between the Radius and Diameter, for many
of them have seen it, and could never mistake so far
as to call 22 Inches Radius as that Instrument is but
22 Inches Diameter If they did.
As to Arguments offered against the Act we know
not what they are; but If we may depend upon the
Information of those, wdio we beleeveKnow much
420 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
more of that matter then any of the Petitioners, they
are not Esteemed of weight sufficient to answer the
End Intended by them, and are In no Likelihood of
procuring the Repeale of it; And we are Induc't to be-
leeve our Information, not only from the Nature of
the Act; but from the conduct of the Governour who
would not have Recom'ended the Passing An Act of
the Like Nature to the Assembly of this Province had
he been under the Least doubt of the disapprobation
of that at New- York, nor do we concieve the conse-
quences Attending such Repeale with Respect to this
Affaire can be any other than Refunding Into the
Treasury the money spent on This occasion, for we
Presume the Lines and boundaries of this Government
may be Ascertained, without the consent of that As-
semby, If any Persons will be at the charge of it, and
that your Honour or such Person, as shall be Intrust-
ed with the Government of this Province will be both
willing and Able to protect us in the Enjoyment of
our Civill Rights.
They say that by runing the Line the Petitioners
will be In danger of being Incroach't upon; being In
danger of being Incroach't upon is a reason they should
have blush't at. If they could have made out,
they should be Incroach't on, it might have had some
weight; but surely they never could so farr natter
themselves with the hopes of putting a stop to an Af-
faire of this consequence by their being In danger of
being Incroach't upon: Except they had good Assur-
ances, that say what they would, it should be Effectual,
as we are pretty well Asured they had, and shall be
Represented In its proper time and Place.
The Petitioners cannot say they would be Incroach't
upon If the Line was truely Run; they making no
pretence to Land in Jersie, so that they durst not offer
that; and If it was not truely run, Jersie might be In
danger of being Incroach't upon as well as the Peti-
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 421
tioners, and the Naturall Petition on that head, should
have been, that the utmost care should be taken to run
it truely, and not to put A stop to it.
They make A Flourish of the Justice and Indul-
gence of the Crowne, which we make no question, All
his Majesties good Subjects will at All times feel the
proper and good Effects of According to their demean-
our; but what they mean by Justice & Indulgence
here, is the conduct of the Person Governour of New-
York at that time, and is Quite different from what
they are pleased to call it, and we perswade our selves
to Just and Impartial! men, will Appeare to be what
it really is, to make which Appeare we Humbly Pray
your Honour to recieve the followeing Information,
some Dutch ffarmers wanting Land, pich't upon A
Place calTd Tappan and Apply ed to Coll: Dunganwho
being Informed, the Land they had Pitch't upon lay
mostly in Jersie, Us'd his Endeavour to Alter the Sta-
tion by him so Solemnly Agreed on, and prevail'd on
the Surveyor of New- York and West Jersey to Joyne
In making the Report In the year 1686 mentioned be-
fore to which they could never gett the Surveyor of
East Jersey to Joyne; After or About the time of that
Eeport he Grants the Lands desired to the People of
Tappan for the consideration they made him, which
Lands Lay mostly In the Jersies, and they setled downe
by vertue of these Grants, and by the countenance of
that Governour (who had the Vrs Major) held them
and do so to this day. Some there were who held
Lands by Jersey Rights within this Grant, and these
were forst to comply, and take new ones from that
Government, which he gave for the full Quantity they
held before, but to one of them who held from Jersie
A considerable tract of Land, which would Interfere
with his Grant to Tapan, and who he was loath to
disposess altogether, least it would shake his New-
Settlement, and bring the Validity of his Titles In
422 ADMINISTRATION OF PEESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
question, and thereby lay him under the necessity of
Refunding the money he recieved, he made A Grant
for the whole Land, and both the Pattents of Tappan
& Lockarts Lying In the office together, he ordered a
days Prior date be put to the former, which was not
discovered till long After, and so they hold the Land
to this day, and what disputes, that has occasioned be-
tween Corbitt and Meritt is no Secret.
This giving a way of the Jersie Lands contrary to
the most Solemn Agreements made by himselfe as be-
fore, and In this manner is the so much magnified
Justice and Indulgence, and how farr it deserves those
Epethets may one day be determined.
They come at Last to proposals and offer to be at
half the charge of an Instrument proper and large
Enough to be Approved and Attested to be true and
Exact by Able Artists, and the obliquity Setled &c:
As to the obliquity Enough has been said Already
to shew the weakness of that poore pretence, and
As to the Instrument, they neither tell what In-
strument they meane, by A Proper Instrument,
nor how large is large Enough, nor who these Skill-
full Artists shall be that are to try and Attest it; but
having reserv'd to themselves a Power of Adding,
Altering or Amending, we suppose they'll think that
Reservation gives them an Authority proper & large
Enough to make use of when this (Non such) Instru-
ment arrives to Render it as wholly In-Effectuall for
the purposes of Ascertaining the Station as they have
Endeavoured to do this, for there will be A necessity
of certifying that these are Skillfull Artists, and those
that Certifle them such, will need an other certificate
to Certify their Judgements, that so certifies, and so
on, and Notwithstanding such Certificate of the Cor-
rectness of the Instrument it won't be safe to proceed
upon it till its tryed here and Known to be so, or how
to Correct the Errors of it, In case its' not, And If so
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. £23
such certificate is needless, and with this good Instru-
ment, there may and will differences happen In the
observations, In different parts of the Instrument, and
All that can be said on it (though contest to be true)
will not prove satisfactory to any Person Resolved not
to Proceed and one & one stroke of Cant that he can-
not in Conscience proceed to determine the Latitude;
by that, overthrows the whole Affaire, and puts things
Into the same condition, they are at present, which is
All that we Expect from the Petitioners or their pro-
posals, though we shall be Always Ready to comply
with Sincere, Just and Practicable proposals when
ever they Appeare, from the Petitioners or any Else,
some of which we think to be, that the Commissioners
and Surveyors proceed According to the directions of
the Legislature their oaths and Commissions, till they
finish the work, And If any or All of these will not or
cannot proceed, that some others more willing able
and Knowing be sought out that both can and will;
That the Commissioners and Surveyors of the Prov-
inces concerned In the Station poynt on Delaware
meet, and try to find the defects of the present Instru-
ment (If any such there be) and If they can Amend
them, and Rectify any Error occasioned by them;
That If they think it Impracticable by that Instru-
ment to determine the Latitude, that then they stop
their proceedings till they gett one by which they can;
but that it be not stopt upon the bare whim or Creditt
of any one Visionary among them.
These proposals are what we Humbly concieve to be
Just and reasonable, and what we hope will be com-
ply ed with; but If the opposers of this good work
persist In then Endeavours to defeat and Elude the
good Intent of those Laws, made on that behalfe,
And A stop is put on ye side of New-York, without
the consent of the Rest concerned we become Humble
Supplyants to your Honour that It may be done on the
424 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
part of Jersie, for which we shall be ready and will-
ing to defray the Expence.
As to Capt Jarret his whole conduct while concerned
In that Affaire gave but too visible Indications of his
Attachment to that party whose Endeavours have
been to prevent the Euning of these Lines; so that
little less was Expected from him than is come to
pass, and we referr him to that conscience he seems so
tender of, which will not faile faith-fully to lay be-
fore him the true motives that rjrevail'd upon him to
umke that pretence, and with As Great A Deference
to him as he has to that, take leave to observe that
Tapan Creeke does not lye two minutes to the North-
ward of the Place of observation; we are Informed
hardly one; and that Younkers Mills Lyes about six
Miles to the South- ward of it, as we are Inform'd:
And If so Even this Extreame of between 2: or 3: min-
utes to the South-ward of the Place of observations
cannot reach these Mills; this is a matter he can
Easily determine, If his conscience is not disposed to
contradict his Eyes.
Notwithstanding that Capt Jerrat says there is A
wide variation In the observations to witt of between
4 & : 5 : minutes, yet he is caref ull to avoyd saying that
the Instrument is Erroneous, for he is sencible that
the best Instrument that ever was, may differ twice
that Number of minutes In the observations, And At
the same time be perfectly good (viz1, as good As mans
hands can make it) for it's tenn thousand to one If
the Glass grinder do so grind the object Glass and
center it, and the Instrument maker so Place it In the
Instrument as to make the Axis of the Glass perfectly
coincident, with the Rays of the Sun which If they do
not Exactly (and to say its Exactly is beyond Mans
Art) there must be a Refraction of the Rays which
made Astronomers As particularly Bulialdus upon the
first use of Telscops to such Instruments, say that
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 425
Glasses were not at All fitt for such Instruments
because we could never know whether the Ray came
directly or Refractedly to our Eye, and no doubt they
would have soon been disused, If A method had not
been found out to discover that which since has been,
and which perfectly shews whether A Ray comes
directly or not and (If not) Exactly how much it is
Refracted, and that is by having the Telescope move-
able, so that If by looking throw it one way, you find
your Object of one height, so much as this is too high
or too low, you can find out, by turning the opposite
side of your Telescope uppermost, and looking againe
to the Object, now so much as the Object Appeared
too low the first way, so much must It Appeare too
high this way et. E. contra, and of consequence the
difference betwixt the two Altitudes, is twice the
Error, which halted and Added to the least, and Sub-
stracted from the Greatest will give the true Altitude,
as well as If the Rays had come directly to the Eye.
Now Capt Jarrat is sensible that this is the cause of
the variation of the observations, and has owned that,
that method of correcting, which is so plaine In it
selfe, and which Every one that has any Tolerable
Knowledge In Glasses Knows to be perfectly true, is
true In Theory, and to be used In Astronomy for ones
owne private satisfaction; but thinks its not to be put
In practice In this age, not because it will not do, and
discover truly the Latitude sought, as If it was per-
fectly Correct; but because he is Pleased to say, some
Estates are at Stake, so that If he should determine
with that Instrument he might be lyable to future
Reproaches of being brib'd or byast, and therefore
desires a larger Instrument not to determine the mat-
ter with more truth; but to vindicate himself e from
the Aspersions of being bribed or byast, what sug-
gested that thought he best Knows, and from this he
may guess, how Likely the success is to answer the
Expectation.
426 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
We are not surprised at this from him but very
much so at the Eeport of the Gentlemen of his Majes-
ties Councill of New York, who advise that Jarret
should be directed to Certify by some Instrument
under his hand and Seale that the Station pretended to
be fix't at the ffish Kill is wrong and Erroneous, to the
End, that Province might not at any time receive any
prejudice by A Tripartite Indenture Executed by the
Surveyors and Commissioners &c; before the defects
was discovered.
The reasons which upon the whole matter Induced
them to give this Advice are as Extraordinary, and
with Due Deference to the Characters of these Gentle-
men amounts to no more then an Implicite depend-
ence on Jerrats word without any Prooffe or reason
given for the truth of what he says.
That is to say Jarret was made choice of as the
Ablest Mathematician has by the declarations In Ins
Petition and Assurances before them of the Defect of
the Instrument,
And has Also declared that the methods proposd by
M? Alexander are not satisfactory to him.1
Wee Humbly Submitt to your Honours Judgement
whether this is any more Either In words or meaning,
then that Jerrat said so, Jarret says the Instrument is
defective, and that he is not satisfyed with the methods
proposed by Alexander (and therefore)? Is this Ground
sufficient to set aside All that has been doDe, and Elude
the good Intentions of two Provinces upon the Creditt
of A man which for any thing they Know may be In
the wrong, and In All probability is so, they say he
declared so In his Petition, and Assured them so, there
is nothing Like it In his Petition, And Alexander Pre-
tests he does not Remember that Ever he told them so,
he Indeed tells them of wide differences of observa-
1 Words of the Report.
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 421
tions; but that does not prove a defect In the Instru-
ment, that may happen many ways, and the Instru-
ment be good Enough, has Jarrat said these differences
proceed from the defect of the Instrument, or given
them any Proof e that it is so? or will he presume to
say so? If he does we desire he may be Askt upon his
oath (for his conscience may gett the better of his
Memory) whether he tooke any of these observations
himself e at Corbitts, that made this discovery or saw
them taken, or Knows anything about them, but by
Information from another? and we advise him In this
Case to have some Regard to his Memory, because
there are Men alive that Knows In what part of the
Province he was at that time, and we desire these
Honourable Gentlemen together with their Petitioners
and M!" Jarrat to give any Prooffe If they can, that
this difference of observations proceeded from the
defect of the Instrument, and not the mistake of the
observator, and such A mistake, that for any thing
they do or can Know might have been Rectified by
the Penetration & Quick sight of their Able Mathema-
tician Jarrett, had he been present. And We Humbly
submitt it to the Calmer consideration of these Hon-
ourable Gentlemen, whether it had not been more
prudent as well As Just, when that pretended dis-
covery was made to have Referr'd it to the Examina-
tion and Report of the Commissioners and Surveyors
of All the parties concerned who were Intrusted with
it, and whose proper business it wTas, then to have
made A Report themselves with so much precipitation,
In A matter that not one man of them are Competent
Judges of.
These Commissioners & Surveyors were upon Oath
and If upon Examination, they had found that the
Station had been wrong fix't would have Rectifyed it,
And In case the Instrument had been so defective,
that they could not with it, do what was Intended,
428 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
they would have said so, which would have been
Authoritative aud conclusive.
But further Jarret declared what Alexander said
was not satisfactory to him, It may be so, nor to the
Gentlemen before whome he was, this is A very grave
and short way of answering any thing; but can these
Gentlemen be Assured that Jarrat spoke truth, or
what that dissatisfaction proceeded from, whether for
want of Argument on the side of Alexander, or Ca-
pacity on the part of Jarrat, If they say the first, then
they needed not to have used the Authority of Jarrets
declaration but have determined upon their owne
Judgements, which we presume would have been upon
better reasons then a say so.
Such are the reasons, and the advice is corespondent,
they advise that Jarret be Directed under his hand and
Seale to give the Lye to himself e, and All the parties
to that Indenture, and upon his single Authority to
certify that the Station at the ffish Kill (which they
Already call A Pretended one) is wrong, here are two
Acts of Assembly, that make the determination of the
parties to that Indenture binding upon both Provinces,
here is a Committee of the Councill of one Province
take upon themselves to overthrow this by A Certifi-
cate of one Man (without proofe or collour of reason
but his say so, and that as he must owne, not from his
owne Knowledge, but from the Information of an
other) to make that determination binding upon
neither, how farr the Success will answer those
Endeavours time will discover.
Mr Alexander being Present at the Comittie we have
desired him to say what he thinks proper to these
matters and is as followes.
James Alexander declares he does not Eemember
that Ever Capt: Jarret said upon the spot that he
could not rectify the wide Errors of the Instrument
nor take upon him to fix the Station by it, the same
varying so much In it selfe.
1719] ADMINISTRATION* OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 429
He Remembers Indeed that he was very Capricious
In this matter Ever since he went to Mahackemack &
Especially After the News of His Excellencies depart-
ure laying All the Blocks In the way that Ever he
could Invent, making Mountains of Mould Hills as In
this case, and what-Ever dissatisfaction he shewed
with any of the observations when he came clowne to
York (After the last observation he Ever took with it)
he declared himselfe to be Perfectly satisfied with the
Instrument, and perfectly to understand how to
Reconcile the observations, which was upon Thursday
the thirteenth day of August, and we Expecting the
Commissioners up the next day, I was very loath he
should go downe to York; but he said he wanted no
more observations, and that the next day he would
come up with them and setle the Station, but Capt:
Walters being Sick, the Commissioners thought fitt to
delay the time of meeting for A Week, so upon the
Munday he came up Again e and paid me the Comple-
ment of saying he Just came up to Acquaint me of it,
and to bring me downe, M" Willocks being there, we
three Adjourned the time of meeting, till the seaventh
of September, and I went downe to York with Capt
Jarret, and we caryed the Instrument along with us,
having no further to do with it there, he seeming still
perfectly satisfied as before. In the beginning of Sep-
tember I saw him severall times, and he having the
gravell declared as soone as he was Able, he would be
ready to go up and finish the work: And I never heard
of any dissatisfaction he had till Coll: Hicks came to
Towne for to go upon the Line about the seaventh of
September, and I then being Sick, Coll: Hicks and
Capt: Walters came to see me and— told me that Jar-
ret wTas In an other of his mad fitts and was saying to
Every- Body the Instrument was Erroneous, and that
it differed four or five minutes, I told them that I
Knew and he Knew that long ago, and that the Instru-
430 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. L1^19
ment was not one pin the worse of that, but I could
scarcely think he was In Earnest.
And further I being present at the Comittie of the
Honourable the Councill of New- York I dont Remem-
ber that Capt: Jarret said further to the Com'ittie con-
cerning what he told me at M™ Corbits, than that he
was dissatisfyed with these differences, and y1 he told
me of it before severall People, and I think it was upon
Interrogatories Afterward made by the Committie,
that he declared he could neither Rectifie the wide
Errors of the Instrument nor take upon him to fix the
Station by it.
When Ever an other Instrument of five or six foot
Radius does come, tho at the same time it be A very
good one I could Venture to Lay the Price of that In-
strument with Capt: Jarret, that there will be four or
five minutes difference In the observation that shall
be taken by it, and for the same reasons, then, he can-
not Adventure to setle the Latitude by it, and of con-
sequence never.
It is impossible for the Art of man to make An In-
strument Perfectly true and Correct, and If the Line
be staid till one be Certified to be so by Able and Skill-
full Mathematicians from Great Brittaine, It will be
staid for-Ever; for the most that Able and Skil-full
Mathematicians can do is to find out the Errors of it,
and give A table of Equations how to Correct it which
Capt Jarret If he will be but at A Little pains may
Easily make himselfe for this Instrument, an<J for the
same reason that Capt. Jarret wants one now of five
or six foot Radius when such A one comes, he has as
much reason to say the work wants one of Eleven or
twelve foot, and so on to twenty three or twenty four
foot Radius.
Upon the whole, though it must be contest to be the
Interest of both Provinces that these Stations be fix't.
and the Lines Ascertained yet we think they ought to
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 431
be done with Justice and truth on both sides, and It
being Possible there may be A defect In the Instru-
ment, though no manner of Proofe yet Appeares for
it, we hope the Councill who have not yet Approved
of the Report of the Commitiee will suspend any Ap-
probation of it till the Commissioners and Surveyors
have Examined Into that matter made their Report on
it, and that they doe it with All proper Expedition
this we pray your Honour will be pleased to signify to
them.
By order of the Councill of Proprietors
J. Barclay Dp* Regs*:7
Perth Amboy October the 12th 1719
From Colonel P. Schuyler, President of the NewYork
Council, to the Lords of Trade — relating to Sur-
veyor Jarratt.
[From N. Y. Col. Docts., Vol. V, p. 532.]
New York 31 Oct 1719
May it please yr Lordsps
[Extract.]
I send * * to your Lordships a Copy of a Peti-
tion presented to me by Allane Jarre t the Surveyor
appointed in behalf of this Province for running &
ascertaining the division line between this Province &
the Province of New Jersey with the Councils Report
thereupon to me by which your Lord'sps will perceive
there is a present stop put to those proceedings & un-
less I should compel him against the advice of the
Council to proceed notwithstanding bis Petition it
could not be avoided & I do not see that I could Jus-
tify such proceeding against express & positive decla-
rations without offering an injury to his conscience
and exposing this Province to all the wrongs that may
•432 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
consequently follow upon it besides the money given
for that service is more than exhausted already by the
issues first made & the demand now brought in. I
take it to be a work of great importance to the King
in which his Quitt Kents Lands & the property of his
subjects are concerned and I had rather be over cau-
tious then rash in such affair which is intended to be
forever binding tho' I find the Proprietors of Jersey
are much exasperated and I hope that before any reso-
lution be taken timely notice will be given that both the
Government here on the behalf e of His Majesty & the
Proprietors of lands holding under Patents from this
Government may lay before your Lordships what they
have to say when they are thorougly informed of
the Proceedings of the Jersey Proprietors presuming
they will make their application to your Lordships.
******
Colonell Graham the late Surveyor General of the
Lands of this Province being lately dead I have or-
dered a commission to be prepared appointing Allan
Jarrett whom I have before mentioned, a person
agreed on all hands to be most capable of any one in
the Country so recommend'd to Governor Hunter who
appointed him Surveyer for ascertaining the Bounds
between this Province and Jersey & a man of a very
fair reputation for honesty & integrity & sound under-
standing. I am Yr Lordships
Most humble & obedient Serv1
P. Schuyler.
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 433
Petition of Inhabitants of New York to the Councill
there — relative to the Survey of the Partition Line
between that Province and New Jersey.
[From P. R. O. B. T.. New Jersey, Vol. II, D 98, aud from N. Y. Col. MSS.. Vol.
LXI, p. 191.1
To The Honble Peter Schuyler Esqr President
and the rest of his Majesties Honble Coun-
cill for the Provinces of New York
The Humble Petition of Severall the Inhabi-
tants of the Province of New York for
themselves and others Owners and Proprie-
tors of Lands Bordering upon the Partition
Lines between the Provinces of New York
and New Jersey
Sheweth
That the Assembly of this Province having Appro-
priated the Sum of £300 for Defraying their part of
the Charge and Expence, in Ascertaining and Run-
ning the Partition Line Limitt and Boundry Betwixt
this Province and the Province of New Jersey, The
Petition'3 had Reason to hope so great a work would
have been Carryed on and Accomplisht with such Re-
ciprocall Justice and Equality that Neither side would
have Reason to Complaine. But having Grounds to
Apprehend that a Due and Equall Regard has not been
had Either for the Benefitt of this his Majesties Prov-
ince in Generall or for us and others his Leige Sub-
jects, that have an Immediate Interest on the Borders
of that Line, They beg leave to Lay, before yor Hon"
a State of that Case and the Reasons of their Just
Apprehensions Reserving to themselves the Liberty of
Adding what shall farther Occur to their Knowledge,
And of Amending and Explaining what is herein Sett
28
434 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
forth which they most Humbly offer in the following
Manner (viz-)
That by the Dukes of York's Grant to the Proprie-
tors of the Jerseys They were Bounded in the Latitude
of 41 : & 40 Minutes on the Northermost Branch of
Delaware River and on Hudsons River in the Latitude
of 41 Degrees and as this Grant was made in the Year
168 . . ' They Conceive the Tables then in use ought
still to be the Rule in Settling those Latitudes By
which Tables (As they are Credibly Informed) the
Obliquity of the Ecliptick was Universally Allowed to
be 23 Degrees and 30 Minutes, That by a Draught of
Geo. Keith then Survey v- of the Jerseys (ready to be
Produced) he Lays Down the afore Mentioned North-
ermost Branch of Delaware River about Twenty five
Miles to the Westward of the Fish Kill; That in the
Year 1686 the Survey1" of New York and the Jerseys
by Consent of the Respective Governors Ascertained
the Latitude of 41 Degrees on Hudsons River to be due
West from Frederick Phillipp's Lower Mills That Coll:
Andrew Hamilton GovV of the Jerseys afterwards did
own the said Latitude of 41 Degrees on Hudsons River
Conformable to a Mapp by the Survey'".8 to be Due
West from the said Mills as by Writing under his
Hand Dated the 13l.h of February 169| and ready to be
Produced may Appear at Large, That those Petition"
who held Lands to the Northward of that Line by
Virtue of Grants or Patents from the Jerseys had by
the Justice and Indulgence of this Govr New Grants
for the same and at Easier Quitt Rents than what they
were to have Paid to the Proprietors and others have-
ing by Lycence of the Jerseys Purchased Lands from
the Indians and sueing for Pattents Conformable to
those Purchased were Directed to take Pattents from
New York, Those Lands Lying to the Northward of
the Station then fixt, That after the before Mentioned
1 Torn off.
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 435
Act of Assembly was past here, An Act of the like
Nature was made in the Jerseys and John Johnston
and George Wollocks Esq" were Appointed to be
Commissioners who are Known to be Proprietors and
to have taken up Large Tracts on the Borders whilst
this Affair was in Agitation
That when it was Proposed to Name Comm" for
this Province, The Gentlemen of the Councill (as they
are Informed) were Generally of Opinion (Except those
Gentlemen who are Proprietors of the Jersey) That
Wee Ought to follow the same Rule (to witt) in Like-
wise Appointing such Persons as had an Immediate
Interest in Lands Bordering on the Line, That Not-
withstanding (as they are further Informed) The
Gov1"8 Commissionated Robert Waller and Isaac Hicks
Esq1"8 and th° Wee have a due Defference to the
Characters and Reputation of those Gentlemen, Wee
Conceive they were not Duely Elected because an Act
of Assembly Directs that they should be Appointed by
the Gov? and Council!.
That the Survey' for this Province Allane Jarratt
(being Approved of by the Councill) was Obliged to
Execute a Bond for a £100 Conditioned to Settle the
Stations and Run the Lines and Since this was ( As
they are Informed) Demanded at the Motion of the
Jersey Gentlemen And that neither their Survey!" nor
any of the Commrs had the like Required of them, It
may Reasonably be Concluded this was Exacted with
a View of Laying him Under a Necessity to fix the
Latitude rather to the Disadvantage of this Province
Than Subject himself to the Penalty of said Bond,
That the Corn1"5 and Survey" of both Provinces Setting
out from this City Went Directly to Maquacamack
and Mannassincks Where they Mett Some other Gen-
tlemen of the Jerseys, And without Looking for the
right Branch, or Tracing of them (and Indeed almost
everybody Lookt upon the Season Improper for so
436 ADMINISTRATION" OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
Doeing) They Immediately took Observations then,
Just as if they were Resolved to Fix the Latitude on
the Fish Kill, P'haps with a View to secure for the
Jerseys the Low Lands at the Two Places above Men-
tioned Which Could Scarcely be Drawn in if the proper
Branch had proved, so far Westward as Keith Draught
Lyes it Downe, That alth° such Foggy Cloudy and
Rainy Weather happened at that time for about 25
Dayes Succession as the like at that Season was not
Known in the Memory of Man (Just as if heaven
frowned on the Designs) They Fixt the Latitude upon
the Fish Kill near a small Creek which they Termed
Station Brook Notwithstanding they seemed satisfyed
that the said Fish Kill is the Maine River of Delaware
it selfe, which Latitude was taken at the Ends of the
Small Instrument they made use of, and tho' An In-
denture was Executed of their Proceedings there,
They have been so Just therein (as we are Informed)
As to say that their Discovery was by Information,
That Indeed the Com1'8 sent Cap- John Harrison a Jer-
sey Gentl. to look what Branches there might be
betwixt the Rivers of Delaware and Suskehanna, Who
upon his Return Reported there were none, Tho' he
was heard to Own that he Mett with One so Wide and
Deep that he was Obliged to make a Float before he
could get over it, And Wee are Credibly Inform'd that
Severall Christians are Ready to Depose there is One
or more Considerable Branches to the Westward of
the Fish Kill, which it is possible Cap1 Harrison Mist
by Reason he set out about 21 Miles to the Southward
of the Latitude, That after the said Latitude was Fix't
on the Fish Kill in the Manner before Mentioned, The
Survey" and only the Jersey Com18 went to Madam
Corbetts and made Repeated observations there, But in
so Doing a Discovery was made that the said lu-
strum? was Erroneous, For that the Latitude taken at
the Middle differed above four Miles from those taken
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 437
at the Ends thereof, And since at the Fish Kill use
was made of the Ends tis' Evident beyond Contradic
tion that the Station pretended to be Fixt there, Is
Just so Much to the Northward of the true and Krai
Latitude as the above Mentioned Difference Amounts
to, That Complaints and Demonstrances of such
Weight have been offered at Home against the Act of
Assembly before Mentioned, That it is Uncertain
whether the Same will be Approved or Disapproved of
by his Majesty, tho' the same was past here in the
yeare 1717 and it is Certain that in Case of a Disallow-
ance every thing Done by vertue of that act will be
void, But tis Impossible to foresee what Confusion and
Mischiefs might Insue if this Affair should be Com-
pleated and the said Act Rejected at the Same Time
That the Fixing those Stations and Running the
Line in the manner it has hitherto been Carryed on.
Not only the Crowne but likewise many of yor Peti'3
will be in Danger of being Encroached upon, And tho'
many of us have spent their Labour and Substance
upon their Severall Improvements for 30 or 40 years
past, There Seems but Little Reason to Expect (in such
Case) the like Justice and Indulgence would be Shewn
by the other side as was heretofore Extended on the
Part of this Province (as is hinted above)
For these and Severall Reasons more Especially for
the Minutenest of the Instrument (Being but 22 Indies
Diameter) and its Varying so Considerable in its Self
Yor Petition'"3 off err they will readilly be at half e the
Charge of an Instrument to be sent for from London
Proper and Large Enough for Settling and Fixing bhe
true and Exact Station Points Which Instrument
being first Tryed and Proved by Abie and Skillfull
Artists at Home and Attested by them to be true and
Correct; And the Obliquity of the Ecliptick Settled as
it was Universally Received when the Grant was made
to the Proprietors all Party s must then be Concluded
by such Determination.
438 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1T10
Your Petition7" therefore most Humbly Pray that
the Com'5 and Survey15 of this Province may Severally
Deliver in a Journall of their Proceedings hitherto had
that Wee may be favoured with Copys thereof, And
that all further Proceedings may be Stayed untill his
Majesties Allowance or Disallowance of the above
Mentioned Act of Assembly is first Signifyed and
untill such an Instrument Arrives here as is above
Described
And Yor Petirs as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray &c
[The record of this document, in the Secretary of
State's Office at Albany, has between forty and fifty
names appended, nearly half of them of persons who
made their marks and many of the others being
illegible.]
Letter from Colonel Schuyler of the New York Coun-
cil to the Lords of Trade.
[From New York Col. Docts., Vol. V, p. 533.1
New York Novr 21, 1719
[Extract.]
My Lords
I forebore to Trouble your Lordships with a Petition
from the owners of Land in this Province bordering
on the lines of the Jerseys because I was in hopes the
Gents of the Councill, to whom it was committed
would have made a Report thereon that I might have
transmitted both together but since some of the Jer-
sey proprietors have presented a long memoriall to
the President of that Province which I presume they
either have or will send home I conceave it my duty
to enclose a Coppy of said Petition that your Lordships
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 439
may be apprised of the weight & validity of the Alle-
gations contained therein which the Petitioners offer
to make out except the mistake in the date of the
Dukes grant, when the Council have made a Report
on that Petition & the Petitioners their Remarks on
the said Memorial, they shall be transmitted in like
manner.
I hope that in the mean while no solicitations of
the other side may obtain any order to the Prejudice
either of this His Majestys Province or of its Inhab-
itants, untill they are first fully heard thereon
As I conceave they are of Right entitled hereto I
should have lookd upon myself Remiss in my duty if I
had not taken the liberty to recomd this to the care of
your Lps & I natter myself it will have its due effect.
I am My Lords, Your Lordships mo humble S'
P. Schuyler.
Letter from Lewis Morris, President of the Council
of New Jersey, to the Lords of Trade— about
boundary tine and other Neiv Jersey affairs.
| From P. R. O. B. T. New Jersey, Vol. H, D 97.]
Letter from Coll. Morris, PresicU of ye Council,
of New Jersey, Keced 24^ Dec! 1719
Perth Amboy Novemb1' 21: 1719
My Lords.
I am doubtfull, whether the clerke of the councill
can get the minuts Coppyed, to Send your L'ps with
this Ship: which I am told will saile on the 23d It was
in the time of harvest, when his Excellency left New
Yorke and the councills Private affaires could not well
admit them to meet sooner (without great hurt to
themselves) then the time I first called them together.
440 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
The Assessors of the Publique taxes, had neglected
their duty: and I found the Act of Assembly which
directed the raising of them, to be so loosly worded,
that I durst not venture A Prosecution of them; So I
put as good A face on the matter, as I could; Sent
for the Assessors, And after hearing their reasons, for
neglecting (which did not want weight) I reprimanded
them and found a way, to make them believe they
were very much favoured, in Scaping A Prosecution;
and then Issued the Inclos'd Proclamation.
The Successe, has hitherto Answer'd the Expecta-
tion: and I am in hopes will prove Effectuall, for what
it was Intended without using any method more Se-
vere; which I am afraid, will be impracticable in this
Province as we are now circumstanc't, let the neces-
sity be never so great Enemyes of the publique peace
(as Brigadier Hunter can truly Inf orme your Lordships)
having had so great an Influence that whoever com-
mands here can do little elce, but threaten : unlesse he
has aid from without.
I have reciev'd two letters, one from your Lordships
of the 71? of August last, and another from Mr Secre-
tary Popple of the 26tu of the Same month; in the first
your Lordships desire to know the Limmits and boun-
daries, of the Province of New Jersie, which are as
follows.
It begins on Hudsons river, in the latitude of f ourty
one degrees, and runs from thence, in a direct h'ne to
the latitude of f ourty one degrees And f ourty minutes
on the northermost branch of the river Delaware, then
it runs downe, following the course of the river Dela-
ware, to Cape May: wc.h is the northermost point, on
the mouth, or Enterance into that river, which there,
and for many leagues up, looses the name of Dela-
ware river, and is call'd Delaware bay. from Cape May
it Extends Northward, along the Sea to Sandy hooke;
and from the northward of A great bay call'd Sandy
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 441
hooke bay (into which the rivers of Hudson, Rariton,
Hackinsack and Pisaick, empty themselves) it Extends
along the river of Hudson, to the latitude of fourty
one first mentioned.
It is bounded on the South East, by the Sea and on
ye East, partly by the Sea, and partly by Hudsons
river, which divides it from part of the Province of
New Yorke. on the north East by the Province of
New Yorke; A direct line from the latitude of fourty
one degrees, on hudsons river, to the latitude of fourty
one degrees and fourty minutes on the Delaware being
the line of Partition between them, it is bounded on
the South, Southwest, and west, by the bay and river
of Delaware, which divides, it from the Province of
Pensilvania.
The best Voucher I know of, for these boundaries,
is A grant from the late King James when Duke of
Yorke, to my Lord Barclay and Sir George Carteret:
which I think is Enrolled in Chancery; if not; the
Jersie Societie, can (I suppose) furnish your Lordships
with it, or. if your Lordships thinke it necessary, I
can get it taken out of the records here, and transmit
it to you.
What course the line of Partition (that divides New
Yorke from Jersie) will run, is not yet Determin'd;
and till that is done, I cannot Send your Lordships A
correct map of this Province, but I'll Endeavour to
get one, as good, as the present circumstances will
Admit.
The Ascertaining that Partition line is All most of
Absolute necessity; the few people that Inhabit, nigh
some parts where its Suppos'd t'will run, are continu-
ally Quarrelling; they cut & carry away whole fields
of corne, from Each other and do all the mischief they
can, Short of killing one another: and I believe it will
not be long before they come up to that.
The only thing thay agrea in, is not to pay any pub-
442 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
lique taxes, and the measures they take, render them
as unable, as they are unwilling.
the Legislature, both of this Province and New
Yorke, have been so farr convinc't of the necessity of
Ascertaining that line, that money has been raisd, and
publique Acts passt, for that Purpose; (which I pre-
sume has been Long Since laid before your Lordships.)
by Virtue of which, commissioners, And Surveyors
were Appointed, And had Entred upon, And made
great progresse in the worke, before Brigadier Hunter
left America; and had he stayed Six weekes Longer,
in all probability it had been finished: but his back
was no Sooner turned, than a Stop was put to it, for
the reasons given, in the report of a committee of the
Councill of New Yorke, upon the Petition of one Jar-
rat appointed Surveyor for the Line on the Part of New
Yorke; & the Petition of others to be concern'd
They are herewith Inclos'd and a long Memoriall of
the Proprietors of Jersie to me, in answer to them, to
which, I humbly beg leave to referre your L'ps. All I
shall observe on them is, that I know there was Such
an Agreement, between the Governours of New Yorke
and Jersie, as the Proprietors mention for I was pres-
ent though but young.
I have reason to believe, that some of the Councill
of that Province, have taken up Large tracts of land
in Jersie, to the Southward of that line, by virtue of
Grants from New Yorke; which; Grants were, for
Land in New Yorke, and not in Jersie: and bounded
by those Grants, on the division hue: though tooke
up by the Gentlemen much to the Southward of it.
ftone of the Gentlemen of the Councill Appeares to
the Petition; but some of the Petitioners (If I am not
Verry much missinformed) derive by mesne convey-
ances from them, or, are in partnership with them;
and the persons that Subscratch then marks are Some
Inhabitants of tappan, brought in, to make up an Ap-
pearance.
1719] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 443
They are using what Endeavours they can. to get
tennants to Settle: and thinke themselves secure
enough in the possession, as long as they can defeat
the running of that line; and as things are now cir-
cumstanc't. they will be capable of doing it : which
makes the Proprietors, 'who thinke themselves much
Injured) verry Pressing with me, to run it on the part
of Jersie.
I humbly begg your Lordships Directions about it.
I have communicated Mr Secretary Popple's letter,
to the councill: and Shall Issue a Proclamation, that
the manufacturers of tarre, may know the conditions
on which the premium will be paid; which I hope will
prove Effect uall, to prevent the great abuse of that
commodity, in Jersie
The Russian method of barking, or something like
it, has been tryed by Brigadier Hunter: but I thinke
without Successe.
I have seen the chipps of some of the barkt trees,
Sent to him (and I suppose of the best) which were
good for nothing: but whether that was Owing to the
heat of the clime, or a wrong method I wont Presume
to determine.
I'll make an Essay on A few trees, and let your Lord-
ships know the Success .
Hemp may be easily raisd in great quantities in
this country: but we do not well understand the man-
ager}' of it.
I humbly submit it to your Lordships consideration
Whether, if a few families, that understood it. were
plaot by his majestic on some propper lands in the
Province of New Yorke (of which there are great
quantities) and oblig'd to attend solely the raising of
hemp, it would not be the best direction: and of use.
I have made some changes of Officers. Since the
Governour left America, which I have done by advice
of the councill; the reasons of so doing, are contein'd
444 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1719
in the minutes of councill. I humbly hope your Lord-
ships, upon perusall of them, will think that I have
not done amisse.
The public Occasions made it necessary for new Jer-
sie as well as New Yorke, to Strike bills of credit,
which were by the Acts of the Generall Assembly,
made currant, at certain rates in the bills mention'd
and for a certain time, which is pass't: but the money
raised to Sinke them (should it be duely collected and
paid) will not (if I am rightly Inform'd) be sufficient
for that Purpose: so that many of them, must remain
in private hands; which will be attended, with 111
consequences to the publique credit, if care be not
taken to prevent it. A miscalculation by the Assem-
bly, Occasioned this; and I feare. I shall be under a
necessity of calling them together, to make suitable
provisions, to Support their owne Credit. As nothing
but an Absolute, and Evident Necessity, Shall prevaile
on me, to meet them, or passe any Act: So I shall
Endeavour, my Conduct with them, Shall be Such, as
may Induce Your Lordships to think favourably Of:
My Lords, Your Lordships
Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant,
Lewis Morris.1
Right Honb1? ye Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Caveat of Daniel Coxe— relating to Partition Line.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey, Vol. HI, E. 15.1
Mr Dan! Coxe's Caveat against an Act of New
Jersey, pass'd there in March 1719 for Run-
ning & ascertaining the Line of Partition
1 Lewis Morris. A brief notice of the President of the Council, upon whom the
Government of the Province now devolved, will be found in Vol. II, p. 217, but a
reference to subsequent pages and to those that are yet to be printed, will furnish
1719]
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS.
445
between the Eastern & Western Divisions
of that Province, &c.
December ye 8l:h 1719
A Caveat this day Entered by Daniel Coxe Esqf
against an Act of Assembly passed in his Majesty's
Province of New-Jersey in America, Entituled, An
Act for Running and Ascertaining the Line of Parti-
tion or Division between the Eastern and Western
Divisions of the Province of New Jersey and for pre-
venting Disputes for the future Concerning the same;
And for Securing to the General Proprietors of the
Soil of Each of the Divisions & Persons Claiming
under them their Several & respective Possessions
Rights & just Claims. And it's Desired that when the
same shall be Layed before the Lords Commissioners
of Trade and Plantations, notice thereof may be Sent
much additional information, as to the important positions held by him, and the
influence he exerted in the various questions affecting public policy, during his
whole life. Colonel Morris, as he was generally called, wrote his name very differ-
ently at different periods. The first form met with was
but at the time at present under review he wrote his name
446 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1720
to Said Daniel Coxe at his Lodgings N° 7 in Boswell
Court in little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, he having much to
offer against it.
Dan: Coxe—
Letter from President Lewis Morris, of New Jersey,
to Peter Schuyler, President of the Council of
New York.
IFrom N. Y. Col. MSS., Vol. LXH, p. 77.]
March 31, 1720
Much Honoured.
Tide and Wind which will stay for no man forces
me to hurry away without being able to do myself the
honor of Waiting on you before I go wdl I very much
regrate having (besides the Satisfaction of paying my
regards) to you) the affaire of running the division
Lilies between New Jersie and New Yorke to settle (If
I can) with you.
The necessity of running them is Visible to all not
willfully blind or whose frauds and encroachments on
Either side have made it their Intrest to oppose it we
are both of us told by our Superiors that his Majestie
thinks it necessary to know the limits and boundaries
of his several American collonies & what directions he
has given concerning these under our care, you are no
Stranger to; I shall think it my duty in obedience to
his Majesties Commands and in compliance wth. the
directions of the Legislature in both Provinces to do
what I can in order to Settle and discover the limits
and boundaries of the Province of Jersie & hope your
honr will be so farr assisting wth respect to ye line wch
is a limit to both Provinces that his Majesties com-
mands may be put in Execution and an End put to
1720] ADMINISTRATION OP PRESIDENT MORRIS. 447
the QuarreUs and Strifes which almost daily happen
between the borderers wch at Present is a Very great
hindrance to the Settlement and Improvement of both
Provinces and the Extending of his Majesties Do-
minion
I am : With very great regard
much Honored Your Very Humble Servant
Lewis Morris.
Honourable Peter Schuyler, Esq!' President of his
Majesties Councill for the Province of New Yorke
These.
Letter from the Lords of Trade to Mr. Secretary
Craggs, transmitting the Commissions of William
Burnet as Governor of New York and Neiv Jer-
sey.
I From N. Y. Col. Docts.. Vol. V, p. 538.]
To the Right Honble Mr Sec Craggs
Sir
In obedience to his Majesty's Commands, Signified
to us by your letter of the 1 9 of the last Month, We
have prepared the draughts of Commissions for Wm
Burnet Esq: to be His Majestys Captn General and
Govr in Chief of his Majestys Provinces of New York
and New Jersey, which being in the usual form We
herewith transmit the same to you in order to be laid
before his Majesty in Council. And we are preparing
the necessary instructions for the said Wni Burnet Esq:
with all possible dispatch, We are Sir
Your most obedient & most humble servants
Westmoreland
Whitehall Cha: Cooke
May 4, 1720 T. Pelham
M. Bladen
448 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1720
Letter from President Lewis Morris of New Jersey, to
Peter Schuyler, President of Council of New York.
[From Certified Copy among Papers of F. J. Paris in New Jersey Historical Society
Library, Vol. A, p. 141.1
May 6th 1720
Sir
I have not had the honour to receive any answer
from you Concerning what I last wrote to you, about
runing the Lines Between New York and Jerseys.
When I went to Amboy, I met with Complaints of
Riots, that had been committed by Some of the Inhab-
itants of New York, on those living in Jersey, and the
Bearers of this are now before me, with other com-
plaints of the Same nature; and They tell me Judge
Walter has been a witness of some of the ill usage
they have met with. This Shows the Necessity of
Runing that Line, I am at a loss to find the true rea-
son of delaying it; as for the pretended one, of Mr
Jarratt's dissatisfaction, I cannot think it ever was
Convincing to those who Seemed to lay the Greatest
Stress upon it; but that (whatever end it might Serve)
ought to be no longer an obstacle; Since an other per-
son is commissioned in his Stead. The Keeping the
publick peace, is very much intrusted to us in both
these provinces; and the Runing that Line Seems to
me, one (almost absolutely necessary) mean to pre-
serve it, and till that be done direction Given to the
inhabitants of each Province to wait the Issue without
entering into Such Tumultuary measures, I shall be
very uneasy to be laid under the necessity of Repelling
force by force; and hope your directions to those of
his Majesties Subjects under your Government, Will
for the future prevent any complaints of this Kind.
The Complainants waits on you to Begg you will So
1720]
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS.
449
far interpose your Authority as to Give the most
Effectual directions you can, that the Borderers on
your Side, be Obliged to Keep the King's peace, till the
affair of the Lines be adjusted.
Yours
Lewis Morris
Brigadier Hunter's Answer to ye Circular Queries
relating to New Jersey. Received with his letter
of 11th of August, 1720.
[From P. R. O. B. T., New Jersey. Vol. II. D 95 and 96.]
Queries for Brigadf Hunter, relating to New
Jersey.
r.f What is the Situation The Proprietary^ Pat-
of the Province of New ent Nicely Answers this
Jersey by the Nature of the
Country its' Longitude,
Latitude &cc?(
2*? What are the reputed
boundaries thereof?
;■:' What is the Constitu-
tion of the Government?
4th What is the Trade of
that Province, the Number
of Shipping their Tonnage
& the Number of Seafaring
men with their ^Respective
Increase or Diminution?
29
And this
The Patent and In-
structions to the Govr
make ye Constitution
Litle or no Trade of
their Own, The town of
New York And Philadel-
phia which take off all
their produce Save them
that trouble Not one Ship,
and but a few Coasting
Sloops
450
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS.
[1720
5':h What Quantity and
Sorts of British Manufac-
tures do the Inabitants an-
nually take from hence?
61:11 What Trade has that
Province, with any for-
eign Plantations or any
part of Europe besides
Great Britain? How is that
Trade carry 'd on? What
Commodities do the People
in that Province send to or
receive from Foreign Plan-
tations?
TV1 What Methods are
there us'd to prevent illegal
Trade & are the same Effec-
tual^
Sf What is the Natural
produce of the Country,
Staple Commodities & man-
ufactures?
They have it all from
the Towns above nam'd
None at all
The same with that of
New York
9V What Mines are there A great quantity of
Iron Some Copper as 'tis
Said but I never Saw any
lOV Wliat may be the an-
nual Produce of the Com-
modities of this Province?
11th What is the Number They Increase more
of Inhabitants, Whites and then these in New York,
Blacks? the Soile being better
and the proprietary^
more tractable, that In-
is crease Chiefly from
New England and of
Late from Ireland
1720]
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS.
451
12V Are the Inhabitants
increas'd or decreas'cl of late
and for what Reasons?
L3V What is the Number
of the Militia?
14V What fforts & Places
of Defence are there? And
in what Condition?
15V What Number of In-
dians are there? and how
are they inclin'd?
16V What is the Strength
of the Neighbouring In-
dians?
17V What is the Strength
of the Neighbouring Euro-
peans?
18V What Effect have the
French Settlements on the
Continent of America upon
his Majesty's Plantations?
About three thousand.
Not one of any kind
The Indians few harm-
lesse and Inconsiderable
under Command of ye
five Nations of Iroquois
The same panick as at
York
19l.h What is the Revenue The Act will Shew it
arising within that Gov"1
and how is it appropriated?
and the Resolves deter-
mine the appropriation
as at New York, That
Act Expires Soon
20V What are Ordinary I must ref err to y* Act
& extraordinary Expenses Resolves of Assembly
of the Government?
21? What are the Estab-
lishing Civil & Military
The Same with that of
New York, Only the
452 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1720
within that Government, & Chief Justice Instead of
what Officers hold by Pat- Circuits holds his Courts
ent immediately from the only at the two towns of
Crown? Amboy and Burlington
No patents but the Secre-
tary s and Attorney Gen-
erals.
Proceedings of the Council of West Jersey Proprie-
tors— relating to the line of Partition between the
two Provinces.
I From Papers of James Alexander, Surveyor General, in Rutherrurd Collection. J
At a meeting of the Councill of Proprietors
held the 12th day of the 6th mo: 1720—
Three of the Managers appointed by the late act of
Assembly Intituled an Act for running and assertain-
ing the line of partition or Division between the East-
ern and Western Divisions of New Jersey &c James
Logan Thomas Lambert and John Beading being
present laid before the Board the necessity there is to
dispatch the running the said partition line with all
Expedition and have acquainted them that at a meet-
ing appointed by the said Managers with the Mana-
gers for the Eastern Division at Trentham in Aprill
last and agreed that the running of the said line should
be begun as early as possible this ensueing fall and
thereupon they did desire the advice of this board
touching the appointment of and agreement with the
Surveyors and other persons who are to be Imploy'd
Jointly with those of East Jersey in carrying on the
said work. And the same being taken into Consid-
eration it is unanimously agree'd by the said Managers
and this Board that John Beading one of the said
L720] ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. 453
Managers shall as Surveyor attend and Assist (on the
pl of this Western Division) James Allexander the
Surveyor Generall of the Province in running the said
Division line throughout the whole work And that
their be allow'd and paid to the said James Allexander
as Surveyor Generall on the p* of this Western Divi-
sion twelve shillings proclamation money And to the
said John Reading the like summ of twelve Shillings
of the same money for every working day which they
shall spend in the fields or woods upon the said work
from the time of their first meeting at litle egg har-
bour where the work is to be begun and so from time
to time for every day they shall so spend as aforesaid
untill the running of the said partition line be com-
pleatly finished. Provided nevertheless that they the
said Surveyors shall make all the reasonable dispatch
they can to finish the said work
It is further agree'd that at least two persons with
their horses shall be hired and Imploy'd on the pl of
this Western Division to attend the said Surveyors as
chain Carriers Joyntly with those who are to be Pro-
vided on the pl of the Eastern Division and for other
necessary Services and that all those that are imploy'd
on the said work shall be furnished with provision by
the Managers at the Publick charge. And that the
said Managers shall provide all things which shall be
further necessary to Carry on the said work.
Joseph Kirkbride and John Reading appointed Com-
missioners by the Governour by vertue of an act
Intituled an Act for running and assertaining the
Division line betwixt this Province and the Province
of New York having on the part of this Division
attended to the said work in the Months of June and
July &c A D 1719 for the space of forty days in fixing
the station point in the latitude of 41 deg: and 40 min:
on Dellaware river which is the point of beginning as
well for divideing between the Eastern and Western
4o4 ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT MORRIS. [1720
part of this Province as between the province and the
Province of New York are by agreement of the Mana-
gers and this board allow'd ten shillings p diem or
twenty pounds each proclamation money for the said
services It is also agree'd that James Allexander Sur-
veyor Generall shall be allow'd thirty pounds like
money for his services on the pl of this Western Divi-
sion in discovering the said Station at the time afore-
said
a true copy p me John Wills Cleric:
INDEX
INDEX.
Address: of Council to Gov Hunter, 17.—
of Council and Assembly to the King
upon the defeat of the Scotch rebel-
lion, 25-2.
Adkinson: William, 98. i
Affirmations of Quakers: Approved ot, |
334
Aeent for the Province: wanted in Lon-
don 209, 336— Lords of Trade recom-
mend the appointment of one. 375.
Alexander- James, Authorized to collect
Quit-rents, 241. -Appointed Surveyor |
General of West Jersey, 288— Ap-
pointed one of the Commissioners
for running the division line, 394 —
Notice of, 399.
Alexander: Joseph. 215.
Alexander: Robert, 215.
Allison: Richard, 3l0.-Letter to, from
Daniel Coxe, 266, 274.
Alston: John, 190
\nderson: John. Recommended toi the
Council, 63, 153, 154, 169. -Referred to
by Rev. Jacob Henderson, 156 -Ap-
pointed one of the Council 170, 71,
fag —Character of, sustained, 178, 179.
-Referred to, 253, 334.-Fees paid to,
or-n 0-70
Arents:' Jacob, Indicted, 88.-Natural-
ized. 382.
Arnold: Elizabeth, 89.— Indicted, 88.
Assembly: Discussion about place ot
noting, 12, 13, 16, 227, 230.-Minutes
of (1711). 19.— Appropriations ot, ~J —
Expels Major Sandford. ^.-Repre-
sentation of, respecting administra-
tion of Lord Combury, 24. 130. -Ad-
dress of, to Gov. Hunter against
William Hall, one of the Council. ,9.
-Memorial of, to Gov. Hunter re-
lating; to perversions of justice, »<.—
Petitions of, about missing records,
110 -Address of, to the Queen, 134.-
Raise £5,000 for expedition to
Albany, 138.-Address to, from Gov.
Hunter, about absence of mem-
bers, 249.— Address of, to Gov. Hun-
ter, about expelling their Speaker
250 -Speech to, from Gov. Hunter
(1716) 267— Meets at Crosswicks or
Chesterfield. 273 -Acts of, comment-
ed on by Gov. Hunter. 292.-Address
of, approving of Gov. Hunter's ad-
ministration (1711 ), 303.
Assessors of Counties: Proclamation to,
Asheton: Robert, of Pennsylvania Coun-
cil. 393.
Bacon: John, 215.
Bacon: Joseph, 215.
Bacon: Samuel, 215.
Bacon: William, 215.
Baird: Mr. (Peter), Naturalized 197.-
Recommended for the Council, 377.
I^nhSfSbridge): John, Recom-
mended f or^ the Council. 217, 3,.>.-
BamDpfieklfMr!!305.-Alluded to in con-
nection wiCi the agency ot the Prov-
ince, 388.
Bane (Basse ?): Mr., 321.
Banks: Joseph, 370.
Bankrupts: Bill relating to, 12b.
Barclay: John, 9, 242. -Letter from,
about preparations for Gov Hunter,
13 -His statement about P. Sonmans,
15'.- Sergeant at Arms, 371.-Pr< "v"1,
ings of Council against, 42.-Uerk oi
Middlesex and Somerset counties.
142.— Salary paid. 369.
Barkstead: J.. 344
Barlett: Thomas. 80, S3
Bartow Rev. John. 1 <4.
r«rrp- Jeremiah, Chosen to represent
BaSBm£K k-Addresses and de-
positions against, as Secretary of the
Cvince,7i74.-Indictedforperjury
and forgery. 88, 97.-Answer of, to G.
W illocks. CO.-Obnoxious to Gov
458
INDEX.
Hunter, 139, 172, 209, 234.— Complain-
ed of by the Proprietors, 141.— Diffi-
culties of, with Thos. Gardiner, 144,
148.— Letter about election to Council
of Proprietors, 152.— His salary, 185,
368-371.— Acts of, referred to, 237.
Bergen County: Taxes, 368.369.
Bergen Representatives paid: 370.
Becten: Daniel. 188.
Beys: Rev. Henricus. 174.
Bickley: May, Indicted, 88, 97.
Billoppe: Christopher, 345.
Billop: Joseph, Escheator General, 129,
132.
Birchfield: Mr., Surveyor General of
Customs, 49, 78: 124. 139.
Bishop: Noah, 188.
Bishop: John, 10, 190.
Bond: Captain, 89.
Bondet: Rev. Daniel, 174.
Bonnel: Joseph, 253.
Bowne : John. Removed from Judgeship
in Monmouth County, 129.— Proposed
for the Council, 133.
Bown: Obadiah, 111.
Bowne : Andrew, One of the Council, 76.
Bradford: William, Appointed Clerk of
Assembly, 123.— His salary, 185, 368,
369, 371.
Bransart: Thomas, 310.
Bridges: John, 141.
Bridge: Rev. Charles, 174.
Bridges: Mr., 223.
Bristol, Penna. : Church to be opened at.
225.
Brown: John, 9, 98, 99.
Brown: George, 9.
Browne: Nicholas, 310.
Browne: Abraham, 309.
Brumson: Barefoot, 89.
Bulark: John, 310.
Bunting: William, 371.
Bunn: Miles, 189.
Burlington: 11, 13, 14, 16, 22. 57, 67, 73,
74, 76, 88, 95, 97, 128, 129, 142, 157, 167,
172, 184, 221, 224. 225, 227, 239, 240, 261,
264, 273, 274. 276, 277.— Small-pox at.
264.— Office of Surveyor General of
West Jersey at, 289.
Burlington County taxes: 368, 369, 370.
Burnet: William, Exchanges positions
with Robert Hunter, 12.
Bustall: Samuel, 261, 344.— Letter from,
262.
Byerly: Thomas, 253, 326, 334. 363.—
Recommended for the Council, 62,
153, 154, 169.— Referred to by Rev.
Jacob Henderson, 157.— Approved of
for the Council, 171, 182.— Fees paid.
370, 372.
Callwell: Allen, 9.
Campbell: John, 9.— High Sheriff of Mid-
dlesex and Somerset, 142.
Candler: John, 215.
Cape May County taxes: 368, 369.
Champion: Matthew, 253, 370.
Champance: Mr., 257.
Chesterfield: Assembly meets at, 273.
Clackford: Daniel, 10.
Clarke: George, 285.— Notice of, 119. —
Salary as Auditor General. 185. 368.
Clarke: Thomas, 344.
Clarke: Benjamin, 253, 370.
Clarkson: James, 189
Clauson: William, 189.
Cleayton: Arthur, 310.
Cleayton: Zebulon, 300.
Clements: Jacob, 310.
Clowes: William, 309.
Commissioners: For trying pirates, 339. —
to run partition line, 382, 396.— or-
ders to John Harrison, 391.
Commissions: of Wm. Burnet, Governor
of New York and New Jersey. 447.
Cook: John, 215.
Coram: Thomas, Memorial of, about
hemp and iron, 256.
Cooper: John, High Sheriff of Essex
County. 142.
Cose: Charles, 14.
Cornbury: Lord, Representations re-
specting Ms administration. 21. 120,
129, 130. 211. 2!)8. -Letter from, about
certain acts, 199.
Council: Address of, to Gov. Hunter
(1711), 17.— Changes in, suggested by
Gov. Hunter, 01, 149.— Several mem-
bers complained of, 115, 141.— Letter
from one of them to William Dock-
wra, 118. —Members of, not allowed to
be Assistant Judges. 150.— Vacancies
in, referred to, 227, 363, 374.— Fees of,
paid, 369, 372.— Members of, in 1718,
273.
Counties: Boundaries of, objected to, 68.
County Taxes: 368, 369.
County Assessors: Neglectful, 400.
Court: Supreme, objected to as consti-
tuted, 69.— Chancery, wanted, 70, 196.
—Governor authorized to appoint,
114. — Two Judges of Supreme, ap-
pointed, 139.— State of Courts of Judi-
cature, 166.— Plantation Courts, 349.
Cramer: John, 147.
Crane: Jasper, 111.
Craven: Thomas, 215.
Cravon: Peter, 215.
Coxe (Cox): Col. Daniel, 14, 61, 142, 144,
145. 148, 149, 152, 207, 209, 210, 213, 216,
230, 233, 243, 260. 293. 294, 290, 298. 311,
512, 323.— Referred to by Rev. Jaoob
Henderson, 157, 164.— Removed from
the Council, 182. — Remonstrates
against the reappointment of Gov.
Hunter, 198, 203, 297.— Case between
him and Hunter stated, 243.— Ex-
pelled from Assembly, 250, 254. —
Holds Councils in Pennsylvania, 255,
258.— Letter from, to Richard Allison,
266. — Lowest and meanest of the
people influenced by him, 310.—
Caveat against division line, 445.
Cox: Captain and Colonel, Asked to
hasten the dispatch of troops to
Albany, 135.— Letter to, about dis-
charging volunteers, 136.
Coxe: Samuel, 198, 216.
Cumin: Benjamin, 10.
Cumen: George, 9.
Cutter: Richard, 10.
Curyslet: John, 9.
INDEX.
459
I).
Dare: William, 80.
Davis: Thomas. 186, 188.
Deacon: George, 130, 326, 334, 373.— Ap-
pointed Assistant Judge. 132. — Refer-
red to by Rev. Jacob Henderson, 157,
165.— Fees paid, 369, 372.
Dean: William, 310.
DeCow: Isaac, Justice of the Peace. 276,
381.
Dennis: Charles. 215.
Dennis. Junior: Jonathan. 215.
Dennis: Philis, li)0.
Dennis: Samuel, 186. 188, 215.
Denes (Dennis): Joseph. 215, 309.
Die: John, 10.
Dickinson: Jonathan, of Pennsylvania
Council, 31)3.
Division Line between the Provinces:
Discussed, 377-381, 386, 388, 394-399,
408-151,433-411.
Dockwra: William, 115.— Letter from,
with one from a member of the
Council, 116.
Dominique: Paul. 141. — Recommends cer-
tain persons for the Council. 154, 169
Doughty : Jacob, 253, 370.
Dowes: William, 310.
Dowse: Thomas. 310.
Drake: Andrew, 180.
Drake: John, 111.
Drummy: John. 328.
Dun: Samuel. 188.
Dunn : Hugh, 186, 188.
Duncan: Charles, Suggested for the
Council, 133.
Dunham: David, 186, 189.
Dunham (Donham): Benajah. 188, 190.
Dunham: Edmund. 187. 188.
Dunster: Charles, 141.
Eier: William, 370.
Elections: Instructions respecting, 3.
Act regulating, rejected, 55.
Else: John, 189.
Essex County taxes: 368, 369.
Evillman: William, 310.
Ewbank: George, 189, 190.
Farmar: Thomas, 9, 15, 50, 68, 77, 119,
253.— Removal from Collectorship of
Perth A.mboy, 49, 121.— Affidavit of,
respecting Thomas Gordon, 74.—
Notice of, 123.— Appointed Judge of
Middlesex and Somerset counties.
129. — Lived in New York government,
124, 132.— Supplies of his troops for
Albany, 135.— The movements of his
troops, 137.— Appointed Judge of Su-
preme Court, 139.— Candidate as High
Sheriff, 186.— His salary as Second
Judge, 308-372.
Field: Jeremiah, 9.
Field: John, 10.
Fisher: William, 98.
Fithing: Jonah, 215.
Fitz Randolph: Nathaniel, 186, 189.
Fitz Randolph: John, 189.
Fitz Randolph, Peter, 215.
Fitz Randolph: Christopher, 215.
Ford: John, 10.
Foreman: Alexander, 215.
Forster: Miles, 375. 377.
Fox: Thomas, 310,
Fox: William, 310.
Freeman: Edward, 189.
Freeman: Henry, 188.
Freeman: John, 10.
Fretwell: Peter, 126, 152, 283.— Recom-
mended for the Council, 326, 334, 363.
— Appointed, 391.
Furniss: Samuel, 278. 279, 282.— Justice
of the Peace, 276.
(i.
Gardiner: Thomas, 13, 119, 120, 136, 142,
152, 165.— Notice of, 128.— Letter from,
about J. Basse, 144,. 147.— Basse re-
fuses to swear him into office, 148.—
Dies, 175.
Garrett: John, 310.
Gateau: Nicholas, 310.
Geedes: John. 371.
Gullman: Charles, 186.
Gillman: Joseph, 189.
Gloucester County: Magistrates of,
thanked by Gov. Hunter, 159.— Taxes
of, 368, 369.
Godbert: Thomas, 80, 81, 83.
Gookin: Colonel, Governor of Pennsyl-
vania, Proceedings complained of,
160.— Going to England as Coxe's
ambassador, 255.
Goolby : Samuel, 147.
Gordon: Thomas, 110, 119, 121, 128, 129,
141, 142, 228, 234.— One of the Council,
15, 253.— Proceedings against when
S] >eaker of the Assembly, 71. and at
other times, 75-77, 106.— Referred to
by Rev. Jacob Henderson, 157. 165.-
Answers him, 176.— Character of, sus-
tained, 177, 180.— His account as Re
ceiver General, 185, 368.— Appointed
Attorney General, 209.— Certain paj
ments sanctioned, 217. -Salary of,
368, 369, 372.
Gordon: Robert, of Pitburgh and Si ra
loch, grandfather of Thomas, 177.
Gosling: John. [47,
Governors of Plantations: Duties and
powers of, etc., 851.
Grachoise: Robert, 9.
Griffith: Alexander, Attorney General,
184.— Salary. 185, 368. 369.— Removed
by Gov. Hunter. 209.
Griffith: Benjamin. 107.
Griffith: John. 186, 189.
460
INDEX.
H.
Halgard: John, 147.
Haliday: Rev. T.. 174, 180.
Halker: John, 190.
Hall: Thomas, 253, 370.
Hall: William, 61, 124, 125.— One of the
Council complained of by the Assem-
bly, 79-81. — His answer, 82. — His re-
moval from the Council asked for,
149, and granted, 182. — Referred to
by Rev. Jacob Henderson, 157. 164.
Hamilton: Mrs., Has nothing to lend to
Gov. Hunter. 14.
Hamilton: John, 253. — Recommended for
the Council, 62, 153. 154. 169.— Ap-
pointment approved, 171, 182.— Notice
of, 183.— Salary paid, 370. 372.
Hammell: John, 98 310.
Hancock: John, 98.
Harper: Alexander, Doorkeeper of Coun-
cil, 185.— His salary, 368.
Harris: Stephen, 310.
Harison: Edward, 9.
Harrison: John, 10. 253, 370, 375, 436.—
Ordered to examine the projected
division line, 391.
Harrison: Samuel, 108, 109.
Harrison: William, 9.
Harriott: David, 98, 99.
Hartshome: Richard, 111, 275, 285, 318.
Haskoll: John, Doorkeeper, Salary, 369,
371.
Henderson: Rev. Jacob, Representation
by, of the state of the Church, 155.—
Remarks thereon, 161.— Letter to.
from clergy of New Jersey, 173.
Heiston: Obadiah, Sergeant' at Arms,
salary paid, 369.
Hendrixson: Jacob, 113.
Hewett: David, 10.
Hewlings: Jacob, 147. 309.
Hicks: Isaac, One of the Commissioners
to run partition line, 383, 394.
Higgins: Jediah (Jedediah), 9. 15.
Hill: Richard, One of Pennsylvania
Council, 393.
Hollingsworth: John, 113.
Hoiks, Junior: Thomas. Sheriff of Bur-
lington County, 142.
Hooglandt: D., 190.
Hoost: William, 10.
Hopewell: Missionary for. wanted, 225.
Huddy: Hugh. 41, 61. 75. 132, 157. 161, 206.
— Has a patent for carriages, 129.—
Fees of, paid, 369. 372.
Huddy: Charles, 344.
Hude (Hudd): Adam, 10, 88, 89, 98, 99,
187, 334, 375.
Hugg: John, Nominated for the Council.
363.— Approved, 373.
Hull: Benjamin. 189.
Hull: Hopewell, 188.
Humbly: Peter, 344.
Humphreys: Joshua, 152, 278.
Hutchings: Roger, 113.
Hurlings: Abraham, 147.
Hunterdon County Taxes: 368, 369.
Hunter: Robert. Instructions to as Gov-
ernor, 1-6.— His Commission. 1.— His
arrival announced, 6. — How esti-
mated by Col. Quary, 7.— Petition to.
from Freeholders of Middlesex
County, against Peter Sonmans, 8.—
Writes about Lady Lovelace, 10.—
Notice of. 11.— Preparations for his
accommodation. 13, 14. — Address of
Council to (1711). 17.— His opinion of
certain acts (1711), 52. (1715) 221.— Ob-
jects to certain members of the Coun-
cil, 149, 151. — Referred to by Rev.
Jacob Henderson, 155. —Reference by.
to Mr. Henderson, 158, 174.— Thanks
magistraes of Gloucester County,
158. — Had Queen's Chapel, New York,
repaired, 163.— Salary, etc., 185, 368,
369, 371.— Commissions renewed. 202.
—Comments on Rev. Mr. Talbot. 209.
and on Rev. Mr. Vesey, 216, 254. —
Case between him and Coxe stated,
243. — Address to Assembly about ab-
sence of members,249. —Comments on
Coxe, 255, 258, 260.— Summons Assem-
bly at Burlington, 261. — Letter from
S. Bustall. against, 262.— Speech to
Assembly (1716), 217.— Answer from
Assembly, 268. — Letter to. from Rev.
Mr. Talbot. 291 — Comments on acts
of Assembly. 292.— Transmits copies
of the complaints against him, 305. —
Answers them, 312. — Conduct of. ap-
proved by the Crown, 327. — Message
and speech to the Assembly (1718).
364.— Intends to leave for London,
3M7.- Answers to queries about the
Province, 449.
I-
Ilsley: William, 186.
Ineth: John, 310.
Ingoldesby: Richard, 10, 56, 57.— Refer-
ence to acts during his administra-
tion, 66, 129. 234. 235, 338.
Innes: Rev. Alexander, 174.— Sustains
the character of Thomas Gordon. 176.
and of John Anderson, 179.
Jacobs: Thomas, 85.
Jamison: David, Appointed Chief Jus-
tice, :i». 131, 132. Salary, 185. 368, 369,
371. Recommended for the Council,
216.— Indicted. 236
Jarratt: AUane, One of the Commission-
ers to run the partition line, 383, 394.
—Petition of, respecting the line. 403.
—Objects to the quadrant in use.
405. — Answer to his petition by New
York Council, 106. — Actions of, can-
vassed, 409-131, 435.— Appointed Sur-
veyor General of New York, 432.
Johnston (Johnstone): Dr. John, 19-21,
56, 68. 106.— Notice of, 119.— Appoint-
ed Judge. 129. 132. -One of the Com-
missioners for running the partition
line. 394,
Johnson. Junior: John. 15. 363.— Ap-
pointed one of the Council. 377.
Johnson: Richard. 370.
Jones: Benjamin, 113.
Joyce : Henry, 328.
INDEX-
461
K.
Kay: John, Speaker, 278.— Affidavit of,
relative to frauds on certain Indians.
283.
Keith : William, Governor of Pennsylva-
nia. 393,
Kiel : John. Recommended for Surveyor
General. 78.
Kinsey: John, Speaker of Assembly. 258.
—Services paid for, 370, 371.
Kirby: Benjamin. 310.
Kirby: Richard, 309.
Kirby: William, 310.
Kirkbride: Joseph, One of Commission-
ers to run the partition line. 394.
Lawrence: Benjamin. 310.
Lawrence: Elisha, 310, 370.
Lawrence: John, 111. 310.
Lawrence: Joseph. 310.
Lawrence: Robert, 310.
Lawrence: William, 126, 253, 370.
Layng: Will, 9.
Leeds: Daniel, 41, 145, 309.— Suggested
for the Council, 133.— Protests, with
others, against the Council. 146.— Op-
posed to Thomas Gardiner as Sur-
veyor, 147-149.
Leeds: Japhet, 147.
Leeds: Philo, 147.
Leonard: Henry, Sheriff of Monmouth
County, 142.
Leonard: Samuel, 10.
Leonard: Thomas, 9, 377.
Levy: Moses. 344.
Lloyd: John. 113.
Lloyd: Joseph, 344.
Lockhart: Alexander, 309.
Lockhart: Gawen, 186.
Lodwick: Charles, 344.
Logan: James, Letter from, to George
Willocks, on division line, 377. — No-
tice of. 381.— Letter from, to Daniel
Coxe, on division line, 388.— Of Penn-
sylvania Council, 393.
Longfield: Cornelius, Suggested for the
Council, 133.
Lost: Francis. 188.
Lovelace: Lady, 10. 371.
Lovelace: Lord, Administration of, re-
ferred to, 56-58, 66, 77, 298
Lowe: Joseph, 344.
Lyell: David, 253, 296, 299, 334.— Recom-
mended for the Council, 63. 217,—
Notice of, 63.— Fees paid, 370, 371.
M.
MeKenzie: Rev. Alexander (JEneas?),
174, 181.
Mackinzey: Thomas. 310.
Marshal: John, 310.
Maskell: Thomas, 315.
Mathie: John, 10.
Mattenecunk Island : Bought by Robert
Hunter. 12.
Mehemickwon: Difficulty between, and
John Wetherill. 277: '
Merry: Mr., 152.
Michel: Charles, 141.
Michel: Francis, 141.
Michel: Robert, 141.
Middlesex County: Petition from, against
Peter Sonmans, 8.— Freeholders book
of, altered, 97-99.— Pettition of.
against Thomas Farmar. 186. — Taxes
of. 368.
Middleton: . Appointed Judge, 125. —
Sold himsef to pay for his passage,
125.
Millard: Charles, 310.
Miller: Charles, 98.
Mines: Reference to, 222.
Missionaries: Character of . 212.
Molleson: John. 9.
Mompesson: Roger, 41, 61. 324.— Resigns
the office of Chief Justice, 10, 131.—
Salary paid, 185, 368.— Died. 208.
i Monmouth County taxes: 368, 369.
I More: Enoch, 215.
Moore: Mathew, 9. 15.
Moore: John, 98, 180.
Morgan: Charles, 253, 370.
Morgan: Joseph, Improvements in Navi-
gation. 190.
Morgan: Simon. 80, 81. 83.
Morris: Lewis. 119-133. 200, 253. 334.—
President of Council, 127.— Judge in
Monmouth County, 129.- Second
Judge Supreme Court, 132.— Referred
to. by Rev. Jacob Henderson. 150. 162.
163.— Succeeds Chief Justice Mom-
pesson, 208.— Indicted, 239.— Fees paid
to. 372.— Letters from, as President
of Council, about boundary lines, 439.
—On tar and hemp. 143. — Auto-
graphs of, 445.— Urges the running of
the boundary lines, 446.— Relating
thereto, 448.
Morris: William, Recommended for the
Council, 63, 153, 151, 169.— Appointed
thereto, 182.— Referred to by Rev.
Jacob Henderson, 157.— Died, 170. 376.
Morry: Ferry. 129.
Mott: , Expelled the Assembly. 126.
Mulford: Samuel. 293, 294. 296. 344,
Munday: Nicholas, 186.
Newbound: Michael. 310.
New Jersey: Affairs of. to have separate
letters, 114.
New York: Assembly of, authorize the
running of the partition line, 365. —
Report of Council of, on Jarratt's
petition about partition line. 406.—
Petition to Council of, relating to the
survey of the line, 433.
Nicolson: Mr. (General), 220, 225, 320.
Norton: John, a Proprietor, 98, 141.
462
INDEX.
O.
Ogborne. Junior: John.
Ogborne: William. 98.
Ogden: Josiah. 253, 370.
Ormston: Joseph, 141.
Oulver: William. 9.
Paice: Joseph. 344.
Pagit: Francis, His authority as Consta-
ble refuted, 214.
Pardons: Instructions respecting, 2, 4.
Parker: Elisha, 10.— Recommended for
the Council, 153, 154, 169.— Referred
to by Rev. Jacob Henderson, 157 —
Approved of for Council, 171, 182. —
Dies, 326.— Notice of, 326.
Parker: John, Recommended for the
Council, 326, 363. — Appointment ap-
proved, 331. — Notice of. 333. — Fees
paid, 370, 372.
Partition Line: Running of authorized
by Assembly of New York, 365.
Partition North Point: Agreed upon, 394.
Paulsen: Cornelius. 189.
Pearson: Isaac, 113.
Pennsylvania: Counoil of, Proceedings
on approaching departure of Gov.
Hunter for England, 393.
Perth Amboy: 11, 12, 40. 49. 63, 67, 76, 77,
88, 95, 96, 104, 107, 119, 124. 135. 137, 154,
166, 167, 177, 181. 184, 221, 223, 2:30, 251,
253, 265, 290-292, 301. 303, 310, 326, 333,
365, 377.
Peterson: Hessel, 370.
Phillips: Ambrose. Agent for New York,
254. — Copy of complaints against
Gov. Hunter to be given him, 305.—
Hunter's letter to, about them, 312.
Pike: Charles, 10.
Pike: John. 10, 16.
Pike: Thomas, 372.
Pinhorne: John. 147.— Salary. 185. 368.
Pinhorne: William. 61, 75, 77, 129, 149,
156, 164, 175. 182. -Project of, for
raising money on bills of credit, 269.
Pirates: Proclamation respecting par-
dons of, 329. — Commissioners to try,
339
Piron: Joseph. 3C9.
Plantations: Scheme or treatise relating
to, 345.
Pofen: Henry, 9.
Potter: Samuel, 147.
Potts: Thomas, 98.
Prisons: To be built, 4.
Proprietors: In England complain of
several members of the Council, 140,
153.— Election of Council of, 152— Of
West Jersey recommend certain per-
sons for the Council, 153.— Memorial
of, respecting boundaries, 408. — Pro-
ceedings of West Jersey, relating to
the line of division, 452.
Quary: Robert. 7, 50, 60, 85, 131. 157. 158, I Quakers: Their position,' etc., 42, 121, 129,
324.— His estimate of Gov. Hunter, 7. 133. 196, 232, 236-240, 243, 259, 302-3,
—Dead, 175. 341-345,366.
R.
Read (Reed): John, 215, 326. 375.
Read: Mr., Charged with papers for
Dockwra, died on the voyage, 116.
Reading: John, 153. 154, 169, 170.— Recom-
mended for Council, 62.— Notice of,
62.— Judge of Supreme Court, 140.—
Approved of for Council, 171, 182.—
Dies, 333, 373.— Fees paid, 370, 372.—
One of the commissioners to run par-
tition line, 394.
Reading: John, Approved of as one of
the Council, 377.
Reading: Thomas (John?), Referred to
by Rev. Jacob Henderson, 157.
Records: Relating to the soil to be left
in the hands of the agents of the pro-
prietors, :;.
Redford: Thomas, 9.
Reeve: John, 81. 85.
Revell: Thomas. 41.
Regnier: Mr., 132.
Richier: Edward. A West Jersey propri-
etor, 141.— His signature, 115.— Re-
commends certain persons for the
Council, 153.
Roberdes (Roberts): John. Justice of the
Peace, 276, 281.- Payments to. 369.
Robins: Daniel. 310.
Robinson: William. 188.
Rogers: John, 98.
Rolf (Rolph): Henry. 188, 190.
Rolph: Benjamin, 189. •
Rolph: Moses. 186, 188.
Royce: John, 107. 111.
Rudyard: John. 9, 15.
Rudvores: John, 310.
Sackett: Mr., Director of Tar Works, 888.
Salem: Address of inhabitants to Gov.
Hunter about taxes, etc.. 112.— Coun-
tv taxes, 368, 369.
Saltar: Richard, 111.
Sandford: Major William. Expelled the
Assemblv. 22. 185.— Re-elected, 125,
126.
Saterthwait : James. Salary as Doorkeep-
er of Assembly. 185, 368, 369. 371.
Sayre: David, 215.
Schuyler: Philip, Fees paid, 370.— Let-
INDEX.
46;1.
ters from, relating to boundary lines,
431, 438.
Scotts: John, 10.
Seafer: Richard, 189.
Seals of the Province, 332, 373.
Severing: Jacob, 147.
Sharp: Anthony, 256, 370.
Sharp: Isaac, 107-109. 253.
Sharp: William, 10.
Sharpe: Thomas, 243, 246, 256.— Notice of,
296.
Sharper: Rev. John, 174.
Shepheard: Dickerson. 370.
Shepheard: Mr., 76.
Shippov: Isaac, 190.
Short: William, 113.
Shreave: Thomas, 310.
Shrewsbury: 76.
Simking: Joseph, 215.
Slater: Samuel, 189.
Slaves: Duty imposed on importations
of, 196.
Smith: Daniel, 253, 370.
Smith: James, Clerk of Council, paid,
371.
Smith: Jeremiah, 113.
Smith: Jonothan, 113.
Smith: Seth, 215.
Smith: Samuel, 253, 370.
Somerset County Taxes: 368, 369.
Sonmans: Peter, Petition against, 8.—
Referred to. 14, 15, 61, 101-103, 110,
111, 119, 124, 131, 164, 171, 172, 175, 293.
294, 296.— Indicted for perjury and
adultery, 87, 97.— His removal from
the Council asked for, 149. and grant-
ed, 182.— Referred to by Rev. Jacob
Henderson, 157.
Spicer: Jacob, Suspended as Judge in
Gloucester County, 129.— Suggested
for the Council, 133.— Paid forms ser
vices. 370.
Starke: John. 309.
Statham: Thomas, 215.
Statham: Zebulon, 215.
Stevenson: Thomas, 152.
Stillman: Charles, 188.
Stillwise: Daniel, 111.
Stockton: John, 98.
Sutton: John, 1S9.
Sulen: Daniel, 188.
Swift: Mr., Appointed Collector at Perth
Amboy, 49.
T
Tagnitz: Jonathan, 189.
Talbot (Talbett): Rev. John, 13. 228, 249,
274, 295, 323.— Complaints against, by
Gov. Hunter. 209. 220. 224, 226, 230.
231, 235.— Letter from, to Gov. Hun-
ter. 291.— On his way to New York,
291.— Representation to Gov. Hunter,
298.— Willcocks' account of interview
with. 301.
Tappan (Tappin): Jacob, 107, 215.
Tatharu: , 13.
Thomson: William, 10.
Thompson: James, 98.
Tomlmson: , Appointed Judge in
Gloucester County, 129.
Townley: Richard. 61, 129.— Referred to
by Rev. Jacob Henderson, 157, 164.—
Died, 175.
Townsend: , Appointed Judge m
Cape May County, 129.
Trade of the Plantations: Advantage of,
347.— How to be preserved and im-
proved, 3C0.
Trent: William, 13,296.
Tripartite Indenture for settling the
north partition point between New
York and New Jersey, 394.
Trotter: Samuel, 369.
Tunisber: John, 111.
Tullie: Robert, 215.
Twigg: Thomas, 215.
Urmston: Rev. John, 224.
U.
Van Dam: Rip, Notice of, 49S
Van Neste: Peter, 111.
Vaughan: Rev. Edward, 174.
V.
Vesey: Rev. Mr.. Gov. Hunter's com-
ments upon. 216. 219, 220, 223, 225.-
Appointed Commissary by Bishop ol
London, 218.— Alluded to, 228, 251.
W
Wade: Samuel, 113.
WTalker: Mrs. Ann, 224.
Walter: Robert, One of the Conimissjon-
ers to run partition line, 383, 394.
Ware: Joseph. 113.
Watts: Rev. Robert, 179.
Wattson: William, 215.
Webster: Robert, 9.
Wells: John, Affidavit of, about John
W'etheruTs difficulty with the In-
dians, 276.— Recommended for the
Council. 326, 331. Appointed one of
the Council, 331, 373.
West Jersey Proprietors: Minutes ol
Council, 288.
Wetherhill: John, 275, 277, 319.
Wetherill: Thomas. 9, 27S. 279,
Wheat: Duty on exportation of, 196.
Wheeler: Robert. 13, 375.- Recommend
ed for the Council, 63. Justice ol the
Peace. 75.— Dead, 377.
Whiting: John, A Proprietor, 141.
464
INDEX.
Willis: George, 310.
Willocks: George, 9, 15, 41, 124 298 —
Answer of J. Basse to, 90-112.— Letter
from, about Rev. Mr. Talbot, 290 —
Deposition about Rev. Mr. Talbot
301.— Letter to, from James Logan'
about division line, 377.— One of the
Commissioners for running partition
line, 394.
Wills: John, 152.— Salary as Sergeant-at-
Arms, 368, 369.
Wingett: Caleb, 188.
Woodbndge: Election at, 8, 15.— Petition
of inhabitants of, for a church, 189
\Vooding: Josiah, 188.
Woodward: Anthony, 111.
Woolsen: John, 147. '
Woolsen, Junior: John, 1 17
Worth: Jonathan, 188.
Wright : Benjamin, 83.
Wright: John, 310.
Wright: Robert, 10, 190.
Wright: Samuel, 310.
Wright: Thomas, 113,310.
Wyatt: Justice, 296.
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