Skip to main content

Full text of "Ecclesiastical records, state of New York"

See other formats 


# 


^^^*  mi/^ 


i^ 

^ 


^^. 


Jfe' 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2008  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/ecclQ;^j^?ticalrep3newyx   ,. 


/ 


.t:^ 


'^'■''v^.'/U/V'*'' 


TABLE  OF  COI^TEInTS. 


(All  documents  arranged  under  the  heads  of  the  respective  governors,  and  in 
chronological  order.) 


1701-1710. 
1701-1800.  PAGE. 

Conversion  of  the  Indians   1443 

1701-1709. 

Anderson's  Account  of  the  Indian  Mission  in  New  York   .  . .    1443 

1701-1717. 

Chaplaincy   of   the  Fort    1444 

1701-1740. 

Reform  Dutch  Church  of  Nev/  York.    List  of  Ministers,  Elders 
and    Deacons 1444-1449 

1701-1800. 

Catholic  Church  in  New  York   1449-1452 

Early   Ministers   of   the   church   of  England,   in   New   York. 

1702-1723 1452 

1701. 

French  Church  in  New  York.    Petition  of  P.  Villeponteaux. .    1453 

1G99. 

An  account  of  the  Present  condition  of  the  Protestants  in  the 
Palatinate 1453-1459 

1701. 
Feb.   21,  24,   26     New   Poor-house   built  by   the   Dutch   Church   of   New 

York 1460-1462 

March  17     Burials  and  Poor-house  in  New  York 1462 

April       1     Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Church  of  New  York,  and  to  Lord 

Bellomont 1463 

15  Town  of  Jamaica  lays  a  tax  to  build  a  Presbyterian  Church. 

Note  on  Church  of  Jamaica 1463,  1464 

May  G,  10     Rev.  John  Lydius  vs.  Peter  Bogardus,  concerning  a  certain 

piece  of  land  1465,  1466 

10,  13     Missions  to  the  Mohawks  1466 

June  2,24     The  Onondagas  —  Catholics  vs.  Protestant  Missionaries.  1466-1468 

16  Extract  from  Charter  of  the  English  Society  for  Propagating 

the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts 1468 

July  1,31     Property  of  Dutch  Church  of  Albany  confu-med 1469 

18  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Dutch  Ministers  in  New  York. 
Rev.  B.  Freeman  and  Church  of  Schenectady,  N.  Y.  The  ir- 
regularity to  the  call 1469-1471 

iii 


iv  Table  of  Contents. 

1701.  PAGE. 

July       18     Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  J.  P.  Nucella  —  Rev.  Lydius  of 

Albany  —  Rev.  Freeman  of  Schenectady   1471-1473 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  John  Lydius.    Lord  Bellomont. 

Rev.  Freeman   and   Schenectady    1472,  1473 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the   Consistory   of  Albany.     Revs. 

Lydius  and  Freeman   1474,  1475 

26-Aug.   6     Synod  of  North   Holland  at  Hoorn.      Extracts   from 
letters   from   New   York,   Albany,   Kingston,   Rev.   Lydius. 

1475-1478 
Aug.      30     Attempt  to   start   an  Anglican   Church   at   Kingston,   N.   Y. 

Rev.  Mr.  Haburn,  (Hepburn.) 1478 

Sept.        5  and    Oct.    3     Coetus    of    Suriname.      Letters    from    Suriname. 

1479,  1480 

8  Church  of  New  York.     Baptisms.     Church  Membership.     Sal- 

aries.    Church  Masters   1480,  1481 

9  Commission  of  Gov.  Combury:      Extract  as  to   eccleciastical 

matters 1481 

Oct.         3     Petition  of  Quakers  as  to  their  right  to  vote,  without  taking 

oath 1481,  1482 

28     Church  of  New  York.     Salaries.     Brandt  Sc-huyler  vs.  Nicho- 
las Roosevelt.     Death  of  Domine  Selyns 1482-1485 

Nov.      11     Enlargement  of  Dutch  Church  of  Albany 1485 

Dee.      30     Petition  of  Protestants  of  New  York  to  William  III.   as  to 

their  loyalty  during  the  Leisler  troubles 1485,  1488 

1701? 
Aug.      — •     Petition    from   Eastchester    for    reduction   of    Church   rates. 
Rev.   Mr.   Bai'tow.     Church  of   Eastchester,   and  Rev.   Mr. 
Morgan  willing  to  conform   1486,  1487 

1701-2, 

Gift  of  Church  of  New  York  to  Church  of  Schenectady 1487 

1702? 
Jan.       29     Secret  Instructions  to  Gov.  Cornbury:      As  to  Oaths;   as  to 

Religion   1487,  1488 

April       7     Election    of    Church    Wardens    and    Vestrymen    for    Trinity 

Church,  New  York 1488 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  LORD  CORNBURY. 

May  3,  1702-1708. 
1702. 
May        3    Arrival  of  Combury.     Trinity  Church,  New  York.     Address 

to  Cornbury   1489,  1490 

24     Dutch  Church  permits  the  "Arms  "  of  Leisler  and  Milbourne 

to  remain  in  Church,  and  their  bodies  to  be  undisturbed. . . .   1490 


Table  of  Contents.  v 

1702.  PAGE. 

June       9    Eev.  Mr.  Vesey  to  the  Governor  of  Virginia.    Eevs.  Mr.  Mott 
and  Bresack.     Notes  on  Dr.  Bray  and  Rev.  George  Keith. 

Rev.  Mr.  Bartow   1491,  1492 

23     Lord   Cornbury   to   the   Lords   of  Trade.      Queen   Anne   pro- 
claimed  in  New   York 1492  1493 

29     French  Church  of  Xew  Rochelle.     Rev.  Bondet  petitions  for 

salary.     Report.     Granted   1493,  1494 

July       15,    Aug.  17     Mohawk  missions.     Cornbury's  Proposals....   1495,  149G 

Aug.        6     Trinity  Church  and  the  Kings  Farm 1496 

Sept.      24     Cornbury  appointed  also  Governor  of  New  Jersey 1496,  1497 

27     Cornbury  to  Lords   of  Trade.     Complaints  against  Bellomont, 
for  superseding  Englishmen  by  Dutchmen.     Great  epidemic. 
Appeal    for    pardon    of    Bayard    and    Hutchins,    who    were 

Elders  in  the  Dutch  Church   1497-1499 

Oct.         2     Cornbury's  reasons  for  suspending  Weaver  and  Atwood.    Note 

on  Atwood.     Prosecution  of  the  English  Clergj'nien.  .  1499,  1500 
Address   of   Inhabitants   of   different   parts    of   the   Province 

to  Cornbuiy   1500,  1501 

15     Church  of  New  York.     Choice  of  Elders 1502 

20    Cornbury  recommends  Schools,  and  a  Chaplain 1502 

15,  20,  21,  22,  23.  Petition  of  Elders  of  Kings  County,  Long  Island 
in  reference  to  their  calling  Domine  Freeman  of  Schenec- 
tady;  with  orders,  etc.     Refused 1503-1507 

Nov.         7     Conventus  at  Suriname   1507 

—  Convention  of  Anglican  churches  in  New  Yoi-k.  Desire  for  a 
Suffragan.     Re\^  Mr.  Keith.     Rev.  Mr.  Vesey.     Rev.  John 

Talbot  1 1507-1509 

12     Church  of  Kinderhook.     (Rev.)  Paulus  Van  Vleck 1509 

20,  25     Cornbuiy  advised  not  to  press  his  "  Secret  Instructions 
as   to   Teachers    too   far."      Amendment     adopted     to     his 
"  Instructions  "'    1509-1511 

27  Act   for   the   encouragement   of   a  Free   Grammar   School   in 

the  city  of  New  York 1511 

Act  for  better  maintenance  of  the  Poor  of  the  city  of  New 
York   1511,  1512 

29  Rev.   George  Keith   to   Society  for   Propagating  the   Gospel. 

Trinity  Chinch.     Rev.  Mr.  Vesey.     Quakers  at  Flushing.  . .   1512 

30  Certificate  in  favor  of  Paul  Van  Vleck 1512,  1513 

Dec.      —      Rev.  Mr.  Peiret's  petition  for  pension.     Granted 1513 

12  Cornbru-y,  on  Act  of  Parliament  to  remove  Leisler's  Attainder 
Suggests  an  explanation  of  the  Act,  so   as  not  to  justify 

rebellion 1513,  1514 

1703. 

Conversion  of  the  Indians.     Six  missionaries  needed 1514 

Jan.         7     Church     of     New     York  —  Poor-house  —  Church     Masters  — 

Charter-right  to  appoint  a  schoolmaster 1514,  1515 

26     Eastchester  not  to  be  a  distinct  parish 1515 

28  and  Feb.  3     Prosecution  of  Mr.  Talman  and  Justice  Whitehead 

for  sceptical  remarks,  etc 1515.  1516 


yi  Table  of  Contents. 

1703.  PAGE. 

Feb.       19     Trinity   Cliurcli  — ■  The    Queens   Farm  —  Anneke  Jans  —  First 

reference    to    a    College 1516-1518 

25     Ministry  Act   to  be  enforced.     Vestrymen  of  Jamaica  sum- 
moned before  the  Governor 1518 

March  12     Gift  of  P.  J.  Marius  to  Dutch  Church  of  Xew  York.     Valen- 
tine's note  on  Marius 1518,  1519 

30  Trinity    Church.      Redemption    money    for    slaves    in    Sally. 

Instrumental   Music    1519.  1520 

31  Gift  of  Church  of  New  York  to  Ab.  Rutan   1520 

April        2     Mohawk  Missions   1520,  1521 

20     Queen     prohibits     presents     to     Governors     from     the     Civil 

Assembly    or    others 1521 

27     Enlarging  the  French  Church  in  New  York 1521 

May         1     School  at  Albany  —  Evert  Ridder,  teacher 1522 

4    Freeinan's  Call  to  Long  Island,  May  4,  1703,  compared  with 
call  of  Sept.  21,   1705.      (See  document  of  April  22,   1706). 

1522-1526 
20    Amendment    of    Ministry    Act    proposed.       (See    June    19", 

1703)   1526 

29  Petition   of   the    Dutch   Church   of   Schenectady   against   the 

Call  of  Kings  County  for  Domine  Freeman  —  Ask  for  pay  for 

Freeman  for  teaching  the  Indians   1527 

Cornbury    to    Lords    of   Trade  —  Thanksgiving    for   military 

successes 1527 

June      19     Act  to  allow  French  Church  to  enlarge  their  building..   1528,  1529 
Act  reversing  the  Judgments  against  Bayard  and  Hutchins, 

Elders  of  the  Dutch   Church 1529 

Act    for     the    better    establishment     of     the     maintenance 
of  the  minister  of  the  city  of  New  York  —  Trinity  Church 

—  The  Ministiy  Act  —  £160  to  be  raised  —  Fines 1529-1531 

July       12     Cornbury  to  the  Lords  of  Trade  —  Allusions  to   Ecclesiasti- 
cal matters 1531 

27     Charges  against  Rev.   Mr.   Hubbard 1531 

Aug.      —    Mohawk   Missions 1532 

2    Rev.  Mr.  Freeman  to  Gerardus  Beekman,  respecting  his  call 

to  Long  Island    1532-1537 

Rev.  Mr.  Freeman  to  Rev.  Joseph  Hegeman  about  his  call  to 

Long    Island 1537-1539 

Rev.  Mr.  Freeman  to  the  Consistories  of  Long  Island,  about 

their  call  to  him   1539-1543 

Presents  to  Governors  —  Bayard  and  Hutchins 1543 

Presents  to  Governors  —  Oaths  of  Abjuration,  etc 1544 

Churches  of  Kings  County  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam  —  Want 
a    minister — 'Freeman    unwilling    to    join    the    Classis    of 

Amsterdam 1544-1548 

18    Robt.  Livingstone  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  on  Mohawk  mis- 
sions.    Six  missionaries  needed  1549 

30  Rev.   John   Lydius   petitions    for   salary   for    instructing   In- 
dians     1549,  1550 


Sept. 

9 

Oct. 

14 

Dee. 

11 

Table  of  Contents.  vii 

1703.  PAGE. 
Dec.       30     Trinity   Church.      Rev.   George   Keith.     Voluntary    contribu- 
tions in  Trinity  Church.     Plate  and  Fumitur6 1550 

1704. 

Madam   Knight's   description   of  things   in  Xew   York,   1704. 

The  churches   1550,  1551 

Cornbury's  account  of  the   various   Churches  in   Xew   York. 
Trinity    Church.      Ministry    Act.      Eedemption-money    for 
slaves.     Queen's  Farm.     French  Church.      Schools.     Dutch 
Churches.    Church  of  Jamaica,  and  other  churches  on  Long 
Island.      Churches    in    Suffolk    Co.    and    Westchester    Co. 

Staten  Island.    Ulster  Co.    Albany 1551-1554 

Early   Episcopal    Services    in    Nevf    York    and    Long    Island. 
Establishment  of  a  Latin  free  school.     Fees  for  clerk  and 

sexton  in  Trinity  Church.     Burial  fees 1554,  1555 

Feb.    1,  3     John   Chamberlayn   to   Lords   of   Trade.      Mohawk   missions. 

Secretary's  answer.     Note  on  Eev.  Thoroughgood  Moore.  .   1555- 

1557 
April     15     The  Anglican  Church  on  Long  Island.     Rev.  Jas.  Honeyman 

to  the  Society  for  Propogating  the  Gospel   1557,  1558 

May       23     Church    of    England.      Xew    Incorporation    bill   proposed   for 

Trinity  Church.     (See  June  27,  1704  and  Nov.  20.  1705) .  .  .   1558 
31     Dutch  Church  of  New  York.     Meetings  of  Consistory.  .   1558,  1559 
June-Nov.    Trinity  Church,  New  York  City.     Elias  Neau's  effort  to  form 
a   German  Ministerial   Society.     Extension  of  the   Church. 

Printing  the  Prayer  Book    1559,  1560 

June        2     Classis  receives  a  letter  from  New  York  to  send  a  minister 

to   Long  Island    1560 

26  Chui'ch  of  Kingston  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam.     Rev.  Nucella 

leaves  Kingston  for  London.  Kingston  wants  another  min- 
ister. Churches  of  Albany  and  New  York  approve  the  re- 
quest.   Note  on  Dutch  Cliapel  in  London 1560-1563 

27  Re-incorporation  of  Trinity  Church.      (See  May  23,  1704  and 

Nov.    20,    1705) 1563-1566 

30     Cornbury   to   Lords   of  Trade.      Bellomont's   Administration. 

Reasons  for  Xew  Charter  to  Trinity  Church 1566-1569 

July  4  Cornbury's  seizure  of  the  Presbyterian  parsonage  at  Jamaica. 
Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard  ejected.  Rev.  Wm.  Urquhart  put  in  pos- 
session of  it.     Order  to  the  Church  Wardens 1570,  1571 

5     Rev.   G.   Du  Bois  to  Rev.  John   de  Rooy,   about  Kingston's 

Call 1571 

14    Henricus  Beys  asks  to  be   examined  for  ordination.     Called 

to  Long  Island    1572 

18     Trinity  Church  asks  for  gift  of  the  funds  raised  for  redemp- 
tion of  Captives  in  Barbary.     (See  Aug.  14,  1704) .. .    1572,  1573 
29-Aug.  7     Synod  of  North  Holland.     Extracts  from  letter  from 

Brooklyn.     Death  of  Lupardus   1573,  1574 

Aug.         1     Sabbath  Observance  at  Albany   1574 

10     Cornbury   authorizes   Stephen   Gracherie   to   read   the   Dutch 

service   at    Kingston    1574 


viii  Table  of  Contents. 

1704.  PAGE. 

Aug.      14    Report  favorable,  to  give  Trinity  Cliurcli  certain  Redemption 

money.     (See  July  18,  1704) 1575 

24,  28     Anglican  Church  on  Long  Island.     Tax  to  be  laid  on  the  peo- 
ple to  pay  Rev.  Mr.  Urquhart   1575,  1576 

30  Secretary  Clark  to  the  Gentleman  at  Esopus 1576 

Sept.  1,  Oct.  6.  Call  of  Antonides  to  Brooklyn  and  of  Beys  to  King- 
ston. Albany  wants  a  minister.  Rev.  Nucella  called  to 
London   1577 

Oct.  6  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  G.  Du  Bois  —  References  to 
Revs.    Beys    and    Antonides    and    their    calls  — ■  Professor 

Roel  —  Dutch  victories  over  France 1577,  1578 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  churches  of  Kings  County,  Long 
Island  —  Revs.    Lupardus    and   Freeman  —  Rev.   Antonides 

called  to  Long  Island  —  The  war  with  France 1579-1581 

Classis   of   Amsterdam   to   the   Church   of   Kingston  — •  Revs. 

Nucella  and  Lydius  —  Rev.  Beys  called  for  Kingston.    1581,  1582 
Rev.   John   Sharp  appointed   Chaplain   in   place   of  Rev.   Ed- 
mund Mott,  deceased   1583 

Nov.        2     Rev.  Freeman  to  Commissioners  of  Indian  Affairs 1583 

Order  to  induct  Rev.  Pritchard  into  the  Church  of  Rye 1584 

1705. 
Jan.  10-March  19    Dutch  Church  of  New  York  — Church  Masters.   1584,  1585 

31  Church  Wardens  of  Jamaica  to  be  fined  for  refusing  to  levy 

tax  to  support  Rev.  Urquhart 1585 

May  4  Examination  and  Ordination  of  Rev.  Heniy  Beys  for  Kings- 
ton      1586 

6     Classis   of  Amsterdam   to   Church    of   Kingston  —  Rev.   Beys 

called   1586,  1587 

8     Affidavits    as   to    opposition    to    Anglican    Church   in    West- 
chester County  —  Rev.  Pritchard  —  Rev.  John  Jones.    1587,  1588 
18     Deputies  of  Classis  report  on  Revs.  Antonides  and  Beys  — 

Their  instructions  before  sailing  for  America 1588,  1589 

June        9     Combury  suggests  an  Amendment  to  ]SIinistry  Act 1589 

July  4  Revs.  Urquhart  and  Thomas  to  the  Society  for  Propagating 
the  Gospel  —  Opposition  to  Anglican  Church  in  Queens 
County  —  Rev.  Mr.  Evans 1589,  1590 

5  Amendments  to  Ministry  Act  proposed  —  The  "  Queen's 
Farm "  and  "  Queen's  Garden "  to  be  given  to  Trinity 
Church    1590 

15  Cornbury  to  Secretary  Hedges  —  Historical  Review  — 
Products  — ■  Governors  — ■  Trinity  Church  —  Assemblies  — 
Population,  English,  Dutch  and  French  —  New  Jersey  — 
Population  —  Episcopal  Cliurch  at  Burlington  —  Surrender 
of  the  New  Jersey  Proprietors  to  the  Crown 1591-1593 

28- Aug.    6     Synod    of    North    Holland  —  Extracts    fiofti    letter 

from  Kingston   1594 

Aug.  4  Text  of  Amendment  to  Ministry  Act  —  Fines  for  its  non- 
execution  —  Payments  to  be  in  money  —  Upon  death  of 
incumbents  new  ministers  to  be  called 1595,  1596 


Table  of  Contents.  ix 

1705.  PAGE. 

Aug.        4    An   Act   annulling   Proceedings    against   Col.    Nicholas   Bay- 
ard and  John  Hutchins  for  treason,  in  1701  —  Confiscations 

annulled    1596 

Sept.      21     Call  of  Rev.  Freeman  to  Church  of  New  Utrecht.     (See  1703, 

May  4.)    1596 

Oct.       18     Dutch   Church   of   New  York  —  Ministers   to   have  only   one 

vote 1596,  1597 

Nov.       23     Patent  to  Trinity  Church  of  the  Queen's  Farm  and  Queen's 
Garden  —  Recapitulation    of     the    New     Incorporation    of 
Trinity  Church,  June  27,   1704.      (See  also  May  23,   1704.) 

1597,  1598 

20  Cornbury  to  Lords  of  Trade  • —  References  to  Amendment  to 

Ministry   Act,   an   Act  in  favor   of  Bayard   and  Hutchins, 

1599,  1600 
Cornbuiy    to   the   Lords    of   Trade  —  Supplementary   Act   to 
Ministry  Bill  —  Bayard  and  Hutchins   1600 

21  Declaration  of  the  Elector,  John  William,  of  the  Palatinate 

—  Freedom  of  religion  for  all.     (See  1707) 1600-1606 

22  Cornbury   to   Secretaiy   Hedges  —  The  Quakers   in  New  Jer- 

sey     1608 

Dec.       26     Cornbury  licenses  Freeman  to  preach  in  Kings  County,  Long 

Island 1607 

1705-1706. 

Petition  of  Rev.  Freeman's  Elders  to  compel  Rev.  Antonides 
to  deliver  up  the  Church  Books,  etc. —  Order  Jan.  3,  1706, 
for  deliverance  of  Books,  etc.,  to  Domine  Freeman  —  Church 

of  Flatbush 1608 

1705-1712. 

Trinity    Church,    New    York  —  Catechists  —  Mr.    Club  —  Mr. 

Neau    1609 

1705? 

The  Anglican  Church  —  Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel. 

I  Good  character  of  the  English  Clergy  —  Rev.  Urquhart  at 
Jamaica;  Rev.  Thomas  at  Hempstead;  Rev.  MacKensie  on 
Staten  Island;  Rev.  Bartow  in  Westchester;  Rev.  Bondet 
and  Rev.  Morgan  —  Parishes  of  Eastchester,  Rye  and  West- 
chester —  Dissenting  Ministers  —  Necessity  of  a  Suffragan- 
bishop  —  Rev.  Muirson  —  Rev.  Pritchard  —  Rev.  Brooks  in 
the  Jerseys  —  Boston  Colony  —  Presbyterians  and  Inde- 
pendents in  Connecticut  —  Colleges  in  Connecticut  and 
Boston  —  Dissenting  Ministers,  Denham,  Woodbridge, 
Bowers,  Jones  —  How  to  gain  Connecticut  to  Anglican 
Church. 

II  Rev.  Moor's  mission  —  Rev.  Talbot. 

III  Missionaries  to  the  Indians  —  Rev.  Dellius. 

IV  Mr.  Neau,  catechist  —  Revs.  Vesey,  Cleator,  Bondet,  Bar- 
tow, Muirson  —  New  Rochelle  ^ — Prayer-Books  and  Cate- 
chisms    1609-1615 


X  Table  of  Contents. 

1706.  PAGE. 

Jan.  1-May  28  Journal  of  Domine  Beys  —  Insulting  treatment  by 
Cornbury  —  Demand  that  Beys  should  take  out  a  license 
to  preach  —  Rights  of  the  Dutch  Church  —  Refusal  to  ask 
for  a  license  —  Regularity  of  his  call  —  Legal  counsel 
employed  —  Cornbury  obstinate  —  Beys  removes  to  Kings- 
ton —  An  English  minister  there  —  Schoolmaster  licensed  — 
Beys  performs  the  rite  of  baptism  —  The  Council  reqviested 
to  interfere  —  Draft  of  a  license  proposed  —  Governor 
pleads  his  ''  Instructions."  —  Tries  to  avoid  showing  them 
— •  Other  excuses  — •  Persistence  of  the  Council  —  Pretended 
charges  disproved.  (See  letter  of  Beys  to  the  Classis,  of 
May  28,  1706,  which  was  sent  over  attached  to  this  Journal. 
Also  several  other  letters  and  documents,  such  as  those  of 

April  8,  April  22,  May  23,  May  24,  1706)    1615-1619 

Rev.  Francis  G-oodhue,  Presbyterian,  licensed  by  Cornbury...    1620 

12  Money  for  Rev.  Vincentius  Antonides — Note  on  Vol.  xix...    1620 

14  Rev.   Antonides   petitions   Cornbury   to   be   allowed   to   serve 

the   churches    of   Kings    County    (on   accovmt   of   Freeman 

having  obtained  a  license)    1620,  1621 

28  Churches  of  Kings  County  —  Antonides'  elders  j'l'opose  to 
support    both    Antonides    and    Freeman,    for    the    sake    of 

peace   1622 

Feb.       14     Protest    by    certain    members     of   Flatbush    Church     against 

Domine  Freeman's  New  Consistory    1623-1625 

15  Protest    by     Rev.     Antonides     and    his     Consistory    against 

Domine  Freeman's  New  Consistory 1625-1630 

16  Cornbury  stops  the  ordination  of  Freeman's  New  Consistory.    1630 
19     Consistory  of  New  York  issue  a  Circular  Letter  about  their 

part  in  the  Call  of  Freeman  to  Long  Island 1631-1635 

April  4  Cornbury  licenses  Rev.  George  Muirson  to  baptize  in  Connec- 
ticut       1635 

8  Church  of  Kingston  gives  Domine  Beys  power  of  Attorney,  to 
act  in  reference  to  the  usurpations  of  Gov.  Cornbury  re- 
quiring all  ministers  to  get  a  license  from  him  —  Review  of 
Cornbury's  conduct    1635-1638 

13  Allusion  to  the  old  Lutheran  Church  at  Albany 16.39 

22     Historical  account  of  the  difficulties  in  the  churches  of  Kings 

Co.,    L.    I.,   after  the   death   of   Rev.   Lupardus   in   1701  — 
Domine  Freeman  —  Gov.  Cornbury.      (See  the  two  calls  of 

Freeman  under  date  of  May  4,  1703)    1639-1645 

May  23  The  churches  of  Kingston,  New  York,  and  of  Kings  Co.,  L.  I., 
to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  respecting  the  aiTival  of 
Domines  Antonides  and  Beys  and  Cornbury's   oppressions 

—  Rev.   Fi-eeman    1646-1657 

24  Paper  on  the  state  of  the  Dutch  Church  in  New  York  —  Re- 
view —  The  Dutch  Surrender  —  Freedom  of  conscience  given 
them  —  Clergymen  of  Church  of  England  —  Mutual  Courte- 
sies —  Cornbury  illegally  requires  all  ministers  to  take  out 


Table  of  Contents.  xi 

1706.  •     ■  "'  PAGE. 

a  license  from  him  —  Request  for  interposition  by  the  Gov- 
ernment of  Holland  to  Government  of  England,   and  that 

Cornbury  shall  be  restrained  in  his  illegalities 1057-1602 

May      28     Classis  of  Amsterdam  —  Correspondence  from  America.    1603-1666 

29     Church  of  New  York  —  On  rescinding  resolutions 1606 

June  10  Church  of  New  York  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam  —  Cornbury 
at  last,  obliged  to  yield  and  permit  Beys  to  officiate  — 
Classis  urged  to  prosecute  the  case  in  England,  according 

to  letter  of  May  24,  1706   1667,  1668 

July       in     Indian  Affairs  considered  by  the  Classis 1668 

Oct.  3     Cornbury  to   Lords  of  Trade  —  Inventory  of  effects   of  Rev. 

Edmund  Mott,  late  chaplain   1668,  1669 

14  Corabuiy  to  Lords  of  Trade  —  His  own  account  of  his  treat- 
ment of  Rev.  Francis  Makemie  and  Rev.  John  Hampton  — • 
Note  on  Makemie  —  Meeting  of  first  Presbytery,  1706  — 
Notes  on  early  Presbyterianism  in  New  York,  1706-1741  — 

Smiths  account  1609-1073 

21     An   Act   to    encourage   the   baptizing   of  Negro,   Indian   and 

Mulatto  slaves   1673 


1706? 


1707. 


Trinity  Church,  New  York  —  The   Queen's  Garden....    1073,  1674 


An  Imeprial  Account  of  the  Causes  of  the  Innovations 
and  Grievances  about  Religion  in  the  Palatinate.  (See 
Nov.  21,  1705)    1674-1679 

Jan.         8     Legal  opinion   of  Ab.  Governeur   on  Cornbury's  attempts  to 

control  Dutch  Churches  —  Adverse  to  Governor 1079,  1680 

Jan.       11     Rev.   John   Godefrid   Dailly    (D'Ailly,   Dellius?)    Letter  from 

New  York  received  by  Classis 1680,  1681 

April  4  May  9,  16,  and  June  6.  Classis  receives  letter  in  which  An- 
tonides  complains  against  Freeman  —  Committee  to  report 
—  Additional  letters  from  New  York  —  Political  aspect  of 
the    case    1681,  1682 

June  28  Col.  Robert  Quary  to  the  Lords  ol'  Trade.  About  the  de- 
mands of  the  Quakers 1682-1684 

July_  29  Representation  to  the  Queen  in  regard  to  several  Acts  of 
New  York  —  in  reference  to  land  grants.  (Favorable 
to  Rev.   Dellius.)    1684-1688 

Aug.  7  Dutch  Church  of  New  York.  On  the  baptism  of  illegiti- 
mate children   1689 

21     Trinity  Church.     Brady  and  Tates  new  version  of  the  Psalms 

to  be  used   1689 

Sept.        5,  Oct.    3     Suriname   and   New   York.      (Report   expected   from 

Pensionaiy  Buys  on  Rights  of  Dutch  Chui-ch) 1689 

Dec.  1  Anglican  Church  in  Westchester  and  on  Long  Island.  Rev. 
Mr.   Bartov,'.     Rev.  Mr.  Hobbart    (Hubbard).     Gov.   Corn- 


xii  Table  of  Conte]nt:s. 

1707.  PAGE. 

bury  forbids  Eev.  Mr.  Hobbart  using  the  church  building 

at  Jamaica.     Eev.  Mr.  Urquhart   1690 

Dec.         1     Observations  of  Bishop  of  London  regarding  a  Suffragan  for 

America 1690,  1691 

1708. 
Jan.         2,   28-May   27,   1711,  Jan.   26     Records  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 

Items  relating  to  the  Palatines   1691-1695 

9  Anglican  Church  built  at  Rye.  Rev.  George  Muirson.  Salary 
unpaid.  Instruction  of  Negroes  and  Indians.  Mr.  Neau. 
Hope  for  a  good  Governor,  if  Corubuiy  is  recalled.  Dis- 
senters     1695  -1697 

10  Classis  receives  a  letter  from  Antonides  on  the  Church  diffi- 
culties on  Long  Island 1697,  1698 

26  Trinity  Church  loans  money  to  build  a  Church  in  Connecti- 
cut        1698 

Feb.  10  Petition  of  French  Protestants  to  Gov.  Conibury  against  cer- 
tain slanders  as  to  their  loyalty  to  England 1698,  1699 

April       2     New  York    1699 

?  Letter  from  Domine  Du  Bois  of  New  York  read  in  Classis. 

Refers    to     Cornbuiy's    insolence    to     Domines     Beis    and 
Antonides.     Du  Bois's  Compendium  of  Doctrine.     Governor 

would  not  allow  another  Dutch  Schoolmaster 1699,  1700 

13     Letter  received  in  Classis  from  John  Godfrey  Dailly  from  the 

Cape  of  Good  Hope.    Answer  of  Classis 1700-1702 

j^,iay         7     New  York  and  Suriname 1702 

10  Order  of  Council  (England)  for  naturalizing  and  sending 
over  certain  Palatines  to  New  York,  under  Rev.  Joshua 
Kocherthal.  Request  that  the  Act  of  vacating  Fletcher's 
extravagant  grants,  passed  in  New  York,  March  2,  1699, 
be  now  confirmed,  in  order  to  give  land  to  these  Pala- 
tines   . 1702,  1703 

June  2  Trinity  Church  to  the  Bishop  of  London  concerning  their 
Patent  for  the  Queen's  Farm  and  Garden,  and  the  Action 
of  the  Assembly  thereon.     Repeal  of  certain  Acts.     Fears 

respecting  their  title 1703-1705 

22     Second  petition   of  Rev.   Joshua   Kocherthal.     Mr.  Boyle  to 

the  Lords  of  Trade   1705,  1706 

29    Board  of  Trade  to  Mv.  Boyle  in  reference  to  Rev.  Kocherthal's 

petition   1706,  1707 

28    Board  of  Trade  to  Lord  Lovelace  about  vacating  land  grants.  1707 
July        1     Lord  Cornbury  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.     Reasons  of  Emigra- 
tion from  Long  Island  to  New  Jersey 1707,  1708 

7,  13     Petition  of  Rev.   Joshua   Kocherthal  to  the  Queen.     Report 

on  Rev.  Kocherthal's  petition  1708,  1709 

20    Additional  Instructions  to  Gov.  Lovelace,  in  reference  to  the 

vacating  of  Fletcher's  land  grants  1709 

Sept.      18    An  Act  to  suppress  immorality  1710 


Table  of  Contents.  xiii 


1708. 


PAGE. 

Oct.       30    An  Act  for  preventing  Conspiracy  of  Slaves 1710 

Characteiizations   of   Gov.    Cornbury,   by   Lewis  Morris  and 

others    1711 

Dec.      18    Lord  Lovelace  to  the  Board  of  Trade  1712 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  GOV.  LOVELACE. 

1708,  Dec.  18  — May,  1709. 
1709. 

Jan.        8    Indian  Affairs 1713 

21     Petition  of  Domine  Antonides'  Elders.    Review  of  the  troubles 
on   Long   Island.     Ask   for   their  rights.     Action   thereon, 

Jan.  27.     Committee  appointed   1713,  1714 

Feb.         3     Petition  of  Freeman's  Elders,  and  Order  thereon 1714,  1715 

4  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Freeman.     Review  of  his  con- 

duct from  first  to  last;  questions  legality  of  his  call  to 
Long  Island;  condemns  his  seeking  a  civil  license;  exhorted 
to  live  in  peace  with  Antonides  1715,  1716 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  G.  Du  Bois.  Classis  will  try 
to  defend  the  rights  of  the  Dutch  Churches;  but  the  ani- 
mosities there  are  a  great  obstacle 1716,  1717 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Antonides.  Grief  over  the 
divisions.  Freedom  of  the  Dutch  Church  in  danger;  but 
reconciliation  of  the  parties  would  help.  Concessions  de- 
manded on  both  sides.     Classis  has  no  power  in  a  foreign 

dominion   1718    1720 

March    4    Lord  Lovelace  to  the  Board  of  Trade.     Palatines 1720,  1721 

5  Proposals  of  Freeman's  friends  for  peace.     Proposals  on  the 

part  of  Rev.  Antonides'  friends   1721-1723 

30     Church.       About     certain     letters     received     from     Amster- 
dam     1723,  1724 

Feb.         5,     1711     Extracts  from  Journal  of  the  House  of  Commons  con- 

ceraing  the  Palatines  1724-1732 

April       2     Deputies   report   that   their   letters   to   New   York   had  been 

captured  by  the  enemies.     New  letters  sent   1733 

May     3,  5     Sunderland  to  the  Board  of  Trade.    The  Palatines 1733,  1734 

6  Classis   receives   letters  from  Revs.   Freeman,   Antonides   and 

Du  Bois.     Classis  rebukes  their  shai-pness  of  expression  .  .   1734 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  LT.  GOV.  INGOLDSBY. 

May,  1709  — April,  1710. 
1709. 
May       12     Memorial  of  Lutheran  Ministers  about  the  Palatines..   1735-1737 
15     Earl  of  Sunderland  to  Lords  of  Trade  about  the  Palatines.  .   1738 
18,  20     Indian  Affairs  at  Albany   1738 


xiv  Table  of  Contents. 

1709.  PAGE. 
May  20  and  June  3  Extracts  from  Journal  of  Society  for  Propagat- 
ing the  Gospel.  A  German  minister  to  be  sought,  to  serve 
the  poor  Palatines  ^vho  are  to  be  sent  to  some  of  the 
Plantations.  Bishop  of  London  proposes  to  await  the  ac- 
tion of  Government   1738,  1739 

20    Letter    of    Mr.    Chamberlain    with    Account    what   'has    been 

done  for  the  Palatines   1739-1742 

26,    June    18,    21     Rumors   that   certain   Palatines   turn   Pietists. 
Petition   of   Piev.   Joshua   Kocherthal    for   food.      Commit- 
tee to  report.     Rumors  are  true.     To  be  supplied  .  .   1742,  1743 
30     Anglican   Church  at  Harlem.     Rev.   Henrieus  Beys   has   con- 
formed        1743 

Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.     The  Palatines   1744 

June        1     Letter  of  Mr.  Chamberlayne  on  the  Palatines   1745-1748 

10,11     Number  of  arrivals  of  Palatines  in  England   1748,  1749 

23     ]Memorial   of  Mr.  Tribbeko,  about  tke  Palatines    1749,   1750 

0     Rev.   Bondet   and  French   Church   of    New  Rochelle   offer  to 

conform   1750,  1751 

13  Col.  Hea,thcote  to  the  Society  for  Px'opagating  the  Gospel, 
upon  the  offer  of  New  Rochelle  to  conform.     Revs.  Sharp, 

Bartow  and  Bondet    1751 

16  Pamphlet  on  the  Palatines.  Their  numbers  and  occupations. 
Expense  to  the  country.  Order  collection  of  charity  in 
their  behalf.  Large  amount  collected.  Oppositions 
thereto.     Complaints.     Friends  of  these  charities  charged 

with  being  enemies  of  the  kingdom 1752-1755 

21  Consistoi-ies  of  Kings  County,  Long  Island,  to  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  on  tiie  troubles  there.  Antonides  vindi- 
cated;  Freeman  condemned.     Civil  complications.     Efforts 

for  peace  1755-1760 

Revs.   Du  Bois  and  Antonides  refuse  to   ordain  Paulus  Van 

Vleck  as  Chaplain  for  Dutch  troops  going  to  Canada.  1760,  1761 
28     Rev.  Freeman  to  certain  members  of  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam.    His  side  of  the  difHculties  on  Long  Island  ....   1702-1767 
Col.    Nicholson    and    Col.    Vetch    to    the    Ijords    of    Trade. 

Quakers    1767,  1768 

Summer?    The  Vestiy  of  Trinity  Church  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canter- 
May?  buiy.       Variety     of     inhabitants.       Condition    of    Trinity 
Church  building.     Col.  Fletchers  benefactions.     Bellomont 
said    to    be    opposed.      Cornbuiy    restores    its    prosperity. 

Amount  needed  to  put  it  in  good  condition   1768 

July         5     Lt.   Gov.  Ingoldsby  to  Lords  of  Trade.     Opposes  the  appro- 
priation of  Quit-rents  to  Trinity  Church    1768.  1769 

8     Revs.  Antonides  and  Du  Bois  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam.     Ac- 
count   of    the   efforts   of    the    (Civil)    Assembly    to    induce 

them  to  ordain  Van  Vleck,  and  their  refusal 1769-1773 

18  History  of  the  Palatine  Refugees,  lately  arrived  in  England. 
Answer  to  objections  to  receiving  them;    their  advantage 


Table  of  Contents.  xv 

1709.  PAGE, 

to  Britain.  Their  deplorable  conditions,  and  reasons  there- 
for. Description  of  the  countiy  from  which  they  came. 
Their  numbers.  How  they  have  been  subsisted  since  their 
arrival.  How  they  may  be  made  useful  to  the  kingdom, 
and  of  advantage  to  themselves.     Names  of  the  Trustees 

of  the  charities  collected  for  them ir74-1794 

July      22     Classis  read  a  letter  from  New  York,  complaining  of  no  let- 
ters received;  and  referring  to  case  of  Rev.  Beis.  ..  .   1794,  1795 
July   30-Aug.   8     Synod   of   North  Holland  at  Edam.     No  reference  to 

America    1795 

x\ug.      19     Commission   of   Rev,    Christopher   Bridge   to   be   minister  at 

Rye    1795 

30    Report  of  Board  of  Trade  on  the  Palatines,     Many  of  them 

to  be  settled  in  New  York,     Conditions  necessary,  ,    1796,  1797 
Sept.        2     Letters    from   the   Indies   read   in   Classis.      New   York   and 

Suriname 1797 

8  Further  petition  of  Antonides'  Elders  against  the  iiTegu- 
larities   of  Domine  Freeman;   and  Order   thereon.     Report 

must  be  made   1797,  1798 

—     Petition  of  Freeman's  Elders   1798 

15    Majority  Report  in  Council,  on  difficulties  in  Kings  County. 

(See  Oct.  6)    1799 

19  Dutch   Church    of   Jamaica   petitions   Lieut.    Gov.    Ingoldsby 

against  Antonides  and  in  favor  of  Freeman   1799 

23  Petition  of  the  Germans  at  Quassiack  Creek,  near  Newburgh, 

and  Thanskamir  for  assistance   1800 

24  Petition   against   Domine   Antonides    for   confirming   Elders; 

and  Affidavit 1800,  1801 

26  Act  to  confirm  certain  lands  to  Trinity  Church ISOl 

Petition  of  Rev.  Kocherthal.    Desires  to  go  to  London  to  seek 

help  from  the  Queen  for  the  Palatines   1801,  1802 

Oct.        —     Church  of  New  York.     Old  Poor-house  sold  1802 

6  Minority  Report  on  the  difficulties  in  Kings   County.      (See 

Sept.    15)    1802,  1803 

7  Classis  receives  letters  from  Revs.  Lydius,  Du  Bois,  Antonides; 

from  Surinam  and  New  York.  Kingston  wants  a  min- 
ister       1803,  180 1 

10  Another  petition  in  behalf  of  the  Germans  by  J.  C.  Codweis; 
to  borrow  money  for  the  Palatines  in  New  York,  upon  the 
pledge  of  the  Governor.     Granted  1804,  1805 

20  Disposition   of   the   Majority   and   Minority   Reports   on   the 

difficulties  in  Kings  County    1805 

22     Antonides'  Consistory  petition  the  Governor  to  endorse   the 

legality  of  Antonides'   ministry    1806 

27  Freeman's  Consistory  petition  for  a  decision 1806 

The  Governor's  Decision  on  the  difficulties  in  Kings  County.  1807 

30     Rev.  Bertow  to  the  Society,     Death  of  Rev,  Urquhart 1807 


xvi  Table  of  Contents. 

1709.  PAGE. 

Nov.  9  Commission  of  Rev.  Daniel  Bondett  to  be  minister  of  the 
French  Church,  Xew  Rochelle,  Bondett  having  received 
Episcopal  orders   1808 

10  Sunderland  to  President  of  Council  of  New  York.     The  Pala- 

tines       1808 

11  Rev.  Antonides  notifies  the  Governor  that  he  carmot  accept 

his   decision,    being   contrary    to    the    Constitution    of   the 

Dutch  Church   1808,  1809 

24     The  New  York  Anglican  Missionaries  to  the  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don, in  behalf  of  ministers'  "i^ddows   1809 

Dec.       2    Rev.    Mr.    Vesey    to    Col.    Riggs.      Queen's    Fai-m.      Trinity 

Church.     His  salary  1810,  1811 

Society   for  Propagating  the  Gospel   to   seek   out  a  German 

Minister  for  the  Palatines  of  New  York 1811 

5    Board  of  Trade  reports  that  there  are  Tracts  of  Land  in  New 

York  where  more  Palatines  could  settle 1811,  1812 

Palatines'  Petition  to  retain  Mr.  Haegar's  services 1813 

Covenant  for  the  Palatines'   Residence   and  Employment  in 

New  York   1814-1816 

13     Rev.  Mr.  Laborei,  of  New  York,  petitions  for  twenty  pounds 

salary  1816 

16,  30     Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  recommends  John  Fred- 
eric Haegar  for  German  Minister  to  New  York.    Ordained 

for  said  field   1816,  1817 

The  Palatine  Catechism:  or  a  true  description  of  their  camps 

at  Black  Heath  and  Camberwell    1817-1820 

1710. 

The  state  of  the  Palatines  for  Fifty  Years  past  to  this  Pres- 
ent Time.  An  account  of  the  Palatinate  and  the  destruc- 
tive French  War.  The  case  of  the  Palatines,  published  by 
themselves,  and  sent  to  the  Tradesmen  of  England.  Peti- 
tion of  the  Justices  of  Middlesex  in  their  behalf,  Avith  her 
Majesty's  answer.  A  Letter  about  Settling  and  Employing 
them  in  other  Countries.  A  Proclamation  of  the  States- 
General  for  Naturalizing  all  Strangers.  Their  present 
Camps  at  Black  Heath  and  Camberwell,  England;  their 
support;    and    the    kindness    their   Ancestors    showed    the 

English  in  the  times  of  Queen  Mary   1820-1832 

1709-1711. 

Extracts  from  the  Journal  of  The  House  of  Commons  con- 
cerning  the   Palatines.     Vol.    XVI 1832-1841 

1710. 
Jan.       11     Earl  of  Sunderland.     Approval  of  Covenant  of  Dec.  5,  1709..   1841 
19     Classis   of   Amsterdam.     New  York  and   Kingston.     Pastors 

to  be  sought  for   ' 1841 

Feb.  8-15  Rev.  Antonides  petitions  to  know  the  result  of  his  paper  of 
Nov.  1709.  Governor  refuses  to  hear  anything  more  on  the 
subject  1842 


Table  of  Conteio^.  xvii 

1710.  PAGE. 

Feb.      22    Dutch  Church  of  Albany  asks  for  the  ownership  of  Graveyard. 

Granted 1842 

March  3  Classis  calls  Rev.  Peter  Vas  for  Kingston,  and  ordains  him. 
Expenses  taken  out  of  the  fund  of  nine  hundred  guilders 
for  legal  expenses    (May  23,  1706)   to  protect  the  liberties 

of   the   churches    1842,  1843 

27     Consistory  of  Albany  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.    Death  of 

Lydius.     Desire  another  minister   1843,  1844 

April  7  Deputies  of  Classis  press  the  business  of  protecting  the  liber- 
ties of  the  Dutch  Church.    Letters  from  New  York,  read..  1845 

11,  13,  19,  20     Samuel  Clowes  to  the  President  of  the  Council.    Re- 

port on  the  forcible  re-seizure,  by  the  Presbyterians,  of 
their  Church  taken  from  them  by  Cornbury.  Dissenters 
charged  with  riot,  and  to  be  arrested 1845,  1846 

12,  17,  18     Rev.  Antonides  petitions  the  Council  for  confirmation 

of  Report  declaring  him  legal  minister  in  Kings  County. 
Other  petitions  in  his  behalf.     Favorable  Report....   1846-1848 
27    Petition  in  behalf  of  Freeman.     Order  thereon.     Antonides 

sustained  but  Freeman  permitted  to  preach  in  two  places .  .   1848 
May         5     Deputies  of  Classis  read  letters  from  New  York.     Rev.  Vas. 

The  fund  for  legal  expenses 1849 

10  Indenture  of  Servitude  of  a  yoimg  woman  at  Albany,  by  per- 
mission of  the  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Church 1849,  1850 

19,23  The  arrested  rioters  (so-called),  Geo.  Woolse,  etc.,  at  Ja- 
maica protest  their  innocence.  Fines  remitted.  Memorial 
from  Jamaica  as  to  their  history  and  rights,  and  seizure 

of  their  property   1850,  1851 

June  Quarrel  between  Filkin  and  Beekman  about  Council's  Order 

in  reference  to  Domine  Freeman   1851,  1852 

2    The  Classis  borrows  money  from  the  legal  fund  to  pay  Domine 
Vas's  expenses  to  America.    Kingston  was  to  refund.    New 

York.     Case  of  Rev.  Beys   1852,  1853 

12     Further  petition  of  Antonides  and  Elders  against  Freeman, 

and  Order  thereon   1854 

13,  16,  17     Second   Immigi-ation   of   Palatines,    and    arrangements 

for  their  welfare   1854,  1855 

16     Col.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.     The  Palatines 1855 

July         5     Col.  Quary  to  Mr.  Pulteney.    The  Palatines 1855 

14  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Revs.  Du  Bois,  Lydius,  Antonides, 
etc.  Revs.  Beys,  Vas.  Kingston.  Expenses.  Church  liber- 
ties        1856-1858 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Freeman.     Review  of  his  case. 

His   irreg-ularities    1859,  1860 

Acts  of  Classis.   Revs.  Beys  and  Lydius.   Letter  from  Albany.  1860 

1861 

24  Col.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.    The  Palatines 1861 

25  Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for  Propa- 

gating the  Gospel   1861-1864 


xviii  Table  of  Contents. 

1710.  PAGE, 

July      29-Aug.    8     Synod   of   North   Holland,   at   Alkmaar.     Eevs.   Vas 

and  Lydius   1864 

Aug.    2,  8     License  to  erect  a  church  in  New  Rochelle 1864 

Sept.        1     Rev.  Beys.     Church  of  Albany 1865 

13     Jews  ask  exemption  from  all  civil  and  military  duties.    Note.  1865 

1866 
15     Governor   Hunter   allows    both    Antonides    and    Freeman   to 

preach   1866 

20  Rev.  Thomas  Barclay  to  the  Society.  State  of  the  Anglican 
Church  in  Albany.  His  efforts  with  the  Dutch.  English 
school.     Revs.  Lydius  and  Du  Bois.     The  Indians.     Rev. 

Freeman   1866-1868 

Oct.         5     Rev.  Poyer  to  the  Society.     The  Dissenters.     Need  of  Prayer 

Books   1868 

6  Deputies  report  on  the  case  of  Rev.  Beys.  Pleased  with  the 
conduct  of  Kingston  Church  toward  him.  Classis  suspended 
him,  because  he  entered  the  Episcopal  Church  while  under 

trial.     Summary  of  Report    1808-1870 

17     Induction  of  Rev.  Christopher  Bridge  over  Church  of  Rye.  ..   1870 
20     Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel.     Ari-ival   of  Rev.  John 

Frederick  Haegar  in  New  York 1871 

27  Rev.    Poyer,    Anglican    minister,    sues    Church    Wardens    of 

Jamaica  for  his  salary.     Court  found  for  defendants  with 
cost   1871 

28  Rev.  John  F.  Haegar  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gos- 

pel    1871,  1872 

Nov.      13     Contract  with  Robt.  Livingstone  to  victual  the  Palatines  at 

Germantown,  N.  Y 1872,  1873 

27     Further  order  on  disputes  in  Kings  County.     Antonides  sus- 
tained.    The  parties  urged  to  come  to  an  agreement..   1873,  1874 
Dec.        3     Rev.    John   Thomas   to   the    Society.      Peace   at  Hempstead. 
Rev.   Poyer.      Dissenters   at   Jamaica   hold  the  parsonage, 
but  not  the  church.     Dissenters  claim  the  Ministry  Act  in 

their  favor    1874,  1875 

8     Church  of  Albany   1875 

1711. 
Jan.         9     Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the   Consistoiy  of  Albany.     Death 

of  Lydiu^s.    Will  seek  new  pastor  for  them 1875,  1876 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Consistory  of  Kingston.     Con- 
ference about  Rev.  Beys.    Beys  has  become  an  Episcopalian.  1876 
13     Deputati  are  considering  case  of  New  Albany;   also   case  of 

Rev.  Beys  and  Church  of  Kingston 1877 

18     Palatine  School-house  at  Queensbury.     Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar...    1877 
March  27     Mr.   Cast  to   Gov.   Hunter.     Palatines   on   Livingston  lands. 

Contentment  and  Expeetions.     Rev.  Kocherthal .  . .  .   1877,  1878 

April     11     Bill  to  naturalize  Foreign  Protestants 1878 

13     Case  of  New  York.     Moneys  advanced  by  Classis 1878,  1879 

30     Difficulties    in   Flatbush    Church.      Revs.    Freeman    and    An- 
tonides      1879 


Table  of  Contents.  xix 

1711.  PAGE. 

May  3  Rev.  Poyer  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel.  Increase 
of  his  church  at  Jamaica.  Quakers.  Rev.  Urquhart. 
Rights  of  the   (Episcopal)    Church.     Money  from  Ministry 

Act  goes  to  an  Independent,  Rev.  Geo.  Macnesh 1879-1880 

4     Letters  to  be  sent  to  New  Netherland 1880 

18  Letters  from  Rev.  Haegar  to  Society  for  Propagating  the 
Gospel,  received.  Condition  of  his  Palatine  church.  Ger- 
man Prayer-Books  to  be  sent 1880 

27     Rev.    Peter    Vas    to    Classis    of    Amsterdam.      Reception    at 

Esopus.     Expenses  of  his  voyage 1881,  1882 

June        1     Churches   of  New  Netherland    1882 

3     Church  of  New  York.     Rule  for  loaning  money.     Communion 

Table  to  be  fenced   1883 

13  Messrs.  Robinson  and  Reynolds  to  Society  for  Propagating 
the  Gospel.  Extract  from  Cotton  Mather's  letter.  Many 
towns  have  no  minister;  seven  such  in  Jersey.  Jamaica 
has  100  families,  with  church  and  pastor.  Ten  families 
seize  their  church  and  parsonage.     Society  for  Propagating 

the  Gospel  should  not  encourage  such  things 1883 

July       20     Letters   from    New    Netherland.      Classis    desire    details   and 

payment  of  moneys  advanced   1884 

Rev.  Boehm  writes  to  Society  for  Propagating  Gospel,   ask- 
ing for  a  minister  for  Palatines  in  Carolina 1884 

Synod  of  North  Holland.     Rev.  Peter  Van  Driessen  had  been 

sent  to   Albany    1884 

Aug.  1-Sept.  Consistory  of  Kings  Co.,  petition  for  a  Charter.  Prop- 
erties described.  Wish  Charter  like  that  of  Church  of 
New    York.      Sept.    13.  Inglebert    Lott    enters    a    Caveat 

against  it.     See  Sept.  28 1885,  1888 

15  Rev.  J.  F.  Haeger  to  Society  for  Propagating  Gospel.  Lives 
in  the  woods.  Palatine  services  under  the  open  sky.  Going 
with  300  Palatines  to  war  with  Canada.     Indian  baptized. 

Small  vocabulary  of  Indian  words  1886 

Sept.      28     Report  on  Caveat  against  Charter  for  Dutch  Church  of  Kings 

County.     Lott  had  no  authority;  Caveat  frivolous 1887 

30  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Revs.  Antonides  and  Du  Bois.  Ef- 
forts to  preserve  the  liberties  of  the  American  Dutch 
churches.  Grieved  at  contentions  in  them.  Importance  of 
a  colleague  to  Du  Bois.  Desires  repayment  of  moneys  ad- 
vanced      1887-1889 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Freeman.  His  call  to  Long 
Island,  not  legal.  Antonides  compelled  to  get  a  civil  li- 
cense  in   self-defence.     His   efforts   for   ordination  of   Van 

Vleck    1889,  1890 

Oct.         5     Case  of  Kingston   1891 

23     Council  Journal.     Governor  has  contracted  for  two  forts  in 

Indian  countiy,  with  Chapels 1891 

Nov.      11     Petition    for    Charter    for    Church    of   New    Rochelle.      Rev. 

Bondet  and  his  church  had  confonned 1891 


XX  Table  of  Contents. 

1711.  PAGE. 

Nov.  13  Memorial  of  the  Clergy,  respecting  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  and 
church  of  Jamaica,  to  the  Bishop  of  London.  Review. 
Variety  of  Religions.  Townships  set  apart  land  for 
churches.  Parsonage  built  by  general  tax.  Ministers  in- 
vited. Dissenting  minister,  Rev.  C.  Prudden  called. 
Church  built  by  Churchmen  and  Dissenters.  Act  to  re- 
pair churches.  Ministry  Act.  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey.  Rev. 
Patrick  Gordon.  Rev.  Mr.  Urquhart.  Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard 
ordered  to  vacate  parsonage.  Act  of  1705.  Independents 
claim  church  property  at  Jamaica,  and  take  possession  of 
it.  Slight  fines.  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  kept  out  of  the  Parson- 
age. Church  Wardens  and  Vestrymen,  (all  dissenters)  call 
Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard,  a  dissenter;  but  Cornbury  inducted 
Rev.  Mr.  Urquhart.  Another  dissenter.  Rev.  Geo.  Macnesh, 
called  by  the  Vestiymen.  Governor  gives  Rev.  Poyer  pos- 
session. Vestrymen  refuse  to  pay  salary  to  Poyer,  but 
pay  Macnesh.  Magistrates,  Wardens  and  Vestrymen,  all 
dissenters.  Suit  of  Rev.  Poyer  goes  against  him  with  costs. 
(See  Jan.  30,  1712)    1892-189G 

29  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel,  receives  letter  of  Aug. 

15,  from  Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar 1896 

Dec.      13     Church  of  New  York.     Church  books.     Accounts  to  be  kept, 

not  in  guilders,  but  in  pounds,  shillings  and  pence 1897 

22  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Peter  Vas.  Account  of  ex- 
penses owing  by  him  to  Classis   1897,  1898 

1711-1760. 

John  Conrad  Weiser.     The  Palatines   1898 

1712, 
Jan.         1     Col.   Morris   to    Society    for   Propagating   the   Gospel.      Rev. 
Mr.   Poyer   and   church  of  Jamaica.     Brief  review   of  the 

circumstances    1899 

5  Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Disturbances  at  Jamaica.  Reasons  why  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer 
did   not   sue.     Gov.   Hunter   offers   to   put   in   magistrates 

friendly  to  the  church   1899,  1900 

26  Gov.  Hunter  to  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer.  Complains  that  he  has  not 
accepted  of  his  offers  to  help  him  in  a  suit.  Requests  him 
to  answer,  whether  the  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  are  legal; 
whether  they  have  laid  a  tax  for  the  minister's  salary; 
whether  the  justices  have  done  this,  if  others  failed;  have 
they  been  informed  against  for  failure;  or,  if  the  tax  has 
been  laid,  have  the  constables  collected  it,  and  paid  it  over; 
and  have  you  received  any  part  of  it? 1900,  1901 

30  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer 's  answer  to  Gov.  Hunter:      Has  made  com- 

plaints.    Could  not  begin  a  suit  without  advice  from  the 
Society  in  England.     Refers  the  Governor  to  the  books  of 
\  the  civil   officials    1901 


Table  of  Contents.  xxi 

1712.  PAGE. 

Jan.  30  Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Reference  to  Memorial  of  Clergy  of  Nov.  13,  1711,  laying 
the  blame  of  the  sad  conditions  at  Jamaica  on  Col.  Hunter. 
Col.  Hunter  deceived,  in  removing  certain  officers.  The 
clergy  should  have  laid  their  case  first  before  the  Governor; 
and  if  no  relief,  then  to  have  carried  the  case  to  England. 
Offers  of  help  to  Mr.  Poyer.  Rev.  Poyer  was  at  once  in- 
ducted; but  Rev.  Urquhai-fs  widow  surrendered  the  par- 
sonage to  the  dissenters.  The  Chief  Justice  advised  the 
Governor  that  he  could  not  dispossess  the  dissenters  ex- 
cept by  due  course  of  law.  Governor  offered  to  pay  ex- 
penses if  Poyer  would  prosecute,  but  he  continued  to  de- 
lay any  prosecution    1902,  19C3 

Feb.  4  Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Difficulties  between  Antonides  and  Freeman  had  led  many 

to  attend  Rev.  Poyer's  services   1903 

8,  27     Church  of  New  York.     Rules  to  govern  the  Church  Masters 

in  sales  of  seats  to  men  and  women   1903-1905 

11  Col.  Heathcote  to  Society  for  Propagating  Gospel.  It  was 
said  that  the  Church  of  Jamaica  dared  not  go  to  law  for 
the  parsonage  because  of  change  of  officers.     This  not  so. 

Only  good  men  should  be  appointed   1905-1906 

20  Col.  Morris  to  John  Chamberlayne,  Esq.  Requested  to  send 
account  of  Rev.  Mr.  Morris'  affairs.  Elias  Neau's  account 
of  him.  Moore  said  to  be  on  parole  (but  not  so),  and  to 
have  fled  to  New  England,  on  his  way  to  England.  Feared 
unjust  imprisonment  in  New  York.  Col.  Hunter's  case. 
Representations  made  against  him.  Unable  to  find  out 
what  they  were.  Was  a  good  friend  of  the  church.  Gave 
Queen's  Farm  to  Trinity  Church  during  his  term.  Church 
pretended  to  have  a  right  to  Queen's  Farm  from  Gov. 
Fletcher;  but  this  right  vacated.  Gov.  Hunter  would  not 
join  Vesey  in  a  new  Representation  for  said  Farm.  Ac- 
cused of  being  no  churchman.  Permitted  church  to  be 
built  at  New  Rochelle.     Repaired  the  Queens  Chapel  in  the 

'  .  Fort.     This  opposed  by  Vesey,  and  a   certain  Missionary, 

Henderson   1906-1909 

Col.  Morris  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Clergy  had  arraigned  the  Governor's  conduct  respecting 
Jamaica  and  Rev.  Poyer.  The  dissenters  had  asked  for  a 
Ministry  Act,  to  raise  money  for  a  church.  Governor 
Fletcher  took  advantage  of  this,  to  do  something  for  the 
Church  of  England.  Ministry  Act  formulated  accordingly; 
but  indefinite.  Jamaica  church  built  by  means  of  it,  and 
a  dissenting  minister  paid.  Some  dissenters  displeased, 
and  joined  Church  of  England,  and  such  a  church  started 
at  Jamaica.     Cornbury  dispossessed  the  dissenters  of  their 


xxii  Table  of  Contents, 

1712.  PAGE. 

church  and  parsonage,  and  gave  them  to  Rev.  Urquhart. 
His  daughter  man-ied  a  dissenting  minister,  and  thus  tlie 
dissenters  regained  the  parsonage.  Change  in  the  magis- 
tracy in  favor  of  dissenters.  Rev.  Foyer's  complaints  re- 
jected. Governor  wishes  to  prosecute  the  magistrates.  But 
all  the  Assembly  which  passed  the  "  Ministry  Act "  except 
one,  were  dissenters;  hence  the  law  was  meant  for  them. 
Answer:  Legislature  consists  of  Assembly,  Governor  and 
Council,  and  the  latter  two  meant  the  Law  for  Church  of 
England.  Poyer  does  not  prosecute;  refers  the  matter  to 
England,  hoping  the  Governor  may  be  recalled.  The  Act 
loosely  worded;  dissenters  can  claim  the  benefit.  Dis- 
senters, by  far  the  most  numerous.  Church  of  England 
will  not  make  converts  by  taking  many  by  force;  in  better 
condition  in  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania,  where  there  is  no 
such  Act.  The  Governor  a  true  friend  of  the  Church. 
The  manner  of  writing  that  letter  about  the  Governor. 
Observations  of  Col.  JMori'is.  Poyei*'s  answer  to  the  Gov- 
ernor not  very  respectful.  Manner  in  which  Vesey  secured 
signatures  to  the  paper  against  the  Governor   1909-1912 

Feb.  25  Gov.  Hunter,  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel.  Gen- 
eral excellent  character  of  the  English  missionaries.  Yet 
subscriptions  sought  to  a  paper  against  the  Governor. 
Declares  his  zeal  for  the  Church.  Reviews  the  case  of 
Rev.  Poyer,  at  Jamaica.  Could  not  dispossess  the  dis- 
senter in  the  parsonage,  except  by  legal  process.  Poyer 
complains  of  non-payment  of  salary.  R.easons  of  the  Mag- 
istrate for  non-payment:  (1)  No  money;  (2)  Had  no  or- 
ders from  the  Justices;  (3)  Rev.  Poyer  was  not  qualified 
according  to  the  Act.  The  Governor  requested  Rev.  Poyer 
to  begin  a  suit.  This  not  done.  Poyer  was  then  asked  to 
suggest  what  should  be  done.  Answer:  had  submitted  the 
case  to  his  superiors  at  home.  True  cause  of  the  opposi- 
tion: Rev.  Vesey  had  used  the  Governor  ill;  had  persuaded 
Poyer  that  a  trial  at  law,  was  dangerous;  thus  took  away 
my  opportunity  to  show  my  zeal  for  the  church;  then  se- 
cretly circulated  a  paper,  that  I  might  be  recalled,  in  dis- 
grace. Rev.  Vesey  was  also  offended  at  Hunter's  repairing 
the  Chapel  in  the  Fort.  Exposulations  and  anger.  Bishop 
of  London  had  urged  the  Governor  to  bear  with  Vesey's 
infirmities,  Avhile  the  Bishop  would  admonish  him.  Com- 
plained, and  said  he  adhered  to  his  opinion  still.  Arrival 
of  Missionary  Henderson;  calls  the  repairing  the  Chapel 
in  the  Fort,  a  schism;  carries  back  the  paper  against 
Hunter.  He  had  been  sent  to  Dover,  Pa.;  remained  a  short 
time;  supplied  Rev.  Talbot's  place  at  Burlington,  in  Jersey; 

:,  made   trouble   there;   Rev.   Talbot   returned;    Rev.  Hender- 


Table  of  Contents.  xxiii 

1712.  PAGE. 

son  dismissed,  to  return  to  England;  carried  back  the 
Paper  of  Vesey.  His  scurrilous  language  against  the 
Primate  of  England.  Henderson  also  sued  for  defama- 
tion       1912-1915 

Feb.       25     Church  of  New  York.     Resolve  to  call  another  minister  from 

Holland    1916 

27     Church  of  New  York:     Rules  about  approaching  the  Lord's 

Table   1916,  1917 

March  1  Governor  Hunter  to  the  Bishop  of  London.  Encloses  copy 
of  his  letter  to  the  Society,  of  Feb.  25.  The  signers  and 
the  non-signers,  of  the  Paper  against  the  Governor,  all 
join  in  the  enclosed  address  to  defeat  the  object  of  that 
paper.  Character  of  the  zeal  of  his  opponents.  Necessity 
of  a  Bishop  in  America.  The  clergy,  mostly  excellent 
men;  but  some  are  vicious.  The  Governor's  characteriza- 
tion of  Mr.  Vesey.  The  Governor's  own  account  of  his 
conduct  in  church  affairs.  Had  personally  given  Rev. 
Mr.  Vesey  £30.  per  year,  during  his  governorship;  had  in- 
ducted Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  in  the  church  at  Jamaica;  had 
urged  him  to  sue  for  his  salary,  at  the  Governor's  expense; 
had  completed  the  steeple  of  Trinity  Church;  had  re- 
paired the  chapel  in  the  Fort;  had  finished  the  church  at 
New  Rochelle,  and  healed  the  breach  there,  and  given 
them  a  Patent  for  the  ground  there;  was  collecting  moneys 
for  building  churches  at  Eye,  Piscataway,  Elizabethtown. 
etc.;  Avas  building  forts  and  chapels  among  the  Indians; 
have  assisted  the  indigent  among  the  clergy ; —  Hoped  the 
Society  would  remedy  the  ills  existing,  and  do  him  jus- 
tice        1917-1919 

2  Governor   Hunter's  speech  to  the  Clergy,  referred   to  in  his 

letter  of  March  1,  1712.  Has  called  them  to  ask  their  ad- 
vice how  to  promote  the  best  interests  of  the  church;  to 
inform  them  about  affairs  at  Jamaica;  review  of  that 
case 1919,  1920 

3  The  Clerg;v''s  address  to  Gov.  Hunter,  apologizing  for  all  the 

evil  reports  circulating  against  him;  signed  by  all  the 
clergy  of  the  Church  of  England,  in  New  York  and  New 

Jersey    1920 

A    statement    of    the    Church    at    Jamaica.      The    successive 

ministers.     Church  of  England  vs.  Dissent   1921,  1922 

4  Dutch  Church  of  New  York  to  call  a  second  minister   1922 

7     Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  the  Society   for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

The  meeting  of   the  Clergy   in  New  York.     Apologizes  to 

the  Goveraor  for  certain  disrespectful  language 1922-1924 

Trinity  Church,  New  York,  thanks  Queen  Anne  for  Com- 
munion Set.  Trinity  Church  under  pi'osecution  as  to  her 
right  to  the  "  Church  Farm ".  Importance  of  a  Bishop 
in   America    1924 


xxiv  Table  of  Contents. 

1712.  PAGE. 

March  17     Consistories   of   Rev.    Freeman   to    Consistories   of   Rev.   An- 

tonides,  making  overtures  of  peace 1924,  1925 

22  Rev.  Freeman  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  Complains  of 
letters  to  Rev.  Classis,  which  have  been  perverted  to  his 

injury    1925,  1926 

April       2     Secretary  Clark  to  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer 1926 

4  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  Secretaiy  Clark   1926,  1927 

Church   of  Kings  County    (per  Rev.  Freeman)    to  Classis  of 

Amsterdam,   about   the   Peace-Articles   with  Consistory   of 
Rev.    Antonides    1927,  1928 

5  Address    of    Grand    Jury    of    Suffolk    County    to    Governor 

Hunter    1928,  1929 

18     Consistories   of  Rev.   Antonides   to   the  Consistories   of   Rev. 

Freeman,  in  reference  to  Articles  of  Peace    1929-1931 

27  Reply  of  Consistories  of  Rev.  Freeman  to  those  of  Rev.  An- 
tonides        1931-1933 

May     1, 2     Petition   of   the   Dutch   Church   of  Kingston  for   a   Charter, 

and  Report  on  the  same   1933,  1934 

4     Consistories  of  Antonides  to  those  of  Freeman 1935-1938 

8     Consistories  of  Freeman  to  those  of  Antonides   1938-1949 

14  Address  of  the  English  Clergy  to  Governor  Hunter.  Thanks 
the  Governor  for  this  opportunity  of  meeting,  for  his 
zeal  against  immorality;  for  his  encouragement  of  Elias 
Neau,  the  eatechist;  for  his  favor  to  Rev.  Daniel  Bondet, 
and  the  Church  of  Xew  Rochelle,  recently  conformed;  re- 
quests encouragement  for  Rev.  Beys  of  Harlem;  and 
thanks  for  the  help  rendered  Rev.  Mr.  Barclay  of  Al- 
bany      1949,  1950 

June  2  Rev.  Henderson's  Account  of  State  of  Church  of  England 
in  New  York  and  New  Jersey.  Says  the  two  Acts  estab- 
lish Church  of  England.  Six  Churches.  Dissenters  have 
taken  possession  of  Parsonage  and  Salary  at  Jamaica,  and 
that  by  connivance  of  Governor  Hunter.  His  charge  of 
Magistrates.  Four  churches  in  New  Jersey.  Quakers  and 
Dissenters  there  prevented  passage  of  an  establishing  Act. 
Most  of  the  Governor's  Council  are  Churchmen.  Col.  Lewis 
Morris,  a  Professed  Churchman,  leader  of  the  Dissenters. 
Helped  to  establish  a  Conventicle  in  New  York.  Co-oper- 
ated with  Governor  Hunter  in  turning  out  of  the  Coun- 
cil, churchmen,  and  putting  in  some  dissenters.  Rev. 
Woolsey,  a  dissenter,  took  church  of  Hopewell,  built  by 
churchmen.      (See  March  14.  1713) 1950,  1951 

17  Remarks  on  Rev.  Henderson's  Paper  of  June  2.  Unpleasant- 
ness of  answering  misrepresentations  of  a  clergyman.  The 
language  of  the  Acts  themselves  does  not  limit  the  salary 
except  to  a  good,  sufficient  Protestant  minister.  Gov. 
Hunter  favored  Rev.  Poyer  for  Jamaica,  in  preference  to 
Rev.  Macnesh.  Rev.  Henderson,  a  non-resident,  could  not 
know  the  Governor's  motives  for  making   changes   in  the 


Table  of  Contents.  xxv 

1712.  PAGE. 

Council.  Gov.  Hunter,  not  partial  to  dissenters.  In  Jer- 
sey, no  law  in  behalf  of  any  particular  form  of  religion. 
Influence  of  Henderson,  in  behalf  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, detrimental.  His  description  of  Col.  Moms  contra- 
dicts his  statement  of  his  churehmanship.  His  statements 
about  Morris  favoring  a  Conventicle,  etc.,  untrue,  as  also 
his   statements  about  changes  in  the  Council    1951-1953 

June     23     Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.    Census  of  the  counties 

of  New  York,  1703,   1712   1954 

July  2  Kev.  B.  Freeman  to  Eevs.  Steenwinkel  and  Hollenbeck  at 
Amsterdam.  Explains  the  licenses  obtained  from  Corn- 
bury;  his  call.  Denies  that  he  ordained  Paul  Van  Vleck; 
says    Scotch    Presbytery    of    Philadelphia    ordained    him. 

The  disputes  in  Kings  County   1955-1958 

Rev.  B.  Freeman  to  Wm.  Bancker.     The  disputes  in  Kings 

County    1958-1960 

12  Rev.  John  F.  Haegar  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gos- 
pel. Letters  received  from  the  Society.  His  chaplaincy 
in  the  army  going  to  Canada.  Copies  of  German  "  Com- 
mon Prayers  "  not  yet  received.  Thanks  for  £10.  received. 
His  missionary  journeys.  Baptisms.  Number  of  communi- 
cants.    Indian  vocabulary   1960-1963 

31     Report    on   Application    of    Church    of    New    Rochelle   for    a 

Charter.      Granted    1963 

Aug.  26  The  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  to  the  Queen.  Ref- 
erence to  the  "  Instructions  "  to  the  Governor.  Effort  to 
induct  Mr.  Poyer  into  church  of  Jamaica;  kept  out  of  the 
Parsonage  by  dissenters.  Afraid  to  sue,  lest  the  case  should 
go  against  him.  Cannot  appeal,  except  the  sum  exceed 
£100.  Dangerous  to  the  Church  of  England.  Request  that 
appeals  may  be  made,  irrespective  of  amount,  if  causes  re- 
late to  the  Church.      (See  Jan.   8,   1713) 1963,  1964 

Oct.       14     Bill  for  naturalizing  ForeigTi  Protestants,  passed   1964 

29  Estate  of  Mrs.  Selyns.  Proposed  bill  to  sell  property,  re- 
jected        1964,  1965 

31  Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.  His  fortune  exhausted 
in  subsisting  the  Palatines.  Must  sustain  themselves  dur- 
ing the  winter.  Palatines  left  for  Schoharie.  The  Assem- 
bly demands  the  right  of  fixing  salaries,  and  of  keeping 
custody  of  the  public  money.  Same  men  are  returned  to 
the  Assembly.  Fort  and  chapel  built  in  the  Mohawk 
country    1965-1967 

Nov.  1  Eev.  John  F.  Haegar  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gos- 
pel. About  139  communicants  at  Queensbury  (German- 
town)   N.  Y 1967,  1968 

14  Epv.  Wm.  Andrews,  Missionaiy  to  the  Mohawks.  Meeting 
with  the  Commissioners  and  the  Indians.  Welcomed  by 
the  Indians 1968,  1969 


xxvi  Table  of  Contents. 

1712.  PAGE. 

Dec.        6     Governor  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.     The  Palatines  on 

the    Mohawk.      The   Missionary    (Andrews)    gone   thither.  1969 

1970 
12     Rev.  Mr.  Henderson  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gos- 
pel.    Returned  to  America.     Jamaica  case  still  waiting.  . .    1970 
1713. 
Jan.         8     The   Queen  grants   petition  about  Appeals   in  Church  cases. 

(See  Aug.  26,  1712) 1971 

19  Meeting  of  Indian  Commissioners.  Rev.  Mr.  Barclay  com- 
plains  of  Hendrick   Hansen's  misrepresentations....    1972,  1973 

24     Bequest  to  the  poor  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  Albany 1973 

28     The  Consistories  of  Kings  Co.,  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

(See  Abstract  under  date  of  April,  1713)    1973-1990 

Feb.  6  Order  in  Council  allowing  the  Clergy  (in  America)  the  right 
of  Appeal  to  the  Governor  and  Council  in  certain  (church) 

cases.     (See  Aug.  26,  1712,  Jan.  8,  1713.)    1990,  1991 

March  5,  14  Clergy  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  to  Rev.  Jacob 
Henderson.  Complaint  of  his  misrepresentations  in  Eng- 
land.    Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  enclosing  letter 

of  clergj^  of  March  5.     (See  June  2,  1712) 1991,  1992 

11  Church  of  New  York.  All  the  members,  in  a  meeting  of 
Great  Consistory,  to  have  an  equal  vote.     Question  about 

responsibility    of   all    for   salaiy 1992,  1993 

14  Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.  Gov.  had  dissolved  the 
Assembly.  The  Palatines.  Chapel  in  the  Mohawk  coun- 
try        1993,  1994 

April       ?     Deputies   of   Classis.     Abstract   of   Letter    of   Jan.    28,    1713, 

from   Kings   County.      Case    of   Freeman   and   Antonides.  1994- 

1997 
1     Lords   of   Ti-ade   to    the   Earl    of   Dartmouth.      Independence 
of  the  New  York  Assembly;    refuses  to  endorse  action  of 

the  Council  about  Courts   1997,  1998 

30     Survey    of   land   for   Germans    (Palatines)    at   Newburgh    or 

Quaseck   Creek   1998 

Lords    of    Trade    to    Gov.    Hunter:       No    record     of    bap- 
tisms, births  or  burials ;  necessity  of  divisions  into  parishes. 

Can  ministers  be   supported?    1998 

May         1     Revs.  Antonides  and  Vas.     Refunding  loans  to  Classis 1999 

8     Extracts  from  letters  of  July  15,  1712,  March  21,  1713,  May 

8,  1713 1999,  2000 

11  Governor  Hunter  to  Secretary  Popple.  Recent  dissolution 
of    the   Assembly.      Same   members   re-elected.      Palatines. 

Clergy    in   Pennsylvania    2000 

June  19  Classis  receives  package  of  letters  from  New  York.  An- 
tonides and  Vas 2001 

July         6     Rev.  John  F.  Haegar  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Famine  among  the  Palatines.     Appeal  for  help 2001,  20O2 

7     Consistory  of  Dutch  Church  at  Albany  send  victuals  to  the 

Palatines  of  Schoharie    2002.  2003 


Table  of  Contents.  xxvii 

1713.  PAGE. 

July  8  Rev.  John  F.  Haegar  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Reception  of  Liturgies  in  German.    Census  of  Catechumens, 

of  marriages,  of  christenings,  of  communicants 2003-2006 

10     Reports  of  letters  received  by  Classis  to  be  made  later 2006 

18     Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.     The  Assembly  partially 

yields.     The  Palatines    2006,  2007 

24     Reports  on  letters  to  Classis  postponed 2007 

Sept.  4  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  Rev.  Vas  and  expenses.  Rev.  Beys 
on  his  way  to  Curacoa.  Directors  of  West  India  Co.  to 
be  notified   of  his   suspension  by   Classis.     Affairs  of  An- 

tonides   and  Freeman    2007,  2008 

Conference  between  Gov.  Hunter  and  the  Indians.  Mis- 
sionaries to  the  Indians .  2008,  2009 

29     Order  in  Council  on  the  Petition  of  Rev.  Antonides 2009 

Oct.  2  Rev.  Henricus  Eoel  received  among  the  *'  Commendati  Classis.'" 
The  Deputati  of  Classis  had  reported  to  the  Comj^mny 
about  I\.ev.  Beys.  Disputes  between  Antonides  and  Free- 
man       2009,  2010 

2,  9,  16  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel.  Petition  of  Father 
of  Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar.  Letters  received  from  Rev.  J.  F. 
Haegar   2011 

1714. 
Jan.         9     Disputes   between    Antonides    and    Freeman.      Colleague    for 

Rev.  G.  Du  Bois.     Debts  of  Revs.  Vas  and  Antonides.  2011,  2012 

20  Rev.  Poyer  to  Gov.  Hunter.     The  Vestry  at  Jamaica  refuse 

to  allow  Rev.  Poyer  to  be  present  at  their  meeting.     (See 
Feb.   14,   1720)    2012 

21  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Peter  Vas.     Money  accounts. 

Rev.  Henry   Beys   has   been  relieved  of  his   censure   upon 

suitable  acknowledgments 2013,  2014 

Address  from  Gov.  Hunter's  Friends  to  the  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don against  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey.  Congratulations.  Descrip- 
tion of  the  country  and  its  many  sects.  Church  in  New 
York  City  and  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey.  Importance  of  this  church, 
and  of  adherents  to  its  rules.  Review  of  the  histoiy  of  the 
Province:  English  conquest;  chaplain  for  the  English 
soldiers;  Dutch  Church  in  the  Fort;  English  service  in  the 
fort;  Dutch  Church  built,  1693;  incorporated,  1696;  Min- 
istry Act,  1693,  with  Vestrymen  and  Church  Wardens, 
elected  by  the  Freeholders;  Trinity  Church,  1697,  and  Rev. 
Vesey;  his  education;  sent  as  a  dissenting  minister  by  In- 
crease Mather,  to  Long  Island;  Gov.  Fletcher's  offers  of 
inducements  to  Mr.  Vesey;  ordained  in  England;  incorpo- 
ration of  Trinity  Church,  with  its  own  Church  Vestry  and 
Church  Wardens;  some  undesirable  men  lately  chosen 
among  these;  church  much  injured  by  this  circumstance; 
harsh  words,  at  an  election,  by  Mr.  Vesey;  election  of  com- 
mon people;  the  much  larger  Dutch  and  French  churches: 


xxyiii  Table  of  Contents. 

1714.  PAGE. 

subscribers  called  schismatics  by  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey;  Fletch- 
er's rebuilding  of  the  chapel  in  the  fort;  repaired  by  Gov. 
Hunter,  and  services  renewed  therein;  but  this  called 
'■  schism  "  by  Mr.  Yesey ;  request  of  the  Bishop  to  decide 
whether  they  are  schismatics,  for  this;  Mr.  Vesey 's  con- 
duet  very  injurious  to  the  church;  do  not  wish  to  employ 
legal  remedies;  hope  the  Bishop  will  help  to  heal  the  diffi- 
culties     2014-2019 

Feb.  14  Gov.  Hunter  to  Rev.  Poyer.  The  Vestry  meeting  at  Ja- 
maica, without  the  minister,  is  null  and  void.      (See  Jan. 

20,   1714)    2019 

12     Desecration    of    Trinity    Chuich.      Church    broken    open    and 

robbed    2020 

15  Mr.  Vesey's  petition  to   the  Council   respecting  the   desecra- 

tion of  Trinity  Church    2020,  2021 

Address  of  the  Minister  and  Consistory  of  the  Dutch  Church 
concerning  the  desecration  of  Trinity  Church.  Offers  a  re- 
ward of  £15.  for  discovery  of  the  perpetrators.  Affidavit 
of  the  sexton.     Other  affidavits  2021-202^ 

16  Address  of  the  French  Church  on  the  desecration  of  Trinity 

Church.     Offers  a  reward  of  £10 2023 

17  Meeting  of  the    Council    on    desecration    of    Trinity    Church. 

Affidavits   2024,  2025 

19  Address  of  the  Rector  and  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church.  Thanks 
the  Dutcli  and  French  churches  for  their  offers  of  reward, 
and  offers  £30.  additional  to  discover  the  offenders,  with 
pardon  to  any  who  shall  make  known  the  others.  . .   2025,  2026 

The  Council  to  the  Governor  about  the  desecration  of  Trinity 

Church  during  his  absence    2026,  2027 

March  3  Governor's  Proclamation  for  the  discovery  of  the  offenders. 
Offers  a  reward  of  £55.  for  their  discovery,  and  pardon  to 
the  offender  if  he  makes  known  the  others.  Remarks  on 
said  Proclamation,  condemning  the  Governor's  phraseology 

and    implications    2027,  2028 

14  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Consistory  of  Antonides.  The 
Liberty  of  the  Dutch  Church  under  English  Rule.  Tlie 
contentions  on  Long  Island.     Advice  of  Classis 2029-2032 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Freeman.  Grieved  that  the 
Peace  negotiations  had  failed.  Another  trial  should  be 
made.  Remarks  on  the  ordination  of  Van  VIeck.  Freeman 
should  promise  obedience  to  the  Church  Order 2033,  2034 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Gualterus  Du  Bois.  The 
troubles  in  Kings  County.  The  suggestions  of  the  Classis 
for    peace    2035-2037 

The   Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Consistory   of  Rev.  Free- 
man.    Regret  at  failure  of  Peace  negotiations.     Suggestions 
'      i  for  peace    2037-2039 


Table  of  Contents. 


XXIX 


1714.  TAGE. 

March  19  Acts  of  the  Deputies  of  Classis.  Abstract  of  Freeman's  ac- 
count of  his  call  to  Long  Island 2039,  2040 

April       3     Report  that  letter  has  been  sent  to  Rev.  G.   Du  Bois;   that 

letters  would  be  sent  to  Revs.  Vas  and  Antonides . .   2040,  2041 
14     Queen  Anne's  Recognition  and  Instructions  about  the  Queens 
Farm.     The   early  leases.     The  Patent.     The   Prosecution 

of  Trinity  Church  to  be  suspended 2041,  2042 

May        7     Rev.   Beits    (Beys)    asked   liberty  to   defend  himself   against 

charges    '.'..   2042,  2043 

8     Rev.  Poyer  to  His  difficulties  with  dissenters 

at  Jamaica,  and  his  correspondence  with  Gov.  Hunter.  2043.  2044 
17     The  Consistory  at  Schenectady  to  Wm.  Bancker  at  Amster- 
dam,  and  Rev.   Matthew  Winter\vyck,   of  Alphen.     Gives 
them  authority  to  call  a  minister  for  them.    Terms  of  call. 

2044-2047 
19     Rev.  Godfriedus  Dellius  petitions  the  New  York  Assembly  for 

payments  still  due  him  for  certain  services 2047 

23    Rev.  Peter  Vas  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam.     Money  accounts. 
Cautions  against  Rev.  Henricus  Beys.    Continued  liberty  of 

the  Dutch  Church  uncertain 2048-2050 

June        4     The  case  of  Pvcv.  Beys   2050 

14     Bill  in  Council  for  support  of  Government,  and  payment  of 

certain   debts  incurred  by   the  Governor.     Palatine   debts.  2050 

2051 

17  Petition  of  the  Germans  (Palatines)   at  Quassiack  Creek,  for 

better  land   2051,  2052 

18  Petition  for  Rebuilding  the  Dutch  Church  of  Albany 2052 

Rev.   William  Vesey's  Visit  to  England 2052,  2053 

Rev.   Samuel  Wyles  of   Boston,   to   Society   for  Propagating 

Gospel ;  commending  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey 2053,  2054 

30     Dutch  Church  of  New  York.     Deacons'  funds 2054,  2055 

July  2  Case  of  Rev.  Beys.  His  defence.  Sorry  that  he  had  gone 
over  to  the  Episcopal  Church.  Asks  to  be  relieved  from 
censure  in  reference  to  his  leaving  the  Dutch  Church  ir- 
regularly; to  be  relieved  from  the  necessity  of  replying  to 
the  Kingston  Church;  requests  to  be  still  acknowledged 
as  a  Dutch  Reformed  minister ;  apologizes  for  having  inter- 
mitted his  preaching  for  a  considerable  time  at  Kingston: 
petitions  that  gentleness  may  be  shown  him:  he  asserts 
his  innocence  in  reference  to  certain  criminal  charges. 
Further  confessions.     (See  July  23,  1714) 2055-2059 

19  Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel.    His 

itinerant  life.  His  endeavors  to  locate  them  together.  His 
need  of  Liturgies  in  German.  Instructions  from  the  So- 
ciety awaited.     Bills  of  Exchange.     Statistics 2059-2063 

23     Case  of  Rev.  Henricus  Beyts.     (Beys).     Restored  to  full  min- 
isterial   functions 2063 

Rev.  Vincentius  Antonides  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam,     Final 
settlement    of  his   accounts   with  the   Classis,     Antonides 


XXX  Table  of  Contents. 

1714.  PAGE. 

proposes  successful  arrangements  for  peace.  Former  peace 
negotiations.  Necessity  of  a  consolidation  of  the  two  Con- 
sistories       20G4-2067 

July      26     Rev.    Vincentius    Antonides   to   Rev.    John   Van   der   Hagen. 

Money  accounts    2067,  2068 

Aug.        4     Dutch    Church    of    New    York.      Rules    about    seats    in    the 

church,  and  transaction  of  ecclesiactical  business 2069 

16,  21-Sept.  14     Dutch  Church  of  Albany;  Confirmation  of  some 

land 2069 

Sept.      —     Conference  between  Governor  Hunter  and  the  Indians 2070 

Oct.         7     Petition  of  Rev.  Thomas  Barclay  and  others  for  land  for  an 

Episcopal   Church  in  Albany.     Granted 2070,  2071 

8     Rev.  Henricus  Beys  appointed  to  Curacoa 2071,  2072 

Nov.  2  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel.  Ac- 
count of  his  voyage  over  in  1709.  His  labors  at  Jamaica. 
Never  yet  received  any  money  from  the  receipts  of  the 
Ministry  Act.  In  debt.  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey,  then  in  London, 
will   give  further   information 2072-2074 

14  Rev.  Thomas  Barclay,  and  Episcopal  Church  at  Albany 2074 

19,  Dec.   14     Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  — 

Letter  from  Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar  —  Copies  of  the  German 
translation  of  the  "  Common  Prayer "  submitted  to  the 
Bishop  for  his  approval 2074-2076 

1715. 
Jan.  4,  11     Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Call  of  a  Colleague  for  Rev. 
Gualterus   Du  Bois  —  New  members  of   Consistory,  before 
ordination,    shall    always   sign    the    call  —  Blank    call   for- 
warded to  certain  ministers  in  Classis  of  Amsterdam.   2076-2081 
8     Deputati  report  that  the  directions  concerning  call  of  Rev.  H. 

Beys  were  faithfully  carried  out 2(^2 

15  The  debts  of  Revs.  Antonides  and  Vas  to  Classis 2082 

Feb.       11     Revs.  Antonides  and  Freeman  to  Rev.  Classis  of  Amstei-dam 

—  Good  news  of  Peace  established  in  Kings  County  — 
Details  of  the  Plan  —  Raritan  and  Staten  Island  desire 
ministers  —  Poverty  of  the  churches  —  Society  in  England 
supports  weak  Episcopal  churches 2083-2086 

March     3    Episcopal  Church  at  Albany 2087 

17  New  Commission  by  Geoi-ge  I,  to  Robt.  Hunter,  to  be  Gov- 
ernor of  New  York,  after  death  of  Queen  Anne  —  Gov- 
ernor's Relation  to  the  churches 2087 

April  1  Rev.  Gualterus  Du  Bois  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam  —  Long 
Island  —  Colleague  for  Du  Bois  —  Peace  on  Long  Island  — 
Call  for  Colleague,  sent  to  certain  ministers,  instead  of  to 
the  Classis  —  Dispute  in  New  York  Church  settled  —  Ef- 
forts should  now  be  made  to  secure  the  liberties  of  the 
Dutch  Churches,  with  accession  of  the  House  of  Hanover, 

2088-2091 
8     Episcopal   Church  at  Albany    2091,  2092 


Table  of  Contents.  xxxi 

1715-1805.  PAGE. 

April       8     Tiiiid  Dutch  Building  at  Albany  —  Ancient  customs  ins  aid 

Church    2092,  2093 

May  19  Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  — 
Palatines  gradually  conforming  to  Church  of  England  — 
Need  of  German  "  Common  Prayer  "  Books  —  Thi'ee  dif- 
ferent settlements  —  Statistics    2093,  2094 

June        1     Dutch  Church  of  New  York 2094 

July         5     An  Act  for  Naturalizing  all  Protestants  of  Foreign  birth ....   2094 
22     Classis  receives  letters  from  Antonides  and  Freeman   about 
"  Peace  "  on  Long  Island;  also  a  letter  from  Du  Bois  about 

a  colleague  for  himself    2095 

Churches   in   Livingston   Manor,  N.   Y. —  Livingston   has   the 

right  of  patronage   2095,  2096 

Aug.      15     Governor    Hunter   to    the   Lords    of   Trade  —  Extract   about 

Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  as  Commissary  to  the  Bishop  of  London.  .   2096 
18     Lords  of  Trade  to  Gov.  Himter  —  Missionaries  to  the  Indians 

vs.  French  Priests  and  Jesuits 2096 

Sept.      14     Dutch  Church  of  Albany 2096,  2097 

29     Gov.    Hunter   to    the    Lords    of   Trade  —  Rev.    Mr.    Vesey  — 

Death  of  Dr.  Samuel  Staats   2097 

Oct.         7     Rev.  Henry  Eoel  received  as  "  Commendatus  hujus  Classis  ".  .   2097 
Journal  of  Society  for  Propagation  of  Gospel  —  Letter  from 

Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar  read,  of  May  19 2097,  2098 

8     Petition   of  J.  F.   Haegar   and   others   to   erect  a   church   at 

Kingsberry,  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y.   (East  Camp) 2098 

11     Rev.  Peter  Van  Driessen  and  others,  were  naturalized  upon 

taking  the  necessary  oaths 2099 

18     Gov.  Himter  to  the  Earl  of  Stair  —  Church-chapel  among  the 

Mohawks,  costing  £500 2099,  2100 

20,  21     Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Choice  of  Elders  and  Deacons 
—  Rule   as   to   loaning   money  —  List   of   Church   Masters, 

1715-1767    2100,  2101 

24     Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. .   2102 
Nov.      15     Secretary  Clark,  of  New  York,  to   Secretary  Popple  —  Com- 
plains that  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  has  been  made  Commissary  to 

the  Bishop  of  London 2102,  2103 

16     Dutch  Church  at  Albany 2103 

18     Lords  of  Trade  to  Secretary  Stanhope  —  Indian  Missions  — 

Chapel  in  Mohawk  country 2104 

Dec.      16     Rev.  Henricus  Boel  called  to  New  York  —  Approved  by  the 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  —  His  ordination    2104,  2105 

21     Church  of  Albany  2105 

1716. 

Feb.       25     Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Bishop  of  Bristol  on  the  withholding  of 

Rev.  Vesey's  salary    2105 

March  6  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  —  Salary  for  Missionary 
Interpreter  and  schoolmaster  among  the  Indians;  also  for 
Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar   2106 


XXXll 


Table  of  Contents. 


1716. 
March  15 


April  6 
16 
20 

30 


May  26 
June  8 
Sept.      14 


Oct. 


Dec. 

21 

28 

1717 

Jan. 

11 

15 

Feb. 

6 

April     17 
Oct.       18 


20 


24 


PAGE. 

Lords  of  Trade  to  Gov.  Hunter  —  Members  of  the  CouncU  — 
George  Clarke;  Dr.  John  Johnston  in  place  of  Dr.  Staats 

—  Tlie  vacating  Act    2106 

Adjustment  of  moneys  oaring  by  New  Netherland 2106,  2107 

Secretary  Popple  to  Gov.  Hunter  —  Revs.  Vesey  and  Talbot . .   2107 
Society  for  Propagating  Gospel  —  Salary  for  the  missionary 

among  the  Palatines   2107 

Governor  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade  —  Eev.  jVIt.  Vesey 

more  friendlj^  —  Eeasons  of  his   going  to  England  —  City 

Vestry  refuse  to  pay  his  salary  while  in  England.  ..  .   2107,  2108 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  —  Indian  Missions 2108 

Classis  receives  letter  from  Pvev.  Peter  Van  Driessen 2108 

Eev.   John   F.  Haegar  to   Society  for  Propagating  Gospel  — 

Church  begun  for  the  Palatines  on  Hudson  Eiver  —  Eev. 

Mr.    Barclay's    church  —  Schoharie  —  Many    communicants 

—  Statistics    2109,  2110 

Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Loi'ds  of  Trade  —  Vacancies  in  Council  — 

David  Jamison  among  "  The  Sweet  Singers "  —  Sent  to 
America — -His  siiccess;  and  recommendation  to  the 
Council    2110,  2111 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  —  Letter  from  Eev.  J. 
F.  Haegar,  of  Sept.  14,  read 2111,  2112 

Dutch  Church  of  Albany  borrows  from  the  Poor-fund  to  build 
church    2112 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel 2112,  2113 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  Society  for  Propagating  Gospel  —  The 
Law-suit  for  his   salary  —  His  weariness  —  His   successes.   2113 

2114 
Episcopal  Church  at  Jamaica  to  the  Society  for  Propagating 
the  Gospel  —  The  Independents  most  numerous ;  elect  ves- 
trymen and  church  wardens;  pay  their  own  minister; 
Episcopal  minister  receives  nothing  —  Dissenting  ministers 
not  qualified  to  be  inducted;  Independents  call  themselves 

the   established  church   2114,  2115 

Episcopal  Church  at  Albany  —  Eev.  Mr.  Barclay 2115 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  request  that  expenses  of 
Indian  Interpreter  and  schoolmaster,  and  missionary  to  the 
Palatines,  be  put  on  the  New  York  establishment.  . .   2115,  2116 
Eev.  J.  F.  Haegar  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel 

—  His  correspondence  —  The  building  of  his  church  —  His 
former  hardships  —  Kingsbury,  only  church  between  Kings- 
ton  and  Albany  —  Hears  his  salary  is  to  be  discontinued 

—  His   sad   circumstances;   appeal  for  help  —  Necessity   of 

a  schoolmaster    2116-2118 

Eev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  — 
State  of  the  Church  the  same  —  The  difficulties  of  his  posi- 
tion      2119 


Table  of  Contents. 


xxxiu 


1717. 

Nov.      22 

23 


1718, 

March 

22 

May 

2 

12 

June 

5 

25 

28 

July 
Oct. 

3 
12, 

8 

24 

"Nov. 

4 

Dec. 

22 

1719 
Peb. 

11 

23 

March    7 
May        6 


14 


PAGE. 
Call  to  Staten  Island  of  Eev.  Cornelius  Santfoort  (Van  Sant- 

voord)  —  Accepts  the  call  —  His  ordination 2119 

Society   for   Propagating   the   Gospel   to    Eev.    Mr.    Poyer  — 

Present  of  gown  and  cassock  and  £10 2120 

Episcopal  Church  at  Albany 2120 

Johannes  Wilhelmus  Marinus  accepted  by  Classis  as  "  Com- 

mendatus "    2120 

Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  A  certain  matter  submitted  to 

arbitrators    2120 

Rev.  Theodorus  Jacobus  Frielinghuysen  called  to  Raritan  — 

His  ordination    2121 

Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Lease  of  land  at  Hony  Pot. . .  2121 
Petition  of  Joshua  Kocherthal  to  the  Governor  —  About  the 
manner  of  making  out  the  Patents  for  land  for  the  Pala- 
tines and   for   Rev.   Kocherthal,   at   Quaseck  Creek    (near 

Newburgh,  N.  Y.)    2122 

Census  of  Palatine  families  at  different  German  Settlements 

in  New  York   2123 

Act  for  naturalizing  Eev.  Henricus  Boel  and  others.  ..   2123,  2124 

Sept.  15     Episcopal  Church  at  Albany 2124 

Petition  of  certain  Palatines  for  the  disposal  of  the  Glebe  at 

Quassaick  Creek   2124 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  receives  letter  from  Rev. 

J.  F.  Haegar  of  Oct.  26,  1717   2124-2126 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  — 

About  the  disputes  at  Jamaica 2126 

Agreement  between  Rev.  Mr.  Phillips  and  the  Trustees  of 
Brookhaven    2126 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  — 
Death  of  Eev.  Mi-.  Bi-idge  of  Rye  —  Opposition  at  Eye  to 
Church  of  England  —  Call  of  Eev.  Mr.  Buckingham,  a  dis- 
senter —  Possible  call  of  Eev.  Mr.  Poyer 2127 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  the  Society,  etc. —  Dissenters  appealing  to 
the  King   2127-2128 

Order  to  collect  church-rates  in  Brookhaven 2128 

Petition  of  certain  dissenters  to  have  certain  alleged  unjust 
fines  remitted  —  Referred  to  the  judges  of  Queens  County,  2128 

2129 

Petition  of  many  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Jamaica  against  the 
Justices  of  the  Peace;  for  turning  out  the  legally  elected 
church  wardens:  previous  plot:  private  interests  involved; 
have  invaded  the  privileges  of  the  legal  vestry;  have 
illegally  given  the  peoples'  money  to  Eev.  Mr.  Poyer,  who 
was  illegally  appointed  —  Private  character  of  these  Jus- 
tices —  Whitehead,  Smith,  Clement,  Cornell,  Hunt  —  Affi- 
davits to  sustain  this  petition    ., 2129-2133 


xxxiv  Table  of  Contents. 

1719.  PAGE. 

May  14  Secretary  Clarke  to  the  Magistrates  of  Queens  County  — 
Governor's  reply  to  Petition  —  Both  sides  to  appear  before 
the  Governor    2133 

23  Reply  of  the  Judges  —  Affidavits  about  the  ditliculties  of  col- 

lecting rates  from  dissenters  to  support  Church  of  England 

—  Affidavit  of  the  so-called  rioters 2133-2135 

1  27  Answer  of  the  Magistrates  to  the  Complaints  against  them 
by  Fitch  and  others  —  Order  to  pay  over  the  money  on 
hand  —  Arguments  of  the  wardens  why  this  could  not  be 
done  —  Counter  arguments  —  Law  intended  for  minister  of 
Church  of  England  —  Know  nothing  of  any  cabals  —  Trvie 
reason  of  the  troubles  at  Jamaica:  Rev.  McNish  the  ring- 
leader        2136-2138 

June      17    Journal  of  the  Council  —  Act  passed  to  enable  the  Justices 

of  Rye  to  repair  parish  church 2139 

20     The  Act  itself 2139 

July        9    Dutch  Chmrch  of  New  York  —  Leases  of  certain  lots 2139 

24  Petition  in  behalf  of  a  Spanish  priest,  captured,  plundered, 

and  brought  into  New  York 2140 

Wm.  Forster,  schoolmaster  in  Westchester 2140 

—  Aug.     Synod  of  North   Holland  —  Rev.   Jacobus   Theodorus 

van  Frylinghuysen  has  been  sent  to  Raritan 2141 

Aug.      21     Rev.  Peter  Vas  pays  Classis  certain  dues 2141 

Sept.-Oet.     Repairs  of  house  of  Rev.  Mr.  Phillips,  an  Independent  minis- 
ter; paid  out  of  the  church  rates 2141 

15  Petition  of  Messrs.  Floyd  and  Smith  of  Brookhaven,  against 

certain  oppressive  assessments,  including  church  rates,  2141-2142 

—  Counter  petition  to  the  above  by  the  Trustees  of  Brookhaven 

—  Such  assessments  necessary,  for  promoting  religion,  ad- 
vancing learning,  etc 2142 

Nov.        6    Trustees  of  Brookhaven  sustained. 2143 

16  Charter  granted  to  the  Church  of  Kingston 2143 

Dec.        18    Report  of  Committee  of  Council  on  the  Petition  of  certain 

Palatines  —  Action  of  Lord  Lovelace,  1708  —  Survey  of 
land  at  Quassaick,  and  500  acres  laid  out  for  a  Lutheran 
minister  —  Rev.  Mr.  Kocherthal's  lot  —  Description  of  the 
lots  — The  Glebe  land  —  Exhibits  accompanying  the  pre- 
ceding petitions    2143-2146 

1720. 

July  26  Brigadier  Hunter  to  Secretary  Popple  —  Some  of  the  Pala- 
tines have  removed  to  other  quarters  —  Might  occupy  the 
large  Dellius  tract    2146 

Aug.  2  Petition  of  the  New  York  Palatines  to  the  Lords  of  Trade  — 
Review  of  their  history  —  Their  numbers,  voyage,  first  set- 
tlement, removal  of  some  to  Schoharie,  attempts  to  oppress 

them;   appeal  to  the  King  for  justice 2147,  2148 

3    Petition  for  the  incorporation  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  Albany 

—  List  of  lands  and  tenements  belonging  to  said  Church,  2148 

2149 


Table  of  Contents.  xxxv 

1720.  PAGE. 

Aug.        6     Answer  to  a  Caveat  against  said  Charter  2150 

8    Report  on  Petition  of  Dutch  Church  of  Albany  for  a  Char- 
ter       2150,  2151 

10     Order  to  prepare  said  Charter 2151,  2152 

The  Charter  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  Albany 2152-2168 

20  The  Condition,  Grievances  and  oppressions  of  the  Gennans  in 
Xew  York,  1720  —  Pledges  to  them  unfulfilled  —  John  Con- 
rad Weiser  —  Children  taken  and  bound  out  —  Removal  to 
Livingston's  Manor  —  Failure  of  the  enterprise  to  make 
naval  stores  —  Request  to  be  permitted  to  go  to  Schoharie 
—  Furnished  men  to  go  on  expedition  to  Canada ;  nevef 
paid  for  it  —  Helped  to  garrison  Albany ;  never  paid  — 
Commission  sent  to  the  Governor;  no  relief  —  Lamenta- 
tions of  the  people  —  Seek  help  from  the  Indians,  who 
invite  them  to  settle  in  Schoharie  —  Cut  their  way  thither, 
forbidden  by  the  Governor  to  settle  there  —  Obliged  to  dis- 
obey —  Next  spring,  other  Gennans  came  to  Schoharie  — 
Bought  more  land  of  the  Indians  in  that  vicinity  —  Oppo- 
sition of  the  Governor,  and  parties  in  Albany  —  Protection 
by  the  Indians  —  Governor  visits  Albany,  and  orders  a  dele- 
gation of  these  Germans  to  meet  him  there,  especially  Cap- 
tain Weiser  —  The   Conference  —  The  Governor's  orders  to 

them  —  Obliged    to   disobey    2168-2172 

25     Conference    between    Colonel    Schuyler    and    the     Indians  — 

Their  wish  to  become  Christians 2172 

Sept.        6     Minute  of  the  Board   of  Trade   respecting   the   Palatines  — 

Promises  to  them  denied 2172,  2173 

19     Petition  of  the  Presbyterians  of  New  York,  to  be  incorpo- 
rated      2173,  2174 

Objections  to  said  Charter  —  Memorial  of  Gilbert  Livingston 

and  Thos.  Smith   2174,  2175 

17     (19?)     Report  of  Council  on  said  Petition 2175,  2176 

Oct.         7     John  Van  Driessen  exhibited  false  certificates  before  Classis 

of  Amsterdam  —  Refusal  to  allow  him  to  study  theology..  2176 
Nov.  1  Petition  of  Johannes  Wilhelm  Schefs,  Agent  for  the  Palatines 
in  Schoharie  —  Their  number,  160  families  or  1,000  souls  — 
500  other  German  families,  or  3,000  souls  in  other  parts  of 
New  York  —  Schef  and  Weiser,  a  committee,  to  request 
the  King  to  grant  the  land  of  Schoharie  to  said  Germans,  2176 

2177 
1720-1846. 

The  Old  Parsonage  at  Albany 2177,  2178 

1721. 
June      15    Preface  to  Frelinghuysen's   Sennons,   with   recommendations 

by  Revs,  Freeman  and  Bartholf  —  Titles 2178-2181 

16    Rev.  Thos,  Poyer   to   Secretary   of  New  York  —  A  Marriage 

License    2181 


xxxvi  Table  of  Contents. 

1721.  PAGE. 

June     21     Dutch   Church  on  Livingston  Manor  —  Collections   for,    per- 
mitted      2181 

Jul}^       25     Rev.    Henry    Boel's    Testimony    as    to    Statements    made   by 

Capt.   Goelet  about  Frelinghuysen 2182,  2183 

Testimony  of  Eev.   G.  Du  Bois   as   to   Capt.   Coelet's   State- 
ments about  Frelinghuysen   2183,  2184 

26  Journal  of  New  York  Council  —  Act  to  equalize  the  Assess- 
ment of  Ministers'  and  Poor  tax 2184,  2185 

Aug.      18     Society  for  Propagating  Gospel  —  Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar 2185 

Sept.       8     State  of  the  British  Plantations  in  America  —  Slow  progress 

of  the  Church  of  England  2186 

21  Final  liquidation  of  debt  of  Rev.  Peter  V'as  to  Classis  of  Ams- 
terdam       2186 

Oct.         9     Dutch   Church   of  Albany  borrow   from   Poor   fund  to   build 

Parsonage    2186 

Nov.      17     Rev.  John  F.  Haegar  2187 

1722. 
Jan.       13     Baptists  —  Petition  of  Nicholas  Eyers  to  be  allowed  to  preach 

Granted    2187-2189 

Feb.        26     Dutch  Church  of  Albany  —  Sexton  —  Land   2189 

April     16     Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Right  to  the  Manor  of  Ford- 
ham    2189,  2190 

Church  Lot  in  Rye  —  Survey  of  Church  land 2190 

Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  —  Ac- 
count of  Trinity  Church  Parish  —  Mr.  Wetmore,  catechist 

—  Mr.    Huddlestone,    teacher   of    Parish   school  —  A    small 
Parish  library    2190,  2191 

July       22     Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  —  Rev.  J.  F.  Haegar  dead 

—  Widow  to  be  paid   2191 

Aug.      17     Society    for    Propagating    the    Gospel  —  More    Palatines     en 

route  to  New  York  — ■  A  German  minister  to  follow 2191 

Sept.      13     Petition  of  Rev.  Peter  Van  Driessen  —  His  service  to  the  In- 
dians —  Requests     assistance     therein  —  Permission     given 

him  to  build  a  Chapel 2191,  2192 

26  Lords  of  Trade  to  Lord  Carterefe  —  Representation  to  the 
King  —  Fraud  in  connection  with  land  grants  —  Review  of 
land  grants  —  Governors  empowered  to  make  such  grants 
■ — Quit  rents  to  the  Crown  —  Grants  by  Fletcher  to  Dellius ; 
to  Schuyler  and  Gansevoort;  to  Beekman;  to  lieathcote; 
to  Evans;  to  Bayard  —  Act  in  1699  to  vacate  extravagant 
grants;  Unconfirmed  —  Act,  1702,  to  repeal  vacating  Act; 
disallowed  by  Lords  of  Trade,  1707  —  Vacating  Act  con- 
firmed,  1708;   Old  Patentees  to  have  small  grants,  if  they 

cultivate   them    2192-2194 

Oct.       27     Third  Immigi'ation  of  Palatines  —  Sanitary  orders 2195 

Nov.      21     Gov.  Burnet  to  the  Board  —  The  Pfilatines  2195,  2196 


Table  of  Contents.  xxxvii 

1723.  PAGE. 

Nov.      21     Census  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  and  Trade 2196,  2197 

March  12  Eev.  Mr.  Freeman's  account  of  a  visit  to  him  of  some  mem- 
bers  of  Frelinghuysen's  church,    to   make  charges   against 

their   pastor    2197-2200 

28  Citation  of  certain  parties  by  the  Consistory  of  Raritan  to 
answer  for  certain  reports  made  concerning  their  pastor, 
Frelinghuysen    2201-2204 

April     16     Answer  of  said  Cited  Parties,  to  the  Raritan  Consistory,  2205,  2206 
18     Resolution   of  the   Raritan   Consistory    against  the   attempt 

of  other  Consistories  to  lord  it  over  them 2206 

May  9  Second  Citation  of  certain  parties,  by  the  Consistory  of 
Raritan  to  answer  charges  for  speaking  against  their  min- 
ister     2206-2211 

22  Third  Citation  of  the  same  by  the  same 2212 

24    Rev.    Mr.   Poyer  to   the   Society  —  Difficulty   of  getting   his 

salary   2212,  2213 

July  19  Report  on  the  Certificates,  necessary  to  be  presented,  for  can- 
didates for  the  ministry   2213 

Dee.        5    Dutch  Church  of  New   York  —  One   hundred  pounds   always 

to  be  kept  in  the  Treasury  —  Rules  for  lending  money.  . . .   2214 
16     Governor   Burnet   to    Secretary   Delafaj-e  —  Indian     Wars  — 

Jesuits    2214 

Gov.  Burnet  to  Lord  Carteret  —  Chaplain  Jas.  Orem 2215 

1724. 
March  17     Sabbath  Observance   at  Albany   2215 

23  Rev.    Guilliam    Bertholf    ill  —  New    pastor    to    be    called   to 

Aquackononck    2215,  2216 

April     14     Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Committee  to  have  charge  of 

the  matter  of  the  Quit-rents  of  Manor  of  Fordham.  .   2216,  2217 

May         7     Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Manor  of  Fordham 2217 

June  13  Petition  of  Jacob  Sharp,  etc.,  in  behalf  of  the  Palatines  on 
Manor  of  Livingston  —  Ask  for  the  tract  afterward  known 
as    Germantown — -Report   on   same.      (See    also    Aug.   27, 

1724)    2218-2220 

JmIj         2     Dutch   Church   of  New   York  —  All   church   orders   must   be 

recorded  —  Arrangement  for  preserving  Church-papers,   2220,  2221 
Aug.        9     Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Committee   to   record  Papers 

relating  to  the  Manor  of  Fordham 2221 

21     Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  —  Rev.  Jas.   Ogilvie  has 

married  Mrs.  Haegar  —  Moneys  due  Mrs.  Haegar 2221 

27     Report  in  favor  of  issuing  Letters  —  Patent  to  the  Palatines 

of  Gei-mantown    2222 

Dutch  Church  of  New  Y^'ork  —  Elder  John  Harpending's  will 
—  His  death  —  History  of  Suits  as  to  Title  of  Collegiate 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  New  York,  to  their  Property. 

2222-2229 
Sept.      24     French    Church    of    New    York  —  An    Act    repudiating    the 
Consistory's   dismission   of   Rev.    Louis   Ron,   on   Sept.   20, 
Rev.  Poyer" s  answers  to  the  Queries  of  the  Society ....   2229,  2230 


xsx^'iii  Table  of  Co]?fTENTS. 

1724.  PAGE. 

Oct.         8     Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  Bishop  of  London  —  Answer  to  the  Queries 

—  Review  of  his  hardships 2231,  2232 

15     Dutch  Church  of  Xew  York  —  John  Montague 2232 

16,     Nov.  20.     Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  —  Letter  from 

Rev.  John  Ehlig,  (Elle,  Ochl.)     Mode  of  his  ministry.   2232,  2233 
Nov.      10    Colden's  Memorial  on  the  Fur  Trade  —  Review  of  the  history 

—  James    and    Popish    Councils  —  Five    Nations    alienated 
from  the  English  —  Destruction  of  Schenectady 2233,  2235 

Dec.      10    Dutch  Church  of  New  York 2235 

1725. 
Jan.       14    French  Church  of  New  York  —  Petition  of  several  members 
against  the  Act  of  the  Consistory  in  dismissing  the  pastor, 
Rev.    Louis    Ron  —  His    exemplary    life    for    14    years  — 

Request  his  restoration   2235-2238 

28     Answer  of  French  Church,  to  the  Petition   against  them  of 
Jan.  14,  1725;  per  Rev.  Mr.  Moulinar  —  Review  of  Petition 

—  Claim  of  exemption  from  interference  by  any  Civil  Court 
of  their  Consistorial  Acts  —  Toleration  of  French  Protest- 
ants in  France  until  Revocation  of  Edict  of  Nantes  —  Their 

kind  reception  by  all  Protestant  National  Churches  in  Eu- 
rope — Each  exUed  congregation  governed  itself  — Contract 
made  with  Mr.  Ron  —  Call  of  second  minister  —  Mr.  Ron 
neglected  his  duty  — Mr.  Ron  may  set  up  another  Church — 
The  French  have  not  been  interferred  Avith.  by  the  Govern- 
ment, for  more  than  forty  years  —  Act  of  Toleration  does 
'  not  apply  to  the  French  —  The  French  cannot  be  called 
Dissenters  —  They  also  help  support  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land here  —  Entitled  at  least  to  equal  privileges  mth  Dis- 
senters in  England  —  Toleration  not  inconsistent  with  the 
English  Constitution  2238-2240 

Feb.  18  French  Church  of  New  York  —  Committee  of  Council  require 
the   French   Consistory   to   show   by   what  authority  they 

have  suspended  Rev.  Mr.  Ron 2240,  2241 

French   Church   of   New   York  —  Proceedings   in   Council   on 
their  affairs  —  Arguments  of  Counselors,  as  to  the  powers 

of  their  Consistory 2241 

19,  20    Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Quit-rents  for  Manor  of  Ford- 
ham  demanded  —  Yielded  by  Church 2242,  2243 

28     Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  ilanor  of  Fordham  —  Rights 

of  the  Church  thereto   2243 

Feb.  or  March  '"  Complaint  against  Frelinghuysen  and  his  Consistory  ", 
or  "  Reply  to  the  Letters  of  Citation  "  —  Abstract  given, 

2244r-2292 

March  3,  4  French  Church  of  New  York  —  Required  to  show  by  what 
authority  they  are  an  Ecclesiastical  Court;  and  by  what 
authority  they  suspended  Rev.  Mi*.  Ron  —  Answers  and 
Explanations  —  Report:       That     the     French     Consistory 


Table  of  CoNTE^^TS.  xxxix 

1725.  PAGE. 

could  show  no  legal  authority  for  discharging  Mr.  Ron  — 
The  French  Church  admonished  to  end  their  strife  —  Else 
to  apply  to  the  legal  Courts 2292,  2293 

March  8  Dutch  Church  of  New  York  —  Committee  ordered  to  pay  all 
legal  costs  in  the  suit  concerning  Quit-rent  on  Manor  of 
Fordham  2294 

April  10  French  Church  of  New  York  —  Rev.  Louis  Ron's  Third 
Memorial  —  Remarks  on  the  answer  of  the  French  Con- 
sistory. (1)  Impossible  to  review  every  point  —  Personal 
remarks  unimportant  —  Can  only  refer  to  the  document 
of  Sept.  20,  1724  —  This  should  have  been  produced.  (2) 
Refusing  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Council  is  Independency  — 
This  leaves  ministers  without  remedy.  (.3)  Their  remarks 
on  Liberty  of  Conscience  belongs  to  us  as  much  as  to  them 

—  They  are  a  minority.  (4)  He  denies  that  the  relation  of 
minister  and  Consistoiy  is  simply  that  of  a  Civil  Contract 

—  Who  is  to  Judge  ?  Breaking  a  contract  by  one  side  does 
not  dissolve  the  contract  —  The  decision  belongs  either  to 
Ecclesiastical  or  Civil  Judges.  (5)  Difficulty  to  answer 
loose  and  general  accusations  —  They  do  not  specify  — 
They  propose  to  give  us  certain  privileges  —  The  different 
ways  in  which  subscriptions  were  obtained  —  Their  insinua- 
tions about  other  Judicatures  —  References  to  temper  on 
either  side  —  Their  dealings  with  former  pastors  not  par- 
allel —  Their  quotations  of  Scripture ;  of  the  Corruption  of 
the  Clergy  —  Design  of  their  declaration,  that  they  cannot 

be  called  Dissenters;   but  they  have  been  violent  against 
the  Church  of  England  —  TTieir  pecuniary  indebtedness  to 
Ron. 
Postscript:      Difficult  to   understand  their  allusion   to  Disci- 
pline in  France  —  Yet  Discipline  real,  in  the  French  Church 

—  He  has  been  true  to  his  agreements  —  Design  of  calling 
a  second  minister  —  Jealousy.  (6)  His  answer  about  fol- 
lowing his  own  humor  —  His  complaint  that  they  did  not 
come  to  him  personally  —  No  pei-tinency  in  their  allusions 
to  "Toleration"  —  Conditions  of  Peace,  proposed:  (1)  The 
legality  of  the  late  election  of  Elders;  (2)  My  written 
confirmation  of  their  election;  (3)  My  subscription  to  the 
Constitution  of  the  Church;  (4)  My  submisssion  to  the 
Consistory  —  His   answers  thereto    2294-2303 

22  Rev.  Theodore  J.  Frelinghuysen  to  Rev (Appar- 
ently a  Presbyterian  Minister).  Rebuked,  for  encouraging 
the  complainers  in  his  church.  Vindicates  pious  men,  who 
had  made  divisions  in  that  Presbyterian  Church.  Each 
must  be  judged  by  his  fruits.  Frelinghuysen  had  tried  to 
convince  him  of  his  sins.     Many  efforts  made   to  reclaim 


xl  Table  of  Contents. 

1725.  PAGE. 

him.  Had  Aviitten  a  book  against  Frelinghuysen.  The  lat- 
ter is  bound  to  contend  for  the  faith 2303-2306 

April  27  Rev.  B.  Freeman  to  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  The  Opposition  to 
the  views  of  Frelinghuysen.  His  acts  of  discipline.  Out- 
side ministers  take  part.  His  opponents  have  published  a 
"  Complaint "  against  him.  Misrepresentations  therein 
about  Freeman.  The  "  Complaint "  scorned  by  honest  peo- 
ple. Frelinghuysen's  ministry  blessed.  Rumors  that  the 
Classis  will  annul  the  discipline.  Freeman  has  published 
a  "  Defence "  of  himself   2307,  2308 

June        4    Henricus  Goes  received  into  the  Classis  as  "  Commendatus  " 

for  foreign  lands    2308 


Conversion  of  the  Indians.     1701-1800. 

"  The  Indians  who  bordered  on  the  Colony  of  New  York,  were  known  as  the  1701- 
Iroquois  or  Five  Nations,  the  most  renowned  and  ingenious  of  the  savages  of  the  1800 
North."  "  These  tribes  formed  a  confederation,  an3  acted  together  under  a 
system  which  immensely  increased  their  power  and  enabled  them  to  achieve 
great  results.  The  terror  of  all  the  tribes  to  the  north  of  them,  they  lay  like  a 
great  bulwark  between  New  York  and  Canada.  It  was  natural  that  the  attention 
of  the  English  Church  should  be  earnestly  fixed  on  them,  and  that  great  efforts 
should  be  made  to  convert  them  to  Christianity.  Civil  and  religious  motives  in 
fact  combined  to  urge  on  the  work  of  their  evangelization,  for  trade  with  them 
was  active,  and  they  guarded  the  frontier  between  New  England  and  New  York 
on  the  one  side,  and  the  French  and  Quebec  with  the  Canadian  Indians,  their 
allies,  on  the  other." 

"  As  early  as  the  year  1700,  Lord  Bellomont  memorialized  the  Lords  of  Trade 
and  Plantations  on  the  want  of  some  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  England  to  in- 
struct the  Five  Nations  of  Indians,  and  prevent  them  from  the  approaches  of 
French  priests  and  Jesuits.  The  subject  was  referred  to  the  Queen,  and  on  the 
3rd  of  April,  1700,  an  order  of  Council  was  made,  authorizing  the  appointment  of 
two  clergymen  as  missionaries,  and  referring  it  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury 
to  take  the  order  for  the  due  fulfillment  of  the  service." — Dix,  234;  Humphreys, 
108;  Hawkins,  264. 


Anderson's  Account  of  the  Indian  Mission  in  !N'ew  York, 

FROM  1701-1709. 

The  case  of  the  Indians  in  the  neighborhood  of  Albany,  had  been  pressed  upon 
the  notice  of  the  English  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  by  Robert  Living- 
stone, Secretary  for  Indian  affairs  in  New  York.  He  described  them  as  anxious 
to  learn,  and  that  such  efforts  would  tend  to  counteract  the  efforts  of  the  French 
Jesuits  from  Canada.  Gov.  Bellomont  in  1700  likewise  emphasized  the  political 
benefits.  (See  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.)  It  was  therefore  determined  to  send  two 
clergymen  among  them;  but  aware  of  the  peculiar  difficulties  in  the  way  of  a 
stranger,  the  Society  first  invited  Mr.  Dellius  of  Albany,  and  Mr.  Freeman  of 
Schenectady,  to  serve  them.  The  knowledge  which  both  these  men  had  acquired 
of  the  language  and  habits  of  the  Indians,  which,  in  the  case  of  Freeman,  had 
enabled  him  already,  to  translate  several  portions  of  the  Scripture  into  the  Iro- 
quois tongue,  gave  them  great  facilities.  But  they  did  not  accept  the  offer.  The 
work  was  entrusted  to  Thoroughgood  Moor  in  1704.  (Anderson's  Col.  Ch.  ill.  415- 
417.)     In  1709  Rev.  Henry  Barclay  entered  this  field. 

A  zealous  and  affectionate  Dutch  minister,  Dellius,  had  for  some  years  lived 
in  the  confidence  of  all  classes  of  people  at  Albany;  and  on  account  of  his  high 
character,  the  Society  had  desired  to  employ  him  among  the  Iroquois.  The  neces- 
sity of  returning  to  Europe  prevented  him  from  undertaking  the  duty;  but  the 
infiuence  which  he  had  acquired  among  the  Indian  traders  supplied  facilities  for 
further  intercourse  with  them,  of  which  Barclay  eagerly  availed  himself.  During 
the  absence  of  Dellius  the  Dutch  Inhabitants  thankfully  attended  Barclay's  min- 
istry at  the  small  chapel  belonging  to  them,  where  he  read  the  English  liturgy 
and  preached  to  them  in  their  own  tongue,  and  many  became  devoted  members 
of  the   Church  of  England.—  Anderson's  Col.   Ch.   ill.   427. 

[1443] 


1701- 
1740 


1444  Ecclesiastical  Records 


Chaplaincy  of  the  Fort  at  New  York. 

The  Chaplaincy  at  the  Fort  was  vacant  September  23,  1700.  Then  came  Rev. 
John  Peter  Brisac,  17  -  .  Rev.  Edward  Mott,  17  -1704?  died.  Mr.  Mott 
had  left  before  October  3,  1706.     See  Col.  Docs.  iv.  1182.     Coll.  P.  E.  Ch.  1.  xvii. 

Rev.  John  Sharpe  October  20,  1704-1717,  of  Cheesequakes,  N.  J.  Also  assisted 
Mr.  Vesey.—  Dix,   161-2. 

Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  jSTew  York. —  List  of  Ministers, 
Elders  and  Deacons.     1701-1740. 

Ministers,  1701. 
Rev.   Henricus   Selyns 
Rev.   Gualterus    du    Bois. 
Elders.  Deacons. 

1701.  Jacobus  Boele      |  Holding  1701.   Mr.  Samuel  Staats  |  Holding 

Isaac  de  Riemer  f      over.  Gerrit  Duiken  |      over. 

Isaac  de  Peyster  Isaac  Kip 

Nicolas  Roosevelt  Leendert   Huigen 

Chosen   on  3rd   Thursday  of  Oct. 

1701.  Isaac    de    Peyster    |  Holding  1702.    Isaac  Kip  |  Holding 

Nicolas     Roosevelt  (      over.  Leendert  Huigen  ("      over. 

Mr.  Samuel  Staats  Gysbert  van  Imburg 

Mr.  Abraham  de  Peyster  Jan  Wanshaar 

Chosen   on  3rd   Thursday  of  Oct. 

1703.  Mr.  Samuel  Staats  |  Holding  1703.   Gysbert  van  Imburg  ]  Holding 
Mr.  Abraham  de  Peyster  (      over.  Jan  Wanshaar  j      over. 
Wilhelm  Beekman                                               Johannes  Hardenbroek 
Johannes  van  Giessen                                         Jacobus  van  der  Spiegel 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday  of  Oct.  being  the  21st. 

1704.  Wilheltn  Beekman         |  Holding  1704.  Johannes  Hardenbroek   |  Holding 
Johannes  van  Giessen  (     over.  Jacobus  van  der  Spiegel  j      over. 
Jacobus  Boelen  Olphert  Syoerts 

Leonard  Huige  de  Klein  Andries  Marschalk 

Chosen  on  .3rd  Thursday  of  Oct.  being  the  19th. 

1705.  Jacobus  Boelen  |  Holding         1705.   Olphert  Sygerts        ]  Holding 
Leonard  Huige  de  Klein  f      over.  Andries  Marschalk  f      over. 
Isaac  Kip                                                            Jan  Narbury 

Diderik  ten   Eyck  Pieter  van  Tilburg    ■ 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday  of  Oct.  being  the  18th. 

1706.  Isaac  Kip  )  Holding  1706.   Jan  Narbury  |  Holding 
Diderik  ten  Eyck  f      over.                                  Pieter  van  Tilburg  ^      over. 
Col.  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt                            Jan  Wanshaar 

Isaac  de  Peyster  Benjamin  Wynkoop 

Chosen   on   3rd   Thursday   of  Oct.   being   the   17th,    and 
ordained  on  3rd  of  Nov. 

1707.  Col.  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  )  Holding    1707.  Jan  Wanshaar  )  Holding 
Isaac  de  Peyster                |     over.                 Benjamin    Wynkoop  j      over. 
Jan   Harberding                                                    Gysbert  van  Imburg 

Mr.   Samuel  Staats  Jacobus  van  der  Spiegel 

Chosen  on  3rd   Thursday  of  Oct.   being  the  16th,   and 
ordained  on  2nd  Nov. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1445 

1701- 

1708.  Jan  Harberding        |  Holding  1708.   Gysbert  van  Imburg  |  Holding    1  «'*0 
Mr.   Samuel  Staats  (      over.                            Jacobus  van  der  Spiegel  j      over. 
Jacobus  Boelen                                                     Johannes  Kruger 

Nicolaus   Roosevelt  Andries  Abrahamsze 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday  of  Oct.   being  the  21st,   and 
ordained  on  Nor.  7. 

On  account  of  the  death  of  Jacobus  van  der  Spiegel, 
Capt.  Cornells  de  Peyster  was  chosen  for  deacon  in  his 
place  on  Dec.  29,  1708,  and  ordained  Jan.  9,  1708-9. 

1709.  Jacobus  Boelen         |  Holding  1709.  John  Kruger  ]  Holding 
Nicolaus   Roosevelt  |     over.                           Andries    Abrahamsze  f      over. 
Leonard  Huige  de  Klein                                  Barent  Reynders 

Isaac  Kip  Isaac  Stoutenburg 

Chosen   on  3rd   Thursday   in    Oct.   being  the  2Qth,    and 
ordained  on  6th  of  Nov. 

1710.  Leonard  Huyge  de  Klein  |  Holding  1710.  Barent  Reynders    |  Holding 
Isaac  Kip                              (     over.  Isaac  Stoutenberg  j      over. 
Mr.  Jacobus  van  Cortlant  Gerrit  van  Hoorn 
Johannes  van  Giessen                                      Johs.  Kerfbyl 

Chosen  on   3rd   Thursday   in  Oct.    being  the   19th,   and 
ordained  on  5th  of  Nov. 


1711.   Mr.   Jacobus  van  Cortlant  I  Holding    1711.   Mr.  Gerrit  van  Hoorn  |  Holding 
Johannes  van  Giessen        (     over.  Johs.  Kerfbyl  (     over. 

Mr.  Samuel  Staats  Jan  Wanshaar 

Mr.  Jan  Kruger  Antony  Rutgers 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday  of  Oct.,  and  ordained  Nov.  4. 


1712.  Mr.    Samuel   Staats  |  Holding  1712.  Jan  Wanshaar      |  Holding 
Mr.  Jan  Kruger         f      over.  Antony    Rutgers  f      over. 
Jan  Harberding  Pieter  van  Tilburg 

Mr.  Barent  Reinders  Mr.  Samuel  Bayard 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday  in  Oct.,  16th,   and  ordained,   Nov.   2. 

1713.  Jan  Harberding  |  Holding  1713.  Pieter  van  Tilburg  |  Holding 
Mr.  Barend  Reinders  J     over.  Mr.  Samuel  Bayard  j      over. 
Jacobus  Boele  Aadriaan  Man 

Leonard  Huyge  de  Klein  Mr.  Jacobus  Kip 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday  of  Oct.,  15th,  and  ordained,  Nov.  1. 

1714.  Jacobus  Boele  |  Holding    1714.   Adriean  Man  )  Holding 
Leonard  Huyge  de  Klein  f     over.                 Mr.  Jacobus  Kip  j      over. 
Jan  Wanshaar                                                       Andries  Marschalk 

Capt.  Cor.  de  Peyster  Mr.  Philip  Schuyler 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday  in  Oct.,  21st,  and  ordained,  Nov.  7. 

1715.  Jan  Wanshaar  |  Holding  1715.  Andries   Marschalk  |  Holding 
Capt.  Cor.  de  Peyster  j"     over.  Philip  Schuyler        j      over. 
Col.  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  Capt.  Joan,  van  Hoorn 
Nicolaus  Roosevelt  Philip  van  Cortlandt 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday  in  Oct.,  20th,  and  ordained  Nov.  6. 

1716.  Col.  Jac.  V.  Cortlandt  1  Holding         1716.  Capt.  Joan,  van  Hoorn  l  Holding 
Nicolaus  Roosevelt        j      over.  Philip  v.  Cortlandt         j      over. 
Capt.  Jan  Cruger  Willem  Provost 

Barend  Reynders  Olivier  Teller 

Chosen   on   3rd   Thursday    of  Oct.,    18th,    ordained   Nov.    4, 


1446  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1701- 

1740      1717.  capt.    Jan  Oruger  ]  Holding  1717.   Willem    Provost  |  Holding 

Barend  Reynders    j      over.  Olivier  Teller      f      over. 

Mr.  Leonard  Huygen  de  Klein  Johannes  van  der  Heul 

Mr.  Samuel  Bayard  Dr.  Jacob  Moene 

Chosen,  3rd  Thursday  in  Oct.,   17th,   and  ordained   Nov.  3. 

1718.  Mr.  Leonard    Huyge           ]  1718.  Joh.   van  der  Heul )  Holding 

de  Klein  l  Dr.  Jacob  Moenen    f      over. 

I      over  -' 

Mr.  Samuel  Bayard            J  Philip  Schuyler 

Mr.  Jacob  Boelen  Abraham  Keteltas 

Capt.  Cornelis  de  Peyster 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.,  16,  ordained  on  Nov.  2. 


1719.  Mr.   Jacob  Boelen  ]  Holding  1719.  Philip  Schuyler        |  Holding 
Capt.  Cor.  de  Peyster  f      over.  Abraham  Keteltas  j      over. 
Col.  Jac.  V.  Cortlandt  Jacob  ten  Eyck 

Col.  Gerard  Beekman  Cornelis  Louw 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday.  Oct.,  1.5th,  and  ordained  on  1st 
of  Nov.;  except  Cor.  Louw,  ordained  on  Nov.  29th,  having 
been  out  of  town  up  to  that  time. 

1720.  Col.  Jac.   V.   Cortlandt  )  Holding  1720.  Jacob   Ten   Eyck  ]  Holding 
Col.  Gerard  Beekman    |     over.  Cornelis  Louw      (     over. 
Capt.  John  Cruger  Philip  van  Cortlandt 
Barend  Reynders  Olivier  Teller 

Chosen   3rd   Thursday,    Oct.   20th,    ordained   on   Nov.    6. 

1721.  Capt.  John   Cruger  ]  Holding  1721.   Philip  van  Cortlandt  |  Holding 
Barend  Reynders     j      over.  Olivier  Teller  (      over. 
Mr.  Leonard  Huyge  de  Klein                           Capt.  Joh.  Hardenbroek 
Andrles  Marscl»alk                                             Jan  Roosevelt 

Chosen  3rd  Thursday,   Oct.   19th,   ordained  on  Nov.   5. 

1722.  Leonard  Huyge  de  Klein  |  Holding    1722.  Capt.  Joh.  Hardenbroek  ]  Holding 
Andrles  Marschalk  j      over.  Jan  Rosevelt  {      over. 
Isaac  Kip                                                             Hermanns  van  Gelder 

Samuel  Bayert  Christof.   Banker 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  18th,  ordained  on  Nov.  4. 

1723.  Isaac  Kip  |  Holding  1723.  Hermanns  van  Gelder  ]  Holding 
Samuel    Bayard  (     over.  Christopher  Banker       |     over. 
Jacob  Boelen                                                       Abraham  van  Home 

Philip  Cortland  Willem  Rooseboom 

Choseu,  3rd  Thursday,   Oct.   17th,   ordained  on  Nov.   3. 

1724.  Jacob  Boelen  |  Holding  1724.   Abraham   van   Home  ]  Holding 
Philip  van  Cortlandt  j      over.  Willem  Roseboom        j      over. 
Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  Charles  La  Roux 
Hermanns  van  Gelder  Abraham  Boelen 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  15th,  ordained  on  Nov.  1. 

1725.  Jacobus  van  Cortlandt  )  Holding  1725.  Charles  Le  Roux  |  Holding 
Hermanns  van  Gelder    f     over.  Abraham  Boelen    i     over. 
John  Cruger  Gerrit  Keteltas 
Johannes  Hardenbroek  Abraham  Leflferts 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  21st,  ordained  on  Nov.  7. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York. 


1447 


1726.   Johu  Cruger  |  Holding 

Jobs.    Hardenbroek  j      over. 
Cornells  de  Peyster 
Willem  Provoost 
♦  Or  J.  C.  vander  Spiegel. 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  20th,  ordained  on  Nov.  6 


1726.   Gerrlt    Keteltas      \  Holding 
Abraham    Lefferts  |      over. 
Hendrick*  van  der  Spiegel 
Abraham  van  Vlek 


1701- 
1740 


1727.   Cornells   de   Peyster  |  Holding 
Willem  ProToost        f      over. 
Isaac  Kip 
Samuel    Bayard 


1727.   Hend.   van   der   Spiegel  |  Holding 
Abraham    van   Vlek       j      over. 
Jan  Roseveld 
Christoffel  Bancker 


Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  19th,  ordained  on  Nov.  5. 

1728.  Isaac   Kip  |  Holding  1728.  Jan  Roosevelt  |  Holding 
Samuel     Bayard  (      over.                                   Christoff.     Banker  j      over. 
Nicolaus  Roosevelt                                             Paul  Richard 

Antony  Rutgers  Fred,  van  Cortlandt 

Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  17th,  ordained  on  Nov.  3. 

1729.  Nicolaas    Roosevelt  |  Holding  1729.   Paul  Richard  |  Holding 
Antony  Rutgers        j      over.                            Fred,    van   Cortlandt  j      over. 
John  Cruger                                                        Charles  Le  Roux 

Hend.   van  der  Spiegel  Hermanns  Rutgers 

Chosen  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  16th,  ordained  on  Nov.  2. 


1780.  John  Cniger  |  Holding 

Hend.  van  der  Spiegel  (     over. 
Cornelis  de  Peyster 
N.  B.    As  oldest  of  the  newly  chosen, 
but  only  for  this  year. 
Andries  Marschalk 
Philip  van  Cortlandt 
Floris  van  Taerling 


1730.   Charles   Le   Roux     |  Holding 
Hermanns  Rutgers  f      over. 
Abraham  Boelcn 
Abraham  Lefiferts 
N.  B.    As  oldest  of  the  newly  chosen, 
but  only  for  the  current  year. 
Hend.  Kuyler 
Jacobus  Roseveldt 
Abraham  van  Wyck 
Gerardus  Beekman 


Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  loth,  ordained  on  Nov.  1. 


1731.   Andries  Marschalk 

Philip  van  Cortlandt 
Floris  van  Taerling 
Jeronymus*  Remsen 
Willem  Rooseboom 
John  Roosevelt 


♦  Or  Hermanns  Remsen. 


Holding 
over. 


1731.   Hendrik  Kuyler  ") 

Jacobus   Roosevelt 
Abraham  Van  Wyk 
Gerardus  Beekman 
Abraham  van  Vleck 
Gerrit  Roos 
Philip  French 
Matthew  Clarkson 


Holding 
over. 


Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  21st,  ordained  on  Nov.  7. 


1732.   Jeronymus     Remsen  ^  „  ,,.     • 
■r^.,,         „         ,  /  Holding 

Willem   Rooseboom    s. 

r      over. 
John  Roosevelt  ) 

Gerrit  van  Home 

Antony  Rutgers 

Joh.  Hardenbroek 


1732.  Abraham   Van   Vleck  ^ 

Gerrit  Roos  (  Holding 

Philip  French  ('     over. 

Matthew  Clarkson      J 
Christopher  Banker 
Wynant  van  Zandt 
Henry  Coerten 
Coenraad  ten  Eyck 


Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  19th,  ordained  on  Nov.  5. 


1701- 
1740 


1448 


1733.   Gerrit  van  Home 


Ecclesiastical  Records 


Antony  Rutgers 
Job.   Hardenbroek  \ 
Cornells  de  Peyster 
Hermanns  Rutgers 
Abraham  Boelen 


/  Holding 
I      over. 


1733.  ChristoEEel  Bancker^ 
Wynant  ran  Zandt  { 
Henry  Coerten  T 

Coenraat  Ten  Byck  j 


Holding 
over. 


Abraham  Leflferts 
Charles  Le  Roux 
Gerrit  Harsin 
Jacob  Goelet 
Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  18th,  ordained  on  Nov.  4. 


1734. 


Cornelis  de  Peyster 
Harmanus  Rutgers 
Abraham  Boelen 
Jan  Cruger 
Abraham  Keteltas 
Hendrick  Cuyler 


Holding 
over. 


17.34.   Abraham    LefEerts^ 

Charles   Le  Rous   ,'   Holding 
Gerrit  Harsin  ('      over. 

Jacob  Goelet  J 

Jacobus  Roosevelt 
Abraham    Van    Wyck 
Johannes  Marschalk 
Nicolaus  Bayard 


Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.   17th,  ordained  on  Nov.  3. 


1735.   Jan    Cruger 

Abraham  Keteltas 
Hendrick   Cuyler 
John  Roosevelt 
Christoffel  Bancker 
Gerrit  Roos 


I  Holding 


1735.  Jacobus    Roosevelt    "1 

Abraham  Van  Wyck  }  Holding 

Johannes  Marschalk  I       over. 

Nicolaus  Bayard         J 

Gerard  Beekman 

Matthew  Clarkson 

Ide  Meyer 

Johannes  X  Graaf  [His  mark] 


Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  16th,  ordained  on  Nov. 


1736. 


Jan  Roseveld 
Christoffel    Banker 
Gerrit  Roos 
Joh.  Hardenbroek 
Abraham  Leffers 
Wynant  Van  Zandt 


)  Holding 


1736.   Gerard   Beekman 
Matthev7   Klarkson 
Ide   Mayer  j 

Joh.  de  Graat  J 

Coenraad  Ten  Eyck 
Joh.  Groesbeek 
Jan  Bogert 
Petrus  Rutgers 
Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  21st,   ordained  on  Nov.  7. 


Holding 
over. 


1737.   Joh.    Hardenbroek     \ 
Abrm.    Lefferts  v 

Wynant  Van  Zandt  ) 
Antony  Rutgers 
Abrm.  Boelen 
Jacoby  Roseveld 


Holding 
over. 


1737.  Coenraad  Ten  Eyck^ 


Joh.  Groesbeek 
Jan  Bogert 
Petrus  Rutgers 
Evert  Byvank 
David  Abeel 
Gul.  Ver  Plank 
Robt.  Livingston,  Jr 


Holding 


J- 


Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  20th,  ordained  on  Nov.  6. 


1738. 


Antony  Rutgers     ) 
Abm.  Boelen  ^ 

Jacobus   Roseveld  ) 
Willem  Roseboom 
Abm.  Van  Wyk 
Matthew   Clarkson 


Holding 
over. 


1738.  Evert   Byvank      ^ 

David  Abeel  |  Holding 

over. 


.    Gul.  Ver  Plank 
Robt.  Livingston  J 
Nicolaus  Bayard 
Gerardus   Duiking 
Abm.   Lynsse 
Francois  Marschalk 
Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  19th,  ordained  on  Nov.   5. 
In  place  of  Matthew  Clarkson.  who  died,  Gerrit  Harsin  was 
chosen  as  Elder,  June  28;  and  ordained,  July  15,  1739. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1449 

1701- 

1739.  Willem   Rooseboom  ■\  1739.   Nicolaus   Bayard       ^  1800 
Abm.  Van  Wyck       (.     °    '°^                         Gerardus    Duyckink  |  Holding 

Gerrit  Harsin  )  '  Abrm.  Lynssen  j'     over. 

Paulus  Richard  Francois  Marschalk  J 

Gerrit  Keteltas  Joris  Brinkerhoflf 

Henricus  Coerten  Abel  Hardenbroek 

Isaak  de  Peyster 

Petrus  van  Ranst 
Chosen  on  3rd  Thursday,  Oct.  18th;  ordained  on  Nov.  4. 

1740.  Paulus  Richard      )  jj  i^-   o-  I'iO.  Joris    BrinckerhofE  ^  Holding 
Gerrit    Keteltas     I     °    ^°°  Abel  Hardenbroek         over. 


I      over 
Henricus  Coerten  )  "  Isaak  de  Peyster     { 

Jan  Rooseveld  Petrus  van  Ranst  J 

Abraham  Lefferts  Jan  Bogert 

Harmanus  Rutgers  Cornells  van  Home,  Gerviter. 

Harmanus  Rutgers,  Jr. 

Cornelia  Turck. 

—  Lib.  A.  128-142. 

Catholic  Church  m  ISTew  York,  1701-1800. 

Penal  laws  having  been  enacted  in  ISTew  York  in  1700  against 
Catholics,  almost  nothing  can  be  recounted  for  two  generations. 
In  1741  the  so-called  ISTegro  Plot  to  bum  the  city  occurred. 
There  had  been  an  accidental  fire  in  the  Fort.  Rev.  John  Ury, 
a  dissenting  minister,  was  accused  of  being  the  leader  of  the 
Plot,  and  was  also  charged  with  being  a  Catholic  priest.  This 
gave  an  anti-Catholic  turn  to  the  affairs;  and  although  there 
was  no  evidence  against  him,  he  was  convicted  and  hung.  Sev- 
eral of  the  negroes  died  with  crucifixes  in  their  hands,  probably 
being  Catholic  sailors  from  the  West  Indies.  Por  more  than 
seventy  five  years  after  the  flight  of  Dongan  and  the  Jesuit 
Fathers,  (1689-1764),  the  few  Catholics  in  the  city  had  no  place 
to  worship,  and  lived  in  constant  fear  of  penal  prosecutions. 

Catholics  in  ISTew  York  were  excluded  from  oifice  by  the  fol- 
lowing oath,  required  of  all  persons  appointed  to  any  office : 

"  I  do  solemnly  and  sincerely  in  the  presence  of  God,  profess,  testify  and  de- 
clare, that  I  do  not  believe  that  in  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  there  is 
any  transubstantiation  of  the  elements  of  Bread  and  Wine  into  the  body  and 
blood  of  Christ,  at  or  after  the  consecration  by  any  person  whatsoever;  and  that 
the  invocation  and  adoration  of  the  Virgin  Mary  or  any  other  saint,  and  the  sac- 
rifice of  the  Mass,  as  they  are  now  used  in  the  Church  of  Rome,  are  superstitious 
and  idolatrous." 

So  also  the  first  flag  raised  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  was 
inscribed  "  No  Popery  ". 


1701- 
1800 


1450  Ecclesiastical  Records 

But  just  prior  to  the  American  Revolution,  there  was  a  little 
Catholic  congregation,  worshiping  in  the  house  of  a  devout  Ger- 
man in  Wall  street,  and  the  Jesuit  Father,  Ferdinand  Steinmeyer, 
visited  and  ministered  to  them  on  his  trips  from  Maryland.  To 
avoid  arrest,  he  assumed  the  name  of  Farmer,  and  entered  the 
city  in  disguise.  The  little  Church  was  burned  in  the  conflagra- 
tion following  Washington's  retreat,  and  the  congregation  was 
broken  up. 

The  first  priest  to  celebrate  Mass  in  New  York  City  after  the 
British  occupation  was  the  Abbe  de  la  Motte,  an  Augustinian, 
who  was  chaplain  of  a  French  ship,  taken  at  sea  by  the  British 
cruisers,  and  brought  for  condemnation  to  'New  York.  Requested 
by  the  French  officers  and  crew,  and  a  few  Catholics  in  IN'ew 
York  to  say  Mass,  La  Motte  was  confronted  by  the  law  forbidding 
it.  He  applied  to  the  British  Commander  for  permission,  and 
was  refused.  But  the  chaplain  through  his  ignorance  of  Eng- 
lish, mistook  the  refusal  for  permission,  said  Mass,  and  for  this 
was  arrested  and  kept  a  close  prisoner  in  the  old  Dutch  Church 
in  iNTassau  street,  or  in  the  old  Provoost  prison,  now  the  Hall  of 
Records,*  until  exchanged  in  1779. 

And  although  the  New  York  Convention  in  1777  enacted  a 
Naturalization  Law,  which  virtually  excluded  Catholics  from 
citizenship,  religious  toleration  gained  rapidly  on  public  opin- 
ion, and  Catholics  began  to  feel  free  in  the  public  practice  of 
their  religion.  In  1784  Father  Farmer  came  boldly  to  New 
York  to  look  after  the  remnants  of  bis  little  flock,  and  found 
eighteen  communicants. 

After  the  war  was  over.  Pope  Pius  VI.  appointed  Rev.  John 
Carroll  of  Maryland,  a  Prefect- Apostolic  of  the  Church  in  the 
United  States.  Towards  the  close  of  1784,  the  Catholics  of 
New  York  invited  Rev.  Charles  Whelan,  an  Irish  Capuchin,  to 
their  city,  and  Dr.  Carroll  granted  him  authority  to  officiate.     In 

*  The  Hall  of  Records  at  Chambers  and  Centre  streets  was  a  landmark  of  New 
York  city  until  January  and  February,  1903,  when  by  order  of  the  Board  of  Alder- 
men, it  was  removed. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1451 

addition  to  this  congregation,  which  attended  Mass  in  hired  Halls, 
—  ITew  York  being  then  the  Capitol  of  the  Union, —  Mass  was 
celebrated  at  the  Embassies  of  the  French  and  Spanish  Legations, 
by  their  chaplains.  By  March  1785,  the  Chapel  of  the  French 
Embassy  was  fully  equipped,  and  afforded  religious  services  for 
many  N'ew  York  Catholics.  The  Law  of  1700,  in  relation  to 
"  Popish  Priests  and  Jesuits  "  was  repealed  by  an  Act  of  the  New 
York  Legislature  in  1784;  but  the  Naturalization  Oath,  though 
annulled  in  1801,  was  required  of  them  until  1806,  when  on  a 
petition  of  a  numerous  body  of  the  Catholics  of  New  York  City, 
gotten  up  by  the  trustees  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  it  was  finally 
abrogated. 

The  congregation  of  New  York  Catholics  worshiped  in  a  car- 
penter shop  in  Barclay  street,  fitted  up  for  temporary  use,  and 
there  were  three  priests  in  the  City,  Fathers  Whelan,  Nugent 
and  La  Valiniere.  The  last  had  charge  especially  of  the  French 
and  Canadian  Catholics.  Dissensions  between  Whelan  and 
Nugent  and  their  respective  adherents  led  to  the  withdrawal  of 
both  from  the  City,  and  La  Valiniere  was  left  alone.  The  little 
congregation  in  the  carpenter  shop,  in  the  meantime,  had  under- 
taken the  erection  of  a  permanent  church.  The  lots  at  the  comer 
of  Barclay  and  Church  streets  were  purchased,  and  the  corner- 
stone was  laid  Oct.  5,  1785.  Dr.  Carroll  received  from  Eome 
special  faculties,  not  usually  given  to  any  bishops,  to  consecrate 
the  new  St.  Peters.  The  dedication  took  place  Nov.  4,  1786. 
The  Elng  of  Spain  is  said  to  have  presented  ten  thousand  dollars 
toward  the  erection  of  this  church.  Tlie  French  and  Spanish 
ministers  were  also  its  benefactors.  The  Trustees  of  St.  Peters 
were  incorporated  in  1785,  and  re-incoi-porated  in  1787,  in  which 
year  Rev.  William  O'Brien  became  its  pastor  and  served  it  for 
several  years. 

The  first  American  Catholic  Bishop,  Et.  Rev.  John  Carroll, 
was  consecrated  in  England,  Aug.  15,  1790,  as  Bishop  of  Balti- 
more, and  having  Episcopal  jurisdiction  over  the  whole  United 


1701- 
1800 


1701- 
1723 


1452  Ecclesiastical  Records 

States.  The  first  Bishop  of  New  York  was  appointed  in  1808, 
Rt.  Rev.  Richard  Luke  Concannon,  but  never  reached  the  field. 
A  second  church  in  ISTew  York  was  begun  in  1809  at  Mott  and 
Mulberry  street,  and  was  consecrated  in  1815.  See  Shea's  Hist, 
of  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  United  States. 

Early  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  England,  in  ISTew  York. 

1Y02-1Y23. 

The  early  ministers  sent  over  by  the  Society  for  Propagating 
the  Gospel  were:  1702,  Rev.  Patrick  Gordon,  for  Jamaica,  but 
who  died  very  soon;  George  Keith,  who  officiated  on  Long  Island 
at  Hempstead;  Rev.  J.  Barton,  who  officiated  in  Westchester, 
1702-25;  Rev.  J.  Thomas,  at  Hempstead  and  Oyster  Bay, 
1704-24;  Rev.  E.  Mac  Kenzie,  Staten  Island,  1704-22;  Rev.  G. 
Muirson,  1705-8,  at  Rye;  Rev.  Daniel  Bondet,  a  French  minister 
who  conformed  in  1709,  at  !N'ew  Rochelle,  1709-22;  Rev.  P. 
Stoupe  was  his  successor,  1723-60;  Rev.  T.  Barclay,  Albany, 
1709-16;  Rev.  Mr.  Wm.  Urquhart,  1704-9,  at  Jamaica;  Rev.  T. 
Poyer,  1710-31,  succeeded  him.  In  1710  Rev.  J.  F.  Haeger,  a 
German  minister,  was  employed  by  the  Society  for  Propagating 
the  Gospel,  to  minister  to  the  Palatines,  1710-21 ;  Rev.  Joshua 
Kocherthal  was  also  voted  twenty  pounds  by  the  Society  in  1714. 
He  was  a  Lutheran  minister  at  E.  and  W.  Camps,  1709-14.  The 
Society  also  supported  as  a  missionary  to  the  Dutch  congregation  at 
Harlem,  Rev.  Henry  Beys  (Buys),  1710-13,  a  Dutch  minister, 
whom  Col.  Morris  had  persuaded  to  accept  Episcopal  ordination. 
The  mission  failed  in  1713.  See  Corwin's  Manual,  4th  ed.,  for 
Bondet,  Stoupe,  Haeger,  Kocherthal  and  Beys. 

In  1745  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  reported  that  there  were  twenty  two 
(Episcopal)  churches  in  the  pro^dnce.  The  wonderfully  success- 
ful labors  of  Mr.  Elias  Neau,  1704-23  under  the  auspices  "of  this 
Society  in  catechising  Negroes  and  Indians  is  worthy  of  most 
honorable  mention.  He  had  suffered  greatly  for  his  faith  in 
France;  had  become  an  elder  in  a  French  church  in  America,  and 
in  1704  conformed  to  the  Church  of  England. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1453 

French  Church  in  New  York.  Petition  of  P.  Villepontf.ux. 

1701. 
To  the  Honorable   Captain  John   Nanfan   Lieutenant   Governor  and  Commander 
in   Chiefe    of   his    Majesty's    Province    of    Neve    York    And    Territoryes    depending 
thereon  in  America,   etc. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  P.  Villepontoux  Attorney  and  Elder  of  ye  french  con- 
gregation of  New   Rochelle 

Humbly  Sheweth 

That  Mr.  Bondet  ye  Minister  of  ye  said  congregation  having  refused  to  come  to 
baptize  a  childe  of  his  newly  born,  and  in  danger  of  dying  Your  said  Petitioner's 
Childe  having  recovered  his  Christening  (was  performed)  by  Mr.  Peter  Peyret 
Minister  of  ye  french  congregation  (who  had  consent)  of  ye  said  Bondet  to  bap- 
tize your  Petitioner's  child  and  with  a  second  consent  of  ye  Said  Bondet  did 
Baptize  (ye  child  but)  Some  days  after  ye  Said  Mr.  Bondet  with  the  other  (Elders 
upon)  that  pretext  only,  in  a  Scandalous  manner  did  depose  (him  from  Said) 
Eldership.  But  because  this  blemish,  they  brought  upon  (him  is)  found  upon  no 
reason  and  that  it  draws  upon  your  petitioner  the  (contempt)  of  all  his  neighbours, 
he  has  declared  to  appeal  thereof;  But  (unawares)  where  he  can  have  satisfaction 

for  that  injustice,  as  he  applyets  himself  to  your  honor  and  humbly 

Prayeth  • 

That  your  honor  may  be  pleased  to  take  your  petitioner's  case  in  Your  Serious 
consideration  or  appoint  and  select  the  Presbytery  of  the  french  congregation  of 
(New  York)  or  Such  other  as  your  honor  Shall  think  (fit  to)  examine  the  aforesaid 
proceeding. 

And  your  Petitioner  in  duty  bound  Shall  ever  pray,  etc. 

P.   Villeponteux. 
—  Doc.  Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  5C0,  561. 

By  the  courtesy  of  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Hinke,  of  Philadelpliia,  Pa., 
wlio  secured  copies  of  several  pamphlets  in  the  British  Museum,  re- 
lating to  the  Palatines,  and  which  are  inserted  in  this  work.  Tliou- 
sands  of  these  Palatines  subsequently  settled  in  the  Hudson  and 
Mohawk  Valleys,  N.  Y.  These  papers,  therefore,  are  of  general 
interest  for  the  history  of  the  early  German  colonists  of  New  York. 

An  Account  of  the  Present  Condition  of  the  Protestants 
in  the  Palatinatb. 

In  two  letters  to  an  English  Gentleman. 

Felix  quam  f  aciunt  aliena  pericula  cantum. 

London:  Printed  for  Richard  Parker  at  the  Unicom  under  the 
Royal  Exchange  and  sold  by  A,  Baldwin  near  the  Oxford  Arms 
in  Warwick-lane. — 1699. 

A  True  Account  of  the  Sad   Condition  of  the  Protestants  in  the  Palatinate. 
Sir: — I  agree  with  you  that  the  Palatinate  is  one  of  the  best  countries  in  the 
world;  whose  natural  fertility  and  plenty  is  such,  that  there  is  none  that  recovers 


1701 


1701 


1454  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Itself  sooner  after  a  war  than  it.  But  affairs  at  this  time  are  such,  that  it  cannot 
be  expected  that  we  should  see  it  in  that  flourishing  condition  it  was  formerly  in 
when  you  saw  it  in  your  travels.  During  the  war  our  hopes  to  have  our  condition 
bettered  by  the  peace  that  should  ensue,  made  us  cheerfully  suffer,  hoping  to 
enjoy  our  estates  and  religion  as  formerly  when  hostilities  should  cease.  But 
our  expectation  proved  vain,  for  though  the  war  is  ended,  yet  the  wild  boars  are 
ravaging  our  vineyards.  But  these  blood-thirsty  zealots  for  religion,  though  they 
differed  from  us  in  opinion,  yet  we  suffered  them  to  dwell  among  us  and  were 
used  kindly,  for  requital  of  which  kind  usage  they  are  now  turning  us  out  of  our 
houses  and  churches.  Thus  those  whom  we  tolerated  and  protected  amongst  us, 
are  for  extirpating  and  depriving  us  of  that  shelter  and  countenance  that  we 
afforded  them;  by  which  means  a  new  fire  is  kindled  here  in  the  Palatinate,  so 
that  we  Protestants  are  in  as  ill  a  case,  as  the  French  Reformed  are  in  France; 
and  worse  than  you  were  in  England  under  the  late  King  James;  in  this,  that 
you  had  only  the  storm  hanging  over  you,  but  this  is  fallen  on  our  heads,  to  the 
extirpating  the  Protestants,  and  their  religion  out  of  their  native  country,  and 
this  is  to  make  way  for  popery  and  a  crew  of  indigent  Romanists  who  seek  but 
for  occasions  to  profit  by  the  ruin  of  such  of  their  neighbors  that  cannot  adhere 
to  them   in  their  superstition. 

With  permission  I  would  here  make  some  reflections  how  little  consonant  It  is 
to  the  Prince's  secular  interest  to  countenance  innovations  contrary  to  the  faith 
and  practice  of  his  predecessors,  by  which  we  may  observe  that  none  of  the 
Romish  persuasion  are  to  be  trusted,  but  they  will  when  opportunity  offers  itself, 
omit  nothing  to  propagate  their  religion,  to  effect  which  they  will  wade  through 
all  diflSculties,  though  they  thereby  sacrifice  the  peace  and  riches  of  their  country 
and  their  faith  given;  so  inherent  is  persecution  to  popery  that  to  be  a  Papist  and  a 
persecutor  may  be  looked  upon  as  controvertible  terms  that  imply  the  same  thing. 

These  are  those  who  are  for  damning  all  that  are  not  of  their  opinion,  a  true 
mark  of  a  bad  cause,  that  dare  not  trust  God  to  convert  souls  his  way,  but  assist 
him  In  his  work,  will  use  fire,  fagots,  dragoons,  force,  terrors,  and  all  to  constrain 
those  that  differ  from  them  to  a  compliance;  but  they  consider  not  that  conscience 
cannot  be  forced,  though  the  will  and  body  may  consent  and  yield  to  forbid  com- 
pliances, yet  the  conscience  will  ever  bear  inward  testimony  against  all  such  sinful 
consents,  let  the  Imposing  be  never  so  dreadful  to  nature,  for  we  are  taught  not 
to  fear  men  but  him  that  with  the  body  can  destroy  the  soul  also. 

But  this  is  the  sad  state  of  those  countries  that  fall  into  Popish  hands  who 
suffer  themselves  to  be  byassed  by  a  bigotted  clergy,  by  whom  they  are  influenced 
to  become  unnatural  to  their  subjects  and  instruments  of  overturning  the  estab- 
lished foundation  both  of  church  and  state.  Thus  the  Popish  clergy  becomes  in  a 
commonwealth  what  vermin  are  to  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  whom  tliey  destroy 
and  consume  and  so  become  the  plague  of  the  age  and  country  wherever  they  get 
footing. 

The  long  experience  of  these  truths  might  open  the  eyes  of  sovereigns,  and  let 
them  see  the  selfishness  of  these  catterpillars.  How  they  devoured  the  laity?  and 
cloaked  themselves  with  the  fattest  and  fairest  of  their  effects.  How  many  fam- 
ilies have  been  impoverished  to  enrich  Monasteries  and  Abbeys  and  Religious 
Societies,  who  are  so  many  nurseries  of  pride  and  Idleness;  so  that  that  most 
numerous  part  of  the  subjects  are  become  the  most  useless  members  of  the  com- 
monwealth  where  they   reside. 

It  were  to  be  wished  that  princes  in  this  age,  as  in  the  times  of  Reformation 
knew  their  interest  so  effectually,  as  to  banish  that  vermin  and  as  in  England 
convert  those  incomes  to  better  uses;  this  is  it  that  has  made  your  island  so  pow- 
erful and  wealthy  as  it  is  at  this  day,  as  also  other  countries  and  places  where 
church  lands  are  possessed  by  the  laity,  whereas  in  Popish  countries  the  clergy 
possesses  one  half,  in  some  three  parts  and  in  others  more;  which  revenues,  if 
otherwise  disposed  of  as  in  Protestant  countries,  the  prince  and  people  would  be 
proportionally  rich  according  to  the  rest  of  their  Reformed  neighbors.  But  our 
prince,  not  content  to  find  a  country  lately  fallen  to  him  by  inheritance,  disposed 
so  advantageously  for  his  interest  by  the  constitution  of  its  government,  but  he 
must  bring  in  innovations  and  not  satisfied  to  enjoy  such  a  principality  as  his  prede- 
cessors left  him,   but  he   must  act  so   prejudiciously  to   his  own  interest,   and  the 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1455 

reign  of  his  subjects  by  settling  his  religion  at  the  cost  of  what  is  taken  from 
the  right  owners.  It  was  not  so  with  Charles  Louis,  the  former  Elector  Falatine, 
who  though  a  Protestant,  would  not  suffer  the  Protestant  ministers,  nor  indeed 
anj'  other  of  the  different  persuasions  to  inveigh  one  against  another,  although 
it  might  be  expected  that  this  our  prince  might  have  retained  a  tincture  of  such 
principles  more  especially  being  descended  from  Protestant  offspring. 

But  this  consideration,  hard  for  the  Romish  party  is  this  day  requited  with 
ingratitude.  Would  to  God  that  our  prince  would  but  make  reflection  on  the 
advantage  and  benefits  that  did  accrue  to  the  son  of  that  prince  viz.  Charles, 
the  last  Protestant  Elector  Palatine.  He  found  the  country  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition with  a  great  treasure  in  monies,  all  which  were  marks  of  his  father's  pru- 
dence, by  which  means  he  was  enabled  to  support  his  country  and  protect  those 
of  different  persuasions,  that  flocked  to  him  from  all  parts,  as  they  use  to  do  as 
soon  as  a  peace  is  established,  by  which  means  his  country  was  replenished  with 
inhabitants,  which  so  long  a  war  had  unpeopled  and  having  suitable  privileges 
granted  them,   were  thereby   encouraged   to  be  inhabitants,   and  to  increase  trade. 

Thus  the  Palatinate  was  replenished  with  Inhabitants,  the  ruined  cities  rebuilt, 
and  new  ones  erected  as  Manheim  and  Fredericksbourg;  this  effect  had  toleration 
and  that  in  a  short  time,  for  the  Protestants  had  that  encouragement  that  their 
religion  was  the  religion  of  the  country  and  others  were  drawn  thither  by  their 
being  tolerated  and  countenanced  by  public  authority,  where  all  flnding  pro- 
tection were  encouraged  to  trade  and  gather  riches,  since  they  were  assured  to 
dwell  quietly  in  the  profession  of  their  different  persuasions. 

But  what  encouragement  Is  there  now  to  live  here,  where  promises  are  vio- 
lated? The  natives  that  have  been  frightened  from  their  habitations  and  scat- 
tered into  other  countries  by  the  war,  dare  not  now  return  seeing  our  prince  Is 
for  introducing  popery  and  its  professors,  who  being  less  numerous  and  rich  than 
the  Protestants,  the  end  of  repeopling  and  reinstating  the  country  in  its  former 
glory  cannot  be  expected,  for  they  show  to  have  nothing  in  view  but  the  violating 
the  rights  and  properties  of  the  Protestants  as  will  appear  by  this  following 
narrative. 

At  Heydelberg  and  Manheim  they  have  built  very  much,  since  his  Electoral 
Highness  hath  published  a  proclamation  wherein  he  promises  a  freedom  of  thirty 
years  and  assures  them  that  their  privileges  shall  not  be  altered,  but  that  he  will 
maintain  them  all,  which  did  encourage  us  to  carry  on  our  buildings  so  that  the 
work  advanced  very  much;  but  having  since  issued  another  proclamation  by  which 
the  Popish  Holy-days  are  enjoined  to  be  kept  through  the  whole  Palatinate  and 
that  the  Protestant  burying  places  shall  be  common,  our  buildings  are  at  a  stand 
and  we  see  the  Romish  religion  introduced  by  authority  and  exercised  in  our 
churches  through  the  whole  palatinate.  Also  his  Electoral  Highness  has  taken  from 
us  the  seven  Latin  schools  with  the  cloyster  and  church  at  Heydelberg,  where 
they  are  erecting  cloysters  for  the  Franciscans,  Augustines  and  Capuchins,  with 
a  seminary  for  the  Jesuits,  and  are  very  busy  to  get  into  their  possession  the 
Holy  Ghost  or  Cathedral  Church  as  also  the  Collegium  Sapientiae.  As  they  have 
done  with  the  Cathedral  churches  at  Weinheim  and  Ladenburg  and  other  places, 
and  has  taken  from  the  Ecclesiastical  Council  and  the  Verwaltmeg  their  ancient 
privileges  and  rights  and  the  revenues,  liberties  and  properties  and  the  freedom 
of  disposing  of  their  Ecclesiastical  Incomes  so  that  the  lands,  which  belong  to  the 
ministers  and  the  tythes,  which  make  a  part  of  their  salary,  are  given  to  the 
Roman  Catholics,  which  proceeding  cast  us  Into  so  great  a  consternation,  that  we 
have  lost  all  courage,  even  our  desires  are  cooled  from  going  on  with  our  buildings. 

When  his  Electoral  Highness  came  into  the  Palatinate  and  chose  the  castle  of 
Weinheim  for  his  residence,  he  then  promised  and  assured  both  laity  and  clergy 
that  he  would  maintain  all  their  privileges,  but  we  find  that  these  were  but  Popish 
promises,  which  do  afiiict  us  very  much,  and  the  more  in  that  his  Electoral  High- 
ness refuses  to  fill  up  the  vacancies  in  the  Ecclesiastical  Council,  which  consists 
at  present  but  of  two  persons,  whereas  their  number  ought  to  be  six,  and  a  presi- 
dent. It  is  true  that  he  promises  to  allow  the  Protestant  ministers  something 
out  of  their  income  for  their  subsistance,  but  without  doubt,  it  will  be  little 
enough. 


1701 


1456  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

At  Crentznach  the  church  that  stands  upon  the  Egg  Market,  they  converted  to 
their  own  use  with  the  Latin  schools,  which  were  thirty  years  since  built  at  the 
Protestant  cost,  and  were  endowed  with  a  subsistance  for  their  ministers  and 
schoolmasters,  out  of  the  Carmelites  revenues,  that  was  secularized  by  the  treaty 
of  peace  made  at  Munster,  which  income  they  enjoyed  ever  since  before  the 
troubles  in  Bohemia  to  this  time.  They  detain  likewise  a  fund  of  one  thousand 
Rix  dollars  made  by  the  Protestants  and  with  it  also  the  interest  of  the  principal, 
Borrowed  of  the  poor's  stock,  all  which  they  employ  to  pay  Popish  schoolmasters 
and  for  Popish  uses. 

It  is  also  forbidden  upon  pain  of  death  to  expound  the  80th  question  iii  the  Pala- 
tine Catechism,  which  treats  of  the  difference  between  the  Lord's  Supper  and 
the  Popish  mass.  At  Hackenhefm  three  quarters  of  an  hour  from  Crentznach,  a 
Roman  priest  went  into  the  Protestant  church  and  did  not  only  pull  the  minister 
out  of  the  pulpit,  where  he  was  preaching,  but  beat  him  out  of  the  church  also 
and  he  and  those  that  were  with  him  handled  most  barbarously,  those  of  the  con- 
gregation who  being  wounded,  were  obliged  to  go  out  of  the  church,  to  have  their 
wounds  dressed.  About  a  German  mile  from  Crentznach  a  Roman  priest  set  on 
those  who  were  with  him  to  kill  a  Protestant  barber,  because  said  he,  he  is  a 
Protestant  dog,  to  effect  which  they  knocked  him  down  with  their  clubs,  though 
the  poor  man  begged  upon  his  knees  for  mercy  and  his  life,  they  would  not  grant 
it,  but  while  the  wretch  was  crawling  on  the  ground,  they  shot  him  through  the 
head  with  small  shot.  Notwithstanding  all  this  the  murderers  go  free,  nor  do 
the  magistrates  take  any  notice  of  it;  though  he  has  left  a  poor  widow  with  five 
small  children,  who  can  obtain  no  justice  which  seems  as  if  the  magistrates  ap- 
proved this  inhuman  murder,  seeing  those  who  committed  this  cruelty  were  no 
strangers,  but  the  barbers  neighbors,   and  very  well  known. 

All  the  houses  that  belong  to  Protestant  Alms,  and  Hospitals  are  taken  away 
by  force  with  those  belonging  to  Protestant  ministers  and  schoolmasters,  whom 
they  molest  and  disturb  in  the  executing  their  functions  compelling  them  to  de- 
liver up  their  schools  and  houses  to  be  employed  for  Popish  uses.  Neither  will 
they  grant  that  the  Protestant  clergy  be  any  longer  under  the  Ecclesiastical  Coun- 
cil, but  will  have  them  wholly  to  depend  and  be  governed  by  the  Elector's  secular 
officers.  When  one  of  the  parents  is  a  Roman  Catholic  there  the  children  are 
compelled  to  embrace  the  Popish  religion  though  it  is  both  against  the  parents 
and  the  children's  will;  neither  are  ministers  permitted  to  admit  any  of  them  to 
be  brought  up  in  their  religion  upon  pain  of  imprisonment,  and  fifty  Rix  dollars 
fine,  nor  will  they  suffer  any  Roman  Catholick  to  turn  Protestant.  And  when  the 
Protestants  with  all  submission  make  complaint,  humbly  representing  how  all 
these  proceedings  tend  to  their  ruin  and  demonstrate  how  it  is  against  the  peace 
of  Munster  and  those  articles  of  agreement  that  were  made,  they  answer  and 
publish  abroad,  that  the  Ecclesiastical  Council's  orders  are  against  the  Elector's 
and  country's  interest  and  tend  to  rebellion  and  that  they  assume  a  despotic 
power  against  the  government  which  tends  to  sedition.  Also  that  the  Protestant 
ministers  were  seditious  rebels,  disturbers  of  the  peace,  and  as  such  they  im- 
prisoned them,  thinking  thereby  to  strike  terror  into  others.  To  remedy  which, 
though  complaints  be  never  so  submissively  made  of  these  their  greivances,  repre- 
senting also,  that  through  their  ministers  confinement,  people  are  deprived  of  their 
teachers  and  divine  service  is  obstructed,  yet  they  are  so  far  from  working  any 
good  effect,  by  appeasing  these  incendiaries,  that  it  animated  them  rather  to  pro- 
ceed to  make  them  more  uneasie,  by  quartering  on  them  numbers  of  the  Elector's 
troops,  who  use  them  cruelly,  living  in  their  houses  after  a  military  manner. 
And  when  some  of  the  parishioners  by  their  superiors  complain  against  such  pro- 
ceedings, and  crave  relief  in  favour  of  their  ministers,  they  fall  on  them  in  a 
cruel  manner,  beating  them  in  such  sort  that  they  are  often  taken  for  dead  out 
of  their  hands:  neither  does  their  inhumanity  end  here,  but  bloody  and  wounded 
as  they  left  them,  they  throw  them  into  prisons  where  they  run  the  hazard  of 
perishing.  Moreover  they  send  to  quarter  upon  those  complainants  dragoons, 
who  break  their  doors  and  windows,  making  forcible  entries,  then  turn  their 
wives  and  children  out  of  doors.  These  crying  evils  induce  the  inspectors  to 
make  complaints  to  the  Deputy  Lieutenants  against  those  barbarous  proceedings; 
but  they  receive  no  other  answer,  but  that  the  ministers  were  rebels  and  therefore 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  145Y 

they  ought  not  to  meddle  or  concern  themselves  for  them,  lest  they  incur  them- 
selves his  Electoral  Highness'  displeasure. 

When  the  poor  people,  taking  the  part  of  their  innocent  ministers,  complain  to 
a  higher  court  of  these  barbarous  proceedings,  humbly  begging  a  remedy  to  these 
grievances,  they  receive  fair  promises,  but  never  see  the  effect  thereof.  Thus  the 
suffering  party  receives  no  relief  and  the  oppressors  are  unpunished.  But  what 
else  can  be  expected,  when  all  the  places  of  trust  are  put  in  Popish  hands  and  the 
Protestant  natives,  though  better  qualified  are  not  regarded.  This  is  the  sad  con- 
dition of  our  country  at  this  time,  our  troubles  have  so  dejected  our  countenances 
that  death   and  paleness  seem  painted  there. 

The  thoughts  of  our  sorrows  are  our  companions  night  and  day,  our  bodies  are 
bowed  down,  and  our  spirits  sunk  with  grief,  so  that  it  seems  as  if  we  had  no 
more  life  left  than  to  serve  us  to  cry  unto  God  for  help.  I  wish  all  good  Christians 
would  joyn  with  us  in  this  good  work. 

Certainly  our  prince  must  be  our  great  enemy,  for  else  he  could  never  have 
consented  to  the  oppressions  here  mentioned  and  sure  nobody  would  have  con- 
demned him,  for  maintaining  the  country  in  statu  quo  as  he  found  it  and  is 
obliged  thereto  according  to  the  constitution  of  the  empire  and  the  solemn  assur- 
ances given  by  his  Elector's  father  to  Charles,  the  last  Protestant  Elector  Pala- 
tine, when  he  named  him  his  successor,  that  there  should  be  no  alterations  made 
in  religion. 

Letter  II. 

Sir: —  Since  my  last  the  Elector  Palatine  has  published  a  Declaration  for  liberty 
of  conscience  in  the  Palatinate,  which  is  mightily  cryed  up  by  the  Papists,  as  an 
act  of  the  great  moderation  of  that  Prince.  The  title  indeed  is  very  specious  and 
may  impose  upon  such  as  are  not  acquainted  with  our  constitution;  but  those  who 
are  not  altogether  strangers  to  it,  must  needs  be  convinced,  that  this  very  declara- 
tion is  a  most  manifest  infraction  of  the  Treaties  of  Westphalia  and  calculated 
for  the  extirpation  of  the  Protestant  Religion.  This  puts  me  in  mind  of  the  dec- 
laration of  your  late  King  James,  who  under  the  same  specious  title,  aimed  at 
the  destruction  both  of  your  liberty  and  Religion.  Our  prince  is  as  much  a  Bigot 
to  Rome,  as  your  abdicated  King  and  as  much  ruled  by  his  fathers  Peters  and 
therefore  we  might  reasonably  suppose  that  he  has  the  same  designs  in  view, 
although  we  should,  nor  have  yet  any  fact  to  convince  us  of  his  Intentions. 

You  know  that  by  the  Treaties  of  Westphalia  the  Popish  religion  could  not  be 
exercised  in  the  Palatinate,  unless  it  was  by  a  toleration  of  the  government,  to 
which  the  Protestant  princes  seem  but  too  much  inclined.  All  the  churches, 
schools,  church  lands,  tythes  and  other  Ecclesiastical  Revenues  were  in  the  hands 
of  Protestants,  but  by  this  declaration  the  churches  are  to  serve  equally  for  the 
use  of  Papists  and  Protestants;  so  that  this  is  as  much  a  violation  of  our  rights, 
as  it  would  have  been  of  yours,  if  the  late  King  James  had  caused  Mass  to  be 
sung  in  Westminster  Abbey,  for  the  Papists  have  no  better  title  to  our  churches 
than  they  have  to  yours. 

Had  his  Electoral  Highness  been  contented  to  give  the  Papists  leave  to  exercise 
openly  their  religion  and  even  to  build  churches  for  themselves,  we  might  be 
silent,  though  this  would  be  against  our  privileges;  but  to  presume  to  give  'em  our 
churches  and  our  Ecclesiastical  incomes  under  pretence  of  liberty  of  conscience, 
is  such  an  injustice  that  I  must  return  again  to  your  late  King,  to  find  any  parallel 
to  match  it. 

I  have  told  you  in  my  former,  how  they  have  taken  away  our  schools  and  col- 
leges and  given  the  same  to  Popish  priests,  though  some  of  them  were  so  lately 
founded  and  endowed,  that  they  could  not  have  impudence  enough  to  pretend 
that  they  did  formerly  belong  to  the  Papists;  I  must  now  give  you  some  particu- 
lars to  show  the  effects  of  this  liberty  of  conscience  and  how  it  is  observed. 

The  Elector  has  taken  away  all  the  tythes  and  other  incomes  for  the  mainte- 
nance of  our  clergy  and  bestowed  the  same  upon  Romish  priests;  but  to  give  some 
compensation  to  the  Protestant  clergy,  he  is  graciously  pleased  yearly  to  allow 
each  minister  one  hundred  guilders,  which  is  hardly  fifteen  pounds  sterling,  twenty 
sacks  of  corn  and  one  fudder  of  wine.     This  subsistence  being  so  small,  that   it 

92 


1701 


1701 


1458  Ecclesiastical  Records 

is  impossible  for  them  to  subsist  on  it,  no  doubt  but  they  expect  that  the  said 
ministers  will  quit  their  employment  for  want  of  a  livelihood  and  that  the  flock 
being  left  without  a  shepherd  will  be  either  dispersed  or  easily  seduced.  A  rare 
and   precious   liberty   of   conscience,    which   deserveth   our   immortal   thanks! 

The  very  sound  of  the  title  of  a  declaration  for  liberty  of  conscience  must  needs 
determine  any  impartial  man  to  believe,  that  thereby  the  Electoral  Highness 
intends  that  all  his  subjects  shall  have  an  entire  liberty  to  embrace  and  profess 
what  religion  they  please,  at  least  of  the  three  that  are  tolerated  in  the  empire, 
as  it  is  therein  verbatim  expressed;  but  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  such 
who  pretend  that  we  must  not  hearken  to  the  evidence  of  our  senses  and  reason, 
should  pretend  to  change  the  genuine  significance  of  words  as  you  may  see  in 
the  following  particulars. 

A  certain  woman  at  Seekenheim  near  Ladenburg  married  to  a  Papist  husband, 
having  however,  brought  up  in  the  Protestant  Religion,  her  daughter,  desired  the 
minister  of  the  place  to  admit  her  to  the  participation  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  being 
in  the  age  required  by  the  discipline  of  our  churches,  which  the  minister  did 
without  any  manner  of  scruple.  This  proceeding  was  doubtless  very  innocent  and 
justifiable  by  all  divine  and  human  laws,  but  it  has  seemed  so  great  a  crime  to 
the  Papists,  that  the  poor  minister  was  taken  up,  committed  close  prisoner,  and 
fined  two  hundred  florins.  Would  any  man  think  afterward  that  we  enjoy  a 
free  liberty  of  conscience. 

An  inhabitant  of  Wiselock,  a  Papist  by  birth  and  profession,  but  a  more  honest 
man  than  the  generality  of  his  persuasion,  marry'd  sometime  ago  a  Protestant 
wife  and  it  was  agreed  and  covenanted  between  them  that  the  children  should 
be  christened  and  brought  up  in  the  Protestant  religion.  His  wife  being  brought 
to  be  of  a  male  child,  he,  according  to  his  promise,  got  him  christened  by  the 
Protestant  minister  of  his  parish;  which  so  incensed  the  Popish  clergy,  that  they 
got  an  order  to  carry  him  to  Heidelbergh,  where  he  has  been  kept  close  prisoner 
and  very  severely  used  and  forced  to  pay  a  fine  of  fifty  florins  to  come  out. 

I  could  bring  you  a  hundred  instances  more  of  the  like  nature  and  of  persons 
now  in  prisons  for  having  again  embraced  the  Protestant  religion  which  they 
had  been  forced  to  feign  to  quit,  by  the  violent  persecutions  of  the  French;  but 
I  am  afraid  to  tire  your  patience  and  therefore  I  come  now  to  the  conclusion  of 
my  letter,  wherein  I  beg  leave  to  examine  in  few  words  the  pretence  of  these 
violeut  persecutions,  to  show  that  it  is  the  most  groundless  and  unjust  that 
ever  was. 

The  first  pretence  and  which  was  at  first  mightily  insisted  upon,  is  the  fourth 
article  of  the  Treaty  of  Reswick,  which  was  chiefly  the  work  of  the  Baron  de 
Zeiler,  a  famous  Renegado,  in  conjunction  with  the  ministers  of  France.  But  not- 
withstanding what  they  may  say,  that  clause  can  never  justifle  the  violent  pro- 
ceedings of  his  Electoral  Highness;  for,  taking  that  article  in  the  largest  sense 
that  can  possibly  be  given  to  it,  it  implys  no  more,  but  that  the  Roman  Catholics 
should  remain  in  tlie  possession  of  those  privileges  they  were  possessed  of  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  peace,  in  those  countries  which  were  to  be  restored  by  the  French 
to  the  empire.  Now  the  Palatinate,  I  mean  that  part  which  lies  on  the  right 
side  of  the  Rhine  being  not  then  in  possession  of  the  French  and  some  part  of 
it  having  never  been  in  their  hands,  it  is  plain  that  the  so  much  spoken  of  clause 
cannot  justify  any  ways  the  innovations  lately  made  in  the  Palatinate,  which 
consequently  are  in  infraction  of  the  Treaty  of  Munster. 

Neither  is  the  Treaty  of  Reswick  more  religiousl.v  observed  than  the  former, 
when  it  seems  to  favor  us;  for  that  very  fourth  article,  which  serves  to  excuse 
their  persecution  on  this  side  of  tlie  Rhine,  is  openly  violated  on  the  other  side 
of  the  river,  where  the  Protestants  would  be  contented  to  enjoy  the  same  liberty 
they  had  under  the  French,  and  which  was  secured  to  them  by  the  fourth  article 
of  the  peace.  Sure  this  is  the  most  unaccountable  thing  I  ever  heard  of,  and 
which  would  put  to  the  blush  any  man  but  a  Papist.  The  Protestants  must  be 
deprived  of  their  liberty  about  Heidelberg  by  virtue  of  a  clause  in  the  Treaty  of 
Peace,  which  ought  to  have  no  force  in  these  parts,  by  the  reasons  aforesaid,  and 
they  cannot  enjoy  their  liberty  on  the  other  side  of  the  Rhine,  notwithstanding 
that  aricle  secures  it  unto  them.  Who  would  have  thought  that  the  Jesuits  of 
Dusseldorp   could   exceed  in  wit  or  malice  those  of  France? 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1459 

The  French  King  has  not  as  j^et  openly  violated  the  late  Treaty  of  Peace  in 
matters  of  religion,  for  the  Protestants  in  Strassburgh  and  elsewhere  In  Alsace, 
have  the  same  liberty  they  had  during  the  war;  but  our  case  is  very  different, 
as  I  have  already  told  you,  and  it  seems  our  prince's  zeal  is  above  that  of  the 
French  King. 

Having  given  you  an  account  of  their  proceedings,  and  confuted  the  groundless 
justification  thereof,  I  must  acquaint  you  with  the  measures  we  have  taken  in  this 
«ad  juncture. 

We  applied  ourselves  first  of  all  to  his  Electoral  Highness,  as  it  was  our  duty, 
and  humbly  represented  the  violent  proceedings  of  his  ofiQcers  against  us,  praying 
the  redress  of  these  grievances.  Our  representation  was  as  submissive  and  re- 
spectful as  could  be,  but  however  -we  could  obtain  no  justice  and  our  Depu- 
ties were  so  brow-beaten  and  threatened  that  they  did  not  think  safe  to 
insist  any  longer  for  an  answer  and  returned  home  without  any  success.  Seeing 
therefore  that  the  ears  of  our  prince  were  shut  up  against  our  past  complaints 
we  applied  ourselves  to  several  German  princes  of  our  persuasion  and  desired  that 
they  would  be  pleased  to  intercede  for  us  and  move  at  the  Dyet  of  the  Empire 
that  the  Innovations  made  in  the  Palatinate  might  be  considered.  They  granted 
our  request  and  accordingly  a  memorial  was  delivered  at  Ratlsbonne  to  the  Depu- 
ties of  the  Catholic  princes,  containing  that  the  proceedings  of  the  Elector  Palati- 
Date  were  a  manifest  infraction  of  the  Treaty  of  Munster  and  that  they  might 
prove  so  fatal  to  the  tranquility  of  the  empire,  that  it  was  highly  necessary  to 
enquire  into  that  affair,  and  put  a  stop  to  these  innovations.  This  memorial  was 
communicated  to  the  deputy  of  the  Elector,  who  desired  time  to  send  it  to  his 
master  and  promised  to  return  an  answer  with  all  convenient  speed. 

It  was  sent  accordingly  to  Dusseldorp  and  examined  by  the  council  of  his  Elec- 
toral Highness  wherein  it  was  resolved  that  the  minister  of  the  Elector  should  give 
no  particular  answer  to  that  memorial  but  only  tell  the  Dyet  in  general  terms,  that 
his  Electoral  Highness  was  surprised  that  his  subjects  should  make  such  groundless 
complaints;  that  they  could  proceed  but  from  a  spirit  of  rebellion  and  that  there- 
fore he  would  watch  more  narrowly  their  actions,  and  punish  them  according  to 
their  demerits,   praying  the  Dyet  not  to  concern  themselves  in  this  affair. 

Could  you  Sir  have  expected  such  an  answer  from  a  prince,  who  owes  so  much 
to  the  Protestants  and  who  would  have  been  at  this  day  a  titular  Elector  had 
not  the  Protestant  princes  restored  him  to  his  Electorate? 

This  is  a  piece  of  gratitude  not  to  be  paralleled,  which  showeth  the  true  char- 
acter of  a  Papist  and  their  hellish  designs  against  our  religion.  This  I  think 
suflBcient,  Sir,  to  give  you  a  true  idea  of  our  sad  case,  which  may  serve  as  a  warn- 
ing to  all  Protestants  never  to  trust  a  Popish  prince,  for  impose  upon  him  as  many 
oaths  as  you  please,  bind  them  by  their  interest,  these  precautions  will  serve 
for  nothing  at  all,  the  pope  will  absolve  them  from  their  oaths  and  the  Jesuits 
will  so  bewitch  them,  as  to  make  them  act  quite  contrary  to  their  honor  and  in- 
terest. Happy  and  thrice  happy  England,  to  be  free  from  such  blgotted  princes; 
and  that  you  may  be  sensible  of  and  enjoy  your  present  felicity,  will  always 
be  the  prayers  of, 

Tours  etc. 

Heidelberg,   Feb.   7,   1699. 

P.  S.  I  have  forgot  to  tell  you  that  several  persons  were  taken  up  and  are  still 
kept  in  prison,  for  refusing  to  admit  the  new  stile  and  to  observe  the  Holy  Days 
of  the  Popish  church,  in  honour  of  certain  saints,  who,  for  ought  we  know,  had 
never  any  real  being  in  the  world  as  their  St.  Lougin  etc.,  and  of  others,  who  were 
debauched  and  profligate  fellows,  or  cruel  murtherers  of  Innocent  people,  as  their 
Dominic's  and  Loyola's.  The  Elector  finding  that  a  great  number  of  his  subjects 
are  quitting  their  country,  has  sent  for  several  thousands  of  vagabonds  from  the 
countries  of  Liege  and  Brabant,  worse  than  your  Irish  bog-trotters,  to  inhabit  this 
country,  so  that  it  is  like  to  be  peopled  with  a  hopeful  generation. 

Finis. 


1701 


1701 


1460  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Church  of  j^ew  York. 

Friday,  Feb.  21,  1700-1.  (lYOl). 
'New  Poor  House. 

Consistory  met,  including  Ministers,  Elders,  Deacons  and 
Churcli  Masters. 

After  prayer,  it  was  stated  by  the  Church  Masters  that  the 

ground  of ,  with  its  buildings,  was  for  sale,  and 

that  it  would  be  very  useful  to  our  church,  to  the  point  for  en- 
larging the  churchyard,  and  the  rest  for  a  site  for  an  alms-house. 
Although  this  was  approved  by  the  members  present,  it  was 

Eesolved,  That  the  advice  of  the  former  Elders  and  Deacons 
should  be  asked,  since,  in  order  to  make  the  payment,  the  present 
alms-house  must  be  sold;  and  that  was  a  matter  requiring  con- 
sideration. 

Hereupon  there  was —  Lib.  B.  27. 

Action  of  Great  Consistory  on  IsTew  Poor  House. 

The  following  Monday,  Feb.  24,  1700-1  (1701),  a  meetmg  of 
Ministers,  Elders,  Deacons,  Church  Masters,  and  the  former  Eld- 
ers and  Deacons,  was  held. 

The  foregoing  statement  was  repeated  and  maturely  consid- 
ered, and  the  advice  of  the  former  Elders  and  Deacons,  who  were 
present,  taken  thereon.  As  they  agreed  with  the  acting  Con- 
sistory, it  was  concluded  and  determined  b;^  those  present,  viz., 

Deciding  Votes.  Advisory  Votes. 

C  Do.  Grualterus  Du  Bois  Former  Elders. —  Boele  Roelofszen 

I  William  Beekman  Former  Deacons  —  Peter  de  Riemer 

Elders.     J  Capt.  John  De  Peyster  Carstal  Leursze 

1       I  Mr.  Isaac  de  Riemer  Dirk  ten  Eyck 

I  Jacob  Boelen  Mr.  Nich,  Roosevelt 

r  Jacobus  Goelet  Isaac  Kip 

Deacons.  J  Mr.  Samuel  Staats  Isaac  de  Peyster 

I  Gerrit  Duike  Mr.  David  Provoost 

Church 


r  Jacob  Boele 


J  Isaac  De  Peyster 
Masters.   ]  ^      j     .  tt 

Lendert  Huyge 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  1461 

1701 

that  the  building  and  ground  of  the  said should  be 

bought,  if  it  could  be  had  for  a  reasonable  price;  and  also  that 

the  present  alms-house  and  its  grounds  should  be  sold  to  pay  for 

the  other. 

The  following  were  deputed  to  talk  and  to  deal  with  the  said 

;  viz., 

Of  the  Euling  Deacons.  Of  the  Church  Masters. 

Jacobus  Goelet  Jacob  Boele 

Gerrit  Duike  Lendert  Huige 

and  they  have  requested  me,  Do.  G.  Du  Bois,  p.  t.  scriba,  to  bring 

in  a  report  of  their  transactions,  since  Do.  Selyns,  otherwise  now 

the  Praeses,  is  sick. 

—  Lib.  B.  27. 

Purchase  of  Ground  for  New  Poor  House. 

Wednesday,  Peb.  26,  1700-1.  (1701). 

(Otherwise,  however,  the  ordinary  time  of  Consistory  meeting, 
since  on  the  following  Sunday,  the  Lord's  Supper  is  to  be  admin- 
istered.) 

Consistory  met ;  Ministers,  Euling  Elders,  Deacons  and  Church 
Masters.     The  meeting  was  opened  with  prayer. 

1.  The  committee  made  report  of  what  they  had  done  with 
Jan  Pieterze  Meet  (alias  Jan  Tawbour);  namely,  that  they  had 
bought  his  house  and  ground,  according  to  his  deed,  with  the 
lease,  which  he,  Jan  Pieterze  Meet  had  made  to  the  man  who  now 
dwells  there,  with  full  power  to  give  possession;  and  that  the  price 
was  one  hundred  and  forty  pounds,  New  York  money;  the  whole 
sum  to  be  paid  in  five  years,  with  the  yearly  interest  of  twelve 
pounds,  to  begin  on  the  first  of  May,  1701;  or  the  entire  amount 
may  be  paid  at  once,  with  deduction,  of  the  interest. 

N.  B.  The  lot  lies  bordering  on  the  Wall,  to  the  east  of  the 
house  of  Jacoby  de  Draaier;  to  the  west  of  that  of  Jan  Otto  van 
Tuil,  and  to  the  north  of  the  ground  of  the  church. 


1462  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1701 

2.  Farther,  it  is  unanimously  Eesolved,  That  to  pay  for  the 

foregoing  purchase,  the  present  alms-house  should  be  sold  —  to 

be  offered  and  sold  in  such  manner  as  the  Deacons  and  Church 

Masters  shall  approve. 

Members  present. —  Do.  Gual.  Du  Bois 

f  John  de  Peyster  .  {  Jacobus  Goelet 

Elders.  -I  Jacob  Boele  -r^  Albatius  Ringo 

I  Isaac  de  Riemer  '   |  Samuel  Staats 

[  Gerrit  Duike 
f  Jacob  Boele, 
Church  Masters.  -{  Isaac  de  Peyster, 
[  Leendert  Huige. 

—  Lib.  B.  28,  29. 

Church  of  jSTew  York. 

Burials. 

March  IT,  1701. 

In  Great  Consistory,  consisting  of  former  Elders  and  Deacons, 
with  the  Ruling  Elders  and  Deacons  and  Church  Masters.  After 
invoking  God's  name.  Resolved,  That  so  much  of  the  ground 
around  the  church  as  is  necessary  shall  be  used  for  burying  the 
dead,  and  that,  at  half  the  price  which  men  give  for  a  grave  in 
the  church;  and  that  for  this,  permission  shall  be  asked  of  the 
City,  if  such  a  course  is  deemed  proper. 

Old  Poor  House  to  be  Sold. 

Same  day,  March  17. 

After  prayer.  Resolved  by  the  Ruling  Elders  and  Deacons  that 
since  the  present  Poor  House  is  daily  becoming  more  dilapidated, 
and  can  no  longer  be  occupied  by  the  poor  without  continual  and 
excessive  repairs,  it  shall  be  sold  by  the  Deacons  to  the  highest 
bidder  at  the  first  opportunity. —  Lib.  B.  29. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1463 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

A  Letter  to  the  Consistory  of  'New  York,  and  to  My  lord 
Bellomont.  ' 

1701,  April  1st. 

The  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  report  that  the  consistory  of  New 
York  and  also  My  lord  Bellomont  were  written  to  according  to 
the  contents  of  the  preceding  acta.     ix.  7. 

Town  Decision  About  Assessment  to  Build  a  Presbyterian 
Church  at  Jamaica,  L.  I. 

1701,   April  15. 
[1690,   I'own  votes  to  tax  for  said  Church,    etc.] 

1701,  April  15  &  28.  "  Whereas,  There  have  been  several  differences  had, 
moven,  and  depea^ing,  within  the  town  of  Jamaica,*  concerning  the  building  a 
meeting-house  or  church  within  said  town;  and  also  the  accounts,  demands  and 
charges  thereunto  appertaining,  which,  with  all  controversies  anyway  relating 
thereto,  being  this  15th  day  of  April,  1701,  mutually  referred  to  us  by  the  parties 

*  "  Jamaica  was  settled  by  Presbyterians."  Before  Mr.  Denton  left  Hempstead 
the  church  was  troubled  with  sharp  contentions  between  the  Independents  and 
Presbyterians.  In  1657  Gov.  Stuyvesant  visited  Hempstead,  and  used  his  influence, 
to  persuade  Mr.  Denton  to  continue  his  ministry  there,  his  own  church  affinities 
inclining  him  to  favor  the  Presbyterian  form  of  government.  But  the  troubles 
increasing,  Mr.  Denton  left,  and  the  Independents  gaining  the  control,  had  a  stated 
supply  for  a  number  of  years.  Then,  through  these  continued  dissensions,  the 
large  increase  of  Quakerism,  and  the  establishment  of  Episcopacy  under  the  Eng- 
lish rule,  the  Presbyterian  Church  gradually  declined,  and  passed  out  of  sight  as 
an  organized  body.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Jenny  writes,  September  1729,  "A  few  Presby- 
terians at  Hempstead  hare  an  unordained  minister  to  officiate  for  them,  whom  they 
could  not  support  were  it  not  for  the  assistance  they  receive  from  their  brethren 
in  the  neighboring  parish  of  Jamaica." 

This  is  the  latest  mention  made  of  the  existence  of  any  Presbyterian  church  at 
Hempstead  till  after  the  lapse  of  many  years,  when  the  present  flourishing  church 
was  organized. 

But  the  Presbyterian  church  planted  by  the  hand  of  Richard  Denton  has  never 
ceased  to  bear  fruit.  Two  sons  of  Mr.  Denton,  Nathaniel  and  Daniel,  with  a  num- 
ber of  their  Presbyterian  bnethren,  formed  a  colony,  and  on  the  21st  of  March, 
1656,  purchased  from  the  Indians  a  large  tract  of  land,  now  included  in  the  village 
and  town  of  Jamaica.  They  immediately  established  religious  worship.  In  a 
memorial  of  the  inhabitants  of  Jamaica,  signed  by  Nathaniel  Denton  and  others, 
addressed  to  Governor  Hunter,  we  find  the  following  statement:  "  This  town  of 
Jamaica,  in  the  year  1656,  was  purchased  from  the  Indian  natives  by  divers  per- 
sons, Protestants,  dissenters  in  the  manner  of  worship,  from  the  forms  used  in  the 
Church  of  England,  who  have  called  a  minister  of  our  own  profession  to  officiate 
among  them,  who  continued  so  to  do  during  the  time  of  the  Dutch  government." 

This  clearly  indicates  that  they  had  preaching  service  from  their  first  settlement 
in  the  town,  and  consequently  the  origin  of  the  church  at  Jamaica  dates  back  to 
1656.  They  then  took  measures  for  the  erection  of  a  parsonage,  as  the  following 
extract  shows.  December  20,  1662,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  "  make  ye  rates 
for  ye  minister's  house,  and  transporting  ye  minister."  The  exact  date  of  the  Rev. 
Zacariah  Walker's  call  is  not  given,  but  on  March  2nd  1663,  the  parsonage  was  as- 
signed to  him  and  his  heirs.  From  this  date  to  the  present  day  there  is  a  clear 
record  of  every  minister  who  has  served  the  church,  together  with  the  time  of 
their  service.  George  Mc.  Nish,  the  eighth  pastor,  was  one  of  the  original  members 
of  the  mother  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia.  That  this  church  has  always  been  a 
Presbyterian  church  there  seems  no  room  for  doubt.  It  is  so  denominated  in  all 
the  records  where  it  is  named.  It  has  had  a  bench  of  ruling  elders  from  time 
immemorial.  November  2oth  1770,  it  was  voted  to  continue  Mr.  John  Hobert 
among  us  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,   provided  that  he   be  ordained    "  according 


1701 


1701 


1464  Ecclesiastical  Records 

on  behalf  of  themselves  and  others  concerned;  we,  hearing  both  parties,  do  give 
our  award  as  follows: 

"  That  William  Creed  and  Robert  Reade,  and  all  those  of  the  west  of  Jamaica, 
that  is,  the  Dutchmen,  viz:  Frederick  Hendricksen,  John  Oakey,  Hendrick  Lott, 
Theodorus  Polhemus  and  Eldert  Lucas,  who  have  not  perfectly  and  wholly  paid 
their  r^tes  assessed  for  building  the  church  or  meeting-house,  shall  pay  their 
parts- unpaid,  within  two  weeks,  and  acquit  each  other  of  all  former  controversies: 
and  we  desire  that  they  may  amicably  agree  and  live  in  love  together." —  Town 
Records,  ii.  360. 

"  Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  Daniel  Whitehead,  Joseph  Smith, 
Edward  Burroughs,  and  Jonas  Wood,  Esquires,  have  received  this  28th  of  April, 
1701,  of  William  Creed,  Robert  Reade,  and  all  the  Dutchmen  living  westward  of 
the  town  of  Jamaica,  full  satisfaction  and  payment  for  building  of  the  church 
lately  built  in  said  town.  Therefore  we  discharge  and  acquit  them  and  their  heirs, 
forever,    according   to   the   award." —  See    Onderdonk's   Jamaica,    6. 

to  ye  Rule  &  way  of  the  Presbyterian  way,  &  it  is  the  unanimous  mind  of  the 
towne  that  he  be  ordained  Accordingly." 

Richard  Denton  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  in  1586.  He  graduated  at 
Cambridge  University  in  1623,  and  then  for  seven  years  was  the  Presbyterian 
Minister  of  Coley  Chapel,  parish  of  Halifax,  in  the  northern  part  of  England. 
By  the  intolerant  spirit  of  the  times  which  led  to  the  Act  of  Uniformity,  he  felt 
compelled  to  relinquish  his  charge,  and  to  emigrate  to  America.  This  was  prob- 
ably, about  1630,  and  in  company  with  John  Winthrop  and  Sir  Richard  Salton- 
stall.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Alford  speaking  of  the  first  settlers  of  Hempstead,  says, 
"  They  were  among  the  earliest  inhabitants  of  New  England,  coming,  as  we  have 
seen,  through  Wethersfield,  from  Watertown,  in  Massachusetts,  and  from  that 
noted  company  who  arrived  with  John  Winthrop  and  Sir  Richard  Saltonstall." 
Mr.  Denton  first  came  from  Watertown.  Mass.;  then  in  163.5,  he  commenced  the 
settlement  of  Wethersfield;  and  in  1741  his  name  appears  among  the  early  settlers 
of  Stamford;  and  then  in  1644  he  is  recorded  as  one  of  the  original  proprietors 
of  Hempstead,  L.  I.  A  part  of  his  flock  accompanied  him  from  England,  and 
also  settled  with  him  as  their  pastor;  the  descendants  of  some  of  them  remaining 
there  to  the  present  day.  Thus  a  Presbyterian  Church  was  established  in  Hemp- 
stead, L.  I.,  in  1644.  But  if.  as  indicated  above,  a  colony  of  Presbyterians  came 
with  him  from  the  old  country  and  followed  him  till  their  final  settlement  on  Long 
Island,  he,  a  Presbyterian  Minister,  with  a  Presbyterian  colony,  the  inference  can 
scarcely  admit  of  a  doubt  that  he  preached  to  a  Presbyterian  Congregation  from 
their  first  arrival  in  1630,  till  their  permanent  settlement  on  the  Island.  Mr.  Den- 
ton served  the  Church  till  1659,  when  he  returned  to  England,  and  spent  the 
latter  part  of  his  life  in  Essex,  where  he  died  in  1662,  aged  seventy-six  years. 

Mr.  Denton  had  a  mind  of  more  than  ordinary  gifts  and  attainments.  He  was 
from  the  very  first  noted  as  a  man  of  "  leading  influence."  Rev.  Mr.  Heywood, 
his  successor  in  office  at  Halifax,  speaks  of  him  as  a  "  good  minister  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  affluent  in  his  worldly  circumstances."  In  a  report  of  the  Church 
of  New  Netherlands  in  16.57  Revs.  John  Megapolensis  and  Drisius  to  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  occurs  the  following  passage,  "At  Hempstead  about  seven  Dutch 
miles  from  here,  there  are  some  Independents;  also  many  of  our  persuasion  and 
Presbyterians.  They  have  also  a  Presbyterian  preacher,  named  Richard  Denton, 
an  honest,  pious  and  learned  man." 

Gov.  Stuyvesant  in  his  letter  to  the  people  of  Hempstead,  under  date  of  July 
29th  1657  savs,  "About  the  continuance  of  Mr.  Denton  among  you  we  shall  use 
all  endeavors'  we  can."  Cotton  Mather  speaks  of  hinh  as  "  our  pious  and  learned 
Mr  Denton,  a  Yorkshire  man  who,  having  watered  Halifax,  in  England,  with  his 
fruitful  ministry  was  bv  a  tempest,  hurled  into  New  England,  where  his  doctrine 
dropped  like  the  rain.  Though  he  were  a  little  man,  yet  had  a  great  soul.  His 
well  accomplished  mind  was  an  Illiad  in  a  nut  shell.  He  wrote  a  system,  entitled 
"  Soliloquia  Sacra."  so  accurately  describing  the  fourfold  state  of  man  that  ju- 
dicious persons  who  have  seen  it  very  much  lament  the  church's  being  deprived 

In  1702  there  were  more  than  a  hundred  families,  noted  for  their  intelligent 
pietv  and  christian  deportment.  They  had  a  stone  church  worth  six  hundred 
pounds,  and  a  parsonage  with  a  glebe  consisting  of  an  orchard  and  two  hundred 
acres  of  land  valued  at  fifteen  hundred  pounds.  Besides  being  the  mother  of 
other  churches  in  the  vicinitv,  it  contributed  families  to  build  up  the  First  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  New  York  City,  and  subsequently  Rutgers  Street  Church;  also 
the  founding  of  Elizabeth  City,  and  largely  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Hopewell, 
N  J  Sources  of  information:  Thompson's  Hist,  of  L.  I..  Woodbridge  s  Hi^. 
Discourse,  Onderdonk's  Antiquities  of  Queens  Co..  Macdonald's  Ch.  Hist^  N.  Y. 
State  Doc  Hist..  Moore's  Barlv  Hist,  of  Hempstead,  Jamaica  Town  Records, 
Nevins'  Encvc.  of  Presbvterianism,  Articles  by  Rev.  Dr.  Peter  D.  Oakey. 


OF  THE  State  of  ^STew  York.  1465 

Albany  City  Recoeds. 

Kev.  John  Lydius  vs.  Peter  Bogardus. 

May  6th.   1701. 

Mr.  Joh.  Lydius,  minister,  Anthony  van  Schaik,  Elder,  and  Harpt.  Jaeobse, 
Dyalien  of  ye  Dutch  Reformed  Church  of  Albany,  make  application  to  the  Common- 
alty by  Complaint  against  Pr.  Bogardus  that  he  is  about  Infencing  a  certain  Lott 
of  grounde  Situate,  Lying  and  being  in  ye  great  pasture  of  ye  southwards  of  ye 
said  Citty,  Belonging  to  ye  Churchwardens,  and  in  possession  to  which  Lott  they 
Owne  a  pretence.  Desyreing  ye  Gent'n  in  Common  Council  to  be  aiding  and  as- 
sisting to  them  in  ye  premises,  that  ye  further  infencing  may  be  stopt  till  ye 
arrival  of  Maj.  Dirk  Wessels,  who  is  supposed  can  give  some  information  relateing 
said  lott.  Ye  Gent'n  in  Common  Councill  have  taken  ye  request  in  Consideration, 
and  sent  for  Mr.  Bogardus,  desyreing  him  to  forbear  fencing  four  or  five  days  till 
Maj.  "Wessels  arrives,  but  fyndeing  unwilling  to  allow  said  days,  are  unanimously 
of  opinion  that  said  lott  of  grounds  shall  be  no  further  Infenced  till  next  Satur- 
day, or  the  arrival  of  Maj.  Dirk  Wessels,  who  Emmediately  shall  be  sent  for. — 
Munsell's   Annals  of  Albany,   Vol.    iv.    pp.   128-9. 

May  10,   1701. 

Pursuant  to  ye  Resolution  of  ye  Mayor,  Recorder,  Aldermen  and  assistants  in 
Common  Council  on  ye  6th  of  May  now  instant,  Maj.  D.  Wessels,  Anthony  van 
Schaik  and  Hendrik  van  Rensselaer,  Elders  in  ye  Behalfe  of  ye  Churchwardens 
of  ye  Reformed  Nether-dutch  Congregation,  doe  appear  and  complain  against 
Peter  Bogardus  about  Infencing  a  certain  parcel  of  pasture  grounds  situate,  lyeing 
and  being  to  ye  southwards  of  this  Citty,  on  the  other  side  of  ye  Beavers  Creek  In 
ye  great  pasture  belonging  to  said  Churchwardens,  as  by  their  transport  made 
over  by  Domine  Godefridus  Dellius  on  ye  31st  of  July  1690,  viz. 

Imprimis,  The  said  Mr.  Wessels  saith  that  in  the  year  1686,  in  July,  before 
ye  Charter  -was  obtained,  John  Johnson  Bleeker,  ye  said  Wessels  and  Levinus  van 
Schaick,  then  Magistrates,  were  in  behalfe  of  ye  Court  appointed  to  Enquire  by 
ye  severall  Inhabitants  who  had  Letts  of  grounds  in  the  great  Pasture  aforesaid, 
among  whom  they  came  to  Deritie  widow  of  Volkert  Janse  and  Geertruy  widow 
of  Jan  Thomase  to  Desist  their  title  of  their  Certain  Parcell  of  pasture  Land, 
(being  that  as  aforementioned)  whereupon  ye  said  Geertruy  proposed  if  the  magis- 
trates would  procure  a  graunt  from  the  governor,  Thomas  Dongan,  for  a  peece 
of  Land  somewhere  else  at  their  own  costs,  upon  which  ye  said  magistrates  went 
to  ye  Governor,  who  gave  consent  to  a  grant  for  any  piece  of  vacant  land  in  ye 
government  to  which  ye  said  Geertruy  replyed  to  Enquire  for  ye  same,  and  so 
parted  as  by  ye  memorandum  thereof,  written  by  said  Mr.  Wessels,  doth  more  at 
large  appear  by  ye  Deakens. 

2ndly.  That  since  ye  magistrates  having  with  Deritie  ye  widow  of  Volkert 
Janse  and  Geertruy  widow  of  Jan  Thomase  upon  account  of  said  parcell  of  pasture 
grounde  to  whom  it  lately  belonged,  discounted  to  each  of  them  ye  summe  of  one 
pound  sixteen  shillings  Currant  Money,  on  ye  7th  of  Sept.,  1691,  as  by  ye  Cittyes 
book  held  by  ye  late  Treasurer,  John  Becker,  doth  appear,  therefore  desyreing  of 
ye  Gent'n  In  Common  Councill  to  maintain  what  was  formerly  transported  by 
their  Predecessors,  and  since  said  Great  pasture  is  lett  to  hyre  until  November 
next,  that  ye  Gent'n  will  be  pleased  to  prevent  ye  further  Infencing  of  said  Bogar- 
dus until  such  persons  from  whom  he  bought  said  Pasture  ground  doe  punctually 
performe  there  conveyance,  and  further  alledging  that  this  Commonality  is  to 
defend  the  premises. 

Whereupon  said  Pr.  Bogardus  doth  Demonstrate  a  certaine  Conveyance  concern- 
ing said  Pasture  grounde  made  over  to  him  by  ye  aforementioned  widow,  bearing 
date  ye  1st  day  of  March,  1699/1700,  together  with  a  Certification  and  Consent 
on  ye  backside  thereof,  signed  and  sealed  by  Jonas  Dow,  eldest  son  of  said  Geertruy, 
dated  ye  18th  of  February,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  one.  Witnesses, 
Thomas  Williams  and  Laurence  van  Alle.  Whereby  said  Pr.  Bogardus  pretends  to 
Infence  ye  same. 


1701 


1701 


1466  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

The  Gentlemen  In  Common  Counclll  are  unanimously  of  opinion  that  such  per- 
sons as  have  conveyed  said  pasture  grounds  to  said  Bogardus  are  to  make  ye  same 
good  unto  him  ye  said  Bogardus.  In  ye  meantime  ye  said  Bogardus  is  not  to  pro- 
ceed Infeneeing  as  aforementioned. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  iv.  pp.  131, 
132. 

Col,  Smith,  President  of  the  Council  of  !N^ew  York,  to  the 

Lords  of  Trade. 

Missions  to  the  Mohawks. 

1701,  May  10. 


I  must  also  observe  to  your  Lorship's  that  the  French  since  the  last  peace  have 
Industriously  endeavored  to  debauch  our  Indians,  to  their  interest  and  have  (as  I 
am  informed)  prevailed  with  many  of  them;  some  reasons  of  which  I  find  the  late 
Governour  had  been  pleased  to  represent  to  your  Lordships.  What  further  I  could 
be  informed  of,  is  the  taking  from  them  a  Minister,  who  had  with  great  pains  and 
care  instructed  them  in  the  Christian  Reformed  Religion  and  of  whom  they  had 
a  great  good  opinion;  whose  want,  though  several  times  represented  to  them,  hath 
not  hitherto  been  supplied. —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  867. 

Robert  Livingston  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

Missions  to  the  Mohawks. 

1701,  May  13. 


The  Five  Nations  have  received  such  impressions  of  the  Christian  Religion  that 
if  ministers  were  planted  amongst  them  to  convert  them  to  the  Christian  faith,  It 
would  be  of  great  advantage  to  his  Majesty's  plantations,  not  only  in  securing 
those  Indians  friendship,  but  also  to  be  a  checque  and  discouragemant  to  the 
French  emissaries,  who  frequently  visit  those  nations  and  endeavor  to  corrupt  their 
affections  from  the  English,  and  makes  ill  impressions  in  their  mind,  to  the  ap- 
parent prejudice  of  our  trade,  since  the  French  by  their  false  reports  have  poysoned 
our  Indians,  insomuch  as  to  make  them  believe  that  we  have  no  love  for  them, 
but  will  leave  them  a  prey.  I  am  humbly  of  opinion  that  it  will  be  absolutely 
necessary  for  the  King's  service  that  all  the  passes  between  the  French  and  them 
be  secured,  and  forts  built  in  suitable  places  for  the  security  of  their  trade,  and 
the  preventing  the  French  from  any  longer  deluding  or  trading  with  them;  for  it 
is  equally  reasonable  that  we  should  secure  the  trade  of  our  Indians  to  our  selves, 
as  the  French  do  theirs,  and  even  use  the  same  methods  of  force  for  the  effecting 
of  it.  Those  forts  being  built  at  proper  places,  will  for  ever  prevent  the  French 
from  making  any  descent  upon  them.^ —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  872. 


My  Lords,  'twill  be  necessary  that  every  fort  hare  a  Chaplain  in  it  who  may  like- 
wise instruct  the  Indians  in  the  Christian  Religion  as  your  Lordships  do  well  ap- 
prove.—  Ditto,  875. 

Extracts  from  Journal  of  Messrs.  Bleeker  and  Schuyler's 
Visit  to  Onondaga. 

Catholic   vs.    Protestant   Missionaries. 

1701,  June  2. 


Dekanissore  came  and  told  us  that  they  were  much  confused  in  their  meeting 
and  extremely  divided;  some  will  have  a  priest  on  the  one  side  of  the  Castle,  and 


OF  THE  State  of  iSTew  York.  1467 

a  Minister  on  the  other  side,  and  ask  our  advice.  Wee  told  him  to  take  no  priest 
into  the  country  if  they  were  minded  to  live  peacably,  for  they  would  then  have 
a  Traytor  always  in  their  land.  Tour  Brother  Corlear  will  never  be  able  to  speak 
a  word  to  you  but  the  Governor  of  Canada  will  know  it.  On  the  other  side,  you  may 
be  assured  that  Corlear  the  Governour  of  New  York  will  never  suffer  it,  so  long 
as  sun  and  moon  endures;  how  are  you  soe  discomfited  and  affrighted?  doe  you 
not  see  how  the  French  creep  and  cringe  to  you  with  beads  and  shirts  to  make 
friends  with  you?  would  he  doe  soe  if  he  had  any  ill  design;  be  not  affraid  of 
the  French,  speake  like  men  and  behave  yourselves  like  soldiers,  for  which  you 
have  always  been  famous. — 

Dekanissore  replyed,  wee  are  affraid  the  French  will  warr  again  upon  us,  and 
what  can  we  doe  then,  poor  people;  for  all  them  that  he  pronounces  dead  are  cer- 
tainly dead;  wee  have  found  it  soe  by  experience,  as  also  our  Brethren  the  Ma- 
quases;  and  if  we  comply  not  to  what  he  will  have  us,  wee  fear  he  will  come  again 
and  kill  us.     Wee  answered: 

Brethren: 

You  talk  of  nobody  but  Onnondio,  the  Governor  of  Canada;  or  doe  you  think  that 
your  Brother  Corlear  cannot  be  angry  likewise?  he  has  tendered  you  first  a 
Protestant  Minister  and  would  you  now  take  a  Popish  priest?  That  would  render 
you  ridiculous.  Wee  admire  (wonder)  that  you  are  soe  affraid  of  the  French,  when 
there  is  no  cause;  when  you  can  support  your  reputation;  can  you  not  see  that  the 
French  are  in  want?  how  are  you  so  brutish  and  stupid?  I  was  at  Canada  this 
spring,  and  see  their  scarcity  of  provisions,  and  wherewith  would  they  goe  to  warr? 
be  not  afraid,  speak  like  men;  neither  dare  the  Governour  of  Canada  make  warr 
upon  you  before  there  is  a  warr  between  the  two  Kings  at  home,  and  if  that  hap- 
pened, the  Brethren  would  see  what  care  our  King  would  take  of  you. 

Dekanissore  Replys  and  said: 

Itt  was  concluded  in  our  covenant,  that  he  that  toucheth  one,  all  the  rest  would 
resent  itt;  butt  wee  found  itt  otherwise  by  experience;  when  the  French  came  and 
destroyed  our  Country  and  the  Maquase,  wee  gave  you  seasonable  warning,  but 
gott  no  assistance,  and  that  makes  us  affraid  what  to  doe; — About  ten  o'clock  att 
night  Dekanissore  came  to  us  again,  and  told  us  they  were  still  divided  in  their 
opinions,  and  that  he  had  not  slept  in  two  nights,  and  prayed  our  Council  what 
to  doe;  wee  told  him  to  keep  the  priest  out  of  the  Country,  to  keep  their  land  free 
and  clear,  and  not  to  fear. 

The  22nd  June  1701.     Dekanissore  speaks  and  said: — 

Wee  are  desired  by  both  parties  to  turn  Christians;  In  the  first  place  by  a  belt 
given  us  in  this  house  by  Coll.  Peter  Schuyler  Queder,  and  Mr.  Livingston  secretary; 
and  then  another  belt  sent  by  the  Governor  of  Canada;  wee  see  the  both  belts  hang- 
ing in  these  Courte  house. 

The  French  being  present  and  all  the  Five  Nations  they  said  — 
Brother  Corlear  and  Governour  of  Canada. 

You  both  tell  us  to  be  Christians;  you  both  make  us  madd;  wee  know  not  what 
side  to  choose;  but  I  will  speak  no  more  of  praying,  or  Christianity,  and  take  the 
belts  down  and  keep  them,  because  you  are  both  to  dear  with  your  goods;  I  would 
have  accepted  of  his  belt  who  sold  the  cheapest  pennyworth;  would  you  have  me 
put  on  a  bear  skin  to  goe  to  church  withall  a  Sundays?  wee  are  sorry  wee  cannot 
pray;  but  now  we  are  come  to  this  conclusion;  those  that  sells  their  goods 
cheapest,  whether  English  or  French,  of  them  will  we  have  a  Minister;  our  Sa- 
chims  are  going,  some  to  Albany,  some  to  Canada;  in  the  meantime  we  will  con- 
sider itt  till  winter  — 

Wee  believe  the  Christians  are  minded  to  warr  again,  because  the  Priest  is  soe 
earnest  that  wee  should  be  newter  and  sitt  still;  and  wee  tell  you  wee  will  hold 
fast  to  the  peace;  and  if  there  be  any  breach,  itt  will  be  your  fault  not  ours.  You 


1701 


1701 


1468  E€CLESIASTICAL    ReCORDS 

must  hear  us  speake  before  you  engage  iu  warr  again;  and  theu  gave  a  belt  of 
Wampum  to  us,  and  another  to  the  French  — 

When  Dekanissore  had  made  an  end  of  his  proposition,  he  told  us  he  would  not 
goe  to  Canada,  (as  he  had  once  designed),  because  he  could  not  get  his  requests 
granted  of  having  goods  cheap;  what  pains  he  took  was  not  for  his  private  gaine, 
but  for  the  good  of  all  the  Five  Nations;  and  those  that  gave  the  last  pennyworths, 
them  they  would  love  best. 

The  23rd  June.  All  the  Sachims  of  the  Five  Nations  being  convened  together, 
called  us  and  said,  Corlaer,  hearken  to  what  wee  are  now  going  to  tell  you  what 
happened  in  our  hunting  with  the  Waganhaes  or  Farr  Indians;  wee  have  made 
peace  with  four  of  their  nations,  and  wee  gott  some  skins  from  the  Waganhaes, 
which  is  a  signe  of  peace;  and  told  us  further  they  would  conceale  nothing  from 
us  but  wee  would  know  whatever  thing  happened  in  their  Country  —  this  is  all 
interpreted  by  Lawrence  Claese  the  Interpreter. 

Signed  Johannes  Bleeker,  Jr. 

David  Schuyler. 
Translated  out  of  the  Dutch  by  me 

(signed.)  Robert  Livingston, 

Secretary  to  the  Indian  affares. —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  893-4. 

24th  June  1701.  Now  follows  what  happened  att  Onondage  after  Captain  Bleek- 
ers  departure  to  Oneyde. 

The  house  being  mett,  Dekanissore  said  he  believed,  when  the  Sachims  would 
come  to  Canada,  the  Governour  would  insist  upon  that  point,  to  have  a  Jesuit  in 
their  Country;  and  if  he  does,  soe,  what  shall  wee  doe.  David  Schuyler  replyed 
that  they  should  never  agree  to  that;  that  they  were  assured  our  Governor  would 
never  suffer  that,  soe  long  as  the  sun  and  moon  endured;  he  believed  the  Sachims 
would  grant  itt  notwithstanding  because  they  feared  the  French. — 


David   Schuyler. 
Lawrence   Claese. 
Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  894. 


Extract  from  Charter  of  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts. 

June  16,  1701. 
The  Anglican  Church  in   America. 

This  Society  was  chartered  by  William  III,  June  16,  1701.  Its  objects  were, 
first,  to  provide  a  maintenance  for  an  orthodox  clergy  in  the  plantations,  colonies 
and  factories  of  Great  Britain,  beyond  the  seas;  for  the  instruction  of  the  King's 
loving  subjects  in  the  Christian  Religion;  and  secondly,  to  make  such  other  pro- 
vision as  was  necessary  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  In  those  parts.  Among 
the  corporators,  ex  officio,  were,  the  Archbishops  of  Canterbury  and  York;  the 
Bishops  of  London,  Ely,  Glouchester,  Chichester,  Bath  and  Wells,  and  Bangor;  the 
Deans  of  Westminster  and  St.  Paul's;  the  Regius  and  Margaret  Professors  of  the 
two  Universities  of  Oxford  and  Cambridge;  and  besides  these  ex  officio  members, 
many  clergy  and  laymen.  This  Society  helped  to  support  many  of  the  early  Epis- 
copal ministers  in  America,  and  provided  for  missionary  work  among  the  Indians 
and  Negroes. 

This  Charter  may  be  found  in  Hawkins  Missions,  415-421. —  Hist,  of  Origin  of 
this  Society,  Hawkins,  1-16.— Classified  Digest  of  Minutes  of  1701-1894:  Pubd.  1894. 
—See  also  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  iii.  591,  598,  698;  Anderson's  Col.  Church,  ii.  751.— 
American  Church  Hist.  Series,  viii.   126.     Regents'   Bulletin.  N.   Y.  1893,  216. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1469 

Albany  City  Records.    Property  of  Dutch  Church,  Albany, 

Confirmed. 

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

It  is  concluded  by  ye  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  that  in  Pursuant  of  ye 
severall  Requests  unto  them  made  by  ye  Minister,  Elders  and  Dyakens  of  ye  Re- 
formed Nether  Dutch  Congregation  how  that  ye  Church  of  Albany  here  in  this 
Citty  in  ye  first  warde  in  ye  Jonncker  street,  by  severall  of  the  members  of  said 
Congregation  was  built  and  erected  at  there  owne  proper  Costs  and  Charges  Ao. 
1656  and  1657,  and  by  ye  Commonality  is  obtained  in  there  Charter  graunted  by 
ye  late  Gov.  Thomas  Dongan,  on  ye  22nd  of  July,  1686,  they  being  therefore  desy- 
reous  that  ye  same  be  released  to  them  and  there  successors  forever,  together 
with  a  warrantie. 

The  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  have  therefore  for  diverse  Causes  and 
other  lawful  Considerations  them  thereunto  moving,  appointed  Mr.  Wessel  ten 
Broek,  Mr.  Joh.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Johannis  Roseboom,  aldermen;  Jacob  Turke,  Lykas 
Gerritse  and  Joh.  Harmense,  assistance,  to  see  a  Lawfull  Release  Drawne  in 
Writteing,  to  the  Minister,  Elders  and  Deakens  and  there  successors,  in  trust  of 
ye  said  Nether  Dutch  Congregation  forever,  inserteing  ye  Breath  and  Lenth  of 
said  Church,  with  an  addition  of  four  and  twenty  foot  on  ye  west,  and  fifteen  foot 
lenth  on  ye  east  end,  and  as  broad  as  the  Church  is,  and  ordered  that  ye  same 
shall  forthwith  be  measured  by  Hend.  Ooothout,  ye  sworne  Surveyor,  who  is  to 
return  ye  same  under  hand  and  seale,  and  to  be  recorded  accordingly. —  Munsell's 
Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  iv.  p.  137. 

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


1701 


July  31. —  This  day  the  Release  or  Conveyance  of  ye  Church  of  Albany  (which 
on  ye  first  of  this  instant  was  appointed  to  be  drawne),  is  produced.  The  same 
after  being  perused  is  signed,  sealed  and  delivered  by  John  Johnson  Bleeker,  Esq., 
Mayor  of  this  Citty,  by  and  with  advice  and  consent  of  the  Aldermen  and  Common 
Council  to  Mr.  Joh.  Lydius,  Minister  of  ye  Gospel  of  ye  Reformed  Nether  Dutch 
Churcii  Congregation  of  ye  Citty  of  Albany,  Maj.  Dirk  Wessels,  Anthony  van 
Schaik,  Hend.  v.  Rensselaer,  and  Johannis  Abeel,  present  Elders,  and  William 
Claese  Groesbeek,  Harpert  Jacobse,  Gerrit  van  Ness,  &  Johannis  Schuyler,  present 
Dyakens  of  ye  saiTi  Congregation  and  there  successors  forever. —  Munsell's  Annals 
of  Albany,  Vol.  iv.  pp.  138,  139. 


Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Dutch  Ministers  in  J^ew  York, 
July  18,  1701.     xxviii.  4.     Referred  to,  xxi.  420. 

To  the  Reverend,  Godly,  Highly  Learned  Gentlemen,  the  Pastors 
of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  (the  Province   of)   New 
York. 
Reverend  Sirs  and  Brethren: — The  Classical  Assembly  takes 

pleasure  in  the  wisdom  manifested  by  you  both  in  the  promotion 


1701 


1470  Ecclesiastical  Records 

of  the  Rev.  Lydins  to  his  lawful  place,  and  in  the  suspension  of 
your  approbation  of  the  call  of  Rev.  Freerman*  to  Schenectady. 
The  Classis,  however,  regards  it  as  unprofitable  that  the  latter 
circumstance  should  remain  in  such  condition  that  one  of  your 
churches  should  have  separated  from  your  communion,  and  tliat 
her  pastor  and  Consistory  should  have  become  independent.  She 
therefore  requests  that  you  will,  as  far  as  possible,  direct  the 
matter  thus:  that  the  Schenectady  people  make  out  a  regular 
form  of  call  upon  Rev.  Freerman,  and  allow  you  and  the  other 
brethren  belonging  to  the  Body  of  your  church  to  approve  it  in 
your  own  way;  and  that  they  then  send  it  hither  that  the  Classis  may 
give  their  approbation  to  the  same.  Also  that  Rev.  Treerman, 
at  the  same  time,  shall  write  a  letter  to  Rev.  Classis,  in  which, 
having  accepted  the  call,  he  shall  give  notice  of  his  desire  to  be 
received  into  your  fellowship,  and  become  united  with  our  Classis. 
To  that  end  he  must  also  request  our  Classis,  having  approved 
the  call,  to  be  pleased  to  enroll  his  name  among  the  number  of 
those,  who,  as  pastors  belonging  to  our  Classis,  have  signed  the 
Formula  of  Unity  in  our  book.  He  is  then  to  regard  this  the 
same  as  if  he  himself  had  been  present  and  subscribed  his  name 
thereto.  The  Rev.  Classis,  which  indeed  seeks  nothing  in  your 
churches  but  the  unity  of  the  faith  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and 
considers  this  the  means  to  that  good  end,  will  not  refuse  this 
request.  She  rejoices  in  the  understanding  that  the  differences 
existing  in  your  churches  are  decreasing,  and  that  your  churches 
are  in  a  flourishing  state.  She  heartily  desires  that  all  remnants 
of  strife  may  be  entirely  removed.  Then  without  doubt,  your 
churches  enjoying  peace,  she  will  exercise  her  oversight  to  your 
constant  increase,  edification,  and  confirmation  in  the  faith.  To 
this  end  may  the  Lord  give  you  strength,  and  add  his  blessing  on 

♦  Freer-man,   Freier-man,   in   Eoglish   Freeman. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1471 

your  diligent  labors.     In  expectation  of  such,  good  results,   we 
remain, 

Rev.  Sirs  and  Brethren, 

Your  affectionate  friends  and  obedient  co-laborers  in  the 
Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ, 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  In  the  name  of  all, 

Lambertus  Zegers,  V.  D.  M.  Praeses  et  Dep. 

ad  res  maritimas. 
Adrianus  Van  Oestrum,  Eccl.  Amstel.  et  Dep. 
Joh.  de  Vries,  Eccl.  Nardeus,  et  Dep.  ad  res 

maritimas. 
Cornelius  Elias,   V.    D.   M.   et   Dep.   ad    res 
maritimas. 
In  our  Classical 
Assembly,  July  18,  1701. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Eev.  (John)   Peter  I^ucella, 
July  18,  1701.     xx\dii.  5. 

Jo  the  Rev.,  Godly  and  Highly  Learned,  Mr.  P.  Nucella,  faith- 
ful minister  of  the  Holy  Gospel  in  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church 
at  Kingston: 

Rev.  Sir  and  Brother : —  The  Rev.  Classis  is  well  satisfied  with 
your  discreet  conduct  in  reference  to  the  Consistory  at  New 
Albany.  You  have  enabled  them  to  understand  that  Rev.  Lydius 
was  their  legally  called  pastor,  whom  the  Classis  recognizes  as 
such,  and  has  allowed  to  be  confirmed  in  the  holy  ministry.  She 
doubts  not  but  that  he  will  by  his  zealous  labor  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord,  daily  win  the  affection  of  the  people.  To  that  end  may  the 
blessings  of  the  Almighty  rest  upon  him.  She  can  also  take 
pleasure  in  the  fact  that  Rev.  Freerman  is  located  at  Schenectady; 


1701 


1701 


1472  Ecclesiastical  Records   . 

but  she  requires  that  the  irregularity  of  his  call  be  rectified, — 
Also  in  order  that  that  church  may  be  received  into  your  fellow- 
ship, and  not  remain  independent,  she  requires  them  to  transmit 
the  call  of  Rev.  Freerman,  after  it  has  received  your  approval, 
according  to  your  method, —  that  the  Classis  may  put,  at  last,  her 
hand  of  approbation  thereto. — Also  Rev.  Freerman  must,  in  a 
brief  letter  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  request  them,  after  they  have 
approved  his  call,  to  enroll  his  name  among  those,  who,  as  pastors, 
belonging  to  this  Classis,  have,  in  our  book,  subscribed  the  Formu- 
laries of  Unity.  Thus  she  hopes  that  causes  of  contention  may 
be  removed,  and  the  bonds  of  unity  be  drawn  more  closely  among 
the  brethren.  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you. 
We  remain. 

Rev.  Sir  and  Brotherj 

Your  affectionate,  etc., 
In  our  Classical  The  Classis  of  Amsterdam 

Assembly,  July  18,  1701. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  John  Lydius,  (July  18,  1701?) 

xxviii.  6.  , 

To  Reverend  (Johannes)  Lydius,  Pastor  at  ISTew  Albany: 

Reverend,  Godly  and  Highly^  Learned  Sir: — Even  as  all  the 
steps  of  a  man  are  ordered  of  the  Lord,  so  do  we  acknowledge 
his  Providence,  in  that  your  way  has  been  made  so  prosperous, 
and  that  you  landed  at  the  wharf  in  ISTew  York  in  advance  of 
your  rival  (Freerman).  We  could  have  expected  nothing  else, 
from  the  discretion  of  the  Albany  Consistory,  than  that  when 
they  had  collated  the  proofs  of  the  legality  of  the  calls  of  each 
of  you,  they  should  have  assigned  to  you  the  right  to  become 
their  pastor.  It  is  also  agreeable  to  us  that  the  Governor,  my 
lord  Bellomont,  did  not  disapprove  of  the  choice  of  the  Con- 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1473 

sistory,  but  has  shown  by  his  conduct,  that  your  service  is  well 
pleasing  in  his  eyes.  In  that  you  write  that  you  are  determined 
to  exert  all  your  powers  in  behalf  of  your  church, —  this  causes 
us  to  expect,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  great  results.  May  he 
who  has  given  you  such  good  intentions,  grant  you  also  the 
ability  to  perform  them,  and  crown  your  work  with  his  blessing. 
In  addition,  it  is  not  disagreeable  to  the  Rev.  Classis  that  Rev. 
Freerman  has  found  a  place  of  rest.  It  will  be  well  for  him,  if 
he  now  do  that,  which,  according  to  ecclesiastical  order,  is  lacking 
in  his  call.  It  needs  to  be  rectified  by  amendments.  Advice 
should  be  given  both  to  him  and  his  consistory,  since  you  have 
granted  him  the  privilege  of  having  his  call  ratified  by  the 
churches  of  that  country,  that  it  should  then  be  sent  to  this 
Classis  for  its  approval.  Our  Rev.  Assembly,  has  resolved  not 
to  refuse  this,  if  at  the  same  time  a  request  come  in  writing  from 
Rev.  Freerman,  that  the  Classis  would  be  pleased  to  enroll  his 
name  among  those,  who,  with  us,  as  pastors  belonging  to  this 
Classis,  have  subscribed  the  Formularies  of  Unity. 

The  Rev.  Classis  judges  that  it  would  be  very  unprofitable  for 
one  of  your  churches  to  be  outside  the  body  of  your  communion, 
and  in  her  church  government  be  drifting  (swimming)  towards 
the  Independents.  To  the  pastors  of  !N'ew  York  and  Esopus,  we 
have  also  written  concerning  this  matter.  May  the  Lord  so  con- 
trol affairs  in  your  section  that  all  divisions  may  speedily  cease, 
and  all  the  members  of  the  church  be  of  one  heart  and  of  one 
soul.  We  commend  you  to  God  and  the  Word  of  His  Grace,  and 
remain, 

Reverend  Sir  and  Brother, 

Your  affectionate  and  obedient.  The  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
In  the  name  of  all,  the  Deputati  ad  res  maritimas, 

Lambertus  Segers,  V.  D.  M.  Amstelod. 

Adrianus  van  Oestrum,  Eccles.  Amstelod. 

Joannes  de  Vries,  Eccles.  Nardeus. 

Comelis  Elias,  Eccles.  Pastor  at  Amstelveen. 
93 


1701 


1701 


1474  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Consistory  at  Albany,  July  18, 
1701.     xxviii.  7.     Referred  to.  xxi.  420. 

To  the  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Church  at  New  Albany. 

Reverend,  Godly  and  Discreet  Gentlemen,  Eriends  and  Breth- 
ren in  Christ: — Our  Classical  Assembly  has  understood,  with 
much  satisfaction,  the  result  which  your  cautious  prudence,  under 
the  blessing  of  the  Almighty,  has  given  to  the  confused  affairs 
of  your  church.  As  you  have  been  no  respecter  of  persons,  but 
have  entrusted  the  ministry  to  him  to  whom  it  belonged,  we 
doubt  not  but  that  your  righteous  work  will  be  blessed.  The 
good  beginning,  of  which  you  make  mention,  predicts  to  us,  under 
God's  gracious  co-operation,  a  beautiful  progress  in  the  minis- 
terial labors  of  Rev.  Lydius.  The  Rev.  Classis,  which  finds  her 
satisfaction  only  when  the  churches  find  their  satisfaction  and 
peace,  is  also  willing  to  yield  something,  at  your  request,  for  the 
surer  establishment  of  peace.  She  therefore  lets  slip  what  she 
had  against  him  (Freerman)  who  secretly  tried  to  frustrate  a 
legal  call  made  by  her.  She  has  also  written  to  the  pastors  of 
your  province,  that  they  will  be  pleased  to  aid  Rev.  Freerman  in 
rectifying,  in  his  call,  that  which  is  contrary  to  Church-Order, 
and  that  he  become  a  member  of  your  (American)  communion, 
and  also  unite  with  our  Classis.  If  he  be  found  peaceably  dis- 
posed and  takes  heed  to  his  ministry,  we  will  not  remember 
former  things  against  him.  The  Classis  thus  finds  it  good  to 
aid  you  in  every  way  in  the  establishment  of  peace,  knowing  that 
where  peace  exists,  there  also  God  commands  his  blessing,  even 
life  forevermore.  The  Lord  enable  you  to  abide  in  faith,  love 
and  sanctification.     May  he  grant  to  us  unitedly  to  strive  for 


OF  THE  State  of  I^ew  York.  1475 

the  prosperity  of  his  house.     With  these  thoughts  we  subscribe 
ourselves, 

Your  obedient  Friends  and  Servants,  The  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
In  the  name  of  all, 

L.  Zeegers,  V.  D.  M.  et  Dep.  ad  res  maritimas. 
Adrianus  van  Oestrum,  Eccles.  x\mstel.  et  Dep.  etc. 
Joannes  de  Vries,  Eccles.  ISTardeus. 
Cornells  Elias,  V.  D.  M.  et  Dep.  etc. 

Synod  of  N^oeth  Holland,  1701,  July  26-Aug.   6,  Held  at 

HOORN. 

Article  14. 
Indian  Affairs. 


1701 


Extracts  from  a  letter  from  'New  York  to  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, dated  September  4,  1700,  signed  by  the  ministers  there, 
Henricus  Selyns  and  Gualtherus  du  Bois.  (Also  from  church 
of  Albany,  September  9,  1700.) 

1.  They  had  duly  received  the  letter  of  Kev.  Classis,  of  March 
29,  1700,  and  therewith  the  tidings  of  their  call  on  Rev.  Lydius 
to  the  service  of  the  church  of  ISTew  Albany;  and  also  of  another 
call,  by  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Lingen,  brought  out  through  the 
intervention  of  Mr.  Bancker  upon  Rev.  Freeman,  for  the  service 
of  the  same  church. 

2.  They  write  that  in  this  said  call  by  the  Classis  of  Lingen 
on  Rev.  Freeman,  they  were  not  consulted  by  the  church  of  New 
Albany,  which  seems  to  have  been  a  departure  from  the  custom, 
which  generally  all  the  churches  in  that  country  observe  on  such 
an  occasion. 

3.  That  if  he  should  fail  to  be  taken  at  New  Albany,  he  would 
nevertheless  surely  find  a  place  elsewhere,  as  preachers  were 
much  in  need  there. 


14 Y  6  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

(Extracts  from  letter  from  Albany,  September  9,  1700.) 

4.  That  Eev.  Lydius  bad  been  received  as  lawful  minister  at 
IsTew  Albany,  and  bad  taken  possession  of  bis  office. 

5.  Tbat  Rev.  Ereeman  bad  been  called  to  Scbenectady,  and 
asked  for  their  approval,  so  that  he  might  be  in  fellowship  with 
them. 

6.  That  they  had  not  as  yet  given  it,  because  it  was  not  pre- 
ceded by  the  resolve  to  join  himself  also  to  the  Eev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  whereof  all  the  churches  there  accounted  themselves 
as  members;  and  whither  they  brought  their  disputes  if  any  arose; 
but  that  it  seemed  as  if  they  belonged  to  the  Classis  of  Lingen. 

7.  They  state  that  the  state  of  their  churches  is  beginning  to 
prosper;  that  the  remaining  disputes  are  diminishing. 

Extract  from  a  letter  from  Kingstown  to  the  Rev.   Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  dated  October  24, 1700,  and  signed  by  Rev.  ISTucella. 

1.  He  writes  that  Rev.  Lydius  and  Freeman  having  arrived  at 
ISTew  Albany,  the  papers  of  both  of  them  were  examined  by  the 
retiring  and  the  ruling  Consistory,  in  his  presence;  for  he  had 
repaired  thither  with  an  elder  and  deacon  as  the  result  of  a  reso- 
lution of  Consistory. 

2.  That  it  was  found  that  the  right  to  the  office  lay  with 
Lydius,  who  then  was  also  declared  to  be  the  lawful  pastor,  and 
was  inducted  into  the  parsonage,  and  preached  his  inaugural  at 
the  request  of  the  Consistory. 

3.  That  a  trial  was  made  to  raise  a  fund  in  the  congregation 
for  the  support  of  Rev.  Freeman,  as  a  second  minister,  but  in 
vain. 

4.  That  Rev.  Freeman  was  called  to  Schenectady;  that  he 
accepted  this  call,  and  thereupon  immediately  preached  his  in- 
augural without  regard  to  Church  Order. 


OF  THE  State  of  ]SrEW  York.  1477 

1701 

Extract  from  a  letter  from  Eev.  Lydius,  to  the  Rev.  Classis  of 

Amsterdam,  written  from  Albany,  and  dated  August  15,  1700. 

0.  S. 

1.  He  writes  that,  having  left  Amsterdam  on  April  21,  he 
landed  at  ISTew  York  on  July  20,  ahead  of  Eev.  Freeman,  who 
arrived  on  the  23rd,  although  Freeman  started  earlier  than 
himseK. 

2.  That  they  had  both  been  conveyed  to  Albany  in  one  yacht, 
and  they  had  been  welcomed  at  the  landing  by  the  magistrates, 
Consistory,  and  the  most  prominent  people  of  the  place. 

3.  That  the  testimonials  of  both  having  been  looked  into,  the 
parsonage  and  office  were  accorded  to  him;  and  that  the  salary 
of  the  half  year,  which  had  just  elapsed,  had  been  paid. 

4.  That  Lord  Bellomont,  although  he  was  approached  by 
friends  of  Eev.  Freeman,  had  rejected  him,  and  declared  himself 
against  him;  and  that  he  would  never  oppose  a  call  made  by  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam, 

5.  That  the  converts  from  the  heathen  had  resumed  their 
praying  and  singing  exercises  at  his  house.  My  lord  (Bellomont), 
having  attended  these  once  with  his  suite,  had  granted  him  an 
interpreter,  (at  state  expense)  to  instruct  them  further  in  the  way. 

6.  That  the  church  of  Schenectady  had  agreed  upon  a  salary 
for  Eev.  Freeman,  and  that  thereupon  he  had  preached  his  in- 
augural. 

Extract  from  a  letter  written  from  Albany  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  dated  September  9,  1700,  and  signed  by  the  Eld- 
ers and  Deacons  of  the  ISFetherland  Eeformed  Church  there: 
J.  Schuyler,  Jacob  Schurman,  Anthony  van  Schaick,  John 
Cuyler,  William  Groesbeck,  and  Harpert  Jacobsz. 
1.  They  make  known  that  on  seeing  our  call  to  Eev.  Lydius, 

they  had  accepted  him;  and  found  him  to  be  (possessed)  of  re- 


1701 


1478  Ecclesiastical  Records    ■ 

spectable  scholarship  and  good  gifts  as  a  preacher,  to  the  com- 
plete satisfaction  of  the  congregation. 

2.  That  he  obliged  them  to  esteem  him  greatly;  wherefore 
they  thanked  the  Rev.  Classis  for  sending  him. 

3.  That  as  Rev.  Freeman  could  not  be  supported  by  them  as 
a  second  minister,  he  had  come  to  an  agreement  with  the  Con- 
sistory of  Schenectady,  a  village  two  (five?  Dutch)  miles  distant 
from  them,  which  had  lost  their  pastor  (Tesschenmaker)  in  the 
last  war,  to  succeed  him  in  this  office.  This  also  served  to  set 
them  at  rest. 

4.  They  made  request,  inasmuch  as  the  state  of  their  church 
demands  it,  that  the  Classis  will  disregard,  in  charity,  what  they 
may  have  against  any  one,  by  reason  of  what  has  occurred. 

Attempt  to  Start  an  Anglican  Church  at  Kingston. 
Secretary  Clarke  to  the  Gentlemen  at  Esopus.      (1704) 

New  York  August  ye  30th  1701.  (1704?) 
Gentlemen, 

Mr.  Haburne,*  who  is  a  Minister  of  ye  Establisht  Church  of  England,  and  sent 
by  his  Excellency  to  administer  ye  Gospell  to  you,  in  this  vacancy,  ought  I  think 
att  Least,  to  be  provided  for  as  well  as  a  dessenting  Minister  to  that  Church; 
who  is  only  tolerated  to  exercise  ye  unestablisht  religion  he  professes,  but  it  seems 
you  have  not  been  of  that  Opinion,  or  if  you  have,  you  have  not  paid  that  Obedi- 
ence to  his  Excellency's  Commands,  and  that  regard  to  this  gentleman's  Character, 
as  was  due,  and  this  appears  plainly  by  ye  mean  accommodacons  you  provided 
before,  I  am  therefore  by  his  Excellency's  Command  to  lett  you  know  that  you 
are  immediately  without  delays  in  misconstruing  any  part  of  this  to  provide  a 
good  and  Convenient  house  In  your  town  of  Kingstown  with  necessarys  thereto 
belonging  (suitable  to  the  Character  of  Mr.  Heburn)  for  him,  and  if  there  be  no 
other  house  to  be  Gotten  you  are  immediately  to  put  him  in  possession  of  ye  house 
Late  of  Boudy  Windewitt  which  was  some  time  since  Escheated  for  her  Matie  and 
make  a  speedy  returne  of  what  you  shall  have  done  herein. 

I  am  Gentlemen  Your  very  humble  servant, 

Geo.  Clarke.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  584. 

♦  Elsewhere  written  Hepburne. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1479 

1701 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Touching  the  Coetus  of  Siiriname. 

1701,  Sept.  5th. 

Kev.  Lambertus  Zeegers,  as  Deputatus  ad  res  Maritimas  re- 
ports that  the  Messrs.  Directors  of  the  Colony  of  Suriname, 
having  written  to  the  General  and  the  Council  there,  that  their 
pretended  Classis  should  be  changed  into  a  Coetus,  whereof,  see 
previous  acta;  those  of  Suriname  had  advanced  several  griev- 
ances and  difficulties  in  their  reply.  Said  Messrs.  Directors  re- 
quest the  opinions  of  the  Rev.  Classis.  Rev.  Deputati  ad  res 
Maritimas  are  requested  to  put  into  writing  their  ideas  and  rea- 
sons upon  this  affair,  and  to  communicate  these  at  the  next  meet- 
ing,    is.  20.     xix.  264. 

(This  and  some  other  similar  items  are  inserted  as  they  show 
the  position  of  the  Classis  in  reference  to  attempts  at  ecclesiasti- 
cal independence  in  other  Colonies.) 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Missive    in  answer  to  the    touching  the  Con- 

ventus  of  Suriname. 

1701,  Oct.  3rd. 

An  extract  was  read  from  a  letter  of  the  Messrs.  Councillors  of 
the  Police  (Political  Councillors?)  of  the  Colony  of  Suriname, 
written  to  the  Messrs.  Directors  of  the  Chartered  Society  here, 
(for  sending  ministers  to  Suriname,)  dated  April  18th,  1701.  It 
related  to  the  remarks,  grievances  and  difficulties  which  they  had 
experienced  about  the  change  of  their  so  called  Classis  into  a 
Coetus,  or  a  Conventus. 

Hereupon  the  Revs.  Deputati  ad  res  Maritimas  communicated 
to  the  Classis,  succinctly,  and  ^^dth  dignity  drawn  up,  in  writiug, 
to  the  great  satisfaction  of  this  Assembly,  as  was  asked  of  them, 
as  appears  in  actis  precedentis,  their  ideas  and  reasons  in  refuta- 


1480  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

1701 

tion  of  the  aforesaid  remarks,  grievances  and  difficulties.     It  was 

further  resolved  that  the  same  shall  be  placed  before  the  said 

Messrs.  Directors,  after  communicating  them  first  to  the  Hon. 

Burgomaster,    John   Hudde,   Political    Commissioner    (Politicke 

Commisiaris)   of  the  church  of  Amsterdam.     The  brethren  were 

thanked  by  the  President  for  their  trouble  taken  in  the  premises. 

ix.  23.     xix.  266. 

Chukch  of  New  Yoek.     Fees  for  Ceetificates. 

Sept.  8,  1701. 

Consistory  met,  and  after  prayer,  unanimously  Resolved,  That 
for  Certificates  of  Baptism,  etc.,  which  any  one  may  want,  he 
shall  pay  to  the  minister. 

For  Certificates  of  Baptism  "] 

For  duplicate  of  Baptism  { 

For  Certificate  of  Church  membership  [  (Amounts  obliterated.) 

For  Certificate  of  Marriage  j  ' 

For  Recording  Marriage  bans  J 

Nevertheless  this  is  to  be  further  considered  on  account  of 
some  objections. 

Witnesses  needed  for  applicants  for  Church  Membership. 

In  future,  when  any  one  is  accepted  upon  profession  of  his 
faith  by  the  minister,  in  the  presence  of  one  or  more  elders,  he 
shall,  since  the  City  daily  grows  larger  and  all  men  are  not  well- 
known  to  us,  bring  a  communicant  as  witness  of  his  godly  life,  if 
the  same  is  required  by  the  minister. 

Elders  to  dun  Delinquents. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  that  henceforth,  one  or  more  of  the 
elders  shall,  at  least  once  a  year,  and  as  much  oftener  as  they 
think  proper,  go  with  the  bell-ringer,  when  he  goes  around  to 


OF  TKE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1481 

collect    the    preacher's    salary,   in    order   to    stir  up   delinquent 
contributors. 

Choice  of  Church  Masters. 

Since  the  Charter  expressly  says  that  the  Consistory  shall 
choose  the  Church  Masters,  and  from  the  beginning  they  were 
only  so  chosen,  and  since,  for  some  reason,  this  practice  has  been 
two  or  three  times  altered  by  a  former  Consistory,  Resolved,  ac- 
cording to  right,  that  henceforth  the  Church  Masters  shall  have 
no  voice  in  the  choosing  of  Church  Masters. 

]Sr.  B.  Hereupon,  the  Consistorial  Assembly  went  on  with  the 
change,  and  in  the  absence  of  the  existing  Church  Masters,  chose 
itself  new  Church  Masters. 

—  Lib.  B.  31. 

Commission  of  Lord  Cornbury  as  Governor  of  ISTew  York. 

As  to  Religion: 

Sept.  9,  1701 


1701 


Wee  doe  by  these  presents  authorize  and  empower  you  to  col- 
late any  pron  (person)  or  prons  (persons)  to  any  Churches  or 
Chapells,  or  other  ecclesiastical  benefices  within  our  said  province 
or  dependencies  aforesaid,  as  often  as  that  any  of  them  shall 
happen  to  be  void. —  Dix's  Trinity  Ch,  i.  137. 

[See  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  883-4,  1152.  According  to  Cornbury  himself,  his  Commis- 
sion was  dated  July  5,  1701.     See  below  May  3,  1702.] 

y  Petition  of  the  Quakers  of  Queens  Co.  Regarding  Their 

Right  to  Vote. 

To  the  Honorable  John  Nanfan  Esq.,  Governor  &  Commander  in  chief  of  the 
Province  of  New  Yorke  etc. 

The  humble  petitioh  of  Samuel  Haight,  John  Wey  &  Robt.  Field  on  behalf  of 
themselves  and  the  rest  of  the  ffreeholders  of  Queens  County  of  the  persuasion 
&  profession  of  the  people  called  Quakers. 

Sheweth  Unto  your  Honour  that  lately  in  the  elecon  of  Representatives  to  as- 
sist in  generall  assembly  in  Queens  County  the  petitioners  above  named  and  others 
of   their   profession    have   been    interruped   and   deprived   of   their   right    &    priviledge 


1701 


1482  Ecclesiastical  Records 

of  voting  by  the  Justices  of  said  County  or  some  of  them  &  others  appointed  wit- 
nesses  to  the  elecon  upon  pretence  &  coluor  of  not  having  taken  the  oaths  notwith- 
standing their  having  signed  the  declaracon  appointed  the  people  of  that  persuasion 
by  act  of  Parliament. 

There  being  another  eleccon  to  be  had  in  said  County  in  a  few  days  that  the 
peticoners  may  enjoy  their  right  &  priviledges  and  to  prevent  controversy  for  the 
future. 

They  therefore  humbly  pray  to  have  your  honours  opinion  whether  they  being 
qualified  other-ways  to  vote  for  representatives  in  such  eleccons  are  legally  barrd 
&  precluded  from  doing  thereof  by  their  not  swearing  and  as  in  duty  bound  etc. 

Samuel  Haight.     John  Way.     Robert  Ffield. 
October  3,  1701. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  609,  610. 


Church  of  ISTew  York. 

Oct.  28,  1701. 

In  Consistory,  -unanimously  Resolved,  That  those  who  will  not 
pay  any  Domine's  money,  if  they  have  a  pew  in  the  church,  shall 
lose  the  pew,  and  it  shall  be  granted  to  one  who  does  pay 
Domine's  money. 

On  the  30th  of  October,  1701,  in  the  morning,  a  letter  signed 
by  Mr.  Brandt  Schuyler  was  handed  to  Do.  Du  Bois,  touching 
the  election  of  Mr.  Nicholas  Koosevelt  for  elder  in  our  congre- 
gation.   A  true  copy  whereof  runs  as  follows: 

Mr.  Du  Bois : —  I  find  myself  constrained  to  apprise  you,  that 
Mr.  Mcholas  Roosevelt,  although  bound  by  solemn  oath  as  alder- 
man of  this  place,  to  maintain,  according  to  his  best  knowledge 
and  conscience  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  inhabitants,  has, 
notwithstanding,  allowed  himself  on  the  28th  of  Sept  last,  when 
he  was  entrusted  with  the  gathering  of  the  votes  for  alderman, 
etc.,  to  return  himself  as  alderman,  though  he  knew,  in  his  con- 
science, that  not  he,  but  I,  had  the  plurality  of  votes,  as  can  be 
shown  and  approved,  clear  as  the  sun  by  different  affidavits  and 
examinations  made  on  inquiry  before  the  mayor  of  the  city.  Yet 
this  same  Roosevelt  is  by  some  of  his  own,  now  lately  chosen,  and 
twice  published,  for  elder  in  the  Church  of  God  for  the  coming 
^ear.  Therefore  I  could  not  omit,  the  more  as  being  solicited 
thereto  by  many  members,  to  bring  this  to  your  notice,  that  the 
Church  of  Christ  is  by  this  extraordinary,  unrighteous  and  alto- 
gether sinful  proceeding,  sadly  reproached,  and  many  of  its  mem- 


OF  THE  State  of  IN'ew  York,  1483 

bers  greatly  offended:  to  the  end  that  by  your  prudent  and  pious 
action,  this  reproach  and  offence  may  be  obviated  and  removed. 
I  remain,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Brandt  Schuyler.—  Lib.  B.  31,  32. 

The  Consistory  having  seen  and  read  a  certain  paper,  addressed 
to  Mr.  Du  Bois,  signed  —  Brandt  Schuyler,  containing  some 
reasons  against  the  confirmation  of  brother  N.  Roosevelt,  as  elder 
of  this  congregation,  and  having  maturely  considered  the  case, 
declare  that  they  have  no  mind  to  decide,  nor  even  to  discuss,  in 
their  Assembly,  any  political  disputes;  but  on  the  contrary, 
themselves  to  obey,  as  is  proper,  the  authorities  and  powers,  ac- 
cording to  God's  command.  Besides,  since  we  are  informed  that 
the  said  Mr.  IsTicholas  Roosevelt  is  justified  by  the  Rulers  of  this 
City,  in  the  matter  in  which  he  is  blamed  in  this  paper,  we  can- 
not perceive  that  it  offered  any  hindrance  to  his  confirmation; 
and  this,  the  more,  since  this  accusation  is  made  by  a  person  who 
has  involved  himself  in  a  political  dispute,  which  does  not  concern 
the  church.  It  therefore  can  by  no  means  weaken  the  honor, 
reputation  or  Christian  life  of  Mr.  Roosevelt,  or  give  any  one 
substantial  reason  to  take  offence  at  his  advancement  to  ecclesias- 
tical office,  or  to  reproach  the  same,  unless  maliciously.  Where- 
fore the  Consistory,  having  duly  considered  all  these  things, 
firmly.  Resolved  to  proceed,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  with  his 
ordination  to  the  office  to  which  he  was  lawfully  chosen. 
In  the  name  and  authority  of  the  Consistory, 

Gault.  Du  Bois. 

—  Lib.  B.  33,  35. 

Church  of  New  York. 

After  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  it  was  unanimously  Re- 
solved, That  the  resolutions  which  sometime  since  were  made  and 
confirmed,  should  be  presented  to  the   persons   of   the  coming 


1701 


1701 


1484  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Consistory,  and  the  inquiry  made,  if  they  would  be  pleased  to 
subscribe  the  same,  for  a  mutual  bond  of  unity,  and  the  execution 
of  that  which  has  been  determined  to  the  edification  of  the 
congregation:  viz., 

1.  That  the  Treasury  of  the  Elders  and  Deacons  make  one 
Treasury,  without  prejudice,  however,  to  the  care  of  the  poor. 

2.  That  Do.  Du  Bois  be  recognized  as  our  lawful  Pastor  and 
Teacher. 

3.  That  hereafter,  the  elders,  at  least  once  a  year,  and  as  much 
oftener  as  they  shall  think  proper,  shall  go  with  the  bellringer 
when  he  collects  the  minister's  salary,  in  order  to  stir  up  the 
non-payers  and  the  unwilling  contributors. 

4.  Whereas  the  Almighty  took  out  of  this  world  our  reverend 

and  godly  Pastor  and  Teacher,  Do.  H.  Selyns,*  on  the of 

the  last  month;  (Sept.);  after  calling  on  the  Lord's  name,  the 
Old  and  the  Ruling  Consistory  were  assembled  to  deliberate  on 
what  ought  to  be  done  for  the  edification  of  God's  Church,  since 
Do.  Du  Bois  was  called  only  for  a  second  minister. 

The  Consistory  now  in  office  having  weighed  all  this,  has  in 
Christian  Assembly,  after  the  advice  given  by  the  Old  Consistory 
was  considered.  Resolved,  To  request  Do.  Du  Bois,  in  case  it 
should  be  judged  expedient,  to  delay  somewhat  the  call  of  another 
minister  in  place  of  the  deceased;  and  so  long  as  he  is  alone  here, 
to  render  the  service  alone.  And  to  animate  him  the  more  to 
this,  we  promise  him  yearly,  at  this  time,  a  present  of  thirty 
pounds,  until  another  minister  is  here,  in  love.  Meanwhile,  we 
promise  to  lighten  his  labors,  as  soon  as  possible,  by  calling  an- 
other minister,  in  place  of  the  departed  Do.  Selyns. 

*  See  Hon.  Henry  C.  Murphy's  Anthology  of  New  Netherland  for  an  excellent 
Biography  of  Selyns.  He  puts  his  death  in  July,  1701,  but  these  Minutes  seem  to 
place  it  in  September,  1791.  The  following  is  found  in  a  Dutch  Biographical  Dic- 
tionary: ~ 

Selyns  (Selijns)  Henry,  preacher  of  New  Amsterdam  on  Manhattan  in  North 
America.  He  returned  to  Holland  in  1664,  and  settled  at  Amsterdam,  where  he 
practised  the  writing  of  poetry.  Jacob  (James)  King,  and  subsequently  J.  J.  Van 
Voorst  had  in  their  possession  from  his  hand,  a  manuscript  entitled  "  New  Am- 
sterdam Ecclesiastical  Affairs  ".  See  van  der  Aa,  N.  B.  A.  C.  Woordenboek.  From 
van  der  Aa's   Biographisch  Woordenboek. 


OF  THE  State  of  iNTew  York.  1485 

N".  B.  The  above  Eesolution  being  proposed  to  Do.  Du  Bois, 
he  agreed  to  accede  to  the  request  of  the  Consistory,  with  the 
blessing  of  the  Lord,  according  to  his  ability. 

Gualt.  Du  Bois. 

We,  the  undersigned,  incoming  Elders  and  Deacons,  recognize 
the  above  Resolutions  as  necessary,  wholesome  and  promise  to 
follow  and  help  to  maintain  the  same. 

(  Isaac  de  Peyster  (  Samuel  Staats 

Elders.  -<  Deacons    ' 


(  Mcholaas  Rosevelt  (  Lendert  de  Kleyn 

—  Lib.  B.  35,  37. 

Albany  City  Records.     Enlargement  of  Dutch  Church  of 

Albany. 

Nov.    11,    1701. 

Mr.  Johannis  Lydius  minister,  Anthony  van  Schaicli  and  Hendk.  van  Rensselaer 
elders,  in  ye  behalfe  of  the  Church  Wardens  of  the  Reformed  Netherdutch  Con- 
gregation of  Albany,  doe  appear  and  verbally  sett  forth  hovp  that  in  Collecting 
of  money  for  ye  Ministers  Sallary  severall  of  said  Congregation  do  refuse  to  con- 
tribute any  more  thereto,  alleadgeing  that  they  have  no  settled  place  in  ye  Church 
to  sett  on  and  hear  ye  word  of  God. 

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

The  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonality  taking  ye  above  request  into  Considera- 
tion, doe  graunt  ye  same.  Provided  such  summe  or  summes  of  money  as  so  shall 
be  procured  be  employed  for  ye  use  aforesaid  and  none  else. —  Munsell's  Annals 
of  Albany,  Vol.  iv.  p.  146. 


Petition  of  the  Protestants  of  New  York  to  King  William 

III. 

City  of  New  York,  30  December  1701. 
To  the  Kings  most  Excellent  Majesty: 

The  humble  Petition  and  address  of  Your  Majesties  Protestant  subjects  in  your 
Plantation  of  New  York   in   America. 

Most  Dread  Soveraign:  We,  your  Majesty's  Protestant  Subjects  in  Your  Planta- 
tion of  New  York  in  America,  having  too  many  reiterated  Informations  of  our 
being  calumniated  and  misrepresented  to  your  Majesty,  with  hearts  full  of  grief, 
Loyalty,  and  the  highest  duty  and  regard  to  your  Majesty,  humbly  pray  the  Freedom 
to  acquaint  your  Majesty. 

That  as  soon,  as  we  knew  of  your  Majesties  happy  accession  to  the  Crown,  we 
entertained  the  joyful  tidings  with  hearts  full  of  alacrity,  blessing  Almighty  God 
for  our  great  deliverer. 

And  as  we  cannot  still  without  Dread  and  Horror  reflect  upon  the  ruine  and 
calamities  that  were  likely  to  swallow  us  up,  when  your  Majesty  brought  us  deliv- 
erance; so  we  are  influenced  with  a  lively  and  gratefull  sense,  that  our  Religion 
and  Liberties  are  in  the  greatest  safety  under  your  auspicious  Reign. 


1486  Ecclesiastical  Records 

We  do  assure  your  Majesty  that  the  divisions  and  differences  that  have  hap- 
pened amongst  your  subjects  in  this  province  were  never  grounded  upon  the  interest 
of  your  Majesty,  but  the  private  corrupt  designs  of  some  of  the  Pretenders  to  your 
Majesties  service,  who  had  laid  hold  of  an  opportunity  to  enrich  themselves  by 
the  spoils  of  their  Neighbours. 

The  oppressions  and  hardships  we  underwent  took  an  end  by  the  arrivall  of  your 
Government,  and  during  the  whole  course  of  the  late  warr,  with  your  Majesties 
gracious  assistance  we  chearfully  sustained  its  burthen,  some  of  us  in  our  persons, 
and  all  of  us  by  our  purses;  and  by  the  fortunate  influence  of  Your  Majesties  Em- 
pire, conserved  this  Your  Colony  entire  from  any  conquest  of  the  Enemy. 

Being  conscious  to  ourselves  of  nothing  more  than  an  entire  affection  and  faith- 
ful adherence  to  Your  Majesties  Royall  person  and  interest,  it  was  the  greater 
surprise  to  find  ourselves  by  the  late  Earl  of  Bellomont,  without  reason  or  colour, 
turned  out  of  places  in  the  Government,  and  those  generally  filled  with  persons 
least  qualified  for  their  posts;  and  to  add  to  our  misfortune,  and  evidence  the  in- 
juries we  have  suffered,  we  find  ourselves  to  be  branded  most  unjustly  with  char- 
acters of  disaffection  and  infamy;  although  with  all  dutiful  submission  we  under- 
went the  first,  yet  the  latter,  as  being  an  offence  to  truth,  and  touching  us  in  our 
good  names,  and  the  interest  all  faithfull  subjects  ought  to  have  in  a  just  Prince, 
we  cannot,  but  be  extremely  sensible  of. 

Your  Majesties  subjects  could  not  at  first  foresee  the  ends  designed;  but  the 
measures  taken  were  of  that  nature  as  to  give  us  just  apprehensions  of  evil;  great 
partiality  in  appointment  of  Officers,  manifest  corruption  and  injustice  in  all  Elec- 
tions, and  that  so  open  and  barefaced,  as  the  greater  number  of  the  people  could 
not  but  see  the  destructive  projections,  not  less  than  the  injurious  means  used  to 
attain  them;  being  nothing  else,  but  abusing  Y'our  Majesties  glorious  name;  and 
under  pretext  of  your  Majesties  service,  by  the  Legislative  power,  to  divest  many 
of  your  Majesties  good  subjects  of  their  just  rights  and  possessions,  and  to  share 
and  divide  the  same  amongst  themselves  and  their  confederates;  with  many  other 
sinister.  Indirect  and  unjust  proceedings,  easily  to  be  proved,  but  too  many  to 
enumerate  at  present  to  your  Majesty;  thereby  greatly  offending  your  Majesties 
good  subjects,  and  tending  to  render  your  Majesties  Government  in  these  parts 
scandalous,  vile  and  cheap  in  the  Eyes  of  your  people;  although  these  Methods  had 
long  since  been  determined,  if  they  had  not  lately  met  with  new  supports. 

We  humbly  implore  Your  Majesties  justice  in  relieving  us  from  these  evils;  and 
take  this  opportunity  of  assuring  your  Majesty  that  amongst  the  vast  numbers  of 
mankind,  who  have  willingly  subjected  themselves  and  taken  shelter  under  Your 
Majesties  dominion,  none  are  more  heartily  devoted  to  pray  for  your  Majesties  long 
and  prosperous  Reign  over  us,  than  your  Majesties  most  obedient,  most  humble  and 
most  dutiful  subjects  and  servants.* — Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  933-4. 

PETiTioisr  FROM  Eastchester.     Anglican  Church. 

To  His  Excellency  etc. 

(Aug.   1701?) 

The  Humble  Petition  of  John  Drake  and  William  Chadderton  in  the  behalf  of 
themselves  and  the  Inhabitants  of  East  Chester. 

Sheweth 

That  Coll.  Heathcot  did  at  the  request  of  your  Excellency's  Petitioners  moue 
your  Excellency  to  glue  Directions  that  what  the  Vestry  had  Layd  on  the  Parish 
of  West  Chester  for  incidentall  charges  over  the  ministers  rate  &  Constables  al- 
lowance for  allowing  the  same  might  be  abated  from  the  quoata  layd  on  our  place 
be  being  burthened  with  much  more  than  our  Just  proportion  of  that  tax  that  Coll. 
Heathcot  did  thereupon  inform  your  Excellency's  Petitioners  that  your  Excellency 
had  been  pleased  to  direct  that  some  of  the  Justices  which  lined  without  the  pre- 
cincts, should  make  inquiry  into  that  matter  &  make  report  thereof  to  your  Excel- 
lency but  the  Justices  not  being  able  before  this  time  to  gett  in  the  List  of  Estates 
was"  the  Cause  of  the  delay  of  that  returne  so  hope  your  Excellency  will  pardon 
our  not  leaning  what  was  Layd  upon  us  by  the  late  Vestry  &  will  in  your  great 
goodness  &  Justice  protect  us  from  paying  more  than  our  fair  &  Equal  Proportion 
which  we  shall  always  most  readily  do  so  long  as  your  Excellency  shall  think  fitt 
to  Continue  us  Joyned  to  that  Parish  we  are  exceeding  thankfuU  that  your  Excel- 
lency hath  been  pleased  to  direct  Mr.   Bartow  to  preach   sometimes  amongst  us 

For  we  assure  your  Excellency  that  tis  our  Earnest  desires  to  come  under  the 
Regulation  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  Established  &  so  is  our  minister 
Mr.  Morgan  for  which  reason  we  are  desirous  to  Continue  him  amongst  us  &  main- 
taine  him  by  Subscription  untill  such  times  as  your  Excellency  shall  think  fitt  to 
haue  the  Parishes  in  the  County  otherwise  divided  which  are  at  present  so  uery 
inconuenient  that  not  halfe  of  the  People  can  haue  the  benefitt  of  the  Ministry 
your  Excellency  will  find  by  the  return  of  the  Justices  that  our  diuident  of  the 


*  Here  follows  a  list  of  names  of  687  individuals  who  signed  this  petition,  of 
whom  only  Gl  made  their  marks.  The  names  of  those  of  New  York  and  Albany 
are  very  full.  From  the  other  counties  a  few  signed  in  behalf  of  all.  The  names 
of  many  elders  and  deacons  of  Dutch  churches  are  recognized. 


OF  THE  State  of  !N'ew  York.  1487 

late  rate  ought  not  to  haue  been  more  than  seven  pounds  five  shillings  and  six  pence 
&  the  uestry  haue  layd  fifteen  pounds  ten  shillings  upon  us  &  there  being  seven 
pounds  ten  shillings  Layd  on  the  Parish  besides  the  Jlinisters  rate  «fe  the  Constables 
allovrance  for  Leauylng  the  same  under  the  name  of  incidental  Charges  &  that  some 
by  the  inequality  of  the  diuision  falling  wholly  upon  us  we  therefore  most  humbly 
Implore  your  Excellency  to  direct  that  we  may  pay  no  more  at  this  time  than  eight 
pounds,  and  for  the  future  only  our  equal  diuident  and  as  in  duty  bound  your  Ex- 
cellency's Petitioners  shall  ever  Pray  etc.      [See  Jan  26,   1703.] 

John  Drake    Joseph  Drake     Will  Chadderton. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  561. 

Church  of  ISTew  York.     Gift  to  Church  of  Schenectady. 

lYOl-2. 

At  the  request  of  the  Consistory  of  Schenectady,  a  collection 
was  made  by  us  in  our  congregation,  for  the  building  of  a  Church 
for  them,  amounting  to  fifty  seven  pounds  and  four  shillings. 
This  sum  was  paid- to  R.  Schermerhorn,  as  appears  by  his  written 
acknowledgement,  to  be  found  among  the  papers  of  the  Elders. 

—  Lib.  A.  21Y. 

Secret  Instructions  to  Governor  Cornbury,  Jan.  29,  1702/3, 
[1701/2]  ?  AS  Given  by  Dix  i.  138. 

(So  far  as  they  relate  to  Ecclesiastical   Affairs.) 

1.  Refers  to  his  appointment. 

2.  Refers  to  the  Council. 

3.  Refers  to  the  reading  of  his  Commission  before  the  Council. 

As  to  the  Oaths 

4.  Which  being  done,  you  shall  yourself  take,  and  also  administer  unto  each  of 
the  members  of  our  said  Council,  as  well  the  Oaths  appointed  by  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment, to  be  taken  instead  of  the  Oaths  of  Allegiance  and  Supremacy,  and  the 
Oath  mentioned  in  an  Act  entitled  An  Act  to  declare  the  alteration  in  the  Oath 
appointed  to  be  taken  by  the  Act  entitled  An  Act  for  the  further  security  of  his 
Majesty's  person  and  the  Succession  of  the  Crown  in  the  protestant  line,  and  for 
extinguishing  the  hopes  of  the  pretended  Prince  of  Wales  and  all  other  pretenders 
and  their  open  and  secrett  abettors;  and  for  declaring  the  Association  to  be  deter- 
mined, as  also  the  test  mentioned,  in  an  Act  of  Parliament  made  in  the  twenty 
fifth  years  of  the  reigns  of  King  Charles  the  second,  entitled.  An  Act  for  preventing 
dangers  which  may  happen  from  Popish  Recusants;  together  with  an  oath  for  the 
due  execution  of  your  and  their  places  and  trusts,  as  well  with  regard  to  the  equal 
and  impartial  administration  of  justice  in  all  causes  that  shall  come  before  you, 
as  otherwise  and  likewise  the  Oath  required  to  be  taken  by  Governors  of  Planta- 
tions to  do  their  utmost  that  the  laws  relating  to  the  Plantations  be  observed. 


5-59. 


As  to  Religion: 

60.  You  shall  take  especiall  care  that  God  Almighty  be  devoutly  and  duly  served 
throughout  your  Government;  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  as  by  Law  established, 
read  each  Sunday  and  Holy  day,  and  the  blessed  sacrament  administered  according 
to  the   rites  of   the    Church   of   England;   you   shall   be   carefull   that  the   churches 


14:88  Ecclesiastical  Records 

already  built  there  be  well  and  orderly  kept,  and  that  more  be  built  as  the  Colony 
shall  by  God's  blessing  be  improved;  and  that  besides  a  competent  maintenance  to 
be  assigned  to  the  Minister  of  each  Orthodox  Church,  a  convenient  house  be  built 
at  the  common  charge  for  each  Minister,  and  a  competent  proportion  of  land  as- 
signed him  for  a  glebe  and  exercise  of  his  industry;  and  you  are  to  take  care  that 
the  parishes  be  so  limited  and  settled,  as  you  shall  find  most  convenient  for  the 
accomplishing  this  good  woi-k. 

61.  You  are  not  to  prefer  any  Minister  to  any  Ecclesiastical  Benefice  in  that  our 
Province,  vrithout  a  certificate  from  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  the 
Bishop  of  London,  of  his  being  conformable  to  the  Doctrine  and  Discipline  of  the 
Church  of  England  and  of  a  good  life  and  conversation;  and  if  any  person  pre- 
ferred already  to  a  benefice  appear  to  you  to  give  scandall,  either  by  his  doctrine 
or  manners,  you  are  to  use  the  best  means  for  the  removal  of  him,  and  to  supply 
the  vacancy  in  such  manner  as  we  have  directed. 

62.  You  are  to  give  order  forthwith,  (if  the  same  be  not  already  done),  that 
every  Orthodox  Minister  within  your  Government  be  one  of  the  Vestry  in  his  re- 
spective parish,  and  that  no  Vestry  be  held  without  him,  except  in  case  of  sickness, 
or  that  after  notice  of  Vestry  he  will  not  come. 

63.  You  are  to  inquire  whether  there  be  any  Minister  within  your  Government, 
who  preaches  and  administers  the  sacraments  in  any  Orthodox  Church  or  Chappell 
without  being  in  due  orders,  and  to  give  an  account  thereof  to  the  said  Bishop 
of  London. 

64.  And  to  the  end  of  (that?)  the  Ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  of  the  said  Bishop 
of  Loudon  may  take  place  in  your  Province  so  farr  as  conveniently  may  be.  Wee 
doe  think  fitt,  that  you  give  all  continuance  (countenance?)  and  encouragement  to 
the  exercise  of  the  same,  excepting  to  the  collating  to  benefices,  granting  licenceses 
for  marriages,  and  probate  of  wills,  which  we  have  reserved  to  our  Governour  and 
to  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  for  the  time  being. 

65.  Wee  doe  further  direct  that  no  schoolmaster  be  henceforth  permitted  to  come 
from  England  and  to  keep  school  within  our  Province  of  New  York,  without  the 
Lycense  of  the  said  Bishop  of  London,  and  that  no  other  person  now  there,  or  that 
shall  come  from  other  ports,  be  admitted  to  keep  school  without  your  Lycense,  first 
obtained. 

66.  And  you  are  to  take  especial  care  that  a  Table  of  Marriages,  established  by 
the  Canons  of  the  Church  of  England  to  be  hung  up  in  every  Orthodox  Church  and 
duly  observed,  and  you  are  to  endeavor  to  get  a  law  past  in  the  Assembly  of  that 
Province  (if  not  already  done)  for  the  strict  observance  of  the  said  Table. 

67.  You  are  to  take  care  that  Drunkenness  and  Debauchery  Swearing  and  Blas- 
phemy be  discountenanced  and  punished;  and  for  the  further  discountenance  of 
Vice  and  encouragement  of  Virtue  and  good  living  (that  by  such  examples  ye  In- 
fidels may  be  invited  and  desire  to  partake  of  the  Christian  Religion),  You  are 
not  to  admit  any  person  to  publick  Trust  and  Employments,  whose  ill-fame  and 
conversation  may  occasion  scandall.* 

Trinity  Church,  I^Tew  York. 

Election  of  Church  Wardens  and  Vestrymen. 

1702,  April  7. 
Church   Wardens:     Thomas  Wenham,    Richard   Willett. 

Vestrymen:  William  Morris,  James  Emott,  Wm.  Huddleston,  John  Crooke,  Lan- 
caster Squires,  Ebenezer  Wilson,  Thos.  Ives  Rob,  Wm.  Anderson,  Robt.  Skelton. 
John  Corbett,  Robt.  Lurting,  Jeremiah  Tothill,  William  Janeway,  David  Jamison, 
Wm.  Peartree,  Wm.  Smith,  Lettice  Hopper,  John  Theobald,  Matthew  Clarkson. 
John   Tuder. 

*  These  Instructions  are  not  found  in  Colonial  Documents,  but  are  for  the  first, 
printed  in  Dix's  Historv  of  Trinitv  Church,  i.  l.'?8-140.  See  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv. 
883,  884,  887,  9.55,  11.52,  for  allusions  to  them.  Cornbury  himself  says  —  that  his 
Commission  is  dated  September  9,  1701:  and  that  he  arrived,  May  3,  1702:  that  the 
news  of  Bellomont's  death  (March  5,  1701)  did  not  reach  England  until  May.  1701. 
Orders  were  given  to  make  out  Cornbury's  Commission,  June  13,  1701;  and  this  was 
reported  done,  June  26,  1701. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  1489 

ADMINISTRATION  OF  LORD  CORNBURY. 

May  3,  1702-1Y08 

Trinity  Ghuech,  New  Yoek  City. 

Cornbury  was  appointed  successor  to  Bellomont,  June  13,  1701;  commissioned 
September  9,  1701;  arrived  May  3,  1702. 

Says  Dr.  Dlx  in  his  History  of  Trinity  Ctiurch: 

"  Tiie  Clergy  "  (of  the  Episcopal  Church)  "  regarded  his  arrival  as  a  great  de- 
liverance; and  no  wonder,  considering  the  reign  of  terror  which  he  found  here. 
Letters  are  extant  from  the  Rev.  John  Bartow  and  other  Missionaries  of  the 
Venerable  Society,  graphically  depicting  the  perils  of  the  Church  (of  England) 
under  the  administration  of  Bellomont  and  Nanfan,  and  hailing  the  arrival  of  the 
new  Governor  as  an  auspicious  event." 

A  number  of  the  parish  officials  and  their  friends  were  in  exile  in  New  Jersey, 
where,  beyond  the  reach  of  the  ferocious  Atwood,  they  were  awaiting  the  arrival 
of  the  new  Governor.  Prominent  members  of  Trinity  Church  were  said  to  be  in 
danger  —  their  lives  worth  little  if  Nanfan  and  Atwood  had  continued  in  power. 
Atwood's  own  writings  show  this. 

Trinity  Church  presented  an  address  to  Cornbury  on  his  arrival. 

This  address  seems  a  refutation  of  the  charges  of  disloyalty  to  Protestant  inter- 
ests raised  by  Mr.  Atwood  against  Mr.  Vesey  and  his  friends.  Mr.  Vesey's  father 
had  been  a  Jacobite,  in  Massachusetts,  but  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  was  far  different. 
Cornbury  countenanced  Mr.  Vesey  in  preaching  against  the  two  preceding  Govern- 
ors as   persecutors. 

Cornbury  received  from  Queen  Anne  a  Commission  and  two  sets  of  Instructions. 
These  liave  never  been  printed.  Brodhead  failed  to  secure  copies  of  them,  for 
some  reason,  when  he  was  in  England  collecting  all  civil  documents  relating  to 
New  York.  Curiously  enough,  however,  the  originals  have  found  their  way  here 
and  are  now  in  possession  of  a  private  individual.  The  Commission  is  dated 
December  5,  1702,  (On  page  134,  Dix  gives  date  as  September  9,  1702,)  and  con- 
tains the  following  provision  on  ecclesiastical   matters: 

"  Wee  do  by  these  present  authorize  and  impower  you  to  collate  any  pron 
(person)  or  prons  to  any  Churches  or  Chappells,  or  other  ecclesiastical  benefices 
within  our  said  province  or  dependencies  aforesaid,  as  often  as  that  any  of  them 
shall  happen  to  be  void." —  Dix,  136-7. 

Address  of  Welcome  to  Governor  Cornbury  ry  Trinity 

Church. 

"  They  say  that  with  "  hearts  full  of  charity  and  exuberant  with  joy  ",  they 
"  congratulate  your  Lordship's  safe  and  happy  arrival  in  this  province  with  your 
worthy  lady  and  family  ".  They  then  go  on  to  speak  of  "  the  just  fears  which 
we  had  conceived  under  ye  late  administration  of  ye  Predecessor  and  ye  great  hopes 
and  confidence  we  perced  in  your  Lordship's  friendship  for  our  Church  and  right- 
eous cause  ".  They  also  expressed  their  thankfulness  to  the  King  for  "  his  Royal 
Letter  of  Protection  to  our  Infant  Church,  to  which  was  superadded  our  sence 
of  that  special  and  signal  favor  of  sending  your  Lordship  to  be  a  healer  and  re- 

94 


1702 


1490  Ecclesiastical  Records 

storer  amongst  us,  but  as  it  needs  appear'd  to  us  to  be  the  opening  of  a  Doore 
of  hope,  so  to  those  who  were  contriving  to  raise  our  very  foundation,  it  caused 
a  bitterness  and  overflowing  of  the  Gall  who  not  only  labored  to  diswade  the 
people  from  the  hopes  of  seeing  your  Lordship,  but  raised  a  terrible  and  violent 
persecution  against  our  Minister  and  most  of  the  members  and  frequenters  of  our 
Church  on  account  of  Signing  an  Address  to  your  Lordship  and  other  Addresses, 
the  contents  of  them  being  still  to  them  unknown  although  some  are  innocently 
condemned  to  die  as  traitors,  some  outlaw'd  and  others  forced  to  flye  this  Province 
and  all  put  in  Terror  on  that  account,  by  a  wicked,  pernicious,  perverse  and 
strain'd  Cons'truction  of  an  Act  of  Assembly  of  this  Province  made  by  Mr.  Atwood 
and  Mr.  Weaver,  who  were  the  principal  movers  and  managers  of  this  disturbance 
and  violators  of  the  peace  not  only  of  our  Church  but  of  all  the  principal  English, 
French  and  Dutch  Protestant  Inhabitants  of  his  Majesty's  Province".  "The 
enemys  of  our  peace  being  dissolute  in  principle  as  well  as  immoral  in  their  Lives 
and  Conversation  made  their  study  falsely  and  maliciously  to  slander  our  Minister 
as  well  as  others  with  ye  Character  of  Jaeobitism  and  dissatisfaction  to  his 
Majesty's  sacred  person  and  the  Laws  and  Government  of  England,  and  had  like 
to  have  broke  that  hedge  which  his  Majesty  had  most  graciously  placed  about  us, 
but  your  Lordship's  happy  and  auspicious  arrival  like  ye  sun  after  morning  dark- 
ness will  dispell  all  those  clouds  and  raise  up  our  hands  and  hearts  ".  In  con- 
elusion  they  assure  the  Governor  of  their  willingness  "  with  their  lives  and  for- 
tunes "  to  support  and  maintain  correct  principles  as  against  "  all  his  Majesty's 
enemys  whosoever  and  ye  enemys  of  ye  true  Protestant  interest  ". —  Records, 
Trinity   Ch.   i.  38.      Dis's   Hist.   Trinity   Ch.    i.   135. 


Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  York.     The  "Arms  "  of  Leisler  and 

lilLBORNE. 

1702,  May  24.  Whereas,  We,  the  ruling  Consistory  and 
Church-Masters,  find  that  the  "Arms  "  of  the  late  Jacob  Lyslaer 
and  Jacob  Milbourne  are  now  placed  in  our  church,  and  have  been 
there  for  four  years  past,  and  that  hitherto,  no  church  resolution 
has  been  taken  on  the  matter:  Therefore,  We,  the  Consistory, 
assembled  with  the  ruling  Church-Masters  this  24th  day  of  May, 
1702,  having  taken  the  matter  into  mature  consideration,  hereby 
declare  this  to  be  our  salutary  resolution  and  order  for  the  best 
interests  of  the  congregation,  namely:  That  the  said  "Arms" 
shall  be  and  remain  in  our  church  so  long  as  the  friends  of  the 
deceased  shall  think  proper.* 

And  since  the  bodies  of  these  gentlemen  are  buried  therein, 
and  the  customary  fee  for  the  same  has  been  paid,  as  appears 
from  the  book  of  the  Church-Masters,  we  have  also  judged  it 
expedient  to  declare  by  this  our  resolution,  that  the  said  bodies 
shall  be  and  remain  undisturbed. —  Lib.  A.  217. 

*  Domine  Selyns  had  died  in  Sept.,  1701. 


or  THE  State  of  New  York.  1491 

Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  to  the  Goveenok  of  Virginia. 

1702,  June  9. 
"  May  it  please  your  Excellency: 

"  In  a  letter  from  the  Jerseys,  your  Excellency  was  informed  of  the  grevious 
oppression  of  our  Church  and  Province,  which,  if  not  redressed  by  my  Lord  Corn- 
bury's  arrival  might  have  ended  in  our  ruine.  The  management  of  the  Lieutenant 
Governor  and  Council,  even  till  then,  was  extraordinary,  arbitrary,  and  violent, 
and  if  in  print  represented  with  all  its  circumstances  to  the  world,  must  astonish 
an  ordinary  impiety  and  beget  indignation  and  abhorrence  in  all  those  who  have 
not  cast  off  the  common  sentiments  of  humanity.  Your  Excellency,  by  Col.  Bay- 
ard's printed  tryall  and  some  manuscripts,  will  be  fully  convinced  of  those  un- 
righteous and  barbarous  measures  which  were  taken  to  exterpate  an  English 
Church  and  interest  out  of  this  Province.  I  doubt  not  but  my  Lord  (Cornbury) 
will  be  a  Father  to  our  Church  and  Province,  and  those  methods  his  Lordship  doth 
daily  take,  give  us  repeated  assurances  of  his  impartial  administration,  and  are 
joyful  presages  that  Justice  will  flow  down  our  streets  as  a  mighty  streame  and 
righteousness  as  a  flood. 

"  I  have  by  these  ships  received  four  letters  from  my  very  good  Lord  of  London 
(the  Bishop)  full  of  zeal  and  affection.  His  Lordship  doth  now  assure  us  six  good 
men  shall  be  sent  to  supply  the  vacant  liveings  in  our  Province,  and  also  that 
communion  plate,  furniture  and  Bookes  shall  in  a  short  time  be  obtained  for  ue. 

"  His  Reverence  Dr.  Bray*  advised  me  to  enter  into  a  Society  with  the  Dutch 
and  French  ministers  of  this  city,  to  consult  on  the  most  proper  methods  to  effect 
a  Reformation:  accordingly  a  happy  Society  is  maintained,  in  the  Church  Library, 
which  I  hope,  by  our  Governor's  assistance  will  in  some  measure  answer  the  end. 
His  Reverence,  among  other  good  things,  informs  me  that  he  has  writt  to  your 
Excellency  to  appoint  a  meeting  of  the  Clergy  at  New  York,  as  being  the  centre 
between  Maryland  and  Virginia  (?)  I  question  not  but  in  a  few  years  we  shall 
have  such  a  number  of  clergymen  in  New  York,  the  Jerseys  and  Philadelphia,  as 
will   make  a  meeting  among  ourselves  very   formidable. 

"  Our  church  daily  increases,  and  in  a  very  wonderful  manner.  My  Lord  (Corn- 
bury)  has  ordered  his  chaplain,  Mr.  Mott,  and  Mr.  Bresack,  to  preach  in  our  Church 
one  part  of  the  day.  We  have  prayers  on  Wednesdays  and  Fridays,  and  cate- 
chising every  Sunday  in  the  afternoon.  Mr.  Huddlestone,  the  schoolmaster,  brings 
all  his  scholars  to  Church  in  order,  and  those,  I  have  formed,  with  many  others, 
into  three  distinct  classes,  according  to  Dr.  Bray's  proposal;  by  which  means  I 
hope  to  compose  the  most  glorious  Church  in  America.  I  beg  your  Excellency  to 
recommend  me  to  our  Governor's  (Cornbury's)  favor  and.  countenance:  May  God 
ever  bless,  prosper  and  make  you  great,  and  glorious  forever,  is  the  prayer  of 
your  faithfull  and   much  obliged   servant, 

'•  Wm.  Vesey."— Dix,  i.  1.32-3. 


1702 


Rev.  George  Keith. 


1702? 


About  this  time  Rev.  George  Keith,  formerly  a  Quaker,  came  to  America  as 
a  missionary  of  the  Propagation  Society.  Wherever  he  went  he  made  a  great 
impression.  He  preached  at  Hempstead  on  September  27  (1702?)  when  the  Church 
building  could  not  contain  the  people.  He  said  that  they  greatly  desired  an 
Episcopalian  Minister.  Special  services  were  held  in  Trinity  Church,  aiad  Mr. 
Keith  preached,   at  the  request  of  Mr.   Vesey,   on  occasion  of  the  weekly  fast,  ap- 

*  "  The  Rev.  Thos.  Bray  was  sent  to  Maryland  in  1696  as  Commissary  of  the 
Bishop  of  London.  He  was  particularly  urgent  about  sending  out  books  to  Amer- 
ica, and  mentions  in  a  sermon  preached  in  London  in  1699,  on  the  subject  of  "Apos- 
tolic Charity  ",  that  there  was  in  New  York  Colony  a  Church  in  the  Fort  with  a 
Minister  and  a  Library,  and  in  the  city  a  Church  and  a  Minister,  but  no  Library. 
It  would  appear  from  this  that  the  first  Library  in  New  York  was  sent  out  from 
England  for  the  use  of  the  chaplain  and  soldiers  of  his  Majesty's  service.  In  1767 
the  Library  in  the  Fort  contained  two  hundred  and  eleven  volumes  ". 


1492  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

1702 

pointed  by  the  Government  on  account  of  the  great  mortality  just  then  prevailing. 
More  than  five  hundred  had  died  in  the  space  of  a  few  weeks,  and  that  very  week 
about  seventy  had  died.     His  text  vras  James  5:13.     '■  Is  any  among  you  afflicted, 

let    him    pray".     He   published    afterward   a    Journal    of   Travels    in 

North  America,  1706.—  See  Coll.  P.  E.   Soc.  1851,  p.  1. 

About  this  time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bartow,  a  missionary  of  the  Society  for  Propagat- 
ing the  Gospel,  settled  in  Westchester,  and  began  a  work  for  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  that  section,  which  continues  to  the  present  time. 

In  1702  England  declared  war  against  France  and  Spain.  The  contest  was 
prolonged  until  1713.  Canada  was  the  objective  point  of  the  English,  until  they 
finally   conquered   it   in  1763. —  Dix,    142-3. 

LOKD  COENBUEY  TO  THE  LoEDS  OF  TeADE. 

Queen   Anne  Proclaimed  in  Xew  York. 

[June   23,    1702.] 
To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations. 

y/        My  Lords: — 

Your  Lordships  letter  of  the  19th  of  March  last  (by  the  care  of  Coll.  Blakiston) 
came  safe  to  my  hands  on  Wednesday  the  17  of  this  instant  June  and  in  it  I  find  a 
letter  from  the  Lords  of  her  Majesty's  Most  Honorable  Privy  Council  commanding 
me  to  proclaim  her  most  Sacred  Majesty  Queen  Anne  in  the  Province  of  New  York 
and  East  and  West  New  Jersey.  In  pursuance  whereof  on  Thursday  the  18th 
instant  having  drawn  out  the  forces  there,  I  did  in  the  presence  of  the  gentlemen 
of  her  Majesty's  Council  attended  by  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common  Council 
the  Clergy  and  I  think  I  may  say  all  the  Gentlemen  and  Merchants  of  the  City 
of  New  York  cause  Her  Majesty  to  be  proclaimed  Queen  of  England,  Scotland, 
France  and  Ireland,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  Supream  Lady  of  the  Province  of 
New  York  and  Plantations  of  the  same  according  to  the  directions  I  had  received 
from  the  Lords  of  Her  Majesty's  most  Honorable  Privy  Council.  The  solemnity 
was  performed  with  all  the  duty  and  respect  imaginable  to  the  Queen  and  the 
people  shewed  all  the  chearfullness  and  Loyalty  that  could  be  wished  for  or 
desired  from  good  subjects  upon  that  occasion;  and  I  hope  your  Lordships  will 
pardon  me  if  I  take  the  liberty  to  assure  you  that  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Province 
of  New  York,  are  unanimously  ready  to  sacrifice  all  they  have  for  the  service  and 
in  the  defence  of  the  Queen.  Indeed  they  have  suffered  great  hardships  and 
wrongs  through  the  wicked  practices  of  Mr.  Atwood  and  Mr.  Weaver  who  have 
made  the  divisions  among  the  people  of  New  Yorke  much  greater  than  ever  they 
were  and  would  have  made  them  past  cure  had  they  gone  on  a  little  longer,  but 
I  will  not  trouble  your  Lordships  any  longer  upon  the  subject  now  having  written 
to  your  Lordships  from  New  York  by  the  way  of  Boston  with  relation  to  those 
affaires. 

On  Friday  the  19th  instant  I  went  over  the  waters  into  the  Jersies  and  went 
directly  for  Burlington  which  is  the  chief  town  of  West  Jersey,  but  the  wayes 
were  so  bad  I  could  not  get  thither  till  Sunday  night  late.  Col.  Hamilton  to 
whom  I  had  writ  from  New  York  met  me  in  East  Jersey  and  conducted  me  to 
Burlington  where  he  had  (being  Governor  of  the  Jerseys  for  the  Proprietors)  as- 
sembled the  Chief  Magistrates  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Place  in  order  to  proclaim 
her  Majesty  which  was  done  on  Monday  at  eleven  o'clock,  where  the  people 
shewed  great  marks  of  duty  and  affection  to  the  Queen.  I  did  intend  to  have  gone 
immediately  to  Amboy  which  is  the  Chief  town  in  East  Jersey,  to  proclaim  her 
Majesty  there  but  the  floods  have  washed  away  the  bridges  so  that  till  the  waters 
are  fallen,  it  will  be  impossible  to  travell.  I  hope  two  or  three  fair  days  will 
make  the  ways  passable  to  Amboy,  to  which  place  I  will  repaire  the  moment  it 
is  possible,  I  do  not  doubt  but  we  shall  have  a  good  appearance  there  likewise. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yokk.  1493 

Col.  Hamilton  who  intends  to  conduct  me  hitlier  liaving  sent  beforeliand  to  give 
notice  of  my  coming.  In  the  meantime  I  have  taken  this  opportunity  to  come 
twenty  miles  down  the  river  De  La  Ware,  to  see  this  place  where  I  find  a  ship 
just  ready  to  saile  for  London.  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  take  this  opportunity  to 
acquaint  your  Lordships  how  far  I  have  proceeded  in  obedience  to  your  commands. 
I  shall  return  this  evening  to  Burlington  and  as  soon  as  possible  go  to  Amboy, 
and  from  thence  to  Yorke,  from  whence  I  will  send  your  Lordships  a  farther 
account,  in  the  meantime  I  remain, 
My   Lords, 

Your  Lordships  most   obedient,   faithful!,   humble  Servant, 

Cornbury. 
Philadelphia, 
June  23,  1702. 

N.  Y.  Col.  Docs.  iv.  960.  Cornbury's  reasons  for  suspending  Chief  Justice  At- 
wood.  Weaver,  De  Peyster,  Walters  and  Staats  are  given  in  N.  Y.  Col.  Docs.  iv. 
1012,  1014,  1017.  The  conflrmation  of  his  action  by  the  Council  is  given,  Col.  Docs. 
N.  Y.  iv.  1026-81  (?).— Dis,  140. 

The  Feench  Chukch  of  I!Tew  Rochelle. 

Petition  of  Rev.  Mr.   Bondet  of  New  Rochelle. 

(Time,  1702?) 

To  His  Excellency  Milord  Cornbury  Governor  &  Commander   in   Chief. 

My    Lord, 

I  most  humbly  pray  your  Excellency  to  be  pleased  to  take  cognizance  of  the 
petitioners  condition. 

I  am  a  french  Refugee  Minister,  incorporated  into  the  body  of  the  ministry  of 
the  Anglican  Church;  I  removed  about  fifteen  years  ago  [1686]  into  New  England 
with  a  company  of  poor  refugees  to  whom  land  was  granted  for  their  settlement, 
and  to  provide  for  my  subsistence  I  was  allowed  one  hundred  and  five  pieces  per 
annum  from  the  funds  of  the  corporation  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  among 
the  Savages.  I  performed  that  duty  during  nine  years  with  a  success  approved 
and  attested  by  those  who  presided  over  the  affairs  of  that  Province. 

The  murders  which  the  Indians  committed  in  those  Countries  caused  the  dis- 
persion of  our  company  some  of  whom  fell  by  the  hands  of  the  Barbarians.  I 
remained,  after  that,  two  years  in  that  province  expecting  a  favorable  season  for 
the  reestablishment  of  affairs,  but  after  waiting  two  years,  seeing  no  appearance, 
and  being  invited  to  remove  to  this  Province  of  New  York  by  Colonel  Heathcote 
who  always  evinces  an  affection  for  the  public  good  and  distinguishes  himself  by 
a  special  application  for  the  advancement  of  religion  and  good  order,  by  the 
establishment  of  Churches  and  Schools,  the  fittest  means  to  strengthen  and 
encourage  the  People,  I  complied  with  his  request  and  that  of  the  Company  of 
New  Rochelle  in  this  province,  where  I  passed  five  years  on  a  small  allowance 
promised  me  by  New  Rochelle  of  one  hundred  pieces  and  lodging,  with  that  of  one 
hundred  and  five  pieces  which  the  Corporation  continued  to  me  until  the  arrival 
of  milord  Belamont  who,  after  indicating  his  willingness  to  take  charge  of  me 
and  our  Canton  ordered  me  Thirty  pieces  in  the  Council  of  York,  and  did  me  the 
favor  to  promise  me  that  at  his  journey  to  Boston  he  would  procure  me  the  con- 
tinuation of  that  stipend  that  I  had  in  times  past.  But  having  learned  at  Boston, 
through  Mr.  Nanfan,  his  Lieutenant,  that  I  annexed  my  signature  to  an  ecclesias- 
tical certificate  which  the  Churches  and  Pastors  of  this  Province  had  given  to 
Sieur  Delius,  Minister  of  Albany,  who  had  not  the  good  fortune  to  please  his  late 
Lordship,  his  defunct  Excellency  cut  off  his  thirty  pieces  which  he  had  ordered  me 
in  his  Council  at  York,  deprived  me  of  the  Boston  pension  of  twenty  five  pieces, 
.writing  to  London  to  have  that  deduction  approved,  and  left  me,  during  three 
years  last  past,   in  an  extreme  destitution  of  the  means  of  subsistence. 

I  believed,  my  Lord,  that  in  so  important  a  service  as  that  in  which  I  am  em- 
ployed. I  ought  not  to  discourage  myself,  and  that  the  Providence  of  God  which 


1702 


1702 


1494  Ecclesiastical  Records 

does  not  abandon  those  who  have  recourse  to  his  aid  by  well  doing,  would  provide 
in  its  time  for  my  relief. 

Your  Excellency's  equity;  the  affection  you  have  evinced  to  us  for  the  encourage- 
ment of  those  who  employ  themselves  constantly  &  faithfully  in  God"s  service 
induce  me  to  hope  that  I  shall  have  a  share  in  the  dispensation  of  your  justice  to 
relieve  me  from  my  suffering  so  that  I  may  be  aided  and  encouraged  to  continue 
my  service  in  which  by  duty  and  gratitude  I  shall  Continue  with  my  flock  to  pray 
God  for  the  preservation  of  your  person,  of  your  illustrious  family  and  the  pros- 
perity of  your  government;  remaining  Tour  Excellency's  most  humble  &  most 
respectful   Servant,  Daniel   Bondet. 

—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   lii.   p.   562. 

Oeder  and  Report  ojst  the  Petition  from  ISTew  Rochelle. 

At  a   Council   held   at   Fort   William   Henry   this  29th  day   of  June  1702. 


Sa.    Sh.    Broughtonl 

Garrard   Beekman     j.  Esqrs.  ^^^^^  Heathcote,  Esq. 

Rip  Van  Dam  J 


John  Bridges,   Doctor  of  Laws. 


Upon  the  motion  of  Coll.  Heathcote  that  the  Minister  of  New  Rochelle  had  for- 
merly a  sallary  allowed  him  out  of  the  Revenue  which  the  late  Earl  of  Bellmont 
deprived  him  of,  it  is  hereby  ordered  that  the  petition  of  the  said  Minister  formerly 
Dd.  to  his  Excellency  be  referred  to  the  said  Coll.  Heathcote  who  is  to  Examine 
into  the  Allegations  and  Report  the  same. 

By  order  of  his  Excellency  &  Council, 

B.  Cosens,   Clk.  Concilj. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency:  In  obedience  to  your  Excell.  Commands  I  have 
Examined  into  the  Allegations  of  the  within  Petition  &  do  find,  that  the  Peti- 
tioner was  employed  about  fifteen  years  ago  by  the  corporation  for  Propagating 
the  Xtian  ffaith  amongst  the  Indians  at  a  place  called  New  Oxford  near  Boston, 
with  the  allowance  of  a  salary  of  twenty  five  pounds  a  year,  where  he  consumed 
the  little  he  brought  with  him  from  ffrance  in  settling  himself  for  that  Service,  and 
being  afterwards  by  reason  of  the  War  compelled  to  fly  from  thence,  his  Improve- 
ments were  wholly  lost.  Durelng  the  time  of  his  stay  there,  which  was  about  eight 
years,  it  appears  by  a  certificate  under  the  hands  of  the  late  Lieut.  Governour 
Stroughton  of  Boston,  Walt  Wlnthrope,  Increase  Mather,  and  Charles  Morton,  that 
he  with  great  faithfullnesse  care  &  industry  discharged  his  duty  both  in  reference 
to  Xtians  &  Indians,  and  was  of  an  unblemished  life  and  Conversation.  After 
his  being  called  to  New  Rochelle  the  Corporation  aforementioned  in  consideration 
of  his  past  services  &  sufferings,  were  pleased  still  to  continue  him  his  salary 
which  he  enjoyed  until  the  arrival  of  the  late  Earl  of  Bellomont,  who  havelng 
settled  thirty  pounds  a  year  upon  him  out  of  the  Revenue  used  afterwards  his 
intrest  with  the  said  Corporation  to  take  of  the  Sallery,  they  had  all  along  allowed 
him,  which  no  sooner  was  effected  but  he  immediately  suspended  him  allso  from 
the  thirty  pounds  a  year  he  had  settled  upon  him,  by  which  means  the  Petitioner 
is  left  with  a  very  deplorable  Condition  not  being  able  with  the  sallary  that  Is 
allowed  him  at  New  Rochelle,  which  is  only  twenty  pounds  a  year  to  support 
himself    and   family.      All    which    is    humbly    Submitted    by 

Tour    Excellency's    most    Obedient    humble    Sprvnnt, 

Caleb    Heathcote. 
—  Doc.    Hist.    N.    T.    Vol.    ill.    p.   563. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoke.  1495 

Extracts   from   Cornbury's  Proposals  With  the  Five 
Natiojs's,  Etc, 

Mohawk  Missions. 


1702 


1702,    July    15. 

As  to  the  two  ministers  that  were  appointed  for  ye  Instruction  of  ye  Brethren 
in  ye  Christian  Faith,  one  here  at  Albany  and  ye  other  at  Schenectady,  I  under- 
stand that  ye  Brethren  have  been  told  that  ye  minister  of  Schenectady  was  alone 
appointed  for  that  worii  and  not  ye  Minister  here;  I  desire  to  Isnow  who  is  the 
Author  of  that  story,  since  I  find  upon  your  own  request  two  j^ears  agoe,  the  Min- 
ister here  was  directed  to  take  pains  with  you,  and  learn  your  language  ye  better 
to  enable  him  to  serve  you  in  ye  work  of  ye  Gospell,  and  ye  interpretesse  appointed 
to  be  his  assistant  in  that  affair  as  formerly  I  reckon  this  has  been  fomented  by 
those  Restlesse  Spirits,  who  of  late  have  endeavoured  to  disturb  the  peace  of 
the  Government;  but  I  shall  take  care  to  prevent  such  wickednesse  for  ye  future, 
and  you  may  be  assured  that  those  that  are  inclined  to  be  Christians  shall  have 
all  ye  Incouragement  imaginable. —  Col.   Docs.   N.   Y.   iv.   983. 


Awanay,  a  Sachim  of  ye  Mohags,  in  ye  Maquase  Fraying  Indians  stood  up  and 
said: 

Brother  Corlaer: — 

There  has  been  feuds  and  animosities  among  us  Christian  Indians,  and  last  sum- 
mer we  were  recommended  to  amity  and  Friendship;  but  it  hath  not  had  that 
good  effect  upon  us  as  could  have  been  wished  for;  we  have  been  lately  exhorted 
by  your  Lordship,  at  Mr.  Lydius's  ye  ministers  house,  to  unite  as  Christians  and 
not  to  live  in  envy  and  malice,  which  are  the  works  of  Satan,  not  becoming 
Christians,  but  to  live  in  Peace  and  concord,  and  then  God  would  blesse  us;  which 
last  exhortation  hath  so  wrought  upon  our  spirits,  that  we  are  now  all  united 
and  friends;  we  return  your  Lordship  our  hearty  thanks  for  ye  pains  you  have 
been  pleased  to  take  in  that  affair,  and  as  an  acknowledgment  of  our  Gratitude 
give  a  belt  of  Wampum. 

The  said  Awanay  acquainted  ye  Five  Nations  that  in  regard  they  had  also 
recommended  them  to  unity  they  had  followed  their  advice,  and  that  there  was 
now  a  thorough  reconciliation;  and  as  a  token  thereof  gave  ye  Five  Nations  a 
Belt   of   Wampum. 

His  Excellency  told  ye  Sachims  of  ye  Five  Nations  that  he  would  consider  of 
what  they  had  now  said  and  would  in  a  short  time  give  them  an  answer. 

P.   Schuijler, 
Dirck  Wessells,  Robert    Livingstone, 

Justies  of  Pace.  Secretary  for  ye  Indian  Affairs. 

1702,  August  17.  Proposalls  made  by  De  Kannissore,  Cheiffe  Sachim 
of  Onondage,  and  two  other  Indians  of  said  nation  to  his  Excel- 
lency, Lord  Cornbury,  etc. 

Present  —  Coll.    P.    Schuyler.  D.    Wessells. 

J.   Bleeker,   Mayor.  J.   Abeel,   Recorder. 

Brother  Corlaer: — 

I  am  glad  to  see  your  Excellency  here  in  ye  house  where  we  are  wont  to  speak 
to  one  another.  I  am  to  acquaint  you  with  a  message  which  ye  Governor  of 
Canada  has  sent  to  our  four  upper  nations,  viz.  that  three  of  each  nation  should 
go  to  Canada  to  treat  with  him;  but  the  Mohogs  he  has  nothing  to  say  to,  as  for 
my  own  part  I   will  not  goe,  but  will  send  one  of  my  family. 


1702 


1496  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Our  Sachims  were  arrived  two  days  before  I  came  from  home.  There  are  great 
divisions  in  Onondage  one  half  of  ye  Indians  are  inclined  to  have  a  French  Jesuit 
among  them  ye  other  half  are  against  it  and  many  of  those  that  are  for  ye  Priests 
seem  to  be  inclined  to  hearken  to  Corlaer  and  to  take  a  minister  to  instruct  them 
in  ye  Christian  faith:  do  give  a  faddom  of  Wampum. —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  998. 

Cornbury's  Answer. 

I  understand  also  that  some  of  your  people  are  gone  to  fetch  a  Jesuit  from 
Canada  not  with  standing  it  was  concluded  by  all  ye  five  nations  not  so  much 
as  to  suffer  one  to  come  into  your  country  much  less  to  send  for  him  Now  Brethren 
whatever  I  have  promised  I  will  take  care  shall  be  religiously  observed  on  my 
part,  and  since  that  is  my  Resolution  I  expect  that  what  you  have  promised 
should  in  like  manner  be  punctually  observed,  I  am  now  sending  over  to  England 
to  be  supplied  with  ministers  to  instruct  you  in  the  Christian  faith  and  therefore 
can  stand  in  no  need  of  any  from  ye  French  I  shall  conclude  and  hold  fast  the 
Resolutions  made  when  ye  five  nations  were  here  last,  and  hope  ye  brethren  will 
doe  the  same,  in  token  whereof  I  give  you  a  faddom  of  Wampum. —  Col.  Docs. 
N.  Y.  iv.  999. 

[1702,   Aug.  1-10.     Synod  of  North  Holland  held  at  Eukhuyzen.     No  references  t© 

America.] 


Trinity  Church  and  the  King's  Farm. 

Aug.    6,   1702. 

The  King's  Farm  had  been  first  leased  to  Trinity  Church  by  Governor  Fletcher 
in  1697.  Bellomont  had  secured  the  annulling  of  that  lease  in  1699.  Lord  Corn- 
bury  in  1702,  renewed  the  lease  to  Trinity  Church  during  his  term  of  office  at 
an  annual  rental  of  sixty  bushels  of  wheat.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry  held 
August   6,   1702. 

"  Mr.  Vesey  and  Mr.  Wenham  reported,  that  Mr.  Clarkson,  dec'd.,  one  of  the 
Tennants  of  the  King's  Farme,  before  his  death  and  after  the  granting  of  a  new 
lease  from  the  Right  Honorable  Edward,  Lord  Viscount  Cornbury,  did  relinquish 
his  right  and  interest  in  the  lease  thereof  to  the  Church.  Captain  Wilson,  in 
consideration  of  a  peece  of  Plate,  to  be  given  him  by  the  Corporation  of  Trinity 
Church  within  twelve  months  next  ensuing,  doth  surrender  his  interest  and  right 
in  the  said  lease  for  the  Farme,  to  come  to  the  Church,  and  bears  the  charges  he 
has  bene  at,   in  defending  and  maintaining  the   Church's  right  thereto  ". 

Also:  "  It  is  agreed  by  this  Board  that  George  Ryders  have  the  Farme  the 
remaining  part  of  the  year  till  the  first  of  May  next,  that  he  shall  have  liberty 
to  take  off  his  winter  and  summer  grain,  provided  he  plant  no  Indian  Corne  next 
Spring  therein,  that  he  sow  no  more  summer  grain  next  spring  than  winter  grain, 
that  he  commit  not  any  waste,  leave  the  fences  in  repair  and  good  order;  he  paying 
for  the  same  the  sum  of  thirty  five  pounds  to  the  Church  Wardens  for  the  use 
6t  the  Church  ".—  Dix's  Hist.  Trinity  Ch.  i.  141. 

Lords  of  Trade  to  Lord  Cornbury. 

Cornbury  appointed  also  Governor  of  New  Jersey. 
To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lord  Viscount   Cornbury, 
My  Lord: — 


Her  Majesty  has  been  pleased  to  appoint  you  her  Governour  of  New  Jersey,  upon 
the  surrender  of  the  Proprietors  of  their  right  to  the  Government  of  that  Province 
and    your    Commission    and    Instructions   have    been    dispatched    accordingly.      We 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1497 

must  recommend  to  you  upon  this  occasion  that  you  use  your  best  endeavour  to 
compose  those  animosities  which  have  so  unhappily  divided  the  people  there  and 
to  settle  that  Province  as  may  be  most  for  her  Majesty's  Service. 

Tour  having  proclaimed   her  Majesty   at  New  Yorke  and  New  Jersey  has  been 
inserted  in  the  Gazette  here. 


1702 


Whitehall, 

Sept.  24,   1702.  —  Col.   Docs.   N.   Y.    iv.   966. 


LOED   COENBURY  TO  THE  LoEDS   OF   TeADE. 
To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations. 

My  Lords: — 

A.  In  my  former  letters  to  your  Lordships  I  acquainted  you  that  at  my  first 
arrival  in  this  Province  I  met  with  great  complaints  from  the  generality  of  the 
people  here  against  the  persons  then  in  power  here  but  more  particularly  against 
Mr.  Atwood,  Mr.  Weaver,  Coll.  De  Peyster,  Dr.  Staats  and  Mr.  Walters  who 
are  the  five  gentlemen  that  composed  the  Council  at  my  arrival  here.  I  hoped  at 
first  that  Complaints  had  been  greater  than  they  needed  have  been,  but  when  I 
looked  into  the  reasons  of  them  I  found  them  inferior  to  the  injuries.  The 
chiefest,  honestest  and  richest  inhabitants  of  this  Province  had  suffered  by  the 
wicked  contrivances  of  Mr.  Atwood  and  Mr.  Weaver,  who  had  been  the  cheif 
Actors  of  all  the  mischeifs  and  misunderstandings  here  though  the  others  were 
very  willing  instruments  to  assist  them  as  far  as  they  were  able  in  the  destroying 
this  Province  which  appears  plainly  to  me  to  have  been  their  design  hoping  no 
doubt  thereby  to  raise  their  fortunes  to  a  very  great  pitch  upon  the  ruines  of 
the  English  and  French  inhabitants  here  in  general  and  most  of  the  richest  of 
the  Dutch,  who  all  of  them  having  long  enjoyed  the  benefits  of  the  English  Gov- 
ernment were  not  only  content  to  live  quietly  under  it  but  have  always  been  ready 
to  assist  it  with  their  purses  as  often  as  required  till  they  saw  plainly  they  were 
to  be   made   a   prey   to  the   unsatiable   avarice   of   the   persons   above   mentioned, 

B  Who  had  projected  the  extirpation  of  the  English  here.  This  appears  to  have 
been  their  design  by  several  instances  particularly  turning  the  English  out  of  all 
the  Commissions  of  the  peace  and  Militia  through  the  Province  and  putting  Dutch- 
men into  their  places  who  were  generally  the  meanest  of  the  people,  men  ex- 
tremely ignorant  of  all  things  few  of  them  understanding  the  English  tongue 
much  less  the  laws. 


D.  I  am  sorry  the  great  mortality  that  we  have  lately  had  at  York  has  so  much 
diminished  our  number  there,  for  in  ten  weeks  time  the  sickness  has  swept  away 
upward  of  five  hundred  people  of  all  ages  and  sexes;  Some  men  of  note  and 
amongst  the  rest  Capt.  Stapleton  dyed  two  days  ago,  he  was  Commander  of  her 
Majesty's  ship  Jersey  and  brought  me  into  this  Province.  I  hope  the  cold  weather 
will  be  a  great  means  to  abate  the  fury  of  it. 


F.  At  my  arrival  here  I  found  Coll.  Bayard  and  one  Hutchins  an  Alderman 
of  the  City  of  New  York  in  prison  under  sentence  of  death  for  High  Treason, 
which  Treason  was  no  other  than  the  signing  Addresses  to  the  late  King  and  the 
House  of  Commons  of  England  complaining  of  the  grievances  they  labored  under 
and  likewise  a  congratulatory  Address  to  me  to  be  given  to  me  at  my  arrival  into 
the  Province  which  it  seems  was  treason  too.  The  two  original  Addresses  to  the 
King  and  Parliament  I  herewith  transmit  to  your  Lordship  at  the  request  of  the 
Gentlemen   who   signed   them     I   send   you   likewise   copies   of  all   papers   relating 


1702 


1498  Ecclesiastical  Secoeds 

lo  Coll.  Bayards  tryal  as  I  had  them  from  the  clerk  of  the  Council  and  from  other 
persons  who  had  collected  them  as  well  as  they  could,  for  Mr.  Atwood  would  not 
permit  any  minutes  to  be  taken  in  Court  so  that  I  cannot  send  you  so  perfect 
an  account  as  I  could  wish,  but  it  is  the  best  I  could  get.  Coll.  Bayard  has  lately 
printed  his  tryal  upon  such  Minutes  as  he  was  able  to  take  himself  while  he  was 
at  the  Bar  which  I  likewise  send  to  your  Lordships*  with  copies  of  all  the  Ad- 
dresses delivered  to  me  since  I  came  hither  by  which  you  will  see  what  a  condi- 
tion the  people  of  this  Province  were  in. 


N.  I  must  likewise  acquaint  your  Lordships  that  I  have  been  at  Albany  to 
renew  the  Covenant  Chain  with  the  Five  Nations  of  Indians  whom  I  found  full 
of  complaints  saying  we  did  not  keep  our  promises  with  them.  The  conference 
was  pretty  long  therefore  I  have  troubled  you  with  a  particular  letter  on  that 
subject  and  likewise  send  you  the  conference  itself  at  large  therefore  I  shall  say 
no  more  upon  that  matter  now. 


P.  I  think  it  my  duty  to  recommend  to  your  Lordships  favour  and  care  the 
case  of  Coll.  Nicholas  Bayard  and  Alderman  John  Hutchins  whom  I  found  under 
sentence  of  death  for  High  Treason.  If  I  may  take  the  liberty  to  give  your 
Lordships  my  opinion  upon  the  proceedings  against  those  two  Gentlemen,  I  must 
say  they  were  the  most  unjust  that  were  ever  heard  of  or  known.  I  always 
thought  that  the  statute  of  the  2-5  of  Edward  the  third  had  limited  Treason,  but 
it  seems  Mr.  Atwood  is  of  another  mind,  for  he  declared  upon  the  Bench  that 
whatever  was  Treason  by  the  Common  law  before  the  passing  of  that  Act,  was 
Treason  still  notwithstanding  that  Act;  If  so  that  Act  is  of  little  use  to  the 
subject  who  must  be  very  unhappy  under  such  a  Judge.  But  allow  Mr.  Atwood 
to  be  in  the  right  and  allow  the  papers  to  be  really  Treasonable  papers  (which 
I  conceive  they  are  not)  still  they  are  not  justly  condemned  for  those  papers  had 
at  that  time  never  been  seen  by  Capt.  Nanfan  nor  any  of  the  Council  nor  by 
Mr.  Weaver  who  was  made  Solicitor  Generall  on  purpose  for  that  tryal  (an  office 
never  known  in  this  Province  before)  nor  by  the  Grand  Jury  who  found  the  Bill, 
nor  by  the  petty  Jury  who  tryed  the  Prisoners  so  that  in  truth  these  men  were 
condemned  for  supposed  written  Treason  which  was  never  produced  in  evidence 
against  them,  nor  proved  to  be  Treason;  for  I  think  it  is  very  plain  by  the  oathes 
of  the  witnesses  both  before  the  Council  and  in  Court  that  their  is  nothing  like 
Treason  contained  in  their  depositions  against  the  prisoners  therefore  I  conclude 
that  they  were  condemned  unjustly  and  contrary  to  the  known  laws  of  England, 
and  therefore  I  hope  your  Lordships  will  be  pleased  to  intercede  with  her  Majesty 
in  behalf  of  Coll.  Bayard  and  Hutchins  that  the  sentence  against  them  may  be 
reserved.  There  were  many  other  irregularities  committed  in  the  proceedings 
against  those  men.  For  example,  the  special  Commission  limited  the  Judges  to 
hear  try  and  determine  that  very  numerical  day  mentioned  in  the  Commission 
which  was  the  19th  day  of  February  and  they  had  no  power  to  adjourn  to  any 
other  day  notwithstanding  which  Mr.  Atwood  adjourned  several  times  the  Court. 
Another  irregularity  was  with  respect  to  the  Grand  Jury.  Mr.  Weaver  the  new 
Sollicitor  insisted  upon  it  that  he  had  a  right  to  sit  with  the  Grand  Jury  and  that 
no  witness  should  be  examined  but  such  as  he  should  think  fit.  Four  of  the  Grand 
Jury  opposed  this  and  would  not  be  perswaded  to  suffer  it  for  which  Mr.  Atwood 
dismissed  those  four  men  from  being  of  the  Jury  after  they  were  sworn  and 
possessed  of  the  bill  and  put  in  four  other  men  which  he  thought  more  for  his 
purpose.  There  were  nineteen  persons  upon  the  Grand  Jury  of  which  eight  would 
not  find  the  Bill,  so  there  remained  but  eleven  notwithstanding  which  the  foreman 

*  It  is  entitled, —  "An  account  of  the  Illegal  Prosecution  and  Tryall  of  Coll. 
Nicholas  Bayard,  in  the  Province  of  New  York  for  supposed  high  treason  in  the 
year  1701/2.  Collected  from  several  memorials  taken  by  divers  persons  privately, 
the  commissioners  having  strictly  prohibited  the  taking  of  the  tryal  in  open  Court. 
New  York,  1702."  Folio  pp.  44.  The  trial  is  reprinted  in  Collection  of  State  Trials, 
xIt. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1499 

of  the  Grand  Jury  (who  is  a  brother  of  Coll.  De  Pcyster)  indorsed  the  Bil!,  Billa 
Vera,  and  when  the  Council  for  the  Prisoners  insisted  that  the  Prisoners  could 
not  be  put  upon  their  Tryal  because  the  Bill  was  not  only  found  Mr.  Atwood 
declared  that  in  this  case  the  Grand  Jury  was  but  an  inquest  of  office  aud  that 
though  the  Bill  was  found  by  a  less  number  than  twelve  it  was  sufficient  to  put 
them  upon  their  tryal  and  accordingly  proceeded.  He  would  not  allow  any  body 
to  take  any  notes  in  Court  not  so  much  as  the  Practitioners  of  the  Court.  These 
are  some  of  the  irregularities  of  that  tryal  I  could  name  many  more  were  I  not 
afraid  of  tiring  you  with  them. 


1702 


Orange  County, 

Sept.  27,  1702.  —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  971,  972,  973,  974,  975. 

Lord  Coenbuey's  Eeasons  for  Suspei^dixg  Thomas  Weaver, 

Esq. 

October  2,   1702. 


That  pursuant  to  such  his  wicked  Practises  he  procured  himself  to  be  appointed 
Sollicitor  Generall  (a  new  office  in  this  Government)  for  that  purpose  the  Attorney 
Generall  giving  his  advice  and  opinion  to  ye  Contrary  and  declining  to  appear  in 
such  unjust   Prosecutions. 

That  in  combination  with  other  his  confederates  he  prosecuted  Coll.  Nicholas 
Bayard  and  Alderman  John  Hutchins  and  caused  them  to  be  condemned  as  Tray- 
tors  for  new  Invented  and  unheard  of  Treasons  the  only  facts  offered  to  be  proved 
against  them  being  their  advising  others  and  signing  themselves  and  address  to 
His  Majesty,  and  address  to  ye  Honorable  House  of  Commons  and  another  to 
myself  the  last  being  only  a  civill  congratulation  on  my  arrivall  and  with  much 
violence  endeavoured  to  procure  the  said  Bayard  and  Hutchins  to  be  put  to  death 
for  the  same  though  the  said  three  Addresses  were  never  procured  in  Court  on 
those  Tryalls  nor  the  matter  contained  in  them  ever  duly  proved. 


That  from  the  time  of  my  arrivall  to  the  day  of  his  suspension  though  I  have 
very  often  desired  him  I  never  could  obtain  any  account  whatsoever  of  ye  State 
of  ye  Revenue  or  other  publick  money  which  had  come  to  his  hands  and  he  was 
accountable  for.—  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1013. 


Lord  Cornbury's  Eeasons  for  Suspending  Chief-Justice 

Atwood. 

1702,    Oct.  2. 

Of  the  said  Attwoods  partiality  I  have  myselfe  always  been  a  witness  as  often 
as  he  hath  sate  with  me  in  ye  Court  of  Chancery  here. 

That  upon  my  arrival  att  ye  entrance  of  ye  Port  of  New  Yorke  Immediately 
a  great  number  of  ye  principal  inhabitants  of  ye  Province,  English,  Dutch,  and 
French  together  with  ye  minister  of  ye  English  Church  who  had  for  some  time 
before  been  drove  from  their  habitations  of  New  Yorke  and  had  been  forced  to 
shelter  themselves  and  their  goods  in  the  neighboring  Province  by  reason  of  a 
violent  and  unheard  of  Persecution  by  ye  persons  then  exerciseing  ye  Powers 
of  Government  in  this  Province,  came  to  me  on  board  His  Majesty's  Ship  ye 
Jersey  and  greivously  complaining  of  ye  great  hardships  and  persecution  that 
they  and  a  great  number  more  of  ye  principal  Inhabitants  who  had  been  forced 
to  flye  into  other  Provinces  more  remote,  lay  under,  That  had  it  not  been  for 
ye  hopes  of  my  speedy  arrivall  from  whom  the  hoped  for  succour  Justice  and 
Releife,  the  City  of  New  York  especially  and  a  great  part  of  ye  Province  had 
been  left   desolate. —  Col.   Docs.    N.   Y.    iv.   1011. 


1500  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

William  Atwood. 

1702. 
Further  information  respecting  the  times,  1701-2,  may  be  found  in  a  small  pam- 
phlet, entitled  "  The  Case  of  William  Atwood,  London,  1703 ".  This  has  been 
reprinted  by  the  New  York  Historical  Society  in  its  collections  for  1880,  p.  237. 
Atwood  was  appointed  Chief  Justice  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  and  Judge  of 
Admiralty  there  and  in  Neighboring  Colonies  by  William  III.  The  above  "men- 
tioned pamphlet  gives  also  an  account  of  the  government  and  people  of  the  Prov- 
ince, and  especially  of  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  trial  and  attainder 
of  Bayard  and  Hutchins;  who  were  reprieved  before  Cornbury's  arrival  upon 
acknowledging  their  offences  and  begging  pardon. —  Dix,  131. 

Address  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Province  of  New  York 
TO  Lord  Cornbuey. 

1702,    Oct.   2. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  Edward  Lord  Viscount  Cornbury  his  Majesties  Governor 
of  New  York. 

Whereas  many  of  us  live  remote,  and  the  time  of  your  Lordships  arrivall  being 
uncertain,  wee  have  presumed  to  take  this  method  of  expressing  the  sincerity 
and  fervor  of  our  affections.  Humbly  addressing  your  Lordship  by  this  paper, 
congratulating  your  Lordships  safe  arrivall  and  that  of  your  noble  Lady  and 
Family. 

We  do  assure  your  Lordship  that  we  have  and  will  alwaies  conserve  a  zealous 
and  steady  resolution  to  support  and  promote,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  the 
Honor  and  Interest  of  our  most  gracious  Soveraing,  Lord  King  William  (whom 
God  long  preserve  to  Reigne  over  us)  in  this  part  of  his  Dominions;  and  if  it  shall 
please  God,  his  Majesty  see  it  for  the  Honor  and  Interest  of  the  English  Nation 
to  engage  in  a  new  Warr,  wee  shall  cheerfully  undertake  the  Duty  and  Charges 
thereof  in  these  Frontiers  Provinces  as  we  have  done  in  all  the  last  Warr;  and 
will  not  be  wanting  to  your  Excellency  in  the  hearty  expressions  of  our  duty  sup- 
porting and  supply  those  your  Lordship  shall  judge  necessary  to  adjust  an  impartial 
administration  of  Government  to  all  his  Majesty's  subjects  Inhabiting  this 
Plantation. 

We  have  this  entire  confidence  in  your  Lordship's  great  prudence,  justice,  cour- 
age and  conduct  that  with  the  blessing  of  God  upon  your  Lordships  endeavours 
we  doubt  not  to  enjoy  safety  and  protection  from  our  enemies  abroad.  Liberty  of 
conscience.  Peace  and  tranquility  at  home,  and  that  the  name  of  Party  and 
Faction  may  henceforth  vanish  with  every  thing  contradictory  to  the  true  English 
Interest. 

That  your  Lordship  be  successful!  in  attaining  all  the  ends  of  good  government, 
grown  in  your  Prince's  favor,  and  have  the  due  Reverence  as  well  as  the  cordial 
affections  of  the  People  here  under  your  directions,  live  long  and  happily  amongst 
us  to  the  praise  and  Glory  of  Almighty  God  and  your  Lordships  Satisfaction 
and  contents,  are  the  cordial  wishes  and  constant  prayers  of  your  Lordship's 
most  obedient  dutiful  and  humble  Servants. 

Signed  by  346  Persons  of  the  City  of  New  York  and  also  by  Deputies  from 
ye  severall   Counties  of  ye  Provinces.—  Col.   Docs.   N.   Y.   iv.  1005. 


OF  THE  State  of  Kew  York.  1501 

Addeess  of  the  Inhabitants  of  IJlstee  County  to  Lord 

cornbury. 

1702,    Oct.    2. 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Lord  Viscount  Cornbury  Captain  Generall  and  Gov- 
ernor in  Chief  of  her  Majesties  Province  of  New  York  and  Territories  depending 
thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same. 

The  humble  address  of  the  Chiefest  and  Principal  Inhabitants  of  the 
County  of  Ulster. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency: 

This  is  not  only  in  the  name  of  those  whose  hands  have  already  witnesseth 
their  unfeigned  rejoicing  for  your  Lordship's  safe  arrival  into  this  Province  and 
that  have  expressed  their  submission  by  the  assurances  of  their  dutiful  compli- 
ance but  also  of  many  others  that  doe  from  their  hearts,  bid  and  say  your  Excel- 
lency is  right  welcome  into  this  Countrey. 

My  Lord: 

It  is  our  unhappiness  we  cannot  say  tis  in  the  name  of  the  whole  for  these 
wedges  that  have  been  formerly  forged,  these  last  four  years  have  been  tempered 
to  that  extream  hardnesse  that  have  split  the  County,  almost  into  two  halves, 
Yet  we  thank  God,  can  say  we  are  the  Chiefest  and  Greatest  Part. 

Sir: 

It  is  us  that  humbly  crave  leave  to  congratulate  your  Excellency's  extraordinary 
good  successe  in  the  negotiation  which  the  five  nations  of  Indians  which  is  of 
that  great  import  to  all  these  Her  Majesties  Northern  Dominions  as  well  as  this 
Province  and  to  expresse  our  gratefull  resentment  (satisfaction)  for  your  Lord- 
ships untired  Fatigues  and  Vigilance  in  fortifying  the  Frontiers  against  our  North- 
ern Enemies  upon  which  foundation  we  can  build  our  glowing  hopes  of  Security  as 
well  as  our  faith  to  believe  it  to  be  a  clear  manifestacon  and  undeniable  Proof 
of  your  Excellencies  great  care  and  conduct  and  will  of  necessity  oblige  every 
grateful  and  Loyal  Soul  cheerfully  to  contribute  not  only  with  heart  and  hand 
but  with  that  also  which  is  esteemed  the  Sinews  of  War. 

My  Lord: 

The  Ingratitude  of  the  nine  Leapers  putt  us  in  mind  to  return  with  the  tenth 
to  express  our  Duty  by  our  thankful  acknowledgement  for  those  particular  favors 
received  by  Commissionating  a  judge  of  our  Court  whose  affections  for  the  Eng- 
lishe  Interest  and  uprighteousnesse  the  most  malitious  cannot  blame,  and  the 
Sheriff  and  Clerks  Qualifications  not  to  be  ashamed  by  such  as  have  had  those 
places  in  the  time  of  the  two  late  Governors  these  favors  we  have  received  from 
your  Lordships  will  be  more  than  double  ties  to  us  to  make  it  our  whole  Study 
upon  all  occasions  to  manifest  our  Allegiance  and  Loyalty  to  Her  Majesty  and 
our  obedience  to  your  Excellency  against  all  the  open  and  Private  enemies  to 
the  English  Interest  and  your  Lordships  Administration. 

Sir: 

The  Fears  that  the  Threads  of  our  Ravelled  Expression  will  too  much  weary 
your  Lordship  to  wind  into  Clues  doth  hinder  us  from  uttering  more  of  our  sincere 
dutiful  Obedience  but  to  repeat  our  prayer  that  in  the  whole  course  of  your  Ex- 
cellency's administration  you  may  find  ease.  Tranquillity  and  happiness,  and  that 
it  may  be  Steady  and  durable  till  your  Lordship  be  removed  to  the  heavenly 
Kingdome  shall  be  our  constant  intercession  to  the  King  of  Kings. 

(Signed  by  twenty  nine  names.) 

This  a  true  copy  compared  with  the  original  remaining  in  the  Governors  hands. 

Pr.   Dan  Honan,   Secretary. 
New   York,  —  Col.    Docs.    N.   Y.    iv.    1009-10. 

Oct.   2,   1702. 


1702 


1702 


1502  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Church  of  ISTew  York.     Choice  of  Elders. 

Oct.  15,  1702. 

In  Consistory  of  Ruling  Elders  and  Deacons,  the  following 
Resolution  was  adopted. 

After  prayer,  the  Consistory  considered  whether  it  would  not 
be  well,  in  imitation  of  many  other  Dutch  Reformed  Churches, 
to  choose  for  Elders  any  fit  persons  from  the  members  of  our 
congregation,  although  they  have  never  before  been  Elders 
(Deacons?)  whenever  such  a  course  should  be  thought  to  further 
the  upbuilding  of  our  church.  They  approve  this  plan,  especially 
for  the  present,  on  account  of  the  great  mortality  which  has  pre- 
vailed this  year,  in  our  city.  Therefore  it  was  judged  proper  that 
the  Deacons  who  go  out  of  office,  if  they  should  be  chosen  imme- 
diately upon  their  going  out,  should  be  able  to  serve  in  the  Elder- 
ship. All  this  was  unanimously  resolved  and  confirmed,  by  the 
Ruling  Consistory,  Elders  and  Deacons,  on  Thursday,  Oct.  17, 
1702. 

Council  Journal. 

Gov.  Combury  recommends  Schools;  and  a  Chaplain. 

1702,  Oct.  20.  Governor  Cornbury,  in  his  first  address  to  the 
Assembly,  recommended  the  erecting  of  Public  Schools  in  proper 
places.     177. 

1702,  Oct.  20.  Ordered.  That  a  message  be  sent  to  the  House 
of  Representatives,  acquainting  them  of  the  usage  and  custom  of 
the  Parliament  of  England  to  appoint  a  Chaplain  to  read  prayers 
to  them  every  morning  before  they  proceed  on  business  that  day, 
and  to  desire  that  they  will  do  the  same.     177. 


OF  THE  State  of  iSTew  York.  1503 

Petition  of  the  Eldees  of  the  Dutch  Chueches  ik-  Kings  Co. 

(1702?) 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Lord  Viscount  Combury  her  Majesty's  Captain  General 
and  Governor  in  Chiefe  of  the  Province  of  New  Yorke  and  Territoryes  depend- 
ing thereon  in  America  etc.,  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same  etc.  The  humble 
petition  of  the  Elders  of  four  Dutch  Churches  in  Kings  County;  Brookland, 
Fflatbush,   Fflatlands  and  New  Utrecht  whose  names  are  underwritten. 

Humbly  Sheweth  Unto  your  Excellency  that  your  petitioners  of  late  were  impow- 
ered  by  the  people  of  their  several  townes  to  call  and  send  for  a  minister  either 
out  of  this  Province  or  out  of  Holland  to  instruct  them  in  their  mothei-'s  tongue 
in  the  place  of  their  late  Minister  Mr.  Lupardus  deceased  and  accordingly  had 
severall  meetings  about  said  matter,  and  at  last  concluded  to  address  your  Ex- 
cellency ffor  leave  to  send  ffor  and  call  one  Mr.  Bernardus  Ffreeman  Minister  of 
Schenechida  to  be  their  minister,  whereupon  may  it  please  your  Excellency  a 
petition  was  prepared  by  your  petitioners  ffor  that  end  and  sent  by  Coll.  Gerardus 
Beekman  to  your  Excellency  who  promised  the  delivery  of  it,  but  ffailed  in  his 
promise,  and  writt  us  a  letter  that  said  petition  was  not  well  penned,  and  that 
there  was  some  fifaults  therein,  and  therefore  would  not  deliver  said  peticon, 
soone  after  the  receipt  of  which  letter  your  petitioners  waited  upon  your  Excel- 
lency about  said  matter  at  Coll.  Merritts  and  your  Excellency  was  pleased  to  say 
you  would  give  us  an  answer  in  a  ffew  days  which  at  our  return  home  we  In- 
formed our  people  accordingly; 

Notwithstanding  all  this  a  great  part  of  the  people  of  said  townes  were  inraged 
with  your  petitioners  in  craving  your  Excellencyes  leaue  to  call  said  minister  and 
would  haue  noe  patience  to  waite  ffor  your  Excellencyes  answer,  but  fforthwith 
some  of  the  people  of  fflatbush  aforesaid  Craued  an  order  from  said  Coll.  Beek- 
man for  a  towne  meeting  which  was  granted,  and  in  said  towne  meeting  a  great 
party  of  said  people  grossly  affronted  and  abused  said  Joseph  Hegeman  one  of 
your  petitioners  and  Elders  as  aforesaid  ffor  not  sending  ffor  said  Ffreeman,  said 
Hegeman  told  them  that  he  had  waited  upon  your  Excellency  about  it,  but  would 
not  call  said  minister  before  he  had  your  Excellenceys  leaue,  to  that  severall  re- 
plyed,  that  your  Excellency  had  nothing  to  doo  with  it,  twas  their  priviledge  to 
send  ffor  what  minister  they  pleased  without  your  Excellencyes  leaue,  and  upon 
that  immediately  made  an  order  to  leaue  said  Hegeman  and  other  the  Elders  of 
Fflattbush  out,  and  at  said  time  chose  Daniel  Polhemus,  Aries  Van  der  bilt  and 
Inglebert  Lott  in  their  places  fforthwith  to  send  ffor  said  Ffreeman,  a  copy  of 
which  towne  order  has  bin  required  of  the  clerke  by  one  of  your  petitioners  which 
was  refused  saying  it  was  Cutt  out  of  the  towne  books  by  some  of  said  towne 
that  he  would  not  name,  soo  likewise  may  it  please  your  Excellency  the  irregular 
proceedings  in  this  affaire  at  Broockland  aforesaid  of  one  Claes  Vandyke  and 
Nicholas  Brower  who  went  lately  about  said  towne  taking  subscriptions  ffor  said 
minister  without  any  order  therefor,  soe  that  may  it  please  your  Excellency  your 
petitioners  lyes  under  a  great  hate  amongst  a  great  party  of  the  people  in  doeing 
only  their  duty,  said  people  noising  among  one  another  that  'tis  the  Elders  ffaults 
that  they  haue  not  said  Ffreeman  ffor  their  Minister. 

Your  Excellencyes  petitioners  therefore  humbly  prayes  that  your  Excellency 
would  be  pleased  to  grant  them  the  liberty  either  to  call  or  send  ffor  said  Mr. 
Bernardus  Ffreeman  to  be  their  minister  or  otherwise  to  send  to  Holland  ffor  a 
Minister  to  instruct  them  in  their  owne  language  according  to  the  rules  and 
methods  of  their  Church  discipline  and  ffor  your  Excellencyes  health  &  happiness 
your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

Derek   Amerman. 

Jores  Hanson. 

Joseph  Hegeman. 

Stoffel    Probaske. 

Gerret    Stoothoff. 

Jaques   Cortiljou. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  Hi.  pp.  89,  90. 


1702 


1702 


1504  Ecclesiastical  Records 

•^    Order  of  Council  Thereupon. 

(Council  Min.  ix.) 

In  Council;  20th  October,   1Y02. 

Present  liis  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  etc. 

William  Smith  Gerard  Beekman 

Sa  Sh  Broughton  Eip  Van  Dam 

Wm.  Lawrence  Caleb  Heathcote,  Esqs. 

John  Bridges  Doctor  of  Laws. 

The  petition  of  the  Elders  of  the  four  Dutch  Churches  in 
Kings  County  was  read  and  ordered  that  the  said  petitioners  or 
some  of  them  do  attend  the  Board  on  Thursday  morning  next 
at  ten  of  the  Clock,  and  make  good  the  allegations  in  the  petition ; 
and  ordered  that  Johannes  Schenck  To^^^l  Clerk  of  Flattbush  do 
appear  before  this  Board  at  the  same  time  and  bring  with  him 
the  book  of  the  orders  made  at  the  towne  meeting  of  the  Inhab- 
itants of  the  said  towne. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  90,  91. 

Depositions  Regarding  the  Above  Matter;  October  21,  1702. 

Then  appeared  before  me  Machiell  Hansen  Esq.,  one  of  her 
Majestyes  Justices  of  the  Peace  &  Quorum  ffor  King's  County  in 
ISTassaw  Island  Joras  Remsen  one  of  the  ffreeholders  in  said 
County  who  did  declare  upon  the  holy  Evangelists  that  Mcholas 
Brower  and  Claes  Vandyke  both  of  the  Township  of  Broockland 
in  said  County  on  or  about  the  sixteenth  day  of  this  Instant  Oc- 
tober came  to  his  house  at  Broockland  aforesaid  and  askt  him  if 
he  would  signe  with  them  to  a  paper  to  send  ifor  Mr.  ffreeman 
Minister  of  Schenectida  to  be  their  minister,  and  said  Joras  an- 
swered noe,  not  unless  all  the  people  alsoe  signe  &  ffurther  saith 
not  etc. 

Johannes  Sy^monse  one  of  the  ffreeholders  of  said  towne  of 
Broockland  alsoe  sworne  saith  that  on  or  about  the  sixteenth  day 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1505 

of  this  Instant  October  said  Nicholas  Brower  and  Claes  Vandyke 
Came  to  his  house  and  askt  him  if  he  would  signe  with  them  to 
send  ffor  Mr.  Ff reeman  Minister  of  Schenectada  to  be  their  Minis- 
ter and  if  he  would  signe  to  a  paper  with  them  ffor  the  Choosing 
of  three  men  in  the  place  of  the  Elders  of  said  Towne  to  send  ffor 
said  Minister,  and  he  answered  them  noe,  he  would  haue  nothing 
to  doe  with  it,  &  further  saith  not,  etc. 

Jacobus  Debeavois  one  of  the  ffreeholders  of  said  towne  of 
Broockland  alsoe  Came  before  me  and  being  sworne  saith  that  on 
or  about  the  sixteenth  da;^  of  this  Instant  October  said  JSTicholas 
Brower  and  Claes  Vandyke  Came  to  his  house  and  askt  him  if 
he  would  signe  with  them  to  a  paper  to  send  ffor  Mr.  Ffreeman 
Minister  of  Schenectada  to  be  their  Minister,  and  what  sume  of 
monyi  he  would  giue  yearly  ffor  his  maintenance,  and  if  he  would 
alsoe  signe  to  a  paper  ffor  the  Choosing  of  Benjamin  Van  de 
water,  William  Bennet  and  Jacob  ffardon  in  the  place  of  the 
Elders  of  said  towne  to  send  ffor  said  Minister,  and  he  answered 
them  he  would  haue  nothing  to  doe  with  it,  and  said  Nicholas 
soon  after  told  said  Jacobus  that  he  had  gott  about  thirty  hands 
that  had  signed  to  said  paper,  but  the  said  Jacobus  saith  he  saw 
noe  order  that  the  said  Nicholas  and  Claes  had  for  soe  doing  & 
ffurther  saith  not  etc. 

Jurant  coram  me  anno  et  die  super  diet. 

Miggiel  Hansen,  Justus. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  91. 

^   EuBTHER  Order  of  Council.. 
(Council  Min.) 

In  Council,  22nd  October,  1Y02. 

Present  as  before,  except  Coll.  Heathcote. 

The  Elders  of  the  four  Dutch  Churches  in  Kings  County  to- 
gether with  the  Town  Clerk  of  the  Town  of  fflatbush  appeared 
before  this  Board  in  obedience  to  an  order  of  the  20th  Instant, 
95 


1702 


1702 


1506  Ecclesiastical  Records 

and  the  said  Towne  Clerk  being  examined  Confessed  that  the 
order  made  at  the  Town  Meeting  at  fflatbiish  was  taken  out  of  the 
said  Town  book  by  Aries  Vanderbelt  and  himself,  and  that  it  now 
is  in  the  said  Aries  Vanderbelt's  custody.  Ordered  that  the  said 
Town  Clerk  do  immediately  Deliver  to  this  Board  the  Contents  of 
the  said  Order,  in  writing  so  near  as  he  can  remember,  which 
being  done  It  is  ordered  that  the  said  Aries  Vanderbelt  do  ap- 
peare  before  this  Board  to-morrow  morning  at  ten  of  the  clock 
and  that  said  Town  Clerk  do  attend  at  the  said  time. —  Doc.  Hist. 
K  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  91,  92. 


v^  Petition  of  the  Consistory  on  Long  Island,   October  23, 
1702,  to  Call  Rev.  Freeman  of  Schenectady. 

(1)  To  his  Excellency,  Edward,  Lord  Viscount  Cornbury,  her  Majesty's  Captain 
General  and  Governor  General  of  the  Province  of  New  York  and  Territories 
depending  thereon  in  America,    and  Vice-Admiral  of  the   same: 

The  humble  petition  of  the  Elders  of  the  four  Dutch  churches  in  the  several  vil- 
lages of  Breukelen,  Vlaktebosch,  New  Amersfoort  and  New  Uitrecht,  In  Kings 
County,  on  the  Island  of  Nassau,  whose  names  are  here  under  written  — 

Humbly  sheweth  —  To  your  Excellency,  that  her  Majesty's  subjects  of  the  Dutch 
nation,  in  said  county,  have  always,  for  some  years  past,  indeed,  ever  since  this 
province  has  been  in  the  possession  of  the  English  Crown,  enjoyed  liberty  as  to 
their  divine  service;  and  have  had  the  right  to  send  to  Holland  for  their  minis- 
ters, who  nurture  and  instruct  them,  in  their  own  language;  and  they  have  also 
had  the  privilege  to  use  their  own  methods  of  church  discipline,  but  always  with 
due  submission  (to  the  government);  even  as  they  have  had  permission  from  the 
present  Governor  so  to  act;  of  these  favors  they  have  already  made  use,  and  for 
them  they  are  very  grateful. 

Now  may  it  please  your  Excellency,  the  minister  of  your  Excellency's  peti- 
tioners has  lately  died,  (Lupardus):  and  considering  the  great  necessity  of  a  min- 
ister among  us  in  these  deplorable  times  and  days  of  visitations,  as  well  as  the 
long,  and  at  present  also  dangerous  passage,  in  these  times  of  war,  if  we  send 
to  Holland:  and  having  come  upon  a  minister  without  any  salary,  as  he  says,  a 
certain  Mr.  Freerman,  lately  minister  at  Schenectady,  whom  our  people  and 
church-assembly  admire  very   much:     Therefore 

Your  Excellency's  petitioners  most  humbly  request  permission  and  liberty  to 
call  him,  and  to  send  for  and  confirm  the  said  Mr.  Freerman  to  be  the  minister  of 
the  said  four  churches,  pursuant  to  their  former  customs  and  the  Rules  of  their 
church  discipline;  and  as  in  duty  bound  they  will  ever  pray  for  your  Excellency's 
health  and  happiness. 

Joseph  Hegeman  The  mark    X    of 

Gerrit   Stoothof  Jan  Fredrick 

Daniel   Rapalie  Jaques  Corteljou 

Dirck   Amerman  Stoffel  Probasco 

Joris  Hansen  The  mark    X    o' 

The  mark    X    of  Gysbert  Tysselane 

Claas  Wykhof  Meijndert  Koerten. 


or  THE  State  of  New  York.  1507 

V   Answer  of  the  GoTernor. 

(2)  By  his  Excellency,  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury,  Captain  General  and  Governor 
of  the  Province  of  New  York  and  Territories  dependiag  thereon  in  America, 
and  Vice-Admiral  of  the  same. 

The  within  petition  having  duly  been  considered,  and  having  been  sufficiently 
informed  that  Mr.  Bernardus  Freerman  has  not  behaved  well  in  the  continuation 
and  encouragement  of  the  dissensions  among  the  people  of  this  province,  I  do 
not  think  it  to  accord  with  her  Majesty's  service,  that  said  Mr.  Freerman  should 
be  admitted  to  the  call,  as  requested  in  said  petition,  and  the  petitioners  are 
hereby  ordered  neither  to  call  nor  to  receive  said  Freerman.  But  liberty  is  here- 
with given  to  them  to  send  to  Holland  or  any  other  place,  for  such  a  minister 
as  they  shall  think  fit,  according  to  their  old  customs. 

Given  at  Jamaica,  in  Queens  County,  this  23rd  of  October  1702.. 

Corenbury. 

Doc.  Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.  iii.   92. 

New  York  the  16th  of  May  1706.  Translated  from  the  original  English  petition 
and   answered  by 

Abrah.   Gouverneur, 

Interpreter   and   Translator. 

This  copy,  having  been  compared  with  the  original  agrees  with  it  in  every  part. 
In  testimony  whereof  our  hands  — 

V.   Antonides,   Minister  at  Midwoud. 
Gualtherus  du  Bois,  Minister  at  New  York. 
Henricus  Beis,   V.D.M.,   at  Kingstowne. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Somethiiig  about  the  Conventus  of  Suriname. 

1Y02,  !N'ov.  Yth.  Rev.  Domine  Zeegers  reports,  that  in  pur- 
suance of  the  resolution,  to  be  seen  in  the  preceding  acta,  he 
communicated  to  the  Hon.  Burgomaster,  John  Hudde,  the  griev- 
ances mentioned  in  the  aforesaid  acta.  He  then  handed  them  over 
to  Mr.  Pensionary  Buys,  to  be  considered  at  the  meeting  of  the 
Messrs.  Directors  of  the  Society  of  Suriname  (for  sending  min- 
isters thither.)     ix.  24.     xix.  266. 

Convention  of  Anglican  Chuech  in  New  York,  Novembee 

1702. 

The  Episcopalians  felt  the  need  of  some  sort  of  united  action 
for  the  extension  of  their  denomination.  Gov.  Nicholson  of  Yir- 
ginia  issued  a  call  for  a  meeting  of  the  Episcopal  clergy  in  New 
York  in  November  1702.  Seven  of  their  Ministers  met  there, 
viz..  Revs.  John  Talbot,  John  Bartow,  George  Keith,  Alexander 
3 


1702 


1702 


1508  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

Innes,  Edmond  Mott,  Evan  Evans  and  Mr.  Vesey.  Gov.  Mchol- 
son  gave  twenty  five  pounds  towards  defraying  the  expenses  of 
the  meeting,  which  lasted  for  a  week.  Measures  were  discussed 
and  devised  for  the  extension  of  the  Gospel.  Stress  was  laid  on 
the  need  of  Episcopal  services,  and  an  earnest  wish  was  expressed 
that  a  suffragan  might  be  sent  out  from  England.  A  statement 
of  the  condition  of  the  Church  was  prepared  to  send  to  England 
so  as  to  show  the  necessity  of  a  suffragan.  But  it  received  but 
little  attention  in  England. 

[Coll.  P.  E.  Hist.  Soc.  185,  xv.  xxi,  xxxiii. ;  letter  of  Bartow, 
^ov.  4,  1702,  to  Mr.  Whitefield,  ^.  Y.  Gen.  Conv.  MSS.] 

ISTovember,  15.  Mr.  Keith  again  preached  in  jSTew  York,  on 
Rev.  3 :  20,  "  Behold  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock,  etc.,"  it  being 
Sacrament  day.  On  jSTovember  22,  he  again  preached,  on  Rom. 
6:  IT,  18,  "  But  God  be  thanked  that  ye  were  the  servants  of  sin, 
but  ye  have  obeyed  etc.,"  Rev.  Mr.  Talbot  preached  in  the  after- 
noon. Gov.  Cornbury  invited  them  to  dine  with  him  on  these  two 
Sundays  and  at  other  times.  Keith  in  writing  to  the  Society, 
says:     "My  Lord  Cornbury  invited  us  to  dine  with  him  at  Eort 

Henry,  as  accordingly  we  did  after  sermon There 

is  a  brave  congregation  of  people  belonging  to  the  Church  here, 
as  well  as  a  very  fine  f abrick  of  a  church,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey^ 
very  much  esteemed  and  loved  for  his  ministry  and  good  life ;  and 
the  like  I  can  say  of  all  the  other  ministers  of  the  Church,  where 
I  have  travelled,  as  at  Boston,  at  Rhode  Island  and  Philadelphia." 

The  Bishop  of  London  requested  the  Commissioners  of  Trade 
to  provide  a  house  for  Mr.  Vesey;  for  King  William  had  allowed 
twenty  six  pounds  annually  for  rent  of  a  house  for  Trinity's  min- 
ister. Also  as  one  hundred  and  ten  acres  in  Worcester  Co.,  1^.  Y. 
had  been  escheated  to  the  Queen  by  the  death  of  one  Thomas 
Williams,  they  were  requested  to  settle  this  land  upon  Trinity 
Church  for  the  support  of  a  minister. —  Dix,  143. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1509 

Rev.  John  Taebot  to  Mr.  Gillingham. 

New   York   24th  November,    1702. 

The   Clergy  here   have   had   a   sort   of  convocation   at   the 

instance  and  charge  of  his  Excellency,  Colonel  Nicholson,  Governor  of  Virginia, 
we  were  but  seven  in  all,  and  a  week  together  we  Sat  considering  of  ways  and 
means  to  propagate  the  Gospel,  and  to  that  end  we  have  drawn  up  a  scheme  of 
the  present  State  of  the  Church  in  these  provinces,  which  you  shall  see  when  I 
have  time  to  transcribe  it,  and  I  shall  desire  you  to  send  it  afterwards  to  my 
good  brother  Kemble.  We  have  great  need  of  a  bishop  here  to  visit  all  the 
Churches,  to  ordain  some,  to  confirm  others,  and  bless  all. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol. 
iii.    p.    251 

Church  of  Kinderhook.     [Rev.]  Paul  Van  Vleck. 
(Council  Min.  ix.) 

In  Council,  12  N"ovember,  1702. 

His  Excellency  in  Council  being  informed  that  one  Paulus  van 
Vleck  hath  lately  wandered  about  the  country  preaching  notwith- 
standing he  hath  been  formerly  forbidden  by  his  Excellency  to 
do  the  same  and  is  lately  called  by  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
Kinderhook  to  be  their  Clerk  without  any  License  from  his  Ex- 
cellency for  so  doing.  It  is  hereby  ordered  that  the  high  Sheriff 
of  the  county  of  Albany  do  take  care  to  send  the  said  Van  Vleck 
dowa  by  the  first  opportunity  to  answer  his  contempt  before  tliis 
board. —  Doc.  Hist.  K  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  538. 

Dd.  to  Coll.  Schuyler. 

Council  Journal.  Cornbury  Advised  Not  to  Press  His 
"Secret  Instructions  as  to  Teachers,  Too  Far."  (See 
Jan.  29,  1702,  No.  65.) 

1702,  'Nov.  20.  Col.  Wm.  Smith,  Chairman  of  the  Committee 
of  the  Council  to  whom  the  Bill  for  the  Encouragement  of  a 
Grammar  Free  School  in  the  city  of  New  York  was  committed 
by  this  Board  for  report,  does  humbly  offer  to  his  Excellency 
that  upon  perusal  of  that  part  of  his  Excellenc;^'s  "  Instructions  " 
relating  to  schoolmasters  within  this  colony,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing: "  That  no  schoolmaster  be  permitted  to  come  from  England 
and  to  keep  a  school  within  this  pro\dnce  without  the  license  of 


1702 


1702 


1510  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  Eight  Rev.  Father  in  God  Henry,  Lord  Bishop  of  London,  and 
that  no  person  now  there,  or  that  shall  come  from  other  parts  be 
permitted  to  keep  school  without  your  license  first  obtained  "  : 
We  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  his  Excellency  ought  not  to  press 
the  said  Bill  otherwise  than  is  directed  by  that  clause  of  his  Ex- 
cellency's Instructions,  and  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  House 
of  Representatives  to  make  such  amendments  in  the  said  Bill  as 
is  agreeable  thereunto.    Bill  sent  back  to  Assembly.    185. 

Amendment  to  his  "  Instructions." 

1702,  ISTov.  25.  Col.  Wm.  Smith,  Chairman  of  the  Committee 
of  the  Council  to  whom  the  Bill  for  the  encouragement  of  a 
Grammar  Free  School  in  the  City  of  Kew  York  was  re-committed, 
does  report  to  this  Hon.  Board:  That  all  be  left  out  after  the 
words  "  Queen  Mary  "  in  the  tenth  line  of  the  second  sheet,  and 
instead  thereof,  the  following  proviso  to  be  inserted:  "  Provided 
always  that  such  schoolmaster,  if  chosen  from  England,  then  to 
be  licensed  by  the  Right  Rev.  Father  in  God,  the  Lord  Bishop  of 
London,  and  approved  of  by  the  Governor  or  Commander  in 
Chief  of  this  province  for  the  time  being;  and  in  case  any  fit  per- 
son shall  be  here  found  for  the  discharge  of  that  duty,  as  well  as 
upon  any  vacancy  that  may  hereafter  happen  upon  the  death, 
absence  or  disability  of  such  schoolmaster,  that  then  and  in  such 
case  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  'New  York  for  the  time 
being,  shall  and  may  recommend  to  the  Governor  or  Commander 
in  Chief  of  this  pro\dnce  for  the  time  being,  such  fit  person, 
qualified  as  is  aforesaid,  for  license  and  approbation,  which  is 
always  to  be  had  and  obtained  before  such  schoolmaster  be  en- 
titled to  the  salary  aforesaid,  anything  herein  contained  to  the 
contrary  thereof  notwithstanding ".  Passed,  as  amended,  and 
sent  down  to  the  House.  186.  Disagreed  to,  and  conference 
requested,  186. 

The  conference  agreed  to  the  following  substitute  for  the  last 
proviso : —    "  Provided  always  that  such  schoolmaster  shall  from 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1511 

time  to  time  as  a  vacancy  happens,  be  chosen  and  recommended 
by  the  Common  Coimcil  of  the  said  city  for  the  time  being,  in 
order  to  be  licensed  and  approved  by  the  Eight  Honorable,  the 
Bishop  of  London,  for  the  time  being,  or  the  Governor  or  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  this  province  for  the  time  being,  anything 
herein  contained  to  the  contrary  thereof  in  any  ways  notvvdth- 
standing."  187.  Approved,  and  sent  down  to  the  House.  187-8. 
Enacted  189. 

[See   "The  Watch   Tower",   1755.     Riker,   135-8.] 

An  Act  for  Encouragement  of  a  Grammer  Free  School  in 
THE  City  of  jSTew  York. 

(Passed,  November  27,  1702.) 

The  Major,  Aldermen  and  Comonaity  of  the  City  of  New  York  having  Represented 
unto  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Province  the  great  necessity  there  is  of  having 
a  Free-School  in  the  said  City,  for  the  Educacon  and  Instruction  of  Youth  and 
Male  Children;  That  such  Pious  and  Necessary  work  may  receive  due  encourage- 
ment, Be  it  Enacted  by  his  Excellency  the  Governour  and  Council,  and  Representa- 
tives Convened  in  General  Assembly,  and  by  Authority  of  the  Same,  that  there 
shall  be  hereafter  Elected,  Chosen,  Lycensed,  Authorized  and  appointed  one  able 
Skillfull  and  Orthodox  person  to  be  School-Master,  for  the  Education  and  Instruc- 
tion of  Youth  and  Male  Children  of  Such  Parents  as  are  of  French  and  Dutch  Ex- 
traction, as  well  as  of  the  English,  may  come  and  be  Instructed  in  the  Languages, 
or  other  Learning  usually  taught  in  Grammar  Schools.  And  for  the  Encouragement 
of  Such  School-Master.  Be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid.  That 
henceforward  Annually  there  shall  be  in  the  said  City  Assessed,  Leveyed,  Col- 
lected and  paid  for  the  Space  or  term  of  Seven  yeares,  the  Sum  of  fifty  pounds 
Current  money  of  New  York,  for  the  Maintainance  of  the  said  School  Master,  which 
said  sum  of  fifty  pounds  shall  be  Assessed.  Leveyed,  Collected  and  paid  by  Such 
Persons,  at  Such  times,  in  Such  Manner,  and  proportions,  and  under  such  penaltyes 
Respectively  as  is  provided  for  the  Assessing,  Leveying,  Collecting  and  paying  of 
the  Sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  P  Ann  for  the  Minister  of  New  York,  by  an  Act  of 
Assembly,  Intituled,  an  Act  for  Settling  a  Ministry,  and  Raising  a  Maintainance  for 
them  in  the  City  of  New  York,  County  of  Richmond,  West  Chester  and  Queens 
County,  made  in  the  fourth  year  of  King  William  and  Queen  Mary.  Provided  al- 
wayes,  that  Such  School-Master  shall,  from  time  to  time,  as  a  vacancy  happens,  be 
Chosen  and  Recomended  by  the  Comon  Council  of  the  said  City  for  the  time  being, 
in  order  to  be  Lycensed  and  approved  by  the  Right  Honorable  the  Bishop  of  London 
or  the  Governor  or  Comander  in  Cheif  of  this  Province,  for  the  time  being,  anything 
herein  Contained  to  the  Contrary  thereof  in  any  ways  notwithstanding. —  Colonial 
Laws  of  New  York,  Vol.  1.  pp.  516,  517. 

An  Act  for  the  Better  Support  and  Maintenance  of  the 
Poor  in  the  City  of  jSTew  York  for  the  Future. 

(Passed,   November  27,   1702.) 

Whereas  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Comon  Council  of  the  City  of  New  York,  have 
Represented  unto  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Province,  that  in  the  late  Calam- 
itous Distemper,  which  it  please  Almighty  God  to  afl3ict  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said 
City,  the  number  and  necessitys  of  the  Poor  were  much  increased;  and  the  Sum  of 
Money  raised  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Poor  in  the  said  City,  was  farr  short  of 
giving  them  a  necessary  Support  in  this  Emergency,  for  Remedy  whereof  and  for 
the  better  Support  and  maintainance,  for  the  future.  Be  it  Enacted  by  his  Excel- 
lency the  Governor  and  Council  and  Representatives  Convened  in  General  Assembly, 
and  by  Authority  of  the  Same.  That  hence  forth  it  shall  and  may  be  LawfuU  for 
Such  persons  as  are  Impowered  to  Raise  and  provide  for  the  Maintainance  of  the 
Minister  and  the  Poor  of  the  said  City,  Annually  in  the  Month  of  January,  upon  any 
such  Emergency,  or  whensoever  a  necessary  Support  or  Supply  for  Maintainance 
of  the  Poor  of  the  said  City,  shall  be  wanted,  at  any  other  time,  throughout  the 


1702 


1702 


1512  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

whole  year  to  Assemble  and  meet  together,  and  make  Such  further  necessary  requi- 
site supply  by  a  Tax  upou  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  City,  for  the  use  of  the 
Poor,  as  they  shall  Judge  Sufticient  not  Exceeding  three  himdred  pounds  money  of 
this  Colony  for  one  year  to  be  leveyed,  Assessed,  Collected  and  paid  by  Such  per- 
sons, &  in  Such  manner,  and  under  like  penaltyes  respectively,  as  are  provided  in 
the  Act  of  Assembly  of  this  Province,  Entituled,  An  Act  for  Settling  a  Ministry 
and  raising  a  Maintainance  for  them  in  the  City  of  New  York  etc.  made  in  the 
fourth  Year  of  King  William  and  Queen  Mary,  anything  in  the  said  Act,  or  any 
other  to  the  Contrary  thereof  in  any  vvayes  notwithstanding. 

Provided,  That  this  Act,  nor  anything  therein  Contained,  shall  he  of  force  any 
Longer  than  for  the  Space  and  time  of  two  years  from  the  publishing  hereof. — 
Colonial  Laws  of  New  York,  Vol.  1.  pp.  507,  -508. 

Rev.  Geo.  Keith  to  the  Society  foe  the  Pkopagation  of  the 

Gospel. 

(1702.) 

Last  Sunday  I  preached  here  at  New  York  in  the  forenoon 

before  his  Excellency,  Lord  Cornbury,  at  the  desire  of  Mr.  Vesey,  minister  of  the 
Church  of  England  here.  My  Lord  Cornbury  invited  us  to  dine  with  him  at  Fort 
Henry,  as  accordingly  we  did  after  sermon,  and  at  several  other  times  at  his  de- 
sire we  dined  with  him.  There  is  a  brave  congregation  of  people  belonging  to 
the  Church  here,  as  well  as  a  very  fine  fabric  of  a  church,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey 
very  much  esteemed  and  loved  both  for  his  ministry  and  good  life,  and  the  like 
I  can  say  of  all  the  other  ministers  of  the  Church,  where  I  have  travelled  as  at 
Boston,    at   Rhode   Island,    and   Philadelphia. 

For  an  instance  of  his  Excellency,  my  lord  Cornbury,  his  good  and  cordial  affec- 
tions to  the  Church,  and  to  us  as  ministers  thereof,  I  send  to  your  lordships  the 
inclosed  recommendations  he  has  been  pleased  to  give  me  to  all  the  Justices  of  the 
Peace  in  his  government,  occasioned  by  the  late  abusive  entertainment  I  mett 
from  the  Quakers  in  their  meeting  at  Flushing  on  Long  Island,  concerning  which 
I  complained  to  his  Excellency.  Before  we  go  out  of  this  province,  we  design  to 
visit  the  Quakers  again  att  Flushing,  and  in  some  other  parts,  and  to  try  what 
influence   my   lord's   recommendation   will    have   upon  them   to   give   me    a   hearing 

without  interruption. —  Doc.   Hist.    N.    Y.   Vol.   iii.  p.   251 

New  Y'ork,  29  November,    1702. 

Certificate  in  Favor  of  Mr.  Paul  Van  Vleck. 

Kinderliook  tlie  30th  I^ovember,  Anno  Doniini  1702. 

In  the  first  year  of  the  Eeign  of  her  Majesty  Anne,  Queen  of 
England,  Scotland,  Ireland  and  Erance,  Defender  of  the  Eaith, 
"We  the  undersigned  inhabitants  of  Kinderhook  patent  acknowl- 
edge and  Declare  that  Pauliis  Van  Vleg  during  the  whole  of  the 
time  that  he  hath  resided  here  and  since  he  was  accepted  as  Pre- 
centor and  schoolmaster  of  our  church  hath  tinily  comported 
himself  to  the  great  content  of  our  congregation,  and  that,  in  all 
the  time  he  was  forbidden  to  preach  he  hath  never  preached  in 
house  or  barn  or  in  any  place  in  Kinderliook,  but  that  he  per- 
formed the  office  of  precentor  as  one  Hendrick  Abelsen,  before 
his  death,  hath  done  at  Kinderhook;  We  have  received  said 
Paulus  van  Vleg  because  one  Joghem  Lamersen  (who  was  our 


OF  THE  State  of  I!^ew  York.  1513 

precentor  here)  hath  resigned  the  precentorship  and  frequently 
complained  that  he  could  not  perform  its  duties  any  longer.  We 
further  declare  that  the  above  named  Paulus  van  Vleg  never  took 
away  the  key  of  our  church,  but  that  we  brought  it  to  him  in  his 
house. 

Yohannes  van  Alen      Coenraet  Borghgrdt 
Abram  van  Alstyn        Lammert  van  Yansan. 

10  December  1702  Ordered  that  the  above  parties  attend  the 
Council  to  answer  all  matters  to  be  objected  against  them. —  Doc. 
Hist.  K  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  539. 

Rev.  Peter  Peiret's  Petition. 

(1702.) 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount,  Cornbury,  Governor  Generall  and  Commander 
in  Cliief  of  the  Province  of  New  York  etc. 

The    humble    petition    of    Peter    Peiret,*    Minister    of    the    french    Congregation    in 
this  City. 

Humbly  Sheweth  That  Milord  Bellomont  in  Council  taking  in  Consideration  how 
little  both  Mr.  Vezey  and  your  Petitioner  did  receive  from  their  Congregations 
for  their  annual  maintenance  did  order  that  a  sume  should  be  paid  to  them  both 
out  of  the  revenues  of  this  Province  every  year  as  an  help  to  themselves  and 
family  to  keep  up  the  said  ministers  in  a  capacity  better  to  serve  their  said  Con- 
gregations not  Considerable  enough  by  themselves  to  allow  the  said  Ministers 
sufficient  annuall  salary. 

.That  in  pursuance  to  that  order  both  Mr.  Vezey  and  your  Petitioner  were 
granted  Warrants  for  a  yearly  pension  ending  on  the  1st  of  May  1699.  But  time 
and  minds  altering  a  little  while  after  the  said  pension  was  stopped,  and  your 
petitioner  deprived  of  the  seme. 

Your  petitioner  therefore  most  humbly  represent  to  your  Excellency  that  by 
his  great  age  and  numerous  family  being  in  greater  necessity  than  ever  of  such 
succours  he  most  humbly  and  most  earnestly  desire  your  Excellency  to  use  him 
with  de  same  bounty  he  doth  hear  Mr.  Vesey  has  been  allouing  the  same  pention 
for  &   from   the  very  same   time. 

And  your  petitioner  as  In  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray. 

Read  in  Council  10  December  1702  and  warrants  issued  for  sixty  pounds. —  Doc. 
Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   p.   250. 

»^  Lord  Cornbury^  to  the  Lords  of  Trade  ox  Leisler's  At- 
tainder. 

December  12,   1702. 


1702 


One  of  the  things  which  has  the  most  buoyed  up  that   party  (I   mean   Leisler's 
faction)    is  the   Act   of   Parliament   passed   in   England   in   the   year   1695    Intituled 


•  The  Rev.  Mr.  Peiret  of  whom  mention  is  made  in  Vol.  ii.  p.  247,  and  from  whom 
there  is  a  petition  dated  October  1697,  was  allowed  a  pension  of  twenty  pounds  per 
annum  until  his  death,  which  occurred  about  the  forepart  of  170.5.  He  left  a  widow 
and  five  children.  He  was  succeeded,  it  would  appear,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Laborie  in 
May  1706.     See  Corwln's  Manual,  4th  edition. 


1703 


1514  Ecclesiastical  Records 

An  Act  for  revising  the  Attainder  of  Jacob  Leisler  and  others,  By  which  Act 
they  pretend  that  Leisler  was  intituled  to  the  Government  of  this  Province  by 
an  Act  of  General  Assembly  and  that  he  was  since  confirmed  in  the  same  by  the 
late  King's  letter  dated  the  13th  day  of  July  1698.  But  the  persons  that  solicited 
that  Act  in  England  had  not  ingenuity  enough  to  acquaint  the  two  houses  of 
Parliament  that  the  Assembly  which  gave  him  that  Authority  was  an  Assembly 
called  by  himself,  after  he  had  by  violence  disposest  the  King's  Lieutenant  Gov- 
ernour  that  then  was;  So  that  the  Authority  he  claimed  was  derived  from  a  body 
of  men  authorized  by  himself  who  had  no  power  to  call  them  together,  conse- 
quently an  illegal  Assembly;  And  I  conceive  no  illegal  Assembly  can  grant  a 
lawfull  Authority.  I  say  more  upon  this  head  than  I  should  have  done,  were  I 
not  well  convinced  that  the  aforementioned  Act  of  Parliament  is  the  main  founda- 
tion that  faction  builds  upon,  and  I  doe  really  believe  that  if  an  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment were  passed  in  England  to  explain  the  above  mentioned  Act  of  1C95,  it 
would  contribute  more  to  the  quieting  the  disturbances  here,  than  any  thing  else 
can  doe;  for  till  then  they  say  that  Leisler  was  a  lawfull  Governour,  and  that 
the  Parliament  of  England  have  declared  him  so;  though  I  am  pretty  well  assured 
that  the  Parliament  of  England  certainly  intended  not  to  justify  the  plain  open 
Rebellion  of  the  Father,  but  only  to  do  an  Act  of  favour  to  the  son,  who  was  not 
guilty  of  the  father's  crime  But  another  use  has  been  made  here  of  that  Act. — 
Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1018. 


CoNVERSIOlSr    OF    THE    INDIANS.       SiX   MISSIONARIES    ISTeEDED. 

"A  memorial  was  received  by  the  Society  P.  G.  in  1703,   from  Robert 

Livingstone,  Secretary  of  Indian  Affairs  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  asking  for 
the  appointment  of  six  men,  of  youth,  learning,  and  orthodoxy,  to  go  as  mission- 
aries to  the  Indians,  and  suggesting  that  each  should  have  a  couple  of  youths  with 
him  to  learn  the  language  and  assist  in  the  work,  and  that  a  house  should  be 
built  for  each  minister  at  each  of  the  Indian  Castles  ".—  Hawkins,  264.  Gen.  Epis. 
Con.  MSS.  i.  24.     Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1074-77. 


Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 

Jan.  7,  1Y03. 

Whereas  it  was  Eesolved  by  tlie  Euling  Elders  and  Deacons  on 
March  17,  1701;  that  the  so-called  Poor  house  and  Ground  in 
"Schape  Wytye/'  between  Jesse  Kip  and  Adrian  ver  Plank, 
should  be  sold  by  the  Deacons  to  the  highest  bidder;  and  the 
same  was  sold  by  them  to  Eranz  van  Dyk;  therefore,  notwith- 
standing all  the  documents  and  papers  pertaining  thereto  are  not 
now  i^  hand,  the  entire  Consistory  of  Elders  and  Deacons  have 
Resolved,  That  the  Deacons  should  make  out  a  deed  in  proper 
form,  and  that  the  Elders  and  Deacons  and  their  successors,  all 
qualitate  qua,  agree  to  free  the  purchaser  from  any  subsequent 
claims,  for  all  time. 

Thus  done  on  Thursday,  Jan.  7,  1703. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1515 

On  the  same  day  the  Church  Masters,  being  present  in  Con- 
sistory, requested  that  body,  inasmuch  as  they  had  no  orders  to 
direct  them,  to  give  proper  orders  to  them.  The  Consistory  re- 
plied that  inasmuch  as  they  were  Church  Masters,  and  so  by 
nature,  not  church  servants,  they  should  henceforth  receive  no 
orders  from  the  Consistory  respecting  the  Church  Building,  or 
what  relates  to  its  maintenance  and  repair  —  except  matters  per- 
taining to  the  edification  of  the  congregation.  On  the  other  hand, 
the  Consistory  leave  it  henceforth  to  the  Church  Masters  to  make 
such  orders  or  repairs  as  they  may  deem  expedient.  All  this  shall 
hold  good,  provided  they  be  first  approved  and  ratified  by  the 
Consistory. 

Done  in  our  Church  Meeting,  Jan.  7,  1T03. 

—  Lib.  B.  p.  39. 

Lords  of  Trade  to  Lord  Cornbury. 

Eastchester  not  to  be  a  distinct  Parish. 

1T03,   Jan.   26. 


1703 


P.  S.  Since  the  writing  of  this  letter,  upon  consideration  of  the  Act  for  de- 
claring the  Town  of  East  Chester  to  be  a  distinct  Parish  etc.  And  of  the  reasons 
offered  to  us  against  it  by  the  Right  Reverend  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London,  We 
have  prepared  a  report  to  be  laid  before  her  Majesty  with  Our  humble  opinion 
that  the  same  be  disallowed.     [See  Aug.  1,  1701.]  —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  Iv.  1026. 


/      Order  for  the  Prosecution  of  Mr.  Justice  Talman,  foe 

Sceptical  REiSkiARKS. 

In  Councill,  28th  January,  1702   [1703?] 

His  Excellency  was  pleased  to  Communicate  to  this  board  two  aflSdavits  taken 
before  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  of  Queens  County  which  were  read,  the  one  accusing 
John  Tallman  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  said  County  of  saying  that  the  Scriptures 
were  not  the  rule  they  being  wrote  by  sinfull  men  of  the  lilie  passions  as  we  are 
and  the  other  accusing  the  said  Tallman  for  saying  that  the  holy  scriptures  was 
a  Rule  but  not  the  Rule  we  should  walk  by. 

On  consideration  whereof  his  Excellency  Declares  his  Resolution  of  Removing 
the  said  Tallman  from  being  one  of  the  Justices  of  The  Peace  of  the  said  County 
And  on  further  Consideration  thereof  his  Excellency  &  Councill  are  of  opinion  that 
the  said  Tallman  be  further  prosecuted  and  so  direct  the  Att.  Generall  to  prose- 
cute the  said  Tallman  for  the  same  at  the  next  Supreme  Court  of  Judicature. — 
Doc.  Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   p.   124. 


1703 


1516  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Depositions  Against  Justice  Whitehead,   Concerning  the 

Sabbath,  Etc. 

Queens  County  February  Srd,  1702-3  [1703.] 

This  day  Samuel  Smith  of  the  Littell  Plaines  came  before  me  John  Smith  Esq., 
one  of  her  Majesty's  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  Queens  County  and  being  upon  his 
oath  Deposed  that  Jonathan  Whitehead  Eqs.,  one  of  her  Majesty's  Justices,  de- 
clared unto  the  said  Deponent  that  it  was  his  opinion  that  Religion  was  onely  an 
Inuention  of  cunning  men  to  gett  thaire  liuing  by;  and  further  this  Deponent  saith 

'jurato  Coram  me,  Jolm   Smith. 

And  I  the  said  John  Smith  Esq.,  Doe  humbly  certifle  that  the  abouesaid  Jonathan 
Whitehead,  Esq.  being  leatelv  at  mv  house  I  the  said  John  Smith  tooke  him  into 
examination  for  setting  out  on  a  Journey  with  his  Pourt  mantel  behind  him  upon 
a  Sabbath  Dav.  I  told  him  he  being  a  Justice  ought  in  a  particular  manner  to  talje 
ceare  not  to  give  such  examples.  He  tould  me  he  thought  there  ought  to  be  no 
difference  of  davs  and  that  if  it  should  be  so  ordered  now  as  to  obsarue  Thursday 
in  a  hundred  years  it  would  be  as  Religiously  obsarued  as  the  Sabbath  now  is  and 
seurall  other  expressions  he  used  which  tended  to  nothing  less  than  Atheism  and 
the  discouragement  of  Christianity.  „     .^, 

Witness  my  hand,  John  Smith. 

Pfebruary  24. 
I  Joseph  Baylev  formerly  of  Huntington  haueing  my  present  being  at  Justice  John 
Smith  and  sorne  "time  in  January  a  gentleman  came  there  whom  I  knew  not  sitting 
by  the  fire  and  after  some  discoi-s  Justice  Smith  charged  the  gentleman  with  Breach 
of  the  Sabbath  hee  replied  he  Brooke  not  the  Sabbath  for  hee  was  at  Church  m 
the  forenoone  and  roode  to  Newtowne  in  the  afternoone  Justice  Smith  had  further 
discorse  with  him  and  he  made  replie  that  if  Thursdaie  or  any  other  dale  of  the 
week  ware  appointed  a  Sabbath  and  strictly  commanded  to  obserue  it  people  would 
obserue  it  as  much  as  this  when  the  gentleman  went  away  I  asked  Justice  Smith's 
wife  what  gent  that  was  she  answered  it  was  Jonathan  Whithead  to  the  truth 
hereof  I  haue  subscribed  my  name.  ,    ^     , 

Joseph  Baylye. 

The  abovesaid  Joseph   Bayly  swore  to  the  above  written   before  me,   February 

24,    1702-3.  ,  ,       „    ... 

John  Smith. 

To  all  hands  unto  whom  this  shall  come: 

Whereas  'tis  said  that  I  John  Smith  of  the  Little  Plaines  should  say  that  uppon 
questioning  Jonathan  Whithead  for  rideing  upon  the  Sabbath  day  the  said  White- 
head should  make  answer  &  say  that  there  ought  to  be  no  difEerence  in  days  & 
that  a  man  might  doe  any  thing  upon  the  Sabbath  day  as  well  as  upon  any  other 
which  is  a  false  report  of  ye  said  Whitehead  I  afflrme  as  witness  my  hand. 

24  February,  1703.  _  ^^^    ^.^^    ^_  ^    ^^^    ...    ^    ^^o. 

^'     Trinity  Church.     The  Queen's  Farm.     Annexe  Jans.    Eirst 
Reference  to  a  College. 

1703,    Feb.    19. 

"  It  being  moved  which  way  the  King's  Farme,  which  is  now  vested  in  Trinity 
Church,  should  be  let  to  Farm.  It  was  unanimously  agreed  that  the  Rector  and 
Church  Wardens  should  wait  upon  my  Lord  Cornbury,  the  Governor,  to  know 
what  part  thereof  his  Lordship  did  design  towards  the  Colledge  which  his  Lord- 
ship designs  to  have  built;  and  thereupon  to  publish  placards  for  the  letting 
thereof  at  the  public  outcry  to  the  highest  bidder  ". 

This  movement  culminated  in  the  founding  of  Kings  (Columbia)  College,  fifty 
vears  later.  Cornbury,  with  all  his  faults,  saw  the  importance  of  a  College 
though  it  was  Col.  Morris  who  suggested  that  the  King's  Farm  should  be  acquired 
by  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel.  Morris  and  Heathcote  united  in  ad- 
vocacy of  the  founding  of  a  College  in  New  York.     Morris  writes: 

•'  The  Queen  has  a  Farm  of  about  thirty  two  acres  of  land,  which  rents  tor 
thirty  six  pounds  per  annum:  though  the  Church  Wardens  have  petitioned  for  it, 
and  my  Lord  four  months  since  gave  you  promise  of  it,  the  proceedings  has  been 
so  slow  that  they  begin  to  fear  the  success  wont  answer  to  the  expectation,     l 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  1517 

believe  her  Majesty  would  readily  grant  it  to  the  Society  for  the  asking. —  New 
York  is  the  centre  of  English  America  and  an  appropriate  place  for  a  College; 
and  that  farme  in  a  little  time  \Y0uld  be  of  considerable  value,  and  it  is  a  pity 
such  a  thing  should  be  lost  for  want  of  asking,  which,  at  another  time,  wont  be 
so  easily  obtained  ". 

Archives,    S.    P.    G.    i.    171.—  Dix,   145. 

The  piece  of  land  alluded  to  was  sold  by  the  heirs  of  Anneke  Jans,  under  the 
provision  of  her  will,  to  Gov.  Lovelace,  in  1670.  It  was  transferred  to  the  Duke 
of  York  in  1674.  It  was  subsequently  granted  to  the  Colonial  Governors  by  the 
Crown,  1674,  as  a  perquisite  of  their  office.  Gov.  Fletcher  leased  this  farm  to 
Trinity  Church  in  1697.  Bellomont  annulled  this  lease  in  1699,  but  Lord  Corn- 
bury  renewed  said  lease  in  1702.  On  the  27th  of  June,  1704  an  Act  was  passed 
"  granting  certain  privileges  and  powers  to  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the 
City  of  New  York  of  the  Communion  of  the  Church  of  England,  as  by  law  estab- 
lished ",  among  which  privileges  was  that  of  holding  lands,  tenements,  etc.,  and 
of  leasing,  demising  and  improving  the  same  to  the  benefit  of  the  church  and 
other  pious  uses.  Under  the  provision:  of  that  Act,  and  upon  the  recommendation 
of  the  Governor,  the  farm  was  given  to.  Trinity  Church  in  fee,  by  royal  patent, 
Nov.  20th,  1705,  and  has  been  in  its  possession  to  the  present  day  ". 

See  letter  of  Mr.  Vesey  to  Gov.  Fletcher,  Hist.  Am.  Ch.  1.  172:  also  Murray 
Hoffman's  Ecc.   Laws  of  New  York,  Appendix,  298-302. —  See  Dix,  i.  146. 

Anneke  Jans  was  the  wife  of  Roeloff  Jansen,  who  was  manager  for  Adrian 
Van  Rensselaer,  the  first  patroon  of  the  Manor  at  Beverwyck,  called  also  Rens- 
selaerwyek,  about  Albany.  (Roeloff  Jansens  Kill,  named  after  this  man,  is  a 
rapid  stream,  emptying  into  the  Hudson  a  little  north  of  Germantown,  Columbia 
Co.  N.  Y.)  About  sixty  two  acres  of  land  were  granted  to  this  Jansen  and  wife 
about  16..,  on  Manhattan  Island,  west  of  Broadway  and  north  of  Warren  street, 
extending  to  the  river  on  the  west,  and  northward  to  Christopher  street.  This 
became  known  as  the  Anneke  Jans  farm  and  subsequently  as  the  Domine's  farm, 
or  bouwerie. 

Roeloff  Jansen  died  leaving  three  daughters  and  one  son.  In  1638  his  widow 
married  Rev.  Everardus  Bogardus  who  was  minister  of  the  Church  of  New 
Amsterdam  from  1633-47,  when  he  was  lost  at  sea,  while  going  to  Holland  on 
certain  Church  business.  He  left  four  children.  His  widow,  after  a  while  moved 
to  Albany,  where  she  died  in  1663.  Her  will,  still  on  record,  directs  that  her 
farm  on  Manhattan  Island  should  be  sold,  the  proceeds  to  go  chiefly  to  the  four 
children  of  her  first  husband. 

The  Governor  Francis  Lovelace  bought  the  Farm  in  1669,  the  deed  being  on 
record.  But  inasmuch  as  he  surrendered  the  Province  back  to  the  Dutch  in  1673, 
and  was  heavily  in  debt  to  the  Proprietor,  James,  the  Duke  of  York,  and  also  in 
disgrace  because  of  the  surrender,  his  property  all  passed  into  the  hands  of  the 
Duke  in  1674,  upon  the  recovery  of  New  York  by  the  English. 

The  Duke  now  allowed  the  small  rental  of  this  farm  to  be  considered  a  perquisite 
of  the  English  Governors,  and  with  the  acces'sion  of  the  Duke  to  the  Crown  in 
1685,  it  became  the  property  of  the  Crown,  the  Governors  still  being  allowed  the 
rental  of  it,  as  one  of  their  perquisites.  After  the  founding  of  Trinity  Church, 
Governor  Fletcher  in  1697  waived  his  claim  to  the  rental,  and  leased  the  farm  to 
those  persons  who  (in  opposition  to  the  Civil  Vestry,  which  was  called  into 
existence  by  the  Ministry  Act  of  1693)  styled  themselves  "  Managers  of  the  Church 
of  England  ".  In  1705  a  grant  of  this  property  was  finally  made  to  Trinity  Church 
by  Queen  Anne.  After  the  Revolution,  the  Legislature  of  New  York  confirmed 
all  titles  to  land  legally  acquired  in  the  Colonial  period.  From  1731,  onward, 
efforts  have  been  made  by  some  of  the  descendents  of  Anneke  Jans,  who  have  set  up 
claims  to  this  property,  but  the  title  of  the  Church  has  been  uniformly  sus- 
tained.—  Dix,  i.  149. 


1703 


1518  Ecclesiastical  Records 


1703 


Ai^NEKE  Jans. 

In  1890,  Stephen  P.  Nash,  L.L.D.,  prepared  and  printed  a  work  for  the  use 
of  Trinity  Church,  entitled,  'Anneke  Jans  Bogardus,  her  Farm,  and  how  it  became 
the  Property  of  Trinity  Church  New  York.  An  Historic  Inquiry  ".  In  this  work 
he  finally  says: 

"  The  children  of  Mrs.  Bogardus  parted  with  their  title  by  actual  sale  and  con- 
veyance to  the  English  Governor  (Lovelace)  shortly  after  her  death;  if  by  reason 
of  any  informalities  in  the  transfer  they  ever  had  any  right  to  redress,  they 
had  lost  such  right  long  before  Trinity  Church  came  into  existence,  (1697.)  The 
title  of  the  Church  to  every  parcel  of  its  lands  to  which  Anneke  Jans  Bogardus 
ever  had  any  color  of  a  prior  claim  is  not  only  free  from  legal  defect,  but  is  free 
also,  and  has  always  been  free  from  any  equitable  claim  of  her  descendants: 
and  if  any  wrong  was  perpetrated  when  her  children  parted  with  the  property, 
it  was  a  wrong  on  the  part  of  those  who  managed  the  transaction  against  the 
others  interested  in  the  proceeds:  the  fraud  of  some  of  the  heirs  upon  the  others, 
antedating  the  existence  of  Trinity  Church  nearly  forty  (thirty)  years  ". —  Dis, 
145-150. 

[See  other  references  to  Anneke  Jans,  about  1647,  1663,  &c.] 


Ministry  Act  to  be  Enforced. 

Order  to  Summon  the  Church  Officers  of  Jamaica  before  Lord   Cornbury. 

New  York,  25th  fCebruary,  1702   [or  1703?]. 

I  am  commanded  by  his  Excellency  to  give  you  notice  to  sumons  Nehemiah 
Smith  and  William  Glenn  Church  Wardens,  Hope  Carpenter,  Nathaniell  Denton, 
Thomas  Smith,  William  Bloodgood,  Thomas  Willet,  David  Wright,  John  Coe, 
Content  Titus,  Joseph  Sackit,  and  John  Berrien,  Vestrymen  of  the  towne  of 
Jamaica  in  Queens  County,  to  be  and  appeare  before  his  Excellency  in  Councill 
on  Munday  the  first  day  of  March  next  ensuing,  and  I  desire  that  you  will  give 
me  notice  thereof,  that  I  may  informe  his  Excellency  that  you  have  done  the 
same. 

I    am    your    humble    servant, 

B.  Cosens,   Ck.  Councij. 
Endorsed, 

"  Letter  to  the  Sherriffe  of  Queens  County,  to  sumons  the  Church  wardens  before 
his  Excellency.     25th  fCebruary,  1702."—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  126. 


Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  York. 

Letter  of  Mr.  Pieter  Jacobs  Marius  to  the  Consistory,  February  2nd  1702.  De- 
livered after  his  decease  to  our  Meeting  by  Messrs.  Samuel  Bayard  and  Pieter 
Wessels,   March  12,  1703. 

Superscription: 

To  the  Rev.    Consistory,   the  Rev.   Ministers  and  the  Rev.   Elders  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church  in  New  York: 

Reverend  Sirs: — 

Since  the  Lord  God  has  brought  me  out  of  blind  Popery,  to  the  true  Christian 
faith  here  in  this  city,  and  the  Lord  has  blessed  me  not  only  in  spiritual  things, 
but  also  with  temporal  goods;  and  since  the  yearly  salary  of  the  minister  has 
fallen  short  and  the  minister  has  not  been  paid  his  salary  in  full:  Therefore, 
I  have  thought  proper  to  put  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  in  the  hands  of 
Justice  Hillegout  de  Kay,  as  you  may  see  by  the  enclosed  writing.  I  desire  this 
to  be  put  out  at  interest,   and  its  income  to  go  for  tSe  use  and   support  of  the 


OF  THE  State  of  i^ew  York.  1519 

Minister  or  Ministers  of  the  Dutch  Reformed   Church   in   this   City   of  New   York, 
and  for  no  other  use. 

Such  is  my  will  and  desire,  hoping  that  the  Consistory  will  thankfully  receive 
the  same,  for  I  think  that  it  is  given  for  an  excellent  purpose.  Nothing  more 
remains  than  to  salute  you,  and  commend  you  to  God  and  his  grace. 

The  humble  servant  of  you  all, 

Peter  Jacobsze  Marius. 

I,  the  undersigned,  Hillegout  de  Kay,  acknowledge  to  have  received  from  Pieter 
Jacobsze  Marius,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  current  money  of  this  Province, 
to  be  delivered  by  me,  after  his  death,  to  the  Consistory  of  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Church  here,  in  New  York;  in  order  to  be  by  them  put  at  interest,  so  as  fo  use 
the  yearly  income  for  the  maintenance  or  salary  of  the  Minister  or  Ministers  here 
in  New  Y'ork  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  according  to  his  order  left  with  me; 
and  that  I  may  hold  it  on  interest  so  long  as  it  pleases  me;  or  to  pay  it  over 
when  it  suits  me. 

In  token  whereof,  I  have  subscribed  this, 

Hillegond   de   Kay. 
New  York, 

February   3,    1700. 
Say  £100.00. 

(N.  B.  The  originals  of  the  letter  and  its  enclosure  are  among  the  papers  of  the 
Elders.) 

—  Lib.  A.  219. 

Pieter  Jacobs  Marius.     Died  1703. 

Pieter  Jacobs  Marius  occupied  premises  on  the  south  side  of  Pearl  street,  where 
he  carried  on  trade  as  a  merchant.  His  dealings  were  extensive  with  Boston  and 
other  ports  on  the  coast,  and  he  acquired  a  considerable  estate,  though  com- 
mencing poor.  He  was  an  alderman  for  several  years,  and  lived  to  an  advanced 
age  in  this  city. —  Valentine's  New  York,  p.  92. 


Trinity'  Church.     Redemption  Money  for  Slaves.     Instru- 
mental Music. 

1703,   March  30. 

Certain  moneys  collected  "  for  the  redemption  of  some  slaves  in  Sally  ",  which 
had  been  allotted  to  the  parish  by  order  of  the  Council,  still  lay  in  Holland,  and 
a  committee  was  appointed  to  treat  with  my  Lord  Cornbury  concerning  it. 

March  30  (1703?)  "  Mr.  Jamieson  was  retained  as  attorney  to  recover  the  money, 
which  it  would  seem,  was  actually  recovered,  in  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  nine 
pounds,  three  shillings  sterling,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  guilders,  Holland  money, 
recovered  in  goods,  January  13,  1705. 

June  3rd  (1703?)  Deed  from  the  City  to  Trinity  for  additional  burial  ground. 

—  Records  i.   44. 

June  3rd  (1703?)  First  mention  of  the  Dutch  Church  on  Trinity's  records.  (Was 
there  no  mention  of  the  use  of  Dutch  Church  allowed  to  Trinity  in  1697?).  See 
Dix,  97,  427. 

Ordered  that  "  Captain  Tothill  and  Captain  Sims  wait  on  Major  de  Brown  and 
get  him  to  execute  the  Deed  for  the  parcell  of  ground  he  pretended  to,  now 
within  the  bounds  of  Trinity  Church  Charter,  and  that  they  with  Captain  Morris 
and  Captain  Wilson  do  meet  with  the  managers  of  the  Dutch  Church,  and  endeavor 
to  get  them  to  Sign  the  Resignation  of  that  piece  of  land  which  they  lay  preten- 
sions to,  but  is  contained  in  Trinity  Church  Charter  ".—  Records  i.  45.     Dix,  153. 


1703 


1073 


1520  Ecclesiastical  Records 


Instrumental  Music  in  Trinity  Church. 

The  subject  of  music  began  to  attract  attention  in  tlie  parish  of  Trinity,  and 
on  August  4th  (1703?)  the  Rector  and  others  were  appointed  a  Conamittee  to 
"  Confer  with  and  Discourse  Mr.  Henry  Neering,  Organ  Maker,  about  maliing 
and  erecting  an  Organ  in  Trinity  Church  in  New  Yorls,  and  if  they  shall  tiiinli 
meet  to  agree  with  him  on  as  easy  terms  as  possible  ".  Records  i.  45.  But  nothing 
was  accomplished,  as  in  1709,  Mr.  Vesey  wrote  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury 
about  their  need  of  "  a  sett  of  Organs  ".  There  was  no  organ  yet  in  New  York. 
The  first  one  in  America  was  set  up  in  Boston  in  1713.  The  first  in  New  York 
was  that  given  by  Governor  Burnet,  December  28,  1727,  to  the  Dutch  Church  in 
Garden  street,  although  the  Governor  was  a  member  of  Trinit.y  Church.  He  was 
probal)ly  induced  to  do  this  by  his  wife,  who  had  been  a  Miss  Van  Home,  a 
beautiful   Dutch  Lady. 

See  the  Christian  Intelligencer,  April  11,  1878,  which  gives  a  translation  of  the 
articles  of  conveyance.  Also  see  the  same  among  these  papers  under  date  Dec. 
15,  1727.—  Dix's  Hist.  Trinity  Church,  i.  154. 


Church  of  Xew  York. 

Eeceipt  for  Moneys  Collected  for  A.  Rutan. 

March  31,  1703. 

Received  of  Dr.  du  Bois,  ]Minister  of  the  Dutch  Church,  the 
sum  of  nine  pounds,  seven  shillings,  seven  penneys,  half  penny, 
collected  in  the  said  congregation,  for  the  use  of  Abraham 
Rutan  of  Hakkinsak  by  my  Lord  Cornbury's  grant,  published  to 
that  purpose.    l!T.  B.  that  some  ryals  in  bras  money.  £  9.9.7  1/2. 

John  Barberie. 
(Original  in  English.) 

—  Lib.  A.  221. 

Representation  of  the  Lords  of   Trade  Concerning  ISTew 

York. 

Mohawk  Missions. 

April   2,    1703. 


In  reference  to  the  Five  Nations  of  Indians  bordering  upon  New  York  His  Lord- 
ship gives  us  an  account  of  a  conference  he  has  had  with  their  Cheif  Sachems 
at  Albany  where  he  made  them  presents  as  usual  in  order  to  confirm  them  in 
their  submission  to  your  Majesty  which  though  a  considerable  charge  his  Lordship 
judges  absolutely  necessary  to  be  continued  lest  the  intrigues  of  the  French  of 
Canada  and  the  influence  of  their  Priests  who  frequently  converse  and  sometimes 
inhabit  with  those  Indians  should  debauch  them  from  your  Majesty's  allegiance. 

As  to  the  Indians,  we  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  the  usual  method  of  ingaging 
them  by  presents  be  continued  and  especially  as  an  extraordinary  occasion  may 
require.  And  we  further  take  leave  to  observe,  that  another  means  to  prevent 
the  influence  of  the  French  Missionaries  upon  them  and  thereby  more  effectually 


OF  THE  State  of  I^ew  Yoke.  1521 

to  secure  their  fidelity  would  be  that  two  Protestant  Ministers  be  appointed,  with 
a  competent  allowance  to  dwell  amongst  them,  in  order  to  instruct  them  in  the 
true  Religion  and  confirm  them  in  their  duty  to  your  Majesty. —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y. 
Iv.  1036,  1037. 


\/  Queejt's  Letter  Prohibiting  Presents  to  Governors  of 

Plantations. 

1703,    April    20. 
Anne  R. 

Right  Trusty  and  wellbeloved  we  greet  you  well;  Whereas  several  Inconveniences 
have  arisen  to  our  Government  in  the  Plantations  by  Gifts  and  Presents  made  to 
our  Governours  by  the  General  Assemblies;  We  have  thought  fit  hereby  to  signify 
our  Express  Will  and  Pleasure,  That  neither  you  our  Govemour,  nor  any  Gov- 
ernour,  Lieutenant  Governour,  Commander  in  Chief  or  President  of  the  Council 
of  our  Province  of  New  York  for  the  time  being,  do  give  your  or  their  consent  to 
the  passing  any  law  or  Act  for  any  Gift  or  Present  to  be  made  to  you  or  them 
by  the  Assembly;  And  that  neither  you  nor  they  do  receive  any  Gift  or  Present 
from  the  Assembly,  or  others,  on  any  account,  or  in  any  manner  whatsoever,  upon 
pain  of  our  highest  displeasure,  and  of  being  recalled  from  that  Our  Government. 

And  whereas  the  salary  of  Six  hundred  pounds  Sterling  per  annum  assigned  for 
the  Governour  in  Chief,  Out  of  our  Revenue  arising  there,  may  not  be  sufficient 
for  his  support;  We  are  hereby  graciously  pleased  to  direct  that  Six  hundred 
pounds  Sterling  per  annum  more  be  added  out  of  our  said  Revenue,  to  your  present 
Salary  and  to  the  Salary  of  the  Governour  of  our  said  Province  for  the  time 
being. 


1703 


And  we  do  further  direct  and  require  that  this  declaration  of  our  Royal  Will  and 
Pleasure  be  communicated  to  the  Assembly  at  their  first  meeting  after  your  receipt 
hereof,  and  entred  in  the  Registers  of  our  Council  and  Assembly,  that  all  persons 
whom  it  may  concern  may  Govern  themselves  accordingly.  So  we  bid  you  fare- 
well. Given  at  Our  Court  at  St.  James's  the  29  day  of  April  1703  In  the  second 
year  of  Our  Reign. 

By   Her   Majesty's   Command, 

Nottingham.—  Col.    Docs.    N.   Y.    iv.   1040. 
20  April,  1703. 

Council  Journal. 
Enlarging  the  French  Church. 

1703,  April  27.  A  Bill  to  enable  the  minister  and  elders  for 
the  time  being,  of  the  French  Protestant  Church  in  the  City  of 
New  York,  to  build  a  larger  church  for  the  worship  of  Almighty 
God  in  that  congregation,  to  hold  to  them  and  their  successors 
forever. 

Sent  from  the  Assembly  to  the  Council.    Brought  up  and  read, 

190-1;  committed,  191;  enacted,  June  19,  204.      [See  June  19, 

1703.] 

96 


1703 


1522  Ecclesiastical  Records 


Albany  City  Records. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  in  ye  Citty  Hall  of  Albany  this  first  of  May,  1703. 

School  at  Albany. 


May  11. 

Evert  Ridder  of  the  County  of  Albany  appears  before  us  in  Common  Councill 
and  desires  his  freedom  in  the  Citty  from  Mr.  Mayor  to  be  a  free  citizen;  which 
is  granted  accordingly. 

Evert  Ridder  of  the  City  of  Albany  makes  his  humble  application  to  the  Mayor, 
Aldermen  and  Assistance  to  be  permitted  to  teach  schoole  in  the  Citty  aforesaid, 
which  request  is  taken  into  consideration,  and  granted  accordingly.— Munsell's 
Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  iv.  pp.  176,  177. 


DoMiNE  Freeman's  Calls  to  Long  Island.     [See  Historical 
Account,  April  22,  1706.] 


Call  of  1703,  May  4. 

1703,  May  4.     Call  of  Rev.  B.  Free- 
man to  the  churches  of  Breukelen, 
Flatbush,  New  Amersfoort  and  New 
Utrecht,  Long  Island. 


Call  of  1705,  Sept.  21. 

1705,  September  21.     Second 
Call  on  Freeman:  but  only 
to  New  Utrecht: 


Port  Folio  "  New  York  ",  Vol.  I. 


(same) 


Call  (Beroep-brief)  to  the  Rev., 
Pious  and  Learned  Domine,  Bernardus 
Freeman : 


(same) 


Whereas,  It  has  pleased  the 
all-wise  God,  the  Sovereign  Ruler, 
who  worketh  all  things  after  the 
counsel  of  his  own  will,  to  deprive 
our  Dutch  Reformed  Churches  in  the 
three  (four?)  villages  of  Breukelen, 
Flatbush,  Amersfoort  and  New  Utrecht 
which  have  been  gathered  here  on 
this  Nassau  Island,  in  these  dis- 
tant regions  of  America,  in  these 
Gospel-days,  according  to  the  mercy 
of  the  Chief  Shepherd  —  of  their 
much  beloved  and  faithful  pastor. 
Rev.  William  Lupardus,  of  blessed 
memory,  who,  to  the  great  grief  of 
all  his  churches,  died  more  than  a 
year  ago: 


(same) 

to  deprive  our  Dutch  Reform- 
ed Church  at  New  Utrecht, 


(same) 


who died  more  than 

three  years  ago: 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York. 


1523 


1703 


Therefore  We,  the  undersigned, 
Elders  of  the  said  churches,  being 
authorized  by  our  congregations 
to  call  another  faithful  dispenser 
of  the  mysteries  of  God ; 


and  owing  to  the  pressing  need  of 
our  churches,  we  desire  to  fill  the 
vacant  place  as  soon  as  possible: 

After  frequent  consultations 
and  deliberations,  and  finally,  with 
the  permission  of  the  Hon.  Edward, 
Viscount  Cornbury,  our  Governor, 
together  with  the  unanimous  approval 
of  us  all,  which  was  to  the  great 
joy  of  our  people;  and  after  calling 
on  the  name  of  God:     We,  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord,  call  you,  the  Rev.,  Pious 
and  Learned  Domine  Bernardus  Free- 
man, minister  of  God's  Word  at 
Schenectady : 

We  have  been  already  assured 
by  excellent  testimonials,  of  your 
learning,  piety  and  other  praise- 
worthy qualities;  and  by  these  pres- 
ents. We  do  now  call  you,  the  said 
Rev.  Bernardus  Freeman  as  the  regu- 
lar pastor  and  teacher  of  the  said 
four  villages:  to  preach  the  Word  of 
the  Lord  purely,  plainly  and  force- 
fully; to  instruct  those  thirsting 
for  knowledge,  in  fundamental  truths, 
by  general  catechizing;  faithfully 
to  administer  the  Holy  Sacraments, 
according  to  the  Institution  of  Christ; 
prudently  to  administer  church  dis- 
cipline and  to  govern;  and  further- 
more, with  a  Christian  and  peaceable 
demeanor,  to  do  all  that  belongs  to 
the  office  of  a  faithful  minister 
of  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the 
Word  of  God  and  the  good  Order  of 
the  Church. 

In  particular:     We  call  upon 
you  Rev.  Sir,  to  preach  twice  on 


Therefore  We  the  undersigned 
Elder,  together  with  the 
commissioner   (gevolmagtigde) 
of  New  Utrecht,  being  author- 
ized by  our  church,  to  call 
a  minister,  namely.  Rev.  Ber- 
nardus Freeman,  to  be  the 
dispenser  of  the  Divine 
mysteries : 

(same) 


(same,  except 
reference  to  Cornbury 
left  out.) 


(same) 


as  the  regular  pastor  of  the 
church  of  New  Utrecht: 


(same) 


Herewith,  we  call  upon  you, 
Rev.  Sir,  to  preach  twice 


1524 


Ecclesiastical  Eecords 


1703 


each  Lord's  day,  when  in  health;  the 
one  Sunday  in  one  village,  and  the 
next  Sunday  in  the  next,  in  turns, 
regularly  going  the  rounds  of  the 
four  villages;  and  to  do  the  same 
on  all  other  preaching  days,  accord- 
ing to  the  custom  in  use  among  us, 
and  as  observed  by  the  late  Rev. 
Lupardus. 

Finally:     Inasmuch  as  hitherto 
we  have  belonged  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  and  have  no  reason  now 
to  separate  ourselves  therefrom; 
therefore,  in  case  any  misunderstand- 
ing should  arise  —  which  may  God 
forbid  —  between  us  and  you,  about 
any  matter  in  which  some  Classis  in 
Holland  would  need  to  be  recognized, 
we  expect  that  you,  with  us,  will 
submit  the  same  to  the  said  Classis 
(of  Amsterdam)  ;— 

Herewith  we  promise  you  a  year- 
ly salary  of  one  hundred  pounds,    (two 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars),  current 
New  York  money,  payment  to  begin 
with  the  day  of  your  departure  from 
Schenectady;   also  the  dwelling  house 
as  it  now  stands,  together  with  the 
little  barn   (shed),  and  the  land  as 
far  as  the  road,  and  the  garden. 
All  this  we  shall  hand  over  to  you 
in  good  condition,  and  keep  it  in 
such  condition;  and  will  also  sup- 
ply you  every  year  with  the  necessa- 
ry fire- wood  for  your  household:  and 
in  addition  to  all  this,  we  will  pay 
the  expenses  of  your  removal  from 
Schenectady  to  Flatbush. 

Unto  this  promise,  are  we,  the 
undersigned  Elders,  and  Meindert 
Coerten  as  commissioner  from  the 
church  of  New  Utrecht,  bound;  and 
in  such  a  way  that  we,  the  present 
Elders  and  the  said  commissioner, 
pledge  ourselves,  so  long  as  we  con- 
tinue in  office,  qualitate  qua,  and 
which  will  doubtless  also  be  con- 
tinued by  our  successors  in  the 


on  each  Lord's  day,  when  in 
health,  as  has  been  custo- 
mary among  us,  and  observed 
by  the  late  Rev.  Lupardus. 


(This  opposite  paragraph, 
omitted. ) 


Finally,  with  a  view  to  this, 
we  hereby  promise  you  a  sal- 
ary of  one  hundred  and  twenty 
five  pounds,   (three  hundred 
and  twelve  dollars  and  fifty 
cents),  per  annum,  to  com- 
mence on  the  day  of  your  de- 
parture from  Schenectady; 
moreover,  a  proper  dwelling 
and  fire-wood. 


We  do  further  promise,  and 
we,  the  undersigned  Elder, 
and  commissioner,  Meindert 
Coerten,  authorized  by  the 
church  of  New  Utrecht  are 
bound;  and  in  such  a  way 
that  we,  the  present  Elder 
and  the  commissioner  Mein- 
dert Coerten,  pledge  ourselves, 
etc.,  etc. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York. 


1525 


same  capacity,  to  see  to  it,  and  to 
use  all  diligence,  that  every  quar- 
ter, or  if  not,  every  haif  year,  the 
proper  half  of  the  whole  salary 
shall  be  paid. 

On  the  strength  of  this  fair 
condition,  and  well-intentioned 
promise,  we  request  you,  Rev.  Ber- 
nardus  Freerman,  kindly  and  in  all 
seriousness,  considering  the  need 
of  our  churches,  and,  in  all  proba- 
bility the  rapid  growth  of  the  same, 
to  the  extension,  under  God's  bless- 
ing, of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ  —  that 
you  will  be  pleased  to  undertake  the 
said  ministerial  office  with  a  -will- 
ing heart;  and  we  promise  to  hold  you 
in  such  respect,  love  and  honor,  as, 
is  due  to  an  upright  and  pious  minis- 
ter. 

Therefore,  we  also  request  the 
worthy  brethren  of  the  church  of 
Schenectady,  before  whom  this  our  call 
shall  be  laid,  that  they  will  have 
regard  for  us  and  aid  us  in  this, 
our  great  need;  and  for  the  good  of 
God's  Church  in  general,  will  be 
pleased  speedily  to  release  the  said 
oft-mentioned  Rev.  Bernardus  Freer- 
man  from  his  office  among  them,  and 
let  him  come  down  to  our  people. 

And  finally:     We  pray  the  Great 
Shepherd  of  the  Sheep,  that  He  will 
be  pleased  to  follow  your  ministry 
with  His  Divine  blessing,  to  the 
magnifying  of  His  Most  Holy 'Name, 
and  the  gathering  in  and  saving  of 
many  souls. 

Done  in  our  Consistory  meeting 
at  Breukelen,  May  4,  1703. 

Dan  Rapalje,  Joris  Hansen,  John 
Fraeski,  Elders  of  Breukelen. 


1703 


( same ) 


(same) 


.need  of  our  church. 


( same ) 


(same) 


.to  our  church. 


(same) 


Done  in  our  Consistory, 
September  21,  1705. 

(Signed  only  by  the  two 
below.) 


John  Janse,  Joseph  Hageman,  Chris- 
tian Probasco,  Elders  of  Flatbush. 


Dirk  Amerman,  Nicholas  Wyckof, 
Elders  of  New  Amersfoort. 


1703 


1526  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

Gysbert  Tyssen  Lane,  Jacques  Cortel-  Gysbert  Tyssen  Lane, 

you,  Elders  of  New  Utrecht.  Elder 

Meindert  Coerten,  commissioner    (gevol-  Meindert  Coerten, 

magtigde)  from  New  Utrecht.  Commissioner. 

Witnesses :     G.  Du  Bois^,  Cornelius  Witnesses :     Joost  Van 

Van  Brunt.  Brunt,  Albert  Coerte. 

Special  Contract,  made  at  Midwout  (Flatbush),  September  21,  1705.  (In 
connection  with  the  second  Call  of  Freerman  to  New  Utrecht  alone.) 

We,  the  undersigned,  whose  names  (hands)  are  subscribed  hereto,  hereby 
acknowledge  that  we  have  agreed  to  the  following  arrangements: 

That  we,  of  each  of  the  villages,  namely.  New  Utrecht,  Midwout,  Breukelen 
and  Bushwyck,  shall  enjoy  the  privilege  of  having  the  fourth  part  of  the 
preaching  appointments,  unless  it  be  prevented.  If  it  be  prevented,  so  that 
the  people  of  Midwout  and  Breukelen  should  be  hindered  from  enjoying  their 
turns  in  their  respective  villages;  that  then  these  villages  shall  have  their 
choice,  whether  they  will  have  their  turns  at  New  Utrecht  or  at  Bosch wyk; 
and  that  then,  wherever  the  preaching  takes  place,  that  village  shall  be 
obliged  to  hand  over  the  collection  to  the  persons  who  have  given  consent  that 
the  preaching  should  take  place  in  their  village. 

Meindert  Coerte  Lammert  Sickel 

Gysbert  Tyssen  Lane  Gerrit  Van  Couwenhove 

Aris  Janse  Dirk  Anderissen 

Daniel  Polhemius  Henry  de  Forrest 

Bern  Vande  Water  Engelbert  Lot 

Jacob  Pardon  John  Hansen. 
Cornelius  Sebering 

As  witnesses:     Joost  Van  Brunt 
Albert  Coerte. 

This  copy  compared  with  the  original.     It  agrees  therewith. 

G.  Du  Bois, 
V.  Antonides. 

Council  Journal. 

Amendmeiit  of  Ministry  Act. 

1703,  May  20.  His  Excellency  also  laid  before  the  Board  the 
Bill  entitled,  "An  Act  for  the  Better  Establishment  for  the 
Maintenance  of  the  Minister  of  the  City  of  New  York  ".  This 
had  been  delivered  to  him  from  the  House  of  Representatives. 

195.  Ordered  to  a  second  reading.     195.     Committed,  May  26, 

196.  Passed  June  2nd  without  amendment,  199.    Enacted,  June 
19,  204.     [See  June  19,  1703.] 


OF  THE  Statc  of  iSTew  Yobk.  1527 


Petition  of  the  ISTethee  Dutch  Church  of  Schenectady. 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Lord  Viscount  Combury  her  Majesty's  Capt.  Generall 
and  Governour  in  Cliiefe  of  the  Province  of  New  Yorlie  and  its  Dependencies, 
etc.,  and  the  honourable  Council. 

The  humble  Petition  of  the  Church  Wardens  of  the  Nether  Dutch  Church  of  the 
towne  of  Schoneghtede: 

Sheweth 

That  the  four  several!  towns  to  witt  Midwout  or  Flatbush  the  Bay  Newutreght 
&  Brockland  by  their  certain  writing  doth  Indeavour  to  Draw  Mr.  Barnardus 
Freeman  Present  Minister  of  Schoneghtende  from  his  congregation  Who  are  not 
able  of  themselves  Without  Your  Excellencys  assistance  to  gett  another  &  since 
that  we  your  petitioners  have  been  at  a  great  charge  &  trouble  with  assistance 
thereunto  from  the  County  for  Defraying  the  Considerable  Charge  for  Mr. 
Barnardus  Freeman's  Passage  and  other  charges  that  doth  amount  to  the  valiable 
Summe  of  near  upon  Eighty  Pounds  so  that  if  the  said  Mr.  Barnardus  Freeman 
should  be  drawn  from  us  as  they  Indeavour  to  Doe  we  could  not  Pretend  that 
such  a  small  Congregation  as  we  are  Can  be  able  to  send  for  another  and  they 
Who  are  of  a  greater  Congregation  could  had  another  before  this  If  they  had  not 
Endeavoured  to  deprive  us  their  neighbours:  therefore  we  your  Lordships  and 
Councells  Petitioners  humbly  pray  that  your  Lordship  and  Councell  be  Pleased 
to  take  this  our  great  Case  In  Your  Great  Wisdom  and  Serious  Consideration  to 
give  such  Incouragements  to  the  Instructing  of  the  Indians  that  we  may  be  more 
Enabled  to  the  Paying  of  his  Salary  and  your  Petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  Shall 
ever  Pray. 

Schoneghtende  the  29th 
of  May  1703. 

Claes  Wirbessen,  elder.        Isack    Swits,    elder. 

Daniel  Jansen,  deacon.        Jan  Vrooman,  elder. 

Johannis  Glen,  deacon.         Claes  Van  Petten,  Deacon. 
Read  in   Council   24th  June  1703  and   rejected.      Counc.    Min.—  Doc.    Hist.   N.    Y. 
Vol.  iii.  p.  92. 


Lord  Cornbuey  to  the  Lords  of  Teade. 

1703,    May  29. 

(Abstract.) 

This  refers  to  a  day  of  Thanksgiving  appointed  in  England,  because  of  the 
great  success  of  her  Majesty's  Armes;  and  order  that  a  similar  day  be  appointed 
in  New  York  and  New  Jersey.  Cornbury  appointed  April  15,  for  such  day,  1703; 
but  he  did  not  dare  to  issue  such  a  Proclamation  in  New  Jersey,  because  his 
"  Commission  "  for  governing  New  Jersey  had  not  yet  arrived,  and  the  people  there, 
prone  to  throw  ofE  all  authority,  would  not  observe  it,  knowing  that  his  Commis- 
sion had  not  yet  been  received He  expresses  his  thanks,  that  his  sus- 
pension of  Judge  Atwood,  of  Weaver,  etc.,  had  been  confirmed He  then 

refers  to  certain  persecutions  by  Col.  Bayard  and  others  for  acts  of  oppression  in 

the    late   Revolution He   further    refers    to   an    expected    visit    of    Col. 

Nicholson,  Governor  of  Virginia,  and  of  Col.  Dudley,  when  they  will  consider  the 

subject  of  "The  Charter  Governments."     Also,   that  upon  the  death  of 

Gov.  Hamilton,  of  Pennsylvania,  the  Quaker  Council  there  assumed  the  reins  of 
Government,  even  condemning  people  to  death.  This  greatly  startled  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Church  of  England. —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1044-5. 


1703 


1703 


1528  Ecclesiastical  Records 

An  Act  to  Enable  the  Minister  and  Elders  for  the  Time 
Being  of  the  Erench  Protestant  Church  in  the  City  of 
JSTew  York  to  Build  a  Larger  Church  for  the  Worship  of 
Almighty  God  in  that  Congregation  to  Hold  to  Them 
AND  Their  Successors  for  Ever.     [See  x\p.  27,  1703.] 

chapter  128. 

(Passed   June    19,    1703.) 

WHEREAS  Pieter  Pieret  Minister  of  the  French  Protestant  Church  in  the  City 
of  New  Yorlj  and  John  Barbarie,  Paul  Droillet,  BHas  Neau,  David  &  Augustus 
Gray  present  Elders  of  the  said  Church  are  peaceably  Seized  and  possessed  of  a 
certain  Lott  of  ground  and  Church  built  thereon  for  the  use  of  the  Congregation 
of  French  Protestants  in  the  said  City  Scituate  &  being  in  the  street  Comonly 
known  by  the  name  of  Petticoate  Lane  butting  northerly  to  the  said  street  South- 
erly to  the  ground  of  Jaspar  Nissepat  Deced  Westerly  to  the  ground  of  Isaac 
De  fforest  Deced  and  Ea.sterly  to  the  Ground  of  Henry  Van  ffeurden  being  in  Length 
fforty  Eight  ffoot  Nine  Inches  &  in  Breadth  in  the  ffront  Twenty  Seaven  foot  Seven 
Inches  and  in  tlae  rear  Twenty  Eight  foot  Six  Inches  of  which  breadth  on  the  West 
side  from  the  front  to  the  rear  is  taken  off  and  reserved  three  foot  &  three  Inches 
for  a  Comon  Alley.  And  whereas  the  said  Minister  &  Elders  by  their  Peticon  have 
set  forth  that  their  Congregation  is  so  much  Encreased  that  the  said  Church  is  too 
small  to  Contain  them  and  that  they  are  not  at  present  in  a  Capacity  to  Divide 
themselves  into  two  Congregations  praying  power  and  Liberty  by  Virtue  of  An 
Act  of  Assembly  of  this  Province  to  sell  and  dispose  of  their  said  Ground  and 
Church  and  to  purchase  ground  and  build  thereon  a  larger  and  more  Convenient 
Church  to  hold  to  the  said  Minister  and  Elders  of  the  said  Qhurch  for  the  time 
being  and  to  their  Successors  forever  for  the  Publick  worship  of  God  in  the  said 
Congregation  and  for  no  other  use  whatsoever. 

To  the  intent  that  they  the  said  Minister  and  Elders  be  Enabled  to  sell  their  said 
Ground  &  Church  and  that  they  and  their  Successors  may  be  better  quallified  in 
Law  and  Enabled  to  purchase  other  Ground  build  a  Larger  Church  thereon  and  to 
hold  use  and  enjoy  the  same  to  the  said  Pious  use  forever.  Be  it  Enacted  by  his 
Excellency  the  Governour  and  Council  and  Representatives  of  this  Province  in 
General  Assembly  Convened  and  by  authority  of  the  same,  That  from  and  after  the 
Publicacon  hereof  It  shall  and  may  be  Lawfull  for  the  said  Minister  and  Elders  or 
the  major  part  of  them  to  grant  bargain  and  sell  the  said  ground  and  Church  in 
the  said  street  called  Petticoate  Lane  to  any  person  or  persons  or  body  Politick  or 
Corporate  whatsoever  Quallified  to  purchase  houses  Ground  or  other  Estate  of  In- 
heritance. And  the  Sale  of  the  said  Ground  and  Church  unto  any  person  or  per- 
sons or  Body  Politick  and  Corporate  whatsoever  to  be  made  by  the  said  Minister 
and  Elders  or  the  major  part  of  them  is  and  shall  be  deemed  and  adjudged  good 
and  Effectual  in  the  Law  to  all  Intents  Construccons  and  purposes  whatsoever,  as 
if  the  same  was  made  by  any  Single  person  Natural  born  Subject  of  England  quali- 
fied to  sell  A  Lawfull  Estate  of  Inheritance  in  ffee  simple  and  as  if  the  same  had 
never  been  appropriated  to  the  worship  of  God  by  the  said  Congregation,  And  the 
said  Ground  and  Church  shall  be  and  remain  to  the  purchaser  and  purchasers 
thereof  their  Heires  and  Assigns  for  ever  any  Law  usage  Custome  or  pretence  of 
right  whatsoever  to  the  Contrary  or  any  defect  or  Disability  in  the  Law  what- 
soever in  any  ways  notwithstanding. 

And  Be  it  further  Enacted  and  Ordained  by  the  Authority  aforesaid  that  no  part 
of  the  money  or  other  Consideration  arising  by  the  sale  aforesaid  of  the  said  Ground 
and  Church  shall  be  disposed  of  to  any  Secular  or  profane  use  whatsoever  but  that 
the  same  shall  be  expended  and  used  in  the  purchasing  of  other  more  convenient 
Ground  or  Scituation  and  in  building  thereon  a  larger  Church  for  the  said  Congre- 
gation for  the  Service  and  worship  of  Almighty  God. 

And  Be  it  further  Enacted  and  ordained  by  the  Authority  aforesaid  that  from 
henceforward  it  shall  and  may  be  Lawfull  for  the  said  Minister  and  Elders  and 
their  Successors  to  purchase  and  buy  a  Larger  and  more  Convenient  Tract  of 
Ground  within  the  said  City  for  the  Scituation  of  one  Larger  Church  for  the  service 
and  worship  of  God  and  to  erect  and  build  thereon  a  Larger  Church  and  a  Dwelling 
House  for  their  Minister  for  the  time  being  if  they  shall  think  fit  to  have  hold  use 
and  enjoy  the  same  for  the  use  and  Intent  aforesaid  by  the  name  of  the  Minister 
and  Elders  of  the  French  Protestant  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York  to  them  and 
their  Successors  for  ever  not  Exceeding  Two  hundred"  foot  Square  any  Law  Cus- 
tome or  Usage  to  the  Contrary  or  any  former  defect  or  disability  in  the  Law  what- 
soever notwithstanding. 

And  to  the  Intent  that  the  said  Minister  and  Elders  may  be  the  better  enabled 
to  carry  on  this  Pious  purpose  and  worke  Be  it  Enacted  and  Ordained  by  the  Au- 
thority aforesaid  that  henceforth  it  shall  and  may  be  Lawfull  for  the  said  Minister 
and  Elders  to  Collect  and  receive  from  the  Members  of  the  said  Congregation  or 
from  any  other  person  or  persons  whatsoever  their  ffree  and  voluntary  Contribution 
or  Benevolence  towards  the  same  for  and   during  the   space  of  Seven  years   nest 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  1529 

Ensuing  and  that  it  shall,  and  may  be  Lawful!  for  ever  thereafter  for  the  Minister 
and  Elders  of  the  said  Church  for  the  time  being  to  Contribute  and  Collect  amongst 
themselves  and  the  members  of  their  own  Congregation  Such  requisite  And  neces- 
sary Sum  of  money  towards  the  Maintenance  and  Reparacon  of  their  said  Church 
Dwelling  House  for  their  Said  Minister  and  other  things  appertaining  thereunto 
auv  Law  Custome  or  usage  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding.  Provided  always  and 
it  Is  the  true  Intent  and  meaning  of  this  Act  that  no  manner  of  person  or  persons 
whatsoever  within  or  without  the  said  Congregation  shall  be  Compelled  or  Com- 
pellable to  Contribute  any  Sum  or  Suras  of  money  for  the  uses  aforesaid  but  are 
left  to  their  ffree  and  voluntary  offering  or  ablacon  &  not  otherways. —  Colonial 
Laws  of  New  York,  Vol.  I.  pp.  526,  527,  528. 

An  Act  Declaring  the  Illegality  of  the  Proceedings 
Against  Coll.  iSTicHOLAs  Bayard  &  Alderman"  John  Hut- 
chins  foe  Pretended  High  Treason,  and  for  Reversing 
AND  Making  jSTull.  and  Voyd  the  Said  Judgments  and  All 
Proceedings  Thereon. 

(Passed  June   19,    1703.) 

whereas  in  the  month  of  ffebbry  and  March  Tn  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  one,  there  was  a  Crafty  and  Malitious  Prosecution 
against  Nicholas  Bavard  of  the  Citty  of  New  York  and  Alderman  John  Hutchins 
of  the  same  Citty  for  pretended  Crimes  &  Misdemeanors  alleadged  against  them 
Upon  which  they  were  Indicted  and  sentence  of  Death  past  upon  them  and  other 
Penaltyes  as  in  Cases  of  High  Treason  which  matters  haveing  been  fully  heard 
and  Examined  before  her  Most  Sacred  Majesty  in  Council  Att  the  Court  att  St. 
James's  the  one  and  twentieth  day  of  January  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
two;  Upon  Consideration  thereof  her  Majesty  being  sensible  of  the  Undue  and 
Illegall  proceedings  against  the  said  Bayard  &  Hutchins  was  then  most  graciously 
pleased  in  her  Royall  Justice  &  ijounty  to  order  that  her  Attorney  Generall  here 
should  be  directed  to  Consent  to  the  Reversing  those  sentences  &  to  whatever  else 
may  be  Requisite  in  the  Law  for  the  Re-instateing  the  said  Bayard  &  Hutchins  in 
their  Honour  and  Property  as  if  no  such  Prosecution  had  been.  And  forasmuch  as 
the  said  Nicholas  Bayard  and  John  Hutchins  are  in  no  ways  Guilty  of  any  Crime 
in  those  matters  objected  against  them  or  either  of  them  and  that  her  Majestys 
Just  Pleasure  and  Royall  Inclination  for  the  Reliefe  of  her  distressed  subjects  may 
take  their  speedy  and  due  effect.  BEE  it  therefore  Declared  &  Enacted  by  his 
Excellency  the  Governor  by  and  with  the  advice  and  Consent  of  her  Majestys 
Councill  and  the  Generall  Assembly  of  this  Collony  &  it  is  hereby  declared  and 
Enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  Same  that  the  said  Proceedings  and  Prosecutions, 
for  the  Same  feigned  and  pretended  Crimes  and  Misdemeanors  are  &  were  undue 
and  Illegall  and  the  Judgement  and  Judgements,  sentence  and  sentences,  against 
the  said  Coll.  Bayard  and  Alderman  Hutchins  and  all  and  every  matter  and  thing 
relating  thereunto  are  Reversed  annulled  and  made  void  and  of  no  effect  to  all 
Intents.  Constructions,  and  Purposes  whatsoever  and  the  said  Nicholas  Bayard  and 
John  Hutchins  hereby  are  and  are  declared  and  hereby  Enacted  to  be  as  to  their 
Honour  and  Property  in  the  same  state  Right  and  Condition  as  if  no  such  Prosecu- 
tion,  Tryall,  Judgement,   or  sentence  had  been. 

And  to  the  end  that  right  may  be  done  to  the  said  Collonell  Bayard  and  Alder- 
man Hutchins  and  to  the  Intent  that  the  Memory  of  these  matters  may  be  put  into 
perpetuall  Oblivion  and  that  such  evill  Practices  and  Proceedings  may  not  here- 
after be  brought  into  Example  to  the  prejudice  of  any  person  or  persons  what- 
soever, BEE  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid  that  all  Judgements  & 
Sentences,  Records  Process  and  Proceedings  and  all  other  matters  and  things  re- 
lateing  thereunto  be  wholly  obliterated  cancelled  and  utterly  distroyed,  any  Law 
statute  or  Custome  to  the  Contrary  in  any  wise  notwithstanding. —  Colonial  Laws 
of  New  York,  Vol.  I.  pp.  531,  532. 

An  Act  for  the  Better  Establishment  of  the  Maintenance 

FOR  THE  Minister  of  the  City  of  Xew  York.      [See  May 

20,  1703.] 

Chapter  134. 

(Passed  June  19,  1703.) 

WHEREAS  the  Inhabitants  and  ffreeholders  in  the  City  of  New  York  have  here- 
tofore made  Divers  Voluntary  Contributions  and  Subscriptions  Amongst  them- 
selves, in  order  to  the  laying  the  foundation  of  a  Church  and  Steeple  in  the  said 
Citty,    and  have   thereby   Advanced   the  Same   so   far  as  to  the  finishing  the  said 


1703 


1703 


1530  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Church  &  the  building  of  the  Steeple  to  a  CoaFeuieat  Height  abov^e  ground,  with 
a  purpose  to  proceed  and  finish  the  same. 

And  Whereas  before  the  Building  the  said  Church  (that  is  to  Say,)  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1693  An  Act  was  made  by  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Province, 
Intituled,  An  Act  for  the  Settling  a  Ministry  &  raising  a  Maintenance  for  them  in 
the  City  of  New  Yorli,  County  of  Richmond,  West  Chester  and  Queens  County, 
wherein  amongst  other  things  it  was  provided  and  Enacted,  That  there  should  be 
Called,  Inducted  and  Established  in  the  City  of  New  York  a  good  Sufficient  Protest- 
ant Minister,  to  Officiate  and  have  the  Care  of  Souls;  and  that  there  Should  An- 
nually be  Assessed,  Leveyed,  Collected  and  paid  for  the  maintenance  of  Such  Min- 
ister, the  Sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  which  said  sum.  Since  the  building  of  the 
said  Church,  hath  been  paid  unto  Mr.  William  Vesey,  the  present  Rector  or  Incum- 
bent thereof,  which  being  thought  an  insufficient  mainteinance  for  the  said  In- 
cumbent, by  the  Wardens  &  Vestry  of  the  said  Church,  has  hitherto,  for  Some  time, 
been  Supplied  by  an  Addition  out  of  the  voluntary  weekly  collections  from  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  City,  and  People  frequenting  that  Church,  which  were  otherwise 
Intended  towards  the  perfecting  the  said  Church  and  Steeple,  &  other  pious  and 
religious  uses, 

The  General  Assembly  of  this  province,  for  the  better  Maintenance  &  further 
Encouragement  of  the  said  Mr.  William  Vesey,  have  thought  fit  to  Enact,  AND 
BE  IT  ENACTED  by  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  by  and  with  the  Advice  and 
Consent  of  her  Majesty's  Councill  and  Representatives  in  Generall  Assembly  mett 
and  Convened,  and  it  is  hereby  Enacted  by  the  authority  of  the  Same; 

That  in  Lieu  and  Stead  of  the  above  said  Sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  mentioned 
to  be  raised  and  paid  by  the  above  recited  Act  of  General  Assembly,  There  Shall 
Annually  and  Once  in  every  year  (for  and  during  the  Natural  Life  of  the  said  Mr. 
William  Vesey,  present  Incumbent  of  the  said  Church,  and  so  long  as  he  shall 
Officiate  as  Minister  of  the  same)  be  Assessed,  Levyed,  Collected  and  paid,  for  the 
Maintenance  of  the  said  Mr.  William  Vesey,  Rector  of  the  said  Church,  the  Sum 
of  One  hundred  and  Sixty  pounds  Current  Money  of  New  York. 

And  for  the  more  regular  and  orderly  raising  The  said  Sum  of  One  hundred  and 
Sixty  pounds,  Bee  it  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid.  That  the  Justices  of  the 
Peace  of  the  City  and  County  of  New  York,  or  any  two  of  them  shall  every  year 
Issue  their  Warrants  to  the  Constables  of  each  respective  Wards  within  the  said 
City  to  Summons  the  flfreemen  and  fCreeholders  of  the  said  City  together,  on  the 
Second  Tuesday  in  January  for  the  chusing  of  ten  Vestrymen  and  two  Church 
Wardens,  and  the  said  Justices  or  any  two  of  them  Shall  within  two  Months  after 
the  said  day  call  together  the  Vestrymen,  so  chosen  as  aforesaid,  and  they  or  the 
Major  part  of  them,  are  hereby  Impowered  and  required  to  lay  an  Equall  Tax  on 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  City  of  New  York,  for  the  raising  the  aforesaid  sum  of 
One  hundred  and  Sixty  pounds; 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  That  such  of  the  Vestry- 
men as  shall  not  be  present  at  the  time  Appointed  to  make  the  said  tax,  and  thereof 
l)e  Convicted  by  a  Certificate  under  the  hands  of  Such  as  doe  Appear,  and  have  noe 
Sufficient  Excuse  for  the  same,  Shall  respectively  fCorfeit  fflve  pounds  Currant 
money  aforesaid; 

And  a  Roll  of  the  said  Tax,  so  made  shall  be  Delivered  into  the  hands  of  the 
Constable  of  each  respective  ward  of  the  said  City,  with  a  warrant  Signed  by  any 
two  Justices  of  the  peace  of  the  said  City,  Impowering  him  or  them  to  Levy  the 
said  Tax,  and  upon  refnsall  to  destrain  upon  the  Goods  and  Chattells  of  the  Per- 
son or  Persons  so  refusing  and  Sell  the  Same,  by  publick  out-cry,  and  pay  the 
money,  arising  by  the  said  Sale,  into  the  hands  of  the  Church  Wardens,  first  re- 
taining to  himself  twelve  pence  in  the  pound  for  Levying  thereof,  and  returning 
the  Overplus,  if  any  there  shall  happen  to  be,  to  the  Owner.  And  if  any  person 
Shall  refuse  to  pay  what  he  is  so  assessed,  and  the  said  Constable  or  Constables 
do  Destrain  for  the  Same,  all  the  Charges  Expended  by  the  said  Constable  or  Con- 
stables, Shall  be  paid  him  or  them,  with  such  further  Allowance  for  his  or  their 
pains  as  the  said  Justices,  or  any  of  them,  shall  judge  reasonable. 

And  if  the  said  Justice  or  Justices  Shall  neglect  their  Duty  to  Issue  the  said 
Warrant,  or  fail  in  any  of  the  premises,  by  him  or  them  to  be  done  or  performed, 
in  pursuance  and  Execution  of  this  act,  he  or  they  respectively  Shall  fforfeit  the 
Sum  of  Twenty  pounds  Currant  money  aforesaid.  And  if  the  said  Constable,  or  any 
of  them,  shall  fail  to  do  their  duty  herein,  they  shall  respectively  fforfeit  five  pounds 
Currant  Money  aforesaid. 

And  the  Church  Wardens,  so  Chosen,  shall  undertake  the  said  Office,  and  receive 
and  keep  a  Just  and  true  Account  of  the  Moneys  or  Goods  Levyed  by  Virtue  of 
this  Act,  &  the  Same  Issue  by  order  of  any  two  of  the  said  Justices,  &  the  Major 
part  of  the  said  Vestrymen,  for  the  use,  Intent  and  purpose  aforesaid.  And  the 
Church  Wardens  shall,  as  often  as  thereunto  required,  yield  an  account  unto  the 
Justices  and  Vestrymen  of  all  their  receipts  and  Disbursements;  And  in  Case  tliey 
Shall  neglect  to  do  the  Same  they  Shall  respectively  forfeit  five  pounds  Currant 
Money  aforesaid  for  every  refusall. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid.  That  the  said  Church- 
Wardens  Shall,  by  warrant,  as  aforesaid,  pay  unto  the  said  Rector  the  Maintenance 
aforesaid  at  four  equal  and  quarterly  payments,  under  the  penalty  of  five  pounds 
Currant  Money  aforesaid  for  every  refusall,  neglect  or  Default.  And  l)e  it  further 
Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  That  the  fines.  Penalty's  and  fforfeitures  men- 
coned  in  this  act  shall  be  one  Half  to  the  use  of  the  poor  of  the  said  City,  and  the 
other  half  to  him  or  them  that  Shall  or  will  prosecute  for  the  Same  before  any  of 
her  Majesties  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  Citty  of  New  York,  for  the  time  being. 


OF  TEE  State  of  ]^ew  Yoek.  1531 

who  are  hereby  required  -R-ithin  fforty  day's  after  any  Complaint  Shall  be  made  to 
him  or  them  by  any  person  or  Persons  of  the  breach  of  this  Act,  by  reason  of  any 
person  or  persons  not  Doing  the  Duty  hereby  required  to  be  done  and  performed 
by  him  or  them,  he  or  they  shall  Sumon  the  said  person  or  Persons  So  Neglecting 
or  refusing  as  aforesaid,  and  the  matter  being  heard  before  him,  Shall  give  Judge- 
ment and  grant  Execution  thereon  against  the  party  offending;  and  Shall  Imme- 
diately thereupon  appoint  another  fitt  person  to  do  and  perform  what  ought  to  have 
been  done  and  performed  by  the  said  party  Oflrending.  And  if  the  said  person  so 
appointed  as  aforesaid,  Shall  neglect  to  do  and  perform  his  Duty  herein,  he  shall 
be  Subject  to  the  like  penalty  as  if  he  was  duely  Elected,  Any  former  Law,  usage 
or  Custom  to  the  contrary  hereof  in  any  wise  Notwithstanding. — ■  Colonial  Laws  of 
New  York,  Vol.  1.  pp.  543-545.  See  also  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1114,  1164;  and  Council 
Journal,  N.  Y.  145-6,  199,  204,  213. 

Lord  Coknbury  to  the  Loeds  of  Trade. 

Allusions  to  Ecclesiastical  Matters. 

1703,  July  12. 

I  herewith  send  your  Lordships  the  Acts  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this 
Province,  passed  last  spring.     They  are  in  number  twelve 

The  seventh  is  an  act  for  the  better  maintenance  of  the  Minister  of  New  York. 
I  humbly  intreat  this  Act  may  be  confirmed.  It  is  to  add  sixty  pounds  a  year 
to  a  hundred  pounds  a  year  settled  upon  him  by  a  former  Act.     The  Gentleman 

deserves  estreamly  well 

The  ninth  is  an  Act  to  enable  the  Minister  and  Elders  of  the  French  Church  to 
build  a  larger  Church.  Their  congregation  is  much  enlarged,  and  they  have  be- 
haved themselves  always  well  towards  the  Government;  therefore  I  hope  you  will 
approve  of  it. —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1064-5. 

[1703,  July  31  —  Aug.  9.  Synod  cf  North  Holland,  held  at  Edam. —  No  allusions 
to  America.] 


Order  to  the  Attorney  General  to  Enquire  into  a  Riot  at 

Jamaica. 

Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard  [Hobart.] 

At  a  Council  held  at  Fort  Anne  this 
27th  day  of  July  1703. 
Present  —  His  Excellency  Edward  Viscount   Cornbury    etc. 

Sa.  Sh.  Broughton  ^ 

Wm.  Lawrence         >  Esqrs.  Rip  Van  Dam,   Esq. 

Gerard  Beekman     )  John    Bridges,    Doctor    of    Laws. 

His  Excellency  acquainted  this  Board  with  two  letters  from  Jamaica  in  Queens 
County,  giving  an  account  of  a  Riott  committed  there  by  one  Hubbard  a  Dis- 
senting Minister  and  other  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  Town. —  Ordered  that  the 
Attorney  Generall  doe  Inquire  into  the  facts,  and  as  they  shall  appear  to  him 
prosecute  the  persons  according  to  Law. 

By  order  of  his  Excellency  in  Council, 

B.  Cosens,  Ck.  Council. 
Endorsed,     "  Order  of  Councill  of  the  27th  July  1703. 

For  the  Attorney  Generall."—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  p.  126. 


1703 


1703 


1532  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Memoeial  from  Mr.  Livin'gston  About  New  York,  to  the 
Lords  of  Trade. 

Mohawk  Missions. 

1703,    Aug. 

"  The  French  Priests,  by  their  insinuations  and  false  pretences,  have  decoy'd 
ove(r)  to  them  a  great  many  of  our  Indians,  and  have  raised  a  great  faction  in 
their  Castles;  and  it's  feared  a  great  many  more  will  follow,  unless  they  have 
Ministers  to  instruct  them  in  the  Christian  faith,  of  which  they  seem  very  fond. 
The  Nations  of  the  Sinnekes  and  Onnondages  have  also  received  such  impressions 
of  the  Christian  Religion,  that  if  Ministers  were  planted  amongst  them,  to  convert 
them  to  the  Christian  faith,  it  would  be  of  great  advantage  to  Her  Majesty's 
Plantations,  not  only  in  securing  these  Indians  friendship,  but  also  in  being  a 
Cheque  and  discouragement  to  the  French  Emissaries,  who  frequently  visit  those 
Nations  and  lived  there  all  last  winter  endeavoring  to  corrupt  their  affections  from 
the  English,  and  make  ill  impressions  in  their  mind,  to  the  apparent  prejudice  of 
their  Trade,  which  decays  daily  more  and  more." —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1067. 


Eev.  Beenardus  Freeman  to  Gerardus  Beekman  of  Kings 
County,  August  2,  1703. 

[Port  Folio  "  New  York,"  Vol.  i.] 

Schenectady,  August  2,  1703. 

Sir: —  I  duly  received  your  favor,  and  understood  thereby  that 
my  lord  (Cornbury)  and  his  Council  would  no  longer  prevent  me 
(from  leaving  Schenectady;)  and  that  they  had  rejected  the 
memorial  of  Schenectady  to  that  end.  Thereupon  I  made  ar- 
rangements at  once  to  preach  my  farewell  sermon,  and  requested 
my  Consistory  to  give  me  a  certificate  and  a  release  or  dismission 
from  my  office  there;  but  they  refused  to  give  these  to  me.  This 
they  did  because  the  people  of  Long  Island  had  not  assured  them 
that  they  would  pay  back  the  expenses  incurred  (by  my  voyage 
from  Europe) ;  and  also  because  your  Call  was  not  more  greatly  to 
my  advantage.  It  was,  indeed,  ridiculously  small  as  to  the  money 
promised  and  perquisites  —  only  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
pounds,  (and  no?)  higher;  and  then  the  meadow  land  was  also 
refused  me.  I  can  only  say  that  the  Classis  of  Lingen  would 
despise  such  preposterous  offers,  if  they  could  pass  judgment 
on  them. 


OF  THE  State  of  ^STew  York.  1533 

1703 

I  said,  however:  Brethren,  I  shall  not  write  to  the  Consistories 
of  Long  Island  (at  once),  yet  I  will  accept  their  Call  condition- 
ally. For  I  doubt  not  but  that  their  esteem  for  me  is  so  great, 
that  they  will  not  decline  to  make  their  Call  much  better.  I 
therefore  said  to  them,  (the  church  of  Schenectady)  that  they 
must  dismiss  me,  and  give  me  a  dismission  and  certificate.  But 
they  replied  —  What  ails  you,  that  you  tell  us  that  we  must  give 
you  these  ?  I  answered,  that  I  wanted  a  certificate.  They  said, 
We  cannot  give  one  to  you  if  you  wait  a  year  and  a  day  for  it,  until 
we  are  first  assured  that  those  expenses  (of  the  voyage)  shall  be 
reimbursed  to  us.  The  fault  lies  not  with  us,  but  with  those  Long 
Islanders,  inasmuch  as  they  did  not  send  that  expense  money  with 
the  Call.  We  have  written  them  a  letter,  that  they  must  first 
satisfy  us  in  this  matter. 

We  received  an  answer.  It  came  from  eight  elders,  but  not 
a  word  was  said  about  that  money;  but  only  that  they  felt  hurt; 
they  were  troubled  on  every  side.  It  seemed  as  if  that  letter 
showed,  that  they  did  not  want  a  Domine  there;  that  they  had 
made  the  Call  in  such  a  way  as  to  make  me  dissatisfied  with  them. 
ISTevertheless,  I  asked  them  here  again,  if  they  would  please  to 
give  me  that  certificate.  They  now  answered  —  No.  I  then 
preached  my  farewell  on  July  10  (or  18),  and  thought  to  myself, 
they  will  certainly  now  give  it  to  me,  after  that;  but  they  still 
remained  obstinate.  I  was,  therefore,  greatly  embarrassed,  and 
knew  not  what  to  do.  To  leave  without  a  certificate,  would  be 
no  advantage  to  me;  for  they  would  refuse  to  install  me  in  my 
office  there.  Such  a  result  would  be  a  joy  to  the  evil-minded, 
but  a  grief  to  the  pious.  Yet  I  finally  concluded  to  leave  any- 
how, and  was  just  about  packing  up  my  goods,  when  they  made 
this  final  assault  on  me,  which  was  also  the  cause  of  what  follows: 

They  professed  to  be  anxious  to  treat  me  as  I  desired.  As 
I  had  said,  I  did  not  want  to  accept  the  Call  from  Long  Island 
except  on  certain  conditions,  namely,  that  it  should  be  improved, 


1703 


1534  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

(as  to  salary,  etc.);  therefore  my  people  here  now  said  to  me, 
Kemain  here  until  you  hear  further  from  them  by  letter,  whether 
they  will  give  you  as  good  a  salary,  with  other  perquisites,  as 
we  will  give  you  here.     If  they  do  this,  we  mil  no  longer  stand 
in  your  way.     They  Avill  then  be  ahead,  and  we  will  give  you  a 
certificate.     So,  as  I  could  not  well  leave,   at   any  rate,   with- 
out a  certificate,  I  thought  this  was  the  best  thing  I  could  do. 
For  I  said  to  myself,  If  Long  Island  murmurs  a  little  over  this, 
yet  meantime  they  may  become  more  united  thereby;  for  I  felt  I 
could  not  possibly  labor  for  them  on  the  Call  they  had  sent  me. 
I  judged  it  best,  therefore,  to  wait  their  further  determination. 
I  accordingly  answered  them,  that  in  God's  name,  I  would 
agree  to  this.     If  the  people  of  Long  Island  had  sent  me  a  Call 
by  the  hand  of  a  deputy  from  their  Consistory,  who  had  been 
fully  empowered  to  settle  all  differences,  and  to  give  satisfaction 
as  to  all  claims  of  my  Consistory  here,  vfhich  is  the  general  way, 
I  could  not  have  been  detained  from  your  church  for  a  fortnight ; 
and  it  would  have  saved  both  you  and  me  much  anxiety.     I  was 
willing  enough  to  leave,  as  appears  from  my  having  preached  my 
Farewell ;  but  I  was  detained  by  the  certificate  which  was  withheld ; 
for  the  certificate  was  my  "character",  and  was  necessary  to 
continue  me  in  my  ofiice  or  to  put  a  stop  to  my  career.     Your 
wisdom  will  have  sufificiently  anticipated  this  in  all  this  business. 
Shortly  after  my  Farewell,  therefore,  my  church  here  made 
out  for  me  a  new  Call  on  this  condition:     That  in  case  you  did 
not  make  out  a  more  favorable  Call,  that  I  should  continue  to 
serve  them  here.     To  this  I  agreed  on  this  condition:     That  a 
canvass  should  be  made  of  your  congregation  there  to  discover  if 
they  were  willing  to  compete  as  to  these  honorable  terms.     I 
hope  speedily  to  be  infonned  as  to  the  result,  one  way  or  the 
other.     Until  that  time,  I  will  not  accept  of  either  of  these  Calls, 
that  all  questions  may  thus  be  put  finally  to  rest.     I  will  there- 
fore now  recount  to  vou  what  honorable  and  agreeable  terms 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1535 

1703 

my  congregation  here  (at  Schenectady)  have,  in  their  love,  put 
in  their  Call,  in  order  to  keep  me. 

First:  That  for  my  ser\dces  in  the  church,  and  for  other 
religious  and  edifying  instructions,  they  will  pay  me  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  five  pounds  per  annum,  in  quarterly  payments; 
that  on  whatever  may  remain  unpaid  at  the  end  of  the  year,  they 
will  pay  six  per  cent  interest;  that  they  will  give  proper  secu- 
rity to  pay  a  half  year's  salary  to  my  heirs,  after  my  death. 
They  will  also  provide  me  with  a  house,  a  lot,  an  orchard  and 
pasturage  for  at  least  one  horse  and  cow,  and  as  much  more  as 
my  household  may  require;  two  cows  and  a  horse,  if  necessary, 
and  even  more,  if  required.  And  in  case  anything  should  hap- 
pen to  me  —  which  may  God  prevent  —  whether  feebleness  of 
body  or  paralysis  of  the  tongue,  so  as  to  incapacitate  me  to  con- 
duct the  services,  there  will  be  secured  to  me  an  honorable  sup- 
port. As  to  the  Classis  of  Lingen,  it  is  as  acceptable  to  them 
here  as  any  other  Classis;  for  it  is  orthodox,  and  it  is  the  Classis 
which  sent  me  out;  that  any  differences  which  may  arise  will  be 
settled  here,  if  possible,  without  sending  them  to  the  other  side 
of  the  sea;  that  others  will  be  settled  by  the  help  of  neighboring 
Churches;  or  if  necessary,  will  be  referred,  either  to  the  Classis 
which  had  sent  me  out,  or  to  that  one  which  the  Consistory  should 
choose.  For  he  who  wishes  to  accuse  a  person  of  any  misdeed, 
can  have  his  way  in  doing  so,  although  the  accused  or  convicted 
person  may  have  the  right  of  appeal. 

ISTevertheless  my  congregation  here  is  well  content  with  these 
arrangements,  without  formally  mentioning  them  in  their  Call  to 
me.  Tor  they  are  wise  enough  to  understand  that  it  is  not  in 
my  power  to  withdraw  myself  from  the  Classis  of  Lingen  (in 
Westphalia).  For  if  I  did  so,  I  would  thereby  renounce  my  min- 
isterial character  altogether.  For  it  was  that  Classis  which  sent 
me  over  here,  and  no  other;  and  it  was  that  Classis  which  or- 
dained me. 


1703 


1536  Ecclesiastical  Hecords 

Understand,  therefore,  that  the  Call  which  you  sent  me  needs  to 
be  amended  in  all  these  particulars.  For  no  one  can  take  a 
servant  away  from  the  house  of  another,  unless  it  be  with  the 
intention  of  giving  him  higher  wages,  so  that  it  will  be  to  his 
advantage;  or  unless  he  be  hated  by  his  master,  and  so  was 
unable  to  stay.  If  then,  you  are  able  to  give  a  salary  equal 
to  this  congregation  (of  Schenectady)  as  specified  above;  and  in 
addition,  pay  the  expenses  incurred  by  them,  (for  the  cost  of  my 
voyage,  etc.);  and  will  not  bind  me  to  join  any  other  Classis, 
than  the  one  to  which  I  belong,  and  which,  under  God's  blessing 
sent  me  over  here : —  then  let  the  Consistories  (of  Kings  County) 
make  this  known  by  making  out  a  new  Call  containing  these  con- 
ditions. I  assure  you,  that  then,  with  cheerfulness  of  heart, 
and  under  the  favor  of  God,  I  would  put  my  shoulder  under  the 
burden  of  your  churches,  and  endeavor  to  edify  them  according 
to  the  grace  of  God  which  is  given  unto  me;  but  if  no  agreement 
can  be  arrived  at  on  account  of  troublesome  persons,  I  will  never- 
theless pray  God  that  such  result  may  tend  to  our  mutual 
salvation. 

I  have  written  in  similar  strain  to  the  Consistory  there 
(Kings  County).  That  I  did  not  write  sooner  is  because  I 
accepted  your  Call  conditionally,  and  meant  to  talk  about  these 
amendments  by  word  of  mouth;  and  also  because  a  certificate 
has  been  denied  me  all  along  (by  the  church  here.)  Then,  the 
letter  of  the  eight  elders  also  said,  that  if  I  would  not  come  on  the 
Call  as  sent,  I  should  say  so.  From  this  I  concluded  that  per- 
haps it  would  not  be  amended  at  all,  and  this  destroyed  my 
courage. 

In  regard  to  what  you  write  me,  that  my  lord  (Cornbury)  had 
been  made  to  believe  that  I  had  originated  the  request  from  this 
county,  (petition  of  Schenectady  to  the  Governor  to  prevent 
Freeman  from  leaving),  this  is  too  absurd;  I  was  entirely  ignorant 
of  it.  It  contradicts  itself,  considering  that  I  actually  went 
on  to  preach  a  farewell  sermon,  which  totally  refutes  such  a 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  1537 

rumor.  Then  also  the  Indians  here  insisted  upon  having  an 
answer  from  my  lord,  before  they  would  let  me  go;  for  they 
made  a  great  disturbance  over  it.  But  I  hope  all  will  turn  out 
for  the  best. 

I  have  thus  written  at  length,  that  this  letter  may  be  read 
by  many;  such  as  Lot  and  Schenck  and  Sobering  and  Brunt.  It 
will  therefore,  suffice  for  all  who  are  desirous  to  understand 
the  causes  why  I  did  not  come  down  at  once;  for  I  wish  to  be 
clear  of  the  cause  of  this  long  delay.  Thus  may  they  all  remain 
my  friends  when  they  have  understood  that  the  delay  was  no 
fault  of  mine;  but  that  it  originated  from  the  character  of  the 
Call,  and  the  lack  of  provision  therein  to  reimburse  (for  my 
voyage).  For  these  expenses,  which  have  been  the  cause  of  all 
this  trouble,  amount  to  forty  three  pounds  six  shillings.  This 
was  the  cost  of  the  sea  voyage  and  of  the  Classical  expenses, 
(connected  with  my  ordination). 

With  these  explanations,  I  commend  you  to  the  grace  of  God. 
Farewell. 

Your  Servant  and  Friend, 

Barnhardus  Freerman. 
The  address  was: 

To  Mr.  Gerardus  Beekman,  of  her  Majesty's  Council;  of 
Kings  County,  Long  Island,  at  Flatbush. 
A  true  copy,  word  for  word,  and  letter  for  letter. 

Gualterus  Du  Bois. 
Vincentius  Antonides. 

^  Rev.   Beknakdus   Freeeman   to   Joseph  Hegeman   of  Kings 
County,  Long  Island,  August  2,   1703. 

[Port  Folio  "  ISe^  York  "  Vol.  i.] 

Schenectady,  August  2,  1703. 

Sir: — That  your  letter  has  not  been  more  quickly  answered,  I 
regret,  but  I  had  thought  to  have  come  down  to  your  place  ere 
97 


1703 


1703 


1538  Ecclesiastical  Records 

now.  But  because  there  was  no  mention  made  of  the  expenses 
(of  the  voyage,  etc.),  either  when  the  Call  was  sent,  or  by  you  in 
your  last  letter,  in  reply  to  the  one  of  my  Consistory  here,  or  by 
the  eight  elders  in  theirs;  —  therefore  did  my  Consistory  refuse 
to  give  me  a  certificate  (of  dismissal).  The  fault,  however,  lies 
with  the  Consistories  there  (in  Kings  County),  because  you  made 
no  response  in  reference  to  those  expenses,  except  to  make  some 
round  about  excuses.  Such  then  is  the  reason  of  the  delay,  which 
is  not  according  to  my  wishes. 

Although  there  were  also  some  things  unacceptable  in  the 
Call,  I  thought  that  your  love  would  subsequently  correct  these 
if  I  should  come.  But  noticing  your  warning,  that  if  I  were 
not  willing  to  come  on  that  Call,  I  should  say  so,  so  as  not  to 
keep  your  people  in  suspense;  truly,  God  knows,  I  did  not  delay 
long,  for  after  six  days  I  declared  myself  in  favor  of  Long 
Island;  but  I  could  not  get  a  certificate  before  assurances  were 
given  about  those  expenses;  and  to  leave  -without  a  certificate 
would  only  be  to  make  myself  ridiculous. 

It  was  also  not  in  my  power  finally  to  accept  of  the  Call,  as 
it  not  only  offered  less  salary  than  the  last  preacher  received, 
but  also  omitted  the  orchard  and  pasturage.  Then,  it  also  wanted 
me  to  put  myself  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam. It  is  not  in  my  power  to  agree  to  this,  no  matter  how  much 
I  might  desire  to  do  so;  yet  such  was  the  tenor  of  your  com- 
munication to  me. 

You  will  well  remember  that  you  said,  that  if  you  made  out 
a  Call  for  me,  that  I  should  tell  you  whether  it  was  all  right; 
that  I  should  ponder  it  between  God  and  my  conscience.  I  have 
done  this.  Yet  I  cannot  go,  because  you  refuse  to  pay  those 
expenses,  or  you  have,  at  least,  quietly  ignored  them. 

Let,  then,  this  matter  be  rightly  understood  by  you.  I  have 
written  at  length  to  all  the  Consistories  (of  Kings  County.) 
From  them  you  can  learn  every  particular  as  to  how  matters 


OF  THE  State  05  Wew  York.  1539 

stand.     I  request  that  we  may  have  a  reply  speedily  sent  to  us  — 

one  from  the  Consistory,  that  I  may  take  measures  accordingly. 

With  salutations,  Farewell. 

Your  sincere  friend, 

Barnhardus  Freerman. 
P.  S.  Greetings  to  your  wife. 

This  letter  was  addressed:     Capt.  Josephus  Hegeman, 

Long  Island  at  Flatbush. 

Cito. 
A  true  copy,  word  for  word,  letter  for  letter. 

Gualterus  Du  Bois. 

Vincentus  Antonides. 

CORKESPONDENCE  IN  AMERICA. 

•^  Letter  written  by  Domine  Freerman  of  Schenectady  to  the  Con- 
sistories of  Long  Island. 

Addressed: 

To  the  Worthy  and  Beloved  Elders  of  the  Dutch  Congregations 
of  Christ's  Church  on  Long  Island,  being  the  four  villages  (of 
Brooklyn,  Flatbush,  New  Amersfort  and  'New  Utrecht,)  in 
King's  County: 

Schonegtade,  the  2nd  of  Aug.  1703. 

Beloved  Brethren: — With  great  joy  I  received  the  good  news 
that  his  Excellency,  my  Lord  Combury,  has  restored  me  my 
honor  and  reputation,  and  given  you  permission  to  send  your  call 
to  me.  This  is  best  for  the  honor  of  God  and  the  church.  It 
is  also  to  me  the  greatest  blessing,  and  for  this  honor  and  privi- 
lege I  am  grateful. 

By  the  hand  of  Domine  Lydius  I  received  on  the  19th  of  May, 
1703,  the  call  which  you  sent  me.  That  I  have  not  replied  to 
the  worthy  brethren  as  quickly  as  possible,  is  not  without  good 
reasons.  The  call  in  itself  was  good,  as  it  directed  me,  by  God's 
assisting  grace,  to  preach  his  Word:  but  the  conditions  annexed 


1703 


1540  Ecclesiastical  Records 

to  it  were  not  acceptable  to  me.  Nevertheless,  six  days  after 
its  receipt,  I  notified  my  Consistory  that  I  would  accept  this  call 
as  it  was,  if  they  would,  according  to  its  request  and  contents, 
dismiss  me,  and  give  me  a  certificate.  They  answered  by  asking 
me  whether  I  had  duly  considered  the  call;  that  the  salary  men- 
tioned in  the  call  did  not  reach  up  to  the  proper  amount,  by  at 
least  twenty  five  pounds;  and  that  the  orchard  and  pasturage 
were  withheld  from  me;  also  that  you  bound  me  to  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam;  and  that  all  of  these  things  were  well  worth 
considering. 

I  replied,  that  I  did  not  doubt  but  that  your  affection  for  me 
would  make  it  better:  that  I  accepted  it  on  the  condition,  that 
if  you  should  not  be  inclined  to  make  it  better,  on  account  of 
these  conditions,  I  would  not  serve  you;  that  I  proposed,  to 
preach  my  valedictory  sermon  on  the  following  Sunday,  after  I 
had  had  your  call  for  eight  days.  I  requested  that  a  certificate 
might  be  given  me  at  once;  for  it  was  unpleasant  to  me  to  keep 
that  church  waiting  any  longer.  Then  my  Consistory  said,  very 
seriously,  that  the  Long  Island  Consistories  were  at  fault;  that 
they  should  have  written  about  the  expenses  (incurred  by  my 
voyage;)  but  that  when  they  had  once  given  me  the  certificate  I 
was  out  of  their  power;  that  they  were  in  duty  bound  to  look  out 
for  their  congregation,  and  must  first  have  security  for  it,  (the 
expenses  incurred).  Meanwhile  they  urged  me  to  delay  my  vale- 
dictory sermon,  until  they  could  exchange  letters  with  you,  con- 
cerning the  expenses;  and  you  need  not  worry  about  keeping 
them  waiting.  Tor  if  they  had  sent  some  one  with  power  of 
attorney,  they  could  have  made  a  speedy  end  of  it,  as  he  could 
have  removed  all  disputes,  as  well  on  our  side  as  on  yours.  Their 
arguments  persuaded  me. 

Whereupon  they  quickly  wrote  by  the  hand  of  an  elder,  Isaac 
Swits.  He  came  back  without  the  letter,  but  said  that  Reyer 
Schermerhorn  would  bring  one.  But  as  the  latter  delayed  so 
long,  I  complained  to  my  Consistory  that  it  should  have  been 


OF  THE  State,  of  iVTEW  York.  1541 

received  long  ago.  I, therefore  requested  to  have  my  certificate 
at  once,  so  that  the  church  (on  Long  Island)  should  no  longer 
be  desolate  and  without  a  pastor.  They  continued  to  refuse  until 
they  were  made  secure  as  to  the  expenses.  Meanwhile  Reyer 
Schermerhorn  arrived.  I  inquired  for  the  letter.  He  said  he  had 
received  one,  but  that  it  had  been  somewhat  delayed;  for  they 
who  had  commissioned  him  had  told  him  that  he,  Reyer  himself, 
must  deliver  it  personally  even  if  he  had  to  remain  two  weeks  at 
the  Menades,  (Manhattan?)  We  read  the  letter  and  noticed  that 
it  was  signed  by  eight  elders,  but  that  it  said  nothing  whatever 
about  the  expenses;  so  that  all  this  time  had  been  wasted.  This 
made  me  not  a  little  angry.  I  then  asked  for  the  certificate 
at  once,  saying  that  I  did  not  doubt  but  that  they  would  be  reim- 
bursed. But  the  more  urgently  I  asked,  the  more  positively 
was  it  refused,  and  all  because  of  those  expenses. 

Finally,  I  inquired,  whether  they  never  intended  to  give  me 
a  certificate.  They  answered  that  they  could  not  do  it.  I  told 
them  then,  I  could  not  keep  that  church  waiting  any  longer,  and 
would  preach  my  valedictory  sermon  on  the  following  Sunday, 
the  10th  (18th?)  of  July,  (1Y03).  After  I  had  done  so,  they 
still  refused  me  the  certificate,  and  blamed  the  Consistory  of 
Long  Island  that  they  had  not  secured  them  for  the  expenses. 
I  resolved  to  pack  up  my  goods.  Then  they  made  a  last  assault 
upon  me,  in  the  f  ollomng  proposition :  They  said,  "  Since  the 
Domine,  then,  does  not  want  to  accept  the  call  from  Long  Island, 
except  upon  the  condition  that  they  make  it  satisfactory;  there- 
fore stay  here  with  us,  until  you  see  whether  they  are  mlling 
to  give  as  much  salary  as  the  Domine  thinks  we  are  willing  to 
give,  with  other  additional  perquisites.  If  they  are  willing  to 
excel  us,  then  we  will  not  keep  you  back.  They  will  be  ahead, 
and  we  will  not  refuse  you  a  certificate  "  (weggeven  —  give  away 
your  certificate  for  nothing.) 

Inasmuch  as  I  could  not  get  ahead  of  my  Consistory,  they 
now  inmiediately  issued  a  new  call  to  me.     They  compared  this 


1703 


1703 


1542  Ecclesiastical  Records 

with  yours,  and  declared  that  if  the  Long  Island  people  in  their 
love  would  do  as  much  for  the  Domine  as  they  had  now  shown 
that  they  would,  by  offering  such  an  honorable  and  praiseworthy 
salary,  it  must  be  brought  to  proof;  and  if  so,  then  they  would 
have  nothing  against  it.  First,  then,  in  view  of  my  previous 
services,  they  now  promised  to  pay  me  one  hundred  and  twenty 
five  pounds  yearly  in  quarterly  instalments;  and  if  anything 
remains  unpaid  at  the  end  of  the  year,  to  pay  it  with  six  per  cent 
interest;  and  to  give  also  sufficient  security  to  pay  a  half  year's 
salary  to  my  heirs  in  the  event  of  my  death;  also  to  give  me  a 
house  and  garden  and  pasturage  for  two  cows  and  a  horse,  accord- 
ing as  the  household  may  need  now  or  then;  and  if  sickness  of 
the  body  or  trouble  of  the  tongue  should  come  upon  me  —  which 
may  God  forbid  —  that  I  could  not  attend  to  God's  service,  that 
then  a  decent  support  should  be  given  me;  and  they  make  no 
difference  between  one  Classis  and  another;  they  are  well  con- 
tented with  the  Classis  which,  under  God's  providence,  sent  me 
out;  for  it  is  not  in  my  power,  to  choose  another  (Classis).  If 
any  differences  come  to  exist,  the  Consistory  will  adjust  them; 
and  if  they  are  too  great,  then  they  will  correspond  and  consult 
mth  their  neighbors. 

IsTow  I  say.  Rev.  Dear  Brethren,  if  you  can  agree  upon  such 
an  honorable  salary  as  this,  with  a  house,  as  was  formerly  prom- 
ised, and  with  grounds  attached;  and  if  you  will  not  bind  me  to 
join  another  Classis;  then  with  gladness  of  the  heart  I  will  by 
God's  aid,  set  my  shoulder  under  his  ark,  that  is  under  the  con- 
gregation there,  (on  Long  Island).  The  expenses  of  Schoneg- 
tade,  according  to  the  best  of  my  remembrance,  were  forty  three 
pounds  six  shillings.  If  the  respected  brethren  will  consent  also 
to  pay  this,  then  I  shall  come  down  directly.  If  the  brethren 
are  not  inclined  to  do  this,  I  shall  pray  God,  that  all  may  tend, 
however  it  goes,  to  the  glory  of  God,  to  the  salvation  of  your 
congregations,  to  the  peace  of  your  consciences,  to  the  advance- 
ment of  harmony  in  your  churches,  and  to  the  encouragement  of 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1543 

godly  living;  that  unbelievers  may  not  be  strengtliened,  and  the 
pious  not  be  offended.  Put  your  hands  then  to  the  work,  adopt 
godly  resolutions,  overcome  e\dl  by  good,  and  the  God  of  peace 
will  soon  crush  the  Satan  of  quarrel  under  his  feet.  Such  is 
my  longing  for  your  congregation.  Beloved  Brethren,  that  I 
thought  it  necessary  to  communicate  all  this  to  you.  At  pres- 
ent, I  am  not  in  service;  or  at  least  shall  not  accept  the  call  now 
made  here  until  I  hear  what  the  Rev.  Brethren  intend  to  do; 
for  I  have  cut  myself  loose  here,  for  the  sake  of  your  church. 
It  now  depends  on  you,  and  I  have  no  doubt,  you  will  soon  give 
me  an  answer.  Thus  closing,  I  commend  the  much  beloved 
brethren  to  the  grace  of  God,  and  desire  the  Lord's  blessing  and 
all  prosperity  upon  you.  This  is  the  wish  and  prayer  to  God  of 
your  cordial  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

Barnhardus  Freerman. 

This  copy,  compared  with  the  original,  agrees  word  for  word, 
as  much  as  was  possible  letter  for  letter,  which  we  the  under- 
signed witnesses,  declare  to  be  true. 

Gualtherus  du  Bois,  Eccl.  New  York. 
V.  Antonides,  Eccl.  Midwout,  etc. 

Henricus  Beys,  V.  D.  M.  Kingstowne. 
New  York, 

the  28th  of  May  1Y06. 

Lord  Cornbury  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

Presents  to  Governors.—  Bayard  and  Hutchins. 

Sept.  9,   1703. 


1703 


I  humbly  thank  your  Lordships  for  the  increase  of  my  salary.  I  shall  not  fall 
of  acquainting  the  Assembly,  as  soon  as  they  meet,  with  her  Majesty's  orders 
for  prohibiting  any  presents  being  made  to  the  Governour  for  the  time  to  come. 


I  have  likewise  received  your  Lordships  letter  with  Mr.  Attorney  General's 
opinions  inclosed.  As  to  that  relating  to  Bayard  and  Hutchins,  I  can  only  say  that 
I  was  told  that  Bayard  has  brought  his  action  against  one  or  two  of  his  Jury 
and  one  of  his  Judges.  But  I  did  not  think  it  proper  for  me  to  stop  any  man's 
private  actions,  especially  when  there  was  no  application  made  to  me  by  the  other 
side.—  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1071. 


1544  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

1703 

Council  Journal. 

1703,  Oct.  14.     The  Queen  forbids  any  presents  to  be  given  to 
the  Governors:  said  to  be  a  custom.     206. 

The  members  of  the  Assembly  took  the  abjuration  oath  before 
the  Governor.     206. 

The  oath  of  allegiance  and  supremacy  and  the  test  formerly 
taken.     206. 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

./      The  Consistories  of  the  churches  of  Brooklyn,  etc.,  to  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  December  11,  1703,  O.  S. 

Port  Folio,  "  'New  York  ",  Vol.  i.     Extracts  in  Vol.  xxi  460. 

Addressed:  To  the  Much-Esteemed,  Pious  and  Highly  Learned 
Gentlemen,  the  Brethren  in  Jesus  Christ  constituting  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Reverend  Sirs: — 

The  Triune  and  All-Sufficient  God,  the  God  of  the  Covenant 
of  His  people,  has  in  these  last  days  caused  the  pure  Gospel,  in 
its  fulfillment,  to  be  proclaimed  to  the  many  inhabitants  of  these 
remote  islands  of  the  world.  This  is  in  fulfillment  of  the  prophe- 
cies, and  to  the  glory  of  His  name,  as  well  as  to  the  salvation 
of  His  chosen.  It  has  also  pleased  Him  in  His  paternal  love, 
and  in  His  Providence  as  the  Good  Shepherd,  and  by  means  of 
this  same  preaching  of  His  Gospel,  and  through  the  operations 
of  His  Spirit,  to  gather  a  nmnber  of  Dutch  Reformed  churches, 
in  this  Province  of  ISTew  York,  in  America,  under  the  dominion 
of  her  Royal  Majesty,  Anne,  Queen  of  England,  etc.  These 
churches  are  in  harmony  with  the  churches  of  the  ever  praise- 
worthy and  blessed  ISTetherlands.  ISTot  the  least  among  them  are 
those  of  Breukelen,  Midwout  and  Amersfoort,  on  the  Island  of 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  1545 

JSTassau,  over  which  God  has  placed  us,  the  undersigned,  as  Eld- 
ers and  Deacons.  And  assuredly  we  are  under  no  small  obliga- 
tions to  the  Kev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  which  we  are  ever  obliged 
to  recognize  as  our  Mother,  that  through  your  faithful  care,  our 
congregations  have  repeatedly  heretofore  been  provided  with 
pastors  and  teachers,  who  are  no  less  excellent  in  prudence  and 
piety,  than  in  learning,  eloquence  and  zeal. 

But  inasmuch  as  it  hath  pleased  the  Wise  and  Sovereign  God, 
who  worketh  all  things  according  to  the  counsel  of  His  own  will, 
to  deprive  our  congregation,  to  the  general  sorrow  of  all,  of 
their  much  beloved  and  excellent  pastor,  the  Eev.  William 
Lupardus,  of  blessed  memory,  who  died  now  more  than  two  years 
ago:  we  would,  without  doubt,  long  ago  have  solicited  your  help 
in  procuring  another  to  take  his  place,  had  it  not  been  that  the 
inclinations  of  a  large  part  of  our  congregations  had  given  occa- 
sion for  us  to  call  Rev.  Bernardus  Freerman,  minister  of  Schenec- 
tady: but  because  the  terms  of  our  call  were  not  altogether 
acceptable  to  him;  among  other  things,  as,  for  example,  to  quote 
the  words  of  the  Call  itself: 

"  Inasmuch  as  hitherto,  we  have  belonged  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  and  have  no  reason  now  to  separate  ourselves  there- 
from; therefore,  in  case  any  misunderstanding  should  arise  — 
which  may  God  forbid  —  between  us  and  you,  about  any  matter 
in  which  some  Classis  in  Holland  would  need  to  be  recognized, 
we  expect  that  you,  with  us,  will  submit  the  same  to  the  said 
Classis  of  (Amsterdam)":  and  because  the  conditions  which  he 
proposed,  we  did  not  deem  agreeable : 

Therefore  We,  the  undersigned.  Elders  and  Deacons  in  the 
said  villages,  being  authorized  by  our  congregations  to  call 
another  faithful  dispenser  of  the  mysteries  of  God;  and  owing 
to  the  pressing  need  of  our  churches,  we  desire  to  fill  the  vacant 
church  as  soon  as  possible:  and  finally,  with  the  permission  of 
the  Hon.  Edward  Viscount  Combury,  our  Governor,  have,  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  resolved,  to  request  earnestly,  and  to  author- 


1703 


1703 


1546  Ecclesiastical  Records 

ize  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  as  by  these  presents  we  do  so- 
request  and  authorize  you,  to  call  for  our  said  congregations 
a  person,  either  married  or  unmarried,  we  prefer  unmarried,  of 
whose  learning  and  piety  and  other  praiseworthy  virtues  you  have 
sufficient  assurance,  to  preach  the  Word  of  the  Lord  purely,, 
plainly  and  forcefully;  to  instruct  those  thirsting  for  knowledge, 
in  fundamental  truths,  by  general  catechizing;  faithfully  to  ad- 
minister the  Holy  Sacraments  according  to  the  institution  of 
Christ;  prudently  to  administer  church  discipline,  and  to  govern; 
and  furthermore  with  a  peaceable  and  Christian  demeanor,  to  do- 
all  that  belongs  to  the  office  of  a  faithful  minister  of  Jesus  Christ, 
according  to  the  Word  of  God  and  the  good  Order  of  the  Church. 

In  particular:  to  preach  twice  on  each  Lord's  day,  when  in 
health,  the  one  Sunday  in  one  village,  and  the  next  Sunday  in  the 
next,  in  turns,  regularly  going  the  rounds  of  the  four  villages; 
and  to  do  the  same  on  all  other  preaching  days,  according  to  the 
custom  in  use  among  us,  and  observed  by  the  late  Rev.  Lupardus.- 

And  inasmuch  as,  in  our  congregations,  the  remembrance  of 
the  satisfactory  and  edifying  services,  and  the  faithful  labors 
of  the  Rev.,'  Pious  and  Highly  Learned  Domine,  Casparus  Van 
Zuuren,  our  former  pastor  and  teacher,  now  minister  at  Gou- 
derack,  is  still  fresh  and  lively;  and  for  which  reasons,  they 
consider  themselves  bound  always  to  manifest,  so  far  as  possible^ 
the  evidences  of  their  dutiful  love  and  respect  to  him,  although 
absent:  Therefore  the  Rev.  Classis,  without  diminishing  the 
foregoing  authority  conferred,  is  kindly  requested  to  take  inta 
proper  consideration  any  recommendation  of  a  capable  person  by 
the  said  Rev.  Van  Zuuren,  if  such  can  be  conveniently  done,  and 
if  he  is  still  living;  to  let  the  eye  fall  upon  such  a  one  would  be 
a  circumstance  peculiarly  agreeable  to  our  people. 

To  encourage  the  acceptance  of  this  call,  the  party  called  is 
honestly  promised : — 

1.  A  salary  of  one  hundred  pounds,  New  York  money,  which 
amounts,  according  to  the  reckoning  in  this  country,  to  eight 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1547 

hundred  Dutch  guilders.  This  annual  salary  will  begin  with  his 
first  sermon  before  his  congregations.  [One  hundred  pounds  is 
equal  to  two  hundred  and  fiftv  dollars;  but  eight  hundred  guild- 
ers is  equal  to  three  hundred  and  twenty  dollars.] 

2.  In  addition  to  this,  a  good  and  suitable  dwelling,  free  of 
rent,  located  centrally,  at  Midwout;  with  the  barn,  and  land  as 
far  as  the  road,  and  a  garden;  all  this  to  be  delivered  in  good 
condition,  and  to  be  kept  up. 

3.  Also,  to  provide  him,  yearly,  with  sufficient  fire  wood  for 
his  house-keeping, 

4.  He  shall  also  receive,  immediately  on  the  delivery  of  his 
first  sermon  here,  a  half  year's  salary,  as  an  honorarium. 

5.  He  shall  also  receive  upon  his  landing  here,  in  payment 
for  his  transportation  and  other  expenses  on  the  voyage,  thirty 
three  pounds,  !N^ew  York  money,  if  he  be  a  single  man;  but  if  he 
be  married,  he  shall  receive  forty  three  pounds.  This  sum,  ex- 
perience teaches,  is  sufficient.  It  is  deemed  advisable,  there- 
fore, to  specify  it  beforehand,  so  as  to  leave  freedom  to  the  party 
called,  as  to  his  manner  of  coming  over,  and  to  avoid  all  disputes. 

6.  When  he  preaches  at  Breukelen,  which  is  not  above  an 
hour's  ride;  or  at  Amersfoort,  which  is  not  above  a  half  hour's 
ride  from  his  home,  he  shall  be  taken  thither  and  brought  back, 
without  cost  to  himself. 

7.  To  these  promises.  We,  the  undersigned.  Elders  and  Dea- 
cons, stand  pledged,  in  such  a  way  that  we  bind  ourselves,  qual- 
itate  qua,  and  our  successors  in  the  same  capacity,  to  see  to  it, 
and  to  use  all  diligence,  that  each  half  year,  the  full  half  of  the 
whole  salary  shall  be  paid. 

On  these  fair  terms  and  well-intentioned  promises,  we  ear- 
nestly request  and  authorize  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  to  call, 
.as  soon  as  possible,  a  capable  person,  endowed  with  the  requisite 
qualifications.  To  this  end,  in  payment  of  Classical  expenses, 
one  hundred  guilders  are  transmitted,  to  be  paid  by  him  who  is 
mentioned  in  the  accompanying  note.     We  request  you  to  per- 


1703 


1703 


1548  Ecclesiastical  Records 

suade  the  party  called,  after  his  complete  acceptance  of  said  call, 
to  start  on  his  journey  hither  as  quickly  as  possible.  And  we 
pray  the  Lord,  that  under  his  favorable  guidance,  he  may  arrive 
safely.  We  also  promise  to  hold  him  in  such  respect,  affection 
and  honor,  as  is  due  to  an  upright  and  pious  pastor. 

Finally,  we  pray  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep  abundantly 
to  pour  out  His  divine  blessing,  with  the  gifts  of  his  Spirit,  upon 
your  Reverend  Assembly,  upon  your  persons  and  respective  min- 
istries, to  the  magnifying  of  His  J^ame,  the  upbuilding  of  the 
Church  of  God,  and  the  ingathering  and  salvation  of  many  souls. 

Done  at  our  meeting  of  Consistory  at  Breukelen,  December 
11,  1703,  O.  S. 

Reverend,    Pious    and   Highly    Learned    Sirs    and    Brethren    in 

Christ  Jesus, 

Your  obedient  Servants  and  Brethren  in  Christ  Jesus,  The  Eld- 
ers and  Deacons  of  Breukelen,  (Brooklyn),  Midwout  (Flat- 
bush),  and  Amersfoort,  (Flatlands.) 

Daniel  Rapalje     ] 

His  ] 

John  X  Freriks    \-  Elders  of  Brooklyn. 

mark 
Joris  Hanse 

Joseph  Hegeman  )  ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^^^^^ 

Christopher  Frobasco  ) 

Garret  Stoothoff 
Dirk  Jansen  Amerman 

His  )■  Elders  of  Flatlands. 

K'icholas  X  Wykof        |  .  \ 

mark  J 

Gysbert  Boosaart  )  -p.  j.  ^      .  -, 

/         .         ^  {  Deacons  oi  BrookJvn. 

Aegst  Aersen  ) 

John  Van  A^liet    )  t^  j?  in  ^.i      i, 

^         ,.      ^         -,  y  Deacons  oi  llatbush. 
Cornelius  Cornel  ) 

Martin  Schenck  )  -p.  x  t?i  ^i      j 

^  -       .  ]■  Deacons  oi  llatlands. 

John  Amerman 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1549 

Me.  Kobekt  Livingston  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

Mohawk  Missions. 

170.3,    Dec.  18. 
To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations. 

The  humble  memorial  of  Robert  Livingston  Secretary  for  the  Indian  affaires  in 
Her  Majesty's  province  of  New  Yorlje  in  America. 

Sheweth.  That  pursuant  to  Your  Lordships  commands,  he  addressed  himself 
to  my  Lord  of  London  for  Missionaries  to  be  sent  among  the  Indians  for  their 
conversion;  who  advised  him  to  apply  to  the  Right  Honoral>le  the  Society  for 
propagating  the  Gospell  in  foreign  parts,  which  accordingly  he  did,  and  by  a  memo- 
rial prayed,  that  they  would  be  pleased  to  send  six  Ministers,  that  is:  one  to 
each  of  the  Five  Nations,  and  one  to  the  River  Indians,  and  that  each  Minister 
might  have  a  couple  of  youths  who  would  soon  learn  the  language,  and  be  able  to 
minister  to  them;  and  that  there  might  be  houses  built  for  the  Ministers,  and  a 
Chappel  at  each  Castle,  stockaded  round,  which  by  computation  may  cost  sixty  or 
•eventy  pounds  a  piece;  and  that  said  Ministers  might  be  furnished  yearly  with 
8ome  small  presents  to  the  value  of  ten  pounds,  to  give  to  the  Indians;  and  that 
the  Minister  of  Albany  might  be  considered  for  the  pains  he  has  taken  with  the 
Bald  Indians. 

The  Right  Honorable  Society  have  found  out  two  good  men  for  that  purpose; 
that  one  hundred  pounds  sterling  per  annum  will  be  allowed  to  each  of  them,  and 
twenty  pounds  a  piece  towards  buying  utensils  for  them;  but  he  is  directed  by 
His  Grace,  the  Archbishop,  and  the  rest  of  the  Society  to  acquaint  your  Lord- 
ships, that  though  they  think  it  absolutely  necessary  for  their  better  accommoda- 
tion, that  there  should  be  small  houses  built  for  them  among  the  Indians,  and 
that  they  should  each  of  them  have  a  servant  to  attend  them;  yet  the  Society, 
which  has  already  made  such  large  efforts  with  an  income  so  small,  entirely  pre- 
carious and  voluntary,  do  beg  your  Lordships  to  lay  the  matter  before  Her 
Majesty;  since  this  affair  is  partly  civil,  and  regards  the  State,  so  far  at  least  as 
the  said  Missionaries  may  contribute  to  secure  those  wavering  people  to  the  inter- 
est of  the  Crown  of  England,  and  keep  them  from  falling  off  to  the  neighboring 
French  of  Canada. 

Your  Lordships  are  therefore  humbly  prayed  that  yon  will  be  pleased  to  represent 
it  so  to  Her  Majesty,  who  no  doubt,  when  she  is  well  informed,  will  contribute 
the  remainder  and  whatever  else  will  be  needful  for  the  accomplishing  so  good  a 
work. 

All  which   is  nevertheless  most  humbly  submitted   by 

Robert    Livingston. 
—  Col.   Docs.   N.  Y.  iv.   1074-5. 
Whitehall, 

18th  December  170.3. 


Petition  of  the  Rev.  Me.  Ly'dius. 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Lord  Viscount  Cornbury  her  Majesty's  Capt.  Generall 
and  Governour  in  Chiefe  of  ye  Province  of  New  Y'orke.  and  of  New  Jersey,  and 
of  all  the  tracts  and  territories  of  land  depending  thereon  in  America,  and  Vice 
Admiral  of  ye  same  etc.  and  to  ye  Honourable  Councill  of  ye  said  Province  of 
New  York. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Johannis  Lydius  Minister  att  Albany.  Humbly  sheweth: 
How  that  your  petitioner  in  obedience  to  your  Excellency's  directions  hath 
to  the  out  most  of  his  endeavours  made  itt  his  practice  to  instruct  Indians  of  ye 
Five  Nations  in  the  Christian  faith,  for  which  service  your  Excellency  and  Coun- 
cill hath  been  pleased  to  allow  your  humble  petitioner  a  sallary  at  sixty  pounds 
per  annum. 


1703 


1703 


1550  Ecclesiastical  Recouds 

Your  humble  petitioner  doth  therefore  most  humbly  pray  your  Excellency  and 
Councill  will  be  pleased  to  grant  him  a  warrant  on  ye  Collector  or  Receiver  Gen- 
erall  for  one  year's  sallary  in  ye  service  as  a  fore  said,  which  is  expired  the  first 
of  November  1703,  and  your  humble  petitioner  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

Johannes  Lydius. 
Albany  the  30  of  December  1703. 

***  In  council  Min.  ix.  48.  June  13,  1702,  is  an  entry  in  which  Mr.  Lydius  is 
styled  "  Minister  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  at  Schonectady."  The  state- 
ment that  he  came  to  this  country  in  1703,  which  some  persons  have  made,  is  there- 
fore incorrect.  His  son,  John  Henry  Lydius,  who  was  a  prominent  Indian  trader 
in  the  Jolony  of  New  York,  died  in  Kensington,  near  London,  in  1791,  aged  98, 
tiaving  retired  to  England  in  1776.  There  is  a  Biographical  notice  of  him  in  the 
Gent.  Mag.  vol.  61.  p.  383.  which  we  refer  to  here  only  for  the  purpose  of  putting 
the  Historical  Student  on  his  guard  against  some  parts  of  it,  which  contain  rather 
more  poetry  than  truth. —  Doc.   Hist.   N.   1".  Vol.  ill.  p.  538. 


Trinity  Church.    Rev.  George  Keith. 

1703. 

Rev.  Keith  again  preached  in  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  on  November  7,  and 
November  28.  The  first  sermon  was  on  Acts  2:  42,  "And  they  continued  stead- 
fastly in  the  Apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in 
prayers  ".  The  second  sermon  was  on  1  Cor.  12:  13,  "  For  by  one  Spirit  are  we 
all  baptized  Into  one  body,  etc."  These  sermons  were  printed.  Mr.  Keith  says: 
"  By  the  Blessing  of  God,  both  these  printed  sermons  have  been  serviceable  to 
many  in  these  American  parts,  and  to  some  also  in  England,  to  reclaim  them 
from  their  erroneous  Opinions  about  the  two  Sacraments,  Baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper  ". 

The  voluntary  contributions  in  Trinity  Church  from  December  12,  1703  to  April 
19,  1704,  amounted  to  fifty  one  pounds,  fourteen  shillings  and  one  and  a  half  pence. 
Records  i.  47. 

Col.  Wenham  was  desired  to  write  to  Mr.  Thrale  to  procure  the  plate  and  fur- 
niture given  by  her  Majesty  to  Trinity  Church.     Records  i.  47.—  Dix,   155. 


Madam  Knight,  a  Unique  Character  from  Boston,  Kept  a 
Journal,  in  Which  She  Describes  Certain  Things  in  ]S[ew 
York  in  1Y04. 

"  Mr.  Burroughs  went  with  me  to  Vendue  where  I  bought  about  one  hundred 
Rheem  of  paper  which  was  retaken  in  a  fiy-boat  from  Holland  and  sold  very  rea- 
sonably here  —  some  ten,  some  eight  shillings  per  Rheem  by  the  Lott,  which  was 
ten  Rheem  in  a  Lott.  And  at  the  Vendue  I  made  a  great  many  acquaintances 
amongst  the  good  women  of  the  town,  who  courteously  invited  me  to  their  houses 
and  generously  entertained  me. 

The  Cittie  of  New  Yorke  is  a  pleasant,  well  compacted  place,  situated  on  a 
Commodious  River  which  is  a  fine  harbour  for  shipping.  The  buildings,  brick 
generally,  very  stately  and  high,  though  not  altogether  like  ours  in  Boston.  The 
bricks  in  some  of  the  houses  are  of  divers  coullers  and  laid  in  checkers,  being 
glazed,  look  very  agreeable.  The  Inside  of  them  are  neat  to  admiration,  the 
wooden  work,  for  only  the  walls  are  plastered,  and  the  Sumers  and  Gist  are 
plained  and  kept  very  white  scower'd  as  so  is  all  the  partitions  if  made  of  Bords. 
The  fire-places  have  no  Jambs  (as  ours  have)  But  the  Backs  run  flush  with  the 
walls,  and  the  Hearth  is  of  Tyles  and  is  as  farr  out  into  the  room  at  the  ends 
as  before  the  fire,  which  is  Generally  Five  foot  in  the  Lower  rooms,  and  the  peice 
over  where  the  mantle  tree  should  be  is  made  as  ours  with  joyners  work,  and  as 
I  suppose  is  fasten'd  with  iron  rodds  inside.     The  House   where  the  Vendue  was, 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1551 

had  Chimney  Corners  like  ours,  and  they  and  the  hearths  were  laid  with  the 
finest  that  I  ever  see,  and  the  stair  cases  laid  all  with  white  tile  which  is  ever 
clean,  and  so  are  the  walls  of  the  kitchen  which  had  a  brick  floor.  They  were 
making  great  preparations  to  Receive  their  Governor,  Lord  Cornbury  from  the 
Jerseys,  and  for  that  end  raised  the  militia  to  Gard  him  on  shore  to  the  fort  ". 

"  They  are  Generally  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  have  a  New  England  Gentle- 
man for  their  minister,  and  a  very  line  Church,  set  out  with  all  customary  re- 
quisites. There  are  also  a  Dutch  and  Divers  Conventicles  as  they  call  them,  viz., 
Baptists,  Quakers  etc.  They  are  not  strict  in  keeping  the  Sabbath  as  in  Boston 
and  other  places  where  I  had  bin.  But  seem  to  deal  with  great  exactness  as  farr 
as  I  see  or  Deall  with.  They  are  sociable  to  one  another  and  Curteous  and  civell 
to  strangers  and  fare  well  in  their  houses  ". 

"  The  English  go  fasheonable  in  their  dress.  But  the  Dutch,  especially  the 
middling  sort,  differ  from  our  women;  in  their  habitt  go  loose;  were  French  muches, 
which  are  like  a  Capp  and  a  head-band  in  one,  leaving  their  ears  bare,  which  are 
sett  out  with  Jewells  of  a  large  size  and  many  in  number.  And  their  fingers 
hoop't  with  Rings,  some  with  large  stones  in  them  of  many  Coullers,  as  were 
tfieir  pendants  in  their  ears,  which  you  should  see  very  old  women  wear  as  well  as 
Young  ". 

"  They  have  Vendues  very  frequently  and  make  their  earnings  very  well  by  them, 
for  they  treat  with  good  Liquor  Liberally,  and  the  customers  drink  as  Liberally, 
and  generally  pay  for't  as  well,  by  paying  for  that  which  they  Bidd  up  Briskly  for, 
after  the  sack  has  gone  plentifully  about,  though  sometimes  good  penny  worths 
are  got  there  ". 

"  Their  diversions  in  the  winter  is  Riding  Sleys  about  three  or  four  Miles  out  of 
Town,  where  they  have  houses  of  entertainment  at  a  place  called  the  Bowery,  and 
some  go  to  friends  houses  who  handsomely  treat  them.  Mr.  Burroughs  carry'tS. 
his  Spouse  and  Daughter  and  myself  out  to  one  Madame  Dowes,  a  GentlewomaDi 
who  lived  at  a  farm  house,  who  gave  us  a  handsome  entertainment  of  five  or  sis; 
dishes  and  choice  Beer  and  metheglin.  Cyder,  etc.,  all  of  which  she  said  was  the 
produce  of  her  farm;  I  believe  we  met  fifty  or  sixty  slays  that  day;  they  fly  wits' 
great  swiftness  and  some  are  so  furious  that  they  will  turn  out  of  the  path  for 
none  except  a  Loaden  Cart.  Nor  do  they  spare  for  any  diversion  the  place  affordSj 
and  sociable  to  a  degree,  they'r  Tables  being  as  free  to  their  Naybours  as  t( 
themselves  ". 

Private  Journal  kept  by  Madam  Knight  in  a  Journey  from  Boston  to  New  Yorl 
in  the  year  1704,  pp.  66-71. —  Quoted  from   Dix,  159. 

Church   of  England  in  New  York. 

1704. 
Of  the  state  of  the  (English  Episcopal)  Church  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  V 
the  appointment  of  His   Excellency   Edward   Lord   Cornbury,    and   Colonel   Franc' 
Nicholson. 

A  Summary  Account. 

In  this  Province  are  ten  Counties.  First  New  York,  in  which  there  is  an  English 
Church,  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  Trinity  Church,  already  built,  and  ttg 
steeple  raised  to  a  considerable  height  by  the  voluntary  contributions  of  several 
persons,  a  full  account  whereof  has  been  given  in  a  former  scheme  to  my  Lord  ol 
London.  The  Rector  of  this  Church  is  maintained  by  a  tax  levied  upon  all  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  city,  amounting  to  one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds,  one  hundred 
whereof  is  entailed  forever  upon  the  Incumbent  for  the  time  being,  and  Sixty 
pound  is  added  by  the  influence  of  his  Excellency  the  Governor  and  an  Act  of  the 
General  Assembly,  during  the  life  and  residence  of  the  present  incumbent, 
Mr.  William  Vesey. 

And  for  his  further  encouragement,  his  Excellency,  out  of  his  great  goodness, 
hath  ordered  in  council,  twent.v  six  pounds  per  annum  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
Revenue  for  the  Rent  of  the  house  of  the  said  Incumbent. 

His  Excellency  hath  also,  by  a  law,  (1704)  incorporated  the  Rector  and  all  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  City  of  New  Y'ork,  that  are  in  communion  with  the  Church  ol 


1704 


1704 


1552  Ecclesiastical  Records 

England,  as  by  law  established,  by  which  they  and  their  successors  are  vested 
with  sundry  rights  and  privileges;  particularly  the  said  law  hath  enacted,  that 
the  patronage  and  advowson  of  the  said  Church,  and  rights  of  presentation,  after 
the  death  of  the  present  Incumbent,  or  upon  the  next  avoidance,  shall  forever 
thereafter  belong  and  appertain  to  the  church-wardens  and  Vestrymen  of  the  said 
church,  in  communion  with  the  Church  of  England;  which  before  was  in  the 
Vestry  chosen  by  all  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  city.  This  privilege  establishes 
the  Church  upon  a  sure  and  lasting  foundation. 

BENEFACTIONS  OF  TRINITY  CHURCH  OF  NEW  YORK. 

The  Right  Honorable  and  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  the  Lord  Bishop  of 
London  hath  given  a  bell  to  said  Church,   value  sixty  pounds. 

His  Excellency  has  also  very  liberally  contributed  to  the  said  church,  and  besides 
used  his  interest  to  promote  the  same. 

A  sum  of  about  three  hundred  pounds  formerly  collected  in  the  Province  of 
New  York  for  the  Redemption  of  some  captives  in  Algiers.  In  a  Brief  for  collect- 
ing the  said  sum  it  is  provided  that  in  case  the  Redemption  or  death  of  the  said 
captives  shall  happen  before  the  arrival  of  the  said  sum  in  Holland,  that  then  It 
shall  be  disposed  of  to  such  uses  as  are  mentioned  in  the  said  Brief;  The  Slaves 
being  either  dead  or  redeemed  before  the  money  was  transmitted,  his  Excellency 
in  Council  hath  assigned  the  said  sum  for  the  finishing  of  the  steeple  of  Trinity 
Church. 

His  Excellency  the  Governor  taking  into  his  consideration  the  great  charges  the 
parishioners  have  been  and  are  still  at  in  raising  the  Edifice  and  Steeple  to  that 
perfection  they  designed  it,  hath  been  graciously  pleased  to  recommend  to  her 
Majesty  the  Queen,  that  it  may  please  her  Majesty  to  bestow  a  farm  within  the 
bounds  of  the  said  City,  known  by  the  name  of  the  King's  Farm,  to  the  use 
and  benefit  of  the  said  Church,  with  half  an  acre  of  ground  adjoining  to  the  said 
Church  designed  by  his  Lordship  for  a  Garden  and  a  house  to  be  built  for  the 
said  Incumbent. 

His  Lordship  has  been  pleased  to  encourage  Religion,  and  discountenance  Vice 
in  the  said  Province  by  Proclamation,  and  has  used  his  utmost  endeavours  to 
promote  the  Public  Worship  of  God,  and  train  up  youth  in  the  Doctrine  and  dis- 
cipline of  the  Church  of  England,  particularly  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  hath 
contributed  to  the  building  a  French  Church.  And  since  the  death  of  the  late 
minister  of  the  French  congregation,  resolves  to  use  his  interest  to  introduce  a 
French  Minister  that  shall  have  Episcopal  ordination  and  conform  to  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  church. 

His  Lordship  hath  been  also  highly  instrumental  in  enacting  a  law  for  establishing 
a  Latin  free  school,  and  to  endow  it  with  a  salary  of  Fifty  pounds  per  annum,  to 
which  station  his  Lordship  hath  preferred  the  ingenious  Mr.  George  Muirson,  who 
for   some   time  discharged   that   function   with   approbation   and   success. 

Two  other  schools  are  likewise  established  in  this  City  by  his  Excellency's 
care,  and  by  these  and  other  means,  the  Church  daily  increaseth,  and  it  is  to  be 
hoped,  if  God  pleases  to  continue  his  Excellency  in  the  Administration  of  this 
Government,  this  Church  is  in  a  fair  way  of  becoming  the  greatest  congregation 
upon  the  continent. 

We  are  willing  with  much  submission  to  represent  to  the  Honourable  Society, 
how  that  excellent  design  of  theirs  in  supplying  us  with  a  Catechist  might  have 
their  pious  endeavours  better  served,  if  instead  of  the  pious  and  deserving  Mr. 
Elias  Neau,  who  was  brought  up  a  Merchant  and  in  good  business,  the  Worthy  and 
ingenious  Mr.  Muirson,  who  is  now  going  to  England  in  the  hopes  of  being  admitted 
into  Holy  Orders,  were  appointed  for  that  purpose.  Mr.  William  Vesey  might  be 
assisted  l)y  him,  and  for  his  encouragement  has  promised  him  Thirty  pounds  per 
annum  at  his  arrival,  being  sensible  how  much  this  place  abounds  with  Indian 
Slaves  and  Negroes.     This  is  the  state  of  the  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York. 

William  Vesey,  Rector  of  New  York. 


OF  THE  State  of  IvTew  York.  1553 


1704 


LONG  ISLAND. 

In  Long  Island  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  are  three  Counties,  viz.  King's, 
Queen's  and  Suffollj  county.  King's  County,  consisting  of  four  Dutch  Congrega- 
tions supplied  formerly  by  one  Dutch  Minister,  (Lupardus)  but  now  without  any, 
by  the  death  of  the  late  Incumbent,  they  are  sometimes  supplied  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Vesey  where  he  finds  all  the  English  and  some  of  the  Dutch  well  affected  to  the 
Church  of  England.       "' 

A  minister  sent  by  the  Society  to  that  County  with,"  some  encouragement  for  a 
maintenance  to  preach  and  be  a  schoolmaster  would  be  a  great  instrument  of 
bringing  the  youth  and  others  to  the  Church.  .  ,. 

^^  William    Vesey. 

In  Queen's  County  consisting  of  five  towns  divided  into  two  parishes  and  en- 
dowed with  sixty  pounds,  of  New  -York  money  per  annum,  each  parish  paid  by  a 
tax  levied  on  all  the  inhabitants  in  the  County  by  Act  of  General  Assembly. 

Jamaica.  The  parish  of  Jamaica  in  said  County  consists  of  three  towns, 
Jamaica,    New  Town  and   Flushing. 

Ill  the  town  of  Jamaica  there  is  a  Church  of  stone,  built  by  a  tax  levied  on  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  said  town  by  an  Act  of  General  Assembly,  it  has  a  high  spire 
with  a  bell,  but  is  not  furnished  with  pulpit,  pews  or  utensils.  The  Church  was 
built  In  the  street;  there  is  also  a  house  and  some  land  recorded  for  the  parsonage, 
which  was  formerly  in  the  possession  of  the  Independent  Minister,  but  now  in  the 
possession  of  the  present  Incumbent  by  his  Excellency  Lord  Cornbury's  favor, 
who  has  been  the  gr'^at  promoter  of  the  Church  in  this  Province  and  especially 
at  this  place. 

In  New  Town  there  is  a  Church  built  and  lately  repaired  by  a  tax  levied  on  the 
Inhabitants  by  an  Act  of  General  Assembly:  this  Church  was  formerly  possessed 
by  a  dissenting  Minister,  but  he  being  gone,  it  is  in  possession  of  the  present  In- 
cumbent by  his  Excellency's  favor. 

Flushing.  In  this  town  there  is  no  Church;  whereas  the  other  two  towns  are 
chiefly   inhabited  by  Independents,   this  is   inhabited  by  the   Quakers. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Urquhart,  the  present  Incumbent,  resides  at  Jamaica,  according 
to  the  directions  of  an  Act  of  Assembly  mentioned  it  as  the  parochial  Church,  and 
there  preaches  and  reads  Divine  Service  twice  on  the  Sundays,  for  two  Lord's  days 
successively,  and  on  the  third  Sunday  preaches  and  prays  twice  at  New  Town  and' 
at  Flushing  once  a  month  on  the  week  days,  and  by  the  blessing  of  God,  the 
Congregations  in  the  respective  towns  daily  increase. 

Hampstead.     The  parish  consists  of  two  towns,   Hampstead  and  Oyster  Bay. 

In  Hampstead  there  is  a  church,  a  house  and  lands  for  the  minister,  the  people 
are  generally  well  affected  to  the  Church  of  England  and  long  for  the  arrival  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas. 

In  Oyster  Bay  there  is  no  Church,  but  a  considerable  number  of  people  desirous 
of  a  Minister. 

ACCOUNT  OF  SUFFOLK  COUNTY. 

In  Suffolk  County  in  the  East  end  of  Long  Island,  there  is  neither  a  Church 
of  England  minister,  nor  any  provision  made  for  one  by  law,  the  people  genefally 
being  Independents,  and  upheld  in  their  separation  by  New  England  Emissaries. 
But  there  are  several  already  well  affected  to  the  Church,  and  if  one  or  two  min- 
isters were  sent  among  them,  supported  at  first  by  the  Society,  it  would  be  an 
excellent  means  of  reconciling  the  people  to  the  Church,  and  of  introducing  an 
Establishment  for  a  Minister  by  Law. 

William    Vesey. 

'      WESTCHESTER.     Mr.  Bartow,  Rector. 

Here  is  a  Church  built,  but  not  finished,  being  neither  glazed  nor  ceiled.  The 
parish  of  West  Chester  is  divided  into  four  several  districts  viz.  West  Chester, 
East  Chester,  Younkers,  and  the  Manor  of  Pelham. 

There  is  fifty  pounds  settled  on  the  ministers  salary  by  Act  of  Assembly. 

There  is  twenty  three  acres  of  land  given  by  West  Chester  division  for  a  glebe. 


1704 


1554  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

There  is  one  Independent  Congregation  of  East  Chester,  whose  minister  designs 
to  leave  there,  whose  congregation  upon  his  departure  are  resolved  to  join  with 
the  Church. 

RYE.     Thomas  Pritchard.  Rector. 

Here  is  no  Church,  but  the  Minister  preaches  in  the  Town  house;  the  parish  Is 
divided  into  three  districts,  viz.  Rye,   Bedford  and  Mamaronets. 

There  is  a  salary  of  fifty  pounds  per  annum  established  by  Act  of  Assembly;  the 
number  of  communicants  are  considerably  increased,  since  the  first  celebration  of 
the  Sacrament. 

There  is  an  Independent  Church  at  Bedford  where  the  Minister  designs  to  leave 
them,  they  are  well  affected  to  the  Church,  and  it  is  hoped  when  he  is  gone  they 
will  be  in  communion  with  her. 

STATEN   ISLAND,   RICHMOND   COUNTY. 

The  greatest  part  of  the  people  in  this  County  are  English,  and  there  is  a  tax 
of  forty  pounds  per  annum  levied  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  County  for  a  main- 
tenance to  the  Minister,  and  it  is  very  necessary  and  much  desired  by  the  people 
that  a  Minister  should  be  speedily  sent  them  with  some  further  encouragement 
from  the  Society  who  has  at  this  tiaie  an  opportunity  of  reconciling  most  of  them 
to  the  Church. 

William  Vesey. 
ORANGE  COUNTY. 

In  Orange  County  there  are  about  sixty  families  of  several  nations  who  have  no 
Minister,  nor  are  able  to  raise  a  salary  for  one. 

ULSTER  COUNTY.  COMMONLY  CALLED  ESOPUS. 

In  this  County  the  greatest  number  of  people  are  Dutch,  who  about  twelve  years 
since,  sent  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  for  a  Minister;  Mr.  Newcella  being  lately 
(1704)  called  home,  left  them  destitute  of  any  person  to  ofiiciate  among  them,  which 
his  Excellency  was  pleased  to  take  into  consideration,  and  has  appointed  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Hepburn  to  preach  and  to  read  Divine  Service  to  them,  whereby  the  English, 
who  had  never  a  Minister  among  them  have  the  benefit  of  public  worship,  and  are 
in  good  hopes  of  bringing  the  Dutch  to  a  conformity. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Hepburn  has  at  present  small  encouragement  from  the  people,  but 
chiefly  under  God  depends  on  the  kindness  and  bounty  of  his  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor of  this  Province. 

William  Vesey. 
ALBANY. 

A  large  frontier  town  where  most  of  the  people  are  Dutch,  who  have  from  Am- 
sterdam a  Dutch  Minister,  one  Mr.  Lydius,  but  there  are  some  English  families, 
besides  a  garrison  of  soldiers,  who  are  a  considerable  congregation.  A  Church  of 
England  Minister  here  will,  in  all  probability,  do  signal  service  not  only  by  setting 
up  a  public  worship  to  the  joy  and  comfort  of  the  English,  who  impatiently  desire 
a  minister,  and  persuading  the  Dutch  and  others  to  conform,  but  also  in  instruct- 
ing the  Indians  which  come  in  great  numbers  thither. 

Mr.  Moore  Missionary  to  the  Mohawks,  is  coming  to  settle  here  for  some  time  by 
the  directions  of  his  Excellency,  my  Lord  Cornbury,  who  gives  him  great  encourage-, 
ment,  and  has  been  particularly  pleased  to  promise  him  presents  for  the  Indians. — 
Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  iii.  74-77. 

Early  Episcopal  Services. 

In  1704  Episcopal  services  were  established  at  Hempstead,  Long  Island,  by  Mr. 
Thomas,  thus  carrying  on  the  work,  begun  perhaps  by  Mr.  Vesey,  but  deepened  by 
Mr.  Keith  in  17. .  Services  were  also  begun  this  year  at  Richmond,  Staten  Island, 
where  St.  Andrews  Church  was  built  in  1713. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.         1555 

Latin  Free   School. 

1704. 
Lord    Cornbury    sent    a    communication    1o   the   Episcopal    Clergy,    assembled    In 
New  York,   October  5,  1704,   on   the  subject  of  education.     The   Governor  had   ob- 
tained the  enactment  of  a  law  for  the  establishment  of  a  Latin  Free  School,  which 
was  endowed  with  fifty  pounds  per  annum.    Other  schools  were  also  established. 

Fees  in   Trinity   Church. 

1704. 
At  this  time  a  system  of  fees  were  established  in  Trinity  Church  as  follows: 
Clerk's  fees:  For  attending  at  a  funeral,  5s.  6d.;  at  a  marriage,  6s.  6d. ;  for 
Registering  a  christening,  9d. —  Sexton's  fees:  For  ringing  bell  for  funeral,  3s.;  for 
digging  a  grave,  6s.  Fees  for  a  marriage  3s.  6d.  Every  stranger  to  pay  double 
fees. —  Burial  fees:  for  burial  in  the  Chancel,  five  pounds  to  the  minister;  for  a 
child  between  ten  and  sixteen  in  the  Chancel,  50s.;  for  a  child  under  ten,  one 
pound  five  shillings. —  Dix's  Hist.  Trinity  Ch.  i.  158-9. 


John  Chamberlayn,  Esq.,  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.    Mohawk 

Missions. 

1704,    Feb.  1. 
To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations: 

May  it  please  Your  Lordships,  Having  attempted  several  times  to  wait  upon  your 
Honorable  Board  without  meeting  a  favourable  opportunity,  I  am  bold  to  take  this 
method  of  acquainting  your  Lordships,  by  order  of  the  Society  for  promoting  the 
Gospell  in  foreign  parts,  what  measures  have  been  taken  by  that  body  towards 
sending  Missionaries  among  the  Indians  of  the  Five  Nations  bordering  on  New 
Yorke,  and  in  consequence  of  the  representation  made  by  your  Lordships  to  the 
Queen  upon  that  head,  your  Lordships  must  be  pleased  to  know  then,  that  the 
Society,  (not  without  a  great  deal  of  pains  and  time  spent  to  that  purpose),  have 
found  out  two  Reverend  Divines,  Mr.  Smith  and  Mr.  Moor,  whom  they  think  well 
qualified  for  that  errand,  that  they  have  agreed  to  allow  the  said  Gentlemen  one 
hundred  pounds  per  annum  each;  over  and  above  which  they  will  have  twenty 
pounds  a  piece  to  buy  them  utensils  for  the  little  cabin  they  are  supposed  to  have 
among  the  Indians;  and  ten  or  fifteen  pounds  for  books  etc.  Now,  My  Lords,  I 
am  to  tell  you  that  the  Society  having  done  so  much,  (and  indeed  'tis  too  much 
considering  their  small  and  intirely  precarious  stock),  they  would  gladly  know  what 
assistance  they  may  expect  in  an  affaire,  that  does  at  least  as  much  concerne  the 
State  as  the  Church,  (vid:  Lord  Cornbury 's  letters  etc.)  either  at  home  by  your 
Lordships  kind  representation  of  the  matter  to  her  Majesty,  or  abroad  from  the 
Government  of  New  Y'orke;  especially,  My  Lords,  seeing  that  there  remains  so  much 
to  be  done  still;  for  Mr.  Livingston,  Secretary  of  the  Indian  affaires  of  the  above- 
mentioned  Government,  acquaints  us  that  four  more  Missionaries  are  still  wanting; 
that  is  to  say  three  more  for  the  Five  Nations,  and  one  for  the  River  Indians, 
tho'  I  am  told.  My  Lords,  that  these  last  are  no  longer  formidable  to  us,  they 
having  been  almost  consumed  in  former  wars;  but  this  is  submitted  to  your  Lord- 
ships. The  said  Gent:  says  moreover  that  each  of  our  Missionaries  must  have  dis- 
tinct houses,  which  for  fear  of  the  insults  of  drunken  Indians,  etc.,  must  be 
Pallisaded;  that  the  cost  of  such  houses  will  be  sixty  pounds  or  eighty  pounds 
each;  that  they  cannot  subsist  without  two  servants  to  attend  each  Minister;  that 
there  must  be  presents  for  the  Indians,  and  several  other  items  which  swell  the 
account  considerably,  and  which  are  hardly  to  be  compast  by  any  but  a  Royal 
purse,  at  least  not  by  ours,  which  has  exerted  its  utmost  efforts. 

I  must  beg  your  Lordships  pardon  for  taking  up  so  much  of  your  time,  but  the 


1704 


1704 


1556  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

weightiness   of   the    matter    as    well    as   the    faithful    discharge   of    my    duty    must 
apologize  for  my  being  so  full  and  particular. 

I  humbly  submit  it  to  your  Lordships  great  wisdome  and  remain, 

My  Lords,  etc., 

John   Chamberlayne.i 
Westminster, 
1.   Feb.  1703-4. 

P.  S.  The  Society  is  to  meet  next  Friday  morning  at  the  Lords  A:  Bp's  library 
in  St.  Martins,  where  Mr.  Livingston  and  the  two  Missionaries  will  attend  etc. 
May  I  humbly  hope  to  receive  your  Lordships  Commands  by  that  time?  and  if  it 
were  not  too  great  presumption,  I  would  beg  that  I  might  have  it  in  writing,  that 
your  Lordships  meaning  may  be  faithfully  represented  in  your  own  words. — Col. 
Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1077-8. 

Secretary  Popple  to  Mr.  Chamberlayne. 
Sir, 

Your  letter  of  the  1st  Inst:  has  been  laid  before  the  Lords  Commissioners  for 
Trade  and  Plantations,  in  answer  whereunto  they  have  ordered  me  to  acquaint  you 
that  her  Majesty  does  allow  twenty  pounds  a  piece  to  all  Ministers  going  to  the 
Plantations  for  their  passage;  that  they  are  of  opinion  it  will  be  a  great  incourage- 
ment  to  such  Ministers  if  they  can  be  assured  of  a  Benefice  in  England  after  so 
many  years  service  (as  may  be  thought  reasonable)  among  the  Indians;  that  there 
being  a  Society  for  Evangelizing  Indians  in  New  England,  which  has  a  considerable 
Revenue  by  gifts  from  particular  persons,  Their  Lordships  think  it  would  be  of 
some  service  if  your  Society  could  inform  themselves  how  such  sums  of  money 
as  have  been  given  for  that  end  have  been  employed.  In  the  meantime  their 
Lordships  will  take  care  to  recommend  the  said  Ministers  to  the  Lord  Cornbury 
Governour  of  New  Yorke. 

I  am  etc. 

W.  P. 
.        .  —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1078. 

Whitehall  Feb.  3rd 
1703-4.     To  John  Chamberlayne,  Esq. 


Rev.  Thokoughgood  Mook. 

Rev.  Thoroughgood  Moor  was  a  native  of  England.  He  arrived  in  the  Autumn 
of  1704,  In  New  York,  whence  he  proceeded  to  Albany  and  at  once  entered  into 
communication  with  the  Mohawks.  He  was  kept  longer  than  he  expected  from 
visiting  these  people  "  by  a  great  fall  of  snow  ",  but  succeeded  eventually  in 
reaching  their  Castle.  As  they  were  not  then  prepared  to  receive  him,  he  returned 
to  Albany  where  he  was  detained  "  near  a  twelve  month,"  by  the  hope  of  entering 
on  his  Mission.  His  efforts,  however,  were  rendered  nugatory  by  the  Fur  traders 
of  the  place,  and  he  returned  to  New  York  in  1705.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Talbot,  of 
Burlington,  N.  J.,  being  called  to  England,  at  the  time,  on  business,  appointed 
Mr.  Moor  to  serve  his  church  during  his  absence,  who  ministered  some  time  in 
Hopewell,  which  never  had  a  settled  minister,  though  a  church  had  been  built 
there  as  early  as  1700  or  1702.  Mr.  Moor  also  began,  about  this  time,  a  church 
at  Bristol,  Pa.  During  his  sojourn  at  Burlington,  he  became  so  scandalized  at  the 
conduct  of  Lieutenant  Governor  Ingoldsby,  that  he  refused  to  admit  him  to  the 
Lord's  Supper,  and  was  cast  into  jail  in  consequence.  Having  contrived  to  escape, 
he  fled,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brookes  of  Elizabethtown,  to  Boston,  where 
he  met  Mr.  Talbot,  then  on  his  return  from  England.  "  I  was  glad  to  see  them," 
writes  the  latter,  "  but  much  surprised  to  meet  them  both  here.  They  told  me 
what  hardships  they  met  from  the  Governors  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  and 
how    they    escaped    out    of   their    hands;    I    was    for    converting   them    back    again, 

1  Mr.  Chamberlayne  was  Secretary  to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  parts. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1557 

telling  them  the  clangers  of  the  sea  and  the  enemy,  but  poor  Thorogood  said  he 
had  rather  be  taken  into  France  than  into  the  Fort  at  New  York;  and,  if  they 
were  sunk  in  the  sea,  they  did  not  doubt  but  God  would  receive  them,  since  they 
were  persecuted  for  righteousness,  and  doing  their  duty  to  the  best  of  their 
Knowledge."  These  ill  treated  gentlemen  sailed  from  Marblehead  in  November, 
1707,  and  literally  "  sunk  in  the  sea."  The  vessel  in  which  they  were  passengers 
foundered  during  the  voyage,  and  neitlier  they  or  any  of  the  crew,  or  any  wreck 
of  the  ship,  were  ever  heard  of  after.  Mr.  Moor  was  much  lamented  by  those  who 
knew  him,  being  (says  Mr.  Bass)  a  person  of  morals,  meekness,  piety  and  charity. 
Humphrey's  Account  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel,  287-291; 
Collections  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Society  for  1851,  57,  60,  63,  64,  67,  70;  New 
York  Documentary  History,  iii. —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1077. 

The  Anglican  Church  on  Long  Island. 

Rev.  James  Honyman  to  the   Secretary  of  the  Society  for  the   Propagation  of  the 
Gospel   in  Foreign    Parts. 

Long   Island,    America  15   April,    1704. 

Sir: —  After  a  tedious  voyage  I  arrived  at  Boston  of  which  I  have  given  the 
Society  an  account;  where,  I  was  informed  that,  notwithstanding  the  Bishop  of 
London  had  commissioned  me,  the  Society  had  encouraged  the  undertaking,  and 
in  obedience  to  their  commands  I  had  left  my  station  in  the  Navy  on  purpose  to 
serve  at  Jamaica  in  the  province  of  New  York,  yet  I  should  find  but  a  cold  recep- 
tion at  the  hands  of  that  Government.  This  was  surprising  news  to  me  who  was 
in  a  manner  satisfied  of  my  Lord  Cornbury's  zeal  for  the  advancement  of  the 
churches  Interest;  &  that  Mr.  Vesey,  minister  of  this  place,  was  one  of  those 
who  recommended  me  to  my  Lord  of  London's  Favor  and  earnestly  desired  my 
return;  after  enquiry  made  I  found  the  reason,  why  my  encouragement  was  not 
like  to  prove  suitable  to  my  expectation,  was  grounded  upon  a  malicious  story, 
raised  of  me  while  in  England  by  a  criminall  indicted  for  felony;  who  upon  her 
trial  asserted  that  I  had  been  too  intimate  with  her  mistress  (att  whose  house, 
I  lodged  some  of  the  time  I  belonged  to  the  shipp  of  War  that  then  waited  on  this 
Province),  on  purpose  to  render  her  mistress  testimony  of  her  little  &  Insignifi- 
cant. I  was  struck  with  horror  &  amasement  at  the  relation,  &  forthwith  in  a 
letter  to  Mr.  Vesey,  (which  I  desired  him  to  communicate  to  my  Lord  Cornbury), 
not  only  asserted  my  Innocence,  but  told  him  I  would  to  my  last;  &  in  order 
to  comply  with  the  Design  of  my  mission,  as  well  as  to  vindicate  my  Honor,  from 
the  malicious  oppression,  I  made  the  best  of  my  way  though  in  the  winter  time 
to  New  York. 

In  my  journey  thither,  I  was  informed  of  a  proposal  made  by  my  Lord  Corn- 
bury  &  Mr.  Vesey,  namely  to  exchange  with  Mr.  Lockier  of  Rhode  Island,  till 
the  Bishop  of  London's  opinion  in  relation  to  my  being  inducted  to  Jamaica  should 
be  known;  to  which,  that  I  might  in  the  meantime  be  in  a  Tolerable  Capacity 
of  doing  service  to  the  Church,  I  readily  consented;  and  to  this  Proposall  was 
added  the  universall  Plaudit  of  the  Church  Wardens  tt  Vestry  of  Rhode  Island, 
that  having  been  a  place  I  had  done  some  considerable  service  in  before,  for 
which  I  had  their  value  and  esteem;  but  Mr.  Lockier  seeming  unwilling  to  the 
exchange,  I  hastened  to  this  province  to  desire  admission  to  the  place  I  was 
commissioned  to.  At  my  arrival  I  took  all  prudent  methods  to  solicit  the  Gov- 
ernor for  his  favor  &  countenance,  as  well  as  to  Demonstrate  my  Innocence, 
which  I  thus  endeavoured  to  do:  First  I  shewed  that  the  Calumny  proceeded  from 
the  single  Testimony  of  a  malicious  Criminal;  secondly  from  the  testimony  of 
the  wretch,  not  upon  oath;  &  this  I  inform  you  of  because  the  contrary  has  been 
invidiously  asserted;  thirdly  from  the  testimony  of  a  Felon  who  upon  her  Triall 
would  say  anything  of  those  who  prosecute  her,  to  render  them  vile  &  ridiculous; 
fourthly  from  the  testimonj-  of  a  most  infamous  wretch,  whom  1  offered  to  prove 
Guilty  of  the  worst  of  crimes; 

On  the  other  hand  I  endeavoured  to  evince  to  the  world  how  much  I  was  in- 
jured l)y  appealing  to  the  Gentlemen  of  the  best  note  in  the  place,   who  were  at 


1704 


1704 


1558  Ecclesiastical  Records 

that  time  Intimate  with  my  carriage  &  conduct,  by  Certificates  of  my  virtuous 
conversation,  under  the  hands  of  Capt.  Caldwel  under  whose  command  I  then 
served;  by  offering  to  procure  testimonies  suitable  to  my  calling  from  Boston, 
Rhode  Island,  &  other  places  I  had  done  service  in;  by  certificates  from  Capt. 
Stein  who  brought  me  over;  &  lastly  that  'twas  improbable,  that  if  I  had  been 
conscious  of  anything,  that  might  incapacitate  me  from  the  Design  of  my  mission, 
that  I  should  have  come  over,  at  the  expence  of  much  time,  trouble  &  money,  to 
have  suffered  such  indignities.  Those  reasons  are  in  themselves  so  clear  &  con- 
vincing that  they  at  length  prevailed  upon  the  Government  to  grant  me  admission 
to  the  ministerial  function  in  this  place  where  I  now  am  &  where  I  hope  by  the 
blessing  of  God  to  be  an  Instrument  of  being  considerable  service  to  the  Church, 
frequent  opportunities  of  opposing  the  enemies  of  our  religion  and  bringing  them 
over  to  Christianity  offering  themselves.  We  have  a  Church  in  this  town  but  so 
far  is  It  from  being  ornamental  that  we  have  not  those  necessarys  that  are 
requisite  to  the  Daily  discharge  of  our  office,  namely  neither  Bible  nor  Prayer 
Book,  no  cloaths  neither  for  Pulpit  nor  Altar  To  this  parish  belong  two  other 
towns  viz.  New  Town  &  Flushing  famous  for  being  stocked  with  Quakers,  whither 
I  intend  to  go  upon  their  meeting  days  on  purpose  to  preach  Lectures  against 
their  Errors.  I  shall  by  the  next  opportunity  give  you  a  more  full  &  exact  ac- 
count of  matters;  in  the  meantime  beg  leave  to  subscribe  myself  Sir, 
Your  most  humble  servant, 

Ja.    Honyman. 
;  —  Doc.    Hist.    N.    y.   vol.    iii.    pp.    126,    127. 


Council  Journal.     Cornbury,  Governor. 

Church  of  England.     jSTew  Incorporation  Bill  for  Trinity 
Church,  ISTew  York. 

1704,  May  23.  A  Bill  for  granting  sundry  privileges  and 
powers  to  the  Rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  New  York 
of  the  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  estab- 
lished. 

Laid  before  the  Council  by  his  Excellency.  Passed,  May  25; 
213.     Enacted  and  signed,  June  22;  220. 

Dutch  Church  of  N^ew  York.    Meetings  of  Consistory. 

May  31,  1Y04. 

The  Consistory  having  met,  God's  name  was  invoked.  It  was 
ordered  that,  in  accordance  with  the  usual  custom  for  some  years 
past,  a  Resolution  shall  now  be  made  in  writing,  that,  without 
fail,  the  Consistory  shall  meet  four  times  a  year,  namely,  during 
the  week  before  the  Lord's  Supper.  If  there  be  no  hindrance 
in  the  way,  this  meeting  shall  be  on  Wednesday  afternoons;  else 
on  some  other  convenient  day,  but  before  Friday.     They  also 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1559 

found  it  not  unadvisable  that  the  Church  Masters  should  hence- 
forth meet  with  the  Consistory  at  these  same  times,  in  order  to 
foster  brotherly  unity,  and  also  to  counsel  together,  if  need  be, 
on  matters  pertaining  to  the  welfare  of  the  congregation. 

—  Lib.  A.  221. 

Trinity  Church,  New  York  City.     Elias  Neau's  Effort  to 
Form  a  General  Ministerial  Society. 

1704,  June— Nov. 
Dr.  Berrian  In  his  history  of  Trinity  Churcli  gives  a  lengthy  account  of  this 
man.  He  was  an  elder  of  the  French  Church  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel, 
and  finally  was  led  to  unite  with  the  Episcopal  Church.  He  tried  to  bring  the 
different  denominations  in  New  York  into  some  kind  of  union.  In  a  letter  to  the 
Society,    dated   June  22,    1704,   he   says: 

"  The  fine  project,  that  our  pastors  of  New  York  had  made,  to  labor  in  concert 
to  erect  a  Society  upon  the  plan  of  that  at  London,  has  had  no  success.  It  was 
impossible  for  me,  though  I  took  all  the  care  imaginable,  to  reassemble  our  three 
Pastors,  [Gualterus  Du  Bois,  (Dutch);  Pierre  Peiret,  (French);  Wm.  Vesey,  (Eng- 
lish.)] I  found  excuses  every  whither  and  which  seemed  plausible.  Mr.  Vesey 
on  the  one  side  that  he  durst  not  innovate  anything  without  express  commands 
from  my  Lord  of  London,  and  that  if  he  should  go  to  secret  assemblies  it  would 
be  the  means  of  those  sorts  of  assemblies  which  the  Presbyterians  call  Meetings; 
and  that  whereas  his  Church  (Trinity)  is  but  as  yet  in  its  infancy,  he  ought  to 
labor  that  he  might  edify  it  ". 

"  The  Dutch  Minister  pleaded  many  engagements  and  his  poor  acquaintance 
with  the  English  language  ".  "  The  French  Minister  ",  Neau  says,  "  is  the  only 
one  who  has  pusht  forward  and  desired  that  a  Society  might  be  endeavored  to 
be  erected  according  to  the  Articles  they  had  agreed  upon  together".  This  fail- 
ing, Mr.  Neau  and  a  few  friends  formed  a  little  society,  consisting  of  seven  per- 
sons, of  whom  the  French  pastor,  Rev.  Pierre  Peiret,  was  president,  and  they 
met  every  Wednesday  in  a  kind  of  devotional  conference.  About  this  time  Mr. 
Neau  was  appointed  as  Catechist  by  Lord  Cornbury,  an  appointment  which  was 
not  satisfactory  to  Mr.  Vesey,  who  thought  that  it  should  have  come  from  the 
Bishop  of  London,  and  that  the  person  appointed  should  be  in  deacon's  orders. 
Suspicions  were  entertained  of  Mr.  Neau,  as  not  in  sympathy  with  the  spirit 
of  the  Church,  and  tinctured  with  purist  conceits.  On  August  29,  1704,  he  wrote 
[N.  Y.  Gen.  Conv.  MSS.  i.  49.]  again  to  the  Society,  explaining  the  difficulty  of 
his  situation,  Inasmuch  as  if  he  proceeded  with  the  work  of  Catechist  he  would 
displease  Mr.  Vesey,  while  if  he  remained  inactive  he  would  offend  Lord  Corn- 
bury.  However,  the  happy  solution  of  the  trouble  came  finally  in  his  conforming 
to  the  Church  of  England.  In  explanation  and  defence  of  his  cause,  he  wrote, 
Nov.  6th  1704,  that  he  had  performed  his  promise  "  to  quit  the  employment  of 
elder  (in  the  French  Church)  and  'tis  now  about  ten  days  since  I  am  entirely 
settled  in  the  English  Church,  not  upon  the  sole  account  of  my  being  your  Catechist, 
nor  for  any  other  worldly  object,  but  I  have  done  it  through  a  principle  of  con- 
science, because  I  find  more  comfort  in  celebrating  the  Mysteries  in  your  Church 
and  in  Praying.  I  had  learnt  in  my  Dungeon  part  of  ye  English  Liturgy  by  heart, 
by  the  means  of  a  Bible  which  I  had  there,  and  to  which  there  was  the  Com- 
mon Prayer  Book  annexed.  I  did  my  devotions  therewith  night  and  morning  in 
my  solitude.  Thus,  I  beseech  you  and  the  whole  Illustrious  Society  to  believe 
that  I  have  a  very  great  affection  for  the  Common  Prayer,  and  that  it  shall  not 
be  my  fault  that  the  Church  is  not  established  everywhere  according  to  the  direc- 
tions that  shall  be  given  me  concerning  it  ". —  N.   Y.   Gen.   Conv.  MSS.  i.   53. 


1704 


1704 


1560  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

During  the  summer  of  1704,  the  letters  of  Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Society  show 
there  was  an  earnest  desire  to  extend  the  work  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  On  June 
21st  he  suggested  that  the  Society  should  give  directions  "  that  there  should  be 
four  Quarterly  Meetings  of  the  Clergy  annually,  two  in  Westchester  County,  and 
(in)  Queens  County  two,  to  propagate  the  Church  ". —  X.  Y.  Gen.  Conv.  MSS.  i.  30. 

Mr.  Bradford,  the  printer,  was  obliged  to  borrow  of  Trinity  Church  about  forty 
pounds  to  buy  paper  upon  which  to  print  the  book  of  Common  Prayer.  Chaplain 
Sharp   became  his  security. —  Records,   i.   49.     Dix,   1.56-8. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Letter  from  ]^e\v  York. 

1704,  June  2ncl.  Kevs.  de  Eoy  and  Schultinge  handed  in  a 
letter  from  jSTew  York,  and  the  same  was  read  by  the  President, 
ix.  73.     xix.  272. 

A  Letter  from  Xew  York,  to  Call  a  Minister. 

1704,  June  2nd.  A  letter  was  read  from  the  congregation  of 
Breukelen,  Midwont,  and  Amersfoort,  on  the  Island  of  ISTassau, 
(Long  Island,)  in  Xew  York,  requesting  that  a  capable  person 
should  be  sent  to  them  as  pastor,  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
It  was  added  that  we  would  be  kind  enough  to  take  into  consid- 
eration such  a  kind  of  person  as  might  be  recommended  by  Rev. 
Van  Zueren,  now  minister  at  Gourak  (or  Gouderak.)  An  order 
for  one  hundred  guilders  for  Classical  expenses  was  enclosed, 
which  was  handed  over  to  the  Questor  (Treasurer.)  ix.  73. 
xix.  273. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

The  Church  of  Kingstown  to  the  High  Rev.  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, June  26,  1704. 

Port  Folio  "  Xew  York  "  Vol.  i.     Extracts  in  xxi.  468. 

(Addressed:    Reverend,  Provident  and  Highly  Learned  Sirs,  The 
Messrs.  Ministers  of  the  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam). 

Reverend,  Pious  and  Highly  Learned  Sirs:  While  it  hatli 
seemed  good  unto  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the  Sheep,  to  whom 


OF  THE  State  of  !N"ew  York.  1561 

alone  it  belongs  to  send  forth  laborers  into  His  harvest,  to  take 
away  (lit.  snatch  away)  from  ns  onr  minister,  Rev.  John  Peter 
!N"ucella,  causing  him  to  be  called  to  the  Chapel*  of  her  Brit- 
tanic  Majesty  in  London;  therefore  we  neither  conld  nor  would 
fail,  after  previous  communication  with  my  Lord  Conibury,  her 
Majesty's  Governor  of  this  Province,  to  turn  ourselves  to  your 
Reverences  to  inform  you  that  we  are  at  present  without  any 
preaching  services,  and  therefore  without  the  necessary  edifica- 
tion for  so  flourishing  and  numerous  a  congregation.  We  can 
expect  to  be  served  only  two  or  three  times  a  year  by  the  minister 
at  Albany,  Rev.  John  Lydius,  in  the  distribution  of  God's  Cov- 
enant of  grace.  We  do  not  doubt  that  the  great  love  and  affec- 
tion which  heretofore  you  have  entertained  and  manifested  for 
the  churches  of  this  land,  and  especially  for  that  of  our  place, 
are  still  the  same,  and  that  you  will  not  permit  that  we  should 
remain  a  long  time  without  a  pastor  and  teacher;  we  make  bold 
therefore,  to  beseech  you  most  earnestly,  that  at  the  earliest 
opportunity  you  will  be  pleased  to  look  out  for,  call  and  to 
send  over,  another  orthodox  and  capable  minister  —  one  pro- 
vided with  those  necessary  gifts  of  erudition,  and  of  a  pious  life. 
The  further  qualifications  w^e  leave  to  your  own  wise  judgment. 
But  to  avoid  great  expense  so  far  as  possible,  in  this  time  of 
war,  we  wish  that  a  young  man  might  be  chosen,  who  would  him- 
self pay  the  money  for  the  expenses  of  Classis  and  for  his  passage 
over,  under  condition  that  this  advance  of  moneys  shall  be  repaid 
him  promptly,  on  his  arrival  here.  We  would  have  sent  the 
money  on  from  here,  but  were  in  fear  that  the  ships  might  be 
captured,  and  thus  we  might  easily  be  put  to  double  expense. 
Purther  the  salary,  which  by  voluntary  promises  amounts  to  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  and  twelve  poimds  per  annum,  current  money 

*  This  Dutch  Chapel  Royal  was  founded  by  William  III  in  1689,  on  his  accession 
to  the  throne  of  England.  Dutch  services  were  continued  therein  down  to  1809, 
when  in  consequence  of  a  fire  in  the  palace,  the  Dutch  services  were  discontinued. 
Some  of  the  original  Minutes  are  still  preserved  (1900)  in  the  Somerset  House, 
London.  Nucella  continued  liere  until  January  1722,  when  he  died.  See  Burn's 
Hist,  of  Foreign  Refugees  in  England,  222-3.     London,  1846. 


1704 


1704 


1562  Ecclesiastical  Records 

of  this  province,  will  take  its  beginning  as  soon  as  the  preacher 
who  may  be  called  sets  sail  for  the  purpose  of  coming  hither. 
Upon  his  arrival  he  shall  find  a  proper  dwelling  house,  have  a 
large  garden  and  sufficient  fire  wood.  These  things  are  always 
provided  by  the  church  without  expense  to  him.  These  terms 
we  hope  will  appear  so  liberal  to  you,  that  you  will  have  little 
difficulty  in  persuading  a  worthy  servant  of  Christ  to  come  over 
to  us.  In  expectation  thereof  we  break  off.  With  heartfelt 
prayers  to  the  All-sufficient  Grod,  that  it  may  please  Him  to 
preserve  your  persons  in  long  continued  health,  to  the  best 
interests  of  the  churches  in  your  localities,  as  well  as  in  these 
American  regions,  we  are  and  shall  always  remain. 

Reverend,  Pious  and  Highly  Learned  Sirs, 
Your  submissive  and  very  obedient  servants,  the  Elders  and  Dea- 
cons of  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  at  Engstown. 

Henry  Beekman, 
Cornelius  Cool, 
Teimis  Eliasse, 
Egbert  Schoonmaker, 
Conrad  Elmendorf, 
Hans  Kierstade, 
John  Schepmoor, 
Jacobus  du  Bois. 
Kingstown, 
June  26,  1704. 

The  Consistory  of  N^ew  Albany,  having  seen  the  letter  whereby 
the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  is  authorized  by  the  Elders  and 
Deacons  of  Kingstowne  to  provide  their  vacant  church  with  a 
learned  and  pious  minister,  rejoices  in  the  good  care  which  is 
exercised  by  the  aforesaid  Elders  and  Deacons  for  the  well  being 
of  the  church  of  God;  and  heartily  mshes  that  a  peace-loving 
minister  and  one  greatly  learned  in  the  Scriptures,  may  be  sent 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1563 

1704 

to  them  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.     The  harvest  here  is  great 

and  the  laborers  few. 

Actum  in  Albany  June  28,  1Y04. 

In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Consistory  of  the  Dutch 

Church,  (at  Albany) 

John  Lydius,  V.  D.  M.  ibidem. 

The  Rev.  Consistory  of  Kingstown  having  requested  from  the 
church  of  !N'ew  York  their  approval  of  the  above  instrument  of 
call,  the  same  is  cordially  granted.  We  also  pray  the  Lord  of 
the  Harvest  that  He  will  bless  this  effort,  and  provide  that 
church  with  a  useful  minister,  one  possessed  of  all  necessary 
gifts. 

In  the  name  of  the  Rev,  Consistory, 

Gualtherus  du  Bois, 
'New  York, 

July  27,  1T04. 

[On  Account  of  the  Imperfections  of  the  Charter  of 
Trinity  Church,  said  Church  is  Re-Incorporated  by  Act 
OF  Assembly.  ] 

Act  of  1704,  June  27. 

chapter  cxli. 

An  Act  for  granting  sundry  Privileges  and  Powers  to  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  Analysis, 
of  the  City  of  New  York,   of  the  Communion  of  the  Church  of  England,   as 
by  Law  established.     Passed  the  27th  of  June,  1704.  Title  of  Act 

Whereas,  the  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  YorK,  of  the  Communion  of  the  Eplscopali- 
Church   of   England,    as   by   Law   established,   for   some   years   past,    by   voluntary  buliM6^- 
contribution    of    themselves    and    others,    favoring    the    Church's    Interest,    have  1704,  Trinity 
erected  a  Church  within  said  City,  for  the  service  and  worship  of  Almighty  God,  New  York, 
called,  and  known  by  the  name  of  Trinity  Church;  and  have  purchased  and  pro- 
cured, and  do  quietly  and  peaceably  hold,  use,  exercise,  and  enjoy  the  said  Church,  Haveac- 
with  the  Cemetery  or  Burylng-place,  and  a  certain  tract  of  land  belonging  there-  tain^ther* 
unto,  bounded  easterly  upon  the  street  commonly  called  the  Broad-way,  confining  property. 
In  Breadth,  on  the  West  side  of  the  said  street,   three  hundred  and  ten  foot,  or 
thereabouts,  from  the  north-east  corner  of  the  ground  commonly  called  the  Queen's 
Garden,   to  the  land  of  John  Hutchins,   Esq.;   thence   by  a  straight  line  along  the 
north  side  of  the  said  Burying  Place,  continuing  to  Low  Water  Mark  of  Hudson's 
River;    thence   by    a   Line    Southward   along   the   said    River  three    hundred   ninety 
and  five  foot,  all  English  measure;  and  from  thence  by  the  line  of  the  said  Garden 
easterly,  to  the  place  where  it  begun;  together  with  sundry  Powers,   Rights,  Priv- 
ileges,   and    Preheminences,    necessary    for    the    manageing    of    the    affairs    of    the  quired  cer- 
said  Church;  which  by  the  Blessing  of  God  has  been  attended  with  great  succeSS;  tain  Rights 
and  the  congregation  thereof  being  much  increased,   calls  for  suitable  Encourage- 
ment; To  the  end  therefore,  that  such  religious   work  may  be  founded  upon  some  of  cf^irrciT 


1564 


Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 


1704 


For  further 
encourage- 
ment. 

Act  enacted 
by  Legisla- 
ture that 
Trinity 
Church 
shall  be  a 
Corpora- 
tion; 


Their  rights 
in  law. 


May  hold 
and  enjoy 
property 
heretofore 
acquired, 
under  what- 
ever name, 
as  firmly  as 
if  legally  in- 
corporated 
at  the  time. 


By  same 
name  may 
acquire 
more  prop- 
erty, and 
sell,  lease, 
or  improve 
it,  for  said 
Church;  to 
the  value  o 
five  hund- 
red pounds 
income  per 
year. 


Trinity 
Church  set 
apart  for 
Episcopa- 
lian uses. 

Right  of 
Presenta- 
tion, in 
Church- 
Wardens 
and  Vestry- 
men. 

Bight  of  In- 
duction ac- 
cording to 
Royal  In- 
structions 
to  Gover- 
nor, and 
canonical 
right  of 
Bishop  of 
London. 


lasting  foundation,   grow  up  and  become  fruitful,   to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God, 
tlie  good  example  of  otliers,  and  tlie  benefit  of  tlieir  posterity  and  successors: 

I.  Be  it  enacted  by  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury,  Captain  General 
and  Governor-in-Chief  of  the  Colony  of  New  York,  by  and  with  the  consent  of 
her  Majesty's  Council,  and  this  Assembly  General,  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  That  from  henceforward,  forever  hereafter,  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants 
of  the  said  City  of  New  York,  in  Communion  of  the  Church  of  England,  as  by 
law  established  and  their  successors,  be,  and  shall  be  able  and  capable  in  the 
law,  for  the  maintainance  and  recovery  of  their  estates,  rights,  and  privileges 
whatsoever;  to  sue,  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded,  to  answer  and  be  an- 
swered unto,  defend  and  be  defended  by  the  same  name  of  the  Rector  and  Inhab- 
itants of  the  City  of  New  York,  in  Communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by 
Law  established,  in  all  suits,  Quarrels,  Controversies,  Causes,  Actions,  Matters 
and  things  whatsoever,  in  any  Court  or  Courts  of  Common  Law  or  Equity  what- 
soever; and  that  by  the  same  Name  they  and  their  Successors  do  and  shall  lawfully 
have,  hold,  use,  exercise,  and  enjoy  all  and  siugular  their  said  Church  Burying 
Place,  and  Land  thereunto  belonging,  with  the  Hereditaments  and  Appurtenances, 
heretofore  by  them  and  their  predecessors  by  whatsoever  Name  or  Names  the 
same  were  purchased  and  had,  or  to  them  given  or  granted,  and  by  them  or  any 
of  them  used  and  enjoyed  for  the  uses  aforesaid,  to  tliem  and  their  Successors, 
to  the  sole  and  only  proper  Use  and  Benefit  of  the  said  Rector  and  Inhabitants, 
and  their  Successors  forever,  in  as  firm  and  ample  Manner,  in  the  Law,  as  if 
the  said  Rector  and  Inhabitants  had  been  legally  incorporated,  and  made  capable 
in  the  Law  to  take,  receive,  purchase,  have,  hold,  use,  and  enjoy  the  same,  at, 
and  before  the  purchasing,  taking,  receiving  and  holding  of  the  said  Cemetery, 
and  Lands  thereunto  belonging,  and  lawfully  had,  held,  and  enjoyed  the  same: 
any  Law,  Usage,  or  Custom  to  the  contrary  thereof,  in  anywise  notwithstanding. 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  That  the  said  Rector 
and  Inhabitants  and  their  Successors  by  tlie  same  Name  from  henceforward,  for- 
ever, have,  and  shall  have  full  Power,  good  Right,  and  lawful  Authority,  to  have, 
take,  receive,  acquire  a"nd  purchase,  and  use,  and  enjoy  Lands,  Tenements,  and 
Hereditaments,  Goods  and  Chattels:  and  to  demise,  lease  and  improve  the  said 
Lands,  Tenements,  and  Hereditaments;  and  to  use  and  improve  such  goods  and 
Chattels,  to  the  benefit  of  said  Church,  and  other  pious  uses,  not  exceeding 
Five  Hundred  Pounds  yearly  Rent,  or  Income;  any  Law,  Usage,  or  Custom  to  the 
Contrary  hereof  in  any  Wise  notwithstanding.  And  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful 
for  the  said  Rector  and  Inhabitants,  and  their  Successors  to  finish  and  adorn  the 
said  Church,  alter,  enlarge,  and  amend  the  same  or  any  part:  as  also  to  erect 
and  build  a  convenient  dwelling  House,  Garden,  and  Appurtenances,  for  the  use 
of  their  Rector  for  the  time  being,  a  Vestry  Room,  Charnal  House,  and  otTier 
necessaries  of  the  said  Church;  and  to  enclose,  support,  and  maintain  the  same 
from  Time  to   Time,    as  there   shall   be   need    thereof. 

III.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  That  the  said  Church 
and  Premises,  be  from  henceforward  forever  set  apart  and  separate  for  the  Re- 
ligious Uses  aforesaid;  and  that  the  Patronage  and  Advowson  of  the  said  Church, 
and  Right  of  Presentation  (after  the  death  of  the  Present  Rector,  or  upon  next 
Avoidance,  and  forever  thereafter)  shall  belong  and  appertain  to  the  Church- 
Wardens,  and  Vestrymen  of  the  said  Church,  annually  elected  or  to  be  elected, 
by  the  Inhabitants  aforesaid,  in  Communion*  as  aforesaid,  in  Manner  hereafter 
mentioned,  and  expressed,  or  to  the  major  part  of  said  Church- Wardens  and 
Vestrymen  for  the  Time  being,  whereof  one  Church-Warden  always  to  be  one; 
which  Rectors  shall  be  instituted  and  inducted  into  the  said  Church,  in  such  man- 
ner, and  always  as  shall  be  most  suitable  and  agreeable  to  her  Majesty's  Instruc- 
tions to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  of  this  Colony  for  ihe  Time  being,  and  that 
Canonical  Right  and  Authority,  which  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Henry 
Lord  Bishop  of  London  and  his  Successors,  hath,  and  shall  have  over  the  said 
Church. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid.  That  the  succeeding 
Rector  or  Incumbent  of  the  said  Church,  next  after  the  Death  or  other  Avoidance 
of  Mr.  William  Vesey,  present  Rector  and  his  Successors  forever,  be,  and  shall  be 


See  Cornbury's  explanation  of  this  in  his  letter  below,  June  30,  1704. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1565 

1704 
instituted,  authorized,  and  empowered,  to  have,  and  receive,  and  sliall  have,  and  salary  of 
receive  the  sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  yearly,  raised  and  levied  upon  the  Inhab-  torsl'^after*' 

itants  of  the  said  Citv,   for  the   maintenance  of  a  good  sufficient   Protestant  Min-  death  of 

Vesey,  to  be 
ister    in   the    City   aforesaid,    by   virtue   of    an    Act   of   General    Assembly,    of   this  one  hund- 

Colony,    made   and    enacted    in   the   fifth   year   of   the   reign   of   King   William   and  [Ivietfon*^^' 

Queen  Mary,   entitled.  An  Act  for  settling  a  Ministry,   and  Raising  a  Maintenance  the  Inhabit- 

for  them  in  the  City  of  New  York,  County  of  Richmond,  West-Chester  and  Queen's  oity,*ac- 

County;  any  Law,  Custom,  or  Usage,  to  the  contrary  thereof  in  any  wise  not  with-  f°T<^*°K*<' 

•''•'<  '  =   '  •'  ■'  Ministry 

Standing.  Act  of  1693. 

V.  And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid.  That  it  shall  and  may  Trinity  Cor- 
be  lawful   for  the   said   Rector  and   Inhabitants,    in   Communion  as  aforesaid,   and  may  have  a 
their    Successors,    forever   hereafter,    to    have,    and    use    a    common    Seal;    and    the  seal, 
same  to  alter,   break,   and  new  make  at  their  discretion. 

VI.  And   be   it   further   enacted    by   the   Authority   aforesaid.    That   it    shall   and  ^of,s!^' 
may   be  lawful   for  the   Inhabitants   aforesaid,    to   assemble   and   meet  together   on  OnlyEpis- 
Tuesday   in    Easter   Week,    annually    at    the    said    Cuurch,    to    choose   two    Church- city,  to"^*  ° 
Wardens,    and    twenty    Vestrymen,    Communicants    of    the    said    Church,    to    serve  5,^°"^^ 
and  officiate  for  the  next  ensuing  year;   by  the  majority  of  the  voice  of  the  said  wardens 
Communicants,   so  met  and  not  otherwise;  which  said  Church-Wardens  so  chosen,  ^'^X-lfo'^^ 
and  hereafter  to  be  chosen  annually,  have,  and  shall  have  like  Power,  and  Author-  are  mem- 
ity  to  do,  execute  and  perform  their  said  Offices,   respectively  as   Church-Wardens  Trinity 
and   Vestrymen   in   England   have,   unless   some   particular  difference   may   happen.  Church, 
by    the   express    power    and    direction    of    this    present    Act    of    General    Assembly.  Their  pow- 
And    it   shall   and   may    be   lawful    for   the   said   Church- Wardens,    or   one   of   them  fn^E^i?and* 
at  any  time  or  times,   and  so  often  as  shall   be  needful,   to  call  a  meeting  of  the  except  as 
Vestrymen   of   said   Church,    to   meet   the   Rector  for  the  time   being,    if  any   there  tlSsAct. 
be,  and  Church-Wardens  or  one  of  them;   which  said  Rector  and  Church- Wardens 

or  one  of  them,  and  Majority  of  the  Vestrymen,  for  the  time  being,  have,  and  shall  ingsareto 
have  power  to  make  such  Rules  and  Orders,  for  managing  the  affairs  of  the  said  "^^  called. 
Church  as  they  or  the  said  Rector  and  one  Church-Warden,  with  the  Major  num- 
ber  of   the   Vestrymen,    so,    from    Time   to    Time    met   and   assembled,    shall    agree 
upon;  which  said  Majority  of  Vestrymen  together  with  the  Rector  and  one  Church-  Shall  have 
Warden  at   least,    shall   have  the  sole  Disposition   and   ordering  of  all  payment   of  posit?onor' 
the  Church's  Monies;  all  which  Rules,  Orders  and  payments  shall  be  fairly  entered  moneys, 
and  kept  in  books  for  that  purpose;   Provided,    nevertheless,   in  case  of  the  death  shall  have 
of  the   said   Rector,    and    before   the   said    Church    be   supplied    with   another,    that  |^I"ff  there 
the  same  Powers  and  Authorities  relating  to  the  making  of  Rules  and  Orders  as  isn'oRector- 
also   the   Disposition   and   payment    of   the    Church's    Money,    lie   fully    invested   in 
the   Church-Wardens    for    the    time   being,    by   and    with    the   Advice    and    Consent 
of  the  Major  number  of  the   whole  Vestrymen,   and   not   otherwise,   to  be   entered 
and  kept  in  manner  aforesaid;  anything  herein  contained   to  the  contrary  thereof  lyrav  reeu 
notwithstanding.     And  it   shall   and   may    be    lawful   for  the   said   Church- Wardens  late  all  sal- 
and    Vestrymen,    or    major    Part    of    them,    whereof,    one    Church-Warden    always  ^'"'®^- 
to  be  one,  without  their  Rector,   to  establish  and  regulate  all   Fees  or  Perquisites 
of  their  Rector,    Clerk,    Sexton,    and   other  officers   of   said   Church,    provided   none 
of   the   Fees   or   perquisites   shall    exceed    the    Fees   and    Perquisites    usually   taken 
in    England    by    such    Officers   respectively,    with    regard    to   the   Difference   of   the 
Value  of  Money  in  this  Colony;  as  also  for  the  said  Church-Wardens  and  Vestry-  jj^y  regu- 
men   or   major   part   of   them,    with   their   said    Rector   to    regulate   and    order   the  late  charges 
Perquisites  of  the  Church  growing  and  coming  by  the  breaking  of  the  ground  in 
the   Cemetery    or    Church    Yard,    and    in    the    Church    for   burying    the    dead,    pro- 
vided  the   Perquisites   for  breaking  the   ground   in   the   Cemetery  or   Church   Yard 
shall  not  exceed  the  perquisites  reserved  and  mentioned  in  the  Grant  thereof  made 
by    the    Mayor,    Aldermen,    and    commonalty    of    the    City    of    New    York,    for   the 
use  of  Trinity   Church  aforesaid;   And   in  case  the  Church- Wardens   or  Vestrymen  Episcopal 

or  any  of  them  happen  to  die  within  the  vear  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Inhabitants  Inhabitants 
^  ■  -,      ■       ^,  .  „  .,  .  ,„  may  flU  va- 

atoresaid,    m    Communion   aforesaid   at   any    time,    upon    such   Emergency    to   meet  cancles  in 

at   the  said   Church   upon  notice  given   by  the   Rector,   to   elect  and  choose   others  of  chur^h^*^ 

so  qualified  as  aforesaid  in  their  Room;   who  shall  have  full  Power  and  Authority  Wardens  or 

to  do,  execute  and  perform  the  Offices  of  such  as  they  shall  be  so  chosen  to  sue-  Vestrymen. 

ceed,   respectively,  until  the  time  of  next  annual  Election.     And  upon  any  Altera- 


1566  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

1704 

All  papers     tion  of  any  Church- Warden,   by  Death  or  otherwise  the  preceding   Church-Warden 
ertyto°&      or  Wardens  of  the   said   Church,    shall  deliver  over  to   their   Successors,    in   that 
to^toe>""^*^  Office   all    Deeds,    Chai-ters,    Evidences,    Books,    Matters,    and    things    whatsoever, 
successors,    belonging  to  the  said  Church,  in  their  Custody  by  Indentures  containing  an  Inven- 
tory   of    them,    interchangeably    under    their    Hands,    which    Indentures    shall    be 
exhibited  and  shewn  to  the  Vestrymen  at  first   Meeting,   next  after  such  annual 
Election,  or  other  alteration  happening. 

„     .      „  VII.   And   be   it   further   enacted   by   the  Authority   aforesaid,    That   it   shall   and 

Rector  may 

appoint         may  be  lawful  for  the  Rector  for  the  Time  being,  of  the  said  Church  upon  avoid- 

ton'^etc^'^  ance  of  such  Officers,  to  nominate  and  appoint  a  Clerk,  Sexton,  or  Sextons  for 
the  said  Church;  and  that  the  Clerk,  Sexton  or  Sextons  of  the  said  Church  be, 
and  continue  in  their  respective  Offices  during  their  natural  lives,  unless  they 
voluntarily  surrender,  becoming  incapable  of  serving  by  sickness  or  other  infirmity, 
or  misbehave  themselves.  In  which  case  it  shall  be  in  the  Power  of  the  Rector  of 
the  said  Church  for  the  Time  being,  with  Advice  and  Consent  of  the  Church- 
Wardens,  or  one  of  them,  and  Vestrymen,  or  major  part  of  them  to  displace  or 
remove  such  Officer  or  Officers  so  misbehaving  themselves,   and  not  otherwise. 

VIII.  And   lastly,   be   it   enacted   by  the   Authority   aforesaid,    That   this   present 

ToiS  Act  to 

be  con-  Act,  and  the  several  Powers,  Privileges  and  Liberties  therein  and  thereby  granted 

favorabfv^''  *°   *^^   Rector   and    Inhabitants   aforesaid,    in    Communion   as   aforesaid,    and   their 
to  Trinity      Successors  forever  be,  and  shall  be  construed  and  understood  most  favorably  for 
Church.         ^jjg  benefit  of  said  Church,  according  to  the  true  intent  anH  meaning  of  his  Excel- 
lency the  Governor,  and  Council  and  Assembly  aforesaid. 

IX.  Provided.  Nevertheless,  That  this  present  Act  of  General  Assembly,  nor 
But  nothing  anything  therein  contained,  shall  be  construed  or  understood  to  extend  to  abridge 
interfere  or  take  away  the  Indulgency  or  Liberty  of  Conscience,  granted  or  allowed  to  other 
Tolerat*ion^  Protestant  Christians,  by  an  Act  of  Parliament,  made  in  the  first  year  of  the  late 
of  England  King  William  and  Queen  Mary  of  blessed  memory,  entitled  An  Act  for  exempting 
^         '           their  Majestie's  Protestant  subjects  dissenting  from  the  Church  of  England,   from 

the  penalty  of  certain  Laws  or  by  any  other  Law  or  Statute  of  the  Realme  of 
England  or  this  Plantation;  anything  in  this  present  Act  contained  or  miscon- 
strued to  the  contrary  thereof  in  any  ways  notwithstanding. 

See  Colonial  Laws  of  New  York  i.  564-9.  Also  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1064,  1114-15, 
1167-8;  V.  2.  Council  Journal,  213,  220.  Am.  Ch.  Hist.  Series,  viii.  121,  124.  Cor- 
win's  Manual,  4th  od.   1902,   pp.  94-100. 

Lord  Cornbuey  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

1704,  June  30. 

Bellomont's  Administration.     Trinity  Chnrcli.     Tletcher's 

Grants. 

To  the  Eight  Ilonorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and 
Plantations  — 

My  Lords :  Having  received  your  Lordships  commands  to  give 
my  opinion  of  certain  Acts  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this 
province  passed  since  the  2nd  of  March  1698,  I  ordered  copy's 
of  the  list  You  were  pleased  to  send  me  to  be  delivered  to  every 
member  of  Her  Majesty's  Council  here,  that  is  in  the  province, 
and  at  last  they  have  made  a  Eeport  to  me  upon  those  Acts,  which 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1567 

I  here  send  inclosed  to  jour  Lordships;  by  which  it  will  appear, 
that  the  two  first  Acts  mentioned  in  the  list,  and  in  their  Report, 
they  are  of  Opinion  should  be  confirmed;  the  reason  they  give 
for  it  is,  because  they  think  the  same  may  tend  to  the  peace  and 
quiet  of  this  province;  in  this  I  agree  with  them,  though  I  must 
observe,  that  there  are  some  persons  Indemnifyed  by  that  Act, 
who  have  always  been  the  disturbers  of  the  peace  in  this  country, 
and  are  now,  and  always  will  be  (as  far  as  they  are  able)  irrecon- 
cilable Enemies  to  an  English  Government ;  particularly  one  Sam- 
uel Staats,  and  one  Abraham  Governeur  —  the  first  is  a  Surgeon 
who  was  bom  in  this  province  of  New  Yorke  in  the  time  of  the 
Dutch  Government,  went  into  Holland  to  learn  his  trade,  and 
returned  hither  again,  and  was  here  at  the  time  the  Dutch  sur- 
rendered this  province  to  the  English;  Upon  which  surrender 
articles  were  agreed  upon,  by  which  those  of  the  Dutch  nation, 
who  had  a  mind  to  remain  here,  were  to  qualify  themselves  by 
certain  Oaths,  and  there  was  a  certain  time  limited,  beyond  which 
they  were  not  to  have  the  benefit  of  those  Articles,  if  they  did  not 
qualify  themselves.  Accordingly  this  Samuel  Staats  stayed  here 
till  the  time  allowed  was  very  nearly  expired,  and  then  rather 
than  endeavor  to  make  himself  an  Englishman,  he  left  this  Prov- 
ince and  went  to  Holland,  where  he  remained  till  a  very  little 
time  before  the  Revolution;  then  he  came  hither,  and  joined 
with  Mr.  Leisler,  was  one  of  the  most  active  men  in  this  Country, 
and  will  never  cease  his  endeavors,  till  he  brings  this  to  be  a 
Dutch  Government  again,  if  he  can. 


1704 


The  seventh  act  is  repealed,  by  the  act  above  mentioned,  and 
the  chief  reason  that  induced  me  to  consent  to  the  repealing  of 
that  act,  was,  because  by  it,  the  Church  was  st(r)ipped  of  a  Lease 
granted  for  seven  years  by  Coll.  Eletcher  under  the  rent  of  sixty 
bushels  of  wheat,  and  soon  as  that  act  was  passed,  My  lord  Bello- 
mont  granted  the  same  farm  to  a  Dutchman  under  the  same  rent. 


1704 


1568  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

It  is  true  several  grants  repealed,  or  vacated,  by  tlie  Act  passed 
in  My  lord  Bellomont's  time,  Avere  very  exorbitant  grants  and  I 
think  ought  to  be  vacated,  particularly  that  to  Capt.  Evans  (which 
contains  near  three  hundred  thousand  acres  of  land)  and  that  for 
two  reasons,  first  because  the  quit  rent  reserved,  bore  no  manner 
of  proportion  with  the  grant,  Secondly  because  the  granting  so 
vast  Tracts  of  land  to  one  single  person,  has  notoriously  hindered 
the  settling  of  this  Country.  I  must  say  the  same  of  the  Grants 
to  Dellius,  Pinhorn,  Banker  etc.  and  to  Bayard,  all  these  grants 
contain  vast  Tracts  of  land,  and  some  of  them,  some  of  the  best 
land  in  the  Country. 


My  Lords. 

Your  Lordships  most  faithful  humble  servant 
(signed)  Cornbury. —  Col.  Docs.  ]^.  Y.  iv.  1111-12. 

ISTew  Yorke 
June  the  30th  1704. 


The  General  Assembly  of  this  Province  have  lately  satt  and 
passed  some  Acts  which  I  herewith  transmit  to  your  Lordships, 
with  duplicates  of  some  others  formerly  sent;  the  Acts  last  past 
were  these:  first,  an  Act  granting  sundry  privileges  and  powers 
to  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  city  of  New  Yorke,  of  the 
Communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  established,  .... 


The  reason  for  my  ascenting  to  the  first  of  these  Acts  is  because 
the  Rector  and  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church  have  a  Charter  from 
Coll.  Fletcher,  when  he  was  Governor  here,  and  they  have  been 
told  that  Charter  is  defective,  so  they  apply ed  to  me  for  one  that 
might  be  more  sufficient;  I  told  them  I  did  not  perceive  that  by 
my  Commission  I  have  any  power  to  grant  Charters  of  incorpora- 
tion, and  that  I  would  not  venture  to  do  it  without  such  a  power; 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1569 

some  time  afterwards  they  came  to  me  again,  and  desired  I  would 
give  them  leave  to  offer  a  Bill  to  the  General  Assembly  to  be 
passed  into  an  Act  for  settling  the  Church;  I  told  them  I  did 
consent  to  it,  because  by  that  means  the  Queen  would  have  the 
matter  fairly  before  her,  and  I  most  humbly  intreat  Your  Lord- 
ships favourable  representation  of  that  Act  to  Her  Majesty  that 
it  may  be  confirmed; 


1704 


The  fourth  is  an  Act  I  readily  consented  to  because  till  this 
time  the  Assembly  has  always  sat  in  a  Tavern,  which  I  thought 
was  a  scandalous  thing,  and  therefore  I  did  several  times  recom- 
mend it  to  some  of  the  members  of  the  Assembly  to  think  of 
some  method  to  provide  a  place  fit  for  them  to  sit  in;  this  is 
now  done  by  this  bill,  and  I  hope  Her  Majesty  will  be  pleased  to 
confirm  it. 


Thus  I  have  given  your  Lordships  an  account  of  the  Acts 
past  this  last  Sessions,  which  has  been  longer  than  it  needed 
have  been;  through  the  endeavours  of  some  ill  affected  persons 
who  had  a  mind  to  push  the  Assembly  to  such  extravagant  pro- 
ceedings, as  might  move  me  to  dissolve  them,  hoping  by  that 
means  to  get  a  Dutch  Assembly;  These  methods  did  prevail  with 
the  Assembly  to  offer  at  some  things  which  I  thought  not  proper 
for  them  to  meddle  with;  however  having  told  them  my  mind  of 
those  things,  I  thought  it  more  proper  to  adjourn  them,  than  to 
dissolve  them,  hoping  they  will  grow  wiser  when  the  hot  weather 
is  over:  .... 


My  Lords  — 

Your  Lordships  most  faithful  humble  servant, 
New  Yorke  (signed)  Cornbury. 

June  the  30,  1704.  —  Col.  Docs.  E".  Y.  iv.  1114-15. 


1704 


1570  Ecclesiastical  Records 

*^  Cornbuby's  Seizure  of  the  Presbyterian  PARSoiq'AGE  at 

Jamaica,  L.  I. 

Lord   Cornbury's  Order   to   Eev,   Mr.    Hubbard  to   Vacate   the 
Parsonage  House. 

By  liis  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Captain  General 
and  Governour  in  chief  of  the  Province  of  i^ew  Yorke,  IlTew 
Jersey,  etc.,  etc. 

You  are  hereby  required  to  deliver  the  Possession  of  the  house 
Lands  and  premisses  whereon  you  now  dwell  and  which  belongs 
to  the  Church  of  Jamaica  in  Queens  County  to  ye  high  sheriffe 
of  the  said  County  after  a  reasonable  time  for  removing  your 
goods  and  stock  from  the  premisses  and  hereof  you  are  not  to 
fail  at  your  perill.     Given  under  my  hand  att  fort  Anne  in  IsTew 

Yorke  this  fourth  day  of  July  1704. 

Cornbury. 
To  Mr.  John  Hubbard  These. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  I^.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  128. 

An  Order  to  the  Sheriff  to  Eject  Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard  from 
His  House  in  Jamaica. 

By   his  Excellency    Edward   Viscount   Cornbury   Capt.    General   and    Governour   in 
Chief  of  the  Province  of  New  Yorke,  New  Jersey  etc. 

Whereas  by  my  order  under  my  hand  dated  herewith  I  have  ordered  Mr.  John 
Hubbard  to  deliver  the  Possession  of  the  house  land  premises  whereon  he  now 
dwells  and  which  belongs  to  the  church  of  Jamaica  in  Queens  County  to  you  after 
a  reasonable  time  for  removing  his  goods  and  stock  from  the  premisses.  You  are 
therefore  hereby  required  to  deliver  the  possission  of  the  said  premisses  after  you 
have  received  it  from  the  said  Hubbard  to  Mr.  William  Urquhart  and  if  it  happen 
that  ye  said  Hubbard  shall  in  contempt  of  my  said  order  refuse  to  deliver  ye  pos- 
session of  the  premisses  to  you  as  aforesaid,  then  and  in  such  case  you  are  hereby 
required  impowered  to  enter  on  ye  Premisses,  and  possession  so  taken  to  deliver  to 
the  said  Mr.  Arquhart  and  all  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  others  her  Majesty's  offi- 
cers both  civil  and  military  are  hereby  required  to  be  aiding  and  assisting  unto 
you  as  the  execution  hereof.  Given  under  my  hand  att  fort  Anne  in  New  Yorke  this 
fourth  day  of  July  1704. 

Cornbury. 
To  Tho.   Cardie,   Esq. 

High  Sheriffe  of  Queens  County. 
Endorsed 

"An  order  to  the 

High  Sheriffe  of  Queens  County." 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  128. 


OF  THE  State  of  IsTew  York.  1571 

An  Ordek  to  the  Chuech  Wardens  and  Sheriff  of  Jamaica. 

By  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Captain  General  and  Governour  In 
Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York,  New  Jersey  etc. 

You  and  every  of  you  are  hereby  required  forthwith  to  sell  and  dispose  of  for 
ye  best  price  and  advantage  that  Cann  be  made  and  gotten  the  corn  collected  by 
or  Delivered  to  you  or  any  or  either  of  you  for  the  maintenance  and  benefltt  of  the 
Minister  of  Jamaica  and  ye  moneys  thereof  made  to  retain  in  your  hands  until! 
you  Receive  further  orders  from  me  for  the  payment  of  the  same  to  the  uses  for 
which  the  said  corn  was  Delivered  to  you  and  hereof  you  are  not  to  faile  att  your 
Perill.    Given  under  my  hand  att  fort  Anne  in  New  York  this  4th  day  of  July  1704. 

Cornbury, 
To  the  Church  Wardens  of  the  Church 

of  Jamaica  and  to  the  High   Sheriffe 
of  Queens  County.  These. 

—  Doc.   Hist.  N.  Y,  Vol.  III.  p.  128. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Eev.  Gualterus  Du  Bois  to  Rev.  Jolm  de  Rooy,  July;  5,  1Y04. 
(A  loose  letter  in  back  of  Vol.  19.) 

To  the  Reverend  Divine,  the  Highly  Learned  Mr.  Johannes  de 
Rooy,  Minister  of  the  Word  of  God  in  the  Congregation  of 
Jesus  Christ  at  Amsterdam. 

Much  respected  Sir:  This  morning  I  received  the  Call  from 
Esopus,  with  the  request  to  forward  the  same  to  some  one  of  my 
good  friends,  in  order  that  it  may  be  put  in  the  hands  of  the 
Reverend  Classis.  I  have  to  preach  this  afternoon,  and  the  ves- 
sel is  already  under  sail,  with  which  this  letter  must  go.  When 
I  write  a  second  letter,  I  will  enlarge  on  some  things  concerning 
the  same,  as  per  the  request  from  the  people  of  Esopus. 
Earewell, 

Your  Honorable's  Obedient  Servant, 

Gualterus  du  Bois. 
New  York, 

July  5,  1704. 


1704 


1704 


1572  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Rev.  Beys,  Candidate. 

1704,  July  14th.  After  calling  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
it  was  announced  by  Rev.  van  Oosterom,  that  Rev.  (Henricus) 
Beys,  proponent,  (Candidate  or  licentiate),  who  was  not  able  to 
be  present  just  now  because  the  Classis  was  meeting  in  advance 
of  the  time,  requests  that  he  might  be  provisionally  noted  as 
"  Commendatus  Classis."  He  promised  at  the  earliest  oppor- 
tunity to  exhibit  the  requisite  testimonials,  and  his  preaching 
gifts.     On  these  conditions  consent  was  given,     ix.  77. 

Call  to  Long  Island. 

1704,  July  14th.  From  the  previous  acta  came  up  the  busi- 
ness of  the  call  to  Long  Island.  The  case  still  remains  in  statu. 
The  Rev.  van  Houten  was  requested  to  preserve  the  letter  which 
he  had  received  on  that  subject  from  Rev.  van  Durige.  This  he 
also  communicated  to  Classis,  and  promised  to  bring  it  forward 
again  at  the  next  meeting  of  Classis,  that  fuller  action  might  be 
taken  in  the  matter,     ix.  81.     xix.  273. 

Petition  of  the  Rector,  Etc.,  of  Trinity  Church,  'N.  Y. 

July  18,  1704. 

To  appropriate  to  the  Church,  certain  Funds  raised  for  the  Redemption  of  Captives 

in  Barbary. 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Captain  General  and  Governour  in 
Chief  of  the  Province  of  New  Yorke  and  the  Territorys  depending  thereon  in 
America   and   Vice  Admirall  of  the   same  etc.   in  Council. 

The  humble  petition  of  the  Rector  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  of  Trinity  Church 
in  New  Yorke 

Humbly  sheweth 

To  your  Excellency  that  on  the  2ud  day  of  December  1697  Coll.  Fletcher  then 
Governour  of  the  Province  by  advice  and  consent  of  the  Council  for  that  time 
being  did  order  that  Coll.  Steph  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Peter  Jacobs  Mariuss  Dr.  John 
Kerbyle  and  Mr.  Johannes  Kip  (trustees  of  money  raised  of  voluntary  contribution 
by  lycense  of  the  Government  towards  the  redemption  of  particular  slaves  in 
Salley  and  failing  that  use  towards  such  other  pious  use  as  the  Governour  and 
Council  of  the  Province  for  the  time  being  should  direct)  should  deliver  over  the 
papers  and  all  things  relating  the  said  money  with  full  power  to  have  use  and 
receive  the  same  to  Mr.  Thomas  Wenham  and  Mr.  Robert  Lurting  then  Church 
Wardens  of  said  Church  towards  the  finishing  the  building  of  said  Church   under 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1573 

a  certain  provision  that  if  it  were  possible  to  purchase  the  redemption  of  one 
Bartholomew  Rosston  (the  surviving  slave  of  that  number)  that  the  corporation  of 
said  church  be  accountable  for  said  sum  or  so  much  thereof  as  to  answer  his  re- 
demption as  by  a  copy  of  said  order  and  annexed  papers  more  at  large  appears. 
That  for  want  of  an  account  from  Holland  and  other  reasons  for  some  considerable 
time  the  said  trustees  did  alleage  themselves  to  be  incapable  of  making  this  as- 
signment and  are  all  since  dead. 

That  by  a  letter  of  the  20th  March  170O  from  William  Banker  and  Hero  May  of 
Amsterdam  merchants  there  is  advice  the  prisoners  by  Agreement  with  the  Crown 
of  England  were  set  at  liberty  and  said  merchants  ask  direction  in  what  manner 
to  remit  said  money  to  said  trustees. 

That  there  was  originally  remitted  by  said  trustees  1000  pss  8/S  and  some  bills 
of  exchange  conditionall  and  there  being  no  account  of  the  charges  happening  in 
this  negotiation  whereby  to  know  the  nett  sum  in  their  hands, 

Your  Excellency's  petitioner  therefore  humbly  pray  your  Excellency  will  be 
graciously  pleased  to  direct  the  respective  Executors  and  Administrators  of  the 
said  trustees  to  give  such  legall  and  perfect  assignment  to  the  Church  Wardens 
for  the  time  being  of  said  Church  or  their  successors  or  their  order  of  all  the  said 
money  with  full  power  to  call  the  said  William  Bancker  and  Hero  May  &  their 
Executors  &  Administrators  to  account  for  the  same  and  upon  payment  to  give  a 
suflScient  discharge  for  the  same  in  order  that  the  said  money  be  applyed  to  the 
finishing  the  building  of  said  Church  for  which  it  is  sett  apart  and  your  Excel- 
lency's petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall  pray  etc. 

Richard  Willett  Will  Vesey 

Thos.  Wenham  Wm.    Peartree 

Will  Morris  David  Jamison  ' 

Jno.  Borrowe  >  Sa.    Sh.    Broughton        \  , 

Dan  Honan  Jeremiah  Tothill 

Will  Sharpas  ■  Lancaster  Symes 

Robt.  Lurting. 

Read  in  Council  July  18,  1704  &  referred  to  a  Committee  to  examine  the  allega- 
tions therein  contained  &  make  report  thereon  to  the  Board.  The  Petitioners  or 
some  one  for  them  were  ordered  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the  Committee. —  Doc. 
Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  251,  252. 


Synod  of  North  Holland. 

1704,  July  2»-Aug.  7. 

Article  14. 

Extract  from  a  letter  from  the  Consistory  of  Breukelen  on  the 
Island  Nassau,*  in  New  Netherland,  dated  December  10,  1703; 
received  July  2,  1704. 

1.  Contains  an  expression  of  gratitude  to  the  Rev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  for  their  kind  oversight  for  the  best  interests  of  that 
Church, 

2.  Information  was  given  of  the  death  of  Rev.  Lupardus,  who 
had  died  two  years  before. 


1704 


*  Long  Island  was  named  Nassau  in  1693  in  compliment  to  William  III. 


1704 


1574  Ecclesiastical  Records 

3.  Request  is  made  under  authority  from  Lord  Viscount  Oom- 
bury,  that  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  will  call  a  capable 
person,  and  send  him  thither  upon  reasonable  terms. 

4.  The  letter  concludes  with  a  wish  for  a  blessing. 

Aljbant  City  Records.     Sabbath  Observance. 

August  1,  1704:. 
Resolved,  that  the  Constables  doe  take  their  turns  upon  the  sabbath  day  to  in- 
spect all  the  Tavern  Keepers  within  the  Citty,  that  all  Indians  and  Negroes  found 
in  any  Tavern  as  aforesaid,  that  such  Tavern-Keeper  so  found  to  draw  any  Strong 
Liquer  whatsoever  to  any  Negro  or  Negroes,  Indian  or  Indians,  whatsoever,  upon 
the  Sabbath  day  as  aforesaid,  shall  pay  as  a  fine  for  each  such  Default  the  summe 
of  six  shillings,  for  any  such  Indian  or  Indians  so  found,  and  for  the  Negroes  ac- 
cording as  the  acts  of  Assembly  directs. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  iv. 
p.  194. 

OoRNBURT  Authorizes  Stephen  Gracherie  to  Read  Service 
AT  Kingston,  IST.  Y.,  August  10,  1704.  Port-Folio,  ITew 
ToRK,  Vol.  i.     Amsterdam. 

Edward,  Viscount  Cornbury,  Captain-General  and  Governor-in- 
chief  of  the  Province  of  'New  York,  New  Jersey  and  of  all  the 
territories  and  tracts  of  land  depending  thereon  in  America, 
and  Vice- Admiral  of  the  same,  etc.,  etc. 

To  Stephen  Gracherie,*  Greeting: 
You  are  hereby  impowered  and  licensed  to  read  the  service 
of  the  Low-Dutch  Church  at  Kingstowne  in  the  county  of  Ulster 
from  time  to  time  until  you  receive  further  orders  from  me;  and 
you  are  likewise  hereby  impowered  and  licensed  to  keep  a  reading 
and  writing  school  at  Kingstowne  aforesaid,  until  you  receive 
orders  from  me  to  the  contrary. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Kingstowne  this  10th  day  of  August, 
in  the  third  year  of  the  reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lady,  Anne,  by 
the  grace  of  God,  of  England,  Scotland,  France  and  Ireland, 
Queen,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  etc.  Cornbury. 

A  true  copy. 
A.  D.  1704.  D.  Meyer,  Clerk. 

[This  was  also  translated  into  Dutch.] 

*  The  name  Grasherie  is  still  found  in  Kingston. 


OF  THE   State  of  ISTew  York.  1575 

Trinity  Church,  New  York  City. 

Report;  To  give  the  Redemption  Money  asked  for. 

To  liis  Excellency  Edward  Vis^count  Covnbury  Captain  General  and  Governour  in 
Chief  in  and  over  the  Province  of  New  York  New  Jersey  and  Territories  De- 
pending thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same  etc. 

May  it  please  your  lilxcellency. 

In  Obedience  to  your  Lordship's  order  in  Councill  of  the  18th  day  of  July  last 
past  We  have  perused  and  Examined  the  Petition  of  the  Rector  Wardens  and 
Vestrymen  of  Trinity  Church  in  New  York  thereby  to  us  referred  together  with 
the  severall  papers  thereto  annexed,  and  doe  find  that  the  severall  papers  annexed 
to  the  said  petition  Doe  make  out  the  allegations  therein  Contained  to  be  true,  and 
are  therefore  humbly  of  opinion  that  your  Excellency  may  well  graunt  the  Prayer 
of  the  said  Petition  all  which  is  Nevertheless  most  humbly  submitted  to  your  Ex- 
cellency by 

My  Lord 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithfull 
and  Obedient  Servants, 

Sa.    Sh.    Broughton 
Rip   Van    Dam 
Tho.  Wenham. 
New  York  14th 

August  1704.  —  Doc.   Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  255. 


i/  Anglican  Church  on  Long  Island. 

An  Order  to  the  Justices  and  Vestrymen  to  Levy  a  Tax  for  the 
Minister  of  Jamaica. 

By  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Capt.  Generall 
and  Governour  in  Chief  of  ye  Provinces  of  ISTew  York,  N'ew 
Jersey  etc. 

You  are  hereby  required  forthwith  to  lay  a  tax  on  the  Inhab- 
itants of  Queens  County  for  raising  the  maintenance  for  the 
Minister  of  Jamaica  in  the  said  County  for  his  present  year  and 
the  said  Tax  laid  to  Levy  and  Collect  or  cause  to  be  Levyed 
and  collected  pursuant  to  the  Act  of  Assembly  passed  in  the 
Sixth  Session  of  Generall  Assembly  begun  the  12th  day  of  Sep- 
tember 1693  Entituled  an  Act  for  settling  a  Ministry  and  raising 
a  maintenance  for  them  in  the  Citty  of  New  York,  County  of 
Kichmond,  Westchester,  and  Queens  County  and  hereof  you  are 


1704 


1576  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

1704 

not  to  f  aile  Given  under  my  hand  at  ffort  Anne  in  'New  York  this 

twenty  fourth  day  of  August  1704. 

To  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  of  Queens 

County  and  the  Vestrymen  of  the 

Church  of  Jamaica  in  the  said  County. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  K  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  129. 

v/     An  Order  to  the  Justices  and  Church  Wardens  of  Jamaica. 

By  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Captain  General  and  Governour  in 
Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  etc. 

You  are  hereby  Required  to  pay  ye  money  made  of  ye  Corn  Collected  for  the 
maintenance  of  a  Minister  for  the  Town  of  Jamaica  in  Queens  County  and  which 
Remains  in  your  hands  to  the  Reverend  Mr.  William  Urquhart  and  for  soe  doing 
this  shall  be  your  sufficient  Warrant.  Given  under  my  hand  att  ffort  Anne  in 
New  Yorke  this  twenty  eighth  day  of  August  1704. 

Cornbury. 

To  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  Queens  County  &  to  the  Vestrymen  and  Church 
Wardens  of  the  Church  of  Jamaica  in  the  said  county. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  129. 

Secretary  Clarke  to  the  Gentlemen  at  Esopus.     (1704.) 

New  York  August  ye  30th  1701.     (1704?) 
Gentlemen, 

Mr.  Haburne,  fHepburn]  who  is  a  Minister  of  ye  Establisht  Church  of  England, 
and  sent  by  his  Excellency  to  administer  ye  Gospell  to  you,  in  this  vicinity,  ought 
I  think  att  Least,  to  be  provided  for  as  well  as  a  dessenting  Minister  to  that 
Church;  who  is  only  tolerated  to  exercise  ye  unestablisht  religion  he  professes, 
but  it  seems  you  have  not  been  of  that  Opinion,  or  if  you  have,  you  have  not 
paid  that  Obedience  to  his  Excellency's  Commands,  and  that  regard  to  this  gentle- 
man's Character,  as  was  due,  and  this  appears  plainly  by  ye  mean  accommodacons 
you  provided  before,  I  am  therefore  by  his  Excellency's  Command  to  lett  you 
know  that  you  are  immediately  without  delays  in  misconstruing  any  part  of  this 
to  provide  a  good  and  Convenient  house  in  your  town  of  Kingstown  with  neces- 
sarys  thereto  belonging  (suitable  to  the  Character  of  Mr.  Heburn)  for  him,  and  if 
there  be  no  other  house  to  be  Gotten  you  are  immediately  to  put  him  in  possession 
of  ye  house  Late  of  Boudy  Windewitt  which  was  some  time  since  Escheated  for 
her  Matie  and  make  a  speedy  returne  of  what  you  shall  have  done  herein. 
I  am  Gentlemen  Your  very  humble  servant, 

Geo.  Clarke. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.    Vol.    iii.  p.  584. 

[The  above  is  dated,  Aug.  30,  1701,  in  Doc.  History,  but  this  must  be  an  error 
for  1704.     See  Corwin's  Manual,  4th  edition,  1902,  page  26,   and  note  15,   p.   100.] 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1577 

Acts  of  tpie  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Beys's  Certificates. 

1704,  Sept.  1st.  The  certificates  of  Rev,  Beys,  wliicli  were 
mentioned  in  previous  acta,  were  handed  in  and  approved,    ix.  83. 

Anthonides  Called  to  Brooklyn,  etc.,  and  Beys  to  Esopus. 

1704,  Oct.  6th.  The  Rev.  Assembly,  received  applications 
from  the  combined  churches  of  Breucklen  and  Midwout,  as  well 
as  from  that  of  Esopus.  Each  of  these  requested  that  a  minister 
should  be  sent  to  them.  Thereupon  the  Classis  has  called  to 
Breuckelen  and  ]\Iidwout,  Rev.  Vincentius  Anthonides,  minister 
at  Bergen,  (Bergum,)  under  the  Classis  of  Leeuwarden.  He  has 
accepted  this  call  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  To  Esopus  was  called 
the  Rev.  (Henricus)  Beys,  who  has  likewise  accepted  the  call. 
The  more  definite  arrangements  belonging  to  each  case  will  be 
made  later,     ix.  85.     xix.  274. 

Letter  from  Albany. 
1704,  Oct.  6th.  Rev.  President  read  a  letter  from  the  Con- 
sistory of  Albany,  in  which  they  request  that  as  speedily  as  pos- 
sible, there  may  be  granted  to  them  a  minister  in  the  stead  of 
Rev.  I^Tucella,  called  to  the  chapel  of  her  Brittanic  Majesty  at 
London,     ix.  84.     xix.  274. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Gualterus  Du  Bois,  October 
6,  1704.     xxviii.  48. 

Reverend  Sir  and  Dearly  Beloved  Brother  in  Christ  Jesus: 
We  have  learned  with  much  joy  of  your  health,  and  are  well 
pleased  that  you  are  so  esteemed  and  beloved  in  those  regions, 
as  well  as  that  your  ministrations  in  the  churches  are  so  abun- 


1704 


1704 


15T8  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

dantly  fruitful.  ISJ'or  are  we  less  gratified  and  delighted,  that 
through  jour  good  offices,  the  correspondence  of  the  Rev.  Con- 
sistories in  the  Province  of  !N"ew  York  has  been  so  amicably  and 
judiciously  maintained  with  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  We 
assure  you  we  are  under  very  great  obligations  to  you,  and  that 
your  mode  of  procedure  is  the  right  one  to  prevent  alienations, 
to  promote  peace,  and  to  render  real  service  to  the  churches  o£ 
the  Great  Shepherd.  We  request  you  not  to  flag  in  this  line 
of  conduct;  while  we  will  not  neglect  to  do  everything  which 
tends  to  the  continuance  of  this  praiseworthy  correspondence. 

Rev.  Henricus  de  Beys,  S.  S.  M.  C  has  been  called  by  the 
Classis  to  go  to  Kingston.  He  is  a  man  of  excellent  principles 
and  of  great  promise.  Rev.  Vincentius  Antonides  has  been 
called  to  Breuckelen  and  Midwout.  He  is,  at  present,  pastor  at 
Bergen  in  Vriesland.  He  is  a  man  well  tested  in  doctrine  and 
morals  and  prudence.  May  God  bless  their  labors  in  their  re- 
spective churches. 

Among  us  there  have  died  the  Revs.  Saplanke,  Reland  and 
Ojers.  In  their  places  have  been  called  Revs.  Hoseas  HoUebeck, 
Johannes  Van  Strooren  and  Johannes  van  der  Hagen  —  pastors, 
respectively  at  Haerlem,  Alkmaer  and  Leyden.  The  Rev.  Pro- 
fessor Roel  of  Franquer  (Franeker)  has  been  called  to  Utrecht, 
and  makes  great  progress,  but  not  a  little  excitement,  among  men 
of  other  views.  The  churches  of  the  Fatherland  are  in  the  en- 
joyment of  blessings.  The  Fatherland  itself  is  being  crowned 
with  great  victories  in  war.  May  God  continue  to  humble  the 
pride  of  France,  and  hasten  the  time,  through  his  favor,  of  a 
lasting  peace.  It  is  the  desire  of  our  souls  that  God  may  prosper 
you  in  all  your  undertakings,  and  in  his  o^vn  good  time,  bring  y^ou 
to  his  presence  with  glory  and  joy. 

Thus  done  in  our  Classical  Assembly,  October  6,  1704. 

Hugo  van  der  Heist. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1579 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  churches  of  Brooklyn,  Flat- 
bush  and  Matlands,  October  6,  1704.     xxviii.  50. 

^  To  the  Kev.  Consistory  at  Breukelen,  Midwout  and  Amersfoort. 

Eeverend,  Godly,  Highly  Learned  Sirs  and  Brethren  in  Christ 
Jesus,  constituting  the  Rev.  Consistory  of  Breukelen,  Midwout 
and  Amersfoort: — 

We  received  your  pleasant  letter  of  Dec.  10th,  1703  (0.  S.) 
on  January  2nd,  1704,  and  have  learned  therefrom  the  dealings 
of  Divine  Providence  among  you.  Through  the  ministrations 
of  the  Gospel,  purified  (from  error),  God  has  been  pleased  to 
establish  and  prosper  in  those  far  distant  regions  of  America, 
under  the  dominion  of  her  Royal  Majesty  of  England,  and 
especially  on  the  island  of  Nassau,  many  churches.  These  agree 
in  Confession  of  Faith  with  those  of  the  Netherlands,  and  exist 
for  the  diffusion  of  his  truth,  the  glory  of  his  name,  and  the  sal- 
vation of  his  elect.  For  all  this  we  have  reason  to  give  glory  to 
God,  while  we  cherish  the  hope  that  through  such  means  the 
fulness  of  the  Gentiles  shall  be  brought  in. 

We  are  honored  by  your  communication,  and  obliged  for  your 
acknowledgments,  that  our  interest  in  sending  you  ministers,  who 
are  in  no  wise  men  to  be  ashamed  of,  has  been  acceptable  to  you. 
We  bind  ourselves  to  seek,  by  all  possible  means,  your  prosperity, 
whenever  circumstances  put  it  in  our  power. 

The  painful  death  of  Rev.  Wilhelmus  Lupardus,  blessed  in 
his  life,  but  not  blessed  to  your  church  in  his  death,  has  grieved 
our  soul.  May  the  Lord  prevent  similar  losses,  and  heal  this 
breach. 

As  regards  the  feeling  of  Rev.  Bernardus  Freerman,  pastor 
at  Schenectady:    He  has  been  called  by  you  on  certain  conditions, 


1704 


1704 


1580  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

but  which  he  has  declined,  because  in  case  of  difficulty,  he  would 
rather  not  conduct  himself  according  to  the  decisions  of  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam.  His  conduct  appears  very  strange  to  us. 
It  grieves  us  that  he  should  be  governed  by  such  a  spirit.  We 
desire  indeed,  to  avert  all  estrangement  and  to  promote  peace, 
and  wish  that  he  could  be  brought  to  a  different  mind. 

Finally,  as  regards  your  request  and  authorization  (to  send 
y;ou  a  minister.)  Your  authorization  was  submitted  to  us,  with 
the  consent  of  the  Hon.,  the  Lord-Governor,  that  we  should  again 
call  a  person  to  the  service  of  your  church,  one  furnished  with 
all  the  requisite  qualifications  to  make  himself,  by  his  doctrine 
and  life,  by  his  fidelity  and  virtue,  according  to  the  circum- 
stances of  your  church,  acceptable  to  the  minds  of  all.  We  have, 
therefore,  according  to  your  order,  counseled  in  love  with  the 
Reverend,  godly  and  highly  learned  Rev.  Casparus  van  Zuren, 
pastor  at  Gouderak,  who  was  much  interested  in  the  proposition^ 
but  he  did  not  suggest  to  us  any  particular  person.  We  have> 
however,  with  the  approval  of  .his  Reverence,  and  according  to 
your  request,  called,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  the  Reverend, 
godly  and  highly  learned  Vincentius  Antonides,  at  present  at 
Bergom,  in  Vriesland,  a  man  who,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  as 
an  irreproachable  minister,  already  tried  in  the  service  of  the 
Lord,  will  satisfy  your  expectations  in  all  respects.  He  has 
accepted  the  call  on  the  conditions  proposed  by  you,  and  will 
imdertake  the  journey  at  the  first  opportunity.  We  trust  that 
his  passage  may  be  pleasant,  and  that  his  coming  among  you  may 
be  in  the  fulness  of  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel,  to  the  winning 
of  many  souls,  and  the  upbuilding  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ. 
We  received  the  money  for  Classical  expenses  through  a  bill  of 
exchange. 

The  state  of  the  Church  in  our  Fatherland,  through  God's 
favor,  continues  in  the  enjoyment  of  blessings.  The  very  de- 
structive war,  however,  in  which  God  has  undeservedly  crowned 
our  efforts  with  very  great  victories,  to  the  discomfiture  of  our 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1581 

enemies  and  the  capture  of  tlieir  fortresses  and  strong  cities, 
also  continues.  Of  the  Church  in  France,  hardly  a  memory  of 
it  remains.  Concerning  the  Church  in  Hungary,  oppressed  and 
even  more  severely  threatened,  the  fear  of  greater  perils  daily 
increases.  May  God  preserve  his  Zion  and  bless  his  inheritance 
in  other  parts  of  the  world.  May  his  providence,  both  general 
and  particular,  make  your  officers,  peace,  and  your  exactors, 
righteousness.  May  he  make  your  walls.  Salvation  and  your 
gates,  Praise,  unto  the  glory  of  his  most  Holy  jSTame,  your  own 
salvation  and  that  of  many  souls. 

Thus  done  in  our  Classical  Assembly,  October  6,  1704. 

Hugo  Van  der  Heist. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Consistory  at  "Kingston,  October  6, 
1704.     YoL  xxviii.  53. 

Eeverend,  Godly,  Highly  Learned  Sirs,  and  Brethren  in  Christ 
Jesus,  the  Rev.  Consistory  at  Kingston : — 

We  have  received  your  pleasant  letter  of  January  26,  1704, 
and  have  understood  therefrom  the  prosperity  and  increase  of  the 
Church  of  Jesus  Christ  which  is  being  gathered  there,  through 
the  ministration  of  the  Spirit  and  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel; 
also  of  the  departure  of  the  Reverend,  godly,  and  highly  learned 
Rev.  Peter  JSTucella  from  your  church  to  the  Chapel  of  her  Brit- 
tanic  Majesty  in  London.  At  the  same  time  you  make  request, 
after  proper  consultation  with  the  high  and  noble,  the  Lord 
Governor,*  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  to  call  a  man  gifted  in 
doctrine  and  morals,  on  the  favorable  conditions  mentioned  in 
your  missive. 

We  find  ourselves  honored  in  your  correspondence,  and  lament 

*  Cornbury. 


1704 


1704 


1582  Ecclesiastical  Records 

jj^our  misfortune.  We  have,  according  to  your  request,  and  upon 
the  conditions  named,  called,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  Rev. 
Henricus  de  Beys,  a  candidate  at  Dordrecht.  He  is  a  young  man 
of  very  good  abilities,  and  godly  in  walk.  Through  the  preach- 
ing of  the  pacifying  doctrine  of  truth,  and  the  exhibition  of 
unfeigned  godliness,  he  will  be  able,  with  the  blessing  of  God 
to  commend  himself  to  the  souls  of  those  entrusted  to  his  care. 

His  Reverence  has,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  accepted  your 
call,  and  will  be  examined  here  on  January  6,  1705.  He  will 
thereupon  immediately,  or  at  the  first  opportunity,  undertake 
the  journey  to  you.  May  that  God  who  maketh  the  winds  his 
chariot,  conduct  him  safely,  and  make  his  service  among  you 
fruitful  in  the  Lord.  Then  this  our  call,  made  with  a  holy  ob- 
ject, will  redound  to  your  satisfaction,  to  the  glory  of  God's 
name,  the  extension  of  the  kingdom  of  his  Son,  and  the  ingath- 
ering of  many  souls. 

The  kindness  manifested  towards  your  church  by  the  godly 
and  highly  learned.  Rev.  John  Lydius,  and  other  neighboring 
brethren  will  not  be  left  unrecompensed,  but  be  crowned  with  a 
double  reward. 

The  church  of  our  Fatherland  is  in  blessing.  The  Fatherland 
is  being  crowned  with  victory  in  this  long  continuing  war.  May 
God  hasten  a  lasting  peace,  through  his  spirit  and  grace.  May 
he  make  you  faithful  according  to  his  Word,  and  enable  you  to 
walk  worthy  of  the  Gospel,  and  in  his  own  good  time,  give  you 
the  inheritance  of  your  father  Jacob,  even  abundant  entrance 
into  the  kingdom  of  our  great  God  and  Savior,  Jesus  Christ. 

Done  in  our  Classical  Assembly, 

H.  V.  D.  H. 
October  6,  1704. 


OF  THE  State  of  Kew  York.  1583 

Rev.  Mk.  Shaep^s  Commission  as  Chaplain. 

1704. 

Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  etc. 

To   the  Reverend  John  Sharp,   greeting: 

Reposeing  Speciall  Trust  and  Confidence  in  your  fidelity  integrity  Learning  and 
Piety  have  nominated  Constituted  &  appointed  and  I  doe  by  these  presents  nom- 
inate Constitute  &  appoint  you  ye  said  Jno.  Sharp  to  be  Chaplain  to  her  Majesties 
forces  in  ye  said  Province  of  New  York  in  ye  room  &  place  of  Bmond  Mott  deceased 
[1704]  to  have  hold  use  exercise  &  enjoy  the  said  office  or  place  of  Chaplain  of  her 
Majesties  fforces  in  ye  said  Province  of  New  York  unto  you  ye  said  John  Sharp 
for  and  during  such  time  and  untill  her  Majesties  pleasure  shall  be  known  herein. 

Given  under  my  hand  &  seal  etc. —  Doe.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  230. 

[See  under  Oct.  3,  1706.] 

Rev.  John  Sharp  served  as  Chaplain  from  Oct.  20,  1704-1717.  He  probably  at 
first  assisted  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  to  some  extent.  See  Dix's  Hist.  Trinity  Church, 
i.   162-4,   185,   485. 

t 

Rev.  Mr.  Freerman  to  the  Commissioners  for  Indian  Af- 
fairs AT  Albany. 

Schenectady,  2.  November  1704. 
Gentlemen: — 

Just  now  I  have  received  a  letter  from  Onnondage  by  the  hands  of  my  Indian, 
which  letter  I  presently  delivered  to  Mr.  Adam  Vrooman,  who  desired  me  to  trans- 
late the  same,  together  with  Lawrence  the  Interpreter,  the  substance  of  which  is 
as  followeth: — 

An  Onondaga  Indian  is  arrived  from  Canada  and  gives  an  account  about  the 
Belts  sent  by  Coll:  Schuyler,  Viz.  that  the  two  Castles  Kagnawage*  and  Kanos- 
sadagef  were  willing  to  accept  of  the  offers  sent  by  the  said  belts,  but  that  some 
of  them  dare  not  in  a  case  of  that  moment  agree  to  it,  but  would  rather  refer  it  to 
their  Governor;  whereupon  the  same  being  sent  to  their  Governor  and  reced:  by 
him,  the  Governor  thanked  them  that  they  had  submitted  the  matter  to  him  and 
acknowledged  him  to  be  their  head  or  master. 

The  Governor  answered  that  Corlaer's  lake,  or  the  Lake  Rodsio  was  locked  up 
for  them  in  this  matter,  as  also  in  regard  of  merchandize,  and  that  it  was  ill  people 
that  passed  that  way,  but  that  it  was  only  a  path  for  souldiers  and  no  other;  but 
that  the  path  of  peace  run  through  the  lake  of  Cadaracqui  to  Onnondage. 

And  further  that  four  Kagnawages  Indians  are  gone  out  to  fight  against  the 
English,  and  another  number  of  twenty  which  this  Indian  saw*  go  out  of  Chambly, 
and  sayd  that  they  would  go  and  fight  a  place  called  in  the  Indian  language  Aorage. 

And  also  that  the  French  this  last  fall  were  intended  to  make  an  attack  some- 
where, but  it  was  stopped  by  the  Sachems.  As  also  that  an  army  was  preparing 
with  great  vigor  to  make  an  attack  this  winter  over  the  ice;  but  on  what  place  was 
kept  secret.  And  lastly  this  Indian  had  seen  seaven  French  spyes  at  the  hout 
Kills  by  the  Little  Falls. 

Gentlemen. 

My  Indian  had  forgot  to  enter  down  the  date  of  the  month;  wherefore  I  send  the 
letter.  I  think  that  it  has  been  about  the  30th  of  the  last  month  of  October  when 
the  said  Indian  came  away. 

Your  friend, 
Adam  Vrooman  Barnardus  Freerman. 

Lawrence  Vander  Volgen 

—  Col.  Docs.  N.  T.  Ir.  1163-4. 


1704 


♦Called  "Grande  Terre ",  in  Paris,  Doc,  vi.  160,  and  Tohonsiohanne  or  Great 
World,    Ante,   p.   998.—  Ed.  ^ji«:»«. 

t  The  Indians  of  the  Lake  of  the  Two  Mountains  on  the  Ottawa  river,  were  called 
Canassadagas. 


1705 


1584  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds  ^ 

Oedek  to  Induct  Rev.  Peitchaed  to  the  Chtjech  of  Rye. 

Edward  Viscount  Cornbury,  Captain  Generall  and  Governour  in  Cliief  of  tlie  Prov- 
inces of  New  Yorke,  New  Jersey,  etc.,  and  Vice  Admirall  of  tlie  same. 
To  all  and  singular  Rectors  Vicars  Chaplains  Curates  Clerks  and  Ministers  wliere- 
soever  constituted  in  ye  said  Province  of  New  York  and  also  to  Caleb  Heathcott 
Esq.  and  Joseph  Theate  Church  Wardens  of  the  Parish.  Church  of  Rye*  in  the 
County  of  Westchester,  I  do  hereby  firmly  enjoyn  and  command  that  you  induct 
and  present  the  Reverend  Tho.  Prichard  as  Rector  to  ye  Rectory  or  Parish  Church 
of  Rye  aforesaid,  and  that  you  put  him  in  the  reall  actuall  and  corporall  possession 
of  the  said  Rectory  or  parish  Church  of  Rye  aforesaid,  and  of  all  the  Glebes  Rights 
and  Appurtenances  thereunto  belonging,  and  you  are  to  make  a  returne  to  me  of 
what  you  shall  have  done  herein.     Given  under  my  hand  and  prerogative  seal  of  ye 

said  Province  of  New   York  this    day  of   1T04. —  Doc.   Hist. 

N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  563. 

Dutch  Chukch  of  Xew  York. 

Jan.  10,  1Y05. 

Inasmucli  as  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  of  the  City  of  iTew 
York,  by;  their  Charter  obtained  from  Gov.  Fletcher,  have  the 
right  to  appoint  a  Dutch  Schoolmaster,  and  at  present  have  not 
any  such  who  has  been  appointed  by  them :  and  inasmuch  as  they 
are  now  requested  by  Messrs.  Goelet  and  Kerfbyl  in  reference  to 
this  matter: 

The  Consistory,  accordingly,  held  a  meeting  on  this  matter  on 
Jan.  10,  1Y05,  but  on  account  of  the  circumstances  of  the  times, 
and  because  both  the  above  named  persons,  before  making  this 
request  of  us,  had  by  personal  petition  solicited  permission  to 
hold  a  Dutch  school  from  my  lord  Cornbury,  and  had  been  re- 
fused —  the  Consistory  deemed  the  matter  to  be  one  of  very  great 
weight  and  importance,  and  therefore.  Resolved,  To  determine 
nothing  in  the  matter  until  the  former  Elders  and  Deacons  should 
be  called  together  and  consulted.  Such  meeting  is  called  for  the 
coming  Tuesday,  Jan.   16,    1705. 

Jan.  10,  1705.  The  Ruling  Elders  and  Deacons  met,  and  after 
prayer,  unanimously  Resolved,  That  whenever  they  called  to- 
gether all  their  predecessors  in  office,  to  act  and  consult  with  them 
in  matters  of  importance,  these,  whenever  they  are  so  called  to- 

•  The  License  to  Erect  an  English  Church  in  this  Town  bears  date  22nd  January, 
1705/6,  and  is  in  Deed  Book  X.  101.     Secretary's  office. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1585  . 

gether  and  appear,  shall,  for  the  time  they  are  present,  have,  each 
of  them,  a  deciding  vote,  as  much  as  mij  of  the  Ruling  Elders  and 
Deacons.  ^  , 

(This  action  about  this  schoolmaster  does  not  appear.  Prob- 
ably they  thought  best  to  wait  until  they  got  rid  of  Gov. 
Cornbury. ) 

—  Lib.  B.  45.  p.  47 

in  Dutch  Records. 

Dutch  Church  of  ]^ew  York.      Church  Masters. 

March  19,  1705. 

It  was  ordered  that  record  should  be  made  of  a  Resolution 
of  the  Consistory  and  the  Church  Masters,  that  the  Church 
Masters  should  meet  on  the  first  Friday  of  each  month,  from 
Two  to  four  P.  M.  in  the  Consistory  Chamber,  for  the  purpose 
of  attending  to  such  matters  as  may  come  before  them;  and 
especially  to  dispose  of  vacant  sittings  in  the  Church,  according 
to  the  usual  custom.     (See  March  11,  1713.) 

—  Lib.  A.  221. 

To  Tine  the  Church  Wardens,  Etc.,  for  Refusing  to  Levy 
SAID  Tax,  to  Support  an  Anglican  Church  at  Jamaica, 
L.  L 

In  Council,  31  March  1705. 
The  Church  Wardens  &  Vestry  of  Jamaica  being  summoned  to  appear,  before 
this  Board  this  day  and  Robert  Coe  one  of  the  Church  Wardens  &  John  Tallman 
Henry  Wright  Samuel  Carpenter  Samuel  Hlgby  Anthony  Watson  John  Everett 
John  Coe  Jonathan  Hazard  &  Daniel  Lawrence  nine  of  the  Vestry  appearing  ac- 
cordingly they  were  called  in  and  examined  concerning  their  neglecting  or  refusing 
to  raise  a  tax  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Minister  of  that  place  directed  to  be 
raised  for  that  purpose  by  the  Act  of  General  Assembly  of  this  Province  and  hav- 
ing offered  nothing  to  this  Board  in  their  Justification  it  is  ordered  that  the  Penal- 
tyes  expressed  and  contained  In  said  Act  be  Levyed  pursuant  to  the  directions 
thereof  on  every  of  them  ye  said  Church  Wardens  &  Vestry  so  neglecting  or  refus- 
ing to  do  their  duty  as  aforesaid. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  130. 


1705 


1586  EccLEsiASTiCAi.  Records 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Examination  and  ordination  of  Henricus  Beys  for  Kingston. 

On  May  4,  1705,  Domine  Eeynerius  van  Staveren,  Deputatus 
Synodi,  was  welcomed  in  the  Meeting,  and  the  examination  of 
Domine  Henricus  Beys,  who  had  been  called  to  Kingston,  in 
IsTew  IN'etherland,  was  begun.  His  Reverence  gave  to  the  Meet- 
ing special  pleasure.  He  was  accordingly  blessed  (ingesegent*) 
and  ordained  unto  the  service  of  the  church  at  Kingston.  The 
rest  remains  recommended  to  D.  D.  Dep.  ad  res  maritimas. 
xix.  276. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Church  of  Kingston,  May  6, 

1705.     xxviii.  58. 

Rev.,  Godly,  and  Learned  Brethren  in  Jesus  Christ,  constituting 
the  Consistory  of  Kingston,  in  ISTew  ISTetherland : — 
We  did  ourselves  the  honor  to  announce  to  you  on  the  6th  of 
October  1704,  that  at  the  request  of  your  Revs.,  we  had  chosen 
Rev.  Henricus  Beys,  candidate  in  sacred  theology,  and  the  bearer 
of  this,  to  the  service  of  your  church.  We  doubt  not  but  that 
you  have  received  our  advices.  At  that  time  we  mentioned  the 
praiseworthy  qualities  of  Rev.  Beys,  to  which  we  now  refer  you. 
We  had  hoped  to  send  his  Rev.  to  the  aforesaid  service  sooner, 
but  inasmuch  as  he  has  been,  meantime,  visited  with  bodily  ail- 
ments, it  was  impossible.  But  he  has  been  restored  through 
God's  goodness,  and  was  examined  on  the  4th  inst.  by  the  Rev. 
Classis,  with  so  much  satisfaction  to  the  Rev.  Assembly,  as 
appears  from  the  Classical  testimony  given  him,  that  he  was 
declared  worthy  of  that  service.  The  Rev.  Classis  unitedly  re- 
joiced, that  so  able  a  person  allowed  himself  to  be  persuaded 
to  service  in  the  foreign  church.     To  that  service  he  has  been 

*  This  seems  to  mean  "  commended  unto  God  in  prayer  ". 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1587 

confirmed  and  consecrated  by  the  Rev.  Classis,  with  the  impo- 
sition of  hands,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  Church. 

Receive  him  therefore  in  the  Lord,  and  esteem  him  very  highly 
in  love  for  his  work's  sake.  Then  will  God  bless  and  confirm  his 
ministry  both  among  yourselves,  and  throughout  the  whole  church 
committed  to  your  oversight  and  care.  He  will  cause  you  to 
increase  in  numbers,  and  many  will  be  enlightened  in  the  faith 
and  truth,  by  the  sanctification  of  the  Spirit.  May  God  grant 
you  all  in  his  own  time,  an  abundant  entrance  into  his  blessed 
and  incorruptible  kingdom.     This  is  our  earnest  wish. 

Hugo  Van  der  Heist. 
Amsterdam,  Ad.  Benkelaer. 

May  6,  1705. 

Opposition  to  Chuech  of  England  in  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y. 

May  8,  1705. 

Benjamin  Wright  of  Bedford  in  the  County  of  Westchester  Yoenian  aged  twenty 
two  years  or  thereabouts  being  sworne  before  Tho.  Wenham  Esq.,  one  of  the  Gent 
of  her  Majesty's  Councill  for  ye  Province  of  New  York  &  one  of  ye  Judges  of  the 
Supreame  Court  of  Judicature  for  the  said  Province,  saith:  that  since  Mr.  Pritchard 
has  been  appointed  Minister  of  ye  Towns  of  Rye  and  Bedford  in  the  County  of 
Westchester,  this  depont.  has  endeavoured  to  prevaile  with  the  Inhabitants  of  Bed- 
ford to  eucoui-age  the  said  Mr.  Pritchard  to  preach  and  perform  the  dutys  of  Divine 
worship  as  used  in  the  Church  of  England,  among  them:  whereupon  the  Inhabitants 
of  ye  said  town  of  Bedford,  became  so  incensed  that  by  their  ill  treatment  and 
threats  they  have  forced  this  Depont.  to  remove  with  his  family  from  thence,  and 
deterrd  the  members  of  ye  said  Church  from  speaking  anything  in  its  favor. 

And  this  Deponent  further  saith  that  one  Zachariah  Roberts  of  Bedford  a  Jus- 
tice of  the  Peace  in  ye  said  County  of  Westchester  went  to  the  inhabitants  of  ye 
said  Towne  to  prevaile  with  them  to  sign  an  instrument  or  writing  whereby  to 
oblige  them  not  to  pay  ye  said  minister  anything:  and  likewise  that  the  said  Zach- 
ariah Rol)erts  at  a  Town  meeting  called  by  him  for  that  purpose  gott  such  an  act 
of  the  Town  past  accordingly:  which  act  this  Deponent  saw  being  presented  to  the 
view  of  the  persons  there  present  by  ye  said  Zachariah  Roberts,  which  Town  act 
the  said  Zachariah  Roberts  afterwards  burnt,  and  this  deponent  believes  he  Cutt 
it  out  of  the  Records  or  Books  of  ye  said  Town. 

And  the  Deponent  further  saith  that  the  said  Zachariah  Roberts  hath  refused 
(though  a  Justice  of  the  Peace)  to  take  any  affidavits  in  behalf  of  the  Church  of 
England,  the  Queen,  and  this  Government;  and  when  persons  have  offered  to  make 
such  affidavits  he  has  said  he  would  take  none  against  his  neighbours  and  himself 
and  that  they  might  tell  my  Lord  so:  and  the  said  Zachariah  Roberts  hath,  as  this 
Deponent  has  been  informed,  countenanced  severall  soldiers  who  have  deserted  her 
Majesty's  service  in  this  Government,  and  assisted  them  in  their  escape  by  enter- 
taining them  in  his  house,  and  afterwards  sending  his  son  with  them  to  conduct 
them  to   Danbury: 

And  this  Deponent  further  saith  that  about  a  month  since  there  was  a  person 
who  pretended  himselfe  to  be  a  Quaker  brought  before  the  said  Justice  Roberts 
by  this  Deponent  for  speaking  severall  blasphemous  Treasonable  Words  and  that 
severall  sufficient  and  credilile  persons  have  told  the  said  Justice  Roberts  that  they 
heard  the  said  Quaker  say  that  he  had  as  much  authority  and  power  as  ye  Queen, 
and  that  he  could  forgive  Sinns  as  well  as  God,  with  many  more  such  like  expres- 
sions, which  the  said  Justice  Roberts  writt  down  upon  a  piece  of  paper,  but  refused 
to  swear  the  said  persons,  so  tendering  their  oaths  thereto:  and  that  said  Justice 
Roberts,  notwithstanding  the  Tender  of  such  oath,  &  that  the  said  Quaker  owned 
before  him  to  have  spoken  the  aforementioned  words,  and  that  he  hath  repeated 
them  to  ye  said  Justice  Roberts,  conveyed  the  said  pretended  Quaker  away  with- 
out the  least  punishment  and  without  ye  knowledge  of  this  Deponent  who  informed 
against  him: 


1705 


1588  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

And  this  Deponent  further  salth  that  at  a  Town  Court  att  Bedford  aforesaid  held 
about  two  months  ago  the  said  Justice  Roberts  accused  one  Ensign  Stephen  Glossen 
for  unlawfully  taking  &  detaining  a  grid-Iron  from  his  son  Zachariah  Roberts 
(which  appeared  to  have  been  honestly  bought  and  paid  for  by  ye  said  Glossen) 
and  having  then  in  Court  drawn  an  Instrument  or  affidavit  against  the  said  Glossen 
took  ye  Bible  in  his  hand  and  in  a  passion  would  have  compelled  his  said  son  Zach- 
ariah Roberts  to  have  sworne  to  it,  but  he  refused  to  do  it;  and  this  Deponent 
further  saith  that  at  ye  same  Town  Court  there  being  an  action  tryed  for  Debt  the 
said  Justice  Roberts  being  Judge  of  ye  Court,  did  notwithstanding  the  Evidence 
non  Suite  ye  pit.  for  no  other  reason  as  this  Deponent  believes  and  as  he  could 
gather  from  the  words  and  behaviour  of  the  said  Justice  Roberts,  then  that,  the 
pit.  was  a  member  of  ye  Church  of  England,  the  Rancour  and  malice  of  said  Jus- 
tice Roberts  being  so  violent  that  this  Deponent  has  been  told  by  the  said  Roberts's 
wife  that  she  Dares  not  so  much  as  mention  the  name  of  Mr.  Pritchard  or  any  other 
Church  of  England  man  for  fear  of  her  husband's  passion: 

And  this  Deponent  further  saith  that  he  hath  been  told  by  the  said  Justice  Rob- 
erts's wife  that  her  husband  has  razed  or  altered  the  Records  of  ye  said  Town  by 
striking  out  the  name  of  one  Thomas  Howard  in  an  assignment  of  a  Bill  of  sale 
and  putting  his  own  name  on  in  the  room  of  itt:  and  this  Deponent  further  saith 
that  he  hath  been  informed  that  there  was  formerly  a  parcell  of  Land  bought  by 
the  said  Town  of  Bedford  to  be  laid  apart  for  a  minister  for  the  said  town,  which 
said  parcell  of  Land  was  within  a  year  Last  past  given  at  a  Town  meeting  to  one 
John  Jones  a  Dissenting  minister  in  the  said  Town  for  an  encouragement  to  him  to 
settle  &  preach  among  them. 

John  Thomson  of  Bedford  in  ye  County  of  Westchester  gent,  aged  forty  yeares 
&  upwards  being  sworne  before  Tho.  Wenham  etc.  saith  that  there  having  been  no 
Divine  service  according  to  ye  ceremouys  &  usage  of  the  Church  of  England  in 
the  said  Town  of  Bedford  the  said  Deponent  hath  often  gone  to  the  Dissenting 
meeting  in  that  town  where  he  hath  heard  one  John  Jones  the  minister  of  ye 
dissenting  Congregation  preach,  and  hath  heard  him  frequently  in  a  very  bitter 
and  inveterate  manner  reflect  upon  the  present  Constitution  and  Government  of  the 
Church  of  England;  and  particularly  this  Deponent  heard  him  say  that  he  cared 
not  for  the  said  Church  of  England,  and  that  in  his  sermon  he  used  to  the  best 
of  this  Deponent's  memory  these  words,  vizt. :  Come  out  of  her,  (meaning  ye 
Church  of  England)  my  people  lest  ye  partake  of  her  plagues:  comparing  likewise  . 
the  said  Church  to  ye  Church  of  Rome,  and  saying  at  other  times  likewise  in  his 
sermon  to  his  Congregation,  yee  are  in  a  dangerous  Government  where  they  do 
not  pray  nor  serve  God,  and  that  he  would  preach  Reprobation  in  Defiance  of 
Principality's  and  Powers,  &  that  yee,  speaking  to  his  congregation,  may  tell  them 
so  at  York  for  that  he  did  not  care  for  my  Lord:  and  this  Deponent  further  saith 
that  being  one  day  with  the  said  Mr.  Jones  at  the  house  of  one  Zachariah  Roberts 
at  Bedford  aforesaid  this  Deponent  heard  the  said  John  Jones  say  he  would  burne 
the  Church  of  England  Books  etc. 

The  two  preceding  depositions  were  read  in  Council  May  8.  1705;  Messrs.  Roberts 
and   Jones   failing  to   give   satisfactory   explanations   thereof,    were   bound   over   to 
answer  in  the   Supreame  Court. 
Council  Minute. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  564-.56.5. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

Rev.  Henricus  Beys.     Rev.  Vincentiiis  Antonides. 

Letter  to  Rev.  Henricus  Beys. 

1705,  May  18th.  Rev.  Henricus  Beys, —  See  Classical  Actaj 
October  6,  1704,  and  May  4,  1705, —  received  his  instructions 
from  us,  and  was  provided  with  the  necessary  documents,  for  the 
executing  of  his  office  at  Kingston. 

Rev.  Vincentius  Antonides-See  Classical  Acta  of  October 
6,  1704, —  was  also  instructed  by  us,  and  provided  with  what  was 
required  for  carrying  on  his  work  at  Breukelen,  Midwout,  and 
Amersfoort. 


OF  THE  State  of  ^ew  York:.  1589 

It  was  resolved  to  send  along  with  Henriens  Beys  a  private 
letter,  to  recommend  him  to  the  Consistory  of  "Kingston,  and  to 
state  the  reason  why  his  journey  was  postponed  for  a  while,  as 
appears  from  the  book  of  copied  letters,     xxi.  470. 

Council  Jouenal.     Gov.  Coenbuey  Suggests  an  Amendment 
TO  the  Ministey  Act. 

1703,  June  9. 
The  difficulty  which  some  very  worthy  ministers  of  the  Church  of  England 
have  met  with,  in  getting  the  maintenance  settled  upon  them  by  an  Act  of  Gen- 
«ral  Assembly  of  this  province,  passed  in  the  year  1693,  moves  me  to  propose 
to  you  the  passing  of  an  Act  explanatory  of  the  aforementioned  Act;  that  those 
worthy  good  men  who  have  ventured  to  come  so  far  for  the  service  of  God  in  his 
church,  and  the  good  and  the  edification  of  t^e  people,  to  the  salvation  Of  their 
souls,  may  not  for  the  future  be  vexed,  as  some  of  them  have  been,  but  may  enjoy 
in  quiet,  the  maintenance  which  was  by  law  provided  for  them.  I  further  recom- 
mend to  you  the  passing  an  Act  to  provide  for  the  maintenance  of  some  ministers 
in  some  of  the  towns  at  the  east  end  of  Long  Island,  where  I  do  not  find  any  pro- 
vision has  been  yet  made  for  the  propagating  (of)  religion,     p.  225. 

y-      Anglican  Chuech  on  Long  Island. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Urquhart  &  John  Thomas 

To  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts. 

Long  Island,  July  4th,  1705. 
Honorable  Gentlemen: 

Having  this  safe  opportunity  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Evans  we  are  humbly  bold  to 
transmit  a  representation  of  our  circumstances  here  according  to  our  orders  from 
your  venerable  Society  —  Being  Neighbours  and  the  only  two  upon  the  Island  that 
are  Church  ministers  We  humbly  present  a  joynt  information  of  the  affairs  of  our 
respective  parishes.  The  Inhabitants  of  this  County  are  generally  Independents, 
and  what  are  not  so  are  either  Quakers  or  of  no  professed  Religion  at  all,  the 
generality  averse  to  the  discipline  of  our  holy  mother,  the  Church  of  England  & 
enraged  to  see  her  Ministry  established  among  them.  The  ancient  settlers  have 
transplanted  themselves  from  New  England,  &  do  still  keep  a  close  correspondence, 
&  are  buoyed  up  by  Sehismatical  Instructions  from  that  Interest  which  occasion 
all  the  disturbance  &  opposition  we  meet  with  in  both  our  parishes.  They  have 
hitherto  been  used  to  a  Dissenting  Ministry,  &  they  still  support  one  at  Jamaica 
who  has  a  most  pestilential  influence  over  our  people;  who  from  their  cradles  were 
disaffected  to  conformity,  yet  we  bless  God  we  have  not  been  altogether  unsuccess- 
full,  having  brought  over  some  of  the  most  rigid  of  them  into  close  communion, 
&  hope  through  Gods  assistance  in  sometime  to  have  a  more  plentiful  harvest 
among  them;  their  prejudice  of  education  is  our  misfortune,  Our  Church  their 
Bugbear,  and  to  remove  that  averseness  they  imbibe  at  their  first  principles,  must 
be  next  to  a  miricle. 

His  Excellency  my  Lord  Cornbury  is  a  true  nursing  father  to  our  infancy  here, 
his  countenance  is  protection  never  wanting  to  us,  &  next  to  heaven  we  may 
attribute  the  success  of  our  endeavours  to  the  favorable  influence  of  his  Govern- 
ment, where  inclination  as  a  true  son  of  the  Church  moves  him  zealously  to  sup- 
port that  Interest.  This  is  the  true  state  of  affairs  within  our  Parishes.  We 
liave  sixty  pounds  this  Country  money  settled  very  precariously  which  by  my 
Lord  Cornbury's  influence  we  hope  will  be  more  firmly  established  by  this  Assem- 


1705 


1590  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

bly.  It  is  very  expensive  living  liere  &  what  we  liave  from  tlie  Country  could  never 
afford  us  half  a  sustenance,  in  the  condition  we  are  in  now,  much  less  if  we  had 
families,  without  the  support  of  the  venerable  Society  which  is  the  chief  thing 
we  depend  upon.  May  God  Almighty  succeed  your  endeavors  for  his  glory  «&  the 
good  of  the  Church  «&  may  he  prosper  the  good  cause  ye  stand  for,  and  which 
we  dedicate  our  whole  lives  &  endeavours  to  is  the,  sincere  prayer  of  yours  etc. 

Will.  Urquhart,  Minr.  Jamaica. 
John  Thomas,  Minr.  Hamstead. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   p.   130. 


Council  Journal.     Cornbury,   Governor. 

Amendments  to  Ministry  Act. 

1705,  July  5.  Gov.  Cornbury  informed  the  Council  that  he 
had  received  a  Bill,  from  the  House  of  Representatives,  entitled, 
"An  Act  for  the  better  explaining  and  more  effectual  putting  in 
execution,  an  Act  of  General  Assembly,  entitled,  "An  Act  for 
Settling  a  Ministry  and  raising  a  maintenance  for  them  in  the 
cities  of  jSTew  York,  counties  of  Richmond,  Westchester  and 
Queens  county  ".  Read  first  time  and  ordered  to  a  second  read- 
ing: 226.  Committed,  July,  6th;  226.  Passed  Avith  amendments, 
July  10th;  237.  Sent  to  the  Assembly,  with  the  amendments; 
227.  Amendments  refused  by  the  Assembly;  231.  Enacted 
without  amendments,  July  26th;  231. 

A  Patent  to  be  Prepared^  to  Give  Trinity  Church  the 
Queens  Farm,  Etc. 

1705,  July  5.  Ordered  that  a  warrant  issue  to  the  Attorney 
General  to  prepare  letters-patents  to  the  Rector  and  inhabitants 
of  the  City  of  ISTew  York  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England 
as  by  Law  estabHshed,  for  the  parcel  of  land  commonly  known 
and  called  by  the  name  of  the  "  Queen's  Farm  " ;  and  also  for  the 
lot  of  ground  lying  and  being  in  the  City  of  ]S[ew  York,  near  to 
Trinity  Church,  commonly  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  the 
"Queen's  Garden"*  235-240.  [See  said  Patent,  Nov.  20, 
1705.] 

1709,  Sept.  26.     Confirmatory  Act.     239 

*  This  was  the  famous  Anneke  Jans  Property. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1591 

1705 

Lord  Cornbuky  to  Me.  Secretary  Hedges. 

General  Review,  1664-1705. 
Extracts   bearing   on    Ecclesiastical   Affairs. 

New  York,  July  15,   1705. 


When  I  arrived  in  this  province,   which  was  the  third  day  of  May  1702,  I  found  Disorders 

&  fears 
things  in  great  disorder;  several  of  the  Merchants  fled  into  New  Jersey  and  other  1702.      ' 

places,  for  fear  of  being  prosecuted  for  signing  Addresses  to  the  late  King,  and  to 
the  Parliament,  in  which  they  complained  of  some  oppressions  they  labored  under 
here;  and  for  signing  of  which  Collonell  Bayard,  and  Hutchins,  lay  in  prison  under 
sentence  of  death,  occasioned  by  a  misconstruction  which  Mr.  Atwood  then  Chief 
Justice  of  this  Province,  thought  fit  to  put  upon  a  Clause  in  an  Act  of  Assembly 
{which  has  since  been  repealed  here,  by  her  Majesty's  command;)  others  being 
afraid  of  the  same  usage,  thought  it  better  to  leave  their  families,  and  retire;  pres- 
ently after  my  arrivall,  they  all  returned  and  fell  to  their  trade  as  formerly; 


The  trade  of  this  province  consists  chiefly  in  flower  and  biskett,  which  is  sent  Exports  < 
to  the  islands  in  the  West  Indies:  in  return  they  bring  Rum,  Sugar,  Molasses,  and  i^Portg. 
sometimes  pieces  of  Eight  and  Cocao  and  Logwood;  to  Europe  our  people  send 
Skins  of  all  sorts.  Whale  Oyle  and  Bone,  which  are  the  only  commoditys  this 
country  sends  to  Europe,  of  its  own  produce  as  yet;  but  if  they  were  incouraged, 
the  people  of  this  province  would  be  able  to  supply  England  with  all  manner  of 
Navall  stores  in  abundance  of  all  sorts,  Pitch,  Tar,  Rosine,  Turpentine,  Flax  Hemp 
Masts  and  Timber  of  all  kinds  and  sizes  and  very  good  in  their  kinds. 


This  will  not  seem  strange  when  you  consider  what  sort  of  people  this  Country  Review 
Is  inhabited  by,  and  that  you  may  be  well  informed  of  that,  I  take  the  liberty  to  of  the  his- 
acquaint  you  that  this  province  was  flrst  discovered  by  an  Englishman  whose  name 
was  Hudson,  and  the  River  which  runs  by  Albany  to  this  City  is  to  this  day  called 
Hudson's  River,  from  that  man;  who,  as  I  am  informed  did  acquaint  the  Govern-  Dutch, 
ment  of  England  at  that  time  with  the  discovery  he  had  made,   but  in  England  first  set- 
they  did   not  regard  him,   soe  he  went  into   Holland   where  the   West  India   Com-     ^'^^^ 
pany  gave  him  incouragement  and  they  first  settled  this  province;  afterwards  this  English 
province  was  surrendered  by  the  Dutch  to  the  English,  and  King  Charles  the  Second  conquest, 
granted  not  only  this  province  but  a  much  larger  tract  of  land  to  His  Royal  High- 
nesse  James  Duke  of  York,   as  appears  by  his  Royall   Letters  Pattents  under  the 
broad   Scale  of  England   bearing  date  the  12th  day  of  March  in  the  16th  year  of  Eng.  Govs. 
his   Reign;    (1664;)     The   Duke  of  York   sent   over   Col.    Nicholls   to   be   Gouvernour 
here,   who  after  some  time  was  superceded  by  Col.   Lovelace,   during  whose  time 
some   Dutch   men   of   war   returning  from   the   West    Indies   towards    Europe,    and 
wanting  wood  and  water  came  into  Sandyhook,  intending  to  get  wood  and  water  Dutch 
at  Staten  Island,  which  lyes  about  eight  miles  below  this  City;     One  Bencas  com-  reconquest 
manded  the  Dutch   Squadron,   which  consisted   of  seven   Dutch   men  of  warr,    and 
it  is  certain  they  had  no  farther  thoughts  than  to  wood  and  water,   and  so  return 
to   Europe;  but  this  place   was  ill  provided,   that   the   Gouvernour  was  not   in  the 
place,  and  that  if  they  would  appear  before  it  they  might  take  it  with  great  ease 
(some  of  the   same  men   are   still   living   in   this   City   and   enjoying   good   estates). 
Upon  this  intelligence  the  Dutch  came  up,  and  having  fired  half  a  score  shot  the  Restored 
place  yielded,  this  happened  (by  the  best  information  I  can  get  here)  in  July  1673  i^nd^^' 
and  they  kept  to  the  31st  8ber  1674,  that  it  was  again  surrendered  to  the  English 
In  pursuance  of  the  peace  concluded  at  London  between  the  late  King  Charles  the 
second,   and  the   States  of  Holland,    who,   for  satisfaction,    were  to   pay   the   King 
eight  hundred  thousand  Pattacoons. 


1592 


ECCLESIASTICAT.    EeCOEDS 


1705 

Andros. 
Dongan. 
Andros. 


Eng.  Revo- 
lution. 

Leisler. 


Gov. 
Sloughter. 

Gov. 
Fletcher. 

Trinity  Ch. 
Bellomont. 


Nanfan. 


Cornbury. 


The  First  Gouvernoiir  His  Royall  Highnesse  the  Duke  of  York  was  pleased  to 
send  into  these  parts  after  the  second  surrender,  was  Sir  Edmond  Andros,  who 
was  afterwards  superceded  by  Collonell  Dungan  now  Earl  of  Limmerick,  who  con- 
tinued here  till  the  year  1688,  that  he  was  again  superceded  by  Sir  Edmond 
Andros; — This  Gentleman  was  Gouvernour  of  New  England  as  well  New  York,  and 
Collonell  Nicholson  was  Lieutenant  Governor  of  this  Province.  At  the  time  that 
the  news  of  the  Revolution  in  England  came  to  these  parts,  Sir  Edmond  Andros 
was  then  at  Boston,  where  the  people  rose  against  him,  seized  him,  imprisoned 
him,  and  sent  him  to  England.  At  the  same  time  one  Leisler  a  Captain  of  the 
Militia  of  this  City  with  others,  surprised  Collonell  Nicholson  in  a  house  here, 
and  forced  the  Keys  of  the  Fort  from  him  and  usurped  the  Gouvernment  and 
kept  it  till  the  year  1690,  that  Collonell  Slaughter  came  over  to  this  place  with 
a  Commission  from  the  late  King  to  be  Gouvernour  of  this  Province.  He  died 
here  in  the  year  1691,  and  in  the  year  1692  Collonell  Fletcher  came  hither  with 
a  Commission  from  the  late  King  to  be  Gouvernour  of  this  Province;  by  whose 
encouragement  a  Church  was  built  here,  the  first  English  Church  that  ever  was 
built  in  this  Province.  This  Gentleman  was  succeeded  in  the  Gouvernment  by 
the  late  Earl  of  Bellomont,  who  landed  here  on  the  second  day  of  April  1698. 
That  Noble  Lord  thought  fit  to  encourage  the  Dutch  people  here,  much  more  than 
the  English,  by  which  means  the  Dutch  were  got  into  all  sorts  of  imployments, 
and  noe  English  men  in  place  (or  very  few  at  least)  where  Dutch  men  could  be 
found  to  supply  them.  On  the  5th  of  March  1700/1  my  Lord  Bellomont  died  here 
at  New  York,  Captain  Nanfan,  who  was  his  Lieutenant  Gouvernor,  took  possession 
of  the  Gouvernment  immediately  upon  his  return  from  Barbadoes,  where  he  was 
at  the  time  of  my  Lord  Bellomont's  death;  he  returned  hither  in  the  month  of 
June  or  July,  the  news  of  my  Lord  Bellomont's  Death  did  not  reach  England 
till  May  1701.  In  some  short  time  the  late  King  was  pleased  to  grant  me  a 
Commission  under  the  great  Scale  of  England  bearing  date  the  9th  day  of  7ber  1701. 

I  arrived  here  on  the  3rd  day  of  May  1702,  at  which  time  I  found  this  place 
in  mighty  disorder,  as  I  mentioned  to  you  before.  I  applied  myself  immediately  to 
repair  those  disorders  by  inquiring  into  the  causes  of  them,  which  I  found  pro- 
ceeded chiefly  from  some  violent  proceedings  against  some  persons,  which  I  put 
a  stop  to,  not  thinking  them  reasonable  nor  well  grounded.  I  called  an  Assembly 
in  which  several  Acts  were  passed  which  I  transmitted  to  England;  that  first 
Sessions  was  held  at  Jamaica  on  Long  Island,  because  of  the  terrible  sicknesse  that 
happened  here  that  year,  which  hindered  me  from  returning  to  this  City  till  the 
middle  of  9ber. 


No  Assem- 
bly at  first. 


Duke's 
Laws. 


One  As- 
sembly of 
1683. 


Assem- 
blies again 
after  1691. 


Are  Assem- 
blies legal. 


I  doe  know  very  well  that  formerly  this  province  was  Gouverned  without  an 
Assembly,  money  was  raised  for  the  necessity's  of  the  Gouvernment  by  virtue 
of  Orders  made  by  the  Governor  in  Couneill;  when  first  His  Royall  Highnesse  the 
Duke  of  York  took  possession  of  this  Province  he  sent  Collonell  Nicholls  to  be 
Governor  here,  and  he  gave  him  certain  laws  by  which  the  Province  was  to  be 
Governed,  which  to  this  day  are  called  the  Duke's  Laws;  Indeed  Collonell  Nicholls 
called  a  meeting  at  Hempstead,  of  the  best  men  that  were  to  be  found  in  that 
part  of  the  Country,  to  advise  with  them  of  what  rules  or  Orders  were  fit  to  be 
made  for  the  good  of  the  Country;  but  that  meeting  was  never  called  an  Assembly. 
After  him  Collonell  Lovelace  governed  without  Assemblys;  after  him  Sir  Edmond 
Andros  governed  without  Assemblys.  Collonell  Dungan  who  succeeded  him 
gouverned  a  great  while  without  Assemblys;  afterwards  he  called  one  Assembly, 
but  after  that  again  he  governed  without  Assemblys  after  King  James  came  to  the 
Throne;  after  that  Sir  Edmond  Andros  did  not  hold  any  Assembly  during  the  time 
of  his  second  Government  of  this  Province. 

Since  the  Revolution,  all  the  Governors  have  called  Assemblys,  and  I  doe  not 
know  that  any  money  has  been  raised,  but  by  Act  of  Assembly; — I  hope  you 
will  not  think  by  what  I  have  said,  that  I  would  have  Assemblys  laid  aside,  I  have 
no  such  thoughts,  I  don't  desire  any  such  thing;  but  what  I  have  mentioned  before 
is  only  to  show  that  the  people  here  have  no  claim  of  right  to  Generall  Assemblys. 
There  is  noe  Act  of  Parliament  passed  in  England  that  gives  them  any  such  right, 
and  I  am  well  satisfied  they  can  claim  noe  such  thing  by  any  Act  of  Assembly  past 


OF  THE   State  of  Xew  Yoek.  1593 


1705 


here,  soe  Thiit  it  is  purely  the  grace  and  favour  of  the  Crown  that  allows  them  to 
have  Assemblys.    If  that  be  soe  (which  I  think  is  past  dispute)  then  the  Queen  may 
certainly    restrain    the   Powers    and    Authoritys    of    those    Assemblys,    within    such  Should  be 
limits  and  bounds  as  she  shall  think  fit,  and  I  believe  if  Her  Majesty  is  not  pleased  ''^stricted. 
to  signify  her  pleasure  how  farr  they  shall  be  at  liberty  to  proceed,   they  will  be 
claiming   New   Rights  every   day;   there   are   some   very   good   men   among  us,    but 
you  will  be  pleased  to  consider  that  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  are  of  three 
nations,   English,   Dutch  and  French;  of  these  three  the  Dutch  are  very  much  the  §utch  & 
most  numerous,   and  these  are  not  Dutch  by  nation  only  but  by  inclination,   at  French, 
least  generally  speaking,  which  appears  here  every  day. 

The  French  have  during  the  disorders  which  have  happened  here  formerly  always 
espoused  the  interest  of  the  English;  among  the  English  in  this  City  there  are  a 
great  many  good  men,  but  in  the  Couutrey  espetially  in  Long  Island  most  of  the 
English  are  Dissenters,  being  for  the  most  part  people  who  have  removed  from  (jiss'entM^ 
New  England  and  Connecticut,  who  are  in  no  wise  fond  of  monarchy,  soe  that 
they  naturally  incline  to  incroach  as  often  as  they  can,  upon  the  Prerogative;  soe 
it  is  noe  wonder  if  they  are  willing  to  extend  the  power  of  their  Assemblys  as 
far  as  they  can.  How  far  it  will  be  for  the  interest  of  the  Crown  to  suffer 
them  to  doe  it,  I  submit  to  your  better  judgment.  Thus  Sir  I  have  given  you 
an  account  of  this  Province  with  relation  to  its  Trade,  to  its  People,  and  to  its 
Government;  if  it  proves  to  your  satisfaction,  I  shall  think  myself  very  happy. 

Now   as   to    the   Province   of   New   Jersey    I    shall   first    observe   that    His    Royall  j^^^  j„j,. 
Highnesse  the  Duke  of  York  made  a  grant  of  all  that  land  now  called  New  Jersey  sey. 
to  my  Lord  Berkley  and  Sir  George  Carteret;  they  divided  it  into  East  and  West 
Jersey,  and  after  that  sold  it  to  several  persons  who  are  now  called  the  Generall 
Proprietors:    it   is  a   large  and   fertile   Country   it   extends   from    Cape   May    north- 
wards  above   two   hundred   and   fifty    miles   along   the   Delaware   River   and   east- 
wards it  extends  in  some  places  fifty  four  miles,  in  others  upwards  of  sixty  miles; 
the   Eastern    Division    is    inhabited    by    English,    Scotch,    and    Dutch;    the    English 
are  the  most  numerous,  but  the  Scotch  during  the  time  of  the  Proprietary  Gouvern-         ^    ' 
ment  had   the   sole  rule  in  that   Division;   the  Western   Division  Is   inhabited  by 
English  and  a  few  Swedes,   who  live  in  the  southermost  parts  of  it;   the  Quakers 
are  pretty  numerous  in  this  Division  and  in  the  time  of  the  Proprietary  Govern- 
ment they  had  all  the  power  in  their  hands,  and  used  it  very  arbitrarily.        There 
is  a  Church  erected  here  at  Burlington,   which   I  have  named   St.   Ann's   Church  j^pjg  q^^ 
and  notwithstanding  that  Burlington  is  the  Chief  habitation  of  the  Quakers  I  have  of  St.  Anns, 
seen  a  congregation  of  above  three  hundred  people  at  Church  there.  f^  Burling- 

These  two  Divisions  when  under  the  Proprietary  Gouvernment,  were  two  distinct 
Provinces,   had  distinct  Assemblys,  and  the  laws  of  one  division  were  not  laws  in 
the  other;  There  have  for  some  years  past  been  great  disputes  between  those  per- 
sons  here,    who    call   themselves    Proprietors,    and   the   people;    by    reason   whereof 
there   has    been    noe   Administration    of   Justice    for    at    least    two    or    three   years 
before  the  Gouvernment  was  surrendered  to  the  Queen,   but  now  I  hope  a   little  Surrender 
timp  will  quiet  all  those  disputes;   the  Assembly  of  that  Province  have   sat  three  of  N.  J.  to 
severall  times,  in  the  last  of  which  they  have  settled  a  Revenue  for  two  years,  of  ^^^  crown, 
two  thousand  pounds  a  year;  they  did  pass  some  other  Acts,  all  which  I  transmitted 
into    England    by    Her   Majesty's   Ship    Advice.      Thus    I    have    given   you    a    short 
account  of   the  Province  of   New  Jersey,   I   have  nothing  further   to   trouble  with, 
but    to    Intreat    you    to    believe    that    I    shall    always    punctually   observe    all    such 
directions  as  you  shall  favor  me  with,  and  that  I  am  with  very  great  respect 

Sir, 

Your  most  Faithful  humble  servant 

Cornbury. 

I  have  not  had  one  line  from  England  above  these  seven  months. 

Sir  Charles  Hedges. —  Extracts,  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  Iv.  1150-6. 


1705 


1594  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Synod  of  I^oeth  Holland,  at  Haarlem. 

1Y05,  July  28-Aiig.  6. 
Article  13. 

Indian  Affairs. 


Extract  from  a  letter  from  the  Consistory  at  Kingstown,  dated 
June  26,  1Y04. 

1.  They  inform  us  that  Rev.  John  Peter  ISTucella,  had  been 
called  to  the  chapel  of  her  Britannic  Majesty  in  London. 

2.  They  request  that  this  Classis  will  send  them  another 
capable  man  in  his  place;  inasmuch  as  now,  no  services  are  held 
there;  and  they  can  expect  nothing  more  than  that  two  or  three 
times  per  year  the  Lord's  Supper  would  be  administered  by  Rev. 
John  Lydius,  minister  at  Albany. 

3.  They  desire  that  a  young  man  might  be  selected,  who  would 
himself  advance  the  money  for  the  meeting  of  Classis  and  the 
voyage,  with  the  assurance  that  it  would  be  promptly  paid  back 
to  him  upon  his  arrival,  and  with  the  accrued  interest. 

4.  They  calculate  the  yearly  salary  at  one  hundred  and  twelve 
pounds  ($280.)  current  money  of  that  province,  to  begin  as  soon 
as  the  one  called  sails.  Upon  arrival  there  he  will  find  a  proper 
dwelling,  garden,  and  suificient  fire-wood,  beside  his  expenses. 
They  conclude  with  salutations. 

Article  13. 
Ministerial  Chanees. 


Rev.  Vincentius  Antonides,  Rev.  Henricus  Beis,  have  departed 
to  the  West  Indies.     [New  York.] 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  Yoek.  1595 

An  Act  for  the  better  Explaining  &  more  Effectual  putting  in 
Execution  an  Act  of  General  Assembly  Entitled,  an  Act  for 
Setling  a  Ministry  &  raiseing  a  mainteinance  for  them  in  ye 
City  of  jSTew  York,  County  of  Eichmond,  West  Chester  and 
Queens  County. 

(Passed,   August  4,   1705.) 

WHEREAS  by  an  Act  of  General  Assembly  made  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  1693 
Entituled  an  Act  for  Setling  a  Ministry  &  raising  a  Maintainance  for  them  in  the 
City  of  New  York,  County  of  Richmond,  West  Chester  &  Queens  County,  It  was 
Enacted  that  there  should  be  called,  Inducted  &  Established  in  the  several  places 
therein  menconed  a  good  sufficient  Protestant  Minister  to  Officiate  &  have  the  care 
of  Souls,  &  that  there  should  be  Annually  Assessed,  Leveyed,  Collected  &  paid  in 
every  the  respective  Cities  and  Counties  aforesaid  the  several  &  Respective  Sums 
in  the  said  Act  menconed  for  the  mainteinance  of  their  Several  &  respective  Min- 
isters to  be  paid  in  Country  produce  at  money  price. 

And  whereas  in  putting  in  Execution  the  said  Act,  many  disputes  Difficulties 
&  Questions  have  arisen,  for  the  preventing  &  avoiding  of  which,  Be  it  Enacted 
by  the  Governor,  Councill  &  Assembly,  And  it  is  hereby  Enacted  by  the  Authority 
of  the  same:  That  from  henceforth.  If  the  Justices  &  Vestrymen  of  each  respec- 
tive County  Parish  or  precinct  of  Richmond  West  Chester  &  Queens  County  afore- 
said, who  by  the  said  Act  are  Directed  &  Impowered  to  lay  the  Tax  for  the 
purposes  aforesaid.  Shall  not,  within  Ten  days  next  after  the  said  Vestrymen  shall 
be  respectively  chosen,  in  such  manner  as  the  said  Act  directs,  Ifiy  a  reasonable 
Tax  on  ye  several  &  respective  places  for  the  several  &  respective  maintainces  in 
the  said  Act  expressed:  That  then  the  respective  Justices  of  the  Peace  of  each 
County  respectively  or  any  two  of  them  shall  and  are  hereby  required  &  Impowered 
within  ten  dayes  next  after  such  neglect  or  refusall  of  the  Vestrymen  aforesaid 
to  lay  a  reasonable  Tax  on  the  respective  places  aforesaid  for  the  several  &  re- 
spective mainteinances  as  they  might  have  done  by  virtue  of  the  said  Act  in 
default  of  the  respective  Freeholders  Chuseing  of  the  Vestrymen  under  penalty  of 
five  pounds  for  every  respective  Justice  that  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  do  the  same. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid  that  all  &  every  the  pay- 
ments that  shall  hereafter  be  made  &  paid  to  the  respective  present  Incumbents 
Inducted  and  Established  at  the  respective  places  aforesaid  by  his  Excellency  the 
present  Governor  &  to  all  and  every  the  Incumbents  who  shall  hereafter  be  pre- 
sented Instituted  and  Inducted  to  the  said  respective  places  for  their  respective 
mainteinances  pursuant  to  the  said  recited  Act  shall  be  made  &  paid  to  them  re- 
spectively by  the  respective  Church  Wardens  of  every  respective  place  in  Currant 
money  of  this  Province  anything  conteined  in  the  said  Act  to  the  Contrary  notwith- 
standing, and  the  same  to  be  paid  at  such  times  &  in  such  manner  &  under  Such 
penalty  as  in  the  said  Act  the  same  is  required  and  directed  to  be  paid  in  Country 
produce. 

And  for  the  more  effectual  putting  in  Bxecucon  the  said  recited  Act,  Be  it  fur- 
ther Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid  that  all  and  Singular  the  fines  penalties 
&  forfeitures  menconed  in  this  and  the  said  recited  Act  shall  be  one-  halfe  to  ye 
poore  of  every  respective  County  Parish  or  Precinct  where  the  same  shall  be  in- 
curred &  the  other  half  to  him  or  them  that  shall  or  will  prosecute  for  the  same 
before  any  of  her  Majesty's  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  respective  Counties  for 
the  time  being  where  such  penalty  shall  be  incurred  as  aforesaid  who  are  hereby 
respectively  required  Impowered  &  Authorized  within  forty  days  after  any  Com- 
plaint shall  be  made  to  him  or  them  by  any  person  or  persons  of  the  breach  of  this 
or  of  the  said  recited  Act  by  reason  of  any  person  or  persons  not  doing  his  or 
their  Duty  hereby  or  by  the  said  recited  Act  required  to  be  by  him  or  ttiem  per- 
formed and  done,  to  Sumons  the  said  person  or  persons  so  Complained  against  as 
aforesaid,  &  upon  the  partyes  not  appearing  upon  the  said  Sumons  or  the  matter 
being  heard  before  him  shall  give  judgment  &  grant  Execution  thereon  against  the 
party  so  not  appearing  or  offending.  And  shall  Immediately  thereupon  appoint 
another  fitt  person  to  do  and  perform  what  ought  to  have  been  done  &  performed 
by  the  said  party  Offending,  and  if  the  person  so  appointed  as  aforesaid  shall  neg- 
lect to  do  and  performe  his  Duty  therein  he  shall  be  Subject  to  ye  like  penalty  as 
If  he  had  been  duely  Elected  any  former  Law  Usage  or  Custom  to  the  contrary 
thereof  in  any  wise  notwithstanding. 

And  forasmuch  as  by  the  said  Act  all  &  every  the  respective  Ministers  that 
should  be  settled  within  the  respective  Countys  Parishes  and  Precincts  aforesaid 
should  be  called  to  Officiate  in  ye  respective  places  by  the  respective  Vestry  Men 
&  Church-Wardens  within  One  year  next  after  the  publication  of  the  said  recited 
Act  now  as  an  explanacon  of  the  said  Act  &  for  preventing  any  Controversies  & 
disputes  for  the  future  touching  the  same. 

It  is  hereby  further  Enacted  &  declared  that  the  respective  Vestrymen  and 
Church  Wardens  for  the  time  being  of  every  respective  place,  or  the  Major  part 
of  the  said  Church  Wardens  &  Vestrymen  whereof  one  Church  warden  always  to 
be  one  shall  &  are  hereby   Impowered   to   call   &  present   after  the   Death   of  the 


1705 


1705 


1596  Ecclesiastical  Records 

severall  «&  respective  present  Incumbents  so  inducted  &  Established  as  aforesaid 
&  for  ever  hereafter  a  good  sufficient  Protestant  Minister  within  One  year  next 
after  the  avoidance  of  any  of  the  said  places  respectively  the  same  shall  from  time 
to  time  happen  to  become  void  which  Ministers  shall  respectively  be  Instituted  and 
Inducted  to  the  said  Churches  of  the  said  respective  places,  &  so  as  often  as  any 
or  either  of  the  said  places  shall  become  void. 

Provided  nevertheless  that  neither  this  present  Act  of  General  Assembly  nor  any- 
thing herein  conteined  shall  be  Construed  or  understood  to  extend  to  abridge  or 
take  away  the  Indulgence  or  Liberty  of  Conscience  granted  &  allowed  to  any  other 
Protestant  Christians  by  any  Law  or  Statute  of  the  Realm  of  England  or  of  this 
Plantation  anything  in  this  Act  conteined  to  the  Contrary  hereof  in  any  wise 
notwithstanding. 

And  lastly  it  is  hereby  Enacted  and  declared  by  the  authority  aforesaid  that  the 
said  Act  of  General  Assembly  made  in  the  year  Sixteen  hundred  Ninety  three  here- 
inbefore recited  and  all  and  every  Clause,  Article  and  thing  therein  contained  shall 
continue  and  be  in  full  force  and  Virtue  Save  so  much  only  which  by  any  former 
or  this  present  Act  is  altered  or  made  void  or  otherwise,  Directed,  Declared  and 
provided  for.—  Colonial  Laws  of  New  York,  Vol.  1.  pp.  576-579.  Council  Journal, 
225-2.31.     Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1114,  1167-8. 

An  Act  declareing  the  Illegality  of  tlie  Proceedings  against  Coll. 
Nicholas  Bayard*  and  Alderman  John  Hntchins  for  pretended 
High  Treason  and  for  Reversing  and  making  null  and  void  the 
said  Judgements  and  all  Proceedings  Thereon. 

(Passed,   August  4,  1705.) 

WHEREAS  in  the  Months  of  February  &  March  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1701 
there  was  a  Crafty  &  Malicious  Prosecution  against  Coll.  Nicholas  Bayard  of  the 
Citty  of  New  York;  And  Alderman  John  Hutchins  of  the  Same  Citty  for  pre- 
tended Crimes  and  misdemeanors  alleged  against  them,  upon  which  they  were  In- 
dicted &  Sentence  of  Death  past  upon  them  and  other  penalties  as  in  cases  of 
High  Treason.  Which  matters  haveing  been  fully  heard  &  Examined  before  her 
Most  Sacred  Majesty  in  Councill  at  the  Court  at  St.  James's  the  21st  Day  of  Janu- 
ary 1702,  Upon  Consideration  thereof.  Her  Majesty  being  sensible  of  the  Undue  & 
Illegall  Proceeding  against  the  said  Bayard  &  Hutchins  was  then  most  graciously 
pleased  in  Her  Royall  Justice  &  Bounty,  to  order  that  Her  Attorney  Generall  here 
should  bee  directed  to  consent  to  the  Reversing  those  Sentences  and  to  whatever 
else  may  be  requisit  in  the  Law  for  the  Reinstating  the  said  Bayard  &  Hutchins 
in  their  Honour  &  Property  as  if  no  such  Prosecution  had  been. 

AND  FORASMUCH  as  the  said  Nicholas  Bayard  &  John  Hutchins  are  in  no 
ways  guilty  of  any  Crime  in  those  matters  Objected  against  them  or  either  of 
them  And  that  Her  Majesty's  Just  Pleasure  &  Royall  Inclination  for  the  Relief  Of 
Her  Distressed  Subjects  may  take  their  Speedy  &  due  Effect,  BEE  it  therefore 
declared  and  Enacted  by  His  Excellency  the  Governour  by  &  with  the  advice  & 
Consent  of  Her  Majesty's  Councill  &  the  Generall  Assembly  of  this  Collony,  And 
it  is  hereby  declared  and  Enacted  by  the  Authority  of  the  Same,  That  the  said 
Proceedings  and  Prosecutions  for  the  said  feigned  &  pretended  Crimes  &  Mis- 
demeanors are  and  were  Undue  and  Illegal  &  the  Judgement  &  Judgements  Sentence 
&  Sentences  against  the  said  Coll.  Bayard  &  Alderman  Hutchins  &  all  &  every 
Matter  &  thing  relating  thereunto  are  Reversed,  Annulled  &  made  void  &  of  no 
Effect  to  all  Intents  Constructions  and  Purposes  whatsoever.  AND  the  said  Nicho- 
las Bayard  &  John  Hutchins  hereby  are  &  are  declared  and  hereby  Enacted  to  be 
as  to  their  Honour  &  Property  in  the  Same  State  Plight  &  Condition  as  if  no  Such 
Prosecution  tryall  Judgement  or  Sentence  had  been. —  Colonial  Laws  of  New  York, 
Vol.  1.  p.  590. 

—  Call  of  Eev.  Freeman  to  New  Utrecht,  Sept.  21,  1705.     See 

May  4,  1703. 

Dutch  Church  of  IsTew  York. 

October  18,  1705. 

The  Consistory  having  assembled  called  on  the  name  of  God. 
Before  proceeding  to  a  new  election   of  Elders,   Deacons  and 

*  Nicholas  Bayard  had  lieen  an  Elder  in  the  Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1597 

1705 

Churcli  Masters,  it  was  ordered  by  a  majority  vote,  that  hereafter 

no  minister  shall  have  more  than  one  vote,  just  as  any  other 

member  of  the  Consistory.         ' 

—  Lib.  A.  223. 

Queen  Anne's  Grant  to  Trinity  Church,  ISTew   York:,  Ko- 
VEMBER  23,  1705.      [See  July  5,  1705.] 

Aune,  by  the  grace  of  God  of  England,  Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  Queen, 
Defender  of  tlie  Faith,  etc..  To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  or  may- 
concern,  send  greeting: 

Whereas,  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  York,   in  communion 
of  the  Church  of  England   as  by   law   established,    were   (by   an   Act   of  Assembly  lation  of  " 
made  in  the  third  year  of  our  reigne,   entitled  An  Act  granting  sundry  privileges  the  New 
and  powers  to  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  York,  of  the  Com-  ^*^*  °^  I"^' 
muuion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,)  incorporated  by  the  name  tion  of 
of  the   Rector   and    Inhabitants   of   the    City   of  New   York   in    Communion    of   the  Trinity 
Church    of   England    as   by    law    established,    and    made    persons    corporate    in    the  1704^^ 
law,   to  sue  or  to  be  sued  in  any  action  or  matter  whatsoever;  and  by  that  name 
they   and  their  Successors  should  hold  and  enjoy  the  Church  there  called  Trinity 
Church,  burying-place  and  lands  thereunto  belonging,  by  whatever  name  or  names 
the  same  were  purchased  and  had;  and  that  the  said  Rector  and  Inhabitants,   and 
their  Successors  by  the  same  name  from  thenceforward   should   have  good    rights 
and   lawful   authority  to   have,    take,    receive,    acquire,    and   purchase   and   use  and 
€njoy    lands,    tenements    and    hereditaments,    goods    and    chattels,    and    to    demise, 
lease  and  improve  the  said  lands,   tenements  and   hereditaments,    and   to   use   and 
improve  such  goods  and  chattels  to  the  benefit  of  the  said  Church  and  other  pious 
uses,    not   exceeding   five    hundred    pounds   yearly    rents    or    incomes,    with    diverse 
other  privileges   and  powers   to  them   the  said   Rector  and  Inhabitants,   and   their 
Successors,  as  by  the  said  recited  act  more  at  length  it  doth  and  may  appear. 

And  whereas  the  said  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  said  City  of  New  York,   in 
Communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,   by  their  petition  to  f^n's'ha'^' 
our  right  trusty  and  well  beloved  cousin,  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury,   our  Captain  petitioned 
General   and   Governor-in-Chiefe  in  and   over   our   province  of  New   York   and  ter- 
ritories thereon  depending  in  America,  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same,  have  humbly  for  the 
prayed  that  wee  would  grant  and  confirm  unto  them  and  their  Successors  for  the  granting 

use  of  the  said  Church,  all  those  our  severall  closes,  peeces  and  parcells  of  land,  ^^^  ^9P' 

firmation 
meadows  and  pastures  formerly  called  the  Duke's  Farme,   and  the  King's  Farme,  of  the 

and  now  known  by  the  name  of  the  Queen's  Farme,  with  all  and  singular  ye  fences, 

inclosures,    improvements    and    appurtenances    whatsoever    thereunto    belonging    as  pfn?i'  +uq 

the  same  are  now  in  the  occupation  of  and  enjoyed  by  George  Ryerse  of  the  City  Duke's 

of  New  York,   yoeman,   or  by  any  former  tenant,    situate,   lying  and  being  on  the  Farm,  (or 

Island  Manhattans  in  the  City  of  New  York  aforesaid,   and  bounded  on  the   east,  parm'  or 

partly  by  the  Broadway,   partly  by  the   Common,   and  partly  by  the   Swamp,   and  theQueen's 

on   the   West   by   Hudson's  River;    and   also   that   our  piece   or   parcell    of   ground,  Farm): its 

scitnate  and  being  on  the  south  side  of  the  churchyard  of  Trinity   Church  afore-  i.igg_ 

said,   commonly   called   and   known   by  the  name   of  the   Queen's  Garden,    fronting 

to  the  said  Broadway  on  the  East,  and  extending  to  low  water  marke  upon  Hud-  n^ppQit 

son  River  on  the  West,   all  which  said  premises  are  now   lett   at  the   yearly  rent  Garden  its 

of    thirty    pounds,    which    reasonable    request    wee    being    willing    to    grant;    know  bounda-; 

ye    that   of   our   especiall   grace,    certaine   knowledge,    and   meer    motion,    we   have  "®^' 

given,    granted,   ratified   and   confirmed   in  and   by  these  presents,    for  ourself,    our  Confirmed 

heirs,  and  successors,  we  do  give,  grant,  rattify  and  confirm  unto  the  said  Rector  ^'^"'i^*^ 

and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  York  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England 

as  by  Law  established  and  their  successors  all  and  singular  the  said  farme  lands, 


1598 


Ecclesiastical  Recokds 


1705 


Ownership 
of  most 
honorable 
kind. 


Condition: 
House  rent 
of  Rector  to 
be  secured. 


Signed  and 
sealed. 


Attesta- 
tion. 


tenements  and  hereditaments  hereinbefore  mentioned,  as  the  same  are  herein 
before  particularly  set  forth,  with  the  appurtenences  and  every  part  and  parcel! 
thereof  or  thereunto  belonging  or  accepted,  reputed,  or  taken  as  part  parcell  or 
member  thereof  as  the  same  now  are  held,  occupied  and  enjoyed  by  the  said 
George  Ryerse,  or  have  been  heretofore  occupied  and  enjoyed  by  any  former 
tenant  or  tenants,  and  all  rents,  arrearages  of  rents,  issues  and  profits  thereof, 
and  of  every  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof  together  with  all  woods,  underwoods, 
trees,  timber  which  now  are  standing  and  growing,  or  which  hereafter  shall 
stand  and  grow  in  and  upon  the  premises  hereby  granted,  or  any  part  thereof,  and 
all  feedings,  pastures,  meadows,  marshes,  swamps,  ponds,  pools,  waters,  water- 
courses, rivers,  rivulets,  runs  and  streams  of  water  brooks,  fishing,  fowling,  hawk- 
ing, hunting,  mines  and  minerals,  and  all  and  singular  the  ways,  passages,  ease- 
ments, profits,  commodities  and  appurtenances  whatsoever  to  the  said  farm,  several 
closes,  peeces  and  parcells  of  land  and  premises  belonging  or  in  any  wise  of  right 
appertaining  (except  and  always  reserved  out  of  this,  our  present  grant  all  gold  and 
silver  mines.) 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  farme,  severall  closes,  pieces  and  parcell  of  land 
and  premises  hereinbefore  granted  and  confirmed  or  meant,  mentioned,  or  in- 
tended to  be  hereby  granted  and  confirmed  with  their  and  every  of  their  appur- 
tenances (except  before  excepted)  unto  the  said  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City 
of  New  York  in  Communion  with  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established, 
and  their  successors  forever.  To  be  holden  of  us,  our  heirs  and  successors  in  free 
and  common  socage  as  of  our  Manor  of  East  Greenwich  in  our  County  of  Kent, 
within  our  Kingdom  of  England,  yielding,  rendering,  and  paying  therefore  yearly 
and  every  year  unto  us,  our  heirs  and  successors  at  our  City  of  New  York  aforesaid 
to  our  Collector  and  Receiver  General  there  for  the  Time  being,  on  the  feast  of 
the  Nativity  of  our  blessed  Saviour  the  yearly  rent  of  three  shillings  current 
money  of  New  York  in  lieu  and  stead  of  all  other  rents,  services,  dues,  duties 
and  demands  whatsoever,  Provided  always,  and  our  present  grant  is  upon  this 
condition  that  if  our  Captain  Generall  and  Governor-in-Chiefe  for  the  time  being 
of  our  said  Province  of  New  York,  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  cease  or  forbear 
the  yearly  payment  of  six  and  twenty  pounds  for  the  house  rent  of  the  Rector  or 
Minister  of  Trinity  Church  of  New  York  aforesaid,  which  is  now  paid  out  of 
our  revenue  in  the  said  province,  and  at  such  time,  no  suitable  house  shall  be 
erected  and  built  for  the  proper  use  and  convenient  dwelling  of  the  Rector  of 
the  said  Church  for  the  time  being,  yt  then  the  said  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of 
the  said  City  of  New  York,  in  Communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law 
established,  and  their  successors  shall  from  thenceforth  yearly,  and  every  year, 
out  of  the  rents  and  profits  of  the  hereinbefore  granted  lands  and  premises,  pay 
and  discharge  the  same  for  and  until  such  suitable  House  shall  be  erected  and 
built  for  the  proper  use  and  convenient  dwelling  of  the  Rector  of  the  said  Church 
for  the  time  being,  anything  hereinbefore  in  this  our  grant  conteined  to  the  con- 
trary thereof  in  any  wise  notwithstanding.  In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused 
these  our  letters  to  be  made  pattents,  and  the  seal  of  our  said  province  of  New 
York  to  our  said  letters  pattents  to  be  affixed  and  the  same  to  be  recorded  in  the 
Secretary's  Office  of  our  Province.  Witness  our  Right  trusty  and  well  beloved 
cousin  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury,  Captain  Generall  and  Governor-in-Chiefe  in  and 
over  onr  province  aforesaid  and  territory  depending  thereon  in  America  and  Vice 
Admirall  of  the  same  etc.  in  Councill  at  our  fort  in  New  York  aforesaid  the  three 
and  twentieth  day  of  November,  in  the  fourth  year  of  our  reign  Anno  Dm.  1705. 

State  of  New  York,  Secretary's  Office. 

I  certify  the  preceding  to  be  a  true  copy  of  certain  letters  patent  as  of  record  in 
this  office,  in  Book  of  Patents  No.  7,  page  338,  etc. 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  affixed  the  seal  of  this  Office,  at 
L.  S.     the  City  of  Albany,  the  9th  day  of  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty. 

ARCH'D    CAMPBELL, 

Deputy  Secretary. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1599 

Lord  Cornbury  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

1705,  JSTov.  20. 


1705 


'Now  I  take  the  liberty  to  acquaint  you,  that  the  Assembly 
which  was  sitting  at  the  time  when  I  wrote  last,  did  pass  several 
Bills,  that  is,  _, 

(1)  A  Bill  entituled.  An  Act  for  the  better  explaining  and 
more  effectual  putting  in  execution  an  Act  entituled,  an  act  for 
settling  a  Ministry, 

(2)  An  Act  for  enforcing  and  continuing  a  Post  Office. — 

(3)  An  Act  to  prevent  running  away  of  ISTegro  Slaves  out  of 
the  County  of  Albany,  to  the  French  at  Canada. 


(5)  An  Act  for  reviving  and  constituting,  (continuing)  an  Act 


entituled:     An  Act  for  regulating  Slaves. 


(10)  An  Act  declaring  the  illegality  of  the  proceedings  against 
Coll.  Nicholas  Bayard  and  Alderman  John  Hutchins  for  pre- 
tended high  Treason,  and  for  Reversing  the  said  judgement,  and 
all  proceedings  thereon. 

These  ten  Acts  are  all  that  could  be  passed  this  sessions;  I 
earnestly  intreat  your  Lordships  to  recommend  the  first  Act  to 
Her  Majesty  for  Her  Royal  confirmation;  it  is  an  Act  that  will 
make  the  Ministers  in  the  Country  very  easy,  whereas  hitherto 
they  have  been  very  uneasy,  because  their  maintenance  was  so 
precarious,  which  by  this  Bill  is  made  more  certain. 

The  second  is  an  Act  of  absolute  necessity,  for  without  it  the 
Post  to  Boston  and  Philadelphia  will  be  lost. 

The  third  is  an  Act  become  necessary  by  some  of  their  ISTegroes 
lately  running  away  to  Canada. 


1705 


1600  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

The  fifth  was  passed  at  the  request  of  most  of  the  best  people 
of  Long  Island,  and  I  think  it  is  reasonable. 


The  tenth  will  likewise  speak  for  itself.  I  did  acquaint  Coll. 
Bayard,  what  the  Queen's  pleasure  was,  and  he  chose  rather  to 
do  it  by  this  Act,  than  to  give  security.  I  hope  it  will  answer  Mr. 
Attorney  General's  objections  to  the  former  Bill;  therefore  I 
hope  her  Majesty  will  be  graciously .  pleased  to  confirm  all  the 
above  mentioned  Acts. 


I  am  with  great  respect  —  etc. — 

Cornbury. 
20.  i^ovember  1705.  —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1167-8. 

Note:  By  the  courtesy  of  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Hinke  of  Philadelphia.  Copied  from  pam- 
phlet in  British  Museum  in  1898.  By  a  subsequent  change  in  the  Govern- 
ment, these  Palatines  fled  to  England,  and  many  came  to  New  York. 

Declaration  of  the  Elector  John  William  of  the  Pala- 
tinate.    Nov.  21,  1705.     (See  1707.) 

We  John  William,  by  the  grace  of  God,  Count  Palatine  of  the  Rhine,  Arch  Treas- 
urer and  Elector  of  the  Holy  Empire;  Duke  of  Bavaria  Juliers,  Cleve  and  Berg; 
Count  of  Veldentz,  Spanheim,  de  le  Mark  Ravensperg  and  Meurs,  Lord  of  Raven- 
stein  etc.     To  all  those  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come,  Greeting. 

Whereas  it  has  always  been  our  greatest  care,  from  the  first  moment  that  we 
entered  on  the  government  of  our  Electorate,  to  endeavor  as  much  as  in  us  pos- 
sibly lay,  to  prevent  and  compose  all  occasions  of  Differences  which  might  happen 
among  any  of  our  subjects,  touching  the  exercise  of  their  several  religions.  We 
have  therefore  for  these  reasons,  from  time  to  time  given  such  orders  as  we  be- 
lieved to  be  the  most  convenient  and  necessary,  not  forgetting  any  means  that 
might  contribute  to  this  good  end. 

But  having  understood,  contrary  to  all  expectation,  that  our  wholesome  inten- 
tion has  not  had  the  effect  which  we  promised  ourselves,  our  subjects  of  the  Re- 
formed religion  alledging  they  were  oppressed  by  several  grievances.  We  there- 
fore being  moved  by  the  regard  we  had  to  the  recommendations  of  our  alleys  and 
by  our  desire  of  confirming  the  union  which  is  so  necessary  among  our  subjects, 
have  thought  fit  to  cause  the  ensuing  Ordinances  to  be  published  in  our  electorate 
and  in  the  other  territories  therein  mentioned,  establishing  as  follows, 

§  1.  That  from  this  time  and  always  for  the  future,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  all  our 
subjects  in  the  Palatinate,  who  profess  any  of  the  three  Religions  tolerated  in  the 
Holy  Roman  Empire,  especially  to  those  of  the  Bayliwick  of  Termersheim,  to 
exercise  and  enjoy  an  entire  liberty  of  Conscience,  the  abuses  which  may  have 
been  introduced  contrary  to  the  same  being  first  suppressed;  and  that  they  be 
neither  troubled  therein  nor  disquieted  in  any  manner  whatsoever.  To  this  end 
we  command  to  be  observed  at  all  times  without  any  contravention  the  points 
hereafter  specified,  to  which  our  subjects  are  required  to  conform,  and  to  regulate 
themselves  accordingly  on  pain  of  our  highest  indignation  in  case  of  disobedience. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1601 

§  2.  Tliis  being  premised,  every  person  wlietlier  tie  be  young  or  old,  wlien  he  is 
arrived  to  the  age  of  discretion,  may  profess  any  of  the  three  Religions  tolerated 
in  the  Holy  Roman  Empire,  openly  and  without  any  molestation,  enjoying  an  entire 
Liberty  of  Conscience  and  being  free  to  embrace  the  one  or  the  other  religion,  as 
to  himself  shall  seem  best;  to  which  end  all  orders,  that  may  have  hitherto 
been  issued  out  in  the  Palatinate  and  in  the  Bayliwick  of  Termersheim,  contrary 
to  this  liberty  of  conscience  are  hereby  repealed. 

§  3.  In  the  marriages  which  shall  be  contracted  between  persons  of  different 
religions,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  parents  to  cause  their  children  to  be  baptized 
and  brought  up  in  the  religion  they  have  agreed  upon  in  their  contract,  conform- 
ably to  the  Matrimonial  consistory  or  as  they  may  agree  after  their  marriage;  which 
nevertheless  they  shall  be  obliged  to  prove  by  authentick  witnesses;  for  otherwise, 
if  it  does  not  appear  in  their  contract  of  marriage  that  this  point  is  specified 
therein  the  children  are  to  follow  in  their  religion  the  Heads  of  Families.  But 
those  children  shall  enjoy  an  entire  Liberty  of  conscience  (as  above  provided)  when 
they  shall  come  to  the  age  of  discretion:  and  it  shall  be  likewise  free  for  the  sur- 
viving father  or  mother  to  bring  up  their  children,  in  their  own  religion,  as  they 
shall  think  fit. 

When  a  marriage  is  to  be  celebrated  between  persons  of  different  religions  the 
banes  shall  be  published  in  the  churches  of  both  their  persuasions,  though  they 
should  live  in  the  same  city  or  parish;  and  the  said  persons  are  obliged  to  demand 
a  liclnce  which  shall  be  always  granted  without  money  or  any  obstacle  whatsoever. 
In  performing  the  ceremony  of  marriage,  the  Bride  shall  follow  the  bridegroom. 
The  Catholick  priests  and  curates  may  not  marry  any  Protestant  without  obtaining 
the  dispensation  of  the  banes  of  their  ministers;  neither  may  the  Protestant  min- 
isters marry  any  Roman  Catholick  without  the  dispensation  of  their  banes  from 
their  priests  or  curates. 

§  4.  To  orphans  shall  be  appointed  guardians  of  the  religion  in  which  they  are 
to  be  educated,  according  to  the  contract  of  marriage  between  their  Fathers  and 
Mothers;  or  in  default  thereof  according  to  the  rule  for  this  purpose  specif y'd 
al>ove> 

§  5.  The  foresaid  Reformed  and  Lutherans  shall  not  be  obliged  to  observe  any 
other  Ceremonies  but  their  own. 

§  6.  Wherefore  when  there  are  Catholic  processions,  they  shall  neither  directly 
nor  indirectly  be  constrained  to  strow  herbs,  plant  May  poles,  nor  to  ring  the  bells 
in  the  month  of  May,  on  other  Holidays  nor  at  the  Avemaria ;  and  much  less  shall 
they  be  required  to  assist  at  the  processions  with  their  arms,  or  to  carry  crosses 
or  banners,  or  to  take  off  their  hats  when  the  bells  ring  to  prayers  at  morning, 
noon  and  night.  They  shall  not  therefore  be  molested  nor  disquieted  by  any  person 
for  the  causes  now  mentioned,  nor  bound  to  be  present  at  any  of  these  Catholick 
ceremonies.  In  like  manner  the  Catholics  shall  neither  directly  nor  indirectly  be 
troubled  in  any  manner,  be  disquieted  or  hindered  in  their  divine  service,  or  in 
any  other  of  their  ordinary  ceremonies. 

§  7.  Furthermore  the  foresaid  Reformed  and  Lutherans,  shall  not  be  obliged  to 
conform  to  the  customs  of  the  Catholicks,  which  prohibit  the  solemnizing  of 
marriage  at  certain  times;  but  may  marry  at  any  time  after  they  have  demanded 
permission  from  the  Palatine  Regency. 

Neither  shall  the  said  Reformed  and  Lutherans  be  obliged  when  a  procession 
goes  along  or  the  sacrament  is  carry'd  to  sick  persons  to  present  their  arms  or  to 
fall  upon  their  knees.  Nevertheless  they  may  not  give  any  offence  of  set  purpose 
but  retire  into  some  house  till  the  procession  is  past  or  (if  it  be  in  a  place  where 
this  cannot  be  done)  they  are  only  required  to  take  off  their  hats. 

§  8.  It  shall  be  also  lawful  for  the  said  Reformed  or  Lutherans,  wether  in- 
habiting cities  or  villages,  to  follow  their  work  on  the  Catholick  Holidays  within 
their  houses,  only  keeping  their  doors,  shop  and  windows  shut:  neither  shall  they 
on  this  account  have  reason  to  fear  any  inquisition  or  punishment.  But  all  smiths 
and  other  Handicrafts,  men  that  make  a  noise,  shall  not  work  on  the  said  days, 
unless  it  be  for  passengers,  or  in  cases  of  necessity.  The  Lutherans  and  Reformed 
may,  on  the  Catholick  Holidays,  keep  their  schools  open,  catechize  their  youth  and 
celebrate   their  monthly   days   of  prayer. 


1705 


1705 


1602  .^  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

§  9.  Those  of  the  Confession  of  Augsburg  shall  not  be  obliged  to  use  what  is 
called  the  baptism  of  necessity  or  that  of  Catholic  Midwives,  against  their  will. 

§  10.  It  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Reformed  and  Lutherans  to  eat  flesh-meat  in  their 
houses  during  Lent,  and  on  the  Catholic  days  of  Abstinence. 

§  IL  No  person,  whether  Ecclesiastick  or  secular,  shall  be  persecuted  for  the 
sake  of  his  religion  whether  he's  born  in  the  same,  that  he  has  newly  embraced 
it  or  made  profession  of  it  for  a  long  time  past;  neither  shall  he  on  this  account 
be  obliged  to  leave  his  country,  city  or  village,  or  be  despised  or  affronted  for  hi3 
persuasion. 

§  12.  No  person  shall  on  the  force  of  his  religion  be  excluded  from  the  magistracy 
or  from  the  right  and  privileges  of  corporations,  Merchants,  Trades  Chambers, 
companies,  publick  contracts,  purchases,  sales  of  movable  or  unmovable  goods, 
from  the  right  of  succession  where  it  is  determined,  nor  from  any  inheritance, 
legacys  or  other  rights  whatsoever. 

§  13.  We  further  permit  that  in  Matrimonial  affairs  those  of  the  confession  of 
Augsburg  be  dealt  with  in  all  points  according  to  the  Recess  of  Religion  made  in 
our  Duchies  or  Berg  and  Juliers;  or  according  to  the  judicature  which  was  estab- 
lished there  for  the  marriages  of  those  of  the  confession  of  Augsburg.  But  this 
judicature  not  being  yet  re-established  there,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Ecclesias- 
tical Council  of  the  Reformed,  or  the  Lutheran  Counsellors  to  this  end  named  and 
authorized  to  judge  of  the  same. 

§  14.  In  case  any  difference  happens  between  a  marry'd  couple  of  different  re- 
ligions, the  complainant  shall  be  obliged  to  submit  to  the  decisions  of  justice  of  the 
party  accused:  so  that  the  Lutherans  shall  be  judged  according  to  the  Ecclesiastical 
law  of  the  Lutherans,  and  the  Catholick  to  the  Ecclesiastical  law  of  the  Catholics, 
especially  in  the  point  of  divorce  and  repudiation. 

As  for  what  concerns  the  Dispensations  of  marriages  within  the  prohibited  de- 
grees, all  persons  shall  follow  the  antient  ordinance  made  In  the  Palatinate  for 
the  Judicature  of  Marriages:  and  thus  the  Lutherans  shall  partake  of  the  benefit 
of  the  law  according  to  their  own  religion. 

§  15.  To  the  end  that  the  difficulties  which  have  hitherto  arisen  touching  the 
public  service  may  be  terminated  all  at  once,  after  mature  deliberation  we  have 
ordered  they  be  removed,  as  by  these  presents  we  do  remove  them;  in  such  sort 
nevertheless,  that  it  shall  remain  establisht  in  the  places  where  it  has  been  in  the 
time  of  the  Elector  Charles  Lewis  of  glorious  memory,  together  with  the  neighbor- 
ing states;  namely  the  Electorates  of  Mentz  by  the  treaty  of  the  Bergstraat  of  the 
year  16.50  and  by  that  of  Ratisbonne  of  the  year  1653  as  likewise  by  the  agreement 
made  with  the  house  of  Baden  in  the  years  1652,  1653  and  1661;  which  shall  all 
continue  in  force  and  according  to  the  tenor  whereof  we  shall  maintain  our  sub- 
jects of  both  Religions,  and  shall  protect  them  conformably  to  the  said  treaties 
against  all  manner  of  attempts,  so  as  to  meet  with  no  sort  of  hindrance. 

§  16.  We  ordain  at  the  same  time  (to  the  end  that  all  our  dear  subjects  of  each 
religion  may  exercise  the  worship  they  profess  not  only  apart,  but  also  freely, 
openly,  and  without  any.lett)  that  what  follows  be  punctually  observed  touching 
churches,    parishes,    schools,   their   dependencies,    tythes    and   revenues. 

§  17.  As  for  what  regards  the  three  principal  cities  in  the  Palatinate,  namely 
Heidelberg,  Manheim  and  Frankendal  with  our  other  cities  and  bayliwicks,  viz., 
Alzey,  Baccarach.  Bretten,  Lauteren,  Mosbach,  Newstadt,  Oppenheim,  Simmeren, 
Stromberg  and  Ladenburg,  when  in  any  of  these  there  are  two  or  more  churches 
or  places  of  churches  where  the  Reformed  have  used  the  exercise  of  their  religion 
in  the  year  1685,  or  that  such  churches  have  been  erected  since  that  time  at  their 
expence,  and  where  the  Roman  Catholick  have  neither  a  parish  nor  any  church 
belonging  to  their  religious  orders:  it  is  our  pleasure  that  one  be  assigned  them 
exclusively  of  all  others. 

§  18.  However  the  Catholics  notwithstanding  the  said  regulation  shall  retain 
the  church  of  the  recollects  called  the  church  of  the  Hospital  or  of  the  Garrison 
in  the  suburbs;  wherein  nevertheless  neither  the  Hospital  nor  the  Revenue  of  the 
same  are  comprehended:  And  also  the  Catholicks  shall  have  the  Quire  of  the 
church  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  shall  be  separated  by  a  wall,  and  so  the  entrance 
.s  to  be  made  to  it  from  without.     In  exchange  hereof  the  Reformed  shall  have  to 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1603 

themselves  the  sole  use  of  the  Body  of  the  said  church  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  The 
steeple  with  the  bells  shall  be  common  to  both;  as  also  that  of  St.  Peter  with  its 
Quire  and  Appurtenances.  And  finally,  all  the  other  churches,  places,  quires,  with 
their  Dependencies  and  all  parsonage  Houses,  schools  or  the  places,  in  the  posses- 
sion whereof  the  Reformed  have  been  in  the  year  1685  shall  still  remain  to  them. 

§  19.  And  they  shall  likewise  (in  lieu  of  the  aforesaid  churches  of  the  college 
and  garrison)  have  to  themselves  exclusively  the  Schonaar-hofif,  situated  in  the  city 
of  Heidelberg,  with  all  its  appurtenances  to  employ  it  as  they  think  best,  either 
as  a  church,  college,  school,  parsonage  House  or  for  any  other  Ecclesiastical  use. 

§  20.  We  further  ordain  that  according  to  the  above  said  regulation,  there  be 
given  exclusively  to  the  Reformed  of  Manheim  the  church  that  has  been  provision- 
ally built  in  the  same  with  the  great  plan  or  square  of  the  church,  and  the  founda- 
tion laid  therein,  which  was  designed  for  the  High  Germans  and  Walloons;  as 
likewise  all  the  parsonage  houses,  rectorys  and  schools  whereof  the  Reformed  had 
possession  in  the  year  1685  or  have  hitherto  built  or  acquired  by  a  lawful  title; 
and  the  Catholics  shau  content  themselves  with  the  church  of  the  Capuchins,  till 
they  have  built  another. 

§  21.  We  further  will  that  the  Reformed  of  Frankendal  be  given  this  church 
with  its  dependencies;  in  the  quire  of  which  there  is  performed  a  common  exercise 
of  reliiiion.  There  shall  remain  to  the  Reformed  the  Pedagogg,  the  parsonage  and 
school  houses,  with  all  that  they  enjoyed  in  the  year  1685;  and  the  Catholics  shall 
have  the  second  church,  but  the  Reformed  shall  have  the  third  church  exclusively 
for  the  Walloon  congregation. 

§  22.  In  the  rest  of  our  towns  above  mentioned,  the  foresaid  Regulation  is  to 
be  followed,  by  virtue  of  which  the  Reformed  shall  have  the  great  church  at  Alzey 
and  the  Catholics  that  which  is  at  present  in  the  possession  of  the  Capuchins.  So 
likewise  at  Lauteren  and  Oppenheim  the  Reformed  shall  have  the  great  Parish 
church  and  the  Catholics  the  two  churches  of  the  Franciscans,  which  are  in  the 
said  Towns.  At  Baccarach  the  Catholics  shall  have  the  church  situated  at  the 
foot  of  the  mountain  and  the  Reformed  the  Parish  church.  Thus  at  Weinheim 
the  Reformed  shall  have  the  Parish  church  situated  in  the  suburbs,  and  the  ruins 
of  the  Hospital  church  which  is  in  that  town  and  the  Catholics  shall  have  to 
themselves   exclusively  the  church  of  the   Carmelites. 

In  those  towns  of  the  forementioned  bayliwicks,  where  there  Is  but  one  church, 
or  one  place  of  a  church,  the  Reformed  shall  have  the  Body  of  the  church  with 
Its  appurtenances;  and  the  Catholics  the  quire  which  is  to  be  separated  by  a  wall, 
at  the  expense  of  both  parties.  And  it  shall  be  further  lawful  for  each  of  'em  to 
build  what  they  please  on  their  own  side,  provided  there  be  room  for  the  same. 

§  23.  We  further  require  and  ordain  that  the  churches  in  all  the  other  towns, 
boroughs  and  villages  of  the  open  country,  where  there  is  but  one  church  (in  which 
the  Reformed  have  performed  the  exercise  of  their  religion  in  the  year  (1685)  and 
where  the  Catholics  have  no  cloister  or  church  of  their  own)  be  divided;  but  in 
such  sort  however,  that  the  Catholics  shall  have  any  Parish  church  of  the  said 
year,  where  there  is  no  Protestant  minister  at  present,  but  only  Catholics,  making 
a  deduction  of  their  two  parts  in  seven,  as  hereafter  specified. 

§  24.  And  that  in  exchange,  the  Reformed  shall  preferably  chuse  out  of  this  In- 
spection where  the  said  church  granted  to  the  Catholics  is  situated,  their  five  parts 
in  seven,  due  out  of  the  churches  where  the  Reformed  ministers  remain  at  present, 
by  reason  of  the  church  granted  to  the  Catholics;  so  that  the  Catholics  shall  re- 
tain two  Parish  churches  and  the  Reformed  five  of  those  where  their  ministers 
continue. 

§  25.  The  other  churches  shall  be  divided  betwixt  them  in  the  following  man- 
ner. First  the  remains  of  such  churches  where  any  ministers  still  continue. 
Secondly,  the  churches  that  are  well  built  or  in  good  condition.  Thirdly,  those 
churches  or  chapels  of  ease  which  are  very  near  ruined.  And  lastly,  the  real  ruins 
shall  be  put  together  seven  at  a  time;  In  such  a  manner,  as  that  in  the  following 
inspection  the  Reformed  shall  have  five  and  the  Catholics  two  exclusively  of  which 
nevertheless  our  Reformed  Consistory  shall  chuse  the  first  and  the  Counsellors 
we  shall  name  shall  chuse  the  second,  the  Reformed  the  third,  the  Catholics  the 
fourth,  and  so  on. 


1705 


1705 


1604:  Ecclesiastical  Records 

§  26.  We  likewise  expressly  ordain,  that  the  Reformed  be  left  in  the  enjoyment 
of  all  possessions,  revenues,  and  the  great  and  small  tythes  of  the  churches  that 
shall  be  solely  granted  to  their  use;  which  possessions,  revenues  or  tythes  were  en- 
joyed by  some  Protestant  minister  in  the  year  16.95  as  his  stipend  or  were  re- 
ceived by  collectors  for  the  use  of  the  Reformed  Church,  without  any  diminution 
and  with   the  franchises  whereof  they  are  in   possession. 

§  27.  And  our  chamber  of  Finances,  with  what  depends  on  this  Body,  as  also 
the  neighboring  Collegiales  and  Communities,  shall  be  obliged  to  pay  the  same, 
as  it  has  been  formerly  practis'd,  The  Catholics,  by  virtue  of  the  abovesaid  regu- 
lation,  shall  enjoy  the  same  right  in  the  churches,   belonging  to  them  exclusively. 

But  nevertheless  their  Collegiate  Churches  and  the  Revenues  of  Cloisters  shall 
not  be  comprehended  therein. 

§  28.  We  further  consent,  that  it  be  lawful  for  all  Reformed  and  Lutherans 
dwelling  in  any  place,  where  there  is  but  one  church.  Parsonage  House  or  school 
belonging  to  the  Catholics,  to  perform  the  public  exercise  of  their  religion  in  any 
house  or  place  that  shall  be  found  convenient. 

§  29.  This  shall  be  likewise  as  lawful  for  the  Catholics,  granting  to  each  of  the 
parties  the  liberty  of  building  in  all  places  where  they  find  it  necessary,  new 
churches  with  steeples  bells  and  whatever  depends  on  these  as  likewise  parsonage 
houses  and  schools;  in  which  wo  exempt  from  all  taxes  and  charges  those  new 
places  whereon  such  churches,  schools,  parsonage  houses  or  school  houses  may  be 
erected;  and  we  shall  in  like  manner  maintain  the  said  houses  and  buildings  in 
their  immunities,   so  long  as  they  serve  for  the  uses  above  mentioned. 

§  30.  All  the  Colleges  of  the  Lower  Palatinate  (in  possession  of  the  Reformed  in 
1685)  Pedagogies,  Pectoral  Houses  and  Latin  schools,  or  their  places;  particularly 
the  College  called  the  Sapientia  and  the  school  of  the  Neckar  at  Heydelberg,  the 
Casinirian  College  at  Newstadt  or  instead  of  the  same  an  equivalent  in  good  con- 
dition, the  Colleges  of  Frankendal,  Manheim  and  of  other  places,  or  the  ground 
on  which  they  were  built,  which  the  Reformed  possessed  in  the  year  168.5,  shall 
still  belong  exclusively  to  the  said  Reformed,  with  all  the  Revenues  and  Per- 
quisites, as  they  enjoyed  them  the  said  year. 

§  31.  And  to  remove  all  occasion  of  disputes  for  the  future  it  is  our  pleasure,  that 
all  the  several  religious  exercises  everywhere  over  those  that  follow  their  Belief, 
Ecclesiastical  Jurisdiction,  the  right  of  pastors  and  all  other  consequences  of  public 
exercise.  Although  the  churches  of  the  forementioned  places  be  assigned  to  a 
certain  religion  nevertheless  the  rights  of  the  ordinary  or  the  school  and  much 
less  the  Ecclesiastical  Jurisdiction,  shall  In  no  manner  be  extended  over  those 
of  another  religion;  and  all  pretentions  of  this  sort  shall  be  expressly  forbid  and 
are  actually  suppressed  by  these  presents. 

§  32.  'Tis  further  our  pleasure,  that  the  Bells  and  church-yards  depend  on  the 
churches;  with  this  condition  notwithstanding,  that  at  burials,  marriages  and  the 
like  ceremonies,  the  one  party  shall  for  a  reasonable  price  ring  the  bells  for  the 
other.  And  where  there  is  but  one  church-yard  it  shall  be  lawful  for  all  the  re- 
ligions to  bury  their  dead  in  common  therein,  to  sing  Psalms  and  to  perform  the 
other  accustomed  ceremonies.  It  shall  be  lawful  for  'em  likewise  to  procure  to 
themselves  distinct  church-yards  or  amicably  to  agree  among  themselves  about 
dividing  their  church-yard,  according  to  their  occasions  and  the  situation  of  the 
place,  which  is  to  be  understood  in  the  following  manner: 

§  33.  Where  the  churches  are  left  in  common,  the  Catholics  shall  keep  the  quire 
in  repair  and  the  Reformed  the  body  of  the  church.  The  Reparation  of  the  steeple 
and  the  Bell  shall  be  common  to  both  unless  the  Patron,  the  Collector  of  the 
Tythes,  or  some  other  was  formerly  obliged  to  the  reparation  of  the  churches  be- 
longing to  the  Reformed, 

§  34.  Where  none  shall  exercise  the  jus  patronatus,  if  it  was  not  exercised  in  the 
year  1685. 

§  35.  As  in  the  time  of  our  ancestors  the  rents  and  revenues  arising  from  Col- 
legiate churches.  Provostships,  Abbeys,  Cloisters  and  such  other  Bodies,  have 
been  for  the  most  part  employed  for  pious  uses; 

§  36.  And  we  having  resolved  to  employ  to  the  same  purposes  all  the  revenues 
of  the  said  Bodies,  which  the  administration,  called  Verwaltmeg  did  particularly 
possess  in  the  year  1685. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSJ'ew  Yoek.  1605 

We  therefore  ordaiu  and  enjoin  by  these  presents  that  five  parts  in  seven  of  the 
said  Revenues  (be  it  money,  fruits,  wine  or  in  any  other  things)  be  employed  for 
the  maintenance  of  the  Reformed  Consistory,  of  their  Ministers,  churches  and 
schoolmasters  for  the  reparation,  re-edification  and  necessary  support  of  their 
churches  and  schools. 

The  other  two  parts  in  seven  shall  remain  at  our  free  disposal,  deduetis  pro 
rataoneribus;  and  the  said  fruits  or  wines  shall  not  be  purchased  after  the  cur- 
rent price  of  the  country  or  without  ready  money,  nor  in  any  wise  diminished, 
whether  they  be  for  political  or  ecclesiastical  uses,  nor  under  the  name  of  con- 
servation and  protection  of  the  country. 

§  37.  And  to  prevent  all  subject  of  distrust  we  command  that  the  said  goods 
and  revenues  be  managed  by  a  general  Administration,  consisting  of  two  Catholic 
Counsellors  and  two  Reformed  with  the  Clerks  and  other  necessary  ofllcers;  with 
this  condition  nevertheless  that  the  Catholics  and  Reformed  shall  at  the  end  of 
every  three  months  make  a  repartition  of  their  revenues  in  common,  whereof  the 
Counsellors  of  the  said  Administration  shall  give  information  by  way  of  rescript 
to  the  Clerks  in  the  country. 

§  S8.  Which  revenues  shall  afterwards  be  delivered  and  counted  by  the  said 
Clerks  to  the  receivers  of  both  religions,  namely  to  the  Catholics  two  parts  in 
seven,  and  to  the  Reformed  five  parts  in  seven,  as  it  has  been  above  assigned. 
Nevertheless  the  least  thing  shall  not  be  given  to  either  party  before  the  reparti- 
tion is  made,  and  that  an  account  is  given  thereof  to  us:  with  this  condition  how- 
•  ever,  that  what  remains  of  the  same  be  distributed  to  both  parties,  to  put  the  same 
to  what  use  they  please. 

§  39.  This  once  done  the  Counsellors  of  the  Administration  may  no  longer  inter- 
meddle in  this  matter;  but  each  religion  may  absolutely  dispose  of  the  particular 
part.  After  this  the  Clerk  shall  depend  on  the  said  Counsellors  separately,  and 
shall  obey  their  orders  without  any  repugnance,  as  it  shall  be  enjoined  them  by 
the  formula  of  the  Oath  they  are  to  take. 

§  40.  In  all  other  cases  everything  shall  stand  conformably  to  the  Ordinance  of 
the  present  Administration. 

§  41.  Furthermore,  as  to  what  concerns  the  Reformed  Ecclesiastical  Council  and 
Jurisdiction,  it  shall  be  re-established  according  to  the  Tenor  of  the  Ordinance  of 
the  Palatine  Ecclesiastical  Council  of  the  year  1564;  and  shall  be  protected  and 
maintained  conformably  to  the  said  Ordinance,  as  it  has  been  to  the  year  1685, 
In  all  its  franchises  and  immunities,  and  in  the  course  of  payment. 

§  42.  We  also  ordain,  that  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Reformed  Ecclesiastical 
Council  to  adjoin  to  themselves  as  many  ministers  and  schoolmasters  as  they  shall 
judge  necessary  and  to  transfer  them  whither  they  will,  as  also  to  unite  and  divide 
their  curacies,  which  nevertheless  must  not  be  done  without  our  knowledge. 

§  43.  And  in  case  any  minister  shall  be  accused  to  have  preached  calumni- 
ated or  acted  in  any  unlawful  manner  against  the  Catholics  Religion,  the  matter 
must  be  enquired  into  as  often  as  there  shall  be  occasion,  by  employing  as  many 
Ecclesiastical  Counsellors  as  there  are  Commissioners  appointed  for  this  end;  and 
the  party  accused  shall  be  proceeded  against  according  to  the  ordinance  of  the 
Inquisition  of  the  Palatinate,  that  true  justice  may  be  done. 

§  44.  And  to  the  end  that  our  University  of  Heydelberg,  formerly  so  much  cele- 
brated, may  be  able  with  the  soonest  to  return  to  its  antient  splendors,  and  that 
an  opportunity  may  be  given  to  all  the  religions  to  improve  in  all  the  faculties; 
we  have  resolved  to  settle  two  Reformed  Divines  for  the  Theological  Faculty 
and  to  endow  them  with  the  Salaries  which  they  were  heretofore  accustomed  to 
receive. 

§  45.  To  effect  this  purpose,  we  expect  it  from  our  Reformed  Council  to  suggest 
the  means  to  us  whereby  the  said  Professors  may  be  established.  We  shall  also 
expect  for  the  future,  that  when  any  of  those  Theological  chairs  come  to  be 
vacant,  the  said  Reformed  Council  inform  us  how  they  may  be  most  effectually 
Bupply'd. 

§  46.  'Tis  our  pleasure  further  that  the  charities  collected  or  founded  in  each 
religion  be  solely  managed  and  distributed  by  the  Receivers  expressly  appointed 
to  this  end  in  that  religion. 


1705 


1705 


1606  EcclesIx-lstical  Eecoeds 

§  47.  But  the  legacies  and  Capitals,  particularly  at  Heydelberg,  Manheim, 
Frankendaal,  and  in  such  other  places  as  there  are  any,  and  which  are  not  yet  con- 
sumed, shall  be  restored  and  left  to  those  of  the  religion  that  were  in  possession 
thereof  before  the  Communion  and  participation  now  introduced;  and  each  religion 
shall  administer  independently  the  part  that  belongs  to  it,  in  such  wise  as  that  no 
injury  be  done  to  the  one  or  the  other  side. 

§  48.  As  for  what  concerns  pensions  or  stipends,  they  shall  now  be  paid  as  they 
were  used  to  be  in  the  year  1685;  and  both  these  and  others  that  have  been 
hitherto  founded,  or  that  may  happen  to  be  so  for  the  future,  shall,  according  to 
the  last  will  of  the   Founder,   appertain   to  the  Religion  he  has  professed. 

§  49.  'Tis  likewise  our  pleasure  that  in  the  Hospitals,  in  the  houses  for  orphans 
and  in  the  alms  houses,  erected  by  the  Inhabitants  and  citizens  of  the  Palatinate, 
those  of  both  religions  he  admitted  according  to  the  proportion  by  us  accorded  of 
two  sevenths  and  five  sevenths,  without  being  molested  in  any  manner  to  the 
account  of  their  persuasion;  and  the  orphans  shall  be  bred  in  the  religion  that 
was  professed  by  their  parents. 

§  50.  For  the  rest,  we  ordain,  that  without  regard  to  their  religion,  the  poor 
and  the  sick  be  admitted  into  the  same  and  enjoy  an  entire  liberty  of  Conscience. 

§  51.  We  further  will  and  command,  that  not  only  the  church  granted  to  them  in 
the  year  1624  to  be  solely  left  to  the  Lutherans,  but  likewise  all  those  they  have 
hitherto  built  or  shall  build  in  time  to  come;  and  the  Evangelick  Consistory  es- 
tablished by  us,  shall  continue  independent  of  the  Reformed  Ecclesiastical  Council; 
and  they  shall  have  the  administration  of  such  Ecclesiastical  goods,  parsonage 
houses  and  schools,  as  well  as  of  the  other  Revenues  whereof  they  shall  probably 
appear  to  have  enjoyed  the  possession,  in  the  year  1624. 

Given  at  Dusseldorp  the  21st  of  November,  1705.     Finis. 


Lord  Cornbury  to  Mr.  Secretary  Hedges, 

V  New  York  9ber  the  22,  1705. 


I  arrived  [Amboy,  N.  J.]  there  on  the  Sunday  morning  before,  very  early,  having 
been  upon  the  water  all  night.  When  I  arrived  there  I  found  but  two  of  the 
Gentlemen  of  the  Council  come  from  the  Western  Division,  the  rest,  being  Quak- 
ers, think  I  am  bound  to  wait  their  leisure.  There  was  none  of  the  Members  of  the 
Western  Division  come  neither;  they  are  all  Quakers  too,  except  one;  but  on  the 
17th  the  House  sat,  on  the  18th  the  House  came  to  this  resolution,  the  motion 
being  made  and  the  question  put,  that  His  Excellency's  speech  containing  very 
weighty  matter,  whether  this  House  shall  proceed  upon  any  business  untill  it  be 
full  or  not;  it  passed  in  the  negative.  Soe  you  see  they  were  not  to  proceed  upon 
any  business  at  all  till  the  House  was  full. 


Now  I  must  observe  to  you  that  at  the  time  they  said  the  House  was  full,  there 
were  three  Christian  members  wanting,  but  the  three  Quakers  being  got  in;  the 
House  was  full,  soe  that  it  was  not  a  full  House  of  Members  that  they  wanted,  but 
a  full  House  of  Quakers,  now  there  being  a  full  House  as  they  call  it,  they  think 
fit  to  make  an  Addresse,  of  which  I  send  you  a  copy;  how  well  they  have  followed 
their  Addresse  in  their  actions,  their  Journall  of  which  I  send  you  a  copy  will 
best  shew. 

—  Col.   Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1170,  llTl. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1607 

Civil  Commission  to  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman  to  be  Minister  in 

Kings  County. 

(Original  in  English). 

By  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Captain  General  &  Governour  in 
Chief  of  ye  Provinces  of  New  York  New  Jersey  &  of  all  the  Territories  and 
Tracts  of  land  depending  thereon  in  America  &  Vice  Admirall  of  ye  same  etc. 

To  Mr.  Bernardus  Freeman  Greeting  — 

You  are  hereby  Licensed  Tollerated  and  allowed  to  be  Minister  of  the  Dutch 
Congregation  at  New  Uytrecht  Flackbush  Bruyckland  and  Bushwick  in  King's 
County  upon  the  Island  of  Nassaw  in  the  said  Province  of  New  York  and  to  have 
&  Exercise  the  free  Liberty  and  use  of  your  Religion  according  to  ye  Laws  in  such 
case  made  and  Provided  for  &  During  So  Long  Time  as  to  me  shall  Seem  meet  & 
all  Persons  are  hereby  required  to  take  Notice  hereof  accordingly.  Given  under 
my  hand  &  seal  at  Fort  Anne  in  New  York  This  26th  day  of  December  in  the 
fourth  year  of  her  Majesty's  Reigne  Annoq.   Dm.   1705. 

Cornbury. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  iii.  93,  4to  ed.  iii.  145,  8vo.  ed. 
By  his  Excellency's  command, 

William  Anderson,  Dy.  Sec. 

Cornbury's  License  to  Freerman. 

[As  translated  into  Dutch,   and   retranslated   into  English.] 

1705.  Dec.  26.  By  his  Excellency,  Edward,  Viscount  Cornbury,  Captain  General 
and  Governor  in  Chief  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  New  Jersey  and  all  Terri- 
tories depending  thereon  in  America  and  Vice-Admiral  of  the  same: 

To  Mr.  Bernardus  Freerman,   Greeting: 

You  are  herewith  admitted,  suffered  and  allowed,  to  be  Minister  of  the  Dutch 
congregations  at  New  Utrecht,  Vlakbosch,  Breukelen  and  Boswyck,  in  the  County 
of  Kings,  on  the  Island  of  Nassau,  in  the  aforesaid  Province,  and  to  have  and 
exercise  the  liberty  and  use  of  your  divine  service,  persuant  to  the  laws  for  such 
cases  provided  and  made,  as  long  as  it  shall  be  my  pleasure;  and  all  persons  are 
hereby  charged  to  take  knowledge  thereof. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal,  at  Fort  Anna,  in  New  York,  this  26th  day  of 
December  in  the  fourth  year  of  her  Majesty's  reign,   Anno,  1705. 

Cornbury. 
The  following  is  added  to  the  Dutch  copy. 

New  York,  the  22nd  of  May  1706. 
Translated   from   the  English. 

Abraham  Gouverneur, 

Interpreter   and    Translator. 

The   above   copy   agrees   with   the   original,    which   we   certify. 

Gualtherus   du    Bols,   Ecel.    in    New   York. 
V.  Antonides,  Eccl.  in  Mirtwout. 
Henricus  Beys,  V.  D.  M.  at  Kingstowne. 


1705 


1608  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 


1705 


^       PETITIOIf    OF    THE    ElDEKS    OF    DOMIIS^E    FbEEMAn's    ChURCH    TO 

Compel  Rev.  Antonides  to  Deliver  Up  the  Books,  Etc. 

(1705) 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Captain  General  and  Governour  in 
Chief  of  her  Majesty's  Provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  and  Vice  Admiral 
of  the  same  etc. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Englebert  Lott  Jacob  Pardon  Daniel  Polyhemus  and  Ben- 
jamin Vandewater  Elders  of  the  Dutch  Congregations  in  Kings  County  on  the 
Island  Nassau  of  which  Mr.  Freeman  is  Minister  by  License  from  your  Excellency 

Humbly  Sheweth 

That  your  petitioners  haveing  lately  presented  to  your  Excellency  A  short  Memo- 
rial of  their  proceedings  in  their  offices  since  Publisht  by  said  Mr.  Freeman  by 
your  Lordshipp's  Speciall  Order,  setting  forth  to  your  Excellency  that  their  inten- 
tion was  to  demand  of  Mr.  Antonides  and  his  pretended  Elders  and  Deacons  the 
Churches  Books  Stock  house  and  Land  to  the  same  belonging  if  your  Lordshipp 
should  think  it  convenient  which  your  Excellency  was  pleased  to  approve  of  and 
your  Petitioners  have  demanded  the  same  accordingly  which  Mr.  Antonides  and 
his  pretended  deacons  doe  absolutely  refuse  to  deliver  Without  your  Lordshipp's 
Special  Order  under  your  hand  notwithstanding  your  Excellency's  verbal!  order  for 
demanding  the  same. 

Your  Excellency's  Petitioners  therefore  humbly  pray  that  the.v  may  have  An 
order  from  your  Lordshipp's  own  hand  for  the  receiveing  of  the  said  Church  books 
stocke  house  and  Land  belonging  to  each  of  the  said  Dutch  Congregations  which 
your  Lordshipp's  petitioners  humbly  conceives  will  putt  a  stop  to  the  differences 
amongst  them  for  the  future.  Humbly  praying  that  your  Lordship  of  your  Great 
clemency  would  continue  your  protection  over  them.  And  as  in  Duty  bound  shall 
ever  pray. 

Englebardt  Lott,  Jacob  Pardon,  Daniel  Polvheraus,  Benjamin  Vandewater. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.   n.  93. 


Church  of  Flatbush,  L.  I. 

Vv'arrant  for  tiie  Delivery  of  the  Church  Property  to  Domine  Freeman. 

By  his  Excellency  Edward   Viscount   Cornbury. 

Whereas  I  have  licensed  authorized  and  appointed  Mr.  Bernardus  Freeman  who 
was  called  by  the  people  of  Flatbush  to  be  Minister  of  the  Dutch  Congregation  att 
Fflattbush  in  Kings  County.  It  being  therefore  absolutely  requisite  that  the  House 
Land  Stock  and  books  to  the  same  congregation  belonging  should  be  delivered  to 
the  said  Minister  I  have  thought  fitt  hereby  to  require  and  command  you  and 
every  of  you  who  I  am  informed  detain  and  keep  the  possession  of  the  said  House 
Land  Stock  and  books  for  the  use  and  on  the  behalfe  of  Mr.  Antonides  the  pre- 
tended Minister  of  the  said  Congregation  forthwith  to  deliver  the  same  to  the 
said  Mr.  Freeman  and  to  put  him  in  the  possession  thereof  as  you  will  answer  the 
contrary  at  your  perill.  Given  under  my  hand  att  fort  Anne  in  New  Yorke  this 
3rd  day  of  January,  1706.     (See  a  legal  opinion  on  this,  Jan.  6,  1707). 

To  Joseph  Hegeman  and  Stophell  Burbasho  pretended  Elders  and  Cornelius 
Williamse  Jan  Vlies  and  Nys  Van  Duyn  pretended  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Congrega- 
tion at  Fflattbush. 

The  same  to  Joris  Hansen  Daniel  Rappellie  &  fifredrick  Mynderse  pretended 
Elders  &  Gysber  Bogart  &  Aert  Janseu  pretended  Deacons  of  Bruyckland- —  Doc. 
Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  94. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1609 

1705 

Trinity   Chukch. — •  Me.    Club   and   Mr.    IsTeau,    Catechists. 

1705-1712. 

Mr.  Club  had  been  Catechist,  and  assistant  of  Mr.  Vesey  before  1705.  But  on 
Nov.  21,  1705,  he  accepted  the  services  of  Mr.  Neau,  who  had  become  an  Episco- 
palian. His  commission  by  the  Society  was  probably  due  to  his  great  devotion  to 
work  among  the  humble  classes.  There  were  in  1705  about  fifteen  hundred  Negro 
and  Indian  slaves  in  the  City.  In  volume  XII  of  the  Society's  Archives  in  London, 
141,  Is  a  list  of  Mr.  Neau's  black  pupils.  Hawkins  says  that  he  began  visiting 
them  from  house  to  house,  but  afterward  obtained  leave  from  them  to  come  to  his 
own  residence.  In  1708  the  list  of  the  catechumens  had  risen  to  about  two  hun- 
dred. He  could  never  assemble  his  scholars  till  candle  light,  either  in  summer  or 
winter,  except  on  Sundays,  when  they  came  at  the  close  of  the  afternoon  service. 
He  taught  these  poor,  abused  and  degraded  human  beings  to  say  the  prayers  by 
heart.  They  were  presented  to  Mr.  Vesey  for  baptism  as  fast  as  he  judgefl 
them  to  be  ready.  In  1712  his  work  was  interrupted  by  the  so-called  insurrection 
of  the  Negroes,  but  only  one  of  his  scholars,  and  that  one  unbaptized,  was  found 
to  be  implicated.  Governor  Cornbury  approved  this  mission  work,  and  the  clergy 
generally  were  exhorted  to  aid  it  by  all  means  in  their  power. 

Mr.  Neau,  writing  to  the  Society,  July  5,  1710,  says: 

"  Mr.  Vesey  baptized  three  of  my  Catechumens  on  Christmas  Day,  six  on 
Easter  Sunday,  viz.;  One  ludian,  two  Negroes,  and  three  Negresses,  and  three  upon 
Whitsunday,  viz.,  one  Negro,  and  two  Negresses;  my  custom  has  been  to  carry 
them  to  Mr.  Vesey  to  be  examined,  and  from  him  to  the  Church,  and  I  take  free 
and  white  persons  for  witnesses  according  to  the  order  of  our  Rubrick  ". 

Yet  Humphrey  gives  us  a  picture  of  the  deplorable  condition  of  the  Negroes 
about  1710; 

"  The  Negroes  were  much  discouraged  from  embracing  the  Christian  religion 
upon  account  of  the  very  little  regard  showed  them  in  any  religious  respect. 
Their  marriages  were  performed  by  mutual  consent  only,  without  the  blessing  of 
the  Church;  they  were  buried  by  those  of  their  own  country  or  complexion  in  the 
common  field,  without  any  Christian  office;  perhaps  some  ridiculous  heathen  rites 
were  performed  at  the  grave  by  some  of  their  own  people.  No  notice  was  given 
of  their  being  sick  that  they  might  be  visited;  on  the  contrary  frequent  discourses 
were  made  in  conversation  that  they  had  no  souls  and  perished  as  beasts  ". — 
Humphrey,  92.—  Dix's  162-3. 


The  Anglican  Church. 

Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel. 

[1705?] 

Sir:— I  am  indebted  to  you  for  yours  of  the  11th  of  January  and  9th  of  April,  Pleasure 
and  am  wonderfully  surprised  that  the  Society  should  make  choice  of  me  for  one  p^JJ^'^j^Pq^ 
of  their  members.  It  was  a  very  great  satisfaction  to  me,  that  any  thing  I  could 
offer  was  acceptable  to  them,  and  should  very  joyfully  embrace  any  opportunity 
of  doing  service  to  the  Church,  and  I  bless  God  for  it.  I  am  not  conscious  to 
myself  of  ever  having  slipt  one  fair  occasion  therein,  when  Government  would 
give  me  leave.  I  beg  of  you.  Sir,  to  present  my  most  humble  duty  to  that  honor- 
able body  and  thank  them  for  the  honor  they  have  been  pleased  to  do  me,  and 
may  assure  them  that  I  shall  not  only  endeavor  to  give  them  satisfaction  as  to 
any  thing  they  shall  desire  of  me;  but  if  any  new  matter  occurs,  which  I  believe 
may  be  of  service  to  the  Church,  I  will  not  fail  laying  it  before  them  for  their 
consideration. 


1610 


Ecclesiastical  Records 


1705 


Parishes  of 
East  Ches- 
ter, Rye, 
Westches- 
ter. 


If  I  mistake  not  the  several  heads  you  desire  satisfaction  of  in  both  yonr  letters 
now  before  me  are,  lirst,  An  exact  and  impartial  account  of  all  your  Ministers  — 
Secondly,  what  fruit  may  be  expected  from  Mr.  Moor's  mission  —  Thirdly,  what 
my  thoughts  are  of  sending  Mr.  Dellius  into  those  parts  again  —  Fourthly,  my  opin- 
ion of  the  Society's  having  appointed  that  good  man,  Mr.  Elias  Neau  as  Catechist 
to  the  Negroes  and  Indians  and  the  Cause  of  misunderstanding  betwixt  him  and 
Mr.  Vesey. 

I  As  to  the  first,  I  must  do  all  the  gentlemen  which  yon  have  sent  to  this  Province 
that  Justice  as  to  declare  that  a  better  Clergy  were  never  in  any  place,  there 
being  not  one  amongst  them  that  has  the  least  stain  or  blemish  as  to  his  life  or 
conversation,  and  though  1  am  not  an  eye  witness  to  the  actions  of  any  save  those 
in  this  Country,  yet  I  omit  no  opportunity  of  enquiring  into  their  behaviour,  both 
of  the  friends  and  enemies  of  the  Church,  and  they  all  agree  as  to  the  Character 
of  the  gentlemen;  and  that  they  use  their  best  endeavours  to  gain  over  the  people. 
And  as  to  their  diligence  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  trust,  the  Society 
I  hope  will  in  their  instructions  have  laid  down  such  rules  as  they  wont  fail 
coming  at  it  without  being  imposed  on. 

Mr.  Urquhart,  minister  of  Jamaica,  has  the  most  difficult  task  of  any  missionary 
in  this  Government,  for  although  he  has  not  only  the  Character  of  a  good  man, 
but  of  being  extraordinary  industrious  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  yet  he  having 
a  Presbyterian  meeting  house  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  Quakers  on  the  other,  and 
very  little  assistance  in  his  Parish,  except  from  those  who  have  no  interest  with 
the  people,  that  his  work  can't  but  go  on  very  heavily,  as  I  understand  it  does: 
But  Mr.  Thomas  of  Hempstead  having  better  assistance,  the  leading  men  in  his 
parish  not  being  disgusted,  are  helpful  in  the  work;  and  having  no  other  sectaries 
to  oppose  them  by  their  meetings  but  the  Quakers,  makes  very  considerable 
progress,  as  I  have  been  told  by  some  of  the  most  sensible  of  his  parish.  As  for 
Mr.  Mackensie  he  has  a  very  good  report  from  the  people  of  Staten  Island,  and 
I  shall  not  fail  making  further  enquiry  concerning  him,  and  let  you  know  in 
my  next. 

But  when  all  is  done,  what  I  can  tell  you  concerning  any  minister,  except  in 
this  County,  is  only  by  information  from  others  which  is  often  very  uncertain; 
for  some  gentlemen  may  many  times  and  very  deservingly  have  a  fair  and  good 
character  by  the  generality  of  their  neighbors,  and  yet  at  the  same  time,  by  one 
misfortune  or  other  not  perform  much  of  the  service  of  the  Church,  in  which  I 
will  give  you  this  plain  instance. 

There  is  not  any  gentleman  whom  the  Society  hath  sent  over  that  is  clothed 
with  a  fairer  character  than  Mr.  Bartow  of  "West  Chester,  and  truly  he  is  a  very 
good  and  sober  man,  and  is  extremely  well  liked  of  and  spoken  of  by  his  parishion- 
ers in  general;  yet  although  he  has  been  three  years  in  that  parish  not  many  are 
added  to  the  Communion  nor  baptized,  and  few  Catechized;  and  if  he  is  directed 
to  send  an  account  how  he  has  advanced  on  each  of  these  heads  annually  since 
his  coming  here  it  will  be  found  accordingly. 

For  this  and  many  other  reasons,  I  can't  help  still  to  be  pressing  that  the 
Society  should  lay  the  gentlemen  which  are  sent  over  under  exact  rules,  and  me- 
thinks  it  is  no  difficult  matter  to  have  it  ordered  so  as  to  know  almost  as  well 
what  is  done  as  if  they  were  present  in  every  parish. 

The  people  of  West  Chester  were  very  angry  with  me  because  I  was  for  having 
this  County  divided  into  three  parishes,  and  every  Minister  to  have  seventy  pounds 
Instead  of  fifty,  and  I  had  brought  the  County  except  that  place  to  a  willingness 
to  have  it  so,  as  I  formerly  acquainted  you,  and  had  they  permitted  that  projec- 
tion to  have  taken  place  it  would  have  been  a  great  ease  to  the  Society:  for  first, 
what  Mr.  Bartow  had  more  than  the  fifty  pounds  he  now  hath,  might  reasonably 
have  been  deducted  at  home;  Secondly,  Mr.  Bondet  would  have  been  provided  for; 
And  thirdly,  one  Mr.  Morgan  who  was  Minister  of  East  Chester  promised  me  to 
conform;  that  there  would  not  have  been  occasion  of  another  being  sent  to  us, 
and  by  that  means  have  saved  fifty  pounds  a  year  more  at  home,  and  wholly 
out  of  all  hopes  of  any  dissenting  Minister  getting  footing  amongst  us,  and  it  will 
never  be  well  until  we  are  in  three  parishes;  and  I  shall  not  fail,  when  I  have  a 
fair  opportunity,  to  push  for  it  again.  And  to  satisfy  you  of  the  reasonableness 
in  what  I  offer,   I  believe  there  has  not  six  public  taxes  been  laid  on  this   County 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1611 

1705 

by  the  Assembly  this  fifteen  years  past,  but  I  have  been  at  the  proportioning  of, 

and  when  the  places  in   Rye  parish   pay   fifty  pounds   the   town   in   "West   Chester 

parish   were   allotted  one   hundred   and   twenty   pounds   and   there   are   two   places 

more,   which  both  together  are  one  third  as  big  as  Rye  Parish  which  are  now  in 

neither  of  them. 

And  now  I  am  of  this  subject,  it  comes  in  course  to  make  out  what  I  told  you  Parishes 

in  mv  former  letters,  viz.  that  there  is  no  parish  in  the  Government  but  what  is  could  pay 

more, 
able   to   pay   twice    as   much   as  they   do.      For   Rye    Parish   which    is   not   by   one 

half  so  large  as  the  least  parish  established  by  the  law  in  the  Government  here,  pigggjjfjng 

since   my    living   here   maintained   two    dissenting    Ministers,    viz.    one   at   Rye    and  ministers. 

Mamaroneck,  and  one  at  Bedford:  and  gave  the  former  fifty  pounds  and  the  latter 

forty  pounds  a  year,  which  I  think  makes  it  out  very  plain  what  I  have  offered  on 

that   head;   and   you   may  be   assured    I   shall    omit   no   opportunity   of   serving  the 

Society  therein.     But  the  work  must  he  done  in  a  great  measure  by  the  Minister's 

taking  pains,  and  bringing  the  people  into  a  good  opinion  of  the  Church,  for  though 

the  reason  hereof  is  very  plain,  it  must  be  a  business  of  time  to  effect  it. 

We  have  it  reported  that  the   Queen  would  be  at  the  charge  of  maintaining  a  Suffragan 
Suffragan  Bishop  in  these  parts.     If  that  was  granted.  I  question  not  but  a  great  bishop, 
many  who  have  had  their  Education  in  Boston  College  would  conform,  and  would 
be  content  with  the  benefices  as  settled  by  Assembly,  without  being  very  burthen- 
some  to  the  Society. 

I  have  been  so  long  wandering  from  one  subject  to  another,   that  I  had  almost  r>„y    HTuir- 

forgot   to  give   you   my  thoughts  of  Mr.   Muirson,    whom   my   Lord   of   London   has  son. 

sent  to  this  parish.     He  has  been  here  about  three  months,  in  which  time  he  hath 

by  much  outdone  my  expectation,  having  very  fully  retrieved  all  that  unfortunate 

gentleman,    Mr.    Pritchard   lost;   And   if  he   continues   so  faithful   in  the   discharge  R®.^' , 

X  ritcnftrd 
of  his  trust,  of  which  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  but  he  will,  he'll  be  able  to  give 

as  large  account  of  his  services  as  any  that  has  been  sent  over  to  this  Province. 

And  I  must  do  him  the  .Justice  to  own  that  he  is  deserving  of  the  Society's  favors. 

For  as  some  of  his  Parishioners  told  me,  and  which  I  know  in  a  great  measure  to 

be  true,  that  although  they  have  had  a  great  many  Ministers  amongst  tliem  since 

the  settlement  of  their  town,   yet   Mr.  Muirson  did   more  good   amongst  them  the 

first  six  weeks  after  his  coming  than   all   they   ever  had  before.     And   I   question 

not  but   when   you   have  the  particulars   of  his   proceedings  transmitted,    you   will 

find  what  I  have  said  of  him  to  be  true. 

As  for  Mr.  Brooks  whom  the  Society  have  sent  to  the  Jerseys,  he  has  an  uncom-  Rev. 
mon  good  character  given  him  from  those  parts;  and  it  is  reported  of  him  that  Brooks, 
he  makes  wonderful  advances  for  the  service  of  the  Church,  and  I  question  not 
but  Col.  Morris  will  be  very  particular  concerning  him,  that  being  properly  his 
watch.  For  though  that  Province  is  not  above  fifty  miles  from  my  house,  and 
Staten  Island  about  forty,  yet  by  reason  of  the  difficulty  of  water  passages,  I  have 
never  been  at  either  of  them  above  twice  since  my  coming  to  America.  And  I 
am  now  more  tied  at  home  with  a  family,  and  my  private  affairs  than  formerly, 
for  which  I  humbly  crave  an  allowance.  My  principles  and  natural  temper  lead 
me  to  do  the  Church  all  the  service  I  can  every  where,  but  I  dare  not  promise  for 
more  than  this  County  at  present,  and  my  best  endeavours  in  the  Westermost 
towns  in  Connecticut  colony  when  the  Church  is  well  rooted  here.  And  it  has 
always  been  my  opinion,  and  is  so  still,  that  there  is  no  part  of  this  Province  or 
even  America,  that  would  be  of  greater  use  or  service  to  have  the  Church 
thoroughly  settled  In;  for  it  is  not  only  large  in  extent,  and  the  land  very  good 
and  near  the  City;  so  consequently  will,  in  time,  be  a  great  settlement.  But 
bordering  on  Connecticut  there  is  no  part  of  the  Continent  from  whence  the  cut^°^*^'^'' 
Church  can  have  so  fair  an  opportunity  to  make  impressions  upon  the  Dissenters 
in  that  Government,  who  are  settled  by  their  laws  from  Rye  parish  to  Boston 
Colony,  which  is  about  thirty  five  leagues  in  which  there  are  abundance  of 
people  and  places.  As  for  Boston  Colony,  I  never  was  in  it,  so  can  say  little  Boston, 
of  it.  But  for  Connecticut,  I  am  and  have  been  pretty  conversant,  and  always 
was  as  much  in  all  their  good  graces  as  any  man.  And  now  I  am  upon  that  subject 
I  will  give  you  the  best  account  I  can   of  that  Colony. 

It  contains   in   length   about  one  hundred   and   forty  miles,   and   has   in   it   about  ^ccountof 
forty  towns,    in   each  of  which  there  is   a  Presbyterian   or  Independent   Minister  cut!'^^°  ^' 


1612 


Ecclesiastical  Eecords 


1706 


settled  by  their  law,  to  whom  the  people  are  all  obliged  to  pay,  notwithstanding 
many  times  they  are  not  ordained,  of  which  I  have  known  several  examples.  The 
number  of  people  there  are,  I  believe,  about  two  thousand  four  hundred  souls. 
They  have  abundance  of  odd  kinds  of  laws  to  prevent  any  dissenting  from  their 
Church,  and  endeavor  to  keep  the  people  in  as  much  blindness  and  unacquaintedness 
with  any  other  religion  as  possible;  But  in  a  more  particular  manner  the  Church, 
looking  upon  her  the  most  dangerous  enemy  they  have  to  grapple  with  all. 
And  abundance  of  pains  is  taken  to  make  the  ignorant  think  as  bad  as  possible  of 
her.  And  I  really  believe  that  more  than  one  half  the  people  in  that  Government, 
think  our  Church  to  be  little  better  than  the  Papists.  And  they  fail  not  to  im- 
prove every  little  thing  against  us.  But  I  bless  God  for  it,  the  Society  have 
robbed  them  of  their  best  argument,  which  was  the  ill  "lives  of  our  clergy  that 
came  unto  these  parts.  And  the  truth  is,  I  have  not  seen  many  good  men  but  of 
the  Society's  sending. 

And  no  sooner  was  that  Honorable  Body  settled,  and  those  prudent  measures 
taken  for  carrying  on  of  that  great  work,  but  the  people  of  Connecticut  doubting 
of  maintaining  their  ground,  without  some  further  support,  they  with  great  in- 
dustry went  through  their  Colony  for  subscriptions  to  build  a  College  at  a  place 
called  Seabrook.  And  the  Ministers,  who  are  as  absolute  in  their  respective 
parishes  as  the  Pope  of  Rome,  argued,  prayed  and  preached  up  the  necessity 
of  it;  and  the  passive  obedient  people  who  dare  not  do  otherwise  than  obey,  gave 
even  beyond  their  ability.  A  thing  which  they  call  a  College  was  prepared  accord- 
ingly, wherein  as  I  am  informed  a  commencement  was  made  about  three  or  four 
months  ago.  But  notwithstanding  their  new  College  here  and  old  one  in  Boston; 
and  that  every  town  in  that  Colony  has  one,  and  some,  two  ministers,  and 
have  not  only  heard  them  say,  but  seen  it  in  their  prints,  that  there  was  no  place 
in  the  world  where  the  Gospel  shone  so  brightly,  nor  that  the  people  lived  so 
religiously  and  well  as  they,  yet  I  dare  aver,  that  there  is  not  much  greater  neces- 
sity of  having  the  Christian  Religion  in  its  true  light  preached  anywhere  than 
amongst  them.  Many  if  not  the  greatest  number  among  them,  being  a  little 
better  than  in  a  state  of  heathenism;  having  never  been  baptized  nor  admitted 
to  the  commun'on. 

And  that  they  may  be  satisfied  that  what  I  tell  you  herein  is  not  spoken  at 
random,  nor  grounded  on  careless  observation,  Mr.  Muirson's  parish  is  more  than 
three  fourths  of  it  composed  of  two  towns,  viz.  Rye  and  Bedford  which  were  first 
settled  under  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  and  of  people  bred  and  born  under  that 
government,  and  sometime  before  my  coming  had  a  Minister,  one  Mr.  Denham, 
and  had  afterwards  two  more,  Woodbridge  and  Bowers  of  Rye,  and  Mr.  Jones 
at  Bedford.  And  the  people  of  Rye  only  had  of  this  County  the  care  to  provide 
a  parsonage  house.  And  notwithstanding  all  those  great  shows  of  Religion  and 
that  at  such  times  as  they  were  destitute  of  a  Minister. 

Greenwich  and  Stanford,  the  bounds  of  the  former  of  which  places  joins  upon 
theirs,  (ours?)  and  the  other  is  not  above  ten  miles  distance,  where  they  were  al- 
ways supplied.  But  they  could  not  be  said  to  want  the  opportunity  of  having 
the  Sacraments  administered  to  them,  yet  I  believe  twenty  of  them  had  never  re- 
ceived the  communion  nor  half  of  them  been  baptized,  as  Mr.  Muirson  will  more 
fully  inform  you. 

And  now  I  have  given  you  an  account  of  the  state  of  that  Colony  what  will 
In  the  next  place  be  naturally  expected  from  me,  is  to  know  my  opinion  of  the 
best  and  most  probable  way  of  doing  good  among  them.  There  is  nothing  more 
certain  than  that  it  is  the  most  difficult  task  the  Society  have  to  wade  through. 
For  the  people  are  not  only  not  of  the  Church,  but  have  been  trained  up  with  all 
the  care  imaginable  to  be  its  enemies.  That  to  make  an  impression,  under  all 
these  disadvantages  is  very  difficult,  though  I  hope  not  impossible.  And  though 
at  first  view,  the  prospect  of  doing  any  good  upon  them  is  very  little,  yet  no  doubt 
but  the  most  proper  measures  ought  to  be  taken  leaving  the  event  to  Almighty  God. 

Now  as  to  give  you  my  thoughts  in  what  way  this  great  work  may  be  best  en- 
deavored at,  so  as  it  may  be  done  with  little  expense,  I  believe  for  the  first  step, 
the  most  proper  way  would  be,  that  one  of  the  ministers  in  this  county  were 
directed  by  my  Lord  of  London  to  inform  himself  where  there  are  any  in  that 
Government   that   profess  themselves   to   be  of  the   Church,    and   to   know   if   they 


OF  THE  State  of  IsTew  York.  1613 

1705 

or  any  of  their  neighbours  have  any  children  to  baptize,  or  desire  to  partake  of 
the  Sacrament;  and  that  he  will  come  to  the  towns  where  they  live,  and  after 
having  given  them  a  sermon,  will  perform  those  holy  rites.  There  need,  I  think 
be  no  more  done  in  this  matter  at  present.  But  the  Society  may  if  they  please, 
leave  the  rest  to  me,  and  I  won't  only  give  him  the  best  advice  and  directions  I 
can  therein,  but  will,  God  willing  wait  upon  him  in  his  progress  and  persuade  some 
useful  friends  along  with  me.  And  when  this  essay  has  been  made,  I  shall  be 
much  better  able  to  guess  at  the  state  of  that  Government,  and  what  is  fitting 
to  be  done  next.  Now  the  person  that  I  would  advise  them  to  pitch  upon,  by  all 
means  for  this  expedition  is  Mr.  Muirson;  he  being  not  only  posted  next  to  those 
parts,  and  so  will  look  less  like  design,  but  he  has  a  very  happy  way  of  delivery, 
and  makes  little  use  of  his  notes  in  preaching  which  is  extremely  taking  amongst 
those  people;  and  for  argument,  few  of  his  years  exceed  him. 

The  chief  end  I  have  in  this  projection  is  to  have  the  people  of  that  Government 
undeceived  in  their  notions  concerning  our  Church,  there  being,  I  believe,  fifteen 
thousand  in  that  Colony  who  have  never  heard,  nor  scarce  seen  a  Church  of  Eng- 
land Minister.  And  I  have  the  charity  to  believe,  that  after  having  heard  one 
of  our  Ministers  preach,  they  will  not  look  upon  our  Church  to  be  such  a  monster 
as  she  is  represented.  And  being  convinced  of  some  of  the  cheats,  many  of  them 
may  duly  consider  of  the  sins  of  Schism.  HoM'ever,  let  the  success  be  what  it  will, 
to  me  the  duty  seems  plain.  I  have  not  only  mentioned  this  to  you,  but  in  my  letter 
to  the  Lord  of  London,  and  shall  patiently  wait  for  his  and  the  Society's  com- 
mands therein. 

I  will  now  proceed  to  give  you  direct  answers  to  the  several  queries  mentioned 
in  yours.  Having  as  yet  only  spoke  of  the  first,  so  shall  now  take  the  rest  in 
course. 

II.  As  for  Mr.  Moor's  Mission,  you  will  undoubtedly  have  the  account  thereof  very 

fully   by   Mr.    Talbot,    whose   place  he   supplies,    having   not    thought    it    worth   the  Moor's 
while  to  stay  at  Albany.     As  for  my  opinion  in  that  matter,  I  think  it  is  too  heavy  mission, 
for  the  Society  to  meddle  with  at  present,  and  would  properly  lie  as  a  burthen  upon  d       .q,  , 
the  Crown,  to  be  defrayed  out  of  the  revenue  here.     For  their  being  brought  over  bot. 
to  our  Holy  faith  will,  at  the  same  time,  secure  them  in  their  fidelity  to  the  Gov- 
ernment.     And    not   only   that,    but    the    Society    will.    I    believe,    find   employment 
enough  for  their  money  in  sending  of  Missionaries  amongst  those   who  call   them- 
selves  Christians,    on   the  coast   of   America,    which   I   find   to   be   their   resolution. 
And   it  is  certainly   the  greatest   charity   in   the   world   to   have   the   best    Religion 
planted    in   these   parts,    which,    with   time,    will    in   all    probability,    be   so    vast   a 
Country  and  People. 

III.  But   whether  the  charge  of  Missionaries  for   converting  the  Indians   fall  to  ,,.     . 
the  share  of  the  Crown  or  the  Society,  to  effect  that  matter  well  and  thoroughly,  ies  to  the 
those  sent  over  on  that  errand,  must  be  such  as  can  endure  hardships,  and  are  able  Indians, 
and  willing  to  live  with  the  Indians  in  their  own  country  and  according  to  their 

way  and  manner,  which  are  the  methods  the  French  take.  And  I  believe  some  of 
those  gentlemen  who  have  had  their  education  in  the  Colleges  of  the  north  parts 
of  Scotland,  being  in  orders  from  my  Lord  of  London,  may  be  the  likeliest  to 
undergo  it.  As  for  Mr.  Dellius  I  don't  think  it  worth  the  while  in  being  at  any  j^g^  p^j, 
extraordinary  charge  in  sending  him,  because  I  believe  no  consideration  would  lius. 
make  him  live  in  the  Indian  Country.  And  if  he  did,  he  has  not  the  language;  and 
one  that  goes  on  that  mission  must  be  a  young  man  who  is  able  to  grapple  with 
fatigues,  and  will  not  only  take  pains,  but  is  capable  of  learning  the  language; 
and  it  Is  a  general  observation  that  none  are  so  apt  to  gain  foreign  tongues  as 
the  Scotch. 

IV.  As  for  my  thoughts  of  this  Society's  having  appointed  that  good  man,   Mr. 
Neau,  as  Catochist  to  the  Negroes  and  Indians,  it  is  undoubtedly  a  very  good  work,  ^s  cate- 
and  he  is  wonderfully  industrious  in   the  discharge  of  his  duty,   and  the  truth  is,  chist. 
takes  more  pains  than  he  needs,  by  going  from  house  to  house  to  perform  that 
oflJce.     And  I  believe  he  would  find   it   as  effectual  to  gain  the  end,   and  not  the 
fourth  part  of  the  trouble  himself,   to  appoint   set  times  in  having  them  together 

at  the  English  Church,  or  at  least  so  many  at  once  as  may  be  proper,  and  catechise 

and  instruct  them.     And  Mr.  Vesey  assures  me  he  shall  be  very  free  and  willing  jjgy  Vesey. 

to  let  him  have  the  use  of  the  Church  for  that  purpose.     And  now  I   am  on  this 


1614 


Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 


1705 


subject,  it  will  be  very  proper  for  the  Society  to  direct  Mr.  Cleator,  if  lie  comes 
over,  or  any  Schoolmaster  whom  they  may  appoint  in  their  respective  places  to 
catechise  and  instruct  the  Negroes  and  Indians;  the  Society  would  then  see  how 
the  matter  was  further  worth  their  consideration. 

I  did  in  my  former  letters  make  mention  of  Mr.  Bondet,  a  French  Protestant 
Minister,  who  is  in  orders  from  the  Bishop  of  London.  He  is  a  good  man  and 
preaches  very  intelligibly  in  English,  which  he  does  every  third  Sunday,  in  his 
French  congregation,  when  he  uses  the  Liturgy  of  the  Church.  He  has  done  a 
great  deal  of  service  since  his  first  coming  into  this  Country,  and  is  well  worth 
the  thoughts  of  the  Society.  The  town  he  lives  in,  is  called  New  Rochelle,  a  place 
settled  by  French  Protestants.  It  is  comprehended  in  Mr.  Bartow's  parish,  and 
contributes  towards  his  maintenance,  which  disables  them  in  a  great  measure  to 
pay  towards  Mr.  Bondet's,  who  is  in  very  great  want.  It  is  true  besides  twenty 
pounds  a  year,  which  the  people  of  New  Rochelle  promise  him,  and  is  very  ill  paid, 
he  has  thirty  pounds  a  year  settled  on  him  out  of  the  public  Revenue  here,  as  the 
French  Minister  in  York  hath;  but  that  is  paid  with  so  much  uncertainty,  that  he 
starves  under  the  prospect  of  it. 

Now  for  a  remedy  for  this  poor  gentleman  and  that  he  may  be  made  as  useful 
to  the  Church  as  possible;  if  the  Society  would  use  their  interest  that  he  might 
have  an  order  from  the  Court  that  he  may  not  only  forthwith  be  paid  his  arrears, 
but  that  he  should  afterwards  have  his  money  by  quarterly  payments;  and  that  at 
the  same  time,  he  be  directed  by  the  Bishop  of  London  to  consult  with  and  be 
helpful  to  Mr.  Bartow  and  Mr.  Muirson  in  taking  care  of  the  scattering  towns  of 
their  parishes;  especially  Mr.  Bartow's,  where  it  is  impossible  for  any  one  to  man- 
age it.  And  whereas  he  has  been  obliged  for  his  bread  to  use  the  French  prayers 
in  his  French  congregation,  according  to  the  orders  of  the  Protestant  Churches  of 
France,  and  had  that  liberty  granted  him  (as  he  tells  me)  upon  his  receiving  orders, 
it  is  his  earnest  request,  that  he  might  have  directions  relating  thereto,  wherein 
he  might  be  required  not  to  use  otherwise  than  the  Liturgy  of  our  Church  in  any 
Congregations  where  he  preacheth,  whether  English  or  French.  And  it  would  be 
well  that  some  French  Common  Prayer  Books  and  Catechisms  were  sent  over  for 
that  purpose.  The  reason  of  desiring  an  order  of  that  nature  is,  that  it  would  put 
the  matter  out  of  dispute.  Mr.  Bondet  and  I  have  gone  as  far  as  we  can  in  that 
affair,  and  it  would  spend  too  much  time  to  tell  you  what  tempests  we  waded 
through  in  attempting  it  but  if  directions  came  from  England  about  it,  none  I 
believe  would  be  found  to  oppose  it.  The  chief  cause  of  its  being  hindered  with 
so  much  heat  was  that  the  French  Congregation  at  New  York  were  apprehensive 
that  it  might  be  a  precedent  for  them,  and  for  that  reason  fired  the  most  ignorant 
of  Mr.  Bondet's  people,  and  persuaded  them  to  recant  from  what  they  had  agreed 
to.  But  I  must  do  the  most  sensible  of  them  the  justice  that  they  hold  fast  their 
integrity,  and  are  willing  to  receive  the  Church. 

If  this  matter  goes  forward,  I  expect  that  the  greatest  part  of  the  people  of 
New  Rochelle  will  cease  their  contributions  to  Mr.  Bondet.  So  I  must  desire  the 
Society  to  consider  him  with  some  allowance  in  England.  And  if  effectual  care 
could  be  taken  that  thirty  pounds  is  paid  him,  fifteen  pounds  Sterling  more,  with 
the  small  help  he  will  have  from  those  who  will  continue  steady  to  the  Church, 
will  enable  him  to  maintain  himself  and  family. 

If  care  is  not  already  taken  therein  in  the  Instructions  which  are  preparing,  it 
will  be  of  absolute  necessity  that  the  clergy  of  this  Country  be  directed  to  meet 
twice  at  least  annually,  and  taking  to  their  assistance  the  best  and  most  sensible 
of  their  parishes  to  consult  of  the  most  effectual  ways  of  settling  the  Church;  and 
to  give  an  impartial  account  how  the  parishes  are  settled  in  point  of  conveniency, 
and  which  way  it  may  be  better  done,  not  only  to  make  it  easy  for  themselves 
but  so  as  the  bread  of  life  may  be  fairly  and  equally  divided  amongst  the  people, 
that  proper  measures  might  be  taken  to  have  it  regulated  by  Act  of  Assembly. 
For  if  something  of  this  nature  is  not  done,  one  half  of  the  people  of  the  County 
won't  have  much  benefit  by  all  the  cost  that  is  laid  out  upon  them. 

In  the  conclusion  of  your  last  letter  you  told  me  that  you  had  sent  some  Common 
Prayers  and  Catechisms  by  Mr.  Mackenzy  but  do  not  understand  he  has  brought 
any;  so  beg  of  you  to  enquire  into  that  mistake.  And  in  case  you  send  any  other 
books  to  be  disposed,   pray  let  them  only  be  Dr.   Beveridges  (now  Bishop  of  St, 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1615 

1706 

Asaph)  sermon  concerning  Common  Prayei',  a  little  book  entitled  a  Christian's  Way 
to  Heaven,  and  one  of  the  Lawfulness  of  the  Common  Prayer.  No  books  can  be 
more  serviceable  than  they;  and  I  would  take  care  to  have  them  scattered  through 
Connecticut  Colony  to  both  Ministers  and  People,  and  am  apt  to  believe  they  would 
do  service. 

As  for  the  deputation  the  Society  now  pleased  to  send  me,  I  am  exceedingly 
sorry  I  can  do  them  no  service  therein.  For  the  people  of  this  Country  having  gen- 
erally land  of  their  own,  although  they  don't  want,  few  or  none  of  them  very  much 
abound.  There  being,  besides  a  settlement  belonging  to  Col.  Morris,  and  another 
to  Mr.  Phillips,  and  mine,  not  any  that  belong  to  particular  men  of  any  great 
value  in  the  County:  nor  are  there  ten  in  the  whole  County  but  what  have  been 
brought  over  to  the  Church  since  I  came  into  the  Province,  that  truly.  Sir,  if  we 
can  persuade  them  to  build  and  finish  their  Churches  and  Schools,  help  to  maintain 
their  Ministers  and  School  Masters,  and  fit  conveniences  for  them,  it  is  the  most 
that  can  be  expected  till  things  are  better  settled,  and  the  Church  a  more  firm 
footing  among  them. 

I  have  not  had  the  happiness  to  be  in  company  with  Colonel  Morris  since  I  re- 
ceived the  deputation;  but  shall  discourse  with  him  concerning  that  matter  when 
I  see  him  next.  I  could  offer  some  few  things  more  to  the  consideration  of  the 
Society,  but  time  wont  permit  me  to  enlarge,  so  I  shall  reserve  it  to  the  next 
opportunity. 

So  with  humble  duty  to  the  Society,  begging  pardon  for  the  trouble  I  have  given 
herewith,  I  desire  to  remain,  etc. 

Caleb  Heathcote. 
—  Doc.   Hist.    N.   Y.  iii.   (4to.   ed.)  74-83. 


Journal  of  Domine  Beys.     1700.     Jan. —  March. 

Journal   in  relation   to   what   befell   me  in  respect  to   my   Call   and   Ecclesiastical 

Rights,  1706. 

On  the  first  of  January  (1703-6)  O.   S.,  the  day  of  our  landing  at  New  York,   I, 
with  Mr.  Antonides,  through  Rev.  Gualterus  du  Bois,  paid  our  submissive  respects  insulting 
to  the  Noble  Governor,  my  Lord  Cornbury.     I  received  as  answer,  that  the  preacher  treatment, 
for   Esopus   might   go   to   his   post,    whenever   he   liked.      This    was    said    with   the  P^  Corn- 
utmost  disdain,  and  without  his  condescending  to  direct  the  slightest  glance  of  his 
eyes  at  me. 

As  to  him  who  was  to  go  to  Long  Island,  report  will  be  made  by  Domine  du 
Bois  and  Domine  Antonides.  On  account  of  the  distance  and  the  ice,  it  became 
necessary  to  winter  in  New  York,  till  the  cold  weather  came  to  an  end.  In  the 
meantime  I  informed  my  congregation  of  my  safe  arrival  here.  Thereupon  I 
received  from  them  an  answer,  that  after  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice,  a  committee 
of  the  Consistory  would  come  to  welcome  me,  and  conduct  me  to  my  station.  This 
was  done  on  the  23d  of  February,  when  I  received  Col.  H.  Beekman,  Mr.  Cornelius 
Cool  and  Captain  Egbert  Schoonmaker,  as  a  committee  of  the  Consistory. 

When  my  goods  had  been  shipped  for  my  departure  and  everything  was  prepared 
for  the  journey,  it  was  thought  by  some,  desirable  and  necessary,  and  to  make 
quite  sure  of  not  giving  to  his  Excellency  the  least  cause  of  dissatisfaction,  that 
before  leaving  New  York  I  should  once  again  testify  my  respects  and  submission  to 
his  Excellency. 

To  this  I  finally  consented,  although  against  my  judgment  and  wishes,  and  even 
my  formal  protest.  For  they  might  easily  have  understood  from  the  treatment 
which  Domine  Antonides  of  Long  Island  continually  met  with,  in  his  interviews,  and 
also  from  general  rumor,  the  reception  I  had  to  fear;  for  the  way  to  the  Court  is  a 
slippery  way.  However  with  Col.  Beekman,  I  presented  myself  to  his  Excellency. 
Col.  Beekman  informed  him  of  our  intention  to  journey  to  Esopus,  and  offered  our 
services  to  his  Excellency,  declaring  that  if  he  had  any  commands  for  us,  we 
hoped  his  Excellency  would  deign  us  worthy  of  his  services,  etc.  Thereupon  his 
Excellency  answered,   that  we  should  not  leave  the  place  until  I  had  first  taken 


1616 


1706 

Cornbury 
demands 
that  Beys 
should 
take  out 'a 
license  to 
preach. 


Rights  of 
the  Dutch 
church. 


Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 


Refusal  to 
accept  the 

Gtovernor's 
license  to; 
preach. 


Regularity 
of  his  call. 


out  a  license  (to  preach)  from  him.  He  threatened  that  if  I  presumed  to  go  and 
preach  without  it,  he  would  drive  me  away,  and  banish  me  from  his  government, 
persuant  to  a  certain  law,  which,  his  Excellency  said,  existed. 

Thereupon  Col.  Beekman  answered,  that  when  notice  was  given  him  of  a  call 
which  was  about  to  be  made  out  and  sent  to  Holland,  he  had  approved  of  it  in  a 
most  kind  and  friendly  spirit;  adding,  that  the  coming  and  settlement  of  such  a 
minister  would  be  very  acceptable  to  him.  Then  when  we  referred  to  the  old 
customs,  laws  and  privileges  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  it  was  not  thought 
worth  the  while  to  listen  to  us,  nor  to  answer  by  a  single  word,  but  we  were  ordered 
to  keep  silence,  or  withdraw.  Stinging  words  were  hurled  at  us  by  his  Excellency 
as  if  we  were  the  lowest  negroes  or  heathen.  This  sad  and  unheard  of  occurrence 
happened  to  us  in  the  presence  of  several  members  of  his  Majesty's  Privy  Council, 
and  other  distinguished  gentlemen,  on  the  28th  of  February,   (1706.) 

When  this  distressing  and  extraordinary  experience  was  reported  to  the  other 
brethren  of  the  Consistory,  and  to  individual  members  from  Esopus  who  were  then 
ii  New  York,  they  were  all  dismayed  and  puzzled  not  a  little,  not  knowing  what  to 
do.  But  this  was  firmly  resolved  upon  by  us  all,  that  none  of  us  would  ever 
accept  such  a  license  as  Domine  Preerman  had  accepted  with  the  design  of 
securing  a  settlement  on  Long  Island.  For  he  placed  himself  thereby  at  the  mere 
caprice  and  pleasure  of  my  lord  Cornbury.  But  we  resolved  to  preserve  our 
rights  of  conscience,  and  the  ancient  customs,  laws  and  privileges  of  the  Dutch 
National  Church.  A  copy  of  the  license  referred  to,  marked  C,  accompanies  this 
paper. 

In  these  distressing  and  unusual  circumstances,  being  also  unacquainted  with 
the  language,  laws  and  judicial  proceedings  of  this  country,  I  knew  not  what 
course  to  pursue.  After  conference  with  my  Consistory,  we  addressed  ourselves 
to  several  prominent  inhabitants  and  lawyers,  well  versed  in  the  ancient  customs, 
laws  and  privileges  of  the  Church  and  the  State,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  some 
counsel  and  advice  in  regard  to  our  course  of  action.  We  also  requested  to  meet 
with  us  the  Rev.  Brethren  at  New  York,  Domine  du  Bois  and  Domine  Antonides, 
with  their  Consistories,  Col.  de  Peyster,  Messrs.  de  Lancy  and  Staats,  Col.  Jacobus 
van  Cortlandt,  Messrs.  Valkenier,  (Falcounier),  and  A.  Gouverneur.  They  assembled 
for  the  said  purpose  on  the  29th  of  the  same  month. 

These  Rev.  Brethren,  who  took  this  matter,  as  well  as  all  the  general  interests 
of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  greatly  to  heart,  and  who  foresaw  with  us  the 
evil  consequences  of  such  measures,  were  unanimous  with  us  in  the  opinion,  that 
such  a  license  neither  cotild  nor  should  ever  be  accepted;  lest  hereafter,  all  Dutch 
preachers  and  churches  should  continually  be  subjected  to  the  arbitrary  will  and 
caprice  of  his  Excellency.  For  the  acceptance  of  his  license  creates  a  dependence 
on  his  arbitrary  will,  and  is  directly  contrary  to  the  ancient  customs  of  the 
Dutch  Reformed  Church,  and  the  Acts  of  Parliament  passed  in  the  time  of  King 
William,  as  appears  in  a  paper  styled,  "  The  State  of  the  Dutch  Church  in  the 
Province  of  New  York  "  (Staat  der  Nederduytsche  Kerke  in  de  Provincie  van  Nieuw 
York)  marked  B  K. 

Nay,  thereby,  the  Act  of  our  Classis  by  which  I  was  called  and  sent  in  a  regular 
and  lawful  manner,  "  To  perform  the  duties  of  a  preacher  here  in  all  respects," 
according  to  the  Acts  of  your  Reverences  "  and  according  to  the  Church-Order  and 
Discipline,  the  Word  of  God,  and  the  excellent  forms  and  customs  established 
in  the  Fatherland  ",  would  be  dishonored:  the  dignity  of  your  Rev.  Classis  would 
be  insulted,  and  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  Church  would  be  invaded  and 
destroyed:  For  it  was  evident,  from  his  Excellency's  threats  to  banish  me,  and 
drive  me  out  of  his  government,  that  he  would  not  recognize  any  virtue  in  any 
Act  or  document  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  in  calling  or  sending  over  a  minister; 
but  only,  that  by  "  his  license  ",  his  Excellency  would  do  me  the  favor  of  making 
me  a  preacher,  during  his  will  and  pleasure. 

What  evil  consequences  would  result  from  such  proceedings,  your  Reverences 
will  be  able  to  understand  better  than  I  can  tell  in  writing,  as  the  circumstances 
of  the  case  forbid  it. 

We  consulted  together  how  we  could  in  the  best  and  most  suitable  manner  show 
his  Excellency  that  such  a  license  had  hitherto  never  been  heard  of  in  the  Dutch 
Reformed  Church  here,  and  had  never  been  Introduced  or  required  by  any  of  hit 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1617 

1706 
predecessors;  that  it  was  contrary  to  the  ancient  customs,   usages,   laws  and  privi-  Lepral 
leges  of  the   Church.     We  come  to   the  conclusion  to   request   Mr.    Valkenier  (Fal-  g^jijioyed 
counier),  a  man  of  whose  fidelity  we  felt  sure,  one  who  had  the  easiest  access  to, 
and  most  influence  with  his  Excellency,   to  do  this;   and  to  assure  his  Excellency, 
that  I   was  ready  to   sign  all  the   English   laws  aud  the   Test   Act,    and   to   behave 
myself  as  an  obedient,   reasonable,  and  faithful  subject  of  the  Crown,   and  of  this 
government. 

The  said  gentleman  being  convinced  of  the  justice  and  equity  of  our  case,  in  his 
kindness,  consented  to  do  as  we  requested,  and  made  arrangements  accordingly. 
He  explained  to  his  Excellency,  on  the  first  opportunity,  the  ancient  usages,  laws 
and  privileges  of  the  church,  and  at  first,  it  looked  as  if  his  Excellency  would  be  obgHnate 
pleased  to  converse  further  on  this  matter.  On  another  and  more  favorable  occa- 
sion he  promised  to  give  a  final  answer.  When  a  fitting  opportunity  again  occurred 
to  press  this  matter,  Mr.  Valkenier  (Falcounier)  seized  it,  and  again  urged  a  final 
decision.  But  his  Excellency  now  showed  as  much  displeasure,  yea,  even  more, 
than  he  had  formerly  shown  pleasure;  aud  he  asked  —  Why  he  was  so  very  urgent 
In  this  business;  and  whether  he  was  as  much  interested  in  it  as  we  were,  etc., 
etc.  Thereby,  all  further  efforts  of  this  gentleman  to  secure  a  favorable  answer 
from  his  Excellency  were  cut  off.     This  was  on  the  4th  of  March. 

After  we  liad  deliberated  to  the  utmost  for  the  furthering  of  the  welfare  of 
the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  and  everything  had  been  done,  which  was  thought 
advisable  or  useful,  favorably  to  influence  his  Excellency,  that  I  might  enter  upon 
my  duties  without  hindrance,  as  my  predecessors  had  done;  and  yet  everything 
turned  out  in  vain,  and  nothing  could  be  obtained  one  way  or  the  other;  then 
the  members  of  the  Committee  of  my  Consistory,  whose  business  called  each  one  g  -g 
home,  urged  me,  to  go  on  with  my  goods  which  were  already  shipped,  to  the  to  King- 
place  to  which  I  was  appointed.  They  did  not  approve  of  my  unloading  my  goods  ston. 
and  remaining  in  New  York,  as  the  brethren  there  advised.  They  preferred  to 
leave  the  further  management  and  promotion  of  the  welfare  of  the  church  to  the 
fidelity  and  kindness  of  the  New  York  brethren.  They  requested  them  to  promise 
that  in  our  absence  they  would  use  their  best  endeavors  for  the  said  purpose, 
and  by  every  opportunity  to  inform  me  and  the  Consistory  of  what  was  accom- 
plished. Then  we  hastily  sailed  away  on  the  evening  of  the  5th  of  March,  and 
on  the  10th  of  the  same  month  I  was  introduced  at  Esopus  with  uncommonly  great 
joy  of  the  inhabitants,  coupled  with  sorrowful  regrets  about  these  previous  oc- 
currences. 

After  I  had  been  at  Esopus  a  short  time.  I  spoke  occasionally  with  the  English  English 
preacher  (Gracherie?)  who  had  been  sent  there  and  foisted  on  the  congregation,  mmister 
although  there  were  not  six  English  families  in  the  place.  He  said  he  should  con- 
tinue in  the  service  there  until  my  Lord  (Cornbury)  withdrew  him,  by  counter- 
manding his  call  or  license.  His  salary  was  demanded  from  the  community  by  my 
Lord  as  a  free  gift  (donum  gratuitum),  and  this  was  yielded  for  the  sake  of 
peace,  and  in  order  not  to  give  displeasure  to  his  Lordship.  But  his  Reverence 
considered  this  salary  too  small  and  insignificant.  He  had  spent  twice  as  much, 
which  was  a  loss  he  could  not  afford:  and  which,  by  his  Lordships  assistance,  he 
declared  the  congregation  must  make  up;  else  the  debts  incurred  by  his  Reverence  ' 

must  remain  unpaid. 

I  also  learned  that  the  schoolmaster,  formerly  appointed  by  my  Consistory,  had  School- 
been  demanded,    under   oath,    who   had   appointed   him   to   that   oflSce,    and   how   he  master  li- 
had  dared  to  accept  the  position  of  reader  and  schoolmaster  without  his  Lordship's  ^^'^s®'*- 
license.     He  was  told   in  the  most   severe  terms  and   with   threats,   that  if  he  did 
not    ask    for   and    accept    his    Lordship's    license,    he    (the    Governor)    would    know, 
what  to  do  with  him.     He   was  thus  compelled,    with  the  knowledge  and   consent 
of  the  Consistory,   to  ask  for  and  receive  such  a   license.     A   copy  goes  herewith, 
marked  C.  L. 

On  the  following  Sunday,   the  17th,    (March,   1706,)   at  the  urgent  request  of  the  Beis  bap- 
Consistory,  although  it  had  been  understood  with  the  brethren  in   New  York  that  tizes. 
I  would  not  do  anything  whatever.   T  openly  administered  the  sacrament  of  baptism 
to  thirty  two  children,  and  on  the  next  Sunday  to  seven  more. 

After  my    departure   for   New    York   and    during   my    sojourn   at    Esopus,    I   con- 
stantly  awaited  a   report   of   what   had   been   done   by   the  brethren   in   New  York; 


1618 


Ecclesiastical  Records 


1706 


The 

Council  re- 
(juested  to 
interfere. 


and  concluded  that  they  had  made  no  progress  In  our  affairs,  or  at  least,  had  failed 
to  inform  me  or  the  Consistory  of  anything.  The  Elders  and  Deacons,  convened  in 
church  meeting,  therefore  thought  it  advisable  and  resolved,  to  authorize  a  brother 
Elder  and  my  self  to  make  a  journey  to  Nev?  York  to  act  in  their  behalf,  as  your 
Reverences  may  learn  from  the  accompanying  copy,  marked  D.  M. 

Thereupon  we  left  Esopus  on  the  9th  of  April  and  landed  in  New  York  on  the 
13th.  We  presented  ourselves,  with  an  explanation  of  our  object,  to  the  said 
brethren.  From  them  we  learned  in  reply  to  our  first  question,  that  there  was 
not  the  least  change;  that  everything  was  in  the  same  condition  as  when  we  had 
taken  our  departure.  We  urgently  requested  the  brethren  to  assist  us  in  obtaining 
our  object,  and  exhibited  our  authorization.  Their  Reverences  declared  their  will- 
ingness with  all  signs  of  friendship.  For  this  purpose,  after  due  consideration,  it 
was  resolved  by  the  brethren  on  the  16th,  that  Col.  Jacob  van  Cortlandt,  S.  Staats 
and  A.  Gouverneur,  with  Messrs.  du  Bois  and  Antonides,  should  request  the  gentle- 
men of  her  Majesty's  Privy  Council  to  speak  to  his  Excellency  about  this  case, 
and  use  every  effort  to  bring  it  to  the  desired  issue.  On  the  17th,  we  made  this 
request  to  Messrs.  Adolph  Philips  and  Rip  van  Dam,  both  of  her  Majesty's  Privy 
Council.  They  were  fully  persuaded  of  the  justice  and  equity  of  our  case,  and 
with  great  kindness  and  good  will  undertook  to  promote  the  general  interests  of 
our  church,  promising  to  take  advantage  of  the  first  meeting  of  the  Council  to 
speak  with  his  Excellency. 

In  regard  to  the  character  of  the  license  accepted  by  Domine  Freerman  —  of 
which  a  certified  copy,  as  we  were  assured,  as  prescribed  by  his  Excellency,  was 
furnished  —  after  further  and  mature  deliberation,  our  conclusion  respecting  it 
remained  unchanged.  But  feeling  the  necessity  of  giving  some  sort  of  satisfaction 
to  his  Excellency,  it  was  proposed  to  draft  a  so-called  license  or  form  of  approbation 
and  consent  in  order  that  I  might  settle  in  my  church  in  peace  and  quietness,  but 
without  doing  violence  to  my  conscience  and  without  impairing  the  customs  and 
privileges  of  the  Church.  After  consultation  the  following  writing  was  drawn  up 
to  be  presented  to  his  Excellency. 

"  Whereas  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  of  Kingston,  in  the  county  of  Ulster, 
has  called  a  minister  in  the  manner  heretofore  customary;  and  as  Rev.  Henricus 
Beys  has  arrived  here,  in  that  capacity,  bringing  such  credentials  and  testimonials 
as  agree  with  the  requirements  of  the  National  Synod  of  Dort,  Anno  1618-19;  I, 
therefore,  in  accordance  therewith,  approve  of  the  call  of  the  said  Domine  Henricus 
Beys  to  the  ministry  in  the  said  church  and  neighboring  places  in  said  county  in 
the  province  of  New  York,  and  also  give  him  full  liberty  to  prosecute  his  ministry 
in  said  county  in  as  full  and  ample  a  manner  as  his  predecessors  have  done,  he 
conducting  himself  as  a  good  and  faithful  subject  of  the  Crown  of  England  is  in 
duty  bound  to  do." 

On  the  morning  of  the  18th,  after  the  Council  had  adjourned,  the  said  Messrs. 
Adolph  Philips  and  Rip  van  Dam,  in  the  most  prudent  and  cautious  manner  possible, 
represented  to  his  Excellency  the  object  of  my  return  to  New  York,  in  connection 
with  the  general  interests  of  the  Church,  in  order  that  I  might  be  permitted  to 
prosecute  my  ministry  according  to  the  ancient  customs  and  privileges  enjoyed  by 
my  predecessors,  etc. 

But  they  were  told  by  his  Excellency,  that  he  had  special  "  Instructions  "  from 
her  Majesty,  that  no  preacher  should  be  allowed  to  officiate  without  his  Excel- 
lency's license.  He  promised  to  show  these  "  Instructions  "  to  the  gentlemen  at 
the  nest  meeting  of  the  Council,  and  then  leave  it  to  their  judgment  as  to  what 
he  could  do.     Furthermore,  he  promised  to  favor  us  as  far  as  might  be  possible. 

When  the  Council  had  adjourned  on  the  20th,  the  said  gentlemen  asked  his 
Excellency  for  said  "  Instructions "  according  to  his  promise.  They  were  told 
that,  prevented  by  the  press  of  business,  he  had  had  no  time  to  search  for  and 
produce  them.  He  therefore  deferred  them  until  the  following  Monday  or  Tues- 
day,  etc. 

Monday  the  22nd,  and  Tuesday  the  23rd,  did  not  appear  to  be  favorable  oppor- 
tunities, especially  as  the  23rd  was  the  anniversary  of  the  Coronation  Day  of  her 
Majesty,  and  on  such  a  joyful  day  no  complaints  or  petitions  could  be  brought 
before  his  Excellency,  but  all  must  celebrate  it  with  joy,  etc.  Therefore  the  matter 
was  again  delayed  until  a  more  suitable  day  and  a  more  favorable  opportunity. 


ov  THE   State  of  New  Yokk.  1619 

1706 

On  Thursday,  the  25th,  these  honorable  gentlemen  of  the  Council  again  seized 
the  opportunity  to  urge  his  Excellency  about  my  case,  and  to  show  them  the  "  In- 
structions "  of  which  he  had  spoken.  But  these  again  were  not  produced.  They 
now  insisted,  since  his  Excellency  had  been  hitherto  prevented  by  too  great  press 
of  business,    and   was  now   intending  to   make  a  journey   into   the  Jerseys,    that   I 

should  provisionally,   be  allowed  to  go  to  my  place  of  settlement,   and  enter  upon  Other  ex- 

cuses  of 
my  ministry,  and  await  his  Excellency's  orders  and  final  answer  after  his  return;  Cornbury. 

but  they  could  make  no  impression.  His  Excellency  brought  forward  special  com- 
plaints against  Col.  H.  Beekman,  my  elder,  because  of  the  severe  language  and 
his  style  of  speaking,  which  he  had  several  times  publicly  used,  and  which  had 
been  maliciously  reported  to  his  Excellency,  and  had  given  great  offence  to  him. 
He  had  also  many  charges  and  complaints  against  me,  which  had  been  reported 
to  him. 

He  was  prudently  answered  by  Mr.  Philips,  that  nothing  had  ever  been  said  by 
me  in  this  case;  that  I  had  several  times  promised  to  subscribe  to  the  laws  of  the 
Kingdom:  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Crown  and  to  his  government  here; 
and  to  conduct  myself  as  an  obedient,  good  and  faithful  subject  of  the  Crown 
and  of  his  government;  and  that  I  was  now  ready  to  make  such  promises;  and 
that  the  language  and  speeches  of  others  should  not  operate  to  my  injury.  But 
the  conclusion  of  all  M'as,  that  without  his  Excellency's  license  before  adverted  to, 
I  could  not  be  a  preacher  in  his  government.  In  regard  to  this  his  Excellency  was 
to  show  his  "  Secret  Instructions  "  next  Saturday,  and  let  their  Honors  decide, 
whether  he  could  do  anything  else. 

On  Saturday  the  27th,  his  Excellency,  upon  their  Honors  indefatigable  persistance,  persist- 
showed  his   "Special   Instructions"   from   her  Majesty,   to   Messrs.   A.    Philips  and  ance  of  the 
Rip  van  Dam  alone,  and  let  them  see  them,  only  so  far  as  they  had  reference  to  Council, 
this  case.     These  were  to  the  effect  that  there  should  be  no  preacher  allowed  in 
this   government,    without   his    Excellency's   license.      But    Mr.    A.    Philips   at   once 
expressed  It  as  his  impartial  opinion,  and  with  which  his  Excellency  had  promised 
to  abide,  that  in  reference  to  this  matter,   these  "  Instructions  "   referred  only  to 
the  English  Episcopal  Church,  and  not  at  all  to  the  Dutch  National   Church;  that 
none  of   the   former   Governors   had   introduced   the   use  of  this   license,    or   issued 
any,    except  for  the   English   Church.      His   Excellency  answered   that   he   was   not 
concerned  about  what  others  had  done,   and   would  not  meddle  therewith,   but   he 
knew  what  he  had  to  do  in  this  case.     So  he  showed  himself  both  as  a  party  to, 
and  as  a  judge  in  this  matter.     They  then  further  again  requested   his  Excellency 
for  the  favor  that,   provisionally,   I  might  go  up  to  my  place,    as  they   had  urged 
on  the  25th;  because  his  Excellency  had  several  times  promised  them  to  favor  me, 
if   it    were  possible.     To  this   he    wrathfully   answered:   No!   but   if   I   would   come  Pretended 
before  his   Excellency   to  clear  myself  of  charges   against   me,    and   proved   myself  ^j'gp^'^^gjj 
innocent,  then,  at  my  request  to  be  favored  with  a  license,  his  Excellency  would 
give  me  one.     If  however,  I  ventured  to  undertake  to  perform  any  service  with- 
out his  license  he  knew  what  he  would  do;  and  intimated  what  might  be  expected 
by   any   who   attempted   to   do   anything   contrary   to   his   orders   and   the    "  Secret 
Instructions "   from    her   Majesty.     As   they   now   saw    sufficient   evidence   of  dis- 
pleasure.   If  they  attempted   to  go   more  fully   into   this   subject  at   present,   they 
left  the  matter  without  having  accomplished  anything,  and  threw  up  the  case  com- 
pletely. 

The  said  gentlemen  of  the  Council  have  declared  their  readiness,  if  required,  to 
certify  to  these  occurrences  under  their  hands  and  seals. 

[See  letter  of  Rev.  Beys,  of  May  28,  1706,  which  was  appended  to  this  Journal 
of  his.] 


1706 


1620  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

Rev.  Mr.  Goodhue's  Commission  as  Peesbyterian  Minister 
OF  Jamaica,  L.  I. 

By  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Captain  General  and  Governour  in 
Cliiefe  of  ye  Provinces  of  New  York,  New  Jersey  &  of  all  the  Territories  &  Tracts 
of  Land  Depending  thereon  in  America  &  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same  etc. 

To  Mr.  Francis  Goodhue,  Greeting. 

I  do  hereby  License  &  Tollerate  you  to  be  Minister  of  the  Presbyterian  Con- 
gregation at  Jamaica  in  Queens  County  on  the  Island  Nassaw  in  the  said  Province 
of  New  York  &  to  have  and  Exercise  the  ffree  liberty  &  use  of  your  Religion 
pursuant  to  Her  Majesty's  pleasure  therein  signified  to  me  in  her  Royal  Instructions 
&  during  so  long  Time  as  to  me  shall  seem  meet  &  all  Ministers  &  others  are 
hereby  Required  to  take  notice  hereof.  Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  ffort 
Anne  in  New  York  this  day  of  this  Instant  January  in  the  fourth  year  of  Her 
Majesty's  Reign  Annoq.   Dni.  1705-6. 

Cornbury. 

By  his  Excellency's  command,  William  Anderson,  D.  Sec. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol. 
iii.  p.  131. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Request  for  Money  for  Anthonides. 

1706,  Jan.  12th.  Inasmuch  as  Mr.  John  D'Orville,  [or  Ian  de 
Arbille]  at  the  request  of  the  Classis,  caused  to  be  paid  in 
London,  to  Rev.  Vincentius  Anthonides,  called  to  Breucklen  and 
Midwout,  in  'New  ISTetherland,  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
eight  guilders,  for  his  passage  thither,  the  Classis  will  see  to  it 
that  these  advanced  'moneys  be  repaid  to  him  with  thanks,  ix. 
115.     xix.  278.     "'' 

(This  is  the  last  of  the  extracts  from  Vol.  xix.  The  volume 
consists  of  extracts,  1655-1705,  from  the  minutes  of  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  relating  to  the  colonial  churches  in  all  parts  of 
the  world.  They  frequently  helped  in  the  elucidation  of  the 
early  Dutch  chirography.  The  volume  numbered  xxxix.  in  the 
Archives  of  the  Classis,  is  a  similar  volume  of  extracts,  between 
1635-1648.  Another  earlier  volume  of  such  extracts  is  referred 
to,  but  is  now  to  be  found.      See  Introduction.) 

Rev.  Vincentius  Antonides, 

1706,  Jan,  14.  To  his  Excellency,  Edward  Viscount  Corn- 
bury, Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  the  Province  of 


OF  THE  State  of  iSTew  Yoek.  1621 

"Nevf  York,  ISTew  Jersey  and  the  Territories  depending  thereon  in 
America,  and  Vice- Admiral  of  the  same: 

The  Petition  of  Vincentius  Antonides,  Minister  of  the  Holy 

Gospel, 
Humbly  sheweth. 

That  your  Excellency's  petitioner,  in  pursuance  of  the  customs 
of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  was  called  from  the  Province 
of  Vriesland,  where  he  had  a  prominent  charge,  to  be  the  minister 
of  the  three  villages  on  the  Island  of  ISTassau  in  this  Province 
imder  the  government  of  your  Excellency.  Your  petitioner 
would  not  have  accepted  of  this  charge  had  he  not  been  assured 
that  the  call  to  him  had  been  issued  with  your  Excellency's  knowl- 
edge and  permission,  and  which  is  dated  the  23rd  of  October 
1702.  He  and  his  wife  and  children  since  that  date,  have  been 
on  the  voyage  for  nine  months.  He  has  found  since  their  arrival 
here,  that  the  people  of  the  aforesaid  villages  are  ready  to  receive 
him,  without  decreasing  the  salary  of  another  minister,  and  to 
engage  him  according  to  promise :  Therefore  he  humbly  requests, 
that  he  may  be  allowed,  to  enter  upon  his  ministerial  duties,  for 
the  honor  of  God,  for  the  service  of  her  Majesty  and  of  your 
Excellency,  and  for  the  edification  of  many  souls.  And  your 
petitioner  shall  ever  pray,  etc. 

V.  Antonides. 
:N'ew  York,  the  14th  of 
January,  1Y05/6. 

New  York,  the  16th  of  May  1706.  Translated  from  the 
original.  Abraham  Gouverneur, 

Interpreter  and  Translator. 

The  above  copy  agrees  mth  its  original;  which  we,  the  under- 
signed, testify.  Gualtherus  du  Bois, 

Eccl.  at  New  York. 
V.  Antonides,  Eccl.  at  Midwout,  etc. 

[This  is  a  retranslation  from  the  Dutch  translation  into 
English.] 


1706 


1706 


1622  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Churches  of  Ki^gs  County,  Long  Island. 

1706,  Jan.  28.  Written  Offer  of  Peace  by  the  Consistories  of 
Long  Island  etc. 

To  the  members  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation  at 
Breiikelen,  Vlakbosch  and  JSTew  Amersf ort : 

Our  Very  Dear  Brethren  and  Sisters  in  Jesus  Christ : 
Grace  and  Peace  be  multiplied  unto  you: — 

We,  the  Consistories  of  the  three  villages  named  above, 
Breukelen,  Vlakbosch  and  JSTew  Amersfort,  met  at  Breukelen  on 
the  28th  of  January  1706.  We  invoked  the  Lord's  name,  to 
prove  our  unfeigned  love,  and  our  desire  for  mutual  peace  and 
harmony;  among  all  of  you. 

Whereas  several  are  inclined,  to  have  the  Rev.  Bernardus 
Preerman,  minister  at  'New  Utrecht,  recognized  also  as  our 
preacher  here,  together  with  the  Rev.  Antonides;  therefore  we, 
and  each  of  us,  declare,  that  if  these  parties  can  devise  sufficient 
means  to  support  a  second  minister,  and  give  us  satisfactory 
security  for  the  same,  then  we  are  fully  prepared  to  call  Domine 
Preerman  according  to  regulations  and  in  a  decent  manner.  We 
request  that  this,  our  sincere  intention,  be  communicated  to 
everybody,  as  proof  of  our  peaceableness,  and  that  they  who  are 
in  favor  of  the  demands  of  Domine  Preerman  give  us  a  written 
answer  in  addition  to  the  verbal  one.  Done  at  Breukelen,  the 
28th  of  January  1706.    In  the  name  of  all  of  us, 

Signed : 
Daniel   Rapalje,    Elder.      Christoffel    Probasco,    Elder.      Gerrit 

Stootof,  Elder. 

Agrees  with  the  original; 

Gualtherus  du  Bois,  Eccl.  at  ISTew  York. 
V.  Antonides,  Eccl.  at  Midwoud,  etc. 
Henricus  Beys,  V.  D.  M.,  at  Elngstowne. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  1623 

Chuech  of  Flatbush  vs.  Do.  Freemajst. 


1706 


1/ 


1706,  Feb.  14.  Protest  by  the  members  of  Flatbush  against 
Domine  Freerman: 

To  the  Eev.  Domine  Bernardus  Freerman,  Minister  of  God's 
Word  in  the  Christian  congregation  of  Xew  Uitrecht,  and  to  the 
Brethren  legally  convened  in  the  church,  to  consider  matters, 
concerning  the  welfare  of  the  congregation  of  Christ: 

Grace  and  Peace  be  multiplied  to  you: 

We,  the  undersigned  members  of  Christ's  congregation,  con- 
vened at  Flatbush,  have  learned  of  the  election  and  publication 
of  the  names  of  the  new  members  of  the  Consistory  made  by  you. 
Having  duly  reflected  upon  and  considered  this  matter,  w^e  find 
ourselves  aggrieved  by  it,  and  desire  a  time  and  a  lawful  place  of 
meeting  to  be  arranged.  We  truly  desire  the  welfare  of  the 
Church  of  Christ,  and  its  good  order,  according  to  our  rights,  our 
liberty  of  conscience  and  the  free  exercise  of  our  religious  services 
as  they  have  always  been  here  enjoyed,  through  God's  kindness, 
under  our  Christian  authorities,  and  which  are  still  granted  to 
us.  We  therefore,  as  members  of  the  Reformed  Church  of 
Christ,  take  the  liberty,  most  humbly  and  submissively,  to  suggest 
certain  things  for  that  meeting: 

What  we  have  to  suggest,  in  no  ways  concerns  the  persons 
nominated,  who  are  our  very  dear  and  esteemed  brethren  and 
fellow  members  in  this  church;  but  only  the  method  of  selection 
employed  by  Domine  Freerman,  Minister  of  JSTew  Uitrecht. 

1.  The  election  was  not  held  according  to  Church-Order  and 
the  Resolutions  made  and  established,  conformably  to  God's 
Word,  in  the  ISTational  Synods,  to  which  our  churches  have,  with- 
out interruption,  held  since  the  time  of  the  Reformation:  to  wit, 
that  the  election  of  Elders  and  Deacons  in  an  established  congre- 
gation must  be  made  by  the  then  officiating  Consistory,  and  not 
through  excluding  them,  as  was  then  and  there  done  by  Domine 
Freerman. 


1706 


1624  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

2.  This  new  election,  whicli  was  held  illegally  on  account  of 
the  exclusion  of  our  present  lawful  Consistory  who  remain  in 
office  until  they  have  been  discharged  with  thanks  from  their 
services,  or  dismissed  from  it  because  of  some  bad  behavior,  tends 
to  nothing  else  than  to  schisms  in  our  Church,  and  the  destruction 
of  our  ecclesiastical  liberty. 

3.  We  assert  herewith  that  the  license,  under  which  Domine 
Freerman  assumes  the  right,  to  preach  in  our  churches,  also  binds 
him  to  our  established  ecclesiastical  laws;  and  even  though  it 
was  given  in  violation  of  such  laws,  yet  that  it  was  given  with  a 
good  and  Christian  intention  for  preserving  peace  and  harmony. 

Therefore  we,  as  members  of  this  church,  moved  by  a  sincere 
desire  for  its  welfare,  and  by  love  for  the  liberty,  order,  peace 
and  harmony  of  the  Lord's  Church,  and  for  which  we  always  most 
earnestly  strive,  enter  our  ecclesiastical  protest,  as  we  herewith 
do,  against  the  election  as  well  as  against  the  confirmation  of  the 
parties  nominated.     This  13th  of  February,  1706. 

Signed : 
Rinier  Arents,  Johannes   Willems  Cornel,  Abraham  Hegeman, 
Benjamin  Hegeman. 

Therefore  the  protesting  parties  made  the  following  declara- 
tion about  their  proceedings  and  Domine  Freerman's  answer: 

We  requested  information  of  Domine  Freerman  the  day  before, 
according  to  announcement,  about  the  time  and  place  when  we 
could  properly  and  in  due  form,  present  our  grievance  against 
the  election  of  a  new  Consistory  which  had  been  made  by  his 
Reverence.  He  appointed  his  own  house  and  we  went  there  at 
the  time  agreed  on.  But  we  found  nobody  there  except  Domine 
Freerman.  In  the  first  place  we  then  declared,  that  we  expected 
to  find  those  there  who  had  been  legally  and  ecclesiastically  in- 
vited to  convene,  that  they  might  act  with  us  on  a  matter  of  such 
importance,  to  the  peace  of  our  own  minds,  and  for  the  welfare 
of   Christ's   Church   and   congregation.      We   then   handed   our 


OF  THE  State  of  I^ew  Yoek.  1625 

grievance  and  ecclesiastical  protest  to  liis  Reverence  alone,  who 
assumed  to  himself  the  right  and  authority  to  hear  us  in  this 
matter.  After  several  disputations,  which  were  largely  irrele- 
vant, we  received  from  his  Reverence  the  following  answer  con- 
cerning the  important  and  essential  point  of  our  complaint.  He 
said:  There  was  no  Consistory  here,  and  since  I  have  been  ap- 
pointed Minister  here  by  order  of  my  Lord  (Cornbury)  and  not 
finding  a  Consistory  here,  I  had  to  appoint  one,  according  to  my 
own  judgment  and  pleasure.  : 

Signed : 
Rinier  Arents.     Johannes  Willems.     Abraham  Hegeman. 
This  14th  of 
February,  1706. 

Agrees  with  the  original. 

Gualtherus  du  Bois,  Eccl.  at  ISTew  York. 
Henricus  Beys,  V.  D.  M.,  at  Kingstowne. 
V.  Antonides,  Eccl.  at  Midwout. 

1Y06,  Feb.  15.  Ecclesiastical  Protest  by  Antonides  and  Con- 
sistory of  the  three  united  congregations  at  Vlakbosch, 
Breukelen  and  Xew  Amersfort,  against  an  illegal  election  of 
a  new  Consistory  by  Domine  Bernardus  Freerman,  and  deliv- 
ered to  his  Reverence  at  Kew  Uitrecht. 

Sir: — Where  there  is  a  Church  there  must  certainly  also  be 
Order.  The  Lord  desires  that  in  his  Church  all  things  should  be 
done  decently  and  in  order.  We  now  profess  the  Reformed  Reli- 
gion. In  this  we  do  not  recognize  a  Papal  Head,  but  we  are  all 
brethren,  of  equal  authority  and  worth,  in  the  spiritual  affairs  of 
the  Church  of  Christ.  The  individual  congregations  are  gov- 
erned by  servants  of  the  Gospel,  called  Elders  and  Deacons. 
These  constitute  a  Consistory  to  transact  business,  and  to  serve 
in  all  respects,  for  the  peace  and  well  being  of  the  spiritual  house 
of  God.     But  this  is  done  in  this  way:     The  Synods  and  other 


1706 


1626  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

high  Church  Assemblies,  from  time  to  time  have  enacted  resolu- 
tions and  laws,  conformably  to  God's  Word,  bv  which  all  the 
affairs  of  Christ's  Church  must  be  regulated,  to  the  highest  honor 
of  God's  Holy  ISTame,  and  to  the  best  interests  of  His  chosen 
people,  even  of  all  those  who  make  profession  of  the  Reformed 
Religion.  And  especially  do  these  rules  relate  to  such  as  are 
selected  and  consecrated  to  some  office  of  dignity  and  service  in 
the  Church,  and  who,  by  promises,  even  as  it  were  by  a  holy  oath 
before  God,  have  engaged  to  maintain  these  rules,  as  being  con- 
formable to  Christ's  Holy  Gospel,  in  whatever  part  of  the  world 
Christ  may  have  planted  his  Church. 

Tour  Reverence  entered  into  these  same  engagements,  when, 
after  having  been  called  and  examined,  you  were  found  competent 
and  worthy  for  the  service  of  the  Gospel,  and  you  were  ordained 
thereto  and  sent  on  your  mission.  But  we,  as  the  Overseers  of 
Christ's  Church,  with  regret  and  heartfelt  sorrow  now  observe 
and  ponder  your  proceedings.  These  not  only  deviate  from  this 
Order,  but  are  wholly  antagonistic  thereto.  We  therefore  find 
ourselves  in  duty  bound,  out  of  love  for  the  good  Order  of 
Christ's  Church,  to  express  to  your  Reverences  our  dissatisfaction 
with  your  conduct,  by  declaring,  and  ecclesiastically  protesting, 
against  all  that  you  have  done  in  this  matter,  and  which  tends  to 
disturb  the  peace  and  to  overturn  the  Order  of  our  Church. 

1.  Your  Reverence  must  understand, —  if  you  have  ever  read 
with  any  attention  of  soul,  God's  Holy  Word,  and  the  ecclesias- 
tical resolutions  and  laws  made  in  conformity  thereto  by  the  'Na- 
tional Synod,  and  which  have  been  confirmed  and  re-established 
from  time  to  time, —  how  such  persons  are  looked  upon  and  esti- 
mated, who,  without  any  call  or  legal  order  from  the  churches, 
intrude  into  an  office  where  they  do  not  belong; — certainly,  they 
cannot  be  considered  otherwise  than  schismatics  and  troublers  in 
Israel.  This  was  so  decided  in  the  I^ational  Synod  of  Emden, 
1571,  Art.  18;  and  again  in  the  jSTational  Synod  of  Dort,  1578, 
Arts.  9  and  10.     We  leave  it  to  your  own  reflections  how  you 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yokk.  1627 

stand  in  reference  to  sncli  matters.     Let  your  own  conscience  be 
the  jndge. 

2.  The  choice  of  a  new  Consistory  in  our  congregation,  made 
by  your  Reverence,  cannot  appear  otherwise  to  the  rational  judge- 
ment of  anyone,  than  as  a  very  strange  and  unheard  of  affair. — 
For  you  have  undertaken  to  make  appointments  in  a  congregation 
without  consulting  the  Consistory  in  office,  and  that  also  where 
you  have  never  been  called  by  the  church  itself;  but,  looking  at 
the  matter  in  the  best  light  possible,  where  you  only  had  a  (civil) 
permission  and  license  to  preach  as  a  minister.  And  then  also 
the  manner  or  method  of  this  choice  is  altogether  contrary  to 
Church  Rules,  and  against  all  the  resolutions  of  the  National 
Synods,  as  confirmed  and  established  in  our  churches  by  a  con- 
stant and  uninterrupted  and  unchanging  practice  since  the  time 
of  the  Reformation:  namely,  that  the  election  of  Elders  and 
Deacons  shall  be  made  by  the  Consistory.  Your  Reverence  can 
see  such  decisions  in  the  l^ational  Synod  of  Emden,  1571,  Art. 
14;  and  although  not  copied  in  full,  read  what  the  ]S[ational  Synod 
of  Dort,  1574,  says,  in  Article  27:  '*  Concerning  the  election  of 
Elders  and  Deacons,  it  shall  be  held  according  to  the  decision  of 
the  14th  Article  of  the  Synod  of  Emden,  which  is  that  the  acting 
Consistory  shall  have  the  right  of  election."  Also  in  the  National 
Synod  of  Dort,  1578,  Art.  12,  Ave  find  the  same;  as  well  as  in 
the  National  Synod  of  the  Hague,  1586,  Art.  20;  and  also  in  the 
National  Synod  of  Dort,  1618-19.  And  these  resolutions  have 
never  been  changed  in  any  of  the  Particular  Synods. 

3.  And  to  what  else  can  this  election,  held  by  your  Reverence, 
contrary  to  all  laws  and  rules  of  the  Church,  lead,  than  to  a  split 
in  our  congregation,  to  the  ruin  and  annihilation  of  our  precious 
liberty,  and  all  our  Church  Rules  ?  Or  do  you  want  to  make  two 
congregations  out  of  one,  and  so  establish  one  congregation  within 
the  other?  The  old  Ecclesiastical  Assemblies  Ukewise  guarded 
against  such  evils  most  earnestly  and  with  all  zeal,  forbidding  it 


1706 


1628  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

1706 

as  a  wretched  error.  For  this  would  open  the  door  for  all  kinds 
of  sects,  schisms  and  differences.  Consult  not  only  the  above 
mentioned;  but  the  same  principles  are  found  in  the  Synod  of 
Emden,  15Y1,  section  18;  and  of  Dort,  1578,  sections  9  and  10. 

4.  It  is  a  silly  and  idle  pretense  of  your  Reverence,  emanating 
either  from  confusion  of  understanding  or  from  wicked  per- 
versity, to  say  that  our  two  years  term  of  service  had  expired  and 
terminated,  and  that  therefore  we  had  in  fact  ceased  to  be  a 
Consistory,  without  any  of  us  having  been  discharged  from  his 
office  by  the  Church.  Also,  that  your  Reverence,  having  been 
appointed  (by  a  civil  license  only)  as  minister  over  our  Church, 
and  not  finding  a  Consistory,  could  appoint  one,  according  to 
your  own  judgement  and  pleasure;  yet  you  well  knew,  or  at  least 
you  ought  to  have  known,  that  although  the  term  of  service  of 
Elders  and  Deacons  is  fixed  at  two  years,  nevertheless,  when  cir- 
cumstances require  it,  for  the  benefit  of  any  congregation,  that 
it  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  such  congregation  to  shorten  or 
lengthen  the  term.  The  first  and  oldest,  five  E'ational  Synods, 
and  in  which  the  excellent  Order  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church 
was  established,  thus  express  themselves  almost  word  for  word. 
You  see  all  this  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Synods  of  Embden, 
1571,  section  15;  of  Dort,  1574,  section  31;  of  Dort,  1578,  section 
31;  of  Middelburg,  1581,  section  19;  of  the  Hague,  1586,  section 
19;  and  finally  not  only  ratified  at  the  last  iN'ational  Synod  of 
Dort,  1618-19,  but  also  established  and  confirmed  by  a  continuous 
and  unchanging  custom  in  our  churches  ever  since.  So  that  the 
service  of  no  Elder  or  Deacon  is  actually  limited  as  to  time;  for 
then,  according  to  the  pretences  of  your  Reverence,  all  the 
churches  here  in  Kings  County  must  have  been  without  Con- 
sistories; while,  at  the  same  time  you  consider  your  Consistory  at 
New  Uitrecht  as  a  legal  one,  the  terms  of  whose  officers  began  at 
the  same  date  as  those  of  ours. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  1629 

5.  Shamefully  enough,  also,  you  make  an  evil  use  of  the  li- 
cense, of  which  you  are  forever  boasting,  and  which  has  been  the 
cause  of  all  your  evil  proceedings.  It  was,  indeed,  granted  to 
you  by  my  lord  (Cornbury),  our  legal  superior  in  all  political 
affairs  in  this  province,  and  foster-father  of  God's  Church  in 
these  distant  regions;  but  by  it,  your  Reverence  is  expressly 
bound  to  the  established  laws  of  the  Church.  It  was  only  in- 
tended for  a  good  and  Christian  object  —  for  quiet,  peace  and 
harmony  in  Kings  County;  but  all  this  is  broken  and  transgressed 
by  your  conduct  and  its  good  and  wholesome  object  is  prevented. 

We  have  desired  to  deal  with  you  in  all  friendliness,  and  with 
a  real  desire  for  true  fellowship  and  brotherly  love ;  also  to  satisfy 
the  demands  of  your  friends,  who  are  inclined  as  a  church,  to  call 
you,  as  minister,  in  a  decent  and  orderly  manner.  But  you  have 
scornfully  rejected  all  our  peaceable  offers  to  come  to  an  agree- 
ment, in  the  interests  of  peace  and  harmony.  You  have  perse- 
vered obstinately  in  your  usurped  powers,  and  have  intruded 
yourself,  by  a  way  which  is  not  good,  and  according  to  your  o^vn 
will  into  the  service  of  the  Lord;  and  are  at  the  same  time  trans- 
gressing his  commandments,  while  solemnly  recommending  them 
to  his  churches. 

We,  therefore,  as  Overseers  of  God's  flock,  moved  by  holy 
earnestness,  and  by  the  jealousy  of  our  souls,  ecclesiastically  pro- 
test, as  we  hereby  do  protest,  against  all  your  proceedings;  and 
especially  against  the  choice  of  a  new  Consistory;  and  in  accord- 
ance with  the  duties  of  our  office,  we  fraternally  admonish  you 
not  to  persevere  in  your  undertaking,  and  especially  not  to  install 
the  persons  thus  nominated  for  the  Consistory;  that  the  Lords 
Holy  Name  be  not  profanely  invoked  over  such  unrighteous  acts ; 
and  that  you  yourself,  if  we  should  be  compelled  to  proceed 
further  ecclesiastically  against  you,  may  not  be  drawn  into  greater 
dangers. 


1706 


1706 


1630  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Thus  done  and  resolved  on,  in  onr  Church  Meeting,  on  the 
15th  of  February,  1Y06.    In  the  name  of  the  whole  Consistory, 
Signed,  Yincentius  Antonides, 

Ecc.  at  Midwoud,  etc. 
Joseph  liegeman, 
Joris  Hansens, 
Gerrit  Stoothof, 
Agrees  with  the  original, 

V.  Antonides,  Eccl.  at  Midwoud,  etc. 
Gualtherus  du  Bois,  Eccl.  at  New  York. 
Henricus  Beys,  Y.  D.  M.  at  Kingstowne. 

To  Stop  the  Oedination  axd  I:!^sTALLATio]sr  or  the  Illegally 
Elected  Coi^sistory  : 

1706,  Eeb.  16. 
Sir:—  ■        ' 

Having  been  informed,  that  you  have  appointed  new  Elders  and 
Deacons  before  those  in  office  had  served  their  usual  time  or  had 
been  regularly  discharged,  therefore  I  hereby  order  you  not  to 
proceed  therein  any  farther,  but  to  leave  all  matters  concerning 
the  Dutch  congregation  in  Kings  County  in  the  same  condition 
as  you  found  them,  until  I  shall  have  fully  inquired  into  the  case 
and  shall  judge  it  proper,  to  give  other  orders. 

Given  under  my  hand,  the  16th  day  of  February  1705/6, 
Signed: 

Cornbury. 

To  Mr.  Bernardus  Freerman,  Minister  of  the  Dutch  congregation 
in  Kings  County,  Long  Island. 

Xew  York,  the  16th  of  February  1705/6.  Translated  from 
the  original.  Signed:  Abrah.  Gouverneur,  Interpreter  and 
Translator.  .. 

Thus  copied,  agrees  with  the  original. 

Y.  Antonides,  Eccl.  at  Midwout. 
Gualterus  du  Bois,  Eccl.  at  'New  York. 
Henricus  Beys,  Y.  D.  M.  at  Kingstowne. 
[Retranslated  from  the  Dutch  translation.] 


OF  TjiE  State  of  I^E^Y  York.  1631 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  in  America. 

The  Consistory  at  IS^ew  York.     Circular  Letter.  Feb.  19,  1706. 

Port  Folio  "  ^ew  York  ",  Vol.  i.      . 

The  Consistory  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  at  jS^ew  York, 
to  all  truth-loving  persons,  Health  and  Salvation  in  Jesus 
Christ : 

Whereas  to  our  great  sorrow  several  have  received  a  wrong 
impression  as  to  what  occurred  in  our  Church-Assemhly,  on  ISTo- 
vember  19,  1705,  between  ourselves  and  Rev.  Freerman,  in  con- 
nection mth  the  Consistory  of  IsTew  Utrecht;  we  therefore  find 
ourselves,  on  account  of  these  things,  obliged  to  show,  in  opposi- 
tion thereto,  that  we  dealt  with  him  in  all  love  and  friendship, 
and  for  the  peace  and  unity  of  the  Dutch  churches  on  Long 
Island.  We  therefore  make  the  following  statement,  with  all  its 
circumstantiality,  of  what  was  said  on  each  side,  and  also  what 
was  finally  decided  on.  • 

But  in  order  to  obtain  a  correct  idea  of  the  whole  affair,  we 
must  at  the  outset  give  some  account  of  a  few  matters: — 

(Kings  County,  Long  Island.) 

Anno  1705,  N^ovember  14th  on  a  Wednesday  evening,  after 
sermon.  Rev.  (Gualtherus)  du  Bois  informed  his  Consistory  that 
on  the  Monday  previous,  on  his  coming  from  Catechising,  two 
members  of  the  Consistory  of  New  Utrecht  had  requested  him  to 
install  Rev.  Freerman  as  their  minister  at  New  Utrecht:  but 
that  Rev.  du  Bois  had  answered  them  that  he  could  not  do  this 
without  the  knowledge  and  consent  of  his  Consistory,  that  all 
things  might  be  done  in  a  regular  manner;  and  that  for  this  pur- 
pose they  should  come  into  the  City  the  following  Monday  and 
be  on  hand;  so  that,  in  case  they  were  requested,  they  could 
appear  before  us. 


1706 


1632  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Moreover,  the  Rev.  du  Bois  asked  his  Consistory  whether,  for 
peace  sake,  although  Rev.  Freerman's  call  and  certificate  were 
not  in  all  respects  just  what  they  should  be,  we  should  not  over- 
look these  things,  especially  that  the  proclamation  of  the  Gospel 
and  the  extension  of  the  Kingdom  might  not  be  hindered,  etc. 

The  following  Monday,  accordingly,  was  appointed  for  a  meet- 
ing, which  also  took  place.  Olphert  Sjoerts  (Shurte,  Shuart)  a 
Deacon,  was  the  only  one  absent. 

After  the  prayer  was  ended  the  following  circumstances  took 
place: 

1.  Rev.  Freerman  and  the  Consistory  of  IsTew  Utrecht  were 
sent  for,  with  the  friendly  request  to  come  at  once  to  us.  They 
were,  according  to  arrangement,  near  at  hand.  Meanwhile  Rev. 
du  Bois  requested  the  Consistory  to  treat  Rev.  Freerman  as 
politely  as  possible,  even'  if  he  could  not,  perhaps,  show  that 
everything  was  as  regular  as  it  should  be.  For  it  was  our  object 
to  satisfy  all  the  various  friends  on  Long  Island,  so  far  as  was 
practicable. 

In  accordance  with  our  invitation  there  came,  together  with 
the  Consistory  of  ^N'ew  Utrecht,  the  Rev.  Freerman.  He  was 
seated  near  the  Rev.  du  Bois,  and  was  requested  to  hand  over  his 
call. 

This  he  did.  It  was  read.  It  made  mention  only  that  he  was 
to  be  minister  at  l^ew  Utrecht. 

Thereupon  his  Consistory  was  asked  whether  this  was  the  call 
they  had  made  out  upon  Rev.  Freerman.  Three  answered  Yes; 
one  kept  still;  and  one,  by  the  name  of  Jacques  Cortelyou,  an- 
swered that  he  had  had  nothing  to  do  with  it.  Thereupon  the 
Rev,  Freerman  asked  him  if  he  had  any  objections  to  it.  He  an- 
swered, 1^0.  Rev.  Freerman  asked  him  then  why  he  had  not 
signed  it?  Kortelyou  answered,  that  he  wished  to  have  nothing 
to  do  with  the  trouble,  quarrel,  or  dispute. 

Besides  this,  little  was  said  in  the  way  of  comment  by  the  mem- 
bers present  in  regard  to  this  call  which  had  been  read. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  1633 

2.  Subsequently,  the  Eev.  rreerman  was  asked  for  his  certifi- 
cate of  dismissaL  Thereupon  he  handed  over  a  letter  (note) 
stating  that  two  persons  testified  that  the  Consistory  of  Schenec- 
tady would  not  give  him  a  dismissal,  but  only  because  they 
wanted  to  keep  him.  This  testimony  was  accepted  as  credible. 
The  Rev.  du  Bois  then  said,  that  when  a  minister  is  regularly 
called  to  a  place,  his  former  congregation,  from  which  he  is  about 
to  depart,  is  not  permitted  to  refuse  him  a  certificate  or  dismissal, 
except  for  satisfactory  reasons.  Mr.  Jacob  Boelen,  elder,  then 
said,  that  anyhow,  this  certificate  should  have  been  something 
quite  different;  but  Rev.  Freerman  said,  that  such  a  certificate 
was  sufficient  to  travel  around  the  whole  world  with.  The  Rev. 
du  Bois  replied,  that  properly  speaking,  this  could  not  be  called 
a  dismissal  at  all,  and  if  he  (Freerman)  were  in  Holland,  it  would 
not  be  considered  at  all  valid;  for  a  preacher,  on  leaving  one 
congregation  for  another,  should  have  both  a  certificate  and  a 
dismissal.  In  case  the  church  he  was  leaving  was  unwilling  to 
give  these,  without  good  reasons,  then  the  Classis  would  attend  to 
the  matter.  The  Rev.  Freerman  answered,  that  when  a  domine 
had  a  certificate,  this  was  enough.  He  thereby  showed  that  he 
did  not  know  what  a  dismissal  was,  and  that  he  did  not  believe 
that  such  statement  was  true.  Thereupon  Rev.  du  Bois  said,  that 
he  could  show  him,  at  his  house,  that  such  had  taken  place  when 
his  late  father  went  from  Gorinchem  to  Amsterdam,  Rev.  Freer- 
man  answered  in  an  angry  frame  of  mind,  as  it  appeared,  or  at 
least  with  an  excited  expression  of  face,  that  Rev.  du  Bois  must 
not  think  that  he  was  the  Pope  of  Rome;  that  he  had  not  come 
here  to  be  catechised;  his  ofiice  was  to  catechise  others.  Rev. 
du  Bois  replied:  Mr.  Freerman,  he  who  comes  before  the  Pope 
must  kiss  his  feet,  but  I  have  placed  you  by  my  side,  and  ac- 
counted you  my  equal.  Catechising  consists  in  asking  questions 
and  answering  them.  Mr.  Freerman  the  Consistory  knows  that 
you  have  left  Schenectady  because  you  would  not  be  minister 


1706 


1706 


1634  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

there  any  longer.     They  do  not  wish  to  offend  you,  but  were  the 
case  in  Holland,  I  am  sure  it  would  not  be  valid. 

3.  But  the  Consistory  of  the  three  villages  of  Breukelen,  Flat- 
bush,  and  'New  Amersfoort,  are  now  at  hand.  These  have  told 
us  that  you  caused  a  paper  to  be  read  publicly  before  the  congre- 
gation about  which  they  are  a  little  anxious:  and  they  request 
that  they  may  sp.eak  to  you  about  it  in  our  presence.  We  there- 
fore ask  you  to  be  kind  enough  to  hear  them  in  our  presence. 
Thereupon  the  Eev,  Freerman  became  vehement.  He  said,  I  do 
not  wish  to  hear  them  speak.  I  will  have  nothing  to  do  "with 
them.  The  Rev.  du  Bois  then  answered  Domine  Freerman,  if  you 
are  not  willing  to  hear  them  speak,  I  cannot  install  you.  Kev. 
Freerman  answered,  if  you  mil  not  install  me,  my  voorlezer  or 
Consistory  can  do  it  well  enough.  Rev.  du  Bois  answered:  but 
domine  Freerman,  How  can  you  act  so  against  your  own  interests? 
Why  are  you  not  willing  to  hear  these  people  speak?  What  are 
the  contents  of  that  note?  Rev.  Freerman  answered:  I  haven't 
it  with  me.  It  remains  at  Bushwick.  But  this  is  the  substance 
of  it:  That  the  congregation  was  informed  that  Rev.  Freerman 
was  regularly  called  as  minister  to  New  Utrecht,  together  with 
the  combined  or  neighboring  churches;  and,  he  continued,  I 
wrote  it  in  all  simplicity.  But  what  then,  he  was  asked,  was  the 
meaning  of  those  words,  "  together  with  the  combined  or  neigh- 
boring churches ".  Rev.  Freerman  said,  I  am  pastor  of  New 
Utrecht.  I  have  also  a  private  contract  with  Bushwick;  and 
Gravesend  also  contributes  towards  me.  The  question  was  then 
asked  him.  Do  you  consider  yourself  pastor  also  of  Breukelen  and 
Flatbush?  or  did  this  Consistory  make  a  new  call  on  you?  He  re- 
plied, No;  but  I  wrote  thus,  because  there  are  also  some  persons 
in  Breukelen  and  Flatbush,  who  pay  towards  my  salary  (Call). 
Suppose  there  were  some  people  in  this  city  who  wished  to  pay 
towards  my  salary.  That  is  nobody  else's  business!  Utrecht  is 
my  Paradise.  There  I  shall  be  pastor,  directly  in  the  face  of  the 
three  Consistories.     Let  them  not  have  any  idea  that  I  desire  to 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  1635 

1706 

preach  in  their  churches,  unless  they  invite  me  in  an  ecclesias- 
tical manner.  Well,  said  the  Consistory,  then  you  shall  be  in- 
stalled for  ISTew  Utrecht  and  no  others.  Thereupon  did  the 
Consistory  of  New  Utrecht,  and  likewise  Eev.  Freerman  at  once 
depart,  not  wishing  to  hear  the  Consistories  of  the  villages  speak. 

All  these  things  do  we,  the  undersigned,  the  Consistory  of  the 
Dutch  Eeformed  Church  of  'New  York,  declare,  to  have  occurred 
at  the  time  and  place  mentioned,  according  to  our  best  knowledge, 
although  not  precisely  word  for  word,  but  substantially. 

Actum  at  New  York,  February  19,  1Y05/6. 

Was  signed, 

Gualtherus  du  Bois,  V.  D,  M.  ibidem. 

-r  ,  ^     ,    -    -_^,  .  Andrew  Marschalk 

Leonard  Hugh  de  Iviem    ;  ^, ,         -n  ,  rri-ir,       i 

_..      ,  _,°,  I  Elders,     jfetor  Van  illburgh    ^  Deacons. 

DircktenEyck  f  I.  Verburg.  | 

Isaac  Kip  J  ^  -^ 

Anglican  Church  in  Connecticut. 

A  License  to  Rev.  George  Muirson  to  Baptize  in  Connecticut,  Ap.  4,  1706.  ' 

By  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  etc. 

To  Mr.  George  Muirson  Minister  of  Rye  etc. 

Whereas  I  am  informed  that  severall  persons  in  the  Towns  of  Stamford  Hertford 
and  severall  other  places  in  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  have  not  been  baptized  by 
reason  they  have  had  no  Church  of  England  Minister  among  them  and  being  now 
desireous  to  be  baptized  by  such  Minister  I  have  therefore  thought  fltt  &  do 
hereby  give  and  grant  unto  you  the  said  George  Muirson  full  and  free  Liberty  leave 
and  Lycense  to  visit  those  places  and  persons  for  the  service  aforesaid  from 
time  to  time  as  often  as  you  shall  be  thereunto  requested  by  them. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  fifort  Anne  in  New  Yorke  this  4th  day  of  April  (1706.) — 
Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  lii.  p.  565. 

Church  of  Kingston,  N.  Y. 

Copy   of  the  power  of   attorney,  given  to  Domine   Beys,   and 
others,  by  the  Consistory  of  Esopus,  April  8,  1706. 

D.  M. 

Know  all  men  hereby  that  We,  the  undersigned  Elders  and 
Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Eeformed  Church  at  Kingstowne,  in  the 
County   of   Ulster,   Province   of   ISTew  York,    have  resolved   as 

follows : 

Y 


1636  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Eev.  Henricus  Beys  was  installed  by  the  Eev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  as  minister  of  the  said  church,  and  arrived  in  the 
Province,  at  'New  York,  on  the  first  of  January  last,  (1706). 
Some  of  the  Elders,  Col.  Henricus  Beeckman,  Mr.  Cornelius 
Cool  and  Capt.  Egbert  Schoonmaker  were  sent,  immediately  after 
the  breaking  up  of  the  ice,  to  welcome  said  Domine  Henricus 
Beys  as  their  minister,  and  to  bring  him  to  Kingstowne.  When 
said  Domine  Henricus  Beys  and  the  aforementioned  Elders  were 
ready  to  enter  upon  their  journey,  his  Eeverence  went  mth  Col. 
Henricus  Beekman,  on  the  28th  of  February,  to  pay  their  dutiful 
respects  to  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  my  lord  Cornbury,  and 
thus  to  take  leave  courteously. 

When  in  the  Governor's  presence,  the  Governor  was  pleased  to 
say  to  Col.  Henricus  Beekman,  who  was  speaker,  that  Domine 
Henricus  Beys,  then  present  with  him,  must  have  a  (civil)  license 
to  preach,  before  he  could  dismiss  him.  JSTevertheless,  the  said 
Domine  Henricus  Beys,  on  the  very  day  of  his  arrival  at  'New 
York,  had  paid  his  dutiful  respects  to  his  Excellency,  together 
with  Domine  Antonides,  by  the  kindness  of  Domine  du  Bois,  and 
had  then  received  as  answer,  that  the  minister  of  Esopus  might 
leave  at  any  time,  by  the  first  opportunity,  for  his  destination; 
but  he  of  Long  Island,  etc. —  But  now  he  said  that  all  preachers 
were  obliged  to  get  his  license,  and  no  one  should  preach  in  his 
government  without  it.  The  Honorable  Governor  threatened  to 
drive  away  and  banish  said  Domine  Henricus  Beys  from  his 
government,  if  he  should  dare  to  ]3reach  without  his  license, 
adding  further  that  there  was  a  law  to  that  effect : —  (His  Secret 
Instructions.)  But  Domine  Henricus  Beys  and  his  Elders 
thought  that  it  was  neither  expedient  nor  advisable,  in  view  of 
the  privileges,  laws  and  ancient  customs  of  the  Church,  ever  to 
accept  of  the  license  in  the  form  in  which  it  was  drawn  up. 

Domine  Beys  and  the  Elders,  after  due  deliberation,  addressed 
themselves  to  several  prominent  inhabitants  of  New  York,  men 
who  were  most  conversant  with  ecclesiastical  and  civil  law,  for 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1637 

the  purpose  of  getting  advice  how  to  act  in  this  unheard  of  busi- 
ness, and  avoid  further  eviL  Otherwise  all  Dutch  ministera 
would  always  be  in  the  same  condition  of  dependence  on  the 
pleasure  and  will  of  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  if  they  ac- 
cepted said  license.  This  was  moreover  contrary  to  the  laws  and 
acts  of  Parliament  passed  in  the  time  of  King  William,  and  in 
opposition  to  the  ancient  customs  of  this  ISTational  Dutch  Church. 
The  brethren  in  Kew  York  fully  agreed  with  us  herein,  and  took 
this  case,  as  well  as  the  general  concerns  of  our  National  Dutch 
Church  greatly  to  heart.  For  some  days  following,  the  brethren 
at  'New  York,  together  with  Domine  Beys  and  the  Elders,  were 
arranging  by  promises  and  engagements,  to  make  efforts  for  the 
promotion  of  the  common  welfare  of  the  National  Dutch  Re- 
formed Church,  during  our  absence,  (in  Kingston),  and  to  inform 
said  Domine  Beys  and  Consistory  of  everything,  as  opportunity 
offered.  Thereupon  his  Reverence,  etc.  came  on  their  journey  to 
this  place.  Here  they  were  joyfully  received  on  the  10th  of 
March  last  (1706).  On  the  other  hand  the  people  were  grieved  to 
learn  of  the  occurrence  between  his  Reverence  and  his  Excellency, 
the  Governor. 

But  after  our  departure  from  ISTew  York,  the  brethren  there, 
notwithstanding  their  "promises  and  engagements,  could  do 
nothing;  or  at  least  nothing  was  communicated  to  Domine  Beys 
or  the  Consistory.  The  people  of  Kingstowne  and  all  of  us  are 
very  much  confounded  and  puzzled  about  it.  Therefore,  We,  the 
Elders  and  Deacons,  convened  in  church  council,  have  thought  it 
advisable  and  have  resolved  to  authorize,  constitute  and  fully 
empower,  as  we  do  herewith,  the  Rev.  Henricus  Beys,  minister, 
and  Mr.  Tennis  Elisse,  Elder,  to  transport  themselves,  in  the 
service  of  said  church,  to  New  York,  and  use  all  means,  to  have 
permission  given  to  his  Reverence,  that,  pursuant  to  his  call,  he 
may  attend  to  his  clerical  duties  without  obstruction,  as  his  prede- 
cessors here  have  done;  with  further  power  and  authority  for  his 
Reverence  and  the  Elder  aforesaid,  to  engage  and  authorize  one 


1706 


1706 


1638  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

or  more  individuals,  to  be  joined  with  themselves,  in  advancing 
whatever  may  concern  his  Reverence,  etc.,  as  well  as  the  best 
interests  of  our  said  church. 

And  we  hereby  promise  that  we  will  always  approve  and  ratif;^ 
all  that  may  be  done  to  this  end,  by  his  Reverence  and  the  said 
Elder,  and  their  (legal)  representatives,  in  virtue  of  this  com- 
mission.—  And  We,  the  undersigned,  further  promise,  at  all 
times  to  sustain  his  Reverence,  and  to  relieve  him  of  all  expenses 
and  losses  which  may  be  imposed  upon  him  by  any  one,  either  in 
reference  to  himself  personally,  or  his  office,  or  his  property, 
while  he  is  seeking  to  advance  the  common  weKare,  (freedom  of) 
worship,  and  edification  of  this  church;  or  in  defending  the 
privileges  and  rights  of  the  Reformed  ISTational  Church  in  this 
country,  and  the  commission  given  him  by  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam. 

In  token  of  doing  all  this,  signed  at  Kingston,  by,  us,  on  this 
8th  day  of  April,  1706. 

Henricus  Beekman,  .  Cornelius  Cool, 

Egbert  Schoonmaker,  Coenraat  Elmendorph, 

Hans  Kierstede,  Johannes  Schepmoes. 

Jacobus  du  Bois, 

We  certify  that  this  copy  agrees  with  the  original,  word  for 

Yvord. 

Gualtherus  du  Bois. 

Vincentius  Antonides. 

Henricus  Beys. 

Done  at  iTew  York, 

May  28th,  1Y06. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1639 


Allusioj^  to  the  Old  Lutheran"  Church,  April  13th,  1706. 

In  1706  the  following  entry  was  made  in  the  common  council  minutes  relating 
to  another  of  these  bridges. 

'*  The  petition  of  William  Hogen  relating  ye  bridge  by  ye  Lutheran  church  being 
much  out  of  repair  desyreing  that  ye  Common  Council  will  take  ye  same  into 
there  wise  considration  that  ye  bridge  be  repaired.     It  is 

"  Resolved  that  in  convenient  time  ye  same  shall  be  made  sufficient  to  passe 
and  repasse  without   danger." 

The  Lutheran  Church  alluded  to  occupied  the  ground  of  the  Market  house  in 
South  Pearl  street,  and  its  burial  ground  was  the  site  of  the  vegetable  market 
adjoining.  Pearl  street,  for  a  century  after  this,  was  but  a  lane,  many  persons 
now  living  remembering  when  a  gate  swung  across  it  at  State  street. 

On  the  13th  of  April,  1706,  the  following  record  was  made  in  the  common  council 
m'nutes. 

"  As  to  ye  Bridge  towards  ye  Lutheran  church,  Mr.  Hansen  is  agreed  to  make 
a  sufficient  and  strong  new  bridge,  laid  with  good  plank  two  inches  thick,  where- 
fore he  is  to  receive  ye  five  pounds  ten  shillings  due  from  Evert  Janse." — Muusell's 
Annals  of  Albany,   Vol.   viii.  175,   and  x.  p.   168. 


Churches  in  Kings  County,  Long  Island. 

1706,  April  22.  Historical  account  of  what  occurred  in  our  con- 
gregation, concerning  the  call  of  a  Minister,  after  the  death 
of  Domine  Lupardus,  in  1702. 

1.  After  the  death  of  Domine  Lupardus,  his  Excellency,  my 
Lord  Corenbury,  in  accordance  with  an  old  custom,  was  informed 
that  we  were  intending  to  issue  a  call  for  a  minister  from  Hol- 
land.    This  was  received  in  a  very  friendly  manner  by  him. 

2.  Meanwhile  Domine  Bernhardus  Freerman,  minister  at 
Schenectady,  by  earnest  solicitations  and  intrigues,  had  stirred 
up  many  in  our  congregation  to  call  him,  as  minister  for  this 
congregation.  Thereby  we  were  prevented  from  despatching  our 
call  to  Holland,  according  to  the  previous  resolution  of  the  Con- 
sistory. Many  members  of  our  congregation,  who  are  contribu- 
tors to  the  minister's  salary,  were  favorably  inclined  towards 
Domine  Freerman,  and  we  were  compelled  to  gratify  their  desire, 
and,  change  our  ideas  and  intentions,  in  order  to  issue  a  call  to 
Domine  Freerman.  But  as  he  was  in  the  service  of  the  govern- 
ment as  teacher  of  Indians,  we  did  not  dare  to  call  him,  without 
first  requesting  permission  from  his  Excellency  my  Lord  Coren- 
bury.    We  accordingly  resolved  to  make  such  a  request. 


1706 


1706 


1640  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

3.  But  when  we  presented  our  petition,  it  was  refused  by 
his  Excellencj.  He  gave  as  his  reason,  that  Domine  Freerman 
would  he  in  no  way  useful  to  us,  for  he  was  a  seditious  and 
quarrelsome  person  with  all  with  whom  he  had  any  dealings;  that 
he  would  soon  create  uneasiness,  discord  and  quarrels  in  our  con- 
gregation, which  was  now  quiet  and  in  peace.  All  this  may  be 
seen  in  the  enclosed  answer  given  to  our  petition,  in  his  Excel- 
lency's o^vn  handwriting.     It  is  marked  A. 

His  Excellency  has  also  verbally  and  earnestly  urged  these 
Teasons  upon  us  several  times. 

4.  Meanwhile  we  were  still  hindered  by  some  persons,  who 
were  very  persistent  for  Domine  Freerman,  from  sending  our  call 
to  Holland.  They  were  so  urgent  in  their  desire  to  have  Domine 
Ereerman  as  minister,  that  they  compelled  us,  for  the  sake  of 
maintaining  harmony  and  peace,  to  renew  our  petition  to  his 
Excellency,  and  once  more  to  ask,  that  his  Excellency,  at  our 
urgent  request,  would  allow  us  to  call  Domine  Freerman. 

At  last  he  consented,  adding  that  we  might  look  out  how  to 
get  along  with  him. 

5.  After  receiving  this  permission,  we  issued  a  call  to  Domine 
Ereerman  on  the  same  conditions,  as  in  our  call,  which  was  sub- 
sequently sent  to  Holland. 

6.  Upon  receipt  of  this,  our  call,  Domine  Freerman  notified 
his  Consistory,  that  he  would  accept  it  and  go.  He  asked  for 
his  dismission  and  the  usual  certificate  (of  character).  These 
were  refused  him.  The  Consistory  there  (Schenectady)  asked 
him  to  think  whether  he  had  sufficiently  considered  the  condi- 
tions stipulated  in  said  letter  of  call.  Domine  Freerman  replied 
that  he  had  well  considered  them,  but  he  would  go,  nevertheless. 
He  trusted  that  the  conditions  would  be  made  better  after  he 
was  there;  and  so  he  preached  his  valedictory  sermon. 

7.  The  Consistory  of  Schenectady  then  made  a  special  offer 
to  him  to  induce  him  to  remain  there.  They  would  increase  his 
salary  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  five  pounds,  on  condition,  that 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1641 

he  should  remain  among;  them  until  notice  of  this  action  had 
been  given  to  the  Long  Island  people;  and  a  proposition  made 
to  them,  asking  them  whether  they  would  give  the  same  salary, 
and  stand  by  certain  other  conditions  which  Domine  Freerman 
would  submit  to  them.  If  they  consented  to  these  conditions 
they  should  have  him,  (be  the  next.)  His  Eeverence  agreed  to 
this,  and  he  made  such  new  arrangements  with  his  Consistory 
after  he  had  preached  his  valedictory  sermon. 

8.  When  Domine  Treerman  had  given  his  consent,  the  Con- 
sistory of  Schenectady  made  a  new  call  to  him,  which,  under  the 
above  stated  conditions,  was  accepted  by  him. 

9.  Domine  Freerman  wrote  us  this,  when  we  were  daily  ex- 
pecting to  receive  him  among  us.  He  laid  before  us  these  new 
conditions  to  which  we  were  to  submit,  before  he  would  come  to 
us.  The  principal  one  was,  that  he  should  not  be  bound  to  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam.  This  was  rejected  by  us,  and  we  informed 
his  Reverence  thereof  in  our  answer;  that  we  could  not  agree  to 
the  conditions  as  proposed  by  him.  Thus  he  was  obliged  to 
remain,  by  virtue  of  the  new  call,  as  the  minister  of  the  congre- 
gation there.  All  this  is  clearly  proved  by  a  letter,  written  by 
his  ovm  hand,  and  herein  enclosed,  marked  B. 

10.  Our  congregation  was  now  satisfied,  and  most  of  them 
were  glad.  We  made  out  then,  our  call  to  Holland.  We  were 
not  a  little  delighted  when  we  received  news  that  a  minister  had 
been  called  for  us;  and  we  were  expecting  him,  according  to  the 
call. 

11.  We  were  thus  at  rest,  and  with  great  longings  we  were 
looking  forward  to,  and  awaiting  the  arrival  of  our  newly  called 
minister.  But  about  four  months  before  his  arrival,  Domine 
Freerman  came  down  for  his  marriage,  and  now  again  he  created 
a  commotion  in  our  congregation.  His  newly  married  wife  was 
not  inclined  to  go  up  north  with  him.  And  he  knew  how  by  evil 
and  unworthy  means,  to  bring  it  about,  that  a  call  should  be 
made  on  him  by  New  Utrecht.     It  was  made  however,  in  such 


1706 


1642  EccLEsiASTicAi.  Kecokds 

a  way,  that  many  in  our  congregation,  again  stirred  up  by  him  in 
an  underhanded  manner,  promised  to  contribute  to  his  salary. 
He  acted,  indeed,  in  a  very  deceitful  manner  about  this  call,  and 
the  installation  of  himself  thereby;  for  he  desired  to  intrude 
himseK  as  minister  in  our  congregation  also.  We,  however, 
with  the  Consistory  of  New  York  carefully  guarded  against  this. 

12.  He  was  finally  installed  as  minister  of  New  Utrecht;  and, 
be  it  remembered,  only  of  New  Utrecht.  According  to  his  let- 
ter of  call  he  was  obliged,  as  minister  of  New  Utrecht,  to  preach 
to  that  congregation  twice  every  Sunday;  and  no  other  congre- 
gation was  mentioned.  He  preached  at  New  Utrecht,  and  ac- 
cording to  a  private  agreement,  also  at  Bushwick,  without  doing 
us  any  detriment;  nor  was  it  possible  to  do  any.  If  now  and 
then  he  was  spoken  to  by  some  one,  about  preaching  in  our  con- 
gregations also,  which  he  continually  wanted  to  do;  yet  he  had, 
as  it  seemed,  the  willingness  and  politeness  often  to  admonish  us, 
that  we  must  keep  our  church  ready  for  our  coming  minister. 
But  how  insincerely  and  deceitfully  he  acted  herein,  the  outcome 
will  show. 

13.  Thus  things  went  on.  We  did  not  imagine  nor  fear  any 
evil,  until  our  long  expected  minister,  Domine  Antonides,  ar- 
rived, on  New  Year's  Day,  the  1st  of  January  1706,  O.  S.  We 
were  filled  with  very  great  joy,  but  this  was  soon  changed  to 
painful  sorrow.  For  when,  immediately  after  the  arrival  of  his 
Reverence,  we  went  with  him  to  his  Excellency,  Lord  Corenbury, 
to  pay  our  dutiful  respects,  we  received,  to  our  great  surprise, 
the  distressing  answer,  that  his  Excellency  was  not  willing  that 
Domine  Antonides  should  enter  on  his  duties  on  Long  Island, 
as  a  minister  was  already  there.  His  Excellency  did  not  want 
Dutch  Ministers  too  rapidly  to  increase,  and  multiply  in  numbers. 
We  were  obliged  to  withdraw,  with  this  uncomfortable  and  soul- 
piercing  answer. 

14.  We  soon  learned  the  cause  of  this  misfortune.  As  soon 
as  it  was  known  that  Captain  Jeffers  ship, —  upon  which  we  were 


OF  THE  State  of  IN'ew  York.  1643 

informed  our  minister  and  the  minister  for  Esopus,  were  —  was 
at  the  wharf,  and  was  unlading,  Domine  Freerman  immediately 
went  to  his  Excellency,  Lord  Corenbury,  and  asked  him  to  give 
him  a  license  to  be  minister  of  the  four  villages  on  Long  Island, 
ISTew  Utrecht,  Boswyck,  Midwout  and  Breukelen.  This  license 
he  obtained  directly  after  the  arrival  of  Domine  Antonides.  It 
was  on  account  of  this  license  already  given,  that  Antonides  was 
refused.  Domine  Freerman  was,  by  this  same  license  from  his 
Excellency,  appointed  minister  of  the  above  named  villages.  See 
the  tenor  of  the  license,  literally  copied  from  the  minutes,  and 
here  enclosed,  marked  C. 

15.  Some  of  our  old,  respectable,  and  best-disposed  members 
of  our  congregation,  and  with  them,  We,  as  the  Consistory, 
protested  against  this  action.  We  reduced  our  protest  to  writ- 
ing, and  sent  it  to  Domine  Freerman.  He,  however,  paid  no 
attention  to  it,  rather  ridiculed  it,  and  obstinately  persevered. 
He  relied  on  his  license,  the  order  and  the  authority  from  his 
Excellency.  He  did  not  ever  condescend  to  give  us  an  answer, 
either  verbally  or  in  writing.  But  he  said  to  the  committee 
from  the  members  who  handed  him  the  Protest,  that  he  had  not 
found  any  Consistory  in  existence,  and  therefore  he  would  select 
one  to  suit  himself.  Thus  he  scornfully  rejected  us,  who  had 
attended  to  these  duties  more  than  two  years;  although  the  Con- 
sistory of  ISTew  Utrecht  is  considered  legal  by  him,  but  who  have 
been  in  office  equally  long.  The  Protests  are  here  enclosed, 
marked  D  &  E. 

16.  He  would  have  installed  this  Consistory  —  selected  by 
himself,  notwithstanding  he  saw  the  illegality  of  it,  and  against 
which  a  protest  had  been  raised  —  although  thereby  dissensions, 
quarrels  and  ruptures  would  have  been  caused,  and  which  would 
have  been  irreparable;  but  the  Justices  of  the  Peace,  or  the 
Vreede  Eegters  of  our  County  or  District,  perceiving  the  racket, 
exposed  the  irregularity  and  risks  involved  in  this  case,  to  his 


1706 


16-±4:  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

Excellency,   Lord   Corenbury.     Accordingly,   he,   by   bis    order, 
marked  H,  so  far  stopped  and  prevented  tbe  installation. 

17.  To  give  to  bis  evil  proceedings  some  appearance  of  pro- 
priety among  tbe  ignorant  and  simple,  Domine  Ereerman  now 
dared  to  appeal  to  tbe  first  call  sent  to  bim  by  us.  He  stated  tbat 
be  bad  come  down  on  tbat  call,  and  must  be  our  minister.  But 
everybody  wbose  judgment  was  unwarped,  and  wbo  carefully 
considered  tbe  case,  saw  wbat  an  unfounded,  vain  and  maliciously 
conceived  pretense  tbis  was. 

1.  Tbe  contrary  is  evident  by  tbe  accompanying  letter,  alluded 
to  above,  and  marked  B. 

2.  Eor  two  years  after  tbat  call  be  did  duty  at  Scbenectady, 
drawing  tbe  increased  salary,  as  promised  to  bim  under  tbe  new 
call. 

3.  It  was  specially  stipulated  in  tbe  first  call  tbat  be  sbould 
submit  to  tbe  Classis  of  Amsterdam;  but  tbis  is  now  not  only 
rejected,  but  treated  witb  contempt,  and  ridiculed  by  bim. 

4.  Tbe  acceptance  of  tbe  call  to  New  Utrecbt,  wbicb  was 
subsequently  made  upon  bim,  declares,  tbat  tbe  first  call  made 
to  bim  by  us  was  annulled. 

5.  !New  Amersfoort  was  included  in  tbe  first  call;  but  it  is 
now  excluded  because  bis  license  does  not  reacb  so  far. 

6.  He  contradicts  bimself  wben  be  appeals  to  tbe  letter  of 
permit  or  license,  from  bis  Excellency  Lord  Cornbury.  He  pre- 
tends tbat  tbe  Governor  alone  bas  tbe  power  to  constitute  min- 
isters bere,  and  witbout  any  Classis  of  Amsterdam;  tbat  we  bave 
bere  (no)  liberty  of  conscience,  as  be  declared  to  Domine  Beys 
in  my  presence,  and  in  tbe  presence  of  many  otber  friends.  Of 
tbis,  if  it  were  necessary,  sufficient  proofs  could  be  given. 

18.  By  asldng  for  and  accepting  of  tbis  license,  by  virtue  of 
wbicb  be  boasted  tbat  be  alone  is  minister  bere,  Domine  Ereer- 
man  bas  accomplisbed  just  tbis;  tbat  bis  Excellency  will  not 
suffer  anyone  to  be  a  minister  witbout  bis  license,  and  tben  only 
so  long  as  bis  Excellency  pleases.     He  does  not  want  any  one 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1645 

to  preach  without  his  permission,  or  if  any  one  should  dare  to 
do  so,  he  is  to  be  banished  from  his  government.  His  Excel- 
lency threatened  this  to  Domine  Beys,  and  said  that  he  did  not 
recognize  any  call  by  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  Domine  Freer- 
man  knew  enough  to  predict  all  this  to  us,  saying  —  there  was 
no  liberty  of  conscience.  He  who  had  prepared  the  way  for  it, 
Imew  where  the  interests  of  God's  Church  had  been  carried,  and 
therefore  how  it  was  then  standing. 

19.  It  has  therefore  happened  that  Domine  Beis,  the  minister 
of  Esopus,  has  not  yet  preached  in  his  congregation,  because  he 
has  been  forbidden  to  do  so  without  a  license,  under  severe 
threats.  Domine  Antonides  preaches,  indeed,  in  our  congrega- 
tions, having  been  located  as  our  minister  in  our  parsonage;  but 
he  does  this  "without  the  written  order  of  his  Excellency,  and  we 
are  full  of  care  and  apprehension,  lest  possibly  he  may  be  inter- 
fered with.  Domine  Freerman  strenuously  works  to  that  end, 
and  when  the  preaching  turns  at  Midwout  and  Breukelen  fall 
together,  Domine  Antonides  must  always  give  place  to  Domine 
Freerman,  who  boldly  relies  upon  his  license,  and  boasts  that  he 
is  the  only  legal  minister,  being  under  the  authority  of  Lord 
Corenbury. 

Thus  done  and  declared  in  our  church-meeting,  this  22nd  of 
April  1706. 

In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Consistory, 
Joseph  Hegeman,  Daniel  Rapalye,  Gerret  Stoothoff. 
Witness : 

V.  Antonides,  Eccl.  at  Midwoud,  etc.  .. 


1706 


1646  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

The  Consistories  of  ISTew  York,  Kingstown,  Midwoud,  Amers- 
foort,  and  Breukelen,  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  May  23, 

1Y06. 

Portfolio  "  'New  York  ",  Vol.  i. 

(Addressed :  To  the  Much  Esteemed,  Pious,  and  Highly  Learned 
Sirs,  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Jesus  Christ  Constituting  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam.) 

Highly  Learned  Sirs,  and  Brethren  in  Jesus  Christ: 

It  was  to  me  and  my  Consistory  of  ISTew  York  a  singular 
pleasure,  to  learn  of  the  faithful-hearted  and  unwearying  zeal 
which  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  had  exercised,  in  providing 
two  praiseworthy  and  learned  ministers,  for  the  two  congregations 
of  Long  Island  and  Ejngstowne.  Also,  that  the  Classis  had  been 
pleased  to  take  into  consideration  any  statements  about  several 
rising  clouds  of  difficulties,  which  prophesied  nothing  less  than 
every  kind  of  misfortune.  They  appeared  to  be  generated  in  order 
to  hasten  the  ruin  of  the  hitherto  flourishing  condition  of  the 
Dutch  Churches  in  these  regions.  We  heartily  thank  the  Rev. 
Assembly  for  the  careful  love  and  affection,  which  it  manifests 
for  the  well  being  of  these  churches. 

(Arrival  of  Antonides  and  Beis.) 

But  we  were  still  more  rejoiced  when  on  the  first  of  January 
Anno  1706,  O.  S.,  Rev.  Antonides  and  all  his  family,  and  Rev. 
Beis,  landed  at  ISTew  York,  all  in  good  health.  We  received  them 
with  the  greatest  gladness  and  with  open  arms  of  fraternal 
embrace. 

With  little  delay  I  went  with  both  these  ministers,  and  the  Con- 
sistory of  Elatbush,  to  his  Excellency,  our  Governor,  my  Lord 
.Cornbury,  in  order  to  offer  our  services  to  his  Honor,  and  to  in- 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1647 

form  him  of  the  arrival  of  these  ministers,  and  as  proper  subjects, 
to  yield  him  all  dutiful  obedience. 

(Rudeness  of  Combury.) 

But  what  evil,  rude,  and  utterly  insulting  treatment  we  re- 
ceived, and  what  a  soul-harrowing  response,  and  that  in  the 
presence  of  all  his  suite,  the  Classis  will  learn  to  its  great  grief, 
in  addition  to  our  own,  from  the  accompanying  papers.  Therein, 
too,  the  Classis  is  clearly  shown  not  only  this  sad  encounter,  but 
also  the  cause  of  it. 

(The  Installation  of  Freerman  at  'New  Utrecht.) 

Among  other  things,  the  Rev.  Classis  will  perceive  that  the  Rev. 
Freerman,  on  the  strength  of  a  certain  call  to  New  Utrecht,  was 
installed  by  me  there.  In  what  manner  he  came  by  this  call  and 
the  artful  conduct  which  he  employed  at  the  beginning,  were  not 
at  all  known  to  us  then.  It  was  therefore  approved  by  the  Con- 
sistory of  New  York,  and  the  installation  decided  on.  All  this 
is  to  be  discovered  from  the  said  papers. 

The  Rev.  Assembly  may  be  assured,  that  I  went  on  to  do  this 
only  with  the  greatest  caution,  and  more  than  once  I  had  most 
careful  consultations  with  the  principal  persons  of  this  province. 
I  did  nothing  until  Rev.  Freerman  had  promised  me  again  and 
again  that  he  would  certainly  join  himself  to  the  Rev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam.  To  do  this,  Mr.  Van  Wesel  had  also  advised  him, 
in  writing ;  and  he  had,  for  that  purpose,  asked  me  to  write  a  note 
of  recommendation  for  him  to  the  Classis,  and  state  that  he.  Rev. 
Freerman,  did  not  desire  to,  nor  would  he  in  any  way  work  to 
the  injury  of  the  coming  pastor  of  Long  Island. 

If  all  the  villages,  after  the  arrival  of  the  preacher  from  Hol- 
land, had  been  inclined  to  have  both  ministers  at  once,  and  to 
support  them  both,  he  would  have  let  himself  enter  into  such  an 
arrangement.  He  would  have  caused  a  call  to  be  made  upon  him- 
self by  the  people  of  Breukelen,  Flatbush  and  New  Amersfoort; 


1706 


1648  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

1706 

and  he  would  also  have  taken  care  that  there  should  have  been  a 
call  from  those  of  'New  Utrecht  and  Bushwick  on  Mr.  Antonides: 
or  otherwise,  if  this  could  not  have  been  done,  he  would  have  con- 
tented himself  with  ISTew  Utrecht  and  Bushwick  alone.  This  is  to 
be  seen  from  the  explanation  of  the  Consistory  of  ISTew  York. 

Upon  such,  and  such-like  professions  by  Rev.  Freerman,  and 
with  several  promises,  together  with  the  giving  of  the  hand  that 
he  should  do  nothing  but  that  which  was  perfectly  ecclesiastical, 
and  in  agreement  with  Church-Order,  he  was  installed  by  me  at 
New  Utrecht,  in  accordance  with  the  call  confining  him  to  New 
Utrecht  only;  to  preach  there  twice  on  Sundays. 

It  is  true  that  he  had  drawn  up  a  note  and  had  let  himself  be 
announced  as  pastor  of  New  Utrecht  and  the  combined  churches ; 
but  how  this  was  disapproved  of  appears  from  the  explanation  of 
the  Consistory  of  New  York.  I  declared  in  particular,  in  the 
presence  of  several,  when  I  went  to  New  Utrecht  with  one  of  my 
•elders  named  Leonard  Hugh  de  Klein,  that  the  note  which  he, 
IRev.  Freerrnan,  had  caused  to  be  read,  was  not  correct  because  it 
was  not  in  agreement  with  the  call ;  and  therefore  that  I  would 
have  nothing  to  do  with  it ;  that  I  would  not  install  Rev.  Freermaa 
except  for  iSTew  Utrecht  alone ;  and  that  if  those  who  stood  about 
me,  desired  it  otherwise,  I  should  go  back  to  where  I  came  from. 
Thereupon  Rev.  Freenuan  coming  in,  after  many  arguments,  said, 
Preach,  and  say  in  the  pulpit  what  seems  good  to  you,  I  am  sure 
you  will  preach  no  heresy,  but  do  not  affront  me  before  all  the 
people.  Do  allow  the  note  to  be  read.  Thereupon  I  said,  I  do 
not  wish  to  read  it.  Well,  answered  Rev.  Freerman,  then  I  will 
have  it  read  by  the  Voorlezer.  You  may  if  you  want  to,  I  an- 
swered, there  is  no  heresy  in  it,  but  neither  does  it  give  you  any 
rights.  However  I  shall  not  install  you  except  for  ISTew  Utrecht. 
Rev.  Freerman  himself  acknowledged  to  my  elder,  with  whom 
he  spoke  aside,  that  I  really  could  not  do  otherwise.  He  added 
thereto,  You  see  the  thronging  multitude,  how  can  I  help  it. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1649 

Thereupon  I  went  into  the  pnlpit,  and  told  the  congregation 
three  or  four  times  during  the  course  of  my  sermon  and  in  the 
conchision,  (in  my  Proposition  and  Application),  that  I  was  in- 
stalling Rev.  Freerman  for  ISTew  Utrecht  alone,  in  accordance 
with  the  contents  of  the  Call,  shown  to  me  and  my  Consistory, 
and  in  accordance  with  the  request  of  the  Consistory  of  !New 
Utrecht;  for  this  Consistory  alone  had  requested  this  installation, 
as  appears  from  the  explanation.  Thus  Rev.  Treerman  and  all 
those  who  were  in  the  church  must  testify,  if  they  are  willing  to 
tell  the  truth.  ' 

Thus  it  may  be  seen  how  I  and  my  Consistory  came  to  do  this. 
Aside  from  all  the  preceding  circumstances,  which  indicate  the 
way  in  which  we  came  to  do  it;  and  that  he  at  that  time  had  on 
his  side  a  great  part  even  of  my  congregation,  and  among  them 
also  some  prominent  members,  who  saw  no  evil  in  him :  we  did  it 
for  no  other  reason  than  to  bind  Rev.  Freerman  the  more  strongly 
to  the  Church-Order,  and  if  possible  to  keep  him  within  the  bounds 
of  all  justice. 

For  did  he  not  say,  if  I  would  not  do  it,  that  he  would  ask  the 
pastor  of  Akkinsak  (Hackensack),  Rev.  Gilliam  Bertholf,  who 
belonged  to  the  Classis  of  Walcheren  (Middelburg)  to  do  it;  or 
if  he  would  not  do  it,  he  would  have  it  done  by  his  elder,  or  by 
his  Voorlezer  ?  Therefore  this  (installation)  was  performed  by 
me,  not  so  much  out  of  regard  for  the  person  of  Rev.  Freerman  — 
who  was  at  that  time  not  yet  suspected  by  us  of  such  tricks  as 
constantly  making  promises  to  adhere  to  the  Church  discipline; 
but  we  had  in  view  only  the  honor  and  glory  of  God,  and  the 
edification  and  peace  of  the  churches.  We  were  seeking  not  to 
offend  the  Dutch  preachers  in  this  distant  region,  although  every- 
thing might  not  be  precisely  regular;  and  especially  did  we  thus 
act,  because  we  feared  that  the  English  2:)reachers  here  would  seek 
to  do  nothing  less.  This  also  was  the  advice  of  the  pastor  of 
Hackensack,  (Bertholf)  a  very  honorable  and  pious  man,  with 
whom  we  had  more  than  once  consulted  about  this  in  writing. 


1650  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

But  all  these  precautionary  circumstances  amounted  to  very 
little ;  for  now  Rev.  Freerman  practically  repudiates  the  installa- 
tion itself,  and  appeals  only  to  the  license  of  my  Lord  (Cornbury) 
as  he  himself  calls  it,  by  which  he  was  appointed  the  minister. 

From  all  this  appear  not  only  the  artful  actions  of  Rev.  Freer- 
man,  but  also  the  sad  condition  of  the  Long  Island  (Kings  County) 
congregation ;  the  evil,  as  well  as  artful  actions  of  Rev.  Freer- 
man,  I  say,  and  in  which  he  yet  continues ;  for  the  evil  character 
of  his  actions  is  as  manifest  as  sunshine.  ISTeither  he  nor  his  fol- 
lowers have  deigned  to  answer  us  in  regard  to  an  offer,  in  writing, 
to  make  peace,  shortly  after  Mr.  Antonides  landed  —  and  which 
offer  is  to  he  found  among  the  accompanying  documents.  So  he 
perseveres  in  his  course.  He  says  that  he  cannot  enter  upon  any 
equal  terms  of  peace  with  the  Consistory  of  the  three  villages^ 
nor  with  Mr.  Antonides,  unless  Mr.  Antonides  also  takes  out  a 
license  (from  the  Governor)  ;  while  at  the  same  time  he  very  well 
knows  that  my  Lord  (Cornbury)  is  unwilling  to  give  him  a  license, 
and  has  refused  to  grant  him  his  request.  Indeed,  he  lets  it  be 
announced  daily  that  he  will  prevent  him  (stand  in  his  way). 
Also  Mr.  Freerman  has  said  to  me  and  both  the  other  preachers,^ 
that  my  lord  intends  to  come  to  Long  Island  in  a  week  or  two,  and 
will  then  settle  affairs  finally ;  at  any  rate  that  he,  Mr.  Freerman^ 
can  do  nothing  without  communication  with  his  Excellency. 

Besides  that,  this  would  be  no  small  proof,  in  connection  with 
what  the  other  documents  state,  of  his  artful  dealings,  if  it  be  true 
as  we  have  heard,  and  which  we  do  not  doubt,  to  wit:  That  the 
contract  of  the  church  of  Schenectady  with  Rev.  Freerman  was, 
that  he  would  not  leave  his  place  there,  unless  the  people  of  Long- 
Island  would  also  promise  to  give  him  a  hundred  and  twenty  five 
pounds.  It  is  time  this  sum  is  in  the  call  from  New  Utrecht ;  but, 
aside  from  the  call,  there  is  said  to  be  another  private  contract, 
whereby  they  are  not  bound  to  give  him  more  than  a  hundred  and 
twelve  pounds  and  ten  shillings.     But  surely  this  is  not  honest. 

The  Rev.  Assembly  cannot  fail  to  notice  from  all  this  how  sadly 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1651 

the  Long  Island  Church  is  despoiled,  and  how  miserable  is  its 
condition,  continuing,  as  it  does,  thus  deplorably  rent  in  twain. 
The  heads  of  the  faction  of  Rev.  Freerman,  seem  irrefragably 
attached  to  his  side;  and  they  have  set  themselves,  out  of  pure 
passionateness,  against  the  Consistory,  as  we  have  heard ;  and  have 
bound  themselves  by  a  sealed  pledge  to  contribute  Rev.  Freerman's 
salary.  And  then  besides  that,  shortly,  as  it  is  said,  his  Excel- 
lency intends  to  send  one  or  two  English  preachers  to  this  congre- 
gation ;  although  there  are  no  people,  so  far  as  I  know,  living  in 
the  three  villages,  who  do  not  belong  to  the  (Dutch)  congregation. 
This  account,  I  think,  together  with  the  accompanying  papers, 
will  afford  the  Rev.  Assembly  a  sufficient  view,  not  only  of  the 
lamentable  situation  of  the  congregation  in  general,  which  is  col- 
lected on  Long  Island ;  but  in  particular,  what  distress  and  grief 
this  division  must  bring  to  Mr.  Antonides  and  all  his  household, 
separated  as  they  are,  in  so  distant  a  region,  from  all  his  kindred ; 
yea,  what  a  constant  anxiety  must  it  be,  when  one  has  no  assurance 
that  he  is  settled  permanently. 

(ISTew  Albany) 

It  is  not  my  purpose  to  state  the  condition  in  which  the  church 
of  I*Tew  Albany  finds  itself.  I  know  nothing  otherwise  than  that 
it  is  in  a  condition  of  peace.  It  would  be  most  proper  that  Rev, 
Lydius,  whom  I  have  not  seen  nor  spoken  to  now  for  a  long  time, 
should  write  to  Rev.  Classis;  and  also  about  the  now  pastorless 
church  of  Schenectady,  as  he  is  located  nearest  to  it,  and  which 
occasionally  enjoys  his  services.  This  church  is  inclined  and 
ready  to  invite  a  minister  from  the  Fatherland,  but  waits  only  the 
action  and  aid  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  as  we  learn  from  an  elder  of 
that  church  of  the  name  of  Schermerhorn.  The  same  is  true  also 
of  other  churches,  which  are  constantly  growing  greatly,  and  which 
are  able  to  support  ministers. 


1652  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

(Kingston.) 

Of  greater  importance  is  it  to  report  at  present  what  you  need 
to  know  regarding  the  ecclesiastical  affairs  of  the  Esopiis  com- 
mnnity,  and  how  it  has  fared  with  Mr.  Beis  since  his  arrival. 

I  would  have  to  compose  quite  a  recital  about  this,  were  it  not 
that  Mr.  Beis  sends  over  wdth  his  "  Journal "  all  that  has  hap- 
peoied  to  him  hitherto.  I  refer  you  to  this.  It  all  comes  down  to 
this  —  that,  notwithstanding  his  Excellency  said  at  the  first  inter- 
view with  Mr.  Beis, —  the  minister  of  Esopus  may  proceed  on 
his  journey,  or  go  to  his  post;  yet  His  Highness  afterwards  de- 
sired that  this  should  not  take  place,  until  he  accepted  a  license 
(from  him)  in  the  same  maimer  as  Eev.  Ereerman  had  done;  the 
copy  whereof  is  to  be  found  among  the  papers ;  or  if  he  should 
refuse,  and  should  dare  to  presume  to  preach  without  it,  his  Ex- 
cellency would  banish  him  from  the  province.  It  is  because  of  the 
character  of  the  contents  of  this  license,  that  it  is  deemed  so  un- 
acceptable; for  it  prepares  the  way  for  a  complete  overthrow  of 
the  Dutch  churches  in  these  regions.  To  this  must  be  added  the 
fact  that  such  license  was  never  before  required  by  any  Governor 
in  reference  to  Dutch  ministers.  The  churches  in  this  province, 
if  any  of  them  were  in  need  of  a  minister,  and  one  was  to  be 
invited  from  Holland  through  the  Classis,  have  usually  simply 
given  notice  thereof  previously  to  the  Hon.  Governor,  but  in  no 
other  sense  than  as  a  compliment  and  a  token  of  politeness.  This 
is  to  be  seen  from  the  paper  on  the  "  State  of  the  Dutch  Church 
in  the  Province  of  ISTew  York  ",  now  sent  to  you.  Tea,  sometimes 
they  have  even  invited  a  minister  without  giving  any  notice  thereof 
whatever  to  the  Governor.  This  has  also  happened  within  the 
term  of  the  Government  of  my  Lord  Combury ;  for  there  came  to 
this  city  both  a  French  and  a  Lutheran  minister,  but  neither  of 
them,  as  has  been  learned,  ever  received  any  such  license. 

Although  certain  good  friends,  to  wit,  two  of  the  High  Council 
of  the  Governor,  in  the  name  of  our  ministers,  assured  him  that 
they  (the  Dutch  ministers)  were  well  disposed  men,  and  would 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1653 

show  by  their  deeds  that  they  would  act  as  decent  subjects  of  the 
realm ;  yea,  also,  if  there  was  nothing  else  to  do,  that  they  would 
accept  a  license,  but  such  a  one  as  accorded  with  their  freedom  of 
conscience,  whereof  a  draft  is  to  be  found  among  the  papers  of 
Kev.  Beis  —  it  was  all  in  vain.  His  Excellency  abides  by  his 
spoken  threat;  but  so  also  do  Rev.  Beis  and  his  Consistory,  and 
Mr.  Antonides  and  his  Consistory,  abide  by  this  determination, — 
not  (to  accept)  such  a  license  as  Freerman  received.  They  prefer 
to  let  the  services  go,  for  the  tiiue  being,  and  await  intervention, 
through  the  aid  and  intercession  of  the  Rev.  Classis  (to  the 
English  Crown),  from  England  herself.  They  await  this  effort, 
so  far  as  may  be  proper ;  and  the  good  counsel  of  the  Classis. 

So  the  people  of  Esopus  are  indeed  provided  with  a  pastor,  over 
whose  arrival  they  were  greatly  rejoiced,  but  to  their  sorrow,  they 
remain  deprived  of  his  public  ser\dces.  How  distressing  this  is 
to  them,  and  how  great  the  grief  caused  to  them  thereby,  who  are 
hungering  and  thirsting  for  spiritual  food  and  drink,  every  one 
can  sufSciently  imagine  for  himself.  And  then  also,  both  these 
ministers.  Rev.  Beis  and  Mr.  Antonides,  separated  as  they  are 
from  their  friends  and  relatives,  in  this  far-off  region,  deplore 
their  coming  over.  Both  preachers  are  uncertain  as  to  the  out- 
come of  all  these  hard  and  bitter  experiences.  They  are  compelled 
to  await  with  all  patience  whatever  good  the  Rev.  Classis  shall  be 
able  to  effect  for  the  Dutch  Church  of  'New  I^etherlaiid. 

(Rev.  Du  Bois  and  ISTew  York.) 

But,  Rev.  Assembly,  it  is  also  necessary  to  give  you  information 
of  some  matters  regarding  my  own  doings  and  the  condition  of 
my  congregation.  Under  God's  blessing,  I  am  keeping  on  with 
my  work  in  good  health  until  this  present  day,  according  to  the 
measure  of  the  gifts  granted  me  by  God.  I  am  also  compelled  at 
the  present  time  to  allow  the  compendium  of  "  True  Christian 
Doctrine  "  based  on  the  Heidelberg  Catechism,  to  be  printed  in 
this  wise,  as  is  to  be  seen  from  the  accompanying  copy.    The  reason 


1654  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

for  it  is  expressed  in  the  Preface;  with,  my  submission  of  it  to 
the  judgement  of  both  the  ministers  as  may  be  seen  from  their 
testimony,  even  as  by  these  presents  I  submit  the  same  to  that  of 
the  whole  Classis.  I  will  trust  that  I  give  the  Kev.  Assembly  no 
cause  for  displeasure. 

As  to  the  state  of  my  congregation,  I  can,  generally  speaking, 
say  nothing  else  than  that  hitherto,  according  to  all  external  ap- 
pearances, it  abides  in  quietness  and  peace.  However  there  are 
those  who,  from  a  special  zeal  for  Rev.  Freerman,  sow  here  and 
there  their  seed  of  dissension.  They  either  try  to  defend  the 
action  of  Freerman  himself,  or  at  least  to  excuse  it.  They  wonder- 
fully exalt  him,  and  make  the  people  believe  that  since  we  are  so 
far  off  from  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  or  any  other  Classis  in 
Holland,  that  we  have  no  transactions  with  the  same.  This  is 
done  without  doubt,  at  the  instigation  of  Freerman.  We  have 
heard  that  he  himself  talks  this  ever^-w^here,  and  so  causes  the 
church  discipline  in  many  points,  to  be  despised.  He  j)retends 
that  that  only  is  the  church  discipline,  which  the  congregation  and 
the  Consistory  deem  necessary  He  thus  evidently  tries  to  render 
the  Consistory  powerless  with  the  congregation  in  its  various  tranb- 
actions.  For  this  reason,  also,  many  here,  for  the  least  cause, 
take  occasion  to  oppose  the  Consistory  at  times.  The  distressing 
experiences  of  the  ministers  just  come  over  also  not  a  little  con- 
tribute to  this. 

It  is  true  there  is  a  Dutch  Schoolmaster  in  the  State,  but  we 
have  use  for  another  and  still  more,  of  greater  qualifications.  Our 
Voorlezer  has  made  request  in  writing  twice  for  this  addition ;  and 
others  with  great  urgency  have  insisted  on  it;  but  they  were  not 
able  to  secure  anything. 

If  things  are  to  proceed  in  this  fashion,  practically  holding  back 
the  training  schools  of  the  Dutch,  in  which  alone  our  children 
could  be  educated  in  our  religion,  is  not  the  hope  of  expecting  a 
rich  harvest  and  fruitage  destroyed  ?  Will  not  the  churches  neces- 
sarily in  the  course  of  time  decline,  and  our  labors  in  many 
respects  be  found  fruitless  ? 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  York.  1655 

Botli  the  ministers,  Antonides  and  Beis,  and  with  whom  I  agree, 
deem  it  not  inadvisable  to  hold  a  fraternal  gathering  once  a  year 
of  all  the  Dutch  (Dujtsche)  ministers  of  this  province;  not  so 
much  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  every  ecclesiastical  dispute 
that  may  come  up,  which  would  be  impracticable  for  us ;  but  more 
particularly  thereby  to  confirm  our  fraternal  unity;  to  devise 
schemes  for  all  imaginable  prosperity  for  the  churches,  and  to 
maintain  a  continuous  correspondence  with  the  Rev,  Classis.  Rev. 
Bartholf ,  to  whom  we  spoke  about  this  matter,  gave  us  for  answer : 
That  although  he  belonged  to  the  Classis  of  Walcheren,  (in  Zee- 
land),  nevertheless  he  was  much  disposed  towards  such  a  thing. 
We  have  no  doubt  of  Rev.  Lydius  either.  When  we  have  ascer- 
tained the  judgement  of  Classis  about  this  matter,  we  will  act 
accordingly. 

ITow  even  as  the  Rev.  Assembly  has  clearly  seen  from  all  this, 
the  lamentable  condition  of  these  congregations,  as  has  been  so 
often  reiterated ;  and  that  our  aim  in  writing  so  much  is  only  to 
request  the  aid  and  intercession  of  Classis  to  effect  the  requisite 
restoration  with  all  the  diligence  possible ;  therefore  we  have 
caused  the  Rev.  Classis  to  receive  a  Paper  in  which  there  is  in- 
dicated "A  complete  view  of  the  origin,  progress,  freedom,  and 
hitherto  flourishing  condition  of  these  churches ;  but  their  present 
tendency  towards  ruin  ".  Therein  we  further  request  the  Rev. 
Classis  to  please  to  effect  for  us  all  that  is  necessary,  and  as  quickly 
as  possible,  for  our  restoration,  and  in  such  a  way  as  has  been 
proposed ;  of  all  of  which  the  Rev.  Classis  shall  be  the  judge. 

So  also  by  these  presents,  we  beg  you  with  all  importunity,  yet 
with  humility,  to  take  to  heart  our  very  pressing  and  excessively 
embarrassing  condition,  at  the  very  first  opportunity;  for  upon 
the  result  of  your  aid  and  intercession,  under  God's  Providence, 
depends  our  restoration;  or  by  default  thereof  depends  the  prob- 
able ruin  of  all  these  churches.  We  hope  to  be  able  to  exercise  our 
office  here  with  joy;  yet  we  fear  that  we  may  have  to  hand  back 
our  commissions  to  you,  and  be  compelled  to  deposit  them  upon 
your  Classical  table. 


1706 


1656  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

For  the  carrying  into  effect  of  what  may  be  necessary  in  regard 
to  all  this,  we  have  transmitted  by  draft  nine  hundred  guilders, 
Holland  money.  This  the  Messrs.  Schulting,  van  Ostrom,  and 
Bomble  will  receive,  and  will  pay  over  as  may  be  needed.  We 
do  not  think  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  spend  exactly  all  this 
amount,  but  if  necessary,  let  it  go.  We  also  request  that  care  be 
taken,  that  in  addition  to  the  answer  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  at  some 
time  a  proper  account  may  be  rendered  of  the  outlay  of  these 
moneys,  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  several  Consistories  of  the 
churches.  We  are  of  the  opinion  that  by  far  the  greater  portion 
of  it  will  have  to  be  employed  in  England ;  but  everything  will  be 
shown  by  the  event. 

Depending  upon  this,  and  awaiting  with  patience  the  outcome  of 
this  affair  and  praying  God  that  He  will  bless  your  good  efforts, 
as  well  as  your  Assembly,  persons,  and  offices,  to  the  magnifying 
of  His  name,  the  upbuilding  of  God's  church,  and  the  winning  and 
saving  of  many  souls,  we  remain,  etc.,  etc. 

Post  Scriptum  to  the  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

We,  the  undersigned,  request  the  Reverend  Assembly  carefully 
to  preserve  all  these  accompanying  papers,  in  order  that  the  same 
may  not  come  into  the  hands  of  any  persons  who  might  maliciously 
seek  to  misrepresent  them.,  to  cause  us  if  possible,  further  trouble. 
For  there  are  even  now  certain  members  of  our  churches,  such  as 
praise  and  defend  Rev.  Ereerman  in  all  the  acts  he  has  committed, 
who  do  not  scruple  to  say  publicly,  upon  a  bare  suspicion,  and 
without  any  grounds,  that  it  is  out  of  pure  obstinacy  that  we  keep 
ourselves  disobedient  and  rebellious  towards  the  Governor  and 
his  administration ;  whereas.  Rev.  Ereerman,  as  they  pretend,  sub- 
jects himself  with  every  token  of  obedience  to  his  Excellency. 
But  notwithstanding  all  these  documents  now  sent  over  —  declara- 
tions, complaints  and  petitions  —  we  desire  to  excite  in  no  one, 
any  just  suspicions  that  we  would  antagonize,  or  that  we  think  of 
antagonizing  any  of  the  laws  of  England.     Therefore  we  declare 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1657 

1706 

by  these  presents,  that  we  have  in  view  only,  as  is  clearly  to  be 

seen  from  the  contents  of  all  our  writings,  to  secnre  just  means 

whereby,  nnder  God's  blessing,  we  may  exercise  unhindered,  the 

liberty  of  our  conscience,  and  enjoy  our  Eeformed  Eeligion  in 

accordance  with  the  discipline  of  the  Dutch  Churches  of  the  United 

Provinces ;  and  we  aver  that  we  desire  and  shall  conduct  ourselves 

as  proper  subjects  of  the  Kingdom  of  England,  according  to  the 

laws  established  therein.     Farewell. 

Actum  at  Xew  York  May  28,  1706. 

Was  signed:  In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Consistory  of 
the  Dutch  Eeformed  Church  of  ISTew  York, 

Gualtherus  du  Bois,  Ecclesiastes  ibidem. 

In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Consistory  of  the  Dutch. 
Eeformed  Church,  Midwoud,  Breukelen  and  Amersfoort, 

rv.  Antonides,  M.  Sacr.  ibidem. 

In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Consistory  of  Kingstown, 

Henricus  Beis,  Y.D.M.  ibidem. 

State  of  the  Dutch  Churches  in  the  Province  of  !N'ew 
York,  ]\Iay  24,  1706. 

This  Province  was  first  planted  and  settled  by  the  Dutch 
West  India  Company,  pursuant  to  the  Charter  (Privilege) 
granted  to  them  by  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  Lords  States 
General  of  the  United  Provinces. 

The  Dutch  churches  in  said  Province,  established  by  said 
West  India  Company  and  the  ministers,  have  always  been  de- 
pendent upon  the  Eev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  This  relation 
continued  down  to  the  year  1664,  when  said  Province  was  sur- 
rendered to  the  Crown  of  England  under  the  terms  of  a  special 
capitulation.  In  this  there  was  expressly  stipulated  and  granted, 
as  follows: 

Art.  2.  All  public  buildings  shall  continue  in  the  same  uses  as 
heretofore. 


1706 


1658  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Art.  8.  The  Dutcli  here  shall  retain  and  enjoy  liberty  of 
conscience  and  their  own  church  discipline. 

Art.  12.  All  public  documents  and  records,  concerning  inherit- 
ances, whether  under  church  administration  by  the  deacons,  or 
under  the  orphan-masters,  shall  be  carefully  preserved  by  the 
persons,  in  whose  charge  they  are  now,  etc. 

By  the  general  peace,  afterwards  made  at  Breda,  (166Y,)  be- 
tween the  Cro-uTi  of  England  and  the  States  General,  the  said 
Province  was  ceded  to  the  Crown,  and  the  above  mentioned  con- 
ditions and  privileges  were  ratified. 

All  these  Articles  appear  also  to  have  been  confirmed  by  the 
Treaty  of  Westminster  in  1674,  Art.  6. 

Subsequently,  the  first  (Civil)  Assembly  which  was  elected 
and  convened  in  this  Province  in  1683,  passed,  in  conjunction 
with  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  and  the  Council,  an  Act,  giv- 
ing liberty  of  conscience,  and  the  public  exercise  of  their  religion 
to  all  professing  Christians.  By  the  same  authority,  English 
ministers  were  settled  at  different  places  in  this  Province  in 
1692;  and  to  all  Christians,  except  Papists,  the  liberties  were 
permitted  which  are  mentioned  in  the  preceding  Articles. 

During  the  first  year  of  King  William  and  Queen  Mary,  an 
Act  of  Parliament  was  passed  in  England,  (The  Act  of  Toleration, 
1689,)  giving  the  same  liberty  to  all  Christians  who  dissented 
from  the  Church  of  England,  excepting  Papists. 

When  this  Province  was  surrendered  to  the  English,  there 
was  in  this  city  no  other  Dutch  Church  except  that  in  the  Fort; 
and  although  the  Governor  and  garrison  lived  therein,  never- 
theless the  said  congregation  retained  the  same  liberty,  in  their 
church  privileges  and  discipline,  as  they  had  ever  enjoyed  under 
the  (West  India)  Company;  although  under  a  strict  and  partial 
interpretation,  the  Governor  might  have  taken  possession  of  the 
church;  because  the  first  Article  of  the  surrender  gave  them  the 
right  to  all  buildings  in  the  Fort. 


OF  THE   State  of  New  Yoek.  1659 

JSTow  when  this  (Dutch)  Church  began  to  go  to  decay,  but  the 
congregation  had  increased  in  numbers,  the  (Dutch)  people  of 
IsTew  York  built  a  church  in  the  City  (in  Garden  Street)  at  their 
own  expense.     (1693). 

There  has  also  existed  excellent  harmony  between  the  English 
and  the  Dutch  Churches  in  said  City.  This  appears  from  the 
fact  that  the  English  themselves  were  allowed  to  hold  their 
religious  services  in  the  Church  in  the  Fort;  and  more  recently 
in  the  new  (Dutch)  Church  in  the  City,  while  the  English  Church 
was  in  process  of  building. 

The  several  Governors  who  have  resided  here  from  time  to 
time  have  upheld,  not  only  the  said  (Dutch)  Church,  but  also  all 
the  other  Dutch  Churches  in  this  Province,  in  all  their  liberties 
and  privileges,  without  the  least  detriment. 

Upon  the  death  or  removal  of  a  minister,  the  several  Con- 
sistories sent  a  call  to  the  Rev,  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  onl;^ 
verbally  notifying  the  Governor.  He  never  made  any  objection; 
and  when  the  minister  landed  here,  he  paid  his  respects  to  his 
Excellency,  the  Governor.  Then,  without  any  further  delay,  he 
entered  upon  his  duties,  and  not  the  least  thing  was  ever  antici- 
pated to  prevent  him.  The  expenses  of  the  call  as  well  as  of 
the  passage  over,  together  with  the  salary,  were  paid  by  the 
respective  congregations,  through  subscriptions  and  voluntary 
contributions  by  the  members. 

His  Excellency,  the  present  Governor  (Cornbury),  probably 
for  other  reasons  which  are  unknown  to  us,  seems  to  have  ex- 
pected more  deference  than  his  predecessors.  He  demanded  that 
upon  the  death  or  removal  of  a  minister,  the  Dutch  Churches 
should  make  no  new  call,  until  they  had  first  asked  permission 
of  his  Excellency,  by  petitioning  for  it,  and  had  received  his 
consent:  For  example:  on  the  death  of  the  minister  on  Long 
Island,  (Lupardus)  and  the  removal  of  the  one  at  Esopus, 
(IsTucella),  the  Consistories  of  these  congregations  were  compelled 
to  agree  to  this,  and  to  ask  by  petition  for  the  privilege  of  sending 


1706 


1660  Ecclesiastical  Records        ^ 

over  a  new  call.     To  these  his  Excellency  gave  a  friendly  and 
favorable  consent. 

But  worse  than  all,  his  Excellency  attempts  to  require,  by  his 
arbitrary  authority,  that  all  ministers  coming  within  his  govern- 
ment should  be  compelled  to  accept  a  license,  or  letter  of  per- 
mit, from  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  before  entering  upon 
their  duties,  under  the  threat  of  banishment  out  of  his  govern- 
ment as  a  rebel,  if  they  refuse  to  do  so.  This  letter  of  permit 
reads,  that  the  Governor  appoints  So  and  So  to  be  minister  of 
a  certain  Dutch  Church;  and  that  he  gives  him  liberty  to  exer- 
cise all  his  functions  therein,  as  long  as  it  shall  please  his  Excel- 
lency, and  he  thinks  proper.  Thus  the  ministers  of  religion  are 
made  to  depend  upon  his  orders,  will  and  pleasure, —  such  is  the 
verbal  explanation  given  of  it  —  and  are  not  to  be  ministers  any; 
longer  than  his  Excellency  pleases;  and  he  does  not  hesitate  to 
send  an  English  minister  to  some  (Dutch)  Church,  and  seek  to 
foist  him  upon  the  congregation,  and  have  him  supported  by  them. 
This  has  been  done  with  the  church  at  Esopus,  and  shortly  will 
be  done  on  Long  Island,  as  his  Excellency  says. 

We  testify  that  the  foregoing  is  true  and  sincere,  to  the  best 
of  our  Imowledge. 

S.  Staats 
J.  V.  Cortlandt 
'New  York,  ^  ,  Abrah.  Gouverneur. 

the  24th  of  May  1706. 

Request  for  Eedress. 

1.  That  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  would  make  a  demand 
on  the  Great  Pensionary,*  (Counselor),  to  have  orders  sent  to  the 
Ambassador  in  England  to  obtain  the  following:  that  Her  Ma- 
jesty issue  her  command  to  her  Governor  to  allow  the  Dutch 
Churches  to  continue  in  that  condition  in  which  they  have  ever 
been  since  the  surrender  of  the  country  to  the  English  Cro^vn. 

*  See  Get.  3,  1707. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1661 

1706 

2.  That  the  Consistories  of  this  country  shall  ever  be  allowed 
to  call  their  ministers  from  Holland,  without  asking  the  Gov- 
ernor's consent,  as  often  and  whenever  their  Reverences  think 
proper;  as  it  is  they  who  make  the  contract,  according  to  custom. 

3.  That  the  ministers  upon  their  arrival  here  shall  not  be 
prevented  from  entering  upon  their  duties  according  to  their  call, 
so  long  as  they  behave  as  dutiful  subjects  of  the  Crown. 

4.  That  the  Dutch  churches  may  exercise  their  own  church 
discipline  without  intervention,  according  to  the  laudable  usages 
and  customs  in  the  Fatherland. 

5.  That  without  interference  they  may  also  possess  and  use 
their  own  church  propei-ty,  which  they  now  possess,  or  may  ac- 
quire hereafter. 

6.  That  the  ministers  of  the  Dutch  churches  here,  together 
with  their  Consistories,  may  select  delegates  to  meet  once  or 
oftener,  each  year,  for  the  welfare  of  their  churches,  and  for 
the  maintenance  of  their  discipline,  at  such  places  in  the  Province 
as  they  shall  think  proper;  but  remaining  always  dependent  upon, 
and  submitting  to,  the  vase  decisions  of  the  Rev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam. 

7.  That  any  ministers  of  the  Dutch  Church  who  are  not  will- 
ing to  submit  to  the  orders  and  discipline  of  the  said  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  may  be  by  said  meeting,  suspended  from  their  office, 
until  the  Rev.  Classis  shall  have  given  their  decision, 

8.  That  Domine  Freerman  shall  be  stopped  in  his  illegal  and 
unbecoming  proceedings,  that  no  further  disasters  and  ruptures 
be  caused  in  the  congregations. 

9.  That  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  should  provisionally  en- 
deavor to  obtain  from  the  Bishop  of  London  —  under  whose  gen- 
eral jurisdiction  the  churches  in  the  plantations  belong  —  a 
general  order,  commanding  the  Governors  here  to  allow  the 
Dutch  churches  in  this  Province  to  enjoy  the  liberty  of  their 
divine  service  and  their  Church-discipline,  as  heretofore. 


1662  Ecclesiastical  Records 

This  will  not  only  give  to  the  churches  here  peace  and  liberty, 
but  by  such  means,  the  Bishop  will  not  be  able  to  make  any 
objection  or  have  any  reason  for  offence,  as  if  his  Reverence  had 
been  quietly  ignored  in  reference  to  things  which  we  hope  to 
accomplish. 

Very  Reverend  Gentlemen,  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Jesus 
Ohrist,  this  is  the  earnest  and  humble  request  and  prayer  of  your 
brethren  in  Jesus  Christ.  We  are  with  great  respect  and  friend- 
ship. 

Your  Reverences'  willing  servants  and  brethren  in  Christ, 
Gualtherus  du  Bois,  Eccl.  at  ITew  York. 

Elders.  Deacons. 

Jacob  Boelen  Olfert  Sjoerts 

Lendert  Huygen  de  Klyn  Andries  Maerchalk 

Dirrick  ten  Eyck  Pieter  van  Filburg 

Isaack  Kjp.  J.  iN'euburt 

V.  Antonides,  Eccl.  in  Midwout,  etc. 
Danyel  Rapalye,  Elder  in  Breukelen. 
Joseph  Hegeman,  in  Vlakkebos. 
,  in  Amersf ort. 

Henricus  Beys,  V.  D.  M.  at  Kingstowne. 

A  true  and  correct  copy, 

D.  Meyer,  Clerk. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1663 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Eev.  Henricus  Beys  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  May  28,  1Y06. 
—  This  letter  was  appended  to  his  Journal  of  his  interviews 
with  Governor  Cornbnry.      (See  Jan.  1-March,  1Y06.) 

All  this,  Keverend  Gentlemen  and  Colleagues,  will  clearly 
show  your  Eev.  Body,  what  a  grievous  state  the  Church  is  in, 
and  how  miserable  and  pitiable  is  her  condition.  You  will  learn 
this  not  without  great  sorrow.  And  then  as  to  myself,  I  am 
beset  with  difficulties  on  all  sides,  especially  as  I  am  unacquainted 
with  the  English  language,  as  well  as  with  the  laws,  customs 
and  judicial  proceedings  under  this  English  government,  and  in 
this  strange  and  distant  country.  Sometimes  my  courage  wavers 
when  I  remember  how  I  have  separated  myself  from  all  my  old 
and  true  friends,  as  well  as  from  my  relatives.  I  can  only  leave 
it  to  the  calm  consideration  of  your  Reverences,  how  I  wear  away 
my  days  here,  as  a  voluntary  exile  from  my  Fatherland,  to  the 
grief  of  my  soul,  and  without  obtaining  much  consolation  or 
assistance. 

Some  people  advise  me  in  this  matter  to  go  directly  contrary 
to  the  peremptory  orders  and  repeated  threats  of  his  Excellency. 
Too  strong  an  affection  for  myseK,  and  desire  for  my  services, 
incline  them  to  dare  to  the  utmost.  They  are  anxious  to  see, 
what  could  be  done  by  his  Excellency,  or  what  they  could  do 
in  opposition;  so  that  I  myself  had  to  reprove  them  for  this, 
while  the  circumstances  of  the  time  forbade  me  to  report  it  in 
writing.  Others,  actuated  by  greater  discretion  and  a  calmer 
spirit,  and  possessed  of  greater  foresight,  counsel  me  to  remain 
quiet;  and  that  I  should  also  seek  to  induce  my  congregation  to 
remain  peaceable,  and  patiently  and  hopefully  to  await  what  the 
wise  counsel  and  infallible  help  of  your  Reverences  may  be  able 
to  do  for  us.     I  was  advised  to  this  course  by  Domine  du  Bois, 


1706 


1664  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Domine  Antonides  and  others;  subsequently  also,  by  Domine 
du  Bois  and  the  -whole  Consistory  of  New  York  I  was  cautioned 
not  to  do  anything  contrary  to  the  severe  orders  and  repeated 
threats  of  his  Excellency.  This  was  done  on  the  26th  of  this 
month,  (May).  I  shall  follow  this  advice,  which  I  believe  to  be 
the  best,  until  I  can  avail  myself  of  your  Reverences  wise  coun- 
sels, which  will  always  be  my  guide,  and  support,  and  which  I 
shall  always  expect.  Should  I  still  remain  deprived  of  them,  I 
will  be  compelled  to  perform  my  duties  with  groanings  unutter- 
able; and  still  more  would  I  regret  to  be  obliged  to  repeat  my 
difficult  and  dangerous  voyage.  Although  I  would  quickly  and 
with  great  joy  return  to  the  Fatherland,  yet  it  would  be  not 
"without  regret  on  my  part,  and  with  great  sorrow  to  my  church. 
It  would  also  be  unpleasant  in  these  dangerous  times  of  war,  to 
undergo  such  great  perils  of  the  sea  as  I  have  already  experienced, 
fearing  as  I  did,  to  be  drowned;  and  yet  pleasant  to  enjoy  again 
the  agreeable  companionships  of  the  Fathers  at  home,  who  are 
also  the  faithful  "nourishing  Fathers"  of  God's  Church;  and 
to  enjoy  our  beloved  liberty  and  divine  serxdce,  sound  in  doc- 
trine, refreshing  in  its  pure  vigor;  for  truth  and  right  would  then 
again  be  recognized  and  possessed. 

The  document  given  me  by  your  Rev.  Classis  with  so  much  love 
and  with  so  many  good  wishes,  I  fear  I  will  have  to  lay  again 
mth  thanks  upon  your  table.  I  hope  that  it  may  please  the 
Lord  of  the  Harvest  to  send  me  forth,  by  means  of  your  Rev- 
erences, to  some  other  more  agreeable  field,  and  more  cheerful 
part  of  his  vineyard.  There  with  the  small  abihties  which  divine 
grace  has  granted  me,  I  may  put  out  my  talents  at  interest,  and 
produce  with  God's  help,  some  greater  gain. 

I  would  then.  Reverend  Fathers  and  Fellow-laborers  in  Christ 
Jesus,  earnestly  and  humbly  solicit  of  you  that  your  Reverences 
would  hasten  to  our  help.  Strengthened  by  your  wise  counsel 
and  sustained  by  your  assistance,  I  may  understand  how  to  con- 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  16G5 

duct  myself  in  all  these  matters.  But  jour  assistance  if  too  long- 
delayed,  will  make  my  heart  sick. 

Meanwhile  I  shall,  for  the  sake  of  my  office  and  for  conscience 
sake,  spare  neither  time  nor  labor  in  the  minor,  but  not  less  nec- 
essary work  of  daily  instruction,  and  such  other  exercises  from 
house  to  house  as  may  be  possible,  to  teach  the  growing  disciples 
and  youths  the  first  elements  of  God's  Word;  so  that  from  child- 
hood up  they  may  know  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which  are  able  to 
make  them  wise  unto  salvation.  Besides  I  will  thus  also  instruct 
the  more  advanced  in  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  Eeformed 
Church.  I  shall  endeavor  to  establish  them  more  fully,  and 
make  them  well  grounded  in  the  general  principles  of  Divine 
truth,  for  such  knowledge  is  next  to  godliness;  and  so  build  them 
up  in  their  most  holy  faith  which  was  once  delivered  to  the  saints. 

The  loss  of  the  public  preaching  of  the  Word  which  my  con- 
gregation will  have  to  suffer  temporarily,  will  thus  be  partly 
made  up,  and  not  altogether  without  some  advantage,  by  cate- 
chization.  For  the  time  and  the  circumstances  demand  that  some 
joyful  message  be  brought  to  these  submissive  ones,  and  that  the 
Word,  in  some  form,  be  secured  for  the  mourners  in  Zion,  that 
the  Lord  may  be  glorified.  I  pray  God  that  he  may  make  my 
efforts  gloriously  successful  through  his  Spirit,  that  my  labors 
may  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord;  yea,  that  I  may  remain  faithful 
to  the  end,  and  that  I  may  at  last  say  with  all  boldness, —  Behold, 
Lord,  I  and  the  children  whom  thou  hast  given  me;  and  that  I 
may  hear  the  joyful  word  of  salvation,  when  those  who  have 
been  faithful  over  a  few  things  shall  be  made  ruler  over  many 
things.  This  is  the  devout  wish  of  my  soul,  and  my  daily  prayer 
to  God.  I  sincerely  wish  that  Jehovah,  the  mighty  God  and  the 
Father  of  Eternity,  may  be  the  Prince  of  Peace  to  your  Kev- 
erences;  that  he  may  make  you  burn  as  shining  lights  in  the 
firmament  of  the  Dutch  Church  for  many  years  to  come;  and 
this,  not  only  in  Amsterdam  and  in  other  churches  of  the  ISTether- 
lands;  but  also  for  the  best  interests  of  the  Church  in  general, 


1706 


1706 


1666  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

and  of  the  trans-atlantic  diurches;  for  from  you,  next  to  God, 
these  seek  consolation  and  assistance.  If  sufficient  gratitude  or 
reward  be  wanting  here,  may  the  All-Sufficient  One  be  a  shield 
and  reward  to  your  Reverences  in  eternity. 

This  is  the  wish  and  prayer  of  him,  who  desires  always  to  be 
remembered  in  jour  prayers,  and  who  honors  himself  when  with 
modest  boldness  he  calls  himself,  with  great  respect  for  your 
Reverend  Body,  and  with  deep  humility. 

Reverend  Fathers  and  Colleagues  in  Jesus  Christ, 
Your  grateful  servant  and  fellow-worker  in  Jesus  Christ, 

,  Henricus  Beys. 

!N'ew  York, 
the  28th  of  May,  1Y06. 

This  agrees  with  the  oiiginal. 

D.  Meyer  Clarke. 

Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  York. 

May  29,  1706. 
On  rescinding  of  resolutions. 

The  Consistory  having  met,  called  on  God's  name.  It  was 
unanimously  Resolved,  That  henceforth,  no  resolutions  or  orders, 
adopted  either  unanimously  or  by  a  majority,  shall  be  reversed 
or  altered  except  by  unanimous  consent  in  full  Consistory. 

—  Lib.  A.  223. 


OF  THE  State  of  !N"ew  Yokk.  1667 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Portfolio  "  New  York,"  Vol.  i. 

The  Church  of  ISTew  York  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
June  10,  1706. 

Is^ew  York  the  10th  of  June  1706. 

To  the  Rev.  Gentlemen,  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Jesus  Christ, 
constituting  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam : 

Reverend  Gentlemen: — 

After  we  had  closed  our  letter,  and  after  Domine  Beis  had, 
on  the  6th  of  June,  left  for  Esopus,  not  to  enter  upon  his  public 
duties,  indeed,  but  only,  etc.,  as  his  journal  and  letters  show:  the 
Governor,  upon  the  unceasing  requests  of  the  principal  men  in 
the  Province,  and  the  persistent  urging  of  Colonel  Schuyler  and 
Mr.  Abram  de  Peyster,  at  last  granted  permission  to  Domine 
Beis  to  perform  henceforth  all  his  ministerial  duties.  These 
gentlemen  having  occasion  to  speak  with  his  Excellency  about 
something  on  tlie  morning  of  the  7tli  of  June,  they  then  took 
occasion  to  make  request  of  his  Excellency,  that  he  would  be 
pleased  to  permit  Domine  Beis  to  perform  his  duties  freely  and 
openly,  etc.  Thereupon  the  Governor,  who  up  to  that  time  had 
said  nothing  of  a  license,  stated  he  had  no  objection  to  Domine 
Beis  personally;  but  some  people  had  informed  him  that  he  had 
spoken  disrespectfully  about  his  Excellency: — which  accusation, 
we  are  sure,  is  not  true  —  and  if  this  was  not  so,  and  Domine 
Beis  would  assure  his  Excellency  of  the  contrary,  by  a  letter,  he 
would  allow  him  henceforth  to  perform  his  duties  without  inter- 
ference. 

Thus  matters  have  been  brought  so  far  that  both  the  ministers, 
Antonides  and  Beis,  are  actually  performing  service.  Your  Rev. 
Assembly  will  easily  perceive,  however,  that  our  whole  ministerial 


1706 


1668  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

1706 

service  remains  dependent  on  his  Excellency's  will  and  pleasure, 

and  that  we  have  not  gained  any  essential  point,  as  far  as  our 

real  objects  are  concerned.     Tour  Rev.  Assembly  is  therefore 

again  most  urgently  requested  to  ponder  what  is  essential  to  the 

real  welfare  of  the  Dutch  churches  in  this  Province.     Relying 

thereon,  we  commend  your  Reverences  to  God  and  the  Word  of 

his  Grace,  while  we  remain. 

Reverend  Assembly, 

Your  Reverences  Humble  servants  and  brothers  in  Jesus  Christ, 

Gualtherus  du  Bois, 

J.  V.  Cortlandt, 

S.  Staats, 

Acts  or  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Indian  Affairs. 

1Y06,  July  19th.  The  letter  referring  to  the  Affairs  of  India, 
sent  over  since  the  last  Christian  Synod,  were  more  fully  con- 
sidered by  Rev.  Depp,  ad  res  exteras.  Extracts  therefrom  were 
made  by  them,  and  handed  in  to  the  Classis.  'No  later  letters 
have  up  to  the  present  come  over.     ix.  129. 

(Besides  Vols,  xxxix,  1635-1648,  and  Vol.  xLx.,  1655-1705, 
no  volumes  of  extracts,  earlier  or  later,  are  now  in  the  Archives 
of  the  Classis.) 

1706,  July  27- Aug.  6.     Snyod  of  JSTorth  Holland,  held  at 

Amsterdam.     No  Allusions  to  America. 

Loud  Cornbury  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

Inventory  of  Effects  of  Rev.   Edmund  Mott. 

October   3,    1706. 


In  your  letter  of  the  28tli  of  November  1705,  you  are  pleased  to  direct  me  to 
send  your  Lordships  an  account  of  what  pay  is  due  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mott,  late 
Chaplain  to  Her  Majesty's  forces  here,  and  what  effects  he  has  left  in  the  Conn- 
try.  As  for  effects,  he  has  left  some  books  of  which  I  herewith  send  you  a  cata- 
logue and  a  very  few  cloths  not  worth  in  all  six  pounds,   a  silver  seal,   a  silver 


OF  THE  State  of  JSTew  York.  16C9 

headed  cane,  and  some  other  trifles  all  mentioned  at  the  foot  of  the  inventory;  I 
will  likewise  send  you  the  appraisement  of  the  whole  and  wait  your  Lordship's 
further   directions   before   anything   is   disposed   of. 


1706 


Reverend  Edmund  Mott  seems  to  have  succeeded  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brisac  as  chap- 
lain to  the  forces  at  New  York.  He  was  interested  originally  in  what  is  called 
the  Minisink  purchase,  but  having  died  in  July,  1704,  previous  to  the  issue  of  the 
Patent,  his  name  was  dropped,  and  that  of  George  Clarke  inserted  in  the  Grant. 
On  his  death,  his  place  was  offered  to  the  Rev.  John  Talbot  of  Burlington,  N.  J., 
and  on  that  gentleman  declining,  it  was  given  to  the  Rev.  John  Sharp  of  Chees- 
quakes,  N.  J.  Collections  of  Protestant  Episcopal  Society,  I.,  xvii,  56,  58;  New 
York  Council  Minutes,  ix.,  470;  Licenses  and  Warrants,  vi.,  62,  65;  Book  of  Com- 
missions,  Ui.,  95. —  Col.   Docs.  N.   Y.   iv.   1181,  1182. 


1706,  Oct.  14.     Lord  Cornbury  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

(About  Revs.   Makemle  and  Hampton;   with  Notes.) 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations: 
My  Lords: — 

I  trouble  your  Lordships  with  these  lines  to  acquaint  you  that  on  the  17th  of 
January  1705/6  a  man  of  this  town,  one  Jackson,  came  to  acquaint  me  that  two 
Ministers  were  come  to  town;  one  from  Virginia,  and  one  from  Maryland,  and  that 
they  desired  to  know  when  they  might  speak  with  me;  I  being  willing  to  show 
what  Civlllity  I  could  to  men  of  that  character,  ordered  my  man  to  tell  Jackson 
that  they  should  be  well  come  to  come  to  dine  with  me;  They  came,  and  then  I 
found  by  the  Answers  they  gave  to  the  questions  I  asked  them,  that  one,  whose 
name  is  Francis  Mackensie,  (Makemie)*  is  a  Presbyterian  Preacher  settled  in 
Virginia;  the  other,  whose  name  is  John  Hampton,  is  a  young  Presbyterian  Minis- 
ter lately  come  to  settle  in  Maryland;  They  dined  with  me,  and  talked  of  indif- 
ferent things:  They  pretended  they  were  going  towards  Boston;  they  did  not 
say  one  syllable  to  me  of  preaching  here,  nor  did  not  ask  leave  to  do  it;  They 
applied  themselves  to  the  Dutch  Minister,  for  leave  to  preach  in  the  Dutch  Church 
in  this  Town,  who  told  them  he  was  very  willing,  provided  they  could  get  my 
consent;  They  never  came  to  me  for  it;  They  went  likewise  to  the  Elders  of  the 
French  Church;  to  desire  leave  to  preach  in  the  French  Church,  they  gave  them 
the  same  answer  the  Dutch  had;  all  this  while  they  never  applyed  themselves 
to  me  for  leave,  nor  did  they  ofCer  to  qualify  themselves  as  the  Law  directs. 

But  on  the  Monday  following  I  was  informed  that  Mackensie  (Makemie)  had 
preached   on  the  day  before  at  the  House  of  one  Jackson,   a   shoemaker  in  this 

*  Rev.  Francis  Makemie,  who  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  Presbyterian  clergy- 
man in  New  York,  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  appears  to  have  officiated  In  the 
West  Indies  about  the  year  1698-9.  In  the  year  1700  he  was  sent  out  by  a  re- 
spectable body  of  Dissenters  in  the  city  of  London,  to  America,  and  fixed  his  habi- 
tation on  the  peninsular  between  the  Delaware  and  Chesapeake  Bays,  in  the  county 
of  Accomack,  Virginia,  very  near  the  Maryland  line.  While  there,  he  had  already 
been  arrested,  it  is  said,  through  the  infiuence  of  the  Episcopal  clergy,  and  carried 
over  the  Bay  to  Williamsburg,  to  answer  for  the  crime  of  preaching.  But  the  re- 
sult was  that  he  conciliated  the  Governor,  who  gave  him  a  general  license  to 
preach  in  the  Dominion.  After  his  difiiculty  in  New  York,  he  narrowly  escaped 
a  second  prosecution,  for  preaching  another  sermon,  with  a  new  charge,  as  some 
say,  of  being  the  author  of  the  Jersey  paper  called  Forget  and  Forgive.  His  name 
is  affixed  in  the  catalogues  to  a  Tract  entitled, —  Truths  in  a  True  Light;  or  a 
Pastoral  Letter  to  the  Reformed  Protestants  in  Barbados:  16  mo.  Edinburgh,  1699. 
He  published  another  pamphlet  in  Virginia,  in  reply  to  an  Errorlst  who  had  charged 
him  with  denying  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  A  formal  report  of  his  trial 
was  published  in  1707,  under  the  title  of  "A  Narrative  of  a  new  and  unusual 
American  Imprisonment  of  two  Presbyterian  Ministers  and  prosecution  of  Mr. 
Francis  McKemie,  one  of  them,  for  preaching  one  sermon  in  the  city  of  New 
York  ".  It  is  republished  at  length  in  Col.  Force's  Historical  Tracts,  Vol.  iv.,  from 
which,  and  from  Miller's  Life  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rodgers,  the  above  particulars  are 
mainly  obtained.  Mr.  McKemie  was  a  man  of  eminent  piety  as  well  as  of  strong 
Intellectual  powers. —  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  iv.  1187. 


1706 


1670  Ecclesiastical  Ee coeds 

town;  aud  that  Hampton  had  preached  on  Long  Island;  and  that  Mackensie  after 
having  preached  here  on  Sunday  was  gone  over  to  Long  Island  with  intent  to 
preach  in  all  the  towns  in  that  Island,  having  spread  a  report  thereto,  that  they 
had  a  Commission  from  the  Queen,  to  preach  all  along  this  Continent;  I  was 
informed  on  the  same  daj'  from  New  Jersey,  that  the  same  men  had  preached  in 
several  places  in  that  province,  and  had  ordained,  after  their  manner,  some  young 
men,  who  had  preached  without  it  among  the  Dissenters;  And  that  when  they 
were  asked,  if  they  had  leave  from  the  government  they  said  they  had  no  need 
of  leave  from  any  Governor,  they  had  the  Queen's  authority  for  what  they  did: 
These  Reports  and  the  information  I  hart  from  Long  Island,  of  their  behavior 
there,  induced  me  to  send  an  order  to  the  Sherif  of  Queen's  County  on  Long 
Island,  to  bring  them  to  this  place,  which  they  did  on  the  23rd  day  of  January  in  the 
Evening;  The  Attornej'  General  was  with  me;  I  asked  Mackensie  how  he  came  to 
preach  in  this  Government,  without  acquainting  me  with  it,  and  without  qualify- 
ing himself  as  the  Law  Requires;  he  told  me  he  had  qualified  himself  according 
to  law  in  Virginia,  and  that  having  so  done,  he  would  preach  in  any  part  of  the 
Queen's  Dominions  where  he  pleased;  and  that  this  Province  is  part  of  the  Queen's 
Dominions  as  well  as  Virginia,  and  that  the  License  he  had  obtained  there  was  as 
good  as  any  he  could  obtain  here. 

I  told  him  that  Virginia  was  part  of  the  Queen's  Dominions  as  well  as  this 
Province,  but  that  they  are  two  different  Governments;  That  no  order  or  Law 
of  that  Province  can  take  place  in  this,  no  more  than  any  order  or  Law  of  this 
Province  can  take  place  in  that,  which  no  reasonable  Man  would  imagine  could  be 
allowed;  he  told  me  he  understood  the  Law,  as  well  as  any  man,  and  that  he  was 
satisfied  he  had  not  offended  against  the  Law;  That  the  Penal  Laws  of  England, 
did  not  extend  to,  and  were  not  in  force  in  America;  to  which  the  Attorney 
General  replyed,  that  if  the  Penal  Laws  did  not  take  place  in  America,  neither 
did  the  Act  of  Toleration;  nor  is  it  proper,  said  he,  that  it  should,  since  the  latter 
is  no  more  than  a  Suspension  of  the  former;  Mackensie  said  that  the  Queen 
granted  liberty  of  Conscience  to  all  Her  Subjects  without  Reserve. 

I  told  him  he  was  so  far  in  the  Right,  that  the  Queen  was  graciously  pleased 
to  grant  liberty  of  Conscience  to  all  her  Subjects  except  Papists;  that  he  might 
be  a  Papist  for  all  that  I  knew,  under  the  pretense  of  being  of  another  persua- 
sion; that  therefore  it  was  necessary  he  should  have  satisfied  the  government 
what  he  was,  before  he  ventured  to  preach;  Upon  that  he  told  me,  that  he  would 
quallify  himself  in  any  manner,  and  would  settle  in  this  Province;  I  told  him 
whenever  any  of  the  people  of  either  of  the  Provinces  under  my  Government  had 
Desired  leave  to  call  a  minister  of  their  own  Persuasion,  they  had  never  been 
denyed  it,  but  that  I  should  be  very  cautious  how  I  allowed  a  man  so  prone  to  bid 
Defiance  to  Government  as  I  found  he  was:  He  said  he  had  done  nothing  that 
he  could  not  answer,  so  I  ordered  the  High  Sherif  of  this  City  to  take  them  Into 
his  Custody;  And  I  directed  the  Attorney  General  to  proceed  against  them,  ac- 
cording as  the  Law  directs;  which  he  has  done  by  preferring  an  Indictment  against 
Mackensie  for  preaching  in  this  City  without  Qualifying  himself,  as  the  Act  of 
Toleration  directs;  The  Grand  Jury  found  the  Bill,  taut  the  Petty  Jury  acquitted 
him,  so  he  is  gone  towards  New  England  uttering  many  severe  threats  against 
me;  As  I  hope  that  I  have  done  nothing  in  this  matter  but  what  I  was  in  duty 
obliged  to  do,  especially  since  I  think  it  is  very  plain  by  the  Act  of  Toleration, 
it  was  not  intended  to  tollerate  or  allow  strowling  Preachers;  But  only  that 
those  persons  who  dissent  from  the  Church  of  England  should  be  at  liberty  to 
serve  God  after  their  own  way,  in  the  several  places  of  their  abode,  without 
being  lyable  to  the  Penalties  of  certain  laws;  so  I  intreat  your  Lordships  protec- 
tion against  this  malicious  man,  who  is  well  known  in  Virginia  and  Maryland 
to  be  a  Disturber  of  the  Peace  and  quiet  of  all  the  places  he  comes  into;  he  is 
Jack  of  all  Trades;  he  is  a  Preacher,  a  Doctor  of  Physick,  a  Merchant,  an  Attor- 
ney, or  Counsellor  at  Law,  and,  which  is  worse  of  all,  a  Disturber  of  Govern- 
ments; I  should  have  sent  your  Lordships  this  account  sooner,  but  that  I  was 
willing  to  see  the  Issue  of  the  Trj'al.     I  am.  My  Lords, 

Your  Lordships  most  faithful  humble  Servant, 

Cornbury. 
New  York,  —  Col.    Docs.   N.   Y.   iv.   1186-7. 

October  14,   1706. 


OF  THE  State  op  I^ew  Yoek.  1671 

1706,   Dec.   27.     Meeting  of  Fiest   Presbytery  of   Presby- 
terians AT  THE  old  Scots  Church,  near  Freehold,  IST.  J. 

(Two  preliminary  pages  lost.) 

1706.  De  Regimine  ecclesias,  which  being  heard  was  approved 
of  and  sustained.  He  gave  in  also  his  thesis  to  be  considered  of 
against  next  sederunt. 

Sederunt,  2d.     lObris,  27. 

"  Post  preces  sederunt,  Mr.  Francis  Mc  Kemie,  moderator, 
Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews  and  John  Hampton,  ministers. 

"  Mr,  John  Boyd  performed  the  other  parts  of  his  tryals,  viz., 
preached  a  popular  sermon  on  John  1 :  12 ;  defended  his  thesis ; 
gave  satisfaction  as  to  his  skill  in  the  Languages,  and  answered  to 
extemporary  questions ;  all  of  which  were  approved  of  and  sus- 
tained. 

"Appointed  his  ordination  to  be  on  ye  next  Lord's  day,  ye  29th 
inst.,  which  was  accordingly  performed  in  the  publick  meeting 
house  of  this  place,  before  a  numerous  assembly  ;  and  the  next  day 
he  had  ye  Certificate  of  his  ordination  ". 

The  Presbyterians  in  !N'ew  York. 

1706-1741. 

In  October,  1706,  Francis  Makemie*  and  John  Hampton,  two 
Presbyterian  ministers,  stopped  at  New  York,  on  their  way  to 

*  "  The  inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  Yorls  consisted,  at  this  time,  of  Dutch 
Calvinists,  upon  the  plan  of  the  Church  of  Holland;  French  refugees,  on  the  Geneva 
model;  a  few  English  Episcopalians;  and  a  still  smaller  number  of  English  and 
Irish  Presbyterians;  who,  having  neither  a  minister  nor  a  church,  used  to  assemble 
every  Sunday,  at  a  private  house,  for  the  worship  of  God.  Such  were  the  circum- 
stances, when  Francis  M'Kemie  and  John  Hampton,  two  Presbyterian  ministers 
arrived  here  in  January,  1707."  The  Dutch  permitted  M'Kemie  to  preach  in  their 
church.  Lord  Cornbury  forbade  the  repetition.  Hampton  preached  in  the  Pres- 
byterian church  of  Newtown,  L.  I.  Both  these  excellent  ministers  were  imprisoned 
and  treated  in  an  illegal  and  barbarous  manner.  They  were  no  Lawyers,  and 
knew  not  at  first  how  to  defend  themselves.  The  Grand  Jury  who  indicted  them 
had  for  its  members  some  Dutch  and  French  Protestants.  But  surely  these  were 
not  representative  men.  Contrary  to  truth,  the  Attorney  asserted  that  the  penal 
laws  (of  Great  Britain)  extended  to  this  colony.  The  defendants  gained  the  suit, 
but  were  not  discharged,  until  the  costs  of  the  suit  were  extorted  from  them. 
Smith's  New  York,  181. 


1706 


1672  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1708 

Boston.  Hampton  passed  on  to  ISTewtown,  Long  Island,  but 
Makemie  remained  in  the  City  and  was  urged  to  speak.  The 
Dutch  Church  offered  the  use  of  its  building,  but  Combury  re- 
fused to  allow  it.  William  Jackson  then  offered  his  private  house. 
He  was  an  active  Presbyterian  elder.  The  doors  of  the  house  were 
thrown  wide  open,  and  a  child  was  baptized.  The  sermon  he  then 
delivered  "  On  a  Good  Conversation  "  was  published. 

On  the  following  Thursday,  while  preparing  to  preach  at  ISTew- 
town, Makemie  was  arrested  and  taken  before  Cornbury.  The 
latter  said ;  "  Tou  shall  not  spread  your  pernicious  doctrines 
here  ".  Makemie  replied  with  dignity  that  he  challenged  all  the 
clergymen  of  ISTew  York  to  show  anything  false  or  pernicious  in 
his  doctrine.  But  the  Governor  demanded  that  they  should  give 
bonds  for  their  good  behavior,  and  should  not  preach.  They 
offered  to  give  bonds  for  their  good  behavior,  but  refused  to  give 
bo'uds  not  to  preach.  They  were  then  sent  to  jail  and  tried,  but 
were  acquitted.  Yet  Hampton  had  to  pay  the  costs,  amounting  to 
eighty  three  pounds. 

1706-1709.  The  Presbyterians  met  as  often  as  possible  during 
•  the  next  three  years,  to  pray  together.  Then  the  citizens  of  'New 
York  and  Isew  Jersey  united  in  a  petition  to  the  Queen  to  remove 
Cornbury.  Queen  Anne  revoked  his  Commission.  His  hungry 
creditors  at  once  arrested  him  for  debt.  He  remained  in  prison 
until  the  death  of  his  father,  when  he  became  a  peer. 

1710.  Robert  Hunter  became  Governor.  The  Presbyterians 
were  relieved  from  their  oppressions.  In  1717  they  numbered 
about  eighty  persons  in  ]^ew  York  City,  and  they  formed  a  Church, 
and  called  Rev.  James  Anderson.  In  1718  a  few  individuals 
purchased  the  land  in  Wall  street,  opposite  the  end  of  ISFew  street, 
and  began  to  build  a  church.  Six  hundred  pounds  were  soon 
raised  for  this  purpose.  In  the  meantime  they  obtained  permis- 
sion to  worship  in  the  City  Hall. 

In  1718  there  were  about  three  thousand  families  in  ISTew  York. 
There  were  then  about  two  English  ministers  in  ISTew  York,  two 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  1673 

Dutch  ministers,  one  French  minister,  one  Lutheran  minister,  and 
an  Anabaptist  and  a  Quaker  Meeting. 

In  1719  for  the  first,  the  Presbyterians  of  ISTew  York  worshiped 
in  a  church  of  their  own. 

They  struggled  to  get  a  Charter  until  1730,  but  could  not  over- 
come the  prejudices  of  the  rulers.  Then  they  transferred  the  title 
of  their  Church  Property  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church 
of  Scotland  — ■  the  Presbyterian  Church  being  the  established 
Church  in  Scotland. 

In  1739-1741  they  experienced  great  benefits  from  the  "  Great 
Awakening  ",  which  then  prevailed. 

An  Act  to  Encourage  the  Baptizing  of  I^egeo,  Indian  and 
Mulatto  Slaves. 

(Passed  October  21,  1706.) 

WHEREAS  divers  of  her  Majesty's  good  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  this  Colony  no-w- 
are and  have  been  -willing  that  such  Negro,  Indian  and  Mulatto  Slaves  who  belong 
to  them  and  desire  the  same,  should  be  Baptized,  but  are  deterr'd  and  hindered 
therefrom  by  reason  of  a  Groundless  opinion  that  hath  spread  itself  in  this  Colony, 
that  by  the  Baptizing  of  such  Negro,  Indian  or  Mulatto  slave  they  would  become 
free  and  ought  to  be  sett  at  Liberty.  In  order  therefore  to  put  an  end  to  all  such 
Doubts  and  Scruples  as  have  or  hereafter  at  any  time  may  arise  about  the  same. 
BE  it  Enacted  by  the  Governour  Councill  and  Assembly  and  it  is  hereby  Enacted 
by  the  authority  of  the  same.  That  the  Baptizing  of  any  Negro,  Indian  or  Mulatto 
Slave  shall  not  be  any  Cause  or  reason  for  the  setting  them  or  any  of  them  at 
Liberty. 

And  be  it  declared  and  Enacted  by  the  Governor  Councill  &  Assembly  and  by  the 
Authority  of  the  same.  That  all  and  every  Negro,  Indian,  Mulatto  and  Mestee 
Bastard  Child  &  Children  who  is,  are,  and  shall  be  born  of  any  Negro,  Indian, 
Mulatto  or  Mestee,  shall  follow  ye  State  and  Condition  of  the  Mother  &  be  es- 
teemed reputed  taken  &  adjudged  a  Slave  _«&  Slaves  to  all  intents  &  purposes 
whatsoever. 

Provided,  always  &  be  it  declared  &  Enacted  by  ye  said  Authority  That  no 
slave  whatsoever  in  this  Colony  shall  Att  any  time  be  admitted  as  a  witness  for, 
or  against,  any  Freeman,  in  any  Case  matter  or  Cause,  Civill  or  Criminal  whatso- 
ever.—  Colonial  Laws  of  New  York,  Vol.  1.  pp.  597,  598. 

Trinity  Church,  New  York.     The  Queens  Garden. 

1706?  The  Board  of  Trinity  Church  orders  "that  Captain 
Mathews  hold  and  enjoy  the  Garden  called  the  Queen's  Garden 
granted  to  the  Church  by  his  Excellency  the  Lord  Viscount  Corn- 
bury,  for  seven  years,  if  he  so  long  live.  If  the  same  be  not  de- 
manded by  the  Church  Wardens  for  the  time  being,  to  erect  a 
house  thereon  for  the  Incumbent  of  Trinity  Church.  Upon  the 
condition  that  the  said  Garden  be  planted  and  improved  with  good 


1706 


1707 


1674  Ecclesiastical  Records 

choice  fruit  trees,  and  be  laid  out  in  walks  according  to  the  appro- 
bation of  the  Church  Wardens  for  the  time  being  and  leave  the 
same  improvements  and  the  fences  in  good  repair,  when  surren- 
dered, and  also  level  and  make  even  the  passage  lane  or  way  that 
leads  from  the  broad  way  between  the  Chnrch-yard  and  said 
Garden  to  the  ISTorth  River  by  the  Locus  Trees  standing  by  the 
said  river  ", —  Records,  i.  58.     Dix,  i.  164. 

The  Declaeation  Lately  Published  in  Favor  of  His  Pro- 
testant Subjects  by  the  Elector  Palatine  and  ISTotify'd 
to  Her  Majesty.* 

To  which  is  prefix'd  An  Impartial  Account  of  the  Causes  of 
those  Innovations  and  Grievances  about  Religion,  which  are  now 
so  happily  redressed  by  his  Electoral  Highness.  London  :  Printed 
for  A.  Baldwin,  in  Warwick  Lane.     MDCCVII. 

An  Impartial  Account  etc. —  As  Liberty  is  no  where  better  preserved  or  under- 
stood than  in  England,  so  nowhere  is  the  name  of  Tyrant  more  odious;  nor  less 
detestable  is  that  of  a  persecutor,  as  being  a  Tyrant  over  the  mind,  and  the 
audacious  usurper  of  Gods  own  immediate  right  and  province. 

Wherefore  since  the  arms  of  our  incomparable  Queen,  are  so  gloriously  em- 
ployed to  restore  whole  nations  to  their  civil  rights  and  that  her  prudent  councils 
are  not  less  successfully  occupy'd  about  continuing  or  procuring  to  all  Christians, 
the  liberty  of  consciences;  so  it  seems  to  me  to  be  a  very  natural  inquiry,  and 
highly  becoming  such  as  observe  public  transactions  to  examine  how  far  these 
potentates,  with  whom  we  are  under  any  tie  of  friendship  or  alliance,  are  en- 
couragers  of  the  same  generous  sentiments;  this  being  of  the  utmost  consequence 
to  our  mutual  good  understanding,  Iroth  for  the  present  and  the  future. 

Various  reflections  of  this  kind  I  have  made  myself  and  heard  of  others.  Some- 
times one  prince  and  sometimes  another,  has  been  the  object  of  my  meditations, 
or  of  my  company,  but  for  a  considerable  space,  no  prince  did  more  take  up  the 
thoughts  or  discourses  of  the  latter,  than  his  Highness  the  Elector  Palatine,  whose 
subjects  are  divided  in  their  religion,  there  being  Calvinists,  Lutherans  and  Popish 
churches  in  his  Dominion,  and  he  himself  being  not  only  of  the  persuasion  of 
the  last,  but  represented  as  a  persecutor  of  the  first  in  most  of  our  news  papers, 
and  in  many  other  public  writings. 

But  the  result  of  my  diligent  and  impartial  enquiry  has  in  short  been  this,  that 
the  Elector,  neither  is,  nor  ever  was  a  persecutor;  though  the  Protestants,  whose 
grievances  he  has  lately  redressed,  has  suffered  by  other  hands,  more  than  either 
law  or  gospel  could  warrant. 

This  is  a  discovery  that  cannot  be  pleasing  to  all  Englishmen  as  well  on  the 
account  of  the  present  happiness  of  their  fellow  Protestants,  as  with  a  particular 
regard  to  his  Electoral  Highness,  in  whom  they  justly  admire  so  many  excellent 
and  princely  qualities  though  they  peculiarly  distinguish  his  extraordinary  zeal  and 
constancy  for  the  common  cause  of  Europe  against  the  exorbitant  power  of  the 
French  King  to  whose  fury  and  resentment  he  is  so   immediately  exposed. 


*  See  this  under  date  of  Nov.  21,  1705. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1675 

For  these  reasons  I  observed  many  worthy  patriots  to  be  truly  concerned  that 
the  glory  of  such  a  prince  should  be  tarnished  in  any  degree  with  the  invidious 
character  of  being  a  persecutor;  and  I  confess  that  this  consideration  did  sway 
me  above  all  other  motives  to  examine  the  circumstances  of  this  affair  so  nicely 
as  I  have  done.  I  am  neither  of  his  country  or  of  his  religion.  I  have  not  the 
honor  even  to  know  his  person,  nor  am  any  way  engaged  in  his  service.  But 
finding  the  world  (as  I  said)  doing  so  much  justice  to  his  princely  merit  and  so 
advantageously  representing  his  public  spirit,  I  thought  it  a  thing  inconsistent 
that  his  Blectorial  Highness  could  be  capable  (against  the  dictates  of  all  good 
politics  as  well  as  the  true  genius  of  Christianity)  to  force  the  consciences  of  his 
subjects  whose  cheerful  submission  to  his  government,  or  Fidelity  and  affection  to 
his  person,  I  never  heard  denied  or  disputed.  Nevertheless  it  is  a  notorious  fact, 
that  great  industry  has  been  used  to  make  him  pass  in  the  minds  of  Englishmen 
for  a  persecutor  of  Protestants. 

After  being  therefore  undeceived  myself,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  undeceive 
others,  were  it  out  of  but  mere  gratitude,  for  three  very  signal  services  he  ren- 
dered at  different  times  to  the  common  cause.  The  first  of  these  was  in  the  last 
war;  for  he  was  the  principal  cause  of  raising  the  seige  of  Rhynfeltz  in  the  year 
1695,  the  preservation  of  that  place  being  of  inexpressible  consequences;  and 
therefore  he  chose  rather  to  send  his  troops  thither  than  to  keep  them  in  his  own 
country  of  Juliers,  to  prevent  the  cruel  spoil  and  devastation  caused  by  the 
French,  who  had  an  army  there,  on  purpose  to  prevent  the  relief  of  Rhynfeltz. 

The  next  was  in  the  beginning  of  the  present  war  by,  his  so  timely  seizing  on 
the  boats  of  the  bridge  and  other  material  which  the  enemy  intended  to  lay  over 
the  Rhine  at  Keysersworth  for  the  passage  of  their  army  under  the  Duke  of  Bur- 
gundy and  the  Marshall  de  Boufflers  who  had  resolved  to  march  straight  forward 
to  Utrecht,  and  so  to  force  the  States  to  accept  a  peace;  which  had  disconcerted 
all  the  measures  of  the  allies,  and  laid  Europe  before  this  time  in  chains. 

The  last  is  when  at  the  beginning  of  the  present  war,  the  Dutch  troops  were 
seized  and  made  (as  it  were)  prisoners  of  war  in  the  great  towns  of  Flanders  and 
Brabant,  the  Elector  marched  his  troops  out  of  his  own  territories,  which  were 
exposed  to  the  enemy's  fury,  into  the  most  important  frontier  of  Mastricht,  then 
without  a  sufficient  garrison.  A  benefit  the  States  will  never  forget.  But  I  am 
to  put  the  reader  in  mind  of  two  other  things,  before  I  come  to  a  more  particular 
declaration.  I  have  engaged  it  is  true,  to  show  that  the  Elector  was  not  the 
author  of  those  hardships  suffered  by  his  subjects;  but  it  may  be  pertinently 
demanded,  why  he  seemed  so  backward  to  redress  them.  Of  this  as  I  said,  there 
are  two  reasons  to  be  given. 

On  the  first  of  them  I  shall  not  much  insist  (though  I  might  allowably  do  it) 
I  mean  the  measures  which  the  Elector  Palatine  was  to  observe  with  respect 
to  the  enormous  power  of  France,  as  his  next  neighbor,  and  the  extreme  care 
he  was  to  take  of  not  giving  that  Monarch  any  fresh  occasion  of  displeasure,  by 
contravening  the  4th  article  of  the  Treaty  of  Ryswick,  whereof  he  would  needs 
appear  so  fond,  that  when  the  Protestants  made  a  difficulty  of  signing  the  treaty, 
by  reason  of  that  very  article,  they  were  told  the  French  King  would  treat  them 
as  enemys  and  make  a  separate  war  against  them  in  particular. 

I  shall  not  insist  I  say  on  measures  his  Highness  was  to  keep  with  respect  to 
France  because  I  know  from  good  hands  that  Monsieur  de  Forci,  speaking  of  his 
Prince  declared,  that  he  observed  less  measures  with  his  master  than  any  other 
prince  of  the  empire. 

The  other  thing  I  would  have,  to  be  considered  is  the  most  weighty  reasons. 
The  Elector  Palatine  had  to  manage  the  Court  of  Rome  and  to  be  cautious  of 
making  any  break  with  it  at  a  time  that  he  stood  in  so  great  need  of  having  jus- 
tice done  him  there,  in  the  decision  of  the  controversy  between  him  and  the 
Dutchess  of  Orleans,  whereof  the  Pope  was  in  the  Treaty  of  Ryswick  named  for 
the  Sovereign  arbiter. 

That  this  was  one  of  the  chief  motives  of  delaying  the  execution  of  his  laudable 
Intentions  for  granting  liberty.  I  fancy  I  have  good  reason  to  believe,  for  it  is 
observable  that  notwithstanding  the  perpetual  clamors  of  the  Dyet  of  Ratisbonne, 
and  the  earnest  instances  of  many  Protestant  princes,  yet  the  elector  seemed  per- 
emptorily  resolved   to   stand   by   the   fourth  article  of   the   said    treaty;    liberty   of 


1707 


1707 


1676  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

conscience  not  being  published  (if  I  remember  right)  in  the  Palatinate  till  after 
the  court  of  Rome  had  pronounced  sentence  in  favor  of  his  Electoral  Highness. 

After  the  publication  of  this  liberty,  followed  the  treaty,  which  gave  the  finish- 
ing stroke  to  so  great  and  good  a  work.  But  that  the  reader  may  be  the  better 
able  to  conceive  a  clear  idea  of  the  whole  transaction  and  to  form  a  distinct  judg- 
ment of  the  real  springs  of  the  said  treaty,  we  must  go  a  little  further  back  and 
observe  that  all  the  Protestants  of  the  Palatinate  enjoyed  full  peace  and  tran- 
quility under  the  late  Elector,  who  was  the  first  Roman  Catholick  since  the 
Reformation;  nor  was  there  any  such  thing  as  complaints  heard  of  till  the  year 
1688,  that  the  French  had  seized  on  that  country,  where  besides  the  unspeakable 
cruelties  exercised  without  distinction  on  the  persons  and  possessions  of  all  the 
subjects,  they  were  not  less  sparing  to  violate  all  Rules  and  orders  relating  to 
their  consciences  introducing  according  to  their  constant  custom,  several  innova- 
tions in  matters  of  religion  to  the  great  prejudice  of  that  christian  liberty,  which 
they  found  established  there. 

These  violences  were  continued  during  the  whole  time  of  the  last  war,  on  the 
western  side  of  the  Rhine. 

But  they  ceased  on  the  other  side  as  soon  as  the  enemy  had  abandoned  it,  in 
the  beginning  of  the  year  1689,  till  the  French  having  retaken  Heidelberg  in  the 
year  1693  entirely   burnt  and  ruined  it. 

This  nevertheless  did  not  hinder  his  father  in  the  year  1690  to  favor  and  pre- 
serve as  much  as  he  could,  the  ancient  liberty  of  religion,  which  was  so  entire 
and  impartial  In  his  country,  that  one  of  the  Protestant  Electors  built  a  church 
at  Mannheim  for  the  exercise  of  the  three  Religions,  which  he  called,  very  suit- 
able to  its  design,  the  Concordia. 

Matters  stood  on  this  foot  till  the  Treaty  of  Ryswick,  which  was  concluded 
in  the  year  1697,  and  it  is  to  be  looked  upon  as  the  real  source  and  occasion  of 
all  the  complaints  that  have  so  much  prepossessed  the  world  against  the  Electoral 
Highness,  because  of  his  holding  for  some  time  to  the  fourth  article  of  that 
treaty;  which  provides  that  notwithstanding  all  restitutions  made  by  France  to 
the  Confederates,  yet  the  Roman  Catholic  Religion  shall  remain  within  the  places 
restored  In  the  same  condition  as  it  is  exercised  at  present  among  which  places, 
the  chiefest  was  the  Palatinate,  and  which  the  French  for  many  reasons  had 
in  their  view  at  the  making  of  this  Treaty. 

Were  I  not  more  concerned  for  the  interest  of  truth,  than  the  reputation  of 
an  orator,  I  would  not  ask  here,  how  justly  those  Protestants  could  blame  the 
Elector  for  observing  an  article  to  which  themselves  had  given  their  consent? 
I  would  inquire  how  that  article  came  to  be  agreed  to  by  them  at  all?  Or  if  the 
dread  of  the  French  King  was  a  sufficient  reason  for  their  so  doing,  whether  the 
same  apprehension  was  not  as  good  a  ground  for  him  to  keep  it,  till  that  King 
became  less  dreadful  to  all   'em? 

But  I  take  no  delight  in  finding  of  faults  or  rubbing  of  old  sores;  my  purpose  is 
rather  to  heal  and  reconcile,  therefore  I  shall  not  insist  on  a  supposition  (which 
I  might  very  naturally  make)  of  some  of  our  Protestant  princes  in  the  place  of  his 
Electoral  Highness  and  consider  whether  in  the  like  case  he  would  be  easily 
brought  to  turn  those  of  his  own  religion  out  of  churches  whereof  they  were  in 
possession  by  a  solemn  treaty  and  to  introduce  or  establish  the  Roman  Catholic's 
in   their   Room? 

To  proceed  then  with  the  narration  of  the  fact,  the  publication  of  the  entire 
liberty  of  conscience  was  the  first  step  that  the  elector  made  to  ease  and  satisfy 
his  subjects.  But  as  the  Protestant  ministers  at  Ratisbonne  did  most  pressingly 
insist  on  the  entire  tibolition  of  the  fourth  article  of  aforesaid,  and  the  reestablish- 
ment  of  the  affairs  of  religion  on  their  ancient  foundation,  even  as  to  join  these 
things  to  matters  of  publick  exigence  such  as  the  granting  of  troops  and  the  like 
(which  shows  that  taking  is  as  fashionable  at  Ratisbonne  as  at  Westminster.) 
E'or  this  reason  1  say,  many  deliberations  were  held  in  the  Dyet  about  the  means 
of  terminating  this  difference,  without  their  being  able  to  pitch  on  any  effectual 
expedient,  till  at  length,  the  elector  (to  demonstrate  his  readiness  to  accept  all 
reasonable  conditions)  came  to  a  resolution  of  having  this  affair  adjusted  at  his 
own  court  by  his  proper  ministers,  and  by  those  who  were  deputed  for  that  end, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1677 

by  his  Majesty  the  King  of  Prussia,  to  avoid  the  usual  dilatory  proceedings  of 
the  Dyet,   which  gave  small  hopes  of  a   speedy  accomidation. 

His  Electoral  Highness  was  not  deceived  in  his  judgment  herein  and  perceiving 
what  progress  was  made  in  this  treaty  in  so  little  a  time,  principally  by  his  own 
personal  care  and  application,  he  did  by  his  ministers  both  at  London  and  the 
Hague  invite  the  Queen  and  the  States  General  to  send  thither  Mr.  Stanhope 
and  Mynheer  van  Ghent,  that  it  might  be  bi-ought  to  a  conclusion  with  the  greatest 
honor  and  solemnity  possible.  I  know  that  our  Queen  did  readily  consent  to  this 
offer,  from  her  pious  concern  for  the  welfare  of  the  Protestant  churches  abroad; 
and  the  States  General  having  done  much,  I  doubt  not  but  both  envoys  had  re- 
paired to  the  Palatin  Court,  were  it  not  that  they  were  eased  of  that  trouble 
by  the  succeeding  of  the   accomidation   sooner  than  was  expected. 

The  treaty  was  concluded  and  signed  by  his  Electoral  Highness  the  21st  of 
November  1705;  and  the  King  of  Prussia  (who  in  this,  as  well  as  in  other  divers 
instances  has  equalized  his  zeal  for  the  Protestant  interest)  was  so  highly  satisfied 
therewith,  that  he  made  considerable  presents  to  all  the  ministers  of  the  Palatine 
Court,  who  had  any  hand  in  it. 

The  Elector  did  in  the  next  place  notify  the  Queen  by  his  President  Monsieur 
Steingens  the  public  Declaration  he  made  by  virtue  of  the  said  Treaty,  as  may 
be  seen  in  our  Gazette.  He  did  the  like  to  the  States  General  as  well  as  the 
Imperial   Dyet,   and  to  all   the  Protestant  princes. 

I  am  likewise  well  informed,  that  the  declaration  was  begun  to  be  put  in  execu- 
tion with  as  much  fairness  as  dispatch,  and  with  so  great  and  universal  a  joy 
of  the  Protestants  of  the  Palatinate,  that  they  celebrated  a  day  of  public  Thanks- 
giving for  so  remarkable  and  unexpected  a  blessing. 

This  is  a  succinct  History  of  the  matter  of  fact  as  punctually  as  I  could  have 
opportunity  to  make  my  observations. 

I  wish  I  could  as  easily  give  the  like  account  of  all  the  difficulties  which  so 
long  retarded  the  conclusion  of  a  business  which  seems  to  have  been  very  fairly 
Intended  on  all  hands. 

For  nothing  having  appeared  from  the  press  on  this  subject,  I  could  only  learn 
from  my  correspondent  at  that  court,  that  after  the  elector's  necessary  temporiz- 
ing with  France  and  Rome  (as  aforesaid)  the  principal  obstacle  remaining,  con- 
sisted in  the  fixing  of  the  time,  which  was  to  serve  as  a  rule  whereby  to  order 
the  intended  reform;  since  it  was  requisite  to  pitch  upon  some  certain  period 
wherein  things  had  been  settled  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Protestants.  The  inno- 
vations complained  of  not  being  introduced  all  at  once,  nor  under  one  pretext. 

The  Protestants  insisted  on  the  year  1624  and  the  Electors  ministers  would  have 
the  year  1618  because  it  was  provided  by  a  treaty,  that  mattei's  of  religion  should 
continue,  in  the  Palatinate  upon  the  same  foot,  as  they  were  before  the  troubles 
which  happened  on  the  score  of  the  kingdom  of  Bohemia;  but  as  those  troubles  did 
not  begin  before  the  year  1619  it  was  reasonable  to  take  the  year  immediately  pre- 
ceeding.  The  Palatine  ministers  did  further  urge  that  although  all  the  other 
members  of  the  empire  were  obliged  to  keep  to  the  constitutions  and  regulations 
concerning  religion,  published  by  the  general  consent  of  the  Empire;  yet  that  It 
was  not  the  same  thing,  as  to  their  Electors,  because  that  from  the  very  begin- 
ning of  the  Reformation,  they  were  in  possession  of  a  right  to  appoint  in  matters 
of  religion  (within  their  own  Dominions)  what  they  should  think  most  convenient, 
without  conforming  to  such  orders  as  either  were  or  should  be  issued  by  the 
Dyet  of  Ratisbonne;  and  that  there  were  several  precedents  of  our  Elector's 
abrogating  what  his  predecessor  had  established:  so  that  if  a  Protestant  Prince 
(for  example)  should  ever  happen  to  succeed,  he  must  have  the  same  right  of 
changing  in  religion,  what  his  Popish  predecessor  had  introduced. 

Now  supposing  this  to  be  true  as  to  fact  (for  I  am  far  from  allowing  it  is  right) 
it  must  be  owned  that  the  Protestants  In  general  are  under  a  most  sensible  obliga- 
tion to  his  Electoral  Highness,  who  without  any  regard  to  so  notable  a  privilege 
came  to  an  agreement  so  advantageous  to  the  Protestant  Religion,  as  we  shall 
more  evidently  show  anon,  and  as  will  demonstrably  appear  by  the  Declaration 
hereto   annexed. 

It  must  be  likewise  confessed  that  the  Elector  Palatine  has  written  of  our  own 
Queen   in   a   most   singular  manner;    by   his    extraordinary   complaisance   In   paying 


1707 


1707 


1678  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

go  ready  a  Deference  to  the  instances  of  her  Majesty  in  so  nice  an  affair  as  that 
of  religion  to  the  prejudice  of  his  particular  right;  and  this  by  so  much  the  more, 
as  that  his  Electoral  Highness  was  known  to  declare,  that  if  the  King  of  Prussia 
should  not  be  content  with  what  he  had  granted  to  the  Protestants  (which  ap- 
peared so  reasonable  to  several  engaged  in  this  matter,  that  they  acknowledged 
they  could  have  demanded  no  more,  were  it  left  to  their  sole  arbitration)  yet  he 
would  Eot  fail  to  put  it  in  execution  and  to  send  the  result  thereof  to  the  Maritime 
Powers  and  the  rest  of  the  Protestant  princes,  to  convince  them,  that  it  was  none 
of  his  fault,  if  all  these  differences   were  not  amicably  and  finally  adjusted. 

Who  could  have  the  front  after  this,  to  tell  the  world,  that  his  Electoral  High- 
ness is  a  persecutor  of  the  Protestants?  Considering  especially  that  he  confides 
his  armies  to  the  care  and  conduct  of  Protestant  Generals,  that  he  indifferently 
admits  of  Protestants  into  all  his  counsils,  that  one  of  his  principal  Secretaries 
of  State  is  a  Protestant  and  that  not  only  in  the  Palatinate,  but  also  in  the 
Dutcheis  of  Juliers  and  Burgues  (where  he  makes  his  ordinary  Residence)  he 
grants  so  entire  liberty  of  conscience,  as  that  the  Protestants  may  publicly  exer- 
cise their  religion  and  build  churches  where  so  ever  they  please.  For  my  own 
part  I  cannot  but  frankly  acknowledge  after  all  this,  that  I  am  cured  of  those 
HI  impressions  which  I  formerly  conceived  against  this  prince,  as  to  aft'airs  of 
religion,  taking  him  at  present  to  be  as  much  a  friend  to  the  Protestants  (making 
a  due  allowance  for  his  own  persuasion)  as  I  formerly  believed  him  to  be  their 
enemy.  Nor  can  I  but  wonder  at  the  long  continuance  of  those  false  reports  in 
this  country,  notwithstanding  the  notoriety  of  the  greatest  part  of  the  fact  we 
have  hitherto  related. 

But  I  am  much  inclined  to  believe,  that  some  who  call  themselves  Protestants 
and  who  yet  appear  no  great  friends  to  the  Confederates,  nor  to  the  Protestant 
succession  in  one  of  the  Palatine  family  being  exasperated  at  the  Electors  most 
particular  zeal  for  the  common  cause,  have  made  it  their  business  to  foment  a 
distrust  of  him  in  the  opinion  of  this  nation  and  so  to  blast  (if  they  could)  all 
the  kindness  and  couflricnce  it  seems  to  ha^e  a  title  to  expecting  from  the  Queen, 
after  what  he  has  done  to  the  Protestants,  with  so  principal  a  regard  to  her 
Majesty's  interposition.  Nay  and  how  for  even  some  princes,  jealous  of  the 
Elector's  glory  and  representing  on  these  accounts  may  have  contributed  to  spread 
those  dishonorable  reports,  is  matter  fitter  for  private  speculation  than  public 
discussion. 

But  as  to  what  we  have  so  often  said,  that  his  Electoral  Highness  is  no  perse- 
cutor it  will  clearly  .Tppear  by  the  declaration  he  published  in  his  territories  upon 
the  treaty  lately  concluded  with  the  King  of  Prussia  and  which  (as  was  men- 
tioned before)  he  imparted  to  her  Majesty,  who  was  most  highly  pleased  at  the 
good  issue  of  a  thing  she  took  so  much  heart  from  her  tender  regard  to  our  Protes- 
tant  Brethren  abroad. 

This  declaration  I  have  hereunto  annexed  at  large,  not  only  to  satisfy  the 
curiosity  of  the  publick,  but  likewise  as  a  piece  that  may  serve  for  an  excellent 
model  for  all  transactions  of  the  same  kind.  The  Protestants  themselves  do  not 
ordinarily  grant  one  another  what  is  doue  here  by  a  Roman  Catholic;  for  not  only 
those  of  the  different  religions  are  equally  made  partakers  of  all  privileges  belong- 
ing to  citizens,  merchants,  companies,  and  other  societies;  but  are  also  admitted 
indifferently  into  all  civil  posts  and  magistracys  to  the  shame  of  such  as  impoli- 
tically  practice  the  contrary.  'Tis  likewise  provided  with  as  much  prudence  and 
justice,  as  the  thing  is  uncommon  that  those  of  our  religion  shall  exercise  no 
manner  of  Ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  over  those  of  another;  which  to  do  is  the 
greatest  absurdity  in  the  world,  as  it  is  most  reasonable  that  those  of  the  same 
communion  should  exercise  their  own  discipline  within  themselves. 

The  Elector  will  quickly  perceive  the  good  effects  of  this  equitable  proceeding, 
both  in  the  peopling  of  his  countrys,  which  of  consequence  make  him  rich  and 
powerful;  and  in  the  affection  of  his  subjects,  whose  obedience  is  not  half  so  well 
secured  by  any  set  of  notions  or  doctrines  (be  they  what  they  will)  as  by  whole- 
some  laws   and   an   impartial   administration. 

But  his  most  serene  Highness  is  likewise  so  nice  a  judge  and  so  magnificent  a 
patron  of  the  liberal  Arts  and  Sciences,  in  forming  this  incomparable  Declaration, 
he  could  not  be  unmindful  of  restoring  the  Universitys,   not  only  to  their  ancient 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.         1679 

splendor,  but  to  make  them  likewise  places  of  improvement  to  those  of  all  per- 
suasions; which  serves  to  condemn  the  practice  of  those  who  regulate  the  Seml- 
narys  of  publick  education,  as  if  none  were  to  be  learned  or  polite,  but  their  par- 
ticular society;  and  yet  these  will  generally  pretend  to  abhor  like  partiality  in  the 
Emperor  Julian. 

But   here  follow   the   Declaration   to   speak   in   its   own   behalf,   where   note   that 
Evangellck   signifies   Lutheran   and   Reformed   Calvinist. 


Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  in  America. 

Legal    Opinion   on    Cornbury's    attempt    to    control    the    Dutch 

Churches. 

Abraham  Gouverneiir  to [Consistories  of  Kings  Co.] 

January  8,  1707. 

[Portfolio  "'New  York"  Vol.  i.] 

New  York,  January  8,  1706/7. 

Sir : —  1st  Having  seen  a  certain  order  of  his  Excellency's  dated 
the  third  of  January,  1706,  relating  to  the  case  of  the  Dutch 
Church  at  Flatbush,  I  would  obser\^e  that  this  has  no  foundation 
whatever  in  any  of  the  laws  and  customs  of  the  Kealm  of  England, 
so  far  as  this  Province  is  concerned.  But  it  militates  grievously 
against  them  all;  principally  against  the  Magna  Charta  of  Eng- 
land ;  also  the  law  for  the  Abolition  of  the  Star  Chamber,  made  in 
the  reign  of  Charles  I,  and  others  besides.  It  is  therefore  Extra- 
judicial, and  of  no  validity. 

2nd  This  order  has  not  even  so  much  in  it,  that  it  agrees  with 
the  common  course  of  (legal)  papers  of  England ;  as  being  without 
seal,  etc. 

3rd  It  is  not  so  directed  that  it  can  be  executed  by  any  officers ; 
it  lets  the  execution  go  by  judgment  (or  option)  ;  since  it  is  not 
the  natural  consequence  of  judicial  procedure. 

4th  Its  contents,  even  in  principle,  embrace  untruths,  for  it  is 
known  to  every  one  that  Ereerman  declined  the  call  of  Elatbush 
before  Antonides  was  called.  It  is  also  a  contradiction  to  say 
that  he,  viz.  Ereerman,  is  called  by  the  church,  and  at  the  same 


1707 


1707 


1680  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

time  is  appointed  bj  the  Governor,  as  minister ;  since  ttat  power 
rests  either  in  the  Governor  or  in  the  Consistory;  and  not  in  the 
Governor,  and  the  people,  in  such  wise  as  this  order  expresses  it. 

5th  This  order  confounds  the  ecclesiastical  with  the  secular; 
for  the  call  affects  the  one,  but  the  houses,  lands,  etc.,  the  other. 
How  then,  because  it  is  said  that  Freerman  is  appointed  and  called, 
a  conclusion  is  drawn  that  therefore  the  church  property  must  be 
handed  over  to  him,  is  incomprehensible;  for  these  goods  have 
never  been  in  the  hands  of  the  minister,  but  of  Elders,  Deacons, 
and  Church-Masters. 

6th  Every  one  knows  in  what  manner  and  with  what  difficulty 
any  one  is  dispossessed  of  his  goods ;  but  it  is  unheard  of  that  one 
be  ordered,  unless  by  force  of  arms,  to  deliver  them  himself,  and 
especially  such  as  are  only  held  in  trust. 

In  fine,  what  will  be  the  consequences  of  this  and  such  like 
orders,  if  obeyed,  I  will  leave  to  your  High  wise  judgment. 

I  am  your  servant, 

Abraham  Gouverneur.* 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Eev.  D'ailly  called  to  the  Cape  (of  Good  Hope.) 

170Y,  Jan.  11th.  Rev.  Deputati  ad  Extra,  reported  that  the 
call  made  on  Rev.  John  Godefrid  D'ailly,  (Dellius  ?)  to  the  Cape, 
was  graciously  approved  by  the  Messrs.  Directors  (of  the  West 
India  Company.)     ix.  143.  • 

Examination  of  Rev.  D'ailly  and  David  de  Graaf. 

1707,  Jan.  11th.  Were  allowed  to  enter  Rev.  John  Godefridus 
D'ailly,  called  as  minister  to  the  Cape,  for  final  examination,  and 
studiosus  David  de  Graaff,  for  preparatory.  The  first  preached 
on  Rom.  8:  3,  4:  and  the  second  on  Heb.  1:  3.  Afterward,  the 
examination  was  proceeded  with.      The  Assembly  was  satisfied 

•  He  was  son  In  law  of  Leisler,  member  of  the  Council,  but  a  violent  opponent 
of  Cornbury  and  his  party. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1681 

1707 

therewith  to  that  extent,  that  Rev.  D'ailly  was  consecrated  (or- 
dained) by  the  Examiner,  with  the  laying  on  of  hands,  as  minister 
of  the  church  at  the  Cape ;  and  studiosus  de  Graaff  was  accepted 
as  proponent,  (licentiate,)  but  only  after  previously  taking  the 
Oath  of  Purification  and  sigTiing  the  formulae  of  Concord, 
ix.  145. 

Letter  from  'New  York. 

1707,  Jan.  11th.  There  was  placed  upon  the  table  a  letter 
from  New  York,  written  June  10th,  1706,  telling  of  the  state  of 
the  church  there.  After  discussion  on  the  subject,  the  Rev.  As- 
sembly resolved  to  leave  the  matter  in  statu,  until  fuller  informa- 
tion shall  have  come  before  the  Classis.     ix.  145. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

New  York.     Antonides  complains  of  Freeman. 

1707,  April  4th.  The  Deputati  ad  Maritimas  exhibited  and 
read  to  the  Classis,  a  letter  from  Rev.  Antonides,  minister  on  Long 
Island,  in  New  York.  This  was  also  signed  by  some  elders  and 
deacons,  as  well  as  by  Rev.  du  Bois.  In  it  complaint  was  made 
of  the  conduct  of  Rev.  Freerman  in  disturbing  the  church  in  that 
section  of  the  country,  (Long  Island.)  But  since  the  matter  as 
yet  presents  itself  very  obscurely  to  the  Rev.  Classis  the  Rev. 
Deputies  are  directed  to  investigate  most  carefully  the  state  and 
situation  of  those  churches,  and  to  bring  in  a  report  thereon  at  the 
next  meeting.  Then  according  to  the  circumstances,  letters  shall 
be  written  to  the  Rev.  Antonides,  to  the  Rev.  Freerman,  as  well  as 
to  the  consistory  on  the  said  Island,  in  order  t€  exhort  them  all  to 
peace,  and  the  advancement  of  the  wellfare  of  the  churches. 
ix.  147. 

New  York. 

1707,  May  9th.  In  regard  to  the  case  of  New  York,  see 
previous  acta.     Inasmuch  as  some  letters  have  come  in  later,  and 


1707 


1682  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

also  a  gentleman  came  over  from  those  regions  about  two  months 
ago,  who  is  said  to  possess  a  knowledge  of  the  situation  (ameni- 
ties) of  this  church,  the  Rev.  Classis  directs  the  regular  Com- 
mittee ad  extras,  to  examine  these  letters  and  to  confer  with  the 
said  gentlemen,  and  to  bring  in,  as  speedily  as  possible,  a  minute 
report,     ix.  149. 

]^ew  York.     Gravamina."^ 

1Y07,  May  16th.  The  case  of  'Ne^v  York  remains  in  statu. 
The  churches  of  this  Classis  declare  that  this  year  they  have  no 
gravamina.  Proxima  Classis  will  be  held  July  6th,  and  ad 
Synodum  shall  ]3roceed  the  Rev.  jSTuilman,     ix.  151. 

ISlew  York. 

1707,  June  6th.  Concerning  the  case  of  New  York,  see  previ- 
ous acta.  The  Rev.  Deputati  ad  Maritima  (-as?)  made  a  full 
report.  The  business  was  further  recommended  to  their  care, 
after  an  expression  of  thanks  to  them  for  the  endeavors  which  they 
had  put  forth.  They  were  requested  particularly,  to  confer  with 
the  Hon.  Pensionary  Buys,  for  political  (civil)  matters  are  in- 
volved therein,     ix.  152. 

Colonel  Robert  Quaky  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

1707.  June  28. 
[About  the  Demands  of  Quakers.] 

To   the   Right   Honorable    the    Lords    Commissioners   for   Trade    &   Plantations. 
Right  Honorable: 


But  now  I  must  lay  the  scheme  in  Mr.  Penn's  ov.-n  Province,  and  then  the  war 
Is  as  hot  and  I  fear  of  a  worse  consequence,  then  between  the  two  Governments, 
for  here  is  the  Assembly  against  Mr.  Penn  and  his  Deputy  and  they  against  them, 
the  Deputy  Governor  hath  strangely  incensed  and  disobliged  all  sorts  of  people 
on  the  other  hand,  the  Assembly  do  carry  their  resentments  against  him,  and 
the  proprietor  to  that  height,  that  they  are  resolved  to  have  all  the  Government 

*  Gravamina,  bezwaar,  zwarigheid,  mean  difficulties,  grievances,  objections,  which 
need  to  be  discussed,  that  advice  may  be  given  to  the  parties  presenting  them. 
The  word  Gravamina  was  yet  used  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Dutch  Church  in  America 
during  the  first  quarter  of  the  19th  century. 


OF  THE  State  of  IsTew  Yokk.  168 


o 


1707 


and  powers  into  their  own  hands,  they  insist  to  have  the  sole  regulation  of  all 
Courts,  and  the  nomination  of  all  oflBcers,  to  sett  when  and  as  often  and  as  long 
as  they  please  on  their  own  adjournments,  they  have  filled  a  volume  with  Votes 
and  Resolves,  and  what  they  call  their  Rights  and  Privileges  So  that  they  have 
banished  all  Prerogative  &  Government  but  what  is  lodged  in  the  Assembly.  I 
should  quite  tyre  your  Lordships,  should  I  pretend  to  tell  you  the  tenth  of  their 
folly  &  extravagancy,  which  may  sufficiently  convince  all  men,  that  the  Qualiers 
principles  is  not  consistant  with  Government,  I  ought  not  to  call  it  principles, 
but  rather  Temper  and  humour,  which  will  oppose  all  government  and  submit  to 
none  but  what  is  lodged  in  their  own  hands  I  did  not  think  fltt  to  trouble  your 
Lordships  with  a  long  history  of  these  confusions,  by  reason  I  have  dayly  ex- 
pected to  have  heard  that  Mr.  Penn  hath  already  surrendered  up  the  Government 
to  the  Queen,  or  at  least  that  it  is  done  by  some  other  persons  for  when  ever 
the  Government  is  in  the  Crown,  all  these  confusions  will  be  at  an  end,  provided 
the  Quakers  are  excluded  from  having  the  Administration  of  the  Government  in 
their  hands,  and  now  that  this  great  truth  may  more  plainly  appear  to  your  Lord- 
ships I  beg  leave  to  show  of  how  pernicious  a  consequence  the  infectious  humour, 
temper  and  evil  principles  of  the  Quakers  are  of,  in  relation  to  Government  give 
me  leave  to  remind  your  Lordships  of  that  daring  insolent  Act  past  by  the  Assembly 
of  Pennsylvania  which  directly  struck  at  the  Queen's  Prerogative  by  disowning 
her  orders  and  Instructions,  and  passing  an  Act  in  Opposition  to  it,  this  matter 
hath  been  laid  before  your  Lordships  with  an  address  from  her  Majesty's  good 
Subjects,  who  are  members  of  the  Church  of  England  setting  forth  the  very  great 
injuries  and  hardships  which  they  labour  under  by  that  unjust  Act,  all  which 
hath  been  fully  considered  by  your  Lordships,  and  as  I  am  informed,  the  proper 
resolutions  taken  thereon  and  therefore  will  not  take  up  more  of  your  Lordships 
time  in  making  any  further  remarks  or  comments  on  it,  but  proceed  to  shew  the 
evill  effects  and  consequences  of  the  Quakers  insolent  opposition  and  affronting  the 
Queens  authority,  and  this  will  appear  to  your  Lordships  by  the  severall  steps 
taken  by  the  same  sect  of  People,  the  Quakers  of  her  Majestys  Province  of  New 
Jersey,  his  Excellency  my  Lord  Cornbury  having  issued  out  writts  for  calling  an 
Assembly  the  first  step  taken  By  Samuel  Jennings  the  head  of  them,  was  his 
declareing  that  he  would  no  longer  serve  the  Queen  as  one  of  her  Councill  his  pre- 
tence was,  that  he  could  not  bear  the  charge  of  it,  but  the  true  reason  was,  that 
it  was  not  in  his  power  in  that  station  to  doe  so  much  mischief  to  the  Queens 
interest,  as  he  might  do  in  the  Assembly  into  which  he  was  sure  to  be  chosen 
and  in  order  to  the  having  himself  and  others  of  his  principles  brought  into  the 
house  of  Burgesses,  there  was  effectuall  care  taken  to  possess  the  whole  Country, 
that  all  their  libertys  and  propertys  lay  at  stake,  &  depended  on  their  choice  of 
the  Assembly  they  had  prepared  a  list  of  such  as  they  thought  fitt  for  that  pur- 
pose and  assured  the  people,  that  if  ttiey  would  choose  of  them  that  then  there 
should  be  no  money  raised  for  the  support  of  Government,  Nor  any  Militia  Act 
past,  this  was  too  powerful  a  baite  and  produced  the  desired  effect,  those  very 
men  were  chosen  in  the  Western  Division  and  the  same  methods  taken  by  Colonel 
Morris  and  his  faction  in  the  Eastern  Division  but  for  the  more  effectuall  carry- 
ing on  this  design  the  heads  of  the  faction  in  both  Divisions  agreed  on  a  most 
scandalous  libell,  of  which  they  got  a  vast  number  printed,  and  took  care  to  dis- 
perse them  through  the  whole  Province,  perhaps  there  was  never  a  more  scan- 
dalous libell  published,  a  copy  of  which  with  the  severall  steps  taken  by  his 
Excellency  to  discover  the  authors  &  publishers,  I  must  refer  to  my  Lord  who  I 
presume  sends  it  by  this  opportunity  And  now  after  all  these  indirect  means  used 
it  Is  not  strange,  that  they  gained  their  end  on  an  Assembly  for  their  purpose 
who  att  the  day  appointed  mett,  and  then  to  shew  that  they  were  resolved  to 
answer  the  end  for  which  they  were  chosen,  they  satt  above  a  month,  in  all  which 
time  they  did  not  make  the  least  stepps  towards  the  preparing  any  act  for  the 
support  or  defence  of  the  Government,  but  their  whole  time  was  taken  up  in 
matters  that   did  not  concern  them. 


You   have   seen  that  the  Government   of   Pennsylvania   have  thrown   off   all    re- 
spect &  regard  for  any  of  the  Queens  orders  or  Instructions,  which  appears  to  your 


1707 


1684:  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

Lordships,  by  making  an  Act  of  Assembly  directly  opposite  and  contrary  to  tliem 
v.ere  this  evill  confined  to  that  Government;  only,  I  should  not  give  your  Lord- 
ships any  trouble  about  it,  but  the  infection  of  this  grand  evill  is  spread  over  all 
the  Queen's  Governments,  and  that  it  hath  taken  deep  rooting  in  that  of  the 
Jerseys  will  appear  to  your  Lordships,  by  my  acquainting  you  that  I  was  present 
in  Council  when  his  Excellency  having  occasion  to  summon  Coll.  Morris,  Samuell 
Jennings  &  severall  others  of  the  heads  of  that  Faction  his  Lordship  was  pleased 
in  order  to  the  giving  them  satisfaction  about  some  matters  which  they  clamoured 
against,  to  procure  her  Majesty's  instructions  to  them,  out  of  which  he  ordered 
some  particular  clauses  to  be  read,  thinking  (as  I  suppose)  that  they  would  be 
concluded  by  them,  but  it  had  quite  a  contrary  effect  for  Collonel  Morris  at  the 
mouth  of  tliem  all  told  his  Lordship,  that  the  Queens  order  &  instructions  did 
not  concern  or  affect  them,  nor  should  it  conclude  them  any  further  than  they 
were  warranted  by  Law,  this  bold  assertion  occasioned  some  debate,  but  after 
all  they  were  firm  In  this  their  pernitious  principles,  and  now  your  Lordships 
may  plainly  see,  what  these  men  do  aim  at,  &  what  the  consequence  must  quickly 
be,  if  not  prevented,  for  having  thrown  off  all  respect  and  obedience  to  the  Queens 
orders  and  instructions;  by  what  must  they  be  Governed  for  the  Laws  of  England 
they  will  not  allow  of  but  when  it  suits  their  interest  or  to  serve  a  turn;  when 
it  is  contrary  to  their  wild  notions  then  it  shall  not  oblige  them  unless  the  Queen 
will  allow  them  to  send  their  representatives  to  sitt  in  the  Parliment  of  Great 
Brittain,  so  that  there  is  but  one  way  more  to  govern  those  men,  which  must 
be  by  laws  of  their  own  making  but  in  this  they  are  safe  enough  since  they  resolve 
to  make  no  laws,  but  such  as  shall  lessen  and  impower  (impair?)  the  Queens  pre- 
rogative and  Authority  and  suit  with  there  own  humours  if  her  Majesty's  Gover- 
nours  will  not  consent  to  such  laws,  then  they  will  give  no  money  to  support 
either  Governor  or  Government  but  all  shall  sink,  this  is  the  game  which  they 
now  resolve  to  play  in  Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey  and  New  York  the  first  of  these 
had  not  given  the  last  tax,  but  as  a  bribe  to  have  the  Act  passed  for  affronting 
and  destroying  the  Queens  orders,  the  Assembly  of  the  Jerseys  resolve  to  give 
no  money  unless  they  can  be  freed  from  a  Militia,  and  have  an  Act  to  ruin  half 
the  people  of  the  Province,  and  should  they  gain  all  this,  yet  they  will  not  give 
enough  to  support  the  Government, 


Right  Honorable, 

Your  Lordships   most  faithfull   &  obedient   Servant, 

Robert  Qnary. 
Philadelphia  —Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  17-20. 

June  28,  1707. 


Eepresentation  to  the  Queen"  in  Regard  to  Several  Acts  of 
New  York,  in  Reference  to  Land-Grants. 

Jnly  29,  1707. 
(Favorable  to  Rev.  Dellius.) 

To  the  Queen's   most  Excellent  Majesty. 

May  it  please  your  Majesty. 

Having  under  our  consideration  such  laws  passed  in  New  York  as  have  not  yet 
been  confirmed  or  repealed.  We  beg  leave  for  the  present  to  lay  before  your 
Majesty  two  of  the  said  Acts,  which  in  our  opinion  ought  in  the  first  place  to 
Receive  Your  Royal  Pleasure,  Viz. 

An  Act  for  Vacating,  breaking  and  annulling  several  Extravagant  Grants  of 
Land  made  by  Col.  Benjamin  Fletcher,  late  Governor  of  this  Province,  under  his 
Majesty;   past  at  an  Assembly  held  there  the  2nd  of  March  1698/9. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1685 

And  another  Act  intituled 

An  Act  for  the  Repealing  several  Acts  of  Assembly,  and  Declaring  other  Ordi- 
nances published  as  Acts  of  Assembly  to  be  Void:  Past  at  an  Assembly  held  there 
the  27th  November,   1702. 

Upon  which  we  humbly  Represent  to  your  Majesty,  that  upon  the  Earl  of  Bello- 
mont's  arrival  in  that  Province,  he  met  with  gi-eat  difficulties  by  reason  of  several 
undue  practices  introduced  there  by  the  said  preceding  Governor,  and  particularly 
In  relation  to  Extravagant  Grants  of  land,  whereof  the  Earl  of  Bellomont  was 
informed  by  a  memorial  from  the  then  Attorney  General  of  New  York,  a  Copy  of 
which  Memorial  is  hereunto  annexed:  But  in  Order  to  the  setting  this  matter  in  a 
full  light,  We  humbly  take  leave  to  refer  to  the  Annexed  Extract  of  a  Representa- 
tion made  by  the  then  Commissioners  for  Trade  &  Plantations  to  the  Lords  Jus- 
tices, the  19th  of  October  1698,  and  the  papers  relating  thereto. 

Upon  which  and  for  the  reasons  therein  mentioned  the  said  Lords  Justices 
did  on  the  10th  of  November  1698  write  to  the  Earl  of  Bellomont  to  the  Effect 
following. 

"  Whereas  many  exorbitant  grants  of  vast  tracts  of  land  have  been  made  of 
late  Years  (and  particularly  in  some  of  the  Mohacq's  Country)  without  any  Reser- 
vation of  competent  Quit  Rents  to  His  Majesty,  or  any  Obligation  upon  the 
Respective  Grantees,  to  cultivate  and  improve  the  same,  as  Reason  requires;  By 
means  whereof  the  Frontiers  of  that  Province  are  in  danger  of  being  weakened 
by  Desertion  of  the  Mohacqs  and  other  neighbouring  Indians;  and  the  improve- 
ment and  peopling  of  the  whole  Province  must  of  necessity  be  in  great  measure 
obstructed;  together  with  many  Inconveniences  evidently  attending  the  same; 
We  do  therefore  hereby  direct  and  require  you  to  put  in  practice  all  methods 
whatsoever  allowed  by  law,  for  the  breaking  and  annulling  of  the  said  exhorbitant, 
Irregular  and  unconditioned  Grants,  And  in  case  of  any  difficulty  therein,  that 
you  represent  unto  his  Majes'ty,  by  one  of  His  Principal  Secretaries  of  State,  and 
to  His  Majesty's  forementioned  Commissioners  for  Trade  &  Plantations,  what- 
ever you  judge  may  be  further  conductive  of  the  effecting  of  so  necessary  a  Work; 
And  further  for  the  prevention  of  all  such  like  Inconveniences  hereafter.  We  also 
hereby  direct  and  Order,  That  for  the  future  You  pass  no  Grants  of  Land  within 
His  Majesty's  said  Province  of  New  York  unto  any  Person  whatsoever,  under  a 
less  Reservation  of  Quit  Rent  than  two  Shillings  and  sixpence  for  every  hundred 
acres,  nor  without  an  Obligation  upon  the  Grantees  to  Plant,  settle  and  effectually 
cultivate  the  same,  within  the  space  of  three  years  at  the  furthest  under  the  Pen- 
alty of  the  Forfeiture." 

Upon  the  Receipt  of  those  Orders  the  Earl  of  Bellomont  called  an  Assembly 
which  met  the  2nd  of  March  1698/9  and  passed  the  first  mentioned  Act  for  Vacat- 
ing several  of  Col.   Fletchers  Exhorbitant  Grants,   viz. 

A  Grant  to  Godfrey  Dellius  and  others  for  a  tract  of  Land,  lying  on  the  Mohacqs 
Elver,  containing  about  fifty  Miles  in  length  and  four  Miles  in  breadth. 

A  Grant  to  the  said  Godfrey  Dellius  for  a  Tract  of  Land  lying  on  the  East  side 
of  Hudson's  River,  containing  twelve  Miles  in  breadth,  and  about  seventy  Miles 
in  length. 

A  Grant  to  Col.  Bayard  for  a  Tract  of  Land  lying  upon  a  creek  which  runs 
into  the  Mohacqs  River,  containing  twenty  four  or  thirty  Miles  in  length;  Which 
land   is  also   claimed   by   the   Mohacqs. 

A  Grant  to  Captain  Evans  for  a  Tract  of  Land  lying  on  the  West  side  of  Hud- 
sons  River  containing  twenty  Miles  in  breadth  and  forty  Miles  in  length. 

A  Grant  to  the  said  Captain  Evans  of  another  Tract  of  Land  Adjacent  to  the 
King's  farm,  on  the  Island  Manhattan,  the  contents  not  known,  but  described  by 
bounds. 

A  Grant  of  the  fore  mentioned  Farm  to  the  Church  Wardens  &  Vestry  Men 
of  Trinity  Church  by  Lease,  for  the  term  of  Seven  Years  from  19th  August  1697, 
The  Rent  fifty  Bushels  of  Wheat  per  Annum. 


1707 


1707 


1686  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

A  Grant  to  Col.  Caleb  Heathcote  of  a  lott  of  ground,  part  of  the  King's  Garden 
containing  in  breadth  about  twenty  seven  foot,  and  in  length  fifty  foot,  granted 
to  him,  his  heirs  &  assigns  forever  under  the  Yearly  rent  of  one  shilling. 

A  Grant  to  the  said  Caleb  Heathcote  of  another  part  of  the  said  Garden  by  lease 
for  the  term  of  forty  one  years  from  the  19th  August  1697,  at  the  yearly  rent  of 
four  Shillings,  the  contents  whereof  are  uncertain,  as  it  is  described  by  being 
bounden  by  the  Fence  of  the  said  garden,  so  far  as  the  said  garden  in  the  rear 
does  extend,  and  from  thence  into  Hudson's  River  as  far  as  Low  Water  Mark. 

Besides  the  Eight  foregoing  Grants  so  Vacated  as  aforesaid,  there  do  still  re- 
main in  force  several  other  exorbitant  grants  with  the  particulars  whereof  we 
shall  forbear  to  trouble  Your  Majesty,  till  such  time  as  it  shall  be  judged  proper 
by  Your  Majesty  to  have  the  like  method  taken  for  Vacating  and  annulling  the 
said  remaining  grants  by  an  Act  to  be  passed  in  that  Province,  which  however, 
from  the  reasons  given  by  the  Earl  of  Bellomont,  We  do  apprehend  may  prove 
a  work  of  great  difficulty. 

We  therefore  humbly  Represent  to  your  Majesty  that  the  aforesaid  Act  for 
vacating  Col.  Fletcher's  Grants  having  been  transmitted  hither.  Objections  were 
made  against  the  confirming  the  said  Act,  which  objections  are  in  substance  as 
follows: 

*'  That  such  Proceedings  would  render  the  Properties  of  all  lands  uncertain  and 
precarious." 

"  That  the  Lords  Justices's  Instructions  being  to  break  the  Grants  by  legal 
means,  the  word  legal  must  relate  to  the  law  in  being." 

"  That  therefore  these  Instructions  can  only  mean  to  Vacate  the  Grants  by  a 
Proceeding  in  the   Ordinary  course  of  Justice." 

"  That  the  lands  of  Dellius  and  Bayard  were  by  the  Grantees  purchased  of  the 
Indians,  and  afterwards  Grants  were  taken  of  them  from  the  Crown  under  final 
Quit  Rents  by  way  of  acknowledgement  to  fix  the  tenure  and  Soveraignty  of  them 
In  the  Crown  so  that  as  to  these  Lands  the  Revenues  are  not  diminished  by  the 
said  Grants  but  the  territories  and  Dominions  of  the  Crown  are  enlarged." 

"  That  if  leases  and  Conveyances  were  made  of  any  of  the  land  thus  granted, 
the  particular  persons  therein  concerned  would  suffer  unjustly.  Nobody  would 
lend  Mony  upon  Mortgage  of  any  of  these  lands,  or  make  improvements  under 
these  Grants,  or  accept  of  any  leases  or  Conveyances  upon  them,  nor  accept  them 
upon   Settlements   in   Marriage  etc. 

"  That  supposing  the  Grants  are  Extravagant  they  ought  not  therefore  to  be 
annulled,   but  rather  retrenched,   and  brought  to  reasonable  limits. 

That  if  the  power  of  Revoking  Grants  be  left  to  a  Governor  Council  and  As- 
sembly, the  Governor  may  have  the  choice  of  so  many  of  the  Council,  and  have 
such  an  influence  in  having  his  own  Creatures  returned  to  be  of  the  Assembly, 
that  he  may  at  any  time  Act  arbitrarily  &  unjustly  In  such  Revocations.  That 
in  this  case  no  redress  being  to  be  had,  otherwise  than  by  complaining  to  the 
Crown  of  such  undue  Elections,  and  the  matter  being  to  be  proved  by  witnesses 
to  be  produced  here  it  will  be  so  chargeable  that  few  or  none  will  venture  upon 
a  thing  of  that  nature,  so  that  justice  will  hardly  be  obtained. 

That  His  late  Majesty  having  solemnly  declared  under  His  great  Seal,  that 
Grants  made  by  his  Governors  with  the  Advice  ot  the  Council,  should  be  good 
and  effectual  against  His  Majesty,  his  Heirs  and  Successors  etc.  It  would  lessen 
the  Royal  Credit." 

To  all  which  Mr.   Champante  then  Agent  for  New  York,   did  reply  as  follows: 
"  That  the  Assembly  being  according  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Province,  their 
passing  the  Act  which  repeals  the  Grants,   is  pursuant  to  the  Lords  Justices  In- 
structions, which  intended  a  Proceeding  by  the  Legislative  Power,   by  the  Words 
made   use  of,    viz.     Breaking,    Annulling. 

That  Dellius'  and  Bayard's  Grants  were  surreptitiously  Obtained,  the  Proprie- 
tors being  then  out  again  the  French,  and  not  above  six  or  eight  being  privy  to 
the  Transaction;  Besides  that  these  few  were  drunk,  and  a  vast  tract  of  land 
obtained   for  a   very   little   purchase,   upon    my   Lord    Bellomont's   Entrlng   on   that 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.         1687 

Government  and  his  Lordship's  citation  of  the  Persons  therein  concerned,  two  of 
the  Patentees  of  the  Mohacq's  land,  surrendered  their  part  of  the  said  Grant, 
declaring  that  their  meaning  was,  that  the  land  should  solely  &  wholly  be  kept 
by  them  in  Trust  for  the  benefit  of  the  Mohacq  Indians. 

That  the  Indians  themselves  did  by  a  public  Address  to  the  then  Commander 
In  Chief  &  Council  there,  thank  his  late  Majesty  for  restoring  to  them  their  Land. 

That  if  Dellius'  Grant  be  not  revoked  the  neighboring  Indians  will  be  con- 
strained to  Desert  and  fly  to  the  French. 

That  in  cases  of  this  Nature  particular  claims  may  afterwards  be  provided  for. 

That  the  Demesnes  of  the  Royal  Forts  at  New  York,  viz.  the  lease  made  to 
the  Church  of  the  King's  Farm,  which  used  to  supply  the  Governors  with  Corn; 
the  meadow  passed  away  to  Captain  Evans,  and  part  of  the  Kings  garden  to 
Colonel  Heathcote  are  extravagant  though  not  in  extent  yet  in  their  nature. 

That  there  is  not  a  Christian  Inhabitant  on  either  of  Mr.  Dellius'  grants,  neither 
that  whereof  he  was  sole  grantee,  nor  on  the  other  wherein  Schuyler  and  others 
were  Partners  with  him,  viz.  The  Mohacq's  Land,  and  the  other  Grants  are  liable 
to  as  great  or  greater  exceptions." 

A  strong  Argument  urged  for  Vacating  these  grants  is,  that  great  Quantities 
of  Masts  and  other  timber  fit  for  Naval  Stores,  grow  upon  the  lands  thus  granted 
away,  which  cannot  be  Regained  to  the  Benefit  of  the  Crown,  till  the  Grants  are 
vacated. 

Sir  John  Hawles  then  Solicitor  General  having  been  consulted  upon  this  Act, 
We  humbly  take  leave  to  annex  hereunto  a  copy  of  his  Report,  together  with  the 
Exceptions   taken   thereunto   by   the  said   Agent   of   that    Province.* 

Thus  the  matter  stood  'till  the  Lord  Cornbury's  arrival  in  that  Province,  when 
an  Assembly  was  called,  and  the  foresaid  Act  was  passed  for  Repealing  several 
Acts  of  Assembly,  and  Declaring  other  Ordinances  Published  as  Acts  of  Assembly 
to  be  Void. 

Upon  which  we  take  leave  to  observe  that  this  last  mentioned  Act  Repeals  three 
Acts  therein  particularly  named,  which  said  Acts  were  passed  by  the  Earl  of 
Bellomont,   viz. 

An  act  for  Regulating  Elections  for  Representatives  in  general  Assembly  in 
each  respective  City  and  County  within  this  Province.  Which  Act  was  confirmed 
by  His  late  Majesty  the  5th  of  September  1700,  and  appears  to  us  to  be  a  good 
law,  and  ought  not  to  have  been  repealed  by  the  Assembly  there  without  your 
Majesty's  leave  first  had. 

An  Act  to  prevent  vexatious  suits,  and  settling  and  quieting  the  minds  of  His 
Majesty's   Subjects   within   this   Province. 

And  the  forementioned  Act  for  Vacating  and  Annulling  several  Extravagant 
Grants  made  by  Col.   Fletcher,   late  Governor  in  this  Province,   under  His  Majesty. 

And  by  general  Words  the  said  Act  repeals  all  Acts  past  at  an  Assembly  held 
there,  from  the  19th  of  August  1701  to  the  ISth  of  October  following;  and  in  due 
time  We  shall  lay  before  Your  Majesty,  such  of  them  as  we  conceive  may  be  fit 
and  proper  for  Your  Majesty's  Royal  Confirmation. 

The  reasons  given  for  the  repealing  the  foresaid  Acts  are  set  forth  in  the  Pre- 
amble of  the  said  Act  of  Repeal  as  follows,   viz. 

"  That  several  Acts  and  laws  have  lately  been  past  in  this  Colony,  with  plausi- 
ble and  colourable  titles  and  pretences,  some  of  them  incongruous  and  unjust  in 
themselves,  others  to  obtain  private  and  sinister  ends  under  the  Cloak  of  Public 
Good,  many  pretended  Acts,  as  laws,  by  persons  unqualified  by  right  or  law  to  sit 
or  act  in  the  Legislative  power,  and  by  several  as  were  not  the  choice  of  the 
People,  And  all  of  them  instead  of  being  for  the  profit  and  Advantage  of  the 
Subject  as  they  Ought  to  be,  have  been  and  proved  to  the  Destruction  of  Property, 
the  confining  and  enervating  of  Liberty,  ruinous  to  trade,  to  the  impoverishing  of 
the  people,  a  discouragement  to  Industry,  and  hurtfull  to  the  Settlement  and 
prosperity  of  the  Colony." 

Upon  which  we  beg  leave  to  Observe  that  the  Lord  Cornbury  has  not  given  us 
any  particular  instances  or  proofs  to   make  good  the  foresaid  general   allegations, 


1707 


1707 


1688  Ecclesiastical  Records 

several  of  which  seem  to  be  of  an  extraordinary  nature,  particularly  those  relating 
to  undue  Elections,  and  Disability  of  several  members  who  constituted  the  As- 
sembly is  therein  mentioned.  But  on  the  Contrary  such  of  the  so  repealed  Acts 
as  have  hitherto  been  under  our  own  Consideration,  appearing  to  us  to  be  for 
Your  Majesty's  service  and  the  good  of  that  province,  We  are  humbly  of  Opinion 
that  Your  Majesty  be  pleased  to  Signify  Your  disapprobation  of  the  Aforesaid 
Act  passed  in  November  1702  for  Repealing  Several  Acts  of  Assembly  and  declar- 
ing other  Ordinances  published  as  Acts  of  Assembly  to  be  Void. 

As  to  the  Act  passed  by  the  Earl  of  Bellomont  for  Vacating  breaking  and  an- 
nulling several  Extravagant  grants  of  Land  made  by  Colonel  Benjamin  Fletcher, 
late  Governor  of  that  Province. 

We  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  such  Exorbitant  grants  as  are  therein  men- 
tioned are  highly  prejudicial  to  that  Province,  wherein  We  are  confirmed  by  Let- 
ters from  the  Lord  Cornbury,  complaining  of  the  said  Grants;  and  declaring  that 
for  some  time  he  refused  to  pass  the  Abovementioned  Act  of  Repeal,  whereby 
the  foresaid  vacating  Act  is  among  others  Repealed,  'till  he  was  induced  thereunto 
by  the  Assembly's  having  at  the  same  time  passed  the  Mony  Bill,  in  that  letter 
mentioned.  And  we  do  therefore  concur  with  the  late  Commissioners  of  Trade 
and  Plantations,  in  their  annexed  Representation,  That  it  is  absolutely  necessary 
the  said  grants  be  vacated;  But  that  an  allowance  be  nevertheless  made  by  way 
of  Regrant  to  every  such  grantee  of  a  suitable  number  of  Acres,  not  exceeding 
two  thousand,  to  any  one  person  under  a  yearly  Quit  Rent  of  two  shillings  and 
sixpence  for  every  hundred  aci-es,  with  a  covenant  to  plant  settle  and  efCectually 
cultivate  at  least  three  Acres  of  Land  for  every  fifty  acres  so  taken  up,  within 
three  years  at  the  furthest,  upon  forfeiture  of  every  such  grant.  If  your  Majesty 
shall  think  fit  to  Approve  thereof  then  we  further  propose,  for  the  more  con- 
venient and  equal  setting  out  such  Lands,  That  the  Governor  Lieutenant  Gover- 
nor collector  Secretary  and  Surveyor  General  of  that  Province  for  the  time  being 
(the  Surveyor  General  always  to  be  one)  or  any  three  or  more  of  them  to  be 
empowered  to  set  out  the  lands  so  to  be  Regranted,  they  having  regard  to  the 
profitable  and  unprofitable  Acres,  so  that  each  grantee  may  have  a  proportionate 
number  of  one  sort  and  t'other,  as  was  done  upon  the  Planting  and  Settling  Your 
Majesty's  Kingdom   of  Ireland. 

And  that  the  production  of  Naval  Stores  in  these  Parts  may  not  receive  any 
Impediment  by  such  grants.  We  further  humbly  Offer,  that  in  all  new  patents  the 
grantees  be  restrained,  under  the  Penalty  of  forfeiting  their  Patent,  from  burn- 
ing the  Woods  to  clear  the  land.  And  that  there  be  a  particular  reservation  of 
all  Trees  of  the  Diameter  of  twenty  four  Inches  and  upwards,  at  twelve  inches 
from  the  ground,  for  Masts  for  Your  Majesty's  Royal  Navy,  as  also  of  such  other 
Trees  as  may  be  fit  to  make  Plank,  knees,  etc.  for  the  use  of  Your  Majesty's 
Said  Navy. 

And  in  order  thereunto  We  humbly  offer  that  Your  Majesty  be  pleased  to  ap- 
prove and  confirm  the  said  Act  for  vacating  Col.  Fletcher's  Extravagant  Grants. 

All  which  is  nevertheless  most   humbly   submitted. 

Dartmouth 
Herbert 
'  Ph.    Meadows 

Jn.   Pultney, 
Whitehal 

July  the  29th,  1707.  —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  21-26. 


OF  THE  State  oe  New  Yoek.  1689 

Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  Yokk. —  On  Baptism  of  Ileegitimate 

Children. 

August  7,  1Y07. 

The  Consistory  met  and  called  upon  God's  name.  Resolved, 
unanimously,  in  order  to  obviate  scandal  in  reference  to  the 
baptizing  of  illegitimate  children. 

1.  That  no  children  born  out  of  wedlock  shall  be  baptized,  if 
the  minister  is  aware  of  the  fact,  until  the  parents,  or  at  least  the 
mother,  have  acknowledged  before  the  Consistory,  the  greatness 
of  their  sin,  and  been  warned  to  repentance  and  conversion,  and 
have  also  made  declaration  of  the  same. 

2.  Furthermore,  the  witnesses  (sponsors)  must  be  persons  ir- 
reproachable, and  known  as  Christians. 

3.  They  shall,  when  it  is  required,  promise  in  the  presence  of 
the  Consistory,  and  before  the  child  is  publicly  baptized,  (as  well 
as  at  the  public  baptism)  to  bring  it  up  in  true  Christian  doctrine, 
and  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. —  Lib.  A.  223. 

Trinity  Church. 

Aug.  21,  1707.  Ordered  "  that  since  the  New  Version  of  Psalms  are  printed, 
next  Sunday  come  seven  night,  the  said  New  Version  by  Dr.  Brady  and  Tate  be 
sang  in  Trinity  Church  and  that  no  other  Psalms  be  sung  in  the  said  Church." — 
Records,  i.  59.     Dix,  165. 

Acts  of  the  Ci^ssis  of  Amsterdam. 
Suriname  and  Kew  York. 

lYOT,  Sept.  5th.  The  business  of  Suriname  and  l^ew  York 
remains  in  statu,     ix.  155. 

1707,  Oct.  3rd.  As  to  the  affairs  of  Suriname  and  'New  York, 
the  Rev.  Classis  is  expecting  further  deliverance  from  the  Messrs. 
Directors,  and  from  Pensionary  Buys,  respectively,     ix.  156. 

[A  report  was  expected  from  Pensionary  Buys  on  the  Rights  of 
the  Dutch  Church.     See  May  24,  1706]. 


1707 


1690  '  Ecclesiastical  Kecords 

1707 

^    A^GLicAisr  Chuech  in  Westchester  Co.  and  on  Long  Island. 

Rev.   Mr.   Bartow  to  the  Secretary  of  the   Society  for   Propagating  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts. 

W.  Chester,  N.  Y.  1st  December  1707. 

The  first  half  year  being  Winter  I  lodged  at  a  public  house 

preaching  once  every  Sunday  &  upon  occasion  visiting  the  sick  —  After  winter  was 
over  I  lived  at  Coll.  Graham's  six  miles  from  the  Church  and,  all  the  summer 
preached  twice  every  Sunday  sometimes  at  West  Chester  &  sometimes  at  Jamaica 
on  Long  Island  about  two  miles  distant  from  Mr.  Graham's  at  my  own  charge, 
nor  have  I  had  any  board  given  me  since  I  came  &  once  I  met  with  great  disturb- 
ance at  Jamaica.  Mr.  Hobbart  their  Presbyterian  Minister  having  been  for  some 
time  at  Boston  returned  to  Jamaica  the  Saturday  night  as  I  came  to  it,  and  sent 
to  me  at  my  lodging  (being  then  in  company  with  one  Chief  Justice  Mr.  Mumpes- 
son  &  Mr.  Carter  her  Majesty's  Comptroller)  to  know  if  I  intended  to  preach  on 
the  morrow,  I  sent  him  answer  I  did  intend  it  —  The  next  morning  the  bell  rang 
as  usual  but  before  the  last  time  ringing  Mr.  Hobbart  was  got  into  the  church  & 
had  begun  his  service  of  which  notice  was  given  me  whereupon  I  went  into  the 
church  &  walked  straightway  to  the  pew  expecting  Mr.  Hobbart  would  des'st 
being  he  knew  I  had  orders  from  the  Government  to  officiate  there,  but  he  persisted 
&  I  forbore  to  make  any  interruption  —  In  the  afternoon  I  prevented  him,  begin- 
ning the  service  of  the  Church  of  England  before  he  came  who  was  so  surprised 
when  after  he  came  to  the  Church  door  &  saw  me  performing  divine  service  that 
he  suddenly  started  back  &  went  aside  to  an  orchard  hard  by,  &  sent  in  some  to 
give  the  word  that  Mr.  Hobbart  would  preach  under  a  tree,  then  I  perceived  a 
whispering  through  the  Church  &  an  uneasiness  of  many  people  some  going  out, 
some  seemed  amazed  not  yet  determined  to  go  or  stay  in  the  meantime  some 
that  had  gone  out  returned  again  for  their  seats  &  then  we  had  a  shameful  dis- 
turbance bawling  &  tugging  of  seats  shoving  one  the  other  off,  carrying  them  out 
«&  returning  again  for  more  so  that  I  was  fain  to  leave  off  till  the  disturbance 
was  over  &  a  separation  made  by  which  time  I  had  but  about  half  of  the  con- 
gregation the  rest  remaining  devout  &  attentive  the  whole  time  of  service  after 
which  we  lock't  the  church  door  &  committed  the  key  into  the  hands  of  the 
Sheriff;  we  were  no  sooner  got  into  an  adjoining  house  but  some  persons  came 
to  demand  the  key  of  their  meeting  house  which  being  denied  they  went  and 
broke  the  Glass  window  &  put  a  boy  in  to  open  the  door  &  so  put  in  their  seats 
&  took  away  the  pew  cushion  saying  they  would  keep  that  however  for  their 
own  Minister  the  scolding  &  wrangling  that  ensued  are  by  me  inefflble  —  The  next 
time  I  saw  my  Lord  Cornbury  he  thanked  me  &  said  he  would  do  the  Church  & 
me  justice,  accordingly  he  summoned  Mr.  Hobbart  &  the  head  of  the  faction 
before  him  &  forbad  Mr.  Hobbart  ever  more  to  preach  in  the  Church,  for  in 
regard  it  was  built  by  a  publick  tax  it  did  appertain  to  the  Established  church 
(which  it  has  quietly  remained  ever  since  &  now  in  possession  of  our  Rev. 
Brother  Mr.  Urquhart)  My  Lord  Cornbury  threatened  them  all  with  the  penalty 
of  the  Statute  for  disturbing  divine  service,  but  upon  their  submission  &  promise 
of  future  quietness  &  peace  he  pardoned  the  offence. 

***  The  above  letter  has  reference  apparently  to  the  Riot  of  July,  1703, 
noticed  in  the  order  of  Council  of  the  27th  of  that  month.  See  Ante. —  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  131-132. 

Observations  of  the  Bishop  of  London  Regarding  a  Suf- 
fragan FOR  America.     December  1707. 

The  present  disorders  now  arising  in  some  of  ye  Plantations,  and  likely  to 
increase  to  an  entire  discouragement  of  the  Clergy  there  already  Established,  doe, 
I  presume,  fully  convince  the  necessity  of  having  a  Bishop  Established  in  those 
parts. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1691 

The  only  question  therefore  is,  what  sort  of  Bishop  will  be  most  proper  first 
to  settle  there.  An  absolute  Bishop,  as  that  of  the  Isle  of  Man,  will  not  be  so 
proper,  at  least  to  begin  with,  for  these  reasons. 

1.  It  will  give  a  great  alarm  to  the  several  colonies,  as  it  did  in  King  Charles 
ye  2nd  time,  when  there  came  over  Petitions  and  addresses  with  all  violence 
imaginable. 

2.  Because  the  grounds  of  that  great  opposition  are  generally  still  ye  same. 

3.  For  the  true  reason  of  their  averseness  to  a  Bishop,  is  the  great  apprehension 
they  have  of  being  restrained  from  that  Licentiousness  they  now  too  often  put 
in  practice. 

4.  As  in  Virginia  they  seldom  present  a  minister  to  the  Governor  to  be  inducted, 
but  keep  him  as  a  probationer  all  the  while  he  stays  with  them,  that  they  may 
make  what  Composition  they  please  with  him  for  his  allowance,  and  it  may  be 
give  him  leave  to  make  up  the  rest  by  taking  care  of  a  Neighbouring  Parish. 

5.  Besides,  all  over  the  Plantations  they  frequently  take  other  men's  wives, 
are  guilty  of  Bigamy  and  incest,  which  they  are  apprehensive  would  be  more 
strictly  enquired  into,  had  they  a  Bishop  to  inspect  over  them. 

Now  a  Suffragan  would  come  among  them  with  all  necessary  power  to  restrain 
vice  and  keep  good  order,  without  any  noise  or  clamour. 

1.  They  having  been  already  used  to  a  Commissary,  a  Bishop  will  come  in 
upon  them  more  insensibly,  if  he  comes  over  by  the  same  authority,  and  under 
ye  same  Jurisdiction  as  the  other  did. 

2.  Confirmation,  Consecration  of  Churches  and  conferring  Holy  Orders  are 
powers  they  desire  to  have  among  them;  and  when  they  come  in  only  by  the 
change  of  a  Title,  it  will  be  cheerfully  received  as  a  thing  of  their  own  seeking. 

3.  It  will  be  the  safest  way  to  take  at  first  for  a  proof  how  it  will  take  amongst 
them,  and  all  faults  and  defects  ma.v  more  easily  be  corrected  and  amended; 
because  it  will  not  be  neer  so  troublesome  to  question  or  remove  a  Suffragan 
Bishop  as  another;  nor  will  his  being  put  out  of  office  be  neer  so  inconvenient. 

4.  Besides  the  beginning  of  -any  new  establishment  ought  to  be  carried  on 
gradually,  which  will  make  all  steps  easier  and  in  case  of  disappointment  the 
matter  will  not  be  so  grievous. 

This  is  what  occurs  to  me  at  present  of  such  observations  as  I  apprehend  proper 
to  be  laid  down.—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  29,  30. 
(December  1707.) 


The  Kecoeds  of  the  Board  of  Trade.    List  of  Items  Relat- 
ing TO  THE  Palatines. 

[Volume  20.    Journal  M.  Jan.  2,  1707/8  to  Jan.  28,  1708/9.] 
May    27,  1708.  A  list  including  names,  ages  and  qualifications  of 

Palatines  was  presented.  Page  157. 
May  27,  1708.  A  list  of  14  persons,  with  their  ages  and  qualifica- 
tions was  presented ;  12  from  the  Palatinate 
and  two  from  Holstein.  Page  157. 
June  14,  1708.  An  agreement  was  drawn  up  with  Joshua  Kocher- 
thal  and  John  Christian  Jacobi  concerning  the 
dividing  of  the  money  among  the  Palatines. 
Page  185. 


1708 


1708- 

1711 


1692  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

June  14,  1T08.  A  paper  was  signed  by  the  Lutherans  empower- 
ing Kocherthal  to  receive  such  sums  of  money 
as  should  be  ordered  for  them.    Page  135. 

June  28,  1708.  A  list  of  names  and  trades  of  4  Lutherans  lately 
arrived  from  Germany,  also  a  list  of  names 
and  trades  of  12  others  before  mentioned  was 
presented  to  the  Board  of  Trade.    Page  222. 

Volume  21,  Journal  K  Feb.  1,  1708  to  May  26,  1710. 

May    16,  1709.  Memorial  of  Mr.  Ludolph  and  Justice  Chamber- 

layne. 
May    12,  1709.  Eevs.  Tribbeko  and  Ruperti  presented  a  memorial 

setting  forth  the  condition  of  852  Palatines. 

Page  95. 
May    21,  1709.  A  list  of  these  Palatines  was  presented  to  the 

London   Board    of    Trade,    Page    104.      806 

names.  , 

May    25,  1709.  An   abstract  of  this   list  was  made  containing 

names  of  60.    Page  112. 
June     1,  1709.  Kev.  Trebbeki  made  a  second  list  of  Palatines 

containing  1193  names.     This  list  also  gives 

their  ages  and  qualifications.     Page  119. 
June  27, 1709.  A  list  of  persons  arriving  in  London  June  2nd  & 

11th   together   with   an   abstract   of   the  two 

foiTaer  lists  was  presented  to  the  Board.    Page 

139. 
Dec.    20, 1709.  An  instrument  was  drawn  up  and  signed  by  the 

Palatines  holding  them  to  the  terms  of  Dec. 

5th.     Page  315. 

Volume  22.  Journal  O.  June  1,  1710  to  October  31,  1711. 

Jan.    16,  1710.  At  this  time  there  were  2227  Palatines  in  ISTew 

York.     Lots  there  were  40'x50'.     Page  186. 
Jan.    25,  1710/11.  Du  Pre's  account  of  the  Palatines.    Page  205. 


OF  THE  State  of  iN^EW  York.  1693 

Jan.    26,  1710/11.   Copies  of  all  papers  in  the  office  of  the  London 

Board  of  Trade  relating  to  the  Palatines 

were  sent  to  the  House  of  Commons.     Page 

209. 

The  ahove  taken  from  the  records  of  the  London  Board  of  Trade 

1682-1785    in   library   of   Historical    Society   of   Pennsylvania, 

Philadelphia,  on  March  6th,  1897. 

Wm.  Pegley. 

Partial  list  of  the  Documents  preserved. 

'No.  Nevf  York  Bundle  Y  &  Z. 

Z.    35     Letters  of  Lord  Lovelace,  Dec.  18,  1708. 
39     Letters  of  Lord  Lovelace,  March  4,  1709. 
50     Letter  of  thanks  from  Kocherthal,  Aug.  29,  1709. 
70     Letter  of  Simderland  to  Pres.  of  Council  of  New  York, 
Nov.  10,  1709. 

74  Memorial  of  Hunter  about  settling  3000  Palatines  in 

New  York,  E'ov.  30,  1709. 

75  Additional  memorial  of  Hunter. 

76  Letter  from  Sunderland  about  instruments  to  be  drawn 

for  Palatines  to  sign. 

77  Rough  draught  of  a  covenant  for  Palatines. 

80     Letter  of  Attorney  General  enclosing  amended  draught 

of  agreement,  Dec.  1709. 
85     Letter  of  Sunderland  signifying  the  Queens  approbation 

about  Palatines,  Jan.  1710. 
91     Some    observations    on    vine    planting    in    America    by 

Hockenthal. 

97  Letter  of  Gov.  Hunter  announcing  his  arrival  in  ITew 

York,  Jan.  16,  1710. 

98  Letter  of  Hunter,  July  .24,  1710. 

100     Letter  of  Col.  Quary  to  Mr.  Pultney,  July  5,  1710. 


170&- 
1711 


1709 


Ko. 

D. 

54 

1 

D. 

55 

2 

D. 

56 

3 

D. 

57 

4 

D. 

58 

5 

D. 

59 

6 

D. 

60 

7 

D. 

61 

8 

D. 

62 

9 

D. 

63 

10 

1694  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Partial  list  of  the  Documents  preserved. 

Miscellanies  Bundle  D  &  E. 
Letter  of  Sunderland,  May  3,  1709. 
Letter  to  Sunderland,  May  5,  1709. 
Memorial  of  the  two  Lutheran  Ministers,  May  12, 

1709. 
List  of  852  names. 
Letter  of  Sunderland,  May  15,  1709. 
Memorial  from   the   United  Gov.    Assistant    So- 
ciety of  London  for  Royal  Mines. 
Letter  of  Mr.  Taylor,  May  23. 
Letter  of  Mr.  Chamberlayne  with  account  what 

had  been  done  for  Palatines,  May  25,  1709. 
Abstract  of  List  of  Palatines,  May  25,  1709. 
Report     of     Attorney     and     Solicitor     General, 

June  1. 
D.   64  11     Second  list  of  Palatines  with  1193  names  with 

letter  of  Mr.  Bayle,  June  1,  1709. 
D.   65  12     Petition  of  Gov.  Assistants  of  Royal  Mines  with 

letter  of  Bayle,  June  2,  1709. 
D.   66  13     Letter  of  Sunderland  accompanying  proposal  of 

Chamberlayne,  June  13,  1709. 
D.   68  14     Additional   proposal   of   Chamberlain,    June   20, 

1709. 
Third  list  of  Palatines  arrived  June  2. 
Eourth  list  of  Palatines  arrived  June  11.     June 

21,  1709. 
Abstract  of  fourth  list 
Four  long  money  accounts  of  Tribbeke,  June  21, 

1709. 
Memorial  of  Mr.  Tribbeke,  June  23,  1709. 
Memorial  of  Society  for  Royal  Mines  employing 

Palatines  in  mines  of  Wales. 


D. 

68 

15 

D. 

69 

16 

D. 

70 

17 

D. 

71- 

74  18 

D. 

75 

19 
20 

OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1695 

D.  75         21     Copy  of  her  Majesty's  warrant  of  June  4  allow- 
ing 24  pounds  additional  to  the  16  pounds. 
22     Copy  of  her  Majesty's  warrant  dated  June   14 
allowing  40  pounds  above  former  forty. 

Anglican  Chuech  at  Rye. 

Mr.   Muirson  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Jan.  9,   1708. 

Honored  Sir: —  You  desire  me  to  give  an  account  of  all  those  persons  that  con- 
tribute to  my  support  in  these  parts.  That  I  can  easily  do;  they  are  but  few,  for 
Since  I  came  into  the  country,  I  have  not  received  in  all  above  eighteen  pounds 
though  there  is  a  salary  of  fifty  pounds  per  annum,  New  York  money,  established 
by  Act  of  Assembly  upon  the  minister  of  this  parish:  but  the  people  being  very 
poor,  and  the  building  of  our  church  having  cost  a  great  deal,  I  thought  it  more 
proper  to  bear  with  them,  than  to  exact  by  force  what  is  due;  and  So  Suffer 
rather  in  my  own  condition,  than  that  the  house  of  God  should  not  be  finished, 
which  now,  to  my  great  comfort,  is  completed,  and  a  Stately  fabric  it  is  indeed. 
It  was  built  by  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Rye,  without  the  help  of  the 
parish.  And  as  for  Subscriptions  from  other  parts  of  the  Government,  we  have 
had  none  but  I  expect  Some  at  York  for  making  the  pulpit,  communion  table, 
and  finishing  the  Seats. 

You  direct  me  to  bring  to  church  the  negroes  and  Indians  of  this  parish,  and 
to  consult  with  Mr.  Neau  about  the  most  proper  means  for  their  instruction. 
Mr.  Neau  is  a  good,  religious  man,  his  conversation  is  desirable  and  edifying.  I 
always  have,  and  ever  shall  esteem  it  my  happiness  to  keep  a  Settled  corre- 
spondence with  him;  for  I  know  he  will  joyfully  do  anything  that  may  contribute 
to  the  conversion  of  infidels  to  Christianity.  But  there  are  only  a  few  negroes  in 
this  parish.  Save  what  are  in  Colonel  Heathcote's  family,  where  I  think  there 
are  more  than  in  all  the  parish  besides.  However,  So  many  as  we  have,  I  shall 
not  be  wanting  to  use  my  endeavors  for  their  good. 

As  to  the  Indians,  the  natives  of  the  country,  they  are  a  decaying  people.  We 
have  not  now  in  all  this  parish  twenty  families;  whereas,  not  many  years  ago, 
there  were  several  hundreds.  I  have  frequently  conversed  with  Some  of  them, 
and  been  at  their  great  meetings  of  powowing,  as  they  call  It.  I  have  taken 
some  pains  to  teach  Some  of  them  but  to  no  purpose;  for  they  seem  regardless 
of  instruction;  and  when  I  Jiave  told  them  of  the  evil  consequences  of  their  hard 
drinking,  etc.,  they  replied  that  Englishmen  do  the  same;  and  that  it  is  not 
So  great  a  Sin  In  an  Indian  as  in  an  Englishman;  because  the  Englishman's 
religion  forbid's,  but  an  Indian's  does  not.  They  further  say  they  will  not  be 
Christians  nor  do  they  see  the  necessity  for  So  being,  because  we  do  not  live 
according  to  the  precepts  of  our  religion.  In  Such  ways  do  most  of  the  Indians 
that  I  have  conversed  with  either  here  or  elsewhere,  express  themselves.  I  am 
heartily  sorry  that  we  should  give  them  such  a  bad  example,  and  fill  their 
mouths  with  Such  objections  against  our  blessed  religion.  But  to  prevent  this, 
as  likewise  many  disorders  that  are  among  us,  I  know  of  no  better  way  than 
that  the  honorable  Society  would  be  pleased  to  recommend  to  our  Governor,  my 
Lord  Cornbury,  or  if  he  is  called  home,  to  his  Successor,  to  make  some  Acts 
of  Assembly  against  the  many  vices  and  immoralities  that  are  too  common  in 
most  places  of  this  Government,  or  to  take  care  that  the  wholesome  laws  of  our 
realm  be  put  In  execution  against  the  offenders.  Swearing  and  drinking  and 
Sabbath  breaking,  are  chiefly  predominant,  which  are  all  owing  to  the  evil  example 
and  great  neglect  of  our  magistrates;  and  that,  again,  is  owing  to  the  neglect 
and  indifforency  of  our  Superior  Officers,  who  mind  but  little  whether  our  justices 
discharge  their  duty  in  that  affair  or  not. 


1708 


1708 


1696  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

These  things  put  a  great  Stop  to  the  growth  of  piety  and  godliness  among  us, 
and  it  is  an  objection  that  I  frequently  met  with  from  Several  dissenters,  both 
in  this  and  in  the  neighboring  Colony,  that  many  of  the  members  of  the  Church 
of  England  are  irregular  in  their  lives,  and  therefore  they  ought  not  and  will 
not  join.  The  consequence  is  unjust  and  groundless  being  the  unworthiness  of 
one  or  more  communicants,  is  not  charged  a  Sin  upon  him  who  receives  it  in  a 
fit  and  becoming  manner.  Yet,  however,  among  ignorant  and  unthinking  people, 
and  even  Sometimes  among  the  more  knowing  too,  it  is  a  great  hindrance  and 
stumbling-block,  and  is  partly  the  reason  that  Some  of  your  missionaries  have  So 
few  communicants. 

I  thank  God,  I  have  no  great  reason  to  complain  of  my  own  people,  nor  do  I 
mention  these  things  for  their  sakes  only,  but  for  the  good  of  the  whole,  And 
I  heartily  wish  that  the  honorable  Society  would  do  their  endeavor  that  a  good 
governor  may  be  Sent;  one  that  will  discharge  his  place  faithfully,  and  take 
care  that  others  under  him  would  do  the  same.  This  will  be  a  means  of  bringing 
about  a  happy  reformation,  and  will  wonderfully  conduce  to  the  interest  of  our 
Church  in  these  parts. 

Sir,  I  entreat  your  acceptance  of  my  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  the 
kind  and  Christian  advice  you  were  pleased  to  tender  me  in  relation  to  Connecti- 
cut. Such  measures  as  you  propose,  I  have  all  along  observed;  and  I  am  sure 
no  man  in  that  Colony  can  justly  accuse  me  of  the  contrary.  I  know  that  meek- 
ness and  moderation  is  most  agreeable  to  the  mind  of  our  blessed  Saviour, 
Christ,  who  himself  was  meek  and  lowly,  and  would  have  all  his  followers  to 
learn  that  lesson  of  him.  It  was  a  method  by  which  Christianity  was  at  first 
propagated,  and  it  is  still  the  best  policy  to  persuade  mankind  to  receive 
instruction.  Gentleness  and  Sweetness  of  temper  is  the  readiest  way  to  engage 
the  affections  of  the  people;  and  charity  to  those  who  differ  from  us  in  opinion, 
is  the  most  likely  to  convince  them  that  our  labours  are  intended  for  the  welfare 
of  their  Souls;  whereas  passionate  and  rash  methods  of  proceeding  will  fill  their 
minds  with  prejudices  against  both  our  persons  and  our  principles,  and  utterly 
indispose  them  against  all  the  means  we  can  make  use  of  to  reclaim  them  from 
their  errors.  I  have  duly  considered  all  these  things,  and  have  carried  myself 
civilly  and  kindly  to  the  Independent  party,  but  they  have  ungratefully  resented 
my  love;  yet  I  will  further  consider  the  obligations  that  my  holy  religion  layd 
upon  me,  to  forgive  injuries  and  wrongs,  and  to  return  good  for  their  evil. 

Thus  I  hope,  by  God's  assistance,  I  shall  behave  myself,  and  avoid  the  doing 
anything  that  may  bring  blame  upon  that  godly  Society,  whose  missionary  I  am, 
or  hinder  the  progress  of  that  glorious  work  they  have  undertaken;  and  ever 
since  I  have  been  invited  into  that  Colony,  I  have  been  so  far  from  endeavouring 
to  intrench  upon  the  toleration  which  Her  Majesty  has  declared  She  will  pre- 
serve, that,  on  the  contrary  I  desired  only  a  liberty  of  conscience  might  be  allowed 
to  the  members  of  the  National  Church  of  England;  which,  notwithstanding  they 
Seemed  unwilling  to  grant,  and  left  no  means  untried,  both  foul  and  fair,  to 
prevent  the  Settling  the  Church  among  them.  Forgone  of  their  Justices  came 
to  my  lodging,  and  forewarned  me,  at  my  perill,  from  preaching;  telling  me  that 
I  did  an  illegal  thing  in  bringing  in  new  ways  among  them.  The  people  were 
likewise  threatened  with  prison  and  a  forfeiture  of  five  pounds  for  coming  to 
hear  me. 

It  will  require  more  time  than  you  will  willingly  bestow  on  these  lines,  to 
express  how  rigidly  and  Severely  they  treat  our  people,  by  taking  their  estates 
by  distress  when  they  do  not  willingly  pay  to  support  their  ministers.  And  though 
every  Churchman  in  that  Colony  pays  his  rate  for  the  building  and  repairing 
their  meeting  houses,  yet  they  are  So  maliciously  Set  against  us,  that  they  deny 
us  the  use  of  them,  though;  on  week  days;  they  tell  our  people  that  they  will 
not  suffer  the  house  of  God  to  be  defiled  with  idolatrous  worship  and  Superstitious 
ceremonies.  They  are  so  bold  that  they  Spare  not  openly  to  Speak  reproachfully 
and  with  great  contempt  of  our  church.  They  say  the  Sign  of  the  Cross  is  the 
mark  of  the  beast,  and  the  sign  of  the  devil;  and  that  those  that  receive  it  are 
given  to  the  devil.  And  when  our  people  complain  to  their  magistrates  of  the 
persons  who  thus  speak,  they  will  not  so  much  as  sign  a  warrant  to  apprehend 
them,   nor  reprove  them  for  their  offence.     This  is  quite  a  different  character  to 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.         1697 

what,  perhaps  you  have  heard  of  that  people;  for  I  observe  particularly  one  expres- 
sion of  your  letter,  where  you  Say  they  are  an  ignorant,  hot  heady,  but  a  well 
meaning  people.  That  they  are  ignorant,  I  can  easily  grant;  for  if  they  had  either 
much  knowledge  or  goodness,  they  would  not  act  and  Say  as  they  do;  but  that 
they  are  hot  heady,  I  have  too  just  reasons  to  believe;  and  as  to  their  meaning, 
I  leave  that  to  be  interpreted  by  their  unchristian  proceedings  with  us,  whoever 
informed  you  so,  I  may  freely  Say,  that  he  was  not  so  well  acquainted  with  the 
constitution  of  that  people,  as  I  am  who  give  you  the  contrary  information.  I 
beg  that  you  would  believe  that  this  account  (though  seemingly  harsh  and  severe, 
yet  no  more  than  is  true,)  does  not  proceed  from  want  of  charity  either  toward 
their  souls  or  bodies,  but  purely  for  the  good  of  both.  And  to  give  you  better 
information  concerning  the  state  of  that  people,  that  proper  remedies  may  be 
taken  for  curing  the  evils  that  are  among  them,  and  that  our  Churchmen  in  that 
Colony  may  not  be  oppressed  and  insulted  over  by  them;  but  that  they  may 
obtain  a  liberty  of  conscience,  and  call  a  minister  of  their  own  communion,  and 
that  they  may  be  freed  from  paying  to  their  ministers,  they  may  be  enabled  to 
maintain  one  of  their  own.    This  is  all  these  good  men  desire. 

I  have  lately  preached  to  a  Dutch  Congregation  about  eighteen  miles  from  this 
town;  they  seem  to  be  well  disposed  to  the  church,  and  I  intend  to  give  them 
frequent  visits  on  week  days,  but  more  of  this  hereafter.     [Probably  Harlem.] 

Mr.  Cleator  is  still  with  us;  he  continues  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty, 
(he  is,  according  to  your  instructions,)  very  useful  and  serviceable  to  me  upon 
all  occasions.  He  reads  divine  service  and  sermons  to  the  people,  when  the 
affairs  of  the  Church  call  me  abroad.  In  short,  I  believe  him  to  be  a  very  good 
man,  and  that  he  justly  deserves  your  bounty.  I  hope  by  this  time  Mr.  Moore 
and  Mr.  Brooke  are  with  you  two  good  men  indeed  who  suffered  for  discharging 
their  office.  I  intended  to  have  laid  down  some  arguments  to  show  the  necessity 
we  have  of  a  bishop  among  us;  but  I  think  their  treatment  will  be  sufficient  for 
all.  And  If  some  speedy  methods  be  not  taken,  I  cannot  tell  how  soon  theirs  may 
be  our  fate.  There  was  a  time  when  our  Governor  looked  with  a  favorable 
countenance  upon  us;  but  tempera  mutantur,  I  pray  God  to  put  It  into  the 
hearts  of  our  Superiours  at  home  to  send  us  a  head  to  bless  and  protect  the 
whole 

Honored  Sir,   Tour  most  assured  friend  and  very  humble  Servant, 

Geo.  Muirson. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  Hi.  pp.  566-568. 

Rye,  9tli  Jaa.  1707-8. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Letter  from  Antonides. 

1708,  Jan.  10th.  A  letter  was  also  read  from  Rev.  Antonides. 
In  this  it  was  related  that  the  irregularities  which  had  been  com- 
mitted there,  had  been  somewhat  remedied  according  to  the 
regulations  of  the  ISTetherlands  churches.  There  was  hope  of  full 
restoration,  (to  ecclesiastical  order)  if  the  Rev.  Classis  would  be 
pleased  to  keep  its  hand  on  the  business.  The  Rev.  Classis  most 
earnestly  recommends  this  matter  to  the  Rev.  Deputati  ad 
Maritimas.  Let  them  be  watchful  in  this  business,  (and  keep  the 
civil  power)  in  the  place  where  it  belongs.     The  necessary  ex- 


1708 


1708 


1698  Ecclesiastical  Records 

penses  therefor  shall  be  taken  out  of  ISTew  York  moneys  which 
have  been  sent  over  for  that  purpose;  even  as  out  of  that  money, 
have  twenty  five  guilders  been  assigned  to  the  Rev.  Deput.  for 
the  payment  of  expenses  already  incurred,     ix.  158. 

Teinitt  Church  Loans  Money  to  Build  a  Church  in  Con- 
necticut. 

1708,    Jan.    26. 

The  loan  of  one  hundred  pounds  sought,  for  two  years,  to  build  a  church  at 
Stratford,  Ct.  Records,  i.  59.  "  This  record  is  an  interesting  one,  as  it  marks 
the  beginning  of  that  policy  which  resulted  in  the  loss  of  the  Corporation, 
through  gifts  and  grants  in  all  directions,  and  to  an  innumerable  company  of 
applicants,  of  nearly  two  thirds  of  their  entire  estate.  The  policy  was  not 
changed  till  some  thirty  years  ago,  (about  1868);  had  it  not  been,  little,  if  any 
of  the  original  endowment  would  have  been  left;  our  down  town  churches  would 
have  been  sold  arid  removed,  and  the  parish  might  have  been  in  a  state  of  bank- 
ruptcy.—  Dix,  165. 

A  Full  &  Just  Discovery  of  the  weak  &  slender  foundation  of  a  most  Pernicious 
slander  Raised  against  the  French  Protestants  Refugees  Inhabiting  the 
Province  of  New  York  generally,  but  more  particularly  affecting  Capt.  Benjamin 
Faneiul,  A  Person  of  considerable  note  amongst  them. 

Feb.  10,  1708. 
Printed  and  Published  by  Licence  of  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury, 

Capt.  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  the  said  Province,  in  favour  of  Justice. 

To  his  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury,  Captain  General  and  Governour  in 
Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  the  Territories  depending 
thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  some  of  the  French  Protestant  Refugees  Inhabiting  in 
the  City  of  New  York,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  others. 

Humbly  sheweth  unto  your  Excellency: 

That  there  is  lately  arrived  in  this  city  one  Morris  Newinhuysen,  who,  in  the 
year  1706,  being  Mate  on  board  a  vessel  bound  from  hence  to  England,  was  taken 
by  the  French,  and  made  Prisoner  of  War. 

That  since  his  arrival  a  very  infamous,  pernicious,  and  detestable  Report  is 
clandestinely  and  industriously  spread  abroad  amongst  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
City  and  Province,  of  a  certain  Correspondence  said  to  be  maintained  by  some  of 
the  French  Protestants  here,  with  the  Inhabitants  of  France,  tending  to  the  taking 
and  destruction  of  this  City  by  her  Majesty's  declared  enemies,  which  has  been 
discovered  by  the  said  Newenhuysen  by  Letters  which  were  found  (as  is  said)  on 
board  the  said  Vessel,  and  were  by  him  seen,  opened,  and  read  after  his  being 
taken.  Which  your  Excellency's  Petitioners  are  in  great  hopes  will  prove  al- 
together false  and  untrue.  It  being  a  crime  of  so  high  a  nature  in  itself,  and  so 
much  abhorred  by  your  Excellency's  Petitioners,  and  being  as  yet  unable,  by  legal 
proof,  to  fix  this  Slander  and  Infamy  on  any  particular  Person,  and  so  very  uneasle 
under  so  general  an  Accusation,  and  having  good  reason  to  believe  that  It  takes 
its  original  and  rise  from  the  said  Morris  Newinhuysen, 

They  therefore  make  their  humble  Application  to  .vour  Excellency,  humbly 
praying,  may  it  please  your  Excellency  to  cause  the  said  Morris  Newinhuysen, 
and  all  others  who  may  appear  concerned,  to  be  strictly  examined  upon  the  same 
Report,  that  if  any  such  Offenders,  in  this  respect,  be  found  out,  they  may  be 
punished  according  to  the  nature  of  their  Crime,  and  the  innocent  be  protected 


OF  THE  State  of  IN'ew  Yoek.  1699 

and  secured  from  the  great  Damage  and  hurt  of  the  Infamy  of  so  vile  and  great 
a  Crime,  in  such  Methods  as  shall  seem  most  agreeable  to  your  Excellency's  great 
Prudence  and  Justice.     And  your  Petitioners,  as  in  duty  bound,  shall  ever  pray,  etc. 
Stephen  D'Laneey,  Paul  Droilet, 

Elias  Nezereau,  Augustus  Jay, 

Abraham  Jouneau,  Jean  Cazale, 

Thomas  Bayeux,  Banjamin    Faneuil. 

iiilias  Neau, 
February 

10,  1707/8. 
Followed  by  several  affidavits. —  Doc.   Hi.st.  X.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   pp.  2.59.   280. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

l^ew  York. 

1708,  April  2nd.  The  case  of  Isew  York  remains  in  statu. 
ix.  160. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies,  1708. 

From  a  letter  from  Xew  York,  May  23,  1706.     From  a  letter 
from  Rev.  du  Bois  of  ISTew  York. 

1.  This  states  that  it  had  greatly  pleased  him  and  the  Con- 
sistory of  jSTew  York,  that  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  had  pro- 
vided two  praiseworthy  and  learned  ministers,  the  Revs.  Anto- 
nides  and  Beys,  for  the  churches  of  Long  Island  and  of  Kingston. 

2.  It  thanks  the  Classis  for  its  love  and  affection  as  displayed, 
in  regard  to  the  welfare  of  these  churches. 

3.  It  makes  known  how  that  he  (du  Bois)  with  the  Revs.  An- 
tonides  and  Beis  and  the  Consistory  of  Flatbush,  had  called  on 
the  Hon.  Governor,  to  offer  their  respects,  (services)  to  his  Ex- 
cellency; but  that  they  had  been  badly  received  by  his  Excel- 
lency. 

4.  That  his  Excellency  was  not  willing  to  permit  them  to 
exercise  their  office,  without  having  received  a  license  from  him, 
and  on  such  terms  as  they  could  not  have  accepted.  The  aid  of 
Classis  was  requested. 

5.  The  letter  says  concerning  the  congregation  of  IS'ew  Albany, 
that  he  (Du  Bois)  knows  nothing  more  than  that  it  is  in  peace; 

9 


1708 


1708 


lYOO  Ecclesiastical  Records 

that  the  pastorless  church  of  Schonegtade  was  inclined  and  ready 
to  invite  a  minister  from  the  Fatherland,  and  was  awaiting  only 
the  result  of  the  action  of  Classis.  The  other  congregations  were 
growing,  and  were  able  to  maintain  ministers. 

6.  It  further  makes  known  that  he  (du  Bois)  had  caused  to 
he  printed  a  compendium  of  the  Christian  doctrine,  drawn  from 
the  Heidelberg  Catechism,  and  submitted  it  to  the  judgment  of 
the  Rev.  Classis. 

7.  It  makes  report  on  the  state  of  his  own  church,  (New  York), 
which  was  at  rest  and  peace.  There  was  but  one  school-master 
in  the  city,  but  it  needed  more  of  them.  A  request  had  been 
made  (to  Cornbury)  to  be  allowed  to  have  one  more,  but  this 
could  not  be  secured.  Therefore  the  decline  of  the  congregation 
was  apprehended  from  the  decline  of  nurturing  schools.  Finally, 
request  was  made  with  all  earnestness  for  the  help  and  inter- 
cession of  the  Rev.  Classis.  The  letter  ends  with  a  wish  for  a 
blessing,     xxi.  488. 

[This  letter  was  written  May  23,  1706 ;  but  it  was  probably 
delayed  by  Cornbury,  as  it  was  two  years  old,  when  received.] 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

Extract  from  a  letter  of  John  Godfrey  Dailly,*  of  the  Cape  of 

Good  Hope. 

1708,  April  13th.  1.  He  relates  his  safe  arrival,  having  been 
on  the  journey  eight  months  and  five  days;  or  since  May  13,  1707. 

2.  That  Rev.  Bik,  on  his  arrival  there,  was  laboring  alone. 
He  then  left  for  his  own  church  at  Stellenbos. 

3.  That  the  church  consisted  of  about  one  hundred  and  seventy 
members. 


*  This  letter  with  other  items  of  Jan.  11,  1707,  is  added  because  of  the  similarity 
of  name  to  that  of  Godfridus  Dellius,  as  it  may  bring  to  light  some  connection. 
Was  this  man  a  son  of  Godfriedus  Dellius  of  Albany? 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yore:.  1701 

4.  That,  to  his  regret,  the  church  was  divided  into  two  parties, 
each  of  which  was  too  passionate, 

5.  That  he  held  himself  neutral  in  the  hope  of  restoring  peace 
and  unity. 

6.  He  could  wish  that  Rev.  le  Bouq  had  acted  somewhat  more 
prudently. 

7.  He  concludes  with  a  wish  for  blessings,     xxi.  499. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

Letter  to  Dailly  at  the  Cape.     1708? 

Keverend,  Pious,  Very  Learned  Sir,  and  Brother  in  Christ: — 
Your  favor  of  April  13th  of  this  year  (1708?)  greatly  rejoiced  us, 
because  we  perceived  therefrom  your  safe  arrival  after  a  difficult 
and  long  voyage.  Our  prayer  unto  God  is,  that  He  will  bless 
your  work  and  make  it  fruitful  unto  the  gathering  of  many 
souls.  It  grieves  us  to  the  heart  that  there  is  such  dissension 
in  the  church,  towards  which  it  appears  the  passionateness  of 
Rev,  le  Bouq  has  contributed  much.  That  there  is  great  bitter- 
ness evinced  by  the  letter  from  the  consistory,  which  is  in  pretty 
harsh  style.  We  are  glad  that  you  keep  yourself  neutral;  for 
that  is  the  right  way  to  pacify  such  minds.  We  also  live  in  the 
hope  that  you  will  soon  cause  to  revive,  by  your  vdsdom  which 
is  from  above  and  peaceable,  that  peace  and  unity  which  so  well 
befit  the  Church  of  Christ.  Rev.  Kalde  has  defended  himself 
before  us  in  such  a  manner  that  we  took  satisfaction  in  it.  But 
since  Rev.  le  Bouq  has  sent  us  long  papers  in  which  were  con- 
tained matters  laid  to  the  charge  of  Rev.  Kalde,  and  time  has 
not  yet  permitted  these  to  be  carefully  examined.  Rev.  Kalde 
has  agreed  to  defend  himself  against  everything  that  may  be 
brought  against  him,  even  as  he  has  already  defended  himself 
satisfactorily  generally,  upon  the  most  serious  points;   and  we 


1708 


1708 


1702  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

have  let  liim  go  from  among  iis  with  commendations.  We  are 
still  groaning  under  the  severe  war,*  although  we  have  cause  to 
thank  God  that  he  has  blessed  our  arms  in  this  campaign,  f 

In  the  place  of  the  deceased  Rev.  Jacob  Streso,  there  has  been 
called  here  at  Amsterdam  Eev.  Hermanns  van  de  Wal,  from 
Zutphen.  In  the  place  of  Eev.  Schaek,  also  deceased,  the  Rev. 
I^icholas  Wiltens  has  been  called  from  Bois-le-duc ;  and  in  the 
place  of  Rev.  Homoet,  who  has  become  emeritus.  Rev.  John 
d'Outrern  of  Dort.  We  conclude  with  the  prayers  to  God,  that 
He  will  strengthen  you  in  soul  and  body,  make  you  acceptable 
in  person  and  labors,  and  pour  out  upon  you  (lit.  inundate  you) 
with  all  blessings,     xxi.  499-500. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

]^ew  York. 

1708,  May  7th.  The  case  of  jSTew  York  remains  in  statu;  as 
also  that  of  Suriname,  according  to  the  previous  acta.     ix.  162. 

Order  of  Council  for  ]SrATURALizixcT  and  Sending  Certain 
Palatines  to  New  York. 

At  the  Court  of  Kensington  ye  10th  of  May  1708. 
Present, 

The  Queens  Most  Excellent  Majesty  in  Couneill. 

Upon  reading  this  at  the  Board  a  Report  from  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade 
and  Plantations  dated  the  28th  of  April  last  in  the  Words  Following  Vizt. 

May  it  please  your  Majesty: —  1     \     ' 

Having  in  obedience  to  your  Majesty's  Commands  Signified  to  us  by  the  Right 
Honorable  Mr.  Secretary  Boyle  considered  the  Petition  of  Joshua  Kockerthal  the 
Evangelical  Minister  in  behalf  of  himself  and  severall  poor  Lutherans  come  hither 
from  the  Lower  Palitinat  in  Germany  praying  to  be  transported  to  some  of  your 
Majesty's  plantations  in  America;  we  humbly  take  leave  to  represent  to  your 
Majesty  that  they  are  in  number  forty  one:  Vizt.  Ten  Men,  Ten  Women  and 
Twenty  one  Children,  That  they  are  very  necessitous  and  in  the  utmost  want  not 
having  present  anything  (but  what  they  get  by  Charity:)  to  subsist  themselves. 
That  they  have  been  reduced  to  this  miserable  Condition  by  the  Ravages  Com- 
mitted by  the  French  in  the  Lower  Palitinat,  where  they  lost  all  they  had,  That 
they  have  produced  to  us  severall  Testimonials  from  the  Bayliffs  or  Principall 
Magistrates  in  the  Villages  where  they  dwelt,  which  by  the  assistance  of  the 
Ministers  of  the  Lutheran  Church  here  we  have  Examined  and  find  that  they  give 

*  War  of  the  Spanish  succession,  1702-1713. 

t  All  of  Marlborough's  campaigns   were  thus  blessed. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.         1703 

a  good  character  of  the  said  Minister  and  the  others  with  him.  Whereupon  we 
would  hare  offered  that  those  People  might  be  settled  in  Jamaica  or  Antego  there 
being  large  Tracts  of  Land  not  taken  up  or  Inhabited,  and  great  want  of  white 
People  but  in  regard  that  the  Climate  of  those  Islands  is  so  much  hotter  than  that 
part  of  Germany  from  whence  they  came  It  is  to  be  feared  it  may  not  be 
agreeable  to  their  Constitutions,  and  therefore  We  humbly  propose  that  they  be 
sent  to  Settle  upon  Hudson's  River  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  where  they  may 
be  useful  to  this  Kingdom  particularly  in  the  production  of  naval  stores  and  as 
a  frontier  against  the  ffrench  and  their  Indians.  And  this  your  Majesty  be  en- 
abled to  do  by  granting  them  the  Usuall  Number  of  Acres  of  Land  if  your  Majesty 
Shall  please  to  Confirm  the  Act  passed  at  New  York  the  2nd  of  March  1698/9 
Entituled  An  Act  for  Vacating  Breaking  and  annulling  Severall  Extravagant 
Grants  of  Land  made  by  Coll.  Fletcher  late  Governor  of  that  Province,  as  we 
humbly  offered  to  your  Majesty  by  our  Representation  of  the  29th  of  July  last 
without  which  there  is  no  land  but  what  is  Engrossed  by  the  patentees  of  the 
said  Extravagant  Grants. 

And  in  case  your  Majesty  shall  approve  of  their  going  to  New  Y'ork.  we  Immlily 
represent  to  your  Majesty  that  the  Cheapest  way  of  Transporting  them  will  be  in 
the  Man  of  War  and  Transport  Ship  that  shall  be  ordered  to  goe  with  the  Lord 
Lovelace,  for  we  do  not  find  that  they  can  be  carryed  thither  by  any  other  way 
under  Eight  or  Ten  pounds  per  head  for  the  Men  and  Women  and  proportionably 
for  the  Children. 

And  we  do  further  humbly  offer  that  they  be  suppleyed  here  with  the  necessary 
Tools  for  agriculture  to  be  sent  with  them,  to  Enable  them  to  begin  and  make 
Settlements. 

As  these  people  are  in  the  utmost  Necessity  they  will  not  be  able  to  Subsist 
there  till  they  can  reap  the  fruit  of  their  Labour  (which  will  not  be  till  after  one 
years  Time)  unless  assisted  by  your  Majesty's  Bounty,  or  that  the  Province  of 
New  York  contribute  towards  their  Maintenance  during  that  time,  but  as  we  are 
informed  that  Province  is  at  present  very  poor  and  much  in  debt  there  will  be  no 
reason   to   expect  any   great   supply   from  thence. 

We  further  offer,  That  before  their  departure  they  may  be  made  Denizens  of  this 
Kingdom  for  their  greater  Encouragement  in  the  Enjoyment  of  the  Priviledgps  ac- 
cruing by  such  Letters  of  Denization.     Which  is  most  humbly  submitted. 

Stamford.   Ph.   Meadows 
Herbert    I.    Pulteney. 

Her  Majesty  in  Councill  approving  the  said  Report  and  taking  into  Consideration 
the  great  sufferings  and  Poverty  of  the  said  poor  Lutherans  is  graciously  pleased 
to  Order,  that  they  be  made  Denizens  of  this  Kingdom  according  to  the  above- 
mentioned  Report,  and  one  of  Her  Majesty's  Principall  Secretarys  of  State  is  to 
prepare  a  Warrant  for  Her  Majesty's  Royall  Signature  Directing  Mr.  Sollicitor 
Generall  to  prepare  a  Bill  in  order  to  pass  the  great  Seal  for  niakiotr  the  I'-^ti- 
tloners  free  Denizens  accordingly:  and  Her  Majesty  is  further  pleased  to  order 
that  the  Petitioners  be  not  obliged  to  pay  any  Fees  or  other  Charges  for  passing 
the  said   Letters  of  Denization. 

Edward  Southwell. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  327,  328. 

Trinity  Church  to  the  Bishop  of  London  Concerning  the 

Queen's  Farm. 

June  2  (1708).    Trinity  Church  takes  the  following  action: 

"  That  this  Board  do  represent  to  the  Bishop  of  London  the  Patent  for  the 
Queen's  Farm  and  Garden  and  Act  of  Assembly  relating  thereto  ".     Records  i.  G6. 

"  That  from  the  expiration  of  the  Revenue  of  this  Province  Mr.  Vesey  be  paid 
twenty  six  pounds  per  annum  out  of  the  rent  of  the  Queen's  Farm,  if  the  Gov- 
ernment do  not  pay  the  same,  for  his  house  rent  " 


1708 


1708 


1Y04  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Mr.  Jamieson  was  to  reply  to  a  letter  from  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  and 
make  known  to  him  "  the  state  of  the  Church  ".     Records  i.  66. 

The  Assembly  having  taken  action  hostile  to  the  Church,  a  letter  to  the  Bishop 
of  London  was  prepared  by  the  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church  and  read  June  17,  (1708.) 
The  Assembly  had  voted 

"  That  no   Governor  thereafter  should   have   power   to   Grant   or  Demise 

for  longer  time  than  his  owne  Government,  the  said  Farm  and  Garden,  as  being 
amongst  other  things,  the  Denison  of  her  Majesty's  Port  in  New  York,  and  de- 
clare all  other  Grants  of  said  Farm  or  Garden  to  be  void  ipso  facto  ";  but  Grov- 
ernor  Cornbury  had  this  Act  repealed.  The  letter  then  gives  the  financial  con- 
dition of  the  Parish,  and  says  that  Mr.  Vesey  had  "  an  allowance  for  his  house 
rent  out  of  the  Revenue  of  this  Province;  our  Church  at  the  time  of  its  first 
being  granted  being  considerably  indebted,  by  building  of  their  Church  and  Steeple, 
were  not  in  a  capacity  to  build  for  the  minister  a  Dwelling  house;  the  payment 
of  this  allowance  had  likewise  been  stopped  and  interrupted,  which  put  us  upon 
the  necessity  of  supplying  that  defect  out  of  our  weekly  contributions  for  some 
time,  until  the  arrival  of  the  Viscount  Cornbury,  who  soon  after  got  an  Act  passed 
for  the  better  establishment  of  this  maintenance  of  our  Minister,  by  which  in- 
stead of  one  hundred  pounds  per  annum,  is  provided  for  Mr.  Vesey  during  his  life 
or  continuance  amongst  us,  one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  per  annum;  and  his 
Lordship  did  likewise  make  good  to  him  the  former  allowance  out  of  the  Revenue, 
twenty  six  pounds  per  annum,  two  last  years  only  excepted;  the  Garden  being 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  Fort,  about  half  an  acre  of  ground  out  of  Fence, 
a  common  place  for  dung  and  rubbish,  of  no  benefit  to  any  Governor;  but,  ad- 
joining upon  the  south  side  of  the  Church-yard,  and  very  commodiously  situated 
for  a  dwelling  house  and  garden  to  our  Minister;  afterwards,  to  wit,  the  23rd  of 
Nov.  1705,  before  that  Law  al)out  extravagant  Grants  was  approved,  and  the 
other  repealed,  his  Lordship  did  Grant  to  us  a  Patent  for  the  said  Farme  and 
Garden,  forever,  under  a  small  quitrent,  and  this  condicon  thereunder  written, — 
that  if  his  Majesty's  Captain-General  and  Governor  in  Chief  for  the  time  being, 
of  the  said  Province,  should  at  any  time  thereafter  cease  or  forbear  the  yearly 
payment  of  twenty  six  pounds  for  the  said  House  rent,  which  has  been  paid  out 
of  the  Revenue  in  the  said  Province,  and  at  such  time,  no  suitable  house  should 
be  erected.  Which  Revenue  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  on  the  18th  day  of 
May  last  (1708.)  did  expire  by  its  own  limitation  and  so  remains  discontinued. 
Now  so  it  is  please  your  Lordship. 

The  Acts  of  the  Assembly  of  this  Province  being  transmitted  for  her  Majesty's 
Royal  assent  or  disallowance.  We  are  lately  informed  her  Majesty  has  been  gra- 
ciously pleased  on  some  precedent  consideration  to  approve  and  allow  that  Act 
made  against  the  extravagant  Grants  and  to  repeal  the  other  Act  of  Assembly, 
which  did  repeal  the  same,  by  which  means  we  are  apprehensive  the  foundation 
of  the  Patent  of  the  year  1705,  granting  the  said  Farme  and  Garden  is  like  to 
(be)  disputed. 

We  demised  said  Farme  for  five  years  at  thirty  pounds  per  annum  which  is  not 
yet  expired,  and  upon  the  determination  of  the  Revenues.  We  passed  a  vote  at 
our  meeting  in  a  full  Vestry  for  payment  of  the  twenty  six  pounds  to  Mr.  Vesey 
for  his  house  rent.  Since  the  granting  of  this  Patent  for  the  Farme  and  Garden 
we  put  the  Garden  into  Fence,  and  built  therein  a  stone  wall  which  cost  us  up- 
wards of  fifty  pounds  and  have  let  it  for  ten  years,  without  any  rent,  on  condition 
to  improve  the  same  with  fruit  trees  and  walks  against  such  time  we  shall  be 
able  to  build  a  dwelling  house  in  the  front  thereof  for  our  Minister.  If  it  be  her 
Majesty's  Royal  pleasure  the  Farme  or  Garden,  or  both,  should  continue  the 
denisons  of  the  succeeding  Governor  we  readily  submit  to  her  gracious  will  and 
pleasure;  but  if  her  Majesty's  Royal  intention  or  purpose  in  affirming  and  repealing 
of  these  two  laws  was  for  other  good  ends  and  purposes,  we  doubt  not  but  that  her 
Majesty  will  be  graciously  pleased  to  give  directions  for  settling  us  upon  a  surer 
foundation  in  the  peaceable  enjoyment  of  ye  said  Farme  and  Garden  ". 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1705 

The  Vestry  then  beg  the  good  offices  of  the  Bishop  in  presenting  the  subject 
to  the  Queen,  while  they  further  add, 

"  neither  can  we  omit  remiuding  your  Lordship,  how  we  are  still  obliged  for  the 
loan  and  use  of  the  Communion  Plate  of  her  Majesty's  Chapel  in  the  Fort  in  New 
York,  in  that  our  Books,  Vestments,  are  almost  worn  out,  and  how  we  have  been 
granted  by  her  Sacred  Majesty  for  a  supply  of  those  things  to  our  Church  in 
particular,  but  by  what  ill  fate  or  accident  we  know  not,  have  them  not  to  this 
day". 

They  also  send  "  a  copy  of  that  paraph  of  the  Viscount  Cornbury's  Commission 
for  New  York  relating  to  the  power  of  granting  lands  ". —  Dix,  169-171. 

Second  Petition  of  the  Reverend  Joshua  Kochekthal  to 

the  Queen.     [June  22,  1708.] 

To  the  Queen's  most  Excellent  Majesty. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Joshua  de  Kocherthai  Minister,  on  behalf  of  himself  and 
other  Distressed  Persons,  lately  arrived  from  Palatinate  and  Holstein. 

Most  humbly  Sheweth  That  your  sacred  Majesty  being  pleased  to  receive  the 
Petitioners  late  humble  Petition  with  such  great  clemency  and  Royal  favour,  he  is 
thereby  incouraged  to  prostrate  himself  once  more  before  your  Majesty,  and  to 
inform  your  Majesty  with  the  utmost  submission,  that  fourteen  Persons  more 
three  whereof  are  natives  of  Holstein,  are  arrived  here  unexpectedly  from  the 
Palatinate  who  having  suffered  under  the  Calamity  which  happened  last  year  in 
the  Palatinate  by  the  Invasion  of  the  French,  in  this  their  Deplorable  Condition 
are  desirous  to  settle  themselves  in  some  of  your  Majesty's  Plantations  in  America, 
but  by  reason  of  their  extream  Poverty,  they  cannot  Defray  their  charges  for 
passage  thither,  they  humbly  Implore  your  Royal  Majesty,  that  they  may  be  per- 
mitted to  go  thither  in  company  with  the  forty  one  persons,  to  whom  Your 
Majesty  has  most  graciously  allowed  a  free  passage  thither;  and  that  they  may 
also  enjoy  the  same  Royal  Mercy  and  Priviledges.  And  whereas  your  petitioner 
cannot  hope  for  competent  subsistence  in  America,  after  his  arrival  there,  he 
most  humbly  entreats  Your  Majesty  to  grant  him  such  Sallary,  for  the  support 
of  himself  and  family,  as  Your  Majesty  in  your  great  Clemency  shall  think  fit. 

And  your  Petitioners  (as  in  Duty  Bound)  shall  ever  Pray,  etc. —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y. 
Vol.  V.  p.  44. 

Mr.  Boy^le  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  The  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade  and 

Plantations. 
My  Lords. 

Having  laid  before  the  Queen  the  Inclosed  Petition  of  Joshua 
Kocherthai,  Minister  concerning  several  other  Distressed  Protest- 
ants newly  arrived  from  the  Palatinat  &  Holsteyn  who  are  like- 
wise desirous  to  be  transported  to  Her  Majesty's  Plantations  in 
America,  in  the  same  manner  and  with  the  same  advantages  as 
have  been  already  granted  to  those  who  came  before  out  of  the 
Palatinate,  Her  Majesty  has  thereupon  commanded  me  to  trans- 


1706  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

mit  the  said  Petition  to  your  Lordships  that  you  may  examine 
whether  the  fourteen  persons  therein  mentioned  are  proper  ob- 
jects of  Her  Majesty's  Royal  Compassion,  as  the  others  were. 
And  in  such  case  Her  Majesty's  pleasure  is,  that  these  which  are 
last  arrived  should  be  taken  care  of,  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
former.     I  am, 

My  Lords,  Your  Lordships  most  humble  Servant, 

H.  Boyle. 
Whitehall,  —  Col.  Hist.  Is^.  y.  Vol.  v.  p.  44. 

June  22nd,  1Y08. 

Board  of  Trade  to  Mr.  Secretary  Boyle. 
To  the  Right  Honourable  Mr.  Secretary  Boyle. 

Sir:  In  Obedience  to  Her  Majesty's  Commands  signified  to 
us  by  Your  letter  of  the  22nd  Instant  upon  a  second  petition  of 
Joshua  de  Kocherthal,  to  Her  Majesty,  in  behalf  of  himself  and 
fourteen  other  distressed  Protestants  lately  arrived  from  the 
Palatinate  and  Holsteyn,  Praying  that  they  may  in  Company  of 
the  forty  one  Lutherans  already  provided  for,  be  transported  to 
Her  Majesty's  Province  of  'Ne^Y  York,  and  partake  of  the  like 
allowance  and  Advantages  the  said  Lutherans  are  to  receive,  as 
well  during  their  stay  here  as  at  their  Arrival  in  the  said  Prov- 
ince; We  have  considered  the  same  and  find  that  the  Testimonials 
which  they  have  produced  under  the  hands  and  Seals  of  the 
Ministers  Baylifs  or  Principal  Magistrates  in  the  Villages  where 
they  dwelt,  do  give  a  good  charecter  of  the  said  Poor  Protestants, 
and  certify  that  they  are  reduced  to  the  utmost  want,  having  lost 
all  they  had  by  the  frequent  Incursions  of  the  French  and  Ger- 
mans near  Landau;  find  further  that  two  of  them  have  Entred 
themselves  into  the  service  of  the  Lord  Lovelace,  so  that  there 
are  but  twelve  to  be  provided  for. 

Whereupon  We  humbly  Offer  that  the  said  twelve  Poor 
Protestants  are  fit  Objects  for  her  Majesty's  Bounty,  and  that  if 
Her  Majesty  shall  be  graciously  pleased  to  allow  them  the  same 


OF  THE  State  of  i!^Ew  Yoek.  1Y07 

as  is  already  granted  to  the  others,  for  their  subsistence,  and 
that  they  be  transported  with  the  Kest  to  ISTew  York.  We  fur- 
ther humbly  Offer  that  before  their  Departure  they  be  likewise 
made  free  Denizens  of  this  Kingdom,  for  their  greater  incourage- 
ment  in  the  Injoyment  of  the  Privileges  accruing  by  such  letters 
of  Denization.     We  are  Sir, 

Your  most  humble  Servants 
Herbert  Ph.  Meadows  Jno  Pulteney  Ch.  Turner. 
Whitehall,  —  Col.  Hist.  Is^.  y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  53,  54. 

June  29th,  1708. 

Board  of  Trade  to  Lord  Lovelace. 

To  the  Right  Honourable  the  Lord  Lovelace. 
My  Lord. 


Whitehall, 

June  28th  1708. 

P.  S.  Her  Majesty  having  been  pleased  by  Her  Order  in  Council  of  the  26th  of 
June  1708  to  confirna  One  Act  past  at  New  York  the  2nd  of  March  1698/9,  Entituled 
an  Act  for  Vacating,  breaking  and  annulling  several  Extravagant  Grants  of  Land, 
made  by  Col.  Fletcher  late  Governor  of  this  Province  under  His  Majesty,  And  to 
Repeal  one  other  Act  also  past  at  New  York,  the  27th  of  November  1702,  En- 
tituled, an  Act  for  Repealing  Several  Acts  of  Assembly  and  Declaring  other  Or- 
dinances Published  as  Acts  of  Assembly  to  be  Void.  We  inclose  to  your  Lord- 
ship Her  Majesty's  said  Order  which  you  are  to  cause  to  be  published  and  Entred 
in  the  Council  Book  as  usual. 

By  their  Lordship's  Order, 

Wm.    Popple,   Jr. 
—  Col.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.  V.  pp.   46,  48. 


Lord  Cornbury^  to  the  Board  of  Trade. 

Reasons  of  Emigration  from  Long  Island  to  New  Jersey. 

(July  1,   1706.) 
To  the  Right  Honourable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations. 
My  Lords: 


Two  sorts  of  people  remove  out  of  this  Government  into  the  neighbouring 
Provinces,  the  first  are  trading  men,  of  these  but  few  are  removed  since  I  came 
hither;  The  other  sort  are  Husbandmen.  Of  this  sort  many  are  Removed  lately, 
especially  from  King's  County  on  Long  Island;  And  the  reasons  why  they  remove 
are  of  two  kinds;  The  first  is  because  King's  County  is  but  small  and  full  of 
people,  so  as  the  young  people  grow  up,  they  are  forced  to  seek  land  further 
away,  to  settle  upon;  The  land  in  the  Eastern  Division  of  New  Jersey  is  good, 
and  not  very  far  from  King's  County,  there  is  only  a  bay  to  crosse:  The  other  rea- 
son that  induces   them  to  remove  into   New  Jersey   is   because  there  they   pay   no 


1708 


1708  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

taxes,  nor  no  duties;  The  most  effectual  way  to  prevent  the  Removal  of  the  first 
sort  of  people,  would  be  to  bring  all  the  Colonies  and  Plantations  upon  the  Con- 
tinent of  America  under  the  same  duties  and  customs,  for  goods  imported  and 
exported;  If  this  were  once  settled  the  trading  Men  would  then  consider  which 
Is  the  healthiest,  pleasantest,  and  most  convenient  place  for  Trade;  whereas  now 
the  Chief  Consideration  is,  where  the  least  Duties  are  paid;  Of  this  we  have  had 
several  instances  lately;  since  the  French  destroyed  Nevis  several  families  have  re- 
moved from  that  Island,  with  intent  to  settle  in  this  place,  but  when  they  have 
found  what  Duties  people  have  paid,  and  do  pay  here,  and  that  at  Philadelphia  they 
pay  none  at  all,  they  remove  thither.  As  for  the  Husbandmen,  I  cannot  see  how 
they  can  be  hindered  from  removing  out  of  one  Province  into  the  other. —  Col.  Hist. 
N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  55.  56,  57. 

Petition  of  the  Reverend  Mk.  Kocherthal  to  the  Queen. 

To  the  Queen's  Most  Excellent  Majesty. 
The  Petition  of  Joshua  de  Kocherthal  High  German  Minister  of  the  Gospel. 

Most  humbly  Sheweth  That  a  Petition  having  of  late  been  presented  unto  Your 
Majesty  by  Your  Petitioner,  for  himself  and  on  the  behalf  of  Eleven  persons  more, 
who  are  lately  arrived  here  from  the  Palatinate,  Your  Majesty  thereupon  was  most 
graciously  pleased  to  order  that  the  matter  should  be  enquired  into,  in  the  Council 
of  Your  Majesty's  Plantations;  But  no  mention  being  made  in  the  said  order  about 
Your  Petitioner,  and  the  time  for  transportation  of  the  said  persons  drawing  near, 
Your  Petitioner  finds  himself  obliged  with  all  submission  to  represent  to  Your 
Majesty  that  after  his  arrival  in  the  West  Indies,  it  will  be  very  difiicult,  if  not 
impossible  for  your  Petitioner  to  subsist  or  live  upon  his  own  means,  or  by  the 
assistance  of  the  said  persons,  who  are  all  very  poor  People,  Unless  Your  Peti- 
tioner be  upheld  and  maintained  in  his  Station  by  a  Supporting  hand. 

Your  Petitioner  therefore  most  humbly  Prays  that  Your  Majesty  will  be  most 
graciously  pleased  to  order  and  direct  that  a  certain  competent  Salary  may  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  your  Petitioner,  whereby  he,  with  his  wife,  and  three 
children  may  conveniently  subsist  and  live  after  their  arrival  in  America. 

And  whereas  Your  Majesty  has  most  charitably  been  pleased  to  Order  that  a 
Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  should  be  given  unto  every  Minister  or  Preacher  before 
his  Departure  to  America  to  buy  Cloaths  and  Books,  Your  Petitioner  also  Prays, 
that  the  said  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  Sterling,  may  be  paid  unto  your  Petitioner, 
In  order  to  provide  himself  with  necessary  Books  and  Convenient  Clothing.  And 
Your  Petitioner  shall  ever  pray,  etc. 

Joshua  De  Kocherthel. 
July  7,  1708.  —Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  p.  62. 

Report  of  the  Board  of  Trade  on  the  Preceding  Petition 
[of  Rev.  Joshua  Kocherthal]. 

To  the  Right  Honourable  Mr.  Secretary  Boyle. 
Sir: 

In  obedience  to  Her  Majesty's  Commands,  signifying  to  us  by  your  reference  of 
the  4th  Instant,  upon  the  Petition  of  Joshua  de  Kocherthel,  the  High  German 
Minister,  Praying  that  Her  Majesty  would  be  graciously  pleased  to  allow  him  a 
Salary,  for  the  better  subsistence  of  himself  and  family  at  New  York,  and  that 
her  Majesty  would  be  pleased  to  allow  him  a  Salary,  for  the  better  subsistanee 
of  himself  and  family  at  New  York,  and  that  Her  Majesty  would  be  pleased  to 
order  him  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds  before  his  Departure  from  hence,  for  pro- 
viding himself  with  Cloaths,  and  Books,  as  has  been  done  to  other  Ministers  going 
to  the  Plantations;  We  have  considered  the  same,  &  thereupon  Desire  that  you 
will  please  to  lay  before  Her  Majesty,  that  we  find  no  precedent  of  a  Salary  being 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1709 

settled  here  upon  Foreign  Clergymen  in  the  Plantations,  Only  that  at  New  York 
the  French  Minister  there  has,  as  we  have  been  informed,  a  Salary  of  twenty 
or  thirty  pounds  a  year  paid  him  out  of  the  Revenue  of  that  Province,  But  by 
what  order,  or  how  that  was  done,  TTe  do  not  find.  However  as  the  said  Kocher- 
thal  is  very  poor,  and  not  capable  of  maintaining  himself,  his  wife  and  three 
children,  by  his  own  labour,  and  that  the  Lutherans  who  go  over  with  him  are 
not  in  a  condition  to  make  him  any  allowance,  We  humbly  offer  that  Lord  Love- 
lace have  Directions  to  Grant  to  the  said  Minister  a  Reasonable  portion  of  land 
for  a  glebe,  not  exceeding  five  hundred  acres,  And  that  he  be  permitted  to  sell 
a  suitable  Proportion  thereof  for  his  better  Maintenance,  'till  he  shall  be  in  a 
condition  to  live  by  the  produce  of  the  Rest. 

As  for  the  twenty  pounds  he  desires  we  find  that  it  is  usually  allowed  to  English 
Ministers  going  into  the  Plantations  and  as  the  said  Kocherthal  is  an  object  of  Her 
Majesty's  Charity,  We  further  humbly  Offer  that  Her  Majesty  be  graciously 
pleased  to  allow  him  the  said  twenty  pounds  according  to  the  prayer  of  his 
petition.     We  are  Sir, 

Your  most  humble  Servants, 

Herbert  Ph.  Meadows,  Jno.  Pulteney. 
Whitehall,  —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  62,  63. 

July  13th,  1708. 

Additional  Instruction  for  Lord  Lovelace   [in  Reference 
TO  Vacating  Fletcher's  Land  Grants.] 

Additional    Instruction   to   our   Right   trusty   and  Wellbeloved   John    Lord    Love- 
lace,   Baron   of  Hurley,   Our   Captain   General   &  Governor  in   Chief  of 
(Annie  R.)     Our  Province  of  New  York,   and  the  Territories  depending  thereon   in 
America.      Given   to    our    Court   at    (Windsor)    the    (Twentieth)    day    of 
(July)  1708,  In  the  Seventh  Year  of  our  Reign. 

Whereas  We  have  thought  fit  by  Our  Order  in  Council  of  the  26th  of  Juae  1708 
to  Repeal  an  Act  past  at  New  Y'ork  the  27th  of  November  1702.  Entituled  An  Act 
for  Repealing  several  Acts  of  Assembly  and  Declaring  Other  Ordinances  published 
as  Acts  of  Assembly  to  be  Void;  And  whereas  by  the  said  Order,  We  have  likewise 
thought  fit  to  confirm  and  approve  an  Act  past  at  New  York  the  2nd  of  March 
1698/9  Entituled,  An  Act  for  Vacating.  Breaking  and  Annulling  several  Extrava- 
gant Grants  of  Land,  made  by  Colonel  Benjamin  Fletcher,  late  Governor  of  this 
Province  under  His  Majesty,  by  the  Confirmation  of  which  Act.  several  large 
Tracts  of  Land  (as  by  the  said  Act  will  more  fully  appear)  are  Resumed  to  us, 
and  are  in  our  Disposal  to  Re-grant  as  we  shall  see  Occasion;  Our  Will  and  Pleas- 
ure therefore  is,  that  you  may  Regrant  to  the  late  Patentees  of  such  Resumed 
Grants,  a  suitable  number  of  Acres,  not  exceeding  two  thousand  to  any  one  per- 
son; And  that  in  such  Grants,  as  well  as  in  all  future  Grants,  there  be  a  Reserva- 
tion to  us.  Our  heirs  and  Successors  of  a  Yearly  Quit  Rent  of  Two  Shillings  and 
Sixpence  for  every  hundred  acres,  with  a  Covenant  to  Plant,  settle  and  effectually 
Cultivate  at  least  three  Acres  of  Land  for  every  fifty  Acres,  within  three  Years 
after  the  same  shall  be  so  granted,  upon  forfeiture  of  every  such  Grant. —  Col. 
Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.   V.  p.  54. 


1708 


1708 


1710  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

An  Act  for  Suppressing  of  Immorality,  Eeceived  by  the 
Council.  Council  Journal,  250-2,  Enacted,  Sept.  18, 
p.  263.  ' 

(Passed,    September   18,    1708.) 

whereas  Pi-ophainness  and  Immorality  have  too  much  abounded  within  this 
Colony  to  ye  Shame  of  Christianity,  and  the  great  grief  of  all  good  and  sober  men, 
for  the  Suppressing  whereof  for  the  future. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Governour  Councill  and  Assembly  now  met  and  as- 
sembled, and  by  the  Authority  of  the  Same,  that  all  Christians  whatsoever 
withiu  this  Province,  who  shall  be  convicted  of  Drunkenness,  Cursing  or  Swear- 
ing by  the  Information  of  Every  Constable  withiu  their  Respective  precincts, 
or  of  any  other  person  whatsoever  before  any  one  of  Her  Majesty's  Justices 
of  the  Peace  of  the  City  or  County  where  such  fact  is  Committed,  by  the 
Confession  of  the  Offender,  or  the  Oath  of  Attestation  of  one  Credible  Wit- 
ness (which  every  Justice  of  the  Peace  is  hereby  Authorized  to  Administer) 
every  person  so  Convicted  Shall  be  fined  by  the  said  Justice  of  the  Peace  for 
Drunkenness  Cursiug  or  Swearing,  in  the  Sum  of  three  Shillings  money  of  the 
Province  of  New  York  for  each  offence,  all  which  fines  to  be  Immediately  Levyed 
upon  the  offenders  Goods  and  Chatties  by  the  Constable  aforesaid  by  warrant  from 
the  said  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  for  want  of  effect  to  make  such  Distress  the 
said  Constable  by  Warrant  from  the  said  Justice  of  the  Peace,  shall  Commit  the 
offender  to  the  Stocks  for  the  Space  of  four  hours,  for  Drunkenness,  and  two  hours 
for  Cursing  or  Swearing  And  each  Distress  so  made  as  above  said  to  be  by  the 
said  Constable  Sold  at  a  public  Out  Cry  (unless  redeemed  by  paying  the  fine  within 
three  davs)  and  after  full  pavment  of  Said  fine  the  Overplus  if  any  be  shall  be 
returned 'to  the  owner;  and  all  such  fines  to  be  by  the  Constable  aforesaid  Immedi- 
ately paid  to  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  of  the  said  City  or  County  where  such  fact 
is  Committed  for  the  use  of  the  Poor  of  that  City  or  County  for  all  which  fines 
the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  Shall  be  Accountable  Yearly  to  the  Justices  in  their 
Generall  Quarter  Sessions  of  the  Peace  And  every  Negro,  Indian  or  other  Slaves: 
That  shall  be  found  guilty  of  any  of  the  abovesaid  facts  or  talke  Impudently  to 
any  Christian  Shall  Suffer  So  many  Stripes  at  some  publick  place  as  the  Justice  of 
the  Peace  in  such  place  where  such  offence  is  Committed  Shall  think  fit:  not  ex- 
ceeding forty  Any  Law  Custome  or  usage  to  the  Contrary  hereof  in  any  ways 
notwithstanding. —  Colonial  Laws   of  New  York,   Vol.   1.    pp.   617,   618. 

An  Act  for  Preventing  the  Conspiracy  of  Slaves. 

(Passed    October   30,    1708.) 

bee  it  Enacted  by  the  Governour  Councill  and  Assembly  and  it  is  hereby  En- 
acted by  the  Authority  of  the  Same,  that  all  and  every  Negro  Indian  or  other 
Slave  or  Slaves  within  this  Colony  who  at  any  time  after  the  Execrable  and  Bar- 
berous  Murder  committed  on  the  Person  and  Family  of  William  Hallet  Junr  late 
of  New  Town  in  Queens  County  Gentleman  Deceased  have  has  or  shall  Murder  or 
otherwise  kill  unless  by  Misadventure  or  in  Execution  of  Justice  or  Conspire  or 
attempt  the  Death  of  his  her  or  their  Master  or  Mistress  or  any  other  of  her 
Majesty's  Leige  People  not  being  Negroes  Mulattos  or  Slaves  within  this  Colony- 
and  shall  thereof  be  Lawfullv  Convicted  before  three  or  more  of  her  Majesty's 
Justices  of  the  Peace  One  whereof  to  be  of  the  Quorum  who  are  hereby  authorized 
and  Empowered  to  hear  and  determine  the  same  and  put  their  Judgements  in 
Execution  according  to  this  Act  or  before  and  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  or  Gen- 
such  manner  and  with  such  Circumstances  as  the  aggrevation  and  Enormity  of 
erall  Goal  Delivery  he  she  or  they  so  offending  shall  Suffer  the  pains  of  Death  in 
such  manner  and  "with  such  Circumstances  as  the  aggrevation  and  Enormity  of 
their  Crime  in  the  Judgement  of  the  Justices  aforesaid  of  those  Courts  shall  merit 
and  require  AND  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid  that  the  Owner 
or  Owners  of  Such  Negro  or  Indian  Slave  or  Slaves  to  be  Executed  by  Virtue  of 
this  Act  shall  be  paid  for  the  same  in  the  like  manner  and  under  the  same  Regu- 
lations as  is  declared  in  and  by  an  Act  of  the  Generall  Assembly  of  this  Colony 
made  in  the  fourth  year  of  her  Majesty's  Reign,  Entituled  an  Act  to  Prevent  the 
running  away  of  Negro  Slaves  out  of  the  Citty  and  County  of  Albany  to  the  French 
at  Canada  Provided  the  Value  of  such  Slaves  shall  not  exceed  the  price  of  twenty 
five  Pounds  Lawfull  money  of  this  Colony,  nor  the  Charges  of  Prosecution  above 
five  Pounds. —  Colonial  Laws  of  New  York,   Vol.  1.   p.   631. 


OF  THE  State  of  iS^EW  York.  1711 

Characterization  of  Lord  Cornbury. 

1702-1708. 

"  Lord  Cornbury's  administration,  whiich  began  with  hopeful  auguries,  closed 
in  disgrace:  Though  not  without  good  qualities,  he  was  a  vain  and  imperious 
man,  and  succeeded  in  disgusting  the  people  of  New  York  by  his  unseemly  be- 
havior. There  seems  to  be  no  reasonable  ground  to  doubt  the  story  that,  on 
one  occasion,  he  was  guilty  of  the  gross  absurdity  of  appearing  in  public,  in 
female  dress  ". 

Says  Lewis  Morris,  Feb.  9,  1707,  writing  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  and 
speaking  of  Cornbury:  "  Of  whom  I  must  say  something  which  perhaps  no  body 
will  think  worth  their  while  to  tell,  and  that  is,  his  dressing  publicly  in  woman's 
clothes  every  day,  and  putting  a  stop  to  all  public  business,  while  he  is  pleasing 
himself  with  that  peculiar  but  detestable  magot. —  (Whim,    fancy.)" 

This  silly  freak  might  have  been  overlooked  and  forgotten;  he  cannot,  however, 
be  so  easily  excused  for  acts  of  perseciition  directed  against  several  clergymen 
of  the  day.  The  case  of  the  Rev.  Francis  Mac  Kemie,  a  Presbyterian,  whom  he 
threw  into  prison  for  preaching  in  a  private  house  without  his  consent,  was  a 
flagrant  instance  in  point.  It  is,  however,  a  pity  that  it  should  have  been 
wrested  for  the  purpose  of  attack  upon  our  (Episcopal)  Church  by  writers  of  a 
partizan  class.  The  trouble  was  a  purely  personal  one  between  the  Governor 
and  an  imprudent  (?)  man,  who  had  irritated  Cornbury's  vanity.  Clergymen  of 
the  Church  of  England  were  occasionally  treated  worse  than  Mac  Kemie,  and  on 
slighter  grounds  ". 

For  example:  "  The  Rev.  Thoroughgood  Moor,  Missionary  of  the  S.  P.  G.  in 
New  Jersey,  was  dragged  from  Burlington  to  Amboy  and  thence  taken  prisoner 
to  the  Fort  in  New  York,  and  suffered  the  greatest  indignity.  See  also  Brod- 
head's  so-called  '  Impeachment  of  Cornbury  as  a  Forger ',  Hist.  Mag.  18(53,  vii. 
329;  Force's  Hist.  Tracts,  iv.  4;  Smith's  New  York,  i.  186-190;  and  Centennial  Hist, 
of  P.  Epis.  Ch.,  Diocese  of  N.  Y.,  60;  Brigg's  Hist,  of  Presbyterianism,  152  ".—  See 
Dix's   Hist.   Trinity  Ch.   166.     Col.    Docs.   iv.   1077,    v.   38,   318. 

The  proceedings  of  Lord  Cornbury  can  hardly  be  read  with  calmness  at  the 
present  time.  His  conduct  towards  the  Presbyterians  at  Jamaica,  Long  Island, 
in  seizing  by  violence  their  church  edifice,  and  the  suits  and  fines  which  unjustly 
followed,  when  the  owners  sought  to  regain  possession:  and  his  request  to  have 
the  Presbyterian  parsonage  for  his  temporary  use,  and  his  abuse  of  the  kindness 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Hubbard,  who  granted  it,  and  then  its  confiscation;  these  things  greatly 
embittered  the  people  against  him.  They  resented  and  he  prosecuted.  He 
detested  all  who  were  not  of  his  own  sect.  He  even  insisted  that  neither  the 
ministers  or  schoolmasters  of  the  Dutch,  although  the  most  numerous  persuasion 
in  the  province  had  a  right  to  preach  or  instruct  without  his  gubernatorial  license; 
and  some  of  them  tamely  submitted  to  his  tyranny.  Hon.  Wm.  Livingston  has 
preserved  an  account  of  his  intolerance  in  a  series  of  articles  styled  "  The  Watch 
Tower  ",  published,  in  the  New  York  Mercury  in  1755. 

Smith's  New  York,  172. 
See  Wm.   Livingston's   "  Independent  Reflector  "   or   "  Weekly  Essays  on  Sundry 
Important   Subjects  "     1753.     Hon.  Henry  C.   Murphy's  copy  was  purchased  at  the 
sale  of  his  books,  by  E.  T.  Corwin,  and  is  now  in  the  Sage  Library  at  New  Bruns- 
wick, N.  J. 


1708 


1708 


1712  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

1708,  July  31  —  Aug.  9.     Syxod  of  IsTokth  Holland,  held  at 
ENKiiuYZEisr.     'No  Allusions  to  America. 

Letter  from  the  Lord  Lovelace,  Governor  of  1*^ew  York, 
Dated  Dec.  18,  1708. 

Giving  an  account  of  his  passage.     The  Palatines  Trade  Papers, 

.      Bundle  Z.  35. 
My  Lords : — 

I  do  myself  the  honor  to  acquaint  your  Lordships  that  I  very 
happily  arrived  here  this  morning  having  been  nine  weeks  and  odd 
days  in  the  passage.  The  Kingdale  in  which  I  came  being  sepa- 
rated from  the  fleet  got  into  Buzard  Bay  in  ISJ'ew  England  and 
getting  pilots  there  gained  our  passage  through  the  Sound  between 
Long  Island  and  the  main,  landed  at  Flushing.  I  do  not  yet  hear 
of  the  arrival  of  any  other  ship  of  our  fleet  except  the  Unity 
which  struck  on  the  bank  at  Sandy  Hook.  She  was  left  by  all 
her  seamen,  but  has  since  got  off  and  is  gone  to  sea  again,  we  have 
not  since  heard  of  her,  but  hope  she  is  safe  having  two  good  pilots 
from  hence  on  board. 

Our  winter  set  in  very  hard  and  ports  and  rivers  are  full  of  ice. 
I  am  in  pain  for  the  Germans  and  recruits  on  board  the  Globe, 
they  wanting  water  and  the  weather  not  permitting  us  to  assist 
them.  This  coast  is  so  terrible  in  the  winter  I  think  no  ship 
ought  to  be  sent  hither  from  England  after  August  at  fartherst. 
Our  poor  seamen  were  so  benumbed  with  the  cold,  that  at  last  we 
had  but  25  men  flt  to  do  any  duty  and  the  soldiers  which  we  had 
on  board  assisted.  The  ship  had  been  in  great  danger.  I  shall 
take  care  to  send  the  despatches  I  have  for  the  several  Governors 
on  the  Continent  and  to  conform  myself  to  the  several  instruc- 
tions I  have  received  from  your  Lordships.  Being  with  great 
respect, 

Your  Lordships  most  faithful  humble  servant, 

Lovelace. 
New  York,  Dec.  18,  1708.  i 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1Y13 

1709 

ADMimSTRATION  OF  GOV.  LOVELACE. 

Dec.  18,  1708  — May,  1709. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Indian  Affairs. 

1709,  Jan.  8th.  The  Committee  on  Eoreign  Affairs  read,  and 
delivered  to  the  Eev.  Assembly,  extracts  from  the  letters  on 
Indian  Affairs.  The  Eev.  Assembly  thanked  the  Deputies  for 
the  trouble  they  have  taken  and  requests  them  to  prepare  for 
the  Rev.  Assembly  a  preliminary  report  and  extracts  from  letter 
of  Rev.  Le  Bouck.     ix.  186. 

Petition  of  Domine  Antonides'  Elders. 

Jan.   21,   1709. 

To  his  Excellency  John  lord  Lovelace,  Baron  of  Hurley,  Capt.  Generall  &  Gov- 
ernour  in  Chief  in  and  over  her  Majesty's  Province  of  New  York  &  the  Territories 
depending  thereon  in   America  &  Vice  admiral  of  the   same  etc.   in  Councill. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Elders  &  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant 
Churches  of  the  towns  of  Brookland  Flatbush  &  Flatlands  in  Kings  County 
on  the  Island  of  Nassaw 

Sheweth 

That  your  petitioners  according  to  the  Constitucons  usages  and  customs  of  the 
Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Churches  always  practiced  in  this  Province,  did  some 
time  after  the  desease  of  Mr.  Wm.  Lupardus  their  late  minister,  make  applicacon 
to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  send  them  another  fit  person  in  his  room,  whicli 
accordingly  sent  Mr.  Vincentius  Antonides  who  arrived  here  on  the  first  of  Jan- 
uary 1705/6. 

But  so  It  is  may  it  please  your  Excellency  that  Mr.  Bernardus  Ffreeman  being 
only  called  Minister  for  the  town  of  New  Utrecht  in  the  said  county  has  entred 
upon  two  of  the  said  Churches  without  any  lawfull  call  and  has  continually  ob- 
structed their  said  Minister  in  the  Exercise  of  his  function  and  entirely  over- 
turned the  Government  &  Discipline  of  the  said  churches  to  the  great  grief  of 
your  Petitioners  &  discouragement  of  their  said  Minister. 

Your  Petitioners  therefore  humbly  pray  your  Excellency  that  the  matter 
aforesaid  mostly  relating  to  the  Ecclesiastical  Government  and  discipline  of  the 
said  Dutch  Churches  may  be  examined  into  and  that  your  Excellency  would  be 
pleased  to  that  end  to  direct  some  of  her  Majesty's  Councill  to  be  joyned  with 
the  Deputies  of  the  Dutch  Churches  of  this  Province  by  your  Excellency's  leave  to 
be  assembled  to  hear  the  same  according  to  the  constitucons  aforesaid  and  report 
their  opinion  of  that  affair  to  your  Excellency  to  the  end  that  they  may  be  re- 
lieved as  the  justice  of  their  case  may  require. 

And  your  Petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  Shall  Ever  Pray  etc.  In  the  name  and 
by  order  of  the  Elders  &  Deacons  aforesaid. 

Joseph   Hegeman,    Jeronimus    Remsen,    Pleter   Nevijus. 
New  York  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  94. 

21  January,  1708/9. 


1709 


1714  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

Oedee  of  Council  Theeeon. 

(Council  Minute  X.) 

(1709) 

Att  a  Council  held  att  Fort  Anne  in  New  Yorke  the  27th  day  of  January 
1708-9. 

Present  his  Excellency  John  Lord  LoTelace  Baron  of  Hurley,  etc. 

Mr.  Van  Dam  ,                      Mr.  Phillips 

Mr.  Wenham  Mr.  Peartree 

Mr.  Mompesson  Mr.  Prevost  Esqrs. 
Mr.  Barberie 

Upon  reading  the  petition  of  the  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Protestant  Churches  of  the  towns  of  Brookland  flaatbush  and  Flattlands  it  is 
ordered  that  Mr.  Van  Dam,  Mr.  Philips  and  Mr.  Prevost  taking  to  their  assistance 
the  Minister  &  Elders  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  New  York  do  assemble  at  such 
convenient  times  &  places  as  the  said  Mr.  Van  Dam,  Mr.  Phillips  and  Mr. 
Prevost  or  any  two  of  them  shall  appoint  to  Examine  Inquire  into  and  hear  the 
petitioners  on  the  subject  matter  of  the  said  Petition  as  also  the  said  Mr.  Freeman 
and  all  others  concerned  in  the  said  affair  &  to  make  their  Report  on  the  whole 
to  this  Board. 

And  that  the  Petitioners  so  serve  Mr.  Freeman  with  a  copy  of  the  said  Petition 
&  this  Order. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  95. 

Petition  of  Domine  Freeman's  Eldees. 

Feb.  3,  1709. 

To  his  Excellency  John  Lord  Lovelace  Baron  of  Hurley  Capt.  Generall  &  Gov- 
ernour  in  Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  and  all  the  Ter- 
ritories and  Tracts  of  Land  Depending  thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of 
the  same  etc.     In  Council. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Cornelius  Sebrink  Anglebert  Lott  and  Cornelius  Van 
Brunt  for  and  on  the  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  Major  parte  of  the  ffree- 
holders  of  the  Dutch  Congregations  in  Kings  County  on  the  Island  Nassaw. 

Sheweth  That  Mr.  Freeman  our  Minister  and  your  Lordshipps  Petitioners  were 
lately  served  with  an  Order  of  your  Excellency  in  Councill  grounded  upon  the 
Pretended  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Church  of  the 
Towne  of  Brookland  Flatbush  and  Fflatlands.  That  several  of  the  allegations  in 
the  said  Petition  sett  forth  are  misrepresented  as  your  said  Petitioners  can  plainly 
make  appeare,  If  your  Lordshipp  would  be  pleased  to  give  them  a  hearing  thereof. 
That  your  Excellency's  Petitioners  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  all  Eeclesiasticall 
affairs  And  the  Determination  of  all  things  relating  thereto  in  this  Province  lies 
solely  before  your  Lordshipp.  That  your  Petitions  have  had  several  hearings  upon 
the  subject  matter  of  the  said  Petition  before  the  Late  Governour  Viscount 
Cornbury  where  the  said  Pretended  Elders  could  never  make  good  their  said  Alliga- 
tions though  with  their  utmost  Diligence  they  have  Endeavoured  it.  That  the  said 
Order  imports  that  several  Gentlemen  shall  have  the  hearing  and  Examining  the 
pr'misses  And  report  the  same  to  that  Honorable  Board  which  opportunity  of 
setting  forth  their  case  your  Petitioners  should  be  Glad  to  Embrace  were  it  not 
that  several  Persons  therein  appointed  have  declared  themselves  to  be  parties 
against  your  Petitioners  in  the  matter  depending.  And  therefore  with  great  sub- 
mission your  Petitioners  Humbly  conceive  that  they  are  not  proper  judges  thereof. 
May  it  therefore  please  your  Excellency  of  your  great  Clemency  to  take  the 
pr'misses  into  your  wise  consideration  And  since  the  matter  seems  wholely  to  ly 
before  your  Lordshipp  your  Petitioners  humbly  pray  that   the  said  Order  may  be 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.         1715 

Buperceeded  And  that  your  Excellency  -would  be  pleased  to  appoint  a  time  for  iiear- 
ing  your  Petitioners  upon  thie  said  subject  matter  to  wtiose  wisdom  and  judgement 
your  Petitioners  In  all  humble  manner  freely  submits  themselves.  And  in  duty 
bound  shall  ever  pray. 

Cornells  Seberingh,  Engelbardt  Lott. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.   Vol.   iii.  p.  93. 

Order  Therettpo:n^. 

At  a  Council  held  etc.  3rd  day  of  Feb.  1708.     [1709.] 
Present    as    before    except    Mr.    Van    Dam. 

Upon  reading  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Seabring  and  others  on  Behalf  of  themselves 
and  the  major  parte  of  the  ffreeholders  of  the  Dutch  Congregation  in  Kings 
County  etc. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  Petitioners  on  the  afore  recited  Peticon  and  also  the 
Petitioners  on  the  Peticon  now  read  do  severally  forthwith  give  in  the  names  of 
Two  men  to  the  said  Mr.  Van  Dam  Mr.  Phillips  &  Mr.  Provost  or  one  of  them  to  be 
assistant  to  the  said  Mr.  Vandam  Mr.  Phillips  and  Mr.  Prouost  in  the  examination 
of  the  subject  matter  of  the  aforesaid  Petition  who  are  to  act  thereon  Pursuant  to 
the  Directions  of  the  aforesaid  order  of  this   Board. 

And  that  the  Petitioners  on  the  Petition  now  read  Do  serve  the  Petitioners  on 
the  afore  recited  Peticon  with  a  copy  of  their  Peticon  and  this  order. —  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  96. 

CHASSIS  OF  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

Olassis  of  Amsterdam  to  Eev.  Bemardus  Freeman,  February 
4th,  1709.     xxviii.  73. 

Sir:— 

JSTotwithstanding  your  departure  to  the  West  Indies  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  wishes  of  our  Classis,  we  have,  at  your  request,  and 
upon  the  report  that  your  ministry  was  not  unfruitful,  sent  a 
praiseworthy  testimonial  in  your  favor.  It  therefore  appeared 
the  more  strange  to  us  that  you  finally,  as  it  seems,  have  with- 
drawn from  the  jurisdiction  of  our  Classis,  and  have  caused  many 
troubles  in  the  churches  of  Long  Island,  and  are  apparently  pav- 
ing the  way  for  the  ruin  of  those  churches.  You  had  certainly 
once  declined  the  call  to  that  Island,  and  your  church  at  Schenec- 
tady had  made  out  a  new  call  to  you  on  other  conditions.  The 
churches  of  Long  Island  thereupon  sent  to  us  for  a  pastor,  accord- 
ing to  ancient  custom.  We  put  it  to  your  conscience,  therefore, 
to  answer,  whether  your  present  call  to  the  church  of  'New 
Utrecht  is  legal.     It  seems  unaccountable  to  us  how  you  can  in- 


1709 


1709 


1Y16  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

trude  yourself  into  those  churclies  of  Long  Island,  on  the  strength 
of  a  call  once  declined.  Moreover,  what  grieves  lis  to  the  very 
soul,  is,  that  in  order  that  you  might  dispossess  a  legally  called 
pastor,  as  the  Eev.  Antonides  certainly  is,  you  should,  in  order  to 
further  such  an  object  have  sought  a  civil  license.  You  have 
thereby  imperiled  the  liberties  of  the  churches  in  that  province. 
May  God  forgive  you  this  evil  deed.  We  hope  its  original  sug- 
gestion is  to  be  ascribed  to  certain  hot-heads  rather  than  to  you. 
We  now  beg  of  you  to  change  your  plans,  and  be  not  troublesome 
to  the  Eev.  Antonides  in  his  office  and  duties. 

Since  matters  are  thus,  however,  we  earnestly  desire  to  see  you 
live  in  friendship  with  Rev.  Antonides,  and  without  causing  him 
to  suffer  any  great  loss.  As  we  are  informed,  there  is  abundance 
to  enable  them  to  act  thus,  as  the  churches  are  well  able  to  sup- 
port two  pastors.  Thus  doing,  you  will  enable  us  to  forget  all 
the  past,  which  we  will  cover  up  in  love,  and  thus  will  you  also 
greatly  promote  the  well  being  of  those  churches.  We  have  the 
greater  reason  to  expect  this,  because  we  have  learned  from  Mr. 
van  Bancker  that  you  had  written  a  letter  to  our  Classis,  which 
has  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  In  the  meantime,  with 
our  full  benediction,  we  remain,  etc.,  etc. 

Amsterdam,  in  our  Classical  Assembly,  February  4,  1709. 
Your  affectionate  and  obedient  Fellow-brethren, 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

In  the  name  of  all, 
'  Fl.  Bomble. 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Gualterus  Du  Bois,  Feb- 
ruary 4,  1709.     xxviii.  74. 

Reverend  Sir: — Your  pleasant  letter  of  October  I7th,  1707 
as  well  as  the  order  of  the  Lord  Governor,  came  safely  to  hand. 
We  are  grieved  that  that  order  has  been  so  suddenly  sprung  upon 


OF  THE  State  of  IiTew  Yokk.  1717 

us,  especially  because  it  takes  away  all  liberty  from  the  ITether- 
land  churches  in  the  province  of  ISTew  York,  (See  Doc.  Hist. 
]Sr.  Y.  iii.  89-115.  4to.  ed.)  We  will  diligently  strive  to  bring 
matters  into  the  old  shape;  but  we  fear  this  cannot  be  accom- 
plished so  soon,  that  thereby  the  present  differences  on  Long 
Island  may  be  adjusted.  While  those  differences  remain,  it  mil 
be  a  great  hindrance  to  us  in  attaining  our  object.  It  cannot  be 
expected  that  our  efforts  will  bear  much  fruit,  if  pressure  is 
brought  to  bear  against  us,  both  on  the  part  of  the  churches,  and 
with  the  Governor  in  their  favor.  It  is  therefore,  in  our  judg- 
ment, in  the  highest  degree  necessary  to  effect  a  reconciliation 
between  Eevs.  Antonides  and  Freerman.  We  therefore  most 
affectionately  beseech  you,  that  you  and  your  good  friends  will 
use  all  diligence  to  this  end.  We  hope  for  favorable  results  to 
your  efforts,  because  the  churches  are  in  a  very  prosperous  con- 
dition, and  inclined  to  support  both  pastors.  We  also  understand 
that  Freerman's  friends  are  sorry  for  their  past  conduct,  by  which 
the  liberty  of  the  Church  has  been  lost.  We  therefore  hope  that, 
the  differences  being  adjusted,  both  parties  will  labor  to  restore 
the  relations  of  the  Church  to  the  old  footing.  Divisions  will  be 
very  injurious.  Your  counsel  and  prudence  will  be  of  great  im- 
portance in  this  business,  and  will  help  promote  the  general 
welfare  of  the  churches  for  the  future.  The  Lord  preserve  you 
and  bless  you,  your  family,  and  your  ministry.  We  remain, 
Reverend  Sir, 

Your  most  affectionate  and  obedient  Brethren,  constituting  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  In  the  name  of  all, 
Fl.  Bomble        ^ 

CI.  Stresg  I  -r^  ' 

L  Deputati  ad  res  maritimas. 
Jac.  Best  , 

Junius  J 

Amsterdam,  done  in  our 

Classical  Assembly, 

February  4,  1709. 


1709 


1709 


1Y18  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Rev.  Vincentius  Antonides, 
rebniarj  4,  1709.     xxviii.  75. 

Reverend  Sir: — 

Your  letters  both  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  and  to  Rev.  Bomble  of 
December  11,  1707,  as  well  as  of  May  6,  1707,  and  the  accom- 
panying paper;  also  the  letter  to  Rev.  Du  Bois  of  April  14,  1707, 
with  a  copy  of  the  order  of  the  Lord  Governor  (Cornbury),  which 
is  an  order  of  very  recent  occurrence ; —  all  these  have  been  read 
and  considered  in  our  Assembly.  We  have  written  you  our  views 
in  regard  to  them;  but  have  heard  with  regret  that  the  vessel  and 
letters  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  This  is  the 
reason  why  we  repeat  them  in  this  letter. 

We  are  grieved  that  there  is  such  a  division  on  Long  Island, 
although  in  this  matter  you  are  not  at  fault.  It  is  a  matter  of 
regret  to  us  that  the  Governor  has  so  soon  changed  the  order  once 
given  in  your  favor.  His  order  does,  indeed,  really  take  away  the 
liberty  of  the  ISTetherland  churches,  for  it  bears  plainly  on  its 
forehead  the  proof  that  the  people  in  the  King's  dominions  have 
no  independent  authority  to  call  a  minister ;  that  you  are  only  per- 
mitted to  conduct  your  services  at  the  option  of  others.  Two 
painful  facts  confront  us  here:  Tirst,  The  di\dsJon  occasioned 
through  the  Rev.  Treerman  and  his  allies;  Secondly,  The  taking 
away  of  the  libertj^  of  the  Church. 

The  first  is  purely  personal,  and  respects  the  holy  service  and 
its  necessary  compensation.  This,  indeed,  is  felt  most  sensibly. 
Hence  the  intruding  party,  in  order  to  gain  control  in  this  matter 
has  not  scrupled  to  sacrifice  the  liberty  of  the  Church.  Never- 
theless every  thoughtful  mind  must  heartily  dread  the  loss  of 
such  liberty,  as  closely  connected  with  the  do^vnfall,  lamentable 
indeed,  of  those  flourishing  churches. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  1719 

iN'ow  to  preserve  or  restore  the  liberty  of  the  Church,  nothing 
is  more  essential  than  peace  and  union  in  the  churches.  There- 
fore we  beseech  you  and  your  friends  to  yield  in  every  thing 
possible,  in  order  to  promote  peace.  We  are  also  informed  that 
the  churches  of  Long  Island  are  large  and  numerous  and  strong, 
so  that  they  really  need  two  pastors,'  and  that  they  are  abundantly 
able  to  support  them;  and  that  if  a  few  headstrong  men  did  not 
prevent  it,  peace  could  readily  be  reestablished,  and  you  retain 
all  your  emoluments.  But  even  if  there  should  be  something 
lacking  of  these,  we  nevertheless  hope  that  it  would  not  be  on 
account  of  a  mere  matter  of  support,  that  peace  could  not  be 
arranged,  if  you  only  had  an  honest  living. 

Those  who  have  pushed  forward  this  matter  of  Freerman  to 
the  destruction  of  all  peace,  now  see  their  error,  and  wish  that 
the  business  of  the  churches  was  on  its  old  footing;  yet  passion 
and  party  spirit  may  easily  keep  them  in  their  bad  course,  that 
they  may  attain  their  end.  But  nothing  can  more  readily  nullify 
all  our  diligence  and  efforts  to  regain  your  liberty,  than  that  the 
same  be  undermined  from  within. 

With  pleasure  do  we  hear,  even  from  the  mouth  of  Freerman's 
friends,  of  your  good  savor  and  progress.  Hence  you  need  fear 
the  less  to  make  some  concessions,  and  thus  your  enemies  may  in 
time  become  your  friends.  You  and  your  good  friends  can  also 
readily  see  that  we  have  no  power,  in  the  domains  of  another 
nation,  to  take  special  action  against  Freerman,  especially  since 
he  has  the  government  on  his  side. 

The  formation  of  a  Classis  among  you,  to  correspond  to  ours  at 
home,  is  yet  far  in  the  future,  and  we  hardly  dare  to  think  of  it. 
We  shall  really  be  doing  very  well,  if  we  so  much  as  succeed  in 
getting  this  business  of  the  Church  back  into  its  previous  condi- 
tion, to  which  we  will  give  all  diligence.  Hitherto,  to  our  sorrow, 
we  have  not  made  much  progress  therein;  yet  we  do  not  despair. 
If  we  do  not  succeed  in  one  way,  we  will  try  in  another.    You  can 


1709 


1Y20  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

readily   understand,    however,    that    through   these    efforts,   the 
divisions  would  be  healed  very  slowly. 

Our  Classis  has  long  since  paid  the  money  advanced  by  Mr. 
Dorville,  because  of  his  urgency  for  it.  We  have  also  been 
pleased  to  accept  your  excuses,  and  trust  that  you  may  give  order 
for  our  reimbursement  at  the  earliest  opportunity.  If  you  were 
able  to  accept  an  order,  that  it  be  paid  from  the  money  trans- 
ferred for  the  service  of  the  Church,  such  arrangement  would  be 
agreeable  to  us. 

At  Amsterdam,  Eev.  Schaak  has  died,  and  Rev.  Homoet  has 
become  emeritus.  In  their  places  have  been  called  Revs.  Outreyn 
of  Dorth,  and  Wiltens  of  's  Hertogenbos.  Rev.  Drissive  has 
been  called  to  Dorth,  and  Rev.  Morasiere  from  Dorth  to  Utrecht. 
God  has  graciously  and  wonderfully  blessed  our  arms  in  the  recent 
campaign.  May  he  grant  us  an  honorable  peace;  and  bless  your 
person,  your  service  and  your  family.  Herewith,  we  remain. 
Rev.  Sir  and  Brother, 

Your  affectionate  and  obedient, 
The  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
In  the  name  of  all, 
Fl.  Bomble 
CI.  Stresg 
J.  Best 

J.  Jemius     J  .     "      ^ 

Amsterdam, 

In  our  Classical  Assembly 

February  4,  1709. 

EXTEACT     OF     A     LeTTEE     FEOM     THE     LoRD     LoVELACE,      DaTED 

March  4,  1708/9.    [1709.]      The  Palatines. 

Trade  Papers,  Bundle  Z.  39. 

I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  divide  the  lands  among  the  poor 
German  Protestants,  the  snow  being  upon  the  ground  and  no 
distinction  can  yet  be  made  between  profitable  and  unprofitable 


\-         Dep.  ad  res  Exteras. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1Y21 

land.  I  have  been  forced  to  support  them  by  mj  credit  here 
though  I  have  not  any  directions  about  that  matter  neither  from 
your  Lordships  nor  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade,  yet  I 
hope  your  Lordships  will  please  to  order  the  payment  of  such  bills 
v^^hich  I  must  draw  upon  my  agent  Mr.  Gough  to  answer  the 
charge  of  their  support. 

Peoposals  on  the  Part  of  Do.  Freeman's  Friends  for  Peace. 

March  5  1708  [1709.] 
Offered  by  Cornelius  Seabrlng,  Ingelbert  Lot,  and  Cornelius  Van  Brunt  in  belialf 
of  themselves  and  others,  Members  of  ye  Dutch  Churches  of  Flatbush,  Brooliland, 
and  New  Utrecht  in  Kings  County  on  the  Island  of  Nassaw  (who  have  hitherto 
adhered  to  the  Interest  of  Domine  Bernardus  Freeman,  their  Minister)  pursuant 
to  a  due  authority  to  them  the  said  Seabring,  Lot,  &  Van  Brunt  for  that  purpose 
given;  for  the  more  perfect  and  effectuall  accommodation  of  the  difference  be- 
tween ye  said  Churches  who  have  hitherto  adhered  to  the  Interest  of  Domine 
Vincentius  Antonides  in  the  articles  following: 

1.  First,  that  all  differences  and  Animosities  between  the  said  Members  which 
have  hitherto  hapned,  be  on  either  side  no  further  talked  of,  but  entirely  buryed  in 
Oblivion. 

2dly.  That  Domine  Bernardus  Freeman  from  the  time  the  agreement  intended 
shall  take  effect  may  in  all  things  relating  to  the  three  Dutch  Churches  of  Flat- 
bush,  Brookland,  and  New  Utrecht,  or  any  other  Neighboring  Churches,  be  ad- 
mitted and  put  into  equal  State  and  Condition  with  Domine  Vincentius  Antonides 
(to  wit)  in  Service,  In  Sallary,  in  House  &  Land  &  all  other  ProflSts. 

3.  That  in  order  to  put  an  end  to  ye  Dispute  concerning  the  present  Consistory 
of  Flatbush  &  Brookland;  those  persons  which  Mr.  Freeman  now  deems  to  be  a 
Consistory,  &  those  persons  which  Mr.  Antonides  now  Deems  to  be  a  Consistory  Do 
severally  Elect  two  Elders  &  Deacons  of  each  part,  in  the  presence  &  with  the 
concurance  of  one  or  both  Ministers  if  they  both  please  to  attend,  and  that  those 
Eight  Elders  &  Deacons  so  to  be  elected,  shall  from  thence  forth  be  and  remain 
Elders  and  Deacons  for  the  said  two  Churches  of  fflat  Bush  &  Brookland  for  the 
first  ensuing  year  &  that  at  the  end  of  ye  said  year  to  comence  from  the  said 
election,  half  of  them  shall  be  removed  &  four  others  chosen  in  their  stead,  and 
at  the  end  of  two  years  after  said  first  election,  the  other  half  shall  be  removed, 
&  other  four  shall  be  chosen  in  their  stead,  &  so  successively  every  year  according 
to  ye  usuall  custom,  the  said  Elections  to  be  made  by  the  votes  of  both  the  said 
Ministers  &  the  Consistory  for  the  time  being:  and  that  whenever  the  said  Min- 
isters shall  meet  upon  any  such  or  other  Publick  Service,  the  one  shall  preside  one 
time,  and  ye  other  the  next  time  &  so  alternately. 

4.  That  to  the  time  of  ye  Election  of  ye  said  New  Consistory,  so  to  be  made 
by  both  parties  as  aforesaid,  each  party  shall,  of  their  own  parts  respectively 
bear  pay  &  discharge  the  Sallary,  Perquisites,  &  other  things  due  to  ye  respective 
Ministers,  vizt.  Those  who  have  hitherto  sided  with  Mr.  Freerman  shall  clear  all 
arrears  to  him:  &  those  who  have  hitherto  sided  with  Mr.  Antonides,  all  arrears 
to  him.  Cornells    Seberingh, 

Engelbardt   Lotte, 
Cornells  Van   Brunt. 
—  Doc.    Hist.   N.    Y.   Vol.   ill.   pp.   96,   97. 
New   York    March    T.th   1708.    [1709.] 
Endorsed   "  Proposals   on   the  part 

of   Mr.    Freeman's   friends.      1708." 


1709 


1709 


1722  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Proposals   on   the    Part    of   Rev.    Antokides   Friends    for 

Peace.      [March]    1708.      [1709.] 

articles. 

Exhibited  by  the  Elders  &  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Churcli 
of  the  towns  of  Brookland,  flBatbush,  and  fflatlandg  on  the  Island  of  Nassau,  for 
the  Reconciling  the  differences  which  have  of  late  been  amongst  the  Dutch 
Chui'ches  on  the  said  Island. 

1st  That  all  parties  do  consent  that  Mr.  Antonides  according  to  the  rules  of 
the  said  Church  is  the  duly  called  Minister  of  Brookland,  flatbush  &  flatlands, 
and  that  the  Elders  &  Deacons  which  were  lately  chosen  by  Mr.  Antonides  with 
the  assistance  and  consent  of  those  Elders  &  Deacons  which  he  formed  there  at 
hia  arrivall  are  yet  still  the  ti-ue  Elders  &  Deacons,  and  that  what  ever  has  been 
acted  to  the  contrary  by  Mr.  Freeman  &  others  was  always  null  &  void  &  is  so 
still;  That  therefore  the  collections  gathered  in  the  Churches  of  Brookland  & 
Flatbush  by  the  friends  of  Mr.  Freeman  be  delivered  to  the  Consistory  of  Mr. 
Antonides  to  be  disposed  of  according  to  the  rules  of  the  Church. 

2dly  That  all  parties  do  consent  that  the  Call  made  for  Mr.  Freerman  by  those 
of  New  Utrecht  does  limit  him  to  the  Congregation  of  that  Town  only. 

3dly  That  all  parties  do  consent,  that  no  such  lycence,  or  the  other  order  which 
the  Lord  Cornbury  has  granted  to  Mr.  Freeman  whereby  the  Effects  of  the  said 
Churches  at  his  pleasure  were  to  be  delivered  up  to  Mr.  Freeman,  never  were  nor 
yet  are  of  any  force  or  validity  in  the  Dutch  Churches  of  this  Province,  but 
Tended  to  the  ruin  of  the  liberty  of  the  said  Churches  in  this  Country;  That  they 
do  allso  reject  this  Position,  That  all  the  Ecclesiasticall  Jurisdiccon  of  the 
Dutch  Churches  in  this  Province  is  wholly  in  the  Power  of  the  Governor  according 
to  his  will  &  pleasure.  That  yet  nevertheless  all  parties  do  firmly  own  that  the 
Dutch  Churches  in  this  Province  are  accountable  to  the  Government  for  their 
peacable  &  good  behaviour  in  their  Doctrine,  Discipline  and  Church  Government; 
that  is  to  say,  as  farr  as  it  does  consist  with  the  Rules  &  Constitucons  of  their 
own  nationall  Church  alwayes  enjoyed  at  New  York,  As  well  as  they  have  the 
right  and  Priviledge  to  be  protected  by  the  Civill  Government  in  the  free  exercise 
of  their  Religion  according  to  their  own  Constitution. 

4thly  That  all  parties  consent  to  subscribe  the  Church  Order  of  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  &  those  practised  on  the  Island  of  Nassaw  not  being  contradictory 
thereto,  &  that  in  case  any  matter  in  difference  cannot  be  decided  amongst  them- 
selves the  same  be  referred  to  the  other  Dutch  Churches  of  this  Province  &  If 
not  by  them  decided  the  same  to  be  submitted  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
whose  decision  is  to  be  binding. 

5thly  That  all  parties  reject  the  expression  made  by  Mr.  Freeman  at  a  certain 
time,  viz.  that  when  the  Church  Order  were  for  his  advantage  he  observed  them, 
but  if  they  were  against  him  he  went  round  about  the  same  &  could  tread  them 
under  his   feet. 

Cthly  That  then  Mr.  Freeman  shall  be  in  a  condicon  to  be  called  to  those  con- 
gregacons  on  the  said  Island  where  he  is  not  yet  called  according  to  the  rules  of 
the  Church,  and  shall  be  called  accordingly.  Provided  Mr.  Freeman's  friends  do  first 
find  out  sufficient  means  thereto  and  a  dwelling  house  and  do  perswade  the  Con- 
gregacons  aforesaid  to  desire  the  Consistory  to  call  him  in  an  Ecclesiasticall 
manner. 

7thly  To  the  end  there  may  be  a  perfect  peace  in  all  the  Dutch  Churches  on 
the  said  Island  all  parties,  together  with  the  friends  of  Mr.  Freerman  at  Jamaica 
are  to  consent  that  the  Elders  &  Deacons  that  were  there  when  Mr.  Du  Bois 
preached  there  the  last  time  are  yet  the  true  Elders  and  Deacons  &  that  then  both 
Ministers  may  be  called  there. 


OF  THE   State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  172'j 

8thly  That  all  parties  consent  that  these  articles  being  interchangeably  signed 
be  read  to  the  respective  Congregations  from  the  Pulpit  &  authentiq  copies  thereof 
sent  to  the  other  Dutch  Churches  in  this  Province  to  be  by  them  kept  &  that 
notice  hereof  be  given  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  with  the  request  of  both 
parties   for   their  approbation. 

Lastly.  If  Mr.  Freeman  and  his  friends  should  not  be  pleased  to  consent  to 
the  above  articles  that  then  Capt.  Joannes  De  Peyster  be  desired  to  produce  the 
resolucon  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  whereby  peace  is  said  to  be  recommended 
according  to  the  order  of  the  said  Classis,  as  Mr.  Freerman  intimates  in  his  letter 
without  date  to  Mr.  Antonides  that  Capt.  De  Peyster  aforesaid  had  shewn  the 
same  to  him,  together  with  the  means  to  attain  such  a  Peace. 
By  Order  of  the  said  Elders  and  Deacons, 

Abrah.    Gouverneur, 
Joseph   Hegeman, 
Jeronemus    Remsen, 
Pieter   Nevius. 
Endorsed, 

•'  Proposals  on  the  part   of  Mr.   Antonides's 

friends.     1708."  [1709.] 

—  Doe.   Hist.   N.   Y.  Vol.   ill.   pp.   97,   98. 


Church  of  ]SrEw  York. 

March  30,  1709,  One  P.  M. 

At  the  opening.  Do.  Du  Bois  related  that  he  with  Mr.  Rosevelt, 
on  Saturday  afternoon,  met  at  the  Vlakte  Kenyerend  John  van 
der  Huil  and  Capt.  John  De  Peyster;  and  that  among  other 
things,  Capt.  De  Peyster  said  to  him,  that  he  had  received  from 
Marte  Schenck  two  open  letters  which  had  come  from  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam;  one  of  these  w^as  for  Do.  Freeman;  the  other  for 
Do.  Du  Bois  and  Do.  Antonides;  but  that  he  had  closed  them  up 
in  cover  in  a  proper  shelf  and  had  sealed  them  with  a  new  seal; 
and  that  his  intention  was  to  bring  both  the  ministers  together, 
and  in  the  presence  of  them  all,  to  break  open  and  deliver  the 
letters.  But  Do.  Du  Bois  had  to-day  heard  from  Do.  Antonides 
that  he  was  informed  that  Capt.  de  Peyster  had  given  the  letters 
to  the  Mayor  of  the  City,  where  they  have  been  openly  read  in 
the  presence  of  several  others.  Whereupon,  he  had  called  the 
Consistory  together  to  get  their  advice  in  the  matter. 

It  was  decided  that  Mr.  Boele  and  Mr.  Imburg  should  go  to 
Capt.  de  Peyster,  to  say  that  they  were  sent  by  the  Consistory, 
and  to  ask,  in  their  name,  if  he  had  received  letters  for  Do.  Du 
Bois  or  the   Consistory,  from  the   Classis  of  Amsterdam.     He 


1709 


1709- 
1711 


1724  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

answered,  Yes,  agreeing  in  substance  with  what  Do.  Du  Bois  had 
said;  but  that  he  had  given  them  to  the  Mayor,  from  whom  we 
could  get  them.  On  this  report,  Capt.  Cornelius  de  Peyster  and 
Mr.  Cruger  went  to  the  Mayor,  who  handed  over  to  them,  the 
letter.  This  having  been  read  in  the  Consistory,  the  meeting 
broke  up.  Do.  Du  Bois  taking  the  letter  mth  him  to  give  to  Do. 
Antonides.—  Lib.  B.  39,  41. 

Extracts  feom  the  Jotjenal  of  the  House  of  Commons  Con- 

CEENING  THE  PaLATINES,  VoL.  XVI,  1709-1711. 

Extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Commons. 

(1708)     Feb.  5.     Vol.  xvi.  p.  93. 
1709      Ordered  that  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  a  bill  for  the  naturalizing  foreign 
Protestants  and  that  Mr.  Wortley,   Mr.   Gale,  Lord  Wm.  Powlett,   Mr.  Nevill,   Sir 
Joseph  Jekyll,  Sir  Peter  King,  Mr.  Lowndes,  Mr.  Attorney  General  and  Mr.  Solici- 
tor General  do  prepare  and  bring  in  the  bill. 

(1708)     Feb.  28.  p.  128. 

And  a  motion  being  made  and  the  question  being  put.  That  it  be  an  instruction 
to  the  Committee  of  the  whole  House  to  whom  the  bill  for  naturalizing  foreign 
Protestants  is  committed  that  they  do  continue  the  same  provision  was  made  by 
the  said  statute. 

The  house  divided 

The  yeas  go  forth. 
Tellers  for  the  yeas  (  Sir  Tho.  AVillough 


]  Mr.  Courtney  101 


Tellers  for  the  Noes   (  Sir  David  Dalrymple 


Mr.  Wortley  198 


So  it  passes  in  the  negative. 

Then  the  House  resolved  itself  into  the  said  Committee  of  the  whole  House. 

Mr.  Speaker  left  the  chair. 

Mr.  Wortley  took  the  chair  of  the  Committee. 

Mr.  Speaker  resumed  the  chair. 

Mr.  Wortley  reported  from  the  Committee  that  they  had  gone  through  the  Bill 
and  made  several  amendments  thereunto  which  they  had  directed  him  to  report, 
when  the  house  will  please  to  receive  the  same. 

Ordered  that  the  report  be  received  upon   Wednesday  morning  next. 

March  2.     p.  131. 

Then  the  order  for  receiving  the  report  from  the  Committee  of  the  whole  House 
to  whom  the  bill  for  naturalizing  foreign  Protestants  was  committed  being  read 

Mr.  Wortley  reported  from  the  said  Committee  that  they  had  made  some  amend- 
ments to  the  bill,  which  they  had  directed  him  to  report  to  the  House;  and  he 
read  the  same  in  his  place  and  afterward  delivered  them  at  the  Clerks  table,  where 
the  same  was  once  read  throughout,  and  then  a  second  time,  one  by  one,  and  upon 
the  question  generally  put  thereupon,  agreed  unto  by  the  House. 

A  clause 

Ordered  that  the  bill  with  the  amendments  be  engrossed. 


OF  THE  State  of  INew  York.  1725 

A  Journal  of  the  House  of  Commons. 

(1710)  Monday  Jan.  15.  Vol.  svi.  p.  456. 
1711  A  Petition  of  the  Ministers  and  Church  Wardens,  and  Inhabitants  of  the 
parish  of  St.  Glare,  in  Southwark,  in  the  county  of  Surry,  together  with  the 
principal  inhabitants  of  the  adjacent  parishes  was  presented  to  the  house  and  read, 
setting  forth  that  about  18  months  ago  above  500  Palatines  were  brought  into  the 
said  parish  and  continued  together  in  one  place  several  months,  dangerous  dis- 
turbers being  amongst  them. 

That  in  October  last  about  200  of  them  are  come  again  (supposed  from  Ireland) 
into  the  said  parish,  inhal)iting  in  our  house:  That  the  petitioners  are  extremely 
fearful,  some  contagious  distempers  may  happen  thereby;  and  that  they  having 
not  where  with  all  to  subsist,  are  likely  to  become  chargeable  to  the  utter  ruin 
of  the  said  parish;  and  praying  such  relief,  as  shall  be  thought  fit  for  the  said 
parish. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  consideration  of  a  committee, 
and  that  they  do  examine  the  matters  thereof  and  report  the  same  with  their 
opinion  thereupon  to  the  house. 

And  it  is  referred  to  Mr.  Finch  etc. 

71  persons,  and  they  are  to  meet  this  afternoon  at  five  o'clock  in  the  speakers 
chamber  and  have  leave  to  sit  in  a  morning  and  power  to  send  for  persons, 
papers  and  records. 

Ordered,  that  it  be  an  instruction  to  the  said  Committee  that  they  do  inquire 
upon  what  invitation  or  encouragement  the  Palatines  came  over  and  what  moneys 
were  expended  in  bringing  them  here  and  by  whom  paid. 

Ordered,  that  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  a  bill  to  repeal  the  act,  made  in  the 
seventh  year  of  her  Majesty's  reign  entitled:  An  act  for  naturalizing  foreign 
Protestants  and  that  Mr.  Compion,  Mr.  Finch  and  Mr.  Lowndes  do  prepare  and 
bring  in   the  bill. 

June  16.     p.  458. 

Mr.  Finch  reported  from  the  Committee  who  are  to  inquire,  upon  what  invita- 
tion or  encouragement,  the  Palatines  came  over  and  what  moneys  were  expended 
In  bringing  them  into  Britain,  and  for  maintaining  them  here  and  by  whom  paid; 
that  they  directed  him  to  move  the  House,  That  an  humble  address  be  presented 
to  her  Majesty,  that  the  Commission  constituting  Trustees  for  the  Distribution  of 
the  charity,  collected  for  the  Palatines,  and  also  all  orders  and  other  Papers, 
relating  to  the  bringing  over  and  subsisting  the  said  Palatines  may  be  laid  before 
this  house. 

Resolved  that  an  humble  address  be  presented  to  her  Majesty,  that  she  will 
please  to  give  direction,  that  the  Commission  constituting  Trustees  for  distribution 
of  the  charity  collected  for  the  Palatines,  and  all  orders  and  other  papers  relating 
to  the  bringing  over  and  subsisting  the  said  Palatines  may  be  laid  before  this 
House. 

Ordered  that  the  said  address  be  presented  to  her  Majesty,  by  such  members 
of  this  House  as  are  of  her  Majesty's  most  honorable  Privy  Council. 

Jan.  22.     p.  464. 

Mr.  Compion  presented  to  the  House  (according  to  order)  a  bill  to  repeal  the 
late  act  for  a  general  naturalization,  and  the  same  was  received  and  read,  the 
first  time. 

Resolved,  that  the  bill  be  read  a  second  time. 

The  House  being  informed  that  Mr.  Southwell  (one  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Council) 
attended,  he  was  called  in,  and  at  the  Bar  presented  to  the  House  copies  of  several 
orders  of  council  relating  to  the  Palatines  and  then  he  withdrew. 

And  the  titles  of  the  said  copies  were  read. 

Ordered  that  the  said  copies  be  referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  Com- 
mittee who  are  appointed  to  inquire,  upon  what  invitation  etc. 

And  the  said  copies  of  orders  of  Council  are  bound  up  with  the  other  papers  of 
this  session. 


1709- 
1711 


1726  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

1709- 
^"^^^      Jan.  24.     p.  465. 

The  House  being  informed  that  the  Secretary  to  the  Trustees  appointed  for  dis- 
tributing the  charity,  collected  for  the  Palatines,  attended,  he  was  called  in  and  at 
the  Bar,  presented  to  the  House  the  Patent  constituting  the  said  Trustees  and 
acquainting  the  House,  that  he  had  already  delirered  all  books,  orders,  and  Papers 
which  were  in  his  custody,   to  the  Committee  appointed  etc. 

And  then  he  withdrew. 

Ordered,   that  the   Patent  be  referred  to  consideration  of  the  said  Committee. 

The  said  Patent  is  bound  up  with  the  other  papers  of  this  session. 

Jan.   25.     p.   466. 

The  House  being  informed  that  a  person  from  Mr.  Compton  attended,  he  was 
called  in  and  at  the  bar  presented  to  the  House  (pursuent  to  their  address  to  her 
Majesty)  an  account  of  the  money  paid  for  the  use  of  the  Palatines  by  the  Hon- 
orable Spencer  Compton,  Esq.  and  also  copies  of  several  warrants  for  payment  of 
the  same. 

Order  as  before,  referred  to  Committee. 

Jan.  26.     p.  467. 

Mr.  Mouckton  (from  the  Commissioners  of  Trade  and  plantations)  presented  to 
the  House  pursuant  to  their  address  to  her  Majesty,  copies  of  several  orders,  letters 
and  other  papers  and  a  list  of  them  relating  to  the  Palatines. 

Order  as  usual  referred  to  Committee. 

Jan.  27.  " 

The  House  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole  House,  upon  the  bill 
to  repeal  the  late  act  for  a  general  naturalization. 

Mr.   Speaker  left  the  chair. 

Mr.  Compion  took  the  chair  of  the  Committee. 

Mr.   Speaker  resumed  the  chair. 

Mr.  Compton  reported  from  the  Committee  that  they  had  gone  through  the  bill 
and  made  an  amendment  thereunto  which  they  had  directed  him  to  report,  when 
the  House  will  please  to  receive  the  same. 

Ordered  that  the  report  be  received  upon  Monday  next. 

Jan.  29.     Monday  p.   470. 

Mr.  Compion  (according  to  order)  reported  from  the  Committee  of  the  whole 
House,  to  whom  the  bill  to  repeal  the  late  act  for  a  general  naturalization,  was 
committed,  the  amendment  they  had  made  to  the  Bill,  and  had  directed  him  to 
report  to  the  House;  And  he  read  the  same  in  his  place,  and  afterward  delivered 
it  at  the  Clerks  Table;  where  it  was  read  a  second  time,  and  upon  the  question 
put  thereupon,  agreed  unto  by  the  House. 

Ordered  that  the  Bill  with  the  Amendment  be  engrossed.     . 

Jan.  31.     p.  472. 

An  engrossed  Bill  to  repeal  the  late  act  for  a  general  naturalization  was  read 
the  third  time. 

Resolved,  that  the  bill  do  pass  and  that  the  title  be  An  Act  to  repeal  Act,  made 
in  the  seventh  year  of  her  Majesty's  reign  (entitled  an  act  for  naturalizing  foreign 
Protestants)  except  so  much  thereof,  as  relates  to  the  children  of  her  Majesty's 
natural  born  subjects,  born  out  of  her  allegiance. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Compion  do  carry  the  Bill  to  the  Lords  and  desire  their 
concurrence  thereunto. 

Mr.  Aislaby  from  the  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  presented  to  the  House 
pursuant  to  their  address  to  her  Majesty,  copies  of  several  orders  from  the  Earl 
of  Penbroke  Lord  High  Admiral,  to  the  Navy  Board  relating  to  the  Palatines. 

Ordered  as  before,    referred  to   Committee. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1727 

Feb.  1.     p.  474. 

Mr.  Secretary  St  John  presented  to  the  House,  pursuant  to  their  address  to  her 
Majesty  copies  of  all  such  papers,  as  are  in  the  offices  of  the  Secretaries  of  State, 
relating  to  the  Palatines  together  with  lists  of  them. 

Referred  to  Committee. 

Feb.  14.     p.  495. 

Ordered  that  the  report  from  the  Committee  who  were  appointed  to  inquire  upon 
what  invitation  or  encouragement,  the  Palatines  came  over,  and  what  moneys 
were  expended  in  bringing  them  into  Britain,  and  for  maintaining  them  here,  and 
by   whom   paid,    be   received   upon   Tuesday   morning   next. 

Feb.  20.     p.  508. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  from  the  Committee,  appointed  to  inquire  upon  what 
Invitation   etc.   be  received  on   Friday   morning  next. 

Feb.  23.     p.   516. 

Mr.  Finch  reported  from  the  Committee,  who  were  appointed  to  inquire  upon 
what  invitation  etc.,  The  matter  as  it  appeared  to  them,  which  they  had  directed 
him  to  report  to  the  House,  and  he  read  the  same  from  his  place  and  afterward 
delivered  it  in  at  the  Clerks  Table. 

Ordered  that  the  said  report  be  talven  into  consideration  to-morrow  —  seventh 
night. 

March  3.     p.  532. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  from  the  Committee  who  were  to  enquire  upon  what 
invitation  be  taken  into  consideration  upon  this  day  seven  night. 

March  10.     p.   543. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  etc.  be  taken  into  consideration  Thursday  morning  next. 

March  15.     p.  552. 

Ordered  that  the  report  etc.,  be  taken  into  consideration  upon  this  day  seven 
night. 

Thus  it  was  postponed  from  the  15th  of  March  to  the  29th  of  March,  to  the  7th 
and  14th  of  April. 

April  14.     p.  596ff. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read; 

The  House  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  the  report  from  the  Committee, 
to  whom  the  petition  of  the  ministers.  Church  Wardens  and  Inhabitants  of  the 
parish  of  St  Olave  in  Southwark  in  the  County  of  Surry,  together  with  the  prin- 
cipal Inhabitants  of  the  adjacent  parishes,  was  referred;  and  who  were  to  en- 
quire upon  what  invitation  or  encouragement  the  Palatines  came  over  and  what 
moneys  were  expended  in  bringing  them  into  Great  Britain  and  for  maintaining 
them  here  and  by  whom  paid. 

And  the  said  report  was  read  and  is  as  follows,  viz..  That  they  have  examined 
the  matter  and  upon  the  examination  of  Mr.  Wignall  one  of  the  Church  Wardens 
find, 

That  in  September  or  October  1709  near  a  lOOOd  Palatines  came  into  their  parish 
and  were  entertained  in  Sir  Charles  Cox's  warehouses,  although  Sir  Charles  Cox 
was  desired  by  the  Parish  Officers  not  to  receive  them,  for  fear  of  expense,  or 
infection,   they   being  very  numerous  and   sickly. 

Mr.  Walter  Cock  says  the  Palatines  were  removed  from  their  camp  at  Black 
Heath,  by  order  of  the  Commissioners,  appointed  to  distribute  her  Majesty's 
bounty,  and  other  charities  to  them,  and  places  were  hired  for  their  reception; 
but  he  did  not  hear  of  any  security  given  to  the  parish. 


1709- 
1711 


1709- 
1711 


1728  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

Mr.  Meggott  and  Mr.  Sade  said,  The  Palatines  were  at  that  time  received  into 
Sir  Charles  Cox's  warehouses,  though  the  Parish  Officers  had  applied  to  him,  to 
prevent  their  being  received  into  the  said  Parish. 

Mr.  Bendys  Sec.  to  the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines  said,  that  when  the 
Commissioners  had  it  under  their  consideration  to  dispense  of  them  ere  the 
Autumn  of  1709  the  cold  weather  approaching,  the  Commissioners  never  consulted 
the  Parishes  about  receiving  them,  but  where  they  found  room,  they  contracted 
for  it,  and  then  It  rose  that  Sir  Charles  Cox  offered  his  warehouses  for  two  months 
gratis,  with  condition  to  be  paid  for  the  whole  time  if  they  stayed  any  longer; 
and  it  appears  by  the  Minute  Book  of  the  general  meeting  of  the  said  Commis- 
sioners, that  on  the  8th  of  February  1709,  Sir  Charles  Cox  on  his  application  to 
the  said  Commissioners,  had  a  warrant  on  the  Chamber  of  London  to  pay  him 
100  guineas  for  the  hire  of  the  said  warehouses  upon  condition  the  poor  Palatines 
should  stay  there  till  they  were  sent  to  Ireland;  which  sum  he  received  the  9th 
of  February  1709  as  by  the  Chamberlain  of  London's  Book. 

Mr.  Tho.  Bast  said,  there  was  an  order  of  vestry,  to  apply  to  the  commissioners 
for  the  Palatines  to  get  rid  of  them  about  the  end  of  October  1709,  when  they 
appeared  to  be  about  1400  persons  and  that  about  the  beginning  of  Feb.  after  they 
were  removed. 

It  appeared  to  the  Committee  that  3000  Palatines  were  sent  to  Ireland  in  Au- 
gust 1709  pursuant  to  an  address  to  her  Majesty  from  the  Lord  Lieutenant  and 
Council  in  Ireland  desiring  as  many  Palatines  as  her  Majesty  should  think  fit 
to  send  thither  and  giving  assurance  of  them  being  received  and  settled  in  that 
Kingdom  and  that  the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines  have  bore  their  charge 
hitherto  which  amounted  to  the  sum  £3.498.  16  s.  6  d.  and  to  complete  their  set- 
tlement in  Ireland  a  warrant  was  signed  by  her  Majesty  and  directed  to  the  Lord 
Lieutenant  of  Ireland  appropriating  £15000  out  of  her  Majesty's  revenues  in  that 
Kingdom  to  be  paid  in  three  years  at  £5000  a  year. 

In  February  1709,  800  Palatines  more  were  sent  into  Ireland,  upon  a  representa- 
tion from  the  Lord  Lieutenant  and  Council  of  that  Kingdom  (the  Commissioners 
here  bearing  their  charge  as  before)  and  a  second  warrant  was  granted  by  her 
Majesty  and  directed  as  before,  appropriating  £9000  of  her  Majesty's  revenues 
in  that  Kingdom  to  be  paid  in  three  years  at  3000  pounds  a  year  to  complete  the 
settlement  of  these  800. 

In  some  short  time  several  of  the  Palatines  being  returned  out  of  Ireland  and 
were  ready  to  follow;  the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines  here  sent  Mr.  John 
Crockett  to  Ireland,  to  prevent  the  return  of  these  people  to  England;  and  the 
Committee  being  informed  that  John  Crockett  attended,  he  was  called  in  and 
said. 

Upon  his  arrival  in  Ireland  he  found  20  families  going  on  board  to  return  to 
England  with  a  pass  for  25  families  to  this  effect.  "  Permit  to  pass  into  Eng- 
land, five  and  twenty  families  of  Palatines,  it  being  by  my  Lord  Lieutenant's 
leave."  Directed  to  the  surveyor  of  Ringseed  signed  John  Smalles,  who  was 
steward  to  the  Lord  Lieutenant  and  Secretary  to  the  Commissioners  for  the  Pala- 
tines in  Ireland;  which  pass  Mr.  Ci'ockett  stopt  and  on  applying  to  the  Lord 
Lieutenant  the  said  persons  were  recalled;  but  that  several  families  had  returned 
before  he  came  to  Ireland  and  that  upon  further  application  to  the  Commissioners 
for  the  Palatines  in  Ireland  to  prevent  any  more  of  them  returning  to  England, 
he  was  answered  by  my  Lord  Chief  Justice  Broderick,  who  was  in  the  chair, 
that  they  had  no  power  to  stop  them,  they  being  a  free  people. 

Since  which  several  families  have  returned  so  that  now  there  are  232  families 
one  with  another,  he  believes  of  five  in  a  family  most  of  them  now  at  the  Bridge 
house  in  Southwark.  Upon  the  examination  of  John  Henrick  Hind,  Frederick 
Rose,  John  Umpock  and  John  Peter  Normins  Palatines 

It  appeared,  they  were  of  the  number  of  those  who  had  gone  for  Ireland  and 
were  since  returned  to  Southwark  and  the  rest,  these  to  the  number  of  232  fam- 
ilies. That  the  reason  of  their  leaving  Ireland  was,  the  hard  usage  they  received 
from  the  Commissary  Hinch,  Mr.  Sweet  and  others,  who  did  not  pay  them  their 
Bubsistance;  on  which  they  applied  to  the  Lord  Lieutenant,  who  ordered  it  for 
them;  but  they  received  but  one  weeks  allowance. 


OF  THE  State  of  IN'ew  York.  1729 

They  said  they  paid  their  own  passage  to  England  though  they  were  told  by 
Mr.  Hinch  that  they  should  have  ten  shillings  per  head  to  leave  Ireland  That 
they  wrote  letters  to  each  other,  to  meet  at  Dublin  and  that  7a  families  returned 
with  the  said  Nouins.  That  the  Palatines  are  in  a  starving,  miserable  and  sickly 
condition  was  proved  by  Mr.  Wignall,  who  said  they  were  all  lodged  in  one  house, 
which  was  become  very  nauseous  and  they  sickly  and  the  parish  fearful  of  some 
infectious  distemper. 

Mr.  Army  also  said,  that  he  lives  in  the  parish  of  St.  Olave;  near  an  apothe- 
cary, who  with  Dr.  Mead  had  the  care  of  a  family,  who  were  sick  near  the  place, 
where  the  Palatines  were  lodged,  who  said  the  places  adjacent  are  in  danger  of 
infection  from  a  very  ill  distemper  among  them,  of  which  many  died. 

As  to  the  apprehension  of  the  charge  to  the  Parish,  It  appears,  the  Palatines 
have  no  subsistance,  but  what  they  get  by  their  wives  begging  in  the  streets. 

That  the  ordinary  rates  for  the  poor  in  St.  Olave's  parish  is  eight  times  as 
much,  as  twenty  years  ago,  and  that  besides,  this  year  are  extraordinary  book 
of  700  pounds  over  and  above  the  ordinary  rates  will  not  defray  the  charge  of 
the  said  parish  toward  their  own  poor. 

It  likewise  appears  to  this  Committee  that  there  is  in  the  Chamber  of  London 
remaining  of  the  money  collected  by  briefs  etc.  the  sum  of  £647.  3  s.  11  14  d. 
and  also  in  the  hands  of  the  receivers  for  the  briefs,  not  yet  paid  into  the  hands 
of  the  Chamberlain  of  London  £1,380.  2  s.  4  d.  In  all  £2,027.  6  s.  3  14  d.  Besides 
what  is  collected  in  some  parishes,  which  have  not  yet  returned  their  briefs. 
Upon  the  matter  of  the  petition  of  the  Committee  came  to  the  following  Resolu- 
tion, viz..  Resolved,  that  the  petitioners  have  fully  proved  the  allegations  of 
their  petition,   and  had  just  reason  to  complain. 

That  upon  the  instruction  given  to  the  Committee  they  have  endeavored  as  far 
as  they  could  to  find  out  upon  what  encouragement  the  Palatines  came  into  Eng- 
land, and  upon  examination  of  several  of  them,  what  were  the  motives  which 
induced  them  to  leave  their  native  country  it  appeared  to  the  Committee,  that 
there  were  books  and  papers  dispersed  in  the  Palatinate,  with  the  Queen's  pic- 
ture before  the  books  and  the  title  pages  in  letters  of  Gold  (which  from  thence 
were  called  the  Golden  Book)  to  encourage  them  to  come  to  England,  in  order  to 
be  sent  to  Carolina,  or  other  her  Majesty's  Plantations  to  be  settled  there.  The 
Book  is  chiefly  a  commendation  of  that  country. 

What  further  encouraged  them  to  leave  their  native  country,  was  the  ravages 
the  French  had  made  and  the  Damages  the  hard  frost  had  done  to  their  vines  and 
accordingly  one  Joshua  de  Cockershall,  a  Lutheran  Minister  with  some  other 
Palatines  to  the  number  of  61  persons  applied  to  Mr.  Davenent  at  Frankfort  for 
passes,  but  he  refused  them  passes,  moneys  and  recommendations  for  fear  of 
disgusting  the  Elector  Palatine. 

(Letter  of  Mr.  Davenant,  Feb.  16,  1708.     N.   S.  p.  2.) 

and  desires  to  know  her  Majesty's  pleasure  therein,  how  to  behave  himself,  on 
which  Mr.  Bayle  signifies  her  Majesty's  commands,  that  though  the  desire  of 
those  poor  people  to  settle  in  the  plantations  is  very  acceptable,  and  would  be 
for  the  public  good,  yet  she  can  by  no  means  consent  to  Mr.  Davenant's  giving, 
in  any  public  way,  encouragement,  either  by  money  or  passes  to  the  Elector 
Palatines  subjects  to  leave  their  country  without  his  consent. 
(Letter  of  Mr.  Boyle,  Feb.  17,     O.  S.  1708.) 

Nevertheless  the  above  mentioned  Lutheran  Minister  and  41  persons  came  into 
England  in  the  year  1708  and  a  petition  from  them  was  presented  to  her  Majesty, 
praying  to  be  taken  under  her  protection  and  settled  in  the  plantation;  which 
petition,  was  by  her  Majesty's  commands  referred  to  the  commissioners  of  Trade. 
(April  20th  No.  3.)  to  find  out  a  fit  place  to  settle  them  and  how  to  transport 
them.  The  Commissioners  of  Trade  certify  (April  26)  they  are  too  poor  to  subsist 
without  her  Majesty's  Bounty,  which  was,  by  order  of  the  Queen  and  Council 
to  the  Lord  High  Treasurer.  Those  people  were  subsisted  and  sent  to  New  York, 
with  the  Lord  Lovelace,  at  her  Majesty's  expense. 

The  next  year  the  Act  for  naturalizing  foreign  Protestants  being  past,  great 
number  of  Palatines  and  some  from  other  parts  of  Germany  came  into  Holland 
and  from  thence  into  England  at  several  times,  being  upon  their  first  arrival  in 


1709- 
1711 


1709- 
1711 


1730  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

Holland,  subsisted  by  the  charity  of  Rotterdam,  but  afterward  at  the  Queens 
expense  and  transports  and  other  ships,  at  her  Majesty's  charge  provided,  to 
bring  them  thither  as  also  all  sorts  of  necessaries  during  their  voyage  by  Mr. 
Dayralle,  her  Majesty's  Secretary  at  the  Hague,  who  had  received  instructions 
from  Mr.  Secretary  Boyle,  (in  her  Majesty's  name)  to  that  purpose,  pursuant  to 
my  Lord  Duke  of  Marlborough's  desire,  signified  by  Mr.  Cardonnell  in  his  letter 
of  the  21st  of  May  1709  to  Mr.  Tilson,  secretary  to  Mr.  Boyle,  and  at  the  same 
time  he  was  told  that  my  Lord  Treasurer  has  wrote  to  Mr.  Bridges,  the  pay- 
master to  order  Mr.  Sweet  at  Amsterdam  to  supply  him  with  such  sums  of  money, 
as  that  service  should  require. 

Pursuant  to  these  instructions,  Mr.  Dayralle  from  time  to  time  informed  Mr. 
Secretary  Bayle  of  the  number  of  Palatines  arrived  in  Holland  and  what  were 
embarked  for  England,  with  the  Intelligence  he  received  of  more,  that  were  com- 
ing, as  appears  by  his  letters. 

And  in  his  letter  of  the  1st  O.  S.  11th  N.  S.  June  1709  he  informes  Mr.  Secre- 
tary Bayle  that  there  were  a  great  many  Papists  among  them  in  Holland  whom, 
notwithstanding,  he  sent  to  England,  though  some  time  after  they  were  sent 
back  again  and  Ten  shillings  per  head  given  them  by  Mr.  Dayralle,  at  their  ar- 
rival in  Holland.  In  June  1709,  the  number  of  Palatines  arrived  in  England  was 
upward  of  10,000  (as  appears  by  Mr.  Dupur's  list  who  was  employed  by  the  Com- 
missioners here  to  pay  them  their  subsistance)  which  causes  great  complaints; 
upon  which  Mr.  Secretary  Boyle  sent  orders  to  Mr.  Dayralle  to  hinder  any  more 
from  being  sent  over,  till  these  already  come  should  be  provided  for,  and  settled; 
lest  by  their  coming  so  fast  and  in  such  great  bodies,  it  should  grow  impracticable 
to  bear  the  burden  of  so  many  poor  together  and  to  disperse  them  with  due  care 
for  their  future  maintenance,  in  the  several  places,  to  which  they  might  be  allotted, 
so  that  the  success  of  the  whole  matter  might  happen  thereby  to  be  disappointed 
and  accordingly  an  advertisement  was  published,  signifying  that  no  more  should 
be  transported  for  England. 

(24   June   1709.     No.    61.) 

Notwithstanding  this  prohibition  great  numbers  continued  to  arrive  here.  Mr. 
Dayralle,  having  afterward  sent  3000;  and  others  were  embarked  and  provided 
with  necessaries  by  collections  from  the  people  of  Rotterdam,  the  Magistrate  of 
that  town  not  suffering  them  to  come  into  it;  by  which  means  they  were  reduced 
to  great  misery. 

Palatines  still  continued  to  come  till  the  middle  of  October  1709  although  the 
orders  to  Mr.  Dayralle  (to  hinder  their  coming)  were  often  repeated;  and  the 
States  General  had  been  applied  to,  to  send  instructions  to  their  minister  in  Ger- 
many, to  hinder  the  coming  of  any  more  of  the  Elector  Palatine's  subjects  in  this 
manner  who  was  highly  offended  by  their  desertion,  Upon  which  Mr.  Dayralle 
informs  Mr.  Secretary  Boyle  that  these  people  (20  Aug.  1709)  were  encouraged 
to  come  by  somebody  in  England,  and  that  since  the  Prohibition,  a  Gentleman 
with  a  servant,  that  came  over  in  the  Packet  boat,  had  gone  amongst  the  Pala- 
tines at  the  Brill  and  distributed  money  and  printed  Tickets  to  encourage  them 
to  come  over;  and  many  of  these  tickets  were  sent  to  their  friends  in  Germany 
to  persuade  them  to  do  the  like. 

Mr.  Dayralle  could  never  discover  who  this  Gentleman  was,  though  he  says 
he  endeavored  it  all  he  could;  and  the  Committee  could  come  to  no  certain  knowl- 
edge therein,  but  find  by  two  letters,  that  Mr.  Henry  Torne,  a  Quaker  at  Rotter- 
dam, who  in  all  this  matter  acted  under  Mr.  Dayralle,  forced  a  great  many  to 
embark  for  England,  after  they  had  provided  themselves  a  passage  to  go  back  to 
their  own  country;  which  the  Palatines  owed  upon  their  arrival,  was  the  only 
reason  that  induced  them  to  come. 

The  number  of  Palatines  being  very  great  and  a  few  or  some  disposed  also 
as  to  gain  a  settlement  a  commission  under  the  Great  Seal  was  given  to  divers 
Lords  and  others  to  distribute  her  Majesty's  bounty  and  also  the  charities  col- 
lected, to  them  and  to  use  their  endeavors  to  settle  them  here.  It  was  also  earn- 
estly recommended  to  the  Commissioners  of  Trade  by  my  Lord  Sunderland  to 
consider  in  what  part  of  England  a  settlement  could  be  best  obtained  for  them, 
and  his  Lordship  urged  (May  3rd  1709)  that  the  Queen  was  convinced  of  the  benefit 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1731 

1709- 
It  would  be  to  her  Kingdom,  If  a  method  could  be  found  to  settle  them  here  (so    ^'^^^ 
as  they  might  get  a  comfortable  livelihood  instead  of  sending  them  to  the  West 
Indies.) 

In  order  to  do  this,  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade  consulted  with  their 
Attorney  and  Solicitor  General  to  these  two  Queens  (May  SOth  1709  No.  27 
Prase) 

1st.  Whether  her  Majesty  has  a  right  and  power  by  law  to  grant  lands  in  her 
forests  and  wastes  to  any  of  her  subjects,  with  license  to  build  cottages  and 
inclose  the  said  Lands  in  order  to  convert  the  same  into  Villages  etc. 

2nd  What  security  her  Majesty  may  give  to  indemnify  the  parishes  from  the 
settlement  of  poor  families  amongst  them,  who  shall  be  admitted  to  dwell  in 
the  same  cottages. 

To  the  first  of  these  they  answer.  Her  Majesty  has  a  right  and  power  to  grant 
such  wasts  for  31  years,  or  three  lives,  or  terms  of  years,  determinable  upon  one, 
two,  or  three  lives,  with  license  to  build  and  Inclose  provided  four  acres  be  laid 
to  each  cottage  and  a  third  part  of  the  yearly  value  of  the  Land  reserved  for  a 
rent  upon  cash  lease. 

To  the  second  (which  makes  the  case  of  the  petitioners  the  harder)  they  an- 
swered, that  no  security  is  required  by  law  to  be  given  to  indemnify  any  parish 
from  the  settlement  of  any  poor  family  of  foreigners,  who  never  had  any  settle- 
ments in  England  before,  for  there  is  no  way  of  obliging  any  poor  family  that 
comes  to  settle  in  a  parish  to  give  security,  but  by  removing  them  by  a  warrant 
from  the  Justices  of  the  Peace,  to  the  Parish,  where  they  were  last  legally  settled 
In  case  they  refused  to  give  it,  which  being  a  remedy  no  parish  can  make  use  of 
in  the  case  of  foreigners  upon  their  first  arrival  in  England  they  are  at  liberty 
to  settle  where  they  please,  and  it  can't  be  expected  her  Majesty  should  give  a 
security  to  indemnify  any  parish  upon  this   account. 

Great  endeavors  were  used  here  to  disperse  and  settle  the  Palatines  in  several 
towns  in  England.  My  Lord  Sunderland  wrote  a  pressing  letter  to  the  Mayor  of 
Canterbury,  to  receive  some  of  them  into  that  city,  which  upon  communicating 
the  letter  to  the  rest  of  the  magistrates,  they  refused  to  do,  because  of  the  burden 
of  their  own  poor,   they  already  labored  under. 

Several  proposals  were  likewise  made  by  private  persons  to  receive  some  and 
many  were  received,  the  Commissioners  allowing  five  pounds  per  head,  and  travel- 
ing charges  with  them;  but  in  a  very  short  time,  most  of  them  returned  and 
were  afterwards  otherwise  disposed  of.  Captain  Elkins  proposed  to  take  off  600 
and  settle  them  in  Scilly;  who  were  accordingly  embarked  in  the  river  and  two 
transports,  by  order  of  my  Lord  Sunderiand  and  provisions  put  on  board  for  them 
from  the  victualing  office  (September  21,  October  26,  1709)  but  after  they  had 
lam  on  board  two  months,  the  ships  were,  by  order  from  my  Lord  Sunderiand 
discharged  and  the  Palatines  again  set  on  shore  and  the  charges  lost  viz. 

The  freight  of  two  ships  32^      ^g        5 

Victuals  put  on  board  the  said  ships,  per 

order  from  the  Commissioners  of  victualling.  666.       0.       6  % 

Total  of  the  expedition  1,487.     18.     11  v. 

It  appears  that  there  has  been  paid  to 
Mr.  Popple  Sec.  to  the  Com.  of  Trade  and 
Plantations  by  the  Honorable  Spencer 
Compton,  Esq.,  for  subsisting  and  trans- 
porting several  Palatines  to  New  York 
Anno  1708 

It  appears  by  an  account  from  the  Transport 
OflJce  that  they  have  paid  for  bringing 
over  Palatines  in  the  Richard  Joseph  and 
Hopewell,    Transport  ships 

10 


346.       0.       0 


236. 


1732  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

1709 
^'7'i^i-    It  appears  by  an  account  from  Mr.  Taylor 

clerk  of  the  Treasurer  that  there  has  been 

paid  by  bills  drawn  on  the  Honorable  Spencer 

Dayralle  at  the  Hague,  who  had  directions  to 
.    take  care  of  their  transportations  to 

England  5.943.      1.       9 

It  appears  that  there  has  been  paid  by 

the  aforesaid  Mr.   Compton  for  the  sub- 

sistance  of  Palatines  here,  and  sending 

several  to  Ireland  and  New  York  with 

Col.   Hunter  45,904.     16.     10 

It  appears  there  has  been  paid  out  of 

the   collections  arrising  per  briefs 

from  the  Chamber  of  London  by  order  of 

the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines  19,838.     11.       1 

It  appears  there  has  been  paid  or  direct- 
ed to  be  paid,  for  the  use  of  the  Palatines 
or  services  relating  to  them,  by  the  Treas- 
urer of  the  Navy  by  way  of  imposts  at  two 
several  payments,  being  part  of  10,000  pounds 
given  by  Parliament  for  raising  usual 
stores  in  her  Majesty's  Plantations  8000.       0.       0 

Colonel  Hunter  has  demanded  as  being  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  complete  the  settlement 
of  the  Palatines  at  New  York  30,000.       0.       0. 

Of  which  he  has  already  drawn  bills  for 
4,700  pounds  17  shillings  and  11  pence 
Appropriating  out  of  her  Majesty's  Reve- 
nues in  Ireland,  by  her  first  warrant 
dated  October  17,  1709  before  mentioned  15,000.       0.       0 

Appropriated  out  of  the  same  revenues  by 
her  Majesty's  second  warrant  before  men- 
tioned the  25th  of  November  1709  9,000.       0.       0 

So  that  the  whole  charge  occasioned  by 

the  Palatines  amounts  to  135,775.     18.      0  ^^ 

And  the  resolution  of  the  Committee  upon  the  said  petition  of  the  Minister, 
Church  Wardens  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Parish  of  St.  Cleaves  in  Southwark  in 
the  County  of  Surry  together  with  the  principal  inhabitants  of  the  adjacent  par- 
ishes was  referred,  who  were  to  inquire  upon  what  invitation  or  encouragement, 
the  Palatines  came  over  and  what  moneys  were  expended  in  bringing  them  Into 
Great  Britain  and  for  maintaining  them  here  and  by  whom  paid  was  read  a 
second  time. 

Resolved  that  the  House  doth  agree  with  Committee  that  the  petitioners  have 
fully  proved  the  allegations  of  their  petition  and  had  just  reason  to  complain. 

Resolved,  that  the  inviting  and  bringing  over  into  this  Kingdom  the  poor  Pala- 
tines of  all  religions  at  the  public  expense,  was  an  extravagant  and  miserable 
charge  to  the  Kingdom  and  a  scandalous  misapplication  of  the  public  money  tend- 
ing to  the  increase  and  oppression  of  the  poor  of  this  Kingdom  and  of  dangerous 
consequences  to  the  constitution  in  church  and  state. 

Resolved,  that  whosoever  advised  the  bringing  over  the  poor  Palatines  into  this 
Kingdom  was  an  enemy  to  the  Queen  and  this  Kingdom. 

Ordered,  that  the  farther  consideration  of  the  said  report  be  adjourned  till  this 
day  seven  night. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1733 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

iSTew  York.  ■     ;'  '-"^ 

1709,  April  2nd.  The  Eev.  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  announce 
that  inasmuch  as  the  letters  formerly  despatched  to  'Eew  York 
have  been  captured  by  the  enemy,  they  have  written  thither  again. 
For  this  they  are  thanked,     ix.  188. 

SUNDEELAND    TO   THE   BoAED   OF    TeADE ThE    PaLATINES. 

Trade  Papers,  Bundle  D.  54. 

•     White  Hall,  May  3,  1709. 
My  Lords  and  Gentlemen: — 

The  Queen  being  informed  that  some  hundreds  of  poor  German 
Protestants  are  lately  come  and  more  are  coming  from  the  Pala- 
tines with  intentions  to  settle  in  her  Majesty's  plantations  in 
America.  Her  Majesty  being  convinced  that  it  would  be  much 
more  for  the  advantage  of  her  Kingdom  if  a  method  could  be 
found  to  settle  them  here  in  such  a  manner  as  they  might  get  a 
comfortable  livelihood  instead  of  sending  them  to  the  West  Indies, 
that  it  would  be  a  great  encouragement  to  others  to  follow  their 
example  and  that  the  addition  to  the  number  of  her  subjects 
would  in  all  probability  produce  a  proportionally  increase  of  their 
trade  and  manufactures.  Her  Majesty  has  commanded  me  to 
signify  to  you  her  pleasure  that  you  should  take  this  matter  into 
consideration  and  that  if  you  can  think  of  any  proper  method  of 
having  this  done  you  should  propose  the  same  to  her  Majesty  as 
soon  as  is  possible,  together  with  your  opinion  in  what  part  of 
England  it  may  be  most  possible.  I  must  not  omit  to  acquaint 
;^ou  that  they;  are  for  the  most  part  husbandmen  and  laboring 
people  which  makes  it  the  easier  to  dispose  of  them  to  the 
advantage  of  the  public. 

I  am  my  Lords  and  Gentlemen,  your  most  humble  servant, 

Sunderland. 


1709 


1709 


1734  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

Letter  of  Sunderland  to  Board  to  inquire  into  the  condition  and 

number  of  Palatines. 
Trade  Papers, 
Bundle  D.  55.  White  Hall  May  5,  1709. 

Lords  and  Gentlemen: — 

Some  hundreds  of  the  poor  German  Protestants  concerning 
whom  I  lately  wrote  to  you,  being  since  come  over,  the  Queen 
being  graciously  disposed  to  relieve  their  necessities  has  com- 
manded me  to  signify  to  you  her  Majesty's  pleasure  that  you 
should  forthwith  make  inquiry  into  their  numbers  and  condition 
and  report  to  her  Majesty  as  soon  as  may  be  what  it  may  be 
necessary  to  give  them  for  their  present  support  till  they  be  either 
settled  here,  or  sent  to  her  Majesty's  plantations. 

I  am,  my  Lords  and  Gentlemen,  your  most  humble  servant, 

Sunderland. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Letters  from  Revs.  Le  Bouck,  Freeman,  Anthonides,  Du  Bois. 

1709,  May  6th.  Kev.  Bomble  hands  in  to  the  Assembly  letters 
from  Rev.  Le  Bouck,  Rev.  Freerman,  Rev.  Anthonides,  and  Rev. 
de  Bois,  which  were  read  to  the  Rev.  Assembly  by  the  president. 

In  regard  to  the  letter  of  Rev.  Le  Bouck:  since  this  contains 
nothing  material  besides  that  which  was  mentioned  in  his  previous 
letter,  therefore  the  Rev.  Assembly  in  regard  to  this,  abides  by 
its  resolution  previously  adopted;  but  inasmuch  as  there  are  also 
found  in  the  said  letter  some  very  sharp  expressions  concerning 
several  persons,  the  Rev.  Assembly  resolves  that  the  Messrs. 
Committee  ad  res  exteras,  in  a  postscript,  made  known  to  him 
the  displeasure  of  Classis  at  such  expressions,  and  admonish  him 
to  abstain  from  such  language  in  the  future;  otherwise  this 
Classis  will  institute  such  measures  against  him  as  may  be  deemed 
expedient. 

The  other  letters  are  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Messrs.  Com- 
mittee ad  res  Exteras,  to  report  on  the  Rev.  Assembly,     ix.  189. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1735 

ADMINISTRATION    OF    LIEUTENANT  GOVERNOR 
INGOLDESBY. 

May,  1709  — April,  1710. 

Memorial,  of  Lutheraist  Ministers. 

May  12,  1709.   [The  Palatines.] 
Trade  Papers. 
Bundle  D.   56.     May  it  please  your  Lordships. 

According  to  your  Lordships  order  of  Thursday  last,  we  the 
under  written  ministers  have  made  a  particular  inquiry  into  the 
condition  and  circumstances  of  the  poor  Palatines  of  which  we 
humbly  lay  an  account  before  your  Lordships,  showing, 

1st     The  trades  and  names  of  all  the  men. 

2nd    Their  age. 

3rd     Their  wives. 

4th     Their  sons  and  daughters  with  their  age. 

6  th     Their  religion. 

May  it  please  your  Lordships. 

These  poor  distressed  people  who  most  humbly  implore  her 
Majesty's  most  gracious  protection  have  desired  us  to  represent 
with  all  submission  to  your  Lordships, 

1.  That  those  of  them  who  had  some  subsistance  when  they 
left  their  own  country  have  during  their  journey  and  voyage  been 
obliged  to  assist  the  others  who  had  nothing  to  live  upon  by  which 
means  all  of  'em  (except  some  few)  are  now  reduced  to  great 
want. 

2.  That  they  finding  themselves  under  great  straits  and  having 
already  some  sick  among  'em  for  want  of  subsistance  and  many  of 
'em  going  almost  naked  their  most  humble  request  is  your  Lord- 
ships would  provide  some  speedy  relief  for  'em,  lest  the  vigorous 
y;oung  men  might  lose  their  health  and  strength  and  so  not  be 
serviceable  in  the  plantation. 


1709 


1709 


1736  Ecclesiastical  Records 

3.  That  those  who  are  come  over  last  and  who  landed  on  the 
5th  day  of  this  instant  month  of  May,  having  had  some  brandy  in 
small  vessels  which  they  brought  over  for  their  own  use,  taken 
from  them  by  the  Custom  House  officers,  they  most  humbly 
desire  it  may  be  restored  to  'em. 

4.  That  your  Lordships  would  be  pleased  to  order,  that  they 
may  not  be  overcrowded  in  the  ships  in  their  voyage  to  the  planta- 
tions they  having  been  in  great  misery  and  that  several  children 
died  in  their  passage  from  Holland  for  want  of  room. 

5.  That  about  one  hundred  more  of  their  countrymen,  having 
been  obliged  to  stay  behind  at  Rotterdam,  they  think  it  their 
duty  humbly  to  lay  before  your  Lordships  that  they  cannot  pay 
their  transport  hither  and  leave  it  to  your  Lordships  generosity 
and  goodness  if  your  Lordships  would  be  pleased  to  find  out  means 
how  they  may  be  arrived  over. 

6.  If  being  likely  that  these  poor  people  who  are  destitute  of 
a  minister,  may  stay  here  some  time,  we  are  ready  to  perform  the 
divine  service  with  'em  once  or  twice  a  week  if  your  Lordships 
would  appoint  a  place  near  their  dwellings  in  St.  Catherine  where 
they  might  meet. 

May  it  please  your  Lordships. 
This  is  what  we  had  humbly  to  represent  to  your  Lordships  on 
the  part  of  these  poor  people  who  are  the  more  encouraged  to 
confide  in  her  Majesty's  Royal  Bounty  and  goodness  as  they  know 
that  their  brethren  as  well  as  all  other  distressed  people  have 
found  a  sure  relief  in  her  Majesty's  most  gracious  protection. 

They  as  well  as  we  think  themselves  always  bound  in  conscience 
to  send  their  most  fervent  prayers  to  God  Almighty  to  pour  out 
upon  her  Majesty  his  temporal  and  spiritual  blessings. 
May  it  please  your  Lordships,  v 

Your  Lordships  most  humble  and  obedient  servants, 
John  Tribleck,  Chaplain  of  his  late 

R.  H.  Pr.  George  of  Denmark. 
George  Andrew  Reapieti,  Minister  of  the  German 
Lutheran  Church  in  the  Savoy. 


OF  THE  State  of  IsTew  Yoek.  1737 

May  it  please  your  Lordsliips. 

We  the  underwritten  ministers  having  taken  a  more  exact  list 
and  account  of  the  poor  Protestants  Palatines,  we  cannot  present 
the  same  to  your  Lordships  without  laying  most  humbly  before 
you,  the  sad  calamity  these  poor  people  are  under  and  we  beg 
leave  to  observe  that  a  great  many  of  'em  begin  to  be  very  sickly 
and  that  several  of  'em  are  dead  already.  We  humbly  conceive 
the  reason  of  it  may  be 

1.  That  they  are  packed  up  in  such  great  numbers,  we  having 
found  very  often  twenty  or  thirty  men  and  women  together 
with  their  children  in  one  room. 

2.  That  when  they  fall  sick  they  are  destitute  of  all  comfort- 
able assistance  and  many  really  without  bread. 

We  therefore  humbly  beseech  your  Lordships  that  seeing  the 
deplorable  and  distressed  condition  of  these  miserable  people,  you 
would  in  your  known  generosity  and  goodness  compassionate 
them  and  provide  some  speedy  relief  for  their  great  necessity  in 
which  humbly  confiding  we  rest  with  the  greatest  respect. 

May  it  please  your  Lordships  (etc.  as  before) 

The  first  list  made  by  the  Lutheran  Minister  was  made  on  the 
6th  of  May  1709  in  St.  Catherine. 

It  opens  with  Casper  Truck  student  of  divinity.  Reformed 
twenty  five  years  and  contains  eight  hundred  and  fifty  two  names. 

They  consisted  of  two  hundred  and  ten  families  with  twelve 
widows  and  six  unmarried  females.  Of  these  one  hundred  and 
twenty  two  families  were  Reformed  and  twelve  of  the  rest. 

Thirty  three  families  Catholics  and  three  of  the  rest.  The 
remaining  Lutheran. 

This  list  is  D.  57. 


1709 


1709 


1738  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

Letter  from  tlie  Earl  of  Sunderland.     [The  Palatines.] 

Trade  Papers. 

B.  58.  -  White  Hall  May  15,  1709. 

My  Lords  and  Gentlemen: — 

I  received  yours  of  yesterday's  date  and  laid  it  before  the  Queen 
who  approving  of  what  you  propose  has  given  orders  for  a  supply 
to  the  poor  Germans  till  they  are  otherwise  provided  for,  and  now 
her  Majesty  being  desirous  to  have  as  soon  as  may  be  your  opinion 
how  such  provision  can  be  made  and  these  people  be  settled  in 
such  maimer  as  may  be  most  for  her  Majesty's  service  and  the  ad- 
vantage of  her  dominion,  commands  me  to  signify  her  Pleasure 
that  you  will  make  what  dispatch  you  can  to  report  to  her  Majesty 
your  opinion  in  the  several  points  mentioned  in  my  letter  of  the 

8rd  instant. 

I  am  etc. 

Journal  of  Council,  New  York. 
1709,  May  18.    Richard  Ingoldesby,  Governor. 

Ordered.      That  a  letter  be  written    to  be  sent  to  the 

manager  of  Indian  affairs  at  Albany,    to  send  a  belt  of 

Avampum  to  the  Five  Nations  and  to  bring  the  young  men  to 
Albany  with  the  Sachems,  and  to  secure  the  priests,  etc.  Council 
Journal,  279. 

1709,  May  20.  Col.  Schuyler  showed  a  letter  written  to  him  by 
a  priest  in  Canada,  about  some  prisoners  which  they  have,  of 
the  English,  and  which  the  Government  of  Massachusetts  Bay 
has  -^f  theirs.     Council  Journal.  280. 

Extracts  from  Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel, 
about  the  Palatines. 

Vol.  i.    May  20,  1709.    Page  164.     §  7. 

The  Secretary  reported  from  the  Committee  that  they  had 
received  some  proposals  relating  to  the  poor  persecuted  Palatines 


OF  THE  State  of  IsTew  York.  1Y39 

1709 

lately  arrived  from  Germany,  importing  that  the  said  Society 
should  be  moved  to  send  over  a  German  minister  with  the  said 
Palatines  in  case  the  Government  think  fit  to  cause  them  to  be 
transported  into  some  part  of  her  Majesty's  plantations,  and  which 
they  agreed  to  lay  before  the  Society,  as  also  to  move  the  Society 
that  in  case  no  minister  can  be  found  in  England  fit  to  be  sent  to 
take  care  of  the  said  Palatines,  that  some  application  may  be 
made  to  Prof.  Frank  at  Hall  in  Germany  for  a  fitting  minister  for 
the  said  people,  then  the  said  proposals  being  read,  agreed  that  the 
consideration  thereof  be  postponed  till  the  Government  have  rer 
solved  how  to  dispose  of  the  said  Palatines,  and  that  in  the  mean- 
time copies  of  the  proposals  be  laid  before  the  Lord  Archbishop 
of  Canterbury  and  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London  and  their  opinion 
humbly  asked  upon  the  same. 

June  3,  1709.  p.  170.  §  3. 

The  Secretary  reported:  that  he  had  according  to  order  laid 
before  the  Lord  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  and  the  Lord  Bishop 
of  London,  the  proposal  about  providing  a  minister  for  the  poor 
Palatines,  and  humbly  asked  their  Lordships  advice  about  the 
same,  and  that  both  their  Lordships  were  of  opinion  that  it  was 
not  proper  for  this  society  to  meddle  therein  till  the  government 
had  resolved  how  to  dispose  of  them. 

Letter  of  Mk.  Chamberlain  with  Account  What  Has  Been 

Done  for  the  Palatines. 
Trade  Papers. 
D.  61.  Temple  Exchange  Coffee  House,  May  20,  1709. 

Present  —  Dr.  Bray,  Sir  John  Phiepps,  Mr.  Watson,  Mr.  Preake, 
Mr.  Chamberlayne,  Mr.  Ludolph,  Dr.  Slare,  Mr. 
HaUes,  Mr.  Shute,  Mr.  Trebeks,  Mr.  :N'elson,  Mr. 
Voaoe. 

Dr.  Slare  acquainted  the  Gentlemen,  with  the  present  state  of 
the  poor   Palatines   as  to   health  and   declares   that   as   he   had 


1709 


1Y40  Ecclesiastical  Records 

hitherto  furnislied  with  medicine  so  he  would  continue  to  do  for 
a  week  longer.  That  Mr.  Longhenback  who  was  both  a  surgeon 
and  an  apothecary  daily  visited  'em  and  had  skillfully  and  faith- 
fully followed  the  directions  given  him  and  would  continue  to  do 
so  till  another  provision  could  be  thought  of. 

Dr.  Bosy  produced  an  estimate  of  the  number  of  the  Palatines 
taken  the  day  before  yesterday,  by  which  it  appeared  there  were 
825  men,  women  and  children. 

It  being  represented  that  there  was  an  absolute  necessity  of 
thinning  the  number  where  they  at  present  reside. 

Agreed  that  some  of  the  large  bams  in  the  out  places  of  the 
city  be  forthwith  hired  for  that  purpose. 

Agreed  that  Mr.  Wm.  Carter  and  Mr.  D.  Keman  be  desired  to 
be  agents  to  the  Gent,  to  contract  for  such  barns  and  place  the 
Palatines  therein. 

Agreed  that  the  money  collected  by  charitable  contributions 
toward  relieving  the  poor  Palatines  be  lodged  in.  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Hen  Hoare  and  that  he  be  desired  to  accept  that  trouble. 

Mr.  Hoare  was  also  desired  to  furnish  the  agents  with  mone;^ 
from  time  to  time  as  they  should  want  it. 

Agreed  to  meet  again  at  this  place  Monday  the  23rd  inst.  b;^ 
3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Temple  Exchange  Coffee  House,  Monday  May  23,  1709. 

Present  —  Mr.  Freske,  Ludolph  Hoare,  Watson,  Slare,  Chamber- 
layne,  Trebeks,  Dr.  Bray,  Sir  Philip  Mr.  Rupert  Bridges,  Mr. 
Sec.  Hook,  Sir  Mr.  Dudley,  Mr.  Shute. 

The  Gentlemen  being  informed  that  several  hundred  Palatines 
were  arrived  since  their  last  meeting. 

Agreed  that  the  cheapest  and  wholesomest  way  of  disposing  of 
'em  at  present  is  to  provide  them  with  tents  to  be  pitched  in  some 
decent  place  or  places  at  convenient  distances  from  the  city  where 
they  may  be  of  use  for  making  hay  and  assisting  in.  the  next 
harvest. 


OF  THE  State  of  IsTew  York.  1741 

Agreed  that  Mr.  Freske  and  Mr.  Charaberlayne  be  desired  to 
signify  to  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade  the  opinion  of  the 
Gent,  here  present  as  to  disposing  of  the  Palatines  in  tents  and 
that  they  humbly  recommend  it  to  their  Deps.  to  procure  an  Qrder 
from  her  Majesty  for  lending  such  tents  out  of  her  stores  as  may 
be  best  spared  till  they  can  be  otherwise  provided.  And  if  it  shall 
be  thought  proper  to  desire  the  spare  room  in  Greenwich  Hospital 
for  the  same  purpose. 

Mr.  Carter  reported  that  he  had  contracted  for  Mr.  Clayton's 
ams  at  Kenneton  and  lodged  therein  last  Saturday  45  Palatines 
and  hoped  it  would  be  capable  of  receiving  as  many  more. 

Mr.  Rupert  acquainted  the  Gent,  mth  the  manner  of  dis- 
tributing the  Queens  money  to  the  Palatines  as  follows,  viz. 

To  each  man  and  each  woman  above  20  years  old,  5  d.  To 
those  under  20  and  above  10,  4  d.  To  those  under  10  years  of 
age,  3  d.  per  day  and  ye  overplus  paid  house  rent  and  bread. 
Paid  twice  a  week,  Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

The  Gent,  being  informed  of  the  good  state  of  health  of  the 
Palatines  first  landed  in 

Agreed  that  Mr.  Chamberlayne  be  desired  to  get  the  same 
advertised  in  the  iSTews  papers. 

Agreed  to  meet  here  to-morrow  by  10  o'clock  in  the  morning 

Tuesday  May  24,  1709. 

Present  —  Bosy,  Sir  John  Philipps,  Mr.  Watson,  Dr.  Keith, 
Ludolph  Bridges,  Chamberlayne,  Dr.  Slare,  Mr.  Nelson,  Mr. 
Hoare. 

Mr.  Bridges  reported  that  he  had  hired  3  barnes  at  Wallworth 
in  Surrey  at  20  s.  per  month,  each  barn,  agreed  for  straw  at  10  s. 
per  load,  milk  at  a  penny  and  a  small  beer  at  1/2  penny  per  quart. 

H.  JSTewman  produced  a  list  of  8  barns  in  Lambeth  parish  near 
Stockwell. 


1709 


1709 


1742  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Dr.  Bray  reported  that  he  had  agreed  with  Mr.  Scherer  to  read 
prayers  to  the  Palatines  every  day  and  that  there  was  a  sermon 
preached  to  'em  twice  a  week  by  the  same  Gent,  one  time  and  by 
Mr.  Trebeke  and  Mr.  Eupert  alternately. 

Ordered  that  20  s.  worth  of  combs  be  distributed  among  the 
Palatines  by  Mr.  Carter. 

Agreed  to  meet  at  Leigh's  Chambers  in  ye  Temple  by  4  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon. 

Queens  bench  walks   at   Mr.   Leigh's   Chambers,   May   24th,    4 

o'clock  P.  M. 

Present  —  Watson,  Hoare,  Ludolph,  Bray. 

Mr,  Green  reported  that  he  had  agreed  for  a  very  large  house 
and  one  large  barn  at  Wallworth  in  Surrey  for  20  s.  each  per 
month,  to  evacuate  the  last  p.  midsummer  day  and  the  first  at  14 
days  warning. 

Agreed  to  meet  here  tomorrow  afternoon  at  4  o'clock. 

Ceetain  Palatines  Turn  Pietists. 

(Counc.   Min.) 

In  Councill,  May  26th,  1709. 

Upon  Reading  the  Petition  of  Joshua  Cocherthal  the  Minister  &  Herman  Schune- 
man  and  other  of  the  Germans  that  were  sent  over  hither  by  her  Majesty's  Charity 
setting  forth  that  by  reason  of  the  Death  of  My  Lord  Lovelace  they  and  the  rest 
of  these  Germans  are  In  Great  want  of  Provisions  and  necessarys  for  their  Sup- 
port being  provided  for  by  his  Lordship  in  his  life  time  but  since  his  Decease 
have  received  no  subsistance  and  upon  reading  a  Copy  of  a  Report  from  the  Right 
Honorable  ye  Lords  of  Trade  to  her  Majesty  dated  ye  28th  of  Aprill  1708  with  rela- 
tions to  ye  said  Germans  and  upon  Coll.  Nicholsons  informeing  this  Board  that 
he  believes  it  was  intended  they  should  be  supported  by  her  Majesty's  Bounty  for 
nine  or  twelve  months  after  there  arrival  here  and  It  being  represented  to  this 
Board  that  nineteen  Persons  of  the  forty  seven  of  the  said  Germans  have  changed 
their  Religion  become  Pietists  and  withdrawn  themselves  from  the  Communion 
of  the  Minister  and  ye  Rest  of  ye  said  Germans,  being  seven  &  twenty  in  all 
which  this  Board  conceives  not  agreeable  to  the  intentions  of  her  Majesty  and  may 
prove  distruetive  of  the  Ends  of  their  being  settled  here  and  the  Gentlemen  of  this 
Board  haveing  brought  to  their  remembrance  that  My  Lord  Lovelace  did  say  in 
Councill  that  he  had  orders  in  England  to  allow  the  said  Germans  a  maintenance 
for  Twelve  months  after  their  arrival  here  and  this  Board  being  of  opinion  that 
unless  some  speedy  measures  be  taken  for  their  immediate  support  they  cannot  be 
capable  to  make  any  settlement  on  the  land  whereon  they  are  placed  but  must 
desert  the  same  and  betake  themselves  to  some  other  manner  of  Providing  a  main- 
tenance  whereby  the  End  of  her  Majesty's  Bounty   and   Charity   will   be  wholly 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1743 

frustrated  It  is  therefore  their  request  to  Coll.  Thomas  Wenham  that  he  do  pro- 
vide a  needfull  &  necessary  support  for  the  said  Minister  and  ye  six  and  Twenty 
other  Germans  of  his  Congregation  untill  the  expiration  of  the  said  Twelve  month* 
from  their  arrivall  here  or  untill  her  Majestys  pleasure  be  known  herein  because 
the  Revenue  of  this  Province  is  Expired  and  besides  the  Government  is  greatly  in 
debt. 

In  Councill,  June  18,  1709. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Van  Dam,  Mr.  Barbarie  &  Capt.  Provost  be  a  Committee  to 
Inquire  into  the  Disputes  between  ye  Germans  lately  sent  to  this  Province  by  her 
Majesty  &  that  Mr.  Vesey  and  Mr.  Du  Bois  assist  them  on  their  said  Inquire  con- 
cerning their  Religious  Disputes  the  times  places  of  ye  meeting  of  which  Com- 
mittee is  to  be  appointed  by  ye  said  Mr.  Van  Dam,  Mr.  Barbarie  &  Capt.  Provost 
or  any  two  of  them. 

In  Councill,  June  21,  1709. 

Mr.  Barbarie  from  the  Committee  to  Inquire  into  the  Disputes  between  the  Ger- 
mans sent  to  this  Province  by  Her  Majesty  Reported  that  they  have  Inquired  into 
those  relateing  to  their  Religion  assisted  by  Mr.  Vesey  &  Mr.  Du  Bois  and  that 
nothing  of  the  aligations  suggested  against  those  called  Pietists  have  been  proved 
before  them. 

Whereupon  it  is  the  request  of  this  Board  that  Coll.  Wenham  do  victuall  them  in 
like  manner  with  the  other  Germans  till  the  alligations  be  made  out  to  this  Board. 

And  it  is  ordered  that  such  of  their  Cloaths  Tools  &  Materialls  as  they  shall 
want  for  their  present  Occation  be  delivered  to  them. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  111. 
p.  329. 


Anglican   Church  at  Harlem.     E-ev.    Henricus   Beys   Has 

Conformed. 

May  30,   1709. 

"  Col.  Lewis  Morris,  though  far  from  desiring  to  force  the  Church  upon  the 
people,  and  taking  very  moderate  views  of  the  establishment,  appears  to  have 
been  interested  about  this  time  in  the  subject  of  Church  extension  in  the  upper 
part  of  the  island  of  New  York,  where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  had  no  following,  and 
probably  no  voice  in  religious  affairs.  Morris  wrote  to  the  Society,  May  30,  1709, 
under  the  above  date,  saying  ", 

"  I  have  used  some  endeavors  to  persuade  the  Dutch  in  my  neighborhood  into 
a  good  opinion  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  have  had  that  success  that  they 
would,  I  believe,  join  a  great  part  of  them  in  the  Sacraments  and  Worship  had 
they  Dutch  Common  Prayer  Books  and  a  man  that  understood  their  language ". 
(N.  Y.  Conv.  MSS.  i.  160.) 

"  Accordingly,  when  the  Dutch  Church  in  Harlem  was  left  without  a  voorleser 
the  Rev.  Henricus  Beyse,  formerly  the  Dutch  minister  at  Esopus,  was  induced  to 
go  there,  having  conformed  to  the  Church  of  England  and  accepted  Episcopal  ordi- 
nation. This  created  some  feeling,  and  attempt  was  made  by  parties  among  the 
Dutch  to  blacken  his  character.  For  a  year  or  two,  with  the  encouragement  of 
the  Propagation  Society,  he  continued  to  serve,  but  the  field  was  not  ready  for  the 
harvest,  and  the  work  was  abandoned,  while  the  Dutch  clergymen  in  the  city  took 
the  oversight  of  the  place  ". —  Dix,  176-7. 


1709 


1744:  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 


1709 


GOVEENOK   HUNTEE   TO    THE   LOEDS   OF    TeADE. 

The  Palatines. 
Trade  Papers.  London  May  30,  1709. 

Z.  74. 

My  Lord: — 

Having  received  orders  to  lay  before  your  Lordship  vrhat  I  had  to  offer  in  rela- 
tion to  the  3000  Palatines  to  be  sent  to  New  York  and  the  employment  of  them 
there,  I  humbly  beg  leave  to  offer  to  your  consideration  the  full  particulars. 

It  being  now  resolved  that  these  people  shall  be  employed  in  naval  stores  and 
good  assurances  had  of  or  found  requisite  for  settling  of  them  to  work  that  way. 

I  desire  your  Lordships  opinion  as  to  the  places  most  proper  for  planting  of  them 
for  that  purpose.  The  objections  I  have  heard  against  Hudson  and  Albany  Rivers 
are  the  falls  which  render  the  navigation  difficult,  most  of  the  lands  below  the 
falls  being  granted  away  and  ye  purchasing  of  ye  from  the  present  grantees  un- 
certain. 

Plscatwey  Rivers  or  Newhaushire  is  undoubtedly  proper  for  that  purpose  but  the 
title  to  the  lands  being  in  dispute  between  Mr.  Allin  and  the  present  possessor, 
Quere,  if  it  may  not  be  of  use  to  discourse  with  Mr.  Allen  to  know  upon  what 
terms  he  will  resign  his  claims  to  the  crown,  by  which  means  the  inhabitants  there 
may  be  induced  to  yield  the  lands  without  difficulty.  Duke  Hamilton  who  has  a 
claim  to  a  great  part  of  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut  offers  to  resign  his  title  also 
upon  easy  terms.    His  agent  shall  attend  your  Lordships  if  it  be  thought  necessary. 

Kenebecq  River  in  the  northern  part  of  New  England  is  beyond  all  dispute  the 
most  proper  place  for  that  purpose,  as  well  for  the  nature  of  Its  soil  and  its  prod- 
uce, as  for  the  considerable  fishing,  but  lying  so  remote  from  our  plantation  and 
so  near  to  the  enemies  it  will  be  difficult  to  plant  them  there  during  the  war.  I 
humbly  propose  in  the  next  place  that  four  persons  sufficiently  interested  in  the 
methods  of  making  these  stores  may  be  sent  along  with  them  to  teach  'em  the 
trade  and  supervise  the  work  and  that  they  have  sufficient  salaries  allotted  them 
for  the  time  they  shall  attend  the  service  and  that  leave  be  given  to  whosoever  Is 
charged  with  the  care  of  that  affair  to  employ  commissaries  and  clerks  of  stores 
and  other  officers  requisite  and  to  allot  them  proportionable  salaries  out  of  the 
funds  for  that  purpose.  That  a  requisite  number  of  Cauldrons  and  such  other 
utensils  for  trade  as  cannot  be  had  in  our  Colonies  be  forth  with  provided  here 
according  to  a  list  that  shall  be  given  in  as  soon  as  I  can  have  Information  In  that 
matter  and  that  a  reasonable  quantity  of  hemp  seed  be  also  bought  up  and  sent 
over;  that  there  may  be  as  small  delays  as  possible  In  the  employing  these  people 
on  the  other  side. 

The  number  to  be  transported  being  3000  and  housing  of  'em  at  their  landing 
being  very  uncertain  and  no  cover  to  be  expected  where  they  are  to  be  planted 
until  they  build  themselves  huts,  I  presume  your  Lordships  will  think  it  necessary 
that  there  be  600  tents  at  least  sent  along  with  them. 

The  stores  formerly  sent  to  New  York  being  exhausted  by  the  Intended  expedi- 
tion to  Canada  and  that  people  to  be  planted  on  the  frontiers,  It  will  be  absolutely 
necessary  they  be  armed  with  600  fire  locks  and  bayonnets  at  least  from  her 
Majesty's  stores  here  and  a  proportionable  quantity  of  powder  and  shot  and  other 
ammunition  stores  according  to  custom. 

Having  upon  this  occasion  particular  reasons  for  •  «  ♦  the  Indians  It  will 
be  necessary  that  what  present  at  least  have  been  heretofore  made  to  them  may 
be  at  this  time  renewed  as  well  for  their  good  will  In  parting  with  these  lands  that 
we  may  possess,  as  to  engage  their  assistance  for  the  defence  of  our  infant  Col- 
onies. This  is  all  that  at  this  time  I  can  recollect  necessary  to  be  offered  to  your 
Lordships  consideration  which  I  humbly  submit,  the  whole  being  with  all  honor 
and  regard.  My  Lords, 

Your  Lordships  most  humble  and  most  obedient  servant. 

Rev.  0.  Hnnter. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1745 

1709 

The  Palatines.     Letter  of  Mr.  Chambeelatke. 

[June  1st,  1709]. 

Worthy  Sir: — I  intended  to  have  waited  on  the  Lords  Com.  this 
morning  in  person,  but  being  indisposed  I  humbly  beg  that  these 
few  lines  may  plead  my  pardon  and  introduce  to  their  Lordships 
the  inclosed  papers  and  lastly  obtain  for  me  some  account  what 
has  been  done  in  consequence  of  their  Honors  letter  to  my  Lord 
Treasurer  about  no-ch  I  applied  to  Mr.  Taylor  yesterday,  but  then 
he  had  not  heard  from  your  board  etc. 

D.  62.    Trade  Papers.    An  abstract  of  list  of  poor  Palatines  taken 


May  20,  1709. 

Able  men 

191 

Able  women 

144 

Sons  above  14  years  in  good  health 

:   27 

Sons  from  10-14  years 

36 

Daughters  above  14  years  in  good  health 

39 

Daughters  from  10-14 

19 

Total 

456 

Sick  men 

18 

Sick  women 

38 

Sick  sons  above  14  years 

6 

Sick  daughters  above  14  years 

6 

Sons  under  10  years 

143 

Daughters  under  10  years 

139 

350 

456 

All  in  all 

806 

1709 


1746  Ecclesiastical,  Recoeds 

Report  erom  Mr.  Attorney  and  Solicitor  General,  Read 

June  1,  1709. 
Trade  Papers         ^ 

D.  63. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade  and 
Plantations. 

Pursuant  to  your  Lordships  commands  signified  to  us  by  Mr. 
Popple  in  the  letter  hereunto  annexed,  we  have  considered  of  the 
queries  therein  mentioned  and  are  of  opinion 

1.  That  her  Majesty  has  a  right  and  power  by  law  to  grant  any 
parcel  of  lands  in  her  forests,  chases  and  wasts  to  any  of  her  sub- 
jects for  any  term  or  estate  not  exceeding  one  and  thirty  years,  or 
three  lives  with  license  to  build  cottages  and  enclose  the  same  to 
tillage  and  husbandry;  provided  that  four  acres  of  ground  at  least 
be  laid  to  each  cottage  for  habitation  and  that  the  third  part  of 
the  clear  yearly  value  of  the  lands  derived  be  reserved  for  rent 
upon  every  lease. 

2.  We  humbly  conceive  that  no  sequrity  is  required  by  law  to 
be  given  to  indemnify  any  parish  from  the  settlement  of  any  poor 
family  of  foreigners  who  never  had  any  settlement  in  England 
before,  for  there  is  no  way  of  obliging  any  poor  family  that  comes 
to  settle  in  a  parish  to  give  security,  but  by  removing  by  a  warrant 
from  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  to  the  Parish  where  they  were  last 
legally  settled.  In  case  they  refuse  to  give  it,  which  being  a 
remedie  no  parish  can  make  use  of  in  the  case  of  foreigners  upon 
their  first  arrival  in  England,  they  are  at  liberty  to  settle  where 
they  please  and  it  can't  be  expected,  that  her  Majesty  should  give 
security  to  indemnify  any  parish  upon  this  account. 

All   which   is  nevertheless   most   humbly   submitted   to   your 

Lordships  great  wisdom. 

Ja.  Montague 

R.  Eyre 
June  1,  1709. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek. 


1747 


1709 


Trade  Papers. 
D.  64. 

The  second  list  1193  Palatines  lately  come  over  from  Germany 
into  this  Kingdom,  taken  at  Walworth  the  27  of  May,  1709. 

The  list  contains: 

Men  311 

Women  263 

Sons  323 

Daughters  296 


1193 

\ 

154  from  Reformed 

120 

from  Lutheran 

rest  Cathol; 

ic 

Trade  Papers. 

D.  68.         Third  list  of  Palatines  arrived,  < 

June  2, 

1709 

33 

47 

49 

23 

37 

26 

44 

52 

56 

23 

60 

22 

46 

50 

51 

23 

34 

32 

51 

56 

53 

21 

38 

30 

45 

59 

48 

32 

43 

38 

47 

55 

56 

43 

37 

36 

50 

60 

55 

40 

36 

23 

52 

52 

51 

35 

38 

19. 

56 

54 

52 

36 

35 

45 

56 

62 

38 

185 

56 

66 

58 
40 

50 

38 

Schoolmasters 

5 

Shoemakers 

20 

Husbandmen 

1 

460 

Masons 

28 

Doessers         j 

1 

Joiners 

8 

Carpenters 

45 

Butchers 

8 

Bakers 

11 

Linen  weavers 

27 

Taylors 

18 

Coopers 

23 

1748  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 


709 

Imoners 

2 

Saddlers 

2 

Millers 

9 

Hunters 

3 

Smiths 

15 

Potters 

3 

Wheelwrights 

5 

Brick  makers 

3 

Woolen  weavers 

2 

Tanners 

2 

Stocking  weavers 

2 

Total 

590 

l^UMBEE,  OF  AeEIVAL  OF  PALATINES  IN  ENGLAin). 


Trade  Papers. 

D.  69. 

Pourth  list   of   Palatines 

arrived 

at  St 

Cath, 

, 

June  11, 

1709. 

Men 

338 

Wives 

331 

Widows 

16 

Unmarried  men 

92 

Unmarried  women 

29 

( 

Sons  above  14 

122 

' 

Daughters  above  14 

127 

Sons  under  14 

351 

Daughters  under  14 

339 

The  whole  sum 

1745 

First  arrival 

825 

Second  arrival 

1193 

Third  arrival 

2Y56 

Fourth  arrival 

1745 
3763 

4774 
6519 

' 

' 

3763 

2756 


Trade  Papers. 
D.  YO. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISFew  York.  1749 


Abstract  of  first  tliad  lists. 

Men  940 

Wives  903 

Widows                                .  73 

Unmarried  men  292 

Unmarried  women  77 

Sons  above  14  years  257 

Daughters  above  14  years  247 

Sons  under  14  years  1016 

Daughters  under  14  years  970 


1709 


Whole  sum  4775 

Fourth  list  1745 


June  10,  1709. 


All  now  here  6520 

Memorial  of  Mr.  Tribbeko. 
June  23,  1709.      [The  Palatines.] 
Trade  Papers. 
D.  75. 

May  it  please  your  Lordships : 

We  the  subscribed  two  Lutheran  Ministers  crave  humbly  leave 
to  represent  to  your  Lordships,  that  being  entrusted  by  the 
Queen's  warrant  to  distribute  her  Majesty's  bounty  amongst  the 
poor  Palatines  we  have  made  it  hitherto  our  utmost  care  to  the 
best  of  our  ability  to  discharge  this  trust  and  have  accordingly 
given  in  our  account  of  1400  pounds  sterling. 

But  the  number  of  the  said  Palatines  being  so  much  increased 
and  some  more  still  expected,  we  find  it  absolutely  impossible 
to  hold  out  any  longer  under  this  great  burden,  the  health  of  one 
of  us  being  already  so  much  impaired  that  he  is  forced  to  retire 
for  some  days  into  some  quiet  place. 


1709 


1750  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

Wherefore  we  must  make  it  our  most  humble  request  to  your 
Lordships,  to  think  on  some  way  or  other  to  prevent  the  great 
many  inconveniences  and  disorders,  which  infallibly  arises,  if  a 
sufficient  number  of  able  persons  be  not  appointed  to  look  after 
the  said  Palatines,  not  only  for  distributing  their  charity  amongst 
them  but  also  to  take  care  of  their  lodging  and  prevent  many 
disorders  amongst  such  a  number  of  persons 

We  are  willing  still  to  contribute  our  assistance  to  the  utmost 
of  our  power,  but  shall  find  it  difficult  enough  to  take  care  only 
of  their  spiritual  concerns. 

Those  that  are  lodged  in  barns  must  be  now  removed  at  mid- 
summer and  her  Majesty  hath  ordered  us  1000  tents  for  them, 
but  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  take  care  of  finding  out  a  place  and 
giving  necessary  orders  for  the  pitching  of  the  said  tents  and 
removing  the  people  into  them. 

There  is  also  to  be  considered  that  there  is  by  warrant  only 
provision  made  for  4000  Palatines,  whereas  there  is  already  6600 
of  them  actually  here,  so  that  we  have  been  forced  to  pay  a  good 
sum  to  the  remaining  2600  out  of  the  allowance  of  the  4000. 

Wherefore  care  must  be  taken  to  provide  likewise  for  the 
remaining  2600,  if  they  are  to  be  kept  either  from  starving  or 
being  troublesome  to  her  Majesty's  subjects  by  begging. 

These  are  the  most  humble  representations  of  may  it  please 
your  Lordships, 

Your  Lordships  most  humble  and  obedient  servants, 
'  John  Tribbeks 

Reporti. 

1709,  June  6. 

The  French   Church  of  New  Rochelle,   per  Rev.   Mr.    Bondet,   to   Col.   Heathcote, 
offering  to  conform  to  the  Church  of  England. 

New  York,  June  6th  1709. 
Honored  Sir: —  Since  it  is  by  your  charitable  assistance  and  concurrence  that  the 
Company  of  New  Rochelle  find  themselves  provided  with  the  ministry;  that  your 
prudence  and  wise  management  hath  hitherto  composed  and  aswaged  our  diffi- 
culties about  these  matters  of  church  settlement;  we  have  thought  that  It  was  our 
duty,  and  that  it  should  be  your  pleasure  of  charity  to  assist  us  with  your  presence 
and  directions,  that  we  may  come  to  some  terms  of  resolution  for  to  have  our  church 
in  full  conformity  with  the  National  Church  of  England;  and  for  to  have  the  pro- 


OF  THE  State  of  JSTew  York.  1751 

tection  and  assistance  of  the  Rulers  and  encouragers  of  the  same,  that  the  service 
of  God  may  be  established  in  our  place  according  to  that  holy  rule,  and  the  weak- 
ness of  our  place  considered;  that  she  may  be  enabled  to  support  the  charges  of 
the  ministry,  as  your  Honor  knows  enough  our  circumstances  be  upon  that  trust 
of  your  candour,  sincerity  and  charity  for  refuge  Protestants,  well  meaning  in  the 
duties  of  our  holy  Religion,  we  remain. 
Honored  Sir, 

Your  most  humble  and  dutiful  servants, 
Elias  Badeau  Andrew  Reneau  J.  Levillaine  (signed  by  twenty  six  others.)* 

1709,    June    13. 
Col.   Heathcote  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel,   upon  the  offer  of  the 
French  Church  of  New  Rochelle  to  conform  to  the  Church  of  England. 

Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Secretary. 
Mannor  of  Scarsdale. 

13  June,  1709. 
Worthy  Sir:  "  After  I  had  finished  my  other  letters,  Mr.  Bondett  gave  me  an 
account  by  letter,  that  his  people  were  in  a  very  good  temper  to  receive  and  con- 
form to  the  Liturgy  of  our  Church  in  their  congregation;  whereupon  I  went  to 
New  Rochelle,  being  accompanied  with  Mr.  Sharp,  Chaplain  to  the  fforces,  he 
being  at  my  house,  having  yesterday  preached  and  Administered  the  Sacrament  at 
Rye;  Mr.  Bartow  did  us  also  the  favor  to  meet  us  at  Mr.  Bondetts,  and  his  con- 
gregation being  desired  to  be  at  Church,  after  the  service  had  been  performed 
by  Mr.  Bartow,  and  a  very  good  sermon  preached  to  them  by  Mr.  Sharp,  the 
heads  of  the  congregation  desired  Mr.  Bondett  to  read  and  present  me  with  a 
paper,  returning  me  thanks  for  my  endeavors  in  settling  them  in  their  re- 
ligious affairs,  which  I  send  you  herewith:  whereupon  those  gentlemen  of  the 
Clergy,  etc.,  I  did  advise  them  to  address  the  Society,  acquainting  them  with  their 
Resolution  of  conforming  to  the  rules  and  discipline  of  the  Church,  to  pray  their 
assistance  in  supporting  their  Minister,  and  to  send  them  a  number  of  Common 
Prayer  Books  in  the  Ffrench  Language,  which  is  here  inclosed,  and  also  an  Instru- 
ment in  Ffrench,  being  a  declaration  of  their  Inclinations  to  conform  to  the  rules 
of  the  Church. 

We  all  of  us  promise  them  not  only  to  Recommend  them  in  the  best  manner  we 
could,  but  also  to  prevail  with  Col.  Nicholson  and  Col.  Morris  to  do  the  like.  I 
believe  I  need  not  use  many  arguments  to  persuade  the  Society  to  do  what  they 
can  conveniently  for  them;  for  Mr.  Bondett,  besides  his  serving  the  people  of  New 
Rochelle,  will  be  of  great  use  in  assisting  the  ministers  of  the  other  Parishes;  and 
not  only  that,  but  if  these  people  are  favorably  received  and  encouraged.  It  will 
be  a  great  means  to  influence  the  Ffrench  Congregation  in  New  York  likewise  to 
conform;  and  I  am  not  without  hopes  of  effecting  my  desired  end,  of  having  this 
county  divided  into  three  parishes,  by  which  means  we  should  effectually  shut  out 
all  Sectaries  from  ever  crowding  in  upon  us.  I  can  hardly  express  how  great  a 
comfort  and  satisfaction  it  is  to  me  to  see  this  work  brought  near  so  happy  an 
issue,  and  for  which  I  have  been  laboring  in  vain  many  years;  and  the  only  thing 
that  obstructed  it  was  that  the  Government  would  not  give  us  leave,  and  which 
was  almost  the  only  cause  that  none  of  your  Churches  have  throve  better  in  this 
Province.  The  ffleet  are  just  upon  sailing,  and  I  am  in  a  very  great  hurry  in  con- 
cluding my  letters,  that  I  must  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  my  next,  and  remain, 
Worthy  Sir, 

Your  affectionate  humble  servant, 

Caleb  Heathcote. 
—  Dix's  Hist.  Trinity  Ch.   1.   172-4. 

•  N.  Y.  Gen.  Conv.  MSS.  i.  187-190.    Dix's  Hist.  Trinity  Church  I.  174. 


1709 


1709 


1Y52  Ecclesiastical  Records 

A  View  of  the  Queen's  and  Kingdom's  Enemies  in  the  Case 
OF  THE  Poor  Palatines. 

To  which  is  added  A  List  of  the  Persons  appointed  Commis- 
sioners and  Trustees  of  that  charity,  By  her  Majesty's  Letters 
Patent:  as  also  of  those  members  of  the  Late  Parliament  that 
voted  for  the  ISTaturalization  Bill.  In  a  letter  from  a  Gen- 
tleman in  London  to  his  friend  in  the  country  Sold  by  the 
Booksellers   (1711)  price  2d.     Q-uildhall  Library,  London. 

[Copied,  1898,  by  Prof.  Wm.  J.  Hinke,  in  British  Museum^ 
and  furnished  by  his  courtesy.] 

[June  16,  1709.]     Sir:— 

The  warmth  you  express  in  yours  concerning  the  present  enquiries  that  are  now 
made  in  a  Parliamentary  way,  into  the  invitations  that  were  given  to  the  poor 
Palatines  to  come  into  these  Kingdoms,  and  the  arguments  you  produce  In  favor 
of  such  proceedings  from  the  practice  of  the  Antients  and  Moderns  make  It  neces- 
sary for  me,  not  only  to  justify  the  Representative  Body  of  the  Nation,  but  to 
bring  you  to  a  calmness  of  temper  by  demonstrating  that  you  have  very  little  in- 
sight into  that  affair,  and  producing  unquestionable  authorities  that  they  must  be 
enemies  to  the  Church  and  State  who  promote  their  being  sent  for,  at  the  public 
charge. 

In  order  to  do  this.  It  may  not  be  amiss  to  give  a  succinct  and  true  relation  of 
the  whole  proceedings  on  that  head,  which  could  neither  be  designed  for  the  advan- 
tage of  the  established  religion  or  the  support  of  the  Monarchy,  which  is  entirely 
upheld  by  the  Church  of  England  principles.  I  must  desire  you  therefore  to  look 
somewhat  more  than  two  years  backward  into  the  transactions  that  were  set  on 
foot  by  the  last  Parliament  and  the  Dates  will  tell  you  that  the  Honorable  Sidney 
Wortley,  Esq.,  In  concert  with  the  Lord  William  Powlet,  Sir  James  Montague, 
Robert  Eyre,  Esq.,  Sir  Joseph  Jekyl,  Richard  Nevil,  Esq.,  Sir  Peter  King  and  Wil- 
liam Lowndes,  Esq.  brought  in  a  bill,  by  order  of  the  House,  for  naturalizing  for- 
eign Protestants  on  Monday  Feb.  14,  (1708,  1709)  which  was  passed  Into  an  Act  on 
the  23rd  of  March  following  and  was  previous  to  the  arrival  of  10,000  Palatines 
from  the  1st  of  May  to  the  ISth  of  July  1709.  Those  that  landed  at  the  two  first 
times,  viz.,  from  the  1st  of  May  to  the  12th  of  June,  consisted  of  men  having 
families  1278,  wives  1234,  widows  89,  unmarried  men  384,  unmarried  women  106, 
Boys  above  14  years  of  age  379,  Boys  under  14  years  1367,  Girls  above  14  years  of 
age  374,  Girls  under  14  years,  1309.  So  that  the  whole  number  of  the  two  first 
numbers  landed  were  6520.  Of  these  were  Husbandmen  and  vinedressers  1083, 
Schoolmasters  10,  Herdsmen  4,  Wheelwrights  13,  Smiths  46,  Cloth  and  Linnen 
weavers  66,  Carpenters  90,  Bakers  32,  Masons  48,  Coopers  and  Brewers  48,  Joiners 
20,  Shoemakers  40,  Taylors  58,  Butchers  15,  Millers  27,  Sadlers  7,  Stocking  weav- 
ers 5,  Painters  7,  Miners  S,  Brick-makers  6,  Potters  3,  Hunters  5,  Snomers  6,  Sur- 
geons 3,  Locksmiths  2,  Brick-layers  4,  Glaciers  2,  Hatters  3,  Silversmiths  2,  Cook  1, 
Student  1,  Grocer,  2:  To  which  above  1500  being  added  that  arrived  In  the  river 
of  Thames  July  18th  and  others  at  other  times,  whose  families,  trades  and  employ- 
ments were  not  altogether  so  well  distinguished  or  numbered,  it  made  the  number 
as  above  mentioned. 

As  the  ministry,  then  in  being,  put  the  Government  to  the  charge  of  their  im- 
portation which  undoubtedly  might  have  been  laid  out  to  a  much  better  advantage, 
so  her  Majesty  was  at  the  whole  expense  of  their  subslstance  for  a  considerable 
time,  which  increased  from  16  pounds  per  diem  at  first  to  100  pounds  afterward. 


OF  THE  State  of  INew  Yokk.  1753 

But  as  the  late  Ministry  could  not  but  forsee,  that  the  continuance  of  such  a 
charge  wholly  upon  the  court,  could  not  but  be  too  burdensome  upon  the  Civil  List, 
so  they  brought  it  about,  by  the  means  of  some  of  their  dependents  who  were  Id 
the  Commission  of  the  peace  for  the  County  of  Middlesex  to  address  the  Queen  for 
her  Letters  Patents,  for  a  Brief  to  raise  charitable  contributions  for  these  dis- 
tressed Protestants,  who  were  more  than  half  of  them  Papists,  as  appears  by  such 
as  have  been  returned  back  to  Holland  and  elsewhere.  Their  address  ran  as 
follows : 

The  humble  Petition  of  your  Majesty's  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of 
Middlesex  at  the  General  Session  for  the  peace  for  the  said  County  held  at  Hick's 
Hall  on  Tuesday  7th  of  June  1709.     State  p.  7  &  8. 

In  pursuance  of  this  Remonstrance  of  theirs  the  following  order  of  Council  was 
published  in  the  Gazette  of  June  20th. 

At  the  Court  of  St.  James 

June  16,  1709 
Present. 
The  Queen's  most  excellent  Majesty  in  Council. 

Upon  reading  this  day  at  the  Board,  the  humble  petition  of  the  justices  of  the 
peace  for  the  County  of  Middlesex  at  the  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  for  the 
said  County  representing  to  her  Majesty,  the  great  wants  and  necessities  of  sev- 
eral thousand  Germans  of  the  Protestant  Religion  who  being  oppressed  by  the 
exactions  of  the  French  in  their  own  country  have  fled  for  refuge  into  this  King- 
dom and  must  have  perished,  had  not  her  Majesty's  generous  and  most  seasonable 
bounty  subsisted  and  humbly  offering  that  for  their  further  relief  and  subsistance 
a  Brief  may  be  issued  for  the  collection  of  the  charity  of  well  disposed  persons 
within  the  said  County  Her  Majesty  out  of  her  tender  regard  and  compassion  to 
those  poor  people  is  pleased  to  condescend  thereunto  and  to  order  that  the  Right 
Honorable,  the  Lord  High  Chancellor  of  Great  Britain,  do  cause  Letters  Patents 
to  be  prepared  and  passed  under  the  Great  Seal,  for  the  collection  of  the  Charity 
of  well  disposed  persons  in  all  the  churches  and  meetings  and  otherwise,  within 
the  said  County  of  Middlesex,  for  and  toward  the  present  subsistance  and  relief 
of  the  said  distressed  poor  Protestants. 

John  Povey. 

Accordingly  this  Brief  came  out  and  happy  was  he  amongst  the  Whig  Party  that 
could  most  distinguish  himself  by  his  bounty  to  those  strangers  that  were  come 
over  to  devour  the  Land,  when  he  had  no  Bowels  of  compassion  for  the  wants  of 
his  fellow  subjects  insomuch  that  some  of  the  leaders  of  the  party  gave  a  thousand 
pounds  a  man;  though  the  Lord  Mayor  of  London  therein  being  gave  only  fifty 
pounds  and  would  scarce  have  done  that,  but  for  the  sake  of  his  office,  though  he 
was  worth  ten  times  as  much  as  those  that  gave  more.  I  need  not  acquaint  the 
world  after  this,  that  his  name  was  Sir  Charles  Duncomb. 

I  should  have  told  you  that  before  this  County  and  City  collections  was  made, 
her  Majesty  had  been  pleased  to  appoint  Commissioners  and  Trustees  by  her  Royal 
Letters  Patent  under  the  Great  Seal  for  collecting,  receiving  and  disposing  of  the 
money  to  be  thus  collected,  who  upon  July  6,  1709  gave  public  notice  of  the  time 
and  place  they  would  sit  at,  in  order  to  receive  proposals  for  employing  and  set- 
tling the  said  Palatines  and  to  prepare  business  in  Committees  for  their  General 
Meetings.  Now  the  names  of  all  such  as  contributed  toward  this  public  charity 
with  the  sums  they  respectively  advanced,  being  to  be  brought  to  these  Commis- 
sioners, it  consequently  made  them  apprized  of  such  as  were  good  and  ill  wishers 
to  the  cause  and  contributers  more  extensive  in  their  donations  in  order  to  be 
thought  well  off  by  such  as  had  the  administrations  of  affairs  so  that  after  this 
charity  had  become  general,  throughout  the  whole  Kingdom,  while  our  own  native 
poor  were  starving  without  any  means  of  provision  made  for  them.  It  was  com- 
puted that  more  than  300,000  pounds  was  gathered.  An  incredible  sum  for  a  people 
to  raise  who  had  been  under  the  burden  of  war  more  than  twenty  years,  for  a 


1709 


1709 


1Y54  Ecclesiastical  Records 

parcel  of  vagabonds,  who  might  have  lived  comfortably  enough  in  their  native 
country,  had  not  the  laziness  of  their  dispositions  and  the  report  of  our  well- 
known  generosity  drawn  them  out  of  it. 

For  as  to  their  pretence  to  come  hither  purely  for  the  exercise  of  their  religion 
there  was  nothing  in  it,  though  some  were  induced  to  relieve  them,  on  account  of 
their  pretended  persecutions,  as  Count  Gallas  the  Imperial  Ambassador  made  ap- 
pear to  her  Majesty  by  a  memorial  that  acknowledged  a  great  number  of  them  to 
be  Papists  and  prevailed  for  a  transportation  of  them  back  to  Holland,  at  the 
charge  of  twenty  shillings  per  head,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  Gazette  of  those  times. 
But  we  resolved  to  be  credulous  and  went  on  in  our  pity  and  concern  for  them, 
even  while  we  neglected  our  own  brethren,  and  were  satisfied  from  a  Declaration 
of  the  Protestant  Consistory  in  the  Palatinate,  by  the  Direction  of  his  Highness, 
the  Elector  Palatine,  that  they  had  no  other  grievance  to  complain  of,  but  what 
is  natural  to  the  meaner  sort  of  people  of  all  countries  and  nations  viz.,  those  of 
poverty.  The  translation  of  it  from  the  High  Dutch  is  after  this  manner.  Brief 
History  p.  47f. 

How  the  vast  sums  of  money  above  mentioned  were  bestowed  is  best  known  to 
those  that  made  the  disbursements,  what  I  have  to  assure  you  of,  that  care  was 
taken  to  settle  some  families  in  and  about  London,  others  were  shipped  off  for 
Carolina  and  the  plantations,  where  in  all  probability,  if  they  can  bear  the  fatigue 
of  working,  they  may  provide  for  themselves,  but  the  residue  for  whose  transporta- 
tion payment  had  been  made  and  who  were  invited  over  into  Ireland  by  an  ad- 
dress from  that  Kingdom  and  for  whose  maintenance  a  certain  E.  of  S... t 

of  that  Kingdom  showed  himself  wonderfully  solicitous,  even  when  the  barracks 
that  were  made  for  them  are  yet  unaccounted  for,  are  returned  hither  naked  and 
in  the  extremest  misery,  even  when  the  House  of  Commons  had  desired  5000  pounds 
for  their  subsistance  annually  for  three  years.  How  they  came  back  in  this  perish- 
ing condition  after  they  had  been  sent  out  of  the  Kingdom  so  well  furnished  with 
necessaries,  I  am  not  to  examine,  let  those  Gentlemen  who  have  taken  that  en- 
quiry under  their  cognizance  go  through  with  it,  and  I  dare  promise  myself  mate- 
rial to  furnish  you  with  an  account  that  somebody  has  been  guilty  of  more  than 
high  crimes  and  misdemeanors  —  what  rests  upon  me  to  go  through  with  is,  that 
the  wretched  spectacle  these  poor  people  made  in  crowds  daily  from  the  joultry 
to  the  Royal  Exchange  put  it  into  our  Representatives  Intentions  to  search  into 
the  occasions  of  their  coming  over  as  soon  as  a  petition  was  brought  into  the 
House  of  Commons  from  the  Minister,  Church  Wardens  and  Inhabitants  of  St  Olave 
in  Southwark  in  the  County  of  Surrey  together  with  the  principal  inhabitants  of 
the  adjacent  parishes.  Hereupon  they  order  a  Committee  to  enquire  upon  what 
invitation  or  encouragement  the  Palatines  came  over,  and  what  moneys  were  ex- 
pended in  bringing  them  into  Great  Britain  and  for  maintaining  them  here,  and 
by  whom  paid,  which  committee  after  having  sate  die  in  diam  for  a  considerable 
time  and  searched  into  papers  from  the  Commissioners  of  Trade  etc.,  among  which 

there  is  said  to  be  a  letter  from  the  E.  of  S that  lets  them  into  the  whole 

mystery  of  the  affair,  they  made  their  report  to  the  House  and  their  resolutions 
in  manner  and  form  following  which  was  agreed  to  by  those  noble  Patriots  (March 
14,  1711) 

Resolved,  that  the  petitioners  have  fully  proved  the  allegations  of  this  petition 
and  had  just  reason  to  complain. 

Resolved,  that  the  inviting  and  bringing  over  into  this  Kingdom  the  poor  Pala- 
tines, of  all  religions,  at  the  public  expense,  was  an  extravagant  and  unreasonable 
charge  to  the  Kingdom  and  a  scandalous  misapplication  of  the  publick  money 
tending  to  the  increase  and  oppression  of  the  poor  of  this  Kingdom  and  of  danger- 
ous consequences  to  the  constitution  in  Church  and  State. 

Resolved,  that  whoever  advised  the  bringing  over  the  poor  Palatines  into  the 
Kingdom,  was  an  enemy  to  the  Queen  and  Kingdom. 

So  that  if  what  I  have  before  written  to  you  on  this  subject  is  of  no  weight  to 
you,  the  resolutions  of  the  best  House  of  Commons  that  ever  sate,  cannot  but 
incline  you  to  change  your  opinion  concerning  such  Gentlemen  in  the  late  adminis- 
tration, that  were  so  very  industrious  in  promoting  the  Act  of  Naturalization  which 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1Y55 

of  consequence  was  the  greatest  encouragement  imaginable  to  come  over  and  pos- 
sess the  land.  It  is  not  to  be  doubted  but  these  worthy  Gentlemen  that  have 
made  such  generous  votes  in  behalf  of  their  native  country,  will  continue  to  pursue 
such  measures  as  shall  prevent  the  like  practices  against  the  Good  of  its  Constitu- 
tion for  time  to  come  and  we  have  all  the  reason  imaginable  to  expect  from  their 
great  zeal  and  affection  for  the  prosperity  of  Church  and  State,  that  those  who  are 
voted  enemies  to  both,  will  be  brought  to  condign  punishment;  since  without  such 
example,  it  may  be  again  in  their  power  to  be  guilty  of  the  like  offence  when  it 
may  not  be  in  these  Gentlemen  to  punish  them  for  them. 

I  have  nothing  more  to  add  but  to  refer  you  to  the  list  of  the  Commissioners 
and  Trustees  for  the  charity  collected  for  these  poor  people  and  that  of  those 
members  of  the  last  House  of  Commons,  that  voted  for  the  General  Naturalization 
Act. 

A  List  of  the  Commissioners  and  Trustees,   Brief  History  p.  35f. 

A  list  of  those  members  of  the  Late  Parliament  that  voted  for  the  passing  of 
the  Act  for  Naturalizing  Foreign  Protestants  and  consequently  for  the  bringing 
over  the  Palatines,     pp.  11-16. 

The  list  contains  251  names. 


Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Oorrespondence  from  America. 

The  Consistories  on  Long  Island  (Kings  Co.)  to  the  Rev.  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  June  21,  1709. 

Portfolio  "  'New  York  ",  Vol.  i. 

To  the  Reverend,  Pious  and  Learned  Brethren  Constituting  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Reverend  Sirs: —  Both  your  first  letter,  which  you  thought  had 
fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  the  one  dated  in  March 
last,  (1709),  two  letters,  in  each  of  which  the  substance  of  the 
other  was  repeated,  have  finally  reached  us.  Much  as  we  were 
rejoiced  to  hear  of  a  letter  having  come  from  the  Rev.  Classis, 
and  that  the  very  one  which  we  thought  had  been  lost,  but  which 
the  bearer  boasted  of  having  in  his  possession;  we  were  also 
much  grieved  that  said  letter  had  to  wander  about  some  days  for 
the  benefit  of  others,  before  we  were  permitted  to  enjoy  a  sight 
of  it.  First,  John  de  Feyster,  as  it  was  learned,  had  demanded 
it  of  the  bearer,  having  orders  that  it  should  be  delivered  to 
him,  to  be  handed  over  by  him  to  the  ministers.  He  received  it, 
after  it  had  been  opened,  and  handed  it  first  to  the  Mayor  of 
the  City,  (Ebenezer  Wilson  was  mayor  in  1709,)  as  a  precaution- 


1709 


1709 


1756  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

arj  measure,  so  that  it  miglit  not  be  altered  or  stolen.  '^  It  was 
publicly  read  by  Captain  Provoost,  one  of  her  Majesty's  Coun- 
cil, before  him  and  in  the  presence  of  others.  It  was  subse- 
quently communicated  to  my  lord  Combury,  who  became 
somewhat  angry,  it  was  said,  about  certain  expressions  in  it. 
What  mig'ht  have  resulted  from  this,  if  his  lordship  had  remained 
in  office,  (he  was  superseded  by  Lovelace  in  1709)  and  how  fairly 
this  letter  might  have  been  dealt  with,  we  leave  to  the  judgment 
of  the  Rev.  Classis. 

After  thus  wandering  about,  it  was  received  from  the  hands  of 
the  Mayor  by  a  committee  from  the  Consistory  of  ISTew  York, 
who  asked  for  it.  It  was  then  a  loose  paper,  without  envelope 
or  superscription,  and  its  ownership  could  only  be  recognized 
from  its  contents.  The  contents  of  all  three  of  the  letters,  in- 
deed, refreshed  us  to  a  great  degree,  because  we  learned  there- 
from that  you  were  still  thoughtful  of  us,  and  were  busy  with 
efforts  for  the  restoration  of  our  liberty.  Therefore  also  by  these 
presents  we  thank  you  most  heartily,  and  we  also  request  that 
you  will  please  to  persevere  in  your  good  and  holy  zeal.  We 
pray  the  Lord  to  bless  this  work  of  your  hands,  and  give  good 
success  to  your  labors  for  the  welfare  of  Zion. 

The  Long  Island  dissensions,  even  as  they  grieve  you,  so  be 
assured,  they  are  still  more  painful  to  us,  especially  as  they 
weigh  on  us  more  severely.  Indeed,  we  believe  that  they  can 
be  nothing  else  than  very  injurious,  and  a  great  hinderance  to  the 
good  work  (maintaining  Dutch  Church  liberty)  which  is  being  so 
zealously  prosecuted  by  you.  And  although  every  one,  among 
well  disposed  people,  heartily  wishes  that  these  disputes  might 
be  gotten  out  of  the  way;  yet  we  are  greatly  puzzled  as  to  the 
manner  by  which  this  may  be  done. 

The  advocates  of  the  liberty  of  the  Dutch  Church  in  America, 
hoped  that  they  would  receive  some  enlightenment  on  this  sub- 
ject from  the  Rev.  Classis.  They  expected  that  the  Rev.  Classis, 
understanding  the  necessity  of  peace,  as  well  as  the  importance 


OF  THE  State  of  ]S[ew  York.  1757 

of  unity  among  the  congregations;  and  having  received  also  a 
clear  account  of  the  disputes:  for  all  the  actions  of  Rev.  Free- 
man, in  their  beginning  and  progress,  and  out  of  which  all  the 
flames  of  dissension  arose,  were  explained: — it  was  hoped  that 
the  Eev.  Classis  might  so  far  ponder  the  principal  points  of  dis- 
pute, so  as  to  be  able  to  advise  the  parties  how  they  should  con- 
duct themselves  toward  each  other,  that  they  might  come  to 
unity  and  peace. 

But,  as  an  instance,  take  the  case  of  Rev.  Autonides.  He  is 
admonished  by  the  Classis  to  be  a  little  accommodating,  and  to 
yield  somewhat  of  his  clear  rights.  But  no  one  must  imagine 
that  the  Rev.  Antonides  gave  any  cause,  in  any  way,  to  keep  the 
disputes  alive  so  long.  In  all  political  and  personal  questions, 
everything  was  done  by  him  which  was  possible  on  every  occa- 
sion. He  is  personally  inclined  to  peace,  and  ever  ready  to  ac- 
commodate himself  to  circumstances,  and  to  yield  even  as  much 
of  his  evidently  undisputed  rights  as  the  Classis  itself  could 
prescribe. 

But  the  dispute  is  not  so  much  between  Antonides  and  Free- 
man,—  even  as  the  Rev.  Classis  itself  plainly  remarked  in  their 
last  letter  to  Rev.  Antonides,  and  in  which  he  was  completely 
exonerated;  as  between  the  two  Consistories  which,  respectively, 
called  the  Rev.  Antonides  and  the  Rev.  Freeman.  The  latter 
individual  intruded  into  those  churches,  without  any  proper  call 
from  the  churches,  and  upon  the  sole  authority  of  my  Lord  Corn- 
bury.  He  then  removed  them  (the  members  of  the  Consistory) 
from  their  offices,  by  order  of  the  same  Governor,  and  instituted 
also  other  measures  foreign  to  all  ecclesiastical  usages,  as  has 
been  made  known  to  the  Classis. 

But  my  lord  Lovelace  was  animated  by  a  different  spirit  (from 
Combury).  He  had  no  sooner  arrived  than  he  ordered  the  dis- 
putes to  be  examined  into  by  the  Consistory  of  ISTew  York,  and 
he  also  added  three  members  from  his  own  Council  to  help  inves- 
tigate affairs,  and  to  report  according  to  the  facts  found.     But 


1709 


1758  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1709 

the  Rev.  Freeman  imagining  himself  to  be  the  church,  (sug- 
gested, and)  it  was  ordered  bj  the  three  members  of  the  Council 
who  had  been  designated,  that  two  men  should  be  selected  from 
either  side,  etc.  The  case  had  been  examined  so  far  that  the 
report  was  about  to  be  made,  when  my  lord  Lovelace  died  to  the 
great  grief  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  this  province.  (He  arrived, 
Dec.  1708:  died  May  1709).  Since  then,  the  matter  has  been 
held  in  abeyance,  on  account  of  the  present  expedition  to  Canada. 
But  a  decision  is  now  daily  expected  from  the  Lieutenant-Gover- 
nor (Richard  Ingoldsby)  and  the  High  Council. 

ISTevertheless,  in  compliance  with  the  desire  of  Classis  that 
Rev.  Du  Bois  and  his  friends  should  contribute  everything  that 
was  possible  to  promote  peace,  a  plan  was  finally  devised,  to 
have  the  Rev.  Antonides  go  before  the  Council,  inasmuch  as  the 
Classis  had  admonished  him  to  some  accommodation,  and  to  yield 
something  of  his  clear  rights;  yet  it  was  not  exactly  clear  just 
what  the  Rev.  Classis  had  in  view  by  this  remark.  For  we  could 
not  believe, 

(1)  That  they  intended  to  convey  the  idea  that  anyone  could 
be  recognized  as  a  lawful  minister,  who  had  had  no  regular  eccle- 
siastical call,  and  who  had  even  refused  to  let  himself  be  regularly 
called. 

(2)  Or  that  a  lawful  Consistory  could  be  deposed  by  a  Magis- 
trate, who  did  not  even  belong  to  our  church,  and  that  he  should 
be  allowed  to  do  this  arbitrarily,  (lit.  at  his  own  pleasure)  ;  and 
that  he  might  then  appoint  an  unlawful  Consistory  in  place  of 
the  other,  although  done  by  the  connivance  of  a  usurping  min- 
ister, who  was  upheld  by  that  same  Governor's  authority. 

(3)  Much  less  that  we  must  approve  such  a  deposition,  and 
such  an  appointment,  and  then  be  obliged  to  assist  in  upholding 
such  a  minister. —  iN'evertheless  just  such  things,  set  forth,  in- 
deed, as  facts  though  under  a  somewhat  different  color  and  told 
in  a  somewhat  milder  way  —  are  desired,  if  unity  is  to  become 
possible  according  to  their  plans. 


OF  THE  State  of  jS^ew  York.  1759 

If  the  Consistories  of  Rev.  Antonides  were  willing  to  do  this, 
and  to  say  to  Rev.  Freeman  and  his  adherents:  Come  on!  we 
understand  that  Rev.  Freeman  is  disposed  to  submit  himself  to 
the  Rev.  Classis.  If  our  proposed  terms  are  not  acceptable,  to 
show  our  love  of  peace,  let  us  nevertheless  regard  each  other 
as  two  children  of  a  common  father,  and  live  together  as  breth- 
ren; let  us  do  this,  without  either  one  proposing  or  demanding 
any  terms  from  the  other;  only  let  us  refer  our  whole  case  to 
the  Rev.  Classis,  and  whatever  it  says,  let  us  do:  only  that 
Rev.  Antonides'  friends  shall  contribute  his  salary,  and  Rev. 
Freeman's  friends  Rev.  Freeman's  salary: 

Thereupon  Rev.  Antonides,  at  the  request  of  Rev.  Du  Bois, 
called  his  Consistory  together,  and  he  himself  was  present  at 
the  same,  and  by  word  of  mouth,  made  that  very  proposal,  etc. 

To  this  proposition,  after  much  deliberation,  the  Consistory 
replied  as  follows: — They  thanked  Rev.  Du  Bois  for  the  zeal 
he  had  shown  in  this  matter;  that  his  proposal  was  not  unfair; 
but  that  they  were  now  obliged  to  await  the  decision  of  the 
Lieutenant-Governor  and  the  Council,  which  they  hoped  would 
be  judicious,  and  be  also  a  means  to  the  further  promotion  of 
unity:  the  case  would  thereby,  as  we  desire,  be,  for  the  first, 
placed  in  the  right  position. 

Certain  friends  expressed  the  opinion  that  some  passionate 
individuals  among  them  might  yet  hinder  this  unity  on  Long- 
Island;  but  those  of  loyal  intentions  in  behalf  of  the  freedom  and 
welfare  of  the  church,  acknowledged,  that  although  their  feel- 
ings were  not  always  equally  unruffled,  when  they  had  to  endure, 
to  the  bitter  grief  of  their  souls,  the  outrageous  procedure  of 
one,  intruding  and  upsetting  everything;  yet  they  declared  that 
they  had  no  other  aim  than  to  preserve  to  the  church  the  free 
exercise  of  rehgion  and  discipline,  which  she  had  hitherto  en- 
joyed; that  this  had  been  the  sole  cause  of  their  course  of  action; 
yet  that  nothing  is  more  precious  to  them,  always,  than  peace, 
in  God's  house,  and  unity  among  the  members  of  his  household; 


1709 


1709 


1Y60  Ecclesiastical  Records 

and  that,  therefore,  in  all  sincerity,  they  profess  before  God  and 
their  own  conscience,  and  also  as  if  in  the  presence  of  you  all, 
(the  Classis),  that  they  are  willing  and  determined  to  contribute 
everything  in  their  power  to  that  end;  that  they  are  desirous  of 
yielding  whatever  might  properly  be  included  under  any  exter- 
nal rights,  if  that  would  only  tend  towards  peace  and  unity. 

Inasmuch  as  the  Esopus  document  covers  too  much  paper  to 
be  sent  to  you  with  the  packet-boat,  we  have  made  a  separate 
cover  of  the  same,  and  provided  that  in  case  it  should  arrive  safely 
in  England  it  should  be  sent  to  you  with  some  merchant  vessel. 
Herewith  concluding,  we  commend  you  to  God  and  to  the  Word 
of  His  Grace. 

In  the  name  of  the  oihcers  of  the  Dutch  Church  here, 

G.  Du  Bois. 

y.  Antonides. 

'New  York, 

June  21,  1709. 

The  [Civil]  Assembly  Request  Domine  Du  Bois  to  Recom- 
mend A  Dutch  Chaplain,  to  Go  to  Canada  ;  Dutch  Min- 
isters Refuse  to  Ordain  Van  Vleck  for  this  Purpose. 

Paulus  Van  Vlecq. 

Die  Martis  8  ho.  A.M.  21  Junii,  1709.  Mr.  (Gualterus)  Du 
Bois  attending  the  House,  being  called  in,  acquainted  the  House 
(that)  Col.  Nicholson  had  directed  him  to  recommend  a  person 
fit  to  read  prayers  in  the  Dutch  language,  to  those  unacquainted 
with  the  English  tongue,  to  go  on  the  expedition  (to  Canada.) 

The  same  to  be  taken  into  consideration. 

Journal,  22. 

The  House,  taking  into  consideration  a  person  fit  to  preach, 
and  read  Prayers  in  the  Dutch  tongue,  to  those  not  acquainted 
with  the  English  language  that  will  serve  in  the  expedition,  was 
informed  that  one   Paulus  Van  Vleck  is  willing  to   serve  her 


OF  THE  State  of  ITew  York.  1761 

Majesty  on  the  expedition  to  Canada  as  a  minister  or  reader 
to  the  Dutch  ordered  on  said  expedition. 

Ordered,  That  Mr,  (Gualterus)  Du  Bois,  Mr.  (Bernardus) 
Freeman,  and  Mr.  (Vincentius)  Antonides,  Dutch  ministers,  do, 
before  Tuesday  next,  examine  the  said  Van  Vleck  in  the  pres- 
ence of  two  of  her  Majesty's  Council,  and  two  of  the  members  of 
this  House  acquainted  with  the  Dutch  language,  and  if  the  said 
Yan  Vleck  be  found  Orthodox,  to  ordain  and  Qualify  him  for 
the  Ministerial  Function  accordingly. 

Die  Jovis  8  ho.  A.M.  23  Juny,  1709.  Mr.  (Paulus)  Van 
Vleck  attending  this  House,  was  called  in  and  prayed  the  Dutch 
ministers  ordered  to  Examine  his  Qualifications  and  Ordain  him 
for  the  Ministerial  Function,  may  report  the  same  to  the  House. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Ministers  do  observe  the  said  order, 
and  report  their  opinion  thereof  to  this  House. 

Die  Veneris  8  ho.  A.M.  24  Junii,  1709.  Mr.  Livingston  pre- 
sented to  the  House  the  memorial  of  Mt.  (Gualterus)  Du  Bois 
and  Mr.  (Vincentius)  Antonides,  setting  forth, 

That  they  are  not  Impowered  to  ordain  any  Person  to  the 
Ministerial  Function  in,  the  Dutch  Churches  by  the  Direction 
of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam:  therefore,  pray  they  may  not  be 
ordered  to  do  anything  inconsistent  with  the  Constitution  of 
the  Church  to  which  they  belong:  which  was  read.* 

Journal,  23. 

*  Dr.  Webster  in  his  History  of  ttie  Presbyterian  Church  says  that  Gov.  Nichol- 
son ordered  the  ministers  to  ordain  Van  Vlecq;  but  from  the  above,  it  was  the 
Assembly  which  requested  the  recommendation  of  a  suitable  person  who  spoke 
Dutch.  The  Minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  from  1710-1715,  contain 
Van  Vlecq's  later  history,  except  the  fact  that  Domine  Freeman  alone,  subse- 
quently ordained  him  on  his  own  responsibility.  See  also  "  One  hundred  and 
seventy  fifth  Anniversary  of  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Six  Mile  Run,  1885,  by 
Mulford;  and  Streng's  Hist.  Sketches,  in  the  Doylestown,  (Pa.)  Democrat,  Feb.  7, 
3888;  and  the  Churchville,  (Pa.)  Chronicles,  Aug.  26,  1885,  containing  Van  Vlecq's 
Journal. —  This  Journal  has  been  recently  published  in  the  Journal  of  The  Pres- 
byterian Historical  Society. 


1709 


1709 


1762  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Eev.  Bernardus  Freeman  to  the  Messrs.  Honert,  van  der  Horst, 
and  Bomble,  members  of  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  June 
28,  1709. 

(Freeman's  o"^vn  Account  of  his  Call  to  Long  Island.) 

Portfolio  "  'Ne^y  York  ",  Vol.  i. 

(Addressed:)  To  the  Rev.  and  Very  Learned  Messrs.  Van  den 
Honert,  Van  der  Horst,  and  Bomble, —  eminent  Ministers  in 
the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  at  Amsterdam. 

Flatbush  or  Midwoud, 

June  28,  1709. 

Messrs.  Van  den  Honert,  Van  der  Horst  and  Bomble,  met  in  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam:    Salutations: 

Rev.  and  Very  Learned  Sirs: — Your  communication  from 
Amsterdam,  dated  October  24,  1707,  reached  me  March  29,  1709; 
and  one  from  Mr.  Bomble  (reached  me)  March  4,  1709.  Both 
were  written  in  the  name  of  the  Rev.  Classis.  In  each  of  these, 
you  say  that  you  practically  believe  that  the  complaint  sent  to 
you  by  the  Brethren,  was  to  be  justified  by  you:  That  the  elders 
of  this  place  are  supposed  to  have  sent  a  lawful  call  to  you, 
whereby  Mr.  Antonides  was  sent  to  them,  and  now  belongs  to 
those  churches  with  legal  right  and  qualification:  but  that  I, 
intruding  by  a  license,  am  disturbing  the  church,  and  have  brought 
the  (civil)  privileges  of  the  churches  of  JSTew  iSTetherland  into 
danger:  that  I  have  caused  Mr.  Antonides  much  anxiety.  And, 
Mr.  Bomble,  you  say  it  was  for  such  reasons  that  I  withdrew 
myself  from  your  Classis:  that  I  had  once  declined  the  Church 
of  Long  Island,  and  had  accepted  a  new  call  to  Schenectady: 
and  you  also  ask  whether  I  was  lawfully  settled  at  ISTew  Utrecht; 
and  you  addressed  yourself  to  my  conscience  for  my  conviction. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoke.  1763 

1709 

With  all  respect,  Sirs,  this  runs  pretty  one-sided.  However 
I  am  thankful  to  the  Rev.  Classis  for  their  Christian  admonitions 
for  the  best  interests  of  myself  and  of  the  Church.  And  I 
declare  that  I  was  willing  to  follow  them  up,  and  to  heed  your 
admonitions,  and  to  live  in  love  with  Mr.  Antonides;  and  to  do 
this  with  all  respect  and  reverence,  and  maintain  good  corre- 
spondence with  you,  the  Rev.  Classis;  I  was  mlling,  to  do  all 
this,  in  case  Mr.  Antonides  was  only  willing  too,  to  observe  what 
you  ordered  him  to  do.  I  beseech  the  Rev.  Classis,  therefore, 
not  to  think  of  me  as  if  I  did  not  heed  their  admonitions.  I 
have  twice  shown  them  that  I  do,  by  writing  to  Mr.  Antonides, 
besides  what  I  have  done  by  word  of  mouth.  But  it  disturbs 
me  constantly  lest  I  be  indicted  and  brought  before  the  Govern- 
ment. Then  I  would  have  to  defend  myself  in  the  best  way  that 
I  could.  The  Rev.  Classis  will,  therefore,  please  put  the  best 
construction  on  all  this,  seeing  that  I  have  been  so  severely 
accused  before  you.  Thus  also  was  I  accused  upon  the  arrival 
of  the  new  Lord  Governor.  He  appointed  three  Councilors,  and 
each  of  these  chose  two  more  in  addition,  to  investigate  our 
differences,  and  settle  them.  By  that  investigation  I  have  come 
to  a  better  knowledge  of  all  that  passed;  for  I  lived  forty  hours 
in  the  interior  of  the  country,  and  all  the  facts  did  not  come  to 
my  ears.  Therefore  I  now  trouble  the  Rev.  Classis  with  a  brief 
sketch  of  what  occurred. 

Shortly  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Lupardus,  the  whole  church 
(on  Long  Island)  was  willing  to  make  a  call  on  me;  but  the  let- 
ter, which  the  delegates  wrote  me  a:fter  I  left,  was  filled  with 
sickening  (flattering?)  expressions.  Of  these  the  Classis  is  not 
aware.  This  letter  was  shown  by  Rev.  Du  Bois  to  the  elders 
and  congregation;  although  the  late  Lupardus  really  (wrote)  this 
letter  after  he  had  heard  me  preach  more  than  once;  but  Du  Bois 
was  angry  and  held  it  back.  I^I'evertheless,  the  elders  invited 
me,  and  asked  whether  I  did  not  wish  to  come  among  them  as  a 
11 


1709 


1Y64  Ecclesiastical  Records 

preaclier,  if  thej  made  me  out  a  call.  I  said  it  would  be  accord- 
ing to  the  conditions  of  the  call.  They  then  went  to  the  lord 
Governor  for  a  license  to  call  me.  He  gave  them  such  a  license, 
expressly  naming  me.  Thereupon  they  made  out  the  call  May 
4,  1703,  after  they  had  quarrelled  a  long  time.  This  call  in- 
volved a  less  salary,  as  well  as  a  loss  of  other  things  besides. 
On  considering  it,  I  wrote  to  the  elders  of  Long  Island  that  I 
would  be  willing  to  serve  them,  provided  certain  improvements 
were  made  in  the  call;  but  that  I  had  agreed  to  serve  the  church 
of  Schenectady  until  they  should  answer  me. 

Meanwhile,  the  answer  did  not  come.  When  therefore  I 
heard  that  a  ship  was  about  going  to  the  Fatherland,  I  wrote 
them  that  I  was  going  to  stay  at  Schenectady,  for  the  sake  of 
helping  the  savages.  I  wrote  also  to  Mr,  Bankers.  I  did  not 
doubt  but  that  my  letter  would  be  read  to  the  congregation,  (on 
Long  Island.)  The  congregation  told  the  elders  that  they  were 
willing  to  give  me  everything  which  I  had  asked,  and  were  will- 
ing to  pledge  themselves  thereto.  This  was  recorded  by  the 
clerk,  together  with  the  names  of  the  persons  who  had  pledged 
themselves.  The  elders  were  then  asked  to  write  this  to  me, 
but  they  did  not  wish  to.  The  people  requested  that  a  change 
should  be  made  in  the  elders  and  Consistory,  as  that  Consistory 
had  existed  for  three  years  already,  and  had  ruled  arbitrarily; 
but  they  did  not  wish  to  do  this  either.  It  was  Rev.  Lydius  who 
had  urged  the  elders  to  make  out  the  said  call,  and  who  had  gone 
with  them  to  the  Governor,  together  with  a  Councilor,  for  a 
license;  and  who  also  brought  me  the  call  with  his  own  hand. 

However,  the  elders,  or  those  who  claimed  to  be  elders,  made 
out  a  new  call  for  your  Rev.  Classis,  (to  send  them  a  minister,) 
and  drew  to  their  support  about  half  the  village  of  Breukelen; 
scarcely  the  half  of  Tlatbush;  pretty  nearly  the  half  of  Xew 
Amersfoort.  But  none  from  H^ew  Utrecht  or  Bushwick  or 
Gravesend  would  have  anything  to  do  with  them.  However  they 
made  out  the  call.     When  it  was  read  by  the  Councilors,  who 


OF  THE  State  of  iSTew  York.  1765 

1709 

were  making  the  investigation,  they  found  in  it  that  they,  the 
elders,  had  made  it  out  on  the  authority  of  those  three  villages, 
(Brooklyn,  Flatbush  and  ^ew  Amersfoort),  together  with  the 
permission  of  his  Excellency,  the  (vis)count  Combury,  our  Gov- 
ernor. But  the  demand  was  now  made  that  they  should  show 
the  general  authorization  of  the  entire  congregation  (the  six 
churches),  but  this  they  could  not  do,  although  they  had  gone 
from  house  to  house.  The  question  now  arose,  whether  this 
thing  had  been  done  without  proper  inquiry,  for  in  former  times 
all  the  people  had  been  called  together  to  vote.  It  had  been 
done  thus  in  the  case  of  every  call  before.  IsT either  did  they  have 
any  proof  that  it  (this  call)  had  been  made  with  the  consent  of 
the  Governor.  Indeed,  the  Lord  Governor  declared  upon  hi3 
written  oath,  that  he  did  not  know  of  any  other  call  than  mine. 
The  elders,  therefore,  deceived  the  Rev.  Classis  and  the  Rev. 
Antonides,  as  well  as  the  congregation  here.  Meanwhile  the 
Lord  Governor  ordered  me,  under  threats  of  punishment,  to  go 
to  Long  Island.  He  did  not  wish  to  be  insulted  by  the  elders  of 
Long  Island,  who  had  so  often  made  their  requests  to  him,  nor 
by  Rev.  Lydius,  and  others  besides. 

After  I  had  been  thus  ordered  three  times,  I  went,  for  I  could 
no  longer  beg  off.  After  I  had  been  on  Long  Island  a  little 
while,  the  Rev.  Antonides  arrived.  It  was  thought  we  might 
Kve  in  peace.  But  no.  He  too  sought  a  (civil)  license,  and 
complained  of  his  misfortune.  He  said  that  the  elders  had 
done  wrong,  but  it  ought  not  to  be  counted  against  him.  This 
may  be  seen  under  his  own  hand,  when  praying  for  a  license.  It 
may  also  be  seen  in  the  hand  writing  of  the  elders  themselves, 
-prajing  the  Lord  Governor  for  a  license.  They  besought  par- 
don, that  they  had  made  such  a  mistake  as  to  send  off  the  call  to 
your  Rev.  Classis,  (without  a  civil  license.)  However,  seeing  no 
remedy,  they  made  a  nice  present  to  Madame,  the  wife  of  the 
Lord  Governor,  that  she  might  persuade  him  to  give  them  a 
license  (for  Antonides;)  but  she,  just  then,  died.     Therefore  they 


1709 


1766  Ecclesiastical  Records 

addressed  themselves,  with  a  present  of  two  thousand  guilders, 
Holland  money,  to  one,  Madame  Bridges !  This  they  themselves 
confessed  at  the  investigation.  And  she  procured  this  much  — 
that  Rev.  Antonides,  by  a  license,  was  permitted  to  preach  unhin- 
dered, in  the  two  churches  of  (Brooklyn  and  Flatbush,  according 
to  his)  call.  The  Rev.  Lydius  (of  Albany)  had  obtained  also  a 
license  for  the  Esopus,  because  he  was  afraid,  (on  account  of 
certain  difficulties  in  that)  church,  which  also  desired  me  (that  I 
might  settle  there,  in  1Y03?)  and  sought  by  such  a  turn  that  I 
should  be  kept  at  Schenectady  alone.  Rev.  Boys,  (G.  Du  Bois) 
also  preached,  under  a  license,  on  Long  Island,  after  the  death 
of  Rev.  Lupardus,  (1702),  which  he  had  obtained  personally  from 
the  Governor.  But  if  all  this  be  so  detrimental  to  the  Church, 
M'hy  go  on  with  such  doings?  Yet  for  considerable  money,  a 
license  could  be  obtained  in  such  a  way,  in  order  to  get  rid  of  me 
thereby. 

I  have  told  Mr.  Antonides  that,  if  he  were  willing,  I  wanted 
to  agree  with  him,  either  not  to  preach  any  more;  or,  to  unite 
with  him,  that  the  churches  might  also  follow  our  example;  but 
Mr.  Antonides  was  pleased  to  say,  that  his  church  was  unwilling 
to  such  arrangements,  which  was  indeed  deplorable.  My  church 
has  always  been  willing  to  make  peace.  But  those  pretended 
elders,  of  whom  some  have  already  been  in  office  for  eight  years, 
are  so  hot-headed,  so  inclined  to  retaliation,  that  it  is  distressing. 
For  there  is  work  enough  for  each  of  us,  here,  and  also  enough 
salary,  without  hurt  to  him  or  me.  As  to  what  the  Rev.  Bomble 
asks,  whether  I  am  lawfully  settled  at  New  Utrecht,  (I  answer:) 
The  proclamation  (Hcense)  was  for  J^ew  Utrecht  and  the  churches 
combined  with  it.  (Mr.  Gualterus)  Du  Bois  also  personally  in- 
stalled me  before  Rev.  Antonides  came  here.  This  was  declared 
under  oath,  by  several  persons,  in  the  presence  of  the  gentlemen 
who  made  the  investigation.  If  then  I  am  troubled  in  my  rights, 
because  Mr.  Antonides  or  his  Consistory  mil  not  follow  up  your 
recommendation  to  peace,  do  not  blame  me  if  I  defend  myself 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yokk.  176Y 

in  a  proper  manner ;  for  I  can  present  nothing  Letter  than  simple 
equality.     For  lordship,  we  have  to  send  to  Eome. 

Meantime,  let  us  pray  God  for  peace,  and  for  rest  for  His 
Church  both  here  and  elsewhere;  yet  not  that  we  may  endure  no 
worldly  inconvenience,  or  that  we  may  be  found  unfaithful  in 
our  offices.  ISTevertheless,  I  will  not  neglect  to  follow  out  your 
just  admonitions,  and  to  labor  for  the  best  interests  of  (lod's 
Church,  and  will  maintain  good  correspondence  with  your  Classis, 
unless  this  letter  be  erased  from  .your  Classical  Record  Book, 
(Copy  Book).  But  I  hope  that,  with  greater  Classical  efforts, 
Peace  will  be  very  earnestly  urged. 

I  call  myself.  Reverend  Sirs,  and  Very  Learned  Classis,  in  all 
respects, 

Your  Reverences  servant  and  brother  in  Christ, 

'  B.  Freeman. 

Colonel,  ISTicholson  and  Colonel  Vetch  to  the  Lokds  of 
Tbade.     (Quakers.) 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and   Plantations. 

My  Lords> 

We  could  not  but  judge  it  our  duty  to  acquaint  Your  Lordships  of  our  safe  ar- 
rival here  and  in  short  of  the  success  hitherto  of  our  Negotiation,  which  Your 
Lordship  contributed  so  heartily  Your  endeavours  for  advancing;  We  have  met 
with  the  wished  for  success  in  all  Governments  who  are  concerned  in  the  same, 
save  those  of  the  Jerseys  and  Pennsylvania  the  first  of  which  has  one  half  of  its 
Assembly  Quakers,  and  the  latter  the  whole  number  is  almost  so,  whose  pretended 
principles  being  against  fighting,  they  have  not  as  yet  raised  either  men  or  money 
for  the  Expedition,  and  indeed  as  their  principles  are  inconsistent  with  Govern- 
ment, so  their  Practice  is  to  Oppose  all  good  Order,  and  Especially  any  Directions 
from  the  Crown,  as  we  have  but  too  Visibly  seen  at  this  time,  for  which  reason 
we  have  joyned  with  the  gentlemen  of  the  Council  and  Assembly  of  the  Jerseys, 
who  are  not  Quakers,  in  Representing  to  Her  Majesty  the  necessity  of  giving  an 
Instruction  to  Her  Governors  not  to  admit  any  into  the  Council  or  Assemblies  but 
such  as  Qualify  themselves  as  the  Act  of  Parliament  directs;  This  we  doubt  not 
Your  Lordships  will  think  fltt  to  advise  Her  Majesty  to  do,  when  it  comes  before 
you,  as  likewise  to  advise  Her  Majesty  to  proper  Methods  with  relation  to  Penn- 
sylvania, who  have  wholly  refused  Her  Majesty's  Commands.  And  though  we 
hope  they  shall  not  be  able  to  abstract  this  noble  enterprise,  the  Success  of  which 
we  doubt  not  will  be  attended  with  such  consequences  as  will  sufficiently  convince 
both  Your  Lordships  and  the  Ministry,  that  Nothing  could  have  been  enterprized 
which  could  have  contributed  so  much  to  the  honour  and  Advantage  of  the  Crown 
and  Subjects  of  Britain,  than  this  present  Expedition,  which  the  Quakers  have  not 
been  wanting  to  their  power  to  obstruct.     This  we  judge  it  our  Duty  with  all  sub- 


1709 


1709 


1768  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

mission  to  Your  Lordships  consummate  wisdom,   humbly  to  advise  you  of.     Who 
are  with  all  possible  respect. 
My  Lords,  Your  Lordships  most  devoted  humble  Servants, 

Fran.  Nicholson,   Sam.  Vetch. 
New  York,  —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  p.  78. 

June  28th,  1709. 

The  Vestry^  of  Trinity  Church  to  the  Archbishop  of  Can- 
TERBURY,  About  1709  'i     May'^  'i 

"  It  is  but  of  late  years  (our  church)  had  its  being,  and  is  yet  but  very  tender. 
The  greatest  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Province  are  of  the  Dutch  and  French 
Reformed  Religion,  or  Dissenters  and  Quakers;  and  but  three  counties  within  this 
Province  would  receive  a  Church  of  England  minister,  to  wit.  Queen's  County,  West- 
chester and  Richmond;  and  of  these  Counties,  but  the  smallest  number  goe  to  wor- 
ship. With  much  adoe  we  have  overcome  the  Debt  we  had  contracted  by  the  build- 
ing of  our  Church  and  Steeple,  which  latter  is  designed  for  a  Ring  of  Bells;  the 
walls  are  of  good  thickness,  and  foundation  above  thirty  food  square;  it  has  got  so 
high  as  the  ridgepole  of  the  Church,  but  for  want  of  money  we  were  forced  to  cover 
it  there,  and  for  the  present  have  hung  in  a  Bell*  of  6  sd  weight,  the  free  gift  of  his 
Lordship  of  London.  The  Bishop  of  Bristol  in  the  year  1699  sent  us  over  so  many 
stones  as  did  pave  all  the  Isles  of  our  Church. 

Col.  Fletcher,  who  was  Governor  of  this  Province  from  1692-1698,  gave  the  first 
life  and  being  to  it,  and  was  a  large  benefactor  out  of  his  own  private  fortune.  His 
successor  [Bellomont]  in  the  Government  (on  the  contrary)  endeavored  to  ruin  It, 
although  he  sometimes  came  hither  to  receive  the  holy  Sacrament,  which  we  hope 
God  has  forgiven  him;  the  Viscount  Cornbury,  next  to  him,  during  his  Government, 
has  endeavored  not  only  to  restore,  but  (to)  advance  the  Churches  Interest,  and 
made  in  his  grant,  which  by  the  account  we  had,  from  his  successor,  the  Lord 
Lovelace,  [Died,  May,  1709]  is  shaken  and  rendered  disputable,  until  her  most 
Sacred  Majesty  shall  be  graciously  pleased  to  re-establish  us  therein.  Col.  Nichol- 
son has  likewise  been  a  Benefactor  to  our  Church  of  the  first  Rank. 

A  thousand  pounds  will  be  required  to  finish  the  Steeple,  which  we  propose  for 
our  next  task,  and  are  about  making  up  that  sum.  There  is  much  more  wanted, 
viz.,  a  Dwelling  house  for  our  Minister,  and  a  Vestry-room,  with  a  Ring  of  Bells 
and  a  sett  of  Organs.  What  we  cannot  effect  ourselves,  we  shall  leave  to  God 
Almighty's   good  Providence,    and  must   recommend  the  work  to   our  Posterity  ". 

"  The  situation  of  our  Church  is  very  pleasant,  between  two  rivers  on 

eminent  ground.  We  have  a  large  burying  place  adjoining  round  it  in  good  fence 
and  adorned  with  rows  of  Lime  trees,  which  will  make  a  pleasant  shade  in  a  little 

time." "We  want  also  a  couple  of  large  Branches  of  Candlesticks,  to 

hang  in  the  body  of  our  Church;  Communion  Plate;  Books  and  Vestments,  which 
these  last,  we  are  credibly  informed  have  been  designed  for  us  by  the  late  King 
William,  and  since  by  her  present  Majesty,  but  by  what  ill  fate  or  accident  we 
know  not,  we  are  still  without  them ". —  Records,  i.  70.     Dix,  171-2. 

Lieutenant-Governor  Ingoldesby  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 
Trinity  Church. 

July  5,   1709, 
To  the  Right  Honourable  The  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations, 
My  Lords:  • 


The  only  standing  Revenue  the  Queen  has  in  this  Province  is  Quit   Bents,   and 
they  are  so  much  concealed,   that  very  little  comes  into  the  Treasury,   nor  is  it 

*  The  cost  of  hanging  this  bell,  was  six  pounds  seventeen  shillings  was  paid  Feb. 
14,  1705. 


OF  THE  State  of  JSTew  York.  1769 

practicable  to  make  a  Rent  Roll  whereby  they  may  be  collected  yearly,  other  than 
by  a  law  to  be  made  particularly  for  that  purpose;  for  I  am  very  well  informed 
that  wheu  the  Dutch  took  this  place  from  us,  Several  Books  of  Records  of  Patents 
and  other  things  were  then  lost;  And  how  little  an  Assembly  will  favour  such  a 
Bill  is  much  to  be  doubted  from  their  Interest;  I  wish  your  Lordships  would  give 
me  your  Directions  herein,  that  I  might  apply  myself  to  bring  this  matter  to  a 
clearer  sight  than  it  has  yet  been  in. 

I  am  informed  that  the  Minister  of  this  Place  is  attempting  to  obtain  from  Her 
Majesty  an  allowance  of  twenty  six  pounds  a  year  out  of  the  Quit  Rents,  for 
His  House  Rent,  as  also  the  payment  of  some  arrears  occasioned  in  common  with 
others  by  the  anticipating  and  over  charging  the  Revenue  out  of  which  this  used 
to  be  paid;  It  was  given  in  the  Infancy  of  the  Church,  when  the  Congregation 
were  not  able  to  bear  the  Expence,  and  was  a  very  pious  Act,  and  has  contributed 
very  much  to  the  Increase  of  it,  which  is  now  so  flourishing  that  their  Minister  has 
a  very  handsome  Salary  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  per  annum,  besides  his 
Perquisites.  And  the  Church  has  now  in  bank  as  I  am  informed,  seven  or 
eight  hundred  pounds;  I  hope  Her  Majesty  will  think  of  some  way  of  paying  this 
Arrear  and  house  Rent;  for  besides  the  ill  Example  it  will  be,  to  appropriate  the 
remainder  of  it  to  particular  uses,  it  will  deprive  the  Government  of  all  manner 
of  means  to  provide  for  several  unavoydable  Exigencies,  this  being  the  only  money 
it  can  command.— Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  82,  83. 


Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Eev.  Y.   Antonides  and  Rev.  Gualterns  Du  Bois  to  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  July  8,  1709. 

To  the  Reverend,  Pious  and  Yery  Learned  Centlemen  and  Breth- 
ren, constituting  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam: 

Rev.  Gentlemen: — 

Although  we  have  only  recently  burdened  you  with  a  large 
lot  of  documents  about  the  condition  of  the  Esopus  congregation, 
we  find  ourselves  again  obliged  to  make  another  report,  about 
something  which  has  lately  occurred  here.  From  this,  as  a  special 
sample,  the  confusion  in  the  state  of  the  Dutch  Church  here  will 
clearly  be  seen,  and,  as  we  think,  all  caused  by  those  who  do 
not  consider  themselves  bound  by  any  rules  or  orders  of  the 
Church.  A  certain  Paulus  van  Yleck,  reader,  (voorlezer),  at  a 
place  called  Kinderhook,  has  for  some  years  past  performed  a 
reader's  duties  there,  conformably  to  the  usages  of  the  Dutch 
Church.  He  had  also  studied  the  fundamentals  of  divine  truth, 
and  has  expected  for  a  long  time  to  enter  upon  the  ministry.     He 


1709 


1709 


1770  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

also  understood  how  to  bring  his  people  so  far  that  they  should 
issue  a  call  to  him.  But  then  it  became  necessary  that  he  should 
be  promoted  to  the  ministry,  and  to  escape  a  voyage  to  Holland 
for  that  purpose,  it  was  thought  that  it  could  be  done  here. 
They  at  first  worked  underhandedly,  to  have  it  done  by  the  min- 
isters here.  They  spread  a  report  among  the  people  that  the 
Domines  here  could  do  it  just  as  well  as  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam. This  was  rumored  about  secretly  for  a  while.  They  did 
not  dare  to  come  out  openly  into  the  daylight  with  their  plan, 
until,  finally,  the  following  circumstance  was  taken  by  the  fore- 
lock, for  the  advancement  of  their  scheme. 

When  the  soldiers  were  fitting  out  for  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
the  Colonel  judged  that  it  would  be  useful  and  edifying  to 
have,  besides  the  English  chaplain,  also  a  Dutch  chaplain  to  go 
with  them;  or,  at  least,  because  there  are  only  a  few  Dutch  min- 
isters here,  to  have  a  reader  or  a  couple  of  Comforters-of-the-sick, 
to  serve  the  Dutch  troops  in  the  same  manner,  as  the  congre- 
gations, which  have  no  ministers,  are  served  by  them.  His  Ex- 
cellency (Gov.  Lovelace)  said,  when  we  once  were  incidentally 
conversing  with  him  about  this  matter,  that  he  was  surprised 
that  the  Assembly,  had  not  provided  for  this;  and  he  asked 
Domine  Du  Bois,  to  inform  the  Assembly,  in  his  name,  that  it 
would  be  well  to  have  this  matter  attended  to.  This  having 
been  done,  the  Assembly  turned  their  thoughts  to  this  Paulus 
van  Vleck,  who  was  proposed  to  them  by  some  friends  of  Domine 
Freeman.  But  when  the  place  was  offered  to  him,  he  refused  to 
go  in  the  character  of  a  mere  reader;  but  if  the  ministers  would 
ordain  him,  he  was  willing  to  do  service  among  the  soldiers  as  a 
minister,  and  then,  at  the  end  of  the  campaign,  be  installed  as 
minister  in  the  congregation  of  Kinderhook.  He  seized  this  as 
a  convenient  opportunity  to  attain  his  long  cherished  aim.  So 
far  as  we  know,  Domine  Ereeman  and  his  friends  helped  him, 
to  urge  this  business.  And  he  knew  how  to  obtain  at  least  so 
much  from  the  members  of  the  Assembly,  that  the  House  issued 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York;.  1771 

a  special  order,  directing  us  three  ministers,  du  Bois,  Freeman 
and  Antonides,  yea,  positively  commanding  ns,  to  examine  this 
Paulns  van  Vleck,  and  advance  him  to  the  ministry  by  ordaining 
him. 

When  this  first  order  —  which  came  upon  us  unexpectedly  and 
like  a  chill  upon  the  body,  and  which  was  so  repulsive  —  had  been 
at  our  united  request,  somewhat  modified  by  the  House;  so  that, 
at  least,  he  should  be  asked  about  the  fundamentals  of  religion, 
and  that  we  should  be  allowed  to,  (if  possible),  certify  to  his 
ability,  that  they  might  have  some  good  reason  to  send  him 
as  a  Reader  or  Comforter-of-the-Sick :  This  Mr.  Van  Vleck  was 
by  no  means  satisfied  with  this;  although  we  promised  him  that 
if  he  would  only  go  to  the  camp  as  a  Comforter-of-the-Sick, 
we  would  write  to  the  Rev.  Classis  about  his  case,  and  make 
request  that  they  would  please  to  authorize  us  to  examine  him, 
and  if  found  qualified,  to  promote  him,  etc.  But  he  said  he 
would  go  only  as  a  minister,  and  demanded  that  we  three  should 
advance  him,  as  that  was  fully  in  our  power  if  we  only  were 
willing;  that  we  would  have  to  do,  as  our  superiors  ordered. 
To  all  of  this  Domine  Freeman  not  only  assented,  but  also  urged 
us  thereto  with  arguments:  that  it  was  not  contrary  to  God's 
Word,  but  that  it  would  serve  God's  honor  and  conduce  to  the 
spread  of  Christ's  Kingdom;  that  ministers  make  ministers;  that 
three  make  a  College.  The  friends  of  Domine  Freerman  and 
of  Van  Vleck  also  insinuated  all  this  among  the  members  of  the 
Assembly. 

Then  there  came  a  third  order,  with  dire  threats,  although 
only  verbal,  urging  that  we  must  promote  Paulus  van  Vleck. 
Domine  Freerman  was  willing.  We  two  stood  aloof  and  were 
looked  upon  as  rebellious  and  disobedient.  We  were  not  a  little 
troubled,  at  this  first  view  of  the  case.  But  we  took  courage  and 
holy  resolution,  and  presented  to  the  House  a  Protest.  In  this 
we  declared,  that  neither  our  Church-Rules  nor  our  Commissions, 
which  we  had  received  from  your  Reverences  who  had  sent  us  out, 


1709 


1709 


1Y72  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

gave  us  any  sucli  authority.  We  therefore  very  humbly  re- 
quested, that  in  ecclesiastical  matters  we  should  not  be  ordered  to 
do  anything  which  was  not  in  our  power,  and  for  which  we  had  no 
authority. 

We  herein  acted  according  to  our  consciences,  and  our  sense 
of  duty.  We  do  not  wish,  nor  are  we  able,  to  pass  beyond  the 
limits  of  our  power  and  authority.  Considering  the  importance 
of  this  matter, —  ordinations  for  the  ministry, —  we  could  by  no 
means  think  ourselves  authorized  to  perform  this  act;  even  as 
little  as  we  think  that  your  Reverences  would  recognize  us  as  thus 
authorized.  At  any  rate,  (it  seemed  to  us  that)  if  you  did  not 
wish  to  agree  in  thinking  that  — '  besides  caring  for  the  freedom 
of  our  churches,  that  you  should  permit  us  to  hold  a  kind  of 
Ecclesiastical  Assembly,  while  still  depending  on  your  higher 
counsel,  which  is  a  matter  of  too  distant  an  outlook : —  how  then 
should  we  dare  to  undertake  something,  (at  our  own  option)  which 
is  the  chiefest  and  most  important  duty  in  the  meetings  of  the 
Classis,  namely,  the  selection  of  those  who  are  esteemed  qualified 
for  the  holy  service,  and  consecrate  them  by  the  imposition  of 
hands.  We  were  made  particularly  happy  in  our  minds,  when  we 
found  agreement  with  our  views,  not  only  from  Colonel  ISTiclese, 
(jSTicholson,  then  Lt.  Gov.  of  'New  York)  mentioned  above,  who  is 
also  a  member  of  the  Society  in  England,  called  "  Societas  de 
Propaganda  Fidei  " ;  but  also  from  all  the  English  Ministers  here. 
Among  these  there  were  some  who  also  foresaw,  that  thereby, 
we  would  do  great  harm  to  our  Dutch  churches,  if  the  Bishop  (of 
London)  learned,  that  we  who  had  been  specially  sent  as  minis- 
ters, undertook  to  fit  somebody  else  for  the  service.  Besides, 
that  uneducated  persons  should  be  here  consecrated  to  the  holy 
service,  would  seem  a  contemptible  business  among  the  English 
here. 

This  would  also  have  surely  had  other  consequences.  If  this 
Paulus  van  Vleck  had  been  ordained,  others  would  have  imme- 
diately come  forward.     For  many  believe,  that  they  can  become 


OF  THE  State  oe  !N^ew   York.  1773 

ministers,  and  we  should  have  none  of  any  value;  each  reader 
would  quickly  want  to  be  made  a  minister.  It  is  their  business 
indeed,  to  read  a  printed  sermon  to  the  congregation.  There  are 
also  some,  who  have  a  better  memory,  who  are  ready  to  repeat 
such  a  sermon  by  heart,  and  so  to  pose  before  the  congregation 
as  a  Domine.  These  would  be  the  first  whom  we  would  have  to 
promote.  Your  Reverences  may  easily  understand  whither  this 
would  lead ;  and  how  the  service  would  be  made  contemptible,  and 
everything  get  into  confusion.  We  have  satisfied  the  Assembly 
with  our  reasons  of  refusal;  at  least  nothing  has  so  far  resulted. 
Meanwhile,  however,  we  are  objects  of  hatred  to  many  of  the 
common  people,  among  whom  this  Van  Vleck  knows  how  to  ob^ 
tain  influence.  He  goes  to  preach  in  houses,  here  and  there,  and 
a  collection  is  taken  up  for  his  support.  We  only  seek  to  main- 
tain the  order  and  edification  of  the  Church  of  God;  and  if  we 
cannot  be  sustained  therein  by  your  Reverences,  but  are  left 
alone,  we  shall,  nevertheless,  console  ourselves  in  the  righteous- 
ness of  a  good  conscience,  before  the  Lord.  But  our  humble  re- 
quest and  prayer  is,  that  your  Reverences  will,  as  in  former  days, 
give  at  least  a  public  declaration  concerning  such  a  monstrous 
informality  in  God's  Church,  that  this  growing  evil  may  thereby 
be  somewhat  checked.  In  this  expectation  we  subscribe  our 
names,  with  wished  for  God's  rich  blessings  on  your  Rev, 
Assembly. 

Your  willing  servants  and  brethren, 

Vincentius  Antonides, 

Gualtherus  du  Bois. 
New  York,  the  8th 

of  July,  1709. 


1709 


1709 


1T74  Ecclesiastical  Records 

A  Brief  History  of  the  Poor  Palatine  Refugees  Lately 
Arrived  ix  Englaxd."     July  18,  1709. 

Containing: 

I.  A    full    answer    to    all    objections    made    against    receiving    them;    and 

plain  and  convincing  proofs,  tliat  the  accession  of  Foreigners  is  a 
manifest  advantage  to  Great  Britain  and  no  detriment  to  any  of  her 
Majest3-'s  subjects. 

II.  A    relation    of   their   deplorable   condition;    and    how    they    came    to   be 

reduced  to  such   extremmities. 

III.  A  description  of  the  country  from   whence   they   came. 

IV.  An  account  of   their   numbers. 

V.  By  what  methods  they   have  been   subsisted. 

VI.  How  they  may  be  disposed  of,  to  the  honor  and  service  of  the  Queen's 

*  Majesty,    the   glory    and   profit   of   the   Kingdom,    and    the   advantage 

of   themselves   and   posterity,    and 

VII.  An    exact    list    of    the    means    of   the    Commissioner   and    Trustees    ap- 

pointed by  her  Majesty,  for  receiving  and  disposing  of  the  money 
to  be  collected  for  the  subsistance  and  settlement  of  the  said 
Palatines. 

In  a  Letter  to  a  Friend  in  the  country. 

London,    printed;    and    sold    by    J.    Baker   at    the    Black    Bog   in    Pater 
Noster  Row,   1709.     price  6  d. 

A  Brief  History  of  the  Palatine  Refugees. 
Honored  Sir: — 

In  the  last  letter  you  gave  me  the  honor  of  receiving  from  you  besides  other 
material  subjects  worthy  your  curious  and  learned  Pen,  you  were  pleased  to  say. 
That  the  news  of  the  arrival  of  so  many  poor  distressed  Palatines,  in  a  time 
when  there  was  no  flagrant  persecution  in  those  territories,  was  a  great  surprise 
to  the  people  in  your  country;  and  that  admitting  and  subsisting  so  many  strangers 
In  South  Britain  in  a  time  when  trading  was  low,  Employment  scarce,  a  long 
war  on  our  hands,  and  all  sorts  of  provisions  at  such  excessive  rates  was  so 
variously  discovered  among  you  with  plausible  arguments  pro  and  con,  that  it 
seemed  difficult  to  determine,  whether  those  that  spoke  in  favor  of  receiving,  and 
supporting  the  Palatines,  or  those  that  vehemently  opposed  the  admission  of  any 
more  strangers  into  England  (especially  as  affairs  are  now  circumstantiated)  are 
in  the  right? 

I  Some  will  have  it,  that  entertaining  and  making  future  provision  for  the 
Palatines  in  the  present  deplorable  condition,  till  they  can  be  so  disposed  of,  as 
to  support  themselves  by  their  own  industry  and  honest  labor,  is  not  only  a 
great  act  of  Christian  charity,  but  an  honor,  and  a  considerable  advantage  to  the 
whole  British  Nation,  by  augmenting  its  strength  and  grandeur,  promoting  Trade, 
and  increasing  the  riches  of  the  Kingdom:  Whilst  others  disclaim  against  that 
opinion,  and  say  that  bringing  in  such  great  numbers  of  foreigners  at  this  junc- 
ture, is,  to  make  provision  still  dearer;  to  eat  the  bread  out  of  the  mouths  of  our 
native  Handicraft  Men  and  laboring  people,  and  increase  the  number  of  our  poor, 
which  are  too  many  and  too  great  a  burden  to  our  nation  already. 

*  Copied  from  a  pamphlet  in  the  British  Museum,  by  Prof.  Wm.  J.  Hinke  of 
Philadelphia,  and  kindly  furnished  for  use  in  these  Records. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1775 

This  objection  Sir,  yon  are  pleased  to  say,  which  fills  too  many  mouths  with 
noise  and  clamour,  is  none  of  your  raising  and  countenancing,  (and  I  readily 
believe  it),belng  entirely  resigned  to  the  charitable  side,  and  to  obey  her  Majesty's 
command,  and  to  follow  her  religious  example,  in  doing  your  utmost  toward  the 
relief  of  these  distressed  Protestant  Brethren;  only  you  would  be  supplied  with 
arguments  from  London,  which  you  call  the  fountain  head  of  discourse,  to  answer 
the  pretentions  and  clamors  of  persons  prejudiced  against  the  poor  Palatines, 
that  you  may  thereby  be  able  to  answer  their  objections,  in  order  to  promote 
the  interest  of  those  suffering  Christians,  when  the  Briefs  for  that  purpose  shall 
be  read  among  you,  with  design,  to  make  your  collections  bear  some  proportion 
to  the  necessities  of  the  miserable  strangers. 

To  this.  Sir,  you  are  pleased  to  add  a  modest  request  that  I  would  also  ac- 
comidate  you  with  the  exact  number  of  the  Palatines   already   arrived? 

From   what   Province  they   came? 

How  they  were  reduced  to  the  extremities? 

What  methods  were  taken  for  their  subsistance  at  their  first  coming? 

How  since?  And  after  what  manner  they  are  to  be  disposed  of,  that  it  may 
redound  to  the  eternal  honor  of  her  Majesty,  the  glory  of  our  Religion,  and  the 
advantage  of  the   Nation,   themselves,    and   their   posterities. 

Now  Sir,  that  I  might  comply  with  your  commands,  and  gratify  your  expecta- 
tions, and  answer  the  charitable  Designs  mentioned  in  your  enquiry,  I  have  for 
some  time  made  it  my  business  to  inform  myself  of  every  particular  circumstance 
contained  in  your  letter;  which  I  hope  will  apologize  for  delaying  my  answer,  since 
I  would  not  ground  it  upon  private  fancies,  erroneous  suggestions,  or  vulgar  re- 
ports, but  upon  such  authentic  Testimonies,  and  warrentable  proceedings,  as 
might  become  me  to  give,  and  you  to  receive,  and  communicate  to  other  good 
men  like  yourself,  who  I  fear  have  been  too  much  imposed  upon  by  false  notions 
in  policy,  and  scandalous  reflexions  upon  the  legislative  powers;  or  else  it  could 
not  be  a  doubt  at  this  time  of  day,  whether  multiplying  the  number  of  Inhabit- 
ants conduces  to  the  strength,  grandeur,  and  wealth  of  the  Kingdom,  since  it's 
the  constant  and  experimented  principle  of  all  the  rational  part  of  mankind,  that 
people  are  the  Riches,  Honor  and  Strength  of  a  Nation,  and  that  Wealth  in- 
creases in  an  equal  proportion  to  the  additional  numbers  of  inhabitants;  for  which 
reason  the  wise  law  giver  advised  the  Grecians,  if  they  would  be  rich,  and  potent, 
and  make  a  considerable  figure  in  the  World  to  abate  the  pride  and  vanity  of  their 
shows,  sports,  and  games,  and  augment  the  number  of  industrious,  active  and 
laborious  people  who  would  both  defend  them  in  time  of  war,  and  make  them 
wealthy  and  dreaded  in  times  of  peace.  It's  needless  to  tell  you  Sir,  that  are  so 
well  acquainted  with  Roman  History  that  Rome  being  an  Asylum  to  Strangers 
was  the  Project  that  made  her  Mistress  of  the  greatest  part  ot  the  known  world, 
and  all  nations  that  have  pursued  the  same  Methods,  have  likewise  forced  their 
own  account  in  it. 

But  not  to  rove  so  far  from  home,  or  trace  the  obscure  fastnesses  of  Antiquity 
I  will  give  you  some  remarkable  instances  in  the  constant  practice  of  some  of  the 
wisest  and  most  politick  neighboring  princes  and  States,  who  thought  it  their 
Interest,  as  well  as  their  honor,  to  give  encouragement,  and  invitation  to  such 
industrious  strangers,  as  either  oppression  in  point  of  conscience,  or  otherwise 
had  driven  out  of  their  native  Countries  to   seek   a  livelihood  elsewhere. 

Thus  the  late  Duke  of  Brandenburgh,  who  was  inferior  to  none  in  the  knowledge 
of  the  duties  of  Religion,  and  the  true  maxims  of  government,  out  of  Christian 
compassion  to  the  persecuted  Protestants  of  France,  invited  them  to  come,  and 
settle  themselves  in  his  dominions;  and  when  they  came,  among  other  transcendent 
Privileges  gave  them  Timber,  and  the  carriage  of  it,  to  build  them  houses  in  sucli 
places,  as  they  chose  to  settle  in,  and- from  a  hundred  to  two  hundred  Crowns  a 
man,  to  provide  themselves  with  such  necessaries  as  were  requisite  to  gratify 
them   to   gain   their   livelihood. 

All  which  favors,  they  so  well  improved  that  the  Elector's  charity,  in  a  little 
time  was  requited  with  more  than  a  double  ration  of  profit  to  his  own  Revenue, 
Insomuch  that  his  son  the  present  Illustrious  King  of  Prussia,  in  reward  of  their 
industry  hath  lengthened  their  grant  of  years  from  fifteen  to  twenty  one,  in  which 


1709 


1709 


17Y6  Ecclesiastical  Records 

they  were  to  be  exempted  from  the  payment  of  public  Taxes,  and  other  Impo- 
sitions. 

The  like  charitable  oflSce  was  done  by  the  same  Duke  of  Brandenbur^h  for  the 
poor  Palatines,  who,  by  the  barbarous  usage  of  the  French,  were  forced  to  leave 
their  own  country,   and  to  retire  into  the  Duke's  territories  in  Germany. 

There  is  also,  a  printed  relation  in  the  German  Tongue,  of  the  great  Immuni- 
ties, and  privileges  granted  by  this  Duke  to  a  Colony  of  Palatines,  that  came  out 
of  their  own  country,  and  settled  at  Magdeburgh,  in  the  year  1689,  in  which 
those  distressed  Protestants  found  a  safe  retreat,  a  comfortable  subsistance  by 
their  own  industry,  and  is  now  said  to  be  worth  100,000  Crowns  a  year  to  the 
present  King  of  Prussia;  and  indeed  he  must  needs  be  an  utter  stranger  to  the 
affairs  of  Europe,  that  is  ignorant  how  many  other  great  Things  the  King  of 
Prussia  has  done  for  poor  distressed  Protestant  Refugees  since  that  time,  and 
still  continues  to  do  for  them  as  often  as  Providence  administers  occasion;  in 
which  God  so  blesses  him,  that  it  always  turns  to  his  own  secular  advantage  as 
well  as  the  satisfaction  of  his  conscience,  in  doing  Good  to  the  Household  of 
Faith. 

And  why  those  charitable  actions,  that  are  thought  glorious  in  other  princes 
should  be  complained  of  in  Great  Britain,  I  can  imagine  no  other  reason  for,  but 
want  of  due  information  in  the  princes,  and  retaining  ancient  errors  in  prejudice 
of  known  and  experimented  truths;  To  remove  which  foolish  prejudices  I  shall 
proceed  to  give  you  other  repeated  proofs  of  incontrovertible,  and  universally  re- 
ceived maxim  in  Politics,  That  numbers  of  people,  are  the  strength  and  riches  of 
a  nation. 

This  principle  was  imbibed  l).v  wise  and  prudent  Holland,  even  from  the  infancy 
of  their  now  High  and  Mighty  State,  and  always  had  its  effects;  for  by  entertaining 
and  succoring  distressed  strangers,  especially  Protestants,  they  were  enabled  to 
beat  the  Spaniard,  and  cast  off  the  yoke  of  bondage  that  had  so  long  gauled  the 
•shoulders  of  that  now  formidable  people;  which  practice  they  have  continued 
successively  ever  since,  as  occasion  offered.  In  the  year  1670,  when  the  barbarous 
•persecutions  raged  in  France,  this  state,  by  a  public  edict  gave  entertainment 
and  encouragement  to  all  those  oppressed  people  that  thought  fit  to  cohabit  in 
those  Dominions;  and  to  show  that  they  still  continue  ;n  the  same  principle 
though  they  have  no  lands  to  improve,  or  sluces  to  make,  and  have  already  more 
than  ten  men  to  our  one,  in  the  same  extent  of  land,  yet  according  to  the  example 
'Of  our  Legislature  in  the  late  Act  of  Naturalization  of  foreign  Protestants,  the 
■States  of  Holland  and  West  Friezeland  issued  out  a  Placart  bearing  date  the 
16th  of  July  last  past,  for  a  general  naturalization  of  Protestant  Refugees  which 
follows. 

Making  it  known,  that  they  taking  into  consideration,  that  the  grandeur  and 
prosperity  of  a  country  does  in  general  consist  in  the  multitude  of  inhabitants  and 
that  in  particular,  the  provinces  increase  in  power  and  riches  by  the  concourse  of 
unhappy  and  dispersed  persons  who  being  driven  from  their  own  country  for  the 
profession  of  the  true  Reformed  Religion,  or  other  oppressions  have  taken 
sanctuary  in  this  province  and  have  a  long  time  since  contributed  to  the  in- 
crease of  Trade.   Manufactures  and  public  Wealth. 

That  besides  the  Refugees  that  left  France  upon  account  of  their  religion,  and 
liave  already  lived  a  considerable  time  in  this  country  have  not  rendered  them- 
selves unworthy  of  the  favorable  attention  of  the  Regency  for  their  persons  and 
families  and  consequently  ought  to  enjoy  their  general  protection  as  the  other 
inhabitants.  For  these  causes  we  have  thought  fit  to  order  and  decree,  as  we  order 
and  decree  by  these  presents  that  all  persons  who  have  withdrawn  themselves  out 
of  the  Kingdom  of  France,  or  other  countries,  for  the  profession  of  the  true 
Reformed  Religion  and  have  taken  sanctirary  in  this  province  of  Holland  and 
West  Friezeland,  and  settled  themselves  therein,  and  likewise  the  children  of  the 
said  persons,  whom  they  brought  with  them,  or  were  born  in  the  said  province, 
as  also  all  other  such  Refugees,  who  for  the  future  shall  either  directly  out  of 
France  or  other  countries  take  refuge  in  this  province,  and  choose  their  abode 
therein,  shall  be  henceforth  received  and  acknowledged,  as  we  do  receive  and 
acknowledge  them,   by  these  present  for  our  subjects,   and  natives  of  our  country 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  177Y 

of  Holland,  and  West  Friesland  and  by  virtue  thereof  shall  enjoy  for  the  future 
all  the  privileges  and  prerogatives  that  our  other  natural  born  subjects  enjoy,  as 
unto  them  belonging;  and  that  in  consequence  thereof  they  shall  enjoy  the  right 
of  naturalization  according  to  the  resolution  bearing  date  the  25th  of  September 
1670.  That  therefore  all  those  who  will  take  the  benefit  of  this,  our  favor,  shall 
apply  personally  to  the  president,  or  councillers  of  the  court  under  whose  jurisdic- 
tion they  are,  or  to  the  magistrates  of  Towns,  Bailiffs  and  judges  of  villages  where 
they  are  settled  or  intend  to  choose  their  abode.  Who  after  a  short  examination 
to  know,  whether  the  said  persons  are  truly  Refugees,  as  aforesaid,  shall  register 
their  names,  that  the  same  may  appear  forever. 

And  that  this  may  be  known  to  everybody  we  require  these  present  to  be 
published  and  affixed  and  executed  in  the  usual  manner. 

Done  at  the  Hague,  July  18,  1709.  etc. 

signed  Simon  Van  Beaumont. 

The  wise  and  solid  reasons  given  in  the  foregoing  Placart,  methinks  Sir,  are 
sufficient  to  silence  all  the  clamours  that  are  on  foot  among  that  sort  of  people 
that  pretend  too  much,  but  know  nothing  of  the  true  interest  of  Great  Britain: 
for  if  receiving  laborious  and  working  hands  into  Holland,  has  turned  so  much 
to  the  advantage  of  that  State,  its  sufficient  argument  to  the  Queen's  Majesty, 
not  to  part  with  so  great  a  treasure  as  the  Palatines  will  be  to  her,  who  has 
more  Room  to  receive  them,  more  barren  land  to  improve,  and  more  manufactories 
in  her  own  Dominion  to  employ  them,  than  all  the  Provinces  of  Holland  can 
pretend  to.  Nor  is  her  Majesty  and  her  Government  insensible  of  the  fatal 
consequences  that  have  attended  Spain,  France.  Savoy,  and  other  places,  who 
by  proscribing  their  best  subjects,  and  employing  no  successful  methods  for 
repeoploing  their  Dominions  have  so  impoverished  those  sometime  plentiful  and 
flourishing  Countries,  that  two  succeeding  ages  cannot  in  human  probability  restore 
them  to  their  former  opulance  and  grandeur. 

But  these  arguments  aside.  Receiving  and  succoring  these  poor  Palatines  seems 
to  me  but  the  payment  of  the  just  debt  for  the  kind  entertainment  they  gave  many 
of  our  learned  divines  and  others,  who  were  forced  to  take  shelter  beyond  seas  in 
the  Time  of  Queen  Mary's  Persecution,  and  met  with  a  hospitable  reception  at 
Frankfort  in  Germany,  in  the  Palatinate,  the  Netherland,  Switzerland  and  other 
places,  and  shall  we  now  suffer  any  of  the  posterity  of  our  quondam  benefacts  to 
perish  for  want  of  bread,  that  providence  has  thrown  into  our  arms  for  relief? 
Tell  it  not  in  Gath.  Let  it  never  be  said  to  the  reproach  of  the  British  Nation, 
that  it's  defective  in  the  great  Duty  of  Charity,  as  some  of  our  murmurers  and 
complainers  would  scandalize  the  Nation  with,  but  rather  let  those  hide  bound, 
merciless,  false  pretenders  to  Christianity  be  stigmatized  with  reproach,  and 
distinguished  from  the  good  natured  people  of  England,  who  liberally  and  with 
open  hearts  and  hands  contribute  to  the  subsistance  of  their  distressed  Protestant 
Brethren. 

It's  for  want  of  putting  themselves  into  the  condition  of  these  poor  Palatines, 
and  doing  in  their  case,  as  they  would  be  done  by,  if  it  were  their  own,  that 
makes  them  fill  the  world  with  noise  and  nonsence  in  direct  opposition  to  the 
Religion  they  profess,  which  at  least  would  make  them  close  mouth'd  if  not  open 
handed,  silent  admirers  of  other  men's  charities,  though  they  were  without  bowels, 
and  had  no  hearts  to  be  charitable  themselves.  How  have  these  poor-spirited 
selfish  animals  forgot,  that  if  providence  had  not  almost  miraculously  interposed  in 
our  behalf  by  the  late  happy  Revolution  the  condition  of  the  Palatines  might 
have  been  our  own,  in  the  melancholy  prospect  we  had  in  a  late  reign,  of, 
flying  from  the  like  persecution,  when  some  of  our  Bishops  were  sent  prisoners 
to  the  Tower,  one  suspended  from  the  exercise  of  his  Episcopal  authority,  be- 
cause he  would  not  act  contrary  to  law;  some  of  our  preachers  also  were  sus- 
pended for  disclaiming  against  Popish  Superstitions  and  Idolatry;  our  Colleges  put 
into  the  Hands  of  Papists,  and  all  things  tended  to  the  utter  overthrow  of  the 
Protestant  religion,  if  God  Almighty  had  not  put  a  stop  to  Popish  fury,  as  to  the 
raging  ocean,  saying.  Thus  far  you  shall  go  and  no  farther:  God  was  thus  pleased 
to  shake  that  scourge  over  our  backs,   that  the  poor  Palatines  have  long  smarted 


1709 


1709 


1778  Ecclesiastical  Records 

under;  and  what  better  return  can  we  make  to  God  for  that  deliverance,   thaa 

In  the  exercise  of  charity  to  our  afflicted  Brethren?  And  let  all  that  omit  that 
duty,  seriously  consider,  that  at  the  great  Day  of  Account,  our  Saviour  will  take 
particular  notice  whether  when  he  was  an  hungred,  they  gave  him  meat,  when 
he  was  thirsty,  they  gave  him  drink,  when  he  was  a  stranger,  they  took  him 
in,  when  he  was  naked,  they  clothed  him,  when  he  was  sick,  they  visited  him, 
and  when  he  was  in  prison,  they  came  unto  him;  and  what  they  do  of  that  kind 
to  any  of  the  least  of  his  brethren,  he  will  take  it  as  done  unto  himself,  and 
severely  revenge  the  neglect  of  it. 

Thus  far  I  have  shown,  that  extending  our  charities  to  strangers  is  a  christian 
Duty,  my  next  business,  is,  to  prove  that  receiving  and  encouraging  the  Palatines 
is  no  way  detrimental,  but  advantageous  to  her  Majesty's  native  subjects.  But 
first  Sir,  as  to  your  saying.  That  the  number  of  our  poor  is  too  great.  You 
that  are  magistrates  may  thank  yourselves  for  it;  for  if  you  would  set  them  to 
work,  three  parts  of  the  poor  in.  England  would  be  able  to  provide  for  themselves; 
and  'till  you  do  so,  they  having  been  long  immured  to  idleness,  and  the  trade 
of  begging,  they  will  never  work  till  the  fear  of  punishment  obliges  them  to  it. 
I  also  fear  Sir,  that  you  are  mistaken  in  the  number  of  your  own  poor,  in  saying 
we  have  more  than  we  know  how  to  employ;  whereas  in  truth  it  ought  to  be  said 
we  have  a  great  number  of  vagrants,  and  sturdy  beggars,  that  don't  care  for 
working  as  long  as  they  can  live  by  begging,  but  would  you,  Sir,  and  the  rest 
of  your  brother  Justices  of  the  Peace  unanimously  agree  and  resolve  to  put  the 
laws  into  execution,  the  nation  would  soon  be  rid  of  those  harpies,  who  eat  up 
what  would  maintain  the  poor,  that  are  capable  and  willing  to  work,  and  then 
the  complaint  would  have  an  end,  and  we  should  have  no  more  beggars  in  Great 
Britain,  than  they  have  in  Holland.  The  number  whereof  is  the  scandal  of 
England  especially  of  London;  and  were  a  diligent  search  made  after  those  that 
beg  with  two  crutches,  that  have  need  of  none;  after  those  that  beg  with  sore 
legs  of  their  own  making,  and  refuse  to  be  cured,  when  it  has  been  offered  them; 
after  idle  persons  that  are  able  to  work,  but  will  not,  till  they  are  compelled  by 
law  to  do  it,  after  common  counterfeits,  and  such  as  have  no  need  at  all  to  beg, 
but  having  found  the  sweets  of  wandering,  are  said  to  grow  rich  by  it;  we  should 
soon  iind  the  good  effects  of  such  a  search,  which  the  Beadles  will  never  do,  as 
long  as  the  Beggars  are  willing  to  bribe  them;  which  if  inquired  into,  would  be 
found  a  common  practice. 

But  to  return  to  the  Palatines  whereas  you  are  pleased  to  suggest.  Sir,  that 
these  Palatines  cannot  be  employed  in  Great  Britain  without  Detriment  to  our 
poorer  sort  of  natives,  you  are  then  obliged  to  suppose  there  can  be  only  such  a 
quantity  of  work  in  this  Kingdom,  and  that  to  let  the  Palatines  into  this,  is  to 
take  the  bread  from  our  own  people,  and  to  give  it  to  strangers.  But  to  this 
it's  answered,  that  neither  our  poor,  nor  indeed  any  part  of  our  people  were 
employed  in  the  production  of  provisions  or  the  manufacture  of  Cloaths  for  these 
Palatines,  before  they  came  hither,  and  therefore  if  these  Palatines  shall  have 
full  employment  here,  in  the  manufacture  of  Cloths,  or  the  Production  of  pro- 
visions for  themselves,  they  will  take  no  employment  from  our  own  people,  which 
they  had  before. 

If  the  Palatines  are  10,000  in  number,  a  less  quantity  than  40,000  acres  of  land 
will  not  furnish  bread,  and  beer,  and  all  other  provisions  to  so  great  a  company; 
and  for  the  management  of  40,000  acres  for  this  purpose,  less  than  two  thirds  of 
10,000  people  will  hardly  be  sufficient,  as  Farmers,  Graziers,  Smiths,  Carpenters, 
and  other  Traders,  their  wives,  children  and  servants  and  not  much  less  than  one 
third  of  10,000  people  will  be  necessary  to  make  Cloaths,  Hats,  Shoes,  and  Stock- 
ings for  the  whole  Body. 

Now  either  the  10,000  which  shall  be  employed,  for  the  aforesaid  purposes, 
will  be  Palatines  themselves,  and  then  its  manifest  they  will  do  no  wrong  to  our 
people,  who  were  never  employed  to  provide  for  them,  and  are  therefore  robbed 
of  no  employment  by  their  providing  for  themselves;  or  if  these  Palatines  shall 
work  at  any  manufactures,  which  were  before  the  employment  of  our  own  people, 
then  so  many  of  ours  must  be  pay'd  for  providing  Cloaths  and  victuals  for  the 
Palatines,  by  the  price  of  their  labor.     From  all  which,  it  seems  reasonable  that 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1779 

the  admission  of  foreigners  to  live  among  us  will  never  abate  the  wages  of  our 
poor,  or  deprive  them  of  any  employment  which  they  had  before.  So  that  the 
reasons  will  be  still  the  same,  whether  the  Palatines  shall  be  dispersed  over  all 
the  parts  of  Great  Britain  or  collected  all  together  in  a  town,  for  they  must  still 
be  provided  of  all  necessities  by  the  labor  of  almost  as  many  as  their  whole 
number. 

If  their  labour  shall  be  thought  any  more  than  what  shall  be  necessary  for 
their  own  subsistance,  at  least  it  will  not  exceed  the  twentieth  part  of  that 
value;  and  this  perhaps  will  find  a  vent  in  foreign  markets,  increase  our  exporta- 
tions,  and  add  to  the  Capital  stock  of  this  Kingdom,  without  detriment  to  our 
present  manufactures. 

The  main  argument  for  the  admission  of  foreigners,  will  yet  appear  more 
plain  by  the  example  of  Colchester,  Canterbury  and  Norwich,  which  heretofore 
gave  a  kind  reception  to  the  Walloons.  Which  places  have  flourished  in  manu- 
factures for  some  generations,  and  have  constant  employment,  not  only  for  all 
the  useful  hands  of  those  towns,  but  of  all  the  neighboring  counties,  and  by 
making  vast  quantities  of  goods  for  exportation,  have  been  the  cause  of  vast 
returns  of  Riches  to  this  Kingdom  Which  is  also  an  eternal  reproach  to  the 
memory  of  the  Duke  D'Alva,  whose  folly  and  impolitic  cruelty  drove  them 
thither.  Again  has  the  admission  of  foreigners  yet  been  the  cause  of  abatement 
of  wages?  Great  numbers  of  French  Protestants  are  come,  and  settled  among 
us,  who  have  introduced  some  new,  and  made  many  changes  in  some  of  our  old 
manufactures  and  brought  down  the  price  of  things  so  very  low,  that  France 
is  in  a  manner  dispossessed  of  many  of  those  arts,  which  heretofore  carried  great 
annual  treasure  out  of  this  Kingdom,  and  yet  servants  have  as  great  or  greater 
wages  now  than  ever,  as  much  daily  wages  or  rather  more,  is  given  for  all  sorts 
of  labor,  with  this  difference,  that  our  poor  give  a  less  price  now,  for  many  better 
manufactures.  So  that  upon  the  whole  matter,  it  must  be  concluded  that  10,000 
Palatines,  usefully  employed  in  Great  Britain,  is  an  addition  of  at  least  8000  pounds 
per  annum  to  the  riches  of  this  Kingdom,  without  detriment  to  the  poor  natives, 
or  abatement  of  their  wages.  Now  that  it  will  be  also  an  increase  of  the  strength 
of  the  Kingdom  is  so  plain,  as  not  to  need  an  argument  for  if  there  was  but  one 
man  in  Great  Britain,  this  would  be  the  strength  of  the  island,  and  by  the 
addition  of  one  man  more,  the  strength  is  jvist  doubled;  and  by  the  same  rule,  the 
accession  of  so  much  people,  is  the  accession  of  so  much  power  to  the  Kingdom. 
But  with  how  much,  or  how  little  reason  so  ever  our  poor  natives  will  complain, 
yet  certainly  Gentlemen  will  have  no  reason  to  be  offended  with  this  accession  of 
foreigners,  which  is  the  effectual  way  to  keep  up  the  price  of  provisions,  and  of 
the  produce  of  their  estates,  who  have  generally  thought  these  things  so  very 
cheap,  that  they  have  contrived  arts  to  sell  them  dearer. 

They  have  procured  a  law  to  prohibit  the  Importation  of  Irish  Cattle;  lest 
the  prices  of  their  own  should  be  reduced.  They  have  procured  a  law  to  allow  a 
bounty  upon  the  exportation  of  Corn,  which  is  an  art  of  selling  bread  cheaper 
to  foreigners  than  to  our  own  people,  by  whose  sweat  and  labor  it  is  produced. 
From  whence  then  we  may  safely  infer  that  Gentlemen  will  not  be  displeased 
with  such  an  accession  of  foreigners,  as  may  keep  up  the  price  of  corn  and 
cattle,  and  save  this  bounty  to  the  public.  To  which  I  take  leave  to  add,  that 
many  of  these  people  being  bred  to  Husbandry  Gentlemen  may  in  time  have  the 
greater  choice  of  Tenants  for  their  estates,  and  their  rents  will  be  in  so  much 
the  less  danger  of  falling.  Besides  are  we  arrived  at  the  utmost  perfection  of 
husbandry?  Have  not  many  things  been  introduced  among  us  in  the  memory  of 
man,  as  foreign  grasses,  turnips,  and  several  other  parts  of  our  improvements, 
which  are  but  lately  brought  hither?  And  no  doubt  but  many  other  things  are 
still  behind  to  bring  us  to  perfection.  Everything  of  this  kind  may  be  thought  a 
particular  advantage  to  Gentlemen,  And  lastly,  what  so  ever  increase  shall  be 
made  of  Gentlemen's  Revenues,  by  this  accession  of  foreigners  is  indeed,  besides 
the  before  mentioned  advantages  so  much  added  to  the  capital  stock  of  this 
Kingdom. 

Now  Sir,  be  pleased  to  consider  the  present  condition  of  this  Kingdom,  with 
respect  to  its  former  and  late  losses,  and  then  you  will  find  there  is  an  absolute 


1709 


1709 


1780  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

necessity  of  adding  great  numbers  of  useful  bands  to  supply  the  want  of  them  in 
the  Nation. 

To  which  purpose,  having  as  to  the  political  part,  an  estimate  put  into  my 
hands,  of  the  great  loss  of  People  to  the  Nation  within  the  memory  of  man, 
I  shall  here  present  .vou  with  it.  to  the  Intent,  that  you  may  undeceive  many 
mistaken  persons,  who  only  are  in  the  wrong,  for  want  of  better  information  than 
the  sentiments  of  the  vulgar.  By  the  most  moderate  computation  there  were  lost 
in  the  late  civil  war  by  Land  and  Sea  about  200,000  persons,  about  two  thirds 
of  that  number  went  out  of  England  to  repeople  Ireland,  and  there  were  esteemed 
to  be  lost  in  the  great  sickness,  which  happened  in  the  year  1665,  no  less  than 
200,000,  and  that  much  the  same  number  were  gone  to  the  plantations.  It  is  also 
calculated  by  many  intelligent  observers,  that  since  the  commencement  -of  the 
present,  and  last  war  with  the  French,  reckoning  but  20,000  men  in  all  parts  per 
annum,  to  be  lost  out  of  our  several  armies  by  the  sword,  sickness,  and  desertion, 
with  the  loss  of  mariners  in  the  Queen's  and  the  merchant  service,  those  lost  in 
the  late  violent  storms  being  taken  into  the  account,  it  will  appear  that  in  the 
twenty  years  last  past,  we  have  lost  400,000  adult  persons,  besides  the  produce 
of  their  bodies;  which  being  put  together,  may,  by  a  very  modest  computation  be 
reckoned  at  1,500,000  people:  which,  if  you  consider  with  your  penetrating  sagacity, 
you  will  never  wonder  at  the  complaints  of  the  country,  that  there  is  little  or  no 
vent  or  sale  for  the  produce  of  their  lands,  or  their  labor,  because  it  only  pro- 
ceeds from  the  want  of  people:  which  manifestly  shows,  that  there  is  as  real  a 
necessity  to  recruit  the  nation  with  industrious  people,  as  the  Army  with 
soldiers,  or  the  Navy  with  sailors.  The  objection  against  their  poverty,  signifies 
nothing,  if  they  are  industrious,  for  Solomon  says  the  industrious  Hand  maketh 
rich,  and  the  Riches  gained  by  industry  is  an  inexhaustable  treasure,  for  riches 
may  take  the  wing  and  fly  from  their  propriators,  as  it  often  happens,  when 
industry  does  not  prevent  it. 

Nay,  I  am  bold  to  say  Sir,  that  the  want  of  it,  and  care  to  recover  it,  seems 
very  ominous  to  England  where  a  lazy,  vagabond,  and  audacious  poor,  are  so 
much  countenanced  as  threatens  the  Kingdom  with  ruin,  and  desolation  if  not 
timely  prevented. 

Again,  Sir,  I  desire  you  would  consider  that  there  is  nothing  so  impertinent 
and  mistim'd  as  complaints  against  the  admission  of  foreigners,  for  in  Truth, 
our  own  country  England  is  not  half  peopled,  Ireland  not  a  quarter  part,  Scot- 
land less,  and  our  Colonies  are  almost  become  desert;  and  yet  some  muck  worms 
are  so  weak  and  silly,  as  not  to  understand  the  great  and  valuable  blessing  of 
being  the  general  Asylum  or  place  of  Refuge  for  distressed  industrious  Protestants, 
Though  it  is  for  want  of  Hands  that  our  fishery  is  neglected,  several  of  our 
foreign  trades  lost,  as  that  of  Greenland  etc.  Our  Harbours  are  choaked  up, 
the  sea  robbers  of  our  land,  our  rivers  are  not  made  navigable,  we  have  no 
canals  for  commerce,  our  mines  are  not  searched,  our  champion  Lands  not 
inclosed,  our  waste  grounds  not  improved  and  our  cities,  two  only  excepted,  are 
declining,  and  yet  we  complain  that  providence  has  sent  us  people  to  help  us  in 
these  necessary  services  to  the  publick.  The  life  of  Trade  is  the  variety  of 
manufactures,  and  what  sooner,  and  effectually  creates  variety  than  multitudes 
of  people?  And  what  speedier  way  can  we  gain  those  benefits  than  b.v  encourage- 
ing  the  distressed,  if  industrious,  to  come  among  us,  out  of  all  nations,  who,  it 
may  reasonably  be  believed,  will  not  fail  to  bring  the  arts  and  manufactures  of 
their  own  countries  along  with  them.  By  this  method  only  we  have  hitherto 
been  gainers,  and  become  a  trading  people,  by  the  Walloons,  Dutch,  and  French 
settling  among  us,  to  whom  Queen  Elizabeth  gave  duly  encouragement,  and  as 
our  most  gracious  Queen  Annie  follows  her  glorious  example,  and  is  like  her, 
semper  eadens,  I  doubt  not,  but  these  poor  Palatines,  and  others,  that  this  happy 
and  benign  reign  will  bring  over,  may  prove  alike  successful  to  us,  of  which 
there  is  little  question  to  be  made  if  the  national  thoughts  were  not  so  full  of 
the  Woolen  Manufactures  as  to  forget  the  Linnen  Manufacture,  which  would 
likewise  give  employment  to  vast  numbers  of  people.  Save  an  immense  sum 
withiu  the  Kingdom,  enrich  the  Gentlemen  and  Farmers  in  their  crops  of  hemp 
and    flax;    for    the    use    of    linnen    is    far    more    general    than    v.-oolen,    as    being 


OF  THE  State  of  Isew  Yokk.  1781 

employed  on  more  occasions,  both  in  cold  and  hot  countries  and  can  never  fail 
of  chap  men.  Besides  that  onr  plantations  make  a  mighty  consumption  of  it, 
and  the  profitable  Trade  of  paper  making  depends  on  it. 

Lastly,  Trade  and  numbers  of  people  are  the  true  Riches  and  Strength  of  a 
country  (as  has  been  said  already)  and  the  more  populous,  the  more  Trade,  and 
the  more  trade,  the  more  populous,  and  the  more  of  both,  must  needs  produce 
riches,  if  under  a  decent ,  regulation,  and  that  we  don't  take  up  with  a  few 
Trades,  which  has  done  us  mischief  hitherto;  for  otherwise  we  might  have  em- 
ployment enough  for  greater  numbers. 

However  such  a  nation  as  England  that  is  continually  wasting  so  great  a 
number  of  people  in  its  foreign  trafiic,  both  in  the  East  and  West  Indies  ought 
to  be  careful  of  an  increase,  as  thanks  be  to  heaven,  her  Majesty  is.  as  appears 
by  her  extraordinary  bounty  and  charity  to  the  distressed  Palatines.  Few  per- 
sons consider  what  the  loss  of  a  man  is  to  a  Kingdom  and  consequently  the 
advantage  of  an  increase  of  a  people. 

We  want  nothing  so  much  in  England  as  the  bodies  of  men,  having  above 
30.000  souls  in  foreign  countries,  and  are  able  to  employ  as  great  a  number  of 
Foreigners  without  any  prejudice  to  our  own  natives;  for  the  more  people,  the 
greater  consumption  of  our  commodities,  and  commerce  and  therefore  the  Riches, 
Revenues  and  Soldiers.  All  these  reasons  considered,  I  cannot  but  stand  amazed 
to  think,  why  at  this  juncture,  more  than  at  other  times,  some  men  should  be 
grieved  at  the  admission  of  the  poor  Palatines,  since  this  is  not  the  only  instance 
of  this  Nation's  affording  a  safe  retreat  and  protection  to  distressed  Protestants 
of  other  nations,  in  which  it  has  always  found  its  own  account,  in  the  increase  of 
our  wealth,  and  the  regulation  of  our  people;  which  all  true  Englishmen  will  still 
endeavor  to  preserve,  till  time  shall  be  no  more. 

And  now.  Sir,  having  I  hope,  sufficiently  proved,  that  numbers  of  people,  are 
the  strength  and  riches  of  a  nation,  and  that  admission  of  foreigners  are  advan- 
tageous to  this  Kingdom  without  detriment  to  the  poor  sort  of  our  natives,  I 
proceed  to  your  next  request,  viz.  To  give  you  an  exact  account  of  the  numbers 
of  the  Palatines  already  arrived.  Which  will  admit  of  a  very  short  answer,  that 
is  to  say,  that  at  several  times,  from  the  first  of  May  last  past  to  the  18th  of 
July  1709  there  have  been  landed  in  England  of  these  distressed  Palatines,  the 
exact  number  of  10,000  souls.  Those  that  arrived  at  the  two  first  times  viz., 
from  the  first  of  May  to  the  12th  of  June  consisted  of  men  having  families  1278, 
wives  1234,  widows  89,  unmarried  men  384,  unmarried  women  106,  boys  above  14 
years  of  age  379;  girls  above  14  years  374,  boys  under  14  years  1367,  girls  under 
14  years  1309;  so  that  the  whole  number  of  the  two  first  numbers  landed  were 
6520.  Of  these  there  are  Husbandmen  and  Vinedressers  1083,  Schoolmasters  10, 
Herdsmen  4,  Wheelwrights  13,  Smiths  46,  Cloth  and  Linnen  Weavers  66,  Carpenters 
90,  Bakers  32,  Masons  48,  Coopers  and  Brewers  48,  Joiners  20.  Shoemakers  40, 
Taylors  58,  Butchers  15,  Millers  27,  Sadlers  7,  Stocking-weavers  5,  Tanners  7, 
Miners  3,  Brickmakers  6.  Potters  3.  Hunters  5.  Snoners  6.  Surgeons  3.  Lock- 
smiths 2,  Bricklayers  4,  Glaziers  2,  Hatters  3.  Silversmiths  2,  1  Cook,  1  Student, 
Carvers  2,  To  which  above  1500  being  added,  that  arrived  in  the  river  of 
Thames  July  18th  and  others  at  other  times,  whose  families  Trades  and  employ- 
ment are  not  yet  distinguished,  or  numbered,  make  the  number  of  the  Palatines 
amount  in  the  whole  to  about  10,000  souls. 

Your  next  demand  Sir,  is  from  what  places  do  they  come?  Which  I  shall 
briefly  account  for.  without  pretending  to  give  you  a  Geographical  description  of 
their  whole  country,  which  would  take  up  too  much  of  my  Time,  and  signify  little 
or  nothing  to  the  matter  in  hand,  and  therefore  I  shall  trouble  you  Sir,  with  only 
a  brief  description  of  the  places  from  whence  these  people  come.  They  were, 
generally  speaking  Inhabitants  of  the  Palatinate,  part  of  which  country  belongs  to 
the  circle  of  the  Upper  Rhine,  and  part  to  the  Lower.  It  has  Alsace,  part  of 
Lorrain,  and  Swabia,  and  the  south  part  of  the  Archbishopric  of  Treves,  and 
Nauty  on  the  North  part  of  Treves,  and  Lorrain  on  the  west  and  part  of  Menty. 
Franconia  and  Swabia,  on  the  east,  110  miles  long  from  South  East  to  North 
West,  and  its  greatest-  breadth  from  North  East  to  South  West  about  70.  'Tis 
called  the  Lower  Palatinate  to  distinguish  it,  from  that  part  of  Bavaria,  called 
the   Upper.     This   country   is   much   the   pleasantest   part   of  the    German    Empire, 


1709 


1709 


1782  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

and  has  therefore  been  coveted  by  neighboring  princes  in  all  ages.  Their  hills 
are  covered  with  vines  which  yield  the  well  known  Rhinish  wine;  their  plains 
and  valleys  abound  with  all  sorts  of  corn  and  fruits,  and  their  forests  are  well 
stocked  with  Deer  and  other  game. 

The  Rhine  passing  through  the  middle  of  the  country,  does  very  much  improve 
their  Commerce,  and  with  the  Necker  Nabe  (nahe)  and  other  rivers,  supplies  them 
with  plenty  of  fish,  and  their  mountains  abound  with  minerals,  among  which 
La  Forest  mentions  Agate  and  Jasper  and  Gold,  found  in  the  sands  of  the  Rhine 
of  which  latter,  they  coin  peices  which  bear  its  name. 

The  Elector  Palatine's  Titles  are.  By  the  grace  of  God,  Count  Palatine  of  the 
Rhine,  Arch  Treasurer  and  Elector  of  the  empire,  Duke  of  Bavaria,  Julius  Cleves, 
and  Bery;  Count  of  Veldentz,  Spanheim,  Marix,  Ravensbery  and  Moeurs,  Lord 
of  Ravenstein  etc.,  Frederick  the  1st  marry'd  Louisa  Julia  of  Orange,  had  great 
quarrels  with  the  house  of  Austria  about  Religion  and  died  Anno  Dom.  1610. 

His  son  and  successor,  Frederick  the  5th  marry'd  Elizabeth,  Daughter  to  James 
1st  of  Great  Britain  succeeded  to  his  father's  quarrels  with  the  house  of  Austria 
about  religion,  and  was  chosen  King  of  Bohemia;  but  for  want  of  being  duly 
supported,  was  defeated  at  the  battle  of  Prague,  after  which  he  lost,  both  his 
crown  and  his  Dominions. 

He  had  issue  the  illustrious  princess  Sophia,  born  in  1630.  marry'd  to  Earnest 
Augustus,  Duke  of  Hanover,  who  is  now  Electress  Dowager,  mother  to  the  present 
Elector,  presumptive  heiress  to  the  crown  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  as 
illustrious  for  her  excellent  qualities  as  for  her  high  birth. 

E'rederick  the  5th  was  succeeded  by  his  son  Charles  Louis,  who  by  the  Treaty 
of  Westphalia  was  restored  to  the  Lower  Palatine,  and  the  electoral  dignity.  He 
was  a  pious  and  learned  prince  and  dey'd  in  16S0.  His  son  Charles  succeeded, 
was  elector  of  this  Line,   and  dy'd  without  issue,   1685. 

The  present  Elector  is  (by  failure  of  the  fore  mentioned  Line)  of  the  branch  of 
Newburgh,  of  the  Family  of  Dais  Points.  The  majority  of  the  people  are 
Protestants  who  have  been  much  discouraged  since  the  succession  of  the  Duke  of 
Newburgh,  a  Papist,  to  the  Electorate,  and  by  the  Itarbarous  invasions  of  the 
French  Most  of  our  Palatine  Refugees  were  inhabitants  about  Heidelburg,  Man- 
helm,  Frankendale,  Spire,  Worms,  and  other  parts  of  the  Lower  Palatinate,  along 
the  Rhine,  which  all  that  have  travelled,  and  conversed  in  those  parts  know  to 
be  one  of  the  finest  countries  in  Europe,  but  having  been  the  seat  of  war  for  almost 
a  hundred  years  past,  and  having  undergone  all  that  the  house  of  Austria  could 
make  it  suffer,  the  house  of  Bourbon  has  finished  its  ruin. 

This  beautiful  country  was  some  time  inhabited  by  none  but  Protestants,  but 
as  has  been  said  above,  upon  the  failure  of  the  line  of  Bohemia,  it  fell  into  the 
house  of  Newburg,  which  being  of  the  Popish  religion  is  the  reason  that  there  is 
now,  so  many  Papists  in  that  country,  a  few  of  which  (as  it  was  impossible  to 
prevent  it)  are  mingled  among  the  Protestant  Refugees  now  in  England. 

However  this  may  be  truly  said  in  their  favor,  that  they  are  far  from  being 
either  Frenchized  or  Spauioliz'd  Papists  for  most  of  them  having  been  Protestants 
or  the  children  of  Protestants,  they  still  retain  a  Tincture  of  their  father's  religion 
which  they  had  not  forsaken,  but  to  avoid  persecution,  and  contempts,  and  to  obey 
the  commands  and  follow  the  example  of  their  Sovereign;  a  fault  indeed  but  such 
an  one  as  others  have  been  guilty  of  that  never  lay  under  such  temptations  as 
they  have  done,  and  in  countries  much  nearer  to  us  than  the  Palatinate. 

These  are  therefore  of  very  moderate  principles,  some  of  which  are  already  come 
over  to  the  Church,  and  more  are  inclined  to  follow  their  example,  by  the  zest 
and  pains  that  has  been  taken  by  some  worthy  divines  of  Germany  and  Switzer- 
land, who  read  to  them  the  English  Liturgy  in  their  own  tongue,  insomuch  that 
all  or  most  of  these  Refugees,  some  Papists,  as  well  as  Calvinists,  and  Lutherans, 
attend  that  service  diligently  devoutly  and  gladly,  and  more  of  the  few  Papists 
would  do  so,  if  the  priests  of  a  certain  foreign  minister,  and  others  of  the  same 
class,  who  sulks  under  Romish  disguises,  would  forbear  tampering  with  them. 

How  they  came  to  be  seduced  to  these  miserable  circumstances  is.  Sir,  your 
next  enquiry,  in  which  I  question  not,  but  to  satisfy  your  Demands,  and  therefore 
desire  .vou  would  read  what  they  say  of  themselves  in  a  printed  paper  called,  The 
Palatines  Case  etc. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1783 

"  We  the  poor  distressed  Palatines  wtiose  utter  ruin  was  accomplished  by  the 
merciless  cruelty  of  a  bloody  enemy  the  French,  whose  prevailing  power  some 
years  past,  like  a  torrent  rushed  into  our  country,  and  overwhelmed  us  at  once, 
and  being  not  content  with  money  and  food  necessary  for  their  occasions,  not 
only  dispossess'd  us  of  all  support,  but  inhumanly  burnt  our  houses  to  the  ground, 
where  being  deprived  of  all  shelter,  and  were  turned  into  the  open  fields,  and 
there  drove  with  our  families,  to  seek  what  shelter  we  could  find,  being  obliged  to 
make  the  cold  earth  our  lodgins,  and  the  clouds  our  covering. 

.  In  this  deplorable  condition  we  made  our  humble  supplications,  and  cries  to 
Almighty  God,  who  has  promised  to  relieve  them  that  put  their  trust  in  him; 
whose  goodness,  we  have  largely  experienced  in  disposing  the  hearts  of  pious 
princes  to  a  Christian  compassion  and  charity  toward  us  in  this  miserable  con- 
dition, who  by  their  Royal  Bounties,  and  large  Donations,  and  the  exemplary  kind- 
nesses of  well  disposed  nobility.  Gentry,  and  others,  we,  and  our  poor  children 
have  been  preserved  from  perishing,  especially  since  our  arrival  in  this  happy  King- 
dom of  Great  Britain,  which  not  only  like  Canaan  abounds  with  all  things  neces- 
sary for  human  life,  but  also  with  a  religious  people,  who  has  freely  give  to  the 
distressed  for  Christ's  sake,  as  it  was  given  to  them  by  the  Almighty  Donor  of 
all  they  enjoy. 

Blessed  Land  and  happy  People!  Governed  by  the  nurseing  Mother  of  Europe 
and  the  best  of  Queens!  whose  unbounded  mercy  and  charity  has  received  us, 
despicable  strangers  from  afar  off,  into  her  own  Dominions,  where  we  have 
found  a  supply  of  all  Things  necessary  for  our  present  subsistance;  for  which  we 
bless  and  praise  Almighty  God,  the  Queen's  Most  excellent  Majesty,  and  all  her 
good  subjects  from  the  Highest  degree,  to  those  of  the  meanest  capacity,  and 
do  sincerely  and  faithfully  promise,  to  all  our  utmost  powers  for  the  future  to 
render  ourselves  thankful  to  God,  and  serviceable  to  her  Majesty,  and  all  her 
good  subjects  in  what  way  so  ever,  her  goodness  is  pleased  to  dispose  of  us,  and 
in  the  meantime  to  be  instant  in  our  prayers  that  God  would  return  the  charity 
of  well  disposed  people  a  thousand  fold  into  their  own  bosoms,  which  is  all  the 
requital  that  can  at  present  be  made  by  us  poor  distressed  Protestants  the 
Palatines." 

But  to  be  more  particular  in  the  case  of  these  poor  Protestants  misfortunes, 
I  gave  you  a  short  list  of  some  of  the  principal  places  from  whence  they  came; 
and  not  to  recapitulate  all  the  miseries  they  have  been  reduced  to  in  almost  100 
years  continual  war,  I  shall  only  show  you  how  those  principal  towns  above  men- 
tioned, from  whence  and  where  abouts  they  come  have  been  desolated  In  the 
late  wars. 

And  first  the  city  of  Spiers  where  the  imperial  Chamber  or  Souvereign  Court  of 
Judicature  for  the  Empire  is  kept,  was  taken  by  Gustavus  Adolphus  King  of 
Sweden,  who  demolished  its  fortifications  because  he  was  not  able  to  spare  a  suffi- 
cient garrison  for  its  defence.  There  was  many  stately  houses  and  churches  in 
this  city,  before  it  was  burned  down,  the  chief  of  which  was  the  Cathedral, 
beautif.v'd  with  four  towers.  The  citizens  have  rebuilt  part  of  it,  but  It  will  be 
long  before  it  can  recover  its  ancient  splendor.  This  destruction  forced  many  of 
the  Inhabitants  of  Spiers  to  take  up  their  dwellings  in  the  villages  there  about 
many  of  which  have  been  destroyed  in  the  succeeding  wars. 

The  city  of  Philipsburg,  reckoned  the  first  in  the  Palatinate,  has  been  taken  six 
times,  viz.,  in  1633  by  the  Swedes,  and  in  1636  by  the  Imperialists.  In  1644  by  the 
Duke  of  Engiun,  afterward  Prince  of  Conde,  by  the  Germans  in  1676,  and  by  the 
Dauphin  on  his  birthday  the  first  of  November  1688,  but  was  restored  to  the 
Empire  by  the  Treaty  of  Reswick.  The  present  French  King  being  in  possession 
of  this  town  by  the  treaty  of  Munster  in  1666,  caused  the  following  proud  in- 
scription to  be  writ  over  the  great  Gate  of  this  city: 

Teundis  Rheni  Fininbus, 

Ludovicus  XIV,  Francorum  et  Navarra  Rex  Christianissimus,  confecto  in  utraque 
Germania  bello;  restaurata  ubique  pax;  Munimentum  hoc  sui  virtutis  assertacque 
liberatis  Germanae  Monumentum  firmari  isthoc  aggere  Muroque  Regis  sumptibus 
exstructus  fult. 


1709 


1709 


1'784  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

Anno  1666. 

Perfecit  in  terrorum  hostium,  foede  ratorum  Praesidium  Silicorum  Subsidium, 
alterum  Galliae  cis  Rherman  propugnaculum  ac  Germanican  versus  Ostium,  inferius 
situ  non  robore. 

Quod  ille  claudit,  nemo  aperit,  idem  aperit  et  nemo  claudit. 

For  defending  the  countries  on  the  Rhine  Louis  the  XIV,  the  most  Christian 
King  of  France  and  Navarre,  having  finished  the  wars  in  both  Germanies  and  re- 
stored peace  everywhere,  caused  his  fortress  to  be  strengthened  with  ramparts,  and 
walls  at  his  owu  Royal  charge  as  a  monument  of  his  valour  and  of  the  recovery  of 
the  German  liberty. 

In  1666 

He  completed  it  for  the  terror  of  his  enemies,  the  support  of  his  allies,  and  a 
security  to  the  French,  being  the  second  bulwark  of  France  on  this  side  of  the 
Rhine,   and  a  Key  into  Germany,   the  lowest  in  situation,  but  not  in  strength. 

What  he  shuts,  no  man  opens;  and  what  he  opens  no  man  shuts. 

But  being  retaken  by  the  Imperialists  in  1676,  the  Emperor  ordered  that  in- 
scription to  be  razed  out,  and  one  in  direct  opposition  to  be  put  in  its  stead. 

This  city  suffered  much  in  the  Civil  wars  in  Germany,  but  most  by  the  barbarity 
of  the  French  1693,  who  destroyed  the  Prince's  stately  Palace,  the  churches,  and 
brutishly  ravished  women  of  the  best  quality  in  the  great  church,  who  fled  thither 
for  protection  when  the  French  took  it  by  the  treachery  or  cowardice  of  the  gov- 
ernor who  was  a  knight  of  the  Teutonic  order,  but  afterwards  justly  degraded  and 
branded  publicly  with  other  marks  of  ignomy  and  disgrace. 

The  city  of  Worms  is  reckoned  the  second  city  in  the  Palatinate.  Munsters 
says,  that  in  his  time,  two  hundred  cities,  great  towns  and  villages  lay  so  near 
Worms  that  they  could  bring  provision  thither,  and  return  home  the  same  night. 
All  which  places  suffered  much  likewise  in  the  civil  wars,  of  Germany,  but  most 
by  the  French  in  1603  when  they  burnt  down  the  stately  edifices  in  three  hours 
time,  as  had  been  the  work  of  years. 

The  Papists  are  numerous  here,  and  have  the  Cathedral  but  the  Magistrates 
and  most  of  the  Inhabitants,  are  Lutheran.  The  city  is  situated  in  a  very  fruitful 
country,  is  as  large  as  Frankfort,  but  ill  peopled  by  the  worse  neighborhood  of 
the  French,  who  have  so  ravaged  the  adjacent  country,  and  exercised  such 
Tyranny  over  the  Natives,  where  ever  they  came,  that  none  care  to  live  within 
their  reach,  no  more  than  to  be  slaves  in  Turkey. 

Manheim,  about  22  miles  from  Heydelbourg  near  the  conflux  of  the  Rhine,  and 
the  Necker,  was  fortify'd  by  the  last  elector  of  the  old  family,  with  several  out- 
works, and  two  citadels.  It  was  taken  by  the  French  in  1688,  who  being  forced 
to  abandon  it  the  next  year  destroyed  its  fortifications,  part  of  the  town,  and 
wasted  the  country  about  it.  Frankendale,  and  the  Vicinage  thereof  laying  on 
the  West  side  of  the  Rhine  underwent  a  worse  fate;  and  was  burnt  down  by  the 
French  in  the  year  1688,  and  the  country  about  it  depopulated. 

Openheim,  standing  upon  a  hill  on  the  banks  of  the  Rhine  about  twenty  two 
miles  from  Vrornis,  and  eleven  from  Neuty  was  destroyed  by  the  French  in  1693. 
It  would  be  an  endless  labour  Sir,  to  reckon  and  describe  all  the  particular  places 
in  the  Palatinate,  that  are  laid  waste,  and  therefore  I  shall  content  myself,  and 
I  hope  you,  and  many  others  to  say,  that  their  native  country  has  suffered  more 
during  the  late  and  present  war,  than  any  other,  by  the  frequent  invasions,  inroads, 
and  repeated  conquests  of  the  French,  which  Incendiaries  have  burnt  down  to  the 
ground  and  made  almost  a  desert  of  more  than  2000  of  their  greatest  cities,  and 
maiket  towns,  and  villages,  destroyed  their  vines,  and  in  many  places  rooted  them 
up,  with  design  to  make  so  fatal  a  waste  that  their  country  might  never  be  peopled 
or  inhabited  again. 

Vast  numbers  of  these  people  have  perished  in  the  woods  and  caves  among  wild 
beasts,    through   hunger,    cold   and   nakedness. 

These  poor  Refugees  are  the  survivors  of  them,  that  during  a  short  interval  of 
peace  had  built  up  a  few  cottages,  and  began  to  cultivate  their  desolated  country, 
in  hopes  of  some  means  of  subsistance;  but  by  reason  of  the  late  irruptions  of  the 
French  are  reduced  to  greater  extremities  than  before,  for  the  French  not  content 
with  their  former  cruelties,  have  again  ruined  their  country  and  beggar'd  the   in- 


OF  THE  State  of  ]N"ew  York.  1785 

habitants  by  carrying  away  ttieir  cattle,  robbing  them  of  the  fruits  of  their  labors, 
and  yet  continue  to  this  day  to  exact  vast  contributions  from  them.  To  which  if 
we  add  the  many  heavy  taxes  imposed  on  them  by  their  own  government  which 
strips  them  of  all  that  the  common  enemy  leaves  who  will  wonder,  that  seeing 
themselves  in  a  manner  famishing  and  starving,  destitute  of  all  conveniences  for 
human  Life,  that  they  should  throw  themselves  into  the  arms  of  Great  Britain's 
charity? 

Or  that  a  gracious  Queen,  Government  and  people,  professing  the  purest  and 
best  religion  in  the  universe  should  receive  and  subsist  these  poor  oppressed  and 
miserable  Protestants?  But  on  the  contrary,  should  rather  with  abhorrence  ad- 
vise, that  there  should  be  any  persons  living  amongst  us,  that  should  grudge  the 
national  charity  for  their  relief;  who  are  capable  of  being  made  a  blessing  and  an 
advantage  to  the  nation,  as  being  an  industrious  people,  or  that  any  miscreant 
should  rob  England  of  the  honor  and  glory  of  being  owned  the  Refuge  of  the  Dis- 
tressed; which  blessed  be  God,  will  appear  to  be  beyond  example.  Sir,  in  answer- 
ing your  next  enquiry  viz.  How  these  Refugees  were  taken  care  of  and  subsisted 
at  their  first  arrival  in  this  happy  country? 

Her  Majesty  being  informed  of  the  miserable  condition  of  these  people,  was  at 
the  whole  charge  of  transporting  them  into  her  own  Dominions,  and  took  particular 
care  for  their  subsistance;  but  their  number  being  like  to  increase,  and  it  must 
necessarily  take  some  time  for  appointing  and  settling  the  distribution  of  her 
Majesty's  charity  for  their  daily  relief,  a  certain  number  of  well  disposed  gentle- 
men. Divines,  Physicians,  Merchants  and  others,  whose  names  and  character 
I  have  no  authority  to  publish  and  whose  indefatigable  pains  and  unexampled 
charities,  nothing  less  than  Heaven  can  recompense,  voluntarily  and  without  any 
invitation  or  motive,  but  their  own  pious  inclinations  obliged  them  to  it;  1.  Be- 
cause the  Palatines  were  in  great  distress,  2.  Because  they  were  strangers,  and  3. 
Because  it  was  not  known  that  the  government  or  any  else  provided  for  them. 

In  which  good  otHces  they  labored  abundantly  and  effectually,  from  about  the 
middle  of  May  till  the  2nd  of  July,  at  which  time  Commissioners  were  appointed 
by  her  Majesty's  Letters  Patent  to  take  care  of  them  and  receive  proposals  for  the 
disposal  of  'em,  whereof  all  these  private  Gentlemen  aforesaid,  are  of  the  number. 

In  order  to  make  provision  for  these  distressed  people,  when  these  Gentlemen 
acted  in  a  private  capacity,  they  first  met  in  a  room  in  the  Temple  Change  Coffee 
House,  and  afterward  at  a  Gentlemen's  Chambers  in  the  Queen's  Bench  Walks 
in  the  Temple,  where  they  erected  themselves  Into  a  charitable  society,  elected 
a  chairman,  and  came  to  such  resolutions,  as  were  thought  most  expedient  for 
the  subsistance  of  the  Palatines. 

To  which  end  they  chose  two  agents  to  attend  these  people  de  die  in  dien, 
to  inform  themselves,  and  then  the  Gentlemen  of  their  several  conditions,  and 
to  distribute  the  private  charities  in  such  proportions,  as  they  saw  convenient  till 
places  might  be  found  to  lodge  them  in,  without  any  trouble  to  the  Inhabitants, 
and  besides  these  particulars  by  their  interest  with  the  Nobility,  Gentry.  Mer- 
chants, and  others,  they  procured  as  much  private  charity  from  several  hands 
during  the  short  time  of  their  acting  as  private  gentlemen  as  amounted  to  between 
seven  and  eight  hundred  Pounds. 

Many  of  which  benefactors,  in  obedience  to  their  Evang.  precept,  of  not  letting 
the  left  hand  know  what  the  right  hand  does,  in  this  kind,  concealed  their  names 
from  this  charitable  Society,  though  the  Gentlemen  never  omitted  returning  their 
hearty  thanks  to  the  Benefactors  of  the  persons  that  brought  it. 

The  private  charities  thus  collected,  these  Gentlemen  ordered  to  be  put  into 
the  hands  of  a  goldsmith,  which  was  employed  for  the  subsistance  of  the  Dis- 
tressed; and  whereas  several  of  them,  at  their  first  coming,  were  in  great  want, 
all  imaginable  care  and  speed  was  used  to  procure  them  lodging  by  their  agents, 
the  number  of  whom  they  increased  with  the  number  of  the  Palatines,  to  whom 
they  allowed  and  pay'd  twelve  shillings  per  week,  for  their  pains  and  subsistance, 
besides  other  necessary  charges  and  expenses  in  the  service  of  the  necessitous 
Palatines. 

About  this  time,  viz.  May  23,  1709,  there  was  an  estimate  procured  that  the  num- 
ber of  the  Palatines  was  825  men,  women  and  children  residing  about  the  Tower. 
S.  Catharine's  Tower  Ditch,  Wapping  Nightengale  Lane,  Bast  Smithfleld,  and  places 


1709 


1709 


1786  Ecclesiastical  Records 

adjacent,  whereupon  it  was  agreed  by  the  Gentlemen  to  thin  the  number  by  hireing 
some  cheap  Houses  and  Barns  out  of  the  Town;  which  was  done  accordingly,  and 
they  were  lodged  in  Barns  and  Houses  hired  at  Kensington,  Walworth,  Stockwell, 
Bristol  Cansey  and  Cumberwell,  and  as  the  number  of  the  Palatines  increased  so 
did  the  care  of  these  Gentlemen  in  providing  more  Barns  and  Houses  for  them,  in 
her  Majesty's  Rope  Tark  at  Depford  in  the  upper  rooms  of  the  Red  House  in 
the  same  place,  which  the  Queen  hired,  and  were  then  vacant,  with  the  loan  of 
a  thousand  tents  from  her  Majesty  for  their  reception  on  Blacfe  Heath,  Green- 
wich and  Camberwell  where  a  Gentleman  of  that  place  gave  a  ground  to  set  them 
up  in. 

Nor  did  the  care  of  these  Gentlemen  terminate  in  lodging  them,  but  they  also 
supply'd  them  with  great  quantities  of  Bread,  Cheese,  Milk,  and  Small  Beer  with 
Straw  to  lie  on.  Blankets  and  coverlids,  and  as  many  combs  as  cost  twelve  pounds. 

They  also  took,  when  any  of  the  Palatines  were  sick  to  provide  necessaries  fit 
for  them  in  such  a  condition,  and  a  learned  and  Charitable  Physician  of  their  own 
number,  took  the  pains  to  visit  them,  and  supplied  them  with  physical  Medica- 
ments at  his  own  expense,  as  well  as  in  leaving  a  Chirurgeon  tjehind  him,  to  ad- 
minister them  according  to  his  direction. 

But  all  these  being  corporal  charities  these  Gentlemen  ceased  not  here,  but  also 
made  provision   for  spiritual  food  for  their  souls,   and   to  that  pious   end  agreed 

with  Mr.  Sc r  to  read  prayers  to  the  Palatines  every  day,  for  which  he  was 

to  be  allowed  the  charge  of  his  coach  hire,  the  Clerk  of  the  Prussian  Chapel,  was 
to  assist  at  Divine  service  and  to  be  considered  for  his  pains. 

To  further  improve  their  knowledge  in  the  word  of  God,  these  Gentlemen  desired 
one  of  their  number  to  write  to  his  correspondent  at  Hamburg  to  buy  and  send 
over  a  thousand  High  Dutch  New  Testaments,  and  the  Psalms  in  Prose,  in  Quires 
in  the  Long  Primer  for  the  use  of  the  Palatines,  and  ordered  that  sixty  pounds 
should  be  reserved  to  pay  for  them. 

Lastly  they  agreed  that  it  should  be  taken  into  consideration,  how  to  form  a  pro- 
posal to  the  government  for  applying  the  Queen's  allowance  to  support  five  hundred 
Palatine  children  from  the  age  of  six  to  twelve  at  a  charity  school,  in  order  to 
be  instructed  to  write  and  read  English,  to  be  taught  their  catechism,  to  cast  ac- 
counts, and  to  work  on  the  Linnen  Manufactures  etc. 

And  now  these  private  Gentlemen  having  voluntarily  done  all  these  great  and 
charitable  offices  for  the  Palatines,  they  put  an  end  to  their  meeting  in  the  Temple, 
and  the  Trustees  appointed  by  her  Majesty  to  distribute  the  money  collected  for 
the  Palatines,  met  the  first  time,  viz.  July  2nd  at  the  new  buildings,  joining  to  the 
Banquetting  house,  and  adjourned  themselves  to  the  next  Wednesday  morning 
at  St.  Paul's  Chapter  House. 

Your  last  demand  Is  Sir,  how  they  have  been  provided  for,  since,  and  how  they 
are  to  be  disposed  of  for  the  future?    To  which  I  answer: 

That  the  Queen's  great  charity  has,  ever  since  the  first  arrival  of  the  Paiatiaes 
been  the  principal  fund  for  their  subsistance,  the  other  charities  though  they  did 
abundance  of  good,  as  an  additional  relief,  by  the  prudent  management  of  the 
gentlemen,  yet  they  were  but  precarious,  and  not  to  be  rely'd  upon,  so  that  her 
Majesty's  charge,  by  the  increase  of  these  foreigners  was  raised  from  sixteen 
pounds  to  one  hundred  pounds  a  day  afterward,  which  was  distributed  by  the 
two  German  Divines  (that  only  had  authority  to  dispose  of  it)  in  this  proportion 
viz.,  to  each  man,  and  each  woman  above  twenty  years  of  age,  five  pence.  To 
those  under  twenty  and  above  ten,  four  pence.  To  those  under  ten  years  of  age 
three  pence  per  diem,  which  was  pay'd  every  Tuesday  and  Friday,  besides  one 
pound  of  bread  per  diem  to  each  of  'em;  but  these  being  only  two  gentlemen,  as 
has  already  been  said  that  had  authority  to  receive  and  dispose  of  the  Queen's 
charity,  to  whom  it  grew  a  greater  burden  than  they  were  able  to  bear,  it  was 
thought  convenient  by  the  ministry  to  put  the  care  of  the  Palatines  under  a  due 
regulation,  by  authorizing  a  number  of  persons  fittl.y  qualified  to  enquire  into  their 
Btate  and  the  properest  measure  for  their  relief  and  settlement:  whereupon  her 
Majesty  was  graciously  pleased  to  appoint  Commissioners  and  Trustees,  by  her 
Letters  Patents  under  the  great  Seal,  for  collecting,  receiving  and  disposing  of  the 
money  to  be  collected  for  the  subsistance  and  settlement  of  the  poor  Palatines, 
who  upon  July  6th  1709  gave  public  notice  in  the  Gazette  that  they  would  meet 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1787 

in  a  general  Meeting  in  tlie  chapter  liouse  of  St  Pauls,  on  every  Wednesday  at 
four  of  the  clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  that  in  order  to  receive  proposals  for  em- 
ploying and  settling  the  said  Palatines,  and  to  prepare  business  for  the  said  gen- 
eral meeting,  they  would  meet  as  a  Committee  in  the  new  buildings  adjoining  to 
the  Banquetting  House  in  Whitehall,  on  every  Tuesday,  Thursday  and  Saturday 
at  four  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  that  they  would  also  meet  as  a  Com- 
mitee  in  the  Council  Chamber  in  Guild  Hall,  Ix)ndon  on  every  Monday  and  Friday 
at  four  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  on  every  Wednesday  at  ten  of  the  Clock 
in  the  morning,  the  first  of  the  said  meetings  to  be  on  Friday  following. 

"VIII.     The  Persons  appointed  Commissioners  and  Trustees  by  the  said  Letters 
Patents  were: 

The  Lord  Archbishop  of  Canterbury 

Lord  High  Chancellor  of  Great  Britain 

Lord  High  Treasurer  of  Great  Britain 

John,   Lord   Somers,    Lord   President  of  the   Council 

John,  Duke  of  Newcastle  Lord  Privy  Seal 

William,   Duke  of  Devonshire   Steward  of  the  household 

Charles,    Duke  of   Somerset  Master  of   the  Horse 

James,  Duke  of  Orumond 

Nriothesly,  Duke  of  Bedford 

John,  Duke  of  Buckingham   and  Normandy 

James,   Duke  of  Queensbury  and  Dover,   Secretary  of  State 

Henry,  Marquis  of  Kent  Chamberlain  of  the  household 

Evelyn,    Marquis    of    Dorchester 

William,  Lord  Dartmouth 

Charles,    Lord   Halifax 

The  Right  Honorable  Mr.   Secretary   Bayle 

James  "Vernon,   Esq. 

Lord  Chief  Justice  Holt  "  ' 

Sir  John  Trevoor,   Master  of  the  Rolls 

Lord  Chief  Justice  Trevor 

Sir  Charles  Hedge 

John   Smith,   Esq.,    Chancellor  of  the   Exchequer 

Sir  James  Montague.   Attorney   General 

Lord    Mayor   Alderman 

Recorder  and   Sheriff  of  the  city   of  London 

The   Honorable   Spencer   Compton,    Esq. 

Sir  Matthew  Dudley 

The  Honorable   George  Watson,   Esq. 

Sir  John  Bucknall 

Thomas  Earl  of  Pembrook  and  Montgomery,  Lord  High  Admiral  of  Great  Britain. 

James,  Earl  of  Derby 

Thomas,  Earl  of  Hanford 

Charles,   Earl  of  Sunderland.   Secretary  of  State 

Lawrence,    Earl  of   Rochester 

Henry,  Lord  Bishop  of  London 

Thomas,  Lord  Bishop  of  Rochester 

Jonathan,  Lord  Bishop  of  Winchester 

John,  Lord  Bishop  of  Ely 

William.   Lord  Bishop  of  Lincoln 

Dr.  White   Kermet,    Dean  of   Peterborough 

Dr.  Godolphin,   Dean  of  St  Paul 

Dr.  Thomas  Mannisigham,    Dean  of  Winsor 

Dr.  Thomas    Bray 

Dr.  George    Snealtridge 

Dr.  Moss 

Dr.  Bradford 

Dr.  Butler 

Dr.  Sinford 

Dr.  Pelling 


1709 


1709 


1788  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds  ' 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Clark 

Comi-adeus    Wornley 

Urich   Sekerer 

John   Trlbekko,    clerk 

Andrew  Ruparty,   clerk 

Samuel  Travers,   Esq.,    Surveyor   General 

John  Plummer 

John  Shute  ■'  _  >  ' 

Joseph  Offley  ,  ,1 

Richard  Walaston  .      ,_  , 

David   Haysteter  r  "  ,  :' 

John    Ward  '      ■ 

Henry  Cornish 

Sir  John  Stanley 

Sir  Henry  Furnace 

Sir  John  Philips,  Bart. 

Sir  Ale^  Carru,   Bart. 

Sir  Theodore  Jansen  ^    " 

Sir  James  Collett  •  '  '  ' 

Sir  Edmund  Harrison 

Sir  William   Seawere,   Knight 

Sir  John  Ehvill,  Knight 

Dr.  Willis,  Dean  of  Lincoln 

John   Dolbon 

Richard    Morten 

Arthur   Bailey 

Micaiga   Perry  , 

Henry  Martin  i       * 

William  Dudley 

George  Tounsend  •  >  -  ' 

Thomas  Railton 

Ralph   Bucknal  ■        , 

John  Chamberlayne 

William  Davidson,  Esq. 

Francis  Eyles,  Esq. 

Frederick  Slave,  Doctor  of  Phegoric 

James  Keith,  Doctor  of  Physic  ■    , 

Thomas   Smith,   Esq.  .      , 

Robert  Halles 

Henry  William  Ludolph  ,  '  .  '      ' 

Robert  de  Newillie  ^ 

Peter  Foy 

William  Falkener 

Henry  Hoar 

Walter  Cock  and  Jonathan  James,  Gentlemen  ^ 

Nathaniel  Gould 

Justice  Eeek 

Before  and  since  the  granting  of  this  Commission  Sir,  several  proposals  have 
been  made  for  the  disposing  and  settling  of  these  poor  Palatines,  vphich  I  transmit 
to  your  perusal  and  consideration,  with  such  answers,  exceptions,  and  observation, 
as  have  been  made  upon  them  to  the  Intent,  that  if  you,  or  any  Gentleman  of  your 
acquaintance,  can  assist  in  any  of  the  Methods  that  are  or  hereafter  shall  be 
taken  for  employing  and  settling  'em,  you  might  communicate  your  charitable 
resolutions  to  the  Commissioners,  who  will  kindly  accept  any  important  offer  to 
that  good  end   and  purpose. 

Now  of  all  the  schemes  that  have  been  projected  for  the  settlement  of  the 
Palatines,  none  have  been  received  with  more  universal  disdain  than  that  of  Rya 
de  la  Plata  for  the  merchants  and  owners  of  ships  having  been  consulted,  they 
would  not  undertake  for  their  passage  thither  under  ten  pounds  a  head,  and  they 
computed  that  more  than  half  the  sum  would  be  necessary  to  buy  provisions  for 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1Y89 

their  subsistance  there,  till  they  shall  be  able  to  shift  for  themselves  upon  the 
place.  To  this  must  be  added  the  convoy  of  men  of  war  to  attend  them,  and  a  regi- 
ment to  secure  them  in  their  new  settlement:  and  then  allowing  them  10,000  persons 
(which  is  the  number  I  go  upon)  the  whole  charge  will  very  much  exceed  the  sum 
of  200,000  pounds.  It  is  very  likely  also  that  more  than  half  the  number  of  the 
poor  people  would  die  in  their  very  passage,  which  would  be  a  general  discourage- 
ment to  foreign  Protestants,  to  come  hither,  and  the  most  effectual  repeal  of  the 
Act  of  Naturalization. 

And  if  they  should  gain  a  settlement,  which  is  doubtful,  what  assurance  can 
we  have,  that  a  colony  of  all  strangers  will  continue  in  a  state  of  dependency  upon 
Great  Britain  even  though  they  should  find  the  Golden  Mines,  for  which  they  are 
sent,  so  long  a  voyage,  we,  may  be  poor  as  Spaniards  with  the  Dominion  of  all 
those  Treasures,  which  possibly  will  drain  our  country  of  people  in  quest  of  im- 
aginary Riches,  while  our  Trade  and  Manufactures  at  home  shall  be  neglected,  by 
which  now,  we  have  our  shares  of  the  mines. 

If  this  should  be  the  case,  the  treasures  which  we  shall  import  from  this  country, 
mviSt  go  out  again  to  purchase  conveniences  of  life  from  our  neighbors,  who  will 
rather  choose  still  to  depend  upon  their  trade  and  manufactures. 

Nor  is  it  likely,  that  any  charities  will  be  contributed,  toward  the  charge  of  this 
ex)iediti(ju.  either  by  the  people,  who  are  not  pleased  by  the  Palatines  coming 
hither,  or  by  those  who  shall  be  displeased  with  their  being  sent  away. 

The  latter  will  murmur  at  the  destruction  of  so  many  Protestant  Refugees,  and 
at  the  blasting  the  fruits  which  they  expected  from  the  Naturalization  Act;  and 
the  former  will  be  sure  to  fall  in  to  aggravate  their  complaints,  as  they  will  be 
glad  of  every  occasion  to  quarrel  with  the  ministry.  So  upon  the  whole  matter, 
the  entire  charge  of  this  expedition  will  be  left  upon  the  Queen,  who,  at  the 
price  of  200,000  pounds  will  be  able  to  purchase  nothing,  but  the  discontent  of 
her  people. 

Another  project  has  been  mentioned,  for  sending  the  poor  Palatines  to  the 
Canary  Islands  to  make  these  same  new  acquisitions  for  Great  Britain,  but  whether 
the  project  is  to  settle  them  in  some  uninhabited  Islands  there  or  to  give  'em  a 
share  in  some  Islands  already  peopled  by  Spaniards,  or  whether  the  old  inhabitants 
of  Palm  Island,  or  some  other,  are  to  turn  out,  to  make  room  for  these  New 
Masters?  Which  so  ever  of  these  things  is  intended,  when  the  Transports  for  so 
great  a  body  of  people,  the  provisions  to  enable  them  to  begin  their  settlement, 
the  convoy  to  attend  'em,  the  soldiers  to  secure  them,  shall  be  all  pay'd  it  will 
perhaps  appear  that  all  this  charge  does  not  fall  short  of  the  price  of  the  former 
expedition.  It  will  be  considered  too,  whether  at  the  peace,  this  place  is  not  to  be 
restored  to  Spain,  by  which  all  the  charge  is  to  be  lost,  or  whether  by  stipulation 
with  the  house  of  Austria,  we  may  retain  it,  as  well  as  what  we  shall  acquire  of 
the  Spanish  West  Indies?  It  will  be  next  considered  what  we  shall  gain  by  this 
acquisition,  if  we  have  already  almost  the  whole  trade  of  the  Canaries,  for  then 
Wi^  shall  gain  no  more  by  the  Queen's  Dominions  over  the  people  there,  than  if 
they  shall  remain  subjects  of  another  prince.  Besides  the  Arguments  of  our  want 
of  assurance,  that  a  colony  of  all  foreigners  will  continue  dependent  upon  Great 
Britain  will  be  the  very  same  in  this,  as  in  the  case  of  Rya  de  la  Plata. 

And  if  no  private  persons  will  be  able  to  find  their  account,  so  as  to  become 
Adventurers  in  this  expedition,  the  whole  charge  of  the  above  100,000  pounds  will 
be  left  upon  the  Queen  to  purchase  no  profit  to  her  people  Besides  whether  they 
are  to  share  an  Island  with  the  Spaniards,  or  to  possess  a  separate  Island  to 
themselves,  they  will  still  be  too  near  the  Spaniards,  and  their  inquisitions  without 
a  perpetual  force  of  disciplined  soldiers  for  their  security. 

And  this  chr.rge  is  endless,  it  is  not  easy  to  forsee  how  it  will  be  resented  by 
a  British  Parliament,  and  whether  it  will  not  be  thought  a  pretence  to  put  the 
Kingdom  to  the  charge  of  a  standing  force  in  a  time  of  peace. 

Carolina,  Pennsylvania,  the  Jerseys,  New  York  and  New  England,  have  also 
been  proposed  against  which  it  has  been  objected,  that  the  Queen's  subjects  of 
Great  Britain  profit  very  little  by  the  increase  of  those  places,  which  take  off  very 
few  of  our  Manufactories  and  make  no  very  valuable  returns;  for  they  are  chiefly 
furnished  with   Manufactories   within   themselves,   have   little  commerce   with,   and 


1709 


1709 


1790  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

are  consequently  less  dependent  upon  Great  Britain;  and  as  they  shall  increase  in 
people,  they  will  still  increase  in  Manufactories;  and  become  still  more  inde- 
pendent; and  perhaps  it  is  feared  that  in  time,  they  will  serve  our  sugar  and 
Tobacco  Plantations  with  most  of  those  goods  which  are  now  brought  from  Great 
Britain. 

The  Natives  of  Great  Britain  are  those  descended  of  natives,  who  when  they 
have  gained  estates,  do  sometimes  transplant  themselves  thilher,  with  their  effects, 
which  add  at  last  to  the  riches  of  the  Kingdom. 

But  these  foreigners  will  be  attached  to  us  by  no  such  natural  affection;  they 
will  consider  that,  as  their  native  country  where  they  shall  have  a  settlement; 
they  will  soon  forget  both  ours,  and  their  own,  and  we  shall  have  lost  forever  all 
hopes  of  future  benefit  by  them  or  their  estates. 

To  send  them  to  Virginia  or  Maryland  is  thought  still  worse  in  the  present  con- 
dition of  those  countries;  the  business  of  those  places  is  already  overdone,  aud  the 
prices  of  Tobacco  are  so  very  low  in  Europe,  that  they  are  now  unable  with  the 
exchanges  of  Tobacco  wliich  are  imported  hither  to  purchase  the  Manufactures 
with  which  we  used  to  serve  them;  so  that  they  begin  to  make  manufactures  for 
themselves;  and  if  they  build  towns  and  succeed  in  it,  we  are  in  a  fair  way  of 
losing  a  trade  that  has  employed  three  or  four  hundred  of  our  ships  brought  an 
annual  Revenue  of  three  or  four  hundred  thousand  pounds  to  the  Crown,  and  em- 
ployed vast  numbers  of  our  people. 

I  cannot  find  by  the  best  enquiry  I  could  make,  any  place  that  remains  out  of 
Great  Britain,  which  has  not  been  mentioned  for  the  settlement  of  the  Palatines 
except  Jamaica,  and  the  Sugar  Plantations.  And  of  these  it  must  be  confessed 
that  they  employ  vast  numbers  of  our  people  to  work  for  the  consumption  of  those 
countries,  employ  great  numbers  of  our  ships,  breed  great  numbers  of  sea-men,  and 
are  a  very  great  support  to  our  naval  power.  The  returns  of  their  goods  raise  a 
great  annual  Revenue  to  the  crown,  and  the  riches  of  the  Kingdom,  and  the  in- 
habitants of  those  countries  are  so  linked  with  Great  Britain,  by  Commerce,  Inter- 
marriages, and  the  stocks  which  the.v  keep  here  at  interest  that  they  will  always 
be  restrained,  both  bj'  interest  and  affection  from  the  throwing  off  their  dependency 
upon  us,  and  submitting  to  any  other  power.  And  even  these  Palatines,  if  they 
should  be  transplanted  thither,  will  increase  the  before  mentioned  advantages  to 
this  Kingdom  in  proportion  to  their  numbers,  and  will  for  the  same  reasons  become 
true  Britains  in  one  or  two  generations.  Carpenters,  Smiths,  Masons  and  gener- 
ally all  sorts  of  handicraft  are  very  much  wanted,  and  very  dearly  hired  in  those 
places. 

If  such  of  the  Palatines  as  are  skilled  in  these  employments  will  be  willing  to 
undertake  this  voyage  together,  with  their  families,  if  merchants  will  for  two  or 
three  years  profit  of  their  service  undertake  for  their  passage,  and  stipulate  to 
make  allowance  to  'em  of  so  much  wages  and  subsistance  for  that  time:  if  also 
BufBcient  lands  shall  be  alloted  to  them,  when  they  are  to  set  up  for  themselves 
the  Queen,  and  her  subjects  of  Great  Britain  will  not  lose  the  whole  profit  of  their 
labors  there,  since  whatsoever  is  more  than  necessary  for  their  own  subsistance 
will  return  to  this  Kingdom. 

Besides  that  an  increase  of  people  would  contribute  to  the  security  of  those 
places  especially  Jamaica,  which  at  present  may  be  thought  too  insecure  with  so 
small  a  number  of  hands  upon  that  island,  to  defend  a  place  of  that  vast  extent 
and  consequence. 

But  for  the  whole  body  of  the  Refugees  it  is  thought  (even  by  men  interested 
for  their  being  sent  thither)  that  this  voyage  will  be  as  fatal  to  them,  as  that  of 
Rya  de  la  Plata,  and  100,000  pounds  charge  to  the  Queen,  while  the  natives  lose 
the  benefit  of  their  labor  at  home. 

The  foregoing  methods  for  disposing  of  them,  being  liable  to  so  many  exceptions, 
I  come  to  the  last,  which  is  thought  to  be  very  feasible,  satisfactory  to  the  people, 
honorable  to  the  Queen,  beneficial  to  the  nation,  least  expensive,  and  may  imme- 
diately be  put  in  execution,  that  is  to  say,  giving  them,  or  settling  them  in  houses 
without  land,  and  employing  them  so  as  to  maintain  themselves.  To  do  which.  It 
has  been  proposed  for  settling  them. 

That  since  it  is  said,  there  is  no  Manor  or  parish,  of  which  the  Crown  is  the 
Bole  Lord,  and  proprietor  of  the  soil  exclusive  of  freeholder  and  Commoners,   who 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1791 

may  pretend  danger  of  charge  from  the  poor  or  lessening  their  common  if  these 
foreigners  should  be  settled  therein. 

1.  That  there  be  purchased  some  entire  (though  small)  Manor  and  parish  in  which 
there  are  no  Freeholders  or  Commoners,  near  a  River  navigable  already  or  capable 
of  being  made  so,  and  near  materials  for  building. 

2.  That  the  lands  of  this  Manor  (except  100  acres  to  build  the  huts  and  houses  on 
with  yards,  gardens,  etc.)  may  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  recent  tenants,  who  will 
be  glad  of  such  a  neighborhood  to  sell  the  produce  thereof  to. 

3.  That  the  rents  thereof  which  must  necessarily  every  year  greatly  increase 
may  remain  in  the  crown  or  in  the  trustees. 

4.  That  the  100  acres  be  laid  out  in  a  regular  form,  such  as  it  is  possible  may 
hereafter  become  a  beautiful  town,  on  which  a  sufficient  number  of  huts  or  houses 
capable  at  present  only  of  defending  the  Inhabitants  from  the  injuries  of  the 
weather  be  built,  which  in  time,  as  they  grow  able,  will  be  turned  into  good 
buildings;  these  they  should  hold  of  the  crown  or  Trustees  for  —  years,  at  a  Pepper- 
Corn  per  annum  each  house,  and  afterward  at  a  reasonable  rent,  as  a  recompence 
for  the  Land  they  stand  on,  and  the  charge  of  building  them  etc. 

For  employing  them,  it  was  likewise  proposed  and  thought  convenient  that 
instead  of  giving  daily  so  much  to  each  person  or  family  to  maintain  them  in 
idleness,  as  at  present;  that  all  the  laborers,  many  of  the  handicrafts  men,  such 
as  Carpenters,  Masons,  Bricklayers  etc.  together  with  many  of  the  women  and 
children  as  are  capable,  be  immediately  employed  in  building  the  huts  or  houses, 
and  pay'd  them  reasonable  wages. 

These  with  the  money  thus  earned,  will  employ  and  pay  the  other  handicrafts, 
such  as  shoe  makers,  taylors  etc.  for  their  necessaries,  By  which  means,  the 
very  first  moment  they  were  employed,  almost  the  whole  charge  of  maintenance 
would  be  taken  off,  a  town  built  against  winters,  and  the  danger  of  an  ill  habit 
of  idleness,  besides  other  inconveniences  be  prevented. 

2nd  That  after  their  huts  or  houses  are  built  when  such  as  will  be  either 
employed  in  the  handicraft,  necessary  labor,  household  cares,  old  people  and  small 
children  be  deducted,  to  be  employed  in  the  Woolen  and  Linnen  Manufactures, 
which  is  thought  most  feasible,  not  excluding  others,  because  those  employments 
are  soonest  learned,  and  possibly  the  most  beneficial  to  the  Nation,  for  a  child  of 
six  years  old  or  under  will  in  two  months  time  earn  its  living,  and  old  people, 
past  almost  any  other  labor,  may  at  these  works  earn  a  good  livelihood. 

So  that  the  money  in  building  the  huts  or  houses  and  materials  to  set  them  on, 
work  will  be  so  far  from  being  lost  or  sunk,  that  in  all  probability  it  will  produce 
a  considerable  profit  for  the  money  so  laid  out. 

So  that  upon  mature  consideration  of  the  whole,  as  far  as  I  can  learn,  the 
Lords  Commissioners,  and  others,  seem  resolved  to  employ  these  poor  Palatines 
in  her  Majesty's  own  Dominions  and  in  the  service  of  the  Nation,  by  Land  and 
Sea. 

In  order  thereunto. 

The  Right  Honorable,  the  Lord  Lieutenant  and  Council  of  Ireland,  having  in 
an  humble  Address  to  her  Majesty  requested  that  as  many  of  the  Poor  Palatines 
as  her  Majesty  shall  think  fit,  may  be  settled  in  that  Kingdom,  and  given 
assurance  that  they  shall  be  very  kindly  received  and  advantageously  settled 
there;  and  that  Address  having  been  laid  before  the  Right  Honorable,  the  Lords 
and  others  her  Majesty's  Commissioners  for  receiving  and  disposing  of  the  money 
to  be  collected  for  the  subsistance  and  settlement  of  the  said  Palatines,  the  Com- 
missioners have  resolved  that  500  families  of  the  said  Palatines  be  forthwith  sent 
into  that  Kingdom  and  referred  it  to  their  Committee  to  settle  the  manner,  and 
time  of  sending  them  thither.  Some  of  whom  are  already  on  their  journey  thither- 
ward. 

I  am  also  credibly  informed  that  John  Marshall,  Esq.,  Master  of  the  Rolls  of 
the  County  Palatine  of  Tiperary  in  Ireland,  will  take  near  1000  more  of  the  poor 
Palatines  in  order  to  settle  them  on  his  land  and  will  build  houses,  and  provide 
accommodations  for  them,  so  that  in  all  probability  there  are  more  than  3000  of 
them  provided  for  already  in  Ireland  where  no  doubt  but  many  others  will  follow 
their  example. 


1709 


1709 


1792  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Aud  that  the  Sea  as  well  as  the  Land  may  be  recruited  with  this  accession  of 
foreigners,  the  Commissioners  have  given  public  notice,  that  all  Masters  of  Ships, 
or  any  other  persons,  are  at  full  liberty  to  employ  in  their  service  any  of  the 
Palatines  that  are  willing  to  serve  them,  and  that  any  person  who  is  willing  to 
employ  any  of  them,  may  apply  himself  to  Mr.  Carter  at  Morris's  Booth  on  Black 
Heath. 

And  because  some  doubts  and  fears  have  arose  about  their  settlement,  as  if 
they  might  be  chargeable  to  the  parishes  hereafter,  the  Commissioners  gave 
public  notice  in  the  Gazette  August  6th  that  for  the  encouragement  of  persons 
and  parishes  to  receive  and  employ  the  Palatines  during  the  time  of  harvest,  or 
otherwise,  care  shall  be  taken  to  provide  a  fund  for  the  maintenance  of  such  of 
them,  as  shall  by  sicliness  or  other  accident  be  rendered  incapable  of  getting  their 
living  by  their  labor,  and  for  the  securing  such  parishes,  as  shall  receive  any  of 
them,  that  they  shall  not  become  a  burden  or  charge  to  such  parishes  by  their 
being  employed  or  settled  there.  Which  in  many  wise  mens  opinions,  Sir, 
answering  all  objections,  against  entertaining  and  employing  them  in  all  parts  of 
Great  Britain. 

On  that  part  of  Great  Britain  called  England,  let  it  suffice  to  say  that  some 
families  of  them,  and  some  single  persons  have  been  taken  by  Lords  and  Gentle- 
men in  divers  countries  for  Harvest  Work,  and  Gardners,  for  men  and  maid 
servants,  and  that  one  Gentleman  in  Staffordshire  has  offered  to  take  a  con- 
siderable number  of  'em  to  build  houses  for  them  at  six  pounds  a  house,  and  to 
provide  all  necessary  accommodations  for  'em  a'  la  Palatine.  Two  of  the  Com- 
missioners are  gone  into  Staffordshire  to  treat  with  the  aforesaid  gentlemen  about 
the  premises. 

Other  generous  offers  are  daily  made  by  gentlemen  for  their  relief  and  employ- 
ment in  which  number  Sir,  I  hope  to  find  your  name  speedily,  and  others  your 
neighboring  gentlemen,  by  your  example;  which  on  all  good  occasions  have  hitherto 
influenced  them  to  act  like  themselves  And  have  Sir,  I  thought  to  put  an  end  to 
the  trouble  I  have  given  you  in  a  long  letter,  but  that  I  find,  now  the  nation  are 
exercising  their  charity  in  order  to  provide  for  them,  some  malicious  and  ill 
natured  people  are  still  endeavoring  to  raise  ill  reports  and  to  slander,  and  attack 
the  good  name  of  the  poor  Palatines,  that  have  nothing  else  left  'em  in  the  world 
to  render  them  objects  of  Christian  Compassion;  but  such  diligent  observation 
has  been  made  by  superior  order,  in  relation  to  their  l)ehaviour,  since  they 
came  among  us,  as  stops  the  mouth  of  calumny,  and  truly  represents  them  a 
sober,  temperate,  modest,  courteous,  industrious,  and  honest  people,  without  the 
least  symptom  of  immorality,  debauchery,  or  prophaneness;  cheerful  in  their 
calamitous  condition,  grateful  in  the  sense  of  what  has  been  done  for  them,  and 
in  all  things  demean  themselves  without  giving  offence  or  injuring  anybody;  for 
though  they  are  encamped  in  two  camps,  on  Black-heath  and  at  Cambervill,  where 
they  are  at  perfect  liberty  to  go  where  they  please  in  the  country  round  about, 
yet  after  a  strict  enquiry  made  by  proper  officers  appointed  for  that  purpose,  no 
complaints  of  any  wrong  done  has  been  brought  against  them. 

Xor  Sir,  are  hard  words,  and  malicious  censures  from  some  ill  natured  people 
of  our  own,  the  only  artifice  that  has  been  employed  to  wound  the  reputation 
of  the  Palatines,  but  a  shaft  flying  from  abroad  has  been  levelled  at  them  for 
the  same  purpose,  and  though  I  cannot  approve  of  the  publication  of  the  instru- 
ment at  this  juncture,  yet  the  Gentleman  having  attoned  for  that  supposed 
transgression  by  his  ingenious  reflexions  upon  it,  I  have  communicated  both  the 
Instrument,  and  the  Answer  to  you  for  a  conclusion. 

The  Instrument  is  entitled,  "A  translation  from  the  High  Dutch  of  a  Declaration 
made  (by  Direction  from  the  Elector  Palatine)  by  the  Protestant  Consistory  in  the 
Palatinate." 

Whereas  it  has  been  signified  to  the  Reformed  Consistory  in  the  Palatinate  that 
several  of  the  Families,  who  are  gone  down  the  Rhine  to  proceed  to  Pennsylvania, 
to  settle  themselves  there,  commonly  pretend  they  are  obliged  to  retire  thither  for 
the  sake  of  Religion  and  the  persecutions  which  they  suffer  on  that  account;  and 
since  it  is  not  known  to  any  of  the  Consistory,  that  those  withdrawn  subjects 
have  complained  that  they   suffered  at  that  time  any  persecution  on  account   of 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1793 

religion,  or  tliat  they  were  forced  to  quit  their  country  for  want  of  liberty  of 
conscience  contrary  to  his  Electoral  Highness's  gracious  Declaration  of  the  21st 
of  November  1705,  therefore  as  soon  as  the  consistory  understood  that  a  number 
of  subjects  were  gone  over  abroad  to  the  said  Pennsylvania,  and  that  more  were 
like  to  follow,  they  thought  it  necessary  to  acquaint  all  the  Reformed  Inspectors 
and  Ministers  with  it,  to  undeceive  their  auditors,  as  also  these  withdrawn  people, 
and  that  they  are  not  like  to  gain  their  end,  in  all  probability  and  to  persuade 
them  against  their  withdrawing  any  further:  as  also  to  the  intent  to  show  the 
groundless  pretences  of  such  people  to  go  out  of  the  country  on  account  of  the 
said  religious  persecution. 

Which  we  attest  hereby  in  favor  of  Truth. 
Done  at  Heidelburg  the  27th  of  June  1709. 

Soco.  The  Vice-president  and  council  of  the  Consistory  constituted  in  the 
Electoral  Palatinate. 

V.  P.  Hawmuller 

T.  Heyles 

H.     Croutz 

J.  Clocter 

J.     Kirchurejir 

Schemal. 

My  remarks  on  the  Declaration  (says  my  author)  shall  be  short  and  general  for 
I  don't  pretend  to  treat  this  subject  professedly,  but  only  cursorily  and  en  passant. 

1.  'Tis  thought  dishonorable  to  his  Electoral  Highness  Palatine  to  have  it 
reported  in  the  world  that  any  of  his  subjects  retire  out  of  his  country  for  the 
sake  of  oppression  in  religion.  This  is  a  bright  testimony  on  the  part  of  a 
prince  to  the  truth  of  this  proposition  viz.  That  the  spiritual  rights  of  conscience 
ought  to  be  held  inviolable;  and  is  therefore  fit  to  be  filled  up  and  preserved,  for 
the  honor  of  his  Electoral  Highness,   and  the  Instruction  of  posterity. 

2.  But  if  these  people  have  not  left  their  country  because  of  oppression  in 
religion,  the  Declaration  leaves  us  free  to  believe,  that  they  have  left  it  because 
they  were  oppressed  with  impositions  of  another  kind. 

For  certainly  the  last  Thing  men  would  ever  do,  is  to  leave  their  own  sweet 
native  soil;  and  (at  this  time  of  the  world)  so  great  a  number  of  families  cannot 
be  supposed  to  do  it  out  of  wantonness.  Now  if  they  find  themselves  obliged  to 
come  abroad  in  quest  of  civil  liberty  doubtless  they  deserve  full  as  kind  a  reception 
from  our  free  nation,  as  if  they  came  for  liberty  of  conscience.  I  had  almost  said 
more,  for  'tis  not  impossible  that  those  who  abandon  their  country  merely  for 
the  sake  of  religion  might  bring  hither  with  them  and  retain  notions  favorable 
to  arbitrary  power.  But  if  those  that  come  upon  a  mere  human  and  civil  account 
find  here  the  happy  change  they  expect,  as  it  will  be  our  fault  if  they  do  not, 
this  will  ever  incite  them  to  assist  in  supporting  and  maintaining  the  principle 
on  which  this  government  is  founded.  And  this  seems  to  be  perfectly  well  under- 
stood by  those  who  have  desired  a  great  number  of  families  of  them  to  be  sent  over 
to  settle  in  Ireland,  where  weight  is  judged  to  be  wanting  in  the  scule  of  true 
civil  and  religious  freedom,  to  balance  that  of  Popish  and  arbitrary  principles. 

3.  Those  expressions  in  the  declaration  that  the  Palatines  who  have  left  their 
country,  and  not  like  to  gain  their  end,  and  that  others  should  be  dissuaded  from 
following  them,  naturally  afford  two  reflections. 

One  is  that  the  Elector  Palatine  would  have  been  glad  to  keep  his  people 
(even  the  poorest  of  them  that  are  come  hither)  at  home;  which  shows  the  truth 
on  which  our  Act  of  general  naturalization  is  founded,  viz.,  that  numbers  of 
people  are  a  means  of  advancing  the  wealth  and  strength  of  a  nation  to  be 
generally  received  (however  understood  and  apply'd)   by  all   Potentates. 

The  second  is  that  it  is  to  be  hoped  those  who  were  most  zealous  in  making 
that  Act,  and  those  who  have  the  care  of  disposing  of  the  poor  Palatines,  will  be 
throughly  picqu'd  by  the  insinuation  that  they  are  not  like  to  gain  their  ends, 
to  acquaint  themselves  in  such  manner  that  the  world  may  not  reproach  this 
nation  with  not  rightly  understanding  or  not  duly  executing  a  project  formed  for 
its  true  interest. 


1709 


1709 


1Y94  Ecclesiastical  Records 

To  these  remarks  I  will  subjoin  one  observation  viz.  that  the  restless  French 
Monarch  has  been  the  original  cause  of  the  difBculties  and  misfortunes  wMch 
several  princes  and  nations  of  Europe  have  or  do  labor  under.  The  example  of 
his  numerous  standing  forces,  of  his  despotic  manner  of  government  of  the  real 
Btrength  these  have  given  here,  with  the  specious  airs  of  grandeur  and  glory, 
and  the  magnificence  and  luxury  of  his  court,  have  had  fatal  effects,  by  corrupting 
more  than  one  prince  to  attempt  (like  him)  on  the  liberties  of  their  people,  and 
their  ancient  constitutions  of  government,  by  furnishing  some  with  a  pretext,  and 
putting  others  under  necessity  of  keeping  up  armed  forces,  not  only  by  necessary 
consequences  to  the  burdening  of  their  subjects  with  taxes,  but  by  no  less  necessary 
consequences  to  the  making  use  of  the  sword,  when  once  in  their  hand  to  curb 
them  at  their  discretion  and  govern  them  by  will  and  pleasure;  and  in  short  by 
introducing  into  too  many  courts  and  nations  pernicious  and  detestable  maxims 
of  government  and  customs  of  life  tending  to  the  violating  all  degrees  and  condi- 
tions, from  the  prince  to  the  peasant,  and  consequently  to  the  extirpation  of  all 
true  liberty;  for  res  est  severa  libertas,  it  subsists  wholly  by  a  limited  distribu- 
tion and  steady  administration  of  the  Powers  of  a  Nation,  for  the  equal  benefit, 
of  all,  by  constancy  of  public  discipline  and  order,  and  by  decency  of  private 
manners. 

By  this  time  I  hope,  Sir,  you  are  satisfied  that  by  employing  and  settling  these 
poor  Palatines  in  her  Majesty's  Dominions  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  besides 
many  others  these  general  advantages  will  accrue: 

1.  It  will  invite  more  foreigners  of  all  degrees  and  conditions  to  be  encouraged, 
pursuant  to  the  general  maxim  so  often  repeated. 

2.  It  may  by  example  awake  our  own  people  out  of  their  present  lethargy,  and 
oblige  them  to  put  the  laws  in  execution  for  employing  the  poor. 

3.  It  will  redound  to  the  eternal  honor  of  her  present  Majesty,  and  this  nation 
who  in  a  true  Christian  manner  has  so  charitably  provided  for  these  distressed 
people. 

4.  It  will  be  the  most  extensive  charity  immaginable,  even  to  all  the  subjects  of 
Europe  by  obliging  the  princes  thereof  to  treat  their  subjects  more  humanely  for 
the  future,  than  some  of  them  have  done  heretofore,  since  they  now  know  where 
to  enjoy  what  is  their  own,  to  be  freed  from  oppression  in  their  consciences  and 
temporal  estates,  and  be  naturalized  to  the  happy  prerogatives,  privileges  and  im- 
munities of  natives  which  are  so  beneficial  here,  as  few  or  no  other  people  in  the 
Universe  can  pretend  to. 

I  am  Sir,  yours  etc. 

Finis. 

Note. 


s. 

d 

A  Rlx    Dollar    is    in    English    money 

4. 

9 

A  Florin 

3. 

4 

A  Creutzar  about 

0. 

Vi 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

ITew  York.  .  . 

1709,  July  22nd.  Rev.  Cole  (Colleague)  Bomble  read  a  letter 
from  ISTew  !N"etlierland,  signed  by  Rev.  du  Bois,  Anthonides  and 
Lydius,  complaining  that  as  yet  they  had  received  no  reply  from 
the  Classis  to  their  communication,  telling  of  the  great  dispute 
that  existed  between  the  congregation  of  Kingstown  and  Rev. 
Beys.  They  were  grieved  that  it  had  come  to  their  ears  that 
judgement  here  (in  Amsterdam)  seemed  more  in  favor  of  Rev. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1795 

Freerman  than  of  themselves.  They  requested  that  the  case  of 
Rev.  Beis  be  held  in  suspense,  until  their  Acts  in  regard  to  it  had 
been  received. 

Rev.  Bomble  also  read  a  letter  from  Rev.  de  Bruyn  of  Suriname. 

Likewise  also  the  letters  which  he  had  written  in  reply  to 
Revs,  du  Bois,  Anthonides,  Freerman,  and  de  Bruyn,  wherein  the 
Classis  were  pleased  to  take  satisfaction,  thanking  him  for  his 
trouble,  and  recommending  the  business  further  to  the  Rev. 
Deputies,     ix.  194. 

1709,  July  30-Aug.  8.     Synod  of  North  Holland. 
Ko  allusions  to  America. 

Rev.  Chkistopher  Bridge's  Commission,  to  be  Minister  of 
Rye.     Aug.  19,  1709.  v 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come,  The  Society  for  ye  Propaga- 
tion of  the  Gospel  in  Eforeign  parts  sends  Greeting  — 

Whereas  Mr.  Christopher  Bridge*  ye  Bearer  hereof  being  in  Priests  orders  hath 
been  SuflBciently  recommended  to  ye  said  Society  &  by  farther  examination  appears 
to  be  a  person  duly  qualified  for  promoting  the  good  Work  in  which  ye  said 
Society  is  Engaged,  and  Whereas  he  is  by  the  Reight  Rev.  Father  in  God  Henry 
Lord  Bishop  of  London  a  Member  of  ye  said  Society  at  the  request  of  the  said 
Society  Lycensed  &  appointed  to  perform  all  the  offices  of  his  Sacred  Function 
at  Rye  in  New  Yorke  in  America;  Now  Know  Yee  That  ye  said  Society  have  given 
And  granted  unto  the  said  Christopher  Bridge  cfe  his  Assigns  &  do  hereby  for 
themselves  &  Successors  give  and  grant  an  annuity  or  yearly  Pension  of  the  sum 
of  fifty  Pounds  of  Lawful  Money  of  Great  Britain  to  hold  receive  Enjoy  the 
same  from  the  flfeast  day  of  the  Nativity  of  St.  John  Baptist  before  the  date  of 
these  Presents  during  the  Pleasure  of  ye  said  Society,  the  same  to  be  paid  at  the 
ffeast  days  of  St.  Michael  the  Archangel,  the  Nativity  of  our  Lord  ye  Annuncia- 
tion of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  &  the  Nativity  of  St.  John  Baptist  in  every  year 
during  their  said  Pleasure,  Provided  Always,  and  on  condition  that  the  said 
Christopher  Bridge  do  without  delay  at  the  first  opportunity  after  ye  date  of  these 
Presents  transport  himself  to  the  said  Parish  of  Rye  &  also  from  &  after  his 
arrival  Continue  and  reside  there  (unless  otherwise  directed  by  the  Society)  and 
do  with  fidelity  and  diligence  discharge  his  holy  function;  otherwise  this  grant 
to  be  void  and  of  none  eCfect.  And  the  said  Society  doth  hereby  heartily  recom- 
mend ye  said  Christopher  Bridge  to  the  protection  &  blessing  of  Almighty  God, 
the  Countenance  and  ft'avour  of  the  Honorable  the  Governor  of  New  York  &  the 
good  will  of  all  Christian  People  at  Rye  aforesaid  for  his  further  Encouragement 
&  support.  In  witnesse  whereof  ye  said  Society  hath  hereunto  Caused  to  be  sett 
their  Common  seal  this  Nineteenth  Day  of  August  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  1709 
And  in  the  Eighth  year  of  our  Most  Gracious  Sovereign  Lady  Anne  by  the  Grace 
of  God  of  Great  Britain   France   «&  Ireland  Queen   Defender  of  the   ffaith  etc. 

John  Chamberlayne,   Secretary. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.   Y.   Vol.  ill.  pp.  569,   570. 

•  Rev.  Christopher  Bridge  was  at  Boston  in  1702;  at  Narragansett,  1707-8;  at 
Rye,  N.  Y.,  1709-19.    He  died  May  22,  1719.     Digest  of  S.  P.  G.  Records,  41,  852,  855. 

12 


1709 


1709 


1796  Ecclesiastical  K-ecoeds 


Kepoet  of  Board  of  Trade  Respecting  the  Palatines. 

August   30,    1709. 
To  the  Right  Honourable  The  Ld.  High  Treasurer  of  Great  Britain. 

My   Lord, 

In  case  the  Proposal  we  laid  before  Your  Lordship  this  day  relating  to  the  set- 
tling the  Palatines  at  Jamaica  be  not  approved,  Though  we  do  not  at  present 
foresee  any  Objections  but  what  may  arise  from  the  greatness  of  the  Charge 
(which  nevertheless  we  have  lessened  all  we  can)  or  if  it  shall  not  be  thought  con- 
venient to  settle  the  whole  number  of  the  poor  Palatines  on  the  Island  of  Ja- 
maica, We  offer  to  Your  Lordships  consideration. 

That  such  of  them  as  shall  not  otherwise  be  disposed  of  may  conveniently  be 
settled  upon  Hudson's  River  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  where  Her  Majesty 
has  very  large  Tracts  of  Waste  Lands.     In  order  whereunto 

We  further  propose  that  they  be  transported  thither  at  Her  Majesty's  charge, 
which  for  so  great  a  number,  partly  made  up  of  small  children  may,  as  we  are 
informed,  be  done  at  between  three  and  four  pound  a  head,  one  with  another. 

That  they  be  supplied  here  with  all  necessary  tools  for  Husbandry,  and  with 
Nails  &  Hinges  and  other  Iron  Work  for  building  their  Timber  houses,  to  enable 
them  to  begin  and  make  settlements;  which  Emptions  may  be  computed  at  forty 
shillings  per  head,  as  in  the  case  of  the  Poor  Palatines  and  to  the  same  place 
the  last  year. 

That  the  Governor  or  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  said  Province  be  Directed 
upon  their  arrival  there,  to  grant  unto  every  one  of  them,  under  the  Seal  of  that 
province,  without  fee  or  reward  the  usual  and  like  number  of  Acres  as  was 
granted  or  Directed  to  be  granted  to  every  one  of  the  Palatines  lately  sent 
thither,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  same  unto  them  and  their  heirs  forever,  upon 
the  like  terms  and  under  the  like  conditions  and  Covenants  for  settling  and  Culti- 
vating the  said  Lands,  as  the  other  Palatines  already  settled  there  are  subject  and 
lyable  unto. 

But  as  these  People  are  very  necessitous  they  will  not  be  able  to  subsist  there, 
till  they  can  reap  the  fruit  of  their  labour  (which  will  not  be  'till  after  one  year) 
unless  assisted  by  Her  Majesty's  Bounty;  for  no  doubt  there  is  little  Relief  to 
be  expected  from  the  Inhabitants  of  that  Province,  under  its  present  circum- 
stances; and  therefore  these  poor  people  must  Depend  on  Her  Majesty's  Royal 
Bounty  for  their  Subsistance  for  one  Year  after  their  arrival  in  New  York,  which 
charge  may  be  computed  at  about  five  pounds  per  head. 

Further  we  propose  that  before  their  Departure  they  may  be  made  Denizens 
of  this  Kingdom,  that  they  may  enjoy  all  the  Privileges  and  Advantages  as  are 
enjoyed  by  the  present  Inhabitants  of  New  York,  accrueing  thereby. 

It  may  be  objected  that  should  these  people  be  settled  on  the  Continent  of 
America,  they  will  fall  upon  woollen  and  other  Manufacturies  to  the  prejudice 
of  the  Manufactures  ef  this  Kingdom  now  consumed  in  these  Parts.  To  this  we 
answer  that  the  Province  of  New  York  being  tinder  Her  Majesty's  immediate 
Government,  such  mischievous  practice  may  be  discouraged  and  checqued  much 
easier  than  under  any  Proprietary  Governments  on  the  said  continent,  as  has 
been  found  by  experience;  and  as  a  further  provision  against  any  such  practice, 
a  clause  may  be  inserted  in  the  several  Patents  so  to  be  passed  to  the  said  Pala- 
tines declaring  the  same  to  be  void,  if  such  Patentee  shall  apply  himself  to  the 
making  the  woollen  or  such  like  Manufactures. 

If  it  be  thought  advisable  that  these  poor  people  or  any  number  of  them  be 
settled  on  the  Continent  of  America,  We  are  of  opinion  that  such  settlement, 
especially  if  made  at  Her  Majesty's  charge  should  be  in  Provinces  under  her 
Majesty's  immediate  Government,  and  we  know  no  place  so  proper  as  Hudson's 
River  on  the  Frontier  of  New  York,  Whereby  they  will  be  a  good  barrier  be- 
tween Her  Majesty's  Subjects  and  the  French  &  their  Indians  in  those  parts,  and 
in  process  of  time  by  intermarrying  with  the  neighbouring  Indians  (as  the  French 
do)  they  may  be  Capable  of  rendring  very  great  Service  to  Her  Majesty's  Subjects 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1797 

there;  and  not  only  very  much  promote  the  Fur  Trade,  but  likewise  the  increase 
of  Naval  Stores,  which  may  be  produced  in  great  plenty  at  New  York,  wherein  Mr. 
Bridger  Her  Majesty's  Surveyor  of  the  "Woods  on  that  Continent  may  be  Directed 
to  instruct  them. 

Lastly  we  take  leave  to  Observe  to  Your  Lordship  that  in  Virginia  and  some 
other  parts  of  the  said  Continent,  where  the  Air  is  clear  and  healthfull,  wild 
vines  do  naturally  grow  and  afford  plenty  of  grapes,  which  if  cultivated  and 
Improved  by  husbandry  would  produce  good  wines.  Wherefore  if  some  of  these 
Palatines  who  are  Vine  Dressers  were  settled  there,  and  imployed  in  that  sort  of 
Husbandry,  a  new  profitable  Trade  might  be  Introduced  to  the  Benefit  of  this 
Kingdom. 

We  are,   My   Lord,    Your   Lordships   most   humble    Servants, 

Dartmouth,  J.   Smith  Ph.   Meadows  J.   Pulteney. 
Whitehall,  —Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  87,  88. 

August  the  30th,  1709. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amstekdam. 

Indian  Letters. 

1709,  Sept.  2nd.  Rev.  Cole  (Colleague)  Bomble  read  the 
Indian  letters,  which  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Deputies 
ad  res  exteras,  to  make  extracts  from.  The  Messrs.  Deputies 
were  asked,  in  consequence  of  the  request  of  the  Indian  churches, 
to  be  pleased  to  urge  upon  the  Messrs.  Directors  the  increase  of 
preachers  for  the  Indian  churches,  (churches  in  the  Indies,  East 
and  West.)     ix.  197. 

New  York  and  Suriname. 
1709,  Sept.  2nd.     The  case  of  New  York  and  Suriname  was 
further  recommended  to   the  Messrs.   Deputies  ad  res  exteras. 
ix.  198. 

FtTBTHEE  Petition  of  Domine  An-tonides'  Eujees. 

Sir: — To  the  Right  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.,  her  Majesty's  Lieutenant 
Go'\ernor  &  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  &  New  Jersey  and 
the  Honorable  Couneill  of  the  same. 

The  Petition  of  Joseph  Hegeman,  Peter  Nevius  &  Jeronimus  Remsen  In  the 
behalf  of  the  Elders  &  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Churches  of 
the  towns  of  fflatbush,  fflatlands  &  brookland. 

Humbly   Sheweth, 

That  your  Petitioners  did  in  the  time  of  the  late  Lord  Lovelace  petition  his 
Excellency  &  Couneill  against  sundry  Irregularities  committed  in  their  Churches 
by  Mr.   Bernardus  freerman. 

That  his  Excellency  &  Couneill  were  pleased  to  refer  the  Examicon  thereof  unto 
three  of  the  members  of  this  board  to  take  ye  same  in  the  presence  of  sundry  other 
Gentn. 


1709 


1709 


1798  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

That  the  said  Gentn.  have  long  since  finished  the  said  Examinacon  but  by  reason 
of  the  other  emergent  affairs  of  this  Province  no  report  has  as  yet  been  made 
thereof. 

Your  petitioners  therefore  humbly  pray  that  for  the  preventing  of  further  dis- 
putes &  settling  the  peace  of  the  County  wher  those  Churches  are  the  said  mem- 
bers of  the  Councill  may  be  ordered  vfith  all  speed  to  make  their  report  on  that 
affair  to  this  honorable  board. 

And  your  Petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray. 

By  their  order, 

Abrah.   Gouverneur. 
New  York  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  iii.  98,  99. 

8th  Sept.  1709. 

Order  Thereon. 

Att  a   Councill   held  at  New  York  this 
8th  day  of  September,  1709. 
Present,  The  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.,  Lieut.  Gov. 

Coll.  Beekman,  Mr.  Mompesson 

Mr.  Van  Dam,  Mr.  Phillipse 

Coll.  Wenham  ^  '  Capt.    Provost. 

Upon  Reading  ye  Petition  of  Joseph  Hegeman  Peter  Navius  «&  Jeronimus  Remsen 
in  the  behalf  of  ye  Elders  &  Deacons  of  ye  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Churches 
of  ye  Towns  of  fflat  Bush,  flJatlands  and  Brookland  Praying  ye  Committee  appointed 
for  Examining  into  the  disputes  concerning  Mr.  Antonides  and  Mr.  Freeman  on 
the  Churches  aforesaid  may  make  their  report  thereof  to  this  Board. 

It  is  ordered  that  they  proceed  thereon  according  to  ye  said  Petition. —  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  99. 


Petition  of  the  Elders  of  Domine  Freeman's  Congregation, 

IN  Queens  Co. 

1709. 

To  the  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldsbey  Esq.,  Lieut.  Governor  &  Commander  in 
Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  New  Jersey  etc. 

The  most  humble  petition  of  Dorus  Polhemus,  John  Hansen,  Christian  Snedecore 
&  John  Snedecore  Elders  of  the  Dutch  Congregation  in  Queens  County. 

Sheweth 

Whereas  Mr.  Freeman  by  orders  from  our  late  Governor  the  Lord  Cornbury  was 
to  be  Minister  of  this  Congregation  —  and  none  els.  which  also  was  confirmed  by 
the  Lord  Lovelace  according  to  which  we  your  Honors  petitioners  were  chosen  & 
•Constituted  Elders  of  ye  Church  &  now  continue  to  be  so. 

Nevertheless  Mr.  Antonides  being  very  well  apprized  hereof  but  minding  to  make 
a  Division  &  Disturbance  in  the  Church  here  (as  we  are  told  he  has  done  in  Kings 
County)  has  lately  (as  we  are  informed)  Taken  upon  himself  in  concert  with  some 
few  others  to  make  choise  of  other  Elders  of  the  said  Congregation  &  does  design 
to  publish  them  as  such  at  the  Church  or  meeting  house  at  Jamaica  to  morrow  & 
also  then  to  preach  to  the  said  Congregation,  for  the  doing  of  which  (as  we  humbly 
conceive)  he  has  no  manner  of  power  or  authority  from  your  honor.  Wee  therefore 
humbly  pray  for  ye  preventing  of  the  ill  consequences  which  such  practices  by 
him  will  inevitably  produce  that  your  Honor  will  be  pleased  as  has  been  usual 
to  order  that  no  Dutch  Minister  shall  preach  or  Exercise  his  Ministeriall  ffunction 
in  this  County  besides  Mr.  ffreeman  till  further  orders  from  your  Honor  &  your 
Honor's  petitioners  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

[Sept.   19,   1709.] 

Theodorus  Polhemus,  Jno.  HB  Hansen,  Jan  Snedeker. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  99,  100.     Also  in  Ouderdonk's  Jamaica,  8. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1790 

Majority  Report  of  Council,  Sept.  15,  1709,  on  Difficul- 
ties IN  Kings  County.     [See  Oct.  6,  1709.] 

To  the  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.,  Lieut.  Governor  and  Commander  in 
Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  Yorlj  and  New  Jersey  etc.  and  Councill. 

In  obedience  to  a  Reflferrence  of  his  late  Excellency  John  Lord  Lovelace  etc.,  in 
Councill  now  confirmed  by  your  Honour  in  Councill  we  have  inquired  into  Exam- 
ined and  heard  the  Elders  and  Deacons  of  ye  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Churches 
of  the  Towns  of  Brookland  fHatbush  &  fflatlands  in  Kings  County  on  their  Petition 
to  his  said  Excellency  in  Councill  as  also  Cornelius  Sebringh  Anglebert  Lott  and 
Cornelius  "Van  Brunt  for  and  on  the  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  major  part  of  the 
ffreeholders  of  the  Dutch  Congregation  in  Kings  County  on  the  Island  Nassau  on 
their  petition  to  his  said  Excellency  in  Councill  and  find  by  the  Books  papers  Evi- 
dences and  Examinations  before  us  laid  &  taken  that  Mr.  Antonides  Is  duely  and 
Regularly  called  minister  of  the  said  towne  of  Brookland  fflatbush  &  fflatlands 
according  to  the  Discipline  practice  and  Constitution  of  the  Dutch  Churches  of 
the  Towns  aforesaid  and  that  Mr.  ffreeman  is  Dnely  called  Minister  of  New 
Utrecht  on  the  said  Island,  and  we  believe  is  likewise  minister  of  Bushwick  though 
it  has  not  been  proved  before  us. 
We  are, 

Your  honours  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
Rip  Van  Dam,  A.  D.  Phlllpse  J.  V.  Cortlandt  Leendert  Huygen  De  Kleyn. 
New  York,  loth  Sept.,  1709.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  p.  101. 

The  Dutch  Church  of  Jamaica  Petitions  Lieut.  Gov,  In- 
GOLDSBY  Against  Antonides  and  in  Favor  of  Freeman. 

1709,    Sept.   19. 

To  the  Hon.  Richard  Ingoldsby,  Esq.,  Lieut.  Gov.  and  Commander  in  Chief  of 
the  Province  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  etc. 

The  most  Humble  petition  of  Dorus  Polhemus,  John  Hansen  (Bergen),  Christian 
Snedeker  and  John  Snedeker,  Elders  of  the  Dutch  Congregation  of  Queens  Co., 
showeth: 

Whereas,  Mr.  Freeman  by  orders  from  our  late  Governor,  the  lord  Cornbury, 
was  to  be  minister  of  this  congregation  —  and  none  else;  which  also  was  confirmed 
by  the  lord  Lovelace,  according  to  which  we,  your  Honor's  petitioners,  were  chosen 
and  constituted  elders  of  the  church,  and  now  continue  to  be  so: — 

Nevertheless  Mr.  Antonides  being  well  apprised  hereof,  but  minding  to  make  a 
division  and  disturbance  In  the  church  here,  as  we  are  told  he  has  done  in  King's 
County,  has  lately,  we  are  informed,  taken  upon  himself,  in  concert  with  some  few 
others,  to  make  choice  of  other  elders  of  the  sa'id  congregation,  and  does  design 
to  publish  them  as  such  at  the  church  or  (Presbyterian)  meeting-house,  at  Jamaica, 
to-morrow,  and  also  then  to  preach  to  the  said  congregation,  for  the  doing  of 
which,  as  we  humbly  conceive,  he  has  no  manner  of  power  or  authority  from  your 
Honor; — We,  therefore,  humbly  pray  for  the  preventing  of  the  ill-consequences 
which  such  practices  by  him  will  inevitably  produce,  that  your  Honor  will  be 
pleased,  as  has  been  usual,  to  order  that  no  Dutch  Minister  shall  preach  or  exer- 
cise his  ministerial  function  In  this  county  besides  Mr.  Freeman,  till  further  orders 
from  your  Honor:  and  your  Honor's  petitioners  shall  ever  pray. 

Theodorus  Polhemus.   John  Hansen.   Jan.    Snedeker. 
Sept.  19,  1709. 


1709 


1709 


1800  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Petition  of  the  GerMxVN  Company  at   Quassaick  Creek  and 

Thanskamie. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.,  Lieutenaat  Governour  and 
Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over  Her  Majesties  Provinces  of  New  Yorli  Nova 
Caesaria,  and  Territories  depending  thereon  in  America,  etc.  As  also  to  Her  Majes- 
ties Honourable  Council  of  this  Province  etc. 

The  most  humble  Petition  of  the  German  Company  at  Quasek  Creek  and 
Thanskamir. 

Most  Humbly   Sheweth: 

That  they  are  compelled  by  the  Decease  of  Coll.  Thomas  Wenham  (b.m.)  most 
humbly  to  acquaint  your  Honour,  That  they  do  not  know  where  to  address  them- 
selves to  receive  the  remainder  of  their  allowance  of  provision  a  9d  p  Day  to  every 
head,  allowed  to  them  by  your  Honour's  Favor  untill  the  1st  day  of  January  next  — 
And  whereas  the  said  Company  is  at  present  in  great  want  of  the  said  Allowance 
to  the  daily  maintenance  of  them  and  their  Families  —  They  therefore  most  humbly 
begg  leave  most  humbly  to  implore  your  Honour's  Favour,  to  be  graciously  pleased, 
to  assist  them  in  their  necessity  with  the  requiring  and  providing  a  Gentleman. 
who  may  be  willing  to  support  them  with  the  Continuance  of  the  said  Allowance 
until  the  said  limited  Time  shall  be  expired  —  And  your  Honour's  most  humble 
Petitioners  most  humbly  shall  be  and  subscribe  themselves  for  so  great  a  Favour 

Your  Honours  Most  humble  Most  dutyfull  and  most  obedient  Servants, 

The  German  Company  at  Quasek  Creek*  and  Tanskamir. 
New  York,  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  330-1. 

7ber  23rd,  1709. 

Petition  Against  Domine  Antonides. 

To  the  Honorable  Collonel  Richard  Ingoldsby  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief 
of  Her  Majesties  Provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  &  of  all  ye  Territories 
and  Tracts  of  Land  depending  thereon  in  America  Vice  Admirall  of  ye  same  etc. 

The  humble  petition  of  Cornelius  Sebring  &  Cornelius  Van  Brunt  in  behalf  of 
themselves  and  others  of  ye  Dutch  Congregation  in  Kings  County  on  ye  Island  of 
Nassau,  - 

Sheweth, 

That  notwithstanding  your  Honors  order  (dated  on  the  14th  day  of  this  instant 
September)  directed  to  Mr.  Vincentus  Antonides  not  to  confirm  Elders  and  Deacons 
chosen  by  him  in  any  way  of  ye  townes  of  flat  Bush,  New  Utrecht  Bruykland,  & 
Bushwick,  but  soe  it  is  may  it  please  your  Honor  That  contrary  to  your  Order  and- 
in  contempt  thereof  he  ye  said  Mr.  Antonides  hath  already  confirmed  two  Elders 
and  one  Deacon  in  ye  Town  of  Bruykland  on  Sunday  last  being  ye  18th  Instant, 
and  your  Petitioners  are  informed  that  he  Designes  to-morrow  to  confirm  them  at 
fflat  Bush,  to  ye  great  Disturbance  of  Her  Majesties  Leigh  Subjects  of  ye  said 
county. 

Your  Honor's  Petitioners  Therefore  Humbly  Pray  you  will  be  pleased  to  Grant 
some  speedy  Order  directed  to  ye  Justices  of  ye  Peace  to  Prevent  ye  mischiefs  that 
may  attend  such  irregular  Proceedings,  or  otherwise  as  in  your  great  wisdome  shall 
seem  meet.     And  your  Petitioners  shall  Pray  etc. 

Cornells  Sebring  Cornells  Van  Brunt. 
New  York,  Sept.  24th,  1709.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  100,  101. 

Both  the  above  Petitions  Read  in  Councill 
6th  of  October  1709. 

*  In  Sacket's  Map  of  Newburgh,  dated  May  1,  1798,  which  may  be  found  in  the 
State  Engineer's  oflice,  (No.  385),  the  above  creek  is  laid  down  by  the  name  of 
Quassy  Creek.     It  is  now  called  Chambers'  Creek. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1801 


Affidavit  of  Peter  Hering. 

Peter  Hering  of  full  age  being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty 
God  deposeth  and  saith  That  on  Sunday  the  18th  day  of  September  One  Thousand 
Seven  hundred  and  nine  he  being  then  at  the  Dutch  Church  in  Bruyklandt  upon 
Long  Island  with  one  Abraham  Kettletas  &  several  others,  where  he  this  deponent 
did  see  and  hear  Mr.  Antonides  a  Dutch  minister  confirm  two  Elders  &  one  Deacon 
or  one  Elder  and  two  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Congregation  of  the  said  Bruycklandt, 
and  further  this  deponent  saith  not. 

Pietre  Hering. 
New  York  September  24,  1709.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  T.  Vol.  iil.  pp.  100,  101. 

Sworn  before  me. 

Ebenezer  Willsou,  Mayor. 


Council  Journal  of  ISTew  York. 

Confirming  Land  to  Episcopal  Church. 

1709,  Sept.  26.  An  Act  confirming  a  certain  grant  made  to 
the  Rector  and  inhabitants  of  the  City  of  l^ew  York  in  com- 
munion of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law  established,  being 
read  twice,  is  committed  to  the  gentlemen  of  this  Board,  or  any 
five  of  them.  289.  Passed,  289.  Sent  to  the  Assembly,  desiring 
their  concurrence,  289. 

Petition  of  the  Rev.  Joshua  Kocherthal. 

[Sept.    ?  1709?] 

To  the  Right  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.,  Lieutenant  Governour  and 
Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over  Her  Majesties  Provinces  of  New  York,  Nova 
Caesaria,  and  Territories  depending  thereon  in  America  etc. 

As  also  to  Her  Majesties  most  Honourable  Council  etc. 
The  most  humble  Petition  of  Joshua  Kocherthal,  Minister. 

Most  Humbly  Sheweth: 

That  all  his  endeavouring  hitherto  bestowed  and  applyed  cannot  meet  with  an 
effect  answerable  to  his  expectations  to  find  but  the  utmost  necessary  expences  to 
the  building  of  his  house  and  regulating  his  settlement  upon  the  land  assigned  to 
him,  being  besides  advised  by  Mr.  Kokerell  Secretary  that  he  could  not  (after  the 
latter  end  of  this  month  of  June)  continue  any  further  with  the  procuring  and  pay- 
ment of  wood  and  houserent,  in  consideration  he  had  fully  made  up  and  surrendered 
all  the  accounts  concerning  our  company  and  their  settlement:  wherefore  your 
Honour's  most  humble  Petitioner  humbly  undertakes  to  beseech  your  Honour's 
Generosity,  to  be  graciously  pleased,  to  settle  upon  him  a  further  continuance  of 
the  said  Assistance  of  Firewood  and  Houserent  (like  Mr.  Kokerell  hath  hitherto 
done)  untill  Her  Majesties  Royal  Most  gracious  Resolution  concerning  my  sub- 
slstance  may  be  known. 

Your  Honor's  most  humble  Petitioner  is  in  duty  bound  to  acquaint  your  Honours 
that  he  intends  to  transport  himself  to  London  by  this  favorable  opportunity  with 
your  Honour's  gracious  leave,  to  acquire  the  easier  and  sooner  by  Her  most  sacred 
Majesty  as  well  as  Her  most  Gracious  Ratification  of  what  hitherto  is  done  in 
favor  of  him  and  his  Company,  as  also  her  most  Clement  Royal  Resolutions  con- 


1709 


1709 


1802  Ecclesiastical  Records 

cerning  his  settlement  for  the  future.  In  a  most  respectful  manner  therefore  he 
Implores  your  Honour's  tender  Benignity  to  be  most  favorably  pleased,  to  procure 
a  free  Transport  for  him,  in  one  of  Her  Majesty's  ships.  In  Consideration  he  is  not 
able  to  find  the  transport  Charges  himself  by  his  present  circumstances. 

Your  Honour's  most  humble  Petitioner  takes  the  opportunity,  most  humbly  to 
assure  your  Honour's,  most  humbly  and  submissively  to  endeavor  to  acquire  not 
only  her  most  Glorious  Majesties  most  gracious  Ratification  of  the  said  Transport, 
but  also  to  acknowledge  this  your  Honour's  Extraordinary  Favour  with  an  im- 
mortal thankfullness,  as  in  duty  being  bound. 

Your  Honour's 

Most  humble  and  dutifull  and  most 
obedient  Servant. 

Joshua  Kocherthal. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  330. 

'Church  of  New  York. 

In  Consistory:    The  Poor  House,  in  the  Schape  Wytye,  which 
was  sold  to  Isaac  Kip,  was  deeded  to  him. 

—  Lib.  B.  41. 

Minority  Report  of  Difficulties  in  Kings  County;  Oct.  6, 
1709.     [See  Sept.  15,  1Y09.] 

To  the  Honourable  Coll.  Richard  Ingoldsby  Lieutenant  Governor  &  Commander 
in  Chief  in  &  over  her  majesties  Provinces  of  New  York  &  New  Jersey  &  Vice 
Admlrall  of  the  same  in  Council. 

In  obedience  to  an  order  of  this  board  formerly  made  whereby  wee  the  Sub- 
scribers &  others  were  appointed  to  Examine  &  Inquire  into  and  heare  the  Petition 
of  the  Elders  <fe  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Churches  of  Breuk  Land  Flatbush 
&  New  Utreght  in  behalfe  of  Mr.  Antonides  on  the  subject  matter  of  the  said 
Petition  as  also  Mr.  Freeman  and  others  Concerned  in  the  said  affaire  &  to  make 
report  thereof  to  this  board  wee  the  Subscribers  conceiving  it  our  duty,  do  most 
humbly  certify  and  Report  this  our  opinion  Viz.  that  the  said  Mr.  Freeman  is 
Justly  &  Legally  called  &  Entitled  to  the  ministry  of  the  said  Churches  of  Breuk 
Land  Flatbush  New  Utreght  and  Boswyck  and  that  the  said  Mr.  Antonides  is  not 
legally  called  thereto  for  the  Reasons  Following  — 

First  that  the  Persons  whoe  pretend  to  haue  Called  Mr.  Antonides  were  not  at 
that  time  the  Elders  &  Deacons  of  the  said  Churches  according  to  ye  Rules  & 
Methods  prescribed  by  the  Synod  of  Dort  for  the  Government  of  the  Dutch  Re- 
formed Churches,  they  having  continued  as  such  Some  three  years.  Some  four 
years,  whereas  by  the  Constitution  of  the  said  Synod  they  could  haue  continued 
but  two  years. — 

Secondly,  that  the  call  on  which  Mr.  Antonides  came  over  is  Expressed  to  bee 
made  by  a  Generall  towne  meeting  (which  appears  to  haue  been  the  usuall  way  in 
Such  Casses)  and  that  appears  utterly  false  by  the  Examinations,  for  that  the 
pretended  authority  for  making  that  call  appears  not  to  be  given  in  a  publiq  meet- 
ing, but  to  be  obtained  Privatly  &  Clandestinely  by  Procuring  Subscriptions  in 
Going  from  house  to  house  &  there  using  false  Insinuations  concerning  Mr. 
Freeman. 

Thirdly,  that  the  said  pretended  call  mentions  the  having  obtained  the  Gov- 
ernors License,  &  aprobation  for  making  the  said  call,  whereas  it  appears  by  the 
oath  of  the  Lord  Cornbury  then  Governor  &  Thlre  own  confession  that  the  Lord 
Cornbury,  did  not  give  any  License,  to  make  that  call. 

Fourthly,  that  on  the  contrary  it  appears  that  Mr.  Freeman  was  called  by  a 
generall  Towne  Meeting  Publiqly  assembled  (as  has  alwaies  been  Customary)   for 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1803 

which  the  Express   License   &  aprobation  of  the   Lord   Cornbury  then  Governour 
had  been  first  obtained. 

Fifthly,  that  the  having  a  License  from  the  Governour  was  Esteemed  necessary 
even  by  Mr.  Antonides  himselfe  &  those  that  side  with  him,  Since  both  he  &  they 
frequently  aplyed  to  obtain  Such  a  License;  as  appears  by  Seaverall  letters  to  the 
Late  Lady  Cornbury,  &  Mrs.  Peartree,  under  the  hand  of  the  said  Antonides  & 
of  the  said  pretended  Elders  for  the  truth  of  which  wee  the  subscribers  refer 
ourselves  to  the  Examinations  &  the  Respective  papers  produced  at  the  taking 
thereof  —  But  notwithstanding  the  right  wee  conceive  the  said  Mr.  Freeman  has 
to  the  said  Churches.  Yet  as  Mr.  Freeman  and  those  of  his  side  haue  out  of  a 
Christian  Principle  for  pease  Sake  &  to  avoid  all  further  DiCEerences  in  the  Said 
Churches  offered  to  Divide  Equally  the  pains  &  profit  of  the  said  Churches,  Wee 
humbly  conceive  those  Measures  most  reasonable  &  Conducieve  to  the  Entire 
Reconciliation  of  both  ministers  and  Partyes,  this  wee  offered  before,  to  the 
other  Gentlemen  of  the  Committee  as  being  agreable  to  the  Opinion  of  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam  Signifyed  by  thire  Letters  to  that  Purpose. — 

All  which  matters  aboue  mentioned  are  nevertheless  with  Humility  Submitted 
to  your  Honours'   Prudent  Consideration  &   Decision  by 

Sir,  Your  Honours  most  obedient 

Most  humble  Servants, 
D.    Provoost  A.   D.    Peyster  J,    D.   Peyster. 
Read  in  Council,  6th  Oct.,  1709. 

—  Doc.   Hist.  N.  Y.   Vol.  ill.  pp.  101,   102. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Letters  from  Lydius,  Du  Bois,  Anthonides. 

,1Y09,  Oct.  Ttli.  A  letter  was  brought  in  from  Revs.  Lidius, 
du  Bois,  and  Anthonides,  which  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
Deputies  ad  res  exteras,  to  serve  the  Rev.  Assembly  with  a  report. 

Indian  Affairs. 
The  Indian  affairs,  (see  the  previous  acta,)  rpmain  in  statu. 

Surinanae,  ISTew  York. 
The  Messrs.   Deputati  ad  res  Exteras   report  that  they  had 
spoken  to  the  Hon.  Pensionary  Buys  about  the  affairs  of  Suriname 
and  New  York,  who  had  promised  his  assistance  in  these  matters. 
These  affairs  remain  further  recommended  to  them.     ix.  198. 

Request  of  the  Church  of  Kingstown. 

1Y09,  Oct.  7th.     Rev,  Colleague  Bomble  made  known  to  the 

Rev.  Assembly  that  the  Church  of  Eongstowne  had  requested  of 

the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  in  writing,  yea,  had  authorized 

it,  speedily  to  call,  ordain,  and  send  them  a  pastor  and  teacher. 


1709 


1709 


1804  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Of  tlie  learning,  piety,  acceptable  preaching  gifts  and  other 
praiseworthy  qualities  of  the  party  called,  we  entrust  the  judge- 
ment thereof  to  the  Messrs.  van  Alphen,  Jaco  Hass  van  der 
Honert,  and  Doctor  John  Doutrein,  or  in  the  absence  of  any  of 
the  three,  to  the  two,  who  are  present.  This  request  will  be  acted 
on  subsequently.  At  the  ensuing  Classis,  Eev.  Adrianus  Beucke- 
laer  will  preside  in  regular  order,     ix.  199. 

Anothee  Petition  in  Behalf  of  the  Germans. 

Oct.  10,  1709. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.,  Lieutenant  Governour  and 
Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over  Her  Majesty's  Provinces  of  New  York,  Nova 
Caesaria,  and  Territories  depending  thereon  In  America  etc.  As  also  to  Her 
Majesties  Honourable  Councill  of  this  Province  etc. 

The  Most  humble  Petition  of  John  Conrad  Codweis,  in  behalf  of  the  German 
Company. 

Most  Humbly  Sheweth: 

That  your  Honours  most  humble  Petitioner  according  to  your  Honour's  Order, 
endeavoured  to  his  utmost  to  find  a  Gentleman,  who  might  be  willing  to  support 
the  said  Germans  with  the  Remainder  of  their  Allowance,  the  entire  Summe  of 
which  is  not  exceeding  195  pounds  3  shillings  whereby  he  not  only  offered.  That 
Tour  Honour's  with  the  Concurrence  of  the  Honorable  Coll.  Nicholson,  would  give 
such  a  Gentleman  the  same  Encouragement  of  Certification  and  Recommendation 
to  Her  Majesty  and  the  Royal  Treasury  as  Coll.  Wenham  (b.m.)  had  before.  But 
also,  That  the  said  Company  by  your  Honour's  Approbation  should  enter  into 
a  penal  Bond,  fully  to  repay  the  said  summ  to  the  said  Gentleman,  If  his  agent 
should  not   receive   it   from   the   Royal   Treasury   within   twelve   months. 

Your  Honour's  Most  Humble  Petitioner  is  in  Duty  bound  further,  most  humbly 
to  represent  to  your  Honour's  that  he  found  Coll.  Nicholas  Bayard,  Mr.  Octavus 
Conradus,  to  be  willing  to  the  ready  payment  of  the  mentioned  summ,  provided, 
that  they  might  have  a  suflicient  assurance  of  the  repayment  thereof  in  Great 
Britain. 

But  whereas  he  likewise  did  observe,  that  the  said  Gentleman  did  consider  his 
propositions  only  as  a  fine  talke  and  Discourse  out  of  his  own  head,  desireing 
your  Honour's  effectual  Concurrence,  he  is  constrained  most  humbly  to  acquaint 
your  Honours,  That,  having  duly  executed  Your  Honour's  Order,  he  can  con- 
tribute nothing  more  but  to  add  his  most  humble  prayers  to  your  Honours  Gen- 
erosity, to  let  descende  Your  tender  Commiseration  towards  the  precarious  and 
miserable  circumstances  of  this  poor  people,  wherein  they  certainly  shall  perish 
this  Winter,  if  they  should  not  be  speedily  supplyed  with  the  recited  Remainder 
of  their  Allowance,  to  provide  themselves  before  they  shall  be  blocked  up  and 
cut  off  by  the  approaching  Winter,  which  extremities  consequently  should  inevi- 
tably reduce  Her  Majesties  extraordinary  Clemency  and  great  expenses  as  well 
as  your  Honours  tender  care  and  Favour  towards  this  poor  people  to  no  effect. 
The  only  most  secure  and  effectuall  remedy  against  which  would  be,  if  your 
Honour's  would  be  favorably  pleased  to  assure  any  of  the  said  Gentlemen,  or 
rather,  one  of  Her  Majesties  Honourable  Councellors,  That  your  Honour's  Certifi- 
cate and  Recommendation  will  be  certainly  considered  and  accepted  by  Her  Most 
Sacred  Majesty,  and  that  Her  Majesty  will  never  permit  that  this  poor  people 
should   suffer   the  hardship   of   repaying  the   said   Remainder,    but   to   the   contrary 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.         1805 

shall   be   most   graciously   pleased    to   order   a   speedy   payment    of   the    Bill   of  the 
said  Gentleman  etc. 

Your  Honours  most  humble  Petitioner,  being  convinced  not  to  be  allowed  to 
question  Your  Honour's  Favour  of  approving  what  he  most  humbly  hath  under- 
taken to  represent  and  lay  before  your  Honour's  to  the  benefit  of  his  Countrymen, 
shall  ever  call  and  subscribe  himself  for  so  great  a  happiness  and  Favour,  with 
permission,  if  it  please  your  Honour's 
Most  humble, 

Most  Dutiful!,  and 

most    obedient    Servant, 

John   Conrad  Codweis,   in  behalf 
New  Yorke,  of  the  German  Company. 

October  10th  1709. 

In  Council  October  10th  1709. 

This  Board  do  resolve  for  their  encouragement  to  Certifie  the  advance  of  what 
money  shall  be  paid  to  ye  said  Germans  as  aforesaid  and  to  recommend  the  same 
to  my  Uord  High  Treasurer  in  the  same  manner  as  it  was  done  on  Coll.  Wen- 
ham's  undertaking  the  same  the  Germans  haveing  offered  to  give  their  personale 
security  for  ye  Repayment  thereof  in  ease  it  be  not  paid  in  England  in  a  year. — 
Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  331,  332. 


Disposition  of  the  Majority  and  Minority  Reports  on  the 
Difficulties  in  Kings  Co. 


1709 


(Counc.  Min.  X.) 

Att   a    Councill   held    in    New   Yorke 
this  20th  day  of  Oct.  1709. 

Present  the  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.   Lieut.   Governor. 

Mr.  Beekman  Mr.  Barberie 

Mr.  "Van   Dam  Mr.  Phillipse 

Mr.  Mompessom  Coll.   Peartree. 

Mr.  Phillips  having  desired  to  be  heard  &  it  being  granted  he  said: — 

In  the  dispute  between  the  Dutch  Ministers  on  Long  Island  there  has  been  a 
Reference  and  thereon  two  Reports  have  been  made  to  this  Board;  One  by  Mr. 
Van  Dam  and  three  others,  the  other  afterwards  by  Capt.  Provost  and  two  others 
to  all  whom  it  was  referred  and  then  he  Proposed  the  Question  whether  two 
Reports  on  one  &  the  same  Reference  ought  to  be  made  or  ever  has  been  made. 

Mr.  Beekman  Mr.  Mompessom  Mr.  Barberie  &  Coll.  Peartree  are  of  opinion  that 
the  Report  of  the  Majority  has  been  always  made  and  not  two  reports  on  one 
and  the  same  referrenee. 

Then  Mr.  Phillipse  moved  that  the  Report  of  Mr.  Van  Dam  and  others  being  that 
of  the  majority  may  continue  on  the  file  and  the  other  taken  of. 

Mr.  Beekman  Mr.  Mompessom  Mr.  Barberie  &  Coll.  Peartree  being  for  the 
motion 

It  is  ordered  that  the  Report  of  ye  said  Mr.  Van  Dam  &  others  remain  on  ye 
file  &  the  other  of  Capt.  Provost  and  others  to  be  taken  of  the  fiel. —  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y.  Vol.  lil.  p.  103. 


1709 


1806  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 


Petition  of  the  Elders  and  Deacons  of  Rev.  Mr.  Antonides. 

To  the  Honorable  Ricliard  Ingoldesby  Esq.  Lieut.  Governor  &  Commander  in 
Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  &  New  Jersey  etc.  and  the  honorable  Councill 
of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

The  Humble  Peticon  of  the  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Protes- 
tant Churches  of  the  Towns  of  Brookland  flatbush  &  fflatlands  in  Kings  County 

Sheweth 

That  whereas  on  some  differences  in  the  said  towns  relating  to  &  concerning 
who  was  the  minister  of  said  Towns  application  has  heretofore  been  made  to  this 
board  and  sundry  Gentlemen  of  this  board  &  others  have  been  directed  to  examine 
that  matter  and  make  report  thereof  which  they  have  accordingly  done  wherpby 
it  appears  that  Mr.  Vincentius  Antonides  is  duely  called  Minister  of  the  said 
Towns  to  the  said  Congregations  as  by  the  said  report  remaining  on  the  iile  relacon 
being  thereto  had  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear. 

Your  Petitioners  therefore  humbly  Pray  that  the  said  report  may  be  approved 
in  Council  &  that  your  honors  will  be  pleased  to  declare  that  the  said  Mr.  Anton- 
ides ought  accordingly  to  exercise  his  function  as  Dutch  Minister  to  the  said 
Congregations,   and  your   Petitioners  shall  ever  Pray. 

In  the  name  &  by  their  order, 

Jeronimus    Remsen. 
New  York,  22nd  Oct.  1709.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  103. 


Petition  for  a  Decision  on  the  Differences  in  the 
Churches  of  Kings  County. 

To  the  Honourable  Coll.  Richard  Ingoldsby  Lieutenant  Governor  &  Commander 
in  Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  &  New  Jersey  &  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Cornelius  Seabring  &  Cornelius  Van  Brunt  in  behalf  of 
themselves  and  others  members  of  the  Dutch  Churches  of  fflatbush  Brookland 
&  New  Utrecht. 

Sheweth 

That  his  late  Excellency  John  Lord  Lovelace  late  Governor  of  this  Province 
deed,  having  in  his  life  time  referred  the  Examination  of  the  subject  matter  of 
a  certain  Petition  signed  by  Joseph  Heggeman  Jeronimus  Ramsen  &  Peter  Nevius 
in  behalf  of  Domine  Antonides;  &  of  another  certain  Petition  signed  by  your  pres- 
ent Petitioners  in  Behalf  of  themselves  and  others  as  above  and  also  in  behalf 
of  Domine  Bernardus  Freeman  their  Minister;  to  divers  persons  for  them  to  make 
their  Report  to  his  said  late  Excellency;  but  the  said  Lord  Lovelace  dying  before 
the  said  Report  was  perfected,  the  said  referees  according  to  order  have  since 
made  their  Report  to  your  Honor,  in  two  Different  manners,  as  your  Petitioners 
are  informed  but  your  Honour  having  not  as  yet  made  any  decisive  order  thereon 
as  your   Petitioners  can   learn. 

Your   Petitioners   most   humbly   Pray   your   Honour  would   be   pleased   to   declare 
your  decision   of  the   Matters  thus   so  fully   Examined   into   by   the   said    Referees 
that  the  same  being  signified  to  the  respective  parties  concerned  may  put  an  end 
to  the  differences  which  have  so  long  depended  between   them. 
And  they  will  Pray,   etc. 

Cornells    Seberingh    Cornells    Van    Brunt. 
Read  27th  October,  1709.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  104. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  180Y 


LiEUTEATANT  Governor  Ingoldesby's  Order  on  the  Difficul- 
ties IN  Kings  County,  L.  I. 

Oct.   27,    1709. 

The  preceding  petitions  laaving  been  read  the  Lieut.  Gov.  was  pleased  to  make 
the   following  order   in   hec   verba: 

A  Reference  haveing  been  made  by  the  Late  Lord  Lovelace  to  certain  persons 
to  inquire  into  ye  causes  of  the  Differences  that  have  happened  between  Mr.  ffree- 
man  and  Mr.  Antonides  with  relation  to  ye  Churches  in  Kings  County  «&  ye  said 
persons  having  made  two  severall  reports  to  ye  Honorable  Coll.  Ingoldesby  Lieut. 
Gov.   of  this   Colony. 

His  Honor  haveing  considered  the  said  Report  and  the  Matters  therein  contained 
does  think  fit  to  order  &  direct  and  does  hereby  order  &  direct  that  from  this 
time  forward  Mr.  Freeman  and  Mr.  Antonides  shall  preach  at  all  ye  said  Churches 
in  Kings  County  alternately  and  divide  all  ye  Profitts  Equally  share  and  share 
alike  and  to  avoid  all  further  disputes  between  the  said  Ministers  Mr.  ffreeman 
shall  preach  next  Sunday  at  Plattbush  &  ye  Sunday  following  Mr.  Antonides 
shall  preach  att  Flattbush  and  so  on  in  the  other  Churches  turn  by  turn  if  Either 
of  them  refuses  to   Comply  with  this   Order  to  be  dismissed. 

Whereupon  Mr.  Philipse  moved  that  the  oppinions  of  ye  Gentlemen  of  this 
Board  with  relation  to  ye  same  matter  may  be  Entered  which  follow 

Mr.    Phillipse. 

That  ye  Report  made  in  favor  of  Mr.  Antonides  ought  to  be  confirmed  that  he 
ought  to  discharge  his  function  without  any  Interrupson  pursuant  to  the  fifty  third 
article  of  her  Majesties  Instructions  to  my   Lord   Lovelace.* 

Mr.   Barberie  of  ye  same   opinion. 
Coll.   Peartree  of  ye  same  opinion. 
Mr.  Van  Dam  of  ye  same  opinion. 

Capt.   Provost. 

That  the  Determination  of  the  Lieutenant  Governour  is  very  Reasonable  and 
ought   to   be  complyed  with. 

Mr.   Beekman, 

being  a  party  Concerned  Desires  to  be  excused  from  giving  his  oppinion.     (Coun. 
Min.)  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  104,  105. 


Rev.  Bertow  to  the  Society.     Death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Urquhart. 

West  Chester  in  America  30  October  1709. 
Sir     I   am   sorry  at  the  occasion  to  acquaint  you  of  the  death  of  oxir  late   Rev. 
Brother  Mr.   Urquhart  of  Jamaica  whose  place  is  now  supplied  by  the  Rev.   Mr. 
Vesey    Mr.    Sharp    «&   the    missionarys   in   the    Province    of   New   York    every   other 
Sunday  until  you  can  send  another  Curate. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.   Y.  Vol.  ill.  p.  132. 


1709 


*  Art.  53.  You  are  to  permitt  a  Liberty  of  Conscience  to  all  persons  (except 
Papists)  so  they  be  contented  with  a  quiet  and  peaceable  enjoyment  of  the  same 
not  giving  any  offence  or  scandal  to  the  Government. —  Instructions  to  Ld.  Lovelace. 


1808  i  Ecclesiastical  Records 

CoMMissiox  OF  Rev.  Daniel  Bondett,  to  be  Minister  of  ISTew 

ROCHELLE,  ITov.  9,  1Y09. 

Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.  Lieutenant  GoTernor  and  Commander  in  CJiief  of  their 
Majesties  Provinces  of  New  Yorli  New  Jersey  etc. 

To  Capt.  Oliver  Besly  and  his  Brethren  Gent,  of  ye  Consistory  of  New  Rochelle 
in   ye   County   of   Westchester,    Greeting. 

Gentlemen:  The  bearer  hereof  Mr.  Daniel  Bondett  an  Orthodox  Minister  of  the 
Church  of  England  haveing  laid  before  me  the  orders  of  ye  Right  Honorable  and 
Right  Reverend  ffather  in  God  Henry  by  Divine  mission  Lord  Bishop  of  London 
and  Diocesan  of  this  Province  to  officiate  in  your  Church  and  Parrish  according 
to  ye  Rules  &  Constitution  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established 
bearing  date  June  16th  1709,  as  also  a  Letter  from  ye  Venerable  Society  for 
propagation  of  ye  Gospel  in  fforeign  parts  bearing  date  June  6th  with  an  Extract 
of  their  Journal  June  3,  1709  Constituting  and  appointing  him  one  of  their  Mis- 
sionaries and  a  Yearly  Sallary  for  his  Service  in  Your  Church.  You  are  there- 
fore directed  to  receive  him  as  such.  Given  under  my  Hand  &  Seal  this  ninth  day 
of  November  in  the  Eighth  year  of  ye  Reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lady  Queen  Anne 
of  Great  Brittain  etc.     Annoq.  Dni.  1709. 

Richd.   Ingoldesby. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.    Y.    Vol.   iii.    p.   568. 

Letter  of  Sunderland  to  President  of  Council  of  New 
York.     [The  Palatines.] 

Trade  Papers, 

Z.  70.  White  Hall  Nov.  10,  1709. 

Sir:— 

The  Queen  having  thought  fit  to  order  the  sending  of  some  three  thousand  of 
the  poor  Palatines  to  New  York  commanded  us  to  acquaint  you  with  it  and  to 
tell  you  that  they  are  to  sail  from  hence  about  the  15th  of  next  month,  to  the 
end  that  you  may  consult  with  her  Majesty's  Council  thereupon.  The  proper 
measures  to  be  talien  for  providing  for  these  poor  people  on  their  arrival  in  your 
parts,   both  as  to   lodging  and  provisions. 

Her  Majesty  does  particularly  recommend  me  to  let  you  know  that  the  ex- 
penses of  it  will  be  assured  from  hence.  Her  Majesty's  intention  being  that 
these  people  should  in  no  wise  become  a  burden  to  your  colony. 

\ 

DoMiNE  Antonides  Refusal  to  Comply  with  the  Preceding 

Order. 

To  the  Honorable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.,  Lieut.  Gov.  &  Commander  in  Chief 
of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  &  New  Jersey  &  the  Honorable  Councill  of  the 
Province  of  New  York. 

The  humble  Peticon  of  Vincentius  Antonides  Minister  of  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Protestant  Churches  of  Brookland  fflatbush  and  fflatlands  on  the  Island  of  Nassau. 

Sheweth 

That  your  Petitioner  having  been  served  with  an  Order  from  his  Honor  dated 
the  27th  of  October,  1709  And  to  the  end  that  he  may  not  be  wanting  in  his 
duty  to  God  his  said  Churches  nor  give  any  Just  cause  to  incur  his  honors  dis- 
pleasure, he  humbly  beggs  leave  to  Represent  that  he  cannot  comply  with  the 
said   Order  unless   he   breaks  through  the   Rules   &   Discipline  of   the   Dutch.  Re- 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1809 

formed  Protestant  Churches  the  Constitucon  whereof  not  admitting  any  minister 
to  assume  a  right  to  any  Church  but  where  he  is  Regularly  called  to,  which  the 
said  order  seems  to  Direct. 

Tour  Petitioner  therefore  humbly  Prays  that  your  Honor  and  this  board  will 
Protect  your  Petitioner  in  the  due  &  peaceful  Exercise  of  his  ministerial  function 
in  the  said  Churches  where  he  has  been  regularly  called  unto  and  as  his  Prede- 
cessors in  the  said  Churches  have  enjoyed. 

And  your  Petitioner  as   in  duty  bound   shall   ever  Pray,   etc. 

Signed  Vincentius  Antonides. 

Read  11  Nov.  1709.  .         .  —Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  105. 


The  ISTew  York  Anglican  Missionaries  to  the  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don, IN  Behalf  of  the  Widows  of  Revs.  Urquhart  and 

MuiRSON. 

New   York  24th   November,   1709. 
May  it  please  your  Lordship: — 

We  think  ourselves  obliged  by  the  ties  of  humanity  &  sacred  relation  of  the 
Fraternity  as  well  as  those  of  Christian  charity  to  the  indigent  to  make  this 
representation  to  your  Lordship  our  most  worthy  diocesan  &  the  venerable  Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  the  behalf  of  the  virtuous  Relicts  of  our 
late  deceased  Reverend  Brethren  Mr.  Muirson  and  Mr.  Urquhart  whose  present 
difficult  circumstances  as  they  extort  this  our  Petition,  so  we  humbly  hope  will 
render  them   proper  objects  of  your  commiseration    


1709 


The  other  our  dear  Brother  Mr.  William  Urquhart  Minister  of  Jamaica  on  Long 
Island  being  settled  amongst  the  greatest  adversaries  of  the  Church  was  at  great 
pains  as  well  as  charges  to  maintain  the  title  of  his  Church  &  parsonage  besides 
repairs  and  his  natural  good  inclinations  to  hospitality  &  frequent  occasions  lead- 
ing him  into  extraordinary  expenees  to  support  the  credit  of  his  character,  being 
twelve  miles  of  New  York  has  likewise  left  his  Widow  in  such  Incumbrances  as 
truly  we  cannot  but  pity  and  do  therefore  jointly  implore  the  Venerable  Patrons 
of  the  Church  and  its  missionarys  to  remove,  by  the  equal  benevolence  — 

And  further  these  being  the  first  of  your  missionaries  here  that  have  died  In 
your  service,  we  beg  leave  to  entreat,  that  the  same  charitable  Bounty  of  a  year's 
salary  may  continue  to  be  paid  to  the  Widows  of  your  missionaries  who  shall 
hereafter  die  in  the  service  of  the  Church,  to  remove  if  possible  the  too  frequent 
&  difficult  circumstances  of  Ministers  Relicts. 


Evan  Evans  de   Philadelphia 

Jno.   Thomas  de  Hamstead 

Jno.   Sharpe  Chapn.  to  the  Queens  forces 

Saml.   Myles.   Hen.   Harris  de  Boston 

Jno.   Talbot   de   Burlington 

Jno.  Bartow  de  West  Chester 

Christ.    Bridge    de    Rye. 

—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.  Vol.   iii.  pp.   132-3. 


1709 


1810  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

Reverend  Mr.  Vesey  to  Colonel  Riggs.     The  Queen's  Farm. 
Trinity  Church.     Salary. 

New  York,  December  2nd,  1709. 

My  Dear  friend  Coll.  Riggs:  I  humbly  intreat  you  to  remember  me  in  England 
and  to  vouchsafe  me  your  favour  in  these  particulars,  as 

1st.  To  put  the  Bishop  of  London  in  mind  to  adjust  the  affair  of  the  farm, 
by  the  Queen's  letter,  or  otherwise,  before  the  new  Governor  leaves  England  that 
it  may  be  no  cause  of  dispute  between  him  and  us  after  his  arrival. 

2nd.  That  the  farm  though  now  of  small  rent  thirty  pounds  per  annum  will 
in  a  few  years  be  much  more  considerable,  and  that  it  deserves  the  utmost  efforts 
to  secure  it  to  the  church,  which  may  easily  be  effected  at  present,  but  hereafter 
not. 

3rd.  That  if  the  farm  and  consequently  my  house  rent  be  taken  away,  my 
income  in  this  chargeable  publick  station  will  not  support  me. 

4th.  That  I  deserve  some  encouragement  as  well  as  others  haveing  served  the 
Church  twelve  years  with  success,  that  when  the  people  belonging  to  the  men 
of  war  have  been  sick  on  shore,  have  visited  them  and  done  oflQces  for  them, 
though  their  Chaplains  have  officiated  as  ministers  of  parishes  at  Boston  Phila- 
delphia and  towns  very  remote  from  New  York,  and  received  the  profits;  and  also 
that  in  the  absence  of  the  Chaplain  of  the  Fort  I  have  taken  care  of  the  sick 
soldiers  and  their  families,  baptized  their  children  and  buried  their  dead;  and  all 
this  without  any  consideration,  except  that  for  about  two  years  I  was  Chaplain 
to  the  Triton  prize,  which  is  now  gone;  that  Mr.  Harris  at  Boston  which  is  three 
hundred  miles  and  Mr.  Evans  at  Philadelphia  one  hundred,  from  this  Province, 
are  the  Chaplains  to  the  two  guard  ships  of  this  Province;  that  besides  what  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Evans  has  at  Philadelphia  which  is  more  than  all  my  salary,  he  has  a 
liveing  of  above  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  per  annum  in  England;  that  the 
Missionarys  of  this  Province  besides  their  establishments  here  which  are  looked 
on  proportionable  to  the  country  as  good  as  mine  have  all  of  the  fifty  pounds 
each  per  annum  from  the  Society. 

5th.  That  these  are  all  worthy  gentlemen  and  doe  great  service  to  the  Church, 
and  well  deserve  what  they  have,  and  I  dont  in  the  least  envy  their  happiness; 
but  with  submission  think  that  some  care  ought  also  to  be  taken  of  me,  who 
have  served  the  church  here  much  longer  by  many  years  than  any  of  them,  I  may 
say  it  without  vanity,  with  more  success,  whatever  noise  some  of  them  may 
make   in    England. 

6th.  Therefore  in  justice  I  ought  to  have  the  allowance  of  fifty  pounds  per 
annum  from  England  as  well  as  they,  since  my  ship  is  gone,  my  perquisites 
sunk,  and  my  annual  income  sometimes  leaves  me  in  debt  in  this  publick  and 
expensive  place,  where  a  man  is  obliged  to  live  in  another  manner  than  in  a 
country  town. 

7th.  That  my  Lord  Bishop  of  London  be  moved  to  petition  the  Queen  in  Council 
for  such  an  annuall  allowance  out  of  the  Treasury  of  fifty  pounds  as  his  Lordship 
did  for  an  one  hundred  pounds  per  annum  for  the  minister  of  Boston,  Mr.  Harris, 
and  I  think  as  much  for  Mr.  Barkly  and  easily  obtained  it. 

8th.  That  if  Coll.  Riggs  and  Mr.  Newman  with  the  concurrence  of  the  Bishop 
of  London  shall  effect  this  great  matter  for  me,  I  shall  make  them  both  ample 
satisfaction. 

9th.  But  if  this  can't  be  obtained  (as  I  hope  it  may  by  the  earnest  application 
of  my  friends)  then  I  hope  my  friends  will  procure  for  me  the  debt  of  twenty 
pounds  from  the  King's  bounty,  which  I  ought  to  have  had  when  I  left  England, 
which  King  William  promised  for  encouragement  to  every  Minister  that  would 
goe  into  the  Plantations  and  so  was  continued  by  Her  Majesty  Queen  Anne,  and 
that  this  twenty  pounds  if  procured  (after  Mr.  Newman  is  satisfied)  be  put  into 
Coll.  Riggs  hands  to  be  disposed  of  for  me  as  he  shall  think  proper,  either  in 
solicitations  or  in  goods.  Coll.  Riggs  reserving  for  himself  so  much  as  he  pleases 
for  his  trouble. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1811 

lOth.  That  Coll.  Riggs  will  be  pleased  to  give  me  a  good  character,  if  he 
thinks  I  deserve  it,  to  my  Lord  Bishop  of  London,  to  observe  what  he  said  about 
the  sermon  I  presented  to  him,  and  say  that  I  and  my  congregation  are  well  satis- 
fyed  in  each  other  and  that  there  is  great  love  and  unity  among  us  and  the 
Church  flourishes  and  that  the  Dissenting  preacher  at  present  is  likely  to  gain  no 
ground. 

11th.  That  (if  Coll.  Riggs  believes  me)  I  declare  that  whatsoever  some  might 
suggest  to  his  Lordship,  I  never  intermeddled  with  Government  in  my  Lord  Corn- 
bury's  time,  nor  ever  did  I  council,  advise  to,  or  concern  myselfe  in  his  adminis- 
tration, so  false  is  that  detraction. 

12th.  That  I  hope  Coll.  Riggs  &  the  Bishop  of  London  with  other  friends  will 
recommend  me  and  my  Church  to  the  favour  and  protection  of  the  new  Governor 
and  that  affectionately;  otherwise  I  fear  we  shall  sink  under  so  great  an  opposi- 
tion both  from  the  French  and  Dutch,   who  maliciously  seek  our  destruction. 

13th.  That  Coll.  Riggs  will  enquire  and  send  me  word  whether  those  laws,  that 
concerned  my  salary  and  Church,  have  obtained  the  Royal  Assent,  and  if  not,  to 
put  the  Bishop  of  London  in  mind  of  them. 

And  Sir,  if  it  comes  in  your  way  to  serve  me  in  any  of  these  particulars,  It 
shall  be  gratefully   acknowledged   by.   Dear  Coll. 

Your  most  assured  friend  and  Servant, 

W.  Vesey. 

New  York,   Nov.   loth,   1715. 

« 

I  have  compared  the  aforewritten  letter  with  the  original  and  find  it  to  be  a 
true   Copy. 

(signed)  John  Johnson,  Mayor. 

—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  465,  466,  467. 


Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Dec.  2,  1709.  p.  205.  §  4. 

The  consideration  of  sending  a  minister  with  the  Palatines 
that  are  going  to  ISTew  York,  being  resumed  and  the  minutes  of 
the  20th  of  May  and  3rd  of  June  last  being  read,  agreed  that  it 
be  referred  to  the  Committee  to  consider  of  a  proper  person  for 
that  purpose,  and  that  it  be  past  particularly:  cordially  recom- 
mended to  Mr.  La  Mothe  and  Mr.  Hale  to  enquire  after  such  a 
person. 

Report  of  the  Board  of  Trade  on  the  Plans  foe  Settling 

THE  Palatines. 

Dec.  5,  1709. 

To  the  Queen's  Most  Excellent  Majesty. 

May  it  please  Your  Majesty:  In  obedience  to  Tour  Majesty's  Commands  slgnl- 
fyed  to  us  by  the  Right  Honorable  the  Earl  of  Sunderland,  we  have  considered 
the  Proposals  made  by  Colonel  Hunter,  for  settling  three  thousand  Palatines 
at  New  York,  and  Employing  them  in  the  Production  of  Naval  Stores,  and  there- 
upon humbly  Represent  to  Your  Majesty. 

That  the  Province  of  New  Yorke  being  the  most  advanced  Frontier  of  Your 
Majesty's  Plantations  on  the  Continent  of  America,  the  Defence  and  Preservation 


1709 


1812  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

of  that  place  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  Security  of  all  the  Rest;  And 
if  the  said  Palatines  were  seated  there  they  would  be  an  additional  strength  and 
security  to  that  Province,  not  only  with  regard  to  the  French  of  Canada,  But 
against  any  Insurrection  of  the  Scattered  Nations  of  Indians  upon  that  Continent, 
and  therefore  we  humbly  Propose  that  they  be  sent  thither. 

By  the  best  information  we  can  gett,  the  most  proper  Places  for  the  seating 
of  them  in  that  Province,  so  as  they  may  be  of  benefit  to  this  Kingdom  by  the 
Production  of  Naval  Stores,  are  in  the  Mohaques  River,  and  on  Hudson's  River, 
where  are  very  great  numbers  of  Pines  fit  for  production  of  Turpentine  and  Tarr, 
out  of  which  Rozin  and  Pitch  are  made. 

First  in  relation  to  the  Mohaques  River;  your  Majesty  was  pleased  by  Your 
Order  in  Council  of  the  26th  of  June  1708,  to  confirm  an  Act  past  at  New  York 
the  2nd  of  March  1698/9  for  vacating  several  Extravagant  Grants,  whereby  large 
Tracts  of  Land  are  returned  to  Your  Majesty,  and  among  the  rest: 

A  Tract  of  Land  lying  on  the  Mohaques  River  containing  about  fifty  miles  in 
length  and  four  miles  in  breadth,  and  a  Tract  of  land  lying  upon  a  creek  which 
runs  into  the  said  River,  containing  between  twenty  four  and  thirty  Miles  in 
length".  This  last  mentioned  Land,  of  which  Your  Majesty  has  the  possession 
is  claimed  by  the  Mohaques,  but  that  claim  may  be  satisfied  on  very  easy  Terms. 

The  Objection  that  may  be  made  to  the  Seating  of  the  Palatines  on  the  fore- 
mentioned  Mohaques  River,  is  the  Falls  that  are  in  the  said  River  between  Sche- 
nectady and  Albany,  which  will  be  an  Interruption  to  the  Water  carriage,  but 
as  that  may  be  easily  helped  by-  a  short  land  carriage  of  about  three  miles  at 
the  most,  We  do  not  see  that  this  Objection  will  be  any  hindrance  to  the  seating 
of  them  there,  In  case  there  be  not  an  opportunity  of  doing  it  more  conveniently 
in  some  other  part  of  that  Province. 

There  are  other  large  Tracts  of  Lands  on  Hudson's  River,  which  are  resumed 
to   Your  Majesty  by  the  foresaid   Vacating   Act,    viz. 

A  Tract  of  Land  lying  on  the  East  side  of  that  River,  containing  twelve  miles 
in  breadth,  and  about  seventy  miles  in  length,  and  on  the  other  Tract  on  the 
West  side,  containing  twenty  miles  in  Breadth  and  forty  miles  in  length. 

By  all  which  it  appears  that  there  are  Lands  Sufficient  in  Your  Majesty's  gift, 
for  the  proposed  settlement  of  the  said  Palatines,  in  case  the  same  have  not 
been  regranted  by  Your  Majesty's  Governor  or  the  Commander  in  Chief  there, 
since  those  lands  were  so  resumed,   which  we  do  not  hear  has  been  done. 

We  therefore  humbly  Offer  that  the  Governor  or  Commander  in  Chief  be  di- 
rected upon  their  arrival,  to  seat  them  all  either  in  a  Body  or  in  different  Settle- 
ments upon  those  or  other  Lands  as  he  shall  find  most  proper.  And  that  they  be 
Encouraged  to  settle  and  work  in  partnership,  that  is  five  or  more  families  to 
unite  and  Work  in  Common. 

That  the  Governor  be  likewise  Directed  to  grant  under  the  Seal  of  that  Prov- 
ince, without  fee  or  Reward,  forty  Acres  per  head  to  each  family,  after  they 
shall  have  repaid  by  the  produce  of  their  labour  the  charges  the  publick  shall  be 
at  In  settling  and  subsisting  them  there,  in  the  manner  as  is  herein  after  pro- 
posed; To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  Lands,  to  them  and  their  heirs  forever, 
under  the  usual  Quit  rent  to  commence  and  be  payable  after  seven  years  from 
the  date  of  each  respective  grant;  and  further  that  in  every  such  Grant  there 
be  an  Express  Proviso  that  the  Lands  so  granted  shall  be  settled  and  planted 
within  a  reasonable  time  to  be  therein  prefixed,  or  in  failure  thereof;  such  Grant 
to  be  void  and  to  revert  to  the  Crown;  And  for  the  better  preventing  those  people 
from  falling  upon  the  Woollen  Manufactures,  it  will  be  proper  that  in  every  such 
Grant,  a  clause  be  incerted,  declaring  the  said  Grant  to  be  Void,  if  such  Grantee 
shall  apply  himself  to  the  making  the  Woollen  or  such  like  Manufacture. —  Col. 
Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  117,  118.     Also  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  iil.  382-6. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoek.  1813 

Appendix  to  Journal. 

B.     1701-1711.     ]S^o.  133. 

Petition  of  the  Palatines  to  retain  Mr.  Haeger  as  their  Minister. 

To  the  Right  Reverened,  and  Reverend  the  Society  of  Divines, 
meeting  at  St.  Paul's  London.  The  humble  Petition  of  the  elders 
and  principals  of  the  poor  Palatines  in  behalf  of  themselves  and 
all  the  rest  of  those  residing  at  Bable  Bridge  in  St.  Clare's 
Southwark  ,  •  : 

Humbly  sheweth: 

That  your  petitioners  long  experience  of  ye  great  zeal,  hability 
and  faithfulness  of  their  minister,  Mr.  John  Fred  Haeger,  whose 
care  and  unwearied  diligence  in  propagating  of  your  petitioners 
spiritual  welfare  by  his  constant  praying,  preaching  and  visiting, 
obligeth  us  humbly  to  desire  his  presence  and  continuance  of  his 
ministry  amongst  us,  wheresoever  the  divine  providence  and  her 
Majesty's  pleasure  shall  think  fit  to  dispose  of  your  petitioners. 
For  we  are  all  truly  sensible  the  calumny  aspersions  and  reproach 
cast  upon  him  by  evil  and  ill  disposed  persons  is  purely  owing  to 
the  effect  of  malice  and  hatred  without  any  just  ground  or  cause 
which  all  your  petitioners  are  ready  to  make  appear  where 
thereunto  required. 

The  considered  your  petitioners  humbly  hope  their 

petition  may  be  granted  and  they  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray 

etc. 

Jeremiah  Long, 

Joh.  Christoph  Kurz, 

Joh.  Rudress  Gull,  jager 

Jechon :  Pruss, 

Frederich  Nees, 

Jacob  Koll. 


1709 


1709 


1814  ECCLESIASTICAT.    EeCOKDS 

Trade  Papers. 

Z.   80      Letter  from  Mr.  Attorney  General  returning  draught  of 

an  instrument  for  obliging  the  Palatines  to  the  terms  of 

Dec.  5,  1709,  read  Dee.  22,  1709. 

Covenant  for  the  Palatines  residence  and  employment  in  ISTew 

York. 

Whereas,  we  the  under  written  persons,  natives  of  the  lower 
Palatinate  of  the  Rhine  have  been  subsisted,  maintained  and  sup- 
ported ever  since  our  arrival  in  this  Kingdom  by  the  great  and 
christian  charity  of  her  Majesty,  the  Queen  and  of  many  of  her 
good  subjects  and  whereas  her  Majesty  has  been  graciously 
pleased  to  order  and  advance  a  loan  for  us  and  on  our  behalf  of 
several  very  considerable  sums  toward  the  transporting,  main- 
taining and  settling  of  us  and  our  respective  families  in  her 
Majesty's  Province  of  'New  York  in  America  and  toward  the  em- 
ploying of  us  upon  lands,  for  that  intent  and  purpose  to  be  al- 
lotted to  us,  in  the  production  and  manufacture  of  all  manner  of 
needful  stores  to  the  evident  benefit  and  advantage  of  us  and  of 
our  respective  families  and  whereas  her  Majesty  has  been  likewise 
graciously  pleased  to  give  her  royal  orders  to  ye  Honorable  Col. 
Robert  Hunter,  who  has  now  her  Majesty's  commission  to  be 
Captain  General  and  Governor  in  chief  of  the  said  province  and 
to  all  Governors  of  the  said  province  for  the  time  being  that  as 
soon  as  we  shall  have  made  good  and  repaid  to  her  Majesty,  her 
heirs  and  successors  (out  of  ye  produce  of  our  labors  in  the 
manufactures  we  are  employed  in)  the  full  sum  or  sums  of  money 
in  which  we  already  are  or  shall  become  indebted  to  her  Majesty, 
that  then  be  the  said  Colonel  Robert  Hunter,  or  the  Governor  or 
Governors  of  the  said  province  for  the  time  being,  shall  give  or 
grant  to  us  and  to  our  heirs  forever,  to  our  own  use  and  benefit, 
lands  to  the  proportion  or  amount  of  40  acres  to  each  person  free 
from  all  taxes,  quit  rents  or  other  manner  of  services  for  seven 
years  from  the  date  of  such  grant  and  aftervrard  subjected  only 


OE  THE  State  of  IN'ew  Yokk.  1815 

to  such  reservations  as  are  accustomed  and  in  use  in  that,  her 
Majesty's  said  province. 

"Now  know  all  men,  by  these  presents  that  we,  the  said  under 
written  persons  in  a  grateful  sense,  just  regard  and  due  considera- 
tions of  the  premises,  do  hereby  severally  for  ourselves,  our  heirs 
executors  and  administrators,  covenant  promise  and  grant  to  and 
with  the  Queen's  most  excellent  Majesty,  her  heirs  and  successors, 
that  we  with  our  respective  families  mil  settle  ourselves  in  such 
places  as  shall  be  allotted  to  us  in  ye  province  of  l^ew  York  on 
the  Continent  of  America  and  abide  and  continue  resident  upon 
the  lands  so  to  be  allotted  to  us  as  aforesaid  (in  such  bodys  or 
Societies  as  shall  be  thought  useful  and  necessary  for  carrying  on 
ye  manufacture  of  things  proper  for  usual  stores  or  for  the  de- 
fense of  us,  and  the  rest  of  her  Majesty's  subjects,  against  the 
French  or  any  other  of  her  Majesty's  enemies) 

And  that  we  will  not  uj^on  any  account  or  manner  of  pretense 
quit  or  desert  without  leave  from  ye  government  of  ye  said  prov- 
ince first  had  and  obliged  for  so  doing  and  will  to  our  utmost 
power  employ  and  occupy  ourselves  and  our  respective  families 
in  the  producing  and  manufacturing  of  all  manner  of  naval  stores, 
so  to  be  allotted  to  us,  or  on  such  other  lands  as  shall  be  thought 
more  proper  for  that  purpose  (and  not  concern  ourselves  in  work- 
ing up  or  making  things  belonging  to  ye  woolen  manufacture  but) 
behave  ourselves  in  all  things  as  becomes  dutiful  and  loyal  sub- 
jects and  grateful  and  faithful  servants,  to  her  Majesty,  Her 
heirs  and  successors,  paying  all  due  obedience  to  the  said  Hon. 
Colonel  Robert  Hunter  or  the  Governor  or  Governors  of  the  said 
province  for  the  time  being,  and  to  all  magistrates  and  other  of- 
ficers who  shall  from  time  to  time  be  legally  appointed  and  set 
over  us  and  toward  repayment  of  her  Majesty's  her  heirs  and 
successors,  all  such  sums  of  money  as  she  or  they  shall  at  any 
time  disburse  for  our  support  and  maintenance  till  we  can  reap 
the  benefit  of  the  produce  of  our  labors,  we  shall  permit  and 
suffer  all  naval  stores  by  us  manufactured  to  be  put  to  her  Ma- 


1709 


1709 


1816  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

jesty's  store  houses  and  shall  be  for  this  purpose  provided  under 
ye  care  of  comissary  who  is  to  keep  a  faithful  account  of  ye  goods 
which  shall  be  delivered  and  we  shall  allow  out  of  ye  meet  produce 
thereof  so  much  to  be  paid  her  Majesty,  her  heirs  and  successors 
as  upon  a  fair  account  shall  appear  to  have  been  disbursed  for 
subsistance  of  us,  or  providing  necessaries  for  our  families. 

In  witness. 

Rev.  Mr.  Laborei's  Petition. 

To  His  Excellency  Edward  Viscount  Cornbury  Capt.  Generall  &  Governor  in 
Chief  of  ye  Provinces  of  New  York  New  Jersey  and  Territories  Depending  Thereon 
in  America  &  Vice  Admirall  of  ye  same  etc.  in  Councill. 

The  humble  Petition  of  James  Laborei  minister  of  ye  French  Church  in  ye  City 
of  New  York 

Sheweth 

That  your  Excellencys  Petitioners  predecessors  ministers  of  ye  said  Church  hare 
been  allowed  a  Yearly  Sallary  of  Twenty  pounds  per  annum  out  of  ye  Revenue  of 
this  Province  &  your  Excellencys  Petitioner  having  been  minister  thereof  from  May 
last, 

Humbly  prays  your  Excellency  to  grant  unto  your  Petitioner  Warrants  for  ye 
like  Sallary  Payable  quarterly  out  of  ye  revenue  and  your  Excellencys  Petitioner  as 
In  Duty  Bound  shall  Ever  pray  etc. 

James  Laborei. 
Read  In  Council  13th  Dec.  1709  and  granted.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vo'.  ili.  p.  26.3. 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Rev.  John  Frederick  Haeger  to  be  sent  to  Xew  York. 
Dec.  16,  1709.  p.  211.  §  5. 

The  Secretary  reported  from  the  Committee  that  having  in- 
quired according  to  order  after  a  fit  person  to  be  sent  over  with 
the  Palatines  that  are  going  to  New  York  as  their  minister,  that 
one  John  Frederic  Haeger  had  attended  them  and  offered  his 
services  to  the  Society  producing  testimonials  of  his  learning  and 
morals  to  their  satisfaction,  whereupon  and  upon  the  good  ac- 
count that  Dr.  Slare,  Mr.  De  ISTeufoile  and  several  others  gave 
of  him,  they  had  recommended  him  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London 
to  be  put  into  Holy  orders,  if  his  Lordship  thought  convenient,  to 
the  end  that  he  might  be  quahfied  for  the  above  mentioned  mis- 
sion.    The  report  having  been  considered  agreed  that  the  said 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoke.  181Y 

Mr.  Haeger  be  the  Society  Missionary  in  such  part  of  the  province 
of  'New  York,  where  her  Majesty  shall  think  fit  to  settle  the  poor 
Palatines,  provided  that  he  be  episcopally  ordained,  and  that  the 
said  Mr.  Haeger  do  qualify  himself  agreeable  to  the  order  of  the 
Society  about  missionaries,  and  it  is  recommended  to  Mr.  Bonet, 
Mr.  Vernon,  Mr.  Hales  and  Dr.  Slare  to  hear  the  said  gentleman 
read  prayers  and  preach,  and  report  to  the  Committee  whose 
approbation  shall  be  final. 

§  6. 

Agreed  that  the  text  upon  which  Mr.  Haeger  do  preach  before 
the  above  mentioned  gentlemen  be  part  of  the  5th  verse  of  the 
11th  chapter  of  St.  Matthew  on  the  words:  The  poor  have  the 
gospel  preached  to  them. 

7.  Agree  that  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds  per  annum  to  commence 
from  Mithas  last  be  allowed  to  the  said  Mr.  Haeger  with  the  usual 
sum  of  ten  pounds  and  five  pounds  for  books. 

Dec.  30,  1709.  p.  217.  §  7.  • 

The  Secretary  reported  from  the  Committee  that  Mr.  Haeger 
the  Palatine  minister,  after  having  been  ordained  by  the  Lord 
Bishop  of  London,  had  read  prayers  and  preached  pursuant  to 
the  orders  of  the  Society,  and  had  performed  very  well,  where- 
upon they  had  admitted  him  into  the  service  of  the  society  accord- 
ing to  the  powers  given  them  by  the  last  General  Meeting. 

The  Palatines  Catechism  oe  a  Teue  Desckiption  of  Their 
Camps  at  Black  Heath  and  Cambeewell. 

In  a  pleasant  Dialogue  between  an  English  Tradesman  and  a 
High-Dutchman. —  (A  representation  of  their  Camp.)  London, 
Printed  for  P.  Hase  in  Holborn,  1709. 

THE  palatines  CATECHISM. 

Eng.  Tradesman.     Good  morrow  Mynheer  Slouch  whither  are  you  going  so  early 

this  morning? 
High  Dutchman.     To  Black  Heath  to  see  my  old   Friends   and  acquaintance  the 

Palatines. 


1709 


1818  Ecclesiastical  E-ecoeds 

E.  T.      Pray,  where  does  these  Palatines  come  from  that  flock  hither  so  fast? 

H.  D.  From  a  certain  province  of  Germany  called  the  Lower  Palatinate  divided 
from  the  French  conquest  of  Alsatia,  by  a  great  river  twice  as  big  as  the 
Thames,  known  by  the  name  of  Lower  Rhine,  bordering  on  Francony, 
Lorain,  Bavaria,  Ments  and  Triers.  The  whole  country  from  east  to  west 
is  about  one  hundred  English  miles,  but  from  south  to  north,  not  above 
sixty.  Their  Capital  City  is  Heidelburgh,  where  the  Elector  Palatine 
keeps  his  court. 

B.  T.  I  don't  want  a  description  of  their  country  so  much  as  I  do  a  reason  for 
leaving  it. 

H.  D.     Truly  that  is  a  melancholy  story. 

E.    T.     Aye,  and  so  is  that  of  their  coming  hither,  however  let  me  hear  it. 

H.  D.  The  French  having  made  themselves  masters  of  Alsatia  and  taken  all  the 
strong  towns  on  the  Lower  Rhine  some  years  ago,  have  almost  every  year 
since  invaded  their  country  with  fire  and  sword,  burning  and  destroying 
all  before  them;  more  especially  about  two  years  since,  the  Mareschal 
de  Villars  and  his  merciless  army  reduced  it  to  a  perfect  wilderness,  not 
leaving  the  poor  Palatines  so  much  as  a  house  to  hide  their  heads  In,  nor 
hardly  cloaths  to  cover  their  nakedness,  so  that  laboring  under  these  mis- 
fortunes. Her  Majesty  of  Great  Britain,  out  of  her  Christian  clemency  and 
tenderness,  invited  some  thousands  of  them  into  England,  where  they  are 
well  provided  for,  both  at  Black  Heath  and  Camberwell. 

E.  T.  This  was  a  very  gracious  and  bountiful  Act  of  her  Majesty,  which  un- 
doubtedly will  be  recorded  as  a  lasting  pattern  of  mercy  to  future  govern- 
ments; but  I  would  fain  know  the  reason  why  their  own  princes  and  nobility 
take  no  better  care  of  them? 

H.  D.  Because  the  wars  has  been  so  burthensome  to  them,  that  they  are  not 
scarce  able  to  support  their  own  grandeur. 

B.  T.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  we  have  no  better  allies  on  that  side,  who  can 
neither  fight  their  foes,  nor  feed  their  poor  without  us;  at  any  rate,  we 
are  like  to  have  a  rare  kettle  of  fish,  if  every  time  the  French  lead  them 
a  dance  we  are  forced  to  pay  the  piper. 

H.  D.  When  the  war  is  ended,  I  suppose  the  emperor  and  his  German  Princes 
will  make  you  some  satisfaction,  in  the  meantime,  necessity  has  no  law. 

E.  T.  This  is  High  German  doctrine  with  a  vengeance,  when  the  sky  falls  we 
catch  larks.  But  pray  how  long  do  you  think  it  will  be  before  this  grate- 
ful piece  of  compensation  will  be  made,  according  to  your  foreign  cal- 
culations? 

H.  D.  That  is  a  question  sooner  asked  than  resolved;  the  fate  of  war  is  uncer- 
tain, he  that  is  conqueror  to-day,  may  be  prisoner  to-morrow.  However, 
according  to  human  appearance,  the  common  enemy  will  be  soon  humbled. 

E.  T.  All  this  is  little  to  the  purpose.  I  think  our  charity  ought  to  begin  at 
home,  both  in  peace  and  war,  before  we  extend  it  to  our  neighbors.  I 
confess  we  are  commanded  to  love  them  as  ourselves,  but  to  love  them 
better,  will  be  counted  madness;  The  Palatines  may  be  poor  enough,  but 
their  coming  hither  can  never  make  us  rich  (as  has  too  often  been  learnedly 
worded)  when  we  had  so  many  before  we  could  not  tell  what  to  do  with 
them. 

H.  D.  I  know  there  was  great  numbers  of  poor  people  in  England  before  these 
Palatines  came  over;  whose  employment  will  be  rather  increased  than 
diminished,  if  the  vast  ground  of  this  nation  be  cultivated  by  these 
strangers. 

E.  T.  This  is  the  common  notion  I  confess  of  both  high  and  low,  but  how  it 
will  consist  with  our  negligence  for  many  years  last  past,  in  not  providing 
for  our  own  poor,  is  still  a  paradox.  The  land  of  Egypt  (as  a  late  worthy 
senator  very  learnedly  observed),  felt  the  sad  effects  of  this  superabundant 
charity,  for  while  the  strangers  of  the  land  lived  in  plenty  in  the  best  of 
the  country,  the  natives  themselves  wanted  bread  for  their  families;  inso- 
much, that  they  were  not  only  forced  to  sell  their  lands  to  the  foreigner 
Joseph  but  themselves  also. 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  York.         1819 

H.  D.  Since  you  bring  Scripture  to  support  your  uncliaritableness,  did  not  the 
Gibeonites  live  in  the  land  of  Canaan  among  the  Israelites,  without  any 
disturbance  or  evil  effects? 

E.  T.  Yes;  but  then  they  were  made  hewers  of  wood  and  drawers  of  water  to 
the  people  and  not  equal  in  freedom,  trade,  liberty  and  property  as  our 
strangers  are  like  to  be.  There  was  a  time  when  a  certain  people  (pretty 
well  known  to  us  since)  who  addressed  our  Queen  then,  as  these  Palatines 
do  now,  under  the  notion  of  poor  distresses,  but  as  soon  as  they  were  set 
on  horse  back  (I  won't  say  they  Road  to  the  Devil)  but  if  possible  they 
have  since  gone  beyond  him  for  policy,  whatever  became  of  honesty;  and 
so  often  have  outwitted  somebody,  that  they  now  care  for  nobody,  and 
think  themselves  above  everybody. 

H.  D.  I  know  your  meaning  by  your  gapcing  but  I  hope  you  wont  compare  those 
distressed  people  to  the  greatest   Commonwealth   in  Europe? 

E.  T.  No,  I  only  mention  this  by  the  by.  to  let  the  world  see  that  some  folks 
can  play  the  Hypocrile  one  day  and  upon  occasion,  the  Tyrant  the  next. 
Spittle-Fields  and  So-hoe  have  hundreds  nay  thousands  of  instances  of 
this  sad  truth,  who  were  our  humble  servants  at  the  threshold,  but  as  soon 
as  they  got  possession  of  the  house,  they  became  our  masters  and  so  are 
like  to  continue  to  the  end  of  the  chanter. 

H.  D.  There's  some  difference  betM-een  a  Papist  sent  out  of  France  and  a  Protest- 
ant drove  oiit  of  Germany,  the  first  for  knavery  and  pride,  and  the  latter 
for  honesty  and  poverty. 

E.  T.  I  wish  there  ben't  too  much  knavery  on  both  hands,  whatever  there  may 
be  of  Honesty  and  Poverty  in  either:  otherwise,  why  are  not  multiplicity 
of  hands  as  necessary  and  beneficial  to  one  prince  as  to  another?  And  if 
it  be  answered  above,  that  the  princes  from  whence  the  wanderers  came, 
have  too  manj'  poor  to  maintain  without  'em,  the  same  argument  (with 
much  more  Reason)  holds  still  good  on  our  side,  unless  they  would  bring 
along  with  them  good  store  of  money'd  men  (instead  of  beggars)  to  pay 
them  their  wages  for  building  and  planting  in  this  imaginary  English 
America,  otherwise  I  am  afraid,  after  the  hot  fit  of  foreign  charity  is 
over,  they  may  be  as  hard  put  to  it  to  find  masters  to  employ  them,  or  at 
least  good  Pay-masters,  as  some  of  our  countrymen  have  done  for  above 
twenty  years  last  past;  who  instead  of  wooden  shoes  to  pull  on  their  feet, 
could  hardly  get  any  victuals  to  put  in  their  bellies,  without  being  pity'd 
or  taken  care  of,  and  this  much  nearer  home  than  France  or  Germany. 

H.  D.  Well  you  have  said  enough  and  perhaps  too  much  for  some  people's  ap- 
probation; and  therefore  since  the  Generous  government  have  thought  fit 
to  give  them  such  Plentiful  Relief  in  their  Canvass  Hutches,  both  on 
Black  Heath  and  Camberwell,  let  us  adjourn  these  disputes  thither  and 
view  their  innocent  industry  in  their  respective  encampments. 

B.  T.  Hey  day!  here's  a  Windmill  on  top  of  a  tent,  I  hope  it  is  not  a  reflection 
on  their  benefactors?  I  know  some  people  have  windmills  in  their  noodles, 
as  well  as  magots  in  their  brains;  but  this  can  never  be  the  meaning  on't, 
I  rather  think  the  canvass  sails  denotes  the  mutability  of  Fortune,  who 
eets  some  up,  and  some  down;  making  some  merry  at  others  madness, 
•while  some  laugh  at  others  sadness  and  so  the  world  goes  round. 

H.  D.  'Tis  nothing  Sir,  but  their  innocent  diversion  to  prevent  idleness;  pray 
don't  wrest  their  diligence  to  any   sinister  Interpretation. 

B.  T.  No,  by  no  means;  but  methinks  their  weddings  are  as  different  from  that 
of  an  English  Christian  as  leaping  o'er  a  knife  and  fork,  where  a  sword 
is  wanting,  from  the  Primitive  Ceremony  of  a  yea  and  nay  coupling  in 
Wedlock. 

H.  D.  'Tis  otherwise  with  them  in  their  churches,  this  may  serve  only  to  stop 
the  appetite  till  a  more  convenient  season. 

E.  T.  Their  buryings  of  children  resemble  a  kitchen-stuffwoman,  going  to  the 
Tallow  Chandlers  with  a  Tub  full  of  Grease,  tho'  much  merrier,  for  they 
sing  all  the  way.  As  for  their  minister  and  his  way  of  Teaching,  with  the 
Blacksmith  just    by   him   making   nails   to   clinch   his   arguments;   the   cook 


1709 


1820  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1710 

dressing  victuals,  and  sutlers  Tents;  with  several  other  Things,  which  for 
brevity  sake,  are  here  put  all  together,  in  imitation  of  the  Traders  Medley, 
being  resolved  my  readers  should  have  a  lumping  half-penny  worth  of 
High  German  Rarities. 

H.  D.  But,  Sir,  without  jesting,  do  but  behold  these  three  pretty  little  Infants 
in  their  primitive  purity,  in  the  very  view  of  the  parson's  pulpit;  being  a 
certain  argument  that  they  will  be  soon  brought  within  the  pale  of  the 
church. 

E.  T.  More  likely  within  the  Tale  of  a  Tub  in  a  little  time.  But  hold?  here's 
your  High  German  Performers,  a  cap  made  of  rushes,  in  imitation  of  a 
bird  cage,  thereby  representing  a  twofold  mystery;  the  one  to  lull  us 
asleep  (rushes  being  of  that  nature)  while  like  a  bird,  we  are  caught  in 
our  own  nets  and  confined  within  the  cage  of  sleepy  negligence  and  un- 
thinking carelessness. 

H.  D.  You  may  make  what  reiiections  yon  please,  on  these  poor  people's  Diligence 
and  Industry,  but  as  sure  as  the  effects  of  laziness  cloaths  any  person  in 
rags,  so  sure  does  a  diligent  hand  make  rich. 

E.  T.  I  remember  it  was  the  saying  of  an  eminent  Pick-Pocket  (who  long  since 
made  his  laudable  exit  at  the  Trel)le  Conveniency,  as  the  Quaker  words  it) 
that  a  wagging  hand  gets  a  penny;  but  in  the  reverse  of  this  I  say,  a  hand 
may  wag  too  much,  and  a  man  may  be  too  diligent,  even  in  a  lawful  call- 
ing, if  he  kills  himself  with  working,  drown  himself  to  save  another,  or 
the  like;  therefore  In  an  evi!  employ,  if  a  man  does  anything,  he  does  too 
much,  and  consequently  had  better  do  nothing  than  do  mischief:  For 
though  a  diligent  hand  may  make  a  man  rich,  it  can  never  make  him  happy 
unless  it  be  in  a  lawful  and  commendable  employ. 

H.  D.  You  have  a  further  Reach  in  your  last  meaning  and  discourse,  than  my 
mean  capacity  and  meaner  understanding  can  fathom.  However  be  it  as 
it  will  I  heartily  wish  well  to  these  Strangers  and  that  they  were  well 
settled  in  this  nation;  and  since  our  neighbors,  the  Dutch,  have  thought 
fit  to  follow  our  example  in  naturalizing  foreigners,  we  ought  cheerfully 
like  well  disposed  Christians,  contribute  toward  their  support  and  sit 
down  contented  with  what  our  wise  superiors  have  done;  not  doubting 
but  in  the  long  run  it  will  tend  to  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  Prince 
and  People. 

B.    T.     Your  Christian  Temper  I  must  needs  commend, 
To  love  your  country,  as  you  love  your  friend. 
By  praying  for  their  happy  settlement: 
No  matter  for  an  Englishman's  consent. 
While  they  with  one  accord  ioin  hand  in  hand. 
We'll  pray  for  them,  but  wish  'em  out  o'  the  Land. —  Finis. 

■  '  1710. 

The  State  of  the  Palatines  for  Fifty  Years  Past  to  This 
Present  Time  Containing. 

I.  An  account  of  the  Principality  of  the  Palatinate;  and  of  the  Barbarities  and 
Ravages  committed  by  order  of  the  French  King  upon  the  Inhabitants;  Burn- 
ing to  the  groimd  a  great  number  of  their  most  famous  Cities,  and  throwing 
the  bones  of  their  Emperors,  Princes,  and  Prelates  out  of  their  Tombs,  etc. 

II.  The  case  of  the  Palatines,  published  by  themselves,  and  humbly  offerd  to  the 
Tradesmen  of  England  With  a  list  of  them,  and  the  Trades  which  the  men 
are  brought  up  to. 

III.  The  humble  Petition  of  the  Justices  of  Middlesex  to  her  Majesty  on  their 
behalf  with  her  Majesty's  order  thereupon  and  an  abstract  of  the  Brief 
graciously  granted  for  their  subslstance. 

IV.  A  letter  about  settling  and  employing  them  in  other  countries. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoek.         1821 

V.     A  Proclamation  of  tbe  Stares  General  for  naturalizing  all  strangers,   and  re- 
ceiving them  into  their  cxiuntry. 

VI.  Lastly  their  present  encamping  at  Camberwell  and  Black-heath  in  many 
hundred  tents,  by  her  Majesty's  Grace  and  favor,  till  they  can  be  otherwise 
disposed  of,  and  how  they  employ  themselves,  with  their  marriages,  bnriala 
etc.  Also  the  great  kindness  their  Ancestors  showed  to  the  English  Protesx- 
ants  in  the  Bloody  Reign  of  Queen  Mary. 

London,   printed   for   J.    Baker   at   the   Black    Bay    in   Pater   Noster   Row,   1710. 

L  An  account  of  the  principality  called  the  Palatinate,  and  of  the  barbarities, 
and  ravages  committed  by  order  of  the  French  King  upon  the  Inhabitants,  and 
burning  a  great  number  of  their  cities. 

The  poor  Palatines  who  are  the  object  of  our  present  charity,  inhabited  lately 
a  principality  in  Germany  called  the  Palatinate,  which  is  divided  into  the  Upper 
and  Lower  Palatinate,  the  Upper  belong'd  to  the  Duke  of  Bavaria,  according  to  the 
Treaty  of  Munster,  and  the  Lower  to  the  Comt  Palatine  of  the  Rhine,  who  for- 
merly enjoyed  the  whole.  The  country  takes  its  name  from  the  office  of  Comt 
Palatine,  bestowed  by  the  Emperor  on  those  who  administered  justice  in  his  name 
to  the  empire:  of  which  there  were  two;  one  on  the  Rhine,  who  had  charge  of 
Franconia,  and  the  neighboring  countries,  and  the  other  in  Saxony,  and  other 
countries,   subject  to  the  Saxon   Law. 

Hence  it  is  that  the  Electors  of  Saxony,  and  the  Elector  Palatine  or  the  Elector 
of  Bavaria  are  vicors  of  the  Empire  in  their  respective  provinces  when  there  is  an 
Interregnum  by  the  Emperor's  death  or  otherwise. 

At  first  the  Comt  Palatine  of  the  Rhine  had  no  possessions  on  that  River,  but 
in  process  of  time  got  them  by  marriage  purchase  or  imperial  gift,  and  formed  a 
very  considerable  principality. 

Ic  1576  the  Elector  Frederick  III  began  to  entertain  many  Protestant  families 
at  Frankeudale,    who   fled   from   the  low   countries. 

His  successor  doing  the  like  in  other  towns,  did  thereby  mightily  enrich  that 
country.  This  Prince  made  his  revenue- pay  considerable,  by  taking  away  the 
church  lands,  upon  the  change  of  religion;  by  his  right  of  conducting  strangers; 
whom  he  obliges  to  make  use  of  his  Guards,  not  only  in  his  own  Territories,  but 
in  the  neighboring  bishoprics,  and  Earldoms,  and  by  toll  upon  merchandise  that 
passes  his  dominions,  and  the  title  he  has  to  the  goods  of  strangers,  or  those  who 
come  to  settle  without  express  leave  in  the  Palatinate.  Frederick  III  was  suc- 
ceeded by  his  son  Lewis  IV.  who  tnrn'd  Protestant,  and  was  succeeded  by  I'hilip 
IV,  who  abandoned  popery.  He  married  Louise,  daughter  to  the  Prince  of  Orange, 
by  whom  he  had  Frederick  V,  who  was  chosen  King  of  Bohemia;  but  by  the  loss 
of  a  great  battle  at  Prague  and  the  supineness  of  the  English  court,  who  ought  to 
have  assisted  him,  he  marrying  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  King  James  I,  he  was 
obliged  to  abandon  his  country.  He  died  at  Mentz  in  1632  leaving  behind  him  three 
sons,    Charles  Lewis,   Robert  or  Rupert,   and  Edward. 

Prince  Robert  lived  in  England,  and  died  without  legitimate  issue;  Edward  left 
three  daughters,  one  named  Sophia,  married  to  the  Duke  of  Hanover,  and  is  now 
alive,  and  declared  by  Act  of  Parlament  the  next  Protestant  successor  to  the 
Crown  of  England,  after  the  decease  of  our  most  gracious  Queen  Anne,  whom 
God  grant  long  to  reign.  Charles  succeeded  his  father  Frederick  V,  in  the  Elec- 
torate Palatine  and  married  Charlotte,  daughter  of  the  Landgrave  of  Hesse  Cassel, 
by  whom  he  had  Charles  and  Elizabeth  Charlotte.  She  was  married  to  the  Duke 
of  Orleans,  only  brother  to  the  present  French  King  in  1678. 

It  was  reported  at  one  time,  that  King  Lewis  having  by  the  treaty  of  marriage 
allowed  that  princess,  who  was  a  protestant,  the  liberty  to  use  her  own  religion, 
yet  when  she  came  to  the  frontiers  of  that  Kingdom,  on  her  way  to  Paris,  to  con- 
summate her  marriage,  that  faithless  King  sent  her  a  peremptory  message  that  she 
should  proceed  no  farther  unless  she  would  renounce  the  Protestant  religion;  where- 
upon, the  unhappy  Prince  her  father,  who  was  afraid  to  incur  his  anger,  consented 
thereto  to  save  his  dominions  from  destruction,   but  in  a  year  or  two  after,  upon 


1710 


1710 


1822  Ecclesiastical  Records 

some  unjust  pretence,  he  sent  the  Dauphin,  his  son,  with  a  great  army  into  that 
country,  who  ruined  it  in  the  most  deplorable  manner  that  was  ever  heard  of. 

The  first  city  they  toolj  was  Spire,  a  noble  flourishing  town,  and  instantly  put 
It  under  contribution;  quartering  also  six  thousand  men  in  it,  and  demanding  sixty 
thousand  crowns  of  the  inhabitants  under  pain  of  burning  it  to  the  ground;  they 
reduced  themselves  almost  to  beggary  to  pay  this  sum;  which  the  Baron  de  Mouchin 
had  no  sooner  received,  but  he  caused  proclamation  to  be  made,  with  souud  of 
trumpet,  that  the  people  should  all  retire  with  their  goods,  because  the  town  was 
to  be  burnt  the  fifth  day  after,  and  to  add  to  the  cruelty  of  their  punishment  they 
were  not  suffered  to  pass  the  Rhine  where  they  might  have  found  some  assistance 
among  their  friends  and  relations,  but  they  were  forced  to  retire  to  Alsace,  among 
the  French,  who  treated  them  like  so  many  beasts,  without  the  least  mark  of 
humanity  or  compassion.  After  all  these  severities,  they  might  have  found  some 
consolation,  even  in  the  extremity  of  their  affliction,  if  they  had  been  furnished 
with  wagons  of  the  peasants  and  settlers,  who  taking  advantage  of  their  necessity, 
made  them  pay  such  excessive  rates,  that  they  were  forced  to  leave  the  greatest 
part  of  their  goods  for  want  of  carriage. 

Never  any  man  beheld  so  touching  an  object,  as  was  occasioned  by  the  grief 
and  consternation  that  covered  every  face  in  this  unfortunate  city  at  the  publishing 
the  Burning  order.  Tears  and  lamentations  were  seen  and  heard  in  every  place; 
the  women  especially  moved  the  hardest  hearts  to  compassion,  their  despair  making 
them  tear  their  hair,  and  strike  their  heads  against  the  wall. 

At  last  the  fatal  term  being  expired  they  were  forced  to  bid  an  everlasting  fare- 
well to  the  city,  and  with  it  to  almost  all  their  goods  and  possessions. 

Then  their  lamentations  began  afresh,  and  their  despair  appeared  more  visible 
than  ever;  nor  was  it  possible  for  any  heart  that  was  not  entirely  divested  of  all 
sense  of  humanity  to  resist  the  motions  of  compassion  that  were  excited  at  the 
sight  of  so  deplorable  an  object.  Noblemen,  Tradesmen,  the  poor  and  the  rich 
began  their  doleful  march,  without  any  mark  of  distinction,  all  equally  miserable, 
with  this  only  difference,  that  the  rich  were  more  sensible  of  their  misfortunes, 
than  those  whose  poverty  secured  them  from  the  danger  of  considerable  losses. 

I  am  still  filled  with  horror,  (says  the  author  a  French  gentleman  then  in  the 
Army)  as  often  as  I  reflect  on  that  dismal  spectacle  and  I  am  confident  no  good 
christain  would  have  been  less  deeply  touched  with  a  sense  of  the  irrecoverable 
ruin  of  so  many  innocent  persons,  if  he  had  been  an  eye  witness  to  it. 

He  could  not  have  beheld  without  feeling  almost  the  same  transports  of  sorrow 
to  see  two  or  three  hundred  noble  women  and  citizens  wives  walking  on  foot  in 
the  midst  of  an  infinite  crowd  of  people  and  most  of  them  followed  by  five  or  six 
small  children,  some  of  'em  hanging  at  their  mothers  breasts,  not  knowing  where 
to  shelter  themselves  during  the  night,  nor  where  to  find  necessary  refreshment 
nor  sustenance  of  their  wearied  bodies,  for  the  excessive  contributions  that  were 
exacted  from  'em  had  so  drained  their  purses  that  three  quarters  of  them,  were  not 
masters  of  a  penny;  and  those  who  had  the  happiness  to  preserve  the  remainder 
of  their  money  had  hid  it  under  ground  for  fear  of  being  robbed  by  the  soldiers  on 
the  road,  as  several  of  them  were,  who  had  not  used  that  precaution. 

After  their  departure  the  town  was  abandoned  for  three  days  to  the  mercy  of 
the  soldiers,  who  committed  a  thousand  sacrileges;  for  hoping  to  find  some  hidden 
treasures,  they  threw  down  the  Altars,  digg'd  up  dead  bodies,  and  rifiled  the  most 
ancient  and  venerable  tombs,  without  sparing  those  of  an  Emperor  and  several 
great  princes  and  prelates  that  were  in  the  Cathedral,  which  they  turned  into 
a  stable. 

After  all  these  violences,  the  appointed  Day  for  the  final  destruction  of  the  City 
being  come,  the  troops  were  eucamped  and  two  hundred  men,  each  with  a  lighted 
torch  in  his  hand,  were  commanded  to  set  fire  to  the  houses,  so  that  in  less  than 
a  half  a  day,  the  town  was  entirely  consumed;  and  lest  the  fire  should  be  too  mer- 
ciful, the  French  King  ordered  it  afterward  to  be  demolished,  and  a  thousand 
soldiers  were  employed  to  level  it  to  the  ground. 

The  Baroness  of  Arquenfeld,  second  wife  (or  if  you  will)  mistress  of  Charles 
Lewis,  Elector  Palatine,  was  burned  at  Manheim  and  this  city  (as  well  as  Heidel- 
berg, Worms  and  many  others  mentioned  in  her  Majesty's  most  gracious  Brief  for 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1823 

the  Palatines)  having  the  same  fate  with  Spire,  the  soldiers  not  only  broke  open 
her  toinb,  but  threw  her  bones  without  the  walls. 

I  have  been  thus  long  in  relating  these  barbarities,  because  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  rest  of  the  famous  cities  in  the  Palatinate  which  were  destroyed  by  the  French, 
had  the  same  inhuman  usage  from  their  savage  enemies.  Charles  succeeded  his 
father  in  the  electorate,  and  William  Duke  of  Newburg,  a  Roman  Catholic  is  the 
Present   Elector  Palatine. 

By  the  former  ravages  of  the  French  and  the  severe  exactions  and  impositions 
laid  upon  them,  these  people  were  reduced  to  the  utmost  want  and  extremity,  and 
several  thousand  of  them  are  come  (not  without  invitation  from  hence)  into  this 
Kingdom  to  throw  themselves  upon  our  charity,  for  relief  and  settlement  being 
likewise  encouraged  by  the  late  Act  for  naturalization  of  Protestant  Strangers. 

II.     The  Palatines  have  likewise  published  their  own  case,  which  they  humbly  offer 
to  the  Tradesmen  of  England. 

We  the  poor  distressed  Palatines,  whose  utter  ruin  was  accomplished  by  the 
merciless  cruelty  of  a  bloody  enemy  the  French  whose  prevailing  power  some  years 
past,  like  a  torrent  rushed  into  our  country  and  overwhelmed  us  at  once,  and 
being  not  content  with  money  and  food  necessary  for  their  occasion,  not  only  dis- 
posest  us  of  all  support,  but  inhumanly  burnt  our  houses  to  the  ground,  whereby 
being  deprived  of  all  shelter,  we  were  turned  into  the  open  fields,  and  there  drove 
us,  with  our  families  to  seek  what  shelter  we  could  find,  being  obliged  to  make  the 
cold  earth  our  repository  for  rest,  and  the  clouds  was  our  canopy  and  covering. 
We  poor  wretches  in  this  deplorable  condition  made  our  humble  supplications  and 
cries  to  Almighty  God,  whose  omnisciency  is  extensive,  and  who  has  promised  to 
relieve  all  those  who  make  their  humble  supplications  to  him,  that  he  will  hear 
them,  relieve  them,  and  STipport  them  in  what  condition  so  ever,  and  likewise  has 
promised  to  all  those,  who  shall  feed  the  hungry,  clothe  the  naked,  and  comfort 
the  distressed,  they  shall  be  received  into  his  everlasting  Kingdom,  whereby  they 
shall  be  rewarded  with  eternal   life. 

We  magnifl  the  goodness  of  our  Great  God  who  heard  our  prayers,  and  in  his 
good  time  disi)osed  the  hearts  of  good  and  pious  princes  to  a  Christian  compassion 
and  charity  toward  us  in  this  deplorable  state,  by  whose  royal  bounties,  and  the 
large  donations  of  well  disposed  quality  and  Gentry  we.  and  our  children  have  been 
preserved  from  perishing  from  hunger,  but  especially  since  our  arrival  in  this  land 
of  Canaan,  abounding  with  all  things  necessary  and  convenient  for  human  life. 

Blessed  Tiaad!  Govern'd  by  the  Mother  of  Europe,  and  the  best  of  Queens,  in  the 
steadiness  and  great  alacrity  in  contributing  largely,  in  all  respects,  toward  all 
her  allies  abroad  for  the  speedy  reducing  the  exhorbitant  power  of  France  and  our 
great  enemy,  and  likewise  her  great  piety  and  mild  government  and  great  charity 
toward  all  her  distressed  subjects  at  home,  and  not  bounded  here,  but  from  afar 
hath  gathered  strangers  and  despicable  creatures  (as  a  hen  her  chickens  under  her 
wings)  scattered  abroad,  destitute,  hungry,  naked  and  in  want  of  every  thing  nec- 
essary for  our  support. 

This  great  act  of  charity  towards  us  obliges  us,  and  our  posterity  to  perpetuate 
her  name  in  our  families,  and  to  render  our  hearty  prayers  to  Almighty  God,  that 
he  will  be  pleased  to  bless  her  sacred  Majesty  with  long  life  and  a  prosperous  reign, 
and  this  nation  with  a  happy  peace  and  plenty;  and  for  the  better  obtaining  of 
which,  may  he  give  her  repeated  victories  over  her  enemies,  which  are  the  re- 
dundant rewards  and  blessings  of  God,  upon  her  in  this  life,  and  may  she  be 
blessed  with  an  immortal  crown  that  never  fades. 

We  humbly  entreat  all  tradesmen  not  to  repine  at  the  good  disposition  of  her 
sacred  Majesty,  and  of  the  quality  and  gentry,  but  with  great  compassion  join  with 
them  in  their  charitable  disposition  toward  us,  and  with  a  cheerful  readiness  help 
us  at  this  juncture,  which  we  hope  will  be  a  means  to  redouble  the  blessing  of 
God  upon  this  nation.  We  entreat  you  to  lay  aside  all  reflections  and  impreca- 
tions, and  ill  language  against  us,  for  that  is  contradictory  to  a  christian  spirit, 
and  we  do  assure  you,  it  shall  be  our  endeavor  to  act  with  great  humility  and 
gratitude,  and  to  render  our  prayers  for  you,  which  is  all  the  return  that  can  be 
made  by  your 

Distressed  brethren,  the  Palatines. 


1710 


1824 


Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 


June  10th    last   there    were    come   over    thither 


Men  that  had  families 

940 

Unmarried   men 

292 

Daughters  above  14  years  of 

age 

247 

Sons  under  14  years  of  age 

1016 

Wives 

903 

Widows 

73 

Unmarried  women 

77    - 

Sons  above  14  years  of  age 

257       , 

Daughters  under  14  years  of 

age 
3  of  th 

950 

The  Total   sum 

4774. 

The  men  ar( 

e  following  trades 

Husbandmen  &  Vine  dressers 

850 

Herdsmen 

Schoolmasters 

8 

Sadlers 

Cloth  Linnen  Weavers 

49 

Stocking  Weavers 

Carpenters 

68 

Tanners 

Masons 

39 

Miners 

Joiners 

16 

Brick  makers 

Shoemakers 

28 

Potters 

Taylors 

41 

Hunters 

Millers 

18 

Tinoneds 

Wheelwrights 

11 

Surgeons 

Smiths 

35 

Lock  Smiths 

Bakers 

22 

Hatters 

Coopers  &  Brewers 

34 

Silver  Smiths 

Butchers 

22 

Statuary 

Total 


1232 


Since  the  above,  as  many  more  are  arrived  of  several  possessions  and  trades,  so 
that  the  number  is  now  about  eight  or  nine  thousand. 

Ill  To  the  Queen's  most  excellent  Majesty  The  humble  petition  of  your  Majesties 
justices  of  the  peace  for  the  County  of  Middlesex  held  at  Hick's  Hall,  June 
7th,  1709. 

Sheweth, 

That  being  informed  that  several  thousand  Germans  of  the  Protestant  religion, 
oppressed  by  exactions  of  the  French  in  their  own  country,  have  fled  for  refuge 
Into  this,  your  Majesty's  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  who  must  have  perished,  had 
not  your  Majesty's  Generous  and  seasonable  Bounty  subsisted  them,  and  being  sen- 
sible that  they  labor  still  under  great  wants  and  stand  In  need  of  further  relief 
for  their  subsistance,  do  thereby  crave  leave  to  offer  your  Majesty  our  humble 
opinion,  that  a  Brief  for  the  collection  of  the  charity  of  all  well  disposed  persons 
in  all  churches,  and  meetings,  and  otherwise  within  the  county,  as  soon  as  your 
Majesty  shall  think  fit  to  grant  it;  will  be  effectual  to  raise  a  considerable  sum, 
for  their  present  relief. 

All  which  we  humbly  submit  to  your  Majesties  great  wisdom,  and  we  shall  In 
duty  bound  ever  pray. 


IV  At  the  court  of  St.  James  June  16th,  1709.     Present  the  Queen's  most  excellent 
Majesty  in  Council. 

Upon  reading  this  day  at  the  Board  the  humble  petition  of  the  justices  of  the 
peace  for  the  County  of  Middlesex,  at  the  general  session  of  peace  for  the  said 
County,  representing  to  her  Majesty,  the  great  wants  and  necessities  of  several 
thousand  Germans  of  the  Protestant  religion,  who  being  oppressed  by  the  exactions 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.         1825 

of  the  French  in  their  own  country,  have  fled  for  refuge  Into  this  Kingdom  and 
must  have  perished,  had  not  her  Majesties  generous  and  seasonable  bounty  re- 
lieved them;  and  humbly  offering  that  for  their  future  relief  and  subsistance,  a 
brief  may  be  Issued  for  the  collection  of  the  charity  of  well  disposed  persons  within 
the  said  county.  Her  Majesty  out  of  her  tender  regard  and  compassion  to  these 
poor  people,  is  pleased  to  condescend  thereunto,  and  to  order  that  the  Right  Honor- 
able, the  Lord  High  Chancellor  of  Great  Britain  do  cause  Letters  Patents  to  be 
preferred  and  passed  under  the  Great  Seal  for  that  purpose  etc. 

According  a  Brief  has  been  granted  by  her  Majesty  for  the  Relief,  subsistance 
and  settlement  of  the  poor  distressed  Palatines  to  this  effect. 

Whereas  by  reason  of  the  many  great  hardships  and  oppressions  which  the 
people  of  the  Palatinate,  near  the  Rhine  in  Germany  (more  especially  the  Protes- 
tants) have  sustained  and  lain  under  for  several  years  past,  by  the  frequent  inva- 
sions, and  repeated  inroads  of  the  French  (whereby  more  than  two  thousand  of 
their  greatest  cities,  market  towns  and  villages)  have  been  burnt  down  to  the 
ground  as  Heidelburg,  Manheim,  Worms,  Spire,  Frankendale,  and  other  Towns, 
and  great  numbers  have  perished  in  the  woods  and  caves,  by  hunger,  cold,  and 
nakedness,  several  thousands  have  been  forced  to  leave  their  native  country, 
and  seek  refuge  in  other  nations,  and  of  them,  near  eight  thousand,  men,  women, 
and  children  are  come,  and  are  now  in  and  near  our  city  of  London,  in  a  very  poor 
and  miserable  condition. 

And  whereas  it  hath  been  humbly  represented  to  us,  as  well  by  an  address  of 
our  justices  of  the  peace  for  the  County  of  Middlesex,  at  their  general  session 
of  the  peace  held  at  Hick's  Hall,  as  by  other  our  loving  subjects,  in  behalf  of  the 
said  poor  Palatines: 

That  notwithstanding  our  bounty  allowed  to  them,  without  which  they  must 
have  perished,  yet  they  still  labor  under  great  wants,  and  stand  in  need  of 
farther  relief,  for  their  subsistance  and  settlement,  in  such  manner  as»  that  they 
may  not  only  support  themselves,  but  be  rendered  capable  of  advancing  the 
wealth  and  strength  of  our  nation,  in  regard  they  are  naturally  of  a  strong  healthy 
constitution,  inured  to  labor,  and  industry,  and  part  of  them  to  husbandry,  and 
therefore  the  said  justices,  and  our  own  loving  subjects,  on  behalf  of  the  said 
poor,  distressed  Palatines  have  humbly  besought  us  to  grant  unto  the  said  poor 
Palatines  our  gracious  Letters  Patents,  License,  and  Protection,  under  our  Great 
Seal  of  Great  Britain,  to  empower  them  to  ask,  collect  and  receive,  the  alms  and 
benevolence  of  all  our  loving  subjects  throughout  that  part  of  our  Kingdom  of 
Great  Britain  called  England,  Dominion  of  Wales,  and  Town  of  Berwick  upon 
Tweed.  Unto  which  humble  request  we  have  graciously  condescended,  not  doubt- 
ing but  when  these  presents  shall  be  made  known  unto  our  loving  subjects,  they 
will  readily  and  cheerfully  contribute  to  the  relief  and  support  of  the  said  poor 
Palatines;  considering  them  as  brothers  and,  sympathizing  with  them  in  their 
miserable  state  and  condition. 

Know  ye  therefore,  that  of  our  special  grace  and  princely  compassion  we  have 
given  and  granted  to  the  said  poor  Palatines,  and  to  their  Deputy  or  Deputies, 
the  Bearer  and  Bearers  thereof;  full  power.  License  and  authority  to  ask,  collect, 
and  receive  the  alms  and  charitable  Benevolences  of  our  loving  subjects,  not 
only  householders,  but  also  servants,  strangers,  lodgers,  and  others  In  all  the 
City's  Towns  and  villages   etc.,   in  our  Kingdom   etc. 

We  likewise  proposing  to  cause  the  like  License,  and  authority  to  be  granted 
In  relation  to  all  our  loving  subjects  in  Scotland.  And  we  do  require  all  parsons, 
vicars.  Curates,  Teachers,  and  preachers  of  every  separate  congregation  to  read 
the  said  Brief  in  their  several  churches,  and  congregations,  and  earnestly,  to 
exhort  their  auditors  to  a  liberal  contribution  of  their  charity  to  the  said  poor 
Palatines.  And  that  the  minister  and  Church  Wardens  of  every  parish,  shall  go 
from  house  to  house,  to  ask  and  receive  from  their  parishioners  their  christian 
and  charitable  contributions.  And  we  do  hereby  authorize  and  appoint  the  Lord 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  the  Lord  High  Chancellor,  The  Lord  High  Treasurer 
etc.  (with  a  great  number  of  other  Lords  Spiritual  and  Temporal,  Knights,  Gen- 
tlemen etc.)  to  be  Trustees,  and  receivers  of  the  said  Charity  etc.  And  to  dis- 
pose and  distribute  the  money  which  shall  be  collected  in  such  a  manner  as  shall 
be    found    necessary   and    convenient    for   the    better    employment   and    settlement 


1710 


1710 


1826  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

of  the  said  poor  Palatines,  by  making  contracts  on  their  behalf,   or  by  any  other 
lawful  means  and  ways  whatsoever  etc. 
In  pursuance  of  this  Brief  the  following  order  was  published. 

Whitehall  July  20,   1709. 

By  order  of  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords,  and  others,  her  Majesty's  Commis- 
sioners for  receiving  and  disposing  of  the  money  to  be  collected  for  the  subsistance 
and  settlement  of  the  poor  Palatines. 

Notice  is  hereby  given  that  they  will  hold  their  general  Meeting  at  Doctors 
Commons  every  Wednesday  at  four  in  the  afternoon. 

Notice  is  here  likewise  given,  that  the  said  Commissioners  are  come  to  a  reso- 
lution for  disposing  and  settling  as  many  of  the  said  Palatines  as  conveniently 
they  can,  in  North  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  the  Plantations,  and  that  they  will 
at  their  Committee  receive  proposals  in  order  thereunto. 

Notice  is  likewise  given  that  any  Masters  of  Ships,  trading  in  the  coal  or  other 
coast  trade,  are  at  liberty  to  employ  such  of  the  said  Palatines  as  are  willing 
to  serve  them  on  board  such  ships;  and  that  such  Masters  may  apply  themselves 
to  a  person  appointed  to  attend  at  the  several  places  where  the  said  Palatines 
now  are  for  that  purpose 

Whitehall  July  27. 

The  Right  Honorable,  the  Lord  Lieutenant  and  council  of  Ireland,  having  in 
an  humble  address  to  her  Majesty  requested  that  as  many  of  the  poor  Palatines 
as  her  Majesty  shall  think  fit,  may  be  settled  in  that  Kingdom,  and  given  assur- 
ance that  they  will  be  very  kindly  received,  and  advantageously  settled  there; 
and  the  address  having  been  laid  before  the  Right  Honoi-able,  the  Lords  and 
others  her  Majesties  Commissioners  for  receiving  and  disposing  of  the  money 
to  be  collected  for  the  subsistance  and  settlement  of  the  poor  Palatines. 

The  saicl  Commissioners  have  resolved  that  five  hundred  families  of  the  said 
Palatines,  be  forthwith  sent  into  that  Kingdom,  and  refer  it  to  their  committee 
to  settle  the  manner  and  time  of  sending  them  thither. 

By  order  of  the  said  Commissioners  notice  is  hereby  likewise  given  that  all 
ministers,  church  wardens,  and  other  substantial  inhabitants  of  the  several  par- 
ishes within  the  cities  of  London  and  Westminster,  and  Bills  of  Mortality,  who 
are  concerned  in  collecting  the  money  for  the  Brief,  for  the  subsistance  and  set- 
tlement of  the  poor  Palatines,  are  hereby  required,  as  soon  as  they  shall  have 
finished  the  collection  on  the  said  Briefs  to  return  the  same,  together  with  the 
money  thereon  by  them  respectively  collected,  into  the  Chamber  of  London,  and 
that  the  receipt  of  the  proper  Ofiicers  then  appointed  by  the  Chamberlain  to 
receive  the  same,  shall  be  a  sufficient  discharge  to  them  respectively  for  their 
so  doing. 

Notice  is  hereby  also  given  that  all  Masters  of  Ships,  or  any  other  persons  are 
at  full  liberty  to  employ  in  their  service  any  of  the  Palatines,  that  are  willing 
to  serve  them,  and  that  any  person  who  is  willing  to  employ  any  of  them,  may 
apply  himself  to  Mr.   Carter  at  Morris's  Booth,   on  Black  Heath. 

Notice  is  further  given,  that  all  persons  concerned  in  the  collecting  of  the 
money  on  the  said  Brief  are  hereby  required  to  collect  the  same  by  a  book  or 
books  marked  and  signed  by  the  minister  and  church  wardens  of  the  respective 
parishes,  and  to  enter  therein  the  names  of  the  contributors,  and  the  sum  by 
them  severally  given  in  words  at  length  at  the  time  the  same  is  given  and  to  cast 
up  on  each  page  of  every  leaf  the  Total  sum,  and  to  subscribe  the  same,  on  each 
page  with  the  Hand  of  the  Minister,  Church  Wardens,  or  such  other  principal 
Inhabitants  as  attend   the  said  collections. 

London  July  23. 
IV    The  case  of  the  Palatines   is  so  very  important  that   we   hope  the  following 
letters  will  not  be  unacceptable  to  our  Readers. 

July   the   20th,    1709. 
My  Lord: — 

I  return  you  most  humble  thanks  for  the  favor  of  yours  of  the  16th  instant  in 
which  you  give  me,  so  full  an  account,   of  what  your  Lordships,  and  the  rest  of 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1827 

the  Commissioners  for  ttie  Palatines  have  done  in  relation  to  the  settling  these 
poor  people,  that  it  was  absolutely  necessary  to  make  a  beginning  with  them  for 
the  ease  of  her  Majesty,  and  satisfaction  of  the  Nation  whose  eyes  were  upon 
your  proceedings  etc. 

est  aliquid  predire  tennes;  but  my  Lord,  what  signifies  Sir,  Dr.  Drake's  sending 
a  few  families  into  the  West  (for  which  I  think  you  are  to  show  him  ten  shillings 
a  head  also)  or  Sir  Ambrose  Crawley's,  as  many  more  into  the  North,  even  Mr. 
Wisa,  Her  Majesty's  Gardner,  his  employing  three  or  four  hundred  of  them  by 
fifty  a  week  at  the  canal  at  Winsor  etc.,  or  anybody's  calling  them  out  by  Pla- 
toons or  handsfuls?  Can  you  hope  to  dispose  of  ten  thousand  souls  by  such  small 
draughts  in  a  twelve  month,  or  at  soonest  before  winter,  and  bad  weather  comes, 
and  nips  the  little  ones  in  the  bud,  if  you  go  on  in  this  manner? 

Most  wise  and  just  was  the  precaution  of  the  government  which  published 
advertisements  in  the  Dutch  Gazette  as  I  am  told  to  prevent  the  coming  over 
of  any   more  of  these   Palatines. 

But  my  Lord,  how  is  the  glory  of  the  Nation,  and  the  advantage  of  the  Queen 
and  her  subjects   consulted   in  this   way   of  disposing  them? 

Will  not  the  dispersing  them  in  all  corners  of  the  Kingdom,  even  upon  supposi- 
tion that  you  can  do  it  in  any  reasonable  Time  (which  I  doubt)  spread  discontent, 
whilst  it  lessons  the  honor  and  dwindles  the  remembrance  of  this  great  Period  into 
nothing;  for  my  part  my  thoughts  have  been  so  fixed  upon  colonizing  them,  that 
I  can  hardly  hear  of  any  other  project;  and  the  fine  things  your  Lordship  was 
pleased  to  say  in  our  last  entertainment  on  that  subject  will  hinder  me  from 
easily   changing   my   sentiments. 

Your  Lordship  then  told  me,  that  whilst  Norwich,  Canterbury,  Colchester  and 
other  considerable  towns  in  England  were  in  being,  the  Remembrance  of  this 
Nations  charity  to  our  persecuted  Brethren,  the  Walloons,  and  the  folly  as  well 
as  the  cruelty  of  the  Duke  of  Alva's  driving  them  hither,  will  never  be  forgot, 
nor  was  the  only  instance  your  Lordship  gave  me  of  this  happy  nations  affording 
a  safe  retreat  and  glorious  asylum,  to  the  distressed  Protestants  of  other  nations; 
in  so  much  that  you  said  it  was  a  Dilemma  whether  they  increased  most  our 
riches  or  reputation;  and  certainly  whilst  there  are  such  places  as  Soho  or  Spit- 
tlefleld,  we  shall  all  agree,  that  the  Barbarous  persecutions  of  the  best  of  his 
subjects,  has  added  two  considerable  cities  to  the  Metropolis  of  Great  Britain. 

Your  Lordship  at  the  same  time  took  notice  of  the  fatal  consequences  of  the 
contrary  measures  by  Spain,  France,  Savoy  etc.,  in  the  expulsion  of  their  sub- 
jects, which  has  so  impoverished  those  countries,  that  it  will  cost  them  some 
ages  to  recover  their  former  strength  and  wealth,  but  I  need  not  recapitulate  any 
more  of  a  discourse  which  carries  the  evidence  of  a  demonstration  along  with  it; 
for  I  think  it  is  no  longer  a  question  with  anybody  whether  people  are  the  riches 
and  grandeur  of  a  nation  and  whether  the  increase  of  one  is  the  increase  of  the 
other  (for  we  need  but  step  over  to  Holland,  where  they  have  ten  men  to  our 
one  upon  the  same  extent  of  ground  which  enabled  them  to  beat  Spain  with  its 
own  weapons)  and  therefore  nobody  doubts  whether  we  shall  receive  this  treasure 
which  providence  has  thrown  into  our  lap;  but  how  we  shall  dispose  of  it  in 
such  manner  as  may  be  most  beneficial  to  Great  Britain;  and  this  brings  me  back 
to  our  beloved  topic  of  a  colony,  which  I  remember  your  Lordships  affirmed  was 
the  way  of  settling  the  Palatines,  the  least  liable  to  any  objection;  Nay,  you 
were  pleased  to  affirm  that  there  was  but  one  objection  of  weight  and  that  was, 
that  in  case  the  Queen  should  think  of  settling  these  Palatines  in  any  of  her 
forests  or  waste  lands  (of  which  she  could  not  bestow  less  than  eight  or  ten 
thousand  acres,  especially  considering  they  were  most  Husbandmen)  Her  subjects 
in  those  parts  would  be  deprived  of  commonage,  a  right  which  however  they 
came  by  at  first,  I  am  sure  they  will  never  be  deprived  of  in  this  gracious  reign; 
but  that  difficulty  vanished  by  your  Lordship's  proposal  that  her  Majesty  should 
give  an  equivalent  to  such  people  whom  she  must  be  obliged  to  abridge  of  this 
privilege,  and  that  such  an  equivalent  might  be  easily  determined  by  a  preference 
or  arbitration  of  the  Good  men,  ex  vicemeto  to  which  yon  doubted  not,  but  every 
one  would  submit.  When  you  were  over  this  scruple  your  Lordship  proposed 
New   Forests;    and    among   several    reasons   you   gave   for   the   prefe»-ence   of   that 

13 


1709 


1709 


1828  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

forest  before  any  other,  the  nearness  to  the  sea,  the  thinness  of  people  in  Hamp- 
shire  etc. 

I  remember  you  offered  one,  with  which  I  was  much  affected.  Your  Lordship 
told  me  that  either  William  the  Conqueror,  or  his  son  William  Rufus  had  extir- 
pated thirty  or  forty  towns  with  their  churches  etc.,  and  turned  about  an  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  good  ground  into  a  horrid  wilderness,  to  gratify  their  unreason- 
able and  impolitick  passions,  and  therefore,  that  it  would  be  a  glorious  reverse 
of  politics,  as  well  as  goodness  for  her  present  Majesty  (who  is  also  a  conqueror 
since  she  reigns  absolutely  in  the  hearts  of  her  subjects)  to  replant  that  very 
spot  of  ground  with  Christians  and  Protestants,  Which  you  thought  might  be 
done  with  very  small  trouble  and  charge,  especially  if  she  took  the  same  method 
as  the  great  and  wise  elector  of  Brandenburgh,  Father  to  the  King  of  Prussia, 
when  he  gave  such  great  encouragement  and  invitation  to  the  poor  persecuted 
Protestants  of  France. 

For  beside  the  extraordinary  privileges  and  immunities  which  that  prince 
granted  'em,  he  allowed  'em  to  cut  down  out  of  his  best  forest,  as  much  timber 
as  they  wanted,  and  carried  it  for  them  to  such  countries  and  places  as  they 
were  most  inclined  to  fix  in;  and  besides  this,  allowed  to  every  family  from  a 
hundred  to  two  hundred  crowns  each,  in  order  to  stock  them,  with  what  ever  is 
necessary  to  begin  the  world  with,  and  God  Almighty  has  blessed  his  Charity, 
cent  per  cent  profit,  of  which  his  present  Majesty  of  Russia  is  so  sensible  that 
I  am  told,  he  has  prolonged  the  terms  of  years,  for  which  they  were  to  sit  tax 
free,  from  fifteen  to  twenty  one;  and  as  those  wise  principles  encouraged  the 
subjects  of  France  to  settle  in  Brandenburg  etc.,  so  they  did  also  the  poor  Pala- 
tines, that  were  driven  from  their  own  country  by  the  inundation  of  those  modern 
Goths  and  Vandals,  the  French  into  Germany,  and  I  have  seen  a  printed  account 
of  the  privileges  and  immunities,  granted  by  the  late  elector  of  Brandenburg,  to 
a  colony  of  Palatines  that  come  out  from  those  goodly  towns  of  Meanheim, 
Frankendale,  Oppenheim  etc.,  and  settled  at  Magdeburg  in  the  year  1689.  Which 
colony  only  as  an  ingenious  English  Gentleman  that  was  in  those  parts  not  long 
since  informed  me,  is  worth  about  a  hundred  thousand  crowns  per  annum,  to 
the  King  of  Prussia;  but  then  my  Lord  he  did  not  garble  them,  or  skim  the  cream 
off,  as  I  hear  you  are  going  to  do,  after  which  the  Hospitals  will  claim  the  rest. 

I  think  your  Lordship  told  me  also  (and  you  had  it  from  the  mouth  of  one  of 
the  ministers  of  that  great  prince)  that  the  elector  appointed  a  committee  of  his 
own  divines  and  lawyers,  to  meet  with  another  committee  of  Frenchmen  of  the 
same  Faculty,  in  order  to  compile  a  Body  of  Ecclesiastical  and  Civil  laws,  ex- 
tracted from  the  French  and  German,  by  which  he  condescended  to  govern  those 
refugees;  Alas,  for  our  own  Palatines,  who,  if  you  continue  to  disperse  them,  as 
you  have  begun;  they  must  live  in  the  deepest  ignorance  of  divine  and  human 
laws,  and  as  it  were  without  God  in  the  world,  and  this  will  certainly  befall  all 
the  old  people  that  come  over,  who  can  never  learn  to  say  their  prayers,  or  hear 
a  good  sermon  in  our  language,  an  objection  which  I  am  sure,  will  have  its  weight 
with  your  Lordship. 

I  think  my  Lord,  I  have  recapitulated  all  your  wise  motives  about  settling  these 
industrious  bees  in  a  hive,  to  which  I  added  something  out  of  my  own  poor  stock 
upon  the  same  subject,  and  upon  the  whole,  we  agreed,  that  reason,  and  experience 
were  on  our  side  altogether. 

But  what  does  your  Lordship  think  of  sending  these  people  into  any  part  of 
our  plantations?  Particularly  into  New  England,  to  make  Pitch  and  Tar,  and 
other  Naval  stores,  as  has  been  proposed  to  your  Board,  and  is  now  under  the 
consideration  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Navy.  For  my  own  part,  I  can't  but 
think  if  the  acquest  of  these  people  is  deemed  an  advantage,  that  old  England  has 
a  better  title  to  it  than  the  New,  just  as  if  I  had  found  a  treasure,  I  had  rather 
keep  it  myself  than  give  it  to  my  brother,  for  everybody  Is  nearest  kin  to  himself. 

I  have  also  seen  another  proposal  from  the  Lord's  Proprietor  of  Carolina 
published  in  the  Gazette,  in  which  they  offer  to  give  every  one  of  these  Palatines 
a  thousand  acres  of  land,  they  paying  but  a  small,  or  Pepper-corn,  acknowledge- 
ment, but  as  my  objections  stands  equally  against  this,  and  all  other  countries,  be- 
sides'Great  Britain,  so  I  have  something  more  to  say  against  sending  our  Palatines 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  Yokk.  1829 

into  those  parts;  for  I  am  told  that  they  demand  of  the  Queen,  four  pounds  for 
transportation  of  every  child  and  eight  pounds  for  every  adult  or  grown  person. 

But  God  forbid  that  the  Queen  or  Nation  should  give  about  fifty  or  sixty  thou- 
sand pounds  to  be  rid  of  a  treasure;  besides,  if  it  is  true  that  it  cost  her  Majesty 
about  a  Thousand  Pounds  last  year,  to  send  over  to  her  Plantations,  not  quite  fifty 
of  those  poor  Palatines,  that  will  be  an  answer  to  ail  transporting  projects;  and  yet 
I  believe  this  whim  of  settling  new  colonies  in  Pennsylvania,  Carolina  etc.,  (which 
I  am  told  has  been  industriously  propagated  throughout  by  Mr.  Penn,  and  of  which 
I  have  seen  a  little  account  printed  at  Frankfort  this  very  year),  has  not  a  little 
contributed  to  the  coming  over  of  so  many  of  these  Palatines,  as  the  notion  was 
lately  infused  into  them,  that  none  but  marry'd  men  shall  enjoy  those  hundreds 
and  thousands  of  dirty  acres,  and  the  four  they  shall  not  be  able  to  stock  their 
new  plantations,  makes  them  marry  as  fast  as  the  people  in  our  Fleet  prison. 

But  it  is  time  to  put  a  stop  to  a  letter  that  is  spun  out  to  an  unusual  length  be- 
fore I  was  aware.  I  shall  therefore  say  two  or  three  words  concerning  our  Pala- 
tines and  conclude.  Having  acquired  a  little  smattering  in  the  High  Dutch  Tongue 
by  the  Tour  I  made  some  years  since  in  Germany,  I  took  an  opportunity  of  dis- 
coursing divers  of  the  most  sensible  and  intelligent  of  these  people  in  their  camps 
at  Black  Heath  and  Camberwell.  I  found  most  of  them  to  have  been  inhabitants 
about  Heidelberg,  Manheim,  Frankendel,  Spires,  Worms,  and  other  parts  of  the 
lower  Palatinate,  along  the  Rhine,  which  I  heard  my  father  say,  who  lived  there 
in  the  reign  of  the  unfortunate  King  of  Bohemia,  was  then  one  of  the  finest  spots 
of  ground  in  all  Europe;  but  it  pleased  God  to  make  it  the  seat  of  war  a  hundred 
years  past,  and  having  undergone  all  that  the  house  of  Austria  could  make  it 
suffer,  the  house  of  Bourbon  had  finished  its  ruin.  This  beautiful  country  was 
once  inhabited  by  none  but  Protestants;  but  upon  failure  of  the  Line  of  the  King 
of  Bohemia,  it  fell  into  the  house  of  Newburgh,  which  was  of  Roman  Catholic 
religion,  which  is  the  reason  that  there  are  so  many  Papists  in  that  country,  a 
few  of  which  (and  it  is  impossible  to  prevent  it)  are  mingled  with  the  mass  of 
Protestants  that  are  not  come  over,  but  my  Lord  they  are  very  different  (God 
be  thanked)  either  from  French  or  Spanish  Papists,  for  most  of  'em  having  been 
Protestants  or  children  of  Protestants,  they  still  preserve  a  tincture  of  their 
fathers  religion,  which  they  had  not  left,  but  to  follow  the  modish  one  of  their 
sovereign,  a  fault  that  others  have  been  guilty  of  in  a  much  nearer  country  than 
the  Palatinate.  These  are  therefore  very  moderate.  Some  of  'em  are  already  come 
over  to  tlie  church,  and  many  more  are  well  disposed  to  follow  'em,  by  the  zeal 
and  pains  of  some  worthy  divines  of  Germany  and  Switzerland  (especially  if  the 
priest  of  a  certain  Foreign  Minister  would  let  'em  alone).  But  the  main  of  these 
people  are  Reformed,  or  Calvinists,  the  rest  Lutherans,  and  all,  or  most  of  'em 
very  well  disposed  to  join  with  our  church,  of  which  they  hear  the  Liturgy 
gladly. 

I  happened  to  be  at  Camberwell  at  the  worthy  Mr.  Cock's  house,  one  of  the 
Trustees,  and  indeed  a  father  of  these  Palatines,  when  a  committee  of  our 
Body  came  to  his  House  to  discourse  with  the  heads  or  Leading  men  amongst 
'em,  about  settling  'em  etc.  and  they  were  made  acquainted  with  the  several 
proposals,  that  had  been  laid  before  your  Board,  of  employing  them  either  by 
sea  or  land.  They  behaved  themselves  with  great  modesty  and  respect,  and 
entirely  submitted  themselves  to  the  pleasure  of  the  Commissioners;  but  said, 
that  it  was  the  hopes,  and  the  wishes  of  their  countrymen,  that  if  it  were 
possible  they  might  be  kept  together  and  settled  in  colonies  as  their  Refuge 
Predecessors  have  been,  whether  the  Queen  thought  fit  to  send  them  Beyond  the 
sea,  or  keep  'em  in  her  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain. 

My  Lord,  once  more  I  beg  pardon  for  the  length  of  this  letter,  and  subscribe 
myself  etc. 

Since  my  writing  the  inclosed  and  just  as  I  was  going  to  dispatch  it  away  to 
your  Lordship,  I  am  told  that  you  have  had  several  proposals  laid  before  your 
commissioners  for  the  sending  over  a  considerable  number  of  the  Palatines  to 
Ireland,  and  the  plantations  and  particularly  that  a  solemn  offer  had  been  made  to 
her  Majesty  from  the  regency  of  that   Kingdom   on   the   said  account;   and   that 


1709 


1709 


1830  Ecclesiastical  Records 

some  application  had  been  liliewise  made  to  you  from  the  city  of  Edinburg, 
upon  which,  if  I  might  spealj  ray  thoughts  freely,  I  would  tell  your  Lordship, 
that  as  much  as  I  am  bent  upon  preferring  my  own  native  country's  interest  and 
the  good  of  old  England,  before  all  other  countries  what  so  ever,  yet  I  can't 
but  see  the  day  when  both  of  'em  shall  be  much  more  strictly  united  to  us, 
than  either  are  at  present;  and  then  my  Lord,  it  will  be  all  one  to  us  in  which 
country  these  good  people  are  settled,  and  become  as  indifferent  to  her  Majesty 
and  to  her  subjects,  as  it  would  now  whether  they  be  fixed  in  Kent  or  Cornwal. 
In  the  meantime  my  Lord,  I  freely  own  that  Scotland  and  Ireland  want  Hands 
much  more  than  England,  and  especially  the  latter,  to  which  also  I  should  be  the 
much  sooner  determined  because  it  would  exceedingly  strengthen  the  Protestant 
Interest  in  that  Kingdom. 

V  On  the  24th  of  June  last,  the  States  of  Holland,  and  "West  Friesland  issued 
out  a  proclamation  for  the  General  Naturalization  of  Protestant  Refugees  as 
follows: 

The  States  of  Holland  and  West  Friesland,  to  all  who  shall  hear  and  see  these 
Presents,  Greeting.  We  make  it  known,  that  having  taken  into  consideration,  that 
the  grandeur  and  prosperity  of  a  country  does  in  general  consist  in  the  multitude 
of  Inhabitants,  and  that  in  particular  this  province  is  increased  in  power  and 
riches  by  the  concourse  of  unhappy  and  dispersed  persons,  who  being  driven  from 
their  own  country  for  the  profession  of  the  true  Reformed  Religion,  or  other 
oppressions,  have  taken  sanctuary  in  this  province,  and  have  a  long  time  since 
contributed  to  the  increase  of  trade,  and  public  wealth. 

That  besides  the  Refugees,  who  left  France  upon  account  of  their  Religion,  and 
have  already  lived  a  considerable  time  in  this  country,  have  not  rendered  them- 
selves unworthy  of  the  favorable  attention  of  the  Regency  for  their  persons  and 
families,  and  consequently  ought  to  enjoy  their  general  protection  as  the  other 
Inhabitants. 

For  these  causes  we  have  thought  fit  to  order  and  decree,  as  an  order  and 
decree  by  these  presents,  that  all  persons  who  have  withdrawn  themselves  out 
of  the  Kingdom  of  France,  or  other  countries,  for  the  profession  of  the  True 
Reformed  Religion,  and  have  taken  sanctuary  in  this  Province  of  Holland  and 
West  Friezland,  and  settle  themselves  therein,  and  likewise  the  children  of  the 
said  persons,  whom  they  brought  with  them,  or  were  born  in  the  said  province, 
as  also  all  other  such  Refugees,  who  for  the  future  shall  either  directly  out  of 
France,  or  other  countries,  take  Refuge  in  the  Province,  and  choose  their  abode 
therein,  shall  be  hence  forth  received  and  acknowledged  as  we  do  receive  and 
acknowledge  them  by  these  presents,  for  our  subjects,  and  natives  of  our  Country 
of  Holland  and  West  Friesland. 

And  by  virtue  thereof  shall  enjoy  for  the  future,  all  the  privileges  and  prerogatives 
that  our  other  natural  born  subjects  enjoy,  as  unto  them  belonging;  and  that  in 
consequence  thereof  they  shall  enjoy  the  right  of  naturalization,  according  to  the 
resolution  bearing  date  the  25th  of  September  1670. 

That  therefore  all  those  who  will  take  the  benefit  of  this  our  favor  shall  apply 
personally  to  the  president  or  councillors  of  the  court,  under  whose  jurisdiction 
they  are,  or  to  the  Magistrates  of  Towns,  Baliffs  and  judges  of  villages  where 
they  are  settled,  or  intend  to  choose  their  abode,  who  after  a  short  examination, 
to  know  whether  the  said  Persons  are  truely  Refugees  as  aforesaid,  shall  register 
their  names  that  the  same  may  appear  for  ever.  And  that  this  may  be  known 
to  everybody  we  require  these  Presents  to  be  published  and  aflSxed  and  executed 
in  the  usual  manner. 

Done  at  the  Hague,  July  10th  1709. 

Signed  Simon  Van   Beaumont. 

VI  Lastly,  the  Present  Encampment  of  the  Palatines  at  Camberwell  and  Black 
Heath  and  how  they  employ  themselves,  etc. 

Her  Majesties  most  gracious  Brief  in  behalf  of  these  distressed  Palatines 
together  with  the  earnest  and  pious  exhortation  of  the  Reverend  Clergy,  and  other 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1831 

Ministers,  has  had  such  effect  upon  the  Inhabitants  of  this  City,  that  their  charity 
has,  and  no  doubt  will  be  very  extensive  for  their  relief  and  settlement,  some 
worthy  persons  having  already  given  considerable  sums  to  that  purpose;  particu- 
larly one  Gentleman  in  the  City  has  given  420  pounds,  and  others  have  been  so 
charitably  inclined,  that  there  is  no  doubt  but  this  Brief  will  answer  the  end 
designed  by  it.  Neither  ought  we  to  reckon  it  altogether  charity  but  in  some 
sense  a  due  debt  paid  them,  for  the  sake  of  their  ancestors,  who  with  all  the 
kindness  imaginable  received  and  entertained  those  English  Protestants,  Bishops, 
and  others  who  fled  into  their  country,  when  the  flaming  zeal  of  the  Popish  party 
in  the  reign  of  Queen  Mary,  made  their  own  country  too  hot  for  them.  So  that 
those  which  murmur  at  our  present  kindness  toward  them  are  guilty  of  great 
ingratitude. 

Since  this  might  likewise  have  been  our  case,  if  divine  providence  had  not  so 
wonderfully  delivered  us  from  the  brink  of  destruction,  to  which  we  were  brought 
a  few  years  ago  by  the  influence  of  the  council  of  the  same  perjured  monarch  that 
has  reduced  them  to  their  present  poverty  and  misery. 

There  are  now  some  thousands  of  them  lodged  in  tents  at  Black  Heath  and 
Camberville,  where  they  spend  their  time  very  religiously  and  industriously, 
hearing  Prayers  morning  and  evening,  with  singing  of  Psalms  and  preaching 
every  Sunday,  where  both  old  and  young  appear  very  serious  and  devout. 

Some  employ  themselves  by  making  several  toys  of  small  value,  which  they  sell 
to  the  multitudes  that  come  daily  to  see  them.  They  are  contented  with  very 
ordinary  food,  their  bread  being  brown  and  their  flesh  meat  of  the  coarsest  and 
cheapest  sort,  which  with  a  few  roots  and  herbs  they  eat  with  much  cheerfulness 
and  thankfulness;  great  numbers  of  them  go  every  Sunday  to  their  church  in  the 
Savoy,   and  receive  the  sacrament  of  their  own  ministers. 

Many  of  the  younger  are  married  every  week,  the  women  weaving  Rosemary 
and  the  men  Laurel  in  their  hair  at  the  time  of  marriage.  Adultery  and  fornication 
being  much  abhorred  by  them. 

When  any  are  buried,  all  the  attendants  go  singing  after  the  corpse,  and  when 
they  come  to  the  grave,  the  cofl3n  is  opened  for  all  to  see  the  body;  after  that  it 
is  laid  in  the  ground,  they  sing  again  for  some  time,  and  then  depart.  They  carry 
grown  people  upon  a  bier,  and  the  children  upon  their  heads. 

So  that  in  the  whole,  they  appear  to  be  an  innocent,  laborious,  peaceable,  healthy 
and  ingenious  people;  and  may  be  rather  reckoned  a  blessing  than  a  burden  to  any 
Nation  where  they  shall  settle. 

And  so  indeed  they  are  thought  to  be  since  the  Proprietors  of  Carolina,  one 
of  the  finest  plantations  we  have  in  America  have  desired  that  a  thousand  of 
them  may  be  sent  thither  where  they  will  allow  them  as  much  land  as  they 
desire  for  a  penny  an  acre  per  annum. 

And  Mr.  John  Marshall,  Deputy  Master  of  the  Rolls  of  the  County  Palatine 
of  Tipparry  in  Ireland  offers  to  take  a  thousand  of  them,  in  order  to  settle  them 
on  his  lands  there,  and  will  build  them  houses,  and  furnish  them  with  all  other 
conveniences. 

Several  other  Gentlemen  likewise  proposed  to  send  them  to  other  parts,  so  that 
those  who  seem  uneasy  at  their  coming  hither,  will  no  doubt  in  a  short  time  be 
freed  from  their  fears  of  the  danger  of  having  foreigners  eat  the  bread  of  English- 
men's mouths. 

We  likewise  hear  that  a  merchant  has  made  a  contract  for  500  families  to  be 
sent  to  Barbadoes;  and  that  150  of  the  ablest  young  men  have  listed  themselves 
to  serve  in  the  Lord  Galloway's  Piegiment  of  Dragoons  in  Portugal. 

London  Aug.  8.  This  day  several  wagons  passed  through  this  city  with  Palatine 
men,  women  and  children,  who  are  going  to  Chester  to  embark  there  for 
Ireland,  they  being  a  part  of  the  500  families  that  are  designed  to  be  sent 
to  that  Kingdom. 

Finis. 
May  28,  1698. 


1709 


1832  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1709- 

1711 

Other  Pamphlets  on  the  Early  Palatines. 

1.  An   account  of  the   present   condition   of  the   Protestants   in   the   Palatinate,    In 

two  Letters  to  an  English  Gentleman. —  London  1699.  pp.  26,  40. 

2.  The  Palatines  Catechism  or  a  description  of  their  Camps  at  Black  Heath  and 

Camberwell   In    a    pleasant    Dialogue   between   an    English    Tradesman    and    a 
High   Dutchman.—  Loudon   1709.    pp.    8,    8° 

3.  The  reception  of  the  Palatines  vindicated  in  a  fifth  letter  to  a  Tory  Member. — 

London  1711.  pp.  40,  8° 

Extracts  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Commons  Con- 
cerning THE  Palatines.     Vol.  xvi.     1709-1711. 

Extracts  from  the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Commons. 
)8)  Feb.   5.     Vol.   xvi,   p.   93. 

Ordered,  that  leave  be  given  to  bring  in  a  bill  for  the  naturalizing  foreign 
Protestants  and  that  Mr.  Wortley,  Mr.  Gale,  Lord  Wm.  Powlett,  Mr.  Nevill,  Sir 
Joseph  Jekyll,  Sir  Peter  King,  Mr.  Lowndes,  Mr.  Attorney  General  and  Mr. 
Solicitor  General,  do  prepare  and  bring  in,  the  bill. 

18)  Feb.    28.     p.  128. 

And  a  motion  being  made  and  the  question  being  put,  That  it  be  an  instruction 
to  the  committee  of  the  whole  House,   to  whom  the  bill  for  naturalizing  foreign 
Protestants,  is  committed  that  they  do  continue  the  same  provision  as  was  made 
by  the  said  statute; 
The  house  divided: 
The  yeas  go  forth 
Tellers  for  the  yeas  j  Sir  Tho.  Willoughby 
I  Mr.  Courtney 
101 


Tellers  of  the  Noes  j  Sir  David  Dalrymple 
I  Mr.  Wortley 
198 

So  it  passed  in  the  negative.  Then  the  house  resolved  itself  into  the  said  com- 
mittee of  the  whole  House.  Mr.  Speaker  left  the  chair.  Mr.  Wortley  took  the 
chair  of  the  committee.  Mr.  Speaker  resumed  the  chair.  Mr.  Wortley  reported 
from  the  committee,  that  they  had  gone  through  the  Bill  and  made  several  amend- 
ments thereunto  which  they  had  directed  him  to  report,  when  the  house  will  please 
to  receive  the  same. 

Ordered,  that  the  Report  be  received  upon  Wednesday  morning  next. 

March  2.     p.  131. 

Then  the  order  for  receiving  the  report  from  the  Committee  of  the  whole  house 
to  whom  the  bill  for  naturalizing  foreign  Protestants  was  committed,  being  read: 
Mr.  Wortley  reported  from  the  said  committee,  that  they  had  made  some  Amend- 
ments to  the  bill,  which  they  had  directed  him  to  report  to  the  house:  And  he 
read  the  same  in  his  place,  and  afterwards  delivered  them  at  the  clerk's  table, 
where  the  same  were  once  read  throughout  and  then  a  second  time,  one  by  one; 
and  upon  the  question  severally  put  thereupon,  agreed  unto  by  the  House. 

A  clause 

Ordered  that  the   bill,    with  the  Amendments  be  engrossed. 

Bill  for  Naturalizing  Protestants. 
Ordered     Feb.  5. 
Read    Feb.  14. 

Petition  against  Counsel  to  be  heard  at  bar  10  &  19. 
Order  for  it     Feb.  19. 


OF  THE  State  of  Kew  York.         1833 

1709- 

1711 

Counsel  heard,  bill  committed, 

Committee  empowered  to  receive  clause    Feb.  24. 

Question  for  instruction  to  continue  provision  made  in  the  Statute  of  James  I. 
Chap.  2.  Neg.  Bill  reported     Feb.  28. 
Reported,  Clauses  added,  bill  to  be  engrossed    Mar.  2. 
Order  for  three  readings    Mar.  3. 
Passed    Mar.  7. 
Agreed  to  by  Lords     Mar.  16. 
Royal  Assent     Mar.  23. 

Journal   of   the    House   of    Commons. 

Monday,  Jan.  15.     Vol.   xvi,   p.  456. 

A  Petition  of  the  Minister  and  Church  Wardens,  and  Inhabitants  of  the  parish 
of  St.  Olave,  in  Southwark,  in  the  county  of  Surry,  together  with  the  principal 
inhabitants  of  the  adjacent  parishes,  was  presented  to  the  house  and  read;  ^<~iqi 
setting  forth  that  about  18  months  ago  above  500  Palatines  were  brought  into  1711 
the  said  parish  and  continued  together  in  one  place  several  months,  dangerous 
distempers  being  amongst  them:  That  in  October  last  above  200  of  them  are 
come  again  (supposed  from  Ireland)  into  the  said  parish,  inhabiting  in  one  house: 
That  the  petitioners  are  extremely  fearful,  some  contagious  distempers  may 
happen  thereby;  and  that  they  having  not  wherewithal  to  subsist,  are  likely  to 
become  chargeable,  to  the  utter  ruin  of  the  said  parish;  and  praying  such  relief,  as 
shall  be  thought  fit  for  the  said  parish. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  consideration  of  a  committee; 
and  that  they  do  examine  the  matter  thereof  and  report  the  same  with  their 
opinion  thereupon  to  the  house. 

And  it  is  referred  to  Mr.   Finch,  etc (71  persons)   and  they  are 

to  meet  this  afternoon  at  five  o'clock,  in  the  speaker's  chamber;  and  have  leave 
to  sit  in  a  morning  and  power  to  send  for  persons,  papers  and  records. 

Ordered,  that  it  be  an  instruction  to  the  said  committee  that  they  do  Inquire 
upon  what  invitation,  or  encouragement,  the  Palatines  came  over  and  what  moneys 
were  expended  in  bringing  them  here  and  by  whom  paid. 

Ordered,  that  leave  be  given  to  bring  In  a  bill  to  repeal  the  Act,  made  in  the 
seventh  year  of  her  Majesty's  reign  intituled;  "  An  Act  for  naturalizing  foreign 
Protestants  and  that  Mr.  Campion,  Mr.  Finch  and  Mr.  Lowndes,  do  prepare  and 
bring  in  the  bill. 

Jan.  16.     p.  458. 

Mr.  Finch  reported  from  the  Committee  who  are  to  inquire,  upon  what  invita- 
tion or  encouragement,  the  Palatines  came  over,  and  what  moneys  were  expended 
in  bringing  them  into  Britain  and  for  maintaining  them  here  and  by  whom  paid; 
that  they  had  directed  him  to  move  the  House,  That  an  humble  address  be 
presented  to  her  Majesty,  that  the  commission,  constituting  Trustees  for  the 
Distribution  of  the  charity,  collected  for  the  Palatines,  and  also  all  orders  and 
other  papers,  relating  to  the  bringing  over  and  subsisting,  the  said  Palatines,  may 
be  laid  before  this  House. 

Resolved,  That  an  humble  Address  be  presented  to  her  Majesty,  that  she  will 
please  to  give  direction,  that  the  Commission  constituting  Trustees  for  distribu- 
tion of  the  charity,  collected  for  the  Palatines,  and  all  orders  and  other  papers 
relating  to  the  bringing  over  and  subsisting  the  said  Palatines,  may  be  laid  before 
this  House. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Address  be  presented  to  her  Majesty  by  such  members 
of  this  House  as  are  of  her  Majesty's  most  honorable  Privy  Council. 

Jan.  22.     p.  464. 

Mr.  Campion  presented  to  the  House  (according  to  order),  a  bill  to  repeal  the 
late  Act  for  a  general  Naturalization;  and  the  same  was  received  and  read  the 
first  time. 

Resolved,  that  the  Bill  be  read  a  second  time. 


1709- 
1711 


1834  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

The  House  being  informed  that  Mr.  Southwell  (one  of  the  Clerks  of  the 
Council)  attended,  he  was  called  in,  and  at  the  Bar,  presented  to  the  House  copies 
of  several  orders  of  council  relating  to  the  Palatines. 

And  then  he  withdrew. 

And  the  titles  of  the  said  copies  were  read. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  copies  be  referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  Committee 
who  are  appointed  to  inquire,  upon  what  invitation  etc. 

And  the  said  copies  of  orders  of  Council  are  bound  up  with  the  other  papers  of 
this  session. 

Jan.  24.     p.  465. 

The  House  being  informed,  that  the  Secretary  to  the  Trustees,  appointed  for 
distributing  the  charity  collected  for  the  Palatines,  attended,  he  was  called  in, 
and  at  the  bar,  presented  to  the  House  the  Patent  constituting  the  said  Trustees 
and  acquainted  the  House,  that  he  had  already  delivered  all  books,  orders  and 
Papers,  which  were  in  his  custody,  to  the  Committee  appointed,  etc. 

And  then  he  withdrew. 

Ordered,  that  the  Patent  be  referred  to  consideration  of  the  said  Committee. 

The  said  Patent  is  bound  up  with  the  other  Papers  of  this  session. 

Jan.  25.     p.  466. 

The  House  being  informed  that  a  person  from  Mr.  Compton  attended,  he  was 
called  in  and  at  the  bar  presented  to  the  House  (pursuant  to  their  address  to 
Her  Majesty),  an  account  of  the  money  paid  for  the  use  of  the  Palatines  by 
the  Honorable  Spencer  Compton,  Esq.,  and  also  copies  of  several  warrants  for 
payment  of  the  same. 

(Order  as  before)  referred  to  Committee. 

Jan.  26.     p.  467. 

Mr.  Monckton  (from  the  Commissioners  of  Trade  and  Plantations)  presented  to 
the  House,  pursuant  to  their  address  to  her  Majesty,  copies  of  several  orders, 
letters  and  other  papers  (and  a  list  of  them  relating  to  the  Palatines. 

(Order  as  usual,  referred  to  Committee) 

Jan.  27. 

The  House  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole  House,  upon  the  bill 
to  repeal  the  late  Act  for  a  general  Naturalization. 

Mr.   Speaker  left  the  chair.     Mr.  Campion  took  the  chair  of  the  Committee. 

Mr.  Speaker  resumed  the  chair.  Mr.  Campion  reported  from  the  Committee 
that  they  had  gone  through  the  Bill  and  made  an  amendment  thereunto,  which 
they  had  directed  him  to  report,  when  the  House  will  please  to  receive  the  same. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  be  received  upon  Monday  next. 

Jan.  29.     Monday,     p.  470. 

Mr.  Campion  (according  to  order)  reported  from  the  Committee  of  the  whole 
House,  to  whom  the  Bill  to  repeal  the  late  Act  for  a  general  naturalization,  was 
committed,  the  Amendment  they  had  made  to  the  Bill,  and  had  directed  him  to 
report  to  the  House;  and  he  read  the  same  in  his  place  and  afterwards  delivered 
it  at  the  Clerk's  Table;  where  it  was  read  a  second  time,  and  upon  the  question 
put  thereupon,  agreed  unto  by  the  House. 

Ordered,  that  the  Bill  with  the  Amendment  be  ingrossed. 

Jan.  31.     p.  472. 

An  engrossed  Bill  to  repeal  the  late  Act  for  a  general  Naturalization  was  read 
the  third  time. 

Resolved,  that  the  bill  do  pass;  and  that  the  title  be,  An  Act  to  repeal  Act, 
made  in  the  seventh  year  of  Her  Majesty's  reign  (intituled  An  Act  for  Naturalizing 
foreign  Protestants)  except  so  much  thereof,  as  relates  to  the  childx'en  of  her 
Majesty's  natural  born  subjects,  born  out  of  her  Allegiance. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1835 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Campion  do  carry  the  Bill  to  the  Lords  and  desire  their 
concurrence  thereunto.  Mr.  Aislaby  from  the  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty, 
presented  to  the  House  pursuant  to  their  address  to  her  Majesty,  copies  of  several 
orders  from  the  Earl  of  Pembroke,  Lord  High  Admiral,  to  the  Navy  Board,  relating 
to  the  Palatines. 

(Order  as  before,  referred  to  Committee.) 

Feb.  1.     p.  474. 

Mr.  Secretary  St.  John,  presented  to  the  House,  pursuant  to  their  address  to 
her  Majesty)  copies  of  all  such  papers,  as  are  in  the  offices  of  the  Secretaries  of 
State,  relating  to  the  Palatines,  together  with  lists  of  them. 

(Referred  to  Committee.) 

Feb.  14.     p.  495. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  from  the  Committee,  who  were  appointed  to  enquire, 
upon  what  invitation  or  encouragement,  the  Palatines  came  over,  and  what  moneys 
were  expended  in  bringing  them  into  Britain  and  for  maintaining  them  here  and 
by  whom  paid,  be  received  upon  Tuesday  morning  next. 

Feb.  20.     p.  508. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  from  the  Committee,  appointed  to  inquire  upon  what 
invitation  etc.,  be  received  upon  Friday  morning  next. 

/ 
Feb.  23.     p.  516. 

Mr.  Finch  reported  from  the  committee,  who  were  appointed  to  enquire  upon 
what  invitation  etc.,  the  matter  as  it  appeared  to  them,  which  they  had  directe^d 
him  to  report  to  the  house,  and  he  read  the  same  from  his  place  and  afterwards 
delivered  it  in  at  the  Clerk's  Table. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  report  be  taken  into  consideration  to-morrow  seven- 
night. 

March  3.     p.  532. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  from  the  Committee  who  were  to  enquire,  upon  what 
Invitation,  etc.,  be  taken  into  consideration  upon  this  Day  Seven-night. 

March  10.     p.  543. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  etc.,  be  taken  into  consideration  Thursday  morning 
next. 

March  15.     p.  552. 

Ordered,  that  the  report  etc.,  be  taken  into  consideration  upon  this  Day  seven- 
night. 

(Thus  it  was  postponed  from  the  15th  of  March  to  the  29th  of  March,  to  the 
7   &   14   of   April.) 

April  14.     p.  596  ff. 

The  orders  of  the  Day  being  read: 

The  House  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  the  report  from  the  Committee, 
to  whom  the  petition  of  the  minister,  Church  Wardens  and  Inhabitants  of  the 
parish  of  St.  Olave  in  Southwark,  in  the  County  of  Surry,  together  with  the 
principal  Inhabitants  of  the  adjacent  parishes,  was  referred;  and  who  were  to 
.enquire  upon  what  invitation  or  encouragement  the  Palatines  came  over,  and  what 
moneys  were  expended  in  bringing  them  into  Great  Britain  and  for  maintaining 
them  here  and  by  whom  paid. 

And  the  said  report  was  read  and  is  as  follows,  viz: 

That  they  have  examined  the  matter,  and  upon  the  examination  of  Mr.  Wig- 
nail  one  of  the  Church  Wardens  find: 

That  in  September  or  October  1709  near  a  lOOOd  Palatines  came  into  their  parish 
and  were  entertained  in   Sir  Charles  Cox's  warehouses,   although  Sir  Charles  Cox 


1709- 
1711 


1709- 
1711 


1836  Ecclesiastical  Records 

was  desired  by  the  Parish  Officers  not  to  receive  them  for  fear  of  expense,  or  in- 
fection, they  being  very  numerous  and  siclily. 

Mr.  Walter  Cocli  says,  the  Palatines  were  removed  from  their  camps  at  Black 
Heath  by  order  of  the  Commissioners,  appointed  to  distribute  her  Majesty's  bounty, 
and  other  charities  to  them,  and  places  were  hired  for  their  reception;  but  he  did 
not  hear  of  any  security  given  to  the  parish.  Mr.  Meggott  and  Mr.  Sade  said, 
the  Palatines  were  at  that  time  received  into  Sir  Charles  Cox's  warehouses,  though 
the  Parish  Officers  had  applied  to  him,  to  prevent  their  being  received  into  the 
said  parish. 

Mr.  Bendysh,  Secretary  to  the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines,  said  that  when 
the  Commissioners  had  it  under  their  consideration,  to  dispose  of  them  in  the  au- 
tumn of  1709  the  cold  weather  approaching,  the  Commissioners  never  consulted 
the  parishes  about  receiving  them,  but  where  they  found  room  they  con- 
tracted for  it;  and  then  it  was,  that  Sir  Charles  Cox  offered  his  warehouses  for 
two  months  gratis,  with  condition  to  be  paid  for  the  whole  time  if  they  stayed  any 
longer;  and  it  appears  by  the  Minute  book  of  the  general  meeting  of  the  said  Com- 
missioners, that  on  the  8th  of  Feb.  1709,  Sir  Charles  Cox,  on  his  application  to 
the  said  Commissioners,  had  a  warrant  on  the  Chamber  of  London  to  pay  him  100 
guineas  for  the  hire  of  the  said  warehouses,  upon  the  condition  that  the  poor 
Palatines,  should  stay  there,  till  they  were  sent  to  Ireland;  which  sum  he  received 
the  9th  of  Feb.  1709  as  by  the  Chamberlain  of  London's  Book. 

Mr.  Tho.  East  said,  there  was  an  order  of  vestry,  to  apply  to  the  Commissioners 
for  the  Palatines,  to  get  rid  of  them  about  the  end  of  October  1709,  when  they  ap- 
peared to  be  about  1400  persons  and  that  about  the  beginning  of  Feb.  after  they 
were  removed. 

It  appeared  to  the  Committee,  that  3000  Palatines  were  sent  to  Ireland  in  August 
1709,  pursuant  to  an  address  to  her  Majesty  from  the  Lord  Lieutenant  and  Council 
in  Ireland,  desiring  as  many  Palatines  as  her  Majesty  should  think  fit  to  send 
thither  and  giving  assurances  of  their  being  received  and  settled  in  that  kingdom 
and  that  the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines  here  bore  their  charges  hitherto, 
which  amounted  to  the  sum  of  £3,498.  16s.  6d.  and  to  complete  their  settlement 
in  Ireland  a  warrant  was  signed  by  her  Majesty  and  directed  to  the  Lord  Lieu- 
tenant of  Ireland,  appropriating  £15,000  out  of  her  Majesty's  revenues  in  that  king- 
dom to  be  paid  in  three  years  at  £5,000  a  year. 

In  Feb.  1709  eight  hundred  Palatines  more  were  sent  into  Ireland,  upon  a  repre- 
sentation from  the  Lord  Lieutenant  and  Council  of  that  kingdom  (the  Commission- 
ers here  bearing  their  charges  as  before)  and  a  second  warrant  was  granted  by  her 
Majesty  and  directed  as  before,  appropriating  £9,000  of  her  Majesty's  Revenues  in 
that  kingdom  to  be  paid  in  three  years  at  £3,000  a  year,  to  complete  the  settle- 
ment of  these  800. 

In  some  short  time  several  of  the  Palatines  being  returned  out  of  Ireland  and 
more  ready  to  follow,  the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines  here  sent  Mr.  John 
Crockett  to  Ireland,  to  prevent  the  return  of  these  people  to  England:  And  the 
Committee  being  informed  that  John  Crockett  attended  he  was  called  in  and  said. 

Upon  his  arrival  in  Ireland,  he  found  20  families  going  on  board,  to  return  to 
England,  with  a  pass  for  25  families  to  this  effect:  "  Permit  to  pass  into  England, 
five  and  twenty  families  of  Palatines,  it  being  by  my  Lord  Lieutenant's  leave." 
Directed  to  the  Surveyor  of  Ringsend.  Signed  John  Smalles,  who  was  steward  to 
the  Lord  Lieutenant  and  Secretary  to  the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines  in 
Ireland:  Which  pass  Mr.  Crockett  stopt,  and  on  applying  to  the  Lord  Lieutenant 
the  said  pass  was  recalled  but  that  several  families  had  returned  before  he  came 
to  Ireland  and  that  upon  further  application  to  the  Commissioners  for  the  Palatines 
in  Ireland,  to  prevent  any  more  of  them  returning  to  England  he  was  answered  by 
my  Lord  Chief  Justice  Broderick,  who  was  in  the  chair,  that  they  had  no  power 
to  stop  them,  they  being  a  free  people:  Since  which  several  families  are  returned 
so  that  there  are  now  232  families  one  with  another,  he  believes,  of  five  in  a  family, 
most  of  them  now  at  the  Bridge-house  in  Southwark. 

Upon  the  examination  of  John  Henrick  Hind,  Frederick  Rose,  John  Umpock  and 
John  Peter  Normius,  Palatines. 

It  appeared,  that  they  were  of  the  number  of  those  who  had  gone  for  Ireland 


OF  THE  State  of  IsTew  York.  1837 

and  were  since  returned  to  Southwark  as  are  the  rest,  there  to  the  number  of  232 
families. 

That  the  reasons  of  their  leaving  Ireland  was,  the  hard  usage  they  received  from 
the  Commissary  Hinch,  Mr.  Sweet  and  others,  who  did  not  pay  them  their  sub- 
sistence; on  which  they  applied  to  the  Lord  Lieutenant,  who  ordered  it  for  them; 
but  they  never  received  but  one  week's  allowance.  They  said,  they  paid  their  own 
passage  to  England,  though  they  were  told  by  Mr.  Hinch,  that  they  should  have 
ten  shillings  per  head,  to  leave  Ireland:  That  they  wrote  letters  to  each  other,  to 
meet  at  Dublin;  and  that  75  families  returned  with  the  said  Normius. 

That  the  Palatines  are  in  a  starving,  miserable  and  sickly  condition  was  proved  by 

Mr.  Wignall;  who  said  they  were  all  lodged  in  one  house,  which  was  become  very 
nauseous  and  they  sickly  and  the  parish  fearful  of  some  infectious  distemper. 

Mr.  Amy  also  said,  that  he  lives  in  the  parish  of  St.  Olave;  near  an  apothecary 
who,  with  Dr.  Mead,  had  the  care  of  a  family,  who  were  sick,  near  the  place, 
where  the  Palatines  were  lodged;  who  said,  the  places  adjacent  are  in  danger  of 
infection  from  a  very  ill  distemper  among  them,  of  which  many  died. 

As  to  the  apprehension  of  the  charge  to  the  parish 

It  appears,  the  Palatines  have  no  subsistence,  but  what  they  get  by  their  wives 
begging  in  the  streets. 

That  the  ordinary  rates  for  the  poor  in  St.  Olave's  parish  is  eight  times  as  much 
as  20  years  ago:  and  that  besides,  this  year  an  extraordinary  book  of  £700  over  and 
above  the  ordinary  rates  will  not  defray  the  charge  of  the  said  parish  toward  their 
own  poor. 

It  likewise  appears  to  this  committee, 
that  there  is  in  the  Chamber  of  London 
remaining  of  the   money,    collected  f      s.      d. 

by  benefits,  etc.  the  sum  of  647.     3.     11  % 

And  also  in  the  hands  of  the  re- 
ceivers for  the  briefs,   not  yet 
paid  into  the  hands  of  the 
Chamberlain  of  London    1,380.     2.       4 


1709- 
1711 


In  all 2,027.     6.       3  Vi 

Besides  what  is  collected  in  some  parishes,  which  have  not  yet  returned  their 
briefs. 

Upon  the  matter  of  the  petition  the  Committee  came  to  the  following  Resolu- 
tion; viz. 

Resolved,  that  the  petitioners  have  fully  proved  the  allegations  of  their  petition 
and  had  just  reason  to  complain. 

That  upon  the  instruction  given  to  the  Committee  they  have  endeavored  as  far 
as  they  could  to  find  out,  upon  what  encouragement  the  Palatines  came  into  Eng- 
land; and  upon  examination  of  several  of  them,  what  were  the  motives  which  in- 
duced them  to  leave  their  native  country,  it  appeared  to  the  Committee,  that  there 
were  books  and  papers  dispersed  in  the  Palatinate,  with  the  Queen's  picture  before 
the  books  and  the  title  pages  in  letters  of  gold  (which  from  thence  they  were  called 
the  Golden  Book)  to  encourage  them  to  come  to  England,  in  order  to  be  sent  to 
Carolina  or  other  her  Majesty's  Plantations,  to  be  settled  there:  The  book  is 
chiefly  a  commendation  of  that  country. 

What  further  encouraged  them  to  leave  their  native  country,  was  the  ravages 
the  French  had  made  and  the  damages  the  hard  frost  had  done  to  their  vines; 
and  accordingly  one  Joshua  de  Cockershall,  a  Lutheran  minister  with  some  other 
Palatines,  to  the  number  of  61  persons  applied  to  Mr.  Davenant,  at  Frankfort, 
for  passes  but  he  refused  them  passes  money  and  recommendations  for  fear  of 
disgusting  the  Elector  Palatine:  (Letter  of  Mr.  Davenant  16,  Feb.  1708,  N.  S.  No.  2.) 
and  desires  to  know  her  Majesty's  pleasure  therein,  how  to  behave  himself,  on 
which  Mr.  Bayle  signifies  her  Majesty's  commands,  that  though  the  desire  of  those 
poor  people  to  settle  in  the  plantations  is  very  acceptable,  and  would  be  for  the 
publick  good,  yet  she  can  by  no  means  consent  to  Mr.  Davenant's  giving,  in  any 
public  way,   encouragement,   either  by  money   or  passes  to  the  Elector   Palatines 


1838  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

1709- 

^' ^^      subjects  to  leave  their  country  without  his  consent  (Letter  of  Mr.  Bayle  Feb.  17, 
O.  S.  1708.) 

Nevertheless  the  above  mentioned  Lutheran  Minister  and  41  persons,  came  into 
England  in  the  year  17Q8;  and  a  petition  from  them  was  presented  to  her  Majesty, 
praying  to  be  taken  under  her  protection  and  settled  in  the  plantations;  which 
petition,  was  by  her  Majesty's  Command  referred  to  the  Commissioners  of  Trade, 
(April  20th  No.  3)  to  find  out  a  fit  place  to  settle  them  and  how  to  transport  them: 
The  Commissioners  of  Trade  certify  (April  26)  they  are  too  poor  to  subsist  without 
her  Majesty's  Bounty;  which  was,  by  order  of  the  Lord  High  Treasurer:  Those 
people  were  subsisted  and  sent  to  New  York,  with  the  Lord  Lovelace,  at  her 
Majesty's  expense. 

The  next  year  the  Act  for  naturalizing  foreign  Protestants  being  past,  great  num- 
ber of  Palatines  and  some  from  other  parts  of  Germany,  came  into  Holland  and 
from  thence  to  England,  at  several  times,  being  upon  their  first  arrival  in  Holland, 
subsisted  by  the  charity  of  Rotterdam,  but  afterwards  at  the  Queen's  expense; 
and  transports  and  other  ships,  at  her  Majesty's  charge  provided,  to  bring  them 
thither,  as  also  all  sorts  of  necessaries,  during  their  voyage  by  Mr.  Dayralle,  her 
Majesty's  Secretary  at  the  Hague,  who  had  received  instructions  from  Mr.  Secre- 
tary Bayle,  (in  her  Majesty's  name),  to  that  purpose,  pursuant  to  my  Lord  Duke 
of  Marlborough's  desire,  signified  by  Mr.  Cardonnell,  in  his  letter  of  the  21st  of  May 
1709  to  Mr.  Tilson,  Secretary  to  Mr.  Bayle;  and  at  the  same  time  he  was  told  that 
my  Lord  Treasurer  has  wrote  to  Mr.  Bridges,  the  paymaster  to  order  Mr.  Sweet 
at  Amsterdam  to  supply  him  with  such  sums  of  money,  as  that  service  should  re- 
quire. Pursuant  to  these  instructions  Mr.  Dayralle  from  time  to  time  informed 
Mr.  Secretary  Bayle  of  the  number  of  Palatines  arrived  in  Holland  and  what  were 
embarked  for  England,  with  the  Intelligence  he  received  of  more,  that  were  coming, 
as  appears  by  his  letters. 

And  in  his  letter  of  the  1st,  O.  S.  11th  N.  S.:  June  1709,  he  informs  Mr.  Secretary 
Bayle,  that  there  were  a  great  many  Papists  amongst  those  in  Holland  whom,  not- 
withstanding, he  sent  to  England,  though  some  time  after  they  were  sent  back 
again  and  Ten  Shillings  per  Head  given  them  by  Mr.  Dayralle,  at  their  arrival  in 
Holland. 

In  June  1709,  the  number  of  Palatines  arrived  in  England,  was  upwards  of 
10,000  (as  appears  by  Mr.  Dupre's  list,  who  was  employed  by  the  Commissioners 
here  to  pay  them  their  subsistence)  which  caused  great  complaints;  upon  which 
Mr.  Secretary  Bayle  sent  orders  to  Mr.  Dayralle  to  hinder  any  more  from  being 
sent  over,  till  these,  already  come,  should  be  provided  for,  and  settled;  lest  by 
their  coming  so  fast  and  in  such  great  bodies,  it  should  grow  impracticable  to 
bear  the  burthen  of  so  many  poor  together  and  to  disperse  them,  with  due  care  for 
their  future  maintenance,  in  the  several  places,  to  which  they  might  be  allotted,  so 
that  the  success  of  the  whole  matter  might  happen  thereby  to  be  disappointed; 
and  accordingly  an  advertisement  was  published,  signifying  that  no  more  should  be 
transported  for  England.     (June  24,  1709  No.   61.) 

Notwithstanding  this  prohibition,  great  numbers  continued  to  arrive  here,  Mr. 
Dayralle,  having  afterwards  sent  near  3000;  and  others  were  embarked  and  pro- 
vided with  necessaries  by  collections  from  the  people  of  Rotterdam,  the  Magis- 
trates of  that  town  not  suffering  them  to  come  into  it;  by  which  means  they  were 
reduced  to  great  misery. 

Palatines  still  continued  to  come  till  the  middle  of  October  1709,  although  the 
orders  to  Mr.  Dayralle  (to  hinder  their  coming)  were  often  repeated;  and  the  States 
General  had  been  applied  to,  to  send  instructions  to  their  ministers  in  Germany, 
to  hinder  the  coming  of  any  more  of  the  Elector  Palatine's  subjects  in  this  manner, 
who  was  highly  offended  at  their  desertion. 

Upon  which  Mr.  Dayralle  informs  Mr.  Secretary  Bayle  (Aug.  20,  1709),  that  these 
people  were  encouraged  to  come  by  somebody  in  England;  and  that,  since  the  pro- 
hibition, a  gentleman  with  a  servant,  that  came  over  in  the  Packet  boat,  had  gone 
amongst  the  Palatines  at  the  Brill  and  distributed  Money,  and  printed  Tickets  to 
encourage  them  to  come  over;  and  many  of  these  tickets  were  sent  to  their  friends 
in  Germany,  to  persuade  them  to  do  the  like.  Mr.  Dayralle  could  never  discover 
who  this  Gentleman  was,  though  he  says,  he  endeavoured  it  all  he  could;  and  the 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York. 


1839 


Committee  could  come  to  no  certain  knowledge  therein,  but  find  by  two  letters, 
that  Mr.  Harry  Tome,  a  Quaker  at  Rotterdam,  who  in  all  this  matter  acted  under 
Mr.  Dayralle,  forced  a  great  many  to  embark  for  England,  after  they  had  provided 
themselves  a  passage  to  go  back  to  their  own  country;  which  the  Palatines  owned, 
upon  their  arrival,  was  the  only  reason  that  induced  them  to  come. 

The  number  of  Palatines  being  very  great  and  a  few  or  none  disposed  of  so  as 
to  gain  a  settlement;  a  commission  under  the  Great  Seal  was  given  to  divers 
Lords,  and  others  to  distribute  her  Majesty's  bounty,  and  also  the  charities  col- 
lected to  them,  and  to  use  their  endeavors  to  settle  them  here:  It  was  also  ear- 
nestly recommended  to  the  Commissioners  of  Trade  by  my  Lord  Sunderland  to 
consider  in  what  part  of  England  a  settlement  could  be  best  obtained  for  them; 
and  his  Lordship  urged  (May  3.  1709)  that  the  Queen  was  convinced  of  the  benefit 
it  would  be  to  lier  kingdoms,  if  a  method  could  be  found  to  settle  them  here  (so 
as  they  might  get  a  comfortable  livelihood)  instead  of  sending  them  to  the  West 
Indies. 

In  order  to  this,  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade  consulted  the  then  Attorney 
and  Solicitor  General  to  these  two  Quaeres  (May  30,  1709  No.  27  Trade.) 

1st.  Whether  her  Majesty  has  a  right  and  power  by  law  to  grant  lands  in  her 
forests  and  wastes  to  any  of  her  subjects,  with  license  to  build  cottages  and  in- 
close the  said  lands  in  order  to  convert  the  same  into  Tillage  etc. 

2nd.  What  security  her  Majesty  may  give,  to  indemnify  the  parishes  from  the 
settlements  of  the  poor  families  amongst  them,  who  shall  be  admitted  to  dwell 
in  the  said  cottages. 

To  the  first  of  these  they  answer,  her  Majesty  has  a  right  and  power  to  grant 
such  wastes  for  31  years,  or  three  lives,  or  terms  of  years,  determinable  upon  one, 
two  or  three  lives,  with  license  to  build  and  Inclose,  provided  four  acres  be  laid 
to  each  cottage  and  a  third  part  of  the  yearly  value  of  the  land  reserved  for  a  rent 
upon  cash  lease. 

To  the  second  (which  makes  the  case  of  the  petitioners  the  harder)  they  answered 
that  no  security  is  required  by  law  to  be  given  to  indemnify  any  parish  from  the 
settlement  of  any  poor  family  of  foreigners,  who  never  had  any  settlement  in 
England  before;  for  their  is  no  way  of  obliging  any  poor  family  that  comes  to 
settle  in  a  parish  to  give  security,  but  by  removing  them,  by  a  warrant  from  the 
Justices  of  the  Peace,  to  the  parish,  where  they  were  last  legally  settled,  in  case 
they  refuse  to  give  it;  which  being  a  remedy,  no  parish  can  make  use  of  In  the 
case  of  foreigners,  upon  their  first  arrival  in  England  they  are  at  liberty  to  settle 
when  they  please;  and  it  can't  be  expected,  her  Majesty  should  give  a  security, 
to  indemnify  any  parish  upon  this  account. 

Great  endeavors  were  used  here  to  disperse  and  settle  the  Palatines  in  several 
towns  in  England.  My  Lord  Sunderland  wrote  a  pressing  letter  to  the  Mayor  of 
Canterbury,  to  receive  some  of  them  into  that  city,  which  upon  communicating  the 
letter  to  the  rest  of  the  Magistrates,  they  refused  to  do,  because  of  the  burden  of 
their  own  poor,  they  already  labored  under. 

Several  proposals  were  likewise  made  by  private  persons  to  receive  some  and 
many  were  received,  the  Commissioners  allowing  5  1.  per  head,  and  travelling 
charges  with  them;  but  in  a  very  short  time,  most  of  them  returned  and  were 
afterwards  otherways  disposed  of. 

Captain  Elkins  proposed  to  take  off  600  and  settle  them  in  Scilly;  who  were  ac- 
cordingly embarked  in  the  river,  and  two  transports,  by  order  of  my  Lord  Sunder- 
land, and  provisions  put  on  board  for  them  from  the  victualing  office  (Sept.  21, 
Oct.  26,  1709)  but  after  they  had  lain  two  months  on  board,  the  ships  were,  by 
order  from  my  Lord  Sunderland,  discharged  and  the  Palatines  again  set  on  shore, 
and  the  charges  lost;  viz.: 

The   freight   of  two   ships    821.     18.       5 

Victuals  put  on  board  the  said  ships 
per  order  from  the  Commissioners  of 
victualling    666.       0.       6% 

Total  of  the  expedition    1.487.     18.     11% 


1709- 
1711 


1709- 
1711 


1840  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

It  appears  that  there  has  been  paid 
to  Mr.   Popple,   Secretary  to  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Trade  and  Plantations,  by  the 
Honorable  Spencer  Compton,  Esq.,  for  sub- 
sisting and  transporting  several  Palatines 
to  New  York,   Anno   1708   MQ.       0.       0 

It  appears  by  an  account  from  the 
Transport  Office  that  they  have  paid  for 
bringing  over  Palatines  in  the  Richarde, 
Joseph  and  Hopewell,  Transport  ships  256.       1.       5 

It  appears  by  an  account  from  Mr. 
Taylor,   Clerk  of  the  Treasury,   tliat  there 
has  been  paid  by  bills,  drawn  on  the  Hon- 
orable Spencer  Compton,  Esq.,  by  Mr.  James 
Dayralle,  at  the  Hague,  who  had  directions 
to  take  care  of  their  transportation  to 
England    5.943.       1.       9 

It  appears,  that  there  has  been  paid 
by  the  aforesaid  Mr.  Compton,  for  the  sub- 
sistence of  the  Palatines  here  and  sending 
several  to  Ireland  and  New  York  with  Colo- 
nel   Hunter    45.904.     16.     10 

It  appears,  there  has  been  paid  out 
of  the  collections  arising  per  briefs  from 
the  Chamber  of  London,  by  order  of  the  Com- 
missioners  for   the   Palatines    19.838.     11.       1 

It  appears,  there  has  been  paid  or 
directed  to  be  paid,  for  the  use  of  the 
Palatines,  or  services  relating  to  them, 
by  the  Treasurer  of  the  Navy,  by  way  of 
imprests,  at  two  several  payments,  being 
part  of  10,000  /.  given  by  Parliament,  for 
raising  naval  stores  in  her  Majesty's 
Plantations    8.000.       0.       0 

Colonel  Hunter  has  demanded  as  being 
absolutely  necessary  to  complete  the  set- 
tlement of  the  Palatines  at  New  York   30.000.       0.       0 

Of  which  he  has  already  drawn  bills 
for  4,700  /.  17  s.  11  d. 

Appropriated  out  of  her  Majesty's 
Revenues  in  Ireland,  by  her  first  warrant, 
dated   Oct.    17,    1709,    beforementioned    15.000.       0.       0 

Appropriated  out  of  the  same  revenues, 
by  her  Majesty's  second  warrant  before  men- 
tioned, the  25th  of  November  1709 9.000.       0.       0 


So  that  the  whole  charge  occasioned 
by  the   Palatines,    amounts   to    £135.775.     18.       0% 

And  the  resolution  of  the  Committee  upon  the  said  petition  of  the  Minister, 
Church  Wardens  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Parish  St.  Olaves  in  Southwark  in  the 
county  of  Surry,  together  with  the  principal  inhabitants  of  the  adjacent  parishes, 
was  referred,  who  were  to  enquire  upon  what  invitation  or  encouragement,  the 
Palatines  came  over  and  what  moneys  were  expended  in  bringing  them  into  Great 
Britain  and  for  maintaining  them  here,  and  by  whom  paid  was  read  a  second  time. 

Resolved,  that  the  House  doth  agree  with  the  Committee,  that  the  petitioners 
have  fully  proved  the  allegations  of  their  petition  and  had  just  reason  to  complain. 

Resolved,  that  the  inviting  and  bringing  over  into  this  kingdom,  the  poor  Pala- 
tines, of  all  religions,  at  the  public  expense,  was  an  extravagant  and  unreasonable 
charge   to   the    kingdom    and    a    scandalous    misapplication    of   the    public    money, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1841 

tending  to  the  increase  and  oppression  of  the  poor  of  this  liingdom  and  of  danger- 
ous consequence  to  the  constitution  in  church  and  state. 

Resolved,  that  whosoever  advised  the  bringing  over  the  poor  Palatines  into  this 
kingdom,  was  an  enemy  to  the  Queen  and  this  Ijingdom. 

Ordered,  that  the  farther  consideration  of  the  said  report  be  adjourned  till  this 
Day  seven-night. 

Trade  Papers. 
Z.  85. 

Letter  of  the  Eaex,  of  Sunderland  of  the  Yth  Instant, 
Signifying  Her  Majesty's  Approbation  of  Report  of  the 
5th  of  Last  Month  About  the  Palatines  to  be  Sent  to 
New  York  Read  Jan.  11,  1Y09.     [1710.] 

•      White  Hall  Jan.  7,  1709/10. 
My  Lords  and  Gentlemen: — 

I  have  laid  before  the  Queen  your  report  of  the  5th  of  last 
month,  relating  to  the  3000  Palatines  that  are  to  be  sent  to  New 
York  to  be  there  employed  in  the  production  of  Naval  stores, 
which  her  Majesty  is  pleased  to  approve  and  has  commanded  me 
to  write  to  Col.  Hunter,  Governor  of  that  province  to  act  con- 
formably thereto,  so  far  as  it  may  concern  him,  which  I 
have  done  accordingly  and  acquaint  you  therewith  for  your 
information. 

I  am  my  Lords  and  Gentlemen,  your  most  humble  servant, 

Sunderland. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
New  York,  Suriname. 
1710,  Jan.  19th.     The  case  of  New  York  remains  in  statu,  as 
also  that  of  Suriname.     ix.  199. 

Kingstowne. 

1710,  Jan.  19th.  The  case  of  Kingsto^vne  remains  in  statu. 
The  members  of  the  Assembly  are  requested  to  inquire  for  a 
capable  person,     ix.  200. 

(The  Committee  to  select  a  pastor,  referred  to,  Oct.  7,  1709, 
does  not  seem  to  have  acted.) 


1710 


1842  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 


1710 


rtrKTHEE  Petition-  of  Rev.  Me.  Antonides. 

To  the  Honourable  Richard  Ingoldesby  Esq.  Lieutenant  Governor  &  Commander 
in  Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  &  New  Jersey  etc.  and  the  Honourable 
Councill  of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

The  humble  Peticon  of  Vincentius  Antonides  minister  of  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Churches  of  Brookland,  fflatbush,  and  fflatlands  on  the  Island  of  Nassau. 

Sheweth 

That  whereas  your  Petitioner  took  the  freedom  to  present  to  the  Honourable  the 
Lieutenant  Governor  &  this  Honourable  board  an  humble  Peticon  bearing  date 
sometime  in  the  beginning  of  November  last  past  a  copy  whereof  is  hereunto  an- 
nexed. And  for  as  much  as  your  Petitioner  has  not  had  the  honour  to  know  the 
result  thereon,  and  that  he  is  inclinable  to  observe  the  Rules  of  decency  &  order 
conformable  to  his  profession 

He  therefore  humbly  prays  that  your  honnours  will  be  pleased  to  grant  to  your 
Petitioner  the  prayer  of  his  said  Peticon. 

And  your  Petitioner  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  Pray,  etc. 

V.  Antonides. 
New  York,  8th  February,  1709/10  —Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  105,  106. 


[         Order  on  the  said  Petition.       (1710.) 

In  Council  15  Feb.  1709.  Upon  Reading  ye  Petition  of  Mr.  Antonides  reciting 
another  Petition  formerly  presented  a  Copy  whereof  is  to  this  Petition  annexed  & 
referring  thereto  that  the  prayer  thereof  may  be  granted  the  Lieutenant  Gov- 
ernor said  he  had  already  Determined  the  Matter  that  he  will-  hear  nothing  further 
thereon.— Doc.   Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  106. 


Dutch  Church  of  Albany  Ask  for  the  Ownership  of  Graveyard.     Granted. 

1710,  Feb.  22.  The  Church  Wardens  of  the  Neder  Dutch  Church,  bring  in  a 
petition  wherein  they  desire  to  have  a  release  from  ye  Commonalty,  of  the  Church 
Yard  to  them  and  their  successors  forever;  which  was  unanimously  granted,  and 
that  a  Release  shall  be  drawn  and  given  them.  Albany  City  Records. —  Munsell's 
Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.   v.  204. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Call  of  Eev.  Vas  to  Kingstown. 

1710,  March  3rd.  Rev.  Colleague  Bomble,  having  rendered 
a  report  about  the  case  of  Kingstowne,  which  see  in  Acta  of 
Oct.  Y,  1709,  the  Assembly  was  of  the  opinion  that  it  could  pro- 
ceed, at  the  request  of  the  church  of  Kingstown,  to  make  out  a 
new  call  (for  some  one)  in  the  stead  of  Rev.  Beys.  It  has  ac- 
cordingly unanimously  called,  as  minister  of  Kingstown,  Rev. 
Petrus  Vas,  a  candidate  at  Amsterdam.  The  Rev.  Assembl;^ 
resolved  to  examine  him  for  ordination  this  very  day;  together 
with  Rev.  Buning,  who  has  been  called  by  the  Rev.  Classis  as 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York,  1843 

minister  to  Ceylon,  and  wliich  call  has  been  approved  by  the 
Messrs.  Directors  of  the  East  India  Company,  of  the  chamber 
here  (in  Amsterdam.)  The  examination  was  conducted  in  the 
presence  of  Rev.  Depp,  of  Synod.  The  Rev.  Buning  preached 
on  1  Timothy  2:  5,  and  Rev.  Vas  from  Ps.  8:  2,  "  What  is  man, 
that  thou  art  mindful  of  him? "  They  gave  so  much  satisfaction 
that  both  were  admitted  to  the  final  examination.  In  this  they 
likemse  gave  so  much  satisfaction  to  the  Messrs.  Deputies  (of  the 
Synod,)  and  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  that  the  Rev.  Assembly  gladly 
consecrated  (ordained)  them  to  the  Sacred  Ministry,  with  the 
laying  on  of  hands,  and  wishing  them  God's  rich  blessing.  But 
the  church  of  Kingstown  had  taken  no  special  care  for  the  bear- 
ing of  the  Classical  expenses  of  this  call.  Therefore  the  Messrs. 
Brethren  who  had  heretofore  received  some  money  from  the 
churches  of  'New  York,  for  the  expenses  which  might  be  incurred 
in  promoting  the  liberty  of  those  churches  (from  English  domi- 
nation) had  the  goodness  to  advance  the  moneys  for  the  expenses 
connected  with  this  call,  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  guilders. 
The  Rev.  Assembly  promised  to  return  this  money  to  them,  pre 
the  Quaestor,  whenever  they  may  demand  it  from  them.  The 
case  of  ISTew  York  and  Suriname  remains  in  statu,     ix.  202. 

(It  was  usual,  for  the  parties  interested,  to  pay  the  expenses 
of  an  extra  session  —  such  as  the  traveling  and  board  expenses 
of  the  delegates.  See  the  origin  of  this  legal  fund  in  letter  of 
May  23,  1706.) 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Correspondence  from  America. 

The  Consistory  of  Albany  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  March 

27,  1710. 

Portfolio,  "  :N"ew  York  ",  Vol.  i. 

Reverend,  Pious  and  Highly  Learned  Sirs: 

To  the  sorrow  of  our  hearts  we  are  compelled  to  inform  you, 
that  it  hath  pleased  the  all  sufficient  Jehovah  to  take  from  us, 


1710 


1710 


1844  Ecclesiastical  Records 

and  to  receive  unto  Himself  into  Eternal  Blessedness,  our  revered 
pastor,  John  Lydius.  His  temporal  death  occurred  on  March 
1st  of  this  year  (lYlO)  after  a  lingering  illness  of  about  a  year. 
It  was  to  the  great  grief  of  our  flourishing  congregation  of  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  ]^ew  Albany,  and  to  our  profound 
sorrow  of  heart;  especially  as  we  remember  his  faithful  services 
and  the  holy  zeal  exhibited  by  that  now  departed  gentleman, 
during  his  life  time,  in  this  his  congregation,  the  members  of 
which  are  now  in  such  distress,  because  they  have  no  shepherd. 

Accordingly  they  have  authorized  the  Revs.  Godfrey  Dellius, 
Levinius  van  Schaick  and  Gerrit  de  Vries  to  call  another  capable 
and  faithful,  orthodox  minister,  to  the  service  of  our  church,  for 
the  upbuilding  of  this  sheep-cote  of  Christ.  Therefore  they  ask 
you,  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  to  set  apart  to  the  preacher's 
office  (among  us),  such  a  minister  as  may  be  proposed  to  you  by 
the  said  gentlemen,  Godfrey  Dellius,  Le\dnius  van  Schaick  and 
Gerrit  de  Vries,  or  by  two  of  them,  in  order  that  his  Reverence 
may  arrive  at  the  earliest  opportunity;  and  unto  this  appointment 
may  God  be  pleased  to  grant  his  blessing. 

Meantime  we  shall  fall  at  the  feet  of  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest 
with  humble  supplications  that  He  will  help  you  all,  and  each  one 
in  particular,  with  His  Spirit;  that  He  ^^ill  favor  you.  Reverend, 
Pious  and  Very  Highly  Learned  Gentlemen,  with  his  Divine 
blessing,  unto  the  magnifying  of  his  Holy  ISTame,  and  the  upbuild- 
ing of  your  churches,  as  well  as  the  churches  of  these  regions, 
and  unto  the  eternal  salvation  of  many  souls. 

Actum  in  our  Consistory,  Albany,  March  27,  1710. 

J.  A.  Reel.  David  Schuyler. 

Abraham  Cuyler.  Anthony  Coster. 

Jacob  Staats.  .  William  van  Deursen. 

J.  W.  Rensselaer.  Conrad  ten  Eyck. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1845 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Affairs  of  l^ew  York. 

1710,  April  Tth.  Rev.  Deputati  ad  res  exteras  Bomble, 
earnestly  presented  the  case  of  'New  York  to  his  Excellency,  the 
Pensionary  of  the  Council,  (Raadt  Pensionaris,  Attorney  Gen- 
eral, Prime  Minister,  chief  of  state  during  the  Stadholderless 
interval  from  1702-1747)  Heinsius.  He  courteously  promised 
to  speak  personally  to  My  Lord,  the  Duke  of  Marlborough,  about 
it,  or  else  earnestly  to  write  about  it  to  the  Ambassador  of  the 
Republic  in  England.  The  Rev.  Bomble,  aforesaid,  took  the 
liberty  also  of  reminding  his  Excellency,  that  after  the  lapse  of 
some  time,  he  would  come  again  to  him  for  an  answer,     ix.  205. 

Letters  from  ISTew  York. 

1710,  April  7th.  Extracts  were  read  by  Rev.  Deputatus  ad 
res  Maritimas  Bomble,  from  lengthy  letters,  concerning  the  af- 
fairs of  New  York.  The  Classis  having  learned  their  purport, 
requested  the  Deputati  ad  res  Maritimas  that  they  would  make  a 
written  draft  as  to  the  chief  points  of  what  should  constitute  our 
answer,  and  communicate  the  same  at  the  next  ensuing  Classical 
meeting,     ix.  205. 

Saml.  Clowes  to  the  President  of  the  Council. 

Dissenters    rescue    their    cliurcli    from    the    Anglicans. 

Jamaica  11  April  1710. 
Honorable  Sir: — 

I  wish  your  Honor  a  great  deal  of  Joy  in  the  Trust  the  Queen  has  pleased  to 
confer  on  you;  and  begg  leave  to  acquaint  your  Honor  that  ye  Dissenters  here 
have  this  day  committed  a  Riot  or  forceable  Detainer  in  the  Church:  I  perswade 
myself  your  Honor  will  suppress  with  all  your  might  such  forceable  Ways  of 
proceeding  so  detremental  to  the  public  peace.  If  they  have  any  Right;  (as  I 
think  'tis  plaine  they  have  none)  the  Law  is  open.  I  therefore  pray  your  Honor 
Will  please  to  allow  all  due  Encouragement  to  the  Queen's  officers  who  have  Com- 
mitted them  for  the  CEact:  &  especially  by  directing  ye  Queen's  Attorney  Generall 
to  prosecute  the  offenders  whereby  you  will  add  to  the  Glory  of  your  Government 
by  Defending  the  cause  of  Christ's  Church. 

I  remain  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

S.  Clowes. 
To  the  Honorable  Coll.   Beakman  —  Doc.  Hist.   N.  Y.   Vol.  ill.  p.  133. 

Lieut.  Governour  of  the 

Province  of  New  York. 


1710 


1710 


1846  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Order  of  Council  on  the  Above. 

In  Council  13th  April   1710. 

The  President  communicated  to  this  Board  a  letter  from  Mr.  Samuell  Clowes* 
of  ye  11th  Aprill  setting  forth  that  the  Dissenters  had  that  Day  Committed  a 
Riot  or  forceable  Detainer  of  ye  Church  at  Jamaica  And  therefore  Desired  that 
all  Due  Encouragement  might  be  given  to  the  Queens  officers  who  had  committed 
the  persons  for  that  Fact  Especially  by  Directing  the  Attorney  Generall  to  prose- 
cute the  offender 

The  President  allso  communicated  a  Mittimus  under  the  Hand  and  Seal  of  Robert 
Read  Esq.,  one  of  Her  Majesties  Justices  for  keeping  the  Peace  in  Queens  County 
whereby  the  High  Sheriffe  thereof  was  Directed  to  take  into  his  Custody  Hugh 
Carpenter,  George  Woolsey,  Jonas  Wood,  Richard  Olfield,  Samuel  Mills  &  Jarimiah 
Smith  who  he  setts  forth  are  convicted  of  ye  said  forcable  holding  (by  his  own 
view)  and  them  to  keep  in  the  comon  Goal  of  this  County  untill  they  shall  be 
thence  delivered  by  due  Course  of  Law. 

Ordered  that  the  respective  Justices  of  Queens  County  or  the  major  part  thereof 
Enquire  into  the  Facts  abovementioned  and  Lay  a  true  Representation  thereof  be- 
fore this  Board  by  Thursday  next,  and  that  a  copy  of  this  Order  be  forthwith 
sent  to  ye  said  Justices. 

Jamaica    in    Queens    County,    ye 
19th   of   April   1710. 

Wee  underwritten  Justices  of  the  peace  of  our  Sovereign  Lady  the  Queen  for 
Queens  County  assigned  in  obedience  to  an  order  from  the  honourable  the  presi- 
dent &  her  Majesties  Council  of  this  province  dated  the  13th  Inst,  (to  us  directed) 
have  Inquired  upon  oath  into  the  matter  of  the  Disturbance  in  the  Church  of 
Jamaica  &  doe  find  that  Mr.  Justice  Read  has  proceeded  therein  according  to 
Law  &  that  the  Record  he  has  made  is  a  true  Representation  thereof.  We  remalne, 
Tour  Honours  most  obedient  Servants, 

Tho.  Willett  John  Marston 

John  Jackson  Tho.  Jones 

John  Tredwell  Wi.  Cornell 

Saml.  Moore  Tho.  Whitehead. 

Endorsed, 

"A  Letter  from  ye  Justices  of  ye  Peace 
for  Queens  County." 

In  Council,  20th  Aprill  1710. 

The  Justices  of  ye  Peace  for  Queens  County  Layd  before  this  Board  according  to 
order  a  Representation  of  the  Disturbance  and  forceable  Detainer  of  ye  Church  of 
Jamaica  by  some  Dissenters  which  was  a  Record  made  thereof  by  Robt.  Read  Esq., 
and  Certificate  of  severall  of  ye  Justices  that  the  same  is  a  True  Record. 

Upon  Consideration  of  this  matter  The  Board  is  of  opinion  That  the  Law  being 
open  they  ought  not  to  encourage  or  discourage  the  said  Prosecution. —  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  133,  134. 

Another  Petition  of  Rev.   Mr.   Antonides. 

To  the  Honorable  Gerardus  Beekman  Esq.  President  and  the  rest  of  her  Majesties 
Councill  of  the  Province  of  New  York  etc. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Vincentius  Antonides  minister  of  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Protestant  Churches  of  the  towns  of  Flatbush  flatlands  &  Brookland  on  the  Island 
of  Nassauw  in  Kings  County. 

Sheweth 

That  whereas  upon  a  difference  in  the  said  County  a  reference  was  had  and 
matters  Examined  by  a  Committee  of  this  board  &  others  relating  to  your  Petition- 
ers right  to  the  said  Churches  &  upon  ye  report  of  the  said  Committee  being  re- 


*  An  account  of  this  gentleman  and  of  his  descendants  will  be  found  in  Thomp- 
son's Long  Island,  ii.  1()6.     Note. 


OF  THE  State  of  j^ew  York.  1847 

turned  to  this  board  whereby  it  appears  that  your  Petitioner  was  duly  called  min- 
ister of  the  said  Churches  but  hitherto  could  not  obtain  a  Confirmation  of  the  said 
report  nor  Proteccon  in  the  due  Exercise  of  his  functions  there  but  to  ye  Contrary 
has  been  forbid  to  preach  in  the  said  County  to  the  great  grief  &  damage  of  your 
Petitioner. 

He  therefore  humbly  prays  that  the  said  report  may  be  confirmed  &  he  pro- 
tected in  the  Exercise  of  his  duty  without  molestation  in  the  like  manner  as  his 
predecessors  in  the  said  Churches  have  enjoyed. 

And  your  Petitioner  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

V.  Antonides. 
New  Yorke  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  106. 

April  12,  1710. 

Petition  of  the  Sheriff  and  Justices  of  Kings  County  in  Favor  of  Domine  Antonides. 

The  Honorable  Gerardus  Beekman  Esq.  President  and  the  rest  of  her  Majesties 
Councill  of  the  Province  of  New  York  etc. 

The  humble  Petition  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  &  high  SherifiE  of  Kings  County 
on  the  Island  of  Nassauw  — 

Sheweth 

That  for  some  years  past  there  hath  been  a  great  difference  in  the  said  County 
concerning  the  right  of  the  ministerial  function  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant 
Churches  of  flatbush  &  Brookland  which  Mr.  Antonides  claimed  as  being  thereunto 
called  by  the  Consistory  of  the  said  Towns  &  Mr.  Freeman  pretended  to  by  a 
Ly cense  from  some  of  the  former  Governors  of  this  Province;  that  the  said  differ- 
ence hath  been  examined  by  a  Committee  of  this  board  &  others  &  by  a  Report 
from  the  major  part  thereof  remaining  of  record  it  was  found  that  Mr.  Antonides 
was  duly  called  minister  of  the  Churches  according  to  their  Constitution,  the 
Confirmacon  of  which  they  humbly  conceive  would  have  entirely  ended  the  said 
difference  but  instead  thereof  your  Petitioners  find  that  contrary  to  the  same  the 
late  Lieutenant  Governor  by  his  orders  dated  the  Elleaventh  of  October  last  has 
not  only  entirely  given  away  the  said  Churches  to  Mr.  Freeman  but  allso  has  for- 
bidd  Mr.  Antonides  to  preach  in  the  said  County  &  by  what  Law  your  Petitioners 
are  yet  ignorant  of  comanded  your  Petitioners  to  be  aiding  &  assisting  to  the  said 
Mr.  Freeman  to  the  prejudice  of  the  said  Mr.  Antonides  and  the  ancient  rights  of 
the  said  Churches  &  the  hasarding  the  peace  &  tranquility  of  the  said  County. 

Your  Petitioners  therefore  humbly  pray  your  honors  to  take  that  matter  into 
your  Serious  Consideraeon  &  give  such  &  the  like  Proteccon  &  countenance  to  the 
Dutch  Protestant  Reformed  minister  regularly  called  according  to  their  Constitucon 
to  any  Churches  in  the  said  County  as  their  respective  predecessors  before  the 
said  difference  have  always  enjoyed  &  of  right  to  them  belongs  — 

And  Your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  etc. 
In  the  name  &  by  their  order, 

Joseph   Hegeman,   Pieter  Strycker,   Gerret   Stoothoff. 
New  Yorke,  —  Doc.   Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  107. 

17th  Aprill,   1710. 

Further  Order   in  Council   on  the   Pending  DifHculties. 

Att  a  Councill  held  att  the  City  Hall  of  ye  City  of  New  Yorke  this  18th  day  of 
Aprill  1710. 

Present  the  Honorable  Gerardus  Beekman,  President 

Rip  Van  Dam  Wm.    Peartree 

John  Barberie  David  Provost 

Adolph  Phillipse 

Upon  the  said  (preceding)  two  Petitions  &  after  a  Debate  thereon  it  was  put 
to  ye  vote  and  ordered  that  every  Member  declared  and  enter  their  opinions 
thereon  which  is  as  follows  to  wItt 

Majr.  Provost.  That  these  matters  and  these  petitions  ought  not  to  be  meddled 
with  till  Col.  Hunter  arrives. 


1710 


1710 


1848  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Coll.  Peartree.  That  Mr.  Antonides  ought  to  have  liberty  to  preach  to  the  people 
that  called  him. 

Mr.  Phillipse.  That  the  report  of  ye  Major  Part  of  ye  Councill  to  whom  the 
matter  was  referred  dated  14th  7ber  Last  ought  to  be  confirmed  and  Mr.  Antonides 
protected  in  ye  free  exercise  of  his  ministerial  Function  of  ye  said  Towns  accord- 
ingly and  that  all  persons  may  be  ordered  to  take  notice  thereof  and  Mr.  An- 
tonides &  Freeman  Recommended  to  Dispose  as  much  as  in  them  Lyes  their 
Respective  Consistoryes  so  as  that  each  of  them  may  be  called  by  them  to  such 
Churches  as  they  are  not  yett  duely  called  unto. 

Mr.  Barberie,  of  ye  same  oppinion. 

Mr.  Van  Dam,  of  ye  same  oppinion. 

Mr.  Beeckman,  whereas  there  is  a  Governor  expected  every  Day  is  therefore 
of  opinion  that  that  is  more  proper  for  him  to  Lett  the  Report  &  Petitions  Remain 
as  they  are  till  Coll.  Hunter  arrives. 

Upon  collecting  the  opinions  ordered  that  the  said  Report  be  confirmed  Mr.  An- 
tonides protected  in  the  free  exercise  of  his  Ministerial  Function  in  the  said 
Townes  and  all  persons  to  take  notice  thereof  accordingly  and  ye  said  Mr.  Antonides 
&  Mr.  Freeman  Recommended  to  Persuade  &  Dispose  (as  much  as  in  them  Lyes) 
their  Consistory's  Respectively  so  as  that  each  of  them  may  be  called  to  such 
Churches  as  they  are  not  yett  duely  called  unto.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  107, 
108. 

Petition  in  Behalf  of  Domine   Freeman. 

To  the  Honorable  the  President  &  others  the  Members  of  Her  Majesties  Council 
for  the  Province  of  New  York. 

The  humble  petition  of  Daniel  Remsen  &  Cornelius  Sebring  Members  of  the 
Dutch  Reformed  Churches  of  Flatbush  &  Brookland  in  Kings  County,  which  tends 
much  to  ye  prejudice  of  Domine  Bernardus  Freeman  minister  of  ye  said  Churches 
of  Flatbush  &  Brookland  (of  which  said  Churches  the  said  Domine  Freeman  has 
for  sometime  past  been  in  full  peaceable  possession)  &  to  ye  disquiet  &  injury  of 
your  petitioners  &  that  ye  said  order  was  made  without  any  notice  given  to  ye 
said  Domine  Freeman  or  any  other  on  his  behalf  whereby  they  might  have  been 
heard  before  ye  passing  said  order. 

Now  forasmuch  as  ye  said  order  doth  very  much  alter  the  Regulation  lately 
made  by  his  Honor  Col.  Ingoldesby  Late  Lieutenant  Governor  touching  ye  said 
Churches. 

Your  Petitioners  humbly  pray  ye  matters  concerning  ye  said  Churches  may  con- 
tinue as  they  were  upon  the  Regulation  above  mentioned  untill  ye  arrivall  of 
Col.  Robert  Hunter  who  is  dally  expected  as  Governor  of  this  Province. 

And  your  petitioners  etc. 

Daniel  Remsen 
Cornells   Seberingh. 
27  April  1710.  —Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  108. 

Order  on  Said  Petition. 

In  Councill,  27  April  1710. 

Upon  Reading  the  above  Petition  the  Council  gave  their  opinions  as  follows: 

Major  Prevost.     That  the  Petition  be  granted. 

Coll.  Peartree.  That  Mr.  Antonides  ought  to  preach  to  ye  People  that  called 
him. 

Mr.  Phillipse.     That  ye  last  order  of  this  Board  be  confirmed. 

Mr.  Barberie.    Of  ye  same  opinion. 

Coll.  Heathcote.    Of  ye  same  opinion. 

Mr.  Van  Dam.     Of  ye  same  opinion. 

Mr.  President.  For  Peace  &  quietness  that  Mr.  Freeman  should  have  ye  Privi- 
ledge  to  preach  at  Flattbush  &  Brookland  till  Col.  Hunter  arrives  or  till  a  further 
agreement.     (Counc.  Min.) —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  109. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1849 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Letters  from  New  York.     Draft  of  a  Letter  to  ISTew  Netherland. 

1710,  May  5th.  Rev.  Streso  handed  in  a  letter,  written  from 
New  York  at  a  later  time  in  further  explanation  of  what  had 
taken  place  there;  also  two  drafts  of  letters  about  to  be  sent  to 
the  respective  ministers  of  New  Netherland  (in  answer)  to  theirs, 
in  case  the  Classical  Assembly  should  find  pleasure  in  the  same. 

The  Classis  thanks  Eev.  Bomble  for  the  drawing  up  of  these 
drafts.  They  would  now  be  glad  to  see  the  retiring  and  the 
newly  appointed  Deputies  ad  res  Maritimas  once  more  jointly 
deliberate  upon  the  aforesaid  drafts,  polish  them  up  a  little,  and 
give  the  church  of  New  Netherland  to  understand  how  strongl;^ 
the  Classis  desires  the  peace  of  the  churches  there;  and  how  happy 
the  Classis  would  be  to  see  the  government  of  the  church  there 
carried  on  in  harmony  with  the  Church  Order  established  here, 
ix.  207. 

Rev.  Vas. 

1710,  May  5th.  Rev.  Vas,  called  as  minister  to  Kingston,  ap- 
peared. He  stated  that  the  Rev.  (?)  Skipper  (Captain)  asked  700 
guilders  for  his  passage,  and  that  three  hundred  guilders  must  be 
paid  down  at  once.  He  requested  that  this  money  might  be  paid 
to  said  skipper  in  his  behalf,  as  he  was  in  no  condition  to  advance 
it,  by  the  Messrs.  Bomble,  Schulting  and  van  Oostrom,  out  of 
those  nine  hundred  guilders  which  they  had  in  their  keeping 
from  the  churches  of  New  Netherland.  This  money  was  to  be 
used  for  the  best  interests  of  those  churches,  generally,  and  this 
could  be  done,  provided  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  would 
go  security  for  the  same.     ix.  207. 

Indenture  of  Servitude,  at  Albany,  May  10,  1710,  by  permission  of  tlie  Deacons  of 

the  Dutch  Church. 

This  Indenture  witnesseth  that  Aulliey  Hubertse,  Daughter  of  John  Hubertse, 
of  the  Colony  of  Rensselaorwyck  deceased  hath  bound  herself  as  a  Meniall  Servant 
and  by  these  presents  doth  voluntary  and  of  her  own  free  will  and  accord  bind 
herself  as  a  Meniall  Servant  unto  John  Delemont  of  the  City  of  Albany,  weaver, 


1710 


1710 


1850  Ecclesiastical  Records 

by  and  with  the  consent  of  the  Deacons  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  the 
City  of  Albany  aforesaid  who  are  as  overseers  in  the  disposal  of  the  said  Aulkey 
Hubertse,  to  serve  from  the  date  of  these  present  Indentures  unto  the  full  end 
and  teim  of  time  that  the  said  Aulkey  Hubertse  shall  come  to  Age,  all  which  time 
fully  to  be  compleat  and  ended,  during  all  which  term  the  said  servant  her  said 
Master  faithfully  shall  serve,  his  secrets  keep,  his  lawful  commands  gladly  every- 
where obey,  she  shall  do  no  Damage  to  her  said  Master  nor  see  it  to  be  done  by 
others  without  letting  or  giving  notice  thereof  to  her  said  Master;  she  shall  not 
waste  her  Masters  goods  or  lend  them  unlawfully  to  any;  she  shall  not  commit 
fornication;  at  Cards,  dice  or  any  other  unlawful  Game  she  shall  not  play,  whereby 
her  said  Master  may  have  Damage;  with  her  own  goods  or  the  goods  of  others 
during  the  said  Term,  without  Licence  from  her  said  Master,  she  shall  neither 
buy  nor  sell;  she  shall  not  absent  herself  day  or  night  from  her  Master's  service 
without  his  leave,  nor  haunt  Ale-houses,  Taverns  or  Play-houses,  but  in  all  things 
as  a  faithful  servant,  she  shall  behave  herself  towards  her  said  Master  and  all 
his  during  the  said  Term.  And  the  said  Master  during  the  said  Term  shall  find 
and  provide  sufficient  wholesome  and  compleat  meat  and  drink,  washing,  lodging 
and  apparell  and  all  other  Necessarys  fit  for  such  a  servant;  and  it  is  further 
agreed  between  the  said  Master  and  Servant  that  in  case  the  said  Servant  Aulkey 
Hubertse  should  contract  Matrimony  before  she  shall  come  to  age,  then  the  said 
servant  is  to  be  free  from  her  said  Master's  service  by  virtue  hereof,  and  at  the 
expiration  of  her  said  servitude,  her  said  Master  John  Delemont  shall  find,  provide 
for  and  deliver  unto  his  said  servant  double  apparell,  that  is  to  say,  apparell  fit 
for  her  to  have  and  to  wear  as  well  on  the  Lord's  Day  as  working  days  both  linning 
and  woollen  stockings  and  shoes  and  other  Necessarys  meet  for  such  a  servant  to 
have  and  to  wear,  and  for  the  true  performance  of  all  and  every  of  said  Covenants 
and  Agreements  the  said  parties  bind  themselves  unto  the  other  by  these  presents. 
In  witness  whereof  they  have  hereunto  set  their  hands  and  seals  this  10th  day  of 
May  in  the  nineth  year  of  the  reign  of  our  Sovereign  Lady  Anne  by  the  Grace 
of  God,  over  Great  Brittain,  France  and  Ireland  Queen,  defender  of  the  faith,  etc. 
Anno  Domminl  1710. 

Jon.  Delemont. 

Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of  Antho.  Brait,  Theunis  Brat,  Jona 
Rumney. 

It  is  further  agreed  between  the  said  parties  that  the  said  Master  shall  before 
the  expiration  of  the  said  Term  teach  or  cause  to  be  taught  to  read.  This  done 
before  sealing  and  delivering. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  iii.  pp.  234-6. 

Petition  of  Geo.   Woolsey  and  others. 
To  the  Honorable  Coll.  Gerardus  Beekman  President  of  Her  Majesty's  Council 
for  the  Colony  of  New  York  and  Councill. 

The  Peticon  of  George  Woolsey,  Hope  Carpenter,  Jonas  Wood,  Richard  Oldfield, 
Samuel  Mills  &  Jeremiah  Smith  of  Jamaica  in  Queens  County. 

Most  Humbly  Sheweth 

That  your  Peticoners  Stand  Comitted  till  they  pay  their  ffine  and  charges  upon 
a  supposition  of  their  being  guilty  of  a  forceable  Detainer  grounded  on  the  con- 
viction by  the  view  of  Robert  Bead  Justice  of  the  peace  for  Queens  County 
whereof  they  are  not  conscious  to  themselves  of  being  the  least  guilty,  and 
of  which  they  humbly  conceive  they  can  give  sufiicient  proofe  to  any  impartiall 
Judicature. 

They   therefore  humbly   pray  that   your  Honors   will   give  them   such  Relief  as 
shall  appear  agreeable  to  Justice  And  they  shall  as  in  duty  bound 
Ever  pray  etc. 

George  Woollse  Jonas  Wood 

Hope  Carpenter  Jeremiah  Smith 

Richard  Oldfield  Samuel  Mills. 

Read  the  19th  day  of  May  1710  &  al  partys  to  attend  on  Monday  &  the  Justices 
of  the  peace  to  be  served  with  Copy  of  this  Petition. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York,         1851 

In  Council,  23  May,  1710. 

Mr.  Regnier  council  for  George  Woolsey  and  others  Petitioners  on  ttie  Petition 
read  at  this  Board  the  19th  Inst,  and  Mr.  Bickley  Councill  for  the  Queen  and  the 
Justices  of  the  Peace  of  Queens  County  appearing  at  this  Board  and  being  severally 
heard 

It  is  ordered  that  the  several  and  respective  fines  Imposed  on  the  Petitioners 
by  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  in  Queens  County  at  the  last  Court  of  Sessions  be 
remitted.  But  the  charges  which  already  are,  or  if  not  shall  be  taxed  within  the 
Bounds  of  Moderation  by  the  Judge  be  paid  by  the  said  Petitioners. —  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y,  Vol.  iii.  pp.  134,  135. 

Memorial,  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Jamaica. 

(1710) 
To  his  Excellency  Coll.  Robert  Hunter  Capt.  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of 
her  Majesties  Colony  of  New  York  etc.  in  America. 

The  Humble  Memoriall  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Jamaica,   In  Queens  County. 
May  it  Please  your  Excellency 

This  Towne  of  Jamaica  in  the  year  1656  was  purchased  from  the  Indian  Natives 
by  divers  persons  our  predecessors  and  Ancestors  Subjects  of  the  Realm  of 
England,  Protestants  dissenters  in  the  manner  of  Worship  from  the  fforms  used 
in  the  Church  of  England;  who  settled  and  improved  the  lands,  Have  called  a 
Minister  of  their  owne  Profession  to  Officiate  among  them  who  continued  so  to  do 
during  the  time  of  the  Dutch  Government  and  afterwards  severall  others  succes- 
sively untill  the  year  of  our  Lord  1673/4. 

In  the  year  1676  the  Townsmen  set  apart  divers  Lands  for  the  better  Incourage- 
ment  and  support  of  such  a  Minister. 

In  the  year  1693  the  Inhabitants  purchased  a  House  and  other  conveniencyes 
for  the  accomodation  of  their  Ministers  who  possessed  and  Injoyed  it  accordingly. 

That  about  the  year  1699  by  Virtue  of  an  Act  of  Generall  Assembly  for  that 
purpose  the  Major  part  of  the  ffreeholders  of  the  Towne  built  and  erected  a 
Meeting  house  or  publick  edifice  for  the  Worship  and  service  of  God  after  their 
way,  and  peaceably  possessed  and  used  it. 

That  in  the  year  1703  or  1704  being  actually  and  Quietly  possessed  of  the 
said  House  and  lands  and  other  conveniencyes  and  of  the  said  meeting  house, 
they  were  with  force  &  violence  without  any  process,  Tryall  or  Judgement  at  Law 
turned  out  and  Dispossessed  of  the  same. 

All  which  they  humbly  submit  to  your  Excellency's  consideration,  Humbly 
praying  such  Reliefe  as  your  Excellency  shall  judge  consist'g  with  Equity  & 
Justice. 

Nathaniel  Denton,  Anthony  Waters,  Daniel  Smith,  Samll  Bayles. —  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  135,  136. 

Ffilkin  to   Secretary   (Clarke)   Explanatory  of  the   Quarrel   between   him   &   Lieut. 

Gov.   Beekman,  about  the  decision  in  Council  as  to  Domine  Freeman. 
Sir: 

I  am  in  expectation  of  a  complaint  coming  to  his  Excellency  by  Coll.  Beeckman 
against  me,  and  that  his  Excellency  may  be  rightly  informed  o''  the  matter,  my 
humble  request  to  you  is,  that  if  such  a  thing  happen,  be  pleased  to  give  his 
Excellency  an  account  thereof  which  is  as  follows:  A  fEriday  night  last,  the 
Justices  of  the  County  and  I  came  from  his  Excellency's;  Coll.  Beeckman  hap- 
pened to  come  over  in  the  fferry  boat  along  with  us,  and  as  we  came  over  the 
fferry.  Coll.  Beeckman  and  we  went  into  the  fferry  house  to  drink  a  glass  of 
wine,  and  being  soe  in  company,  there  happened  a  dispute  between  Coll.  Beeckman 
and  myself,  about  his  particular  order  that  he  lately  made  to  Mr.  flfreeman, 
when  he  was  President  of  the  Councill,  without  the  consent  of  the  Councill.  Coll. 
Beeckman  stood  affirm  there,  before  most  of  the  Justices  of  Kings  County,  that 
said  order,    that   he   made  then   to   Mr.    ffreeman  as    President   only   was   still   In 


1710 


1710 


1853  Ecclesiastical  Records 

force  and  that  Mr.  ffreeman  should  preach  at  Broockland  next  Sunday  according 
to  that  order:  whereupon  I  said  it  was  not  in  fforce,  but  void  and  of  noe  effect, 
and  he  had  not  in  this  County,  any  more  power  now  than  I  have,  being  equal!  in 
commission  with  him  in  the  general  commission  of  the  peace  and  one  of  the 
quorum  as  well  as  he;  upon  which  he  gave  me  affronting  words,  giving  me  the 
lie  and  calling  me  PittifuU  fellow,  dog,  rogue,  rascall,  etc.,  which  caused  me, 
being  overcome  with  passion  to  tell  him  that  I  had  a  good  mind  to  knock  him  off 
his  horse,  we  being  both  at  that  time  getting  upon  our  horses  to  goe  home,  but 
that  I  would  not  goe,  I  would  fight  him  at  any  time  with  a  sword.  I  could 
wish  that  these  last  words  had  been  kept  in,  and  I  am  troubled  that  I  was  so 
overcome  with  passion  and  inflamed  with  wine.  The  works  of  these  Dutch  minis- 
ters is  the  occasion  of  all  our  quarrells.  And  this  is  the  truth  .of  the  matter, 
there  was  no  blows  offerred,  nor  noe  more  done.  Mr.  ffreeman  has  preached  at 
Broockland  yesterday  accordingly,  and  the  Church  doore  was  broken  open,  by 
whom  it  is  not  yet  knowne.  Soe  I  beg  your  pardon  ffor  this  trouble,  crave  your 
favour  in  this  matter,  and  shall  always  remaine. 

Sir,   your  ffaithfull  and  humble  servant, 

H.    Ffllkin. 
(June  1710)  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  110. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Rev.  Vas's  Proposal  to  advance  Moneys: 

or 

(that  certain  moneys  should  be  advanced  to  him.) 

1710,  June  2nd.  The  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  took  this  proposal 
of  the  Rev.  Vas  into  mature  consideration.  For  this  once  it  is 
willing  to  request  the  said  three  gentlemen  to  comply.  This 
however,  is  done  very  reluctantly,  and  without  being  a  precedent 
for  the  future.  The  only  object  is  not  to  leave  either  the  church 
of  Kingstown,  or  Rev.  Yas,  in  embarrassment  in  the  present 
instance.  It  therefore  recommends  that  the  required  three  hun- 
dred guilders  should  be  advanced  out  of  the  aforesaid  moneys. 
The  Classis,  moreover  agrees,  in  case  the  churches  of  l^ew 
I^etherland,  which  have  transmitted  these  moneys  to  the  aforesaid 
gentlemen  (for  certain  objects,)  should  not  approve  of  this  out- 
lay, and  should  therefore  demand  repayment  of  it,  to  refund  the 
same  to  them  without  loss  at  their  own  cost.  The  three  gentle- 
men aforesaid,  will  each  for  himself  count  out  one  hundred 
guilders,  (advance  one  hundred  guilders)  and  in  pursuance  of  the 
object  in  view,  each  one  of  them  will  have  sent  to  him  by  the 
Clerk  of  Classis  an  order  to  that  amount,  in  the  name  of  the 
Classis. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1853 

Accordingly  tliis  resolution  was  announced  to  Rev,  Vas.  He 
was  requested  to  be  pleased  to  give  and  pass  over  in  writing  a 
pledge,  that  out  of  the  four  hundred  guilders  promised  him  for 
transportation,  or  else  out  of  the  half  year's  salary  promised  him 
upon  his  arrival  at  Kingstown,  he  would  transmit,  or  make  good, 
those  three  hundred  guilders  to  the  said  three  members  of  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam  at  the  earliest  opportunity;  thus  also  im- 
mediately releasing  the  Classis  from  its  guarantee  in  this  matter. 
This  he  gladly  consented  to  do.  Accordingly  this  pledge  was 
drawn  up  by  the  Clerk,  and  signed  by  him.  It  will  be  preserved 
in  the  chest  used  for  the  preservation  of  papers  relating  to  the 
affairs  of  the  churches  in  foreign  lands,  as  a  security,  in  this 
arrangement,  for  the  Classis. 

Meantime  the  Deputies  ad  res  Exteras  are  expressly  requested 
to  communicate  this  matter  and  this  transaction  to  the  church 
of  Kingstown,  so  that  said  church  may  do  her  part  towards  return- 
ing, as  soon  as  possible,  the  said  moneys,  advanced  in  good  faith 
and  with  so  salutary  an  object,  to  Rev.  Vas.     ix.  208. 

ISTew  York.     Kingstown. 

1710,  June  2nd.  The  letters  to  New  York  were  despatched 
in  accordance  with  the  previous  resolution  of  Rev.  Classis,  and 
the  Messrs.  Committee  were  thanked  for  their  trouble. 

The  Messrs.  Committee  ad  res  exteras,  in  pursuance  of  the 
resolution  regarding  the  300  guilders  advanced  to  Rev.  Vas,  have 
written  to  the  church  of  Kingsto\vn.     ix.  209. 

Beits  (Beys).    Kingstown. 

1710,  June  2nd.  In  regard  to  the  case  of  Rev.  Beits,  (Beys,) 
formerly  minister  at  Kingstown.  Rev.  van  der  Horst  had  under- 
stood from  Mr.  Bankerius  that  this  case  was  of  much  importance 
to  the  church  in  jSTew  Netherland.  The  Deputies  ad  res  Maritimas 
were  therefore  enjoined  to  obtain  more  particular  information, 
and  to  report  thereon  to  the  Rev.  Classis.     ix.  210. 


1710 


1710 


1854  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

Further  Petition  of  Rev.  Mr.  Antonides  &  his  Elders. 

To  the  Honorable  Gerardus  Beekman  Esq.  President  and  the  rest  of  her 
Majesties  Council  of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

The  humble  Peticon  of  Vincentius  Antonides  Minister  and  the  Elders  &  Deacons 
of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Churches  of  the  Towns  of  fflatbush,  fflatlands  & 
Brookland  in  Kings  County  on  the  Island  of  Nassauw. 

Sheweth 

That  by  an  order  of  this  honorable  board  dated  the  18th  of  Aprill  last  past 
the  said  Minister  was  without  disturbance  to  Exercise  his  ministerial  function 
in  the  said  Towns  whereto  he  was  regularly  called  with  the  same  Protection  as 
his  predecessors  in  the  said  Churches  had  had  &  enjoyed. 

But  so  it  is  may  it  please  your  Honors  that  Mr.  Barnhardus  ffreeman  minister 
of  the  Town  of  New  Utrecht  well  knowing  the  said  order,  but  not  regarding  the 
peace  of  the  said  Churches  has  surreptitiously  obtained  an  order  from  the  hon- 
orable president  of  this  board  dated  the  fifth  June  Instant  whereby  he  is 
alternatively  to  preach  with  the  said  Mr.  Antonides  in  the  Churches  of  fflatbush 
&  Brookland  as  by  a  copy  thereof  herewith  delivered  may  at  large  appear. 

By  virtue  whereof  the  said  Mr.  Freeman  did  preach  the  last  Sunday  in  the 
Church  of  fflatbush  finding  means  to  open  the  said  Church  without  the  consent 
of  the  Consistory.  All  which  your  Petitioner  conceives  to  be  in  derogacon  of 
the  former  recited  order  and  to  the  manyfest  Injury  of  your  Petitioners. 

They  therefore  humbly  pray  that  the  said  last  mentioned  order  may  be  recalled 
&  your  Petitioners  left  in  the  possession  of  their  just  rights  &  be  protected  ac- 
cordingly.    And   your   Petitioners   as  in   Duty  bound   shall   ever   Pray. 

In  their  names  &  by  their  order, 

Joseph  Hegemans. 
New   York,  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  109. 

12th  June  1710. 

Order  in  Council  on  the  Above.     (1710) 

Present  the  Honorable  Gerardus  Beeckman. 
Mr.   Van   Dam  Mr.    Philipse 

Coll.   Rensselaer  Coll.   Peartree 

Mr.    Barberie. 

The  Council  moved  the  President  to  grant  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition,  but  he 
not  doing  it  they  declared  they  would  not  meet  in  Councill  till  it  was  done  telling 
the  President,  if  he  could  do  what  he  had  done  as  aforesaid  without  them,  he 
might  do  all  other  acts  of  Government  without  them,  and  that  then  they  saw 
no  business  they  had  to  Convene  in  Councill. 

And  thereupon  the  Councill  broke  up. —  Doc.  Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   p.  110. 

Second  Immigration  of  Palatines. 

In    Council   13th  June,    1710. 

The  President  (Mr.  Beekman)  informed  the  Board  that  the  ship  Lyon  is  arrived 
in  this  Port  having  brought  a  considerable  number  of  Palatines  for  whom  her 
Majesty  has  commanded  him  to  Provide  Lodging  and  Provisions  and  desired  the 
Gentlemen  of  the  Councill  to  give  their  opinions  what  measures  are  proper  to 
be  taken  with  respect  to  them. 

And  the  Mayor  of  this  City  having  presented  a  Petition  to  this  Board  from 
himself  and  the  Corporation  seting  forth  that  there  is  just  Cause  to  believe  there 
are  many  contagious  distempers  among  them  which  they  are  apprehensive  will 
Endanger  the  health  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Citty  if  they  be  Landed  in  any 
part  thereof  and  hinder  the  Trade  and  welfare  of  it  by  deterring  the  Country 
people  and  others  from  resorting  and  coming  hither  as  usuall  and  praying  they 
may  not  be  permitted  to  come  within  the  citty. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1855 

It  is  the  opinion  of  this  Board  thereupon  that  Nutten  Island*  is  the  properest 
place  to  put  the  Palatines  on  and  that  Huts  should  be  made  for  them,  and  Doctor 
Law,  Doctor  Moore  and  Doctor  Garren  be  Desired  to  go  on  board  the  said  ship 
this  afternoon  and  visit  the  said  Palatines  making  their  Report  to  this  Board  of 
the  State  and  Condition  of  health  they  find  them   in. 

It  is  ordered  that  Johannes  Hebon  and  Peter  Williamse  two  carpenters  do 
wait  on  the  President  at  two  o'clock  this  afternoon  to  Nutten  Island  with  respect 
to  the  Building  the  aforesaid  Huts  and  that  so  many  Boards  and  other  materials 
be  bought   as   the   said   Carpenters   shall   judge   necessary   for   that   service. 

It  is  ordered  that  what  stores  are  on  Board  the  said  ship  be  forthwith  sent 
ashore  and  that  the  officer  of  the  guard  and  the  store  keeper  do  dispose  the 
same  in  the  ffort  in  the  best  and  securest  manner  they  can. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  Palatines  with  their  Goods  be  forthwith  landed  on  Nutten 
Island.* 

In   Council,    16  June,    1710. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  Chief  Justice  Mr.  Barberie  and  Mr.  Bickley  Commission- 
ated  to  Execute  ye  Office  of  Attorney  General!  doe  Draw  upp  a  Scheme  for  ye 
Ordering  Ruleing  and  Government  of  ye  Palatines  as  neare  as  may  be  Agreeable 
to  the  Laws  of  this  Province  with  Instructions  for  the  officers  and  Ministers 
to  be  appointed  over  them  for  that  purpose. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  this  Board  that  a  Proclamation  doe  Issue  to  prevent 
Exactions  and  Extortions  in  the  Price  of  Bread  &  other  Provisions  whereby  the 
Palatines  may  be  the  better  and  easier  Provided  therewith  and  ordered  that  the 
Attorney  Generall  prepared  the  same  forthwith. 

In  Council,  17th  June,  1710. 

Mr.  Chiefe  Justice  Reported  to  his  Excellency  that  himself  Mr.  Barberie  and 
Mr.  Bickley  have  met  on  the  Reference  made  to  them  yesterday  to  consider  af 
a  Scheme  for  the  good  Governing  the  Palatines,  and  having  Considered  the 
same.  Proposed  that  Commissions  of  the  Peace  and  other  Commissions  be  Granted 
to  some  persons  among  them  for  that  End  and  that  an  Ordinance  Issue  Impower- 
ing  to  heare  and  determine  Small  Causes,  all  which  his  Excellency  Referred  to 
Mr.  Chiefe  Justice  &  Mr.  Bickley  to  prepare  such  Commissions  and  Ordinances. — 
Doc.    Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   pp.   333,    334. 

Letter  of  Col.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  dated  June  16,  1710. 

The    Palatines. 
Trade   Papers 
New  York,   Bundle  Z.   97. 

Sir:— 

I  give  you  this  trouble  that  you  may  acquaint  the  Lords  of  the  Council  of  Trade 
that  I  arrived  here  two  days  ago.  We  want  still  three  of  the  Palatine  ships  and 
those  arrived  are  in  a  deplorable  sickly  condition.  All  is  quiet  on  the  frontiers, 
by  the  next  occasion  I  shall  be  able  to  inform  their  Lordships  more  particularly 
with  what  relates  to  this  province;  but  this  ship  being  ready  to  set  sail  for 
Lisbon  I  have  only  time  to  add  that  I  am  sir, 

Your  most  humble  servant, 

Ro.   Hunter. 

Extract  from  letter  of  Col.   Quary  to  Mr.   Pulteney,   dated  July  5,   1710. 

The    Palatines. 
Trade  Papers, 
Bundle  Z.  100. 

Before  I  conclude  I  beg  leave  to  assure  your  honor  that  his  Excellency  hath 
shown  much  prudence  and  conduct  in  order  to  the  settling  the  poor  Palatines 
by  which  the  end  so  if  her  Majesty  proposed  will  be  effectively  answered  in  a 
vast  advantage  and  security  to  all  those  Govern,  etc. 

*  Now,  Governor's  Island,  N.  Y. 


1710 


1710 


1856  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Revs.  Du  Bois,  Lydius  and 
Antonides  and  the  Consistories  of  the  Province  of  jSTew  York, 
July,  1710.     xxviii.  97. 

The  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  has  read  and  pondered,  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  the  comprehensive  account  of  what  has  hap- 
pened in  the  church  of  Esopus,  and  has  given  attention  to  the  fact 
of  the  departure  of  Rev.  Beys,  as  well  as  to  the  request  of  Esopus, 
without  any  objection  of  Beys  thereto,  although  he  is  now  here. 
We  have  therefore  elected  and  qualified  as  pastor  of  the  church 
of  Esopus,  the  Reverend,  godly  and  highly  learned,  Peter  Vas, 
who  is  of  good  report  among  us,  and  who,  we  hope,  will  be  re- 
ceived with  love  and  good  will.  We  pray  God  f,o  bless  and  make 
fruitful  his  ministry. 

Inasmuch  as  in  these  times  of  war,  journeyin(|s  are  tedious  and 
expensive,  and  especially  because  his  Reverence  has  a  large 
family;  the  Classis  at  his  request,  suggests  to  the  church  of 
Esopus,  whether  or  not  something  more  than  is  generally  allowed 
for  traveling  expenses  should  not  be  given  in  this  case.  We  have 
good  hopes  that  this  will  be  done,  especially  since  you  were  so 
generous  as  to  provide  for  the  passage  of  Rev.  Beys.  We  also 
take  this  opportunity  earnestly  to  request  all  churches  asking  for 
pastors,  to  take  measures  for  the  payment  of  the  Classical  ex- 
penses incurred,  and  also  for  the  transportation  of  the  minister. 
Otherwise  it  will  be  very  difficult  to  persuade  any  to  undertake 
the  journey,  which  is  quite  expensive,  and  cannot  be  accomplished 
with  empty  hands. 

We  have,  indeed,  in  this  instance,  been  compelled  to  request 
the  brethren.  Van  Oostrum,  Bomble  and  Schutting,  to  advance  a 
part  of  the  money  entrusted  to  their  hands.  Without  so  doing, 
this  call  could  not  have  been  advanced  except  with  great  difla- 
culty.     It  w^as  because  of  the  neglect  to  transmit  money,  that  the 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  1857 

Eev.  Classis  was  obliged  to  give  security  for  more  than  one 
hundred  Eix  Dollars  — ■  taken  up  by  Kev.  Antonides  —  and  which 
the  Rev.  Classis  has  been  obliged  to  pay  long  since,  without  even 
having  received  anything  in  return.  You  would  surely  consider 
it  unjust  that  the  Rev.  Classis,  besides  all  her  cares  and  labors, 
should  also  suffer  loss  from  your  churches.  Our  Classis  wishes 
therefore,  that  an  order  be  given,  that  the  funds  advanced  to  the 
Rev.  Antonides,  be  paid  out  of  said  money.  The  churches  will 
be  able  to  adjust  the  same  with  the  Rev.  Antonides.  The  reason 
that  we  thus  speak  concerning  the  money  deposited  with  said 
gentlemen,  is,  because  we  do  not  see  that  we  have  need  of  these 
moneys  for  other  purposes  at  present.  We  are  as  economical  in 
your  behalf  as  for  ourselves,  and  try  to  avoid  all  imnecessary 
outlay.  If  we  shall  also  now  be  obliged  to  labor  for  the  liberty 
of  the  churches,  not  without  expense,  in  England,  the  sums  sent 
over  for  that  particular  purpose  would  not  help  very  much. 

We  regret  very  much  that  we  have  made  so  little  progress 
towards  the  better  securing  of  your  (ecclesiastical)  liberty.  We 
have  been  kept  back  by  the  declaration  and  promises  of  certain 
gentlemen,  notwithstanding  all  our  requests  and  even  importuni- 
ties. This  has  determined  us  to  make  a  request  direct  concerning 
this  matter  to  our  counsel.  Pensioner  Heinsius,  that  his  honor 
would  be  pleased  to  promote  the  same  at  Court,  through  my 
lord  Marlborough  or  Townsend,  or  through  our  Ambassador 
(in  England.)  His  Honor  has  favorably  received  the  proposition, 
and  we  have,  therefore,  placed  in  the  hands  of  his  Honor  a  short 
account  of  your  condition,  and  of  the  requests  made  in  your 
ecclesiastical  letters. 

In  the  meantime,  those  differences  with  Rev.  Freerman  con- 
tinue to  exist,  and  these  go  deeply  to  our  hearts.  This  is  es- 
pecially so,  because  we  lack  the  power  to  do  anything  definitely 
against  him  in  another  Kingdom.  Although  you  wish  we  would, 
by  our  counsel  and  action,  terminate  these  differences,  we  do  not 
find  ourselves  in  a  condition  to  do  so.     We  hope,  therefore,  that 


1710 


1710 


1858  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

you  will  discover  some  proper  means  thereto.  Rev.  Freerman 
has  also  written  us,  at  length,  and  appears  to  be  inclined  to  peace. 
He  did  not  try  altogether  to  defend  his  call  to  Long  Island,  but 
he  awaited  an  answer  from  us,  which  had  not  yet  arrived.  More- 
over, (he  said)  that  Governor  Cornbury  had  compelled  him  to 
accept  that  call,  which  had  been  approved  by  his  Honor;  and  that 
thereupon,  he  had  been  installed  by  Rev.  Du  Bois,  in  the  service 
at  "New  Utrecht  and  adjoining  churches.  To  all  this  we  will  send 
him  an  answer. 

The  action  of  Captain  Johan  du  Peister,  in  regard  to  our  let- 
ters, which  we  have  learned  from  your  agreeable  letter  of  June 
21st,  has  displeased  the  Olassis  very  much.  It  is  a  matter  of 
great  consequence,  and  will  make  us  more  careful  hereafter  in 
the  transmission  of  our  letters. 

We  come,  finally,  to  that  letter,  dated  July  8th  1709.  This 
furnishes  new  proof,  how  unserviceable  it  would  be,  were  the 
churches  of  l^ew  York  organized  into  a  Classis.  When  we  wrote 
that  the  formation  of  a  Classis  was  in  the  far  future,  and  that 
we  did  not  dare  to  think  of  it,  we  took  into  consideration  the 
fact  that  England  would  not  tolerate  a  Classis.  But,  at  length, 
circumstances  seemed  almost  to  produce  such  a  result,  even  by 
an  order  from  the  government  which  desired  you  to  enjoy  the 
right  of  Classis.  The  objection  arose  to  this  that  such  a  Classis 
would  be  the  ruin  of  the  churches  of  'New  York.  This  is  so 
obvious  that  it  needs  no  proof.  We  therefore  commend  your  zeal 
and  prudence  in  averting  such  a  calamity,  and  in  watching  for  the 
good  of  the  churches,  and  beg  you  thus  to  continue.  Be  strong, 
and  may  the  Lord  our  God  still  further  strengthen  you,  and  bless 
you. 

P.  Steenwinkel,  V.  D.  M.  Praeses 
'  '  et  Dep.  ad  res  Exteras. 

[Rev.  Lydius  died  March  1,  1710,  but  Classis  was  not  yet  aware 
of  it.] 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoek.  1859 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Eev.   B.   Freerman,   July,   lYlO. 

xxviii.  100. 
To  Eev.  Freerman: — 

The  Eev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  perceives  from  your  letter  of 
June  28,  1Y09,  that  you  complain  of  the  partiality  of  the  Classis, 
as  shown  in  the  letters  received.  But  that  this  is  unreasonable 
plainly  appears  from  your  own  letter.  We  have  already  shown 
of  how  little  account  your  own  offer  of  peace  was.  You  yourself 
say,  that  the  call  made  on  May  4,  1703,  (O.S.);  was  not  accepted 
by  you,  because  of  insufficient  salary,  and  for  other  reasons.  It 
does  not  appear  whether  you  awaited  an  answer,  in  the  hope  that 
the  church  of  Long  Island  would  improve  the  call.  They  w^ere 
under  no  obligation  to  do  this,  but  were  free  to  call  another 
minister.  This  indeed  they  have  done,  sending  a  (blank)  call  to 
our  Classis.  You  also  knew  of  this  as  appears  from  a  letter 
written  by  you  to  the  Hon.  Banckert,  stating  that  you  would  not 
remain  at  Schoonegstade,  And  although  the  elders  were  guilty 
of  some  little  irregularity  in  the  call  sent  to  us,  and  for  which 
they  have  begged  our  pardon,  this  circumstance  does  not  legalize 
your  call.  You  confess  that  you  were  sent  to  Long  Island  by  the 
Lord  Governor,  and  under  his  license;  but  surely  this  does  not 
constitute  a  legal  call.  And  that  you  were  installed  at  ISTew 
Utrecht,  does  not  make  you  pastor  of  the  other  churches  on  Long 
Island,  which  had  already  made  out  another  call.  The  fact  that 
the  Eev.  Antonides  was  obliged  to  ask  permission  to  preach  on 
Long  Island  is  a  matter  of  a  very  different  nature  from  your 
license.  You  compelled  him  to  do  this  and  thus  prepared  the 
way  for  the  loss  of  liberty  to  all  the  churches.  ISTor  is  it  to  the 
point  that  Eev.  Du  Bois  preached  at  Jamaica  with  a  (civil)  li- 
cense.    Again:     your  offer  of  correspondence  with  us  is  under 

a  condition.     This  we  have  already  answered.     What  is  to  be 
14 


1710 


1710 


I860  Ecclesiastical  Records 

expected  from  such  a  correspondence  appears  from  the  case  of 

voorleser   (Van)  Ylek,  whom,  contrary  to  all  chiirch-order,  you 

have  tried  to  make  a  pastor.     This  the  Rev.  Classis  regards  with 

much  sorrow  of  heart  and  with  deep  displeasure.     Whoever  reads 

your  letter  even  cursorily,  cannot  fail  to  be  surprised  that  it  was 

written  by  a  pastor;  and  will  be  more  surprised  that  such  a  writer 

tried  to  make  more  pastors.     We  hope,  therefore,  that  you  will 

watch  against  all  such  extravagances  in  the  future,  which  only 

tend  to  the  ruin  of  the  churches;  but  try  rather  to  do  all  that 

you  can  that  tends  towards  their  peace.     There  are  indeed  other 

places  in  which  you  could  be  of  service  to  God's  church.     If  you 

should  be  called  elsewhere,  and  opportunity  might  be  found  to 

this  end,  all  difficulties  would  be  removed;  or  you  might  adjust 

the  business  with  Antonides  in  the  way  proposed  by  us,  or  by  the 

Consistories  of  Long  Island. 

Herewith,  etc.,  etc. 

P.  Steenwinkel,  V.  D.  M. 

et,  Dep.  ad  res  Exteras. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Rev.  Beits.  (Beys.) 

lYlO,  July  14th.  It  was  resolved  to  discuss  more  particularly 
at  the  next  Classis,  especially  as  there  is  no  hurry  in  regard  to 
it,  the  case  of  Rev.  Beits  (Beys),  as  being  very  important  and  of 
much  consequence,     ix.  211. 

Rev.  Lydius. 
1710,  July  14th.  A  letter  came  in  about  the  decease  of  Rev. 
Lydius,  while  in  life,  minister  at  Albany.  Request  was  made  that 
the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  would  please  aid  the  church  there  in 
advancing  and  ordaining  to  the  Sacred  Ministry  another  preacher 
in  his  place.  Let  him  be  such  a  one  as  may  be  presented  by  at 
least  two  of  the  following  gentlemen,  viz.,  Dellius,  Schaik,  and 
de  Vries.     The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  agreed  to  this  plan,  and 


^  OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1861 

will  do  its  part  in  the  same  when  such  a  person  shall  come  before 
them.     ix.  211,  212. 

Letter  of  Col.  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade,  Dated  July 

24,  1710. 

The  Palatines 

Trade  Papers,  'New  York 
Bundle  Z.  98. 

My;  Lords: — 

By  a  small  vessel  bound  for  Lisbon  I  gave  your  Lordships  notice 
of  our  arrival  here.  Since  that  time  all  the  Palatine  ships  sepa- 
rated by  the  weather  are  arrived  safe  except  the  Herber  Prigat 
where  our  tents  and  arms  are.  She  was  cast  away  on  the  east 
end  of  Long  Island  on  ye  7th  of  July.  The  men  are  safe  but  our 
goods  much  damaged.  We  still  want  the  Berkley  Castle  which 
we  left  at  Portsmouth.  The  poor  people  have  been  mighty  sickly, 
but  recovered  again.  We  have  lost  about  470  of  our  number. 
By  an  express  from  Col.  Nicholson  I  have  just  now  heard  of  his 
arrival  at  Boston  the  I7th  of  July,  the  Berkley  Castle  the  last 
wanted  Palatine  ship  lost  company  with  them  the  3rd  of  July  last. 
Vol.  vi.     No.  xxi. 

Rev.  J.  F.  Haeger  to  the  S'ecretary  of  the  Society  for 
Proipagating  the  Gospel. 

July  25,  1710. 
Sir:— 

After  a  long  and  tedious  voyage,  it  has  pleased  God  to  bring 
us  ashore  at  last;  for  I  was  hardly  a  fortnight  on  shipboard,  but 
a  violent  fever  seized  me  upon  and  kept  me  for  six  weeks,  even 
almost  beyond  hope  of  recovery,  which  has  been  expensive  to  me, 
our  ship  having  lain  long  in  the  harbours,  especially  that  of 
Portsmouth;  insomuch  that  I  have  not  brought  one  farthing 
ashore,  but  how  so  ever  hard  my  condition  be,  all  that  a  man  hath 
will  be  given  for  his  life,  and  although  I  take  great  pains  here, 


171Q 


1862  EccLESTASTicAi.  Eecoeds  ' 

yet  can  I  expect  no  accidental  snbsistance  from  my  people.  As 
I  did  sincerely  intend,  so  had  I  hopes  of  transporting  this  people 
into  the  Church  of  Christ  as  by  law  established  in  England  and 
with  all  imaginable  success ;  but  after  my  landing  I  found  that  the 
Lutheran  minister  in  this  country  had  made  already  a  separation 
and  administered  the  Holy  Sacrament  to  such  of  his  confession  as 
arrived  in  the  ship  before  ours;  persuading  them  that  they  ought 
to  stick  to  that,  in  which  they  were  bred  and  born;  which  Mr. 
Kocherdal  after  his  arrival  confirmed  also,  in  so  much  that  the 
separation  between  the  Reformed  and  the  Lutherans  is  fully 
made,  which  I  did  oppose  with  all  my  might  and  power,  as  well 
concerning  the  Common  prayer,  as  the  other  parts  of  divine 
worship;  but  without  any  eifect  as  yet. 

This  day,  God  willing  I  intend  to  present  a  petition  to  his  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor  wherein  I  have  set  forth  the  evil  conse- 
quences that  will  attend  such  a  separation,  as  indeed  it  does  appear 
already,  that  they  begin  to  argue  amongst  the  Reformed. 

If  the  Lutherans  are  not  obliged  to  conform  why  should  we? 
and  the  like.  Whereas  the  Reformed  and  most  part  of  the 
Lutherans  were  otherwise  very  well  satisfied  with  my  way  of 
divine  service;  which  I  do  now  perform  here  in  the  City  Hall. 
There  is  want  of  liturgies  in  the  German  tongue,  that  each  family 
may  be  provided  with  one  to  answer  according  to  custom. 

I  would  willingly  have  written  to  Dr.  Bray,  but  not  having 
known  of  the  sudden  departure  of  my  Lord  Cornbury  I  v>ranted 
time,  for  which  I  beg  of  you  to  make  my  excuse  to  him,  when 
occasion  presents.  I  count  me  diligently  in  the  case  of  the  Com- 
mon prayer  occ.  to  the  Church  of  England,  expecting  a  blessing 
on  my  labors,  which  I  certainly  hope  he  will  bestow  upon  it. 

I  cannot  positively  tell  whether  we  shall  remain  here  this 
winter  or  move  upwards  to  the  woods.  On  shipboard  a  great 
number  of  people  were  fallen  sick,  but  have  recovered  for  the 
most  part  here.    God  bless  the  Queen  and  the  Society  for  promot- 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  1863 

iiig  his  glory.     God  bless  the  Clinrch  and  the  work  of  its  laborers, 
and  the  Lord  add  daily  to  it,  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

Herewith  I  do  also  recommend  you  to  the  protection  of  the 
Most  High  remaining  Sirs, 

Et. 
mw  York  July  25,  1710. 

P.  S.  Having  been  at  a  great  expense  during  my  sickness  in 
my  voyage  and  receiving  nothing  at  all  to  live  upon;  instead  of 
providing  me  with  necessaries  I  am  obliged  to  run  into  debt,  and 
wanting  a  summer  gown  and  a  surplice.  I  do  beg  of  you  Sir  to 
look  upon  this  my  poor  condition  and  to  recommend  me  in  the 
best  manner;  perhaps  the  Lord  may  move  some  hearts  to  pity; 
for  he  that  is  employed  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel  should  by  right 
have  his  whole  maintance  from  it. 

Everything  here  at  present  is  very  dear,  whether  it  proceeds 
from  the  great  number  of  people  I  do  not  know.  The  weather 
is  excessive  hot  also,  wdiich  I  am  afraid  will  prove  hurtful  to  my 
people,  we  not  being  used  to  it. 

I  have  already  added  to  the  church  of  God  34  men  com.  whom 
I  had  sufficiently  instructed  before  hand  in  the  Church  of  England 
Catech.  in  the  explaining  whereof  I  am  still  at  work  in  order  to 
add  daily  more,  that  the  Church  of  God  may  increase. 

Herewith  I  recommend  myself  Adieu,  a  great  many  of  the 
books  bought  for  me  by  the  Society  have  been  spoiled  by  the 
sea-water. 

The  19th  of  June  we  came  out  of  the  ship. 

Letters  Received  Copies  A.  Vol.  6,  xliv. 
Letter  of  J.  F.  Haeger. 


1710 


1710 


1864  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Synod  of  Noeth  Holland,  at  Alkmaar, 

1710,  July  29  —  Aug.  8. 

Articles  40  ad  33. 

Classical  Changes. 


Sent    to    churches    in    foreign   lands:      Rev.    Peter    Vas,    to 
Kingstown. 

Died  — 

Rev.  John  Lydius,  of  Albany. 


License  to  Erect  a  Church  in  New  Rochelle. 

By  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.  Captain  Generall  and  Commander  in 
Chief  of  her  Majesty's  Provinces  New  York,  New  Jersey  and  all  the  Territories 
Depending  thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same  etc. 

To  the  Honorable  Coll.  Caleb  Heathcote,  Coll.  Lewis  Morris  To  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Daniel  Bondet  Minister  of  New  Rochelle  to  Capt.  Oliver  Besly  Dr.  John  Neville 
Isiah  Le  Villain  and  the  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  New  Rochelle  in  the 
County  of  West  Chester  Communicants  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law 
Established.     Greeting. 

Whereas  I  am  informed  of  your  pious  design  to  build  a  Church  for  the  worship 
and  Service  of  God  according  to  the  form  and  manner  Prescribed  in  the  Liturgy 
of  the  Church  of  England  &  am  applyed  to  for  Lycence  to  erect  it  in  the  Publicli 
street  I  have  thought  fltt  and  doe  hereby  give  leave  and  Lysence  to  you  to  Erect 
such  Building  in  such  Convenient  Place  of  the  said  street  as  you  shall  thinlt 
most  Proper  Providing  the  Breadth  of  such  Church  do  not  Exceed  thirty  foot 
and  further  I  do  Authorize  and  Impower  you  to  Receive  and  Collect  such  sums  of 
money  and  other  helps  as  Charitable  People  shall  be  disposed  to  Contribute  to 
this  good  work.  Given  under  my  hand  and  Seal  at  New  York  this  Second  Day 
of  August  1710. 

Robt.   Hunter. 
By  his  Excellency's  Command, 

George  Clarke. 

In  pursuance  of  this  Lysence  we  the  within  Nominated  Trustees  appoynted  by 
his  Excellency  for  the  building  of  a  Church  for  the  worship  of  God  according 
to  ye  Leturgy  of  the  Church  of  England  at  New  Rochelle  have  agreed  to  Build 
it  on  the  North  side  of  ye  high  street  in  the  said  Town  of  New  Rochelle  in  ye 
County  of  West  Chester  the  said  Church  forty  foot  in  length  and  thirty  foot  in 
breadth  between  the  Dwelling  houses  of  Francis  Le  Conte  and  Zachary  Anseuvain 
as  Judging  it  the  most  Convenient  Place.  Witness  our  hand  this  Eighth  day  of 
August  1710.  Newf  Ville  Daniel  giraud  Isaac  Quantin  debonrepso  Andre  Naudain 
daniel  bennet  Caleb  Heathcote  Lewis  Morris  Daniel  Bondet.  Besly,  E.  Valleau 
Pierre  Valleau  F.  Le  Conte  ambroise  Sicart  J.  Levillain. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol. 
ill.  p.  569. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1865 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Rev.  Beits.  (Beys.) 

1710,  Sept.  1st.  Touching  the  case  of  Rev.  Beits,  (Beys),  the 
Rev.  Deputati  ad  res  Maritimas  were  requested  to  examine  the 
letters  and  reports  relating  thereto,  to  make  brief  extracts  there- 
from, and  to  report  to  Classis  thereon  and  serve  it  with  their 
suggestions,     (per-advice.)     ix.  217. 

Albany. 

1710,  Sept.  1st.  As  to  the  church  of  Albany:  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  will  confer,  about  the  sending  of  a 
capable  minister  there,  in  the  place  of  Rev.  Lydius,  deceased, 
with  Mr.  de  Vries,  who  is  invested  with  authority  in  the  matter, 
ix.  217. 

Petition  of  Abeaham  De  Lucena,  Minister  of  the  Jewish 

ISTation. 

To  his  Excellency,  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Capt.  General  and  Governor  in  Chief 
of  the  Provinces  of  New  York,  New  Jersey  and  Territories  thereon  depending  in 
America  and  Vice  Admlrall  of  the  same  etc.,  In  Councill. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  Abraham  Delucena  Minister  of  the  Jewish  Nation 
Residing  at  the  City  of  New  York. 

Sheweth 

That  your  Petitioners  Predecessors,  ministers  of  the  Jewish  Nation,  resideing 
at  the  City  of  New  York,  by  reason  of  their  ministerial  ffunction,  have  from 
time  to  time  beene  Exempted  by  ye  Government,  not  only;  from  bearing  any 
Office  Civil  or  Military  within  this  City:  but  likewise  beene  Excused  from  severall 
Duties  and  Services  Incumbent  upon  tlie  Inhabitants  of  this  city. 

Wherefore  your  Petitioner  most  humbly  beggs  your  Excellencies  care  of  him 
(in  Consideration  of  his  ministeriall  ffunction)  That  hee  may  likewise  be  excused 
from  all  such  Offices,  duties  and  services,  and  be  allowed  the  like  Priviledges 
and  advantages  within  this  city,  as  have  formerly  beene  granted  to  his  said 
Predecessors,  as  Ministers  as  aforesaid.  And  that  your  Excellency  will  be  pleased 
to  Give  such  Directions  in  the  premises  as  to  your  Excellency  shall  seem  meet. 

And  your  Excellencies  Petitioner  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

Abraham    De    Lucena. 
New    York, 

13th  Sept.   1710. 

Read  in  Council  18th  Sept.  and  referred  to  Capt.  Walters  and  Mr.  Mompesson 
to  examine  and  make  their  report. 

*  *  Here  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  perhaps  to  record  the  fact,  that  in  1729,  Noe 
Willey.  of  London,  gave  a  deed  to  his  three  sons,  merchants  in  New  York  of  a 
certain   lot   fronting  on   what   is  now   Chatham,    Oliver,    Henry  and   Catherine   Sts. 


1710 


1710 


1SG6  Ecclesiastical  Records 

to  be  used  as  a  Jewish  burial  ground,  and  in  tlie  year  following  a  trust  was 
created  proriding  "  that  the  said  land  shall  forever  remain  as  a  burial  place  for 
the  Jewish  Nation,  and  to  no  other  use  whatever."  On  its  ceasing  to  be  used 
for  that  purpose  a  quit  clalrs  deed  of  it  was  executed  to  the  Jewish  Congregation, 
Shearith  Israel,  by  one  Isaac  Gomez,  Jr.  The  Tradesmens'  Banking  house  is 
erected  on  part  of  the  property.  There  was  a  suit  at  law  last  year  (1849?)  before 
the  Superior  Court  (old  Branch)  of  the  City  of  New  York  in  which  the  history 
of  this  property  was  brought  up  and  investigated.  The  decision  was  rendered  in 
the  beginning  of  July. — •  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.    Vol.    iii.   p.   263. 


Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Justices  of  Kings  County-. 

Allows   both   Antonides   and   Freeman   to   preach. 

New  York,  loth  September,  1710. 

Gentlemen: — The  Controversy  between  Mr.  ffreeman  and  Mr.  Antonides  con- 
cerning the  Churches  in  your  County  looking  now  with  a  fairer  aspect  towards 
a  Reconciliation  then  hitherto  they  have;  to  the  end  that  nothing  may  be  done 
to  impede  so  good  a  work,  I  desire  you  to  permit  Mr.  Ffreeman  and  Mr.  Antonides 
to  preach  to-morrow  in  the  Respective  Churches  wherein  in  Course  it  is  their 
Turn  to  preach  and  that  no  molestation  be  given  to  either  of  them  therein,  having 
good  hopes  that  before  the  next  Sunday  everything  will  be  so  disposed  that  this 
unhappy  dispute  will  be  accommodated  to  the  Satisfaction  of  both  those  Gentle- 
men, and  to  the  generall  approbation  of  all  their  Congregations,  whereby  their 
present  devisions  may  be  healed,  and  the  disagreeing  partys  united  into  one 
mind.  And  that  no  misinterpretations  may  be  made  hereof  on  either  hand,  I 
desire  you  to  let  each  party  and  their  respective  Congregations  know  that  I  am 
so  farr  from  determining  any  one  point  in  dispute  that  the  Right  of  either  of 
them  is  as  entirely  reserved  to  them  as  it  was  before  and  that  after  to-morrow 
no  further  use  be  made  hereof. 

I  desire  j'ou  to  tell  Mr.  Antonides  and  Mr.  ffreeman  that  I  would  speak  with 
them  here  on  Monday  next. 

I  am  Sincerely  Gentlemen,  Your  very  humble  Servant, 

Ro.    Hunter. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.    Y.   Vol.   iii.   p.   111. 


State  of  the  Church  in  Albany^,  Etc. 

Rev.  Thomas  Barclay  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts. 

Albany,    September    26th   1710. 
Honored   Sir: — 

As  I  did  begin  from  my  first  coming  to  Albany,  so  I  go  on  to  catechise  the 
youth,  and  it  hath  pleased  God  to  bless  my  weak  endeavours  that  way,  for  a 
great  many  Dutch  children,  who  at  my  first  arrival  were  altogether  ignorant  of 
the  English  tongue,  can  distinctly  say  our  catechism,  and  make  the  responses 
at  prayers.  Every  Sunday,  after  the  second  lesson  at  evening  prayer,  I  explain 
some  part  of  the  catechism  in  as  plain  and  familiar  a  manner  as  I  can,  shunning 
all  controversies,  teaching  them  such  fundamental  doctrines  as ,  are  necessary 
and  tend  most  to  promote  piety  and  a  good  life.  I  have  taught  the  scholars  the 
prayers  appointed  for  charity  schools,  and  I  have  used  all  possible  methods  to 
engage  the  children  to  their  duty  both  by  giving  of  small  presents  to  the  most 
forward  and  diligent,  and  by  frequently  visiting  their  schools;  and  for  encouraging 
the  school  masters  I  give  them  what  charity  is  collected  in  our  churches,  obliging 
them  to  bring  their  scholars  to  public  prayers. 

Att  Schenectady  I  preach  once  a  month,  where  there  is  a  garrison  of  forty  sol- 
diers, besides  about  sixteen  English  and  about  one  hundred  Dutch  families; 
they  are  all  of  them  my  constant  hearers.     I  have  this  summer  got  an  English 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1867 

school  erected  amongst  them,  and  in  a  short  time,  I  hope,  their  children  will  be 
fit  for  catechising.  Schenectady  is  a  village  situated  upon  a  pleasant  river, 
twenty  English  miles  from  Albany,  and  the  first  castle  of  the  Indians  is  twenty 
four  miles  above  Schenectady.  In  this  village  there  has  been  no  Dutch  ministers 
these  five  years  and  there  is  no  probability  of  any  being  settled  among  them. 
There  is  a  convenient  and  well  built  church  which  they  freely  gave  me  the  use 
of.  I  have  taken  pains  to  show  them  the  agreement  of  the  articles  of  our  church 
with  theirs.  I  hope  in  some  time  to  bring  them  not  only  to  be  constant  hearers, 
but  communicants. 

Mr.  Lydius,  the  minister  of  the  Dutch  congregation  at  Albany,  died  the  1st 
■day  of  March  last.  He  was  a  good  pious  man,  and  lived  in  entire  friendship  with 
me;  sent  his  own  children  to  be  catechised.  At  present  there  is  no  Dutch  minister 
at  Albany,  neither  is  any  expected  'till  next  summer;  and  from  New  York  to 
the  utmost  bounds  of  my  parish,  there  is  no  minister  but  myself:  Most  of  the 
inhabitants  are  Dutch,  the  garrison  excepted,  which  consists  of  three  companies, 
each  company  one  hundred  men.  In  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  there  are 
about  three  thousand  souls,  besides  the  garrison.  In  the  meantime  some  of  the 
Dutch  children  I  have  baptized,  and  married  several,  and  other  parts  of  the  ser- 
vice I  have  performed  in  the  Dutch  tongue,  and  more  of  them  would  accept  my 
ministry;  but  that  Mr.  Du  Bois,  a  minister  of  the  Dutch  congregation  of  New 
York,  comes  sometimes  to  Albany;  he  is  a  hot  man,  and  an  enemy  to  our  church, 
but  a  friend  to  his  purse,  for  he  has  large  contribunons  from  this  place.  As  for 
myself  I  take  no  money,  and  have  no  kind  of  perquisite.  I  have  used  all  modera- 
tion towards  dissenters  in  this  country.  There  is  none  but  those  of  the  Dutch 
church,  and  I  found  two  only  not  baptized,  the  one  born  in  West  Jersey  and 
bred  a  Quaker,  him  I  have  brought  over  to  our  church,  and  christened  him  the 
first  day  of  this  year;  the  other  is  an  Old  England  man,  but  of  a  loose  life;  so 
soon  as  I  can  bring  him  off  from  his  wicked  courses,  I  design  to  baptize  him. 

Since  the  death  of  Mr.  Lydius,  the  Indians  have  no  ministers;  there  are  about 
thirty  communicants,  and  of  the  Dutch  church,  but  so  ignorant  and  scandalous, 
that  they  can  scarce  be  reputed  Christians.  The  sachems  of  the  five  nations,  viz., 
of  the  Maques,  Oneydas,  Ounondages,  Cayougas,  and  Senekas,  at  a  meeting  with 
our  Governor,  Col.  Hunter,  at  Albany  the  10th  of  August  last,  when  his  Excellency 
in  his  speech  to  them  asked  them  if  they  were  of  the  same  mind  with  those  four 
Indians  that  had  been  over  with  Col.  Schuyler  in  desireing  missionaries  to  be 
sent  and  they  answered  they  were,  and  desired  to  have  forts  built  among  them 
and  a  church,  and  that  Mr.  Freeman,  present  minister  of  the  Dutch  congregation 
at  Flatbush,  near  New  York,  be  one  of  those  two  missionaries  which  the  queen 
promised  to  send  them.  This  Mr.  Freeman,  five  years  ago  was  minister  of  Sche- 
nectady, and  converted  several  of  the  Indians;  he  has  acquired  more  skill  in 
their  language  than  any  Dutch  minister  that  has  been  in  this  country,  and  Mr. 
Dellius  is  not  so  well  skilled  in  that  tongue,  a  great  part  of  our  liturgy  he  has 
translated  into  the  Indian  tongue,  in  particular  morning  and  evening  prayer,  the 
litany,  the  creed  of  St.  Athanasius,  etc.,  besides  several  places  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament.  He  told  me  when  he  read  to  them  the  litany,  they  were  mightily 
affected  with  it.  He  is  a  gentleman  of  a  good  temper,  and  well  affected  to  our 
church,  and  if  there  were  a  bishop  in  this  part  of  the  world,  would  be  persuaded 
to  take  Episcopal  ordination.  I  often  entreat  him  to  go  over  to  England,  but 
he  is  afraid  of  the  danger  of  the  voyage,  and  his  wife  will  not  consent  to  live 
among  the  Indians;  he  has  promised  to  give  me  his  manuscripts,  and  what  he  has 
done  into  the  Indian  tongue. 

I  am  sorry  to  tell  you.  Sir,  that  I  am  afraid  the  missionaries  that  are  coming 
over,  will  find  hard  work  of  it,  and  if  the  commander  of  that  fort  be  not  a  person 
of  singular  piety  and  virtue,  all  their  endeavours  will  be  ineffectual;  these,  here, 
that  trade  with  them,  are  loath  that  any  religion  get  any  footing  among  them; 
besides,  these  savages  are  so  given  to  drinking  of  that  nasty  liquor  rum,  that 
they  are  lost  to  all  that  is  good.  I  must  tell  you  that  the  Masque,  of  whom  one 
of  the  four  that  were  lately  in  England  was  a  sachem,  have  not  above  fifty  men. 
All  the  nations  cannot  make  two  thousand,  and  of  these,  in  number,  the  Senekas, 
are  near  one  thousand,  and  most  of  them  are  in  the  French  interest.     Hendrick, 


1710 


1710 


1868  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  great  prince  that  was  so  honored  in  England,  cannot  command  ten  men; 
the  other  three  were  not  sachems.  How  far  her  Majesty  and  the  society  have 
been  imposed  upon,  I  leave  it  to  you  to  judge.  I  beg  leave  also  to  tell  you,  that 
the  missionaries  that  are  sent  over,  must  have  an  honourable  allowance  and 
large  presents  to  give,  otherwise  they  will  have  but  few  proselytes;  and  great 
care  must  be  taken  that  they  be  well  used,  otherwise  their  mission  will  prove 
ineffectual  as  Mr.  Moor's,  and  how  he  defeated  the  designs  of  his  mission,  Col. 
Schuyler  best  knows. 

I  have  now  worried  you  with  a  long  letter,  and  shall  only  add,  that  I  shall  be 
always  ready  to  follow  the  directions  of  the  society,  and  to  endeavour  all  that 
in  me  lieth  to  propagate  religion  where  it  is  not,  and  cultivate  it  where  it  is 
established. —  Doc.  Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  541.542. 

Eev,  Mr.  Poyer  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for  Propa- 
gating THE  GrOSPEL. 

Jamaica  on  Long  Island 

5th  October  1710. 
Honoured  Sir  My  Predecessors  Widow  has  not  dealt  kindly  by  me,  for  the 
day  that  I  was  expected  in  this  town  she  delivered  up  the  parsonage  House  to  the 
Dissenters.  I  praise  God  for  it,  this  church  as  they  tell  me  here  is  in  a  fairer 
way  of  flourishing  than  ever.  There  are  a  great  many  families  come  over  from 
the  Dissenters  &  many  more  talk  of  doing  so.  I  have  distributed  the  Books  that 
the  Honourable  Society  were  pleased  to  send  over  for  this  people,  &  have  taken 
the  names  of  the  people  I  gave  them  to,  the  more  to  oblige  them  to  come  to  our 
Church  constantly,  and  which  I  make  use  of  when  I  find  any  of  them  wanting. 

Here  are  a  great  many  that  want  common  Prayer  Books  that  tell  me  they 
would  come  constantly  to  Church  had  they  any,  and  they  are  very  scarce  here, 
therefore  if  the  Honorable  Society  thinks  it  fit  to  send  some  with  what  other 
books  they  please,  I  shall  be  very  carefull  in  the  distribution  of  them,  when  the 
six  months  are  expired  I  shall  be  very  careful  to  give  you  a  particular  account 
of  the  state  of  my  parish;  the  Clergy  here  have  a  very  fair  character.  Our 
Governor  has  told  me  that  he  thinks  himself  as  happy  in  a  good  religious  clergy, 

as  any  Governor  in  any  of  Her  Majesty's  plantations 

Honoured  Sir, 

Yours   etc. 

Thos.   Poyer. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.   p.  136. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Beits  (Beys.) 

1710,  Oct.  6th.  The  Classis  thanked  Rev.  Deputati  ad  res 
Exteras  for  the  well  arranged  extracts  and  suggestions  (pre-ad- 
vice)  1.  It  was  resolved,  in  this  connection,  to  adopt  from  the 
said  extracts  by  the  Rev.  Deputati  aforesaid,  whatever  referred 
to  his  unseemly  conduct,  and  to  spread  it  upon  the  record  book 
of  Classis.  2.  The  Rev.  Deputati  were  requested  to  write  to 
the  consistory  of  Kjngstown,  and,  in  the  first  place,  make  known 
to  them  the  complete  satisfaction  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  had 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1869 

taken  in  their  conduct  and  treatment  of  this  case;  and  in  the 
second  place,  the  great  displeasure  that  she  feels  as  to  the  be- 
havior and  general  walk  of  Kev,  Beits;  also,  since  he  had  shame- 
fully gone  forth  from  us,  and  passed  over  into  the  Episcopal 
church,  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Classis  that  it  could  not  be 
to  edification  that  he  should  remain  in  the  Sacred  Ministry,  or 
should  be  assigned  to  any  other  church;  wherefore  also  this 
Assembly  cuts  him  off  as  a  reprobate  member,  and  as  no  longer 
belonging  to  us  imtil  here,  and  in  his  former  church  he  has  de- 
fended himself  and  has  been  purged  of  all  this,  his  conduct. 

Rev.  Serins  who  had  reported  himself  in  our  previous  meeting, 
held  Sept.  1st,  as  "  recommendatus "  for  churches  in  foreign 
lands,  requested  de  novo  to  be  recommended  to  India,  ix.  220, 
221. 

Repoet  on  Rev.    Bey's  Conduct. 

1710,  Oct.  6th.  The  summary  of  the  report  that  was  ren- 
dered by  the  Rev.  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  at  the  request  of  the 
Rev.  Classis,  is  to  the  following  effect: 

That  Revs.  Anthonides,  Lydius  and  du  Bois,  with  three  elders, 
at  the  request  both  of  Rev.  Beits  (Beys,)  and  of  the  consistory 
of  Eingstown,  visited  that  place,  to  serve  both  parties  with 
counsel  and  aid.  They  first  heard  the  consistory  in  regard  to 
the  cause  of  the  estrangement.  They  said  that  Rev.  Beits  during 
more  than  two  years  that  he  had  been  there,  [1706-8,]  had 
preached  only  five  or  six  times,  and  had  not  yet  preached  his 
installation  sermon,  although  often  solicited  to  do  so.  Where- 
upon the  Rev.  Beits  having  been  heard,  he  gave  certain  reasons, 
after  various  subterfuges.  These,  however,  were  easily  refuted 
by  the  Consistory.  Thereupon  the  Messrs.  Deputies  (the  Com- 
mittee) seeing  that  no  advance  had  been  made,  sought  to  accom- 
plish something,  by  way  of  accommodation.  They  judged  that 
the  business  would  be  greatly  aided,  if  Rev.  Beits  would  consent 
to  preach  a  sermon,  in  order  to  regain  the  love  of  the  people; 


1710 


1710 


1870  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

hut  lie  could  not  be  induced  to  do  so.  Many  of  the  congregation 
came  forward,  meanwhile,  and  declared  themselves  against  this 
(accommodation?)  on  the  ground  that  he  had  made  himself  alto- 
gether obnoxious.  To  this  were  added  other  objections  against 
Rev.  Beits;  such  as  that  he  had  not  conducted  himself  in  a 
manner  becoming  a  minister;  that  he  had  ridden  out  on  Sunday 
instead  of  preaching;  that  sometimes  he  drank  too  much;  and 
moreover  he  was  lying  under  a  rumor  of  immorality,  etc.  The 
Brethren  (the  Committee)  finallj;]  took  their  leave,  seeing  no 
means  of  bringing  this  matter  to  a  satisfactory  conclusion.  At 
the  next  ensuing  Classis  Eev.  Bomble  will  preside,     ix.  224. 

Induction  of  Eev.  Me.  Bridge  Ovek  Chukch  of  E.ye,  E".  Y. 

(Oct.  17,  1710.) 

Rob'tus  Hunter  Armiger  Provinciae  Novi  Eboraci,  necnon  Novae  Caesariae  in 
America  Strategus  &  Imperator  ejusdemq.     Vice   Admiralis  etc. 

UniA'ersis  et  Singulis  Rectoribz  Vicar:  et  Capellar:  Curat:  Clericis  et  Minlstris 
quibuscumq  in  et  per  totam  Provinciam  ubilibet  Constitutis  ae  etiam. 

Ecclesiae  Paroehiialis  de  Eye  infra  Provinciam  Novi  Eboraci  praedict.  pro  hoc 
tempore  Aedilibus  ,     .  - 

Salutem 

Cum  Dilectum  in  Cliristo  Chrlstopherum  Bridge  Clericum  ad  Rectoriam  sive  Ec- 
clesiam  Parochialem  Predict.  Parochiae  de  Rye  in  diet.  Provinciae  Novi  Eboraci 
in  America  jam  vacantem  praesentatum  Eectorem  Ejusdem  Eectoriae  Sive  Ec- 
clesiae parochialis  in  et  de  Eadem  Institutus,  Vobis  Conjunctim  et  divisim  Com- 
mitto  et  firmiter  Injungo  Mando,  Quatenus  eundem  Christopherum  Bridge  Cleric, 
sive  procuratorem  Suum  legitimum  ejus  nimine  et  pro  eo  in  Eealem  Actualem  et 
Corporalem  possessionem  ipsius  Rectoriae  sive  Ecclesiae  parochialis  de  Eye  prae- 
dict. Glaebarum,  Jurumq:  et  pertinentium  sourm.  universor.  Conferatis  Inducatis, 
Inducive  faciatis:  et  Defendatis  Inductum,  Et  quid  in  Premissis  feceritis  me  aut 
Alium  Judicem  in  hac  parte  eompetentem  quemcunq;  debite  (cum  ad  id  Congrue 
fueritis  Requisit.)  Certificetis  seu  sic  certificet  ille  vestrum  qui  presens  hoc  Man- 
datum  fuerit  Executus.  Dat.  Sub  Sigillo  praerogativo  diet.  Provinciae  Novi 
Eboraci  Decimo  Septimo  die  Octobris  Anno  Salutis  Millimo  Septingentesimo 
Decimo. 

Rob.  Hunter. 
By  his  Excellency's  Command, 

H.  Wileman,  Depy.  Secy. 

In  Deed  Book  xii,  160  will  be  found  a  Latin  Commission  in  terms  as  above  from 
Gov.  Hunter  to  the  Rev.  Thomas  Standard,  bearing  date  8th  July,  1727,  inducting 
him  minister  of  the  parish  of  West  Chester  (Estriae  Occidentalis.)  as  successor  to 
Mr.  Barton,  who  died  that  year.  The  Revd.  Mr.  Bridge  died  in  1719,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jenny. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  570. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1871 

Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Rev.  John  F.  Haeger. 

Oct.  20,  1710.  p.  295.  §  14. 

From  Mr.  Haeger,  dated  New  York  25th  of  July,  1710,  importing  his  arrival 
with  the  Palatines,  after  a  tedious  voyage,  his  sickness  therein,  the  separation  of 
the  Lutherans  from  the  established  church,  which  he  strongly  opposed  and  will 
petition  his  excellency  about;  that  he  wants  some  liturgies  in  the  German  tongue, 
that  his  circumstances  are  very  mean,  therefore  he  begs  a  summer  gown  and  a 
surplice;  and  lastly  says  that  his  books  have  been  spoiled  by  the  water. 

The  Committee  agreed  to  move  the  Society  that  a  gown  and  surplice  and  some 
German  Common  prayer  and  other  books  may  be  sent  to  the  said  Mr.  Hager. 
Agreed  that  the  sum  of  ten  pounds  be  allowed  for  the  purpose  above  mentioned. 

Suit  against  the  Church  Wardens  of  Jamaica  for  the  Ministers  Salary. 

Queens  County,  Ss.  Att    Speciall   Court  held   in  Jamaica   on   the  27th   day 

of   October   in   the   ninth   yeare   of   the    reigne   of   our 
Soverelgne  Lady  Anne,  annoq  Dm.  1710. 
Present 

John  Coe  Judge 
Samuel  Baley  Justices. 

Richard  Edfield 
Mr.  Thomas  Poyer  pr  Mr.  Clowes  Complaines  that  the  Church  Wardens  do  refuse 
to  pay  the  one  quarters  salary. 

Court  Considered  of  the  said  Complaint  —  and  find  for 
the  Defendents  with  Costs  of  Sute. 

The  reasons  of  the  Church  W^ardens  Against  the  Complaint  of  Mr.  Thomas  Poyer 
qui  tarn 

1.       Because  we  had  no  money. 

21y  We  had  no  Orders  from  ye  Justices  and  Vestry  according  to  an  act  of  as- 
sembly to  pay  any. 

Sly  Because  we  thought  Mr.  Poyer  not  Quallifyed  according  to  the  act  of  as- 
sembly of  this  Province  as  minister  or  Incumbent  of  Jamaica  to  demand  the  whole 
or  any  part  of  the  said  Sallary. 

true  Copy.  Joseph  Smith,  Gierke. 

Tho.  Poyer  Gierke  Rector  of  the  Parish  of  Jamaica  in  Queens  County  comes 
before  John  Coe  Esq.  Justice  of  ye  Peace  in  the  same  County  and  Complains  against 
Saml.  Coe  and  Daniel  Smith  Church  Wardens  of  ye  Parish  of  Jamaica  aforesaid 
for  refuseing  to  pay  his  the  said  Thomas  Foyers  last  quarters  sallery  for  officiating 
as  Rector  of  the  said  Parish  and  therefore  prays  as  well  on  behalfe  of  himselfe  as 
the  poor  of  the  said  Parish  that  the  said  Church  Wardens  be  awarded  to  pay  five 
pounds  Current  money  of  New  York  to  him  ye  said  Thomas  Poyer  and  ye  power 
of  the  said  Parish  of  Jamaica. 

true  Copy 

Joseph  Smith,   Clerke. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.  Y.   Vol.   ill.   pp.  136,  137. 

Letter  of  Rev.  John  Frederick  Haeger,  Oct.  28,  1710,  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  at  London.  From  MSS. 
Volume  vi.  No.  44. 

Most  noble  Sir: — 

Whether  the  first  letter,  (safely  reached  you)  which  I  sent  to  you  briefly  but  hur- 
riedly for  lack  of  time,  in  order  to  show  you  my  submissive  respect,  by  announc- 
ing our  safe  arrival,  and  whether  this  letter  will  safely  reach  you,  I  am  not  certain. 


1710 


1710 


1872  Ecclesiastical  Records 

For  this  reason  I  report  once  more,  that  with  two  other  ships  we  arrived  here  on 
the  17th  of  June  1710,  after  having  been  separated  from  each  other,  I  know  not 
through  what  causes.  From  the  day  of  our  arrival  I  have  used  my  utmost  en- 
deavor to  conduct  divine  service  at  the  appointed  place,  the  City  Hall.  I  have  not 
wanted  audiences,  although  the  so  called  Lutherans  have  separated  from  us,  be- 
cause a  minister  has  been  assigned  to  them.  In  our  congregational  prayers  I  have 
caused  my  people  to  conform  to  such  an  extent,  that  they  themselves  take  great 
pleasure  in  them  and  desire  nothing  more  ardently  but  to  obtain  such  books  (of 
prayer)  in  some  manner.  I  have  organized  them  by  installing  some  of  the  oldest 
men  as  church  wardens,  that  everything  might  be  done  in  a  better  order,  and  they 
be  more  like  a  regular  congregation.  I  have  several  times  celebrated  the  holy 
communion,  at  which  occasion  I  counted  up  six  hundred  members;  of  these  I  in- 
structed fifty  two  in  the  fundamentals  of  our  religion  according  to  the  Church 
Catechism;  among  them  were  thirteen  Papists.  Since  my  arrival  I  have  married 
four  couples,  and  by  baptism  incorporated  eight  children  into  Christ  and  his 
Church.  Many  of  the  people  died  at  sea,  and  here,  through  fever;  so  that  the 
number  of  the  survivors  amount  to  about  two  thousand.  At  present  all  of  the 
people,  except  a  few  sick  ones,  who  remain  here  during  the  winter,  have  been 
shipped  up  the  river  to  a  certain  tract  of  land.  I  intend,  God  willing,  to  follow 
them  in  the  near  future. 

As  far  as  my  subsistence  is  concerned,  I  have  been  compelled  to  live  miserably 
thus  far,  upon  credit;  because  I  have  not  received  any  perquisites  from  the  people, 
nor  have  3  been  granted  an  allowance,  as  tvery  other  Palatine  receives;  nor  could 
I  get  a  draught  on  my  salary,  having  given  my  power  of  attorney,  as  you  well 
know,  to  Mr.  Miller.  But  I  hope  his  Excellency  will  now  give  me  an  advance  on 
the  same,  that  I  may  be  able  to  live.  A  fuller  report  of  the  conditions  here  I 
shall  send  with  the  next  opportunity. 
Meanwhile  I  remain. 

My  most  honored  Sirs, 

Your  obedient  and  submissive  servant, 

John  Frederick  Haeger. 
New  York,  October  28,  anno  1710. 

[By  the  courtesy  of  Rev.  Prof.  Wm.  J.  Hinke,  of  Philadelphia,  who  procured  a 
copy  of  this  letter,  and  of  many  others,  in  London,  and  furnished  translations.] 

Contract  with  R.   Livingston  to  Victual  the  Palatines;  Nov.  13,   Anno  1710. 

This  Indenture  made  this  thirteenth  day  of  November  in  the  ninth  year  of  the 
Reigne  of  our  Soveralgne  Lady  Anne  by  the  Grace  of  God  Queen  of  Great  Brittain 
ffrance  &  Ireland  Defender  of  the  fEaith  etc.  Between  his  Excellency  Robert 
Hunter  Esq.,  Capt.  Generall  &  Governor  in  CheifE  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York, 
New  Jersey  &  dependences  thereunto  belonging  &  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same  etc. 
of  the  one  part  &  Robt.  Livingston  of  New  York  Gent,  of  the  other  part. 

Witnesseth  That  his  said  Excell.  Robt.  Hunter  &  Robt.  Livingston  aforesaid  have 
come  to  a  mutuall  Agreement  about  the  supplying  of  the  Palatines  settled  in  three 
severall  Townships  upon  that  land  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  Queen  her  suc- 
cessors &  assigns  forever  in  the  Manor  of  Livingston  on  the  East  side  of  Hudsons 
River  &  two  other  towns  on  the  west  side  of  said  River  on  the  Queens  land  op- 
posite thereunto  with  Bread  and  Beer  for  &  during  the  Term  of  six  months  next 
ensuing  in  manner  &  form  &  upon  the  Terms  and  condicons  hereafter  menconed 
&  exprest.  That  is  to  say.  The  said  Robt.  Livingston  for  himself  his  Execrs.  & 
admrs.  &  every  of  them  doth  Covenant  grant  and  agree  to  &  with  his  said  Excell. 
his  Execrs.  &  admrs.  that  he  the  said  Robt.  Livingston  his  Execrs.  &  Admrs.  for 
and  in  Consideration  of  the  Covenants  clauses,  articles  &  payments  hereafter 
menconed  &  Exprest  on  the  part  &  behalf  of  his  said  Excell.  his  Execrs.  &  Admrs. 
to  be  paid  performed  fulfilled  &  kept  will  well  and  faithfully  furnish  &  supply  or 
cause  &  procure  to  be  well  &  faithfully  furnished  &  supplyed  at  the  Manor  house 
of  the  said  Manor  such  numbers  of  Palatines  as  he  shall  have  in  charge  to  supply 
the  Quantity  of  Bread  &  Beer  following  (that  is  to  say)  for  each  Person  of  them 
each  day  the  Quantity  of  Bread  Equall  to  one  third  of  a  Loaf  of  Bread  of  such 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1873 

sort  and  assize  which  is  commonly  at  the  prise  of  four  pence  half  penny  in  the 
Citty  of  New  York  iu  weight  and  fineness  according  to  the  assize  of  Bread  in  said 
City  for  the  time  being  &  one  Quart  of  Beer  such  as  is  usually  called  ships  Beer 
of  the  Prise  of  three  Pounds  for  each  Tun  All  which  is  to  be  delivered  to  the 
Comissary  or  Commissarys  of  the  said  Palatines  for  the  time  being  at  the  said 
Manor  house,  he  or  they  the  said  Comissary  or  Commissarys  Granting  Certifi- 
cates unto  the  said  Robt.  Livingston  his  Execrs.  or  Admrs.  of  such  Delivery  In 
Writing  under  their  hands  for  the  Rule  &  measure  of  his  payments. 

In  consideracon  whereof  his  said  Excellency  for  himself  his  Execrs.  &  Admrs. 
doth  Covenant  Grant  &  agree  to  pay  &  satisfle  or  cause  to  be  paid  &  satisfied 
unto  the  said  Robt.  Livingstons  his  Execrs.  &  Admrs.  for  the  same  Bread  &  Beer 
so  supplyed  furnished  &  delivered  as  aforesaid  after  the  rate  aforesaid  during 
the  same  Terme  in  the  manner  following  that  is  to  say,  The  said  Robt.  Livingston 
his  Execrs.  &  Admrs.  shall  at  or  before  the  Expiracon  &  end  of  every  two  months 
during  the  said  Terme  be  fully  paid  contented  &  satisfyed  by  his  said  Excell.  his 
Execrs.  &  Admrs.  one  Moiety  or  half  part  in  Current  Silver  mony  of  the  Province 
of  New  York  &  one  other  Moiety  or  half  part  in  such  merchantible  Goods  Wares 
&  Merchandizes  as  the  said  Robt.  Livingston  his  Execrs.  or  Admrs.  shall  nom- 
inate &  require  five  sixths  thereof  to  be  of  the  Growth  &  Produce  of  Europe  & 
one  sixth  of  the  Growth  of  the  West  Indies  at  the  Curant  mercat  prise  in  New 
York  for  the  time  being  &  not  otherwise.  And  in  regard  the  Season  of  the  year  is 
so  farr  spent  his  said  Excell.  doth  further  Covenant  Grant  &  agree  to  advance 
unto  the  said  Robt.  Livingston  his  Execrs.  &  Admrs.  flower  for  the  use  of  the 
said  Palatines  for  the  space  &  Terme  of  Three  Months  at  the  currant  mercat  prise 
at  the  time  of  having  thereof  which  will  amount  to  in  all  about  the  quantity  of 
twenty  five  Tunns  to  be  delivered  unto  him  or  them  at  the  said  Manor  house 
&  the  sum  of  four  hundred  I'ounds  in  Silver  Mony  for  which  the  said  Robt. 
Livingston  is  to  be  accountable  to  his  said  Excell. 

And  the  said  Robt.  Livingston  for  himself  his  Execrs.  &  Admrs.  doth  Covenant 
Grant  &  Agree  at  his  &  their  proper  Charge  to  furnish  &  supply  to  the  said 
Palatines  three  hundred  new  Beer  Barrells  for  the  holding  of  their  Allowance  in 
Beer  &  no  more;  And  his  said  Excell.  for  himself  his  Execrs.  Admrs.  doth  Cove- 
nant grant  and  agree  That  the  said  Palatines  shall  receive  their  allowance  in  Beer 
at  the  said  Brewhouse  by  the  said  Manor  house  &  when  the  Cask  supplyed  by 
Robt.  Livingston  his  Execrs.  &  Admrs.  are  emptyed  to  cleanse  &  Return  their  cask 
to  the  said  Robt.  Livingston  his  Execrs.  or  Admrs.  at  the  said  Brewhouse  or  the 
said  Robt.  Livingston  his  Execrs.  &  Admrs.  shall  be  paid  for  what  shall  be 
stav'd  or  Lost  after  the  rate  of  three  shill.  p  Barrele  And  that  the  said  three 
hundred  cask  shall  be  kept  tight  &  in  repaire  by  the  Palatines  at  their  own  Charge. 

In  Witness  whereof  the  parties  above  menconed  have  interchangeably  sett 
their  hands  &  seals  the  day  &  year  first  above  mencond. 

Ro.  Hunter.      (Seal) 

*  *A  Memorandum  is  added  to  the  above  agreement  providing  for  the  alteration 
of  the  assize  of  bread  incident  on  any  change  in  New  York. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y. 
Vol.  iii.  pp.  391,  392. 

Further  Order  in  Favor  of  Mr.  Antonides. 

At  a  Councill  held  at  Fort  Anne 

in  New  York  ye  27th  Day  of 

November   1710. 

Present    His    Excellency    Robert    Hunter,    Esq. 

Coll.  De  Peyster  Mr.  Van  Dam 

Doctor  Staats  Mr.  Mompessom 

Capt.  Walter  Mr.  Phillipse. 

His  Excellency  acquainted  this  Board  that  the  Dispute  Betwenne  Mr.  Antonides 
&  Mr.  ffreeman  Concerning  their  calls  to  some  Churches  in  Kings  County,  Not- 
withstanding all   ye  proposals   made  to   them   by   him   for   an   Accomodation  still 


1710 


1710 


1874  Ecclesiastical  Kecords 

Continues  to  ye  Great  disturbance  of  ye  Peace  of  ye  said  County  and  those  pro- 
posalls  not  being  consented  to  His  Excellency  desired  ye  Opinions  of  this  Board 
what  they  Judge  proper  to  be  doue  therein. 

It  is  ye  opinion  of  Every  member  of  this  Board  (except  Coll.  D'Peyster)  that  ye 
Order  made  in  Councill  in  this  matter  ye  18th  of  Aprill  last  be  Confirmed  Whereby 
Mr.  Antonides  was  to  be  protected  in  the  ffree  Exercise  of  his  Ministerial!  func- 
tion in  the  Towns  of  fliat  Bush  flJatlands  and  Brookland  and  that  all  persons  were 
to  take  notice  thereof  accordingly  and  that  Mr.  Antonides  and  Mr.  Ffreeman 
were  recommended  to  persuade  and  dispose  (as  much  as  in  them  lay)  their  Con- 
sistories respectively  soe  as  that  each  of  them  may  be  called  to  such  churches  as 
they  are  not  yet  duely  called  unto. 

Whereupon  It  is  ordered  that  the  said  Order  be  and  it  is  hereby  confirmed 
till  His  Excellency's  pleasure  be  further  knowne  and  all  partyes  Concerned  are 
to  take  Notice  hereof  and  Governe  themselves  accordingly. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y. 
Vol.  iii.  pp.  Ill,  112. 


Eev.  Mr,  Thomas  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for 
Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Hamstead  3rd  December,  1710. 
Honoured  Sir: — 

Since  my  last  to  you  nothing  new  or  very  memorable  has  occurred  within  my 
parish,  I  thank  God  all  is  well  in  generall  and  a  happy  continuance  of  mutual 
accord  and  affection  between  me  and  my  parishioners  —  My  neighbor  Mr.  Poyer 
who  meets  with  great  difliculties  in  his  mission  has  desired  me  to  represent  his 
case  to  the  Honorable  Society  as  being  his  next  neighbor  and  in  some  measure 
privy  to  the  opposition  he  labors  under,  there  was  a  Church  erected  at  Jamaica 
by  a  public  levy  and  Tax  upon  the  inhabitants  by  virtue  of  an  act  of  Assembly 
of  the  Province;  recorded  Church  in  their  own  town  Records,  all  indifferently 
forced  to  pay  their  proportions  towards  it,  upon  the  arrival  of  the  first  Missionary 
from  the  Honorable  Society  thither,  in  the  Honorable  the  Earl  of  Clarendon's 
time,  the  missionary  was  put  into  possession  accordingly  Mr.  Urquhart  enjoyed 
it  during  his  time  without  any  dispute  as  to  the  legality  of  his  possession,  only 
some  threats  he  met  with  upon  the  arrival  of  my  Lord  Lovelace,  which  soon  van- 
ished again  by  his  death  &  the  succession  of  Coll.  Ingoldsby  into  the  Govern- 
ment who  soon  allayed  the  heat  of  that  faction  upon  the  arrival  of  his  now  Excel- 
lency our  present  Governor  (moved  thereunto  by  I  know  not  what  Government) 
they  got  head  again  and  upon  Mr.  Foyer's  arrival  took  possession  of  the  Church 
&  parsonage,  the  parsonage  they  are  still  possessed  of,  but  the  Church  Mr. 
Poyer  preaches  in  again. 

There  is  a  clause  in  the  Act  of  Assembly  for  setling  the  Ministry  in  this 
Province,  which  empowers  the  people  to  call  their  Minister,  accordingly  the  Dis- 
senting party  of  Jamaica  have  called  a  Dissenting  Minister  and  entitled  him  to 
the  parish  salary.  Mr.  Poyer  has  petitioned  his  Excellency  to  right  him,  what 
satisfaction  he  had  he  will  undoubtedly  inform  the  Honorable  Society  in.  I 
hope  he  will  take  care  to  send  the  two  acts  of  the  Province  whereby  the  min- 
istry is  settled  here,  to  the  Honorable  Society,  whereby  that  Honorable  &  venerable 
Body  may  see  &  judge  themselves  how  justly  or  unjust  he  is  handled  among  the 
Dissenters  at  Jamaica,  I  humbly  beg  leave  to  present  to  the  Honorable  Society 
the  ill  consequences  that  may  ensue  by  this  example,  if  a  call  from  the  Dissenting 
party  entitle  a  Dissenter  to  be  Parish  minister,  and  to  the  salary  of  the  parish, 
then  upon  the  death  or  removal  of  the  present  Incumbent,  the  vacancies  in  most 
parishes  will  be  filled  with  Dissenters,  so  will  Dissention  sit  triumphant  on  the 
throne  supported  by  the  countenance  of  the  laws  of  the  Government. 

Honored  Sir,  this  is  as  near  as  I  can  inform  you  the  true  &  just  state  of  the 
case  all  the  rest  of  the  missionaries  are  settled  in  Peace,  &  if  these  people  are 
once  more  nipped  in  the  bud  and  Mr.  Poyer  restored  to  his  right,  I  presume  they 


OF  THE  State  of  j^ew  Yokk.         1S75 

will  scarce  offer  to  flutter  agaiu  as  long  as  there  is  a  crowned  head  that  sways 
the  Sceptre  of  Great  Britain. 

Honoured   Sir   etc. 

John    Thomas. 

Honoured  Sir, —  I  forgot  to  mention  to  you  that  the  words  Institution  &  Induc- 
tion are  in  the  Act  of  Assembly  and  that  Mr.  Poyer  was  accordingly  Instituted 
&  inducted  and  the  act  mentions  liliCwise  Church  Wardens  &  Vestrymen  all 
which  words  specify  the  true  Intent  of  the  Act  viz.,  the  Settlement  of  the  Na- 
tional ministry,  the  call  which  they  lay  hold  on  has  somewhat  of  the  air  of 
dissention,  not  a  word  more  that  I  know  of  through  out  the  Act  — 

I  am. 

Honoured  Sir  etc. 

John  Thomas. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  137,  138. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Albany. 

1710,  Dec.  8tli.  The  writing  to  Albany  remains  further 
recommended  to  the  Messrs.  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras.     ix.  226. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Kev.   Consistory  of  Albany, 
January  9,  1711.     xxviii.  106. 

To  the  Kev.  Consistory  of  Albany: — 

From  your  letter  of  March  27,  1710,  we  have  learned  of  the 
untimely  departure  of  Rev.  John  Lydius,  and  that  you  were  in- 
clined to  secure  another  suitable  man  in  his  place.  We  wish, 
indeed,  to  gratify  your  desire,  to  the  benefit  of  the  kingdom  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the  best  interests  of  the  church. 
But  we  are  obliged  to  say  that  at  present  few  proper  individuals, 
or  rather  none  at  all,  offer  themselves,  or  feel  inclined  to  go 
to  Albany.  And  even  if  there  were  some,  our  Classis  is  not  in 
condition  to  send  you  any  one,  as  she  is  already  considerably  in 
arrears  by  the  departure  of  Eevs.  Antonides  and  Vas;  and  is  not 
willing  to  plunge  herself  deeper  in  debt,  without  knowing  where 
the  funds  are  to  come  from.  In  order  to  gratify  your  desire, 
and  supply  you  again  as  soon  as  possible  with  a  capable  pastor. 


1710 


1876  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

we  request  you  pre\dously  to  send  us  the  necessary  funds,  or 
indicate  whence  we  can  draw  them.  We  mil  then  do  everything 
in  our  power  to  send  you  a  man  who  may  be  a  means  of  edifica- 
tion to  your  church  both  by  doctrine  and  life ;  and  through  whom 
the  breach  which  has  been  made  may  be  graciously  healed.  We 
doubt  not  that  you  will  use  all  diligence  to  indicate  the  requisites 
to  this  end. 

Meantime  we  beseech  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest  that  it  may 
please  him  to  cause  to  appear  before  us  an  able  laborer,  who 
may  at  length  be  received  by  you  with  good  will,  and  who  may 
gather  in  an  abundance  of  fruit  for  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

P.  Steenwinkel,  V.  D.  M.  et  ad  res 
exteras,  Deputatus. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Consistory  at  Eiugston,  Janu- 
ary 9,  1711. 

To  the  Consistory  of  Kingston: 

Brethren: — From  your  last  we  learned  with  peculiar  satisfac- 
tion of  the  Conference  of  six  brethren  with  your  church,  relative 
to  the  matter  of  Kev.  Bois  (Beis).  Our  Classis  cannot  do  other- 
wise than  commend  said  Conference  as  held  by  those  brethren, 
as  well  as  those  (conferences)  held  by  yourselves;  even  as  she 
must  in  the  highest  degree  censure  the  remarkable  conduct  of 
Rev.  Bois,  who,  as  we  learn  to  our  sorrow,  has,  to  the  discredit 
and  depreciation  of  our  church,  gone  over  to  the  Episcopalians. 
Hence  he  can  never  be  received  by  our  Classis  until  he  shall 
clear  himself  of  the  charges  brought  against  him,  either  before 
the  Rev.  Consistory  of  Kingston,  or  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam. To  do  this  he  had  indeed  bound  himself;  but  instead  of 
defending  himself,  he  has,  Avithout  the  knowledge  of  the  Classis, 
secretly  departed.     This  makes  us  justify  your  action  the  more. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1877 

1711 

We  pray  the  God  of  Love  and  Peace  to  enable  you  to  persevere 
in  your  former  earnestness,  and  preserve  your  church  from  worse 
offences,  and  graciously  remove  the  effects  of  that  already  given. 
May  he  long  spare  you  for  the  benefit  of  your  church,  that  she 
may,  under  your  oversight,  increase  and  develop  in  all  riches, 
and  full  assurance  of  understanding,  so  that  she  may  be  able  to 
practice  the  truth  in  love. 

P.  Stemwinkel,  (Steenwinkel)  V.  D.  M. 
Praeses  at  ad  res  Exteras  Dep. 
January  9,  1711. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
ISTew  Albany. 

1711,  Jan.  13th.  Touching  the  case  of  the  church  of  ISTew 
Albany:  the  Rev.  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  had  written  about  this 
matter,  and  they  communicated  the  contents  of  their  letter  to 
this  Assembly,     ix.  227. 

Kingstown. 

1711,  Jan.  13th.  And  as  regards  the  church  of  Kingstown, 
and  the  case  of  Rev.  Beits:  they  had  written  about  the  affair, 
and  they  communicated  the  contents  of  their  letter  to  this  Classi- 
cal Assembly,     ix.  227. 

Palatiue  School  House. 

I  acknowledge  to  have  Received  of  Robert  Livingston  forty  Boards  for  ye  School 
house  in  ye  palatyeyn  town  called  Queensberry  &  desire  said  Livingston  to  send 
for  ye  said  use  thirty  Boards  now  to  complete  ye  School  house. 

Joh.  Fr.  Haeyer,  [Haeger]  Min. 
Dated  this  18th  January  1711.  —  Doc.   Hist.  N.   Y.   Vol.  iii.  p.   400. 

Mr.  Cast  to  Gov.  Hunter. 

The  Palatines.     Rev.  Kocherthal. 

March  27.    1711. 

The   people   contemplate   present  settlement   for  a   couple 

of  years.  They  persuade  themselves  that  Canada  will  be  taken  this  campaign,  and 
that  upon  the  conquest  of  that  country,  to  secure  their  settlement,  they  will  be 
established  on  the  lands  destined  for  that  purpose.  In  this  opinion,  they  are  con- 
firmed by  the  reports  of  those  who  wintered  at  Albany,  who  say  that  the  inhab- 
itants up  there  are  in  consequence  very  apprehensive  of  losing  the  profit  they 
derive  from  the  Indians,  and  the  hay  they  annually  cut  on  said  lands. 

Some  days  ago,  five  Palatines  were  sitting  around  the  fire  conversing  on  the 
prospect  of  their  settlement.  They  all  agreed,  that  the  selection  of  the  Levingston 
lands  was  well  planned  —  that  their  situation  between  New  York   Sopes  and   Al- 


1878  Ecclesiastical  Records 

bany  was  very  convenient:  that  the  proximity  to  the  river  is  of  great  advantage 
and  that  the  exemption  from  the  fear  of  enemies  afford  peace  and  a  home  to  their 
families.  But  the  desire  to  possess  a  good  deal  of  land  upset  and  demolished,  irj 
a  moment  afterwards,  all  their  conveniences.  The  more  moderate  and  sensible 
among  them,   to   remove  this,    said   to  them  — 

What  if,  in  return  for  all  your  pretended  rights,  the  Governor  will  not  give 
you  any  other  lands  than  those  in  the  rear  of  our  villages,  and  be  determined 
that  we  pass  our  whole  lives  here?  What  can  j^ou  do  then?  Nothing,  continued  the 
same  man,  but  draw  down  by  the  disgrace  of  the  Governor,  evils  we  do  not  ex- 
perience here,  and  deprive  ourselves  of  the  good  we  now  enjoy.  For  in  fine  (he 
continued)  as  it  is  our  duty,  and  we  must  absolutely  work  for  the  Queen,  it  can- 
not be  otherwise  than  that  her  Majesty  will  put  us  in  a  position  to  earn  our  bread 
for  she  will  not  keep  us  always  in  this  way. 

Earn  our  bread,  said  another.  We  came  to  America  to  establish  our  families  — 
to  secure  lands  for  our  children  on  which  they  will  be  able  to  support  themselves 
after  we  die,  &  that  we  cannot  do  here.  What  is  to  be  done  in  that  case?  Only 
to  have  patience  replied  the  first.  "  Patience  and  Hope  make  fools  of  those  who 
fill  their  hands   with  them." 

Whereupon  the  whole  five  burst  out  a-laughing  and  changed  the  Conversation. 

I  asked  Mr.  Kocherthall  in  what  way  his  people  behave?  He  tells  me  all  are 
at  work  and  busy,  but  manifestly  with  repugnance,  and  merely  temporarily  — 
that  the  tract  intended  for  them  is,  in  their  minds,  a  Land  of  Canaan  —  that  they 
agree,  it  is  a  very  dangerous  place  to  settle  at  present,  and  for  this  reason  it  is 
that  they  are  willing  to  have  patience  here  for  a  couple  of  years.  But  they  will 
not  listen  to  Tar-making.  He  thinks  this  repugnance  can  be  overcome  as  was  that 
to  cultivate  their  gardens  - —  and  that  the  future  will  furnish  with  difficulty  what 
the  present  time  might  easily  guarantee,  did  the  people  conform  to  the  intentions 
of  those  above  them. —  Doe.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  p.  394. 


Council  Journal,  ]^ew  York. 

1711,  April  11.     Eobert  Hunter,  Governor. 

Ordered.  That  the  gentlemen  of  the  Council  or  any  five  of 
them,  whereof  the  chief  Justice  to  be  one,  do  prepare  and  bring^ 
in  a  Bill  for  naturalizing  foreign  Protestants.  Council  Journal, 
310.  Such  a  bill  was  passed,  July  5,  1715.  See  Colonial  Lavvs 
i!^.  Y.  under  date. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Case  of  New  York. 

1711,  April  13th.  On  a  certain  occasion  when  there  was  com- 
municated to  this  Rev.  Assembly  a  certain  extract  from  a  letter 
from  I^ew  York,  written  by  Mr.  de  Peyster  to  his  friend,  Wil- 
liam Bancker,  the  Assembly  was  reminded  that  on  former  occa- 
sions it  had  written  many  letters  through  the  Messrs,  Deputati 
ad  res  Exteras,  to  the  churches  and  individual  ministers,  (in  New 


OF  THE  State  of  I^ew  York.  1879 

ISTetlierland)  and  to  which  no  answer  had  been  received.  The 
Olassis  therefore  requests  the  Messrs.  Depntati  ad  res  Exteras 
kindly  to  investigate  what  letters  (of  ours)  remain  unanswered, 
■or  which  have  received  no  satisfactory  replies;  also  to  investigate 
in  reference  to  the  moneys  advanced  by  the  Rev.  Classis  to 
certain  ministers,  and  to  write  to  such  persons  and  churches  about 
these  debts  in  earnest  terms.  And  inasmuch  as  it  has  seemed  to 
the  Rev.  Assembly  that  letters  were  sometimes  concealed  by  one 
from  the  other,  that  the  Messrs.  Deputies  would  take  the  trouble 
to  send  letters  henceforth  in  duplicate,  thus  to  make  known  the 
same  things  to  others,     ix.  231. 

Further  Difficulties   iu   Flatbusli   Cliurcli. 

At   a   Council   held  at  Cfort  Anne 
in  New  York  this  30th  day  of 
Aprill  1711. 
Fresent,  as  before. 

Whereas  this  Board  is  Informed  that  Mr.  ffreeman  has  lately  Preached  in  the 
Churches  of  Kings  County  to  which  Mr.  Antonides  is  called  and  that  many  violent 
proceedings  are  taken  to  the  Great  Disturbance  of  the  Publick  peace  of  the  said 
Churches  and  County  and  in  Derogation  of  the  order  of  this  Board  of  the  27th 
November  last,  And 

Whereas  this  Board  has  been  Informed  by  a  minute  under  the  hand  of  the  clerk 
of  fflatbush  that  the  said  Towne  have  lately  Elected  Church  Masters  after  a  New 
and  unprecedented  manner  which  may  Introduce  other  New  and  pernicious  Prac- 
tices and  effects. 

Whereupon  it  is  ordered  that  the  said  order  of  this  Board  be  confirmed  and 
ihat  Mr.  ffreeman  doe  not  presume  to  preach  in  anj'  of  the  churches  to  which  Mr. 
Antonides  is  called,  and  that  none  of  the  said  Church  Masters  soe  Newly  Elected 
presume  to  Intermedle  in  the  affaires  of  the  said  church  or  in  any  Lands  houses 
or  other  effects  thereto  belonging  And  all  her  Majesties  Justices  of  the  Peace 
of  the  said  County  and  persons  Con(?erned  are  to  take  notice  hereof  and  Governe 
themselves  accordingly. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  112. 

Rev.   Mr.   Poyer  to  the  Society   for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Jamaica,  Long  Island,  3rd  May  1711. 
Honoured  Sir: — 

This  comes  to  attend  my  Notitia  Parochialis  I  thank  God  the  Church  of  England 
here  under  my  care  encreaseth  beyond  expectation  for  among  the  Quakers  where 
my  predecessor  Mr.  TJrauhart  in  all  the  time  of  his  mission,  could  never  gather 
a  Congregation,  I  have  seldom  so  few  as  fifty  hearers,  I  have  great  hopes  that 
there  will  more  come  over  to  our  church  notwithstanding  the  many  enemies  and 
discouragement  I  daily  meet  v.-ithall,  of  which  I  have  in  a  former  hinted  to  you 
but  wrote  more  fully  to  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  of  London  who  has  a  perfect 
&  true  state  of  the  case  which  I  hope  when  duly  considered  will  induce  the 
Honorable  Society  to  assert  the  right  of  the  Church  here,  that  I  may  be  sup- 
ported with  my  salary  due  here  by  an  act  of  the  Country,  one  penny  of  which  has 
not  hitherto  been  paid  to  me,  but  on  the  contrary  raised  &  given  to  one  Mr. 
George  Macnesh  an  Independent  North  Britain  Preacher  who  has  had  the  assurance 


1711 


1711 


1880  EccLEsixVSTicAL  Eecoeds 

in  the  face  of  the  country  to  aver  that  the  Bishop  of  London  has  no  power  here. 
I  hope  the  Honorable  Society  will  be  plaesed  to  consider  the  difficulties  I  struggle 
with,  that  my  family  may  be  supported  and  not  lie  under  the  discountenance  of 
those  who  are  only  pretended  friends  to  the  Established  Church,  I  have  acquainted 
the  Right  Honorable  the  Bishop  of  London  of  my  writing  to  the  Society. 

I  remain, 

Honored  Sir,   yours  etc. 

Thos.   Poyer. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.   Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  138. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Churches  of  ISTew  l^etherland. 

1711,  May  4th.  The  writing  to  the  churches  of  Xew  N'ether- 
land,  recommended  to  the  Eev.  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  at  the 
preceding  Classis,  remains  in  statu,     ix.  232. 

Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

May  18,  1711.    Vol.  ii.  p.  39.  §  14 

From  Mr.  Haeger  dated  jSTew  York  28th  of  October  1710, 
importing  his  arrival,  his  diligence  in  his  function,  the  conform- 
ity of  his  hearers  notwithstanding  the  separation  made  by  the 
Lutherans,  who  found  a  minister  of  their  own,  the  desire  of  his 
people  to  have  common  prayer  books;  that  he  reckons  600  com- 
municants, 52  of  whom  were  instructed  by  him,  of  whom  13 
were  Papists.  That  he  had  marry'd  41  couples  and  baptized  8 
children.  That  as  to  his  subsistance  it  is  very  miserable,  having 
received  nothing  from  his  people,  nor  the  common  allowance 
given  to  every  Palatine;  therefore  he  prays  the  Society  to  advance 
him  something  of  his  salary.  The  Committee  agreed  to  move 
the  Society  that  the  said  Mr.  Haeger  may  be  supplied  with  100 
common  prayer  books  in  High  Dutch  as  soon  as  they  can  be  pro- 
cured, and  that  he  be  acquainted  that  his  salary  is  duly  paid  his 
attorney.     Agreed  to. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1881 

1711 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Eev.  Peter  Vas,  of  the  Church  of  Kingston,  to  the  Rev.  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  May  27,  (1711). 

Portfolio,  "  :N"ew  York  ",  Vol.  i. 

(Addressed:)  To  the  Reverend  and  Praise-worthy  Assembly,  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  Assembled  in  the  Reno^vned 
Merchant-City,  Amsterdam  in  Holland. 

Reverend  Brethren  and  Co-laborers  in  Christ : — 

By  the  favor  of  God,  after  a  long  voyage,  and  much  peril,  I 
arrived  safely,  mtli  my  wife  and  children,  before  the  city  of 
jSTew  York,  on  Friday,  December  19,  1710.  I  was  welcomed  by 
Mr.  Du  Bois,  and  some  other  gentlemen,  who  came  on  board  the 
ship,  and  I  Avas  taken  ashore  by  them.  After  spending  nine  or 
ten  days  there,  for  our  recuperation,  we  again  went  on  board  a 
yacht,  which  had  been  hired  to  convey  us  to  Kingston.  By  God's 
goodness,  we  arrived  safely  on  Tuesday  evening,  the  30th  of 
December,  at  Eangston  in  the  Esopus.  There  we  were  received 
with  much  gladness  by  our  Consistory^  as  well  as  by  the  congre- 
gation. 

Pour  or  five  weeks  ago  I  had  written  a  letter,  which  was 
signed  by  my  Consistory,  to  send  to  you  regarding  the  three  hun- 
dred guilders  advanced  for  me  for  my  transportation.  It  told 
you  that  you  might  keep  back  that  sum  from  the  money  under 
your  care,  from  the  churches  in  general,  but  on  this  condition: 
that  my  Consistory,  in  regard  to  the  amount  which  we  are  owing 
you,  would  turn  that  over  to  the  other  churches.  This  I  pro- 
posed to  the  Rev.  Consistory  of  Xew  York;  but  they  said  that 
they  wished  to  leave  their  money  there  (with  the  Classis),  for  a 
while  longer;  and  we  could  dispose  of  ours  (in  some  other  way). 
We  therefore  had  to  hold  back  that  letter. 


1711 


1882  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

JSTow  the  fact  is;  that  our  church  or  congregation,  put  into 
this  common  purse,  two  hundred  and  fifty  guilders.  I  say  two 
hundred  and  fifty  guilders.  Therefore  it  is  my  friendly  request 
of  the  Rev.  Assembly  that  they  will  be  pleased,  at  the  earliest 
opportunity,  to  send  over  a  letter  to  me,  (stating)  what  my  church 
or  congregation  still  owes  the  Rev.  Assembly,  for  my  exam- 
ination, as  well  as  the  advance  of  three  hundred  guilders  for  my 
transportation,  after  deducting  the  two  hundred  and  fifty  guilders 
which  they  have  on  hand.  I  shall  then  transmit  the  remainder 
at  the  first  opportunity  by  a  draft,  which  we  can  easily  obtain  at 
ISTew  York. 

After  wishing  all  prosperity,  for  your  soul  and  body,  upon  your 
persons  and  ministries,  I  remain, 

Reverend  Sirs, 
Your  affectionate  friend  and  obedient  servant  in  Christ, 

Peter  Vas,  Minister  at  Engston  in  the 

Esopus. 
Cornelius  Maltens 


John  Wynkoop 

Matthe«w  Jansen  ]  -r^ 

^      .,  „.     ,  [  Deacons. 

Crerrit  Wynkoop  j 

Actum  the  27,   of  May,   O.   S.   at  Kingston,  in  the   region  of 
America.     (1711) 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Churches  of  'New  ISTetherland. 

1711,  June  1st.  The  case  of  the  churches  of  ITew  N'etherland, 
commended  to  Rev.  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras,  according  to  resolu- 
tion of  April  13,  remains  as  yet  in  statu,     ix.  237. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1883 

Church  of  ISTew  York. 

June  3,  1711. 
In  Consistory:     Resolved,  unanimously, 

1.  That  no  money  shall  be  put  out  at  interest  under  fifty 
pounds;  and  this  shall  not  be  done  unless  by  a  majority  vote  of 
Elders,  Deacons  and  Church  Masters. 

2.  That  a  little  fence  of  the  best  kind  be  placed  around  the 
Communion  Table  in  the  Church,  by  the  time  of  the  next  admin- 
istration of  the  ordinance,  in  order  to  prevent  irregularity  in  those 
approaching. 

—  Lib.  B.  41. 

Messrs.  Robinson  &  Reynolds  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

London  13  June  1711. 
Sir  —  We  do  herewith  send  you  the  passage  we  read  out  of  Mr.  Cotton  Mather's 
Letter  as  you  desired     your  mo.  hble  sts. 

B.    Robinson 
Thos.    Reynolds. 
The  passage  was  as  follows: 

If  I  may  without  offence  extend  my  intelligence  as  far  as  the  neighbor  Colonies, 
and  those  particularly  that  are  under  the  Government  of  New  York,  I  am  credibly 
informed  that  in  many  towns  there  they  have  no  Minister  at  all.  In  the  Jersey's 
particularly  there  are  at  least  seven  towns  that  have  no  public  worship  of  God  in 
them. 

At  the  same  time  there  is  a  town  called  Jamaica  on  Long  Island  under  the 
Government  aforesaid  a  Town  consisting  of  considerably  above  an  hundred  fam- 
ilies, and  exemplary  for  all  Christian  knowledge  &  goodness  &  a  church  with  a 
worthy  Pastor  in  it,  about  half  a  score  families  (and  of  a  meaner  character)  in 
the  Town  declared  for  the  Church  of  England  &  thereupon  a  INIinister  of  their 
profession  was  sent  to  them  (one  Urquhart)  who  is  maintained  by  the  aforesaid 
Society;  but  this  little  company  having  the  advantage  (right  or  wrong)  to  be  up- 
permost, took  away  from  the  Dissenters  (if  it  be  proper  to  call  such  a  dispro- 
portionate number  so)  their  meeting  house  computed  to  be  worth  six  hundred 
pounds,  and  compelled  them  to  build  another.  They  also  seized  the  Parsonage 
which  had  been  until  now  enjoyed  by  the  Town  and  is  esteemed  worth  Fifteen 
hundred  pounds.  The  good  people  there  do  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  their  Savior 
by  a  most  laudable  silence  &  wonderful  patience  under  these  things.  But  if  such 
things  proceed  that  noble  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  Religion  in  America  will 
greatly  wound  religion  &  their  own  reputation  also  which  ought  to  be  forever 
venerable. 

This  was  dated  14th   October  1706.—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   p.  139. 


1711 


1711 


1884  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

Ckurches  of  New  ISTetherland. 

1711,  July  20th.  Eev.  Steenwinckel,  Deputatus  ad  res  Ex- 
teras,  reports,  that,  in  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  April 
13,  1711,  the  Deputati  had  examined  the  letters  from  ITew  ISTeth- 
erland.  They  would  again,  at  the  first  opportunity,  send  a  brief 
synopsis  of  the  latest  letters,  to  those  churches,  with  a  serious 
request  that  they  would  please  to  reply  to  them  more  in  detail; 
and  particularly,  that  they  would  see  to  it  that  payment  was 
made  of  moneys  advanced.  The  Messrs.  Deputati  were  thanked 
for  their  trouble,     ix.  240. 

Journal  of  Society  foe  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

July  20,  1711.    Vol.  ii.  p.  80.  §  14. 

Also  another  from  Mr.  Boehm  dated  30th  June  1711  importing 
that  by  advice  from  Mr.  Tribbeek  the  Palatines  in  Carolina  have 
no  minister,  so  that  a  good  preacher  is  highly  wanted  among  them 
and  hopes  in  time  the  Society  will  provide  one.  Agreed  that 
Mr.  Boehm's  letter  be  referred  to  another  meeting. 

Synod  of  JSTorth  Holland,  1711,  July  and  August. 

Article  37. 

Classical  Changes. 


Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Sent  to  churches  in  foreign  lands:    Kev.  Peter  van  Driessen, 

to  Albany. 


OF  THE  State  of  ^ew  Yokk.         1885 

Petition  of  the  Consistory  of  Kings  County,   L.   I.   for  a   Cliarter.     (Aug.   1,   1711.) 

To  his  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Capt.  Generall  &  Governor  in  Chief  in 
and  over  her  Majesties  Province  of  Nevr  Yorli  etc.,   etc.,  etc. 

The  humble  Peticon  of  Vincentius  Antonides  Minister  of  the  Reformed  Protes- 
tant Dutch  Churches  of  Flatbush  Brool^land  &  Flatlands  in  Kings  County  on  the 
Island  of  Nassau  in  the  Province  of  New  Yorlc  Joannes  Cornel  Rynler  Aarsen, 
&  Henry  Filkin  Elders  of  the  said  Church  at  Flatbush  Benjamin  Hegeman  Cornells 
■Cornel  &  Jan  Bennet  Deacons  thereof  —  Michiel  Hansen  Jan  Dorlant  &  Cornells 
Van  Duyn  Elders  of  the  said  Church  at  Brookland  Nicolas  Van  Dyk  Isaak  Remse 
&  Jan  Rapalie  Deacons  thereof,  Jan  Alberts  ter  heunen  Lucas  Stevense  H.  Gerrit 
Stoothof  Elders  of  the  church  in  Flatlands,  Harman  Hooglant  Alexander  Simson 
&  Jan  Amerman  Deacons  of  the  same. 

Most  Humbly   Sheweth: 

That  for  many  years  last  past  at  the  charge  of  sundry  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  said  Towns  &  of  other  Pious  persons  thei-e  hath  been  erected  in  each  of  the 
said  Towns  a  Church  for  the  Publicq  worship  of  Almighty  God  and  other  Divine 
Service  to  be  celebrated  therein  after  the  manner  of  the  Dutch  nationall  Churches 
of  the  Province  of  the  United  Netherlands  according  to  their  Profession  and 
Discipline  Established  by  the  National  Synod  of  Dort  held  in  the  year  1618  & 
1619  which  said  three  Churches  since  the  settlement  have  always  Joyned  to- 
gether in  the  calling  &  paying  of  one  minister  for  them  all. 

And  whereas  the  said  Minister  Elders  &  Deacons  respectively  for  the  use  of 
their  said  churches  by  virtue  of  sundry  mean  conveyances  in  the  law  are  possessed 
of  sundry  parcells  of  Lands  &  Tenements  respectively  for  every  particular  Church 
aforesaid  That  is  to  say  for  the  Church  of  Flatbush  two  Letts  of  land  situate 
lying  and  being  in  the  said  Town  on  the  north  side  of  Col.  Gerardus  Beekman 
Jacob  Hendrickse  &  Roelof  van  Kerck  on  the  south  of  the  lane  that  leads  to 
Gouwanes  conteining  one  hundred  &  eighteen  acres  as  allso  two  Lotts  of  meadow 
the  (whole)  being  in  the  bounds  of  the  said  Town  over  the  fresh  creek  broad 
seven  Rodd  laid  out  by  No.  19  and  the  other  over  the  second  Creek  broad  12 
Rod  No.  15  both  stretching  from  the  woods  to  the  Sea  Allso  one  other  Lot  of 
Land  in  the  said  Town  to  the  north  of  Peter  Stryker  and  to  the  South  of  the 
highway  that  Leads  to  the  New  Lotts  Containing  fourty  eight  acres  Allso  one 
other  Lot  to  the  South  of  Peter  Stryker  &  matty  Luyster  and  to  the  North  of 
the  Lane  that  leads  to  the  New  Lotts  conteining  fourty  eight  acres  Allso  two 
lotts  of  meadow  the  one  over  the  fresh  creek  broad  7  Rodd  No.  20  and  the  other 
over  the  Second  creek  broad  13  Rodd  No.  11  Allso  one  Lott  of  Land  lying  amongst 
the  new  Lotts  of  the  said  I'owns  to  the  west  side  of  Rem  Remsen  to  the  East 
of  Elsie  Snediker  conteining  thirty  four  acres  as  Allso  the  Church  and  ministers 
Dwelling  howse  in  the  said  Town  together  with  the  orchard  garden  and  yard 
adjoyning  conteining  ten  acres,  Allso  one  howse  &  Lott  of  ground  in  the  said 
Town  called  the  School  howse  conteining  Eight  acres  together  with  the  Lands 
and  meadows  in  right  thereof  laid  out  for  the  use  of  the  said  Church  out  of  the 
comons  of  the  said  Town. 

And  for  the  Church  of  Brookland  one  Lott  of  Land  in  the  said  Town  in  breadth 
Eight  Rodd  Long  thirteen  Rodd  &  a  half  bounden  on  the  South  West  by  the 
highway  on  the  north  west  by  Jacobus  Beavois  and  on  the  south  east  by  Charles 
Beavois  Allso  one  church  yard  elleaven  Rodd  square  bounded  on  the  north  east 
by  the  highway  on  the  south  east  by  a  small  Lane  to  the  South  West  by  Joris 
Hanssen  &  to  the  north  west  by  Albertie  Barents  and  the  Church  in  the  said 
Town  Standing  in  the  middle  of  the  highway. 

And  for  the  Church  of  Flatlands,  One  Lot  of  Land  at  a  place  called  Amesfoorts 
Neck  containing  Twenty  Acres  laid  out  by  No.  10  And  Allso  the  Church  in  said 
Town  &  one  howse  called  the  School  howse  with  the  Land  adjoyning  Containing 
two  acres  or  thereabouts  therefore  for  the  advanceing  of  Piety  &  Religion  and 
that  the  said  Lands  may  be  the  better  administered  and  the  Revenue  thereof 
duly  applyed  for  the  Maintenance  of  the  minister  or  ministers  for  the  time  being 
«Sk  other  Pious  Charitable  uses  — 


1711 


1880  Ecclesiastical  Records 

They  do  most  humbly  Pray  that  the  said  Minister  Elders  &  Deacons  &  their 
Successors  may  be  by  her  Majesties  Grant  or  Charter  under  the  Seal  of  this 
ProA'ince  Made  One  body  Politick  and  Corporate  in  the  same,  and  in  like  manner 
and  as  near  as  may  be  to  the  Charter  heretofore  granted  to  the  Minister  Elders 
&  Deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  of  the  City  of  New  York, 
save  only  that  the  severall  Lands  &  Tenements  aforesaid  now  in  their  Possession 
be  therein  reserved  to  the  use  of  Each  respective  Church  aforesaid  paying  to  her 
Matie  her  heirs  and  successors  the  proporcon  of  the  Quitrents  they  now  pay  in 
each  respective  Town  aforesaid. 
And  your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  Pray  etc. 

Luycas   Steuense  V.   Antonides 

Gerrit   Stoothoff  Reynier  Aertsen 

Claes  Van  Dyck  Johannes  Cornel 

Hermanns  Hooglandt  Hen.  ffllkin. 

Jan  Amearman  Alexander  Simpson    (mark) 

Migguel  Hansen  benjamin   hegeman 

John  Dorland  (mark)  Cornells  Cornel 

Cornells  Van  Duyn  Dit  is  het  -r-iQCigen  gestelt 

Isaack  Remsen  handt  L-Dmerk   van 

Jan  Rapale  Jan  Bennit. 

Kings  County  the  1  August  1711. 

Read  in  Council  8  August  1711  «&  referred. 


Caveat  Entered  against   the   Above. 

In  Council,  13th  September,   1711. 

Mr.  Jamison  acquainted  this  Board  that  Ingelbert  Lott  has  entered  a  Caveat 
against  granting  a  Charter  to  some  Dutch  Churches  in  Kings  County  And  there- 
upon Moved  that  the  said  Lott  appeare  and  shew  his  Cause  of  Entering  such 
Caveat  to  the  Committee  to  whom  the  Petition  for  the  Charter  is  Referred. 

It  is  Ordered  that  he  appeare  and  shew  cause  accordingly. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y. 
Vol.  iii.  pp.  112-114. 

Letter  of  John  Frederick  Haeger,  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 
Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  at  London,  Aug.  15,  1711.  From  MSS.  Vol. 
vi.   No.  136. 

Annsbury,    August    15,    1711. 
Sir:— 

My  last  letter  sent  through  Mr.  Du  Pree  has  doubtlessly  been  handed  to  you. 
Immediately  afterwards  I  took  up  my  living  in  the  woods,  and  have  lived,  thus 
far,  in  a  little  hut  among  the  Palatines,  attending  to  my  duties  as  much  as  possi- 
ble, although  I  have  been  compelled  to  conduct  my  services  under  the  open  sky. 
At  the  request  of  the  Governor  I  am  now  going  with  about  three  hundred  Pala- 
tines to  Canada.  This  is  a  test  in  my  wearisome  life,  but  I  do  not  refuse  to 
sacrifice  the  same  for  the  advancement  of  Christ's  honor.  May  the  omnipotent 
God  grant  us  victory  over  our  enemies,  and  success  to  the  expedition;  otherwise 
we  would  have  bad  prospects  at  this  place.  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  blamed  for 
negligence  in  writing,  as  I  have  lived,  without  having  a  soul  to  converse  with, 
like  a  hermit.  Now  I  send  a  list  of  those  who  live  in  the  different  villages,  and 
their  condition;   July  25,  1711. 

I  have  baptized  an  Indian  having  taken  great  pains  to  instruct  him.     He  spoke 

Dutch,  and  thus  he  made  his  confession  of  faith  publicly  before  the  congregation. 

I  have  also  made  a  beginning  in  learning  the  Indian  language.     I  have  collected 

a  small  vocabulary.     As  I  am  about  to  depart  I   cannot  write  at   length.     But   I 

hope  to  i-eport  more  fully  in  the  near  future. 

Commending  myself  and  your  Reverences  to  the  protection  of  God, 
I  remain  yours, 

J.   F.   Haeger. 
[By  courtesy  of  Rev.  Prof.  Wm.  J.  Hinke,  as  before.     See  letter  of  October  28, 
1710.] 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  188T 

Report  in   Council   on  tlie  Petition   for  a   charter,   of  Aug.   1,    1711.   and   Caveat  of 

Sept.   13,  1711. 

May  it  please  your   Excellency: 

In  obedience  to  your  Excellencys  Order  in  Conncill  of  the  Eighth  of  August 
Last  made  on  ye  Petition  of  Viucentius  Antonides  and  others  for  a  Charter  to 
the  Consistories  of  fflatbush,  Erookland  and  fflat  Lands  and  of  another  of  the 
thirteenth  of  September  Instant  to  Examine  into  the  Reasons  of  a  Caveat  Eutred 
by  Inglebert  Lott  against  Granting  the  said  Charter  —  Wee  have  heard  the 
said  parties  and  thereupon  humbly  Report  that  the  said  Mr.  Lott  produced  noe 
manner  of  povrer  or  authority  from  any  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  towne  of  fflat 
Bush  for  his  Entring  the  said  Caveat  notwithstanding  He  therein  mentioned  that 
the  same  is  Entred  in  ye  behalfe  of  himselfe  and  the  major  part  of  the  Inhabit- 
ants of  the  said  Town  of  fflat  Bush  —  The  said  Mr.  Lott  Insisted  that  by  his 
being  Chosen  by  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  ye  Towne  of  fflat  Bush  one  of  the 
Church  Masters  of  the  said  towne  some  time  ye  Last  Spring  he  was  Qualifyed 
for  his  Entring  that  Caveat  Notwithstanding  he  owned  that  ye  manner  of  His 
Being  Elected  Church  Master  as  aforesaid  was  Contrary  to  the  manner  of  Chuse- 
ing  such  officers  before  that  time  and  being  asked  by  Mr.  Regnier  who  appeared 
at  his  Councill  before  ye  Committee  whether  he  would  ask  any  further  time 
to  make  out  ye  allegations  of  his  said  Caveat  hee  declined  ye  same  Wee  are 
therefore  of  opinion  that  the  said  Caveat  is  frivolous,  and  that  ye  Committee 
may  proceed  on  ye  former  Referrence  on  ye  petition  before  mentioned  which  is 
nevertheless  humbly    submitted    by 

Your   Excellency's    most    obedient    servants, 

John   Earberie  S.    Staats 

A.    D.    Philipse  R.    Waiter 

T.   Byerley  Rip  Van  Dam. 

28th   September,   1711. 

Endorsed, 
Read  29th  September,  1711  &  Confirmed.—  Doc.  Hist.   N.   Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  11-1. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Revs.  Antonides  and  Dii  Bois,  September 
30,  1711.     Vol.  28:  110. 

Eeverend  Sirs  and  Brethren  in  Christ: — 

Since  the  Eev.  Classis  has,  through  her  Deputies  in  her  name, 
given  answer  to  both  your  last  letters,  viz.,  that  of  July  21st  and 
July  8th,  170'9,  and  had  not  yet  received  the  slightest  news  from 
you  in  July,  lYlO;  and  being  assured  from  other  sources,  that 
the  contentions  in  your  church  still  continue;  therefore  the  Rev. 
Classis  thinks  it  well  to  transmit  an  abstract  of  their  last  latter, 
of  July,  ITIO,  lest  it  may  have  miscarried;  or  in  case  it  has  been 
safely  received,  to  request  an  answer  as  soon  as  possible. 

As  regards  the  liberty  of  your  churches,  which  we  heartilv 


1711 


1711 


1888  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

desire  and  seek  after,  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  the  Synod  have  had 
the  honor  of  paying  their  respects  to  the  lord  Counsel  Pensioner^ 
and  have  requested  him  to  be  so  good  as  to  speak  on  this  matter 
with  my  lord  Marlborough,  or  lord  Ambassador  Townsend  at  the 
Court  of  England.  His  honor  received  the  request  pleasantly^ 
and  we  have  put  in  his  hands  a  short  written  account  of  the  con- 
dition of  your  churches.  Concerning  the  contentions  in  your 
churches  we  declare  that  they  sorely  grieve  us;  and  especially 
because  we  are  lacking  in  power  to  do  anything  definitely  against 
Ereerman,  so  as  to  forward  the  wished  for  rest  and  peace.  You 
indeed  desire  that  we  should  by  our  counsel  adjust  these  divisions, 
yet  we  find  ourselves  unable  to  do  so. 

Eev.  Ereerman  wrote  to  us  at  length  on  December  28,  1709, 
that  he  was  inclined  to  peace;  that  he  had  (not)  wholly  surren- 
dered the  call  to  Long  Island,  but  awaited  an  answer  from  us, 
which  was  due  him.  Eurthermore,  that  Governor  Combury  had 
compelled  him  to  accept  the  call,  after  his  Honor  had  approved 
it;  that  thereupon  he  had  been  installed  by  Rev.  Du  Bois  in  the 
service  at  ISTew  Utrecht  and  the  adjacent  churches.  We  returned 
answer  to  this  letter,  and  also  herewith  send  you  a  copy  of  the 
same.  How  matters  have  stood  since,  in  your  churches,  is  en- 
tirely unknown  to  us,  except,  as  we  said,  we  hear  that  the  desired 
peace  has  not  been  attained.  We  have  heard  from  outside 
sources,  that  it  might  be  a  step  towards  peace,  if  the  two  salaries 
could  be  placed  on  an  equal  footing;  but  how  much  there  is  in 
this,  and  if  it  be  feasible,  is  better  known  to  you  than  to  us. 
But  we  earnestly  pray  and  desire,  that  you  on  your  part,  will 
contribute  everything  in  your  power  to  remove  estrangement  and 
division,  to  restore  peace,  to  the  benefit  of  all.  May  the  God 
of  peace  influence  you  to  this  by  the  power  of  his  Spirit.    Amen. 

The  Rev.  Classis  also  judges  it  very  necessary,  in  view  of  the 
importance  of  the  church  in  N'ew  York,  again,  earnestly  to  urge 
Rev.  Du  Bois,  to  request  and  secure  a  colleague  to  himself  during 
his  lifetime.     We  do  this,   especially,   because  we  hear  of  the 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1889 

excellent  disposition  of  this  ckurch;  and  thus  it  would  not  be 
completely  deprived  of  pastoral  care,  in  case  of  his  death  or 
removal. 

Finally,  the  Rev.  Classis  has  requested  us,  and  earnestly 
charged  us  to  say,  that  it  would  please  you  at  length  to  take 
action,  that  the  moneys  long  since  advanced  for  the  Rev.  Anto- 
nides,  and  of  which  widows  and  orphans  are  now  deprived,  be 
restored  to  us.  The  Rev.  Classis  would  not  do  anything,  without 
great  reluctance,  which  might  be  unpleasant  to  the  brethren;  yet 
in  order  to  secure  the  repayment  of  her  disbursements,  she  may, 
sometime,  be  compelled  to  take  proper  action,  which  we  hope  you 
will  prevent  by  your  discretion. 

Wherewith,  etc. 

'N.  B.  A  copy  of  the  above  letter  has,  by  resolution  of  the 
Classis,  been  sent  also  to  Rev.  Freemian. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The   Classis  of   Amsterdam  to  Rev.   Freerman,   September  30, 
1711.     xxviii.  112. 

Rev.  Sir  and  Brother  in  Christ: — 

Inasmuch  as  an  answer  was  sent  by  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  the 
Classis  in  July,  1710,  to  your  last  of  December  28,  1709,  and 
we  have  received  not  the  slightest  intelligence  from  you  since, 
therefore,  the  Rev.  Classis  has  desired  to  transmit  to  you  an 
abstract  of  their  last  letter,  mth  the  earnest  request  that  you 
give  attention  to  it,  and  reply  as  soon  as  possible. 

You  complained  of  the  partiality  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  but,  as 
we  think,  without  reason,  as  we  have  sufficiently  shown  in  our 
former  letter.  You  say  that  the  call  made  May  I7th  (N.  S.) 
1703,  was  not  accepted  by  you  on  account  of  too  little  salary,  etc. 
Whether  you  expected  an  offer  of  more  salary  or  not,  the  Long 


1711 


1890  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

Island  people  were  not  obliged  to  make  such  an  offer;  but  tkev 
were  free  to  make  out  another  call,  which  they  also  did.  You 
were  convinced  of  this  as  appears  from  your  letter  to  Mr.  Banck- 
ert.  The  indiscretion  of  the  Elders,  if  it  could  be  called  such, 
in  sending  on  another  call  to  us  could  not  legalize  your  call. 
Although  you  were  sent  to  Long  Island  by  a  license  from  the  Gov- 
ernor, your  installation  at  New  Utrecht  did  not  make  you  pastor 
of  (other  churches  on)  Long  Island,  which  had  already  made  out 
another  call.  j^ 

That  Eev.  Antonides  requested  permission  (of  the  Governor) 
to  preach  on  Long  Island  is  of  an  entirely  different  nature  from 
your  license  by  him.  You  compelled  him  to  this  course,  and 
thus  prepared  the  way  for  the  destruction  of  the  liberty  of  the 
Church.  Other  matters,  such  as  the  offer  of  a  good  correspond- 
ence, and  your  friendship  under  certain  restrictions,  have  al- 
ready been  replied  to.  But  of  what  use  they  would  be  can  be 
inferred  from  your  efforts  to  make  the  voorleser,  (Paul  Van) 
Ylek  a  pastor,  contrary  to  all  good  order,  as  well  as  the  advice 
of  your  brethren.  The  Classis  learned  of  this  fact  with  dis- 
pleasure and  regret,  and  hopes  that  in  the  future  you  will  watch 
against  such  extravagances,  which  are  calculated  to  destroy  all 
order,  peace  and  edification  in  the  Church. 

We  most  earnestly  desire  and  urge  upon  you  to  remove  all 
stones  of  stumbling  and  further  estrangement;  and  could  you  by 
a  change  of  place,  or  in  any  other  way,  restore  quiet,  you  would 
both  bring  quietness  to  yourself  and  edification  to  the  Churoh. 

AYherewith,  etc. 

X.  B.  A  copy  of  the  above  has  also  been  sent  to  Revs.  Anto- 
nides and  Du  Bois,  according  to  resolution  of  Classis. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  Yoek.  1891 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

\ 

Kingstown. 

1711,  Oct.  5th.  The  case  of  Kingstown  remains  in  statu. 
ix.  245. 

Council  Journal,  Il^ew  York. 

1711,  Oct.  23.  That  pursuant  to  her  Majesty's  commands  he 
(the  Governor)  has  contracted  for  the  building  of  two  forts  with 
a  Chapel  in  each,  in  the  Indian  country  with  accommodations  for 
missionaries.  The  expense  whereof  her  Majesty  is  graciously 
pleased  to  defray,  323. 

Petition  for  a  Charter  for  the  Church  at  ISTew  Rochelle. 

(1711) 

To  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Captain  General!  and  Governor  in  Chief 
of  lier  Majesties  Provinces  of  New  York  New  Jersey  and  Territories  Depending 
tliereon  in  America  etc.   Vice  Admiral  of  the  same  etc. 

The  Petition  of  Daniel  Bondet  minister  olmer  Besly  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
New  Rochelle  of  the  communion  of  the  Church  of  England  in  behalf  of  Them- 
selves and  others. 

Humbly   Sheweth 

That  Whereas  They  have  been  favoured  with  your  Excellencys  licence  Bearing 
date  the  2nd  of  August  1710  Empowering  them  to  collect  and  Receive  the  char- 
itable contributions  of  piously  disposed  Christians  and  apply  them  Towards  build- 
ing a  house  for  the  worship  and  Service  of  God  according  to  the  form  and  man- 
ner of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established,  and  further  Granting  unto 
them  the  privilege  to  build  and  Erect  such  church  in  such  place  of  the  publick 
Street  as  to  them  should  seem  most  convenient  and  proper.  That  by  virtue  of 
the  said  Licence  and  Encouragement  and  the  contributions  Thereby  collected 
They  have  proceeded  to  build  and  have  now  finished  a  convenient  building  for 
the  use  aforesaid  according  to  the  directions  limitations  and  Restrictions  Therein 
mentioned. 

May  it  Therefore  please  your  Excellency  to  grant  them  a  patent  for  the  said 
Church  and  the  ground  whereon  it  stands  that  it  may  be  secured  for  the  use  of 
the  church  of  England  to  them  and  their  posterity  for  Ever  against  all  attempts 
claims  &  pretensions  that  hereafter  may  be  made  and  your  Petitioners  as  in  duty 
bound  shall  Ever  pray  etc. 

Daniel    Bondet 
F.    Alleau 
Besly 
P.   Valleau 
New  Rochelle,  Elie  De  Bonrepos. 

the  11  of  November. 

*  *  Rev.  Mr.  Bondet  died  in  1722.  He  had  been  Minister  of  the  Parish  above 
twenty  years.  At  his  death  he  bequeathed  his  library  of  four  hundred  vols,  to 
the  Church.—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   p.   573. 

15 


1711 


1711 


1892  Ecclesiastical  Plecoeds 

Memorial  of  the  Clergy,  Etc.,  Eelating  to  Mr.  Poyer  and 
THE  Church  of  Jaimaica.     (iSTov.  13,  ITfl.) 

To  the  Right  Honorable  &  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God  Henry,  Lord  Bishop 
of  London. 

The  Memorial  of  the  C?<jrgy  of  the  Colonies  of  New  York,  New  Jersey  and 
Philadelphia  in  America. 

Humbly  Sheweth 

That  it  has  been  a  general  observation  that  considering  the  number  of  Inhabit- 
ants of  the  Colony  of  New  York  no  place  produces  a  greater  diversity  of  opinions 
in  matters  of  Religion.  But  how  different  soever  they  were  in  their  opinions  yet 
at  their  first  settlements  into  communitys  as  Townships  etc.  they  were  generally 
unanimous  in  setting  aside  some  quantity  of  land  for  a  provision  for  a  minister 
whenever  they  should  be  able  to  procure  one  and  although  Long  Island  may  justly 
be  said  to  be  more  divided  than  any  other  part  of  the  Colony  yet  the  several 
Townships  therein  following  the  example  of  others  made  the  same  provision  & 
particularly  the  town  of  Jamaica  (whose  Inhabitants  were  composed  of  Church 
men  and  Dissenters  of  all  sorts)  the  better  to  induce  a  minister  to  come  and 
abide  with  them  did  at  a  general  Town  meeting  in  1662  (according  to  their  con- 
stant method  and  which  was  used  in  all  other  Townships  within  the  said  Colony) 
order  &  soon  after  build  the  parsonage  house  now  standing  in  Jamaica  by  laying 
a  rate  upon  all  the  Freeholders  which  rate  was  assessed  upon  their  meadows 
(that  being  the  most  equal  way  because  every  mans  right  and  proportion  in  that 
township  did  arise  from  the  quantity  of  meadow  land  he  possessed. 

Afterwards  (according  to  their  usual  method  of  Town  meetings)  they  ap- 
pointed persons  to  procure  Ministers  for  them  and  to  agree  with  them  for  certain 
&  fix't  Salarys  being  usually  about  Sixty  pounds  per  annum,  for  the  levying 
whereof  they  appointed  Assessors  &  Collectors  who  assessed  &  levied  the  said 
sums  on  the  lands  &  estates  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  what  sect  soever  they  were 
and  for  the  better  encouragement  of  a  minister  they  not  only  gave  him  possession 
of  the  said  parsonage  house  but  also  of  divers  others  parcels  of  land  in  the  said 
town. 

The  said  Town  as  a  further  encouragement  for  a  Ministry  and  that  their  habita- 
tion &  maintenance  might  not  be  precarious  but  be  made  an  orderly  glebe  on 
the  14th  June  1676  at  a  general  town  meeting  it  was  voted  and  concluded  in 
these  words  (viz.)  That  there  should  be  forty  acres  of  meadow  designed  and  set 
apart  for  a  parsonage  lot  in  the  East  neck  adjoining  to  the  lots  of  meadow  laid 
out  with  upland  proportionable  to  other  lots  laid  out  in  the  Town  to  continue 
at  the  dispose  of  the  town  to  a  minister  when  they  shall  have  occasion  to  make 
use  of  it  the  greatest  part  of  which  Lands  &  Meadow  they  have  lately  resumed 
&  divided  amongst  themselves. 

Among  the  rest  of  their  Ministers  that  came  unto  them  they  made  an  agree- 
ment with  one  Mr.  C.  Prudden  a  Dissenting  minister  (there  being  no  Orthodox 
divine  sent  over  as  yet)  for  forty  pounds  per  annum  but  if  he  staid  ten  years 
then  to  have  the  Parsonage  house  and  house  Lot  in  fee  (which  agreement  they 
could  in  no  wise  make  having  before  that  time  given  it  for  a  Parsonage)  however 
Mr.  Prudden  staid  with  them  the  ten  years  and  afterwards  by  another  agreement 
dated  the  29th  September  1693  the  said  Mr.  Prudden  in  consideration  of  other 
lands  given  him  by  that  Town  by  way  of  exchange  conveyed  the  Parsonage 
house  &  land  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  Town  to  hold  as  a  Parsonage  to  the 
use  benefit  &  behoof  of  the  ministry  to  them  &  their  heirs  forever. 

During  all  this  time  they  had  not  been  able  to  erect  a  Church  or  public  building 
for  the  worship  of  God  but  usually  performed  the  same  in  the  Town  house  or 
County  Hall,  but  beginning  to  thrive  and  finding  themselves  in  a  capacity  to 
build  and  erect  a  church  on  the  13th  day  of  September  in  the  year  1698,  at  a 
town  meeting  the  deputed  nine  persons  (some  of  which  were  professed  Church- 
men &  some  Dissenters)  in  these  words  (viz.)  to  carry  on  the  work  of  a  Church 
or  meeting  house  and  to  see  the   same  truly  WEpleted   &  ended. 


OF  THE  State  of  In^ew  York.  1893 

Soon  after  this  vote  of  the  ToM'n,  in  the  year  1699  an  Act  of  General  Assembly 
was  made  to  enable  the  respective  towns  within  the  whole  province  to  build 
and  repair  their  meeting  houses  &  other  public  buildings  upon  which  they  laid 
aside  the  prosecution  of  building  according  to  the  said  Town  vote  and  took  hold 
of  the  said  Act  by  virtue  whereof  the  present  Church  was  built  and  erected 
in  the  middle  of  the  highway  in  the  main  street  and  distress  was  made  on  Church- 
men Quakers  Anabaptists  people  of  the  Dutch  Congregation  etc.  promiscuously 
for  the  payment   of  rates  towards  the   same  — 

But  before  this  time  conformable  to  instructions  from  his  late  Majesty  King 
William  to  the  Governor  for  the  encouragement  of  Religion  in  general  and'  the 
Established  Church  in  particular  and  to  settle  parishes  within  the  said  province 
in  the  year  1693  an  Act  of  General  Assembly  passed  whereby  it  was  enacted 
that  in  the  several  Cities  &  Counties  therein  mentioned  there  should  be  called 
and  Inducted  and  Established  a  sufficient  Protestant  minister  amongst  which  one 
was  to  be  for  Jamaica  and  the  two  adjacent  towns  and  another  for  Hempstead 
and  its  adjacent  towns  but  so  unhappy  was  this  province  as  to  remain  a  scattered 
people  without  any  true  Shepherd  till  the  year  1697  when  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey 
came  to  the  City  of  New  York,  however  that  act  remained  in  force  to  enable  any 
of  the  places  to  establish  and  induct  Orthodox  Ministers  when  they  could  obtain 
them  from  England,  no  other  being  intended  by  the  express  words  of  the  act 
as  is  conceived  neither  have  the  Dissenters  made  any  use  of  this,  believing  it  not 
to  suit  their  Church  Government.— 

Nevertheless  it  is  confessed  that  they  have  made  use  of  independent  and  some- 
times itinerant  preachers  in  no  wise  ordained,  out  of  pure  necessity  for  want  of 
Orthodox  preachers  and  out  of  the  same  necessity  Quakers  have  been  admitted 
into  offices  of  trust  at  Pennsylvania  without  taking  the  Oaths  and  Justices  of 
peace  in  the  province  of  New  York  to  perform  the  Office  of  Matrimony  (Though 
both  against  the  known  laws.) 

In  the  year  1702  came  from  England  the  Reverend  Patrick  Gordon  to  the 
Church  at  Jamaica  who  before  he  could  be  inducted  was  snatched  away  by  death 
from  those  people  to  their  unspeakable  loss  which  by  a  petition  signed  by  up- 
wards of  fifty  inhabitants  to  his  then  Excellency  Lord  Cornbury  (that  noble 
patron   of   the    church   here)    they   did    sufficiently   express   and    pray   his    Lordship 

to  give  such  direction  to  the   Rev.    Mr Vesey  that   they   might  have 

constant  lectures  amongst  them  until  that  loss  shall  be  made  up  to  them  by  her 
Majesty  which  would  tend  to  the  advancement  of  true  religion  and  the  best  of 
Churches  and  the  reconciling  their  unhappy  differences,  the  which  Mr.  Vesey 
■willingly  <&  faithfully  performed  till  the  year  1704  when  the  Rev.  Mr.  Urquhart 
was  established  &  inducted  in  the  said  Church  by  the  then  Governor  Lord  Corn- 
bury.  But  one  Mr.  Hubbard  an  Independent  Minister  being  then  in  possession 
of  the  Parsonage  house  his  Lordship  ordered  him  to  deliver  up  the  same  to  Mr. 
Urquhart  which  accordingly  was  done  quietly  and  peaceably  without  any  force 
and  was  enjoyed  peaceably  by  the  said  Mr.  Urquhart  for  several  years  and  the 
Independents  themselves  seemed  to  rest  satisfied  so  far  that  they  unanimously 
at  their  own  expence  built  themselves  a  Meeting  house  in  the  same  town  which 
they  now  use  and  enjoy. — 

In  the  year  1705  another  Act  of  General  Assembly  passed  for  the  better  ex- 
plaining it  more  effectual  putting  in  execution  the  former  act  for  settling  the 
Ministry  etc.  whereby  it  was  enacted  amongst  other  things  that  all  the  payments 
made  to  the  present  Incumbents  inducted  &  established  by  the  present  Governor 
and  to  all  and  every  the  incumbents  who  should  hereafter  be  presented  instituted 
and  inducted  for  the  maintenance  pursuant  to  the  said  act  should  be  made  by 
tTie    Church-wardens    in    the   Current    money    of   this   province. 

After  which  it  might  reasonably  have  been  expected  that  this  Church  would 
have  enjoyed  the  same  peace  as  the  Church  at  Hempstead  in  the  same  County 
and  other  the  Churches  settled  in  this  province  by  virtue  of  the  same  Acts  of 
Assembly  but  divisions  arising  &  parties  making  to  heap  up  Complaints  against 
his  Lordship  to  remove  him  from  his  Government  every  Act  of  Government  was 
to  be  nicely  scanned  and  amongst  the  rest  this  Order  of  his  Lordship  was  called 
an  arbitrary  &  unjust  Order  and  a  turning  a  man  out  of  his  possession  by  force 


1711 


IVll 


1894.-  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

(though  in  fact  no  force  was)  and  it  is  conceived  that  William  Urquhart  by 
his  induction  to  the  Church  must  take  all  that  belongs  to  it  particularly  the 
parsonage  so  that  Mr.  Hubbards  delivery  of  it  was  conceived  rightfull  &  what 
by  law  he  ought  to  have  done.  These  Clamours  stirred  up  the  more  rigid  and 
obstinate  of  the  Independents  to  claim  the  Church  as  built  by  them  the  majority 
in  number  to  the  Churchmen  but  nothing  was  attempted  against  the  Church  dur- 
ing that  noble  Lord's   Government. 

But  after  his  removal  by  the  arrival  of  Lord  Lovelace  That  Dormant  claim  of 
the  Independents  did  not  want  its  secret  aud  open  abettors  as  well  to  blacken 
the  Lord  Cornbury's  administration  in  that  particular  and  to  increase  the  number 
of  petitions  and  complaints  his  enemies  had  prepared  against  him  as  also  to 
destroy  the  established  Church  that  had  been  peaceably  enjoyed  so  many  years, 
accordingly  the  Chiefs  of  that  sect  in  1709  presented  a  Memorial  to  the  Lord 
Lovelace  praying  to  be  relieved  therein.  The  which  Mr.  Urquhart  fully  answered 
but  before  that  could  come  to  a  hearing  the  Lord  Lovelace  fell  sick  and  soon 
after  died,  nothing  being  detei'mined  in  the  matter.  Thus  the  affairs  of  this 
Church  stood  till  the  death  of  Mr.   Urquhart  who  died  in  August  the  same  year. 

After  the  death  of  Mr.  Urquhart  there  was  nothing  but  great  threatenings 
thundered  against  the  Church  and  parsonage  but  Col.  Ingoldesby  then  Lieut.  Gov- 
ernor of  this  Colony  recommended  to  the  adjacent  Ministers  to  serve  the  cure 
alternately  during  the  vacancy  which  they  did  willingly  at  their  own  expence  and 
in  the  meantime  the  widow  of  the  deceased  Mr.  Urquhart  was  suffered  to  live 
and  enjoy  the  benefit  of  the  parsonage  house  and  Glebe. 

No  sooner  was  her  Majesty  pleased  to  remove  Colonel  Ingoldsby  from  the 
Government  whereby  the  same  devolved  on  Col.  Gerhardus  Beekman  as  president 
of  the  Council,  but  the  very  next  day  being  the  11th  of  April  1710  several  of  the 
more  violent  of  that  sect  took  possession  of  the  Church  aud  forcibly  detained 
the  same  against  a  Justice  of  the  peace  who  came  pursuant  to  the  laws  in  that 
case  made  and  provided  and  recorded  the  Story  as  in  his  view  aud  committed  the 
offenders  who  afterwards  were  set  at  liberty  upon  their  recognizances  to  appear 
at  the  next  Sessions  at  which  time  they  appeared  and  were  by  the  Court  fined 
150  very  small  that  Though  there  were  six  ofilenders  all  their  fines  amounted  to  no 
more  than  Eighteen  shillings  which  was  put  upon  them  not  as  a  punishment  but 
rather  a  cautionary  admonition  not  to  attempt  anything  of  the  like  nature  for 
the  future  which  mild  dealing  was  so  far  from  having  any  effect  upon  the  Crimi- 
nals that  they  put  in  a  petition  to  the  President  and  Council  arraigning  the  Jus- 
tices of  the  Court  of  Sessions  in  passing  against  them  and  on  their  allegations 
alone  the  Justices  were  ordered  to  appear  by  their  Counsel  to  answer  before  the 
President  and  Council  concerning  what  they  had  judicially  done  in  their  full  Ses- 
sions and  the  Criminals  so  far  encouraged  as  to  have  their  several  fines  remitted 
them  and  the  Justices  dismissed  from  their  further  attendance  as  having  acted 
according  to  Law;  such  an  examination  as  this  is  unwarrantable  and  contrary  to 
the  known  laws  of  the  land  (as  we  are  advised)  and  of  dangerous  consequences  as 
taking  matters  out  of  the  ordinary  course  of  the  Law  by  which  only  they  ought 
to  be  examined  and  determined. 

After  this  usage  of  the  Justices  so  contrary  to  Law,  and  after  such  countenance 
to  the  Criminals  shown  by  the  President  &  Council,  it  may  easily  be  concluded 
the  Church  could  not  be  very  secure  from  the  further  attempts  of  such  bitter 
enemies  and  accordingly  after  the  arrival  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  the  present  min- 
ister but  before  his  actually  coming  to  the  place  they  entered  into  the  parsonage 
house  upon  the  possession  of  the  Widow  of  Mr.  Urquhart  who  lived  in  it  and 
kept  the  Widow  out  of  it  by  force  though  she  and  her  husband  had  been  in  pos- 
session of  the  same  about  Six  years  (though  we  have  since  very  great  reason  to 
believe  that  she  connived  at  their  entry  for  she  was  soon  afterwards  readmitted 
as  tenant  to  them  with  one  Wolsey  an  Independent  Student  and  approbationer 
who  has  married  the  Daughter  of  the  said  Widow  Urquhart)  and  after  Mr.  Poyer 
was  inducted  into  the  Church  the  Justice  repaired  upon  complaint  to  the  parsonage 
house  but  could  get  no  admittance  whereupon  a  second  record  of  forcible  detainer 
was  made  by  the  Justice  on  his  own  view  and  Warrant  issued  to  the  Sheriff  to 
apprehend   the   offenders   &   to   keep   them   till   they    should   be   delivered    by   due 


OF  THE   State  of  ITew  York.  1895 

course  of  law  but  the  Sheriff  who  had  been  lately  appointed  by  the  President  & 
Council  in  the  room  of  the  former  deceased  being  a  strong  Independent  told  the 
Justices  his  conscience  would  not  let  him  do  it  by  which  means  the  offenders  have 
as  yet  escaped  punishment  and  Mr.  Poyer  kept  out  of  his  possession  of  the  par- 
sonage and  glebe. 

And  here  it  may  not  be  improper  to  remember  that  in  February  1702  the  Church- 
wardens &  Vestrymen  the  major  part  of  which  were  Dissenters  called  Mr.  John 
Hubbard  aforesaid  to  be  Minister  of  the  said  precinct  but  he  never  officiated  and 
the  Lord  Cornbury  then  Governor  here  (knowing  the  said  William  Hubbard  not 
qualified  to  accept  of  the  said  call  and  that  the  Church-Wardens  &  Vestrymen 
had  lost  their  right  of  presenting  by  calling  an  unqualified  person)  on  the  arrival 
of  Mr.  Urquhart  in  the  year  1704  inducted  him  into  the  said  Church  &  parsonage 
which  act  of  his  Lordship  was  so  far  from  being  thought  irregular  that  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  by  the  before  recited  explanatory  Act  made  in  the  year  170.'5  al- 
lowed the  same  by  ordering  the  salary  to  him. 

In  a  short  time  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Urquhart  the  Churchwardens  &  vestry- 
men (though  new  ones  yet  all  independents)  in  the  same  manner  called  one  Mr. 
George  Macnish  a  Dissenting  Itinerant  preacher  who  being  as  much  if  not  more 
unqualified  to  accept  or  officiate  than  Mr.  Hubbard  the  present  Governor  Mr. 
Hunter  ordered  Mr.  Poyer  to  be  inducted  into  the  said  Church  and  its  ap- 
purtenances which  was  accordingly  done  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sharp  Chaplain  of  the 
forces  here  on  the  ISth  July  1710. 

Yet  notwithstanding  the  said  last  recited  Act  of  General  Assembly  that  enacted 
that  the  maintenance  should  be  paid  to  the  Incumbent  that  should  be  inducted  & 
established  the  Churchwardens  refuse  to  pay  Mr.  Poyer  who  is  qualified  according 
to  the  Act  any  maintenance  pursuant  to  the  same  (for  though  Mr.  Poyer  had 
duly  officiated  there  for  about  the  space  of  One  year  and  a  half  and  after  a  very 
tedious  &  expensive  voyage  with  his  family  in  a  Merchant  ship  and  being  cast 
ashore  with  the  ship  above  one  hundred  miles  from  his  parish  has  not  received 
one  penny  of  his  Salary  there  since  his  arrival  but  on  the  contrary  they  paid 
sixteen  pounds  certain  (and  we  believe  more  that  we  know  not  of)  of  the  money 
raised  by  the  said  Act  to  the  said  Mr.  McNish. 

This  is  the  unhappy  state  of  the  Church  of  Jamaica  in  the  Colony  of  New 
York  and  since  it  plainly  appears  that  the  claim  of  the  Independents  is  nothing 
but  their  rates  towards  the  building  of  the  Church  and  are  more  in  number  &  now 
also  in  power  (the  magistracy  Churchwardens  &  vestrymen  being  all  of  that  per- 
suasion) we  say,  since  we  have  no  other  claim  nor  ever  had  any  possession  accord- 
ing to  the  Establishments  made  by  the  Acts  of  Assembly  it  is  also  submitted  to 
your  Lordship  &  to  other  impartial  ryipredjudiced  and  judicious  persons  to  Judge 
of  a  right  to  a  Church  thus  built  and  thus  established  as  before  at  large  set 
forth. 

And  now  because  that  upon  so  firm  a  foundation  it  may  be  expected  that  Mr. 
Poyer  the  present  worthy  incumbent  of  this  unhappy  place  should  by  law  endeavour 
to  obtain  his  Salary  together  with  the  parsonage  house  and  lands  detained  from 
him  by  tlie  Independents  to  which  method  his  Excellency  Col.  Hunter  has 
encouraged  him  by  promising  him  to  be  at  the  expense  of  the  suit,  We  humbly 
crave  leave  to  offer  that  we  cannot  at  this  juncture  think  it  at  all  advisable  for 
him,  because  we  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  a  matter  of  that  consequence  ought 
not  to  be  in  such  a  manner  undertaken  without  the  express  directions  of  your 
Lordship  and  the  Honorable  Society  and  also  because  such  suit  must  be  commenced 
before  Judges  who  are  professed  implacable  enemies  to  the  Established  Church  — 
Judges  who  were  lately  advanced  in  the  room  of  others,  who  were  men  of  character 
and  true  friends  of  the  Church,  at  an  unlucky  time  when  they  were  actually 
doing  Justice  to  the  Church  in  this  particular,  and  we  could  heartily  have  wished 
that  his  Excellency  would  have  been  pleased  to  have  favoured  Mr.  Poyer's  petition 
by  writing  to  those  new  officers  to  enforce  them  in  their  duty  and  hope  such 
admonitions  would  have  had  a  good  influence  on  them  thougli  indeed  justice 
from  these  new  judges  may  scarcely  be  expected  after  the  acting  of  three  of  them 
who  upon  Mr.  Poyer's  complaint  against  the  Church  Wardens  for  the  nonpayment 
of  his   first   quarters   salary  gave   Judgment   against   him   and   ordered   him   to   pay 


1711 


1711 


1896  Ecclesiastical  Records 

costs,  in  which  trial  they  denied  all  authority  from  England  in  Spiritual  matters 
neither  is  it  possible  to  get  an  impartial  Jury  in  that  County  where  all  are  con- 
cerned in  the  event  and  the  greater  number  of  them  stiff  Independents. 

The  reasons,  may  it  please  your  Lordship,  that  induced  us  to  send  this  repre- 
sentation, are  drawn  from  the  certain  ruin  that  the  loss  of  this  cause  will 
eventually  bring  upon  the  established  Church  in  the  whole  Government  of  New 
York,  and  which  cannot  want  its  bad  influences  upon  the  Church  in  all  the 
adjacent  Colony's  especially  the  Jersies  &  Pennsylvania;  for  if  upon  the  death 
of  Mr.  Urquhart  who  was  so  firmly  established  by  two  acts  of  General  Assembly 
and  after  about  six  years  quiet  possession  the  salary  &  parsonage  may  immediately 
be  seized  (with  impunity)  and  enjoyed  as  they  are  by  these  Independents,  why 
may  not  the  rest  of  the  said  places  in  the  said  Provinces  (which  do  all  stand 
upon  the  same  foot)  on  the  death  or  avoidance  of  the  present  Incumbents  be  in 
like  manner  invaded  by  them  and  in  a  little  time  that  if  it  was  to  be  suffered 
will  breed  infinite  confusion  and  the  dispute  will  be  which  of  the  Dissenters  are 
most  numerous  for  to  them  according  to  this  practice  such  vacancys  will  belong 
and  consequently  the  Quakers  Anabaptists  etc.  (these  exceeding  in  numbers  in 
some  places)  will  come  in  for  a  share. 

We  beg  your  Lordship  to  believe  that  nothing  herein  contained  is  designed  as 
the  least  refiection  upon  any  person  it  being  only  the  true  plain  matter  of  fact 
and  which  we  could  not  out  of  due  regard  to  the  interests  of  the  Church  &  to 
your  Lordships  omit  the  transmitting  to  your  Lordship  that  if  the  said  effect  we 
justly  fear  should  happen  to  be  the  consequence  of  these  things  We  may  clear 
ourselves  before  God  &  man  as  having  done  what  was  possible  for  us  to  prevent  it. 

All  of  which  is  humbly  submitted  to  your  Lordships  prudent  consideration  by 

May  it  please  your  Lordship  your  Lordship's  most  dutiful  and  obedient  Sons  and 
humble  Servants, 

Thos.  Poyer,  Rector  of  the  parish  of  Jamaica  &  precinct. 

Wm.   Vesey,  Rector  of  the  parish  of  New  York. 

Jno.  Bartow,   Rector  of  the  parish  &  precinct  of  Westchester. 

Evan  Evans,  Rector  of  Philadelphia. 

John  Talbot,  of  Burlington. 

Aneas  McKenzie,  of  Staten  Island. 

Jacob  Henderson,  Minister  of  Dover  hundred 

John  Thomas,  Rector  of  Hempstead. 

New  York,  13th  November,  1711.— Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  139-144.  [See 
Jan.  30,  1712.] 


Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

l^ov.  29,  lYll.  p.  127.  §  12. 

Anotlier  from  Mr.  Haeger,  dated  Ansbury  August  15,  1711, 
importing  that  since  his  last  by  Mr.  Dnpre  he  has  lived  in  the 
woods  among  the  Palatines,  and  been  forced  to  perform  his 
functions  under  the  open  heavens,  but  is  now  by  the  direction  of 
the  Gov.  marching  toward  Canada  mth  3000  men;  sends  a  list  of 
those  Palatines  that  live  in  the  villages,  and  their  spiritual  state 

to  the  25th  of  June That  he  has  baptized  an  Indian, 

having  with  great  diihculty  instructed  him,  who  has  made  open 
confession  of  his  faith  and  lastly  that  he  has  begun  to  learn  the 
Indian  tono;ue  and  has  writ  a  little  vocabularv  therein. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoek.  1897 

Church  of  ISTew  Yoek. 

Dec.  13,  lYll. 

The  time  when  the  Deacons  and  Church  Masters  give  in  their 
accounts.  After  prayer  Consistory  opened,  and  it  was  unani- 
mously Resolved, 

1.  That  the  Account-Book  of  the  Elders,  now  almost  full,  be 
transcribed  by  Mr.  Cruger,  some  errors  having  been  found  therein. 

2.  That  the  Elders'  accounts  —  Mr.  Huige  attended  to  the 
small  matters  —  be  kept  in  a  new  book  of  the  best  kind.  Col. 
Jac.  van  Kortland  and  Mr.  Jan  Kruger  will  be  consulted 
thereupon. 

3.  That  henceforth  the  books  of  Elders,  Deacons  and  Church 
Masters  shall  no  longer  be  kept  in  guilders,  but  in  pounds,  shill- 
ings and  pence. 

—  Lib.  B.  41. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Rev.  Peter  Yas,  Dec.  22,  1711. 
Reverend,  Godly  and  Highly  Learned  Sir,  and  Brother: — 

We  have  safely  received  your  letter  of  May  27,  1711,  and 
have  learned  from  it  that  you  have,  after  having  passed  through 
many  dangers,  not  only  safely  arrived  with  all  (the  others,)  but 
also  have  been  received  with  much  love  and  good  will  by  the 
church  of  Engston.  ^Ye  heard  this  with  peculiar  joy  and  satis- 
faction. The  Lord  spare  you  with  continual  health,  and  make 
your  labors  fruitful  in  that  church  to  the  salvation  of  many.  We 
have  also  learned  %vith  pleasure  that  the  church  of  Kingston  is 
very  ready  to  refund  the  money  which  the  Classis  advanced  on 
occasion  of  your  call,  as  soon  as  she  shall  be  notified  by  us  of 
the  amount  of  our  claims.  You  will  take  notice,  therefore,  that 
of  the  two  hundred  and  fifty  fiorins  which  Classis  received  from 
Kingston,  ten  were  at  one  time  taken  for  a  small  Classical  meet- 
ing.    The  same  amount  was  also  taken  from  each  of  two  other 


1711 


1711- 
1760 


1898  Ecclesiastical  Records 

churclies  under  our  care;  so  that  there  is  still  left  two  hundred 
and  forty  florins. 

For  your  examination,  ordination,  etc.,  the  Eev.  Classis  has 
charged  only  one  hundred  florins.  We  have  loaned  to  you  for 
your  transportation  and  other  traveling  expenses  the  sum  of  three 
hundred  florins,  making  four  hundred  florins  in  all.  Of  this  two 
hundred  and  forty  florins  have  been  received  in  payment.  There 
remains  therefore,  one  hundred  and  sixty  florins  due  us.  This 
sum,  as  it  has  been  advanced  from  our  treasury,  in  which  the 
widows  and  children  of  our  deceased  pastors  have  an  interest,  we 
shall  expect  at  the  proper  time.  And  while  you  generously  offer 
to  settle  this  business,  the  Kev.  Classis  has  directed  us  to  thank 
you  heartily  therefor. 

HoUebeck. 
December  22,  1711. 

John  Conkad  Weiser. —  The  Palatines. 
1711-1760. 

John  Conrad  Weiser,  son  of  Jacob  Weiser,  was  a  magistrate  of  the  village  of 
Great  Anstach,  in  the  Duchy  of  Wirtemburg,  in  Germany,  and  married  Anna 
Magdalena  Uebele,  by  whom  he  had  fifteen  children.  She  dying  in  1709,  he  left 
his  country,  and  landed,  with  the  major  part  of  his  family,  in  New  York,  in  June, 
1710.  Thence  he  was  sent,  with  a  number  of  other  Palatines,  to  Livingston 
Manor,  where  he  again  married  in  1711.  Government  having  withdrawn  all 
assistance  from  the  Palatines,  in  1713,  they  sent  John  Christ.  Puchs,  Hartman 
Winedecljer,  John  Peter  Kneskern,  John  Christ.  Gerlach,  Hans  George  Schmidt 
and  Mr.  Weiser,  as  deputies  to  the  Mohawk  Indians  for  permission  to  settle  in 
Schoharie,  whither  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  families  removed  in  1714.  The 
lands  having  been  granted  to  others,  great  confusion  ensued,  as  the  Palatines 
refused  to  hold  under  the  patentees,  and  appealed  to  the  Government  in  England, 

to  which  country  Captain  Weiser,   William   Scheff  and   Walrath  proceeded, 

to  lay  their  case  at  the  foot  of  the  Throne.  They  secretly  embarked  at  Phila- 
delphia in  1718,  but  on  the  voyage  fell  into  the  hands  of  pirates  who  robbed 
them  of  their  all  and  then  set  them  free,  when  they  put  into  Boston  to  procure 
necessaries.  On  arriving  in  London  they  found  themselves  penniless  and  forced 
to  contract  debts.  The  consequence  was,  Weiser  and  Scheff  were  thrown  into 
prison,  from  which  they  were  afterwards  released  only  by  a  remittance  from  New 
York.  Scheff  and  Weiser  quarreled  whilst  in  London.  The  former  returned  to 
America  in  1721  and  died  shortly  after.  Weiser  returned  in  1723.  Some  of  the 
Palatines  removed  to  Stone  Arabia,  some  remained  at  Schoharie,  but  the  major 
part  of  them  crossed  the  forests  to  the  head  waters  of  the  Susquehanna  where 
they  built  canoes  and  floated  down  that  river  to  Swatara,  on  the  head  waters  of 
which  and  of  the  Tulpehocken  they  settled  on  Indian  lands  now  comprising  part 
of  Berks  and  Lebanon  counties.  Captain  Weiser  died  on  the  13th  of  July,  1760. 
Abridged  from  Collections  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  i.,  1-6. —  Col. 
Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  p.  575.     His  life  has  recently  been  written. 


OF  THE  State  of  IiTew  York.  1899 


1712 


Coll..  Moreis  to  the  Society  for  Propagatii^-g  the  Gospel. 

New  York,  New  Yearsday,  1711.     [Jan.  1,  1712.] 

"Mr.   Boyse  complains  that  lie  has  given  bond  for  some  books 

to  the  Society  for  the  Library  at  Harlem  which  Mr.  Poyer  has  and  detains  from 
him  having  given  bonds  for  the  same  books.  Having  mentioned  Mr.  Poyer  it 
naturally  leads  me  to  give  you  some  account  of  the  Church  at  Jamaica  on  Long 
Island,  it  being  under  his  care;  there  is  a  great  disagreement  there  between  the 
Church  and  the  Dissenters  about  the  Church  and  the  parsonage  house  each  calling 
them  theirs  the  parsonage  house  was  in  the  possession  of  the  Dissenters  till  some- 
time after  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Urquhart  and  the  Dissenters  were  put  out  of 
possession  by  a  Warrant  from  my  Lord  Cornbury  without  any  more  ado;  this 
short  way  of  proceeding  so  contrary  to  law  very  much  alarmed  the  Dissenters 
and  encreased  their  prejudices  against  the  Church;  Urquhart  was  not  long  lived, 
after  his  death  his  Widow's  Daughter  by  another  husband  marries  a  dissenting 
minister  who  was  put  by  his  mother-in-law  into  possession  of  the  parsonage 
house  and  grounds;  the  fraud  of  this  woman  was  a  great  surprise  to  those  of  the 
Church  and  added  fresh  fuel  to  those  flames  that  before  raged  with  too  much 
fury. 

"  I'm  told  some  of  them  expected  Coll.  Hunter  would  take  the  same  short 
method  in  their  favor  that  was  done  before;  which  because  he  will  not  do  they 
are  forming  representations  against  him;  I  hope  Mr.  Poyer  has  more  prudence  & 
Justice  than  to  be  concerned  in  them  for  to  my  knowledge  neither  the  Church  of 
that  place  nor  he  in  particular  have  any  reasons  to  arraign  Coll.  Hunter's 
conduct  in  that  affair;  I  was  present  when  he  told  me  (and?)  the  two  great  patrons 
of  the  Dissenters,  that  he  thought  the  Church  had  the  fairest  claim;  That  it 
being  a  matter  of  property  it  must  be  decided  in  a  regular  course  of  law,  in 
which  Mr.  Poyer  should  have  his  [Hunter's]  purse  for  the  carrying  of  it  on;  he 
has  often  repeated  this  to  Mr.  Poyer  &  pressed  him  to  bring  it  on;  assured  him 
of  all  the  countenance  and  assistance,  whatsoever,  that  it  was  reasonable, 
especially  money;  but  whatever  is  the  matter  they  do  not  care  to  do  it. 

"  One  of  the  leading  men  among  them  hinted  to  me  that  they  durst  not  trust 
the  officers;  I  desired  him  to  make  the  matter  known  to  the  Governor  who  wonld 
redress  what  was  amiss.  I  brought  him  to  the  Governor;  he  was  five  hours  with 
him,  nobody  else  being  there  but  myself;  he  had  an  opportunity  to  make  what 
representations  he  pleased  and  ask  what  favors  he  thought  tit;  he  recommended 
a  person  to  be  high  Sheriff  of  the  County,  which  person  the  Governor  accepted 
of  and  assured  him  he  would  be  very  ready  to  put  fit  persons  into  office  when 
men  of  Character  would  let  him  know  who  were  such;  and  I  must  do  him  the 
Justice  to  say  he  has  on  all  occasions  shewed  his  readiness  to  promote  the 
interest  of  the  Church  and  I  believe  will  prove  as  great  or  a  greater  Encourager  of 
it  than  any  person  we  have  had  in  his  station." —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp. 
144,  145. 

Coll.  Heathcote  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for 
Propagating  the  Gospel. 

New   York,   January   5,    1711.      [1712.] 

"As  for  the  disturbances  at  Jamaica,  which  his  (the  Governor's) 

enemies  endeavor  so  much  to  improve  to  his  disadvantage,  I  told  you  in  my 
last,  it  was  their  own  faults  that  matter  was  not  determined  before  now  in 
favor  of  the  Church;  because  they  might  if  they  pleased  have  been  relieved  long 
ago;  the  Governor  having  in  my  hearing  offered  Mr.  Poyer  to  assist  him  with 
money  for  carrying  on  that  suit  at  his  own  charge  and  that  not  only  through  this 
province,  but  to  England,  if  need  was;  this  was  done  at  Jamaica  in  presence  of 
one  of  the  Dissenting  Ministers,  and  several  others,  in  that  interest;  and  some- 
time after  that,  happening  to  meet  Mr.  Poyer  at  Westchester,  I  asked  his  reasons 


1712 


1900  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

for  not  accepting  of  that  generous  offer  that  the  Goyernor  had  made  him;  his 
answer  was  that  he  doubted  of  Justice  from  those  in  place.  I  told  him  he  need 
not  be  under  any  difficulties  as  to  that  part,  for  if  he  and  his  friends  would 
recommend  such  persons  as  were  honest  and  good  men,  and  from  whom  Justice 
might  with  some  assurance  be  expected,  I  was  well  satisfied  Coll.  Hunter  would 
commissionate  them,  he  having  already  done  the  same  on  Staten  Island,  where 
by  a  mistake  several  who  was  not  well  wishers  to  the  Church  were  in  authority; 
and  upon  Mr.  McKensie's  representing  his  misfortune  by  Coll.  Morris  to  the 
Government,  a  new  set  of  Oflicers  were  appointed  and  such  only  as  were  friends 
to  the  Church,  and  all  things  made  easy  to  his  satisfaction;  and  this  account  I 
had  myself  from  Mr.  Mackenzie. 

Now  if  Mr.  Poyer  and  his  friends  could  have  been  prevailed  upon  to  have  taken 
the  same  measures,  as  his  cause  is  undoubtedly  very  just  &  reasonable,  he 
would  have  run  no  manner  of  risk  in  bringing  it  to  trial;  so  I  was  entirely  of 
opinion  it  should  be  determined  as  soon  as  it  conveniently  could,  by  those  rules 
the  law  prescribed;  and  that  I  should  never  (allow)  the  Government  to  make  use 
of  an  arbitrary  and  illegal  power  to  serve  either  Church  or  State,  which  would 
not  only  leave  the  matter  still  doubtful,  but  instead  of  serving  bring  a  scandal 
upon  the  Church;  for  that  the  warrant  which  my  Lord  Cornbury  was  pleased  to 
direct  to  Mr.  Cardwell,  then  High  Sheriff  of  that  County,  to  dispossess  the 
dissenting  Minister  of  the  Parsonage  house,  without  any  form  or  due  course  of 
law  did  the  Church  more  hurt  than  can  easily  be  imagined.  Mr.  Poyer  seemed 
extremely  well  satisfied  with  what  I  had  proposed,  and  gave  me  reason  to  believe 
he  would  proceed  in  the  manner  as  I  had  advised  him;  but  having  since  heard 
nothing  from  him,  I  can't  but  suppose  he  is  diverted  from  his  good  resolutions 
by  some,  who,  rather  than  Coll.  Hunter,  should  do  anything  which  might  manifest 
his  zeal  and  affection  to  the  Church;  the  service  should  remain  undone,  and  her 
interest  suffer:  this  their  refusal  is  a  plain  demonstration  they  are  desirous  to 
keep  up  the  flame;  to  make  use  of  a  handle  to  clamour  withall;  and  many  good 
and  well  meaning  men,  both,  of  the  Clergy  and  Laity,  who  do  not  rightly  under- 
stand that  affair,  are  by  designing  men  and  unfair  representations,  led  into  an 
ill  opinion  of  that  Gentleman  on  that  account." —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp. 
145,  146. 

Gov.  HUNTEE  TO  THE  ReV.  Mr.  PoYER. 

New  York,  January  26th,   1711.    [1712.] 

Sir: —  Though  I  have  as  often  as  I  have  had  opportunitys  intreated  you  to 
let  me  know  wherein  I  could  relieve  you  from  the  hardships  you  have  complained 
of,  yet  the  assurances  I  have  given  you  that  I  would  to  the  utmost  of  my  power 
exert  myself  in  your  favor,  have  met  with  as  lukewarm  a  reception  as  the 
offers  of  my  purse  to  Carry  on  a  Suite  at  Law  against  any  persons  who  may 
have  opposed  the  Churches  and  your  Interest  in  your  Parish,  if  I  may  judge  by 
the  effects  they  have  produced,  for  as  to  the  one  you  have  not  thought  fit  to 
commence  any  Suite  nor  that  I  yet  hear  to  make  any  step  towards  it,  and  as 
to  the  other  your  Complaints  have  been  only  in  generall  that  your  Stipend  is  not 
paid,  I  Desire  therefore  that  you  will  give  me  your  answer  forthwith  to  these 
following  questions  that  I  may  be  particularly  Informed  of  the  state  of  your 
Case  and  be  enabled  to  possess  the  Bishop  of  London  with  it  Likewise. 

1.  Are  the  Vestrymen  and  Church  wardens  Chosen  pursuant  to  the  act? 

2.  Have  the  Vestrymen  and  Justices  laid  a  reasonable  tax  for  the  ministers 
Salary? 

3.  If  they  have  neglected  to  do  it  have  the  Justices  or  any  two  of  them,  don 
it  after  such  neglect  as  they  arc  directed? 

4.  If  any  default  or  neglect  has  been  made  by  the  Vestrymen  and  Justices  or 
any  of  them  have  you  or  anybody  else  informed  against  them  if  you  have  have 
the  fflnes  been  Collected,  if,  neither  you  nor  nobody  else  have  informed  why  has 
it  been  neglected? 


OF  THE  State  of  ]SI"ew  Yoek.  1901 

5.  If  a  tax  has  been  laid  and  a  Roll  made  out  have  ye  Constables  Collected  it 
if  they  have  has  it  been  by  them  paid  to  the  Church  wardens,  if  they  have  not, 
have  they  been  informed  against  and  the  fines  Levyed  if  not  why  has  it  been 
neglected.  Have  the  Church  wardens  received  the  Tax  or  any  and  what  part  of 
it,  and  have  they  paid  you  anything  and  how  much  and  what  remains  unpaid,  if 
they  have  received  any  part  of  this  Tax  and  have  not  paid  it  to  you,  why  do 
you  not  inform  against  or  prosecute  them  for  the  penalty  inflicted  for  each  de- 
fault? 

I  am,   Reverend  Sir,   Yours, 

Ro.    Hunter. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.  p.   146.     Also  Col.   Docs.    N.   Y.  v.   326. 


Eev.  Mr,  Foyer's  Aiv'swer  to  Got.  Hunter. 

Jan.    30,    1712. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  In  Obedience  to  your  Excellency's  Letter  of  the 
26th  Instant,  I  humbly  say,  that  it  is  with  ye  greatest  Concern  I  find  myself  taxed 
with  a  Lukewarmness  towards  your  Excellency's  kind  offers  for  my  Reliefe  from 
ye  hardships  I  have  long  lain  under. 

The  frequent  applications  I  have  formerly  made  to  your  Excellency  proving 
ineffectual,  have  obliged  me  patiently  to  sit  down  under  the  burden  of  them 
for  about  fifteen  months  Last  past  without  the  least  complaint,  but  whether 
these  applications  were  particular  or  too  general!,  I  humbly  refer  your  Excellency 
to  the  memorialls  &  petitions  I  have,  in  relation  to  this  matter  presented  to  you, 
by  which  I  hope  it  will  appear  (with  all  submission  to  your  Excellency)  that  I 
have  exerted  myself  in  this  affair  with  a  zeal  suitable  to  my  function,  and  nothing 
inconsistent  with  that,  will,  I  presume,  be  expected  from  me. 

The  Commencing  of  a  Suit  at  Law  on  this  particular  is  of  the  greatest  Con- 
sequence, as  affecting  all  the  Parochial  Churches  within  this  Province  which  are 
established  upon  ye  same  foundation  and  therefore  I  acquaint  your  Excellency 
when  you  was  pleased  to  make  that  kind  and  generous  offer  of  your  purse  to 
support  it,  that  I  could  not  putt  a  matter  of  so  general  Concern  in  action  without 
the  advice  and  Directions  of  my  Diocesan,  and  of  the  Venerable  Society  for 
propagating  the  Gospel,  to  whose  Judgement  I  have  long  since  submitted  the  whole 
affair. 

I  have  Considered  of  the  Several  Questions  which  your  Excellency  is  pleased  to 
desire  me  to  answer,  &  I  humbly  conceive  that  they  all  relate  to  ye  Duty  of  the 
Several  oflicers  impowered  by  ye  acts  of  assembly  to  Raise  ye  money  for  ye 
minister  and  poor,  therefore  do  with  all  submission  refer  your  Excellency  to 
ye  Justices  of  Peace  who  can  fully  Inform  your  Excellency  of  their  proceedings, 
and  also  of  the  Church  wardens.  Vestrymen  and  other  ofQcers  Concerned  therein, 
and  of  the  Severall  Defaults  or  neglects,  any  persons  have  been  guilty  of  in  ye 
Execution  of  those  acts,  out  of  their  books  In  which  (I  suppose)  is  entered  all 
ye  transactions  relating  to  ye  whole  matter  your  Excellencys  Questions  seem  to 
enquire  of,  and  I  do  assure  your  Excellency  I  have  not  receives  one  ffarthing  of 
my  sallary  dues  by  vertue  of  those  acts  since  my  Induction. 

This,  I  humbly  hope  joyn'd  with  ye  memorials  and  Petitions  I  formerly  pre- 
ferr'd,  will  sufficiently  inform  your  Excellency  of  the  state  of  my  case,  and  answer 
your  Excellency's  end,  since  that  is  already  transmitted  to  ye  Lord  Bishop  of 
London   by 

May  it  please  your  Excellency 

Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

Jamaica,    January    30th,    1711/12.  Thos.    I  oyer. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  146,  147.     Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  v.  327. 


1712 


1712 


1902  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Coll.  Heathcote  to  tpie  Secketaey  of  the  Society  foe, 
psopagatiistg  the  gospel. 

New  Yort  January  30tli,  1711.  [1712.] 
Sir: —  Since  my  last  of  the  5tli  Inst.  I  liave  had  the  surprising  account  of  a 
Representation,  drawn  up  by  some  of  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Clergy,  concerning 
the  State  of  the  Ciiurch  at  Jamaica;  wherein  they  have  laid  the  blame  of  those 
misfortunes  on  Coll.  Hunter's  ill  conduct.  If  the  information  we  have  relating  to 
this  matter  are  true,  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Clergy  must  unwarily  be  led  into 
that  matter,  being  otherwise  impossible  so  many  good  men  could  be  guilty  of 
so  great  a  mistake.  It  is  true  when  some  of  the  alterations  were  made  in  some 
of  the  Officers  in  that  County,  on  which  the  Government  Enemies  would  charge 
the  Church's  ruin  there,  I  was  not  a  little  surprised  at  it  myself,  and  was  of 
that  mind  for  some  time,  until  Coll.  Hunter  convinced  me  both  by  words  and 
actions,  that  what  he  did  was  for  want  of  thorough  knowledge  of  the  tempers  of 
those  who  had  advised  him  to  it;  and  assured  me,  if  they  would  but  for  a  while 
be  easy  under  it,  they  should  be  restored,  or  have  others  to  their  satisfaction, 
and  of  this  they  were  told;  however,  designing  men  have  ever  since  kept  up 
the  flame,  and  have  made  them  take  contrary  resolutions,  notwithstanding  the 
pains  that  others  besides  myself  have  taken  with  them  on  that  account,  as  my 
letters  by  this  conveyance  to  the  Society  will  inform  you;  had  the  Intent  of  the 
representation  had  no  other  plot  than  to  have  procured  peace  to  the  Church  in 
Jamaica,  &  to  have  served  her  interest  there,  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Clergy  would 
have  been  councilled  and  have  taken  therein  the  advice  of  the  members  of  the 
Society  in  these  parts;  and  the  first  and  most  regular  step  would  have  been  to 
have  laid  it  before  the  Governor,  and  if  no  relief  was  to  be  had  on  this  side 
of  the  water,  then  to  have  applied  home  for  it;  and  had  they  been  pleased  to 
put  it  to  this  issue,  neither  the  Society,  the  Clergy,  nor  we,  should  have  any 
trouble  in  this  matter;  because  long  before  any  representation  was  made,  Mr. 
Foyer  had  all  the  fair  offers  in  order  to  his  relief  he  could  desire;  of  which  I 
have  been  particular  in  my  letters  by  the  mast  fleet,  and  this  conveyance;  I 
have,  since  my  being  informed  of  this  representation,  endeavoured  to  inform 
myself  the  best  manner  I  could  concerning  that  affair  which  is  as  followeth: 

When  Mr.  Poyer  first  arrived  in  this  province,  bringing  with  him  the  Bishop 
of  London's  Letter,  that  he  had  sent  him  from  [for?]  Jamaica,  Coll.  Hunter  did 
immediately  thereupon  give  him  induction;  but  Mr.  Urquhart's  Widow  who  was 
then  in  possession  of  the  Parsonage  house  did  b.y  a  Wile  deliver  up  the  same 
to  the  Dissenters;  upon  which  Mr.  Poyer  coming  to  town  and  acquainting  the 
Governor  therewith,  he  sent  for  the  Chief  Justice,  Mr.  Mompesson,  and  desired 
his  advice;  upon  that  occasion  being  very  desirous  to  serve  the  Church  in  the 
best  manner  he  could  the  Chief  Justice  having  taken  sometime  to  consider  of  it, 
gave  under  his  hand  that  it  was  not  safe  or  advisable  for  the  Governor  to  con- 
cern himself  therein,  for  that  the  dispossessing  of  them  otherwise  than  by  a  due 
course  of  law  was  a  high  crime  and  misdemeanour,  as  was  decreed  by  my  Lord 
Staffords  case.  Coll.  Hunter  did  thereupon  send  the  Judges  opinion  to  Mr.  Poyer, 
and  prayed  him  to  proceed  in  that  manner,  and  that  he  would  at  his  own  expense 
support  him  in  it;  some  time  after  Mr.  Poyer  came  to  complain  of  the  Justices, 
and  that  he  was  in  want  of  his  Salary  and  could  get  no  warrant  from  them  for  it; 
upon  which  the  Governor  commanded  them  to  Town,  who  to  excuse  themselves, 
brought  under  the  Collectors  hands  that  there  was  no  money  in  Bank;  His 
Excellency  did  then  not  only  reprimand,  but  with  great  earnestness  expostulate 
with  them  at  the  unreasonableness  of  not  answering  Mr.  Foyer's  Salary;  and 
told  them  that  it  was  impossible  the  Act  could  mean  any  otherwise  than  to 
support  a  minister  of  the  Church;  and  that  they  ought  for  their  own  sakes  take 
some  speedy  care  in  that  matter,  for  that  he  would  assist  Mr.  Poyer  with  his 
purse  to  carry  on  the  suit  not  only  through  this  Province,  but  to  England  if 
need  was;  and  calling  for  Pen  Ink  and  Paper  did  while  the  Justice  was  there, 
write  to  Mr.  Poyer,  pressing  him  to  begin  the  suit  without  loss  of  time;  and 
after  sealing  the  letter  offering  it  to  one  of  the  Justices  to  deliver  to  Mr.   Poyer, 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1903 

he  begged  it  might  be  sent  by  some  other  hand,  it  being  hard  for  him  to  carry 
his  own  accusation;  and  one  Mr.  Regner  happening  to  be  there  told  the  Governor 
he  was  going  to  Jamaica;  so  the  letter  was  sent  l)y  him;  sometime  happening  to 
be  at  that  place  witli  Coll.  Hunter,  I  went  with  him  to  pay  Mr.  Poyer  a  visit, 
who  was  then  sick;  when  the  Governor  took  the  opportunity  again  to  press  him 
to  issue  that  affair  by  a  due  course  of  law,  and  that  he  should  have  all  the 
assistance  by  money  or  otherwise  in  his  power  to  give  him;  this  was  done  in  the 
presence  of  a  dissenting  Minister  who  lives  in  Jamaica,  and  many  others;  in  that 
Interest  and  afterwards,  meeting  with  Mr.  Poyer  at  West  Chester,  I  used  all 
the  arguments  I  was  master  of  to  prevail  with  him  to  be  of  the  Governors  mind, 
and  that  if  he  would  let  me  know  what  alteration  was  needful  among  the  officers, 
that  he  might  not  want  all  the  fair  justice  he  could  desire,  and  I  would  endeavour 
to  have  such  as  he  recommended  appointed;  while  I  talked  with  him  he  was  of 
my  mind,  but  after  a  little  while  he  altered  his  opinion;  I  am  truly  concerned  for 
this  very  great  misfortune,  because  I  have  a  great  value  and  veneration  for  all 
those  gentlemen  of  the  Clergy  who  I  am  informed  are  concerned  in  this  representa- 
tion     —  Doc.   Hist.   N.    y.    Vol.   iii.   pp.    147,   148. 

Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Seceetaey  of  the  Society  foe 
Propagating  the  Gospel. 

New  York,  February  4th.  1711.  [1712.] 
Sir: — I  am  informed  since  writing  the  above  that  the  Church  at  Jamaica  is 
of  late  very  much  strengthened  by  a  violent  division  which  hath  for  a  considerable 
time  been  raging  among  the  Dutch  in  some  of  the  neighboring  towns  concerning 
their  minister  of  whom  they  have  two  and  their  heats  being  grown  to  that  degree 
that  there  is  now  no  hones  of  a  reconciliation  many  of  those  people  have  joined 
Mr.  Poyer's  Church  *  which  has  not  only  increased  the  number  of  the  auditors 
but  his  Communicants  are  augmented  and  if  any  effectual  method  can  be  found 
to  bring  over  the  English  in  his  parish  he  would  have  a  noble  Congregation  there 
being  I  believe  r.bout  eight  thousand  Souls  in  his  parish  and  is  large  enough  for 
two  or  three  churches  would  the  people  conform.  I  could  not  omit  telling  you  this 
piece  of  news  and  to  assure  you  that  I  am  etc. 

Caleb   Heathcote. 

Dutch  Chuech  of  Xew  Yoek.     Febeuaey  8  and  27,  1711-12. 

(1712.) 

Rules  for  Succession  to  Seats  in  Chiirch. 


1712 


Consistory  met,  and  called  upon  God's  name.  It  was  Resolved 
unanimouslv  to  make  known  to  the  congregation  the  following 
Regulations : 

:rotice. 

of  the  Rev.  Consistory  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church, 
in  the  City  of  'New  York,  in  America,  to  all  and  every  one  of  the 
same  Church,  whom  it  may  concern, 

All  blessing  and  salvation  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord: 
Inasmuch  as,  at  a  meeting  of  Elders,  Deacons  and  Church- 

*  Referring  to  the  difSculties  between  Messrs.   Freeman  and  Antonides  in  Kings 
County,   See  ante.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  149. 


1712 


1904  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Masters,  held  February  8th  it  was  unanimously  Resolved,  That 
for  the  better  order  and  edification  of  the  congregation,  certain 
Rules  should  be  made  for  the  giiidance  of  the  Church  Masters 
in  the  sale  of  sittings  in  the  Church,  for  men  and  women;  which 
Rules,  according  to  a  draught,  made  and  presented  by  the  Church- 
Masters,  were  approved  by  the  Consistory,  and  ordered  to  be 
read  before  the  congregation,  and  afterwards  to  be  af&xed  to  the 
Church  doors,  and  to  be  carefully  observed  by  the  Church 
Masters: 

Therefore,  the  following  Articles,  having  been  unanimously 
approved  and  confirmed  in  the  said  meeting,  we  do  now  hereby 
publish  the  same  to  the  Christian  Congregation,  to  the  end  that 
each  and  all  may  know  them,  and  conform  to  them,  as  they  mil 
be  enforced  by  the  Church  Masters,  as  follows : 

1712,  February  27.     Rules  for  the  better  Order  and  Welfare 
of  the  Congregation, 

1.  No  one  shall  have  a  preference  by  virtue  of  relationship, 
in  buying  the  seat  of  a  deceased  person,  except  in  the  case  of 
parents,  grandparents,  brothers  and  sisters. 

2.  That  in  case  any  person,  either  in  this  or  the  neighboring 
Provinces,  having  such  rights,  shall  neglect  for  three  months,  or 
if  out  of  the  country,  for  one  year,  to  apply  to  the  Church- 
Masters, —  they  may  then  dispose  of  such  seats  to  others,  whether 
relations  of  the  former  occupants,  now  deceased,  or  not. 

3.  'No  seat  shall  be  granted  by  the  Church-Masters  to  children 
under  ten  years  of  age,  unless  it  be  the  seat  of  father  or  mother, 
sister  or  brother. 

4.  Members  shall  have  preference  for  seats  over  those  who  are 
not  members. 

5.  ISTo  seats  of  persons  not  living  shall  be  kept  open  (for  sale?) 
by  the  Church-Masters,  except  according  to  the  First  Article. 

6.  In  case  any  person  now  or  hereafter  holding  seats  in  the 
Church  shall  go  over  and  enter  into  fellowship  with  other  con- 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  Yoek.  1905 

gregations  not  in  fellowship  mtli  onr  Cliurcli,  their  seats  shall 
be  disposed  of  by  the  Church  Masters,  unless  such  persons  shall 
continue  to  contribute  to  the  expenses  of  the  Church. 

7.  All  seats  of  persons  who  remove  their  residence,  shall,  one 
year  after  such  removal,  fall  to  the  Church,  unless  such  person 
shall  continue  to  contribute  to  the  expenses  of  the  Church,  as 
they  did  before  removal.  They  may  also  allow  others  to  occupy 
their  seats,  so  long  as  they  contribute  as  aforesaid;  yet  not  with- 
out previously  obtaining  the  approbation  of  the  Church-Masters. 

8.  All  benches  wliich  become  broken  shall  be  repaired  or  re- 
placed by  the  Church  Masters  at  the  cost  of  the  Church. 

9.  Since  various  complaints  have  come  to  the  Consistory  and 
the  Church  Masters,  that,  notwithstanding,  a  considerable  number 
of  seats  have  been  kept  standing  open,  to  be  bought, —  yet  several 
persons  do  not  fail,  as  often  as  they  come  to  preaching,  to  take 
the  seats  of  others,  whereby  the  owners  are  deprived  of  the  enjoy- 
ment of  said  seats,  and  to  the  disorder  of  the  Assembly,  the  dis- 
satisfaction of  many,  and  the  grief  of  the  Overseers  of  the 
congregation:  Therefore  every  one  who  has  not  a  seat  of  his 
own,  is  hereby  kindly  requested  and  exhorted  to  apply  to  the 
Church  Masters,  and  supply  himself  with  a  seat,  in  order,  as  he 
is  under  obligations  to  do,  to  remove  all  ground  of  dissatisfaction, 
and  as  far  as  possible,  to  prevent  any  disorder  in  God's  house. 

G.  Du  Bois. 
—  Lib.  A.  223-5.     Lib.  B.  43. 

Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Secketaey  of  the  Society  for 
Propagating  the  Gospel. 

New  York,  February  11th,  1711,  (1712). 
Sir: — The  Ships  being  still  detained  by  the  Ice  gives  me  an  opportunity  of  say- 
ing something  more  concerning  the  affair  of  the  Church  at  Jamaica;  and  I  am  not 
a  little  surprised  that  the  Church's  misfortune  there  is  wholly  charged  on  account 
of  the  alterations  in  some  of  the  officers  there,  and  that  they  dare  not  go  to  law 
for  that  reason;  which  is  a  very  great  mistake  because  no  officers  are  wanting  to 
do  Mr.  Poyer  justice  there  either  in  respect  of  his  Salary  or  otherwise;  but  a 
Sheriff  that  he  might  be  safe  as  to  his  Juries,  for  as  his  actions  will  be  above 
twenty  pounds  in  value,  so  must  be  tried  by  the  Chief  Justice,  Mr.  Mompesson,  who 
never  professed  any  other  religion  but   that  of  the  Church  of  England;  and  the 


1712 


1906  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

present  Sheriff  -who  had  the  Charge  of  that  County  for  above  a  year,  is  a  member 
of  the  Church  at  Jamaica,  and  was  put  in  that  post  by  Coll.  Hunter  at  the  request 
of  Mr.  Foyer's  friends;  and  although  the  removal  which  was  made  among  the  offi- 
cers at  that  time  was  what  I  would  not  have  advised  the  Governor  to,  yet  the 
mistake  was  not  so  great  as  represented;  for  sometime  after  those  charges  were 
made,  blaming  one  of  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Council  who  advised  the  Governor  to 
it.  His  answer  was  that  the  cry  of  the  people  was  so  loud  against  several  of  the 
officers  then  in  place,  that  it  was  absolutely  necessary;  and  as  for  those  whom  he 
and  his  friends  had  recommended,  the  most  of  them  were  dissenters  they  were 
on  all  other  accounts  much  fitter  for  it;  nor  were  all  the  old  officers  turned  out, 
nor  all  in  the  new  Commission  dissenters,  as  I  had  been  told;  for  that  several  of 
the  Church  were  still  in  place  &  many  who  had  been  in  before  were  continued. 
It  being  their  design  to  cast  out  111  men  and  not  the  Church.  Now  although  I 
was  not  of  his  mind,  yet  there  was  truth  in  some  things  he  offered;  for  indeed 
many  of  the  Instruments  made  use  of  to  settle  the  Church  at  Jamaica  in  its 
infancy  were  of  such  warm  Tempers,  and  if  report  is  true  so  indifferent  in  their 
morals,  that  from  the  first  beginning  I  never  expected  it  would  be  settled  with 
much  peace  or  reputation;  for  instead  of  taking  an  effectual  care  upon  its  first 
settling,  that  none  were  employed  therein  but  the  best  &  soberest  men,  and  those 
of  the  fairest  Characters  &  best  reputation  amongst  the  people,  and  caressing 
and  making  use  of  such  to  help  settle  it;  one  Mr.  Cardell  a  transient  person  and 
of  very  indifferent  reputation  was  recommended,  and  made  High  Sheriff  of  that 
County;  and  the  settling  of  the  Church  was  left  in  a  great  measure  to  his  care 
and  conduct  by  these  imprudent  measures;  the  leading  men  were  disobliged,  which 
soon  chased  away  most  of  the  good  and  sober  people,  and  left  her  only  a  very 
thin  Congregation. 


As  to  the  officers  in  Queens  County  Coll.  Hunter  hath  offered  to  Coll.  Morris  & 
me,  that  if  he  would  advise  him  to  it,  and  really  believe  it  would  be  of  service 
to  the  Church,  he  would  again  alter  the  Commission,  and  put  in  the  very  same 
he  had  displaced;  but  as  they  are  not  many  of  them  personally  known  to  us,  so 
we  durst  not  adventure  to  give  him  that  advice,  lest  some  of  them  being  of  Mr. 
Garden's  recommending,  should  be  like  him  in  temper;  and  are  rather  of  opinion 
since  Mr.  Poyer  &  his  friends  will  not  tell  the  Government  who  they  really  believe 
to  be  good  and  sober  men  and  truly  fit  to  be  in  office,  that  some  sober  &  well  tem- 
pered Gentlemen  be  sought  out,  who  are  well  acquainted  in  that  County,  and  be 
desired  to  get  a  list  of  such  as  are  of  the  fairest  characters  and  best  reputations 
as  to  their  parts,  temper  &  lives  and  estates,  and  that  without  any  regard  of  who 
are  or  have  been  in  place  or  not,  a  new  Commission  be  issued  out  consisting  of 
the  best  and  most  fitting  of  the  people;  and  if  anything  of  that  kind  will  do  ser- 
vice to  or  recover  the  credit  of  the  Church  there  it  must  in  my  opinion  be  after  this 
manner. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  149,  150. 


CoLOXEL  MoERis  TO  JoHisr  Chambeelayne,  Esq. 

Feb.  20,  1711  (1712). 

Worthy  Sir:  My  Lord  of  London  laid  his  commands  on  me  to  transmit  him  an 
account  of  the  affairs  of  Mr.  Moore,  which  I  have  done;  and  inclosed  me  duplicates 
of  what  Affidavits  I  sent  to  his  Lordship,  and  of  Mr.  Sharp's  narrative,  who  kept 
a  Diary  while  in  New  Yorke.  I  wrote  also  to  the  several  ministers  in  New  York 
to  tell  me  what  they  knew  of  it  to  take  away  all  pretence  of  acting  clandestinely, 
and  to  give  those  of  them,  who  were  my  Lord  Cornbury's  friends  an  opportunity 
of  saying  what  they  could  in  his  justification;  for  you  must  not  wonder  that  Mr. 
Vesey  begins  to  set  up  to  head  a  party  of  those;  I  have  got  no  answer  from  any 
body  but  honest  Elias  Neau,  who  tells  me  he  has  given  you  what  account  he  could 
of  that  matter,  which  is  inclosed  with  my  letter.  You  may  see  by  those  affidavits 
there  could  be  no  such  thing  as  a  Farole  given,  for  my  Lord  was  so  far  from  ad- 
mitting any  thing  like  it  that  he  would  not  even  permitt  him  to  go  to   Church, 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoek.         1907 

Though  security  was  offered  for  his  return,  and  most  certainly  the  officer  in  my 
Lords  absence,  durst  not:  besides  how  can  a  man  be  said  to  be  at  liberty  on  his 
Parole  when  orders  are  given  from  officers  to  officers,  to  keep  him  a  prisoner,  and 
a  eentinel  charged  with  him:  if  he  was  on  his  Parole,  why  was  the  centinel  put 
in  irons,  and  so  severely  punished  for  letting  him  make  his  escape,  this  ought 
not  to  have  been  done  if  he  was  on  his  Parole.  I  am  sure  I  never  heard  of  any 
such  thing  till  I  saw  a  paragraph  of  your  letter  to  Mr.  Sharpe;  His  Lordship  or 
his  friends  in  England  have  started  that  which  nobody  here  never  dreamed  could 
have  been  possible  to  offer  in  a  case  so  well  known  but  the  Affidavits  will  settl. 
that  matter  in  its  true  light. 

This  pretence  that  Mr.  Moore  deny'd  the  Queens  Supremacy  is  as  week  as  its 
untrue,  for  if  he  really  had  my  Lord  had  then  scope  enough  to  gratify  a  resent- 
ment, which  his  conduct  to  Mr.  Moor  shewed  he  did  not  want.  Burlington  was 
not  without  a  strong  Goal  which  would  have  been  a  more  severe  confinement  than 
the  Port  of  New  York;  and  a  Tryal  upon  the  Spot,  where  evidences  (if  any)  were 
to  be  had,  was  much  more  natural  as  well  as  justifiable,  than  sending  him  to 
England  three  thousand  miles  off,  where  no  such  thing  could  be  proved  against 
him.  All  that  Mr.  Moor  wanted  was  to  go  to  England,  to  lay  his  complaints  at 
the  feet  of  his  superiours;  and  would  he  or  any  of  his  friends  in  the  least  have 
believed  my  Lord  would  have  sent  him  there,  he  never  would  have  undertaken  so 
hazardous  expensive  and  fatigueing  a  journey  to  New  England  in  order  to  pro- 
cure a  passage  home;  no,  his  fears  suggested  other  things  and  whether  groundless 
or  not,  I  shall  not  determine;  I  have  heard  it  offered  that  the  reason  of  my  Lords 
intentions  in  sending  Mr.  Moore  home,  was  because  he  was  cautious  in  meddling 
in  Ecclesiastical  affairs,  why  then  did  he  confirm  that  rediculous  suspition  of 
Mr.  Moore  by  Coll.  Ingoldsby  that  was  properly  an  ecclesiastical  affair  and 
meddling  with  a  witness;  but  of  this  enough. 

1     If  my   memory  does   not  very  much  fail   me,   I   mentioned  to  you 

Here  begins  |  in  my  last,  which  went  by  the  Mast  Fleet;  a  Representation  was 
Col.  Hunter's  I  made  by  this  and  the  Neighbouring  Provinces, —  I  have  been  told 
case.  I     some  of  the  contents  of  it  but  could  not  get  a  sight  of  it,  though 

'     Coll.   Heathcote  and  myself  not  only  endeavored  it,   but  had  ap- 

plyed  to  the  Governor,  who  very  readily  assured  us,  that  he  would  remove  any 
just  cause  of  complaint,  if  in  his  power,  when  it  was  known  what  it  was;  though 
neither  he  nor  we  could  think  [of]  any  under  his  administration  in  his  Power  to 
remove;  we  thought  that  if  the  Representation  was  to  the  society,  we  being  mem- 
bers of  that  body  had  some  kind  of  right  to  a  sight  of  it,  and  as  we  had  resolved 
to  use  our  Interest  to  get  removed  whatever  was  the  occasion  of  it  so  we  should 
have  been  very  ready  to  have  joyned  in  Representation  that  was  necessary  to 
transmit  to  you,  as  we  signified  by  letter  to  Mr.  Vesey  &  Mr.  Henderson,  in  whose 
hands  that  Representation  was  but  have  received  no  answer  from  them  at  all, 
though  the  common  civility  of  a  line  in  return  would  not  have  cost  them  much 
trouble.  I  could  wish  these  Gentlemen  that  are  concerned  in  this  matter,  who  are 
missionaries  of  the  Society  could  be  prevailed  on  to  believe  that  makeing  Repre- 
sentations, and  forming  parties  in  Government  or  joyning  and  encourageing  those 
already  formed  is  not  the  interest  of  their  mission,  nor  can  be  no  good  effect  of  it, 
and  that  others  concerned  may  be  told,  if  their  own  experience  have  not  already 
convicted  them  of  it,  how  much  the  more  difficult  it  is  to  reconcile  men  than  to 
divide  them,  and  how  much  more  becoming  Persons,  whose  proper  business  it  is 
to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Peace. 

If  what  is  contained  in  that  Representation  be  true  I  cannot  see  what  should 
hinder  them  from  letting  us  see  it  especially  when  no  other  use  would  have  been 
made  of  it  than  to  have  removed  the  cause  of  it  at  least  so  far  as  could  be  done 
in  New  York  and  Jersey  where  we  were  concerned,  and  was  assured  of  the 
Governors  concurrence,  how  far  they  have  accused  him  I  don't  know,  though  I 
am  told  they  have  done  it  but  not  in  direct  Termes.  I  hope  they  have  not  because 
his  conduct  towards  the  Church  merits  a  better  Treatment,  which  they  must  have 
been  ignorant  of,  if  they  have  ventured  on  anything  that  looks  like  arraigning  of 
him,  But  because  I  too  well  know,  the  implacable  temper  of  some  and  the  folly 
and  weakness  of  others,    and  that   many   honest  men   are  much   easier  prevailed 


1712 


1712 


1908  Ecclesiastical  Records 

upon  to  joyn  a  Representation  of  things  tlian  enter  into  a  nice  examen  of  the 
Facts  on  which  they  are  said  to  be  grounded.  I  take  leave  to  lay  before  you 
an  account  of  the  Governors  conduct  with  respect  to  the  Church,  since  his  arrival 
here,  and  this  from  my  own  knowledge  and  such  unquestionable  accounts  as  can. 
be  proved  on  oath  if  there  is  necessity,  though  there  is  very  little  of  it  relating  to 
ye  church  but  what  I  have  been  eye  or  ear  witness  to. 

On  his  arrivall  application  being  made  to  him  for  the  Queens  Farme  by  the 
Church  at  New  Yorke,  he  immediately  gave  it  them  during  his  time.  Mr.  Vesey 
the  great  mover  in  all  these  matters  instead  of  giving  him  thanks  procures  an 
address  to  be  made  to  him  from  the  Vestry,  praying  him  to  joyn  with  them  in  a 
Representation  of  that  matter  to  the  Queen,  and  pray  her  Majesty  to  grant  it 
to  them,  I  suppose  you  are  not  ignorant  that  the  Church  pretends  a  right  to  the 
Farm  by  grant  from  Coll.  Fletcher,  which  grant  was  vacated  amongst  others  by 
Act  of  Assembly,  and  that  Act  confirmed  by  the  Queen,  Coll.  Hunter  told  them 
he  could  not  joyn  in  anything  of  that  kind,  the  Queen  very  well  knowing  the 
state  of  that  case  nor  would  he  endeavour  to  put  it  out  of  the  Power  of  his 
successor  to  oblige  them  that  being  a  conduct  not  to  be  justifyed,  that  he  had 
given  it  during  his  time  which  was  all  he  could  do  —  This  Gift  was  so  far  from 
pleasing  Mr.  Vesey  that  it  had  contrary  effects,  and  because  the  Govemour  would 
not  go  all  the  length  he  was  desired  he  was  Industriously  represented  to  the 
People  as  no  Church  man.  I  can't  see  what  end  this  could  serve  besides  gratifying 
too  much  ill  nature  except  it  were  discouraging  the  Church,  and  encouraging  the 
dissenters  (if  either  of  them  should  believe  the  Person  at  the  head  of  affairs 
here  was  a  Dissenter)  or  really  makeing  the  Governour  what  they  pretended  he 
was,  but  it  was  not  in  the  Power  of  some  men  who  wear  the  Churches  Livery 
by  an  imprudent  conduct  to  make  the  Governour  an  enemy  to  the  Church,  for 
no  sooner  was  application  made  to  him  in  behalf  of  the  Church  at  New  Rochel, 
the  building  of  which  had  been  a  long  time  opposed,  but  he  gave  an  order 
to  Coll.  Heathcote  &  myself  to  appoint  a  Place  for  it  in  the  High  Street,  wh'ch 
we  did,  saw  the  Foundation  laid,  and  it's  now  finished  or  very  nigh  it,  being  a 
very  good  Stone  Building  &  his  purse  as  well  as  his  power  contributed  to  make  it 
what  it  is. 

The  Queens  Chappel  in  the  Fort,  that  from  the  time  of  Coll.  Fletcher  till  his 
arrival  had  been  put  to  the  several  uses  of  Store  house,  Bear  house,  and  work 
house,  he  took  care  to  have  decently  fitted  up  and  applyed  to  the  use  it  was 
built  for,  and  the  Soldiers  who  before  were  carried  out  of  the  Garrison  and 
during  the  service  stood  for  the  most  part  in  the  steeple,  where  they  could  but 
imperfectly  hear  are  now  very  well  accommodated  with  seats  in  the  Chappel, 
where  the  Service  is  regularly  performed,  and  there  is  yet  room  for  persons 
to  build  Pews  who  want  Seats  in  the  church  of  New  York,  and  who  are  inclined 
to  build  would  the  Governour  admit  them,  which  he  had  hitherto  declined,  but  I 
suppose  its  on  Mr.  Veseys  Score,  who  takes  all  the  Pains  he  can  to  make  the 
People  believe  that  the  fitting  up  of  the  Chappie  is  a  rending  and  dividing  of  the 
Church,  &  has  so  ill  a  notion  of  the  Sin  of  Schism,  that  he  charges  it  on  those 
who  go  to  worship  in  the  Chappel,  which  are  besides  the  Governor,  some  men 
of  the  best  figure  of  the  Province;  there  joyns  with  him  in  this,  one  Henderson,  a 
Missionary  of  the  society's  to  Appoqueminy  who  has  left  that  place  in  order  to 
return  to  England,  pretending  he  cannot  get  a  lodging  within  the  limits  of  his 
mission;  when  he  first  told  me  this,  I  could  hardly  give  credit  to  it,  &  advised 
him  not  to  forsake  the  station  the  Society  had  placed  him  in  without  their  leave 
but  endeavor  as  much  as  he  could  to  answer  the  end  of  his  Mission  in  some 
place  near,  where  a  lodging  could  be  had;  This  advice  being  contrary  to  his 
inclination  had  but  little  weight  with  him,  he  seeming  resolved  to  return  without 
their  Leave,  if  he  could  not  procure  It;  whether  he  applyed  for  it  or  not  I  cannot 
tell;  he  is  going  home  in  quality  of  Agent  for  a  Party,  or  their  letter  carrier,  I 
do  not  know  which;  nor  do  I  much  discredit  his  not  being  able  to  procure  a 
lodging  in  the  place  he  was  sent  too;  the  extraordinary  fire  of  his  Temper  being 
such,  that  his  heat  deserves  rather  the  epithet  of  madness  than  zeal;  and  did 
he  prove   as   much  an   Incendiary  at   Appoqueminy  as   here,    the  society   have  no 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTev/  York.  1909 

reason  to  be  displeased  with  liis  return,  and  I  hope  won't  put  it  in  his  power 
by  any  mission  to  tliese  parts  to  do  the  Church  so  much  hurt  as  his  ungovernable 
Temper  must  necessarily  occasion. —  Col.  Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  318-321. 


Col.  Morris  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society  for  Propagat- 

ii?^G  the  Gospel. 

New  York,   20th  February,   1711.    [1712] 

"I    am    told    these    men    (the    Clergy)    arraign    the    Governor's 

conduct  with  respect  to  Mr.  Poyer  and  the  Church  at  Jamaica;  the  State  of  that 
affair  I'll  lay  before  you  as  fully  as  I  can  &  'tis  thus: — 

In  Coll.  Fletcher's  time  one  party  of  the  Dissenters  in  the  County  where 
Jamaica,  is  resolved  to  build  a  Church;  &  in  order  to  it,  got  subscriptions  and 
materials  enough  to  build  it  about  three  feet  from  the  ground  but  finding  them- 
selves unable  to  perfect  it  without  the  assistance  of  the  rest,  which  could  not  be 
got  by  persuasion,  they  resolved  to  attempt  the  getting  an  Act  of  Assembly  in 
their  favor.  Coll.  Fletcher  who  was  then  Governor  and  James  Graham  Esquire 
who  was  then  Speaker  of  the  Assembly  perceiving  the  Assembly  inclined  to 
raise  money  for  the  building  of  that  Church  and  settling  a  maintenance  for 
Ministers  thought  it  a  fit  opportunity  to  do  something  in  favour  of  the  Church 
before  the  zealous  fit  left  them.  Accordingly  Graham  who  had  the  drawing  of 
their  Bills,  prescribed  a  Method  of  Induction  and  so  managed  it  that  it  would 
not  do  well  for  the  Dissenters,  and  but  lamely  for  the  Church,  tho'  twould  do 
with  the  help  of  the  Governor,  and  that  was  all;  but  'twas  the  most  that  could 
be  got  at  that  time,  for  had  more  been  attempted  the  Assembly  had  seen 
through  the  artifice,  the  most  of  them  being  Dissenters,  and  all  had  been  lost. 

By  virtue  of  this  Act  the  church  was  built  and  a  Dissenting  Minister  called 
and  if  I  mistake  not  paid;  the  other  Dissenters  who  were  forced  to  comply 
were  very  much  dissatisfied  at  this  procedure  of  their  brethren,  and  many  of 
them  appeared  in  the  interest  of  the  Church,  thinking  no  way  so  effectual  to 
defeat  their  adversaries;  and  this  was  the  beginning  of  the  Church  of  England  in 
Jamaica  on  Long  Island;  the  Cliurch  &  parsonage  house  continued  in  the  possession 
of  the  Dissenters  till  some  time  after  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Urquhart,  when  a 
representation  was  made  to  my  Lord  Cornbury  that  the  Church  and  house  being 
built  by  public  Act  could  belong  to  none  but  the  Church  of  England.  My  Lord 
upon  this  gives  his  Warrant  to  dispossess  the  Dissenters  which  immediately  by 
force  was  done  without  any  procedure  at  Law  &  Mr.  Urquhart  put  in  possession 
of  them:  this  short  method  might  be  of  some  service  to  the  Minister,  but  was  very 
far  from  being  of  any  to  the  Church  as  no  such  unaccountable  step  ever  can  be. 
Mr.  Urquhart  kept  the  possession  during  his  life,  and  though  he  gained  not  many 
converts,  yet  his  conduct  was  so  good  that  I  don't  think  he  lost  any. 

After  Mr.  Urquhart's  death,  his  widow's  daughter  married  a  dissenting  Minister, 
and  she  put  the  parsonage  house  into  his  possession  in  which  it  continues  'till  now; 
this  happened  much  about  the  time  of  Coll.  Hunter's  arrival.  Whether  application 
was  made  to  him  or  no,  I  can't  tell,  but  some  changes  in  the  Magistracy  being 
made,  &  by  a  mistake  one  or  two  put  in  that  were  patrons  of  the  Dissenters, 
Mr.  Poyer  &  his  friends  chose  to  apply  to  those  they  were  sure  would  refuse 
them,  and  not  to  those  in  place  who  were  firm  to  their  interest;  and  being  refused 
complained  to  the  Governor,  who  immediately  sent  for  the  person  and  ordered 
him  to  be  prosecuted,  that  it  might  appear  whether  he  had  failed  in  his  duty  or 
not;  whether  the  prosecution  was  confirmed  or  not  I  can't  tell;  but  I  happened 
to  be  in  the  Governor's  Chamber  when  his  Judge  and  a  Dissenting  Minister  came 
in,  and  this  matter  was  talked  of;  he  said  that  the  intention  of  the  Legislature 
at  that  time  was  to  raise  a  maintenance  for  a  Dissenting  Minister,  all  the  Assem- 
bly but  one  being  dissenters,  and  knowing  nothing  of  the  Church;  ijut  that 
being   the   intention    of   the    law    makers    was    the    meaning   of   the    law,    and    he 


1712 


1712 


1910  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

hoped  the  Dissenters  might  enjoy  what  was  justly  their  due,  or  at  least  not  to 
be  deprived  of  it  without  due  course  of  law,  as  they  formerly  had  been. 

I  told  him  the  Legislature  did  not  consist  of  the  Assembly  only,  but  of  the 
Governor  and  Council  joined  with  them,  whose  intentions  might  be  quite  other- 
wise; and  I  believed  that  it  was  most  certain,  the  Governor  at  that  time  never 
intended  to  settle  a  Dissenting  Clergy;  that  the  meaning  of  the  Legislature  was 
the  meaning  of  the  whole  Legislature,  and  not  of  any  part,  and  was  most  likely 
to  be  found  out  by  the  words  of  the  Act,  which  most  plainly  appeared  in  favor 
of  the  Church  of  England;  the  Governor  joined  in  the  argument  and  argued  with 
a  great  deal  of  force  in  favor  of  the  Church,  who,  he  said,  he  could  not  help 
thinking  was  in  the  right   with   respect   to  their  claims  that  they   might   be   sure 

matters   of   property     be    determined    by   the   ordinary    course   of 

the  law,  by  which,  perhaps,  they  being  numerous  might  weary  Mr.  Poyer,  being 
a  poor  man,  but  that  Mr.  Poyer  should  have  his  purse  for  the  carrying  on  that 
suit:  a  day  or  two  afterwards,  told  Mr.  Poyer  so  himself;  sometime  after  that, 
wrote  to  him,  giving  the  Gentleman,  who  carried  the  letter  in  charge,  to  tell 
him  he  still  continued  in  the  same  mind;  the  Governor  being  at  Jamaica  repeated 
tKe  offer  of  bearing  the  whole  charge  of  the  suit  &  pressed  Mr.  Poyer  to  under- 
take it.  Coll.  Heathcote  also  pressed  him  to  undertake  it,  giving  him  the  same 
assurance  from  the  Governor,  &  Poyer  Promised  to  do  it,  but  has  been  prevailed  on 
to  decline  that  method,  (as  he  says),  'till  their  representation  reach  England;  and 
I  believe  the  poor  man  and  his  friends  are  weak  enough  to  believe  that  their 
superiors  there  will  enter  into  measures  to  displace  the  Governor,  for  not 
Dragooning  in  their  favor,  as  his  predecessor  did,  or  get  orders  for  liis  so  doing 
which  may  gratify  their  little  Itch,  and  thats  all;  for  it  will  be  very  far  from 
doing  any  good. 

The  Act  to  settle  the  Church  is  very  loosely  worded  which  as  things  stood  then 
when  it  was  made  could  not  be  avoided  the  Dissenters  claiming  the  benefit  of  it 
as  we  and  the  Act  without  such  resting  will  admit  a  construction  in  their  favor 
as  well  as  ours  they  think  it  was  intended  for  them  and  that  they  only  have  a 
right  to  it. — 

There  is  no  comparison  in  our  numbers,  and  they  can  on  the  death  of  the 
Incumbent  call  persons  of  their  own  persuasion  in  every  place  but  the  City  of 
New  York;  and  if  by  force  the  Salary  is  taken  from  them  and  paid  to  the  Minister 
of  the  Church,  it  may  be  the  means  of  subsisting  those  ministers,  but  they 
wont  make  many  converts  among  a  people  who  think  themselves  very  much  in- 
jured —  Whereas  let  this  matter  be  once  regularly  determined,  and  then  their 
mouths  are  forever  stopped  and  they'l  live  in  (peace,  and)  then  the  Church  will 
in  all  propability  flourish;  «&  I  believe  (it)  had  at  this  day  been  in  much  better 
condition  had  there  been  no  Act  in  her  favor;  for  in  the  Jersies  and  Pennsylvania 
where  there  is  no  Act  in  her  favor,  there  is  four  times  the  number  of  Churchmen 
than  there  is  in  this  province  of  New  York,  and  they  are  so  most  of  them  upon 
principle.  Whereas  nine  parts  in  ten  of  ours,  will  add  no  great  credit  to  what- 
soever Church  they  are  of;  nor  can  it  be  well  expected  otherwise;  for  as  New 
England,  excepting  some  families,  was  the  scum  of  the  old,  so  the  greatest  part 
of  the  English  in  this  province,  was  the  scum  of  the  new,  who  brought  as  many 
opinions  almost  as  persons,  but  neither  Religion  or  Virtue,  and  have  acquired  a 
very  little  since.  It  is  with  the  rising  generation  the  work  is  to  be  done,  & 
Schools  will  be  one  great  means  of  doing  it;  but  of  that  I  shall  give  you  my 
thoughts  by  another  conveyance,  having  I  fear  too  much  tired  you  v.'ith  the  length 
of  this.  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  do  the  Governor  Justice,  and  speak  what  I 
know  to  be  true  of  him;  had  he  proved  an  enemy,  instead  of  a  friend,  to  the 
Church,  I  should  not  have  scrupled  to  have  wrote  the  truth  of  him  with  the 
same  freedom  I  did  of  his  predecessor. 

Since  the  writing  of  the  above  the  Governor  wrote  to  Mr.  Poyer  a  copy  of 
whose  letter  is  enclosed  No.  (  );  to  which  Mr.  Poyer  made  the  answer  No. 
(  );  In  it,  he  confesses  the  offer  the  Governor  made  him  of  his  purse;  there 
was  two  or  three  days  consultation  between  Vesey,  Henderson  &  Poyer,  to  form 
that  letter;  in  which,   (agreeable  to  their  other  conduct),  they  have  taken  care  to 


OF  THE   StxVte  of  Xew  YoEIv.  1911 

set  the  several  parts  at  yariauce  one  with  another.     I  have  made  some  observes  on 
it  which  follow  — 

Affirmation.  Contradiction. 

The  frequent  applications  I  have  Whether  these  applications  were  par- 
formerly  made  to  your  Excellency  ticular,  or  too  general,  I  humbly  refer 
proving  ineffectual,  have  obliged  me  your  Excellency  to  the  memorials  & 
patiently  to  sit  down  under  the  bur-  Petitions  I  have,  in  relation  to  this 
then  of  them  for  about  fifteen  months  matter,  presented  you;  and  a  little 
last  past,   without  the  least   complaint.        lower:     I    acquainted     your    Excellency, 

when  you  was  pleased  to  malje  that 
k'mrl  and  generous  offer  of  j-our  purse  to  support  it,  that  I  could  not  put  a  matter 
of  so  general  concern  in  Action,  without  the  advice  &  direction  of  my  Diocesan, 
and  of  the  Venerable  Society  etc.,  to  whose  judgment  I  had  long  since  submitted 
the   whole   affair  — 

Observation. 

1st.  If  Mr.  Poyer  had  made  frequent  applications,  &  gave  the  Governor  sev- 
eral Memorials  &  Petitions,  and  had  represented  that  matter  to  my  Lord  of 
London  and  the  Society,  how  can  it  be  said  that  he  sate  down  patiently  without 
making   the    least   complaint? 

2ndly.  As  it  cannot  be  supposed  that  he  made  any  memorials  or  petitions 
without  complaining,  so  'tis  very  plain  from  his  own  words  he  could  make  none  to 
the  Governor:  for  to  what  end  could  these  memorials,  etc.,  be,  if  he  was  resolved 
not  to  meddle  in  a  case  of  so  general  concern  without  the  direction  of  the  Society 
etc.  to  whom  he  had,  as  he  says,  submitted  it  — 

3rdly.  If  any  memorials  or  petitions  were  made  to  the  Governor,  they  must 
be  made  before  or  after  the  beginning  of  the  fifteen  months;  not  after,  by  his 
own  confession,  and  before,  he  could  not;  for  from  his  Induction  July  ISth  1710, 
to  the  18th  October  following,  there  was  but  one  Quarters  Salary  due;  and 
whether  it  would  be  paid  him  or  not  he  could  not  tell,  'till  he  had  used  the 
methods  directed  by  Law,  which  he  did  on  the  27th  following,  being  nine  days 
after:  so  tliat  before,  there  was  no  room  for  any  application,  petition  or  memorial 
to  the  Governor. 

What  he  gives  as  an  answer  to  the  several  Questions  the  Governor  proposed, 
is  not  with  that  modesty  I  think  became  him;  for  it  was  his  proper  business  to 
get  the  Information  the  Governor  desired,  he  being  the  person  aggrieved,  and 
not  to  bid  the  Governor  do  that  himself:  he  concludes,  with  hoping  that  letter 
joined  with  the  memorials  &  Petitions  he  had  formerly  preferred,  would  suffi- 
ciently inform  his  Excellency  of  the  state  of  his  case. 

Any  person,  or  Stranger  to  things,  that  read  this  and  the  foregoing  parts  of 
his  letter,  would  conclude  that  he  had  presented  several  memorials  &  petitions 
without  any  effect;  but  as  it  is  plain  by  what  goes  before,  he  could  not,  so  really 
he  did  not;  and  nothing  is  more  untrue  than  what  he  asserts;  for  the  Governor 
protests  he  never  had  any  other  papers  petitions  or  memorials  from  him,  or  any- 
body else,  relating  to  the  Church  of  Jamaica,  than  the  Copy  No.  (  )  and  that 
No.  (  );  the  first  a  loose  Scrip  of  paper  signed  by  nobody,  &  wrote  in  such  a 
manner  as  I  should  have  been  asliamed  to  have  given  to  an  equal;  the  other  a 
Copy  of  a  Record  of  Court,  signed  by  the  Clerks;  but  if  men  will  give  themselves 
leave  to   say  anything  who  can  be   safe. 

Mr.  Vesey  who  had  and  still  makes  a  tool  of  that  weak  man  Poyer  with  him 
prevailed  upon  Mi\  Evans  of  Philadelphia  and  Mr.  Talbot  as  I  am  told  by  some 
of  themselves  to  sign  a  Representation  in  direct  terms  against  the  Governor; 
this  representation  was  not  made,  (as  all  representations  ought  to  be),  at  a 
general  meeting  of  the  Clergy,  but  drawn  up  in  private,  and  so  sent  about  to  'get 
the  subscriptions  of  as  many  as  they  could;  for  this  end  they  brought  it  to  Mr. 
Makenzie  on  Staten  Island,  who  no  sooner  read  it,  but  discovered  the  falsehood 
&  wickedness  of  it,  and  convinced  Mr.  Talbot,  who,  I  believe,  signed  without 
reading  of  it  on  the  credit  of  Mr.  Vesey,  Henderson  and  Poyer;  for  he  exclaims 


1712 


1712 


1912  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

very  mueli  against  Vesey  for  surprising  him  into  the  signing  of  a  paper  just  as 
he  was  taising  Boat:  this  Representation  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  these  that 
M^ere  there  present,  was  destroyed:  but,  however,  a  representation  running  in 
their  heads,  and  they  a  Gogg,  to  be  dabbling  in  politics,  (an  inclination  which 
I  wish  our  missionarys  had  less  of),  a  representation  was  resolved  upon  to  be 
made  to  my  Lord  of  London  of  the  State  of  the  Church  of  Jamaica.  It  was  signed 
by  those  who  were  there:  and  sent  about  to  get  the  hand  of  the  rest;  many  of 
whom  signed  it,  though  at  the  remotest  distance  and  probably  Strangers  to  mat- 
ters of  fact,  as  well  as  unconcerned  in  things  relating  to  this  Province.  The 
Governor  being  informed  of  these  things  resolved  to  set  that  affair  in  a  true 
light,  and  convince  those  of  their  eiTors,  whom  weakness  and  not  malice  had 
engaged  in  it.  Accordingly  sent  for  all  the  Clergy  in  his  Government,  and  to  as 
many  as  came,  he  made  this  Speech;  No.  (  );  who  next  day  presented  the 
address,  No.  (  ):  they  seemed  to  be  ashamed  of  their  procedures  and  I  suspect 
they  have  but  too  much  reason  to  be  so,  for  all  our  endeavours  cannot  prevail 
on  them  to  discover  the  contents  of  that  Representation;  and  why  they  should 
so  industriously  conceal  it,  I  can't  see,  except  it  be  that  it  won't  "bear  the  light 
in  this  part  of  the  world,  where  matters  can  be  examined  into 
Feb.  20,   1711.    [1712]. 

—  Doc.  Hist.   N.  Y.   Vol.   iii.  pp.   150-153.     Col.   Docs.   N.   Y.  v.  318-324. 

Governor  Hunter  to  the  Secretary  of  Society  for  Propa- 
gating THE  Gospel. 

New  York,  February  25th,  1711. 

Sir:— I  am  afraid*  you  will  think  that  I  make  too  ample  amends  at  this  time, 
for  the  short  &  imperfect  hints  which  the  perplexity  of  affairs  on  this  side  per- 
mitted me  only  to  give  you  untill  now,  neither  did  I  think  there  was  anything 
amiss  in  the  conduct  of  our  Missionaries  that  time  and  good  advice  might  not 
rectify;  for  I  had  not  altered  my  opinion  of  them;  as  to  the  generality  they  are 
men  of  piety  &  industry,  and  whilst  they  keep  themselves  within  the  sphere  of 
their  mission  &  function,  unexceptionable;  as  such  I  have  ever  treated  them  & 
lived  with  them,  as  I  thought,  in  the  most  perfect  friendship  and  confidence; 
This  serves  for  prologue  to  a  story  which  will  not  less  surprise  you  than  it 
startled   me. 

Coll.  Heathcott  told  me,  that  he  was  privately  informed,  that  there  had  been 
a  representation  against  me  carried  about  to  some  of  the  Clergy  for  subscriptions; 
I  could  not  believe  it  being  conscious  to  myself  of  nothing  that  I  had  done  or 
intended  with  relation  to  the  Church's  Interest  that  the  most  consummate  malice 
could  ground  a  representation  upon.  That  worthy  Gentleman  was  of  the  same 
opinion,  but  positive,  that  there  was  such  a  representation;  for  which  reason  he 
in  conjunction  with  Coll.  Morris,  as  members  of  the  Society,  thought  fit  to  write 
a  letter  to  Mr.  Vesey  and  Mr.  Henderson  in  whose  hands  they  understood  this 
paper  to  be,  and  who  were  the  principal  contrivers  and  promoters  of  it;  Signify- 
ing that  they  had  been  made  acquainted  with  the  designs,  and  desired  to  know 
the  meaning  of  it,  that  if  anything  were  wanting  for  the  Church's  Interest,  they 
might  join  with  them  in  proper  measures  to  procure  it  &  redress  what  wag 
amiss;  all  the  effect  that  this  letter  had  upon  these  two  Gentlemen  was  a  deep 
concern  for  the  discovery,  and  some  sharp  reproaches  on  one  another  as  the  dis- 
coverers; neither  could  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sharp  obtain  a  sight  of  it,  though  he  sol- 
emnly promised  to  join  with  them  in  representing  anything  for  .the  Church's 
Interest,  provided  it  did  not  contain  unjust  or  groundless  reflections  on  the 
Governor;  that  Gentleman  has  given  an  account  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London 
how  he  was  used  by  them,  I  shall  not  trouble  you  with  it;  so  am  to  answer  to 
accusations  from  persons  I  know  not  whom,  of  crimes  I  know  nothing  of  &  before 
Judges  whom   I   am  not   to  know;   for  after  all   our   efforts  this   matter  is   like  to 


*  In  another  copy  — "  I  am  glad." —  Ed. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  Yoek.  1913 

remain  a  Mystery  to  me,  without  measures,  which  nothing  can  induce  me  to  take; 
and  indeed  without  the  repeated  advice  of  these  two  worthy  Gentlemen  founded 
on  their  apprehension  of  the  old  maxim  Aliquid  Adhaerebit  I  would  hare  been 
silent. 

I  must  begin  by  attesting  the  all  discerning  Searcher  of  Hearts  of  the  sincerity 
of  mine  in  my  good  wishes  and  best  endeavours  for  propagating  the  true  interests 
of  our  Holy  Mother  in  whose  communion  ever  since  I  was  capable  of  a  sober 
thought  I  have  lived  and  by  the  blessing  of  God  am  resolved  to  die.  In  the  next 
place  I  appeal  to  the  evidence  of  all  sober  men  Clergy  or  Laity  for  a  testimony 
of  my  conduct  in  my  station  with  relation  to  that  interest  but  being  to  guess 
at  the  particular  facts  of  which  I  am  accused  I  can  think  of  none  that  can  so 
much  as  afford  a  pretence  for  such  a  representation  unless  it  be  the  affairs  of 
Jamaica  Church  here  and  that  must  only  be  in  the  opinion  of  such  as  think  that 
all  laws  human  &  divine  are  to  be  set  aside  when  they  come  in  competition  with 
what  they  conceive  to   be  the  secular  Interest  of  the  Church. 

I  see  by  yours  that  the  Society  is  not  unacquainted  with  the  true  state  of  that 
matter  but  I  must  beg  leave  to  inform  you  so  far  as  I  have  been  concerned  in  it. 

Mr.  Foyer  having  the  Society's  Mission  &  my  Lord  Bishop  of  London's  recom- 
mendation to  that  Church,  I  upon  his  first  application  granted  him  induction.  The 
Dissenters  were  in  possession  of  the  Manse  house  by  contrivance  of  the  Widow 
of  Mr.  Urquhart,  the  former  Incumbent,  whose  Daughter  was  married  to  a  Dis- 
senting Minister  there;  I  consulted  the  Chief  Justice  Mompesson  how  far  I  might 
proceed  towards  putting  Mr.  Poyer  in  possession  who  gave  his  opinion  in  writing 
that  it  could  not  be  done  otherwise  than  by  due  course  of  law  without  a  high 
crime  &  misdemeanor;  this  opinion  1  sent  to  Mr.  Poyer  «&  begged  him  to  commence 
a  suit  at  my  cost,  but  heard  nothing  from  him,  until  some  time  after  he  came 
to  me  to  complain  that  the  Justices  of  that  County  had  not  done  him  right,  when 
required,  in  procuring  him  his  Quarters  stipend  upon  which  I  sent  for  the  Jus- 
tice he  named,  and  expostulated  with  him  (on)  the  imprudence  and  unreasonable- 
ness of  that  proceeding;  he  replied  that  he  had  done  all  that  he  was  empowered 
to  do  by  law,  and  give  me  the  reasons  of  the  Church  Wardens,  against  the 
complaint  of  Mr.  Poyer,  in  that  County  Court  which  were  as  follows: 

First  because  we  had  no  money;  Secondly,  we  had  no  orders  from  the  Justices 
of  Vestry  according  to  an  Act  of  Assembly  Thirdly,  Because  we  thought  Mr. 
Poyer  not  qualified  according  to  the  Act.  So  after  having  argued  the  matter  of 
right  with  him  from  the  words  of  the  Act,  in  presence  of  Coll.  Morris  and  Mr. 
Regnier,  of  this  place,  I  told  him  that  I  would  forthwith  give  directions  that 
Mr.  Poyer  should  commence  a  suit  against  him,  and  that  they  should  not  flatter 
themselves  that  it  might  be  dropped  through  Mr.  Foyer's  present  wants;  for  he 
should  not  want  wherewithall  to  carry  it  on  through  all  the  lengths  so  just  a 
cause  required;  and  accordingly  wrote  to  Mr.  Poyer  to  that  purpose,  which  letter 
I  desired  the  Justice  to  carry;  and  he  begged  to  be  excused,  alledging  it  were 
hard  to  oblige  him  to  carry  his  own  condemnation;  so  I  gave  that  trouble  to  Mr. 
Regnier  who  undertook  to  deliver  it  with  his  own  hands;  Mr.  Coe,  the  Justice 
mentioned,  told  me  that  all  this  was  the  practice  of  one  Clous,  a  most  vicious 
wretch,  into  whose  hands  Mr.  Poyer  unfortunately  fell  at  his  first  setting  out 
and  lodg'd  in  his  house;  led  by  his  pretended  zeal  for  the  Church;  but  as  he 
himself  has  since  owned  to  Mr.  Sharp,  he  was  soon  obliged  to  change  his  lodgings, 
few  of  his  own  Communion  desiring  to  come  near  him  whilst  he  was  in  so  bad 
company;  for  said  Mr.  Coe  there  were  other  Justices  of  the  Church's  communion 
upon  the  place,  which  might  possibly  have  made  a  stretch  in  her  favor,  if  they 
had  been  applied  to,  and  which  we  might  have  acquiesced  in  for  quiet.  But  the 
fetch  was  that  I  by  going  these  lengths  disoblige  all  those  of  my  own  communion, 
or  refusing,   incur  the  displeasure  &  harsh  opinion  of  the  Government. 

Sometime  after  perceiving  that  Mr.  Poyer  made  no  account  of  what  I  had  said 
or  wrote  to  him,  being  on  Long  Island,  I  took  occasion  to  pay  him  a  visit,  & 
pressed  him  again  in  the  presence  of  both  parties,  to  commence  his  suit,  all 
other  methods  besides  the  legal,  being  a  real  detriment  to  the  Church's  Interest, 
and  only  a  temporary  decision;  some  time  after  when  Mr.  Poyer  did  me  the 
favor  of  a  visit,  I  begged  of  him  since  he  was  not  pleased  with  the  methods  that 


1712 


1712 


1914  Ecclesiastical  Recoebs 

I  had  advised,  he  would  be  pleased  to  write  me  down  what  it  was  that  he  would 
have  me  do,  protesting  that  if  it  was  not  against  the  established  laws  or  known 
rules  of  Justice,  I  would  comply  with  it;  all  the  return  he  gave  me  was  that  he 
had  long  since  submitted  it  to  his  superiors  at  home,  &  so  could  make  no  further 
steps  in   it   without  their  advice. 

This  is  the  true  state  of  this  case;  I  shall  now  begg  leave  to  discover  the 
secret  spring  that  has  set  this  matter  in  motion.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  Rector  of 
Trinity  Church  here,  had,  it  seems,  in  compliment  to  a  great  man  then  on  this 
side,  taken  occasion  to  use  me  ill,  before  he  knew  me,  of  which  I  was  soon  in- 
formed after  my  arrival;  and  for  which  reason  I  did  all  that  was  in  the  power 
of  man  by  good  offices  and  civilities,  which  he  was  pleased  to  call  constrained, 
to  persuade  him  into  a  better  opinion  of  me;  His  Provocacons  increased  in  the 
Proportions  that  my  kind  usage  did,  (I  speak  nothing  but  what  is  known  to  the 
whole  Province),  and  despairing  ever  to  extort  a  Persecution  from  me,  he  casts 
about  for  another  Plot  to  hurt  me;  Perswades  Mr.  Poyer  that  there  is  danger 
and  a  deep  design  in  the  Tryall  that  I  so  much  prest;  by  this  means  he  gains 
these  Points,  takes  an  opportunity  from  me,  of  manifesting  my  zeal  for  the 
Church,  which  he  has  so  often  called  in  Question,  and  gets  ye  unwary  &  least 
discerning  part  of  the  clergy  here,  to  set  their  hands  to  a  paper  without  enquiring 
into  the  truth  of  the  matter  contained  in  it;  it  being  mentioned  to  them  as  an 
affair  that  required  the  greatest  secrecy,  &  of  the  last  consequence  to  the  Interest 
of  the  Church;  Thus  had  this  gentleman  contrived  to  put  me  under  a  necessity, 
as  he  thought,  of  either  doing  an  Act  of  violence  in  the  favour  of  the  Church, 
(whereas  the  wound  given  her  by  an  act  of  that  nature  in  the  same  case  re- 
mains smarting  to  this  day);  and  so  unavoidably  and  deservedly  being  recalled 
with  disgrace  from  my  Government,  or  of  running  the  hazard  of  being  repre- 
sented no  friend  to  Her  interest  and  consequently  unworthy  to  continue  in  it. 

But  to  lay  the  Mistery  of  this  Iniquity,  for  so  it  is,  a  little  more  open;  the 
Reverend  Person  so  often  mentioned,  in  whose  eyes  the  best  actions  were  crimes, 
took  much  exception  at  my  putting  in  repair  Her  Majesty's  Chappell  in  the  Fort; 
&  sent  me,  by  Mr.  Sharp,  some  messages  about  that  matter,  which  for  the 
reverence  I  bear  his  wholy  function,  I  choose  not  to  repeat.  When  I  first  entered 
upon  that  design,  I  acquainted  him  with  it,  and  he  made  not  then  the  least 
objection  to  it,  which  made  those  messages  the  more  surprizing.  I  sent  for  him 
and  reasoned  with  him  upon  that  head,  from  the  Decency,  Expediency  and  neces- 
sity of  it,  that  Chappell  being  one  of  the  oldest  Houses  of  Prayer  in  the  place, 
though  for  some  time  past  a  Bear  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  pur- 
pose, 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,  and  me  into  a 
deep  astonishment. 

I  referred  him  to  the  Right  Reverend,  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London;  that  most 
worthy  Prelate  in  a  letter  to  me,  injoyned  me  to  bear  with  his  Infirmities,  whilst 
he  endeavoured  to  set  him  right;  which  is  the  conduct  I  have  hitherto  nicely 
observed  with  relation  to  that  Gentleman.  He  having  received  advice  from  my 
Lord  of  London,  declared  to  everybody  that  he  was  blamed  by  that  Bishop  in 
everything;  or,  (in  his  own  words),  that  he  was  cast  in  the  Bishops  Court;  but 
that  if  all  the  Bishops  of  England  were  of  the  same  opinion  with  that  noble 
Prelate,  he  would  be  of  his  own,  still;  but  for  the  future  would  not  meddle  with 
the  Chappell  or  any  other  of  the  Governors  affairs.  Happy  had  it  been  for  him, 
me  and  you,  for  then  you  had  not  had  this  trouble  if  he  had  continued  long  in 
that  good  Resolution;  but  there  came  over  hither  one  Mr.  Henderson,  a  mission- 
ary, with  a  new  Light,  who  was  pleased  to  define  the  repairing  of  the  Chappel, 
a  Schism;  and  having  by  that  means  set  us  all  on  fire  again,  he  is  upon  his 
departure  for  England  charged  with  the  clandestine  representation. 

This  young  Gentleman  came  from  England  not  long  ago  for  Dover  Hundred 
in  Pennsylvania;  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 


OF  THE  State  of  jS^ew  Yoek.  1915 

come  himself  to  New  York  to  pursue  a  resolution  he  had  taken  of  going  to  Eng- 
land: Col.  Quary  acquainted  me  that  in  his  Passage  through  Burlington,  he 
found  that  poor  congregation  all  in  a  tiame;  Mr.  Henderson  it  seems  had  thought 
fit  in  performing  Divine  Service  to  leave  out  that  prayer  in  the  Litany  for 
Victory  over  Her  Majesty's  enemies,  and  the  prayer  appointed  to  be  said  in  the 
time  of  War;  The  cheif  of  that  congregation  had  took  exceptions  at  this,  but 
he  gave  them  no  other  reasons  for  so  doing  but  that  Mr.  Talbot  had  done  so;  they 
replyed  that  having  been  long  acquainted  with  Mr.  Talbot's  exemplary  life  they 
were  willing  to  bear  with  his  scruples;  but  he  could  not  pretend,  having  for- 
merly never  omitted  them,  &  further  that  this  would  look  as  if  that  congregation 
could  not  bear  any  such  prayers  which  was  a  thing  far  from  their  hearts;  and 
intreated  him  to  pray  as  he  was  appointed  by  his  superiors,  or  they  would  not 
willingly  assist  at  them  for  the  future.  Mr.  Quary  desired  me  to  speak  to  Mr. 
Talbot  upon  this  head;  I  begg'd  of  him  first  to  do  so,  and  then  if  there  was  any 
necessity  I  would;  he  did  so,  &  the  result  was  that  Mr.  Talbot  went  Ijack  to 
Burlington  and  Mr.  Henderson  came  hither  to  go  for  England  in  his  place,  having 
in  charge  the  secret  Rep'n.  mentioned;  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  zealous  church  man  here,  told  me,  that  he 
had  used  the  most  reverend,  the  Primate  of  all  England,  with  most  scurrilous 
and  opprobrious  language,  for  which  he  reprimanded  him,  &  for  the  truth  of 
which  he  desired  that  his,  Mr.  Talbots  &  Mr.  Vaughan's  oaths  might  be  taken, 
being  present  at  the  conversation.  Thus  this  Gentleman  having  set  us  all  on 
fire  goes  over  to  justify  his  own  unaccountable  conduct  by  accusing  of  the  Inno- 
cent. 

Since  the  writing  of  the  above  some  Incidents  have  changed  the  situation  of 
affairs  in  some  measure.  Mr.  Henderson  having  Industriously  shew'd  about  a 
letter  of  Mr.  Talbots,  accusing  the  Reverend  Mr.  St.  Clare  Missionary  in  Penn- 
sylvania, of  having  run  away  with  his  Landlord's  wife;  Mr.  St.  Clare  upon  his 
arrival  here  took  out  a  Writ  against  him  for  Defamation,  and  Mr.  Henderson 
being  advised  of  it,  returned  to  Pennsylvania.  The  inclosed  letter  from  Coll. 
Quary  to  Captain  Gordon  will  sufficiently  inform  you  of  the  malice  of  that 
Rept'n.  I  shall  only  acquaint  you  that  this  gentlewoman  is  bound  for  England 
with  leave  from  her  husband  who  spoke  to  Captain  Gordon  for  a  passage  for 
her  when  he  was  there;  whether  the  report  was  in  order  to  prevent  his  going 
to  England  or  to  take  of  the  force  of  what  he  might  represent  at  home;  in  rela- 
tion to  the  affairs  of  that  Province,  I  shall  not  determine,  but  must  affirm  their 
was  neither  Prudence  nor  Christianity  in  propagating  it  upon  so  slender  grounds. 
This  affair  however  gave  me  time  to  convocate  the  Clergy,  to  whom  I  spoke,  as 
in  the  Paper  marked  (A);  and  next  day  had  their  answer,  marked  (B);  which  I 
think  sufficiently  clears  me  of  any  suggestions  to  my  disadvantage  in  that  Rept'n. 
which  it  seems  is  still  to  remain  a  secret,  for  reasons  best  known  to  themselves. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Bridge  when  it  was  presented  to  him  asked  if  the  Governor  had 
seen  it,  and  being  told  no  he  refused  to  sign  it,  Mr.  Mackenzie  and  Mr.  Thomas 
told  me,  that  had  they  foreseen  the  use  that  was  intended  to  be  made  of  it,  and 
its  consequences,  they  would  never  have  signed  it;  the  latter  using  this  expres- 
sion, that  he  would  have  sooner  burn't  his  hand  to  a  stump  than  have  signed  to  it. 
These  and  some  others  have  owned  that  there  was  one  Repres'n.  in  direct  terms 
against  me  offered  to  them  which  they  rejected  with  scorn. 

To  prevent  all  such  clandestine  measures  for  the  future  I  have  proposed  to 
them  that  there  be  two  yearly  Convocations,  at  which  they  may  concert  &  agree 
upon  what  may  be  requisite  to  be  represented  for  the  churches  or  their  Interest 
to  which  I  have  promised  my  hearty  concurrence.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  ill.  153-7. 
Col.   Docs.   V.  312. 

See  an  Address  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  against  Mr.  Vesey;  1714. 


1712 


1916  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

1713 

Church  of  jSTew  York. 

Feb.  25,  1711-12.  (1712). 
Consistorj  met,  After  prayer,  a  written  request  was  presented, 
asking  Do.  Dn  Bois  and  the  Elders  and  Beacons,  tliat  with  their 
approval,  means  might  be  used  as  soon  as  possible,  to  call  another 
minister  from  Holland,  and  desiring  a  speedy  reply.  The  request 
having  been  read,  it  was  determined  to  call  a  meeting  for  its 
further  consideration,  on  Wednesday  next,  A.  M.  after  the 
preaching. 

—  Lib.  B.  43. 
Church  of  E'ew  York. 

1712,  Feb.  27.  The  following  request  was  ordered  to  be  read 
from  the  pulpit: 

The  Overseers  of  the  Church  have  observed,  from  time  to 
time,  an  unseemly  pressure,  in  going  to  and  coming  from  the 
Lord's  Table.  Without  doubt  this  hinders  the  pious  thoughts 
with  which  believers  should  then  especially  be  occupied.  We 
have  often  seriously  pondered  how  to  obviate  this  great  infelicity, 
and  the  same  thought  has  taken  possession  of  the  minds  of  many 
of  the  members.  Yet  it  seems  almost  impossible  to  remedy  it 
on  account  of  the  narrowness  of  the  passage. 

The  Consistory,  having  assembled  on  the  27th  of  this  month, 
unanimously  concluded  that  they  could  do  nothing  better  than  to 
request  the  entire  congregation  to  come  to  the  Table  from  the 
west  side,  and  to  leave  by  going  toward  the  east,  and  thus  avoid 
the  unpleasant  encounters  complained  of. 

It  was  therefore  determined  to  ask  every  member,  as  we  now 
do,  both  men  and  women  — •  those  only  excepted  who  by  age,  or 
otherwise,  cannot  take  this  course,  and  to  entreat  them  affection- 
ately and  earnestly,  to  be  so  good  as  to  approach  the  Table  only 
from  the  west  side,  and  to  leave  it  by  going  towards  the  east  side. 

This,  we  doubt  not,  will  be  complied  with  by  each  member,  if 
only  to  show  his  love,  for  the  general  benefit  of  all,  and  to  pre- 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoek.  1917 

serve  suitable  order  in  such  a  holv  service.  In  acting  thus  no 
unpleasant  crowding  ^vill  disturb  our  pious  thoughts,  but  these 
will  rather  be  aided  by  a  seemly  approach  and  an  undisturbed 
departure.  Thus  will  the  company  of  believers  promote  their 
own  convenience  and  comfort.  The  Overseers  also,  by  such  edi- 
fying and  peaceful  conduct,  will  be  able  to  rejoice  the  more  with 
all  the  members  in  the  Lord  —  the  God  of  our  salvation. 

G.  Du  Bois. 
Lib.  A.  227. 

Goveenor  IIu:!^tee  to  the  Bishop  of  Londo:n". 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Col.  Hunter  Governor  of  New  Yorke  to  the  Lord  Bishop 
of  London,  March  ye  1,  1712. 

My   Lord 

I  know  not  whether  I  ought  to  ask  pardon  for  this  trouble  or  my  long  silence: 
necessity  Pleads  excuse  for  the  first;  I  had  flattered  myself,  that  I  had  gained  the 
good  will  &  affection  of  the  Clergy  in  these  parts,  which  I  proposed  as  a  good 
foundation  for  our  mutual  quiet;  but  experience  has  convinced  me  that  the  best 
guarded  conduct  is  not  superior  to  the  malyee  of  designing  men.  I  shall  not 
trouble  your    Lordship    with    reading    here,     what    you'll    find    at    large    in    the 

r     inclosed  Copy  of  mine  to  the  secretary  of  the  Society  upon  that 

subject,  to  which  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you;  &  shall  only  acquaint 
This  Copy  I  you  in  generall,  that  these  who  had  been  wrought  upon  to  sign 
is  ye  letter  I  that  secret  Representation,  being  ashamed  of  their  Inadvertency; 
immediately  I  &  those  who  had  refused  it,  triumphing  in  their  Prudence; 
following.  I  they  all  joined  in  the  enclosed  address,  to  defeat  any  part  of 
I  it  that  was  intended,  or  might  appear  to  be  levelled,  against 
1     me,  whatsoever  motive  prompted  the  contrivers  of  it,  it  was  zeal 


1712 


which  led  the  subscribers;  I'll  tell  you  what  sort  of  zeal:  In  the  words  of  the 
best  &  most  judicious  Churchman  of  any  age;  "  A  Zeal  which,  when  it  endeav- 
oureth  most  busily  to  please  God,  forceth  upon  him  those  unreasonable  oflices 
which  please  him  not;  and  when  it  bendeth  itself  into  conflict  with  all  things, 
either,  indeed,  or  but  imaginary,  to  be  opposite  to  Religion  itself  is  thereby  haz- 
arded. Through  hatred  of  the  Tares  the  very  corn  in  the  field  of  God  is  plucked 
up."  This  is  the  Zeal  which  prompted  them,  and  which,  if  it  get  not  a  sober 
guide,  will  worry  us  all;  there  being  but  slender  hopes  of  finding  that  Guide 
where  it  aut  to  be,  in  their  own  Breasts. 

I  believe  your  Lordship  will  joyn  with  me  in  opinion  that  there  is  an  evident 
necessity  of  one  some  where  else.  I  mean  a  Bishop  or  Person  duly  qualified  and 
authorized  to  hear  and  report  their  true  Grievances,  Stifle  their  imaginary  ones, 
to  hold  the  reigns  of  their  zeal,  &  give  the  spur  to  their  Devotion  and  Labours; 
I  say  a  person  duly  qualifyed.  Far  be  it  from  me  to  prescribe  to  those  every 
way  my  superiours,  in  a  matter  of  that  moment;  but  I  will  venture  to  aflirm, 
that  if  the  Person  sent  on  that  errand,  (especially  the  first),  be  not  a  man  of 
Prudence,  true  Christian  Spirit  &  Temper,  and  knowledge  of  men  and  things, 
as  well  as  books,  our  second  state  will  prove  worse  than  our  first;  &  where  we 
hoped  a  Father  &  Directour  of  the  Clergy,  we  may  find  the  head  of  a  Faction: 
I  would  not  be  misunderstood,  as  if  I  meant  to  arraign  the  body  of  the  Clergy 
here;  on  the  contrary  I  bear  them  witness  that  much  the  greater  part  are  good 
men;  these  make  no  noise,  but  keep  themselves  within  the  bound  of  their  mission; 
but  there  are  others   whom   I   must   pronounce   vicious,    if   Faction,    Pride,    Malice, 


1712 


1918  Ecclesiastical  Records 

and  blind  Zeal  be  vices:  In  the  first  rank  of  this  class  stands  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey, 
the  present  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  here,  formerly  an  independent  Minister 
in  New  England.  This  Gentleman,  for  what  reason  I  know  not,  had  before  my 
arrival  in  those  parts,  grossly  &  openly  abused  me;  «&  ever  since  that  time  has 
been  a  constant  Caballer  with  those  who  have  obstructed  all  settlement  (of)  the 
Revenue,  in  order  to  starve  me  out  as  they  phrase  it;  on  the  other  hand,  I  have, 
to  a  very  eminent  degree  returned  him  good  for  evil,  but  all  to  no  purpose;  nor 
indeed  can  I  entertain  the  least  Glympse  of  hopes  of  gaining  him  that  way;  for 
one  of  his  best  friends,  a  person  of  note  here,  in  a  very  free  conference  with  him 
not  long  agoe,  told  him,  that  for  his  own  part  lie  could  not  conceive  how  a  man 
could  manifest  his  zeal  for  the  Church,  or  regard  for  him,  than  by  a  regular,  well 
guarded  life  &  conversation;  great  benevolence  &  ready  concurrence  in  Building 
of  Churches  &  all  measures  that  can  be  proposed  for  establishing  them;  a  con- 
stant and  devout  attendance  at  her  ordinances;  cherishing  of  churchmen,  and  all 
possible  act  of  civility  &  Friendship  to  him  in  particular:  to  all  which  he  only 
replyed  that  the  conduct  mentioned  was  suspicious;  my  Zeal,  affected  and  civilities 
constrained;  This  I  believe  your  Lordship  will  agree  to  have  a  neer  resemblance 
to  what  is  recorded  of  the  Spanish  Bishop,  Itacus,  the  scourge  of  the  Priscillian- 
ists;  take  it  in  the  auther,  Sulpitius  Severus,  his  own  words:  "  Hie  stultitia  eo 
(us)  sque  processerat,  ut  omnes  etiam  sanctos  viros,  quibus  aut  Studium  Inerat 
Leetionis,  aut  propositum  erat  certare  jejuniis  tanquam  Priscilani  socios  aut  dis- 
cipulos,  in  crimen  arcesseret,  ausus  etiam  est,  m'ser,  ea  tempestate,  Martino 
Episcopo  viro  plane  Apostolis  conferendo  palam  objectare  Heresis  infamiam." 
I  am  far  from  the  vanity  of  running  the  Paralel  the  length  of  St  Martin  &  me, 
but  there  is  none  in  affirming  that  our  sufferings  are  alike,  &  a  pretty  near  re- 
semblance between  our  Persecutors;  But  my  Lord,  Ut  me  Collaudem,  and  in  some 
measure  to  make  good  the  character  given  me  by  that  worthy  Gentleman,  who 
has  wrote  at  large  on  this  subject  to  the  Society  by  this  conveyance,  He  give 
your  Lordship  a  short  abstract  of  my  conduct  as  to  church  affairs. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  enjoys  thirty  pounds  a  year  by  my  free  gift  at  my  arrival, 
though  I  myself  have  not  touched  one  farthing  of  public  money  since  I  have 
been  in  the  Government;  «&  for  which  he  hath  never  so  much  as  thanked  me, 
though  I  am  amply  recompensed  for  it,  by  a  kind  of  letter  of  thanks  from  the 
Right  Rev.  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London.  Having  graunted  induction  into  the 
church  at  Jamaica  to  Mr.  Poyer,  The  Dissenters  being  in  possession  of  the  manse 
house,  and  the  Collectors  refuseing  to  pay  him  his  Quarters  Stipend,  I  have  long 
pressed  him.  but  in  vain,  to  commence  a  suit  against  them,  which  I  offered  to 
carry  on  at  my  proper  cost  through  all  the  lengths  requisite.  I  have  by  a  liberal 
contribution,  &  all  the  countenance  and  influence  I  could  give  it,  finished  Mr. 
Vesey's  Steeple;  The  ancient  Chappell  in  the  fort,  (hinc  illae  lachrymae),  for 
many  years  past  a  Bear  Garden,  I  have  at  a  great  expence,  put  in  repair,  so 
that  it  is  now  one  of  the  most  decent  &  most  constantly  frequented  Houses  of 
Prayer  in   all    America.      I   have   by   my    assistance   and    Interest    at    last    finished 

1     the    church    at    New    Rochelle,*    &    granted    a    Patent    for    the 

*  He  may  also  |  Ground  forever,  a  thing  often  sought  but  never  obtained  during 
say  reconcil-  the  administration  of  former  Governors.  I  have  now  actually 
ed  ye  Parties  I  in  hand  subscription,  for  the  building  of  more,  at  Rye,  Pis- 
and  healed  the  |  cataway,  Elizabeth  Town,  etc.  which  I  dare  not  offer  till  the 
Breach  made  by  I  late  contributions  are  a  little  out  of  mind;  I  have  spared  no 
former  mis-  I  pains  to  get  finished  the  Forts  and  Chappells  for  ye  receptions 
managrs.  I  of  our  missionaries  amongst  the  Indians;  &  lastly  what  ought 
'     not   to    be   boasted   of     by   any    such   as,    like    me,    live    amongst 


bad  neighbours,  I  have  charitably  assisted  the  indigent  of  the  Clergy.  Now,  my 
Lord,  If  all  my  enemies  joyned  together  can  give  the  lye  to  one  article  of  all 
these,  I  promise  to  subscribe  to  whatsoever  they  please  to  Indite;  and  if  after 
all  this  I  must  be  ranked  amongst  the  enemies  of  the  Church,  God  direct  me  in 
a  way  how  I  may  approve  myself  her  friend,  for  as  yet  I   know  no  other. 

To  conclude,  my  lord,  what  I  humbly  intreat,  &  hope  may  justly  expect,  is  that 
the  most  venerable  Society  will  be  pleased  to  think  of  some  speedy  &  proper 
remedy  for  those  evills,  &  some  method  of  doing  me  justice;  I'll  tell  you  my  reason 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1919 

for  the  latter.  In  the  late  convocation  the  Clergy  being  amazed  at  the  apparent 
falsehood  of  former  suggestions  to  my  Prejudice,  the  Reverend  Mr.  Vesey  tooli 
occasion  to  declare,  as  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  as  he  hoped  for  mercy  in  Heaven, 
he  had  never  directly  nor  indirectly  presented  any  thing  to  the  Governors  Preju- 
dice, either  to  Queen  or  Parliament,  the  Society,  The  Lord  Primate  or  Lord 
Bishop  of  London;  and  desired  Mr.  Sharp  to  tell  me  so;  this  I  confessed  startled 
me;  I  sent  Mr.  Sharp  to  Mr.  Mackenzie  &  the  others,  who  had  informed  me  of  that 
scurrilous  Libel  against  me,  presented  to  them  for  their  concurrence  &  subscrip- 
tions, and  which  they  tore  with  just  indignation,  to  know  the  mystery  of  that 
solemn  Potestation;  who  told  him  that  it  was  the  most  gross  privarication;  for 
these  papers  presented  to  them  were  addressed  to  none  of  the  persons  Mr.  Vesey 
had  mentioned;  but  the  one  to  the  Earl  of  Clarendon,  the  other  to  Col.   Nicholson. 

That  noble  Lord  is  the  first  I  ever  heard  of,  who  did  me  the  honor  to  be  my 
declared  enemy,  for  what  reason  I  know  not;  for  I  have  suffered  much  for  the 
services  I  did  him.  I  have  some  difHculty  to  believe  the  other  Gent  is  so,  nothing 
having  ever  passed  between  us  but  civility  &  Friendship;  but  if  it  should  be  so, 
he  makes  the  number  just  two,  &  I  forgive  them  both,  &  defy  them,  being  in- 
sconced  by  a  certain  Murus  Athaenaeus,  [Aheneus?]  which  I  hope  is  proof  against 
all  their   efforts. 

Your  Lordship  cannot  think  me  very  solicitous  about  keeping  a  station,  which 
hath  afforded  me  nothing  but  torment  &  Ruin;  but  I  have  something  more  valu- 
able to  preserve,    which   I  trust  the   world   cannot  take   from   me. 

Can  you  pardon  this  stuff;  I  will  not  promise  to  make  amends  by  not  troubling 
you  with  the  like  in  future.  But  I  hope  never  upon 'the  same  subject.  I  am  with 
the  greatest  deflirence  &  Sincerity,  etc.,  etc.—  Col.  Hist.  N.   Y.   Vol.  v.  pp.  310-312. 


Governor  Hukter^s  Speech  to  the  Clergy,  Referred  to  iisr 
THE  Preceding  Letter.      [March  2,  1712.] 

Reverend  Gentlemen; —  I  have  given  you  the  trouble  of  this  meeting  upon  these 
accounts; 

First  that  I  may  advise  with  you  and  be  advised  by  you  as  to  what  measures 
may  be  necessary  for  promoting  the  true  Interests  of  the  Church  in  generall  in 
these  parts;  For  though  I  cannot  accuse  myself  of  any  omission  in  that  respect 
within  the  bounds  of  my  power  and  the  limits  of  the  law,  yet  in  the  multitude  of 
councilors  there  is  safety  which  may  supply  the  defects  of  the  most  sincere  and 
hearty  Intentions. 

In  the  nest  place  to  Inform  you  in  as  particular  a  manner  as  may  be  of  all  my 
proceedings  with  Relation  to  the  Church  established  at  Jamaica  because  as  I  am 
Informed  these  have  been  made  use  of  as  a  pretence  for  some  Insinuations  little 
to  my  advantage. 

Upon  Mr.  Foyer's  arrival  and  his  first  application  I  Granted  him  Induction  into 
that  Church.  Being  informed  that  the  Manse  house  was  by  the  artifices  of  a 
woman  in  the  possession  of  the  dissenters  who  claimed  it  as  their  right  I  consulted 
the  Chief  Justice  how  farr  I  might  legally  proceed  in  putting  the  Incumbent  in 
possession,  who  gave  his  opinion  in  writing  that  it  was  a  high  crime  and  misde- 
meanure  (If  I  rightly  remember)  to  putt  him  in  possession  by  any  other  method 
than   a   due   course  of   law. 

This  opinion  of  his  I  sent  to  Mr.  Poyer. 

Mr.  Poyer  came  to  me  some  time  after  to  acquaint  me  that  the  Justices  had 
refused  to  procure  the  payment  of  his  Quarter  sallary  as  directed  by  the  act. 
Upon  which  I  sent  for  the  Justice  he  named,  and  expostulated  with  him  the 
unreasonableness  of  such  their  proceedings  being  convinced  that  the  present  In- 
cumbent had  all  the  right  that  one  act  of  assembly  could  give  to  that  sallary  etc., 
and  in  the  presence  of  several  Gentlemen  now  in  toun  told  him  that  they  should 
not  flatter  themselves  that  the  necessitous  Circumstances  of  the  Incumbent  might 
prevent  or  delay  Justice  for  he  should  have  my  purse  to  carry  on  the  suit  to 
all  the  lengths  the  cause  required  or  the  law  would  permitt,  and  accordingly  wrote 


1713 


1712 


1920  Ecclesiastical  Records 

to  Mr.  Poyer  to  that  purpose  which  letter  Mr.   Renier  undertook  to  deliver  Judge 
Coe  declining  to  do't  alledging  that  it  was  carrying  his  own  condemnation. 

Hearing  nothing  from  Mr.  Pover  and  being  Informed  that  he  had  not  made 
any  one  step  toward  what  I  had  advised  I  took  occasion  being  upon  Long  Island 
to  pay  him  a  visit  and  in  the  presence  of  many  Gentlemen  press'd  him  again  to 
commence  his  suit  at  my  cost  there  being  no  possible  final  determination  of  that 
matter  besides  the  method  proposed.  Sometime  after  when  Mr.  Poyer  came  to 
see  me,  I  begged  of  him  that  since  nothing  I  had  said  could  prevail  with  him  to 
putt  his  case  In  suit,  he  would  be  pleased  to  give  me  in  writing  what  he  would 
have  me  do  for  his  reliefe.  All  the  answer  he  gave  me  was  this  that  he  had 
Long  since  submitted  that  matter  to  his  superiors  and  without  their  advice  he 
could  not  move  in  it. 

The  last  Effort  I  made  was  this  letter  to  which  I  received  this  answer,  both 
which  I  recommend  to  your  perusal  and  then  to  your  opinion  whether  any  of  these 
Questions  so  material  toward  a  true  state  of  the  case  and  proper  means  for  a 
remedy  be  answered  save  one. 

I  am  ignorant  of  the  true  cause  of  his  backwardnesse  but  I'll  tell  you  the  pre- 
tended one;  It  is  that  he  dare  not  submitt  his  case  to  a  Judge  who  is  a  dissenter; 
For  my  own  part  I  wish  from  my  heart  that  there  were  none  such  in  the  Province 
either  amongst  the  Judges  or  the  People;  But  such  are  not  precluded  by  ye  Laws 
from  the  Bench,  and  the  sheriffe  upon  whose  choice  the  Jurys  and  consequently 
the  cause  depends  Is  one  recommended  by  Mr.  Poyer  and  his  friends;  this  by 
the  by;  But  to  show  you  how  groundless  and  frivolous  that  pretence  is,  being  a 
matter  of  Property,  and  above  the  value  of  twenty  pounds  that  is  in  dispute,  it 
is  not  cognizable  before  these  Judges  but  the  cheife  Justice  who  I  hope  no  body 
will  say  is  an  enemy  to  the  Churches  Interests. 

What  remains  Gentlemen  is  only  to  assure  you,  that  though  I  have  a  conscience 
that  bears  me  witnesse  that  I  have  left  nothing  undone  for  the  true  service  of  the 
Church  of  England,  of  which  I  am  a  hearty  though  unworthy  member,  and  so 
am  purposed  by  the  Grace  of  God  to  dye,  yet  I  shall  now  and  at  all  times  here- 
after be  very  ready  to  be  Informed  and  advised  by  you  in  whatsoever  you  may 
agree  upon  to  be  necessary  for  advancing  her  true  Interests  in  these  parts.  And 
so  I  recommend  my  actions  to  your  scrutiny  and  favourable  construction  and 
myself  to  your  prayers.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  157,  158. 

The  Clergy's  Address  to  His  Excellency.     [Mar  3,  1712.] 

To  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Captain  General  and  Gov- 
ernour  in  Chief  of  her  Majesty's  Province  of  New  York,  New  Jersey 
&  Territories  depending  thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the 
same  etc. 

The  humble  address  of  the  Clergy  of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency: — 

We,  the  Clergy  of  her  Majesties  Provinces  of  New  York,  being  in  obedience 
to  your  Excellency's  desire  assembled,  taking  into  Consideration  your  Excellency's 
favourable  speech  to  us,  do  with  all  submission,  return  the  following  answer  to  the 
several  particulars  thereof. 

The  establishment  of  the  Church  here  by  Act  of  Assembly,  being  so  precarious. 
End  lyable  to  so  many  inconveniences,  we  beg  your  Excellency  to  advise  us 
whether  it  may  be  proper  for  us  to  address  her  Majesty  to  settle  it  on  a  surer 
foundation,  not  only  in  such  places  where  it  is  already  in  some  measure  planted, 
but  in  other  places,  where  the  benefit  of  that  act  has  not  yet  extended. 

In  relation  to  the  affair  of  Jamaica  we  assure  your  Excellency  that  such  of 
us  as  have  already  made  any  Representation  thereof  designed  not  thereby  any 
reflection  on  your  Excellency's  administration.  On  the  Contrary  we  gladly  em- 
brace this  opportunity  to  return  your  Excellency  our  humble  and  hearty  thanks 
for  granting  Mr.  Poyer  Induction,  immediately  upon  his  arrival,  notwithstanding 
the  designs  of  the  adversaries  of  the  Church  there  to  prevent  it;  and  for  con- 
sulting the  Chief  Justice  in   what  might   be  proper  for   his  Effectual   Relief  and 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1921 

Settlement.  And  we  are  very  sorry  that  the  Justice  of  whom  Mr.  Poyer  complained 
could  not  be  prevailed  upon  by  your  Excellency's  Expostulation  to  perform  his 
duty;  notwithstanding  your  Excellency  was  pleased  to  assure  him  Mr.  Poyer 
should  not  be  born  down  by  reason  of  his  low  circumstances,  but  should  be  sup- 
ported in  his  suite  by  the  generous  assistance  of  your  Excellency's  purse. 

We  are  divided  in  our  opinions  about  bringing  this  matter  to  a  tryal  at  Law, 
because  some  that  have  signed  a  Representation  of  this  case  are  still  of  opinion 
that  it  ought  not  to  be  brought  to  a  Tryal,  till  the  Bishop  of  London,  (to  whom 
they  have  addressed  it~i,  give  his  directions  therein.  Though  others  that  have 
signed  the  said  representation  do  concurr  with  those  that  have  not  in  the  method 
your  Excellency  proposes  for  redressing  Mr.  Foyer's  Grievances.  Being  now 
better  satisfyed,  in  what  your  Excellency  informs  us,  that  it  is  only  cognizable 
before  those  from  whom  we  can  expect  more  Impartial  Justice. 

We  are  sorry  Mr.  Poyer  did  not  return  your  Excellency  a  more  particular  and 
satisfactory  answer  to  your  Excellency's  Questions,  but  he  assures  us  he  was  not 
then  capable  of  doing  it.  and  that  the  deficiency  of  his  answer  did  not  proceed 
from  want  of  respect  to  your  Excellency. 

We  cannot  but  express  our  hearty  satisfaction  in  the  firm  assurances  your 
Excellency  has  been  pleased  to  give  us,  of  your  sincere  afEection  to  the  Church 
and  Zeal  to  promote  her  Interest;  in  the  acknowledgement  whereof  we  heartily 
pray  your  Excellency  may  plentifully  share  in  those  sure  blessings  promised  to 
all  those  that  love  her,  and  seek  her  peace;  begging  your  Excellency  to  believe 
that  we  shall  alwayes  be  ready  (agreeable  to  her  principles)  to  behave  ourselves 
with  all  dutyfull  respect  and  obedience  to  your  Excellency's  administration  and 
subscribe  ourselves  with  all  sincerity, 
May  it  please  your  Excellency, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful  humble  servants, 
William  Vesey.  of  New  York.  Henricus   Beys,    Harlem, 

Chris.  Bridge,  Rye.  Thos.  Poyer,  Jamaica. 

Aeneas  Mc  Kenzie,  Staten  Is.  John   Sharpe.  Chaplain  in  Fort. 

John  Thomas,  Hempstead,  Daniel    Bondet,    New    Rochelle. 

John  Barbour,*  Westchester.  Alexander    Innes,    Shrewsbury. 

—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   pp.  15S,   159.     Col.    Docs.   v.  325. 


A  Statement  of  the  Church  at  Jamaica.     [1712.] 

7ber  1693.     The  Act  of  Assembly  for  Settling  ye  Ministry  was  past. 

Jan.   1702.     The  first  Vestrymen  &   Churchwardens  were  chosen  at  Jamaica. 

1702.     Mr.  Hubbard  a  Dissenting  minister  was  called  by  the  Churchwardens 
&  Vestry. 
Aug.  1704.     Mr.    Urquhart    was   Inducted   by   power   from    my   Lord    Cornbury. 

1706.     An  Act  of  Assembly  past   which  confirmed  that  Induction. 
1710.     In  ye )  Mr.    Mackuesh    a    Dissenting    Minister    was    called    by    the    Church- 
Spring  (  wardens   &   Vestry   who   are   all    Dissenters. 
1710     July    18.     Mr.    Poyer    was    Inducted    by    power    from    his    Excellency    Coll. 
Hunter. 
I  humbly  conceive  that  no  person  that  has  ye  presentation  to  a   Benefice  can 
hoe  it  twice.     So  that  if  an  unqualified  person  be  presented,   he  that   presented 
him  cannot  afterwards  prefer  another.     This  was  the  case  of  Mr.  Hubbard,   who 
being  a  Dissenter  was  not  qualified  to  accept;   for  which  reason  my  Lord  Corn- 
bury  gave  Induction  to  Mr.  Urquhart,  &  ye  Assembly  by  ye  said  last  act  declare 
it  to  be  valid. 

That  Mr,  Macnesh  has  been  lately  called  by  ye  Vestry,  etc;  but  by  his  being 
a  Dissenter  was  not  qualified  to  accept,  &  therefore  Mr.  Poyer  is  Inducted  by 
power  from  his  Excellency,  &  being  so  Inducted  is  Intituled  to  every  thing  that 
belonged  to  his  predecessor,  Mr,  Urquhart,  &  consequently  to  ye  Sallary  which 
is  now   about   to   be   appropriated   to    a    Dissenting   Minister.     The    first    act   for 

*  In  Col,  Docs,  this  name  is  Bartow,  which  is  the  correct  form. 


1712 


1712 


1922  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

Settling  ye  Ministry  lay  dormant  Tvitla  us  nine  years,  because  we  had  no  Church 
of  England  Minister  to  reap  the  benefit  of  it.  Its  lying  dormant  so  long  is  a 
plaine  Indication  of  ye  opinion  of  the  Dissenters  themselves  in  favour  of 
the  Church;  fCor  if  that  act  vras  made  for  the  Dissenters,  (which  they  doe  now 
against  all  reason  assert),  why  did  they  never  make  use  of  it  in  all  that  time, 
&  thereby  put  an  end  to  the  continued  &  endless  contentions  they  have  had  with 
their  ministers,  many  of  which  are  not  yet  paid  by  them. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  iii. 
p.   160.      Col.   Docs.   N.   Y.   v.  328. 


Dutch  Chuech  oe  Xew  York. 

Marcli  4,  1711-12.  (1712). 

Consistory  met,  and  after  prayer,  the  foregoing  request  was 
maturely  considered.  It  was  unanimously  Resolved,  to  send  the 
following  answer  to  Mr.  Jacob  Wynkoop,  w^ho  had  presented  the 
request:  That  Do.  Du  Bois,  as  far  as  concerns  himself,  is  fully 
convinced  that  suitable  teacher  should  be  called  to  labor  with 
him,  if  sufficient  means  can  be  devised,  in  a  proper  way.  This 
he  does  not  doubt,  if  the  congregation  mil  take  proper  care  to 
do  it. 

Furthermore,  The  Consistory,  (which  has  never  been  unwilling 
to  call  another  minister  when  it  became  proper  to  do  so),  will 
take  the  first  opportunity  to  do  whatsoever  may  be  deemed  useful 
toward  such  an  enterprise,  and  to  the  rousing  of  the  people  to 
push  on  such  a  praiseworthy  work. 

—  Lib.  B.  43,  45. 

Rev.  Mk.  Poyee  to  the  S'ecretaey  of  the  Society  foe 
Peopagating-  the  Gospel. 

Jamaica  on  Long  Island,  March  7,  1712. 

Sir. —  I  humbly  beg  the  Venerable  Society  will  be  pleased  to 
accept  of  these  sincere  tender  of  my  hearty  acknowledgment  for ' 
their  most  favorable  acceptation  of  the  state  of  the  Church  in 
this  place,  contained  in  the  Clergy's  Memorial,  for  the  manifes- 
tation of  their  pious  concern  for  this  Infant  Church,  and  their 
very  kind  letter  to  us;  and  I  desire  and  shall  always  endeavour 
submissively  to  submit  to  their  commands,  and  unblameably  to 
demean  myself  with  a  true  Christian  temper. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1923 

I  hoped  to  have  done  this  in  conjunction  with  the  rest  of  my 
Brethren  at  a  meeting  proposed  to  be  at  Burlington  the  3rd 
day  of  this  Instant,  intended,  as  I  presume  for  the  very  end ;  but 
was  prevented  by  an  order  from  our  Governor,  Coll.  Hunter,  to 
meet  at  a  Convention  of  the  Clergy  at  jSTew  York,  on  the  24th  of 
February,  preceding,  the  design  of  which  convention,  (as  might 
reasonably  have  been  expected),  should  in  this  point  have  con- 
curred with  that  of  the  meeting  at  Burlington;  but  finding  not 
that,  but  other  private  particular  ends  was  proposed,  after  a  weeks 
stay  from  my  parish  in  a  very  expensive  place,  (therefore  also 
unagreeable  with  my  circumstances),  I  withdrew  myself  from 
them;  and  because  his  Excellency  in  his  Speech  had  resented  some 
harsh  words,  I  had,  in  the  midst  of  my  difficulties,  made  use  of 
in  a  Letter  to  his  Grace  the  Lord  Archp.  of  Kew  York,  I  thought 
it  my  duty  humbly  to  beg  his  pardon  for  the  indecent  manner  of 
expressing  them;  which  I  did  by  a  letter  whereof  I  herewith  pre- 
sent you  a  copy. 

By  the  advice  of  Counsel,  I  have  lately  served  the  Dissenter, 
who  is  in  possession  of  the  Parsonage  house  &  Glebe,  with  a 
Lease  of  Ejectment  for  continuing  the  Claim,  but  with  no  design 
■of  prosecuting  to  effect,  for  in  that  I  shall  not  presume  to  do 
anything  till  I  receive  the  express  commands  of  the  Venerable 
Society. 

Such  explication  of  her  Majesty's  Instructions  as  is  petitioned 
for  by  the  Venerable  Society  I  humbly  conceive  is  the  very  best 
expedient  in  this  affair,  and  will  have  a  general  good  consequence 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Church  throughout  America;  but  for  the 
circumstances  of  a  change  of  Officers,  I  wish  I  could  not  say  it 
is  precarious,  we  having  in  this  County  had  two  new  Commis- 
sions of  the  peace  in  ten  weeks  time,  and  nothing  is  as  yet  offered 
to  be  done  in  my  behalf;  but  nevertheless  the  number  of  my 
hearers  &  Communicants  increase  not  a  little;  as  I  am  embol- 
dened to  hope  that  on  the  arrival  of  Coll,  ISTicholson,  the  Church 

in  general  here  will  begin  to  be  in  a  flourishing  condition,  I 
16 


1712 


1712 


1924  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

humbly  offer  my  duty  to  tlie  Venerable  Society  &  remain. —  Doc. 
Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  160,  161. 

Trinity  Chuech^  New  Yoek.     [1712.] 

Trinity  Claurch  thanljs  Queen  Anne  for  the  beautiful  Communion  Set  sent  to 
her;  for  authorizing  General  Nichollson  to  report  on  the  state  of  the  Church. 
Trinity  Corporation  was  then  being  prosecuted  in  the  Court  of  Chancery  of 
New  York  Province  on  her  right  to  the  so-called  Church  Farm,  and  request  was 
made  for  royal  interference  therein,   respecting  the  Episcopate,  they  say: 

"  We  conceive  it  to  be  highly  necessary  for  securing  the  establishment  of  the 
Church  in  these  Provinces  and  enlarging  her  Borders  that  the  Ecclesiastical  Gov- 
ernment according  to  the  Apostolic  Form  and  order  should  be  established  among 
us  in  like  manner  as  in  England  and  Ireland.  We  therefore  become  humble  sup- 
pliants to  your  Majesty  that  you  will  be  graciously  pleased  to  establish  Bishops 
who  may  reside  among  us  to  govern  the  Church,  to  Ordain  some,  Confirm  others, 
and  bless  all  in  our  Redeemer's  Name,  which  we  doubt  not  (by  the  blessing  of 
God)  will  be  the  most  sure  and  effectual  means  to  propagate  Religion  and  sound 
Doctrine  and  preserve  the  Church  in  Unity  and  Peace."  Records  i.  93. —  Dis"s 
Hist.   Trinity  Ch.   1.  189. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  in  America. 

Rev.  Bemardus  Freeman,  by  order  of  his  Consistory  at  Midwout, 
to  Eev.  Vincentius  Antonides  and  his  Consistory,  March 
17,  1712. 

Portfolio,  "  New  York  ",  Vol.  i.  Extract,  xxi.  576. 

Consistory,  held  March  16,  1712. 

This  meeting  was  on  account  of  the  letters,  which  the  Eev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam  has  again  sent.  .In  these  the  Eev.  Anto- 
nides and  the  Eev.  Freeman  are  admonished  to  settle  their  dis- 
putes; with  the  establishment  of  peace  among  their  congregations. 

Therefore  we,  the  Consistory  of  Midwout,  on  hearing  the  said 
letters  read,  do  resolve  to  propose,  in  the  fear  of  God,  to  Eev. 
Antonides,  and,  in  writing,  inasmuch  as  he  has  expressed  a  desire 
for  this: 

Therefore,  being  again  assembled,  in  God's  Name  and  fear, 
we  propose  the  following  with  this  end  in  view: — Nevertheless, 
if  Eev.  Antonides  and  his  Consistory,  at  their  meeting,  should 
yet  deem  it  a  better  plan,  to  hold  a  verbal  conference  —  (we  agree 
to  this): 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1925 

Our  idea  tlieii  is  — 

1,  That  everything,  out  of  which  this  dispute  and  quarrel  have 
ari&en,  shall  remain  charitably  covered  up,  and  not  be  discussed, 
either  directly  or  indirectly. 

2,  That  Rev,  Antonides  and  Rev,  Freeman's  calls  shall  be 
regarded  by  each  side,  as  good  and  lawful,  by  way  of  Cliristian 
concession, 

3,  That  both  ministers  shall  do  equal  service  and  enjoy  equal 
salaries. 

4,  That  the  Consistories  shall  become  one  body,  by  way  of 
Christian  concession, 

5,  If  all  the  above  points  become  acceptable,  they  are  then 
to  be  shown  to  all  the  congregations,  with  the  admonition  that 
they  shall  also  agree  to  them  for  the  sake  of  peace;  and  both 
the  ministers,  throughout  the  whole  county,  shall  perform  equal 
service,  and  both  shall  be  held  in  equal  love  and  reverence;  so 
that  God's  jSTame  may  be  glorified  and  the  Church  be  edified. 

Done  in  our  Consistory,  at  Midwoud,  this  ITtli  of  March,  1712, 
by  order  of  the  Consistory. 

B.  Freeman. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Rev.   Bemhard  Freerman  to   the  Rev.    Classis   of  Amsterdam, 

March  22,  1712. 

Portfolio,  "  New  York  ",  Vol.  i. 

(Addressed:)   To   the  Much   Esteemed   and   Learned   Classis   at 

Amsterdam. 

New  York,  March  22,  1712. 
Much  Esteemed  Sirs  and  Brethren  in  Christ: — 

I  have  understood  that  the  Rev.  Classis  has  written  to  me,  but 
I  do  not  know  the  object,  nor  what  the  letter  was  about.  These 
letters,  however,  have  been  communicated  to  certain  persons,  who 


1712 


1712 


1926  Ecclesiastical  Records 

out  of  pure  malice,  or  under  incitement  (by  others)  have  greatly 
perverted  your  letters  and  slandered  me  in  my  Holy  ]\iinistry, 
and  that  even  among  the  heathen.  Thereby  God's  Word  and 
worship  have  been  profaned,  and  Christians,  generally,  brought 
into  contempt.  I  earnestly  request  that  the  Rev.  Classis  will 
without  fail  erase  these  copied  letters  from  their  Classical  Record- 
Book,  (Copy-Book). 

I  commend  myself  to  the  kindness  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  and 
await,  in  this  respect,  a  kind  reply.  Much  beloved  Sirs,  I  com- 
mend you  unto  the  saving  grace  of  God.     Farewell. 

Your  cordial  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

Bernhardus  Freerman. 

Secretary  Clarke  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer. 

New  York,   April  2nd,   1712. 
Sir:— 

By  his  Excellency's  command  I  am  to  tell  you,  in  answer  to  yours  by  Mr.  Sliarp, 
that  the  same  method  has  been  observed  in  distributing  the  Proclamation  against 
immorality  and  profaneness  to  the  Magistrates  and  Ministers  in  ye  County,  as 
has  been  taken  for  the  other  Counties  throughout  the  Province,  viz.,  by  sending 
a  sufficient  number  to  the  Clerk  of  the  County,  from  whom  you  might  have  had 
one  if  you  had  pleased;  but  you  seemed  rather  to  seek  occasions  of  Complaining 
to  his  Excellency  than  to  perform  a  duty  incumbent  on  you;  but  that  should  not 
induce  you  to  be  angry  with  others  who  do  theirs.  His  Excellency  is  no  ways 
concerned  in  what  Mr.  Macknesh  says;  he  gave  you  induction  to  ye  Church,  and 
if  you  had  been  as  forward  to  embrace  the  Generous  offers  he  has  made  you  as 
might  have  been  expected,  Mr.  Macknesh  and  his  Congregation  would  before  now 
have  been  obliged  to  acknowledge  you  the  Legal  minister  of  the  place;  but  you 
best  know  by  what  reasons  you  have  been  guided.  As  for  the  Concern  you  ex- 
press against  immorality  and  profaneness  his  Excellency  will  think  it  more  sincere 
when  he  finds  you  in  better  company. 

Mr.  Sharp  has  sent  you  a  Proclamation  to  remove  your  causeless  complaint. 
I  am  Sir  etc. 

G.   C. 
—  Doe.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  161. 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  Mr.  Clarke. 

Jamaica,    April  4,    1712. 
Sir:— 

Yesterday  I  received  ye  Letter  which  by  his  Excellency's  order  you  was  pleased 
to  write  Wednesday  last,  in  Answer  to  one  from  me  to  his  Excellency  dated  the 
24th  of  ye  last  month:  in  which  as  my  Intentions  were  not  in  the  least  measure  to 
intimate  a  Suspicion  (which  I  had  not)  of  any  Disregard  in  that  particular  from 
his  Excellency;  so  I  humbly  conceive,  no  Words  contained  therein  can  imply  it. 

That  I  might  have  asked  ye  Clerk  of  ye  County  for  ye  Proclamation,  before 
I  knew  he  had  it,  is  hardly  probable.     Either  ye  Clerk,  to  whom  it  was  directed, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.         1927 

has  pursu'd  his  orders,  or  not;  if  not,  why  is  he  not  censured;  &  if  he  did,  why 
should  I  now  be  charged  with  any  part  of  that  Fault  I  complained  of.  I  now 
find  by  yours  (of  which  I  was  ignorant  before)  that  ye  Fault  lies  (though  perhaps 
not  without  ye  perswasions  of  some)  at  ye  Clerk's  Door:  &  if  his  Excellency  has 
formerly  blam'd  me  for  not  complaining,  why  should  I  now  be  charged  with  seeking 
that,  rather  than  my  Duty;  &  ye  assertion  of  being  angry  at  others  who  do  theirs, 
is,  I  humbly  conceive,  a  little  too  severe,  &  includes  a  Reflection  with  a  Figure: 
&  I  think,  I  ought  not  to  have  been  censured  Instead  of  redress'd. 

This  is  not  ye  first  Instance  of  Mr.  Macnesh's  Liberty  in  speaking:  &  had  his 
Excellency  been  pleased  to  hint  his  Unconcernedness  to  me  on  other  occasions, 
relating  to  that  person,  I  should  not  have  given  him  ye  trouble  of  reading  this  last 
abusive  Expression. 

I  am  certain  that  my  Designs  in  all  my  actions  &  Proceedings,  in  reference 
to  the  Church  here,  are,  &  have  been  Just  &  honest;  &  my  Conduct  in  ye 
method  of  doing  the  same  will  I  hope,  in  a  short  time  be  determined  in  my 
favour  by  others  who  are  also  my  Superiors,  and  proper  Judges. 

You  are  pleased  not  without  a  seeming  Bitterness,  still  to  proceed  in  ye  third 
Paragraph,  to  charge  me  with  a  Crime,  which  (thanks  be  to  God)  I  never  was, 
&  wish  nobody  else  had  ever  been  more  guilty  of,  viz.,  of  being  found  in  bad 
company;  &  I  am  firmly  perswaded,  that  his  Excellency  does  not  believe,  that  I 
have  entertained  any  new  Companions,  since  ye  time  he  was  pleased  to  say,  he 
would  sign  a  certificate  as  well  of  my  having  faithfully  &  diligently  demeaned 
myself  in  my  Function,  as  also  of  my  unblameable  &  exemplary  Life  &  Conversa- 
tion. 

Though  as  a  true  minister  of  Christ  I  am  and  always  have  been  ready  to 
testify  against  Profaneness  and  Immorality,  it  is  no  small  matter  of  Wonder  to 
me  to  find  you  suppose  an  Expression  relating  hereto,  which  is  not  contained  in 
my  Letter,  for  no  other  end  than  to  introduce  ye  foregoing  tart  aspersion,  which 
I  am  well  assured,  no  person  will  be  so  hardy  as  to  venture  to  make  appear;  & 
I  dare  aver  it  to  be  as  causeless,  as  you  are  pleased  to  term  my  just  Complaint. 

I  am  Sir, 

Your  Humble  Servant, 

Thos.    Poyer. 
—  Doc.   Hist.    N.   Y,   Vol.    iii.   pp.   161,   162. 


Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Rev.  B.  Freeman  —  by  order  of  the  Consistories  of  Midwoud, 
Breukelen,  Bushwick,  New  Utrecht  and  Gravesend  —  to  the 
Eev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  April  4,  1712. 

Portfolio  "  New  York  ",  Yol.  i. 

We,  the  Consistories  of  Midwoiidt,  Breukelen,  Bushwick,  New 
Utrecht,  and  Gravesend  assembled  at  Midwoudt  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord:  At  this  meeting  the  Consistory  of  New  Jamaica  appeared, 
expressing  the  desire,  for  the  greater  edification  of  their  con- 
gregation, that  they  also  may  enjoy  the  service  of  public  worship 
on  the  Lord's  Day  under  the  ministry  of  the  Eev.  Freeman: 


1712 


1712 


1928  Ecclesiastical  Records 

But  inasmucli  as  we,  tlie  said  Consistories,  can  at  present  do 
notliing  in  this  matter  because  the  Eev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam 
has  earnestly  urged  upon  us  the  importance  of  a  speedy  restora- 
tion of  the  peace;  and  their  Peace- Articles,  as  drawn  up,  were 
also  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Antonides  and  his  Consistory 
on  March  17,  1712: 

And  inasmuch  as  he  informed  us  on  March,  26,  that  they  de- 
sired carefully  to  consider  those  Articles  of  Peace,  and  would 
give  us  an  answer  in  due  time: 

And  inasmuch  as  the  Rev.  Consistory  of  JSTew  Jamaica,  show 
themselves  mlling  to  recommend  these  same  terms  of  Peace  to 
their  congregation,  and  to  take  Rev.  Antonides  and  Rev.  Freeman 
on  equal  terms  as  their  pastors: 

Thereupon  the  Rev.  Consistories  desire  to  propose  the  follow- 
ing to  Rev.  Antonides  and  his  Consistories: 

That  Mr.  Antonides  would  be  kind  enough  to  include  this  offer 
also  in  the  said  Peace  Articles  for  the  consideration  of  his  Con- 
sistory, that  the  answer  may  be  returned  also  to  this  proposition, 
even  as  he  and  his  Consistories  have  shown  themselves  mlling, 
by  a  written  communication,  on  March  26,  1712,  to  consider  the 
Peace  Articles:  and  because  we  can(not)  comply  ^\dth  the  propo- 
sition from  Jamaica,  unless  we  know  how  Rev.  Antonides  and  his 
Consistoiy  are  disposed  in  reference  to  this  m,atter  of  Peace.  "We 
protest  before  God,  on  our  part,  that  we  aim  at  nothing  but 
the  glory  of  God  and  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  congregation. 

By  order  of  the  Rev.  Consistories,  as  above  mentioned  : 

B.  Freeman. 
April  4,  1712. 

The  Humble  Address  of  the  Grand  Jury,   and   other   Principal   Inhabitants  of  the 

County  of  Suffolk. 

(1712) 

May  it  Please  Your  Excellency,  Wee  her  Majesty's  most  Dutiful!  &  Loyall 
subjects,  reflecting  on  the  many  blessings  wee  enjoy  under  her  Most  Illustrious 
&  auspicious  Reigne;  Take  the  freedom  to  improue  this  method  of  Expressinge 
the  Integrity  &  fervour  of  our  affection.  Wee  do  with  unexpressible  Joy  and 
satisfaction  recollect,  the  innumerable  demonstrations,  her  Majesty  hath  graciously 
indulged    us    of   her   sincerity    and   Zeal    for   the   true    Reformed    Religion,    as    also 


OF  THE  State  of  N'ew  York.  1929 

her  peculiar  regard  manifested  in  pertleular  to  this  gouernment,  in  sending  your 
Excellency  to  preside  ouer  us;  of  whose  great  virtue,  prudence,  Justice  &  Conduct, 
wee  entertaine  this  intire  Confidence,  That  with  the  blessing  of  Heaven  uppon  Yo 
Eminent  endeavours;  wee  doubt  not  to  enjoy,  Safety  &  protection  from  our  enemies 
abroad;  Liberty  of  Conscience,  peace  &  Tranquility  at  home;  and  that  everything 
repugnant  to  the  true  English  interest,  may  henceforth  &  for  euer  Euanish;  But 
more  Espetially  wee  beg  leaue  to  Tender  your  Excellency  our  most  hearty  & 
gratefull  acknowledgements,  for  the  late  pious  Reffiormacon,  your  Excellency  hath 
been  pleased  to  effect  in  this  County;  by  promoteing  such  among  us,  as  wee  hope. 
Truly  fear  God,  &  will  candidly  endeauour  to  Advance  his  glory,  by  discourageing 
&  suppressing  prophainess  &  Immorality,  which  in  great  meashure  by  neglect 
&  ill  example  of  some  of  our  Magistrates,  has  heretofore  Like  a  Vniuersall  con- 
tagion, diffused  &  spread  among  us  to  the  great  scandall  &  reproach  of  the 
Christian  Religion,  &  the  dishonour  and  prejudice  of  her  Majesties  Gouernment. 
In  Concurence  Therefore  with  your  Excellencies  Laudable  intentions,  wee  do 
most  humbly  craue  the  continuance  of  your  patheticke  concerne,  by  distinguishing 
with  marks  of  your  Valuable  fauor,  such  of  her  Majesties  Judges  &  Justices  as 
faithfully  discharge  their  respective  dutys  by  putting  in  speedy  &  due  Execution 
Laws,  now  Extant  against  vice  &  Immorality;  and  to  require  from  them,  from 
Time  to  Time,  an  account  of  their  agreeable  proceedings. 

Wee  present  to  your  Excellency  this  our  humble  address,  out  of  a  sence  of  our 
duty,  and  Zeale  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  to  the  end  that  all  our  enterprizes, 
may  be  owned  &  blessed  by  his  Diuine  guidance  &  assistance;  And  that  your 
Excellency  may  be  propitious  in  acquiring  all  the  good  ends  of  GoHernment, 
aduance  in  her  Majesty's  favour,  &  haue  the  obsequious  regards,  as  well  as  the 
Cordiall  affections  of  the  people  here  under  your  sage  Administration;  continue 
with  your  Noble  Consort  Long  &  happeiy  among  us,  to  your  Excellencies  unex- 
pressible  aduantage,  satisfaction,  &  Complacency;  are  the  constant  wishes,  & 
unalterable  desires,  &  prayer  of, 

May  it  please  your  Excellency, 

Your  most  obliged,  most  faithfuU  &  obedient  Servants. 

James  Reeve,  foreman  in  behalf  of  the  Grand  Jury. 

Presented  by  Coll.  Smith,  5th  April  1712. 

—  Doc.   Hist.    N.    Y.    Vol.    iil.    pp.   219,   220. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  in  America. 

Rev.  Antonides  and  liis  Consistories  of  Midwout,  Bi-euckelen  and 
ISTew  Amersfort,  to  Eev.  Freeman  and  his  Consistories,  April 
18,  1712. 

Port-folio,  "  New  York,"  Vol.  i.     Extracts,  xxi.  576-7. 

Answer  to  the  Proposals  made  hj  the  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman  on 
March  17,  1712;  and  urged  again  in  a  second  paper  dated 
April  4,  1712. 

Reverend  Sir: — - 

The  Consistories  of  the  three  united  congregations  of  Midwout, 
Breukelen,  and  ISTew  Amersfoort  have  seen  your  Proposals  for 
reconciliation,  by  removing  the  dispute  between  you  and  the  con- 


1712 


1712 


1930  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

gregations  of  riatbush  and  Breukelen,  concerning  your  call;  as 
well  as  your  coining  into  those  congregations  under  pressure  of 
letters  from  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  that  end.  We 
have  earnestly  pondered  the  said  Proposals,  and  compared  them 
with  the  letters  of  the  Classis  aforesaid.  They  observe  your  ear- 
nest disposition  toward  peace-making,  in  compliance  with  the  ad- 
monition of  the  Rev.  Classis;  while  you  in  the  second  paper  pro- 
test before  God  that  you  have  nothing  else  in  view  than  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  churches.  This 
is  a  Christian  aim  at  which  the  Consistories  rejoice.  And  they 
all  declare  themselves,  and  each  one  in  particular,  that  they  know 
themselves  to  be  free  from  having  given  any  ground  or  origin 
for  this  sad  schism  between  the  congregations;  that  they  have 
always  wished  and  sought  a  peaceful  union,  but  with  the  earnest 
desire  for  the  preservation  of^  good  order,  and  edification  in 
Christ's  Church;  and  they  are  still  cordially  inclined  thereto. 
They  wish  therefore  gladly  to  aid  you;  and  they  offer  you  the 
helping  hand  to  the  healing  of  this  breach  in  Zion,  and  the  re- 
moval of  all  offences;  and  especially  that  Rock  of  Offence,  recom- 
mended to  you  so  earnestly  by  the  Rev.  Classis;  so  that  good 
order  may  be  restored  in  Christ's  Church,  and  that  the  truth^ 
which  is  according  to  salvation,  may  be  proclaimed  with  fruit 
and  unto  edification. 

The  Consistories  have  accordingly  put  together  the  following^ 
which  they  propose  to  you  by  these  presents: 

1.  That  in  this  pacification,  the  Church  Order  must  be  ad- 
hered to,  so  far  as  is  practicable.  They  fear  that  there  will  be 
no  good  results,  in  holding  as  good  and  lawful  that  which  is  dia- 
metrically contrary  thereto. 

2.  And  as  to  such  results:  Inasmuch  as  you  so  earnestly  pro- 
test or  declare  before  God  that  you  have  no  other  aim  than  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  congregations; 
and  inasmuch  as  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  has  expressly 
written  to  you,  that  your  call  to  IsTew  Utrecht  does  not  make  you 


OF  THE  State  op  Kew  Yokk.  1931 

the  minister  of  the  other  churches  of  Long  Island  which  had 
already  made  out  another  call;  you  must,  therefore,  place  your- 
self in  a  condition  to  be  called  by  the  congregations  of  Flatbush 
and  Breukelen;  and  the  Consistories  of  the  aforesaid  churches, 
irregularly  chosen  and  installed,  must  resign  their  offices, 

3.  This  then  being  agreed  to  by  you,  the  members  of  the  afore- 
said churches  should  be  called  on  individually,  in  order  to  ascer- 
tain their  disposition,  and  to  admonish  them  as  to  the  benefit  to 
accrue  by  calling  you  in  an  ecclesiastical  manner. 

4.  And,  moreover,  before  the  said  call  is  executed,  you  should 
firmly  bind  yourselves,  together  with  the  other  ministers,  to  the 
Church  Order  of  our  Dutch  jSTational  Church,  according  to  the 
Synod  of  Dort,  1618-19  and  subject  yourself  to  the  Rev.  Classis 
of  Amsterdam. 

5.  As  regards  the  equal  services  and  the  salary  of  the  two 
ministers,  this  is  something  that  is  outside  of  dispute,  and  shall 
follow  as  a  matter  of  course,  if  only  the  great  Eock  of  Offence, 
mentioned  in  number  two  is  taken  out  of  the  way. 

Thus  done  in  our  Church  gathering,  (Consistory),  April  18, 
1712. 

In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Rev.  Consistory, 

V.  Antonides,  Pres. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  in  America. 

Rev.  B.  Freeman  and  his  Consistory  to  Rev.  Y.  Antonides  and  his 
Consistory,  April  27,  1712. 

Port-folio  "  Xew  York  "  Vol.  i. 

Consistory-meeting  held  at  Midwout,  April  27,  1712,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  answer  of  Mr.  Antonides  and  his  Consistory  —  signed 
April  18,  1712,  and  which  was  placed  April  23rd, —  to  our  Peace- 
Articles,  which  were  proposed  to  them,  March  17,  1712. 

In  considering  your  reply,  it  was  Resolved,  That  the  present 
Consistory  should  declare  that  it  had  given  no  ground,  nor  had  it 


1932  Ecclesiastical  Records 

originated  these  sad  differences.  We  directed  our  attention  to 
tlie  first  Peace-Articles  proposed  to  yon  by  us  on  March  17,  1712. 
We  almost  determined  to  remain  absolutely  silent,  and  would  so 
have  done,  had  it  not  been  that  you,  on  your  part,  still  professed 
an  inclination  for  peace,  and  desired  to  offer  the  hand.  There- 
fore we  make  the  following  observations  on  your  Peace-Articles: 

The  first  Article  proposes  that  so  far  as  practicable,  we  should 
hold  ourselves  to  the  Church-Regulations;  for  othervdse  it  is  to 
be  feared  that  no  good  results  will  ensue: — if,  for  example,  we 
consider  that  to  be  good  and  lawful,  which  is  in  conflict  with 
such  Rules.     I  approve  of  this. 

The  third  Article  proposes  that  we  should  go  through  the  con- 
gregation to  ascertain  the  general  feeling  on  these  matters,  and 
to  advise  them  as  to  the  benefits  of  the  plans  proposed.  I  ap- 
prove of  this.     It  ought  to  be  carried  into  effect. 

The  second  Article  proposes  that  I  should  submit  to  a  call  to 
the  churches  of  Flatbush  and  Brooklyn.  I  approve  of  this  on 
condition  that  Mr.  Antonides  will  be  pleased  to  do  the  same.  He 
ought  to  do  this,  and  so  ought  I,  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the 
peace  and  edification  of  the  churches.  Thus  would  we  stand  side 
by  side  in  equal  honor  and  respect. 

Now  as  to  my  coming  and  choosing  a  Consistory  for  myself  — 
this  you  are  pleased  to  call  irregular.  We  have  the  same  feeling 
about  you  and  your  Consistory;  but  this  does  not  heal  the  matter 
in  dispute.  In  case  I  were  left  without  a  Consistory,  that  would 
be  in  conflict  with  the  Church-Regulations.  And  as  to  making 
ourselves  an  independent  church  —  that  be  far  from  us!  But 
they  would  approve  of  this,  that  your  Consistory  and  mine  be 
held  alike  in  honor  and  respect;  that  the  brethren  of  each  should 
be  on  a  perfect  equality  with  the  other  brethren,  for  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  edification  of  the  Church. 

Now  such  an  agreement  would  not  be  contrary  to  the  Gospel, 
which  commands  us  to  forgive  one  another  even  as  God  for 
Christ's  sake  hath  forgiven  us;  nor  would  it  militate  against  our 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1933 

dwelling  together  in  civil  life;  and  still  less  would  it  militate 
against  our  Christian  fellowship,  and  our  relations  to  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  We  earnestly  admonish  you  to  favor  this.  If 
you  thus  do,  the  peace  is  assured,  and  the  dispute  removed. 

The  fourth  Article  —  that  I  with  all  the  other  ministers  accept 
the  Church-Regulations  of  the  Synod  of  Dort,  1618-19,  and  that 
we  maintain  a  good  correspondence  with  the  Rev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  —  all  this  I  approve,  and  intend  to  abide  thereby  so 
far  as  is  practicable;  and  I  shall,  in  time,  overcome  the  suspicions 
to  which  I  am  now  subjected,  as  well  as  the  blame  attached 
thereto. 

The  fifth  Article,  that  each  shall  render  equal  service  and 
receive  equal  salary,  you  place  beyond  all  difficulty.  So  far  as 
in  me  lies,  I  therefore  take  this  rock  of  offence,  as  you  are 
pleased  to  call  it,  out  of  the  way.  If  now,  you  help  all  this 
along,  the  difficulty  is  practically  over.  If  not  —  I  have  done 
what  I  could.  I  agree  to  all  the  Articles  except  the  one;  in  that 
I  place  myself  on  the  same  footing  with  you.  We  expect  an 
answer  from  you  and  your  Consistory  within  four  days,  even  as 
we  have  rendered  an  answer  to  you  within  such  time. 

And  all  this,  ^vith  the  love  which  we  owe  each  other. 

In  the  name  of  my  Consistory,  after  my  second  service,  the 
date  as  above, 

Bernardus  Freeman. 

Petitio]\'  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  Kingstown  for  a  Charter. 

1712. 

.To  his  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.  Capt.  Generall  Governor  in  Chief  of 
her  Majesties  Provinces  of  New  Yorli  &  New  Jersey  and  the  Territories  depending 
thereon  in  America  &  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same  etc.  and  the  Honorable  Councill 
of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

The  Petition  of  Petrus  Vos  Minister  of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church 
of  the  Town  of  Kingston  in  the  County  of  Vlster  Jacob  Ausen,  Wessell  ten  Broek, 
Jacob  Du  Bois,  Elders.  Jacobus  Elmendorp,  Gerret  Wyncoop,  Hendrick  Pruym 
and  William  Elten  Deacons  of  the  same. 

Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  the  members  of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  the  said  Town 
and  their  predecessors  having  for  many  years  since  erected  a   Church  in  the  said 


1712 


1712 


1934  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Town  and  dedicated  the  sanae  to  the  worship  of  God  according  to  the  Constitucons 
of  the  Reformed  Churches  of  the  United  Netherlands  Established  by  the  Nationall 
Synod  of  Dort  held  in  the  years  1618  &  1619,  and  have  allso  purchased  about 
half  an  acre  of  ground  for  a  Cemetry  or  Church  yard  all  at  their  own  Charges  & 
Expenses. 

They  therefore  humbly  pray  for  her  Majesty's  grant  under  the  great  seal  of  this 
Province  to  incorporate  them  and  their  successors  into  a  body  Corporate  and 
Politick  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  Minister  Elders  &  Deacons  of  the 
Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  of  the  Town  of  Kingston  in  the  County  of 
Vlster  as  near  as  may  be  to  the  Charter  granted  to  the  Dutch  Church  in  the  City 
of  New  York. 

And  your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

By  their  order, 

Henr.    Beekman 
Jacob  Ausen. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   pp.  584,   585. 

New  York,  1st  of  May  1712. 


Report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Council  on  the  Eoregoing 

Petition". 

1712. 
May  it  Please  your  Excellency. 

In  Obedience  to  your  Excellency's  Order  in  Councill  of  ye  first  of  May  Instant 
We  have  Examined  into  ye  Matter  Referred  to  on  ye  Petition  of  Petrus  Vas 
Minister  of  ye  Protestant  Reformed  Church  of  ye  Town  of  Kingstown  in  ye 
County  of  Ulster,  Jacob  Aerson,  Wessell  ten  Brook,  Jacob  Du  Bois,  Elders;  Ja- 
cobus Elmendorp,  Gerrett  Wyncoop,  Ilendrick  Pruym  and  William  Elton,  Deacons 
of  ye  same  Praying  for  her  Majesties  Grant  under  ye  Great  Seale  of  this  Province 
to  Incorporate  them  and  their  Successors  into  a  body  Corporate  and  politick  by 
ye  name  and  stile  of  the  Minister,  Elders  and  Deacons  of  ye  Protestant  Reformed 
Dutch  Church  of  ye  Towne  of  Kingstown  in  ye  County  of  Ulster  as  near  as  may 
be  to  ye  Charter  Granted  to  ye  Dutch  Church  in  ye  City  of  New  York,  and  Wee 
are  humbly  of  opinion  that  your  Excellencie  may  Grant  the  said  petitioners  the 
Charter  prayed  by  their  said  petition  Which  is  nevertheless  submitted  by 
Your  Excellencies  most  Obedient  humble  Servants, 

Rip   Van  Dam 
John  Barbarie 
A.    D.    Philipse 
A.  D.   Peyster 
S.  Staats 
R.   Walter. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  585. 

New  York, 

2nd  May,  1712. 


OF  THE   State  of  New  Yoek.  1935 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  in  America. 

'Rev.  Antonides  and  liis  Consistory  to  Rev.  Freeman  and  his 
Consistory,  May  4,  1712. 

Port-folio,  "  New  York,"  Vol.  i. 

Answer  to  the  further  representations  and  comments  of  Rev. 
Freeman  in  the  interests  of  peace,  on  April  27,  1712,  by  The 
Consistories  of  the  three  combined  churches  of  Midwout, 
Breukelen  and  New  Amersfoort. 

Reverend  Sir: — Your  reply  and  comments  on  the  Articles  of 
Peace  proposed  by  you,  seem  to  be  in  agreement  (with  our  views), 
except  the  second  one.  But  this  includes  the  whole  cause  of  dis- 
pute, which  is  thus  easily  settled  by  you,  to  your  own  advantage, 
by  placing  yourself  in  equal  right,  or  lack  of  right,  of  call,  with 
Rev.  Antonides;  and  in  making  your  Consistories,  as  installed,  of 
equal  legality  or  illegality,  as  to  their  office,  with  ours  in  the 
churches  of  Platbush  and  Breukelen.  If  we  concede  all  this  to 
you,  then,  according  to  your  idea,  all  differences  are  done  away, 
and  peace  is  again  established.  On  this,  the  Consistories  make 
the  following  observations: 

1.  As  regards  the  legality  of  your  call.  This  is  at  the  bot- 
tom of  the  whole  business;  it  is  the  very  point  which  was  investi- 
gated by  the  committee,  appointed  for  that  purpose  by  the  gov- 
ernment, and  at  your  ovm  request,  and  found  to  be  illegal.  Their 
decision  was  also  approved  and  confirmed  by  his  Excellency  and 
his  Councillors.  With  their  sentiments  also  the  Rev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  fully  agreed.  They  say  in  a  letter  to  you,  that 
when  the  call  made  on  you,  on  May  17,  1703,  was  not  accepted 
by  you  on  account  of  less  salary,  etc.,  the  Consistories  were  at 
liberty  to  make  out  another  call.  This  also  they  did,  and 
whereof  you  were  informed;  and  that  your  installation  at  New 
Utrecht,  on  another  and  second  call  to  you,  made  on  Sept.  21, 


1712 


1936  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1705,  did  not  make  you  the  pastor  of  the  other  churches  of  Long 
Island,  which  had  already  made  out  another  call,  (and  sent  it  to 
Holland.)     Please  to  read  that  letter  attentively. 

Accordingly,  we  remark,  that  this  demand  made  by  you  is 
rather  too  large;  namely,  that  Rev.  Antonides  should  place  him- 
self on  a  par  with  you,  as  still  needing  to  be  called  again  by  the 
churches  of  Flatbusli  and  Breukelen;  and  that  it  was  due  to  him 
that  we  should  thus  do.  If  such  great  mistakes  and  extrava- 
gances had  been  committed  by  our  predecessors,  on  our  side,  in 
reference  to  these  church  offices,  so  as  to  make  the  call  sent  over 
to  Holland,  and  which  fell  upon  Rev.  Antonides,  to  be  unlawful, 
we  would  gladly  acknowledge  the  errors,  if  these  were  shown  to 
us,  and  we  would  waive  this  point.  But  now  that  the  contrary 
has  been  established,  it  Avould  be  very  hard  for  the  Rev.  Anto- 
nides to  cut  himseK  loose  from  his  call;  and  it  would  be  hard 
for  us  to  regard  his  call  as  illegal,  by  requiring  him  to  receive 
another  call. 

If  one  has  committed  a  fault,  it  is  the  part  of  a  Christian  to 
try  to  correct  it;  to  repudiate  it;  to  retreat  from  it;  and  to  for- 
give, in  a  brotherly  manner,  the  fault  done;  and  to  wipe  it  out 
entirely,  as  under  the  cover  of  charity,  and  consign  it  to  oblivion. 
Thus  does  the  Gospel  teach  and  admonish  us.  But  to  look  upon 
a  fault  committed  as  if  not  committed;  or  to  approve  of  it  as  rigjit, 
when  not  right;  we  cannot  see  that  this  agrees  with  the  Gospel, 
and  will  promote  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  peace  and  edification 
of  the  churches.  And  to  this  end,  the  recommendation  of  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  was  by  no  means  intended,  when  it 
prayed  us,  and  admonished  us  to  do  as  much  as  possible  for  peace, 
that  for  the  sake  of  peace,  we  should  call  that  legal  which  was 
illegal. 

While  then,  according  to  the  facts  as  found,  and  according  to 
the  judgement  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  some  fault,  at  least,  lies  at 
your  door,  you  should  be  willing  to  concede  something  on  this 
point.     We  therefore  ask  you,  in  accordance  with  our  Articles, 


OF  THE  State  of  IN'ew  Yoek.  1937 

1713 

as  draAvn  up,  that  voii  would  be  pleased  to  place  yourself  in  a 
position,  subject  to  a  call  from  the  two  churches  named,  that 
they  may  call  you  in  an  ecclesiastical  manner,  after  previous  in- 
quiry as  to  the  desires  of  the  members  of  the  said  churches,  that 
all  may  be  done  in  an  orderly  manner,  and  to  edification.  Then 
we  shall  certainly  hold  you  in  equal  honor  and  respect  with  Rev. 
Antonides,  as  two  colleagues  in  one  congregation. 

We  hope,  therefore,  that  you  will  take  this  matter  into  more 
mature  consideration  and  fully  consent  to  it,  so  as  to  help  heal 
the  breach  of  Zion.  This  would  in  no  sense  be  to  your  injury  or 
dishonor,  but  to  your  advantage  and  praise  before  God  and 
Christ;  and  it  would  serve  in  a  peculiar  manner  to  promote  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  congregations, 
which  we  should  always  have  in  view. 

2.  And  now  in  reference  to  the  Consistories  accepted  by  you: 
We  also  remain  of  the  same  opinion  in  regard  to  them.  We  feel 
that  they  should  bring  themselves  to  this,  namely,  to  resign  the 
offices  which  they  have  assumed,  since  you  are  thus  accepted  by 
us  in  equal  honor  and  respect  with  Rev.  Antonides.  This  they 
should  do,  because  only  for  this  purpose  did  they  assume  these 
offices,  namely,  that  you  might  have  thejr  services,  and  that  you 
might  not  seem  to  be  over  an  Independent  Church,  without  any 
Consistory.  But  this  reason  is  now  without  force.  You  will 
have  the  services  of  that  Consistory  which  has  always,  since  the 
first  settling  (zetteling)  of  these  communities,  existed,  by  lawful 
succession;  and  regularly  elected,  according  to  our  Church  Order, 
by  its  own  particular  members,  retiring  at  their  time;  and  who 
are  annually  changed  by  the  incoming,  (ones)  without  any 
vacancy. 

These  then  are  our  comments  on  those  of  yours.  We  hope 
that  you  will  be  pleased  seriously  to  consider  them.  It  is  busi- 
ness of  the  churches  of  God.  This  we  cannot  dispose  of  as  we 
please,  but  in  it  truth  and  right  must  be  preserved  inviolate, 
so  that  offences  may;  be  ^voided,  and  discipline  be  not  interfered 


1938  Ecclesiastical  Records 

with.  Therefore  we  are  forced  to  declare  that  while  we  ardently 
love  peace;  yet  that,  in  this  affair,  we  can  approach  no  nearer  (an 
agreement,)  if  we  would  retain  a  good  conscience,  and  be  with- 
out taint.  Therefore  once  more  do  we  express  the  wish  and  hope 
that  you  will  come  toward  us,  that  we  may  receive  and  embrace 
you  vdth  the  arms  of  brotherly  love. 

Thus  done  in  our  Consistory  Meeting,  May  4,  1712, 

In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Kev.  Consistory, 

V.  Antonides. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  in  America. 

Rev.  B,  Freerman  and  his  Consistory  to  Rev.  Antonides  and  his 
Consistory,  May  8,  1712. 

Port-folio,  "  ]Srew  York,"  Vol.  i. 

A  rejoinder  to  what  Mr.  Antonides  and  his  Consistory  drew 
up  on  May  4,  1712,  in  reply  to  ours  of  April  27,  1712. 

In  this  reply  you  urge  us  to  consider  the  matter  well;  and 
that  if  your  predecessors  had  committed  such  faults  and  excesses 
in  the  sending  of  the  call  of  the  Rev.  Antonides  to  Holland,  to 
indicate  them.  Reluctantly,  we  are  now  compelled  to  do  so  — 
The  Consistories  of  Midw^out  and  Breukelen  have  often  discussed 
the  matter  —  in  order  not  to  injure  charity  or  truth. 

The  w^hole  state  of  the  dispute  between  us,  is  as  follows:  that 
your  proceedings  (you  say)  were  conducted  correctly,  and  in 
accordance  with  ecclesiastical  law;  and  that  our  proceedings  must 
be  made  correct;  or  we  should  be  able  to  show  the  contrary, 
(namely,  that  they  are  already  correct) ;  and  if  so,  that  then  the 
admonitions  to  the  peace  of  the  Holy  Gospel,  not  to  speak  of  the 
demands  of  good  manners,  as  well  as  the  admonitions  of  the  Rev. 
Classis  urged  upon  you  in  letters  heretofore,  have  all  been  found 
equally,  too  feeble  to  move  you  to  peace. 

In  respect  to  the  admonitions  of  the  Gospel:     In  that  extraor- 


OF  THE  State  of  InFew  York.  1939 

dinary  incident  between  Peter  and  Paul,  those  admonitions  were 
powerful  enough  to  effect  their  reconciliation.  If  the  same  spirit 
of  love  were  found  among  us,  it  would  surely  have  the  same  good 
effect. 

Furthermore,  you  invite  us  carefully  to  consider  the  letters 
of  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam:  We  perceive  from  those 
letters,  that  what  Eev.  Preeman  had  written  to  the  Rev.  Classis 
about  his  case,  was  read  (repeated?)  in  their  letter  to  the  Rev. 
Antonides,  and  is  in  these  words:  that  Rev.  Freeman  had  not 
declined  the  call  made  on  him,  May  4,  1703,  but  was  waiting 
for  an  answer  to  his  letter,  which  letter  was  due  him;  that  the 
Governor  had  compelled  him  to  accept  of  that  call  which  his 
Excellency  had  approved;  and  that  Mr.  (Gualterus)  du  Bois  had 
installed  him  over  New  Utrecht,  with  the  combined  congregations. 

And  in  the  letter  which  the  Rev.  Classis  wrote  to  Rev.  Free- 
man, we  read  what  you  wrote  to  them,  (from  America),  as  fol- 
lows: that  Rev.  Freeman  is  not  pastor  here  because  he  declined 
the  call,  and  that  another  call  was  made  out ;  and  that  the  installa- 
tion at  New  Utrecht  did  not  make  him  the  pastor  also  of  the  other 
villages;  and  that  he  went  to  Long  Island  with  a  license,  which 
was  a  different  license  from  that  of  Rev.  Antonides,  and  so  forth. 
This  is  just  as  you  talk  here.  Thus  have  you  written  to  the 
Classis.  Accordingly  this  is  not  so  much  a  decision  of  the  Classis, 
as  it  is  their  holding  for  truth,  what  you  made  known  to  them. 
Indeed,  the  same  appears  further  from  their  letter  to  Rev.  Anto- 
nides. Although  you  wish  that,  by  our  advice,  we  would  remove 
this  schism  from  your  congregations;  nevertheless  we  find  our- 
selves unable  to  do  so,  at  least  in  such  a  way  as  you  would  gladly 
have  it,  and  as  you  had  prescribed  it  to  them ;  therefore  is  it,  that 
the  Classis  urges  us  so  strongly,  that  we  should  effect  it  (i.  e. 
union)  among  ourselves.  They  have  recommended  peace  to  us, 
equally  with  you,  in  order  that  later  on,  the  admonitions  of  the 
Rev.  Classis  should  not  put  upon  us  any  judgement  from  God. 

That  the  Rev.  Classis  considers  Rev.  Freeman  as  pastor  of 


1712 


1712 


1940  Ecclesiastical  Records 

riatbush  may  also  be  seen  from  the  address  of  the  letter  to  Mr. 
Freeman:  "Worthy  Minister  of  Christ's  Church  at  Midwoud." 
jSTow  if  the  Rev.  Classis  accepted  of  your  representation  concern- 
ing us,  in  your  letter,  that  Rev.  Freeman  was  not  the  pastor; 
and  yet  that  same  Classis  expressed  itself  thus  —  that  Rev.  Free- 
man is  the  pastor: — How  do  these  two  things  agree?  But  the 
Rev.  Classis  is  of  an  entirely  different  opinion  from  yours,  as 
you  know  very  well. 

Further:  you  insist  that  the  fault  committed  by  us  can  not  be 
removed  by  Christian  agreement;  nor  by  the  admonition  of  the 
Holy  Gospel;  nor  by  courtesy;  nor  by  the  Classical  letter; — but 
only  by  Rev.  Freeman's  subjecting  himself  to  a  call  from  Flat- 
bush  and  Breukelen.  We,  the  Elders  and  Deacons,  must  resign 
our  offices;  then  you  will  consult  the  members,  and  then  most 
certainly,  the  Rev.  Freeman  will  be  called. 

We  will,  therefore,  now  examine  the  calls  of  the  Rev,  Freeman 
and  of  the  Rev.  Antonides,  to  see  whether  the  call  of  Rev.  Free- 
man needs  to  be  made  by  you,  in  accordance  with  church  law. 
Observe,  then,  that  Rev.  Freeman's  call  (was  made)  at  a  public 
meeting,  called  by  the  order  of  the  lawful  magistrates;  and  it  was 
decided  by  the  congregation  to  call  Rev.  Freeman.  See  this, 
noted  down  by  the  Clerk,  in  the  Village  Records;  as  well  as  the 
last  meeting  held  by  order  of  the  magistrate : —  We  (decide)  that 
the  Rev.  Freeman  shall  be  called;  and  the  congregation  has  pub- 
licly authorized,  by  name,  those  who  are  elders  (to  do  so).  See 
the  same  Record.  These  then,  by  petition,  besought  his  Excel- 
lency, Governor  Cornbury,  that  they  might  be  permitted  to  make 
said  call.  He  at  first  refused;  but  after  continued  perseverance 
in  their  effort,  they  obtained  his  permission,  in  writing,  and  made 
out  the  Call  on  May  4,  1703,  and  sent  it  to  Rev.  Freeman.  He 
then  wrote  to  them  about  their  paying  him  more  salary,  and 
awaited  a  reply.  See  his  letter  at  the  end.  If  he  had  declined 
that  call,  he  could  not  have  been  expecting  a  reply.  The  letter 
from  Rev.  Freeman  was  laid  before  the  congregation,  and  inquiry 


OF  THE  Stx^te  of  ISTew  Yoek,  1941 

was  made  as  to  what  should  be  done.  They  replied,  that  Rev. 
Freeman  should  have  what  he  asked,  and  that  he  should  be  writ- 
ten to,  to  that  effect.     To  show  this  then and  nine 

persons  pledged  themselves  to  this  by  name.  See  this,  in  the 
same  Village  Records,  at  Midwout. 

But  this  displeased  certain  of  the  elders ;  and  those  who  had 
said  before  that  they  would  gladly  have  Rev.  Freeman,  now 
expressed  themselves  very  strangely:  that  they  did  not  wish  to 
bring  a  curse  upon  themselves  and  children;  that  they  never 
meant  to  have  him,  although  they  had  called  him.  This  appears 
also  from  a  letter  of  theirs  to  the  elders  at  Schenectady:  that 
they  had  never  intended  to  call  Rev.  Freeman;  but  that  some 
perverse  people,  (had  done  so),  who  have  caused  you  and  us 
much  trouble.  Finally  Rev.  Lydius  of  Albany  obtained  consent 
from  the  Governor,  and  so  we  were  forced  to  do  it.  Then  the 
authorized  parties  backed  down  and  would  not  answer  Rev.  Free- 
man's letter,  nor  comply  with  the  wishes  of  the  congregation, 
although  they  were  bound  to  do  so  by  the  office  which  they  had 
accepted;  but  their  conduct  did  not  nullify  the  call  made  on 
Rev.  Freeman;  they  only  broke  with  themselves  in  that  matter. 
For  if  the  congregation  had  the  power  to  authorize,  it  was  the 
congregation's  own  call,  which  they  (the  officers)  had  executed 
in  their  behalf;  and  the  congregation  could  reserve  said  call  as 
their  own,  even  as  we  have  done.  For  when  the  authorized  par- 
ties backed  down  from  the  call,  we  held  on  to  it  as  our  own,  and 
still  desired  Rev.  Freeman,  and  we  let  him  come  to  us ;  and  so  also 
did  his  Excellency,  Governor  Cornbury.  He  likewise  granted 
power  to  the  authorized  parties,  at  their  request.  Besides,  the 
congregation  publicly  declared  that  Rev.  Freeman  was  the  lawful 
minister;  and  that  the  Governor,  as  well  as  the  congregation, 
approved  the  call  on  Rev.  Freeman.  Upon  the  coming,  then,  of 
Rev.  Fjeeman  on  the  said  call  —  which  had  not  been  declined 
by  him,  nor  had  it  been  repudiated  by  the  church,  nor  by  the 
Governor  who,  (we  ask,)  is  not  able  to  comprehend,  that  it  was 


1712 


1942  Ecclesiastical  Records 

done  according  to  cliiircli  law,  and  has  remained  in  force  ?  and  who 
can  take  the  validity  out  of  such  a  call? 

Concerning  the  additional  call  to  ISTew  Utrecht:  that  does  not 
invaKdate  the  former  call,  simply  because  the  elders  were  unwill- 
ing to  do  for  the  congregation  what  Eev.  Freeman  had  desired 
in  his  letter.  Yet  we  had  conceded  to  him,  what  had  not  been 
stipulated  in  the  first  call;  for  the  people  of  (New)  Utrecht  did 
this  in  regard  to  more  salary;  but  not  to  the  prejudice  of  the  first 
call.  Even  if  half  a  dozen  other  calls  had  been  made  out  that 
Avould  not  nullify  the  first  one,  unless  it  were  done  expressly 
with  that  object  in  view;  but  such  was  not  the  case.  Ergo — in 
that  Rev.  Du  bois  installed  Rev.  Freeman  at  ISTew  Utrecht  —  this 
establishes  for  Rev.  Freeman  no  claim  to  New  Utrecht,  nor  any 
other  village  as  pastor;  but  the  above  mentioned  call  did  so,  ac- 
cording to  the  publication,  for  Utrecht  and  the  united  churches. 
Behold,  and  judge  in  love  and  truth !  How  can  Rev.  Freermau  be 
called  according  to  church  law,  to  a  place  where  he  has  already 
been  called?  When  you  yourselves  are  at  fault,  you  can  hardly 
help  others  except  by  a  Christian  agreement,  which  you  refuse  to 
do,  according  to  your  proposals  to  us. 

Furthermore,  you  insist  that  we,  as  elders  and  deacons,  must 
lay  down  our  office,  even  as  Rev.  Freeman  must  lay  down  his.  Is, 
then,  religion  so  loose  in  your  eyes,  that  it  can  be  thus  set  aside, 
as  child's  play?  We  had  never  expected  such  unchristian  thoughts 
from  you,  as  you  dare  propose.  But  now  listen  how  we  came  to 
accept  our  offices. 

Upon  the  coming  of  Rev.  Freeman,  we  found  out  that  the  con- 
gregation was  without  church  government,  because  the  pretended 
Consistory  had  disregarded  the  call  to  Rev.  Freeman,  which  they 
had  themselves  made  out  by  authority  of  the  congregation;  and 
that  they  set  themselves  in  opposition  to  the  people.  But  if  they 
had  been  (truly)  a  Consistory,  they  should  have  served  the  people, 
for  they  had  no  other  power,  than  a  power  to  serve,  in  the  con- 
gregation.    Why  then  did  they  refuse  to  serve  Rev.  Freeman^  as 


OF  THE  State  of  yEVy-  York.  1943 

well  as  the  congregation,  if  they  found  it  in  their  consciences  to 
be  such  (servants  of  the)  people?  But  inasmuch  as  they  had, 
long  beyond  their  term,  arbitrarily  opposed  the  congregation,  and 
refused  to  satisfy  the  desires  of  the  people,  therefore  also  the 
congregation  would  not  regard  them  any  longer  as  their  officers; 
and  matters  went  to  such  a  length  through  this  neglect  and 
quarrel,  that  the  congregation  experienced  a  great  lack  of  edifi- 
cation. Therefore  we,  in  God's  name,  and  in  his  fear,  requested 
Rev.  Freeman,  because  the  pretending  Consistory  did  not  wish  to 
make  any  change,  that  a  new  election  should  be  held,  under  the 
super\TLsion  of  Rev.  du  Bois,  in  order  to  fill  the  places  of  the  de- 
ceased; but  the  others  refused.  Thereby  neither  ecclesiastical 
order  nor  peace  were  preserved.  And  as  they  were  still  unwilling 
to  serve  in  the  church,  we  therefore  elected  a  Consistory,  which 
Rev.  Freeman  approved.  We  looked  to  the  necessities  of  the 
Church.  But  Rev.  Freeman  still  feeling  himself  unacquainted 
with  the  people,  found  it  difficult  to  make  a  selection  at  that  time. 
He  therefore  requested  that  the  congregation  should  do  it  them- 
selves for  this  first  time,  and  elect  capable  men.  So  it  came  about 
that  we  did  it,  at  the  house  of  Capt.  Polhemius,  on  a  certain 
afternoon.  Those  upon  whom  fell  the  most  votes,  were  approved 
by  Rev.  Freeman.  They  were  publicly  announced,  and  only 
stopped  (from  installation)  by  your  complaint  to  the  Governor. 
Afterward,  upon  your  request,  the  matter  was  examined  in  your 
presence  by  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  and  after  careful  in- 
vestigation, the  complaint  was  dismissed.  It  was  then  ordered 
that  we  be  installed.  This  was  done,  to  general  edification,  by 
Rev.  Freeman,  in  this  church.  If  now  you  desire  to  have  all  this 
lightly  cast  aside,  it  shows  your  loose  thoughts  about  our  Holy 
Religion  and  Church  Order.  And  our  opinion  is  that  you  and 
your  Consistory  were  not  installed  over  the  church,  by  way  of 
a  successive  election,  (an  election  succeeding  at  the  proper  time) 
but  by  way  of  simony;  for  this  it  was  that  you  obtained  liberty 
thereto,  from  the  government.  The  proof  shall  follow  in  the 
last  argument. 


1712 


1712 


1944  Ecclesiastical  Records 

And  now  to  tlie  question  whether  the  Call  of  Eev.  Antonides 
was  sent  lawfully  or  unlawfully  to  Holland.  This  you  and  your 
Consistoiy  are  desirous  of  knowing,  as  it  was  what  your  prede- 
decessors  did.    We  shall  accordingly  begin. 

1.  The  call  of  Rev.  Antonides,  which  came  to  him  in  Holland, 
was  not  made  out  w^th  the  sanction  of  a  magistrate,  nor  of  a 
village  meeting,  nor  was  it  yet  done  by  a  lawful  authorization 
unto  that  call;  at  least  no  trace  nor  sign  of  such  a  thing  is  found 
in  the  Village  Records;  but  there  is  found  there  only  the  Rev. 
Freeman's  call,  and  the  power  which  the  congregation  had  given 
them  to  call  Rev.  Freeman.  So  long  as  these  were  not  repealed 
by  a  lawful  meeting,  called  by  the  magistrate  of  the  congregation, 
another  call  could  not  be  made  except  illegally  and  with  confu- 
sion; yet  this  they  did.  For  if  they  held  it  to  be  lawful  and 
ecclesiastical  not  to  make  out  a  call  on  Rev.  Freeman,  without 
lawful  authorization  by  having  first  secured  a  lawful  meeting  of 
the  congregation,  how  then  can  Rev.  Antonides  call  be  lawful, 
since  such  authorization  was  not  given  to  them?  Assuredly  they 
were  not  set  free  by  the  congregation  as  to  Rev.  Freeman;  hence 
they  had  not  the  least  liberty  to  make  out  a  second  call  (on 
Antonides.) 

To  this  must  be  added  that  the  authorized  ones  declared  that 
they  could  not  make  out  a  call,  except  by  the  permission  of  his 
Excellency,  the  Governor.  But  neither  was  this  duty  observed. 
All  thought  that  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  who  had  approved 
Rev.  Freeman's  call,  would  not  disapprove  this  one.  If,  however, 
this  permit  was  necessaiy  in  order  to  call  Rev.  Freeman,  before' 
it  could  be  legal,  it  was  also  necessary  for  the  second;  but  that 
also  is  lacking.    Ergo-etc. 

Accordingly,  they  went  secretly  from  house  to  house,  in  order 
to  induce  the  people  by  misrepresentation  to  give  their  signatures 
for  (a  call  to)  Holland.  They  said,  that  Rev.  Freeman  did  not 
wish  to  come;  or  that  he  could  not  be  secured.  But  this  was  in 
conflict  with  Rev.  Freeman's  letter.       And  there  were  other  shame- 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1945 

ful  misrepresentations  besides.  Kow  those  who  advised  these 
signatures  and  secured  them,  these  are  the  ones  who  are  entirely 
to  blame,  and  they  have  made  the  schism.  Then  was  the  founda- 
tion of  the  trouble  laid,  and  it  has  obtained  its  fixed  form.  Those 
who  already  adhered  to  Rev,  Freeman's  call,  continued  to  hold 
fast  to  what  the  elders  had  made  lawful  under  authority;  and 
those  who  gave  their  unlawful  signatures  were  misled.  There  are 
many,  indeed,  but  we  do  not  know  why,  who  cleave  to  these 
misrepresentations,  hold  fast  to  them;  but  there  are  a  few  who, 
seeing  that  they  had  been  deceived,  and  that  Rev.  Freeman  could 
be  secured;  and  that  the  Governor  had  given  no  approval  to  a 
second  call,  in  addition  to  that  one  which  they  had  made  out  at 
the  direction  of  the  congregation,  turned  back  to  their  previous 
sincerity,  towards  Rev.  Freeman's  call;  for  him  they  had  desired 
and  no  other. 

Now,  then,  the  extravagances  (irregularities,)  are  seen  to  be 
on  your  side,  and  not  on  ours,  and  you  desired  that  these  should 
be  sho^\Ti  to  you;  and  you  see  upon  what  a  tangled  spider's  web 
you  have  rested  hitherto;  and  on  the  strength  of  which  you  have 
tried  to  render  us  compliant  mth  church-law;  but  it  is  you  your- 
selves who  have  been  lacking  therein.  If  we  should  divest  our- 
selves (of  our  offices),  as  you  purpose,  we  should  be  found  naked. 
But  let  us  be  sincere,  and  say,  as  Nathan  said  —  Thou  art  the 
man;  and  not  be  like  Adam  to  cover  up  our  sin. 

2.  When  we  read  the  Call  to  Rev,  Antonides,  we  found  in  it 
two  serious  timiors,  or  mistakes,  and  which  could  not  be  healed: 
1st  That  the  call  was  made  by  three  united  villages  or  congrega- 
tions; but  everybody  knows  according  to  the  subscription  list, 
that  they  Avere  villages  divided  instead  of  being  united,  and  are 
still  in  such  a  condition  to  this  day.  The  2nd  is  that  in  the  Call 
itself,  (the  following  sentences  are  found:)  —  That  the  Hon. 
Governor  Cornbury,  to  our  great  joy,  has  given  us  his  permission; 
and  for  this  reason  we  authorize  the  Rev.  Classis  to  send  us: — 
but  not  only  is  the  foundation  false,  but  there  is  no  truth  in  the 


1712 


1712 


1946  Ecclesiastical  Records 

rest;  therefore  on  such  a  basis,  and  with  ''  no  truth  "  in  the  rest, 
how  could  a  call  be  sent  legally,  and  in  accordance  with  church- 
law?  Moreover  the  Governor  declared  on  his  oath,  that  he  does 
not  know  of  any  other  than  Freeman's  license;  and  the  Rev. 
Classis  writes  before  the  arrival  of  Rev.  Antonides,  that  it  is 
rejoiced  that  the  Governor  had  approved  of  their  call  on  him. 
O  shameful  deception !  how  unchristian  are  these  things  ! 

But  again :  excuse  us,  if  Rev.  Antonides'  letter,  written  to  Mr. 
Peatry,  makes  us  suspicious.  For  he  says  that  the  faults  com- 
mitted by  his  Consistory  must  not  be  laid  to  his  charge.  This 
is  in  Rev.  Antonides'  own  handwriting.  Your  own  signature 
asks,  Who  is  to  blame?  as  does  also  the  letter  of  the  elders  to  the 
Governor,  deploring  therein  the  fault  they  have  committed  in 
calling  Rev.  Antonides,  and  asking  to  be  excused  therefor.  This 
also  says,  yet  being  in  your  own  handwriting  —  We  are  guilty, 
and  not  Rev.  Freeman  and  his  congregation.  Yet  you  claim  that 
it  would  be  to  Rev.  Freeman's  honor  to  let  himself  be  called  by 
those  villages.  This  we  acknowledge  would  be  right,  if  he  were 
to  blame;  and  it  would  be  lawful  so  to  do.  But  now  that  it  lies 
at  your  door,  follow  your  own  doctrine  which  you  laid  down  for 
us.  Then  shall  we,  after  inquiry  among  the  members,  assuredly 
call  you, —  which  you  profess  you  are  willing  to  do  (for  me)  —  if 
your  predecessors  have  acted  illegally.  And  this  is  now  clearly 
proved  by  their  own  hand-writing,  as  well  as  by  other  arguments. 

3.  As  to  the  government,  or  the  Committee  (of  the  same): 
This  we  have  consented  to  under  Governor  Lovelace;  and  after 
his  death,  the  subject  being  revived  at  your  desire,  the  same  was 
expressed  to  (Lieutenant)  Governor  Ingoldsby.  The  design  of 
the  orders  of  this  Committee  was  to  bring  the  report  to  the 
Bench;  not  that  the  Councilors  or  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Com- 
mittee should  render  a  decision;  but  that  the  Governor  himself 
should  do  so,  as  Governor  Lovelace  told  us  himself  by  word  of 
mouth.  This  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  the  Hon.  Councilors  had 
no  order  to  render  a  decision,  either  from  her  Majesty  the  Queen, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1947 

(Queen  Anne),  or  from  us.  Where  tken  was  tkeir  authority  to 
do  so?  "When  the  Committee  had  completed  their  investigation 
they  made  two  reports;  one  in  behalf  of  Eev.  Freeman,  that  he 
was  the  legally  constituted  pastor,  by  the  Congregation  and  by 
the  government;  with  the  full  proofs.  The  other  report  said  that 
Eev.  Antonides  was  the  pastor,  but  there  was  no  proof  of  this, 
but  it  was  only  their  judgement,  which  it  did  not  become  them  to 
render.  However  both  reports  were  handed  over  to  (Lieutenant) 
Governor  Ingoldsby,  who  at  the  request  of  both  of  us  rendered  a 
decision.  This  was,  that  Eev.  Freeman  and  Eev.  Antonides 
shoidd  together  and  at  the  same  time  hold  office  and  enjoy  the 
emoluments  thereof  through  the  whole  country;  and  that  those 
who  were  not  satisfied  with  this,  should  be  dismissed.  Now  this 
is  the  end  of  the  matter,  and  we  hold  this  decision  as  lawful.  If 
then  afterwards  new  decisions  were  given  out,  they  were  not 
asked  for  by  us,  but  by  you;  because  you  were  not  satisfied  with 
Governor  Ingoldsby' s  decision.  But  when  the  control  of  the 
government  fell  into  the  hands  of  Hon.  President  (Gerardus 
Beekman,  April  10  —  June  14,  ITIO),  then  you  desired  a  new 
decision  from  the  Hon.  Council,  and  the  Council  granted  it,  and 
they  gave  you  what  you  desired,  as  was  said  above.  They  had  no 
instructions  to  do  so,  either  from  the  Queen  or  from  us;  but  only 
a  request  from  you.  This  is  not  acknowledged  by  us  as  an  act  in 
accordance  with  church-law,  but  only  by  you;  and  it  is  but  one 
of  those  afterlings  which  do  not  invalidate  what  preceded.  Also 
Mr.  President  Beekman  declared  that  the  Hon.  Council  had  sur- 
prised ("  surprised  "  in  the  Dutch  copy)  him  at  that  time,  and 
therefore  he  gave  another  order  to  explain  this  one, 

4.  Finally  we  recall  that  your  lawyers,  Abraham  Gouvemeur 
and  Capt.  Joseph  Hegeman,  declared  that  it  had  cost  them  two 
hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  i.e.  two  thousand  florins,  Holland 
money,  by  means  of  which  you  obtained  possession  of  the  church, 
and  liberty  to  choose  a  Consistory.  This  is  absolute  simony,  and 
in  conflict  with  God's  Word  and  all  Church  Order.     By  such 


1712 


1948  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

1712 

means  you  have  undermined  us,  according  to  your  ovm  confession. 

Think  on  this  well;  it  is  altogether  evil. 

To  this  must  be  added  that  many  in  the  congregation  have  a 
suspicion  that  these  moneys,  or  a  portion  of  them,  may  have  been 
taken  out  of  the  poor-fund  under  the  color  of  defending  "  Eccle- 
siastical Rights  "  (Kerklyke  Privelegie),  and  that  on  this  account 
you  are  not  inclined  to  come  to  peace  with  us,  on  equal  terms ;  and 
therefore  propose  such  impossible  conditions,  to  us  to  prevent 
peace.  Accordingly,  it  is  requested  that  for  love's  sake  a  public 
auditing  of  accounts  may  be  made  according  to  church-custom. 
Eor  such  funds  are  for  the  support  of  the  poor,  given  for  that 
purpose  with  prayer,  so  that  by  the  auditing  it  may  appear  that 
the  deacons  have  acted  in  accordance  with  their  office;  and  that 
the  promise  made  at  their  installation  have  properly  guarded  these 
funds.  If  this  is  not  done,  suspicion  will  not  grow  less,  but  will 
increase.  God  grant  that  we  are  not  writing  truth  here ;  the  evil 
suspicion  is  less  sinful,  for  the  other  borders  on  sacrilege. 

5.  By  reason  of  these  many  evident  and  real  faults  and  ir- 
regularities, committed  by  you,  as  thus  indicated,  we  should  never 
have  oifered  to  make  peace  with  you  on  equal  terms,  if  we  had 
not  been  spurred  on  thereto  by  the  admonition  of  the  Holy 
Gospel,  the  glory  of  God,  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  church, 
a  good  conscience,  and  (the  desire  not  to)  neglect  the  earnest 
recommendations  of  the  Classis,  for  the  Classis  aims  at  the  peace 
of  the  church.  But  notwithstanding  all  these  irregularities,  we 
are  nevertheless  inclined  as  Christians  to  come  to  peace  with  our 
brethren  on  equal  terms,  for  the  sake  of  Christian  harmony.  God 
be  thanked,  we  are  ready  from  the  heart  to  forgive,  to  be  recon- 
ciled, to  forget;  even  as  we  do  now  forgive  your  faults  and  mis- 
takes; and  we  desire  that  you  deal  thus  with  us,  if  you  find  any 
faults  in  us  in  the  matter  of  Church  Order.  We  would  not  have 
put  all  this  together  in  writing,  if  you  had  not  asked  us  to  point 
out  your  faults.  So  then  we  have  complied,  although,  possibly, 
you  thought  this  to  be  impossible.     The  truth  of  our  case  will 


OF  THE  State  of  'New  York.  1949 

appear  if  you  will  only  ponder  it  in  love  and  for  the  truth;  but 

do  not  trouble  us  any  more  on  the  subject,  if  you  are  not  disposed 

to  such  peace  as  is  now  proposed  by  us.    And  so  we  commend  you 

to  God,  and  the  Word  of  His  Grace. 

Signed  by  order  of  my  Consistory  of  Midwout  and  Breukelen. 

B.  Freeman. 
May  8,  1712. 

Address  of  the  Provincial  (English  Episcopal)  Clergy  to 

Governor  Hunter. 

1712,  May  14. 

To  his  Excellency,  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Capt.  General  and  Governoiir  in  Chief 
of  the  Province  of  New  York,  New  Jersey  and  Territories  depending  thereon 
in  America,  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same  etc. 

The  Humble   Address  of  the   Clergy. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency: —  We,  of  the  Clergy,  of  this  her  Majesties 
Provinces  of  New  York,  being,  with  your  Excellencies  approbation,  assembled  to 
consult  of  such  things  as  may  be  lit  to  transmit  to  our  Ecclesiastical  superiours, 
for  promoting  the  interest  of  our  holy  mother,  the  Church  of  England,  do  in  the 
first  place  beg  leave  to  return  your  Excellency  our  humble  thanks  for  this 
opportunity  of  meeting  and  your  generous  offers  of  concurring  with  us  in  what 
may  be  thought  proper  to  propose  for  that  end. 

Its  with  great  pleasure  that  we  observe  your  Excellency's  zeal  against  im- 
morality and  profaneness  which  has  so  much  overspread  this  province;  we  hope 
your  Excellency's  proclamation  may  have  the  happy  influence  of  putting  a  stop 
to  its  further  progress.  The  Encouragement  your  Excellency  has  therein  given 
to  the  labors  of  the  Society's  Catechist,  the  pious  Mr.  Elias  Neau,*  and  still  con- 
tinues, notwithstanding  of  the  attempts  made  against  him  upon  accounts  of  the 
late  bloody  designs  of  the  Negroes,  deserves  our  utmost  acknowledgements.  Your 
Excellency's  favor  to  our  Worthy  Brother,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Daniel  Bondet,  and  his 
congregation  of  French  Refugees  at  New  Rochelle,  conformed  to  the  Church  of 
England;  your  generous  bounty  towards  the  Erection  of  a  new  Church,  and 
granting  a  patent  for  securing  the  same  to  the  Church  of  England  for  ever,  are 
such  pregnant  Instances  of  your  Excellency's  zeal  for  the  promoting  of  our 
Religion  that  we  should  be  wanting  in  our  Duty  if  we  should  not  remember  it 
with  the  utmost  gratitude;  and  beg  your  Excellency  further  to  Encourage  that 
good  work,  by  using  your  endeavours  with  the  Bishop  of  London  and  Society  to 
advance  the  salary  of  our  Indigent  Brother,  which  is  now  but  thirty  pounds 
sterling,  per  annum,  having  no  allowance  from  the  people  for  many  years. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Beys  has  represented  that  he  suffers  hardships,  having  no  salary 
from  the  people  of  New  Harlem  where  he  officiates,  and  his  establishment  from 
the  society  being  uncei'tain  through  some  aspersions  thrown  upon  him  by  his 
adversaries.  We  heartily  recommend  him  to  your  Excellency  to  protect  and  En- 
courage him  according  to  his  services. 

As  it  is  with  the  greatest  pleasure  we  hear  of  the  due  Encouragement  Mr.  Bar- 
clay, Minister  of  Albany,  meets  with,  in  the  propagation  of  the  Christian  Religion 
and  Knowledge  under  your  Excellency's  wise  and  pious  administration.  So  it  Is 
our  earnest  and  humble  request  that  your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  promote 

*  Mr.  Neau's  license  as  Catechist  in  the  City  of  New  York  is  dated  August  4, 
1704.     Deed   Book   x.  27. 


1712 


1712 


1950  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

the  building  of  a  Cliurcli  there,  which  is  very  much  wanting.     We  could  heartily 
wish  that   there   were  effectual  care   taken  to   promote   the  establishment   of  the 
Church   throughout    the   other    Counties    of   this    Province,    as    well    as    to    secure 
and  corroborate  it  where  it  is  already  settled.     This,   and  what  else  may  be  for 
the  promotion  and  encouragement  of  Religion  here,  or  may  seem  proper  to  suggest 
to  our  patrons  in  England,   we  humbly  submit  to  your  Excellency's  Judgment  and 
discretion,  in  Confidence  of  your  Excellency's  Zealous  application  and  with  all  due 
Respect,  Esteem  and  observance  subscribe  ourselves, 
'     May  it  please  your  Excellency, 
Your  Excellency's  most  dutyful  faithful  and  obedient  humble  servants, 
Elias  Neau,  Catechist.  Daniel  Bondet 

John  Barbour  John  Thomas 

John  Sharpe  Tho.  Barclay 

Henricus  Beys  Thos.  Poyer 

Aeneas  McKenzie  Chris.  Bridge 

—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   iii   (4  to.   ed.)  84. 
New  York 

May  14,   1712. 

[It  is  remarkable  that  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey's  name  is  not  among  the  signatures.] 


Rev.  Me.  Henderson's  State  of  the  Church  of  England  in 
New  York  and  Kew  Jersey\ 

[June  2,  1712]. 

A  short  State  of  the  Church  of  England  planted  in  the  Provinces  of  New  York 
and  New  Jersey  in  America. 

Notwithstanding  there  are  two  Acts  of  Assembly  for  establishing  a  Ministry 
in  the  Province  of  New  York  and  several  particulars  in  those  two  Acts  that  make 
it  plain,  that  it  is  the  Church  of  England  ministry  they  establish,  and  that 
Ministers  of  the  Church  of  England  have  always  possessed  the  six  churches  in 
that  Province  and  all  the  Benefits  belonging  to  them,  provided  by  the  aforesaid 
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 
that  by  the  countenance  of  Coll.  Hunter  the  Governor  of  New  York  and  New 
Jersey,  who  turned  out  of  the  commission  of  the  peace  &  other  places  of  the 
Government  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Church  of  England  and  promoted  Dissenters  in 
their  Room  who  have  refused  to  do  justice  to  the  Church  in  that  particular. 

In  New  Jersey  there  are  no  laws  made  in  favor  of  the  Church,  and  but  four 
ministers  of  the  Church  of  England  in  that  Province.  The  Quakers  and  other 
Dissenters  are  most  numerous  and  do  make  up  the  greatest  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  that  the 
Queens  Council  are  good  churchmen,  and  have  always  opposed  any  attempts  made 
to  her  Prejudice  by  ye  Quakers  or  other  Dissenters;  who  have  at  their  head 
one  Coll.  Lewis  Morris  a  professed  Churchman,  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  practice  it  is  to  intercept  letters,  and  let  such  as  pleases 
him  pass,  and  those  that  doe  not  he  destroys  as  can  be  fully  proved. 

This  Coll.  Lewis  Morris  with  the  present  Governor  Coll.  Hunter  have  written 
to  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade,  to  turn  out  of  the  Council  six  Church  of 
England  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  measures  of  the 
Assembly,  and  therefore  of  the  worst  consequence  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,  though  it  was 
built  by  the  subscriptions  of  Church  of  England   men,   and  for  the  service  of  the 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yoek.  1951 

Church  of  England;  what  usage  then  must  the  Church  expect  if  both  the  Queens 
Council  and  the  Assembly,  I  mean  ye  Plurality  of  both,  are  inclined  to  serve  the 
Dissenters  Interest,  which  will  certainly  be  the  issue  of  turning  out  those  six 
Gentlemen   and   advancing   the    other   six    in    their    Room.     [See    March    14,    1713]. 

—  Col.   Hist.   N.  Y.   Vol.   V.  pp.  334,   335. 


Remarks  on  the  Reverend  Mb.  Henderson's  State  of  the 
Church  of  England,  Etc. 

June  17,  1712. 

Remarks  upon  a  Paper  Intituled  a  State  of  the  Church  of  England  Planted 
in  the  Province  of  New  York  &  New  Jersey  in  America,  dated  June  2nd  1712  & 
signed  Jacob  Henderson,  Missionary  of  Dover  Hundred  in  Pennsylvania. 

It  is  a  very  ungrateful  task  to  answer  pretended  matters  of  Fact,  advanced 
b'y  Clei'gymen,  under  the  plausible  pretence  of  promoting  the  Interest  of  the 
Church  of  England,  and  screened  with  the  respect  that  the  character  naturally 
inspires  into  an  honest  man.  But  as  the  Purport  of  that  Repn.  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 
al)solute  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  &  better  attested  from  those  Provinces. 

To  begin  with  what  ye  Representer  says,  about  the  Church  of  England  &  the 
Ministry's  establishment  in  the  Province  of  New  York  by  Acts  of  Assembly, 
the  best  and  most  solid  answer  that  can  be  given  is  to  refer  to  the  acts  them- 
selves which  are  conceived  in  this  manner,  "  That  the  salary  shall  be  appropriated 
to  any  sufficient  Protestant  minister  &  that  it  shall  be  in  the  Power  of  the  People 
to  elect  a  Vestry  and  Church  Wardens  which  Vestry  shall  have  the  sole  right  of 
presenting  a  minister  to  be  inducted  by  the  Governor." 

If  the  Governor  did  in  Mr.  Poyers  case  shew  any  partiality  it  was  altogether 
in  his  favor;  for  according  to  the  Tenour  of  the  Act,  he  could  not  answer  induction 
of  him  into  the  Church  of  Jamaica  on  Long  Island,  since  the  Vestry  had  regularly 
presented  to  his  Excellency  a  Presbyterian  minister,  Mr.  Macknish  whom  the 
Governor  refused;  and  did  grant  Induction  to  Mr.  Poyer  upon  his  first  application 
to  him,  though  he  was  not  presented  as  the  Law  directs. 

As  to  the  Alterations  the  Governor  did  make  in  the  Commission  of  the  Peace 
at  Jamaica,  the  Representor  not  being  of  the  Councill,  must  need  be  ignorant 
of  the  motives  his  Excellency  had  and  the  necessities  there  were  for  doing  it; 
It  is  therefore  hoped  that  no  credit  will  be  given  to  the  malicious  Insinuation, 
he  gives  of  his  Excellency's  partiality  for  the  Dissenters  to  the  prejudice  of 
those  of  the  Church  of  England  untill  there  be  more  authentic  Testimonies 
thereof,  than  the  Representers  bare  affirmation,  who  during  that  little  time  he  was 
in  America  lived  for  the  most  part  in  Pensilvania,  where  he  had  very  little 
opportunity  of  informing  himself  of  those  things;  neither  can  it  be  thought  by 
any  reasonable  people,  that  is  a  part  of  his  ministerial  function  to  concern  himself 
with  the  Actions  of  any  Governor  who  having  his  Instructions  from  the  Queen  is 
answerable  to  Her  Majesty  only:  but  for  a  further  Vindication  of  his  Excellency's 
conduct  therein,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sinclaire  who  had  more  and  better  opportunities 
of  knowing  Brigr.  Hunter,  (having  made  the  voyage  to  New  York  in  the  same 
ship  with  his  Excellency,  who  hath  seen  and  heard  all  that  passed  with  regard  to 
Mr.  Poyer,  &  whose  sincerity  might  be  at  least,  of  as  great  a  weight  as  the 
Representor's,  as  also  Coll.  Morris's  letter  to  the  Society  for  propagating  the 
Gospel  in  foreign  parts,  and  even  the  address  of  the  Clergy  in  Convocation,  to 
his  Excellency,  being  consulted,  they  will  all  agree  in  clearing  him  of  that  im- 
putation of  partiality  for  the  dissenters  to  the  prejudice  of  those  of  the  Church 
of  England;  and  if  any  scruple  should  still  remain,  as  to  the  sincerity  or  upright- 


1712 


1952  Ecclesiastical  Records 

ness  of  the  Governor's  heart,  they  are  surmises  from  which  even  St.  Paul  could 
not  have  guarded  himself,  &  therefore  the  Judgement  thereof  must  be  left  to  the 
Searcher  of  hearts. 

The  Representer  complains  that  there  are  no  laws  in  favour  of  the  Church  of 
England  in  the  Jerseys  which  is  granted.  But  doth  he  Isnow  any  Law  in  favour 
of  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  venture 
to  say  that  his  conduct  will  not  contribute  very  much  to  encrease  their  number 
nor  to  bring  over  many  of  the  Dissenters.  Now  as  there  is  no  established  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 
Representer.  The  Coimcil  of  the  Jerseys,  he  says,  hath  always  prevented  the 
Assembly  from  hurting  the  Church;  and  presently  falls  foul  of  the  president  of 
that  Councill,  Coll.  Morris,  whom  however  he  owns  is  a  professional  Churchman 
but  a  man  of  no  manner  of  principles  or  credit,  and  who  calls  the  service  of  the 
Church  of  England  Pageantry,  who  hath  joyned  in  endeavours  to  settle  a  con- 
venticle in  the  City  of  New  York.  The  Representer  writ  in  so  much  hast  that  he 
did  not  observe  that  a  professed  Church  man,  &  a  man  of  no  principles  etc. 
looks  very  much  like  a  contradiction;  lett  him  therefore  explain  his  meaning  more 
clearly  or  otherwise  he  will  be  thought  to  do  the  Church  but  lit* 'ie  honor  to  call 
a  professed  Churchman  a  man  of  no  principles  etc. 

As  to  the  accusation  of  that  Gentleman  of  joyning  in  endea'^ouTs  to  settle  a 
conventicle  at  New  York,  it  is  too  general  to  be  answered,  «s  being  a  hard 
matter  to  know  what  he  means  by  it;  for  if  he  persists  in  S'g  former  opinion, 
to  call  the  Queens  Chapel  in  the  Fort,  repaired  by  the  care  of  Brigadier  Hunter, 
by  that  hard  name,  &  those  who  preach  and  resort  thither  to  serve  God, 
Schismatics,  a  litle  Helebore  might  do  him  more  good  than  a  reply. 

He  is  so  full  of  Spleen  against  Coll.  Morris,  that  he  cannot  dismiss  him  without 
another  blow,  viz.  his  practice,  as  he  says,  of  intercepting  Letters  etc.  wherein 
he  is  perhaps  as  ill  grounded  as  in  the  other  accusations,  for  he  confutes  even  him- 
self by  his  afiBrmation,  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  man's  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  anything  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  Mr.  Sinclairs  mouth,  who 
knows  the  whole  matter.  As  to  the  dismal  consequences  the  Representer  appre- 
hends from  such  Removal,  the  Queen  will  doubtless  think,  the  Lords  of  Trade,  the 
Governor,  &  such  others  of  the  Councill  who  are  not  excepted  against  better 
judges  of  it  than  the  Representer,  who  officiously,  not  to  say  pragmatically, 
meddles  in  affairs  he  knows  little  of,  &  that  are  foreign  to  his  mission;  &  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  Councill  of  the  Jerseys,  which 
Mr.  Pinhorn         the  Representer  Proposed  to  be  removed,  bears  a  fair  character 

as  to  his  domestic  manner  of  living,  only  he  is  a  very  pragmatical 
man,  not  to  say  factious,  and  there  may  be  some  reasons  assigned  why  he  agreed 
so  well  with  a  former  Governor. 


OF  THE  State  of  j^ew  York.  1953 

Mr.  Sonmans  Wants  the  first  Character,  but  is  eminent  for  the  latter,  his  im- 
moralities are  such  that  the  Rev.  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  Governour  did  oblige  him  to  pay,  is  not  the 
least  reason  for  his  ill  will  to  his  Excellency. 

Richd.  Townly     Is  dead  and   ye  Representer  recommends  his   son  to  succeed  him, 
perhaps  because  he  doth  not  degenerate  from  the  abilities  which 
recommended   his  father  to   their  favor. 

Daniel  Cox  &        No    matter    which    for    they    are    inseparable,    who    sett    very    bad 
Hugh  Huddy         examples   to   the    inhabitants    of    Burlington    as    Mr.    Sinclare    can 
testify. 

Wm.  Hall.  Once  a  Quaker  now   of  no   Religion  referred  to  the   said  Mr.   Sin- 

clare. 

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  representer  endeavours  to  insinuate. 

To  pass  by  the  unmanerly  expressions  the  Representer  uses  when  he  mentions 
the  New  modelling  the  Councill  of  the  Jersey  it  is  strange  to  observe  (to  use  his 
own  words)  whether  Robt.  Quary  the  Queens  Surveyor  Generall  doth  not  stand 
in  his  way  also. 

George  Deacon  Being  both  Quakers  and  doubtless  a  great  eyesore  to  him.  He  calls 
&  Thomas  Gar-  a  poor  ignorant  insignificant  fellow  whom  they  (meaning  the 
diner  Governor   &   Councill)   perhaps   with   the   concurrence  of   the   As- 

sembly (as  becoming  a  manner  of  speaking  of  his  betters  as  be- 
fore taken  notice  of)  have  made  Treasorer  tho  he  hath  no  estate  but  a  Tool  to 
serve  them  in  all  affairs,  what  Tool  is  Mr.  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  Thieves. 

Now  after  all  this,  it's  ten  to  one  but  upon  enquiry  this  Mr.  Gordon  will  be 
found  neither  so  poor,  ignorant  &  insignificant  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  Representer  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  endeavours  of  that  missionary,  whom  they  prompt  underhand  to 
do  their  drudgery  &  who  generally  sacrifices  that  little  reputation  which  by  the 
obscurity  of  his  person  had  been  preserved,  had  he  not  signalixed  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  allowed  to  meddle  in  the  affairs  of  their  Governments,  & 
upon  this  foot  no  man  of  honour  would  accept  of  such  tiresome  Places. —  Col. 
Hist.  N.   Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  336-338, 

17  June  1712. 


1713 


1712 


1954 


Ecclesiastical  Records 


Governor  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

June  23,  1712. 
To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  &  Plantations. 
My  Lords 


E.    He  trans- 
mitts  ye  Acct. 
of  the  number 
of  Inhabitants 
etc. 

new     methods 

But  promises 
one  more  eom- 
pleat. 


I  have  issued  out  orders  to  the  several  counties  and 
cities  for  an  account  of  the  numbers  of  their  inhabitants 
and  slaves,  but  have  never  been  able  to  obtain  it  com- 
pleat,  the  people  being  deterred  by  s  simple  superstition 
and    observation,    that    the    sickness    followed    upon    the    last 

I  numbering  of  the  people;  however,  by  the  next  opportu- 
nity,   I    hope    to    send    it    you    compleat,    having    fallen    upon 

of  procuring  it;  In  the  meantime  the  scheme  following 
of  the  old  list  taken  in  1703,  compared  with  the  New, 
which  I  have  been  able  to  procure  of  the  respective 
Countys  hereafter  mentioned,  will  afford  your  Lordships 
a  general  view  of  the  increase  of  the  numbers. 


1703. 

New   York    4436 

Kings    County    1915 

Richmond    County    503 

Orange    County    268 

West  Chester  1946 

9068 

Queens   County    4392 

Suffolk     3346 

Albany  City   &   County    2273 

Ulster  &  Dutches  1669  j. 


1712. 

Increased 

5840 

1404 

1925 

10 

1279 

776 

439 

171 

2803 

857 

12286 


3218 


11680 


J 


Of  these  Countys  I  have  as  yet  no 
list,  nor  from  the  Jersey's  but  hope 
to  be  able  to  send  it  your  Lordships  by 
the  next  from  Connecticut,  I  have  so  im- 
perfect an  account,  that  I  am  ashamed 
to  send  it  but  will  endeavor  to  get  a 
more  perfect  one. 


1712. 

Increased 

10511 

2744 

1775 

474 

In  the  five  Countys  whereof  I  have  procured  lists,  the  numbers  were  composed 
as  followeth: 

In  the  year  1703. 

Christians     7767 

Slaves    1301 

3218 

By  this  imperfect  computation,  your  Lordships  will  be  able  to  make  some  guess 
of  the  general  increase  of  the  people,  and  leave  it  to  your  Lordships  consideration 
what  the  consequences  are  like  to  be,  when  upon  such  an  increase  not  only  the 
support  of  Government  but  the  inclination  of  the  people  to  support  it  at  all 
decrease. 

As  to  births  and  burials  has  never  been  any  Register  kept  that 

F.  he  can't  I  can  hear  of  neither  Is  there  any  possibility  of  doing  it  until 

send  an  Acct.  such  time  as  the  Countys  are  subdivided  into  Parishes,  great 

of  births  &  numbers   remaining   unchristened  for   want  of  Ministers, 

burials.     The 
reasons. 


—  Col.   Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  339,  340. 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  York.  1955 

1712 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Correspondence  from  America, 

Eev.  B.  Freeman  to  Revs.  P,  Steenwinkel  and  Jonas  Hollebeek, 

July  2,  1712. 

Port-folio,  "  jSTew  York,"  Vol.  i.     Extract  in  Vol.  xxi.  575. 

(Addressed:)  To  the  Rev.  Messrs.  P.  Steenwinkel  and  Jonas 
HoUebeek,  Famous  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ 
at  Amsterdam. 

Rev.  Sirs  and  Brethren  in  Christ: — 

Your  favor  of  September  30,  1711,  came  duly  to  hand,  as  well 
as  all  the  previous  ones.  It  is  to  be  deplored  that  they  have  not 
produced  the  desired  results,  and  I  would  not  now  trouble  the 
Rev.  Classis,  were  it  not  its  command  to  answer  as  speedily  as 
possible. 

As  to  the  letter  from  Mr.  Bancker,  of  which  the  Classis  makes 
mention  in  its  letter,  (I  have  to  say  this) ;  that  it  was  written  me 
by  an  elder  of  Long  Island,  that  the  church  had  another  order 
from  the  Governor  for  a  call  from  Holland;  and  the  distance 
being  forty  (Dutch)  miles,  (one  hundred  and  sixty  English  miles;) 
I  could  make  no  further  inquiry;  and  as  a  ship  was  being  loaded 
for  Holland,  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Bancker.  But  this  circumstance 
could  have  been  of  no  advantage  to  the  people  of  Long  Island,  to 
whom  I  had  not  written  this  thing;  and  (when  it  was)  found  that 
such  license  had  never  been  obtained  (for  Antonides)  I  did  not 
write  to  Long  Island.  The  license  which  the  congregation  ob- 
tained for  me,  was  not  sufficient  in  itself  to  make  me  pastor,  but 
the  call  did;  and  (the  license)  did  not  take  away  the  liberty  of 
the  Church  any  more  than  when  a  minister-elect  is  brought  be- 
fore a  Burgomaster  and  his  approbation  is  secured.  This  is  one 
and  the  same  thing  with  the  license  (obtained  here),  and  this 
was  granted  to  me  by  the  Governor  for  nothing;  while  Mr.  An- 
tonides gave  two  thousand  guilders  for  his  license,  and  that  is 
simony. 

17 


1956  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

1712 

So  also  the  Rev.  Du  Bois's  installation  of  me,  did  not  make 
me  pastor;  but  the  call  did,  with  the  approval  of  the  Governor. 

That  I  wished  to  make  the  voorleser  (Paul)  Yan  Yleg,  a  minis- 
ter, against  the  advice  of  my  colleagues,  has  been  wrongly  re- 
ported to  Classis.  It  was  Mr.  Du  Bois  who  allowed  Van  Vleg 
to  exercise  his  gifts  privately,  in  the  church  of  ISTew  York.  And 
subsequently,  when,  by  order  of  the  Queen,  on  account  of  the 
first  expedition  to  Canada,  (1709),  some  companies  of  Dutch  sol- 
diers were  also  enlisted,  Mr.  Du  Bois  went  to  the  City  Hall,  (Huis 
der  gemeente)  to  ask  that  a  Dutch  minister  might  be  provided 
for,  and  assigned  to  these  Dutch  troops.  Thereupon  the  House 
took  this  matter  into  consideration,  and  on  the  request  of  Rev. 
Du  Bois,  gave  orders  that  Messrs.  Du  Bois,  Ereeman,  and  An- 
tonides  should  examine  Paul  Yan  Yleg;  and  if  he  were  found 
competent  to  ordain  him  in  a  suitable  manner,  for  the  proposed 
office,  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  ministers  here.  Thereupon 
we  came  together,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  Journal  of  the  common- 
alty; but  Messrs.  Du  Bois  and  Antonides  said  that  they  did  not 
want  to  do  it;  thereupon  I  said.  Does  not  the  dangerous  conditions 
of  the  soldiers  demand  that  they  should  have  religious  services? 
As  to  Yan  Yleg  I  know  not  concerning  his  abilities  to  edify,  but 
let  us  examine  him.  Then  the  others  said,  that  they  had  no 
authority  to  ordain  him  to  the  Sacred  Ministry.  Thereupon  I 
said,  you  need  have  no  fear  of  the  Episcopal  ministers,  (Bischop- 
lyke  predicanten)  for  here  is  a  command  from  the  government, 
(lant,  country)  which  gives  us  all  the  authority.  IsTo,  said  the 
others,  not  that  do  we  fear,  but  we  are  bound  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam.  Whereupon  I  said.  Are  you  not,  indeed,  fully  or- 
dained ministers,  and,  under  such  circumstances  would  your  act 
be  taken  up  in  evil  part  by  the  Rev.  Classis.  But  they  could 
not  do  it! 

Well  then,  I  said,  I  will  not  do  it  either.  Nevertheless,  I 
cannot  sign  my  name  to  a  statement  that  I  have  no  authority  to  do 
it,  to  be  given  as  an  excuse  to  the  gentlemen  of  the  commonalty. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1957 

Behold,  Rev.  Sirs,  that  is,  in  truth,  all  that  occurred,  and  so  we 
parted;  and  Van  Vleg  went  to  the  Scotch  Classis  (Presbytery)  of 
Philadelphia;  and  after  he  had  been  first  examined  by  three 
Scotch  ministers,  he  was  qualified  for  two  small  Dutch  villages, 
and  was  accepted  as  member  of  the  Classis,  (Presbytery);  as  I 
hear,  gives  reasonable  edification.  'Now  would  this  circumstance, 
according  to  the  opinion  of  Classis,  destroy  the  peace,  the  order 
and  the  edification  of  the  Church? 

Mr.  Anthony  Van  Oostrum,  at  Dieme,  and  Mr.  John  Lanssman 
write,  on  May  19,  1710,  concerning  my  desire  to  make  Van  Vleg 
a  preacher.  They  say:  any  one  who  casually  reads  your  letter, 
will  wonder  that  such  a  letter  was  written  by  a  minister;  and  he 
will  be  much  more  surprised  that  such  a  writer  should  want 
to  make  preachers.  Indeed,  then,  was  I  only  sent  hither  as  a 
bit  (stuk)  of  a  preacher  by  the  Rev.  Classis?  I  know  better. 
That  I  did  not  compose  my  letter  so  very  well  (may  be  true). 
I  do  not  pretend  to  have  gTeater  gifts  than  have  been  given  me. 
Had  I  made  this  book  very  beautiful,  said  a  writer,  I  would 
gladly  have  looked  upon  it ;  but  if  not,  I  have  done  what  I  could. 
When  I  represented  to  a  minister  here  how  evilly  the  Classis  had 
been  informed  about  Van  Vleg,  in  order  to  make  me  odious  be- 
fore the  Classis,  he  answered;  I  believe,  Mr.  Freeman  that  I 
then  wrote  the  truth ;  but  their  letters  are  not  worth  the  wampum, 
that  is,  not  worth  a  penny;  and  there  is  no  truth  in  that  matter 
which  they  have  communicated  to  you.  I  have  written  them 
that  they  were  only  hearers  of  our  dispute,  but  we  were  the  prin- 
cipals, and  we  would  therefore  settle  the  dispute.  Thus  did  I 
write,  and  thus,  it  must  be  done. 

You  recommend  to  me  to  take  out  of  the  way  every  rock  of 
offence.  This  have  I  also  endeavored  to  do,  as  will  appear  from 
the  enclosed  papers.  Do  you,  or  the  Rev.  Classis  read  these? 
They  are  matters  which  were  done  at  the  instance  of  your  letter, 
but  there  is  no  peace  as  yet.  You  suggest:  Could  not  the  Church, 
by  a  change  of  place  on  my  part  be  brought  to  quietness,  or  by 


1712 


1712 


1958  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

some  other  means.  As  to  change  of  place :  If  I  could  bring  peace 
by  that,  and  the  opportunity  offered,  I  would  gladly  accept  your 
advice;  but  without  some  such  change,  I  cannot  satisfy  my  con- 
science. That  would  be  the  severest  struggle  of  all  to  myself.  I 
have  several  times  asked  the  elders  to  release  me  from  my  office" 
on  account  of  the  dispute,  I  would  relieve  them  as  to  the  salary; 
but  no,  they  would  not.  There  are  such  great  gatherings,  which 
listen  to  God's  Word  with  pleasure.  They  are  inclined,  and  are 
willing  to  live  in  peace  and  love  with  Mr.  Antonides;  but  he  is 
unwilling,  and  a  few  others  with  him.  Therefore  we  cannot 
leave ;  the  blame  remains  with  him  who  refuses.  God  be  thanked, 
our  hearts  wish  to  forgive,  and  be  reconciled.  Rev.  Sirs,  we 
do  not  wish  to  make  any  more  trouble.  He  who  has  delight  and 
peace  in  God,  wishes  also  to  possess  peace  with  his  brethren  if 
it  please  the  Lord.  To  his  blessed  Grace,  I  commend  you,  Rev- 
erend Sirs,  and  Brethren.  I  recommend  myself  and  our  churches 
unto  your  earnest  intercessions  while  I  remain. 

Your  Servant, 
Midwoud,  •  B.  Freeman. 

July  2,  1712. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Rev.  B.  Freeman  to  William  Bancker,  July  2,   1712. 

'      Port-folio,  "  i^ew  York,"  Vol.  i. 

(Addressed:)  Mr.  William  Bancker  Merchant  at  Amsterdam. 

Mr.  Bancker;  Very  good  friend: — I  duly  received  your  favor 
of  September  12,  1711,  and  learned  therefrom  the  health  of  all 
your  family.  You  also  make  mention  therein  of  Gerard  de 
Peyster.  I  gave  you  information  of  him  in  my  preceding  letter, 
and  he  himself  also  has  written  to  you.  He  has  gone  through 
Arithmetic  in  his  studies,  for  he  does  not  know  what  God  may 
lay  upon  him  to  do.     The  loss  of  his  father  has  been  greatly 


OF  THE  State  of  IN'ew  York.  1959 

disadvantageous  to  him  as  well  as  to  all  the  children.  He  has 
heen  mth  me  since  his  father's  death,  and  is  with  me  still.  He 
is  an  intelligent  youth  for  one  of  his  years.  That  memorandum 
for  Mr.  Roland,  I  have  complied  with  ^  well  as  I  could.  When 
you  have  read  it  you  can  seal  it  and  send  it  to  him. 

You  make  mention  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  saying  that  it  will  have 
nothing  more  to  do  with  our  dispute  here.  ISTevertheless  they 
wrote  to  me  and  to  Rev.  Antonides  on  September  30,  1711, 
earnestly  counselling  him  and  me  to  make  peace.  We  made 
offers  of  peace  to  him,  but  it  seems  he  wants  to  be  a  man  of 
contention,  not  passively  but  actively.  It  is  even  reported  that 
he  had  the  same  experience  with  his  church  in  Friesland.  I 
have  a  happy  and  quiet  conscience,  because  I  have  given  no 
grounds  for  this  difference,  and  am  seeking  to  take  those  which 
exist  out  of  the  way.  You  can  see  this  from  the  letters,  in  which 
we  offered  them  terms  of  peace  at  the  desire  of  the  Rev.  Classis; 
but  he  wants  no  peace.  Also  the  Rev.  Classis  holds  me  to  the 
letter  I  wrote  to  you,  in  which  I  copied  the  call  to  Long  Island, 
I  will  not  deny  what  I  wrote  to  you;  but  I  did  not  write  that  to 
the  elders  or  people  here.  I  was,  however,  thus  informed,  that 
this  was  the  Governor's  pleasure,  as  well  as  the  pleasure  of  the 
church;  but  I  found  it  was  otherwise  with  the  congregation.  .  .  . 
and  the  Governor;  and  so  I  did  not  send  away  (to  them?)  my 
copy  of  the  letter;  therefore  they  who  lie  deceive  themselves. 
The  people,  thank  God,  take  good  pleasure  in  the  sacred  services, 
and  I  have  a  large  audience.  Rev.  Antonides  will  yet  rue  it,  if 
God  is  displeased  Avith  it.  If  it  does  not  bore  you  too  much, 
please  read  all  the  papers.  I  would  have  sent  to  my  brother  Van 
!N'uis,  but  I  have  never  yet  written  him  about  the  dispute.  I  would 
not  have  written  to  you,  had  I  not  made  mention  of  the  matter  in 
your  letter;  and  I  would  not  have  written  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  if 
they  had  not  earnestly  charged  me  to  write;  for  I  wished  not  to 
give  so  much  prominence  to  the  dispute  by  writing  about  it.  The 
Classis  would  gladly  see  me  get  out  of  the  way  here,  by  some 


1712 


1960  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1712 

change  of  place,  or  by  other  means.  I  would  be  willing  to  accept 
another  call,  if  I  could  see  that  benefit  and  peace  would  be  brought 
to  the  Church  of  God  here  thereby.  But  to  leave  the  church 
without  a  pastor,  only  to  become  a  merchant,  my  conscience  would 
not  leave  me  in  any  peace.  The  last  state  would  then  be  worse 
than  the  first.  Concluding  I  commend  you  to  God's  grace.  Be 
heartily  greeted  from  me  and  my  vdie,  also  (from)  your  daughter 
and  son,  and  from  my  friends,  as  well  as  from  Mr.  Winterwyck. 
Thus  I  remain,  good  friend. 

Yours  etc. 
Flatbush,  '  B.  Freeman. 

July  2,  1712.  ' 

Greetings  to  my  friends. 

Eev.  John  F.  H!aeger    to  Society  foe  Peopagating  the 

Gospel. 

Vol.  7.  p.  223.    No.  38. 

Translation  of  Mr.  Haeger's  Letter  to  Mr.  Chamberlayne. 
By  courtesy  of  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Hinke,  of  Philadelphia. 

^  I^ew  York,  the  12  July,  1712. 
Honored  Sir:—  Your  first  of  the  24th  of  May  1711,  I  received 
about  the  latter  end  of  December  of  the  same  year,  which  I  have 
not  answered  for  want  of  an  opportunity,  it  being  too  late  in  the 
year;  though  I  was  in  duty  bound  to  return  you  my  most  humble 
thanks.  Your  second  was  of  the  2nd  of  August  1711.  I  re- 
ceived it  in  the  beginning  of  June  1712,  together  with  the  en- 
closed from  my  father.  To  the  last  I  could  not  send  an  answer 
sooner.  As  for  the  rest,  I  do  live  here  in  the  wilderness  above  a 
hundred  miles  from  hence  up  in  the  country,  so  that  I  have  not 
that  good  opportunity  of  receiving  as  many  as  others  have,  and 
want  also  the  language ;  though  I  endeavor  for  it  as  much  as  pos- 
sible, but  I  have  not  the  practice,  being  deprived  of  all  manner  of 
conversation;  not  thinking  there  is  any  other  people  besides  the 


OF  THE  State  of  'N'ew  York.  1961 

poor  Palatines,  amongst  whom  I  live,  as  if  buried  in  the  occupa- 
tion of  mj  calling.  I  have  made  now  a  journey  on  purpose  to  this 
place  to  dispatch  my  letters.  I  hope  my  letters  of  the  last  of 
August  1711  are  come  to  hand,  with  which  I  sent  the  list  and  ac- 
count; wherein  I  also  mentioned  that  by  order  of  his  Excellency, 
the  Lord  Governor,  I  followed  the  expedition  against  Canada  in 
quality  of  a  Chaplain  of  the  Camp  and  that  not  without  great 
fatigue  as  Col.  l^icholson  himself  has  confessed  and  given  me 
testimony  everywhere. 

Yet  all  that  had  been  nothing  to  us  if  the  expedition  had  but 
proved  successful,  for  our  Palatines  were  all  joyful  in  hopes  of 
their  liberty  and  settlement.  The  copies  of  Common  Prayers  I 
have  not  yet  received,  though  some  few  books  are  come  for  our 
people.  Yet  I  could  not  after  enquiry  made  of  the  distribution 
thereof  find  any  of  the  former  amongst  them.  I  hope  they  will 
still  come. 

We  return  our  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  this  care  for 
■us,  and  I  myself  in  particular  for  the  allowance  of  the  ten  pounds 
for  me.  May  the  Lord  bless  and  strengthen  you  in  the  design  of 
propagating  Christ's  Church  that  she  may  increase  daily. 

As  for  my  part  my  heart  was  ready  to  break  when  I  was  in  the 
camp,  and  there  did  see  so  many  souls  without  the  true  knowledge 
of  God.  I  mean  the  savages  in  whose  camp  I  have  been  almost 
daily;  yet  I  am  not  so  much  surprised  at  this,  as  I  am  affected 
when  I  reflect  on  so  many  inhabitants  of  the  several  districts  of 
this  country,  who  bear  the  name  of  Christian  and  know  little  or 
nothing  of  Christianity.  At  the  desire  of  those  Germans  who 
came  hither  with  Mr.  Kocherthal,  and  are  now  without  a  minister, 
I  did  last  year  make  a  journey  up  in  the  Highlands,  and  baptized 
them;  at  the  same  time,  several  children;  and  took  that  oppor- 
tunity also  to  apply  my  exhortations  in  sundry  places  amongst 
the  Low  Dutch,  whose  language  I  know  pretty  well.  I  baptized 
likewise  in  our  house,  four  children,  from  the  eldest  to  the 
youngest,  born  of  Christian  parents;  in  another  house  two,  and 


1712 


1712 


1962  Ecclesiastical  Records 

in  anotlier,  one  black,  a  woman  grown  and  instructed  in  the 
Christian  religion,  and  should  have  baptized  six  more  in  another, 
had  not  the  great  storms  of  mnd  and  rain  blown  down  the  man's 
house.  On  this  my  present  journey  hither  I  baptized  again  one, 
and  I  am  desired  on  my  return  to  baptize  several  more  on  the  east 
side  belonging  to  our  Palatines,  several  of  whom  have  dispersed 
themselves  up  and  down  the  country,  which  is  the  very  reason 
why  I  cannot  at  this  time  give  an  exact  list  of  them  as  I  did  last 
autumn.  I  believe  however  that  my  congregation  is  but  little 
diminished,  which  I  can  know  by  the  number  of  communicants. 
On  Christmas  Day  I  had  172 ;  On  Easter  240 ;  On  Whit-Sunday 
166  came.     I  have  baptized  near  80,  and  had  but  a  few  dead. 

I  have  married  eleven  couples  and  instructed  above  30  children 
in  the  Church  Catchism  and  the  fundamentals  of  the  Christian 
religion  in  order  to  be  admitted  to  the  Communion.  This  begins 
from  the  25th  of  July  1711  to  this  time. 

Hereby  do  I  send  a  small  vocabulary  of  the  language  of  the 
Indians  of  Hudson  River,  which  is  not  quite  complete  and  in 
order,  but  only  brought  to  paper  as  a  specimen  of  the  endeavor, 
be  chosen,  [  ?]  my  calling  as  v/ell  to  instruct  myself  as  well  as  the 
poor  Palatines.  [  ?]  In  case  you  approve  of  it.  Sir,  I  will  try  to 
render  it  more  complete  and  bring  it  into  a  better  order,  that  it 
may  be  fit  for  the  press.  My  parents  press  me  hard  from  hence. 
I  am  not  able  to  assist  them,  it  being  heavier  living  in  the  country, 
for  such  as  must  buy  everything,  than  in  the  city,  as  I  spoke  about 
it  also  with  Col.  Heathcock.  I  recommend  to  you  my  parents  in 
case  they  should  come  to  England,  that  some  provision  may  be 
made  for  them.  I  hope  and  am  assured  that  God  will  not  forsake 
such  as  put  their  trust  in  him. 

I  have  written  to  Dr.  Bray  and  several  other  gentlemen  and 
friends,  but  do  not  know  whether  the  letters  are  come  safe,  hav- 
ing heard  nothing  from  them.  Of  the  enclosed  letter  to  my  father 
I  humbly  desire  you  to  take  care,  and  direct  it  first  to  Mr.  John 
Behagel,  near  the  Bank,  at  Amsterdam,  and  then  to  his  brother 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1963 

Isaak  Behagel,  at  Frankfort,  who  were  formerly  my  father's 
disciples;  or  to  Mr.  Langhen  at  Saxenhausen  near  Frankfort,  who 
is  to  send  it  further  to  Mr.  I^esser  at  Siegen,  who  will  deliver  it 
without  fail  to  my  father.  I  humbly  beg  you  Sir,  to  excuse  my 
detaining  your  so  long  and  to  recommend  me  heartily  to  the 
Honorable  Society. 

I  recommend  you  Honored  Sir  with  your  whole  family  to  the 
protection  of  God  and  remain.  Honored  Sir,      - 

Your  most  obedient  servant  and  fervent  in  prayer, 

John  Fred  Haeger. 

E,EPOET  ON  Application  of  Church  of  New  Eochelle,  foe  a 

Chartee. 

May  it  Please  Your  Excellency:  In  obedience  to  your  Excellency's  Order  in 
Councill  of  ye  Nineteenth  day  of  November  last  made  on  ye  petition  of  Daniel 
Bondet  and  others  for  a  Patent  for  a  Church  lately  erected  in  the  Street  of  New 
Rochell  and  for  the  Ground  whereon  It  Stands,  Wee  have  fully  examined  into  ye 
matter  of  the  said  petition  and  are  humbly  of  Opinion  that  her  Majesty  may  Grant 
such  Patent  for  the  said  Church  and  Ground  according  to  ye  prayer  of  the  said 
petition  all  of  which  is  nevertheless  submitted  to  your  Excellency  By 
Your  Excellency's  Most  Obedient  humble  Servants. 

A.  D.  Peyster,  S.  Staats,  Rip  Van  Dam,  Caleb  Heathcote,  T.  Byerley. 
Read  31st  July,  17U/12.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  Ui.  p.  573. 

Representation  to  Hee  Majesty  About  Appeal. 

To  the  Queen's  Most  Excellent  Majesty. 

The  Representation  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
parts.     [Aug.  26,   1712]. 

Humbly  Sheweth 

That  your  Majesty  out  of  your  pious  concern  that  all  your  good  subjects  in  all 
parts  of  your  dominions  should  be  instructed  in  the  principles  of  our  most  Holy 
Religion  hath  been  pleased  to  give  Instructions  to  the  Governors  of  your  planta- 
tions in  America  and  particularly  to  the  Governors  of  New  Yorke  &  Jersey  that 
they  should  take  especial  care  that  God  Almighty  should  be  devoutly  &  duly  served 
throughout  their  Governments  That  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  as  by  law  estab- 
lished should  be  read  each  Sunday  &  Holiday  and  the  Sacraments  administered  ac- 
cording to  the  rites  of  the  Church  of  England  and  that  your  Governor  should  not 
present  any  Minister  to  any  Ecclesiastical  Benefice  without  a  certificate  from  the 
Right  Reverend  Father  in  God  the  Bishop  of  London  of  his  being  conformable  to 
the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  of  England. 

That  Robert  Hunter  Esq.  the  present  Governor  of  the  province  of  New  York 
and  Jersey  hath  in  obedience  to  your  Majesty's  said  instructions  ordered  one 
Mr.  Thomas  Poyer  a  person  duly  qualified  according  to  these  instructions  to  be 
inducted  into  the  Rectory  of  the  parish  of  Jamaica  in  Long  island  within  the  said 
province  vacant  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Urquhart  late  Rector  of  the  said  parish  who 
had  for  some  years  quietly  enjoyed  the  profits  of  the  said  Rectory. 


1712 


1712 


1964  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

That  the  Clergy  of  that  province  have  represented  to  us  that  notwithstanding 
such  instructions  of  the  said  Mr.  Poyer  by  the  Authority  of  your  Government 
agreably  to  your  Majesty's  instructions,  yet  by  the  violence  of  some  Sectaries 
notoriously  disaffected  to  the  Church,  the  said  "William  Poyer  hath  been  wrong- 
fully and  forceably  kept  out  of  the  parsonage  house  and  Glebe  and  hath  not  re- 
ceived any  of  the  profits  thereunto  annexed  to  which  he  is  by  law  duly  entitled. 

That  the  said  Clergy  have  further  represented  that  Mr.  Poyer  is  advised  to 
seek  his  remedy  by  course  of  law  within  the  Courts  of  that  County  but  at  the 
same  time  do  inform  us  that  they  have  just  reason  to  apprehend  that  if  a  cause 
of  the  Church  should  be  tried  and  judged  by  persons  of  known  disaffection  to  the 
Church  they  might  not  find  that  Justice  of  which  they  could  be  secure  from  any 
impartial  Judges.  And  that  if  the  Judgment  should  be  given  against  the  plaintiff 
it  might  in  its  consequences  affect  all  the  other  churches  of  that  province;  as  also 
that  from  such  a  Judgment,  however  partial,  there  would  be  no  appeal  either 
to  the  Governor  &  Council  in  that  province  or  to  your  Majesty  and  Privy  Council 
here;  because  in  the  instructions  given  to  your  Government  in  reference  to  appeals. 
It  is  provided  that  in  all  appeals  to  the  Government  &  Council  there  the  sum  ap- 
pealed for  do  exceed  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  sterling  and  in  all  appeals  to 
your  Majesty  &  Privy  Council  here  the  sum  appealed  for  do  exceed  the  sum  of 
three  hundred  pounds  sterling. 

We  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  it  is  not  your  Majesty's  intention  that  your  sub- 
jects should  be  excluded  from  the  benefit  of  appeals  in  such  cases,  where  although 
the  matter  in  demand  doth  not  exceed  the  value  of  one  hundred  pounds;  yet  the 
loss  sustained  by  the  party  doth  in  the  consequences  of  it  amount  to  a  much  greater 
value,  and  much  less  to  such  cases  where  a  judgment  against  one  of  your  Clergy, 
if  there  should  be  no  appeal  from  it  might  be  to  the  utter  ruin  of  the  Church  es- 
tablished in  those  parts. 

We  do  therefore  with  all  humility  submit  to  your  Majesty's  consideration, 
whether  your  Majesty,  of  your  tender  regard  to  the  rights  of  the  Church  which 
have  been  always  safe  under  your  Royal  protection,  and  out  of  your  pious  con- 
cern to  promote  and  encourage  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel,  of  which  your 
Majesty  hath  already  given  many  &  ample  proofs  to  this  Society,  will  not  be  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  explain  the  Instructions  given  to  your  Government  in  the  planta- 
tions about  Appeals,  in  such  manner  as  that  in  causes  relating  immediately  to 
the  Church,  an  appeal  may  lie  to  your  Governor  &  Council  there,  and  to  your 
Majesty  and  Privy  Council  here,  without  any  restriction  or  limitation  of  the  value 
or  Sum  appealed  for.  [See  Jan.  8,  1713  and  Feb.  6,  1713.] 
26  August,  1712.— Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  162,  163;  or  Col.  Docs.  N.  Y.  v.  345. 


CorisrciL  Journal,  New  York. 

1712,  Oct.  29.     Eobt.  Himter,  Governor. 

The  bill  of  April  11,  1711  (Naturalizing  Foreign  Protestants,) 
read,  347.  Committed,  348.  Passed,  348.  Mr.  Byerley  pro- 
tests against  its  passage,  348.     iSTot  signed  by  Governor. 

Estate  of  Mrs.  Selyns. 
1712,  Oct.  29.     Robt.  Hunter,  Governor. 

The  Bill  entitled.  An  Act  to  enable  Isaac  De  Riemer,  Sr., 
Henry  C'oerten,  and  Isaac  De  Eiemer,  Jr.,  to  sell  and  dispose  of 
the  estate  left  by  Margaretha  Selynus,  late  of  the  city  of  New 


OF  THE  State  of  I^ew  Yoke:. 


1965 


1712 


York,  deceased.  Read  first  time.  Council  Joumal,  349.  Peti- 
tion presented  against  it  by  Ab.  Governeur,  Is.  Governeur,  Isaac 
De  Eiemer,  Jr.,  praying  that  the  said  Bill  do  not  pass  till  the 
petitioners  be  heard,  what  they  have  to  alledge  against  the 
same  by  their  counsel,  349.  The  Bill  rejected  after  counsel  was 
heard,  350. 


GovEENOR  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

Oct.  31,  1712. 

To  the  Eight  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and 

Plantations. 
My  Lords. 


C.     His  stock 
&  credit  be- 
ing exhausted 
in  subsisting 
the  Palatines 
he  in  a  letter 
to  ye  nianagers 
of  the  work, 
intimated  how 
they  might  sup- 
port themselves 
during  the  win- 
ter. 


As  to  the  Palatines  my  substance  and  credit 
being  exhausted,  I  had  no  remedy  left  but  by  a 
letter  to  the  managers  of  the  work,  to  intimate 
to  that  people  that  they  should  take  measures 
to  subsist  themselves  during  the  winter,  upon 
the  lands  where  they  were  planted ;  and  such  as 
could  not,  might  find  it  by  working  with  the 
Inhabitants,  leaving  with  their  commissaries 
their  names  &  the  names  of  the  places  or  land- 
lords where  they  are  employed  during  that 
time,  that  they  may  be  in  readiness  upon  the 
first  publick  notice  given  to  return  to  the  work 
which  they  have  obliged  themselves  by  con- 
tract to  pursue ;  upon  this  intimation  some  hun^ 
dreds  of  them  took  a  resolution  of  possessing  the  lands  of  Sco- 
haree  &  are  accordingly  marched  thither,  have 
been  buisy  in  cutting  a  road  from  Schenectedy 
to  that  place,  and  have  purchased  or  procured  a 
quantity  of  Indian  corn  towards  their  winter 
subsistance;  it  being  impossible  for  me  to  prevent  this,  I  have 
been  the  easier  under  it,  upon  these  considerations,  that  by  these 


Their  Proceed 
ings  thereupon 


1966 


Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 


1712 


means,  the  body  of  that  people  is  kept  together  within  the  Prov- 
ince; that  when  it  shall  please  her  Majesty  to  resume  the  design 
of  prosecuting  that  work,  that  body  at  Schoharee  may  be  em- 
ployed in  working  in  the  vast  pine  woods  near  to  Albany,  which 
they  must  be  obliged  to  do,  having  no  manner  of  pretence  to  ye 
possession  of  any  lands  but  by  performing  their  part  of  the  con- 
tract relating  to  that  manufacture;  and  that  in  that  situation 
they  serve  in  some  measure  as  a  frontier  to,  or  at  least  an  in- 
crease to  the  strength  of  Albany  and  Schenectady;  but  if  the  war 
continues,  or  should  by  any  misfortune  break  out  again,  it  will 
be  neither  possible  for  them  to  subsist,  or  safe  for  them  to  remain 
there;  considering  the  ill  use  they  have  already  made  of  arms 
when  they  were  intrusted  with  them. 


F.     He  com- 
plains of  the 
obstinacy  & 
indecent  be- 
havior of  the 
Assembly. 


By  the  inclosed  minutes  of  Assembly  your 
Lordships  will  observe  that  nothing  is  yet  done 
or  to  be  expected  from  them  toward  the  sup- 
port of  Government.  I  communicated  to  them, 
as  I  was  directed,  your  Lordships  sentiments 
with  relation  to  their  proceedings;  what  regard 
they  pay  to  them,  your  Lordships  will  be  ap- 
prized of  by  their  resolves  of  the  30th  of  October,  where  they  still 
insist  upon  the  councils  having  no  right  to 
amend  mony  bills;  a  notion  but  lately 
broached,  the  practice  of  almost  all  former  as- 
semblies standing  on  record  against  them  in 
that  matter;  the  indecent  heats  and  unduti- 
fuUy  expressions  in  their  house  upon  the  read- 
ing your  Lordships  letter,  are  not  fit  to  be  re- 
peated; two  things  they  avowedly  declare  they  will  never  depart 
from,  that  is,  the  appointing  of  salaries,  and  the  custody  of  the 
public  money;  and  now  having  for  several  years  starved  the  Gov- 
ernment, they  consume  the  time  during  their  several  sessions  in 
bantering  it,  that  is  by  preparing  bills,  which  they  know  can  never 
pass,  and  others  which  if  passed  would  raise  no  money;  whilst  in 


And  refers  to 
the  minutes, 
herewith  trans- 
mitted for  the 
truth  thereof. 


JSTo  remedy  to 
be  expected 
by  calling  a 
ISTew  one  for 
reasons  for- 
merly alledged 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1967 

the  mean  time  their  frequent  sessions  cost  tbe  country  more  money 
than  an  honorable  support  of  Government 
would  amount  to.  I  have  nothing  to  hope  for 
from  a  'New  Assembly,  for  the  reasons  form- 
erly alledged  to  your  Lordships,  which  experi- 
ence has  since  that  time  confirmed,  the  same 
members  being  returned  for  the  last  to  one 
man;  I  shall  only  add,  and  I  pray  God  my  pre- 
diction may  prove  false,  the  remedy  for  those 

e\dls  if  delayed  will  cost  more  than  the  Province  is  worth. 

I  am  further  to  acquaint  your  Lordships,  that  our  Indians  are 
now  quiet  again,  a  very  good  fort  &  Chappel  built  in  the  Mo- 
hacks  Country,  where  I  have  at  present  twenty  private  men  and 
ofiicers,  the  other  in  the  Onandages  Country  is  like  to  meet  with 
some  opposition  by  the  evil  arts  of  French  emissaries,  but  I  hope 
to  get  the  better  of  that,  and  carry  on  the  work  this  summer, 
the  missionary  for  the  Mohacks  is  arrived,  and  upon  his  departure 
for  his  mission,  I  doubt  not,  but  hee  will  be  kindly  received. 

Referring  the  rest  to  the  next  conveyance,   I  am  with  the 
greatest  honor  and  deference  imaginable, 
My  Lords, 

Your  Lordships'  most  humble  &  most  obedient  Servant, 

Rob,  Hunter. 
—  CoL  Hist.  :N\  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  347,  348,  349. 

Rev.  John  F.  Haeger  to  Society  fok  Propagating  the 

Gospel. 

Vol.  8.  p.  121.     No.  12. 

Translation  of  Letters  from  Mr.  Haeger  at  Queensbury,   [near 
Germantown,  jS!".  Y.     Same  as  Ivingsbury.] 

E'ovember  1st,  1712. 
Sir:— 

I  can  give  you  no  other  account  since  my  last  but  that  I  go 
on  visiting,  calling  and  use  all  my  endeavors  to  promote  ye  inter- 


1712 


1712 


1968  Ecclesiastical  Records 

est  of  our  Holy  Church  in  order  to  lead  souls  to  Christ,  whereof 
my  congregation  will  in  case  it  be  required  give  one  sufficient 
testimony.  Hitherto  I  have  undergone  all  the  hardships  with 
patience  and  received  nothing  from  ye  people,  they  being  them- 
selves in  a  miserable  condition,  hoping  it  will  be  better  thereafter, 
otherwise  we  shall  all  of  us  fare  but  very  indifferently  by  reason 
the  people  are  not  settled  yet.  I  keep  the  congregation  up  in 
good  hopes  as  much  as  is  possible  and  had  the  16th  of  I^ovember 
last  70  men  and  69  women  communicants  for  ye  rest  I  shall  send 
an  account  by  ye  first  opportunity. 

The  messenger  being  in  haste  I  can  add  no  more.  I  recommend 
you  to  ye  protection  of  God,  and  remain, 

Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

J.  F.  Haeger. 

Rev.  Wm.  Andrews  Missionary  to  the  Mohawks. 

At  a  Meeting  of  ye  Comrs.  of  the  Indian  affairs  in  Albany  the  14th  November  1712. 

Present  —  Pr.   Schuyler,    Hend.   Hansen,    K.   V.    Renselaer,   Mynd.    Schuyler,   Jobs. 
Schuyler,   P.  Van  Brugh. 

The  Comrs.  Received  a  letter  from  his  Excellency  dated  ye  31st  of  October  last 
and  is  as  followeth:     (Letter  missing). 

The  Reverend  Mr.  Wm.  Andrews  Missionary  for  the  Mohocks  sent  by  the  hon- 
ourable Society  for  propagation  the  Giospel  in  foreign  parts  vras  desired  to  meet 
the  Comrs.  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tho.  Barclay,  who  came,  It  was  then  ordered  that 
the  said  letter  should  be  read  unto  them  which  was  done,  and  told  Mr.  Andrews 
that  they  would  at  all  times  give  him  all  the  assistance  that  Lays  in  their  power 
for  accomplishing  so  Good  a  work  as  he  Is  sent  for,  for  which  he  Gave  the  Comrs, 
Many  thanks. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Comrs.  of  the  Indian  affairs  in  Albany  ye  15th  day  of  No- 
vember 1712. 

Present  —  Pr.  Schuyler,  Jobs.  Schuyler,  K.  Van  Renselaer,  Hend.  Hansen,  Rd.  In- 
goldsby,  Mynd.  Schuyler,  P.  Van  Brugh. 

This  day  a  letter  from  his  grace  My  Lord  Arch.  B.  of  Canterberry  dated  ye  29th 
of  May  last  to  the  Sachims  of  the  Sis  Nations  of  Indians  was  delivered  to  the 
Sachims  of  the  Maquas  Country  and  read  unto  them,  the  contents  whereof  was 
Interpreted  by  Lawce.  Clasen,  which  letter  was  ordered  to  be  recorded  in  these 
Minutes  on  the  request  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Thomas  Barclay.     (Letter  not  found.) 

The  Reverend  Mr.  Andrews  Missionary  to  the  Mohawk  Indians  told  the  said 
sachems  that  he  is  Sent  by  her  Most  Excellent  Majesty  the  queen,  and  the  So- 
ciety for  propagation  ye  Gospel  in  foreign  parts  at  their  own  desire  &  request 
to  her  said  Majesty  when  Some  of  their  Sachims  were  in  England,  and  propositions 
Since  that  time  made  to  have  Ministers  to  Instruct  them  in  the  Christian  Religion, 
for  which  Reason  he  has  left  his  dearest  friends  and  relations  and  under  Gone 
a  very  tedious  «&:  dangerous  voyage  to  come  over  to  them  to  Instruct  them  in  ye 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  1969 

principals  of  the  Christian  Religion  for  the  Good  of  their  Souls  Salvation,  hopeing 
with  the  blessing  of  God  to  see  the  happy  fruits  of  his  labour,  and  that  they  will 
give  him  due  protection  and  Incouragement  in  the  doing  of  it  whilst  it  shall  please 
God  that  he  should  be  among  them. 

Then  Terachjoris  Sachim  of  Canajoharie  the  upper  Castle  of  the  Mohawks  Stood 
up  and  Sayd  that  he  was  deputed  by  those  of  that  Castle  to  come  to  Albany  to 
Receive  in  their  name  the  Reverend  Mr.  William  Andrews  for  their  Minister,  who 
they  understood  is  Sent  (on  their  Request)  by  the  Great  queen  of  Great  Britain 
to  Instruct  them  in  the  Christian  Religion  for  the  Good  of  their  Souls  Service,  and 
Gave  Mr.  Andrews  his  hand  and  promised  for  those  of  that  Castle  to  give  all  the 
protection  and  Incouragement  unto  him  that  shall  lye  in  their  power. 

Hendriek  one  of  the  Sachims  of  the  Maquas  Country  stood  up  and  said  that  he 
was  very  glad  that  ye  Reverend  Mr.  Wm.  Andrews  was  coming  over  for  their  Min- 
ister to  Instruct  them  in  the  Christian  Religion  for  the  Good  of  their  Souls,  and 
that  he  was  deputed  with  those  now  here  present  by  the  other  Sachims  of  that 
Castle  to  Receive  him  in  their  names  for  their  Minister  and  father  and  promist  for 
themselfs  and  those  of  the  said  Castle  to  give  him  all  the  protection  Incouragement 
and  assistance  possibly  they  can,  and  always  be  faithful  and  obedient  to  him,  and 
doth  heartly  Return  thanks  to  her  Majesty  the  Great  queen  of  Great  Britain  that 
She  had  been  pleased  to  Grant  their  Requests,  and  also  to  the  honorable  Society  for 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts  and  doth  thank  his  Excellency  Robert 
Hunter  Esq.  etc.,  and  Coll.  Nicolson  for  their  Intercession  in  Getting  their  Re- 
quest Granted  the  fruets  whereof  are  now  to  be  seen. 

Hendriek  sayd  further  that  he  desired  in  ye  name  of  the  said  Sachims  of  the 
Mohawks  that  none  of  their  land  might  be  clandestinely  bought  from  any  of  them 
for  that  would  breed  a  faction  and  disturbance  among  them  and  would  be  an  oc- 
casion of  leaving  their  Country  and  oblidge  them  to  go  over  to  the  Ottowawas  or 
farr  Indians  where  they  should  have  no  Christian  Minister  to  Instruct  them  in 
the  Christian  Religion,  nor  that  they  should  not  be  brought  under  that  yoke  as 
those  at  Canada  are  who  are  obliged  to  pay  the  tenths  of  all  of  their  priests.  Gave 
a  Belt  of  Wampum. 

Mr.  Andrews  Replyed  that  he  was  not  come  for  the  lucure  of  their  land  nor  to  lay 
any  burdons  on  them  but  to  Instruct  them  in  the  true  Christian  Religion  and  that 
no  land  Should  be  bought  of  them  in  a  Clandestine  Manner,  it  if  Lays  in  his 
power  to  prevent  it,  and  that  the  honourable  Society  had  taken  care  to  pay  him. 

The  Reverend  Thomas  Barclay  desired  that  the  Comrs.  would  be  pleased  to  pro- 
cure men  Slees  &  horses  for  Conveying  the  goods  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews  to  the 
Mohawks  Country  and  to  pay  the  Charges  thereof  which  they  promised  to  do  with 
all  readyness. 

The  Comrs.  Gave  the  following  presents  to  the  Mohawk  Indians,  viz.,  six  kegs 
of  powder,  six  boxes  of  lead,  twelve  Blankets,  twelve  Shirts,  two  dufEel  Blankets, 
five  pair  of  Stockings  two  hundred  flints  &  fifty  pounds  of  Shot. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  y.  Vol.  ill.  pp.  542,  543. 


Governor  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

Dec.  6,  1712. 
To  the  Right  Honorable  The  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade 

and  Plantations. 
My  Lords. 


1712 


The  Palatines  continue  upon  the  grounds  where  I  have  planted 
them  so  that  we  have  them  at  hand  when  her  Majesty  shall  think 


1712 


1970  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

fit  to  reassiime  the  designe,  and  require  the  performance  of  their 
contract. 

The  Indians  are  at  home  and  qniet,  having  returned  from  their 
Expedition  -without  effecting  anything,  being  divided  among 
themselves.  The  Missionary  for  the  Mohacks  is  gone  thither.  I 
have  heard  nothing  from  him  since  he  hath  been  there.  My 
numbers  are  much  too  few  for  the  numbers  of  garrisons.  I  have 
not  heard  of  late  from  the  Undertakers  of  the  Eort  at  Onondage 
by  reason  of  the  season  of  the  year,  which  makes  me  conclude 
that  they  have  met  with  no  opposition  as  it  was  apprehended. 


—  Col.  Hist.  K  Y.  Yol.  v.  pp.  350,  351. 
Rev.  Me.  Hendeeson  to  the  Seceetaey. 

New  York  December  12tli,  1712. 
Sir:— 

I  have  (by  the  blessing  of  God)  arrived  safe  in  America,  and  in  obedience  to 
the  Honorable  Society's  commands,  delivered  their  letter  to  his  Excellency,  Gov- 
ernor Hunter,  and  communicated  the  other  to  as  many  of  my  Brethren,  the  Clergy, 
as  conveniently  I  could,  it  being  now  the  Winter  season;  they  are  truly  sensible 
of  the  Honorable  Society's  favour  and  zeal  to  encourage  the  Church  &  Clergy  in 
these  parts,  &  will  as  soon  as  the  season  permits  them,  meet  together  and  return 
their  hearty  thanks  for  the  favorable  reception  their  Memorial  had  from  that  Ven- 
erable Body.  In  the  meantime  Mr.  Poyer  tells  me,  and  desires  me  to  inform  the 
Honorable  Society,  that  the  Justices  of  peace  and  other  persons  with  whom  the 
administration  of  Justice  is  lodged  at  Jamaica  on  Long  Island,  have  been  lately 
changed  twice,  and  that  in  a  very  short  space;  those  that  are  at  present  in  Commis- 
sion are  friends  to  the  Church,  and  it  would  be  a  seasonable  Juncture  to  him  to 
commence  a  suit  at  law  for  the  recovery  of  his  Parsonage  House,  Glebe,  and 
arrears  of  Salary,  if  he  were  certain  of  their  continuance  in  Commission.  But  there 
was  so  sudden  an  alteration  before,  and  that  so  soon  after  the  other  change,  that 
he  is  of  opinion  it  is  safest  to  wait  for  the  answer  Her  Majesty  will  most  gra- 
ciously please  to  give  to  the  Honorable  Society's  representation;  for  should  he  enter 
a  suit  at  Law,  and  the  Commissions  be  changed  again  before  Her  Majesty  vouch- 
safe that  explication  of  her  instructions  to  the  Governor  in  relation  to  the  appeal 
that  the  Honorable  Society  have  petitioned  for,  the  case  would  be  the  very  same 
that  is  set  forth  by  the  Clergy's  Memorial;  he  is  under  great  concern  for  the  issue 
&  event  of  this  affair  he  says;  should  a  matter  of  such  consequence  miscarry  under 
his  conduct,  he  says  it  would  be  the  greatest  affliction  that  possibly  he  could  meet 
with,  &  therefore  he's  resolved  to  wait  with  patience  the  further  direction  of  his 
patrons  at  home —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  163,  164. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoek.  1971 

Oeder  IN"  Council,  Authorizing  Appeals  in  Certain  Church 
Oases.      [See  Aug.  26,  1712,  Feb.  6,  1713.] 

Jamaica.     Rev.  Urquhart.     Rev.  Poyer. 

At  the  Court  of  St.  James's  the  8th  day  of  Jan.  1712  (1713). 

Present  —  The  Queen's   most  Excellent  Majesty  in  Councill. 

Upon  reading  this  day  at  the  Board  a  Report  from  the  Lords  Commissioners  of 
Trade  and  Plantations  in  the  words  following,  viz. 

To  the  Queen's  most  Excellent  Majesty. 

May  it  please  your  Majesty,  In  obedience  to  Your  Majesty's  order  in  Council  of 
the  28th  of  July  last,  referring  to  us  a  represn.  from  the  society  for  the  Propaga- 
tion of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts,  setting  forth  the  hardships  suffered  by  Mr. 
Tho.  Poyer,  Clerk  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  and  humbly  submitting  to  your 
Majesty,  whether  in  the  case  represented  by  them,  and  in  cases  of  the  like  nature, 
your  Majesty  may  not  think  fit  to  dispense  with  that  part  of  the  instructions  given 
to  the  Governor  of  the  said  Province  whereby  it  is  provided,  that  in  all  appeals  to 
the  Governor  &  Councill  there,  the  sum  appealed  for  do  exceed  one  hundred 
pounds,  and  in  all  appeals  to  your  Majesty  in  councill,  the  sum  appealed  for  do 
exceed  three  hundred  pounds  sterling,  we  have  also  been  attended  by  several 
members  of  the  said  society;  and  thereupon  take  leave  to  lay  before  your  Majesty 
the  state  of  the  case  as  it  appears  to  us  from  the  said  representation. 

Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Urqxihart,  late  Rector  of  the  Parish  of  Jamaica  in  Long 
Island,  Coll.  Hunter  Your  Majesty's  Governor  of  New  York  inducted  Mr.  Tho.  Poyer 
a  person  duly  qTialifled  according  to  your  Majesty's  instruction  in  that  behalf,  to 
the  Rectory  of  the  said  Parish,  notwithstanding  which  by  the  violence  of  some 
secretaries*  disaffected  to  the  church,  the  said  Poyer  hath  been  wrongfully  kept 
out  of  the  Parsonage  House  and  Glebe,  that  the  said  Poyer  is  unwilling  to  seek 
his  remedy  at  law,  being  apprehensive  that  if  a  cause  of  the  church  should  be 
try'd  and  judged  by  dissenters,  he  would  not  find  justice,  and  the  value  of  the 
said  House  and  Glebe  being  small,  an  appeal  would  not  lye  from  the  inferior  courts 
to  your  Majesty's  Governor  &  Councill  there. 

This  appearing  to  be  the  state  of  the  case,  we  are  humbly  of  opinion,  that  in 
cases  where  the  church  is  immediately  concerned  (as  in  the  present  case)  Your 
Majesty  be  graciously  pleased  to  allow  the  Clergy  liberty  of  appealing  from  the 
inferior  courts  to  the  Governor  and  Councill  only  without  limitation  of  any  sum. 

Which  is  most  humbly  submitted. 

Phil.  Meadows,  Robt.  Monckton,  Tho.  Foley,  J.  Hinde  Cotton. 
Whitehall, 

Nov.  ye  2oth  1712. 

Her  Majesty  in  her  Privy  Council  taking  the  same  into  consideration,  was  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  approve  the  said  report,  and  to  order,  that  in  case  where  the 
church  is  immediately  concerned  (as  in  the  present  case)  liberty  be  given  to  the 
Clergy  to  appeal  from  the  inferior  Courts  to  the  Governor  &  Council  only,  without 
limitation  of  any  sum,  and  Her  Majesty  is  further  graciously  pleased  to  order  that 
as  well  in  this  as  in  other  the  like  cases,  liberty  be  given  to  the  Clergy  to  appeal 
from  the  Governor  and  Council  to  Her  Majesty  in  her  Privy  Councill  without  limi- 
tation as  aforesaid,  and  the  Right  Honorable  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  her  Majesty's 
principal  secretary  of  State  is  to  prepare  a  letter  for  her  Majesty's  Royal  Signa- 
ture, and  Sign  Manual  accordingly,  to  be  sent  to  Her  Majesty's  Governors  of  the 
Province  of  New  York  or  to  the  Commander  in  Chief  there  for  the  Time  being. 

E.  Southwell. 
—  Col.   Hist.  N.   Y.   Vol.  V.  pp.  352.  353. 

*  Sectaries. 


1713 


1713 


1972  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 


Eev.  Me.  Baeclay  &:  Hendk.  Hansen  Esq. 

Att  a   Meeting   of   the   Comrs.    of  the 

Indian     Affairs     in     Albany     the 

19th    of    January,    1712/13. 

Present  —  Kill.  Van  Renselaer  the  Commander  &  Chiefe  here  Hend.  Hansen,  Myndt. 
Schuyler,  Johs.  Schuyler,  Pr.  Van  Brugh. 

The  Comrs.  being  conviend  at  ye  desire  of  Mr.  Barclay,  minister  of  ye  Gospel  & 
Missionary  of  the  Society  for  Propagation  of  ye  Gospel,  who  acquaints  ye  Gentle- 
men that  he  is  informed  that  Mr.  Hend.  Hansen  at  ye  house  of  Wm.  Hogan  on  ye 
15th  Instant,  when  ye  Mayor  was  Sworn,  did  take  occasion  to  Rail  against  him 
upon  occasion  of  a  Letter  writ  by  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  to  ye  Comrs.  of  ye 
Indian  affairs,  wherein  Mr.  Hansens  name  was  mentioned  for  not  going  to  ye  Mo- 
hogs  Country  with  Mr.  Andrews  the  Missionary;  and  that  if  he  had  any  Interest 
with  ye  Indians  it  ought  to  be  Imployed  for  her  Majesty's  Service,  That  it  was 
hoped  he  would  Ractify  that  neglect,  and  make  matters  Easy  and  Some  other 
matters  that  were  unpleasant  to  Mr.  Hansen  whereupon 

Mr.  Hansen  alledged  in  a  publick  Compe.  on  ye  said  15th  Instant  that  Mr. 
Barclay  was  ye  occasion  of  writing  of  that  Letter,  and  that  he  designed  to  be  a 
bishop  over  Mr.  Andrews,  ye  Missionary,  that  he  had  a  mind  for  his  salary,  and 
that  he  told  ye  Gentlemen  he  would  come  up  with  him,  for  what  he  had  done,  to 
his  prejudice  &  other  words  to  that  EflEect  &  desires  that  such  Evidence  to  ye 
proof  hereof  may  be  heard. 

Robert  Livingston  Junr.  Esq.,  Mayor  of  ye  City  of  Albany,  doth  say,  that  on  ye 
said  15th  of  this  present  January  he  heard  Mr.  Hend.  Hansen  Say  he  woundered 
why  Mr.  Barclay  was  so  incenced  against  him  that  he  did  not  look  upon  Mr. 
Andrews  ye  Missionary  to  have  writ  against  him  to  ye  Governor  but  beleeved 
that  what  he  did  was  by  the  Instigation  of  Mr.  Barclay,  and  that  he  ruled  over 
the  said  Mr.  Andrews  as  a  bishop,  and  that  whether  it  was  to  remove  him  from 
that  place  and  have  ye  benefitt  of  it  for  himself  he  knew  not,  and  did  further  say 
that  he  has  to  doe  with  greater  men,  then  he  meaning  Mr.  Barclay  and  did  not 
value  him  he  would  come  up  with  him, 

Lt.  Coll.  Johs.  Schuyler  doth  say  that  he  was  in  Company  ye  15th  Instant  at 
Wm.  Hogans  when  ye  Mayor  was  Sworn  and  he  heard  Mr.  Hend.  Hansen  Say  that 
he  beleeved  that  Mr.  Andrews  ye  Missionary  had  never  writ  against  him  to  the 
Governor  and  that  he  beleeved  Mr.  Barclay  Ruled  over  Mr.  Andrews  as  a  bishop 
and  that  Mr.  Hansen  said  further  he  knew  not  why  Mr.  Barclay  was  much  in- 
cenced against  him  Except  it  was  about  ye  fifty  pounds  but  knew  not  further  of  it. 

Mr.  Abraham  Cuyler  Says  that  he  was  present  the  same  time  at  Wm.  Hogans 
and  he  heard  Mr.  Hend.  Hansen  Say  he  knew  not  what  ailed  Mr.  Barclay  to  write 
against  him  to  ye  Governor  where  upon  Mr.  Mayor  answered  him,  he  beleeved  it 
was  not  Mr.  Barclay  that  had  writ  to  the  Governor,  where  upon  Mr.  Hansen  said 
I  know  that  but  he  beleeved  that  what  was  writ  to  the  Governor  against  him  was 
by  ye  Instigation  of  Mr.  Barclay,  and  Said  further  is  Mr.  Barclay  angry  because  I 
was  desired  to  gett  fifty  pounds  for  him  upon  Interest  to  pay  his  debts,  and  that 
his  wife  must  know  nothing  of  it,   &  further  knows  not. 

Mr.  Hend.  Hansen  being  present  says  that  he  was  at  Wm.  Hogans  on  ye  15th 
Instant  when  ye  Mayor  was  Sworn,  and  being  troubled  at  that  Paragraph  of  his 
Excellency's  Letter  which  Related  to  him,  He  could  not  forbear  mentioning  ye 
Same  to  Mr.  Mayor,  Subject  of  that  Letter  (the  being  discoursed  of  by  Some  of 
the  Compe.)  and  he  told  ye  Mr.  Mayor  how  that  he  suspected  it  was  of  Mr.  Bar- 
clays means,  that  he  happened  to  be  thus  misrepresented  to  his  Excellency  be- 
cause he  had  heard  that  Mr.  Barclay  had  dropp'd  Some  words  Reflecting  on  him  — 
and  thereupon  took  occasion  to  Speak  to  Mr.  Mayor,  whom  he  thought  would  in- 
form Mr.  Barclay  of  his  Resentment,  &  Said  I  know  not  why  Mr.  Barclay  Is  so 
much  incenced  against  me  Except  it  be  for  that  I  Endeavoured  upon  Mr.  Collins 
desire  to  get  fifty  pounds  upon  Interest  for  Mr.  Barclay  which  his  wife  was  to 
know  nothing  off,  which  I  could  not  procure  without  being  Security  for  it  myself 
which  I  declined,  and  so  did  not  gett  it,  or  that  he  must  have  a  design  against 
that  good  Man  Mr.  Andrews  ye  Missionary  to  make  him  uneasy  &  gett  a  part  of 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  Yoek.  1973 

his  Salary,  for  it  Seems  that  he  would  Rule  over  that  good  Man  as  a  Bishop,  it 
Seems  as  the  Dutch  phrase  is  dat  hy't  hondtie  d'  Steert  soude  off  hacken,  that  is 
he  would  cut  off  the  Litle  dogs  taile,  but  he  was  not  affraid  of  him  for  he  had  had 
to  doe  with  as  Great  men  as  he  was  and  that  he  would  come  up  with  the  meaning 
that  when  ye  matter  came  to  a  fair  hearing  he  doubted  not  but  to  Clear  himself 
and  Concluded  that  he  did  not  know  what  ailed  ye  man,  meaning  Mr.  Barclay,  for 
he  had  done  him  all  the  kindness  that  was  in  his  power  &  Shewed  him  all  the  Re- 
spect Imaginable  ever  since  he  had  been  in  ye  Country  and  had  used  all  Endeavors 
to  perswade  and  Recomend  ye  Indians  to  be  kind  to  Mr.  Andrews  the  Missionary, 
and  to  bring  him  of  the  best  that  they  hunted  telling  ye  Indians  that  It  was  the 
Custome  of  ye  Christians  to  doe  So  and  to  be  kind  to  their  Ministers. 

Mr.  Barclay  Says  he  will  not  trouble  ye  Comrs.  any  further,  but  give  his  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor  an  Account  how  Mr.  Andrews  ye  Missionary  was  Received 
by  Taquajenont  ye  only  Sachim  that  was  at  home  in  the  Maquase  Country  to  Re- 
ceive their  Minister. 

Mr.  Barclay  desired  a  Copy  of  ye  above  proceedings,  the  Comrs.  order  a  copy  to 
be  delivered  to  Mr.  Barclay  and  to  Mr.  Hend.  Hansen  Likewise  if  he  desires  it, 
they  both  promising  not  to  send  it  down  to  New  York  before  ye  ordinary  post  goes 
which  is  Friday  next,  when  ye  Gentlemen  will  give  his  Excellency  an  account 
thereof. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  pp.  544,  545. 

Bequest  to  the  Poor  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  Albany. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  I  Marietie  Tymissen,  widow  of  Cornelius 
Tymissen  of  Kwistagewene  in  the  county  of  Albany,  in  the  province  of  New  York, 
having  a  particular  affection  and  love,  which  I  feel  within  myself,  for  the  poor 
and  indigent  members  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  Albany,  in  the  before 
mentioned  province,  have  given  and  assigned,  and  do  by  these  presents  give  and 
assign  to  the  Consistory  of  the  before  mentioned  church,  the  sum  of  twenty 
pounds  current  money  of  the  before  said  province,  in  behalf  of  the  indigent  mem- 
bers of  the  before  mentioned  church,  to  be  paid  to  the  aforesaid  Consistory,  for 
the  time  being,  six  weeks  after  my  death  by  my  heirs,  executors  or  administrators 
without  any  delay  or  contradiction  whatever,  and  that  this  may  be  observed  and 
adhered  to,  I  oblige  my  heirs,  executors  and  administrators  and  every  one  who  is 
walking  in  the  way  of  truth;  therefore  I  have  signed  and  sealed  this  at  Albany, 
Jan.  24th  Anno  1712/13.  Mark 

Marietie  X  Tymissen. 
of 

Signed  and  sealed  in  presence  of  us.  Evert  Bancker,  Rutger  Bleecker. —  Mun- 
sell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  vii.  p.  236.     Munsell's  Annals,   vii.  236. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Correspondence  from  America, 

The  Consistories  of  Midwout,  Breuckelen  and  New  Amersfoort 

to  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  Jan.  28,  1713. 

Port-folio,  "  New  York,"  Vol.  i. 

Extracts,  in  Vol.  xxi.  565-7. 

To  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  Health  and  Salvation. 

Although  the  letter  from  the  Rev.  Classis  of  September  30, 
1711,  was  addressed  to  the  ministers,  Rev.  Du  Bois  and  Rev. 


1713 


1713 


1974  EccLEsiASTicAx,  Recoeds 

Antonides,  "without  any  mention  of  the  Consistories;  yet  we,  the 
undersigned  Consistories  of  the  three  combined  congregations, 
Midwout,  Breuckelen,  and  ISTew  Amersfoort,  find  ourselves  com- 
pelled to  reply  to  the  same;  because  the  contents  of  the  letter, 
although  not  addressed  to  us,  nevertheless  affect  us  principally. 

We,  together  with  our  sighing  and  grieving  congregations,  still 
observe  some  evidence  of  the  old  fatherly  anxiety  and  tender- 
heartedness to-us-ward,  in  your  cordial  wish  for  the  freedom  of 
our  church.  For  this  we  heartily  thank  your  Reverences;  and 
have  looked  and  waited  with  great  longing,  even  as  we  still  look 
and  wait  for  the  result  that  may  have  followed  the  efforts  of  the 
Grand  Pensionary,  (the  Prime  Minister  of  Holland)  but  we  fear 
now  that  the  good  expectation  of  effecting  something  through 
My  lord  Marlborough  has  come  to  naught.  (Marlborough  out  of 
favor  at  Court,  in  1713.) 

But  as  this  matter  touches  all  the  churches  in  general  in  these 
regions,  although  it  plainly  pleases  you  tt>  make  a  distinction; 
yet  there  is  therefore  something  special,  in  this  letter,  which  is 
meant  for  you  each  and  all;  namely,  the  disturbances  caused  in 
our  churches  by  Eev.  Freeman.  And  even  as  these  grieve  you, 
so  they  oppress  and  grieve  us  especially;  and  not  only  us  in  par- 
ticular, but  all  pious  and  well-meaning  Christians  in  these  regions ; 
and  especially  because  they  are  the  beginnings  and  the  first 
sources  of  the  loss  of  freedom  in  our  Church,  according  to  your 
own  predictions  and  warnings  addressed  to  us  and  to  all  the 
congregations,  in  the  circular  letters  which  you  sent  over  to 
them,  under  date  of  March  29,  1700. 

There  are,  indeed,  certainly,  two  distinct  matters  thus  far; — • 
the  liberty  of  our  Church  is  to  be  regarded  in  general;  but  the 
troubles  in  our  congregations  are  to  be  regarded  as  particular,  as 
something  belonging  to  our  congregations  specifically.  ISTever- 
theless,  according  to  our  judgment,  the  matter  cannot  be  thus 
divided,  because  the  troubles  cause  the  taking  away  of  the  very 
liberty  of  the  Church  in  general,  and  are  an  indication  of  the  way 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1975 

in  which  that  liberty  will  be  undenained.  By  such  circumstan- 
ces, what  troubles  us  might  soon  happen  to  the  other  congrega- 
tions; for  there  is  no  lack  of  imitators,  who  try  to  intrude 
themselves  in  the  congregations,  to  draw  a  part  of  the  members 
to  their  side,  and  cause  divisions  thereby,  taking  no  account  of 
any  Church  Order,  or  of  the  Consistory. 

If  you  have  paid  attentive  heed  to  our  previous  multiplied  writ- 
ings and  beseeching  complaints,  then  you  will  understand  some- 
what, what  we  feel,  concerning  those  troubles  which  press  us  so 
heavily.  And  they  press  us  the  more  heavily,  and  pain  us  the 
more  severely,  because  you  openly  write  to  us,  and  make  the  same 
known  also  by  copies  to  Eev.  Freeman,  that  you  have  no  power 
to  do  anything  effectual  against  Rev.  Freeman  for  the  further- 
ance of  the  general  rest  and  peace;  yea,  that  even  upon  our  wish 
and  petition,  you  do  not  find  yourself  able  to  serve  us  with  any 
counsel,  or  to  be  of  any  aid  in  taldng  away  those  dissensions. 
This  is  a  declaration  which  strengthens  Rev.  Freeman  tre- 
mendously. It  makes  him  stick  to  his  opinion,  and  not  abandon 
his  undertakings.  He  even  boasts,  and  with  truth,  that  the  Classis 
had  not  made  the  conditions,  and  therefore  could  not  break  them, 
etc.  And  inasmuch  as  the  Classis  openly  confesses  this ;  and  that, 
as  to  all  such  matters,  we  over  here  have  nothing  to  do  with  a 
Classis.  "We  are  now  forced  to  acknowledge  that  when  the  cord 
of  a  recalcitrant  is  stretched  to  the  utmost,  no  ecclesiastical  sent- 
ence pronounced  can  be  executed,  because  the  overshadowing  of 
political  authority  is  necessary  thereunto. 

JSTevertheless  with  humble  submission,  our  idea  is  this: — that 
you  could  have  given  your  judgement  and  sentence  upon  such 
conduct,  with  the  declaration  of  the  punishment  deserved,  if 
such  a  one  were  within  reach  of  lawful  ecclesiastical  censure;  so 
that  it  might  serve  to  the  confusion  of  the  malefactors,  and  de- 
ter others  from  similar  undertakings.  Surely  we  can  not  see 
what  should  hinder  you  from  giving  some  advice  as  to  what  ought 
to  be  done  on  either  side,  in  accordance  with  the  requirements 


1713 


1713 


1976  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

of  Cliristian  propriety,  and  for  the  preservation  or  restoration 
of  good  order  and  peace  in  Christs  Cliurcli;  as  surely  tlie  indica- 
tion of  such  advice  and  counsel  (raadt  en  advys)  would  have  much 
influence  upon  the  Governor,  He  likes  to  see  peace  and  unity 
among  his  subjects,  and  the  bringing  of  a  recalcitrant  to  his  duty 
by  his  authority;  and  to  the  comfort  of  the  distressed  congrega- 
tions, who  look  upon  themselves  as  abandoned  and  helpless,  with- 
out counsel,  when  formerly  they  rejoiced  in  your  fatherly  care, 
counsel  and  advice.  They  have  often  enjoyed  practical  evidences 
of  these  things  in  the  days  of  our  ministerial  predecessors;  as 
they  did  even  at  the  coming  over  of  this  Rev.  Freeman  himself. 
Without  request,  we  then  had  such  advice  from  the  Rev.  Classis; 
and  therefore  for  it  now  to  declare  that  the  Classis  cannot  even 
give  advice,  how  can  we  look  upon  this  otherwise  than  as  a  prac- 
tical withdrawal  of  the  care  you  owe  us  ?  What  shall  we  do  ?  To 
whom  shall  we  go  for  refuge,  in  case  of  misconduct  of  a  minis- 
ter, in  doctrine  or  life?  Or  where  shall  an  upright,  pious  and 
faithful  minister  seek  his  encouragement?  Are  we  then  inde- 
pendent? orphans  without  a  father?  0  Lord,  help  us!  Why 
are  these  sweet  and  flourishing  congregations  so  fallen  away, 
and  so  grievously  betrayed?  We  must  say  that  this  public  decla- 
ration and  confession  of  your  impotence  does  great  harm  and  is 
very  injurious  to  the  general  condition  of  the  Church;  and  will 
continue  to  be  so.  And  besides  that,  it  very  much  belittles  your 
impressive  name;  and  it  serves  much  more  unto  estrangement 
than  to  the  furtherance  of  peace  and  unity  among  us,  and  to 
which  you  admonish  us.  For  it  confirms  Rev.  Freeman  in  his 
doings.  He  derives  evidence  therefrom  that  there  is  no  such 
great  necessity  to  bind  one's  self  to  Church  Order  here;  because 
we  are  under  no  Classis  here,  whose  power,  by  its  own  confession, 
extends  so  far  as  even  to  give  advice. 

As  to  the  removing  of  the  troubles,  and  the  promotion  of 
peace  in  our  churches,  you  have  expressed  your  earnest  desire  to 
the  ministers,  that  they  do  all  in  their  power  to  contribute  thereto. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1977 

1713 

That  earnest  desire  is  most  Cliristian.  We  also  have  abundant 
cause  to  thank  our  minister  as  well  as  Rev.  Du  Bois,  for  their 
great  diligence  manifested  from  time  to  time  to  that  end.  In 
regard  to  what  has  been  done  on  our  part,  we  refer  to  our  pre- 
vious writings  as  well  as  theirs.  Therein  we  have  shown  you 
clearly,  how  that,  immediately  upon  the  arrival  of  our  pastor  we 
endeavored  also  to  call  Mr.  Freeman.  And  our  pastor  was  con- 
tent with  this.  He  also  declared  that  he  would  be  satisfied  with 
whatever  the  Consistory  might  do,  even  though  it  w^ere  to  his 
hurt,  and  to  his  inconvenience  in  his  office;  because,  as  minister, 
he  was  in  duty  bound  and  also  glad  to  preserve  the  peace  where 
it  already  existed,  and  restore  it  where  it  was  not,  or  where  it 
had  been  broken.  We  wished  to  call  Rev.  Freeman  as  a  second 
minister,  in  accordance  with  Church  Order,  and  for  general  edifi- 
cation, etc.  Ajid  if  you  have  taken  heed  thereto,  you  vdll  see 
that  the  state  of  the  dispute  in  no  sense  depends  on  the  salary; 
although  it  would  be  a  great  step  towards  permanent  peace,  in 
case  the  salary  could  be  put  on  both  sides  on  an  equal  footing, 
even  as  you  write  you  have  incidentally  heard.  These  are  mis- 
taken reports  of  Rev.  Freeman  by  private  persons  who  support 
him,  in  order  to  inspire  you  with  a  false  impression  of  his  case; 
and  we  would  find  ourselves  put  greatly  in  the  wrong  before 
you,  if  you  should  more  regard  private  reports  than  our  general 
and  public  ecclesiastical  papers. 

Your  reply  to  Rev.  Freeman's  long  winded  letter  hits  the  nail 
on  the  head,  (lit.  reclit  ter  snee,  is  of  the  right  cut).  You  have 
set  him  back  greatly  in  his  pretensions,  for  which  we  are  thank- 
ful. Yet  he  knows  how  to  explain  all  this  very  prettily,  in  his 
own  favor,  and  not  according  to  your  judgement  and  meaning, 
but  according  to  our  representations,  which  you  communicated 
to  him.  This  will  appear  to  you  from  a  writing  of  his  own. 
He  pretends  to  be  inclined  to  peace,  and  has  "  peace  "  much  in 
his  mouth,  but  we  wish  it  was  more  from  the  heart,  and  that  he 
would  occasionally  make  his  inclination  somewhat  more  effective, 


1978  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

1713 

witH  the  preservation  of  right  and  truth,  and  without  infring- 
ment  of  Church  Order  and  liberty.     When  he  had  the  upper 

hand  over  our  minister we  never  heard  a  word  about 

peace.  All  of  the  time  of  Cornburj,  and  subsequently,  our  min- 
ister was  not  only  compelled  to  vacate  his  place  for  Freeman, 
but  they  managed  to  bring  matters  to  such  a  pass,  that  the 
sheriff  and  the  justices  of  the  peace  received  orders  specially  to 
prevent  him,  from  conducting  divine  services  in  the  churches  of 
Flatbush  and  Breukelen.  He  was  also  prevented  at  a  certain 
time  from  holding  service  in  the  Church  of  Jamaica.  For  when 
he  was  to  conduct  services  there,  he  was  publicly,  and  with  vio- 
lence kept  out  of  the  Church  by  the  sheriff  and  his  servants;  and 
the  people  were  driven  out  of  the  Church  with  sticks,  although 
there  was  an  assembly  there  of  more  than  two  hundred  people. 
On  account  of  this  our  pastor  had  to  leave  that  location  for  a 
long  time,  although  it  was  lawfully  his ;  and  we  were  compelled  to 
hold  services  with  our  pastor  every  Sunday  at  ISTew  Amersfoort, 
during  that  entire  period  of  persecution,  which  lasted  from  Sep- 
tember 1709  to  May,  1710.  Then  again  when  by  a  change  of 
administration,  a  change  for  the  better  came  to  us,  not  the  least 
word  was  heard  about  making  peace;  but  they  were  more  than 
satisfied  that  our  pastor,  although  with  such  a  large  following, 
had  no  freedom  of  action.  If  one  may  conclude  anything  as 
to  one's  inclination,  from  acts,  we  may  easily  guess  as  to  the 
sincerity  of  Freeman's  inclination  for  peace,  from  his  constant 
course  of  action.  Besides,  experience  taught  us  of  his  real  in- 
clination by  several  instances.  When  it  was  frequently  quite 
apparent  that  unity  might  be  arrived  at,  he  (Freeman)  always 
knew  how  to  conduct  the  affair  that  it  again  came  to  nothing; 
because  he  could  not  get  the  advantage  over  us. 

JSTo  one  is  able  to  be  his  own  judge.  The  matter  in  dispute 
was  investigated  by  a  committee,  by  order  of  Governor  Lovelace, 
and  it  was  decided  against  him  (Freeman);  and  by  this  present 
Governor,  Robert  Hunter,  with  his  Excellency's  High  Council, 


OF  THE  State  of  "New  Yoek.  1979 

and  the  decision  was  against  him  again,  and  this  was  confirmed 
and  ratified.  Previously,  however,  before  such  investigation 
took  place,  his  Excellency  (Hunter)  labored  to  unite  us.  His 
Excellency  even  offered  to  lay  the  case  before  some  Classis  or 
Synod,  which  we  might  agree  upon  naming  to  him,  and  request 
its  decision;  provided  that  we  would  pledge  ourselves,  by  the 
honor  of  our  office,  to  conduct  ourselves  according  to  the  decision 
of  such  Classis  or  Synod.  This,  after  long  opposition,  was  finally 
consented  to  by  Rev.  Freeman.  And  because  the  Classis  of  Am- 
sterdam was  looked  upon  as  partial,  it  was  left  to  Rev.  Freeman 
to  choose  any  Synod  or  Classis,  which  he  pleased.  He,  then, 
finally,  after  many  arguments  and  excuses,  chose  the  Classis  of 
Leewarden  in  Friesland,  from  which  our  pastor  had  come.  There 
was  Joy  that  in  such  a  way  the  dispute  might  come  to  an  end. 
It  might  fall  out  for  or  against,  just  as  it  should  happen.  But 
when  the  day  came  for  handing  in  the  documents  to  his  Excel- 
lency and  for  the  pledge  to  be  signed,  which  his  Excellency  had 
himself  drawn  up,  and  had  written  with  his  own  hand.  Rev.  Free- 
man refused  to  sign  it,  saying  that  he  wished  to  have  nothing 
to  do  with  any  Classis  or  Synod ;  that  he  could  not  do  this  thing, 
because  his  j)eople  were  not  disposed  towards  it.  Thus  all  the 
good  and  well  meaning  efforts  of  his  Excellency  were  in  vain. 
The  truth  of  this,  if  it  were  required,  we  could  confirm  by  the 
testimony  of  his  Excellency  himself. 

We,  then,  seeing  that  his  cause  had  suffered,  judged  that  an- 
other good  opportunity  was  born  to  him  by  the  letters  sent  by 
you,  and  which  contained  an  admonition  to  peace.  This  oppor- 
tunity also  he  eagerly  seized  by  the  hair,  and  requested  us  to 
enter  upon  negotiations  for  peace.  Into  such  negotiations  we 
indeed  entered  with  him;  whereof  we  send  herewith  to  you  the 
original  documents. 

If  you  will  be  pleased  to  consider  the  affair  of  enough  im- 
portance to  examine  and  ponder  these  documents  carefully,  giv- 
ing them  due  attention,  and  deliberation,  you  will  see,  that  the 


1713 


1713 


1980  Ecclesiastical  Records 

chief  cause  of  dispute  and  on  account  of  which  the  peace  negotia- 
tion came  to  a  stand-still,  so  that  no  result  was  reached  was,  that 
his  call  alone  was  lawful  and  ours  was  unlawful;  that  his  Con- 
sistory alone  was  lawful  and  we  are  an  unlawful  Consistory;  or 
that  both  should  be  held  of  equal  status  and  one  Consistory 
should  be  made  of  the  two.  We  could  not  agree  to  this  for  the 
following  reasons: 

1.  Because  it  is  at  variance  with  the  truth.  Besides,  the  elec- 
tion of  his  new  Consistory  was  immediately  protested  against, 
at  the  very  beginning  in  an  ecclesiastical  manner,  both  by  many 
members  of  our  church  and  especially  by  our  Consistory;  for  if 
we  had  agreed,  it  would  have  been  followed  here  by  very  bad 
consequences  in  these  dark  days. 

2.  Because  the  lawfulness  of  our  case  and  the  unlawfulness  of 
his  (Freeman's)  case  was  shown  before  the  committee;  and  their 
decision  was  confirmed  by  his  Excellency  and  the  Council,  and 
ratified,  as  is  mentioned  above.  And  this  confirmation  we  could 
not  break  and  bring  to  naught  by  our  accord  and  consent  with- 
out greatly  demeaning  (prostitueeren)  their  Honors  (edelheden) 
as  well  as  ourselves. 

3.  Because  you  yourselves  have  declared  his  call  to  these  con- 
gregations unlawful.  But  this,  he  (Freeman)  pretends  to  con- 
tradict and  powerfully  to  refute. 

At  the  first  glance  Freeman's  side  appears  to  be  in  fine  shape; 
for  he  first  meets  with  the  Consistory  of  IMidwout;  and  then 
again  he  gets  assembled  with  him,  the  Consistories  of  Bushwick 
and  jSTew  Utrecht  and  Gravesend,  besides  those  of  Midwout  and 
Breukelen.  But  the  Consistories  of  Bushwick,  jSTew  Utrecht  and 
Gravesend,  are  outside  of  this  affair  altogether.  "We  have  no 
dispute  with  them  and  their  congregations.  For  they  are  con- 
gregations of  such  sort  as  were  served  extra  by  our  previous 
ministers,  and  who  derived  from  them  extra  emoluments,  out- 
side of  the  regular  stipulated  salary.  From  these  our  present 
pastor  is  now  cut  off;  except  that  only  New  Utrecht  was  com- 


OF  THE  State  of  IsTew  York.  1981 

bined  with  us;  and  that  Consistory,  at  the  arrival  of  our  pastor 
had  been  in  office  equally  long  with  us,  and  was  considered  as  a 
lawful  Consistory  by  hiin.  But  we,  or  our  predecessors  to  whose 
offices  we  succeeded,  were  rejected  as  unlawful;  because  on  ac- 
count of  the  vacancy  in  our  church  we  had  served  beyond  our 
terms.  But  those  Consistories  of  Midwout  and  Breukelen,  here-- 
with  mentioned  by  him  (Freeman)  are  those  which  were  put  for- 
ward (opgemorpen,  cast  up)  by  him.  But  they  were  first  of  all, 
elected  by  only  ten  or  twelve  persons,  of  whom,  some  were  not 
even  members  of  the  church,  and  are  not  to  this  day.  The  Con- 
sistory of  JSTew  Jamaica  is  similarly  situated,  which  is  also  brought 
into  play  here.  The  same  was  taken  up  by  him  in  like  manner, 
with  the  deposition  of  some  members  of  the  Consistory  who  were 
lawfully  chosen  and  irreproachable  in  their  office  and  life,  and 
who  had  not  even  served  out  their  terms;  for  in  no  other  way 
could  he  effect  his  object  there.  Therefore  in  that  church  also, 
there  are  two  Consistories,  and  the  congregation  is  torn  asunder. 
The  story  is  too  long  to  give  a  full  and  circumstantial  recital 
thereof;  but  we  deemed  it  necessary  to  give  you  this  further  ex- 
planation regarding  these  Consistories.  It  is  with  these  that  he 
presents  himself  for  the  peace-negotiations  with  us;  because  to 
those  not  informed,  this  appears  to  have  a  fair  show. 

How  things  went  in  connection  with  these  peace  negotiations 
on  either  side,  you  will  be  able  to  gather  from  the  accompanying 
documents,  if  you  can  take  any  pleasure  in  considering  the  same 
and  in  comparing  them  with  one  another;  and  how  well  or  how  ill, 
we  on  our  part  conducted  ourselves,  we  leave  to  your  wise  im- 
partial, and  unbiased  judgement. 

We  did  not  answer  his  last  lengthy  paper,  or  Counter-report, 
as  he  named  it,  because  it  is  much  rather  a  libel  than  a  paper  for 
peace.  It  is  full  of  notorious  untruths,  contradictions,  ugly  per- 
versions, and  foul  slanders.  It  was  composed  in  anger.  In  re- 
gard to  it,  we  judged  it  best  to  keep  silent  at  present,  and  not 


1713 


1713 


1982  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

to  requite  slander  with  slander,   and  reproaches,  but  to  suffer 
them. 

In  order  to  move  him  to  some  concessions,  we  appealed  to  the 
government  committee,  which  was  also  at  his  ovni  request  and 
choice  appointed  for  the  purpose.  By  them,  all  those  matters 
brought  forward  by  him  were  disposed  of;  and  their  decision  in 
justification  of  our  case,  was  approved  and  ratified  by  his  Excel- 
lency and  his  Council,  as  already  stated  above.  At  this  he  was 
so  angry,  that  he  does  not  hesitate  to  accuse  the  Governor  and 
Council  of  acting  illegally.  For  this  it  would  be  difficult  for 
him  to  answer,  if  he  were  called  to  account  for  it;  for  besides 
he  has  adorned  his  account  of  this  with  untruths,  to  give  it  a 
show.  For  as  to  the  chief  matter,  regarding  the  lawfulness  of 
his  call,  and  the  unlawfulness  of  the  call  of  our  pastor,  he  found 
(as  he  says)  two  serious  tumors  which  could  not  be  cured  except 
by  a  Christian  agreement: 

1.  It  was  demonstrated  before  the  College  of  the  Deputies, 
(committee  of  investigation,)  that  the  Consistories  transmitted 
the  Call  to  Holland,  after  previous  consultation,  and  the  consent 
over  their  signatures,  given  by  a  very  large  majority  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  three  combined  congregations;  and  we  think  that  the 
Call  on  a  minister  is  lawful,  when  he  has  a  majority-vote. 

2.  And  Governor  Cornbury,  under  his  hand  and  seal,  gave  us 
permission  to  make  a  Call  in  FloUand;  and  upon  the  refusal  of 
Rev.  Freeman  to  come  upon  the  terms  stipulated  in  the  Call, 
(1703),  we  sent  the  Call  to  Holland;  but  on  account  of  his  Excel- 
lency's absence,  only  after  previous  communication  with  one  of 
her  Majesty's  Council,  and  upon  the  strength  of  his  Excellency's 
permission  first  given.  This  was  also  communicated  to  his  Ex- 
cellency on  his  return,  and  his  Lordship  was  content  therewith. 
ISTevertheless,  later  on,  he  was  incited  to  anger  against  us,  when 
Rev.  Freeman  began  to  intrude  into  our  churches.     This  Free- 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  1983 

man  did,  because  of  the  fact  that  the  wife,  whom  he  was  then 
about  to  marry,  was  not  willing  to  go  to  Schenectady  to  live. 
Freeman  then  made  himself  and  his  (present)  congregations  sub- 
ject to  his  Lordship's  authority,  by  obtaining  a  license  (from 
Combury).  -     '     i 

3.  As  to  the  confession  (or  obligation,  schult-bekentenis)  made 
in  a  letter  to  a  certain  woman  who  was  acquainted  (familiaar) 
with  the  Governor,  and  who  was  devoted  to  the  cause  of  the 
Dutch  Church,  of  which  she  was  a  member:  This  took  place  by 
the  counsel  and  advice  of  that  woman,  in  order  to  meet  the  Gov- 
ernor half  way.  For  he  claimed  to  have  been  belittled  in  his 
authority,  because  his  lordship  had  not  been  appealed  to,  a  second 
time,  when  Rev.  Freeman  declined  to  accept  the  call  upon  the 
terms  proposed;  although  this  was  an  idle  pretence.  And  there- 
fore this  letter  to  this  woman  served  only  as  a  complimentary 
humiliation,  so  that  we  might  not  seem  to  be  too  obstinate.  This 
is  frequently  done  to  appease  the  anger  of  a  man  in  power,  when 
one  is  in  an  embarrassing  situation.  Besides,  the  whole  proposal 
was  conditional,  which  does  not  affect  the  matter  itself. 

4.  And  for  this  same  purpose  served  also  the  honorarium 
granted  to  his  Excellency.  But  to  call  this  simony,  and  to  make 
out  that  we  took  this  money  out  of  the  poor  fund,  in  the  way  of 
church  robbery  or  sacrilege,  as  he  writes,  is  a  foul  slander,  not 
worthy  of  being  noticed.  Although  we  might  press  this  upon 
him,  that  he  is  himself  not  quite  free  from  some  such  thing  as 
is  mentioned  here.  But  why  throw  this  dirt  in  each  other's  faces 
in  a  peace-negotiation.  It  is  truly  small  proof  of  love  of  peace, 
to  expose  each  other's  faults. 

As  regards  now  his  call,  with  his  newly  chosen  Consistory: 
These  were  nominated  by  him,  and  in  his  own  way  he  proves 
that  this  was  done  in  every  particular  according  to  church-law, 


1713 


1713 


1984  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

not    to    mention    everytliing    that   is    here    cited    and    brought 
forward  — 

1.  We  send  to  you  both  calls,  which  were  made  out  to  him  at 
such  different  times;  the  first,  on  May  4,  1703;  and  the  second, 
on  September  21,  1705.  We  leave  it  to  your  wise  and  judicious 
verdict,  if  by  these  his  entrance  with  our  congregations,  to  the 
exclusion  of  our  own  pastor  can  be  adjudged  as  according  to 
church-law?      [See  these  calls  under  date  of  May  4,  1703.] 

2.  And  according  to  the  validity  of  this  call,  must  be  estimated 
the  validity  and  legality  of  his  newly  chosen  Consistory.  That 
Consistory  must  stand  or  fall  with  him.  Otherwise  we  and  our 
predecessors  were  to  blame  for  not  having  accepted  and  served 
him  as  our  lawfully  called  minister,  and  are  deserving  of  censure 
in  the  exercise  of  our  offices.  But  all  this  being  so  we  cannot  see 
how  those  few  persons,  not  more  in  number  than  ten  or  twelve, 
and  some  of  these  not  church  members,  could  have  the  power,  and 
that  without  the  presence  of  a  minister,  as  he  here  openly  de- 
clares was  the  case,  and  v/ithout  previous  notification  to  the  con- 
gregation, to  effect  an  election  of  an  entire  new  Consistory. 
According  to  what  Church-Order  can  such  an  election,  or  such 
an  elected  Consistory  be  held  lawful?  On  the  other  hand,  it  is 
a  general  custom  in  the  churches  throughout  this  whole  Province, 
that  no  election  of  a  Consistory  be  held  during  a  vacancy,  and 
before  the  arrival  of  the  newly  called  pastor.  This  is  done,  that 
those  persons  whose  signatures  are  attached  to  the  call,  may 
also  receive  him,  and  fulfil  the  terms  promised  in  the  call.  Thus 
it  has  been  done  by  us,  and  by  our  predecessors.  Does  this  then 
make  us,  (the  present  Consistory)  illegal,  before  our  congrega- 
tions and  without  authority  in  the  church?  Please  judge  ye  for 
yourselves. 

3.  That  he  actually  declined  the  (first)  call,  with  the  reasons 
why,  he  explains  himself,  in  a  letter  written  to  Mr.  Bancker  of 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1985 

Amsterdam:  He  savs,  that  lie  conscientiously  deemed  himself 
obliged  to  remain  at  Schenectady,  because  there  he  could  render 
God's  Church  much  more  service,  particularly  in  the  .conversion 
of  the  heathen,  etc. 

We  must  finally  say,  and  in  conclusion,  that  if  everything  is  so 
favorable  to  him,  and  his  case  is  so  just  in  all  respects,  as  he  so 
largely  claims;  so  that  he  imagines  he  has  been  greatly  wronged 
by  the  Collegium  of  the  Committee,  and  by  his  Excellency  and  his 
Council,  in  their  pronouncing  a  decision  against  him,  and  in  con- 
firming it ;  why  then  is  he  so  shy,  and  disinclined  to  give  the  case, 
according  to  the  advice  of  the  Governor,  given  in  all  good  faith, 
to  the  judicature  of  some  Classis  or  Synod  which  he  himself  might 
freely  choose  ?  For  thus  the  disputes  would  soon  have  had  an 
end.  Therefore  his  Excellency,  with  that  good  zeal  which  made 
him  so  generously  offer  his  services  in  this  matter  as  was  men- 
tioned above,  even  with  assurance  and  pledges,  offered  to  relieve 
him  from  all  difficulty  which  might  lurk  within. —  He  (Free- 
man?) even  advanced  the  thought  that  being  under  the  crowm  of 
England,  (if)  a  foreign  power  should  be  written  to  for  judgement 
and  advice,  it  might  be  in  conflict  with  the  laws  of  the  kingdom; 
therefore  in  defending  and  protecting  that  one  of  us  who  was  in 
the  right,  and  in  maintaining  that  right  —  he  would  be  hindered 
and  disappointed.  But  this  is  certainly  a  proof  that  he  wanted 
to  be  his  judge  in  his  own  case;  or  to  keep  these  sad  disputes 
going  on  incessantly;  or  to  end  them  only  by  having  the  right 
himself  to  judge,  in  something  that  was  against  him. 

We  also  appeal  to  your  letter  to  him,  from  which  we  perceived 
that  you  agreed  fully  with  the  decision  of  the  committee,  men- 
tioned more  than  once  before.  This  was  to  the  effect  that  he 
could  claim  to  have  been  lawfully  called  to  our  churches,  inas- 


1713 


1713 


1986  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

mucla  as  you  plainly  write,  that  when  he  declined  the  call  of 
May  4,  1703,  because  he  wanted  more  salary,  the  Consistories 
were  at  liberty  to  make  out  another  call.  And  although  he  was 
expecting  an  answer,  the  Long  Island  people  were  not  obliged 
to  answer,  etc.  But  see  how  that  is  explained  by  him.  He  says 
that  it  was  something  written  by  us  to  you,  and  not  the  (legal) 
judgement  and  opinion  of  the  Classis.  Whether  this  explanation 
is  according  to  truth,  and  according  to  right  sense  and  your  mean- 
ing, you  will  be  able  to  judge  best.  He  however  confirms  his 
explanation  principally  by  this;  that  you  recognized  him  as  the 
lawful  minister  of  Flatbush  in  the  superscription  of  the  letter, 
wherein  he  is  entitled;  "Worthy  minister  of  Christ's  Church  at 
Mdwout."  ,  ^ 

And  certainly  that  superscription  —  we  say  it  with  all  rever- 
ence to  your  highly  distinguished  Assembly  —  shocked  us  tre- 
mendously; and  not  only  us,  but  every  one  who  has  any  respect 
for  the  Rev.  Classis.  We  know  not  what  to  think  of  this,  and 
cannot  at  all  reconcile  this  superscription  with  the  contents  of 
your  letter,  supposing  that  we,  or  our  predecessors  in  ofiice,  at 
the  time  of  his  declination,  according  to  your  judgement,  had 
the  power  and  the  Hberty  to  make  another  call;  even  as  they  did, 
who  then  constituted  him  "Worthy  minister  of  Christ  at  Mid- 
wout?"  Truly  he  is  as  little  the  "Worthy  minister  at  Mid- 
wout,"  as  he  would  have  been  at  Albany,  if,  as  he  tried,  he  could 
have  circumvented  Rev.  Lydius.  In  regard  to  that  matter, 
please  consult  the  circular  letter  on  that  subject  sent  to  the 
churches,  under  date  of  March  29,  1700,  in  which  the  Classis 
acknowledges  him  as  not  even  a  "  Worthy  Siekentrooster." 

That  which  he  failed  to  do  then  (at  Albany),  he  has  accom- 
plished in  the  case  of  our  pastor.  He  invaded  his  churches,  not 
before,  but  just  at  his  arrival.  Thus  he  takes  revenge  for  the 
wrong  then  done  to  him  by  the  Classis !  for  even  now  he  does  not 
scruple  to  say  that  the  place  (at  Albany)  rightly  belonged  to  him. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  1987 

There  is  yet  something  else  which  appears  to  us  somewhat 
strange  in  your  letter  to  our  pastor  and  Rev.  (Gualterus)  Du  Bois. 
Therein  you  admonish  Rev.  Du  Bois  to  direct  the  whole  matter, 
finally,  in  such  a  way  that  the  moneys  long  ago  advanced  for  (the 
passage  of)  Rev.  Antonides,  and  for  which  orphans  and  widows 
are  now  suffering,  be  repaid,  etc. ;  and  of  all  that  you  sent  a  copy 
to  Rev.  Freeman. 

As  to  the  matter  itself: — 'It  is  right  and  just  that  you  should 
demand  payment  of  those  moneys  which  were  advanced  so  long 
ago.  The  same  ought  to  have  been  paid  long  since;  and  this 
would  doubtless  have  been  done,  if  our  pastor  had  been  of  better 
condition  and  means;  and  especially  he  had  found  things  in  our 
congregation  as  he  had  expected,  and  as  such  our  former  pastors 
enjoyed;  without  having  been  cramped  and  shortened  in  his  emol- 
uments and  income  as  has  now  happened.  The  debt,  indeed, 
originally  belongs  to  the  churches,  for  it  was  made  in  behalf  of  his 
travelling  expenses.  And  in  addition,  according  to  the  length 
and  difficulty  of  the  journey,  in  these  trying  days  of  war,  there 
is  a  kind  promise  of  increase  above  the  stipulated  transportation 
charges.  He  derives  from  this  source  from  the  congregations, 
twenty-nine  pounds  sixteen  shillings,  E^ew  York  money,  or  sev- 
enty five  dollars. 

But  what  we  wish  to  remark  in  this  connection  is  this: — that 
a  copy  of  this  was  sent  to  Rev.  Freeman.  Of  what  use  and 
benefit  this  could  be,  and  with  what  object  this  was  done,  we 
cannot  comprehend.  Was  it  with  the  design  to  let  Rev.  Free- 
man see  that  there  was  no  partiality  among  you,  and  to  assure 
him  of  your  affection  toward  him?  But  then  we  would  have  to 
complain  of  your  partiality,  and  of  withdrawal  of  affection  from 
us;  who  without  any  reference  to  our  own  glory  and  interest, 
have,  with  our  pastor,  suffered  and  striven  for  the  rights  and 

freedom  of  our  church : —  when  our  lawfully  called  minister  Rev. 
18 


1713 


1713 


1988  Ecclesiastic AL  Records 

Antonides  sent  to  us  by  you;  and  we,  witli  him, —  for  in  this  we 
take  our  part  and  portion  —  are  thus  publicly  branded  as  "  One 
who  causes  suffering  to  orphans  and  widows;"  while  on  the  con- 
trary, Rev.  Freeman  is  honored  with  the  title  of  "  Worthy  Minis- 
ter of  Christ's  Church  at  Midwout."  Yet  even  as  we  have  always 
had  reason  to  thank  you  for  your  faithful  care  in  sending  capable 
ministers,  who  have  served  and  edified  our  congregations  by  their 
teaching  and  life;  so  now,  we  have  special  reason  to  rejoice  in  his 
person,  who  in  these  troublous  times,  has  been  himself  sufficiently 
tried  and  tested.  His  laudable  testimonials  both  from  you,  and 
from  the  Classis  of  Leewarden,  and  from  his  previous  churches, 
both  in  respect  of  doctrine  and  life,  have  been  sufficiently  verified 
by  him.  By  his  labors  among  the  young  the  number  of  the  mem- 
bers, notwithstanding  the  sad  schism  in  our  churches,  has  been 
increased  by  more  than  a  hundred.  These  after  public  confession 
and  the  giving  of  adequate  testimonials  have  been  received  in  the 
bosom  of  the  church.  The  Holy  Supper  is  celebrated  now  among 
us  four  times  a  year.  And  therefore  we  protest,  that  he  —  and 
we  with  him  —  has  not  in  any  sense  deserved  to  be  thus  publicly 
exhibited;  and  that  it  is  to  us  as  well  as  to  all  well-meaning  per- 
sons very  painful,  and  makes  us  bitterly  sore  of  heart,  that  there 
has  thus  been  given  to  Rev.  Freeman  any  opportunity  to  boast 
over  him,  even  as  he  seeks  in  every  way  to  get  the  advantage 
of  him.  ' 

As  to  the  moneys:  Inasmuch  as  the  money  transmitted  for 
promoting  the  liberty  of  our  churches,  is  not  being  used  for  that 
purpose  anyhow,  and  is  lying  idle;  therefore  we  give  authority  by 
these  presents,  even  as  we  now  do  authorize  you  to  draw  upon  the 
portion  contributed  by  us,  which  amounts  to  the  sum  of  twenty 
five  pounds  (sixty  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents)  New  York  money, 
for  the  payment  of  said  debt  provided  there  be  (first)  deducted 
therefrom  what  has  been  already  taken  from  it  for  expenses  in- 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  1989 

1713 

curred.     We  could  have  wished  that  you  had  done  this  of  your 

own  accord,  even  as  you  took  the  liberty  to  take  from  it  for  the 

benefit  of  Kev.  Yas;  or  that  our  minister  had  asked  us  for  the 

authority  to  suggest  it.     But  this,  from  his  modesty,  he  never 

ventured  to  do;  for  we  always  expected  and  longed  to  hear  that 

some  good  had  been  accomplished  by  you,  in  the  object  for  which 

the  money  had  been  designed. 

Thus  have  we  considered  ourselves  obliged,  as  the  lawfully  suc- 
ceeding Consistory,  whose  predecessors  have  always  been  guided 
by  the  Classis,  to  answer  your  communication,  and  to  give  a 
fuller  account  of  affairs.  We  must  say  that  for  a  long  time  we 
have  been  expecting  more  comforting  communications,  and  have 
eagerly  looked  forward  for  them.  And  even  as  we  profess  to  have 
a  clear  conscience  before  God,  in  reference  to  our  labors,  which 
are  sincere  and  faithful;  and  upon  whose  hearts  the  cause  of 
God's  Church  rests;  so  we  seek  no  glory  nor  interest  of  our  own, 
and  will  ever  seek  to  preserve  and  defend  the  rights  and  liberties 
of  our  churches,  and  maintain  the  pastors,  lawfully  called  by  us, 
as  far  as  lieth  in  our  power.  If  it  cannot  be  with  the  aid  of  the 
Rev.  Classis,  let  it  be  then  in  some  other  way,  which  God  may 
vouchsafe  to  us,  in  all  that  is  right  and  just.  If  there  be  any- 
thing that  concerns  our  pastor  personally  it  is  proper  that  that 
be  treated  of  privately,  as  a  personal  matter;  but  that  which 
refers  to  the  church,  we  request  that  this  be  also  addressed,  in 
common  with  him,  to  us;  that  we  in  that  sort  of  writing,  may 
be  recognized  as  affairs  of  the  church,  for  the  government  of  the 
church  concerns  us  jointly. 

Hoping  that  this  our  communication,  springing  from  a  deeply 
felt  embarrassment,  may  not  in  any  wise  be  accounted  ill  by  you, 
we  wish,  and  we  pray,  that  upon  your  highly  distinguished  As- 
sembly may  come  all  imaginable  prosperity  and  blessing,  from 


1713 


1990  Ecclesiastical  Records 

God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     We  remain  mth  all 
humility  and  obedience, 
Your  Brethren  in  Christ, 

The  Consistories  of 
Midwoud,  :  Breukelen, 

Cornelius  Wycof.  Gerrit  Kouwenhoven. 

Thys.  Lb sen.  Hanse  Hegeman. 

Abram  Hegeman.  Jeremiah  Remsen. 

Isaac  Hegeman.  Adriaen  Hegeman. 

Gilliam  Cornel 

Xew  Amersfoort. 

Martin  Schenck. 
Cornelius  Van  Aarssen. 
Cornelius   Yan   Torickses. 
William  Kouwenhoven. 
Cornelius  Wyckhoff. 

[Supplementary  Instructions  to  Gov.  Hunter.] 

Order  in  Council  Allowing  the   Clergy  the  Right  of  Appeal  to  the  Governor  and 

Council  in  Certain  Cases.     [Feb.  6  1713]. 
Anne  R: 

Trusty  and  Welbeloved:  Wee  greet  you  well:  Whereas  the  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  parts,  having  made  a  Representation  unto 
us,  wherein  they  set  forth  the  Hardships  suffered  by  Thomas  Poyer,  Clerk,  in 
that  our  Province  of  New  York,  humbly  submitting  to  us  whether  in  this  Case  and 
others  of  the  like  nature  Wee  may  not  think  fit  to  dispense  with  that  part  of  the 
Instructions  given  to  you,  whereby  it  is  provided  that  in  all  Appeales  to  the  Gov- 
ernor and  Councill  of  Our  said  Province,  the  summ  appealed  for  do  exceed  One 
Hundred  Pounds,  and  in  all  Appeales  to  Us  in  Councill,  the  Summ  appealed  for 
do  exceed  Three  Hundred  Pounds  sterling.  Which  Representation  being  by  us  re- 
ferred to  Our  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Plantations,  they  have  thereupon  re- 
ported that  upon  the  Death  of  Mr.  Urquhart,  late  Rector  of  the  parish  of  Jamaica 
in  Long  Island,  you  inducted  Mr.  Thomas  Poyer,  a  person  duely  qualified  accord- 
ing to  our  Instructions  in  that  behalf  to  the  Rectory  of  the  said  Parish;  notwith- 
standing which,  by  the  violence  of  some  Sectaryes,  disaffected  to  the  Church,  the 
said  Poyer  hath  been  wrongfully  kept  out  of  the  Parsonage  House  and  Glebe. 
That  the  said  Poyer  is  unwilling  to  seek  his  remedy  at  Law  being  apprehensive 
that  if  a  Cause  of  the  Church  should  be  tryed  and  judged  by  Dissenters,  he  would 
not  find  justice,  and  the  value  of  the  said  House  and  Glebe  being  small,  an  Appeale 
would  not  lye  from  the  Inferior  Courts  to  Our  Governor  and  Council  there.  Which 
being  the  state  of  the  Case  Our  said  Commissioners  are  humbly  of  Opinion  that 
in  Cases  where  the  Chmrch  is  Immediately  concerned,  (as  in  the  present  Case), 
Wee  be  graciously  pleased  to  allow  the  Clergy  Liberty  of  Appealing  from  the  In- 
feriour  Courts  to  our  Governour  and  Council  only,  without  Limitation  of  any  Summ. 
The  said  Report  being  laid  before   Us  in   Council   Wee  taking  the  same  into  our 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1991 

Eoyal  Consideration,  have  been  pleased  to  approve  thereof,  and  do  accordingly 
hereby  signify  Our  Will  and  Pleasure  to  you,  That  in  cases  where  the  Church  is 
Immediately  concerned,  (as  in  the  present  Case),  Liberty  be  given  to  the  Clergy 
to  appeale  from  the  Inferiour  Courts  to  Our  Governor  and  the  Council  only  with- 
out Limitation  of  any  Summ;  And  Our  further  Will  and  Pleasure  is  That  as  well  in 
this  as  in  other  the  like  Cases,  Liberty  be  given  to  the  Clergy  to  Appeale  from  Our 
Governor  and  Council  of  Our  said  Province  to  Us  in  Our  Privy  Council  without 
Limitation  of  any  Summ;  any  former  Instruction  to  you  or  to  any  other  Our  Gov- 
ernor or  Other  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  or  any  usage  or  Custom 
to  the  contrary  hereof  notwithstanding.  For  which  this  shall  be  as  well  unto  you  as 
unto  all  others  whom  it  may  concern  a  sufficient  Warrant.  And  so  Wee  bid  you 
farewell.  Given  at  Our  Court  at  St.  James's  the  Sixth  day  of  February  1712/13. 
In  the  Eleventh  Year  of  Our  Relgne. 

By  Her  Majesty's  Command.  Dartmouth. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.   Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  164,  165. 


Clergy^  of  I^ew  York  and  New  Jersey  to  the  Reverend 
Jacob  Henderson. 

Copy  of  a   letter  sent  to  the  Rev.   Mr.   Jacob   Henderson*   etc. 

New  York,  5  March  1712/13. 

Reverend  Brother.  We  are  heartily  sorry  for  the  unhappy  occasions  of  giving  you 
the  trouble  of  this,  with  the  inclosed  Memorial,  and  a  letter  from  Coll.  Morris, 
with  our  answer  to  it;  and  are  deeply  concerned  that  we  are  thereby  laid  under 
the  ungrateful  necessity,  either  of  disapproving  the  Characters  you  are  said  to 
have  given  some  of  the  gentlemen,  to  the  Honorable  the  Board  of  Trade  and 
Plantations  or  of  doeing  wrong  to  our  own  consciences,  if,  when  so  earnestly  re- 
quired 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  mis- 
sion, where,^  by  His  Excellency  our  Governour's  approbation,  appointed  to  keep 
our  next  meeting  at  Amboye,  for  the  convenience  of  our  brethren  of  Pennsylvania, 
if  they  please,  for  mutual  advise  and  assistance,  to  give  us  a  meeting. 

If  in  justification  of  yourself  and  of  our  satisfaction,  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  this  contemptible  appellation 
of  party  tools,  we  desyre  you  would  direct  for  the  Reverend  Mr.  McKenzie,  and 
we  remaine. 

Reverend  Sir, 

Your   loving  Brethren   and  humble  Servants, 
Alexander  Innes  Chris.  Bridge  Daniel  Bondet 

Aeneas  McKenzie  Edward  Vaughan=  T.  Haleday* 

John   Bartow  John  Sharpe  Henricus  Beys 

[These  nine  men  were  all  ministers  of  the  Church  of  England  at  this  date.] 

1  We're?  "Missionary  at  Elizabeth,  N.  J.  » Missionary  at  Amboy. —  Col.  Hist. 
N.   Y.  Vol.  V.  p.  M. 


1713 


•  Rev.  Jacob  Henderson  was  born  at  denary  Island;  educated  at  Glasgow  Col- 
lege; ordained  by  Bishop  of  London.  1710;  settled  at  Dover,  Pa.,  1710-11,  at  New- 
castle, 1712-13,  resigned.  Died  in  Maryland,  Aug.  27,  1751.  He  bequeathed  £1000 
to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel.     Digest,   S.   P.   G. 


1713 


1992  Ecclesiastical  Records 

GovEENOR  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

Eev.  Jacob  Henderson. 

New  York  ye  14th  March  1712/13. 

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  altera- 
tion 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  Pennsylvania,  aspersing  foully  some  gentlemen  recommended  by  me  for 
Counsellors;  some  of  the  gentlemen  concerned  being  so  basely  attacked  in  their 
reputations,  thought  it  necessary  for  their  justification  to  appeal  to  the^  Convoca- 
tion of  the  Clergy  of  both  Provinces  assembled  at  New  York,  who  unanimously 
agreed  upon  the  resolution  of  sending  to  Mr.  Henderson  a  letter  signed  by  them 
all,  a  copy  of  which  is  here  enclosed,  by  which  your  Lordships  will  perceive  how 
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- 
dutiful  behaviour;  and  I  cannot  doubt  but  that  your  Lordships  will  doe  your  en- 
deavours to  prevent  Her  Majesty  from  being  trampled  upon  in  the  Person  of  her 
Governour,  how  inconsiderable  soever  that  may  be,  while  she  is  pleased  to  con- 
tinue him  in  that  office.  Mr.  Sonman  still  absconds  and  continues  to  disperse  his 
libels;  Mr.  Pinhorne  has  never  attended  the  Council  since  the  first  Assembly,  and 
I  believe  resolves  never  more  to  doe  so;  Mr.  Tounley,  Mr.  Gardiner  and  Mr. 
Quarey  are  dead;  Mr.  Cox  talks  still  confidently  of  his  goeing  for  England:  So 
that  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  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  Lordships 
whether  ye  custody  of  the  Seal  does  not  actually  constitute  such  an  Officer  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  re- 
lateing  to  Her  Council  there  be  known.  I  am,  with  all  imaginable  honour  and 
regard. 

My  Lords, 

Your  Lordships  most  humble  and  most  obedient  Servant, 

(signed)  Ro.   Hunter. 

1  For  this  Document,  see  June  2,  1712.—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  p.  355. 

Church  of  I^ew  York. 
Marcli  11,  1712-13.     (1713.) 

The  resolution  of  the  Consistory,  adopted  March  19,  1705, 
was,  after  the  invocation  of  God's  name,  taken  into  consideration, 
and  approved  anew,  nnanimouslv,  with  the  following  amendment, 
so  that  the  whole  now  reads  thus: 

Whereas  the  Consistory  shall,  by  a  unanimous  vote,  invite  the 
former  Elders  and  Deacons  to  attend  their  meetings,  in  order 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York,  1993 

to  counsel  with  them  on  matters  of  importance,  and  they  appear, 
under  such  conditions,  in  the  Meeting;  each  of  them  shall  hare 
a  deciding  vote,  just  the  same  as  one  of  the  ruling  Elders  or 
Deacons,  in  such  matter  or  matters  as  the  acting  Consistory, 
shall,  at  such  times,  propose  for  their  consideration. 

Lib.  A.   229. 

March  11,  1712-13.     (1713). 

In  Consistory:  Unanimously  Resolved  to  present  on  another 
day,  the  following,  to  the  former  Elders  and  Deacons: 

Whether  they  will  bind  themselves,  with  the  Ruling  Con- 
sistory, for  the  salaries  of  both  the  ministers,  by  the  voluntary 
contributions  of  the  members. 

Then,  Whether  the  members  will  bind  themselves,  by  sub- 
scription, to  the  Ruling  Consistory,  for  the  payment  of  what 
they  promise;  and  having  subscribed,  will  hold  the  Ruling  Con- 
sistory free  of  cost  (liability)  and  harm  for  the  arrears. 

Lib.  B,  45. 

GOVERNOK  HUNTEE  TO  THE  LoEDS  OF  TeADE.     (MaECH  14,  1713.) 

Dissolution  of  the  Assembly. —  Palatines.     Rev.    Wm.    Andrews. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissionera  for  Trade  and  Plantations. 
My  Lords; 


1713 


I  have  however  with  the  advice  of  the  Council  dissolved  this  Assembly,  not  out 
of  any  hopes  we  conceive  from  a  New  Election,  but  merely  as  a  duty  incumbent 
upon  me  after  the  disrespectful  behaviour  of  the  last,  for  when  they  have  flxt  the 
name  of  slavery  upon  the  supporting  the  Government  in  the  manner  her  Majesty 
has  been  pleased  to  direct,  and  that  of  liberty  on  their  own  rash  resolutions  and 
practices,  and  have  taught  the  thoughtless  people  to  speak  after  them,  there  re- 
mains but  small  hope  of  any  change  in  the  elections,  but  what  may  be  for  the 
worse  as  we  have  experimented  in  the  elections  when  the  dissolution  was  an  act 
of  their  own. 


In  the  next  place.  My  Lords,  the  palatines  remain  within  the  province,  and  for 
the  most  part  within  the  lands  where  I  planted  them,  subsisting  as  they  can,  and 
waiting  her  Majesty's  resolution,  could  I  find  any  more  credit,  I  would  set  them 
to  work  this  spring,  to  prepare  a  succession  of  trees,  but  that  is  long  since  ex- 
hausted, none  of  my  bills  of  any  kind  being  paid  at  home;  and  I  myself  reduced  to 
very  hard  shifts  for  a  bare  subsistance,  neither  is  it  possible  to  oblige  them  to 
work  in  the  woods  without  subsistance;  though  for  the  future,  I  believe  the 
work  may  be  carry'd  on  by  barly  subsisting  the  workers  during  the  times  they  shall 


1713 


1994  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

be  imploy'd  with  the  addition  of  a  small  allowance  of  bread  for  their  families;  so 
that  the  yearly  expenee  may  be  reduced  to  five  thousand  li.  Ster.,  not  including  the 
expence  of  horses,  waggons  and  magazines,  with  their  proper  officers. 


I  acquainted  your  Lordships  in  my  former  that  the  fort  and  Chappel  in  the 
Mohacks  village  was  finished,  the  missionary*  at  first  had  but  an  indifferent  re- 
ception by  the  means  of  one  Hendrick,  who  was  one  of  those  carry'd  to  England, 
who  had  possessed  them  with  a  notion  that  the  minister  was  to  claim  a  tenth  of 
all  their  lands  and  goods,  but  being  undeceived,  they  have  received  him  kindly, 
and  have  expelled  their  community  one  of  his  opposers,  for  that  &  having  poisoned 
another. 


—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  356,  358. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  tlie  Deputies. 

Extract  from  a  letter  whereof  tlie  writers  are  tlie  Consistories  of 
Midwout,  Breukelen  and  New  Amersfoort,  dated,  Jan.  28th 
1713.     [Abstract,  Ap?  1713.] 

After  salutation  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  they  express  the  supposi- 
tion that  they  are  probably  under  obligation  to  answer;  although 
the  letter  (of  Classis),  without  any  mention  of  them,  is  addressed 
only  to  the  ministers,  Rev.  du  Bois  and  Rev.  Antonides;  (under 
date  of  Sept.  30,  1711;)  but  perhaps  because  it  mainly  has 
reference  to  them. 

They  have,  say  they,  eagerly  awaited,  and  still  wait,  (to  learn) 
what  may  be  the  outcome  of  the  effort  with  the  Pensionary,  [or 
Counselor]. 

Thereupon  they  pass  on  to  the  case  of  Rev.  Freeman,  so  pain- 
ful to  them,  and  so  injurious  to  the  liberty  of  their  churches;  for, 
thereby,  a  precedent  has  been  established,  which  may  sooner  or 
later,  be  followed  by  other  similar  acts  to  the  detriment  of  the 
churches.  It  pains  themi  most  acutely,  that  the  Rev.  Classis 
writes,  and  does  this  even  to  Rev.  Freeman,  saying  that  it  has 
not  the  power  to  serve  them  with  any  advice.  They  are  of 
opinion  that  this  confirms  the  position  of  Rev.  Freeman.  They 
think  that  Rev.  Classis  could  have  expressed  their  opinion  and 

,     I     ,       ,  *  Rev.  William  Andrews. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1995 

decision  on  snch  a  proceeding;  or  at  least  have  given  some  counsel 
and  advice.  They  further  deplore  such  expressions  as  "  our 
inability  "  on  the  part  of  Classis.  This  does  great  harm,  and  is 
very  injurious  to  the  general  status  of  the  churches.  It  also 
greatly  belittles  the  formidable  name  of  "  The  Rev.  Classis ", 
and  tends  greatly  to  make  estrangements,  etc. 

The  letter  then  indicates  that  the  ministers,  Du  Bois  and 
Antonides,  according  to  the  wish  of  Classis,  had  made  every 
effort  to  restore  peace;  but  that  peace  did  not  depend  upon  hav- 
ing more  or  less  salary,  etc.  The  reply  of  Rev.  Classis  to  Rev. 
Freeman,  was  indeed,  a  good  one,  but  an  improper  use  had  been 
made  of  it  by  him;  He  regarded  it  as  if  it  were  a  surrender  by 
them  to  the  Classis.  They  thought  that  it  was  likely  that  Rev. 
Ereeman  had  indeed  spoken  of  peace,  but  especially  when  things 
went  satisfactorily  with  him;  but  that  he  did  not  mean  it,  etc. 

They  write  fiui;her  that  Rev.  Freeman  had  been  counseled  by 
a  committee  of  the  preceding  Governor,  as  well  as  of  the  present 
one.  When,  however,  his  Excellency  had  labored  for  peace,  and 
offered  to  send  the  case  to  some  Classis  or  Synod,  then  Rev. 
Freeman,  considering  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  as  partial,  chose 
the  Classis  of  Leeuwarden;  but  when  it  came  to  the  point  of 
carrying  this  into  effect.  Rev.  Freeman  refused  everything.  He 
said  that  he  woidd  have  nothing  to  do  with  any  Classis  or  Synod, 
and  that  his  people  were  not  inclined  thereto.  In  compliance 
with  the  letter  of  admonition  to  peace  from  the  Classis  of  Am- 
sterdam, Rev.  Freeman  then  proposed  to  enter  into  negotiations 
for  peace  directly  with  them.  The  chief  point  in  dispute,  and 
which  has  continued  uppermost,  is,  whether  his  call  was  regular; 
or  whether  the  writers  of  it  acted  irregularly;  or  whether  both 
(calls,  that  of  Antonides  and  that  of  Freeman,)  should  be  held 
of  equal  validity,  and  one  should  be  made  of  the  two.  This 
they  show  by  several  reasons,  that  they  cannot  accept.  They 
further  show,  that  Rev.  Freeman  attaches  to  himself,  not  only 
the  consistories  of  Bushwick,  New  Utrecht  and  Gravesend,  which 


1713 


1996  EccLEsiAsTicAi.-  Eecoeds 

1713 

are  really  outside  of  the  dispute;  but  they  also  add,  that  the 
people  of  'New  Utrecht  acted  in  conjunction  with  them;  that 
Eev.  Freeman  has  recognized  these  consistories  as  lawful;  and 
consequently  he  had  thrust  others  forward,  in  an  irregular  man- 
ner :  JTow  how  things  went  at  their  peace-negotiations,  appears 
from  the  accompanying  enclosures.  They  also  did  not  reply  to 
his  counter-report,  because  it  resembled  a  libel  rather  than  a 
peace-paper.  Thereupon  they  defend  their  method  of  action, 
and  the  lawfulness  of  the  call  they  had  made  (on  Antonides),  and 
also  defend  themselves  against  the  suspicion  of  Simony.  See 
pages  10,  11.  On  the  other  hand  they  point  out  the  unlawfulness 
of  Kev.  Freeman's  call. 

They  conclude  by  saying  that  if  everything  in  the  case  of 
Eev.  Freeman  is  so  righteous,  why  does  he  then  so  much  shrink 
from  submitting  his  case  to  the  Synod  or  Classis  according  to 
the  proposition  of  his  Excellency  the  Governor. 

They  write  further  that  Eev.  Freeman  misuses  the  letter  from 
the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  wrongly  interprets  it,  and  es- 
pecially the  superscription  by  which  he  was  addressed:  "  Worthy 
Minister  at  Midwout ".  They  think  this  was  not  appropriate  in 
reference  to  him,  as  is  to  be  seen  from  the  circular  letter  of 
March  29,  1700.  In  this  the  Classis  does  not  even  recognize 
him  as  a  worthy  siecken-trooster.  They  represent  further,  that 
what  Eev.  Freeman  then  failed  to  do,  in  forestalling  Eev.  Lydius, 
he  had  now  succeeded  in  doing,  in  regard  to  Eev.  Antonides,  etc. 
Finally  they  make  the  following  remark  in  reference  to  the 
moneys  advanced  for  Eev.  Antonides  by  Eev.  Classis:  They 
acknowledge  the  demand  to  be  just,  but  they  excuse  themselves 
from  payment  on  the  ground  of  the  inability  of  Eev.  Antonides, 
and  these  troublesome  events,  started  by  Eev.  Freeman. 

They  complain  that  a  copy  (of  their  letter)  was  sent  to  Eev. 
Freeman,  and  that  this  has  an  air  of  onesidedness,  etc.;  that  this 
brands  Eev.  Antonides  as  one  who  wrongs  widows  and  orphans, 
while  Eev.  Freeman  is  honored  with  the  title  of  "  Worthy  Minis- 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  1997 

ter  ",  etc.  In  this  connection,  however,  they  thank  the  Classis 
for  its  faithful  care  of  them;  and  also  for  Eev.  Antonides,  adding 
that  he  did  not  deserve  to  be  exhibited  in  such  a  light. 

Further,  they  authorize  Classis  to  draw  upon  their  advance  of 
moneys  for  the  payment  of  that  debt,  with  deduction  of  expenses 
already  incurred.  Their  entire  sum,  they  say,  is  twenty  five 
pounds  'New  York,  ($62.50);  yea,  they  wish  that  we  had  done 
this,  even  as  we  took  the  liberty  of  doing  in  behalf  of  Eev.  Vas. 

They  wish  that  Eev.  Antonides  had  asked  for  this  of  them, 
but  they  suppose  that  he  had  neglected  this  from  modesty;  yet 
it  was  ever  expected  that  some  good  would  be  done  therewith; 
for,  for  this,  the  money  was  destined. 

They,  as  the  lawfully  succeeding  consistoiy,  whose  predecessors 
always  deferred  to  Classis,  deemed  they  must  answer  thus  much 
to  our  communication,  etc.  At  the  same  time  they  say,  that,  for 
a  long  time,  they  had  been  expecting  something  more  comforting. 
They  then  sealed  the  whole  by  saying,  that  without  seeking  for 
any  glory  or  advantage,  they  will  speak  of  their  ministers  as 
lawfully  called  by  them,  albeit  it  was  not  with  the  help  of  Classis, 
but  in  another  way.  What  concerns  their  minister,  personally, 
they  request  may  be  transacted,  personally,  with  him;  but  any 
m.atter  which  is  strictly  ecclesiastical,  they  desire  may  also  be 
addressed  to  them,  as  an  evidence  that  they  also  are  recognized 
as  overseers  of  the  church.  They  make  request,  that  this,  their 
communication,  emanating,  as  it  does  from  circumstances  of  a 
delicate  nature,  may  not  be  taken  ill.  Thereupon  they  conclude 
with  their  greetings,    xxi.  565-7. 

Lords  of  Trade  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth.     April  1,  1713. 

The  Assembly  vs.  the  Governor. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 
My  Lord; 


1713 


That  the  Assembly  still  persist  in  their  resolution  of  not  permitting  the 
Councill  to  make  any  amendment  to  a  mony  bill,  pretending  they  (the  assembly) 
have  an  inherent  Right  to  dispose  of  the  mony  of  the  freemen  of  that  province  and 


1713 


1998  Ecclesiastical  Records 

that  such  their  Right  does  not  proceed  from  any  Commission,  letters  Patent  or 
other  grant  from  her  Majesty  but  from  the  free  choice  and  election  of  the 
people;  notwithstanding  they  had  been  acquainted  they  could  not  be  elected  nor 
sit  as  an  assembly  but  by  virtue  of  a  clause  in  her  Majesty's  commission  to  the 
Governor,  so  that  several  mony  bills  which  have  been  amended  by  the  Councill  in 
some  essential  parts  were  lost;  and  that  Government  is  at  present  without  any 
Revenue  for  the  support  thereof.  Colonel  Hunter  being  empowered  by  her 
Majesty's  Commission  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Councill  to  erect  and 
constitute  such  Courts  of  Judicature,  as  should  be  thought  fit  and  necessary; 
on  the  repeated  Petitions  from  several  parts  of  that  Province,  did  by  advice 
of  the  Councill,  establish  a  court  of  equitty;  upon  which  the  assembly  on  the 
24th  of  November  1711,  resolved  that  the  erecting  a  Court  of  equity,  without 
consent  in  general  assembly,  is  contrary  to  law,  without  precedent,  and  of 
dangerous  consequence  to  the  liberty  &  Property  of  the  subjects. 


And  therefore  to  remedy  the  inconvenience  at  New  York,  aud  to  prevent  the 
mischief  that  is  to  be  feared  there,  and  to  deter  the  other  Plantations  from 
attempting  the  like —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  p.  359. 


Warrant  of  Survey  for  the  Germans  [Palatines]  at  Quas- 
SAiCK  Creee:.      [Ap.  30,  1713.] 

By  his  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.  Capt.  Generall  &  Governour  in  Chief  of 
the  Provinces  of  New  York  New  Jersey  &  Territories  thereon  depending  in 
America  and  Vice  Admirall  of  ye  Same  etc. —  In  Councill. 

You  are  hereby  required  to  Survey  &  lay  out  for  ye  Germans  at  Quasseck 
Creek  in  ye  County  of  Ulster  such  quantity  of  Land  as  is  by  them  petitioned 
for  and  approved  of  in  Councill  by  a  Report  Confirmed  and  that  you  survey 
for  each  of  them  his  quantity  distinctly  and  of  what  you  shall  have  done  therein 
to  make  Returne  unto  me  in  Councill  in  writeing  under  your  hand  and  for  your 
so  doelng  this  shall  be  your  warrant.  Given  under  my  hand  and  scale  at  ffort 
Anne  In  New  York  this  thirtieth  day  of  April  in  ye  Twelfth  yeare  of  her 
Majesties  raigne  annoq:  Dm.  1713. 

To  Augustuse  Graham  Esq.  —  Doe.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  344. 

Surveyor  General  of  ye 

province   of    New   York 

or  his  Deputy. 


Lords  of  Trade  to  Governor  Hunter.     [1Y13.] 

Record   of  births,   baptisms,    burials. 

To  Robert  Hunter,   Esq. 
Sir: 


You  say  that  there  has  never  been  any  register  kept  as  to  births  and  burials, 
and  that  there  is  not  a  possibility  of  doing  it  until  the  Counties  are  subdivided 
into  Parishes,  great  numbers  remaining  unchristened,  for  want  of  ministers; 
upon  which  we  should  be  glad  you  would  let  us  know,  what  provision  can  be 
made  at  New  York  for  the  support  and  maintenance  of  such  ministers  there. 
—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  p.  360. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.         1999 

1713 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Anthonides  and  Yas. 

1713,  May  1st.  The  Lord's  Holy  Name  having  been  called 
upon,  the  following  was  laid  before  the  Assembly.  Whereas 
Revs.  Anthonides  and  Yass  have  as  yet  failed  to  refund  the 
moneys  advanced  to  them  by  the  Classis,  what  ought  now  to  be 
done,  in  order  that  the  Classis  may  again  receive  the  moneys 
loaned?  Thereupon  it  was  resolved,  that  inasmuch  as  the  said 
Revs.  Antonides  and  Yas  write  that  the  moneys  owed  by  them 
ought  to  be  paid  out  of  the  moneys  which  their  churches  have 
lying  here  (in  Amsterdam)  in  the  care  of  certain  ministers  of 
our  Classis;  that  these  ministers  be  requested  to  consider  this 
suggestion,  and  in  this  way  pay  off  these  debts;  and  to  write  to 
the  churches  of  those  ministers  that,  on  their  order,  these  moneys 
have  been  thus  employed,    ix.  291. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America.  • 

Port-folio,  "  New  York,"  Yol.  i. 

Extract  from  a  letter  of  July  15,  1712. 

The  affairs  concerning  Domine  Yreeman  (Freeman)  and  Anto- 
nides, are  now  very  quiet.  We  do  not  hear  anything  from  them. 
When  their  turns  to  preach  occur  in  the  same  village,  Domine 
Yreeman  retires. 

Later  letter  of  March  21,  1713. 

Our  Consistory  of  New  York  met  last  week  in  order  to  call  a 
second  minister;  but  it  has  not  yet  been  done,  because  some  were 
in  favor  of  securing  Antonides.  This  will  not  succeed,  because 
he  cannot  gain  the  general  love  of  the  congregation.  They  are 
now  busy  subscribing  their  names  to  invite  some  one  from 
Holland.     We  hope  he  will  be  a  good  man  and  pastor. 


2000  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

Later  letter  of  jMaj  8,  1713,  received  August  12. 

As  to  the  ministers  on  Long  Island  the  differences  are  growing 
very  much  less.  The  more  evilly  disposed  ones  have  changed  a 
great  deal  during  the  past  year.  When  the  turns  of  Antonides, 
(with)  his  Consistory,  and  those  of  Vreeman  occur,  to  preach  in 
the  same  village  at  the  same  time,  Vreeman  goes  off  to  preach 
in  another  village.  Thus  he  shows  himself  to  be  less  aggressive, 
by  avoiding  opportunities  for  differences.  According  to  my 
opinion,  this  course  is  convincing  to  many,  and  the  party  spirit 
has  greatly  changed;  so  that  Vreeman  gets  many  more  auditors 
than  Antonides. 

Governor  Hunter  to  Secretary  Popple. 

May   11,   1713. 

Governor    vs.    Assembly. —  Palatines. —  Clergy. 

To  Wm.  Popple  Esq.  Secretary  to  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners 
for  Trade  and  Plantations. 

Sir: 


I  acquainted  their  Lordships  lately  by  the  Hector  and  Shoreham,  that  I  had  dis- 
solved the  old  and  called  a  new  Assembly,  and  gave  my  reasons  for  so  doing, 
with  the  little  hopes  I  had  from  a  new  election;  I  am  not  disappointed,  for  all 
the  avowed  opposers  of  her  Majesty's  interest  are  chosen  again,  and  avowedly  for 
that  end;  for  men  of  the  best  sence  and  figure  have  been  rejected  for  the  bare 
supposition  that  they  would  be  for  supporting  the  Government.  This  Assembly 
which  is  to  meet  on  the  12th  instant,  will  be  of  short  duration  in  all  probability, 
for  having  nothing  in  expectation  from  them,  but  affronts  to  Authority  and  disre- 
spect to  her  Majesty,  I  shall  conclude  it  necessary  to  prevent  the  ill  effects  of 
their  frenzy  by  a  speedy  dissolution;  after  that  you  must  be  expected  to  hear  of  a 
general  alteration  in  the  Commissioners  of  peace  and  militia,  that  ill  men  may  no 
longer  use  her  Majesty's  authority  against  her. 

I  use  all  means  imaginable  to  keep  the  Palitines  together,  in  hopes  that  they 
may  be  again  employed  in  the  manner  Her  Majesty  has  given  in  instructions  to 
me,  but  many  are  gone  of  their  own  heads  to  settle  at  Schoharee  and  the 
frontiers. 

Some  few  Clergymen  in  Pennsylvania  have  thought  fit  to  dislurbe  the  peace  of 
the  Jerseys  as  much  in  them  lyes  but  the  Clergy,  are  upon  the  point  of  meeting 
to  do  themselves  and  me  justice. 

Herewith  you'l  receive  two  printed  papers  which  will  refresh  your  memory  as 

to  the  true  State  of  my  Struggles  with  the  Assembly  here —  Col.   Hist. 

N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  p.  364. 


OF  THE  State  of  ITew  Yokk.  2001 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Tidings  from  'New  York. 

1713,  June  19tli.  A  large  package  of  papers  relating  to  the 
churches  of  New  York  having  come  to  the  table,  it  was  opened, 
and  these  writings  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Deputati  ad 
res  Maritimas,  that  they  might  report  their  contents  to  this 
Classical  Assembly. 

Antonides  and  Vas. 

The  matter  of  the  moneys  advanced  to  Revs.  Antonides  and 
Yas  remains  in  statu,    ix.  293. 

Rev.    John   F.   Haeger  to    Society   for   PROPAOATmo   the 

Gospel. 

Vol.  8.  p.  189.  No.  53. 

Letter  from  Mr.  Haeger  to  Mr.  Chamberlayne,  July  6,  1713. 

Sir:— 

Pray  do  not  take  it  ill  that  I  trouble  you  with  these  lines.  I 
have  written  several  times  but  I  do  not  know  whether  the  letters 
have  come  to  hand.  Thus  have  I  likewise  received  none  from 
my  father,  I  do  not  know  how  long  since,  and  therefore  cannot 
be  sure  whether  he  is  alive  or  dead. 

The  misery  of  these  poor  Palatines  I  every  day  behold  has 
thrown  me  into  such  a  fit  of  melancholy  that  I  much  fear  a  sick- 
ness. There  has  been  a  great  famine  among  them  this  winter, 
and  does  hold  on  still,  in  so  much  that  they  boil  grass  and  ye 
children  eat  the  leaves  of  the  trees.  Such  amongst  them  have 
most  suffered  of  hunger  as  are  advanced  in  years  and  too  weak  to 
go  out  a  laboring.  I  have  seen  old  men  and  women  crie  that  it 
should  have  almost  moved  a  stone.  I  am  almost  resined  with  this 
people.  I  have  given  the  bread  out  of  my  own  mouth  to  many 
a  one  of  these,  not  being  able  to  behold  their  extreme  want. 


1713 


1713 


2D02  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Where  I  live  there  were  two  old  people  that,  before  I  could  be 
informed  of  their  necessitous  condition,  have  for  a  whole  week 
together  had  nothing  but  Welsh  turnips,  which  they  did  only 
scrape  and  eat  without  any  salt  or  fat  or  bread;  and  in  a  word  I 
cannot  describe  the  miserable  state  they  are  reduced  to,  and  above 
all  that,  have  we  no  hope  of  any  alteration;  for  one  hears  no 
news  here,  nobody  receives  any  letters,  which  also  hinders  me 
now  from  drawing  a  Bill  of  Exchange  for  my  half  year's  salary, 
due  at  Sadyday  1713.  The  knife  is  almost  put  to  my  throat, 
whilst  I  am  in  a  foreign  country  without  either  money  or  friends 
to  advance  one  any.  I  had  sown  and  planted  some  ground  at  my 
own  charges,  but  it  has  now  twice  been  spoiled.  I  most  humbly 
beg  your  advice  what  to  do.  I  have  served  hitherto  faithfully  as 
Col.  Heathcote  and  others  can  bear  witness  mth  a  good  conscience 
and  should  I  now  be  forsaken  in  this  remote  land  without  any  pay, 
or  means  of  subsistance,  having  neither  received  anything  hitherto 
from  my  people  nor  anything  being  to  be  expected  from  them 
for  the  time  to  come.  They  cry  out  after  me:  I  should  by  no 
means  forsake  them  for  they  should  otherwise  be  quite  comfort- 
less in  this  wilderness.  Sir,  I  entreat  you  to  recommend  my  case 
as  much  as  possible,  for  I  do  not  know  where  to  turn  myself 
otherwise. 

May  the  Lord  reward  you  for  it  and  bless  and  keep  your  family 
in  long  life  and  health  and  thus  I  remain, 

Most  honored  Sir,  your  obliged  and  fervent  in  prayer, 

John  Fred  Haeger. 
At  present  at  P.  T.  P.  Palat. 

Kew  York  the  6th  of  July  1713. 

Letters  from  the  Consistory  at  Albany  to  Schenectady 
IN  Relation  to  Distributing  Food  to  the  Palatines. 

Albany,  July  7,  1713. 
The   consistory  of   the   Dutch   church  of  ISTew  York  having 
again  sent  to  us  the  quantity  of  eighty  bushels  of  corn,  fifty 


OF  THE  State  op  New  York:.  2003 

pieces  of  smoked  pork  (rookspeck),  weighing  about  five  hundred 
pounds  and  one  hundred  pounds  bread  to  be  distributed  among 
the  Palatines  of  Schoharie,  you  are  hereby  kindly  requested  to 
send  thither  by  the  first  opportunity  five  wagons  to  bring  the 
said   victuals   to    Schenectady   and  have   it  there   stored   away. 
Please  bring  also  as  many  bags  as  will  hold  the  com,  and  be  so 
kind  as  to  buy  flour  to  the  amount  of  six  [?]  pounds.     We  also 
entreat  you  to  summon  all  the  said  Palatines  at  your  place  a 
week  after  to-morrow  being  Wednesday  the  15th  instant,  that 
they  may  be  early  in  the  morning  at  your  place,  when  God  will- 
ing the  domine  and  some  of  the  consistory  intend  to  be  at  your 
place  to  distribute  with  you  the  said  victuals. 
Respectfully  yours. 
Per  order  of  the  Consistory  of  Albany. 
—  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany  Vol.  vii.  pp.  236,  237. 

E,EV.  John  P.  Haeger  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 

Gospel. 

Vol.  8.  p.  158.  1^0.  31.  ;  .  :      :, 

Letter  of  Haeger  to  the  Secretary.     July  8,  1713. 

Sundry  of  my  epistles  I  have  transmitted  to  you,  but  what 
misfortune  they  met  with  I  cannot  discover,  as  living  remote  in 
the  woods,  yet  I  can  surely  acquaint  you  that  I  have  not  received 
a  line  of  your  favor  which  makes  me  exceedingly  melanchoUy, 

At  this  time  Sir,  I  can  only  repeat  with  brevity  to  you  the 
success  I  gained  by  God's  assistance  among  our  Palatines. 

They  rejoiced  extremely  at  the  welcome  news  of  sending  so 
many  examples  of  the  Liturgy  in  their  mentioned  language, 
which  they  so  long  and  impatiently  expected  and  speak  of  that 
great  care  and  charity  with  a  very  grateful  sense.  The  number 
of  persons  instructed  in  our  Church  Catechism  and  true  prin- 
ciples of  Christianity  and  admitted  to  the  Lord's  Supper  (part 


1718 


1713 


2004  Ecclesiastical  E.ecokds 

whereof  are  come  to  such  competent  age  as  is  required  and  part 
are  such  as  left  the  errors  of  the  Church  of  Rome)  are 

From  July  1710  to  1711  56 

"         "     1711  to  1712  ■         45  .■     ' 

"         "     1712  to  1712/13  7 

"         "     1713  to  May  5 


113 

Joined  in  lawful  matrimony  are 

From  June  1710  to  1711 

51  pair 

"     1711  to  1712 

41     " 

"     1712  to  1713 

12     " 

"         "     1713  to  May 

6     " 

110 

Christianed  are  among  the  Palatines 

From  July  1710  to  1711  10  children 
"     1711  to  1712  4         " 

Of  old  inhabitants  children  4 
with  one  Indian  being  first  instructed  1 

Of  Palatine  children  from  1712-1713  72 
Of  children  of  the  old  standers  8 

An  adult  IlTegro  woman  1 

Of  Palatine  children  from  1713  to 

June  7,  1713  14 
Of  other  neighboring  children  7 


168 


As  concerning  the  Communicants  of  my  congregation,  who 
conform  themselves  to  our  liturgy,  I'll  only  tabulate  to  you  the 
number  of  them  on  the  chief  Feast  days  of  this  instant  year 
1713. 


OF  THE  State 

OF 

Kew  York. 

2005 

1713 

On  Easter  Day 

126 

And  at  Schenektady 

40 

On  Pentecost  Day 

121 

And  on  the  west  side  of 

Hudson  River 

YO 

^  . 

Sir,  I  have  had  a  much  greater  nun:her,  as  will  appear  by  my 
accounts  transmitted  from  time  to  time  particularly  after  the 
year  1712  last  past  when  on  Easter  Day  I  had  240  communicants, 
but  since  they  separated  themselves  they  are  dispersed  up  and 
down  the  country,  yet  nevertheless  I  endeavor  to  the  utmost  of 
my  power  to  get  the  circuit  from  time  to  time,  and  as  far  as 
possible  I  can  come  to  visit,  instruct,  edify  and  comfort  them  with 
the  word  of  grace  and  to  promote  the  interest  of  the  Church  of 
Christ  by  prayers  and  preaching  on  all  occasions  duely  and  truely 
to  discharge  the  duty  of  my  functions  as  will  be  verified  by  the 
testimonies  of  his  Excellency  Governor  Hunter,  Col.  Caleb 
Heathcoate,  CoL  Loms  Morris  and  others.  ISText  under  the 
divine  providence  I  must  wholly  rely  upon  and  have  my  sole 
refuge  to  the  powerfull  protection  and  assistance  and  favor  of  the 
honorable  Society  without  which  it  is  in  vaia  for  me  to  hope  for 
the  least  support  and  encouragement  considering  the  precarious 
circumstances  of  the  poor  Palatines  who  are  not  able  to  help 
themselves  much  less  to  contribute  one  farthing  toward  maintain- 
ing their  minister  who  yet  is  so  necessary  to  them,  that  without 
his  instruction  they  should  run  astray  like  sheep  without  a  shep- 
herd and  become  quite  ignorant  of  the  knowledge  of  God  and  his 
word,  like  our  Indians  and  like  many  others  of  those  inhabitants 
called  Christians  having  no  more  but  the  empty  name,  as  to  my 
great  sorrow  and  grief  I  have  observed  in  several  places,  which 
are  remote  and  destitute  of  all  instruction  of  Christianity  Such 
a  particular  mark  of  the  indefatigable  zeal  for  propogating 
Christianity  and  such  a  particular  favor  and  tender  regard  of  the 
Honorable  Society  towards  our  said  poor  Palatines  and  others  and 
to  me  will  assuredly  cause  the  pouring  out  of  all  celestial  bless- 


1713 


20.06  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

ings  upon  so  zealous  and  venerable  Society  and  promote  the  good 
work  of  the  Lord  with  the  wished  for  success  to  the  consolation 
and  salvation  of  so  great  a  number  of  poor  souls  in  this  wilder- 
ness, which  are  the  sincere  wishes  and  fer\^ent  prayers  of  him 
who  (recommending  you  to  the  holy  protection  of  the  most  high 
and  himself  to  your  constant  favour)  with  joy  is  and  shall  always 
be  with  much  respect  and  truth, 

Sir,  your  entirely  addicted  most  humble  servant, 

John  Fred  Haeger. 
p-t-p-palat-et  u  m 
]S^ew  York  July  8,  1713. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Letters  from  ISTew  York. 

1713,  July  10th.  At  the  next  Classis  a  report  will  be  made 
by  the  Deputati  ad  res  Maritimas,  of  the  contents  of  the  letters 
from  New  York. 

Antonides  and  Vas. 

The  matter  of  the  moneys  advanced  to  Eevs.  Antonides  and 
Vas  remains  as  yet  in  statu,    ix.  296. 

Governor  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.     July  18,  1713. 

Governor  vs.    Assembly. —  Palatines. —  Schoharie. 
My    Loi-ds: 


Having  spoke  to  the  New  Assembly  in  the  manner  you'll  find  in  their  Journal, 
marked  (A),  their  fears  of  the  promissed  remedy  at  home,  and  their  apprehensions 
of  a  speedy  dissolHtion,  suggested  to  them  the  necessity  of  an  appearing  willing- 
ness to  support  the  Government  in  the  manner  it  was  expected  they  should;  and 
some  resolves  in  their  Grand  Commites  sounding  so,  made  it  necessary  to  con- 
tinue their  Session;  the  Act  for  support  of  Government  marked  (B),  will  best 
inform  your  Lordships  of  the  result,  for  their  they  lodge  in  Her  Majesty's  re- 
ceiver's hands,  a  sum  that  of  their  own  Scanty  allowance  of  twenty  eight  hundred 
pounds,  and  the  Government  is  to  have  recourse  to  their  Treasurer  for  the  re- 
mainder; and  this  too  but  for  one  year,  so  that  whoever  has  the  misfortune  to 
be  concerned  in  their  Government  the  ensuing  year,  will  be  laid  under  an  un- 
avoidable necessity  of  teizing  your  Lordships  as  I  have  done. 


The  Palatines  (asking  your  Lordships  pardon  for  mentioning  them)   who  remain 
upon  the  lands  on  which  I  planted  them,   have  been   by  the  blessing  of  God   «fe 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  200Y 

their  own  labours  able  to  subsist  themselves,  those  who  run  to  Scohare  have  been 
obliged  to  the  charity  of  the  Province  to  save  them  from  starving  the  trees  will 
be  ready  for  the  manufacture  after  this  fall,  but  nothing  can  be  done  here  for 
nothing. 


1713 


—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.   V.   pp.  365,  366. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Letters  from  jSTew  York. 

1Y13,  July  24th.  The  Deputati  ad  res  Maritimas  were  pre- 
pared to  submit  a  report  as  to  the  contents  of  the  letters  from 
jSTew  York.  However,  on  account  of  the  multiplied  occupations 
which  kept  this  Classis  busy,  this  report  was  postponed  until  the 
next  Classis.  The  matter  of  the  debt  of  Revs.  Antonides  and 
Vas  remains  in  statu,    ix.  299. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Rev.  Vas. 

1713,  Sept.  4th.  A  letter  was  read  from  Rev.  Vas,  in  which 
he  asks  for  a  copy  of  the  letter  from  his  Consistory,  in  which  they 
wrote  that  they  promised  to  pay  the  expenses  of  his  call;  also  a 
certificate  from  the  Rev.  Classis,  that  the  churches  are  always 
accustomed  to  bear  these  expenses.  These  requests  were  granted. 
The  documents  will  be  sent  to  Rev.  Vas  by  the  Deputati  ad  res 
Exteras.     ix.  301. 

Rev.  Beys. 

1713,  Sept.  4th.  Also  in  this  letter  the  Classis  was  warned 
that  Rev.  Beys,  guilty  not  only  of  an  offensive  life,  but  who  had 
passed  over  from  us  to  the  Episcopalians,  was  now  journeying  to 
Curacoa,  in  order  to  seek  advancement  there.  It  came  to  the 
ears  of  the  Assembly,  that  he  might  have  been  called  to  Curacoa 
with  the  approval  of  the  Messrs.  Directors  of  the  West  India 
Company.  The  Deputati  ad  res  Maritimas  were  charged  to  indi- 
cate to  the  Messrs.  Directors  at  the  earliest  opportunity,  the 
danger  that  lurks  therein,  if  the  Rev.  Beys  should  be  advanced  to 


1713 


2008  Ecclesiastical  Kecoeds 

the  sacred  Ministry  in  Curacoa;  and  to  request  their  Estimables 
to  please  to  check  that  business  by  their  authority.  The  Clerk 
will  give  to  our  Deputies  a  copy  of  what  is  found  in  the  trans- 
actions of  the  Classical  meeting  held  Oct.  6,  1710,  in  condemna- 
tion of  Rev.  Beys  (lit. —  to  the  charge  of)  to  make  use  thereof  in 
their  conference  with  the  Messrs.  Directors,    ix.  301,  302. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Revs.  Antonides  and  Freemaan. 

1713,  Sept.  4th.  The  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  reported  on  the 
contents  of  the  letters  from  iSTew  York.  These  related  to  the 
affairs  of  Revs.  Antonides  and  Freerman,  and  the  remainder  of 
the  disputes  which  existed  there.  The  Deputati  were  thanked 
for  their  information,  and  were  requested  to  prepare  letters  with 
the  design  of  removing  the  disputes.  These,  after  having  been 
read  in  Classis,  were  sent  to  both  (groups  of)  churches,    ix.  302. 

(That  is  to  Flatbush,  Brooklyn,  Flatlands,  etc.,  adhering  to 
Antonides;  and  to  ISTew  Utrecht  and  Gravesend  (not  yet  fully 
organized)  and  Bushmck,  adhering  to  Freerman.) 

CONFEEENCE   BETWEEN   GOVERNOR  HuNTEE  AND   THE   InDIANS 

MiSSIONAEIES    TO   THE   InDIANS. 

The  Sachems  of  the  Five  Nations  viz.  the  Maquase,  Oneydes,  Onnondagues,  Cay- 
ouges,  &  Slnnekes  being  convened  at  His  Excellency's  the  Governors  lodging  in 
Albany  the  20th  September  1714. 


Brethren  (Sept.  23) 

It  was  the  desire  of  those  of  your  number  who  were  in  England  that  there 
might  be  missionaries  sent  to  instruct  you  in  the  way  to  Eternal  life,  I  mean 
the  Christian  faith  which  proposal  you  yourself  agreed  to  upon  the  meeting  you 
here,  Her  Majesty  has  accordingly  sent  one  and  ordered  a  Fort  and  chappel  to 
be  built  for  his  reception  which  the  venerable  society  maintain  for  your  service 
at  considerable  expence.  I  earnestly  beseech  you  that  you  will  give  ear  to  the 
good  and  pious  man  whose  labors  for  your  welfare  you  are  well  acquainted  with, 
that  as  we  are  but  one  body  and  of  one  interest  in  this  world  we  may  have 
hope  of  being  so  in  the  next. 


Brother   Corlaer     (Sept.   25) 

You   also  tell   us   that   it   was   the   desire   of   some   of   our   number   who    were   in 
England   that   there    might   be    missionaries    sent    to    instruct    us    in    the    Christian 


OP  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2009 

Religion  &  to  bring  Forts*  &  a  cliappel  whicti  her  Majesty  lias  accordingly  done 
and  it  was  agreed  to  by  us  when  we  first  see  your  Excellency  you  also  recom- 
mended us  to  be  Ijind  to  that  good  and  pious  man  who  labours  for  our  welfare, 
you  shall  find  us  ready  to  obey  your  commands  in  this  particular  do  give  a  stick 
having  no  belt  at  present  but  will  send  from  our  countrey. 


1713 


You  likewise  put  us  in  mind  that  we  desired  a  missioner  in  every  one  of  our 
castles  to  instruct  us  in  the  way  to  eternal  life,  we  own  that  we  desired  it  but 
when  we  consider  that  the  Christians  here  when  it  is  Sabbath  days  what  fine 
cloathes  they  have  when  they  go  to  church  and  that  goods  are  still  so  dear  that 
we  cannot  purchase  Sundays  cloathes  but  would  be  necessitated  to  go  to  church 
with  an  old  Bear  Skin  and  Deer  Skin  we  have  deferred  that  matter  till  Goods 
are  cheaper  that  we  may  have  cloaths  suitable  to  go  to  church  withall. 


—  Col,   Hist.   N.    Y.   Vol.    v.   pp.   382,   384,   386. 

Okder  in  Coukcil  on  the  Petition  of  Domine  Antonides. 

At  a  Councill  held  at  Fort  Anne 

in  New  York  this  29th  day  of 

September,  1713. 

Present  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.   etc. 

Col.  D'peyster  Mr.  Barberie 

Doct.  Staats                              ^  Mr.  Phillipse 

Capt.  "Walter                            '  Mr.  Byerley 

The  Petition  of  Vincentius  Antonides  Minister  of  the  Protestant  Reformed 
Dutch  Churches  of  fflatbush,  fBatlands  and  Brookland  in  Kings  County  relating 
to  the  disputes  between  him  and  Mr.  ffreeman  setting  forth  that  notwithstanding 
the  order  of  this  Board  of  the  30th  April  1711  Mr.  ffreeman  in  Contempt  thereof 
did  on  the  6th  September  Instant  take  upon  himself  to  preach  in  the  Church  of 
fflatbush  at  the  time  when  the  Petitioners  Congregation  was  to  have  mett  there 
and  thereby  hindered  your  petitioner  from  ofiiciating  in  the  said  Church  and  being 
apprehensive  the  same  method  will  be  taken  by  ye  said  Mr.  ffreeman  in  the  other 
Churches  abovenamed  To  the  great  Hurt  and  disturbance  of  the  Petitioner  and 
his  congregation  &  praying  relief  in  the  premises,  being  read  — 

The  Consideration  thereof  is  referred  to  the  Gentlemen  of  this  Board  or  any  five 
of  them. 

The  unhappy  differences  above  detailed  did  not  terminate  until  the  close  of 
the  year  1714,  when  a  reconciliation  was  finally  effected  between  the  Clergymen 
and  their  respective  friends,  the  particulars  of  which  will  be  found  In  Strong's 
Hist,  of  the  Town  of  Flatbush,  1842,  p.  86.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  p.  115. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Henricus  Boel,  etc. 

1713,  Oct.  2nd.  Henricus  Boel,  and  after  him  Jacobus  ten 
Bosch  and  Petrus  Pannebakker,  S.S.  Ministerii  Candidati,  were 
introduced  into  the  room.  They  presented  proper  Classical  and 
ecclesiastical  certificates,  and  requested  to  be  accepted  as  "  Com- 

•  Build  Forts.    N.  Y.  Colonial  Manuscript,  lix. 


2010  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

1713 

mendati  Classis  ".    After  they  had  preached,  the  first  on  Rom.  8 : 

34,  "  Who  is  he  that  condenmeth,  etc."  the  second  on  Rev.  2:  lY; 

and  the  third  on  Galat.  2:  20,  and  had  signed  the  formulae  of 

Concord,  their  request  was  granted,     ix.  302. 

Rev.  Beys. 

1713,  Oct.  2nd.  The  Deputati  aforesaid  also  represented  to 
the  Messrs.  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  that  which 
they  had  been  charged  to  do  in  regard  to  Rev.  Beys,  so  that  he 
might  be  kept  from  the  service  of  the  churches  of  Curacoa.  To 
this  end  they  had  handed  their  JSToble  Estimables  a  copy  placed  in 
their  hands  by  the  Clerk,  of  what  was  recorded  against  Rev. 
Beys  at  our  Classical  meeting  held  Oct.  6,  IT  10.  This  had  such 
effect  that  the  Messrs.  Directors  were  pleased  to  reply  that  they 
would  take  good  care  that  said  Beys  should  not  become  pastor  at 
Curacoa.     ix.  303. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Disputes  between  Antonides  and  Freerman. 

1713,  Oct.  2nd.  The  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  reported  further 
on  the  contents  of  the  letters  from  New  York,  and  on  certain 
severe  expressions  introduced  into  them.  They  asked,  whether 
in  the  letters  to  be  soon  despatched,  they  should  comment  on 
these  severe  expressions,  or  only  counsel  peace  and  s€ek  to  remove 
the  differences.  The  Assembly  was  of  the  opinion  that  the 
Deputies  should  propose  such  a  plan  of  peace,  as  the  Classis  might 
judge  the  parties  in  dispute  ought  to  accept.  They  should  also 
present  as  an  argument,  to  persuade  to  peace,  the  conduct  of  the 
Rev.  Classis  herself;  for  the  Classis,  to  give  them  an  example  of 
their  desire  for  peace,  resolved  to  pass  by  many  severe  remarks 
made  against  them,  and  which  they  had  introduced  into  the  letters 
sent  to  said  Classis.    ix.  303. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  2011 

JouENAL  OF  Society  for  Peopagating  the  Gospel. 

Oct.  2,  1713.  p.  314.  §  3. 

Reported  from  the  Committee  that  they  had  taken  into  con- 
sideration the  petition  of  Mr.  Haeger,  father  of  Mr.  Haeger  the 
Society's  missionary  among  the  Palatines  in  the  Province  of  New 
York,  to  them  referred,  and  that  they  agreed  as  their  opinion  in 
the  case  of  said  Mr.  Haeger  does  not  properly  lie  upon  the 
Society. 

Oct.  9,  1713.  p.  319.  §  5. 

Another  from  Mr.  Haeger  dated  Nov.  12,  1712,  mentioning  ye 
unsettled  state  and  miseries  of  the  Palatines  whose  minds  he 
endeavors  to  support  as  well  as  he  can:  That  his  communicants 
Nov.  16  1711  were  70  men  and  69  women,  that  he  goes  on  in  his 
call  with  the  Palatines  under  all  the  hardships  he  undergoes. 

Oct.  16,  1713.  p.  330.  §  7. 

Another  from  Mr.  Haeger  dated  July  last,  mentioning  the 
grateful  sense  his  congregation  hath  of  sending  over  the  liturgies 
in  their  own  language;  the  state  of  his  people  from  July  1710 
to  May  last,  is  as  foUoweth.  Instructed  in  the  principles  of 
Christianity  113  married  couple.  Baptized  162.  Communicants 
on  Easter  Day  last  126.  That  his  entire  dependence  is  upon  the 
support  and  assistance  of  the  Society,  his  congregation  not  being 
able  to  contribute  anything  toward  the  maintenance  of  their 
minister. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Disputes  between  Antonides  and  Freerman. 

Colleague  for  du  Eois. 
1714,  Jan.  9th.     In  execution  of  the  directions  recently  given 
them,  the  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  read  a  plan  of  peace  for  re- 
uniting the  parties  in  dispute  in  New  York,  (Long  Island.)     The 
Assembly  were  pleased  with  the  plan  proposed,  and  thanked  the 


1713 


1714 


2012  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Messrs.  Deputies  for  their  trouble.  They  were  also  requested  to 
send  the  plan;  and  at  the  same  time  to  write  a  brief  letter  to 
Eev.  Bois,  (du  Bois),  that  he  should  lend  his  cooperation  towards 
peace.  The  Classis  also  (advised  him)  to  seek  to  obtain  for  him- 
self a  colleague;  for  it  is  expedient  and  also  necessary  that  his 
congregation  should  have  the  supervision  of  more  than  one  pastor, 
ix.  305. 

Debts  of  Eevs.  Vas  and  Antonides. 

1714,  Jan.  9th.  The  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  reported  that 
Rev.  Van  asked  that  there  be  sent  him  again  the  letter  in  which 
his  consistory  had  agreed,  that  out  of  their  moneys,  in  the  keep- 
ing of  some  friends  here  (in  Amsterdam)  be  paid  a  part  of  the 
moneys  which  he  owed  to  Classis.     Action  on  this  request  was 

postponed  to  the  following  Classis,  when  Rev.  Van 

will  preside  exordine.     ix.  305. 

1714,  Jan.  9th.  A  letter  was  shown  to  the  Classis,  from  the 
Consistories  of  Midwout,  Breukelen,  and  ISTew  Amersfoort,  in 
which  they  write  to  authorize  the  Rev.  Classis,  in  order  to  pay  the 
debt  of  Rev.  Antonides,  to  employ  a  part  of  the  moneys  which 
they  had  here,  (in  Amsterdam,)  namely  twenty  five  pounds,  New 
York  money,  ($62.50)  deducting  also  what  was  taken  therefrom 
for  expenses  incurred,     ix.  305. 

Rev.  Mk.  Poyee  to  Goveris-oe  Huntee. 

Jamaica,  January  20th,  1713.     [1714.] 
May  it  Please  Your  Excellency: 

Yesterday  the  Vestry  of  this  parish  met  here  in  order  to  lay  a  tax  for  the 
Minister  and  poor  where  I  made  my  appearance  and  produced  your  Excellency's 
letter  to  me  with  the  Copy  of  the  72nd  Article  of  her  Majesty's  instructions  to 
your  Excellency.  But  the  Vestry  peremptorily  refused  to  admit  me  amongst 
them  and  upon  my  denying  to  quit  the  room,  they  removed  themselves  to  another 
Apartment  in  the  same  house,  telling  me  I  had  nothing  to  do  there,  though  they 
did  not  forget  to  take  Mc.  Nish  along  with  them,  who  had  just  before  told  me 
he  had  more  business  there  than  myself.  I  trouble  not  your  Excellency  with 
that  Gentleman's  other  misbehaviours  in  respect  of  myself  at  that  time.  I  prayed 
Mr.  Smith  their  Clerk  who  is  also  Clerk  of  the  Peace  to  enter  my  name  which 
he  denied  to  do  and  this  day  also  refused  to  give  me  any  copies  of  their  pro- 
ceedings; of  this  I  inform  your  Excellency  in  pursuance  of  your  commands,  & 
remain,    etc.,  etc.— Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  165. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2013 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The    Classis   of   Amsterdam   to    Rev.    Peter  Yas,    January    24, 
1714.     xxviii.  135.    ■ 

To  Eeverend  Peter  Yas : 

Reverend  Sir  and  Much  Beloved  Brother : — 

Your  pleasant  letter  of  May  23rd  1713,  came  safely  to  hand 
in  due  time.  We  would  have  answered  it  sooner,  had  not  the 
vessel  which  was  to  carry  the  letter,  sailed,  before  we  knew  of  her 
departure. 

"We  therefore  gladly  avail  ourselves  of  this,  the  first  oppor- 
tunity which  has  offered  sinc6.  In  the  first  place  we  inform  you 
that  our  Rev.  colleague,  van  der  Hulst,  Questor  of  Classis,  mil 
exhibit  to  you  in  the  annexed  letter  your  present  indebtedness 
to  us.     This  will  answer  your  inquiries  on  that  topic. 

As  to  your  request  for  a  copy  of  the  letter  jointly  signed  by 
you  and  your  Consistory,  and  in  which  they,  consent  that  the 
expenses  of  your  examination  and  call  should  be  retained,  and 
subtracted  by  our  Assembly  from  the  moneys  of  your  church  in 
our  hands: — the  Rev.  Assembly  has  caused  search  to  be  made 
for  that  letter.  But  as  it  comes  not  to  hand  we  are  directed  to 
write  to  you  that  though  said  letter  is  not  now  found,  yet  it 
appears  plainly  from  our  Classical  Acts,  that  such  a  letter,  as 
you  request,  came  to  our  Assembly.  Hence  we  do  not  think  that 
your  Consistory  can  object  to  redeem  her  promises,  especially  as 
we  can  assure  her  that  the  expenses  of  an  examination  and  call 
are  always  borne  by  the  church  calling,  and  not  by  him  who  is 
called. 

Herewith  your  pleasant  letter  has  been  fully  answered.  We 
have  nothing  else  to  communicate  except  that  Rev.  Henricus  Bois 
(Beis)  has  been  relieved  of  his  conditional  censure  and  has  again 
been  received  by  us,  after  he  had  expressed  his  sorrow  on  these 


1714 


1714 


2014  Ecclesiastical  Records 

two  points:  (1)  That  lie  bad  not  attended  to  the  duties  of  his  min- 
istry from  December  10, 1707,  until  June  17,  1708;  (2)  In  regard 
to  his  going  over  to  the  Episcopalian  Church.  In  regard  to 
the  charges  made  respecting  his  servant  girl,  no  sufficient  proofs 
have  been  presented  before  our  Eev.  Assembly  to  show  him  guilty. 
Moreover,  our  hearty  wish  and  prayer  to  God  is,  that  He  may 
long  preserve  your  church  in  peace  and  liberty,  and  through  your 
ministrations,  enable  her  to  abound  in  all  peaceable  fruits  of 
righteousness,  which  are  through  Jesus  Christ  to  the  praise  and 
glory  of  God.  Unto  his  fatherly  protection  we  commend  you, 
while  we  subscribe  ourselves,  Reverend  Sir,  and  much  honored 
brother. 

Your  obedient  Brethren  and  Servants  in  the  Lord. 

Signed, 

F.  Burmannus, 
Abr.  Chaufleury. 

l^ote  —  This  Rev.  Henricus  Beys,  mentioned  here  and  knowii 
from  previous  papers,  was,  according  to  the  letter  to  the  Con- 
sistory of  Curacoa  dated  ISTovember  1714,  and  inscribed  imme- 
diately after  the  preceding,  after  having  been  relieved  from 
censure  and  rehabilitated  as  pastor,  sent  by  Classis  with  the 
approbation  of  the  Directors  of  the  West  India  Company,  as 
second  pastor  to  the  church  of  Curacoa.  See  also  Dix's  Hist, 
Trinity  Church,  i.  177. 

Address    from    Gov.    Hunter's    Friends    to    the   Bishop   of 
London  against  the  Rev.  Mr.  Yesey,  Circ.  1714. 

My  Lord: — If  we  are  the  last  of  your  Lordships  Diocese  who  come  to  congratuiate 
your  Lordships  promotion  to  the  See  of  London,  yet  we  are  as  sincere  in  our  Joy 
on  that  occasion  as  those  much  happier  people  who  enjoy  your  Lordships  nearer 
influence;  for  it  is  with  very  good  reason  we  hope,  that  we  of  this  Province  are 
not  destined  very  long  to  be  the  only  part  of  the  Christian  world  that  is  insensi- 
ble of  the  great  sway  which  your  Lordships  wisdom  holds  in  all  the  affairs  of 
Church  and  State  in  Great  Britain  and  its  Dominions;  and  it  is  from  Your  Lord- 
ships high  station  in  both  we  draw  this  happy  conclusion  in  our  own  favour, 
that  when  your  Lordship  is  informed,  (as  we  think  it  our  bounden  duty  you 
should  be),  of  the  true  state  of  the  Church  in  this  place,  that  then  we  who  have 
been  brought  up  in  her  faith  &  continue  steadfast  in  her  Communion,  shall  re- 
ceive such  encouragement  and  protection  from  your  Lordship  as  may  enable  us 
to  preserve  peace  and  union  amongst  ourselves,  and  to  maintain  our  blessed  Re- 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  2015 

ligioQ  in  that  state  here,  -n-hich  our  open  enemies  repine  at,  and  to  wliose  preju- 
dice tliose  who  are  secretly  abetted  by  them,   are  tailing  large  steps. 

My  Lord,  we  are  sensible  it  were  nor  fit  or  becoming  ns  to  trespass  on  your 
time,  if  any  other  than  the  cause  of  God  and  the  Church  required  it;  but  that 
hath  given  us  courage  to  lay  the  following  Representation  before  your  Lordship, 
which  in  most  dutyfull  manner  we  humbly  recommend  to  that  charitable  care, 
which  your  Lordship  is  accustomed  to  extend  to  all  those  over  whom  God  Almighty 
hath  appointed  you. 

My  Lord,  we  believe  it  is  not  unknown  to  your  Lordship,  in  what  manner  this 
Province  is  on  all  sides  surrounded  by  New  England,  Connecticut,  Road  Island, 
and  other  places,  all  which  are  chiefly  inhabited  by  professed  Dissenters  from 
the  Church  of  England;  a  set  of  men  whose  forefathers  had  a  high  hand  in  that 
wicked  rebellion  which  at  the  same  time  destroyed  the  Church  and  Monarchy  of 
England;  and  that  they  still  retain  the  very  same  principles,  and  profess  the 
many  various  religions  of  their  Ancestors;  the  Presbyterian,  the  Anabaptist,  the 
Independent,  and  the  Quaker  have  each  a  large  lot  in  this  Continent,  and  such 
seems  to  be  the  combination  amongst  them,  (however  they  may  differ  in  other 
matters),  that  they  doe  not  willingly  suffer  any  other  plants  to  take  root  here. 
My  Lord,  these  Sectarys  have  spread  themselves  so  widely,  are  grown  so  numerous 
in  North  America,  and  are  so  firmly  seated,  that  wee  of  the  Communion  of  the 
established  church  seem  strangers  in  the  land,  and  as  if  our  worship  were  of 
such  a  foreign  growth  that  it  alone  wanted  the  support  of  a  royal  hand.  Neither 
My  Lord  is  this  Province  begirt  only  with  Colonys  and  Commonwealths  of  these 
men,  but  they  grow  up  and  thrive  in  the  very  midst  of  Her.  Her  few  Countys 
are  divided  between  dissenters,  English,  Dutch,  and  French;  and  were  it  not 
for  the  pious  bounty  of  the  venerable  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel 
in  foreign  parts,  the  places  remote  from  this  the  metropolis  would  not  have  one 
church  for  the  reception  of  such  as  are  inclined  to  embrace  the  worship  of  the 
Church  of  England;  from  hence  wee  humbly  conceive  that  your  Lordship  will 
readily  believe  what  difflcultys  the  country  missionaries  labour  under,  either  at 
first  to  gather  a  congregation  from  the  enemies  of  the  church,  or  to  keep  it  to- 
gether when  gathered; — and  that  it  requires  men  of  exemplary  lives,  sound 
learning,  and  a  mild  disposition,  to  gain  converts  here,  or  to  preserve  them  when 
gained;  and  God  be  praised  for  it,  many  of  the  missionaries  are  blessed  with 
these  endowments,  and  have  reaped  a  plentlfull  harvest  in  their  several  districts; 
but  the  unhappy  conduct  of  one  Mr.  Francis  Phillips  lately  sent  by  the  Society 
to  Stratford,  in  New  England,  has  on  the  other  hand  done  an  irreparable  injury 
to  the  established  church  in  a  place  where  there  was  a  very  great  appearance 
of  its  increase.* 

My  Lord,  we  most  devoutly  wish  that  we  could  say  more  of  the  progress  of  the 
Church  in  this  city;  that  we  could  tell  your  Lordship  that  Her  Majesty's  Royal 
benefactions,  seconded  by  your  Lordship's  Right  Reverend  Predecessor,  and  the 
care  of  some  of  our  excellent  Governours,  had  met  with  the  desired  success;  it 
is  true  indeed  My  Lord,  (and  we  rejoice  to  say  it),  that  we  have  here  a  thriving 
Church  of  the  established  worship,  that  the  same  church  enjoys  a  charter  with 
ample  privileges,  and  that  our  minister  is  made  happy  in  his  function  by  a  large 
stipend  here,  and  the  enjoyment  of  a  certain  ffarme  called  the  Queen's  ffarme 
which  his  Excellence  Brigadier  Hunter  has  consented  the  Church  shall  possess 
during  his  stay  in  this  Government;  out  of  which  Mr.  Vesey  Is  allowed  twenty 
six  pounds  per  annum;  which,  in  all,  with  perquisites  is  computed  at  three  hun- 
dred pounds  per  annum. 

My  Lord,  the  reputation  and  interest  of  this  church,  (on  the  conduct  of  whose 
members  more  particularly  the  dissenters  have  a  very  watchfull  eye),  being  very 
dear  to  us,  and  of  the  greatest  importance  to  our  present  and  future  state,  we 
humbly  beg  your  Lordships  leave  to  goe  a  little  farther  in  the  account  of  it,  than 
its  present  condition,  that  your  Lordship  may  judge  whether  at  this  day  we  had 
not  better  adhere  strictly  to  our  charter,  and  the  ancient  rules  by  which,  till  very 
lately,  we  have  walked,   than  by  altering  our  conduct,   introduce  such  Innovations 

*  The  original  reads  • —  on  that  side  where  the  Dissenters  most  feared  a  blow, — 
but  this  was  scored  out,  and  the  passage  altered  by  another  hand. 


1714 


1714 


2016  Ecclesiastical  Kecords 

as  may  end  in  divisions  fatal  to  us,  and  sucli  as  our  posterity  will  find  many 
difflcultys  to  reconcile. 

My  Lord,  when  this  Province  was  taken  by  the  English  In  the  year  1664,  there 
was  left  in  it  a  small  Garrison  of  English  Soldiers,  who  had  a  chaplain  allowed 
upon  the  establishment;  in  the  fort  at  New  York,  (the  seat  of  our  Governours), 
was  a  large  church,  wherein  the  Dutch  inhabitants,  in  their  own  way  and  lan- 
guage, performed  their  worship;  that  ended,  the  Chaplain  read  Divine  service 
according  to  the  Liturgy  of  the  Church  of  England  to  the  Governour  and  Garrison 
in  the  same  place,  and  this  was  all  the  footing  that  the  Church  of  England,  as 
by  law  established!  had  in  this  Province  untill  1693;  about  which  time  the  Gov- 
ernour granted  to  the  Dutch  Elders  and  Deacons  in  New  York  a  charter  of  in- 
corporation,^'  and  for  the  free  exercise  of  their  own  worship,  and  persuaded*  them 
to  build  a  church  for  themselves  out  of  the  fort,  which  they  did.  About  the 
same  time  he  prevailed  with  the  Assembly  to  make  provision  by  an  act  for  the 
maintenance  of  one  good  sufficient  Protestant  Minister^  for  this  place  at  one 
hundred  pounds  per  annum,  to  which  sixty  pounds  per  annum  has  been  since 
added;  and  in  that  bill  the  election  of  ten  Vestrymen  and  two  Church  Wardens, 
to  be  chosen  by  the  freeholders  for  putting  the  said  act  in  execution,  was  pro- 
vided for. 

In  the  year  1697  Coll.  Fletcher  the  Governour  by  his  example  and  countenance, 
promoted  the  building  of  Trinity  Church  in  New  York  by  voluntary  contribution, 
and  placed  in  it  the  present  incumbent  Mr.  Vesey,  who  was  at  that  time  a  dis- 
senting preacher'*  on  Long  Island;  he  had  received  his  education  in  Harvard 
College  under  that  rigid  Independent,  Increase  Mather,  and  was  sent  from  thence 
by  him  to  confirm  the  minds  of  those  who  had  removed  for  their  convenience 
from  New  England  to  this  Province;  for  Mr.  Mather  haveing  advice  that  there 
was  a  minister  of  the  Established  Church  of  England  come  over,  in  quality  of 
Chaplain  of  the  forces,  and  fearing  that  the  Common  prayer  and  the  hated  cere- 
monies of  our  Church  might  gain  ground,  he  spared  no  pains  or  care  to  spread 
the  warmest  of  his  emissaries  through  this  Province;  but  Coll.  Fletcher  who  saw 
into  this  design  took  off  Mr.  Vesey  by  an  invitation  to  this  (Rectory)  Liveing, 
a  promise  to  advance  his  stipend  considerably,  and  to  recommend  him  for  holy 
orders  to  your  Lordships  Predecessor;  all  which  was  performed  accordingly,  and 
Mr.  Vesey  returned  from  England  in  Priest's  orders.  Coll.  Fletcher  did  likewise 
incorporate  the  members  of  the  Church  of  England  by  a  Charter  under  the  seal  of 
the  Province  with  sundry  powers  and  priviledges,  more  particularly  to  consist  of 
the  Rector,  two  Church  Wardens,  and  twenty  Vestry  men  whereof  the  Church 
Wardens  and  Vestry  men  were  annually  to  be  elected  in  Trinity  Church  after 
divine  service  on  Easter  Tuesday  by  the  majority  of  voices  of  inhabitants  being 
of  the  Communion  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established;  and  upon 
the  death  or  removal  of  any  of  the  members  at  any  other  time  upon  public  notice 
to  be  given  in  the  church  by  the  like  majority  of  voices  others  to  be  chosen  In 
the  church  in  their  room  to  keep  up  the  number  until  the  Anniversary  Election.^ 

My  Lord,  the  regular  observation  of  this  establishment  has  for  many  years 
kept  the  enemies  of  our  Church  out  of  its  bosom;  we  would  be  understood  My 
Lord  that  whilst  the  elections  of  Church  Wardens  and  Vestrymen  was  made  In 
presence  of  all  the  communicants,  it  was  impossible  to  bring  such  a  majority  of 
ill  men  into  power,  and  would  entertain  a  thought  prejudicial  to  the  Church;  but 
My  Lord  wee  see  that  by  turning  ever  so  little  aside  from  that  path  we  are  led 
into  a  Labyrinth  of  evil;  for  in  a  late  instance  our  excellent  rules  and  orders 
haveing  been  broke  through,  and  our  charter  slighted,  a  private  choice  has  been 
made  of  such  men  Into  the  Vestry  as  we  fear  have  already  combined  to  doe  the 
Church   some  signal  injury. 

1  Certainly  not  yet  established,  before  1693. 

2  Not   till  1696. 

^  This  was  not  done  by  the  Governor's  persuasion.     See  documents. 

*  This  was  in  1693.  ^ 

"*  Dr.  Dix,  in  History  of  Trinity  Church,  87,  99,  100,  denies  these  statements, 
and  is,   perhaps,   right;   yet  the  writers  of  this   address,   were  contemporaries. 

» The  distinction  between  the  Civil  City  Vestry,  and  the  Church  Vestry,  de- 
pendent on  the  former  for  money,  is  not  here  brought  out. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yo'rk.  2017 

My  Lord,  we  must  entreat  your  Lordships  patience  while  we  relate  the  un- 
precedented manner  of  this  choice.  In  1713  a  Vestry  teing  called,  it  was  pro- 
posed to  them  by  Mr.  Vesey,  that  Mr.  Francis  Phillips  wl  o  had  deserted  his  cure 
at  Stratford,  and  had  done  some  things  here  which  obligee  him  to  abscond,  should 
be  favoured  by  them  with  a  certificate  of  his  good  behaviour,  directed  to  the 
people  of  the  Church  of  England  at  Philadelphia.  This  was  disputed  by  many 
of  the  Vestry,  and  absolutely  refused  by  some  of  the  members  who  were  men  of 
established  reputation  in  this  place;  but  however  a  majority  at  last  prevailed  for 
it;  and  at  the  same  time  Mr.  Vesey  also  prevailed  with  ye  same  majority  to  make 
a  vote  for  electing  among  themselves,  (contrary  to  the  rules  of  the  Charter),  New 
Members,  in  the  room  of  such  as  should  not  attend  the  meeting  of  the  Vestry. 
And  some  time  afterward  finding  that  whilst  those  Gentlemen  who  opposed  tliat 
certificate,  continued  in  the  Vestry,  it  would  be  Impossible  to  carry  all  his  pointa 
there,  secretly  called  as  many  of  the  Vestry  together  as  he  thought  fit,  and  told 
them  that  four  absent  Gentlemen,  (Inaeed  not  summoned),  declined  to  attend 
the  service  of  the  Church  any  longer,  and  therefore  desired  them  to  proceed  to 
a  new  choice,  which  was  accordingly  done  in  a  Tavern;  and  four  of  the  meanest 
of  the  people  elected  to  supply  a  pretended  vacancy,  which  we  fear  will  never 
be  so  well  filled  again. 

My  Lord  we  think  ourselves  much  injured  in  this  affair,  and  what  is  of  the 
last  consequence  we  think  that  the  Church  will  soon  feel  the  effect  of  this  pro- 
ceeding, if  it  has  not  already  done  so;  for  on  the  last  Easter  Tuesday  when  the 
Communicants  after  service  went  up  to  the  Altar  according  to  custom  to  proceed 
to  a  new  choice,  after  four  candidates  were  put  up  for  Church  Wardens,  the 
body  of  the  Communicants  divided  themselves  to  either  hand  as  they  designed 
to  vote;  the  Rector  being  within  the  Rails,  and  seeing  us  who  are  the  subscribers 
all  on  one  side,  said  loudly,  I  hope  you  doe  not  intend  to  bring  down  the  officers 
of  the  Garrison  upon  us.  We  replyed,  (some  few  of  us  haveing  the  honor  to 
serve  Her  Majesty  here),  that  wee  did  not  understand  what  he  meant  by  the 
words  before  expressed;  that  we  were  communicants  in  the  same  church,  and 
that  we  hoped  he  did  not  intend  by  the  word  You  to  distinguish  Us  as  a  separate 
congregation,  for  such  a  division  would  be  fatal  to  the  Church;  and  anything 
that  looked  like  a  design  that  way  would  be  better  become  the  mouth  of  an 
enemy  than  that  of  our  Spiritual  Pastor.  After  some  other  passionate  and  in- 
discreet behaviour  shewed  towards  us  by  this  unhappy  Gentleman,  we  proceeded 
to  the  cho'ce;  which,  (some  few  persons  excepted),  fell  on  the  meanest  sort;  for 
My  Lord,  it  seems  the  common  people  haveing  seen  four  of  their  number  chosen 
in  a  lawless  opposition  to  four  of  the  best  rank  in  the  late  private  election,  were 
resolved  to  give  this  public  demonstration  that  they  thought  it  high  time,  and 
this  a  fit  opportunity,  to  bring  more  of  themselves  into  a  share  of  power. 

My  Lord,  we  must  not  omit  to  acquaint  your  Lordship  of  the  danger  that  may 
be  apprehended  from  this  choice,  for  if  such  mean  persons  are  elected  into  the 
Vestry,  as  can  be  bound  either  by  art  or  interest,  we  have  a  great  deal  to  fear 
from  their  weakness;  the  Dutch  and  French  congregations  being  both  very 
numerous,  compared  with  our  very  small  one  in  this  place;  and  if  even  we  should 
be  so  unhappy  as  to  see  the  Church,  (which  God  forbid),  under  a  Guardian  less 
affectionate  to  her  than  Her  present  Majesty,  we  fear  she  might  be  in  danger 
here  from  the  unskillfulness  or  insincerity  of  those  under  whose  direction  her 
affairs  may  then  happen  to  be;  for  though  these  congregations  live  very  quietly 
and  charitably  with  us  at  present,  yet  we  dare  not  trust  too  far  to  foreigners, 
having  no  instance  of  any  favour  from  our  own  dissenters. 

My  Lord,  wee  also  beg  leave  farther  to  tell  your  Lordship,  that  this  expression 
of  Mr.  Vesey  at  the  Altar  has  a  farther  design  in  it  as  wee  feare;  and  that  In 
places  of  publlck  conversation  he  frequently  takes  occasion  to  separate  us  the 
Subscribers  from  himself  and  some  others,  by  revileing  us  with  the  name  of 
Schismaticks,  which  how  unreasonable  in  its  self,  unjust  to  ua,  and  pernicious 
it  is  to  the  peace  and  union  of  the  Church,  we  most  humbly  submit  to  your 
Lordship  on  the  following  relation. 

After  Coll.  Fletcher  had  obtained  of  the  Dutch  to  build  themselves  a  Church  In 
the  town,  he  pulled  down  the  old  one  in  the  Fort,  and  in  its  room  built  a  chappel 


1714 


1714 


2018  ^"ilcCLESIASTICAL   EeCOEDS 

for  the  use  of  the  Garrif.on  and  his  own  family,  which  Chappel  after  his  removal 
from  the  Government,  remained  at  some  times  neglected,  and  at  others  converted 
into  a  store  house  for  fi.-e  wood,  till  the  arrival  of  his  Excellence  Brigadier  Hun- 
ter, who  soon  repaired  and  beautifyed  it,  and  caused  divine  service  to  be  con- 
stantly performed  in  i;  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Sharpe,  Chaplain  to  the  fCorces; 
which  gave  great  satisfaction  to  many  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  especially 
such  who  wanted  accommodation  in  Trinity  Church,  (where  Pews  are  not  to 
be  purchased  but  at  a  very  high  rate),  and  were  forced  sometimes  to  absent 
themselves  from  divine  service;  which  now  they  need  not  doe,  haveing  now  a 
place  of  worship  to  resort  unto  where  all  degrees  are  seated  without  price  or 
reward.  My  Lord,  the  greater  part  of  us  have  frequently  received  the  Lord's 
Supper  with  our  present  Governour,  in  that  chappel,  as  well  as  in  the  church, 
and  shall  continue  to  do  so,  (though  this  be  the  Schism  of  which  we  are  accused 
by  Mr.  Vesey)  till  we  are  convinced  of  our  error  by  better  arguments  than  any 
he  has  yet  produced. 

My  Lord,  though  we  are  not  versed  in  controversy,  yet  some  of  us  have  desired 
to  know  of  him  whether  the  Unity  of  the  Church  consists  in  the  Identity  of 
place;  whether  those  who  serve  God  in  a  place  consecrated  to  divine  service, 
under  the  same  form  and  discipline  prescribed  by  the  Established  Church  of 
England,  and  i-eceive  the  Communion  in  the  same  manner,  from  the  same  Min- 
isters, and  under  the  same  Bishops  as  by  her  we  are  directed,  can  be  called  Schis- 
maticks  because  we  sometimes  go  to  this  chappel  where  we  are  sure  to  have 
a  discourse   equally   edifying,   and   in  that   alone  differing   from   him. 

My  Lord,  he  has  been  told  that  there  is  the  Parish  Church  of  St.  James's,  and 
there  is  also  a  chappel  of  her  Majesty  in  the  same  Parish,  at  both  which  the 
same  Reverend  Prelates  have  often  administered  the  holy  sacrament,  and  the 
same  pious  persons  have  frequently  communicated,  yet  we  never  heard  of  any 
so  uncharitable,  as  to  use  the  word  Schism  on  such  occasion. 

My  Lord,  the  unhappy  temper  of  the  unfortunate  man,  if  it  does  not  meet  with 
some  restraint  from  your  Lordships  charity  and  goodness  towards  this  infant 
Church  will  ruin  the  promising  beginnings  which  are  already  made  towards  its 
growth  and  establishment.  For  the  spreading  of  such  false  doctrine  as  what  we 
have  repeated  to  your  Lordship,  and  what  is  daily  inforced  to  ignorant  people 
here,  gives  great  joy  to  those  who  would  gladly  see  us  as  realy  Schismaticks  as 
we  are  reported  to  be. 

My  Lord,  it  were  no  difficult  matter  for  us  who  are  thus  calumniated,  to  find 
proper  and  severe,  yet  legal  remedys  against  this  gentleman;  and  if  we  were  so 
inclined  'twere  not  impossible  to  make  him  very  uneasy  on  the  forementioned 
breach  of  the  Church's  charter;  but.  My  Lord,  we  thank  God,  (who  has  inspired 
us  with  a  more  Christian  temper  than  so  to  doe  the  work  of  our  Adversary), 
that  your  Lordship  can  and  we  doubt  not  will  use  more  effectual  methods  for 
his  and  our  preservation;  and  indeed,  My  Lord  our  condition  is  deplorable;  if 
while  your  Lordship  is  with  so  great  honor  and  success  cultivating  the  arts  of 
peace  throughout  all  the  world,  our  poor  church  alone  should  want  the  blessing 
of  your  Lordship's  healing  hand. 

The  state  of  the  Church  in  General  in  this  Province  and  of  this  place  in  par- 
ticular being  such  as  is  before  described,  we  were  always  of  opinion  that  a  steady 
adherence  to  its  discipline  and  worship,  a  strict  union  and  brotherly  affection 
among  its  members,  and  a  constant  conformity  to  the  rules  and  directions  of 
our  Charter,  were  the  best  means  to  maintain  our  footing,  and  the  most  likely 
to  Enlarge  the  Borders  of  the  Church,  and  disappoint  the  designs  of  our  Enemys, 
being  situated  in  the  midst  of  great  numbers  of  them.  Wee  submit  to  your 
Lordships  Judgment  the  consequences  of  Mr.  Vesey's  Conduct  in  proclaiming*  in 
the  ears  of  a  dissenting  world,  such  as  this  is,  that  the  fitting  up  of  the  Queen's 
Chappel  in  a  decent  manner,  which  before  was  a  Bear  yard,  for  the  worship  of 
Almighty  God  according  to  the  useage  of  the  Church  of  England,  was  a  Schism; 
how  proper  it  is  for  any  man  that  has  the  interest  of  our  Church  at  heart  to 


*  Originally  written  — "  If  we  have  any  false  brethren,  any  private  enemies  to 
our  peace  and  Holy  Church  it  is  much  to  be  lamented;  we  know  we  have  a  very 
imprudent  pastor,  for  would  any  man  that  is  otherwise  proclaim." 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2019 

break  through  our  constitution,  and  by  the  help  of  a  Vestry,  chiefly  composed  of 
the  meaner  sort  of  people,  (for  what  other  purposes  God  Knows),  trample  upon 
our  Rights,  Whether  any  but  an  avowed  Enemy  could  have  done  so  much  towards 
making  an  unhappy  division  between  our  Communicants  as  Mr.  Vesey  did  the 
last  Election  of  Church  Wardens  and  Vestrymen;  Saying  as  beforemenconed  pub- 
licly in  the  Church,  I  hope  you  don't  think  to  bring  the  ofiicers  of  the  Fort  upon 
us;  it  is  true  some  of  us  have  the  honor  to  serve  her  Majesty;  and  there  have 
been  few  years  in  which  some  of  the  oflicers  have  not  been  in  the  Vestry;  but 
why  that  terme  of  Distinction  was  used  wee  doe  not  understand;  there  were 
then  in  the  Church  not  above  three  or  four,  (ourselves  excepted),  that  were  not 
of  Mr.  Vesey's  former  Vestry:  these  he  separated  to  himself  and  those  must  be 
the  persons  intended  by  Mr.  Vesey's  US;  so  that  whoever  else  of  the  Communicants 
though  fit  to  come  and  give  their  votes  must  be  looked  upon  as  men  of  a  contrary 
interest;  a  hard  censure  if  the  interest  they  had  in  view  was  that  of  the  Church. 
We  are  unwilling  to  Imagine  that  Mr.  Vesey  has  any  of  the  old  Leven  of  Inde- 
pendency yet  lurking  within  him;  God  forbid  that  Interest  should  be  the  motive 
to  any  man's  Conformity;  but  we  wish  he  would  act  more  circumspectly  that  he 
would  think  better  of  those  who  have  been  bred  up  in  the  Church  of  England, 
and  have  always  shewn  a  zealous  affection  for  her. 

We  have  at  present  a  very  flourishing  Church,  and  all  means  should  be  used 
to  preserve  it,  We  have  yet  no  dissenting  Congregation  of  English  in  the  Town, 
which  we  fear  makes  ours  larger  than  it  would  be  if  there  was  one;  and  how 
deplorable  a  folly  would  it  be  to  raise  one  out  of  our  own  dissentions.  We 
humbly  beg  your  Lordship  to  take  this  our  Representation  into  your  Considera- 
tion and  to  apply  such  Ghostly  counsel  and  Remedys  as  in  your  great  wisdom 
you   shall   .iudge   requisite.^  Doc.   Hist.   N.    Y.    Vol.    ill.    pp.    264-268. 


Gov,  Hunter  to  Kev.  Mr.  Poyer.      (1714) 

Burlington   ye   14th   Feb.    1713-14. 
Sir:     I  had  yours  by  the  hands  of  Mr.  Basse's  Man  of  the  20th  January. 

In  answer  you  are  to  acquaint  those  Gentlemen  that  by  her  Majesty's  Instruc- 
tions, they  can  hold  no  Vestry  without  you,  you  having  been  regularly  Inducted 
into  that  Cure,   so  what  they  Do  as  a  Vestry  without  you  is  Null   &  Void. 

Had  my  advice  been  followed  these  Debates  had  been  at  an  End,  but  that  it 
seems  is  none  of  your  Intention,  at  least  not  theirs  who  advise  you,  or  have  ever 
had,  or  thought  to  have,  &  find  their  Interest  in  Confusion;  Let  me  know  what 
further  Steps  are  made.     I   am 

Sir 

Your    humble    Servant, 

Ro.    Hunter. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   111.   p.   165. 

19 


1714 


1714 


2020  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 


DESECEATIO^T  OF  TEIOTTY  CHUKCH.    [Feb.  12,  1Y14.] 

At  a  Meeting  of  ye  Councill  in  New  Torlj,  ye  11th  day  of  ffebruary  1713.  [1714.] 
In  ye  absence  of  his  Eseellency. 

Present  —  Coll.  De  Peyster,  Mr.  Barberie, 

Capt.  Walter,  Mr.  Phillips. 

Mr.  Van  Dam, 

Upon  Information  that  Trinity  Church  in  this  City  was  on  Tuesday  night  last 
broke  Open  and  diverse  things  belonging  to  ye  said  Church  taken  away  &  Spoiled, 
and  ye  Board  being  Informed  that  one  William  Dobbs  Sexton  of  ye  said  Church 
could  give  some  account  thereof: 

Ordered  ye  said  Dobbs  be  sent  for  who  being  called  in  &  Examined  saith  as 
followeth: — 

That  yesterday  morneing,  being  ye  Tenth  of  ffebruary.  Instant,  the  sun  being 
about  halfe  an  hour  high,  he  sent  his  Boy  as  usual  every  morning  to  ye  Church 
to  see  if  ^ll  was  well;  who  Immediately  Returned  &  told  him  ye  Church  was  broke 
open:  Whereupon  he  went  to  the  Church,  and  in  ye  Church  Yard  on  ye  North 
corner  of  ye  Church  found  a  peise  of  ye  Surpliss  lyeing,  and  several  peices  more 
thereof  near  ye  Steeple.  Tn  one  of  which  peices  some  persons  had  Based  them- 
selves; And  looking  farther  found  two  Common  Prayer  Books  and  two  Psalm  Books 
lyeing  in  ye  Church  Yard  which  he  believed  had  beenc  taken  out  of  ye  Church: 
One  whereof  belonged  to  ye  Reverend  Mr.  Vesey,  Rector  of  the  said  Church,  and 
used  to  liye  in  his  Reading  Desk:  And  ye  Examinant  opening  ye  Steeple  Doore, 
found  ye  Belfry  Window,  which  bad  beene  Boarded  up,  was  broken  open  by  some 
person  by  ye  help  of  three  large  Stones  sett  up  with  outside  of  the  Steeple,  to 
hoist  them  to  ye  said  Window;  and  ye  Examinant  goeing  to  ye  Vestry  Room,  found 
ye  whole  pannell  of  ye  Vestry  Window  was  broke  Open,  and  perceived  that  one 
of  ye  Surplices  which  had  been  left  there,  was  taken  away,  being  ye  same  that 
he  soe  found  tore  to  peices  in  ye  Church  Yard  as  aforesaid.  But  ye  other  Surpliss 
remained  In  ye  Vestry  Room  One  of  ye  sleeves  Whereof  being  tore  off  and  ye 
body  Ript  up,  and  two  or  three  Drops  of  Blood  thereon. 

The  mark  of 

William  Dobbs. 

At  a  Meeting  of  ye   Councill, 

New  York  12th  February,  1713. 
Present,  as  before. 
The  Councill  sent  for  &  Examined  several  persons  relateing  to  ye  Sacriledge 
lately  Committed  in  Trinity  Church:  &  Abraham  Wandell  &  John  Cruger  Esqrs. 
Aldermen  &  Justices  of  ye  Peace  for  this  City,  being  likewise  present,  declared 
they  had  sent  for  &  Examined  diverse  persons  at  their  houses,  who  they  were 
Informed  were  out  at  publick  houses  in  the  City  ye  Greatest  part  of  that  night 
ye  sacrilegious  ffacts  were  committed  in  Trinity  Church;  But  could  not  make  any 
discovery  of  ye  Authors  of  ye  said  VUlanies. 


Me.  Vesey's  Petition.     Feb.  15,  1714. 

To  the  Honorable,   the   Gentlemen  of  her  Majesty's   Councill,   for 
the  Province  of  New  York  in  America. 

The  humble    Petition  of   William   Vesey   Rector  of   Trinity   Church 
in  the  City  of  New  York. 

Humbly  sheweth  unto  your  Honors  That  on  Tuesday  night  last  some  wicked 
and  sacrilegious  person  or  persons  Iiaveing  broke  into  the  North  Window  of  the 
steeple  of  the  said  Church,  and  broke  down  the  window  of  the  Vestry  Room  did 
cut  or  tare  off  the  sleeve  of  one  of  the  surplices  that  ,was   in  the  said  Roome, 


OF  THE  State  of  'Nts.w  York.  2021 

and  did  rend  and  tare  another  to  pieces,  and  not  being  contented  with  that,  did 
carry  the  same  surplices  with  several  Common  Prayer  Boolies  &  Psalm  Boolies  into 
the  Church  Yard,  and  haveing  spread  the  surplice  on  the  Ground,  and  put  the 
Common  Prayer  Booljes,  and  Psalm  Bookes  Round  it,  left  their  ordure  on  the 
Sacred  Vestment,  as  the  greatest  outrage,  and  most  villanous  indignity  they  could 
offer  to  the  Church  of  England  and  her  Holy  Priesthood,  &  in  defiance  of  Gfod 
and  all  Religion. 

The  indefatigable  Care  and  diligence  your  Honors  and  the  Aldermen  of  this 
City  have  used  to  discover  the  Authors  of  such  unheard  of  villanies  are  sufiicient 
testimony  of  your  Honors  and  their  great  zeal  for  Religion  and  readyness  to  de- 
fend our  Church  from  such  sacrilegious  &  Barbarous  practices  &  to  protect  her 
minister  from  the  Insults  and  indignities  of  wicked  persons  disaffected  not  only 
to  her  holy  orders  &  doctrines  but  to  all  Christianity. 

Your  petitioner  therefore  in  order  to  detect  such  wicked  persons  thinks  him- 
self under  all  indispensable  duty  to  represent  to  your  Honor  That  on  Saturday 
night  last  your  petitioner  was  informed  by  tlie  under  sheriff  Mr.  Barnes  that  some 
shortt  time  before  the  Committing  this  Horrid  Wickedness,  that  a  person  or  per- 
sons at  the  house  of  Robert  Drummond  declared  and  threatened  that  he  or  they 
would  sacrifice  your  Petitioner  or  do  your  Petitioner  some  mischief  in  A  little 
time  or  to  that  effect. 

As  your  Petitioner  Conceives  such  Threatening  speeches  could  not  proceed  from 
any  personall  prejudice  he  not  haveing  (to  his  knowledge)  given  any  Just  occasion 
of  offence  to  any  person,  soe  your  petitioner  hath  good  reason  to  believe  that  noth- 
ing but  his  Holy  ffunction  could  render  him  obnoxious  to  such  irreligious  &  wicked 
persons,  who  are  most  to  be  suspected  as  Guilty  of  the  late  Sacrilegious  outrage 
committed  against  the  Church. 

Your  Petitioner  therefore  humbly  prayes  your  Honors  that  you  will  be  pleased 
to  proceed  in  your  Examination  into  these  great  offenses  in  order  to  discover  the 
Criminalls  &  bring  them  to  Condign  punishments;  And  that  your  Honors  will  in  the 
meantime  take  such  Lawfull  methods  for  preserving  your  petitioners  persons  from 
the  dangers  threatened  against  him,  as  in  your  wisdom  yoii  shall  think  most 
expedient. 

And  your  petitioner  shall  ever  pray  etc. 
New  York,  Feb.  15,   1713/14.  William  Vesey. 

Whereupon  this  Board  at  ye  Request  of  ye  said  Mr.  Vesey  sent  for  Benjamin 
Barnes,  Garrat  Van  laar,  Jane  Van  laar  &  Mary  Guest,  who  being  come  were  sev- 
erally sworn  upon  ye  Holy  Evangelists  &  Examined  relating  to  ye  aforesaid  prem- 
isesses  before  this  Board  and  their  Depositions  thereof  taken  in  writing  as  by  ye 
same  may  appeare.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  269,  270. 


Address   of    the    Minister    etc.    of    the    Reformed   Dutch 

Church. 

To  the  Honourable  her  Majesty's  Council  for  the  Province  of  New  York. 

New  York,  February  15,  1714. 

We  the  Ministers.  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch 
Church,  within  the  City  of  New  York,  cannot  sufficiently  express  our  abhorrence 
of  that  wicked  and  sacrilegious  fact  committed  the  night  between  Tuesday  and 
Wednesday  last,  by  some  impious  persons,  in  Trinity  Church  within  this  City,  being 
a  structure  built  and  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God;  the  discovery  &  punishment 
of  which  heinous  crime,  we  esteem  ourselves  so  deeply  concerned  in,  to  the  end 
it  may  deter  others  from  attempting  the  like  on  that,. our,  or  any  other  building 
set  apart  for  divine  worship  within  this  City;  that  we  humbly  take  leave  to  offer 
to  your  honours,  that  if  his  Excellency  or  your  honourable  Board  shall  think  fit 
to  issue  a  proclamation  with  reward  to  the  person  that  shall  make  a  discovery  of 


1714 


1714 


2022  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  said  wicked  offence,   we  will  clieerfully  contribute  the  sum  of  fifteen  pounds 
towards  an  encouragement  for  tlie  person  that  shall  make  such  a  discovery. 
We  are  your  most  dutiful,  most  humble  and  most  obedient  servants. 

In  nomine  Synodli 

Gualtherus  Du  Bois. 

In  Council  15  Feb.   1713.   (1714) 
The  Board  expresses  itself  extreamly  pleased  with  the  above  address   assureing 
them  that  they  would  Recommend  ye  same  to  his  Excellency. 

Mr.  Vesey  Rector  of  Trinity  Church  Attending  with  Wm.  Dobbs,  sexton  of  said 
Church  desireing  that  ye  said  Dobbs  may  be  admitted  to  cleare  himselfe  before 
this  Board  from  an  unjust  Imputation  laid  to  his  Charge  as  if  he  was  Concerned 
in  ye  late  Impious  Sacriledge  Committed  in  Trinity  Church  and  ye  said  Dobbs  being 
accordingly  Admitted  thereto  produced  severall  Credible  Witnesses  who  being 
Examined  upon  their  Oaths  &  their  Depositions  taken  before  this  Board  in  writing. 
By  all  which  Examinations  and  by  ye  Deposition  of  ye  said  William  Dobbs  who 
being  likewise  sworn  on  ye  holy  Evangelist  Declared  that  hee  does  not  directly  or 
indirectly  Know  or  Conceive  who  or  what  person  or  persons  Committed  ye  said 
sacrilegious  ffact.  This  Board  is  very  well  satisfied  and  Convinced  the  said  William 
Dobbs  was  not  any  ways  Concerned  in  the  said  Impious  ffact. 


Depositions.         (1714) 


James  Leigh  of  ye  City  of  New  York  Carpenter  being  sworn  upon  ye  holy 
Evangelist  Deposeth  &  Saith  as  followeth,  That  hee  very  well  knows  William 
Dobbs  Sexton  of  Trinity  Church  in  ye  City  of  New  York,  and  That  on  Tuesday  last 
being  Shrove  Tuesday  (he  saw  the  said)  William  Dobbs  have  a  fresh  wound  or 
scratch  on  his  left  hand  which  was  done  by  some  accident  before  Twelve  of  ye 
Clock  at  Noone  that  day  and  seeing  of  it  bleed  advised  him  to  wash  it  with  Rum 
and  binde  a  Handkerchiefe  about  it  to  keep  it  from  ye  Cold,  and  further  saith  that 
ye  Examinant  &  his  wife  spent  ye  Evening  of  ye  said  Day  at  ye  house  of  ye  said 
William  Dobbs  untill  about  eight  a  Clock  at  Night  about  which  time  they  went 
away,  and  that  at  ye  time  they  went  away  from  ye  said  house  there  was  noe 
Company  remained  in  ye  said  house  but  ye  said  William  Dobbs  &  his  family  as 
he  verily  believes  and  is  assured. 

Sworne  ye  15th  day  of  ffebruary,  1713.  (1714) 

.    ,  James  Lee. 

Coram     A.   D.  Peyster. 

Justina  Leigh  ye  wife  of  ye  within  named  James  Leigh  being  sworn  upon  ye 
holy  Evangelist  &  examined  Deposeth  &  saith  that  about  fHve  or  six  of  ye  Clock 
in  ye  Evening  on  Shrove  Tuesday  last  William  Dobbs  Sexton  of  Trinity  Church 
came  (to  this  deponent's)  house  &  sitting  by  ye  ffire  said  to  this  Deponent's  hus- 
band (showing  his  hand  at  ye  said  time  which  was  scratched)  I  wonder  James  how 
I  came  by  this  scratch  whether  it  was  by  throwing  of  snow  balls  or  by  ye  fflint 
of  his  Gun  that  day,  and  that  she  ye  Deponent  went  with  her  husband  that  Evening 
to  ye  house  of  ye  said  Dobbs  where  they  staid  untill  about  Eight  a  Clock,  and 
when  they  went  away  left  noe  Company  in  ye  Dobbs  house  to  her  knowledge  or 
beliefe  but  the  said  Dobbs  &  his  family. 

The  marke  H  of 
Sworne  ye  15th  day  of  Justina  Leigh, 

ffebruary,  1713.   (1714) 

Coram    A.  D.  Peyster. 

Catherine  Dobbs  ye  Wife  of  William  Dobbs  Sexton  of  Trinity  Church  in  New 
York  being  sworn  upon  the  holy  Evangelist  &  Examined  Deposeth  &  saith  as  fol- 
loweth: That  her  said  Husband  William  Dobbs  went  to  his  bed  in  his  house  on 
Shrove  Tuesday  night  last  before  Eight  a  Clock  and  that  she  very  well  knows 
&  is  assured  the  said  William  Dobbs  was  not  out  of  his  said  bed  untill  about  Six 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoke.  2023 

of  ye  Clock  ye  next  Morneing  at  which  time  his  Boy  who  as  usual  every  morneing 
had  been  at  ye  said  Church  to  see  if  all  was  well,  and  was  then  Returned  and 
acquainted  this  Deponent's  said  husband  that  ye  said  Church  was  broke  open 
Whereupon  this  Deponent  &  her  husband  went  to  ye  said  Church  to  Enquire  into 
ye  matter. 

The  marke  of 
X 
Sworne  ye  15th  day  of  Catherine  Dobbs. 

ffebruary,   1713.   (1714) 
Coram    A.  D.  Peyster. 

William  Dobbs  Sexton  of  Trinity  Church  in  New  York  being  sworn  upon  ye  holy 
Evangelist  &  Examined  Deposeth  &  saith  that  hee  went  to  his  bed  on  Shrove 
Tuesday  night  last  about  Eight  a  Clock,  and  Continued  in  his  said  Bed  untill  about 
Six  of  ye  Clock  ye  next  morning,  and  that  he  does  not  directly  or  Indirectly  know 
or  Conceive  who  or  what  person  or  persons  broke  into  Trinity  Church  and  com- 
mitted ye  Sacriledge  there  on  Tuesday  night  last,  and  that  hee  ye  said  Examinant 
haveing  ye  Custody  &  keeping  of  ye  Keys  belonging  to  ye  said  Church  Is  very 
well  assured  &  believes  they  were  not  out  of  his  house  that  night. 

The  marke  of 
SD 
Sworne  ye  ISrh  day  of  •  William  Dobbs. 

ffebruary,  1713.  (1714) 
Coram    A.  D.  Peyster. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  pp.  270-272. 


Address  of  the  Ministers  and  Elders  of  the  French  Church 
IN  l^Ew  York.      (1714.) 

To  the  Honourable  Her  Majesties  Councell  for  the  Province  of  New  York. 

Wee  the  Ministers  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  French  Church  within  the  city 
of  New  York  cannot  sufficiently,  express  our  abhorence  of  that  Wicked,  and 
Sacrilegious  Fact,  committed  the  Night  Between  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  Last, 
by  some  impious  Persons  in  Trinity  Church  within  this  Citty.  Being  a  Structure 
built  and  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God,  the  discovery  and  punishment  of  which 
hainous  crime,  wee  estime  ourselves,  so  deeply  concerned  in,  to  the  end  it  may 
deterr  others  from  attempting  the  Like  on  that,  our,  or  any  other  Building  sett 
apart  for  divine  worshipp  within  this  Citty;  That  wee  humbly  take  leave  to  offer 
to  your  honnours.  That  if  his  Excellency,  or  your  honnourable  board,  shall  think 
fltt  to  Issue  a  proclamation,  with  a  Reward  to  the  Person  that  shall  make  a  dis- 
covery of  the  said  wicked  offence;  wee  shall  Cheerfully  contribute  the  sume  of 
ten  Pounds  towards  an  Incouragement  for  the  Person  that  shall  make  such  a 
Discovery,  and  in  duty  bound  we  shall  pray  etc. 

Lewis  Rou,  Minister  of  the  French  Church  in  New  York.    John  Barberle,  Elder 
Louis  Carre,  ancien  Jean  Lafont,  anclen  Andre  Fryneau,  ancien. 
New  York. 

16th  of  February  1713/14. 

—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   ill.  p.   272. 


1714 


1714 


2024  EccLEsiASTicAii  Eecords 


Action  of  the  Council. 

At  a  meeting  of  ye   Council  in  New  York,   ye  17th  day  of  ffebruary  1713   (1714) 

Present  —  Coll.  Depeyster  Mr.  Van  Dam 

Doctor  Staats  Mr.  Barberie 

Capt.  Walters  .  Mr.  Phillips 

At  ye  request  of  Mr.  Vesey  this  Board  sent  for  &  Examined  several  persons  all 
relating  to  ye  late  outrages  Committed  in  Trinity  Church  &  to  ye  abuses  alleadged 
by  Mr.  Vesey  in  his  petition  to  be  Committed  against  him  as  ye  Examinations  of 
Robert  Drummond  &  Anne  his  wife,  Richard  Willett  &  Thomas  ffell. 


Depositions.     (1714)  •  ^ 

Robert  Drummond  of  ye  City  of  New  York,  Vintner,  beaeing  sworn  upon  ye  holy 
Evangelist  &  Examined,  Deposeth  and  saith  as  followeth:  That  about  ye  latter 
End  of  December  last,  Mr.  Lawrence  Smith  being  at  this  Deponents  house,  and 
upon  some  discourse  had  between  the  said  Mr.  Smith  and  one  Mary  Guest,  then 
Nurse  to  this  Deponent's  Wife,  being  a  Quaker  about  Religion,  the  said  Mr.  Smitu 
told  her  that  if  she  would  give  him  Twenty  shillings  he  would  turn  Quaker,  and 
swore  heartily  to  it;  and  then  she  asked  him  why  he  did  not  goe  to  Church,  he 
Replyed  that  he  had  noe  Church  to  goe  to,  for  that  Mr.  Sharpe  was  gone,  and  aa 
for  Mr.  Vesey  he  said  he  was  a  villaine  &  a  Rascall  because  he  Espoused  his 
Brother  Phillips  Cadse  in  an  ill  thing;  and  that  Mr.  Vesey  had  proposed  to  send 
word  to  my  Lady  Hay,  that  his  Excellency  our  Governor  had  to  doe  with  Lieut. 
Riggs  wife,  and  that  it  might  have  occasioned  my  Lady  to  loose  her  child,  and 
said  that  it  was  better  my  Lady  should  loose  her  child  than  one  of  ye  Brethren 
should  sufiCer  and  said  ye  said  Mr.  Vesey  in  time  should  Repent  it. 
Sworn  ye  17th  day  of  Rob.   Drummond. 

ffebruary   Anno  Dm.   1713.   (1714) 

Coram  A.   D.   Peyster. 

Anne  Drummond,  wife  of  Robert  Di-ummond  of  ye  City  of  New  York  Vintner 
being  sworn  upon  ye  Holy  Evangelist  of  Almighty  God  &  Examined  Deposeth  & 
saith  as  followeth  That  about  ye  latter  end  of  December  last  Mr.  Lawrence  Smith 
being  at  this  Deponent's  house,  amongst  other  Discourse,  the  said  Mr.  Smith 
talking  of  Mr.  Vesey  said  he  was  a  Rogue  a  Rascall  and  a  Villaine,  and  that 
Mr.  Vesey  had  said  that  ye  Governour  was  great  with  Mrs.  Riggs,  and  it  was 
enough  to  have  made  my  Lady  miscarry,  and  that  he  would  Repent  it. 

Sworn  ye  17th  day  of  Ann  Dromomad. 

ffebruary   Anno  Dm.   1713.   (1714) 
Coram  A.   D.  Peyster. 

Richard  Willett  of  ye  City  of  New  York  merchant  being  sworn  upon  ye  holy 
Evangelist  &  Examined  Deposeth  and  saith  as  followeth  That  about  Christmas 
last  this  Deponent  being  at  ye  Coffee  house  in  this  City  one  morning,  heard 
Mr.   John  Graham  Raileing  at  some  body  after  an  extraordinary  manner  and  at 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2025 

last  giving  more  attention  lieard  it  was  against  Mr.  Vesey  who  he  was  Darning 
and  using  very  many  opprobrious  expressions  against  and  said  that  he  deserved 
to  be  Drubbed  and  that  he  was  a  scoundrell  fellow. 

Sworn  ye  17th  day  of  Richard  Willett. 

fCebruary  Anno.  Dm.  1713.   (1714)  ,  . 

Coram  A.  D.  Peyster.  '    ■ 


Thomas  Fell  of  ye  City  of  New  York  Gentl.  being  sworn  upon  ye  Holy  Evangelist 
&  Examined  Deposeth  &  saith  as  followeth  That  about  six  or  seven  weeks  agoe 
being  in  Company  heard  Mr.  John  Graham  ye  Weighmaster  of  this  City  amongst 
other  Discourse  say,  what  a  tool  was  I  to  goe  to  Church  to  hear  a  sermon  made 
against  myselfe  meaning  as  he  believes  a  sermon  that  had  lately  beene  preached 
at  Trinity  Church  in  this  City. 

Sworn  ye  17th  day  of  Theo.  Fell, 

fifebruary  Anno.  Dm.  1713.   (1714) 


1714 


Coram  A.   D.  Peyster. 


—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  viii.  pp.  273,  274. 


Address  of  the  Rector  and  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church  in 
New  York.      (1714) 

To  the  Honorable  the  Gentlemen  of  Her  Majesties  Council  for  the  Province  of 
New  York  in  America. 

We  the  Rector,  Church  Wardens  &  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church  in  the  City  of  New 
York  in  Vestry  Assembled  having  taken  into  Consideration,  that  late  most  Im- 
pious &  wicked  Fact,  committed  against  our  Church,  as  the  same  has  been  laid 
before  your  Honorable  Board  by  the  Reverend  William  Vesey  Rector  of  our  said 
Church,  think  ourselves  oblidged  to  Declare  our  Detestation  and  abhorrence  of 
such  a  sacrilegious  affront  done  to  the  Church  of  England  and  all  Religion. 

The  diligent  search  &  strict  examination,  your  Honorable  Board,  as  also  the 
Magistrates  of  this  City,  have  used  and  taken  to  Discover  such  Heinous  Offenders, 
gives  us  the  greatest  Satisfaction,  believing  the  great  readiness  &  zeal,  that  has 
been  shewed  &  Exerted  on  this  Occasion,  may  be  a  great  means  to  prevent,  such 
lewd  <&  Irreligious  practices  for  the  future,  and  which  deserves  from  us  the  most 
hearty  acknowledgements.  Nor  do  we  receive  less  Consolation  from  the  Pious 
Concern  our  Christian  Brethren  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church,  and 
Reformed  French  Church,  within  this  City  have  expressed  on  this  Occasion,  and 
their  Generous  Contributions  offered  towards  a  Discovery  of  the  Malefactors,  are 
sufficient  Evidences  of  the  great  Christian  Charity  &  brotherly  love  that  have  long 
been  established  between  us,  and  which  we  hope  will  always  continue  to  the 
great  Disappointment  of  the  Enemies  of  Christianity. 

We  beg  leave  to  observe  to  your  Honorable  Board  that  notwithstanding  his  Ex- 
cellencies Proclamation  against  Immorality  &  profaneness  the  great  diligence  of 
the  Magistracy  of  this  City  in  their  several  Stations,  there  are  some  Busey  mockers 
&  scoffers  of  Religion,  who  Ridicule  both  Sacred  things  &  Orders  by  their  pro- 
fane Lampoons  thereby  vilifying  the  Ministers  of  Christ,  &  Exposing  them  &  their 
Holy  Function  to  Reproach  &  Contempt;  And  it  is  with  ye  greatest  Concern  that 
we  find  these  Vices  so  Flagrant  That  ye  Innocent  &  unblameable  Life  &  Conversa- 
tion of  our   Reverend   Rector  for  many   Years   among  us,    have  not  been  able  to 


1714 


2026  Ecclesiastical^  Records 

Protect  him  from  ye  false  Calumnies  and  Barbarous  Reproaches  &  Threateningg 
of  such  Irreligious  &  wicked  persons,  which  we  humbly  conceive  hinders  the 
Word  of  God,  &  naturally  tends  to  Infidelity  &  Atheism. 

To  the  end  therefore  that  these  presumptuous  Defenders  against  our  Holy 
Church,  may  be  Discovered  and  brought  to  Exemplary  Punishment,  that  thereby 
a  stop  may  be  put  to  this  Torrent  of  Lewdness  Irrellglon  &  Atheism,  We  humbly 
pray  your  Honors  to  Recommend  to  his  Excellency  the  Issuing  out  a  Proclamation 
with  a  Promise  of  Pardon  to  any  one  of  the  said  Offenders,  that  shall  discover 
the  other  so  that  they  be  thereof  Convicted,  &  also  to  have  all  the  Rewards  therein 
mentioned  and  as  an  Incouragement  for  the  said  Discovery,  We  the  Rector,  Church 
Wardens  &  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church  aforesaid  will  willingly  Contribute  &  pay 
to  the  Discovering,  the  sum  of  Thirty  pounds,  and  shall  always  most  gratefully 
acknowledge  the  Great  Obligations  we  owe  to  this  Honorable  Board  for  their 
Zealous  Care  &  Protection,  of  our  Injured  Church,  and  we  are  with  the  greatest 
Regards 

Your   Honors  most    Obedient   humble   Servants, 
Will.  Vesey,  Rector. 

J.  Stevens  p.  Barberie,  Church  Warden. 

Alexr.  Moore  Tho.  Clarke 

T.  Noxon  Nathll.  Marston 

Joseph  Wright  May  Bickley 

Simeon  Soumajln  Richd.  Willett 

Rich.  Harris  H.  Vernon 

Cornelius  Lodge  Jno.  Reade 

Robt.  Elistow  Thos.   Davenport. 
Will  Anderson 

Signed  in  Vestry, 

flCebruary   19th   1713.    [1714.]  —Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  274,  275. 


The  Council  to  Governor  Hunter.      (1714) 

May  it  please  your  Majesty  Since  your  Excellency's  departure 
from  this  province  wee  have  had  nothing  of  moment  to  Impart 
to  your  Excellency  untill  now  that  we  think  ourselves  obliged  to 
trouble  your  Excellency  with  a  matter  relateing  to  Trinity  Church 
being  broke  open  &  severall  Outrages  committed  therein  on 
Shrove  Tuesday  night  last  in  ye  manner  Your  Excellency  will 
observe  by  a  copy  of  Mr,  Yesey's  petition  which  wee  send  Your 
Excellency,  Some  days  before  that  petition  of  Mr.  Yesey's  was 
presented  to  us  wee  had  Information  of  that  matter,  &  had  sent 
for  &  examined  severall  persons  concerning  it,  and  since  that  peti- 
tion have  had  severall  meetings  &  examined  severall  persons  at 
Mr.  Yesey's  Request  as  well  concerning  that  ffact,  as  ye  abuses 


OF  THE  State  of  E'ew  York.  2027 

alleadged  in  Mr.  Vesey's  Petition,  but  cannot  yet  make  any  Dis- 
covery of  ye  persons  who  committed  that  Impious  ff act,  We  like^ 
wise  acquaint  Your  Excellency  that  ye  English  Dutch  &  Erench 
Congregations  here  having  severally  addressed  us  to  Recommend 
to  Your  Excellency  to  Issue  a  Proclamation  in  order  to  ye  Dis- 
covery and  apprehending  ye  malefactors,  severally  proposeing  a 
Reward  to  ye  persons  makeing  such  discovery,  wee  likewise  send 
Your  Excellency  Copyes  of  ye  said  addresses  humbly  Recom- 
mending ye  same  to  your  Excellency's  Consideration  and  remaine, 
Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  Servants. —  Doc.  Hist. 
N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  275. 

A  Proclamation  for  the  Discovert  of  those  who   Dese- 
crated Trinity  Church.      [March  3,  1714.] 

By  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter,  Esq.;  Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief 
of  the  Provinces  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  all  the  Territories  thereon  de- 
pending in  America,  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same,  etc. 

A  Proclamation. 

Whereas,  it  hath  been  represented  to  me  by  some  of  the  Gentlemen  of  her 
Majesty's  Council  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  that  in  the  night  between  the 
ninth  and  tenth  days  of  February  last,  Trinity  Church  in  that  City  was  broke  open, 
the  books  of  divine  service,  and  the  vestments  dedicated  to  that  use  carried  out, 
tore  to  pieces,  and  grossly  defiled.  And  whereas,  such  an  impious  outrage  cannot 
be  supposed  to  have  been  perpetrated  by  any  but  such  as  are  avowed  enemies  of 
religion  in  general,  or  to  the  civil  and  religious  constitution  of  England  in  par- 
ticular, or  such  as  for  filthy  lucre,  or  worse  purposes,  may  have  in  appearance 
conformed  to,  or  complied  with  either,  but  by  their  unchristian  and  lewd  con- 
versation, and  their  disloyal  and  seditious  conduct,  sufHciently  manifest  their 
aversion  to  both;  to  the  end, '  therefore,  that  the  actors,  abettors,  or  contrivers 
of  such  an  unexampled  aft'ront  to  religion  and  the  Church  of  England  may  be  de- 
tected, and  the  hellish  devices  of  those  who  may  have  endeavored  to  load  the  in- 
nocent with  their  own  guilt  may  be  disappointed,  I  have  thought  fit  by  virtue  of  the 
powers  and  authorities  granted  to  me  by  her  Majesty's  letters  patent  under  the 
broad  seal  of  Great  Britain,  to  make,  and  order  to  be  published,  this  Proclamation, 
promising  a  reward  of  fifty  five  pounds  to  any  person  or  persons  not  guilty  of 
the  above  recited  atrocious  crime,  who  shall  make  such  discovery  of  the  same  as 
may  be  sufficient  for  the  conviction  of  the  authors  or  contrivers  of  that  impiety  in 
a  due  course  of  law,  and  if  any  person  guilty  of  the  same,  shall  make  such  dis- 
covery of  his  accomplices  as  is  above  said,  such  person  is  hereby  entitled  to  and 
promised  the  reward  above  mentioned,  besides  indemnity  and  pardon  for  himself 
and  one  more,  such  as  he  shall  name,  if  more  than  two  were  guilty  of,  or  privy 


1714 


1714 


2028  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

to  the  fact.     Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  Burlington,   in  New  Jersey,   the 
third  day  of  March,  in  the  12th  year  of  her  Majesty's  reign.  Anno  Domini,  1Y14. 

Ro.  Hunter. 
By  his  Excellency's  command,  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  p.  276. 

Geo.  Clark. 

Remaeks  on  the  Peeceding,  Addressed  to   General 
Nicholson. 

Upon  the  villanous  indignity  offered  lately  to  our  church,  the  Council  imme- 
diately assembled  and  used  their  utmost  endeavours  to  find  out  the  offenders; 
and  wrote  to  the  Governor  who  was  then  at  Burlington  on  this  occasion:  upon 
which  the  enclosed  proclamation  was  issued;  and  his  Excellency  acquainted  the 
Council  by  letter,  that  they  had  not  made  proper  steps  to  discover  the  crime, 
or  to  this  effect;  besides  that  it  was  the  business  of  the  Magistrates  of  the  town 
to  enquire  into  it,  and  that  the  chief  points  they  had  been  upon  were  on  Mr. 
Vesey's  being  calumniated,  and  some  persons  speaking  amiss  of  him.  Had  not 
the  Gentlemen  of  the  Council  been  very  active  in  this  affair,  they  would  cer- 
tainly have  been  blamed,  notwithstanding  it  is  found  convenient  now  to  repri- 
mand them  for  their  zeal;  and  if  they  took  notice  among  other  things,  of  Mr. 
Vesey's  barbarous  usage,  that  the  resentments  of  some  extravagant  people  have 
come  to  pass  as  to  threaten  his  life,  which  appeared  very  plain  to  the  Council, 
can  this  in  honor  or  justice  draw  down  his  Excellency's  displeasure? 

As  to  the  magistrates  of  the  town  they  are  indeed  more  at  his  Excellency's 
disposal. 

Mr.  Vesey  has  been  sent  for  by  the  Grand  Jury,  and  will  inform  you  how  he 
has  been  handled. 

The  Proclamation  throws  the  guilt  of  this  unpardonable  outrage  on  the  very 
persons  who  have  complained  of  it,  and  who  are  sincerely  in  the  interest  of  the 
Church,  and  reflects  in  such  an  unchristian  manner  on  Mr.  Vesey,  by  pretending 
that  he  conformed  to  the  church  for  filthy  lucre,  that  a  good  man  would  blush 
to  read  it.  These  places  are  marked  in  the  Proclamation,  and  his  Excellency, 
notwithstanding  the  unexampled  affront  to  religion,  has  neither  sent,  writ,  nor 
spoke,  to  Mr.  Vesey,  that  I  can  learn  on  this  affair;  so  that  you'll  be  pleased  to 
judge.  Sir,  what  favor  or  protection  he  is  to  hope  for  of  our  Church,  by  the 
treatment  of  our  minister.  I  have  always  looked  on  Mr.  Vesey  to  be  a  religiouB, 
good  man;  valuable  to  his  parishoners,  and  inoffensive  in  his  conversation,  and 
if  a  testimonial  of  this  were  required,  his  parishioners  in  general  would  be  desirous 
to  do  him  justice.     Hawks'  Church  Rec—  Doc.  Hist.  New  York,  Vol.   iii.  p.  277. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2029 

1714 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Consistory  of  the  Rev.  Antonides, 
March  14,  1714.     xxviii.  128. 

Reverend  and  Much  Beloved  Brethren  in  Christ : — 

Your  letter  of  January  28th  1713,  with  the  accompanying 
documents,  we  safely  received  in  due  time.  We  will  not  attempt 
to  answer  everything  mentioned  therein,  but 

1.  As  regards  the  liberty  of  your  Church.  Our  preceding  let- 
ters are  witness  how  dear  this  is  to  our  hearts,  and  what  efforts 
we  have  made  to  promote  it.  It  is  grievous  to  us  that  the  desired 
results  have  not  followed.  It  is  not  our  fault  that  the  last  request 
concerning  it,  made  to  the  Lord  Counsel  Pensioner,  was  of  no 
avail ;  nor  must  the  failure  be  laid  to  the  disposition  of  that  lord, 
which  was  good,  but  to  the  general  vicissitude  of  earthly  affairs. 
Of  this  you  yourselves  can  well  judge,  and  have  already  antici- 
pated. We  trust  that  time  will  bring  better  opportunities,  as  w^ell 
as  a  change  of  Governors.  But  much  can  be  done  towards  the  end 
desired  by  a  cessation  of  all  strife,  and  the  mutual  pacification 
of  the  divided  churches. 

You  appear  to  consider  it  strange  that  Classis  has  made  no 
decision  concerning  the  responsibility  of  the  contention  among 
you.  But  this  should  not  be  strange,  for  the  Classis  does  not  find 
herself  in  a  condition  to  dispose  of  the  matter  by  a  final  decision, 
partly  on  account  of  the  distance,  and  other  circumstances,  she 
cannot  take  that  cognizance  which  is  necessary  to  a  decisive  judg- 
ment; and  especially  because  the  reports  from  the  two  sides,  on 
the  subject,  vary  so  greatly.  But  further:  the  Classis  has  not 
thought  it  expedient  to  give  a  decision,  because  she  anticipated 
that  by  such  means  the  desired  end  of  quietness  and  peace  would 
probably  not  be  secured.  Then  again,  how  often  does  it  happen  in 
Ecclesiastical  Assemblies,  that,   although  they  are  possessed  of 


2030  Ecclesiastic Ai/  Records 

suflScient  information,  yet  they  pursue  a  plan  of  seeking  to  effect 
an  amicable  adjustment  and  pacification,  by  mutual  conference, 
rather  than  to  impose  a  decision.  In  this  the  circumstances  are 
such,  that  not  only  our  love  for  peace,  but  our  wisdom  and 
prudence,  lead  us  thus  to  act.  You  are  especially  grieved  because 
Classis  does  not  appear  to  be  in  a  condition  to  adjust  your  dif- 
ferences by  her  counsel ;  and  this  you  interpret,  as  if  Classis  with- 
drew herself  from  you,  and  let  your  churches  drift,  and  even 
refused  altogether  to  give  counsel.  The  contents  of  the  letter  re- 
ferred to,  show  the  contrary.  Therein,  indeed,  were  some  general 
counsels  and  exhortations  to  mutual  peace  and  adjustment  of  dif- 
ferences ;  and  also  something  special,  which  was  proposed  to  your 
consideration  as  conducive  to  that  end.  It  is  true  that  the  Classis 
was  not  in  condition,  on  account  of  lack  of  full  information  con- 
cerning your  churches  and  their  difficulties,  to  make  more  par- 
ticular propositions,  such  as  they  might  suppose  would  be  suitable 
for  smoothing  your  differences. 

You  complain  because  a  copy  of  the  letter  written  to  Rev. 
Antonides  was  also  sent  to  Rev.  Freerman.  This  was  done  on  the 
express  order  of  Classis.  As  it  has  not  been  unpleasant  for  you 
to  receive  a  copy  of  the  letter  written  to  Rev.  Freerman,  so  also 
you  should  not  consider  it  strange  that  a  copy  of  the  letter  written 
to  Rev.  Antonides  should  be  sent  to  Rev.  Freerman.  The  Classis 
had  no  other  aim  therein  than  to  show  to  both  parties,  by  a  mutual 
communication  of  their  letters,  how  much  she  desires  peace,  and 
how  earnestly  she  counsels  it.  If  anything  was  said  in  that  letter, 
which,  according  to  your  judgment,  might  have  better  remained 
uncommunicated,  that  circumstance  was  purely  accidental,  and 
was  not  done  with  any  such  design  as  you  suppose.  Especially 
did  it  have  no  special  significance  as  to  the  moneys  which  Rev. 
Antonides  was  owing  to  the  Classis,  although,  indeed,  we  had 
reason  to  commiserate  ourselves  in  that  business ;  for  we  have  not 
only  received  no  money  from  him,  but  upon  our  repeated  writing, 
have  received  no  answer  from  him.    We  shall,  with  your  approba- 


OF  THE  State  of  E'ew  York.  2031 

tion,  dispose  of  the  business  over  here,  as  far  as  the  means  will 
go,  for  the  payment  of  that  debt.  That  we  have  not  done  this  at 
our  own  option  before,  as  we  did  in  the  case  of  Rev.  Vas,  the 
reason  and  the  difference  are  obvious.  The  debt  of  the  Kev. 
Antonides  was  a  personal  debt,  which  affected  himself  alone. 
Therefore  we  did  not  wish  to  use  our  liberty  to  dispose  of  moneys 
belonging  to  your  church  without  your  consent  and  approbation. 

Kow  as  regards  the  principal  matter.  We  were  rejoiced  when 
we  learned  that  our  exhortation  to  peace  had  had  some  results; 
that  negotiations  had  been  entered  into  for  the  settlement  of  the 
lighter  difficulties.  But  we  are  grieved  that  these  negotiations 
ended  fruitlessly;  and  worse  still,  that  the  estrangement  appears 
to  have  been  increased  rather  than  diminished  by  them.  We 
easily  perceive  that  these  alienations  and  schisms  will  prove  a  sure 
way  to  the  ruin  and  destruction  of  your  church,  and  the  annihila- 
tion of  the  liberty  which  yet  remains,  unless  they  be  removed  by 
prompt  remedies. 

This  has  led  the  Classis  to  intervene  with  her  counsel  and 
j-udgment.  She  has  charged  us  to  write  both  to  you  and  to  the 
Rev.  Freerman  and  his  friends,  that  her  advice  and  judgment  are, 
that  the  negotiations  for  peace  ought  to  be  reopened,  and  that  you 
should  make  peace  on  the  following  conditions : 

1.  That  both  the  pastors,  viz.,  Antonides  and  Freerman,  retain 
their  respective  positions,  jointly  taking  charge  of  the  service  of 
the  church,  and  drawing  equal  salary. 

2.  That  when  the  time  of  election  of  elders  and  deacons  arrives, 
that  they,  (the  two  Consistories)  jointly  choose  elders  and  deacons, 
according  to  the  old  custom,  and  thus  appoint  one  Consistory 
which  shall  rule  the  united  churches  together  with  the  two  pastors. 

3.  That  in  whatsoever  things  either  has  felt  himself  aggrieved, 
during  the  period  of  disaffection  and  division  they  shall  both  for- 
get and  forgive,  and  henceforth  live  with  each  other  in  peace  and 
brotherly  love  and  unity. 

The  Classis  judges  that  this  ought  to  be  done,  and  is  the  best 


1714 


1714 


2032  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

method  to  restore  peace  and  quiet  to  your  church.  She  expects 
and  trusts  that  you  will  submit  yourself  to  this  decision,  and 
mutually  enter  upon  this  plan  of  peace. 

The  Classis  does  not  demand  of  you  that  you  shall  consider  the 
call  of  Rev.  Freerman  to  have  been  legal,  or  to  declare  it  to  be 
legal.  ISTo,  indeed.  We  are  aware  that  as  long  as  one  is  of  the 
contrary  opinion,  he  cannot  do  this.  But  the  Classis  demands 
this  of  you :  that  you  drop  the  whole  dispute  regarding  the  legality 
or  illegality  of  the  call,  out  of  common  love  for  peace ;  and  by  a 
Christian  indulgence,  overlook  that,  which  according  to  your  judg- 
ment, may  be  considered  illegal  in  his  call;  and  that  you  hence- 
forth treat  and  meet  him,  as  it  is  customary  to  treat  and  meet  a 
lawful  pastor. 

We  trust  that  love  for  the  welfare  of  your  churches  may  incline 
your  hearts  to  peace,  and  control  your  predilections ;  that  you 
may  set  aside  all  human  preferences,  and  overcome  all  hindrances, 
and  thus  promote  the  good  work  of  peace  by  Christian  forbearance. 

Indeed,  we  have  ourselves  in  this  whole  matter,  wished  to  give 
you  an  example ;  for  we  have  allowed  several  things  which  occurred 
in  your  last  letter,  about  which  the  Classis  might  justly  have 
showed  some  sensitiveness,  to  pass  by  unnoticed  and  untouched. 

May  the  very  God  of  peace  incline  your  hearts  to  peace  and 
love,  and  command  upon  you  his  peace  and  blessing  forevermore. 

Johannes  Vander  Hageu. 
Johannes  Van  Starveren. 
'  Deputati,  etc. 

March  14,  1Y14. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  2033 

Classis  of  Amstebdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  He  v.  Freerman,  March  14,  1714. 

xxviii.  130. 

Reverend  Sir  and  Brother : — 

From  the  letter  sent  to  jon,  and  to  the  Rev.  Consistory  which 
stands  by  you,  you  will  see  how  sorely  it  grieves  the  Classis  that 
the  peace  negotiations  ended  so  fruitlessly.  You  will  also  see 
what,  according  to  the  judgment  of  the  Classis,  ought  to  be  done, 
viz.,  to  reopen  the  interrupted  negotiations  and  bring  them  to  a 
happy  issue.  We  add  these  particulars  for  you  on  this  matter,  not 
only  especially  to  exhort  you  thereby  to  give  proofs  of  your  pacific 
spirit,  but  to  urge  you  to  allow  nothing  to  be  lacking  on  your  part 
to  prevent  this  salutary  effort  from  making  progress,  and  coming 
to  a  blessed  result. 

We  also  want  to  give  you  some  instruction  with  regard  to  the 
voorlezer,  (Van)  Vlek,  of  whom  you  give  a  detailed  account  in 
your  letter.  Concerning  that  business  we  have  only  to  say  that 
Revs.  Du  Bois  and  Antonides  were  right,  when  they  said  that  they 
could  not  examine  and  ordain  him  as  a  pastor,  and  that  the  Classis 
would  not  have  taken  it  well,  if  they  had.  Both  they  and  you 
have  done  well  in  refusing  to  do  this,  as  such  an  act  would  in- 
fringe on  the  Church-Order;  and  such  things  (American  ordina- 
tions) belong  yet  in  the  distant  future.  For  however  fair  an 
appearance  such  acts  may  have,  they  really  are  preparing  the  way 
for  the  ruin  of  the  foreign  churches.  In  that  you  also  add,  that 
you  are  not  by  any  means  sure  that  you  have  not  this  power,  (of 
ordination),  for  you  could  not  be  a  fully  authorized  pastor  with- 
out it  —  all  this  shows  that  you  have  not  well  considered  the 
matter.  For  surely  we,  in  this  city  (of  Amsterdam),  as  pastors 
are  fully  authorized  (to  ordain);  yet  none  of  us  individually  has 


1714 


1714 


2034  EccLESiASTicAii  Records 

this  power,  nor  have  we  all  collectively.  'No  particular  church, 
however  great  she  is,  can  do  this  act.  But  it  is  only  the  Church- 
Order  (Constitution)  that  gives  the  power  to  several  churches 
when  regularly  convened  together  in  a  Classis.  But  this  Church- 
Order  does  not  give  this  power  to  the  pastors  of  the  Foreign 
Churches.  Xow  your  churches  remain  bound  to  that  Church 
Order  even  though  they  have  passed  under  another  political 
sovereignty.  This  Order  is  grounded  on  legal  methods  and  strong 
arguments,  and  has  for  its  objects  the  preservation  of  the  orthodox 
liberty  and  unity  of  the  churches.  This,  have  we  considered  it 
necessary  to  say,  for  your  instruction. 

There  is  also  one  other  thing  we  have  to  request  of  you,  that  you 
may  remove  every  obstacle  to  the  accomplishment  of  peace :  and 
that  is,  that  you  give  assurances  to  the  other  brethren  that  you  will 
adhere  to  the  l^etherlands  Church-Order,  and  will  maintain  all 
proper  correspondence  with  this  Classis.  For  on  this  subject  they 
seem  to  have  imbibed  some  misgivings  about  you.  By  an  open 
declaration  on  your  part,  these  can  easily  be  removed.  Indeed, 
Love  asks,  and  in  this  case,  the  promotion  of  the  common  peace  and 
mutual  unity,  demands,  that  one  should  remove  from  the  minds 
of  his  brethren  all  suspicion  of  evil,  especially  when  this  can  be  so 
easily  done. 

In  conclusion  we  desire  that  the  Lord  may  shower  down  upon 
you  every  gracious  gift  of  his  Spirit,  and  may  abundantly  bless 
and  make  fruitful  the  work  of  your  ministry. 

Johannes  Van  der  Hagen, 
Johannes  Van  Stoorum. 

Dep.  etc. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2035 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  Eev.  Giialteriis  Du  Bois,  March, 
14,  1714.     xxviii.   133. 

Reverend  Sir  and  Brother: — ■■ 

Last  year  we  received  packets  of  papers  from  the  Consistories 
of  both  Rev.  Antonides  and  Rev.  Freerman,  concerning  the 
troubles  and  divisions  which  have  for  so  long  a  time  existed  in 
their  churches.  They  also  related  to  the  efforts  which  have  been 
made,  upon  the  exhortation  of  the  Classis  thereto,  to  adjust  the 
differences  and  restore  quiet ;  but  these  efforts  have  so  far  not  only 
proved  fruitless,  but  have  actually  produced  results  far  different 
from  what  the  Classis  had  hoped. 

In  particular;  we  received  some  time  ago  a  long  letter  from 
the  Consistory  which  adheres  to  Antonides,  in  which  serious 
charges  and  sharp  words  occur,  besides  other  expressions  which 
are  even  reproachful  and  bitter.  They  are  of  a  character  not  at 
all  proper  in  any  ecclesiastical  Assembly,  and  are  by  no  means 
consonant  with  that  just  respect  and  proper  reverence  which  are 
due  such  a  Classical  Assembly  as  ours.  Our  Assembly  has  more- 
over, for  a  long  time,  taken  great  trouble  in  their  anxiety  for  the 
good  of  those  foreign  churches,  and  would  gladly  have  done  more 
if  it  had  been  possible.  She  has  also  in  these  troubles  ever  in- 
clined most  to  the  side  of  those  brethren  which  have  now  thus 
unkindly  treated  her. 

Those  good  people  seem  to  have  been  in  a  passion  when  they 
took  their  pen  in  hand.  Had  they  read  the  preceding  letters  from 
the  Classis  with  somewhat  more  attention,  and  given  heed  to  the 
true  state  of  affairs,  such  as  our  great  distance,  and  the  lack  of 
satisfactory  information ;  had  they  also  a  little  more  experience 
in  ecclesiastical  business  concerning  church  disputes,  they  would 
not  have  been  guilty  of  such  imaginings  as  they  exhibit  in  these 


1714 


1714 


2036  Ecclesiastical  Kecokds 

letters.  Or  if  they  had  seen  fit  to  communicate  with  you,  or  with 
some  one  who  had  knowledge  of  such  business,  and  who  was  out 
of  the  heat  of  the  dispute,  and  had  shaped  their  writings  accord- 
ingly, it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  such  cutting  and  reproachful 
words  would  have  issued  from  their  pen. 

The  Classis,  because  of  these  things,  might,  indeed,  have  shown 
some  sensitiveness  towards  such  writers;  but  love  for  the  welfare 
and  peace  of  those  churches  has  moved  her  to  overlook  such  things, 
in  order  to  give  a  proof  and  example  of  a  pacific  spirit.  The 
Classis  has,  however,  come  to  this  decision :  She  has  been  pleased 
to  express  her  satisfaction,  and  to  give  courteous  instruction  upon 
the  most  important  points,  with  all  kindness,  as  our  letter  shows. 
We  have,  by  order  of  the  Classis,  written  to  both  the  contending 
parties,  and  have  not  only  advised  them  to  renew  again  the  nego- 
tiations for  the  settlement  of  their  differences,  but  have  also  made 
known  to  them  the  definite  opinion  and  judgTnent  of  the  Classis 
as  to  the  conditions  upon  which  peace  ought  to  be  made.  Passing 
by  the  disputes  concerning  the  legality  or  illegality  of  the  call, 
these  consist  of  the  following: 

1.  That  both  the  pastors,  viz.,  Rev.  Antonides  and  Rev.  Freer- 
man  shall  retain  their  present  position  and  receive  equal  salaries. 

2.  That  when  the  time  of  election  of  elders  and  deacons  shall 
come,  according  to  ancient  custom,  they  shall  jointly  chaose  new 
elders  and  deacons,  and  appoint  them  as  the  Consistory,  to  rule, 
together  with  the  pastor,  over  the  united  congregations. 

3.  That  in  reference  to  the  past,  in  whatsoever  either  party 
may  feel  himself  wronged,  that  shall  be  forgotten  and  forgiven, 
and  all  shall  live  together  in  mutual  brotherly  love. 

We  have  wanted  to  give  you  an  account  of  all  this  in  advance, 
for  the  Classis  has  charged  us  to  request  you  to  lend  a  helping 
hand,  in  a  friendly  way,  to  this  good  work  of  peace.  We,  there- 
fore, in  her  name,  do  most  earnestly  recommend  this  work  to  you. 
By  your  meditation  and  labor  to  this  end,  the  salutary  object  of 
the  Classis  may  be  reached,  and  thus  rest  and  peace  be  restored 
to  those  churches. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  Yoke.  2037 

The  Classis  has  also  charged  us  again  to  suggest  to  you  the 
propriety  of  using  all  proper  means  for  the  calling  of  another 
pastor  in  your  own  congregation.  Then  in  case  of  your  decease, 
or  other  circumstances  arising,  your  church  would  not  be  left 
altogether  pastorless,  and  thereby  exposed  to  the  misfortunes 
which  might  overtake  her,  and  by  which  she  might  lose  the  liberty 
which  yet  remains  to  her. 

We  trust  that  love  for  the  neighboring  churches  as  well  as  for 
your  own  church,  will  lead  you  to  take  all  these  suggestions  kindly 
and  to  lay  them  earnestly  to  heart.  By  this  letter  the  Classis 
shows  her  own  good  motives,  namely,  the  peace  of  God's  church 
in  those  foreign  regions. 

We  pray  the  all-sufficient  God  to  confirm  you  in  the  work  of 
your  ministry,  and  to  take  you  and  your  entire  church  under  his 
father  care.     We  remain  etc.,  etc. 

Johannes  Van  der  Hagen, 
Johannes  Van  Starveren. 

Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies  and  their  Correspondence. 

The  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  the  Consistory  of  the  Rev.  Freer- 
man,  March  14,  1714.     xxviii.  134. 

Reverend  and  much  Beloved  Brethren  in  Christ : — 

From  the  letter  of  the  Rev.  Freerman  of  July  2nd,  1712,  with 
the  accompanying  documents,  we  perceive  that  our  letter  sent  to 
the  Rev.  Freermaii,  and  the  exhortation  to  peace  made  therein, 
had  the  result  of  leading  to  negotiations  for  the  settlement  of 
differences,  and  to  the  establishment  of  peace.  This  gave  us  great 
joy  and  we  hoped  for  great  good  therefrom.  But  we  learned  to 
our  great  sorrow  that  these  negotiations  not  only  came  to  a  fruit- 
less end,  but  what  is  still  worse,  strife  and  estrangement  were 
rather  increased  than  diminished  thereby.  This  has  greatly 
grieved  us,  and  we  look  upon  the  event  as  one  from  which  great 


1714 


2038  Ecclesiastical  Records 

evil  is  to  be  feared  for  your  churcii,  unless  this  is  prevented  by  a 
speedy  remedy. 

This  has  determined  the  Classis  to  intervene  with  her  counsel 
and  judgment.  She  has  therefore  charged  us  to  write  to  you  and 
to  Rev.  Antonides  and  his  friends,  that  her  advice  and  judgment 
are,  that  the  negotiations  for  peace  ought  to  be  pressed  to  a  proper 
issue,  and  that  you  should  make  peace  on  the  following  con- 
ditions : 

(1)  That  both  pastors,  viz.,  the  Rev.  Freerman  and  the  Rev. 
Antonides,  retain  their  respective  positions,  and  jointly  take 
charge  of  the  services  in  the  churches  and  draw  equal  salaries. 

(2)  That  when  the  time  for  election  of  elders  and  deacons 
comes  round,  you  jointly  choose  elders  and  deacons  according  to 
the  old  custom,  and  thus  appoint  one  Consistory  which  shall  rule 
the  united  churches  in  conjunction  with  the  two  pastors. 

(3)  That  in  whatsoever  either  may  feel  himself  aggrieved  dur- 
ing the  disaffection  and  division,  each  shall  forget  and  forgive, 
and  henceforth  live  with  each  other  in  peace  and  brotherly  love 
and  unity. 

The  Classis  judges  that  these  things  ought  to  be  done  as  the 
best  means  of  restoring  peace  and  quiet  in  your  church ;  and  she 
expects  and  trusts  that  you  will  submit  yourselves  to  this 
decision,  and  enter  on  these  plans  of  peace  as  proposed. 

We  believe  that  what  the  Classis  here  demands  is  just.  One 
must  not  stand  upon  the  circumstances  that  the  call  must  be 
acknowledged  as  legal ;  but  the  dispute  concerning  the  legality  or 
illegality  of  the  call  must,  out  of  love  and  peace,  be  entirely 
dropped;  and  in  Christian  indulgence  must  be  overlooked  what- 
ever one  considers  not  to  have  been  exactly  according  to  proper 
order;  and  henceforth  each  must  treat  and  meet  the  respective 
pastors  as  is  customary. 

We  hope  that  love  for  the  peace  and  quietude  of  the  church, 
and  its  edification,  will  operate  so  powerfully  upon  your  minds, 
that  you  will  set  all  mere  human  preferences  aside,  and  gladly 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  2039 

contribute  your  part  towards  the  securing  of  so  good  an  object, 
and  for  the  accomplishment  of  so  salutary  a  work. 

We  pray  that  the  AU-Sufficient  One  may  incline  your  hearts 
to  this,  and  bestow  his  blessing  on  your  effort;  that  the  disaffec- 
tions  and  divisions  which  have  existed  so  long  may  immediately 
cease,  and  your  churches  may  enjoy  rest  and  peace. 
We  commend  you  etc. 

Johannes  Van  der  Hagen, 
Johannes  Staveren,  etc. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Acts  of  the  Deputies. 

Kings  County,  Long  Island. 

1714,  March  19th.  In  the  enclosure  of  the  Consistory,  they, 
with  Eev.  Freeman the  following  is  submitted : 

1.  That  Rev.  Freeman  did  not  decline  the  call,  but  that  he 
wrote  for  more  salary;  and  said  he  would  wait  for  an  answer  in 
reference  to  that.     This  may  be  seen  in  the  letter  itself. 

2.  That  this  letter  of  Freeman's  was  read  to  the  congregation, 
and  they  were  asked  what  should  be  done ;  and  that  it  was  then 
determined  (to  grant)  Freeman  his  request  and  hold  fast  to  the 
call ;  and  to  write  to  Freeman,  that  eight  persons  had  made  them- 
selves responsible  for  that  increase  of  salary;  as  may  be  seen  in 
the  village  book. 

3.  That  this  displeased  some  elders,  and  these  said  that  they 
would  have  nothing  more  to  do  with  the  call  etc. 

4.  That  these  disaffected  elders  also  wrote  to  the  elders  of 
Schoonegtade,  (Schenectady,)  that  they  never  intended  to  call 
Rev.  Freeman ;  as  appears  from  their  letter. 

5.  That  the  congregation,  notwithstanding  this,  persisted  in 
their  call  once  made,  etc. 

6.  That  the  installation  of  Rev.  Freeman  at  'New  Utrecht,  by 
Rev.  Du  Bois,  had  not  been  for  ISTew  Utrecht  alone,  but  that  Rev. 


1714 


2040  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Du  Bois  had  installed  Freeman,  according  to  note  previously 
given,  for  New  Utreclit  and  the  combined  churches. 

7.  That  the  dissatisfied  elders,  without  authority,  and  without 
lawful  village-assembly,  went  around  clandestinely  from  house  to 
house,  to  secure  signatures  to  a  call  from  Holland,  pretending 
that  Rev.  Freeman  could  not  be  got,  etc. 

N^.  B.  In  the  letter  from  Freeman  to  Bankert,  written  July  2^ 
1Y12,  this  passage  is  to  be  noted : 

"  The  Rev.  Classis  also  cites  to  me  a  letter,  in  which  I  am 
supposed  to  have  declined  the  call  to  Long  Island.  I  will  not 
deny  what  I  wrote  to  you ;  that  however  I  did  not  write  to  the 
elders  or  congregation  here:  But  I  was  informed,  that  such  was 
the  pleasure  of  the  Hon.  Governor  and  the  congregation.  But  I 
found  it  was  otherwise  with  the  congregation  and  Governor;  and 
hence  I  did  not  send  my  letter  of  declination."    xxi.  577,  578. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Du  Bois  is  Written  to. 

1714,  April  3rd.  They  further  report  that  they  have  written 
to  Rev.  du  Bois,  minister  at  New  York,  in  compliance  with  the 
injunction  given  them  on  Jan.  9th,  ult.     ix.  307. 

To  Write  to  Rev.  Vas  and  Rev.  Antonides. 

1714,  April  3rd.  Likewise  that  the  letter,  which  the  Rev.  Vas 
requested  to  have  sent  back  to  him,  and  whereof  mention  was 
made  in  the  acta  of  the  preceding  Classis,  has  not  been  found. 
Therefore  the  Rev.  Assembly  resolved,  and  directed  them  to  write, 
that  although  said  letter  was  not  at  present  found,  nevertheless  it 
abundantly  appeared  from  our  Classical  acta,  that  a  letter  of  that 
purport,  had  reached  our  Assembly.  At  this  same  session  it  was 
resolved  that  those  members  of  this  Assembly,  in  whose  keeping 
are  the  money  sent  over  by  the  churches  of  New  Netherland,  shall 
enter  into  negotiation  with  the  Questor,  van  der  Heist,  to  decide 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  2041 

1714 

■what  amount  of  these  moneys  can  or  may  be  used  to  pay  the  debts 

of  Eevs.  Antonides  and  Vas.     The  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  shall 

also  write  the  aforesaid  Antonides  and  Vas,  how  far  that  portion 

of  these  moneys  has  availed  towards  the  satisfaction  of  their 

arrears,  and  to  ask  them  to  send  over  the  balance,  without  fail, 

and  as  soon  as  possible,     ix.  307. 

Queen  Anne's  Recognition  and  Instkuctions  of  Apkil  14, 

1714. 
Anne  E. 

Trusty  and  well  beloved,  we  greet  you  well. 

Whereas,  our  trusty  and  well  beloved,  the  Rector,  Church- 
Wardens,  and  Vestrymen  of  Trinity  Church  in  our  City  of  l!^ew 
York,  have  by  their  humble  address,  represented  unto  us,  that 
our  right  trusty  and  our  right  well  beloved  cousin  and  councillor 
Edward,  Earl  of  Clarendon,  our  late  Governor  of  our  province  of 
'New  York,  did  grant  a  lease  of  our  f arme  to  them  for  seven  years, 
under  the  rent  of  sixty  bushels  of  wheat  yearly  payable  unto  us, 
(the  like  having  been  before  granted  to  Colonel  Benjamin 
Fletcher,  Governor  under  our  late  royal  brother.  King  William, 
with  the  like  reservation,)  but  as  these  rents  were  esteemed  a 
perquisite  of  the  several  governors,  for  the  time  being,  the  said 
Colonel  Eletcher,  who  was  a  great  benefactor  and  promoter  of 
the  first  settling  of  that  Church,  did  remit  the  rent  during  his 
time  for  that  pious  use,  as  also  did  the  Earl  of  Clarendon,  so 
much  as  accrued  under  the  lease  granted  in  his  time. 

And  that  the  said  Earl,  for  promoting  the  interest  of  the  said 
Church,  and  settling  a  lasting  foundation  for  its  support,  did  by 
virtue  of  the  authority  derived  from  us,  under  our  great  seal  of 
England,  grant  the  same  farm  under  the  seal  of  our  province  of 
New  York,  to  the  Rector  and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New 
York,  in  communion  of  the  Church  of  England,  as  by  law  estab- 
lished, and  their  successors  forever,  under  the  yearly  rent  of  three 
shillings. 


2042  EccLESiASTioAij  Records 

But  that  the  corporation  of  the  said  Church,  are  now  prose- 
cuted in  our  Court  of  Chancery,  there  in  our  name,  for  the  several 
rents  reserved  on  the  leases  before  granted,  and  by  the  several 
governors  before  remitted,  and  that  our  letters  patent  for  the  said 
farm,  are  rendered  disputable,  and  therefore  humbly  imploring, 
that  v^e  will  be  graciously  pleased  to  give  such  directions  for 
stopping  the  said  prosecution  as  we  shall  think  fit. 

We  taking  the  premises  into  our  royal  consideration  have 
thought  fit  to  signify  our  will  and  pleasure  unto  you,  and  accord- 
ingly our  will  and  pleasure  is,  that  immediately  upon  receipt 
hereof,  you  do  stop  the  prosecution  now  carrying  on  in  our  Court 
of  Chancery  there  against  the  said  corporation,  and  do  not  suffer 
any  further  proceedings  to  be  had  in  that  suit,  until  we  shall 
signify  our  further  pleasure  to  you,  and  for  so  doing,  this  shall 
be  our  warrant,  and  so  we  bid  you  farewell. 

Given  at  our  Court  of  St.  James,  the  llth  day  of  April,  1714, 
in  the  thirteenth  year  of  our  reign. 

By  her  Majesty's  Command, 

Bolingbroke. 

To  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Robert  Hunter,  Esq.,  our 
Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  our  Province  of  New 
York,  in  America,  and  in  his  absence  to  the  Commander  in  Chief, 
or  to  the  President  of  the  Council  of  our  said  Province  for  the 
time  being. 

Note.  Governor  Cornbury  succeeded  to  the  title  of  the  Earl  in  1711.  His 
father  and  the  mother  of  the  Queen  were  brother  and  sister.  Hence  he  is  called 
cousin. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Rev.  Beits.     (Beys.) 

1714,  May  7th.  Rev.  Beits,  formerly  minister  at  Kingstown, 
having  been  brought  into  the  room,  requested  that  he  be  allowed 
to  defend  himself  against  the  accusations,  and  objections,  which 
from  time  to  time  had  been  brought  in  against  him,  in  this  As- 


OF  THE  State  of  I^Tew  York.  2043 

semblj.  Whereupon  it  was  resolved  that  the  Rev.  Deputati  ad 
res  Exteras  shall  confer  with  him,  and  make  a  report  thereof  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Rev.  Assembly,     ix.  309. 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to   

Jamaica,   Long  Island,   8th  May  1714. 
May  it  Please  Your   Excellency:- — 

The  Sectaries  in  my  parish  (with  whom  still  is  lodged  the  Major  part  of  the 
power  of  the  Magisty.)  have  lately  carried  their  designs  so  far  in  prejudice  of 
the  Established  Church  that  your  Excellency  will  pardon  me  if  I  anticipate  your 
Excellency's  commands  by  acquainting  you  at  this  time  with  some  part  of  my 
affairs   there. 

His  Excellency  Coll.  Hunter  arrived  here  in  June  1710  after  he  had  been  here 
about  two  years  he  was  pleased  to  send  me  the  72nd  Article  of  his  Instructions 
which  contain  these  words: 

"  You  are  to  give  Order  forthwith  (if  the  same  be  not  already  done)  that  every 
Orthodox  Minister  within  your  Government  be  one  of  the  Vestry  in  his  respective 
Parish  and  that  no  Vestry  be  held  without  them  except  in  cases  of  sickness  or 
that  after  notice  of  Vestry  summoned  he  omit  to  come." 

Enclosed  in  this  letter: — 

New   York,    May   1st,    1712. 
Rev.  Sir:— 

The  above  copy  of  an  article  of  her  Majesty's  Instructions  to  me  I  have  thought 
fit  to  direct  to  the  several  Ministers  within  this  Province  that  their  respective 
Vestry's  may  regulate  themselves  accordingly  and  if  there  be  any  practice  con- 
trary thereunto  I  desire  you  may  duly  inform  me  that  effectual  care  may  be  taken 
therein. 

I  remain  Rev.  Sir  etc.,   etc. 

Ro.    Hunter. 

The  Vestry  in  my  Parish  to  whom  I  communicated  the  same  took  no  manner 
of  notice  thereof  but  refused  to  permit  me  to  sit  with  them  of  which  I  acquainted 
the  Governor  verbally  but  no  care  being  taken  to  order  it  otherwise  I  lately  wrote 
to  his  Excellency  in  these  words. 

(See  preceding  letter,  dated  "  Jamaica  20  Jan.  1713  ") 
to  which  on  the  8th  of  March  I  received  this  answer: 

(See  preceding  letter  from  Gov.  Hunter,  dated  "  Burlington  14  February,   1713.") 

One  Quarters  Salary  being  due  to  me  this  year  I  applied  to  two  Justices  of 
the  Peace,  who  were  the  only  ones  that  were  true  friends  to  the  Church,  who 
signed  a  Warrant  to  order  the  Church  Wardens  to  pay  the  said  Quarters  Salary 
to  me;  who  refused  and  presently  after  a  Vestry  was  called  who  with  the  other 
Justices  who  are  Dissenters  ordered  the  money  raised  this  year  for  the  use  of 
the  Minister  of  the  Parish  to  be  paid  to  Mr.  George  McNish  a  Scotch  Independent 
Preacher,  who  has  also  the  possession  of  the  Parsonage  House  etc.,  whereupon  I 
sent  two  letters  to  the  Governor  in  these  words  — 

Jamaica,   15th  April,   1714. 
May  it  please  your  Excellency: 

I  am  honored  with  your  Excellency's  of  the  14th  February  last  and  being  acci- 
dentally informed  that  the  vestry  of  this  Parish  was  to  meet  this  day  (for  they 
meet  without  giving  me  any  notice  thereof)  I  went  to  them  &  acquainted  them 
with  the  contents  of  your  Excellency's  letters  to  which  they  paid  no  manner  of 
obedience  but  absolutely  refused  to  permit  me  to  sit  with  them  I  shall  not  grate 
your  Excellency's  Ears  with  the  relation  of  the  rude  circumstances  attending  this 
refusal  though  I  humbly  conceive  my  character  deserving  of  better  usage. 


1714 


1714 


2044  Ecclesiastical  Records 

I  had  an  Order  from  two  Justices  of  the  Peace  to  the  Church  Wardens  for  a 
Quarters  Salary  which  they  refused  to  pay  (the  Vestry  and  Church  Wardens  are 
all  Dissenters)  and  such  as  by  their  actings  manifest  no  regard  either  to  the 
Queen  your  Excellency  her  representative  here  or  the  Laws  of  the  Province. 

Of  these  things  I  acquaint  your  Excellency  in  pursuance  of  your  Excellency's 
command. 

May  it  please  etc. 

Thos.    Poyer. 

Jamaica,   22nd  April  1714. 
May  it  please  your  Excellency: 

These  in  obedience  to  your  Excellency's  order  will  inform  your  Excellency  that 
on  the  19th  Inst,  the  Justice  &  Vestry  of  the  Parish  met  and  have  ordered  the 
Sixty  pounds  raised  for  the  maintenance  of  the  minister  this  year  (and  which 
of  right  can  belong  to  none  but  myself)  to  be  paid  to  Mr.  George  Mc.  Nish  the 
independent  Preacher  here  which  unwarrantable  act  coming  on  the  bacli  of  so 
many  others  of  less  note  though  of  the  same  tendency  clearly  shews  to  what  a 
height  of  injustice  some  spirits  will  climb  when  they  are  (vainly  I  hope)  appre- 
hensive that  they  can  do  it  with  impunity. 

I  remain, 

May  it  please  etc. 

Thos.  Poyer. 
To  which  I   received  no  manner  of  answer. 

Things  being  brought  to  this  height  I  am  advised  by  all  my  Friends  here  that 
this  is  the  most  proper  time  to  begin  my  action  at  law  at  the  Supreme  Court 
in  this  Province  which  will  be  held  the  First  Tuesday  in  June  next  and  having 
no  express  commands  from  the  Venerable  Society  I  pray  your  Excellenc.v's  direc- 
tion herein. 

My  necessitous  circumstances  (having  never  received  one  penny  of  my  Salary 
or  any  thing  of  the  profits  of  the  Glebe  here)  will  plead  my  pardon  with  your 
Excellency  as  well  for  my  interrupting  your  Excellency's  affairs  herewith  as  crav- 
ing your  commands  time  enough  to  serve  this  Court. 

I  I  remain  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 

Thos.   Poyer. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   ill.   pp.   166,   167. 


Classis  OF  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

The  Consistory  of  Sckenectady  to  William  Bancker  at  xlmster- 

dam,    and  Rev.    Matthew   Winterwyek,    of   Alphen,    May    lY, 

1714. 

Portfolio,  "  N"ew  York  ",  Vol.  i. 

Much  Esteemed  Sirs: — 

It  is  the  Lord,  who  has  now  clearly  manifested  the  riches  of 
His  all-siifficiency,  in  that  He  wills  to  have  the  remembrance  of 
His  name  acknowledged  everywhere,  and  honored.  He  has,  in- 
deed, shown  us  His  divine  grace,  in  that  His  Gospel  of  grace  has 
been  proclaimed,  as  well  to  us  who  are  afar  off,  as  to  them  that 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  2045 

are  nigh.  Such,  truly,  appears  to  have  been  the  case  when  he 
granted  to  us,  Mr.  Barnardus  Freeman,  as  the  guardian  of  our 
souls.  To  this  end  the  Lord  used  the  church  of  Albany  as  a 
means.  They,  next  to  God,  were  the  cause  thereof.  It  pleased 
the  Lord,  however,  to  locate  him  elsewhere,  so  that  then  again 
we  became  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd.  ISTevertheless  the 
shepherd-care  of  King  Jesus  has  watched  over  us,  so  that  we 
were  still  ministered  unto,  with  the  consent  of  the  neighboring 
churches,  by  their  pastors.  We  thus  enjoyed  the  preaching  of  the 
Divine  "Word,  and  the  use  of  the  Holy  Sacraments.  Therefore 
also  are  we  now  influenced  with  a  desire,  because  of  the  abundant 
awakening  of  our  congregation  of  Schenectady,  and  its  urgency 
thereto,  to  call  a  faithful  pastor. 

We  have,  therefore,  resolved  to  appoint  you,  upon  the  good 
recommendation  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barnardus  Freeman,  as  our 
commissioners,  if  you  will  be  kind  enough  to  become  such;  and 
we  herewith  give  you  full  power,  in  order  that  our  pious  purpose 
may  be  furthered.  We  accordingly  authorize,  by  these  presents, 
for  us  and  in  our  name,  you,  the  worthy  Mr.  William  Bancker, 
merchant  at  Amsterdam,  and  you,  Rev.  Matthew  Winterwyck, 
minister  at  Alphen,  conjointly,  or  in  the  absence  of  one  of  you, 
either  one  separately,  to  make  out  a  call  for  us  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. But  we  hope  that  you  may  conjointly  serve  us  herein; 
and  that  you  will  cause  the  one  called  to  be  ordained  by  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  or  any  other  Classis,  so  that  he  may  come 
to  us  properly  qualified.  Our  inclination  is  mostly  toward  a 
young  person;  but  take  care  that  he  has  the  qualification  of  a 
full  grown  man  in  Christ,  both  externally  and  internally ;  so  that 
in  doctrine  and  life,  he  may  shine  as  a  perfect  example. 

And  when  this  is  done  we  require  of  him  that  he  shall  on  the 
Lord's  day,  preach  twice,  and  purely,  the  Word  of  God;  and 
(from  time  to  time)  administer  the  Holy  Sacraments ;  and  after 
service  to  catechise  (the  children,)  which  he  shall  also  do  in  the 
week  time,  if  required;  and  four  times  a  year  he  shall  preach  a 


1714 


1714 


2046  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

preparatory  sermon,  before  the  observance  of  the  Holy  Supper; 
and  he  shall  also  render  the  usual  preaching  services  at  the  cele- 
bration of  the  Festivals,  even  as  the  praiseworthy  custom  of  this 
congregation  requires;  (and  he  shall  do  all  things)  that  he  may 
be  found  perfect  and  entire  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  knowing 
that  then  his  labor  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

For  this  he  shall  receive  from  us  ninety  pounds  per  annum, 
current  money  of  the  province  of  l^ew  York,  an  exact  fourth  part 
of  which  shall  be  paid  every  three  months,  and  this  shall  begin 
with  the  arrival  of  his  Reverence  here.  After  he  has  preached 
his  installation  sermon  we  shall  immediately  pay  to  him  a  half 
year's  salary.  Moreover  we  guarantee  him  a  free  dwelling,  and 
free  fire  wood  delivered  at  the  door;  also  a  pleasant  and  large 
garden,  and  free  pasturage  for  two  cows  and  a  horse,  for  his  own 
use.  Thereunto  we  pledge  ourselves  during  his  labors  among  us, 
qualitate  qua,  as  well  as  our  successors.  We  trust  that  the  Lord 
may  encourage  his  Reverence,  and  influence  him  to  come  over  to 
us  as  quickly  as  possible. 

We  remain.  Dear  Sirs,  your  very  affectionate  brethren  in 
Christ,  and  your  very  willing  servants. 

Actum  at  Schenectady,  the  17th  day  of  May,  1714. 

Garret  Symonsz,    Elder 
Joh.   Sanderse,  " 

Folkert  Symonse,  Deacon 
Simon  Switse,  " 

To  Messrs. 

William  Bancker 

and 
Matthew  Winterwyck. 

(In  English.) 

Albany,  May  27,  1714.  There  appeared  before  us,  the  under 
written  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  City  and  County  of  Albany, 
Gerrit   Symonse  and  Johannes   Sanders   Glen,   Elders ;    Volkert 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  2047 

Symonse  and  Simon  Switts,  Deacons  of  the  Church  of  Schenec- 
tady, in  the  aforesaid  County,  who  have  acknowledged  to  have 
signed  the  annexed  instrument,  as  witness  our  hands. 

J  oh.  Cuyler, 
Hend.  Hansen, 
Evert  Bancker, 
Harmanus  Wendell." 

Petition  of  Rev.  G.  Dellius  fok  Payment  of  Services. 

May   19,   1714. 

To   the  Honnerable  the  'Generale   Assembly   for   the   collony   of  New   York. 
The  humble  petition  of  Godefrius  Dellius,  by  his  Attourney  Adolph  Philipse. 

Sheweth: 

That  during  the  time  your  Honnor's  Petitioner  was  minister  to  the  Dutch  Con- 
gregation of  Albany,  he  undertook,  at  his  great  cost  and  Labour  to  Convert  the 
five  Nations  &  River  Indians  to  Christianity.  And  haveing  Layd  the  first  Foun- 
dation of  that  Pious  work,  and  made  a  Progress  therein  beyond  expectation.  It 
was  Esteemed  of  that  utility,  not  onely  in  Propagating  the  Gospel  among  those 
Heathen,  but  Likewise  to  steady  them  in  their  Interest  and  Obedience  of  the 
Crown  of  England,  That  the  Then  Governour  and  council  allowed  to  your  Peti- 
tioner a  Sallary  of  sixty  pounds  per  Annum  for  that  service,  which  was  accord- 
ingly paid  from  time  to  time  (as  he  believes)  Except  for  one  year  and  some  odd 
months,  which  still  Remains  unpayed. 

That  upon  the  conclusion  of  the  Former  Peace  with  France,  the  Right  Honnor- 
able  the  Earl  of  Bellomont,  then  Governor  of  this  Province,  sent  Coll.  Peter  Schuy- 
ler and  your  Petitioner  on  an  Embassy  to  the  Governor  of  Canada,  For  which 
they  were  to  have  a  Reward  of  one  hundred  pounds.  And  your  Petitioner  is 
informed  that  Coll.  Schuyler  has  Received  fifty  pounds  for  his  moyety  thereof; 
the  other  fifty  pounds  due  to  your  Petitioner  for  that  service  Remains  unpayd. 

That  your  petitioner  having  some  Reasons  to  Remove  with  his  family  back  to 
Europe,  could  not  Personally  soUissit  the  obtaining  warrants  or  Payment  of  the 
Respective  Sumes  above  mentioned;  and  the  several  Attourneys  your  Petitioner 
had  here  from  time  to  time,  have  been  the  more  Remiss  in  procuring  Either  the 
one  or  the  other,  because  they  found  the  Revenue  so  much  Anticipated  before. 
So  that  the  onely  Relief  Left  your  Petitioner  is  from  this  Honorable  House,  who 
having  now  under  this  Prudent  consideration  the  Payment  of  all  the  Just  Debts 
and  Claims  of  this  Collony,  and  your  Petitioner  Conceiving  the  said  two  sumes 
to  be  such. 

Doth  therefore  humbly  Pray  your  Honnors  in  your  great  Justice  will  please 
to  order  and  enact  that  the  two  Respective  Sumes  of  sixty  pounds  and  fifty 
pounds  for  the  services  abovementioned,  may  be  payd  for  his  use  to  his  said  At- 
torney, In  the  like  manner  as  other  the  Debts  and  Claims  of  this  Government 
are  to  be  payd,  or  in  such  other  manner  as  to  your  great  Wisdom  shall  seem 
meet.     And  your  Petitioner  as   in   Duty   bound   shall   Ever  Pray   etc. 

A.   D.   Philipse,  For  Godfriedus  Dellius. 

New   York,   19th   May  1714. 

("  Considered  by  ye  Council  and  allowed  for  Instructing  ye  Indians  halfe,  the 
other  Disallowed.")  —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,   Vol.   x.   pp.  223,  224. 

*  An  ancestor  of  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes. 


1714 


1714 


2048  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Correspondence  from  America. 

Rev.  Peter  Vas  to  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  May  23,  1714. 

Portfolio,  ":Rew  York",  Vol.  i.     Extracts,  xxi.   582. 

Reverend  Sirs  and  Brethren  in  Christ: — 

I  duly  received  yonr  letter,  dated  December  22,  1711,  sent  in 
answer  to  my  preceding  one,  and  perceived  therefrom  that  the 
Rev.  Classis  must  yet  have,  for  my  examination  and  ordination, 
one  hundred  guilders  ($40.)  This  with  the  three  hundred 
guilders,  advanced  to  me  for  my  passage,  makes  four  hundred 
guilders.  There  is  hereby  sent,  on  account,  two  hundred  and 
fourteen  guilders  (240?);  therefore  the  Rev.  Classis  must  still 
have  one  hundred  and  sixty  guilders.  I  regret  that  I  have  not 
yet  been  able  to  send  over  this  balance  of  money.  This  is  owing 
to  a  dispute  that  has  arisen  in  my  Consistory  about  the  hundred 
guilders  for  my  examination,  with  the  cost  of  my  transportation. 
For  I  had  a  very  long  voyage,  which,  with  my  wife  and  children, 
proved  very  expensive.  I  paid  to  Capt.  van  Baale,  for  trans- 
portation and  freight  alone,  783,  I  say,  seven  hundred  and  eighty 
three,  guilders  Holland  money;  besides  other  expenses  which  I 
incurred  in  England,  during  five  weeks,  while  the  Captain  was 
getting  "  cleared  ".  I  had  during  that  time  to  subsist  on  land 
with  my  whole  family.  Besides  there  were  the  expenses  of  the 
loading  of  my  goods  at  Amsterdam,  and  the  victualling  for  re- 
freshment on  the  voyage.  The  brethren  of  New  York,  therefore, 
took  this  into  consideration,  and  had  the  goodness  to  write,  on 
my  arrival,  to  my  Consistory  and  congregation,  that  in  such  an 
expensive  journey  they  ought  to  give  me  something  more  than  the 
money  promised ;  inasmuch  as  I  was  limited  to  too  small  an 
amount,  on  account  of  the  all  too  great  expense  which  Rev.  de  Bys 
(Beis)  had  incurred  before.  Upon  this  communication,  my  Con- 
sistory had  the  goodness  to  grant  me  the  benefit  of  the  money  in 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoke.  2049 

the  hands  of  the  Eev.  Classis,  in  order  to  relieve  me  somewhat  of 
my  heavy  expenses.  For  this  I  thanked  them  heartily.  They 
also  paid  me  the  other  money,  promised  for  my  traveling  ex- 
penses and  transportation.  I  gave  them  my  receipt  for  this.  I 
then  told  my  Consistory  that  the  Rev.  Classis  must  still  have  the 
money,  from  this  church,  for  my  examination  and  ordination ; 
but  that  I  did  not  know  exactly  how  much  was  due,  but  that  I 
would  write  about  it ;  also  that  the  Eev.  Classis  could  retain  the 
money  alluded  to  already  in  their  possession,  for  the  reduction  of 
the  debt,  in  the  moneys  advanced  to  me.  My  Consistory  told  me 
that  I  should  do  so.  Thereupon  I  wrote  to  that  effect  to  the  Rev. 
Cla&'sis,  and  that  letter  was  also  signed  by  my  Consistory,  as  the 
Rev.  Classis  may  see  from  said  letter,  in  their  possession. 

But  now  some  of  my  Consistory  say  that  I  must  pay  the  money 
for  my  examination  myself;  that  they  are  not  aware  that  they 
signed  such  a  lettor  written  by  me.  Therefore  it  is  my  kind 
request,  as  I  did  not  keep  a  copy  of  that  letter,  that  the  Rev. 
Gentlemen  will  send  to  me,  at  the  first  opportunity,  the  said  let- 
ter, or  a  copy  of  the  same,  with  the  names  of  the  persons  by 
whom  the  letter  is  signed.  Thus  it  will  appear  that  these  Con- 
sistorymen  contradict  their  own  hand  writing.  And  let  a  letter 
als^o  come  from  the  Rev.  Gentlemen  themselves,  indicating  that 
the  examination  and  ordination  of  a  pastor  elect  are  always  made 
at  the  charge  of  the  church  by  which  he  is  called.  I  have  just 
learned  that  Rev.  De  Bys,  (Henricus  Beys)  who  has  given  much 
scandal  and  offense  in  this  country  by  his  loose  life,  as  well  as 
by  accepting  the  long  coat  of  the  English  Church,  has  recently 
gone  to  Curacoa,  where  he  will  not  do  much  good,  either,  in  that 
congregation.  I  hope  that  the  Rev.  Gentlemen  will  keep  a  watch- 
ful eye  over  it.  As  regards  the  status  of  our  church  here  — ■  we 
are  as  yet  at  liberty  to  exercise  our  religion,  but  it  is  uncertain 
how  long  it  will  last.  It  is  a  great  boon,  therefore,  if  one  can 
dwell  in  his  own  Fatherland.  Some  eight  or  ten  days  ago  a  ship 
departed  hence  for  Holland.     If  it  has  a  favorable  voyage,   it 


1714 


2050  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

intends  to  sail  again  for  ]^ew  York  before  winter.  The  Kev. 
Gentlemen  may  send  me  a  letter  by  that  ship,  so  tbat  I  may  the 
sooner  send  over  the  money,  that  those  here  may  be  thereby  con- 
vinced of  their  mistake.  I  remain  Rev.  Sirs,  after  wishing  you 
"  an  all-hail "  for  both  soul  and  body  —  a  blessing  upon  your- 
selves and  labors.  Be  all  greeted  heartily  by  me, 
Reverend,  Pious  and  Highly  Learned  Sirs, 

Your  affectionate  friend  and  obedient  servant, 

,  '  Peter  Vas'. 

Kingston, 

May  23,  1713. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Rev.  Beits.      (Beys.) 

1714,  June  4th.  The  Rev.  Deputati  ad  res  Exteras  reported 
on  the  affairs  of  Rev.  Beyts.  The  period  of  two  weeks  was 
allowed,  to  arrange  all  the  documents  which  may  serve  in  his 
defense,  and  to  communicate  them  to  their  Reverences,     ix.  313. 

Journal  of  the  ISTew  York  Council. 

1715,  June  14.  The  Bill  of  1711  again  read.  Committed. 
Council  Journal,  386. 

His  Excellency  took  notice  that  yesterday  it  was'  mentioned  by 
Dr.  Staats  that  he  had  made  three  several  promises  for  the  pass- 
ing this  Bill,  and  lest  it  should  be  thought  that  those  promises 
were  made  absolutely  by  his  Excellency  and  had  been  by  him 
broken,  he  told  them  that  the  promises  were  made  upon  these 
conditions  —  That  the  Assembly  should  give  an  honorable  sup- 
port of  Government,  and  not  a  scanty  one,  for  one  year ;  that  they 
should  pay  the  debt  arising  to  his  Excellency,  neither  of  which 
has  been  done.  The  support  of  Government,  being  scanty,  and 
but  for  a  year,  and  the  bill  for  payment  of  the  debt  being  clogged 
with  a  clause  which  prevents  for  the  present  the  payment  of  the 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2051 

debt,  and  leaves  it,  yet  doubtful  whether  it  ever  will  be  paid,  so 
that  those  conditions  being  not  yet  performed,  no  breach  of 
promise  can  be  objected. —  Council  Journal,  386.  Passed,  387, 
Enacted,  390.     (Debts  for  feeding  the  Palatines.) 

Petition  of  the  Germans  at  Quasseck  [Quassaick]  Creek. 

To  his  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.  Capt.  General  &  Gover- 
nor in  Chiefe  of  the  Province  of  jSTew  York  ISTew  Jersey  and 
Territories  thereon  Depending  in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of 
the  same  etc. 

The  humble  petition  of  George  Lockstadt  on  behalfe  of  him- 
selfe  and  the  rest  of  the  Germans  settled  neare  Quassaick  Creek 
upon  Hudson's  River., 

Sheweth 

That  Pursuant  to  your  Excellency's  warrant  of  survey  the 
thirtieth  day  of  April  1713,  The  Surveyor  Generall  hath  sur- 
veyed and  laid  out  for  your  Petitioners  a  Certaine  Tract  of  Land 
on  the  west  side  of  Hudson's  River  in  the  County  of  Ulster  and 
by  such  sun^ey  hath  allowed  for  each  of  them  his  quantity  thereof 
distinctly  as  by  the  Returne  of  the  said  Survey  may  appeare. 

But  inasmuch  as  the  said  Tract  of  Land  soe  Laid  out  for  your 
Petitioners  is  all  upland,  your  Petitioners  find  they  cannot  be 
able  to  subsist  themselves  and  fi^amilys  thereon  for  want  of  some 
meadow  Land  for  ffodder  for  their  cattle  in  winter.  And  there 
being  a  small  quantity  of  vacant  and  unappropriated  meadow 
Ground  Lyeing  behind  your  Petitioners  said  Lotts  about  an  Eng- 
lish mile  from  the  Limitts  of  their  said  Lotts  very  Convenient  for 
your.  Petitioners  said  Settlements. 

Your  Petitioners  most  humbly  pray  your  Excellency  will  be 
pleased  to  Grant  unto  them  the  said  quantity  of  meadow  Ground 
and  that  the  Surveyor  Generall  may  be  Directed  by  your  Excel- 
lency to  survey  for  each  of  your  Petitioners  a  proportionable 
20 


1714 


1714 


2052  Ecclesiastic Aii  Records 

quantity  thereof  according  to  their  severall  allotments  of  upland 
laid  out  for  them  as  aforesaid. 

And  your  Petitioners  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

'•  ;.  George  Lockstadt. 

l^ew  York,  —  Doc.  Hist.  'N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  345. 

ITth  June  1714. 

Petition  for  Rebuilding  the  Dutch  Church  in  Albany. 

To  his  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Capt.  Generall  and  Governour  in  Chief 
of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  New  Jersey  and  Territories  thereon  Depending 
in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same  etc. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  Petrus  van  Driesen  Minister  of  the  Nether  Dutch 
Reformed  Congregation  of  the  City  and  County  of  Albany  and  the  Elders  and 
Deacons  of  the  said   Congregation. 

Humbly  Sheweth 

That  the  predecessors  of  your  Excellency's  humble  Petitioners  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1655  &  1656  when  this  towne  was  Setled  did  with  assistance  of  the  then 
nether  dutch  Congregation  build  and  Erect  at  their  own  proper  Cost  and  Charge 
the  Church  belonging  to  the  said  Congregation  (Standing  &  being  in  the  said 
City)  for  their  Christian  devotion  and  Pul)Iick  worship  of  Almighty  God,  in  the 
Exercise  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Religion,  which  Church  is  since  been  Con- 
firmed to  the  Mayor  Aldermen  &  Commonalty  of  ye  said  City  by  Charter,  under 
the  Scale  of  the  Province. 

That  the  said  Church  being  built  of  timber  &  boards  is  by  time  so  much  decayed 
that  they  find  themselves  under  a  necessity  of  building  a  new  one  in  its  place 
and  your  Petitioners  believing  your  Excellency's  Continuance  and  approbation 
will  be  very  advantageous  to   them,   in  this  their  undertaking. 

Your  Excellency's  petitioners  do  therefore  most  humbly  pray  that  your  Excel- 
lency will  please  to  approve  and  Encourage  this  pious  work  by  signifying  Such 
your  approbation  and  your  Petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall  Ever  pray  etc. 

Petrus  Van  Driessen,  V.  D.  Praeco,  Johannes  Rooseboom,  Myndert  Schuyler, 
Hendr.  Van  Rensselaer,  Johannis  Beekman,  Rutger  Bleecker,  Stevanie 
Groesbeck 

I  do  approve  of  what  is  desired  In  the  petition  and  recommend  the  same  to  all 
who  are  concern'd.     18  June  1714. 

Ro.    Hunter. 
—  Doc.    Hist.    N.    Y.    Vol.    iii.    p.    546. 

Rev.  Me.  Vesey's  Visit  to  England.     June,  1714. 

The  opposition  to  Episcopacy  in  New  York,  on  account  of  its  pretended  legal 
establishment,  became  so  strong,  that  it  was  decided  to  send  Rev.  Mr.  Ve^ey  to 
England  for  the  purpose  of  trying  to  secure  some  relief.  The  Bishop  of  London 
had  approved  of  the  proposed  visit.  The  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church  ordered  that 
"  the  seal  of  the  Corporation  be  affixed  to  the  copy  of  the  PATENT,  and  to  such 
Minutes  of  the  Board  as  it  should  be  thought  proper  to  send  in  to  England  on  this 
occasion  ",  and  that  "  the  Church  Warden  to  deliver  the  Committee  the  Min- 
utes ".—  The  PATENT  above  alluded  to  was  the  Charter  of  Trinity  Church, 
granted  in  1697,  in  which  it  is  asserted  about  a  dozen  times,  that  the  Church 
of  England  was  established  by  law.     But  we  know  that  the  Ministry   Act  of  1693 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2053 

did  not  establish  tlie  Ctiurch  of  England,  as  its  own  language  proves;  moreover 
the  Legislative  Assembly  in  1695  positively  declared  —  "  that  the  Vestrymen 
and  Church  Wardens  had  power  to  call  a  dissenting  Protestant  minister,  and 
that  he  is  to  be  paid  and  maintained  as  the  law  directs  ".  Gov.  Fletcher,  how- 
ever, asserted  that  the  law  meant,  what  the  Assembly  itself  declared,  it  did  not 
mean.     E.   T.   C. 

Gov.  Hunt  predicted  that  Mr.  Vesey's  mission  would  prove  a  failure.  (Archives 
of  N.  J.  iv.  1715,  p.  216.)  The  City  Vestry,  when  Mr.  Vesey  left,  refused  to  sign  the 
documents  necessary  for  the  payment  of  his  salary.  Rev.  Mr.  Halbot,  rector  at 
Burlington,  N.  J.  in  a  letter,  dated  July  17,  1714,  (as  quoted  by  Gov.  Hunter  in  a 
letter  of  his  dated  Nov.  14,  1715,)  says: 

"  Bro'  Vesey,  ye  Rector  of  Trinity  Church  is  fled  before  the  Philistins.  He 
has  got  the  Generals  (Nicholson's)  letters;  'tis  now  three  weeks  since  sail'd;  God 
speed  him  well  and  that  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  month  I 
shall  be  there.  Meanwhile  I  have  enough  to  do  to  keep  the  peace  of  the  churches 
at  Philadelphia  and  New  York,  we  have  so  many  adversarys  without  and  within  ". 
N.    J.    Col.    Docs.    iv.   224. 

In  another  letter  written  the  same  day,  he  says:  "  Mr.  Vesey  is  fled  for  perse- 
cution from  New  Y'ork  so  that  church  is  destitute  at  present;  only  the  Mission- 
arys  serve  it  by  turns."  N.  J.  Col.  Docs.  iv.  225.  Dr.  Berrian  tells  us  in  his 
history  of  Trinity  Church,  page  335,  that  Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  of  Jamaica,  Rev.  Mr. 
Talbot  of  Rye,  and  others  were  also  invited  to  officiate  during  Mr.  Vesey's  absence. 

Mr.  Vesey  remained  longer  than  he  intended.  He  fell  ill  in  London  and  in- 
curred heavy  expenses.  The  Society  there  voted  him  a  sum  of  money  for  his 
relief.  Not  only  was  his  salary  withheld  during  his  absence,  but  the  City  Vestry 
refused  to  pay  it  on  his  return.  The  reason  of  this  is  obvious.  The  City  Vestry 
was  elected  by  the  people  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Ministry 
Act  of  1693,  which  did  not  establish  the  Church  of  England.  But  they  had  been 
arbitrarily  superseded  by  a  Church  Vestry  elected  only  by  members  of  the  Church 
of  England.  The  City  Vestry,  now  that  the  Rector  was  away,  took  advantage 
of  their  legal  position,  and  refused  to  transfer  the  funds  to  the  Church  Vestry, 
as  they  were  never  intended  specifically  for  them;  but  had  only  been  collected 
and  paid  before,  because  of  oflicial  pressure.  The  claim  had  always  been  con- 
sidered  a   perversion,    as   it   really   was. 

See  Col.   Heathcote's  letter  of  Feb.   25,   1715/16. 

Mr.  Vesey  returned  to  New  York  in  Nov.  1715.  He  had  been  favorably  received 
in  England  and  was  made  Commissary,  (an  officer  of  a  Bishop  to  exercise  certain 
ecclesiastical  duties  at  a  distance)  of  the  Bishop  of  London.  Gov.  Hunter  was 
not  pleased  with  the  result.  (N.  J.  Col.  Docs.  iv.  220,  225.)  Mr.  Vesey  had  also 
obtained  a  letter  from  the  King  to  Col.  Hunter  directing  him  to  secure  the  back 
payments  of  Mr.  Vesey's  salary.     This  was  done. 

[Compare  Dr.   Dix's   statements,    Hist.    Trinity   Ch.   i.   190-2.] 


Rev.   Samuel  Myles  to  the   Society  for  Propagating  the 

Gospel, 

Boston,  June  ye  25,  1Y14. 

Sir :—  I  should  be  wanting  in  my  duty  to  religion,  and  ye  Rev. 
Mr.  Vesey,  whose  conversation  and  manner  of  life  I  have  had 
certain  knowledge  of,  from  his  youth,  should  I  not  embrace  this 


1714 


2054  Ecclesiastical  Records 

opportunity  of  recommending  him  as  a  very  worthy  person  to  ye 
venerable  Society,  whose  behavior  has  been  circumspect  and  un- 
blamable, his  conduct  grave  and  prudent ;  his  diligence  unwearied 
in  his  ministerial  function,  and  in  a  word  throughout  his  whole 
course  has  been  a  pattern  of  the  Christian  Life  and  an  honor  to 
our  Church.  I  therefore  hope  and  pray  that  no  misrepresenta- 
tions and  aspersions  of  such  who,  to  serve  a  turn,  make  fair 
pretences,  and  cover  their  abominable  intentions  with  the  most 
artful  dissimulations,  may  sully  his  reputation  or  prejudice  his 
Interest  in  the  least.  And  in  good  hopes  yet  he  shall  receive  all 
necessary  encouragement,  and  obtain  a  safe  and  quiet  settlement 
for  ye  time  to  come.     I  remain  your  most  humble,  most  obedient, 

most  faithful  servant, 

Samuel  Myles. 

Manuscripte  of  the  S.  P.  G.     ix.  360.     Dix's  Trinity  Ch.    i.  105. 

Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  York. 

June  30,  1714. 

After  it  was  found  that  different  persons,  holding  money  on 
interest  from  the  Deacons,  were  in  arrears  of  interest  for  two  or 
three  years,  to  the  serious  injury  of  the  revenue  of  the  Diaconate, 
it  was  Resolved  unanimously,  after  calling  on  God's  name,  That 
no  one  of  those  who  had  taken  up  money  by  a  double  bond  from 
the  Deacons,  should  be  any  longer'  negligent  in  payment  of  the 
interest. 

1.  That  all  such  be  apprized  by  the  Deacons  that  if  they  do 
not  make  payment  before  the  next  session  of  the  High  Court  of 
ISTew  York,  they  will  assuredly  be  summoned  thereto  by  the  law. 

2.  That  the  Deacons,  as  well  those  now  in  office  as  those  who 
shall  hereafter  enter  the  service,  shall  henceforth  each  year  de- 
mand of  those  who  have  not  paid  their  interest  at  the  appointed 
time,  at  least  once  a  year,  a  written  obligation  for  the  same. 

3.  In  case  any  one  waits  fifteen  months,  counting  from  the 
signing  of  the  bond,  without  paying  any  interest,  the  Deacons 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2055 

shall  withoiit  further  delay  or  forbearance,  compel  payment  by 
process  of  law. 

4.  Finally,  that  whenever  any  one  takes  money  on  interest, 
both  the  principal  and  the  security  shall  be  advised  of  this  Resolu- 
tion, and  also  requested  to  see  well  to  the  payment,  so  that  they 
can  put  for^'ard  no  cause  of  dissatisfaction,  if,  by  failure  to  pay 
at  the  time  appointed,  they  should  be  dealt  with  according  to  law. 

—  Lib.  A.  231. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
The  Case  of  Rev.  Beys. 

1714,  July  2nd.  The  Rev.  Deputati  reported  in  the  case  of 
Rev,  Beys,  at  whose  request  and  expense  this  Classis  is  called. 
They  read  a  paper,  drawn  up  by  Rev.  Beys  in  his  own  defense, 
and  which  had  been  handed  over  to  them  and  which  was  as  fol- 
lows: 1.  In  reference  to  his  going  over  to  the  Episcopal  Church: 
having  made  his  answer  to  these  objections,  he  concludes  thus:  I 
declare  that  I  am  not  only  sorry,  but  it  pains  me  from  the  heart, 
that  I  ever  received  Episcopal  orders,  under  the  circumstances 
involved,  and  that  I  thereby  gave  occasion  for  any  displeasure  on 
the  part  of  this  Rev.  Assembly.  And  I  am  sorry  principally  for 
this  reason,  that  in  so  doing  I  violated  our  own  Church  Order, 
since  I  gave  myself  unto  the  service  of  another  communion,  (or 
congregation)  without  qualification  by  this  or  some  other  Classis. 
From  this  communion  (or  congregation)  I  have  now  also  again 
been  dismissed  in  a  proper  form.     He  thus  further  concludes. 

After  this  my  defense  and  frank  confession  I  hope  and  trust 
that  this  Rev.  Assembly  will  not  any  longer  continue  to  regard, 
with  the  same  eye,  all  my  actions  in  this  connection ;  that  they 
will  not  look  upon  them  too  severely,  as  if  I  were  a  complete 
apostate  from  our  church,  and  ought  no  longer  to  be  recognized 
by  her :  or  as  if  I  had  deserved  thereby,  and  should  still  deserve  to 
be  entirely  disowned  and  cut  off.     Wherefore  I  request:    1.  That 


1714 


2056  Ecclesiastical  Records 

I  may  be  released  from  the  conditional  censure  laid  upon  me,  and 
that  my  lesser  prospects  (  ?)  and  the  weakness  manifested  in  all 
these  things,  may  be  overlooked.  2.  That  I  may  be  released  from 
the  required  answer  before  the  church  of  Kingstown,  where  my 
defense  was  not  waited  for,  but  another  was  at  once  called  in  my 
place,  namely  Rev.  Anthonides.  When  he  declined  this  call, 
immediately  again  they  sent  a  commission  (to  Holland,)  for 
another  call  to  be  made  out  here,  by  the  Classis,  with  the  knowl- 
edge and  cognizance  of  three  prominent  members.  Wherefore  I 
no  longer  belong  to  that  congregation  nor  that  congregation  to  me, 
and  therefore  I  am  of  the  opinion  salvo  meliori  judicis  that  I  am 
not  bound  or  obliged  to  justify  myself  before  them.  Furthermore 
it  is  also  my  prayer  that  you  will  manifest  towards  me  the  spirit 
of  gentleness,  and  christian  moderation,  and  consider  me  as  still 
truly  belonging  to  the  bosom  of  your  church,  whose  conmiimion, 
under  God's  favor,  I  never  intended  to  leave,  and  never  again 
shall  leave ;  that  you  will  also  be  pleased  to  extend  to  me  the  hand 
of  brotherhood,  and  consider  me  worthy,  by  your  own  counsel  and 
aid,  to  be  enabled  at  some  time  to  be  employed  again  in  the 
ministry  of  the  Holy  Gospel,  and  to  be  appointed  in  a  proper 
manner  to  some  church. 

Having  also  made  answer  to  charge  2,  in  respect  to  negligence 
in  his  ministry  during  the  first  twenty  months,  he  continued  as 
follows : 

I  can  also  understand  very  well,  and  perceive  on  looking  back, 
that  the  intermission  of  preaching  after  that  time,  from  December 
7,  1707  to  June  17,  1708,  (1709)  can  apparently  be  so  repre- 
sented in  this  Assembly,  as  if  I  had  made  myself  guilty  of  neg- 
lect of  duty  in  my  ministry,  no  matter  how  much  I  was  disturbed 
and  thwarted  in  it,  (the  performance  of  my  duty.) 

Therefore  I  acknowledge  and  confess  before  your  Assembly  that 
notwithstanding  my  (peculiar)  experience,  I  do  indeed  now  wish 
that  I  had  not  ceased  preaching  during  that  time;  that  I  myself 
now  disapprove  of  this  course,  knowing  that  it  would  have  been 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  2057 

more  regular  and  useful  if  I  had  continued  right  on  in  my  work 
with  more  patience,  and  greater  (tougher)  forbearance,  even  in 
the  midst  of  all  my  difficulties ;  and  had  in  the  meantime  thought 
of,  and  seized  upon  means  of  redress,  through  this  Rev.  Classis. 

Furthermore,  I  wish,  on  this  point,  to  introduce  nothing  to 
excuse  myseM,  except  only  this,  that  my  conduct  (ceasing  to 
preach)  was  in  order  to  pursue  my  ministry  in  accordance  with 
the  instructions,  and  the  acts  of  the  Rev.  Classis.  I  hope  there- 
fore that  this  Rev.  Assembly  will  look  upon  this  in  the  best  light, 
and  that  I  did  not  intermit  my  preaching  from  wilful  neglect,  or 
indolent  negligence,  or  lack  of  zeal,  but  only  for  the  reasons 
mentioned  above. 

And  in  case  these  reasons  should  not  be  deemed  sufficient  to 
free  me  from  blame  or  to  excuse  me,  then  I  submit  myself  to  this 
Rev.  Assembly  with  acknowledgement  of  my  weakness  in  this 
course  of  conduct;  and  I  request  with  humility,  that  notwith- 
standing a  lack  of  that  untiring  zeal  and  steadfastness  wherewith 
the  ministry  of  the  Gospel  should  ever  be  carried  on,  I  may  be 
treated  with  some  indulgence,  and  excused.  Therefore  in  this 
particular  also,  may  the  spirit  of  gentleness  be  shown  to  me,  when 
we  reflect  on  the  imperfections  to  which  we  may  be  subject  in  all 
things,  and  especially  in  the  matter  of  the  ministry;  for  we  all 
know  that  we  have  this  treasure  in  earthen  vessels.  But  in  the 
expectation  of  God's  favor  and  grace,  I  hope  to  be  more  and  more 
stirred  up,  to  the  steadfast  zeal  and  persevering  energy  under 
every  evil  experience  which  may  be  incident  to  the  Sacred 
Ministry,  whenever  the  same  shall  again  be  entrusted  to  me  in  the 
Province  of  God. 

Furthermore,  it  is  my  earnest  request,  that,  after  my  justifica- 
tion and  defense  in  regard  to  the  one  thing,  and  my  apology  and 
confession  of  weakness  as  to  the  other,  I  may  be  released  from 
the  accusations  formerly  brought  in  against  me,  and  that  I  may 
not,  on  account  of  them  be  judged  unworthy  of  again  assuming 
and  performing  duties  of  the  Sacred  Ministry.    And  finally  I  ask 


1714 


2058  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

1714 

this  Assembly  that  if  anything  more  should  be  brought  forward, 
and  ventilated  to  my  prejudice,  that  I  may  be  heard  thereon  be- 
fore being  judged,  in  order  that  my  explanation  may  be  con- 
sidered, and  if  necessary,  that  I  may  make  my  defense;  while  I 

expect  in  all  this  a and  moderate  judgment. 

Thereupon  was  also  read  his  paper  in  answer  to  the  accusation 
about  his  maid  servant,  whereof  this  was  the  conclusion: 

From  all  of  which  I  hope,  and  justly  expect.,  that  this  Assembly, 
if  it  considers  itself  qualified  to  pass  judgement  on  this  point, 
after  this  my  defense,  and  my  added  sacred  asseveratioii  of  my 
innocence  therein,  will  not  hold  me  under  suspicion,  nor  require 
anything  more  of  me  for  my  vindication  in  this  matter,  much  less 
judge  me  to  be  censurable.  I  also  gladly  add  orally  that  however 
innocent  I  may  be,  I  have  not  been  able  to  do  any  better,  nor 
adduce  more  proofs  of  innocence  in  such  a  matter. 

The  remaining  accusations  which  were  merely  rumors,  and  not 
proved,  and  which  they  never  ventured  to  say  in  facie,  nor  to  base 
an  accusation  on,  I  may  well  pass  by  without  a  reply  si  eccium 
occasasse  sufiiciat  quis  innoceas  erit.  Yet  I  am  willing  to  de- 
fend myself  on  all  these  points  if  the  Assembly  wishes  to  hear  me 
thereon  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Rev.  Brethren. 

The  Rev.  Assembly  deeming  this  case  to  be  of  very  great  im- 
portance, was  desirous,  first,  to  hear  previously  the  separate 
opinions  of  the  members  of  this  Assembly  before  reaching  a  con- 
clusion in  the  premises :  ,  ,  ' 

Wherefore  the  question  having  been  put  to  all,  the  Rev.  As- 
sembly decided  in  respect  to  the  first  item,  that  the  reasons 
adduced  by  Rev.  Beys,  in  defence  of  his  going  over  to  the  Epis- 
copal church  were  not  satisfactory;  that  besides  what  he  had 
stated  in  his  paper  about  his  regret,  he  must  also  declare  before 
this  body  and  confess  that  he  is  sorry  with  all  his  heart  for  hav- 
ing gone  over  to  the  Episcopalians ;  that  he  also  declares  that  he 
accepts  the  Doctrine  and  Order  of  our  Church.  In  respect  to  the 
second,   that   this   Assembly  does  indeed  deem   satisfactory  the 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2059 

reason  for  not  performing  the  duties  of  his  office  during  twenty 
months,  but  not  in  regard  to  the  period  between  December  10,  1707 
and  July  17,  1708 ;  that  accordingly  he  must  show  for  this  also 
his  sorrow  before  this  Assembly;  and  that  thereupon  his  errors 
might  then  be  forgiven. 

Whereupon  Rev,  Beys,  having  been  again  brought  into  the  room, 
made  such  confessions.  Therewith  the  Assembly  was  content, 
and  those  two  errors  were  forgiven  him.  The  other  matter  of  the 
maid  servant  and  other  matters  necessary  to  consider,  will  be  acted 
on  at  the  next  Classis.  For  this  purpose  the  Classis  will  meet  an 
hour  earlier  than  usual,  and  this  shall  be  made  known  to  the  Rev. 
Brethren. 

At  the  following  Classis  Rev.  Zegers  will  preside  ex  ordine. 
ix.  314,  315,  316,  317. 

[Vol.  9,  p.  139.    No.  26.    :^ew  York  Letters.] 
Letter  of  Me.  Haegee  to  the  Seceetaey. 

IsTew  York  July  19,  1714. 

Ever  Honored  Sir: — Your  favorable  directions  of  the  18th  of 
December  1713  in  answer  to  mine  of  ye  5th  of  July  and  12th  of 
I^ovember  1713  are  come  safe  to  my  hands,  though  very  late,  to 
wit,  on  ye  13th  instant,  when  accidentally  I  happened  to  come  to 
this  city.  The  reason  of  this  misfortune  is  my  remote  living 
from  this  city,  being  a  distance  of  upwards  of  100  miles  in  the 
woods,  where  I  may  but  seldom  enjoy  and  make  use  of  the  place 
which  at  first  I  had  chosen  for  my  residence;  for  ye  continual 
circuit  to  the  congregation  under  my  inspection  does  hardly  allow 
me  any  stay  at  all  in  one  place,  much  less  at  my  residence ;  since 
ye  people  under  my  care  disperse  themselves  up  and  down  through- 
out almost  this  whole  government,  intending  to  settle  some  lands 
for  themselves  and  posterity  as  the  only  means  for  their  sub- 
sistance. 

To  remedy  this  and  other  inconveniences  and  to  prevent  their 


1714 


1714 


2060  Ecclesiastical  Records 

said  dispersion :  (lest  they  should  in  time  to  come  take  an  oppor- 
tunity to  embrace  a  dissenting  opinion  when  they  should  happen 
to  live  nearer  such  a  meeting  than  any  of  our  churches  and  so 
leave  the  holy  principles  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law 
established,  which  with  so  indefatigable  zeal  and  application 
hitherto,  I  have,  and  henceforth  to  the  utmost  of  my  capacity  and 
strength  shall  promote,  impress  and  firmly  settle  in  their  hearts 
continually,  imploring  thereunto  the  celestial  benediction  of  the 
Most  High:)  I  have  some  few  days  ago  prevailed  with  a  con- 
siderable number  of  them  to  purchase  a  great  tract  offered  in  our 
continent,  to  the  end  by  their  living  near  together,  they  may  be 
enabled  in  time  to  come  to  erect  such  suitable  building  for  ad- 
ministring  in  the  same,  divine  service,  and  to  give  instruction  to 
their  children  in  the  true  principles  of  our  holy  religion,  (the 
easier  and  with  more  success  to  effect  which,  I  humbly  pray  and 
wish  the  venerable  Society  would  be  favorably  pleased  to  con- 
sider of  the  proposition  heretofore  to  that  honorable  Board  made, 
and  by  them  approved  of,  for  causing  to  be  printed  and  with  all 
convenient  speed  sent  over  a  sufficient  number  of  exemplars  of  our 
Liturgy  in  ye  German  language,  which  are  so  universally  wanted 
by  ye  people  under  mj  care),  which  recited  design  if  I  can  bring 
about,  as  I  pray  God  and  have  certain  hopes  I  may,  they  will  in 
a  short  time  be  again  reduced  to  one  body,  and  so  the  dangerous 
consequences  reasonably  to  be  feared  as  aforesaid  be  timely 
prevented. 

Touching  the  standing  orders  ye  Honorable  Society  has  been 
pleased  to  make,  as  you  have  had  the  goodness  to  acquaint  me  with 
all,  I  am  exceedingly  sorry  I  am  not  capable  as  yet  humbly  to 
obey,  the  said  pious  orders,  and  to  transmit  my  accounts,  pursuant 
to  the  tenor  of  the  same,  but  am  obliged  to  render  and  transmit 
my  said  accounts  according  to  the  former  and  usual  form,  only  of 
those  of  the  congregation  aforesaid  which  are  still  abiding  at  the 
places  where  they  were  first  planted  on  both  sides  of  Hudson 
River,  for  I  have  not  yet  received  ye  said  orders  of  the  Venerable 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2061 

Society  from  ye  Honorable  Gen.  Nicholson  whose  arrival  here  we 
expect  with  much  impatience.  The  time  whereof  as  I  am  in- 
formed being  yet  uncertain ;  whenever  I  shall  have  the  happiness 
of  receiving  so  pious  instructions  issued  as  aforesaid. 

I  humbly  promise  my  particular  obedience  to  any  performance 
of  the  same,  humbly  hoping  this  my  delay  wont  be  construed  as  a 
neglect  of  that  duty  which  I  am  so  desirous  to  discharge  with  all 
the  exactness  imaginable.  As  to  the  order  of  the  Venerable 
Society  concerning  the  drawing  of  Bills  of  Exchange  for  the 
salary  of  the  Missionaries,  the  necessity  under  which  I  labored 
when  we  were  constrained  to  administer  divine  service  under  no 
other  cover  than  heaven,  in  summer  time  as  well  as  during  the 
severity  of  the  winter,  obliged  me  to  erect  some  small  buildings 
to  redress  the  severity  of  the  season,  caused  me  thence  at  that  time 
to  make  some  alteration  for  a  little  while ;  but  as  I  am  in  duty 
bound  so  I'll  make  it  my  study  to  submit  myself  to  and  obey  the 
orders  of  the  Venerable  Society  in  the  strictest  manner.  In  order 
thereunto  I  have  given  proper  advice  to  my  attorney  Mr.  Miller 
whose  power  I  have  declared  to  be  and  to  remain  in  force  only 
for  demanding,  receiving  and  transmitting  to  my  use  the  10 
pounds  allowed  me  in  October  1710  for  a  gown,  surplice  and 
books.  Having  exceeded  the  rule  of  the  length  of  a  letter,  I  beg 
your  pardon  for  that  excess  and  conclude  with  recommending 
myself  to  ye  continuance  of  your  favor  and  rejoicing  in  calling 
myself  and  being  with  much  passion  truth  and  respect. 
Ever  honored  Sir, 

Your  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

John  Ered  Haeger. 

[Vol.  9.  p.  230.    New  York  Papers.    No.  23.] 

Mr.  Haeger's  Nolitia  Parochialies  enclosed  in  his  Letter  of  ye 
19th  of  July  1714. 

Account  of  the  present  condition  and  circumstances  increase 
and  decrease  of  the  Palatine  congregation  who  still  remained  in 


1714 


2062 


Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 


their  several  settlements  on  both  sides  of  the  Hudson  River  in 
ye  Province  of  l^ew  York  in  America  stated  by  John  Trederick 
Haeger  Missionary  to  the  same  etc. 

From  Midjune  1713  to  Midjnne  1714. 


On  the 

East 
Side 

West 
Side 

Oif  Hudson 
River 


Towns 


ISTo.  of  inhabitants. 


Hunterstown 

fam. 

53 

persons 

200 

Queensbury 

fam. 

46 

persons 

179 

Amnsbury 

fam. 

33 

persons 

141 

Hay  sherry 

fam. 

28 

persons 

108 

Newtown 

fam. 

27 

persons 

104 

Georgetown 

fam. 

25 

persons 

96 

Elizabethtown 

fam. 

14 

persons 

60 

At  Schoharie 

fam. 

121 

settlements  8 

families 

347 

888 

baptized 

58 

JSTo.  of  actual 

communicants 

at 

Hunterstown 

65 

Queensbury 

47 

Amsbury 

52 

Haysbury 

38 

'New  Town 

22 

George  Town 

50 

Elizabeth  Town 

' 

12 

And  last  winter  at  Schoharie 

94 

Total  communicants 

380 



OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2063 


1714 


'No.  of  those  pro- 

No. of  Dissenters 

No.  of  heathen 

fessing  ye  church 

part  Papists 

and  infidels 

H.                 35 

In  all  ye 

There  being 

Q.                 28 

persons  are 

at  present 

A.                  24 

Luth.  families      73 

none  living 

H.                 21 

Synegists 

4 

in  the 

G.                 21 

Papists 

1 

neighborhood 

E.                   7 

of  ye  said 

K                 12 

towns. 

Total  of  communicants 

Of  families  professing  the 

380 

Church  at  the  said  towns 

148. 

All  the  rest  of  the  Palatines  being  yet  scattered  up  and  down 
ye  country,  no  true  account  can  be  given  of  them  until  they  shall 
be  reduced  again  to  one  body  by  their  ensuing  settlement. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
The  Case  of  Rev.  Henri cus  Beyts  (Beys.) 

1714,  July  23rd.  In  the  affair  of  Rev.  Beyts  it  was  resolved 
that  the  committee  ad  causam  should  deal  with  him,  stante  Classe, 
and  serve  the  Assembly  with  a  report,     ix.  317. 

1714,  July  23rd.  The  Committee,  which  at  the  beginning  of 
these  Acta,  was  charged  with  the  investigation  of  the  affairs  of 
Rev.  Beyts,  was  heartily  thanked  for  their  diligence  and  for  the 
labor  bestowed  on  the  case. 

The  Assembly,  having  heard,  considered,  and,  in  the  fear  of 
God  properly  deliberated  on  everything  which  came  before  them, 
in  reference  to  his  business,  resolved,  that  no  satisfactory  proofs 
have  been  presented  before  them  to  hold  him  guilty  of  the  alleged 
improper  intercourse  with  his  maid  servant,  and  therefore  decides 
that  he  may  be  admitted  to  the  exercise  of  the  Sacred  Ministra- 
tions,    ix.  322. 


1714 


2064  EccLEsiASTicAJv  Records 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Correspondence  in  America. 

E-ev,   Vincentiiis  Antonides  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,   July 

23,  1714. 

(Portfolio  "'New  York",  Vol.  i.) 

Midwout,  July  23,  1714. 

To  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam : 

Reverend  Sirs,  Highly  Esteemed  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Christ 

Jesus : — 

Grace  and  Peace  be  multiplied  unto  you. 

As  I  learned  from  your  letter  to  my  Consistory,  that  you  had 
drawn  the  moneys  heretofore  sent  over  by  them,  in  order  to  pay 
the  debt  incurred  by  me,  so  far  as  said  moneys  would  avail;  so 
now  am  I  able,  by  these  presents,  to  indicate  to  you,  that,  to  my 
great  joy,  provision  has  at  last  been  made,  that  that  which  re- 
mained behind  should  now  be  satisfied.  Mr.  William  van  ISTuys, 
merchant  at  Amsterdam,  will  pay,  by  my  order,  to  the  Very 
Reverend  Mr.  John  van  der  Hagen,  worthy  member  of  your 
Highly  Distinguished  Assembly,  and  Deputatus  ad  res  exteras, 
the  sum  of  seventy  guilders  Holland  currency,  more  or  less,  ac- 
cording as  the  balance  due  shall  be  found  to  be.  By  these  presents 
I  again  request,  as  I  have  already  requested,  that  gentleman  to 
receive  these  moneys  in  behalf  of  the  Rev,  Classis,  from  the 
hands  of  the  said  merchant.  That  provision  for  doing  this  has 
not  been  made  by  me  before,  Rev.  Sirs,  there  is  no  other  reason 
than  inability.  There  has  been  due  from  my  congregation  the 
sum  of  thirty  pounds,  ISTew  York  currency,  ($75.)  for  which  I 
have  long  been  waiting;  even  as  I  explained  to  you  more  fully  in 
my  last,  dated  December  5,  1711;  as  also  my  Consistory  stated 
to  you  in  their  last.  Know,  Rev.  Sirs,  that  among  all  my  other 
difficulties,  this  oppressed  me  as  the  heaviest  and  hardest,  that 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  2065 

1714 

moneys  advanced  to  me  by  you  remained  so  long  unpaid.  This 
has  also  been  no  little  hindrance  to  me  in  the  fulfillment  of  my 
duty,  namely,  that  I  should  have  greeted  you  far  more  frequently, 
with  all  proper  respect,  by  letters.  Even  as  I  express  to  you  my 
hearty  thanks  for  the  service  rendered  me  at  that  time;  so  I  also 
declare,  that  this  long  delay  in  making  payment,  sprung  from 
utter  inability.  May  my  apology  be  taken  in  good  part;  and  I 
trust  that  I  shall  not,  on  this  account,  be  put  wholly  outside  your 
esteem  and  favor. 

As  to  the  state  of  our  churches:  This  remains  the  same  as  I 
stated  in  my  last  letter,  mentioned  above.  Only,  I  may  add  that 
peace  and  unity,  in  all  our  external  intercourse  have  become  more 
real,  and  this  shows  itself  daily  among  the  people.  This  took 
its  beginning  especially  on  the  last  'New  Year's  Day,  January  1, 
1714;  [the  Dutch  ISTew  Year;  the  English  was  March  25.]  It 
occurred  through  something  suggested  by  me,  and  in  which  the 
feelings  of  the  people  were  awakened  and  enlisted  in  love.  It 
happened  every  few  weeks  that  the  preaching  turns  of  each  of 
us  would  fall  on  the  same  day,  at  Midwout  and  Breukelen.  In 
such  event,  the  Rev.  Ereeman  had  to  step  aside  each  time,  and 
take  his  turn  in  one  of  his  other  places.  This  annoyed  him  and 
those  who  were  on  his  side,  and  repeatedly  occasioned  new  dis- 
turbances, whereby  the  old  evil  of  bitterness  came  again  to  the 
surface.  Now  it  just  happened  so  that  our  preaching  turns  came 
together  at  Midwout  on  the  said  New  Year's  Day.  Noticing  this, 
and  regretting  it,  as  I  had  long  already  regretted  this  soul-and- 
church-destroying  annoyance,  I  thought  to  myself  that  such  a 
day  would  afford  a  good  opportunity  to  effect  something  for  the 
welfare  of  Zion.  After  private  communication  with,  and  prepara- 
tion of",  the  minds  of  some  members  of  my  Consistories,  in  whom 
I  had  a  good  degree  of  confidence,  I  made  this  request  and  pro- 
posal before  the  full  Consistory:  that  I  might  have  the  liberty 
when  the  turns  happened  to  come  together  against,  to  preach  in 
the  forenoon,  and  invite  the  other  minister  to  preach  in  the  after- 


2066  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1714 

noon,  vicissim,  in  turns,  or  as  we  the  two  preachers  might  agree; 

and  thus  make  a  beginning  toward  Peace  on  jSTew  Year's  Day.    I 

used,  as  an  argument  for  pressing  this  plan,  that  it  would  cause 

much  love  and  joy  in  all  the  congregations,  and  would  make  a 

sweet  beginning  for  the  New  Year,  when  people  are  accustomed 

to  wish  each  other  peace  and  blessing;  and  further,  that  it  was 

exactly  the  anniversary  day  of  my  arrival  —  having  now  spent 

eight  years  among  them  with  but  little  joy,  etc. 

This  request  was  finally  granted  me,  although  not  without  con- 
siderable opposition.  But  when  it  had  been  granted,  and  was 
made  known  to  the  friends  on  either  side,  it  immediately  excited 
a  general  gladness;  yet,  at  first,  not  a  little  unpleasantness  arose 
on  their  part,  caused  by  some  unruly  spirits,  about  the  precedence 
in  the  preaching  on  that  New  Year's  Day;  but  this  is  too  long  to 
relate  and  is  also  unnecessary.  But  everything  went  according 
to  our  desire,  and  it  was  the  happiest  day  which  I  have  spent  in 
this  land.  Since  then,  love  has  come  back  again  among  the 
people,  and  a  pleasant  unity.  This  increases  and  strengthens 
every  day.  It  was  my  special  object,  not  only  to  take  out  of 
the  way  that  constantly  recurring  circumstance  producing  dis- 
affection, caused  by  the  division;  but  also  to  arouse  a  spirit  of 
love,  and  thus  to  pave  the  way  to  a  general  and  perfect  peace. 

How  it  fared  with  our  last  "  Peace  Negotiations  ",  you  have  al- 
ready received  abundant  information  from  the  recent  communi- 
cations of  my  Consistories.  If  they  did  not  observe,  in  their 
letter,  a  proper  moderation  of  spirit,  and  did  not  show  you  suifi- 
cient  respect,  it  was  not  my  fault.  I  know  nothing  of  what  they 
wrote.  It  was  therefore  impossible  for  me  to  change  anything 
that  was  displeasing  in  it. 

I  hope  that  our  second  "  Negotiation  "  shall  have  the  desired 
result.  The  only  thing  that  will  need  settling  now,  will  be  how 
the  double  Consistories  in  Midwout  and  Breukelen  shall  be  merged 
into  one,  as  was  the  former  condition.  Thereunto  I  hope  that 
your  counsel  and  advice  will  contribute  much. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  2067 

As  much  as  four  years  ago  I  revealed  my  plan  about  this,  (con- 
solidation of  the  two  Consistories),  to  a  good  and  faithful  friend; 
that,  inasmuch  as  things  were  as  they  Avere,  and  the  rights  of  the 
church  (under  such  circumstances)  could  not  be  maintained  in 
these  distant  parts,  this  (consolidation)  would  have  to  be  accom- 
plished in  order  to  secure  peace  in  God's  Church;  that  both  Con- 
sistories ought  voluntarily  to  resign  their  offices,  and  an  entirely 
new  election  be  held  by  the  whole  congregation:  with  the  pro- 
vision that  a  minute  should  be  inserted  in  the  Church-Book,  that 
such  a  thing  had  been  done  on  an  extraordinary  occasion,  and 
should  not  serve  at  all  as  a  precedent.  But  at  that  time  they 
would  not  listen  to  it;  but  I  hear  that  now  it  will  meet  with  a 
better  reception,  and  I  do  promise  and  assure  you  that,  so  far  as 
lies  in  me,  I  "will  ever  use  every  endeavor  to  induce  my  own  people 
to  give  in;  for  it  is  plain  that  all  those  now  in  office  must  resign, 
and  we,  on  our  part,  will  do  so.  I  therefore  certainly  picture  to 
myself  something  beneficial  therefrom ;  yet  time  and  tact  are  nec- 
essary to  persuade  those  to  gentleness  who  imagine  that  they  have 
been  greatly  injured  in  reputation. 

Further:  I  commend  myself  to  your  favorable  consideration. 
I  pray  that  the  Almighty  may  command  his  blessing  upon  you  for 
the  best  interests  of  Zion.     I  remain, 

Reverend  Sirs,  Highly  Learned  Fathers  and  Brethren, 
Your  obedient  servant  and  brother, 

V.  Antonides. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Rev.  Vincentius  Antonides  to  the  Rev.  John  Van  der  Hagen,  July 

26,  1714. 

Portfolio,  "  New  York  "  Vol.  i. 

Midwout  July  26,  1714. 
Mr.  Van  der  Hagen, 

Very  Reverend  Sir : —  I  take  the  liberty  of  advising  you  by  these 

presents  that  a  draft  has  been  transmitted  by  me,  addressed  to  Mr. 


1714 


2068  Ecclesiastical  Eecokds 

William  van  Nuys,  Merchant,  at  Amsterdam,  who  will  cash  the 
same  for  me,  and  devote  the  moneys  and  expend  them  as  has  been 
directed  by  me.  My  order  to  him  is  to  pay  you  the  sum  of  (70) 
seventy  guilders,  Holland  currency,  more  or  less,  according  as 
you  may  decide  that  the  Classis  has  claims  from  me.  This  is  to 
serve  in  satisfaction  of  the  balance,  which  is  still  unpaid,  of  the 
moneys  advanced  for  me,  for  my  journey  hither.  It  is,  therefore, 
my  request,  that  you,  as  Deputatus  of  Classis  ad  res  exteras,  will 
please  to  take  this  trouble  upon  yourself,  and  receive  those  moneys 
in  behalf  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  from  the  said  gentleman. 

Herewith  enclosed  is  also  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Classis,  and  one 
to  your  Rev.  Colleague,  Rev.  Mr.  van  Alpen.  I  trust  you  will 
have  the  goodness  to  deliver  these  when  opportunity  offers,  and, 
in  accordance  with  your  usual  modesty  and  politeness,  that  you 
will  excuse  in  me  this  liberty  I  have  taken.  I  have  written  to  the 
Rev.  Classis  regarding  the  state  of  my  congregation.  This,  you, 
as  a  member  of  that  highly  distinguished  Body,  will  hear  and  learn 
about,  and  unto  which  I  now  commend  myself.  I  remain,  here- 
with, after  wishing  every  imaginable  blessing  upon  yourself,  your 
family,  and  your  Sacred  Office, 
Very  Reverend  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant  and  brother  in  Christ, 

V.  Antonides. 
(Address  on  the  back:)         '  ;  ■      •  •  .     ■• 

Sir: 

To  Mr.  John  vander  Hagen,  Very  Worthy  Minister  of  Christ's 
Gospel,  in  his  Church  at  Amsterdam. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2069 

Church  of  New  York. 
August  4,  1714. 

Consistory  met,  Elders,  Deacons  and  Church.  Masters,  and,  after 
calling  on  God's  name. 

Resolved,  1.  That  hereafter  no  alteration  in  the  seats  in  the 
churches  shall  be  made  by  the  Church  Masters,  without  the  appro- 
bation of  the  Consistory. 

2.  That  as  it  has  always  been  the  custom  that  no  Elders,  Deacons 
or  Church  Masters  should  determine  any  ecclesiastical  action,  ex- 
cept by  a  majority  of  their  number,  such  rule  henceforth  shall  be 
strictly  observed,  so  that  any  determination  made  by  two  shall  be 

of  no  validitv. 

—  Lib.  A.  231. 

Dutch  Church  of  Albany. 

1714,  August  16.  The  petition  of  Petnis  Van  Driesen  minister  of  ye  Netlier 
Dutcii  Refoi-med  Congregation  of  tlie  city  of  Albany  and  ye  eiders  &  deacons 
of  ye  said  Congregation  being  read  praying  a  grant  or  release  of  twelve  foot  of 
ground  on  the  south  side  and  twelve  foot  on  the  north  side  of  ye  said  church 
belonging  to  the  said  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation  &  in  length  eighty 
foot  on  both  sides  Ryland  measure;  and  a  Confirmation  of  ye  said  Church  ground 
and  premises. 

Resolved  that  the  said   petition  be  taken   into  consideration. 

1714,  August  21.  Whereas  the  Commonalty  have  Resolved  to  grant  a  Confirma- 
tion of  ye  Church,  belonging  to  ye  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation,  standing 
and  being  in  this  City,  and  an  addition  of  ten  foot  of  ground  on  ye  south  side 
and  ten  foot  of  ground  on  ye  north  side  of  ye  said  Church  wood  measure  and  in 
length   eighty   foot. 

Resolved  that  ye  following  persons  viz.,  Robert  Livingston,  Jr.  Esq.  mayor 
Job's  Cuyler  Esq.,  record:  Hend.  Hansen  Wessel  Ten  Broeck  &  Harmanus  Wen- 
dell Esqrs.  aldermen  to  make  a  draft  of  ye  said  church  ground  and  premises  and 
make  return  to  ye  Commonalty  next  Common  Council  day. 

1714,  Sept.  14.  Pursuant  to  ye  Resolution  of  the  comonalty  on  ye  21st  of  Au- 
gust last  the  Committee  then  appointed  to  make  a  draft  on  ye  church  and  ground 
belonging  to  ye  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation  of  the  City  of  Albany  and 
make  return  thereof  to  ye  Comonalty,  which  committee  now  make  a  return 
thereof  accordingly. 

Petrus  Van  Driesen  minister  of  ye  New  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation 
of  the  city  of  Albany  and  the  Elders  and  Deacons  of  ye  said  Congregation  do 
desire  that  ye  Comonalty  would  be  pleased  to  grant  unto  them  for  ye  use  of  ye 
said  Congregation  instead  of  ye  ten  foot  wood  measure  on  the  south  and  north 
side  of  ye  said  church,  eleven  foot  and  eight  inches  Rynland  measure  &  eighty 
six  foot  long  so  that  ye  whole  breadth  of  the  said  Church  be  five  Rood  in  length 
seaven  Rodd  and  two  foot  all  Rynland  measure  together  with  free  drop  round 
the  same  which  request  ye  Comonalty  have  resolved  to  grant  and  ordered  that  a 
release  may  be  drawn  accordingly. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  vil.  pp.  14, 
15,  20. 


1714 


1714 


2070  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 


CoifFERENCE    BETWEEN    GoVEENOE    HuNTEE    AND    THE    InDIANS. 

Missionaries  to  the  Indians.      Sept.   1714. 

The  Sachems  of  the  Five  Nations  viz.  the  Maquase,  Oneydes.  Onnondagues. 
Cayouges.  &  Sinnel^es  being  convened  at  His  Excellency's  the  Governors  lodging 
in  Albany  the  20th  September  1714. 


Brethren    (Sept.  23) 

It  was  the  desire  of  those  of  your  number  v?ho  were  in  England  that  there 
might  be  missionaries  sent  to  instruct  you  in  the  way  to  Eternal  life,  I  mean  the 
Christian  faith  which  proposal  you  yourself  agreed  to  upon  the  meeting  you  here, 
Her  Majesty  has  accordingly  sent  one  and  ordered  a  Fort  and  chappel  to  be 
built  for  his  reception  which  the  venerable  society  maintain  for  your  service  at 
considerable  expence.  I  earnestly  beseech  you  that  you  will  give  ear  to  the  good 
and  pious  man  whose  labors  for  your  welfare  you  are  well  acquainted  with,  that 
as  we  are  but  one  body  and  of  one  interest  in  this  world  we  may  have  hope  of 
being  so  in  the  next. 


Brother  Corlaer    (Sept.  25) 

You  also  tell  us  that  it  was  the  desire  of  some  of  our  number  who  were  in 
England  that  there  might  be  missionaries  sent  to  instruct  us  in  the  Christian 
Eeligion  &  to  bring  Forts*  &  a  chappel  which  her  Majesty  has  accordingly  done 
and  it  was  agreed  to  by  us  when  we  first  see  your  Excellency  you  also  recommend 
us  to  be  kind  to  that  good  and  pious  man  who  labours  for  our  welfare,  you  shall 
find  us  ready  to  obey  your  commands  in  this  particular  do  give  a  stick  having 
no  belt  at  present  but  will  send  from  our  countrey. 


You  likewise  put  us  in  mind  that  we  desired  a  missioner  in  every  one  of  our 
castles  to  instruct  us  in  the  way  to  eternal  life,  we  own  that  we  desired  it  liut 
when  we  consider  that  the  Christians  here  when  it  is  Sabbath  days  what  fine 
cloathes  they  have  when  they  go  to  church  and  that  goods  are  still  so  dear  that 
we  cannot  purchase  Sundays  cloathes  but  would  be  necessitated  to  go  to  church 
with  an  old  Bear  Skin  and  Deer  Skin  we  have  deferred  that  matter  till  Goods  are 
cheaper  that  we  may  have  cloaths  suitable  to  go  to  church  withall. 


Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  382,   384,  386. 

FiEST  English  Chuech  in  Albany. 

To  his  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Capt.  General!  &  Governour  in  Chief 
of  the  Provinces  of  New  York,   New  Jersey  etc. 

The  humble  peticon  of  Thomas  Barclay  Minister  and  Peter  Mathews  and  James 
Dunbar  the  present  Wardens  of  the   English   Church  at  Albany. 

Sheweth 

Unto  your  Excellency:  that  whereas,  the  right  honorable  the  Society  for  propa- 
gating of  the  gospell  in  forrain  parts  have  been  pleased  to  appoint  the  peticoner, 
Thomas  Barclay,  their  missionary  for  the  City  of  Albany,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
garrison  and  Inhabitants  there,  to  perform  divine  service  according  to  the  liturgy 
of  the  Church  of  England;  they  have  hitherto  been  necessitated  to  make  use  of 
a  small  old  Chappel  belonging  to  a  Lutheran  congregation,  at  unseasonable  hours, 
as  by  their  permission,  the  house  also  (being)  worn  out  &  decayed.  Your  Excel- 
lency taking  it  into  your  pious  consideracon,  on  the  31st  of  May  last,  was  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  grant  to  the  said  peticoners  a  Lycence  under  your  hand  and 
seal  to  collect  and  receive  the  charity  &  benevolence  of  all  good  Christians  within 
the  province,  towards  the  building  of  a  church  or  chappel  for  divine  service  in 
the  center  of  the  broad  street  called  Yonkers  street,  leading  from  the  fifort  to  the 
waterside,  between  the  end  of  Pearl  street  &  the  small  street  that  leads  to  the 
Lutheran  church,  not  exceeding  sixty  feet  in  length  and  fourty  five  foot  in 
breadth,    which   by    your    Excellency's    Encouragement    and    example    has    hitherto 

•  Build  Forts.     N.   Y.   Colonial  Manuscript,   lix. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2071 

been  wonderfully  successful.  Your  Excellency  having  lately  viewed  the  situation, 
and  the  petitioners  being  advised  that  It  will  be  more  comodious  (if)  the  same 
be  built  higher  up  the  said  street,  neerer  to  the  fCort,  where  it  is  much  wider, 
where  may  be  conveniently  spared  for  the  situation  of  a  church  &  cemetery. 
Ninety  foot  in  length  and  sixty  foot  in  breadth,  between  the  houses  of  Stephanus 
Groesbeck  on  the  north  side,  and  the  house  of  Abraham  Cuyler  on  the  south  side, 
not  to  extend  further  east  than  the  east  end  of  said  houses  and  thence  to  stretch 
westerly  Ninety  foot  in  the  same  l)readth  of  sixty  foot  equally  distant  from  said 
houses.      They    therefore    humbly    pray 

May  it  please  your  Excellency 

To  grant  to  the  peticoners  in  trust  to  and  for  the  use  of  said  minister  and 
Wardens  and  their  successors,  forever,  letters  patent  under  the  seal  of  the  prov- 
ince of  New  York,  for  that  spot  of  ground  and  that  the  benevolence  already  given 
and  subscribed  in  virtue  of  your  Excellency's  said  lycence,  be  appropriated 
towards  the  building  of  the  said  Church  or  Chappel,  therein,  the  alteracon  of 
the  site  or  any  article  or  clause  otherwise  worded  in  the  said  licence  notwith- 
standing, under  such  quitrent  as  your  Excellency  shall  think  fit  to  propose  in  this 
behalf.     And  the  peticoners  as  in  all  duty   bound   shall  ever   pray  etc. 

Tho.   Barclay. 
October  7th,  1714.  —  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   ill.   pp.  546,  547. 

21  October,   1714  Read  &  granted. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Rev.  Beys  appointed  to  Curacoa. 

1714,  Oct.  8tli.  Rev.  Henricus  Beys  appeared  within  the  room, 
and  handed  in  an  extract,  from  the  register  of  resolutions,  adopted 
by  the  Committee  of  the  Directors  from  the  several  Chambers  of 
the  Gteneral  Chartered  West  India  Company,  at  its  meeting  at 
Tiemen,  under  date  of  Sept.  26,  1714.  From  this  it  appeared 
that  he  was  appointed  as  second  minister  on  the  island  of  Curacoa, 
and  he  requested  to  be  further  qualified,  ecclesiastically,  by  this 
Rev.  Assembly.  The  Rev.  Assembly  was  indeed  willing  to  grant 
him  this  request;  but  at  the  same  time,  it  was  resolved,  that  no 
ordinary  call  in  the  way  of  a  printed  form  should  be  given  him 
by  the  Rev.  Deputies;  but  a  special  call,  containing  the  principal 
part  of  our  acta  relating  to  him;  and  furthermore  there  shall  be 
handed  over  by  the  Deputies  ad  res  Exteras,  to  the  Messrs.  Di- 
rectors, an  extract  from  our  acta  regarding  his  release,  and  a 
duplicate  be  sent  over  to  the  Consistory  of  Curacoa. 

Hereupon  Classis  proceeded  to  a  call,  and  from  the  nomination  of 
Beyts,  Buma  and  Kiesinga,  the  Rev.  Henricus  Beyts  was  called  by 
a  majority  of  votes.    Upon  his  accepting  this  call  in  the  name  of 


1714 


1714 


2072  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  Lord,  lie  was  installed  in  the  Sacred  Ministry,  and  signed  the 
Formulae  of  Conford,  having  previously  promised  to  maintain  the 
laudable  correspondence  with  this  Rev,  Classis.    ix.  330,  331. 

(To  install  in  a  congregation,  or  to  ordain  for  the  first,  to  the 
ministry,  are  each  expressed  by  the  same  word  in  Dutch,  bevestigen, 
and  hence  it  is  not  clear  whether  he  was  re-ordained  or  not.) 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyee  to  the  Secketart  of  the  Society  fob  Peopa- 

GATING   THE   GoSPEL. 

Jamaica,  L.  L,  ISTov.  2nd,  1714. 

Honored  Sir : —  It  will  be  five  years  the  last  day  of  next  month 
since  my  most  honored  patrons,  the  Venerable  Society,  were  pleased 
to  order  me  to  embark  to  proceed  on  my  Mission;  the  which  I 
obeyed,  and  embarked  that  same  day;  but  there  were  more  hin- 
drances than  one  that  detained  the  Fleet  'till  the  10th  of  April, 
and  in  the  interim  I  was  tossed  about  from  one  expensive  harbour 
to  another,  with  my  family,  having  my  Wife,  visited  on  board  with 
two  fits  of  sickness  and  obliged  each  fit  to  bring  her  ashore  for 
the  help  of  a  Doctor,  which  was  not  a  little  trouble  &  charge  to  me ; 
and  besides  all  this  the  twenty  pounds,  I  was  forced  to  pay  for  our 
passage,  &  the  twice  laying  in  of  sea  stores,  put  me  in  very  great 
straits ;  the  10th  of  April  we  left  the  Lands  end  of  England  and  had 
a  very  tedious  and  uneasy  passage  of  thirteen  weeks  lacking  two 
or  three  days.  In  this  passage  I  had  great  experience  of  the  good- 
ness of  God,  and  often  had  occasion  to  reflect  on  the  Royal 
Psalmist's  expressions  in  Psalm  107 :  23,  etc.,  where  he  has  these 
words  —  "  They  that  go  dovm  to  the  Sea  in  ships,  and  occupy  their 
business  in  great  waters,  these  men  see  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and 
his  wonders  in  the  deep,"  etc.  I  saw  indeed,  &  wondered,  and  often 
expected  in  the  great  tempests  we  had,  to  have  been  swallowed  up 
of  the  merciless  waves ;  but  when  we  were  in  our  trouble  and  almost 
brought  to  our  wit's  end,  We  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  was 
graciously  pleased  to  hear  us,  and  bring  us,  though  not  into  the 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2073 

haven  where  we  would  have  been,  yet  unto  a  Christian  shore,  yea 
unto  the  Island  where  my  Mission  was  to  terminate  about  one 
hundred  miles  from  my  Parish.  Here  the  ship  and  part  of  her 
lading  was  lost  on  the  7th  July  but  not  the  life  of  one  person. 

The  week  following  I  did  set  out  for  this  place,  where  to  this 
time  I  have  not  ceased,  (according  to  the  ability  that  God  hath 
given  me),  to  instruct  the  Flock  committed  to  my  charge.  I  have 
laboured  faithfully  in  my  Lord's  Vineyard,  and  in  my  private  ad- 
vice from  House  to  House,  as  well  as  public  discourses,  I  have  ex- 
horted them  to  faith  in  Christ  and  amendment  of  life,  and  to  live 
in  Love ;  I  have  likewise  endeavoured  to  possess  them  with  as  due 
a  sense  of  the  fundamentals  of  our  religion  as  I  could,  and  the 
Great  God  has  vouchsafed  to  give  such  a  blessing  to  my  poor  yet 
well  meaning  endeavours  (the  number  of  the  communicants  of  the 
Church  of  England  here  before  my  time  never  exceeded  thirty)  I 
have  had  above  sixty ;  of  the  Independents  who  are  the  most  numer- 
ous in  my  parish  I  have  gained  some,  and  of  the  Quakers  more; 
some  that  were  very  rigid  Independents  since  I  came,  and  that  have 
reflected  very  much  on  our  Church  and  constitution,  are  now  very 
frequently  my  hearers ;  and  among  the  Quakers,  where  my  prede- 
cessor Mr.  Urquhart  thought  it  not  worth  his  while  to  go,  I  seldom 
have  so  few  as  fifty  and  often  more  than  one  hundred  hearers. 

And  notwithstanding  I  have  all  along  discharged  the  duties 
of  a  Parish  Minister,  yet  have  I  never  received  one  penny  of  the 
salary  due  to  m©  by  the  laws  of  the  Colony;  how  to  come  by  it 
I  can't  tell ;  and  without  it,  or  an  augmentation  of  my  salary  from 
the  Eight  Honorable  &  Eight  Eev.  Patrons,  I  cannot  live  in  this 
dear  place.  I  live  very  near  much  below  the  character  of  a  Mis- 
sionary and  yet  am  running  myself  in  debt.  I  am  spending  my 
strength  &  yet  cannot  get  a  competency  wherefore  I  humbly  beg 
the  Venerable  Society  will  be  pleased  to  consider  my  condition,  it 
is  very  necessitous  indeed. 

But  I  will  not  trouble  you  with  more  of  this,  but  refer  you  to 
the  Eev.  Mr.  Vesey  who  I  understand  is  safely  arrived  in  Lon- 


1714 


1714 


2074  Ecclesiastical  Records 

don  how  I  have  led  my  life  here  and  in  how  mean  circumstances 
I  am  he  can  if  you'll  be  pleased  to  enquire  of  him  very  well 
inform  you. 

I  have  no  more  to  add  but  my  most  sincere  &  hearty  prayers 
to  the  Lord  to  bless  prosper  &  keep  my  most  honored  Patrons 
and  when  the  time  of  their  departure  hence  shall  come  may  God 
who  is  the  rewarder  of  those  who  make  it  their  study  and  delight 
to  enlarge  Christ's  Kingdom  here  take  them  to  the  eternally 
happy  enjoyment  of  himself  in  Heaven  is  the  prayer  of 
Honored  Sir  etc.,  etc. 

Thos.  Poyer. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  K  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  167,  168. 

Rev.    Thomas  Barclay  and  the  Episcopal  Church  at 
Albany.     'Nov.  14,  1714. 

Att  a  meeting  of  ye  recorder,  aldermen  and  assistants  of  the  city  of  Albany 
the  8th  day  of  November,  1714. 

Whereas  this  meeting  is  creditably  informed  that  ye  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Barclay, 
Collo.,  Peter  Mathews  &  John  Dunbar  have  this  day  layed  out  some  ground  on 
ye  west  end  of  ye  Joncker  street  in  this  city  for  erecting  and  building  a  church 
without  haveing  any  title  from  ye  said  city. 

It  is  resolved,  neme.  contradicente,  that  ye  said  Mr.  Barclay  Collo.,  Mathews 
and  Jno.  Dunbar  be  advised  to  delay  that  work  until  Mr.  Mayor  of  Albany  shall 
be  here,  and  that  they  be  served  with  a  copy  hereof. —  Munsell's  Annals  of 
Albany,   Vol.   vii.  p.  21.      [Collo.  often  used  for  colonel.] 

Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Nov.  19,  1714.    Vol.  iii.  p.  18.  §  13. 

Another  from  Mr.  Haeger  dated  New  York,  19th  of  July  last, 
giving  an  account  that  he  received  the  See's  [letter]  of  the  18th 
of  December  last,  on  the  13th  instant,  occasioned  by  the  great 
distance  he  was  from  New  York,  being  upward  of  100  miles  in 
the  woods;  that  his  continual  circuit  to  the  congregation  under  his 
inspection,  (who  are  dispersed  almost  throughout  the  whole 
government),  allows  him  but  little  time  to  stay  in  one  place;  that 
to  prevent  the  said  dispersion,  and  lest  they  should  in  time  take 
an  opportunity  of  embracing  a  dissenting  opinion,  as  living  nearer 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  Yokk.  2075 

a  meeting,  than  any  of  our  churches,  he  has  prevailed  with  a  con- 
siderable number  of  them  to  purchase  a  great  tract  of  land  in 
one  continent,  that  by  their  living  together,  they  may  in  time  be 
able  to  erect  some  suitable  buildings  for  performance  of  divine 
service,  and  prays  the  society  to  send  over  a  sufficient  number  of 
exemplars  of  the  Liturgy  in  the  German  language,  which  if  com- 
plied with,  will  in  short  time  reduce  them  into  one  body  again. 
That  he  is  sorry  he  cannot  at  present  render  his  account  accord- 
ing to  the  standing  orders  of  the  Society,  (but  has  transmitted 
them  agreeable  to  his  usual  method),  he  not  having  received  their 
order  from  Gen.  Nicholson ;  that  when  he  receives  them  he  shall 
take  care  punctually  to  obey  them;  hopes  this  his  delay  will  not 
be  considered  as  a  neglect  of  his  duty,  which  he  is  so  desirous  to 
discharge,  with  all  the  exactness  imaginable.  Take  notice  of  the 
Society's  orders  concerning  the  drawing  bills  for  his  salary  which 
he  shall  take  care  to  observe,  but  desires  the  Society  will  please 
to  pay  his  Attorney,  Mr.  Miller,  the  10  pounds  allowed  him  in 
Oct.  1710  for  a  gown,  surplice  and  books.  Whereupon  the  Com- 
mittee agreed  to  report  as  their  opinion  that  it  is  very  necessary 
that  a  number  of  copies  of  the  Dutch  Liturgy  be  printed  and 
sent  to  him;  and  that  it  appearing  to  the  Committee  that  ye  ten 
pounds  formerly  allowed  the  said  Mr.  Haeger  by  ye  Society  is 
not  yet  paid,  it  is  their  opinion  the  said  ten  pounds  ought  to  be 
paid  to  the  Attorney  of  the  said  Mr.  Haeger.  As  to  the  High 
Dutch  Common  Prayer  Books  by  him  desired,  agreed  that  it  be 
referred  to  the  Committee  to  consider  what  number  is  proper  to 
be  sent  and  to  enquire  the  best  method  of  purchasing  the  same 
with  the  most  correct  edition.  As  to  ye  ten  pounds  formerly 
allowed  the  said  Mr.  Haeger  and  not  yet  paid,  agreed  that  the 
Treasurer  do  pay  the  same  to  the  Attorney  of  the  said  Mr,  Haeger. 

Dec.  17,  1714.     Vol.  iii.  p.  24.  §  12. 

Reported  from  the  Committee  that  upon  reading  the  minutes 
of  the  Society  whereby  it  was  referred  to  them  to  consider  what 


1714 


2076  EccLESiASTiCAi,  Kecords 

1715 

number  of  common  prayer  books  in  the  German  language  is 
proper  to  be  sent  to  Mr.  Haeger  and  to  enquire  the  best  method 
of  purchasing  the  same,  with  the  most  correct  edition.  Mr. 
Stubbs  promised  to  enquire,  and  inform  himself  as  to  that  mat- 
ter and  report  his  opinion  thereon  to  the  Society  at  next  meeting 
and  Mr.  Stubbs  being  now  present  laid  before  the  board  some 
different  copies,  of  ye  said  Conmion  Prayer  Book  in  the  German 
language.  Agreed  that  it  is  to  be  referred  to  the  Eight  Rev.,  the 
Lord  Bishop  of  London  and  he  is  desired  to  examine  ye  said 
copies  and  report  his  opinion  which  is  the  most  correct  edition. 

E-EFOEMED  Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  York,  1Y15,  Jaw.  4,  11, 

Call  of  a  Colleague  for  Domine  Du  Bois. 

Consistory  was  held,  January  4,  1714/15.  After  calling  on 
God's  name,  Domine  (Gualterus)  du  Bois  delivered  a  written 
declaration,  stating  his  wish  that  a  suitable  minister  might  be 
added  to  him.     It  was  unanimously  Resolved 

1.  That  whenever  a  minister  shall  be  called,  all  those  who  from 
time  to  time  shall  be  appointed  to  be  Elders,  Deacons  or  Church 
Masters,  shall  be  appointed  under  the  condition  that,  before  they 
shall  be  recognized  as  chosen,  or  announced  to  the  Church  as 
such,  they  shall  sign  the  Call  of  the  said  Minister.  If  they  refuse 
to  do  so,  others  shall  be  chosen  in  their  place  under  these  same 
conditions.  , 

2.  That  in  the  Resolution  of  March  11,  1712/13,  after  the 
words  "  Elders  and  Deacons  ",  there  shall  in  each  case  be  added 
the  word  "  Church-Masters."  .     :    , 

3.  That  eight  days  hence,  all  who  have  ever  held  the  office  of 
Elder,  Deacon  or  Church-Master,  and  those  who  now  serve  as 
such,  shall  be  summoned  to  meet  in  the  Consistory  Chamber,  to 
deliberate  over  the  Call  of  a  second  Minister. 


OF  THE  State  of  IN'ew  York.  2077 

January  11,  1715. 

After  calling  upon  God's  name,  according  to  the  Resolution  of 
January  4,  1715,  a  meeting  of  the  Great  Consistory  was  held. 
Therein  it  was  unanimously  Resolved, 

1.  Inasmuch  as  the  Ruling  Consistory  will  gladly  see  the  First 
Article  of  January  4,  last,  agreed  to  by  the  entire  Great  Con- 
sistory, for  their  greater  satisfaction,  and  the  pleasure  of  the 
whole  Congregation,  we  declare  the  said  First  Article  to  be  good 
and  wholesome,  and  ratify  the  same  as  a  Rule,  hereafter  to  be 
observed  from  time  to  time. 

2.  That  as  soon  as  the  necessary  subscription  for  a  minister 
from  Holland,  as  a  colleague  with  Domine  Du  Bois,  shall  be 
obtained,  it  is  desired  that  a  Letter  of  Call  for  a  Minister  from 
Holland  be  forwarded  by  the  first  opportunity. 

In  compliance  with  the  First  Article,  made  by  the  Ruling 
Consistory,  January  4,  1714/15,  and  ratified  by  the  Great  Con- 
sistory, January  11,  the  following 

Instiiiment  of  Call. 

for  a  Minister,  as  colleague  of  Domine  Du  Bois,  for  the  Dutch 
Reformed  Church  at  Xew  York,  was  prepared  and  forwarded  to 
the  Messrs.  Adrian  van  Oostrum,  Corn.  Schelling  and  Florentius 
Comble  (Bomble?),  faithful  servants  of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  Dutch 
Reformed  Churches  at  Amsterdam. 

Highly  Esteemed  Sirs: — 

After  the  death  of  Domine  Henry  Selyns,  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Church  of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  City  of  ISTew  York,  in  America  — 
over  which  God's  Providence  has  placed  us,  the  undersigned,  as 
Elders,  Deacons  and  Church-Masters  —  found  itself  in  no  con- 
dition to  proceed  immediately  to  the  Call  of  another  Minister  as 
colleague  of  Domine  Du  Bois,  who  is  our  present  pastor  and 
teacher,  and  greatly  beloved  by  our  whole  church.  Therefore  he 
was  impelled  by  pressing  reasons,  reluctantly  to  undertake  alone 


1715 


1715 


2078  Ecclesiastic aij  Records 

the  entire  service  for  a  time,  under  the  promise  that,  as  soon 
as  possible,  his  labors  should  be  lightened  by  the  Call  of  another 
Minister.  But  it  has  not  been  possible  hitherto,  for  various  rea- 
sons, to  fulfill  that  promise,  although  his  Rev.  repeatedly  and  sin- 
cerely declared  both  to  the  Consistory  and  to  individuals,  that 
nothing  would  be  more  pleasing  to  him,  or  was  more  desirable, 
than  that  the  Church  should  have  and  enjoy  another  suitable, 
peaceful  and  pious  teacher  together  with  himself. 

But  now  the  hindrances,  which  have  hitherto  thwarted  the  at- 
tainment of  this  desirable  object,  for  which  we  also  have  so 
greatly  longed,  have  gradually  disappeared.  His  Rev.  also,  by 
his  declaration  and  written  encouragement,  presented  to  our  Con- 
sistory on  Jan.  4,  last,  led  us  so  far,  that  we  met  to  consider 
the  m^atter.  After  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  the  Consist- 
ory, according  to  our  custom  in  matters  of  this  kind,  met  with 
all  those  who  have  ever  served  this  Church  as  Elders,  Deacons 
or  Church-Masters.  They  finally  came  to  the  resolution,  al- 
though the  whole  Church  is  entirely  satisfied  with  the  praise- 
worthy services  and  unwearied  diligence  of  our  said  Minister, 
but  only  with  the  design  of  lightening  his  multiplied  preaching 
services,  his  numerous  catechizings,  to  call  a  minister  from  Hol- 
land to  co-operate  with  him.  And  we  did  this,  especially  lest, 
with  his  advancing  years,  and  the  ill-health  which  he  recog- 
nizes as  well  as  ourselves,  the  congregation,  which  has  greatly 
increased  since  his  coming,  should,  in  the  event  of  his  death,  be 
entirely  deprived  of  all  its  teachers. 

The  necessary  subscriptions  of  members  of  the  Congregation 
were  accordingly  secured.  We  have,  therefore,  without  delay, 
put  our  hands  to  the  work,  and  in  view  of  all  these  things  have 
resolved  to  send  letters  of  authorization  to  you.  We  offer  to 
confer  entirely  upon  you,  Messrs.  van  Oostrum,  Schulting  (?) 
and  Comble(?),  all  needful  power,  right  and  authority,  acting 
unanimously  or  by  a  aiajority,  to  make  out  a  complete  Call  for  us, 
as  our  representatives;  and  to  Call  an  orthodox  Minister,  accord- 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2079 

ing  to  the  custom  of  our  Dutch  Reformed  Church.  He  must  be 
learned,  and  mighty  in  the  Scriptures,  edifying  in  life,  and  dis- 
creet in  intercourse,  and  properly  qualified,  having  the  requisite 
gifts.  He  must  be  a  peaceful,  quiet,  pious  and  faithful  servant 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  order  to  hold  the  office  of  a  Minister 
in  a  numerous  congregation;  and  in  order  to  be,  as  a  colleague 
with  the  abovenamed  Domine  Du  Bois,  the  regular  pastor  and 
teacher  in  the  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Jesus 
Christ,  at  ISTew  York,  in  America. 

As  such,  he  is  to  maintain  without  intermission,  under  the 
help  of  the  Most  High,  on  each  Lord's  Day,  as  well  as  during 
the  week,  and  at  other  times,  the  preaching  services,  the  cate- 
cliizing,  etc.,  according  to  the  Constitution  and  the  edifying  cus- 
toms usual  in  our  congregation.  Furthermore,  he  is  to  do  all 
that  belongs  to  the  office  of  a  zealous  minister,  and  all  that  is 
to  be  expected  of  a  faithful  watchman  on  the  walls  of  God's 
spiritual  Zion.  Thus,  in  conjunction  with  our  present  pastor 
and  teacher,  as  two  Ministers  of  like  honor,  esteem  and  service 
in  one .  congregation,  they  are  in  peace  and  unity  to  tend  the 
flock  of  God,  over  which  the  Chief  Shepherd  of  the  sheep  has 
placed  them  as  overseers.  Indeed,  either  is  to  undertake  alone 
the  whole  service  named,  in  ease  of  the  sickness,  departure  or 
death  of  his  colleague,  until  another  Minister  shall  be  called, 
and  arrive  in  ISTew  York. 

And  in  order  that  you  may  freely  look  about  for  such  a  Min- 
ister, a  man  of  from  twenty  five  to  thirty  five  or  thirty  six  years 
of  age,  married  or  single,  we,  the  undersigned,  promise  to  pay 
whoever  is  thus  called  by  you,  a  yearly  salary  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  five  pounds  I^ew  York  money.  This  shall  be  done 
in  equal  quarterly  payments,  each  and  every  year,  so  long  as  he 
shall  perform  the  above-mentioned  service  among  us,  as  befits  a 
servant  of  Christ,  Moreover,  we  will  give  him  a  dwelling  house, 
rent  free,  and  yearly  seven  pounds  ten  shillings  for  fire  wood; 
and  also,  every  year,  twelve  pounds  ten  shillings  for  the  services 


1715 


1715 


2080  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

in  the  week,  all  in  New  York  money.     This  is  exactly  the  same 
salary  as  Domine  Du  Bois  receives. 

All  this  we  the  undersigned,  promise;  but  with  this  under- 
standing, that  by  this  our  signatures,  we  by  no  means  bind  our- 
selves, our  persons,  heirs  or  estates,  by  our  individual  obligation, 
so  as  to  be  responsible  in  law  for  non-payment;  no,  indeed;  but 
only  to  secure  the  prompt  payment  of  the  sums  promised  to  both 
the  Ministers  named,  we  bind  ourselves  qualitate  qua,  i.  e.  as  the 
present  Elders  and  Deacons,  and  thus,  all  our  Church  property, 
to  be  responsible,  in  law,  for  the  payment  of  both  Ministers. 
This  (official  binding)  shall  also  be  done  by  all  and  every  one,  who 
shall  hereafter,  from  time  to  time,  be  called  to  the  office  of  Elders 
or  Deacons  or  Church-Masters  for  our  Congregation;  and  that, 
before  they  are  announced  and  ordained  in  their  respective  offices, 
by  subscribing  this  "  Instrument  of  Call ".  All  this  is  done 
agreeably  to  the  unanimous  resolution  of  the  Great  Consistory, 
held  the  11th  of  January  last,  1714/15,  as  stated  above.  In 
order  to  avoid  any  dispute  concerning  the  exact  time  when  the 
Minister's  salary  begins,  and  the  expenses  of  his  journey : —  his 
salary  shall  begin  on  the  day  of  his  arrival  in  "New  York.  He 
shall  then  receive  for  the  expenses  of  his  journey,  and  for  the  time 
he  has  been  in  our  service,  the  sum  of  sixty  pounds  IsTew  York 
currency. 

From  the  money  now  in  our  hands,  please  pay  the  Classical 
expenses;  in  order  that  everything,  that  is  ecclesiastically  re- 
quisite, may  be  done,  for  the  validity  of  your  action,  and  in  con- 
firmation of  the  proceedings. 

Meanwhile,  we  assure  his  Reverence  of  all  the  love,  honor 
and  esteem  due  an  upright  minister  of  this  our  Congregation. 

We  doubt  not  but  that  you  will  find  a  suitable  person  for  us, 
and  will  induce  him,  upon  our  equitable  conditions  and  promises, 
which  recommend  themselves,  to  accept,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
this  respectable  Call,  and  to  come  over  to  us.  We  dwell,  not 
under  an  ever  burning  sun,  but  in  one  of  the  healthiest  and  most 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York. 


2081 


delightful  regions  of  the  earth  —  a  land  through  God's  goodness, 
which  flows  with  milk  and  honey.  May  he  come,  in  order  to 
serve  the  most  numerous  Congregation  of  the  Dutch  in  all  Amer- 
ica, and  in  which  a  zealous  laborer  may  gain  a  rich  harvest  for 
Jehovah.  We  hope  that  his  Rev.,  having  accepted  the  Call,  will 
make  every  arrangement  to  set  out  upon  his  journey  by  the  first 
opportunity;  while  our  prayers  shall  be  addressed  to  God  to  pre- 
serve him  from  all  harm,  and  make  his  way  prosperous. 

Meanwhile  we  will  ever  beseech  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the 
sheep  that  it  may  please  Him  according  to  his  great  mercy,  to 
follow  with  his  divine  blessing  this,  our  arrangement  for  a  Call, 
made  in  his  fear,  so  that  the  same  may  tend  to  the  glory  of  his 
Most  Holy  Name,  the  upbuilding  of  his  Church,  and  the  conver- 
sion and  salvation  of  many  souls. 

In  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


Elders. 

Jacob  Boelen 
Jan  van  Schriver 
C.  D.  Peyster 


Deacons. 

Adrian  Man 
Jacobus  Kip 
And.  Marschalk 
Phillip  Schuyler 


Church-Masters. 
Phillip  Cortlandt 


Pursuant  to  the  subscription  of  the  foregoing  "  Instrument  of 
Call  ",  begun  on  the  other  side,  so  there  follows  now  the  same 
subscription,  according  to  the  Church  Rules.  New  York,  20th 
October,  1Y15. 


1715 


Elders.  Deacons. 

J.  V.  Cortlandt  John  Yan  Horne 

Nicolaus  Roosevelt      Phillip  Cortlandt 


Church-Masters. 

Johannes  van  der  Heil 
Stephanus  v.  Cortlandt 


—  Eng.  Lib.  A.  Loose  sheets. 


1715 


2082  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Rev.  Beyts. 

1715,  Jan.  8th.  The  directions  laid  upon  the  Deputati  ad  res 
exteras  on  October  8,  1714,  in  regard  to  the  call  of  Rev.  Hen- 
ricus  Beyts  to  Curacoa,  were  faithfully  carried  out,  according 
to  their  report,  and  they  were  cordially  thanked  by  the  Rev. 
Assembly  for  the  various  matters  attended  to,  (lit.  for  the  one 
and  the  other),     ix.  337.  . 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Letter  from  Antonides. 

1715,  Jan.  28th.  Rev.  Deputatus  ad  res  Exteras,  Burmannus, 
reports,  that  it  appeared  to  him  from  a  communication  of  the 
Rev.  Antonides,  that  there  was  here,  in  this  city  (Amsterdam,) 
in  the  keeping  of  a  certain  woman  mentioned  in  this  letter,  the 
sum  of  seventy  guilders.  Out  of  this  his  arrears  were  to  be  paid 
to  this  Assembly.  The  Rev.  Assembly  requests  the  Rev.  Quaes- 
tor to  make  out  accurately  his  debt  to  Classis,  and  to  receive  the 
balance  for  the  Classis,  with  the  assistance  of  the  Deputies  ad 
res  Exteras. 

The  Debt  of  Vas. 

On  the  same  occasion  they  were  requested  to  use  all  diligence 
to  secure  the  payment  of  the  debt  of  Rev.  Vas  to  this  Assembly, 
ix.  339. 


OF  THE  State  of  'Niew  York.  2083 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

The  Eevs.  Antonides  and  Freeman  to  the  Eev.  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, February  11,  1715. 

Portfolio,  "  Xew  York  "  Vol.  i. 

Midwout,  Feb.  11,  1715. 

To  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam.:     ^ 

Reverend  Sirs,  Highly  Esteemed  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Christ : 
—  Grace  and  Peace  be  multiplied  unto  you : 

We  find  ourselves  obliged  to  eonmiunicate  to  you,  by  this  good 
opportunity,  the  pleasant  news  of  a  complete  and  general  peace 
in  our  churches  on  Long  Island.  We  doubt  not  but  that  such 
good  news  of  what  is  so  excellent  in  itself,  will  be  peculiarly 
agreeable  to  you.  Upon  your  praiseworthy  recommendation 
"  Peace  JSTegotiations  "  were  again  instituted,  in  order  to  effect 
a  Peace  in  accordance  with  the  Articles  proposed  by  you.  But 
at  the  first  explanation  (of  the  Plan),  there  seemed  to  be  little 
hopes  of  good  results.  But  by  our  united  labors,  since  we  had 
come  to  a  sufficient  agreement  upon  the  main  matters,  (although 
we  had  on  either  side  obstinate  persons,  who  imagined  that  they 
had  been  injured  in  their  reputations,  and  who,  in  order  to  repair 
these  would  rather  obstruct  the  peace  and  unity  of  Christ's 
Church)  the  wished-for  end  was  at  length  attained.  Our  labors 
and  trouble  have  not  been  small;  and  our  experiences  sometimes 
were  not  pleasant,  and  were  not  satisfactory.  At  our  sole  re- 
quest, we  caused  a  village  Assembly  to  be  called  by  the  Justice 
of  the  Peace,  and  in  full  meeting,  we  sought  to  incline  the  minds 
of  all  to  unity  and  peace,  by  all  imaginable  arguments,  both  civil 
and  Christian.  Those  who  remained  away,  and  by  their  absence 
indicated  their  disinclination  to  peace,  we  visited  together  in  their 
homes,  and  worked  on  their  minds.     In  this  way  did  we  spend 

days,  until,  Go(i  be  praised  with  thanksgivings,  by  his  gracious 
21 


1716 


1715 


2084  Ecclesiastical  Records 

aid  and  support,  we  attained  ttiis  our  desired  object :  namely,  it 
was  resolved  to  make  peace  all  around;  to  keep  and  support  both 
of  us,  the  two  preachers,  in  the  unity  of  one  body;  and  two  men 
were  authorized  from  each  village,  to  arrange  the  details  for  the 
promotion  of  good  order. 

The  greatest  obstruction  of  all,  the  double  Consistories  in  the 
churches  of  Midwout  and  Breukelen,  was  removed  in  this  way. 
Both  Consistories,  out  of  the  love  of  peace,  voluntarily  resigned 
their  offices.  Then  there  was  given  to  us,  the  two  ministers,  by 
the  congregations,  the  power  to  choose,  by  ourselves  alone,  a  new 
Consistory,  in  the  two  above  mentioned  churches,  without  regard 
or  distinction  of  persons.  This  was  done  with  good  success,  and 
to  the  satisfaction  of  both  ourselves  and  of  the  congregations. 
Furthermore,  the  six  churches  of  Midwout,  Breukelen,  Bushwick, 
Jamaica  in  Queen's  County,  New  Amersfoort,  together  with  ISTew 
Utrecht  and  Gravesend  as  one,  conjointly  came  to  an  agreement 
regarding  the  order  of  the  services,  and  the  salary.  They  vir- 
tually called  us  anew;  through  certain  authorized  persons,  to 
officiate  in  the  churches,  in  the  order  and  rank  as  they  are  named 
above.  The  arrangement  was  on  this  wise :  When  one  of  us 
preaches  at  Midwout,  the  other  preaches  at  Jamaica;  when  one 
preaches  at  Breukelen,  the  other  preaches  at  New  Amersfoort; 
when  one  preaches  at  Bushwick,  the  other  preaches  at  New 
Utrecht  or  Gravesend,  (which  are  considered  one) :  and  thus,  in 
turns,  about.  And  for  these  services  they  have  assigned  us  a 
salary  of  one  hundred  and  seven  pounds.  New  York  money, 
($257.50).  Jamaica,  where  we  conducted  services  a  few  times 
in  the  year,  in  the  week  time,  owed  something  extra;  and  we 
enjoyed  some  extra  stipend  therefor;  but  this  we  have  now  let 
go  for  the  love  of  peace.  This  is  also  for  the  interest  of  that 
congregation,  which  is  to  be  thus  combined  with  the  other 
churches,  and  also  to  enjoy  services  on  Sundays.  Thus  our  work 
is  made  doubly  heavy,  and  the  salary  is  considerably  diminished, 
for  the  promotion  of  the  general  peace. 


OF  THE  State  of  !N'ew  Yokk.  2085 

It  was  on  ISTew  Year's  Day,  January  1,  1714,  that  the  first  step 
towards  Peace  was  taken.  Then  it  was  arranged  between  us, 
that  thereafter,  whenever  the  preaching  turns  fell  together,  at 
which  time,  whichever  one  happened  to  be  the  Reader,  in  the 
Government, (?)  had  to  yield  to  the  other,  that  that  one  should 
preach  in  the  morning,  and  the  other  in  the  afternoon.  This  had 
a  pleasant  effect.  But  it  was  now  on  ISTew  Year's  Day,*  January 
1,  1715,  that  we  preached  our  sermons,  as  ministers  newly  called, 
the  one  in  Bush  wick  the  other  in  ISTew  Utrecht;  and  we  wished 
our  congregations,  together  with  the  iSTew  Year's  greetings,  hap- 
piness and  blessing,  with  our  general  unity  and  peace.  This  was 
to  the  general  rejoicing  and  gladness  of  all.  We  are  now  busy 
going  around,  to  invite  the  members  to  return  to  the  Table  of 
the  Lord.  In  doing  this  we  go  around  together,  to  manifest  to 
the  congregations  our  unity  of  brotherly  love;  and  we  pray  God 
that  he  will  establish  and  perfect  this  more  and  more;  and  thereby 
also  awaken  more  fully  the  unity  of  love  among  the  congrega- 
tions. Thus  we  shall,  for  the  first  time,  make  the  circuit  of  all 
the  congregations  together.  For  this  we  shall  need  a  period  of 
nine  days.  But  this  effort  is  sweet  and  refreshing  to  us,  because 
everywhere  we  encounter  such  a  general  satisfaction  and  joy. 
We  have  already  made  the  rounds  of  four  congregations,  and 
found  not  one  who  did  not  testify  his  deep  and  cordial  satisfac- 
tion and  gladness  at  this  work  of  peace-making.  We  also  hope 
that  we  shall  learn  that  you,  too,  take  pleasure  therein.  For 
truly  now,  there  is  hope  that,  under  God's  blessing,  the  old  love 
will  flourish  again  in  these  congregations. 

The  Dutch  congregations  very  plainly  are  increasing  every  day. 
On  the  Raritan  they  are  busy  also  in  calling  a  minister.  Only 
yesterday,  there  was  a  committee  of  two  from  Staten  Island,  who 
wanted  to  see  us  for  the  purpose  of  making  out  a  call  for  a  pastor. 
As  we  were  so  busily  engaged  with  house  visitations,  we  advised 

♦  It  Is  an  interesting  fact  that  the  Dutch  in  New  York  continued  to  celebrate 
January  the  first,  as  New  Year's  Day.  according  to  the  continental  custom  since 
1582;  although  New  Style  was  not  adopted  by  England  until  1753.  Yet  New  York 
was  now  an  English  Colony. 


1715 


1715 


2086  Ecclesiastical  Records 

them  to  apply  to  Rev,  Du  Vols ;  and  make  up  what  they  wish,  to- 
gether with  those  of  ISTew  York,  and  send  it  off.  They,  however, 
complained  of  the  feebleness  of  their  means;  that  they  could  con- 
tribute but  little  salary,  and  could  bear  but  small  expenses. 
There  are,  indeed,  many  more  such  congregations.  They  need 
ministers,  but  are  unable  to  support  them;  for  they  must  con- 
tribute everything  out  of  their  own  purses,  not  only  for  the 
building  of  churches,  but  for  the  calling  and  maintaining  of  a 
minister,  and,  indeed,  everything  that  is  necessary  for  the  Sacred 
Worship;  [in  contrast  with  the  State-Church  system  of  Holland.] 
It  would  truly  be  a  great  benefit  to  the  propagation  of  Christ's 
Church  in  these  parts,  if  you  could  devise  plans  and  means  to 
afford  a  little  help  to  these  feeble  and  poor  congregations.  This 
is  done  by  the  Church  of  England,  in  which  the  Society  which 
sends  preachers,  at  the  same  time  supports  the  weak  churches 
by  providing  ministers  with  salaries  out  of  its  own  treasury, 
[purse]  which  is  designed  for  that  very  object.  Possibly  you 
could  devise  some  Plan  of  that  kind  —  that  there  should  be  a 
small  fund,  out  of  which,  if  need  be,  a  weak  church  might  be 
aided.  We  mention  this,  because  we  often  hear  the  sighs  of 
souls  that  desire  food.  And  as  we  shall  not  be  neglectful,  in  the 
maintenance  of  correspondence  mth  you,  we  also  request  that 
you  will  be  pleased  to  think  us  worthy,  to  serve  us  with  counsel 
and  good  advice  in  our  affairs,  as  occasions  may  arise.  Here- 
with ending  we  commend  you  to  God  and  the  Word  of  His 
Grace.     We  remain, 

Reverend  Sirs,  Highly  Esteemed  Fathers  and  Brethren, 
Your  servants  and  brethren  in  Christ, 

V.  Antonides. 

B.  Freeman. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2087 


Episcopal  Church  at  Albany. 

Albany  ye  3rd  March,   1714/5 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  Since  your  Excellency  has  been  pleased  by  patent 
to  grant  unto  the  Reverend  Thomas  Barclay,  Collo.,  Peter  Mathews  &  John  Dun- 
bar, a  certain  lott  of  ground  on  the  west  end  of  ye  Joncker  street  In  this  city  for 
to  errect  &  build  a  church  on,  they  have  caused  part  of  ye  foundation  to  be  layd; 
we  are,  with  submission  to  your  Excellency,  humbly  of  opinion  that  ye  said  lott 
of  ground  belongs  to  ye  said  city,  being  included  in  our  charter.  It  seems  to  us, 
on  their  side  either  as  an  incroachment  on  ye  rights  of  ye  said  city,  or  a  disre- 
gard to  ye  Commonalty;  however  to  shew  that  we  are  not  against  that  pious 
design,  but  rather  to  promote  it,  we  have  offered  them  a  more  convenient  lott 
and  are  still  willing  to  grant  the  same,  although  they  have  refused  to  accept  It; 
now  to  prevent  any  further  trouble  we  apply  to  your  Excellency  that  your  Ex- 
cellency will  be  pleased  to  siginfy  to  them  such  remedy  whereby  the  matter  may 
be  reasonably  accommodated;  we  are  with  respect 

May  it  please  your  Excellency 
Tour  Excellency's  most  obedient   servants. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,   Vol.   vii. 
p.  29. 


Commission  of  Eobert  Hunter,  Esq.,  to  be  Governor  of  ISTew 
York,  by  George  I.      [After  death  of  Queen  Anne.] 

The  Governor's  Relation  to  the  Churches. 

Commission  for  Robert  Hunter,  Esq.,  to  be  His  Majesty's  Captain  General  and 
Governor  in  Chief  of  His  Majesty's  Province  of  New  York,  &  the  Territories 
depending  thereon  in  America.  ' 

George,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  King  de- 
fender of  the  faith  etc.  To  our  trusty  and  welbeloved.  Robert  Hunter,  Esq., 
Greeting.  Whereas  our  late  Royal  Sister  Queen  Ann  by  her  Letters  Patents 
under  her  Great  Seal  of  Great  Britain  bearing  Date  at  Westminster  the  Nine- 
teenth day  of  October  in  the  seventh  year  of  her  Reign  did  constitute  and  appoint 
you  the  said  Robert  Hunter  to  be  Her  Captain  General  and  Governour  in  Chief 
in  and  over  her  province  of  New  York  and  the  Territories  depending  thereon  In 
America. 


1716 


We  do  by  these  presents  authorize  and  empower  .vou  to  collate  any  person  or 
persons  to  any  churches,  chappels  or  other  ecclesiastical  benefices,  within  our 
said  Province  and  Territories  aforesaid,  as  often  as  any  of  them  shall  happen 
to  be  void. 


Mar.  17,  1714/15 

—  Col.  Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  391,  394. 


1715 


2088  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Eev.  Gnaltherus  Du  Bois  to  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  April 

:,  1715. 

Portfolio  "^ew  York",  A^ol.  i.  ~ 

(Addressed :) 

The  Reverend,  Pious,  Learned  Gentlemen,  the  Messrs.  Min- 
isters and  Elders  of  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

To  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam : 

INTew  York,  April  1,  1715. 

Reverend  and  Much  Esteemed  Sirs  :■ —  I  received  in  due  time 
the  letter  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  with  the  one  enclosed  to  the  Con- 
sistory of  Rev.  Antonides,  sent  to  me  last  year,  (1714);  and  with- 
out delay  I  myself  delivered  the  enclosed  to  the  said  Consistory. 

Even  as  said  letter  reached  me  according  to  the  directions  of 
Mr.  William  Bancker;  so  did  I  —  having  occasion  to  write  to 
him  on  June  18,  of  last  year  (1714)  on  some  private  business  — 
inform  him,  how  I  had  offered,  when  I  delivered  that  letter,  (to 
the  Consistory  of  Antonides),  and  in  accordance  with  the  express 
wish  of  the  Classis,  to  do  everything  in  my  power  toward  the 
pacification  of  the  Long  Island  Churches,  which  was  the  great 
object  which  the  Classis  had  in  view. 

And,  furthermore,  even  as  I,  according  to  his  recommendation, 
should  answer  the  several  individuals,  (who  had  made  com- 
plaints), in  defence  of  my  conduct  in  connection  with  the  Long 
Island  disputes;  and  should  also  refute  the  unfounded  suspicions 
that  I  did  not  properly  look  after  the  interests  of  my  own  church, 
because  I  had  not  urged  the  matter  of  a  second  minister  —  and 
which  (supposed  lack  of  interest)  had  been  denounced  by  some 
ministers,  as  if  it  were  an  altogether  indefensible  misdeed ; —  so  I 
thought,  when  I  wrote  him,  that  I  had  quite  sufficiently  cleared 
myself  of  all  such  accusations,  in  my  letter  of  June  12,  1712, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2089 

which  was  sent  to  Eev.  Classis.  For  my  letter  was  accompanied 
by  one  from  my  entire  Consistory,  and  which  was  to  be  accounted 
and  considered  as  theirs.  To  this,  however,  neither  I  nor  my 
Consistory  have  ever  had  the  pleasure  of  any  reply.  My  letter 
of  June  18,  last  (1714)  to  Mr.  Bancker,  he  has,  doubtless,  accord- 
ing to  my  request,  shown  to  the  Deputies  on  Foreign  Affairs. 
Therein  also,  I  promised  that  I  would,  as  soon  as  possible,  not 
fail  to  give,  with  all  respect,  full  information  of  our  affairs  to 
the  Eev.  Classis. 

In  fulfilment  of  these  my  promises,  these  lines  serve  to  make 
known  to  the  Eev.  Assembly  the  coanplete  restoration  of  peace 
in  all  the  Long  Island  churches.  This  was  effected  nearly  upon 
the  basis  of  the  Articles  mentioned  by  the  Eev.  Classis.  I,  with 
two  commissioners  from  my  Consistory,  did  everything  that  was 
possible  towards  that  end.  Of  the  particular  circumstances,  the 
Long  Island  ministers  will,  doubtless,  themselves  inform  you  fur- 
ther, in  their  letter,  under  cover  of  ours,  via  Boston.  These  are 
accompanied  with  the  letters  of  authorization,  sent  to  the  min- 
isters van  Oostrum,  etc.,  as  f oUows : 

The  Eev.  Classis  is  hereby  particularly  informed  —  a  matter 
also  which  it  seemed  to  be  especially  my  duty  to  communicate  — 
that  at  length,  as  a  result  of  all  the  efforts  which  we  have  made, 
it  has  been  resolved  to  call  another  minister,  from  Holland,  for 
the  Church  of  ISTew  York. 

And  although,  with  much  individual  persistence,  I  sought  to 
bring  it  to  pass,  that  the  call  should  again  be  entrusted  to  the 
Eev,  Classis  in  general,  as  has  been  done  heretofore;  nevertheless 
I  found  the  Consistory  was  determined,  and  their  heart  was  set 
on  certain  particular  persons.  But  according  to  their  unanimous 
declaration,  this  course  was  taken  without  any  diminution  of 
esteem  for  the  Eev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  as  is  even  now  mani- 
fested, and  will  be  on  all  occasions  henceforth.  Therefore  they 
would  not  turn  to  any  one  outside  of  the  membership  of  your 
distinguished  Body,  but  have  addressed  themselves  to  the  Eev. 


1715 


2090  EccLESiASTicAi;  Records 

1716 

Messrs.  van  Oostrum,  Schulting,  and  Bomble,  as  the  most  readily 
thought  of;  especially  as  these  had  still  in  hand  some  moneys  of 
theirs,  (of  the  church  of  N'ew  York),  as  was  intimated  to  these 
gentlemen,  by  my  Consistory,  both  in  their  letter  to  them,  and  in 
the  call.  I  was  assured  also,  that  other  similar  expressions  were 
used,  such  as  will  secure  a  trustworthy  person;  and  although  a 
wrong  has  been  done  to  me,  in  charging  the  delay  and  postpone- 
ment of  the  call  until  now,  upon  me;  yet  have  I  manifested  my 
dutiful  respect  for  the  High  Honor  of  the  Rev.  Classis  —  as  I 
have  always  sought  to  make  evident  —  even  in  this  call. 

To  the  said  gentlemen,  therefore,  have  the  Letters  of  Authori- 
zation been  despatched,  with  the  request  and  expectation,  that 
the  desired  call  may  be  carried  into  effect  by  them,  in  such  manner 
and  on  such  terms  and  promises,  as  have  been  determined,  and 
as  soon  as  possible.  Thereunto  we  pray  that  God  may  add  his 
blessing.  \ 

So  then,  thank  God,  the  New  York  Church  dispute,  and  the 
grievous  evils  connected  with  them,  have  at  last  been  brought  to 
a  close.  These  have  occasioned  me,  for  many  years,  nothing  but 
great  anxiety,  and  have  subjected  me  to  much  criticism.  This 
has  been  the  case  even  in  my  innocence,  and  to  my  annoyance  in 
my  arduous  ministry,  among  a  people  of  so  many  heads,  and  of 
so  many  minds.  God  keep  us  from  such  things  in  the  future; 
even  as  we  ourselves  hope  to  guard  against  such  evils,  by  the 
exercise  of  all  prudence,  that  we  may  not  again  be  brought  under 
bondage.  For  strife  prepares  (brews)  for  one,  nothing  else  than 
ingratitude  and  fruitless  troubles.  Nevertheless,  I  would  spare 
myself  no  trouble,  if  I  could  serve  God's  Church  with  any  fruitful 
results. 

And  as  this  call  is  to  be  presented  before  your  Rev.  Assembly, 
by  our  commissioners,  at  the  request  of  the  New  York  Consistory; 
the  earnest  prayers  of  myself  and  my  Consistory  will  ascend,  in 
behalf  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  that  she  may  at  this  providential  oppor- 
tunity, and  at  the  time  of  these  wondrous  changes  in  England, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2091 

(accession  of  the  House  of  Hanover,)  make  proper  provision  for 
us,  as  they  may  think  proper;  and  they  trust  that  seasonable  inter- 
cessions may  be  made  for  them  (the  Dutch  Church  in  'New  York) 
unto  the  preservation  of  their  ancient  ecclesiastical  freedonl. 

Praying  God  that  He  may  richly  crown  your  dear  persons,  and 
your  precious  ministry  of  the  Gospel,  with  His  Divine  blessing, 
I  have  the  honor  to  subscribe  myself,  after  offering  my  small 
services,  as  I  am 

Reverend  and  Much  Esteemed  Sirs, 
Your  obedient  servant,  and  brother  in  Jesus  Christ, 

Gualtherus  Du  Bois. 

Episcopal  Church  at  Albany. 

1715,  April  8.  Whereas  Mr.  Thomas  Barclay  Colo.  Peter  Mathews  &  John 
Dunbar  have  layed  out  a  certain  lott  of  ground  on  the  west  end  of  ye  Joncker 
street  In  this  city  and  have  caused  part  of  a  foundation  to  be  layd  thereon  which 
lott  of  ground  properly  belongs  to  the  city  of  Albany  &  yet  they  proceed  to  lay 
the  same  without  leave  or  consent  of  ye  Commonalty. 

The  Commonalty  are  therefore  resolved  to  maintain  &  defend  ye  rights  &  lib- 
erties of  this  city  as  much  as  lays  in  their  power  and  to  prosecute  such  proceed- 
ings as   far  as  the  law   will  permit. 

Att  a  Common  Council  held  in  ye  City  Hall  of  Albany  ye  14th  day  of  April  1715. 

It  is  resolved  by  ye  Commonalty  that  letters  be  writ  and  sent  by  an  express 
with  a  canoe  (at  the  charge  of  this  city)  to  New  Yorii  for  advice  from  two  attor- 
neys at  law  concerning  ye  trespass  which  is  committed  by  several  persons  in 
laying  a  foundation  on  a  certain  lott  of  ground  on  ye  west  end  of  ye  Jonclier 
street  in  ye  said  City. 

Ordered  that  Philip  Livingston  deputy  Clark  do  sign  ye  said  two  letters  in 
behalf  of  ye  Commonalty  of  ye  said   city. 

Albany   ye   14th   of   April   1715. 
Mr.    Livingston: 

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

We  write  also  about  this  subject  to  Mr.  George  and  desire  his  advice  concerning 
it,  with  whom  consolt  whether  there  can't  be  found  out  any  proper  course 
whereby  this  work  may  be  stopd  until  ye  actions  which  we  have  and  shall  enter 


1715 


1715 


2092  Ecclesiastical  Records 

against  these  proceedings  be  determined  and  ended  by  due  course  of  law  pray  be 
not  bacljward  to  come  yourself  with  one  of  ye  first  sloops  if  not  with  ye  canoe. 
Per  order  of  ye  Comonalty  of  ye  city   of  Albany, 

Philip  Livingston,   D.   C. 
To  Mr.  Robert  Livingston,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Albany  ye  14th  of  April,  1715. 
Mr.   George: 

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

Per  order  of  ye  Commonalty  of  ye  city  of  Albany. 

Philip    Livingston,    D.    C. 
To  Thomas  George,    Esq. 

—  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  vli.  pp.  31,  32,  33. 

Third  Dutch  Church  Building  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  1715-1805. 

The  third  edifice  for  the  Dutch  Church  at  Albany  was  built  in  1715,  during  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  Peter  Van  Driessen.  It  stood  on  the  site  of  the  preceding  build- 
ing, at  the  confluence  of  State  with  Court  and  Market  streets.  Soon  after  its 
erection  a  Charter  was  secured  for  the  Church  organization,  viz.,  in  1720.  When 
the  former  building  (1655-1715)  began  to  decay,  and  the  congregation  also  was 
becoming  too  large  for  it,  the  foundations  of  a  new  building  were  laid  round 
about  the  old  one,  and  the  walls  carried  up  and  enclosed  before  the  first  was 
taken  down,  so  that  the  religious  services  were  interrupted  only  three  sabbaths. 
The  ingenuity  of  this  scheme  was  a  subject  of  great  admiration  and  remark  for 
a  long  while  afterward.  The  building  was  of  the  Gothic  style,  and  its  appearance 
is  well  known  from  frequent  engravings  of  it.  The  old  pulpit,  sent  over  in  1656 
is  still  in  existence  in  the  attic  of  the  North  Dutch  Church.  In  this  third  build- 
ing, officiated.  Van  Driessen,  Van  Shie,  Frelinghuysen,  Westerlo,  Bassett  and 
Johnson. —  See  Munsell's  Annals,  i.  88,  90. 

Ancient    Customs   in   the    Dutch    Church   of   Albany. 

1715-1805. 

The  pyramidal  roof  and  belfry  of  the  old  church  are  familiar  to  the  present 
generation,  from  the  print  of  it;  but  where  is  the  remembrancer  of  its  customs? 
The  men  sat  with  hats  and  mufl;s  during  divine  service,  and  in  the  midst  of  the 
dominie's  sermon,  uprose  the  deacons  and  presented  to  each  hearer  a  small  black 
bag,  containing  a  little  bell,  borne  on  the  end  of  a  staff,  somewhat  resembling 
a  shrimp  net.  In  this  way  the  contributions  were  collected.  The  tinkle  of  the 
bell  roused  the  sleepy  and  diverted  for  the  moment  the  busy  thoughts  of  the 
traders   from   muskrat   and   beaver   skins.      The   bags,    with    their   load   of   coppers 


OF  THE  State  of  IiTew  York. 


2093 


and  half-joes  being  duly  replaced,  the  dominie  resumed  the  broken  thread  of  his 
discourse.  The  Indians  are  said  to  have  dreaded  the  coming  of  a  Sunday  before 
they  had  closed  the  sale  of  their  peltry,  for  to  their  apprehension  it  seemed  that 
the  man  in  black  spoke  sharply  to  the  people  about  the  bargains  they  had  been 
driving,  and  that  the  drift  of  the  sermon  might  be  guessed  at  by  the  lower  prices 
offered  for  their  skins  on  Monday.  The  practice  of  taking  collections  for  the  poor 
during  the  sermon  was  discontinued  in  1795. —  Munsell's  Annals,  Vol.  I.  p.  119. 


1715 


Kev.  John  F.  Haegee  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 

Gospel. 

[Vol.    10,    p.   181.] 

Mr.   Haeger   to   the   Secretary.  ^^    ^^^. 

Sir: —  ' 

Inclosed  you  will  find  an  account  of  the  state  of  the  Germans  under  my  care  with 
relation  to  my  function. 

They  have  gradually  been  prevailed  with  to  acquiesce  in  the  rites,  ceremonies  and 
usages  of  the  Church  of  England.  Though  for  want  of  a  decent  place  for  adminis- 
tering the  Lord's  Supper  in,  I  have  not  insisted  much  upon  their  receiving  it  on 
their  knees  as  the  rubrik  directs;  but  I  have  reason  to  hope  that  they  will  as  easily 
be  brought  to  that,  as  I  have  found  them  ready  to  part  with  the  prejudices  of  their 
former  education.  They  pray  with  utmost  instances  to  be  supplied  with  books  of 
Common  Prayer  in  the  German  language  which  would  much  contribute  to  their 
edification.  You  may  observe  by  the  above  mentioned  accounts  that  the  people 
under  my  care  are  divided  into  three  parts,  and  at  a  very  great  distance  from  one 
another.  The  settlements  that  I  mentioned  in  my  former,  where  I  thought  they 
shall  have  all  been  gathered  in  one  body  is  miscarried,  so  that  it  is  not  so  easy  a 
matter  to  give  so  distinct  an  account  of  these  as  I  could  wish.  Therefore  I  hope 
that  the  Honorable  Society  will  be  content  with  such  as  I  shall  from  time  to  time 
be  able  to  give  them,  which  I  shall  take  care  shall  be  as  Just  and  true  as  the  situ- 
ation of  those  people  will  permit. 

I  pray  you  to  express  my  duty  to  the  Honorable  Society  and  to  believe  that  I  am 
Sir,  your  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

John  Fred  Haeger. 
New  York,  May  19,  1715. 

[Vol.  10.  p.  237.  :N'ew  York  Papers,  No.  5.] 


Mr.  Haeger's  ISTolitia  Parochialies  enclosed  in  his  Letter  of  ye 
19th  of  May  1715. 


Names  of  the  Palatine 
Settlements. 

[0 

1 

O 

S 
s 

05 

a 
o 

O. 

o 

e 

a  a 

-  o 
s  >, 

So 

p 
03 
o 

'S 

!l 

4)  O 

s 

On  the  R.  Side  of  Hudson  River 

41 
32 
28 
28 
16 
7 
23 
154 

392 

182 
138 
114 
82 
77 
32 
97 
583 

1,305 

20 

16 

21 

17 

5 

5 

20 

106 

43 

38 

Haysburgh 

39 
37 

On  the  W.  Side  of  Hudson  River 

13 

Elizabethtown 

10 

48 

280 

Totals 

210 

458 

1715 


2094  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1  Number  of  Inhabitants  1305 

2  Number  Baptized  this  year  37 

3  Number  of  adult  persons  baptized 

this  half  year,  one  Negro  woman  1 

4  Number  of  actual  Communicants 

of  ye  Church  of  England  •  458 

5  Those  who  profess  themselves 

of  ye  Church  of  England  210  families 

6  Dissenters  of  all   sorts  182  families 

7  Heathens,   Infidels  none  but  native  Indians 

8  Converts  from  a  disorderly  life  etc.,  nes  Eboraci  19  May  1715. 

John  Frederick  Haeger. 

Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  York. 

June  1,  1715. 

Consistory  held,  after  calling  on  God's  name,  Resolved,  That 
whenever  the  Deacons  presented  their  accounts,  there  shall  also 
be  presented  a  particular  account  from  the  members;  and  they 
who  are  to  render  this  shall  have  timely  notice  of  the  same. 

—  Lib.  A.  233. 

A'N  ACT  declaring  that  all  Persons  of  Forreign  Birth  heretofore 
Inhabiting  within  this  Colony  and  dying  Seized  of  any  Lands 
Tenements  or  Hereditaments  shall  be  forever  hereafter 
Deemed  Taken  and  Esteemed  to  have  been  ITaturalized,  and 
for  !N"aturalizing  all  Protestants  of  Forreign  Birth  now  In- 
habiting within  this  Colony. 

(Passed,  July  5,  1715.) 

Abstract. 

Reference  is  first  made  to  the  Patent  of  Charles  II,  to  James  Duke  of  York, 
March  12.  1664,  to  settle  Englishmen  or  others  in  New  York:  Reference  is  then 
made  to  the  Articles  of  Surrender,  Sept  5,  1664,  that  all  the  inhabitants  of  New 
Netherland  might  continue  free  denizens,  without  any  impairment  of  their  rights, 
and  that  other  Netherlanders  comiiis  over  might  have  the  same  privileges,  and 
any  Dutch  soldiers  remaining  here,  should  receive  fifty  acres  of  land:  Reference  is 
then  made  to  the  fact  that  many  had  been  naturalized  under  these  conditions:  And 
that  on  the  Re-surreuder  of  New  York  to  the  English  by  the  States  General,  in 
1674,  the  same  conditions  were  re-established,  and  all  estates  were  confirmed: 
And  that  iu  1683,  under  Governor  Dougan,  an  Act  was  passed  for  naturalizing 
all  foreigners  then  residing  within  the  territory  and  professing  Christianity,  and 
to  encourage  others  to  settle  in  New  York,  a  portion  of  which  Act  is  quoted: 
Reference  is  made  to  the  fact  that  many  foreigners,  who  profess  Christianity 
have  settled  in  New  York,  and  desires  to  be  naturalized:  It  was  therefore  enacted, 
that  all  such,  who  should  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain 
are  thereby  naturalized,  and  have  equal  rights  with  all  other  citizens;  (but  this 
did  not  include  slaves);  and  that  other  foreigners  coming  over,  might  be  natural- 
ized, on  similar  conditions,  by  Act  of  Assembly;  and  inasmuch  as  many  strangers 
had  been  imported  into  this  Province;  and  many  of  the  former  citizens  of  the 
Netherlands  had  remained,  trusting  in  the  faith  of  these  offers,  all  of  whom  have 
acquired  real  estate;  and  also  many  Protestants  of  foreign  birth  have  also  settled 
in  New  York:  and  in  course  of  time,  by  intermarriages,  sales,  wills,  etc.,  such 
property  has  become  the  property  of  Englishmen  or  Irishmen   (in   Great  Britain); 

Therefore,  to  confirm  all  such  ownerships,  this  Act  (1715)  enacted,  that  all  per- 
sons of  foreign  birth,   now  deceased,  who  were  in  New  York  before  Nov.  1,   1683, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2095 

and  who  owned  any  real  estate,  shall  be  deemed  to  have  been  naturalized,  and  to 
have  possessed  all  rights  of  citizens;  and  all  bequests,  deeds,  etc.  made  by  them 
are  declared  legal,  and  all  such  titles  are  confirmed  —  And  the  same  rights  and 
privileges  apply  to  persons  now  living,  (1715)  who  resided  in  New  York  before 
Nov.  1,  168.3.—  It  was  also  further  enacted,  that  all  foreigners  now  (1715)  living  In 
New  York,  being  Protestants,  are  declared  naturalized,  provided  he  take  the  oaths, 
by  law  appointed  instead  of  the  oaths  of  allegiance  and  supremacy,  subscribe  the 
Test  and  Abjuration  oath,  and  the  same  is  properly  recorded;  and  he  may  receive 
a  certificate  of  his  naturalization;  and  If  any  such  die  within  nine  months,  he  shall 
be  deemed  to  have  been  naturalized. —  Colonial  Laws  of  New  York,  Vol.  1, 
pp.  858-863. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Letter  from  Antonides  and  Freerman. 

1715,  July  22nd.  A  letter  was  also  read  from  Eev.  Antonides 
and  another  from  the  Rev.  Vreeman  (Freeman)  about  the  restora- 
tion of  peace  in  the  Long  Island  Churches,  and  notice  thereof  was 
thus  given  to  the  Eev.  Assembly.  This  was  heard  with  joy,  and 
thanks  were  given  to  God  for  the  same.  The  Assembly  desires 
its  continuance,  and  commends  this  matter  to  the  Rev.  Deputati 
ad  res  Exteras,  to  make  reply,  etc.     x.  9. 

Letter  from  Rev.  Du  Bois. 

1715,  July  22nd.  The  Rev.  President  read  a  letter  from  Rev. 
du  Bois,  of  New  York,  announcing  that  at  last  the  peace  of  the 
churches  of  Long  Island  had  been  restored;  also  that  the  second 
minister  was  desired  for  the  congregation  of  New  York.  This 
letter  was  dated  April  1,  1715.  The  Rev.  Assembly  considers 
this  to  have  been  read  for  information  only.     x.  9. 

Churches  in  Livingston  Manor,  N.  Y.     1715. 

In  1715  Robert  Livingston  obtained  a  new  Patent  for  his  Manor.  This  Patent 
entitled  him  to  a  seat  in  the  Colonial  Assembly.     The  different  tracts  obtained  by 

him  through  his  Patent  of  1684  are  confirmed,  and  to  him  is  granted  

"  the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage,  of  all  and  every  the  church  and  churches 
erected  or  established,  or  thereafter  to  be  erected,  had  or  established  in  the  said 
manor  "    

*  *  Robt.  Livingston  took  his  seat  in  the  Colonial  Assembly  in  1716  as  Repre- 
sentative of  the  Manor  of  Livingston,  in  virtue  of  the  above  Patent.  A  question 
subsequently  arose,  whether  the  freeholders  on  the  six  thousand  acres  sold  to 
the  Queen,  could  vote  for  the  Representative  of  the  Manor.  A  paper  before  us 
endorsed,  "  State  of  the  ease  of  the  Freeholders  of  the  Camp,"  concludes  with 
these  "  Observations  "  on  the  subject: — 

"  '  Though  the  Soil  &  Freehold  of  that  six  thousand  acres  which  is  now  called 
the  Camp  was  sold  by  Robert  Livingston,  it  yet  remained  a  part  of  the  Mannor 
&  enjoyed  all  the  Hereditaments  and  appurtenances  to  it  belonging.  This  six 
thousand    acres   or   the    Camp    is    included    within    the   bounds    and   limits    of    the 


1715 


2096  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

Grant  and  Confirmation  in  1715,  and  tlio'  the  Grant  of  tlie  Soil  of  ttiose  six  tlion- 
sand  acres  is  excepted,  tliey  are  neverttieless  included  and  made  part  of  the 
Mannor  as  much  as  any  other  part  of  it  is.  Consequently  all  the  freeholders  in 
that  six  thousand  acres,  or  the  Camp  have  a  right  to  vote  for  the  Representative 
sente  by  the  Manor  of  Livingston  to  serve  in  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony." — 
Doc.  Hist.  N.  y.   Vol.  iii.  417,  419,  420. 

GOVEKNOE  HUNTEK  TO  THE  LoKDS  OF  TeADE.        (AuG.   13,   1715.) 

Rev.   Mr.  Vesey  —  Commissary  to  Bishop  of  London. 

The  other  person  the  Rev.  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  to  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,  happened  to  be  deficient  in  the  point  of  time  &  season;  and 
the  rage  of  a  disappointed  Politian  prompted  him  to  join  in  these  impotent  and 
unchristian  efiiorts  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  I  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,  though  it  may 
have  that  effect.—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  419,  420. 


Lords  of  Trade  to  Goveenoe  Huntee.     Aug.  18,  1715. 

Missionaries  to  the  Indians. 


And  in  regard  it  is  of  great  importance  that  the  Missionaries  sent  into  America 
from  hence  be  men  of  good  lives  &  Characters,  without  which  it  will  be  impos- 
sible to  defeat  the  practise  of  the  French  Priests  and  Jesuits  amongst  our  Indians; 
we  have  not  been  wanting  to  represent  to  ye  Bishop  of  London  what  you  writ 
some  time  since  to  our  Secretary  relating  to  that  matter,  and  particularly  con- 
cerning the  Character  of  Mr.  Talbot. —  Col.   Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  t.  p.  421. 


Dutch  Church  of  Albany.     Sept.  14,  1715. 

Whereas  on  the  14th  day  of  September  last  past  there  was  granted  by  the  Com- 
monalty unto  Petrus  Van  Drlesen  minister  of  ye  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  congre- 
gation of  ye  City  and  County  of  Albany  and  ye  elders  and  deacons  of  ye  said 
congregacon  some  ground  about  the  church  belonging  to  ye  congregacon  so  that 
ye  whole  be  in  breath  five  rod  and  in  length  seaven  rodd  and  two  foot  Rynland 
measure  for  errecting  and  building  a  new  Church  for  ye  use  of  ye  said  congrega- 
tion which  was  then  ordered  to  be  released  unto  them. 

And  in  stead  thereof  ye  said  minister  elders  &  deacons  of  ye  said  congregacon 
desire  by  Captain  Job's  Roseboom  one  of  ye  elders  of  ye  said  congregacon  that 
there  may  be  released  unto  them  for  ye  use  aforesaid  sixty  foot  of  ground  in 
breath  &  eighty  foot  in  lenth  wood  measure  so  that  it  be  forty  five  foot  distance 
from  ye  house  of  Goose  Van  Schaick  to  ye  north  east  corner  of  ye  said  ground  and 
fifty  five  feet  distance  from  ye  house  of  Luycas  Wyngaert  to  ye  south  east  corner 
of  ye  said  ground  both  English  measure  and  ye  south  west  and  north  west  corner 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  2097 

of  ye  said  ground   to  be  an   equal  distance  from  ye  house   of  Job's   Van  Aleu   on 
ye  south  side  &  that  of  Anna  Maria  Carstense  on  ye  north  side. 

Which  request  ye  Commonalty  have  resolved  to  grant  &  ordered  that  a  release 
shall    be   drawn   accordingly.^  Munsell's   Annals   of  Albany,    Vol.    vii.    p.    22. 

GovEENOE  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.      Sept.  29,  1715. 

Rev.  Mr.  Vesey. —  Death  of  Dr.  Samuel  Staats.* 


1715 


There  is  also  enclosed  an  address  from  the  Grand  Jury  here,  which  chiefly  relat- 
ing to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  whom  I  have  been  obliged  to  mention  to  Your  Lord- 
ships, I  thought  it  necessary  to  shew  the  general  sentiment  of  the  people  here 
with  relation  to  that  untowardly  man. 


Since  the  writing  of  what  is  above,  Dr.  Samuel  Staats  one  of  the  Council  is 
dead;  I  humbly  recommend  Dr.  John  Johnson  the  present  Mayor  in  his  place; 
many  of  the  Council  living  remote  I  am  frequently  at  a  loss  for  a  Quorum;  to 
remedy  that  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  David  Jamison,  or  David  Lyall  as  a 
supernumerary.—  Col.   Hist.    N.    Y.    Vol.    v.   pp.   436,    437. 

Samuel  Staats,  a  physician,  was  descended  of  an  old  Dutch  family,  originally 
settled  at  Albany.  Doctor  Staats  was  conspicuous  in  the  times  of  the  so-called 
rebellion,  as  a  friend  of  Leisler.  He  held  a  prominent  position  in  public  life  at 
that  time,  and  subsequently  was  a  member  of  the  provincial  council. —  Valentine's 
New  York,   p.  242. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Eev.  Boel,  "  Commendatus  ". 

1715,  Oct.  7tli.  Eev.  Henricus  Boel,  S.  S.  Ministerii  Candi- 
datus  was  introduced  into  the  room,  requesting  to  be  accepted  as 
"  Commendatus  hujus  Classis  "  for  the  churches  in  foreign  lands. 
This  was  granted  to  him,  after  he  had  preached  with  satisfaction 
before  the  Assembly,  from  the  text  Coloss.  iii:  3,  "For  ye  are 
dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  wdth  Christ  in  God  ".     x.  16. 

Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Oct.  7,  1715.    VoL  iii.  p.  92.  §  16. 

Another  from  Mr.  Haeger  dated  New  York  the  19th  of  May 
last  inclosing  his  notitia  parochialia,  says  that  the  Germans  have 
gradually  been  prevailed  on  to  acquire  in  ye  right  ceremonies  and 

•  He  was  frequently  in  office,  as  Elder  or  Deacon  of  the  Dutch  Church,  and  tooli 
an  active  part  in  all  Church  affairs.  t^    m    o 

iji.    X.   c 


1715 


2098  Ecclesiastical  Records 

usage  of  the  Church  That  for  want  of  decent  place  of  administer- 
ing the  Lord's  Supper  he  has  not  insisted  upon  their  receiving  it 
on  their  knees,  but  hopes  they  will  be  as  easily  brought  to  that, 
as  they  have  been  to  part  with  the  prejudices  of  their  fonner  edu- 
cation. Mentions  the  great  want  of  Common  Prayer  Books  in 
the  German  language,  that  the  people  are  divided  into  three  parts 
and  at  a  great  distance  one  from  another,  so  that  he  cannot  give 
so  distinct  account  of  them,  as  he  could  wish,  but  hopes  the  Society 
will  be  content  with  such  as  from  time  to  time  he  shall  be  able  to 
give  them.  

Petition  foe  leave  to  Erect  a  Church  at  Kingsberry. 

To  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.  Capt.  General  and  Governour  in  Chief 
of  his  Majesty's  Provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the 
Same. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  John  Frederick  Hager  Clerk,  John  Cost  &  Godfrey  De 
Wolven  on  behalf  of  themselves  and  upwards  of  Sixty  families  of  the  Palatins 
in  Dutchess  County. 

Shew 

That  from  the  time  that  your  Petitioners  were  by  your  Excellency's  Singular 
goodness  Settled  on  a  Tract  of  Land,  within  the  County  aforesaid,  your  Petition- 
ers have  in  the  best  manner  Performed  and  attended  Divine  Service  as  often  and 
as  decently  as  was  possible,  but  with  great  difficulty  for  want  of  a  Convenient 
place,  to  shelter  your  Petitioners  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather:  and  whereas 
your  Petitioners  hold  themselves  in  Duty  bound  to  his  most  Sacred  Majesty  to 
continue  on  the  said  Tract  of  Land  and  since  nothing  can  more  effectually  con- 
tribute to  render  that  settlement  both  easy  and  Comfortable  to  your  Petitioners 
as  a  convenient  place  of  Publick  worship. 

Your  Petitioners  humbly  pray  that  your  Excellency  will  grant  they  your  Licence 
for  building  a  Church  in  Kingsberry  of  Sixty  feet  in  length  and  forty  feet  wide, 
to  Perform  Divine  Service  according  to  the  Liturgy  and  Rites  of  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  Law  Established:  as  also  to  grant  your  Petitioners  the  Liberty 
to  Crave  the  favour  and  Charity  of  well  disposed  People  for  such  aid  and  assist- 
ance as  may  enable  them  to  Erect  such  a  Place  for  Divine  Service  in  the  manner 
aforesaid,  which  will  remain  a  Monument  of  your  Piety  and  where  your  Peti- 
tioners will  in  their  joint  Publick  as  in  their  Private  Prayers  as  in  Duty  bound 
ever  Pray  for  Your  Excellency's  prosperity   etc. 

John    Fred.    Hager. 
New  York  ye  8th  October  1715.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  421. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2099 

Rev.  Peter  Van  Driessen  and  others,  naturalized. 

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

Mathys  Goes  plentive  by  Philip  Livingston  his  attorney. 
Peter  Van  Slyck  defendant  Mr.  John  Collins  appears  for  him. 
The  Court  adjourned  till  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 
The  Court  met  according  to  adjournment. 
The  following  persons,  to  witt 

Petrus  Van  Driesen  and  thirty  others: 

Did  in  open  Court  take  the  oaths  by  law  appointed  to  be  taken 
in  stead  of  the  oaths  of  allegiance  &  supremacy  subscribe  the  test 
and  make  repeat  and  swear  to  &  subscribe  the  abjuration  oath 
pursuant  to  the  directions  of  an  act  of  generall  assembly  enti- 
tuled  an  act  declaring  that  all  those  of  foreign  birth  heretofore 
inhabiting  within  this  colony  and  dying  seized  of  any  lands  tene- 
ments and  hereditaments  shall  be  forever  hereafter  deemed  taken 
&  esteemed  to  have  been  naturalized  and  for  naturalizing  all 
protestants  of  foreign  birth  now  inhabiting  within  this  colony. 

To  whom  certificates  are  forthwith  to  be  given  according  to 
the  directions  of  ye  said  act. — Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol. 
vii.  pp.  39,  40. 

Governor  Hunter  to  the  Earl  of  Stair. 
Church  among  the  Mohawks. 

New  York  October  18,  1714  (1715.) 


1715 


In  the  same  instructions  I  am  ordered  to  build  a  fort  in  the 
Indian  Country  with  a  Chappell  etc.  for  ye  reception  of  a  mis- 
sionary; which  was  accordingly  done  for  five  hundred  pounds, 
the  Queen's  instructions  beareing  that  the  amount  should  not 
exceed  a  thousand.     These  bills  are  also  returned  protested,  the 


2100 


ECCLESIASTICAI.   ReCOBDS 


1715- 
1767 


reason  given  being  that  their  answer  at  ye  Treasury  was,  that 
my  Lord  would  pay  none  of  them. —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v. 
p.  451. 

Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  Yoek. 

October  20,  1715. 

Consistory  held,  after  calling  on  God's  name.  This  being  the 
time  for  the  election  of  Elders,  Deacons  and  Church-Masters, 

Resolved,  That  hereafter  when  any  one  shall  be  chosen  to  an 
office  in  the  Church,  and  shall  be  unwilling  to  accept  the  office 
to  which  he  is  called,  so  that  another  must  be  chosen  in  his  place, 
the  Consistory  must  not  look  to  the  person  who  had  the  next 
highest  number  of  votes,  but  must  malce  a  new  nomination. 

—  Lib.  A.  2.33. 
October  21,  1715. 

Consistory  held.  It  was  unanimously  Resolved  That  when  any 
money  is  put  on  interest  to  persons  not  belonging  to  our  Church, 
it  shall  not  be  put  out  at  less  than  eight  per  cent. 

Lib.  A.  233. 


Records  of  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  New  York.  [See 
under  1741,  an  account  of  this  list^  and  list  of  ministers, 
Elders  and  Deacons.]  f.-v-j 4^ 

List  of  Church  Masters,  1715-1767. 


1715,  Johannes  van  der  Heil 
Stephanus  van  Cortlandt 

1716,  Abraham  van  Home 
Jacob  Moene 

1717,  Abraham  Keteltas 
Oct.   17.     Jacob  ten  Eyck 

1718,  J.  C.  V.  D.  Spiegel 
Oct.  18.     Cornelius  Low 

1719,  Johannes  Hardenbrock 
Oct.   15.     John  Roosevelt 

1720,  William   Rooseboom 
Oct.  20.     Gerrit  Keteltas 


1721,  Michael  Vaughton 
Oct.   19.  Christopher  Bancker 

1722,  Peter  Brestede 
Oct.  18.  Charles  Le  Roux 

1723,  Abraham  Lefferts 

Oct.  17.  Cornelius  van  Home,  Sr. 

1724,  Abraham  Van  Vleck 
Oct.   15.  Jacobus  Roosevelt 

1725,  Bernard  Smith 
Oct.  21.  Harmanus  Rutgers 

1726,  Abraham  Van  Wyck 
Oct.  20.  Paul  Richards 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek. 


2101 


1727,  Henry  Cuyler 
Oct.   19.  Fred  V.  Cortlandt 

1728,  Wynant  Van  Zandt 
Oct.  17.  Gerard  Beekman 


1748,  Hendrick  Bogert 
Oct.  20.  Dirck  Lefferts 

1749,  Cornelius   Clopper 
Oct.  19.  Evert  Bancker 


1715- 
1767 


1729, 
Oct.  15. 

1730, 
Oct.  14. 

1731, 
Oct.  21. 

1732, 
Oct.  19. 

1733, 
Oct.  18. 


Phillip  French 
Gerrit  Ross 

William  Clarkson 


Gerrit   Harsin 
Jacob  Goelet 

Nicholas  Bayard 
Johannys  Marschalk 

J.  de  Myer 


1750, 
Oct.  18. 

1751, 
Oct.  17. 

1752, 
Oct.  19. 


Nicholas  Roosevelt 
Lucas  Promine 

Richard   Ray 
Andrew  Stuyer 

Peter  Keteltas 


1753,  Richard  Van  Dyck 
Oct.   19.  Gerard   Wm.   Beekman 

1754,  Isaac  Roosevelt 
Oct.   16.  Abraham   Lott 


1734,  John  Groesbeck 
Oct.  17.  Petrus  Rutgers 

1735,  David  Abeel 
Oct.   16.  Evert  Byvanck 

1736,  Abraham  Lynsen 
Oct.  21.  Francis   Marschalk 

1737,  Abel  Hardenbrook 
Oct.  20.  Joris  Brinckerhoff 

1738,  Cornelius  Turk 
Oct.   19.  Harman  Rutgers 

1739,  Peter  Marschalk 
Oct.  18.  Abraham  ten  Eyck 

1740,  Hendrick  Ruke 
Oct.  16.  Adrian  Bancker 

1741,  Brandt  Schuyler 
Oct.  15.  Elbert  Haring 

1742,  Jacob  Abramse 
Oct.  21.  Robert  Bensen 

1743,  Wm.  De  Peyster 
Oct.  20.  Leonard  Lispenard 

1744,  Cornelius  Bogert 
Oct.   18.  Peter  Lott 

1745,  Theodore  Van  Wyck 
Oct.  17.  Cornelivis  Van  Ranst 

1746,  William  Vredenburgh 
Oct.  16.  Peter  Clopper 

1747,  Jacobus  Turk 
Oct.  15.  John  Brovort 


1755,  Johannes  Duryee 
Oct.   16.  Dirck  Brinckerhoff 

1756,  Nicholas  Bogert 
Oct.  21.  Hendricus  Clopper 

1757,  Abraham  Bockee 
Oct.  20.  Adrian  Bancker,  Jr. 

1758,  Abraham  Lott,  Jr. 
Oct.  19.  Petrus  Low 

1759,  Garret  Rapalye 

Oct.  18.  Jacobus  Roosevelt,  Jr. 

1760,  Huybert  Van   Wagenen 
Oct.  16.  Johannis   Hardenbrook 

1761,  G.  Duyckinck 
Oct.  15.  Jacobus  Bogert 

1762,  Rem.  Rapalje 
Oct.  21.  Petrus  Byvanck 

1763,  Cornelius  Roosevelt 
Oct.  20.  And.  Marschalk 

1764,  Garret  Abeel 

Oct.  18.  Nicholas  Bayard,  Jr. 

1765,  Isaac  Stoutenburgh,  Jr. 
Oct.  17.  Wm.  De  Peyster,  Jr. 

1766,  John  Anthony 
Oct.   16.  Jeremiah  Brouwer 

176T,  Henry  Roome 

Oct.  15.  And.  Housman. 


1715 


2102  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Rev.  John  F.   Haegee  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 

Gospel. 

[Vol.  ii.  p.  275.     Mr.  Haeger  to  tlie  Secretary,  Oct.  24,  1715.] 

Sir: — I  have  not  received  your  kind  letter  of  ye  17tli  of  De- 
cember last  before  July,  else  I  had  answered  it  sooner.  I  return 
you  many  thanks  for  ye  care  you  have  taken  of  my  small  con- 
cerns as  also  about  ye  German  Common  Prayer  Books  which  are 
very  much  wanted  to  root  into  the  people  committed  to  my  care 
a  love  for  ye  Church  of  England. 

His  Excellency  has  readily  granted  me  a  license  to  build  a 
Church  in  ye  principal  settlement  of  the  Palatines,  toward  effect- 
ing Avhereof  I  have  a  reasonable  prospect  of  such  assistance  from 
the  good  people  here,  as  will  enable  me  to  bring  it  to  perfection. 

But  Sir,  I  ask  leave  to  pray  you  will  be  pleased  to  represent 
to  the  Honorable  Society  the  necessity  there  will  be  for  those 
things  as  pulpit  clothes,  Communion  table,  cloth  and  vessels  for 
the  communion  as  will  enable  me  to  perform  ye  service  with  be- 
coming decency.  I  pray  you  will  be  farther  pleased  to  assure  ye 
Honorable  Society,  that  I  will  to  the  best  of  my  power  observe 
very  strictly  all  their  rules  and  orders  that  are  or  shall  come 
from  them  and  demean  myself  in  such  a  way,  as  will  induce  them 
to  continue  me  their  favorable  protection  and  countenance. 

And  lastly  I  pray  you  will  be  assured  that  I  am  with  great 
sincerity  Sir, 

Your  most  humble  servant, 

John  Fred  Haeger. 
New  York,  Oct.  24,  1715. 

Secretary  Clarke  to   Secretary  Popple. 

Rev.   Mr.   Vesey,   Commissary  to   Bishop  of  London. 

Sir:  The  enclosed  was  sent  me  from  Amboy  to  forward  to  you  by  this  opportu- 
nity, with  directions  to  send  you  this  extract  from  the  minutes  of  Council  con- 
cerning  Mr.    Vesey,   the   Bishop   of   London's   new  Commissary. 

That  he  has  been  a  Nonjuror,  I  never  heard  disputed:  whether  he  has  taken 
the  oaths  upon  his  promotion  has  not  yet  appeared;  but  the  giving  commission, 
however,  to  nose  the  Governor,  and  to  inquire  into  his  representations,   looks  like 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  2103 

an  ill  method  to  dispose  him  to  more  respect  then  he  formerly  shewed.  If  he 
gave  the  Bishop  any  hopes  of  his  endeavoring  to  reconcile  misunderstandings 
that  had  arisen  between  him  and  a  great  part  of  his  congregation,  he  has  taken 
an  odd  way  to  bring  it  about;  for  some  days  before  his  entry,  was  handed  about 
among  the  French  and  Dutch  a  copy  of  a  letter  attested  by  him,  written  by 
several  of  his  parishioners,  to  my  Lord  of  London,  complaining  of  Mr.  Vesey's 
ill  conduct;  in  which  was  a  paragraph  expressing  our  fears  that  his  indiscreet 
behaviour  would  give  those  foreign  congregations  some  advantage  over  us.  This 
was  urged  with  no  little  vehemence,  to  perswade  those  people  that  the  letter 
was  designed  as  a  complaint  against  them,  and  to  stir  up  their  resentment  against 
us;  and  it  had  the  effect,  till  we  gave  them  the  opportunity  of  reading  the  whole 
letter.  We  have  reason  to  think  ourselves  slighted  by  his  Lordship  furnishing 
Mr.  Vesey  with  a  copy  of  our  letter,  without  giving  us  any  answer  to  it;  and 
the  use  that  has  been  made  of  that  copy  will  but  terrify  others  from  making 
any  representations  in  favour  of  the  Church. 

My  Lord  of  London  makes  Mr.  Vesey  his  Commissary  it  seemes,  because  he 
knows  him  better  than  any  of  the  other  Clergy.  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  his  letter 
written  to  one  of  the  officers  in  these  troops,  when  he  was  at  Boston  going  to 
embaraue  for  England;  by  which  you  may  know  him  as  well  as  his  Lordship. 
He  there  very  frankly  offers  a  reward  to  procure  him  a  stipend  from  home:  does 
not  that  smell  of  simony?  and  you  will  see  in  the  latter  part  of  the  letter,  how 
seriously  he  must  lay  to  heart  the  reflections  which  his  forced  constructions  would 
fain  make  ours  import  against   the  French  and  Dutch. 

I  humbly  ask  pardon  for  trespassing  thus  long  on  your  patience,  the  subject, 
and  his  Excellency's  commands,  have  obliged  me  to  it.  I  hope  there  is  some  way 
to  skreen  him  from  these  affronts,  or  he  must  be  very  uneasy,  and  his  govern- 
ment rendered  cheap.  I  doubt  I  must  speedily  be  troublesome  to  you  again  on 
this  affair;  in  the  meantime  I  Humbly  recommend  myself  to  your  favour,  and 
am  with  all  possible  honor,   Sir 

Your  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

George    Clarke. 
New  York, 

November  15,  1715. 

The  inclosed  address  will  show  you  the  Grand  Jury's  thoughts  of  Vesey's 
conduct. 

(Indorsed)  "  Letter  from  Mr.  Clarke,  Secretary  of  New  York  to  Mr.  Popple,  dated 

15th    Nov.    1715,    with    several    papers    shewing    the    ill    practices    and 

seditious  behaviour  of  Mr.   Vesey  the  Bishop  of  London's  Commissary 

there. 

Referred  to  in  Brigr.  Hunter's  letter  to  ye  Secretary  of  9th  Nov.   1715." —  Col. 

Hist.   N.   Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  464,  465. 


Dutch  Chukch  of  Albany. 

Att  a  Common  Councill  held  at  ye  City  Hall  of  Albany  ye  16th  day  of  November 
1715. 

The  Church  Masters  of  the  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation  of  the  said 
city  do  make  application  to  the  Comonalty  to  have  a  release  for  Eight  feet  of 
ground  in  breath  on  the  south  of  the  great  door  of  the  said  church  and  so  much 
in  lenth  eastward  as  shall  be  thought  convenient  for  a  porch  to  be  built  thereon 
which  request  is  granted  nemanicontradictante. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany, 
Vol.  vii.  p.  42. 


1715 


1715 


2104  Ecclesiastical  Records 

LoEDs  OF  Trade  to  Secretary  Stanhope.  I^oy.   18,  1Y15. 

Indian  Missions.     Chapel  in  Mohawk  Country. 


That  the  French  have  made  frequent  attempts  by  their  Missionary's  and  other- 
wise, to  debauch  the  said  Indians,  and  to  draw  them  off  from  the  interest  of  the 
Crown  of  Great  Britain;  which  has  been  prevented  from  time  to  time  by  presents 
made  to  them,  (particularly  upon  the  accession  of  any  prince  to  the  Crown)  and 
by  the  assurances  from  the  King  or  Queen  that  they  should  be  protected  against 
all  their  Enemies. 


At  the  same  time  the  foresaid  present  in  1700,  was  sent  to  New  York,  there  was 
500  li  remitted  to  the  Earl  of  Bellomont  towards  the  building  of  a  Fort  in  the 
Onondage  Country,  but  his  Lordship  dying  soon  after  the  Earl  of  Clarendon  then 
Lord  Cornbury  succeeding  in  that  Government.  We  do  not  find  that  he  did  any- 
thing in  it,  nor  do  we  know  what  became  of  that  mony;  but  since  Brigr.  Hunters 
Government  he  has  caused  a  good  Fort  and  Chappel  to  be  built  in  the  Mohauks 
Country  where  there  was  a  Missionary  and  twenty  private  men  with  an  officer. — 
Col.  Hist,   N.  Y.   Vol.  V.  pp.  467,  468. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Rev.  Boel  to  New  York. 

1T15,  Dec.  16th.  Rev.  Scliultiiigh  made  known  to  the  Rev. 
Assembly,  that  the  Rev.  Consistory  of  'New  York,  by  letter  of 
authorization  under  date  of  March  6,  1715,  had  charged  him, 
together  with  the  Messrs.  van  Oostrum  and  Bomble,  to  make 
out  a  full  call  for  their  church,  in  their  name,  and  that  he,  to- 
gether with  Rev.  Bomble,  considered  the  Rev.  Henricus  Boel, 
S.S.  Ministerii  Candidatus,  as  a  proper  person  therefor.  To 
this  end  the  said  Messrs.  Schultingh  and  Bomble  had  called  the 
aforesaid  Rev.  Henry  Boel,  by  a  majority  of  votes,  ( !)  and  asked 
for  the  approval  of  that  call.  The  call  was  read  to  the  Rev. 
Assembly  by  the  President,  and  was  also  further  examined  by 
the  Classis.  The  Assembly,  being  cognizant  of  the  good  qualities 
of  said  Rev.  Boel,  it  did  mth  much  pleasure  approve  the  call,  and 
wished  him  therewith  the  Lord's  blessing  which  is  rich  in  grace. 
Whereupon  the  Rev.  Boel,  having  been  brought  within  the  room, 
accepted  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  the  aforesaid  call  which  was 
handed  to  him  by  Rev.  President.  The  final  examination  was 
then  proceeded  with,  after  he  had  previously  been  heard  on  the 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2105 

words  of  Rom.  8:4,"  That  the  righteousness  of  the  Law  might 
be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh  but  after  the 
spirit  ".  In  his  examination  he  gave  so  much  satisfaction  to  the 
Rev.  Assembly,  that  the  same  unanimously  expressed  their  very 
great  delight  with  his  succinct  and  excellent  answers,  and  his  well 
grounded  refutation  of  opponents,  etc.  There  was  therefore  not 
the  least  objection  to  lay  hands  upon  him  as  a,  minister  of  the  ]^ew 
Testament,  and  to  ordain  him  to  the  Sacred  Ministry,  which  was 
also  done.  The  Rev.  Assembly  wished  him  the  rich  blessing  of 
the  God  of  Heaven  both  upon  his  own  person,  as  well  as  upon 
his  ministry  and  congregation.  He  then  signed  the  Formulae  of 
Concord,  and  agreed  to  correspond  with  the  Rev.  Classis. 
X.  18,  19. 

Church  of  Albany,  1715,  Dec.  21. 

Dec.  21.  The  release  of  ye  Church  &  some  ground  on  ye  south  &  north  side 
thereof  orderd  to  be  drawn  on  ye  8th  instant  being  now  read  and  resolved  that 
Robt.  Livingston  Jr.,  Esq.  mayor  shall  sign  ye  same  in  behalf  of  ye  Commonalty 
and  that  ye  scale  of  the  said  city  be  thereto  affixed. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany, 
Vol.  vii.  p.  23. 

1716. 

Col.  Heathcote  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Bristol,  on  Febru- 
ary 25,  1715/16,  SAYS  IN  reference  to  the  withholding  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Vesey's  salary. 

"  He  has  for  seventeen  years  past,  with  an  unwearied  dili- 
gence and   steady  application,   and  exemplary   life,   and   excellent  good  preaching, 

settled  and  brought  together  one  of  the  finest  congregations  in  America;  

and  has  for  a  long  succession  of  time  received  his  salary  without  being  disputed; 
yet  the  town  Vestry  refuses  the  paying  of  it;  and  will  neither  give  him  what  is 
due  for  past  service,  and  in  their  hands;  nor  raise  any  more,  but  take  upon 
them  to  declare  the  Living  vacant,  because  he  went  to  Great  Britain  to  repre- 
sent the  state  of  his  Church,  without  their  leave,  and  acquainting  them  with  the 
nature  of  his  business;  and  notwithstanding  he  had  the  approbation  of  my  Lord 
of  London  for  what  he  did,  and  effectual  care  was  taken  in  having  his  parish 
duly  supplied  during  his  absence,  they  do  yet  remain  obstinate  and  he  is  kept  out 
of  his  money  ". —  N.  Y.  Gen.  Conv.  MSS.  i.  505.     Dix's  Hist.  Trinity  Ch.   1.  182. 


1716 


1716 


2106  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Society  foe  Peopagating  the  Gospel. 
Indian  Missions. —  Rev.  J.  F.  Haeger, 
March  6,  1Y16.     Vol.  iii.  p.  127  §  20. 

That  a  humble  application  be  made  to  his  Majesty  that  he  will 
be  pleased  to  grant  a  salary  of  230  pounds  now  paid  by  the 
Society  to  the  Missionary  Interpreter  and  schoolmaster  among 
the  Indians  bordering  on  'New  York;  and  also  a  salary  of  50 
pounds,  paid  by  the  Society  to  Mr.  Haeger  among  the  Palatines 
at  New  York.  Agreed  to  by  the  Society  and  ordered  that  it  be 
referred  to  the  Committee  to  draw  up  a  representation  to  his 
Majesty  thereon. 

Lords  of  Teade  to  Goveenoe  Huntee.     Maech  15,  1716. 

Dr.    Staats. —  The   vacating   Act. 


We  reported  your  desire  of  liaving  Mr.  George  Clarlie  of  tlie  Council  of  New 
York,  and  doubt  not  but  Sir  Tho.  Orby  has  long  since  sent  you  the  order  for 
his  admission  we  have  also  laid  before  his  Majesty  our  opinion  that  Doctor  John 
Johnston  be  of  the  Council  in  the  room  of  Dr.  Staates  deceased. 


We  take  notice  of  what  you  say  in  relation  to  the  Scarcity  of  lands  in  the 
Province,  which  is  a  little  surprizing  to  us,  considering  that  the  Act  entituled 
An  Act  for  the  vacating,  breaking  and  annulling  several  extravagant  grants  of 
land  made  by  Coll.  Fletcher,  late  Governor  of  this  Province  under  His  Majesty 
passed  in  the  12  year  of  King  William  was  confirmed  by  her  late  Majesty  the 
26th  of  June  1708.  We  therefore  cannot  but  think  there  is  land  enough,  if  the 
people  were  willing  to  extend  their  settlements,  especially  if  his  Majesty  shall 
be  pleased  to  agree  to  the  building  of  a  Fort  near  the  Lakes.  We  know  that 
there  are  several  other  extravagant  grants  not  resumed  to  the  Crown  by  the 
forementioned  Act.  Would  it  not  be  possible  to  bring  the  Assembly  (as  In  the 
Earl  of  Bellomont's  time)  to  a  temper  of  vacating  so  much  at  least  of  the  remain- 
ing grants,  as  will  make  the  lands  of  use  to  the  publick,  or  can  you  propose 
any  other  method  for  the  doing  of  it? —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  470,  471,  472. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Adjustment  of  moneys  owing  by  New  N'etherland. 

1716,  April  6th.  Revs.  Bomble  and  Schulting  request  of  the 
Rev.  Assembly  that  Rev.  Quaestor,  nomine  Classis,  be  requested 
to  adjust  with  them  the  moneys,  still  in  their  keeping,  on  behalf 


OF  THE  State  of  InTew  York.  2107 

of  the  churches  of  New  ISTetherland.  The  Assembly  agree  thereto 
with  pleasure,  and  the  request  was  politely  made  by  the  Rev. 
President  of  the  Rev.  Quaestor,  who  also  willingly  acceded 
thereto,     x.  28. 

Secretary  Pcpple  to   Governor  Hunter. 

Revs.   Vesey  and  Talbot. 
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  your  Lordships  have  writ,  however  something  I  shall  say  for  your  infor- 
mation. 

As  to  the  business  of  Vesey  and  Talbot,  I  hope  in  a  little  time  you  will  be  made 
easy  by  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  particularly  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   neces- 
sary from  time   to  time,   those  Acts   will   lye  forever  in   their   hands   for   want  of 
such  agent  to  pay  their  fees;    It  is  ye  same  case  with  respect  to  Councillors;  For 
if  the  Board  had  reported  (as  they  were  inclined  to  do)  that  the  persons  you  had 
recommended    should    be    appointed    Councillors    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  business  of  each  Province,  but  that  I  am  satisfyed 
you  are  fully  convinced  of  it  yourself  I   am 
Sir 
Your  most  obedient  humble   Servant, 
Whitehall.  Wm.    Popple. 

April  16,  1716.  —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  472,  473. 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
April  20,  1716.    Vol.  iii.  p.  136.  §  10. 

Gen.  Nicholson  at  the  desire  of  the  Committee  laid  before  the 
board  a  draft  of  a  representation  to  his  Majesty  for  allowing  a 
salary  to  the  Missionary  among  the  Palatines  which  was  read,  and 
with  an  amendment  approved. 

Governor  Hunter  to  the  Lords  of  Trade.     April  30,  1716. 

Rev.  Mr.  Vesey. —  City  Vestry  refuses  to  pay  his  salary,  while  he  was  absent  in 

England. 


1716 


I  troubled  your  secretary  with  an  Account  of  the  ill  usage  I  had  received  from 
my  Lord  of  London,  and  something  of  the  conduct  of  his  new  Commissary,  Mr. 
Vesey;  that  gentleman  has  thought  fit  to  humble  himself  of  late,   to  acknowledge 


1716 


2108  Ecclesiastical  Records 

his  errors,  and  promiss  very  warmly  a  more  commendable  conduct  for  the  future. 
I  hope  he  is  sincere;  he  has  owned  that  he  was  put  upon  going  to  England  by 
Mr.  Nicholson,  who  used  him  ill  for  declining  it,  when  he  first  proposed  it.  The 
late  Chief  Justice  it  seems  was  in  ye  plot,  but  he  is  dead,  and  I  shall  say  no 
more  of  him,  but  that  he  was  the  most  ungratefull  of  all  men.  I  am  labouring 
hard  to  get  the  City  vestry  to  pay  him  his  salary,  which  hitherto  they  absolutely 
refuse,  affirming  his  desertion  to  be  an  actual  avoidance.  His  own  conduct  and 
that  of  some  friends  has  given  but  too  just  grounds  for  their  aversion,  Mr.  Tho. 
Clarke  his  chief  agent  here,  and  then  Church  Warden,  stands  now  Indicted  by 
the  grand  Jury  as  in  the  paper  marked  (C);  as  does  also  Mr.  Vesey  in  that 
marked  (D).  I  shall  interpose  in  the  latter;  the  former  shall  take  its  course. 
For  further  Accounts  of  the  affairs  of  this  Province  I  must  beg  your  Lordships 
patience  till  the  next  conveyance,  having  so  much  upon  my  hands  at  present  of 
the  affairs  of  the  Jerseys.  In  the  meantime,  I  am  with  all  due  sence  of  honour 
and  duty. 
My  Lords, 

Tour  Lordships  most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servant, 

Ro.    Hunter. 

Amboy 

April  30,  1716.  —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  475,  477. 

Society  foe  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

May  26,  1Y16.     Vol.  iii.  p.  145,  §  3. 

Mr.  Trvon  further  reported  that  his  grace  the  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury  directed  him  to  acquaint  the  Society,  that  he  had  at- 
tended his  Majesty  with  their  representation  relating  to  the  Mis- 
sionary etc.,  among  the  six  nations  of  Indians,  and  the  Missionary 
among  the  Palatines;  that  his  Majesty  received  the  same  very 
graciously,  and  was  pleased  to  return  such  answer  as  gave  his 
grace,  great  reason  to  hope  for  success  when  his  Majesty  had 
advised  upon  it;  and  that  at  the  same  time  his  grace  apprized  the 
Lord  Townson  of  the  whole  affair  who  promised  to  second  his 
application  to  his  Majesty. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

The  Letter'  of  Eev.  (Peter)  Van  Driessen. 

1716,  June  8th.  A  letter  was  received  from  Rev.  van  Driesen, 
minister  at  Albany,  in  which  he  informs  us  of  the  flourishing  con- 
dition of  the  cliurch  there,  and  of  his  desire  that  the  correspond- 
ence should  be  maintained  in  a  friendly  manner.  The  Assembly 
resolved  that  the  Deputies  ad  res  Exteras  thank  him  by  letter 
therefor,  and  request  him  to  keep  up  this  useful  correspondence. 
x;  34. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2109 

Rev.  John  F.  Haegek  to  the  Society  for  Propagating  the 

Gospel. 

Vol.  ii.  p.  341.    Mr.  Haeger  to  the  Secretary,  Sept.  14,  1716. 

Sir: — The  last  letter  I  did  myself  the  honor  to  write  men- 
tioned ye  building  of  a  church  at  ye  Palatine  settlement  on  Hud- 
son River.  The  timber  is  squared  and  lies  ready  upon  the  place, 
but  for  want  of  money,  I  could  not  proceed.  I  was  advised  to 
stay  till  Mr.  Barclay  at  Albany  had  done  with  his  collection.  In 
my  progress  to  a  settlement  of  ye  people  about  3  days  journey 
from  that  which  I  reside  at,  I  saw  Mr.  Barclay's  church  on  my 
return.  It  is  a  pretty  edifice  and  will  contain  a  great  number  of 
people. 

Mr.  Barclay  dispatches  it  as  fast  as  he  can  so  that  he  hopes  to 
have  it  finished  this  fall.  I  stayed  at  the  before  mentioned  set- 
tlement called  Schoharie  about  a  month,  where  I  had  a  large 
congregation.  ' 

I  preached  several  times  and  administered  ye  Holy  Sacrament 
to  Y4  communicants,  ye  29th  of  July.  Again  at  another  place  I 
had  103  communicants. 

I  send  here  enclosed  an  account  of  those  people  settled  on  both 
sides  of  Hudson  River.  I  am  not  so  well  able  to  send  an  account, 
because  many  have  dispersed  themselves  into  other  distant  parts; 
however  they  resort  to  my  congregation  on  ye  East  side  of  the 
River. 

The  12th  of  August  last  I  administered  the  Sacrament  on  ye 
West  side  of  the  River  in  Georgetown  where  I  had  35  communi- 
cants. The  people  in  general  are  anxiously  desirous  to  have  both 
Common  Prayer  and  Psalm  Books  and  Bibles  in  their  own 
language. 

I  have  no  more  at  present  to  add  but  that  I  recommend  myself 
to  ye  further  favor  of  ye  Honorable  Society  and  remain  Sir, 

Your  most  humble  servant, 
'New  York  September  14,  1Y16.  John  Fred  Haeger. 

Vol.  ii.  p.  361. 


1716 


1716 


2110  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

Me.  Haegee's  Nalitia  Paeochialis  enclosed  in  his  Letteb 
OF  ye  Sept.  14,  1716. 

Number  of         Families  Persons  Of  my  Congre.  nr,-rr,  130^+ 

villages.  in  all.  in  all.  families.  "^°™-  ^^^^- 


1 

28 

149 

2 

5 

7 

2 

24 

102 

17 

42 

10 

3 

30 

134 

24 

56 

14 

4 

16 

67 

14 

29 

3 

5 

26 

109 

21 

49 

8 

6 

14 

70 

11 

24 

7 

7 

13 

104 

16 

28 

13 

Totals  161  735  105  233  62 

GO'VEENOE   HUNTEE    TO   THE    LoEDS    OF   TeADE. 

October  2,  1716. 
David  Jamieson.     Rev.   Mr.    Clarke.     Church   of  England. 


I  most  humbly  thank  your  Lordships  for  his  Majesty's  condescension,  in  supply- 
ing the  vacancies  in  Council  here  in  ye  manner  I  recommended.  I  assure  you 
that  in  these  and  all  other  recommendations  of  that  nature  I  have  never  had 
any  other  view  than  the  public  service.  Mr.  David  Jamison  is  the  same  person 
mentioned  in  the  extracts  of  the  Earl  of  Bellomonts  letter  to  your  Board,  though 
much  different  in  his  character  and  conduct  from  what  he  is  represented  there 
to  be;  whether,  a  mistaken  piece  of  gratitude  to  his  benefactor  Colonel  Fletcher 
made  him  enter  into  any  measures  or  associate  himself  to  any  party  of  men  which 
were  not  agreeable  to  the  Earl  of  Bellomont;  or  whether  some  persons 
who  believed  they  had  too  small  a  share  in  the  countenance  and  favour  of 
the  former  Governor,  made  their  Court  to  ye  latter  at  the  expence  of  the  reputa- 
tion of  those  employed  by  the  former,  I  shall  not  determine;  but  I'll  venture  to 
affirm,  and  offer  to  make  it  appear  undeniably,  that  the  Earl  of  Bellomont  has 
been  most  grossly  imposed  upon   in  the  character  of  Mr.   Jamison. 

The  real  truth  is  this,  Mr.  Jamison  after  a  liberal  education  at  schools  and 
colleges  in  Scotland  from  some  discontent,  the  prejudice  of  education  or  the  folly 
and  heat  of  youth,  or  all  of  them  together,  took  occasion  to  join  himself  to  that 
multitude  which  in  the  end  of  King  Charles  ye  seconds  reign,  were  called  by 
the  name  of  "  Sweet  Singers,"  and  were  then  distinguished  from  the  rest  of 
that  distracted  party  by  their  renouncing  the  use  of  arms;  and  who  were  for 
burning  every  book  except  the  bible  as  every  body  knows,  who  knows  anything 
of  the  history  of  that  time  and  that  sect.  He  was  in  company  with  others  of 
that  sort  when  taken  prisoner  by  a  party  of  the  Kings  forces  while  they  were 
a  worshiping  after  their  own  manner,  brought  to  Edinburgh  and  with  them  put 
into  Bridewell;  when  examined  before  the  Privy  Council  where  the  Duke  of  York 
presided,  they  utterly  renounced  all  use  of  arms  or  any  other  weapons  than 
prayer;  so  far  were  they  from  being  condemned,  that  they  never  had  any  Tryal; 
but  one  Lockhart,  who  had  a  ship  bound  for  America  was  ordered  by  the  Gov- 
ernment to  go  to  the  house  where  they  were  kept,  and  know  of  them  whether 
they  would  voluntary  go  on  board  with  him  for  America;  most  of  them  agreed  to 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  2111 

it;  and  such  as  did  not,  liowever,  were  put  on  board  with  the  rest;  being  arrived 
here  the  minister  of  the  Fort  Mr.  Clarlse  paid  Mr.  Jamisons  passage,  and  the 
chief  men  in  the  place  reimbursed  Mr.  Clarke,  and  set  him  to  teach  a  lattin 
school,  which  he  attended  for  some  time  with  great  industry  &  success;  but  find- 
ing that  incouragement  but  small,  he  entered  himself  into  the  Secretary's  office, 
and  afterwards  farmed  it  of  Mr.  Clarkson  the  Provincial  Secretary;  during  that 
time  he  applyed  himself  to  the  studdy  of  the  law,  in  which  he  acquired  so  con- 
siderable knowledge  that  he  is  in  the  opinion  of  all  men  inferior  to  none  on  this 
side,  and  has  acquired  a  considerable  estate;  it  is  notoriously  false  that  he  had 
two  wives  at  the  same  time;  that  woman  said  to  be  his  first  wife,  dyed  here  the 
other  day,  and  never  affirmed  she  was  otherwise  his  wife  than,  before  God  as 
she  phraised  it,  having  had  a  child  by  him  in  his  wild  days;  he  is  the  greatest 
man  I  ever  knew;  and  I  think  of  the  most  unblemished  life  and  conversation  of 
any  of  his  rank  in  these  parts;  to  his  zeal  for  religion,  &  his  art  and  management 
it  is  that  we  owe  chiefly  any  legal  establishment  we  have  here  for  the  Church 
of  England,  as  the  present  Rector  hath  frequently  averred  in  his  letters  to  the 
late  Bishop  of  London;  amongst  others,  I  humbly  ask  your  Lordships  pardon  for 
taking  up  so  much  of  your  time  with  this  narration  but  it  is  what  I  find  myself 
obliged  to,  or  lye  under  the  imputation  of  having  recommended  a  man  to  a 
seat  in  Council  who  was  unfit  or  unworthy  of  it.  I'll  make  every  tittle  of  what 
I  have  said  good  against  those  who  attack  his  reputation,  under  the  pain  of  the 
forfeiture  of  my  own;  he  knew  nothing  of  my  recommendation,  and  is  far  from 
coveting  more  trouble  than  what  I  have  already  given  him. —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y. 
Vol.  V.  pp.  477,  478,  479. 


Society  for  Pkopagatiin^g  the  Gospel. 
Dec.  21,  1716.    Vol.  iii.  p.  189.  §  5. 

Reported  from  the  Committee  that  they  had  read  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Haeger,  dated  ISTew  York  14th  of  September  1716  advising 
that  the  timber  for  building  the  Church  at  the  Palatine  settlement 
on  the  Hudson  River  is  squared  and  lies  ready  on  the  place,  but 
that  he  could  not  proceed  for  want  of  money,  that  he  is  advised  to 
stay  till  Mr.  Barclay  has  done  with  his  collection,  that  Mr,  Bar- 
clay's church  is  a  very  pretty  edifice  and  will  contain  a  great  num- 
ber of  people,  which  Mr.  Barclay  hopes  to  have  finished  this  fall, 
that  he  has  been  at  a  settlement  of  the  Palatines  called  Schoharie 
where  he  stayed  about  a  month,  had  a  large  congregation, 
preached  several  times,  and  administered  the  sacrament  to  74 
communicants;  and  on  the  29th  of  July  at  another  place  had  103 
communicants ;  incloses  on  account  of  those  people,  but  is  not 
so  well  able  to  give  an  account  of  those  settled  on  both  sides  of 
the  Hudson  River  because  many  of  them  are  dispersed  into  other 
parts.  That  on  the  12th  of  August  last  he  administered  the  Sac- 
rament on  the  West  side  of  that  River  in  Georgetown  where  he 


1716j 


1717 


2112  Ecclesiastical  Records 

had  35  communicants,  says  that  the  people  in  general  are  ver^ 
desirous  to  have  Common  Prayer  and  Psalm  Books  and  Bibles 
in  their  own  language.  Agreed  that  the  20  Bibles  with  the  sing- 
ing Psalms  in  the  German  language  be  sent  to  Mr.  Haeger  and 
that  the  Secretary  provide  them. 

Dutch  Church  of  Albany  borrows  from  the  Poor  Fund  to 
Rebuild  Church,  Dec.  28,  1716. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents  that  we  the  subscribers,  elders  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church  of  Albany,  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds  current  money  of  New  York  received  of  Messrs.  Hend'k  Ten  Eyck  and 
Jacob  Lansingh  deacons  of  the  aforesaid  church,  being  money  collected  for  the 
poor,  which  sum  we  borrow  to  pay  the  arrears  of  the  debt  for  rebuilding  the 
said  church,  we  therefore  promise  to  pay  out  of  the  income  of  the  church  pasture 
to  the  said  Hendrick  Ten  Eyck  and  Jacob  Lansing  or  their  successors  in  the 
year  seventeen  hundred  seventeen  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds,  and  the  other  fifty 
pounds  in  the  year  seventeen  hundred  and  eighteen. 

In  consideration  of  this  we  bind  ourselves  and  successors.  Witness  our  hand 
Albany  December  28th,  Anno  1716. 

Peter  Van  Brugh 
Robt.    Livingston,    Jr. 

In  presence  of  Albert  Ryckman,  Jonas  Douw. 

Albany  In  the  year  seventeen  hundred  seventeen  received  on  the  within,  the 
sum  of  fifty  pounds  current  money. 

John  Van   Vechten 
Reyer  Gerritse. 

Albany,    December  30th,    1718. 
Received  of  Messrs.   Evert  Bancker  and  Johannes  Bieecker  on  the  within  bond 
the  sum  of  thirty  eight  pounds  fourteen  shillings  and  sixpence. 

Harm.  Wendell 
Koenradt  Ten  Eyck. 
—  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  vii.  pp.  237,  238. 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Jan.  11,  1717.     Vol.  iii.  p.  194.  §  6. 

Another  from  Mr.  Haeger  dated  'New  York,  Oct.  24,  1716. 
That  he  did  not  receive  the  See's  of  the  17th  of  Dec,  before  July, 
or  else  he  had  answered  it  sooner,  says  the  German  Common 
Prayer  Books  are  very  much  wanted  to  root  in  the  people  com- 
mitted to  his  care  a  love  for  the  Church  of  England,  that  the 
Governor  has  readily  granted  him  a  license  to  build  a  church  in 
the  principal  settlement  of  the  Palatines  and  has  a  reasonable 
prospect  of  such  assistance  from  the  people  as  will  enable  him  to 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2113 

bring  it  to  perfection,  but  says  there  will  be  necessity  for  a  pulpit 
cloth,  communion  table  cloth,  and  vessels  for  the  communion  to 
enable  him  to  perform  the  service  with  common  decency,  that 
he  will  to  the  best  of  his  power  observe  strictly  the  rules  and 
order  of  the  Society  and  demean  himself  in  such  manner  as  to 
induce  them  to  continue  him  their  protection  and  countenance. 
The  minutes  of  the  Society  of  the  6th  of  March  last  whereby  an 
humble  application  was  ordered  to  be  made  to  his  Majesty  for 
allowing  a  salary  of  230  pounds  was  paid  by  the  Society  to  the 
Missionary  Interpreter  and  Schoolmaster  among  the  Indians  and 
50  pounds  to  the  Missionary  among  the  Palatines  being  now 
read  —  ordered  that  the  Secretary  acquaint  Mr.  Haeger  that  his 
salary  from  this  Society  will  be  continued  no  longer  than  the  12 
months  from  Christmas  last,  or  till  such  time  as  the  crown  shall 
take  that  charge  upon  them  provided  that  be  before  the  expira- 
tion of  the  year. 

Rev.    Poyek    to   the    Seceetary   of   the    Society   for   the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel.      (lYlY) 

Jamaica,    15th   January   1716-17. 
Honored  Sir 

My  suit  at  Law  for  the  recovery  of  my  Salary  here  is  as  backward  as  my  last 
gave  you  an  account,  so  that  I  have  nothing  new  to  add  on  tills  head  but  that  one 
of  my  lawyers  is  dead,  which  put  a  stop  to  it  last  term;  &  what  progress  will 
be  made  in  it  the  next  I  cannot  tell;  you  shall  be  acquainted  of  the  proceeding 
by  every  opportunity. 

The  continuance  of  my  troubles,  (which  alas  have  no  prospect  of  an  end),  and 
the  tediousness  of  this  lawsuit  have  almost  wearied  me  out;  I  find  a  daily  decay 
In  myself  through  the  continual  fatigue  I  undergo  in  this  large  parish,  which 
consists,  (as  I  have  formerly  observed),  of  three  towns  which  I  serve  alternately; 
&  how  I  have  discharged  my  duty  to  the  Souls  I  am  entrusted  with  is  well  known 
to  my  God  and  Great  Judge,  &  will,   I  hope  be  testified  by  some  of  my  people. 

I  humbly  beg  the  favour  of  you  to  give  my  most  humble  duty  to  my  most 
Honorable  Patrons  &  acquaint  them  that  their  poor  Missionary  is  labouring  under 
many  difficulties  &  reduced  to  the  want  of  a  great  many  necessaries;  two  Gowns 
and  Cassocks  I  have  already  worn  in  their  service;  a  third  is  worn  very  bare; 
and  my  family  wants  are  so  many  and  pressing  that  I  know  not  how  I  shall  pro- 
cure another. 

But  pray  give  me  leave  to  assure  you  that  I  am  not  reduced  to  this  necessitous 
Condition  through  any  extravagance  in  my  way  of  living;  'tis  well  known  to 
many  here  Dissenters  from  us  as  well  as  friends  to  the  Church,  that  I  am  con- 
tented to  want  many  necessaries,  the  better  to  be  enabled  to  be  hospitable, 
which  is  expected  from  the  established  Ministers  here,  and  which,  with  my  being 
conversant  with  them,  hath  (I  praise  God  for  it)  removed  the  prejudices  of  some 
and  effectually  brought  others  to  us. 


1717 


1717 


2114  Ecclesiastical  Records 

But  under  all  my  troubles  this  bears  me  up,  and  is  great  comfort,  that  God 
is  so  good  to  me  as  to  continue  his  Blessing  on  my  endeavours.  I  have  lost  none 
but  have  gained  many,  the  number  of  my  hearers  consisting  of  about  Four  hun- 
dred, &  Communicants  above  three  score;  I  have  this  last  week  gained  two  fami- 
lies from  the  Anabaptists  &  Quakers  and  baptized  them.  Many  are  often  coming 
over  to  us,  and  I  am  assured  more  would,  were  there,  according  to  their  desire, 
a  Minister  of  the  Church  of  England  to  preach  to  them  in  this  Town  every 
Lord's  day. 

But  this  I  leave  to  the  consideration  of  the  Honorable  Society  and  hope  they 
will  be  pleased  to  consider  my  necessities  and  administer  a  little  comfort  to  me 
in  my  troubles. 

I  pray  God  to  bless  guide  preserve  and  keep  my  most  honored  Patrons  may 
they  be  enabled  to  send  out  many  faithful  Labourers  into  Christ's  Vineyard  & 
amply  rewarded  for  all  their  pious  and  good  deeds.  This  is  what  offers  at  pres- 
ent from. 

Your  most  humble  Servant, 

Thos.   Poyer. 
•  —  Doc.    Hist.    N.    Y.    Vol.    iii.   168,   169. 

The  Membees  of  the  Chuech  of  England  in  Jamaica,  Long 
Island,  to  the  Society  foe  Peopagating  the  Gospel. 

Extract.  February  6th  1716.     [1717.] 

Honored  Sir  We  humbly  pray  leave  to  lay  before  our  Honorable  Patrons  a  true 
state  of  the  case  of  the  Church  here,  and  that  as  briefly  as  the  nature  of  the 
thing   will    bear. 

The  Independents  here  being  the  most  numerous  do  annually  choose  the  Church 
Wardens  &  Vestry  out  of  those  of  their  own  persuasion,  who  are  the  most  invete- 
rate against  the  Church;  every  freeholder  having  a  vote  by  Virtue  of  an  Act  of 
Assembly  for  settling  the  Ministry  made  in  the  year  1693,  in  which  act  there 
is  a  clause  empowering  them  to  call  a  Minister;  the  act  also  provides  that  such 
a  Minister  shall  be  inducted  &  established,  to  entitle  him  to  the  Salary  of  sixty 
pounds  per  annum  given  by  the  same  Act. 

Now  this  Dissenting  Vestry  &  Church  Wardens  have,  (as  no  other  could  be 
expected  of  them),  after  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Urquhart,  (who  enjoyed  the 
Glebe  &  Salary  undisturbed  for  about  six  years),  called  one  Mr.  George  Mc.  Nish, 
who,  because  of  that  call,  has  seized  upon  the  Parsonage  House  &  Glebe,  pretends 
to  all,  and  has  actually  received  some  part  of  the  said  Salary.  This  call  is  the 
only  argument  on  which  they  insist,  &  on  pretense  whereof,  they  defraud  the 
rightful  minister  both  of  the  Glebe  and  Salary,  contrary  to  the  known  laws,  and 
continued  practice  of  all  the  other  places  in  this  Province  that  stand  upon  the 
same  foundation.  To  confute  therefore  their  absurd  notion  the  case  may  be 
stated  thus.  In  February  1702  the  Vestry  &  Church  Wardens,  (being  as  always. 
Dissenters),  called  one  Mr.  Hubbard,  a  Dissenting  Minister,  (one  whom  some  of 
us  have  heard  declare  it  a  sin  to  say  the  Lord's  Prayer).  In  the  year  1704  Mr. 
Urquhart  was  sent  here  by  the  Venerable  Society  &  Bishop  of  London  and  waa 
immediately  inducted  and  established  by  the  then  Governor  of  this  Province,  the 
said  call  given  to  Mr.  Hubbard  (who  never  did  officiate  as  Minister  of  the  Parish), 
being  deemed  to  be  invalid,  because  the  person  called  was  not  qualified  to  accept, 
and  this  proceeding  of  that  Governor  was  declared  to  be  right,  by  another  Act 
of  Assembly  in  1705,  for  the  better  explaining  the  former  Act.  Thus  in  like  man- 
ner after  Mr.  Urquhai-t's  death,  as  is  said  before,  they  called  the  said  Mr.  Mc 
Nish,  who  being  a  Dissenter  like  the  other,  not  qualified  to  accept  thereof,  our 
present  Governor  for  the  reasons  aforesaid  on  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Poyer,  imme- 
diately caused  him  to  be  inducted  and  established  by  the  Chaplain,  Mr.  Sharpe, 
on  the  18th  day  of  July  1710,  which  we  think,  (with  submission),  makes  the  matter 
very  clear  that  the  Salary  &  Glebe  can  belong  to  none  but  him;  for  the  Cure 
must  not  lie  vacant  for  want  of  a  call  or  presentation,  &  not  to  call  at  all,  or  to 


OF  THE  State  of  'New  York.  2115 

call  a  person  in  himself  incapable  of  accepting,  is  all  one.  And  it  can  never  be 
supposed  that  the  Law  intended  any  other  than  an  Orthodox  Minister;  for  if 
otherwise,  nothing  but  confusion  must  ensue  about  the  disposal  even  amongst  the 
Dissenters  themselves  all  having  an  equal  right. 

To  this  false  argument  of  the  Church  Wardens  &  Vestry,  (as  well  as  their 
principles),  may  be  attributed  the  many  affronts  by  them  at  sundry  times  given 
to  our  Minister  even  to  the  excluding  him  from  sitting  in  the  Vestry,  contrary  to 
the   Governor's  express  Injunctions  from   the   Crown   signified   to   them. 

Yet  notwithstanding  the  imperious  behaviour  of  these  our  Enemies,  who  stick 
not  to  call  themselves  the  Established  Church,  &  us  dissenters,  we  can  with  joy 
say  the  Church  hath  increased  very  considerably  both  in  its  number  of  hearers 
&  Communicants,  by  the  singular  care  pain  and  industry  of  our  present  Laborious 
Minister,  Mr.  I'oyer,  who  notwithstanding  the  many  difficulties  he  has  struggled 
with  has  never  been  in  the  least  wanting  in  the  due  execution  of  his  Ministerial 
Function;  but  rather  on  the  coutrary,  has  strained  himself  in  travelling  through 
the  Parish  even  beyond  his  strength,  «Sr  not  seldom  to  the  prejudice  of  his  health, 
which  is  notorious  to  all  the  Inhabitants,  for  almost  seven  years  last  past;  in 
all  which  time  he  has  not  received  one  farthing  of  his  Sallary  allowed  him  by 
the  laws  of  this  Province,  nor  any  private  contributions  that  by  the  nicest  search 
we  can  find  out,  except  about  eighteen  pounds,  (this  Country  money),  which  was 
presented  to  him  by  some  of  his  people  at  his  first  arrival  here  purely  on  the 
account  of  the  tediousness  of  his  voyage  from  England,  &  his  having  with  his 
Family  been  shipwrecked  on  this  (Island)  about  one  hundred  miles  from  his 
Parish,  and  at  divers  times  since  Gifts  on  the  whole  not  amounting  to  Fifty 
Pounds.—  Doc.    Hist.    N.    Y.   Vol.    ill.   pp.   169,   170. 


Episcopal  Church  at  Albany.     Rev.  Mb.  Barclay. 

Att  a  Common  Council  held  in  ye  City  Hall  of  Albany  the  17th  of  April  1717. 

The  Petition  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Barclay  being  read  desirelng  to  purchase 
from  the  Comonalty  a  piece  of  ground  without  ye  stockados  beginning  about 
thirty  or  forty  yards  on  the  west  of  the  horse  guard  blockhouse  extending  from 
thence  to  the  gate  which  is  at  the  blockhouse  at  the  Lutheran  Church  thence 
southerly  with  a  straight  line  on  ye  corner  of  ye  fence  of  Johannis  Mingael  leav- 
ing a  common  road  to  the  place  first  mentioned. 

The  Comonalty  have  taken  the  said  petition  in  their  consideration  and  are  of 
opinion  not  as  yet  to  dispose  of  the  said  ground  but  that  ye  said  Barclay  shall 
have  the  refusall  of  a  lott  of  ground  at  ye  said  place  when  they  shall  dispose 
any  there. 

May  22.  Resolved  that  ye  ground  on  ye  plain  shall  be  layd  out  and  surveyed  in 
order  to  be  disposed  of  at  a  pnblick  vendue  to  ye  best  advantage  and  for  ye  ac- 
commodation of  ye  inhabitants  of  this  city,  reserving  unto  Mr.  Barclay  ye  refuzall 
of  a  lott  according  to  ye  resolution  of  Comon  Council  dated  ye  17th  of  April 
last.  To  which  end  the  following  persons  are  appointed  a  Committee  viz.,  Wessell 
Ten  Broeck  Esqiiire  alderman  Peter  Ryckman  and  Job's  Lansingh  assistants  who 
are  to  employ  a  surveyor  and  bring  in  their  report  in  Comon  Council  as  soon 
as  conveniently  may  be. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  ill:  pp.  63,  64. 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Oct.  18.  1717.    Vol.  iii.  p.  311f.  §  11. 

Agreed  that  Gen.  Nicholson  be  desired  to  wait  on  his  Grace  of 
Canterbury,  and  desire  his  Grace  to  renew  the  Society's  applica- 
tion to  his  Majesty,  that  the  salary  now  paid  by  the  Society  to 

22 


1717 


1717 


2116  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  Missionary  Interpreter  and  Schoolmaster  among  the  Indians 
and  the  Missionary  among  the  Palatines  in  New  York  may  be  put 
upon  the  ^STew  York  establishment. 

Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Vol.  12.  p.  341. 

Mr.  Haeger  to  the  Secretary.  Kingsbury  on  the  East  side  of 
Hudson  River  in  the  Province  of  Xew  York,  20  Oct.  I7l7. 

Sirs : — 

I  have  sent  lately  an  account  of  the  people  under  my  care  on 
both  sides  of  Hudson  River.  Since  I  have  received  a  letter  dated 
19  May  1716.  In  answer  to  it  I  say  I  know  none  that  is  disaf- 
fected to  the  government  of  his  Majesty  King  George.  We  all 
rejoice  and  pray  for  his  Majesty's  long  life  and  happiness,  also 
do  we  pray  for  his  Royal  Highness  George  the  Prince  of  Wales 
with  his  Princess  and  the  princely  issue. 

At  the  same  time  did  I  receive  another  of  the  23  of  April  1716 
wherein  is  desired  an  account  of  the  building  of  a  church  here. 

I  have  made  my  humble  address  to  the  Honorable  Society  about 
this  building  which  should  only  be  of  timber  at  present,  which 
would  not  have  been  so  great  a  charge;  I  have  been  disposed  the 
most  part  of  the  first  years  of  my  abode  here,  to  keep  the  church, 
in  snow  and  rain,  to  the  ruin  of  my  health,  and  to  the  scandal  of 
all  nations  of  Christians  which  have  their  meeting  houses  to  do 
divine  service  in,  and  administer  the  Holy  Sacrament;  and  for  all 
the  want  of  a  decent  place  has  been  a  hindrance  to  the  people  to 
conform  in  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  Church  of  England. 
In  the  meantime  did  I  live  in  a  little  cottage  among  the  people. 

Afterward  made  I  credit  and  built  a  little  house  and  keep 
church  in  the  same;  which  would  hold  about  200  people,  the  rest 
must  stay  without. 

!N"ow  last  year,  made  I  application  to  his  Excellency,  the  Gov- 
ernor, again  for  a  license  to  build  a  church  of  timber  at  present. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2117 

which  was  granted;  and  I  got  carpenters  to  square  the  timber, 
and  let  it  bring  upon  the  place,  which  the  most  agreed,  to  be  fitted 
for  a  church  within;  to  6000  acres,  which  the  Governor  had 
bought  for  the  Palatines,  and  67  families  had  subscribed  their 
names,  that  they  would  assist  in  hard  labor,  because  they  were 
poor,  that  such  a  church  might  be  erected,  of  which  they  profess 
themselves,  viz.,  the  Church  of  England,  which  list  I  can  shew 
when  desired,  and  I  have  reason  to  believe,  if  such  Church  was 
erected  here,  that  the  congregation  would  in  time  increase,  be- 
cause there  is  no  other  between  Kingston  and  Albany. 

The  timber  lies  also  squared  upon  the  place  ready  upon  my 
charge  and  I  could  not  go  on  with  it,  for  want  of  further  encour- 
agement and  assistance. 

In  the  meantime  do  I  receive  a  letter  dated  the  15th  of  April 
1717  whereby  I  see  that  the  Honorable  Society  is  not  pleased  to 
continue  my  salary,  my  life.  Without  it  I  cannot  subsist  here  for 
the  reasons  that  I  am  among  a  poor  people  which  can  get  hardly  a 
livelihood,  for  themselves  and  for  all  by  this  sickly  time  among 
them,  where  there  has  been  hardly  a  house  where  not  have  been 
sickness  and  yet  that  they  are  not  able  to  maintain  a  minister; 
and  if  I  would  do  as  St.  Paul,  and  work  to  maintain  me  and  my 
family  in  so  far  and  strange  country  to  me  that  is  impossible  for 
me,  enduring  great  hardships  in  sickness  and  travels  this  8  years. 
ISTow  three  years  past,  I  being  in  Schohary,  heard  that  his  Excel- 
lency the  Governor  was  in  Albany.  I  riding  in  the  night  being  a 
great  journey,  had  a  mischance.  Something  came  against  the 
horse  and  the  saddle  not  well  girth  caused  me  a  great  bruise  near 
death.  The  other  day  was  I  brought  down  with  a  waggon  from 
Skenectata.  By  the  way  we  met  drunken  Indians  and  if  the  man 
had  not  but  driven  his  horse  hard,  we  had,  so  it  seemeth,  been 
killed;  by  these  and  the  like  I  am  sickly  and  caused  me  to  weary 
being  strange  here;  and  now  am  I  for  the  timber  that  there  lies 
squared  for  the  Church  in  debt,  also  for  the  most  part  of  my 
dwelling  house  that  I  can  find  no  means  to  help  myself  in  this 
destitute  condition  and  circumstances. 


1717 


1717 


2118  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

Only  this  gives  satisfaction  to  my  mind  that  the  Honorable 
Society  has  yet  care  for  me,  in  making  their  application  to  his 
Majesty  which  I  hope  will  not  be  in  vain,  by  the  blessing  of  God; 
for  it  would  be  of  little  service  if  we  would  only  endeavor  to  make 
heathens  christians,  and  leave  christians  to  grow  heathens;  and 
this  is  the  event  where  the  Shepherd  is  forced  to  leave  the  flock, 
that  the  sheep  disperse  and  destroy,  and  where  can  I  well  go  to, 
being  a  Church  of  England  minister,  and  to  please  God  I  am 
resolved  to  die  so  and  will  not  turn  to  any  other  church  for  any 
offer,  and  I  am  certain  that  the  Church  of  England  has  no  less 
care  for  their  ministers,  than  any  other  church  as  to  let  them 
perish  and  leave  them  to  be  mocked  at. 

Even  so  hath  the  Lord  ordained  that  they  which  preach  the 
Gospel  should  live  of  the  Gospel.     2  Cor.  9  :  14. 

I  have  been  several  times  resolved  to  make  my  humble  appli- 
cation to  the  Honorable  Society  for  Prop,  the  Gospel  about  some 
encouragement  for  a  schoolmaster  to  teach  my  children  English 
and  German,  and  this  would  contribute  a  great  deal  to  propagating 
the  Gospel  and  in  time  to  turn  them  into  English  and  good  mem- 
bers and  I  will  hope  the  Honorable  Society  will  take  into  con- 
sideration and  also  my  desolate  circumstances.  The  people  were 
very  glad  and  grateful  when  I  told  them  that  the  Honorable 
Secretary  was  pleased  to  send  some  Bibles  and  singing  Psalms 
and  Common  Prayer  Books,  they  were  committed  to  the  care  of 
Dr.  John  Sharpe  late  chaplain  in  ISTew  York  to  send  them  over, 
but  we  have  not  received  them  yet.  I  hope  you  will  excuse  me 
for  enlarging  the  letter  so  far  and  in  broken  English,  in  time  I 
hope  to  learn  better.  I  will  add  no  more,  but  humbly  recommend- 
ing me  in  the  favor  of  the  Hon.  Society  and  am  always  ready  to 
obey  their  commands.    I  am  Sir,  your  most  humble  and  obedient 

servant, 

John  Ered  Haeger, 

Minister  among  the  Palatines. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  2119 


Rev.  Mk.  Poyer  to  the  Society  for  Propagatijtg  the  Gospel. 

Jamaica,  October  24th,   1717. 

Honored  Sir  The  State  of  the  Church  in  this  Parish  is  much  the  same  as  my 
last  gave  you  an  account  of  saving  that  I  had  two  new  members  added  to  it  since, 
&  baptized  besides  several  Infants  &  some  adult  persons. 

And  here  I  must  desire  you  to  pardon  me  while  I  acquaint  you  that  I  have  un- 
dergone more  trouble  in  the  discharge  of  my  Ministry  here  than  I  am  able  to  tell 
you;  for  besides  the  frequent  abuses  and  affronts  I  receive  from  some  of  the 
Enemies  of  our  Constitution,  besides  that  they  make  it  their  constant  endeavour 
to  tire  me  with  their  ill  usage,  and  to  starve  me  as  some  of  the  most  Inveterate 
among  them  do  sometimes  express  themselves;  the  service  of  the  three  towns 
which  this  Parish  consists  of  bears  hard  upon  me,  and  affords  me  as  much  busi- 
ness as  I  am  able  to  go  through  with.  I  serve  them  by  turns  every  other  Sunday 
besides  frequent  Lectures  on  week  days.  Now  to  do  this  and  visit  my  people 
which  I  am  often  obliged  to,  who  live  distant  from  me  many  of  them  about  twelve 
miles,  I  am  necessitated  to  keep  two  horses,  which  is  very  expensive  &  trouble- 
some to  me,  &  consumes  me  more  Clothes  in  one  year  than  would  serve  another 
that  is  not  obliged  to  ride  for  three  or  four.  In  Newtown  &  Flushing  for  want 
of  the  convenience  of  private  houses,  I  am  forced  to  make  use  of  Public  ones, 
which  is  a  very  great  charge  to  me,  for  I  bring  some  of  my  family  generally 
with  me;  If  I  did  not  they  would  be  the  half  of  the  year  without  opportunities  of 
Public   Worship.—  Doc.   Hist.    N.    Y.    Vol.   ill.   pp.   170,    171. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Call  to  Staten  Island. 

1717,  ISTov.  22nd.  Eev.  Matthias  Winterw^ck,  minister  at 
Alphen,  and  Mr.  William  Banker,  merchant  of  this  city,  were 
brought  into  the  room,  exhibiting  an  instrument  from  the  con- 
sistory of  the  Dutch  and  French  Congregation  on  Staten  Island, 
in  the  Province  of  'New  York,  by  which  they  were  authorized  to 
call  a  minister  for  that  church  who  should  preach  in  Dutch  and 
French.  They  declared  before  the  Classis  that  they  had  chosen 
for  such  a  minister  the  Rev.  Cornelius  Santfoort,  with  the  re- 
quest that  the  Rev.  Classis  would  approve  the  call  made,  and  to 
qualify  him  whom  they  had  called. 

Rev.  Cornelius  van  Santfoort,  having  been  called  within  de- 
clared that  he  accepted  said  call  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  on  the 
conditions  expressed  in  said  instrument  of  the  Consistory  of  said 
churches.  The  Classis  having  examined  his  excellent  testimonials, 
approved  the  call  as  made;  and  consecrated  him  to  that  office. 
He  also  signed  the  Formulae  of  Concord,     x.  68. 


1717 


1718 


2120  Ecclesiastical  Records 

The  Society  foe  Peopagating  the  Gospel  to  Me.  Poyee. 

November  23rd,    1717. 
Rererend  Sir: 

The  Society  tiave  upon  reading  your  letter  representing  the  Difficulties  «&  hard- 
ships you  meet  with,  not  only  resolved  to  make  you  a  present  of  a  Gown  and 
Cassock  which  I  acquainted  you  with  in  a  former  letter  but  have  also  further 
made  you  a  present  of  Ten  pounds  if  you  desire  it  should  be  remitted  you  in 
Goods  if  you  by  your  Letter  let  the  Treasurer  know  what  Goods  you  would  have 
they  will  be  sent  to  that  value;  if  not  you  may  draw  upon  the  Treasurer  for 
the  money. —  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.  Vol.    iii.   p.  171. 

Episcopal  Chuech  at  Albany. 

1718,  March  22.  Resolved  also  that  Robert  Livingston  Jr.  Esquire  mayor  shall 
on  the  behalf  of  the  Comonalty  of  the  said  city  sign  a  release  unto  Mr.  Thomas 
Barclay  of  the  city  of  Albany  minister  for  certain  lott  of  ground  scltuate  lying 
and  being  on  the  south  side  of  said  city  without  ye  stockados  near  ye  Lutheran 
blockhouse  fronting  towards  the  hill,  and  on  a  line  with  the  corner  of  the  pasture 
of  Johannis  Mingael  containing  in  breath  towards  ye  hill  six  rods  &  in  length 
nine  rods  for  which  he  is  to  pay  forty  eight  pounds. 

Ordered  that  the  scale  of  the  said  city  to  be  thereto  affixed  and  ye  same  to 
be  entered  on  ye  publlck  records. —  Munseil's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  vli.  p.  77. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsteedam. 

Johannes  Wilhelmus  Marinus. 

1718,  May  2nd.  Rev.  John  William  Marinus  S.  S.  Ministerii 
Candidatus,  was  accepted  at  his  own  request,  as  "  eommendatus 
Classis  ",  after  showing  the  required  laudable  testimonials,  and 
after  having  preached  with  satisfaction  on  Matt.  16 :  29.  He  also 
signed  the  Formulae  of  Concord,     x.  79. 

Dutch  Chuech  of  xTew  York. 

May  12,  1718. 
Consistory  held.  Full  powers  were  unanimously  granted  to 
Messrs.  John  Cruger  and  Samuel  Baiyardt,  in  all  that  belongs  to 
the  matter  between  the  Consistory  and  Reier  Mehilje,  Johannes 
Tibout  and  Benjamin  Corsse,  to  act  as  they  shall  see  proper,  after 
advising  with  an  advocate.  The  Consistory  engages  to  approve 
what  they  do,  just  as  if  it  were  done  by  the  whole  body  itself. 
Thus  done  in  our  Gonsistorial  meeting  on  the  above  date,  and 
signed  by  their  order,  by  me, 

Henricus  Boel,  p.  t.  Praeses. 
Eib.  B.  46. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2121 

1718 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Call  to  Raritan  in  'New  Jersey. 

1718,  June  5th.  Rev.  Matthias  Winterwyck,  minister  at 
Alphen,  together  with  the  Messrs.  Banker  and  van  der  Meulen, 
appeared  before  the  Classis  and  exhibited  an  instrument  from  the 
congregation  at  Raritan,  in  the  province  of  Xew  Jersey,  by  which 
they  are  authorized  to  call  a  minister  for  those  churches.  They 
declared  that  they  had  chosen  for  this  purpose,  the  Rev.  Theo- 
dorus  Jacobus  Frielinghuysen,  formerly  minister  at  Lochimer 
Voorwerk,  in  East  Friesland,  now  Co-Rector  at  Enckhuyzen,  with 
the  request  that  the  Classis  would  please  to  approve  this  call,  and 
ordain  him  to  the  Sacred  Ministry.  Whereupon  the  Rev.  Friel- 
inghuysen,  having  come  within,  declared  that  he  accepted  said 
call  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  He  handed  in  at  the  same  time  an 
excellent  testimonial  from  the  Coetus  of  Embden.  The  (Tassis 
having  taken  all  things  into  consideration,  approved  the  call,  and 
ordained  him  to  the  Sacred  Ministry.  He  also  signed  the  Formulae 
of  Concord,  and  promised  to  correspond  with  the  Classis.     x.  99. 

Dutch  Church  of  Xew  York. 

Manor  of  Fordham. 

June  25,  1718. 

Consistory  held.  Benjamin  Aarther  was  released  from  his 
former  contract  for  the  land  between  Peren  poort  and  Pieter 
Bussing;  and  the  Hony  Pot  was  rented  to  him  for  six  years  from 
May  1st  1719  —  to  give  thirty  shillings  a  year  for  the  first  two 
years,  and  five  pounds  a  year  for  the  last  four. 

G.  D.  B.,  Praeses. 

Lib.  B.  46. 


2122  Ecclesiastical  Records 


Petition  of  Joshua  Kockerthal.      [June  28,  1718.] 

To  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Captain  Generall  &  Governor  in  Chief 
of  the  Provinces  of  Nevs'  York,  New  Jersey  &  Territories  thereon  depending  in 
America  &  Vice  Admlrall  of  the  same  etc. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Joshua  Koclierthal  on  behalfe  of  himseife  &  the  rest  of 
the  Germans  settled  neare  Quaseck  Creek  upon  Hudsons  River. 

Sheweth  That  pursuant  to  your  Excell.  warrant  the  Surveyor  Generall  did  survey 
&  lay  out  for  your  Petitioner  a  certaine  Tract  of  Land  on  the  West  side  of  Hudsons 
River  in  the  County  of  Ulster  beginning  on  the  Nord-side  of  Quaseck  Creek  &  ex- 
tend Northerly  up  Hudsons  River  on  a  straight  line  200  &  19  chaines,  &  into  the 
woods  on  that  side  100  chaines,  containing  two  thousand  one  hundred  &  ninety 
acres,  which  said  Tract  of  Land  he  thereby  divided  into  nine  Lotts,  the  which  are 
numbered  from  one  to  nine.  Each  lot  containing  a  suitable  quantity  for  each 
family  to  which  they  are  appropriated,  there  being  allowed  for  each  head  fifty 
acres,  and  500  acres  for  a  Glebe  as  by  the  Return  of  the  said  Survey  appear. 

That  on  the  12th  of  August  1714  your  Excell.  in  Councill  was  pleased  to  order  a 
warrant  to  the  attorney  Generall  to  prepare  a  Patent  for  the  Lands  petitioned  for 
by  them  according  for  the  several  allqtmonts  expressed  in  the  surveyor  Generall's 
Return  of  the  warrant  of  survey,  but  that  therein  a  Grant  be  made  for  your  Peti- 
tioner Joshua  Kockerthal  their  Minister,  his  heires  &  assignes  of  2.50  acres  being 
the  North  part  of  the  500  acres  laid  out  for  a  Glebe  &  that  in  lieu  thereof  the  Land 
laid  out  for  your  Petitioner  Joshua  Kockerthal  be  by  the  said  survey  added  to  the 
Glebe. 

Now  inasmuch  as  the  warrant  above  directed  by  your  Excell.  to  the  Attorney 
Generall  to  prepare  the  letter  Patent  above  said,  is  not  as  yet  made  out,  your 
Petitioner  humbly  crave  leave  to  acquaint  your  Excell.  that  as  they  conceive  the 
said  Letters  Patents  being  ordered  to  be  made  out,  for  each  respective  Division 
as  aforesaid  in  the  Name  of  them  &  their  respective  wives  &  children,  according 
to  the  said  Surveyor  Generall's  Return,  may  hereafter  be  a  means  of  Disturbance 
and  Disagreement  in  their  respective  familys  with  their  children. 

And  your  Petitioner  Joshua  Cockerthal  for  his  own  Part  most  humbly  crave, 
leave  to  acquaint  your  Excell.  that  he  believes  with  submission,  there  is  some 
mistake  or  misunderstanding  in  that  part  of  the  aforesaid  order  of  Councill  where 
it  relates  to  your  Petitioner  particularly,  for  that  your  Petitioner  was  &  is  con- 
tented with  the  2.50  acres  laid  out  for  him  in  the  said  survey  &  did  not  desire  to 
change  the  same  as  in  the  said  order  is  expressed,  what  your  Petitioner  by  his 
former  Petition  humbly  prayed  your  Excell.  was  That  your  Excell.  would  be 
pleased  further  to  grant  him  a  certaine  Portion  of  the  500  acres  laid  out  for  Glebe 
for  your  Petitioner's  more  comfortable  subsistance  according  to  her  late  Majesty's 
order,  for  the  late  Lord  Lovelace  for  that  purpose. 

Your  Petitioner  therefore  most  humbly  pray  your  Excell.  would  be  pleaseth  to 
order  your  Excellency's  warrant  to  the  Attorney  Generall  to  prepare  Letter  Patent 
to  your  Petitioners  by  Name  George  Loockstad,  Michel  Weigant,  Herman  Schune- 
man.  Christian  Heniske,  Joshua  Kocherthal,  Peter  Rose,  Jacob  Weber,  Johannes 
Fisher,  &  Andrew  Volck,  for  the  afforesaid  Tract  of  land  according  for  the  seyerall 
allotments  by  the  said  survey  exprest,  but  not  in  the  name  of  them  &  their  re- 
spective wives  and  children.  <.»,   ,  u-    v,  •  „ 

And  that  therein  a  Grant  be  made  to  your  Petitioner  Joshua  Kockerthal  his  heirs 
&  assignes  of  such  a  suitable  Portion  of  the  500  acres  laid  out  for  a  Glebe  on  the 
South  side  thereof  next  adjoining  to  the  lott  laid  out  for  your  Petitioner  as  to 
your  Excell.  shall  seem  meet,  &  the  remainder  thereof  only  to  be  for  a  Glebe. 

And  your  Petitioner  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  pray.  ^^     ,      ^t,  , 

Joshua  Kockerthal. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  345,  346. 
New  York. 

28th  June  1718. 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  Yoke.  2123 

NuMBEii  OF  Palatine  Families  Kemaining  in  the  Province 
of  New  York,  Anno  1718. 

An   Account   of  the   Families   of  Germans    settled   on   Hud- 
son's River  in  the  Province  of  New  York. 

On  the  East  Side  of  Hudsons  River.  On  the  West  Side. 

Families.     Persons.                                              Families.  Persons. 

In  Hunters  Town 25          109         New    Town    14  56 

Kingsberry 33          104         George   Town    18  52 

Annsberry 17            71         Elizab.    Town    9  36 

Haysberry 16            75        Kingstown     15  60 

Rheinbeck 35          140        Wessels   pretended  land.              7  28 

Kingstown  Sopes   10  40 

In  Schohare.  At  New  York  &  places 

In  Seven   Townships.           170          680            adjacent     30  150 


1718 


394        1601 

The  widows  and  orphans  are  not  included  in  this  List. 

This  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge  is  the  Account  of  those  people  settled;  amount- 
ing to  three  hundred  and  ninety  four  families,  containing  about  one  thousand 
six  hundred  and  one  persons. 

Joshua  Kocherthal 
John   Fred.   Haeger. 
—  Col.    Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.    V.   p.    515. 

AIST  ACT  for  Naturalizing  Nicolas  Caron,  Abraham  De  Casserez, 
Tobias  Boel,  Rev.  Henricus  Boel,  Jacob  Pit,  Jan  Pit  and  Sam- 
uel Eichards. 

(Passed  July  3,  1718.) 

WHEREAS  Nicholas  Caron,  Abraham  De  Casserez,  Tobias  Boel,  Henricus  Boel. 
Jacob  Pit,  Jan  Pit  and  Samuel  Richards  have  by  Petition  to  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Province  of  New  York  desired  that  they  might  be  Naturalized  &  become  his 
Majesty's  Subjects.  Be  it  Enacted  by  his  Excellency  the  Covernour  Councill  and 
General  Assembly  and  by  the  Authority  of  the  same,  that  the  said  Nicholas  Caron, 
Abraham  de  Casserez.  Tobias  Boel,  Henricus  Boel,  Jacob  Pit,  Jan  Pit  and  Samuel 
Richards  are  hereby  declared  to  be  Naturalized,  to  all  Intents,  Constructions  and 
purposes  whatsoever,  and  from  henceforth  are,  &  at  all  times  hereafter  shall  bee, 
entituled,  to  have  and  enjoy  all  the  Rights,  Liberties,  Priviledges  &  Advantages 
which  his  Majesties  Natural  Borne  Subjects  in  this  Colony  have  and  enjoy,  or  of 
right  ought  to  have  and  Enjoy,  as  fully  to  all  Intents  Constructions  and  purposes 
whatsoever,  as  if  the  said  Nicolas  Caron,  Abraham  De  Casserez,  Tobias  Boel,  Hen- 
ricus Boel,  Jacob  Pit,  Jan  Pit  and  Samuel  Richards,  had  been  borne  within  this 
his  Majesties  Province  of  New  York.  PROVIDED  alwaies  and  it  is  hereby  Enacted, 
That  the  said  Nicholas  Caron,  Abraham  de  Casserez,  Tobias  Boel,  Henricus  Boel, 
Jacob  Pit,  Jan  Pit  and  Samuel  Richards  shall  take  the  Oaths  appointed  by  Law  in 
Stead  of  the  Oaths  of  Allegiance  and  Supremacy,  Subscribe  the  Test,  and  make 
repeat  and  Swear  to,  and  Subscribe  the  abjuration  Oath,  in  any  of  his  Majesties 
Courts  of  Record  within  this  Colony,  which  said  Courts  are  hereby  Required  upon 
application  to  them  made  to  administer  the  same  &  take  Subscriblons,  and  Cause 
the  Names  of  the  Person  and  Persons  so  Swearing  and  Subscribing  to  be  entered 
upon  Record  in  the  said  Court,  for  which  every  one  of  the  said  Persons,  is  hereby 
required  to  pay  the  Sum  of  Six  Shillings,  Current  money  of  New  York  to  the  Judge 
of  the  said  Courts  respectively,  and  three  Shillings  to  the  Clerk. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid.  That  if  all  or  any  of  the 
said  Persons  having  so  Sworne  &  subscribed  as  aforesaid  shall  Demand  a  Certificate 
or  Certificates  of  his  being  entered  upon  Record  in  manner  aforesaid,  the  said  Court 
or  Courts  are  hereby  Directed  and  required  to  grant  the  same,  under  the  hand  of 
the  Judge  &  Seal  of  the  Said  Court  in  which  the  said  Nicolas  Caron,  Abraham 
de  Casserez,  Tobias  Boel  Henricus  Boel,  Jacob  Pit,  Jan  Pit  and  Samuel  Richards 
or  any  of  them,  shall  so  Swear  and  Subscribe  as  aforesaid.  Counter  Signed  by  the 
Clerk  of  the  said  Court,  for  which  Certificate  the  Person  requiring  the  same  shall 


2124  Ecclesiastical  Records 

pay  over  &  above  the  Niae  Shillings  before  mentioned,  the  Sum  of  Six  Shillings, 
one  half  to  the  Judge  of  the  said  Court  or  Courts,  &  the  other  half  to  the  Clerk 
thereof,  which  said  Certificate  or  Certificates,  shall  at  all  times  be  a  sufficient  proof 
of  the  person  or  persons  being  Naturalized  by  this  Act,  as  if  the  Record  aforesaid 
were  Actually  produced  by  the  said  Nicolas  Caron,  Abraham  de  Casserez,  Tobias 
Boel,  Henricus  Boel.  Jacob  Pit,  Jan  Pit  and  Samuel  Richards  or  any  of  them. — 
Colonial  Laws  of  New  York,  Vol.  1.  pp.  999,  1000. 

Episcopal  Church  at  Albany. 

1718,  July  12.  The  Comonalty  have  pursuant  to  their  former  resolutions  sold 
&  granted  unto  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Barclay  of  the  city  of  Albany  minister  a 
certain  lott  of  ground  scituate  lying  &  being  on  ye  south  side  of  ye  said  city 
without  ye  stockados  near  to  ye  Luthren  blockhouse  fronting  towards  ye  hill  and 
on  a  line  with  ye  corner  of  the  pasture  of  Johannes  Mingael  containing  in  breath 
towards  ye  hill  six  rodd  &  in  length  eastward  nine  rodd  for  which  the  said  Thomas 
Barclay  is  to  pay  ye  summe  of  forty  eight  pounds  in  three  equall  payments  that 
is  to  say  sixteen  pounds  at  the  receipt  of  ye  release  and  sixteen  pounds  in  July 
next  and  the  remaining  sixteen  pounds  in  July  1719. 

1718,  Sept.  15.  It  is  Resolved  by  the  Comonalty,  that  a  gutter  shall  be  made 
above  ye  English  Church  by  the  Inhabitants  of  this  City  to  be  ordered  by  the 
Surveyors  of  ye  highways  of  this  City,  at  or  before  primo  October  next. —  Munsell's 
Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  vii.  pp.  78,  79,  81. 


Petition  of   Certain  Palatines   for  the  Disposal  of   the 
Glebe,  at  Quassaick  Creek  (Oct.   8,  1718). 

To  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Captain  Generall  and  Governor  in  Chiefe 
of  his  Maiesties  Province  of  New  York  and  New  Jerseys  &  Territories  thereon 
depending  in  America  it  Vice  Admiral  of  the  Same  in  Council. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Christian  Hincke  on  the  Behalfe  of  Sundry  Palatines 
Settled  at  Quasick  creek  in  the  County  of  Ulster. 

Sheweth 

Unto  your  Excellency  and  the  honorable  Council  That  whereas  there  has  been 
aloted  to  the  use  of  the'  Church  &  Minister  five  hundred  acres  of  Land  upon  proviso 
that  the  said  Minister  do  reside  and  dwell  with  the  Inhabitants  at  the  place  afore- 
said and  there  do  and  performe  the  office  and  Duty  of  a  Minister.  Now  the  present 
Minister  utterlv  refusing  to  complv  with  the  said  proviso  and  not  having  resided 
with  the  Said  Inhabitants  for  above  the  Space  of  Nine  years  last  past  whereby  they 
have  been  destitute  of  any  Spiritual  assistance  from  him,  The  said  Inhabitants  do 
therefore  in  most  humble  and  submissive  manner  pray  that  the  Sume  of  four  hun- 
dred acres  of  Land  (part  of  the  above  mentioned  five  hundred)  may  be  settled  upon 
some  other  Minister  or  Teacher  that  shall  undertake  to  Administer  to  the  said  In- 
habitants as  becomes  a  good  and  faithful  Pastor  and  that  the  said  four  hundred 
acres  of  Land  as  also  the  other  of  the  said  five  hundred  acres  may  be  settled  upon 
the  Church  and  Minister  that  it  may  not  be  in  his  power  or  of  any  incumbent  to 
Alienate  or  Convert  the  Same  to  any  other  use  than  as  aforesaid  And  your  Peti- 
tioners herein  relieved  as  to  Your  Excellency's  Wisdom  may  appear  fit  they  as  in 
duty  bound  will  ever  pray. 

8  October  1718.  Read  &  referred  and  ordered  that  the  Petitioners  do  serve  Mr. 
Cockerill  with  a  coppy  of  this  Petition.—  Doc.   Hist.   N.  Y.  Vol.   iii.   pp.  346,  347. 

(No  Report  seems  to  have  been  made  on  this  Petition.     Ed.) 

Society'  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Oct.  24,  1718.     Vol.  iii.  p.  407f.  §  10. 

Also  a  letter  from  Mr.  Haeger  dated  Kingsbury  on  the  east 
side  of  Hudson  River  in  the  province  of  New  York  Oct.  26,  1717 
advising  that  he  lately  sent  an  account  of  the  people  under  his 


OF  THE  State  of  !New  York.  2125 

care  on  both  sides  of  the  Hudson  River,  that  he  has  received  the 
See's  of  the  19th  of  May  1716  and  says  that  he  knows  none  that 
are  disaffected  to  the  Government  of  his  Majesty  King  George  — 
That  he  has  also  received  letter  of  the  23rd  of  April  1716  desiring 
an  account  of  the  building  a  church  there  concerning  which  build- 
ing he  has  formerly  made  a  humble  address  to  the  Society  that 
for  want  of  a  convenient  place  he  has  been  forced  for  the  most 
part  of  the  first  years  of  his  abode  there,  to  keep  church  in  snow 
and  rain  to  the  ruin  of  his  health  and  which  has  been  a  hindrance 
to  the  people  to  conform  to  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  Church 
of  England  that  he  has  since  got  credit  and  built  a  little  house 
to  live  in,  where  he  also  keeps  church,  which  house  will  hold 
about  100  people  and  the  rest  must  stay  without,  that  the  timber 
of  the  church  is  squared  and  brought  on  the  place  at  his  charge 
and  67  families  have  subscribed  to  assist  in  hard  labor  (because 
they  are  poor)  and  if  the  same  was  erected  he  has  great  reason 
to  believe  the  congregation  would  in  time  increase  because  there 
is  no  other  betwixt  Kingston  and  Albany  but  cannot  go  on  with 
it  for  want  of  further  assistance;  that  he  has  since  received  a 
letter  dated  15th  of  April  1717  by  which  he  finds  the  Society  do 
not  think  fit  to  continue  his  salary,  without  which  he  cannot  sub- 
sist, being  among  a  poor  people  who  are  very  sickly  at  present  and 
hardly  able  to  get  a  livelihood  for  themselves,  and  he  is  not  able 
to  work  to  maintain  himself  and  family,  being  also  very  sickly, 
that  he  is  in  debt  for  the  timber  that  lies  squared  for  the  Church 
and  for  the  most  part  of  his  dwelling  house  and  cannot  find  any 
means  to  help  himself  in  this  desolate  condition,  only  that  the 
Society  have  some  care  for  him  in  making  application  to  his 
Majesty  which  he  hopes  will  not  be  in  vain,  and  that  as  he  is  a 
minister  of  the  Church  of  England  he  hopes  that  Church  will  not 
let  him  perish  and  leave  him  to  be  mocked  at,  that  he  hath  several 
times  resolved  to  make  application  to  the  Society  about  some 
encouragement  for  a  schoolmaster  to  teach  his  children  English 
and  German  which  would  contribute  much  to  the  propagation 


1718 


1718 


2126  Ecclesiastical  Records 

of  the  Gospel  and  toward  their  English  and  good  members  of  the 
Church  and  hopes  the  Society  will  take  it  into  consideration  as 
also  his  desolate  circumstances,  that  the  people  were  very  thankful 
when  he  told  them  that  the  Society  would  send  them  some  Bibles, 
Singing  Psalms  and  Common  Prayers,  but  as  yet  they  have  not 
received  them.  ' 

Rev.  Mb.  Poyer  to  the  Secretary. 

Jamaica,  November  4th,  1718. 

Honored  Sir:  The  Dispute  in  Law  between  the  Church  and  Dissenters  here  Is 
not  yet  at  an  end;  but  I  am  credibly  informed  they  expect  it  will  be  determined 
in  the  Church's  favor;  how  that  will  be  I  cannot  tell;  but  sure  I  am  that  they  are 
now  collecting  money,  and  do  contribute  very  largely,  as  tis  said,  to  bring  it  home 
before  the  King  &  Council,  if  they  are  cast  here;  now  if  it  should  be  brought 
there,  I  question  not  but  that  our  poor  Church,  which  has  been  in  great  distress 
ever  since  I  came  here,  &  myself,  the  unworthy  Minister  of  it,  threatened  to 
be  starved  &  denied  victuals,  for  my  money  and  my  Corn  sent  me  home  from  the 
Mill  not  ground,  with  this  message  from  the  Miller: — "I  might  eat  it  whole  as 
the  hogs  do,  he  would  not  grind  for  me  ": — I  say  when  this  dispute  between  us  is 
carried  home,  I  question  not  our  poor  distressed  Church  will  have  true  Friends, 
and  particularly  the  Venerable  Society,  to  support  her  cause  &  help  her  to  her 
Rights,  which  she  quietly  enjoyed  'till  I  came,  but  have  been  defrauded  ever 
since.  The  People  of  this  place  are  encouraged  in  their  obstinacy  by  their  Min- 
ister, a  very  designing  man  who  persuades  them  to  what  he  will,  even  not  to 
obey  Lawful  Commands  of  the  Magistrates;  and  they  stick  not  to  say  that  though 
there  is  a  Law  for  sixty  pounds  per  annum  to  be  yearly  collected  for  the  Minister 
of  this  Parish,  and  though  Coll.  Lewis  Morris,  the  Chief  Justice  of  this  Province 
has  ordered  a  Writ  of  Mandamus  for  collecting  the  arrearages  of  the  Min- 
ister's Salary:  Notwithstanding  these  orders,  they  say,  if  the  Constables  offer  to 
collect  it  upon  the  Warrants  the  Justice  have  given,  pursuant  to  the  Writ  afore- 
said, they  will  scald  them;  they  will  stone  them;  they  will  go  to  Club  law  with 
them  and  I  know  not  what. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  171,  172. 

Agreement  Between  the  Rev.  Mr.  Phillips  and  the  Trus- 
tees OF  THE  Town  of  Brookhaven.     (Dec  22,  1718.) 

Desember  22nd  1718.  It  wass  their  mutually  agreed  between  Mr.  Gorge  PhilUpa 
minister  &  ye  Trustes  in  behalf  of  ye  Towne  that  in  consideration  ye  Towne  at 
thaire  owne  cost  and  charge  hath  ingaged  to  Repaire  wat  bilding  ye  said  Phil- 
lips hath  made  for  his  pertickeler  convenience  Joyning  to  ye  Towne  house  that 
when  ever  it  maye  plese  God  ether  to  take  him  to  him  Self  or  that  hee  maye  bee 
providenteally  Remoued  from  ye  said  Towne  then  a  just  valine  or  aprisement 
being  made  to  ye  aforesaid  bilding  the  Towne  Shall  bee  obliged  to  allow  and  make 
good  unto  the  sayd  Phillips  or  his  assines  the  full  worth  thereof  the  Towne 
haueing  first  cridit  allowed  them  for  all  such  monny  as  from  ye  Date  hereof  un- 
till  that  time  Shall  or  maye  bee  nessesaryly  exspended  both  in  Repaireing  & 
maintaineing  ye  aforesayd  Bilding  ye  charge  to  bee  Duely  comeputed  and  acer- 
tained.     A  true  ooppy  Taken  oute  of  ye  Book  of  Enterry  by  mee. 

Daniel  Brewster,  Clarke. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  232. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2127 


1719 


Rev.  Mk.  Poyer  to  the  Secretary. 

Jamaica,  February  11th,   1719. 

Honored  Sir:  I  made  no  doubt  of  your  being  informed  of  tlie  deatli  of  tlie  Rev. 
Mr.  Bridge  late  pastor  of  the  Church  of  Rye  and  that  the  Honorable  Society 
have  ordered  another  to  succeed  him. 

I  am  just  returned  from  serving  that  Church,  in  my  turn,  according  to  an 
agreement  between  the  Ministers  of  this  Province,  and  cannot  but  acquaint  you 
that  most  of  the  inhabitants,  some  communicants,  are  doing  what  they  can  to 
pull  down  what  the  established  ministers  (have  built  up);  they  have  resolved  to 
call  one  Mr.  Buckingham,  a  Dissenting  Minister,  and  have  accordingly  sent  to 
acquaint  him  of  it.  I  was  then  at  Rye  in  company  with  a  great  many  of  them, 
and  did  all  that  I  could  to  Itring  them  into  a  better  mind  in  that  respect;  after 
which  they  told  me  their  resolution  was  this,  that  they  were  so  well  satisfied 
with  me  and  my  conduct  that  they  would  call  no  other  than  myself,  and  that  if  I 
could  not  accept  of  their  call,  they  knew  one,  naming  the  aforesaid  Mr.  Buck- 
ingham that  would;  so  they  desired  my  answer;  and  I  told  them  I  would  write 
home  to  the  Honorable  Society  about  it  the  ttrst  opportunity,  (not  at  all  expecting 
to  meet  with  this  Ship  that  I  thought  sailed  some  weeks  ago),  and  I  questioned 
not  but  they  would  order  me  to  Rye;  on  which  I  find  they  have  resolved  to  call 
me;  had  I  known  of  this  Ship  in  those  parts,  I  would  have  got  the  Church  Wardens 
and  Vestry  called  and  sent  it  herewith;  but  expect  this  per  next  conveyance. 

I  have  not  time  now  to  write  to  my  Lord  of  London,  my  much  honored  Diocesan, 
but  pray  that  this  may  be  communicated  to  him,  and  that  what  is  necessary  from 
the  Venerable  Society,  and  that  worthy  Lord  in  order  to  removal  be  sent  me  per 
the  next  opportunity. 

I  trust  there  are  none  of  my  most  honored  Patrons  do  entertain  so  hard  a 
.  thought  of  me  as  to  believe  I  have  any  prospect  of  a  temporal  advantage  by 
thl3  removal.  No,  God  knows  I  have  not;  Indeed  I  must  say  that  I  cannot  have; 
for  besides  that  Jamaica  is  a  much  pleasanter  place,  where  I  have  abundantly 
better  conversation  than  can  be  had  at  Rye,  and  that  the  allowance  from  the 
County  for  the  Minister  is  ten  pounds  per  annum  more  here  than  there;  I  assure 
you  if  riches  were  my  aim,  I  had  invitations  enough,  and  between  four  hundred 
pounds  and  five  hundred  per  annum  offered  me  if  I  would  have  removed  from 
hence  into  the  West  Indies;  but  these  arguments  powerful  enough  to  induce  some, 
I  thank  God  have  not  been  able  to  prevail  with  me  to  leave  the  Church,  (over 
which,  though  most  unworthy,  I  was  thought  fit  to  be  appointed  Overseer),  in  so 
much  trouble;  its  nothing  but  the  peace  of  the  Church  that  has  Inclined  me  to 
listen  to  the  frequent  requests  of  the  people  at  Rye;  they  have  promised  me  If  I 
would  come  to  them  they  would  be  united  in  their  affections  and  one  and  all  come 
to  hear  me. 

May  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great  &  good  master  of  the  flock,  make  me  un- 
der him  a  happy  instrument  in  uniting  the  people,  in  making  up  the  divisions 
among  them,   and  quenching  the  flames  that  blaze  out. 

I  present  my  utmost  duty  to  my  ever  honored  patrons  heartily  earnestly  and 
constantly  praying  for  them  and  to  beg  Sir  you'll  please  to  excuse  this  haste  and 
to  send  an  answer  per  first  opportunity  to  Honored  Sir, 

Your  humble  Servant, 

Thos.   Poyer. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.   Vol.   ill.  p.  172. 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  the  Secretary. 

Jamaica,  February  23rd,  1718.  [1719.] 

Honored  Sir:  By  reason  of  the  sudden  notice  I  have  of  the  Ship's  sailing  so 
speedily  In  which  this  comes,  I  have  only  time  to  acquaint  you  I  am  informed  by 
many  that  the  Dissenters  here  are  representing  their  case  home  to  his  Majesty. 

I  know  not  what  sort  of  Representations  they  make  nor  do  I  fear  answering 
them,    I  hope  to  satisfaction,    when    I   know   what   is   represented;   therefore   the 


1719 


2128  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

lavor  that  I  humbly  beg  of  my  Honorable  Patrons  at  present  is,  to  use  their  in- 
terest in  his  Sacred  Majesty  to  desire  that  notliing  may  be  determined  'till  we  have 
liberty  to  answer  for  ourselves;  I  make  no  doubt  hut  this  my  humble  request  will 
be  granted. 

You  &  those  who  have  been  eye  &  ear  Witnesses,  know  how  violent  the  Dis- 
senters have  been  here;  and  against  the  Members  of  the  well  wishers  of  our  Poor 
Church;  how  many  wiles  they  have  to  hinder  Man  from  joining  with  us,  whose 
inclination  to  us  have  been  very  good;  and  what  means  they  use  to  tire  me,  ex- 
pecting that  if  they  can,  to  wear  me  out  with  their  barbarous  usage,  after  hav- 
ing stood  with  courage  and  patience  in  the  gap  for  above  eight  years  and  an  half; 
no  Minister  of  the  Church  of  England  will  venture  to  come  after  me. — ■  Doc. 
Hist.  N.  Y.  iii.  233. 


To  Thomas  Robesen,  Collegtoe,  Geeeting.    (Maech  7,  1719.) 

Pursuant  to  the  Generall  Assembly,  you  are,  in  his  Majestys  name,  hereby  Im- 
powered  &  Required  with  all  convenient  speed  &  dispatch,  to  collect  &  gather  all 
such  publicke  Taxes  «&  Kates  as  are  at  present  or  shall  be  deliuered  you  by  the 
Assessors  of  Brookhauen;  all  which  sums  of  mony  you  are  to  collect  according  to 
ye  form  &  effect  of  every  persons  respective  Assessment;  and  if  any  person  or 
persons  shall  refuse  neglect  or  delay  to  pay  their  respective  proportions,  as  they 
shall  legaly  be  assessed,  that  then  &  in  such  case  you  are  to  leuye  the  same  by 
distress  upon  the  goods  &  Chattels  of  those  persons  so  refusing  neglecting  or 
delaying,  by  exposing  them  to  publick  sayle,  &  returning  the  ouerpluch,  if  any 
there  be,  after  the  reasonable  charge  deducted  to  the  proper  owner;  and  for  so 
doing  this  shall  be  your  sufficient  authority;  giuen  under  my  hands  &  scales,  in 
Brookhaven  this  7th  day  of  March,  in  the  fifth  year  of  his  Majesty's  Raigne. 

per  Henry  Smith,  Jus. 
Annoqe.   Dom.   1718/19  William    Sell. 

Petition  of  Certain"  Dissentees  to  have  Ceetain  Alleged 
Unjust  Fines  Remitted.     [JVIay  6,  1719.] 

To  His  Excellency  Robert  Hunter  Esq.,  Captain  General  &  Governor  in  Chief 
of  His  Majesty's  Provinces  of  New  York  New  Jersey  &  Territories  depending 
thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the  same. 

The  Petition  of  Daniel  Bull,  Henry  Ludlum,  Hezekiah  Denton,  William  Carman, 
Samuel  Ludlum  and  Robert  Denton  of  Jamaica  in  Queens  County  of  the  Island 
of  Nassau, 

Humbly  Sheweth: 

That  whereas  your  Excellency's  F'etitioners  have  been  fined  by  several  of  the 
Justices  of  said  County,  in  the  sum  of  twenty  six  pounds  ten  shillings,  for  being 
guilty  as  is  alleadged  of  a  Riot  by  us  committed  in  Jamaica,  in  said  County,  last 
Xember;  We  beg  leave  to  acquaint  your  Excellency,  that  some  of  the  said  Jus- 
tices did,  upon  their  displacing  of  our  Constable,  appoint  in  his  room  one  Combs, 
a  Notorious  fellon;  and  he  as  a  tool  has  been  Instigated  maliciously  to  Inform 
against  us  as  Rioters,  under  pretence  that  we  forcibly  opposed  him  in  the  execu- 
tion of  his  pretended  office,  which  we  never  did,  nor  designed,  against  any  law- 
full  officer  in  the  due  execution  of  his  office;  neither  can  it  be  proved  we  did  by 
any  person  whatsoever. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  to  Consider  the  manner  of  our  being  fined,  oc- 
casioned particularly  by  means  of  Mr.  Samuel  Clows  who  took  upon  him  to  act, 
(in  the  Absence  of  the  King's  Attorney),  in  Court,  in  his  place,  &  Implead  us  Peti- 
tioners for  a  Riot,  and  with  such  success  that  a  Jury  was  found,  all  churchmen 
except  one  or  two,  who  took  the  notions  he  gave  them  of  a  Riot,  and  accordingly 
found  a  Bill  against  us,  none  but  said  Clowes  being  permitted  to  speak  in  Court; 
to  show  what  base  partiality  he  acted,  he  solicited  the  Justices  to  fine  us  above 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2129 

what  your  Excellency  could  reraitt,  &  using  this  Argument  that  if  they  fined  not 
abo\e  your  Excellency's  power  to  remitt  they  did  their  work  but  by  halfs. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  to  Consider  our  distress,  and  in  your  great  good- 
ness please  to  remitt  these  fines  so  imposed,  and  your  Excellency's  Petitioners 
in  this  and  many  other  respects  sorely  aggrieved,  shall  ever  pray  — 

Now  York,   May   ye  6th,    1719. 

I  Refer  the  Consideration  of  the  Allegations  conteined  in  the  within  petition, 
to  the  Judge  of  the  said  County  and  his  Assistants  or  any  three  of  them  who 
are  to  repeat  to  me  how  they  find  them  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Ro.    Hunter. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.   Y.  iii.  173-4. 

[Petition"    of    Several    of    the    Inhabitants    of    Jamaica 
Against  the  Justices     of  the  Peace.     May  14,  1719.] 

To  his  Excellency  Robt.  Hunter  Esq.,  Captain  Generall  and  Governour  in  Chief 
of  his  Majesties  Colony  of  New  York,  New  Jersey  and  Territories  Depending 
thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same  etc. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  severall  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Precinct  of  Jamaica 
in  Queens  County. 

Sheweth  That  after  many  and  grevious  oppressions,  for  a  Long  time  by  us 
your  Petitioners  suffered,  and  a  multitude  of  others  in  Queens  County,  Especially 
in  the  District  of  Jamaica;  Necessity  Compels  us  that  we  conceal  no  Longer,  from 
our  Governour  some  of  the  Immediate  and  Principall  authors  of  our  past  and  pres- 
ent troubles;  We  shajl  at  present  confine  ourselves  in  what  we  have  to  offer,  to 
the  Bench  of  Justices  of  this  County:  against  severall  of  them  we  think  we  have 
great  Cause  to  Complaine;  and  most  Humbly  Begg  in  all  humility  to  flee  to  your 
Excellency,  the  patron  of  Justice,  and  the  relief  of  the  oppressed  in  your  Gov- 
ernment; We  pray  your  Excellency's  Patience  in  hearing  a  few  of  the  many 
things  we  have  to  alleadgo  against  them. 

1st.  Against  all  and  every  of  them,  the  Justices  of  Jamaica  Precinct,  Justice 
Betts  only  Excepted,  we  say  that  they  have.  Contrary  to  the  Express  meaning  and 
Intent  and  Letter  of  the  Law  and  Priviledge  of  the  subject,  taken  upon  them 
arbitrarily  to  turn  out  our  Church  Wardens,  who  were  legally  and  fairly  chosen 
by  the  people  as  the  Law  Directs;  and  after  outing  them,  imposed  a  fine  on 
each,  giveing  out  an  execution  Against  them;  all  this  was  done  at  the  same  Court, 
without  soe  much  as  once  signifying  their  Sentence  against  said  Wardens;  though 
they  had  acted  with  the  most  scrupulous  Exactness  to  the  rules  by  which  the 
Law  of  the  Country  Does  Regulate  their  oflice,  in  this  manner  were  they  turned 
out. 

(2)  We  are  apt  to  Believe  upon  no  slight  grounds,  that  all  these  proceedings 
against  the  Church  Wardens  were  no  other  than  the  Execution  of  what  had 
severall  Weeks  before  been  Concerted  and  privately  agreed  upon  by  a  private 
Cabal,  wherein  Justice  Whitehead  had  a  great  hand;  for  it  can  be  proved  that  as 
by  said  Whitehead  had  all  along  appeared  with  the  utmost  warmth  and  heat 
against  the  Church  Wardens,  soe  has  he  acted  with  the  most  gross  Partiality  and 
Selfishness,  his  principall  aime  in  outing  them  being  to  recover  a  sum  of  money 
from  Mr.  Poyer;  which  said  Poyer  was  to  pay  on  Condition  only  that  he  should 
Receive  the  Publick  money  settled  on  the  minister  of  Jamaica  Precinct.  The 
Church  Wardens  and  Vestry  being  against  Mr.  Poyer  haveing  the  money;  there 
was  no  ways  for  Mr.  Whitehead  to  come  at  his  Debt  but  by  influencing  the 
Justices,  and  Joyning  them  himself  to  adjudge  the  money  to  Mr.  Poyer,  and  soe 
to  himself;  and  that  none  of  their  measures  might  fail  them,  Mr.  Samuel  Clowes, 
by  name  was  appointed,  or  at  least  appointed  himself,  to  Implead  the  Church 
Wardens  before  the  Court  of  Justices;  and  yet  before,  he  was  one  of  the  two 
that  were  Designed  to  succeed  the  Wardens  in  their  office;  all  this  was  well 
Taken,  and  for  his  Reward  in  pleading  for  himself  he  is  made  Church  Warden: 
we  submit  It  to  your  Excellency  what  manner  of  proceedings  these  were. 


2130  Ecclesiastical  Records 

(3)  They  the  said  Justices,  have  to  the  great  Detriment  and  Damage  of  the 
subject,  Invaded  the  priviledges  of  the  Vestry,  in  giveing  away  the  peoples  money 
without  the  said  Vestry's  Consent,  and  against  their  will  in  Determination  in 
vestry  assembled. 

(4)  They  have  Contrary  to  the  Law  talcen  upon  them  to  assess  Levy  and  give 
away  the  subjects  money,  to  Mr.  Thomas  Poyer  under  pretence  he  is  Legall 
Incumbent  of  Jamaica  Precinct  though  the  said  Thomas  Foyer  naver  was  called 
by  the  People  or  any  one  sett  of  vestrymen  as  the  Law  Directs; 

We  pray  most  humbly  to  Lay  before  your  Excellency  the  following  particulars 
against  these  justices  by  Name. 

Justice  Jonathan  Whitehead  is-  a  Common  Pleader  for  money  at  the  Petty 
Court  of  Justices:  what  Inconveniencies  hereby  Accrues  to  the  poor  Subject,  we 
submitt  to  your  Excellency,  when  a  justices  attorney.  Plead  before  a  Brother 
Justice:  we  can  name  the  person  he  has  Confest  to,  he  malies  sixty  pounds  per 
annum  by  this  gainfull  Trade:  2:  he  has  Talsen  upon  him  to  Assess  his  Majesty's 
Subjects  of  New  Town  for  a  Debt  he  al ledges  the  Town  owes  him,  and  keeps 
Dayly  Teazing  and  vexing  the  people  before  petty  Justice  Courts:  who  Refuse  to 
pay  him  according  to  his  assessment.  (3)  Such  a  Lover  of  Cards  is  he,  that  he  has 
prophanly  Enough  Exprest  himself  that  it  is  as  Lawful  to  play  at  cards  as  to 
read  the  Scriptures:  (4)  he  has  attempted  the  Rescue  of  a  Prisoner  out  of  the 
oflScers  hands:  f,5)  he  has  not  kept  the  King's  peace,  when  he  might  and  ought 
by  his  personall  presence  to  have  done  It: 

Justice  John  Smith,  as  is  a  man  of  a  very  small  and  Inconsiderable  Estate,  soe 
It  can  be  proved  that  Contrary  to  his  oath  (of)  ofHce,  and  Duty  to  King  George, 
he  has  taken  no  notice  of  Ihe  informations  made  him  by  Credible  Persons,  against 
a  fellow  for  treasonable  and  Execrable  speeches  against  King  George  and  the 
prince  of  Wales:  the  fellow  was  Liver  in  .Jamaica,  but  hearing  that  the  Kings 
Attorney  was  informed  of  his  villanv.  nnd  of  the  justices  neglect,  fled;  He  the 
said  Justice,  has  given  In  the  same  action  and  Cases  wherein  he  was  sole  judge, 
a  Contrary  judgement,  once  for  the  plaintiffe  and  again  for  the  Defendant:  by 
this  procedure  overthrowing  all  solid  Grounds  of  Hope  for  Justice  In  the  aggrieved 
subject; 

Justice  John  Clement  has  done  a  thing  in  the  County,  till  this  day  never  before 
heard  of  Perhaps  in  all  America  In  a  Justice  Court  held  before  him:  Where  jus- 
tice Whitehead  was  plalntlfTe.  and  a  New  Town  man  Defendent,  the  Defendant 
Refuseing  to  pay  what  Whitehead  had  assessed  him.  was  Tossed  from  town  to 
town  and  from  place  to  place  by  the  said  Justice  Clement,  to  wait  on  nine  Courts 
successively,  and  at  Last  Whitehead  Carrred  it  by  the  Sentence  of  Clement;  his 
free  holder  in  vain  Conlradicting  and  opposing  the  Judgement; 

Justice  Wm.  Cornell  has  In  a  most  Arbitrary  manner  out  braved  the  Law.  and 
in  Defiance  of  the  limitts  sett  to  the  authority  of  Justices,  taken  upon  him  In 
his  Petty  Justice  Court,  to  try  and  give  Judgement  in  a  Case  of  three  pounds, 
Expressly  against  the  letter  of  the  Law.  And  soe  much  Doth  he  Honour  the 
Comisslon  of  the  Peace,  that  he  was  Indicted,  for  Robin?  severall  persons  of 
their  flish  and  Apparell.  and  had  a  Bill  fotind  aealnst  him  for  the  same.  Last 
Court  of  Sessions  at  Jamaica:  at  the  Committing  this  f:ict  Justice  Whitehead  was 
present,    an  Idle   Spectator,    Namely   snfFerins  this  wrong  to  be  done  to  the  men; 

Justice  John  Hunt  we  cannot  Look  upon  him  other  than  an  Instrument  of  very 
great  Hardships  and  Cruel  severities  upon  his  poor  Neighbours  of  New  Town:  and 
how  far  he  Consults  their  Good  and  Quiet  in  his  office,  may  in  part  appear  by  a 
few  of  the  many  Instances  that  may  l>e  offered  In  his  Conduckt.  He  summoned 
a  man  before  him,  for  a  matter  of  fact  done  out  of  the  County:  then  Committed 
it  to  arbitration  of  men  for  Deeission:  then  against  the  mind  of  the  arbitrators. 
Resumed  the  action,  Ca.st  the  Defendant  in  one  pound  four  shillings  and  six 
pence,  out  of  which  the  arbitrators  had  a  Dollar;  att  another  time,  upon  the  ac- 
cldentall  Breaking  a  Brass  shoe  Buckle  in  his  presence,  a  Court  was  called  and 
the  matter  long  Debated,  he  gave  Judgement  against  tlie  Defendant  for  six 
shillings  Damage,  and  three  Dollars  for  cost  of  suit.  Its  observable  that  this  man 
that  was  Defendant  was  allowed  no  time  as  the  law  Indulges  to  prepare  his  De- 
fence. (3)  He  the  said  the  Justice  Hunt  Cotrtrary  to  his  office,  has  Taken  on 
him   the  office   of   Constable,    and   in    person    summoned   a   man    by   vertue  of  said 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2131 

summons,  to  appear  before  himself  in  Court;  he  Tryed  and  Determined  the  Case 
against  the  Defendant,  gave  four  shillings  to  the  Plaintiffe  more  than  the  Debt, 
and  allowed  six  shillings  to  himself  there  being  no  evidences; 

May  It  Please  your  Excellency  to  Consider  the  premises,  and  grant  us  such 
redress  as  to  you  shall  seem  most  Convenient;  and  by  Redressing  our  wrongs 
Effectually  prevent  the  Effects  that  abused  power  and  authority  threatens  our 
persons  and  Estates  with;  we  pray  your  Excellency  to  Believe  that  it  is  with 
no  small  Regrett  we  offer  anything  that  may  Lessen  the  Character  of  these  Gentle- 
men with  you;  soe  on  the  other  hand,  we  promise  ourselves  your  Countenance  in 
Exposing  the  false  measures  those  Gentlemen  have  fallen  into,  to  the  hurt  of 
many;  Its  not  a  mischief  Perpetrated  against  a  single  person,  or  soe,  though  to 
their  undoing,  that  moves  us  to  this  address  against  men  of  such  Dlstinguisht 
Stations  as  the  Justices  are  among  us;  But  the  Inconveniences  we  and  many  others 
are  fallen  into,  those  Effect  us;  nor  are  we  under  any  Concern  to  make  good  what 
we  have  here  affirmed  against  those  justices,  or  any  of  them,  by  name:  All  the 
articles  alleged  against  those  named,  we  offer  to  prove  fully,  without  succumbing 
in  any  one  article  whatever;  and  Doubt  not  to  make  it  appear  that  we  have  been 
sparing  perhaps  to  a  fault,  (as  things  are  not  with  us),  in  telling  truth  Less  against 
them  than  we  have  truth  and  proof  to  support  us  in.  Your  Excellency  we  hope 
will  wisely  Consider,  as  the  above  mentioned  abuses  of  the  justices  In  Diverting 
from  the  fundamentall  Laws  and  great  ends  of  magistracy  and  Government;  soe 
the  Qualities  of  the  men.  Considered,  without  the  ornaiments  of  their  honorable 
office  to  Recommend  them  to  your  Excellency's  Good  Llkelng,  we  believe  those  will 
be  found  to  be  but  of  a  size  with  their  neighbors;  neither  we  hope  will  your  Excel- 
lency's good  will  and  favour  be  monopolized  by  a  sett  of  men,  that  know  soe 
Little  to  value  or  use  it;  we  Intirely  submit  to  your  Excellency's  great  Discretion, 
to  Act  in  the  premises  as  you  shall  think  fitt,  and  that  you  will  see  Cause  to  Out 
these  persons  of  an  office,  they  have  bore  so  Contrary  to  the  Ends  you  proposed 
to  yourself  in  honoring  them  with  it,  and  your  Excellency's  Petitioners  shall  pray. 

Samuel  Fitch  John  Carman 

Silas  Titus  John  Carpenter 

Daniel  Smith  Samuel  Coe 

Ellas  Bayles  John  Coe 

New  York  Secretary's  Office  May  14th,  1719. 

A  true  Copy  Examined  per  me. 

J.  Bobin,   CI. 

(A  number  of  affidavits  accompanied  these  papers.  The  following  will  give  some 
idea  of  their  character.) 

Isaac  Smith  of  hemsted,  being  of  full  age,  being  sworn  upon  ye  holy  Evangelists, 
sayeth,  that  being  together  with  Obediah  Ualentin,  booth  Uestry  men  of  said 
towen,  was  in  Company  with  Tho.  Gildersleef,  Church  Warden  of  said  towen,  he 
the  said  Church  Warden  told  us  he  was  Dissatisfied  with  the  Justlsis  under  men- 
tioned, thear  Eating  and  Drinking  up  the  poors  mony,  (meaning  the  poor  of  hem- 
stid):  upon  our  asking  him  how  they  did  it,  he  ansured  that  they  has  Demanded  of 
him  six  pounds  of  the  poors  mony  by  their  Warrant  to  pay  he  beleued  for  thear 
Eating  and  Drinking.  We  told  him  that  he  ought  not  to  paid  It;  he  mad  ansur, 
he  thought  he  must  not  Deny  the  Justlsis  warant;  afterward  when  the  Justlsis 
and  Uestry  met  to  rals  mony  for  the  Minister  and  poor  as  the  Law  Directs.  I  told 
the  Justlsis  they  ought  to  return  the  poors  mony,  taken  as  aforesaid,  for  that  their 
Demanding,  receuing  and  Conuarting  it  to  their  own  use.  was  a  thing  Contrary  to 
Law:  Coll.  Hicks  then  present  reade  the  act  of  Assembly  showing  that  the  mony 
ought  to  be  issued  by  a  Joynt  Consent  of  Uestry  men  and  Justlsis  for  the  End  and 
purposes  spesifid  In  the  act  and  no  other.  Notwithstanding  the  Justlsis  refused 
to  repay  the  mony,  though  they  ownd  Just.  Cornell  had  rescued  twenty  shillings, 
Just.  Uanwick  twenty  shillings.  Coll.  Jackson  one  Dollar  for  thir  own  use,  which 
he  refused  to  repay  Except  he  should  git  his  Diner  out  of  the  Dollar;  as  for  the 
rest  of  the  mony  these  three  Justlsis  told  us  that  it  has  been  Laid  out  apon  a 
woman  that  had  Laid  a  bastard  Child  att  Mr.  Clarcks  Dore:     this  was  alleged  by 


1719 


1719 


2132  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

them  but  it  helps  nothing  when  Ualintin  and  I  told  them  thay  ought  not  in  this 
sort  to  mack  yous  of  the  poors  mony,  all  that  we  said  preuailed  nothing  with  these 
Justisis  to  refund  one  penny  of  the  poors  mony  tealien  as  a  boue  said,  and  apon  the 
Gouerners  absence  in  the  garseys,  obed  Ualintin  and  I  had  written  complaint 
against  thes  prosedings  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Clarck,  sine  which  time  nothing 
hes  been  Don  in  the  affair:  further  this  Deponent  sayeth  not. 

Isaac   Smith. 
Jamaica,  May  22. 

Sworn  befor  me. 

Joseph  Sackett,  Justis. 

Thomas  Hazard  of  New  Town,  aged  about  thirty  seven  years,  being  Sworn  upon 
the  Holy  Evangelist,  saith;  that  at  ye  time  of  being  prosecuted  by  Richard  Combs 
in  pretence  of  not  doing  his  Duty  as  Church  Warden,  Justice  John  Whitehead  used 
many  arguments  with  him  to  perswade  him  to  deliver  ye  mony  which  was  de- 
manded of  him  by  Mr.  Poyer,  telling  him  that  if  he  would  promise  ye  money,  he 
would  do  his  endeavour,  that  he  should  not  be  fined;  but  ye  deponeut  refused  to 
Comply  with  his  advice;  some  time  before  this,  Justice  Whitehead  told  him  that 
Mr.  Poyer  had  bought  a  Quantity  of  wood  of  him,  »&  if  he  recovered  his  Sallary 
that  he  pretended  to,  he  was  to  pay  him  nine  pence  per  Load;  and  if  he  recovered 
it  not,  he  was  to  have  nothing.  Justice  Whitehead  persuading  him  to  pay  the 
money  to  Mr.  Poyer  put  him  in  mind  of  what  he  had  told  him  formerly;  when 
Justice  Whitehead  had  used  many  arguments  with  him,  this  Deponent  told  him  that 
he  Believed  that  he  Wanted  his  money  for  his  Wood ;  yet  said  Whitehead,  I  wonder 
that  that  you  will  do  me  so  much  Damage,  Coosen  Hazard,  to  keep  me  out  of  my 
money,  for  I  want  it.  To  which  Deponent  answered,  Uncle,  if  it  be  so,  I  think 
,  you  are  not  fit  to  be  a  Judge  in  this  case. 

Thomas  Hazard. 

May  27,  1719.  Sworn  before  me  one  of  his  Majesty's  Justices  of  ye  Peace  for 
Queens  County. 

■'  Joseph  Sackett. 

Samuell  Hear  of  Jamaica,  inkeper,  aged  about  thirty  three,  being  Deposed  on 
the  holy  Euanglists  sayeth:  that  Desember  Last,  as  he  remembers,  John  Turner 
Leat,  of  the  Towne  abouesaid,  Did  att  his  hows  in  the  presense  of  thimsellf  and 
Thomas  Rattoun  and  others,  refused  to  Drink  King  Georgis  helth,  saying  God 
dam  him,  I  do  not  acknowledge  him:  the  same  words  he  spoke  against  the  princ 
of  Wals,  whare  upon  Rattoun  thretned  to  throw  him  behind  the  fire,  and  the  De- 
ponant  told  he  would  be  hangd,  to  which  Turner  answerd  it  should  be  at  the  end 
of  Mr.  Clows  hows:  this  Deponant  further  saith  that  next  day,  Justis  John  Smith 
came,  and  askt  whither  that  is  true,  that  Rattoun  told  Joseph  Smith  what  John 
Turner  had  said  against  the  King;  the  Deponant  answered  it  was  to  true:  Turner 
had  spoken  treason  against  the  King  in  his  hering  the  Justis  made  no  further  In- 
quiry of  said  Deponant  at  that  time  or  any  other:  further  this  Deponant  saith  not. 

Sworn  before  me. 
May  ye  29,  1719.  •  Richd.  Betts,  Justis. 

Thomas  Hazard  aged  about  thirty  seven  years,  being  Sworn  upon  the  Holy  Evan- 
gelist, saith:  that  before  the  Church  Warden  was  tryed,  upon  the  Complaint  of 
their  refusing  to  their  duty,  John  Hunt  Esq.  tolde  the  Deponent  that  the  Church 
Warden  would  be  turned  out,  and  that  Samuell  Clows  and  Thomas  Willet  would  be 
put  in  their  Room,  according  to  which  prejudication  or  prediction  it  happened. 
And  further  ye  Deponent  saith  not. 

Thomas  Hazard. 

June  9,  1719.  Sworn  before  me  one  of  his  Majesty's  Justices  of  the  Peace  for 
Queens  County. 

John  Hunt. 

Jeremiah  Wood  of  Hamsted,  aged  fourty  three  years,  being  deposed  on  the  holy 
Evangelist    Saith:    that    on   Tuisday   or   Wednesday   the   last    week,    Justice   John 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2133 

Smith  came  to  the  house  of  the  deponent  and  told  him  that  he  had  heard  that 
Thomas  Langdon  and  the  deponent  were  to  go  down  to  York  to  giue  Evidence 
against  himself  &  Justice  Cornal  before  the  Governour  next  Thursday:  but  if  he 
deponent  would  not  appear  against  himself  &  Justice  Cornal  before  the  Governour, 
he  &  said  Cornal  would  Glue  him  good  satisfaction  the  next  Saturday;  the  said 
Justice  Smith  farther  adding  I  am  now  come  from  Justice  Cornal:  &  farther  this 
deponent  saith  not. 

The  mark  of 
Jeremiah  X  Wood. 
Sworn  before  me  the  9th  day  of  June  1719. 

Wm.  Doughty,  Justice. 

—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   ill.  pp.   176-181. 

Secretary   Clarke  to  the  Magistrates  of  Queens  County. 
Gentlemen 

His  Excellency  having  read  a  Petition  from  several  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
precinct  of  Jamaica  in  your  County  has  commanded  me  to  send  you  the  enclosed 
copy,  that  having  considered  what  is  there  suggested  as  Complaints  against  you 
for  the  Judgments  by  you  given  and  other  transactions  and  Conduct  upon  the 
Acts  of  Assembly  for  maintenance  of  the  Minister  of  the  said  precinct  you  may 
return  to  his  Excellency  your  Answer  thereto. 

But  there  being  other  Complaints  in  the  said  Petition  against  several  of  the 
Justices  you  are  to  give  to  Each  of  them  Copys  of  those  particular  Complaints 
which  concern  them  and  with  all  to  signify  to  them  that  they  do  with  all  con- 
venient speed  appear  before  his  Excellency  to  answer  to  what  is  so  Complained 
of  against  them  giving  timely  notice  thereof  in  writing  under  their  hands  to  the 
petitioners  or  one  of  them  that  they  may  be  present  and  prepared  to  make  proof 
of  the  said  Complaints  if  any  they  have. 

I  am  etc. 

G.  O. 
Secretary's  office  May  14th,  1719. 

To  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  Queens  County. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  181. 

[Reply   of  the   Judges.      May   23,    1719;    with    Affidavits.] 
May  it  Please  your  Excellency 

In  obedience  to  your  Excellency's  Order,  relating  to  the  unsigned  Petition  of 
Daniel  Bull  and  others,  Haveing  first  returned  your  Excellency  our  hearty  ac- 
knowledgements of  the  Special  favour  you  have  done  us,  in  the  manner  as  well 
as  the  Opportunity  you  have  been  pleased  to  give  us  to  vindicate  ourselves.  We 
pray  Leave  humbly  to  acquaint  your  Excellency,  That  the  main  Articles  alleadged 
in  the  same  petition  are  Untrue,  as  we  Conceive  will  most  Evidently  appear  by 
the  papers  of  our  proceedings  against  the  petitioners,  which  are  herewith  pre- 
sented to  your  Excellency. 

The  Constable  of  Jamaica  was  Lawfully  displaced  by  us,  and  ffined  for  not 
Doing  his  Duty;  and  another  Constable  put  in  his  stead,  who  appointed  Coomes 
his  Deputy;  he  was  not  appointed  by  the  Justices,  but  we  do  not  know  that 
Coomes  has  misbehaved  himself  in  that  office.  Besides  the  Depositions  here 
Inclosed  Diverse  other  Credible  Witnesses  were  sworn  before  the  Jury  of  Inquiry, 
and  particularly  Mr.  Justice  Whitehead  and  Mr.  Justice  Clement,  who  were  Eye 
Witnesses  of  a  great  part  of  the  Action. 

The  petitioners  might  have  been  ffined  on  the  View  of  the  Justices,  But  in 
favour  to  them,  and  that  might  have  no  manner  of  reason  to  Complain  of  any 
hasty,  or  otherwise  severe  way  of  proceeding;  This  of  doing  it  by  a  Jury  was 
made  use  of.  This  Jury  Consisted  of  some  of  the  most  principal  men  in  the 
County,  as  well  for  Estates  as  Honesty;  and  if  many  of  them  were  Churchmen, 
we  cannot  think  them  the  less  capable  of  the  office  for  that  reason.  None  were 
forbid  to  speak  or  would  if  they  had  anything  proper  to  say.  And  we  do  not 
remember  that  Mr.  Clowes  made  use  of  any  such  argument  before  us  as  Is  men- 
tioned in  the  latter  end  of  the  petition. 


1719 


2134  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

We  are  humbly  of  Opinion  may  it  please  your  Excellency,  That  the  Riot  Com- 
mitted by  these  persons  was  one  of  the  most  Notorious  Riots  (all  the  Circum- 
stances Considered)  that  ever  was  Committed  in  this   Country. 

And  our  design  was  not  to  have  ffined  them  at  all  but  to  referr  that  to  the 
Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer,  had  they  not  in  the  most  submissive  manner,  :ind 
under  their  hands  requested  it,  even  after  they  had  Demanded  and  were  admitted 
to  Traverse  the  Inquisition  found  against  them. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  We  are  humbly  of  Opinion  that  we  have  pro- 
ceeded against  these  persons,  in  a  Just  and  Legal  method:  But  we  are  very  Con- 
scious to  our  Selves,  we  have  Dealt  with  them  in  all  Tenderness  and  Moderation: 
Too  much  of  this  if  anything  has  been  our  only  fault,  and  we  know  not  but  this 
may  have  Contributed  to  the  harsh  and  severe  Expressions  used  by  them  in  the 
petition;  of  which  we  shall  say  no  more,  but  Submit  them  to  your  Excellency's 
being  in  no  doubt  but  your  Excellency  will  take  such  notice  of  them, 
as  will  be  Conductive  to  the  Encouragement  of  the  Magistracy  of  this  County 
in  their  Duty. 

Itt  is  with  some  Concers  that  we  find  ourselves  Complained  against  In  such  a 
manner  to  your  Excellency  for  our  Judicial  Actions,  in  punishing  persons  for  a 
most  dangerous  Riot,  when  we  were  by  Law  obliged  thereto,  under  very  great 
penalties. 

We  humbly  submit  to  your  Excellency's  great  prudence,  all  our  Actions,  and 
also  whether  these  petitioners  are  proper  objects  of  your  Bxcelleny's  ffavour, 
in  relation  to  their  ffines;  which  are  so  small,  that  they  will  scarce  satisfy  the 
Charges  of  that  necessary  prosecution.  But  we  do  assure  your  Excellency,  how 
ill  soever  these  petitioners  have  deserved  of  us;  Their  Indiscretion  shall  not  be 
able  to  make  any  Impressions  on  us  to  their  prejudice,  but  we  will  still  go  on 
to  Discharge  our  Dutys  according  to  Law  and  good  Conscience.  And  though  we 
very  well  know  some  Turbulent  people  amongst  us  are  now  busy  to  scrape  up 
all  the  Little  Complaints  they  can  against  us;  We  are  humbly  Confident  that  the 
Groundlessnesse  and  Untruth  of  this  petition,  will  Induce  your  Excellency  to 
give  but  Little  Credit  to  any  other  Suggestions,  people  of  this  sort  of  Spirit  may 
make  against  us. 
We  remaine 

May  It  please  your  Excellency  your  Excellency's  most  obedient  and 
most  humble  Servants, 
Wm.  Hallett  John    Smith 

John  Hunt  Johath.   Whitehead 

Richd.  Betts  John    Clement 

Wm.   Doughty  Wl.   Cornell 

Jn.  Jackson  Tim.    Bagley. 

Jamaica  23rd  May  1719. 

To  His  Excellency  Brigadier  Hunter, 

Governour  of  the  Province  of  New  York  etc. 

Richard  Combs  Deputy  Constable  of  Jamaica,  being  Deposed,  saith:  Having 
some  time  ago  received  a  warrant  from  diverse  Justices  of  the  Peace  of  Queens 
County,  with  an  assessment  thereto  annexed,  to  Levy  the  Minister's  Rate  for 
Jamaica  About  ten  days  past,  he  went  to  the  house  of  Daniel  Bull,  In  Jamaica, 
One  of  the  persons  taxed  in  the  same  Rate,  and  demanded  his  proportion  thereof; 
to  which  demand  the  said  Bull  said,  that  he  did  not  know  whether  he  would  pay 
it  or  not;  This  Deponent  further  salth  that  on  fryday  morning  last  he,  with  one 
man  In  his  Company,  went  again  to  the  said  Bull's  house,  and  demanded  his  said 
Rate,  But  Bull  fell  into  a  great  passion  with  him  and  told  him  he  would  pay  him 
nothing;  on  which  this  Deponent  said  he .  must  then  Distrain  for  itt;  but  Bull, 
immediately  took  up  an  axe  Swinging  it  over  this  Deponents  head,  said  In  very 
great  haste,  he  would  split  his  brains,  if  he  touched  anything  there;  that  one 
Jacamlah  Denton  presently  came  to  the  window,  whom  this  Deponent  Commanded 
In  the  King's  name  to  assist  him,  but  he  Laughed  and  said  he  would  not  obey  him. 
and  said  he  was  no  Constable  and  refused.  Then  this  Deponent  told  the  said 
Daniel  Bull  he  would  go  and  get  more  Company  to  Assist  him  to  make  the  Dis- 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2135 

tress,   to  which  Bull  said  you  may  go  as  soou  as  you   will   for  I'lle  get  an  Army 
ready  to  meet  you. 

This  Deponent  did  then  Immediately  go  up  and  down  the  Town  and  mustered 
up  about  Sixteen  or  Seventeen  people  to  assist  him,  and  sent  Messengers  to  some 
Justices  of  the  Peace  to  acquaint  them  with  this  matter.  Mr.  Justice  Clement 
went  along  with  this  Deponent  towards  the  said  Bull's  house,  where  they  saw 
Mr.  Justice  Whitehead,  who  Came  over  to  them;  That  being  now  before  the  said 
Bull's  Door,  he  the  said  Bull  with  One  William  Carman,  Samuel  Ludlam,  Robert 
Denton,  Hezekiah  Denton,  Henry  Ludlam  and  Ephralm  Smith,  stood  there  with 
great  Clubbs  in  their  hands,  and  stript  to  their  Wastcoats.  Then  this  Deponent 
addressing  himself  to  the  said  Bull  told  him  he  came  to  Distrain  for  the  Min- 
ister's Rate;  but  Bull  told  him  he  should  make  no  Distress  there.  Then  this 
Deponent  Commanded  the  said  persons  who  stood  with  their  Clubbs,  to  Assist 
him  In  making  the  Distress;  but  they  refused  &  Lifting  up  their  Clubbs  bid  him 
come  if  he  durst,  and  gave  him  a  great  deal  of  Scurrilous  Language:  and  the 
said  Bull  advanced  two  or  three  steps  from  his  Company  towards  this  Deponent, 
and  lifting  up  his  Clubb  told  him  If  he  came  one  foot  forward  he  would  knock 
out  his  brains.  This  Deponent  says  there  were  several  others  without  Clubbs 
stood  by  the  Door,  and  a  great  many  in  the  house,  and  being  diswaded  from 
Violence  by  Mr.  Justice  Whitehead,  and  also  seeing  a  great  many  in  Bull's  house, 
so  that  Bull's  Company  being  betwixt  twenty  or  thirty  persons  were  too  Numerous 
for  him,  he  walk't  off  with  his  Company  and  made  no  distress.  This  Deponent 
further  says  that  amongst  the  rest  that  he  Commanded  to  assist  him  in  the  town, 
he  the  said  Robert  Denton  walk't  off,  but  he  found  him  sideing  with  Bull  after- 
wards; Thomas  Thurstan  did  not  deny,  but  Came  not,  and  when  he  Commanded 
Adam  Smith  and  three  or  four  more  near  the  house  of  George  Mc  Nish,  bid  them 
not  to  mind  or  obey  him;  And  the  said  Adam  Smith  told  this  Deponent  that  the 
said  Mc  Nish  told  him  and  the  rest  not  to  obey  him,  and  Invited  them  into  his 
house  to  drink  Syder;  but  nevertheless  this  Deponent  says  that  the  said  persons 
did  follow  him  but  stood  at  a  considerable  Distance. 

Richard    Comes. 
Sworn  ye  8th  of  Xcber  1718 
before  us 

John  Smith 
Ricd.  Betts. 

Joshua  Pettit  aged  about  Eighteen  years,  being  Deposed  says:  that  Last  fryday 
was  Sevennight,  Daniel  Bull  of  Jamaica  told  this  Deponent  That  the  Constable 
Designed  to  Strain  upon  him  that  day,  and  Desired  this  Deponent  to  tell  some 
people  as  he  went  along  to  come  and  assist  him;  This  Deponent  accordingly  Did 
tell  Robert  Denton,  William  Carman  and  Ephraim  Smith  to  go  and  they  Did  so, 
and  further  he  says  nott. 

Joshua  Pettit. 
Sworn  ye  13th  Xber  1718  before  me 

John  Jackson. 

We  underwritten,  having  been  Lately  Guilty  of  a  Riot  as  is  said,  in  Jamaica, 
Doe  hereby  declare  that  we  are  sorry  for  the  said  offence,  and  do  promise  to 
behave  ourselves  more  peacably,  and  as  Obedient  subjects  to  his  Majesty,  King 
George,  and  all  his  officers  for  the  future,  and  doe  hereby  humbly  submit  ourselves 
to  the  mercy  of  the  Justices  of  this  County,  and  relinquishing  all  right  of  Travers- 
ing the  Inquisition  found  against  us,  do  pray  to  be  admitted  to  our  fBnes:  witness 
our  hands   the   13th   December   1718. 

Danl.  Bull  Henry   Ludlam 

Saml.  Ludlam  Ephraim   Smith 

William  Carman  Robert    Denton 

Hezekiah  Denton. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.   iii.  174-6. 


2136  EccLESiASTiCAii  Records 


Answee  of  the  ]\Iagistbates    to   the  Preceding. 

May  27,   1719. 

May  it  Please  your  Excellency  It  is  with  the  highest  sense  of  Gratitude  that  we 
reflect  upon  your  Excellency's  most  particular  favour  and  goodness  to  us  the 
Magistrates  of  Queens  County  by  permitting  us  this  way  to  Justifie  ourselves 
against  the  Complaints  contained  in  the  petition  of  Samuel  Fitch  and  others 
preferred  to  your  Excellency  concerning  some  of  our  Judicial  proceedings.  To  do 
which  so  far  as  those  Complaints  relate  to  us  Jointly  we  are  under  no  manner 
of  Concern,  for  nothing  can  be  more  Remote  from  the  truth  than  are  the  sugges- 
tions Alledged  in  the  said  petition. 

We  humbly  beg  your  Excellency's  patience  to  hear  the  account  of  our  whole 
proceedings  in  relation  to  our  turning  out  the  Church  Wardens  of  this  parish, 
appointing  new  ones,  Raiseing  money  without  the  Concurrence  of  the  Vestry,  and 
Ordering  the  payment  of  that  money  to  the  Reverend  Mr.  Thomas  Poyer  Minister 
of  Jamaica. 

There  being  some  money  raised  for  the  Ministers  Salary  in  the  hands  of  John 
Everet  and  Thomas  Hazard,  Church  Wardens;  on  the  Application  of  Mr.  Poyer 
some  of  us  signed  Warrants  ordering  them  to  pay  that  money  to  him,  which  they 
refused  to  do.  Complaint  was  made  to  us  thereof,  and  on  the  9th  day  of  ffebruary 
last  we  Ordered  them  to  be  summoned  before  us  on  the  14th  of  the  same  month, 
according  to  the  Directions  of  the  Explaining  Act  of  the  Ministry.  Att  which  day 
they  appeared  and  owned  that  they  had  refused  to  pay  the  money,  but  offered 
nothing  either  in  Excuse  or  Justification;  only  prayed  further  time  to  give  their 
reasons,  because  their  Council,  Mr.  Jamison,  could  not  be  there,  and  produced  a 
Letter  from  him  to  that  purpose:  according  to  their  prayer,  (when  Justice  White- 
head was  a  very  earnest  Solicitor  in  their  behalf).  We  did  adjourn  to  the  23rd  of 
ffebruary,  Att  which  day  they  came  with  Mr.  Attorney  General,  who  Appeared  in 
their  behalf,  and  Mr.  Bickley  for  the  prosecution;  Mr.  Clowes  did  not  at  that 
time  speak  at  all. 

Mr.  Attorney  to  the  best  of  our  remembrance  offered  these  reasons  only. 

1st.  That  the  money  must  be  paid  by  Order  of  the  Justices  and  Six  of  the 
Vestry,  and  Could  be  done  no  other  ways. 

2nd.  The  practice  of  New  York  was,  that  the  Vestry  signed  the  Warrants  for 
paying  away  the  money;  The  Justices  cannot  do  it  alone. 

3rd.  That  Indeed  he  thought  nevertheless,  that  the  Justices  might  order  away 
the  paying  of  the  money  alone,  if  Application  had  been  first  made  to  the  Vestry, 
to  try  whether  they  would  sign  the  Warrants  or  not:  but  that  not  having  been 
done  the  Justices  could  not  Do  it  alone;  and  therefore  the  Church  Wardens  in 
this  Case  might  refuse  to  obey  the  Warrants  for  the  words  of  the  Act  of  Assembly 
were  Express. 

To  these  it  was  said  on  the  other  side.  That  the  Justices  were  Commanded  to 
order  away  the  paying  of  the  moneys  as  well  as  raiseing  Itt,  by  Virtue  of  the 
Kings  Writt  of  Mandamus  to  them  Lately  Directed  out  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
and  that  the  Law  said  the  King  might  Commit  the  execution  of  his  Statutes  to 
whom  he  thinks  fltt,  and  Consequently  to  the  Justices  of  the  Peace;  though  they 
be  not  particularly  named  in  the  statute. 

That  Judges  are  to  make  such  Exposition  of  Statutes  as  not  to  suffer  them  to 
be  Illusory. 

That  Judges  are  to  make  such  Construction  of  Statutes  that  may  redress  the 
Mischief,  and  Advance  the  Remedy,  and  Suppress  all  subtile  Inventions  & 
Evasions  for  the  Continuance  of  the  Mischiefe,  and  to  add  force  and  Life  to  the 
Cure  and  remedy,  according  to  the  true  Intent  of  the  Act  and  the  publick  Good. 

That  Statutes  are  always  to  be  so  Interpreted  that  there  should  be  no  failure 
of  Justice,  and  many  other  Arguments;  so  that  on  the  2.5th  of  the  said  Month  of 
ffebruary,  we  Did  Give  Judgement  against  two  Church  Wardens,  and  flSned  them 
and  immediately  thereupon  gave  them  notice  of  our  judgement:  and  the  same  day 
a  writing  under  our  hands  and  Seals  to  Dismiss  them  from  their  office  was 
Delivered  to  Each  of  them;  and  new  Church  Wardens  were  then  appointed  by  us 
in  their  stead. 

We  are  humbly  of  Opinion,  may  it  please  your  Excellency,  that  in  our  proceed- 
ing and  judgement  herein  We  have  acted  according  to  the  true  Intent  and  meaning 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2137 

as  well  as  the  Express  Letter  of  the  Two  Acts  of  Assembly  relating  to  the 
Ministry.  That  it  would  have  been  the  highest  Injustice  in  us,  either  to  have  acted 
otherwise,  or  Refused  to  act  at  all;  for  as  right  Judgement  ought  to  be  done,  so 
Justice  ought  not  to  be  denied;  and  it  is  very  plain  by  those  Acts  that  the  Justices 
or  any  two  of  them  are  empowered  alone  to  raise  the  money,  if  the  Vestry  refuse 
or  neglect  to  Joyn  with  them  in  the  Doing  it.  And  how  could  it  be  Supposed 
that  those  very  persons  who  had  refused  to  raise  the  money,  would,  when  raised, 
agree  with  us  in  the  ordering  and  Disposing  of  it;  neither,  With  humble  submission, 
Can  we  think  It  in  the  least  reasonable  they  can  have  any  power  at  all  In  the 
Disposeing  of  that  money,  since  they  had  thus  willfully  Lost  their  power  of 
Raiseing  it;  besides  we  were  further  Enforced  to  this  by  the  King's  Writt  of 
Mandamus  before  mentioned. 

As  to  the  main  thing  which  trubles  these  petitioners,  (though  their  yearly 
proportion  of  the  Minister's  Salary  is  but  very  small  amounting  in  the  whole 
scarce  to  three  &  twenty  Shillings,  notwithstanding  they  would  insinuate  as  if 
themselves  were  very  considerable  persons  in  the  parish),  to  witt  our  ordering 
the  money  to  Mr.  Poyer.  We  think  it  beyond  all  Doubt  that  the  money  can 
belong  only  to  a  Minister  of  the  Church  of  England.  We  know  Mr.  Poyer  is  such, 
and  that  he  was  Inducted  by  Orders  from  Your  Excellency  near  nine  years  agoe, 
and  has  very  Dilligently  Officiated  all  over  the  parish  ever  since;  and  therefore 
that  the  money  is  due  to  him;  for  though  we  have  the  Misfortune  to  have  Dis- 
senters to  be  Vestrymen,  who  either  refuse  to  Call  at  all,  or  at  Least  call  such  a 
person  as  by  Law  is  not  Quallyfied  to  accept  of  it,  (which  is  all  one),  we  do  not 
therefore  think  that  the  Cure  ought  to  Lye  Vacant,  and  thereby  the  Souls  of  the 
people  neglected.  Besides  we  are  Confirmed  in  our  Opinion  by  a  Late  very  mature 
Judgement  given  upon  a  special  Verdict  in  the  Supreame  Court,  in  an  Action 
brought  in  by  Mr.  Poyer  against  Mr.  McNish,  for  recovering  part  of  the  ministers 
money,  where  the  right  of  Mr.  Poyer  was  fully  argued  &  Judgement  past  In  his 
behalf. 

As  to  their  Accusation  of  Caballing  we  know  nothing  of  any  private  meetings 
much  Less  Cabals  to  Concert  anything  in  relation  to  the  Church  Wardens;  but 
if  any  meetings  had  been,  we  humbly  think  the  word  Cabal  too  hard  a  term,  we 
also  deny  that  any  of  us  acted  with  any  heat  or  warmth  in  those  matters.  Not- 
withstanding the  many  provocations  we  have  met  with  from  some  restless 
Spirits;  unless  it  be  Mr.  Justice  Whitehead  who  we  Confess  did  in  our  private 
Conferrences  appear  so  Zealous  &  Earnest  on  behalf  of  the  Church  Wardens  that 
some  of  us  suspected  he  had  received  store  from  them. 

Mr.  Clowes  was  not  Employed  by  us,  but  ffeed  by  the  prosecutor  against  the 
Church  Wardens,  which  ffee  we  suppose  was  his  Inducement  and  not  the  nn- 
proffltable  ofiice  we  put  upon  him. 

As  to  those  matters  of  Complaint  which  Concern  those  Justices  which  are 
particularly  named,  we  have  given  them  Copy  of  the  particular  Articles  which 
Concern  them. 

And  now  may  it  please  your  Excellency  to  permit  us  with  all  humble  submission 
to  Lay  before  you,  our  Sincere  thoughts  of  the  Causes  true  Source  &  Spring  of 
the  Trubles  in  this  County  and  those  Complaints. 

Though  the  first  Act  of  Assembly  for  setting  the  Ministry  was  made  before  there 
was  any  Church  of  England  Minister  in  the  province,  except  the  Chaplain  of  the 
forces;  yet  no  Dissenting  Minister  Did  ever  pretend  to  much  Less  venture  to 
receive  any  moneys  raised  by  that  Act,  till  the  Dissenting  Minister  in  Jamaica 
Mr.  George  McNish  with  much  assurance  Assayed  itt.  This  is  the  man  by  name 
who  in  Concert  with  a  very  few  others,  is  the  Contriver  and  Ring  Leader  of  all 
our  Commotions;  and  Indeed  has  successfully  puzled  the  people  about  Religion 
That  he  has  almost  extinguished  Charity  amongst  us.  And  though  nothing  be 
more  Evident  than  this,  yet  he  still  is  resolved  to  prosecute  his  Cunning  Con- 
trivances, though  against  all  Law,  Reason,  and  practice,  yea  and  as  we  Can 
prove  against  the  Councils,  the  Entreaties  of  Diverse  Ministers,  even  of  his  own 
persuasion;  but  he  finds  his  Account  in  it.  These  people  the  petitioners  are  but 
the  tools  of  this  Machiavil:  'tis  he  that  is  their  only  support;  he  presides  in  all 
their  Councils,  Appears  publickly  for  them,  at  almost  all  Courts  to  Abett  their 
Actions;  'tis  he  that  occasioned  and  perswaded  Mr.  David  Wright,  late  a  Justice 
of  peace  here,   (but  Justly  Displaced  by  your  Excellency  for  this  very  reason),   to 


1719 


1719 


2138  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

take  upon  him  to  Judge  of  a  Warrant  Given  by  Eiglit  of  us  for  raiseing  tlie 
Minister's  Salary,  and  to  adjudge  it  void;  and  tliat  tlie  people  ought  not  at  all  to 
regard  the  same. 

'Twaa  before  this  Justice  Wright,  and  in  the  presence  of  above  an  hundred 
people  of  the  parish  of  Jamaica,  that  this  fomenter  of  DiflEerences  Averred,  that 
the  Act  for  the  Explaining  of  the  Act  for  the  Ministry,  was  no  Act  of  Assembly,  or 
of  any  manner  of  force  in  this  province;  for  that  it  was  never  past  into  an  Act, 
nor  was  ever  published;  neither  to  be  found  in  the  Secretary's  Office;  and  though 
an  Exemplification  of  the  Act  was  then  produced  in  parchment,  under  the  Broad 
Seal  of  the  province;  his  Accomplices,  Mr.  John  Coe,  (one  of  the  petitioners), 
averred  (we  believe  very  untruly),  That  the  Deputy  Secretary  had  told  him  that 
he  never  gave  any  Exemplification  thereof.  And  not  to  trespass  to  much  upon 
your  Excellency's  patience,  We  humbly  pray  Leave  to  say  That  we  have  very 
great  reason  to  believe,  it  was  chiefly  by  this  gentleman,  Mr.  McNish,  his  practices, 
that  was  the  Occasion  of  the  Late  Riot  Committed  here;  a  Riot  so  very  flagitious 
that  nearly  Border'd  upon  Rebellion;  for  it  appears  by  a  Deposition  relating  to 
that  matter,  that  he  Diswaded  some  persons  from  Assisting  the  Officers  to  quell 
that  Riot;  And  he  himself  has  confessed  before  us,  that  he  had  been  present  at 
near  twenty  private  meetings  with  the  people,  (those  of  his  own  Congregacon  we 
supose),  and  had  always  perswaded  them  not  to  pay  the  Minister's  Rate,  which 
has  been  ordered  to  be  Levyed  by  Warrant  under  the  hands  and  Seals  of  Eight 
Justices  of  the  Peace;  and  though  indeed  he  would  soften  the  matter  by  saying 
at  the  same  time,  (when  the  people  talkt  of  resistance),  That  he  would  not  have 
them  to  use  force,  for  that  a  good  cause  might  be  lost  by  bad  management.  Yet 
when  people  prone  Enough  of  themselves  to  Disobedience,  are  by  the  art  of  words 
possest  with  a  firm  opinion.  That  the  Officer  who  comes  to  Demand  Taxes  of 
them  is  only  a  pretended  Officer,  and  that  the  Law  by  which  he  acts  is  only  a 
pretended  Law,  there  being  no  such  thing  in  Reality;  and  consequently  That  the 
Officer  makeing  Distress  in  these  circumstances,  is  no  other  than  a  Robber;  We 
say  when  a  Bigoted  people  are  thus  spirited  up  by  their  Ghostly  Guide,  It  is  no 
wonder  notwithstanding  his  cold  caution  to  the  Contrary,  If  they  are  hurryed  into 
the  Last  Extreams;  and  we  know  that  the  greatest  Rebellions  have  often  sprung 
from  such  suggestions. 

Your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  pardon  us.  If  we  have  shown  any  unusual 
warmth  in  our  Expressions  herein,  our  Designe  being  only  to  report  to  your 
Excellency  matters  of  fact,  truely  as  they  are,  without  Embellishments.  And 
we  in  all  humility  submit  the  Consideration  of  these  things,  as  well  as  our  own 
proceedings,  to  your  Excellency's  Great  Wisdom,  and  favourable  Construction; 
We  are  very  Certain  that  we  have  Acted  nothing  in  these  matters  but  with  the 
utmost  Caution,  and  with  a  peculiar  Regard  and  Tenderness  to  the  persons 
Concerned,  our  Dissenting  Brethren,  now  said  to  be  Aggrieved;  and  as  we  are 
sure  we  have  done  Everything  herein,  according  to  good  Conscience,  and  our 
knowledge  of  things,  so  we  humbly  think  we  have  Exactly  followed  the  Rules 
of  the  Law.  If  we  were  guilty  of  the  Least  of  the  Articles  Drawn  up  against 
us,  we  should  acknowledge  ourselves  wholly  unworthy  of  the  Honour  Conferred 
on  us  by  your  Excellency,  but  as  we  humbly  think  we  are  not,  we  Cannot  in  the 
least  Doubt  of  your  Excellency's  Discountenancing  these  petitioners,  Censuring 
the  Disturbers  of  the  peace  of  this  County,  and  by  your  favourable  Construction 
of  all  our  Designs  and  Actions  Encourage  us  to  go  on  in  our  duty  with  Allacrity. 
We  remain, 

May  it  please  your  Excellency, 

Your  Excellency's  most  humble  and  most 

Obedient  Servants, 
Wm.  Hallett 
Jonan.  Whitehead 
John   Smith 
John  Hunt 
Wi.   Cornell 
Jamaica  ye  27th  May,  1719.  John   Clement 

To  His  Excellency  Brigadier  Hunter  Wm.    Doughty. 

Govemour  of  the  Province  of  New  York  etc. 

—  Doc.  Hist.   N.  Y.   Vol.   lii.  pp.   181-184. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2139 

JOTTRNAL    OF    THE    NeW    YoKK    CoUNCIL. 

Council  Journal.     Eepairing  Eye  Church. 

1719,  June  17.  An  Act  to  enable  the  justices  within  the  parish 
of  Eye  and  the  vestrymen  of  the  said  parish  or  the  major  part  of 
them  to  raise  a  certain  sum  of  money  for  the  keeping  in  repair 
the  parish  church  of  the  said  parish.  Sent  from  the  Assembly 
to  the  Council.  Brought  up,  read,  and  committed,  445;  passed, 
446,  (June  18) ;  Signed  and  enacted,  448. 

AN  ACT  to  enable  the  Justices  Inhabiting  in  the  Parish  of  Rye  &  the  Vestry  Men 
of  the  said  Parish  or  the  Major  part  of  them  to  raise  a  Certain  Sum  of  money 
for  the  lieeplng  in  repair  the  Parish  Church  of  ye  said  Parish. 

(Passed,  June  24,   1719.) 

WHEREAS  the  Parish  Church  In  the  Parish  of  Rye  In  the  County  of  West  Ches- 
ter Is  very  much  gone  to  decay,  &  if  not  timely  repaired  will  be  totally  ruined  in 
Order  therefore  to  prevent  the  same,  &  keep  it  in  good  repair  for  the  future.  Be  it 
Enacted  by  the  Governour  Council  &  General  Assembly  &  it  is  hereby  Enacted  by 
the  authority  of  the  same,  That  ii  shall  &  may  be  Lawful  for  the  Justices  of  the 
Peace  Inhabiting  in  the  Parish  of  Rye  &  the  Vesrry  Men  of  the  said  Parish  or  the 
Major  part  of  them  to  Assess  raise  &  levye  upon  the  said  Inhabitants  by  even  and 
equal  portions  any  Sum  not  exceeding  the  Sum  of  Thirty  four  pounds  Current 
monev  of  this  Province,  which  Sum  so  Assesst  by  the  Justices  &  Vestrymen  afore- 
said Shall  be  Collected  &  Gathered  by  the  Constables  of  the  Parish  aforesaid  by 
Warrant  under  the  hand  &  Seale  of  any  two  of  the  Justices  Inhabiting  as  aforesaid, 
&  upon  neglect  or  refusal  of  the  payment  of  all  or  any  of  the  Sum  or  Sums  of 
money  Assest  as  aforesaid,  it  shall  bo  Lawful  for  the  Constables  appointed  to 
gather  the  said  Assessment  to  make  distress  &  Sale  of  the  Goods  of  any  Person  so 
neglecting  Or  refusing,  returning  the  Overplus  to  the  Owner  thereof  if  any  be  after 
the  said  Assessment  and  the  Charges  of  Distress  is  Deducted.  This  Act  to  con- 
tinue for  one  Year  &  no  Longer. — •  Colonial  Laws  of  New  York,  Vol.  1.  p.   1039. 

Church  of  ISTew  Yore:. 

July  9,  1719. 

Consistory  held.     Eesolved,  That  the  leases  of  divers  lots  on 

the  Shoemakers'  land ;  as  John  van  der  Heul,  three  lots,  Abraham 

Paalding,  two  lots,  Fred.  Woertendyk,  one  lot,  John  Hitskok  one 

lot  and  William  de  Pu,  one  lot  —  dated  April  1,  1718  —  the  lease 

to  begin  May  1st  in  the  same  year,  (which  lots  were  before  leased 

by  the  Consistory  as  appears  by  the  writings),   be  signed  and 

sealed  by  Do.  du  Bois,  in  the  name  of  the  Consistory.     This  was 

done. 

G.  du  Bois,  p.  t.  Praeses. 

Lib.  B.  46. 


1719 


1719 


2140  Ecclesiastical  Records 


Petition  in  Behalf  of  a  Spanish  Priest.     (July  24,  1Y19.) 

To  the  Honorable  Peter  Schuyler  Esq.,  President  and  the  rest  of  his  Majesties 
Councill  of  New  York. 

The  Humble  Petlcon  of  Thomas  Grents,  Clark,  belonging  to  his  most  Christian 
Majesties  Ship,  the  Victory,  the  Chevalier  de  Rossell  Commander,  in  the  behalf 
of  Andre  Saens  de  Bitare,  Spanish  Priest  now  on  board  his  Brittannik  Majestya 
Ship,   the  Diamond,   Captain   Thomas  Jacobs.   Commander, 

Most  Humbly  Sheweth: 

The  Said  Spanish  Priest  coming  out  of  the  Havana,  in  the  said  Ship,  the 
Victory,  was  taken  in  her  and  brought  into  this  Port,  and  here  was  Put  on  shoar 
and  Set  at  Liberty  by  the  said  Captain  Jacobs,  after  he  had  been  plundered  of  a 
great  sum  of  money,  the  Property  whereof  whether  belonging  to  the  said  Captain 
Jacobs  or  the  said  Chevalier  De  Rossell  is  not  yet  decided  by  the  Court  of  Ad- 
miralty. 

That  the  said  Priest,  being  So  at  Liberty,  humbly  desired  his  Excellency,  Gov- 
ernor Hunter,  to  grant  him  a  Ticket  to  depart  this  Province  for  Great  Brittain, 
which  his  Excellency  was  favourably  pleased  to  grant,  and  therefore  he  took  his 
passage  for  London  on  board  the  Snow  the  Amazone,  Captain  Butler,   Commander. 

But  So  it  is,  may  it  please  your  Honor,  that  the  said  Priest  having  procured  a 
boat  to  bring  him  on  board  the  said  Vessell,  the  Said  Captain  Jacobs  has  again 
taken  the  said  Priest,  before  he  could  get  on  board  the  said  Vessell,  and  took 
from  him  what  money  he  had  as  yet  Saved,  and  now  keeps  him  a  Prisoner  on 
board  the  said  ship,  the  Diamond,  and  which  seems  to  be  a  manyfest  Violacon  of 
his  Excellencyes  leave  as  aforesaid. 

The  Petitioner  therefore  humbly  prayes  on  behalf  of  the  said  Spanish  Priest  that 
your  Honor  would  be  pleased  to  direct  that  the  said  Priest  may  be  discharged 
from  his  confinement,  &  Suffered  to  proceed  on  his  Voyage  in  the  said  Snow,  or 
any  other  Vessell  for  Europe  together  with  what  was  now  lately  taken  from 
him  and  that  his  Excellency's  Ticket  may  be  kept  Inviolable  or  according  to  the 
Lawes  of  nature  nations  &  Warr  it  ought  to  be — 

And  your  Petitioner  as  In  Duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

fr  Thomas  Grents 

New  York,  24  July,  1719.  O  P. 

(Endorsed) 

July  ye  23rd,   1719   Read. 

Ordered  that  the  President  speak  to  Captain  Jacob  in  Order  The  Priest  taken 
on  Board  the  Ship  Diamond  by  the  Said  Captain  may  be  set  at  Liberty  and  proceed 
on  his  intended  Voyage.—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  pp.  277,  278. 

Wm.  Forster,   Schoolmaster  in  Westchester,   1719. 

William  Forster  was  schoolmaster  in  the  town  of  Westchester,  under  the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  as  early  as  1719,  and 
was  appointed  clerk  of  the  county  of  Westchester  on  the  17th  of  March,  1733; 
which  office  he  surrendered  on  the  13th  of  May,  1746,  and  Benjamin  Nicoll  was 
next  day  appointed  his  successor.  Commissions,  ill.,  371,  429.. —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y 
Vol.  V.  p.  978. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  2141 

Synod  of  ISToeth  Holland,  1719,  July  —  Aug. 

Article  35. 

Classical  Changes. 

Sent  to  Raritan  in  the  province  of  IsTew  Jersey:  Rev.  Jacobus 
Theodorus  van  Frylinghuysen. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Moneys  from  Rev.  Yas. 

1719,  Aug.  21st.  The  moneys  transmitted  by  Rev.  Yas,  to 
the  amount  of  sixty  guilders,  remain  in  the  keeping  of  Mr. 
Quaestor  van  der  Heest.     x.  107.  ; 

Parsonage  of  Rev.  Mr.  Phillips,  an  Independent  Minister, 
Repaired,  and  Repairs  Paid  for  out  of  the  Church 
Rates. 

September  ye  10th  1719. 

Theea  may  Certlfl  whom  It  may  Concern,  that  some  time  In  August  past  was 
a  year,  that  I  agreed  with  Coll.  Smith,  Nathaniel  Roe,  John  Wood,  Richard  Wood- 
hull  for  to  Repair  ye  house  Mr.  Phillips  Hues  in  for  fifteen  pounds  od  shillings,  to 
be  paid  when  ye  Rate  was  gathered,  which  they  haue  paid,  &  I  haue  Recelued 
It,  Thomas  Saint,  which  I  am  Rady  to  atest  to. 

Brookhauen,  October  ye  10th  1719,  Thomas  Saint  was  duly  Sworn  to  the  aboue 
Contents  before  me.  Hy.  Smith,  Jus. 

Those  may  certlfle  whom  it  may  concern,  that  some  time  In  August  past  was  a 
year,  that  I  agreed  with  John  Wood  to  repair  the  house  wherein  Mr.  Phillips,  an 
Independent  Minister  Lives,  for  one  Pound  ten  shillings,  to  be  paid  when  ye  Rate 
was  gathered.  Which  I  acknowledge  to  have  received  from  Coll.  Smith,  Treasurer 
as  Witness  my  Hand. 

Alexander  Amos    X   his  Mark. 

Oysterbay,  October  12,  1719.  Alexander  Amos  of  Brookhaven  in  ye  County  of 
Suffolk,  was  duly  Sworn  to  the  above  Contents  before  me. 

Tim.    Bagley.   Jus. 
—  Doc.    Hist.   N.    Y.   Vol.    ill.    p.   233. 

Petition  of  Messrs.   Ployd  and   Smith.      (Oct.   15,   1719.) 

To  the  Honorable  Peter  Schuyler  Esq.,  President  of  his  Majesty's  Councill  and 
Commander  in  Chiefe  of  the  Province  of  New  York  and  Territories  thereon  de- 
pending in  America  etc. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Richard  ffloyd  and  William  Smith  Esq.,  on  behalfe  of 
themselves  and  other  rhe  ffreehoiders  and  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Brookehaven 
in  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Sheweth 
That  your  Petitioners  haveing  lands  within  the  townshlpp,  as  alsoe  lands  within 

the  manor  of  St.   George,   Exempted  from   the   (said  Townshlpp   and)    

the  said  Town  under  pretence  and  Coloiir  of  an  Act  of  Assembly  enabeling  the  re- 


1719 


2142  Ecclesiastical  Records 

spective  (Towns  to)  raise  moneye  to  defray  their  necessary  (charges  assessed  your) 
petitioners  estates  in   the   mannor  of   St.   George  and   (Townshipp  of  Brooiihaven), 

and  sent  distresses  in  The  night  time  for  the  and  great  oppression  of 

your  petitioners  in  pticular  But  (had  they)  extended  their  power  to  the  generall 
oppression  of  all  the  ECreeholders  of  the  said  Town  youe  petitioners  would  have 
rested  under  their  own  grievance  till  a  due  Course  of  law  would  have  relieved  them 
without  giving  this  Honorable  Board  the  trouble  of  a  Complaint  But  as  oppressions 
and  wrongs  done  to  the  publick  are  matters  properly  to  be  represented  here  your 
petitioners  beg  leave  humbly  to  represent  to  your  Honor  on  behalfe  of  themselves 
and  the  other  the  freeholders  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Townshipp  that  the  Trustees 
of  the  said  Town  by  pretence  of  the  (said  act)  of  Generall  Assembly  and  contrary 
to  the  same  ends  and  intent  thereof  (which  your  petitioners  humbly  conceives  was 
for  defraying  public  charges  only)  have  rated  petitioners  and  other  the  ffreeholders 
and  raised  moneys  upon    (them  for  their)   private   uses  and   discharging  particular 

agreements  with    and  paying  of  the  Dissenting  Minister   

and  other  private  uses. 

That  although  the  several  assessments  made  beares  proper  title  according  to  the 
direction  of  the  said  act  yet  the  moneyes  thereby  raised  and  levyed  have  alto- 
gether been  applyed  to  the  private  uses  aboue  and  haue  accordingly  been  paid  out 
by  the  Treasurer  of  the  said  town  as  your  petitioners  doubt  not  to  prove.  And 
which  matter  has  been  soe  notorious  that  the  said  rates  have  been  levyed  (by  them 
without  of)  fence  the  ffreeholders  not  refusing  but  being  ready  and  willing  to  pay. 

Your  petitioners  therefore  Humbly  pray  your  Honor  and  this  Honorable  Board 
to  take  the  matter  into  serious  Consideration  and  not  suffer  those  laws  that  are 
made  for  the  protection  and  good  of  all  his  Majesties  subjects  to  be  perverted  to 
the  Injury  and  oppression  of  them  And  that  your  petitioners  and  other  the  free- 
holders of  the  said  town  may  be  relieved  from  those  grievious  burthens  laid  on 
them  by  the  said  Trustees  and  the  Assessors  and  other  officers  of  the  said  town 
contrary  to  Law. 

And  your  petitioners  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

Richard  Floyd 
New  York,  William   Smith 

15th  October.  1719.      ' 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  233,  23i. 

■■■•'•■ i-   Counter  Petition. 

To  the  Honorable  Peter  Schuyler  Esq.,  President  of  his  Majestys  Counclll  & 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  &  Territories  thereon  depending 
in  America,  and  all  the  members  of  his  said  Majesty's  Honourable  Council,  Con- 
uened  in  Councill 

The  Humble  Petition  of  the  principall  Freeholders  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Brookhauen  in  the  County  of  Suffolke. 

Sheweth 

That  your  Petitioners  being  extreamly  surprized,  to  understand  by  a  petition 
Bxhibbitted  your  Honors  the  15th  of  this  instant  by  Richard  Floyd  &  William 
Smith  Esqrs.,  wherein  the  Trustees  Assessors  &  Collector  of  this  Town,  are  per- 
emptorily charged  with  many  Illegal  &  Indirect  practices  in  their  Late  Publick  ad- 
ministrations. Your  petitioners  hauing  duly  weighed  &  considered  the  contents 
thereof,  &  finding  it  to  containe  many  False  &  scandalous  reflections.  Esteem  it 
our  indispensible  duty,  Humbly  to  represent  to  your  Honors  That  what  moneys 
pr.  said  Trustees  haue  Lately  been  raised  to  defray  the  P\iblick  &  necessary  charge 
of  this  Town,  was  grounded  on  a  very  just  &  unexceptionable  bassis,  and  also 
been  Judiciously  appropriated  to  such  pious  &  advantagious  uses  as  are  absolutely 
essentiall  to  the  promoting  Religion,  the  aduancemont  of  Learning  «fe  securing  the 
Publick  Peace  «&  Tranquillity  of  this  Town.  And  that  though  represented  to  your 
Honors  as  a  grevious  imposition;  yet  from  time  to  time,  wee  haue  freely  and  vol- 
entarily  paid  our  respective  assessments  of  all  those  Publick  charges. 

Your  Peticoners  therefore  Humbly  prays,  that  in  regard  your  Honors  haue  un- 
worthily been  imposed  uppon,  and  that  these  Complaints  are  groundless,  as  well  as 
extreamely  malHcious,  That  your  Honors  in  your  abundant  Wisdom  &  Justice,  wl]l 
take  such  prudent  &  effectual!  measures,  as  that  innocency  may  be  protected.  The 
deuices  of  our  aduersarles  exploded  &  the  universal  Peace  &  fellicity  of  this  Town, 
County  &  Gouernment  most  happely  promoted  &  Established  to  the  Honor  of  Al- 
mighty God,  &  the  unexpressible  Joy  &  satisfaction  of  all  his  Majesties  most  Dutl- 
full  &  Loyall  subjects. 

And  your  Petitioners  (as  in  duty  bound)  shall  euer  pray. 

Signed  by  sixty  nine  names. 
(Endorsed)  Petition  of  the  Trustees 

of  Brookhaven, 

October,  1719. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  pp.  234,  235. 


OF  THE  State  of  I^ew  Yoek.  2143 


Obder  in  Council  on  the  Above  Petitions. 

Fort   George  in   New   York,    the 
6th  day  of  November,  1719. 

All  parties  attending  concerning  the  Petition  of  Richard  Floyd  and  William 
Smith  Esqrs.  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  other  the  Inhabitants  and  Freeholders 
of  the  Town  of  Brookhaven  in  the  county  of  Suffolk  were  called  in  and  after  a  full 
hearing  by  their  eouncill  this  Board  is  of  opinion  that  if  the  petitioners  do  conceive 
themselves  injured  they  may  have  their  Remedy  at  Common  Law  and  in  the  mean- 
time the  Trustees  are  discharged  from  further  attendance  on  this  Board. —  Doc. 
Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  235. 

Charter  Granted  to  Church  of  Kingston,  171  i;. 

May  it  please  your  Honour  In  Obedience  to  your  Honours  order  in  Council  of 
this  day  Referring  to  us  the  Petition  of  Petrus  Vas  Minister  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church  of  Kingston  in  Ulster  County,  and  of  Abraham  Delameter  Captain 
Wessell  Ten  Brook,  Guysbert  Vanderburgh  and  Thomas  Jansen,  Elders  and  of 
Captain  Nicholas  Hofman,  Lambert  Cool,  Captain  John  Rutsen  and  Tirck  Van 
Keuren,  Deacons  of  the  same  Church.  Wee  have  considered  of  the  same,  and 
are  of  opinion  your  Honour  may  grant  a  Patent  of  Incorporation  to  the  said 
Minister  Elders  and  Deacons  and  their  successors  forever  for  the  free  use  and 
exercise  of  their  said  Religion  and  worship  with  the  like  liberty  and  Prlviledges 
as  are  Granted  to  the  Minister  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Church  In  the  City  of  New  York  with  this  Difference  only  that  the  Rents  of  the 
Lands  and  Tenements  to  be  held  by  them  shall  not  Exceed  the  Sum  of  three 
hundred  pounds  per  annum.  And  that  you  may  likewise  Grant  a  patent  of 
Confirmation  of  the  ground  and  Cemitry  or  burying  Place  mentioned  in  the  said 
Petuion  under  the  yearly  quit  rent  of  one  Peper  Corn  if  demanded,  all  which  is 
nevertheless  humbly  submitted  by 

Your  Honours  Most  humble  and   most   Obedient   Servants, 
A.  D.  Peyster  Rip  Van  Dam 

R.  Walter  Caleb  Heathcote 

Gerard  Beekman  .John  Barberie 

A.  D.  Philipse 


New   York, 

November  16th,   1719. 


Doc.   Hist.  N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.   pp.  585,  586. 


Report  of  the  Committee  of  Council  Upon  the  Petition 
OF  Certain  Palatines.  The  Glebe  Land.  (Dec.  18, 
1719.) 

In  pursuance  of  your  Honours  reference,  made  In  Council  the  17th  of  this  Instant, 
of  the  peticon  of  Andrew  Volck  and  Jacob  Webbers  of  the  17th  December  1719,  in 
behalf  of  themselves  and  the  other  palatins  therein  menconed:  We  have  inquired 
into  and  considered  the  same  as  also  the  letter  of  the  then  Right  Honorable  Mr. 
Secretary  Boyle  to  the  then  Lord  Lovelace  in  his  lifetime  of  the  10th  of  August 
1708,  Governour  of  New  York  by  her  late  Majesty  of  blessed  memory,  her  speciall 
directions  In  their  favour;  As  likewise  the  return  of  the  survey  Card  and  ground 
platt  of  the  late  Surveyor  Generall  of  a  certain  tract  of  land  on  the  West  side  of 
Hudsons  river  above  the  highlands  in  the  County  of  Vlster  neer  to  a  place  called 
Quassalck,  containing  two  thousand  one  hundred  and  ninety  acres,  laid  out  Into 
nine  lotts  for  the  said  palatins  and  a  glebe  of  five  hundred  acres  for  a  Lutheran 
minister,  and  his  successors  forever.  It  being  set  forth  in  the  said  peticon,  that 
their  minister  Joshua  Cockershall  Deceased  for  whom  one  of  the  said  lotts  is  laid 
out,  hath  left  a  widdow  &  children  Who  survive  him,  and  that  Peter  Rose,  another 
of  the  said  palatins  for  whom  another  lott  of  the  said  land  of  one  hundred  acres 
is  laid  out,  hath  sold  and  alienated  all  the  right  title  and  interest  on  the  same  to 


2144  Ecclesiastical  Records 

one  Burger  Meynders  a  blacksmith  that  lives  amongst  them  for  a  valuable  con- 
sideration: 

And  are  of  opinion  A  warrant  be  directed  by  your  Honor  to  the  Commissioner 
for  executing  the  office  of  the  Attorney  Generall,  for  the  drawing  of  a  grant  of 
the  same  tract  of  land  pursuant  to  the  said  draft  or  ground  plot,  beginning  on 
the  north  side  of  quassaick  creek,  and  extending  northerly  up  Hudson  river  upon 
a  straight  line  two  hundred  and  nineteen  chains,  and  into  the  woods  from  Hudsons 
river  at  both  ends  &  the  said  whole  length  one  hundred  chains  containing  two 
thousand  one  hundred  and  ninety  acres  in  manner  following  viz. 

Lott  No.  1  by  Quassaick  Creek,  containing  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  to  George 
Lockstedt  and  Anna  Elizabeth  his  wife,  Margaratha,  Anna  Sarah  and  Catharina 
their  three  children;  that  is  to  say  to  each  of  them  fifty  acres  thereof  and  their 
heirs  and  assigns  forever  respectively.  Lott  No.  2  containing  two  hundred  and 
fifty  acres  to  Michael  Weygand  &  Anna  Catharina  his  wife,  Tobias.  George  and 
Anna  Maria  their  three  children  that  is  to  say  to  each  of  them  fifty  acres  thereof 
and  to  their  heirs  And  assigns  forever  respectively.  Lott  No.  3  containing  one 
hundred  acres  to  Herman  Schuneman  and  Elizabeth  his  wife  that  is  to  say  to 
each  of  them  fifty  acres  thereof  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever  respectively. 
Lott  No.  4  containing  one  hundred  acres  to  Christian  Heinriken  his  heirs  and 
assigns  forever.  Lott  No.  5  Containing  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  to  Sybilla 
Charlotta  Cockershall  the  widow  of  Joshua  Cockershall  who  was  their  Lutheran 
minister  and  to  Christian  Joshua,  Benigna  Sibylla,  and  Susanna  Sibylla  their 
children  that  is  to  say  the  whole  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  to  them  and  their 
heirs  and  assigns  forever  to  each  of  them  respectively  a  fourth  part  thereof.  Lott 
No.  6  containing  one  hundred  acres  to  the  said  Burger  Meynders  his  heirs  and 
assigns  forever  Lott  No.  7,  containing  two  hundred  acres  to  Jacob  Webber  one 
of  the  said  peticoners  and  Anna  Ellzabetha  his  wife  Eva  Maria  &  Evah  Elizabetha 
their  two  daughters  that  is  to  say  to  each  of  them  fifty  acres  thereof  and  their 
heirs  and  assigns  forever  respectively.  Lott  No.  8  containing  one  hundred  acres 
to  Johannes  Fisher  and  Maria  Barbara  his  wife  that  is  to  say  to  each  of  them 
fifty  acres  thereof  and  to  their  heirs  &  assigns  forever  respectively.  Lott  No.  9 
containing  three  hundred  acres  being  the  northermost  lott  to  Andrew  Volck 
another  of  said  peticoners  and  Anna  Catharina  his  wife  George  Hieronymus,  Maria 
Barbara  &  Anna  Jertruyd  their  children  that  is  to  say  to  each  one  sixth  part  thereof 
and  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever  respectively. 

To  hold  the  same  nine  lotts  to  the  same  nine  setts  of  grantees  severally  &  re- 
spectively to  their  severall  &  respective  uses  and  behoofs  and  of  their  heirs  and 
assigns  forever,  under  the  like  qultrent  of  two  shillings  &  sixpence  for  every 
hundred  acres  thereof  with  the  usuall  clauses  provisions  condicons  limitacons  & 
restriccons  as  by  his  Majesties  Royall  Instruccons  are  directed  limited  and  ap- 
pointed for  granting  of  Lands  there  being  about  the  quantity  of  forty  acres  left 
for  highways  and  roads. 

And  as  to  the  Glebe  of  five  hundred  acres  laid  out  and  situate  between  the  said 
lott  No.  5  and  the  said  lott  No.  6.  We  are  of  opinion  it  be  granted  to  the  same 
two  peticoners  in  trust  and  impropriated  to  the  maintenance  and  support  of  a 
Lutheran  minister,  forever,  which  trust  may  be  contained  in  the  said  peticoners. 
Andrew  Volck  and  Jacob  Webber,  during  their  naturall  lives  and  at  their  decease 
or  the  decease  of  any  one  of  them,  that  it  be  in  the  power  of  the  male  tennants  of 
the  said  tract  of  land,  to  assemble  and  meet  together  at  any  place  upon  the  said 
Glebeland,  being  each  of  them  of  the  age  of  twenty  one  and  upwards,  by  the 
majority  of  voices  to  Elect  and  choose  others  in  the  room  of  the  said  Deceased  so 
that  there  shall  be  contained  forever  hereafter  two  trustees  for  the  ordering  and 
management  of  the  said  Glebe  land  for  the  uses  aforesaid,  and  no  other  use  what- 
soever, provided  always  in  the  leasing  of  the  said  Glebe  land  or  any  part  thereof 
the  said  trustees  and  their  Successors  forever  shall  not  make  longer  lease  thereof 
or  of  any  part  thereof,  than  for  the  term  of  seven  years,  at  one  time,  and  that 
they  shall  always  take  to  their  assistance  the  Lutheran  minister  of  that  parish  for 
the  time  being,  (when  there  shall  be  one),  and  provided  always  that  all  the 
rents  and  profits  coming  by  the  said  Glebe  land  shall  be  impropriated  to  the  main- 
tenance of  such  Lutheran  minister  and  his  successors  forever,  and  to  no  oth<^'- 
use  whatsoever  and  it  being  granted  for  a  pious  intent  you  may  cause  the  quitrem 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2145 

to  be  reserved  for  the  said  Glebeland  be  the  yearly  rent  of  one  peppercorn  If  the 
said  be  legally  demanded   which  nevertheless  is  humbly   submitted. 
By  Your  Honours  Most  Obedient  Humble  Servants, 

A.  D.  Peyster 
Gerard  Beekman 
Rip  "Van  L>am 
John  Barberie 
A.  D.  Philipse 
New  York,  T.  Byerly 

December  18th,  1719. 

—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.   111.   pp.  347,   348. 

Exhibits  Accompanying  Preceding  Petitions.      (Dec.  18, 

1719.) 

The  Glebe  Land. 

Copie  of  his  Majesty's  Letters  Patents  concerning  the  five  hundred  Acres  of  a 
Glebe  Laud  by  the  Quassaik  Creek  In  Ulster  County. 

George  by  the  Grace  of  God  King  of  Great  Brittain  France  and  Ireland,  De- 
fender of  the  Faith  etc.  To  all  to  whom  these  Present  shall  come  Greeting.  Whereas 
our  loving  subjects  Andries  Volck  and  Jacob  Webber  by  their  Petition,  presented 
to  our  Trusty  and  Well  belo\ed  Colonell  Peter  Schuyler,  President  of  our  Council 
for  our  Province  at  New  York,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  others  orignally  Pala- 
tines have  prayed  to  have  our  grant  by  Letters  Patents  under  the  Great  Seal  of  the 
Province  of  New  York  for  a  certain  Tract  of  Land  in  Ulster  County  Scituated  on 
the  West  side  of  Hudsons  River  above  the  Highlands  near  to  a  Place  called  Quas- 
saik, containing  two  thousand  one  hundred  and  ninety  acres,  which  Petition  the 
seventeenth  Day  of  December  instant  was  read  and  reserved  to  a  Committee  of  our 
Council  for  the  same  Province  who  thereupon  on  the  eighteenth  day  of  December 
Instant  did  report,  that  they  had  inquired  Into  and  considereth  of  the  suggestions 
of  the  said  petition  a  Letter  from  the  Right  Honorable  Mr.  Secretary  Boyle,  to  the 
Lord  Lovelace  Governour  of  this  Province  of  the  Tenth  of  August  Seventeen  hun- 
dred and  eight  in  their  favour,  by  Her  late  Majesty  Queen  Anne  (of  blessed  mem- 
ory,) Speclall  Directions  as  likewise  the  Survey  of  Ground-Plat  of  the  Surveyor 
General  of  the  same  Land  laid  out  by  the  Directions  of  our  Trusty  and  Well  beloved 
His  Excellency  Brigadier  Hunter  before  his  Departure  for  Great  Britain  into 
nine  Lotts  for  the  said  Palatines  with  a  Glebe  of  five  hundred  acres  thereof,  for 
the  use  of  the  Lutheran  Minister  and  his  successors  forever.  It  being  sett  forth 
in  their  said  Petition  that  Joshua  Cockerthall  who  was  minister  since  the  survey- 
ing and  making  of  the  said  Ground  Plate  is  dead,  leaving  a  Widow,  and  small 
children.  And  that  Peter  Rose  another  of  the  said  Palatines  for  a  valuable  con- 
sideration has  sold  his  right  and  interest  In  the  Lott  laid  out  for  him  to  Burger 
Meynders  a  Black  Smid  who  lives  amongst  them  and  Is  a  Lutheran.  And  are  of 
opinion  that  the  same  Tract  of  Land  be  granted  to  the  same  Palatines,  according 
to  the  said  return  of  the  said  Survey,  with  the  proper  alterations  to  these  Contin- 
gencies. And  that  the  first  five  hundred  Acres  thereof  laid  out  for  a  Glebe,  be 
sett  apart  and  Impropriated  towards  the  maintenance  of  a  Lutheran  Minister  and 
his  successors  forever,  and  maintained  to  the  best  maintaining  thereof,  which  said 
Tract  of  Land  lies  on  the   North  side  of  Quassaik   Creek   &  extends   northerly   up 

the    Hudsons    River,     And    we    have    of    our    Especial    Grace 

certain  knowledge  and  meer  motion  given  granted  ratified  and  Confirmed,  and  do 
by  these  presents  for  Us,  Our  Heirs  and  Successors  forever  give  grant  ratify  and 
Confirm  unto  the  said  Andries  Volk  and  Jacob  Webber  and  to  their  Successors  for- 
ever, as  Trustees  to  and  for  the  Benefit  and  Behoof  of  a  Lutheran  Minister  to  serve 
and  have  care  of  souls  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  two  thousand  one  hundred  and 
ninety  Acres  of  the  same  Tract  of  Land,  laid  out  and  Surveyed,  between  the  afore- 
said Lotts  Number  five  and  six,  with  all  other  the  premises  hereditaments  and  ap- 
purtenances of  in  and  to  the  said  Glebe  of  five  hundred  Acres  of  Land  belonging 
and  appurtaining  as  was  and  are  before  granted  to  the  aforesaid  George  Lockstedt 
and  Anna  Elizabeth  his  wife  Margaretha  Anna  Sara  &  Catherina  their  three  Daugh- 
ters, and  with  same  or  like  Exceptions  and  Reservations  as  in  their  said  iLott  num- 
ber one  was  and  are  reserved  unto  Us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  forever 


1719 


To  have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Glebe  of  five  hundred  acres  of  the  same  tract  of 
Land  and  premises  unto  the  aforesaid  Andries  Volck  and  Jacob  Webber,  as  first 
Trustees  during  their  naturell  Lives  and  their  successors  forever. 

But,  to  and  for  the  sole  and  only  proper  Use  Benefit  and  Behoof  of  a  Lutheran 
Minister  to  serve  and  have  Care  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  same  two  thousand  one 
hundred  and  ninety  Acres  of  Land  and  their  successors  forever.  And  for  the  per- 
petuall  Continuation  of  the  aforesaid  Trust  and  the  preservation  and  Improvement 
of  the  said  Glebe  to  and  for  the  said  Use  aforesaid  We  do  likewise  give  grant  that 


1720 


2146  Ecclesiastical  Records 

upon  the  Death  or  Disability  or  Absence  of  the  same  Andries  "Volck  and  Jacob  Web- 
ber or  either  of  them  or  any  of  their  successors  It  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to 
and  for  all  the  Inhabitants  of  the  same  Tract  of  Land  being  Males  and  above  the 
Age  of  twenty  one  Years  to  assemble  and  meet  together  at  any  time  and  times 
hereafter  upon  some  part  of  the  Glebe  land,  and  by  Majority  of  voice  to  elect  and 
chuse  other  Trustee  or  Trustees  in  the  Room  or  Stead  of  such  Trustee  or  Trusteeb 
so  dying  removing  or  otherwise  disabled,  which  Trustee  or  Trustees  so  chosen  here- 
after shall  be  Trustee'  or  Trustees  of  the  same  Glebeland  to  all  Intents  or  Purposes 
as  if  they  have  been  herein  nominated,  for  the  Ordering  or  Management  of  the  said 
Glebeland,  and  have  and  shall  have  full  I'ower  and  Authority  to  lease  or  grant  the 
same  Glebeland  or  any  part  thereof  at  a  certain  rent,  and  to  have  and  receive  the 
same  Rent  to  and  for  the  use  aforesaid  —  Provided  allwais  that  the  said  Trustees 
for  the  Time  being  shall  not  lease  the  same  or  any  part  thereof  for  longer  Term 
for  one  Term,  then  the  Term  or  space  of  Seven  Years.  And  that  they  the  said 
Trustees  for  the  time  being  shall  alwais  take  to  their  Assistance  in  the  doing 
thereof  the  Lutheran  Minister  of  that  Parish  for  the  time  being  if  there  be  any 
Incumbent.  And  Wee  do  further  by  these  presents  grant,  that  the  said  Trustees 
and  their  Successors  forever  hereafter  are  and  shall  be  one  Body  corporate  and 
politic  in  Fact  and  Name,  by  the  Name  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Palatin  Parish  by 
Quassaik,  and  by  that  name  be  and  shall  be  forever  hereafter  capable  and  able  in 
the  Law  to  sue  and  be  sued,  answer  and  be  answered  unto,  defend  and  be  de- 
fended, in  any  Court  of  Law  and  Equity  within  the  province  of  New  York  — 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Great  Seal  of  our  Province  of  New 
York  to  be  affixed  to  these  Presents  and  the  same  to  be  entered  of  Record  in  one 
of  the  Books  of  Patents  in  our  Secretary's  Office  remaining.  Witness  our  said 
Trustee  and  Wellbeloved  Colonell  Peter  Schuyler  President  of  our  said  Council  in 
Council  at  Fort  George  New  York  this  eighteenth  Day  of  December  in  the  Sixth 
Year  of  our  Reign  Annoq  Domini  1719. 

J.  Bobin,  Dept.   Secretary. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  pp.  353,  354. 

Governor  Hunter  to  Secretary  Poppel. 

The  Palatines. 

London  ye  26  July,  1720. 

Sir: —  I  have  the  honor  of  yours  with  a  copy  of  a  petition  from  Wyser  and 
other  Palatines  with  their   Lordships  commands  relating  to  it. 

Such  of  that  people  as  were  sober  &  industrious  remain  on  the  Lands  where  I 
settled  them  at  first  &  which  I  was  obliged  to  Purchase  for  them  on  Hudsons  River 
for  the  ends  proposed  by  those  who  sent  them  viz.,  the  manufacture  of  Naval 
Stores;  these  are  well  inabled  to  subsist  themselves  the  rest  have  been  wanderers. 
About  forty  familys  of  them  went  and  took  possession  of  lands  granted  to  several 
persons  at  New  York  and  Albany  against  repeated  orders:  In  compassion  to  the 
innocent  women  and  children  I  prevailed  with  the  proprietors  of  these  Lands  to 
make  them  an  offer  of  the  Lands  free  from  all  rent  or  acknowledgement,  for  ten 
years  &  ever  after  at  a  very  moderate  Quit  Rent.  The  majority  accepted  of  the 
conditions,  but  durst  not  or  could  not  execute  the  agreement  for  fear  of  the  rest 
who  had  been  tampering  with  the  Indians  who  had  resigned  their  claims  to  their 
Lands  to  the  Crown,  but  I  have  some  reason  to  believe  that  in  the  meantime  it  is 
compleated  or  speedily  will  be  so. 

Their  Lordships  know  that  all  the  Lands  of  any  value  were  granted  away  before 
my  Administration.  There  is  still  a  great  Tract  of  Land,  but  very  remote,  on  the 
Frontiers,  formerly  graunted  to  Domine  Dellius,  of  Fifty  miles  square,  &  resumed 
by  Act  of  Assembly  which  may  be  graunted  to  them,  if  they  are  willing  to  trans- 
plant themselves  thither  in  a  body,  so  as  they  may  be  secure  from  the  attempts 
of  the  French  Indians  their  nearest  Neighbours;  but  their  neighborhood  with  our 
Indians  has  given  much  truble  &  may  give  more.  If  their  Ijordships  think  fit  to 
make  them  an  offer  of  that  settlement,  a  letter  to  the  present  Governor  for  that 
purpose  will  do  the  thing,  &  free  their  Lordships  from  further  trouble  if  they 
are  willing  to  accept  of  the  offer,   but 

Query  how  far  such  grant  may  avail  them  until  his  Majesty  has  approved  of  the 
Naturalization  Act,  or  whether  the  Governor  can  grant  them  letteFs  of  Denization  to 
enable  them  to  hold  lands,  there  being  no  such  powers  mentioned  in  his  letters 
patent.     I  am  with  the  greatest  respect, 

Sir, 

Your    most    obedient    humble    servant, 
(Signed)  Ro.  Hunter. 

—  CoL  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  T.  pp.  552,  553. 


OF  THE  State  of  ]!>[ew  Yoek.  214Y 

Petition  of   the  iN'sw  York  Palatines   to   the   Lords   of 

Trade. 

Aug.  2,  1720. 

The  Case  of  the  Palatines,  and  other  Germans,  in  the  Province  of  New  York  in 
America  sheweth. 

That,  in  the  year  1709.  The  Palatines,  &  other  Germans,  being  invited  to  come 
into  England  about  Four  Thousand  of  them  vrere  sent  into  New  York  In  America, 
of  whom  about  1700  Died  on  Beard,  or  at  their  landing  in  that  Province,  by  un- 
avoidable sickness. 

That  before  they  went  on  Board,  they  were  promised,  those  remaining  alive 
should  have  forty  acres  of  Land,  &  Five  pounds  sterling  per  Head,  besides  Cloths, 
Tools,  Utensils  &  other  necessaries,  to  Husbandry,  to  be  given  at  their  arrival  in 
America. 

That  on  their  landing  there  they  were  quartered  in  Tents,  &  divided  into  six 
companies,  having  each  a  captain  of  their  own  Nation,  with  a  promise  of  an  allow- 
ance of  fifteen  Pounds  per  annum   to   each  commander. 

That  afterwards  they  were  removed  on  Lands  belonging  to  Mr.  Livingstone, 
where  they  erected  small  Houses  for  shelter  during  the  winter  season. 

That  in  the  Spring  following  they  were  ordered  into  the  woods,  to  make  Pitch 
&  Tar,  where  they  lived  about  two  years;  But  the  country  not  being  fit  to  raise 
any  considerable  quantity  of  Naval  Stores,  They  were  commanded  to  Build,  to 
clear  &  improve  the  ground  belonging  to  a  private  person. 

That  the  Indians  having  yielded  to  Her  late  Majesty  of  pious  memor.v  a  small 
Tract  of  Land  called  Schorie  for  the  use  of  the  Palatines,  they  in  fifteen  days 
cleared  a  way  of  fifteen  miles  through  the  woods  &  settled  fifty  Families  therein. 

That  the  following  spring  the  remainder  of  the  said  Palatines  joined  the  said 
fifty  families  so  settled  therein  Shorie. 

But  that  country  being  too  small  for  their  encreasing  families,  they  were  con- 
strained to  purchase  some  Neighbouring  Land  of  the  Indians  for  which  they  were 
to  give  Three  hundred  pieces  of  Eight. 

And  having  built  small  Houses,  &  Hutts  there  about  one  year  after  the  said 
purchase  some  gentlemen  of  Albanl.  declared  to  the  Palatines,  that  themselves 
having  purchased  the  said  country  of  Schorie  of  the  Governor  of  New  York  they 
would  not  permit  them  to  live  there,  unless  an  agreement  were  also  made  with 
those  of  Albany;  But  that  the  Palatines  having  refused  to  enter  into  such  an 
agreement,  A  Sheriff  &  some  officers  were  sent  from  Albany  to  seize  one  of  their 
Captains,  who  being  upon  his  Guard;  The  Indians  were  animated  against  the 
Palatines;  but  these  found  means  to  appease  the  Savages  by  giving  them  what 
they  would  of  their  own  substance. 

That  in  the  year  1717  the  Governor  of  New  York  having  summoned  the  Palatines 
to  appear  at  Albani,  some  of  them  being  deputed  went  thither  accordingly,  where 
they  were  told,  that  unless  they  did  agree  with  the  Gentlemen  of  Albany,  the 
Governor  expected  an  order  from  England  to  transport  them  to  another  place, 
And  that  he  would  send  twelve  men  to  view  their  works  &  improvements  to 
appraise  the  same  &  then  to  give  them  the  value  thereof  in  money. 

But  this  not  being  done  the  Palatines  to  the  number  of  about  three  Thousand, 
have  continued  to  manure  &  to  sew  the  Land  that  they  might  not  be  starved  for 
want  of  Corn  &  food. 

For  which  manuring  the  Gentlemen  of  Albanl  have  put  in  prison  one  man  and 
one  woman,  &  will  not  release  them,  unless  they  have  sufficient  security  of  One 
Hundred  Crowns  for  the  former. 

Now  in  order  that  the  Palatines  may  be  preserved  in  the  said  lands  of  Schorie, 
which  they  have  purchased  of  the  Indians,  or  that  they  may  be  so  settled  in  an 
adjoining  Tract  of  Land,  as  to  raise  a  necessary  substance  for  themselves  &  their 
families,  they  have  sent  into  England  Three  Persons  one  of  whom  is  since  dead 
humbly  to  lay  their  Case  before  His  Majesty,  not  doubting  but  that  in  consideration 
of  the  hardships  they  have  suffered  for  want  of  a  secure  settlement.  His  Majesty's 
Ministers   and   Council   will    compassionate   those   His   faithful    Subjects;    Who,    in 

23 


1720 


1720 


2148  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  first  year  after  their  arrival  willingly  and  cheerfully  sent  Three  Hundred  men 
to  the  expedition  against  Canada,  &  afterwards  to  the  Assistance  of  Albani  which 
was  threatened  by  the  French  and  Indians,  for  which  service  they  have  never 
received  One  Penny,  tho'  they  were  upon  the  Establishment  of  New  York  or  New 
Jersey,  nor  had  they  received  one  Penny  of  the  five  pounds  per  head  promised  at 
their  going  on  board  from  England  Neither  have  their  commanders  received  any- 
thing of  the  allowance  of  fifteen  pounds  per  Annum,  and  tho'  the  arms  they  had 
given  them  at  the  Canada  expedition  which  were  by  special  order  from  Her 
late  Majesty,  to  be  left  in  their  possession,  have  been  taken  from  them,  yet  they 
are  still  ready  to  fight  against  all  the  enemies  of  His  Majesty  &  those  countrys 
whenever  there  shall  be  occasion  to  shew  their  hearty  endeavors  for  the  prosperity 
of  their  generous  Benefactors  in  England  as  well  as  in  America. 

Therefore  they  hope  from  the  Justice  of  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commis- 
sioners of  Trade  and  Plantations,  to  whom  their  Petition  to  their  Excellencies  the 
Lords  Justices  has  been  referred  That  they  shall  be  so  supporffed  by  their  Lord- 
ships Report,  as  to  be  represented  fit  objects  to  be  secured  in  the  Land  they  now 
do  inhabit  or  in  some  near  adjoining  lands  remaining  in  the  right  of  the  Crown  in 
the  said  Province  of  New  York. 

And  they  shall  ever  pray  as  in  duty  bound  etc. —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp  553- 
555. 

2  August,  1720. 


Petitions  for  the  Incorporation  of  the  Dutch  Church  of 
Albany.     (1720.) 

To  the  Honorable  Peter  Schuyler  Esq.,  President  and  the  Rest  of  his  Majesties 
Councill  of  the  Province  of  New  York  and  the  Territories  depending  thereon  in 
America. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  Petrus  van  Driesen,  Minister  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Congregation  in  the  City  of  Albany,  Joannis  Cuyler,  Joannis  Roseboom, 
Hendrick  van  Renselaer,  Willem  Jacobse  van  Deusen  present  Elders  for  the  same 
and  Rntgert  Bleecker  Volkert  van  Veghten  Myndert  Roseboom  and  Dirk  Ten 
Broek  present  Deacons  of  the  said  Church. 

Most  Humbly  Sheweth 

That    the   said    Minister    Elders    and    Deacons   and    other  the   members    in    Corn- 


ground  for  a  poor  or  alms  house  and  for  a  Minister's  dwelling  house;  and  sundry 
other  small  Tracts  of  Land  within  the  said  City  and  the  Rents  and  incomes  whereof 
are  by  them  (as  they  were  allso  by  their  predecessors  since  thev  were  Possessed 
of  them)  employed  for  the  relief  of  the  Poor  and  other  Per.sons  and  charitable  uses 
And  the  Petitioners  further  say  that  they  and  their  predecessors  have  for  many 
years  before  this  Province  was  under  the  Government  of  the  Crown  of  Great  Brit- 
ain and  ever  since  Peaceably  and  quietly  had  and  enjoyed  the  full  and  free  Exer- 
cise of  the  Protestant  Religion  in  the  Dutch  Language  according  to  the  Cannons 
Rules  Institucons  and  Church  Government  Established  bv  the  National  Svnod  held 
and  Assembled  in  the  City  of  Dort  in  Holland  in  the  vear  1618  and  1619  " 

And  the  Petitioners  humbly  conceive  and  are  advised  that  they  and  their  Suc- 
cessors would  be  the  better  enabled  to  employ  the  Rents  and  incomes  of  the  Lands 
and  Tenements  aforesaid  for  Pious  and  Charitable  uses  if  thev  were  incorporated 
as  some  other  of  the  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Churches  in  this  Province  are 

They  therefore  most  Humbly  Pray  your  Honours  that  the  Petitioners  and  their 
Successors  may  be  Incorporated  by  Letters  Patent  under  the  Great  Seal  of  this 
Province  with  such  or  the  like  Priviledges  and  Liberties  as  are  granted  to  the  Min- 
ister Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the  City  of 
New  York  and  that  the  said  Church  and  the  aforesaid  Tenements  and  Lotts  of 
Ground  and  other  the  Tracts  and  Parcells  of  Land  aforesaid  may  be  Confirmed 
unto  them  and  their  Successors  forever  under  such  moderate  Qultrent  as  unto  your 
Honors  shall  seem  meet. 

And  your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  Pray  etc. 

Petrus  Van  Driesen.   V.D.M. 

T>r        tr     ,    o  o   o         ...  ^  ^r,^  Nomine  Synodij. 

New  York  3rd  day  of  August  1720. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  547,  .548. 


OF  THE  State  of  N^ew  York.  2149 

Schedule  or  List  of  Lands  and  Tenements  to  be  Confirmed 
UNTO  the  Ministers  Elders  and  Deacons  of  Albany. 

(1720) 

The  Dutch  Chiirch  Scituate  lying  and  being  in  the  said  City  of  Albany  in  the 
high  street  otherwise  called  the  yonkers  street  nigh  the  bridge  Containing  in 
Length  on  the  South  side  seaven  Rodd  three  foot  four  inches  on  the  North  side 
seaven  Rood  three  foot  one  inch  Ryn  land  measure  in  breadth  on  the  East  and 
West  Side  Sixty  one  foot  and  five  Inches  wood  measure  —  date  21st  December, 
1714. 

As  also  a  Certain  Messuage  or  Tenement  or  Lot  of  ground  Commonly  Called 
the  Dutch  Ministers  house  scituate  lying  and  being  in  the  City  aforesaid  in  the 
Brewers  street  on  the  East  side  thereof  in  the  third  Ward  of  the  said  City  being 
in  front  from  the  South  to  the  North  five  Rodd  tenn  Inches  and  behind  towards 
the  River  six  Rodd  Fiveteen  Inches  Ryn  land  measure  and  in  length  from  the 
said  street  to  the  City  Stockadoes  bounded  on  the  South  side  by  Jan  Salomonz  on 
the  north  side  by  that  late  of  Hans  Hendricks  and  the  widdow  of  David  Schuyler. 
—  dated  15  July  1692. 

As  allso  a  Certain  Messuage  or  Tenement  and  Lot  of  Ground  scituate  lying  and 
being  in  the  City  aforesaid  Commonly  called  the  Poor  or  alms  house  being  in  the 
first  Ward  of  the  said  City  bounded  to  the  South  by  the  high  street  that  leads 
to  the  burying  place  to  the  North  of  Butters  kill  to  the  East  by  Harman  Rutgers 
and  to  the  West  by  Gerrit  Banker  Containing  in  breadth  towards  the  Street  that 
leads  to  the  Lutheran  Church  by  the  said  Rutters  kill  six  rodd  one  Foot  and  the 
like  breadth  in  the  Rear  in  Length  on  the  East  side  Eight  Rodd  wanting  three 
Inches  on  the  West  side  Eight  rodd  and  Two  Inches  all  Ryn  land  measure  date 
4th   December  1685. 

As  allso  all  that  Certain  parcell  of  Land  commonly  called  or  known  by  ye  name 
of  ye  Pasture  scituate  lying  and  being  to  the  Southward  of  the  said  City  near 
the  place  where  the  old  Fort  stood  and  extending  along  Hudsons  River  till  it  come 
over  against  the  most  northerly  Point  of  the  Island  commonly  Called  and  known 
by  the  name  of  Marten  Gerritsens  Island  having  to  the  East  Hudsons  River  to 
the  South  the  Mannor  of  Renslaerwyck  to  the  west  the  highway  that  leads  to 
the  City  aforesaid  the  pastures  now  or  late  in  the  Tenure  and  Occupation  of 
Martin  Gerrits  and  the  Pasture  now  or  Late  in  the  Tenure  and  occupation  of 
Kasper  Jacobs  to  the  north  the  severall  Pastures  late  in  the  Tenure  and  Occupa- 
tion of  Robert  Sanders  Myndert  Harmens  and  Evert  Wendell  and  the  Severall 
gardens  late  in  the  Tenure  and  Occupacon  of  Dirk  Wessells  Kiljan  van  Rense- 
laer  and  Abraham  Staats  together  with  the  old  highway  from  the  Beavers  kill 
to  the  end  of  Schermerhoorns  Pasture  adjoining  to  the  same  on  the  West  side 
thereof,     date  4th  December  1688. 

As  allso  all  that  Certain  Parcell  of  Pasture  Land  scituate  lying  and  being  to 
the  South  of  the  said  City  to  the  West  of  the  Pasture  last  menconed  near  and 
about  the  Llmitts  of  the  said  City  on  the  mannor  of  Benselaarwyck  Containing 
in  breadth  along  the  waggon  way  six  and  twenty  Rodd  in  Length  towards  the 
woods  Eight  and  Twenty  Rodd  &  in  Breadth  towards  ye  woods  twenty  five  Rod. 
and  allso  a  Certain  garden  Lot  of  ground  Scituate  lying  and  being  in  the  great 
Pasture  Containing  in  breadth  six  rodd  and  five  foot,  in  Length  eight  rodd  and 
two  foot  and  stretching  backward  with  another  small  lot  of  three  rodd  two  foot 
in  length  and  in  breadth  one  Rodd  and  two  ffoot  all  Rynland  measure  —  31st  De- 
cember  1700. 

New  York  3rd  day  of  August  1720. 

—  Doc.  Hist.   N.  Y.   Vol.   ill.  pp.  550-551. 


1720 


2150  Ecclesiastical  Records 


1720 


Answer  to  a  Caveat  against  Said  Chaeter.     Aug.   6,  1720. 

To  the  Honorable  Peter  Schuyler,  Esq.  President  and  the  Rest  of  his  Majesties 
Councill  of  the  Province  of  New  York  and  the  Territories  depending  thereon  in 
America.     (1720) 

The  Humble  Petition  of  Petnis  van  Driesen  Minister  of  the  Dutch  Protestant 
Congregacon  in  the  City  of  Albany  Joannis  Cuyler  Joannis  Roseboom  Hendrik  van 
Renselaer  and  Willem  .Tacobse  van  Driesen  the  present  Elders,  Rutger  Bleecker 
Volckert  van  Veghten  Myndert  Roseboom  and  Dirk  ten  Broeck  the  present  deacons 
of  the  same  — 

Most  humbly  Sheweth 

That  your  petitioners  did  lately  most  humbly  pray  your  Honors  to  grant  unto 
them  and  their  Successors  Letters  Patent  under  the  Great  Seal  of  this  Province 
for  incorporating  them  with  such  and  the  like  Priviledges  and  Liberties  as  here- 
tofore granted  to  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York 
together  with  a  Confirmation  of  all  such  Lands  and  Tenements  as  they  now  hold 
to  and  for  the  use  of  the  said  Congregacon  — 

But  so  it  is  may  it  please  your  Honors  that  one  Mr.  Hendrik  Hansen  of  the 
City  of  Albany  has  entered  a  Caveat  against  the  passing  of  the  said  Patent  under 
pretence  that  the  Dutch  Church  erected  in  the  City  of  Albany  is  built  on  some  part 
of  the  ground  belonging  to  the  said  Mr.  Hansen,  and  although  your  Petitioners 
can  easily  make  appear  that  the  said  pretence  is  groundless  and  only  made  up  of 
by  the  said  Hansen  to  delay  your  Petitioners  in  the  presenting  and  obtaining  the 
said  Patent. 

They  therefore  most  humbly  pray  that  for  the  Removing  of  all  difficulties  and 
objections  that  may  be  raised  against  the  passing  of  the  said  Patent  a  Clause  may 
be  inserted  in  the  Same  to  save  the  right  and  Title  of  all  manner  of  persons  to  the 
Lands  and  Tenements  or  any  part  thereof  which  the  Petitioners  by  their  former 
petition  did  Humbly  pray  to  be  Confirmed  unto  them  and  their  Successors. 

And  your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  Pray  etc. 

Petrus  Van  Driesen  V.  D.  M. 
New  York,  Nomine   Sijnodeii. 

6th  August  1720. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  548. 


Report  on  the  Petition  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  Albany 

FOR  A  Charter. 

May  it  Please  your  Honor 

In  Obedience  to  your  Honours  order  in  Councill  of  the  6th  of  this  instant  Re- 
ferring to  us  the  Petition  of  Petrus  Van  Driessen  Minister  of  the  Dutch  Protestant 
Congregation  in  the  City  of  Albany;  Johannis  Cuyler,  Johannis  Roseboom,  Hen- 
drick  Van  Renselaer,  Willem  Jacobse  Van  Deursen  the  Present  Elders,  Rutgert 
Bleaker,  Volkert  Van  Veghten  Myndert  Roseboom  and  Dirk  Ten  Broek  the  present 
Deacons  of  the  same.  We  have  not  only  Maturely  considered  of  the  Same,  But 
likewise  of  their  former  Petition  to  tha  same  purpose  bearing  date  the  3rd  of  this 
instant  and  also  of  a  Caveat  against  the  Prayer  of  the  Said  Petitions  Entred  by 
Mr.  Wileman  in  behalf  of  Hendrick  Hansen  bearing  date  the  4th  instant. 

And  in  regard  of  the  said  Congregation  is  one  of  the  Longest  Standing  in  this 
Government  and  that  they  have  ever  since  Enjoyed  the  free  Exercise  of  their  Dis- 
cipline and  Worship,  We  do  Judge  the  prayers  of  the  said  Petitions  very  reason- 
able, and  therefore  are  of  Opinion,  that  your  Honour  may  Grant  a  Patent  of 
Encorporation  under  the  Broad  Seal  of  this  Province  to  the  said  Minister  Elders 
and  Deacons  and  their  Successors  forever  for  the  free  use  and  Exercise  of  their 
said  Religion  and  Worship  according  to  the  Cannons  Rules  Institutions  and  Church 
Government  Established  by  the  National  Synod  held  and  Assembled  in  the  City  of 
Dort  in  Holland  in  the  years  1618  and  1619  and  also  such  and  the  like  Libertyes 
and  Priviledges  as  are  Granted  to  the  Ministers  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Dutch 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2151 

Reformed  Churches  in  the  City  of  New  York  and  of  the  Township  of  Kingston  re- 
spectively with  such  variations  and  additions  as  may  be  proper  and  agreeable  to 
the  Present  Circumstances  of  the  said  Congregacon  and  that  a  clause  ought  to  be 
inserted  that  the  Yearly  Rents  and  incomes  of  the  Lands  and  Tenements  now  held 
by  them  or  hereafter  to  be  holden  by  them,  shall  not  exceed  the  Sume  of  three 
hundred  pounds  Current  Money  of  this  Province  Per  annum. 

We  are  likewise  of  Opinion  that  not  only  the  Said  Dutch  Church  but  also  the 
several  Lands  and  Tenements  of  which  the  said  Congregation  by  Several  mean  Con- 
veyances now  stands  seized  and  possessed  of  Scltuate  lyeing  and  being  within  the 
City  and  Corporation  of  Albany  being  particularly  mentioned  in  a  Schedule  or 
list  hereunto  annexed,  may  in  the  said  Patent  of  Incorporation  be  Confirmed  unto 
the  said  Minister  Elders  and  Deacons  and  to  their  Successors  forever  Under  the 
Yearly  Rent  or  acknowledgment  of  one  Pepper  Corn  (if  demanded)  Saveing  never- 
theless the  Right  and  Title  of  all  manner  of  Persons  Body  Politick  and  Corporate 
to  the  aforesaid  Lands  and  Tenements  or  any  part  or  parcell  thereof  which  is 
nevertheless  humbly  submitted  by 

Your  Honours   Most   Obedient   humble   Servants, 

A.  D.  Peyster,  R.  Walter,  Gerard  Beekman,  John  Barberie,  A.   Philipse, 
New  York. 

August  the  8th,  1720. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.   iii.  p.  549. 

Oedee  to  Peepaee  a  Charter  foe  Dutch  Chuech  of  Albany. 

(1720) 

By  the  Honourable  Peter  Schuyler  Esq.  President  of  his  Majesties  Councill  for 
the  Province  of  New  York  in  Councill. 

You  are  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  prepare  the  Draft  of  Letters  Potent 
for  Incorporating  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the  City  of  Albany 
and  making  of  them  one  body  corporate  and  politick  to  them  and  their  Successors 
forever  by  the  name  of  the  Ministers  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Reformed  Prot- 
estant Dutch  Church  in  the  City  of  Albany  the  Reverend  Petrus  van  Driesen  being 
their  present  minister  Johannes  Cuyler,  Johannes  Roseboom  Henry  van  Renselaer 
and  William  Jacobsen  van  Deursen  being  the  present  Elders  Rutgert  Bleecker 
Volkerst  Veghten  Myndert  Roseboom  and  Dirck  Ten  Broeck  being  the  present 
Deacons  of  the  said  Church  for  the  ffree  use  and  exercise  of  their  religion  and 
worship  according  to  the  Canons  Rules  Institutions  &  Church  Government  estab- 
lished by  the  National  Synod  of  Dort  in  Holland  in  the  years  of  our  Lord  Christ 
1618  and  1619  with  such  and  the  liberties  and  priviledges  as  are  granted  to  the 
minister  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the 
City  of  New  York  or  to  the  Ministers  Elders  &  Deacons  of  the  Reformed  Prot- 
estant Dutch  Church  of  the  Town  of  Kingston  in  Ulster  County  with  such  va- 
riacons  additions  or  omissions  as  they  may  have  found  most  proper  and  agreeable 
to  their  present  circumstances  from  the  usage  and  presence  of  others.  Provided 
always  that  the  yearly  income  of  their  Demesnes  whereof  they  are  now  or  here- 
after shall  become  seized  and  possessed  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  three  hundred 
pounds  lawfull  money  of  the  Colony  of  New  York  and  you  are  by  the  Draft  of  the 
said  Letters  Patent  to  Grant  and  confirm  to  them  &  their  successors  and  assigns 
forever  all  the  tenements  &  heridataments  whatsoever  whereof  they  are  now 
seized  and  possessed  to  and  for  the  sole  and  only  proper  use  benefit  and  behoof 
of  the  aforesaid  ministers  elders  and  deacons  of  the  reformed  protestant  Dutch 
Church  in  the  City  of  Albany  their  successors  and  assigns  forever  saving  never- 
theless the  right  and  title  of  any  other  person  or  persons,  body  corporate  and 
politick  whatsoever  to  any  of  the  aforesaid  tenements  or  hereditaments  or  to 
any  part  or  parts  of  any  of  them  yielding  and  paying  therefor  yearly  and  every 
year  forever  unto  Our  sovereign  Lord  the  King  his  heirs  and  successors  forever 
the  annual  rent  of  one  peppercorn  on  the  feast  of  the  annunciacon  of  the  blessed 
Virgin  Mary  commonly  called  Lady  day  in  lieu  &  stead  of  all  other  rents  services 
dues  duties  and  demands  whatsoever  the  particular  description  and  limits  and 
boundaryes   of   their   present    demesnes  and    conteind    in   a    certain   schedule    here- 


1720 


1720 


2152  Ecclesiastical  Records 

unto  annexed  and  for  your  so  doing  this   shall   be   your  sufficient   Warrant   Dated 
as  above. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  arms  at  fort  George  in  New  York  this  tenth 
day  of  August  in  the  seaventh  year  the  Reign  of  our  sovereign  Lord  George  by  the 
Grace  of  God  of  Great  Brittain  ffrance  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  faith 
etc.  annoq.  Do.  1720. 

To  David  Jamison  Esq.  Attorney  General!  of  the  province  of  New  York. 

—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.  Vol.   iii.   p.   550. 


Charter  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  of 
Albany,  August  10,  1720. 

I.    ]^ame  and  Title  of  King  and  Reference  to  Petition  for  a 

Charter, 

George  by  the  Grace  of  God  King  of  Great  Britain,  Prance 
and  Ireland,  defender  of  the  faith,  etc.,  to  all  to  whom  these 
presents  shall  come  or  may  concern,  sendeth  greeting :  Whereas 
our  loving  subjects  the  Rev.  Petrus  Yan  Driessen,  Johannes  Cuy- 
ler,  Johannes  Rooseboom,  Henrych  Yan  Rensselaer,  William 
Jacobse  Yan  Deusen,  Rutgert  Bleecker,  Yolkert  Yan  Yeghten, 
Myndert  Rooseboom  and  Dirck  Tienbroock,  the  present  ministers, 
elders  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in 
the  city  of  Albany,  in  our  Province  of  Xew  York,  by  their  humble 
petition  presented  to  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Colonel  Peter 
Schuyler,  president  of  our  council  for  our  province  of  iSTew  York, 

In  council  have  set  forth  that  the  inhabitants  of  Albany,  de- 
scended of  Dutch  ancestors,  have  from  the  first  settlement  of 
this  province  by  Christians,  hitherto  held,  used  and  enjoyed  the 
free  and  undisturbed  exercise  of  their  religion  and  worship  in  the 
Dutch  language,  after  the  manner  of  the  established  Reformed 
Protestant  religion  in  Holland,  according  to  the  common  rules, 
institutions  and  church  government  of  the  i^ational  Synod  of 
Dort,  in  Holland,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  one  thousand 
six  hundred  and  eighteen,  and  one  thousand  six  hundred  and 
nineteen : 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2153 

1720 

II.     Pieces   of   Property  belonging   to    said   Duteli    Churcli    of 

Albany. 

1.  The  Dutch  have  built  a  Church  in  Albany,  etc. 

And  that  said  minister,  elders  and  deacons,  and  their  ancestors 
and  predecessors,  at  their  o^vn  charge  and  expense,  erected,  built 
and  hitherto  maintained  a  church  within  the  city  of  Albany  afore- 
said, and  have  dedicated  the  same  to  the  service  and  worship  of 
Almighty  God,  situate,  lying  and  being  in  the  high  street  com- 
monly called  Yonkers  street,  nigh  the  bridge  in  the  city  of  Albany, 
containing  in  length  on  the  south  side  thereof  seven  rod,  three 
foot  four  inches ;  on  the  north  side  seven  rod,  three  foot  one  inch, 
Eynland  measure,  and  in  breadth  on  the  east  and  west  ends,  sixty 
one  foot  and  five  inches,  wood  measure  : 

2.  Parsonage  plot,  etc. 

And  are  now  not  only  quietly  and  peaceably  seized  and  pos- 
sessed of  their  said  church,  but  are  likewise  seized  of  sundry 
other  demesnes  to  and  for  their  sole  and  only  proper  use  and 
behoof  of  their  said  church  and  congregation,  that  is  to  say,  one 
certain  messuage  or  tenement  and  lot  of  ground  in  the  aforesaid 
city  of  Albany  commonly  called  the  Dutch  minister's  house,  sit- 
uate, lying  and  being  in  the  Brewer's  street,  on  the  east  side 
thereof,  in  the  third  ward  of  the  said  city,  being  in  front  from 
the  southward  to  the  northward  five  rod  ten  inches,  and  behind 
toward  Hudson's  river,  six  rod  fifteen  inches,  Rynland  measure, 
and  in  length  from  the  said  street  to  the  city  stockadoes,  bounded 
on  the  south  side  by  Jan  Solomons,  and  on  the  north  side  by  that 
of  the  late  Hans  Hendrycks  and  the  widow  of  David  Schuyler. 

3.  The  Poor-House. 

Also  one  other  certain  messuage  or  tenement  and  lot  of  ground, 
situate,  lying  and  being  in  the  city  aforesaid  commonly  called 
poor  house  or  alms  house,   in  the  first  ward   of  the  said  city. 


2154  Ecclesiastical,  Records 

bounded  on  the  south  bj  the  high  street  that  leads  to  the  burying 
place  to  the  north  of  Rutten  kill,  and  to  the  east  of  Harman 
Rutgers,  and  to  the  west  by  the  lot  of  Garryt  Banckef ,  containing 
in  breadth  towards  the  street  that  leads  to  the  Lutheran  church 
by  the  said  Rutten  kill,  six  rod  one  foot,  and  the  like  breadth 
in  the  rear,  and  in  length  on  the  east  side,  eight  rod  and  two 
inches,  all  Rynland  (Rhineland)  measure. 

4.  The  Pasture. 

Also  that  certain  parcel  of  land  commonly  called  and  known 
Gerrytsen's  island,  having  to  the  east  Hudson's  river,  to  the  south 
ward  of  the  city  of  Albany,  near  the  place  where  the  old  fort 
stood  extending  along  Hudson's  river,  till  it  comes  over  against 
the  most  northly  point  of  the  island  commonly  called  Marten 
Gerrytsen's  island,  having  to  the  east  Hudson  river,  to  the  south 
the  manor  of  Rensselaerswyck,  to  the  west  the  highway  that 
leads  to  the  city  aforesaid,  the  pastures  now  or  late  in  the  tenure 
and  occupation  of  Martin  Gerrytsen,  and  the  pasture  now  or  late 
in  the  tenure  or  occupation  of  Caspar  Jacobs,  to  the  north  the 
several  pastures  late  in  the  tenure  and  occupation  of  Robert 
Saunders,  Myndert  Harmans  and  Evert  Wendell,  and  the  several 
gardens  late  in  the  occupation  of  Dirck  Wessells,  Killian  Yan 
Rensselaer  and  Abraham  Staats,  together  with  the  old  highway 
from  Beaver  kill  to  the  end  of  Schermerhorn's  pasture,  adjoining 
to  the  same  on  the  west  side  thereof. 

5.  Aiother  Pasture  lot. 

Also  that  certain  parcel  of  pasture  land  situate,  lying,  and 
being  to  the  southward  of  the  said  city,  and  to  the  westward  of 
the  before  mentioned  pasture,  near  and  about  the  limits  of  the 
said  city  on  the  manor  of  Rensselaerswyck,  containing  in  breadth 
along  the  wagon  way,  six  and  twenty  rod,  and  in  length  towards 
the  woods,  eight  and  twenty  rod,  and  in  breadth  towards  the 
woods  twenty  five  rod. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2155 

1720 

6.  A  Garden. 
And  also  all  that  certain  garden  lot  of  ground  situate,  lying, 
and  being  in  the  great  pasture,  containing  in  the  breadth  six  rod 
and  five  foot,  and  in  length  eight  rod  and  two  foot,  and  stretch- 
ing backwards  with  another  small  lot  of  three  rod  and  two  foot 
in  length,  and  in  breadth  one  rod  and  two  foot  Rjnland  measure ; 

III.  Request  for  their  Incorporation  as  a  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church,  with  free  exercise  of  their  religion,  and 
privileges  similar  to  other  Dutch  Churches,  and  confirma- 
tion of  their  property,  etc. 

Praying  that  they  may  by  charter  or  patent  under  the  great 
seal  of  the  province  of  ISTew  York,  be  incorporated  and  made  one 
body  politic  in  fact  and  name,  and  that  they  and  their  successors 
forever  hereafter,  may  not  only  be  enabled  to  use,  exercise  and 
enjoy  their  aforesaid  privileges,  and  the  free  use  and  exercise  of 
their  said  religion  and  worship  in  manner  aforesaid,  by  the  name 
and  style  of  the  ministers,  elders  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed 
Protestant  Dutch  Church,  in  the  city  of  Albany,  with  such  other 
liberties  and  privileges  as  have  been  formerly  granted  to  other 
Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  churches  within  the  province  of 
New  York,  with  variations,  additions  and  commissions,  as  long 
usage  and  experience  has  taught  them  to  be  most  agreeable  to 
their  well  being  and  circumstances,  but  also  the  grant  and  con- 
firmation of  all  those  their  said  inheritances  and  demeans,  to 
hold  to  them,  the  said  ministers,  elders  and  deacons  of  the  Re- 
formed Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the  city  of  Albany,  and  to 
their  successors  and  assigns  forever : 

lY.  Request  granted. 

1.  Reasons. 

We  being  willing  to  encourage  and  promote  the  said  pious 
intentions  and  the  free  use  and  exercise  of  their  said  Reformed 


2156  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Protestant  religion,  to  the  same  congregation  and  their  successors 
forever,  in  the  said  city  of  Albany,  know  ye,  that  of  our  especial 
grace,  certain  knowledge,  and  meer  motion,  we  have  given, 
granted,  ratified,  and  confirmed,  and  do  by  these  presents  for 
us,  our  heirs  and  successors  forever,  give,  grant,  ratify  and  con- 
firm unto  all  the  inhabitants  of  Albany,  so  as  aforesaid  descended 
of  Dutch  ancestors,  and  professing  the  said  Reformed  Protestant 
religion,  and  to  their  successors  forever,  the  free  use  and  exer- 
cise of  their  worship,  doctrine,  discipline  and  church  government 
according  to  the  canons,  rules,  institutions  and  directions  of  the 
Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  Holland,  instituted  and 
approved  by  the  ISTational  Synod  of  Dort, 

2.  Perfect  Religious  Freedom  granted. 

And  that  no  person  nor  persons  whatsoever  in  communion  of 
the  said  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  Albany  afore- 
said, or  at  any  time  or  times  hereafter,  shall  be  molested,  dis- 
quieted, or  disturbed  in  the  free  use  and  exercise  of  their  said 
religion  and  worship,  they  behaving  themselves  peaceably,  and 
not  abusing  this  liberty  to  licentiousness,  profaneness,  and  the 
civil  injury  or  outward  disturbance  of  the  National  Church  of 
England,  as  by  law  established,  or  other  Reformed  Protestant 
churches  in  the  aforesaid  city  of  Albany, 

3.  Incorporation  of  said  Minister  with  Elders  and  Deacons  and 
Members.     Name  of  Church. 

And  to  the  end  the  same  liberties  and  privileges  be  hereafter 
forever  supported,  maintained,  and  continued  to  them  and  their 
successors  forever,  we  of  our  especial  grace,  certain  knowledge 
and  meer  motion,  do  likewise  will  and  grant  for  us,  our  heirs 
and  successors  forever,  unto  the  same  Petrus  Yan  Driessen,  the 
present  minister  of  the  same  congregation  at  Albany,  Johannes 
Roseboom,  Hendryck  Van  Rensselaer,  and  William  Jacobse  Van 
Deusen,  the  present  elders  of  the  same  church,  and  unto  Rutgert 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2157 

1720 

Bleecker,  Volkert  Van  Veghten,  Myndert  Eoseboom,  and  Dirk 
Tienbroock,  the  present  deacons  of  the  same  church,  and  the 
inhabitants  of  Albany  communicants  of  the  said  church,  that 
they  be  as  they  are  hereby  created  and  made  one  body  corpo- 
rate and  politick  in  fact  and  name,  by  the  name  of  the  minister, 
elders  and  deacons  of  the  Reforaied  Protestant  Dutch  Church 
in  the  city  of  Albany, 

V.  Rights  and  Privileges  of  said  Corporation. 

1.  Rights  in  Law. 

And  that  they  and  their  successors  forever,  shall  and  may  by 
that  name  have  perpetual  succession,  and  be  able  and  capable 
in  the  law  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded,  answer 
and  be  answered  unto,  defend  and  be  defended,  in  all  and  singu- 
lar suits,  quarrels,  controversies,  differences,  strifes,  matters  and 
things  whatsoever,  and  in  all  courts  whatsoever,  either  in  law  or 
equity,  of  what  kind  soever, 

2.  Rights  in  Property  and  Income. 

As  also  by  the  same  name,  to  have,  hold,  take,  receive,  be 
seized  of,  possess  and  enjoy  to  them  and  their  successors  forever 
their  said  church,  parsonage  or  minister's  dwelling-house,  alms- 
house, and  other  demesnes  or  inheritances,  by  fee  simple,  before 
mentioned,  and  such  other  demesnes  or  inheritances  to  purchase 
and  acquire  to  them  and  their  successors  and  assigns  forever, 
and  by  the  same  name,  the  same  lands,  hereditaments  and  appur- 
tenances, or  any  part  of  them  (excepting  only  the  same  church) ; 
to  alienate,  bargain,  sell,  grant,  demise,  sell  and  to  farm  let  to 
any  other  person,  or  persons,  body  corporate  and  politic,  what- 
soever at  their  will  and  pleasure,  in  fee  simple  for  life,  or  lives, 
or  for  term  of  years,  as  to  them  shall  seem  most  convenient  and 
profitable,  as  any  other  person  or  persons,  body  corporate  or 
politic,  may  or  can  do,  not  exceeding  the  yearly  value  of  three 
hundred  pounds  over  and  above  what  they  now  stand  seized  and 


2158  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1720 

possessed,  or  for  the  common  use  and  benefit  of  the  same  Dutch 

Church  and  of  all  the  members  of  the  same  congregation. 

3.  Right  to  a  Seal. 

And  we  do  further  will  and  grant  that  the  minister,  elders 
and  deacons  of  the  same  church,  for  the  time  being,  forever 
hereafter,  be  the  consistory  of  the  same  church,  and  shall  and 
may  have,  keep  and  use  a  common  seal  to  serve  for  all  grants, 
matters  and  things,  whatsoever  belonging  to  the  same  corpora- 
tion, with  such  device  or  contrivance  thereon  as  they  or  their 
successors  forever  shall  think  fit  to  appoint,  with  full  power  to 
break,  new  make  and  alter  the  same  at  their  will  and  discretion; 
and  the  same  consistory  shall  have  and  enjoy  the  like  power  and 
privileges  as  a  Dutch  consistory  in  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church  in  Holland  do,  or  may  or  ought  to  use  and  enjoy. 

VI.  Regulations  for  said  Corporation. 

1.  Kames  of  First  Minister,  Elders  and  Deacons  to  be  the  Con- 
sistory.    Their  powers. 

And  we  do  will  and  grant  that  the  same  Petrus  Van  Driessen 
be  the  first  minister  of  the  said  church  at  the  time  of  this  our 
grant,  and  the  same  Johannes  Cuyler,  Johannes  Roseboom,  Hen- 
ryck  Van  Rensselaer  and  William  Jacobse  Van  Deusen,  be  the 
first  elders  of  the  said  church  at  the  time  of  this  our  grant;  and 
that  the  same  Rutgert  Bleecker,  Volkert  Van  Veghten,  Myndert 
Roseboom  and  Dirk  Tienbroock,  be  the  first  deacons  of  the  said 
church  at  the  time  of  this  our  grant,  to  all  intents  and  purposes; 
and  that  the  said  ministers,  together  with  the  said  four  elders 
and  four  deacons,  or  the  ministers,  elders  and  deacons  for  the 
time  being,  and  the  major  numbers  of  them  whereof  the  minister 
for  the  time  being  always  to  be  one  —  be  the  consistory  of  the 
said  church,  and  have  and  shall  have  full  power  and  authority, 
at  all  time  and  times  forever  hereafter,  to  act  in  all  their  church 
affairs  and  business,  by  majority  of  voices,  in  as  full  and  ample 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2159 

manner  as  if  the  minister  and  all  the  said  four  elders  and  four 
deacons  were  personally  present  and  did  actually  and  severally 
give  their  votes. 

2.  Supplying  vacancies.     Term  of  office. 

But  in  case  of  the  death,  absence  or  removal  of  their  said  min- 
ister, then,  and  in  any  of  these  cases,  the  elders  and  deacons  of 
the  same  church,  for  the  time  being,  or  the  major  number  of 
them,  whereof  the  first  elder  in  nomination  we  will  always  to  be 
one,  and  shall  preside,  shall  have,  use  and  exercise  all  the  power 
and  authority  of  a  consistory  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  and 
shall  manage  and  order  the  church  affairs  in  as  full  and  ample 
manner  as  if  their  said  minister  were  alive,  present  and  consent- 
ing thereunto,  anything  in  these  presents  to  the  contrary  thereof 
in  any  wise  notwithstanding. 

3.  May  receive  and  pay  out  all  moneys,  gifts;  keep  accounts,  etc. 

And  we  vnW  and  grant  that  the  same  elders  and  deacons  con- 
tinue in  their  respective  offices  until  the  next  anniversary  elec- 
tion. And  the  said  elders  and  their  successors,  forever  here- 
after, have  and  shall  have  the  full  power  and  authority  of  receiv- 
ing and  paying  the  moneys  given  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
minister  or  ministry  of  the  same  church,  whether  the  same  arise 
by  legacy,  donation  or  voluntary  contributions  or  collection  from 
the  inhabitants  or  members  of  the  same  congregation,  and  are 
to  keep  exact  and  true  accounts  to  the  consistory,  when  there- 
unto by  them  required.  And  that  the  said  deacons  and  their 
successors  forever  hereafter,  have  and  shall  have  the  sole  power 
and  authority  of  receiving  and  paying  all  the  moneys  collected 
and  offered  at  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Sacrament  of  our 
Lord's  Supper,  and  in  church  in  the  times  of  divine  service  of 
preaching,  for  the  maintenance  of  the  poor,  and  are  to  keep  and 
render  exact  and  true  accounts  thereof  to  the  consistory  afore- 
said, when  thereunto  by  them  required. 


1720 


1720 


2160  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

4.  Time  of  their  election. 

Which  election  of  the  same  elders  and  deacons  of  the  same 
church  is  to  be  at  Albany  on  every  second  Saturday  of  December, 
annually,  forever,  by  majority  of  voices,  of  the  consistory,  in 
the  manner  following:  That  is  to  say,  on  each  second  Saturday 
of  December,  annually  forever  at  Albany,  shall  be  chosen  two 
new  elders  and  two  new  deacons,  who,  together  with  the  two 
elders  and  two  deacons  last  in  nomination  in  this  our  charter, 
shall  serve  for  the  year  ensuing  in  their  respective  offices,  and 
forever  thereafter,  the  two  new  ones  shall  be  chosen  and  added 
to  the  younger  two  elders  and  deacons  of  the  preceding  year,  so 
always  as  to  preserve  the  number  of  four  elders  and  four  deacons 
of  the  said  church. 

5.  Election  of  Church-masters  and  their  duties. 

And  moreover  we  do  will  and  grant  unto  the  said  minister, 
elders  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church, 
in  the  city  of  Albany,  and  to  their  successors  forever,  that  on 
the  second  Saturday  of  December  next,  and  on  every  second 
Saturday  of  December  annually  forever  hereafter  at  Albany, 
shall  be  elected  and  chosen  four  discreet  persons  by  the  majority 
of  voices  of  the  consistory  aforesaid,  to  be  kirkmasters  of  the 
said  church,  whose  office  and  charge  is  and  shall  be  to  build  and 
repair  the  same  church  and  cemetery,  parsonage,  alms-house, 
and  all  other  the  hereditaments  and  appurtenances  to  the  said 
church  belonging,  and  to  have  the  ordering  and  direction  of  the 
pews  and  seats  in  the  said  church,  and  the  breaking  of  the  ground 
in  the  cemetery  for  burying  the  dead,  and  shall  have  and  receive 
all  the  rents  and  revenues  of  the  said  church,  coming  therefrom 
or  from  any  other  of  the  said  church's  inheritances;  also,  the 
payments  of  all  sum  and  sums  of  money  laid  out  and  expended, 
in  such  necessary  buildings,  and  reparations  of  all  which  the  said 
kirkmasters  are  likewise  to  keep  and  surrender  exact  and  true 
accounts  to  the  said  consistory  aforesaid,  two  of  which  four  kirk- 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2161 

masters  last  nominated,  at  the  next  election  shall  continue  in  the 
same  office  for  two  years  and  two  new  ones  yearly  forever  here- 
after, to  be  elected  and  chosen  to  serve  with  two  predecessors  in 
like  manner  as  ^vith  the  elders  and  deacons  aforesaid  and  not 
otherwise. 

6.  Transfer  of  books  and  property  to  official  successors. 

And  it  is  our  will  and  desire  that  the  two  elders,  two  deacons 
and  two  kirkmasters,  who  shall  be  superseded  by  a  new  annual 
election  of  two  others  to  succeed  in  their  respective  places,  shall 
account  and  deliver  up  their  several  respective  charges  and 
moneys  to  their  successors  respectively,  if  any  thereof  be  in  their 
hands  and  possession,  respectively  in  public  manner. 

7.  Relation  of  Church  Masters  to  the  Consistory.     Funds, 

And  we  do  likewise  will  and  grant  that  the  said  kirkmasters 
shall  be  under  the  direction  of  the  said  consistory  for  the  time 
being.  And  in  case  there  shall  not  be  enough  in  the  hands  either 
of  the  elders,  deacons  or  kirkmasters,  for  the  performing  and 
finishing  of  any  of  their  respective  charges  and  trust  of  their 
particular  respective  funds  before  mention,  which  they  be  hereby 
respectively  impowered  to  receive  and  manage.  That  then  it 
shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for  the  consistory  aforesaid,  to 
order  and  direct  the  lending  of  what  sum  shall  be  necessary  out 
of  any  of  the  aforesaid  funds  towards  deficiency  of  any  other  of 
the  said  funds,  so  that  there  be  no  failure  of  any  of  the  same 
three  several  charges  or  trusts  upon  an  unforeseen  contingency  or 
emergency. 

8.  Rule  in  tie-votes. 

And  we  do  likewise  will  and  grant  that  in  all  elections  of  offi- 
cers or  other  acts  or  orders  of  the  consistory  the  minister  or 
president  of  the  consistory  shall  have  but  one  vote.  And  if  it 
shall  happen  there  be  an  equal  division  of  the  voices  and  votes, 


1720 


2162  Ecclesiastical  Records 

so  that  the  matter,  or  thing  in  dispute  cannot  receive  the  deter- 
mination of  a  majority  of  voices,  that  then  it  shall  and  may  be 
lawful  to  determine  the  same  by  lot,  leaving  it  to  the  sole  wisdom 
of  God  to  determine  the  same  as  he  shall  think  fit. 

9.   Calling  of  Meetings. 

And  we  do  likewise  will  and  grant  that  it  shall  be  in  the  power 
of  the  minister  of  the  said  church,  for  the  time  being,  by  himself 
or  in  case  of  his  death,  absence  or  removal,  in  the  president  or 
the  first  elder  who  shall  preside  for  the  time  being,  or  in  the 
power  of  the  major  number  of  the  whole  consistory  for  the  time 
being,  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  consistory  for  the  good  and  ser- 
vice of  the  said  church,  and  the  affairs  of  the  said  corporation, 
whensoever  they  shall  meet  mthin  the  said  city  of  Albany; 
and  in  case  it  shall  please  God  that  any  of  the  said  elders,  dea- 
cons or  kirkmas.ters,  for  the  time  being,  shall  happen  to  die,  re- 
move, or  otherwise  be  disabled  from  serving  and  officiating  in 
their  respective  offices,  within  the  year  for  which  they  are  so 
chosen  or  appointed  to  serve ;  we  do  will  and  grant  that  it  shall  and 
may  be  lawful  to  the  consistory,  for  the  time  being,  to  assemble 
and  meet  together  at  Albany,  at  any  other  time  of  the  year  than 
the  time  of  anniversary  election,  and  so  often  as  there  shall  be 
occasion  to  elect  and  choose  other  elders,  deacons  and  kirkmas- 
ters  in  their  respective  rooms  and  stead,  to  officiate  for  the  re- 
maining part  of  the  year  until  the  next  anniversary  election; 
which  person  or  persons  so  chosen  as  aforesaid  into  any  one  of 
the  aforesaid  offices  of  elders,  deacons  or  kirkmasters,  shall  have 
like  power  and  authority  to  act  in  their  respective  offices  as  if 
they  had  been  elected  and  confirmed  at  the  aforesaid  time  of 
the  anniversary  election  aforesaid,  or  as  if  the  same  persons  so 
dying,  being  absent  or  otherwise  disabled,  were  alive,  present 
and  capable  to  do  the  same. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2163 

10.  How  Ministers  are  to  be  appointed.     Right  vested  in  the 
Elders  and  Deacons. 

And  we  do  will  and  grant  unto  the  said  minister,  elders  and 
deacons  of  the  Eeformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the  City  of 
Albany,  and  to  their  successors  forever,  the  advowson  and  patron- 
age of  the  said  church;  (that  is  to  say)  that  after  the  decease  of  the 
aforesaid  Petrus  Van  Driessen,  or  next  and  all  other  avoidances 
thereof,  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for  the  elders 
and  deacons  of  the  aforesaid  church  or  the  consistory  of  the 
aforesaid  church  and  their  successors  forever,  to  present  and  call 
another  minister  to  succeed  in  the  cure  of  souls  in  the  aforesaid 
church  and  congregation  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch 
Church  in  the  City  of  Albany,  provided  always  such  minister, 
so  called  or  presented  by  them  to  the  said  living,  be  always  a  per- 
son amenable  to  the  laws  of  Great  Britain  and  this  Province, 
and  pay  due  obedience  and  allegiance  unto  us  and  our  royal  heirs 
and  successors,  the  kings  and  queens  of  Great  Britain. 

11.  Rights  of  the  Minister,  etc. 

And  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for  the  present 
minister  or  incumbent  of  the  said  church  and  his  successors,  or 
any  of  them  to  have,  take,  receive  and  keep  for  his  end  and  their 
own  use  and  support,  that  maintenance  that  now  is  or  shall  be 
agreed  upon  between  him  or  them  and  the  said  consistory  from 
time  to  time,  and  at  all  times  hereafter. 

12.  Rights  and  duties  of  the  Elders,  as  to  salary  of  Ministers. 

And  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for  the  said  elders  of 
the  same  church,  and  their  successors  forever,  to  collect  and 
receive  the  voluntary  subscriptions  of  the  inhabitants  of  Albany, 
belonging  to  the  said  congregation,  for  and  towards  the  payment 
of  their  said  minister,  or  their  minister  for  the  time  being,  and 
to  pay  and  cause  to.be  paid  unto  the  said  minister  and  his  suc- 
cessor, the  minister  of  the  said  church,  for  the  time  being,  his 


1720 


2164  Ecclesiastical  Records 

yearly  stipend  or  salary,  according  to  agreement,  by  quarterly 
even  payments  thereof,  or  otherwise,  as  it  shall  be  agreed  upon 
by  and  between  them,  the  said  minister  of  the  said  church  and 
the  aforesaid  consistory. 

13.  Rights  and  Duties  of  the  Deacons. 

And  we  do  will  and  grant  that  the  said  deacons  of  the  said 
church,  and  their  successors  forever,  shall  and  may  lawfully  and 
peaceably,  from  time  to  time,  and  at  all  times  hereafter,  at  the 
meeting  of  the  said  congregation  for  the  public  service  and  wor- 
ship of  Almighty  God,  to  collect  and  receive  the  free  and  volun- 
tary alms  and  oblations  of  the  members  of  the  said  congregation, 
and  the  free  and  voluntary  offerings  made  by  the  communicants 
at  their  receiving  of  the  holy  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  for 
the  uses  aforesaid,  and  to  dispose  thereof  for  the  pious  and 
charitable  uses  aforesaid. 

14.  Rights  and  Duties  of  the  Church-Masters. 

Arid  we  do  will  and  grant  that  the  kirkmasters  aforesaid,  and 
their  successors  forever,  shall  and  may  from  time  to  time,  and 
at  all  times  hereafter,  and  so  often  as  it  shall  be  necessary,  shall 
and  may  demise,  grant,  and  to  farm  let,  of  the  demesnes  of  the 
said  church,  demisable  and  grantable  to  and  for  the  profit  and 
advantage  of  the  said  church,  and  receive  and  collect  the  rents 
and  revenues  arising  therefrom,  or  otherwise,  and  apply  the  same 
for  and  towards  the  buildings  and  reparations  of  the  said  church 
and  parsonage,  and  other  the  hereditaments  belonging  to  the 
said  minister,  elders  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church  in  the  City  of  Albany,  and  such  other  uses  as 
are  proper  and  necessary,  provided  always  that  the  said  elders, 
deacons  and  kirkmasters  in  their  separate  offices,  be  always  ac- 
countable to  and  under  the  direction  of  the  consistory  of  the  said 
church  for  the  time  being,  and  not  otherwise. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2165 

15.  Privilege  of  calling  an  Assistant  Minister. 

And  we  do  further  will  and  grant  that  it  shall  and  may  be 
in  the  power  of  the  consistory  of  the  said  church,  and  their  suc- 
cessors forever,  if  they  shall  agree  thereupon,  and  find  them- 
selves able  and  capable  of  maintaining  him  at  any  time  or  times 
hereafter,  to  nominate  and  call  one  or  more  able  and  sufficient 
minister,  lawfully  ordained  according  to  the  constitution  afore- 
said, in  all  things  to  assist  and  officiate  in  the  ministry  which 
doth  belong  to  the  sacred  office  and  function  of  a  minister  of 
the  gospel  in  the  said  church,  provided  always  that  there  be  no 
preheminency  or  superiority  in  that  office,  and  not  otherwise. 

16.  Right   of  Consistory  to  appoint  a  Chorister,  Schoolmaster, 

Sexton. 

And  we  do  likewise  will  and  grant  to  the  said  minister,  elders, 
and  deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the 
City  of  Albany,  and  their  successors  forever,  that  it  shall  and 
may  be  lawfull  to  and  for  the  consistory  of  the  said  church,  to 
nominate  and  appoint  a  clerk  or  precentor,  schoolmaster,  sexton, 
bellringer,  and  such  and  so  many  other  officers  and  servants  of 
the  same  church,  as  they  shall  think  convenient  and  necessary, 
and  to  call  them  by  the  same  or  what  other  names  they  shall 
think  fit. 

17.  Right  to  make  Rules,  Orders  and  Ordinances. 

And  we  do  will  and  grant  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawfull  to 
and  for  the  consistory  of  the  said  church,  and  their  successors 
from  time  to  time,  and  at  all  times  hereafter,  to  make  rules, 
orders,  and  ordinances  for  the  better  discipline  and  government 
of  the  said  church,  provided  always  that  such  rules,  orders, 
and  ordinances  shall  not  be  binding,  nor  effect  any  other  of  our 
Reformed  Protestant  subjects  within  the  same  city,  than  the  vol- 
untary members  of  their  said  congregation,  and  be  no  ways  re- 
pugnant to  our  laws  of  Great  Britain  and  of  this  colony,  but 


2166  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1720 

agreeable  to  the  Articles  of  Faith  and  worship  agreed  upon  and 

instituted  by  the  ISTational  Synod  of  Dort,  aforesaid. 

VII,  Final  Ratification  of  their  Title.    Duties  of  the  Corporation. 

1.  Right  to  their  Real  Estate. 

And  further  of  our  especial  grace,  certain  knowledge  and 
meer  motion,  we  have  given,  granted,  ratified,  and  confirmed 
unto  the  aforesaid  minister,  elders  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed 
Protestant  Dutch  Church,  in  the  City  of  Albany,  and  to  their 
successors  and  assigns  forever,  all  that  their  said  church  and 
ground  whereon  it  standeth,  their  said  parsonage  or  minister's 
dwelling  house,  with  its  hereditaments  and  appurtenances  there- 
unto belonging  or  any  ways  appertaining,  and  all  the  alms  house 
or  poor  house  aforesaid,  aU  that  the  pasture  or  pastures,  and 
all  other  the  premises  aforesaid,  together  with  aU  and  singular 
edifices,  buildings,  gardens,  orchards,  backsides,  wells,  ways,  hol- 
lows, cellars,  passages,  privileges,  liberties,  profits,  advantages, 
hereditaments,  and  appurtenances  whatsoever,  to  all  and  every 
of  them  belonging,  or  in  any  ways  appertaining. 

2.  Right  to  their  private  income. 
And  all  that  our  estate,  right,  title,  interest,  property  and 
demand  of,  into  or  out  of  the  same  or  any  part  of  any  of  them, 
and  the  revertions,  remainders,  and  the  yearly  rents  and  profits 
of  the  same,  saving  only  the  right  and  title  of  any  other  person 
or  persons,  body  corporate  and  politick  whatsoever,  to  any  of 
the  premises  hereby  granted,  or  meant,  mentioned,  and  intended 
to  be  hereby  granted,  or  to  any  of  them. 

3.  All  to  be  held  for  sole  use  of  said  Church. 

To  have  and  to  hold,  all  that  their  said  church  and  ground 
parsonage  or  minister's  dwelling  house,  alms  house  or  poor  house, 
pasture  or  pastures,  and  all  and  singular  other  the  premises  with 
their  and  every  of  their  hereditaments  and  appurtenances  unto 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2167 

1720 

the  aforesaid  minister,  elders  and  deacons  of  the  Kef ormed  Prot- 
estant Dutch  Church,  in  the  City  of  Albany,  their  successors  and 
assigns  forever,  to  the  sole  and  only  proper  use,  benefit  and 
behoof  of  the  aforesaid  minister,  elders  and  deacons  of  the  Ee- 
formed  Protestant  Dutch  Church,  in  the  City  of  Albany,  and 
their  successors  and  assigns  forever,  (save  only  as  before  is  saved 
and  expressed), 

4.  Ownership  of  most  honorable  kind. 

To  be  holden  of  us,  our  heirs  and  successors  forever,  free 
and  common  soccage  as  of  our  manor  of  East  Greenwich,  in  the 
county  of  Kent,  within  our  realm  of  Great  Britain. 

5.  For  a  nominal  rent. 

Yielding,  rendering  and  paying  therefore,  yearly  and  every 
year,  forever  unto  us,  our  heirs  and  successors  forever,  at  our 
custom  house  in  ISTew  York,  unto  our  and  their  receiver  general 
for  the  time  being,  on  the  feast  day  of  the  Annunciation  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  commonly  called  Lady  Day,  the  annual 
rent  of  one  pepper  com,  if  the  same  be  lawfully  demanded,  'in 
lieu  and  stead  of  all  other  rents,  services,  dues  and  duties  and 
demands  whatsoever,  for  the  same  church  parsonage,  alms  house, 
pastures,  and  all  other  the  above  granted  premises,  with  the  heri- 
ditaments  and  appurtenances. 

6.   Sure  validity  of  said  Charter. 

And  we  do  hereby  will  and  grant  unto  the  aforesaid  minister, 
elders,  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church, 
in  the  City  of  Albany,  and  to  their  successors  forever,  that 
these  our  letters  shall  be  made  patent,  and  that  they  and  the 
record  of  them  remaining  in  our  secretary's  office  of  our  prov- 
ince of  l!^ew  York,  shall  be  good  and  effectual  in  the  law  to  all 
intents  and  purposes  whatsoever,  according  to  the  true  intent  and 
meaning  of  them. 


2168  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

7.  Always  to  be  construed  most  favorably  for  said  Church. 

And  shall  be  construed,  reputed,  esteemed  and  adjudged  in 
all  cases  most  favorable  for  the  benefit  and  behoof  of  the  af ore- 
sand  minister,  elders  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church  in  the  City  of  Albany  and  of  their  successors  for- 
ever, notwithstanding  the  not  true  and  well  reciting  of  the  prem- 
ises, or  of  the  limits  and  bounds  of  any  of  them,  or  any  part  of 
them,  any  law  or  other  restraint,  incertainty  or  imperfection 
whatsoever  to  the  contrary  thereof  in  any  way  notwithstanding. 

8.   Signed  and  sealed. 

In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  great  seal  of  our 
province  of  New  York  to  be  affixed  to  these  presents,  and  the 
same  to  be  entered  of  record  in  one  of  the  books  of  patents  in 
our  said  secretary's  office  remaining.  Witness  our  said  trusty 
and  well  beloved  Colonel  Peter  Schuyler,  president  of  our  coun- 
cil at  Fort  George,  the  10th  day  of  August,  in  the  7th  year  of 
our  reign,  anno  domini  1720. 

The  Condition,  Grievances  and  Oppeessions  of  the  Gee- 
mans  IN  His  Majesty's  Peovince  of  New  York  in  Amer- 
ica, Aug.  20,  1720. 

In  the  year  1709  was  her  late  Majesty  Queen  Anne  most  graciously  pleased  to 
send  a  body  of  between  three  and  four  thousand  Germans  to  New  York  under  the 
Inspection  and  Care  of  Robert  Hunter,  then  Governour  there,  with  particular 
orders  and  Instructions  to  settle  them  on  lands  belonging  to  the  Crown,  and  such 
as    were  most   proper  for   raising   pitch,    tair,    and  other  Naval    stores. 

Before  they  left  England,  they  were  promised  five  pounds  in  money  per  head, 
of  which  they  have  received  nothing  att  all. 

It  was  likewise  promised,  that  on  their  arrival  there,  each  of  them  should 
receive  Cloaths,  utencils,  tools  and  other  Conveniency's  belonging  to  Husbandry, 
all  of  which  were  sent  with  them  from  England  for  their  use;  but  of  these  they 
received  but  very  little. 

They  were  moreover  to  have  a  grant  of  forty  acres  of  land  to  each  person,  but 
it  was  never  performed. 

On  their  landing  at  New  York  they  were  quartered  in  tents  on  the  Comon  and 
divided  in  six  Compaynies,  over  each  of  which  was  a  Captain  appointed  to  Com- 
and  them;  (of  which  number  John  Conrad  Weiser  arrived  here  in  London  1718:) 
with  an  allowance  of  fivteen  pounds  per  annum  each;  but  not  one  farthing  has  been 
hitherto  paid  them. 

About  the  same  time  took  the  said  Governor,  without  and  against  their  Consent, 
many  children  from  them,  and  bound  them  to  severall  of  the  Inhabitants  of  that 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2169 

Province  till  they  should  arrive  to  the  age  of  twenty  one  years;  particularly  two 
Sons  from  Captain  Weiser,  one  of  twelve  and  another  of  thirteen  years  of  age; 
by  which  means  they  were  deprived  of  the  comfort  of  their  Children's  Company 
and  education,  as  well  as  the  assistance  and  Support  they  might  in  a  small  time 
have  reasonably  expected  from  them. 

In  the  fall  of  that  year  those  that  were  living,  (Then  it  must  be  observed  that 
during  their  voiage  thither,  and  after  their  landing  a  great  number  of  them  were 
dead;)  were  removed  to  a  tract  of  land  belonging  to  one  Mr.  Livingston,  where 
they  lived  in  houses  erected  by  themselves  till  the  Spring  following,  when  they 
were  ordered  to  the  woods  to  make  pitch  and  tair,  and  continued  there  near  two 
years;  but  as  the  land  was  improper  to  raise  any  sort  of  naval  stores  in  any  Con- 
siderable quantity,  their  labours  turned  to  a  different  account,  and  the  profits  of 
building  and  improving  the  lands  fell  to  a  private  person,  they  being  not  able  to 
make  more  than  near  two  hundred  barrils  of  pitch  and  tair. 

The  small  prospect  they  had  of  being  in  a  Capacity  to  serve  the  nation,  who 
had  so  generously  and  Charitably  advanced  very  great  sums  of  money  for  their 
relief  and  Support  and  the  Impossibility  there  was  of  raising  Corn,  Cattell,  and 
other  provisions  for  their  subsistence  on  such  ordinary  and  almost  barren  land, 
obliged  them  to  petition  the  aforesaid  Governour,  that  they  might  be  put  in  Pos- 
session, and  settle  on  the  land  Called  Schorie  which  the  Indians  had  given  to  the 
late  Queen  Ann  for  their  use:  he  answered,  that  though  the  land  was  theirs,  he 
could  nor  would  not  take  it  from  them,  neither  could  he  settle  them  there,  because 
it  would'oblige  him  to  maintain  too  many  Garrisons. 

The  second  year  after  their  arrival  were  orders  sent  to  them  to  detach  three 
hundred  able  men  to  serve  on  the  late  unfortunate  expedition  against  Canada, 
which  they  willingly  and  Chearfully  did;  and  on  their  return,  were  their  arms 
taken  from  them,  though  all  that  went  on  the  Expedition  should  have  kept  them 
by  her  late  Majesty's  particular  order,  without  paying  them  any  wages  or  sallary, 
(notwithstanding  they  were  put  on  the  Establishment  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey 
or  both,  and  the  money  received  by  the  said  Governor;)  they  marched  home,  where 
they  found  their  familyes  allmost  starved,  no  provision  having  been  given  them 
during  their  absence. 

The  winter  following  did  the  Inhabitants  of  the  frontier  Town  of  Albany  desire 
the  Governour.  that  they  might  have,  (being  fearfull),  the  assistance  of  some  of 
them  to  strengthen  ye  Garrison  of  that  town  from  an  Invasion  of  the  Indians  in 
Conjunction  with  the  French  of  Canady,  which  the  Governor  agreeing  to,  they 
went  accordingly,  but  were  never  paid. 

In  the  second  year  of  their  abode  at  Livingston,  on  the  pitch  wood,  three  of 
their  people  were  sent  down  to  Coll.  Hunter,  Petitioning  that  he  would  be  pleased 
to  order  them  their  full  allowance  of  provision,  which  they  never  hitherto  had; 
to  which  he  answered,  that  they  should  return  home,  and  he  would  send  orders 
after  them;  and  about  eight  days  after,  came  this  surprising  message  from  him, 
that  he  had  not  received  any  subsistance  for  them  from  England,  and  therefore 
every  one  of  them  must  shift  for  himself,  but  not  out  of  the  Province. 

This  was  the  latter  end  of  the  year  and  winter  just  at  hand,  which  is  very 
severe;  there  being  no  provision  to  be  had,  and  the  people  bare  of  Cloaths,  which 
occasioned  a  terrible  Consternation  among  them,  and  particularly  from  the  women 
and  Children,  the  most  pityfull  and  dolerous  Cryes  and  lamentations  that  have 
perhaps  ever  been  heard  from  any  persons  under  the  most  wretched  and  miserable 
Circumstances;  so  that  they  were  at  last  much  against  their  wills  put  under  the 
hard  and  grating  necessity  of  seeking  relief  from  the  Indians;  upon  which  some 
of  their  Chiefs  were  suddenly  dispatched  away  to  the  Indians  by  whom  they  were 
kindly  received,  and  to  whom  they  opened  their  miserable  Condition,  and  that 
being  wholly  Cast  ofE  by  the  said  Governor,  and  left  distituted  of  the  means  of 
living  elsewhere,  they  intreated  them  to  give  them  permission  to  settle  on  the  tract 
of  land  called  Schorie;  which  they  immediately  granted,  saying,  they  had  formerly 
given  that  said  land  to  Queen  Anne  for  them  to  possess,  and  that  no  body  else 
should  hinder  them  of  it,  and  they  would  assist  them  as  farr  as  they  were  able; 
Whereupon  these  Chiefs  returned  to  the  people,  acquainting  them  of  the  Indians 
Favorable  disposition. 

This  pst  the  people  in  some  heart,  and  finding  it  absolutely  necessary  to  embrace 


1720 


2170  Ecclesiastical  Records 

that  opportunity  so  providently  bestowed  on  ttiem,  all  hands  fell  to  work,  and  in 
two  weel£8  time  Cleared  a  way  through  the  woods  of  fifteen  miles  long  with  the 
utmost  toyle  and  labour,  though  allmost  starved  and  without  bread.  Which  being 
efifected,  fifty  familyes  were  immediately  sent  to  Schorie,  when  being  arrived  and 
allmost  settled,  they  there  received  orders  from  the  Governour,  not  to  goe  upon 
that  land;  and  he  who  did  so,  should  be  declared  a  Rebell. 

This  message  sounded  like  thunder  in  their  ears,  and  surprised  them  beyond 
expression;  but  having  seriously  weighed  matters  amongst  themselves,  and  finding 
no  manner  of  likelyhood  of  subsisting  elsewhere,  but  a  Certainty  of  perishing  by 
hunger,  Cold,  etc.,  if  they  returned;  they  found  themselves  under  the  fatall  neces- 
sity of  hazarding  the  Governour's  Resentments,  that  being  to  all  more  Eligible 
than  Starving. 

In  the  same  year  in  March,  did  the  remainder  of  the  people  (though  treated  by 
the  Governour  as  Pharao  treated  the  Israelites)  proceed  on  their  journey,  and  by 
God's  Assistance,  travelled  in  fourtnight  with  sledges  through  the  snow  which  there 
Covered  the  ground  above  three  foot  deep.  Cold  and  hunger,  Joyned  their  friends 
and  Countrymen  in  the  promised  land  of  Schorie. 

The  number  of  Germans  who  came  hither  to  search  for  bread  for  themselves, 
their  Wifes  and  Children,  were  more  then  the  land  allready  granted  them  by 
the  Indians  Could  supply  with  settlements;  and  some  of  the  people  of  Albany  en- 
deavouring to  purchase  the  land  around  them  from  the  Indians  on  purpose  to 
Close  them  up,  and  deprive  them  of  any  range  for  their  Cattle,  they  were  obliged 
to  solicit  all  the  Indian  Kings  there  adjoyning  for  more  land,  which  they  willingly 
granted  them  &  sold  them  the  rest  of  the  land  at  Schorie,  being  woods.  Rocks  and 
pastaridg  for  three  hundred  pieces  of  Bight. 

No  sooner  had  Governor  Hunter  notice  of  their  settlement  and  Agreement  with 
the  Indians,  but  he  ordered  one  Adam  Vromen  to  endeavour  to  persuade  the  In- 
dians to  break  the  Agreement  made. 

Upon  the  first  settlement  of  this  land  the  miserys  those  poor  and  allmost  fam- 
ished Creatures  underwent  were  incredible;  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  Charity 
of  the  Indians,  who  shewed  them  where  to  gather  some  eatable  roots  and  herbs, 
must  inevitably  have  perished  every  soul  of  them;  but  what  God  said  in  anger 
to  Adam  was  in  mercy  fulfilled,  viz.  thou  shall  eat  the  herbs  of  the  fields;  when 
they  Continued  about  one  year  on  this  land,  built  small  houses  and  huts,  and 
made  other  Improvements  thereon  with  their  blody  sweat  and  labour,  and  under 
the  most  grievous  hardships,  and  dayly  hazard  of  their  lives  from  the  French 
and  Indian  Bnnemys,  as  well  as  from  those  more  dreadful  ones,  hunger  and  Cold, 
severall  Gentlemen  Came  to  them  from  Albany,  declaring  they  had  bought  that 
land  of  Governour  Hunter,  and  if  they  intentioned  to  live  thereon,  they  must  agree 
with  them:  to  which  demand  these  poor  people  answered,  that  the  land  was  the 
King's,  and  that  they  were  the  King's  subjects,  and  had  no  power  to  agree  to 
anything  about  his  Majesty's  lands  without  his  special  order;  upon  which  these 
Gentlemen  said,  Wee  are  Kings  of  this  Land;  but  the  Germans  replyed  that  their 
King  was  in  England,  and  that  the  land  should  not  be  taken  from  them  without 
his  Majesty's  particular  order. 

Some  time  after  did  these  Gentlemen  send  the  Sheriff,  with  some  others  upon 
the  land,  and  to  take  the  said  Captain  by  force,  dead  or  alive;  but  he  having 
timely  notice  of  it  was  on  his  guard,  so  they  were  prevented. 

These  Gentlemen  finding  the  Inhabitants  resolute  in  keeping  possession  of  the 
lands  they  had  thus  improved,  and  from  whence  they  drew  the  only  support 
to  themselves  and  family's  fell  on  another  project;  which  was  Clandestinely  and 
basely  to  endeavour  to  sew  Enmity  betwixt  them  and  the  Indians,  and  if  possible 
to  persuade  them,  (for  money  or  Rumm),  to  put  them  in  possession  of  the  land 
and  declare  them  rightfull  owners  thereof;  but  in  this  also  they  failed,  though  not 
without  great  troubles  and  Charge  to  those  poor  people,  who  were  forced  to 
put  themselves  on  the  mercy  of  the  Indians,  by  giving  them  out  of  their  nothing, 
and  begg  of  them,  that  since  they  had  so  long  sukled  them  at  their  breast,  not  to 
wean  them  so  soon  and  Cast  them  off. 

In  the  Spring,  1715,  the  Gentlemen  from  Albany  sent  a  man  to  affix  some  papers 
on  the  land.  Containing  in  substance  that  whosoever  of  the  Inhabitants  should 
see  those  papers,  must  either  agree  with  them,  or  leave  the  land. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  21Y1 

This  was  their  Threatnings,  being  done  in  the  Spring,  the  best  planting  time 
for  Indian  Corn,  (the  Chief  of  their  subsistance),  damped  the  spirits  of  these 
poor   people,    slackened   their  Industry   and    did   them   great   damage. 

In  the  year  1717  Came  the  Governour  to  Albany,  and  sent  orders  to  the  In- 
habitants of  the  land  Schorie,  that  three  men  of  every  village  should  appear  before 
him  on  a  day  appointed,   and  particularly   the  abovenamed   Captain  Weiser. 

When  they  appeared  before  him,  he  said,  that  he  would  hang  John  Conrad 
Weiser,    and   ordered  them  to  answer  him   in  the  three   following  questions   viz. 

1.  Why   they   went   to    Inhabit   the   land    Schorie   without   his   order. 

2.  Why  they   would  not  agree  with   the  Gentlemen   at  Albany. 

3.  Why  they  concerned  themselves  so  much  with  the  Indians. 

Their  answer  to  the  first  question  was,  that  His  Excellency  had  ordered  them 
to  shift  for  themselves,  and  denied  them  further  subsistance;  the  utmost  neces- 
sity and  poverty  forced  them  to  remove  thither  to  earn  their  bread  for  the  main- 
tenance of  their  Wives  and  Children;  and  that  they  continued  their  settlement  on 
the  same  motives  in  expectation  of  His  Majesty's  Grace  and  His  Excellency's 
favour. 

When  they  mentioned  His  Majesty,  the  Governour  in  a  great  passion  said, 
What,  Great  Britain!  and  Mr.  Lewingston  added,  here  is  your  King,  meaning 
the  Governor;  Whereupon  they  begged  his  pardon,  and  that  he  would  forgive  them 
their  Ignorance  and  Inadvertency. 

To  the  second  question  they  returned  this  answer;  that  the  people  were  so 
many,  the  land  so  small,  and  the  wages  so  bad,  that  it  was  impossible  to  agree 
with  the  Gentlemen  on  their  extravagant  terms,  especially  after  the  vast  ex- 
pence  and  labour  they  had  had;  not  mentioning,  that  the  Indians  had  given  It 
to  the  Crown  for  their  use.  and  that  there  was  no  direction  immediately  from 
his  Majesty  to  confirm  It  to  them,  they  being  sent  over  with  a  promise  of  8o 
much  land  per  head;  and  if  they  served  anybody,  it  must  be  the  King  and  not  a 
private  person. 

They  answered  to  the  third  point,  that  because  they  lived  on  the  borders  of 
the  French  as  a  frontier,  and  were  liable  to  their  dayly  insults,  against  whom  they 
could  scarcely  stand,  they  were  obliged  to  keep  fair  with  the  friendly  Indians 
amongst  Whom,  they  dwelt,  which  was  the  only  way  to  be  protected  and  live 
in   peace. 

Governour  Hunter  then  ordered,  that  those  who  would  not  agree  with,  or 
turn  tenants  to  those  Gentlemen  of  Albany,  to  whom  he  had  sold  the  land 
for  one  thousand  five  hundred  pistoles,  should  remove  from  their  habitations  and 
Improvements;  and  that  they  should  make  two  lists;  one,  of  those  that  would 
agree;  the  other,  of  those  that  would  not  agree  with  the  Gentlemen;  and  that 
he  soon  expected  an  order  from  England  to  transplant  them  to  another  place; 
but  no  such  thing  was  performed.- 

They  then  most  submissively  remonstrated  to  the  said  Governor,  how  hard 
it  would  be  to  leave  and  abandon  their  houses,  lands  and  improvements  for 
nothing;  besides  that  they  were  indebted  for  other  necessarys;  thereupon  Gov- 
nour  Hunter  answered,  that  he  would  send  twelve  men  to  examine  their  works 
and  improvements  and  give  them  money  to  pay  their  debts;  but  It  was  never 
performed. 

The  winter  following  they  sent  three  men  to  New  York  to  the  Governour, 
humbly  beseeching  him  to  grant  them  liberty  to  plough  the  lands,  or  he  would 
otherwise  take  care  of  them;  but  he  answered.  What  is  said,  is  said;  meaning 
the  Prohibition  of  plowing  at  Albany. 

This  was  a  thunder  Clap  in  the  ears  of  their  Wives  and  Children,  and  the 
lamentation  of  all  the  people  Increased  to  such  a  hlght,  and  their  necessitys 
grew  so  great,  that  they  were  forced  for  their  own  preservation  to  transgress 
those  orders  and  sew  some  Summer  Corn  and  fruits,  or  else  they  must  have 
starved. 

These  Gentlemen  have  thrown  one  of  their  women  in  prison  at  Albany,  who 
still  continues  there;  as  also  a  man  for  plowing  the  land,  and  will  not  release 
him  till  he  gives  one  hundred  Crowns  security;  the  same  has  also  happened 
to   others. 

The  Governor  sent  orders,  that  all  the  Germans  should  take  their  oath  of  being 
faithfull,    and    withall    to    pay    eight    shillings    per    head;    which    they    willingly 


1720 


1720 


2172  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

agreed   to,    in   hopes   of  a   settlemeat,    but   this    with   all   the    promisses    formerly 
made   unto   them,    was   in    vain. 

(Endorsed)      Grievances  of  the 

Palatines   in   New   York. 

Rd.    August    20th,    1722. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  423-42T. 


Conference  between  Colonel  Schuy'ler  and  the  Indians. 

Proposition  made  by  the  Mahikanders  or  River  Indians  to  ye  honourable  Coll. 
Peter  Schuyler,  Esq.,  president  of  his  Majesties  Council  for  the  province  of 
New   York   etc.,   in   Albany  ye  25th  of   August,    1720. 

Present  —  The   Honourable   Peter   Schuyler,   Esq.,    etc. 

Coll.  John  Riggs  Mr.    Robt.    Livingston.    Jr.  \  Commrs. 

Mr.  Hendrlck  Henson  Mr.    Cuyler  (.      Indian 

Lt.  Coll.  John  Schuyler  Capt.    Peter    Van    Brugh       j  Affairs. 

Majr.  Myndert  Schuyler 

Robt.    Livingston,    Sec.   of  ye   Indian  Affairs. 
Father 

Wee  are  very  Glad  to  see  You,  but  are  very  poor,  haveing  not  been  out  a  hunt- 
ing, and  therefore  have  not  much  to  present  you  with  all,  or  make  proposition 
according  to  Custom;  we  had  some  presents  from  you  Last  Year,  but  they  are 
all  wore  out,  and  we  are  Naked  and  bare.     Give  a  Belt  of  Wampum. 

Wee  were  here  before  the  Christians  Came,  Being  the  antient  Inhabitants  of 
these  parts;  and  when  the  Christians  first  Came,  we  made  a  Covenant  with 
them,  which  was  but  of  bark;  but  afterwards  the  English  Comeing  to  have 
the  Government  of  those  Countries,  we  made  a  Covenant  Chain  of  Silver,  that 
the  thunder  itself  could  not  break  it;  and  we  are  now  Come  to  Renew  as  skour, 
that  antient  Covenant  Chain;  in  token  thereof  wee  Give  a  belt  of  Wampum. 

Wee  have  Doue;  only  we  must  acquaint  you,  we  are  heartily  Sorry  we  have 
not  the  Language  to  understand  the  Minister,  haveing  a  Great  Inclination  to 
be  Christians,  and  turn  from  the  heathenish  Life  wee  are  bred  up  in,  and  wish 
that  the  minister  Could  speak  «&  understand  your  [our]  Language,  we  would 
come  to  him  for  instruction. —  Col.   Hist.    N.   Y.  Vol.    v.   p.   562. 


Minute  of  the  Board  of  Trade  Respecting  the  Palatines. 

Whitehall,  Tuesday  6th  Sept.  1720. 

At  a  meeting  of  his  Majesty's   Commissioners   for  Trade   &  Plantations. 

Present  —  Earl  of  Westmorland,  Mr.    Doeminique, 

Sir  Charles  Cooke,  Mr.  Bladen. 

General  Nicholson  attending  as  desired,  as  also  Mr.  Jeremy  Long,  who  appears 
in  behalf  of  the  Palatines  &  other  Germans  at  New  York;  whose  Petition  &  case, 
as  also  a  letter  from  Brigadier  Hunter  on  the  same  subject  are  mentioned  in  the 
Minutes  of  the  21st  of  July  and  2nd  of  August  last;  the  said  case  and  Letter  were 
again  read;  And  General  Nicholson  being  asked  what  he  knew  of  the  Allega- 
tions set  forth  in  behalf  of  the  said  Palatines;  he  said  that  he  understood  the 
Number  of  the  Palatines  first  sent  over  to  New  York,  was  about  thirty  two 
thousand; — That  he  knew  nothing  of  any  promises  made  to  them;  That  he  had 
about  three  hundred  of  the  said  Palatines  with  him  in  the  expedition  to  Mon- 
treal, who  were  subsisted  during  that  Expedition,  but  that  he  knows  of  no 
Engagements  concerning  their  Pay; — That  he  is  a  stranger  to  their  settlement 
at  Schories  —  That  as  to  the  Arms  made  use  of  in  the  Expedition,  he  knows  of 
no    direction    for    leaving    what    the    Palatines    had    in    their    possession,    but    that 


OF  THE  State  of  ITew  York.  2178 

there  was  an  Order  for  leaving  some  of  them  in  the  Plantations  as  Stores  for  the 
Magazines  there  —  And  Mr.  Long  above  mentioned  being  unable  to  make  proof 
of  any  of  the  Particulars  set  forth  in  the  said  case  of  the  Palatines;  he  was  ac- 
quainted that  Copies  of  the  several  Papers  relating  to  their  Petition,  should  be 
transmitted  to  Mr.  Burnet,  Governor  of  New  York;  and  the  settlement  of  such 
of  them  as  desire  to  remove  to  proper  places,  recommended  to  him,  though  it 
was  observed  to  Mr.  Long  that  it  seemed  several  of  the  said  Palatines  had  be- 
haved themselves  very  undutifully  to  His  Majesty,  and  his  late  Governor  of 
that  Province. 

Charles  Cooke. 
—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  p.  570. 


Petition  of  the  Peesbyteeians  of  ISTew  Yoek  to  be  Incoe- 
POEATED.     [Sept.  19,  1720.] 

To  His  i:xcellency  William  Burnett  Esq.,  Captain  Generall  &  Commander  in 
Chief  of  the  Province  of  New  York  New  Jersey  and  the  Territories  thereupon 
Depending  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  Same;  In  Councill. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  the  Eev.  James  Anderson  Presbyterian  Minister. 
Patrick  Macknight,  John  Nicoll,  Joseph  Leddel,  John  Blake  &  Thomas  Ingles 
in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  Rest  of  the  Presbyterian  Congregation  in  the 
City  of  New  York: 

Sheweth  unto  your  Excellency,  That  by  the  Countinance  and  Encouragement 
of  the  Government  of  this  Province,  They  are  soe  far  advanced  in  the  Carrying 
on  of  the  Service  and  Worship  of  Almighty  God  Within  this  City  by  a  volun- 
tary Contribution,  and  Assistance  given  by  and  Expected  from  well  Disposed 
Persons,  That  they  have  adventured  to  Purchase  a  Piece  of  Ground  for  a  Church* 
and  Cemitry,  &  have  Erected  thereon  a  Convenient  Meeting  House  to  Worship  in, 
after  the  manner  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  Britain:  and  that  some 
particular  persons  for  want  of  their  being  incorporated  for  that  and  the  Like 
purposes  have  obliged  themselves,  their  Heirs.  Executors  &  Administrators  for 
the  payment  of  the  Consideration  money  of  the  said  Ground,  and  the  Matterials 
and  Workmanship  of  Building  thereupon;  and  in  Consideration  thereof  for  their  pri- 
vate Security,  have  taken  the  Grant  of  the  said  Land  to  them  their  Heirs  and  Assigns 
forever,  but  have  entered  into  Bonds,  in  the  Penall  Sume  of  Two  Thousand  pounds, 
unto  Certain  Trustees  in  the  same  Bond  Mentioned,  upon  condition  that  when  soever 
it  shall  please  God,  the  said  Grantees  &  Obligors  and  Heirs,  Executors  &  Adminis- 
trators, shall  be  fully  reimbursed  all  their  Just  and  Reasonable  Charges,  Engage- 
ments and  Disbursements  made  and  contracted,  by  the  building  of  the  said  Church, 
Cemetry,  Pulpit,  pews,  and  other  Necessaries  and  Conveniences.  That  the  same 
Grantees  of  the  same  Ground  shall  at  the  speciall  instance  and  Request  of  the  afore- 
said Trustees,  and  at  the  Cost  and  Charge  in  the  Law  of  the  Same  Trustees,  for 
and  on  the  behalf  of  the  said  congregation,  and  the  Executors  and  Administrators  of 
the  same  Trustees,  Sign  Seal  and  Deliver  perfect  and  Execute  such  Deed  or  Deeds, 
Declaration  of  Trust  or  other  Conveyance  or  Conveyances  for  the  same  Ground 
&  Apurtenances,  Church  and  Cemitry,  to  such  person  or  persons.  Body  Politick 
or  Corporat,  for  the  use  of  the  same  Presbyterian  Congregation,  as  the  same 
Trustees  shall  think  fitt  to  Nominate  and  appoint;  and  in  Case  the  Same  Con- 
gregation should  be  Incorporated,  then  To  and  for  The  use  of  the  same  Congrega- 
tion &  their  Successors  forever,  being  Presbyterians,  to  the  End  and  purpose  that 
the  Same  Congregation  may  be  Incorporated  and  made  one  Body  Politick   in   fact 

*  This  was  the  earliest  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York.  It  stood 
on  what  v/as  Stoutenburgh's  garden,  in  Wall  Street,  between  that  and  Pine  Street; 
originally  called  Van  Tienhoven  St.,  after  C.  Van  Tienhoven,  Secretary  to  the 
Province  under  the  Dutch. 

[This  church  stood  on  the  north  side  of  Wall  st.  nearly  opposite  the  northerly 
end  of  New  St.,  not  far  from  Broadway.  It  was  taken  down  in  1844,  every  stone 
being  marked  or  numbered,  and  rebuilt  on  exactly  the  same  plan,  in  Washington 
St.  corner  of  Sussex,  in  Jersey  City.  The  writer  well  remembers  both  buildings, 
and  the  removal. —  E.    T.    C] 


2174  Ecclesiastical  Records 

) 

and  name  for  the  carrying  on  of  their  said  Pious  intentions,  and  the  free  use  and 
Exercise  of  there  said  Religion,  in  its  true  Doctrine,  Discipline  &  Worship,  ac- 
cording to  the  Rules  and  Methods  of  the  established  Presbyterian  Church  of 
North  Britain,  to  Them  and  their  Successors  forever,  by  a  free  and  voluntary 
Contribution,  &  not  Compulsory  or  Otherwise,  in  Derogation  of  the  Rights  &  • 
Privileges  of  the  National  Church  of  England,  by  Law  Established.  They  there- 
fore Humbly  Pray  — 

May  it  Please  Your   Excellency, 

By  Letters  Patent  under  the  Great  Seal  of  This  Province  to  Incorporate  them 
by  the  Name  of  the  Minister  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  City  of  New  York  to  make  them  One  Body  Politick  &  Corporat  in  fact 
■  and  name  Capable  and  able  in  the  Law  of  sueing  and  being  sued  answering 
and  being  answered  unto  Defending  and  being  Defended  in  all  Courts  of  Law 
and  Equity  in  all  matters  and  Causes  whatsoever  of  taking  and  receiving  holding 
and  Enjoying  to  them  and  their  Successors  forever  their  said  Church  and  Ground 
and  Cemitry  where  the  same  now  Standeth  with  such  other  necessarie  powers 
and  Authority  for  the  Preservation  and  Continuation  of  there  succession  The 
Management  of  their  Affairs  and  the  free  use  and  Exercise  of  their  said  Religion 
in  the  said  City  of  New  York  as  your  Excellency  with  the  advice  of  His 
Majesties  Councill  shall  see  meet  and  Reasonable  and  the  Petitioners  As  in 
Duty  Bound  shall  Ever  pray  etc. 

James    Anderson 
Patrick  Macknight 
John   Nicoll 
Joseph  Leddel 
John    Blake 
New  York,  Thomas   Ingles 

September  19.   1720. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  pp.  278,  279. 

Objections  to  the  Charter  for  the  Presbyterians. 

To  the  Honourable  Peter  Schuyler  Esq.,  President  of  his  Majesties  Councill 
Convened  in  Councill. 

The  Memoriall  of  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Thomas  Smith  in  Relation  to  the  Grant 
of  a  Charter  to  the  Presbyterian  Congregation  in  New  York  —  (1720) 

Very  Honourable 

We  cannot  but  express,  (as  We  are  in  Duty  bound),  the  Gratefull  sense  We  have 
of  your  good  affection  to  the  Presbyterian  Society  in  this  City,  and  your  Readiness 
to  Confirm  the  priviledges  thereof  in  the  Grant  of  a  Charter.  But  yet  We,  being 
most  nearly  Concerned,  and  who  have  all  along  been  deeply  engaged  in  the  Car- 
rying on  the  said  Work,  but  apprehending  ourselves  likely  to  be  drawn  into  some 
Uneasy  and  Difficult  Circumstances  by  the  present  Grant  of  a  Charter  upon  the 
Terms  desired,  beg  Leave  humbly  to  offer  our  Objections  against  it  promising 
ourselves  a  favourable  Audience  therein. 

We  conceive  that  the  present  Grant  of  a  Charter  to  these  persons  who  Desire 
it,  will  Confirm  the  Meeting  house  now  building  to  the  actuall  possession  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  James  Anderson  as  Sole  minister  therein,  and  wholly  bring  it  under  the 
Command  of  these  that  adhere  to  him. 

Much  Honoured,  we  cannot  but  esteem  this  a  very  great  Greivance  We  always 
have  exerted  ourselves  in  person  and  Estate  according  to  our  Abilities  for  ad- 
vancing this  Work,  but  now  believe  it  under  very  Languishing  Circumstances 
during  Mr.  Andersons  Aboad  among  Us,  Whom  We  cannot  but  think  after  more 
than  two  years  trlall,  very  Unsuitable  for  advancing  our  Interest  in  New  York 
because  severall  that  joyned  with  Us  at  first  have  for  saken  the  Congregation  upon 
hla  Account  and  we  are  also  fully  perswaded  he  has  not  been  Established  among 
us  by  very  just  and  honorable  Methods,  as  we  are  able  if  the  Honourable  Coun- 
cill pleases  to  give  a  particular  information.  And  the  Grant  of  a  Charter  upon 
the  Terms  desired  will  We  Conceive  Expose  Us  to  the  Temper  of  these  men,  who 


OF  THE  State  of  !N^ew  York.  2175 

probably  will  plead  their  priviledge  in  Opposition  to  the  bringing  in  of  another 
Minister  that  may  be  more  acceptable  than  Mr.  Anderson,  and  if  by  virtue  of 
such  a  Grant  they  can  exclude  Us,  we  have  no  reason  to  expect  any  favour  from 
their  hands. 

Therefore  We  humbly  beg  your  Honours  to  Consider  how  great  a  Hardship  this 
will  be  upon  Us  who  have  born  the  Burden  and  Heat  of  the  Day,  to  be  turned 
off  without  so  much  as  the  priviledge  of  bringing  in  a  Minister  whom  we  may 
Sit  with  pleasure  and  Delight  especially  Considering  we  think  ourselves  (not- 
withstanding all  the  Advantages  that  have  been  taken  against  us)  very  little  in- 
feriour  either  in  number  or  Quality  to  them  who  by  their  Unfair  proceedings  have 
brought   in   Mr.    Anderson. 

Again  we  are  iointly  and  severally  bound  in  the  Sum  of  three  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  to  Coll.  Depeyster  and  Mr.  Bayard,  in  payment  for  the  land  on  which 
the  aforesaid  Meeting  house  is  founded,  which  added  to  the  other  obligations  we 
are  under,  together  with  what  we  are  in  advance  makes  the  Congregation  in 
Debt  to  us  near  six  hundred  dollars  which  under  the  present  Circumstances  are 
not  likely  to  be  soon  Discharged,  and  probably  will  Continue  as  a  long  Incum- 
brance upon  us  and  perhaps  to  posterity.  Mr.  Macknight  who  is  bound  with  us 
is  going  for  Europe,  which  will  leave  us  the  persons  accomptable  for  payment 
of  these  Debts,  together  with  Doctor  Nicols  whose  unsteadiness  and  unfaithful- 
ness has  been  frequently  experienced  in  Divers  Instances  formerly,  and  who  is 
likely  to  be  a  Companion  of  the  same  nature,  and  we  are  not  easy  to  remain  Ac- 
comptable for  Debts  only  Entailed  upon  us,  for  the  Gratifying  the  Humours  of 
Some  men,  to  tlie  hindering  the  prosperity  of  the  Interest  in  Generall. 

Therefore  we  humbly  Crave  the  priviledge  of  the  Grant  of  a  Charter,  to  have 
the  Meeting  house  Confirmed  to  us,  and  to  the  Minister  procured  by  us,  at  least 
on  equall  terms  with  those  who  first  Desired  it,  but  if  this  cannot  be  granted 
we  desire  that  we  may  be  acquitted,  and  Discharged  from  all  the  Debts  and 
Encumbrances  and  we  shall  promise  to  Resign  up  our  whole  property  in  the  prem- 
ises only  Reserving  two  pews,  or  we  Intreat  that  the  Charter  may  be  conferred 
upon  us  only  for  the  use  Designed,  and  we  promise  to  Discharge  them  granting 
them  the  Same  priviledge  we  desire  of  them. 

Thus  Very  Honorable  we  have  as  briefly  as  may  be  given  in  some  Hints  of  the 
Matters  of  our  Grievances  Entreating  that  they  may  have  a  candid  Reception  and 
Due  Consideration  with  your  Honour  and  the  Honourable  Councells. 

And  your  Memorialists  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

Gil.    Livingston 
Tho.    Smith. 

(Endorsed) 
The  Memoriall  of  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Thos.  Smith  in  Relation  to  a  Grant  of 

a  Charter  to  the  Presbyterian  Congregation  in  the  City  of  New  York. —  Doc.  Hist. 

N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.  pp.  279,  280. 


Report  of  Council  on  the  Preceding. 

(1720) 
May  it  please  your  Excellency. 

In  Obedience  to  your  Excellency's  order  in  Council  of  this  day  Referring  to 
us  the  Petition  of  the  Rev.  James  Anderson,  Presbyterian  Minister,  Patrick 
Macknight,  John  Nicolls,  Joseph  Leddel,  John  Blake,  Thomas  Inglis,  in  behalf 
of  themselves  and  the  Rest  of  the  Presbyterian  Congregation  in  the  City  of  New 
York,  praying  to  be  Incorporated  by  Letters  Patents  under  the  Broad  Seal  of  this 
Province;  Wee  hare  heard  Council  in  behalf  of  the  Petitioners,  and  Council,  in 
behalf  of  Rector  and  Church  Wardens  of  Trinity  Church  of  New  York  aforesaid 
against  the  Petition;  and  the  matter  appearing  to  us  to  be  of  very  great  moment, 
and  no  instance  given  us  of  any  such  Patent  of  Incorporation  hitherto  Granted, 
either  in  Great  Britain  or  the  Plantations;  We  humbly  crave  leave  to  offer  Our 
advice  to  your  Excellency,  And  Wee  do  accordingly  advise  and  desire  your  Ex- 
cellency to  transmit  to  the  Right  Honorable,  the  Lords  of  Trade  and  Plantations, 
a  Coppy  of  the  said  Petition  and  the  Proceedings  thereupon,  desiring  their  Lord- 


1720 


2176  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

ships  to  obtain  the  opinion  of  his  Majesties  Learned  Council  on  the  subject  mat- 
ter of  the  said  Petition,  and  to  Transmit  the  same  to  your  Excellency;  all  which  is 
nevertheless  humbly  submitted  by 

Your  Excellency's  Most  obedient  humble  Servants, 

A.  Philipse  R.  Walter 

Geo.  Clarke  Caleb  Heathcote 

Fra.   Harison  John    Barberie 

New  York, 

September  17th,   [19?]  1720.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  p.  281. 


Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

John  (Van)  Driessen, 

1720.  Oct.  7tli.  Inasmuch  as  one  John  (Van)  Driessen  has 
tried  to  deceive  the  Classis  in  an  artful  manner,  by  the  showing 
of  false  certificates,  pretending  that  tliey  had  been  granted  him 
by  certain  Professors  of  Theology;  and  inasmuch  as  he  has  asked 
more  than  once,  on  the  confession  of  his  misdeed,  that  the  Classis 
Avould  forgive  him,  and  grant  him  liberty  to  apply  himself  to 
the  study  of  Theology,  that  in  proper  season  he  might  be  recog- 
nized as  a  Candidate:  The  Classis  did  absolutely  refuse  his 
request,  and  inform  him  that  he  must  never  appear  again  before 
them  with  another  such  request,  and  expressed  their  wish  that  he 
would  show  a  genuine  repentance  unto  life.     x.  129. 

Petition   of   Johannes   Wilhelm   Schefs,    Agent    for   the 
,  Palatines. 

)  Nov.  1,  1720. 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  Trade  &  Plantations. 

The  humble  Petition  of  William  Scheef,  in  behalf  of  himself  &  the  Germans 
commonly  called  Palatines  Dwelling  in  Schorie  in  New  York 

Sheweth  That  there  are  at  present  about  one  Hundred  &  sixty  Families,  con- 
sisting of  about  One  Thousand  Souls,  In  that  part  of  New  York,  called  Schorie, 
in  which  they  have  built  Hutts,  Houses  &  some  mills  for  grinding  of  Corn,  where 
also  they  have  improved  the  Ground;  &  have  cleared  away,  (besides  another  men- 
tioned in  their  Case),  (a  road),  that  runs  down  from  their  Habitations  as  far 
as  Albany,  being  about  twenty  four  Miles  in  Length,  for  a  free  communication 
with  Albany. 

That  there  are  also  about  five  Hundred  German  Families,  consisting  of  about 
Three  thousand  Souls  dwelling  in  dispersed  habitations  in  the  said  Province  of 
New  York. 

That  the  said  German  families  have  Impowered  your  Petitioner,  as  also  John 
Conrad  Welser,  to  Implore  the  Kings  gracious  favor  for  granting  the  free  posses- 
sion of  the  said  Valley  of  Schorie  to  the  said  one  hundred  and  sixty  Families,  or 
as  many  others  as  should  lind  room  to  settle  therein;  And  to  pray  that  his  Majesty 


or  THE  State  of  New  York.  2177 

would  be  pleased  to  extend  His  bounty  to  the  remaining  five  hundred  families,  by 
securing  a  settlement  for  them,  either  above,  below  or  round  about,  the  valley  of 
Schorie  in  those  parts,  formerly  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Godfrey  Dellius,  or  in 
Mackworth*  Land. 

But  your  Petitioner,  (hearing  with  grief  that  John  Conrad  Weiser  has  peti- 
tioned your  Lordships,  for  obtaining  a  tract  of  land  called  Chetteryt)  most  humbly 
entreats  your  Lordships,  to  dismiss  the  said  ^^'eiser■s  Petition  as  being  directly 
contrary  to  our  instructions  &  the  inclinations  of  our  people  who  earnestly  de- 
sire to  lead  a  quiett  &  peaceable  life  and  are  utterly  averse  to  expose  their  tender 
Children,  and  child  iieariug  Women,  to  another  Transportation  by  Water,  as  still 
remembering  the  loss  of  most  of  their  young  children  at  their  going  from  home 
to  America;  all  of  which  may  appear  in  our  case.  Now  laying  before  your  Lord- 
ships,  which  is   signed  by   Mr.    Weiser  himself. 

If  your  Lordships  should  think  fit  to  remove  the  said  one  hundred  and  sixty 
families  to  any  other  part  of  the  said  Province  of  New  York,  They  hope  their 
houses,  their  Mills,  &  their  labour  in  clearing  the  Ground  and  making  the  said 
way  of  twenty  four  Miles  shall  be  appraised  by  impartial  persons  to  be  chosen  by 
each  party,  &  the  value  thereof  made  good  unto  them  before  their  Removal 
from  thence. 

And  considering,  that  the  grant  of  the  valley  of  Schorie  supposed  to  be  given  to 
some  Gentlemen  of  Albany,  being  made  some  time  after  the  said  Germans  had 
seated  themselves  therein,  at  first  to  one  &  afterwards  to  two  other  persons, 
was,  as  they  humbly  conceive,  against  the  Plantation  Laws,  for  the  truth  of  which 
they  humbly  appeal  to  the  proceedings  of  the  Assembly  of  the  Province,  and 
those  of  the  Governor  and  Council;  In  case  they  shall  be  maintained  in  the  said 
valley  of  Schorie  they  will  cheerfully  pay  all  such  charges  for  the  support  of 
the  Government  as  other  subjects  there  are  used  to  do. 

Therefore  your  Petitioner  humbly  prays  your  Lordships  will  be  pleased  to  con- 
firm the  said  one  hundred  and  sixty  Families  in  the  Possession  of  the  Valley  of 
Schorie  &  the  mountainous  parts  thereof,  &  allot  to  the  other  five  hundred  Families 
such  Lands  somewhere  near  about  the  valley  of  Schorie  as  your  Lordship  in  your 
wisdom  shall  think  fit. 

And  that  your  Lordships  would  further  vouchsafe  to  grant  a  Coppy  of  Colonel 
Hunters  Memorial  relating  to  our  case  that  the  underwritten  may  have  an  op- 
portunity to  vindicate  his  principals  from  any  mismanagement  alledged  against  his 
Colleague  Mr.   Weiser. 

And  Your  Petitioner  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

(signed)  Johan  Whilm.   Schefs. 

November  1,  1720.  —Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  574-576. 


The  Old  Parsonage  at  Albany. 

1720-1846. 

The  parsonage,  or  as  it  is  termed  in  the  charter,  the  minister's 
house,  which  belonged  to  the  congregation,  and  was  occupied  by 
Mr.  Westerlo,  during  the  last  six  years  of  his  life,  was  the  build- 
ing more  recently  known  as  the  Bleecker  House;  and  was  taken 
down  about  1846,  to  make  room  for  Bleecker  Hall.  The  first 
preaching  in  English  was  by  Mr.  Livingston,  about  1776;  in 
1782  Mr.  Westerlo  began  to  preach  in  English;  and  Mr.  Bassett, 

•  Mackwaa,  1.  e.,  Mohawk.  t  Swatara,  Penn. 


1721 


2178  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

his  colleague,  was  the  first  settled  English  pastor. —  Munsell's 
Annals,  Vol.  1.  p.  121. 

Frelinghuysen's  Sermons. 
June  15,  1721. 

These  sermons  (of  which  the  preface  only  is  here  given,  with  a  recommendation), 
produced  a  great  discussion  for  many  years  after,  and  are  frequently  referred  to 
in  subsequent  documents. 

Author's  Preface. 

Impartial  and  truth-loving  reader;  you  may  possibly  inquire 
why,  in  an  age  so  learned,  and  abounding  in  illustrious  works, 
issued  by  learned  and  renowned  men  on  the  very  subject  here 
treated  of,  I  should  give  to  the  public  the  following  discourses: 
be  pleased,  then,  to  know  that  I  have  been  influenced  by  the 
following  considerations.  In  the  first  place,  I  have  for  some 
time  been  solicited  to  it  by  several  of  my  friends.  I  know 
not,  however,  whether  this  would  have  been  a  sufiicient  induce- 
ment, since  I  make  no  pretensions  to  superior  skill  in  composi- 
tion. The  second,  and  principal  reason  then  is,  that  necessity 
has  compelled  me:  for  if  you  be  not  a  stranger  in  our  ISTew 
Netherlands  Jerusalem,  you  are  aware  that  I  have  been  slander- 
ously charged  as  a  schismatic,  and  a  teacher  of  false  doctrines. 
That  I  am  thus  accused  is  too  manifest  to  require  proof.  You 
will  allow  that  it  were  the  duty  of  those  who  thus  accuse  me, 
to  establish  what  they  say,  either  by  word  of  mouth  or  by  pen; 
but  since  hitherto,  this  has  not  been  done,  let  no  one  imagine 
that  it  is  here  my  intention  to  vindicate  myself.  The  trifling 
stories,  the  notorious  falsehoods,  that  are  circulated  concerning 
me,  and  are  by  some  so  greedily  received,  are  not  deserving  of 
mention,  much  less  of  refutation.  It  is  true,  there  is  much  said  of 
my  manner  in  relation  to  the  Lord's  Supper ;  but  that  I  teach  noth- 
ing else  concerning  this  ordinance,  but  what  has  in  every  age  been 
taught  by  the  Reformed  Church,  can,  in  the  following  discourses, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2179 

be  readily  discerned  by  any  impartial  person.  Since,  now,  the 
charges  made  against  me  are  serious  in  their  nature,  and  affect 
not  my  person,  but  my  office;  and  that  I  may  give  no  one  reason 
to  entertain  suspicion  in  relation  to  the  doctrines  which  I  teach, 
I  cheerfully  permit  these  sermons  to  be  published,  and  hesitate 
not  to  acknowledge  them  mine ;  being  assured  that  I  have  written 
nothing  that  is  inconsistent  with  the  rule  of  faith,  and  the  genu- 
ine doctrines  of  the  Reformed  Church;  for  I  have  followed  the 
steps  of  numerous  orthodox,  faithful  and  godly  men,  whose  writ- 
ings I  have  also  employed,  since  I  felt  unable  to  make  any  im- 
provement upon  them. 

If  you  be  sanctified  through  the  trath,  and  understand  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Christ,  you  will  also  know  his  voice,  and  follow 
him;  and  maintain  the  truth  in  love.  In  fine,  my  desire  and 
prayer  is,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  will  come  and  cleanse  and  purify 
his  Church;  and  do  good  unto  Zion,  and  build  the  walls  of 
Jerusalem. 

I  am,  and  remain  your  devoted  servant  in  Christ, 

Theodorus  Jacobus  Frelinghuysen. 
Written  at  l^ew  York,  June  15,  1721. 

Recommendation  by  the  Rev.   Messrs.   Freeman  and  Bartholf. 

We,  the  undersigned,  ministers  of  the  Word  of  God,  by  virtue 
of  the  commission  received  from  our  respective  Classes,  and 
to  prove  ourselves  faithful  to  the  trust  committed  to  us  by  our 
superiors;  namely,  that  in  accordance  with  our  office  and  bounden 
duty,  we  faithfully  labor  to  promote  the  orthodox  and  scrip- 
tural doctrines  of  our  Church,  and  oppose  those  which  are  con- 
trary in  their  nature  —  we  have,  by  request,  attentively  read, 
and  with  the  utmost  care  examined,  three  learned,  well-digested, 
and  thrilling  sermons,  heretofore  preached,  and  now  for  suffi- 
cient reasons  published,  by  the  reverend  and  learned,  our  brother 
in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel,  Theodorus  Jacobus  Frelinghuysen, 
faithful  minister  of  the  Gospel  in  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ 
at  Raritan. 

25 


2180  Ecclesiastical  Records 

The  first  sermon  is  upon  Isaiah  66:2. 

The  second  sermon  is  upon  the  words  of  Paul,  1  Cor.  11:29; 
and  the  30th  Lord's  Day:  81st  and  82nd  Question  and  Answer  of 
our  Heidelberg  Catechism. 

The  third  sermon  is  upon  the  words  of  Christ,  Matt.  16:  19; 
and  the  31st  Lord's  Day:  83rd,  84th,  85th  Question  and  Answer. 

We  have  also  found  the  contents  of  the  forementioned  ser- 
mons highly  sound  and  scriptural,  and  agreeing  in  the  smallest 
particulars  not  only  with  the  written  Word  of  God,  but  also  with 
the  teachings  of  our  Heidelberg  Catechism,  adopted  as  a  rule  of 
doctrine,  as  well  as  with  the  forms  employed  in  our  Dutch 
churches.  We  cannot,  therefore  doubt,  that  all  who  hold  the 
Reformed  faith  in  its  purity;  all  the  pious  and  lovers  of  the  truth 
as  it  is  in  Christ,  will  acquiesce  in  and  readily  accept  this  our 
recommendation.  We  also  sincerely  wish  that  the  principles  set 
forth  in  these  sermons  could  and  might,  consistently  with  the 
peace  and  welfare  of  our  churches,  be  put  in  practice  by  ourselves 
and  all  our  ministers. 

Your  sen^ants  in  Christ, 
,  .       -  Guilm.  Bartholf, 

,  Bernardus  Freeman. 

Three  Sermons. 

1.  The  Poor  and  Contrite,  God's  Temple.  Isaiah  66  :  2.  "  But 
to  this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor  and  of  a  contrite 
spirit,  and  trembleth  at  my  word." 

The  Second :  The  Acceptable  Communicant.  1  Cor.  11 :  29. 
"  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  eateth  and  drink- 
eth  damnation  to  himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body." — 
In  connection  mth  the  30th  Lord's  Day  of  the  Heidelberg  Cate- 
chism, Questions  81,  82. 

The  Third:  The  Church's  Duty  to  her  Members.  Matt.  16: 
19.  "And  I  will  give  unto  you  the  Keys  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven." —  In  connection  with  the  31st  Lord's  Day  of  the  Heid- 
elbergh  Catechism.     Questions  83,  84,  85. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2181 

Preached  by  Theodoras  Jacobus  Frelinghuysen,  Minister  of 
the  Eeformed  Dutch  Church  on  the  Earitan.  Published  by 
Some  of  his  Friends.  Printed  at  New  York  by  Wm.  Bradford 
1721. 

(Reprinted  with  other  Sermons  of  his,  by  the  Board  of  Pub- 
lication of  the  Reformed  Church  in  America,  1856.) 

Rev.  Thomas  Poyek  to  Deputy  Secretary  Bobin. 

Jamaica,   June   16tli,    1721. 
Mr.    Bobin    Sir  —  Here   in    my   Parish    is    a    Gentleman,    under  sucli    circumstances 
at  present,  that  he  can't  come  to  New  York,  and  has  now  a  mind  to  alter  his  con- 
dition of   Life,   or  to   marry,    which  he   would   have   kept   very   secret   for   Reasons 
best  known  to  himself. 

Now  since  he  can't  go  to  you  to  give  in  security  according  to  Law,  &,  for  privacy 
sake,  will  be  married  by  License,  these  are  to  desire  you  to  send  me  per  Bearer, 
a  blank  License  &  Bond  inclosed.  &  I  will  take  care  to  have  a  Bond  executed  be- 
fore I  fill  up  ye  Licence;  and  engage  to  send  you  your  money  for  it.  I  beg  ye 
favour  of  you  if  it  may  be  to  comply  with  this  Request  of.  Sir 

Your  most  humble  Servant, 

Thomas   Poyer. 
—  Doc.   Hist.   N.   Y.   Vol.    lii.    p.  185. 

^  Dutch  Church  on  Livingston  Manor. 

A   Brief  Allowing   Robert   Livingston   to   make  a  Collection   in    aid 
of  Building  a  Church  on  his  Manor.     [June  21,  1721.] 

William  Burnet  Esq.  Captain  Generall  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  the  Provinces 
of  New  York  New  Jersey  and  Territories  thereon  Depending  in  America  and 
Vice  Admirall  of  the  same   etc. 

To  all  Christian  and   Charitable   people   within   the  Provinces  of  New  York   and 
•       New   Jersey,   in  America    sendeth    Greeting  — 

Whereas  Robert  liivingston  Esq.  Sole  Proprietor  of  the  Manor  of  Livingston  hath 
proposed  and  doth  propose  to  Establish  a  Church  or  Meeting  House  and  to  send 
for  and  Call  some  able  and  Pious  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Minister  from 
Holland  according  to  the  Constitution  and  Direction  of  the  Reformed  Church  in 
Holland  Agreeable  to  the  Discipline  And  Government  of  the  Dutch  Church  as  is 
established  by  the  Synod  at  Dort  in  the  year  1618  and  1619  to  Officiate  therein 
for  the  Inhabitants  and  Sojourners  within  the  same  Manor  Agreeable  and  suit- 
able to  the  Vulgar  Language  and  Education  nt  the  said  Inhabitants,  which  pious 
work  and  the  Building  of  Such  Church  or  Meeting  House  will  require  a  larger 
Sum  of  Money  than  Can  reasonably  be  expected  to  be  advanced  by  any  one 
particular  person.  I  bhing  willing  and  Desireous  to  proinote  and  Encourage  so 
pious  an  undertaking  Have  Therefore  thought  fitt  to  grant  unto  the  same  Robert 
Livingston  Leave  &  Lycence  to  Collect  .^'  Receive  the  free  and  Voluntary  Charity 
and  Contribution  of  any  of  the  Inhabitants  within  the  said  Province  toward  the 
Carrying  on  and  Finishing  of  the  same;  And  for  his  so  doing  this  shall  be  to  him 
a  sufficient  Warrant.  Given  under  my  hand  iV:  seal  this  Twenty  first  day  of  June 
Anno  Domini  1721  Annoq  Regni  Rs.  Georgij  Magn.  Brittan.  Franc,  et  Hib.  fid. 
Defensoris  Septimo. 

W.   Burnet. 
By  his  Excellency's  Command 
Is  Robin 

Dy  Seery.  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  427,  42S. 


1721 


2182  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Classis  of  Amsterdam.  * 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Rev.  Henry  Boel's  testimony,  as  to  certain  statements  of  Captain 
Goelet,  about  Frelinghuysen,  July  25,  1721. 

1721,  July  25.  Tuesday  afternoon.  Capt.  Jacob  Goelet  re- 
lated to  me  and  my  brother,  that  Rev.  Frilinghuysen,  at  Amster- 
dam, contended  in  opposition  to  Mr.  W.  Banker,  that  his  nephew, 
Christopher  Banker,  was  in  a  bad  condition  spiritually.  He  did 
this  because  Mr.  Bancker  praised  him,  saying  that  every  one 
took  pleasure  in  his  person  and  conduct.  This,  said  Rev.  Fre- 
linghuysen,  is  a  very  bad  sign;  because  God's  children  are  hated 
by  most  people,  and  will  be  loved  only  by  a  few,  namely,  by 
those  who  are  God's  children,  themselves. 

That  also  while  on  the  sea.  Rev.  Frelinghuysen  condemned 
most  of  the  preachers  in  Holland  as  not  regenerated  men,  and  he 
said  the  same  about  those  in  Amsterdam;  but  he  added,  that  he 
had  kept  silent  while  there,  so  that  they  might  not  prevent  his 
getting  the  call  hither;  but  he  would  come  out  boldly  when  in 
this  country,  according  to  the  promise  made  to  his  Brotherhood, 
whose  motto  was,  "Be  steadfast  unto  death."  Then,  whoever 
might  come  against  him,  he  would  just  keep  silent;  but  mean- 
while he  would  quietly  proceed,  and  try  to  make  fast  his  rope 
in  this  country;  and  when  this  had  been  done,  he  would  be  power- 
ful enough  before  any;  and  if  he  should  succeed,  he  would  become 
more  powerful,  because  immediately  many  more  would  come 
from  Holland  to  his  support,  and  would  push  their  sect  here, 
generally. 

Capt.  Goelet  also  stated  that  both  Rev.  Frilinghuysen  and 
Schuurman  constantly  used  such  language  as  this.  In  such  lan- 
guage, Schuurman  held  forth  to  me  and  my  brother;  and  Capt. 
Goelet,  therefore,  naturally  had  to  conclude  that  Rev.  Friling- 
huysen was  fully  convinced  of  the  truth  of  that  incident,  (voor- 
val;)  and  thus  against  his  better  knowledge  ascribed  it  to  that  (?), 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2183 

and  defended  Schuurman;  that  Capt.  Goelet  as  soon  as  lie  had 
heard  it  from  me,  thought  it  was  the  same  he  had  said  at  sea.(?) 
That  Capt.  Goelet  related  the  above  to  me  and  my  brother, 
I  affirm  with  this  my  signature;  also  that  I  noted  it  down  in  the 
same  year  and  day,  as  above  dated. 

Henricus  Boel. 
Addenda  on  the  Earitan  Dispute. 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Testimony    of   Rev.    G.    Du   Bois    as   to   certain    statements   of 
Capt.  Goelet,  in  the  Frelinghuysen  case.     1Y21. 

To  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam: 

[Portfolio  "New  York"  VoL  i.] 

Addenda   about  the   Raritan   (affair)   Nos.    1-6.     To   the   High 

Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
No.  6. 

Copy  of  what  Capt.  Goelet  reported  to  me,  and  what  I  wrote 
down  in  his  presence,  at  a  certain  time,  so  far  as  I  can  recollect, 
Anno,  1721;  for  I  did  not  take  accurate  note  of  the  time. 

Memorandum: 

Capt.  Goelet  related  that  Mr.  William  Banker,  in  Holland, 
highly  praised  his  nephew,  Christopher  Banker,  to  Rev.  Freling- 
huysen, as  a  beautiful  Christian,  because  he  had  secured  for 
himself  in  Holland  and  New  York  a  good  name  among  both  great 
and  small.  In  opposition  to  this,  the  Rev.  Frilinghuysen  con- 
tended, that  young  Banker  was  then  in  a  bad  condition,  spiritu- 
ally, because  God's  children  are  hated  by  most  people,  and  will 
be  loved  only  by  those  few  who  are  God's  o^vn  children.  Rev. 
Frilinghuysen  was  so  vehement  in  his  contention  with  Mr.  Banker, 
that  the  latter  said  to  him  more  than  once — Hold,  hold;  you 
go  too  far;  or  something  like  that. 


1721 


2184  Ecclesiastical  Records 

While  at  sea,  the  Rev.  Frilinghuysen  had  condemned  most 
of  the  preachers  in  Holland;  and  he  also  declared  that  he  thought 
but  little  of  the  most  of  those  at  Amsterdam.  He  had,  however, 
kept  silent  there  so  that  they  should  not  stand  in  the  way  of  his 
call  hither;  saying  that  when  here  in  this  country,  he  would 
come  out  boldly,  in  accordance  with  the  maxim  of  his  brother- 
hood, "  Go  on  steadfastly  even  to  the  death."  Therefore  what- 
ever might  be  done  against  him,  he  would  keep  quiet,  but  try  in 
the  meantime  to  secure  a  follomng  in  this  country;  and  if  he 
should  succeed  in  this,  then  many  would  at  once  come  from  Hol- 
land to  aid  him,  and  to  push  their  following  here,  generally. 

That  Capt  Goelet  related  the  above  to  me,  I  affirm  by  this  my 
signature. 

G.  Du  Bois. 


JOUKNAL   OF   THE    jSTeW   YoKK    CoU^STCIL. 

1721,  July  26.     William  Burnet,  Governor. 

The  House  of  Representatives  sent  a  Bill,  dated,  July  22nd,  to  the  Council,  en- 
titled, "An  Act  for  the  more  equal  and  impartial  assessing  the  Ministers'  and 
Poors'  tax,  to  be  raised  within  the  city  and  county  of  New  York,  Queens  County, 
Westchester  County  and  the  County  of  Richmond,"  aud  desiring  the  concurrence 
of  this  Board  thereto.  Council  Journal,  474.  Read  first  time;  ordered  to  a  sec- 
ond reading,  committed,  474.  Not  amended:  read  third  time;  passed.  Assembly 
informed,  475.     Enacted,  476. 


An  Act  for  the  more  Equal  and  Impartial  Assessing  the  Minister  and  Poores  Tax 
to  be  raised  within  the  City  and  County  of  New  York.  Queens  County,  West 
Chester  County,   and  the  County  of  Richmond. 

(Passed,  July  27,  1721.) 

FOR  the  more  Orderly  Equally  and  Impartially  Assessing  the  Minister  and 
Poores  Tax  Annually  to  be  raised  within  the  City  and  County  of  Richmond  pur- 
suant to  an  Act  of  Generall  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  New  York  passed  in  the 
fifth  Year  of  the  reign  of  their  late  Majesties  King  William  and  Queen  Mary 
Intituled  an  Act  for  Settling  a  Ministry  and  raising  a  Maintenance  for  them  in 
the  City  of  New  York,  County  of  Richmond,  Westchester  and  Queens  Counties. 

BE  IT  THEREFORE  ENACTED  by  his  Excellency  the  Governour  Council  and 
General  Assembly  and  by  the  Authority  of  the  Same  that  the  Severall  Vestrey 
Men  Annually  Chosen  by  Vertue  of  the  Act  before  Mentioned  for  the  City  and 
County  of  New  York  and  Precincts  of  Queens  County  and  the  County  of  Rich- 
mond and  the  County  of  West  Chester  Shall  before  he  or  they  take  upon  him  or 
them  the  Execution  of  said  Office  take  an  Oath  to  be  Administered  in  these  Words 
following   (Viz). 

YOU  do  Sware  on  the  holy  Evangelist  that  you  and  every  of  you  Shall  wel  and 
truly   Execute  the  Duty  of  an  Assessor  and   Equally   and  Impartially   Assess   the 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2185 

Severall  FREEHOLDERS  aud  Inhabitants  according  to  the  Value  of  their  Re- 
spective Estates  in  an  Equal  proportion  in  every  of  your  Respective  City  Counties 
&  precincts  for  which  you  are  Chose  Vestrey  Men  and  According  to  your  best 
Skill  and  knowledge  therein  you  Shall  Spare  Noe  Person  for  favour  or  affection 
or  grieve  any  Person  for  hatred  or  111  will  so  help  you  God.  Which  Oath  any  one 
Justice  for  the  City  of  New  York  and  any  one  Justice  for  the  Precinct  of  Queens 
County  and  any  one  Justice  for  the  County  of  Richmond  and  West  Chester  County 
are  hereby  Impowered  and  Directed  to  Administer  the  Same  unto  the  Said  Vestry 
Men  so  Yearly  and  every  Year  Chose  any  thing  therein  Contained  to  the  Contrary 
hereof  in  any   wise   Notwithstanding. 

—  Laws  of  the  Colony  of  New  York  Vol.  II,  pp.  62,  63. 


JouBJS^AL  OF  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Rev.  J.  E.  Haegar  and  the  Palatines, 

Aug.  18,  1721.     Vol.  iv.  p.  167.  §  1. 

It  was  reported  from  the  Conmiittee  that  they  had  taken  into 
consideration  the  petition  of  Jeremiah  Long  in  behalf  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Haeger,  late  the  Society's  Missionary  among  the  Palatines  to 
them  referred,  and  being  informed  that  the  said  Mr.  Haeger  has 
constantly  officiated  among  the  Palatines  ever  since  he  has  been 
obliged  to  travel  several  miles  by  water  to  a  settlement  of  the 
Palatines  at  Schohary,  where  there  are  about  160  families,  and 
that  he  has  a  very  good  character,  they  agreed  as  their  opinion 
that  fifty  pounds  be  given  him  for  his  past  services,  and  that  a 
letter  be  sent  to  his  excellency  the  Governor  of  New  York,  desir- 
ing liim  to  inform  the  Society  in  what  manner  the  said  Palatines 
are  settled  and  whether  Mr.  Haeger  has  officiated  and  does  offi- 
ciate among  them  as  usual  before  his  being  discharged  from  the 
service  of  the  Society. 

Agreed  that  this  matter  be  considered  when  a  sufficient  number 
of  members  are  present,  and  that  50  copies  of  the  Common  Prayer 
in  the  German  language  be  sent  him  in  the  meantime. 


1721 


2186  Ecclesiastical  Records 


State  of  the  British  Plantatioists  in  America,  in  1721. 

Copy  of  a  Representation  of  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  Trade  and  Planta- 
tions to  the  King  upon  the  State  of  His  Majesties  Colonies  &  Plantations  on  the 
Continent  of  North  America,  dated  September  the  8th  1721. 

To  the  King's  most  Excellent  Majesty. 
May  it  please  your  Majesty: 


It  is  likewise  much  to  be  lamented,  that  our  zeal  for  propagating  of  the  Christian 
Faith  in  parts  beyond  the  seas,  hath  not  hitherto  much  enlarged  the  pale  of  the 
British  Church  amongst  those  poor  infidels,  or  in  any  sort  contributed  to  pro- 
mote the  interest  of  the  State  in  America;  but  as  it  is  not  so  immediately  our 
province  to  propose  anything  particular  upon  this  head,  we  can  only  wish,  that 
the  same  may  be  hereafter  put  upon  a  better  foot. 


—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  pp.  591,  626. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
of  the of  Rev.  Vas. 


1Y21,  Sept.  21.  Rev.  Quaestor  van  der  Heist  handed  in  to 
the  Classis  a  statement  of  what  Rev.  Peter  Vas  was  still  owing 
to  this  Classis  upon  the  balancing  of  accounts.  It  appeared  from 
the  signed  acknowledgment  of  May  5th,  1710,  with  the  receipts 
thereon,  that  the  Rev.  Vas  then  still  owed  f.  157.  1.  For  these 
moneys,  which  had  been  received  by  him,  the  Rev.  Quaestor  has 
accounted  to  Classis,  Therewith  the  debt  of  the  Rev.  Vas  to  the 
Classis  has  been  liquidated,  and  the  moneys  received  had  been 
paid  out  to  the  several  members  to  whom  they  were  due,     x.  144. 

Consistory  of  the  Dutch  Church  of  Albany. 

Borrow  from  Poor  Fund  to  Rebuild  Domine's  House. 

Know  all  men  by  Ihese  present  that  we  the  undersigned  elders  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church  of  Albany,  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  forty 
eight  pounds  one  shilling  and  fourpence  current  money  of  New  York  received  from 
Messrs.  Myndert  Roseboom  and  Dirck  Ten  Broeck,  deacons  of  the  aforesaid 
church,  being  the  money  collected  for  the  poor,  which  sum  we  borrow  to  pay  the 
expenses  of  rebuilding  the  house  of  our  Minister;  we  therefore  pi-omise  to  pay 
the  said  siim  in  three  years  out  of  the  income  of  the  church  pasture  to  the  said 
Myndert  Roseboom  and  Dirck  Ten  Broeck  or  their  successors  and  we  also  bind 
thereto   our  successors. 

Witness  our  hand  Albany  this  9th  October  Anno  1721. 

Hendr.   Van  Rensselaer 
Willem  Van  Deusen. 
In  presence  of  Abraham  Cuyler,   Anthony  Coster. 

—  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  vii.  p.  238. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2187 


Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Rev.  John  F.  Haeger. 

Nov.  17,  1721.     Vol.  ix.  p.  179.    §  14. 

The  Society  took  into  consideration  the  report  of  the  Commit- 
tee, relating  to  Mr.  Haeger  mentioned  in  the  minutes  of  the  18tli 
of  August  last  and  agreed  that  50  pounds  be  given  him  for  his 
past  services  and  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  Governor  of  iSTew 
York  desiring  his  Excellency  to  inform  the  Society  in  what  man- 
ner the  said  Palatines  are  settled  and  whether  Mr.  Haeger  has 
officiated  and  does  officiate  among  them  as  usual  before  his  being 
discharged  from  the  service  of  the  Society. 

Baptists.  '' 

To  his  Excellency  William  Burnet  Esquire  Captain  Generall  &  Governor  in  chief 
of  the  province  of  New  York  &  New  Jersey  and  the  Territories  depending  on  them 
in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same. 

The  humble  peticon  of  Nicholas  Eyers  brewer,  a  baptist  teacher  in  the  City  of 
New  York. 

Sheweth  unto  your  Excellency  that  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  fEebry  1715  At  a 
General  quarter  sessions  of  the  peace  held  at  the  city  of  New  York,  the  hired 
house  of  your  peticoner  scituate  in  the  broad  street  of  this  City  between  the 
house  of  John  Michel  Eyers  and  Mr.  John  Spratt,  was  registered  for  an  anabaptist 
meeting  house  within  this  City.  That  the  peticoner  has  it  certifyed  under  the 
hands  of  sixteen  inhabitants  of  good  faith  and  credit,  that  he  had  been  a  public 
preacher,  to  a  baptist  congregacon  within  this  city  for  four  years  and  some  of 
them  for  less.  That  (he)  has  it  certified  by  the  Honorable  Rip  Van  Dam  Esq.  one 
of  his  Majestyes  Council  lor  the  province  of  New  York  to  have  hired  a  house  in 
this  City  from  liim  January  first  1720  only  to  be  a  public  meeting  house  for  the 
Baptist^;,  whicli  he  still  keeps  and  as  he  has  obtained  from  the  Mayor  and  Re- 
corder of  this  City  an  ample  Certificate  of  his  good  behaviour  and  innocent  con- 
versation.    He  therefore  humbly  prays 

May  it  please  Your  Excellency 

To  grant  and  peruiitt  this  petitioner  to  Execute  the  ministeriall  function  of  a 
minister  within  this  City  to  a  baptist  congregation  and  to  give  him  proteccon 
therein  according  to  His  Majesty's  gracious  indulgence  extended  towards  the 
protestants  dissenting  from  the  established  church,  he  being  willing  to  comply 
with  all  what  is  required  by  the  Act  of  toleracon  from  dissenters  of  that  per- 
awasion  in  great  Britain  &  being  owned  for  a  reverend  brother  by  other  baptist 
teachers.     And  as  in  duty  bound  the  peticoner  shall  ever  pray  etc. 

Nicholas  Eyers. 


1721 


1721 


2188  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Those  may  Certify  all  whom  it  may  Concern,  that  Nicholas  Byres  of  this  City 
of  New  York  Brewer  hired  a  House  of  me  January  ye  1st  1720  Only  to  be  a  pub- 
lic Meeting  Place  of  the  Baptists  therein  to  worship  Almighty  God  and  the  said 
Nicholas  Eyers  was  their  Preacher.  In  Testimony  whereof  I  hare  hereunto  set 
my  Hand  January  19,  1721  In  the  Eight  Year  of  his  Majesties  Reign  King  George 
etc.  Rip  Van  Dam. 

City  of  New  York. 
These  are  to  certify  unto  all  whom  it  shall  or  may  concern  that  Nicholas  Eyers, 
brewer,  an  Inhabitant  of  the  City  of  New  York  during  all  the  time  of  his  resi- 
dence in  the  said  City,  hath  behaved  himself  well  as  becometh  a  good  subject  And 
that  to  the  best  of  our  Knowledge  and  understanding  he  is  blamless  and  free 
from  any  notorious  and  publick  slander  and  vice,  has  gained  himself  the  good 
name  and  reputation  of  his  neighbours  of  being  a  sober  just  and  honest  man, 
And  is  said  to  be  an  anabaptist  as  to  his  profession  in  religion.  In  testimony 
whereof  We  the  Mayor  Recorder  &  Aldermen  of  the  City  of  New  York  whose  names 
are  hereunto  subscribed  have  signed  to  those  presents  this  13th  day  of  January 
in  the  eighth  year  of  the  reign  of  Our  Sovereign  Lord  George  by  the  grace  of 
God  of  Great  Britain  ffrance  and  Ireland  Defender  of  the  faith  etc.  annoq  Domini 
1721/2  R.  Walter,   David  Jamison. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  290,  291. 


William  Burnet,  Esq.,  Etc 

To  all  whom  these  presents  shall  come  or  may  concern. 

Whereas  Mr.  Mch.  Eyers  Brewer  a  Freeman  and  Inhabitant  of 
ye  City  of  ISTew  York  pretending  to  be  at  present  a  Teacher  or 
preacher  of  a  Congregation  of  Anabaptists  which  has  had  its  be- 
ginning about  five  Tears  ago  within  this  City  and  has  so  con- 
tinued hitherto,  and  that  at  a  quarter  sessions  of  the  Peace 
their  House  or  Place  of  Meeting  within  this  City  has  been  Reg- 
istred  having  a  Certificate  of  his  past  good  behaviour  I  have 
thought  fitt  to  grant  unto  the  said  IS^icholas  Eyers  that  he  may 
enjoy  the  Priviledge,  benefits  and  advantages  which  dissenting 
Ministers  may  enjoy  in  Great  Brittain  by  virtue  of  a  Statute  made 
an  enacted  at  Westminster  Ent.  an  Act  for  Exempting  their 
Majesties  Protestant  Subjects  dissenting  from  the  Church  of 
England  from  the  Penaltys  of  Certain  Laws  in  ye  first  Tear  of 
King  William  and  Queen  Mary  Provided  always  that  he  shall 
comply  with  all  the  Rules  and  orders  or  directions  mentioned  & 
Expressed  in  the  same  statute  with  Regard  to  Anabaptists  or  such 
Dissenting  Protestants  who  scruples  the  Baptizing  Infants  as 
far  as  can  be  and  so  long  as  he  shall  continue  of  the  good  be- 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2189 

haviour  towards  (our)  Lord  the  King  and  all  his  Lege  People  In 
Witness  etc.    date  ye  23rd  of  January,   1721/2. 

W.  Burnet. 
By  his  Excellency's  Command 
Is.  Bobin  D.  Sec'ry. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii,  p.  291. 

Dutch  Church  of  Albany. 

Att  a  Comon  Council  held  in  the  City  Hall  of  Albany  this 
26th  day  of  February  1721/2. 

The  Mayor,  Aldermen  &  Comonalty  have  this  day  nominated 
and  appointed  Barent  Brat  of  this  city  to  be  Sexton  in  the  room 
of  Tennis  Bradt  deceased  —  that  half  of  ye  perquisites  and  ad- 
vantages shall  be  for  ye  behoof  of  Williampie  Brat  his  mother. 

The  Rev.  Petrus  Van  Driesen  minister  of  ye  Nether  Dutch 
Reformed  Congregation  of  this  city  with  ye  elders  &  deacons  of 
ye  said  congregation  appearing  in  Comon  Council,  desire  tliat  ye 
mayor,  aldermen  &  comonalty  of  ye  said  city  will  be  pleased  to 
release  unto  them  and  their  successors  ye  Church  yard  or  bury- 
ing place  scituate  &  being  to  ye  south  of  ye  said  city,  which  is 
granted  shall  be  released  when  ye  same  shall  have  first  measurd. 
—  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  vol.  viii.  274. 

Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 

Manor  of  Fordham. 

April  16,  1722. 
In  Great  Consistory. 

1.  The  friends  formerly  in  ofiice  were  informed  by  Do.  du 
Bois,  in  the  name  of  the  Consistory,  that  Janus  Termeur  had  told 
the  Consistory  this  morning,  that  last  Saturday,  the  son  of  Mr.  L. 
Marus,  had,  in  the  presence  of  the  son  of  Termeur,  taken  away  a 
portion  of  the  enclosure,  etc. 

2.  That  Mr.  Marus  claimed  a  large  piece  of  ground,  being  the 
most  southerly  portion  of  the  Manor,  or  in  case  we  would  not 


1722 


2190  Ecclesiastical  Kecords 

willingly  give  up  that  to  him,  he  then  would  see  what  right  he 
had  to  the  whole  Manor. 

3.  Therefore  the  acting  Consistory  asked  the  advice  of  the 
former  members  now  present,  whether  we  should  give  up  the  land 
which  Mr.  Marus  claimed,  or,  judging  that  we  had  a  right  to  it, 
should  maintain  our  right,  by  law. 

4.  It  was  unanimously  resolved  that  we  should  maintain  our 
right,  and  that  it  should  be  left  to  the  Ruling  Consistory  to  act 
in  the  matter  as  they  saw  proper. 

Church  Lot  us;-  Rye. 

To  his  Excellency  William  Burnet  Esq.  Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief 
in  and  over  his  Majestys  Provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  and  Territories 
Depending   thereon   in   America   and   Vice   Admiral    of   the   same   etc. 

The  Humble  petition  of  the  Church  Wardens  of  the  Parish  of  Rye  in  ye  Prov- 
ince  of   New    York. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency: 

Whereas  there  is  a  parcell  of  Land  in  this  town  which  for  many  years  has  been 
in  the  possession  of  the  Minister  of  our  parish  for  the  time  being,  but  now  by 
Reason  of  our  Long  want  of  a  settled  Minister  to  possess  it,  is  Encroached  upon 
and  very  much  Lessened  by  the  Inhabitants  that  Bound  upon  it;  We  therefore  the 
Church  Wardens  of  the  parish  of  Rye  aforesaid  believing  Ourselves  in  Duty 
^  Bound  to  secure  and  Defend  the  Rights  of  our  parish  Church,  Do  humbly  pray 
your  Excellency  to  Grant  your  Warrant,  to  the  Surveyor  Generall  to  survey  the 
said  Parcell,  and  adjust  the  true  bounds  thereof  to  prevent  any  such  Encroach- 
ments for  the  future  and  your  Petitioners  be  in  Duty  Bound  Shall  Ever  Pray. 

Samuel    Purdy 
1722.     To  the  Secretary  Henry   Ffowler,   Jr. 

Let  a  warrant  be  prepared  accordingly 

W.    Burnet. 
—  Doe.    Hist.   N.    Y.   Vol.    iii.    p.   574. 


Rev.  Mr.  Vesey  to  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel, 

1722. 

Extracts. 

"The   extent   of   my   parish    is    fourteen    miles   in   length,    and    in 

it  are  supposed  to  be  sixteen  hundred  families,  of  English,  Dutch,  and  Jews  ". 
There  were  also  "  one  thousand  three  hundred  and  sixty  two  Indian  and  Negroe 
slaves;   and   for  their  conversion   the   Honorable   Society   appointed  a   Catechist   to 

instruct    them    in   the    principles    of    Christianity" "Many    of    them 

frequent  our  Church  and  have  been  baptised,  and  some  of  them  admitted  to  the 
Lord's  Table  ".  Services  were  held  "  every  Sunday,  Holiday,  Wednesday  and 
Friday  in  the  year.  Divine  service  is  performed  in  the  Church,  and  the  members 
of  the  Church  ordinarily  attend  it,  and  on  Sundays  there  is  a  great  congregation  ". 
"  The  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  "  is  administered  "  once  in  six  weeks,  and 
the    usual    number    of    Communicants    is    One    hundred    and    upward:    but    on    the 


OF  THE  State  of  ]SrEw  York.  2191 

three  great  festivals,  Christmas,  Easter  and  Whitsuntide  more  than  two  hundred  ". 
He  gave  his  personal  attention  to  catechising  the  youth  in  Church  on  Sundays, 
until  the  Society  appointed  a  Catechist,  Mr.  Wetmore,  whose  labors  were  "  at- 
tended with  great  success  ".  All  things  were  duly  provided  for  the  decent  and 
orderly  performance  of  Divine  service,  while  the  value  of  the  living  was  one 
hundred  and  sixty  pounds  of  New  York  money,  "  lev'd  by  Act  of  the  Assembly 
on  the  inhabitants  of  this  city,  and  put  in  the  hands  of  the  Church- Wardens, 
who  pay  the  same  to  me,  by  warrant,  quarterly,  and  it  amounts  to  near  one 
hundred  pounds  sterling ".  He  had  no  house  or  glebe,  but  the  rental  of  the 
farm  afforded  a  sum  of  twenty  six  pounds  annually,  which  was  to  be  made  a 
special  payment  until  the  parish  could  provide  him  "  a  convenient  dwelling  house  ". 
He  also  gives  a  brief  account  of  the  parish  school  under  Mr.  Huddlestone,  who 
taught  forty  poor  children;  while  he  reports  as  under  his  care  "  a  small  parochial 
library  ". —  Dix's  Hist.  Trinity  Church,  i.  199. 

JouKNAL  OF  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 
Rev.  Haeger  dead.     More  Palatines  coming. 

July  20,  1722.     Vol.  iv.  p.  225. 

The  Treasurer  laid  before  the  Board  a  Bill  drawn  by  Mrs.  Haeger,  widow  of 
Mr.  Haeger  late  Missionary  among  the  Palatines  deceased,  for  fifty  pounds  given 
her  said  Husband  by  minutes  of  the  17th  of  November  1721  and  prayed  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Society  therein.     Ordered  that  the  Treasurer  pay  the  same. 

Aug.  17,  1722.     Vol.  iv.  p.  227.  §  5. 

Ordered  that  his  Excellency  (the  Governor  of  New  York)  be  also  acquainted 
that  there  is  a  number  of  Palatines  in  their  passage  to  New  York  and  that  a 
German  minister  will  soon  follow  them. 

Petition  of  the  Rev.   Mr.   Van  Dbiesen. 

To  his  Excellency  William  Burnet  Esq.  Captain  Generall  and  Governor  in  Chief 
of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  and  the  Territories  thereon  de- 
pending in  America  and  Vice  Admirall  of  the  same  etc.   in  Councill. 

Excellt.   Sir  and  Gentn. 

The  Petitioner  Petrus  van  Driesen  minister  of  the  Word  of  God  at  Albany  with 
all  Respect  takes  the  Liberty  to  shew  unto  your  Excellency  and  your  Honors 
the  Councellors  the  station  wherein  Divine  Providence  had  made  use  of  him  for 
upon  entring  into  his  ministry  in  his  Congregation  since  the  year  1712  he  has 
been  desired  by  the  Mohawks  to  continue  in  the  same  services  towards  them  As 
his  Reverend  Predecessors  Godefridus  Dellius  and  Johannis  Lydius  had  done 
whereupon  with  the  advice  of  the  Consistory  the  same  has  been  agreed  to  and 
performed  to  them  untill  now  Excepting  the  time  that  Mr.  Andrews  ministered 
to  them. 

The  Petitioner  finding  himself  in  Conscience  thronged  and  moved  to  continue 
with  them  in  the  doctrine  of  the  true  knowledge  of  God  if  yet  at  some  time  the 
Lord  might  give  them  Repentance  as  by  meanes  of  the  same  ministracon  through 
the  blessing  of  the  most  high  has  been  done  to  Our  fore  Fathers  — 

Wherefore  the  Petitioner  in  all  Dutyfull  manner  Turns  himself  to  your  Excel- 
lency and  Your  Honors  with  Request  to  hold  his  person  as  Recommended  and  to 
assist  him  in  his  services  which  are  both  heavy  and  chargeable  according  to  the 
nature  of  the  Indians  as  allso  the  Interpreter  he  makes  use  of  at  his  own  Cost. 

He  praying  the  supream  being  that  he  make  your  Honorable  persons  and  manner 
of  Governing  more  and  more  prosperous  for  the  best  of  the  Country  and  Religion. 

This  being  the  wish  of  your  Excellency's  &  Honorable  Councills  dutyfull  Ser- 
vant &  Subject, 

(signed)  Petrus  van  Driesen. 

Albany  the  13  7ber,   1722. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.   Y.   Vol.   iii.  pp.  551,   552. 


1722 


1722 


2192  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 


License  to  Build  a  Chuech  foe  the  Mohawks. 

By  His  Excellency  Etc. 

Whereas  the  Reverend  Mr.  Petrus  Van  Driesen  of  the  County  of  Albany  having 
represented  unto  me  the  necessity  of  erecting  and  building  a  publicls  meeting 
house  for  the  Indians  in  the  Mohawli  Country  in  the  County  of  Albany  in  order 
for  the  more  commodious  and  frequent  assembling  of  themselves  together  for  the 
Solem  worship  of  God  which  might  be  a  means  of  bringing  over  as  well  the 
Indians  there  as  those  in  ye  adjacent  parts  to  ye  knowledge  of  the  principles  of 
the  Christian  religion  &  has  therefore  made  application  to  me  for  my  Lyeence 
&  for  that  purpose  now  for  the  furtherance  of  which  good  Design  I  do  by  virtues 
of  the  powers  and  authoritys  unto  me  granted  by  virtue  of  his  Majestys  Letters 
Patent  under  the  Great  Seal  of  Great  Britain  Give  and  grant  unto  the  said  Petrus 
Van  Driessen  full  power  liberty  leave  &  Lyeence  to  Erect  &  build  a  meeting 
house  for  the  Indians  in  the  Mohawks  Country  in  order  to  ye  assembling  of 
themselves  together  for  ye  solem  worship  of  God  and  that  on  any  part  of  the 
Lands  to  them  belonging  as  shall  be  most  Convenient  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid. 

Given  etc. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  iii.  552.     Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,  Vol.  vi.  p.  94. 


Lords  of  Trade  to  Lord  Carteret. 
[Landgrants   to   domine  Delliiis,   etc.] 

To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lord  Carteret 

My   Lord: 

The  enclosed  Report  containing  an  account  of  several  ill  practices  in  the  Prov- 
ince of  New  York  whereby  his  Majesty  is  defrauded  of  his  Lands  and  Quit  Rents 
there  which  seemed  to  us  worthy  of  animadversion,  We  must  desire  your  Lordship 
would  be  pleased  to  lay  the  same  before  his  Majesty  for  his  orders  thereupon. 
We  are, 

My  Lord, 

Your  Lordships   most   obedient    &   most   humble 
Servants, 

J.  Chetwynd 
T.    Pelham 
M.  Bladen 
R.    Plumer 
Whitehall 

Sept.   26,   1722. 

Representation  of  the  Lords  of  Trade  to  the  King. 

To  the  Kings  most  Excellent  Majesty. 

May  it  please  your  Majesty: 

William  Burnet  Esq.  your  Majesty's  Governor  of  the  Province  of  New  York  & 
New  Jersey  in  America,  transmitted  to  us  some  time  since  the  Draught  of  a  Bill 
prepared  by  the  Assembly  of  New  York,  to  which  he  refused  his  assent,  Entituled 
an  Act  for  facilitating  the  Partition  of  Lands  in  joint  Tenancy,  promoting  the 
settling  and  improving  thereof  &  rendering  ye  payment  of  the  Quit  Rents  due 
thereupon  certain  &  easy;  together  with  his  own  observations  on  the  said  Bill; 
and  likewise  two  Memorials  of  Cadwallader  Colden  Esq.,  your  Majesty's  Surveyor 
General  of  the  said  Province,  relating  thereunto,  whereby  it  doth  plainly  appear 
to  us,  that  the  intention  of  ye  Assembly  was  not  really  what  ye  Title  of  the  Bill 
pretended,  but  a  manifest  design  to  defraud  your  Majesty  of  great  Tracts  of  Land 
at  present  possessed  by  divers  persons,  in  the  said  Province,  under  colour  of 
certain  exhorbitant  and  illegal  grants,  to  the  great  detriment  of  your  Majesty's 
Title  and  Revenue  there. 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  Yoek.  2193 

The  consideration  of  this  attempt,  naturally  led  us,  to  inquire  into  the  true 
State  of  this  Province,  with  respect  to  your  Majesty's  Quit  Rents,  and  the  pro- 
portion the  same  bear  to  the  vast  Tracts  of  Land  possessed  under  colour  of  the 
aforesaid  grants  for  the  more  perfect  understanding  whereof  we  humbly  beg  leave 
to  inform  your  Majesty. 

That  from  the  first  settling  of  the  British  Colony's  iu  America,  the  Governors 
of  such  of  them  as  were  immediately  under  the  Government  of  the  Crown  have 
been  always  impowered  with  the  advice  &  Assent  of  their  respective  Councils  to 
make  grants  of  Lands  there  to  such  persons  as  should  be  willing  to  settle  and 
cultivate  the  same,  under  the  reservation  of  reasonable  Quit  Rents  &  Services 
which  were  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  said  Governors  and  Council  who  certainly 
ought  to  have  proportion'd  the  same  to  the  Value  and  Quantity  of  the  Land 
granted,  neither  can  it  be  presumed  that  it  ever  was,  or  could  be,  the  intention 
of  the  Crown  to  grant  larger  Tracts  of  Land,  than  in  all  probability  could  ever 
be  cultivated  by   the   persons   to   whom   they   were   granted. 

New  York  till  King  James  the  Second's  Accession  to  the  Throne,  was  a  pro- 
prietary Government  Col.  Dungan  was  the  first  Governor  of  this  Province  ap- 
pointed by  the  Crown  and  the  powers  given  him  by  his  Commission  for  the  dis- 
posal of  Lands,  were  in  the  following  terms; 

"  And  we  do  hereby  likewise  give  &  grant  unto  You  full  power  &  authority  by 
and  with  the  Advice  &  Consent  of  our  said  Council,  to  agree  with  the  Planters 
«&  Inhabitants  of  our  Province  &  Territory  aforesaid,  concerning  such  lands  tene- 
ments &  hereditaments  as  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  in  your  power  to  dis- 
pose of. 

And  them  to  grant  to  any  person  or  persons  for  such  term  &  under  such  moderate 
Quit  Rents,  Services  and  Acknowledgments  to  be  thereupon  reserved  to  us  as  you 
by  and  with  the  advice  aforesaid  shall  think  fit. 

Which  said  grants  are  to  pass  and  be  sealed  by  our  seal  of  New  York  and  being 
entered  on  Record  by  such  officer  or  oflicers  as  you  shall  appoint  thereunto  shall 
be  good  &  effectual  in  law  against  Us  our  heirs  &  Successors." 

The  same  powers  verbatim  were  given  to  all  succeeding  Governors,  and  there  Is 
but  too  much  reason  to  be  convinced  that  a  very  great  abuse  was  made  of  this 
trust,  though  no  formal  complaint  of  it  till  the  Administration  of  Colonel  Fletcher, 
whose  Conduct  in  this  particular,  was  so  very  extravagant,  that  the  Earl  of  Bello- 
mont,  who  succeeded  him  found  himself  obliged  to  represent  the  same  to  this 
Board,  and  we  find  in  our  Books  the  following  account  from  the  Crown  Surveyor 
of  that  Province  of  several  exorbitant  and  irregular  Grants  made  by  the  said  Col. 
Fletcher. 

"  To  Godfrey  Dellius,  Minister  of  Albany  a  tract  of  land  being  eighty  six  miles 
in  length  &  twelve  more  or  less  in  breadth  another  tract  to  the  said  Godfrey 
Dellius  and  four  others  being  fifty  miles  in  length,  and  two  ou  each  side  the 
Moquase  or  Mohacks  River,  in  breadth  including  in  the  said  Grant  the  three 
Moquase  Castles. 

A  Tract  of  Land  to  Col.  Peter  Schuyler  &  Herme  Ganesvoor  four  miles  in  breadth 
along  Hudsons  River  on  ye  East  side  thereof  &  twenty  in  length. 

To  Col.  Henry  Beekman  a  Tract  of  Land  on  ye  East  Side  of  Hudsons  River 
aforesaid  being  in  breadth  along  the  said  River  about  four  miles,  and  in  length 
twenty. 

To  Col.  Caleb  Heathcote,  etc.,  a  tract  of  land  on  ye  East  side  of  Hudson's  River, 
five  miles  in  breadth  and  twenty  in  length. 

To  Capt.  John  Evans  a  Tract  of  Land  on  the  West  side  of  Hudson's  River  forty 
five  miles  in  length  along  the  said  River  the  breadth  being  computed  in  some 
places  thirtj'  in  some  sixteen  miles,  it  being  bounded  by  certain  hills  on  ye  West 
Side  thereof. 

To  Col.  Nicholas  Bayard,  certain  Tract  of  land  called  Skohaare  beginning  at 
the  mouth  of  Skohaare  River  &  runs  to  the  head  of  said  River,  which  by  computa- 
tion of  those  that  have  travelled  those  parts,  is  about  forty  miles  in  length,  the 
breadth  is  uncertain,  being  bounded  by  hills  lying  on  the  East  and  West  of  the 
said  River,  which  said  tract  of  Land  includes  part  of  the  Moquase  or  Mohacks 
land." 


1722 


1722 


2194  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

The  Board  had  this  matter  under  consideration  in  ye  year  1698;  and  a  true  state 
thereof,  in  King  Williams  absence  being  laid  before  the  then  Lords  Justices  of 
England  they  directed  the  Earl  of  Bellomont,  to  put  in  practice  all  methods  what- 
soever allowed  by  law,  for  the  breaking  and  annulling  of  the  said  grants  as  will 
appear  by  the  following  Extracts  of  their  Excellencies  letter  for  this  purpose, 
being  dated  the  10th  day  of  November,  1698. 


This  order  though  not  without  some  difficulty  produced  the  desired  effect  and 
an  Act  was  passed  at  New  York  in  the  year  1698  by  the  Governor  Council  and 
Assembly  there,  entituled  an  Act  for  the  vacating  breaking  &  annulling  several 
extravagant  Grants  of  Land  made  by  Col.  Fletcher  late  Governor  of  this  Province 
under  his  Majesty. 

This  Act  lay  by  several  years  unconfirmed  and  the  inhabitants  of  New  York, 
were  so  far  encouraged  by  this  delay  that  they  passed  another  in  the  year  1702, 
to  repeal  the  same  and  many  other  laws  &  Ordinances  which  last  Act  being  duely 
considered  by  this  board  they  did  by  their  report  of  the  29th  day  of  July  1707, 
humbly  propose  that  the  same  might  be  disallowed,  and  that  the  first  Act  for 
vacating  Grants  might  be  confirmed  and  accordingly  the  same  was  confirmed  by 
her  late  Majesty  in  Council  the  26th  of  June  1708,  But  the  Queen  was  graciously 
pleased  at  the  same  time  to  direct  that  Grants  should  be  made  to  each  of  the 
proprietors  affected  by  this  resumption  not  exceeding  two  thousand  acres  of  the 
lands  resumed  under  a  Quit  Rent  of  two  shillings  and  six  pence  for  every  hundred 
acres  and  on  express  condition  that  they  should  cultivate  the  same,  within  the 
space  of  three  years  from  the  date  of  their  respective  Grants. 

My  Lord  Lovelace  about  this  time  being  appointed  Governor  of  New  York,  her 
Majesty's  orders  upon  this  head  were  reduced  into  the  form  of  an  instruction 
in  the  following  terms. 

Whereas  we  have  thought  fit  by  our  order  in  Council  of  the  26th  of  June  1708, 
to  repeal  an  Act  past  at  New  York  the  27th  of  November,  1702  Entituled  an  Act 
for  repealing  several  Acts  of  Assembly  and  declaring  other  ordenances  published 
as  Acts  of  Assembly  to  be  void;  and  whereas  by  the  said  oi"der;  We  have  likewise 
thought  fit  to  confirm  and  approve  an  Act  past  at  New  York  the  2nd  of  March 
1698/9  entituled  an  Act  for  vacating  breaking  and  annulling  several  extravagant 
Grants  of  Land  made  by  Col.  Benjamin  Fletcher  late  Governor  of  this  Province 
under  his  Majesty  by  the  confirmation  of  which  Act  several  large  Tracts  of  Land 
(as  by  the  said  Act  will  more  fully  appear)  are  resumed  to  us,  and  are  in  our  dis- 
posal to  regrant  as  we  shall  see  occasion:  Our  will  &  pleasure  therefore  is,  that 
you  may  regrant  to  the  late  Patentees  of  such  resumed  Grants  a  suitable  number 
of  Acres  not  exceeding  two  thousand  to  any  one  person,  And  that  in  such  Grants 
as  in  all  future  Grants  there  be  a  reservation  to  us,  Our  Heirs  &  Successors  of  an 
yearly  Quit  Rent  of  two  shillings  &  six  pence  for  every  hundred  acres  with  a 
Covenant  to  plant,  settle  and  effectually  cultivate  at  least  three  Acres  of  Land  for 
every  fifty  Acres  within  three  years  after  the  same  shall  be  so  granted  upon  for- 
feiture of  every  such  Grant." —  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  650-653. 


OF  THE  State  of  'N'ew  York.  2195 

Third  Immigration  of  Palatines. 

In  Council,   October  ye  27,  1722. 
Present  His  Excellency  William   Burnet  Esq.   etc.,   etc.,   etc. 

This  Board  being  informed  that  a  ship  was  arrived  here  with  Palatines  from 
Holland  which  had  touched  in  England,  and  which  had  lost  many  of  its  passengers 
in  the  Voyage  &  upon  Examination  of  Doctor  Braine,  Doctor  Nicholas  and  Doctor 
Cobus  who  had  been  ordered  to  go  on  Board  and  Visit  the  said  Vessell  and  the 
Surgeon  thereof. 

It  does  not  appear  to  this  Board  there  was  any  Contagious  Distemper  on  Board 
the  said  Vessell  but  upon  consideration  of  the  Number  of  Persons  who  have  been 
sick  in  the  Voyage,  and  the  quantity  of  Cloaths  which  may  have  Contracted  Noi- 
some Smells  through  the  Length  of  the  Voyage 

It  is  ordered  by  his  Excellency  with  the  advice  of  the  Council  that  the  Com- 
mander of  the  said  Ship  do  not  Suffer  any  Person  to  come  on  Shoar  on  this 
Island  with  any  Cloaths  Chests  or  other  furniture  till  the  same  have  been  thor- 
oughly aired  upon  Nutton  Island  during  the  space  of  six  hours  at  least  as  the 
said  Commander  shall  Answer  the  Contrary  at  his  Peril. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol. 
iii.   p.   428. 

Gov.  Burnet  to  the  Board. —  The  Palatines. 

'New  York  21st  ^N'ovember  1722. 
My  Lords 

When  I  was  at  Albany  I  expected  to  have 

fixed  the  Palatines  in  their  new  Settlement  which  I  had  obtained 
of  the  Indians  for  them  at  a  very  easy  purchase,  but  I  found 
them  very  much  divided  into  Parties,  and  the  cunningest  among 
them  fomenting  their  Divisions,  on  purpose  that  the  greatest  num- 
ber might  leave  the  Province;  and  then  the  great  Tract  of  Land 
lately  purchased  would  make  so  many  considerable  estates  to  the 
Pew  Familys  that  should  remain,  and  with  this  view  they  told  me 
that  they  found  the  Land  was  far  short  of  what  the  Indians  had 
represented  it  to  them,  and  that  not  above  twenty  familyes  could 
subsist  there,  which  I  shewed  them  was  a  mere  pretence  by  nam- 
ing a  Tract  where  one  hundred  and  thirty  Familys  Kve  and  flour- 
ish; which  by  their  own  confession  was  less  and  no  better  soil  than 
theirs;  however  since,  I  found  it  was  their  humour  to  undervalue 
what  had  been  done  for  them,  I  thought  it  best  to  wait  till  they 
should  of  themselves  be  forward  to  settle  this  new  Tract,  rather 
than  to  show  too  much  earnestness  in  pressing  them  to  it.  But 
as  about  sixty  familys  desired  to  be  in  a  distinct  Tract  from  the 
rest,  &  were  those  who  had  all  along  been  most  hearty  for  the 


1722 


2196 


Ecclesiastical  Records 


Government,  I  have  given  them  leave  to  purchase  land  from  the 
Indians,  between  the  present  English  settlements  near  Fort  Hun- 
ter, &  part  of  Canada,  on  a  Creek  called  Canada  Creek,  where 
they  will  be  still  more  Immediately  a  Barrier  against  the  sudden 
incursions  of  the  French,  who  made  this  their  Eoad  when  they 
last  attacked  &  burned  the  Frontier  Town  called  Schenectady. — 
The  other  Palatines  have  since  my  return  to  New  York,  sent 
some  of  their  body  to  desire  a  warrant  of  Survey  for  ye  ISTew 
Tract  already  purchased,  which  convinces  me  that  I  had  done 
right,  in  not  being  too  earnest  in  that  affair  when  I  was  at  Al- 
bany. And  indeed  my  dealings  with  those  people  I  find  very 
little  gratitude  for  favors  done  them,  &  particularly  that  those 
who  were  best  taken  care  of  &  settled  on  good  Lands  by  my  Pre- 
decessor, are  the  most  apt  to  misrepresent  him,  and  this  is  man- 
aged by  a  few  cunning  persons  among  them  that  lead  the  rest 
as  they  please,  who  are  for  the  generality  a  laborious  and  honest 
but  a  headstrong  ignorant  people. —  Doc.  Hist.  IST.  Y.  Vol.  iii,  pp. 
428,  429 


Census  of  the  Peovince  of  New  York,  Anno  1723. 

An  Account  of  the  Number  of  People  in  the  Province  of  New 

York.  A  D.  1723. 

"White 


NAMES  OF  THE  COUNTY. 

a 

4) 

S 

s 
a> 

a 

o 

^ 

1726 
320 
476 

1599 

1348 
951 
245 
237 
453 

1408 

a 
£ 
2 
2 
o 

1352 
305 
414 
1530 
1321 
1048 
304 
259 
563 
1404 

2 
2 
2 
a 

s> 

0) 

S 

15 

o 

New  York 

1460 
335 
490 
1568 
1441 
1050 
309 
276 
642 
1512 

1348 
291 
394 

1371 

1156 
912 
239 
268 
699 

1369 

8047 

5886 
1251 
1774 
6068 
5266 
3961 
1097 
1040 
2357 
5693 

Richmond 

Kings .   ... 

Queens 

Suffolk 

West  Chester 

Orange 

Dutchess 

Ulster 

Albany  

Totall 

9083 

8763 

8500 

34393 

OF  THE  State  of  New  York. 


Negroes  and  other  Slaves. 


2197 


1723- 
1728 


a 

|2 
2  > 

n 

a 

u 

Sijs 

WM 

u 

NAMES  OF  THE  COUNTY. 

2 

o 

?H 

a 

o 

a 

o5 

—  O 

o 

S 
o 

CS-S 

& 
o 

Eh 

408 
101 
171 
393 
357 
155 
45 
22 
227 
307 

476 

63 

123 

294 

267 

118 

29 

14 

136 

200 

320 
49 
83 
228 
197 
93 
43 
3 
119 
146 

258 
43 
67 

308 
54 
83 
31 
5 
94 

1£6 

1363 
255 
444 

1123 
975 
448 
147 
43 
566 
808 

7248 

1506 

3318 

7191 

Suffolk 

6341 

4409 

1344 

1083 

Ulster 

3923 

6501 

Totall                

2186 

1810 

1178 

997 

6171 

40564 

—  Col.  Hist.  K  Y.  Vol.  V.  p.  702. 

Teade  between  Great  Britain  and  New  York  from  1723  to 

1728. 

An  Account  of  the  Annual  Amount  of  the  Imports  and  exports 
from  and  to  New  York,  from  Christmas  1723  to  Christmas 
1728. 


the  several  years. 

Imports. 

Exports. 

("17231                             1  1724 

21.191 
25.316 
:i8.307 
31.617 
21.005 

3 

18 
17 
8 
13 

3 

9 
10 

1 
11 

63.0.'0 
70.650 
84.850 
67.373 
78.561 

8 
18 
6 
6 

9 

"3 

4 

1724                                  1725 

From  Christmas-^  1735  ^ To  Christmas  }•  1736 •.... 

11736                                11727 

[1727                               J  1728 

Custom  House  (London) 
Inspector  General's  Office 
17  November,  1729. 


John  Oxenford,  A.  I.  General. 


—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  p.  897. 


Kev.  Freeman's  Account  of  a  Visit  of  Some  of  the  Mem- 
bers OF  Frelinghuysen's  Church,  to  Him,  Making 
Charges  against  Their  Pastor. 

1.  On  the  12th  of  March,  1723,  at  Midwoud,  (Flatbush,) 
Messrs.  Pieter  Dumon,  Simon  Wyckoff  and  Hendrick  Vroom, 
residents  of  Karitan  and  belonging  to  the  Dutch  Reformed  Con- 


2198  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

gregation  there,  came  to  my  house  and  told  me  that  their  object 
was  to  lay  against  their  pastor,  Rev.  Frelinghuysen,  the  charge 
that  he  did  not  teach  correct  doctrine.  I  said  to  them,  Brethren, 
be  careful  that  you  do  not  unjustly  accuse  your  pastor,  for  he 
is  abundantly  certified  by  the  Synod  of  Emberland,  as  also  by 
the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  which  declared  him  to  be  ortho- 
dox, and  sent  him  to  you. 

2.  Dumon  replied  to  this,  that  he  had  taught  at  Raritan,  that 
there  was  no'  one  in  the  congregation  that  had  exhibited  true 
sorrow  for  sin;  at  another  time  that  they  had  eaten  judgment  to 
themselves  at  the  Lord's  table;  and  at  another  again,  that  they 
were  still  unrenewed.  Also  that  he  had  refused  to  baptize  a 
child. 

3.  I  answered,  That  is  not  heresy,  nor  soul-destroying  doctrine. 
You  separate  his  utterances  from  their  foundations,  the  text  from 
the  context.  If  you  come  indeed  to  accuse  him  of  errors  in  the 
fundamentals  of  the  faith,  you  are  under  obligation  to  furnish 
the  proof. 

4.  Simon  Wyckoff  asked.  What  are  the  fundamentals  of  the 
faith?  To  this  I  replied.  Do  you  not  know?  How  then  can  you 
so  boldly  accuse  your  pastor  ? 

5.  The  principal  doctrines  of  the  faith  are;  There  is  one  God, 
Father,  Son  and  Holy  Spirit,  one  divine  being  in  three  persons; 
who  made  the  world  out  of  nothing  and  supports  it.  He  created 
man.  Man  has  sinned.  God,  through  grace  in  his  Son,  delivers 
man.  The  Son  of  God  is  both  divine  and  human.  His  offices, 
his  sufferings,  his  resurrection,  his  glorification,  (are  funda- 
mental.) He  will  come  again  for  judgment.  God  has  his  church 
on  earth.  There  are  two  sacraments.  The  remission  of  sin  is 
proclaimed  in  the  church.  The  dead  shall  rise.  There  is  an 
eternal  life.     These  are  fundamentals  of  the  faith. 

6.  Well,  said  Peter  Dumon,  although  we  could  not  prove  any- 
thing against  him  in  reference  to  these  points,  yet  we  could 
show  him  to  be  untrue;  and  such  a  man  is  a  teacher  of  false 
doctrine. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2199 

I  replied,  Mr.  Dumon,  now  do  I  perceive  that  you  are  all  af- 
fected by  the  spirit  of  hatred  and  revenge.  Because  he  sharply 
exposes  sin,  you  try  to  help  the  devil,  and  to  cause  the  devil  to 
trample  upon  the  Church  of  Christ.  Even  your  inference  is  not 
correct.  David  said  in  his  haste,  All  men  are  liars.  Did  the 
prophet  Samuel  or  others,  who  had  their  imperfections,  teach 
false  doctrine?  Hendrick  Vroom  related  that  Rev.  Frilinghuysen 
had  performed  pastoral  visitations,  but  he  not  being  at  home, 
the  minister  had  not  asked  for  his  wife,  who  is  a  member,  and 
so  on.  I  answered.  These  are  circumstances  of  the  kind  of  which 
you  adduce  many.  I  also  said,  These  are  faults,  but  not  false 
doctrines.  I  remarked,  Simon  Wyckoff,  if  any  one,  in  your 
house,  should  strike  your  son  on  the  head,  or  rebuke  him  for 
some  misconduct,  he  should  receive  this  in  love,  and  interpret  it 
in  the  best  manner.  Even  so  should  you  love  your  spiritual 
father,  who  earnestly  reproves  you,  and  accepting  it  in  love, 
apply  it  to  your  improvement.  , 

1.  But  Simon  Wyckoff  said,  Domine  Freeman,  we  desire  you 
to  advise  us  what  is  proper  for  us  to  do  in  this  affair.  I  replied, 
I  can  advise  you  if  you  are  disposed  for  peace.  Simon  Wyckoff 
and  Hendrick  Yroom  said.  Yes,  we  are  for  peace;  but  Dumon 
answered,  There  is  no  peace  in  his  teaching  false  doctrine.  I 
replied,  if  you  can  prove  that  he  teaches  soul-destroying  errors, 
there  certainly  is  no  peace  in  that,  but  I  will  join  you  in  opposing 
him.  We  (will)  have  it  in  writing  and  signed.  I  said,  all  that 
you  have  brought  forward  so  far  are  only  circumstances.  Hear 
what  the  advice  is  that  I  give  you.  Draw  up  in  writing  a  list 
of  your  grievances;  subscribe  it  with  your  own  hand,  and  give 
it  to  your  Consistory.  They,  and  they  only,  are  obliged,  accord- 
ing to  their  office,  to  give  heed  to  the  doctrine  of  their  pastor, 
and  also  to  the  doctrine  and  conduct  of  the  congregation.  If 
you  should  do  differently,  and  come  to  ISTew  York,  or  to  this 
place,  you  and  all  who  join  with  you,  will  be  regarded  by  all 
honest  people,  as  creators  of  schism  in  your  church  at  Raritan. 


1723- 
1729 


2200  Ecclesiastical  Records 

They  replied,  But  the  elders  will  not  listen  to  us.  I  said  to  them, 
They  must  listen  to  your  complaint  in  accordance  with  their  oifice. 
Suppose  there  were  members  here,  in  our  congregation,  who  had 
a  grievance  against  their  pastor,  would  they  go  to  New  York  or 
to  Raritan,  to  offer  their  complaints?  ISTo;  every  church  has  its 
own  Consistory.  Wyckoff  replied.  Every  minister  gives  his  own 
kind  of  advice. 

8.  Simon  Wyckoff  asked,  AVould  you  convoke  all  the  ministers 
and  summon  Rev.  Erelinghuysen  and  us?  I  replied,  I  will  think 
of  it.  Why?  they  asked.  I  answered,  Because  Rev.  Ereling- 
huysen would  not  come,  but  you  must  appear  before  his  Con- 
sistory, and  there  dispose  of  the  affair.  Simon  Wyckoff  said, 
Well,  if  Rev.  Erelinghuysen  should  not  come,  you  can  easily  pass 
judgment  upon  our  grievances.  I  said,  not  if  he  had  no  hearing; 
for  this  would  be  against  the  Order  of  the  Church;  for  the  Rev. 
Erelinghuysen  was  certainly  examined  and  qualified  by  the  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  the  members  of  which  are  his  proper  judges. 
Therefore  I  will  have  nothing  to  do  with  you  except  for  the 
establishment  of  peace;  and  that  you  follow  the  advice  to  appear 
with  your  complaints  before  your  Consistory;  and  that  you  re- 
ceive a  written  answer,  by  which  it  shall  be  shown  whether  your 
pastor  teaches  true  or  false  doctrine. 

Mr.  Erelinghuysen  requested  me  to  give  him  a  written  account 
of  the  statements  made  by  the  above  mentioned  members,  in  ref- 
erence to  his  office.  I  certify,  as  appears  from  my  signature, 
that  the  above  occurred. 

Signed,  B.  Ereeman. 

Date  as  above. 
Done  at  Midwoud. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2201 

Citation  of  Certain  Parties  in  the  Churches  on  the  Rari- 
TAN  TO  Answer  before  Rev.  T.  J.  Frelinghuysen  and  His 
Consistories  for  Certain  Evil  Reports  Concerning  the 
Said  Frelinghuysen.     March  28,  1723. 

The  Superscription  on  the  wrapper  was  : 

To  Mr.  Pieter  Du  Mont,  Symon  Wyckoff  and  Hendrick  From 

(Vroom),   the   Heads   and  Leaders   of   the    Separate    Congre- 
gation. 

Messrs.  Heads  and  Leaders  of  the  Seceded  Congregations: 

We,  the  Consistories  of  the  Four  Congregations,  being  Over- 
seers of  the  same,  are  obliged  by  our  ofiice,  to  give  heed  to  the 
doctrine  and  conduct  of  our  minister,  as  well  as  of  our  congre- 
gations. •   • 

Accordingly  we,  now  in  session,  lay  to  heart  the  evil  report 
which  is  dogging  our  minister,  that  he  teaches  false  doctrine. 
And  although  Mr.  (Rev.  Henricus)  Boel,  and  his  brother,  the 
lawyer,  have  not  been  appointed  as  Popes  or  Bishops  over  us, 
yet  you  correspond  and  consult  with  the  said  gentlemen,  because 
they  assert  that  our  minister  teaches  false  doctrine;  yet  they,  in 
three  years  time,  have  not  been  able  to  prove  this,  and,  indeed, 
never  will  be  able.  But  this  has  become  an  occasion  of  strife 
and  discord  among  our  congregations,  while  the  ignorant  and  the 
malicious  fancy  these  things  to  be  true.  But  such  things  we 
hear  with  grief,  and  we  abhor  them. 

Therefore  after  due  consultation,  we  concluded  to  take  up 
this  affair  for  investigation,  and  also,  if  possible,  to  restore  you 
who  are  wandering  from  the  right  way.  For  your  course  tends 
only  to  discord  and  mutiny  in  church  and  civil  Hfe,  and  to  stiffen 
many  in  their  evil  lives. 

Our  pastor  during  his  three  years  ministry  here,  has  shown 
himself  to  be  an  active  and  earnest  antagonist  against  the  evil 
lives  of  many  persons.     He  has  exhorted  them  out  of  the  Word 


1723 


1723 


2202  Ecclesiastical  Records 

of  God,  and  warned  them  in  the  jSTame  of  God,  that  the  wrath 
of  God  and  eternal  damnation  are  abiding  upon  them;  and  that 
unless  they  repent,  they  are  bringing  everlasting  punishment 
upon  themselves.  He  has  faithfully  pointed  out  to  them  their 
sins,  and  their  false  grounds  of  hope. 

But  instead  of  repenting,  they  harden  themselves  and  resist 
him,  accusing  him  of  all  kinds  of  iniquity,  and  also  charging  him 
with  unorthodxy.  Thus,  in  one  way  or  the  other,  they  lead 
astray  the  ignorant,  and  flatter  themselves  that  truth  and  piety 
are  with  them.  ISTevertheless,  hatred,  envy,  anger,  revenge, 
calumny,  falsehood,  ignorance  and  irreligion  prevail  among  the 
members  of  your  (seceded)  congregation.  From  all  this,  it  ap- 
pears to  our  great  sorrow,  that  the  seed  of  God's  Word,  which  is 
faithfully  sown  among  us,  remains  unfruitful  with  many;  and 
that  He  who  has  been  set  for  the  rising  again  (of  many  in  Israel) 
is  to  others  set  for  a  fall,  namely  to  those  who  stumble  at  the 
word,  being  disobedient. 

Accordingly  we,  having  submitted  to  these  things  for  a  long 
time  in  silence,  are  compelled  to  make  an  exhibition  of  them,  to 
all  those  whom  they  concern;  but  especially  to  you,  the  Heads, 
and  Leaders,  and  Inciters  of  such  sins,  which  all  honorable  men 
hold  in  aversion;  and  more  particularly  do  we  do  this,  because 
it  is  your  purpose  to  render  fruitless  the  doctrine  of  truth  which 
is  advancing  among  us,  by  means  of  all  kinds  of  false  and  lying 
rumors.  Therefore  we  unanimously  resolve  to  beseech  and  to 
exhort  you  to  cease  to  pervert  the  right  ways  of  the  Lord. 

You  know  what  you  have  done.  Consider  your  ways,  and 
what  the  end  shall  be;  and  what  account  you  can  render  at  the 
Great  Day  of  Judgement.  Although  the  Lord  in  his  infinite 
compassion,  bears  with  you  for  a  while,  and  permits  you  to  go 
unpunished;  yet  at  some  time,  he  will  certainly  take  account  of, 
and  avenge  the  wrong  that  is  done  to  his  servant,  who  sufficiently 
shows  that  his  aim  is  the  winning  of  souls;  for  what  is  done  to 
his  servant  is  done  to  his  own  person.     For  said  the  Lord  Jesus, 


OF  THE  State  of  ]S[ew  York.  2203 

He  that  heareth  you,  heareth  Me;  and  he  that  rejecteth  you 
rejecteth  Me.  Wherefore,  having  laid  aside  all  vileness,  and  the 
overflow  of  wickedness,  receive  with  meekness  the  word  which 
is  planted  in  you,  and  which  can  save  your  souls. 

And  furthermore  we  inform  you,  the  Heads  and  Leaders  of 
the  opposition,  and  all  your  (seceded)  congregation,  that  we 
hereby  cite  you  to  appear  before  us,  the  Consistory  of  the  four 
congregations,  and  that  you  inform  us  what  you  have  against  our 
minister.  "We  will  then  investigate  the  charges  and  seek  to  sat- 
isfy you  out  of  the  Word  of  God.  We  also  request  you  to  pre- 
sent the  points  in  writing,  which  you  have  against  him.  These 
we  will  lay  before  our  minister,  and  we  will  return  you  a  written 
reply.  Far  be  it  from  us  to  refuse  to  listen  to  you,  as  you  have 
falsely  charged  us  to  Rev.  Yreman  (Freeman). 

Know  ye  also,  that  if  you  are  disobedient,  and  refuse  to  appear 
before  us,  that  we  shall  then,  according  to  our  office  and  obliga- 
tions publicly  proceed  against  you  with  the  Christian  excommuni- 
cation, according  to  the  eighty-fifth  Question  of  our  Catechism.* 

We  have  delayed  until  now,  because  you  said  that  before  you 
went  to  ISTew  York  you  would  call  upon  our  minister,  which, 
however,  you  have  not  done.  From  this  can  be  inferred  how 
little  dependence  can  be  placed  upon  your  words.  We  are  not 
sorry,  however,  that  we  have  exercised  so  much  patience,  and 
permitted  you  to  show  your  rage.  For  now  is  our  long-suffering 
known,  and  your  folly  is  more  fully  revealed.  We  were  sure 
that  your  counsel  was  not  from  God,  and  therefore  knew  that 
He  would  not  establish  it.  We  expect,  therefore,  through  the 
gracious  aid  of  God,  to  use  against  you  the  power  of  the  Keys, 
which  the  Lord  Jesus  has  given  to  us.     Oh !  that  this  may  tend 

*  Q.  85.  How  is  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  sliut  and  opened  by  Gliristian  dis- 
cipline? 

Ans.  In  tiiis  way,  that,  according  to  the  command  of  Christ  those  who  under  the 
Christian  name  maintain  unchristian  doctrine  or  life,  and.  after  several  brotherly 
admonitions,  do  not  desist  from  their  errors  or  vices,  are  complained  of  to  the 
Church,  or  to  those  who  are  thereunto  appointed  by  the  Church,  and  if  they  repent 
not  at  this  admonition,  are  by  them,  through  prohibition  of  the  Holy  Sacraments 
shut  out  from  the  Christian  community  and  by  God  himself  from  the  Kingdom  of 
Christ;  and  when  they  promise  and  show  real  amendment,  they  are  again  received 
as  members  of  Christ  and  His   Church. 


1723 


1723 


2204  Ecclesiastical  Records 

to  jour  repentance;  even  as  it  is  our  wish  and  prayer  that  the 
Lord  may  open  your  eyes,  and  grant  you  repentance  unto  Life. 

Done  in  our  Church  Meeting,  the  28th  of  March,  1723. 
Signed  by, 

Joris  van  ISTest,  O.  D.  (Oud  Diaken?)  ex-deacon? 
Johannes  Sebryng,  Deacon. 

In  the  name  of  the  Consistory  at  Earitan. 

Barent  de  Wit,  Elder. 

Dirck  van  Aarsdaalen,  Deacon. 

In  the  name  of  the  Consistory  of  Six  Mile  Run. 

Roeloff  E"efius,  Elder. 
Minnen  van  Voorhes,  Deacon. 

In  the  name  of  the  Consistory  of  Three  Mile  Run. 

Cornells  Bogaart,  Elder. 
Anderies  Ten  Yck,  Deacon. 

In  the  name  of  the  Consistory  of  the  North  Branch 
(Readington). 

This  was  added :  P.  S.  We  request  that  you  will  communicate 
with  one  another,  as  is  proper,  as  to  the  contents  of  this  letter, 
and  that  you  lay  it  before  your  entire  (seceded)  congregation. 

We  shall  meet  again,  the  Lord  willing,  on  the  Thursday  after 
Easter,  April  18,  (1723)  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Pieter  Broecka, 
where  we  will  expect  you. 

Elbert  StoothofF,  Secretary. 

There  still  further  follows :  IST.  B.  The  charges  which  you 
have  against  our  minister,  must  not  be  mere  lies,  false  rumors, 
trifles  or  indifferent  matters,  but  must  relate  to  the  Articles  of 
Faith.  For  he  is  a  heretic  or  false  teacher,  who  leads  astray  in 
reference  to  the  fundamental  Articles  of  Faith.  JSTow  it  is  your 
duty  to  show  in  what  particular  point  of  the  Faith,  our  minister 
has  led  astray. 

This  document  was  sent  to  us,  the  Defendants,  on  March  29, 
1723. 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  2205 

1723 

Answer  of  the  Parties  Cited  by  the  Consistory  of  Karitan, 
ETC.     April  16,  1723. 

To  Mr.  Elbert  Stootlioff  and  his  congregation:* 

In  consideration  of  a  certain  document  received  by  us,  signed 
by  you  and  others  (ulieden)  containing  a  citation  to  appear  be- 
fore you,  and  threats  of  excommunication  against  us,  in  case  we 
should  not  come,  as  well  as  other  weighty  matters  and  grave 
charges,  which  require  time  and  mature  consideration: 

This  serves  to  inform  you,  that  so  soon  as  it  can  be  properly 
done,  we  shall  respond  in  detail  to  your  written  Citation,  not 
indeed  with  words  of  scandal  and  false  accusations,  but  with 
lawful  reasons  and  clear  proofs. 

We  also  inform  you,  that  at  the  proper  time  it  shall  be  shown, 
whether  or  not  you  had  the  power  to  cite  us  in  this  manner,  and 
whether  or  not  we  are  compelled  to  reply  to  your  written  cita- 
tions; so  that  every  one  may  judge  of  the  contents  of  your  writ- 
ten citation,  and  to  whom  they  (the  parties  cited)  are  responsible. 

"We  also  inform  you,  hereby,  that  we  notice  that  you  call  us 
the  Heads  and  Leaders  of  the  seceded  congregation.  Hence  we 
understand,  that  you  acknowledge  us  a  seceded  congregation, 
and  that  by  your  communication,  you  release  us  from  all  further 
payments  to  your  minister.  For  a  congregation,  acknowledged 
by  you  over  your  own  signature,  to  be  a  seceded  congregation, 
and  no  longer  belonging  to  your  congregation,  has  no  longer  any- 
thing to  do  with  the  payment  of  your  minister,  as  even  the  civil 
law,  according  to  your  own  showing,  will  allow.  We  therefore 
declare  to  you  that  we  accept  of  this  interpretation  from  you 
and  will  avail  ourselves  thereof,  whenever  it  may  be  demanded. 
Meanwhile  we  also,  at  the  proper  time  will  give  further  reasons 
therefor. 

You  may,  in  the  meantime,  acquaint  your  minister  and  your 
entire  congregation  with  this,  our  written  communication.     But 

*  It  is  remarkable  that  this  is  not  addressed  more  officially,  viz.,  to  him,  as  Sec- 
retary of  the  Consistory,  etc.  But  see  "  Reply,"  1725,  under  "  Division  of  the 
Citations." 


1723 


2206  Ecclesiastical  Records 

be  assured  that  our  sincere  desire,  with  God's  help,  remains  in 
behalf  of  the  pure  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  true  Reformed 
Dutch  Church,  established  by  the  Synod  of  Dort,  and  other 
Church-ordinances  of  Holland. 

Signed  by  us  on  this  16th  day  of  April,  1723. 

This  answer  signed  by  all  of  our  number  who  were  present  at 
the  time,  was  delivered  on  April  18,  1723. 

Resolution  of  the  Rakitan  Consistory,  against  the  At- 
tempt OF  Other  Consistories  to  Lord  it  over  Them^  April 
18,  1723.     Unanimously  Adopted. 

"Whereas  the  Church-Order,  Article  84,  says :  "  No  church 
shall  lord  it  over  other  churches,  and  no  minister  over  other 
ministers,"  etc.     Therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  will  never  permit  any  church  or  pastor  in 
this  land  to  exercise  dominion  over  us.*  We  recognize  only  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  by  which  our  minister  was  sent  to 
us,  as  our  Competent  Judge. 

That  I  shall  always  maintain  this,  let  my  signature  attest. 
Theodorus  Jacobus  Frilinghuysen, 

May  18,  1723.  Minister  of  the  Gospel  at  Raritan. 

A  copy  of  the  above  was  subsequently  delivered  by  Elbert 
Stoothoif  and  Jan  Stryker  to  Simon  Wyckoff.  A  copy  of  a  let- 
ter from  Rev.  Freeman  accompanied  it. 

Second  Citation  by  the  Consistory  of  Raritan  of  Certain 
Parties  for  Speaking  against  Their  Minister,  Rev.  T.  J. 
Frelinghuysen,  May  9,  1723. 

Second  Citation. 

To  Messrs.  P.  Du  Mon,   Symen  Wyckoff,   and  Hendrick  From 

(Vroom),  together  with  their  congregation : 

We,  the  Consistory  of  the  Four  United  Congregations  at  Rari- 
tan, convened  on  April  18,  (1723)  received  from  you  a  document, 

*  It  is  well  known  from  other  documents  that  this  referred  to  the  Consistory  of 
New  York. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2207 

dated  April  16,  1723,  which  we  hereby  acknowledge.  We  have 
read  the  said  document,  but  find  nothing  therein  pertaining  to 
the  business  upon  which  we  exhorted  you  in  our  communication, 
issued  March  28,  1723.  It  was  incumbent  on  you  to  reply  to 
this  communication,  and  to  prove  the  charges  which  you  have 
made  against  our  minister,  namely,  that  he  preaches  false  and 
unorthodox  doctrine.  We  also  request  you  verbally,  that  you 
would  personally  present  the  grounds  of  your  accusations  against 
our  minister.  But  you  would  not  appear.  Meanwhile,  when 
you  are  among  your  own  people,  you  know  well  enough  how  to 
boast  that  you  can  prove  this  and  that;  but  when  the  time  and 
place  are  fixed,  for  you  to  speak,  then  you  are  as  dumb  as  a 
clam;  then  your  head  is  not  up.  Thus  you  make  evasions,  in 
order,  as  far  as  possible,  to  lead  still  greater  numbers  astray.  In 
the  meantime,  however,  you  are  increasing  your  guilt  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord. 

In  your  communication  we  find  the  following : — 

1.  You  ask  us  what  authority  we  have  to  cite  you.  Therein 
you  show  your  ignorance  of  ecclesiastical  authority.  Possibly 
your  lawyer,  who  drew  up  your  reply,  has  some  trifling  techni- 
cality, but  which  will  be  found  worthless,  as  are  all  the  other 
reasonings  in  your  communication  —  equal  evidence  all.  He 
pleads  powerfully  before  you  and  against  us,  about  as  Tertullus 
did  for  the  Jews  and  against  Paul;  but  this  he  does,  not  at  all 
with  such  eloquence  of  speech,  but  in  his  feebleness,  he  spouts 
out  vain  bravadoes. 

You  may  know  indeed,  that  we  cannot  cite  you  with  the  help 
of  the  Civil  Power.  Its  influence  is  far  from  us.  But  we  em- 
ploy the  authority  of  the  Keys,  which  is  an  ecclesiastical  author- 
ity. This  is  given  to  the  Overseers,  that  they  may  rule  the 
Church  according  to  the  teaching  of  the  Reformed  Church.  This 
has  been  fixed  in  the  Confession,  in  the  Heidelberg  Catechism, 
and  in  the  Church  Ordinances,  and  by  which  every  church  has 
such  authority. 

And  although  you  dispute  our  authority,  yet  you  cannot  de- 


1V23 


1723 


2208  Ecclesiastical  Records 

prive  us  of  it.  For  our  Domine,  Frelinghuysen,  is  a  lawful  min- 
ister. He  has  passed  through  two  examinations.  He  was  unani- 
mously called  hj  us  from  Holland.  He  was  installed  over  us 
by  the  Eev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam;  and  he  brought  over  such 
credentials  of  his  faith,  as  are  required  of  all  Dutch  Reformed 
ministers,  and  which  we  and  our  church  must  honor.  At  present, 
by  virtue  of  his  office,  he  convened  us  in  lawful  Consistory.  At 
these  sessions  he  always  presides,  and  indeed,  of  necessity.  Be- 
cause, while  you  seek  to  rend  our  church,  he  endeavors  to  heal 
the  breach,  whether  by  means  of  exhortation,  that  you  may  be 
brought  to  repentance  thereby;  or,  however  reluctantly,  to  secure 
the  same  end  by  the  several  steps  of  ecclesiastical  discipline. 

2.  You  also  remark  that  our  communication  of  March  28, 
(1723)  contains  grave  charges  which  demand  time  and  careful 
consideration.  Therein  you  speak  the  truth.  They  are,  indeed, 
grave  matters  with  which  you  burden  us  and  our  minister.  We 
have  now  heard  him  preach  for  three  years,  but  never  heard  a 
false  or  soul-destroying  word  from  his  lips.  But  the  doctrine 
which  he  does  present  to  us,  sharply  and  earnestly,  is  soul-saving, 
and  is,  therefore,  blessed. 

For  your  accusations  and  slanders  against  him,  you  did  not 
need  careful  consideration,  although  you  have  thus  acted  all  these 
years.  But  when  you  are  required  to  prove  these  things,  then 
you  seek  loop-holes  for  escape  —  that  you  need  time  and  careful 
consideration.  But  we  want  to  ask  you  oue  question:  where  is 
the  document,  in  which  you  have  a  particular  account  of  the 
errors  our  minister  has  preached;  (misgepreeckt) ;  by  which  state- 
ments you  have  led  the  people  astray;  which  you  have  exhibited 
to  the  ministers  in  New  York  and  elsewhere;  and  which  docu- 
ment, finally,  you  left  with  Eev.  Boel,  It,  therefore,  cannot  be 
difficult  for  you  to  bring  in  your  proofs.  But  it  is  evident  that 
you  dare  not  produce  your  document.  At  the  best,  it  can  only 
contain  perversions  of  words,  disconnected  sentences,  or  trifling 
matters.  By  your  delays  you  are  adding  to  your  sins.  You  want 
to   accuse   our   Domine  of  errors,   when  you   yourselves   do   not 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York.  2209 

1723 

understand  the  fundamentals  of  the  truth.  Come,  now,  learn 
these  first,  that  you  may  distinguish  them;  and  go  not  to  l^ew 
York,  to  ask,  as  Pilate  did.  What  is  Truth? 

3.  You  also  promised  to  answer  our  citations,  not  with  words 
of  caliimny,  but  with  lawful  reasons  and  clear  proofs.  Very  well; 
but  why  do  you  delay  so  long?  Where  is  your  boasted  document 
in  which  these  charges  are  so  clearly  presented?  All  this  talk 
is  only  braggadocio.  Already,  in  the  year  1721,  did  our  minister 
publicly  challenge  your  advisers  and  inciters.  But  where  are 
their  clear  proofs  and  legitimate  reasons?  We  have  never  seen 
nor  heard  one  of  them.  But  this  is  the  fact :  These  persons  only 
use  you  to  accomplish  that  which  they  could  not,  or  dared  not, 
do.  They  want  to  use  you,  to  keep  their  own  door-steps  clean, 
and  finally,  to  lay  the  burden  of  the  guilt  upon  you,  exclaiming 
—  "  They  are  only  stupid  farmers,"  (domme  boeren) ;  they  have 
brought  to  us  false  reports  and  trifles."  Thus  will  they  certainly 
do,  when  they  perceive  that  they  cannot  gain  their  object.  There- 
fore, we  pray  you,  look  out  for  yourselves.  Say  rather  (liever), 
"  We  have  been  led  astray,  and  are  ashamed."  Do  not  give  any 
attention  to  these  hostile  persons;  but  return  penitently  to  your 
church,  that  you  may  serve  God  in  the  unity  of  the  Spirit,  and 
may  petition  him  for  grace  and  pardon. 

4.  You  further  say  that  we  have  called  you  in  our  communica- 
tion, Heads  and  Leaders  of  the  Seceded  congregation.  Thereon 
you  base  the  following  argument : 

You  call  us  Heads  and  Leaders  of  the  seceded  congregation. 

A  seceded  congregation  no  more  belongs  to  you. 

Therefore  you  acknowledge  that  we  are  released  from  further 
payments. 

Really,  (lit.  This  stands  on  its  feet !)  a  fine  discovery !  The 
author  of  your  document  was  so  pleased  with  it,  that  he  devoted 
to  it  the  half  of  his  composition.  But,  however  agreeable  this 
was  to  you,  it  is  nevertheless  false  and  wrong.  For  it  is  known 
to  you,  that  there  are  those  among  you  who  refused  to  pay  (min- 
ister's salary)  before  we  had  so  called  you,  (Heads  and  Leaders.) 


2210  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1723 

Do  you  not  know  that  Kors  From,  (Coers  Vroom),  having  refused 

to  pay,  was  cited  before  Justices  Jacob  Sebring  and  Hendrik 

Roseboom,   and  judgement  was   given   that   he  must   pay,    even 

though  he  appealed  to  the  ministers  in  ISTew  York.     We  leave  it 

to  all  impartial  people  to  decide,  what  kind  of  ministers  they  are, 

who  stir  up  the  hearers  of  our  minister  against  him,  urge  them 

on,  to  do  unrighteous  deeds,  and  strengthen  them  therein. 

For  it  is  evident  that  you  have  left  us  voluntarily.  We  have 
not,  up  to  this  time  yet,  cut  you  off.  But  if  you  remain  stiff- 
necked,  we  shall  be  compelled  to  do  it.  Are  you  not  ashamed 
to  refuse  to  lead  a  righteous  life  in  the  world?  It  is  said  that 
an  honorable  man  will  keep  his  word.  Yet  you  will  not  respect 
your  signature !  For  shame !  You  say  that  we  have  released 
you  from  your  obligations  to  the  minister.  This  is  not  the  truth. 
We  ask  you  whether  you  are  released  from  making  payment, 
when  you  owe  us  what  you  promised  to  pay  yearly,  over  your 
own  signature,  because  you  are  seeking  occasion  of  schism  and 
trouble  against  us,  and  we  cite  you  accordingly  to  Church  Order? 
Do  such  things  free  you  from  your  obligations?  Does  it  say  in 
the  call  of  our  minister,  that  when  you  creat  a  schism,  and  we 
attempt  to  restore  you  by  means  of  ecclesiastical  discipline,  that 
you  need  not  pay  the  minister?  And  yet  you  talk  as  if  you  had 
already  gained  your  case.  You  say  — "  Even  the  Civil  Law 
would  release  us."  But  you  will  therein  fail.  Have  you  such 
extensive  legal  knowledge  of  yourself,  or  have  you  been  taught  it 
by  others?  You  have  already  once  served  yourselves  by  means 
of  our  signature,  and  if  you  please,  you  may  do  so  again,  although 
one  of  your  predecessors  was  condemned  to  pay.  Our  Justices 
are  of  a  different  character  from  your  advisers  as  well  as  from 
yourselves.  Just  as  soon  as  your  inciters  and  yourselves  become 
our  judges,  shall  such  a  verdict  be  rendered. 

5.  IsTotwithstanding  all,  you  assure  us  that  your  sincere  desire 
remains  in  behalf  of  the  pure  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  true 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  etc.  Beautiful  words,  these  !  But  how 
can  this  be  true  of  all  of  you,  when  nearly  the  half  of  your  num- 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2211 

ber  who  signed  that  document,  have  never  yet  made  a  profession 
of  religion.  We  could  plainly  show  to  what  opinions,  contrary 
to  the  doctrines  of  the  Reformed  Church  Nicholas  Hyman  Kors 
From  (Vroom),  and  others  of  your  party  have  given  expression. 
You  may  well  allow  Cornells  Teunnissen  to  have  the  precedence 
among  you,  even  as  you  have  his  name  among  the  first  of  the 
signatures  to  your  document.     In  this  we  give  you  praise. 

6.  Finally,  we  stand  by  our  communication  of  the  28th  of 
March,  (1723.)  And  we  now  cite  you  once  more,  by  this  com- 
munication, to  appear  before  us,  convened  in  Consistory,  on  May 
21,  at  the  house  of  Peter  Van  Nest,  there  to  show  us  wherein 
our  minister  teaches  false  doctrine,  or  goes  astray.  We  will  try 
to  satisfy  you  out  of  the  Word  of  God.  Oh !  that  that  word 
might  gain  access  to  your  hearts,  to  lead  you  to  repentance.  Should 
we  be  disappointed  in  this,  we  shall  be  compelled,  however  re- 
luctantly to  exercise  Christian  excommunication  (ban),  according 
to  the  Law  of  the  Church. —  You  may  bring  this  communication 
before  your  entire  congregation. 

Done  at  Earitan  in  our  Ecclesiastical  Meeting,  9  May,  1723. 

Signed:  Theodoras  Jacobus  Frilinghuysen, 

Minister  of  the  Earitan  District. 
Joris  Yan  Neste,  Elder. 

Hendrick  Bries,  Deacon,  by  order  of  the  Earitan  Consistory. 

Barent  De  Wit,  Elder. 

Jan  Strycker,  Deacon,  by  order  of  the  Six  Mile  Eun  Consistory. 

Thomas  Bouman,  Elder. 

Hendrick  Fisser,  Deacon,  by  order  of  the  Three  Mile  Eun  Con- 
sistory. 

Eamaneuell  Yan  Netten,  Elder. 

Anderis  Ten  Yck,  Deacon,  by  order  of  the  North  Branch 
(Eeadington)  Consistory. 

Elbert  Stoothoff,  Secretary. 

This  second  Citation  was  delivered  to  Simon  Wyckoff  by  Elbert 
Stoothoff  and  Jan  Strycker. 
26 


1723 


1723 


2212  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Third  Citation. 
Addressed : 

To  Messrs.  P.  Du  Mont,  S.  Wjckoff  and  Hendrick  From 
(Vroom),  Heads  and  Leaders  of  the  Seceded  Congregation  at 
Earitan. 

I,  the  undersigned,  hereby  inform  you,  that  our  Consistory 
was,  yesterday,  at  the  appointed  time,  on  the  way  to  the  house 
of  Mr.  P.  Van  Nist,  for  the  purpose  of  hearing  your  charges 
against  the  doctrine  of  our  minister.  But  having  heard  that  you 
had  not  arrived,  and  would  not  come;  we  resolved  to  meet  again 
as  a  Consistory,  on  May  28th,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  P.  Van  Nist. 
There  we  will  expect  you  to  prove  wherein  our  minister  teaches 
false  doctrine.  We  assure  you  we  shall  no  longer  allow  ourselves 
to  he  delayed,  by  your  variously  contrived  expedients.  We  have 
already  given  you  ample  time.  You  must  therefore,  then  declare, 
whether  you  intend  with  stiff  neck  to  persist  in  your  wickedness, 
or  whether  you  will  return  penitently  to  the  church.  We  will 
stand  by  our  writing  of  May  9  th. 

In  the  name  of  the  Consistory  of  the  Four  United  Congrega- 
tions of  the  Raritan. 

Signed,  E.  Stoothoff. 

Raritan,  May  22,  1723. 

This  Third  Citation  was  delivered  by  William  Williamson  at 
the  house  of  Simon  Wyckoff.* 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  the  Secretary. 

Jamaica,  May  24,  1723 
Honored  Sir: 

Yours  of  the  15th  of  June,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Skinner,  was  sent  me  on  the  9th  of 
November,  following  at  which  time  I  was  so  very  ill  I  had  but  little  hopes  of 
recovery;  &  this  is  the  first  opportunity  that  I  have  since  had  of  writing  to  you; 
indeed  I  have  been  but  In  poor  state  of  health  for  several  years  last  past,  yet 
according  to  my  capacity,  I  have  not  neglected  my  duty  to  the  people  committed 
to  my  charge,  nor  to  transmit  to  you  an  account  of  my  proceedings  here,  which, 
because  as  I  understand  by  the  last,  you  have  not  received,  I  shall  now,  as  'tis 
my  duty,  again  inform  you  of.  I  expected  as  I  had  great  reason,  that  after  I  had 
obtained  Judgment  from  the  Honorable,  the  Chief  Justice  of  the  Province,  Coll. 
Lewis  Morris,  for  a  part  of  my  Salary,  I  should  have  met  with  no  more  trouble 
about  the  rest  of  it;  but  I  found  myself  much  mistaken;  for  the  then  Church  War- 

•  See  the  Elaborate  Reply  to  all  these  Citations,  under  1725,  in  the  form  of  a 
"  Complaint." 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  Yobk.  2213 

dens  two  very  obstinate  men,  and  of  the  most  rigid  of  tlieir  Sect,  Independents, 
put  me  to  as  much,  or  more  trouble,  in  suing  for  the  forty  five  pounds,  the  Country 
money  which  was  lodged  in  their  hands,  (as  the  law  directs),  for  me;  and  for  it 
also  I  had  judgment,  October  last,  was  twelve  months;  some  part  of  the  arrears 
I  have  received  and  other  I  shall  never  get,  cause  some  of  the  Collectors,  that 
the  said  arrears  was  paid  to,  are  dead,  and  left  no  effects  behind  them  to  pay  it; 
&  some  of  them  living  that  have  spent  what  they  received,  and  now  are  so  poor 
they  are  not  able  to  repay.  This  Sir  is  a  short  and  true  account  of  that  matter 
In  general.  Honorable  Sir  etc. 

Thos.    Poyer. 
—  Doc.    Hist.    N.    Y.    Vol.    ill.    p.   185. 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
Keport  on  the  Certificates  for  Examination  in  the  Languages. 

1723,  July  19th.  Mr.  Houthof  and  the  Messrs.  Examiners,  as 
a  committee  to  look  up  the  Synodical  rules  regarding  the  exam- 
ination in  the  languages  and  the  testimonia  linguarum,  whereof 
see  in  the  previous  Acta,  reported : 

That  the  Synod  had  resolved  that  thereafter  any  one  requesting 
to  be  preparatorily  examined,  shall  be  required  to  bring  with  him, 
besides  the  Testimonia  Ecclesiae,  Senatus  Academiae,  et  Profes- 
sorum  Theologiae,  also  certificates  from  the  Professores  Habraee 
et  Graece  linguae,  that  they  can  read  the  original  texts  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments,  and  understand  them  reasonably  well. 
See  Synod  at  Alckmaer,  1626,  Art.  21;  Synod  at  Harlem,  1627, 
Art.  26. 

That  among  the  five  items  decreed  regarding  the  examina 
Preparatoria  and  Examina  peremptoria,  the  third  read  as  follows : 
that  occasion  shall  be  sought  to  ascertain,  during  the  examinations, 
how  far  the  students  and  candidates  have  advanced  in  Linguis. 
See  Synod  at  Hoorn,  1659,  Art.  76;  Synod  at  Enckhuysen,  1660, 
Art.  63.  Thereupon  these  gentlemen  were  thanked  for  their 
trouble,    x.  179. 

Note  —  Synods  always  went  by  the  name  of  the  cities  in  which  they  met,  and  these  were  in 
regular  rotation: 

1.  Hoorn  4.  Alckmaer 

2.  Enckhuysen  5.  Haarlem 

3.  Edam  6.  Amsterdam 

Thus  we  can  trace  out  the  illegible  words  above.  If  Synod  met  at  Enckhuisen  in  1660  'and 
that  word  is  clear  tho  abbreviated)  then  it  met  at  Hoorn  in  1659.  In  1630  exactly  thirty 
years  back,  a  multiple  of  six  —the  Synod  must  also  have  been  at  Enckhuisen,  then  at  Hoorn 
in  1629,  at  Amsterdan  in  1628,  at  Haarlem  in  1627,  and  at  Alckmaer  in  1626. 

Daniel  Van  Pelt,  Translator. 


;  1723 


1723 


2214  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 

Dec.  5,  1723. 

1.  In  Consistory :  After  calling  on  God's  name,  it  was  unani- 
mously Eesolved,  That  the  Elders,  Deacons  and  Church  Masters 
should  take  care  that  there  is  always  one  hundred  pounds  in  the 
Treasury,  which  is  not  put  out  to  interest,  that  there  may  always 
be  something  on  hand,  for  necessary  cases  which  may  arise;  and 
if  the  Consistory  shall  spend  any  of  it,  they  shall  see  to  it,  that 
the  first  moneys  coming  in,  are  used  to  make  good  the  sum  of 
one  hundred  pounds. 

2.  It  was  also  Resolved  by  a  majority,  That  no  money  shall 
ever  be  put  out  on  interest  without  the  knowledge  and  approval 
of  the  Consistory,  according  to  resolutions  formerly  made;  and 
henceforth,  no  money  above  one  hundred  pounds  shall  ever  be 
lent  on  interest  to  one  person,  whoever  he  may  be. 

Governor  Burnet  to  Under  Secretary  Delafaye. 

New  York,  16  Dec.  1723. 
Sir:— 


There  Is  nothing  stirring  of  any  moment  here  on  the  continent  but  the  Indians 
war  with  Boston.  There  are  two  French  Gentlemen  lately  come  from  Canada  to 
Boston,  some  say  to  make  peace  between  the  Indians  and  English;  others  say  to 
threaten  war  if  the  English  continue  the  war  against  the  Indians,  whom  the 
French  call  theirs.  What  the  French  are  in  my  opinion  most  uneasy  at,  is  that 
our  Five  nations  have  declared  war  against  these  Indians,  and  will  ferret  them 
out  if  they  don't  soon  make  peace  with  Boston;  which  breaks  the  Jesuits  policy 
quite,  who  endeavor  to  keep  fair  with  our  Five  Nations  as  well  as  their  own 
Indians,  but  cant  effect  it. —  These  fathers,  are  the  chief  proprietors  as  I  am  in- 
formed of  the  soil  of  Canada,  and  are  always  instilling  it  into  the  Indians  that 
adhere  to  the  English,  that  they  have  been  cheated  out  of  their  lands  by  the  Eng- 
lish of  New  England,  and  Dutch,  who  first  possessed  New  York. —  The  Five  Nations 
always  were  at  war  with  the  French,  till  King  James's  time;  but  then,  the  Jesuits 
got  the  assistance  of  King  James'  Governour  to  obtain  peace  between  these  Indians 
and  the  French,  and  since  that  time,  they  have  been  wavering  and  divided  be- 
tween the  French  and  us;  But  now  upon  the  war  stirred  up,  first  by  the  Jesuits 
among  the  Eastern  Indians,  called  Algonkins,  against  Boston  and  Nova  Scotia,  and 
the  war  proclaimed  by  Boston  against  them,  our  Indians  of  the  Five  nations,  by  my 
persuasions,  and  the  presents  made  them  by  the  people  of  Boston,  are  become  party 
to  the  war  against  these  Algonkins,  and  will  by  that  means  grow  Enemies  to  the 
French  as  formerly,  which  will  ruin  great  part  of  their  Beaver  trade,  and  be  the 
making  of  our  trade  into  the  heart  of  the  continent  —  f  wish  I  had  anything  better 
worth  informing  you  of,  and  shall  (be)  very  proud  of  continuing  a  correspondence 
when  your  business  will  suffer  you  —  I  am  with  great  esteem  — 

Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant. 

(signed).  W.  Burnet. 

;  —  Col.   Hist.   N.   Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.   703-704. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2215 

GovEKNOR  Burnet  to  Lord  Carteret. 

New  York,  16  December,  1723. 


1734 


My  Lord: — 


I  have  heard  from  my  agent  that  your  Lordship  has  likewise  been  favourably 
pleased  to  order  a  commission  to  be  prepared  for  a  Chaplain*  as  I  desired. —  Col. 
Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  V.  p.  7(M. 


i  Sabbath  Observance  at  Albany. 

An  Ordinance,  March  17,  1724. 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  mayor,  recorder,  aldermen  and  assistants  of  the  city  of 
Albany,  convened  in  Common  Council,  and  it  is  hereby  ordained  by  the  authority 
of  the  same:  That  no  manner  of  servile  work  be  done  on  the  Lords  day,  (works 
of  piety,  charity  or  necessity  excepted),  nor  any  goods  bought  or  sold  on  that 
day  within  the  said  City  or  Liberties  thereof,  under  the  penalty  of  ten  shillings 
for  the  first  offence,   and  for  every  offence  thereafter  double  that   sume. 

And  be  it  further  ordained  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  no  children,  youth, 
maids  or  other  persons  whatsoever,  do  meet  together  on  the  Lord's  day  in  any  the 
streets  or  places  within  this  city  or  Liberties  thereof,  and  there  sport,  play,  make 
noise  or  disturbance,  under  the  penalty  of  one  shilling  for  each  offence,  to  be 
paid  by  the  parents  of  all  under  age. 

And  be  it  further  ordained  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  no  publick  houses 
tap  houses  or  ordinaries  -within  this  city  &  Liberties  thereof,  do  suffer  their  doors 
to  be  kept  open,  or  do  entertain  or  receive  any  company  into  their  houses,  and  to 
them  sell  any  kind  of  wine  or  other  liquors  on  the  Lords  day  in  time  of  divine 
service  or  preaching  (unless  to  strangers,  travellers,  or  those  that  lodge  in  such 
houses,  for  their  necessary  refreshment)  and  no  keeper  of  such  publick  house,  tap 
house  or  ordinary  is  at  any  time  to  suffer  any  excessive  drinking  or  persons  to  be 
drunk  in  their  houses,  under  the  penalty  of  ten  shillings  for  each  offence. 

And  be  it  further  ordained  by  the  authority  aforesaid  that  no  Negro  or  Indian 
slaves  above  the  number  of  three  do  assemble  to  meet  together  on  the  Lord's  Day 
or  any  other  time,  at  any  place  from  their  masters  service,  within  this  city  and 
the  Liberties  thereof,  and  that  no  such  slave  do  go  armed  at  any  time  with  gun, 
sword,  club  or  any  other  kind  of  weapon  whatsoever,  under  the  penalty  of  being 
wipt  at  the  publick  whipping  post  fifteen  lashes,  unless  the  master  or  owner  of 
such  slave  will  pay  six  shillings  to  excuse  the  same. 

And  be  it  further  ordained  by  the  authorities  aforesaid  that  one  of  the  consta- 
bles of  three  wards  in  this  city  do  by  turns  successively  on  each  Lord's  day,  in 
time  of  divine  service  and  preaching,  walk  through  the  several  streets  and  lanes 
of  this  city  with  his  staff  and  see  the  orders  before  written  be  duely  observed  and 
kept,  and  to  that  end  he  is  likewise  to  enter  info  all  or  any  publick  houses,  tap 
houses  or  ordinarys,  and  if  any  company  or  persons  shall  be  found  therein,  or 
drink  sold  contrary  to  the  orders  aforesaid,  he  Is  to  make  complaint  and  present- 
ment thereof  to  any  magistrate  within  ye  said  city  that  ye  penalty  may  be  inflicted 
accordingly. —  Munsell's  Annals  of  Albany,   Vol.   viii.   pp.   296-7. 

Mar.  23,  1724.     Aquackanonck.    Rev.  G.  Bertholf. 

Whereas  it  has  pleased  the  Almighty  to  afflict  our  reverend,  godly  and  well 
learned  pastor  and  teacher,  Domine  Guilllam  Bertholf,  (who  for  more  than  thirty 
years  has  faithfully  proclaimed  the  Gospel,  in  his  advanced  age  in  such  a  manner 
that  it  is  acknowledged  that  he  can  no  longer  continue   in  his  office  as  preacher; 

*  Kev.  James  Orem,  vice  Robert  Jenny.     New  York  Commissions,  iii.,  237,  253. 


1724 


2210  Ecclesiastical  Hecords 

and  since  it  is  no  more  ttian  reasonable  and  proper  that  we  should  make  some 
acknowledgment  to  our  venerable  pastor  In  his  old  age: 

Therefore  the  Consistory  of  Aquackononck  on  the  23d  day  of  March,  1724 
mutually  covenant  with  Domine  Guilliam  Bertholf  that  the  congregation  of 
Aquackononck  may  at  once  resolve  to  make  out  a  new  call  in  a  lawful  manner, 
upon  some  young  preacher  from  Holland,  and  pursuant  to  the  constitution  of  the 
Low  Dutch  Reformed  Church. 


Dutch  Church  of  !N^ew  York. 

Manor  of  Fordham. 

'  '       -       l^ew  York,  April  14,  1723  (1724?) 

In  Consistory:  After  calling  on  God's  name;  Do.  Boel  had  been 
invited  to  be  present,  but  was  absent  on  account  of  his  studies. 
Mr.  Bayard  presented  the  following  written  request,  which  runs 
exactly  thus : 

The  Consistory  is  hereby  informed  that  Mr.  John  Cruger  and 
Philip  van  Cortland  have  performed  the  request  which  the  Con- 
sistory made  to  them,  to  wit:  The  Consistory  having  received  a 
subpoena  for  the  quitrents  of  the  Manor,  requested  the  aforesaid 
committee,  Cruger  and  Cortland,  to  continue,  as  such,  to  present 
to  the  lawyer  employed  by^  the  church  the  case  of  the  church  as 
to  the  said  quitrents. 

This,  as  has  been  said,  Messrs.  Cruger  and  Cortland  have  done, 
yet  with  the  condition  that  the  Consistory  will  do  them  the  com- 
mon justice  (to  say)  that  they  in  their  previous  action  in  sealing 
the  answer  delivered  in  chancery,  have  not  acted  against  the 
Church  Orders,  but  on  the  contrary,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Consistory.  And  that  for  what  is  still  to  be  done,  they  may  have 
a  written  Church  Order,  by  which  to  regulate  themselves  for 
their  justification,  since  they  are  not  Ruling  Members  of  the 
Consistory. 

Reply  to  the  Foregoing. 

The  Consistory  having  considered  the  request  of  Messrs. 
Cruger  and  Cortland,  imanimously  Resolved,  That  it  is  just  and 
proper,  that  their  request  is  agreed  to,  and  that  it  shall  be  exe- 
cuted immediately.    Upon  this,  Do.  du  Bois  is  directed  to  prepare 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  2217 

1724 

a  writing  in  which  he  shall  expressly  say,  that  Messrs.  Cruger 

and  Cortland,  in  sealing  the  answer  given  in  Chancerie,  have 

done  nothing  against  the  Church  Orders,  but  on  the  contrary,  to 

the  satisfaction  of  the  Consistory. 

Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 
Manor  of  Fordham. 

Consistory  held.  May  7,  1724. 

Mr,  Lewis  Morris,  son  of  Col.  Morris,  was,  at  his  request,  ad- 
mitted to  a  hearing  in  the  meeting.  He  declared  that  he  had 
this  to  say,  in  the  name  of  his  Father:  He  proposed  to  the  Con- 
sistory to  leave  him  in  possession  of  the  land,  which,  in  the  run- 
ning of  the  last  line,  he  had  cut  off  from  the  Manor  of  Fordham, 
or  he  would  oppose  the  Consistory,  in  law,  for  the  whole  Manor; 
nevertheless,  he  left  it  to  the  church,  as  he  had  plenty  of  de- 
fenders. Being  asked  if  he  had  anything  more  to  say,  he  replied 
'No;  but  would  await  an  answer.  This  was  promised  him  by  the 
President  in  the  name  of  the  Consistory.  Having  thus  gone  away, 
he  requested  of  Mr.  Philip  Cortland,  Elder,  that  the  Consistory 
would  please  not  to  remove  the  fence,  set  by  Col.  Morris  upon 
that  piece  of  land. 

Hereupon  it  was  further  Resolved,  That  since  Col.  Morris  had 
thus  taken  in  a  piece  of  land  on  the  Manor  of  Fordham,  hitherto 
in  possession  of  the  church,  the  Consistory  with  the  approval  of 
the  Great  Consistory,  finds  itself  compelled  to  maintain  the 
church's  rights.  She  therefore  appoints  Mr.  Philip  Cortland, 
Elder,  Mr.  Ab.  Van  Home,  Deacon,  and  Mr.  Chs.  Le  Rous, 
Church  Master,  a  committee,  to  advise  with  the  lawyers  Jameson 
and  Morray,  and  to  maintain  to  the  end,  the  cause  of  the  church, 
respecting  this  land.  The  commission  was  accepted  by  the  three 
gentlemen  named. 


1734 


2218  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Petition  of  Jacob  Sharp  etc.,  in  Behalf  of  the  Palatines 
IN  THE  Manor  of  Livingston.     (June  13,  1724.) 

[Germantown,  E".  Y.] 

To  his  Excellency  William  Burnet  Esq.,  Captain  General  & 
Governour  in  Chief  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York,  New  Jersey 
&  Territories  thereon  Depending  in  America  &  Vice  Admiral  of 
the  same  etc.  in  Councill. 

The  petition  of  Jacob  Sharp  Christophel  Hagatom  &  Jacob 
Shoemaker  in  behalf  of  themselves  &  other  Palatines  inhabitants 
of  that  part  of  the  mannour  of  Livingston  formerly  granted  by 
Robert  Livingston  to  Brigr.  Hunter  to  the  use  of  her  late  Majesty 
her  heirs  &  Successors 

Humbly  Sheweth 

That  upon  the  Encouragement  that  has  been  heretofore  given 
them  of  haveing  a  grant  of  the  Said  Lands  they  have  settled  upon 
the  same  and  made  considerable  improvements  which  they  would 
be  glad  to  have  secured  to  them  and  their  heirs;  That  the  said 
Lands  have  not  been  as  yet  of  any  use  to  His  Majesty,  but  now 
they  are  willing  to  pay  the  usual  quit  rent  for  Lands  in  this 
province  which  will  be  a  considerable  increase  of  them. 

That  By  indenture  bearing  date  the  29th  day  of  September 
1710  made  between  Robert  Livingston  of  the  mannor  of  Liv- 
ingston &  Alida  his  wife  of  the  one  part,  &  Robert  Hunter  Esq., 
Late  Governour  of  this  Province  of  the  other  part,  the  said 
Robert  Livingston  &  Alida  his  wife  for  the  Consideration  herein 
mentioned,  did  give  grant  &  Enfeoff  &  Release  unto  the  said 
Robert  Hunter  his  heirs  &  assigns  All  that  the  said  Tract  of  Land 
within  the  bounds  following  to  witt  all  that  certain  tract  of  Land 
Situate  Lying  &  being  in  the  mannour  or  Reputed  mannour  of 
Livingston  in  Dutchess  County  in  the  said  Colony  of  New  York 
on  the  South  Side  of  the  river  called  Roeloff  Jansons  kill,  and 
on  the  East  Side  of  Hudsons  river  Beginning  at  a  Landing  place 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2219 

called  Point  Robert  which  is  about  two  English   miles  to   the 

Southward  of  the  said  Robert  Livingston's  mannour  house,  and 

Runs  South  Sixty  Seven  Degrees  thirty  minutes  east  one  hundred 

and  fifty  two  chains  till  it  come  to  a  piece  of  Land  Called  the  pott, 

and  from  thence  South  Eleven  degrees  Westerly  one  hundred 

fourty  &  five  chains  &  Six  tenths  of  a  chain  to  the  filat  Land 

from  thence  Xorth  fourty  five  Degrees   Westerly  twenty  five 

chains  &  Six  tenths  of  a  Chain  Thence  South  Eleven  Degrees 

Westerly  one  hundred  and  four  chains  &  Seven  tenths  of  a  chain 

from  thence  South  fourty  five  Degrees  Easterly  fifty  one  chains 

&  two  tenths  of  a   chain  from  thence   South   Eleven   Degrees 

Westerly  one  hundred  &  one  chains  from  thence  due  i^orthwest 

Three  hundred  &  twenty  chains  to  Hudsons  river  and  from  thence 

along  the  river  to  the  place  of  the  first  Station  called  point  Robert 

which  said  tract  contains  Six  thousand  acres,  be  the  Same  more  or 

Less  To  have  &  to  hold  the  Said  tract  to  the  Said  Robert  Hunter 

his  heirs  &  assigns  to  the  sole  &  only  proper  use  of  her  late 

Majesty  Queen  Ann  her  heirs  Successors  &  Assigns  As  by  the 

same  Indenture  Containing  therein  Diverse  other  grants  &  privi- 

ledges  within  the  mannour  of  Livingston  &  Diverse  Covenants 

more  fully  may  appear. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  to  grant  to  your  Petitioners  & 

their  Heirs  his  Majesty's  Letters  Patent  for  the  said  tract  of 

Land  under  such   Quitrents  conditions  and  Restrictions  as  are 

usual  &   agreeable  to   your  Excellency's  Instructions  from   his 

Majesty  &  your  petitioners  shall  Ever  pray 

Jacob  S.  Sharp 

Christophel  Hagadorn. 
June  ye  13th  1724 

Read  and  referred  to  the  Gent. 

of  the  Council  or  any  five  of  them. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  K  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  430,  431. 


1724 


1724 


2220  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Report  on  the  Preceding  Petition. 

At  a  Committee  of  the  Council  Chamber  in  Kew  York  June 

ye  IBth,  1724=.     , 

Present 

Capt.  Walter  Doctor  Colden 

Mr.  Yan  Dam  Mr.  Alexander 

Mr.  Barberie  Mr.  Wm.  Provoost 

Mr.  Harison  ' 

May  it  please  your  Excellency 

In  obedience  to  your  Excellency's  order  in  Council!  of  this 
day  in  referring  to  us  the  Petition  of  Jacob  Sharp  Christopher 
Hagatorn  and  Jacob  Shoemaker  in  behalf  of  themselves  and 
others  Palatines  Inhabitants  of  that  part  of  the  mannour  of  Liv- 
ingston formerly  granted  by  Robert  Livingston  to  Brigadier  Hun- 
iter  to  the  use  of  her  late  Majesty  her  heirs  and  successors  We 
.humbly  Report  that  We  have  Considered  of  the  same  and  are  of 
.opinion  that  the  Surveyor  General  or  his  Deputy  be  ordered  to 
i Inquire  of  the  number  of  families  and  Persons  that  are  settled 
upon  the  said  Land  and  that  are  willing  to  take  his  Majesty's 
grant  and  what  quantity  may  be  proper  to  grant  to  each  of  them, 
which  is  humbly  submitted  to  your  Excellency  by 

Tour  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  Servants  — 

By  order  of  the  Committee, 
■  ,  Cadwallader  Colden. 

—  Doc.  Hist.  K  Y.    Vol.  iii.  pp.  431,  432. 

Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  York. 

\  Church  Records. 

July  2,  1724. 

Consistory  held,  after  calling  on  God's  name.  It  was  unani- 
mously Resolved,  That  hereafter, 

1.  !N'othing  shall  be  held  or  recognized  as  a  Church  Order,  but 
what  is  expressly  noted  down  in  the  Church  Book. 


■  '  OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  2221 

2.  All  Church-papers,  which  shall  be  considered  of  importance, 
shall  be  put  in  a  roll,  in  order,  and  placed  in  the  church-chest, 
at  the  house  of  Do.  du  Bois.  The  key  of  this  chest  shall  remain 
in  the  church-room,  and  nothing  shall  be  taken  out  of  it  but  by 
direction  of  the  Consistory.  And  in  the  chest  shall  be  a  book,  in 
which,  whoever  takes  anything  out  of  the  chest,  shall  record  the 
fact.  Likewise  when  anything  is  deposited,  that  also  shall  be 
noted  therein. 

3.  It  was  also  determined  by  the  Consistory  that  Mr.  Kip 
shall  inform  the  widow  von  La  Fontye,  that  she  can  no  longer 
remain  on  the  farm  where  she  has  thus  far  dwelt. 

Dutch  Church  of  InTew  York. 

Manor  of  Fordham. 

Aug.  9,  1724. 

Consistory  held,  after  calling  on  the  Lord's  name. 

1.  Mr.  Samuel  C.  Bayard  was  unanimously  requested,  to  take 
upon  himself,  in  connection  with  Messrs.  Cortland,  Van  Home 
and  Le  Roux,  the  duty  of  maintaining  the  good  cause  of  the 
church  against  Mr.  L.  Marus.    To  this  he  acceded. 

2.  To  these  four  gentlemen  the  Consistory  commits  the  record- 
ing of  such  papers  concerning  the  Manor  of  Fordham,  as  they 
shall  judge  necessary. 

Journal  of  Society  for  Propagating  the  Gospel. 

Aug.  21,  1724.    Vol.  iv.  p.  319. 

A  petition  of  Mr.  James  Ogilvie  was  read  setting  forth  the 
several  hardships  he  suffered  in  America,  and  that  he  is  married 
to  Mrs.  Haeger,  widow  of  the  Rev.  Haeger,  formerly  Missionary 
among  the  Palatines  in  New  York.  The  Secretary  now  acquaint- 
ing the  Board  that  there  is  fifty  shillings  due  to  Mr.  Haeger's 
widow  from  the  Society,  agreed  that  the  Society  will  pay  the  said 
sum  of  fifty  shillings  to  Mr.  Ogilvie  upon  his  embarking  himself 
for  America  and  that  he  be  acquainted  herewith. 


1724 


1724 


2222  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Eepoet    in  Favor  of  Issuing  Letters  Patent  to  the  Pala- 
tines OF  Geemantown. 

At  a  Committee  of  the  Council  held  at  Fort  George  in  New  York  the  twenty 
Seventh  day  of  August  1724. 

Present 
Robert  Walter  John  Barbarie 

Rip  Van  Dam  James  Alexander 

Abraham  Vanhorn,  Esqs. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency: 

We  the  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  petition  of  Jacob  Sharp,  Chris- 
tophel  Hagatorn  «&  Jacob  Shumacker  in  behalf  of  themselves  &  others  palatines 
inhabitants  of  that  part  of  the  mannour  of  Livingston  formerly  granted  by  Robert 
Livingston  to  Brigadier  Hunter  to  the  use  of  her  Late  Majesty  her  heirs  & 
successors  and  to  which  was  also  referred  the  report  of  the  Surveyor  General 
pursuant  to  a  Reference  to  him  from  the  Councill  Have  Considered  of  the  Same 
and  are  of  opinion  that  your  Excellency  may  grant  to  Jacob  Sharpe  Johannes 
Kolman  &  Christophel  Hagendorn  their  heirs  &  assigns  six  thousand  acres  butted 
&  bounded  as  in  the  petition  fourty  acres  of  land  for  a  Glebe  for  the  use  of  a 
palatine  minister  for  the  time  being  who  is  likewise  to  teach  school  which  is  by 
the  trustees  aforesaid  to  be  Laid  out  of  the  unimproved  Lands  and  the  remainder 
in  trust  for  themselves  &  the  other  palatine  heads  of  familys  inhabiting  the 
said  Six  thousand  acres  To  hold  to  Each  of  the  said  Inhabitants  his  &  her  heirs 
&  assigns  so  much  of  the  said  Land  as  is  improved  &  in  every  of  their  actuall 
possessions  And  to  hold  all  the  Lands  unimproved  within  the  bounds  aforesaid  in 
common  to  them  their  heirs  &  assigns  to  be  divided  amongst  Every  of  the  said 
inhabitants  Share  &  Share  alike  and  that  with  the  usual  Quitrents  Clauses  con- 
ditions and  reservations  which  is  nevertheless  humbly  submitted  by 

Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  &  most  humble  servants, 

By  order  of  the  Committee, 

Ja.  Alexander.    Chairman. 
■  „  —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.   pp.  434,  435. 

Dutch   Church   of  New  York.      Elder   John   Harpending. 

John  Harpending,  although  never  in  public  life,  was  a  well  known  and  highly 
esteemed  citizen.  He  acquired  a  respectable  fortime  by  industrious  application  to 
his  business  of  tanner  and  shoemaker;  in  1678  he  resided  in  High  street.  His 
probity  and  high  moral  principle  was  in  such  high  esteem  that  he  was  frequently 
appointed,  by  some  of  the  wealthiest  inhabitants,  as  executor  of  their  estates, 
and  in  the  affairs  of  the  Dutch  Church  he  always  enjoyed  a  prominent  position. 
Mr.  Harpending,  in  conjunction  with  five  other  persons  of  his  own  trade,  pur- 
chased a  tract  of  several  acres,  east  of  Broadway  and  north  of  Maiden  lane,  for 
many  years  known  as  the  Shoemaker's  Pasture.  This  property  was  divided  in 
the  year  1695,  and  a  large  number  of  lots  fell  to  his  share;  out  of  this  he  bestowed 
on  the  Dutch  Church  the  ground  upon  which  the  present  "  North  Dutch  Church," 
on  William  and  Fulton  streets,  is  situated.  The  present  John  street,  it  is  said, 
was  so  named  in  compliment  to  Mr.  Harpending.  He  died  in  this  city,  at  an  ad- 
vanced  age. —  Valentine's   New   York,   p.   235. 

His  will,  giving  his  interest  in  the  Shoemaker  Farm  to  the  Dutch  Church  of 
New  York,  is  dated  Feb.  7,  1723.  He  died  in  1724  or  1725.  This  property  was 
one  of  the  principal  sources  of  the  wealth  of  the  Collegiate  Church. 


OF  THE  State  of  JSTew  York.  2223 

History  of  Suits  as  to  Title  of  Collegiate  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  of  Xew  York  to  Their  Property. 

To  Jnraes  Phyfe.  Esq.,  Treastirer  of  the  Minister,  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the 
Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  of  the  City  of  New  York. 

My  Dear  Sir:  In  accordance  with  your  suggestion,  I  have  prepared  a  short 
memorandum  relating  to  the  title  of  the  church  to  its  real  estate  therein  referred 
to,  and  the  litigation  had  concerning  the  same.  The  result  of  that  litigation  seems 
to  me  fully  and  finally  to  determine  that  the  church  has  unquestionable  title  in  fee 
simple  to  the  property,  and  holds  the  same  for  its  own  proper  use  as  a  religious 
corporation,  under  its  charter,  and  subject  to  no  trusts  whatever,  except  such  as 
pertain  to  any  and  every  portion  of  the  property  which  under  its  charter  it  holds 
for  the  purposes  for  which  the  church  was  incorporated. 

Very   respectfully   vours. 

Xew  York,  1807.  L.   B.   Woodruff. 

MEMORANDUM  Rt'laling  to  the  title  of  the  Church  to  certain  of  its  Real  Estate, 
and  the  Litigation  had  concerning  the  same. 

For  more  than  a  hundred  years,  It  had  been  familiarly  known,  through  tradition 
and  otherwise,  that  Cornelius  Stcinwyck  and  .Tohn  Harpendinck  were  among  the 
early  benefactors  of  this  church.  The  former  died  in  or  about  the  year  1685,  and 
the  latter  probably  soon  after  3724.  In  token  of  regard  for  Elder  Harpendinck  and 
as  a  memorial  of  his  liberality,  the  coat  of  arms  of  his  family  was  placed  in  the 
interior  of  the  church  building  at  the  corner  of  William  and  Fulton  streets,  for  a 
century  known  as  the  North  Church. 

The  liberality  of  other  of  the  early  members  of  our  communion  was  exhibited  in 
donations  for  the  erection  of  our  church  edifices,  the  constant  support  of  our  ser- 
vices and  The  school,  established  soon  after  the  settlement  of  the  colony,  and  ever 
since  sustained  for  the  education  of  the  children  of  the  church. 

In  the  ordinary  course  of  events,  gifts  of  money  so  consumed  in  the  use,  lose 
to  the  superficial  observer  their  seeming  importance  and  by  the  greater  number  are 
forgotten,  or  in  the  lapse  of  time  it  may  be  are  never  heard  of;  while  on  the  other 
hand,  gifts  of  lands  for  the  uses  of  the  church  are  abiding  memorials  of  the  liber- 
ality of  the  donors,  information  of  which  is  handed  down  through  each  succeeding 
generation.  When  made,  the  latter  may  involve  no  more  sacrifice,  and  may  not 
even  exceed  in  magnitude,  the  liberal  gifts  of  other  brethren;  and  yet  a  result 
sometimes  follows,  unjust  to  the  memory  of  the  latter,  which  is  wliolly  unwar- 
ranted and  altogether  mischievous.  When  one  of  the  brethren  gives  land,  and 
another  gives  an  equivalent  in  money,  both  are  alike  to  be  gratefully  remembered, 
and  no  reason  can  be  assigned  for  regarding  the  one  more  than  the  other  useful 
to  the  church;  and  yet  the  money  contributed  for  the  erection  of  the  church  edifice 
is  lost  sight  of;  the  land  remains. 

If,  in  the  growth  of  a  large  city,  such  land  Increases  in  value,  the  enhanced 
value  becomes  the  object  of  contemplation,  in  forgetfulness  that,  if  pecuniary  gifts 
had  been  invested  in  like  manner,  the  result  would  be  the  same;  and  when  the 
heirs  at  law  or  devisees  of  some  ancient  church  benefactor,  after  hundreds  of 
years,  find  that  land  so  bestowed  has,  by  the  progress  of  improvement,  aided  by 
constant  contributions  from  others,  the  erection  of  buildings,  the  payment  of  taxes 
and  other  disbursements,  grown  in  value  to  considerable  amount,  all  regard  for 
the  pious  generosity  of  the  donor  is  lost  in  the  eager  cupidity  which  moves  to  an 
attack  upon  the  gift  itself. 

To  the  accident  in  such  cases  that  the  devisor  or  ancestor  made  his  gift  in  land, 
instead  of  in  money,  wherewitli  land  of  precisel.v  the  same  value  might  be  bought, 
has  been  owing  much  litigation  and  often  asserted  claims  by  heirs  at  law,  who 
would  never  have  for  a  moment  suggested  such  claim  in  the  latter  case. 

This  church  has  passed  through  litigations  of  that  description;  not  only  so,  under 
the  idea  that  tliis  church  held  a  large  portion  of  its  property  under  some  special 
and  peculiar  trusts,  which,  if  valid,  it  was  supposed  rendered  it  liable  to  claims 
outside  of  our  own  organization,  litigation  has  been  prosecuted  for  the  purpose  of 
subjecting  it  to  other  administration  than  the  duly  constituted  authority  of  our 
own  corporation,  and  in  order  to  divert  our  revenues  from  the  uses  for  which  our 
entire  church  property  is  held. 

And  in  one  Instance,  a  suit  was  prosecuted  by  the  representatives  of  one  of  our 
own  ministers  then  deceased,  for  the  purpose  of  enforcing  his  alleged  special  claim 
to  a  larger  portion  of  the  revenues  of  the  church  than  he  had  received  at  the  time 
•of  his  death. 

It  may  be  a  matter  of  Importance,  as  it  is  clearly  one  of  convenience,  that  a 
memorandum  of  these  litigations  should  be  placed  among  our  archives  for  the  in- 
formation of  those  who  will  in  the  future  be  charged  with  the  dut.v  of  protecting 
the  interests  of  the  church  corporation,  though  it  is  believed  that  the  nature  and 
the  validity  of  the  title  to  the  property,  and  of  the  uses  to  which  it  is  devoted, 
are  now  definitely  settled. 

More  than  one  hundred  years  after  the  death  of  Elder  Harpendinck,  Lawrence 
Van  Kleeck  (claiming  to  be  an  heir  at  law  of  one  of  the  residuary  devisees  in  the 


2224  EccLESiASTiCAi.  Records 

alleged  will  of  Elder  Harpendinck)  commenced  and  prosecuted  two  successive  ac- 
tions of  ejectment  to  recover  real  estate  in  our  possession.  His  averred  right  to 
recover  rested  upon  the  claim  that  by  such  will  the  real  estate  in  question  was 
devised  to  the  church  in  trust  for  the  support  of  Its  ministers,  and  that  the  devise 
was  void. 

In  these  suits  he  wholly  failed.  He  was  not  able  to  produce  proof  of  the  facts 
upon  which  he  relied.  i^See  statement  at  the  foot  of  page  602,  in  6  Paige's  Reports.) 
The  date  of  the  institution  of  these  suits  does  not  appear  in  the  statement,  but 
it  is  quite  probable  that  the  decision  of  the  Court  of  Errors,  in  McCartee  v.  Orphan 
Asylum,  in  December,  1827,  (9  Cow.  4.'^8.)  wherein  it  was  held  that  a  devise  to  a 
corporation  is  void  in  this  State  under  the  statute  of  wills,  first  suggested  the  at- 
tack upon  the  title  of  this  church  to  portions  of  Its  real  estate. 

Defeated  in  these  actions  of  ejectment.  Van  Kleeck,  prior  to  1837,  filed  a  bill  in 
the  Court  of  Chiinccry.  to  compel  a  discovery  and  production  of  the  evidences  of 
the  title  of  the  Church,  and  an  account  of  the  rents  and  profits,  upon  allegations 
that  a  large  portion  of  its  real  estate  was  held  under  a  devise  by  John  Harpendinck, 
that  such  de^■ise  was  void,  and  that  Van  Kleecck,  as  an  heir  at  law  of  the  residuary 
devisee,  was  entitled.  On  demurrer  to  his  bill,  it  was  held  by  the  chancellor,  as- 
suming that,  since  the  decision  in  IMcCartee  v.  the  Orphan  Asylum,  it  must  be 
deemed  settled  in  this  State,  that  such  a  devise  as  Van  Kleeck  alleged  was  void, 
still  he  had  no  title.  That  the  property,  if  the  devise  could  not  take  effect,  de- 
scended to  the  heir  at  law,  and  did  not  pass  to  Van  Kleeck's  ancestor  as  residuary 
devisee.     (See  the  case  reported,  6  Paige's  Rep.  p.  600.) 

Prom  this  decision  Van  Kleeck  appealed  to  the  Court  of  last  resort,  where  the 
decision  was  affirmed  in  1838.  (See  20  Wendell,  458.)  This  seemed  to  dispose  of 
any   claim   by   residuary    devisees    of   Harpendinck. 

Meantime,  and  after  the  decease  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kuypers  in  1833,  his  repre- 
sentatives filed  a  bill  in  chancery  for  a  discovery  of  the  income  of  the  church, 
upon  allegations  that  such  income  had  been  more  than  sufficient  to  entitle  the 
deceased  to  an  increase  of  salary,  which,  as  alleged,  he  was  under  the  terms  of 
his  settlement  to  receive;  and  they  also  sought  a  discovery  of  the  will  of  John 
Harpendinck  and  the  trusts  thereby  created,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  title 
to  a  large  salary. 

The  chancellor,  on  the  appeal  from  the  vice-chancellor,  held  that  no  discovery 
should  be  required  of  any  such  will  or  trusts.  That  it  could  not  benefit  the  com- 
plainant, since  such  a  devise  as  the  complainant  alleged  was  void  in  this  State, 
and  a  Court  of  Equity  would  not  compel  the  discovery  of  a  void  devise,  which, 
after  so  great  a  lapse  of  time,  might  stimulate  the  heirs  of  Harpendinck  or  the 
people  of  this  State  to  an  attempt  to  deprive  the  defendants  of  their  property. 
(6  Paige's  Rep.  570.) 

This  seemed  to  dispose  of  any  attempt  by  or  on  the  behalf  of  the  ministers  of 
the  church  to  allege  or  enforce  any  trust  in  the  property  of  the  church  for  their 
own  benefit. 

But  the  decision  In  one  or  both  of  these  cases  above  mentioned,  and  the  sug- 
gestion that  if  the  land  was  held  under  a  void  derise  the  heirs  at  law  (if  any  one) 
could  impeach  the  title,  aroused  the  attention  of  various  persons  claiming  to  be 
the  heirs  at  law  of  John  Harpendinck:  and  on  the  25th  of  March,  1839,  Smith 
Harpending  and  others  filed  a  bill  in  the  Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States,  al- 
leging sucli  a  void  devise,  and  as  heirs  at  law  claiming  a  discovery  of  the  title, 
and  account  of  its  income,  and  of  all  matters  relating  thereto,  and  alleging  that 
the  income  greatly  exceeded  the  amount  required  to  satisfy  the  alleged  trusts,  etc. 

It  was  hold  that,  even  assuming  the  facts  to  be  as  alleged,  lapse  of  time  was  an 
effectual  bar  to  any  such  claim,  and  on  appeal  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States,  the  decree  of  the  Circuit  Court  was  affirmed  in  January,  1842.  (See  Har- 
pending V.  Dutch  Church,  16  Peters'  R.  445.)  This  decision  seems  to  have  dis- 
posed of  any  claim  by  the  heirs  at  law  of  John  Harpendinck. 

In  1852,  the  Attorney-General  of  the  State  of  New  York  was  induced  to  permit 
an  information  to  be  filed  in  his  name,  upon  the  relation  of  a  minister  of  another 
church  of  the  same  denomination  in  this  city,  alleging  devises  to  this  church  by 
Cornelius  Steinwyck  and  by  John  Harpendinck,  upon  trusts  for  the  support  of  the 
ministers,  and  claiming  in  one  alternative  that  the  relator  was  within  the  terms 
of  the  trust  and  so  entitled  to  share  the  income,  and  in  another  that  the  Income 
greatly  exceeded  the  amount  required  for  the  support  of  our  own  ministers,  and 
that  the  surplus  ought  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the  court  to  the  sup- 
port of  other  ministers  of  the  same  denomination,   including  the  relator. 

The  proceedings  in  that  suit  are  annexed  hereto.  The  decision  of  the  Supreme 
Court  dismissing  the  information,  with  some  other  opinions  in  that  court,  are 
printed  with  these  proceedings. 

On  appeal  to  the  Court  of  Appeals  at  the  March  term,  1867,  the  history  of  the 
subject,  so  far  as  they  appeared  in  the  proofs,  and  the  legal  and  equitable  rights 
of  the  parties,  were  discussed  by  Mr.  Lewis  B.  Woodruff,  who  argued  the  appeal 
as  counsel  for  the  church,  and  a  brief  of  his  argument  is  annexed  hereto.  The 
attorney-general  was  represented  by  the  counsel  for  the  relator,  Mr.  Peter  Y. 
Cutler,  whose  brief  is  also  annexed. 

The  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  was  affirmed,  and  the  opinion  of  the  Court 
of  Appeals  is  also  hereto  annexed. 

It  is  believed  that  by  these  various  decisions  it  is  settled  that  the  church  has 
unquestionable  title  to  the  property  in  its  possession  and  enjoyment,  and  that  it 
holds  the  same  for  its  proper  use  as  a  religious  corporation  under  its  charter,  and 


OF  THE  State  of  I^ew  Yoek.  2225 

subject  to  no  trusts  except  such  as  properly  attach  to  any  property  which  under 
Its  charter  it  holds  for  the  purposes  of  its  creation  and  existence  as  such  corpora- 
tion. 

Note. —  The  decision  in  the  Dutch  Church  in  Garden  street  v.  Mott,  (7  Paige, 
77,)  though  it  forms  no  part  of  this  narrative,  is  interesting  in  its  bearing  upon  the 
title  to  lacds  long  held  in  possession,  and  the  presumption  of  due  and  formal  grant 
in  conformity  with  such  possession. 

SUPREME    COURT. —  Attorney-General    v.    Reformed    Protestant    Dutch    Church. 
(New  York,  General  Term,  February  4th,  1861.     Sutherland,  Leonard,  and  Allen, 
Justices.) 

By  the  Court,  Leonard,  J.  The  defendants  have  denied  any  knowledge  of  the 
Steinwyck  trust.  They  assert  that  they  have  no  lands  derived  from  that  fund. 
It  thus  became  necessary  that  the  relator,  to  sustain  his  case  in  this  respect,  should 
prove  its  existence  at  the  present  time  in  some  form,  or  that  the  fund  has  been  lost 
by  the  malfeasance  or  culpable  neglect  of  the  defendants  as  trustees  thereof, 
within  some  period  of  time  not  barred  by  the  statute  of  limitations;  that  defense 
having  also  been  interposed. 

If  the  fund  were  now  actually  in  existence,  and  the  construction  of  the  will  Of 
Steinwyck  claimed  by  the  relator  could  be  upheld,  there  would  be  a  manifest  jus- 
tice in  directing  the  account  demanded.  There  is.  however,  an  entire  failure  on 
the  part  of  the  relator  to  establish  a  right  of  action  in  any  of  these  respects. 

The  terms  of  the  devise  are  such,  also,  as  to  exclude  any  congregation  or  minis- 
ter from  participating  in  the  benefit  of  this  devise,  except  that  particular  one  which 
Is  described  in,  and  existed  at  the  time  of,  the  devise.  When  that  congregation 
was  incorporated  in  1696,  it  must  be  assumed  at  this  late  day  that  the  "  elders  or 
overseers  "  transmitted  the  Steinwyck  property  to  the  new  corporation  in  a  lawful 
manner,  so  that  the  corporation  became  vested  with  the  title  and  charged  with 
the  trust. 

The  colonial  act  of  1753,  confirming  the  charter,  and  authorizijig  the  sale  of  the 
Steinwyck  land,  contemplates  and  recognizes  the  defendant's  corporation  as  the 
then  actual  owner. 

The  evidence  adduced  on  the  part  of  the  relator,  as  well  as  his  own  allegations, 
establish  that  he  is  a  minister  of  another  congregation,  having  a  separate  and  dis- 
tinct corporate  existence  from  that  of  the  defendants. 

Tlie  defendants'  corporation  must  now  be  considered  as  having  legally  succeeded 
to  the  congregation  whose  "  elders  and  overseers  "  were  entitled  to  and  held  the 
Steinwyck  devise,  and  that  the  corporation,  from  the  time  of  the  charter  in  1696, 
were  lawfully  empowered  to  administer  the  income  of  the  said  land  at  Fordham, 
for  the  "  support  and  maintenance  of  their  minister." 

The  colonial  act  of  1753  in  no  manner  extends  the  application  or  benefit  of  this 
fund  to  congregations  or  ministers  who  are  not  organized  or  embraced  within  the 
corporation  thereby  confirmed. 

Both  trust  funds  by  the  colonial  act  received  an  enlarged  character  and  applica- 
tion, according  to  the  terms  of  which  the  corporation  then  confirmed  have  since 
administered  them.  It  is  insisted  by  the  relator  that  the  devise  of  Harpendinck 
was  made  for  the  benefit  of  the  whole  denomination  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Dutch  Church  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  not  for  the  sole  benefit  of  the  congre- 
gation incorporated  and  known  as  the  Minister,  Elders,  and  Deacons  of  the  Re- 
formed Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the  city  of  New  Y'ork,  the  defendants  in  this 
action. 

When  the  testator  made  his  will,  he  was  an  elder  in  the  only  church  organiza- 
tion of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Church  denomination  in  the  city  of  New  York. 
That  organization  had  been  incorporated  more  than  twenty  five  years  previously, 
under  the  same  title  and  designation  that  the  testator  used  when  making  the  de- 
Tise  in  question. 

It  is  not  unreasonable  to  suppose  that  his  object  was  to  insure  a  certain  income 
for  the  minister  or  ministers  of  the  church  to  which  he  was  attached,  and  of  which 
he  was  an  elder,  to  relieve  the  brethren  of  the  church  with  whom  he  was  associated, 
and  perhaps,  by  the  generosity  of  his  bequest,  to  found  a  memorial  of  himself, 
that  would  be  more  lasting  than  monuments  of  marble  or  brass.  He  names  the 
congregation  by  its  corporate  title,  as  the  devisee,  and  in  describing  the  objects 
of  the  trust,  he  designates  the  ministers  of  the  said  church.  The  testator  had  in 
view  the  only  church  of  that  denomination  then  in  existence  in  the  city  of  New 
York.  Had  he  designed  to  include  the  ministers  of  any  other  church  or  congrega- 
tion of  that  denomination,  more  definite  and  comprehensive  terms  would  have  been 
used. 

Would  it  have  been  insisted,  at  the  death  of  the  testator,  that  another  congrega- 
tion of  the  same  denomination  could  have  been  incorporated  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  and  have  then  successfully  claimed,  on  behalf  of  the  minister  of  such  new 
church,  one  half  or  any  portion  of  the  income  derived  from  the  bequest  of  Har- 
pendinck? The  manifest  answer  would  have  been  that  such  was  not  the  intention 
of  the  testator. 

Referring  to  the  answer  of  the  members  of  the  congregation  who  had  obtained  an 
additional  minister  to  preach  to  them  in  English  at  the  "  new  Dutch  Church,"  at 
the  corner  of  Nassau  and  Cedar  streets,  in  1767,  on  the  complaint  of  those  who 
desired  preaching  in  the  Dutch  languaare  only,  which  has  been  produced  in  evi- 
dence, we  find  that  the  minister,  Mr.  Laidlie,  who  ofliciated  in  English,  was  main- 


2226  Ecclesiastical  Recobds 

tained  by  voluntary  subscriptions,  and  that  it  was  not  considered,  by  either  the 
Dutch  or  English  pai't  of  the  congregation,  that  there  was  any  claim  or  pretense 
of  right  that  such  minister  should  be  paid  his  salary  or  stipend  from  the  funds 
derived  from  either  of  the  trusts  in  question.  Mr.  Laidlie  was  nevertheless  a  min- 
ister of  one  of  the  congregations,  within  the  official  and  religious  organization  of 
the  corporation  of  the  defendants.  It  was  then  conceded,  as  the  said  answer 
proves,   that  the  bequest  was  to  maintain  preaching  in  the  Dutch  language. 

Had  there  been,  at  the  time  of  the  bequest,  two  church  organizations  of  the 
denomination  to  which  the  relator  and  the  defendants  belong,  no  different  lan- 
guage would  have  been  required  to  designate  the  particular  object  of  the  testator's 
bounty  than  has  here  been  used.  The  intent  of  the  testator  is  still  mofe  clearly 
apparent  when  it  is  remembered  that  but  one  church  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  de- 
nomination was  then  in  existence  in  the  city  of  New  York. 

The  relator  is  not  a  minister  of  the  congregation  for  whose  benefit  the  bequest 
was  made.     He  is  a  minister  of  another  incorporated  society  or  congregation. 

It  is,  however,  further  insisted  that  the  income  of  the  trust  fund  is  now  very 
large,  being  four  times  as  large  as  is  required  for  paying  the  salaries  of  the  min- 
isters of  the  "  collegiate  churches  "  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  that  the  intent 
of  the  testator  wouid  be  better  administered  by  applying  the  surplus  Income  to 
the  payment  of  the  salaries  of  other  ministers  of  the  same  denomination  in  the 
said  city,  who  do  not  belong  to  the  "  collegiate  churches  ",  rather  than  to  apply 
such  surplus  to  the  erection  of  other  churches,  as  has  been  heretofore  done. — 
On  reference  to  the  colonial  act  of  17.53,  confirming  the  charter,  etc.,  it  will  be 
found  that  the  defendants  are  expressly  authorized  to  purchase  or  build  more 
churches,  and  convenient  houses  and  gardens  for  their  ministers  and  oflicers. — 
If  it  were  ever  necessary  or  proper  to  create  a  scheme  for  the  application  of  the 
surplus  funds  arising  under  these  trusts,  none  would  seem  more  appropriate,  or 
more  in  conformity  with  the  benevolent  designs  of  the  testator,  than  has  already 
been  prepared  by  the  colonial  act  already  referred  to. 

Assuming  that  this  court  may  in  a  proper  case  recognize  and  carry  into  effect 
the  cypres  principle,  (which  I  am  not  prepared  to  affirm,)  there  is  now  no  pretense 
for  attempting  it,  since  the  scheme,  authorized  and  enacted  more  than  a  hundred 
years  ago  by  the  highest  authority  in  the  land,  the  colonial  act  referred  to. 

The  authority  to  frame  a  benevolent  scheme  for  the  application  of  the  surplus 
income  of  the  trust  fund  was  fully  exhausted  by  that  act. 

A  trust  which  has  been  administered  for  more  than  one  hundred  years  without 
question  as  to  the  right  or  the  manner  of  its  administration,  ought  not  to  be  dis- 
turbed without  clear  and  unequivocal  evidence  that  the  true  terms  of  the  trust 
have  been  disregarded,  and  that  the  just  and  legal  rights  of  the  party  complaining 
have  been  infringed. 

An  examination  of  the  provisions  of  the  charter  of  1696  affords  conclusive  evi- 
dence that  it  was  a  certain  congregation  then  existing  in  the  city  of  New  York 
that  was  thereby  incorporated,  and  neither  that  charter  nor  the  colonial  act  of 
confirmation  in  17.53  afford  any  evidence  that  it  was  Intended  to  incorporate,  or 
confirm  a  charter  to  incorporate,  a  denomination  of  Christians  in  the  city  of  New 
York.  It  was  a  certain  congregation  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church 
of  the  said  city  that  the  charter  incorporated,  and  it  was  that  same  corporation 
that  was  afterward  confirmed  by  colonial  act;  the  objects  to  which  the  corporation 
might  lawfully  apply  the  income  of  their  property  were  also  by  that  act  enlarged; 
nothing,  however,  was  enacted  diverting  the  application  of  its  funds  to  the  sup- 
port or  maintenance  of  the  ministers  or  other  corporations,  or  other  congrega- 
tions, not  within  the  organization  of  the  defendants'  corporation.  There  is  no 
reason  to  doubt  that  the  trusts  under  the  wills  of  Steinwyck  (if  that  fund  be  now 
existing)  and  of  Harpendinck  have  been  managed  in  conformity  with  the  directions 
of  those  testators,  and  of  the  charter  of  1696,  and  the  colonial  act  of  1753. 

There  is  no  principle  upon  which  the  court  can  now  interfere  to  disturb  the 
present  application  of  the  two  funds  in  question. 

The  judgment  of  the  special  term  must  be  affirmed  with  costs. 

COURT  OF  APPEALS.—  The  Attorney-General  ex  rel.  Nicholas  J.  Marselus  v. 
The  Minister  and  Elders  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Protestant  Church  of  New  York. 

A  devise  made  In  1684  "  to  the  elders  or  overseers  of  the  Nether  Dutch  Reformed 
Congregation  within  the  city  of  New  York,  to  the  proper  use  and  behoof  of  the 
minister  of  the  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation  within  the  city  of  New  York, 
for  the  support  and  maintenance  of  their  minister,  ordained  according  to  the 
church  orders  of  the  Netherlands,"  is  a  devise  to  that  particular  church  and  con- 
gregation for  the  purposes  specified,  and  not  to  the  ministers  of  that  denomination 
generally. 

The  charter  granted  by  the  king  in  1696,  upon  the  petition  of  this  church  and 
congregation  for  that  purpose,  whereby  it  was  ordained  "  that  the  then  minister, 
elders,  and  deacons,  and  all  such  others  as  then  were,  or  thereafter  should  be, 
admitted  to  the  communion  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  the  said  city  of 
New  York,  should  from  that  time,  and  at  all  times  thereafter,  be  a  body  politic 
and  corporate  by  the  name  of  the  minister,  elders,  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed 
Protestant  Dutch  Church  of  the  city  of  New  York,  and  their  successors,  in  trust 
for  the  sole  and  only  use,  benefit,  and  behoof  of  them,  etc.,  and  other  members 
in  communion  of  the  said  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  New  York,  and  their  succes- 
sors forever,"  was  an  incorporation  of  the  particular  church  petitioning  only,  and 
was  not  an  incorporation  of  the  denomination  not  members  of  said   church. 


OF  THE  State  of  ^ew  York.  2237 

Where,  by  the  terms  of  the  will,  the  legal  title  of  the  estate  devised  is  vested 
in  the  defendants,  who  are  the  sole  beneficiaries,  if  there  remains  a  surplus  after 
the  trusts  of  the  will  are  fully  satisfied,  such  surplus  follows  the  legal  title,  dis- 
charged of  the  trusts  of  the  will. 

P.   Y.    Cutler,    for  the   Appellant. 

D.   Lord,    for  the   Respondent. 

Grover,  J.  This  action  was  instituted  liy  the  relator  in  the  name  of  the  attorney- 
general,  claiming  that  he,  together  with  all  other  ministers  of  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Church  engaged  in  ministering  to  churches  in  the  city  of  New  York,  in  communion 
with  the  Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  are  entitled  to  payment  of  their 
salaries  in  whole  or  in  part  from  the  income  of  property  in  the  hands  of  defend- 
ants, which  property  was  derived  by  devise  from  one  Steinwyck,  by  will  dated 
1684,  and  one  Harpendinck,  by  will  dated  February  7th,  1723,  and  to  enforce  such 
claim  by  the  judgment  of  the  court.  Several  questions  are  presented  by  the  case 
which  must  be  considered  in  its  determination.  It  is  claimed  on  the  part  of  the 
plaintifiC  that  the  trusts  attached  to  the  property  by  the  devisors  were  to  apply 
the  income  thereof  to  the  payment  of  the  stipends  or  salaries  of  all  the  ministers 
officiating  in  Protestant  Dutch  Reformed  Churches  in  the  city  of  New  York.  If 
this  be  so,  the  relator  is  entitled  to  the  relief  demanded,  as  he  shows  that  in  that 
case  he  belongs  to  that  class  of  beneficiaries,  I  shall  not  discuss  the  question 
whether  this  relief  could  be  obtained  in  this  action  prosecuted  in  the  name  of  the 
attorney-general,  or  whether  it  could  only  be  obtained  in  an  action  brought  by 
the  plaintiff  in  his  own  name,  as  cestui  que  trust.  It  is  clear  that  in  the  latter 
mode  the  relator  would  be  entitled,  if  this  position  be  correct,  to  the  relief  prayed 
for.  Although  difficult  to  see  how  the  attorney  general  can  intervene  and  maintain 
an  action  to  procure  redress  for  the  relator  upon  this  ground;  yet,  for  the  pur- 
poses of  the  inquiry,  I  shall  assume  that  the  action  in  its  present  form  can  be 
maintained  for  that  purpose. 

The  inquiry  then  is,  whether  the  trusts  created  by  the  wills  were  in  favor  of  one 
particular  church  now  represented  by  the  defendant,  or  whether  in  favor  of  all 
the  officiating  clergy  of  the  denomination  from  time  to  time  engaged  in  the  city. 
At  the  time  Steinwyck  made  his  will,  there  was  no  church  or  congregation  of  the 
denomination  incorporated  in  the  city.  There  was  but  one  such  church  and  con- 
gregation in  the  city.  That  was  unincorporated  and  known  as  the  Nether  Dutch 
Church  or  Congregation.  Tender  this  state  of  facts,  Steinwyck  devised  the  manor 
of  Fordham  to  the  elders  or  overseers  of  the  Nether  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation 
within  the  city  of  New  York,  to  the  proper  use  and  behoof  of  the  minister  of  the 
Nether  Dutch  Reformed  Congregation  within  the  city  of  New  York,  for  the  sup- 
port and  maintenance  of  their  minister,  ordained  according  to  the  church  orders 
of  the  Netherlands,  etc.  It  will  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  question  here  is  not 
whether  the  will  is  valid  or  any  title  acquired  by  any  one  under  it,  but  to  whom 
did  Steinwyck  intend  to  give  the  property,  and  upon  what  trusts?  The  fact  above 
sated  leaves  no  doubt  upon  this  point.  He  gave  it  direct  to  the  Nether  Dutch 
Reformed  Congregation,  and  there  is  no  more  reason  to  suppose  he  intended  to 
include  the  minister  of  any  other  congregation  of  the  same  or  any  other  denomina- 
tion in  the  city  of  New  York,  than  that  he  intended  to  include  those  of  the  mother 
country.  It  is  clear  that  if  the  will,  or  the  deed  conveying  the  property  made 
pursuant  to  the  directions  of  the  will,  conveyed  a  title,  that  title  and  the  trusts 
thereby  created,  was  acquired  by,  and  inured  to.  the  benefit  of  this  particular  con- 
gregation. This  fully  answers  the  claim  of  the  relator  in  this  respect:  for  if  no 
title  was  acquired  by  the  will  or  deed,  or  both,  no  trust  was  created,  and  he  has 
of  course  no  claim  upon  the  property  or  income. 

In  1643,  this  church,  still  remaining  unincorporated,  presented  a  petition  to  the 
king  for  a  charter  of  incorporation,  reciting  therein  their  ownership  of  the  manor 
in  question  and  certain  other  real  estate,  and  praying  for  a  confirmation  of  their 
title.  Upon  this  petition  the  king,  on  the  11th  of  May  of  that  year,  granted  to 
them  a  charter,  whereby,  among  other  things,  it  was  ordained  that  the  then  min- 
ister, elders,  and  deacons,  and  all  such  others  as  then  were,  or  thereafter  should 
be,  admitted  to  the  communion  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  in  the 
said  city  of  New  York,  should  from  time  to  time,  and  at  all  times  forever  there- 
after, be  a  body  politic  and  corporate  by  the  name  of  the  minister,  elders  and 
deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  of  the  city  of  New  York,  and 
by  the  same  charter  confirmed  the  title  to  the  real  estate  unto  them,  the  said  min- 
ister, elders,  and  deacons  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  of  the  city 
of  New  York,  and  their  successors,  in  trust  for  the  sole  and  only  use,  benefit  and 
behoof  of  them,  the  minister,  elders,  and  deacons,  and  other  members  in  communion 
of  the  said  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  New  York,  and  their  successors  forever.  A 
question  is  made  whether  this  charter  incorporated  the  particular  church  petition- 
ing for  it,  or  whether  it  created  a  denominational  corporation  embracing  all  the 
churches  and  congregations  of  that  denomination  that  might  thereafter  exist  In 
the  city  of  New  York.  This  question  is  material,  as  its  determination  will  also 
determine  in  whose  favor  the  trust  was  created  by  Harpendinck's  will. 

At  the  time  of  presenting  the  petition  of  the  mother  church  to  the  king,  for  an 
incorporation,  there  was  no  other  church  of  that  denomination  in  the  city.  The 
petition  was  for  the  incorporation  of  this  church.  There  is  nothing  tending  to  slrow 
that  at  that  time  it  was  in  the  contemplation  of  any  one  that  there  would  there- 
after be  in  the  city  of  New  York  any  other  organized  and  incorporated  church  of 
the  denomination.  This  particular  church  desired  to  be  incorporated  to  enable 
it  to  manage  its  temporalities.     The  language  of  the  charter  must  be  construed  in 


2228  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  light  of  the  extrinsic  facts.  An  important  fact  is  the  petition  that  asked  for 
the  incorporation  of  this  particular  church.  This  church  was  known  as  the  only 
Protestant  Dutch  Reformed  church  in  the  city.  It  had  an  organization  constructed 
upon  the  basis  of  churches  of  this  description.  Under  this  state  of  facts,  the  rea- 
sonable presumption  is,  that  any  general  language  used  was  intended  to  apply  to 
this  church,  especially  when,  as  in  this  case,  there  is  nothing  except  such  general 
language  tending  to  show  that  anything  more  was  contemplated.  The  general 
language  of  the  charter,  from  which  it  is  attempted  to  deduce  a  different  conclu- 
sion, is,  all  such  others  as  then  were,  or  thereafter  should  be,  admitted  to  the 
communion  in  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  In  the  city  of  New  York.  It 
must  be  considered  that  this  particular  church,  being  at  the  time  the  only  church  of 
the  denomination  in  the  city,  there  was  no  way  of  being  admitted  to  the  com- 
munion of  the  church  except  by  becoming  a  member  of  this  particular  church. 
Hence  the  language  appropriately  applies  to  this  particular  church.  Again,  it  may 
be  remarked  that,  if  the  design  was  to  include,  in  the  corporation  created,  separate 
churches  and  congregations,  no  mode  for  the  exercise  of  the  corporate  powers  by 
such  bodies  is  provided.  Upon  all  the  facts  my  conclusion  is,  that  this  particular 
church  alone  was  incorporated,  and  that  by  those  in  communion  with  the 
Protestant  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  was  intended  members  of  this  church,  as 
that  at  the  time  was  the  mode  of  being  in  communion  there  within  the  city  of  New 
York.  In  February,  1723,  Harpendinck  willed  to  the  corporation  by  name  his  inter- 
est In  the  Shoemaker  farm,  for  the  payment  and  satisfying  of  the  yearly  stipend, 
salary,  etc.,  of  the  respective  minister  or  ministers,  who  from  time  to  time  and 
at  all  times  thereafter,  should  be  regularly  and  legally  called  to  the  ministry  of 
the  said  church,  and  to  no  other  use  whatever.  If  right  in  the  above  conclusion, 
it  follows  that,  if  the  will  is  valid,  the  title  vested  in,  and  the  trust  inured  to, 
the  benefit  of  this  church.  This  renders  it  unnecessary  to  examine  the  various 
questions  ably  discussed  in  the  opinion  of  the  Special  Term  as  we  have  seen  that 
the  only  standing  ground  of  the  relator  is  that  the  title  under  the  will,  and  the 
trust  thereby  created,  is  valid.  This  renders  the  question  wholly  immaterial 
whether  the  will  is  void  under  the  statute  of  Elizabeth,  or  for  any  other  reason, 
or  not;  because,  if  valid,  the  whole  beneficial  Interest  vested  In  this  particular 
church.  There  is  nothing  conflicting  with  this  view  in  any  of  the  colonial  legisla- 
tive acts.  If  such  acts  were  competent  to  modify  the  title.  It  will  be  seen  that 
one  of  these  acts  in  terms  confers  power  upon  the  defendant  to  apply  the  income 
to  building  or  repairing  churches,  etc.  This  is  what,  from  time  to  time.  It  has 
done  as  the  exigences  of  their  congregation  required.  When  that  became  too 
large  to  be  accommodated  in  one  edifice,  they  have,  from  time  to  time,  erected 
others,  governing  all  by  the  same  officers  as  one  church,  preserving  all  in  the 
same  corporation. 

It  is  not  claimed  but  that  it  might  lawfully  do  this  with  its  own  property;  but 
It  is  claimed  that  it  is  a  breach  of  trust  to  apply  the  income  in  question  to  any 
other  purpose  than  the  payment  of  ministers,  and  that  therefore  the  court  should 
interpose  by  restraining  any  such  application,  whether  the  relator  and  those  simi- 
larly situated  have  any  Interest  or  not.  This  brings  us  to  what  I  regard  as  the 
only  remaining  question  in  the  case  necessary  to  determine.  The  case  shows  that 
the  income  largely  exceeds  what  is  necessary  to  pay  the  ministers  employed  by 
defendant  in  full,  and  the  question  is,  who  shall  determine  what  disposition  shall 
be  made  of  this  surplus? 

The  plaintiff's  counsel  insists  that  It  Is  the  duty  of  the  court  to  do  this,  that  the 
property  was  by  the  devisors  devoted  to  the  payment  of  the  salaries  of  ministers, 
and  cannot,  therefore,  be  appropriated  by  defendant  to  any  other  object.  It  Is 
therefore  insisted  that,  although  it  should  be  held  that  the  trusts  did  not  extend 
to  the  relator,  yet  the  court  should  have  proceeded  to  devise  a  scheme  as  near  the 
presumed  Intention  of  the  testators  as  possible,  to  which  this  surplus  should  be 
applied. 

The  counsel  suggests  that,  as  the  testators  made  express  provision  for  the  sup- 
port of  preaching  only  of  the  particular  denomination.  It  would  accord  with  their 
intention  to  apply  this  surplus  to  the  payment  of  the  salaries  of  all  the  ministers 
of  the  denomination  employed  In  the  city  of  New  York.  Numerous  authorities 
are  cited  by  the  counsel,  which  show  that  the  Court  of  Chancery  in  England  has 
in  numerous  instances  acted  upon  the  principle  that,  where  charitable  bequests 
were  made,  or  provision  for  charity  made  in  any  other  way,  the  court  would  supply 
almost  any  defect  in  the  instrument  making  the  provision  or  remove  any  other 
difficulty  in  carrying  out  the  design  of  the  donor.  In  many  of  the  cases,  the  court 
has  devised  almost  the  entire  scheme,  and  the  donor  would  hardly  be  able  to 
recognize  in  it  any  analogy  to  his  design. 

This  doctrine  had  its  origin  in  the  strong  desire  of  the  ecclesiastical  chancellors 
to  uphold  every  gift  to  the  church,  and  every  act  that  subjected  property  to  Its 
control.  At  this  day,  I  apprehend  the  courts  of  this  State  will  content  themselves 
with  carrying  into  effect  the  intention  of  donors,  when  found  Intelligently  ex- 
pressed, and  to  accord  with  the  rules  of  law.  That  If  there  is  any  substantial 
defect  in  the  instrument,  the  court  will  not  supply  It;  but  the  scheme  will  fail, 
and  the  property  descend  according  to  law.  In  this  case,  the  property  was  de- 
vised to  the  defendant,  and,  so  far  as  the  parties  here  are  concerned,  it  must 
be  held  that  It  was  the  legal  title. 

That  title  is  charged  with  a  trust  of  which  the  defendant  is  the  sole  beneficiary. 
That  trust  is  fully  discharged. 

It  tnms  out,  doubtless,  contrary  to  the  expectation  of  the  donors,  that,  by  the 
rise  in  the  value  of  real  estate,  after  a  great  lapse  of  time,  there  is  a  large  surplus. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2229 

When  the  property  was  given,  it  would  hardly  pay  one  minister.  The  Income 
now  pays  four,  and  leaves  an  annual  surplus  of  seventy  thousand  dollars.  This 
surplus,  after  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  trust  charged  upon  the  property,  I 
thinis,  follows  the  legal  title,  and  therefore  belongs  to  the  defendants,  not  charged 
with  any  special  trust,  but  to  be  used  for  any  of  the  purposes  authorized  by  the 
corporation. 

This  is  precisely  what  the  defendants  have  done,  and  propose  to  do  hereafter. 

The  judgment  dismissing  the  complaint  should  be  affirmed. 

Porter,  J.,  takes  no  part. 

All  concur. 

Affirmed. 

Feench  Church  of  ISTew  York.  An  Act  Repudiating  the 
Act  of  Consistory^  in  Dismissing  Rev.  Louis  Rou  on  Sep- 
tember 20,  1Y24. —  September  24,   1724. 

An  Act 
Of   Opposition   to    that   which    was   past  on   Sunday   last   the  20th   of   September 
1724  in  the  French   Reformed   Church  of   the  City   of   New   York,    and   signed 
afterwards  by  some  members  of  the  said  Church. 

We  underwritten.  Members  of  the  French  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York,  do 
hereby  freely  and  sincerely  declare  that  we  disallow  and  reject  that  rash  Act  which 
was  past  on  Sunday  last,  the  20th  of  this  month,  in  Church  in  the  presence  of 
some  Heads  of  Families  there  met  fogether,  and  afterwards  signed  by  some 
others,  by  virtue  whereof  they  have  pretended  to  dismiss  &  exc'lude  Mr.  Lewis 
Rou,  our  Minister,  out  of  his  office;  that  is  to  say,  as  it  was  verbally  intimated 
to  him  the  next  dffy,  to  acknowledge  him  no  longer  as  a  Minister  of  our  Church; 
to  discharge  him  of  all  functions,  to  suppress  his  Salary,  and  to  pay  him  nothing 
thereof  for  the  future  etc.  We  also  hereby  declare  that  we  in  no  ways  what- 
soever consent  to  those  proceedings,  which  are  contrary  to  the  Rules  of  our 
Discipline,  to  the  word  of  God,  and  Equity,  etc.;  that  we  oppose  ourselves  to  the 
said  Act,  as  much  as  lyes  in  our  power,  and  that  notwithstanding  the  same,  we 
acknowledge  always  the  said  Mr.  Rou  for  our  true  and  lawful  minister,  who  hath 
preached  and  officiated  amongst  us  during  more  than  fourteen  years  that  he 
hath  been  here  with  edification,  always  leading  an  exemplary  life.  In  witness 
whereof  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  and  names.  Done  in  New  York  Sep- 
tember the  24th  1724. 

Signed  by  about  one  hundred  names. —  Doc.  Hist.   N.  Y.  iii.  282. 

[See  Jan.  14,  1725.] 

Rev.  Mr.  Foyer's  Answer  to  the  Queries  of  the   Society 
FOR   THE   Propagation   of   the   Gospel.      [1724.] 

Jamaica  on  Long  Island  Province  of  N.  T. 
Q.     How  long  Is  it  since  you  went  over  to  the  Plantations  as  a  missionary? 
A.     I  embarked  for  this  place  the  last  day  of  December  1709. 

Q.  Have  you  had  any  other  Church  before  you  came  to  that  which  you  now 
possess:  &  if  you  had  what  Church  was  it,  and  how  long  have  you  been 
removed? 

A.     No. 

Q.     Have  you  been  duly  licensed  by  the  Bishop  of  London  to  officiate  as  a  Mis- 
sionary, in  the  Government  where  you  now  are? 
A.     Yes. 

Q.     How  long  have  you  been  Inducted  into  your  Living? 
A.     July  ISth  1710. 

Q.     Are  you  ordinarily  resident  in  the  Parish  to  which  you  have  been  inducted? 
A.     Yes. 


1724 


2230  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1724 

Q.     Of  what  extent  is  your  I'arish,  it  how  many  families  are  there  in  it? 
A.     About  fifteen  miles  long  &  six  and  a  half  broad  &  as  near  as  I  can  find  about 
four  hundred  and  nine  (409)   families  in  it. 

Q.  Are  there  .any  Infidels,  bond  or  free,  within  your  Parish;  &  what  means  are 
used  for  their  conversion? 

A.  Yes  there  are  both,  bond  &  free,  but  the  number  of  them  I  can't  learn  &  I 
take  what  pains  I  can  to  instruct  those  that  I  have  opportunities  of  con- 
versing with. 

Q.  How  oft  is  Divine  Service  performed  in  your  Church;  and  what  proportion 
of  the  Parishioners  attend  it? 

A.  Every  Lord's  day  &  on  the  other  days  set  apart  by  our  Church  but  there  are 
not  above  eighty  families  of  the  above  mentioned  four  hundred  and  nine 
that  come  to  it  the  rest  being  Dutch  &  English  Dissenters  of  all  Sorts. 

Q.     How   oft   is   the    Sacrament   of   the    Lord's   Supper   administered   And    what   is 

the  usual  number  of  Communicants? 
A.     Four  or  five  times  in  the  year  &:  sometimes  oftener  as  I  have  my  health,  but 

I  have  seldom  above  forty  Communicants  at  a  time. 

Q.     At  what  time  do  you  Catechize  the  Youth  of  your  Parish? 

A.  All  sent  twice  a  week  in  the  Church,  &  as  many  as  come  to  my  house  I 
catechize  once  a  fortnight  throughout  the  year. 

Q.  Are  all  things  duly  disposed  &  provided  in  the  Church  for  the  decent  &  or- 
derly performance  of  Divine  Worship? 

A.  Our  furniture  for  the  Communion  Table  are  good  but  our  pulpit  Cloth  &  Sur- 
plice are  very  indifferent. 

Q.     Of  what  value  is  your  Living  in  Sterling  Money,  and  how  does  it  arise? 

A.     About   thirty   nine  pounds   sterling   money,   this   is  paid   me  in    money  of  this 

province    &    a    tax    raised    on    each    inhabitant    by    two    Acts    of    our    General 

Assembly. 

Q.     Have  you  a  House  &  Glebe?     Is  your  Glebe   in   Lease  or  let   by  the  year  Or 

is  it  occupied  by  yourself? 
A.     There  is  a  Parsonage  House  &   Glebe  here,   but  a  Dissenting  teacher  is   in  it 

&  I  am  obliged  to  pay  hire  for  a  house. 


Is  due  care  taken  to  preserve  your  House  in  good  repair?     And  at  whose  ex- 
pense is  it  done? 
My  answer  to  your  Lordship's  former  Query  will  I  hope  also  suffice  for  this. 

Have  you   more   cures  than   one?     If  you  have  what  are   they?     And   in   what 

manner  served? 

Yes  I  have  two  besides  Jamaica  each  of  which  I  serve  once  a  month. 

Have  you  in  your  Parish  any  Public  School  for  the  Instruction  of  Youth?     If 
you  have  is  it  endowed?     And  who  is  the  Master? 

There  are  Schools  in  each   Town  in  the  Parish  but  the  masters  &  mistresses 
of  them  are  some  of  them  Presbyterians  and  others  Quakers. 


Q.     Have  you  a  Parochial  Library?     If  you  have  are  the  books  preserved  &  kept 
in   good   condition?     Have   you    any    particular    rules   and   orders    for  the   pre- 
serving of  them?     Are  those  rules  &  orders  duly  observed? 
A.     Yes  I  have  and  according  to  the  Venerable  Society's  Order,   I  take  great  care 
of  their  books. 

I  am  may  it  please  etc. 

Thos.   Poyer,  Rector  of  Jamaica. 
—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  18.5-187. 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  2231 

Rev.  Mr.  Poyer  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London. 

Jamaica,  October  8th,  1724. 
May  it  plense  your  Lordship: 

In  obedience  to  your  Lordships  commands  I  have  answered  the  Queries  as  well 
as  1  could  and  sent  Ihcm  to  the  Uev.  Mr.  Vesey. 

And  now  my  good  Lord  1  humbly  beg  your  patience  and  pardon  while  I  give  your 
Lordship  a  true  and  hiU't  account  of  my  great  misfortunes  since  I  had  the  honor 
of  being  employed  by  the  Venerable  Society. 

I  entered  into  their  service  on  the  29th  of  September  1709  &  according  to  their 
order  I  embarked  with  my  family  the  last  day  of  October  following  and  was 
tossed  about  from  one  expensive  harbour  to  another  till  the  tenth  day  of  April 
on  which  day  we  left  England  &  were  on  our  voyage  till  the  7th  of  July  follow- 
ing when  we  were  cast  away  about  one  hundred  miles  from  this  place. 

And  from  that  day  to  this  my  life  has  been  one  continual  scene  of  trouble  for 
not  to  mention  a  great  many  of  my  afflictions  a  bare  relation  of  which  would 
take  up  too  much  of  your  Lordships  precious  moments,  besides  my  being  many 
years  kept  out  of  my  allowance  from  the  Country  a  great  (part)  of  which  I  shall 
never  receive  because  some  in  whose  hands  part  of  the  money  was  are  dead  &  no 
effects  left  behind  them  to  pay  it  and  others  run  away  &  a  great  deal  of  sick- 
ness I  had  myself  «fc  in  my  family  all  of  us  being  seldom  in  health  at  the  same 
time,  I  have  buried  two  wives  &  two  children  in  less  than  five  years  and  am 
now  eleven  in  family  the  eldest  of  my  family  being  little  more  than  sixteen 
j-ears  of  age,  there  is  the  expence  of  every  other  Sunday  when  I  go  to  Newtown  & 
Flushing  to  be  borne  for  myself  and  those  of  the  children  I  take  with  me,  there 
are  all  necessaries  to  be  bought  sixteen  pounds  yearly  to  be  paid  for  house  rent  & 
all  this  to  come  out  of  my  stipend,  no  one  of  them  being  able  to  get  &  indeed 
too  young  to  know  how  to  save  what  is  gotten  this  my  Lord  is  too  great  burthen 
upon  me. 

But  there  is  yet  a  great  addition  to  my  troubles  by  my  Bills  not  being  accepted 
of  and  paid  by  the  Venerable  Society's  Treasurer  for  my  one  half  year's  Stipend 
due  and  payable  September  9,  1718,  and  because  this  money  was  not  paid  to 
Mr.  Elias  Neau's  order  who  was  then  the  Catechist  at  New  York  and  my  then 
Correspondent  he  required  of  me  my  bond  which  his  Executors  since  his  death 
have  prosecuted  and  put  me  to  a  groat  deal  of  trouble  and  charge  besides  the  in- 
jury my  character  has  sustained  by  it. 

Here  is  another  half  year's  Salary  due  to  me  &  ending  March  25,  1723  which 
the  Treasurer  refuses  to  pay  on  the  Order  of  Messrs.  John  &  Joseph  Reid  I  have 
this  day  drawn  on  the  said  Treasurer  for  the  last  mentioned  half  years  stipend 
&  hope  that  he  will  pay  it  that  I  might  not  lose  my  credit  and  suffer  so  much 
in  my  character. 

I  humbly  beg  your  Lordships  interest  in  my  good  patrons  for  if  this  money  be 
not  allowed  I  expect  greater  troubles  than  I  have  as  yet  known  and  I  am  per- 
suaded my  Lord  that  your  Lordship  will  easily  prevail  on  them  when  I  have  as- 
sured your  LordsJiip  that  [  have  not  that  I  know  of  ever  drawn  on  them  for  any 
more  than  my  Salary  and  that  never  until  It  was  due  without  their  order.  I  drew 
on  them  indeed  for  thirty  pounds  but  this  was  to  defray  expenses  I  was  at  in  the 
prosecution   of   the   suit  at  law   for  the  recovery   of  my   Salary   for  which   I   have 

their  order  of  the  7th  of   1715  and  as  I  take  it  on  account  of  the  many 

troubles  &  difficulties  I  met  with  here  &  complained  of  to  the  Honorable  Society 
by  their  Secretary  in  another  letter  dated  Xber  17.  1716  they  gave  me  leave  to 
draw  on  them  for  thirty  pounds  as  they  have  been  always  patrons  to  the  dis- 
tressed so  I  thought  this  bounty  of  theirs  was  to  enable  me  to  bear  up  under  more 
and  greater  difficulties  than  all  the  Missionaries  that  I  know  from  that  great  and 
good  body  of  men  have  met  with  (the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  only  excepted.) 

I  have  often  written  to  the  Honorable  Society  by  their  Secretary  of  these  things 
&  never  have  had  any  answer  but  I  now  beg  humbly  of  your  Lordship  that  you 
will  be  pleased  to  stand  ray  friend  that  I  may  be  thereby  enabled  to  pay  the 
Gentleman  I  am  indebted  to  for  that  money  and  that  I  may  clear  of  the  dis- 
turbances which  have  almost  crazed  me. 


1724 


1724 


2232  Ecclesiastical  Eecoeds 

That  God  Aim:  may  long  continue  your  Lordp  an  Honor  &  ornament  to  that 
part  of  his  Church  which  is  under  the  indulgent  &  vigilant  government  &  that  you 
may  for  all  the  pious  labours  receive  an  ample  but  a  late  reward  In  the  regions  of 
Eternal  Glory  is  and  shall  be  the  incessant  and  earnest  prayer  of,  Right  Reverend 
Father  in  God  etc.,  etc. 

Thomas  Poyer. 

By  letter  dated  7th  April  1715  Mr.  Poyer  was  ordered  to  proceed  at  law  for 
recovery  of  his  Salary  at  the  charge  of  the  Society  &  by  his  letter  of  the  Ist  of 
October,  1715  desires  orders  to  take  up  money  which  he  says  Mr.  Bayeaux  (sic) 
New  York  would  supply  him  with  the  Society  upon  considering  that  letter  ordered 
him  to  draw  on  their  Treasurer  for  thirty  pounds  sterling  and  at  the  same  time 
ordered  him  to  send  an  account  of  the  expence  he  should  be  at  In  the  law  suit  as 
will  appear  by  a  copy  of  the  Secretary's  letter  of  the  17th  of  December  1716 
so  that  he  could  not  be  mistaken  &  think  that  the  Society  intended  him  two  sums 
of  thirty  pounds  they  having  made  him  a  present  of  a  Gown  &  Cassock  in  the 
month  of  September  &  of  ten  pounds  in  October  following  his  Salary  has  been 
regularly  paid  as  It  became  due  &  if  any  of  his  Bills  were  protested  'twas  because 
he  drew  when  nothing  was  due  to  him. —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  187,  188. 


Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 

Oct.  15,  1Y24. 
Consistory  held,  after  calling  on  God's  name.    Resolved, 

1.  In  reference  to  Jan  Montagne,  that  with  his  consent,  his 
present  of  a  beaver,  yearly,  for  which  he  is  liable  to  the  Elders, 
shall  be  dispensed  with. 

2.  And  for  the  doing  away,  henceforth,  of  his  present  of  a 
beaver,  yearly, —  instead  thereof,  and  the  one  hundred  guilders 
yearly,  there  shall  be  paid  yearly,  by  him,  three  pounds,  New 
York  currency. 

Journal  of   Society  for  Propagating   the   Gospel.     Rev. 
John  James  Ehlig,    [Ehle,  Oehl.] 

Oct.  16,  1Y24.     VoL  v.  p.  10.  §  11. 

A  letter  from  John  James  Ehlig  a  Palatine  Minister  in  New 
York  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  London  dated  29th  of  June  1Y24 
was  laid  before  the  board  and  referred  to  the  Committee. 

Nov.  20,  1724.     Vol.  v.  p.  13.  §  7. 

Also  that  they  had  a  letter  from  John  James  Ehlig  to  the  Lord 
Bishop  of  London  dated  Schohara  29th  of  June  1724  advising 
that  it  is  about  two  years  since  he  went  over  from  Germany  to 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2233 

1724 

New  York  with  a  great  congregation  of  Palatines,  since  which 
time  he  has  officiated  as  pastor  and  minister  among  his  country- 
men the  Palatines  in  the  room  of  the  late  Mr.  Haeger  and  lived 
first  near  Sowengen  as  his  predecessor  had  done,  who  built  him  a 
house  there,  but  the  people  being  spread  widely  up  and  down  and 
poor  and  unable  to  support  a  minister  he  (Mr.  Ehlig)  removed  to 
Schohare  near  Albany  where  there  was  a  large  number  of  Pala- 
tines and  where  he  has  officiated  since.  Gives  an  account  of  the 
manner  of  his  performing  divine  service  which  is  according  to  the 
rites  of  the  Church  of  England,  that  he  constantly  every  Lord's 
day  reads  the  liturgy  of  the  Church  of  England,  but  that  some- 
times in  baptising  infants  and  administering  the  Sacrament,  he 
has  used  some  forms  which  are  used  among  the  Germans  and 
Dutch,  but  for  the  future  will  entirely  conform  himself  to  the 
rites  of  the  Church  of  England  and  prays  the  Society  to  allow  him 
the  salary  formerly  allowed  Mr.  Haeger. 

Whereupon  the  Committee  agreed  as  their  opinion  that  con- 
sidering the  present  circumstances  of  the  Society  and  the  new 
expenses  they  have  agreed  to  engage  in,  that  it  will  not  be  proper 
to  settle  a  salary  upon  Mr.  Ehlig,  but  upon  his  transmitting  from 
New  York  certificates  of  his  officiating  as  he  acquaints,  the  So- 
ciety may  make  him  a  gratuity.  Agreed  to,  by  the  Society  and 
ordered  that  the  Secretary  acquaint  Mr.  Ehlig  with  the  said  reso- 
lution of  the  Society. 

Mk.  Colden's  Memoir  on  the  Fijr  Trade.     French  Missions. 
Destruction  of  Schenectady. 

A  Memorial  concerning  The  Fur  Trade  of  the  Province  of  New  York,  presented 
to  His  Excellency  William  Burnet  Esq.,  Captain  General  &  Governor  etc.  By 
Cadwallader  Golden,  Surveyor  General  of  the  said  Province  November  10th  1724. 


When  this  country  (the  Province  of  New  York)  came  first  under  the  Crown  of 
Great  Britain,  Our  Five  Nations  were  mortal  ennemies  of  the  French  at  Canada, 
and  were  in  a  continental  war  with  them,  and  all  the  Nations  of  the  Indians 
round  the  Lakes  so  that  then  it  was  not  safe  for  the  English  to  travel  further  than 
the  Country  of  the  Five  Nations,  nor  would  our  Indians  permit  the  Far  Indians, 
with  whom  they  had  constant  War,  to  pass  through  their  countrys  to  Albany. — 
Besides  ye  Five  Nations  of  Indians  were  at  that  time  so  numerous,  (consisting  of 


1724 


2234  Ecclesiastical  Records 

ten  times  the  number  of  fighting  men  they  now  do),  that  the  Trade  with  them 
alone  was  very  considerable  for  so  young  and  small  a  Colony. 

In  the  latter  end  of  King  Charles's  Reign,  when  the  Duke  of  York  and  Popish 
Councils  prevailed,  the  Governor  of  New  York,  (who  was  likewise  a  Papist,)  had 
orders  to  use  all  his  endeavors  to  make  up  a  Peace  between  our  Nations,  (the 
Iroquois)  and  the  French:  that  he  should  persuade  the  five  Nations  to  admit 
French  Priests  among  them  in  order  to  civilize  them.  The  consequence  of  which 
was  that  the  French  thereby  obtained  a  free  commerce  upon  the  Lakes,  and  ob- 
tained leave  to  build  Cataracqui  Fort  upon  the  North  side  of  Cataracqui  Lake, 
and  (have.i  two  vessels  of  force  upon  the  same  Lake.  From  this  time  during  all 
King  James'  Reign,  the  French,  when  ever  they  had  any  differences  with  our 
Five  Nations,  threatened  that  the  English  of  New  I'^ork  would  join  with  them 
and  destroy  the  Five  Nations;  by  which,  and  the  Practises  of  the  French  Priests, 
our  Five  Nations  became  very  much  alienated  in  their  affections  from  the  English, 
and  looked  upon  them  as  a  people  depending  on  the  French. —  The  consequences 
of  this  seemed  so  dangerous  to  Coll.  Dongan,  the  Governor  of  New  York,  (tho' 
as  I  said  a  Papist),  that  he  again  and  again  complained  to  his  Master  of  the  ill 
offices  the  French  Priests  did  the  English  among  our  Nations. —  When  the  English 
had  thus  procured  a  peace  for  the  French  they  thought  they  may  justly  reap  some 
advantage  from  it,  and  its  liardly  to  be  doubted  but  that  they  had  promises  of 
that  kind;  they  were  therefore  encouraged  to  send  forty  men  with  great  quan- 
titys  of  Goods  into  the  Lakes  under  the  command  of  Major  Gregory,  to  trade  with 
the  Far  Nations.  At  this  time  Mr.  Denonville  Governor  of  Canada  was  gather- 
ing together  all  the  force  of  Canada  and  of  the  Indians  ennemies  of  the  Five  Na- 
tions, in  order  to  surprise  the  five  Nations,  and  destroy  them  at  the  time  they 
thought  themselves  secure  by  the  Peace  so  lately  made;  Major  Me  Gregory  & 
his  company  were  met  by  a  French  officer  on  Lake  Erie  coming  with  a  Great 
number  of  men  to  the  General  Rendezvous  of  the  French,  and  he  with  all  the 
English  were  all  made  Prisoners. 

They  M'ere  used  with  such  severity  as  has  never  been  practised  between  Christian 
Nations  in  open  war,  though  the  two  crowns  at  that  time  were  not  only  at  Peace 
but  under  the  strictest  Tyes  of  mutual  Friendship;  for  the  French  used  these 
people  as  Slaves,  in  building  Cataracqui  Fort  and  a  poor  French  man  that  had 
conducted  them  was  publickly  shot  dead  as  if  he  had  brought  an  enemy  into 
their  country. —  Such  was  their  apprehensions  then  of  the  English  getting  any 
footing  among  the   Indians. 

The  French  Governor  surprized  a  village  of  the  Five  Nations,  who  on  the  French 
Faith  lived  in  great  security  but  seven  or  eight  leagues  from  the  French  Fort, 
and  sent  these  miserable  people  to  the  Galleys  in  France.  He  afterwards  fell 
upon  the  Sinnekes  and  burnt  their  villages,  but  without  any  advantage  to  the 
French,  they  having  lost  more  men  than  the  Indians  did. —  This  renewed  the  war 
with  greater  Fury  than  ever,  between  the  French  and  our  Indians  for  some  time 
afterwards;  our  Indians  in  a  great  body  fell  upon  the  Island  of  Montreal;  was* 
Mr.  Denonville  was  in  the  town,  they  burnt  &  destroyed  all  the  villages  &  houses 
round  Montreal,  and  killed  some  hundreds  of  Men,  Women  &  Children.  After- 
wards they  came  into  the  open  fields  before  Montreal  and  there  defied  the  French 
Governor,  who  did  not  think  it  proper  to  fight  them,  and  when  they  had  done  all 
the  mischief  they  could,  they  retired  without  any  Loss. 

About  this  time  the  Revolution  happened  in  Britain,  which  was  succeeded  by 
a  War  between  Britain  &  France.  In  February  1689/90  a  Party  of  three  hundred 
men,  consisting  of  equal  numbers  of  French  and  Indians  surprized  Schonectade 
in  the  night  time  when  the  poor  people  were  in  their  beds,  in  the  greatest  se- 
curity, where  they  barbarously  murdered  sixty  three  tnen.  Women  &  Children  in 
cold  blood,  laid  the  village  in  Ashes  &  then  retired  without  reaping  any  other 
advantage  besides  this  cruel  Revenge  on  innocent  people  for  the  mischief  our 
Indians  had  done  them.—  Col.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  v.  pp.  726,  730,  731,  732. 

*  While  Mr.  Denonville,  etc.     Colden's  Five  Nations,  Part  iil.,  37. 


;  OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2235 

Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 

Dec.  10,  1724. 

After  calling  on  God's  name,  The  church  accounts  having  been 
presented  and  approved  with  the  full  consent  of  the  Deacons,  it 
was  Resolved,  by  the  whole  Consistory,  that  the  management  and 
revenues  of  the  church-ground,  lying  opposite  our  church,  and 
paid  for  out  of  the  Deacons'  Treasury,  be  committed  to  the  Church 
Masters  for  the  better  support  of  their  treasury. 

And  that  the  proposal  to  have  a  ^'  plaats  "  in  the  church  done 
away,  and  to  be  paid  therefor  by  those  who  sit  in  the  pew,  now 
made  to  the  Church  Masters  and  brought  before  the  Consistory, 
shall  always  be  altogether  denied  by  the  Church  Masters,  unless 
this  or  like  requests  be  brought  before  the  Consistory,  on  account 
of  the  evil  consequences  of  the  same. 

And  that  the  Deacons  deny  the  request  of  Philip  van  Borssem 
and  his  wife  for  support  by  the  church,  as  both  are  under  censure 
for  their  evil  lives,  and  in  which  they  persist,  despite  all  warnings. 
But  the  Consistory  is  disposed  to  care  for  the  children,  but  only 
on  Condition  that,  by  an  Indenture  before  the  magistrate,  they 
are  committed  to  the  Deacons,  in  order  to  receive  a  Christian 
education. 

French  Church  of  New   York,  January  14,  1725. 

To  his  Excellency  William  Burnet  Esq.  Captain  General  and 
Governour  in  Chiefe  of  the  Provinces  of  New  York  New  Jersey 
and  Territories  Thereon  Depending  in  America  and  Vice  Admiral 
of  the  same  etc.     In  Council. — 

The  humble  Petition  of  Several  of  the  members  of  the  French 
Reformed  Protestant  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York  in  Behalf 
of  themselves  and  others  of  their  Brethren. — 

Sheweth 

That  the  said  Church  is  unhappily  divided  by  the  fatal  conse- 
quences of  a  certain  Instrument  or  writing,  made  and  agreed 


1724 


1725 


2236  Ecclesiastical  Records 

upon  the  20th  of  September  last,  by  the  present  Oonsistory 
thereof,  who  upon  groundless  assertions  therein  set  forth,  have 
discharged  our  worthy  Minister  Mr.  Louis  Kou,  from  the  Exercise 
of  his  Ministerial  function  in  the  said  Church  and  deprived  him 
of  all  the  benefits  he  should  reap  thereby. 

That  your  Petitioners  and  several  others  of  their  Brethren 
never  consented  to  such  their  Proceedings,  though  some  few  were 
led  into  it  by  surprise,  being  told  by  the  said  Consistory  that  the 
Act  they  offered  them  to  sign  was  for  the  Peace  of  the  said 
Church;  and  indeed  they  know  no  otherwise  the  contents  thereof, 
not  being  read  to  them;  but  on  the  reverse,  we  look  upon  all  the 
steps  they  have  taken  against  the  said  Mr.  Rou  to  be  without  the 
least  Colour  of  Justice  whatsoever,  and  contrary  to  the  Rules  and 
Discipline  of  the  said  Church,  of  which  your  Petitioners  don't 
doubt  but  to  make  appear  to  your  Excellency,  when  the  same 
shall  have  the  happiness  To  fall  under  your  Excellency's  consid- 
eration. 

That  your  Petitioners  are  too  sencebly  touched  with  the  dis- 
advantages they  lye  under  from  the  Misfortunes  of  their  want 
of  his  Pastoral  care  over  them,  whose  Exemplary  Piety  and  In- 
struction for  upwards  of  fourteen  years,  have  rendered  him  ex- 
ceedingly estimable  to  all  who  know  him;  and  which  can't  but 
be  acknowledged  even  by  those  who  are  now  the  occasion  of  your 
Petitioners  giving  your  Excellency  this  Trouble,  and  who  aside 
with  his  Assistant,  Mr.  Moulinar;  from  whom,  both  as  a  Brother 
and  a  Christian,  better  offices  might  have  been  expected  than  to 
have  found  him  the  Pen  man  of  such  Instrument,  which  are  the 
Present  motive  of  all  our  troubles,  that  your  Petitioners  begg 
leiuve  to  (say)  to  your  Excellency  that  (if  occasion  should  re- 
quire) they  can  make  appear  to  your  Excellency  that  the  first 
right  to  the  ministry  of  the  said  Church,  and  even  to  the  Church 
itself,  is  wholy  lodged  in  the  said  Mr.  Rou,  as  well  as  from  the 
call  of  the  said  Consistory,  by  the  Act  of  General  Assembly,  as 
by  the  Majority  of  the  members  of  the  said  Church;  as  appears 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yokk.  2237 

by  the  Act  of  opposition  and  protestation  made  in  that  behalf, 
whereof  a  Copy  is  hereunto  annexed. 

That  in  order  to  put  an  end  to  these  unhappy  Differences  and 
that  your  Petitioners  may  enjoy  those  Spiritual  Comforts  they 
have  hitherto  received  from  the  Doctrine  of  the  said  Mr.  Rou  your 
Petitioners  apply  to  your  Excellency  for  relief  in  the  premises 
arid  — 

Therefore  they  most  Humbly  pray  your  Excellency,  In  your 
great  Wisdom  to  take  such  measures  for  the  protecting  and  re- 
establishing the  said  Mr.  Rou  to  the  free  and  peaceable  Exercise 
of  his  ministerial  function  in  the  said  Church,  and  to  the  benefit 
thereof,  as  may  seem  most  Expedient  to  your  Excellency;  and 
that  your  Excellency  Endeavours  therein  may  be  successfull  and 
your  administration  long  and  prosperous,  is  the  Earnest  prayers 
of  your  Excellency  Petitioners  ' 

James  You  Daniel  Crommelin 

Jean  ba  Chan 

John  Hastier  Andrew  Foucault 

James  Ballereau 

Elias  Pelletreau,  Jr.  Elias  Pelletreau  ■ 

Jacque  Bobin  ' 

K.  Cazalet  i 

Samuell  Bourdet 
David  Le  Teller 
Francois  Basset 
Peter  Morgat 

[See  under  date  of  Sept.  24,  1724,  for  Act  of  Opposition.] 
I  the  underwritten  Lewis  Rou,  Minister  of  ye  holy  Gospel 
in  ye  City  of  New  York,  do  also  protest  in  my  particular  against 
the  Act  of  the  Consistory  here  mentioned,  as  being  an  unjust, 
violent  and  irregular  proceeding,  done  against  all  manner  of 
form,  without  any  lawful  reason,  without  a  sufficient  and  compe- 
tent Authority,  and  even  without  having  heard  me;  in  short  as 


1725 


1725 


2238  Ecclesiastical  Records 

being  contrary  to  our  discipline,  and  to  the  Word  of  God  and 
equity.     Done  at  'Ne\v  York  the  31st  of  December  1724:. 

Lewis  Rou 

■^    Minister  of  ye  French  Church. 
January  14th,  1724/5 

—  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  lii.  281. 

French  Chuech  of  New  York,  January  28,  1725.     Order  of 
Council  on  the  Preceding. 

Read   and  ordered  ye  Consistory  of  this  French   Church  be   served   with  a   copy 
and  to  make  answer  to  the  allegations  this  day  fortnight. 


Answer  of  Mr.   Moulinar 

and  the   rest   of   the   French   Consistory   of   the   French   Protestant   Church   in    the 
City  of  New  York  in  the  Province  of  New  York  in  America. 

May  it  Please  Your  Excellency  and  Honourable  the  Gent  of  his  Majesties  Coun- 
cil for  the  same  Province. 

We,  the  Minister  and  Consistory  of  the  French  Reformed  Protestant  Church 
in  the  City  of  New  York,  being  deeply  sensible  of  the  favour  which  Your  Excel- 
lency and  the  Honourable  Councel  have  been  pleased  to  confer  on  us,  in  ordering 
that  Mr.  Moulinar  and  the  rest  of  the  Consistory  of  said  Church  should  be  served 
with  a  copy  of  the  Peticon  of  severall  of  the  Members  of  the  said  Church  in  behalf 
of  themselves  and  others  of  their  brethren,  as  also  a  Certain  instrument  in  writing 
under  the  hands  of  some  French  inhabitants  Termed  an  act  of  opposition,  to 
which  is  subjoined  a  Protestacon  under  the  hand  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Lewis 
Rou,  against  the  act  of  the  Consistory  therein  menconed,  as  being  an  unjust, 
violent  and  irregular  proceeding.  Done  against  all  manner  of  form  without  any 
Lawfull  reason,  without  a  sufficient  and  Competent  authority,  and  even  without 
having  heard  him;  in  short  as  being  contrary  to  their  Discipline,  and  Word  of 
God,  and  Equity.  Done  at  New  York  the  31st  of  December  1724;  signed  Lewis 
Rou  jNIinister  of  the  French  Church. 

Whereupon  a  fortnights  time  is  granted  to  make  answer  to  the  allegacons  thereof 
by  the  order  of  this  Honourable  Board.  We,  being  now  and  at  all  times  willing 
and  Ready  to  give  all  dutiful  respect  and  obedience  to  your  Excellencys  orders  in 
Council,  in  return  to  this  favour,  have  perused  and  Considered  of  your  Excel- 
lencys said  order,  and  the  Copys  thereunto  prefixed,  by  protestacon  saving  and 
Reserving  to  ourselves  now  and  at  all  times  the  free  use  and  Exercise  of  that 
liberty  of  Conscience  belonging  and  appertaining  to  the  French  Reformed  Protest- 
ant Church,  under  the  protection  of  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain,  and  the  Domin- 
ions thereunto  belonging;  And  the  advantage  and  benefit  of  Exception  to  the 
manifold  untruths,  uncertaintys,  Errours  and  imperfections  in  the  same  Peticon, 
act  of  opposition,  and  protestacon  of  the  same  Lewis  Iiou  Contelned:  and  not 
acknowledging  any  Jurisdiction  in  any  Civil  Court  within  this  Province,  in  and 
over  the  private  affairs  of  our  Church,  meerly  Consistoriall,  and  amongst  our- 
selves; in  answer  thereunto  or  unto  so  much  thereof  as  we  are  advised  is  material 
for  us  to  answer.  We  do  answer  and  Say,  That  we  are  very  heartily  sorry  for  the 
unhappy  differences  which  have  lately  happened  amongst  our  Congregation  which 
is  made  up  of  Members  altogether  free  and  voluntary,  and  under  no  manner  of 
Compulsion  or  Restraint;  And  we  are  humbly  of  Opinion  that  the  measures  We 
have  lately  taken  to  remove  the  Cause  thereof  has  in  a  great  measure  given  occa- 
Bion  of  this  Complaint  now  laid  before  Your  Excellenc.y  in  Council. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2239 

It  is  not  uuknown  to  your  Excellency  that  the  French  Protestants  in  the  King- 
dom of  France,  now  a  considerable  body  of  people,  who  for  many  years  have  sub- 
sisted in  that  Kingdom  and  have  had,  used  and  enjoyed,  amongst  themselves  a 
particular  and  peculiar  form  of  worship,  doctrine,  discipline  and  Church  Govern- 
ment, without  being  maintained  and  Supported  therein,  as  the  national  Church, 
which  in  France  is  Roman  Catholick,  but  by  way  of  Dispensation  or  toleracon, 
so  that  it  was  not  in  their  power  even  to  compell  any  of  the  French  Subjects  to 
Submitt  unto  their  discipline,  and  Government,  nor  to  restrain  or  punish  any  of 
their  number  who  had  submitted  to  their  form  of  worship,  Doctrine,  Discipline, 
&  Government  who  were  minded  to  forsake  them  and  alter  their  Profession  untill 
Their  King  was  pleased  to  Revoak  the  Edict  commonly  called  the  Edict  of  Nantz; 

And  those  French  Protestants  were  by  all  iiationall  Protestant  Churches  in 
Europe  received  and  treated,  as  if  they  had  been  a  nationall  Protestant  Sister 
Church,  however  depressed  or  oppressed  by  the  Violent  Counsels  and  practices  of  - 
the  Roman  Catholics,  In  the  Enjoyment  of  that  liberty  or  rather  dispensation  or 
toleracon:  their  method  and  rule  was  to  make  an  agreement  with  their  pastors 
and  ministers,  (that  is  to  say),  each  Consistory  for  every  particular  Congregation 
voluntarily  and  freely  united  together  and  entered  into  an  agreement  with  their 
Pastor  &  Minister,  upon  a  Certain  special!  mutuall  Contract,  which  when  either 
party  failed  in  performance  of  their  part  of  the  Contract,  the  other  was  at  liberty 
and  freed  therefrom  on  the  other  part;  and  this  no  ways  regarded  by  the  Civil 
Government,  who  took  care  only  to  preserve  and  Support  the  National  Church, 
and  that  the  protestants  as  well  as  others  should  submitt  to  and  pay  all  Parochial 
Duties. 

Such  a  Special  Contract  We  made  with  Mr.  Rou  before  he  came  over  from 
England  to  us;  and  since  he  has  been  amongst  us  whilst  he  behaved  himself  Con- 
formable to  his  agreement,  and  for  his  encouragement  so  to  continue,  did  come 
to  a  second  agreement  with  him,  and  did  considerablj'  enlarge  his  annual  Salary, 
from  what  it  was  by  our  first  agreement,  to  be  paid  him  in  Quarterly  payments; 
and  as  our  Congregacon  increased,  We  did  likewise  send  for  anotlier  minister, 
and  provide  for  his  support  &  Maintenance,  without  diminishing  or  impairing 
Mr.  Ron's  Stipend;  And  this  lasted  untill  We  come  to  find  Mr.  Rou  to  Flagg 
in  his  Duty,  and  broach  innovacons  amongst  us  Contrary  to  the  said  Contract 
and  the  Constitution  of  our  Church;  and  altho  We  often  in  a  friendly  manner 
Requested  him  to  return  to  his  Duty  and  perform  his  Contract  with  the  Con- 
sistory, he  still  persisted,  notwithstanding,  to  pursue  his  own  humour  and  put 
us  to  Defiance  with  many  opprobrious  and  vile  expressions  not  fit  to  be  Repeated. 

Whereupon  We  thought  ourselves  Desolved  &  discharged  from  our  part  of  the 
Contract  with  respect  to  him,  to  provide  for  himself,  If  Mr.  Rou  will  desert 
the  Consistory  when  met,  and  refuse  or  neglect  to  come  when  sent  for;  how 
are  we  to  blame  that  he  lias  not  heard,  (as  he  is  pleased  to  say)  We  are  not  un- 
sensible of  the  methods  which  Mr.  Rou  has  taken  to  get  a  number  of  Subscrip- 
tions in  his  favour,  and  his  Contrivances  to  remove  the  Jurisdictions  of  this 
matter  to  another  Judicature,  nor  of  the  heat  and  violence  of  his  temper;  our 
foundacon  is  laid  upon  freedom  and  liberty  of  Conscience,  and  is  of  such  sort 
that  if  Mr.  Rou  and  his  Subscribers  are  minded  to  sett  up  another  French 
Congregacon  in  New  York  by  themselves  or  to  go  over  to  the  Church  of  England, 
as  by  Law  established,  or  the  Presbyterian  Profession,  We  do  not  pretend  to 
have,  use,  or  Exercise  any  Coersive  power  to  restrain  or  punish  them  for  it, 
much  less  to  Compell  them  to  Return  to  us;  We  should  be  much  better  pleased 
the  peticoners  should  return  to  and  Continue  in  our  Commission  and  Christian 
fellowship  of  their  own  free  will  and  Choice.  The  French  Protestants  in  this 
City  have  for  the  Term  and  Space  of  upward  fonrty  years,  held,  used  and  en- 
joyed this  freedom  and  liberty  by  the  indulgency  and  favour  of  the  Succeeding 
Governours,  Grounded  upon  their  instructions  for  that  purpose,  (as  We  have 
reason  to  believe). —  They  also  passed  the  like  Censure  formerly  against  other 
French  Protestant  Ministers  for  their  offences,  which  being  particular  to  them- 
selves, the  Government,  (for  the  time  being),  was  never  made  privy  to  it  by  either 
party;  and  altliough  no  doubt  the  then  Governours  Might  have  heard  thereof  yet 
did  they  never  interpose  nor  meddle  therein.  We  find  that  in  St.  Peters  time, 
such   Corruption   of  manners   had   crept   into   that   set   of  mankind    devoted  to  the 


1725 


1725 


2240  Ecclesiastical  Records 

preaching  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  that  in  his  first  Epistle  the  5th;  2nd  & 
Srd  V.  Caution  was  given  by  this  Apostle  against  this  evil,  as  it  was  likewise 
reproved  under  the  law  by  the  holy  Prophet;  see  the  34th  of  the  Prophet 
Ezeklel  v.  4. 

We  do  not  mean  to  affirm  the  act  of  Toleracon,  made  in  the  first  year  of 
King  William  the  3rd,  in  favour  of  Dissenters  in  England,  to  be  in  force  in  this 
Colony,  being  advised  to  the  Contrary:  however  We  begg  leave  humbly  to  offer 
that  as  we  cannot  be  called  dissenters  from  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law 
Established;  Yet  as  we  contribute  and  pay  towards  the  maintenance  and  Support 
of  the  Minister  of  Trinity  Church  which  is  Established  In  this  City  for  the 
nationall  worship  of  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law,  and  are  in  all  other  re- 
spects ameanable  to  the  laws  of  this  province.  We  humbly  presume  We  are  in 
great  measure,  (from  a  parity  of  reason),  Intituled  to  all  that  favour  here,  which 
is  granted  by  that  law  to  the  dissenters  in  England.  We  cannot  be  forgetfull  of 
that  most  gracious  Declaracon  or  saying  of  out  most  Gracious  Sovereign  Lord, 
King  George,  upon  his  accession  to  the  Throne  of  Great  Britain,  "  that  the 
indulgence  and  Toleracon  Granted  by  law  to  Scrupulous  Consciences  was  by  no 
ways  inconsistant  with  the  civil  and  Religious  Constitution  of  the  Kingdom." 
We  are  not  indebted  unto  Mr.  Rou  one  farthing  for  all  the  time  he  hath  served 
us;  And  if  any  person  or  persons  amongst  us  have  done  him  any  personall  Injury 
the  laws  of  England  and  of  this  Colony  are  open;  there  are  Courts  of  law  and 
Justice,  and  there  are  Deputies  who  may  call  them  to  account.  We  therefore 
in  all  humble  manner  do  presume  that  your  Excellency  and  the  honourable 
Board  will  reject  the  Peticoners  said  Peticon  and  Complaint,  and  retain  a  favour- 
able Opinion  of  these  Respondents   who  most  humbly  Pray   etc. 

J.   J.    Mouiinars,   Minister. 
January  28,  1724/5.  John   Barberie,    Elder 

Louis   Carre  Ansien 
Abraham  Gouneau  ans. 
Endorsed  —  The  answer  of  the  Pr.  Vallete  ans. 

Consistory  of  the  French  Thomas  Bayeux   ans. 

Church  of  the  City  of  New  Fran   Cazaly   ans. 

York  to  the  Peticon  of  sev-         -  ^  Rene  Het    ans. 

eral  Members  of  the  said  . 

Church  Jan.   28.   1724-5 

read  and  referred,  as  like- 
wise the  said  Petition. 

This   Committee   to   meet   in   the   Council    Chamber   Thursday   next,    partyes   to 
attend. 


French  Church  of  New  York,  February  18,  1725. 

.  At  a   Committee  of  the   Council 
'  held  at  the  Council  Chamber  in 

New  York  February  ye  18,  1724-5. 
Present 
Capt.  Walter  Doctor    Colden 

Mr.  Van  Dam  Mr.   Abr.    Van   Horn 

Mr.  Harrison  Mr.    Pr.    Provoost 

May  it  please  your  Excellency 

In  Obedience  to  your  Excellencys  Commands,  in  Council,  referring  to  us  the 
Petition  of  several  members  of  the  French  congregation,  praying  relief  against  a 
Power  or  authority  which  they  say  the  present  Consistory  of  the  said  Congrega- 
tion have  Illegally  and  unwarrantablie  usurped  over  them,  and  exercised  against 
all  Equity  and  Justice,  in  depriving  them  of  their  Minister;  As  likewise  the 
answer  of  the  said  Consistory  to  the  said  Petition! 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2241 

We  have  considered  of  the  same,  that  Whereas  the  Respondents  do  not  in 
their  answer  deny  the  Facts  complained  of,  but  justify  them,  by  their  being  done 
by  the  Authority  of  their  Consistory,  and  decline  the  Jurisdiction  of  any  Civil 
Power  over  them;  and  the  Council  for  the  said  Respondents  did  In  their  pleadings, 
before  us,  call  the  said  Consistory  a  Court,  who's  Jurisdiction  is  not  Subject 
to  any  Power  either  Civil  or  Eclesiastick  within  this  Province:  And  Whereas  all 
Courts  within  this  Province,  that  we  know,  derive  their  Authority  from  his 
Majesty,  and  are  immediately  under  the  Inspection  of  your  Excellency,  and  this 
his   Majestys  Council   of  this   Province: 

We  are  therefore  humbly  of  Opinion  that  the  said  Respondents  be  ordered  to 
appear  and  shew  by  what  authority  they  are  a  Court,  and  have  suspended  their 
minister  which  is  submitted  to  your  Excellency  by 

Your  Excellencys  most  Obedient  humble  Servants. 

By  order  of  the  Committee, 

Cadwalader  Golden,   Chairman. 


French  Church  of  New  York,  February  18,  1725. 

Proceedings  in  Council. 

At  a  Committee  of  the  Common  Council  held  at  the  Council  Chamber  In  New 
York,  February  the  18th  1724-5. 

Present 
Capt.  Walter  Mr.  Wm.  Provoost 

Mr.  Van  Dam  Mr.    Abrah.    Vanhorn 

Mr.  Harrison  '  Mr.   Lewis  Morris,   Jr. 

Doctor  Golden 

The  Committee  being  met  in  order  to  consider  of  the  said  affair  of  Mr.  Rou 
and  the  Consistory  of  the  French  Reformed  Protestant  Church  in  the  City  of 
New  York. 

The  question  was  put  for  the  choice  of  a  Chairman. 

Then  the  Committee  chose  Doctor  Golden  for  their  Chairman  who  took  his 
place  at  the  Board  accordingly. 

Then  was  ordered  to  be  Read  the  Petition  of  Mr.  Rou  and  the  Answer  of  the 
said  Consistory  thereto  which  was  Read,  &  all  partys  attending  were  called  in 
They  accordingly  attending. 

Mr.  Murry,  Council  for  Mr.  Rou  moved  that  the  question  might  be  put  to  the 
Consistory,  whether  they  adher'd  to  the  Rules  and  Discipline  of  their  Church. 

Mr.  Barberie  for  ye  Consistory  replyed  that  they  could  give  no  answer  to  the 
question,  but  left  to  their  Council  who  was  present,  to  speak  for  them. 

Then  Mr.  Jamisson  their  Council  went  on  with  a  long  discourse  in  writing 
shewing  the  nature  of  Courts  of  Judicature  and  what  matters  are  cognizable  In 
the  said  Courts,  according  to  their  several  degrees,  after  which  he  endeavoured 
to  shew  that  as  Mr.  Rou  had  not  complyed  with  ye  Contract  of  ye  Cons,  they 
had  a  just  right  to  discharge  him  and  repeating  what  Is  set  forth  In  their  answer, 
and  Insisting  upon  what  they  concluded  with  in  their  answer. 

Concludes  with  praying  ye  Pett.   may  be  dismist. 

Then  Mr.  Vernon  opened  himself  with  desiring  that  the  prayer  of  the  Petition 
might  be  read,  which  was.  Then  he  observed  as  ye  F.  C.  was  not  a  National 
Church,  and  that  thelrfore  that  no  Court  In  the  Civil  or  Ec.  had  any  Jurisdiction 
of  It  and  prayed  ye  Petionr.  may  be  dismist. 

After  all  partys  were  withdrawn  Mr.  Harrison  observed  to  the  Board.  (Mr.  Har- 
rison's  observations   not  found.) 


1725 


1725 


2242  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Dutch  Church  of  New  York.        Quit-rents  for  Manor  of 

FORDHAM. 

'        •      '         Feb.  19,  20,  1724-5.  (1725). 

Since  his  Excellency,  William  Burnet,  our  Governor,  did,  in 
the  Court  of  Chancery,  on  Friday  morning,  Feb.  19,  1724-5, 
decree,  that  our  church  should  pay  the  quit-rents,  (which  formerly 
were  laid  upon  the  Manor  of  Fordham,  in  the  sum  of  twenty 
bushels  of  good  wheat,  yearly,  and  by  a  charter  were  released  to 
our  church),  from  the  time,  when  they  were  not  paid,  until  the 
present: 

And  since  there  were  struck  off  from  that  sum  the  twelve 
shillings,  yearly,  paid  by  the  church,  since  her  charter : 

And  that  the  church  will  henceforth  have  to  pay  to  his  Ma- 
jesty's Eeceiver,  yearly,  instead  of  the  twelve  shillings,  twenty 
bushels  of  good  wheat,  or  the  value  thereof : 

And  since  on  the  same  evening,  Mr.  Jameson,  the  advocate  of 
the  church,  made  the  foregoing  known  to  the  Consistory,  and 
advised  that  the  church  could  either  appeal  from  that  decree,  to 
his  Majesty  in  Council,  or  should  submit;  and  the  sooner  the 
better:  and  Mr.  Jameson  counseled  the  latter  —  that  the  Con- 
sistory should  make  known  their  submission,  the  sooner  the  bet- 
ter, as  was  becoming;  and  thus  save  all  new  costs  as  far  as  pos- 
sible : 

Whereupon,  the  Consistory,  having  weighed  all  things,  and 
perceiving  that  this  was  a  matter  pertaining  to  the  common  good; 
and  that,  therefore,  according  to  good  church  usage,  it  should 
be  previously  presented  to  the  Great  Consistory;  that  it  was  by 
their  advice  that  the  process  of  his  Majesty's  Eeceiver  was  sub- 
mitted to  the  Court  of  Chancery;  and  that,  moreover,  from  time 
to  time,  different  members  of  the  Great  Consistory  have  inquired 
as  to  the  issue;  and  that  a  cause,  thus  general,  should  remain  so: 

Resolved,  therefore,  to  take  the  advice  of  the  Great  Consistory 
on  the  foregoing,  and  to  have  Mr.  Jameson  present,  to  give  fur- 
ther information. 


OF  THE  State  of  Kew  York.  2243 

1725 

Whereupon  the  Great  Consistory  were  called,  and  met  with 
the  Ruling  Consistory  on  Saturday  forenoon,  Feb.  20th,  and 
heard  from  Mr.  Jameson  a  circumstantial  detail  of  the  facts.  It 
was  then  Resolved,  to  submit  to  the  decree  of  his  Excellency  and 
so  save  all  new  costs.  This  recommendation  of  the  Great  Con- 
sistory was  committed  for  execution  to  Messrs.  Cortland,  Van 
Home  and  Le  Roux.  These  undertook  the  same,  and  afterwards 
reported  to  the  Ruling  Consistory,  that  they  had  stopped  any 
further  costs,  and  had  agreed  with  his  Majesty's  Receiver,  that 
the  wheat  should  be  rated  at  three  shillings  and  six  pence  the 
bushel  —  to  which  the  Consistory  agreed. 

Unanimously  determined  that  this  proceeding  should  be  re- 
corded at  length,  in  the  Church  Book. 

Dutch  Church  of  ISTew  York. 
Manor  of  Fordham. 

Feb.  28,  1724-5.  (1725). 

To-day,  after  preaching,  Mr.  Samuel  Bayard  appeared  in  Con- 
sistory, and  said  that  the  people  of  Westchester,  were  willing  to 
give  in  writing  a  full  renunciation  of  all  claims  on  the  Manor  of 
Fordham,  if  the  Consistory  would  show  them  the  written  renun- 
ciation, formerly  made  by  them,  to  the  Consistory,  and  they 
should  find  that  that  "writing  amounted  to  a  satisfaction  piece. 
Mr.  Bayard  asked  what  he  should  do  in  the  matter. 

The  conclusion  was,  that  Mr,  Bayard  should  write  to  these 
persons,  that  if  some  authorized  persons  should  come  to  him  on 
the  said  condition,  he  would  allow  them  to  read  the  written  re- 
nunciation the  Consistory  had;  otherwise,  not;  and  Mr.  Bayard 
should  give  the  Consistory  further  information  thereof. 
27 


1725 


2244  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Rev.   Theodoee  J,   Fkelinghuysen. 

In  1725  certain  members  of  the  dmrch  of  Raritan  published 
a  Complaint  against  Rev.  Theodore  Jacobus  Frelinghuysen  and 
his  Consistory  under  the  following 

Title  : 

Complaint  (Klagte)  of  certain  members  of  the  Dutch  Re- 
formed Church,  residing  at  Raritan,  etc.,  in  the  Province  of  New 
Jersey,  in  Korth  America,  under  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain, 
concerning  the  Conduct,  there  and  elsewhere  of  Rev.  Theodorus 
Jacobus  Frilinghuisen  and  his  Consistory: 

Being  A  Reply  to  their  Letters  of  Citation,  [1723]  threaten- 
ing Excommunication,  Submitted  for  Investigation  to  all  Lovers 
of  the  Truth,  as  to  whether  there  was  a  Cause  for  these  letters, 
or  not: 

Together  with  a  l^ecessary  Preface,  in  Explanation  of  the  Com- 
plaint. Published  by  those  duly  authorized  thereto,  by  said 
members. 

Printed  in  ISTew  York  by  William  Bradford  and  J.  Peter  Zen- 
ger,  1725.— (12mo.  pp.  146.) 

"  Klagte  van  eenige  Leeden  der  Nederduytse  Hervormde  Kerk,  woonende  op 
Raretans,  etc.,  in  de  Provincie  van  Nieu  Jersey,  In  Noord  America,  onder  de 
Kroon  van  Groot  Brlttanje,  over  het  gedrag,  aldaar  en  elders,  van  Do.  Theo- 
dorus Jacobus  Frilinghuisen  met  syn  Kerlj-Raaden.  Tenantwoord  op  hunne  Ban- 
Dreygende  Daag  Brleven,  etc.,  aan  alle  Llefhebbers  der  Waarheyd,  ter  ondersoek 
Toorgesteld,  hoedle  Gegrond  zyn,  of  Niet.  Met  een  Noodlge  Voor-Reeden  tot  op- 
helderlng  van  de  Klagte  Uytgegeven  door  de  Geval  magtlgden  der  gemelde  Leeden. 
Te  Nieu  York  gedrukt  by  William  Bradford  en  J.  Pieter  Zenger,  1725  ".  (12mo. 
pp.  140.) 

There  is  a  copy  of  this  book  in  Sage  Library,  New  Brunswick;  also  William 
Nelson,  of  Paterson  has  a  copy;  and  about  a  half  dozen  others  are  in  existence. 
A  translation  was  made  in  1876,  by  Rev.  Maurice  G.  Hansen,  which  is  in  Archives 
of  Synod  in  New  Brunswick,  N.  J. 

Note. —  This  "  Reply  "  to  the  Citations,  (see  Citations  under  date  of  March  28, 
May  9,  22,  1723),  In  the  form  of  a  "  Complaint  "  must  have  been  in  print,  and  a  few 
advance  copies  given  out  in  February  or  March,  1725.  This  is  evident  from  Free- 
man's letter  of  April  27,  1725,  when  he  had  already  written  his  "  Defence " 
against  allusions  to  himself  therein.  Then  certain  ministers  (see  Document  dated 
Jnne  8,  1725,)  wrote  out  a  "  Statement  "  or  "  Declaration  ",  Justifying  the  Com- 
plainants in  publishing  such  a  volume.  There  were  added  to  this  statement,  cer- 
tain Poems,  more  or  less  ironical.  The  first  one  is  addressed  to  the  Authors  of 
this  Complaint,  and  is  called  "  Voor-Zang "  or  "  Prelude  ".  Then  follows  a 
"  Response ",  called  "  Tegen-Zang ",  ridiculing  Frelinghuysen's  position  for  de- 
manding his  style  of  piety.  A  "  Conclusion  "  called  "  Slot-Zang  "  commends  those 
who  are  supposed  to  hold  fast  to  the  established  Forms  of  Doctrine  and  Discipline 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2245 

of  the  Dutch  Church.  This  is  followed  by  another  Poem  on  the  "  Complaint 
Itself"  (Op  de  Klagte  zelf)  bidding  it  to  go  forth  on  its  mission! 

A  lengthy  Preface,  of  sixteen  printed  pages,  follows  these  Poems,  with  the 
names  of  the  disaffected.  Then  come  the  three  successive  Citations  of  the  op- 
ponents to  appear  before  Frelinghuysen  and  his  Consistory;  and  Finally,  this 
"  Complaint  "  or  "  Reply  ".     The  Citations  are  put  under  their  own  dates,  1723. 

The  paging  of  the  book  Indicates  the  later  preparation  of  the  preliminary  part. 
The  Citations  with  the  Reply  were  first  printed.  Then  came  the  Preface,  paged 
from  I  to  xvl.  But  evidently  written  last  of  all,  and  as  an  afterthought,  to  try 
to  justify  the  Publication,  come  the  "  Statement  "  and  "  Poems  ".  These  pages 
are  unnumbered. 

The  Complaint  is  evidently  the  work  of  a  shrewd  lawyer;  and.  Indeed,  is  well- 
known  to  have  been  written  by  lawyer  Boel.  Freeman's  "  Defence "  was  pub- 
lished almost  if  not  quite  as  soon  as  the  "  Complaint  "  itself.  Domine  Van  Sant- 
voord  wrote  a  Dialogue  on  the  same  subject.  It  is  between  Consideraus,  represent- 
ing the  Frelinghuysen  side,  and  Candidns,  representing  the  side  of  the  Complain- 
ants. This  Dialogue  gives  one  an  inside  view  of  the  whole  controversy.  The 
contest  was  very  bitter  for  ten  years.  The  tedious  correspondence  with  the  Eccle- 
siastical authorities  in  Holland,  of  course  protracted  the  affair.  But  Freling- 
huysen continued  to  publish  volumes  of  sermons,  during  all  this  period  of  strife, 
and  his  church  prospered.  The  letters  to  Holland,  on  the  side  of  the  Complain- 
ants are  evidently  the  work  of  the  same  lawyer. 

Although  Frelinghuysen  was  inaccurate  in  the  form  of  the  Citations,  and  his 
exorcise  of  the  Ban  was  not  exactly  regular,  yet  his  principles  triumphed,  and  the 
whole  Rarltan  region  feels  the  benefit  of  his  ministry  down  to  the  present  day. 

For  the  Statement,  Poems  and  Preface,  see  under  June  8,  1725.  Also  letters  of 
April  27,  1725.] 

Reply  to  the  Letters  of  CiTATioisr. 

[Only  an  Abstract  is  given.] 

Submitted  to  all  lovers  of  truth,  that  they  may  understand 
whether  the  Citers,  (Frelinghuysen  and  his  Consistory),  or  we, 
the  Cited  ones,  have  separated  from  the  pure  Doctrine  and  Dis- 
cipline of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  [For  "  Citations,"  see 
March  28,  May  9,  22,  1723.  For  "Statement,"  "Poems"  and 
"Preface,"  see  under  date  of  June  8,  1725.] 


the  pretext  OF  the  CITATIONS.      Pages  13,  14.* 

The  objects  aimed  at  are  said  to  be  these :  That  we,  wanderers, 
might  be  restored;  through  admonitions  and  discipline  might  be 
brought  to  repentance;  that  our  eyes  might  be  opened,  that  God 
might  work  conviction  in  us,  unto  life.  And  in  second  Citation, 
that  we  might  penitently  return  to  the  Church,  and  serve  God 
in  unity  of  heart. 

Thus  we  and  our  whole  church  are  made  to  be  wanderers,  and 
their  domine,  a  pure  and  orthodox  minister.  We  are  condemned 
unheard,  and  their  minister  is  justified. 

Nevertheless  the  matter  is  still  in  dispute.     They  constitute 

•  These  are  the  pages  of  the  printed  book,  in  Dutch. 


1725 


1725 


2246  Ecclesiastical  Records 

themselves  Judges,  and  treat  the  matter  as  if  already  decided. 
This  is  evident  from  their  acting  contrary  to  their  protestations 
and  resolutions.  They  say,  they  have  determined  to  use  means 
to  investigate  this  matter,  and  seek  to  convince  you  out  of  the 
Word  of  God. 

Their  plan  is,  first  to  condemn,  and  then  to  examine.  This  is 
contrary  to  the  Law  of  God,  and  far  from  a  judicial  spirit.  It  is 
confusion,  and  contrary  to  their  professed  aim.  But  was  our 
restoration  by  satisfying  us  out  of  the  Word  of  God,  their  real 
aim?  Could  this  be  done  by  emphasizing  exasperating  expres- 
sions? by  making  grave  accusations?  by  threats  and  premature 
judgements?  They  have  taken  the  wrong  road.  Paul  said:  If 
a  man  be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  ye  which  are  spiritual,  restore  such 
a  one  in  the  spirit  of  weakness.     Gal.  6:1, 

But  instead  of  this,  in  these  Citations  appears  a  spirit  of  pas- 
sion and  jealousy  and  self-love.  Thereby  they  prove  their  lack 
of  spiritual-mindedness,  neither  do  thej  spiritually  discern;  yet 
by  separating  themselves  from  us,  and  by  cutting  off  our  congre- 
gation, as  consisting  of  the  unconverted,  they  pretend  to  such 
ability.  Their  minister  also  calls  the  other  orthodox  ministers, 
because  they  do  not  think  with  him,  unconverted  ministers,  and 
keeps  aloof  from  them. 

ANALYSIS  OF  THE  FIKST  CITATION.        Pages  14-19. 

This  was  addressed  to  Peter  Dumont,  Simon  Wyckoff  and  Hen- 
drick  Yroom,  Heads  and  Leaders  of  the  Seceded  Congregation; 
and  such  was  the  heading  within.  Let  the  Christian  Eeader, 
ponder  over  this,  as  a  conscience-moving  and  soul-attracting  ad- 
dress, coming  from  spiritually-minded  men,  from  a  soul  of  gentle- 
ness, so  well-calculated  to  restore  wanderers. 

ADDRESS   AND    HEADING. 

This  address  can  only  mean  that  we  are  a  rebellious  multitude 
who  have  seceded  from  their  lawful  and  orthodox  minister  and 
consistory;  an  uproarious  gang  who  have  separated  from  the  true 


OF  THE  State  of  Is^ew  York.  2247 

Church,  the  Reformed  Dutch.  That  this  is  the  meaning,  often 
appears. 

But  this  is  an  unjust  verdict,  passed  by  so-called  Consistories 
or  a  Consistory,  without  any  preceding  process;  in  which  our 
opponents  arrogate  the  position  of  judges.  We  are  required  to 
prove  the  unorthodoxy  of  their  minister,  when  they  are  certain 
that  his  orthodoxy  is  beyond  question.  They  have  decided  in  ad- 
vance that  all  our  proofs  are  tifles,  and  we  are  slanderers.  This 
their  Citations  already  show.  Their  verdict  rests  either  on  a 
profound  consciousness  of  their  own  sufficiency,  or  a  foolish  con- 
fidence in  their  minister's  infallibility,  or  like  enough  in  both. 

They  do  not  seem  to  have  understood  the  exact  scope  of  such 
an  Address  and  Heading.  The  Consistories  only  endorsed  the 
suggestions  of  their  minister,  although  he  was  to  be  one  of  the 
parties.  Tor,  say  they,  We  shall  lay  these  charges  before  our 
minister.  But  how  unjust  for  the  party  charged  with  guilt,  to 
be  obliged  to  appear  before  a  judge  who  assumes  his  guilt,  and 
who  has  already  approved  the  offensive  terms  applied  to  us.  We 
are  charged  with  secession  from  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church; 
with  forsaking  our  orthodox  minister.  Thus  we  are  dishonored 
in  advance.  Is  this  that  spirit  of  meekness  which  should  belong 
to  the  "Overseers";  or  is  it  partizan  slander? 

They  call  us  "  Heads  and  Leaders  of  the  Seceded  Congrega- 
tion," acknowledging  that  we  are  a  separate  congregation.  In 
this  we  agree  with  them;  yet  we  do  not  mean  just  what  they 
mean.  We  are  not  a  gang,  setting  up  a  new  sect.  We  did  belong 
to  the  four  congregations  of  Christ  which  existed  on  the  Raritan 
before  the  arrival  of  Frelinghuysen,  and  in  them  we  would  liked 
to  have  remained  until  our  final  salvation.  This  we  also  said  in 
our  reply  to  the  first  Citation,  April  16,  1723.  They  insultingly 
replied,  in  their  second  Citation,  that  they  intended,  with  God's 
help,  to  maintain  the  pure  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Dutch 
Reformed  Church.  This  we  will  consider  later,  remembering 
the  instruction  of  Solomon,   (Prov.   26:4),  Answer  not  a  fool 


2248  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1725 

according  to  his  folly,  lest  thou  be  like  unto  him;  and  of  Peter 
(1  Pet.  3:9;  2 :  23),  Render  not  railing  for  railing. 

But  why  do  they  call  us  a  Seceded  Congregation?  In  their 
second  Citation,  they  say :  That  we  have  made  ourselves  "  Schis- 
matics"; adding;  We  have  not  cut  you  off,  yet  they  declare  us 
to  be  "  Separated  " ;  and  they  further  say,  that  we  seek  to  rend  the 
Church.  At  present,  we  will  make  remarks  on  the  word  "  Se- 
ceded "  or  "  Separated  ". 

We  are,  indeed,  a  "  congregation "  separate  from  that  of  our 
Citers,  for  these  reasons: 

These  Citers  and  their  adherents  have  separated  themselves 
from  tis,  by  receiving  new  doctrines,  and  submitting  to  their  min- 
ister's strange  discipline.  These  things  he  introduced  at  his  first 
coming  here.  But  we  kept  ourselves  to  the  pure  doctrine  and 
discipline  of  the  Reformed  Church,  as  we  declared  over  our  sig- 
natures, on  April  16,  1723,  three  weeks  before  the  second  Cita- 
tion. Therefore,  when  they  call  us  a  "  Seceded  Congregation  ", 
while  we  adhere  to  the  old  truths,  the  fact  is,  they  have  cut  them- 
selves off.  It  is  presumptuous  in  them  to  apply  that  word  to  us, 
who  alone  stand  for  the  old  Forms;  to  say  that  we  rend  the 
Church,  that  is,  their  Church;  and  to  exhort  us  to  return  peni- 
tently to  the  Church  and  acknowledge  our  errors.  The  use  of 
such  expressions  against  us,  because  of  our  vigilance  in  behalf  of 
the  True  Church,  show  that  they,  the  Citers,  are  in  reality  the 
Seceded  Church. 

PROOFS.      Pages  19-31. 

A  conversation  is  here  referred  to  between  Peter  Du  Mont 
and  domine  Prelinghuysen,  in  which  Du  Mont  said,  that  he  did 
not  belong  to  the  same  church  as  Frelinghuysen,  because  of  the 
personal  "  lording  "  and  the  Romish  yoke,  in  the  church  of  the 
latter.  Upon  being  asked  to  what  Church  he  did  belong,  he 
answered,  to  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  from  which  Freling- 
huysen had  departed.  Upon  the  minister's  condemning  him  for 
such  words,  he  replied,  Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged.     For 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  2249 

Frelinghuysen  taught  in  his  sermons  that  it  was  possible  to  dis- 
cern who  were  regenerated,  and  who  were  not.  This  Du  Mont 
denied.  For  when  the  converted  Saul  came  to  Jerusalem,  the 
disciples  were  afraid  of  him.  Upon  Frelinghuysen's  referring  to 
Saul's  very  recent  conversion,  etc.,  Du  Mont  answered,  If  he  was 
converted,  he  was  converted;  yet  the  Apostles  did  not  know. 
Frelinghuysen  also  said  in  the  pulpit,  that  if  any  of  them  said 
that  they  had  been  bom  again,  they  lied;  that  none  of  them  had 
truly  repented  of  their  sins.  But  such  views  (said  the  Cited) 
lead  to  hopelessness  and  despair.  Such  preaching  could  only  be 
understood  in  a  Labadistic  sense. 

By  resisting  such  preaching,  Du  Mont  declared  that  he  adhered 
to  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  while  Frelinghuysen  showed  his 
departure  therefrom.  The  Dutch  Church  had  condemned  this 
doctrine  of  the  Labadists,  as  to  the  infallible  judging  of  another's 
regeneration;  also  the  doctrine  of  the  Koelmanites.  The  Dutch 
Church  maintains  "  not  the  sight,  but  the  faith  of  the  Com- 
munion of  Saints " ;  and  that  it  is  "  the  way  of  Cain "  to  urge 
anyone  to  doubt  God's  grace.  Hence  Frelinghuysen  and  his  ad- 
herents are  the  "  Seceded  Congregation ". 

The  same  views  were  urged  upon  Frelinghuysen  by  Simon 
Wyckoff,  another  "  Leader ",  when  Frelinghuysen  alone  forbad 
him  to  partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper;  that  in  a  certain  Prepara- 
tory Sermon,  he  had  asserted  that  he  had  the  power  to  exclude. 

Also  Hendrick  Vroom,  another  "  Leader  ",  complained  of  simi- 
lar difficulties  with  the  minister,  and  declared  that  Frelinghuysen 
was  the  Seceder.  Frelinghuysen  also  claimed  the  sole  right  of 
nominating  Elders  and  Deacons,  and  only  from  these  was  a  choice 
allowed.  This  was  another  proof  of  their  Secession  from  the 
Doctrine  and  Discipline  of  the  Dutch  Church. 

Vroom  and  Wyckoff  and  others  had  also  resisted  the  election 
of  Hendrick  Fisher,  as  a  deacon,  at  Three  Mile  Eun.  In  May 
and  August,  1Y23,  they  said:  About  Easter,  1723,  Frelinghuy- 
sen expressed  a  desire  that  Fisher  should  be  made  a  deacon. 
Opposition  arose,  (Fisher  had  signed  the  second  Citation),  but 


2250  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  minister  insisted,  and  Fisher  was  chosen  by  the  vote  of  one 
Elder  and  two  deacons.  Some  charges  were  then  started  up 
against  Fisher,  to  stop  his  installation,  but  Frelinghuysen  paid 
no  attention  to  them,  and  proceeded  to  install  him,  and  preached 
on  "False  Accusations  against  the  Saints".  Complaints  were 
then  urged  upon  the  minister  that  he  had  departed  from  the 
discipline  of  the  Church,  while  they  had  remained  faithful ;  where- 
upon Frelinghuysen  told  them  that  they  might  go.  Therefore 
Frelinghuysen  had  not  cut  them  off,  as  he  said  in  second  Citation^ 
but  he  himself  had  seceded  from  the  Dutch  Church. 

[A  large  amount  of  gossipy  talk  is  then  introduced  in  proof 
of  these  allegations:] — ^  That  domine  Freeman  had  already  in 
May,  1728,  exhorted  domines  Boel  and  Du  Bois  to  watch  Fre- 
linghuysen, because  of  illegal  acts  of  discipline;  that  he  disci- 
plined arbitrarily,  without  his  elders,  which  was  lording  it  over 
the  Church;  and  that,  therefore,  Frelinghuysen  was  the  Seceder. 
Also  that  he  would  not  receive  members  on  certificate,  without 
re-examining  them  as  to  their  piety.  (Yet  Art.  61  of  Rules,  says 
that  without  the  evidence  of  a  pious  deportment,  none  shall  be 
received  from  other  churches.  E.  T.  C.)  Also  that  he  insisted 
upon  conviction,  even  to  a  state  of  despair,  before  regeneration; 
that  he  declared  certain  ones  unregenerated.  But  these  de- 
clared their  abhorrence  of  this  Cain-doctrine  of  despair,  and 
these  Labadistical  notions  concerning  regeneration;  and  that 
Frelinghuysen  thereby  proved  that  he  had  seceded  from  the 
Dutch  Church. 

It  was  also  asserted  that  Frelinghuysen  forbad  unconverted 
children  to  repeat  the  Lord's  Prayer;  that  he  had  refused  to  bap- 
tize some  until  they  should  be  converted;  that  he  had  forbidden 
sermons  to  be  read  publicly,  when  the  minister  was  not  present; 
—  all  in  order  that  they  might  hear  nothing  but  Frelinghuysen's 
heretical  opinions.  These  and  other  things,  showed  that  Freling- 
huysen had  seceded  from  the  Dutch  Church. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoke.  2251 

Such  things  are  given  as  some  of  the  proofs  that  the  Citers, 
and  their  adherents,  were  the  real  Seceders,  and  that  the  Cited 
parties,  the  complainants,  were  the  true  Dutch  Church;  that  Fre- 
linghuysen  and  his  adherents  had  not  the  spiritual  discernment  of 
which  they  boasted;  concluding  with  a  quotation  from  1  John 
2  :  19  —  "  They  went  out  from  us,  but  they  were  not  of  us",  (ap- 
plying this  to  Frelinghuysen  and  his  friends). 

The  Complainants  then  resent  being  called  "  Heads "  in  an 
evil  sense,  because  they  only  opposed  the  autocracy  of  Freling- 
huysen, in  a  fraternal  spirit  and  in  harmony  with  Scripture  and 
the  Rules  of  the  Church.  In  a  spirit  of  watchfulness,  they  pro- 
tested against  such  conduct.  They  kept  aloof  from  Frelinghuy- 
sen and  his  friends,  as  the  real  Separatists,  while  they  adhered  to 
the  true  Church.  They  also  resented  the  term  "  Leaders "  as 
applied  to  them.  They  desired  to  be  Leaders  in  a  good  sense; 
they  had  sought  that  everything  should  be  done  decently  and  in 
order,  without  exalting  themselves  or  forcing  others.  They 
wanted  religious  liberty. 

DIVISION    OF    THE    CITATIONS.       PagCS  31-42. 

They  said  the  Introduction  embraced  about  two-thirds  of  the 
whole.  The  Citation  to  appear  and  answer  the  charges,  embraced 
not  only  the  Leaders,  but  their  whole  congregation,  but  did  not 
fix  time  or  place,  and  was  therefore  invalid.  The  object  is  said 
to  be  to  state  their  objections  to  Frelinghuysen,  that  they  may 
be  "  satisfied  "  out  of  the  Word  of  God.  But  will  they  be  impar- 
tial judges?  Have  they  not  already  resolved  to  consider  as  trifles, 
whatever  we  may  say;  to  denounce  us  as  rebels;  to  exhort  us  to 
repentance;  and  to  exercise  against  us  the  power  of  the  Keys?  Is 
not  this  the  satisfaction  they  mean?  After  reading  the  long  In- 
troduction and  the  Citation  itself,  it  is  obvious  what  the  "  satis- 
fying us  "  means.  Indeed,  they  state  that  they  desire  to  investi- 
gate this  business;  and  to  restore  us,  wanderers. 

They  begin  by  saying,  that  as  "  Overseers  "  we  are  obliged  by 
our  official  position  to  give  heed  to  the  doctrine  and  life  of  our 


1725 


2252  Ecclesiastical  Records 

minister.  But  they  do  not  mention  what  church,  doctrine  or 
religion,  they  mean.  Whether  they  are  the  overseers  of  Quakers, 
Anabaptists,  Labadists,  Vosmanists,  Koehnanists  or  some  other 
sect  quite  outside  the  pale  of  the  Dutch  Church.  But  that  they 
are  the  "  Overseers  "  or  "  Consistory  "  of  a  certain  "  Society  " 
will  presently  appear.  Hence  it  does  not  concern  us,  the  Cited 
ones,  who  the  Citers  are.  That  they  cannot  be  of  the  true 
Church,    the    Dutch   Reformed,    appears    from    the    following  r 

(1)  Because  they  declare  us,  who  do  belong  to  the  Dutch  Church, 
to  be  Separate  from  them;  that  we  are,  therefore,  outside  of  their 
jurisdiction;  at  a  distance  from  "their  own  congregation".  We 
cannot,  therefore,  be  subjected  to  their  sentence.     1  Cor.  5:12. 

(2)  This  further  appears  thus:  In  opposition  to  a  Paper,  con- 
taining 14  Articles  of  Faith  by  the  son  of  Rev.  (Joseph)  Morgan 
against  a  certain  Sect:  —  some  one,  a  member  of  the  Church  of 
Raritan,  issued  a  Document  in  July,  1723,  (only  a  short  time 
after  the  issue  of  the  three  Citations),  styled  —  "A  Refutation 
of  that  Anonymous  Letter,  with  an  Admonition  to  all  Lovers  of 
the  Truth".  In  this  the  author  shows  with  whom  he  and  the 
Citers  associate,  and  over  whom  they  are  "  Overseers  ". 

The  writer  of  these  14  Articles  says:  Those  whose  eyes  have 
been  opened  leave  Morgan's  services,  and  seek  those  which  are 
better.  These  make  disturbances  in  his  congregation,  to  wake 
them  up.  They  cause  separations.  They  leave  their  own 
church  for  other  churches.  Rev.  Morgan  must  see  that  under 
the  ministrations  of  others,  his  people  become  entirely  different. 
They  withdraw  from  him,  and  join  a  "  Society  "  which  Morgan 
calls  a  "  Sect  ". 

But  in  those  Citations  a  spirit  of  confusion  prevails.  There 
is  a  lack  of  uniformity  of  expression.  "  Overseers  of  Four  Con- 
gregations " :  "  of  the  Four  United  Congregations  " :  on  May  22, 
1723,  "  The  Consistory  of  the  Four  United  Congregations  at 
Raritan":  in  July,  the  terms  "Consistories",  "Overseers", 
"  Congregations  ",  have  all  evaporated,  and  only  "  disturbers  of 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.       '  2263 

the  congregation,  who  cause  divisions"  remains.  "Whether  this 
"  congregation  "  is  at  Raritan,  or  elsewhere,  according  to  Mor- 
gan, is  left  undetermined.  ]^ow  these  "  disturbers  ",  having  be- 
come through  their  minister,  a  changed  people,  withdraw  from 
the  Church,  says  this  writer,  and  join  a  "  Society  of  God's  true 
people  ".  Hence  these  "  Citers  "  are  "  Overseers  "  only  of  a 
"  Society  ",  according  to  this  "  member  from  Raritan  ",  who  is, 
perhaps,  the  "  Head  "  itself.  And  the  domine  (Frelinghuysen) 
declares  that  he  will  stand  by  this  document  even  in  a  court  of 
justice.     We  shall  avail  ourselves  of  this. 

Thus  these  "  Citations  "  fall  to  the  ground.  Here  we  might 
drop  the  matter,  yet  we  feel  we  ought  to  give  the  world  an  insight 
into  this  whole  business.  For  the  right  of  "  Citing  "  only  applies 
to  those  of  the  same  body.  Quakers  could  not  cite  us.  These 
Oiters  denounce  us  as  "  Separated  Ones  ".  Therefore  we  need 
not  appear  before  them.  We  belong  to  the  true  Dutch  Church; 
we  do  not  belong  to  their  ''  Society ". 

l^otice  also  how  these  wiseacres  call  themselves  "  Overseers  ", 
and  threaten  us  with  excommunication.  Now  this  is  signed  by, 
four  Elders  and  four  Deacons,  but  without  the  signature  of  their 
minister.  But  Consistories  assembling  without  their  minister  are 
not  legally  assembled.  See  Article  37  of  Rules  of  Order;  also 
Article  30  of  the  Confession  of  Faith.  Hence  the  meeting  of 
March  28,  1723,  at  which  the  Citation  was  issued,  the  minister 
not  being  present,  was  illegal.  The  "  Citers  "  say,  we  intend  to 
lay  your  complaints  before  our  minister.  The  minister,  then 
was  not  present.  Yet  Art.  35  says,  the  minister  shall  preside 
and  direct  the  business. 

Again.  The  minister  did  not  sign  that  first  Citation,  perhaps, 
in  order  to  leave  the  brunt  of  proof  on  the  Elders  and  Deacons. 
But  he  saw  his  mistake,  and  signed  the  second  Citation.  He  tried 
to  cover  up  the  mistake  by  saying,  "  We  repeat  the  writing  of 
March  28,  (1723)  ancd  once  again  cite  you  by  this  message ". 
But  they  seemed  to  forget  that  this  second  Citation,  when  the 


1726 


2254  Ecclesiastical  Records 

1725 

minister  presided,  invalidated  the  first,  when  there  was  no  lawful 
meeting  of  the  Consistory. 

These  spiritually-minded  people  can  discern  all  things,  yet 
they  have  no  idea  of  succession.  Yet  these  things  represent  their 
"  Mature  deliberation  "  of  which  they  boast  so  much.  They  cite, 
and  threaten  to  excommunicate  those  who  do  not  belong  to  their 
"Society",  but  who  do  belong  to  the  true  Church,  the  Dutch 
Reformed.  The  so-called  second  and  third  Citations,  being 
founded  on  the  illegal  first  one,  are  without  power.  We,  the 
members  of  the  true  Church,  can  have  nothing  to  do  with  these 
illegal  Rulers,  unless  we  too,  would  trample  the  Rules  under  our 
feet.  - 

Therefore  in  our  Reply,  April  16,  1723,  we  did  not  address  the 
Citers,  either  as  Consistories  or  Overseers,  nor  did  we  appear  be- 
fore them.  We  replied  only  to  "  Elbert  Stoothoff  and  his  con- 
gregation." We  did  not  address  a  "headless"  meeting,  nor 
did  we  respond  quickly  according  to  their  command;  nor  accord- 
ing to  the  advice  which  Rev.  Ereeman  says  he  gave  us  three 
"  Heads  ",  in  his  letter  to  their  minister.  We  took  our  own  time, 
and  now  respond  publicly,  (in  the  printed  book,  the  Klagte,  or 
Complaint,  1725)  not  doubting  but  we  shall  be  sustained  by  all 
unprejudiced  people. 

But  look  at  the  conduct  of  these  Citers,  ecclesiastically.  The 
Elders  and  also  the  Deacons  call  themselves  "  Overseers  ".  But 
the  one  office  refers  to  Government  and  the  other  to  Service. 
They  confound  the  two.  We  need  not  appear  before  such  a  body. 
For  the  Church  Order  declares  that  only  the  Elders  with  the 
Pastor,  are  the  Overseers.  See  Art.  16;  also  Art.  30  of  the  Con- 
fession of  Eaith.  So  says  also  the  Eorm  of  Ordination  of  Elders. 
Art.  25  defines  the  office  of  the  Deacons  to  look  after  the  poor. 
All  these  things  make  the  Citations  illegal,  and  we  need  not  ap- 
pear before  them. 

Then  also  Elders  must  be  members  who  have  been  received  on 
Confession,  and  actual  communicants.    They  may  not  voluntarily 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2255 

neglect  the  Lord's  Supper,  nor  be  hindered  by  others.  Such 
would  ipso  facto  lose  their  office.  For  Elders  have  the  oversight 
of  the  Holy  Supper,  and  may  prohibit  the  unworthy.  But  if  one 
neglects  it,  he  is  himself  unworthy.  It  is  his  duty  (Art.  23)  to 
visit,  with  the  minister,  before  and  after  communion,  to  edify, 
console  and  instruct;  and  to  exhort  to  the  profession  of  religion. 
Even  members  of  the  Civil  Government,  if  elected  to  an  ecclesi- 
astical Body,  should  be  communicants ;  how  much  more  the  mem- 
bers of  a  Consistory;  but  it  these  neglect  the  Holy  Supper,  they 
have  departed  from  the  Church  Order,  and  constitute  the  Seceded 
congregation. 

IN'ow  it  is  known  that  since  Rev.  Frelinghuysen  came  to  be  pas- 
tor over  these  four  congregations,  the  majority  of  his  Consistory 
have  not  received  the  communion,  since  he  regards  them  as  unre- 
generate;  yet  they  claim  to  be  Overseers  and  administors  of 
the  Lord's  Table.  But  the  Citers  thus  declare  themselves  to  be 
disqualified,  and  stand  in  no  relation  to  the  Lord's  Table.  Yet 
their  minister  retains  them  in  his  Consistory.  But  thereby  they 
lose  their  offices,  for  they  make  an  Assembly  evidently  separate 
from  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  They  have  no  right  to  cite 
us  who  do  not  belong  to  their  "  Society  ",  nor  to  threaten  us  with 
excommunication.  We  have  nothing  to  do  with  such  Citers,  nor 
will  we  appear  before  them  to  be  judged. 

But  they  deviate  still  further  from  the  Church  Order.  They 
sometimes  call  themselves  a  Consistory  and  sometimes  four  Con- 
sistories, and  sign  themselves  sometimes  one  way  and  sometimes 
another.  But  they  are  four  Consistories  and  not  one;  for  the 
Church  Order  requires  that  every  Church  shall  have  its  own 
Consistory.  [Articles  29,  30,  are  here  quoted,  above  the  different 
kinds  of  ecclesiastical  bodies,  and  Art.  41,  "Every  Consistory 
shall  meet  in  its  own  Church  and  exercise  in  it  ecclesiastical  dis- 
cipline ".  But  combined  congregations  were  at  this  time  com- 
mon all  over  the  country,  E.  T.  C]  In  Art.  84  we  also  read, 
"  !N"o  church  shall  lord  it  over  other  churches;  no  minister,  elders 


1725 


2256  Ecclesiastical  Records 

or  deacons,  over  others."     But  this,  these  Citers  do.     Therefore 
thej  are  not  a  lawful  Consistory. 

ISTeither  do  these  four  churches  make  up  a  Classis.  Art.  41 
says  that  a  Classis  is  composed  of  neighboring  churches,  each  of 
which  shall  send  one  minister  and  one  elder.  But  here  are  four 
Consistories,  but  only  one  minister.  Therefore,  again,  they  can- 
not cite  us  in  this  capacity,  nor  have  they  the  right  to  threaten 
excommunication.  We  do  not  belong  to  their  "  Society " ;  we 
have  not  become,  like  them,  entirely  different  people.  They  have 
declared  us  separate  from  them,  and  acknowledge  that  they  are 
separated  from  the  true  Reformed  Church,  to  which  we  cleave. 
Art.  84  also  mtnesses  against  them.  Whether  their  unlawful 
course  agrees  with  their  OAvn  new  doctrine  and  discipline;  and 
whether  they  are  sustained  by  their  own  "  Society  ",  does  not 
concern  us.  Their  o^vn  fellow-member  testifies  that  they  are 
disturbers  of  the  people,  schismatics,  and  seceders  from  our  four 
churches  in  which  the  pure  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Re- 
formed Church  prevail.  We  watch  in  behalf  of  these  things. 
The  Citers  do  not  hold  their  offices  legally,  as  appeared  in  the 
case  of  Hendrik  Fisher. 

"  OUR    OFFICE    COMPELS    US    TO   GIVE    HEED   TO    THE    DOCTRINE   AND 

CONDUCT  OF  OUR  MNisTER.     Pages  43-44. 

Rev.  Freeman  aroused  them  on  this  subject.  For,  said  he, 
They  and  they  only  are  obliged  by  their  office,  to  do  this,  and  to 
do  the  same  for  the  whole  congregation.  With  what  gravity 
Joris  Van  Nest,  Cornelius  Bogaart,  Roelof  Neefius  and  Minue 
Van  Voorhees  have  acquitted  themselves  of  their  duty,  can  be 
seen  on  pp.  21,  24,  25,  and  will  further  appear. 

As  to  their  observance  of  "Duty":  First,  in  regard  to  our- 
selves; they  call  us  a  Seceded  Assembly,  Wanderers,  Deceivers, 
Slanderers,  Instigators  of  evil,  etc.;  and.  Secondly:  They  declare 
their  domine,  to  be  a  zealous  and  earnest  minister,  who  f aithfuUyj 
exposes  sin  and  error;  his  teaching  is  the  seed  of  God's  Word; 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2257 

as  to  himself,  to  some,  he  is  for  a  quickening,  to  others,  for  a 
fall.  Thej;  claim  to  have  carefully  acquitted  themselves  in  this 
matter,  towards  their  domine,  toward  their  Congregations,  and 
also  toward  us,  although  now.  Seceded.  But  what  is  the  fact? 
Look  at  their  neglect  of  "  Duty  ",  as  regards  their  Domine.  They 
allowed  him  to  introduce  this  new  and  strange  "  Doctrine  and 
Discipline",  and  continue  to  support  him  therein.  Further;  they 
permitted  his  dear  brother.  Jacobus  Schuurman,  to  be  a  school- 
master among  them,  in  spite  of  his  not  only  not  teaching  but 
even  forbidding  the  children  to  say  the  Lord's  Prayer;  and  then 
again  when  a  grave  charge  was  made,  implicating  them,  their 
Domine  and  the  Congregations,  they  smooth  it  over,  as  in  the 
case  of  Hendrick  Fisher  and  Schuurman. 

N^eglect,  as  regards  us,  the  Cited;  in  not  hearing  or  seconding 
us  when  we  made  our  former  declaration  against  them  and  their 
domine  in  the  interest  of  pure  doctrine  and  discipline;  and  in  ter- 
ribly slandering  us  and  scolding  us  after  that,  in  their  Citations. 

PREFACE,    OR   FIRST   PART   OF   THIS    CITATION. EVIL   REPORT. 

Pages  45-46. 

Such  a  report  is  following  their  domine.  Watchful  as  they  say 
they  are,  they  seem  to  hear  of  it  only  at  a  distance.  They  cannot 
bear  to  believe  it.  Blind  obedience  has  made  them  dizzy,  so  that 
they  have  no  spirit  of  discernment,  and  follow  the  teaching  of 
what  is  said  to  be  a  purer  Reformation,  and  alone  soul-saving. 
And  so  they  are  forgetting  the  pure  teaching  of  the  Truth  in 
which  they  have  been  brought  up.  As  they  must  have  some 
knowledge  of  the  evil  report,  how  can  they  say,  "  We  have  neither 
heard  nor  seen  anything  of  it ",  and  condemn  us  as  false  accusers 
and  slanderers? 

iSTow  however,  they  will  pay  attention  to  it.  In  how  far  they 
are  sincere  in  this,  we  leave  to  them,  and  to  God  who  tries  the 
heart  and  reins,  and  knows  the  counsels  of  the  heart.  But  their 
object  cannot  be  a  good  one,  as,  on  the  one  hand,  they  exalt  their 
domine  beyond  measure,  and  on  the  other,  slander  us  so  basely. 


2268  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

1725 

Together  with  their  domine  they  prove  the  evil  report  to  be 
true,  by  their  unorthodox  actions,  Citations  and  signatures.  Could 
they  but  see  out  of  their  own  eyes,  they  would  have  noticed  the 
foundations,  not  of  the  evil  report  merely,  but  of  the  bad  conduct 
itself.  But  no;  of  this  they  approve,  as  his  slaves.  And  that  is 
the  fruit  of  his  ministry!  of  his  winning  souls! 

The  source  of  the  evil  report. —  How  strongly  they  are  ruled 
by  passion  in  taking  up  the  report,  they  now  show  in  their  official 
action,  accusing  not  only  us,  but  also  the  two  Messrs.  Boel. 
What  they  object  to  is  our  correspondence  with  them.  It  was 
wrong  in  us,  as  members  of  the  four  congregations,  to  correspond 
on  church  matters  with  a  minister  or  a  member  of  another  con- 
gregation. Can  this  be  a  matter  of  accusation,  or  something 
wrong  in  itself,  when  it  is  done  for  a  good  purpose?  done  accord- 
ing to  God's  Word,  and  for  the  edification  of  the  ignorant  and 
the  consolation  of  the  sorrowful?  Can  they  mean  that  we  are 
to  listen  to  no  one  but  to  them  and  to  their  domine?  But  would 
that  not  be  a  most  abominable  thing? — the  very  spirit  of  the 
Antichrist? — the  very  thiag  of  which  they  accuse  us,  when  of 
those  two  gentlemen,  they  write :  "  iN'otwithstanding,  they  are 
not  set  as  popes  and  bishops  over  them  " ;  as  though  we  put  im- 
plicit faith  in  them? 

We  are  thus  gravely  accused  of  a  false  practice.  But  does 
that  clear  their  domine  of  false  doctrine?  Their  assertion  is 
nothing  else  than  an  evil  imagination,  without  foundation.  What- 
ever we  might  allege  against  their  domine,  they  were  bound  to 
call  lies,  false  reports,  etc. 

They  aim  at  those  gentlemen  also.  But  where  is  our  corre- 
spondence with  them  or  with  others  forbidden  ?  We  have  at  least 
as  much  right  to  that  as  they  assume  in  correspondence  with  their 
domine  and  Domine  Freeman.  As  we  cannot  correspond  with 
them,  especially  since  they  declare  us  to  be  "stupid  boors", 
"  ignorant  of  ecclesiastical  authority  ",  even  "  without  knowledge 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2259 

of  the  fundamentals ",  we  must  needs  correspond  with  wiser 
people. 

But  they  cannot  bear  this,  because  it  happens  to  be  with  the 
Messrs.  Boel.  And  why?  Because  in  the  Citations  they  are 
characterized  as  "  God-forsaken,  infamous  rascals."  They  are  said 
to  be  hostile  people.  We  remember  now  that  once,  when  we  pro- 
posed to  Domine  Frelinghuysen  to  leave  the  "  differences  about 
his  teachings"  to  the  domines  at  JSTew  York,  among  others,  we 
were  told  that  Domine  Boel  had  been  hostile  to  him  before  he 
ever  came  to  Raritan. 

In  their  defense,  it  must  first  be  said,  that  both  of  these  gen- 
tlemen entertained  Domine  Frelinghuysen,  on  his  arrival  at  New 
York,  in  January,  1Y20,  in  the  most  kindly  manner.  This  he 
himself  acknowledged;  and  Mr.  Gerrit  Van  Home  can  be  asked 
about  it.  Secondly;  that,  if  their  hostility  had  arisen  on  account 
of  spiritual  differences,  he  must  have  prevaricated  shamefully  in 
the  "  Preface  to  his  Three  Sermons",  in  which  he  says:  "  That 
up  to  that  time,  (June  15,  1721),  nothing  had  by  word  of  mouth 
or  writing,  been  shown  or  proved  against  him."  And,  in  the 
third  place,  that  their  conversation  with  Domine  Frelinghuysen, 
far  from  being  hostile,  had  been  of  a  friendly  nature. 

After  having  preached  for  Domine  Boel  at  New  York,  Jan.  17, 
1720,  a  conversation  occurred  on  the  use  of  the  Lord's  Prayer. 
Domine  Frelinghuysen  said,  that  in  that,  as  in  other  things  that 
are  indifferent,  he  followed  the  usage  of  the  Reformed  Church 
here  and  in  Holland.  When  Domine  Boel  said  that  he  displeased 
his  audience  with  his  howling  prayers,  he  replied  that  in  prayer 
he  was  so  carried  away,  that  he  did  not  hear  himself.  When 
Domine  Boel  asked  him  to  administer  Baptism  in  the  Church, 
he  said,  that  he  would  do  that  only  in  his  own  congregation  on 
the  Raritan.  On  March  3,  1720,  six  weeks  later,  Domine  Fre- 
linghuysen wrote  Domine  Boel  a  very  friendly  letter,  acknowledg- 
ing favors  received  and  asking  a  further  favor.  This  shows  that 
those  gentlemen  could  not  from  the  first,  as  he  says,  have  been 
hostile  towards  him. 


1725 


2260  Ecclesiastical  Records 

At  first  they  were  against  him  on  account  of  his  departure 
from  the  Church  Order  and  Usages,  and  the  fanaticism  which  he 
displayed  as  soon  as  he  came  to  domin©  Du  Bois's  house;  object- 
ing, as  he  did,  to  a  large  looking-glass  as  being  unnecessary. 
But  why  should  he  have  had  such  a  large  house  built  for  him- 
self, and  fifty  acres  of  land  instead  of  eight,  given  to  him?  As 
time  went  on,  the  Messrs.  Boel  noticed  more  and  more  his  lack 
in  orthodoxy,  and  his  spiritual  pride;  and  that,  even  in  his  let- 
ters, previously  mentioned,  of  March  3,  1720.  In  these,  he  in- 
timated the  necessity  of  their  being  made  faithful  in  their  work, 
endowed  with  the  spirit  of  life,  and  made  free  by  the  truth,  which 
they  were  preaching. 

Also  in  his  writing  to  Rev.  Du  Bois,  about  the  same  time,  he 
expressed  his  desire  that  the  Lord  might  impress  him  with  the 
weight  of  his  ministry;  give  him  the  spirit  of  discernment,  enable 
him  rightly  to  divide  the  Word  of  God,  so  as  to  give  to  each  his 
portion  in  due  season,  etc.  Such  is  his  humility;  or  rather  his 
self -exaltation  over  the  other  ministers.  Why  did  he  not  include 
himself  in  his  wish?  But  no.  He  is  spiritual  and  enlightened; 
they  are  unregenerate.  They  should  esteem  it  an  honor  to  have 
such  a  wish  drop  from  his  lips. 

What  friendly  purpose  he  had  with  reference  to  the  two  minis- 
ters, Du  Bois  and  Boel,  Captain  Jacobus  Goelet  of  the  ship.  King 
George,  can  more  fully  report.  On  his  voyage  hither,  he  ex- 
pressed his  opinion  as  to  their  being  unregenerate.  He  declared 
himself  unmovable  in  his  teaching.  In  Holland,  he  kept  still,  so 
that  his  call  here  might  not  be  objected  to;  but  here  he  would 
come  out  boldly.  He  would  try  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and, 
if  he  succeeded  there,  would  invite  a  number  of  his  fraternity  to 
come  over,  and  help  him  spread  his  doctrine  throughout  the  land. 
From  the  language  he  uses  in  his  second  sermon  you  can  judge 
of  the  probability  of  the  above  report.  You  can  get  the  man's 
idea  of  faithfulness  to  the  Word  of  Truth.  How  boldly  he  comes 
out  now  in  saying  that  he  is  willing  to  die  a  thousand  deaths 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2261 

for  it !  As  though  the  Truth  were  persecuted  here !  It  must  be 
for  the  promised  encouragement  of  his  fraternity.  Taking  all  in 
all,  we  can  safely  correspond  with  the  Messrs.  Boel. 

But  the  Citers  call  these  men  our  popes  and  bishops.  On  the 
one  hand,  they  cast  reflections  on  them,  as  though  they  were 
inclined  to  Romanism,  and  assumed  papal  authority;  or  were  non- 
jurors or  perjurers,  whereas  in  1718,  already  when  they  took  the 
oath,  they  abjured  all  papal  power,  and  declared  themselves  loyal 
to  King  George.  Verily,  a  grave  accusation!  It  is  for  our 
correspondence  with  those  men  that  they  are  branded  thus.  How 
then  can  they  clear  their  correspondent,  domine  Freeman?  On 
the  other  hand,  they  charge  us,  whom  they  call  "  Heads  ",  mth 
having  "  Heads  "  over  us,  to  whom  we  look  and  who  incite  us. 
1^0  proof  again!  Their  language  shows  that,  though  they  are  a 
*'  changed  people  ",  they  are  so  carried  away  by  evil  desires,  that 
it  makes  no  difference  to  them  what  they  say. 

The  love  of  truth  leads  us  to  declare,  before  God  and  the* 
world,  that  the  Messrs.  Boel,  so  far  from  manifesting  the  least 
papal  authority,  have  frequently  reminded  us  that  no  word  of 
man  is  to  be  accepted,  unless  one  is  convinced  of  its  truth  and 
has  good  evidence  that  it  is  in  accord  with  the  Word  of  God. 
This  rule  we  have  steadily  observed.  The  pope  denounces  the 
ministers  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  particular,  as  heretics,  be- 
cause they  resist  his  Antichristian  authority;  and  threatens  with 
his  Ban,  all  who  are  of  another  church.  That  is  just  what  the 
Citers  themselves  have  been  doing  in  inveighing  against  the  Mes- 
srs. Boel,  and  in  citing  and  threatening  us.  The  one  Mr.  Boel 
is  a  minister  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  at  New  York;  the 
other  is  a  lawyer  under  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain,  under  which, 
no  Papists  are  allowed  to  practice  law;  and  he  is  a  member  of 
the  same  Dutch  Church  at  New  York,  where  no  member,  much 
less  members,  are  tolerated,  that  make  themselves  guilty  of  exer- 
■cising  papal  authority  over  ministers,  consistories  or  members  of 
the  Church  of  Christ,  wheresoever  found. 


1726 


2262  Ecclesiastical  Records 

And  how  strange  that,  besides  the  word  "  popes  "  that  of  "  bish- 
ops "  is  also  used  as  a  word  of  reproach ;  seeing  that,  under  the 
blessed  government,  and  by  the  gracious  protection  of  King 
George,  the  Protestant  English  Church  of  the  Crown  is  directed 
by  bishops.  Ever  since  the  Reformation,  the  Bishop's  office  has 
been  an  office  of  honor,  established  by  law  in  that  kingdom.  That 
Church,  too,  is  looked  upon  as  the  sister  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church.  The  Citers,  after  the  manner  of  sectarians,  care  little 
for  that,  and  do  not  hesitate  by  way  of  reproach,  to  place  the 
name  of  bishops  on  the  same  line  with  that  of  popes. 

Against  this  we  protest;  and  we  declare  before  the  world  that 
we  have  no  part  or  lot  in  it.  Evidently,  it  is  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land they  are  aiming  at.  They  speak  not  of  popes  and  bishops, 
but  of  popes  or  bishops;  and  of  these,  as  having  the  oversight, 
not  of  one  church,  but  of  several  churches.  Then,  in  their  pecu- 
liar treatment  of  religion,  they  express  their  dislike  for  Liturgical 
Eorms  of  Worship.  Their  domine,  in  writing  against  domine 
Morgan,  rails  at  the  use  of  Forms,  and  particularly  discriminates 
against  the  Episcopalians,  as  being  "  Carnal  Formalists  ".  He 
refers  to  the  Presbyterians,  who  hold  their  services  in  English, 
and  are  so-called  in  distinction  from  the  Episcopalians,  and  states 
that  they  do  not  bind  themselves  to  "  Eorms  ".  The  objection 
raised  is  not  so  much  against  using  "  Forms  of  Prayer'",  as 
is  done,  now  and  then,  in  other  churches,  as  against  the  use  of 
a  Liturgy  as  an  established  order  of  worship.  While  this  is 
objected  to  in  general,  it  is  well-known  that  the  Dutch  have  no 
such  "  Order  of  Service  " ;  and  so  it  is  again  the  English  Epis- 
copal Church  that  that  is  aimed  at;  especially  as  in  that  church 
the  Liturgy  was  established  by  the  law  of  the  land. 

What  treatment  might  not  such  a  church,  or  such  churches,  be 
expected  to  get,  if  it  depended  on  men  like  that  writer;  or  like 
his  deacon.  Dirk  Van  Aersdalen,  who  stated  in  a  letter,  that  he 
held  the  ministers  of  ISTew  York  and  Long  Island  to  be  "  blind 
leaders  of  the  blind  ",  etc.     We  leave  it  to  the  well-disposed, 


OF  THE  State  of  ISFew  York.  2263 

to  the  lovers  of  peace  and  defenders  of  the  country  and  Church, 
to  judge  what  serious  disturbance  might  be  created  by  such  men, 
under  the  name  of  "  God's  people  ",  if  their  sentiments  should, 
some  time,  become  generally  accepted,  and  take  root  in  the  hearts 
of  men?  We  certainly  are  not  aware  that  the  Presbyterians  did 
ever  make  out  "  Liturgical  Worship  "  to  be  so  bad  as  the  writer 
tries  to  make  people  believe.  We  are  the  less  inclined  to  think 
so,  because  they  are  called  also  the  "  Scotch  Church  " ;  and  Scot- 
land is  now  united  with  England  in  one  kingdom,  under  the 
name  of  "  Great  Britain  ",  and  Presbyterians  and  Episcopalians 
sit  together  in  one  Parliament,  for  the  Government  of  both 
the  land  and  the  Church.  Moreover,  a  rule  was  made  by  the 
Crown,  providing  for  the  promotion  of  Presbyterians  to  "  High 
Offices".  In  the  Amsterdam  Courant  of  June  13,  1724  we 
find  among  other  things,  these  words:  "From  his  Majesty's 
Commissioners  of  State,  the  Earl  of  Eindlater  and  Seafield;  in 
the  General  Church  Assembly  of  Scotland  " —  "  That  his  Majesty, 
besides  sending  his  letter  to  that  Assembly,  had  also  commanded 
that  Earl  to  renew  his  royal,  constant  and  firm  resolution,  to 
protect  and  maintain  the  Presbyterian  Form  of  Government  of 
the  Church  of  Scotland  as  established  by  law  ". 

In  the  same  peaceful  spirit,  Art.  85,  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  Order  of  Dordrecht,  reads,  "  In  things  that  are  indif- 
ferent. Foreign  Churches  shall  not  be  rejected  for  having  usages 
different  from  ours."  The  Dutch,  too,  have  their  "  Forms  of 
Prayer  " ;  and  Koelman  was  deposed  by  the  Government  and  the 
Synods,  for  his  disturbing  people's  minds  in  opposition  to  their 
use. 

This  goes  to  show,  again,  that  our  Citers  are  Seceders  from  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church,  and  are  one  with  Koelman.  To  such  a 
"  Church ",  or  "  Society ",  we,  with  our  entire  Assembly,  de- 
clare ourselves  not  to  belong;  and  their  use  of  the  "Houses  of 
Worship"  all  over  the  Raritan  district,  is  not  legal;  for  those 
four  churches  were  built,  not  for  Koelmanites  and  Labadists, 


1725 


2264  Ecclesiastical  Records  -■ 

but  only  for  the  proclamation  of  the  pure  doctrine  and  discipline 
of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  On  March  5,  1724,  the  major- 
ity of  those  who  belong  to  the  church  of  the  North  Branch, 
signed  a  document  authorizing  the  Church  Masters  to  maintain 
the  same  by  all  lawful  means.  For  the  Church  at  Raritan  itself, 
a  similar  declaration  was  signed  by  Michael  Van  Vegten. 

So  much  for  our  corresponding  with  the  Messrs.  Boel.  ISTow 
something  about  the  real  state  of  the  case. 

Had  those  gentlemen  exhorted  us,  as  domine  Freeman  did  the 
Citers,  to  submit  to  the  strange  doctrine  and  discipline  of  their 
domine,  it  would  have  been  well.  But  as  the  Messrs.  Boel  watch, 
as  also  we  ourselves  do,  against  that  strange  doctrine,  and  for 
the  pure  doctrine,  the  Citers  cannot  bear  it,  that  we  correspond 
with  them.  But  it  is  not  true  that,  upon  the  mere  say-so  of 
those  gentlemen,  we  take  counsel  with  them.  For,  we  have  been 
moved  to  do  so  for  the  following  reasons : 

First:  Because  the  domine  of  these  Citers  himself  said,  and 
by  his  action  proved,  that  he  taught  false  doctrine. 

Secondly:  Because,  noticing  that  he  did,  we  contradicted  him, 
and  informed  him  of  the  fact. 

Thirdly:  Because  he  said,  and  showed,  that  he  was  bound  to 
drive  his  ideas  through;  as  his  correspondent,  domine  Freeman, 
also  testified.  .      .  ' 

Fourthly:  Because,  observing  this  driving  spirit  of  his,  we 
made  our  complaint,  and  sought  instruction,  not  from  the  Messrs. 
Boel  only,  but  also  from  other  orthodox  gentlemen. 

Thus  having  become  convinced  ourselves,  we  made  the  acquaint- 
ance of  the  Messrs.  Boel.  They  surely  do  not  pass,  among  truth- 
loving  people,  for  ignoramuses  or  fools.  And  what  these  gen- 
tlemen said,  is  abundantly  confirmed  by  the  absurd  language 
which  the  Citers  employed,  as  to  the  teaching  of  their  domine. 
For  they  said,  that  they,  (the  Messrs.  Boel)  had  not  been  able 
to  prove  his  false  doctrine  in  the  three  years  time,  and  never 
would  be  able  to  prove  it!     Had  not  been  able,  now,  and  never 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  York.  2265 

■would!  That  clears  their  domine  b;^  one  stroke.  How  does 
this  agree  with  their  declaration  that  now  they  are  going  to  in- 
vestigate the  matter?  In  this  way  they  sought  to  frighten  us 
away  from  those  gentlemen,  and  to  lead  us  to  apply  to  them  and 
their  domine,  for  testimony  in  that  regard.  Unasked,  however, 
they  give  up,  in  hot  temper,  proof  enough. 

EVIDENCE    OF    WHAT    THOSE    TWO    GENTLEMEN    AND    OTHERS    HAVE 

BEEN  ABLE  TO  DO.     Pages  67-69. 

Is  it  not  known  at  'New  York,  on  Long  Island,  and  elsewhere, 
that  domine  Boel,  together  with  other  watchful  ministers,  have 
publicly  from  the  pulpit  pointed  out  and  proved  the  false  teach- 
ing of  their  domine  (Frelinghuysen)  ?  that  they,  and  lawyer 
Boel  warned  several  people  against  it?  Of  this  the  Citers  seem 
to  have  no  knowledge.  Or,  ought  it  to  have  been  put  in  print, 
as  was  their  domine's  challenge?  (In  the  Preface  to  the  printed 
Sermons).  Is  it  proper  to  conclude,  that,  if  one  is  thus  chal- 
lenged, he  must,  of  necessity,  appear?  Or,  if  not  appearing,  be 
held  to  have  nothing  to  prove?  What  was  that  haughty  chal- 
lenge to  those  two  gentlemen?  They  kept  still,  not  because 
they  were  unable  to  answer,  but  because,  for  one  thing,  they 
hoped  that  the  domine  might  come  to  himself,  and  renounce  or 
retract  his  erroneous  views,  inasmuch  as,  over  his  signature,  he 
promised  before  the  Eev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  that  he  would 
observe  the  Doctrine  and  Discipline  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church. 

By  bringing  proofs,  the  Citers  mean  only  what  they  take  to  be 
proofs.  At  Domine  Boel's  house  Andries  ten  Eyk  declared  that 
the  whole  world  was  not  able  to  convince  Domine  Frelinghuysen 
of  heterodoxy.  With  such  a  spirit,  they  are  not  open  to  convic- 
tion. When  a  spiritual  man,  discerning  all  things,  simply  de- 
clares the  proofs  to  be  frivolous  talk,  slander,  etc.,  what  use  is 
there  in  laying  them  before  him?  In  the  interest  of  the  Church 
of  God,  however,  the  Messrs.  Boel  hold  themselves  in  readiness 


1725 


2266  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

to  bring  them.  What  do  the  Citers  know  as  to  what  those  gen- 
tlemen can  do?  seeing  that,  with  the  exception  of  their  domine 
and  Andries  ten  Eyk,  not  one  of  them  has  ever  conversed  with 
them.  Yet  their  sentence  is  that  those  men  have  no  proofs  to 
bring.  That  is  settled!  What  a  just  decision!  Well  let  them 
now  see  and  hear  and  truly  take  to  heart,  in  order  not  to  embrace 
lies  for  truth,  any  longer. 

Conversation  of  the  Messrs.  Boel  with  Andries  ten  Eyk. 
Pages  69-75. 

Much  must  have  come  to  Andries  ten  Eyk  in  two  days  time,  in 
1T21,  when  the  Messrs.  Boel  convinced  him  of  his  misunderstand- 
ing with  his  domine ;  in  acting  as  deacon,  and  serving  at  the  Lord's 
Table,  without  partaking  of  the  Lord's  Supper;  in  not  himself 
using  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  not  letting  his  children  do  so;  be- 
cause he,  and  his  family,  were,  as  his  Labadistical  domine  said, 
yet  unregenerate  —  in  a  state  of  nature.  How  did  Rev.  Boel 
then  set  before  him,  out  of  the  Word  of  God,  the  spiritual  marks 
of  regeneration,  in  the  case  of  infants,  as  well  as  of  children, 
young  people,  young  men  and  fathers,  in  Christ!  How  did  he 
urge  him  to  test  himself  by  these!  How  did  he  explain  to  him 
briefly  the  Lord's  Prayer,  as  being  for  infants  and  children,  as 
well  as  for  fathers  in  Christ;  for  them,  rather  more  than  for 
those  who  reckon  their  share  in  spiritual  sonship  to  be  already; 
very  large;  as  the  more  one  feels  his  spiritual  necessities,  the 
more  earnestly  is  he  forced  to  pray  in  the  spirit  of  the  Lord. 
God  resists  the  proud,  but  gives  and  increases  grace  to  the  hum- 
ble. How  Andries  then  acknowledged  that  he  had  been  misled 
by  his  domine;  that  he  had  felt,  more  than  once,  sorrow  for  his 
sins,  notwithstanding  his  domine  had  openly  declared  from  the 
pulpit  that  there  was  not  one  in  the  church  who  could  sslj^  that; 
that  he  acknowledged  the  right  instruction  which  Domine  Boel 
had  given  him,  and  agreed,  on  his  return  home,  as  member  and 
deacon,  to  give  warning  thereof  to  the  congregations. 


OF  THE  State  of  IS'ew  Yobk.  2267 

Later  on,  similar  instruction  was  given,  to  convince  Andries 
of  his  domine's  false  teachings  on  several  points.  [Here  follows 
a  discussion  of  the  question  whether  Judas  partook  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  or  not.]  So  Andries  must  be  giving  false  testimony, 
when,  in  the  second  Citation,  (signed  by  him),  it  is  said  that  on 
May  9,  1723,  no  proofs  from  the  Messrs.  Boel  had  been  heard 
or  seen ;  and  those  gentlemen  are  made  out  to  be  ignorant  and  evil- 
minded;  persons  who  raise  discord,  division  and  mutiny  in  Church 
and  State.  How  ungrateful,  too,  it  is  in  him,  against  his  better 
knowledge  to  utter  such  falsehoods  against  them! 

Wherefore,  as  lovers  of  the  truth,  we  have  rightfully  refused 
to  appear  before  our  Citers;  and  it  was  no  more  than  right  that 
we  should  have  corresponded  with  the  Messrs.  Boel. 

The  Citer's  prophecy,  that  "  nothing  will  ever  be  proved  ",  is 
certainly  not  deserving  of  consideration.  First:  They  thereby 
acknowledge  themselves  blind  and  deaf.  Instead  of  suspending 
their  judgment  for  the  present  and  determining  anything  for  the 
future,  they  just  prophesy.  Secondly:  They  pretend  to  be  well- 
nigh  omniscient.  Thirdly:  It  is  presumption  to  claim  full  knowl- 
edge of  everything  which  their  domine  purposes  in  his  heart.  It 
is  also  contrary  to  the  Word  of  God  and  the  Reformed  Confes- 
sion, to  declare  their  domine  infallible,  as  one  against  whose 
orthodoxy  no  proof  can  ever  be  brought.  That  looks  like  the 
belief  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  with  regard  to  the  Pope. 
It  is  also  contrary  to  experience;  for  one  may  have  been,  and 
still  be,  orthodox,  and  yet  not  always  continue  to  be  so.  This 
was  the  case  of  Labadie,  Koelman  and  others;  and  as  the  Citers 
themselves,  with  their  domine  show,  may  again  be  the  case. 
Finally,  any  proofs  which  the  Messrs.  Boel  might  ever  bring 
against  the  domine  of  the  Citers  will  never  be  considered  proofs 
by  them.  That  is  reason  enough,  therefore,  why  those  gentle- 
men should  not  have  come  out  in  print. 

Thus,  again,  the  Citers  and  their  domine,  foolishly  enough, 
afford  written  testimony  to  show  that  they  have  seceded  from  the 


1725 


1725 


2268  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Reformed  Dutch  Cliurch,  and  are,  therefore,  no  longer  to  be 
recognized  as  consistories  and  overseers  of  its  Communion.  Blind 
and  deaf  as  they  are,  and  incompetent  to  teach  us  the  funda- 
mentals, we  were  not  at  all  obliged  to  appear  before  them.  But 
we  have  now  let  them  see  and  hear  why  we  had  a  right  to  hold 
correspondence  with,  and  to  consult  with  the  Messrs.  Boel. 

CONCLUSION    FROM    ALL    THIS.        PagCS    75-77. 

If  we  had  not  had  such  right,  we,  as  well  as  those  two  gentle- 
men, must  have  banished  all  love  of  truth  and  fear  of  God  from 
our  hearts.  Then  also,  what  a  stupid  and  improper  judicial  de- 
cision from  men  "  who,  at  best,  are  all  of  them  illiterate  persons !  " 
And  that  decision  relates  also  to  a  minister  and  a  lawyer!  Can 
the  Citers  point  out  any  resemblance  between  themselves  and 
those  two  gentlemen?  especially  in  their  ability  to  discriminate 
between  false  doctrines  and  the  truth  of  the  Reformed  Religion? 
Andries  Ten  Eyk  may  say  what  he  likes  about  his  convincing 
the  Boels  of  his  domine's  orthodoxy;  their  "Declaration"  was 
more  than  a  loose  remark  about  Frelinghuy sen's  teaching  false 
doctrine. 

True,  those  two  gentlemen  did  not  bring  their  proofs  before 
that  awful  session,  and  they  never  will.  We  admit  that.  But 
what  is  there  wrong  about  this?  Are  the  Citers  the  ecclesiastical 
judges  before  whose  bar  those  gentlemen  ought  to  appear?  What 
presumption!  "No  honorable  minister  ever  accused  an  orthodox 
pastor  of  teaching  false  doctrine.  What  shall  be  said  then,  of 
the  so-called  consistories,  or  overseers,  who  do  such  a  thing? 
Whatever  other  evidence  they  may  have  ready  at  hand,  we  know 
not;  but  they  declare  the  fearful  consequences  thus:  "  Strife  and 
discord  in  our  Congregations!  " 

But  what  evidence  is  there  of  that?  When  and  where,  among 
those  congregations  have  those  gentlemen  been  the  cause  of  dis- 
cord? Whatever  there  is  of  strife  has  been  caused  by  their  own 
domine.     For  it  is  well  known  in  these  parts  that,  before  the 


OF  THE  State  of  N^ew  York.  2269 

commg  of  Domine  Frelmghuysen  and  Schuurman,  our  four  Re- 
formed Dutch  Congregations  and  also  the  others,  were  united 
in  doctrine  and  discipline. 

PROOFS    THAT    THEIE    DOMINE    WITH    HIS    PABTY,    IS    EEALLY    THE 

CAUSE  OF  THE  TROUBLE.      Pages  77-87. 

First  proof :  Their  very  "  Citations  "  so  unorthodox,  have  con- 
tributed to  the  strife.  So  has  the  testimony  of  their  correspond- 
ent, Domine  Freeman  contributed  to  it.  He  appropriated  domine 
Frielinghuysen's  sermons  of  1721 ;  implying  the  possibility  of  all 
others  becoming  equally  unorthodox ;  and  expressing  the  wish  that 
it  might  be  possible  for  all  to  conform  to,  and  put  in  practice,  the 
truths  taught  by  Frelinghuysen  in  those  discourses.  He  said  they 
were  in  perfect  accord  with  the  Heidelberg  Catechism,  and  would 
not  destroy  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  Church.  Away  with  such 
a  desire !  And  who  can  help  being  surprised  at  Domine  Frieling- 
huysen's  lack  of  wisdom  in  accepting  such  testimony,  and  parading 
it  in  his  Preface  ?  So  blind  is  he,  that  he  does  not  seem  to  see, 
that  it  conveys  the  idea  that  his  doctrine  and  discipline  cannot 
well  be  put  in  practice,  except  at  the  expense  of  the  peace  and 
welfare  of  the  Church.  But  that  is  unorthodox,  as  being  con- 
trary to  Art.  32  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  —  "  Doctrine  must 
tend  to  the  nourishment  of  peace  and  unity." 

Second  proof:  Congregations  are  incited  by  their  minister  to 
such  evils,  as  have  long  been  known  and  more  than  once  shown,  in 
what  has  been  said  before. 

Third  proof:  Members  of  families  and  friends  are  stirred  up, 
one  against  the  other;  and  children  even  against  their  parents. 

On  July  27,  1723,  Jacob  Buys  complained  that  having  lived  in 
peace  with  his  wife  and  children,  before  the  coming  of  Domine 
Frelinghuysen,  has  now  to  endure  much  opposition  from  them, 
because  they  take  sides  with  Frelinghuysen ;  and  that  his  children 
evidently  receive  Frelinghuysen' s  approval  and  encouragement  in 
their  disobedience. 


1725 


1726 


2270  Ecclesiastical  Records 

On  July  22,  1723,  Jan  Woertman  made  a  similar  complaint 
about  his  children.  They  used  violent  language  against  their 
parents.  Pieter,  his  son,  wrote  a  letter,  rebuking  his  father  and 
mother  and  urging  them  to  repent  and  to  cease  their  opposition 
to  the  tnith.  After  the  writing  of  that  letter,  the  son  became 
lame,  and  was  taken  back  home  again ;  but  he  stubbornly  insisted 
that  he  had  done  well  in  thus  writing.  On  seeing  the  letter, 
Domine  Frelinghuysen  said,  "  I  will  be  responsible  for  whatever 
comes  of  this  letter." 

Fourth  proof :  Suffice  it  to  refer  to  the  prohibition  of  children 
learning  the  Lord's  Prayer,  or  any  other  prayers ;  yea,  those  adults, 
also,  who,  in  the  eyes  of  their  domine,  are  yet  unregenerate. 
This  is  evident  from  their  domine's  teachings;  is  confirmed  by 
what  Domine  Freeman  said  at  his  house;  and  is  testified  to,  by 
Hendrik  Vroom  and  his  brothers-in-law,  Cornells  Reyersz  and 
Hans  Bergen.  (Here  follows  the  conversation  of  Vroom  with 
Domine  Freeman,  Schuurman  also  coming  in.) 

The  curse  which  Domine  Freeman,  during  his  conversation, 
pronounced  upon  Schuurman,  and  therefore  also  on  their  domine 
on  account  of  their  prohibiting  the  use  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  — 
did  it  have  any  effect  on  their  domine  and  his  doctrine  ?  Let  the 
writing  against  Domine  Morgan  show.  In  this  he  declares: 
"  That  the  unregenerate  have  no  right  to  use  the  Lord's  Prayer, 
because  God  is  not  their  Father;  and  that,  if  they  do  it,  they 
commit  the  greatest  possible  sin."  In  the  same  writing,  however, 
he  runs  from  that  error  of  the  Labadists  to  the  other  extreme,  in 
the  words :  "  The  unregenerate  also  are  permitted  to  make  use 
of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  for  the  petitions  are  all  such  as  the  unre- 
generate may  and  must  offer;  especially  because  the  Lord  Jesus 
has  therein  set  up  a  model  for  all  Confessors,  whether  regenerate 
or  not."  How  wonderfully  these  people,  so  "  entirely  changed  ", 
bring  forth  the  fruit  of  their  change !  They  are  "  like  the  surges 
of  the  sea,  driven  by  the  wind  and  tossed." 


OF  THE  State  of  New  Yoek.  2271 

1725 

We  conclude,  then,  that  the  domine  of  these  Citers,  and  his 

^'  Society  "  are  the  cause  of  all  that  discord  and  division,  and  not 

the  Messrs.  Boel.     They  themselves  are  what  they  imagine  the 

Messrs.  Boel  to  be  "  ignorant  and  evil-minded  persons." 

THE  PEETENDED  PURPOSE  OF  THE  CITERS.      PagCS  88-103. 

"  Upon  mature  deliberation  they  have  concluded  to  employ 
means  for  investigating  this  matter,  and  for  bringing  back  the 
wanderers,  if  possible."  How  false  that  "  mature  deliberation  I  " 
The  counsel  of  the  Messrs.  Boel  they  have  summarily  declared  to 
be  "false  and  slanderous  reports,"  etc.;  and  they  take  us  to  be 
^'  wanderers  ".  So  they  do  not  mean  to  investigate  the  matter, 
but  to  hide  it.  But  then  their  aim  is  to  bring  us  back.  But,  why 
do  they  set  themselves  up  as  our  judges,  and  at  the  same  time 
deal  with  us  in  a  partizan  spirit?  Mature  consultation! — Did 
not  Barent  de  Wit  say  at  one  time,  that  the  domine  simplj^  let 
them  sign  their  names,  no  matter  how  little  they  knew  of  the 
matter?  And  was  he  not  taken  to  task  by  the  domine  in  his  con- 
sistory for  letting  out  that  thing?  And  after  that,  was  he  not 
even  unwilling  to  tell  tales  out  of  school. 

As  to  their  means  of  investigation.  On  the  one  hand  they 
accuse  the  Messrs.  Boel  and  us  of  an  extremely  culpable  mis- 
demeanor before  the  Civil  Law.  This  they  will  have  to  answer 
for;  yea,  they  will  have  to  see  to  it  that  they  purge  themselves 
of  such  misdemeanors.  On  the  other  hand  they  praise  and  exalt 
their  domine,  according  to  his  own  prescription,  as  having  been 
very  "  zealous  in  his  three  year's  ministry,  against  the  evil  life  of 
many;"  warning  and  threatening  them  from  the  Word,  and  in 
the  ISTame  of  God.  Thus  again  they  fully  justify  their  domine, 
directly  contrary  to  their  promise  of  a  careful  investigation. 

Eebuking  sins  and  exposing  errors  is,  indeed,  to  be  praised  in  a 
faithful  minister,  as  being  good,  and  according  to  the  Word  of 
God.  But  how  is  it  with  their  domine  in  our  four  congregations, 
when  at  the  very  beginning  of  his  ministry,  he  set  children  against 


1725 


2272  Ecclesiastical  Records 

their  parents ;  when,  being  hardly  yet  acquainted  with  any  of  the 
members,  he  rejected  all  as  unregenerate,  and  as  having  never 
manifested  sorrow  for  their  sins,  and  therefore  as  being  unworthy 
of  the  Lord's  Supper.  Since  those  Citers  with  their  "  Society  " 
have  now  become  very  different  people,  his  exhortations  and 
threatenings  are  no  longer  directed  to  all,  but  only  to  many.  We 
and  our  Meeting,  then,  are  the  "  many  "  ;  we  who  hold  to  the  pure 
doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  Be- 
cause we  will  not  go  over  to  their  "  Society  ",  it  is  said  that  we 
will  not  repent,  and  instead  of  repenting,  we  harden  ourselves. 

That  we  and  our  Meeting  set  ourselves  against  their  domine, 
finding  fault  with  him,  and  saying  all  sorts  of  mean  things  about 
him,  is  another  remark,  reproachful  to  us.  We  don't  know  of  any 
such  thing  unless  they  mean  thereby,  our  resistance  to  his  strange 
doctrine  and  discipline.  Consider  what  words  they  use  in  speak- 
ing of  the  Messrs.  Boel;  and  also  what  they  call  us  "  a  synagogue 
of  Satan  ",  for  not  going  over  to  their  "  Society  ". 

What  unheard  of  means  for  restoring  the  "  wanderers  " !  Is 
that  their  way  of  winning  souls  ?  It  is  our  boast  and  joy  in  the 
Lord,  that  in  our  gatherings  of  Christ's  Church  is  confessed  and 
practiced  the  truth  which  is  according  to  godliness.  We  do  not 
however,  claim  for  ourselves  such  purity  and  perfection  as  they 
and  their  domine  pretend  to  possess.  Our  watchfulness  and  that 
of  the  Messrs.  Boel  they  declare,  however,  to  be  "  misleading  the 
ignorant  ".  Hendrik  Fisher,  deputed  by  domine  Frelinghuysen, 
July  31,  1723,  testified  before  a  large  audience  and  two  Justices 
of  the  Peace,  that  domine  Boel  had  come  to  Raritan  for  that 
purpose.  Evidently  they  are  doing  that  very  thing,  leading  the 
people  away  from  the  true  Church. 

IText  the  Citers  complain  bitterly  about  the  unfimitfulness  of 
their  domine's  ministry.  As  his  teaching  is  "  the  Seed  of  the 
Word  of  God  ",  they  charge  it-s  unfruitfulness  to  us,  who,  with 
the  whole  Reformed  Church,  have  gone  astray.  What  blasphemous 
language !     Setting  his  teaching  on  a  par  with  God's  own  Word ! 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2273 

Is  it  not  rather  "  the  seed  of  the  tares  "  which  is  calculated  to 
choke  the  Word  ?  Their  complaint  about  "  its  unfruitfulness  to 
many  ",  must  be  meant  for  us ;  since  they  say  that  among  them- 
selves, "  the  doctrine  of  the  truth  bears  increased  fruit "  ;  —  must 
be  meant  for  us,  the  unconverted,  because  we  do  not  hold  with 
them,  that  their  domine  is  the  only  true  minister  in  all  those 
regions,  and  whose  church  is  the  only  church  that  bears  the  true 
marks  of  a  church.  They  show  the  faithfulness  of  the  sowing  that 
is  done  among  them,  by  placing  their  domine  on  the  same  level 
with  the  Savior  Himself,  being  one  who  is  set  for  the  rising  and 
falling  of  many.  They  discriminate  between  themselves,  and  us 
who  are  offended  at  the  word,  being  disobedient.  In  all  the 
Citation,  up  to  this  point,  no  mention  is  made  of  the  Savior;  but 
it  is  only  our  minister,  our  domine,  our  shepherd;  resisting  him 
reviling  him.     Is  this  being  zealous  for  the  cause  of  Jesus  ? 

Again:  We  are  condemned  without  a  hearing.  For,  as  the 
"  Heads  ",  we  are  declared  to  all  whom  it  may  concern,  to  be  ring- 
leaders in  and  instigators  of  sins,  to  which  all  honest  people  are 
averse.  How  honest,  and  how  averse  to  such  sins  as  we  are 
charged  with  the  Citers  are,  is  plain  from  their  Citations  and 
other  writings.  How  full  of  slanders  against  the  orthodox  are 
these  Citations.  Then  what  self-exaltation  is  manifest,  in  the 
rebuke  administered  to  us !  As  if  we  made  that  truth,  which  is 
bearing  increased  fruit  among  them,  of  no  effect,  by  all  manner 
of  false  reports.  What  we  are  doing,  is  simply  to  lift  the  mask 
of  a  pretended  Christianity,  and  to  reveal  the  truth  to  the  world. 

Then  those  two  soul-stirring  exhortations, —  are  they  calcu- 
lated to  restore  those  who  have  gone  astray  ? 

The  first,  that  we  should  "  cease  to  pervert  the  right  ways  of 
the  Lord  ".  Here  we  are  compared  to  Elymas  the  Sorcerer,  and 
must  be  like  him,  children  of  the  devil,  enemies  of  all 
righteousness. 

The  second,  that  "  putting  away  all  fi.lthiness  and  overflowing 
of  wickedness,  we  should  receive  with  meekness  the  implanted 


1725 


1725 


2274  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Word,  which  is  able  to  save  our  souls".  Forsooth,  a  sad  state 
we  are  thought  to  be  in,  because  of  our  being  so  watchful  for  the 
pure  truth,  and  against  that  word,  which  their  domine  is  sowing! 
But  how  and  by  whom  is  that  word  sown,  seeing  that  we  are  a 
Seceded  Assembly?  Why  make  his  word  equal  to  that  Word  of 
God,  which  is  able  to  save  our  souls.  There  is  but  one  way  of 
salvation;  and  his  word  is  at  variance  with  the  Word  of  God. 
Ought  they  not  to  be  ashamed,  thus  earnestly  to  pray  for,  and 
exhort  us,  who  are  holding  fast  to  the  true  doctrine? 

Then  follows  the  exhortation,  that  we  should  acknowledge  what 
we  have  done,  set  our  hearts  to  consider  our  ways,  etc.,  accom- 
panied by  a  threat  of  our  being  finally  rejected  by  Jesus;  as  if, 
because  of  our  steadfastness  in  the  truth,  we  had  to  fear  the 
judgment  of  God.  Verily,  like  the  Pharisees,  having  a  beam  in 
their  own  eye,  they  search  for  a  mote  in  their  brother's  eye. 
Then  —  as  to  hearing  or  rejecting  the  Saviour  —  that  is  their 
scriptural  way  of  speaking  of  their  domine. 

Still,  to  them  he  is  the  right  minister,  manifesting  as  he  does 
—  His  earnest  purpose  to  win  souls. 

But,  in  general,  the  contrary  is  well  known,  and  has  already 
been  abundantly  proven.  But  it  is  well  to  give  a  few  instances: 
Ary  Molenaar  testifies,  that  during  the  half  year  that  the  domine 
had  his  residence  with  him,  he  had  not  once  talked  with  him  about 
the  Word  of  God,  or  exhorted  him  to  duty;  although  soon  after 
his  arrival,  he  had  pronounced  him  to  be  a  worldly  man.  Also 
a  certain  Jew,  a  fellow-traveler  of  his,  Andries  Trube,  he  once 
left  lying  in  a  swamp,  when,  on  coming  from  church,  he  had 
fallen  from  his  horse.  On  making  his  pastoral  visits  about  the 
time  of  celebrating  the  Lord's  Supper,  he  calls  on  one,  and  passes 
by  another ;  or  says  to  him,  "  I  don't  invite  you  ".  This  Jan  Hen- 
dricksz  affirms.  Pieter  Hoff  testifies  that  at  Earitan,  he  once 
said,  that  the  Sacraments  were  so  profaned,  that  God's  wrath 
was  kindled  against  the  whole  congregation,  so  that  children 
could  not  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Paith,     Simon  Wyckoff 


OF  THE  State  of  N'ew  York.  2275 

1725 

was  refused  the  Lord's  Supper,  though  he  felt  a  strong  desire  to 
participate  in  it.  When  the  aged  Jan  Van  Vliet  once  came,  with 
Barend  de  Wit,  to  attend  catachetical  instruction  at  Six  Mile 
Run,  they  were  referred  to  in  offensive  language,  for  coming 
so  late  in  life.  The  widow  of  Johannes  Coevers  testifies  that 
her  husband,  when  sick,  was  asked,  "  What  is  your  Faith?  "  On 
his  replying,  "  I  believe  in  Jesus,  my  Saviour,  and  that  he  died 
for  me  ",  he  was  told  that  such  faith  was  insufficient  for  his 
salvation.  When  he  asked  that  prayer  might  be  offered  for  him, 
the  domine  refused,  intimating  that  it  was  not  necessary.  Testi- 
mony of  Jan  Woertman's  wife  and  Elizabeth  Aartsen  as  to  his 
strange  conduct  in  the  case  of  Cornelis  Paulusz,  when  the  latter 
lay  very  sick  is  also  at  hand,  as  well  as  further  testimony,  as  to 
his  strange  dealing  with  people  at  the  Lord's  Table. 

Is  that  the  way  to  win  souls,  when  one  holds  secret  meetings, 
into  which  those,  whose  souls  are  hungry,  are  not  admitted?  Or 
when  in  the  City  of  J^ew  York,  or  elsewhere,  one  visits  only  such 
as  bear  the  Labadistic  marks  of  being  born  again?  passing  by  all 
others,  as  worldly  people,  who  are  still  in  a  state  of  nature?  Is 
it  not  such  as  these,  that  he  ought  especially  to  speak  to  first? 
The  former  have  been  already  sought  and  won,  as  he  himself 
holds.  Why  does  he  not  stay  with  those  congregations,  whose 
minister  he  is,  and  first  seek  out  the  many  unconverted  souls  that 
are  there,  instead  of  depriving  them  of  spiritual  food,  by  going 
so  often  to  other  places  to  preach?  for  example,  to  domine  Free- 
man's and  to  other  places?  and  in  April,  1724,  to  domine  Cor- 
nelius Van  Santvoord's  on  Staten  Island?  His  winning  souls,  is 
really  a  going  about  among  the  congregations  to  seek  adherents. 
Thus  does  he  disturb  congregations  and  incite  them  against  their 
lawful  ministers.  Is  there  a  single  congregation  where  he  has 
gone  to  preach,  to  which,  instead  of  peace,  he  did  not  bring  unrest, 
discord  and  division?  This  was  the  case  in  1721  already,  at  New 
York,  as  well  as  on  Long  Island.  Again :  is  that  a  seeking  to  win 
souls,  when,  instead  of  tending  the  sheep,  he  lets  them  run  all 
28 


1725 


2276  Ecclesiastical  Records 

about  as  if  they  had  no  shepherd?  What  is  the  basis  on  which 
such  a  boast  can  be  made?  Besides,  his  obstinacy  in  the  matter 
is  known  to  the  world.  Is  it  not  contemptible  for  a  minister  to 
display  on  the  back  end  of  his  sleigh,  so  that  every  one  may  read 
them,  such  words  as  these?  •, 

''  Niemands  tong,  nog  niemands  pen 
Maakt  my  anders  dan  ik  ben. 
Spreek,  Quaad-sprekers,  spreek  zonder  end, 
]^iemand  en  word  van  u  geschend." 

,-■  .     .  "1^0  one's  tongue,  and  no  one's  pen    ■ 

Can  make  me  other  than  I  am. 
Speak,  evil-speaker,  mthout  end; 
In  vain  you  all  your  slanders  spend." 

Does  that  represent  a  dignified  minister  of  God's  people?  Is 
that  like  the  one  whose  humility  is  described  in  his  first  sermon, 
p.  6?  How  can  such  a  minister  edify  others  by  his  example? 
This,  then,  represents  their  domine's  soul-saving  teaching,  which 
is  so  increasingly  blessed  among  them.  But  what  effect  will  the 
exhortations  of  such  have  upon  us?  Yet,  at  the  same  time  must 
we  be  made  to  feel  the  power  of  this  great  headless  Sanhedrin. 
So  finally  we  have 

The  Second  Part  or  the  Citation  itself.      Pages  103-116. 

This  is  their  imperious  command  to  us :  "  What  we  have  now 
to  propose,  is  to  the  effect,  that  we  hereby  cite  you,  the  Heads 
and  Leaders  of  the  Adversaries,  and  your  entire  Assembly,  to 
appear  before  'lis,  the  Consistory  of  the  four  congregations.'* 
Thus  also  said  their  correspondent,  dominc  Freeman,  in  his  letter 
of  March  12,  1723:  "You  must  yourselves  appear  before  his 
consistory,  and  there  settle  matters." 

Wfe'are  called  ''Heads"  and  "Leaders";  and  also  ''Adver- 
saries", another  scriptural  term,  intimating  the  judgement  that 
must  fall  upon  us.  Then,  their  "  command  "  for  us  to  appear, 
to   present  in   a  proper  and  becoming  manner   'Svhat  we   have 


OF  THE  State  of  ^ew  York.  2277 

against  their  minister";  with  the  promise  of  making  an  investi- 
gation, and  of  trying  to  satisfy  ns  from  the  Word  of  God,  etc. 
Again :  that  investigation  is  to  be,  as  to  whether  their  domine 
teaches  what  is  true  or  false.  They  mnst  therefore,  be  in  cer- 
tainty on  that  point;  and  yet  they  highly  exalt  him.  And,  as  to 
their  satisfying  ns,  having  already  condemned  us,  they  would  but 
continue  their  unjust  treatment  of  us.  But  however  stupid  as 
farmers,  we  may  be,  we  are  not  so  stupid  as  not  to  see  through 
their  vain  boast,  of  doing  that  from  the  Word  of  God.  By  that 
Word,  on  their  false  grounds,  they  can  call  white,  black,  and  day, 
night.  Whatever  is  at  variance  with  God's  Word,  can  certainly 
not  be  made  right  by  God's  Word.  Therefore  they  can  render 
us  no  service,  seeing  that  we  already  abide  by  the  orthodox  doc- 
trine. And  not  only  for  ourselves,  but  for  the  Citers  too,  it  was 
best  that  we  kept  away  from  them,  in  order  that,  in  their  impetu- 
osity, they  might  not  sin  the  more. 

"  Far  be  it  from  us,"  say  they,  "'  that  we  should  not  want  to 
hear  you,  as  you  have  been  falsely  charging  us  to  domine  Free- 
man." So  they  appeal  to  their  correspondent,  and  oblige  us  to 
defend  ourselves  before  him  also ;  especially,  as,  by  a  letter  to 
domine  Frelinghuysen,  he  seems  to  have  laid  the  foundation  for 
our  being  cited.  [See  conversation  with  Hendrik  Vroom.]  This 
is  again,  a  statement  without  proof.  On  the  contrary,  far  has  it 
been  from  them  either  to  hear  or  investigate  what  has  been  alleged 
against  their  domine's  strange  doctrine  and  bad  conduct.  It  is 
evident  enough,  that  they  will  listen  only  to  domine  Frelinghuy- 
sen ;  and  he  will  not  listen  to  the  ministers  at  Xew  York,  but  de- 
clares his  boy,  Schuurman,  to  be  most  worthy  of  confidence. 
[Here  follows  a  lot  of  gossip,  not  worth  repeating.] 

'Now  appears  what  is  their  real  object,  and  what  must  be  the 
result  of  their  investigation,  in  their  threat  of  the  Ban,  which  is 
worded  thus:  ""  KnoAv  also,  that,  in  case  you  are  disobedient  and 
refuse  to  come  before  us,  we  shall,  according  to  the  duty  of  our 
office,  proceed  against  you  with  the  Christian  Ban;  see  Quest.  85, 


2278  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Heidelberg  Catechism."  And  in  order  that  we  might  not  think 
this  to  be  a  mere  cunning  threat,  it  is,  not  only  repeated  in  this 
Citation,  but  also  explained  in  the  Second  Citation.  But  as  the 
Citers,  with  their  domine,  have  openly  departed  from  the  Church, 
and  we  do  not  belong  to  them,  as  has  been  shown,  they  had  no 
power  to  cite  us,  much  less  to  threaten  us  with  the  Ban.  But  they 
call  it  a  Christian  Ban,  professing  to  follow  the  instruction  of 
Christ,  Matt.  18 :  15-17.  Isot  to  say  how  little  that  accords  with 
these  Citations,  we  appeal  to  the  Citers  and  their  domine  to  say, 
how  that  extreme  measure  can  be  applied,  without  previous  cen- 
sure. Four  steps,  their  domine  says  in  his  Third  Sermon,  are  to 
be  taken,  in  order  to  conform  to  the  command  of  Jesus,  and  the 
Church  Order  which  is  in  agreement  therewith ;  and  the  Elders 
must  go  about  it  in  a  just,  careful,  meek,  and  humble  spirit,  etc. 

Then  they  want  also  to  proceed  according  to  the  Heidelberg 
Catechism,  Question  85.  If  their  assumed  power,  however,  goes 
against  the  Word  of  God,  how  can  it  be  in  accordance  \vith  the 
Heidelberg  Catechism  ?  True,  Cornells  Bogaard  said  that  he 
did  not  care  for  it;  but  they,  with  their  domine,  pretend  to  keep 
it  in  \dew.  Where  does  it  say,  that  confessors  and  defenders  of 
the  pure  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  true  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  may  be  threatened  or  punished  with  the  Ban  ?  Or  where, 
that  the  power  of  the  Keys  is  to  be  used  in  the  way  their  domine 
contemplates,  even  to  the  exclusion  of  the  elders  ? 

Coming  to  a  conclusion,  a  fresh  accusation  is  introduced  — 
that  of  our  not  going  to  their  domine  before  we  went  to  ISTew  York, 
as  we  had  promised  to  do.  ^o  one,  we  are  sure,  can  ever  prove 
that  we  made  such  a  promise.  We  went  to  New  York,  first,  be- 
cause of  their  domine's  persistence  in  his  strange  attitude  toward 
the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  And  what  was  there  wrong  about 
that  ? 

Then,  in  a  spirit  of  self-exaltation  and  boastful  exaltation  they 
go  on:  "  We  are  not  sorry  for  having  borne  with  you  so  long  in 
your  raging.    For  now,  our  long-suifering  is  known,  and  your  folly 


OF  THE  State  of  ]S[ew  York.  '  22Y9 

1725 

is  even  more  clearly  revealed."  What  tolerance  they  exhibit  in 
their  office!  On  which  side  is  the  raging?  Long-suffering  is  a 
virtue ;  but  they  are  done  with  it,  they  say.  Well,  it  never  was 
manifested  toward  us,  whom  they  angrily  condemned  as  unre- 
generate,  refused  common  civility,  and  threatened  with  the  Ban, 
without  taking  the  essential  preliminary  steps  of  Church  disci- 
pline. And  as  to  our  folly,  which  has  thus  become  more  manifest, 
we  leave  it  to  the  wise  to  determine,  whether  it  was  not  the  part 
of  wisdom  to  keep  away  from  the  Citers,  and  their  domine,  and 
to  stand  firmly  by  the  pure  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church.  "  • 

They  add :  "  For  we  are  sure  that  your  counsel  was  not  of  God, 
and  so  we  knew  also  that  it  would  not  stand."  This  is  again, 
their  scriptural  manner  of  speaking !  But  how  ?  See  Acts  5 : 
33-40.  Gamaliel,  a  Doctor  of  the  Law,  said,  '^  that "  not  for 
sure,  but  conditionally  "  if  this  counsel ",  etc.  Our  counsel  is, 
(1)  In  being  zealous  for  the  pure  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church.  (2)  In  not  being  willing  to  forsake  it 
as  they  are  doing.  (3)  In  corresponding  and  taking  counsel  with 
the  Messrs.  Boel,  they  are  sure,  is  not  of  God,  and  they  knew 
somehow  that  it  cannot  stand. 

Having  taken  this  ground,  they  proceed :  "  Hereafter,  we  hope, 
by  God's  gracious  aid,  to  employ  against  you  the  power  of  the 
Keys,  which  the  Lord  Jesus  has  given  us."  So  there  is  nothing 
more  to  be  done  for  us.  The  lightning-stroke  of  their  Ban  must 
now  simply  fall  upon  us.  Up  to  March  28,  1723  this  new  power 
of  theirs  they  had  not  exercised  against  us;  but  hereafter  they 
hope  to  do  it.  Such  a  hope,  or  desire,  is  certainly  not  scriptural. 
A  grave  way,  that,  of  seeking  to  win  souls !  Or,  can  it  be  that 
the  words,  "  by  God's  gi'acious  aid  ",  imply,  not  our  destruction, 
but  our  salvation  ?  Likewise,  the  words  that  are  added  in  closing  ? 
"  O  that  it  might  lead  you  to  repentance ;  even  as  it  is  our  wish 
and  prayer  that  the  Lord  may  open  your  eyes  and  give  you  re- 
pentance unto  life."     So  then,  that  threat  of  the  Ban,  is  meant  to 


2280  Ecclesiastical  Eecords 

be  for  our  conversion.  A  strong  expression  of  tender  affection, 
that  is  !  Praying,  too,  for  those  who  have  been  called  hard  names ! 
Surely,  we  ought  to  have  said,  Yea  and  Amen  to  that.  But  we 
have  shown  before  what  their  idea  of  our  conversion  is.  Besides, 
their  wish  for  it  is  inconsistent  with  their  hope  of  putting  us 
under  the  Ban.  \Miat  one  hopes,  that  one  wishes  for.  So,  we 
have  simply  ignored  their  wish. 

CONCLUSIOiS-   OF    FIRST   CITATION.        PagCS   116-123. 

This,  then,  is  our  answer  to  the  first  Citation.  I^ow  a  word 
on  its  conclusion :  "  Done  in  our  Church  Assembly,  March  28, 
1723."  Under  it  are  four  special  signatures  of  eight  persons. 
Alongside  of  these  signatures,  a  Postcript :  "  Our  request  of  you 
is  that  you  communicate  this  letter  to  one  another,  as  is  right, 
and  lay  it  before  your  entire  Assembly.  If  the  Lord  will,  we  shall 
hold  a  meeting  of  consistory  again,  on  Thursday,  after  Easter, 
April  18th,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Pieter  Broecka.  We  shall  then 
expect  you.     Signed,  Elbert  Stoothof,  Scribe." 

First,  the  request,  no  doubt,  is  for  the  purpose  that  we  should 
not  conceal  anything,  as  the  Citers  and  their  domine  did  with  the 
written  complaint  of  Michael  Van  Veghten ;  and  so  it  ought,  in 
justice,  to  be  addressed  to  them. 

Second,  the  announcement  of  their  meeting  with  an  "  if  the 
Lord  will,"  is  but  little  in  accord  with  the  Lord's  will,  for  their 
hoping  to  use  the  Ban  against  us ;  and  with  that  "  we  shall  then 
expect  you  ",  is  but  little  to  our  mind,  by  reason  of  their  assum- 
ing the  right  thereto. 

At  the  bottom  is  an  X.  B. ;  being  first  a  warning  that  our  charges 
against  their  minister  must  not  be  lies,  false  reports,  trifles  or  in- 
different things ;  showing  a  careful  guarding  of  anxious  minds, 
against  their  domine's  being  pressed  too  close  on  certain  faults  of 
his.  But  let  the  world,  not  the  Citers,  say,  whether  the  things 
we  have  advanced  are  but  trifles,  or,  matters  of  consequence.  Then 
follows  a  clear  limitation  of  what  the  matters  of  grievance  must 


OF  THE  State  of  ISTew  Yokk.  2281 

1725 

l)e,  namely,  concerning  the  Articles  of  Faith :  inasmuch  as  he  is  a 
heretical  minister,  who  errs  in  the  Fundamentals  of  the  Faith; 
and  it  is  for  us  to  say,  in  what  points  it  is  that  their  minister 
errs.  Unless  this  is  done,  he  is  to  be  held  orthodox.  Evidently, 
a  trap  for  the  unwary! 

But  as  to  the  Twelve  Articles  of  the  Apostles  Creed,  the  Papists 
profess  to  believe  in  them;  also  the  Arminians  or  Remonstrants, 
and  other  sects,  such  as  Labadists,  Koelmanites,  etc.,  that  are  out- 
side of  the  true  Eef  ormed  Church.  Are  all  these  on  that  account 
orthodox  ?  Granted  that  their  domine  did  not  err  in  any  of  them, 
■does  that  make  him  an  orthodox  and  pure  minister  pf  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church,  as  by  the  Synod  of  Dordrecht  established  ? 
Forcible  reasoning!  But,  as  has  been  abundantly  shown,  falla- 
cious ? 

And  then,  to  whom  are  we  to  show  their  domine's  errors  'i  To 
the  Citers  ?  To  those  who  decry  us  for  being  unregenerate,  ig- 
norant of  Church  Authority,  and  not  understanding  the  funda- 
mental truths  ?  To  those  who  are  so  spiritual,  that  they  can  dis- 
cern everything,  and  who  say  that  there  is  nothing  heterodox  about 
their  domine,  and  who  want  to  teach  us  the  fundamentals  and  the 
power  of  the  Keys  ? 

Are  the  Citers  orthodox  in  going  to  work  as  they  do  ?  Their 
domine's  innovations  come  under  the  head  of  those  things  which, 
by  the  Action  and  Proclamation  of  their  High  Mightinesses,  the 
States  of  Zeeland,  in  the  case  of  domine  Koelman,  have  been  de- 
clared to  be  injurious  and  dangerous  innovations.  The  Synods 
.and  Classes  of  the  Netherland  Provinces  have,  from  1674  to  1684, 
made  declarations  to  the  same  effect.  Koelman  was  not  only  de- 
posed from  the  ministry,  but  also  shut  out  from  the  Province  of 
Iceland  and  from  several  cities  of  Holland.  Similar  actions  have 
been  taken  against  the  Labadists.  The  Citers  and  their  domine 
are,  in  their  doctrine  and  conduct,  like  them.  Only  this  spring, 
'domine   Frelinghuysen   received    (Van)    Aersdalen   into   church- 


1725 


2282  Ecclesiastical  Records 

membership  on  a  new  confession,  thus  ignoring  the  one  he  made 
formerly  before  domine  Antonides. 

Yon  see,  Christian  Reader,  how  we  have  fulfilled  our  promise, 
given  in  our  brief  answer,  p.  5,  to  show  the  world  our  innocence 
and  the  ill-treatment  received.  We  have  confined  ourselves  chiefly 
to  the  first  Citation ;  on  the  two  others  our  remarks  will  be  few. 

After  the  first,  the  Citers  handed  us  a 

Unanimous  Resolution,  beginning  thus :  "  Anno  IT 23,  18 
April,  the  Consistory  of  Raritan,"  etc.,  p.  6,  to  the  effect  that 
they  will  not  allow  any  church  or  any  ministers  to  be  their  judges ; 
as  though  any  church  or  ministers  in  this  country  had  set  them- 
selves up  as  judges  over  them.  No  one  has  presumed  to  such  a 
thing.  At  our  request,  in  which  we  observed  the  limits  of  Church 
Order,  the  orthodox  ministers  in  our  land  have  served  us  with 
their  advice.  We  were  also  willing  to  leave  our  dispute  to  the 
ministers  of  New  York  and  Long  Island;  not  that  they  should 
judge  between  us,  but  to  get  us  on  both  sides,  to  settle  it  in  a 
friendly  way,  if  possible.  That,  of  course,  is  different  from  get- 
ting them  simply  to  approve,  as  the  Citers'  correspondents  do, 
what  their  domine  wants  to  bring  about.  So  the  resolution  is  of 
no  account.  ISTor  is  the  accompanying  declaration  — "  but  we 
hold  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  which  sent  our  domine  to  us, 
to  be  our  competent  judge."  Likewise  domine  Freeman's  letter 
"  that  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  alone  is  the  competent  judge." 
Why  this,  if  not  to  dodge  all  investigation  in  this  country,  and 
that  their  domine  may  securely  establish  his  new  Reformation, 
as  did  Labadie  and  his  follower,  Yvon.  By  thus  declaring  for 
the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  they  must  be  coming  down  from 
their  own  positions  as  judges  as  no  longer  tenable,  and  taking  the 
role  of  accusers  against  us,  awaiting  in  future  the  sentence  of  the 
Rev.  Classis.  Do  they  mean  this  ?  or  is  it  a  mere  pretext  to  blind- 
fold the  innocent  ? 

Having  said  such  ugly  things  of  most  of  the  ministers  in  this 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2283 

country  who  hold  to  the  Amsterdam  Church  Order,  who  can  be- 
lieve that  they  will  think  better  of  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam 
itself?  Who  can  believe  that  they  will  be  justified  by  it,  when 
once  it  comes  to  know  of  the  unorthodox  actions  of  their  domine  ? 
His  signature  of  May  13  to  that  Resolution  of  April  18  like- 
wise makes  clear  that  neither  at  that  time  was  he  present,  as 
president  of  the  Consistory;  and  this  practically  declares  the  ac- 
tion illegal.  If  he  was  present,  he  was  neither  by  himself,  nor  by 
the  Consistory,  recognized  as  a  member,  as  according  to  Church 
Order  he  should  have  been.  For,  in  that  unanimous  Resolution, 
his  vote  must  have  been  included ;  and  so  there  was  no  necessity 
for  his  afterward,  and  separately,  subscribing  his  special  prom- 
ise, that  he  would  always  stand  by  it.  Then,  he  signed  himself, 
not  as  president,  but  as  minister  of  the  Gospel.  Contrary  to 
Church  Order  again,  and  like  I^abadie  and  Yvon,  who  set  them- 
selves up  as  "  Heads  "  over  all  their  followers. 

THE    SECOlSfD    CITATION.        PagCS   123-138. 

This  begins  by  stating  "  that  they  find  nothing  in  our  writing 
that  has  anything  to  do  with  the  matter."  In  the  same  breath, 
however,  they  add:  "  In  your  writing  we  find  the  following:  " 

'No.  1.  "  That  you  ask  us  what  is  our  authority  for  citing 
you  ",  etc.  Has  this  nothing  to  do  with  the  matter  ?  Was  it  not 
on  that  account,  that  we  did  not,  as  they  ordered,  put  our  griev- 
ances in  writing,  but  promised  to  lay  them  before  the  public  at 
the  proper  time  ?  Further :  "  When  time  and  place  are  given 
you  to  speak,  you  are  dumb  as  fish."  Our  answer:  What  was  it 
in  June  1723,  at  the  house  of  Pieter  Van  Nest,  that  we  three  did 
lay  before  the  domine  and  some  of  his  consistories  ?  As  to  their 
authority,  there  is  no  such  question  in  all  our  writing.  We  said, 
that,  at  the  right  time  it  would  be  shown  what  right  they  had  to 
cite  us  in  the  way  they  did.  How  absurd  their  language  about 
lawyer  Boel :   "  He  pleaded  for  you  against  us,  much  as  Tertullus 


1725 


2284  Ecclesiastical  Records 

did  for  the  Jews  against  Paul,  but  by  no  means  with  such  power 
of  speech,"  etc.     Thus  the  heathen  TertuUus  is  given  credit  for 
greater  power  of  reasoning  than  Mr.  Boel,  while  also  a  measure- 
of  guilt  in  Paul  is  implied.     Their  power,  they  pretend,  is  not 
political,  but  that  of  the  Keys.     It  has  been  shown  (1)  that  they 
cite  and  threaten  with  the  Ban,  an  Assembly  that  has  seceded 
from  them;  (2)  such  persons  also  as  they  themselves  acknowledge, 
have  never  yet  made  a  profession  of  faith;  (3)  illegally,  as  having 
been  assembled  without  their  minister;  (4)  assuming  to  be  elders 
and  deacons,  though  not  partaking  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  or  recog- 
nized by  their  domine  as  members;  (5)  threatening  members  with 
the  Ban  without  j^revious  exhortation,  appearance  of  witnesses, 
or  legal  censure.     What  has  become  of  the  steps  they  speak  of '( 
Or  are  the  first  three,  steps  in  these  three  Citations,  in  which  they 
try  to  step  on  us  and  on  others  by  condemning  us  unheard?    What 
Civil  Right  or  Church  Order  teaches  them  to  do  such  a  thing  i 
Which  of  the  two  is  the  party  ignorant  of  church  rights,  or  given 
to  silly  subterfuges,  weak  reasoning  and  vain  bravados?     As  tO' 
our  disputing  their  power,  etc.,  we  could  neither  dispute  it,  nor 
take  it  from  them,  for  they  never  had  it.     The  reason  for  their 
assuming  to  exercise  it,  is  their  confidence  in  their  domine's  quali- 
fication as  a  legal  minister,  and  for  whom  every  one  must  have 
respect.    As  domine  Freeman  wrote  of  his  having  said  to  us  three : 
"  Brethren,  look  out  that  you  do  not  unjustly  accuse  your  minis- 
ter, for  he  has  full  testimonials,  both  from  the  Synod  of  Embder- 
land  and  from  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam;  these  declare  him 
orthodox."     And   again :     "  For   domine  Frelinghuysen  had  his 
final  examination  and  qualification  from  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam."    What  reasoning !     Legal  minister  on  the  ground  of  his 
former  examination,  call  and  ordination !     He  was  ordained,  as 
such,  by  the  Classis  at  that  time !     But  does  it  follow  that  he 
could  not    become  otherwise  than    orthodox  thereafter  ?      Could 
such   preparation   make  him  unchangeable  ?      That  would   be   a 
popish  position.     Examples  of  the  contrary:    Labadie,  Koelman; 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2285 

1725 

also  Adrianus  de  Herder,  who  was  legally  called  and  settled  as 
an  orthodox  minister,  but  afterwards  deposed  for  his  so-called 
''  New  Reformation  "  by  the  Classis  of  Schieland ;  and  who  later 
resided  at  Rotterdam,  where  he  tried  to  organize  a  Congregational 
church,  of  which  he  called  himself  the  Overseer.  Let  it  be  re- 
membered also  that  the  two  examinations  (of  Frelinghuysen)  oc- 
curred some  years  before  he  was  called  here,  and  not  then  in  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  For,  previously  he  had  been  a  min- 
ister in  East  Friesland ;  and  the  letter  from  Raritan,  authorizing 
a  call  from  Holland,  was  not  addressed  to  the  Rev.  Classis  or  to 
any  member  of  it.  So  it  had  to  do,  not  with  his  examination,  but 
simply  with  his  "  Testimonials."  Nor  does  this  fact  make  him  a 
legal  minister  in  his  present  doings,  but  it  makes  it  his  duty  to 
be  such,  and  to  remain  one.  The  Rev.  Classis  would  be  unjustly 
accused  with  regard  to  him,  as  he  is  now ;  for,  his  coming  here 
really  depended  on  those  who  authorized  the  call,  ^or  which 
reason,  some  ministers  here  had  previously  advised  us  to  turn 
over  that  authority  to  certain  ministers  of  the  Rev.  Classis,  as 
the  best  and  safest  way.  His  former  qualification,  therefore,  is 
no  evidence  of  his  present  orthodoxy  and  authority.  Or  shall  his 
credentials  give  him  liberty,  while  they  oblige  us  to  keep  still  and 
let  him  do  as  he  pleases  ?  Do  they  not  compel  every  minister  to 
a  contrary  course?  What  respect  orthodox  ministers  had  for  his 
credentials,  appeared  at  the  outset,  when,  in  a  fraternal  spirit, 
they  made  him  welcome,  both  publicly  and  privately ;  and  that 
respect  is  manifest  yet,  in  that  when  he  has  come  to  disregard 
those  credentials,  in  defending  them  against  him.  Are  the  Citers 
and  their  domine  showing  such  respect  for  those  credentials  or  for 
those  of  the  other  Dutch  Reformed  ministers  ?  If  they  did,  they 
would  not  revile  those  ministers  and  proclaim  him  (Frelinghuy- 
sen) as  the  only  right  minister;  whom  they  vainly  exalt  as  "our 
minister,  taught  of  the  Lord  Himself;"  and  of  whom  they  say, 
"  that,  hj  virtue  of  his  office,  and  by  his  order,  he  called  us  to- 
gether as  a  legal  consistory."  Here  we  see  thair  domine's  mas- 
tership. 


1726 


2286  Ecclesiastical  Records 

'No.  2.  There  is  a  perversion  of  our  words.  In  our  brief  reply, 
we  speak  of  the  Citers'  heavy  charges  against  us;  and  they  per- 
vert that,  as  our  charges  against  their  domine,  and  repeatedly 
demand  proof;  although  they,  without  a  particle  of  proof,  persist 
in  making  their  charges  against  us.  Hence  their  conclusion: 
"  You  want  to  accuse  our  minister,  but  do  not  yourselves  under- 
stand the  fundamental  truths.  First,  come,  that  you  may  learn  to 
distinguish  these  fundamental  truths;  and  do  not  go  to  ISTew  York 
asking  with  Pilate,  ''  What  is  truth? "  If  this  is  meant  for  satire, 
they  compare  us  wdth  Pilate  and  make  us  out  to  be  heathen,  which 
indeed  is  pure  calumny.  If  it  is  an  earnest  exhortation,  then 
why  should  we  go  to  learn  the  truth  from  such  as  are  so  wild  in 
their  interpretations  of  the  Word  of  God  ?  By  their  own  confes- 
sion, for  learning  truth  N'ew  York  must  be  to  us  what  the  Savior 
was  to  Pilate.  ,     ^ 

!N^o.  3.  Whether  we  are  given  to  boasting  and  bragging,  or  the 
Citers  are  reviling  us  as  usual,  we  leave  to  the  judgement  of  the 
reader.  Does  not  such  rash  reviling  give  a  false  impression  of 
the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  in  this  country  ?  Is  it  proper  lan- 
guage for  a  consistory  of  the  Reformed  Church  to  use  in  a  so- 
called  ecclesiastical  Act?  Or,  is  it  the  presumption  of  ignorance 
and  of  bitter  prejudice  ?  Most  of  the  signers  have  no  personal 
acquaintance  with  the  ministers  with  whom  we  correspond ;  and 
yet  with  assurance  they  intimate  that  we  shall  be  left  in  the  lurch 
by  them.  Far  from  our  being  misled  or  ashamed,  or  from  our 
being  on  the  point  of  going  over  to  their  Society,  we  shall,  (let 
them  reproach  us  as  they  may),  keep  away  from  them;  remain  in 
the  true  Church  and  serve  God  with  singleness  of  heart. 

In  No.  4,  we  have  again  a  decision  by  these  judges  concerning 
our  statement,  that,  as  an  "  assembly  seceded  from  them  ",  we  are 
released  from  paying  toward  their  domine's  salary.  "  Indeed  " ! 
they  say,  "A  fine  invention!  But  nevertheless  false!"  As 
a  fact,  our  promise  to  pay,  rested  on  the  ground  of  his  adhering 
to  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  true  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  ^   228Y 

as  he  agreed  to  do  in  his  answer,  "  Yes,  with  all  my  heart,"  to 
question  2  and  3  of  the  Form  of  Ordination.  Departing  there- 
from, he  breaks  the  bond  of  his  call;  and  therefore  those  who 
called  him  are  thereby  released  from  their  obligation.  We,  who 
hold  to  the  true  doctrine  and  discipline,  do  not,  as  the  Citers  in- 
timate, take  pleasure  in  feeling  ourselves  thereby  released;  but, 
on  the  contrary,  it  grieves  us  to  be  placed  by  them  in  such  a  posi- 
tion. They  say,  however,  that  our  statement  is  false;  giving  as 
the  reason,  "  for  it  is  known  that  there  were  among  you  those  who 
refused  salary  payments  before  we  thus  called  you  "  (that  is, 
Seceders.)  But  our  refusal  is  legal,  not  only  because  they  called 
us  Seceders,  but  also  because  they  themselves  seceded  from  the 
Dutch  Church  Order.  So  no  judicial  decision  can  be  brought 
against  us  for  refusing  to  pay.  And  what  about  Kors  Vroom's 
appeal  to  the  domine  at  New  York?  —  an  appeal  in  which  he 
was  not  successful.  Why  was  he  not?  Because  the  Citers  had 
not  yet  called  us  a  Seceded  Assembly  ?  Or  because  he  appealed 
to  the  domine  at  New  York  ?  But  how  did  he  come  to  appeal  to 
him  ?  Was  it  not  that  he  might  get  an  orthodox  minister's  advice 
as  to  his  duty  to  pay  their  domine  ?  But  why  bring  the  domine 
of  New  York  again  into  the  game  here  ?  Simply,  as  appears  from 
what  follows,  to  be  able  to  accuse  him  of  stirring  up  their  domine's 
hearers.  But  let  the  impartial  judge.  The  Citers  and  their 
domine  have  acted  towards  ministers  of  recognized  orthodoxy  in 
such  a  way  that  nothing  more  need  be  said.  The  Citers  and  their 
domine  say,  in  addition :  "  For  it  is  plain  that  you  have  cut  your- 
selves loose."  Does  that  mean  —  cut  loose  from  their  Society? 
But  we  have  simply  kept  away  from  it ;  in  fact  never  belonged  to 
it.  Then,  further :  "  For  up  to  this  time  we  did  not  cut  you  off ; 
but,  if  you  remain  stubborn,  we  shall,  of  necessity,  have  to  come 
to  it."  In  what  an  illegal  way  they  are  coming  to  it  has  been 
shown.  When,  thereupon,  they  cry  out.  Shame  on  you !  because 
we  do  not  walk  justly  before  the  world,  and  honor  our  subscrip- 
tions ;  it  is  really  to  their  shame.     For  we  gave  our  signatures  for 


1725 


1725 


2288  -  Ecclesiastical  Kecords 

an  orthodox  minister,  not  for  one  like  their  domine,  who  is  un- 
orthodox, and  who  does  not  keep  his  word.  Thej  proceed :  "  Yon 
say  that  we  have  released  von  from  the  domine.  That  is  not 
true."  Our  communication  does  not  sav  that.  As,  hv  ecclesiasti- 
cal act,  the  Citers  declare  us  to  he  a  Seceded  Assembly,  the  impli- 
cation is  that  we  are  discharged  from  further  payments.  The 
questions  involved  we  leave  to  the  judgement  of  those  that  are  im- 
partial. Let  them  read,  besides  the  Citations,  the  53,  79  and  80 
Articles  of  the  Church  Order;  and  also  that  wdiich  by  order  of 
the  165tli  session  of  the  Synod  of  Dordrecht,  ministers  have  to 
promise  and  sign  before  God  and  the  Rev.  Classis.  They  will 
then  see  for  themselves  that  the  domine  has,  by  his  own  acts,  sus- 
pended himself,  and  that  the  Citers,  his  Consistories,  also  have 
vacated  their  offices.  The  Citers  must  know  w^hat  kind  of  Jus- 
tices they  go  to ;  but  how  does  all  this  agree  with  their  declaration 
that  they  hold  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  be  their  compe- 
tent judge? 

In  ISTo.  5,  they  say :  "  Beautiful  words !  But  how  can  this  be 
true  of  you  all?"  [That  is  — •  the  sincere  desire  to  abide  by  the 
pure  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  true  Reformed  Dutch 
Church.]  But  then,  by  their  own  acknowledgement,  it  can  be 
true  of  some.  Ought  these  then^to  be  so  badly  treated?  AVhy  it 
cannot  be  true  of  all  is,  because,  as  they  say,  "  ^Nearly  half  of  you 
who  signed  this  have  never  yet  made  a  profession  of  faith."  Such 
as  have  not,  surely  cannot  be  cited,  or  threatened  with  the  Ban. 
But  the  others,  by  the  Citers'  ecclesiastical  act,  are  admitted  to 
be  members  of  the  true  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  and  must  have 
the  desire  to  abide  by  its  Order;  and  yet  these  are  cited  and 
threatened  with  the  Ban.  But,  is  it  not  possible  for  one  to  have 
that  desire  without  having  as  yet  made  a  profession  of  faith  ? 
Otherwise,  how  would  it  be  in  the  case  of  Dirk  Van  Aersdalen, 
one  of  the  signers,  as  a  deacon,  of  the  first  Citation  ?  Up  to  that 
time  he  had  stayed  away  from  the  Lord's  Supper.  Having  pre- 
viously become  a  member  on  a  false  confession,  he  was  not,  until 


OF  THE  Statk  of  ISTew  York.  2289 

1725,  received  into  membership  by  domine  Frelinghuysen  on  a 
new  confession.  All  that  time  he  must  have  been  without  such 
a  sincere  desire,  while  not  belonging  to  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Ohurch,  as  his  second  confession  implies.  Among  the  Labadists 
one  must  renounce  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  and  make  a  new 
confession,  in  order  to  be  received  by  them,  a  Church  Reformed, 
but  separated  from  the  world. 

From  what  the  Oiters  and  their  domine  themselves  confess 
under  this  head,  it  appears  that  all  their  grave  accusations  against 
us  are  false.  Also,  that  they  take  pleasure  in  scoffing.  By  saying 
that  they  could  have  shown  good  proofs  against  us,  they  imply 
that  they  liave  not  done  so  yet.  That  is,  in  the  matter  of  Refonned 
Church  Doctrine;  but  of  our  views  concerning  the  Discipline  of 
the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  they  have  not  a  word  here.  It  is 
to  be  noted,  they  have  reference  only  to  the  Doctrine ;  whereas 
w'e  have  declared  our  sincere  desire  to  stand  for  both  the  Doctrine 
and  the  Discipline.  Is  this  not  a  silent  admission  on  their  part 
of  our  desire  for  right  Discipline,  and  of  their  embarrassment, 
set,  as  they  are,  against  our  Churcli  Order.  Innocent,  we  have 
been  thus  slandered,  simply  because  we  have  now  and  then  re- 
vealed our  views  in  combating  the  new  doctrine  and  strange  Dis- 
cipline of  their  domine.  Then  there  is  their  scoffing  reference  to 
Cornelis  Teunissen.  For,  if  their  praise  were  well-meant,  it 
would  be  for  our  giving  him  the  first  place  among  the  signers, 
because  he  is  an  old  man.  But  it  is  evidently  a  fling  at  him  for 
being  in  favor  of  the  pure  Doctrine  and  Discipline  and  against 
domine  Frelinghuysen. 

In  'No.  6,  "  Finally  "  say  they,  "  we  abide  by  the  writing  of 
March  28,  and,  by  this  our  writing,  cite  yoii  once  more,"  etc. 
First,  the  Citers'  domine  approves  that  first  Citation,  now,  by 
his  signature  to  this  second  one;  and  noAv  commends  that  in  the 
sixth  item,  which  he,  with  his  fellow-citers,  had  in  the  first 
disapproved,  as  being  against  Church  Order.  Secondly,  this 
*'  Citing  of  you  by  us,  once  more  "  is  illegal,  because  built  upon 


1725 


2290  Ecclesiastical  Recokds 

the  first  wliich  was  seen  to  be  invalid.  Thirdly,  their  domine,  by 
approving  the  first,  sustains  what  has  therein  been  said  of  him^ 
and  about  what  he  says  of  himself;  as,  for  instance,  applying  to- 
himself  expressions  which  are  due  to  the  Savior  only.  Fourthly,, 
their  domine  thereby  also  joins  them  in  saying :  "  Hereafter  we 
hope  to  use  against  you  the  power  of  the  Keys."  That  is,  against 
us  who  have  expressed  "  their  sincere  desire  for  the  pure  Doctrine 
and  Discipline  of  the  true  Reformed  Dutch  Church  "  etc. ;  and 
that  is  done  by  one  who  is  bent  on  winning  souls.  Finally,  with 
the  other  Citers,  he  abides  by  the  writing  of  March  28,  and  cites 
us  once  more  —  the  one  Citation,  like  the  other  being  without 
foundation  and  of  no  force.  Then  follows :  "  You  may  lay  this 
writing  before  your  entire  Assembly  ".  We  have,  therefore,  the 
liberty  to  do  so,  or  not;  whereas,  by  postscript  to  the  first,  the 
Scribe  requested  and  practically  required  that  we  communicate 
it  to  our  entire  Assembly.  As  they  had  become  aware  from  our 
signatures  to  the  brief  reply  we  sent  them,  that  we  did  not  smother^ 
but  had  communicated  it,  they  now  change  their  language.  Or 
possibly,  they  mean  that  it  is  a  matter  of  indifference  to  them 
whether  we  communicate  to  our  Assembly  this  second  Citation, 
or  keep  still  about  it.  This  they  evidently  took  from  our  brief 
reply,  which  intimated  that  we  did  not  feel  ourselves  bound  to 
answer  their  first  Citation,  much  less  to  recognize  their  newly 
assumed  authority,  or  to  declare  their  domine  to  be  ours,  as  we 
did  not  call  him  ours  and  they  called  him  constantly  theirs.  Then 
comes  the  conclusion,  "  Done  at  Raritan,  in  our  Church  Assem- 
bly, May  9,  1723,  etc."    Of  this  as  above,  pp.  32-42  and  116. 

THE   THIRD   CITATION".        PagCS    139-146. 

This  one  of  May  22,  1723,  has  been  mentioned  before,  to  show 
how  they  persisted  in  addressing  us  as  a  Seceded  Assembly ;  and 
that,  after  the  assurance  we  gave  of  our  sincere  desire,  etc.,  on 
April  18,  1723.  So,  if  Elbert  Stoothoff  is  to  be  believed,  the 
Citers  and  their  domine  show,  by  a  third  ecclesiastical  act,  how 


OF  THE  State  of  ]!^ew  Yoek.  2291 

they  continue  to  regard  us  who  remain  loyal  to  the  Reformed 
Church;  and  that  they  do  not  belong  to  it;  and  therefore,  we  do 
not  in  the  least  belong  to  them.  According  to  this  Citation,  our 
desire  is  a  stubborn  persistence  in  evil;  and  so,  we  are  told  for 
the  last  time,  "  We  assure  you  that  we  will  not  allow  you  to  de- 
tain us  by  the  evasions  you  seek,"  etc.  At  the  beginning  of  the 
Second  Citation,  May  9,  they  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  our 
writing  dated  April  18,  1Y23.  Thus,  again,  an  accusation  without 
proof  to  show,  that  our  ways  are  evasions,  (outways),  and  that 
we  stubbornly  persist  in  evil,  whereas  our  sincere  desire  is,  stead- 
fastness in  the  good  cause  by  which,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  we  have 
stood  thus  far.  Let  the  Christian  Reader  judge  of  the  ecclesiasti- 
cal and  Christian  way  in  which  we  have  been  treated,  in  this  third, 
as  well  as  in  the  foregoing  Citations. 

Subsequently,  and  before  beginning  to  carry  the  hoped  for  Ban 
into  effect,  domine  Frelinghuysen  and  four  from  his  Consistories 
—  all  signers  of  the  Citations  —  held  a  conversation  with  Hen- 
drik  Vroom  in  the  presence  of  Vroom's  wife,  and  of  the  widow 
of  Abraham  Marlet,  as  witnessed  to  by  these  three  in  writing, 
July  31,  1723.  [The  conversation  was  about  Vroom's  returning 
to  the  true  Reformed  Church;  his  going  to  New  York  for  advice; 
his  objections  to  Frelinghuysen's  teaching,  preaching  and  prayers, 
and  to  the  Consistory's  lack  of  confidence  in  him  as  an  orthodox 
Dutch  Reformed  minister.] 

After  domine  Frelinghuysen  had  become  convinced  of  the  de- 
termination of  Hendrik  Vroom,  Simon  Wyckoff  and  Pieter  Du- 
mont,  he  commenced  carrying  the  Ban  into  effect.  It  was  finally, 
Sept.  29,  1723,  pronounced  against  the  three  of  us  who,  in  the 
Citations,  are  called  the  "Heads";  and  against  Nicholas  Hay- 
man  for  reasons  to  be  found  on  pp.  25-27. 

From  all  this  the  Christian  Roader  can  judge  how  orthodox 
was  the  execution  of  this  their  so-called,  Christian  Ban.  Were 
it  that,  indeed,  they  would  have  had  to  proceed  with  it  against 
all  the  rest  of  us,  who  signed  our  names  in  the  same  cause  and 


1725 


1725 


2292  Ecclesiastical  Recoeds 

were  threatened  in  the  same  waj.  In  their  neglect  of  this,  thus 
far,  one  can  see  a  fresh  proof  of  their  caprice  in  a  matter  so 
weighty  as  the  Church  Ban. 

French  Church  of  Xew  York,  IIarch  3,  4,  1725. 

At  a  Committee  of  the  Council  lield 
at    the    Conncll   Chamber  in   New 
York  March  ye  3rd  1724-5. 
Present 
Capt.  Walter  ■•    •  Doctor  Colden 

Mr.  Van  Dam  Mr.  Wm.  Trovoost 

Mr.  Harrison 

The  Committee  being  met  upon  the  affairs  of  Mr.  Ron  and  the  French  Church. 

Doctor  Colden  observed  to  the  Board  that  as  he  had  already  been  Chairman  upon 
that  affair,  thereupon  desired  they  would  be  pleased  to  put  the  question  for  a  new 
choice. 

Whereupon  the  Question  was  put  and  Doctor  Colden  was  chosen  Chairman. 

Then  it  was  unanimously  resolved  that  the  Council  for  the  Respondants  should 
make  answer  to  the  following  Questions,   viz. 

1st.       By  what  Authority  they  are  at  Court. 

2dly.    By  what  Authority  they   suspended  their  minister. 

Which  are  agreeable  to  a  Report  made  to  his  Excellency  in  Council  and  Confirmed 
by  that  Board  ye  18th  of  February  last. 

Then  all  the  partys  attending  without  were  called  In. 

The  Council  appearing  for  the  Respondants  — 

The  Report  and  Order  of  the  Council  thereupon  of  ye  18th  of  February  last 
were  Read  — 

Then  the  Chairman  observed  to  the  Council  for  ye  Respondants  that  the  Board 
expected  and  required  they  should  answer  and  shew  by  what  authority  the.v  are 
at  Court  and  by  what  authority  they  suspended  their  minister. 

Mr.  Jamison  Replyd  they  were  no  Court  neither  had  they  any  coercive  Power 
of   suspending  their  Minister. 

The  Chairman  required  them  to  answer  from  whence  they  derived  ye  Power. 

Mr  Jamison  by  ye  Indulgence  of  tlie  Government,  and  own'd  they  were  not 
Independent  of  the  Government  here. 

The  Chairman  Insisted  that  it  was  the  pleasure  of  the  Board  they  should  shew 
that  Indulgence  by  which  they  had  authority  to  suspend  their  Minister  and  required 
them  to  shew  it  Immediately. 

Mr.  Jamison  Not  by  any  Commission,  but  by  the  Sufferance  and  Tolleratlon  of 
the  Government. 

Mr.  Barberie  Say'd  they  discharged  him,  but  did  not  shew  by  what  authority 
or  power. 

The  Chairman  observed  to  them  that  he  thought  it  very  easy  for  them  to  shew 
their  power  if  they  had  any  and  expected  their  answer  to  it   immediately. 

Mr.  Vernon  Say'd  that  by  the  same  Power  they  had  to  call  a  Minister  they  had 
to  suspend  their  Minister. 

The  Chairman  insisted  they  should  shew  it. 

Mr.  Jamison  Say'd  that  whoi  tlieir  Minister  refuses  to  serve  them  according  to 
Contract  and  the  Rules  and  Discipline  of  the  French  Churches  in  France  they 
may  suspend  him  and  have  Power  l)y  the  Toleration  of  ye  Government. 

The  Chairman  desired  them  to  shew  that  Power  and  whether  they  had  acted 
according  to  the  discipline  of  ye  French  Cliurch. 

Mr.   Jamison   Repeated   by   ye   Indulgence   of  ye   Government. 

Mr.  Harrison  desired  them  to  shew  that  indulgence  whether  it  was  Ity  act  of 
Parliament,  whether  by  usage  or  custom  or  according  to  the  Rules  and  Discipline 
of  the  French  Churches  of  France. 


OF  THE  State  of  New  York.  2293 

Mr.  Jamison  Say'd  they  were  under  the  Inspection  of  the  Government  that  they 
are  no  Court  but  only  an  Assembly  of  men  and  have  no  greater  power  or  Authority 
than  a  Master  over  his  Family  or  a  School  Master  over  his  Scholar  and  were  ac- 
■countable  to  the  Government  for  what  they  should  act  and  doe. 
That  they  have  ye  same  Fower  to  turn  him  out  as  to  take  him  in. 
The  Chairman   observed   to   them   that   they    had   not    yet    answered    ye    question 
so   often   required   of  them   which   obliged   him   to   repeat   the   same.     To   know   by 
what  authority  they  have  suspended  their  minister. 
Mr.  Jamison  —  By  usage. 
Chairman  —  Shew  that  usage. 

Mr.  Barberie  Say'd  they  had  nothing  but  usage  or  Custom  that  when  they  dis- 
charged any  of  their  Ministers  they  did  not  draw  up  anything  in  writing  but  paid 
him  his  wages  and  discharged  him  and  instanced  one  Monsr.   Dellie  and  Labora. 

NB.     This  has  been  ol)served  to  by  ye  Petr.  that  those  Gent,  were  not  discharged 
from  their  Functions  in  ye  French  Church. 
The  partys   withdrew  — 
The  partys  ordered  to  come  in  — 

The  Respondents  were  gone,  yet  the  Chairman  mentioned  to  ye  other  side  that 
the  Board  had  considered  that  ye  Respondents  could  not  shew  any  authority  for 
suspending  their  Minister,  and  should   report  it  accordingly. 

Then  adjourned  till  morrow  at  3  in  ye  afternoon  at  Bonticow  in  order  to  draw 
a  Report. 

At  a  Committee  of  the  Council  held 
at     New     York     March     ye    4th 
1724-5. 
Present 
Capt.  Walter  Doctor  Colden 

Mr.  A'an  Dam  Mr.  William  Provoost 

Mr.  Harrison 

May  It  please  your  Excellency 

In  obedience  to  your  Excellencys  order  in  Council  of  the  18th  of  February  last. 
The  Respondents  to  the  Peticon  of  several  of  the  members  of  the  French  Protes- 
tant Congregation,  did  appear  before  us  did  disclaim  all  Authority  of  a  Court  or 
any  Coersive  Power  but  did  affirm  that  they  had  a  power  to  suspend  their  Minister, 
and  being  required  to  show  by  what  authority  they  did  exercise  the  said  Power, 
whether  by  Custom  usage  discipline  of  their  Church  or  any  other  Authority,  They 
could  not  shew  any  such  Custom  usage  Permission  discipline  or  Authority.  We 
are  therefore  of  opinion  that  they  have  no  such  Authority. 

But  in  regard  to  the  French  Protestant  Church  which  has  suffered  so  much,  and 
Is  at  this  time  suffering  In  France  on  Account  of  their  Religion,  and  in  regard 
to  the  great  Numbers  of  the  French  Congregation  that  live  in  good  repute  and 
■credit  in  this  place.  We  are  of  Opinion  that  the  said  Congregation  be  admonished, 
that  every  person  in  it  doe  all  in  his  power  to  preserve  Peace  and  unanimity  in 
their  Congregation;  for  this  end  that  they  Endeavor  to  bring  this  present  unhappy 
Difference  to  an  amicable  conclusion. 

That  if  this  desireable  End  cannot  be  Effected  the  partys  who  shall  think  them- 
selves agrieved  ought  to  apply  to  the  Courts  of  Justice  in  this  Government  for 
Redress,  with  that  meekness  and  charity  to  each  other  which  may  encourage  the 
Oovernment  to  continue  towards  them  the  generous  protection  under  which  they 
have  been  long  easy;  and  that  there  may  be  no  reason  now  to  think  that  they 
grow  wanton  under  the  abundance  of  Liberty  and  Plent.v  which  they  Enjoy  here; 
and  that  the  ministers  of  the  French  Congregation  who  shall  officiate  next  Sunday, 
be  ordered  to  Read  Publickly  the  said  Opinion  and  Admonition  immediately  after 
Divine  Service  in  the  forenoon,  which  is  submitted  to  your  Excellency  liy 

Your  Excellencys  most  obedient  humble  servants  — 

By  order  of  the  Committee, 

Cadwallader  Colden,  Chairman. 

Read  and  approved  &  ordered  accordingly.^ —  Doc.  Hist.  N.  Y.  Vol.  ill.  pp.  281-290. 


1725 


1725 


2294  Ecclesiastical  Records 

Dutch  Church  of  New  York. 
Manor  of  Fordham. 

March  8,  1724-5.     (1725). 

Consistory  held  again  to-day,  after  calling  on  God's  name.  It 
was  unanimously  Resolved  by  the  Ruling  Consistory,  That  the 
Deacons  together  with  the  Committee,  viz.,  Messrs.  Philip  van 
Cortland,  Ab.  Van  Home  and  Chs.  Le  Roux,  be  hereby  authorized 
to  pay  out  of  the  Deacons'  Funds,  all  the  costs  accruing  from  the 
lawsuit  respecting  the  quit-rents  of  the  Manor,  as  soon  as  possible ; 
and,  for  this  purpose,  to  take  the  one  hundred  pounds  jSTew  York 
currency,  in  the  church-chest,  in  the  keeping  of  Do.  Du  Bois. 

French   Church  of  ISTew  York.     Rev.    Louis   Rou's   Thiri> 
Memorial,  April  10,  1725. 

Containing  some  short  Remarks  upon  the  Answer  of  the  Gentlemen  of  the 
French  Consistory,  to  the  Petition  presented  to  his  Excellency  in  Council,  by 
several  Heads  of  Families  of  the  French  Church  in  New  York. 

(1)  It  is  impossible  to  take  notice  of  all  the  Absurdities,  Untruths,  Mistakes, 
Shifts,  Evasions  and  things  foreign  to  the  purpose,  with  the  other  Defects  and 
imperfections  which  are  obvious  in  the  Answer  made  by  Mr.  Moulinars  and  the 
rest  of  his  Consistory  to  the  Petition  presented  to  his  Excellency  and  the  hon- 
ourable Council  of  this  Province,  by  several  Heads  of  families  of  our  Church. 
Whoever  would  iindertake  to  answer  everything  exactly  which  that  long  Writing 
containeth,  must  compose  a  large  Volume,  and  in  so  doing,  would  only  draw  this 
matter  needlessly  into  length,  which  is  perhaps  the  design  of  the  Answerers. 
For  which  Reason  it  will  be  sufficient  to  make  some  particular  observations. 

The  1st,  and  principal  is.  That  all  what  they  alledge  In  favour  of  their  Rights 
and  extraordinary  Priviledges,  and  all  that  they  object  against  me  for  to  blacken 
me,  and  misrepresent  me  to  his  Excellency  and  the  Council,  all  the  venomous 
strokes  scattered  here  and  there  in  their  Answer;  all  this,  I  say,  is  nothing  to 
the  purpose,  and  doth  not  in  the  least  relate  to  the  true  Point  in  dispute  between 
us;  all  this  doth  in  no  sort  justify  their  irregular  and  unjust  Proceeding  against 
me,  nor  shew  how  they  have  been  sufficiently  authorized,  or  what  reason  and 
lawful  power  they  had  to  turn  me  out  of  my  office,  and  to  refuse  to  pay  me  my 
Salary.  In  short,  all  this  doth  not  at  all,  or  very  little  concern  the  Petition  pre- 
sented by  the  heads  of  Families  to  the  Governour  in  Council,  nor  the  acts  of 
Opposition  and  Protestation  annexed  to  it;  nor  even  that  invidious  Act  which 
those  Gentlemen  passed  in  the  Consistory  against  me,  on  the  20th  of  September 
last. 

Since  then  the  artifice  of  the  Answerers  hath  been  to  turn  off  the  attention  of 
his  Excellency  and  his  Council  from  the  true  state  of  the  Question,  to  run  upon 
consideration  foreign  and  remote  from  the  subject,  and  into  Cavils  on  matters 
which  have  not  given  occasion  to  our  last  DifCerence;  I  think  therefore  that  it 
is  proper  and  necessary  to  bring  them  back  to  an  enquiry  into  the  matter  of 
Fact  itself,  which  we  are  about,  and  which  is  expressed  in  the  Petition  of  the 
heads  of  Families  of  our  Church,  and  in  the  two  papers  thereto  annexed.  This 
■  Petition    was   presented    on    account    of    a    certain    Instrument    passed    and   signed 


OF  THE  State  of  I^ew  York.  2295 

against  me,  on  the  20th  of  last  September,  and  on  account  of  the  unhappy  Con- 
sequences, which  it  hath  since  had  with  Relation  to  our  Church.  Now  as  this 
Instrument,  according  to  the  Copy  which  it  hath  been  thought  fit  to  give  me  of  it. 
containeth  the  Reasons  and  Motives  which  have  engaged  the  present  Consistory 
to  undertake  to  turn  me  out  of  my  office,  and  to  take  all  the  steps  which  those 
Gentlemen  have  taken  in  pursuance  thereof;  it  would  have  been  right  to  have 
produced  this  Instrument,  such  as  it  is,  genuine  or  not,  before  his  Excellency  and 
the  honourable  Council,  that  they  might  the  better  judge  of  the  bottom  of  the 
Dispute,  and  not  suffer  themselves  to  be  amused  by  the  subtle  Evasions  of  the 
Answerers,  who  will  often  attempt  to  impose  upon  them,  if  they  are  not  upon 
their  guard,   as  it  may  be  expected  from  persons  of  their  Wisdom  and  Justice. 

As  this  hath  not  yet  been  done,  and  is  necessary  to  explain  thro'ly,  I  desire 
earnestly,  &  before  anything  else,  that  this  Instrument  may  be  produced,  with 
the  Answers  that  I  have  already  prepared,  and  put  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Alex- 
ander my  Attorney. 

(2)  My  second  observation  is  on  what  they  alledge,  p.  2,  in  order  to  declare  the 
Jurisdiction  of  his  Excellency  and  the  Council,  in  this  Affair,  or  to  divert  them 
from  taking  the  trouble  of  interposing  &  intermeddling  in  our  Differences;  That 
"  they  acknowledge  no  Jurisdiction  in  any  Civil  Court  within  this  Province,  over 
the  private  Affairs  of  their  Church,  merely  Consistorial,  and  amongst  them- 
selves, etc."  Indeed!  this  is  astoni.shing,  and  what  could  not  have  been  expected. 
Here  are,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  the  true  Principles  of  the  Independents,  (♦)  so 
expressly  condemned  In  our  Discipline  of  France  (See  among  the  Observations 
upon  the  6th  Chap,  the  Regulation,  made  at  the  Synod  of  Clarenton,  in  1644, 
against  those  Sectaries,  pag.  199  and  200,  of  the  Editio  in  duocim.  &  p.  118.  in 
4to)  and  Tom.  2.   in  folio,   p.   467. 

Here  is  a  principle  capable  of  throwing  us  into  Confusion  and  Disorder,  as 
we  see  already  by  experience.  Here  Is  what  openeth  a  door  to  all  sorts  of  ir- 
regularities and  Extravagancies,  and  absolutely  takes  away  all  means  of  apply- 
ing a  Remedy.  Here  is  a  Maxim,  not  only  very  prejudicial  to  God's  Church,  but 
likewise  very  dangerous  to  the  State,  since  it  is  easie  to  conceive  the  dreadful 
Consequences  that  will  follow  from  it,  if  it  took  place.  In  fine.  Here  is  a  Prin- 
ciple which  makes  the  Lot  and  Condition  of  a  Minister  persecuted  among  us, 
and  in  these  Countries  not  only  unhappy  and  dangerous,  but  even  desperate,  and 
without  Relief.  To  Refute  this  abominable  Principle,  and  to  shew  how  false  it 
is,  and  how  contrary  to  the  true  Principles  of  Religion  and  the  Constitution  of 
our  Churches,  I  need  only  Refer  to  the  46  Article  of  the  first  Chapter  of  our  Dis- 
cipline, compared  with  the  39  &  40  Articles  of  our  Confession  of  Faith,  & 
especially  with  all  our  Books  of  Divinity,  as  for  instance,  that  of  Mr.  Pictet, 
Professor  at  Geneva,  see  his  2d  Tom.  p.  476,  477,  478,  where  he  treats  this  Ques- 
tion at  Length.  Here  also  we  may  add  the  Scripture  itself,  see  Rom.  13.  v.  1,  2, 
1  Pet.  2,  13,  14,  15,  etc. 

(3)  My  Third  Observation  is  on  what  they  are  continually  alledging  their 
Freedom  and  Liberty  Saving  and  Reserving  to  ourselves  now  and  at  all  times, 
the  free  use  and  exercise  of  that  Liberty  of  Conscience  belonging  and  apper- 
taining to  the  French  Reformed  Churches  etc.  Our  Congregation  which  is  made 
up  of  Members  altogether  free  and  voluntary,  and  under  no  manner  of  Com- 
pulsion and  Restraint,  etc.,  p.  2.  Our  Foundation  is  laid  upon  Freedom  and 
Liberty  of  Conscience,  etc.  pag.  4.  But  what!  Is  not  this  Priviledge  of  Freedom  and 
Liberty  M'hich  they  brag  of,  as  ranch  for  us  as  for  them?  Have  not  we  the 
same  Right  with  them?  And  if  twenty  or  thirty  persons,  as  they  are,  have  n  Title 
to  it.  Hath  not  the  rest  of  the  Church,  which  makes  up,  by  much,  the  Majority, 
the  same  Title,  with  more  Reason?  And  why  then  would  they  deprive  the  others 
of  it?  Why  would  they  make  use  of  that  Liberty,  which  they  enjoy  only  by  the 
Bounty  and  Permission  of  the  Government,  under  which  we  live,  to  oppress 
their  Ministers  and  Brothers,  without  Cause,  fo  the  great  Scandal  of  the  In- 
habitants of  different  nations  who  surround  us,  and  even  of  the  Jews,  who  shew 
more  humanity,   in  this  Case,  than  they?     Why  will  they  make  use  of  it,  to  give 

•  Yea,  of  the  Papists  themselves,  see  Fascicul,  Epist.  p.  181,  et  30,  and  Syn. 
Purior.     Theol.  p.  m.  754,  n.  21,  etc.,  &  Tur.  Theol.  Eien.  T.  3,  p.  353.     4.  n.  2. 


1735 


2296  Ecclesiastical  Records 

the  Law  to  the  whole  Church,  and  to  govern  it  Arbitrarily,  as  if  they  were  Lords 
over  God's  Heritage?  See  their  passage  out  of  the  first  Epistle  St.  "  Peter, 
Chap.  5.  V.  3.  Why  did  they  make  use  of  it  to  shut  up  the  Church,  as  the.v  did, 
on  the  2Srd  of  September  last,  and  to  deny  me  the  Liberty  of  performing  there 
the  ordinary  Service  of  Prayer,  and  to  deny  the  rest  of  the  People  the  Liberty 
of  assembling  themselves  there?  M'hy  do  they  make  use  of  it  still,  with  Ob- 
■tinacy,  to  deprive  above  sixty  or  eighty  Families,  who  think  themselves  edified 
by  my  mluisiry.  to  deprive  them,  I  say,  of  the  Instructions  and  spiritual  Com- 
forts, and.  In  short,  of  all  the  Service  of  a  Minister,  whose  Return  they  de- 
mand, and  who  belongs  to  them,  as  well  as  to  the  others,  and  whom  they  can 
lie-estate  when  they  please?  I  know  these  Gentlemen  are  free,  but  only  let  them 
take  care  not  to  use  their  Liberty  for  a  Cloak  of  Maliciousness.  It  is  St.  Peter 
to  whom  they  refer  me,  I  don't  know  why,  who  gives  them  this  warning,  see 
1  Epist.   ch.  2.   V.   IG. 

(4)  Among  their  pretences  to  Liberty  and  Freedom,  they  lay  a  stress  par- 
ticularly on  this.  That  "  in  the  enjoyment  of  that  Liberty,  or  rather  dispensa- 
tion or  Toleration,  their  method  and  Rule,  (meaning  the  French  Refugees),  was 
to  make  an  Agreement  with  their  Pastors  and  Ministers;  (that  is  to  say),  each 
Consistory  for  every  particular  Congregation,  voluntarily  and  freely  united  to- 
gether, and  entred  into  an  Agreement  with  their  Pastor  and  Minister  upon  a  cer- 
tain special  mutual  Contract,  which  when  either  Party  failed  in  Performance  of 
their  part  of  that  Contract,  the  other  was  at  liberty,  and  freed  therefrom  on  the 
other  part:  and  this  no  ways  regarded  by  the  Civil  Government,  who  took  care 
only,   etc. 

This  is  what  I  absolutely  deny,  and  what  they  cannot  prove.  There  is  not 
one  word  saiil  of  it  in  any  of  the  Agreements  or  Contracts  which  have  been  made 
with  me  and  Mr.  MouUnars,  nor  in  those  of  anj'  of  our  Churches  with  their 
Ministers.  If,  however  they  pretend  that  such  a  Clause  ought  to  be  presupposed, 
1  say.  That  this  can't  be,  unless  with  such  large  Restrictions  and  Limitations  as 
would  be  no  ways  of  service  to  them  In  the  Affair  between  us.  The  first  of 
these  Limitations  is.  That  if  such  a  I'rinciple  ought  to  be  admitted  in  some  sort, 
it  must  be  supposed  likewise,  that  there  is  a  competent  and  unsuspected  Judge, 
who  maj'  determine  between  the  two  Parties,  whicli  hath  failed  and  neglected 
to  perform  their  part  of  the  Contract;  For  if  it  is  left  to  each  Party  to  have  a 
Right  to  decide  wlio  is  in  the  Wrong,  and  so  be  both  Judge  and  Party  in  their 
own  Cause,  this  will  bring  Confusion  and  Disorder  into  the  Church,  and  abolish 
that  Justice  and  Equity  whicli  ought  to  be  the  Rule  of  all  Agreements. 

The  second  Limitation,  is  that  in  ease  of  failure  in  either  party,  regard  should 
be  had  to  the  nature  and  circumstances  of  such  Failure,  to  judge  if  they  are 
sufficiently  Important  to  deserve,  that  a  breach  of  Contract  should  follow.  For  if 
Pretence  is  taken  from  the  least  failure,  or  any  sort  of  failure  whatsoever,  to 
break  a  bargain  made  between  Persons  who  are  bound  to  one  another  forever 
thereby,  at  this  rate,  (taking  everything  in  the  utmost  strictness),  we  should 
open  the  Door  to  all  sorts  of  Breaches.  All  Marriages  will  be  Dissolved,  all 
Engagements  between  Parents  and  Children,  and  between  Masters  &  Servants, 
would  be  annulled;  and  to  confine  myself  to  the  subject  which  we  are  upon, 
there  would  not  be  one  Minister  who  could  remain  six  Months  peaceably  in 
his  Church,  l^^or  either  the  Church  might  complain  that  the  Minister  had  failed 
in  his  duty,  or  the  Minister  might  alledge,  that  the  Church  had  not  furnished 
him  with  necessaries,  or  had  failed  either  In  Respect  or  Affection,  or  Obedience 
or  Submission  to  him,  or  had  acted  contrary  to  some  Article  of  the  Contract 
made  between  them,  or  to  some  point  of  Discipline  which  the  Church  was  engaged 
to  observe,  .'is  well  as  he,  and  so  on,  etc.  (for  I  have  now  touched  upon  the 
present  Case)  And  hereupon  each  of  the  Parties  might  imagine  themselves  re- 
spectively to  have  a  right  to  annul  their  Bargain,  and  to  provide  themselves 
otherwise;  whence  a  Thousand  ill  Consequences  would  follow,  easle  to  be  Imag- 
ined, and  very  prejudicial  to  the  Quiet,  peace.  Edification  and  Preservation  of 
t^e  Church. 

Besides,  we  might  by  this  means  abolish  the  Exercise  of  Charity,  of  Christian 
Toleration,  of  mutual  Forbearance,  and  of  the  Forgiveness  of  Injuries  and  Faults, 


OF  THE  State  of  J^ew  York.  2297 

etc.  We  might  thus  introduce  the  manner  of  Turlcs  and  Barbarians,  and  even 
worse,  into  all  Christian  Churches.  I  should  think  it  would  be  much  better  to 
follow  herein  charitable  Counsels,  and  to  remember  what  the  Apostle  St.  James 
tells  us.  That  he  shall  have  Judgement  without  mercy,   ch.  2.   v.  13. 

The  Third  and  last  Restriction  or  Limitation  which  must  be  applyed  to  the 
Principle  here  advanced  by  the  Answerers,  is.  That  the  Cognizance  of  ail  these 
Differences,  which  often  have  an  Influence  on  Civil  and  Temporal  Concerns  be- 
longeth  either  to  Ecclesiastical  Judges,  or  to  Civil  and  Lay  Judges.  So  that  when 
the  Ecclesiastical  Judges,  to  whom  generally  the  Determination  belongeth,  are  too 
remote,  as  hath  been  often  said  upon  this  occasion,  the  Cognizance  thereof 
naturally  devolveth  upon  the  Civil  and  Lay  Judges,  who  have  likewise  some 
Right,  Power  and  Inspection  over  Ecclesiastical  Affairs,  according  to  our  Dis- 
cipline and  Books  of  Divinity,  as  appears  by  the  Passages  which  I  have  already 
cited.  And  how  then  can  the  Answerers  tell  us.  That  this  is  no  way  regarded 
by  the  Civil  Government?  They  will  excuse  me  if  I  tell  them,  that  they  do  not 
well  understand  the  matter. 

(5)  And  now,  what  shall  I  answer  to  so  many  loose,  general  and  indetermined 
Accusations  and  Reproaches,  with  which  they  fill  up  their  Answers  against  me? 
'Tis  their  part  to  explain  themselves  more  fully  herein,  and  to  specify  the  par- 
ticular Facts:  for  otherwise  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  justifie  myself,  as  my 
Lawyers  inform  me.  For  instance,  they  insinuate,  pag.  4  That  I  have  not  per- 
formed my  Engagement,  and  that  I  flaged  in  my  Duty.  But  it  belongs  to  them 
to  shov.-  in  what  I  have  failed  in  Performance  of  our  Agreements.  I  have  en- 
deavored to  fulflll  them  according  to  my  weak  Ability,  and  if  everything  were 
examined  in  a  strict  equitable  sense,  I  may  one  day  let  them  see,  that  I  have 
done  more  than  I  had  obliged  myself  to  do,  as  well  by  the  first  as  l)y  the  third 
of  our  Agreements;  for  as  to  the  second,   it  relates  only  to  tlie  Salary. 

Tliey  say,  I  have  broached  Innovations  amongst  them,  contrary  to  the  said 
Contract  and  the  Constitution  of  our  Church.  But  it  belongs  to  them  to  shew 
what  these  Innovations  are,  and  how  they  are  contrary  either  to  my  Engage- 
ments, or  to  the  Constitution  of  our  Churches,  or  to  the  Principles  received 
among  us,  and  whether  their  dear  Mouliuars  may  not  be  as  much,  or  more 
justly  accused  of  them  than  I. 

They  say,  That  I  have  put  them  at  Defiance,  with  many  opprobrious  and  vile 
expressions,  etc.  But  it  belongs  to  them  to  make  good  Proofs  of  the  Facts,  and 
by  credible  AVitnesses.  And  besides,  who  has  ever  heard  that  a  Minister  was 
deposed,  and  the  payment  of  his  Salary  refused  him,  on  account  of  ill  grounded 
Suspicions,  or  words  hastily  spoken,  and  perhaps  wrongfully  reported,  and  to 
which  themselves  may  have  given  just  occasion?  Don't  they  fall  thereby  under 
the  Censure  which  God  hath  declared  by  the  Prophet  Isaiah  against  those  that 
make  a  Man  an  offender  for  a  Word,  and  lay  a  snare  for  him  that  Reproveth  in 
the  Gate,  and  turn  aside  the  Just  for  a  thing  of  Nought? — ch.  29,  v.  21. 

In  order  to  support  these  fine  Suspicions,  which,  without  Reason,  they  have 
taken  of  me,  and  the  Defiance  to  which  (they  say)  I  have  put  them,  they  would 
insinuate,  as  it  seems,  "  That  I  and  my  Subscribers  are  minded  to  set  up  another 
French  Congregation   in  New   York   by  ourselves,   or  to  go   over  to   the  Church  of 

England,    as    by    Law    Established,    or    the    Presbyterian    Profession. 

(Here  Is  something  which  their  Malice  hath  thought  of,  but  they  have  not  thought 
fit  to  expi'ess  it.)  And  all  this  they  advance  or  suggest  without  ground;  and 
against  this,  some  of  our  Subscribers  have  already  prepared  an  authentic  Declara- 
tion. I  find  them  very  extraordinary  in  telling  us.  That  in  such  case  they  do 
not  pretend  to  have,  use  or  exercise  any  Coercive  Power  to  restrain  or  punish 
us  for  it,  much  less  to  compel  us  to  Return  to  them,  etc.  We  know  that  very 
well,  and  we  think  it  the  interest  of  the  English,  both  Episcopalians  and  Pres- 
byterians, to  make  their  Reflections  hereupon,  and  to  judge  of  the  Impertinence 
and   Silliness  of  such  an  Allegation. 

But  they  have  still  more  Assurance  when  they  teil  us,  That  they  are  not 
insensible  of  the  Methods  I  have  taken  to  get  a  number  of  Subscriptions  in  my 
favor.  It  was  not  possible  to  take  a  fairer  and  more  direct  Method  than  I  have 
done,    to   make   all   the   members  of   the  Church   explain    themselves   as   fully   as    I 


1725 


2298  Ecclesiastical  Records 

could  upon  the  Important  Affair  now  in  question.  But  these  Gentlemen  ought 
to  blush  at  the  unworthy  and  fraudulent  manner  which  they  have  used  to  bring 
in  People  to  sign  against  me,  making  them  beUeve  that  it  was  for  the  peace  and 
good  of  the  Church;  and  thus  abusing  the  Sacred  name  of  Peace,  and  covering 
themselves  with  the  Cloak  of  Hypocrisle,  without  shewing  this  poor  People,  or  at 
least  without  reading  to  several  of  them  the  Writing  which  they  would  have 
them   sisn. 

"  They  were  not  ignorant  either,  (they  say),  of  my  Contrivances  to  remove 
the  Jurisdiction  of  this  matter  to  anotlier  Judicature."  What  is  this  Jurisdiction 
that  I  would  decline?  If  they  mean  their  own,  they  are  in  the  right  of  it,  and 
I  am  not  in  the  wrong,  since  they  are  my  Adverse  Party,  and  I  hope  no  body 
will  blame  me  for  this.  What  is  that  other  Judicature  whither  I  would  carry 
the  affair?  One  may  see  plainly  that  they  have  here  his  Excellency  in  view,  who 
cannot  be  obliged  to  them  for  thus  disputing  his  Right  of  Judicature.  For  why 
shall  not  any  one  apply  to  him,  in  case  the  affair  be  proper  for  him  to  take 
notice  of?  And  why  should  not  I  apply  myself  to  him,  if  there  is  occasion,  be- 
cause it  may  be  thought  he  has  entertained  some  favourable  Dispositions  towards 
me?  especially  since  I  ask  him  no  favour,  but  only  Jnstice? 

They  Reproach  me  afterwards,  being  prompted  by  their  own  Passion  and 
Hatred  against  me,  with  having  Heat,  and  a  violent  Temper;  I  will  not  make 
any  Apology  for  my  own  Temper,  which  I  think  needless,  and  indecent  in  any 
man  to  do.  But  I  advise  them  rather  to  look  back  upon  themselves,  and  con- 
sider their  own  Faults  more  than  those  of  their  neighbors,  that  they  may  not 
incur  the  Censure  which  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  pronounceth  in  the  Gospel 
against  all  proud  Reprovers  of  others;  Why  beholdest  thou  the  mote  that  is  in 
thy  Brothers  Eye,  but  considerest  not  the  Beam  that  is  in  thy  own  Eye?  or 
how  wilt  thou  say  to  thy  Brother,  let  me  pull  out  the  Mote  out  of  thine  Eye,  and 
behold  a  beam  is  in  thine  own  Eye?  Thou  Hypocrite,  first  cast  out  the  Beam  out 
of  thine  own  Eye,  and  then  shalt  thou  see  clearly  to  cast  out  the  mote  out  of 
thy  Brothers  Eye.     Math.  7.,  3,  4,   5. 

They  boast  p.  5.  That  they  also  passed  the  like  Censure  formerly  against  other 
French  Protestant  Ministers  for  their  Offences,  which  being  particular  to  them- 
selves the  Government  for  the  time  being  was  never  made  priv.v  to  it,  etc.  and 
although  the  then  Governours  might  have  heard  thereof,  yet  did  they  never  in- 
terpose or  meddle  therein,  etc.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  difference,  with  their 
leave,  between  these  Cases  and  the  present  one.  And  on  this  occasion  many  things 
might  be  observed,  which  would  not  do  them  a  great  deal  of  honour,  and  which 
would  revive  some  scandalous  particulars,  which  it  is  convenient  for  them,  should 
remain  buried  in  oblivion;  wherefore  they  would  have  done  better  to  have  said 
nothing  of  it,  since  likewise  it  hath  nothing  in  common  with  the  Affair  we  are 
now  upon.  For  my  part,  I  shall  not  trouble  myself  with  what  they  have  done 
with  relation  to  others,  I  believe  they  never  did  anything  that  was  right  with 
their  Ministers,  chiefly  when  they  have  been  at  variance  with  them.  I  know 
they  have  always  been  at  war  with  them,  to  begin  from  the  time  Mr.  Daille; 
and  that  the  late  Mr.  Peiret,  who  was  a  worthy  minister,  lived  in  torment  among 
them,  as  .some  very  credible  Persons  wlio  were  his  friends,  have  assured  me;  I 
know  that  they  have  put  their  Ministers  out,  and  that  they  always  pretended 
to  a  Power  to  do  it,  and  that  they  will  always  attempt  it,  as  often  as  the  fancy 
takes  them.  But  the  time  is  come,  when  they  must  learn,  that  they  have  not 
this  Power  and  Authority,  according,  to  our  Discipline,  and  that  as  for  me, 
(Saving  always  his  Majesty's  Authority  over  me,  who  am  his  Naturalized  Sub- 
ject) I  depend  only  in  Spirituals  on  the  Synod  of  the  Walloon  Churches  of  Hol- 
land, who  alone  can  suspend  or  deprive  me.  If  Governours  formerly  have  not 
interposed  or  intermeddled  in  their  Affairs,  It  was,  I  suppose,  becanse  no  body 
applyed  to  them  to  represent  their  Complaints  and  Grievances,  and  perhaps,  be- 
cause no  person  belonging  to  the  Church,  concerned  or  declared  themselves  in 
favour  of  the  Ministers  whom  they  would  speak  of.  But  that  is  not  the  case  at 
present,  since  there  is  a  Majority  of  the  Church,  who  have  declared  themselves 
In  my  favour,  or  who  desire  earnestly  that  I  may  be  Re-established,  and  who 
do  not  approve  what  the  Consistory  hath  done. 

What  do  they  mean   by  those   Passages  of   St.   Pet.er  and   Ezekiel,   which  they 


OF  THE  State  of  ]^ew  York.         2299 

quote  with  an  affectation  of  Piety,  the'  at  the  same  time  they  discover  an  insolvent 
Contempt  and  l)ittor  malice  ngainst  all  the  Body  of  Ministers  of  Jesus  Christ, 
devoted  to  the  preaching  of  his  holy  fiospel?  whom  they  call  that  set  of  Mankind 
devoted,  etc.  As  for  the  Passage  of  St.  Peter  (I  Epist.  ch.  5.  v.  2,  3.)  which  in- 
structs us  all  in  our  duty,  and  ought  to  make  us  think  with  humility  of  our 
own  weaknesses  and  failings,  their  malicious  Reflections  will  not  hinder  us  Min- 
isters from  finding  our  Comfort  in  this  Passage,  while  we  find  nothing  in  it,  but 
what  we  study  to  do  by  the  Grace  of  God,  according  to  our  ability,  and  what  we 
incessantly  ask  of  him  in  our  prayers.  As  to  the  Passage  of  the  Prophet  Bzekiel, 
(if  I  did  not  fear  to  lay  open  in  too  strong  a  light  the  Infirmities  of  some  of  my 
flock,  over  which  it  is  proper  to  draw  a  vail)  I  could  call  out  of  the  crowd  these 
diseased  Sheep,  whom  I  have  strengthened,  and  the  iToken  whom  I  have  bound 
vp,  etc.  (Ezek.  34.  v.  4.)  And  who  can  iestlfle  whether  this  passage  hath  been 
well  applyed  by  them;  or  no;  But  I  should  be  imprudent  in  glorying,  2  Cor.  xii. 
11.  tho'  I  am  Compelled  in  my  defence,  it  is  better  to  wait  for  that  time,  when, 
if  any  of  us  have  done  well,  every  man  shall  have  praise  of  God,  1  Cor.  4.  5. 
Instead  of  stopping  at  that  ^erse  of  Ezekiel,  and  at  the  first  part  of  the  Chapter, 
where  they  have  maliciously  been  searching,  wherewithal  to  sting  their  Min- 
ister,  and  ■«  herein   M turns  his  own  Accuser,   they  had   better  have 

read  on  what  follows  from  the  16th  Sc  17th  verses,  to  the  22nd  inclusive,  and  to 
take  good  heed  to  what  God  saith  by  his  Prophet,  now  no  longer  to  bad  Shepherds, 
but  to  bad  Sheep,  to  Sheep  that  rebel,  that  will  not  bear  Teaching,  and  that  are 
stubborn  and  headstrong,  that  are  fat  and  strong,  etc.  v.  16.  confer  Amos  4.  v.  1. 
Which  characters  are  so  well  described  by  the  Prophet,  that  one  would  think 
that  he  had  carried  his  Views  as  far  as  to  our  Times  and  Circumstances. 

While  they  cite  these  passages,  they  talk  of  the  Corruption  of  Manners  which 
had  crept  into  that  set  of  Mankind  devoted  to  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  of 
Jesus  Christ.  But  not  to  speak  of  the  Clergy,  I  say,  that  this  general  Complaint 
of  the  Corruption  of  Manners,  cannot  be  better  applyed  than  to  the  horrible 
Scandals  which  we  have  seen  all  along  break  out  in  this  Church,  and  to  the  Dis- 
orders, Divisions,  and  other  sins,  against  ■which  I  have  so  often  cryed  aloud,  Esa. 
58.  1.  and  which  have,  no  doubt,  drawn  upon  her  the  displeasure  of  God  Al- 
mighty, through  which  she  is  now  threatened  with  an  entire  Ruin  and  Dissipa- 
tion, or  at  least  with  an  unhappy  Schism  and  Rent. 

To  obtain  the  favour  of  the  English,  they  begg  leave  humbly  to  offer  *  that 
they  cannot  be  called  Dissenters  from  the  Church  of  England,  as  by  Law  estab- 
lished. But  who,  do  they  think  to  impose  upon  by  this  empty  Compliment,  so 
meanly  expressed?  Not  surely  those  of  the  English,  who  are  Affectionate  to  their 
own  Church,  and  who  cannot  be  so  easily  catched.  The  Society  and  all  the 
Episcopal  Ministers  hereabouts  know  them  too  well,  to  suffer  themselves  to  be 
blinded  by  such  smooth  expressions.  They  have  always  been  Enemys  of  the 
Church  of  England  as  by  Law  established,  they  have  always  railed  at  her  Liturgy, 
her  Service,  her  Church  Government,  and  her  Ceremonies.  It  is  long  ago  that  the 
late  Bishop  of  London,  Doctor  Henry  Compton  conveyed  his  Complaints  to  them 
on  this  subject,  by  the  Consistory  of  the  Walloon  Church  in  London,  for  that 
they  shewed  themselves  worse  than  the  Dissenters  in  England  themselves.  In 
opposition  to  this  National  Church  they  have  entertained  and  fomented  for  sev- 
eral years  a  scandalous  schism  at  New  Rochel,  where  the  incapacity  of  providing 
for  a  Minister,  obliged  the  Inhabitants  to  establish  an  Episcopal  Church,  through 
the  Bounty  and  Protection  of  the  Society  in  England,  and  they  would  still  sup- 
port this  schism.  If  their  M was  not  taken  up  in  the  Custody  of 

our  Church,  of  which  he  keeps  the  keys,  in  order  to  keep  me  out  unjustly.  In 
short,  they  have  always  looked  upon  my  Inclination,  Esteem  and  Respect  for  the 
Church  of  England  as  a  Crime  in  me.  They  have  conceived  at  length  such  Mis- 
trust and  Suspicion  thereof,  that  they  have  not  been  able  to  dissemble  it  In  the 
last  Meeting  of  the  heads  of  Families,  on  the  20th  of  September,  so  that  it  is  I, 
and  several  of  my  Subscribers  who  have  a  Right  to  say,  that  We  cannot  be  called 
Dissenters  from  the  Church  of  England,  no  more  than  were  our  Ministers  in 
Prance,  and  all  the  wisest  and  most  moderate  among  the  Refugees  in  England, 
and   all   over  the   Protestant  world. 

*  Fistula  dulce  canit  Tolucrem  dum  decipit  anceps. 


1725 


1725 


2300  Ecclesiastical  Records 

They  say  at  last,  That  they  are  not  indebted  unto  me  one  Farthing  for  all  the 
time  that  I  have  served  them.  But  this  must  be  examined  and  enquired  into  in 
due  time.  In  the  meanwhile,  I  give  them  notice,  that  they  Owe  me  One  Quarters 
Salary,  which  Is  past,  and  that  at  Blaster  they  will  owe  me  Two.  If  I  have  not 
served  them  during  all  this  time,  it  is  they  who  have  hindered  my  doing  it,  by 
discharging  me  from  my  Functions,  as  they  have  done,  and  which  they  now  dis- 
semble through  deep  Malice.  Tliey  add  to  this,  "  That  if  any  person  or  persons 
amongst  them  have  done  me  any  personal  Injury,  the  Laws  of  England  and  of 
this  Colony  are  open,  and  that  there  are  Courts  of  Law  and  Justice,  and  that 
there  are  Deputies,  who  may  call  them  to  account."  'Tis  well,  I  am  glad  to  hear 
it,  I  accept  their  Invitation,  and  I  am  of  opinion,  according  to  their  advice,  if  I 
cannot  obtain  satisfaction  other  ways,  to  call  them  into  Court,  on  account  of 
the  Injustice  and  Injury  which  they  do  me,  and  particularly  of  that  which  their 
Treasurer  Mr.  Barberie  doth  me,  in  refusing  me  my  Payment,  when  at  the  same 
time  he  has  money  of  mine  in  his  hands:  and  besides  of  that  which  Mr.  Moulinars 
doth  me,  in  detaining  my  Church  from  me,  by  keeping  the  keys  and  by  taking 
possession  of  my  place,  which  is  a  remarkable  Usurpation,  for  which  I  will  de- 
mand Restitution  and  Reparation  from  him. 

They  end  with  signifying.  They  presume  that  his  Excellency  and  the  Honour- 
able Board  will  Reject  the  Petitioners  said  Petition  and  Complaint,  etc.  But 
we  hope  that  this  honourable  Body  will  act  otherwise,  and  that  in  their  great 
Prudence  they  will  judge  better  than  we  can,  that  our  Request  is  both  just,  law- 
ful and  well  grounded. 

Lewis  Ron, 
Minister    of    the    French    Church. 

Postscript,  containing  some  further  Observations  On  the  same  Answer  of  Mr. 
Moulinars. 

Speaking  of  the  French  Protestants  in  the  Kingdom  of  France,  they  say.  "  So 
that  it  was  not  in  their  Power  ever  to  Compel  any  of  the  French  Subjects  to 
submit  unto  their  Discipline  and  Government,  nor  to  Restrain  or  Punish  any  of 
their  Number  who  had  suljmitted  to  their  Form  of  Worship.  Doctrine,  Discipline 
and  Government,  who  were  minded  to  forsake  them,  and  alter  their  Profession, 
etc. 

I  don't  know  to  what  purpose,  nor  to  what  end  they  tell  us  all  this,  neither 
do  I  know  what  Consequence  they  will  draw  from  it,  nor  what  advantage  they 
pretend  to  get  by  it,  this  seeming  rather  to  l)e  against  themselves,  since  they 
pretend  now  to  be  a  Power  to  Compel  me  and  to  I'orce  me  to  sign  what  they 
will,   against   all   Reason   and   Equity. 

But  leaving  there  what  they  mean  by  it,  I  say,  that  this  is  not  true.  Let  any 
one  read  the  Preface  of  our  Discipline,  and  look  on  the  16,  17,  and  31,  32  Articles 
of  the  5th  Chapter  of  the  same,  besides  a  great  many  others,  and  he'll  see  what 
great  Power  our  Protestants  had  in  France,  to  Compel  and  Restrain  or  Punish 
any  of  their  Number,  who  had  submitted  to  their  form  of  Worship,  etc.  by  means 
of  their   Ecclesiastical   Censiires,    Bxcomniunication,    Suspension,    etc. 

Speaking  of  me,  they  say,  "  Such  Contract  we  made  with  Mr.  Rou  etc.,  and 
since  he  has  been  amongst  us,  whilst  he  behaved  himself  conformable  to  his 
Agreement,  and  for  his  Encouragement  so  to  continue,  did  come  to  a  second 
Agreement,  etc."  Here  they  would  insinuate  that  I  have  not  always  performed 
my  Agreement,  and  that  there  has  been  one  time  when  I  behaved  myself  con- 
formable to  it,  and  another  time  when  I  did  not  so.  But  this  is  entirely  false: 
I  have  always  performed  my  Agreement  in  the  same  manner,  and  there  has  been 
but  little  difference:  So  that  if  I  have  failed  in  the  Performance  of  it  In  those 
last  times.  It  must  be  supposed  and  said,  that  I  have  also  failed  in  the  begin- 
ning, and  that,  if  I  have  behaved  myself  conformable  to  it  at  one  time,  vIb.  in  the 
beginning,  the  same  must  be  said  of  the  last  times  with  more  reason.  They 
have  also  been  always  very  well  satisfied  of  my  Service  in  the  Church  when  they 
had  no  particular  occasion  of  Anger  against  me:  And  they  have  shewn  to  all 
People  in  the  Town  a  great  satisfaction  of  it.  etc.  So  that  It  is  their  Passion 
and  their  Fancy  that  makes  them  content  or  discontent  about  that,  without  reason 


OF  THE  State  of  Xew  York,  2301 

In  the  last  point,  and  we  may  apply  to  them  what  Horace  says  of  himself,    Ep.   I. 
iib.  I. 

Rides:  quid,   mea  quuui  pugnat  sententia  secum; 

Quod  petiit  spernit;   repetlt  qnod  nuper  omisit: 

Aestuat,  et  vitae  disconvenit  ordine  toto, 

Diruit,  aediflcat,  mutat  qnadrata  rotundis? 

"And  as  our  Congregation  encreased,  we  did  likewise  send  for  another  Min- 
ister, etc.  pag.  3. 

Their  Congregation  was  not  Increased,  but  rather  diminished  when  they  send 
for  another  Minister,  but  their  ill  Humour  and  Malice  against  me  was  much 
increased  at  that  time,  by  some  particular  occasions  that  we  Ijnow;  they  sent  for 
this  Minister  only  to  vex  me,  and  plague  me,  as  it  appears,  and  Brigadier  Hunter, 
who  saw  this  very  well,  warned  and  foretold  Mr.  D.  L.  of  all  the  Divisions 
and   Troubles  that  we  now   see   in  our   Church. 

And  this  lasted  until  we  cauie  to  find  Mr.  Ron  to  flag  in  his  duty  etc.  pag.  4. 
Since  when  they  have  found  me  to  flagg  in  my  Duty?  if  you  will  believe  me,  it  is 
since  this  Governour  has  been  here,  and  they  have  found  that  he  did  me  the 
honour  of  granting  me  part  of  his  friendship  and  Familiarity,  though  I  have  no 
less  performed  my  duty  in  preaching  since  that  time,  than  I  did  before;  So  that 
It  is  their  Malice,  Envy  and  .Teaiousie  that  has  made  them  find  out  what  they 
could  not  see  otherwise.  Observe  the  Circumstances  and  the  Context  of  their 
Answer  in  this  place,   and  you'll  find  it  as  I  say. 

And  although  we  often  in  a  friendly  manner  requested  him  to  Return  to  his 
Duty   and    perform    his   Contract,   etc.    p.   4. 

They  have  never  requested  me  anything  in  a  friendly  manner  towards  my  duty, 
and  they  had  no  occasion  nor  reason  of  doing  it.  l)ut  they  have  often  scolded,  railed 
and  grumbled  in  an  unfriendly  manner  about  a  few  Sermons,  when  they  had  some 
particular  occasions  of  being  angry  or  fretful  against  me.  What  they  say  here, 
is  meer  Malice  and   Hypocrisy. 

(6)  He  still  persisted  notwithstanding  to  pursue  his  own  humour,  etc.  p.  4.  What 
humour,  or  whose  humours  must  I  pursue  then,  if  I  have  not  the  Liberty  of  my 
own,  as  they  seem  to  pretend?  Must  I  follow  or  pursue  their  Humour,  or  those 
of  the  Normands,  of  the  Picards,  of  the  Rochelers,  of  the  Poitevins,  of  the 
Xalntougers,  of  the  Gascons,  of  the  Bretoons,  of  the  Angoumoisins,  of  the  Bear- 
nois,  or  of  the  Dauphinois?  I'.ut  I  have  never  been  in  these  Provinces,  and  I  find 
a  great  many  faults  in  their  Inhaliitants,  so  that  I  think  it  better  for  me  to  pursue 
my  own  Humour,  that  is  to  say.  those  of  a  right  Frenchman  of  no  Province  at 
all,   but  who  was  born  in  Holland  and  Naturalized  an   English-man. 

(7)  "  If  Mr.  Rou  will  desert  the  Consistory,  when  met,  and  refuse  to  come, 
when  sent  for,  how  are  we  to  blame  that  he  has  not  been  heard,  (as  he  is  pleased 
to  say),  p.  4.  I  have  already  answered  to  this  allegation  at  large,  in  my  second 
Memorial,  and  that  is  the  reason  why  I  have  said  nothing  of  it  in  this  Reply. 
I  shall  only  add  here.  That  since  they  have  found  the  way  to  my  House,  after 
they  had  passed  this  unjust  sentence  against  me.  (of  which  I  complain),  to 
declare  to  me  in  my  face,  why  did  they  not  take  the  same  Method  before  they 
passed  the  same,  to  read  it  to  me.  or  to  send  me,  at  least,  those  Papers  which 
they  have  prepared  to  Condemn  me,  in  order  that  I  might  have  been  able  to 
defend   myself,    etc.? 

"  They  cannot  be  forgetful,  (they  say  afterwards),  of  that  most  gracious 
Declaration  or  Saying  of  our  most  gracious  Sovereign  Lord,  King  George,  upon 
his  Accession  to  the  Throne  of  Great  Britain,  That  the  Indulgence  and  Tolera- 
tion granted  by  Law  to  Scrupulous  Consciences  was  no  ways  incdnsistent  with 
the  Civil  &  Religious  Con.stitution  of  the  Kingdom,  etc."  What  shall  I  answer 
to   this   impertinent   and    Sycophantick    Discourse? 

A''ltra  sauromatas  fugere   hinc   libet   et   glacialem 
Oceanum,  etc.  Juven.    sat.  2. 

Pray.  What  has  the  Indulgence  and  Toleration  granted  by  Law  to  Scrupulous 
Consciences    in    common,    with    the    Persecution    and    Oppression    of    which    I    and 


1725 


1725 


2302  Ecclesiastical  Records 

my  Subscribers  complain?  What  Scruple  of  Conscience  can  Perswade  them  to 
depose  or  deprive  their  own  Minister,  and  to  take  away  his  Living,  without 
Reason,  without  the  least  cause  or  colour  of  Justice,  for  a  Bickering,  for  a 
thing  of  nought,  and  that  without  the  Authority  and  Power  they  should  have 
for  what  they  do?  What  scrupulous  Conscience  can  perswade  them  to  deprive 
the  Congregation  who  think  (as  I  have  said)  themselves  Edified  by  my  Ministry, 
of  the  Pastoral  Cares  and  Service  of  a  Minister  who  belongs  to  them,  whom 
they  have  called  here  from  Europe,  and  have  made  Perpetual  Pastor  of  the 
Churcli?  We  know  that  the  Indulgence  and  Toleration  granted  by  Law  to 
scrupulous  Consciences,  is  no  ways  inconsistent  with  the  Civil  and  Religious 
Constitution  of  the  Kingdom.  But  we  know  at  the  same  time,  that  nothing  is 
more  Inconsistent  with  the  Civil  and  Religious  Constitution  of  the  Kingdom 
than  Persecution,  Oppression,  Violence,  Tyranny,  Injustice,  Uncharity,  Usurpation 
of  others  Rights,  etc.,  of  all  which  they  have  given  a  scandalous  Example,  in  his 
Majesty's  Dominions  not  to  be  suffered;  &  we  do  therefore,  in  all  humble  manner 
presume,  That  if  our  most  gracious  King  George  could  hear  of  it,  he  would  not 
be  much  obliged  to  them  for  thus  their  intermeddling  with  his  sacred  Majesty, 
and  misusing  his  most  gracious  Declaration  upon  his  accession  to  the  Throne 
of  Great  Britain,  in  order  to  support  &  authorize  their  Barbarous  Proceedings, 
and  thus  for  giving  a  just  cause  of  Complaining  of  the  same  to  his  Reformed 
Subjects,  or  perhaps  an  occasion  to  his  Enemies  and  Adversaries  of  eluding  or 
retorting  the  Complaints  and  Christian  Representations  He  has  been  pleased 
to  make,  in  favour  of  other  Protestants,  to  some  Popish  Princes,  upon  the  like 
matters. 

L.    R. 
The   last    Discourse   presented    to    the    Consistory    from 
Mr.    Ron's   part,    in   order   for   an   amicable   Agreement. 

As  much  as  I  can  apprehend,  by  the  Answer  which  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Con- 
sistory have  lately  given  to  the  Deputies  who  presented  themselves  before  them, 
on  my  behalf,  as  well  as  on  behalf  of  our  Flock,  (which  answer  has  been  only 
verbally  communicated  to  me,  the  Consistory  not  having  thought  fit  to  give  it  in 
writing,  as  in  reason  and  justice  they  ought  to  have  done),  it  appears  to  me. 
That  though  these  Gentlemen  have  so  expressly  professed  their  Disposition  to 
Peace,  and  to  enter  into  an  Amicable  Agreement  about  our  Differences,  yet 
they  will  make  none  at  all,  except  upon  such  Conditions,  as  have  been  disputed 
already  so  much  these  six  months  past,  and  upon  which  we  shall  always  dispute, 
till  there  comes  a  Decision  to  put  an  end  to  these  Debates. 

These  Conditions,  (according  to  what  has  been  reported  to  me)  are  1st.  That 
before  anything  else,  I  shall  acknowledge  the  Elders  lately  elected  in  our 
Church,  to  be  duly  and  lawfully  elected. 

2dly.  That  I  shall  subscribe  the  Act  of  their  Confirmation  or  Reception  incerted 
in  the  Registers. 

3dly.  That  I  shall  likewise  promise  to  hold  myself  inviolably  attached  or  addicted 
to   the  Discipline  and   Constitution   of  our   Churches. 

4thly.  That  I  shall  likewise  promise  to  submit  myself,  for  the  future,  on  the 
decision   of   the   Consistory. 

To  which  they  have  added,  for  the  5th  Article,  That  if  I  would  not  accept 
of  these  Conditions,  They'll  refer  the  Judgement  of  this  Affair  to  the  Consistory 
of  the  Dutch  Church  in  this  City. 

To  answer  precisely  and  in  a  few  words,  to  every  one  of  these  Articles,  1 
say  upon  the  first,  what  I  have  already  repeated  several  times,  viz.  That  I 
acknowledge  these  Gentlemen,  as  I  have  always  done,  and  according  to  the 
manner  by  which  they  have  been  elected,  that  is  to  say,  for  Elders  elected  by 
the  majority  of  the  Votes,  and  with  my  Opposition.  I  cannot  say  any  more  of  it, 
since  there  is  nothing  more  in  the  truth  of  the  fact  itself;  and  since  it  shall 
always  remain  true  till  the  end  of  the  World,  That  they  have  been  elected  in 
this  manner,  and  not  otherwise.  But  as  for  the  Question,  Whether  they  have 
been  duly  and  lawfully  Elected,  that  is  another  matter,  and  they  should  do 
very  well  to  say  nothing  of  it,  lest  they  should  give  me  occasion  to  reveal  the 
whole    mystery    and    secret    practice,    which    yet    lies    silent.      As    for    my    part,    I 


OF  THE  State  of  jSTew  York.  2303 

don't  believe  they  have  been  duly  and  lawfully  elected,  &  I  have  laid  the  reasons 
of  it  in  two  long  Memorials  that  I  have  prepared  upon  this,  and  which,  perhaps, 
will  be  produced  one  day  or  another.  This  being  supposed,  it  is  not  just  nor 
reasonable  that  I  should  be  forced  and  constrained  in  my  opinion,  or  that  I  should 
declare  anything  contrary  to  what  I  thinli  of  it.  Nay  suppose  it  was  an  Error  or 
Obstinacy  in  me,  they  ought  to  let  the  People  alone  in  their  Error  or  Obstinacy, 
without  pretending  to  constrain  or  compel  them,  or  Tyrannize  them  for  their 
Thoughts. 

Upon  the  second  Article,  I  say,  That  though  I  have  desired,  by  Letter,  a  Copy 
of  that  Act  of  the  Gonflrmatiou  or  Reception  of  the  Elders,  yet  I  have  not  had 
the  favour  of  it.  >\'herefore,  to  say,  that  I  will  sign  it  before  I  see  it,  cannot  be 
expected.  But  if  it  contains  nothing  But  Truth,  I  am  ready  to  sign  it;  or  If  it 
should  contain  what  is  not,  I  am  ready  to  testify,  by  my  Subscription,  all  that 
I  know  to  be  Truth  concerning  that  Affair,  the  chief  of  which  is.  That  the  Elders 
were  chosen  by  the  Majority  of  the  Voices  of  the  Consistory,  and  with  my 
Opposition. 

Upon  the  Third  Article,  I  consent  to  hold  myself  inviolably  attached  to  the 
Discipline  and  to  the  Constitution  of  our  Churches,  which  I  have  always  hereto- 
fore been,  and  as  much  as  can  be  in  this  Country,  where  we  have  not  the  means 
which  we  have  in  France,  to  Regulate  our  Affairs.  But  I  hope,,  that  they  them- 
selves will  hold  them  also  attached  to  this  Discipline  and  this  Constitution;  for 
if  they  don't  they  have  no  reason  to  hold  another  to  it. 

Fifthly.  As  for  Referring  the  Decision  of  all  this  Affair  to  the  Consistory  of 
the  Dutch  Church,  I  have  already  signified  in  the  precedent  Discourse,  (which 
has  been  delivered  to  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Consistory)  the  Inconveniences  which 
I  found  therein,  and  it  is  easie  to  perceive  several  others.  I  shall  only  add 
here,  That  to  refer  the  Judgement  of  a  Sentence  Consistorial  to  another  Con- 
sistory, who  are  not  of  our  Body,  and  who  have  no  Authority  over  us,  to  decide 
our  Affairs  and  Differences,  and  even  to  whom  we  cannot  commodiously  explain 
ourselves,  to  understand  one  another,  This  doth  not  at  all  seem  to  me  an  Equiva- 
lent of  an  Appeal  to  a  Colloquy,  and  much  less  to  a  Provincial  or  National  Synod. 
It  is  however  of  National  Equity,  and  no  doubt,  of  the  spirit  of  our  Discipline 
(as  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Walloon  Church  in  London  do  express  themselves  in 
their  letters)  that  this  Equivalent  should  be  managed  and  reserved  for  Me.  As 
to  which  I  pray  God  there  may  be  no  further  need  of  Searching  for,  and  that 
this   my  answer  to  the  Propositions  may  give  satisfaction   to   all. 

Lewis   Ron.   Min. 
Done  at  New  York  the  10th  of  April,  1724,  5. 

—  Doc.   Hist.    N.    Y.    Tol.    iii.    pp.   703-713. 


Correspondence  in  America. 

Rer.  Theodore  J.  Frelinghuysen  to  Rev 

[The  party  addressed  may  have  been  Rev.   Joseph  Morgan  of 
Monmouth  Co.,  N.  Y.] 

Portfolio  "  New  York  ",  Yol.  i. 

Raritan,  April  22,  1725. 
Reverend  Sir: — 

I  had  intended  to  answer  your  first  letter,  but  was  prevented. 
But  when  your  present  communication  came  out,  I  deemed  it  to 
be  unnecessary.     You  write  in  your  letter  of  March  9,  that  you 


1725 


2304  Ecclesiastical  Records 

lieard  that  we  do  not  know  what  the  dispute  is  about.  I  do  not 
understand  how  you  could  have  believed  this,  inasmuch  as  you 
could  readily  have  learned  from  our  writings  that  we  understood 
well  enough  w^hat  the  dispute  between  us,  was  about.  I  only  said^ 
that  I  wished  to  derive  "  the  points  of  dispute  "  from  the  writ- 
ings on  each  side :  otherwise  no  one  could  pass  proper  judgment 
on  them. 

You  wish  to  know  what  I  have  to  adduce  in  opposition  to  them. 
Do  you  not  understand  this  yet  ?  Were  you  not  able  to  read  this 
clearly  enough  in  my  letters  ?  and  subsequently,  could  you  not 
learn  it  from  our  publications  \  A  strange  thing !  I  have  this, 
against  you :  that  you  have  characterized  my  teaching  as  heretical, 
Quakerish,  Labadistic ;  and  thus  have  consented  unto  and  ap- 
proved the  slanders,  which  the  most  ignorant  and  malicious  people 
have  uttered  against  me  even  from  the  beginning  of  my  ministra- 
tions here ;  and  that  you  have  strengthened  the  hands  of  evil  doers 
by  consulting  the  bad,  but  not  the  good.  You  must  give  but  little 
heed  to  your  own  conduct,  or  you  would  not  lay  such  things  to 
my  charge ;  yet  you  have  made  a  practice  of  such  conduct  against 
me  now  for  a  long  time. 

You  write  that  you  find  fault  with  me  for  sustaining  those,  who 
cause  unmannerly  dissensions  in  your  congregation,  and  who 
slander  and  lie  against  you,  and  who  call  you  an  ignorant  hirelings 
etc.  Have  you  not  yourself,  for  some  years  already,  encouraged 
such  among  my  hearers  \  who  from  the  first  made  me  out  to  l)e  a 
false  teacher  for  not  baptizing  their  children  \  Yea,  do  you  not 
now,  by  your  letters  and  writings,  stand  by  such,  as  have  been 
excommunicated,  but  who  have  some  intercourse  with  certain 
ones  of  your  congregation?  I  do  not  regret  (the  conduct  of 
some  toward  you)  so  long  as  they  are  in  favor  of  Piety,  and  seek 
that  which  is  good.  That  they  effect  an  unjustifiable  division  in 
your  church,  you  will  never  be  able  to  prove.  That  they  regard 
you  as  an  unconverted  minister,  and  a  hireling,  that  will  never 
be  done  without  there  being  some  reason  for  it.     We  ministers. 


OF  THE  State  of  N^ew  York.  2305 

1725 

are  under  obligations  to  (vindicate)  our  sacred  calling,  by  power 

and  earnestness  in  preaching;  by  faithfulness  in  dealing  with 

souls;  by  exhibiting  piety  in  our  own  conduct.     If  we  do  not  do 

this,  but  the  contrary,  we  should  not  be  offended  when  we  are 

looked  upon  as  depraved  (natural)  teachers;  but  must  look  for 

the  blame  within  ourselves. 

I  have  said  it  publicly  and  abide  by  it  still,  that  no  one  is  bound 
to  regard  me  as  a  faithful  minister  unless  I  manifest  it  by  my 
fruits;  and  if  I,  by  God's  grace,  endeavor  to  do  this,  then  am  I 
assured  that  pious  people  will  love  me  for  my  work's  sake,  and 
look  upon  me  as  a  true  ambas'^ador  of  Christ.  For  surely  Christ's 
sheep  will  not  look  upon  good  shepherds  as  hirelings;  nor  upon 
hirelings  as  good  shepherds.  Christ  himself  teaches  the  con- 
trary in  John  10  :  1-5. 

You  ask  in  your  last  letter  why  I  do  not  convince  you  of  your 
sin.  But,  sir,  if  you  demand  such  witness,  recall  by  re-reading, 
what  I  wrote  to  you  before.  You  will  therein  find  that  I  tried, 
indeed,  to  show  you  your  sins.  To  this  end  served  also  our  refu- 
tation (of  your  positions).  But  as  I  noticed  that  you  called  re- 
bukes—  judgements,  therefore  I  wrote  in  the  Preface  of  Hen- 
drick  Yisser's  writing,  that  I  left  you  to  your  own  judgement  and 
pleasure.  Has  not  Hendrick  Yisser  also  sought  to  convince  you 
by  his  publication  and  by  many  letters^  When  we  found  that 
you  only  became  embittered  thereby,  and  was  made  more  angry, 
why  should  we  longer  bother  ourselves  with  you?  Did  not  some 
in  your  church  endeavor  to  move  you  to  faithfulness  in  accord- 
ance with  Matthew  18:15-17,  and  Coloss.  4:17?  But  what 
did  they  gain  thereby  ?  Nothing  else  than  that  they  loaded  them- 
eelves  with  your  hatred.  Yea  are  there  not  even  yet  those  who 
are  striving  to  bring  you  to  faithfulness  by  letters,  or  otherwise? 
But  what  effect  has  it  on  you?  Indeed,  I  dare  freely  say  that 
there  is  no  minister  in  this  country,  so  far  as  I  know,  in  regard 
to  whom  so  many  efforts  have  been  made,  as  in  regard  to  you; 
and  that,  in  order,  if  possible,  to  make  a  faithful  minister  of  you. 


1725 


2306  Ecclesiastical  Records 

But  all  these  efforts  will  make  your  condemnation  the  heavier, 
if  you  continue  to  go  on  in  your  obstinacy.  I  am,  indeed,  in 
accordance  with  God's  command,  in  duty  bound  "  if  it  be  possible 
to  live  peaceably  with  all  men".  And  I  am  willing  to  make 
peace  with  you  in  a  manner  which  is  permissible  to  me,  and  which 
is  this :  If  you  will  recall  your  writings  against  us,  and  declare 
my  teachings  to  be  orthodox,  and  put  this  over  your  own  signa- 
ture; then  will  I  enter  into  negotiation  Avith  you,  and  gladly  be 
the  least,  and  come  to  you.  Since  your  writings  are  published 
in  ISTew  York,  it  will  be  only  fair  that  our  replies  be  also  published 
there.  ISTone  of  us  have  ever  accused  you  of  heresy.  What  we 
have  written  against  you  —  occasion  for  this  was  given  us,  and 
it  was  done  in  accordance  with  God's  command :  "  Contend  ear- 
nestly for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints  " ;  Jude  3.  But 
you  must  continue  in  the  society  of  good  men.  This  is  more  be- 
fitting than  disputes  about  a  piece  of  land.  Then  I  shall  make 
extracts  of  the  points  in  dispute  between  us,  and  if  you  will  sub- 
scribe them,  I  shall  let  you  know  what  I  will  do.  Take  this  into 
consideration,  and  do  what  you  deem  best.  We  derive  from 
your  enmity  no  harm  either  in  temporal  or  spiritual  things, 
rarewell. 

I  remain, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  Frelinghuysen. 
P.  S.  I  would  give  this  over  to  your  Presbytery,  if  I  under- 
stood the  English  language :  yet  not  at  present. 


OF  THE  State  of  Kew  Yoek.  2307 

Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Correspondence  from  America. 

Rev.   Bernardus  Freeman  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  April 

27,  1725. 

Portfolio  "  l^ew  York  ",  Vol.  i. 

(Addressed :)  Messrs.  IST.  'N.,  Committee  of  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam on  the  Foreign  Churches,  at  Amsterdam : 

Eeverend  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Christ  —  or  the  Committee  on 
the  ForeigTi  Churches : — 

You  are  hereby  informed  as  to  the  condition  of  our  churches 
in  these  far  distant  regions,  in  the  Korth  of  America ;  and  especi- 
ally regarding  some  unfounded  and  false  rumors,  instigated  by 
certain  unquiet  spirits  under  the  ministry,  and  in  the  churches  of 
Rev.  Frelinghuysen,  which  are  along  the  Raritan.  These  have 
raised  a  false  alarm,  and  have  blazed  about  that  their  pastor  was 
a  Coelmannite,  a  Labadist,  etc.  These  and  similar  scandalous 
attacks,  directed  against  their  pastor,  after  years  of  patience 
with  them,  in  order  to  win  them,  but  encouraged,  as  they  were, 
by  some  higher  hands,  were  no  longer  endurable.  Therefore  Mr. 
Frelinghuysen  and  his  Consistory  disciplined  four  of  these  mem- 
bers by  excommunication,  so  that  his  sacred  ministrations  might 
not  be  hindered;  and  that  his  name  and  office  might  be  ;freed  from 
slander  before  the  lord  (Governor?)  However  some  ministers 
mixed  themselves  up  in  this  dispute  and  encouraged  the  disaf- 
fected. The  excommunicated  ones  have,  therefore,  prepared  a 
very  large  "  Complaint-Book ",  in  which  malignity  and  slander 
clearly  shine  forth.  This  was  printed  in  1725,  and  it  is  said  that 
it  has  been  sent  to  the  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  In  this 
"  Complaint-Book  "  I  was  not  only  hauled  over  (the  coals  ?)  but, 
as  I  imagine,  greatly  misrepresented.  I  therefore  published  my 
"  Defence  " ;  and  I  take  the  liberty  of  presenting  you  with  a  copy 
of  the  same,  in  order  that  you  may  see  how  the  church  here  has 


1725 


1725 


2308  Ecclesiastical  Records 

been  disturbed,  and  that,  too,  by  ministers  from  wkom  something 
better  might  have  been  expected. 

Thank  God,  however,  that  "  Complaint-Book  "  has  not  had  the 
effect  here  that  they  intended.  It  is  scorned  by  all  honest  people. 
Meanwhile  God  blesses  the  ministry  of  Eev.  Frelinghuysen  with 
many  exhibitions  of  genuine  piety;  notwithstanding  that  the  ex- 
communicated are  somewhat  supported  by  saying  that  the  Rev- 
erend Classis,  at  Amsterdam,  has  made  void  the  ban,  and  has 
declared  it  irregular,    (unecclesiastical).     In  this  way  they  are 

rocked  to  sleep;  with  the  hope  of  what  is  said  above,  to 

For  your  further  information,  I  refer  myself  and  Mr.  Freling- 
huysen to  my  "  Defence ".  This  was  forced  from  me  by  the 
pressure  of  that  "  Complaint-Book  "  of  plebeians.  Meanwhile  I 
pray  the  God  of  Peace  to  send  peace  here  as  well  as  elsewhere; 
and  remain  with  all  respects. 

Reverend  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Christ, 

Your  obedient  servant  and  brother 

Bernardus  Freeman.* 
New  York,  April  27,  1725.    • 

Acts  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Henricus  Coens,  "  Commendatus  "  for  Foreign  Lands. 

1725,  June  4th.  Henricus  Coens,  S.  S.  Ministerii  Candidatus, 
handed  in  satisfactory  testimonials,  and  requested  to  be  accepted 
as  "  Commendatus  "  by  the  Classis  for  churches  in  foreign  lands. 
This  was  granted  him  after  he  had  preached  on  Mai.  1:11.  IST,  B. 
He  may  be  addressed  at  Wester  ISTieuwland.  He  signed  the  For- 
mulae of  Concord,     x.  224. 

*  Freeman  must  have  had  advance  sheets  of  this  "  Complaint  "  to  have  written 
his  "  Defence  "  at  this  early  date.  His  book  is  a  small  16mo.  of  125  pages.  In 
this,  an  inside  view  is  also  given  of  the  whole  controversy,  but  it  is  too  iong  to 
publish  here.  It  was  necessary,  however,  that  at  least  an  Abstract  of  the  Com- 
plaint itself,  or  the  Reply,  should  be  published,  in  order  to  understand  the  subse- 
quent Correspondence,  as  has  been  done.