A history of the city of Brooklyn : including the old town and village of Brooklyn, the town of Bushwick, and the village and city of Williamsburgh

■

IB

9

mm

■R

974.702 M '

B792s

v.l

1136724

GENEALOGY COLLECTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

L 3 1833 01152 2932

HISTORY

OF THE

CITY OF BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

VOLUME I.

;'"

HISTORY

CITY OF BROOKLYN.

INCLUDING

THE OLD TOWN AND VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN,
THE TOWN OF BUSHWICK,

AND

THE VILLAGE AND CITY OF WILLIAMSBURGH.

HENRY R. STILES.

IN TWO VOLUME!
VOL. I.

BROOKLYN, N. Y. :
PUBLISHED BY SUBSCRIPTION.

186?.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S67,

By D. WILLIAMS PATTERSON,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District
of New York.

J. O. 8HEA. MONSELL, ALBANY.

eTIR*OTTPIR AND EI.EOTROTTPER PRINTER.

J. P. DAVIS k 8PEER. JOHN MOONET.

E»OBi7IM. Cot-Printer.

THOMAS HOOAN.
Artibt.

THE CITIZENS

CITY OF BROOKLYN,

AND TO ALL

"WHOSE INTEREST LN HEB PRESENT PROSPERITY MAY LEAD THEM TO LOOK WITH
KINDLY FAVOR UPON THIS

EECORD OF HER PAST,

1 %\m |aps

ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.

PREFACE.

In the year 1824, Gabriel Furman, a native of the town, pub-
lished a little volume which he modestly entitled "Notes on the
History of Brooklyn," and which, for that day, possessed great
merit as a local history. After him, in the form of occasional con-
tributions to magazines and newspapers, came the numerous pro-
ductions of that worthy citizen, Gen. Jeremiah Johnson, himself a
connecting link between Brooklyn's Past and Present. Benjamin
Thompson, the historian of Long Island, in 1843, and the Kev.
Nathaniel S. Prime, his successor in the same historic field, in
1845, each gave interesting but necessarily brief resumes of Brook-
lyn history ; while Thos. P. Teale's somewhat scanty " Chronicles"
in Spooner's Directory for 1848, and J. T. Bailey's "Historical
Sketch," in 1840, close the list of what may properly be called
histories of this Town and City. The Town of Bushwick and the
City of Williamsburgh have had their histories outlined in a similar
manner, by Thompson, Prime and Johnson ; and by Mr. C. S.
Schroeder, in the Long Island Family Circle, in 1852 ; the only
work, however, which can pretend to the dignity of a volume, being
the "History of Williamsburgh," published by Mr. Samuel Bey-
nolds, in 1852, as an adjunct to the Williamsburgh Directory of
that year. These were the pioneer historians of Brooklyn history,
to whose efforts all honor is due.

The present history had its inception, in the Fall of 1859, in a
casual suggestion of my friend Mr. James S. Loring, of this city.
From that time to the present, it has been prosecuted with persist-
ency of purpose, although with frequent interruptions, and always
amid circumstances least favorable to literary composition. My
purpose has been to present to my fellow-citizens of Brooklyn a
full and reliable history of the city of their residence, from its early
humble beginnings to its present position as the third city of

viii PREFACE.

the American Union. Whatever was valuable in the works of my
predecessors I have incorporated in these pages ; and, whatever of
interest could be gleaned, from sources both old and new, I have
spared neither time, thought nor labor to gather for the illustration
aud adornment of my subject. Yet, looking over the pages of this
now completed volume, I can see, as only an author can, its defi-
ciencies, and regret that it comes so far short of my ideal of what
such a history should be.

There remains, then, but the pleasant duty of acknowledging my
obligations to those friends who have aided me in my self-imposed
task. To John G. Shea, LL.D., of New York City, for kindness of
which his modesty would forbid mention, but without which this
history might never have seen the light ; to Mr. J. Carson Bre-
voort, of Brooklyn, for his numerous and delicately rendered ser-
vices, in the way of encouragement, of valuable suggestion and con-
tribution, by pen and pencil ; to Hon. Teunis G. Bergen, of Bay
Bidge, L. I., whose aid — always so freely given — is indispensable to
any one who undertakes to write Kings County history ; to Dr. E.
B. O'Callaghan, the accomplished custodian of our State archives
at Albany, for the inestimable favors he has conferred by the trans-
lation of such original documents as I needed in my work, and to
many others, whose names are elsewhere particularly mentioned,
I return my sincere thanks. From all, indeed, to whom I have
applied, either for materials or facilities of research, I have received
the most uniform and flattering courtesy.

The illustrations to this volume,* which have been selected with a
view to preserve the fast-fading remembrance of the characteristic
scenes and historic places of " Old Brooklyn," were all carefully
drawn (during the summer of 1867), under my personal super-
vision, from the originals (where such yet exist), or from well-
authenticated sketches. Their fidelity cannot be questioned, and
they reflect great credit upon the artist, Mr. Thomas Hogan, a
resident of tliis city, whoso graceful pencil has gained new power
from his deep interest in what has been to him, as to myself, " a
labor of love."

HENBY R. STILES, M.D.
Bbookltw, X. V.. July 1st, 1867.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

TO THE FIRST VOLUME.

PAGE

1. Seal of the Consolidated City of Brooklyn Title-page.

2. The Vechte-Cortelyou House, at Go-wands. Frontispiece.

3. Map of Brf.uckelen Settlements in 1646 47

4. Map of the Bennett and Bentyn Purchase, at Gowanus 53

5. The Schermerhorn House, at Gowanus 52

6. The De Hart, or Bergen House, at Gowanus 52

7. Ratzer's Map of Brookland, 1766-67 63

8. Autograph of Carel de Bevois 117

9. Autograph and Seat, of Rev. Henry Selyns 150

10. portrarr and autograph of rev. bernardus freeman 183

11. Autograph of Rev. John Arondeus 184

12. Autograph of Rev. Vlncentius Antonldes 185

13. Portrait of Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen 187

14. Portrait of Rev. Peter Lowe 192

15. The Old Brooklyn Church and Duffleld House* 193

16. View of Brookland in 1766-67 217

17. Map of the Battle of Brooklyn 251

* From a Sketch by Miss Elizabeth Sleight, in 1808.

2 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGB

18. View of the Battle-Pass, Prospect Park 261

19. Bedford Corners, in 177G 267

20. Map of Bedford Corners, in 1776 267

21. The Cornell-Pierrepont Mansion (Front View) 307

22. The Cornell-Pierrepont Mansion (Rear View) 307

23. Map of Brookland Ferry in 1766-67 311

24. Brooklyn Fort 315

85. IIkssian Camp-Hut (Sectional View) 320

26. Hessian Camp-Hut (View on Lower Side) 321

27. Map of TnE Wallabout, during the Revolution 333

28. View of the " Old Jersey" Prison-Ship 3;J7

29. Plan of Gun-Deck of the " Old Jersey" • 339

30. Plan of the Upper Deck of the " Old Jersey" 339

81. Tin: Tomb of TnE Martyrs in 1839 373

32. The Present Appearance of the Tomb 376

33. Brooklyn in 1798 379

34. Map of Fortifications ln Brooklyn, during the "War of 1812" 401

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE I.

From the Discovery of Manhattan Island to the Incorporation op the
Village of Bretjceelen, 1609-1646.

Hudson's first visit to Manhattan — Early Dutch Voyages and Discoveries in the New-
Netherlands — Formation of the " United New Netherland Company" — Creation
of the " Dutch West India, Company" — New Netherland made a Province — First
Emigration of Walloons — Prosperity of the Colony under Directors May, Verhulst,
and Minuit — Adoption of the " Charter of Freedom and Exemptions" of 1G29 —
Appointment of Wouter Van Twiller as Director — Dutch Settlements on the Con-
necticut River — First purchase of Land in King's County— The Bennett and Ben-
tyn purchase of Land at Gowanus, in 1G36 — Rapalie's purchase of Land at the
Wallabout, in 1637 — Purchase, by the Dutch West India Company, in 1638, of
Land now composing the Eastern District of Brooklyn— Other purchases of Land
around Manhattan Island — New Netherland thrown open to Free Trade — New
Purchases and Settlements on Long Island — Anthony Van Salee at New Utrecht —
Settlements, of Be seller, at Gowanus — of Lubber tsen, at Red Hook — of Hans Hansen
Bergen, at the Wallabout, etc., etc. — English Settlements on the east end of Long
Island — Troubles with the Long Island Indians— The " New Charter of Freedoms
and Exemptions" of 1640 — its beneficial results upon the progress of New Nether-
land— Indian Troubles again — Appointment of the " Twelve Men" — Hostilities
with the Indians — Establishment of the Ferry between Long Island and Manhattan
— Settlements at Breuckelen, at Newtown, and in Westchester and New Rochelle —
Massacre of Indians at Pavonia and Corlaer's Hook — Warlike Expedition against
the Marechkawiecks at Brooklyn — Outbreak of Indian resentment — Kieft dis-
mayed— Public tribulation — Embassy to the Indians at Rockaway — Peace estab-
lished with the Long Island Indians — " The Eight Men" are convened — Arbitrary
exercise of power by Director Kieft— Popular resistance to the same — Pusilla-
nimity of Kieft — Threatening attitude of the Indians — The people appeal to the
West India* Company — Reorganization of the Provincial Government of New
Netherland— General peace established with the natives— Purchase from the In-
dians of Land in New Utrecht, settlement of Flushing and Gravesend, and re-
settlement of Newtown — Gradual progress of settlement of Brooklyn — Incorpora-
tion of the Village of Breuckelen, 1646 — Appointment of Jan Teunissen as Con-
stable , Page 9-47

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER II.

The Early Settlers and Patents of Breuckelen.

The Bennett and Benign Purchase at Gowanus, in 1G3G — The old De Hart or Bergen
Hon- ' Lambertsen OooVs Patent, in 1642— The old Vechte-Cortelyou
House of 1699— The Bed Booh— Van Dyck's Mill— Boomptiea Hook— The Butter-
milk Channel— Fred. Lvbb< rtst n's Pah nt of 1640— Beabring's Mill— Cole's Mills—
Luqueer's Mills— AV//M /* Patent, of IMS— Mange's Patent, of 1642— Huddc's
Patent, of 1645 — Mentalaer's Patent, '/1G42 — Dricksen's (the ferry-master's) Pa-
tent, of 1645 — Lvbbertsen and Breser Patents — John Rapalje's Estate, confiscated
and purchased by J. and C. Sands— The Fiscock-Haes Patent, of 1647— The Mid-
dagh Family and Estate — The Navy Yard — Patent of Lodewyck, Corndissen, Peter
Ccesar the Italian, and tin Montforts — BapaUe's Settlement at the Waal-boght —
Catalina Trico, his wife— Hans Hansen Bergen's Patent— the story of Sarah
(Bapalie) his wife — Jean Vignfi, the first born European in New Netherland — The
Bogaert Family — Ami, nt Remsen deed — The Gerritt Wolphertsen, St off else n, and
Bout Patints — Brouwer or Frecke's Mill — Denton's, or the Yellow Mill — The Van
Bomtm, On,, diss, n, and Drickst n Patents Page 47-104

CHAPTER III.

The Civil History of Breuckelen, 164G-1GG4.

Btuyvesant the new Director-General— Contest between the Director and People-
Appointment, by the People, of " the Nine Men" — The Popular Convention of
16o<J — Piracy on the Sound, and Robberies on Long Island — Measures of defence
adopted by the Towns — Enlargement of tin Municipal Privileges of Breuckelen —
She is honored by the appointment of a separate Constable — The first Church on
west end of Long [aland erected at Flatlmsh — Installation of Rev. Theo. PolhemUB
— Regulation of the Ferry between Long Island and Manhattan — A Tavern at
"The Ferry" — The legal lees allowed to David Provoost, the Secretary of the
three Dutch Towns — Market-day established at Breuckelen — Breuckelen and New
Utrecht ordered to be placed in a state of defence — First Settlements at Bushwick
— Settlements on the East River, within the limits of present Eastern District —
The installation of Rev. EL Selyns as minister at Breuckelen — Carel de Beavois,
the first schoolmaster of Breuckelen — Troubles with the English — Fears of Indian
hostilities — Captain John Scott visits Breuckelen and other Dutch towns on Long
Island, and proclaims the authority of the Duke of York— Stuyvesant convenes a
Popular Assembly — Col. Richard Nicolls, with a British fleet, demands the sur-
render of Fort Amsterdam — Obstinate refusal of Stuyvesant — Final reluctant sub-
mission to the necessity of the case — Capitulation to the British forces. . . .105-126

CHAPTER IV.

Ecclesiastical History of Breuckelen, 1628-1664.

Care of the Dutch authorities to provide religious privileges for their colonies —
Micliaeiius. Bogardus, and Megapolensis, the firsl ministers in New Netherland —
The estahli bmenl of a Church at Flatbush— The history of the Minister's house —

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 5

The Rev. Theo. Polhemus — Objections of the Breuckelen people, in 1656, to con-
tributing to his salary — He is to preach alternately at Flatbush and Breuckelen —
Dissatisfaction of the Breuckelen people with Mr. Polhemus' ministrations — They
are forced to pay their share of his salary — Troubles of Mr. Polhemus — List of
the " well-to-do" Citizens of Breuckelen, Gowanus, the Ferry, and the " Waal-
bogt" — Troubles with the Quakers— their persecution by the Dutch Government —
The Breuckelen malcontents are summarily dealt with by the Director — The
arrival, in New Netherland, of Revs. Blom and Selyns — Selyns is settled at
Breuckelen — Formation of the Breuckelen Church — The West India Co. give the
village a church bell — Selyns' departure for his home in Holland — His life, char-
acter, and career Page 127-151

CHAPTER V.

Civil History of Breuckelen, 1664-1674.

The " Duke's Code" of Laws, 1665 — Long and Staten Islands incorporated as a Shire,
and Ridings established — Confirmatory Patent granted to the Town of Breuckelen
by Gov. Nicolls, 1667 — License for selling liquor — A tavern established at Bedford
— Purchase of land at Bedford from the Indians, and enlargement of bounds, 1670
— Recapture of New Netherland by the Dutch in 1673 — Reorganization of the
municipal government of the Dutch Towns — Visit of Gov. Colve to the Dutch
Towns — Military precautions for the defence of the Towns — Treaty of Peace be-
tween England and Holland, in 1674 — Exchange of New Netherland for Surinam.
— Reinstatement of English authority, and arrival of Gov. Andross. .Page 152-165

CHAPTER VI.

Ecclesiastical History of Breuckelen, 1664-1803.

Domine Polhemus resumes charge of the Breuckelen church— His death — The first
church edifice in Breuckelen, 1666— The Rev. Casparus Van Zuren becomes Pastor
of the Dutch Towns — Extract from the Church Records— Protest of the Dutch
Churches against English interference with their ecclesiastical affairs— Rev. Ru-
dolphus Van Varick's pastorate — Rev. Wilhelmus Lupardus — Rev. Bernardus
Freeman is appointed by the Governor pastor of the Dutch churches on Long
Island — Opposition of the people — They apply to the Classis of Amsterdam for a
minister — Rev. Vincentius Antonides sent out to them — His installation — The
controversy between the Freeman and Antonides parties — Interference of the
Colonial Government— Final adjustment of the quarrel — Life of Freeman — The
Ccetus and Conference question — The Rev. Johannes Arondeus — Notice of Rev.
Mr. Antonides — The Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen — The Rev. Antonius Curtenius
— his obituary notice — Rev. Mr. Rubel — his character — life — anecdotes of his
preaching — The last of the European Dutch ministry in King's County — The Rev.
Martinus Schoonmaker — his life and character — his peculiarities — an old-fashioned
Dutch funeral — The Rev. Peter Lowe — his life aud character — The Old Brooklyn
Church — The " Collegiate Domines" and their friends in Brooklyn — The Rev.
Barent Johnson installed at Breuckelen— Sketch of his life Page 166-196

G TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTEE VII

Civil History of Brookland, 1675-1775.

Brookland's growth in population and wealth — Is made a market town — A recom-
mendation to neighborly action — Assessment of 1G76 — Arrival of Gov. Dongan —
Reorganization of Provincial Government — The Dongan Patent of Breuckelen,
-Names of Inhabitants of Brookland who took the Oath of Allegiance in
1686— Thi Leister Rebellion— The "Storks" erected in Brooklyn— Long Island
called •' Island of Nassau" — The Common Lands of Breuckelen— Biotous proceed-
ings in King's County— Petition of Volkert Brier — Orders to Constables — Regula-
tions as to Negroes — Extracts from the Town Records — Extracts from News-
papers Page 197-330

CHAPTEE VIII.

The Domestic History of the People, from ttte Settlement of the
Country to the Revolutionary Period,

Commenced with the arrival of the thirty families which came in 1623 — First tempo-
rary dwellings — Rude furniture — Gradual improvement — Brick houses — Rents —
Contract for building a new Ferry-house at Breuckelen in 1655 — The " Slaap-
banck" — Glimpsemt a Dutch tavern of that day — The Labadist travellers' descrip-
tion of De Hart's house at Gowauus, in 1679 — Gowapus oysters — pumpkins — fine
living— Jacquee I Jortelyou's house, New Utrecht — Architectural peculiarities of the
Dutch farm houses — Interior accommodations and decorations — Domestic habits —
Carpets — Furniture — China ware — Books — Inventory of a bride's properly in 1691
— Methods of travelling — Manners — Agriculture — Tobacco and Cotton raised in
Kings County at an early period — Slavery— Last public sale of slaves in the
county— Funeral customs of the Dutch — Peculiarities of ancient Dutch wills —
Dutch nomenclature Page 221-241

CHAPTEE IX.

Brooklyn during the Revolution.

Part I. The Battle of Brooklyn, August 17, 1776. — Brooklyn at the beginning of
the war — Dawnings of the conflict — Town and county action in 1775 — Luke-
warm action of Kings County — General Lee's arrival in New York — Fortification
of that city and Lontr Island commenced — Officers of Brooklyn militia — Troops in
Brooklyn— Captain Waldron's Light Horse— Fort Sterling erected on the Heights
— Red Honk fortified — General Washington's arrival at New York — Arrival at
Statin [aland of the British army and fleet — Concentration of American troops at
Brooklyn— General Greene's illness — Is succeeded by General Sullivan — Disaffec-
tion in Kings County— Description of the American interior lines of defence on
Long bland — Tending of the British, on 33d August — Curious incident— The Brit-
ish take position at Flatbush — Skirmishing there between Americans and Bes-
sians— Howe's Proclamation— Washington's Proclamation to his troops— Disorder
in the American camp— Putnam appointed to the chief command— Description of
the exterior lines of defence — The position of the two armies on the evening of
August 36th — The British movement commences— The Bedford pass is turned—

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 7

The left British wing advances along the coast road — Conflict between it and the
American right — Incidents of the fight in Greenwood Cemetery — Blokje's Bergh —
De Heister attacks the American centre — Sullivan defeated — Finds his forces
hemmed in on all sides— Terrible struggle and rout of the Americans — Hessian
atrocities — Hessian account of the battle — The closing battle at Gowanus — Heroic
conduct of Sterling's men — General rout and flight of Americans — Agony of
Washington on beholding the scene — Losses on both sides — The night after the
battle — Dispirited condition of the American troops — A day of skirmishing — A
friendly fog — A council of war — A retreat determined upon — The " Four Chim-
nies"— The retreat — Anecdote of Washington — The Army is saved — The Ameri-
cans leave New York island, which is occupied by the British — Observations on
the conduct of the battle, and the conduct of General Putnam — The share of the
Kings County troops in the battle — Colonel Cowenhoren Page 242-297

Part II. The British Occupation of Brooklyn, August, 1776, to November, 1783. —
Submission of the citizens of Brooklyn to British authority — American prisoners
paroled and billeted in the county — Colonel Graydon's humorous account of society
at Flatbush — Depredations of British Tories and Hessians on Long Island — " Red
Rag" gentry — The " Protection" of the British military authorities — Official re-
strictions and extortions — Discovery of Peat in King's County — The " Whale-boat
men" — Description of Brooklyn during the occupation — The Heights — The Jorale-
mon House — Livingston's Garden — British Naval Hospitals — Anecdote of Prince
of Wales, afterwards King William the Fourth — Burial-places of British sailors
on the Heights — The Cornell Family — The Seabring Family — The Pierrepont
House — The Livingston Brewery — The " Half-Moon" Fort on the Heights — Mr.
Lodewyck Bamper — The first Glass Factory in Brooklyn, 1754 — Dr. Barbarin —
The " Old Stone House" — The British Wagon Department — Foraging on Long
Island — The Ferry Tavern, or " old Corporation House," occupied by Loosely and
Elms during the war as " The King's Head," the headquarters of British officers
and " sports" during the Revolution — The Rapalje House — Illumination of " The
King's Head" Tavern, on Rivington's return to America — Celebration of the
Queen's Birth-day — British troops stationed in Brooklyn — Cricket matches at the-
King's Head — " Brooklyn Fort," on the Heights, and incidents of its construction
— Bull-baiting at Brooklyn Ferry — Loyalist Address to General Robertson — Races
at Flatlands Plain — General Riedesel in command at Brooklyn — The winter of
1780-81 — Hessian camps at Bedford — Residence there of Major John Andre — Fox-
hunt and races at "Brooklyn Hall" — British fortifications in Brooklyn — A news-
paper published at " Brooklyn Hall" — Treaty of peace — Departure of the British —
Condition of Brooklyn — First Town-meeting since April, 177G— The loss of the
Town Records — Incidents — A Rebel shot — Horse-racing — A military execution at
Brooklyn — Military punishments — Patriotic loans of money to the American
cause, in Brooklyn — War Scrip speculators Page 297-851

Part III. The British Prison-Ships. — Great number of prisoners in the hands of
the British — Prison accommodations inadequate to the demand — Cruelties prac-
tised by Provost-marshal Cunningham — Old hulks fitted up for prison-ships,
and moored in the North River and Wallabout — Description of the "Old Jer-
sey"— Her interior accommodations — Regulations for conduct of prisoners — Foul
and insufficient food — Poisonous water — Daily life of the wretched inmates — •
Routine of work on board — " Torments of the night" — Want of air — Heat,
dysentery, small-pox, etc. — Delirium — Conflict between the guard and the pris-
oners—A horrible 4th of July — Cruelties committed by the guard — Revolting
treatment of the dying and the dead — Hasty burial — Burying parties — Foul

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

drinking-water— The hospital ships — Want of proper medical attention — Fre-
neon's poetic satire on the Hessian surgeons — Anecdotes of the Jersey — Ver-
min— The prisoners petition General Washington — The General remonstrates
with the British authorities — It has some effect— The treatment of prisoners im-
proved—-Farced enlistments — The heroic loyalty of the prisoners — The last of the
" Old Jersey" — The number of deaths on the prison-sliips — Observations on the
treatment of prisoners in the hulks — The neglected condition of the remains of the
martyrs — Mr. John Jackson collects their bones — The Town of Brooklyn applies
for permission to inter them — Mr. Jackson refuses, and offers them to Tammany
Society — Congress is expected to make an appropriation — Tammany Society finally
takes the matter in hand — A tomb is erected — The laying of the corner-stone —
Inscription — Grand funeral pageant upon the occasion of interring the remains of
the martyrs — Public apathy — The lot containing the tomb is sold for taxes — Mr.
Benjamin Romaine becomes the purchaser — Repairs and ornaments the tonib —
Guards it jealously — Is buried there himself— A visit to the tomb — Its sadly ne-
glected condition at present Page 331-576

CHAPTEE X.

From the Close of the Revolxttion to "the Wab of 1812."

Organization of " Independent" religious denomination— Commencement of " Brooklyn
Fire Department" — Brooklyn recognized as a Town under the State Government —
Cage and Stocks — The " New Ferry" — Directory of Brooklyn in 1796 — A bell pur-
chased for the Town — Theological School at Bedford — Brooklyn in 1798 — The
Buckbee Family — The " Courier and New York and Long Island Advertiser" —
The first written history of Brooklyn — Olympia — The Old Districts of Brooklyn —
A Bridge across the East River — Manufactures — Literature — Education — Masonry
— Speculation in Brooklyn — Sale of Wallabout lands to the United States for a
Navy Yard — Vinegar Hill — Records of Brooklyn — New Cage — Firemen— Wal la-
bout and Brooklyn Toll-Bridge Company — Advertisements — McKenzie's One-
Tree Hill — Other hills — The old Tulip-tree — Explosion of Sands' Powder-mill —
Brooklyn, Jamaica, and Flatbush Turnpike Company — Long Island " Star" estab-
lished— Yellow Fever epidemic of 1809 — Schools — Petition for a Bank — Declara-
tion of War — The Rain water Doctor — Curious Inscription on the tomb of one of
his patients Page 377-395

CHAPTEE XL

Brooklyn's Share in " the War of 1812."

War excitement— Brooklyn Volunteer Companies — Fear of a British attack — Defences
of New York — Proposed measures of defence — Popular enthusiasm — The boys
turn out for labor — Work commenced upon the lines at Brooklyn — The incidents
of the work, gay, humorous, and patriotic — The Bushwick people — The Irish in
the trenches — "The Patriotic Diggers" — The colored people to the rescue — Fort
Lawrence — " The < i rand Master expects every Mason to do his duty"— The people
of Newark — The 64th regiment Kings County militia — Good conduct of the
troops— News of peace — Illuminations and rejoicings Page 396-410

APPENDICES-I. to XI Page 413-

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

CHAPTER I.

1609-1 64G.

FEOM THE DISCOVERT OF MANHATTAN ISLAND TO THE INCORPORATION OF THE
VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN.

The discovery of Manhattan Island by Henry Hudson necessarily
forms the initial point of this history. For, even if the " most beau-
tiful lake" said to have been penetrated by Verazzano in 1524, and
which he described in glowing colors to his Royal Master the King
of France, was indeed the bay of New York, yet his visit, according
to his own account, was little else than a traveller's hurried glimpse
and totally unproductive of results, either in respect to exploration
or occupation. But when, on the evening of the 11th of September,
1609, the " Half Moon" of Amsterdam came to anchor at the mouth
of the " Great River of the Mountains," then, undoubtedly, the eyes
of white men rested for the first time upon the Isle of "Manna-
hata," the green shores of " Scheyichbi," or New Jersey, and the
forest-crowned "Ihpetonga," or "Heights" of the present city of
Brooklyn. Then, all this region, now teeming with population
and thrilling with the ceaseless pulse of civilized life, was wrapped
in the lethargic slumber of primeval nature. The surrounding
shores, where a forest of shipping pours its constantly accumulating
treasures at the feet of the Empire City of the Western World,
were fringed with magnificent forests gorgeous with autumnal
hues. To the wondering mariners the land seemed " as pleasant
with grass, and flowers, and goodly trees, as ever they had seen ;"

10 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

and the Bavage inhabitants who thronged around in canoes
curiously fashioned " from single hollowed trees," were comely
in form and feature, and friendly in disposition. From its
mouth to the head of tide-water, Hudson and his companions
explored the noble river which stretched northward before them,
spending a month of pleasant dalliance and adventure amid the
varied and picturesque scenery of these virgin wilds, which they
enthusiastically pronounced to be " as fine a land as the foot of man
can tread upon." Though disappointed in finding that the Great
River was not the long-sought and much-desired passage to the
Eastern Seas, they were deeply impressed with the wonderful and
apparently illimitable resources of the country which it traversed,
and fully appreciated the value of their discovery to the commercial
interests of their native land. The United Netherlands, whose flag
they first displayed amid these solitudes, had just attained to the
rank of an independent nation. Their energy and heroic persistence
in waging a forty years' war with Spain had, at last, wrung from
the Spanish monarch a twelve years' truce, which was in fact a
recognition of their sovereignty and independence, and with which
was conpled a tacit admission of their right to the free and undis-
turbed navigation of the seas. The treaty, signed at Antwerp, on
the 9th of April, 1G09, only three days after Hudson's departure on
his voyage of discovery, virtually established to the States the
nationality by which, according to the laws of nations, they were
fully entitled to the fruits of his magnificent discoveries. These
fruits comprised that vast portion of the North American continent
included between the two extreme points at which he touched
npon the coast; viz., Cape Cod on the north, and Cape May, at the
month of the Delaware River, on the south. To this brave and
enterprising people, suddenly relieved from the excitements of an
arduous and protracted war, the discovery of so vast and rich a
territory came most opportunely and gratefully. Their energies,
hitherto absorbed in the defence of their rights, were now directed
into the new field of commercial adventure thus suddenly opened to
tin hi by the fortunate voyage of tho "Half Moon." Most alluring,
among' the varied treasures offered by the New World to the
expanding commerce of Holland, was the inexhaustible abundance

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. IX

of beaver-skins and other valuable furs, procurable at a trifling
cost, but comnianding a most remunerative market among the
northern nations of Europe. The spirit of private enterprise was
stimulated to an extraordinary degree, and before the close of the
next summer (1610) a vessel, laden with coarse but suitable goods
for Indian traffic, was dispatched by some of the Amsterdam
merchants to the Great Kiver of the North. The "Half Moon,"
also, and a portion of her crew, although under another leader,
revisited Manhattan and the scenes of their former adventures, to
the unmistakable delight of the savages, who welcomed them as
old acquaintances. During the year following, 1611, Hendrick
Christiaensen made two voyages to Manhattan, the latter in com-
pany with Adriaen Block, bringing back with them to Holland two
young savages, whose arrival in the civilized world fanned to a still
brighter glow the already awakened mercantile curiosity and activity.
In 1612 these two worthy mariners were again dispatched from
Amsterdam to Manhattan, each in command of a separate vessel ;
and were followed, in 1613, by others, among whom was Captain
Cornells Jacobson May, afterwards honorably known in the annals
of Transatlantic discovery. The mingled tide of discovery and
commerce had now fairly set towards the shores of New Netherland,
and its importance began to attract the attention of the States-
General of the United Netherlands, which, on the 27th of March,
1614, passed a general ordinance, conferring upon the discoverers
of new lands the exclusive privilege of making six voyages thither —
a measure which was followed by an increased activity among the
mercantile communities of Amsterdam and Hoorn.

Manhattan Island, by virtue of its admirable position, became the
headquarters of the fur-trade. From thence trading- shallops and
canoes penetrated into every neighboring creek, inlet or bay, and
pushed their way even to the head of navigation on the rivers and
larger streams. Gradually inland depots were established, where
the adventurous trader, making himself comfortable among the
homes and families of the natives, spent the winter months in pur-
chasing and collecting furs and peltries, in readiness for shipment
when the vessels from " the Fatherland" should arrive in the early
spring. A few huts on the lower end of Manhattan Island

12 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

(occupied by Block and his companions during the winter of 1G13-
1614, while they were engaged in building a small yacht to replace
their vessel which had been destroyed by fire), were the only visible
signs oi occupation; while, as to cultivation of the land there was
not even a commencement. Amid these untamed solitudes, secure
in the good-will of the surrounding savages, and unmolested by
European rivals, the plodding but honest Dutchmen pursued a
lucrative traffic in peltries, sending home to Holland vessel after
vessel richly freighted with furry treasures, which brought golden
returns to the coffers of their owners.

1 '> \ the spring of 1G14, however, attention seemed to be directed
towards placing affairs in the new country on a more permanent
basis. Factors were appointed to reside at certain designated
points in the interior and manage the growing peltry-trade ; while,
at Castle Island (now within the limits of the present city of
Albany), was erected a small fortified warehouse, garrisoned with
ten or twelve men and named " Fort Nassau." To that post
resorted the Mohawks and Mohicans, and from thence went scout-
ing parties, exploring the country in every direction, and always
carefully maintaining the most amicable relations with the natives
whom they met. Not less active, also, were the hardy Dutch
sailors. Numerous minute explorations of the surrounding coasts

inaugurated by the captains of the various vessels which
came out from Holland. Adriaen Block, in his little yacht the
!; i which lie had built at Manhattan during the preceding

winter, explored the East River and the Sound, discovering the
Housatonic, Thames, and Connecticut rivers, the latter of which he
ascended to the head of navigation. Then crossing over to the

d extremity of Long Island, the insular character of which he
determined, lie gave his name to an island near Montauk Point,
and following in Yerazzano's track, entered Narragansett Bay and
coasted along northward as far as Boston harbor and Nahant
Bay. Here meeting with his old comrade Christiaensen, he
r< turned in the hitter's vessel to Holland, leaving his own little
nai't in charge of Cornells Hendricksen, who explored the coast
farther south. Cornells Jacobseo May, meanwhile, was sailing
along the southern shore of Long [sland, passing southward to

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 13

Delaware Bay, where Capes Cornells and May still preserve the
memory of his visit.

Upon the announcement of these discoveries at home, the enter-
prising merchants of North Holland, under whose auspices they
had been made, united themselves into a company, according to
the provisions of the ordinance of March 11th, and were favored by
the States-General with the grant of a special trading-licence or
charter bearing date on the 11th of October, 1614. This docu-
ment, in which the name " New Netherland" first appears officially
in the world's annals, invested the " United New Netherland
Company," as it was styled, wTith the exclusive right of visiting and
trading in " the newly discovered lands lying in America between
New France and Virginia, the seacoast whereof extends from the
fortieth to the forty-fifth degrees of latitude, for four voyages,
within the period of three years from the first of January next
ensuing, or sooner." This specific, limited, and temporary monopoly,
with which the enterprise of these associated merchants was thus
rewarded, conferred upon them no political powers — their objects
being simply trade and discovery, and their servants armed traders
in forcible possession of an unoccupied country. As might have
been expected, no attempt was made, during the term of their
charter, to effect any systematic colonization of the new country.
While the peltry trade "increased famously, agriculture was
neglected, and civilization could scarcely be said to have gained
even a foothold in New Netherland. Upon the expiration of the
charter, by its own limitation, January 1st, 1618, the company
sought a renewal, which the government saw fit to refuse. It con-
tinued, however, to grant every facility to private trading enter-
prises to the North Eiver ; a new fort was erected there on Norman's
Kill, in place of the former one, which had been seriously damaged
by the spring freshets, and a treaty of peace and alliance was
formally concluded with the famous Iroquois or " Five Nations."

The time had arrived, however, when the necessity of a per-
manent colonization of this distant colony became so apparent that
its consideration could no longer be postponed. The States-
General were meditating large and ambitious designs relative to
their Western possessions, and they had already taken alarm at the

14 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

which the English were beginning to assert to the same
territories. The approaching termination of the Twelve Years'
I'liicr, moreover, was prefaced by certain insulting propositions
from Spain, which warned them to gird on their armor for a renewal
of their long and bloody struggle with that power. As a means,
therefore, of self-protection in the maintenance of their rights as an
independent nation, and of aid in carrying on the threatened war
with their ancient and powerful enemy, the States-General of the
United Seven Provinces determined upon the creation of an armed
mercantile association, on the plan of the celebrated East India
Company, in which should be concentrated the entire strength of
the numerous merchants now engaged in the American and West
India trade. Thus originated the great Dutch West India Company,
which, supplanting all private adventurers, proposed to itself the
promotion of colonization, the suppression of piracy, the humbling
of Spain, and the aggrandizement of the national wealth and inde-
pendence. Its charter, which was passed under the great seal of
the States-General, on the 3d of June, 1621, granted to it the ex-
clusive right of trade to the coasts of Africa, between the tropic
of Cancer and the Cape of Good Hope ; to the West Indies ; and to
the coasts of America, between Newfoundland and the Straits of
Magellan. Within these limits, the company was invested with
enormous powers. " In the name of the States-General, it might
make contracts and alliances with the princes and natives of the
countries comprehended within the limit of its charter ; build -forts1 ;
appoint and discharge governors, soldiers, and public officers ;
administer justice and promote trade. It was bound ' to advance
the peopling of those fruitful and unsettled parts, and do all that
the service of those countries and the profit and increase of trade
shall require.' It was obliged to communicate to tho States-
General, from time to time, all the treaties and alliances it might
make, and also detailed statements of its forts and settlements.
All governors-in-cbief, and the instructions proposed to be given to
tlirin, w.re first to be approved of by the States-General, who
would then issue formal commissions j and all superior officers were
held to take oaths of allegiance to their High Mightinesses, and
also to the company." The company consisted of five chambers

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 15

or Boards located in different cities of the Seven United Provinces ;
the principal one being that of Amsterdam, to which was confided
the especial superintendence of the Province of New Netheeland.
General executive powers for all purposes except of declaring war —
which could not be done without the approbation of the States-
General — were intrusted to a Board of nineteen delegates from
the several chambers, and including one delegate who represented
the States-General. A million of guilders and a defence " against
every person, in free navigation and traffic," was promised to the
company by the States-General, who were also, in case of war, to
"give them for their assistance" sixteen ships of war of three
hundred tons burden and four yachts of eighty tons, fully equipped.
The company, however, were to man and support these vessels,
besides providing an equal number of their own, the whole to be
under command of an admiral appointed by the States- General.

The organization of the company was delayed by various causes
for a period of two years, when its articles of internal regulation,
the charter having, in the interval, been somewhat modified, were
formally approved by the States-General on the 21st of June, 1623.

Meanwhile, the spirit of enterprise had not lain dormant.
Amsterdam ships, under special licences, had been steadily pursuing
their profitable voyages to New Netherland, and the peltry-trade
had assumed larger proportions, not only on the North Biver, but
on the Delaware, the Connecticut, along the shores of Long
Island, and as far to the eastward as Narragansett and Buzzard's
Bay, within twenty miles of the newly founded English settlement
at New Plymouth. In Holland, the press began to teem with pub-
lications describing in glowing terms the beauties, wonders, and
advantages of America, and the public mind was constantly quick-
ened by the news of fresh discoveries, and the flattering reports
brought by adventurous mariners from those far-off lands.

In England, also, public attention was at this time strongly
directed towards the Western continent by the discoveries of Capt.
John Smith, the plantations established in Virginia, and the charter
recently granted for the settlement of New England. Maintaining,
as they ever did, the right (by discovery, possession, and charters)
to the entire American coast between the Spanish possessions in

16 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the soutli and those of France in the north, the English conld not
fail to feel annoyed by the active preparations of their Dutch
neighbors for the occupation of so large a portion of those ter-
ritories. Their apprehension found expression in an official remon-
strance to the States-General against the sailing thither of the Dutch
vessels, but the protest was unheeded, and after a brief diplomatic
correspondence, the matter was temporarily dropped. Warned,
however, by the evident and growing jealousy of the English, the
West India Company lost no time, even before their final organiza-
tion, in securing, in the year 1622, their title to New Netherland by
taking formal possession, and by making arrangements for the
building of two new forts, one on the North Kiver, to be called
"Fort Orange," and another called "Fort Nassau," on the South
or Delaware River, near the present town of Gloucester, N. J.
And, simultaneously with its final organization, in June, 1623, the
company began to prosecute with energy the colonization of New
Netherland, which was erected into a province, and invested with
the armorial bearings of a count.1 The particular management of
its affairs was intrusted, as we have before remarked, to the
Amsterdam Chamber, which sent out the ship " New Netherland"2
of two hundred and sixty tons burden, with a company of thirty
families, mostly Walloons,3 under the care of the veteran voyager

1 The Provincial seal of New Netherland was a shield, hearing a heaver, proper,
surmounted by a count's coronet, aud encircled by the legend " Sigillum Novi Belgii."

2 Catelina Trico's statement (see Appendix No. 1) gives the name of this vessel, in
which she was a passenger, as the " Unity" (Eendragt). As, however, her deposition
was made in 1088, at the age of eighty-three, concerning events which happened sixty-
five years before, when she was a jrirl of eighteen years, we have preferred to follow
Wassaneer's account, which was contemporaneous, and supported by Hoi. Doc. ii. ,370.

""These Walloons, whose name was derived from their original ' Waalsche' or
French extraction, had passed through the fire of persecution. They inhabited the
Southern Belgic Provinces of Hainault, Namur, Luxemburg, Limburg, and part of
the ami. ut Bishopric of Liege, and spoke the old French language. When the
North rn provinces of the Netherlands formed their political union at Utrecht, in 1579,
the Southern provinces, which were generally attached to the Romish Church, declined
joining the Confederation. Many of their inhabitants, nevertheless, professed the
principles of the Reformation. Against these Protestant Walloons the Spanish I lovern-
ment exercised the most rigid measures <>f inquisitorial vengeance, and the subjects of
an unrelenting persecution emigrated by thousands into Holland, where they knew
that strangers of every rare and creed were sure of an asylum and a welcome. Carry-
ing with them a knowledge of the arts, in which they were greal proficients, they
were distinguished in their new home for their tasteful and persevering industry. To

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 17

Captain Cornells Jacobsen May, of Hoorn, who was appointed the
first director of the colony. Starting from the Texel early in March,
and sailing by way of the Canary Islands and the Guinea coast, the
" New Netherland" arrived at the North Kiver in the beginning of
May. Eight men were landed at Manhattan Island to represent
the company there, and several families, as well as sailors and
single men, were dispatched to the settlements on the South Kiver,
and to the Connecticut, while the ship proceeded up the North
Kiver until she reached "Fort Orange" (the present site of Albany),
where eighteen families were disembarked, and immediately com-
menced farming operations.

The year 1624, under May's judicious management, was a pros-
perous one ; the industry of the pioneer colonists fulfilled the
expectations of their patrons, the forts on the North and Delaware
rivers were completed, and the peltry-trade was so well prosecuted
that it returned to the company's treasury the handsome sum of
twenty thousand guilders. Encouraged by these signs, the com-
pany dispatched to Manhattan, in the spring of 1625, a vessel well
laden with "necessaries," which unfortunately fell into the hands of
one of the enemy's privateers. The loss, however, was promptly
made good, at the risk of one of the directors of the company, by
two ships carrying a fine stock of cattle, a full equipment of seeds
and farming utensils, and forty-five emigrants, among whom were
six entire families. The growing colony, thus increased, now
numbered over one hundred souls, and under the Directorship of
"William Verhulst, who had succeeded May, prospered greatly. In
May, 1626, Peter Minuit arrived in New Netherland, and succeeded
Verhulst as director-general of the province. His administration
commenced with vigor and sagacity ; Manhattan Island was pur-
chased from the natives for the sum of sixty guilders (equivalent to

the Walloons, the Dutch were probably indebted for much of the repute which they
gained as a nation in many branches of manufactures. Finding in Holland a free
Bcope for their religious opinions, the Walloons soon introduced the public use of
their church service, which, to this day, bears witness to the characteristic toleration
and liberality of the Fatherland." — Brodhead, i. 146. These Walloons had previously
applied to the English government for permission to emigrate to Virginia, but receiv-
ing no encouragement in that quarter, turned their attention to New Netherland, and
were gladly accepted by the West India Company, under the sanction of the Provincial
States.

2

18 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

about $24 of our money), and a large fort was erected at its lower
end, and named " Fort Amsterdam ;" while other improvements were
planned and commenced.

At " Fort Orange," however, about this time, affairs took a most
unfortunate turn. The commander at that post, forgetful of that
neutrality which, hitherto, had been strictly observed by the Dutch
in the affairs of the surrounding Indian tribes, joined a party of
Mahieans on the war-path against the Mohawks, and, in the battle
which ensued, was slain, together with three of his men. His folly
had even a worse result, in the sense of insecurity which it threw
over the settlement at Fort Orange, and, indeed, over the whole
colony. And, though good feeling was finally restored with the
Mohawks, yet the progress of colonization received a shock from
which it did not soon recover. The Director, justly apprehensive
of the danger to which the settlers at Fort Orange, Fort Nassau,
and Verhulsten Island " were exposed, recalled them all to Man-
hattan Island, in order that a concentration of householders
might be made at that point where the natives "were becoming
more and more accustomed to the presence of foreigners." Sixteen
soldiers, only, were left at Fort Orange ; the traffic to the South
River was limited to the voyages of one small yacht, and every
precaution was adopted by the prudent Director, which could con-
duce to the commercial interests of the company, as well as to the
safety of its employees and colonists.

The year 1627 was marked by the establishment of friendly re-
lations with the English settlements in New England. A special
embassy was sent out from Manhattan to New Plymouth, between
which colonies soon sprang up a mutually advantageous trade ; the
English freely exchanging their commodities for sewan or wampum,
which they much needed in their dealings with the surrounding
natives, and of which tho Dutch — in consequence of their prox-
imity to Long -Island, the great aboriginal mint — held the almost
exclusive monopoly. The annual crop of furs, also, amounting
to four ship-loads, yielded 5G,000 guilders ; and, in the autumn of
tho following year, two cargoes of ship-timber from Manhattan sold
at Amsterdam for 61,000 guilders. Around the fort, which was
now completed with four bastions and a facing of stone, the

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 19

colonists had clustered, to the number of 270 souls, subsisting
chiefly by the products of their own labor, any deficiencies being
supplied from the company's stores. The impression conveyed to
a casual observer of that day, was, that they subsisted " in a com-
fortable manner" and " promised fairly both to the State and
undertakers." Still, prosperous as the colony appeared, its indus-
try was not self-supporting ; and, thus far, the company's seven
years' experience had neither justified their own expectations, nor
fulfilled the conditions imposed upon them by their charter, in regard
to the permanent agricultural colonization of the province. " Not
a particle of the soil was reclaimed, save what scantily supplied the
wants of those attached to the three forts, which were erected
within the limits of this rich and vast country ; and the only exports
were the spontaneous products of the forest. Experience had
demonstrated, in the interim, that no benefits had accrued to the
company from this plantation, under the present system of manage-
ment, except what the peltries produced ; the mode of life pursued
by the people was very irregular, the expenses of the establishment
exceedingly high, and the results not so flattering as anticipated."
These were unpalatable facts to the directors of a great mer-
cantile corporation, whose ships under Admiral Heyn, bravest of
the brave, were sweeping the Spanish navy from the seas, capturing
booty which added twelve niillions of guilders to their treasury,
so that their dividends advanced, in one year, to fifty per cent.
Flushed with the easy spoils of these glorious victories, it is not a
matter of surprise that the annual returns from their far-off
American colonies seemed paltry and unremunerative. They,
therefore, began earnestly to consider plans for a systematic and
extended colonization of the whole province — which, after a
year of deliberation, resulted in the adoption of a " Charter of
Freedoms and Exemptions," which was promptly approved and
confirmed by the States General, on the 7th of June, 1629. In this
charter, the company, with the purpose of encouraging independ-
ent colonists, offered to such the absolute property of as much land
as each could " properly improve ;" yet, fully aware that few or
none of that class of persons possessed the requisite means, they
sought to secure the co-operation of capitalists by the offer of

20 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

peculiar privileges, carefully confined, however, to those who were
members of the company. Any member who should plant a
colony of fifty adults, in any part of New Netherland (except
Manhattan Island, which the Company reserved to itself), should
be acknowledged as the " patroon," or feudal chief of such colony or
territory, with the high and low jurisdictions, the exclusive rights
of fishing, hunting, and grinding, etc., within his own domain ; to
which, also, he was to have a full title of inheritance, with right of
disposing of it by will, at death. Freedom of trade and of the
fisheries, subject to certain limits, restrictions, and duties, were
also granted to the patroons. For the space of ten years the
colonists under these patroonships were to be entirely free from
taxation, but were bound to the service of the patroon in an almost
absolute servitude. The company, on its part, reserved to itself
the fur and peltry trade, and the right of manufactures ; promising,
moreover, to the colonists protection and defence against all
enemies ; the prompt completion of the defences of Manhattan
Island, and furnishing the colony with a supply of black servants.
The colonists were required "to satisfy the Indians for the land
they shall settle upon ;" to make immediate provision for the
support of a minister and schoolmaster ; and each colony was to
make an annual return of its condition to the local authorities at
Manhattan, for transmission to the company at home. In all its
provisions, the Charter of Freedoms and Exemptions carefully
recognized the commercial monopoly and the political supremacy
of the West India Company; and was, in fact, a transplanting to
the New World of tho "feudal" system so prevalent in Europe.
While it cared for the rights of the aboriginal owners, and promised
labor, capital, religion, and education to the young colony, it
" scattered tho seeds of servitude, slavery, and aristocracy." Its
plan and spirit were selfish; its results most unfortunate. As
might have been expected, cupidity induced some of the company's
directors, even before the charter had been sanctioned, to reap the
benefit of certain of its provisions, at the expense of their comrades,
by appropriating to themselves somo of the choicest portions of the
province. Availing themselves of the privileges which it accorded
to directors, patroonships were purchased, through their agents in

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 21

New Netherland, by Blonmiaert and Godyn on the South
River ; b y Van Piensselaer on the North Kiver ; and by Pauw
at Hoboken-Hacking and Payonia (now Jersey City), and
Staten I&land. Thus, at the very outset, the selfishness which
pervades all monopolies, by this sudden absorption of the
most prominent positions in New Netherland, defeated and dis-
couraged the inducements to independent emigrants which was
the chief intent of the charter. So great, also, was the dissatisfac-
tion and jealousy to which their actions gave rise, that the specu-
lative patroons were finally obliged to share their original purchases
with their fellow-directors in the company. Various partnerships
were formed among them, and commercial operations commenced
in New Netherland ; but it was apparent, from the first, that they
were far more interested in the Indian trade than in the proper
colonization of the colony. And, before long, their claims came so
directly in conflict with the vested rights of the company, as to
necessitate a revision of the Charter of Freedoms and Exemptions,
and the adoption of new articles limiting and restraining the
privileges of the patroons. These quarrels finally challenged the
attention of the States-General, who instituted an investigation.
Shortly thereafter, Minuit, who as director had officially ratified
the purchases which had created so much feeling, was recalled,
and embarked for Holland in the spring of 1632. During the
following summer, the company, determined to maintain its superior
monopoly, and to arrest the encroachments of the patroons,
dispatched commissaries to each settlement to post up their
proclamation, forbidding any person, whether patroon or vassal,
to deal in sewan, peltries, or maize. In the spring of 1633, the
province, which had been without a head for a year past, received
from Holland a new director. This was Wouter Van Twiller, a
former clerk in the company's warehouse at Amsterdam, and a
relative by marriage of Patroon Van Eensselaer. Singularly inex-
perienced, incompetent, narrow-minded, and deficient in knowledge
of men, this ex-clerk came to the command of the province at a
time when it was shaken with internal jealousies and threatened
with aggressions from English neighbors. With him came
one hundred and four soldiers, and Everardus Bogardus, the

0-2 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

new clergyman of Manhattan. Scarcely Lad lie assumed the
duties of office, to new director became involved in broils

with English sea-captains and with the patroons, in which he
displayed but little wisdom, self-respect, or courage. Yet he had, in
some respects, a keen perception of what was needed for the pros-
pi 1 it v of the company, and was ambitious to promote its interests.
On the 8th of June, 1G33, he purchased from the Indians a large
tract of land, on the Fresh or Connecticut Paver, originally dis-
covered by Block, in 1G14, since which time it had been periodically
and almost exclusively visited by the Dutch traders, whose pur-
chases formed no slight portion of the annual harvest of furs and
other commodities. On this spot, the site of the present beautiful
city of Hartford, a trading-post was erected, fortified with two
cannon, and named " The House of Good Hope." This soon
brought them in conflict with the English colonists of New
Plymouth, who established a fort at Windsor, a little above, and
resisted a force of Dutch soldiery sent to disperse them. Mean-
while, at New Amsterdam, the fort was properly repaired, a guard-
house, barracks, church, parsonage, director's house, and other
improvements were in course of construction, and houses were also
commenced at Fort Orange, at Pavonia, and Fort Nassau. The
Indians were very troublesome this year, especially the Pequods on

the Connecticut, and the Baritans of New Jersey, with the latter of
whom a peace was fortunately concluded in lfi:;j.

All this while, in "the Fatherland," there was great wrangling
between the company and the patroons, and finally the questions in
dispute being brought before the States-General were by them
referred to a committee, before whom, in June, 1634, the patroons
presented certain claims, together with a statement of their grounds
of complaint against the company. After a patient hearing of the
case, the States-General postponed their decision, and finally, in
February, L635, the Board of Nineteen effected a compromise of
the matter by purchasing from the patroons their colonies on the
South River, in that region the English, during the following
summer, made an aggressive attempt to oust the Dutch, but were
foiled; in the broad and beautiful valley of the Connecticut, how-
. ■luring this ami the succeeding year (16! encroached,

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 23

step by step, upon the Dutch, until the latter were dispossessed of
nearly all that territory, to which, by prior discovery, exploration,
and occupation, they were so fairly entitled.

Amid the irregularities and dissensions which prevailed during
Yan Twiller's administration, neither he nor his subordinate officials
neglected the advantages which they enjoyed for advancing their
private interests. In June, 1636, one of these officials, Jacob Van
Corlaer, purchased from the Indians a flat of land called " Castateeuw,
on Sewan-hackey, or Long Island, between the Bay of the North
River and the East River," ivJiich is the earliest recorded grant, to an
individual, in the present County of Kings. On the same day,
Andries Hudde and Wolfert Gerritsen purchased the flats next
west to Yan Corlaer' s ; and shortly after, the tempting level
lands to the eastward of these were secured by the director
himself.1 On these purchases, amounting to some 15,000 acres,
and which apparently were made without the knowledge or con-
sent of the Amsterdam Chamber, the fortunate owners im-
mediately commenced agricultural improvements — from which,
in time, sprang the nourishing village of "New Amersfoort" now.
Flatlands.

In the course of the same year (1636), "William Adriaense Bennet
and Jacques Bentyn purchased from the Indians a tract of 930
acres of land at " Gowanus,"2 upon which, at some time prior to the
Indian war of 1642-45, a dwelling-house was erected — affording
presumptive evidence, at least, that absolute occupation and agri-
cultural improvement followed close upon its purchase.3 The
occupation of this farm, over a portion of which the village of
Gowanus subsequently extended — and which comprised that portion
of the present city lying between Twenty-seventh street and the New

1 These " flats" were miniature prairies, devoid of trees, and having a dark-colored
surface soil ; and having undergone a certain rude culture by the Indians, were ready,
without much previous toil, for the plough. On this account they were most sought
for, and first purchased by the original settlers, who being natives of the low and level
lands of Holland and Belgium, were inexperienced in the clearing of forests.

9 The name of Gowanus is a purely Indian one, which philologists have been unable
to explain. It was applied to all the land fronting on Gowanus Bay, and traversed by
the creek of the same name.

3 See description of the Bennet and Bentyn patent, in chapter on " Early Settlers and
Patents."

24 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Utrecht line — may be considered as the first step in the settlement
<>!' the City of Brooklyn. The second step, according to the best
documentary evidence, was taken about a year later, by John
(George) Jansen de Ratalie, one of the Walloon emigrants of 1623,
who first settled at Fort Orange (Albany), and in 1G26 removed to
Amsterdam, on Manhattan Inland. On the lGth of June, 1637,
Bapalie purchased from its native proprietors a piece of land called
" Hennegackonk," lying on Long Island "in the bend of Mareck-
kawieck," now better known as Wallabout Bay. This purchase,
comprising about three hundred and thirty-five acres, now occupied
in part by the grounds of the United States Marine Hospital, and
by that portion of the city between Nostrand and Grand Avenues —
although it may have been, and probably was, more or less
improved as a farm by Bapalie — was not occupied by him as a
residence until about 1654.3 By that time, the gradual influx of
other settlers, many of whom were Walloons, had gained for the
neighborhood the appellation of the " Waal-Bogt," or " the bay
of the foreigners."4 Thus, at two isolated points — offering to the

1 " B< nnegackoncfc" (sometimes spelt with an i or a u in the first syllable) is a small
creek or stream of water emptying into the Wallabout Bay.

9 The Indian name of the territory of Brooklyn was Meryckawiek, or "the sandy
place ;" from me, t lie article in the Algonquin dialect, recktoa, Band, and kA", locality.
The name was probably applied, at first, to the bottom-land, or beach ; and what is
now Wallabout Bay, was formerly called " The boght of Mareckawick." OCallaghan
supposes thai the Indians who inhabited that part of the present city of Brooklyn
derived their tribal name from the bay; but we are inclined to the opinion that the
appellation was by no means so limited, for the present name of Kockaway, in another
pari of the county, seems to have the same derivation.

biographical notice of Rapalie in chapter on " Early Settlers and Patents."
4 The earliest date at which the word •• Waal-bogt" (or "Wahle-Boght/'now corrupted
[about) appears upon the colonial records, is in 1666, by which time a consider-
able number of Walloons and oiler foreign emigrants had become located there.

In regard to the nationality of these Bottlers, Bergen (Hist. Bergen "Family, 18, 10/

Hist. Mag., vi, L62) says: "The Montfoorts and Suybertsen may have been Walloons;

the name of I !ornelissen indicates thai be was a Netherlander ; Picel "r Piquet was from

Rouen, in France, which is located many miles from the frontiers; * * Peter Caesar

(Alburl me indicates, was an Italian: Hans Hansen Bergen was a Norwegian ;

and bap; lie could not have been a Walloon by liirth, if. as asserted and claimed, lie was

of Rochelle, in France, a Beap »r1 on the Bay of Biscay, Beveral hundred miles

Belgium. All Huguenots in those days may. however, have been

.1 title of Wa dgranta of this class

thai vicinity, may account tor the name; i' | mary in

i iisb churches in their midst, erected by E'rench

name of ' W • or Walloon Churches."

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 25

settlers similar agricultural advantages and inducements1 — were
formed the nuclei of the present City of Beooklyn.2

Coincident with Eapalie's purchase at the " Waal-Bogt," the
director secured for his own use the island "Pagganck," lying a
little south of Fort Amsterdam, and which, from its abundance of
excellent nut-trees was called by the Dutch "Nooten," or Nutten
Island. From that time to the present it has been familiarly known
as " the Governor's Island." One Jonas Bronck, also, became the
owner of a large and valuable tract on the " mainland," in what is
now Westchester County ; and the West India Company secured
the Indian title to the island of " Quotenis" in Narragansett Bay,
and of another near the Thames River — both advantageously located
for trading purposes. From Michael Pauw they purchased his
rights to Pavonia (Jersey City) and Staten Island, thus ridding
themselves of an enterprising patroon, whose proximity was as
galling to their pride, as his success would have been injurious to

1 Both around the " Bogt," and at Gowanus, were lowlands, overflowed by the sea
at every tide, and covered with salt-meadow grass, coarse and hard to be cut with a
common scythe, but which the cattle preferred to fresh hay or grass.

2 The statement, so often reiterated by our local writers, and even by the historians
of our State, that some of the Walloon emigrants of 1623 settled first at Staten Island
(O'Callaghan, i. 101), and afterwards, as early as 1624-'5, at the " Waal-bogt,"
(Brodhead, i. 153, 154), is entirely unsupported by documentary or other reliable evi-
dence. It seems to have originated in faulty traditions, and in a misapprehension of
an ancient record relating to the daughter of Rapalie, the first settler in the "Bogt."
(See chapter on " Early Settlers and Patents.")

Equally unreliable is the statement (Brodhead, i. 170) that the settlement was in-
creased in 1626 by Walloon settlers, who had been recalled from Fort Orange and the
South River, in consequence of Indian disturbances. It will be evident, on reflection,
that, in the then unsettled state of the province, no permanent settlement would have
been allowed at such a distance from the fort on Manhattan Island ; and, during the
succeeding ten years (until 1636), concentration was the necessary policy of the infant
colony. Even for more than thirty years afterwards the government exercised the
greatest caution in permitting the establishment of new villages where they would be
exposed to hostile attack. Nor is it a reasonable supposition that agricultural settle-
ments were made here so many years prior to the purchase of the land from the
Indians, arid the granting of it by patents. If, indeed, there was any use of land on
Long Island made by the Walloons before the date of the first known settlement in
1636, it must have been temporary in its nature, and confined entirely to the most
accessible and easily improved portions along the shore. If such was the case, the
settlers probably cultivated their little patches by day, returning across the river at
nightfall, to their families and the security of Fort Amsterdam. But this is mere con-
jecture, and there is no evidence of the permanent residence of any white family
within the limits of our city, prior to 163G.

26 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

their interests. Their fur-trade, meanwhile, despite tlie loss of their
traffic on the Connecticut, was steadily and largely increasing, and
a new and profitable commerce had sprung up with New England
and the West Indies. The constant reiteration of complaints and
serious charges against Van T wilier, however, made to the West India
Company, finally determined them to remove him from office. Ac-
cordingly, early in the spring of 1638, he was superseded by William
Kieft, who, though "a more discreet and sober man" than his pre-
decessor, was of an active, "inquisitive," and grasping disposition ;
and by n<> means so prudent a magistrate as the circumstances of
the province demanded. He set bravely to work to correct the
many abuses, both social and civil, which had grown up under Van
Twiller's administration ; but the people were of too mixed a char-
acter, and had been too long allowed the license of doing as they
pleased, to yield readily to his proclamations, or even to the more
forcible measures of restraint which he inaugurated. That he was
not unmindful of the company's material interests, was evidenced
by the judicious purchases of territory which he made in the
neighborhood of Manhattan. On the 1st of August, 1638, he secured
for the West India Company a tract of land adjoining Rapalie's
plantation on Long Island, extending from " Rennegackonck"
(ante, page 2-i, note) to what is now known as Newtown Creek,
and from the East Paver to " the swamps of Mespaetches."
The price paid to the native " chiefs of Keskaechquerem" for this
extensive area, which comprised the ichole of the former town of
Bushwick, now forming (he- Eastern District of the city of BrooTdyn,
was eight fathoms of duffels cloth, eight fathoms of wampum, twelve
kettles, eighl ad/es, eight axes, and some knives, corals, and awls.1

At"Paulus Book" (Jersey City), at "Corker's Hook" (opposite
Brooklyn i on Manhattan Island, and at other places in the vicinity
of New Amsterdam, permanent improvements were commenced by
various persons, and around the fertile region of the "Waal-bogt"
began to cluster the "plantations" of active husbandmen.

Meanwhile, the prestige whirli the Dutch had heretofore main-
tained on the Mouth River, received a severe shock. A Swedish

1 The deed (the earliest recorded t<> (he West India Company) for this important
purchase, will !>•• found, in full, us Appendix No. .'.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 27

West India Company was formed, which sent out an expedition to
establish a new colony in those parts, and its chief command was
intrusted to no less a person than Peter Minuit, the former Director
of New Netherland. In May, 1638, Minuit, undeterred by the
protests and threats of Director Kieft, established near the site of
the present city of Wilmington, Del., a trading-house and fort, which
he loyally named, after the young queen of Sweden, "Fort Christina."
Availing himself of the experience which he had previously gained
at Manhattan, he quickly " drew all the skins towards him by his
liberal gifts," so that, by midsummer, the vessels which brought him
out, returned to Sweden well laden with furs.

At home, in " the Fatherland," the affairs of the province of New
Netherland were again undergoing a searching investigation by the
States-General, who finally directed the Amsterdam Chamber of the
West India Company to take such immediate measures as should
most effectually regenerate the social, political, and commercial
state of the colony under their charge. Thus enjoined, the Amster-
dam Chamber, by proclamation, in September, 1638, threw open
New Netherland to free trade by all inhabitants of the United
Provinces and of friendly nations, " in the company's ships," and
subject to an import duty of fifteen per cent, and to an export duty
of ten per cent. The director and council of New Netherland were
directed to furnish every emigrant, " according to his condition and
means, with as much land as he and his family can properly cul-
tivate," a quit-rent of a tenth being reserved to the company, thus
assuring legal estates of inheritance to the grantees. Each colonist
or trader, availing himself of this proclamation, was required to
sign a pledge of obedience to the officers of the company, acting in
subordination to the States-General, and promising, in all questions
and differences which might arise, to abide by the decision of the
established colonial courts. Free passage, and other inducements,
were also offered to respectable farmers who wished to emigrate to
the new country.

The adoption of this liberal policy by the West India Company
marked a new era in the history of the province, and gave a rapid
impulse to its prosperity. Plans of colonization were formed by
capitalists, and many persons of ample means came out from

28 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Holland — as well as many from Virginia and Now England. These

all set about choosing favorable locations for husbandry or traffic;
houses were bni] were sent on trading-ventures in various

directions ; New Amsterdam echoed with the sound of the axe and
the- hammer, and industry and enterprise, no longer shackled by the
restrictions of a monopoly, gave to the country an appearance of
thriftiness and progress. Thirty "bouweries" or plantations, " as
well stocked with cattle as any in Europe," were soon under cul-
tivation, and the numerous applications for land promised at least
'• a hundred more."

The increasing demand for homesteads near Fort Amsterdam
induced the director and council to secure, by purchase from the
native proprietors, as much as possible of the valuable land on the
western end of Long Island. Accordingly, in January, 1639, Kieft
effected the purchase of all the lands from Rockaway eastward to
" Sicktew-hackey," or Fire Island Bay; thence northward to Martin
Gerritsens, or Cow Bay, and westward along the East Paver, to the
" Ylaack's Kill ;" thus securing to the company, in connection with
his purchase of the previous year, the Indian title to nearly all the
land comprised within the present County of Queens. And a few
months later, the company became possessed of another large tract
in what is now Westchester County. Portions of the lands thus
obtained were ero long deeded by the company to enterprising
settlers. In August of this year, Antony Jansen van Vaas from
Sal. e, obtained a grant of two hundred acres on the west end of
Long Island, partly in the present towns of New Utrecht and
Gravesend, of which towns ho was the pioneer settler.1 On the
28th of November following, one Thomas BSSOHEB received a patent
for "a tobacco plantation/' on the beach of Long Island "hard by
Saphorakan," which is supposed to have been at Gowanns, and
adjoining to that of William Adriaense Bennet.1 The next settler,
in this vicinity, was FbedeBIOX LUBBEBTQBN, who, on tho 27th of

1 Recorded in Book <;. <;.. <>t' Land Patents, i>. 61. The house which he en cted and
occupied on the premises, it is Bupposed, was located on the New [Jtrechl Bide <>f tho
boundary line between Baid towns, and its remains were disturbed, some years ago, in
for the foundations of a new building.

on <>f the Bennet and Bentyn Patent in the chapter uu " Early
i Patents."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 29

May, 164.0, took out a patent for a large tract lying on the northerly
side of Gowanus Cove, and having, also, an extensive water-front on
the East Eiver ; comprising, with the exception of Eed Hook, the
largest portion of what is now known as South Brooklyn.
There is abundant evidence, also, that the territory (subsequently
forming the town of Bushwick, and now the Eastern District of the
city of Brooklyn), purchased from the Indians, by the West India
Company in 1638, had been more or less cultivated — probably, by
" squatter right" — by settlers who now began to take out patents
for the lands which they had thus occupied. Patents were issued
in August, 1640, to Abeaham Byceen for a large plantation ; and in
September, 1641, to Lambert Huybeetsen (Moll), for land on the
East Biver previously occupied by one Cornelis Jacobsen Sille. In
the same neighborhood Hans Hansen Beegen was already occupy-
ing a large tract adjoining that of his father-in-law Joris Bapalie,
and lying partly on the " Waal-bogt" and partly within the limits
of Bushwick; while along the "bend of the Marechawick,"1 lay
the farms and " tobacco plantations" of Jan and Pletee Monteooet,
Pietee CiESAE the Italian, and others.2

The West India Company, at this time, owned by purchase nearly
all that portion of the western end of Long Island now embraced
within the present city of Brooklyn, and the towns of Flatlands,
Flatbush, and Newtown. To this was added, May 10th, 1640,
the hereditary rights " of the great chief Penhawitz," the head of
the Canarsee tribe, who claimed the territory forming the present
county of Kings, and a part of the town of Jamaica. Thus the per-
fected title of all the island west of Cow Bay and comprising the
present counties of Kings and Queens became vested in the company
by purchase. At the eastern end of the island, during this year,
Lyon Gardiner, of Saybrook, had made the first permanent English
settlement within the limits of the present State of New York, on
the island which still bears his name, near Montauk Point ; and in
the following spring, emigrants from Lynn, Mass., made an attempt,
under Lord Stirling's patent, to effect a settlement at Sellout's Bay,
within the limits of the present Queens County. Dislodged from

1 The Wallabout Bay. 2 See chapter on " Early Settlers and Patents."

30 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

there, however, by the Dutch soldiery whom Kieft dispatched
thither, they subsequently settled the town of Southampton, in the
: county of Suffolk ; and shortly after Bouthold was occupied
by a company from the New Haven Colony. Both of these English
colonics were allowed to pursue their way unmolested by the Dutch
government at Fori Amsterdam.

While thus adding to the company's domains, Kieft also gave to
the administrative affairs of the province the attention which they
had so long needed ; instituted various charges in subordinate
officers ; vigorously enforced discipline among the company's
soldiers and workmen at Manhattan, and strictly forbade the selling
of firearms to the Indians. This latter practice, indeed, was one of
the growing evils which were now beginning seriously to disturb
the friendly relations which had, heretofore, existed between
the Dutch and their savage neighbors. Contrary to all existing
orders, as well as to every dictate of prudence, a brisk traffic
in guns and ammunition had sprung up between the Rensselaer-
wyck colonists and "free-traders," and the Mohawks, until the
latter could number some four hundred warriors thus armed,
and, of course, became more insolent and oppressive to all the
other tribes. To the River Indians, who, in consequence of the
strict police regulations maintained in and around Manhattan,
were unable to obtain these much-coveted weapons, this seeming
partiality shown to their dreaded foes by the Dutch, was a just
source of annoyance and jealousy. Then, again, the colonists, in
their eagerness to pursue the fur-trade, frequently neglected their
farms, and their cattle shaving loose often inflicted serious damage
upon the unfenced cornfields of the savages, who, finding their
complaints disregarded, resorted to retaliatory measures! and thus
hard feelings were engendered on both sides. In their dealings
with the Indians, also, too many of the traders indulged in an
familiarity*' with them, which naturally bred in the

minds of the latter a contempt for men who, despite their apparent

i*i- 1 * ndliiiess, did not always treat them with perfect fairness. Many

of the Dutch, moreover, employed some of these savaj

domestic servants, and the Indians had thus become fully informed
of the numerical strength, habits, and circumstances of the colonists.

HISTOEY OF BEOOKLTN. 31

It will easily be seen, then, that bnt little provocation was needed
to bring matters to an open rupture ; nor was the occasion long
wanting. Director Kieft, under the plea that the company's expenses
were unusually heavy, demanded a contribution or tax of maize,
furs, and sewan from the neighboring Indians. This act of mean-
ness filled the measure of the red man's wrath to overflowing ; and
so sudden and imminent appeared the danger, that Kieft ordered
the people to arm themselves and to be prepared against any
sudden assault. Some depredations on the settlement at Staten
Island occurred at this juncture, which were unjustly imputed to
the Karitan Indians, and furnished an excuse for sending an ex-
pedition against them, wrhich killed a few of them, destroyed their
crops, and sowed the seeds of a long and bloody war.

By this time, under the authority of the States-General, the long-
existing differences between the patroons and the company had
resulted in the formation of a new "Charter of Freedoms and
Exemptions, for all patroons, masters, and private persons," which,
on the 19th of July, 1640, was officially approved and promulgated.
The main features of this important document, which materially
amended the obnoxious charter of 1629, are thus ably presented by
our latest State historian.1 " All good inhabitants of the Nether-
lands" were now allowed to select lands and form colonies, which,
however, were to be reduced in size. Instead of four Dutch miles,
they were limited to one mile along the shore of a bay or navigable
river, and two miles into the country. A free right of way by land
and water was reserved to all ; and, in case of dispute, the director-
general of New Netheiiand was to decide. The feudal privileges of
erecting towns and appointing their officers ; the high, middle, and
lower jurisdiction ; and the exclusive right of hunting, fishing, fowl-
ing, and grinding corn, were continued to the patroons as an estate
of inheritance, with descent to females as well as males. On every
such change of ownership, the company was to receive a pair of
iron gauntlets and twenty guilders, within one year. Besides the
patroons, another class of proprietors was now established. Who-
ever should convey to New Netherland five grown persons besides

1 Brodhead, i. 311-313.

32 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

himself, was to be recognized as a ' master or colonist ;' and conld
occupy two hundred acres of land, with the privilege of hunting and
fishing. If settlements of such colonists should increase in
numbers, towns and villages might be formed, to which municipal
governments were promised. The magistrates in such towns were
to be appointed by the director and council, ' from a triple nomina-
tion of the best qualified in the said towns and villages.' From
these courts, and from the courts of the patroons, an appeal might
lie to the director and council at Manhattan. The company guar-
anteed protection, in case of war, to all the colonists, but each adult
male emigrant was bound to provide himself, before he left Holland,
with a proper musket, or a hanger and side-arms. The commercial
privileges, which the first charter had restricted to the patroons,
were now extended to all 'free colonists,' and to all the stock-
holders in the company. Nevertheless, the company adhered to a
system of onerous imposts, for its own benefit, and required a duty
of ten per cent, on all goods shipped to New Netherlands and of five
per cent, on all return cargoes, excepting peltries, which were to
pay ten per cent, to the director at Manhattan beforo they could be
exported. All shipments from New Netherland were to be landed
at the company's warehouses in Holland. The prohibition of
manufactures within the province was, however, abolished. The
company renewed its pledge to send over 'as many blacks as
possible,' and disclaiming any interference with the 'high, middle,
and lower jurisdiction' of the patroons, reserved to itself supreme
and sovereign authority over New Netherland, promising to appoint
ami support competent officers 'for the protection of the good, and
the punishment of the wicked.' The provincial director ami council
w< re i" decide all questions concerning the rights of the company,
and all complaints, whether by foreigners or inhabitants of the
province ; t<> act as an Orphan's and Surrogate's Court; to judge in
criminal and religious affairs, and generally to administer law and
justice. No other religion save thai then taught and exercised by
authority, in the Reformed Church in the United Provinces, was to
be publicly sanctioned in New Netherland, where the company
bound itself to maintain proper preachers, schoolmasters, and com-
forters of the sick."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 33

The prosperity of New Netherland was greatly quickened by this
charter. New colonies were successfully founded on the North
River, in the Valley of the Hackensack and on Staten Island ; the
municipal affairs of New Amsterdam were better regulated, and the
currency of the province was reformed. This consisted, at the time,
almost exclusively of sewan or wampum, of which that manufactured
on Long Island and at Manhattan was esteemed the most valuable.
Of this "good, splendid" variety, four beads were deemed equivalent
to one stiver ; but, by degrees, a large quantity of inferior wampum,
loose and unstrung, had got into circulation, which had so far
depreciated in the market, as to call for legislative interference.
The council, therefore, ordered that thenceforth the loose kind
should pass at the rate of six for a stiver ; and the only reason that
it was not wholly prohibited, was " because there was no other coin
in circulation, and the laborers, boors, and other common people
having no other money, would be great losers." Two annual fairs,
one for cattle and another for swine, were also established at Man-
hattan, in September, 1641.

At this juncture, a sudden attack made by the Earitans upon the
settlement at Staten Island, together with certain hostile demon-
strations on the part of the Weckquaesgeeks, gave indication that
the smouldering fires of savage resentment were about to burst forth
in flames of war and destruction. The director, appalled at the
imminence of the danger, was yet unwilling to take the responsibility
of the initiative step of retaliation, from fear of the people, who
already reproached him with folly in provoking the war, as well as
with personal cowardice. He, therefore, convened all the masters
and heads of families at Manhattan, on the 23d of August, and sub-
mitted to them the question of declaring war against the savages.
The assembly promptly chose " Twelve Select Men," all Hollanders,
to consider upon his propositions.1 Their counsel was for pre-
serving peace with the Indians as long as possible ; or, at least, until
the Dutch settlements throughout the country should be more
numerous and better able to maintain and defend themselves. Dis-

1 Among these " Twelve Men" were Jacques Bentyn, the Gowanus settler ; Frederick
Lubhertsen, a large landholder though not a resident, in the same vicinity; and
George Rapalie, of the Wallabout.

3

34 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

appointed in their verdict, the director endeavored, in various ways,
to secure their unconditional consent to his plan of an aggressive
war ; but the Twelve Men remained unshaken in their opinion, and
succeeded in averting actual hostilities until the beginning of the
following year. Early in January, 1641, Kieft again convened the
Twelve Men, and, finally, wrung from them a consent, " conditional,
specific, and limited," to the sending out of an expedition against
the Weckquaesgeeks. But, while the representatives of the people
unwillingly conceded this much to the director's wishes, they seized
the opportunity to demand certain reforms in the colonial govern-
ment : viz., that the council should be reorganized and its numbers
increased to five; that, in order "to save the land from oppression,"
four persons, elected by the commonalty, should assist at the
council, two of which four should be annually elected by the people ;
that judicial proceedings should be held only before a full board ;
that the right of free trade should be granted to all colonists, on
payment of the company's imposts ; that the militia should be re-
organized and properly equipped ; and that, to prevent the currency
of the colony from being exported, its nominal value should be
increased. Jealous of his own, rights, which he saw to be limited
by these popular demands, Kieft was aware that some concessions
must be made, in order to secure their acquiescence in the war
which he was so anxious to commence. He, therefore, partially
granted some of the least important points demanded ; and, with a
significant hint that he thought they had somewhat exceeded the
powers for which they had been especially convened, he dissolved
the Twelve Men, thanking them for their advice, and forbidding, in
future, any calling of assemblies of the people, without the express
order of the director. Early in March following, the expedition
against the Weckquaesgeeks set forth, and though it was partially
futile, it had the effect of inducing the savages to sue for a peace,
which, however, proved to be but a temporary respite.

At Manhattan, which was now becoming, more than ever, a stop-
ping-place for transient visitors from New England and Virginia, the
director built, in 1642, a " fine hotel," and also a church, both of
stone ; and, in consequence of the ' large number of Englishmen
who were now flocking to New Netherland — rendering necessary

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 35

the services of an interpreter — one George Baxter was appointed
" English Secretary" with a handsome salary.

A public ferry was, by this time, permanently established between
Manhattan and Long Island. The landing-place on • the New
Amsterdam side was at the present Peck Slip, where was a ferry-
house, kept by Coenelis Diecksen (Hooglant) the ferryman. The
landing-place on this side of the river was at the foot of the present
Fulton-street, Brooklyn, near which Dircksen also owned "a house
and garden." Southwardly from " The Ferry" along the present
" Brooklyn Heights" and the East River shore, stretched the farms
of Claes Coenelissen Van Schouw (Mentelaeb), Jan Manje,
Andeies Hudde, Jacob Wolpheetsen (Van Couwenhoven), and others ;
while Red Hook had become the property of ex-Governor Van
Twumb. 1136721

Religious persecution was, at this time, driving from New England,
many pure-minded and gifted men, who found in New Netherland
the toleration denied them by their own country and brethren.
Thus, courteously treated and favored with liberal patents of land
from the Dutch Government, the Rev. John Doughty, with his fol-
lowers, settled at Maspeth (now Newtown) on Long Island ; Throg-
morton settled at Throg's Neck, "Westchester County; and the
celebrated Anne Hutchinson and her family, driven from New
Haven, found refuge at New Rochelle.

On the South River, by the combined efforts of the Dutch and
Swedes, who, in this, made common cause, the English were effectu-
ally cleared out ; but, on the Connecticut, the Dutchman was sorely
pressed to hold his own against the colonists of Massachusetts.

The year 1643 was to New Netherland, as to New England,
"a year of blood." Indian uprisings and "rumors of wars"
were on every side. Anxiety and terror hung like a cloud over
Fort Amsterdam and the neighboring settlements. An Indian
murder at Hackensack was followed by a descent of the dreaded
Mohawks upon the River tribes, which sent the latter rushing for
refuge to the vicinity of the white settlements at Vriesendael,
Pavonia, and even Manhattan Island, where at " Corlaer's Bouwery"
a few Rockaway Indians from Long Island, with their chief Nainde
Nummerus, had already established their wigwams. Had the

36 inSTORT OF BROOKLYN.

counsels of wisdom prevailed, these River Indians— now panting
fugitives, and grateful for the shelter afforded them by the proximity
of the whit settlements — might easily have been gained

bo a lasting friendship. It was, however, the old story of
the dove flying to the eagle's nest for protection. At a supper at
which Kieft was present, a petition was handed to him by two or
three of the Twelve Men of the previous year, urging him to avenge
the wrongs of the Dutch by an immediate attack upon these unsus-

i ] . fugee Indians. Delighted with the prospect of, at last,
accomplishing his darling wish, he gladly accepted the advice of
uoring the fact that they had been dissolved, and
that he had pronounced their functions limited. In vain, Dominie
i ins counselled peace and humanity; La Montagne begged

him to wait for the arrival of the next ship from home before pro-
ceeding to extremities; and De Vries contended that no warlike
step could be taken without the full consent of the people, and pro-
\< sted that the petition upon which he was acting, was not the

-sion of the Board of Twelve. The dogged director would not
yield : two expeditions were Becr< My sent forth, on the night of the
25th of February, 1643, against Pavonia and Corlaer's Hook ; and, at
midnight, these poor Indians, sleeping Bale, as they thought, from
attack by their mortal foes, the Mohawks, were remorselessly
butchered, to the number of eighty at the former place and forty at
the 1 .• 1 1 1 « r. The Btory of thai night is one of the saddest and foulest,

ise the meanest, upon the pages of New Netherlands history.
of this discreditable exploit naturally provoked
emulation, and some of the settlers residing within the limits of
the present eity of Brooklyn Bought permission from the director
to attack the Biarechkawiecks, who still retained some of their
planting-grounds in that neighborhood.1 Kieft, however, yielding
to the counsels of Dominie Bogardus and others, refused his assent
on the ground that the Marechkawiecks had always been very
friendly to the Dutch, and, moreover, were "hard to conquer," and

'Brodheada a and some of his neighbors at New Axnersfoort"

■ in tiii- outrage. The petition, however (we Appendix No. 8), is signed
■ Least) un re, at this timt . rerid* ntt oft* rritory included
wUMn the tubeequeni i B thwich

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 37

that it was not wise to add to the number of their declared foes.
If, however, the Indians showed any signs of hostility, each
colonist might adopt such measures of defence as he saw fit. The
proviso was an unfortunate one ; for, to those who seek a quarrel
opportunity is never long wanting ; and, ere long, some movements
of the Marechkawiecks were conveniently construed into signs of
hostility. Straightway, a secret expedition plundered two wagon-
loads of corn from the Indians, three of whom were killed in the
attempt to rescue their property. Up to this time, the Long
Island Indians had been the constant friends of the Dutch, but this
crowning act of injustice filled them with bitterest contempt and
hatred. They immediately made common cause with the Kiver
Indians, who, by this time, had discovered that the midnight
massacres at Pavonia and " Corlaer's" were the work of the Dutch ;
and war was declared against the faithless whites. From the shores
of the Raritan to the valley of the Hackensack, the tomahawk was
dug up and the war-paint was put on. Eleven tribes rose, as one
man, and throughout the length and breadth of New Netherland,
Death, Fire, and Captivity threatened unspeakable horrors to
farmer and soldier, to women and children, to old and young, to
rich and poor alike. From every outlying settlement the terrified
colonists fled to Fort Amsterdam, and crazed by their despair and
reproaches, the director hurriedly adopted such measures as he
could for the common safety. He found himself obliged to take all
the males into the company's service, as paid soldiers, for two
months. He, also, sent a friendly message to the Long Island
Indians, to which the indignant savages would not listen. Standing
afar off, they derided his messenger, calling out, "Are ye our
friends ? Ye are merely corn-thieves." Amid the general distress,
cooped up in the fort together with trembling fugitives, the victims
of his own rashness, and compelled daily to hear the reproaches
which his conscience told him were merited, the valiant director
scarce knew which way to turn ; and so, he proclaimed a day
of general fasting and prayer. But, while the people humbled
themselves before the Almighty, they held the director strictly
responsible ; and, alarmed for his own safety, he endeavored to
foist the odium of the situation upon the freemen, whose advice he

33 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

claimed to have followed. The indignant burghers, however, re-
minded him that he had dissolved the Board of Twelve and for-
bidden all assemblies of freemen.

"Meanwhile," says the historian,1 "the Long Island Indians had
begun to relent. Spring was at hand, and they desired to plant
their com. Three delegates from the wigwams of Penhawitz, their
' great chief,' approached Fort Amsterdam, bearing a white flag.
'Who will go to meet them?' demanded Kieft. None were willing
but De Vries and Jacob Olfertsen. ' Our chief has sent us,' said
the savages, ' to know why you have killed his people, who have
never laid a straw in your way, nor done you aught but good?
Come and speak to our chief upon the sea-coast.' Setting out
with the Indian messengers, De Vries and Olfertsen, in the evening,
came to ' Rechqua-aike,' or Rockaway, where they found nearly
three hundred savages, and about thirty wigwams. The chief,
1 who had but one eye,' invited them to pass the night in his cabin,
and regaled them with oysters and fish. At break of day, the
envoys from Manhattan were conducted into the woods about four
hundred yards off, where they found sixteen chiefs of Long Island
waiting for their coming. Placing the two Europeans in the centre,
the chiefs seated themselves around in a ring, and their 'best
Bpeaker' arose, holding in his hand a bundle of small sticks.
'When you first came to our coasts,' slowly began the orator,
' you sometimes had no food ; we gave you our beans and corn, and
relieved you with our oysters and fish; and now, for recompense,
you murder our people ;' and ho laid down a little stick. ' In the
beginning of your voyages, you left your people here with their
: we traded with them while your ships were away, and
cherished them as the apple of our eye; we gave them our
daughters for companions, who have borne children, and many
Indiana have Bprang from theSwannekens; and now you villainously
i icre your own blood.' Tho chief laid down another stick;
many more remained in his hand; but De Vries, cutting short the
reproachful catalogue, invited tho chiefs to accompany him to Fort
Amsterdam, where the director 'would give them presents to make

1 Brodhead, i. 358, 339

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 39

a peace.' The chiefs, assenting, ended their orations, and present-
ing De Vries and his colleague each with ten fathoms of wampum,
the party set out for their canoes, to shorten the return of the Dutch
envoys. While waiting for the tide to rise, an armed Indian, who
had been dispatched by a sachem twenty miles off, came running to
warn the chiefs against going to Manhattan. ' Are you all crazy,
to go to the fort,' said he, ' where that scoundrel lives, who has so
often murdered your friends?' But De Yries assured them that
'they would find it otherwise, and come home again with large
presents.' One of the chiefs replied at once : ' Upon your words
we will go ; for the Indians have never heard lies from you, as they
have from other Swannekens.' Embarking in a large canoe, the
Dutch envoys, accompanied by eighteen Indian delegates, set out
from Kockaway, and reached Fort Amsterdam about three o'clock
in the afternoon." A treaty was presently made with these Long
Island savages, and, through their aid and influence, with the River
tribes. But confidence was not fully restored ; and in September
following, hostilities again broke out, and the atrocities committed
by the savages on the North Eiver struck consternation to the
hearts of the Dutch at Fort Amsterdam. Kieft again summoned
the people to council, and they elected Eight Men to represent
them in the deliberations concerning " the critical condition of the
country." They advised that peace should be maintained with the
Long Island Indians, and that they should be encouraged to become
allies in war ; but, that war should be actively prosecuted against
the Biver Indians ; and that a large force of militia should be forth-
with enlisted and equipped. Before these preparations could be
effected, however, the Indians fell upon the Westchester settlements,
Maspeth, and Gravesend, all of which, except the latter, were laid
waste. Long Island, in the language of an eye-witness, was " almost
destitute of inhabitants and stock;" while from the Highlands of
Neversink to the valley of Tappan, the Indian rule became more
supreme. Even Manhattan Island was daily threatened ; and seven
allied tribes, " well supplied with musket, powder, and ball," hovered
menacingly around the insufficient fort at New Amsterdam, where
trembling families were closely huddled together, and the cattle
were beginning to starve for lack of forage. " Fear coming more

40 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

over the land/1 the Eight Men n convoked, but the director

adopted only one of their Bend ^esiions: viz., thai armed

ince should be sought from their English neighbors. The

Savon Colony, however, to whom application was made,

declined, alleging anion- other reasons that they were not satisfied

"thai the Dutch war with the Indians was just;" but they often d
supplies of provisions to the harassed New Netherlanders. Again,
October 24th, the Eight Men met, and, for the first time, resolved to
speak directly to their superiors in Holland. They sent a letter to
the College of Nineteen, which, in simple and pathetic yet manly
words, rehearsed the terrible situation of the province. In addition
to this, on the 3d of November they addressed a remonstrance to
the States-General, begging for immediate assistance, provisions,
etc. While awaiting an answer from the Fatherland, the winter of
i I'; II was improved in disciplining the numbers congregated at
Manhattan, and in various foraging and military expeditions against
ine Indians on Staten Island, and at Stamford and Westchester.
Early in 1G44, trouble arose between the settlers of Heemstede, a
recent English colony in the present Queens County, on Long
Island, and the Canarsee tribe in that neighborhood, whoso chief,
the one-eyed Penhawitz, was suspected of treachery. Expeditions
dispatched from Fort Amsterdam against the Canarsees and against
the Indians near Maspeth, both resulted in the complete discom-
fiture of the savages, with but slight loss to the whites. This
was followed, February, 1644, by another attack upon the Con-
necticut Indians near Greenwich, in which the Dutch were again
completely victorious. Planting season being again at hand, some
of the hostile tribes began to sue for peace, which was concluded
with the Long Island Indians, who had been pretty thoroughly
intimidated by the affairs at Heemstede and Maspeth. The River

till.. -, however, remained implacable, and the settlers were kept in
a oonstanl state of alarm and incertitude, which totally prevented
the progress of the settlements. Again, on the 18th of June, 1044,
the director felt obliged to convene the Eight Men, whose advice he
Bought concerning the, imposition of a tax upon wines, fo , r, brandy,

and beaver-Skin. To their better judgment, this measure seemed

to be, in the impoverished state of the province, unwise, oppressive,

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 41

and an overstepping of his legitimate power. Displeased with their
advice, Kieft angrily reminded them that his will was yet supreme,
and a few days after he issued, without their knowledge, a proclama-
tion stating that for the purpose of carrying on the war, and " by
advice of the Eight Men chosen by the commonalty," he had
decided to impose the tax. This roused the ire of the Eight Men,
whose sanction had been thus unwarrantably assumed, and the
brewers refusing to pay the excise, their beer was confiscated and
given to the soldiery. From that moment the spirit of resistance to
arbitrary power became an element of the politics of New Nether-
land, and party spirit divided the community. The Eight Men
became the representatives of the democracy, while the parasites of
power espoused the cause of the director. And, although the Eight
counselled active operations against the savages, and the available
force at his command was strengthened by the opportune arrival of
one hundred and thirty soldiers from Curacoa, Kieft contented
himself during the summer with a "masterly inactivity." The
Indians finding themselves unmolested, grew more insolent than
ever ; so that, even at the ■ distance of a thousand paces from Fort
Amsterdam, no one dared " move a foot to fetch a stick of firewood
without a strong escort." So deplorable was now the condition of
public affairs, that the Eight representatives, on 28th of October,
addressed a second memorial to the West India Company, stating
their grievances, demanding the recall of Kieft, and the introduction
into New Netherland of the municipal system of the Fatherland.
This letter reached the College of Nineteen at an opportune moment,
when, in obedience to a mandate of the States-General, they were in
session to deliberate about the affairs of the colony. It was felt
that the voice of the people could no longer be disregarded, and
Kieft's recall was therefore determined upon. The College, likewise,
referred all the papers in their archives relating to New Netherland
to the newly organized " Chamber of Accounts," with instructions
to report fully upon the condition of the province, and upon such
measures as should be necessary for its advancement. Their report,
communicated to the States-General a few days after, and which is
one of the most important documents relating to New Netherland,
fully reviewed the history of that province from its first settlement ;

42 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

strongly condemned Kief t's policy ; revealed the fact that the
colony, instead of being a source of profit, had really cost the W< st
India Company more than 550,000 guilders over and above all
returns, and gave their decision that, inasmuch as the charter of
" Freedoms and Exemptions" had promised protection and defence
to the colonists, and as improvements in the management were not
beyond hope, " the company could not decently or consistently
abandon it." Acting upon the facts and suggestions presented in
this report, the College of Nineteen, early in July, 1645, prepared a
code of general instructions for the regulation of the "supreme
council of New Netherland ;" the expenses of the whole civil and
military departments of the province being limited to 20,000
guilders per annum. Its government was vested in a " Supreme
Council," composed of a Director, a Vice-director, and a Fiscal ;
and to this council was committed the decision of all cases involving
matters of police, justice, dignity, and the rights of the company.
In criminal cases, " two capable persons" were to be " adjoined from
the commonalty of that district where the crime or act was per-
petrated." A definite boundary was to be speedily established
between the Dutch and English, and the rights of the Indians were
to be strictly respected, and every endeavor made to secure their
confidence. The colonists were to be encouraged to settle in towns,
villages, and hamlets, "as the English are in the habit of doing;"
Manhattan Island, hitherto monopolized by the company, was to bo
opened to immediate planting and settlements, and as many negroes
were to be introduced as the patroons, colonists, and other farmers
were " willing to purchase at a fair price." The fort was to bo
repaired and permanently garrisoned; while the colonists were
required to supply themselves with arms, and to form a local
militia, although without pay, which might be depended upon in
case of war. The right of representation to the council at Man-
hattan was confirmed to the colonists "for mutual good understand-
ing, and tho common advancement and welfare of the inhabitants."
Amsterdam weights and measures were made the standards in New
Netherland ; the Indian trade was reserved exclusively to the
patroons, colonists, and free fanners; and the selling of firearms to
rictly prohibited. The customs wero to be rigidly

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 43

enforced ; and the expenses of the province, which had previously
been borne exclusively by the Amsterdam Chamber, were now
assumed by all the chambers of the company in common.

With the spring of 1645 came, at last, a welcome termination to
the Indian war, and on the 30th of August, a general treaty of
peace was ratified with all the tribes at Fort Amsterdam. But "the
sting of war" remained. At Manhattan and its vicinity, scarcely
one hundred men, besides traders, could be found. The church,
commenced in 1642, was still unfinished. The money contributed for
the erection of a common school-house had " all found its way out;"
and even the poor-fund of the deaconry had been sequestered and
applied to the purposes of the war. Beyond Manhattan, almost
every settlement on the west side of the North Biver, south of the
Highlands, was destroyed. The western end of Long Island was
almost depopulated, and Westchester was desolated. The posts
on the South Biver and the Bensselaerwyck Colony alone had
escaped the horrors of war.

In the work of regeneration and reconstruction which was now to
be commenced, Kieft's attention was first directed to securing the
Indian title to lands in the vicinity of Manhattan, which had not
yet become the property of the company. On the 10th of Sep-
tember, 1645, a tract of land on Long Island, on the bay of the
North Biver, between Coney Island and Gowanus, and forming the
present town of New Utrecht, was purchased from its native
proprietors for the West India Company, thus completing their title
to most of the land within the present counties of Kings and Queens.
During the next month, a tract of sixteen thousand acres to the
westward of Maspeth, was patented by the director to English
emigrants who established there the town of Ylissingen, now known
as Flushing. And Maspeth itself was soon repeopled by its former
occupants, who had been driven from their homes by the desolation
of war. Two months later (December, 1645), Lady Moody and her
associates, who had so bravely maintained their position during
these long and harassing years, received from Director Kieft a
patent for their settlement on Long Island, adjoining Coney Island,
now forming the town of " Gravesend."

Meanwhile, disagreements which arose among the several

44 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Chambers of the West India Company concerning certain details of
the iif\\ government of the province, delayed the recall of Kieft
from the position which lie filled so discreditably to himself and so
disastrously to the public interests. His situation at this time was
far from agreeable ; the commonalty, informed of his intended recall,
did not hesitate to express their satisfaction, and the director,
irritated by their ill-concealed joy and reproaches, vented his spleen
by fining and banishing those who were most outspoken. This was
denounced as tyranny, and thereupon arose wranglings between
himself and the people. Yet, amid these dissensions, which em-
bittered the remainder of Kieft's term of office, progress was
steadily made in the settlement and colonization of the country.
On the east side of the North Paver, above Manhattan Island, in
the summer of 1646, Adriaen Vander Donck established a patroon-
ship, which is now represented by the town of Yonkers ; and shortly
after, Antonissen van Slyck, of Breuckelen, received from Kieft a
patent for "the land of Kaatskill," on the North River, where he
established a colony.

As will be seen from the preceding pages, the occupation of land
within the limits of the present city of Brooklyn, commencing with
the Bennet and Bentyn purchase of 1636, had steadily progressed,
until now (1646) nearly the whole water-front from Newtown Creek
to the southerly side of Gowanus Bay was in the possession of
individuals who were engaged in its actual cultivation. Small
hamlets, or neighborhoods, also, seem to have grown up at the
original centres of settlement, known respectively as " The Grotvanus"*
Wacdrbogt"* and" The Ferry."3 About a mile to the south-
east of this latter locality, and lying behveen the " Waal-bogt"
plantations and those at Gowanus, was a tract, spoken of in the
early pat< nts ,IS " Mereckawieek, on the Kil (or Creek) of Gowanus,"
and which was, undoubtedly, the residence of the tribe of that
name. II. re were the "maize lands" or planting grounds, which, in
1643 i - 36 and 37) were so unjustly despoiled by the

covetous whites; and of which, during the war which ensued, the

• * Bee page 84, note ; also Appendix No 1.
' Identical With the present Ernlton Terry, at foot of Fulton street, Brooklyn, p. 35.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 45

Indians were dispossessed.1 As soon as, and even before, hostilities
ceased, the choicest portions of this tract were taken up by the
white settlers under patents from the Dutch West India Company.
Thus, in July, 1645, Jan Evertse Bolt, followed in 1646 by Hutck
Aertsen (van Eossum), Jacob Stoffelsen, Pieter Cornelissen, and
Joris Dircksen, and by Gerrit Wolphertsen van Couwenhoven
and others in 1647, established themselves in this vicinity, on either
side of the road that led from Flatbush to " The Perry." The
village thus formed, and which was located on the present Fulton
Avenue, in the vicinity of the junction of Hoyt and Smith streets
with said avenue, and southeast of the present City Hal], was
called Brelckelen, after the ancient village of the same name in
Holland, some eighteen miles from Amsterdam.2 Its founders were
the first to avail themselves of the policy recommended by the
West India Company's Chamber of Accounts, in the " Code of
General Instructions" which they had prepared for the Provincial
Council in the preceding autumn, viz. : " to do all in their power
to induce the colonists to establish themselves on some of the
most suitable places, with a certain number of inhabitants, in the
manner of towns, villages, and hamlets, as the English are in the
habit of doing." And their expressed wish and intention to " found
a town at their own expense"3 was promptly responded to (June,
1646) by the Colonial Council, with the following brief or com-
mission :

" We, William Kieft, Director General, and the Council residing
in New Netherland, on behalf of the High and Mighty Lords States-
General of the United Netherlands, His Highness of Orange and
the Honorable Directors of the General Incorporated West India
Company. To all those who shall see these presents or hear them
read, Greeting :

" Whereas, Jan Eversen Bout and Huyck Aertsen from Eossum,
were on the 21st May last unanimously chosen by those interested

1 See the discussion of the Lubbertse patent in chapter on " Early Settlers and
Patents."

2 For a most interesting account of a visit to the original Breuckelen, made by the
Hon. Henry C. Murpby, of Brooklyn, while Minister to the Hague, the reader is
referred to Appendix No. 4.

3 N. Y. Hist. Soc. Coll., ii., 332, and note.

40 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

of Breuckelen, situate on Long Island, as Schepens, to decide all
qui Btkxns which may arise, as they shall deem proper, according to
the Exemptions of New Netherland granted to particular Colonies,
which election is subscribed 1 >y them, with express stipulation that
if any one refuse to suhinit in the premises aforesaid to the above-
mentioned Jan Evertscn and Huyck Aertsen, he shall forfeit the
right he claims to land in the allotment of Breuckelen, and in order
that everything may be done with more authority, We, the Director
and Council aforesaid, have therefore authorized and appointed,
and do hereby authorize the said Jan Eversen and Huyck Aertsen
to be schepens of Breuckelen ; and in case Jan Eversen and Huyck
u do hereafter find the labor too onerous, they shall be at
liberty to select two more from among the inhabitants of Breuckelen
to adjoin them to themselves. We charge and command every
inhabitant of Breuckelen to acknowledge and respect the above-
mentioned Jan Eversen and Huyck Aertsen as their schepens, and
if any one shall be found to exhibit contumaciousness towards
them, he shall forfeit his share as above stated. Thus done in
Council in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland."1

This organization of the Town of Breuckelen was further per-
fected, during the ensuing winter, by the appointment of a schout
or constable, as appears by the following commission :

" Having seen the petition of the schepens of Breuckelen, that it
is impossible for them to attend to all cases occurring there,
espi oially criminal assaults, impounding of cattle, and other
incidents which frequently attend agriculture ; and in order to pre-
m nt all disorders, it would be necessary to appoint a schout there,
for which office they propose the person of Jan Teunissen. There-
fore we grant their request therein, and authorize, as we do hereby
authorize, Jan Teunissen to act as schout, to imprison delinquents
by advice of the schepens, to establish the pound, to impound
cattle, to collect lines, and to perform all things that a trusty schout
is bound to perform. Whereupon ho hath taken his oath at tho
hands <>f us and the Fiscal, on whom he shall especially depend, as
in Holland substitutes are bound to be dependent on the Upper

1 Col. MSS., iv., 869, Jane 10, 1016.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

47

Schout, Sellouts on the Bailiff or Marshal. We command and charge
all who are included under the jurisdiction of Breuckelen to
acknowledge him, Jan Teunissen, for schout. Thus done in our
council in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the first December,
Anno 1646."1

MAP SHOTTING THE RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE VILLAGE OF BREUCKELEN AND ITS ADJACENT
SETTLEMENTS IN 1646.

Thus, more than two centuries ago, the Town of Breuckelen was
founded upon nearly the same locality which has since become the
political centre of the City of Brooklyn.

1 New York Col. MSS, iv., 276 ; O'Callaghan, i., 383 ; Brodhead, i., 421, 422.
Teunissen appears to have been acting as schout previous to the date of his com-
mission, as among Col. MSS. (ii., 152) are two contracts made by him with different
parties for furnishing them with building materials, and dated November 22, 1646, in
which he is called " Schout of Breuckelen."

43 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

CHAPTEE II.

THE EARLY SETTLERS AND PATENTS OF BROOKLYN.*

Unlike the English towns at the eastern end of Long Island —
which were generally settled by congregations or companies of indi-
viduals, bringing with them established religious and civil organiza-
tions—the Dutch settlements in the neighborhood of New Amster-
dam mostly began as individual enterprises. The new-comers took
up such tracts of land as best suited them, and commenced their
cultivation. These lands were either selected from those of which
the title had already been secured by the West India Company, or
were purchased directly from the Indian proprietors themselves.
In either case, their occupation was duly sanctioned by a patent or
" ground-brief" from the Company, and confirmatory patents were
also granted after tho lands had been under cultivation for a certain
number of years. Official transcripts of most of these patents yet
exist in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, from which,
together with town and county records, we are enabled to locate the
farms or " bouweries" of the early settlers with a considerable
degree of accuracy. The dates of these patents mostly range from
1640 to 1646, in which latter year the period of inaubcdion may be
said to have terminated by the incorporation of the village of
Breuckelen.

* Notk. — In tin" preparation "f this chapter we have received great assistance from
Hon. Ti.ini- Gr. I'.i.ik.i ,\. -.1' New Utrecht. His well known interest in :ill that

■ and antiquities of Sing's County, together with an extensive
fond of local Information, acquired in the long practice of his profession as a surveyor,
abun Lantly qualify him for the Important services which he has so kindly rendered us
in this portion <>f mir work.

To the late -i m. Gbumman, City Surveyor, Messrs. Silas Ludlax, Eehby E
I'ii i:ni POUT, BASKET .Johnson. Nicholas \Yy< koi k. IUmkl Hichahds, and others,
v..- are also Indebted for facilities for examining mans, family MSS., etc., fur which we

•a. ate.

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 49

In the year 1636, Jacques Bentyn and William Adriaense Bennett
purchased from the Indians a tract of land in Brooklyn, extending
from the vicinity of Twenty-eighth street, along Gowanus Cove and
the bay, to the New Utrecht line,1 as appears by the following Dutch
record, being a certified copy, by Michael Hainelle, clerk, from the
old records of the town of Brooklyn :

" On this 4th day of April (English style), 16 77, appeared before me
Michil Hainelle, acknowledged as duly installed Clerk and Secretary, cer-
tain persons, to wit : Zeino JTamingh, otherwise known in his walks (or
travels) as Kaus Hansen, and Keurom, both Indians ; who, in presence of
the undersigned witnesses, deposed and declared, that the limits or widest
bounds of the land of Mr. Paulus Vanderbeeck, in the rear, has been or is a
certain tree or stump on the Long Hill,2 on the one side, and on the other
the end of the Indian foot-path, and that it extends to the creek of the third
meadows ;3 which land and ground, they further depose and declare, previous
to the present time, was sold by a certain Indian, known as Chief or
Sachem Ka, to Jacques Bentyn and William Ariensen (Bennett), the
latter formerly the husband of Marie Thomas, now the wife of Mr. Paulus
Vanderbeeck ; which account they both maintain to be the truth, and
truly set forth in this deposition.

" In witness of the truth is the original of this with the said Indians'
own hands subscribed, to wit : By Zeuw Kamingh or Kaus Hansen, with
this mark, ^^, and by Keurom with this mark, ^J , in the presence of
Lambert Dorlant, who by request signed his name hereto as a witness.
Took place at Brookland on the day and date above written.

" Compared with the original and attested to be correct.

" Michil Hainelle, Clerk."

1 Ante, pages 23 and 24.

2 The " Long Hill" referred to is the eminence now called " Ocean Hill," in Green-
wood Cemetery, on the rear of the farm late of Cornelius W. Bennett and that late of
Abraham Schermerhorn, and on the boundary between Brooklyn and Flatbush.

3 The " third meadow" is the low ground, formerly meadow, between the land now
of Henry A. Kent and that of Winant and Bennett ; said meadow being located on the
boundary between Brooklyn and New Utrecht.

50 HISTORY OT BROOKLYN.

In the course of a few years after this joint purchase, Bennett
seems to have become the owner of the whole, or nearly the whole,
of the entire tract,1 and to have built himself a house on or near the
site of the present mansion-house on the Schermerhorn farm, on
Third avenue, near Twenty-eighth street, which was burned down
during the Indian wars of 1643, in Governor Kieft's administration.2
Bennett died about the same time, and probably during his chil-
dren's minority, and his widow afterwards married Mr. Paulus Van-

1 Dec. 26, 1G39, as per deed recorded in office of Secretary of State at Albany, from
Jaques Bentin, he sets forth : " I undersigned, Jaques Bentin, acknowledge that I
have sold to William Adriansen a certain lot of land joining the land of William
Adriansen, for 360 guilders ;" by which he may have intended to convey his whole
interest in the Indian purchase. May 25th, 1668, a confirmatory patent was granted
to Thomas Fransen for " a certain parcel of land and nieadow-ground upon Long
Island, lying and being near unto or by Gowanes ; the said parcel of land
lying between the first and second meadow-ground or valley ; being bounded to the
north by the first, and to the south by the second valley, as by Paulus Vander
Beeck it was staked out in the presence of the 6aid Thomas Fransen and other
witnesses ; being also of the 6ame breadth eastward as far as into the original ground-
brief is set forth, the parcel of meadow being divided into four parts. Two of them —
viz., No. 2 and No. 4 — are transferred to the said Thomas Fransen, which makes
the just moiety or half of the said meadow, together with a 6mall parcel of
woodland lying beyond that part of the aforesaid second valley where ' No. 4' is," as
conveyed by Adriaen Willemsen (Bennett) to Paulus Vander Beeck, and, Sept. 5, 1666,
conveyed by the said Paulus Vander Beeck and his wife, Maria Thomas, to the said
Fransen, the quantity of land being certified by the surveyor and endorsed on the first
conveyance

• In an affidavit, made on the 15th of February, 1663, before Walenyn Vander Veer,
notary, etc., by Mary Thomas (sometimes called Badye, and widow of William Ariaenso
Bennett, her second husband ; of Jacob Varden, her first husband ; and mar wife of Mr.
Paulus Vander Beeck). it is set forth that " her houses, in the Indian wars, past about
nineteen years, were burned and destroyed."

About nineteen years previous to 1663 carries back to 1643, in which the Indian
wars, during Kieft's administration, took place.

This statement is further strengthened by a deed, dated January 2, 1696-7, from the
Patentees and Freeholders of Brooklyn, to Adriaen Bennett, a son of the aforesaid
William Ariaense Bennett (to secure his rights for what appears to be the same land
covered by the patent to Mary Thomas, except that the quantity is two hundred acres),
wherein it is set forth " that the said William Ariaense Bennett had formerly lawfully
purchased a certain tract of land of the native proprietors, the Indians, in the year
1686, at Qowanus aforesaid, according to the boundaries and limits herein after speci-
fied ; and thai by the Indian wars, and also by fire, great part of the writings, patents,
and deeds of Haul William Ariaense Bennett's aforesaid land is lost and destroyed,
together with the records ; and also that said Adriaen Bennett, the lawful heir to Baid
William Ariaense Bennett, deceased, thereby is in danger to lose his right of inher-
itance," etc.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 51

der Beeck, " surgeon and farmer." Mr. Vander Beeck, who was
one of the patentees mentioned in the charter of 1667, granted by
Governor Nicholls to the town of Brooklyn, and a prominent and
influential citizen, died in the year 1680 ; and the Gowanus estate
is next found in the possession of Adrian Bennett, a son of the
original proprietor. During his occupancy, some dispute seems to
have arisen between him and one Simon Arison (de Hart), who had
become possessed of a portion of the original purchase.1 In conse-
quence of this controversy, and in compliance with the mandate of
the Governor and Council, a new survey was ordered, as appears
from the following report :"

" Pursuant to his Excellency's warrant, bearing date the 9th January,
1695-6 :

" I have surveyed for Adriaen Bennett a certain parcel of land at the
Gowanos, on the Island of Nassau, beginning at a certain small lane3 near
the house of said Adriaen Bennett,4 and from thence it runs alongst the
said lane and markt trees to a certain chesnut standing on the top of the
hill,5 marked with three notches, and thence to a black oak standing on
the south side of the 6aid hill, marked with three notches. The course
from the said black oak to the first station is south 44° and 30' easterly,
distance 80 chains ; and thence it runs irregularly by markt trees, said to
be markt by the Indians when purchased by Willem Arianse Bennett, to
a white oak6 standing by the Indian foot-path, markt with three notches,
the course 20° northerly, distance 122 chains; and thence it runs by the
southwest side of Brookland Patent to the bay of the North River, and so

1 Said portion being that owned by Thomas Fransen, as described in note 1, on pre-
vious page.
8 Land papers, liber ii. 228, office Secretary of State, Albany.

3 Probably the farm-lane between the farm late of Cornelius W. Bennett and that of
Abraham Schermerhorn ; said lane being near the present Twenty-first street, in the
Eighth Ward.

4 Supposed to be the present Schermerhorn house, or, at all events, the older portion
of it ; said house having since been modernized. (See next page.)

6 Ocean Hill, in Greenwood Cemetery. (See note 2, p. 49.)

• The " white oak standing by the Indian foot-path, markt with three notches,"
referred to above, was a large tree with a decayed centre, which stood until some forty
or fifty years ago, when it was finally prostrated by the wind. Within the remains of
its stump, some twenty years since, Mr. Teunis G. Bergen, supervisor of New Utrecht,
and Martenus Bergen, supervisor of the Eighth Ward, placed a stone monument,
which forms the most southerly angle of the city of Brooklyn. At present all vestiges
of the old tree have disappeared.

52 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN

by the said bay to the place where [it] began; containing 930 acres.
The bounds and limits of the land above expreat, the said Adriaen Ben-
nett, when a day is appointed by hifl Bxcellenoy and council for the hearing
of his evidence, doth promise to make them appear to be the bounds and

limits of the land purchased] by hifl lather, Willem Ariaense Bennett, of the
Indians, in the year 1036.

" Aug. Graham, Sur. Genl.
"May 21st, 1096."

This survey was accompanied by a map, of which we give a
reduced copy from the original now on file in the Surveyor-General's
office at Albany.

The most easterly house on this map is undoubtedly the present
mansion-house on the Schermerhorn farm, on Third avenue, near
Twenty-eighth street. In course of time it has been remodelled and
modernized, but the stone walls of the original house still form a
part of the present building. Its site, as we have previously
remarked, is identical, or nearly so, with that of the house built by
Bennett and destroyed in 1643.

The house near the first meadow is the present old stone
house, known as the De Hart or Bergen house, located on the
shore of Gowanus Cove, west of the Third avenue, near Thirty-
Beventh and Thirty-eighth streets. The main portion is of
stone, but tho wiug is of wood, and is probably a more recent
erection, and has undoubtedly been several times materially altered
and repaired. About fifty years ago Simon Bergen, its then owner,
proposed to demolish the old building on account of its great
decay, but, by the persuasion of his next neighbor, Garret Bergen
(father of the Hon. Teunis G. Bergen), was induced to repair it and
place a new roof upon it, and it has so remained to the present day.
Both of these houses, therefore, an older than the Cortdyou or Vechie
house, on Fifth avenue, which was erected in 1099, and hitherto has
always b( en considered the most ancient building in Brooklyn.

The " Pond" is that since known as the " Bhmcn-water" (lake or
marsh), located near tho intersection of Fifth avenue and Thirty-
ninth street.

The " Swamp" or Oripplebosh, on the land of Bennett, is identical
with that which formerly existed between the Third and Fifth

COFY OF A SURVEY ma 21 1696, by Augustus

General, of the BENTON and BENNETT
PUF the Indians. Conta 930 Acres.

T,'^y

THE SCHERMERHORN HCUSE

a mm

OR BERGEN HOUSE.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 53

avenues, in the vicinity of Twenty-eighth street, and is now mostly
filled up.

The " first meadow" is located on Gowanus Cove, about Thirty-
fift1/,, Thirty-sixth, and Thirty-seventh streets.

The " second meadow" was near the bay, in the vicinity of Forty-
fifth and Forty-sixth streets and First and Second avenues.

The lands marked on the map as those " of Agias Van Dyck"
were located mainly southwest of Forty-seventh street. They com-
prise the farms since of Henry A. Kent,1 of Cornelius Bergen, of
Theodoras Bergen, of Leffert Bergen, of Peter (afterwards Martenus)
Bergen, and of the Yan Pelts.

The Cornelius Bergen farm, between Fifty-seventh and Fifty-ninth
streets, was sold, in 1760, by Hendrick Van Dyck,2 to John Bergen,
who conveyed it to his son Teunis, the father of Cornelius. It is
now owned by "William C. Langley and Thomas Hunt.

The Theodorus and Leffert Bergen farms, between Fifty-second
and Fifty-sixth streets, together formed a tract which was originally
sold by Claes Van Dyck, April 6, 1724, to Joseph Hegeman,3 who,
on May 10th, 1734, sold it to Cornelius Sandford.4 On the 28th of
August, 1744, these premises were again sold by Theodoras Van
"Wyck of New York and Helen his wife, the sole daughter of the
above-named Sandford, " late of Brooklyn,"5 to Hans Bergen, and
was the first purchased by the Bergens of the numerous farms they
afterwards settled at the Gowanus, Yellow Hook, and Bay Bidge.
The estate descended to Bergen's son, Michael, who divided it be-
tween his sons Theodorus and Leffert. Leffert's portion is now
owned by Thomas Hunt and M. McGrath.

The Peter Bergen and Van Pelt farms, between Forty-sixth and
Fifty-second streets, were once owned by the Van Pelt family, and
were divided between two brothers. The southern portion was

1 The land of H. A. Kent is part of a farm since owned by Winant Bennet, and lying
partly in Brooklyn and partly in New Utrecht.

2 This property became his by conveyance, dated Oct. 6, 1708. — King's Co Convey.,
lib. iii. 196.

3 Convey., King's County, lib. v. 6. Original consideration, £824.

4 " " lib. v. 79. " " £500.
6 Sandford's widow, Gertrude, married Joris Remsen.

54: HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

conveyed by "Wouter Van Pelt to Peter Bergen, who divided it
between his sons Martenus and Peter.

" The land in difference between Simon Arison1 (de Hart) and
Ariaen Willemse Bennet," continued in possession of the former,
who, on the 2d of November, 1696, obtained from Governor Fletcher
a confirmatory patent covering " the land in difference" and the plot
noted on the map as " sold to Simon Arison," which lands, a few
years ago, comprised the farms of Simon Bergen and that of John S.
Bergen, and are distinguished on Butts' map as lands of J. Morris}
John S. Bergen, John F. Delaplaine and others.2 They descended
first to Simon, junior, a son of the first Simon ; then to his son
Simon, who, dying without issue, devised them to his sister Geertje,
who married Simon Bergen. Simon Bergen resided on the prem-
ises prior to and in the beginning of the American Kevolution,
when he was accidentally shot, in 1777, " by a musket he was
buying of a sailor, and died from loss of blood." The accident is
said to have happened close to and in front of the old De Hart or
Bergen house, described on page 52. After the death of Simon Ber-
gen, the plantation was divided between his sons Simon, junior, and
John S. ; the former taking the portion (between Thirty-seventh
and Fortieth streets) on which the old house is located, in which he
resided for some years, until he finally built a more commodious
one on the adjoining heights, after which the old one was used by
tenants. After the death of Simon, junior, his daughter Leah, the
wife of Jacob Morris, inherited the portion of the farm on which
the old house is located, in which she resided until within a few
years ago, when, in consequence of the increased value of the prop-
erty, caused by the rapid strides made by the city, she was induced
to dispose of it.

The lands designated on Graham's map as " in possession of

1 Simon Aektsen (de Hakt) emigrated to America in 1664, and settled at Gowanos,
where he bought, probably within a short time after his arrival, a portion of the
Bennet and Bentyn farm. On the death of his first wife, Geertie (Gertrude) Cornelis-
sen, he married (June, 1691) Annatie, the widow of William Huycken of Gowanus. Ac-
cording to tradition, he was the builder of the De Hart or Bergen house, described on
page 52, of which we find mention made as early as 1679 (see Coll. L. I. Hist. Soc, i., 122),
which descended, with the plantation, to his eldest son, Simon.

3 See note 1 on page 50, and note 1 on page 51.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 55

"Willem Ariaense Bennet" were patented, September 9, 1644, by
Governor Kieft, to Mary Thomas (sometimes called Mary Badye),
widow of Willem Ariaense Bennet, deceased,1 and is the land
between Twenty-eighth and Forty-first streets, designated as that of
Abraham Schermerhorn, Garret G. and John G. Bergen, the heirs
of Henry Pope, and that portion of Greenwood Cemetery which is
taken from the rear of the Schermerhorn and Bergen farms.

n.

On the 5th of April, 1642, a patent was granted by Kieft to one
Coenelis Lambertsen (Cool)' for lands described as

" Lying on Long Island, called Gouwanes, extending in length from
the wagon-road between the aforesaid land and Jan Pietersen's land,
lying alongside the river, till to a certain swamp (Krepplebosch), next to
the land of William Adriaense (Bennet), which land was formerly occu-
pied by Jans Van Rotterdam and Thomas Beets (Bescher), with the ex-
press condition that the roads as they now run over the above-described
land shall remain as they now are. In addition to the above-described
land, unto him, Cornelis Lambertsen, is granted a portion of a hay-marsh
(valley) lying by the hay-marsh of Anthony Van Salee, containing six
morgen."3

Cool's patent, extending from the northerly line of Bonnet's land
nearly to the head of Gowanus Cove, comprised, as near as can be
ascertained, the farms designated on Butt's map of Brooklyn
as of Peter Wyckoff, John Wyckoff, Henry Story, and Winant
Bennet.

1 Before Bhe married Bennet, she was the widow of Jacob Vardon (or Fardon) ; and
after Bennet's death, she married again, Mr. Paulus Vander Beeck. Alb. Rec., xxi.
41 ; date, 1663. See also, concerning the Bennet property, deeds of Simon Aerson to
Dirck Hattum, March 7, 1677. Lob. iv. 122 ; also, various old deeds in possession of
C. W. Bennett.

8 Patents G. G. 46, Secretary of State's office.

3 The Dutch morgen was equal to about two English acres. The Dutch rod was
equal to 13 Dutch feet ; or 12 feet 3T8ff2o inches, or 18^ links, English measure. A
Dutch foot was equal to lliV/o inches, English measure. The Dutch mile is equal to
2to2tt English miles.

56 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

A deed from Thoinas Besclier, above mentioned, to Cornells Lam-
bertsen (Cool), of May 17th, 1639, prior to the date of the patent
recorded in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, for these
premises, is the earliest conveyance from one settler to another
which has been found for lands in Brooklyn. In this deed Bescher
conveys his right in

" A plantation before occupied by John Van Rotterdam, and after-
wards by him, Thomas Bescher, situate on Long Island, by Gouwanes, in
a course towards the south by a certain creek or underwood on which
borders the plantation of Willem Adriaensen (Bennet) Cooper ; and to
the north, Claes Cornelise Smit's ; reaching the woods in longitude : for
all which Cornells Lambertsen (Cool) shall pay to said Thomas Bescher
300 Carolus guilders, at 20 stuyvers the guilder."1

From this deed we may infer that one of the first agricultural set-
tlements in Brooklyn was made upon these lands.

Of Claes Corneliese Smit's, afterwards Jan Pietersen's (Staats)2
patent, above referred to, no copy has been discovered ; and, in the
absence of any measurements, we are only enabled to locate it as
commencing about at the head of and on the southerly side of Gow-
anus Cove, extending some distance along the Mill Creek, or the
meadows bordering thereon ; including, it is believed, the land
between Braxton and Ninth streets, designated on Butt's map as
farms of heirs of Rachel Berry, J. Dimon, R. Berry, H. L. Clark,
and A. Yan Brunt.

"We subjoin a few notes concerning the more modern occupation
of the lands between First and Twenty-eighth streets.

From First to Fifth street, marked on our map as land of Edwin
C. Litchfield, was originally the Yeckte farm. On this farm is still
standing, on the west side of Fifth avenue, near Fourth street, and
on the east side of the old Gowanus road, the ancient building com-
monly known as " the Cortelyou house." It is constructed mainly
of stone, the gable-ends, above the eaves, being of brick ; the date
of its erection, 1699, being indicated by iron figures secured to the

1 See page 28. 2 King's Co. Convey., lib. iv. 9.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 57

outside of the gable fronting the old road. As near as can be ascer-
tained, Claes (or Nicholas) Adriaentse Van Vechten, an emigrant
from Norch, in the province of Drenthe, Holland, owned the planta-
tion on which the house is located, and probably erected the building.
Previous to, and about the period of, the American Revolution, the
property was owned by Nicholas Vechte, grandson of old Claes, the
emigrant ; and in 1790, Nicholas R. Cowenhoven, one of his heirs,
sold the house and a portion of the farm, for the sum of £2,500, to
Jacques Cortelyou,1 who resided on the premises until 1804, when,
unfortunately, having become insane, he committed suicide by
hanging himself from the limb of a pear-tree in the orchard adjoin-
ing the house. He was a descendant, in the sixth generation, from
Jacques Cortelyou, the surveyor, and first of the name, who emi-
grated to this country about 1652, and settled at New Utrecht.2 After
his death, the property was divided by his sons Adrian and Jacques,
the latter taking the portion on which the old house was located,
in which he resided until the enhanced value of the property, caused
by the rapid spread of the city, induced him to dispose of some to
parties who have divided it into city lots.

In this connection we may as well refute the popular tradition
which states this house to have been the headquarters of Generals
"Washington and Putnam, prior to or during the battle of Long
Island. The fact is, that Washington's headquarters were in New
York ; and although he went over to Brooklyn after the commence-
ment of the unfortunate battle of Long Island, on the 27th of
August, 1776, there is no evidence or probability that he went out-
side of the American lines, which extended from the Wallabout to
the Gowanus Mill Creek. Putnam also had his headquarters within
the lines, near to the ferry. There was undoubtedly some fighting
in the vicinity of this house, as one writer says, " the British had
several field-pieces stationed by a brick house, and were pouring
canister and grape on the Americans crossing the creek." This
building, therefore, must be the one referred to, as there was no
other, answering to the description, in the vicinity.

1 King's County Conveyances, liber vi., p. 434.

2 See Coll. L. I. Hist. Soc, i. 127, 128.

58 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

The lands between Fifth and Seventh streets, designated as those
of Theodore Polhenms, formerly belonged to his father.

The farm between Seventh and Ninth streets formerly belonged
to Rem Adriance, whose daughter married for her first husband
Cornelius Van Brunt, the father of Adriance Yan Brunt.

The farm commencing on Gowanus Creek, and being between
Ninth and Twelfth streets, also belonged, about 1810, to Cornelius
"Van Brunt, and is described in our map as divided between his son
Adriance and Henry L. Clarke.

The Berry farm, on Mill Creek, extending from Twelfth to half-
way between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets, was sold, previous
to the Kevolution, by Cornelius Van Duyn to "Walter Berry, and
subsequently conveyed by Richard Berry to A. W. Benson.

From the southerly line of the above farm to the present Middle -
street, was a farm which, about the year 1751, was conveyed by
Christophel Scarse and Peter Van Pelt to John Bergen. He con-
veyed it to his brother, Dirick Bergen, who devised it to his three
daughters, one of whom married Joseph Smith, another, Walter
Berry, and the third, Ebenezer Carson. It is known on Butts'
map as lands of J. Dimon, heirs of R. Berry, and Peter Wyckoff.

The land between Middle and Twentieth streets was originally one
farm, owned by Cornelius Van Duyne,1 and conveyed to Peter
"Wyckoff during the Revolutionary war. It is now owned by John
"Wyckoff.

The lands between Twentieth and Twenty-fifth streets originally
formed one farm, owned by Jacob Fardon, and by him sold, in
1720, to one Anthony Hulsaart, of New Utrecht.3 By him it was
conveyed to Joseph Woodward and Wynant Bennet, and Wood-
ward's portion is now known as land of Henry Story.

" Blokje's Berg" (pronounced, by the Dutch inhabitants, " Blucke's
Barracks"), was the ancient name of a small hill on Gowanus Cove,
near the intersection of the present Third avenue and Twenty-
third street, the old Gowanus road passing over it. North of the

1 This land appears to have been sold to William Huycken, in 1679, by Mr. Paulua
Vanderbeeck, whose son, Conradus, in Dec, 1699, gave a confirmatory deed of the same
to Cornelius Gerritse Van Duyne, who had married Huycken's eldest daughter. King's
Co. Convey., lib. ii. 210.

5 King's Co. Conyey., lib. vi. 316.

HISTOKY OF BROOKLYN. 59

hill was a ditch which drained the morass and swamp on the east
into the cove, and this ditch was crossed bj the road by means of a
small wooden bridge. It is mainly memorable as the place where
the British column, advancing by the Gowanus road, on the morn-
ing of August 27, 1776, received its first check, from an American
picket-guard, on which occasion several lives were lost, being the
first blood shed in that battle. Near it, on the northeast corner of
Twenty-third street and Third Avenue, was the old Weynant Bennet
house, which yet stands, retaining its ancient appearance, and yet
bearing upon its venerable walls the marks of shot and ball received
on that disastrous day.

The farms of Cornelius Bennet and Joseph Dean, between Twenty-
fifth and Twenty-eighth streets, were originally one farm.1

Along the bay, between Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth streets,
was the hamlet of Gowanus. It was originally laid out in village
lots, and the old stone " Bennet house," which stood in the middle
of Third avenue, near Twenty-seventh street, and was taken down
when the avenue was opened, was probably a remnant of the origi-
nal settlement.

m.

RED HOOK.

The "Roode Hoek," or Ked Hook, so called from the color of
its soil, has almost entirely lost its identity, in consequence of the
construction of the Atlantic Docks, and the other extensive and
important improvements in that part of the modern city of Brook-
lyn. Its original form and topographical appearance, however,
has been faithfully preserved and delineated in Ratzer's map ; and
it may be described, in general terms, as extending from Luqueer's
Mill Creek (about Hicks and Huntingdon streets), following the in-
dentations of the shore around the cape and headland, to about
the western boundary of the Atlantic Docks, on the East Biver ;
or, in general terms, as having comprised all the land west of
the present Sullivan-street. Its history commences with the year

1 Deeds of Bennett family.

60 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

1638, when Director Van Twiller petitioned for its use, which was
granted to him on condition that he should relinquish it when-
ever the Company wanted it.1 Van Twiller had previously be-
come possessed of " Nutten" or Governor's Island, several islands
in the East Kiver, near Hell-gate, and lands at Catskill and on
Long Island, amounting in all to between three thousand and
three thousand seven hundred and fifty acres. These, as well as
similar purchases made by other officials, were disapproved by
the authorities at home, — who very justly complained that "the
whole land might thus be taken up, yet be a desert," — and finally,
in 1652, were declared null and void, and the lands consequently
reverted to the Company.4

The title of Red Hook being thus vested in the Government, was
conveyed and granted to the town of Breuckelen, in 1657, by Gov-
ernor Stuyvesant, and was subsequently confirmed by Governors
Nicolls and Dongan.3 It was sold, on the 10th of August, 1695, by
the patentees and freeholders of the town, to Colonel Stephanus
Van Cortlandt. In their deed, which recites the original grant by
Stuyvesant, etc., the property is described as

" A neck of land called Red Hook," estimated as containing fifty acres,
more or less, of upland, then in possession of Peter Winants,4 " together
with all the land and meadow thereunto belonging, to the westward of
Fred. Lubbertsen's patent, bounded between the Salt Water River and
said patent."

To this was added, by deed from Peter "Winants, " son and heir of
Winants Peterson," in November following, twenty-four acres,
" bounded east by the land heretofore belonging to one Frederic

1 He afterwards (June 22, 1643) took out a patent for the same. Patents, G. G. 66,
Sec'y State's office.

2 Brodhead, i. 265, 267, 276, 536.

3 Furrnan, 11.

4 Sept. 30, 1678, Wynant Pieters had received a patent for " a piece of upland at the
Red Hook, or point over against Nutten Island, within the jurisdiction or limits of
Brookland on Long Island, beginning from a creek next Frederick Lubberts' land lying
west from the high hook or point, and so on to the river ; thence going along the river
to the bay of the Gouwanes, south-southeast, and running again from the said bay
easterly to Frederick Lubbertse's land. It contains about 24 acres of land.'' In N. Y.
Col. MSS., xsviii. 165, 166, date Dec. 13, 1679, mention is made of a charge against
Wynant Pieters, of having, by means of false information, obtained a patent from
the Governor for lied Hook.

HISTOET OF BROOKLYN. 61

Lubbertsen ; north, by York River ; west, by Hudson's River ; and
south, by Gowanus Bay." These purchases were subsequently
confirmed to Colonel Van Cortlandt, by a grant from King Wil-
liam ILL, dated June 2, 1697.1

Van Cortlandt died Nov. 25, 1700, and on May 23d, 1712, his heirs
executed a deed to Matthias Van Dyke, of property described as

" A certain messuage, mill, mill-dam, mill-house, and tract or neck of
land or meadow, unto low-water mark, as far as a place called Koytes (or
Kotier's) Kill (Graver's Kill),2 lying and being upon the Island Nassau,
formerly Long Island, commonly called and known by the name of the
Red Hook, containing in quantity fifty acres, more or less ; bounded on
the east by the east side of a creek that runs by the westernmost bounds
of Frederic Lubbertsen's land ; and on the south, by the Gouwanus Bay ;
and on the west, by Hudson's River ; and on the north, by the East
River, at low-water mark ; including the aforesaid creek, which maketh
the east bounds of said lands and meadow."

The mill mentioned in this deed was undoubtedly erected during
the occupancy of Van Cortlandt and prior to 1689, at which time it
is referred to in an agreement between Corssen and Seabring. The
mill-pond, which was formed by damming off the creeks and natu-
ral ponds in the adjoining marsh, contained in 1834 over forty-seven
acres of drowned marsh, but it is long since filled up and obliterated
by the march of modern improvements. The mill was located on
the corner of the present Dikeman and Van Brunt streets, and the
dwelling-house appertaining thereto stood about the corner of Par-
tition and Van Brunt streets.3 By a deed, dated Feb. 1, 1736,
Matt. Van Dyke conveyed these mill premises to his son John, who
is mentioned as one of his father's executors in 1749. He devised
his estate to his two sons, Nicholas and Matthias, who, in 1784?
divided it between them. On Ratzer's map, in 1766, these build-
ings are designated as of A. Van Dyke, probably Matthias, who
with his son, is mentioned as residing on Red Hook, with their

1 Also recorded, Pat., lib. vii. 132, etc., Secretary of State's office.

2 So called from its being a convenient place to ''grave" (from the Dutch graaven)
or cleanse and recaulk the bottoms of boats and vessels. It was located at the " Red
mills," or Cornell's mills, near junction of presejat Harrison and Columbia streets.

3 Map of property belonging to heirs of Matth. Van Dyke, by R. Graves, junior, city
surveyor, 1834.

62 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

respective families, during the Kevolutionary war, and were described
as " good staunch, whigs and very clever folks."1 At the time of the
battle of Long Island a fort was erected here, named Defiance, and
mounting four 18-pounders, en barbette.

The Nicholas Van Dyke mill, which was erected after the date of
Eatzer's map, on the same pond, was located on the ground now
bounded by the present Van Brunt and Eichards, Van Dyck and
Partition streets ; the dwelling-house being on the northeast corner
of Van Dyck and Van Brunt streets. This mill was called the
" Ginger Mill," by which name it is yet distinctly remembered by
some of our oldest citizens.

Boomjpties HoeJc, or " tree-point," sometimes corrupted to Bombay
Hook,3 was the name applied to the southerly projection of Ked
Hook, and which, in common with all the natural features of this
vicinity, has shared the oblivion consequent upon recent city im- .
provements. " The Hook" originally extended from about the junc-
tion of the present Otsego and Cuba streets (where its memory is
still preserved by " Bomptje's Hook Wharf") around to " Meuwee
Point,8 as it was called, at about the junction of the present Henry,
Bay, and Grinnell streets.

Tradition asserts that Ked Hook and Governor's Island were
once connected, and that people and cattle waded across Buttermilk
Channel.4 The legend probably originated in statements made by
witnesses in a trial which took place in 1741, between Israel Hors-
field, plaintiff, and Hans Bergen, at 'ondant, as to the boundaries of
their respective farms.6 The theory, sustained by some in support of
this tradition, that the docks erected along the New York shore
effected a change by diverting the currents of the East Kiver to-
wards Buttermilk Channel, is hardly tenable. Old traditions, how-

1 Onderdonk, Rev., Incidents Kings County, 117. In 1744 a battery of eight guna
had been erected on this point. See Valentine's Manual of Common Council.

8 Benson's Memoir, p. 16.

8 Deed of Matthias Van Dyke to Nich. Van Dyke, Feb. 7, 1742, King's County Conv.,
lib. v. 120. " Meuwee" (from the Dutch meeuw, and German mewe) signifies " a gull ;"
and the Point probably derived its name from its being a common resort of sea-fowl.

4 Furman's Notes mentions it as " an established fact," and is followed by subse-
quent historians of Long Island. Buttermilk Channel is so called, undoubtedly, from
the abundant white foam on the water, in a part of the channel where the tide of the
East River, passing through the channel, meets that of the North River.

1 See Appendix, No. 5.

I. VAN D&*<

2.SEAB^

3. JACOB^J

4. FREDE p

Ber-cf*

5. THE

6. THETI

»/• /-/

7. HOUS

/,> gJ r i

S.THEf >•

lO.Theo) 1
II. Th&\

12. THE Kg
was T.* g§.

62 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

respective families, during the Kevolutionary war, and were described
as " good staunch whigs and very clever folks."1 At the time of the
battle of Long Island a fort was erected here, named Defiance, and
mounting four 18-pounders, en barbette.

The Nicholas Van Dyke mill, which was erected after the date of
Batzer's map, on the same pond, was located on the ground now
bounded by the present Van Brunt and Eichards, Van Dyck and
Partition streets ; the dwelling-house being on the northeast corner
of Van Dyck and Van Brunt streets. This mill was called the
" Ginger Mill," by which name it is yet distinctly remembered by
some of our oldest citizens.

Boompties Hoek, or " tree-point," sometimes corrupted to Bombay
Hook,3 was the name applied to the southerly projection of Eed
Hook, and which, in common with all the natural features of this
vicinity, has shared the oblivion consequent upon recent city im- .
provements. " The Hook" originally extended from about the junc-
tion of the present Otsego and Cuba streets (where its memory is
still preserved by " Bomptje's Hook Wharf") around to " Meuwee
Point,' as it was called, at about the junction of the present Henry,
Bay, and Grinnell streets.

Tradition asserts that Eed Hook and Governor's Island were
once connected, and that people and cattle waded across Buttermilk
Channel.* The legend probably originated in statements made by
witnesses in a trial which took place in 1741, between Israel Hors-
field, plaintiff, and Hans Bergen, at 'ondant, as to the boundaries of
their respective farms.6 The theory, sustained by some in support of
this tradition, that the docks erected along the New York shore
effected a change by diverting the currents of the East Eiver to-
wards Buttermilk Channel, is hardly tenable. Old traditions, how-

1 Onderdonk, Rev., Incidents Kings County, 117. In 1744 a battery of eight guns
had been erected on this point. See Valentine's Manual of Common Council.

2 Benson's Memoir, p. 16.

3 Deed of Matthias Van Dyke to Nich. Van Dyke, Feb. 7, 1742, King's County Conv.,
lib. v. 120. " Meuwee" (from the Dutch meeuw, and German mewe) signifies " a gull ;"
and the Point probably derived its name from its being a common resort of sea-fowl.

4 Furman's Notes mentions it as " an established fact," and is followed by subse-
quent historians of Long Island. Buttermilk Channel is so called, undoubtedly, from
the abundant white foam on the water, in a part of the channel where the tide of the
East River, passing through the channel, meets that of the North River.

' See Appendix, No. 5.

REFERENCES.

j I.VAN DYKE MANSION .... 1
3 JACOB BERGENS HOUSE. Tom-lorn
A FREDERICK LUBBERTSES HOUSE,.i//rr

5 THE VECHTE-CORTELrOU HOUSE, Set

6 THE TEUNIS TIEBOUT HOUSE, oeor Fourth

Or
Or

plan" ^\ 1*C"

of the N hM jj-.
T O WN OFBROOK I A'M gscifoi^

LONG- ISLAND jUfj

T=^

--• 1 • .3 1 /

- 6 M|

#1

i 1

7. HOUSE BUILT BY MICHAEL BERGEN. .„ „r
, petmt/ef 'Albert t.-roeh^oo Wooton.oj re

batii o ■ ! Oram

iroiuO-n .t Moluiel Hen,. „ .,„./ /., 4„„ „ «

*

V\ ■ r •: ■'

VT>-

rt

• - ,^y;,' ■■-."' i

';"/ '. ■'_■' '■., ' '•.;/- J\ .Thr WiJLLABl

8 THE COWENHOVEN MOUSE

9. THE HOUSE OF JORIS JANSE DE RAPAUE,

10 The old JACOB /AN BRUNT HOUSE.

- FORT GREEN

i

6

iv.ij, ♦. if I M v^5?s*^

1 y; ■< .V.-.

H ■■'■^:

o ::~"

'6

■;&\;r^;:|£

* ^ftrookluiul ftiris^i',';.

^M

12 THE DUFFIELD HOUSE. /.. W2S .. at; .//•
mu r.,:,uo hy Mtj 2/ - .Uvoolojj, no. token

\i V',

S3 ' ; :iS%,.

i •' '. *>"■'" «K ■

e> DutTirld rtreet cut off part of the Unteh
13 THEOID CHURCH ..-,. , .

\

\ * ' !9

,„■"• :4f'v:- - ■* "' J . :f

V *•■ ' --'?■

. r ! ■''

H.ThtolJ DEBEVOISE

~>v (P '

'> \l [._

15 OLD BRICK HOUSE. «^w.r ofUdton/andJ&t

N. / / &\

-.'•'■' . ^ .* V'

,ao .-£. tinned h L„.,,

«\ M *■'

'. • •'■( &' • j^- '

HYTh-SWERTCOPE HOUSE

J7. LIVINGSTONS DISTILLERY foot of prvnt

UTke'OLD'BROUWERMI..

■i

r - c;" * 2 o,i.

^'- • -' •; ',7 '. ■ • •' ' ■ .'""

IP i i

t '^; r--r

» The GO'/ GOLDEN HOUSE

■ 'i~. ty --•-

UTheWiOOAOH HOUSE.
A. CORPORATION HOUSE

rREEHILL.

18 V - /X £<3

exoYo'ii'-v -jri -j

•,;.;;- " W'

Scale of SO

i. GRAVERS KILL errmumulfamamUtel .,„

cl,,,,,, Y*^ \ ■ '■

$*:

.; ■":* '>; '^>'" ;^! ■/.

Ji;„ Hue* wm a 1 / . - i:-.. 1 iw. Vnm

,., }: J

^ .;'■•. v:'l;^.;"

.^Uf»,

(file

kLC-5 t^tv.;

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 63

ever, on being compared with documentary evidence, are found to
be very unreliable ; for Batzer's map of 1766, which is a remark-
ably careful and accurate survey by an accomplished engineer of
the British army, gives three fathoms as the least depth of that chan-
nel ! And no docks, certainly, until about the period of the trial,
were built east of Wall street, which could have had the least effect
in affecting the currents of the river in the manner supposed. It is
well known, also, to residents on the bay of New York, that the loss
by abrasion on its shores is caused mainly by the waves during
storms and high tides, and very little, if any, by the ordinary
currents.

rv.

We come, next, to the consideration of Frederic Lubbertsen's1
patent, dated May 27, 1640. His farm comprised the whole neck of
land between the East Biver and Gowanus Creek, northeast of the
meadows which formerly separated Bed Hook from Brooklyn.
This neck, formerly known as the "neck of Brookland" or "Lub-
bertsen's neck," has now lost its original appearance by the filling
in of the Atlantic Docks, the grading of streets, and the various

1 Lubbertse, an early emigrant to this country, seems to have been a sailor, as he
held the position of chief boatswain to Governor Kieft in 1638, and was then a resi-
dent of New Amsterdam. In 1641 he was one of the Twelve Men chosen by the com-
monalty, and in 1643 purchased a house in Smit's Valley, which, in 1653, he sold to
Albert Cornelissen, and removed to Breuckelen, which town he represented in the
general convention held at New Amsterdam in December of that year. In 1653, '54,
'55, '64, and 1673 he was a magistrate of Breuckelen ; on the 17th April, 1657, was
created a " small burgher" of New Amsterdam ; and in February, 1660, was assessed in
that city for repairs made to the " Heere Qraght" (canal), on the north side of which
he owned a lot. In February, 1662, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the office of
burgomaster in the city, and in July, 1663, represented Breuckelen in the convention
called to secure the co-operation of the Dutch towns in a system of armed defence.
He died in 1680. In 1657 he married a second wife, Tryntie Hendricks, widow of
Cornelis Petersen (Vroom), who, at the time of this marriage, had by her first husband
three sons— Cornelis Corssen (Vroom), aged twelve ; Peter, aged six ; and Hendrick,
aged three years. Lubbertse, also, had by his first wife, Styntie Hendricks (possibly a
sister of his second wife) three daughters — Elsje, who married Jacob Hansen Bergen ;
Rtbecca, who married Jacob Leendertse van der Grift ; and Aeltje, who married Cornelis
Seubring. Of the Corsens, Cornelis married in Breuckelen, and removed to Staten
Island, where he became the ancestor of the Corsen family there. Hendrick married
also in Breuckelen, and settled on the Raritan, where his descendants are numerous by
the name of Vroom, one of whom is Governor Vroom of New Jersey. Peter Corsen
remained in Breuckelen, where he married.

64 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

improvements of the modern city ; and Lubbertsen's farm can only
be defined, in general terms, as bounded by a line drawn between
Degraw and Harrison streets west of Court street, the East River,
Hamilton avenue, Gowanus Creek, and by Warren street east of
Court.1 This tract is described in the patent as land

" lying on Long Island, at Merechkawickingh,2 near to Werpos,3 ex-
tending in breadth, from the kil and marsh coming from Gouwanus north-
west by north, and from the beach on the East River with a course south-
east by east 1700 paces of 3 feet to a pace; and in the length, from the
end of said, kil northeast by east and southwest by west4 to the Eed
Hook."5 This was accompanied with the " express condition that when-
ever the Indians shall be willing to part with the maize-land lying next to
the aforesaid land, then Frederick Lubbertsen shall have the privilege of en-
tering upon (i.e., occupying) the same, in the breadth of the aforesaid parcel
of land, and extending from that, without his being hindered by any one."

This Indian " maize-land" or cornfield was situated along the east
side of Court street, somewhere between Atlantic and Baltic streets,
and was probably in possession of the Indians two years later, in
1642, when it is called " Sassian's maize-land," and mentioned as
one of the boundaries of Manje's patent. Three years after this,
in 1645, it is mentioned in both Hudde's and Ruyter's patents as
" Frederick Lubbertsen's maize-land." It is quite possible that the

1 Lubbertse's patent appears to bave covered (witb tbe exception of Red Hook) a
large portion of wbat is now familiarly known as Soutb Brooklyn, comprising a large
tract of upland, togetber witb tbe adjoining salt meadows and marsb, wbicb formerly
separated Red Hook from tbe mainland ; extending 5,100 feet along tbe East River, in ad
dition to tbe water-front on Gowanus Cove and tbe Mill Creek, and including a portion of
tbe surrounding salt meadows. Tbese lands, afterwards owned by tbe Seabrings, and
subsequently by tbe Cornells, are designated in Butt's map as lands of Luquer, Bergen,
Coles, Conover, Hoyt, Cornell, Kelsey and Blake, Jolinson, Heeney, and otbers.

2 Or " Merecbawieck," wbicb name, although originally applied to the Waal-bogbt, was
also used to designate the country between that bay and tbe bead of the Gowanus Kil.

3 Or Warpoes, from tcarbase or warpoos, a Dutch word signifying a hare. Tbe name
was applied to a place near tbe bead of Gowanus Kil (see testimony of Peter Stryker,
in case of Horsfield vs. Heirs of Hans Bergen, in Appendix, No. 5), and probably
derived its significancy from the fact that tbe place abounded with these animals.
There was a place on Manhattan Island bearing the same name. See Benson's
Memoir, p. 7 ; Schoolcraft, in N. Y. Hist. Soc. Proceedings, 1844, p. 93 ; E. B. O'Calla-
ghan, Hist. Mag., iii. 85.

4 W. S. W. by W.

6 Patents, Book G G. 53.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 65

natives became dispossessed of the property during the troubles
consequent upon the Indian war of 1643.

But, although thus early in possession, Lubbertsen did not take
up his residence upon the land until some thirteen years after, in
1653. He received from Governor Nicolls a confirmatory patent
of the above lands, dated March 28, 1667,1 and devised them by
will, Nov. 22, 1679,2 to " his own two daughters, Aeltie, the wife
of Cornelis Seubring, and Elsie, the wife of Jacob Hansen Bergen,
each one a plantation as then in fence ; and to his wife's two sons,
Peter and Hendrick Corsen (Vroom), by her former husband, other
lots.'"

On the 17th of April, 1726, agreeable to an award of commis-
sioners appointed to divide the property, Lubbertse's two daugh-
ters, Aeltje (then the widow of Cornelis) Seabringh, and Jacob Han-
sen Bergen and his wife Elsie, executed releases to one another.

Bergen's property, consisting of over two hundred acres, was
given to their eldest son, Hans Jacobse Bergen, in 1732,4 who sub-
sequently resided upon his grandfather Lubbertse's patent, in
South Brooklyn, his land extending to the head of Freeke's Mill-
pond. He died before 1749, and by his will, made in 1743, a por-
tion, if not the whole of his farm, became the property of his only
son, Jacob Bergen, who occupied the old Lubbertse dwelling-house,
near the junction of the present Hoyt and Warren streets. That
portion (one hundred and thirty acres) of land, located in the vicin-
ity of Court street and Gowanus Creek, and designated on Butt's
map as land of Jacob Bergen and Jordan Coles, was conveyed by
him to John Kapalie, in 1750, for .£700 ;8 " and it is probable," says
Mr. T. G. Bergen, " that he sold during his lifetime, although the
deeds have not been seen, other portions of his patrimonial estate,
and that he purchased a portion of Gerret Wolphertse Van Couven-

1 Liber iv., Patents, p. 30, office Sec. State.

2 Liber i., Conveyances, 130, Kings County.

3 Testimony of Abraham Lott in case of Horsfield vs. Heirs of Hans Bergen.

4 Kings County Conveyances, lib. v. 160.

6 Kings County Conveyances, lib. v. p. 164. Rapelje, in 1794, conveyed the main
portion of this purchase to Robert Stoddard, having previously sold a portion to Jor-
dan Coles. One hundred and ten acres of this was sold by Stoddard, in 1799, to Jacob
Bergen, for $8,750.

66 HISTOKY OF BROOKLYN.

hoven's patent (since of George Bergen, and afterwards of Hors-
field), and a portion of Jan Evertse Bout's patent (since of Debe-
voise, and afterwards of Horsfield), said purchased lands lying
between the northerly portion of his patrimonial estate and those
of Van Bossum's patent (once of Michael Hanse Bergen, and late
of Powers). This probability is founded on the fact, that the Van
Brunts, the descendants of his daughter Sarah, owned said portions
of Van Couvenhoven's and Bout's patents, and that they resided in
the ancient dwelling-house located on the Bout patent, which the
spirit of improvement, caused by the spread of the city, some twenty
years ago, swept out of existence."1

That portion of the original Lubbertse estate devised to his two
step-sons by his first wife, Peter and Hendrick Corssen (Vroom),
finally passed into the hands of the former. In August, 1689, we
find two indentures or agreements, of similar import, executed
between one " John Marsh, of New Jersey," and Corssen, and Cor-
nells Subring, the husband of his step-sister Aeltje, concerning the
erection of " a water-mill for grinding of corn," located " at the
southwest side of the Graver's Kill, within the meadows belonging
severally to Corssen and Sebring," over against New York. Marsh
was allowed to make a dam in the said kill, near the house of Peter
Wynants, and was to pay, for the privilege of building the said
mill, " 700 feet of good canoe wood, one half inch thick, to both
Sebring and Corssen, and to grind for them corn for their own family
use, free of charge, so long as the mill remained there." This was
the mill designated on Eatzer's map, and subsequently known as
Cornelius Sebring's Mill, and still later as Cornell's or the " Pied
Mill," situated south of present Harrison street, between Columbia
street and Tiffany Place, and about opposite to Sedgwick street.3
It probab]y passed into Sebring's hands prior to March, 1698, at
which time Corssen conveyed to Sebring, land,

41 in the neck of Brookland, commonly called by the name of Frederick
Lubbertsen's neck, and formerly in the occupation of the said Lubbertsen ;
bounded east by the land of Jacob Hansen (Bergen) ; west, by the Red

1 For various conveyances, mortgages, etc., of portions of this land, see Kings
County Conveyances, lib. i. pp. 157, 180, 271.

2 Map of property in Sixth Ward, belonging to Kelsey, Blake, and other heirs of
John Cornell, deceased 1838.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 67

Hook and Koll's Kyer Kill, so called (Graver's Kill) ; and north, by the
lands of said Cornelius Sebring,"1

amounting to one hundred acres, with the meadows thereto apper-
taining. A bond, executed on 20th of same month,2 binds Subering
to maintain Peter Corssen, furnishing him with suitable board,
clothing, etc., from which it may be inferred that Corssen's wife
was at this time dead, and that he had no surviving children.

Along the shore, between the mouth of the Gowanus Creek and
the place designated on Eatzer's map as I. Seabring's mill, and at
about the junction of present Court and Sigourney streets, were a
few sand-hills, known to the ancient Dutch as the Roode Hoogtjs,
or " Eed Heights."

This Seabring mill was built prior to 1766, the mill-pond
being formed by enclosing, with a lengthy dam, a small cove
and creek near the head of Gowanus Bay. The mill itself was
located on the northeast corner of the present Hicks and Hunting-
ton streets, the Seabring house being on the north line of the latter
street, between Hicks and Columbia streets. These mills became
known, later, as the "Luquer Mills." One of the old mill-buildings,
between Hicks and Columbia, Nelson and Luqueer streets, is still
used as a white-lead factory, and the old clam extended from about
the corner of Bush and Hicks to near the corner of Grinnell and
Clinton streets.3 On the Lubbertse patent, also, on the north
side of the present Ninth street, between Smith street and Gowanus
Canal, was the mill and mill-pond, built originally by John Eapelje,
after 1766, and better known as " Cole's Mill." The mill-pond was
an artificial work, being excavated out of the marsh, on the side of
Gowanus Kil, by negro labor. Jordan Cole's house was situated on
Ninth street, between Gowanus Canal and Smith street, and to the
east of the latter.

On Eatzer's map may be seen, southerly from the Graver's Kill,
a canal, running from the East Eiver to Gowanus Cove, and sep-
arating Eed Hook from the mainland. This canal originated in the
necessity which presented itself to the residents of the Gowanus
district, of avoiding the difficult and dangerous navigation around

1 Kings County Conveyances, liber ii. 162. 2 lb., 164.

1 See n&p of property of Nicholas Luquer, sold at auction, Feb., 1833. The mill-
pond is there estimated as covering 20 acres, 1 rod, 10 poles.

68 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Red Hook, by row-boats. In May, 1664, Adam Brouwer, who had
a mill on the Gowanus Creek, at the place more lately known as
Denton's Mill-pond, petitioned the Governor and Council, in the
name and behalf of the inhabitants of Gowanus, thus :'
" To the Right Honble Director-General and Council of New Netherland :
" Respectfully sheweth Adam Brouwer, in the name of the inhabitants
of Gowanes and other persons at the Manhattans, that there is situate a
kil at the end of Frederick Lubbertsen's land, and between (that and) the
Red Hook, which might be made fit to pass through it to the Gouwanes
and the Mill, without going west of the Red Hook, where the water is
ordinarily shallow, inasmuch as the said kill, which now is blocked up by
sand at the end, might be made, without much trouble of digging, fit and
navigable for the passage of boats laden with a hundred skepels of grain,
full of wood and other articles ; and whereas your petitioner knows that
neither he nor others, in whose name and his application is made to your
Honors, can attempt or undertake to dredge or render navigable the
aforesaid kill, without the special approbation and consent of your Hon-
ors, therefore the Petitioner turns to your Honors, respectfully praying,
in the names as aforesaid, that your Honors would be pleased to consent
and allow that the kill aforesaid, at the cost as above mentioned, may be
dredged and rendered navigable, which would greatly serve to the accom-
modation of the inhabitants here and at Gouwanes, and to all appearanee,
in time of storm, prevent accidents. Awaiting hereupon your Honors'
favorable apostile, which granting, I remain, your Honors' humble servant,

Adam
" Mark of ^PQ Brouwer.

Jan Pieteesen.
Gerrit Gerritse.

The mark of vC Jannbeus

f

Mark t/=» of Jan Leffersen.

Willem Beedenbent.

Mark A. Willem Willemsen.

Jacob Teunissen Key. Mark ^ of Leeiter Jannsen.

Hendrick Willemsen.

Jan Gerritsen of Bredenhiesen*

LOUWERENS VAN DE SpIGHEL. Mark ^ of Barent LeEFERSEN.

Hendrick Jans van Feurde.

Hanck de Foreest. Mark f f ^ Thomas Wartonn (or

Johannes Louwer. T^ Newtoun ?)»

8 N. Y. Col. MSS., x. Part iii. 225, May 29, 1664.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 69

Frederic Lubbertsen, to whom the said marsh belonged, was
also examined, and said he had no objection. So they were allowed
to deepen the kil at their own expense ; with reservation, however,
of Fred. Lubbertsen's right in the property. The petition was
granted, and the settlers were thus relieved of the necessity of
going around the Hook. In August, 1751, Isaac Sebring, in con-
sideration of X117, conveyed to Nicholas Vechte, Jurry Brouwer,
and others, all Gowanus residents, the fee of a strip of meadow,
" beginning at the east side of a little island where John Van
Dyke's long mill-dam is bounded upon, running from thence north-
erly into the river," and twelve feet and a half wide. He was also to
make a ditch along this strip at least six feet deep, and to allow the
grantees the use of a " foot-path, two foot and a half wide, to dragg
or hall up their canoes or boats." March 16, 1774, the Colonial
Assembly of the State passed an act empowering the people of
Gowanus to widen the canal, keep it in order, and tax those who
used it. This canal was partially closed, some twenty-five years
ago, by improvements at Atlantic Dock, but there are persons yet
living who have frequently passed through it with their boats, in
going to or returning from New York.

V.

We come next to the farm of Claes Jansen van Naebden, called
in his neighbor Manje's patent, Claes Janse Ruyter. He received,
September 30, 1645, from Governor Kieft, a patent of

" land, lying about south by east, a little easterly, over against the Fort,
on Long Island, and bounded on the southwest and southeast sides by
Frederick Lubbertsen, and on the northeast side by Jan Manje ; it ex-
tends along the said Jan Manje's land from the beach, southeast one half
point easterly, one hundred and eighty rods, then southeast fifty rods, south
round the hill southwest by west and west southwest eighty rods ; again
through the woods next to the said Frederick's northwest by north one
hundred and eighty rods, yet fifty rods more northwest by west, further
along the beach seventy-four rods, amounting in all to twenty-one mor-
gens, two hundred rods." '

1 Kings County Conveyances, liber ii. 245, 246.

70 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

This tract was conveyed by Olaes Janse, March 11, 1660, to Machiel
Tuddens, and by him transported, April 3, 1666, to Michael Hayneste
(probably Hainelle), frora whose heirs it was subsequently purchased
by Dirck Janse Woertman.

VI.

Next to Ruyter's patent, on the East River, lay that of Jan Manje,
granted to him by Governor Kieft, Sept. 11, 1642, and described as

" a piece of land, greatly (i. e., of the size of) twenty morgen, lying about
southeast a little easterly, over against the fort in New Amsterdam, in
Breuckelen, stretching about southeast one hundred and ninety rods inward
the woods towards Sassian's maize-land, along the limits of the said maize-
land fifty rods, and then again to the water-side two hundred and twenty
rods, north northwest well, so northerly, and along the strand or water-
side seventy rods. Which aforesaid land is lying upon Long Island,
between Andries Hudde and Claes Janse Ruyter."1

This tract was sold, January 29, 1652, by Pieter Linde, who had
married the widow of Jan Manje, to one Barent Janse.4 On the
23d of August, 1674, Jan Barentse and Aucke Janse, together with
Simon Hansen, as guardian of the minor children of Barent Janse,
and his wife Styntje Pieterse, both deceased, " all living within the
town of Midwout or Flackbush," appeared before Nicasius de Sille,
the Secretary of the Dutch towns, and declared that they had trans-
ported the above land (" house, barn, orchard, upland, and bush-
land,") to Dirck Janse "Woertman.3

VII.

Andeies Hudde, a member of Director Van Twiller's Council, in
1633, and an enterprising and prominent citizen of Nieuw Amster-
dam, was the patentee of the lands adjoining Jan Manje's. Follow-
ing the example of the Director, Mr. Hudde dabbled largely in real

1 Kings Co. Conv., liber i. 246, and deed of Woertman to Remsen, lib. iii. 76.

2 Kings County Conveyances, liber i. 24*

3 Ibid., 247

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 71

estate, a pursuit for which his occupation as " town surveyor" af-
forded him ample facilities. In 1636 he was concerned with Wolfert
Gerritsen in the purchase of several flats on Long Island, since oc-
cupied by the town of Flatlands and Flatbush. And in 1638 he
became the owner of a fine plantation on Manhattan Island, near
Corlaer's Hook. This property in Brooklyn was obtained by him,
by patent, from Governor Kieft, September 12, 1645. It is therein
described as being

" upon Long Island, over against the fort (at New Amsterdam), lying to
the southwest of Jan Manje, and to the south or behind to the maize-land
of Frederick Lubbertsen, and to the easterly side against Claes Cornelissen
Mentelaer, stretching in front at the water or river side from the land of
said Mentelaer to the land of said Manje, southwest by south 72 rod, next
the land of the said Manje to the aforesaid maize-land, south southeast
and betwixt south by east 245 rods, along the maize-land east by west 40
rods, and further through the wodttstothe land of the aforesaid Mentelaer,
north by east well so northerly 145 rods, all along the land of the afore-
said Mentelaer to the first beginning due northwest 156 rods, amounting
together to 37 morgen, 247 rods."1

Hudde never occupied this land himself, being, for several years
thereafter, actively engaged as commissary at Fort Nassau, on the
South Eiver, where, in 1616, he purchased for the "West India Com-
pany the site of the present flourishing city of Philadelphia.2

On September 10, 1650, however, Pieter Cornelissen, by virtue of
a power of attorney from Hudde, dated July 27, 1650, conveyed the
above patent to Lodewyck Jongh, for the sum of four hundred
guilders, which conveyance was approved by the Governor and
Council by an order dated January 2, 165 1.3 On the 19th of July,
1676, Harmatie Janse, the widow of Lodewyck Jongh, conveyed eight
morgen and five hundred and thirty-six rods of the land mentioned
in the above patent, to Jeronimus Bapalie ; and February 12, 1679
(English style), she conveyed another portion, comprising twelve
morgen, to Dirck Janse Woertman.4

On May 3d, 1685, Woertman, by order of Harmatie Janse, con-

1 Conveyances, liber i. 249. 2 Brodhead's Hist. N. T. i.

1 Conveyances, liber i. 250. * Convey., lib. i. 250.

72 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

veyed to the heirs of Joris Dirckse, " a small stroke of land lying at
the east side of the highway (now Fulton street), being all they can
pretend (to claim) by the aforesaid patent."1

The three patents of Eudde, Manje, and Ruyter, described in the
preceding pages, comprehended, as will be seen, the whole territory
afterwards occupied by the Kemsen and Philip Livingston estates,
Kalph Patchen, Cornelius Heeney, Parmenus Johnson, and others,
The entire tract lying northeast of Lubbertse's patent, and having
a river front (of two thousand six hundred and forty-six feet)
extending from about Atlantic to Clarke streets, and from Court
street to the East Kiver, being at present one of the most thickly
settled portions of our flourishing city, was purchased, as we have
already seen, by Dirck Janse Woertman,8 and was by him sold
to his son-in-law, Joris Kemsen, on the 10th of October, 1706, for
the sum of <£612 10s. current money of New York.3 This deed, after
reciting at length the several patents to Manje, Hudde, and Kuyter,
together with the chains of conveyances vesting the same in "Woert-
man, specifies that all these parcels, " now lie near the ferry, bound
round to the Salt Eiver, the lands of Garret van Couvenhoven and
Garret Middagh, the highway leading from Brookland to the ferry,
the land of the heirs of Jurian Briaz, and the lands of George
Hansen (Bergen),4 and Jacob Hansen (Bergen),5 and Cornelius
Sebring."6 Joris Kemsen, who was the second son of Hem Jansen
Yanderbeeck, the ancestor of the Kemsen family in this country,
built a mansion near the brow of the Heights, which then presented
the appearance of a rough and bold promontory of rocky cliffs, rising

1 Conveyances, Kings Co., liber i. 251.

2 There is still extant (Kings Co. Conveyances, liber i. 165) a marriage settlement
between this Dirck Janse Woertman, " last man of Marrietie Theunis," and Annetie
Aukes, " last wife of Wynant Pieterse," and a list of the goods and chattels she brought
her husband.

3 Conveyances, Kings County, liber iii. p. 76.

4 He bought of Marritje Gerritse, widow of Nicholas Janse, baker, the land patented
by Governor Kieft, in 1647, to Gerrit Wolphertsen (Van Couwenhoven).— Kings Co.
Conveyances, liber ii. 181.

5 Jacob Hans Bergen held the lands which his wife Elsie had inherited from her
father, Frederick Lubbertsen.

6 Sebring bought of Peter Corson, in 1698, one hundred acres " in the neck of Brook-
land, commonly called Frederick Lubbertsen's Neck," etc.— Kings Co. Conveyances,
liber ii. 162.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 73

from a sandy beach, and covered with a fine growth of cedar-trees,
which gave to the place a remarkably picturesque appearance, as
seen from the New York side. The Remsen mansion was used for
hospital purposes by the Briftsh during their occupation of the town
in the Revolution ; was afterwards occupied by William Cutting, the
partner of Robert Fulton in the steamboat business, and after his
death it was sold to Fanning C. Tucker, Esq. He lived there several
years, and then sold it to ex-Mayor Jonathan Trotter. From him
it passed to Mr. Win. S. Packer, and its site is now marked by Grace
Church. The building itself was launched down the face of the
Heights, and now stands on the site of the old Joralemon street
ferry-house, on Furman near Joralemon street.

Philip Livingston, Esq., became the owner of an extensive portion
of the old Remsen estate, prior to 1764, and in August of that year
received from the city of New York (in whom it had been vested by
the Montgomery charter of 1736), a perpetual grant (subject to an
annual rent of thirty shillings currency, $3.75), of all the land front-
ing his property, along the whole breadth of his lot, between high
and low water mark. The Livingston mansion-house stood on the
east side of the present Hicks street, about four hundred feet south
of Joralemon street, and, during the Revolutionary "War, in conse-
quence of Mr. Livingston's adherence to the American cause, was
appropriated by the British, who then occupied Brooklyn, to the
purposes of a naval hospital. After Mr. Livingston's death, the
trustees appointed by Legislative Act of February 25, 1784, to sell his
estate, disposed of that portion known as " the distillery property,"
to Daniel McCormick, in July, 1785, and on the 29th of April, 1803,
they conveyed to Teunis Joralemon the property south of the dis-
tillery, and the Livingston mansion thenceforward became known as
the Joralemon House. It was taken down at the opening of Hicks
street.

VIII.

On the 14th of November, 1642, Claes Coknelissen (Mentelaer)
van Schouw, received from Governor Kieft, a patent for land

74 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

" on Long Island, over against the island of Manhattan, betwixt the ferry
and the land of Andries Hudde, as the same lies thereto next, extending
from Iludde's land along the river, 102 rods; into the woods southeast by
south, 75 rods ; and south southeast, 75 rods ; south by west, 30 rods ; and
along the land of the said Hudde, northwest, 173 rods to the beach,
amounting to 1G morgen and 175 rods."

This property, having a water-front of 1,276 feet six inches, prob-
ably extended from the north line of Hudde's patent to the ferry at
the foot of the present Fulton street.

At " the Ferry" and its immediate vicinity, grants for house or
building lots were made to several individuals, and by the beginning
of the last century there was probably quite a hamlet at this
point, having several streets and lanes, with houses clustered
closely together. This is evidenced, not only by a number of deeds
of lots " at Brooklyn Ferry," purchased and sold by Hans Bergen,1
but by an interesting map, entitled, " A Draft of Israel Horsfield's
Land at the Old Ferry, in the township of Brooklyn, in King's
county, near the New York ferry on Nassau Island," drawn, on a
scale of forty feet to the inch, by Englebert Lott, May 13, 1763.
The copy, attested by Horsfield, September, 1767, which we have
seen in the possession of Silas Ludlam, City Surveyor, is particularly

1 March 23, 1716, Hans Bergen bought from the freeholders of Brooklyn, a lot,
" bounded northeast by highway from Brooklyn to the ferry ; southeast by hiqhway
between the lot and ground of Thomas Palmeter ; southwest by highway lying be-
tween tbe ground of said Hans and said lot of land to the river ; northwest by the
river. (Kings Co. Convey., liber iv. 303, 119.) This purchase apparently covered the
whole westerly front of Fulton street, from the alley known as Elizabeth street to the
East River.

May 2, 1717, Hans Bergen bought Thomas Palmeter's dwelling-house and lands, at
Brooklyn ferry, late of John and Sarah Coa ; east, west, and north by roads, and south
by land of Garret Middagh, two acres. (Kings Co. Convey., liber iv. lf>4.) This covers
the lands fronting on Fulton street, from Elizabeth street to the Middagh property,
southeast of Hicks street.

January, 1728, Hans Bergen conveyed to Israel Horsfield land at the ferry ; southwest
by Bergen's land ; east southeast by land of Gabriel Cox ; northeast by highway ; north-
west by highway, and partly by land of Horsfield and Middagh, beginning at a street
or highway at east corner, now of Gabriel Cox, then by said street towards East River;
north 00, west 226 feet, to another strut leading to the East River side; then by said
street, south GO, west 120 feet, to lot of I. Horsfield ; then by the lot," etc., etc.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 75

valuable, inasmuch as the original, formerly deposited in the Town
Clerk's office, is now lost. A map of the Fulton street widening,
and also the Village Map of 1816, by Jeremiah Lott, now in the
Street Commissioner's office, need to be carefully studied, as throw-
ing light upon the existence of this settlement at the ferry, which it
is probable was mostly located on the grounds subsequently owned
by John Middagh and Cary Ludlow, on the southwest side of Fulton
street.

North of the Ferry, as near as can be ascertained, came, either a
patent for a small parcel belonging to Cornells Dircksen (Hooglandt),
" the Ferryman," or that of Jacob Wolphertsen (van Couwenhoven).

IX.

On January 24th, 1643, Dircksen sold this property (of which we
have been unable to find any recorded patent), then described as
" his house and garden, with some sixteen or seventeen acres of land
on Long Island," to one William Thomassen, together with his right
of ferriage, provided the Director would consent, for 2,300 guilders
in cash and merchandise.1 William Thomassen we suppose to be
the same individual as William Jansen, who is known to have suc-
ceeded Cornells Dircksen as ferryman about this time. Dircksen,
after retiring from the charge of the ferry, obtained from Governor
Kieft, December 12, 1645,

"a piece of land, both maize and woodland, lying on Long Island, behind
the land by him heretofore taken up ; it lies betwixt the land of Herry
Breser and another parcel ; it extends along the said Herry's marsh till to
the aforesaid parcel, and further into and through the wood and maize
land to the buildings and improvements of Claes Cornelissen Mentelaer,
west by north and west northwest between both, 172 rods; its breadth
behind in the woods to the said Herry, northeast by east, 59 rods ; further
on to the maize-land, east a little south, 45 rods ; further through the maize-
land to the marsh, southeast by east, 109 rods; amounting in all to 12
morgen and 157 rods."

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., ii. 44.

76 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

The patent for the land of Dircksen, above described, as " hereto-
fore taken up," has not been found, but is probably covered by the
land sold to Willeni Thomassen, and by that described in the follow-
ing conveyances.

January 4, 1652, Cornells Dircksen, ferryman, sold to Cornells de
Potter,

" a lot of land on Long Island, near the ferry, next the lot of Breser's,
granted to him by the Director-General, by deed of April 28, 1643, and
now as measured in behalf of Claes Van Elfland, November 7, 1651 ;
broad towards the north, 39 rods ; then along the shore towards the woods
till a marked tree to the east side, 63 rods ; and to the west, 76 rods ;
this measured lot lays in a triangle amounting to 2 morgen."1

December 3d, 1652, Cornells Dircksen (Hooglandt), of the ferry
on Long Island, conveyed to Cornells de Potter,

" certain buildings and a piece of land, containing 2 morgens and 67^
rods, extending along the wagon-road, whereof the perpendicular is 65
rods, and the base 39 rods,"

by virtue of the ground-brief given to the grantor by the Director-
General and Council, April 28, 1643.9

August 28, 1654, a patent was granted to Egbert Van Borsum,
then acting as ferryman, for

" a lot on Long Island, situate at the ferry, beginning at an oak-tree near
the fence of Mr. Cornells Potter, is broad 40 feet Rynland ; from thence
to the strand, broad 40 feet Rynland ; further back to the oak-tree, broad
40 feet Rynland.''3

March 12, 1666, a patent was granted to Egbert Van Borsum to
confirm to him a piece of ground, with a house thereon, at the ferry
in Brooklyn, on Long Island,

" beginning at a certain oak-tree near the limits of the land heretofore be-
longing to Cornelis de Potter, containing in breadth 40 feet ; so to run
down to the water-side as much ; then to go along the strand, in breadth
40 feet ; and from thence to strike up again to the oak-tree, as aforesaid."

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., iii. 99. 9 PatentB, HH,8. 8 Patents, H H, Part ii. 19.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 77

Also a grant to the said Egbert of " 20 foot of ground more, adjoining to
the former, both above and below, along the strand."

X.

The land referred to in the preceding patent as that of Herry
Breser was originally granted to Jacob "Wolphertsen (von Couwen-
hoven), by Governor Kieft, July 3, 1643. It was

" a piece of land lying on Long Island, on the East River, bounded north
by west by Cornelis Dircksen (Hooglandt), ferryman's land ; stretching
from said ferryman's land, east by south, along the river, 56 rods; and
along ditto into the woods, south by east, 132 rods ; in breadth in rear in
the woods, 40 rods; and on the east side, north by west till to the river,
120 rods; amounting to 10 morgen and 48 rods."

The same land, having a water-front of 686 feet, was confirmed to
Herry (Henry) Breser, by Governor Kieft, September 4, 1645, and
described as

" land lying at the East River, between (the river and) the land of Cor-
nelis Dircksen (Hooglandt), ferryman ; south by east from the strand
(beach), 132 rods; thence 45 rods east a little southerly till to the maize-
land; further on through the maize-land till to the marsh, 109 rods;
through the marsh, northeast by north, 20 rods; further again to the
woods, next to the land of Jan Ditten, west northwest till to the woods,
and through the%oods, next to the land of Frederick Lubbertsen, to the
East River, north by west 120 rods; along the strand to the place of be-
ginning, 56 rods; amounting in all to 16 morgens 468 rods."1

This property was conveyed by Breser, on the 29th of August,
1651, to Cornelis de Potter, for the sum of 1,125 guilders.3

The patents of Lubbertsen and Breser comprised the balance of
the Comfort and Joshua Sands' property, as described on our map,

1 Patents, G G, 112. In N. Y. Col. MSS., vi. 37, is a document, dated 1655, in which
Harry Breser, who retired " from here during the (Indian) troubles, contrary to the Pla-
card," solicits permission to return, and is allowed to " reside and trade here, and to
bring his mercantile concerns in order, and dispose of his real property, but not to
recover permanent residence."

9 N. Y. Col. MSS., iii. 92.

78 HISTORY OF EROOKLTN.

up to line, probably, of Fulton street ; and preYioua to the Revolu-
tionary War were owned by John Rapalje, a great-great-grandson of
the first settler. Mr. Rapalje was a person of considerable import-
ance, was the owner of the largest estate in Brooklyn, had occupied,
at one time, a seat in the Provincial Assembly, and enjoyed the
highest confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens. Upon the
breaking out of the Revolution, the family adhered to the British
cause, in consequence of which a bill of attainder was passed against
him, October 27, 1779, and he was banished to New Jersey. After
the occupation of Long Island by the British, he returned to Brook-
lyn, and there remained with his family until October, 1783, when,
in company with his son, his son-in-law, Colonel Lutwyche, and a
grand-daughter, he removed to England, and settled at Norwich, in
the County of Norfolk. All efforts to procure a reversion of his at-
tainder, and the restoration of his confiscated estates in America,
having failed, his losses were reimbursed to him by the British gov-
ernment, and he died at Kensington, in his seventy-fourth year,
January 12, 1802. Loyalist as he was, it was often said of him by
his old neighbors of Brooklyn, that " he had an honest heart, and
never wronged or oppressed a Whig or other man."1

His lands and other property, in various parts of Brooklyn, hav-
ing been confiscated to the people of the State, were sold by the
Commissioners of Forfeited Estates.2 That portion under consider-
ation, lying between Gold and Fulton streets, was purchased, on the
13th of July, 1784, by Comfort and Joshua Sands^or the sum of
£12,430, paid in State scrip.3 Some ten or twelve years after the

1 See genealogy Reinsert family, in Riker's Hist. Newtown, oS3 ; Holgate's American
Genealogies, 20.

2 Liber G, Conveyances, p. 345, Kings Co.

3 Described as " all that certain farm or parcel of land and the several dwelling-
houses, buildings, barns, stables, and other improvements thereon erected, and being
late the property of John Rapalje, Esq., situate, lying, and being in the township of
Brooklyn, Kings County, and State of New York ; bounded, southerly, partly by the
highway leading from Brooklyn ferry and partly by thfi lots of Jacob Sharpe and
others; easterly, by the land of Matthew Gleaves (the Tillary parcel on our map), and
the lands now or late belonging to the estate of Barent Johnson, deceased ; northerly,
by the land of Bern Remsen ; and westerly, by the Ea.st River ; containing ICO acres,"
etc. — Lib. vi., Conveyances Kings Co., p. Mo.

The land at this time was unfenced, the title deeds were in Rapalje's possession, and
unrecorded, and the boundaries of his lands were given by the Commissioners from
common report.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 79

war, Bapalje's grand-daughter, who had married George "Weldon in
England, came, with her husband, to New York, with the intention
of prosecuting for recovery of the estate, on the ground that its
confiscation had taken place subsequent to the treaty of peace.
They brought with them the original title deeds and other docu-
ments of the estate, and, it is said, the town records of Brooklyn,
which Bapalje carried to England. A number of depositions were
made and collected in Brooklyn, relative to the property, and Aaron
Burr and other eminent counsel were consulted, whose advice was
adverse to the prosecution of the suit. The "Weldons, therefore,
returned to England, carrying with them all the valuable records
and papers which they had brought with them.1

No further attempt has ever been made to disturb the title, and
the land was afterwards laid out in streets and lots by the Messrs.
Sands.3

XI.

Adjoining Fiscock's patent, on the East Kiver, was that of Fred-
erick Lubbertsen, granted by Governor Kieft, September 4, 1645,
having a water-front of nine hundred and fifty-five feet six inches,
and described as extending to "Herry Breser's, formerly Jacob
"Wblphertsen (Van Couvenhoven's) land :"

"northwest by west, 120 rods; its breadth behind, in the woods, east
by north, 59 rods ; back again to the strand (beach), north and north by
west, 134 rods ; along the strand, west by south one-half point southerly,
78 rods : amounting in all to 15 rnorgens and 52 rods."3

1 MSS. of Jeremiah Johnson, who says that these facts were concealed, and unknown
until subsequent researches had been made in the public Government offices of Eng-
land, for the true Records of Brooklyn.

2 See " A Plan of Comfort and Joshua Sands' Place, by C. Th. Goerck, 1788," in pos-
session of Silas Ludlam, City Surveyor. The streets were somewhat differently named
from the present names. The present Washington street was named State; the
present Adams street was named Congress; the present Pearl was Elizabeth; the pres-
ent Jay, Hester. In present Water street, a little west of present Jay (then Hester),
stood Sands' Powder-house Dock. On the foot of Dock street was the " Storehouse
Dock." See, also, Cooper's map of Comfort Sands' property, 1806.

» Patents, G G, 114.

80 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

xn.

ALONG THE EAST RIYEK.

The " land lying at the west corner of Marechkawieck, on the
East Eiver," was first granted to Edward Fiscock, whose widow
married one Jan Haes. On April 2d, 1647, Haes received from
Governor Kieft a confirmation of this property, which was described
as extending

" from the land of Frederick Lubbertsen, east, southeast, and south-
east by east to the marsh, 80 rods ; and along the valley (meadow), north-
east, 126 rods, with certain out and in points ; further north by east, 45
rods; west-northwest, 30 rods; west by north, 80 rods; west and west by-
south, 67 rods; along the land of Frederick Lubbertsen, and south and
south by east, 134 rods : amounting to 38 morgens 485 rods."1

This tract, having a water-front of eight hundred and twenty
feet and nine inches, was located at the west cape or point of "Wal-
labout Bay, and embraced a part of the present United States
Navy-yard, and a portion of the Comfort and Joshua Sands estate.
The point formed by the junction of the Waale-boght with the
East Eiver was subsequently called " Martyn's Hook," probably
from one Jan Martyn, who is mentioned as a proprietor in that
vicinity about the year 1660.a At a more modern day the name
became corrupted to that of " Martyr's Hook."3 A portion of this

1 Patents, Q G, 206.

s Oct. 19, 1660, a patent was granted to Jan Martyn, for " a lot on Long Island, at the
Ferry on the east side of the East River, on the west side of the land of the aforesaid

Jan Martyn, on the north side of Joris . The north side is 15 rods 7 feet ; the east

side, 18 rods 4 feet ; the west side, 12 rods 3 feet ; the south side, 18 rods 7 feet.

July 8, 1667, Peter Meet received a confirmatory patent for two parcels, one being
the above-mentioned, and the other a parcel granted, Dec. 12th, 1653, to Adriaen
Hubertsen, being a lot and house-garden, " lying by the Ferry aforesaid, on the west
side of the lot of Francis Poisgot, on the east side of Samuel Minge, being in breadth,
on the north side, 6 rod, and on the south side the like," which piece, transferred by
the said Adriaen to the said Jan Mai-tin, was, together with the former, transferred by
the latter to Jan Jacob de Vries, who afterwards conveyed the same parcels to Peter
Meet.

3 Also " Martense's Point," a corruption of Martyn ; subsequently, from its successive
owners, " Remsen's Point" and " Jackson's Point."

HISTOET OF BROOKLYN. 81

property was sold by Haes, on 4th of January, 1652, to Cornells de
Potter, who on the same day became the owner of lands in the
same vicinity, previously owned by Cornells Dircksen (Hooglandt),
the ferryman (ante, pp. 75, 76). 1 The property afterwards came into
possession of Aert Aertsen (Middagh), the ancestor of the Middagh
family, who, in 1710, erected a mill on this Hook, where a natural
pond in the marsh, requiring a short dam, afforded the necessary
facilities. He sold, Feb. 9, 1713, an undivided half of the premises to
Hans Jorisse Bergen, who, on the 28th January, 1722-3, conveyed to
Cornelius Evertse the same, described as " one-half of the meadow,
sand, creek, grist-mill, dam, beach of the old dwelling-house,
bolting-mill and bolting-house (the new dwelling-house only ex-
cepted), situated in Brooklyn, at a place called Marty s Hook, as
in fence, and as bought by the said Hans Jorisse Bergen of Aert
Aertsen (Middagh)."2 This above-mentioned mill, built by Middagh,
is undoubtedly identical with that marked on Katzer's plan as
Bemsen's Mill ; and the same property in the Wallabout (now occu-
pied by the United States Navy-yard), together with the land as far
as the line of Gold street, was afterwards known as the Kemsen
estate. As such it belonged to Kem A. Kemsen, who died in 1785,

1 N. T. Col. MSS., iii. 100.

2 Conveyances, liber iv. 309, 33G, Kings County Reg. office. Aert Authorize (or Teuni-
sen) Middag, the ancestor of the Middag family of Brooklyn, married Breckje (or Re-
becca), second daughter of Hans Hansen Bergen and Sarah Rapalje ; and on the 24th of
October, 1654, together with his wife's step-father, Teunis Gysbert (Bogaert), received a
patent for " a piece of land lying on Long Island, named Cripplebush," adjoining the
land of Joris Rapalje, and containing 100 acres. This is supposed to be the land since
owned byFolkert Rapalje, in the Wallabout, and the patent is not recorded. Middagh
was an early resident of the Waal-boght, wbere his children were born. They were
(1), Jan, baptized Dec. 24, 1662, who signed his name Jan Aersen, and married Adri-
aentje, daughter of Cornelis de Potter (mentioned on pp. 76, 77), and owned some
200 acres on the East River, west of Fulton street, since known as the Comfort and
Joshua Sands property ; (2), Garret, who married, in 1691, Cornelia Janse Cowenhoven,
and had a farm of thirty acres, near the ferry, on the west side of the present Fulton,
near Henry street ; (3), Dirck, who married, and, as well as his brother, had children.

The farm of Garret Middagh, above-mentioned, may be described as bounded, on our
present maps, by Fulton street, a line midway between and parallel to Henry and
Hicks streets, and a line about midway between Pierrepont and Clarke streets. It
descended to his son Aert, and in 1827, when the property had become valuable, on
account of the expansion of the village, a lawsuit occurred in the family as to the pro-
visions of his will. The family name is now extinct, being only commemorated by a
street on the Heights. A portion of the old Middagh mansion is, however, standing
on Fulton street, just below Henry street.

82 HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN.

leaving a widow and four children, two of whom were by a former
wife. The late General Jeremiah Johnson married Remsen's
daughter by his first wife, who died within a year, leaving a child,
who also died in infancy. Johnson, having thus become a tenant
by coutesy for life, subsequently conveyed his interest to his
brother-in-law, Cornelius Eemsen. He failed, after two years, and
the estate being sold under judgment, was purchased, for the sum
of $17,000, by John Jackson, Esq., who afterwards bought the
rights of the widow and remaining children, and became the owner
of the whole property. Forty acres of this tract was purchased
from Mr. Jackson by Francis Childs, a middle-man, who, on the
23d of February, 1801, conveyed it to the "United States Govern-
ment, which has ever since occupied it as a navy-yard.

XIII.

Next to the Haes patent came that granted to Hans Lodewyck,
November 3d, 1645,

" containing 14 morgen and 494 rods, lying next to the land of Michael
Picet, extending exactly such as the surveyor has laid it out."1

It is possible, however, that other lands may have been patented
between those of Haes and Lodewyck, and that the latter had no
river or meadow front.

XIV.

Michael Picet, a Frenchman, and referred to as owner of the
farm adjoining Lodewyck's, did not remain in possession long, as,
on February 19, 1616, it was granted to Willem Coenelissen.2 It
contained twenty-five morgen " in the bend of Marechkawick, with
the marsh (salt meadow) of the breadth of the aforesaid land," and
was probably of the same general dimensions as the adjoining
farms. Cornelissen transported the property, January 22, 1654, to
Paulus Leendersen Vander Grift, "for the use and behoof of" one
Charles Gabrey, and it was subsequently confirmed, 1668, to the said

1 Patents, G G, 127. 2 Ibid., 135.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 83

Vander Grift. Gabrey afterwards fled from the country, and the
estate being confiscated, was again granted by the Governor, July
12, 1673, to Michael Heynall, Dirck Jansen, and Jeronimus Ea-
palie.1

XY.

Peter C^sar Italten, elsewhere called Caesar Alberti,8 received
from Governor Kieft, June 17, 1643, a grant of land

" for a tobacco plantation, lying in the bend of Marechkawieck, next to
Peter Montfoort's on the east side, and Michael Picet on the west ; ex-
tending along the marsh 57 rods, and along the land of Peter Montfoort,
in a southerly direction, towards and into the woods, in the length, 270
rods : amounting to 24 morgens and 250 rods."

On May 1, 1647, he received an addition to the westerly side of
his farm, two hundred and twenty rods in length and twenty-eight
and a half rods in breadth, provided it could be done without preju-
dice to his neighbors.3 On the 17th of May, 1647, " Jacques Cor-
telyou, as vendue-master and as attorney of the heirs and children
of Peter Ceser Italian," and the " Deacons" of the City of New
York, conveyed to John Damon the above patent, in which the
premises are described as

" stretching along the middow 57 rods, and along the land of Pieter
Montfoort, southward, into the woods, in the length, 270 rods ; and after
in the bosch (woods), broad, 57 rods; and then again to the middow,
alongst Michile fransman (Frenchman, i. e., Michael Picet) to the middow,
270 rod : amounting to 24 morgen 450 rod."

The heirs and children also executed a conveyance, confirming
that of Cortelyou.

May 10th, 1695, the above property, with the exception of six
acres previously sold to Garret Middagh, was conveyed by John
Damon, and Fitie his wife, of the Wallabout, to "William Huddle-

1 Gen. Entries, iv. 287 ; Kings County Conveyances, lib. i. 89.

2 Pieter Csesar Alberti was the ancestor of the Alburtus family. (See Annals of New-
town.)

3 Patents, G G, 65.

84: HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

stone, of the city of New York, who also received, August 8th,
1695, from the attorney of John and William Alburtis, children of
Peter Ceser, a confirmatory conveyance, in which the premises are
estimated at one .hundred- acres. On the 2d of May, 1696, William
Huddlestone, and Sarah his wife, conveyed the above patent to
John Damon.

These two farms, of Peter Caesar Italien (which had a river or
meadow front of six hundred and ninety-nine feet three inches) and
that of Picet, comprised the land now lying between Clermont and
Hampden avenues.

XVI.

Peter Montfoort received, May 29th, 1641, from Governor Kieft,
a patent for

"land on Long Island, extending from Jan Montfoort's land to Pieter
the Italian's, in breadth 300 paces, (extending) with the same breadth
straight into the woods."1 On the 19th August, 1643, it was confirmed
by a patent wherein it is more particularly described as " a piece of land
for a tobacco plantation, lying on Long Island, in the bend of Marechka-
wieck, bounded by Jan Montfoort on the east, and Pieter Italien on the
west, extending along the marsh into the woods, 70 rods ; and 220 rods
along the land of Jan Montfoort, to the woods, 70 rods ; again to the
marsh, in a northerly course, 227 rods, along the land of Peter the Italian :
amounting to 25 morgens and 8 rods."2

On May 1, 1647, he received a grant of an addition to the west-
erly side of the above land, two hundred and twenty rods square,
"provided it did not interfere with other grants." Pieter Mont-
foort's land had a river or meadow front of about nine hundred
feet, and is now comprised between Hamilton avenue and a line a
little beyond the line of Clermont avenue.3

xvn.

Jan Montfoort (probably a brother of Peter Montfoort) received,
at the same time, May 29, 1641, a grant from Governor Kieft of a

1 Patents, G G, 39.

5 Patents, G G, 63 ; Valentine's Manual, 1851, p. 473.

8 Designated on map as farms of John and Jeremiah Spader.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

85

piece of land on Long Island, adjoining the farm of Kapalie on the
east, and that of Peter Montfoort on the west, " in the breadth 350
paces, and so straight into the woods." In a second patent, dated
December 1, 1643, the land is described as lying

" on the bend of the Marechkawieck, betwixt the land of Jorse (George)
Rapalie on the east side, .... and the land of- Peter Montfoort on
the west side ; extending along the marsh 88 rods ; and along the land of
the said Jorse Rapalie, in a southerly direction, into the woods, 210 rods;
and behind, in the woods, in the breadth, 88 rods ; the breadth (i. e.,
length) to (i. e., from) the marsh to the marsh, 210 rods: making and
amounting in all to 28 morgen."1

In 1647 Montfoort's widow received a grant of an addition to the
rear of the above land, of the same breadth, and one hundred and
ninety rods in length. The Montfoort land, which had a river or
meadow front of about 1,078 feet, was identical with that now
located between Hamilton and Grand avenues, and described on
our map as farms late of John and Jacob Ryerson. These were
Sons of Martin, who originally owned the whole tract, and who was
a descendant of Marten Ryerse,2 an emigrant from Amsterdam, and
first husband of Annetie, daughter of Joris Janse de Rapalie.

XVIII.

Jokis (George) Jansen de Rapalie, who is supposed to have been
a proscribed Huguenot, from Rochelle in France, came to this
country in 1623, in the ship Unity, with Catalina Trico, his wife,
and settled first at Fort Orange, near Albany, from whence he
removed, in 1626, to New Amsterdam. Here, in the occupancy of
a homestead on the north side of the present Pearl street, and
adjoining the south side of the fort, he resided for more than

1 Patents, G G, 40.

2 Marten Ryerse was a brother of Adriaen Ryerse, of Flatbush. The patronymic,
Ryerse, "was retained by Marten's descendants, who are now quite numerous, and
known as Eyersons. Adriaen had two sons, Elbert and Marten Adriaense. The first
settled in Flushing, and his posterity bear the name Adriance ; while Marten re-
mained in Flatbush, and his descendants form the Hartence family. See Riker, Hist.
Newtown, 2G9, 386.

86 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

twenty-two years, and until after the birth of his youngest child, in
1650. During a portion of these years he was an innkeeper or
tapster, and his name frequently occurs as such upon the books of
the Burgomaster's Court until 1654. That he possessed the confi-
dence of his fellow-citizens is evidenced by the fact, that in August,
1641, he was one of the Twelve Men representing Manhattan,
Breuckelen, and Pavonia, chosen for the purpose of deliberating
upon measures necessary to be adopted to punish the Indians for
the murders which they had committed. About 1654,1 he probably
removed his permanent residence to his farm at the " Waal-boght ;"
for in 1655, '56, '57, and 1660, he was one of the magistrates of
Breuckelen, with which town his whole subsequent life was identi-
fied.

The Waal-boght farm consisted of a tract of land which he had
purchased on the 16th of June, 1637, from its Indian proprietors,
Kakapeteyno and Peiuiclwas, and called " Kinnegackonck," situated
on Long Island, south of the Island of Manhattan, and

"extending from a certain kill (creek) till into the woods, south and east-
ward, to a certain swamp (Kreuplebush), to a place where the water runs
over the stones."2 This was confirmed to him by a patent from Governor
Kieft, dated June 17, 1643, wherein it is more fully described as "a piece
of land, called Itennagaconck, formerly purchased by him from the In-
dians, as will appear by reference to the transport, lying on Long Island,
in the bend of Marechkawieck (*. e., the Wallabout Bay), east of the land
of Jan Montfoort, extending along the said land, in a southerly direction,
towards and into the woods, 242 rods ; by the kill and marsh, easterly,
up, 390 rods ; at the Sweet marsh, 202 rods on a southerly direction,
into the woods; and behind, into the woods, 384 rods, in a westerly
direction ; and certain outpoints next to the marsh : amounting in all to
the contents of 167 morgens and 406 rods" (about 335 acres).3

On this tract, which may be described in general terms as com-
prising the lands now occupied by the United States Marine Hos-
pital, and those embraced between Nostrand and Grand avenues, in

1 Riker's Newtown, p. 267. The sale of his house and lot in the city, on the 22d
June, 1654, probably fixes the date of his removal to the Wallabout.
3 Patents, G G, 20. 3 Ibid., 64.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 37

the present city of Brooklyn,1 and on the easterly side of the Waal-
boght, Rapalie spent the remainder of his life, dying soon after the
close of the Dutch administration, and having had eleven children.
The property then passed into the hands of his eldest son, Jeroni-
mus, a prominent citizen, being a justice of the peace, as well as a
deacon of the Breuckelen church. After his death, it was occupied
by his son Jeronimus, who, in 1755, sold it to his son-in-law, Martin
Schenck. At the death of the latter, it was devised to his two sons,
Martin, junior, and Lambert, together with their sister, the wife of
Francis Skillman." Lambert died unmarried, and his portion fell to
his brother Martin, and his sister, Mrs. Skillman. Martin sold to
the United States Government the present Marine Hospital grounds,
and Mrs. Skillman sold to Samuel Jackson the Johnson farm.

The parcel designated on the map as the land of Garret Nostrand
was conveyed by Joris Rapelje to Jeronimus Remsen, in 1714 ;3 and
by him, in 1719, to John Van Nostrand ; and by him, in 1729, to
Daniel Rapelje. He devised it, in 1765, to Garret Nostrand, with
legacies to his sister, which, in 1770, were satisfied, and he remained
in possession until his death, in 1789.4 It then came into possession
of his son John, who died intestate, in 1795, leaving no issue.

The facts stated (on pages 23, 21) concerning the Bennett and
Bentyn purchase and settlement at Gowanus in 1636, completely
disprove the claims which Tradition (aided by the misapprehension
of our earlier historians) has set up in behalf of Rapalie as being
the first actual white settler of Brooklyn. Of the similar and con-
nected traditionary error, which has so long given to his eldest
daughter, Sarah, the honor of having been the first white child
born in Brooklyn, we shall speak in another place.6 His widow,
Catalyntie, died, Sept. 11, 1689, aged eighty -four."

1 Designated on map as lands of Gen. Johnson, J. F. and E. P. Delaplaine, Jackson,
Skillman, and Teunis Cowenlioven ; together with woodland in the Hills (t. e., where
the Penitentiary is), and some meadow-land where the City Park now is.

2 Father of John Skillman.

3 King's County Conveyances, lib. D. 82, 83, 84.

4 Will in King's County Surrogate's office, lib. ii. 46.

6 See discussion of her husband, Hans Hansen Bergen's patent.

6 The two Labadist travellers, who visited the colony in 1679, have, fortunately for
us, preserved in their journal an account of a visit which they paid to Catalina, the

88 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

XIX.

On the 30th of March, 1647, Hans Hansen Beegen, or " Hans the
Boore,"1 as he was sometimes familiarly called, received a patent
for 200 morgens (400 acres) of land on Long Island, being a portion
of the extensive purchase made bj Governor Kieft, in 1638, from
the Indian proprietors.2 It is described as lying

" on the kil of Joris Rapalje," from whose house "it extends north by
east till to Lambert Huybertsen's (Moll) plantation ; further on (to) the
kil of Jan de Sweede,3 according to the old marks, till to the kil of Mes-
paechtes (Newtown Creek), to and along the Cripplebush; further to the
division line of Dirck Volkertsen's land, which he purchased from Wilcox,
and the division of Herry Satley."''

This tract of land extended from the Creek of Bunnegaconck to
the present Division avenue, which formerly marked the boundary
between the cities of Williamsburgh and Brooklyn. Following the
direction of this avenue to near its intersection with Tenth street,
it there passed over it and stretched in a somewhat southeasterly

■widow of Joris Janse de Rapalie, then in her seventy-fourth year: " Mr. De la Grange with
his wife came to ask us to accompany them in their boat to the Wale-bocht. a place
situated on Long Island, almost an hour's distance below the city, directly opposite

Corlaer's Hook. He had an old aunt and other friends living there We

reached the bay in about two hours. This is a bay tolerably wide, where the water
rises and falls much ; and is at low water very shallow, and much of it dry. The
aunt of De la Grange is an old Walloon from Valenciennes, seventy-four years' old.
She is worldly-minded, living with her whole heart, as well as body, among her progeny,
which now number 145, and will soon reach 150. Nevertheless she lived alone by
herself, a little apart from the others, having her little garden, and other conven-
iences, with which she helped herself." (L. I. Hist. Soc. Coll., i. 341, 342.)

Thus peacefully and pleasantly passed the later years of this " mother of New York,"
who, with her mission fulfilled, still active, and with habits of industry begotten by her
pioneer life, now reposed contented amid the love and respectful attentions of her kin-
dred and her descendants.

1 Riker's Newtown, 16.

2 See page 26, and Appendix 2.

3 For lands of " Jan the Sweede," see chapter on " Early Settlers and Patents of
Bushwick." " The Sweede's Kill," now Bushwick Creek, probably then came up as
far as the bounds of the old Village of Williamsburgh.

4 Patents, G G, 205.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 89

direction, probably as far as the head of Newtown Creek, in the
neighborhood of Vandervoort avenue and Montrose street. This
patent, therefore, was situated partly in Brooklyn and partly in
Bushwick, comprising lands designated on Butt's map as belonging
to General Jeremiah Johnson, James Scholes, Abraham Remsen,
Abraham Boerum, Abraham Meserole, McKibbin, and Nichols,
Powers, Schenck, Mills, and others, including the settlement known
as " Bushwick Cross Boads,": and the meadows adjoining Newtown.
Hans Hansen Bergen, the common ancestor of the Bergen family
of Long Island and New Jersey, was a native of Bergen, in Norway,
from whence he emigrated to Holland. From thence, in 1633, he
came, probably with Van Twiller, the second Director-General, to
Nieuw Netherland. For several years he was a resident of Nieuw
Amsterdam, where he owned a lot on the present Pearl street,
abutting on the fort, and adjoining that of Joris Jansen de Bapalje,
his future father-in-law. In 1638 he appears to have been engaged
in a tobacco plantation, either on Andries Hudde's or the West
India Company's land ; and in 1639 he married Sarah, the daughter
of Joris Janse de Rapalje, born, according to the family record, on
the 9th of June, 1625, and who was reputed to be the first white
child born in the colony of Nieuw Netherland.2 From the tenor of a

1 Riker also says, in his Hist, of Newtown, 18 : " The farm of Hans Hansen has been
already noticed as lying near Cripplebush. It comprised 400 acres, or nearly two-
thirds of a square mile ; and from a careful examination of the patent and those adjoin-
ing, I think it must have covered a part, and perhaps the whole, of the present settle-
ment at the Bushwick Cross-roads."

2 The recently discovered journal of the Lahadists, who visited this country in the
year 1679 (translated by Hon. Henry C. Murphy, and forming the first volume of the
Collections of the Long Island Historical Society), brings forward a statement which, if
true, limits the historic honor hitherto enjoyed by Sarah Rapalie to that of simply
being the first white female born in the colony. These travellers (pp. 114 and 115
of the volume above mentioned) speak of conversing with the first male born of Euro-
peans in New Netherland, named Jean Vigne. " His parents were from Valenciennes,
and he was now about sixty-five years of age. He was a brewer, and a neighbor of our
old people." To this Mr. Murphy adds the following note : " This is an interesting
statement, which may not only be compared with that hitherto received, attributing to
Sarah de Rapalje, who was born on the 9th of June, 1625, the honor of having been
the first-born Christian child in New Netherland, but is to be considered in other
respects. According to the data given by our travellers, who, writing in 1679, make
Jean Vigne sixty-five years old at that time, he must have been born in the year 1614,
eleven years before Sarah de Rapalje, and at the very earliest period compatible with
the sojourn of any Hollanders upon our territory. Jean Vigne belonged to the class of

90 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

lawsuit, in 1643, relative to the sale of a shallop, it may be inferred
that he was at that time engaged in the trade of a shipwright. In

great burghers in New Amsterdam, and was one of the schepens of the city in the
years 1655, '56, '61, and '63 (O'Callaghan's Register of New Netherland, '61-3, 174).
He was twice married (New York Manual, 1862). Valentine says (Hist, of New York,
73) that he died in 1691, without issue. In this statement in regard to his being the
first person of European parentage born in New Netherland, there are some notable
points. The first trading voyages to Hudson's River were made by the Dutch in 1613-
14, and the first wintering or habitation there was in 1614-15. There must have
been, therefore, one European woman, at least, in the country at that early period.
Whether Jean Vigne's parents returned to Holland or remained here, during the
obscure period between the time of his birth and the occupation of the country by the
West India Company, it is impossible to determine. Either may have been the case.
If the statement, however, be correct — and there is nothing inconsistent in it with
the history of the colony, as far as known — Jean Vigne was not only the first born of
European parents in New Netherland, but, as far as known, in the whole United
States north of Virginia. We deem it of sufficient importance to give here the state-
ment of our travellers in regard to him in the original language : Wijhadden ind it
geseltschap gesproken den eerst geboren mans-persoon van Europianen in Nieu Ned-
erlant, genoemt Jean Vigne. Sijne ouders waren van Valencijn, en Jiij was nu on-
trent 65jaer out, synde ook een brouwer en ouerman van onse oude luij."

In regard to the erroneous tradition which has given to Breuckelen the honor of
being the birth-place of Sarah Rapalie, we quote the words of one of her descendants,
the author of the History of the Bergen Family, who says : " The early historians of
this State and locality, led astray by a petition presented by her, April 4th, 1656
(when she resided at the Walle-boght), to the Governor and Council, for some meadows,
in which she states that she is the ' first born Christian child in New Netherlands,'
assert that she was born at the Walle-boght. Judge Benson, in his writings, even
ventures to describe the house where this took place. He says : ' On the point of
land formed by the cove in Brooklyn, known as the Walle-boght, lying on its westerly
side (it should have been easterly), was built the first house on Long Island, and inhab-
ited by Joris Jansen de Rapalie, one of the first white settlers on the island, and in
which was born Sarah Rapalie, the first white child of European parentage born in
the State.' In this, if there is any truth in the depositions of Catalyn or Catalyntie
Trico (daughter of Jeronomis Trico of Paris), Sarah's mother (see appendix to this His-
tory), they are clearly mistaken. According to these depositions, she and her husband,
Joris Janse de Rapalie, came to this country in 1623 ; settled at Fort Orange, now
Albany ; lived there three years ; came, in 1626, to New Amsterdam, ' where she lived
afterwards for many years ; and then came to Long Island, where she now (1688) lives.'
' Sarah, therefore, was undoubtedly born at Albany, instead of the Walle-boght, and was
probably married before she removed to Long Island, there being no reason to suppose
that she resided there when a single woman without her husband." Indeed, if the
family record of her birth be correct, she was married between the age of fourteen and
fifteen, improving somewhat, in this respect, on the example of her mother, who mar-
ried before she was twenty years old.

She early became a church member in New York, and united with the Dutch Church
at Breuckelen, by certificate, in 1661. She died about 1685, aged about sixty.

While, therefore, Albany claims the honor of being her birthplace, and New Amster-
dam of having seen her childhood, Brooklyn surely received most profit from her ; for
jure, in the Wallabout, she was twice married, and gave birth to fourteen children,

HISTORI OF BROOKLYN. 91

March, 1647, he became the patentee of the above land on Long
Island, on which he seems to have resided until his death, which
took place in the latter portion of 1653 or the beginning of 1654.
He must, however, have been in possession of this plantation prior
to the date of his patent, either by extinguishing the Indian title or
otherwise ; for, in Abraham Kycken's patent, dated August 8, 1640,
his land is located on Long Island, opposite Einnegackonck, bounded
by Gysbert Eycken, Hans Hansen, etc. ; in Cornells Jacobsen Selle's
deed to Lambert Huybertsen Mol, of 29th of July, 1641, his planta-
tion is described as lying next that of Hans Hansen, on Long Island j1
and in the patent of Mespat, or Newtown, given to Kev. Mr. Doughty
and his associates, in March, 1642, mention is again made of the
meadows belonging to Hans Hansen.2 His widow, in April, 1656,3
petitioned the Governor and Council for the grant of a piece of
meadow-land adjoining the 2004 morgen previously granted her at
the " Waale-bocht,"6 stating that her neighbors disturb her in the use
of them, by mowing thereon, although they have meadows of their
own ; that she is a widow and burdened with seven children, and
asks an exemption from taxes. The meadows were granted, al-
though the exemption was refused. " Sarah, in stating in this
memorial that she was a widow, neglected to state that she was
again married, and the wife of Theunis Gysbert Bogaert, which
must have been the case, judging from the baptismal records of
New Amsterdam, wherein the birth of their first-born, Aartje, is
entered as baptized December 19, 1655. She probably resided, at

from whom are descended the Polhemus, the Bergens, the Bogarts, and many other of
the most notable families of Kings County. Few women have been more highly hon-
ored in the Dumber and the character of their descendants than Sarah de Rapelje.

The first correction of this historical error is due to Mr. James Riker, the author of
History of Newtown, L. I., who, in a paper read before the New York Historical
Society, in May, 1857, thoroughly investigated and exploded the time-honored tradition
which had disfigured the pages of all previous historians. Prime (Hist. L. I., 358-61)
especially has collected a great mass of tradition, which is more interesting than reli-
able.

1 N. Y. Col. MSB., vol. i. 251.

2 Riker's Newtown, pp. 18, 83.
'N. Y. Col. MSS., vol. vi. p. 353.

4 In the original Dutch record, 200 morgen, erroneously translated 20 by Vander-
kemp.
6 The earliest recorded use of the name " Waale-bocht." (See note 4, p. 24.)

92 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

this time, on the farm in the "Waaleboght, patented to her late hus-
band, Hans Hansen Bergen, and her petition probably alludes to
those lands. No evidence exists on the Colonial records as to any
grant to her, either from the government or the Indians, of 200
morgen, except her statement in the petition. "From this petition,"
says the family historian, " has probably arisen, with the aid of a
little stretch of the imaginatien, the story of the Indians having
presented her with a farm, in consideration of her having been the
first-born white child in the colony."

When, upon the conquest of the colony of New Netherland, by
the English, in 1664, the inhabitants were obliged to take out new
patents for their farms, Bogaeet, Sarah's second husband, embraced
the opportunity, as it would seem, to take out the new patent for
Hans Hansen's 200 morgen in his own name, instead of that of
Hans' children, who were rightfully entitled thereto. At least no
record has ever been found of their possession of any portion of
their father's estate, nor any evidence of any compensation made to
them therefor by their step-father. It is possible, however, although
not very probable, that compensation may have been made, and that
the written evidence has disappeared in the lapse of time. If
Bogaert defrauded the orphans, it can only be said that it was not
an isolated case, the records showing that others, similarly situated
at that time, took out the new and confirmatory patents in their own
name. By virtue, therefore, of this confirmatory patent, which was
dated April 5th, 1667, the whole property, excepting that tract known
and designated on the map as the General Johnson Homestead
Farm, remained in the possession of Bogart, and was divided among
his heirs.

The above-mentioned "Homestead Farm" was probably pur-
chased froni Bogart by Rem Jansen Yanderbeeck, the ancestor of
all the Remsens in this country,1 who, in 1642, had married Jannetie,
a daughter of Joris Janse de Rapalie.2 He resided at Albany for

1 Riker (Hist. Newtown, 386) says his trade was that of a " smith," and he came from
Jeveren in Westphalia. A valuable and interesting genealogy of the family may be
found in Riker's work. The name of Vanderbeeck seems to have been dropped in the
second generation.

2 It is of this lady that the curious tradition remains, that she was taken, when a
child, across from Governor's Island to Long Island, in a tub. (See Appendix, 5.)

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 93

some years, and the period of his removal to the Waaleboght is un-
certain. As a citizen and a magistrate he was highly esteemed in
Brooklyn, where he died in 1681, leaving a widow, who survived him
for many years, and fifteen children, all of whom, according to tra-
dition, were present at his funeral, and all of whom were married.1
In 1694, the widow and her children conveyed the property to two
of their number, Isaac and Jeremias Remsen/ and in 1704 Isaac

1 Hiker, 386 ; Prime. 359.

2 We have been favored by Teunis G. Bergen, Esq., with, the following translation of
this deed, the original of which is in the possession of Jeromus B. Johnson of Flat-
hush. Some portions of the document have become illegible through the ravages of
time, etc. :

" m In the third, King Our Lord, one

thousand six hundred and ninety-four, tenth day of April ; declared .... of the
deceased Rem Jansen, of the Walle-boght, in the aforesaid county .... through
his children, to wit, Joris Remsen, Rem Remsen, Jacob Remsen, Jeronimus Remsen,
Daniel Remsen, Abraham Remsen, Jan (Dorlant), Aris Vanderbilt, Joseph Hegeman,
Gerrit Hansen, Elbert (Adriaensen), Marten Adriaense, each for himself and his heirs,
to Isaac Remsen and Jeremias Remsen, and their heirs and assigns, have set over,
granted, and conveyed a certain parcel of land, situated in the Walle-bocht, in the
aforesaid county, on the southerly side of the land of Teunis Gysbertse ; also bounded
and encompassed by the kil in the Walebocht, as set forth in the patent for the same ;
also with the length, breadth, course, and number of morgens made known in said
patent, with all the right and privileges in any way appertaining to said parcel
of land ; also, as included with and appertaining to said land, three parcels of
meadow : the 1st, held in common with Jacob Hegeman, situated in the limits
of Midwout (Flatbush), over the second kil, and known as Number 10 ; the 2d,
a block lot, situated on the third kil, and lying between Tomas Lambertsen and Jan
Vanderbilt ; the 3rd, situated over the third kil, in the long neck in the limits of
Jamaike, and held in common with Jerominus Rapalie. For the above-described land
and meadow, with their appurtenances, declared the above-named parties to convey to
the said Isaac Remsen and Jeremias Remsen, to be fully satisfied and paid for the
'< same, to the first and last cent, therefore deliver (give) over said land and meadow,
J with the appurtenances and privileges, for themselves and their heirs, to the aforesaid
. Jeremiah and Isaac, clear and unencumbered, to be kept, with all their rights, by
them, the said Jeremias and Isaac, and their heirs and assigns

the mark of

Jannetie Jorisse, Abeam Remsen.

by herself. JAN DORLANT.

Joris Remsen. Aris Vanderbilt.

Rem Remsen. Joseph Hegeman.

Jekob Remsen. Gerret Hansen.

Jerominus Remsen. Elbert Adriaensen.

Daniel Remsen. Martin Adriaensen.

" Signed in the presence of . . . ys
Hegeman, Johannes Van Eckelen,
and also delivered."

94 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

sold out his share to his brother Jeremias, who thus became the sole
owner of the paternal farm.1 It was inherited, after his death, in
July, 1757, by his son Jeremias, who, dying without issue, in 1777,
left it to his relative, Barent Johnson.2 This worthy citizen and
patriot, deceased in 1782, and his executors in 1793, conveyed the
estate to his son, the late General Jeremiah Johnson, by whom it
was first laid out in streets and city lots, and by whose eldest son,
Barnet Johnson, the old homestead and a portion of the original
farm is now held.3

The history of the remaining portion of the Hans Hansen Bergen
patent is briefly as follows :

The parcels since known as the Boerum and Abraham A. Remsen
estates were originally comprised in a farm owned by one Teunis
Bogert, who, by will, dated June 22, 1767,* devised it to his sons
Adrian and Cornelius. Partition deeds were executed between
them, April 25, 1769, whereby Adrian took possession of the north-
erly half, now known as the Boerum farm, and Cornelius of the
remaining or southerly portion, being the greater portion of the
Abraham A, Remsen estate.6

Adrian sold his farm, April 13, 1775, to Jacob Bloom, who devised
it by will, dated March 5, 1797, as a life-estate to his son Barent.8
His heirs, in March, 1816, conveyed it to Abraham A. Bemsen,7
who, in November of the same year, sold it to Abraham Boerum,8
who remained in possession until his death, in 1848, and from
whom it derived its name of the " Boerum farm."

Cornelius Bogert sold his portion of the paternal estate, March 8,

The southerly portion of the land described, in the above deed, as lands of Teunis Gys-
berts Bogart, is that since known as land of James Scholes.

i & 3 gee « Deduction of Title to so much of ' the Homestead Farm,' so called, of the
late Jeremiah Johnson, deceased, as is embraced within the limits of the City of
Brooklyn, and as was in his possession at the time of his death. Dated Brooklyn,
May, 1853. Prepared by William M. Ingraham, Brooklyn." Folio, pp. 20.

2 Will dated 1776 ; proved 1782. N. Y. Wills, liber xxxv.

4 Liber xxvi. 210, N. Y. Co. Wills.

8 See map on file in Kings County Clerk's office, endorsed " Map showing the Farm
of Teunis Bogart. deceased," as divided between his sons Adrian and Cornelius, and to
be filed in Kings County Clerk's office with the old deeds not recorded.

6 Kings Co. Wills, liber i. 227.

1 Kings County Conveyances, liber xi. 461.

8 Ibid., 458.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 95

1774, to Abraham Bemsen, who, in April, 1793, conveyed it to his
son William, and he, in May following, transferred it to his brothers,
Jeremiah and Abraham Bemsen, junior. Adjoining the southerly
side of this farm, and including the late Scholes tract, was a farm of
76 acres, owned and possessed, prior to 1729, by one Gysbert
Bogert, and by him sold, in December of that year, to his son Gys-
bert Bogert, junior. By him it was conveyed, June 29, 1741, to
Jeremiah Bemsen, the then owner of the present Johnson farm.
Mr. Bemsen, on the 28th of January, 1742, conveyed it to his son
Abraham, and he, on April 10th, 1795, conveyed it to his sons, Jer-
emiah and Abraham.1

The title to the farm of Cornelius Bogert, and to that of Gysbert
Bogert, having thus become fully vested in the brothers Bemsen,
partition deeds were executed between them on the 14fch of Septem-
ber, 1795, by which Abraham became possessed of the northerly
portion, since known as the Abraham A. Bemsen estate ; and Jere-
miah of the southerly portion, sold after his death, in 1831, by
his executors, to James Scholes, and since known as the Scholes
estate.2

Having thus completed our survey of the early patents along the
water-front of Breuckelen, from the bounds of New Utrecht to those
of Bushwick, we now enter upon the consideration of what may be
termed

THE SECOND TIER OE PATENTS,

located between the Waale-boght and the head of Gowanus Creek,
in the rear of those already discussed. These lands are all especially
described as "lying at Marechkawieck, on the Gowanus Kill;"
proving, beyond a doubt, that the name of " Marechkawieck,"
although applied primarily to the shores of the Waale-boght, was
also used to designate the whole of the country between the two
localities. The existence in this neighborhood, as we have seen, of
" Sassian's " and other tracts of maize-land, as well as the fact that
various Indian skeletons and relics have, from time to time, been
exhumed in the same vicinity, incline us to the belief that this was

1 Conveyances, lib. xxi. 213, Kings County Clerk's office. 5 Ibid., 209.

96 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the locality occupied by the " Marechkawiecks," whom we know to
have been the original proprietors of the soil.1 They were undoubt-
edly dispossessed during the war of 1643, and on the very patents
which we are about to examine, the village proper of " Beeuckelen,"
as distinguished from the hamlets at the " Waale-boght," " Gow-
anus," and " The Ferry," was afterwards established.

XX.

March 11, 1647, Geeeit Wolpheetsen (van Couwenhoven)2 received
a patent for

" a certain piece of land, at the (Ma) Rechavvieck, both the maize and
woodland, on the marsh of the Gouwanus kil, between the land of Jacob
Stoffelsen and Frederick Lubbertsen, extending from the aforesaid marsh
till into the woods next the land of said Frederick, till to the land of
Andries Hudde, northeast by north, a little northerly, 148 rods; behind
through the woods, till to the land of the aforesaid Jacob Stoffelsen,
southeast by east 80 rods next to the land of Jacob Stoffelsen aforesaid,
till to the aforesaid marsh, southwest a little westerly 165 rods, along the
marsh to the place of beginning 60 rods, with an oblique outpoint : amount-
ing in all to 19 morgens, 341 rods." s

This plot evidently fronted on the main road leading from Flat-
bush, through the village of Breuckelen, which was located at this

1 A large Indian burying-ground was located northeast of Freeke's Mill Pond, and
the surrounding meadows, and in grading streets some remains have been disturbed
on the Bout and Van Rossum patents, hereafter described.

The following fragment (from N. Y. Col. MSS., iv. 158), probably relates to this
locality: "January 27, 1643. Deposition of Geertjen Mannincks, wife of Claes Mente-
laer, said, that Roelant (Robert) Hackwaert, told at her house in the Bay, that there
were seven hills of corn about a pistol-shot from the road, which he would confirm by
his oath.

" Roelant Hackwaert declared that he saw the savages at Marechkawieck cover the
corn-hills."

2 In N. Y. Col. MSS., i. 234, 235, is a receipt of Wolphertsen, who is there mentioned
as a " resident of Keskachquerem, on Long Island," for four cows hired by him of the
deacons of New Amsterdam. From this, he would appear to have had at that time a
farm at " Keskachquerem," which was, probably, the name of the original territory of
Bushwick, purchased by Kieft in 1639. See ante, p. 26, and Appendix 2.

3 Patents, G G, 172.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 97

point, to " the Ferry," and is included in lands marked as G. Mar-
tense's on Butts' map. Wolphertsen sold this property to Nicholas
Janse, baker, of New York, whose widow, Maritje Garritse, sold the
same, Sept. 13th, 1698, to George Hansen (Bergen), of Broockland,
for the sum of XI 76 lis. The lands were described as bounded
" southeast by land of Jurian Andriese, northwest by land of Jacob
Hansen (Bergen) and land of Derick Wortman, southwest by Gowanus
Kil, and northwest by the King's highway, as formerly in possession
of Gerrit "Wolphertsen." Also, " the just and equal part of all that
hook or neck of land in said township, containing 55 Dutch rods
broad and 250 Dutch rods long ; bounded south by land of Jacob
Brower, north by land of Machiel Hansen (Bergen), west by Gow-
anus Kil, or Mill Creek, and east by the common woods." '

Martense and Gerritsen possess, through their wives, these lands
of Bergen ; but it is probable that Bergen, or his heirs, subsequent
purchasers, added other lands to the estate, besides Wolfertsen
Yan Couvenhoven's patent.

XXI.

Jacob Stoffelsen, the West India Company's overseer of negroes,
and engaged under Yan Twiller, in 1635, in the construction of Fort
Amsterdam, had a farm next to Wolphertsen's, but of which no
patent is found on record. Its position, however, is clearly defined
by the adjoining patent of Wolphertsen, which is described as lying
between it and that of Lubbertsen ; and its size is specified in Bout's
patent as being of the same dimensions, viz, 28 morgens and 270 rods.
Like the others, it commenced on the meadows at the head of Gow-
anus Creek, and ran northeasterly to the " King's Highway," i. e.,
the old Flatbush and Breuckelen Ferry Road. On the maps of the
present city, it may be described as extending along Fulton avenue,
from Bond street, or thereabout, to a line between and parallel to
Smith and Hoyt streets.

Stoffelsen seems not to have been a resident of Breuckelen after
1656, in which year he hired the Company's farm at Aharsimus,

1 Kings Co. Convey., ii. 181.

7

93 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

which was renewed to him in 1661 and 1662. In 1663 he, with
other farmers in that vicinity, was fined for working on Sunday ; and
in 1664, his wife petitioned for, and was granted, 8 or 10 acres addi-
tional behind the company's farm, on which latter she had received,
in 1658, permission to build a house.1

XXII.

Jan Evertsen Bout, a somewhat prominent man in the colony,*
was the patentee of the lands adjoining Van Couwenhoven's on the
west. This property was described in the deed granted to him by
Gov. Kieft, July 6, 1645, as

" land at Marechkawieck, on the Kil of the Gowanus, as well the maize-
land as the woodland, bounded by the most easterly end of (the land of)
Huyck Aertsen (von Rossum), and by the most westerly end of (the land
of) Gen-it Wolphertson (von Couwenhoven), it extends next the said land
(i. e. of Wolphertsen) ; along till out of the woods, northeast a little
northerly 165 rods, its breadth in the woods southeast to the land of
Huyck Aertsen, 69 rods, next to the land of said Huyck Aertsen along to
the maize-land 55 rods, southwest and southwest by west, further on till
to the valley (marsh) southwest, a little southerly, 137 rods further on to the
place of beginning, along the marsh, with certain outpoints, laid out in a
parallelogram. Amount in all, both the places, as well (i. e. likewise) of
Jan Evertsen (Bout) and Jacob Stoffelsen, 28 morgen 270 rods.3

February 14th, 1667, Bout received a confirmatory patent of the
above premises, which covered the neck of land on which a few
years ago were located Freecke's and Denton's flour-mills, and also
a considerable tract east of Freecke's mill-pond, extending to the

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., viii. 313, 1044 ; ix. 572 ; x. 40 ; Part ii. 294, Part iii. 21.

2 In 1643 he had a bouwery at Pavonia ; in September of same year was selected by
the Eight Men to fill the vacancy in their Board, caused by the expulsion of Van Dam ;
in 1646, became one of the founders of Breuckelen ; in 1647, was a farmer there and
chosen a member of the Nine Men, who formed Stuyvesant's Council ; in 1649, was
one of the signers of a memorial to the Home Government, requesting certain reforms
in the management of the Colony, and also of the Remonstrance which accompanied it,
and of which documents he and two others were chosen to be the bearers to the Fa-
therland ; was successful in his mission, and returned to Nieuw Netherlands in 1650.
(See Col. Doc. N. Y, i. 367, 379.)

« Patents, G G, 108.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 99

main road in the then village of Brooklyn. Bout gave the neck to
the children of Adam Brower, the common ancestor of the Browers
of this vicinity.
April 1st, 1668, a patent was granted to Jan Evertsen Bout for

" a certain Hook or corner of land within the jurisdiction

of the town of Breucklyn, beginning from the fence of

Gerrit Croesus' land, where the marke stands, and soe goes across to the
highway, being in breadth 110 rod, as also 3 or 4 rods along the said high-
way, and reaches in length 250 rods in the woods."

In 1674 this land, being the same as that known on Butt's map
as belonging to G. Martense, was in possession of Andries Janse
Jurianse, who had married Annetje Para, Bout's widow. He died
before 1695, and she married Jan Janse Staats, and on the 17th
March of that year she- conveyed to Jurian Andriese (probably the
son of her second husband) for the sum of £150, certain premises
in Broockland, described as

" on the north side of the King's highway, on the east side of Michiell
Hansen (Bergen), on the west side of Joras Hansen (Bergen) and Lambert
Andriese, with all the meadow there annext and thereunto belonging, and
that soe great and small as it always was possessed by her above said de-
ceased husbands."

February 19th, 1707-8, Jurian Andriese conveyed to Carell De-
bevois, for £400, premises in Broockland,

" containing 27 morgens, or 54 acres, be it more or less, and bounded
southeasterly by the land of Machiell Hansen (Bergen), westerly by the
land of Joris Hansen (Bergen), and in the rear southwesterly by a certain
creeke running through the meadows coming from Gowanos mill soe
called, including all the meadows in the rear of the said land, and adjoin-
ing thereto between the said creek and the said land."

These deeds covered that portion of Bout's patent not included
within "the Neck," and possibly may have included some addi-
tional land of Jurianse, the second husband of Annetie Para.

Upon Bout's patent was located Freeke's Mill, or the " old Gow-
anus Mill," probably the oldest in the town of Breukelen. As early

100 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

as in 1661, it was occupied conjointly by Isaac De Forest and Adam
Brower, the latter purchasing the interest of the former.1 They
•were, undoubtedly, tenants of Bout, who, in 1667 (King's Co. Con-
vey., p. 179), gave " the corn and meadows and place whereon the
mill is grounded," to the children of Adam Brower. And, according
to a deed, dated April 30, 1707, of Sybrant Brower to Abram and
Nicholas Brower (King's Co. Convey., liber iii. p. 201) it appears
that their ancestor, Adam Brower, had received from the heirs of
Bout and Teunis Nuyse a conveyance of the neck of land upon which
the mill was located. This mill-pond was formed by damming off
the head of Gowanus Kil, and the old mill was located just north of
Union, west of Nevin, and between that street and Bond.2

Denton's Mill, or " the Yellow Mill," in Gowanus, was also built
upon Bout's patent, by Adam and Nicholas, the sons of Adam
Brower, in 1709. The mill-pond was formed by the damming off a
branch of the Gowanus Kil, and the mill was located on the north-
east side of the present' First street, about midway between Second
and Third avenues. The dwelling-house, which was burned down
about 1852, was in Carroll, midway between Nevins street and Third
avenue.

There is some uncertainty regarding the precise limits of these
three patents of Bout, Stoffelsen, and Van Couvenhoven, which to-
gether evidently cover that portion of our city included between
Fulton avenue, Smith and Nevins streets, and described on our map
as lands of Marten se and Gerritsen.3

XXIII.

On the 22d of February, 1646, Htjyck Aertsen (van Rossum)
received from Gov. Kieft,

" a piece of land lying at the Marechkawieck, on the marsh of the Gowanus
Kil, the maize-land as well as the woodland, bounded on the southeast by
the land of Jan Evertse (Bout), along the marsh east 68 rods, southeast 30

1 See Dr. O'Callaghan's note in Hist. Mag. for Aug., 1862.

2 See map of land, mill and mill-pond of John C. Freeke, by J. Lott, 1833.
1 See ante, pp. 96, 97, Wolpliertsen's patent.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 101

rods further up the maize-land till to the woods, northeast by east 85 rods,
northeast by north 60 rods, the breadth in the woods till to the land of
said Jan Evertsen (Bout) northwest eighty-seven rods, again to the maize
land next the land of the aforesaid Jan Evertsen (Bout) southwest and
southwest by west 55 rods, through the maize-land to the place of begin-
ning, southwest a little southerly, 137 rods: amounting in all to 19 mor-
gens and 105 rods."

To this was subsequently added another parcel, making in all 29
morgens.1 This tract may be described as lying between Fulton
avenue, Fourth avenue, Nevins and Douglass streets, designated on
the map as belonging to Mary Powers and to Nicholas Casthalez.2
It was confirmed by Gov. Nicholls, June 21, 1667, to Albert Cornelis-
sen (Wantenaer),3 who had married Trientje, the widow of Huyck
Aertsen van Kossum, deceased. March 7, 1680-1, Cornelissen con-
veyed, by endorsement on the back of the patent from Gov. Kieft,
and the confirmatory one from Gov. Nicholls, the above premises to
Michael Hansen (Bergen) ; also, by a separate conveyance, the
adjoining meadows, which he had bought of Theunis Nyssen on the
16th of May, 1656, and which had been confirmed to him by a patent
from Gov. Nicholls, dated June 26, 1668/ The original patent to

1 Patents, G G, 136.

2 It, however, covered rather more than these two pieces.

3 Or " the glove-maker." Albert Cornelissen, in June, 1643, let himself as a wheel-
wright to Conyn Oerritsen, for one year (N. Y. Col. MSS., ii. 61). On June 5, 1665, he
was tried for killing Barent Jansen, of Brooklyn, by striking him in the side with a knife,
of which wound he died the same day. As the deed was done in self-defence, the jury
returned a verdict of manslaughter, and he was sentenced to be burned in the hand
before the rising of the court, to forfeit all his goods and chattels, and to remain in
prison for a year and a day. He was, however, pardoned on the same day by Gov.
Nicholls. (Alb. Rec. Patents, vol. i. 165.)

4 These meadows of Teunis Niessen are referred to in Holl. Doc, i. 338, in the
Answer of the W. I. Co. to the Remonstrance of the New Netherlands, 1650. Jan
Evertsen Bout and J. Van Cowenhoven complained, in that remonstrance, that " after
the transfer had been executed of the patents to the proprietor, Kieft had added thereto
a little clause which was manifestly contradictory ; inasmuch as the patents included
the land and valley, and the clause takes the valley (or meadows) back to the Com-
pany," &c. The reply (p. 340) says : " We are informed, and therefore say, that the
petitioners will not prove the late Director, William Kieft, hath called in more than
one patent ; and he subjoined with his own hand, that he reserved the valley, not for
the Company, but for the town of Breuckelen, in general. The reason for the revocation
was because Jan Evertsen Bout, one of the petitioners, who occupies part of the valley,
together with others beside him, who undertook to found or improve the town of

102 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Van Rossum specified the amount of land as being 29 morgens ; the
confirmatory patent of Nicholls, with substantially the same bounda-
ries, estimated it at 90 morgens. Bergen took possession of 90
morgens, whereupon the freeholders of Breuckelen, about 1722,
brought a suit against him in Chancery, claiming that he had a right
to only 29 acres, and that the balance belonged to the town. During
the progress of this suit Bergen, for the sum of .£800, conveyed
the property in question to his son, Hans Bergen,1 who compro-
mised with the freeholders of Breuckelen for the sum of £40, and
thus ended the suit.2 He, by his will, dated January 18, 1731, and
proved January 13, 1732,3 devised to his oldest son, Michael,
the farm on which he then resided, being 180 acres (90 mor-
gen), which he (Hans Bergen) had purchased from his father.
On the 12th April, 1748, Rachel, widow of Hans Bergen, released to
her son, Michael Bergen, her right of dower in the farm in Brook-
land, which was devised to him by his father, said farm being
bounded in the release as follows : " Southerly by land of Jacobus
Debevois ; northerly by land of Carell Debevois and Israel Horsfield ;
easterly by the King's Highway, leading from Flatbush to New
York ferry ; and westerly by the meadows ; containing 120 acres :

Brooklyn, at their own expense, represented to the Director how prejudicial it would
be to the town that one man, named Teunis Nyssen, should have too exclusive posses-
sion of so large a valley (meadow), directly contrary to the (provisions of the) Freedoms.
The Director signed the report of Hudde (Surveyor-General) without then specifying
the morgens. And after information had been received from said Jan Evertsen Bout
(one of the petitioners) and others, the Director allowed Teunis Nyssen, agreeably to
the Freedoms, as much of said valley as he should have need of, in proportion to his
plantation."

January 26, 1668, a patent was granted to Albert C. Wantenaer to confirm to him a
lot of ground in the town of Breuckelen, on Lorig Island, said lot "being on the west side
of the town next to J. E. Bout, abutting on the highway, which lot being, on the 22d
day of April, 1654, surveyed and measured in the presence of the then Schout and
Schepens, was found to contain on the southeast side 26 rods, to the north the like,
and northeast by north 5 rod 9 feet," as owned by said Albert, also " a certain parcell
of valley or meadow ground, lying behind the said Albert's plough-land, stretching
from the Great Kil to the entrance into the woodland," as sold by Teunis Nysse, May
26, 1656, to said Albert." These patents and conveyances are now in possession of Hon.
T. G. Bergen.

1 Conveyance dated August 21, 1723. Kings Co. Convey., liber v. 19.

s Conveyance (signed by 61 freeholders) dated January 7, 1723-4. Kings Co. Convey.,
liber E, 29.

3 Liber ii. 311, Wills— Surrogate's office, city of New York.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 103

also her right of dower in the meadows and woodland."1 This
Michael Bergen devised the farm, by will, to his grandson, Michael
Bergen Grant, who subsequently conveyed it to George Powers.

XXIV, XXV, XXVI.

On the east side of the King's Highway (now Fulton avenue), we
find that the somewhat triangular section of land, which we may
describe, in general terms, as at present included between Fulton
street and avenue, Baymond street, and a liDe drawn a little south of
and parallel to Tillary street, was taken up by Joris Dircksen, PiETER

CORNELISSEN and CORNELIS DlRCKSEN.

To Joris Dircksen was granted, March 23, 1646,

"a certain piece of land, woodland as well as maize-land, lying at Marech-
kawieck, bounded on the northwest by the land of Pieter Cornelissen, and
extends next the said Peter Cornelissen till into the woods west, southwest
and southwest by west, 187 rods; into and through the woods east south-
east and southeast by east, between both 115 rods; further toward the
valley (marsh) into and through the wood and maize-land, northeast 66
rods till to the maize-land and further, 80 rods ; northeast by north till to
the valley (marsh) to the place of beginning, 35 rods : amounting in all to
18 morgens, 501 rods." 9

To this was afterwards added by purchase, in 1685, a small piece
of land on the east side of the road, belonging originally to the
patent of Andries Hudde,3 on the opposite side of the highway.

February 28th, 1687-8, the heirs of Susanna Dubbles, deceased
wife of Joris Dircksen, conveyed to Hendrick Sleght, "land at the
northwest of the land of Peter Comelise," as granted by ground
brief of Gov. Kieft to Joris Dircksen, March 23, 1646.

Sleght's heirs, on May 1st, 1705, conveyed the same to Carell
Debevois, it being described as

1 See old deed in possession of T. Ot. Bergen, Esq.
5 Patents, G G, 138.

3 Deed dated September 13, 1668. Liber ii., 181, Kings Co. Convey. Consideration,
£176 11*.

104 HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN.

"bounded east by a certain creek, northerly by the land of Adryan
Hoogland, westerly by the country roade that leads to the Ferry, and
southerly by the land of Jacob Vande water, with a small piece of meadow
adjoining thereto, and all as it is now in fence, and formerly in the tenure
and occupation of Hendrick Sleght, deceased, containing 18 morgens and
510 rods, English measure."

The parcel possessed by Cornelis Dircksen, the ferryman, has
been already described on pages 75 and 76.

That of Pieter Cornelissen, carpenter, was a piece of land

"lying at Marechkawiech, both the maize-land and the woodland,
bounded north by Cornelis Dircksen, ferryman ; on the southeast by Joris
(or George) Dircksen : it extends next the said ferryman's (land) from the
marsh through the maize-land (and) the woods, to the division line of
Claes Cornelissen, west by north and west northwest, between both, 172
rods; behind in the woods next the buildings and improvements of An-
dries Hudde, south by west, 138 rods; further east southeast and south-
east by east, between both 31 rods ; and along the said Joris's land, through
the wood and maize land till to the marsh east, northeast and northeast by
east, 178 rods; along the marsh 25 rods, to the place of beginning:
amounting in all to 27 morgens, 119 rods."

The date of this patent was February 8, 1646.1

1 Patents, G G, 133.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 1Q5

CHAPTEE m.

THE CIVIL HISTORY OF BREUCKELEN.
1646—1664

The history of Breuckelen, during the period intervening between
its incorporation in 1646 and the conquest of Nieuw Netherland by
the English, in 1664, presents but few points of interest or impor-
tance. It is mentioned in 1649 as one of " two villages of little
moment ;m and its course, as illustrated by the scanty records
which remain to us, was simply that of an agricultural community,
differing in no respect from the neighboring towns, and inferior to
none (except, it may be, to Midwout, now Flatbush) in wealth or
political influence.

Stuyvesant, the new Director-General, on his arrival in 1647,
found Nieuw Netherland in an exceedingly " low condition." Ex-
cepting the Long Island settlements, the colony contained scarcely
fifty " bouweries" under cultivation, and less than three hundred
men capable of bearing arms. The commonalty were disorderly
and discontented ; the public revenue seriously impaired by ineffi-
cient or dishonest officials ; trade ruined by smuggling ; and the
general safety weakened by bickerings and disputes with colonial
patroons, concerning rights of jurisdiction. The savages, also,
brooding over their past defeats, evidently waited only for an oppor-
tunity to avenge their losses ; and jealous neighbors were secretly
plotting against the Dutch rule in America. Stuyvesant, however,
entered upon the task of reform with an energy peculiarly charac-
teristic, and in less than three months, disorder was restrained, the
revenues protected, and trade revived. The Indians were concil-
iated, and a tolerably good understanding established with the New
England Colonies. The powers of government — executive, legis-
lative, and judicial — which he assumed, were quite extensive, and

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., i. 285. *

106 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN

often arbitrary. Directly or indirectly, lie appointed and commis-
sioned all public officers, framed all laws, and decided all important
controversies. He also heard all appeals from subordinate magis-
trates, who were required to send such cases as were pending before
them to the Council, for their decision. He directed churches to
be built, installed ministers, and even ordered them when and where
to preach. Assuming the sole control of the public lands, he ex-
tinguished the Indian title thereto, and allowed no purchase to be
made from the natives without his sanction ; and granted at pleas-
ure, to individuals and companies, parcels of land, subject to such
conditions as he saw fit to impose. In the management of these
complicated affairs the Director developed a certain imperiousness
of manner and impatience of restraint, due, perhaps, as much to
his previous military life as to his personal character ; and it is not
strange that he sometimes exercised his prerogative in a capricious
and arbitrary manner, and with little regard to the wishes of his
people. During the whole of his predecessor's unquiet rule a con-
stant struggle had been going on between the personal prerogative
of the Executive and the inherent sentiment of popular freedom
which prevailed among the commonalty, leading the latter con-
stantly to seek for themselves the franchises and freedoms of the
Fatherland, to which, as loyal subjects, they deemed themselves
entitled in New Netherland. The contest was reopened soon after
Stuyvesant's installation, and the firmness of both Director and
people, in the maintenance of what each jealously considered their
rights, gave indication of serious disturbance to the public weal.
In 1647, however, the doughty Governor found himself in a predica-
ment from which only the good people could relieve him. Trouble
was brewing among the Indians, wrhose promised annual presents
were considerably in arrears, and there existed an imperative neces-
sity for certain repairs upon Fort Amsterdam. But the provincial
treasury was bankrupt ; and Stuyvesant, well knowing that the
people would never submit to be taxed without their consent, found
it convenient to yield his much-valued prerogative to the sentiment
of the community, and, by advice of his Council, demanded a pop-
ular representation in the affairs of government. An election was
therefore held, at which the inhabitants of Amsterdam, Breuckelen,

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 107

Amersfoort, and Pavonia chose eighteen of "the most notable,
reasonable, honest, and respectable" among them, from whom,
according to the custom of the Fatherland, the Director and Council
selected Nine Men as an advisory Council ; and although their
powers and duties were jealously limited and guarded by the Direc-
tor's Proclamation, yet the appointment of the Nine Men was a con-
siderable gain to the cause of popular rights. Distinctly considered
as " good and faithful interlocutors and trustees of the common-
alty," they were to confer with the Director and Council, " as their
tribunes, on all means to promote the welfare" of the public, " as
well as that of the country," and after due consultation upon the
propositions of the Director and Council, might then " bring for-
ward their advice." The Director might at any time attend their
meetings and act as president. Three of their number, in rotation,
were to have seats at the Council once a week, on regular court
day, to act as arbitrators in civil cases ; and their awards were
binding, although, on payment of a special fee, appeal was per-
mitted to the Council. Six of their number were to vacate their
seats annually, whose successors were to be chosen by the Council,
the Director, and " the Nine assembled ;" by which means, in the
first election only, the choice proceeded directly from the people.
In this first popular assembly Breuckelen was represented by Jan
Evertsen Bout, a farmer by occupation, and one of the original
founders of the town.

The various measures of improvement in civil, municipal, military,
religious, and educational matters, which the Director submitted to
the Nine Men, were approved, and they promptly undertook to tax
themselves for all, except for the expenses of finishing the fort,
which they claimed the Company, by the charter of 1629, had
bound themselves to do, and the Governor was obliged to waive
that point.

The subsequent history of Stuyvesant's government is a record of
quarrels with colonial patroons, with the English in New England,
the Swedes on the South Eiver, and last — not least — with his own
people. In fact, the government was by no means well adapted to
the people or adequate to protect them. The laws were very im-
perfect, and the Director and Council either incompetent or indis-

108 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

posed to remedy the serious defects which existed in the adminis-
tration of civil and criminal justice. And, finally, so far did the
Governor's assumption of authority exceed the patience of the com-
monalty, and so general was the feeling of public insecurity and
discontent, that the people resolved, with great unanimity, to make
a formal presentation of their grievances to the Governor, and
demand redress.

Accordingly, on the 26th of November, 1653, " the most impor-
tant popular convention that had ever assembled in New Nether-
land" met at New Amsterdam. It adjourned, however, to the 10th
of December following, at which time delegates appeared from the
city, Breuckelen, Flatbush, Flatlands, Gravesend, Newtown, Flush-
ing, and Hempstead. Breuckelen was on this occasion represented
by Messrs. Frederick Lubbertsen, Paulus Van der Beech, and William
Beekman, all men of position and ability. The Convention, after
mutual consultation and discussion, adopted a remonstrance which
our space will not allow of quoting in full, but which we may char-
acterize as ably drawn and firmly but courteously expressed, and as
manifesting an intelligent appreciation of their own rights, as well
as a thorough acquaintance with the legitimate objects of civil gov-
ernment. It substantially demanded necessary reforms, and laws
" resembling, as near as possible, those of the Netherlands." Stuy-
vesant winced under the truth which this earnest popular protest
contained, and sought to weaken its effect by declaring that Breuck-
elen, Midwout, and Amersfoort had " no right of jurisdiction," and
therefore no right to send delegates to a popular convention, and
that the Convention itself was an unorganized body who had no
right to address the Director, or " anybody else." Nothing daunted,
the deputies, on the 13th of December, appealing to the law of
Nature, which permits all men to assemble for the protection of
their liberties and property, presented a second remonstrance,
and declared, that if the Governor and Council would not grant
them redress and protection, they would appeal to their superiors,
the States-General and the West India Company. Irritated by
their pertinacity and overmatched in argument, Stuyvesant fell back
on his prerogative, and in an arrogant message — which declared
that " We derive our authority from God and the Company, not

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 109

from a few ignorant subjects, and we alone can call the inhabitants
together" — he ordered the Convention to "disperse, and not to
assemble again upon such business." Breuckelen, Amersfoort, and
Midwout were also ordered to prohibit their delegates from attend-
ing, for the present, any meeting at New Amsterdam. The pop-
ular voice found partial expression, however, in letters addressed
to the West India Company by the authorities of New Amsterdam
and Gravesend, which were forwarded to Holland by an agent who
was authorized to use every legitimate means to secure the reforms
which the people demanded. Meanwhile, the exigencies of the
times gave to the disaffected community an excellent opportunity
of demonstrating that their discontent with the existing govern-
ment of the colony did not arise from any lack of loyalty to the
home government in the Fatherland.

The rapid increase of piracy on the Sound, and robberies on
Long Island, led the magistracy, early in February, 1654, to recom-
mend to the Director and Council that a force of forty men should
be raised from the several towns, for the common defence.1 This
number was levied as follows : From the Manhattan, 8 ; from
" Breuckelen, the Ferry, and the Walloon quarter," 4 ; Hempstead,
4 ; Bensselaerswyck, 4 ; Beverwyck, 4 ; Staten Island, 2 ; Middle-
burgh and Mespath Kill, 3 ; Gravesend, 3 ; Flushing, 3 ; Amers-
foort, 2 ; Midwout, 2 ; Paulus Hook, 1. Letters were also ad-
dressed to the towns of Breuckelen, Amersfoort, and Midwout,
requesting them " to lend their aid, at this critical juncture, to fur-
ther whatever may advance the public defence." In response to
this communication, the magistrates of the three towns, together
with the court-martial, assembled at Breuckelen on the 7th of
April, 1654, and adopted the most energetic measures for the gen-
eral welfare. Every male was required to do guard-duty in his
turn, "each acting schepen, at his discretion, trusting on his active
and cheerful aid in times of peril." In case of invasion, " every
inhabitant, of whatever station and condition," was to " unite in a
general resistance," or pay a heavy fine. Every third man was

1 New Amsterdam Rec, i. 378 ; Col. Rec, v. 213, 214. This document was signed by
Frederick Lubbertsen, William Bredenbent, and Albert Cornelissen, of Breuckelen,
and five others.

HO HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

detailed as a minute-man, and was bound to obey any warning,
" at a moment's notice." Any person who might discover an enemy
at night was required to fire his gun three times, to warn his next
neighbor, who was to do the same ; and any firing of guns at night,
except as signals, was prohibited, under strong penalties. Several
military officers were also chosen.1

Subsequent alarms, of invasion by the English, occasioned similar
calls upon the Dutch towns of Long Island, which were all responded
to with the same alacrity. Of the divers troubles which, now sur-
rounded Stuyvesant's government it is needless for us to speak.
Suffice it to say, that the English colonies were full of disaffection
and plottings, while the Dutch were somewhat alienated by the
Director's former arbitrary dealings ; and, on every hand, disorgani-
zation threatened the colony. At this critical juncture came wel-
come news of peace between England and Holland ; and shortly
after, Stuyvesant, having learned wisdom from his past experience,
and wishing to counterbalance the political preponderance of the
English towns, determined to reward the loyalty of Breuckelen,
Amersfoort, and Midwout, by enlarging their municipal privileges.
Two schepens were added to the two which Breuckelen already pos-
sessed ; and David Provoost, the former commissary of Fort Hope,
was appointed her first separate schout or constable. Similar addi-
tions were made to the magistracy of Amersfoort and Midwout ;
and a superior " district court" was also organized, of delegates
from each town-court, together with the schout. To this court,
which existed in this form till 1661, was intrusted authority to reg-
ulate roads, build churches, establish schools, and enact local laws.
It was also, to a limited extent, a court of record.2 By the creation
of this court, these towns became entitled, under the Dutch law, to
the rights of jurisdiction and representation, which had been so abso-
lutely denied them by the Director-General in 1653, " for under the
feudal law it was the fief, whether manor or town, that was entitled
to be represented, and not the people ; and no delegation could exist
without a local court from which it could emanate."

Previously to this time, also, the Dutch inhabitants of Long Island

1 Col. Rec, v. 240, 242. « New Amsterdam Rec, i. 376-427.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. HI

had been without church or minister of their own, and were obliged
either to attend public worship in New Amsterdam, or to avail them-
selves of the occasional ministrations, at private houses in the vil-
lages, of some of the metropolitan dominies. To remedy this want
of a settled ministry now became the endeavor of the Director and
Council ; and soon (December, 1654) a small church-edifice was
erected by the joint effort of the three towns, at Midwout (Flatbush),
and the Eeverend Johannes Theodoras Polhemus, formerly sta-
tioned at Itamarca, Brazil, was duly installed as the first Dutch
pastor on Long Island. In this first Reformed Dutch Church on
the island, services were held every Sabbath morning, and in the
afternoon at Breuckelen and Amersfoort alternately. This arrange-
ment continued until 1660, when Dominie Selyns was settled as the
pastor of the people at Breuckelen.

In July of this year, the ferry between Manhattan and Long Isl-
and was regulated by an ordinance of the Council, which also estab-
lished the rates of toll, etc. A tavern had been established at " The
Ferry" some time before this.1 The subject of the ferry, however,
is of so much importance as to demand a full chapter to itself,
which the reader will find in another portion of this volume.

April 8th, 1655, the magistrates of Breuckelen petitioned the
Council that they might be permitted, inasmuch " as the present
schepens have served their time, to send in a nomination of a
double number to the High Council," from which a selection might
be made to supply the places of those schepens whose time had so
expired. The Council, in reply, requested the magistrates to inform
them, " as far as it is in their power, of the character, manners, and
expertness of the most respectable individuals of their village, and
places in its vicinity under their jurisdiction ;" and the schepens
having done so, the Council appointed Messrs. Frederick Lubbertsen,
Albert Comelissen, and Jacob Dircksen, and Joris Bapelje in the place
of Peter Cornelissen.2

On the 5th of May ensuing, David Provoost, " schout or tem-
porary secretary" to the three Dutch towns, petitioned for a salary

1 Mentioned in N. Y. Col. Doc, i. 425, under date of Nov. 29, 1650, as being (with
exception of that at Flushing) the only one outside of Manhattan Island.
s N. Y. Col. MSS, vi. 27, 29.

112 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

equal to that enjoyed by Secretary Kip of New Amsterdam. It was
granted to him in the form of fees, of which the following schedule
may be interesting to legal gentlemen of the present day. For
copying every judicial act passed by the schepens, or for each apos-
tille, 12 stivers, and 6 stivers for each " extract from the notules."
For a petition which was to be signed by the petitioner, if of a civil
nature, 16 stivers ; or if it related to a criminal case, injuries, etc.,
20 stivers. For procuring a certificate, 24 stivers ; but he was not
to charge any thing for petitions or remonstrances, prepared for and
by order of the schepens, and directed to the Governor and Coun-
cil.1 Provoost died in January, 1656, and was succeeded by Peter
Tonneman,2 who acted until August, 1660, when he became sheriff
of New Amsterdam ; and in his stead Adriaen Hegeman was
appointed, who enjoyed a salary of 200 guilders3 per annum, with
half of the civil fines imposed by the courts, and one-third of the
criminal fines levied by the towns, together with certain clerk's fees
for entries and transcripts.

In March, 1656, the schepens of Breuckelen, in view of the fact
that there were several building-lots remaining within their village,
upon which no buildings had been erected, contrary, as they sup-
posed, to the wish and order of the Director-General and Council,
requested that advertisements might be posted up in the village,
requiring all village lot owners to build thereon within a certain
specified time, under penalty. This measure, which they consid-
ered would promote the prosperity of Breuckelen and the increase of
its population, met the approval of the Council, who fixed the time at
two months, with an extension of six under certain circumstances.4

In September following, the magistrates of the three Dutch towns
requested the Director-General to make a peace with the Indians in
their neighborhood, before his contemplated departure on a visit to
Fort Orange, as they were apprehensive of an attack.6

April 11, 1657, in response to a petition of the magistrates of
Breuckelen, Thursday of each week was declared a market-day in
the village of Breuckelen.8

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., vi. 37, 38. 4 N. Y. Col. MSS., vi. 344, 345.

1 Ibid., 245. B Ibid, viii. 215.

3 Or £33 6s. 8d. (Alb. Rec, x. 248.) ° Ibid, 523.

HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN. 113

November 28, 1658, the burgomasters and schepens of Nieuw Am-
sterdam, in a petition for an annual fair (for lean cattle, to be held
during the month of May, and for fat cattle, from the 20th to the
last of November), desire that no stranger in attendance shall be
liable to arrest or summons ; also, that the ferryman shall ferry
over all cattle going to the fair, at 25 stivers per head (instead of 20
stivers), with an accompanying reservation that he shall ferry back,
free, all cattle not sold at the fair. The petition was agreed to.1

In February, 1660, the villages of Breuckelen and New Utrecht
were ordered to be immediately put into a state of defence, with
palisades, etc., and the Hon. Nicasius de Sille was directed to sur-
vey and attend thereto.2

During the same month, several Frenchmen settled, by Stuy-
vesant's permission, at a place "between Mespath Kil and Nor-
man's Kil," and laid the foundation of a village since known as
Boswick, or Bushwick, now included in the Eastern District of the
city of Brooklyn.

On the 1st of March, 1660, Aert Anthonissen Middagh, Teunis
Gybertsen Bogart, Jean Le Clerc, Gerrit Heyndrick Backer. Philip
Barchstoel, Christina Cappoens, Jacob Kip, and Joris Bapalje,
all residents of the Waal-boght neighborhood, petitioned the Direc-
tor for permission to form a village " on the margin of the river,
between the lands of said Bogaert and Kip, so that," as they
expressed it, " we may be in sight of the Manhatans, or Fort Amster-
dam." 3 The position selected was, probably, the elevated point
of land which jutted into the river about the foot of South Fourth
street, in the present Eastern District of our city, and which was
known in the ancient time as the " Keike," or " Lookout." Jacob
Kip, the owner4 of the land adjoining the Hans Hansen (Bergen)
patent (described pages 88 to 97), had been secretary of Nieuw
Amsterdam, and was an influential and enterprising man in the
colony. It was, probably, owing to his desire to improve the
value of his real estate, by securing the establishment of a village
thereon, that this petition was made ; and his influence with the
authorities was such, that permission was granted to erect the

1 N. Y. Col. MBS., viii. 1047. 2 Ibid., ix. 78. 3 Ibid., ix. 522.

4 Tbere is, however, no evidence that lie ever resided on the property.

114: HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

block-house, and the settlers in the vicinity were directed to remove
thither.

In May following, the Governor and Council appointed Jacques
Cortelyou, surveyor, Albert Cornelissen (Wantenaer), and Jan
Evertse Bout, as commissioners to examine the situation and qual-
ity of the land in the neighborhood of the village of Breuckelen,
and to report (with a map) how much of it remained undisposed of,
how it was cultivated, and how many plantations might be advan-
tageously laid out upon it.1

This year (1660) is also noticeable as the year in which the first
church was organized in Breuckelen, by the installation of the Rev-
erend Henricus Selyns, of which memorable event a full account
will be found in another chapter. The town at that time had a
population of thirty-one families, or 134 souls, who, being unpro-
vided with a church, assembled, at first, in a barn for public worship.

On the 10th of February, 1661, the residents in the vicinity of the
Waal-boght were notified that they must comply with the previous
orders of the Council against isolated dwellings, and that they must
remove to the village erected during the previous year on Kip's
land {ante, p. 113), for greater security, before the 15th of the next
month.2

To this they demurred, and requested permission to construct a
block-house for their defence, on the point of Joris Rapelje's land —
i. e., on the easterly side of the Waal-boght.3 They were ordered to
"appear on the next Council-day, together with Jacob Kip and
Christina Cappoens, to be heard pro and con." On the 3d of
March, therefore, the same petitioners — viz., Joris Eapaille, Teunis
Gysbert Bogaert, Rem Jansen Smith, Evert Dircx van As, Jan Joris
Eapaille, Jean Le Clercq, Wynant Pieters, " all residents or land-
holders in or about the Waale-boght" — set forth in a petition that
" some time ago (i. e., in March, 1660), on the petition of Jacob
Kip and others," it had been decreed that " a village and block-
house should be laid out on the height at the end of said Kip's land,"

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., ix. 197.

2 N. Y. Col. MSS., is. 523. The reference of this order to Brooklyn, in the printed
Calendar of Documents, is evidently incorrect.

3 N. Y. Col. MSS., ix. 530, date Feb. 24, 1661.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 115

and that they had been ordered to remove thither. To this they
objected, " inasmuch as the place is wholly unfit for the purpose,
partly because the woodland thereabout, being stony, is not suitable
for arable land," and "little or no crops can be, apparently, expected
from it, as it cannot be ploughed, in consequence of the large num-
ber of rocks and hollows thereabouts ; wherefore, it is impossible,
even by the hardest labor, to obtain a scanty living there. More-
over, in consequence of the uncommon height of the land there, it is
impossible to find good and sufficient water to make a well. Jan de
Kaeper's (Jan, the sailor's) well is an example of this : it adjoins
his house in the valley (meadow), and people must descend into it
by means of ladders, and then scoop the water in a little bowl,
which (i. e. the well), nevertheless, does not suffice (to supply) two
families who are dwelling there at present." The streams in the
neighborhood are mostly dried up in summer, and during the win-
ter season the roads are often very "hard and pointed by the
frost, or deep and muddy in heavy rains, or well-nigh impassable
from snow," so that, when people wish to water their cattle,
they are obliged to fetch the water in barrels from Theunis Gys-
bertse (Bogaert's) well, which is a most fatiguing and injurious
business for farmers, both in summer and winter ;" a drudgery, in
fact, which the petitioners state they " daily see performed by their
neighbors with a weeping eye." For these reasons the petitioners
requested permission " to build a block-house on Joris Rapaille's
point (hoeck)," which they considered a much preferable place for
the purpose," being " by nature more defensible and stronger," the
water there being " by far the richest fountain in the entire coun-
try, and the spot being conveniently "near their bouweries and
plantations." They admitted the possibility of being separated
from each other by occasional high floods ; but they expected to
lay a bridge over the KiT — two or three planks broad — and to
grant to each one who was willing to settle there convenient lots for
houses and gardens, of which they would transfer to them their
whole right and title, " so that, under God's blessing, it might soon
increase to a convenient village." Their arguments prevailed with

1 " Runnegackonck," the creek which formed the easterly boundary of Rapalie's farm,
and emptied into the Wallabout Bay.

116 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the Director and Council, and the petition of Jacob Kip and Chris-
tina Cappoens was rejected.1

In June, 1661, the people of Breuckelen presented a petition to
the Council, through their schepens, asking that,

" "Whereas, it pleased your Honors to allow them, for purposes of pasturage
for their cattle (which now, God be praised, are increased to a considerable
number), the use of certain portions of the ' valley' (or meadow), situated
near the corner of Fred. Lubbertsen's (land), at the Red Hook ; also, a
small valley (meadow) in the Walle-bocht, located in the woods between
the mountain and the underwood (Kreupelbosch) ; besides a portion of
the valley (meadow) beyond the 3d kil, towards the seaside, extending
easterly towards the 4th kil, and westerly from the sea towards the
woods,"

the aforesaid tracts may be granted to them in perpetuity. This
petition was granted as soon as the land could be surveyed.2

The tithes of Breuckelen, Gowanus, and the Waal-bocht, for
this year, were sold by the Director-General and Council to Messrs.
Paulus "Van der Beeck and Warnaer Wessels, and the people were
forbidden to remove any thing from their farms until the tithes had
been collected by these purchasers.

The year 1661 will also be ever memorable in the history of
Breuckelen as having furnished to the good people their first school-
master. On the 4th of July, 1661, the following petition was pre-
sented

" To the Right Honble Director-General and Council of New Netherland :
The Schout and Schepens of the Court of Breuckelen respectfully repre-
sent that they found it necessary that a Court Messenger was required for
the Schepens' Chamber, to be occasionally employed in the Village of
Breuckelen and all around where he may be needed, as well to serve sum-
mons, as also to conduct the service of the Church, and to sing on Sun-
days; to take charge of the School, dig graves, etc., ring the Bell, and
perform whatever else may be required : Therefore, the Petitioners, with
your Honors' approbation, have thought proper to accept for so highly
necessary an office a suitable person who is now come before them, one

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., ix. 547. 3 Ibid., 647, 648.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. H7

Carel van Beauvois, to whom they have hereby appropriated a sum of
fl. 150, besides a free dwelling; and whereas the Petitioners are appre-
hensive that the aforesaid C. v. Beauvois would not and cannot do the
work for the 6um aforesaid, and the Petitioners are not able to promise
him any more, therefore the Petitioners, with all humble and proper rev-
erence, request your Honors to be pleased to lend them a helping hand,
in order thus to receive the needful assistance. Herewith, awaiting your
Honors' kind and favorable answer, and commending ourselves, Honorable,
wise, prudent, and most discreet Gentlemen, to your favor, we pray for
your Honors God's protection, together with a happy and prosperous ad-
ministration unto Salvation. Your Honors' servants and subjects, The
Schout and Schepens of the Village aforesaid. By order of the same,

" (Signed) Adriaen Hegeman, Secretary."

In answer to this petition, the Director and Council were gra-
ciously pleased to say that they would " pay fifty guilders, in wam-
pum, annually, for the support of the precentor (voorsanger) and
schoolmaster in the village of Breuckelen."1

'fanvrinf

FACSIMILE OF THE SIGNATURE OF CAREL DE BEAUVOIS.

Carel de Beauvois, who was thus commissioned to fulfil the mul-
tifarious duties of court-messenger, bell-ringer, grave-digger, chor-
ister, reader, and schoolmaster of Breuckelen, is described by Kiker
as " a highly respectable and well-educated French Protestant, who
came from Leyden, in Holland. He was of a family whose name
and origin were probably derived from the ancient city of Beauvais,
on the river Therm, to the northwest of Paris ; but there is reason
to believe that he himself was a native of Leyden. He arrived at

i N. Y. Col. MSS., ix. 678.

118 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Amsterdam, in the ship Otter, February 17, 1659, accompanied by
his wife, Sophia Yan Lodensteyn, and three children born to them
in Leyden, and now aged eight, six, and three years respectively.
His literary merits and acquaintance with the Dutch language soon
acquired for him the situation of a teacher ;" but in 1661, as we
have seen, his duties were enlarged by his appointment to the office of
chorister and reader. He afterwards served as public secretary or
town clerk, which office he held till 1669. His descendants have
ever been numbered among the most respectable citizens of Brook-
lyn, Bush wick, and Newtown.1

The arrival of Governor Winthrop at New Amsterdam, en route, to
England in July, 1661, afforded an opportunity to the inhabitants of
Breuckelen to honor their distinguished guest, and their own Gov-
ernor, who escorted him, with a salute, for which purpose ten pounds
of powder were issued to them from the public stores.2

In this year, also (1661), Boswyck, which now numbered twenty-
three families, received its official recognition as a town by the
creation of a subaltern court and magistrates ; but, having no Schout
of its own, was, together with New Utrecht, annexed to the juris-
diction of Hegeman, the Schout of Breuckelen, Amersfoort, and Mid-
wout, — the district being afterwards known as the "Five Dutch
Towns."

In Sept., 1661, the inhabitants of Harlem, Bergen, Breuckelen,
and the Dutch villages on Long Island, were notified to have their
lands surveyed, and to take out patents therefor.3

In June, 1662, in consequence of a petition from Breuckelen, Mid-
dleburg, Mespath, and other villages, Mr. Jacques Cortelyou is
directed by the Council to survey and apportion to each of those
towns, shares in the meadow between the 3d and 4th kils. Breuck-
elen was to have 100 morgens, and Middleburgh and Mespath 80
morgens each.4 The meadows here referred to were probably those
lying on the south side of the island, within the limits of the town of
Jamaica, and known as " Seller's Neck."

The year 1663 dawned over New Netherland, pregnant with im-

1 See Riker's Hist, of Newtown, pp. 407, 410, for genealogy of the Do Bevoise
family.

2 N. Y. Col. MSS., ii. 460. 3 Ibid., is. 788. 4 Ibid., x. 149.

HISTORY OF BEOOKLTN. H9

pending trouble to the Dutch. An earthquake, bringing terror to
their hearts, was followed by a great freshet which devastated their
harvests. The dreaded small-pox raged through their villages, and
decimated the neighboring Indian tribes. Then ensued the horrors
of savage warfare, and men's hearts failed them before the terrors
of the red-man's tomahawk and firebrand. When at last compar-
ative peace had been restored, Stuyvesant turned his attention
towards making some definite settlement with the colony of Con-
necticut concerning their respective jurisdictions. The Connecticut
authorities, however, claimed that several of the English towns of
Long Island were under their rule, and even ventured to hint that
they would reduce the adjoining Dutch villages also. After long
and fruitless negotiations, the Dutch agents returned " with fleas in
their ears" to New Amsterdam. Finding themselves powerless to
resist their English and savage neighbors, the towns of Haerlem,
Breuckelen, Midwout, Amersfoort, New Utrecht, Boswyck, Bergen,
and the City, assembled in convention, by Stuyvesant's order, Nov.
1st, and adopted a remonstrance to the Amsterdam Chamber,
wherein they attributed their troubles to the supineness of the
authorities in Holland. The action of the Convention was at once
prompt and loyal to the interests of the country and the Fatherland.
But, even while they deliberated, a revolution was in progress on
Long Island. Certain self-constituted officials visited the English
towns, changed the names thereof, proclaimed the king, and threat-
ened the Dutch settlements.

Let us turn aside, however, from the current of public events, in
order to notice a few local items, marking more particularly the
progress of the town of Breuckelen.

On the first of March in this year (1663), the following petition
was presented
" To the Right Honble Director-General and Council of New Netherland :

" Shew with due reverence and respect, the undersigned, neighbors and
inhabitants of the village of Breuckelen, your Honors' obedient servants,
that there lies convenient to us a certain place near Breuckelen fit to be
erected into a new village, for our advantage, being a woodland (as we)
believe (is) known to your Honors, in which place there is sufficient accom-
modation where twenty or thirty persons can have a suitable place and

120 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

lot; and as the valleys thereby furnish no nearer place (than) those adjoin-
ing between the 3d and 4th kills,1 to supply the cattle with fodder, and is
also the nearest spot, therefore we, the Petitioners, are under the necessity
of turning to your Honors, humbly praying and soliciting that the aforesaid
requested place may be granted to them, each his lot, as the valleys in the
hay season be far from here, and they seek the nearest, in order to bring
in the grass dry and in good condition (with God's blessing), for the
preservation of the cattle, and all that is annexed thereto, that appertains
to the farmers. Awaiting, therefore, a favorable answer, if your Honors
the Director-General and Council, in your wise discretion, shall vouchsafe
to grant the same, we remain your Honors' obedient servants.

Albert Cornelissen,

TlETJE SCHIERCKS, BaRENT B I JaNSEN,

Jan Jacobsen, Jan Damen,

Joost Verstraalen, Jan Peters, from Deventer,

Casper Pieters, Jan Martyn,

Henrtcus Tettnis, Theunis Cornelis,

Symon Clasen, Tjerck Jansen,
Heyndryck Jansen Been, Tonis Snysken, (?)^

Tiercs Dierckss, Peter Peters,

Harmen Heyndricks, Pieter Lambert,

Jan Hibon, Symen Joosten,

JORES JORISE, HeYDRICK FaELKERS,

cornelys van borsem, plere wouterse,

Lodewy(ck) Jongs, Cornelys Janse Spuyler,

YOKAM . . . UEDDEN, BaRENT PjTERSE." 2

The magistrates of Midwout, also, petitioned for a similar favor of
erecting a village on the same parcel of land. It was, therefore, de-
termined by the authorities that the land should be surveyed by the
Surveyor, in order that an opinion might be formed as to the num-
ber of plantations which might advantageously be laid out on it.

On the 26th of May, Thomas Lambertsen, Evert Dircksen van
As, Teunis Dircksen, Teunis Jansen, John Damen, Hendrick Jan-
sen Been, George Probatskin, Peter Petersen, Teunis Cornelissen,
Joost Fransen, Dirck Jans Hooglandt, Paulus Dircksen, Wynant

1 Ante, pp. 116, 118. * N. Y. Col. MSS., Part ii. x. 37.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 121

Petersen, Dirck Paulusen and Hendrick Claesen, citizens of Breuck-
elen, petitioned the Council for leave to establish a " concentration,"
in the following terms :

" Whereas, we lately obtained from your Honors a certain piece of land,
situated back of the Waale-boght, or at Marcus' plantation ; and whereas,
we, the petitioners, have our fencing stuff ready, and some of us have
already sowed and planted, and others contemplate beginning their plan-
tations, and inasmuch as (otherwise) we should be at a considerable distance
from our property, we have agreed unanimously to solicit as a favor, that
we may be permitted to make a concentration there, in order to protect
our property." '

The petition was granted.

In the month of July, during the Indian troubles which prevailed,
the Director proposed that Breuckelen should furnish 8, 10, or 12
men, to be " kept ready for the protection of one or the other place
in danger, which may God avert !" A meeting of the inhabitants
was forthwith held, at which every person present expressed a will-
ingness to aid in protecting their neighbors on Long Island, but it
was deemed that the town tvas not strong enough to furnish so many
men ; and a letter was despatched to the Director and Council to
that effect ; also refusing, from prudential motives, to cross the river
to the defence of New Amsterdam. Letters expressing a similar
resolution were also sent by the neighboring towns of Arnersfoort,
Gravesend, Midwout, and New Utrecht.8

In February, 1664, on petition of the magistrates of Breuckelen
and the three adjoining Dutch towns, an ordinance was passed by
the Council, providing for the registry of deeds, mortgages, and all
legal writings relating to real estate in those towns, to be made,
according to the practice of the Fatherland, before the Secretary and
two of the magistrates of the town in which said property is situated,
— no deed to be signed unless the original patent was exhibited.3

During the same month the people of Breuckelen were forbidden,
under penalty of 100 guilders,4 to remove their crops from the fields

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., x. Part ii., 117. 2 Ibid., x., Part ii. 191, 193, 195.

3 Ibid., x., Part iii., 53, 55, 56.

122 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

until the tithes had been collected by Sheriff Hegeman. The same
thing had occurred before ; and in the following year, " some of the
country people" of Breuckelen, having neglected to pay their tithes,
were ordered to pay them within twenty-four hours, on penalty of
execution. These tithes, probably, were not raised for church pur-
poses exclusively, but for government. According to the laws of
that day, lands were usually exempt from taxation for ten years,
after which time they were taxed one-tenth of their produce.

But, to return to our narrative of the public events which were
agitating the colony of New Netherland. Early in January, 1664,
Captain John Scott, an adventurer of unsettled life and principles,
acting under the quasi authority of the Duke of York, visited the
discontented English villages on Long Island, stimulated them to
the formation of a distinct and independent government, of which
he was declared the temporary President, and proclaimed Charles
the Second as their king. Having made this fair beginning, he set
out with about 150 followers, horse and foot, to subjugate the neigh-
boring Dutch towns. Coming first to Breuckelen, he raised the
English flag and addressed the citizens, afliraring that the soil they
occupied belonged to the King of England, and absolving them from
their allegiance to the Dutch Government. But his appeal fell dead
upon the ears of the listening crowd, and the only answer made was
a courteous invitation from Secretary Van Buyven, to visit and con-
fer with the Director-General. This Scott declined, saying : " Let
Stuyvesant come here with a hundred men ; I shall wait for him
and run a sword through his body." Turning next to a lad near by,
the son of Burgomaster Krygier, he commanded him to doff his hat
to the royal standard. Upon the boy's refusal to do so, he struck
him, whereupon one of the Dutch bystanders remarked that he
ought to strike men, not boys. This speech provoked the ire of
Scott's followers, four of whom fell upon the man, who was finally
obliged to flee, after making a brief resistance with an axe. The
English thereupon left, threatening to burn the town if he was not
delivered up.1 Passing next to Midwout, Scott repeated the scenes
of Brooklyn ; but the stolid Dutchmen, alike unmoved by his seduc-

1 N. Y. Col. Doc., ii. 394, 899, 482, 483, 404.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 123

tions and his threats, merely asked to see his commission, which he
promised to produce on his return, in April. The next day the
farce was repeated at Amersfoort and New Utrecht, where those
who refused to salute the English flag were set upon and mal-
treated, to the engendering of much confusion and mutual enmity.

Learning of these transactions, Stuyvesant sent a commission to
Long Island, to seek some settlement of these troubles. A meeting-
occurred (January 14) between the two parties at Jamaica, where a
basis of agreement was agreed upon — although Scott had informed
the Dutchmen that the King of England had granted Long Island
to his brother, the Duke of York, who was determined, if it was not
peaceably surrendered, to possess himself of it, and also of the whole
province of Nieuw Netherland. Collisions and disturbances, how-
ever, continuing between the English and Dutch, induced the Direc-
tor, in February, to call a meeting of delegates from the Dutch
settlements on the island, for the purpose of making a proper rep-
resentation to the States-General and W. I. Company, of their trials
and dangers. This Convention, wherein Breuckelen was represented
by Messrs. "Willem Bredenbent, Albert Cornelis Wantenaer, and Joris
Gysberts Bogert, voted a remonstrance and detailed statement of
affairs, which was forwarded to the Fatherland.

In the succeeding month, the provisional arrangement agreed
upon by the Dutch authorities and Captain Scott at Jamaica, in the
preceding January, were formally ratified by commissioners from
either side. It was the best the Dutch could do, in the unfortunate
circumstances under which they were placed ; but it was a virtual
concession of their own weakness and inability to cope with their
English neighbors. The valley of the Connecticut Biver, the fer-
tile lands of Westchester, and now, last of all, the five English towns
of Long Island, had slipped from their nerveless grasp. In this
critical state of affairs, the principle of popular representation was,
for the first time, fully recognized in the province. At the special
request of the Burgomasters and Schepens, the Director convened a
General Assembly of delegates from the several towns, to discuss
and consider the affairs of Nieuw Netherland. This Convention, in
which Breuckelen was represented by Willem Bredenbent and
Albert Cornelis Wantenaer, assembled at the " Stadt Huys " (or City

124 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Hall), in New Amsterdam, on the 10th of April, 1664. Within the
first clays of its session, however, advices were received from the
Fatherland, announcing that the provincial despatches of Novem-
ber preceding had been duly received, and that certain prompt and
important measures had been inaugurated towards a settlement of
the difficulties pending between the English and Dutch. An addi-
tional military force was also sent out, and the Governor was directed
to prosecute the war with the Esopus Indians to a complete and suc-
cessful issue, and also to reduce to obedience the revolted English
towns. Thinking this latter to be an undertaking easier commanded
than accomplished, the Dutch authorities turned their chief atten-
tion to their relations with the savages, with whom, on the 16th of
May, a satisfactory peace was concluded.

Unfortunately, however, their English enemies could not be so
easily placated. In spite of all that Stuyvesant could do to effect a
just and amicable arrangement of existing difficulties, it soon became
evident that the English were predetermined, at all hazards, and by
any means or pretest, to wrest the province of Nieuw Netherland
from its lawful owners. Lulled to security — in spite of forewarnings
— by advices from the Chamber at Amsterdam, stating that no ap-
prehension need be entertained of any public danger or enemy from
England, the honest burghers of the city of Nieuw Amsterdam sud-
denly found their city blockaded, and their communication with
Long Island and the Jersey shore cut off, by a strong British fleet,
anchored at the Narrows, in Nyack Bay, between New Utrecht
and Coney Island. Simultaneously with his arrival, Col. Richard
Nicolls, commander of the fleet, took possession of Staten Island,
captured a couple of yachts, forbade the surrounding farmers to
furnish any supplies to the garrison of Fort Amsterdam, and scat-
tered broadcast his proclamations promising amnesty to those who
should acknowledge, and the rigors of war to those who should deny
the authority of the English king. The next morning, August 30th,
Stuyvesant's indignant inquiry as to what all this meant, was
peremptorily answered by a formal summons to surrender the city
and the province to the English crown. The position of the Direc-
tor-General was now trying in the extreme : for himself he had no
care, and would willingly have risked his life in resisting the foe ;

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 125

but such a course would have been pure madness. Help from
abroad, or even from the neighboring Long Island towns, was
utterly out of the question ; the city was unprotected by proper
defences, the fort quite untenable, and though the Burgomasters
showed spirit, the people were hopeless and disposed to yield. For
two days, the brave old man assented neither to the reiterated sum-
mons of Nicolls, nor to the murmurings or entreaties of the citizens.
Finally, wishing to bring matters to an end, the English fleet moved
up towards the city, two of the vessels lying broadside towards the
fort, while others disembarked troops on the Long Island shore, just
below Breuckelen, where, at " the Ferry," the New England and
Long Island volunteers had already encamped. Even then, the lion-
hearted Director could only answer the crowd of men, women, and
children who surrounded him and implored him to submit, " I would
much rather be carried out dead." The next day, September 5th,
he reluctantly yielded to a remonstrance, signed by all the prominent
men of the city, and on the 6th articles of capitulation were signed.
On the 8th, occurred the final act in this political tragedy — briefly
described as follows, in a letter from Secretary Van Ruyven to the
town of Boswyck : 1

"Anno, September 8, 1664, N. S.
" It has happened that the Nieuw Netherlands is given up to the Eng-
lish, and that Peter Stuyvesant, Governor of the West India Company, has
marched out of the Fort, with his men, to Beur's Paeet (Beaver Lane) to
the Holland shipping, which lay there at the time ; and that Governor
Richard Nicolls, in the name of the King of England, ordered a corporal's
guard to take possession of the Fort. Afterwards the Governor, with two
companies of men,2 marched into the Fort, accompanied by the Burgomas-
ters of the city, who inducted the Governor and gave him a welcome
reception. Gov. Nicolls has altered the name of the city of Nieuw Am-
sterdam, and named the same New York, and the Fort, " Fort James."

" From your friend,

Coenelis Van Ruyven."

1 Similar letters were undoubtedly addressed by tbe Secretary to the magistrates of
Brooklyn and tbe other Dutch towns.

2 The New England and Long Island volunteers were kept at the ferry, on the
Brooklyn side, " as the citizens dreaded most being plundered by them."

126 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Thus, in the words of our latest State historian,8 " The flag of
England was at length triumphantly displayed, where for half a
century that of Holland had rightfully waved, and from Virginia
to Canada, the King of Great Britain was acknowledged as sov-
ereign. Viewed in all its aspects, the event which gave to the
whole of that country a unity in allegiance, and to which a mis-
governed people complacently submitted, was as inevitable as it was
momentous. But, whatever may have been its ultimate conse-
quences, this treacherous and violent seizure of the territory and
possessions of an unsuspecting ally, was no less a breach of private
justice than of public faith. It may, indeed, be affirmed that,
among all the acts of selfish perfidy which royal ingratitude con-
ceived and executed, there have been few more characteristic, and
none more base."

» Brodliead, i. 745.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 127

CHAPTER IV.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF BREUCKELEN.

1628-1664.

It lias often been claimed as a peculiar distinction of the Puritan
settlers of New England, that their prominent aim, and chief care,
in settling those desert regions, was the establishment of religious
and educational privileges. Yet, although the settlement of New
Netherlands was undoubtedly undertaken rather as a commercial
speculation, than as an experimental solution of ecclesiastical and
civil principles and government, we find that the Dutch were equally
anxious and careful to extend and to preserve to their infant settle-
ments the blessings of education and religion. It is true that, in
the earlier years of roving and unsystematized traffic which followed
the discovery of Manhattan Island, there seems to have been no
higher principle involved than that of gain. But as soon as a per-
manent agricultural and commercial occupation of the country was
undertaken by the West India Company, the higher moral and spir-
itual wants and necessities of its settlers were fully recognized.
Emigrants who went forth under their auspices, or thee of the States
General of Holland, were accompanied by a schoolmaster, being a
pious church-member, who was to instruct the children and officiate
at religious meetings by leading in the devotions and reading a ser-
mon, until a regular pastor was established over them. Ziekentroos-
ters, or " comforters of the sick," being persons adapted by their
spiritual gifts and graces to edify and comfort the people, were also
frequently commissioned as aids to the ministers. Two of these
" comforters " accompanied Gov. Minuit in the year 1626, and by
them the religious services of the colonists were conducted until
early in 1628, when the learned and zealous Jonas Michaelius1 came
out from Amsterdam, under the auspices of the North Synod of Hol-

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., ii. 759-70 ; Brodliead's N. Y., i. 183.

128 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

land, and " first established the form of a church," at Manhattan.
He was succeeded, in 1633, by the Rev. Everardus Bogardus, and
the congregation, who had hitherto worshipped in the upper loft of
a horse-mill, now erected a small, plain church, together with a
dwelling and stable for the Dominie's use.1 This first church in
Manhattan gave place, in 1642, to a new stone edifice within the fort
(now the Battery), and which was much better suited to the size and
dignity of the colony than the " mean barn " in which they had
hitherto worshipped.

Dominie Bogardus was followed, in 1647, by the Eev. Johannes
Megapolensis, a man eminent for his piety and talents, who served
this church and congregation with fidelity until his death, in 1669.

For many years succeeding the first settlement of the country, the
settlers on the western end of Long Island were dependent upon
the city for all their civil and religious privileges. This state of
things, with all its inconveniences, lasted until 1654, when the first
church on Long Island was established at Midwout, now Flatbush ;
and the Governor designated Dominie Megapolensis, of New Am-
sterdam, with John Snedicor and John Stryker, commissioners to
superintend the erection of a church edifice. In February, 1655, in
compliance with a request from the people of Midwout, an order
was issued requiring the inhabitants of Breuckelen and Amersfoort
(Flatlands) to assist "in cutting and hauling wood" for the said
church.2 The Breuckelen people, however, while they expressed
their perfect willingness to aid in the erection of the church itself,
objected to work on the " minister's house," which it was proposed
to add thereto, averring that the Midwout folks were able to do it
themselves.3 They were finally obliged to conform to the Gover-
nor's order, and the church, which was built in the form of a cross, 28
by 60 or 65 feet, and 12 to 14 feet between the beams, the rear to be
used as a minister's dwelling, was the first house of worship erected
in King's County. Its construction, as we shall see, occupied several
years, 'although it was probably sufficiently advanced within the year
to allow of its being used for worship.

1 Rev. Thomas De Witt's Hist. Dis. in North Ref. Dutch Ch. of city of New York,
1857.
8 N. Y. Col. MSS., vi. 15, Feb. 9, 1655. 3 Ibid., p. 23.

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. ] 09

On the 6th of August, 1655, by order of Governor Stuyvesant, the
inhabitants of the country were convened for the purpose of ascer-
taining whether they approved of the Eev. Johannes Theodoras
Polhemus, their " provisional minister," and what salary they were
willing to pay him.1 The Sheriff reported that they approved of
Mr. Polhemus, and would pay him a salary of 1,040 guilders per
year,2 to be raised by a yearly tax.

Mr. Polhemus, a descendant of an ancient and highly respectable
family in the Netherlands, had come to New Amsterdam during the
preceding year from Itamarca, in Brazil, where he had been laboring
as a missionary. He was immediately settled in Flatbush, where he
subsequently received a patent for a part of the premises recently
owned by the late Jeremiah Lott, Esq. He was an eminently pious
and faithful preacher of the Gospel, and although, as we shall see in
the following pages, his hearers in the town of Breuckelen were not
altogether satisfied with him, it is evident that their opposition pro-
ceeded from no lack of personal respect, nor from any doubts of his
Christian character.

In February, 1656, the magistracy of Midwout and Amersfoort
asked permission to request a voluntary contribution from the peo-
ple of the three Dutch towns, towards the proper maintenance of
the Gospel.3 To this the Breuckelen people respectfully objected,
saying, " as the Rev. John Polhemus only acts as a minister of the
Gospel in the village of Midwout, therefore the inhabitants of the
village of Breuckelen and adjacent districts are disinclined to sub-
scribe or promise any thing for the maintenance of a Gospel minister
who is of no use to them." They therefore solicited " with rever-
ence" that the Kev. Mr. Polhemus might be allowed to preach alter-
nately in Breuckelen and Midwout, in which case they were " very
willing to contribute cheerfully to his support, agreeable to their
abilities." Otherwise they begged to be excused from contributing
to his maintenance.4 To this the Director and Council replied that
they had " no objection that the Rev. Polhemus, when the weather

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., vi. 71. 2 Equal to about $416.

3 Col. MSS., vi. 278, Feb. 8, 1656.

4 Col. MSS., vi. 299, Feb., 1656. This remonstrance of Breuckelen was signed by
Joris Dircksen, Albert Cornelissen and Joris Rappelje.

9

130 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

permits, shall preach alternately at both places." On the 15th of
March following, the Sheriff and Commissioners of Midwout ap-
peared before the Council, to whom they represented that they had
accepted, and were satisfied with, the decree of the Council, but that
it had met with serious objections from the people of Gravesend and
Amersfoort, who had subscribed with the understanding

"that on Sundays, in the forenoon, they might hear the sermon at Mid-
wout, both places being nearly at the same distance from one another as
Breuckelen, at which place, if alternately, as the apostille said, preaching
was to be held, it would be inconvenient for the inhabitants, by reason of
the great distance of the places, to come there to church in the morning
and return at noon home to their families, inasmuch as Breuckelen is quite
two hours' walking from Amersfoort and Gravesend ; whereas the village
of Midwout is not half so far and the road much better. So they consider
it a hardship to choose either to hear the Gospel but once a day, or to be
compelled to travel four hours, in going and returning, all for one single
sermon, which would be to some very troublesome and to some utterly
impossible."

All of which " being maturely considered by the Director-General
and the Council," it was fully arranged that the Sunday sermon
should be delivered in the morning at Midwout, as being at a nearly
equal distance from the other three towns ; but that the usual after-
noon discourse should be changed to an evening service, to be held
alternately in Breuckelen and Amersfoort,1 and thus the matter was
amicably settled. During the same month, also, the three towns
were permitted, on application, to levy a tax for the purpose of pay-
ing the minister's tax.

In accordance with a resolution of the Council, November 29th,
1656, in regard to the apportionment of the Kev. Mr. Polhemus'
salary among the three towns, it had been agreed that Midwout
should give annually 400, and Brooklyn and Amersfoort 300 guilders
each for that purpose. The good people of Breuckelen, however,
had become quite dissatisfied with the style of Mr. Polhemus' cleri-
cal services, and the assessment of the tax occasioned much grum-
bling, which finally culminated in a plain-spoken protest to the

1 Col. MSS, vi. 331, March 15, 1G56.

HISTOKY OP BROOKLYN. 131

Director and Council. This document, dated January 1. 1657, rep-
resents that :

" The Magistrates of Breuckelen find themselves obliged to communi-
cate to your Honors that to them it seems impossible that they should be
able to collect annually 300 guilders from such a poor congregation, as
there are many among them who suffered immense losses during the
late wars, and principally at the invasion of the savages, by which they
have been disabled, so that many, who would otherwise be very willing,
have not the power to contribute their share. We must be further per-
mitted to say that we never gave a call to the aforesaid Reverend Pol-
hemus, and never accepted him as our minister ; but he intruded himself
upon us against our will, and voluntarily preached in the open street, under
the blue sky; when, to avoid offence, the house of Joris Dircksen was
temporarily offered him here in Breuckelen. It is the general opinion
and saying of the citizens and inhabitants of Breuckelen generally, with
those living in their neighborhood, that they could not resolve, even when
it was in their power to collect the "money, to contribute any thing for such
a poor and meagre service as that with which they thus far have been
regaled. Every fortnight, on Sundays, he comes here only in the after-
noon for a quarter of an hour, when he only gives us a prayer in lieu of a
sermon, by which we can receive very little instruction ; while often, while
one supposes the prayer or sermon (whichever name might be preferred
for it) is beginning, then it is actually at an end, by which he contributes
very little to the edification of his congregation. This we experienced on
the Sunday preceding Christmas, on the 24th of December last, when we,
expecting a sermon, heard nothing but a prayer, and that so short that it
was finished before we expected it. Now, it is true it was nearly evening
before Polhemus arrived, so that he had not much time to spare, and was
compelled to march off and finish so much sooner, to reach his home. This
is all the satisfaction — little enough, indeed — which we had during Christ-
mas ; wherefore it is our opinion that we shall enjoy as much and more
edification by appointing one among ourselves, who may read to us on
Sundays a sermon from the ' Apostille Book,' as we ever have until now,
from any of the prayers or sermons of the Reverend Polhemus. We do
not, however, intend to offend the Reverend Polhemus, or assert any thing
to bring him into bad repute. We mean only to say, that his greatly
advanced age occasions all this, and that his talents do not accompany
him as steadily as in the days of yore ; yea, we discover it clearly, that it

132 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

is not the want of good-will in Polhemus ; but as we never did give him a
call, we cannot resolve to contribute to his maintenance. The possibility
of so doing being wholly out of the question, as explained to your Honors;
and although the Magistrates of Breuckelen resolved to contribute some-
thing towards the salary of the aforesaid Polhemus, it would be on their
own account, as the congregation can never resolve to join them. Many
there are among them who cannot, and who rather need that others should
come to their aid. To this (the consideration of the fact) should be added
that many farms are unoccupied and waste : as the farms of Mr. Poulis ; a
farm lying near the shore, of Fred'k Lubbertsen ; on another farm lives a
poor person, who also has nothing, and cannot afford to give any thing ;
while (there is) Lodewyck, who lives on one of the farms for the poor, and
whose land also lies waste, as also that of Peter Cornelissen and Elbert
Elbertsen. So also the land of Black Hans, Grabie's (Gaby's) land, Peter
Mallemacque, Peter Minuit, Jan Manty (Manje?) and many others; from
all which your Honors may easily calculate what may here be given or
expected. And suppose that every one of us was taxed, even then no
person can be induced to contribute any thing for such a poor service as
thus far has been obtruded on us. However, permit us to say in conclu-
sion, and be it said in reverence, that as those of Midwout have engaged
said Polhemus alone, without our knowledge, and without any previous
communication (with us), we have no objection whatever. Nay, we are
rather satisfied that the people of Midwout shall enjoy exclusively the
whole service of the aforesaid Rev. Polhemus. And in case the aforesaid
Polhemus should again desire to say his prayers here, in lieu of giving a
sermon, as he did before, although we are unwilling to put ourselves under
any obligation, still we are disposed to make him, from time to time, as
opportunity shall offer, some allowance, as proof of our good- will, inasmuch
as there are several among us who think and act favorably of the Reverend
Polhemus, although they make no use of his services. With this conclu-
sion, we commend your Honors to God's merciful protection, with the
cordial wish of a Happy New Year, besides a prosperous and blessed
administration, to Salvation ; recommending ourselves to your Honors'
favor, while we shall ever remain1 Your obedient servants,

Albert Cornelissen, Jacob Dircks,

Willem Bredenbent, Peter Tonneman, Sec'y.

Done in Breuckelen, January 1, 1651"

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., viii. 406.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 133

But Gov. Stuyvesant was obdurate, and Sheriff Tonneman was
instructed " to remind those of Breuckelen, once more, to fulfil their
engagement, and to execute their promise relative to the salary of
Mr. Polhemus." ' The good minister, meantime, seems to have
been put to much inconvenience, if not absolute suffering, by these
quarrels among his parishioners ; for on the 14th of December, 1656,
he wrote to the Director that his house (at Flatbusk) was not yet
enclosed, and that, in consequence, himself, wife, and children were
obliged to sleep in the cold upon the floor.2 Forced to an unwilling
compliance with this order, the people of Breuckelen contented them-
selves with reasserting, through their magistrates, that the arrange-
ment of 300 guilders for Mr. Polhemus's salary was made without
their consent — that they really were unable to pay it— but, unwil-
ling to resist the Governor and Council, they would endeavor to
raise the amount in some way. They took the opportunity, how-
ever, of notifying their Honors, that after the expiration of Mr. Pol-
hemus's first year (on April 7, 1657), they should hold themselves
excused from any further payment to him, so long as he should
remain there, unless affairs at home, " in the Fatherland," should
improve (" which God grant ") — in which event, possibly, they might
be willing to make and keep another contract with him.3

The order of the magistrates of Breuckelen, imposing an as-
sessment upon the town to pay this ministerial tax, is especially
interesting, on account of its being accompanied by a list of those
inhabitants of the town designated as being " in easy circumstances
and well off:"

" Whereas, the village of Breuckelen is taxed by the Director-General aud
Council, but finally with our general consent and agreement, with the sum
and charge of 300 fl. provisionally for this year, as a supplement of the
promised salary and yeai'ly allowance of the Rev. minister De. J. Theo-
dorus Polhemus, therefore have we, of the Court of Brooklyn, to raise
said sum of 300 fl. aforesaid in the easiest manner, assessed and taxed each
person, inhabitant of Breuckelen and its dependencies, as hereunder is
more fully set forth and to be seen ; all, according to our conscience and our
opinion, in easy circumstances and well off: wherefore, Simon Jooster, our

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., viii. 410. 2 Ibid., viii. 296. 3 Alb. Rec, iv.

134 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

court messenger, is hereby ordered and commanded, on sight and receipt
hereof, to repair to the under-mentioned and named persons, and to notify
each of their assessment and tax ; and that each for himself in particular
shall be bound, within eight days from now, to bring in and to deliver into
the hands of Mr. A. Cornelissen, in Breuckelen, the half of his assessment
either in wampum or country produce, such as corn, wheat, peas, maize,
etc., that then all shall be credited and correctly entered on each one's
account and assessment at the current price : the remaining half must be
promptly paid next May of the present year, Anno 1657, in order to be
able at that time to satisfy and give contentment to the said Polhemus.
Thus done and enacted at the court held in Breuckelen, with previous
approbation of the Director and Supreme Council in New Netkerland, on
Wednesday, the 7 February, A0. 1657.

Persons and inhabitants of Breucikelen, and unto the Ferry :

Albert Cornelissen hath promised for this year .fi. 12

Joris Dircksen, in like manner 12

Jan Eversen's. farmer, named Bartel Clasen, taxed at. I 10

Theunis Jansen, on Frederick Lubbertsen's land, taxed at 10

Baerent Jansen 6

Jan Daeme(n) 6

Johannes Nevius, at the Ferry, is taxed at 15

Cornells Dircksen, late ferryman 10

Adryaen Huybertsen 6

Claes de Mentelaer 6

Gerrit the Wheelwright 8

Outie, house carpenter 6

Jan Martyn 6

Egbert van Borstelen (or Van Borsum) 10

Louis ; lives at present at the Poor's Bowery (or Poor Farm, at New-
town), but intends to return 10

Michael Tater 10

Pieter Cornelissen 6

Elbert Elbertsen, in the Bay 10

The Smith 6

Black Hans's land 6

Total ./.1U

HISTOKY OF BROOKLYN. 135

The persons taxed at the Walebocht are the following :

Joris Raphallie hath of his own free will promised to give and con-
tribute ./. 10

Hendrick de Copsteerdt's (the cupper's) land is taxed at 4

Peter Moelett (say Abrani the Turk) 6

Jan de Clerck 6

Peter Jansen, resides on Lagebergh's land 8

Peter Montfoor(t) 10

Jan Martyn 8

Gabriel's land (Mr. Paulus Leendersen must answer for this) 10

Peter Meinst 8

Aert Theunissen (Middag) 8

Jan the chimney-sweeper 4

Nicholas, the Frenchman 6

Total .fl. 88

The taxed inhabitants at the Gouwanes are these following and under-
named persons :

William Bredenbent hath voluntarily promised to contribute .fl. 12

Jan Petersen is taxed at 8

Barent Bal, in a like sum 8

Theunis Niesen 12

Adam Brouwer 6

Johannus Marcus 4

Mr. Paulus (Van der Beeck) 10

Total fl,m

By order of the Schepens of the Court of Breuckelen, with the previous
approbation of the Director-General and Supreme Council in New Nether-
land aforesaid.

(Signed) Peter Tonneman, Secretary."1

The troubles occasioned by this odious minister' s-tax were, how-
ever, by no means at an end. In April, Mr. Polhemus petitioned the

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., viii. 463, 464, 466.

136 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Governor and Council that they would pay for him a debt of 100
guilders, alleging as an excuse that he had been obliged to contract
it, inasmuch as he had only received some fl. 200 out of his fl. 1,000
salary, and had a large family to support.1 The Council kindly
allowed him the sum of 60 guilders. In the course of the next
month, the court messenger reported " that several of the Breucke-
len people were still unwilling to pay their share of the tax." 9 This
was followed by several complaints from the minister, in which he
represents that his house had not been finished according to con-
tract, that he had served as pastor in the three villages from
October, 1654, to April 7, 1657, without salary, and as he came to
this country "naked," he has been obliged from time to time to get
his supplies from the Company's stores, until his bill amounted to
942 guilders, which he wanted made up. By order of the Council,
the sum was granted and his account was balanced.3 Meanwhile, in
the midst of this disaffection among the inhabitants of Breuckelen
in regard to their minister, a new element of discord had arisen
within the jurisdiction of the Dutch Government. The Quakers,
banished incontinently from all the self-rigliteous colonies of New-
England (except, be it always remembered, from Ehode Island), ven-
tured to find in New Netherlands the home and the liberty of con-
science which was elsewhere denied them. Unfortunately they only
stepped from the " frying-pan into the fire." Heavy fines, scourg-
ings, solitary imprisonments and banishments were the only welcome
that met them ; and when the people of Flushing nobly protested
against such intolerance as totally at variance with the law of Chris-
tian love and the rights of their charter, they brought down upon
themselves a whirlwind of indignation and summary punishment
from Governor Stuyvesant and his clerical advisers. In spite, how-
ever, of these severe measures against Flushing, the infection rapidly
spread through Long Island. Jamaica, Gravesend, and Hempstead
soon developed the germs of Quakerism, which no civil persecution
has ever crushed out even to this day. Symptoms of disaffection
also appeared at Brooklyn — or, rather, perhaps, as is usual in a dis-
affected community, the new principle of non-conformity was used

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., viii. 515, 516. » Ibid., viii. 563. 3 Ibid., viii. 705.

HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN. 137

by many as an excuse for their non-compliance in the matter of pay-
ing the minister's tax. Sheriff Tonneman complained to the Coun-
cil of abuse received, while collecting the tax, from Lodewyck Jong,
Jan Martyn, Nicholas the Frenchman, Abraham Jansen, the mulatto,
and Gerrit the wheelwright. They were summoned before the
Council, where the excuses they pleaded — of one that he was a
Catholic, and the other that he did not understand Dutch — were
pronounced "frivolous," and they were each condemned to pay a
fine of twelve guilders ($4.80). 1 The principal malcontent, Jan Mar-
tyn, "of Harfleur" (ante, p. 80), who attempted to hire the public
bellman to go around and defame Councillor Tonneman, was obliged
to beg pardon, on bended knees, of the Lord and of the court, and
was fined twenty-five guilders ($10) and costs.2

The inflexible Governor finally brought matters to a focus with
the refractory Breuckelen people, by issuing an order, on the 6th
of July, 1658, forbidding the inhabitants of the three towns to
remove their grain from their fields, until their tithes were taken or
commuted — which commutations were ordered to be paid within
three days. This order was complied with ; for when the Governor
"put his foot down" in this manner, as was his wont, the peoplo
found it was useless to " kick against the pricks."

Previous to this time (1660), the only ministers of the Eeformed
Church in New Netherland were Megapolensis and Drisius, in the
city of New Amsterdam, Schaats at Beverwyck, Polhemus at Mid-
wout, and Welius at New Amstel. In the fall of 1658, however, a
letter was sent to the Classis of Amsterdam of the Fatherland, by
Messrs. Megapolensis and Drisius, giving an interesting account of
the state of religion in the colony, and earnestly entreating that
" good Dutch clergymen " might speedily be sent over.3 These let-
ters awakened the attention of the Classis to the spiritual necessities
of New Netherland, and earnest representations on the subject were
addressed to the College of the XIX. And, although it was difficult
to prevail upon any settled clergyman to leave his charge in Hol-
land and brave the trials of a newly settled country, yet one Her-

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., viii. 563, 789, 804, 818. 2 N. Y. Col. MSS., viii. 825.

3 Brodliead, i. 643.

138 HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN.'

nianus Blom, a candidate for the ministry, was induced to come out
to New Amsterdam. Arriving here about the last of April, he shortly
after received a call from the prosperous village of Esopus (now
Kingston) ; and having accepted it, returned to Holland to pass his
examination before the Classis, and receive ordination. Meanwhile
the people of Breuckelen, in view of the badness of the roads to
Flatbush, and the inability of the Rev. Mr. Polhemus, on account of
his age and infirmity, to bestow any considerable portion of his
labor upon them, had petitioned the Governor and Council for
permission to have a minister resident in their towm The
application was favorably regarded,1 and when (March 1) Blom left
Holland on his return to New Netherland, he was accompanied by
the Eev. Henricus Selyns, under appointment to preach at Breuck-
elen.8

Mr. Selyns was the son of Jan Selyns and Agneta Kock, of Am-
sterdam, where he was born in the year 1636. Having been regu-
larly educated for the ministry, he became, in due time, a proponent
or candidate for full orders. " Tracing his ancestry, both on the
father's and mother's side, clearly back, through a regular line of
elders, deacons, and deaconesses, to the first institution of the
Dutch Beformed Church as an independent establishment, and con-
nected by blood and marriage with distinguished ministers of that
church, he could not fail to imbibe its tenets and principles, and
enter with confidence and honorable ambition upon the studies
which were to fit him for its services."3 Such were the antecedents
of the man who, having accepted the call from Breuckelen, made
through the Dutch West India Company to the Classis at Amster-

1 Nicasius de Sille, the Fiscal, and Martin Kreiger, one of the Burgomasters, were
appointed as a committee of inquiry by the Governor, upon whose favorable report the
required permission was granted.

2 The call of the Breuckelen church to Dominie Selyns was by him accepted, and
approved by the Classis of Amsterdam, February 16, 1660 (-61). — Brooklyn Church
Records.

3 His paternal grandfather, Hendrick Selyns, was a deacon of the Amsterdam church
in 1598 ; his father, an elder from 1639 to 1663 ; his maternal great-grandfather, Hen-
drick Kock, a deacon from 1584 to 1595 ; his grandfather, Hans Verlocken, in 1587-90 ;
while his grandmother, Agneta Selyns, was a deaconess for several years in the same
church. Triglandius, Lantsman, and J. Nieuwenhuysen, celebrated ministers of the
Netherland church, were also his cousins.

HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN. I39

dam, was, on the 16th February, 1660, peremptorily examined by
that body, and admitted to the ministry with full powers, — engaging,
however, to serve the Breuckelen church for the term of four
years.

Messrs. Bloin and Selyns arrived at New Amsterdam, bearing let-
ters to the colonial churches from the Classis at Amsterdam, in
which the former were earnestly exhorted " not to depart from the
usual formulary of baptism." Governor Stuyvesant, by whom alone
all public functionaries, ecclesiastical as well as civil, could be
accredited, was then absent at Esopus, negotiating a peace with the
Indians ; and when that had been concluded, he paid a visit to Fort
Orange. To both of these places the two young clergymen followed
him, to deliver their letters,1 so that it was not until the 7th of Sep-
tember, 1660, that Mr. Selyns was formally installed into the church
at Breuckelen. " This ceremony," says his biographer, " measured
by the usual standard of great events, was, indeed, insignificant ;
but viewed- as the first installation of a minister in what is now a
large and flourishing city, the third in size in the United States, and
as populous as the famous city of Amsterdam herself at the present
day, it was one which deserved, as it received, the attention of the
authorities in an appropriate and becoming manner. It was, never-
theless, to that colony, an interesting event, and it was accompanied
by proceedings calculated to give dignity and authority to the min-
ister. The Governor deputed two of his principal officers to present
the minister to the congregation — Nicasius de Sille, a member of the
Council, a man of no mean attainments, and well versed in the law,
and Martin Krigier, burgomaster of New Amsterdam, who, on sev-
eral important occasions, was the envoy of the Governor to the ad-
joining English colonies. After the presentation, Dominie Selyns
preached his inaugural sermon, and then read the call of the Classis
and their certificate of examination, with a testimonial from the
ministers of Amsterdam, declaring that during the time he had
dwelt among them, he had not only diligently used the holy ordi-
nances of God for the promotion of his own salvation, but had also
often edified their church by his acceptable preaching ; and, more-

1 N. T. Col. MSS., xiii. 81, 84, 131, 132 ; xiv. 58.

140 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

over, had, by his life and conversation, demeaned himself as a godly
and pious man — a character which he never forfeited."1

On the 7th, a letter was forwarded, " by a respectable person,"
to the Kev. Mr. Polhemus, informing him of Mr. Selyns' installation
in the church at Breuckelen, and thanking him in courteous terms
for his labors and attention to the congregation. This attention
was appropriately acknowledged by the venerable pastor, who, on
the 12th, sent to the new incumbent a list of church-members resid-
ing within this vicinity, numbering in all twenty-seven persons,

1 On this occasion the Rev. Henry Selyns addressed the church as follows :

" I have appeared before you and the Consistory, according to the usages and ordi-
nances of our Church, and now surrender to you my letter of call of the Honorable
Classis of Amsterdam, together with the approbation of the Honorable the Directors of
the Chamber of Amsterdam, also my classical and church attestations, which, with
my call, appertain to your church." (Brooklyn Church Records.)

The above-mentioned " Letter of Call" is as follows :

" Whereas, it is indispensably required that the honor of God and the salvation of
men be promoted to the best of our abilities, and that for this end religious meetings
should be instituted and encouraged by the pure preaching of God's ward, the lawful
administration of the sacraments, the public invocation of the name of God, and what-
soever else belongs to a dutiful worship ; and whereas, the situation of Breuckelen, in
New Netherland, requires that a duly qualified person, as a lawfully ordained minister,
should be sent there, who can there execute the ministerial functions in every particu-
lar in conformity with the Church government and the word of God, and in unison
with the laudable usages of the Reformed Churches in this country, and who is able to
maintain and defend these : Therefore it is that we, ministers of the word of God, and
elders of the Church of Christ, belonging to the Classis of Amsterdam, after the invo-
cation of the name of God, and in His fear, and with the approbation of the Noble
Directors of the West India Company, and after a careful examination in the principal
doctrines of the Reformed Cliristian Church, and after we had received satisfactory
evidence of a pious life, and talents requisite for the gospel ministry, and after he had
signed the Netherlandish Confession, the Christian Catechism, and the Canons of the
National Synod, have, with the laying on of hands, ordained the reverend, pious, pru-
dent, and learned minister, Henricus Selyns, to preach, both on land and water, and in
all the neighborhood, but principally in that place (Breuckelen), the holy and only
saving doctrine of the word of God in its purity ; to administer the sacraments, as insti-
tuted by Christ, with propriety ; publicly to lead the prayers of the congregation, to
keep them (with the aid of his Consistory) in good order and discipline, all in confor-
mity with the word of God, and the Canons of the Netherlandish Church, and the
Christian Catechism : requesting all our brethren to acknowledge him as a lawful
brother and ordained minister of the gospel of Christ ; to honor him for the sake of his
ministry ; and to assist him, whenever it is in their power ; so that he may labor un-
molested (i. e., by worldly cares, etc.i, and cheerfully, in glorifying God's name, and in
the conversion and salvation of souls.

" May the Almighty God, who has called this minister to the service of His Church,
enrich him more and more with all talents, and with the blessings of the Holy Ghost ;
so that his labors may be crowned with abundant success, to the glory of His name

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 141

inclusive of one elder and two deacons.1 The population of the vil-
lage at this time was 134 persons, in thirty-one families ; and the
bounds of the new Dominie's charge included " The Ferry," " The
Waal-boght," and " The Gujanes." Measures were taken for the
speedy erection of a church, and in the mean time the congregation
worshipped in a barn. As the people were not able of themselves
to pay his entire salary, they petitioned the Council for assistance ;a

and the salvation of men, and reward and adorn him, at the appearance of the Great
Shepherd of sheep, with the unfading crown of immortal glory.

" Done in a Classical meeting in Amsterdam, on the 16th of February, 1660.
" In the name, and by order of all,

" Petrus Proelius, Eccles. Amstelodaniensis,
et Classis p. t. Deputatus.
"Laurens Van Noordt,
Eccles. in Diemen. et pro t.
ad caus. sat. Indicas Deput.

" Samtjell Coop, a groen Eccles. Amsteloda-
mensis et p. t. Deputatus."
[endorsement.]
" The aforesaid Act of the Classis of Amsterdam was approved by the Directors of
the West India Company, Department of Amst., on the 26th March, 1660.

(Signed) " David Van Baerle.

"Edward Man."
The above translation of this document is from N. Y. Col. MSS., xiii. 69. Another
version, by the late General Jeremiah Johnson, taken, probably, from the original
Dutch records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Brooklyn, is printed in the
Magazine of the Reformed Dutch Church, vol. iii., for 1828-29, pp. 52, 54. This, al-
though a more elegant translation, does not, in our opinion, present so faithful a
transcript of the original as the one above printed.

1 The list of church members at this period, together with other extracts from the
Brooklyn Church Records, will be found in Appendix No. 6.

2 Alb. Rec, xxiv. 383. Aug. 30, 1660, there appeared before the Council, " Joris Dirck
and Joris Rapelje, magistrates of the village of Breuckelen, on Long Island, and repre-
sented that they, in conformity with the order of the Directc-General, had convened
all the inhabitants of the aforesaid village, and conversed with them, and inquired how
much they would be able to contribute to the salary of the Rev. Mr. Selyns ; and that,
after all their endeavors, they could not succeed in obtaining more than 300 guilders
annually (payable in corn, at the value of beavers) ; and that in addition they were will-
ing to provide the Rev. Mr. Selyns with a comfortable dwelling. On being reminded
that Dominie Selyns had been promised the annual salary of 100 fl., and had come
liither in that expectation, and that the said sum ought to be collected, — in lieu of
which the village tithes would be taken and contributed by the Company, — and that
they ought to strive to make up the deficiency, they declared that it was totally impos-
sible for the people of the village to raise the required amount, as the burden fell
chiefly on a few individuals, the rest being poor people who had nothing but what was
earned by their daily labor. To this it was replied (by the Council) that they (of
Breuckelen) should have duly considered all these things before they requested or
called a minister. In answer, they (the inhabitants of Breuckelen) said they had

142 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

and Stuyvesant agreed personally to contribute two hundred and
fifty guilders, provided Mr. Selyns would preach a sermon, on Sun-
day afternoons, at his " bouwery" on Manhattan Island.1 In this
arrangement the Dominie acquiesced, and thereafter preached at
the " Director's bouwery," which was a " sort of stopping-place and
pleasure-ground of the Manhattans." Here his audiences consisted
mostly of people from the city, and besides Stuyvesant's own house-
hold, about forty negroes who lived in that neighborhood, in what
was known as the " negro quarter." After Selyns' installation at

hopes that their village would now daily increase, and that consequently they would
he enabled in future to contribute more ; and they earnestly requested that Dominie
Selyns might come among them at the earnest opportunity."

1 Extract from a letter of Dominie Selyns to the Classis at Amsterdam, dated " Am-
sterdam on the Manhattans, 4 October, 1660" (Doc. Hist. N. Y., iii. 108) : " When we
arrived in N. Netherland, we repaired forthwith to the Manhattans ; but the negotia-
tions for peace at the Esopus, where we were, and the public interests, necessarily
retarded our progress thus long. We preached, meanwhile, here, and at the Esopus
and Fort Orange ; during our stay were provided with board and lodging. (See Alb.
Rec, xxiv. 387.) Esopus needs more people, but Breuckelen more wealth ; wherefore
I officiate, Sunday afternoons, at the General's bouwerye, at the Noble General's
private expense. Through the worshipful Messrs. Nicasius de Sille, Fiscal, and Martin
Cregiers, Burgomaster, the induction (or call) in Breuckelen occurred with the Hon'ble
General's open commission. Whereupon I was suitably received by the Magistrate and
Consistory, and De Polhemus was forthwith discharged. We do not preach in any
church, but in a barn (Korenschuur), and shall, God willing, erect a church in the
winter, by the co-operation of the people. The congregation is passable. The attend-
ance is augmente'd from Middlewout, New Amersfoort, and frequently Gravesende bat
most from the Manhattans. To Breuckelen appertains, also, the Ferry, the Wale-
bocht, and Gujanus. The Breuckelen Ferry is about 2,000 paces, but the River of the
Manhattans is 4,000 feet from the Breuckelen Ferry. I found at Breuckelen one
elder, two deacons, twenty-four members, thirty-one householders (Huysgesins), and
134 persons. The Consistory will remain provisionally as it is. More material will be
obtained through time and a better knowledge of the community. There can be no
catechizing before the winter ; but this shall be introduced either on week-days, or
when there is no preaching at the Bowery. Christmas, Easter, Whitsuntide, and Sep-
tember will be most suitable for the Lord's Supper, as Thanksgiving is observed on

these festivals There is preaching in the morning at Breuckelen, but

towards the conclusion of the Catechismal exercises of New Amsterdam, at the Bou-
wery, which is a continuation and the place of recreation of the Manhattans, where
people also come from the city to evening service. In addition to the household, there
are over forty negroes, whose location is the negro quarter. There is no Consistory
here (i. e., at the Bouwery), but the deacons of New Amsterdam provisionally receive
the alms-offerings ; and there are to be neither elders nor deacons there. Besides me,
there are in New Netherland : D. D. Johannes Megapolensis and Samuel Drisius, in
New Amsterdam ; D. Gideon Schaets, at Fort Orange ; D. Joannes Polhemus, at
Middlewout ; and N. Amersfoort and Hermans Blom, at the Esopus."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 143

Breuckelen, Dominie Polhenius confined his services to Midwout
and Amersfoort.

Under the able ministrations of the new pastor, the church in
Breuckelen increased, until, in 1661, it numbered fifty-two communi-
cants, many of whom were admitted on certificates from New Am-
sterdam and from churches in the Fatherland. The same year the
village of Breuckelen received from the West India Company, on
the request of Rev. Mr. Selyns, a bell for their church, which
" might also be used, in time of danger, to call the county people
thereabouts together." Esopus also received a similar present.1

It would seem, from the following petition, that the Rev. Mr.
Selyns had not, as late as 1662, become an actual resident of the
town over which he exercised a pastoral charge.

"May 25th, 1662.

" To the Noble, Great, and Respected, the Director-General and Coun-
cil in Nieuw Netherlands :

" The undersigned, Schepens of the village of Breuckelen, represent,
with all due respect, that they, the said petitioners, have been engaged,
for some time past, in collecting, among their community, that which they
had promised to contribute as their share towards the Rev. Mr. Selyns'
salary ; and they find that the community would be more willing and
ready to bring in their respective quotas, if the aforesaid Rev. Mr. Selyns
would come to reside within their village, inasmuch as they have already
been at the expense of building a house for him. They therefore request
your Honors to consent to and permit it, towards which end, expecting
your Honors' favorable decision, etc.

" The delegated Schepens of the village of Breuckelen,

" William Gerritse Van Cofwenhoven.

" WlLLEM BREDENBENT.

" Jan Joris Rapalje."

The petitioners were referred to Mr. Selyns, whose decision is not
recorded, and unknown to us.2

September 21st, 1662, the Council " ordered that the inhabitants
of Breuckelen pay 300 guilders to the Rev. Henry Selyns, who has

1 Letter of Directors to Stuyvesant, dated December 24, 1660. (N. Y. Col MSS.,
xiii. 143.)

2 N. Y. Col. MSS., x. 137.

144 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

preached in said town since August 30, 1660, instead of the Rev.
J. Polhemus," and that the book-keeper credit that amount to
Selyns.1 On the 12th of the same month the people of Flat-
lands had been permitted to build a church ; making, with that
of Bushwick, the fourth Dutch church within the county. Dur-
ing this year, also, complaint was made to the Consistory of the
exposure of the graveyard to hogs and other animals ; in conse-
quence of which, the Consistory contracted for a clapboard fence,
five feet high, to enclose the entire ground, for the sum of seventy
guilders.2

The unfortunate burning of the town of Esopus, and the massacre
of its inhabitants, by the Indians, June 7, 1663, was the occasion of
the following proclamation from Governor Stuyvesant to the church
at Breuckelen :

" As a sorrowful accident and wilful massacre has been committed by
the Esopus Indians, who have with deliberate design, under the insidious
cover of friendship, determined to destroy Esopus, which they effected on
the 7th instant, killing and wounding a number of the inhabitants, and
taking many prisoners, burning the town and desolating the place •
Whereupon the congregation is directed and desired, by his Excellency
the Governor-General, to observe and keep the ensuing Wednesday as a
day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer to the Almighty, hoping that He
may avert further calamities from the New Netherlands, and extend His
fatherly protection and care to the country. And it is further ordered,
that the first Wednesday in every month be observed in like manner. By
order of the Director-General and Council, etc. Dated at Fort Orange,
June 26, 1663."3

Early in the year 1664, Dominie Selyns addressed a petition to
the Director and Council, complaining that, in consequence of the
great depreciation which had taken place in seawant and beaver-
skins, he found his salary much reduced and insufficient to meet

1 N. Y. Col. MSB., x. 216. 2 Brooklyn Church Records.

3 The cloud of war speedily passed over, however ; for Wednesday, the 4th of July,
1663, was observed as a day of thanksgiving on account of a treaty of peace which had
"been made with these same Esopus Indians, and the release of the prisoners who had
been taken by them ; and likewise for the defeat of the English, who had been thwarted
in an attempt to take possession of Long Island, by the opportune arrival of the Dutch
fleet.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 145

his wants. His application for redress was discussed at consider-
able length by the Council, who finally decided that any money
paid to the Dominie on account of the 600 gl. allowed to him in the
Fatherland, should be paid in beavers, at a rate not higher than 6
gl., and any commodities in sea want in proportion. The 600 gl.
promised him here in New Netherland, was to be paid with beavers,
in cash, at the value of 8 gl. per beaver, agreeably to the contract of
August 30th, 1660.1

This year, also, the church of Breuckelen was called upon to part
with its beloved pastor, Selyns. His time having expired, he yielded
to the urgent solicitations of his aged father in Holland ; and having
duly obtained permission from the Lords Directors of the "West
India Company,2 was most tenderly and respectfully dismissed from
his church on the 17th of July, 1664, and sailed for home on the
23d, in the ship Beaver, the same vessel which had conveyed him
to America.

After his departure, Charles Debevoise, the schoolmaster of the
town and church sexton, was authorized to read prayers and a ser-
mon from some approved author, each Sabbath, in the church, for
the improvement of the congregation, until another minister could
be found.

Selyn's pastoral duties at Breuckelen were always discharged
" with zeal and fidelity. The records of the church at Breuckelen for
this period, are still preserved in his own handwriting, and bear ample
evidence of his devotion to his calling — chronicling, with rare sim-
plicity, the occurrences in the government of the church and the
occasions of discipline of his flock. Once we find him in collision
with the magistrates of the town, in regard to an attempted jurisdic-
tion on their part over an act of ecclesiastical censure exercised by
him towards one of the church-members. In a respectful letter, he
refused to appear before them or acknowledge their right to take
cognizance of the sentence pronounced by him and his consistory.
He maintained that the civil courts could not try offences arising
purely out of the ecclesiastical relation ; and that the complainant

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., x. 33, 35, 100, 131.

2 The petition of Dominie Selyns for permission to return home may be found (dated
July 17, 1664) in N. Y. Col. MSS., x. 270.

10

146 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

having submitted himself to the canons of the church, by becoming
one of its members, was thereby precluded from taking the matter
before the courts. In this, as in some other trying occasions of his
life, when he was brought in conflict with others upon questions of
authority and power, he sustained the rights and privileges of his
official position with equal firmness, dignity, and force of reasoning.
His pen and logic were never to be despised by his opponents. In
his controversy with the magistrates of Breuckelen, his arguments
prevailed." During his ministry in Breuckelen, he married at New
Amsterdam, on the 9th of July, 1662, his first wife, Machtelt,
daughter of Hermann Specht, of the city of Utrecht, " a young
lady, if we may trust his own description of her, of rare personal
beauty and worth," whose portrait he has transmitted to us in a
birth-day ode, which is said to be " one of the prettiest pictures that
conjugal affection has ever drawn."

After his return to Holland, Selyns remained unsettled for two
years ; and in 1666, took charge of the congregation of Waverveen,
near Utrecht, a rural village of no fame. In 1675, he became a
chaplain in the army of the States ; but with the exception of this
temporary office, he seems to have passed sixteen years of his life
in the obscurity of Waverveen, usefully and even contentedly
employed ; for, in 1670, upon the death of Megapolensis, of New
York, he declined a call from that church to become associated with
Bev. Mr. Drisius in its charge. The Bev. William Nieuwenhuysen
took the place thus declined, and subsequently, upon the death of
both Nieuwenhuysen and Drisius, the call was so urgently renewed
to Selyns that he accepted, and again left his native land to spend,
as it proved, the remainder of his life in America. He arrived at
New York in the summer of 1682, and was received " by the whole
congregation with great affection and joy." Selyns now occupied a
position among the churches of the colony which was commensu-
rate with his talents. His congregation possessed not only the
advantage of being a metropolitan one, but it was the largest in
numbers, and the most powerful in the social and political standing
of its members. The times, also, were critical in respect to the eccle-
siastical affairs of the Dutch ; for, during his absence in Holland,
the political and ecclesiastical relations of the province had entirely

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 147

changed. British rule, while it allowed the Dutch to enjoy liberty
of conscience in divine worship and church discipline, gave no legal
sanction to the special authority of the Classis of Amsterdam over
the churches of the Eeformed Dutch faith. Still, the ecclesiastical
authority of the Classis continued to be exercised and acknowledged
among the Dutch themselves, as before the conquest. Ministers
still received their appointment and ordination from that body, and
rendered an account of their stewardship thereto. In the corre-
spondence which was thus maintained between the colonial ministers
and their Classis, the letters of Selyns hold no inferior position,
not only for the historic light which they throw upon the public and
religious affairs of the day, but for the catholic spirit which they
exhibit towards other denominations and ministers. " In his confi-
dential intercourse with his superiors, he might be expected to have
exhibited some sectarian spirit in regard to their progress or merits ;
yet we find nothing of the kind in them, but, on the contrary,
expressions of satisfaction at their success ; and where he does con-
demn, it is easy to be seen that he does so on no narrow or selfish
grounds. A character so liberal and amiable could not help endear-
ing him to those around him, and inviting their confidence. We
find him, accordingly, not only beloved by his own congregation,
but on terms of friendship with the heads of the government and his
colleagues in the other churches in New York, and in correspondence
with distinguished men in the neighboring colonies. He was prob-
ably known to the ministers at Boston, at the time of his first resi-
dence in New Netherland, as we find among his poems one in Latin,
upon some verses addressed by the Bev. John Wilson, the first
minister of Boston, to Governor Stuyvesant. But his correspondence
with them after his return to New York was frequent."

Troublous days, however, came to Dominie Selyns with the revo-
lutionary outbreak which placed Jacob Leisler at the head of the
government. It was natural that Selyns, as well as the other min-
isters, should look upon Leisler as a usurper, and that they should
throw all the weight of their influence against him and his party.
But they committed the error of continuing their opposition to him
after his power had been fully established ; thus themselves becom-
ing traitors to his government, whom he felt justified in putting

148 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

down at any cost. Dellhis was obliged to escape to Boston ; Varick,
the minister of the four Dutch towns of Kings county, was impris-
oned, tried, and convicted of treason, and sentenced to be deposed
from his ministerial functions ; Tesschenmaker was massacred at
Schenectady, in February, 1690 ; and Yan der Bosch, of Kingston,
had been deposed previously ; so that Selyns was, for a consider-
able time, the only Dutch clergyman on duty in the province. He
" had committed no overt act rendering himself amenable to the law ;
but he was in such close communication and sympathy with the
leaders of the opposition, that he was constantly watched. He was
suspected of concealing Bayard, and his house was searched by
public officers, for the purpose of discovering him. His service in
church, of which Leisler was a member, was interrupted by Leisler
himself, who there threatened openly to silence him. His letters
to Holland and elsewhere were stopped in transit, and opened by
order of the government. His feelings of hostility to Leisler were
aggravated, no doubt, in a large degree by these circumstances, and
were carried by him to the grave itself. He was one of those who
approved and recommended the carrying into execution the sen-
tence of that popular leader, when Sloughter wisely hesitated, and
desired to wait until he could obtain the views of the home govern-
ment on the propriety of the act. While Leisler was lying in prison,
the helpless subject of a political prosecution, and the proper object
of consolation from the ministers of religion, Selyns preached a
sermon against him, from the verse of the Psalmist : ' I had fainted,
unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land
of the living.' This proceeding on his part was, in the mildest view
of the case, most injudicious and unwise. His opposition had
already estranged from him the Leislerian portion of his congrega-
tion. He affected to call them men of inconsiderable influence.
They, nevertheless, refused to contribute to his salary; and the
refusal continued, under this fresh provocation, for several years.
He appealed to the Classis to interfere, and even sought, through
that body, the mandate of King William, supposing that, as a Dutch-
man, he could be induced by the ecclesiastical authorities at Amster-
dam to compel the payment of his arrears. He intimated that he
would, in consequence of withholding the salary, be forced to give up

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 149

his ministry here and return to Holland. The Classis, in a proper
spirit, advised him to pacify and win back the alienated hearts of
his flock, and to suffer and forget all in love ; and also addressed a
letter in the same spirit to the consistory and congregation. The
difficulty was thus finally arranged," although the divisions which
arose at the Leislerian era laid the foundation of the political con-
troversies which troubled the colony for more than a generation
afterwards.

The great object of Selyns' labors, during the later years of his
life, was the establishment of the liberties of his church by the pro-
curing of a royal charter confirming its rights and privileges. This
was at length accomplished, May 11th, 1696, by a charter under the
royal seal, for the Reformed Protestant Dutch church in the city of
New York, which is still in full force, and was virtually the charter
of the Low Dutch Church in America.1 Selyns had now attained his
sixtieth year. " He had labored faithfully, zealously, and success-
fully. Amidst all his trials, no one had ventured to breathe a sylla-
ble against the purity of his life and conversation, or his fidelity to
the spiritual interests of his congregation, which had increased from
450 to 650 members during his ministry among them." In 1699,
he received an assistant, in the person of Rev. Gualterus du Bois, of
Amsterdam ; and shortly after, in July, 1701, he died at New York,
in his sixty-fifth year. "In his domestic relations he appears to
have been fortunate. Of his first wife we have already spoken.
Upon her death, in 1686, he married the widow of Cornelius Steen-
wyck, Margaretta de Riemer, whom he himself describes as ' rich in
temporal goods, but richer in spiritual.' This lady survived him
several years. He had one child, a daughter, by his first wife, born
while he was at Breuckelen ; but from all omission of her name in
his will, we infer she died while he was in Holland."

" His character, as we are able to view it through the long vista
of time, and with an imperfect exhibition of its traits, presents him
in a favorable light. He was a faithful and devoted minister, honest,
sincere, and capable. He was learned in his profession, pious, and

1 Liber vii. 25, Sec'y State's office. This charter antedates that of Trinity church,
which was granted May 6, 1697.

150

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

pure in his life. He was free from that narrow feeling which
begets prejudice from mere difference of opinion. But he was fond
of the exercise of power. He was persevering, and pursued his
object with determination, and sought it sometimes for the sake of

a o 3

2 05 H

B w £

success, when, perhaps, a wise regard for the feelings of others
would have led him to abandon it. He may be justly regarded as
one of the founders of the Dutch Church in America, who did more

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 151

to determine its position in the country than any other man ; and
in this circumscribed field, in which the great business of his life
•was concerned, his fame must mainly rest."

Although he corresponded extensively with men of genius and of
learning, he never appeared as an author in print ; 1 and his only
literary remains are contained in a little volume of poems, of which a
pleasant selection, translated by our fellow-citizen, Hon. Henry C.
Murphy, has been published in one of the elegant volumes of the
"Bradford Club."2 We have drawn freely, in our sketch of the first
pastor of Breuckelen, upon the elegant and careful memoir which
Mr. Murphy has there given.

1 Except as the author of a Latin poem eulogistic of the Rev. Cotton Mather's " Mag-
nalia Americana," and which may be found, together with a translation, in the Hart-
ford edition of that work (i. 23).

2 Anthology of New Netherland ; or, Translations from the Early Dutch Poets ol
New York, with Memoirs of the Authors. By Henry C. Murphy. New York, 1865
79-183.

152 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

CHAPTER V.

CIVIL HISTORY OF BKEUCKELEN.
1664—1674.

Among the first subjects that demanded the attention of the new
authorities of the Province of New York was the formation of a uni-
form code of laws for the several plantations upon Long Island,
now for the first time united under one and the same administra-
tion. In those communities formerly known as the ': English towns"
the English common law very generally prevailed, while the civil
code of the Dutch towns had been modelled on that of the Father-
laud. Fully alive to the difficulties which were incident to such a
diversity of jurisprudence, the Governor convened an assemblage of
delegates from the several towns, to deliberate upon and provide for
the emergency. The Convention accordingly met at Hempstead on
the 28th of February, 1665 (Breuckelen being represented by Fred-
erick Lubbertsen and Jan Evertsen Bout), and then and there pro-
mulgated a body of laws and ordinances for the future government of
the province. Of this code, called by way of distinction the " Duke's
Laws," copies were furnished to the deputies of each town, and duly
filed in the clerks' offices of the several counties, where, or in some
of them, they remain to the present day. These laws, with occa-
sional additions and alterations, continued in force until the first
Provincial Assembly, convened by Governor Dongan in 1683. De-
signed to operate in a newly settled country, and among a popula-
tion composed of different nationalities, holding various and con-
flicting opinions concerning law and government, it was hardly to be
expected that they would be satisfactory to all ; yet they were, on
the whole, as just and reasonable as those enjoyed by any of the
neighboring colonies.

The delegates composing this Provincial Assembly were so favor-
ably impressed with the Governor, and with his representation of
the liberal intentions of the Duke of York towards his new subjects,

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 153

that they prepared and presented an address to his royal highness,
abounding with expressions of loyalty and esteem. The people
whom they represented, however, were far from being perfectly sat-
isfied with some of the laws which had been adopted, and deemed
the address of their deputies as too servile in its tone. So open and
severe was the censure cast upon their action, that Government felt
called upon to interfere ; and, at a court of assize held in Fort
James, October, 1666, it was decreed, " that whoever thereafter
should in any way detract or speak against the deputies signing the
address to his royal highness, at the next general meeting at Hemp-
stead, should be presented to the next court of sessions, and, if the
justices see cause, they should then be bound over to the assizes, to
answer for the slander, upon plaint or information."

At this Convention of 1665, Long Island and Staten Island were
duly erected into a shire, called, in honor of the Duke of York,
Toekshiee, which was further subdivided into separate districts, de-
nominated Hidings ; — the towns now included in Suffolk County con-
stituting the East Riding ; Kings County, Newtown, and Staten
Island, the West Biding ; and the remainder of Queens County, the
North Biding.

Nicolls retained the government of the province until 1668, and
was then succeeded by Governor Francis Lovelace.

During their terms of office, Long Island, as well as the rest of
the province, enjoyed a high degree of tranquillity and prosperity,
and the records of that day contain little or nothing of interest con-
cerning the town of Breuckelen.

In September, 1665, Governor Nicolls commanded the Constable
and Overseers of Breuckelen to make proper provision for the
horses of such persons as might come to Breuckelen and the Ferry
to attend the assizes.1

In 1666, the town was directed to pay over the grain, collected
for its rate, to Captain Delavall, in the city.2

February 7, 1666, the town of Jamaica having purchased3 from
Indians a tract of land called Seller's Neck, lying southwest of
Jamaica, had allowed the town of Breuckelen to have one-third of

1 Council Minutes, ii. 14. s Ibid., 110. 8 See Annals of Newtown, p. 63..

154 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

it, which the latter town had been somewhat dilatory in paying for.
On the above-named day they were reminded of their delinquency
by a special order from the Governor, which had its desired effect,
as, on the 1st of March ensuing, they paid the sum of £12, being
their third of the purchase.1

February 19, 1667, in a rate levied by the Governor on the
towns of the West Riding, "for a Sessions House, which long since
ought to have been provided," they were rated in the following pro-
portion—

£

*.

d.

£

s.

d.

Gravesend ....

...16

04

05

Breuckelen ....

...15

03

11

Newtown ....

... 26

02

031

Flatbush

...19

03

08

Bushwick

... 5

11

021

New Utrecht. .

... 7

00

00

Aniersfoort . . .

...13

19

OH

Staten Island. .
Total

... 6

14

10*

..£110

00

00

which was to be paid to Alderman Oloff Stevens, " in good corn."8

October 18, 1^17, Richard Nicolls, Governor of New York, granted
to the inhabitants of Breuckelen the following full and ample patent,
confirming them in their rights and privileges :

l. s. "Richabd Nicolls, Esq., Governor- General wider his Royal
Highness James Duke of YorJee and Albany, etc., of all his Territory s in
America, To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth Greeting —
Whereas there is a certain town within this government, situate, lying, and
being in the West Riding of Yorkshire, upon Long Island, commonly
called and known by the name of Breuckelen, which said town is in the
tenure or occupation of several freeholders and inhabitants, who, having
heretofore been seated there by authority, have been at very considerable
charge in manuring and planting a considerable part of the lands belong-
ing thereunto, and settled a competent number of families thereupon.
Now, for a confirmation unto the said freeholders and inhabitants in their

1 Council Minutes, ii. 129. See also Furrnan's Notes, 13 (note). At the annual town
meeting, April, 1823, a committee was appointed to " discover and obtain possession of
all common lands and meadows belonging to the town, which are lying at a place
called Seller's Neck, in the town of Jamaica, in Queen's County." (Brooklyn Town
Records, 1st Book, loose page.) We are uninformed as to what was the result of their
investigation. Furman states his opinion that this Seller's Neck was apportioned
among the freeholders, from the fact that, on May 10, 1695, John Damen, one of the
patentees of the town, sold to William Huddlestone all his interest in the said
meadow. s Council Minutes, ii. 198.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 155

possessions and enjoyment of the premises, Know ye, That by virtue of the
commission and authority unto me given by his Royal Highness, I have
given, ratified, confirmed, and granted, and by these presents do give, rat-
ify, confirm, and grant, unto Jan Everts, Jan Damen, Albert Cornelissen,
Paulus Veerbeeck, Michael Eneyl (Hainelle), Thomas Lamberts, Teunis
Guysbert, Bogart and Joris Jacobson, as patentees, for and on the behalf
of themselves and their associates, the freeholders and inhabitants of the said
town, their heirs, successors, and assigns, all that tract, together with the
several parcels of land which already have or hereafter shall be purchased or
procured for and on behalf of the said town, whether from the native Indian
proprietors or others, within the bounds and limits hereafter set forth and
exprest, viz., that is to say, the town is bounded westward on the farther
side of the land of Mr. Paulus Veerbeck, from whence stretching southeast,
they go over the hills, and so eastward along the said hills to a southeast
point which takes in all the lotts behind the swamp, from which said lotts
they run northwest to the River1 and extend to the farm, on the t'other
side of the hill, heretofore belonging to Hans Hansen, over against the
Kicke or Looke-out,8 including within the said bounds and limitts all the
lotts and plantations lying and being at the Gowanis, Bedford, Walla-
boucht, and the Ferry. — All which said parcels and tracks of land and
premises within the bounds and limits afore-mentioned, described, and all
or any plantation or plantations thereupon, from henceforth are to bee,
appertaine, and belong to the said town of Breucklen, Together with all
havens, harbours, creeks, quarryes, woodland, meadow-ground, reed-land
or valley of all sorts, pastures, marshes, runs, rivers, lakes, hunting, fishing,
hawking, and fowling, and all other profitts, commodities, emoluments,
and hereditaments, to the said lands and premises within the bounds and
limits all forth belonging, or in any wise appertaining, — and withall to have
freedome of commonage for range and feed of cattle and horse into the
woods, as well without as within these bounds and hmitts, with the rest of
their neighbours,3 — as also one-third part of a certain neck of meadow-
ground or valley called Sellers neck, lying and being within the limits of

1 According to the New York doctrine, this boundary of the town can only be correct
when the tide is flood ; for, when the water is low, the town is bounded by property
belonging to the Corporation of the city of New York, and not by the river. — Furman's
Notes, p. 12.

2 See ante, page 113.

3 This town enjoyed this privilege in common with the other towns on Long Island,
and their cattle which ran at large were marked with the letter "N." — Furman's
Notes, p. 13.

156 HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN.

the town of Jamaica, purchased by the said town of Jamaica from the In-
dians, and sold by them unto the inhabitants of Breucklen aforesaid, as it
has been lately laid out and divided by their mutual consent and my order,
whereunto and from which they are likewise to have free egress and re-
gress, as their occasions may require. To have and to hold all and singu-
lar the said tract and parcell of land, meadow-ground or valley, common-
age, hei-editaments and premises, with their and every of their appurte-
nances, and of every part and parcell thereof, to the said patentees and
their associates, their heirs, successors, and assigns, to the proper use and
behoof of the said patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors,
and assigns forever. Moreover, I do hereby give, ratify, confirm and
grant unto the said patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors,
and assigns, all the rights and privileges belonging to a town within this
government, and that the place of their present habitation shall continue
and retain the name of Breuckelen, by which name and stile it shall be
distinguished and known in all bargains and sales made by them, the said
patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors, and assigns, render-
ing and paying such duties and acknowledgments as now are or hereafter
shall be constituted and established by the laws of this government, under
the obedience of his Royal highness, his heirs and successors. Given
under my hand and seal at Fort James, in New York, on the Island of
Manhattat, this 18th day of October, in the nineteenth year of the reign
of our Sovereign Lord, Charles the second, by the grace of God, of Eng-
land, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc.,
Annoque Domini, 1667.

"RlCHAED NlCOLLS.

" Recorded, by order of the Governor, the day and year above written.

" Matthias Nicolls, Sec'ry."

There was, unquestionably, a General Patent or Charter of this
town under the Dutch government, which is now lost. The Nicolls
Charter, above given, is evidently confirmatory of some such former
part ; and the same is also referred to by conveyances between
individuals.

Adam Brouwer, of Breuckelen, miller, being complained of by the
inhabitants, constables, and overseers of the town, that he would
not at all times grind corn for some of them, " on frivolous pre-
tences," and being apparently forgetful of former court action on a
similar charge, was warned by Governor Lovelace (November 12,

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. ]57

1668), tliat as long as he should keep the mill, he must " grind for
all persons, without distinction or exception, according to custom,
the first come to be first served," under penalty.1

January 4, 1668, one Eobert Hollis was granted the exclusive
privilege of selling strong drink in Breuckelen.2

During this year, also, the little village-hamlet of Bedford3 was

1 Brouwer, although, a respectable citizen, in good circumstances, seems to have been
rather fractious and troublesome at times, if we may judge from this and other items
recorded concerning him. In February, 1667 (-8), he had been ordered under arrest
for seditious speeches ; and in September, 1669, he was fined 500 guilders for an assault
on Gerrit Coosen. (Council Minutes, ii. 282, 195, 537.)

2 July 18, 1669, Robert Hollis received a patent for a piece of land in Breuckelen,
" lying and being to the south of Jan Martyn's, and the north of Jan Damen's, con-
taining in breadth (an east line being run on each side) 40 rod, and in length 200 rod,
in bigness about 26 acres or 13 morgen," sold in 1647, by Jan Misroel, to the said
Hollis. (Council Minutes, ii. 320.)

3 The settlement of the locality, which retains, even at the present day, its ancient
name of Bedford, seems to have commenced in 1662 ; for on the 18th of March, in that
year, Jan Joris Rapalje, Teunis Gysbert (Bogaert), Cornells Jacobsen, Hendrick Sweers,
Michael Hans (Bergen), and Jan Hans (Bergen), made a humble request to the Direc-
tor and General for " the grant of a parcel of free (unoccupied) woodland, situated in
the rear of Joris Rapalje, next to the old Bay road." The request was granted to the
suppliants, provided that they placed their dwellings " within one or the other concen-
tration, which shall suit them best, but not to make a new hamlet." (N. Y. Col. MSS.,
x. Part i. 88. By this grant the parties are supposed to have obtained 20 morgen (or
40 acres) of land apiece at Bedford. (See also ibid., xxii. 145, 146 ; xxiv. 60.)

Feb. 18, 1666, a patent was granted to Thomas Lamberts, to confirm to him a cer-
tain parcel of land lying in the Walleboght, within the limits of a certain village
known by the name of New Bedford, on Long Island, " being on the south side of the
land belonging to Jan Lourensen, and on the north side of that which belongs to
Michael Hansen (Bergen) ; containing in breadth, 24 rods ; and in length, upon an east
line, 500 rods : which in all, by estimation, amounts to about 40 acres of ground," as
granted by Governor Stuyvesant, May 15, 1664, to said Lamberts.

Feb. 18, 1666, a patent was granted to Thomas Lamberts, confirming to Mm a parcel
of land, "being on the south side of the land belonging to Jan Laurensen, and on the
west side of the cart-way, containing, by estimation, 3 acres or thereabouts." Also " a
certain plot of ground, lying on the south part of New Bedford aforesaid, being on the
north side of the above-mentioned land, and on the west side of the cart- way, having a
house and barn standing thereon ; containing, in length, 24 rod ; and in breadth, on the
east and west sides, 16 rod," as occupied by said Lamberts.

May 14, 1700, Thomas Lambertse, of Bedford, conveyed to Leffert Peterse (the
ancestor of the Lefferts family), of Flatbush, the premises covered by the last-mentioned
patent of Feb. 18, 1666. (Lib. ii. 213, Kings County Conveyances.)

Dec. 3, 1667, a patent was granted to Charles Heynant, described as an inhabitant of
Bedford, within the jurisdiction of the town of Breucklyn, in the West Riding of York-
shire, upon Long Island, having a lot of ground in the place aforesaid, but having not
a sufficient quantity of woodland belonging thereto, granting to him " an addition of
about 3 morgen, or 6 acres, of land adjoining liis said lot."

158 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

honored by the establishment of an inn or ordinary " for man and
beast :"

" License granted to Thomas Lamberts, of Bedford, to sell beer, wine,
and other liquors.

" Whereas, Thomas Lamberts, of Bedford, within the jurisdiction of
Breuckelen, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, upon Long Island, is will-
ing to undertake the keeping of an Ordinary, for the accommodation of
strangers, travellers, and other persons passing that way, with diet and
lodging and horse meals, I do hereby give him license to sell beer, wine,
or any other strong liquors for their relief. And for his further encour-
agement therein, do think fit to order that no person living in the said
village of Bedford have privilege so to do but himself. This License is to
continue for one year after the date hereof, and no longer. Given under
my hand, at Fort James, in New York, this 17th day of December, 1668.

"Fkancis Lovelace."

In the year 1670, the inhabitants of Breuckelen, being desirous of
enlarging the bounds of their common lands, and of extinguishing
the Indian title to the same, applied to Governor Lovelace, and
obtained from him the following permission to purchase from the
native proprietors a large tract of land in and about the hamlet then
and since known as Bedford :

" L. S. Whereas, the inhabitants of Breucklyn, in the west Riding of
Yorkshire, upon Long Island, who were seated there in a township by the
authority then in being, and having bin at considerable charges in clearing,
fifencing, and manuring their land, as well as building ffor their conveniency,
have requested my ly cense, for their further security, to make purchase of
the said land of some Indians who lay claim and interest therein ; these
are to certify all whom it may concerne, that I have and doe hereby give
the said inhabitants lycense to purchase their land according to their
request, the said Indians concerned appearing before me as in the law is
required, and making their acknowledgments to be fully satisfyed and paid

The Bedford settlement, of which these notes serve to show the beginnings, was lo-
cated at the intersection of the old highway to Jamaica with the " Clove Road" to
Flatbush, on the south ; and with the " Cripplebush Road" to Newtown, on the north ;
and extending about a quarter of a mile each way from that point.

HISTOKY OF BROOKLYN. 159

for the same. Given under my hand and seal at ffort James, in New
Yorke, this ffirst day of May, in the 22nd yeare of his Majestyies reigne,
Annoque Dom. 1670.

" Ffrancis Lovelace."

The purchase was accordingly made, and the following is a copy
of a deed from the Indians for the same :

" To all people to whom this present writing shall come, Peter, Elmohae,
Job, Makaquiquos, and Shamese, late of Staten Island, send Greeting ;
Whereas they, the said Peter, Elmohar, Job, Makaquiquos, and
Shamese, afore-mentioned, doe lay claime to the land now in the tenure
and occupation of some of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, as well as other
lands there adjascent, as the true Indian owners and proprietors thereof,
Know Yee, that for and in consideration of a certaine sum of wampum and
diverse other goods, the which in the Schedule annext are exprest, unto
the said Sachems in hand payed by Monsieur Machiell Hainelle, Thomas
Lambertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, on the behalf of themselves
and the inhabitants of Breucklyn, the receipt whereof they doe hereby
acknowledge, and themselves to be fully satisfyed and payed therefor ; have
given, granted, bargained, and sold, and by these presents doe fully, freely,
and absolutely give, grant, bargain and sell unto the said Monsieur Machiell
Hainelle, Thomas Lambertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, ffor and
on behalf of themselves and the inhabitants aforesaid, their heyrs and suc-
cessors ; all that parcell of land and tract of land in and about Bedford,
within the jurisdiction of Breucklyn, beginning ffrom Hendrick Van Aarn-
hem's land by a' swamp of water, and stretching to the hills, then going
along the hills to the port or entrance thereof,1 and soe to the Rockaway
ffoot-path, as their purchase is more particularly set fforth ; To have and to
hold all the said parcell and tract of land and premises within the limits
before described unto the said Monsieur Machiell Hainelle, Thomas Lam-
bertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, ffor and on behalf of the inhab-
itants aforesaid, their heyres and successors, to the proper use and behoof
of the said inhabitants, their heyres and successors forever ; in witness
whereof the partyes to these presents have hereunto sett their hands and

1 This port " or entrance," as it is called, is situate in the valley on the Flatbush
Turnpike, near the "Brush," or "Valley Tavern," and a short distance beyond the
three-mile post from Breuckelen ferry. A freestone monument was placed here, to
designate the patent line between Breuckelen and Flatbush.

160 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

seales, this 14th day of May, in the 22nd yeare of his Majestyes reigne,
Annoque Dom. 1670.

" Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Mathias Nicolls, R. Lough,
Samuel § Davies, John Garland,
his marke.

" The mark of P Peter, [l. s.]

" The mark of o Elmohar, [l. s.]

" The mark of n Job, [l. s.]

" The mark of ? Maquiquos, [l. s.]

" The mark of 1 Shamese, [l. s.]

" This deed was acknowledged by the within written Sachems before
the Governor in the presence of us, the day and year within written.

" Mathias Nicolls, Secretary.
" The mark of § Samuel Davies.
" Recorded by order of the Governor.

" Mathias pNicolls, Secretary.

" The Inventory or Schedule He/erred to in the Deed.

" The payment agreed upon ffor the purchase of the land in and about
Bedford, within the jurisdiction of Breucklyn, conveyed this day by the
Indian Sachems, proprietors, is, viz :

" 100 Guilders Seawant,
" Half a tun of strong beer,
" 2 half tuns of good beer,

" 3 guns, long barrells, with each a pound of powder, and lead propor-
tionable—2 bars to a gun — 4 match coates."

August 10th, 1671. Adriaen Hegenian, Schout, and Albert Cor-
nelissen Wantenaer, and others, Schepens of Breuckelen during the
Dutch government, had levied a rate on the town, by consent of the
Governor, for the purpose of building a " minister's house," but had
not collected the whole amount. The government being now
changed, they were held somewhat liable for the amount, and
ordered by the court to pay for the work done on the house. Gov-
ernor Lovelace ordered that they should be acquitted from the said
obligation, and the business should be undertaken by the present
Overseers of Breuckelen, who were to levy sums in arrears upon

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 161

persons and estates, if found ; if not sufficient, however, they were
directed to make a new rate upon the town.1

This year, also, Breuckelen, with five other towns in the West
Biding, petitioned the Court of Sessions " for liberty to transport
wheat." Their petition was referred to the Governor.

In the year 1673, however, by an event as sudden as it was unex-
pected, the whole of New Netherland passed again under the control
of the States-General. Early in that year, news was received that
England and Holland were again involved in war. Orders were also
forwarded to Gov. Lovelace to put the province in a proper state of
defence ; but so lacking was he in the means necessary to fortify the
city of New York, that a Dutch fleet, under Captains Binckes
and Evertsen, returning from a predatory excursion against the
French and English West India trade, entered the harbor on the
30th of July, and captured the place without firing a gun. Captain
Anthony Colve was appointed Governor of the province by the naval
commanders, and immediately began to reinstate the Dutch govern-
ment. The city was denominated Neio Orange and the fort William
Heudrick, in honor of the Staadt Holder. On the 14th of August, 1673,
the new Governor issued a proclamation requiring each of the Long-
Island towns to send two deputies to the city, with full powers to ten-
der their submission to the States-General and the Prince of Orange.
The five Dutch towns, rejoiced to find themselves once more under
their old masters, submitted with alacrity; but the other towns
showed an inclination to evade the order and to seek the protection
of their former ally, the English Colony of Connecticut ; and even-
tually, in spite of Gov. Colve's efforts to the contrary, Southampton,
Easthampton, and Southold succeeded in joining themselves to the
jurisdiction of that colony. In Breuckelen and the adjoining ham-
lets, fifty-two out of eighty-one men took the oath of allegiance, and
the remainder were ordered to comply.2

In October following, a code of " Provisional Instructions" was
received from the new governor, for the guidance of the magistrates
in the future government of their towns, although in some minor

1 General Entries, iv. 12.

2 N. Y. Col. MSB., xxiii. 14, 40, 51 ; N. Y. Col. Doc, ii. 573, 580, 586, 589,

11

162 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

affairs the people were allowed to adhere to the laws formerly in
force. In fact, the transient rule of the Dutch afforded opportunity
for but few legislative changes.1

1 Provisional Instructions for the Sheriff and Magistrates of the Villages of Midwout,
Amersfoort, Breuckelen, New Utrecht, and Gravesend, and for the Magistrates of
Boswyck (N. Y. Col. MSS., xxiii. 93) :

Art. 1. The Sheriff and Magistrates, each in his quality, shall see to the maintenance
of the Reformed Christian Religion, in conformity with the (canons of) the Synod of
Dordrecht ; and shall not permit that any thing contrary to it shall be attempted~by any
other sects.

Art. 2. The Sheriff shall, as often as possible, be present at and preside in all the
meetings. However, if he acts for himself as a party, or defends the rights of the
Lord's patrons, or steps forward in tbe cause of justice, he shall, in such cases, rise
from his seat and leave the bench, and shall then have no advisory, much less a con-
clusive, vote, while in his stead the oldest Schepen shall preside.

Art. 3. All cases relating to the police, to the security and peace of the inhabitants,
and to justice between man and man, shall be definitely determined by the magistrates
of each of the aforesaid villages, to the amount of 60 guilders, or less, in beavers. If the
sum is larger than that, the aggrieved party may appeal to a council (consisting of) the
Sheriff and a Commissioner of the Counsellors (magistrates) of the village, subject to
his (the Sheriff's) jurisdiction (for which purpose one person shall be annually chosen
in each village), who shall meet at some convenient place selected by them, and who
shall have the power to pronounce a definitive sentence to the amount of 240 guilders,
in beavers, and under. But in all cases exceeding that sum, each party shall be
entitled to the right of appeal to the Governor and Council.

Art. 4. In case of a disparity of votes, the minority shall submit to the majority ; but
they who have a dissentient opinion, are permitted to have it recorded on the protocol,
but they shall not divulge it outside of the meeting, under penalty of an arbitrary
correction.

Art. 5. If at any such meeting, cases occur in which any of the magistrates are con-
cerned as parties, the magistrate in such case shall be obliged to leave his seat and
absent himself, as was before said of the Sheriff in the 2d article.

Art. 6. All the inhabitants of the aforesaid villages may be summoned before the
Sheriff and Schepens, or before the Committee of Counsellors, who shall hold their
meetings as often as may be required.

Art. 7. All criminal derelictions shall be referred to the Governor-General and the
Council ; provided that the Sheriff is under obligation to apprehend the criminals, to
arrest and secure them, and conduct them in safety to the Chief Magistrate, with cor-
rect information of the committed crime, at the expense of the delinquent or of the
Attorney-General.

Art. 8. Smaller derelictions, such as quarrels, injuries, scoldings, threatenings, blows,
and similar trespasses, are left to the jurisdiction of the magistrates of each village.

Art. 9. The Sheriff and Schepens are authorized to issue orders relative to the wel-
fare and peace of the inhabitants, such as the laying out and making of roads, the
surveying of lots and garden-spots, and whatever has any relation to agriculture ; also
with respect to keeping the Sabbath, building of churches, school-houses, and similar
public works ; also about fighting, throwing stones, and similar petty crimes — pro-
vided that such orders are opposed, but, as far as possible, consonant with the laws of
our Fatherland and the statutes of this province ; and therefore all such orders of any

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 163

On the 15th of December, his Excellency, Gov. Colve, accompanied
by some of his officers and prominent citizens, repaired to the vil-
lage of Midwout, where, by his order, all the magistrates and field-
officers of the Dutch towns on Long Island had assembled. He
then and there informed them that he had learned that the New
England troops were even then on their way to assail the province ;
and, although he did not fully credit the report, yet he deemed it
necessary to remind them of their allegiance and duty, as well as to
recommend them, with all possible speed, to thrash out and trans-
port all their grain to New York. He also commanded them not to
be remiss in proceeding immediately, with the people of their vil-
lages, to the city whenever he should summon them ; advising mean-
while they should maintain a strict guard, and that, from time to time,
they should send out one or two mounted patrols towards the neigh-
boring English villages, to keep a lookout. All of which was unani-
mously promised by the authorities, who also thanked the Governor

importance, before being published, shall be submitted to the Chief Magistrate for his
approval.

Art. 10. The aforesaid Sheriff and Schepens shall see that all placards and ordi-
nances which are ordained and published by the Chief Magistrate are well observed
and executed, and shall not allow that they shall be disobeyed by any one ; that trans-
gressors shall be prosecuted, and that all and every law, as may from time to time be
issued by the Governor-General, shall be promptly enforced.

Art. 11. The Sheriff and Schepens shall acknowledge for their sovereign their High
and Mighty Lords the States-General of the United Netherlands, and His Serene High-
ness the Lord Prince of Orange, and shall defend and maintain their high jurisdiction,
rights, and domains in this country.

Art. 12. The election of all inferior officers and assistants, for the service of the afore-
said Schout and Schepens (the office of secretary only excepted), shall be made and
confirmed by the Schepens themselves.

Art. 13. The Sheriff, either personally or through his assistants, shall execute all the
judgments of the Schepens, discharging no individual except with full consent of the
Court. He shall furthermore take due care to keep his jurisdiction free from every
sort of villany in trading, brothels, and similar impurities.

Art. 14. The Sheriff shall receive half of all the civil fines during his term of service,
besides one-third of what falls to the share of the respective villages in criminal cases
but he shall not accept, either directly or indirectly, any presents, which are by law
forbidden.

Art. 15. Previous to the annual election, the Sheriff and Schepens shall make, in
nomination for Schepens, of a double number of the best qualified, honest, intelligent,
and wealthiest inhabitants (but only those belonging to, or well affected toward, the
Reformed Christian Religion), and shall present it the Governor, who shall then make
a selection, and, if he deem it best, confirm some of the old Schepens.

Done at Fort William Hendricks, October 1, 1673.

164 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

for his prudent precautions, and promised to abide by bis orders.
And, agreeably to the petition of some of the " country people," that
they might be permitted, for their better safety, to remove their fami-
lies and property into the city, and that some accommodation might
be apportioned to them for a season, the Hon. Cornelius Steenwyck,
of the Council, Cornelis Yan Euyven, and Johannes "Van Brugh, Bur-
gomaster, were appointed to look up the proper houses and accom-
modation, and to make the necessary provision at the ferry for the
safe and speedy passage of goods, etc., over the river.

The inhabitants of Breuckelen, Boswyck, and the other Dutch
towns were not slow in complying with these propositions of the
Governor, and so active and general was the emigration to the city,
as to threaten £h.e total depopulation of the west end of Long Island.
In this emergency, Gov. Colve, on the 26th of December, issued an
order, wherein he states that he " deemed it necessary that, for the
present, in each of those villages, a few males should remain, to pre-
vent further losses, until we have received further information of the
arrival or the designs of the enemy. And in order that this may be
most safely effected for the public welfare and in good order, there-
fore the respective captains, lieutenants, and ensigns of the afore-
said villages are hereby commanded to appear with their companies,
all armed, on Friday, the 29th of this month, in the forenoon, within
this city of New Orange and before the fortress William Hendricks,
leaving six men in each village. This being done, then immediately
one-third portion of each company shall be discharged to depart
to their several villages, there to remain until relieved by another
corporalship, which shall be done (until further orders) every third
day. Also, the officers are hereby authorized to give such orders
about thrashing grain and foddering the cattle, as each one shall
deem advisable within his own jurisdiction ; above all, taking especial
care that a vigilant watch is maintained and patrol kept up both day
and night, so that they may not be surprised by the enemy or sepa-
rated from us." J

But another change in the political condition of the country was
at hand, and the second epoch of Dutch power was terminated, in

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., xxiii. 185.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 165

February, 1674, by a treaty of peace between England and Holland,
by which New Netherlands was given to the English in exchange for
Surinam. The new governor, Sir Edmund Anclros, arrived at New
York on the 31st of October, received a formal surrender of the place,
and re-established the English government. The Duke's laws were
reinstated and confirmed, together with such grants and privileges
as had been previously enjoyed under his royal highness ; all legal
judicial proceedings during the Dutch government were pronounced
valid, and the inhabitants secured in their lawful estates and prop-
erty. A special order, also, of November 4th, reinstated in office, for
a period of sis months, the officials of the several towns who were
serving when the Dutch came in power. The fort again became
Fort James, and New Orange resumed its former name of New
Tobk.

166 HISTOKY OF BROOKLYN.

CHAPTEE VI.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF BEEUCKELEN.
1664-1803.

After Domine Selyns' return to Holland, in 1664, the church at
Breuckelen came again under the pastoral charge of Domine Pol-
hemus, the minister of the associated churches of the four Dutch
towns of the county. The labors of this venerable and faithful ser-
vant of God ceased only with his life ; and his death, on the 9th of
June, 1676, is commemorated on the records of the church at
Breuckelen in the following respectful and affectionate terms :

" It has pleased the Almighty God to remove from this world of care
and trouble our worthy and beloved pastor, Johannes Polhemus, to the
abode of peace and happiness in His heavenly kingdom ; by which our
ohurch is deprived of his pious instructions, godly example, and evangelical
ministrations, particularly in the administration of the holy sacrament of
the Lord's Supper."

During his ministry, in the year 1666, the first church edifice in
Breuckelen was erected in the middle of the highway, now Fulton
avenue, near Lawrence street. Tradition says that it was built on
the walls of a stone fort, constructed in the early days of the settle-
ment for protection against the savages. This first church remained
in existence just a century, being pulled down in the year 1766.

By the death of Domine Polhemus, the churches of Kings County
were deprived of the regular preaching of the Gospel, and the
Breuckelen church invited the Bev. Mr. Nieuwenhausen, of New
Amsterdam, to supply their pulpit, which he did until the year
1677. In that year the collegiate churches of the county extended
a call to the Bev. Casparus Van Zuren, from Holland, who was
installed on the 6th of September at Flatbush, and of whom little is
known, except that he was an industrious and systematic man.1

1 As evidenced by the very copious minutes which he has left upon the Flatbush
Church Records, of the services which he performed, lists of baptisms, marriages, elec-
tions of officers, etc. See Strong's Hist, of Flatbnsli, p. 80.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 167

When the pulpit of the church in New York was vacant, he
preached there every Wednesday by invitation, without failure on
account of weather ; for which he received compensation and a vote
of thanks from the New York Consistory. He also preached (1680-2)
for the Dutch church at Bergen. In 1685 he returned to Holland,
where he resumed his former charge over the church at Gonderac.1

The records of the church at Flatbush during Van Zuren's pas-
torate present the following minutes, which may not be uninteresting
to our readers :

"Respecting another difficulty, touching the preaching at Flatbush
beyond the usual turn. It was asked, inasmuch as this (i. e., a similar
case) had occurred at a previous meeting, on the 15th November, 1679,
whether, when the town which has the turn shall neglect to fetch the
minister, or be hindered by foul weather, such ought to pass for a turn for
Flatbush — which appeared improper, because in such case the minister
would then (only) sit still. After some debate between Flatbush and the
other towns, the minister observed that the service on the Lord's day
might not be neglected; for it could not injure the other towns that Flat-
bush had an extra turn, for the other towns thereafter again took their
course (». e., their respective turns). That the minister not being fetched
by anybody, evidently belonged no more to the one than to the other, and
in such a case he stood free on his own feet to give the extra turn to
whom he pleased ; that Flatbush received profit, but the other towns no
injury, (and) that this was unjust no one could pretend ; and that Flat-
bush was not obligated to the other towns, but to the minister whom they
remunerated, which was evident, inasmuch as they had purchased a piece
of land 16 rods long and 12 broad, adjoining the parsonage ; and this ought
to be duly considered, although no person ought to be a judge in his own

1 The two self-righteous Labadist travellers, whose journal forms the first volume
of the Collections of the L. I. Hist. Society, have left us a brief glimpse of Van Zuren :
" While we were sitting there, Do. Van Suren came up, to whom the farmers called
out as uncivilly and rudely as if he had been a boy. He had a chatting time with all
of them. As Jan Theunissen had said to us in the house, that if the Domine only had
a chance ever to talk to us, Oh, how he would talk to us ! that we avoided him, and
therefore could not be very good people ; now, as we were there, we sat near him and
the boors and those with whom he was conversing. He spoke to us, but not a word ot
that fell from him. Indeed, he sat prating and gossiping with the boors, who talked
foully and otherwise, not only without giving them a single word of reproof, but even
without speaking a word about God, or spiritual matters. It was all about horses, and
cattle, and swine, and grain, and then he went away."

168 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

case ; therefore the minister advised that this difference be referred and
submitted to the Honorable the Consistory of New York." 1

On the 14th of October, 1680, the following was agreed to, being
article 7 of a new agreement with the minister, viz. :

" Those of Flatbush shall provide that the minister's field be enlarged
two morgen, in order that the minister may keep a horse and suitably
attend to the service of the Church, and also make all necessary repairs to
the fences, dwelling, kitchens, well, and appurtenances, with earnest desire
and integrity of heart."

The interference of the British authorities, who then held the
Dutch colonies in subjection, with the concerns of the Eeformed
Dutch churches, produced much uneasiness and a considerable
show of opposition among the inhabitants of the four towns. And
in 1680 the Church Council, assembled in synod at Flatbush, form-
ally resolved that the charge and management of church lands and
property belonged to the Church Council, and was secured to them by
the Charter of Freedoms ; and furthermore, that the English officials
were, by their oaths of office, bound to protect and not to abridge
the rights of the church.2 They also chose church masters, to take
charge of the church property ; and these officers were reappointed
for several successive years.

In a MS. of the Eev. Peter Lowe, quoted by some writers, " a

1 Translation of the second resolution of the session of the four towns, held at Flat-
bush the 1st of February, 1680.

2 Translation. " In Synedrio Midwoudano. The following was done on the 1st of
February, 1679 (-80) :

" Whereas the Church Consistory judged that the charge of the goods and lands of
the Low Dutch Church ought to be intrusted to the Hon. the Church Council, because
it accords with the freedoms granted to us in this land,

"Therefore, the said Consistory provide (as it may not accord with their service in
the church) that the right of choosing Church-Masters should be given to them, in
connection with the Hon. Constables and Overseers, not because they judged that the
English officers had any power over the church, or church property, as that would be
contrary to the Dutch freedom, but simply to cause the aforesaid officers faithfully to
maintain and protect the church and church property, which is not contrary to their
oath or trust, etc.

" Whereupon, collectively with the Hon. Magistrate and Church Council, Joseph
Hegeman, Adriaen Reijersz, Dirck Jansz Vander Vliet, were appointed as Church
Masters in the place of the retiring officers."

This action was continued in 1680, 1681, 1683.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 169

Mr. Clark" is mentioned as the immediate successor of Domine Van
Zuren. But of him nothing is known, and if such a person existed,
it is quite probable that he was merely a temporary supply. At all
events, in the carefully prepared "History of the Reformed Dutch
Church in North America," by the Rev. Dr. DeWitt, which we may
safely assume to be the highest authority on these points, we find
the name of the Rev. Rudolphus "Van Varick as minister of Kings
County from 1685 to 1694. During the Leislerian troubles, in 1689,
Mr. Yarick, as well as the other Dutch ministers, stood out against
the authority of Leisler, and was treated with much harshness, being
dragged from his home, cast into the jail, deposed from his minis-
terial functions, and fined heavily. These severities, which were
heaped upon him for alleged treasonable utterances against Leisler,
undoubtedly hastened his death.1 His congregation, also, were
divided, and many of them refused to pay his salary according to
the terms upon which they called him from Holland, — especially, as
he says, in a petition to the Governor, Sept. 11th, 1691, for the six
months of his imprisonment. The Court ordered the arrears of
salary due him by his congregation to be collected, by distress, if
necessary? Mr. Varick was naturalized on the 29th of July, 1686,
and his posterity are to be found on the island.3

He was succeeded by the Rev. "Wtlhelmus Lupardus, whose min-
istry was terminated by death in 1701 or 2.

Being thus again deprived of a regular ministry, the people of the
four towns empowered the elders of the churches within said towns
to procure a minister, " either out of the province or out of Hol-
land," and the elders, after much deliberation, determined upon the
Rev. Beknakdus Freeman, of Schenectady, and applied to the Gov-

1 This is Secretary Clarkson's statement (Doc. Hist. N. Y., ii. 431, 432), but another
party, not so favorably inclined, says that Varick was, at first, in favor of the revolu-
tion of Leisler, and influenced Kings County to act unanimously in its favor ; but that,
afterwards, he was won over to a contrary opinion, and created a diversion in the
popular mind. The same authority says that he was suspected by the people of con-
spiring to seize the fort in New York, was arrested, and released, after a time, upon his
submission to Leisler ; that he favored the execution of the latter, " made intolerable
sermons" against him, and cherished animosity even to his dying day.

2 Council Minutes, vi. 55.

3 May 19, 1690, in an address to William and Mary, he styles himself " Pastor
Ecclesiae Belgicse in Insula Longa."

170 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

ernor, Lord Cornbury, for permission to call him. Their action,
however, well-meant as it undoubtedly was, gave rise to a contention
which was destined to distract and agitate the inhabitants of Kings
County for many succeeding years. The people, always jealous
of the English power, to which they were unwilling subjects, and
particularly sensitive to any interference of that power with their
ecclesiastical affairs, were highly indignant because the elders had
seen fit to ask the Governor's permission to call Mr. Freeman. In
Flatbush, the disaffected even went so far as to convene a town
meeting, whereat the regular elders of that church were deposed
from office and new ones elected in their stead, who were instructed
forthwith to send for Mr. Freeman ; while at Breuckelen certain
busybodies went around endeavoring to gain signatures to a peti-
tion or call to the said Freeman, and also for the choosing of three
new elders from that town, as had been done at Flatbush.1 Their
discontent was undoubtedly encouraged by some inconsiderate acts
of Domine Freeman, and his evident desire to come among them —
although in direct opposition to the expressed desire of his own
church at Schenectady.2

The legal examination of the contending parties before the Coun-
cil, resulted in the following order from Governor Cornbury :

" I having duly Considered the Within petition, and having been well
Informed that Mr. Bar. ffreeman has misbehaved himself by promoting
and Encouraging the unhappy divisions among the people of this province,
do not think it Consistent with her Majestie's Service that the sd ffreeman
should be admitted to be called, as is prayed by the sd petition, And the
petitioners are hereby required not to call or receive the sd ffreeman. But
they are hereby left at Liberty to send for such Minister as they shall
think fitt, from holland or any other place, as hath been customary." 3

The opposition which Mr. Freeman met with from the Governor,
the people of his charge at Schenectady, and the disaffected minority
in Flatbush and Breuckelen, although it retarded, did not defeat his
settlement in Kings County. Late in the year 1705, he received the
following commission as minister there :

1 Doc. Hist. N. Y., iii. 189, 140, 141, 142. 3 Ibid., iii. 143, 144.

3 The above order is on a scrap of paper Avithout date. Dr. Strong (Hist. Flatbush)
states that it was made on 23d Oct., 1702.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 171

"By his Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury Cap' Gen" & Govr in
Cheife of ye Provinces of New York, New Jersey, & of all The Terri-
tories and Tracts of Land Depending Thereon in America & Vice
Admirale of ye same, &c.
" To Mr Bernardus Freeman Greeting —

" You are hereby Licenced, Tollerated, and allowed to be Minist' of the
Dutch Congregation at New Uytrecht, Flackbush, Bruyckland, and Bus-
wick, in Kings County, upon The Island of Nassaw, in the sJ Province of
New York, and to have & Exercise the free Liberty and use of yor Reli-
gion, according to ye Laws in such case made and Provided for, & During
So Long Time as to me shall Seem meet, & all P'sons are hereby Required
to Take Notice hereof accordingly. Given under my hand & seal at Fort
Anne, in New York, This 26th day of Decemr, in the fourth year of her
Ma"es Reigne Annoq: Dra 1705. "Cornbury.1

" By his Excellna command. •

" William Anderson, Dy Secy."

In compliance with this order, Mr. Freeman's installation cere-
monies took place at New Utrecht ;2 but his troubles were not yet
ended. While his adherents had been foisting him into the pastor-
ate, his opponents had made formal application to the Classis at
Amsterdam for a minister, and in response to their request the Rev.
Vincentius Antonedes arrived from the Fatherland on the first of
January, 1705-6,3 and was duly installed at Flatbush, assuming the
charge of the four churches, to which, in 1702, had been added the
newly formed church of Jamaica.

The controversy between the two parties rapidly increased in
bitterness and extent. Freeman's adherents, conscious of the pro-
tection of the Governor and Council, formally demanded that the
church books, lands, and stock should be delivered into their keep-
ing ; to which the " original" church party very naturally demurred.
On petition of Domine Freeman' s party, the Governor then issued
a warrant to the authorities of the Flatbush and Breuckelen
churches, to deliver up said property and books to Mr. Freeman.4

1 N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii. 145. 2 Ibid., iii. 147.

3 Prime says, "in Nov., 1705," which does not agree well with the date of the above
commission.

4 N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii. 146, 147.

172 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

To this the elders of the churches of Breuckelen, Flatbush, and
Flatlands replied by a counter petition, in which they recite the
circumstances attending Doniine Antonides' settlement; assert
that Mr. Freeman was " only called minister for the town of New
Utrecht," and " has entered upon two of the said churches without
any lawful call, and has continually obstructed their minister," etc.,
and conclude by requesting that a council may be called, composed
of some of her Majesty's Council and the Deputies of the Dutch
churches of the province, by whom the matter may be fully exam-
ined and decided.1 The council was granted, to which were forthwith
presented various and divers petitions from both of the contending
parties, as well as the following documents, which we copy ver-
batim :

PEOPOSALS

" Offered by Cornelius Seabring, Ingelbert Lot, and Cornelius Van Brunt,

in behalf of themselves and others, Members of ye Dutch Churches of

Flatbush, Brookland, and New Utrecht, in Kings County, on the Island

of Nassau (who have hitherto adhered to the Interest of Domine Ber-

nardus Freeman, their Minister) pursuant to a due authority to them

the sd Seabring, Lot, & Van Brunt, for that purpose given; for the

more perfect and effectuall accommodation of the Difference between

ye said Members, and others, Members of ye sd 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 sd Members

which have hitherto hapend, be on either side no further talked of, but

entirely buryed in Oblivion.

" 2Jly. That Domine Bernardus Freeman, from the time the agreem'
intended shall take effect, may in all things relating to the three Dutch
Churches of Flatbush, Brookland, and New Utrecht, or any other Neigh-
boring Churches, be admitted and put into equal State and Condition
wlh Domine Vincentius Antonides (to wit) in Service, in Sallary, in House
& Land, and all other Proffits.

" 3. That in order to put an End to ye Dispute concerning the present
Consistory of Flatbush & Brookland, those persons wch Mr. Freeman now

1 N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii. 148, date January 27, 1708-9.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 173

Deems to be a Consistory, & those persons wch Mr. Antonides now Deems
to be a Consistory, Do severally Elect two Elders and Deacons of each
part, in the presence & wth 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
sd two Churches of fflat Bush & Brookland for the first ensuing year &
that at the end of ye sd year to comence from the sd election, half of them
shall be removed & four others chosen in their stead, and at the end of
two years after sJ first election, the other half shall be removed, & other
four shall be .chosen in their stead, & so successively evei'y year according
to ye usuall custom, the said Elections to be made by the votes of both the
sd Ministers and the Consistory for the time being : and that whenever the
sd Ministers 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 sd New Consistory, so to be
made by both parties as aforesaid, each party shall, of their own parts
respectively bear pay and discharge the Sallary, Perquisites, and other
things due to ye respective Ministers, viz', Those who have hitherto sided
with Mr Freeman shall clear all arrears to him : & those who have hitherto
sided with Mr Antonides, all arrears to him.

"New York March 5th 1708. * "Cornelis Seberingh,

" Endorsed, ' Proposals on the part of " Engelbardt Lotte,

Mr Freeman's friends. 1708.' " Cornelis Van Brunt."

AETICLES

" Exhibited by the Elders & Deacons of the Dutch Reformed Protestant
Church of the Towns of Brookland, fflatbush, and fflatlands, on the
Island of Nassau, for the Reconciling the differences wch have of late
been amongst the Dutch Churches on the said Island.
" 1st That all parties do consent that Mr Antonides, according to the
rules of the said Church, is the duely called Minister of Brookland, flat-
bush and flatlands, and that the Elders & Deacons wch were lately chosen
by Mr Antonides with the assistance and consent of those Elders &
Deacons wch he formed there at his arrivall are yet still the true Elders &
Deacons, and that what ever has been acted to the contrary by Mr Free-
man & others was always null & void & is so still ; That therefore the
collections gathered in the Churches of Brookland & flatbush by the
friends of Mr Freerman be delivered to the Consistory of Mr Antonides to
be disposed of according to the rules of the Church.

174 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

" 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.

" 3d'7 That all parties do consent, that no such lycence, or the other orders
wch the Lord Cornbury has granted to Mr Freeman whereby the Effects
of the sd 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 Eccle-
siasticall Jurisdiccon of the Dutch Churches in this Province is wholly in
the Power of the Govr according to his will & pleasure, That yet never-
theless all parties do firmly own that the Dutch Churches in this Province
are accountable to the Gov1 for their peaceable & good behaviour in their
Doctrin, Disciplin, and Church Government ; that is to say, as farr as it
does consist with the Rules & Constitucons of their own nationall Church
always enjoyed at New York, As well as they have the right and Privi-
ledge to be protected by the Civill Gov' in the free exercise of their
Religion according to their own Constitution.

" 4'h'y That all parties consent to subscribe the Church Orders of the
Classis of Amsterdam, & those practiced on the Island of Nassauw not
being contradictory thereto, & that in case any matter in difference cannot
be decided amongst themselves the same be referred to the other Dutch
Churches of this Province & if not by them decided the same to be sub-
mitted to the Classis of Amsterdam, whose decision is to be binding.

<i gthiy That all parties reject the expression made by Mr. Freerman at a
certain time, viz1 that when the Church Orders were for his advantadge he
observed them, but if they were against him he went round about the
same, & could tread them under his feet.

u gthiy That then Mr Freeman shall be in a condicon to be called to those
congregacons on the sd Island where he is not yet called according to the
rules of the Church, and shall be called accordingly, Provided Mr Freer-
man's friends do first find out sufficient means thereto and a dwelling
house and do perswade the Congregacons aforesaid to desire the Consis-
tory to call him in an Ecclesiasticall manner.

(i fjihiy To the end that there may be a perfect peace in all the Dutch
Churches on the said Island all parties, together with the freinds 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.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 175

" 8lhIy That all parties consent that these articles being intcrcnangeably
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 approbacon.

" Lastly. If Mr Freerman & his friends should not be pleased to consent
to the above articles that then Cap" Joannes De Peyster be desired to pro-
duce the resolucon of the Classis of Amsterdam, whereby Peace is said to
be recommended according to the order of the said Classis, as Mr Freer-
man 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.

"New-York 4th March 17o£.

" By order of the said Elders and Deacons,

"Abrah: Goitverneur,
"Joseph Hegeman,
"Geronemus Remsen,
" Endorsed, " Pieter Melijus. •

" ' Proposals on the part of Mr Antonides's friends. 1708.' " '

After a full and patient hearing of all the testimony in the cas<>,
the Council sent in majority and minority reports to the Governor.
The former, signed by Messrs. Eip Van Dam, A. D. Philipse, J. V.
Courtlandt, and Leendert Hugyen De Kley, finds " that Mr. Anton-
ides is duly and regularly called minister of the said towns of
Brookland, Flatbush, and Flatlands, according to the discipline,
practice, aud constitution of the Dutch churches of the towns afore-
said, and that Mr. Freeman is duly 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." 2 The minority report,
by Messrs. D. Provoost, A. D. Peyster, and Jo. D. Peyster, finds
that " Mr. Freeman is justly and legally called and entitled to the
ministry of the churches of Breukland, Flatbush, New Utrecht, and
Boswyck." s The majority report, however, in favor of Mr. Anton-

1 N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii. 151-154. * Ibid #> m 159

3 N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii. 160, 161, date Oct. 6, 1709 : "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 & Meth-

176 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

ides, was accepted by the Governor and Council,1 and Governor
Lovelace thereupon promulgated an order to the effect that " His
Honor having considered the said report and the matters therein
contained, does think fit to order and direct, and does hereby order
and direct, that from this time forward Mr. Freeman and Mr. Anton-
ides shall preach at all the said churches in Kings County alter-
nately, and divide all the profits equally, share and share alike ; and
to avoid all further disputes between the said ministers, Mr. Free-
man shall preach next Sunday at Flatbush, and the Sunday follow-
ing Mr. Antonides shall preach at Flatbush, and so on in the other
churches, turn by turn ; if either of them refuses to comply with this
order, to be dismissed." 2

The doughty Doraine Antonides, however, was not so easily
satisfied, and firmly but courteously refused to obey the order, saying
that " 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 honour's
displeasure, he humbly beggs leave to Eepresent that he cannot
comply with the said Order unless he breaks thro' the Ptules &

ods prescribed by the Sinod of Dort for the Governmt: of the Dutch Reformed Churches,
they having Continued as Such Some three years, Some four years, whereas by the
Constitution of the said Sinod 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 Cases) and that apears utterly false by the Examinations, for that the pretended
authority for making that call apears not to be given in a publiq meeting, 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 Govrs
License, & aprobation for making the said call, whereas it appears by the oath of the
Lord Cornbury Govr & thire own confession that the Lord Cornbury, did not give any
License to make that call,

" Fourthly, that on the contrary it apears that Mr Freeman was called by a gen
erall Towne Meeting Publiqly assembled (as has alwaies been Customary) for which
the Express License & aprobation of the Lord Cornbury then Governour had bein first
obtained.

" Fifthly, that the having a License from the Govt was Esteemed necessary even
by Mr Antonides himselfe & those that sided with him, Since both he & they fre-
quently 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 our Selves to the
Examinations & the Respective papers produced at the taking thereof."

1 Council Minutes, N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii. 162, date Oct. 20, 1709.

2 N. Y. Doc Hist., iii. 165.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 177

Discipline of the Dutch Reformed Protestant Churches, the Consti-
tucon 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." '

The only reply which the intractable domine received, was notice
that the Governor " had already determined the matter, and would
hear nothing further."2 Still, he and his friends continued to worry
the Governor with petition after petition, and finally (April 18, 1710),
in the interval between Gov. Lovelace's term and the arrival of the
new Governor, Robert Hunter, the question was again brought up
in the Council, of which the Hon. Gerardus Beekman was president
pro tern. It was then and there determined that the majority report
rendered to the Council in 1709, in favor of Mr. Antonides, should
be confirmed. Mr. Antonides had at length triumphed ; but a few
days thereafter Mr. Freeman surreptitiously obtained an order from
Mr. Beekman, the President of the Board, authorizing him to preach
"alternately with Mr. Antonides, in Flatbush and Brookland
churches." This outside movement on the part of Mr. Beekman
gave great umbrage to the adherents of Mr. Antonides, who earn-
estly protested against it, and requested that the order thus illegally
granted might be recalled/ The Council also felt insulted by the
unwarrantable act of their President, and on his refusing, at their
next sitting, to recall his order to Domine Freeman, " they declared
they would not meet in council till it was done ; telling the Presi-
dent, 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 council. And there-
upon the Council broke up." 4

1 N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii. 166. 2 Ibid., iii. 167. 3 Ibid., iii. 172— date June 12, 1710.
4 Council Minutes, x. ; N. Y. Doc. Hist., iii. 173. The following document relative to
the above is taken from Doc. Hist. N. Y., iii. 174, 175 :

"h. ffilkin to secretary (clarke) explanatory of the quarrel between him and
lt. gov. beekman.

" Sm — I am in expectation of a complaint coming to his Excellency by Coll. Beeckman
against me, and that his Excellency may be rightly informed of the matter, my hum-
ble request to you is, that if such a thing happen, be pleased to give his Excellency
an account thereof, which is as follows : A ffriday night last, the Justices of the County
and I came from his Excellency's ; Coll. Beeckman happened 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

12

178 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

The difficulty being laid before Governor Hunter, as soon as pos-
sible after his arrival, occasioned the following kindly and prudent
communication from him to the Justices of Kings County :

"New York 15th Septr 1710.
" Gentlemen

" The Controversy between Mr ffreeman and Mr. Antonides concerning
the Churches in your County looking now with a fairer aspect towards a
Reconciliation than 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 accommo-
dated to the Satisfaction of both those Gentlemen, and to the generall
approbation of all their Congregations, whereby their present devisions
may be healed, and the disagreing 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-mor-
row no further use be made hereof.

dispute between Coll. Beeckman and myself, about his particular order that he lately
made to Mr ffreeman, when he was President of the Councill, without the consent of
the Councill : Coll. Beeckman stood to 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 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 had, being equall 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 pittifull
fellow, dog, rogue, rascall, &c, 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 soe overcome with passion and inflamed with wine. The
works of these Dutch ministers is the occasion of all our quarrels. And this is the
truth of the matter, there were no blows offered, nor noe more done. Mr ffreeman has
preached at Broockland yesterday accordingly, and the Church doore was broke open,
by whom is not yet knowne. Soe I beg your pardon ffor this trouble, crave your favour
in this matter, and shall always remaine,

" Sir, your ffaithful and humble servant,
" (June, 1710.) " H. Filkin."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 179

" I desire you to tell Mr Antonides and Mr ffreeman that I would speak
with them here on Monday next.

" I am sincerely, Gentlemen,

" Your very humble Servr

" Ro. Hunter." l

The " good hopes" of the worthy Governor were not destined to
be realized — dissension still prevailed, and on the 27th of November
his Excellency desired the members of the Council to favor him with
their opinions as to what should be done in the case. The members
of the Council, with but one dissenting voice, advised that " the order
made in Council in this matter on the 18th of April last, be con-
firmed, whereby Mr. Antonides was to be protected in the free
exercise of his ministerial functions in the towns of Flatbush, Flat-
lands, and Brookland," etc. On the 30th of April, 1711, in conse-
quence of a complaint that Domine Freeman had " lately preached
in the churches of Kings County to which Mr. Antonides is called,
and that many violent proceedings are taken, to the great disturb-
ance of the public peace of the said churches and county ;" and,
furthermore, that the town of Flatbush had lately elected Church-
Masters, " after a new and unprecedented manner," etc., a Council
order was issued, ordering " that Mr. Freeman does not presume to
preach in any of the churches to which Mr. Antonides is called, and
that none of the said Church-Masters so newly elected presume to
intermeddle in the affairs of the said church, or in any lands, houses,
or other effects, thereto belonging." a

The next item recorded, is an application of Antonides and his
Consistory for a charter, as follows :

" To his Excellency Robert Hunter Esq' Capt" Gen" & Govr in Chief in
in and over her Malies Province of New York &c &c &c.

" The humble Peticon of Vincentius Antonides Minister of the Reformed
Protestant Dutch Churches of Flatbush Brookland & flatlands in Kings
County on the Island of Nassau in the Province of New York Joannes
Cornel Rynier Aarsen, & Henry Filkin Elders of the said Church at
Flatbush Benjamin Hegeman Cornells Cornel & Jan Bennet Deacons
thereof — Michiel Hansen Jan Dorlant & Cornelis Van Duyn Elders of

1 Doc. Hist. N. Y., iii. 175. s Ibid., iii. 177.

180 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

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 said Church in Flatlands, Harman Hoog-
lant Alexander Simson & Jan Auierman 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 there 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 Provinces of the United Netherlands
acording to their Profession and Discipline Established by the nationall
Synod of Dort held in the year 1618 & 1619 which said three Churches
since the settlement have always Joyned together 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 Lauds & Tenements respectively
for every particular Church aforesaid That is to say for the Church of
Flatbush two Lotts 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 V Rodd laid out
by N° 19 and the other over the Second Creek broad 12 Rod N° 15 both
stretching from the woods to the Sea Allso oneother 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 N° 20
and the other over the Second creek broad 13 Rodd N° 11 Allso one Lot
of Land lying amongst the new Lotts of the said Towns 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 gardens and yard adjoyning conteining ten acres, Allso
one howse & Lot of ground in the said Town called the School howse con-
teining 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.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 181

•
" And for the Church of Brookland one Lot 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 Flatland, One Lot of Land at a place called
Amesfoorts Neck containing Twenty Acres laid out by N° 10 And Allso
the Church in sd 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 & other Pious Charitable
uses —

" 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 Province 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 & Tenemens
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 yor Petion" as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &g
" Lutcas Steuens, " V. Antonides,

" Gerrit Stoothop, " Reynier Aertsek,

" Claes Van Dyck, " Johannes Cornell,

" Hermanus Hooglandt, " Hen: ffilkin,

" Jan Amearman, " Alexander Simpson (mark),

" MlGGUEL HANSEN, " BENJAMIN HEGEMAN,

" John Dorland (mark), " Cornelis Cornel,

" Cornelis Van Duyn, " Dit is het j-n cigen gestelt

" IsAACRi Remsen, handt merk van

" Jan Rap ale, " Jan Bennit.

" Kings County the 1 Augst 1711,

" Read in Council 8 Aug 1711. & referred."

182 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

t

Contrary to the order of April 18th, 1710, and the subsequent
confirmatory orders, Mr. Freeman once more intruded his ministra-
tions upon the congregation at Flatbush, in September, 1713 j1 but
this is the last recorded belligerent act of the controversy which
had now agitated the churches of Kings County for upwards of
thirteen years, and vexed the souls of four royal governors and
their councils. Near the close of the year 1714 the long contest
was happily terminated by a convention of delegates from the sev-
eral congregations, who mutually agreed to lay aside their ancient
differences, and acknowledge Messrs. Freeman and Antonides as
their ministers.2 Breuckelen, Bushwick, Flatbush, Flatlands, New
Utrecht, and even Jamaica, were all included within the charge,
and both the domines resided at Flatbush, in the pleasant and har:
monious discharge of their duties. They were esteemed as men of
respectable talents and acquirements.

During their ministry the Reformed Dutch Churches of New
Netherlands were sadly agitated by the question concerning the or-
ganization of a Coetus, or assembly of ministers and elders, in this
country, subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam.3

1 Strong's Hist. Flatbush, p. 46.

2 This Convention agreed upon the proportion of salary to be raised by the different
churches for the support of the ministers, and the times and places of preaching and of
communion. It was arranged that one minister should preach on one Sabbath in Bush-
wick, and the other in New Utrecht ; the next Sabbath, one in Brooklyn, and the other
in Flatlands ; on the third Sabbath, one in Flatbush, the other in Jamaica ; and so on,
in regular rotation. As to communions, Bushwick, Brooklyn, and Flatbush were to
commune together ; Flatlands, Gravesend, and New Utrecht, together ; and the congre-
gations of Queens County should form another communion.

3 The movement towards the formation of a Coetus was initiated in 1737, by a conven-
tion of ministers at New York, at which Doinine Freeman attended on behalf of the
Dutch churches of Long Island. A plan was formed, and having been generally
adopted by the churches, was ratified by a second convention, held in April, 1738, at
which Freeman again appeared as delegate. The approval of the Classis of Amster-
dam did not, however, reach this country until 1746, being brought over by Rev. Mr.
Van Sinderen • and the first meeting of the new Coetus was held in September, 1747, at
the city of New York, being the first judicial organization, higher than a Consistory,
established in the American Dutch Church. The Coetus plan, however, met with oppo-
sition from several churches and ministers, and gave rise to differences which seriously
agitated the Reformed Dutch denomination for many years thereafter. The contest
related principally to the question of the right of ordination, and the exercise of church
authority: the " Coetus party" claiming that, in view of the increase of churches in this
country, and the inconvenience of importing all their ministers from Holland, it would
be better to have a regular organization into classes and synods, similar in all rpe^wta

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

183

Feeeman was born at Gilhius, Holland ; received a call to Sche-
nectady, to which charge he was ordained by the Classis of Linge,
March 16, 1700. He first
officiated at Schenectady,
July 28th of that year,
learned the Mohawk lan-
guage, and made many
Indian converts. On the
25th of August, 1705, he
married Magretia Van
Schaick of New York,
who died January 18th,
1738, leaving him a hand-
some fortune. In 1721
he published a volume of
sermons in Dutch, en-
titled " The Balances of
God's Grace," which was
printed in Amsterdam
and another entitled " De

Spiegel der Selfkennis" (or Mirror of Self-knowledge), being a col-
lection, in the Dutch language, of ancient moral and philosophical
maxims, which was subsequently translated by General Jeremiah
Johnson, and which is described as displaying a great amount of
learning and research. In 1735 he purchased seven acres of land at
Flatbush, and built a house, which is still standing, although altered ;
and died in the year 1741. His only child, Anna Margaretta, mar-

'/^^T^J

^J -jysycrr***>*\

to those of the mother country ; and the " Conferentie party," as they were called, that
all ministers should be ordained by, or under the authority of, the Classis at Amster-
dam. This unhappy controversy continued until 1772; and so alienated and embit-
tered were the opposing parties, that many would not worship together with, or even
speak to, those of the other party. " Sometimes" (says Strong, Hist. Flatbush) " they
woidd not turn out when they met on the road. On one occasion, it is said that two of
these redoubtable opponents, belonging to Flatbush, meeting in their wagons, and
both refusing to give the road, they each deliberately took out their pipes and began
to smoke ! How long they continued at this very pacific employment is not stated,
nor is it said whether the difficulty between them was lost sight of by the cloud of
smoke obscuring their vision, or whether their pipes were ever turned into the calumet
of peace."

184 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

ried lier cousin, David Clarkson, a son of the Secretary of the
Province, and left numerous descendants.

Freeman's successor, in 1742, was the Kev. Johannes Abon-
DEUS, from Rotterdam, who seems to have possessed a contu-
macious spirit, and t© have led an irregular life. He quarrelled
with his new colleague, Van Sinderen, very soon after the lat-
ter's arrival; and, in May, 1747, he went off secretly, as was
alleged, to the Raritan, where he was installed as minister ;
returning, however, July 31, 1718, to Kings County, where he
resumed his functions, especially at Brookland and New Utrecht.
His outraged parishioners brought charges against him (Septem-
ber 27, 1748) before

the Ccetus. These he Sy^
refused to notice ; ^%t^-^^, *.
whereupon he was de-
clared to be an unlaw-

. . FAC-SIMILE OF AUTOGRAPH OF KEV. JOHANNES AKONDEUS.

ful minister of Kings

County, but replied that he should continue to perform service
there. On appeal to the Classis of Amsterdam (January 12, 1751),
the action of the Ccetus was confirmed, and the latter, on 16th April,

1752, passed sentence upon Arondeus — (1), that his Consistory was
unlawful ; (2), that he should not administer the word of sacra-
ments ; and (3), that the church property should be restored to Van
Sinderen. Their action was, however, totally disregarded by Aron-
deus. Proposals of peace for Long Island were offered (December
5, 1752) by the Classis of Amsterdam. On the 20th of September,

1753, the Ccetus confirmed anew their former sentence, averring, in
reply to his appeals, that (1), he misbehaved to his servant-maid;
(2), that he was a drunkard ; and (3), that he kept alive the flames
of discord. The last time he baptized a child, in Queen's County,
was at Jamaica, in April, 1754. He probably remained on the isl-
and, leading the same dissolute life, for some time ; for, in October,
1772, the Synod cautioned the people against " one Johannes Aron-
deus, who claims to be a minister of the Church, but has no ecclesi-
astical attestation."

Mr. Antonides died in 1744. In a New York paper of that date
we find his death thus noticed : " On the 18th of July, 1744, died at

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 185

his house at Flatbush, the Eev. Mr. Vincentius Antontdes, in the
74th year of his age. He was a. gentleman of extensive learning ;
of an easy, condescending behavior and conversation, and of a reg-
ular, exemplary piety, endeavoring to practise, himself, what he
preached to others ; was kind, benevolent, and charitable to all,
according to his abilities ; meek, humble, patriotic, and resigned
under all afflictions, losses, calamities, and misfortunes which be-
fell him in his own person and family, which were not a few ; and
after a lingering disease, full of hopes of a blessed immortality,
departed this life, to the great and

irreparable loss of his relations - r~">\ -

and friends, and to the great grief (J Jnfa?k?~UAj &t^p£f
of his congregation and Mends." *£&^/ $xZ^Cf-^C
He was succeeded by the Eev. Ul- ' ^ /

PIANUS VAN SlKDEEEN,1 a native of fac-simile of autograph of eev. vtncen-

TTII-1-ri -in ir* XT TUTS ANTONIDES.

Holland, in the year 1746. He

began to preach at Flatbush, April 19, 1747. In October of the
following year he married (his first wife) Cornelia Schenck, who
was subsequently killed by being thrown out of a wagon.

Upon the deposition from the ministerial office of the Kev. Mr.
Afondeus, his place was filled by the Rev. Antontus Curtenius,2
from Hackensack, N. J., where he had preached since 1730, and was
installed as Van Sinderin's colleague, May 2, 1755. He died in Oc-
tober, 1756, at the age of fifty-eight years. In a newspaper of
the day we find the following notice of this gentleman : " On Tues-
day, the 19th ultimo, the Reverend Mr. Anthony Curtentus de-
parted this transitory life, at Flat-Bush, Long Island, in the 59th
Tear of his Age, after an Illness of about four Weeks, being Pastor
of the five Dutch Reformed Churches in Kings County, on Long
Island. He was a Gentleman regularly educated, and remarkable
for his indefatigable Diligence in the Ministration of his Function.
His Actions in all the Affairs of Life have ever been accompanied
with the strictest Rules of Justice ; so that none could with more

1 His great-grandson, Adriaen Van Sinderen, a prominent and highly respected
citizen of Brooklyn, was the founder and first president of the Long Island Bible So-
ciety.

2 So named from Curten, a town of Holland.

186 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Propriety claim the Title of a Preacher and a sincere Christian,
which not only his Morals manifested, but his Glorious Kesolutions
to launch into endless Eternity, saying with St. Paul, 0 Death !
where is thy Sting ? 0 Grave ! wJiere is thy Victory ? His Kemains
were decently interred on Thursday following, in the Church of the
above-named place. His Death is universally lamented by his Be-
lations, and all those that knew him, particularly his Congregation,
who are highly sensible of the Loss of so inestimable a Shepard,
whose every Action displayed the Christian."1

His place was supplied by the Eev. Johannes Caspaeus Eubel, a na-
tive of Hesse Cassel, in Germany, who had been settled at Pied Hook,
Dutchess County, froru 1755 to August, 1757, when he was called to
be colleague pastor with Domme Van Sinderen, over the churches of
Kings County. He was educated in Germany, and came to this coun-
try (1751), with others of the German Beformed Church, under the
auspices of the Classis of Amsterdam, from which body he received
an annual salary of £15, while settled over the German Church at
Philadelphia. Even then he was so insubordinate to his superiors,
that the German Coetus styled him "the rebellious Bubel," and voted,
April 9, 1755, that he ought to withdraw from his charge. He, at
first, desired to avail himself of the six months' notice ; but finally
gave his farewell discourse, April, 1755, left Pennsylvania, and set-
tled at Bhinebeck. He was naturalized on the 23d of December,
1765 ; and in June, 1769, styled himself " Ecclesiastes in Kings
County and in the Manor of Cortland ;" and in August, 1770, " Min-
ister of Clarkstown" — probably on the strength of his having occa-
sionally filled a pulpit there.

"Both of these gentlemen continued in the work of the ministry
until after the close of the Revolutionary war. In politics they dif-
fered extremely, Mr. Van Sinderen being a firm Whig, while Mr.
Bubel was as decided a loyalist.2 In Colonel Graydon's Memoirs
we find the following brief but spirited picture of the two pastors :
" The principal person in a Low Dutch village appears to be the

1 His funeral eulogy was printed, in Dutch, at New York, by H. Goelet ; price, three
coppers.

2 On a fast-day appointed by the Provincial Congress, it is said that he took occasion
to preach, at Flatbush, from the test, " Honor the king ;" and, among other things,
remarked that " people could do as well without a head as without a king." (Strong's

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 187

Domine or minister, and Flatbush, at this time, revered her domine,
Eubel, a rotund, jolly-looking man, a follower of Luther, and a
Tory.1 .... At Flatlands there was also a domine, Van
Zinder(en), a disciple of Calvin, and a "Whig. He was, in person
and principle, a perfect contrast to Mr. Eubel, being a lean and
shrivelled little man, with a triangular sharp-pointed hat, and silver
locks which ' streamed like a meteor flowing to the troubled air,'
as he whisked along with great ve-
locity in his chaise through Flatbush.
He was distinguished by a species of
pulpit eloquence which might be truly
said to ' bring matters home to men's
business and bosoms.' Mr. Bache as-
sured me that, in once descanting on
the wily arts of the devil, he likened
him to my landlord, ' sneaking and
skulking about to get a shot at a
flock of snipes,' in shooting of which,
it seems, Jacob was eminently skil- P0KTEA1T 0F KEV- ulpianus van sm-

DEREN.

ful."2

In the minutes of the Particular Synod at New York, May 14,
1784, we find a complaint from the Consistory of Flatbush and the
other churches of Kings County, concerning the unchristian conduct
of both of their ministers, Van Sinderen and Eubel, and requesting
to be released from them ; one (Van Sinderen) being useless from
advanced age, and the other (Eubel) being of notoriously bad hab-

Hist. Flatbush, 93.) When the famous privateer boatsman, Captain Marriner, made a
descent on Flatbush and captured several noted British officers, Domine Rubel gave
the alarm by ringing the church bell. (See Onderdonk, Kings County, section 845, p.
179.)

1 See Strong's Flatbush for particulars.

2 See Strong's Flatbush, which relates that he was " too much in the habit of intro-
ducing the occurrences of the week previous in his sermons on the Sabbath, and often
would allude to very trifling circumstances. On one occasion, a good elder, who had
borne with the Domine in this particular till his patience was exhausted, very injudi-
ciously, under the excitement of his feelings, rose in his seat during divine service, and
interrupted Mr. Van Sinderen by saying that they had called Mm to preach the gospel,
and not to detail to them such matters. The Domine, indignant at being stopped in
his discourse, leaned over the pulpit and replied : ' You, Philip Nagle, if you can preach
the gospel better than I can, come up here and try I' "

188 HISTOKY OF BROOKLYN.

its. Several witnesses testified to the unchristian and intemperate
language used by Kubel, both in and out of the pulpit, in regard to
Americans who opposed the King of Great Britain, calling them
" Satan's soldiers," and saying " that they were accursed, and many
were already in hell, and those who were not dead would go there,
and that he could prove it by the Bible," etc. Also, that he quar-
relled frequently with his wife, towards whom he not unfrequently
used personal violence ; that he drank freely, and led a bad life,
keeping much company with the Hessian officers quartered in the
town of Flatbush, who were great swearers and drunkards. All the
witnesses, however, agreed that they had nothing against Van Sin-
deren except his age, and that the breach between him and Kubel
had gone so far that the old domine could not control his temper
whenever he met the latter. The matter was referred to the Gen-
eral Synod, before whom Rubel was cited to appear, but replied
only by an angry letter. He was, therefore, deposed in May, 1784.
In May, 1788, he appeared before the Synod, desiring to be rein- .
stated, but evincing no spirit of contrition. He continued to reside
at Flatbush, devoting his time to the preparation of quack medi-
cines, and in his advertisements styles himself "Minister of the
Gospel and Chymicus."1 In 1788 he published a pamphlet, in
Dutch and English, showing, as he pretended, how he had been
defrauded of his living by a wicked man in New York. He had a
daughter, who was seduced by a Hessian officer during the war ;
and the old man's unhappy life ended in 1797, his solitary tomb-
stone still existing in the Flatbush churchyard.2

Mr. Van Sinderen, at the request of the Consistory, resigned
his pastoral charge in June, 178-4, although he received a stated
salary until his death, at Flatlands, on 23d of July, 1796, in his

1 " March 28, 1778. It has pleased Almighty God to give me the wisdom to find out
the Golden Mother Tincture, and such a Universal Pill as will cure most diseases. I
have studied European physicians in four different languages. I don't take much
money, as I want no more than a small living, whereto God will give his blessing. —
Johannes Casparus Rubel, Minister of the Gospel and Chymicus."

3 " Tot gedachtenis van Joh's Gasp's Rubel. V. D. M. — Gehoren den 6de March, 0. 8.,
1719. — Overleden den \§de Mail, 1797." (Translation) : To the memory of John Cas-
par Rubel, minister of God's wori. Born, March 6th, 1719, O. S. Died, May 19th,
1797.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. ]89

89th year. He was a learned but eccentric man, and for this
reason, perhaps, was sometimes considered " deficient in sound judg-
ment."1

With Messrs. "Van Sinderen and Eubel, the European Dutch min-
istry in Kings County ceased.2

In 1785, the Rev. Martinus Schoonmaker, who was then offici-
ating at Harlem and Gravesend, accepted a call to take charge of the
collegiate churches of the county, to which the church at Gravesend
was then added ; and, on the 28th of October, 1787, the Rev. Peter
Lowe was ordained at New Utrecht as his colleague. The former
officiated in the Dutch language until his death, in 1824 ; and the
latter, in the English tongue. In their regular rotation through
the county, four churches would be closed, and two open, for divine
worship on the Sabbath. Such, however, is the peculiar position of
the county, and the easy communication between the several towns,
that, with the exception of Bushwick and Gravesend, each of the
others could quite conveniently follow the ministers, who conse-
quently preached to full and crowded houses.

The Rev. Martinus Schoonmaker, second son of Joachim and
Lydia Schoonmaker, was born at Rochester, Ulster County, N. T.,
March 1, 1737 ; commenced his classical studies with Domine
Goetchius, of Schraalenburgh, N. J., 1753 ; and his theological,
with the Rev. Mr. Marenus, of Aquackanock, in 1759. On the 27th
of June, 1761, he married Mary (daughter of Stephen and Ann)
Basset, of that place ; and was licensed to preach in 1763, first
accepting a call from the congregations of Harlem and Gravesend.
In 1781, he accepted a call from the particular churches of Graves-
end, Success, and Wolver Hollow, which charge he retained until

1 The following is the inscription on his gravestone at Flatbush : " Hier leyt Tiet Lie-
chaem van den Wel-Erwaede Seer TJlpianus Van Sinderen, in zyn leeven Predicant in
Kings County. Overleeden den 23 July, 1796, oud Zynde 88 Jaeren 7 Maanden
en 12 daegen." (Translation): Here lies the body of the very worthy Mr. Ulpi-
anus Van Sinderen, in his lifetime preacher in Kings County, Died, July 23, 1796,
aged 88 years 7 months and 12 days.

i During the pastorship of Rubel and Van Sinderen, " the seats in churches were all
numbered in the pews or ranges. Men and women sat separately, and it rarely hap-
pened that two persons of the same family sat together. In several churches women
Bat in their own chairs, in the ranges of chairs. Every church had a free pew for
justices and judges."

190 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

1784, when lie was elected to the pastorate of the six collegiate
churches of Kings County, at a salary of <£150 per annum. He
fixed his residence at Flatbush, where he spent the remainder of his
life in the faithful discharge of his labors as a minister of God.
" His labors in the minister, " says his successor, " for sixty-one
years, were arduous, yet was he never known to faint in his
Master's cause ; and few men have gone to the grave with a char-
acter more unblemished, or one more universally respected and
beloved."

Mr. Schoonmaker left six sons and five daughters, nine of whom
arrived to mature age, and seven of them survived their father.
He had, at the time of his death, fifty-nine grandchildren and
twenty-one great-grandchildren. His wife died in 1819, aged eighty
years.

For the following very interesting sketch of Doniine Schoon-
maker, and some of the customs and manners of the people
during his pastorate, we are indebted to an article in the Chris-
tian Intelligencer of October 23, 1858, by the Eev. Peter Yan
Pelt:

" Domine Schoonmaker resided at Flatbush, central and con-
venient for his other churches. He was a man of reserved and
retiring habits ; more so, perhaps, from the circumstance that it was
exceedingly difficult for him to hold even a common conversation
without mangling most horribly the English language. Fluent and
ready in the language in which he was educated, he displayed, by
his manner and gestures, all the dignity and sincerity applicable to
his position and functions. Courteous and polite, he was a relic of
the old school, and universally respected. Indeed, it may be ques-
tioned whether the venerable old minister had a solitary enemy.
An anecdote has been related, and many years ago was in common
circulation, which some may consider a slander upon his abilities
and acquirements. I would rather regard it as an innocent and
harmless witticism of some wag, and probably one of his best
friends. Having celebrated a marriage, at the close of the cere-
mony, for the benefit of the spectators, he attempted to terminate it
in English with the sentence, ' I pronounce you man and wife, and
one flesh ; whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 191

His English failed him ; yet conscious of perfect rectitude, and the
propriety of a shorter translation, with much solemnity and em-
phasis, and an ajDpropriate congee, he exclaimed, 1 1 pronounce, you
two to be one beef /'

" It was in 1819 that I last heard, or recollect to have seen, the ven-
erable old domine. It was at the funeral of one of his old friends
and associates. A custom had very generally prevailed, which,
though then very rarely observed, yet in this instance was literally
adhered to. The deceased had, many years before, provided and laid
away the materials for his own coffin. This one was of the best sea-
soned and smoothest boards, and beautifully grained. Other customs
and ceremonies then existed, now almost forgotten. As I entered
the room, I observed the coffin elevated on a table in one corner.
The Domine, abstracted and grave, was seated at the upper end ;
and around, in solemn silence, the venerable and hoary-headed
friends of the deceased. All was still and serious. A simple recog-
nition, or a half-audible inquiry, as one after another arrived, was
all that passed. Directly, the sexton, followed by a servant, made
his appearance, with glasses and decanters. Wine was handed to
each. Some declined ; others drank a solitary glass. This ended,
and again the sexton presented himself, with pipes and tobacco. The
Domine smoked his pipe, and a few followed his example. The
custom has become obsolete, and it is well that it has. When the
whiffs of smoke had ceased to curl around the head of the Domine,
he arose with evident feeling, and in a quiet, subdued tone, made a
short but apparently impressive address. I judged solely by his
appearance and manner ; for although boasting a Holland descent,
it was to me ' speaking in an unknown tongue.' A short prayer
concluded the service ; and then the sexton taking the lead, was
followed by the Domine, the doctor, and the pall-bearers, with
white scarfs and black gloves. The corpse and a long procession
of friends and neighbors proceeded to the churchyard, where all
that was mortal was committed to the earth, till the last trump shall
sound and the grave shall give up the dead. No bustle, no confu-
sion, no noise nor indecent haste, attended that funeral."

Domine Schoonmaker died on the 20th of May, 1824, aged
eighty-seven years, and with him ceased the regular public and offi-

192 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

cial use of the Dutch language in all the pulpits of the Dutch Re-
formed churches.1

The Rev. Peter Lowe was born April 30th, 1764, at Esopus (now
Kingston), N. Y., where he received his academic education. He pur-
sued his theological studies with Rev. Dr. Livingston, of New York ;
and, soon after his licensure, received several calls, finally giving
the preference to that from the six churches of Kings County. In
this relation he faithfully discharged the functions of the holy min-
istry for twenty-one years ; until, the collegiate connection between
the six churches being dissolved, by mutual consent, for the sake of
a more frequent supply of the word and ordinances, he accepted the
call from Flatbush and Flatlands, where he
continued to labor more than nine years, with
increasing usefulness, until his death, from
cancer, in June, 1818, and in the fifty-fifth
year of his age. He was frank, generous
and affectionate in disposition ; cheerful in
his religion, modest and peaceful in temper,
agreeable in conversation ; sound and solid
in his ministerial advice and public preaching.
He was industrious, systematic, and active in
habit, and had learned the art of book-
binding, which he turned to good account
in collecting and binding up all the church
records which he could find. He built two
dwellings, in succession, at Flatbush, and
ornamented the grounds with shrubbery,
trees, and flowers, of which he was extremely fond. His garden was
his favorite place of meditation, from which he was wont to go to
his lecture.

The old Brooklyn church was a large, square edifice, with solid
and very thick walls, plastered and whitewashed on every side up

1 " In 1792, it was resolved that divine service, which had heretofore been maintained
in the Dutch language, should be thereafter performed in English, in the afternoon,
whenever Mr. Lowe should preach at Brooklyn, Flatbush, and New Utrecht. But Mr.
Schoonmaker continued to preach in Dutch to the time of his death, having never
attempted to preach in English but once (in 1788)." — Prime, 328.

REV. PETER LOWE.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 193

to the eaves ; the roof, as usual, ascending to a peak in the centre,
capped with an open belfry, in which hung a small, sharp-toned bell,
brought from Holland shortly after its erection.1 Its interior was
plain, dark, and very gloomy ; so that, in summer, one could not
see to read in it after four o'clock in the afternoon, by reason of its
small windows. These were six or eight feet above the floor, and
filled with stained-glass lights from Holland, representing vines
loaded with flowers.2 This church, the second which had occupied
the same site, was built in 1766, in the middle of the road leading
from the Ferry into the country, which road is now known as Fulton
avenue, and immediately opposite to a burying-ground yet remain-
ing on the west side of that avenue and between Bridge and
Lawrence streets.3 It was unprotected by fence or enclosure. The
road was spacious, and a carriage and wagon-track passed around
each end, forming an oblong circle, remitting at either end.4

The old town, it will be remembei"«d, comprised, at this time, sev-
eral divisions or settlements, each possessing local names which yet
cling to them, in spite of the streets, squares, and avenues of the new
city of Brooklyn — Goivanus, Red Hook, Bedford, Cripplebush, WaUa-
bout — and for all these the old church occupied a very central
position.

" The Collegiate Domines," says Mr. Van Pelt, " had many pious
people and firm friends in Brooklyn. Almost every house was as
open to them as their own homes, and one in particular, opposite
the church, was especially designated ' The Domine's House.' This
was convenient for rest between services on the Sabbath ; for receiv-
ing applications for baptism, membership, etc ; for meeting the
Consistory, Church-Masters, and others; and for attending gen-
erally to official duties."

The collegiate connection between the Dutch churches of the
county, so far as related to the service in English, was gradually
given up after the commencement of the present century. The Kev.
John B. Johnson was called to Brooklyn in 1802 ; Dr. Bassett to

1 This bell was afterwards (1840) in the belfry of the district school-house in Middagh
street, Third Ward of Brooklyn. See, also, page 143.

2 Furman's MSS. 3 Ante, p. 166.

4 " And a miserable road it was, filled with mud-holes and large rocks." — Furman's

MSS.

13

194 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Busliwick, in 1811; and Mr. BeattIe, in 1809, to New Utrecht:
while Domine Schoonrnaker remained at Flatbush, continuing the
Dutch service alternately among the six towns ; but on the day that
he preached at Bushwick, Dr. Bassett supplied Gravesend, which
place, as to amount of service, remained precisely the same.

The new pastor of the Brooklyn church, John Baeent Johnson,
was a native of this town, where he was born, March 3, 1769, his
father, Barent Johnson, being a prosperous farmer, of Dutch
descent, and his mother, Maria, the daughter of Captain John
Guest, of New Brunswick, who commanded a vessel which sailed
between New York and Antigua. Having lost both parents before
h^ ninth year, he was brought up by a cousin, who was also his
father's executor. In his seventeenth year, while at school in Flat-
bush, he became acquainted with the Bev. Dr. John H. Livingston,
who was spending the summer there. Discovering in him more
than ordinary talents, the Dod;or encouraged him to undertake a
course of liberal studies, offering him, at the same time, a residence
in his own family and the superintendence of his education. The
offer, thus kindly made, was gratefully accepted by young Johnson,
who was shortly prepared to enter college. In 1788 he matriculated
at Columbia College, and in the same year became a communicant
in the Keformed Dutch Church. After his graduation he pursued a
course of theological studies with his old friend, Dr. Livingston ; was
licensed by the Classis of New York, April 21, 1795 ; and preached
his first sermon on the succeeding Sabbath, in that city, for the Kev.
Dr. Kuypers. On the 5th of June, 1796, Mr. Johnson was ordained to
the work of the ministry, and settled as colleague pastor with Mr.
Bassett (who preached the ordination sermon) over the Beformed
Protestant Dutch Church of Albany. In 1802 he was called to the
Beformed Dutch Church of Schenectady, and also to that in Brook-
lyn. Deciding in favor of the latter, he preached his farewell ser-
mon to the Albany church on the 26th of September, 1802, and on
the 24th of the ensuing October was duly installed over his new
charge at Brooklyn.1 " Among other marked features of this sermon

' On this occasion the Rev. Dr. Linn presided, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Schoonmaker.
In the afternoon Mr. Johnson preached from 2d Timothy, iv. 2.

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 195

— which was a very able, earnest, and eloquent discourse — is a fine
tribute to the Heidelberg Catechism, and a plea for its faithful and
regular exposition in our churches." His health, somewhat im-
paired before his removal from Albany, now began to fail rapidly ;
and the loss of his wife, in March, 1803, undoubtedly contributed to
hasten his own death. He died at the house of his brother-in-law,
Peter Eosevelt, Esq., in Newtown, August 29th, 1803, leaving three
children, two of whom still survive in the ministry of the Episcopal
Church — one at Jamaica, L. I., and another as a professor in the
Episcopal Theological Seminary in New York.

From a sketch of Mr. Johnson, from the pen of Hon. Teunis Van
Vechten, for Kev. Dr. Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit, we
learn that he was a man of unusually prepossessing personal
appearance, and easy and graceful manners. " His countenance
had an expression of great benignity, united with high intelligence.
His manners were bland and courteous, and predisposed every one
who saw him to be his friend ; and his countenance and manners
were % a faithful index to his disposition. He was acknowledged,
on all hands, to possess an uncommonly amiable and generous
spirit. He had the reputation of an excellent pastor. He mingled
freely, and to great acceptance, with all classes of people. He was
particularly attentive to the young, and had the faculty of making
himself exceedingly pleasant to them. This I know from personal
experience.

" As a preacherrhe was undoubtedly one of the most popular in
the Dutch Church at that day. Of his manner in the pulpit I retain
a very distinct recollection. His voice was a melodious one, and
though not of remarkable compass, yet loud enough to be heard
with ease in a large church. His gesture was natural and effective,
and sometimes he reached what I should think a high pitch of pul-
pit oratory."

At the death of General "Washington, the Legislature of the State,
then in session, requested of the Consistory the use of this church
(the Albany church) for the celebration of appropriate funeral
services, and invited Mr. Johnson to deliver the eulogy on that
occasion. The service was accordingly held, February 22d, 1800,
and, as might be supposed, was one of universal interest and solem-

196 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

nity. The church was hung with black, and crowded by a mourn-
ing people. The oration by Mr. Johnson was a masterly effort,
and produced a great sensation. It was published by vote of both
Houses ; Hon. Stephen Van Kensselaer being then president of the
Senate, and Hon. Dirck Ten Broeck, speaker of the House. Mr.
Van Vechten says of it : " The exordium was spoken of at the time
as a rare specimen of eloquence, and the whole performance was of
a very high order. I speak with confidence concerning this, as it
was published, and I have had an opportunity of reading it since I
have been more competent to judge of its merits than I was when
it was delivered." Mr. Van Vechten closes his sketch of Mr. John-
son in these words : " He left an excellent name behind him, and
the few who still remember him cherish gratefully the recollections
of both his gifts and his graces."1

1 See Rev. Dr. E. P. Rogers' Hist. Discourse on the Reformed Protestant Dutch
Church of Albany, 1858.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 197

CHAPTER VH.

CIYIL HISTOEY OF BROOKLAND.
1675—1775.

The only excitement which occurred in Breuckelen, during the
year 1675, was a painful apprehension, shared by its inhabitants in
common with those of neighboring towns, that they might become
involved in the Indian outbreak known as "King Philip's War,"
which it was feared would extend to the Long Island tribes. Proper
measures being taken, however, by the provincial government, and
in the several towns, fear was somewhat allayed, and the speedy
defeat which overtook that notorious chieftain, restored tranquillity
to the public mind.

Breuckelen had, at this time, attained the leading position among
the Kings County towns, in respect of population and wealth, as
evidenced by the " Assessment Rolls of the 5 Dutch towns up to
August 19, 1675," which afford the following total valuation at a rate
of one stiver on the pound : *

Towns. No. of Persons Equal to

Assessed. £ s. Ouil. Stiv. £ s. d.

Boswyck 36 3,174 10 158 148 13 4 6

Breuckelen 60 5,204 00 260 4 21 13 8

Middlewout 54 5,079 10 253 19-8 21 3 4

Amersfoort 35 4,008 10 200 8-8 16 14 0

New Utrecht 29 2,852 10 142 12-8 11 17 8

Total 20,319 10 1,015 19 84 13 2

Also, when, in the course of the same year, it became necessary
to build a new dock at New York, the Governor and Council
required the Kings and Queens County towns to furnish timber for
the undertaking, and Breuckelen's tribute was the largest,1 that of
Flatbush being the next in amount.2

1 N. Y. Col. MSS., xxiv. 136 ; and N. Y. Doc. Hist., iv. 141-161.

2 Council Minutes, iii. 171.

198 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Breuckelyn's importance was further increased by its appointment
as a market town. The record concerning this is as follows :

" Upon a proposall of having a ffayre or markett in or neare this Citty
(New York) ; It is ordered, that after this season, there shall yearely be
kept a ffayre and markett at Breucklyn, near the fferry, for all graine,
cattle, or other produce of the country ; to bee held the first Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday in November, and in the Citty of New Yorke
the thursday, ffriday, and Saturday following." '

A pleasant glimpse of the neighborly feeling existing between the
people of the neighboring towns, and of the comparative simplicity
of the times, is afforded by the following :

" A recommendation on the behalfe of Capt. Jacques Corteleau, and the
inhabitants of New Utrecht, to the Constables and Overseers of
Bruyckline —
" Whereas, Capt. Jacques Corteleau, having (through misfortune by ffire)
sustained great losses ; and being intended speedily to build him another
House, towards the effecting of which divers good and Charitable People
(his Neighbors round about) have already contributed their Assistance,
That the same may be the Sooner accomplished, for his more comfortable
accomodation, I do hereby recommend to you, that you encourage the
People of yor Towne, to assist him with one Daye's worke, towards per-
fecting the said Building, this or the next weeke, as he shall direct; and
that you likewise assist his Neighbo", in the Neighboring Towne of New
Utrecht, in their present distresse if requested thereunto by them, in the
which you will do a good and Charitable worke : Given under my hand
in New Yorke, the 1st day of May, 1675. " E. Andros.3

" To the Constables & Overseers of Breucklyn."

An assessment on the town of Breuckelen, made up to September,
1676, was levied on 57 persons, who represented 70 polls, 1,232 acres
of land, 85 horses, 292 cows, 35 hogs, 38 oxen, and 25 sheep.3

1 Ext. from orders made at Court of Gen'l Assizes, beginning 6th and ending 13th
Oct., 1675 (Valentine's Manual, 1845, p. 311). By another clause in this order, all
persons and goods going to or coming from this fair, were exempted from arrest for
debt. This order was to remain in force for three years from the 24th of March
ensuing.

5 Warrants, Orders, and Passes, iii. 90. 3 See Appendix No. 7.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN 199

In May, 1682, Governor Andros, whose arbitrary character and
government had rendered him unpopular in the province, left the
country, and was succeeded, on the 25th of August, 1683, by Col.
Thomas Dongan. The province of New York had for many years
suffered from many grievances, due to the unlimited authority which
was vested in its chief magistrate ; and as early as 1681, the popular
feeling on the subject found expression in a petition for redress to
the Duke of York. His Koyal Highness prudently assented, and
Gov. Dongan brought with him special instructions to institute a
General Assembly, similar to that of the New England colonies.
This first Colonial Legislature, composed of the Governor, Council,
and seventeen members, chosen by the people, held its first session
from October 17th to Nov. 3d, 1683. It straightway adopted a
" charter of liberties," providing that the supreme authority, under
the duke, should be vested in the Governor, Council, and a legisla-
ture elected by the people, according to the laws of England, which
should convene, at least, triennially. It furthermore established
the right of trial by jury of twelve, and interdicted the molestation
or prosecution of any person for any difference of opinion or action
concerning religious affairs, so long as they professed a faith in God
by Jesus Christ, and did not actually disturb the peace. Other
important changes in the organization of the province were also
made. The ridings were abolished and rearranged into counties ;
Breuckelen, Boswyck, Amersfoort, Flatbush, New Utrecht, and
Gravesend being comprised in the new County of Kings, while
Newtown was transferred to Queens County. In each of the
twelve counties into which the province was divided, the Court of
Sessions was to meet twice a year, and the Court of Oyer and Ter-
miner annually. In each town, a Commissioners' Court was estab-
lished, which was to be held on the first Wednesday in every month,
for the hearing of small causes, and actions for debt and trespass,
not exceeding 40s. Another change in the form of town government
was the establishment of assessors and supervisors, the latter having
supervision of public affairs and town expenses.

In pursuance of royal instructions, and with the view of definitely
fixing the amount of quit-rent, to be paid to the government by each
of the towns, in acknowledgment for their lands, Gov. Dongan, on

200 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the 31st of March, 1684, issued an order to all the towns to bring in
their patents and Indian deeds, for examination preparatory to the
granting of new charters.1 Breuckelen, together with Boswyck,
complied with this order on the 16th of April following,2 and desired
some arrangement to be made concerning quit-rent. Owing, how-
ever, to the difficulties attendant upon the settlement of a dispute
which had previously arisen between the towns of Newtown, Bos-
wyck, and Breuckelen, concerning their bounds,3 no immediate
action could be taken in reference to the new patents and quit-rents
of the three places. And it was not until May 3, 1686, that Breuck-
elen received from Gov. Dongan the following Patent :

" l. s. Thomas Doxgan, Lieutenant Governor and Vice Admiral of New
York, and its dependencies under his Majesty James the Second, by the grace
of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the
Faith, dbc. — Supreme lord and proprietor of the Colony and province of
New York and its dependencies in America, &c. To all to whom this
shall come sendeth greeting, whereas the Honorable Richard Nicolls, Esq.,
formerly Governor of this province, did by his certain writing or patent
under his hand and seal, bearing date the 18th day of October, Annoque
Domini, one thousand six hundred and sixty seven, ratifie, confirm and
grant unto Jan Everts, Jan Damen, Albert Cornelissen, Paulus Verbeeck,
Michael Enyle (Hainelle), Thomas Lamberts, Teunis Gysberts Bogart, and
Joris Jacobsen, as patentees for and on behalf of themselves and their asso-
ciates, the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Breucklen, their heirs,
successors and assigns forever, a certain tract of land, together with the
several parcels of land which then were or thereafter should be purchased
or procured for and on behalf of the said town, whether from the native
Indian proprietors, or others within the bounds and limitts therein sett
forth and expressed, that is to say, the said town is bounded westward on
the further side of the land of Mr. Paulus Verbeeck, from whence stretch-
ing southeast they go over the hills and so eastward along by the said
hills to a southeast point, which takes in all the lotts behind the swamp,
from which said lotts they run northwest to the River, and extend to the
farm on the other side of the hills heretofore belonging to Hans Hansen,

1 Council Minutes, v. 63. * Ibid., v. 71.

3 N. Y. Col. MSS., xxxiii. 68, 233, xxxiv. 15, xxxv. 146, 152. For account of this dis-
pute, see Riker's excellent history of Newtown.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 201

over against Keak or Look-out, including within the said bounds and lini-
itts all the lots and plantations, lying and being at the Gou wanes, Bedford,
Wallabocht and the ferry, all which said parcels and tract of land and
premises within the bounds and limitts aforementioned described, and all
or any plantation or plantations thereupon, from henceforth are to be,
appertain and belong to the said town of Breucklyn, Together with all
harbor, havens, creeks, quarries, woodland, meadow ground, reed land or
valley of all sorts, pastures, marshes, waters, rivers, lakes, fishing, hawking,
hunting, fowling and all other profits, commodities, emoluments, and heredi-
taments to the said lands and premises within the bounds and limitts set forth,
belonging, or in any wise appertaining, and with all to have freedom of
commonage for range and feed of cattle and horses, into the woods with
the rest of their neighbors, as also one third part of a certain neck of
meadow ground or valley, called Seller's neck, lying and being within the
town of Jamaica, purchased by the said town of Jamaica from the Indians,
and sold by them unto the inhabitants of Breucklen aforesaid, as it was laid
out aforesaid, and divided by their mutual consent and order of the Gov-
ernor. To have and to hold unto them the said patentees and their asso-
ciates, their heirs, successors and assigns forever, as by the said patent
reference being thereunto had, doth fully and at large appear. And further,
in and by the said patent, the said Governor Richard ISTicolls, Esq., did
erect the said tract of land into a township by the name of Breucklen afore-
said, by that name and style to be distinguished and known in all bargains,
sales, deeds, records and writings whatsoever ; and whereas the present
inhabitants and freeholders of the town of Breucklen aforesaid, have made
their application to me for a confirmation of the aforesaid tract of land and
premises in their quiet and peaceable possession and enjoyment of the afore-
said land and premises. Now Know Ye, That I, the said Thomas Dongan,
by virtue of the commission and authority derived unto me, and power in
me residing, have granted, ratified and confirmed, and by these presents
do grant, ratifie and confirm, unto Teunis Gysberts (Bogart), Thomas
Lamberts, Peter Jansen, Jacobus Vander Water, Jan Dame(n), Joris Ja-
cobs, Jeronimus Rapalle, Daniel Rapalle, Jan Jansen, Adrian Bennet, and
Michael Hanse (Bergen), for and on the behalf of themselves and the rest
of the present freeholders and inhabitants of the said town of Breucklen,
their heirs and assigns forever, all and singular the afore-recited tract and
parcels of land set forth, limited and bounded as aforesaid ; together with
all and singular, the houses, messuages, tenements, fencings, buildings,
gardens, orchards, trees, woods, underwoods, pastures, feedings, common

202 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

of pasture, meadows, marshes, lakes, ponds, creeks, harbors, rivers, rivu-
lets, brooks, streams, highways and easements whatsoever, belonging or in
any wise appertaining to any of the afore-recited tract or parcells of land
and divisions, allotments, settlements made and appropriated before the
day and date hereof. To Have and To Hold, all and singular, the said tract
or parcels of land and premises, with their, and every of their appurtenances
unto the said Tunis Gysberts (Bogart), Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jansen,
Jacobus Vander Water, Joris Jacobs, Jeronimus Rappalle, Daniel Rap-
palle, Jan Jansen, Adrian Bennet and Michael Hanse (Bergen), for and
on behalf of themselves and the present freeholders and inhabitants of tho
town of Breucklen, their and every of their heirs and assigns forever,
as tenants in common without any let, hindrance, molestation, right o>
survivorship or otherwise, to be holden in free and common socage accord-
ing to the tenure of East Greenwich, in the County of Kent, in his Maj-
esty's kingdom of England. Yielding, rendering and paying therefor
yearly and every year, on the five and twentyeth day of March, forever, in
lieu of all services and demands, whatsoever, as a quit rent to his most
sacred Majesty aforesaid, the heirs and successors, at the city of New York,
twenty bushels of good merchantable wheat. In testimony whereof, I have
caused these presents to be entered and recorded in the Secretary's office,
and the seal of the Province to be hereunto affixed this thirteenth day ol
May, Anno. Domini, one thousand six hundred and eighty six, and in the

second year of his Majesty's reign.

"Thomas Dongan."

On the 13th of the ensuing October, Messrs. Jacobus Vande
Water, Jeronimus Eapallie, and Teunis Gysbertse Bogart, deputies
from the town of Breucklen, appeared before the Governor, and
formally agreed, on behalf of the town, to the annual payment of the
quit-rent above mentioned.1

1 This quit-rent has heen regularly paid to the 25th day of March, 1775, as will
appear from the following copies of the collector's receipts, viz. :

" June 8, 1713. Paid to Benjamin Van de Water, Treasurer, the sum of £96 7s. Id.,
for upwards of 16 years' quit-rent.

" Received of Charles De Bevoice, collector for Brooklyn, twenty bushels of wheat,
in full for one year's quit of the said township, due the 25th of March last, New York,
6th of April, 1775. John Mooke, D. R. Gen."

After the independence of the State of New York, the payment of quit-rent was
revived, and on the 9th day of Nov., 1786, the arrears of quit-rent were paid up, and all
future quit-rents were commuted for, as will appear from the following copy of the
Treasurer's receipt, viz. :

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

203

The oath of allegiance was this year taken by the following inhab-
itants of Breucklyn :

Thomas Lambertse, 36 years1
Jooris Hanssen, native
Hendrick Vechten, 27 years
Claes Arense Vechten, 27 years
Jan Aertsen (Middag), 26 years
Hendrick Claasen, 33 years
Jacob Hanssen Bergen, native
Jooris Martens, native
Hendrick Thyssen, 21 years
Mauritius Couverts, native
Willem Huijcken, 24 years
Theunis Gysbertse Bogaert, 35 years
Willem Bennitt, native
Hendrick Lambertse, native
Jan Fredricks, 35 years
Jan Couverts, native
Luijcas Couverts, 24 years
Frans Abramse, native
Gerrit Aerts Middag, native
Simon Aertsen, 23 years
Matthys Cornelisen, 24 years
Ephraim Hendricks, 33 years
Claes Thomas Van Dyck, native
Jeronimus d'Rapale, native
Jeronimus Remsen, native
Casper Janssen, native
Achias Janse Vandijck, 36 years
Jacob Joorissen, native
Jacobus d'Beauvois, 28 years

Theunis Tobiassen, native
Pieter Corsen, native
Theunis Janse Couverts, 36 years
Aert Simonssen, native
Adam Brouwer, Junior, native
Alexander Shaers, native
Willem Pos, native
Jan gerrise Dorland, 35 years
Johannis Casperse, 35 years
Claes Barentse Blom, native
Pieter Brouwer, native
Abram Brouwer, native
Jan Bennit, native
Barent Sleght, native
Jacobus Vande Water, 29 years
Benjamin Vande Water, native
Pieter Weijnants, native
Joost Franssen, 33 years
Hendrick Aaten, native
Jan Janse Staats, native
Claes Simons, native
Anthonij Souso, 5 years
Joost Casperse, 35 years
Thijs Lubberse, 50 years
Paulus Dirckse, 36 years
Adam Brouwer, 45 years
Josias Dreths, 26 years
Pieter Van Nesten, 40 years
Jan Theunisen, native

" Received Nov. 9th, 1786, from Messrs. Fernandas Suydam and Charles C. Doughty,
two of the Trustees of the township of Brookland, public securities, which, with the
interest allowed thereon, amount to one hundred and five pounds ten shillings, in full
for the arrears of quit-rent, and commutation for the future quit-rent, that would have
arisen on the patent granted to the town of Brookland, the 13th day of May, 1686.

" Gekaud Bakckeb, Treas'r."

1 In this, as in the case of all those who emigrated to this country from Europe, the
number of years of their residence here is appended to their name.

204 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Harmen Joorissen, native Dirck Janse Woertman, 40 years

Jacob Willemse Bennit, native Daniel D'Rapale, native

Jacob Brouwer, native Gijsbert Booragaert, native

Bourgon Broulaet, 12 years Volkert Vanderbraats, native

Jan Daraen, 37 years Jan Buijs, 39 years

Cornelis Subrink (Sebring), native Gerrit Dorlant, native

Hendrick Sleght, 35 years Adriaen Bennet, native

Abrara Remsen, native Thomas Verdon, native

Machiel Hanssen, native Pieter Janse Staats, native1

1687. The Clerk's office of Kings County was kept in this town,
by the Deputy Register, Jacob Vandewater, who saw also a Notary
Public here at the same period. The Register, Samuel Bayard, Esq.,
resided in the city of New York.

The popular hopes which had been excited by the appointment
of the Colonial Assembly, proved delusive, for after its third annual
session, it was prohibited by the Duke of York, who, under the title
of James II., had succeeded to the throne of England, and had
begun to disclose his true character, and his intention to establish
an arbitrary and Catholic government over the Protestant province
of New York. The gloomy apprehensions of the people, however,
were suddenly relieved, in 1689, by the news of his abdication, and
the succession of their Protestant majesties, William and Mary, to
the throne ; and the citizens of New York, suspicious of the hireling
officials of the late king, suddenly deposed them, and intrusted the
government of the colony to Capt. Jacob Leisler, who held it in the
name of the new sovereigns. Beginning, however, with the best
intentions, Leisler was* finally swept into the assumption of extreme
power, whereby he incurred enmity which finally brought him to
the scaffold on an unmerited charge of high treason. The adminis-
tration of his successor, Gov. Henry Sloughter, which commenced
in March, 1691, was distinguished by the reconstruction of the pro-
vincial government, upon a basis which remained intact and unin-
terrupted to the close of the American Revolution. Among other

1 " The Roll off those who have Taken the oath off Allegiance in the Kings County
in the Province off New Yorke the 26th 27 ; 28 ; 29 and 30th day off September In the
Third Yeare off his Mayt8h Raigne Annoque Domine 1687."— MSS. in Sec'y of State's
office. See Doc. Hist. N. Y., i. p. 659.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 205

changes, courts of common pleas and general pleas were organized
in every county ; the form of municipal or town government was
revised, and assumed more nearly its present form ; the commis-
sioners' court was replaced by the assumption of its duties by the
justices ; the number of supervisors in each town was reduced to
one ; and three surveyors of highways were added to the town
officers.

May 6th, 1691, an act was passed by the General Assembly, con-
firming to all the towns of the colony their respective grants and
patents, by which law both of the patents of Brooklyn were con-
firmed.

Governor Sloughter died suddenly in July, 1691, and was suc-
ceeded by Col. Benjamin Fletcher, who arrived August 30, 1692,
and whose avaricious and arbitrary character very soon rendered
him quite unpopular with the people.

At a Court of Sessions, held, at Flatbush, November 8, 1692, the
following regulation was promulgated :

" The Courte doe order that there be a good pare of stocks and a good
pound made in every town within Kings County, and to be always kept
in sufficient repairs, and that there be warrants issued to the Constables of
every towne to see the order of the Court performed, as they will answer
the contrary at their perill."

The retailing of liquors within the county was also forbidden,
excepting under a license from the Justices of the County.1

April 10th, 1693, the name of Long Island was changed to the
" Island of Nassau," which alteration was neither popular nor gen-
erally adopted, and gradually became obsolete by disuse, although
the act, it is believed, was never explicitly repealed.

The town of Breuckelen having acquired a large amount of com-
mon land, by the purchase from the Indians in 1670, the inhabitants
thought best to adopt some measures for its proper division, together
with their other common lands. Accordingly,

"at a Town meeting held the 25th day of February, 1692-3, att Breuck-

1 Ct. Sess. Rec, Old Road Book.

206 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

lyn, in Kings County. Then Resolved to divide their common land and
woods into three parts, in manner following to wit :

" 1. All the lands and woods after Bedford and Cripplebush, over the
hills to the path of New lotts shall belong to the inhabitants and free-
holders of the Gowanis, beginning from Jacob Brewer and soe to the utter-
most bounds of the limits of New-Utrecht.

" 2. And all the lands and woods that lyes betwixt the abovesaid path
and the highway from the ferry toward Flattbush, shall belong to the free-
holders and inhabitants of Bedford and Cripplebush.

" 3. And all the lands that lyes in common after the Gowanis, betwixt
the limits and bounds of Flatbush and New Utrecht shall belong to the
freeholders and inhabitants of Brooklyn, fred. neck (Frederick Lubbert-
sen's Neck, a?ite, pp. 63, 66) the ferry and the Wallabout."

This proceeding of the town was duly approved of by the Court
of Sessions, held at Flatbush, on the 10th of May, 1693.1

There was, during this year, considerable commotion and disturb-
ance among the Dutch towns of the county (more especially, however,
in Bushwick), arising from some political causes not now fully under-
stood.2 At a meeting of the Kings Co. Justices, Oct. 11, 1693,
"John Bibout, off Broockland, in the county afforesayde, weeaver,
being committed bye the said justices to the common jail off Kings
County ffor divers scandalous and abusive wordes spoken bye the
sayde John against theire majesties justices of the peace for the
county aforesaid, to the contempt of their majesties authority and
breache off the peace ; the sayd John havinge now humbly submitted
liimselfe and craves pardon and mercy off the sayd justices ffor his
missdemeanor, is discharged, payinge the officers ffees, and being on
his good behavour till next cort of sessions, in November next ensuing
the dayte thereoff." 3 During the same month, one Hendrick Claes
Yechte, of this town, was also imprisoned by order of the justices,
on a charge " of raising of dissension, strife and mutiny, among their

1 See Appendix 8.

2 These difficulties, so far as we can learn, seem to have been caused by the very
arbitrary measures resorted to by the county justices, in order to support their author-
ity. Tbe arrest and confinement of individuals on the charge (often frivolous) of hav-
ing uttered words against them and subversive of the government, were matters of
frequent occurrence, tending to betray the people into the commission of excesses ai
outbreaks of exasperation and defiance. 8 Old Road Book, p. 19.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 207

majesties subjects." Subsequently, upon his confession of error, lie
was released, on payment of a smart fine.1

The following year, 1694, was also characterized by a continuance
of the same troubles between the people and their rulers, as we have
mentioned in the previous year ; and Volkert Brier, Constable of
Brookland, was fined £5 and costs of court, amounting to £1, " for
tearing and burning an execution directed to him as constable," by
Justice Hegeman. He afterwards petitioned the Governor for a
remission of his fine, in words as follows :

" To His Excellency, — The humble peticon of Volkert Brier, inhabitant
of the towne of Broockland, on the Island of Nassau.
" May it please your Excellency your peticoner being fined five pounds
last Court of Sessions, in Kings County for tearing an execucon directed
to him as Constable, Your peticoner being ignorant of the crime, and
not thinking it was of force when he was out of his office, or that he should
have made returne of it as the lawe directs, he being an illiterate man could
not read said execucon nor understand any thing of lawe : humbly prays
yr Excellency yt you would be pleased to remit said fine of five pounds,
yr peticoner being a poor man and not capacitated to pay said fine without
great damage to himself and family. And for yr Excellency yr peticoner
will ever pray, &c." 2

"At a Court of Sessions ffor Kings County, November 12, 1695. Or-
dered that the Constable of every towne within Kings County shall every
Sunday or Sabbath daye tayke lawe ffor the apprehendinge off all Sabbath
breakers, and that they or their deputyes goe with their staves each Sab-
bath daye in and about theire respective towns during their time of servi-
tude as Constable, and searche all ale-houses, taverns and other suspected
places ffor all prophaners and breakers off the Sabbath day, & then to
apprehend and bring them before any one of his Majesties Justices of the
County aforesaid, too bee punished accordinge to lawe.

" Ordered that ffor every neglect or default, the constable shall pay a
ffine of six shillings.

' " Ordered that Mad James bee kept by Kings County in general, and
that the deacons off each towne within the sayde county doe fforthwith
meete together and consider about their proporcons ffor maintenance of
sayd James."

1 Ct. Sessions Rec, Old Road Book, p. 14. 8 Ibid., pp. 25, 26.

208 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

All the king's highways in the county were likewise to be con-
tinued and confirmed, as they had been for twenty years past, and
were to be laid out four rods wide, at least.1

Another emeute of the disaffected people of Kings County oc-
curred about 8 o'clock in the evening of the 14th of September,
1697 (or 6 ?), when John Rapalje, Isaac Remsen, Jooris Vannesten,
Joras Danielse Rapalje, Jacob Reyerse, Aert Aertsen, Theunis Bujs,
Garret Cowenhoven, Gabriel Sprong, Urian Andriese, John Wil-
lemse Bennett, Jacob Bennett and John Meserole, jr. — most of
whom will be recognized as inhabitants of Breuckelen and Boswyck
— "met, armed, at the courthouse of Kings, where they 'destroyed
and defaced the king's arms which were hanging up there." 3

November 11, 1697, negroes were forbidden to be brought over
from New York on the Sabbath, without tickets or passes. Similar
legislation was made in the succeeding years, negroes being forbid-
den to " run about on the Sabbath," or t© purchase liquors. It was
further " ordered that no people shall pass on the Sabbath day,
unless it be to or from church, or other urgent and lawful occasions,
according to act of assembly, upon penalty aforesaid of fine and
imprisonment."3

" At a towne meeting held this twentieth day of Aprill, 1697, at Bedford,
within the jurisdiction of Broockland, in Kings County, upon the Island of
Nassau, Resolved by all the ffreeholders of the towne of Broockland afore-
said, that all their common land not yet laid out and divided, belonging to
their whole patent, shall be equally divided and laid out to each ffreeholder
of said towne, his just proporcon in all the common lands abovesaid, except
those that have but an house and home lott, which are only to have but half
share of the lands aforesaid. And for the laying out of the said lands there
are chosen and appointed by the ffreeholders abovesaid, Capt. Henry Ffilkin,
Jacobus Vanderwater, Daniel Rapalle, Joris Hansen, John Dorlant and Cor-
nelius Vanduyne. It is further ordered that noe men within this township
abovesaid, shall have priviledge to sell his part of the undivided lands of
Broockland not yet laid out, to any person living without the township

1 Rec. Ct. Sess., Old Road Book.

2 Ct. Sess. Rec, Old Road Book, 38 — contains the original depositions of Justices
Hegeman, Filkin, and Stillwell.

3 Ct. Sess. Rec, Old Road Book.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 209

abovesaid. It is likewise ordered, consented to, and agreed by the towne
meeting aforesaid, That Capt. Henry Ffilkin shall have a full share with
any or all the ffreeholders aforesaid, in all the common land or woods in the
whole patent of the towne of Breuckland aforesaid, besides a half share for
his home lott ; To have and to hold to him, his heirs and assigns forever.
It is likewise ordered, that noe person whatsoever within the common woods
of the jurisdiction of Broockland aforesaid, shall cutt or fall any oake or
chesnut saplings for firewood during the space of four years from the date
hereof upon any of the said common lands or woods within the jurisdicon
of Broockland patent, upon the penalty of six shillings in money for every
waggon load of saplings abovesaid soe cutt, besides the forfeiture of the
wood or timber soe cutt as abovesaid, the one-half thereof to the informer,
and the other half for the use of the poor of the towne of Broocklaud afore-
said.

" By order of the towne meeting aforesaid.

" and Justice Henry Ffilkin.

" Jacobus Vandewater, Towne Clerk." '

The following record is curious, as illustrative of the ancient
practice of tradesmen cutting down timber in the public woods, and
of the regulations adopted respecting the same :

" Att a meeting held this 29th day off Aprill (1699), in Breucklyn, Pres-
ent, Benjamin Vande Water, Joris Hanssen (Bergen), Jan Gerritse Dor-
lant, being choisen townsmen in the presence and with the advice off the
Justices of this towne. Considering the greate inconvenience, lose and in-
terest that the inhabitants off this towne have by reason that the trades-
men here living in this towne doe ffall and cutt the best trees and sully the
best of our woods, and sell the worke thereoff made, the most part to
others living withoute the towne, and that the shoemakers and others doe
cutt and fall all the best treese ffor the barke, and the wood lyes and rott,
and that some persons doe cutt and ffall trees for timber and ffensing stuff,
and leave the trees in the woods soe cutt until they are spoilt, and that
people off other towns come and cutt and ffall trees for timber, ffensing
stuff, and ffire woods, and transport the same away out off our townes,
bounds and limitts, and that without leave or consent off the towne, soe
that in the time off ffew yeares there shall bee no woods leaved ffor the in-
habitants ffor timber or ffensing stuff, to the ruine off the said towne. It

1 Funnan's Notes, p. 116.
14

210 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

is thereffore ordered, That ffrom the date hereoff no tradesman shall make
any worke ffor to sell to others without thee towne, ffrom wood soe cutt as
afforesaid as only ffrom old wood.

" That no shoemaker or others shall cutt or ffall any trees ffor to barke in
the common woods uppon the penaltie off ffive pounds ffor every tree soe
cutt.

" That no men shall leave any timber, ffensing stuffe, or other wood in
the woods longer as six weeks affter itt is cutt, uppon the penaltie, that itt
shall be ffree ffor others to take and carry the same away as theire owne
wood. And that iff any one off other townes shall be ffounden within our
townes limitts to cutt or carry away any sorts off woods ffor timber,
ffensing stuff or ffire wood, that itt shall bee ffree ffor any one off this
towne to take it away and to take out writ to arrest, or to apprehend
such offender or offenders presently, and that the Justices off this towne
shall answer the action as iff itt were done by theire owneselves." '

These proceedings were also recorded, by order of the Court of
Sessions.

Further action was had in the matter of the common lands,
during the year 1701, as appears by the following record ;

"Towne Meeting held this 5th day off May, 1*701, by order off Justices
Cornelis Sebringh and Machiell Hanssen (Bergen). We the major part
off the ffreeholders off Breucklyn doe hereby nominate, constitute, and
appoint Capt. Jooris Hanssen (Bergen), Jacob Hanssen (Bergen), and
Cornelis Van Duyn, to bee trustees of our Common and undivided lands,
and to deffend and maintaine the rights and privileges off our General
pattent, as well within as without."

Again, at a

" Towne meeting held this second day off February, 1701-2, by order off
Justice Cornelis Sebringh. Purposed iff the order off Bedford, made the
12th day off April, 1697,8 shall bee confirmed concerning the lying out of
the common or undivided lands, or that the said land shall bee lyed out
according to the last tax, concerning the deffending off our limitts.

1 As we understand this clause, the Justices of Brooklyn were to have cognizance
of the offence, as much as if the offenders resided within the town.

2 See ante, p. 208.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 211

" Resolved by the ffreeholders aforesaid, that the chosen townsmen shall
ley out the commens according as by the said order off Bedford was con-
cluded, with the ffirst opportunitie, and that all the lotts joyning to the
common woods shall be surveyed according to their grants."

These lands were accordingly surveyed, during the same month,
by Messrs. Pieter Corteljeau and S. Clowes, surveyors, and were by
them divided into three divisions. The first, or west division, con-
sisting of 62 lots, containing about 5 acres each, comprised near 310
acres. The second, or middle division, consisted of 62 lots, of about
10 acres each, amounting to 620 acres ; and the third, or east divi-
sion, also of 62 lots, of about 10 acres each, also comprised about
620 acres. The total number of acres was about 1550.1

The common lands having been thus equitably divided among the
freeholders, and a portion annexed to each house in town,2 the fol-
lowing resolution was adopted for the better protection of those
inhabitants to whom portions had been allotted in their enjoyment
of the same :

" Att a Towne meeting held att Brookland, in Kings County, this 14th
day of March, 1701-2. Present Machiel Hanssen (Bergen), Cornelia
Sebringh, and Hendrick Vechten, Esquires, Justices. — Resolved, by the
major part of the freeholders of the saide towne of Brookland, that every
man that has now a right, lott, or lotts laid out in the quondam Common
and undivided lands of Brookland aforesaid, shall forever free liberty have
for egress or regress to his said lotts for fetching off wood or otherwise,
over all or any of the said lott or lotts of the said freeholders in the lands
aforesaid. And further, that if any of the said freeholders shall at any
time or times hereafter, come by any loss or trouble, cost or charges by
lawe or otherwise, of, for or concerning the title of any of their said lott or
lotts, by any person or persons, either within the township of Brookland
afforesaid or without, that it shall be defended and made goode (if lost),
att all the proper costs and charges of all the freeholders of said towne
equally."

1 Furman's Notes, 45.

2 This appears evident from the fact that a deed, dated April 17, 1705, after convey-
ing a house and lot of land in this town, conveys " alsoe all the rights and priviledges
in the common woodlands of the towne of Broockland aforesaid, to said house belong-
ing as per record of said towne may appear."

212 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Owing to the complete absence of the town and county records,
from the year 1700 to the close of the American Bevolution, we are
unable to glean much material for a history of Breucklyn during
that period. The slender data on which we are obliged to base our
chronicle of the progress of the place, are mostly derived from pro-
vincial records, stray deeds and documents, newspapers, letters, etc.
Two bitter controversies agitated the public mind during that
period : the first between this town (together with Flatbush and
Bushwick) and Newtown, concerning their respective bounds, which
ended only in 1769 ;' and the second between this town and the city
of New York, relative to town and ferry rights, which has not yet
(1867) ended. This latter topic, however, will be more fully dis-
cussed in another portion of this work.

April 21, 1701, a piece of land, about 200 feet square, lying within
the limits of the subsequent village of Brooklyn, was sold for £75,
" current money of the Province of New York."2

August 30, 1701, John Bybon sold to Cornelius Vanderhove, for
,£37 10s., the one equal half part of a brew-house, situate at Bedford,
in the town of Brookland, fronting the highway leading from Bed-
ford to Cripplebush ; together with one equal half part of all the
brewing-vessels, etc.3

In the year 1703, •" Brookland's improveable lands and meadows,
within fence," were surveyed, and found to amount to 5,177 acres.4
The greatest landowner, at that time, was Simon Aerson, who owned
200 acres.

On the 28th of March, 1704, the main road or " king's highway,"
now called Fulton street and Fulton avenue, was laid out by Joseph
Hegeman, Peter Cortelyou, and Benjamin Yandewater, commis-
sioners, appointed by act of the General Assembly of the Colony of
New York, for the laying out, regulating, clearing, and preserving of
public highways in the colony. The record of this road, which now
forms the chief thoroughfare of the city of Brooklyn, is as follows :

" One publique, common and general highway, to begin ffrom low water
niarke at the ferry in the township of Broockland, in Kings County, and

1 See Appendix No. 7. 8 Furman's Notes, 91.

2 Furman's Notes, 91. 4 N. Y. Col. MSB., lxxii. 31.

HISTORY OF BKOOKLYN. 213

ffrom thence to run flour rod wide up between the houses and lands of
John Aerson, John Coe, and George Jacobs, and soe all along to Broock-
land towne aforesaid, through the lane that now is, and ffrom thence
straight along a certaine lane to the southward corner of John Van Cou-
wenhoven's land, and ffrom thence straight to Bedfford as it is now staked
out, to the lane where the house of Benjamin Vandewater stands, and
ffrom thence straight along through Bedfford towne to Bedfford lane, run-
ning between the lands of John Garretse, Dorlant and Claes Barnse, to the
rear of the lands of the said Cloyse, and ffrom thence southerly to the old path
now in use, and soe all along said path to Philip Volkertses land, taking in
a little slip of said Philip's land on the south corner, soe all along said road
by Isaack Greg's house to the Fflackbush new lotts ffence, and soe all along
said ffense to the eastward, to the northeast corner of Eldert Lucas's land,
lying within the New lotts of Fflattbush aforesaid, being flour rod wide
all along, to be and continue forever."

In 1706, all the real and personal estates of the town of Brooklyn
were assessed £3,122 12s., the tax on the same being £41 3s. 7^d.,
and the whole county tax, ,£201 16s. ljd. There were at this
time 64 freeholders in the town. In 1707, the real and per-
sonal estates were assessed at £3,091, lis., on which the govern-
ment tax was .£116 7s. 3d., payable in two instalments, and the
county tax was £448 3s. 7d.

1717. November 21, a bill was brought into the Assembly to erect
Kings and Queens Counties into one by the name of St. George's
County ; also, to elect six members from said county to the Assembly.

1721. Private encroachments on the old road or " king's highway"
(now Fulton street and avenue), leading from the ferry to the old
Dutch church, or Brooklyn parish, and which had been laid out
seventeen years before, in 1704, gave rise to much contention in the
town. At the April term of the General Sessions of the Peace for
Kings County, indictments were found for encroaching thereon,
against John Bapalje, Hans Bergen, James Harding, and others.
These indictments seem to have been predicated as well on the appli-
cation of Bapalie and Bergen, as upon complaints from other citi-
zens.1 Some of the parties thus indicted, and who considered them-

1 " Fflatbush, April 19, 1721. John Rapalje and Hans Bergen, of the fferry, desires of
the grand jury that the Commissioners now being should be presented for not doing

214 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

selves aggrieved, together with others who feared being placed in
the same position, applied to the Colonial Legislature, and obtained,
July 27, 1721, the passage of a law1 to " continue the common road
or king's highway, from the ferry, towards the town of Breuckland,
on the Island of Nassau, in the Province of New York," with the
following preamble :

" Whereas, several of the inhabitants on the ferry, on the Island of
Nassau, by their petition preferred to the General Assembly, by setting
forth, that they have been molested by prosecutions, occasioned by the
contrivance and instigations of ill and dissaftected persons to the neigh-
bourhood, who would encroach upon the buildings and fences that have
been made many years, alledging the road was not wide enough, to the
great damage of several of the old inhabitants, on the said ferry ; the said
road as it now is, has been so for at least these sixty years past, without
any complaint, either of the inhabitants or travellers."

The law then proceeds to establish the road " forever" as it then
was, from the ferry upwards to the town of Breuckland, as far as
the swinging gate of John Rapalje, just above the house and land
belonging to James Harding. Providing, however, against a pos-
sible "jam" near the ferry — although, perhaps, scarcely anticipating
the great thoroughfare which now exists at that locality — the law
enacts that, if a majority of the inhabitants of the town should
" adjudge that part of the road near to the ferry to be too narrow and
inconvenient," they might cause the Sheriff to summon a jury of
twelve, to appraise the land necessary to be taken in the widening,
and that said appraisement should be levied and collected upon the
town, and paid to the owners. This, however, was never done, and
the old lane continued to serve the economical townsfolk of Brook-
lyn. Its appearance may be understood by a glance at Guy's pic-
ture of Brooklyn, which represents it at its passage at Front street,

their duty in laying out the King's highway according to ye law, being the King's
highway is too narrow from the ferry to one Nicalus Cowenhoven, living at Brooklyn ;
and if all our neighbours will make ye road according to law, then ye said John Rap-
alje and Hans Bergen is willing to do the same as aforesaid, being they are not willing
to suffer more than their neighbours. As witness our hands the day and year first
above written. Jan Rapelje.

Hans Bergen."
1 N. Y. Col. Hoc, v. 621.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

215

but so narrow as hardly to lead one to suppose that it was a street.
The " swinging gate" here referred to was on the east side of the
present Fulton street, about where Sands street now enters, and
there commenced the four-foot road. On Ratzer's map, prepared
in 1766-7, this road is laid down, with the buildings thereon, show-
ing conclusively that it was then the same as Fulton street before
the widening in 1839.

For the few remaining incidents of interest in the history of the
town, previous to the Revolutionary period, we are indebted mainly
to the New York newspapers of the day.

1732, March 27. The New York Gazette contains an advertisement
by Edward Willett, offering to sell, on reasonable terms, a very good
negro woman, aged twenty-seven, with two fine children. She is
described as understanding all sorts of business in city or coun-
try, and speaks very good English and Dutch.

1732, July 17. Edward Willett advertises for sale the large, well-
furnished house where Mr. James Harding lately lived, near the
ferry, at Brooklyn, finely situated for a gentleman and a country-
seat, or a public house. With it was also a " large barn, well cov-
ered with cedar ;' a large, handsome garden ; and ten acres of good
land, in a fine young orchard."

Brooklyn's relative population in 1738, as compared with the
other Kings County towns, is exhibited in the following table :

Towns.

3 >

"3 a"
g S

<D >
X O

3-3

3 a

8

1*

!!

■2-S

J* o

5

af
11

o

a-s

Flatlands

Gravesend

BrooMctnd

Flatbush

N. Utrecht

Bushwick

83

75
191
148

72
85

76
70
196
138
65
86

32
22
66
56
26
33

27
25
84
64
32
32

19
15

74
44
36
22

19
16
49
41
23
21

7

6

31

18

17

5

5
6
30
31
11
18

268
235
721
540
282
302

654

631

235

264

210

169

84

101

2,348

Total of Whites, 1,784. Total of Blacks, 564.

Peter Strycker, Junr Sheriff.2

Dwellings and barns were, at this period, very generally covered with straw thatch.
N. Y. Col. MSS., lxxii. 31.

216 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

March 20, 1745-6. The General Assembly of the Province met at
the house of the Widow Sickle, in this town, in consequence of the
prevalence of the small-pox in the city of New York, and continued
sitting at Brooklyn, by several adjournments, until the 8th day of
October.

1752. The Colonial Legislature, during the prevalence of the
small-pox in New York, held their session at Brooklyn in a large
building on the west side of Fulton street, just below Nassau. This
very ancient edifice was constructed of small brick, said to have been
brought from Holland, and was demolished in 1832. At this house,
also, on the 4th of June, 1752, 2,541 bills of credit issued by the
colony of New York, and amounting to X3,602 18s. 3d., were cancelled
by the Colonial Commissioners. The building was further honored
by being made Gen. Putnam's headquarters during the stay of the
American army on Long Island, in 1776.

1757, January 24. Jacob Brewster, at Brooklyn ferry, offers for
sale a pole-chair, or curricle, with excellent good harness and extra-
ordinary horses.

1757, March 14. Garrett Eapelje, of New York, offers for sale a
new house on the Jamaica Koad, about a mile from Brooklyn ferry,
with forty acres of land, west side of John Conover's, and adjoining
the place now in possession of Capt. Pikeman. Some of the land
has a prospect of the Narrows, New York, and Turtle Bay.

1758, This year the sum of <£122 18s. 7d. was assessed in two
assessments, by the Justices of the Peace on this town, towards
building " a new court-house and gaol" for Kings County. The
whole amount assessed on the county was £448 4s. Id.

1759, Nov. 26. " On Sunday week last past, a large bear passed
the house of Mr. Sebring, Brooklyn, and took the water at Red
Hook, attempting to swim across the bay, when Cornelius Sebring
and his miller immediately pushed off in a boat after him. The
latter fired and missed, on which Mr. S. let fly, and sent the ball in
at the back of his head, which came out of his eye, and killed him
outright."— N. Y. Gazette.

1761, Nov. 5. "On Tuesday morning, a grist-mill of one Mr.
Eemsen, on Long Island, a few miles from this city, accidentally
took fire and was entirely consumed, with a large quantity of grain."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

217

— N. T. Post Boy. This mill was probably the one at the Walla-
bout Bay.1

1764, April 16. James Degraw, Brooklyn, offers for sale his farm
opposite the church, and joining Mr. Harvey's, a mile from the ferry.
It is convenient for the New York market, having ten acres of land
and forty fruit-trees.

1764, Oct. 11. Aris Kemsen offers twenty shillings reward for
the apprehension of a runaway negro named Harry. " He had on
a Scotch bonnet, short, wide trowsers, and half- worn shoes, with
steel buckles. He is apt to get drunk, and stutters. He speaks
good English, French, Spanish, and a little of other languages."

1765, Feb. 28. " James Leadbetter and Thomas Horsfield have
opened their brewery in Brooklyn, where may be had English ale,
table, ship, and spruce beer." — N. Y. Gazette.

VIEW OF BEOOOKLAND, IN 1766-7."

1767, Jan. 8. " Last week, on Wednesday, a very valuable negro
fellow of Mr. Samuel Waldron, who keeps the Brooklyn ferry, in
pushing off the boat from the ferry stairs with an oar, lost his pur-
chase and fell out of the bow of the boat, and by a sudden rise of
the sea, his head was crushed between the boat and dock, so that
he died in a few minutes after he was taken up."

1767, February. " Joyce's great wound Balsam is a corrector of
coughs and colds, and cures ulcers and fistulas ; and has many other
virtues too tedious to mention. Sold at Edward Joyce's shop, near

Ante, p. 81.

2 From Rutger's map, of that date.

218 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Brooklyn ferry." The same remedy, under the name of the " great
American balsam," is again advertised in January, 1769, by Edward
Joyce, Surgeon, as for sale by him, and also at Capt. Koffler's at
Brooklyn ferry.

1767. Israel Horsfield, sen., Brooklyn ferry, advertises to sell at
outcry to the highest bidder, Sept. 8th, at the brew-house, " two
negro men, one of which has lived with a ship-carpenter, and is a
good caulker, and has lately lived with a brewer and malster, and is
very handy." On the 2d of November following, Mr. Horsfield offers
for sale his brew-house, malt-house, drying kiln, dwelling, and store-
house, built of brick, one and a half feet thick, after an English plan ;
a horse-mill, for grinding malt and pumping water, a copper kettle
holding thirty-six barrels, two lead cisterns, which will steep seventy
bushels of barley each.

1767, Nov. 16. Francis Koffler1 offers a reward for a runaway
indentured Irish servant, John Miller, "which kept the bar and
made punch at his house," at Brooklyn ferry, and who is particu-
larly described as wearing " deer-skin breeches, speckled yarn stock-
ings, double-soled shoes with brass buckles, and a beaver hat."

1768. A New York paper chronicles the fact that, " in the hard
gale of wind and snow-shower we had here on Saturday night
(March 19th), a servant man and valuable slave of Mr. Pikeman, of
Long Island, were drowned in a periauger, going across the river
with manure for their master's farm."

1768. " To be run for, April 5th, at Mr. James Noblett's, Brook-
lyn, a neat saddle, with hog-skin seat, valued at £5, the best two
out of three single mile heats ; free for any horse not more than
quarter blood, carrying ten stone. Entrance fee 5s., cash."

1768. "Liberal Reward. On July 8th. the house of Widow Rap-
elye, Brooklyn ferry, was broken open and robbed of one gold ring,
marked M. D., heart in hand ; seven silver spoons, marked J. R. D. ;
one pair gold sleeve-buttons ; two Johannesses ; one doubloon ; two

1 This gentleman's obituary is found in the N. Y. Journal of Aug. 29, 1771 : " Last
Friday, departed this life, after a lingering sickness, at Brooklyn, in an advanced age,
Captain Francis Koffler, an honest, upright man, greatly lamented. In the last war he
had command of several privateers out of this port, and acquired great honor by the
bravery and resolution with which he acted in the several engagements he was in."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 219

New York =£5 bills ; one of 40s. ; and about <£40 in Jersey bills and
dollars." Speedy justice overtook the thief, "Garret Middagh's
negro fellow, Csesar," who was tried on the 1st of September fol-
lowing, convicted, and executed on the 15th of the same month, at
Flatbush, the county town.

1770, Feb. 25. The New York Mercury states that Thomas Hors-
field's malt-kilns, at Brooklyn ferry, were burned. Loss, X500.

1770, March 22. " On Monday last was celebrated the Anniver-
sary of the repeal of the Stamp Act, by a number of gentlemen, who
dined at Mr. Waldron's, Brooklyn ferry, and spent the day in great
cheerfulness and good order, and drank the usual toasts." — N. Y.
Journal.

1771, Aug. 7. Ares Kemsen, at the Wallebocht, offers 20s. reward
for a runaway " negro man, Newport, Guinea-born, and branded on
the breast with three letters. He speaks good English, and is a
great talker."

1773, March 4. Sunday, Feb. 24th, was "the coldest day for more
than half a century. The harbor was so full of ice last Thursday,
that many people walked over to Brooklyn and back again. By the
fall of a little rain at night, scarcely any ice was to be seen next
morning." — N. Y. Journal.

1774, Feb. 21. " A Ferry is now established from the Coenties
Market, New York, to the landing place of P. Livingston, Esq., and
Henry Remsen, on Long Island, and another from Fly Market, and
a third from Peck Slip to the present ferry -house at Brooklyn." —
N. Y. Mercury.

The " landing place of P. Livingston, Esq., and Henry Remsen"
was near the foot of the present Joralemon street.1 This ferry was
called " St. George's Ferry," but did not exist long, being discon-
tinued in 1776, and the ferry-house, together with Livingston's dis-
tillery, was burned after the war.

1774, March 31 . " Many persons have been misled by an opinion
that the church proposed to be erected by lottery, at Brooklyn, is to
be under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Bernard Page. It will be a
truly orthodox church, strictly conformable to the doctrine and dis-

1 Ante, pp. 72, 73.

220 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

cipline of the constitutional Church of England as by law estab-
lished, and under the patronage of the Rev. Rector and Vestry of
Trinity church." — Bivington's Gazette.

1774, May 9. John Cornell announces, in the N. Y. Mercury, that
he " has opened a tavern on Tower Hill, Brooklyn, near the new
ferry, called ' St. George's.' Companies will be entertained if they
bring their own liquor, and may dress turtle, etc., at the said house
on the very lowest terms." And, in August following, he adver-
tised that " there will be a bull baited on Tower Hill, at three o'clock
in the afternoon, every Thursday during the season."

" Tower Hill" was a slight eminence on the Heights, on the site
of the old " Colonnade Row," on Columbia, between Middagh and
Cranberry streets.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 221

CHAPTER VIII.

THE DOMESTIC HISTORY OF THE PEOPLE, FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF THE
COUNTRY TO THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.

The unsettled and wandering life led by the earliest Dutch
traders in the New Netherlands, had a natural tendency to assimilate
their habits and customs to those of the untutored savages with
whom they associated. Freed from the restraints of civilization,
they cohabited with the native girls, and every change of temporary
location which occurred in the course of their traffic, afforded them
the opportunity of selecting new companions, while former ties were
carelessly sundered. The children, in these cases, remaining with
their mothers, were left to be brought up amid the influences of
savage life. Under such circumstances, fostered alike by the reck-
lessness of the white, and the loose morality of the Indian, it can
scarcely be a matter of surprise that the life of the former presented
little or no trace of the domestic civilization which should have been
a distinguishing mark between him and his red neighbor.

The domestic history of the country, however, commenced with
the arrival of the thirty families brought over in the good ship
" New Netherland," in the year 1623. Rapidly, under the repeated
blows of the stalwart woodsman's axe, the forests bowed their lofty
heads, and the sun, for the first time in many centuries, peeped in
here and there upon the little "clearings" where the settler had
commenced to raise his first scanty crop of maize or vegetables.
Fences, too, divided men's possessions from their neighbors', or
restrained the cattle (imported from Europe) from extensive wander-
ings into the neighboring woods after food, as had been their wont
during the first busy days which had succeeded the disembarkation.
Houses, or at least temporary shelter, were also furnished — and the
foot of civilization was, at length, firmly planted on these hitherto
silent shores.

222 HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN.

The first dwellings of these pioneer families were mostly con-
structed, as we learn, in the Indian fashion, of saplings and bark ;
with here and there a wooden chimney, or glazed window, — improve-
ments suggested by the experience of civilization. Others again,
consulting comfort rather than show, constructed cellars, sided with
bark and covered with thatched reeds, which, although deficient in
light, were snug and warm. In a few years, however, the establish-
ment of a saw-mill on Manhattan Island, supplied timber for more
substantial abodes ; and the improving circumstances of the set-
tlers were gradually evidenced by the appearance of a better class
of dwellings, one story in height, with two rooms on a floor, and a
garret overhead. These humble cottages were roofed with straw
thatch, and had fireplaces constructed of stone, to the height of
about sis feet, having an oven of the same material at the side of
the fireplace, and extending beyond the rear of the house. But, in
the absence of bricks, the chinmeys above the stone-work were made
of boards, plastered inside with mortar. Each dwelling was sur-
rounded by strong palisades, as a protection against the savages.

The furniture within these humble edifices was of the simplest
sort, and such merely as was necessary to the every-day purposes
of life. The great chest, with its precious stores of household
goods, was the most imposing article of furniture. Tables were
of domestic manufacture ; stools, rough-hewn from forest wood,
answered the uses of chairs ; while rude shelves assumed the office
of a cupboard. The " slaap-banck," or sleeping-bench, usurped the
offices of a bedstead, but upon it the ample feather-bed lay in state,
and made up in comfort what was wanting in display.

Such was the general character of the dwellings of New Nether-
land, for some thirty years succeeding its settlement, during which
time many of its industrious citizens had accumulated considerable
wealth, their children had grown up, and the community had grad-
ually developed the shades of social distinction, consequent upon
the advancing prosperity of its members. As early as the year
1656, several of the merchants of New Amsterdam had erected
stone dwelling-houses, and there had been a corresponding advance
in the style of living, among all classes. In the interior decorations
of their abodes this was plainly seen ; great high-post bedsteads,

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 223

with their dimity curtains, adorned the parlors of the wealthy ; and
cupboards of nut-wood, imported from the " Fatherland," were not
unfrequently seen, while silver-plate was, in a few rare instances, dis-
played. Schools, also, had been established, and the youth of both
sexes, now growing up to maturity, swayed no inconsiderable social
influence, as was evidenced by the improved standard of taste
which gradually became apparent in the domestic arrangements of
private dwellings, both externally and internally. In the city, or
rather the village of New Amsterdam, as it then was, public atten-
tion was directed towards certain needed municipal reforms — and
the magistrates decreed the abolition of wooden chimneys, as well
as " little houses," hay-barracks, and hog-pens, all of which had
hitherto been paraded along the line of streets, and gradually the
town became characterized by a much greater cleanliness arid pro-
priety of appearance. Other and larger houses were now erected,
and after the establishment of a brick-yard at New Amsterdam, by
DeGraff and Hogeboom, in the year 1660, brick houses became the
fashion with all who could afford the additional expense.1

Still, the best edifices of that day would be deemed extremely
cheap, as compared with those of a more recent period, — rarely
exceeding $800, while those of an ordinary character were rated at
from $200 to $500 of our present currency. Eents ranged from $25
to $100 ; and as barter was then, by reason of the want of a well-
established system of currency, commonly provided for in all agree-
ments, payments were frequently made partly in trade and partly in
beaver-skins, which, in wholes or halves, then passed as a current
medium of exchange, as regularly as bank-bills of the present day.

Thus far, we have described the buildings erected on Manhattan
Island, and it is probable that those edifices which succeeded the

1 It was in those days thought that the baking of brick of greater thickness than
two inches, could not be effectual, and thus we find the brick of olden times to be
relatively a third smaller than those of later days. They wasted none, and those
which, from greater exposure to the heat, were burnt black, were built into the fronts
of houses in ornamental figures of diamonds, crosses, or squares, or perhaps the
whole front chequered, as suited the taste of the owners. This custom is believed to
have been peculiar (in the American settlements) to the Dutch of New Netherland, and
their descendants, as travellers, at a period much later than the one now spoken of,
remark upon the appearance of this city, in that particular, as being unlike that of any
other place they had visited in the colonies. Valentine's Corp. Manual, N. Y., 18G1.

224 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

first rude cabins of the settlers on the shores of the Waale-boght
and at " the Ferry," partook of the same general characteristics.
The farm-houses on Long Island, however, were more generally con-
structed, in a rough but substantial manner, of stone— lighted by
narrow windows, containing two small panes of glass — and protected
against the " overloopen" or escalading of any savage foe, by strong,
well-pointed palisades. Snugness, economy, safety, were the char-
acteristics of these country dwellings.

An interesting glimpse at the construction of the ordinary country
houses of the day, is afforded by the following translation of a con-
tract for the erection of a ferry-house, or tavern, on the Long Island
side, for Egbert Van Borsum, the ferry-master, in 1655 :

" We, Carpenters Jan Cornelisen, Abram Jacobsen, and Jan Hendrick-
sen, have contracted to construct a house over at the ferry of Egbert
Van Borsum, ferry-man, thirty feet long and eighteen feet wide, with an
outlet of four feet, to place in it seven girders, with three transome win-
dows and one door in the front, the front to be planed and grooved, and
the rear front to have boards overlapped in order to be tight, with door and
windows therein ; and a floor and garret grooved and planed beneath (on
the under side) ; to saw the roof thereon, and moreover to set a window-
frame with a glass light in the front side ; to make a chimney mantel and
to wainscot the fore-room below, and divide it in the centre across with a
door in the partition ; to set a window-frame with two glass lights therein ;
further to wainscot the east side the whole length of the house, and in the
recess two bedsteads, one in the front room and one in the inside room,
with a pantry at the end of the bedstead (betste) ; a winding staircase in the
fore-room. Furthermore we, the carpenters, are bound to deliver all the
square timber — to wit, beams, posts, and frame timber, with the pillar for
the winding staircase, spars, and worm, and girders, and foundation tim-
bers required for the work ; also the spikes and nails for the interior work ;
also rails for the wainscot are to be delivered by us.

" For which work Egbert Van Borsum is to pay five hundred and fifty
guilders (two hundred and twenty dollars), one-third in beavers, one-third
in good merchantable wampum, one-third in good silver coin, and free pas-
sage over the ferry so long as the work continues, and small beer to be
drunk during work.

" We have subsequently contracted with said Egbert Van Borsum to

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 225

build a cellar-kitchen under said house, and to furnish the wood for it —
to wit, beams and frame timber. There must be made two door-frames
and two circular frames with windows therein, with a stairway to enter it,
and to line the stairs in the cellar round about with boards, with a chim-
ney mantel in the kitchen, and to groove and plane the ceiling. Egbert
must excavate the cellar at his own expense. The carpenters must fur-
nish the nails. For this work one hundred guilders (forty dollars) are
promised, together with one whole good otter skin. Moreover, Egbert
must deliver all the flat wood-work required for the house — to wit, boards
and wainscotting.

" Dated 26th April, 1655, at New Amsterdam.

(Signed) "Jan Cornelisen Cleyn.

" « X,' The Mark of Egbert Van Borsum .»

" The word ' betste,' equivalent to the present ' bedstead,' which
occurs in this contract," says the source from which we extract the
foregoing document, " requires some explanation, as its modern sig-
nification is very different from that which it had in those days.
The ' betste' was then a part of the house, being constructed like a
cupboard in a partition, with doors closing upon it when unoccupied,
so that the sleeping apartment of an inn could accommodate several
travellers with sleeping accommodations, and yet, in the daytime,
the room would answer for a public room, and afford a neat and
unencumbered appearance. In houses of more humble pretensions,
the ' slaap-banck,' or ' bunk' of modern parlance, was the place of
sleeping for travellers.

" To illustrate in a manner which, we doubt not, will give a fair
idea of the customs of the Dutch taverns of New Netherlands, such
as Van Borsum's, we give the following extract from the journal of
one of our citizens,1 who, as a matter of curiosity, visited a part of
the Netherlands, where customs have not changed for centuries.

" It was the business of the good vrow, or her maid, to show up
the traveller, and open the doors in the smooth partition of the
box which was to receive his weary limbs for the night, and which
otherwise he might not be able to discover, and after he crept into
it, to come back again and blow out the candle, and in the morning

1 Hon. Henry C. Murphy, of Brooklyn.

15

226 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

to draw the curtains of the window at the hour he fixed to rise.
There was generally one room in which all the guests were received,
and where there was a pleasant reunion in the evening, and all the
visitors ate, drank, and smoked. It had in one corner a closet, which,
when opened (and, honestly, it was not unfrequently opened), dis-
closed sundry decanters, glasses, and black bottles ; and, on one
side of the room, a rack in which were suspended, by their bowls, a
score or two of very long pipes, each one inscribed with the name of
a neighbor, its owner. This was the room of Mynheer, the landlord,
who found all his occupation here in attending to the pleasure of his
guests. He had no care beyond this : his vrow was the head of the
house ; she attended to all the wants of the guests, and gave them
the information which they might desire. She was always on the
spot, as when, with a cicel te rusten,' like a good mother, she bade
you good-night, and when, with a ' hoo-p-reis,' like an old Mend, she
bade you goocl-by."

A very interesting description of the manner in which the old
farmers of Breuckelen lived, is given by the Labadist travellers,
who visited this country in the year 1679. Among others, they
visited Simon de Hart, whose old house is yet standing near
the Gowanus Cove, at the foot of the present Thirty-eighth
street.

" He was very glad to see us, and so was his wife. He took us
into the house and entertained us exceedingly well. We found a
good fire, half-way up the chimney, of clear oak and hickory, of
which they made not the least scruple of burning profusely. We
let it penetrate us thoroughly. There had been already thrown
upon it, to be roasted, a pail full of Goivanes oysters, which are the
best in the country. They are fully as good as those of England,
and better than those we eat at Falmouth. I had to try some of
them raw. They are large and full, some of them not less than a
foot long, and they grow sometimes ten, twelve, and sixteen to-
gether, and are then like a piece of rock. Others are young and
small. In consequence of the great quantities of them, everybody
keeps the shells for the purpose of burning them into hme. They
pickle the oysters in small casks, and send them to Barbadoes and
the other islands. We had for supper a roasted haunch of venison,

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 227

which he had bought of the Indians for three guilders and a half of
seewant, that is, fifteen stivers of Dutch money (15 cents), and which
weighed thirty pounds. The meat was exceedingly tender and good,
and also quite fat. It had a slight aromatic flavor. We were also
served with wild turkey, which was also fat and of a good flavor, and
a wiltl goose, but that was rather dry. Every thing we had was the
natural production of the country. We saw here, lying in a heap, a
whole hill of watermelons, which were as large as pumpkins, and
which Simon was going to take to the city to sell. They were very
good, though there is a difference between them and those of the
Carribby islands ; but this may be owing to its being very late in
the season, and these were the last pulling. It was very late at
night when we went to rest in a Kermis bed, as it is called, in the
corner of the hearth, alongside of a good fire." Early the next
morning, they relate that their host and his wife went off to the
city, probably in their own boat, with their marketing.1

On another occasion they visited Jacques Cortelyou, in New
Utrecht, who had just built an excellent stone house, the best dwell-
ing in the place. " After supper," they say, " we went to sleep in
the barn upon some straw spread with sheepskins, in the midst of
the continuous grunting of hogs, squealing of pigs, bleating and
coughing of sheep, barking of dogs, crowing of cocks, cackling of
hens, and especially a goodly quantity of fleas and vermin, of no
small portion of which we were participants, and all with an open
barn-door, through which a fresh north wind was blowing. Though
we could not sleep, we could not complain, inasmuch as we had the
same qiiarters and kind of bed that their own son usually had, who
now, on our arrival, crept in the straw behind us." 2

To return to the domestic architecture of the Dutch on Long
Island, we may observe that most of their dwellings were of wood,
some few being of brick, and here and there was to be found a sub-
stantial stone house. These were all one-story edifices, with either
an " overshot," or projecting roof, forming a piazza both on the front
and rear ; or the " overshot" in front, with the roof extending on the
rear until within a few feet of the ground. The low-browed rooms

1 Coll L. I. Hist. Soc., i. 122, 123. 2 Ibid., i. 178.

228 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

were imceiled, showing overhead the broad, heavy oak beams, upon
which the upper, or garret floor was laid. The fireplaces were usually
very large, generally extending, without jambs, to a width sufficient
to accommodate the whole family with seats near the fire. The
chimneys were capacious, and in them the meat was hung for roast-
ing, or to be " cured" by smoking. The jambs, when the fireplace
had any, were usually set around with glazed earthenware tiles, im-
ported from Holland, representing scenes and Scriptural subjects,
which formed a never-failing source of amusement and instruction to
the children, who frequently gained their first Bible instruction from
these tile-pictures, aided by the explanations of the elder members
of the family. Some of these tiles were of a sort of porcelain or
china, with bright-colored pictures of birds and flowers ; but these
were only found in the houses of the better classes, and were
comparatively rare, — those in ordinary use being of a blue delft
ware.

Frequently the barns were quite closely connected to the dwelling-
houses.

Previous to the English conquest of the Netherlands, the domestic
habits and customs of the Dutch were simple and somewhat demo-
cratic in their character. The Fatherland was a republic, and the
accident of family descent, that element which prevailed so greatly
in the formation of English society, could not be recognized, or its
distinctions claimed by her colonists in the New World ; for it was
within the recollection of the older citizens that all had come hither
in search of fortune, and had brought little with them in the begin-
ning. Some, indeed, through industry or peculiar sagacity, had
attained positions of wealth, and consequently of increased influence,
yet it might justly be said of the Dutch community, that its social
circles were open to all of good character, without regard to business
pursuits, or any factitious considerations. Rich and poor mingled
together with a freedom and a heartiness of enjoyment which can
hardly be expected to exist, except in the formative stage of society
— and which, in the natural course of events, could not last long.
The advent, however, of the English, many of whom possessed high
social connections at home, with all their corresponding habits,
etc., infused a change into the social life of the colony, and neces-

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 229

sarily developed an aristocratic state of society previously un-
known.

In the " best room" of every house, whether of the wealthy or
humbler class, the bedstead was a principal object, and, with its
furniture and hangings, formed the index of the social standing of
its owner. Upon it, according to the old Dutch fashion, were two
feather beds — one for the sleeper to lie upon, and another, of a lighter
weight, to be used as a covering. The pillow-cases were generally
of check patterns ; and the curtains and valance were of as expen-
sive materials as its owner could afford ; while in front of the bed a
rug was laid, for carpets were not then in common use. Among the
Dutch, the only article of that sort, even up to the time of the Revo-
lution, was a drugget cloth, which was spread under the table dur-
ing meal-time, when, upon " extra occasions," the table was set in
the parlor. But even these were unknown among the inhabitants of
Breuckelen and the neighboring towns. The uniform practice, after
scrubbing the floor well on certain days, was to place upon the damp
boards the fine white beach-sand (of which every family kept a sup-
ply on hand, renewing it by trips to the seashore twice a year),
arranged in small heaps, which the members of the family were care-
ful not to disturb by treading upon ; and, on the following day, when
it had become dry, it was swept, by the light and skilful touch of
the housewife's broom, into waves or other more fanciful figures.
Rag carpets did not make their appearance in Kings County until
about the beginning of the present century.

Chairs, straight and high-backed, and ungainly to modern eyes,
were mostly of wood, sometimes covered with leather and studded
with brass nails, but more frequently seated simply with matted
rushes. Tables, for other than kitchen use, were unknown to the
earlier Dutch, and for many years to their successors. In the prin-
cipal room, which held the fine bed, and was, also, tea and dining
room on special occasions, was generally a round tea-table, with
a leaf which could be turned up perpendicularly when not in use,
and a large square table, with leaves, for use at tea-parties.
Looking-glasses, in the early days, were generally small, with narrow
black frames ; and windoiv-curtains were of the simplest and cheap-
est description, being no better in the best apartments than a strip

230 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

of ordinary cloth run upon a string. Clocks were rare, and most
families marked their time by the hour-glass, — the great eight-day
clock, which we sometimes see as heir-looms in our oldest families,
being first introduced in this country about 1720. Earthenware, dur-
ing the Dutch dynasty, and for some twenty years thereafter, was not
used in the ordinary table service, wooden and pewter being then
universally in use by all classes. The few articles of china, kept by
some for display upon the cupboard, were rarely used on the table ;
and, though earthenware came into partial use about 1680, peivter
was still the most common up to the period of the Revolution.
Among the wealthy, blue and white china and porcelain, curiously
ornamented with Chinese pictures, were used " for company." The
teacups were very diminutive in size, for tea was then an article of the
highest luxury, and was sipped in small quantities alternately with
a bite from the lump of loaf-sugar which was laid beside each guest's
plate. Silverware, in the form of tankards, beakers, porringers,
spoons, snuffers, candlesticks, etc., was a favorite form of display
among the Dutch, inasmuch as it served as an index of the owner's
wealth, and was the safest and most convenient form of investment
for any surplus funds. Of books our ancestors had but few, and these
were mostly Bibles, Testaments, and Psalm-Books. The former, many
of which still exist among the old families, were quaint specimens of
early Dutch printing, with thick covers, and massive brass, and some-
times silver, corner-pieces and clasps. The Psalm-Books were also
adorned with silver edgings and clasps, and when hung by chains of
the same material to the girdle of matrons and maidens fair, were
undoubtedly valued by their owners quite as much for the dis-
play which they made as for their intrinsic value. It is an inter-
esting fact, that the merchants who kept school-books, psalm-
books, etc., as a part of their stock, about the middle of the last
century, were provided with about an equal number of books in
the Dutch and English language ; showing that, even at that late
period after the termination of the Dutch power, the greater part of
the children of Dutch descent continued to be educated in the lan-
guage of the Fatherland. Sjrinning-wlieels were to be found in every
family, many having four or five — some for spinning flax and others for
wool. A Dutch matron, indeed, took great pride in her large stock

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 231

of household linen, which was then cheaper than cotton ; and it was
the ambition of every Dutch maiden to take to her husband's house
a full and complete stock of such domestic articles.1

As to the means of travelling, the lumber-wagon, and in winter the
sleigh, running upon split saplings, and drawn, at a uniform dog-
trot pace, by pot-bellied nags, seem to have been the only convey-
ance possessed by the Dutchmen who did not wish to ride horse-
back or to walk. During the early part of the seventeenth cen-
tury, the two-wheeled one-horse chaise came gradually into use,
and was the fashionable vehicle up to the time of the Eevolution.
In riding horseback, the lady did not, as now, ride alone ; but was
mounted upon a pillow or padded cushion, fixed behind the saddle
of the gentleman or servant, upon whose support she was therefore
dependent ; and this was the common mode of country travel for
ladies at that day, when roads were generally little else than bridle-
paths. Side-saddles only came into partial use in the eighteenth
century.

The manners of the people were simple, unaffected, and economi-
cal. Industry was cultivated by all ; every son was brought up to
the exercise of some mechanical employment, and every daughter to
the knowledge of household duties. In those days, farmers made
their own lime, tanned their own leather, often made their own shoes,
did their own carpentering, wheelwrighting, and blacksmithing ;
while the females spun wool and flax, frequently taking their spin-
ning-wheels with them when they went abroad to spend an after-
noon with a neighbor's wife.

In regard to the agriculture of the country during its earlier years,
we can learn but little. It was probably as good as that of the
"Fatherland" at that day, all due allowance being made for the
novel and peculiar circumstances which surround the settler in a

1 Furman's Notes (p. 100) preserves the inventory of the estate which a bride in
Brooklyn brought to her husband, in the year 1691. The husband, by various records,
appears to have been a man of considerable wealth, notwithstanding which, the fol-
lowing inventory was thought by both of them of sufficient importance to merit being
recorded, viz. :

" A half-worn bed, pillow, 2 cushions of ticking with feathers, one rug, 4 sheets, 4
cushion-covers, 2 iron pots, 3 pewter dishes, 1 pewter basin, 1 iron roaster, 1 schuyrn
spoon, 2 cowes about 5 yeares old, 1 case or cupboard, 1 table."

232 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

new and unimproved country, amid the vicissitudes of an untried
climate, and the constant danger of molestation and violence from
savage foes.

We may mention, however, in this connection, that at the period
of the Revolutionary War, the farmers of Kings County were in the
habit of raising their own tobacco, and that during the century pre-
vious the cultivation of that weed was extensively carried on as an
article of exportation, — some of the best tobacco exported to Europe
from the American colonies, being raised on the Dutch tobacco
plantations around the Wallabout, in the town of Brooklyn.

The farmers of this vicinity, also, for some time previous to the
Ee volution, had been in the habit of raising cotton, — although prob-
ably to a very limited extent, and solely for the domestic uses of
their own households. Furman says, in 1836,1 "we have now a
bedspread in our family, made of cotton and wool, colored blue and
white, and woven in neat and handsome figures, the cotton of which,
as well as the wool, was raised on my grandfather's farm in Kings
County, L. L, in the year 1775, and which was cleaned, colored, and
woven by the women of his family. It is now in use, and in good
condition, and is one of the best fabrics I ever saw."

Slavery was also a feature of the domestic history of ante-revolu-
tionary times. It had existed from an early period, and formed a
considerable branch of the shipping interests of the Dutch. The
mercantile value of a prime slave was from $120 to $150, both under
the Dutch and English dynasties. And when, from time to time, by
natural increase and by importation, the number of slaves accumu-
lated beyond the demand, the slave-trade decreased.2 Almost every
domestic establishment of any pretensions in city or country was
provided with one or more negro servants. These did the most of
the farm labor, and their number was considered as a significant
indication of the relative wealth of different families.3

These slaves were, as a general thing, kindly treated and well

1 MSS. Notes, iv. 381. 2 N. Y. Doc. Hist., i. 707.

3 In N. Y. Doc. Hist, is a census of negroes in the province of New York, taken in
1755, from which we learn that there were then in Brooklyn 133 slaves (53 of whom
were females), owned by sixty-two persons, among whom John Bargay and Jacob
Bruington were the largest holders, the former having seven and the latter Jive slavi
servants.

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 233

cared for ; but, after all, the institution of slavery was one that com-
mended itself to the Dutch mind rather as a necessity than as a
desirable system. In the city, the association of so many blacks
gave rise to much trouble, and even to several outbreaks during the
half century preceding the Revolution, which seriously affected the
public peace ; and in the rural districts, especially on Long Island,
the intercourse of the city negroes with their own house and farm
servants, was strongly deprecated and discouraged. After the Revo-
lution, and under the beneficent influences of a more enlightened
State legislation, slavery gradually disappeared. The last public
sale of human beings in the town of Brooklyn, is believed to have
been that of four slaves belonging to the widow Heltje Rappelje, of
the Wallabout, in the year 1773. It occurred at the division of her
estate, and was even at that time considered an odious departure
from the time-honored and more humane practice, which then pre-
vailed, of permitting slaves who wished to be sold, or who were
offered for sale, to select their own masters.1

Some of the peculiar funeral customs of the Dutch will be found
incidentally mentioned in another portion of this work.3 In this
connection we may be permitted to quote the following from Fur-
man : 3 " Among our Dutch farmers in Kings County, it has been
from time immemorial, and still is a custom, for all the young men,
after becoming of age, to lay up a sufficient sum of money in gold
to pay the expense of their funerals. In many families the money
thus hallowed is not expended for that purpose, but descends as a
species of heir-loom through several generations. I have seen gold
thus saved from before the Revolution, and now in the hands of the
grandson, himself a man of family, having sons grown up to man-
hood, and which consisted of gold Johannes or Joes ($16 pieces),
guineas, etc."

It seems to have been customary, also, among the Dutch, about
the close of the last century, to designate a widow as "the last wife"

1 Reminiscences of Jeremiah Johnson. This Heltje was the widow of Jeronimus
Rapalje, who sold to Martin Schenck (son-in-law) his farm of 300 acres or more, in the
Wallabout. She died in the Wallabout in 1773, aged 93 years, and her estate was sold
and divided between her other heirs at law — Johannis Alstine, Thomas Thorne, Aris
Remsen.

2 See sketch of Domine Schoonmaker, ante, p. 191. 3 MSS. Notes, vii. 240.

234 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

of her deceased husband, and a widower as " the last man" of his
deceased wife.

A well-known investigator of ancient deeds, wills, etc., in Williams-
burgh,1 makes the remark "that the old Dutch wills seem not to
trust the widow in a second marriage. The restraints placed upon
remarriages, by wills, were generally in favor of the children of
the first marriage ; and the widows thus restricted generally signed
consents to accept the bequests in lieu of dower, for the good reason
that propriety did not allow them to refuse so soon after the death of
their first husband, and because the devises and bequests in lieu of
dower vested an estate for life, or three-thirds of the estate subject
to a contingency in their own control, instead of one-third absolutely.
The will of Cornelius Van Catts, of Bushwick, dated in 1726, and ex-
pressed in a sort of half Dutch dialect, devises to his wife, Annetjie,
his whole estate to her while she remains his widow — both real and
personal. " But if she happen to marry, then I geff her nothing of
my estate, neither real or personal. I geff to my well-beloved son,
Cornelius, the best horse that I have, or else £7 10s., for his good
as my eldest son. And then my two children, Cornelius Catts and
David Catts, all heef (half) of my whole effects, land and moveables,
that is to say, Cornelius Catts heef of all, and David Catts heeff of
all. But my wife can be master of all, for bringing up to good learning
my two children (qffietteri) school to learn. But if she comes to marry
again, then her husband can take her away from the farm, and all
will be left for the children, Cornelius Catts and David Catts, heeff
and heeff."

So also in the will of John Burroughs, of Newtown, July 7, 1678,
he devises to his son John his then dwelling-house, barn, orchard,
out-houses, and lands, etc. " But not to dispossess my beloved wife
during the time of her widowhood. But if she marry, then her hus-
band must provide for her, as I have done." So also the will of
Thomas Skillman, of Newtown, in 1739.

We cannot more appropriately conclude this brief sketch of Dutch
domestic life, than by reproducing an article written by Hon. Heney
C. Murphy, of Brooklyn, descriptive of Dutch nomenclature, etc. It

1 J. M. Stearns, Esq., of Williamsburgh.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 235

originally formed one of a series of letters written for the columns
of the Brooklyn Eagle, during Mr. Murphy's residence as U. S. Min-
ister at the Hague ; and is so especially full of information concern-
ing names and families familiar to Brooklyn and Kings County, that
it cannot fail, we think, to interest our readers.

" The great body of Netherlander who settled permanently
in America, belonged, without exception, to the industrial classes.
The most distinguished families amongst us, those whose ancestors
filled the most important positions in the new settlement, as well as
others, were from the great body of burghers. The only Governor
who remained in the country, Peter Stuyvesant, was the son of a
minister of Scherpenzed, in Friesland ; and the only patroon who
settled upon his estates, Kiliaen Yan Eensselaer, was a merchant of
Amsterdam. Although the Eepublic confirmed no titles, it pro-
tected the old nobility in their estates, and they and their families
were content to leave the distant enterprises in the hands of the
other classes, and remain in the province.

" Returning now to the consideration of names, in order to show
what difficulties the peculiar systems adopted in this country (Hol-
land), and continued by the settlers in our own home, throw in the
way of tracing genealogies, it is to be observed that the first of these,
in point of time, was the patronymic, as it is called, by which a child
took, besides his own baptismal name, that of his father, with the
addition of zoon or sen, meaning son. To illustrate this : if a child
were baptized Hendrick and the baptismal name of his father were
Jan, the child would be called Hendrick Jansen. His son, if bap-
tized Tunis, would be called Tunis Hendricksen ; the son of the
latter might be "Willem, and would have the name of Willem Tunis-
sen. And so we might have the succeeding generations called suc-
cessively Garret Willemsen, Marten Garretsen, Adrian Martensen,
and so on, through the whole of the calendar of Christian names ;
or, as more frequently happened, there would be repetition in the
second, third, or fourth generation, of the name of the first ; and
thus, as these names were common to the whole people, there were
in every community different lineages of identically the same name.
This custom, which had prevailed in Holland for centuries, was in
full vogue at the time of the settlement of New Netherland. In

236 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

writing the termination sen, it was frequently contracted into se, or z,
or 8. Thus the name of William Barrentsen, who commanded in the
first three Arctic voyages of exploration, in 1594, '5, and '6, is given
in the old accounts of those voyages, Barentsen, Barentse, Barentz,
Barents, sometimes in one way, sometimes another, indifferently. Or,
to give an example nearer home, both of the patronymic custom and
of the contraction of the name, the father of Garret Martense, the
founder of a family of that name in Flatbush, was Martin Adriaense,
and his father was Adrian Byerse, who came from Amsterdam. The
inconveniences of this practice, the confusion to which it gave rise,
and the difficulty of tracing families, led ultimately to its abandon-
ment both in Holland and in our own country. In doing so, the
patronymic which the person originating the name bore, was adopted
as the surname. Most of the family names thus formed and existing
amongst us, may be said to be of American origin, as they were first
fixed in America, though the same names were adopted by others in
Holland. Hence we have the names of such families of Dutch de-
scent amongst us as Jansen (anglice, Johnson), Garretsen, Cornelisen,
Williainsen or "Williamson, Hendricksen or Hendriekson, Clasen,
Simonsen or Simonson, Tysen (son of Mathias), Aresend (son .of
Arend), Hansen, Lambertsen or Lambertson, Paulisen, Bemsen,1
Byersen, Martense, Adriance, Butgers, Everts, Phillips, Lefferts, and
others. To trace connection between these families and persons in
this country, it is evident, would be impossible for the reason stated,
without a regular record.

" Another mode of nomenclature, intended to obviate the difficulty
of an identity of names for the time being, but which rendered the
confusion worse confounded for the future genealogist, was to add
to the patronymic name the occupation or some other personal
characteristic of the individual. Thus Laurens Jansen, the inventor
of the art of printing, as the Dutch claim, had affixed to his name
that of Coster — that is to say, sexton — an office of which he was in
possession of the emoluments. But the same addition was not
transmitted to the son ; and thus the son of Hendrick Jansen Coster
might be called Tunis Hendricksen Brouwer (brewer), and his grand-

1 It is generally supposed that the name Rembrandt was shortened into Rem, and
the son then became Remson or Remsen.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 237

son might be William Tunissen Bleecker (bleacher). Upon the
abandonment of the old system of names, this practice went with it ;
but it often happened that, while one brother took the father's
patronymic as a family name, another took that of his occupation
or personal designation. Thus originated such families as Coster,
Brouwer, Bleecker, Schoonmaker, Stryker, Schuyler, Cryger, Sned-
iker, Hegeman, Hofman, Dykman, Bleekman, Wortman, and Tie-
man. Like the others, they are not ancient family names, and are
not all to be traced to Holland as the place where they first became
fixed. Some of them were adopted in our own country.

"A third practice, evidently designed, like that referred to, to obvi-
ate the confusions of the first, was to append the name of the place
where the person resided — not often of a large city, but of a partic-
ular, limited locality, and frequently of a particular farm or natural
object. This custom is denoted in all the family names which have
the prefix of Van, Vander, Ver (which is a contraction of Fonder),
and Ten — meaning, respectively, of, of the, and at the. From towns
in Holland we have the families of Van Cleef, Van Wyck, Van
Schaack, Van Bergen, and others ; from Guelderland, those of Van
Sinderen, Van Dyk, and Van Buren ; from Utrecht, Van Winkel ;
from Friesland, Van Ness ; from Zeeland, Van Duyne. Sometimes
the Van has been dropped, as in the name of Boerum, of the prov-
ince of Friesland ; of Covert, of North Brabant ; of Westervelt, of
Drenthe ; of Brevoort and Wessels, in Guelderland. The prefixes,
Vander or Ver, and Ten,1 were adopted where the name was derived
from a particular spot, thus : Vanderveer (of the ferry) ; Vanderburg,
of the hill ; Vanderbilt (of the bildt — i. e., certain elevations of
ground in Guelderland and New Utrecht) ; Vanderbeck (of the
brook) ; Vanderhoff (of the court) ; Verplanck (of the plank) ; Ver-
hultz (of the holly) ; Verkerk (of the church) ; Ten Eyck (at the oak) ;
Tenbroeck (at the marsh). Some were derived, as we have observed,
from particular farms, thus : Van Couwenhoven (also written Van
Cowdenhoven — cold farms). The founder of that family in America,
Wolphert Gerrissen Van Cowenhoven, came from Amersfoort, in the

1 The prefixes vander and van dc ought to be written separately, and not with cap-
ital letters, as, van Anden, and not Vananden ; van der Cbys, and not Vanderchys ;
de Witt, and not Dewitt. The prefix von is German.

238 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

province of Utrecht, and settled at what is now called Flatlands, in
our county, but what was called by him New Amersfoort. Some
names, in the classification which I have attempted, have undergone
a slight change in then- transfer to America. Barculo is from Bor-
culo, a town in Guelderland ; Yan Anden is from Anclel, in the
province of Groningen ; Snediker should be Snediger ; Bonton, if of
Dutch origin, should be Bonten (son of Bondwijn or Baldwin),
otherwise it is French. Van Cott was probably Yan Catt, of South
Holland. The Catti were the original inhabitants of the country,
and hence the name. There is one family which has defied all my
etymological research. It is evidently Dutch, but has most likely
undergone some change, and that is the name of Yan Brunt. There
is no such name now existing in Holland. There are a few names
derived from relative situation to a place : thus Yoorhees is simply
before or in front of Hess, a town in Guelderland - and Onderdonk
is below Bonk, which is in Brabant. There are a few names more
arbitrary — such as Middagh (midday) ; Conrad (bold counsel) ; Hag-
edorn (hawthorn) ; Bogaert (orchard) ; Blauvelt (blue-field) ; Eosevelt
(rose-field) ; Stuyvesant (quicksand) ; Wyckoff (parish-court) ; Hoogh-
land (highland) ; Dorland (arid land) ; Opdyke (on the cVvke) ; Has-
brook (hare's marsh) — and afford a more ready means of identifica-
tion of relationship. The names of Brinkerhoff and Schenck, the
latter of which is very common here, may be either of Dutch or
German origin. Martin Schenck was a somewhat celebrated gen-
eral in the war of independence. Ditmars is derived from the Dan-
ish, and Bethune is from a place in the Spanish Netherlands, near
Lille. Lott is a Dutch name, though it has an English sound.
There is a person of that name, from Guelderland, residing in the
Hague. Pieter Lots was one of the schepens of Amersfoort in 1676,
and I infer from the patronymic form of his name that Lott is a
baptismal name and is derived from Lodewyck or Lewis, and that
Pieter Lots means Peter the son of Lodewyck or Lot, as the former
is often contracted. Some names are disguised in a Latin dress.
The practice prevailed, at the time of the emigration to our country,
of changing the names of those who had gone through the university
and received a degree, from plain Dutch into sonorous Koman.
The names of all our early ministers were thus altered. Johannes

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 239

or Jan Mecklenburg became Johannes Megapolensis ; Evert Wil-
lemse Bogaert became Everardus Bogardus ; Jan Doris Polheem
became Johannes Theodoras Polhemius. The last was the founder
of the Polhemus family of Brooklyn. The records here show that
he was a minister at Meppel, in the province of Drenthe, and in 1637
went as such to Brazil, under the auspices of the "West India Com-
pany, whence he went to Long Island. Samuel Dries (who, by the
way, was an Englishman, but who graduated at Leyden) was named
Samuel Drisius. It may, therefore, be set down as a general rale,
that the names of Dutch families ending in ns have been thus latin-
ized.

" There were many persons who emigrated from Holland who were
of Gallic extraction. When the bloody Duke of Alva came into the
Spanish Netherlands in 1567, clothed with despotic power over the
provinces by the bigoted Philip II., more than 100,000 of the Protes-
tants of the Gallic provinces fled to England, under the protection
of Queen Elizabeth, and to their brethren in Zeeland and Holland.
They retained their language, that of the ancient Gauls, and were
known in England as Walloons, and in Holland as Waalen, from
the name of their provinces, called Gaulsche, or, as the word is pro-
nounced, Waalsche provinces. The number of fugitives from re-
ligious persecution was increased by the flight of the Protestants
of France at the same time, and was further augmented, five years
later, by the memorable massacre of St. Bartholomew. When the
West India Company was incorporated, many of these persons and
their descendants sought further homes in New Netherland. Such
were the founders of the families of Bapelye, Cortelyou, Dubois,
De Bevoise, Duryea, Crommelin, Conselyes, Montague, Fountain,
and others. The Waalebocht, or Walloon's Bay, was so named
because some of them settled there.

" In regard to Dutch names proper, it cannot fail to have been
observed that they are of the simplest origin. They partake of the
character of the people, which is eminently practical. The English,
and, in fact, all the northern nations of Europe, have exhibited this
tendency, more or less, in the origin of family designations, but
none of them have carried it to so great a degree as the Dutch.
We have in our country, both in Dutch and English, the names of

240 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

"White (De Witt), Black (Swart), and Brown (Broom), but not,
according to my recollection, the names of Blue, Yellow, and Bed,
which exist here.

" Allied to the subject of family names is that of family arms. It
was not until the present monarchical regime that they were regu-
lated by government. Before the independence of the country,
titles, it is true, were conferred by the dukes of Burgundy and of
Hainault, by the Elector of Bavaria, by the House of Austria, and
by the counts of Holland, all of whom had dominion in some
or other of the provinces ; but family devices were not regulated.
Of older date than these were the nobility of Friesland, which
continues to this day, and whose members, discarding the modern
names of count and baron, adhere to the ancient title of ' Jonklwr?
and their arms constitute a considerable number. In the time of
the Eepublic no titles were conferred, and the citizens were prohib-
ited from receiving any such from foreign powers, unless by consent
of the States-General. The old nobility were, during its existence,
protected in their estates and titles, but lost political caste as a
privileged class. The States-General, on several occasions, granted
to various ambassadors of the Eepublic of Venice, with which they
were assiduous to cultivate a friendly intercourse, the right to
quarter the arms of the United Provinces upon their own. On one
occasion they decreed to one of these distinguished persons tho
right to quarter the lion, from the arms of the Republic, on his
own ; and in another instance, half the Hon : but they gave no title
or right of arms to Dutch citizens. The number of those, therefore,
who were entitled to these family symbols in Holland, at the time of
the settlement of the New Netherlands, was very few ; and there are
not half a dozen bearing the name of any of those who settled in
our country. Some of their names have since been ennobled under
the monarchy. When Louis Bonaparte ascended the throne of
Holland, he promulgated a decree establishing a nobility as a part
of the State, and an heraldic college ; but the measure did not meet
the approbation of Napoleon, and it was soon after abandoned. On
the establishment of the present dynasty, after the downfall of
Napoleon, this measure was renewed, and titles and houses and
decorations have been scattered broadcast over the land ; although

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 241

the constitution of 1848, one of the consequences of the French
revolution in that year, abolished the political importance of the
nobility, inaugurated by the new system. It would be absurd to
connect these late creations with their relatives, if there be any
such, in America. I might give the escutcheons of the few of the
old noblesse whose names exist in our country ; but it would be of
no account — two or three at the outside, and these of dubious rela-
tionship— and certainly with no satisfactory result. In fact, in
whatever light you regard the subject, the grand truth, to which I
have already referred, stands boldly prominent, that our settlers
belonged to no privileged class. They came from the towns, where an
uncommon commercial activity had arisen, consequent upon the inde-
pendence of the country. They came from the fields, where the lands
were held by the proprietors in a kind of feudal tenure which exists
even to this day in a large portion of the country. They went to
America to make their fortunes in trade, or to secure a landed estate
which would belong to them and their children. They went there
carrying with them free and tolerant principles. In conversing on
the subject of their emigration, not long since, with a distinguished
scholar of this city (the Hague), he asked me if the descendants of the
Dutch in America were not very conservative in their feelings. He
judged from the national character. I answered that they were emi-
nently so, but that they were republicans. He smiled, and asked me
further if they were not Calvinists. I told him I believed that they
adhered, more closely than the Church here, to the faith and practice
of their fathers. And so it is, I believe, in political and religious
matters : the Dutch of America retain the ancient principles of the
Fatherland more strongly than the Dutch of Holland ; and in this
they show that they have sprung, not from privileged, but from
republican loins."

16

242 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

CHAPTEK IX.

BROOKLYN DURING THE REVOLUTION.

PART I.
THE BATTLE OF BROOKLYN*

August 27, 1776.

Brooklyn, at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, was a
pleasant but quiet agricultural town, numbering between three and
four thousand inhabitants, who were mostly grouped within three or
four hamlets or neighborhoods. Near "the Ferry" a few houses
were clustered around the old ferry tavern, whose reputation for
excellent dinners made it a favorite resort of British officers and the
"young bucks" of New York ; but the whole number of dwellings in
this portion of the town (now embraced within the 1st, 2d, 3d, and
4th wards of the city), at that time, scarcely exceeded fifty. Along
" the Heights," whose precipitous banks were crowned with goodly
groves of cedar, were a few private residences, among which that of
Philip Livingston, Esq., was most conspicuous for size and elegance ;
while the whole of that now thickly-builded portion of the city,
embraced between the East River, Joralemon and Fulton streets,
was occupied only by thrifty fruit-orchards, extensive market-
gardens, and choice pasture-land. From either side of the ferry,
along the shores of the "Wallabout to Bushwick, and along the East
River to Gowanus, were scattered the substantial farm-houses of
old Dutch families. Nearly a mile and a half back from the ferry,
and in the middle of the road to Jamaica, stood the ancient stone
church, around which was gathered the village proper of Brooklyn.

* We have preferred to call this the " Battle of Brooklyn," because that term
more completely describes the locale of the battle, which was fought eutirely within the
limits of the old town, now included in the present city of Brooklyn.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 243

Another mile and a quarter beyond, on the same road, a few farm-
houses formed the neighborhood known then and now as Bedford.

The people of Brooklyn, like those of the other towns in Kings
County, were mostly Dutch, whose sympathies were but slightly
enlisted in behalf of the Kevolutionary cause, and in whom the fear
of pecuniary loss and personal inconvenience quite outweighed the
more generous impulses of patriotism. Therefore it was, that while
we find the inhabitants of Suffolk County, and other portions of the
State, cordially responding to the first outbreak of rebellion in
Massachusetts, — sympathizing, in 1774, with their fellow-citizens of
New England in regard to the odious Boston Port Bill, etc., — the
people of Kings County seem to have viewed the approaching storm
with perfect indifference, and to have acted tardily in defence of
their rights.

Yet, in spite of this general apathy, Brooklyn could not avoid be-
coming somewhat inoculated with the Revolutionary spirit which
pervaded the land. In 1775 the names* of " Whig" and " Tory"
began to be used, and political sentiment divided families and
friends. The Whigs united in articles of association for common
defence, and met weekly in small parties for purposes of military
drill, under the supervision of officers, some of whom were veterans
of the early French wars. Many long fowling-pieces were cut down
and fitted with bayonets, and those who had two guns loaned to
those who had none. Elijah Freeman Payne, the teacher of the
Wallabout school, left his charge, and hastened to join the Amer-
ican army at Boston, and the school remained closed until 1777.1
In every quarter of the political horizon gathering clouds betokened
the approach of the storm of war.2

The first action of the county was in response to a call from a

1 MSS. of General Jeremiah Johnson.

2 The following officers of Brooklyn militia companies had, at this time (March, '76),
signed the Declaration and taken their commissions, viz. : Half of Brooklyn. Barent
Johnson, Captain; Barent Lefferts, 1st Lieut.; Jost Debevoice, 2d Lieut.; Martin
Schenck, Ensign. — Half of Brooklyn. Fer'dSuydam, Captain ; Simon Bergen, 1st Lieut. ;
Wm. Brower, 2d Lieut. ; Jacob Stellenwert, Ensign.

The following were the superior or regimental officers of Kings County militia :
Rutgert Van Brant, Col. ; Nich. Cowenhoven, Lieut.-Col. ; Johannes Titus, 1st

Major ; John Vanderbilt, 2d Major ; Geo. Carpenter, Adj. ; Nich. Cowenhoven, Q. M.

— Onderdonk, Kings County, p. 120.

244 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Committee of Correspondence to the several counties of the colony,
requesting them to appoint delegates to a general Provincial Con-
vention to be held in the city of New York, on the 20th of April,
1775. At a meeting of the Committee chosen by the several towns of
Kings County, at the County Hall in Flatbush, on the loth of April,
all the towns were represented, except Flatlands, which "would
not put a negative on the proceedings, but chose to remain neutral."
The Brooklyn delegates, on this occasion, were Simon Boerum,1
Henry Williams, Jeremiah Bemsen, John Suydam, Johannes Ber-
gen, Jacob Sharpe, and Bern Cowenhoven. Mr. Boerum was
appointed chairman, when it was "resolved, unanimously, that
Simon Boerum, Bichard Stillwell, Theodorus Polhemus, Denys
Denice, and Jeremiah Vanderbilt, or a major part of them, be
appointed Deputies to the Convention for choosing Delegates to
the Continental Congress, to be held at Philadelphia in May."2

This Convention closed its session at New York, on the 22d of
April ; but, on the next tlay, the news of the battle of Lexington
reached the city, where it created such a profound sensation that,
on the 28th, the New York Committee again sent circulars, together
with forms of association, to each county, requesting them to choose
Deputies to a Provincial Congress to be held on the 24th of May,
in order "to deliberate on and direct such measures as may be
expedient for our common safety :"

" At a general Town Meeting, regularly warned, at Brooklyn, May 20,
'75, the Magistrates and Freeholders met, and voted Jer. Remsen, Esq.,
into the chair, and Leffert Lefferts, Esq., Clerk.

" Taking into our serious consideration the expediency and propriety of
concurring with the freeholders and freemen of the City and County of
N. Y., and the other Colonies, Townships, and Precincts, within this
Province, for holding a Provincial Congress to advise, consult, watch
over and defend, at this very alarming crisis, all our civil and religious
rights, liberties and privileges, according to their collective prudence.

1 Simon Boerum's name appears as a Delegate from Kings County, in the first
Continental Congress. He died at New York, in 1775 ; and as the British held
possession of Long Island until Nov. 25, 1783, no one appears in his place. — Funnan's
Notes, viii., p. 228.

s Onderdonk's Rev. Incidents Kings County, sec. 770.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 245

" After duly considering the unjust plunder and inhuman carnage com-
mitted on the property and persons of our brethren in the Massachusetts,
who, with the other N". England Colonies, are now deemed by the Mother
Country to be in a state of actual rebellion, by which declaration England
hath put it beyond her own power to treat with New England, or to pro-
pose or receive any terms of reconciliation, until those Colonies shall
submit as a conquered country. The first effort to effect which was
by military and naval force ; the next attempt is, to bring a famine among
them, by depriving them of both their natural and acquired right of fish-
ing. Further, contemplating the very unhappy situation to which the
powers at home, by oppressive measures, have driven all the other Prot-
estant Provinces, we have all evils in their power to fear, as they have
already declared all the Provinces aiders and abettors of rebellion : There-
fore,

" 1st, Resolved, That Henry Williams and Jer. Remsen, Esqrs., be now
elected Deputies for this Township, to meet, May 22, with other Deputies
in Provincial Convention in N. Y., and there to consider, determine and
do, all prudential and necessary business.

" 2d, Resolved, That we, confiding in the wisdom and equity of said Con-
vention, do agree to observe all warrantable acts, associations and orders,
as said Congress shall direct.

" Signed by order of the Town Meeting,

" Leffekt Leffeets, Clerk." '

Delegates were similarly appointed by the other Kings County
towns ; but their zeal was lukewarm, and their subsequent attend-
ance so irregular, that in February, 1776, the Convention were
obliged to request their more regular appearance.2 It is probable
that they but reflected the spirit of their constituency ; for, during
the previous winter of 1775-6, many portions of the province,
especially on Long Island, had given such evident signs of dis-
satisfaction to the American cause as raised the brightest hopes
of the loyalist leaders, and excited the apprehensions of the

1 Onderdonk, sec. 771.

2 It is to the credit of Brooklyn that the names of her delegates do not appear among
those who are recorded as having complied with this pointed rebuke from the Conven-
tion. It may be fairly presumed, therefore, that they had regularly attended to their
duties. (See Onderdonk, Rev. Inc. Kings County, sections 772, 784.)

246 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Continental Congress, which took prompt measures to arrest its
spread and break its power by disarming the Tories.1 About
the same time, the realities of war seemed to be brought nearer
home to the vacillating patriots of Kings County. Washing-
ton, then in command of the patriot army at Boston, which had
recently been evacuated by the British, received intelligence of
an intended secret expedition by the fleet and troops under Sir
Henry Clinton. Rightly divining that the British Ministry had
resolved to retrieve the loss of Boston, by removing the seat of war
to New York, and thus cut off all intercourse between the New Eng-
land and the Southern colonies, he at once comprehended the neces-
sity of immediately thwarting the intended manoeuvre. Just at this
juncture came an urgent request from the sagacious General Charles
Lee, at that time in Connecticut, proposing to raise a volunteer
force in that colony, and march them to the defence of New York
city. The well-timed offer was accepted ; and within a fortnight,
General Lee, who had been ably seconded by the exertions of the
indefatigable Governor Trumbull of Connecticut, was en route for
New York, at the head of twelve thousand men. His arrival there
(February 3, 1776) was unexpected and sudden, and his first
measures so energetic as to reassure the friends of liberty, and
effectually to crush out the spirit of Toryism, which had needed but
a breath to kindle it into a flame. On the same day on which Lee
entered the city, the British general, Clinton, arrived at Sandy
Hook, whence he sailed for North Carolina.

Lee lost no time in initiating a system of garrison and forti-
fication of the city and its approaches. On the 18th of Febru-
ary, he posted 400 of the Pennsylvania troops in Brooklyn, from
the Wallabout to the Gowanus — those who could not find lodgment
being billeted on the inhabitants, who were allowed 7s. per week for
boarding the officers, and Is. 4d. for privates.2 In the midst of his
labors, he was superseded (March 6) by Gen. Lord Stirling, and
moving southward, was soon engaged in battle, in Charleston har-
bor, with Gen. Clinton.

Stirling vigorously prosecuted the defences planned .and begun by

1 Sparks' Writings of Washington, iii. 398-400, 440, 469, 470; iv. 86.

2 Onderdonk, Kings Co. sec. 775.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 247

Lee. The fortifications in progress of erection on Long Island were
under the supervision of Col. "Ward, in command of 519 men, and
the inhabitants of Kings County were "ordered by Congress to assist
him, by " turning out for service at least one-half their male popula-
tion (negroes included) every day, with spades, hoes, and pickaxes ;"
and by furnishing brush for fascines, wood for pickets, and other
necessary timber. Col. Ward was also ordered to detail two parties
of thirty men each, with three days' provisions, for the especial pur-
pose of interrupting the communication of persons on shore with
the British ship of war Phoenix, by scuttling all boats on the beach
below the Narrows, and by seizing pilots — especially one Frank
Jones — who decoyed vessels into the hands of the enemy. Six of
the Kings County horsemen were detailed as a corps of observation,
on some high point at the west end of Long Island, to give informa-
tion of the entrance of the enemy into Sandy Hook, or then- appear-
ance on the coast.1 Capt. Waldron's troop of light-horse, belonging
to Brooklyn,2 were employed as videttes along the southern coast of
the county until April 10th, when they were relieved by Col. Hand's
regiment of riflemen, who were stationed at New Utrecht. Upon
Brooklyn Heights a battery of eight guns had been erected (as early
as March 24), on land then belonging to Jacob Hicks and others.
This work, open in the rear, was nearly opposite Fly Market, at
Coenties slip, and was named Fort Stirling.3 It was proposed to
erect a citadel in its rear covering about five acres, and to be called
The Congress, which, however, was not done.
On the night of the 10th, a body of one thousand Continental

1 Onderdonk, Kings Co., sec. 777, 778, 779.

2 Capt. Waldron's company consisted of the following individuals :

Adolph Waldron, Captain ; William Boerum, 1st Lieut. ; Thomas Everitt, 2d Lieut. ;
Jacob Sebring, jr., Cornet ; Isaac Sebring, Q. M. Samuel Etherington, John Reade,
Rob. Galbraithe, Rem A. Remsen, David Titus, Jos. Smith, Jacob Kemper, John Guest,
Nich. Van Dam, Geo. Powers, William Everitt, John Hicks, Wm. Chardavoyne, Thos.
Hazard. This Capt. Waldron was an innkeeper at Brooklyn ferry (ante, pp. 217, 219),
and resided, during the war, at Preakness, N. J. — Onderdonk, Kings Co., sec. 773, 779.

3 We are inclined to believe, from the best evidence we can obtain, that this was the
same " half-moon fort" upon the edge of the Heights (on the line of present Columbia,
between Orange and Clark streets,) which was subsequently garrisoned by Hessian
troops, during the British occupation of the town.

May 22d, this fort was garrisoned by Lt. Randell and twelve men, with four 32-
pounders and two 18's. — Force, Am. Archives, v. 480.

248 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

troops took possession of Governor's Island and constructed a re-
doubt upon its west side, a little southeast of Castle William.1 On
the same night a regiment occupied Bed Hook, the extreme point
of land north of Gowanus Bay, where they constructed a redoubt
for one 3-pounder and four 18's. This redoubt, named Fort Defiance,
was near the intersection of present Conover and Yan Dyke streets,
south of the Atlantic Docks.2

On the 14th of April, Washington arrived at New York, and his
presence gave a new impulse to the work of defence, which had been
so admirably planned and prosecuted by Generals Lee and Stirling ;
and, towards the latter part of May, he went to Philadelphia, leaving
Gen. Putnam in command at New York, and Gen. Greene stationed
at Brooklyn, in charge of the work of fortification there. On the 29th
of June, Gen. Howe arrived from Halifax, and on the 8th of July,
landed 9,000 troops upon Staten Island, where, within a few days, he
was joined by his brother, Admiral Howe, with a large force of Eng-
lish regulars and Hessians, and on the 11th by the fragments of the
defeated armies of Clinton and Parker, making the whole British force
at that place, on shore and water, about 30,000 men. On the 12th of
July, the Bose and Phoenix, ships of war, passed the American bat-
teries, and went up the Hudson to Haverstraw, with the twofold object
of arming the Tories of Westchester and keeping open a communica-

1 Gains.

" Maj. Shaw, June 11, '76, writes to Ms family: "I am now stationed at Red Hook,
about four miles from New York. It is on an island [the connection between Red
Hook and the main land was so slight, and it was so nearly surrounded by water, as
to make it seem an island — see Appendix, No. 5], situated in such a manner as to
command the entrance of the harbor entirely, where we have a fort with four 18-
pounders, to fire en barbette, that is, over the top of the works, which is vastly better
than firing through embrasures, as we can now bring all our guns to bear on the
same object at once. The fort is named Defiance. It is thought to be one of the
most important posts we have. There are two families here — Mr. Van Dyke and his
son — good, staunch Wliigs, and very clever folks, between whom and our people a very
pleasant intercourse subsists. I rode out with the young man, about a week ago, to a
place called Flushing, sixteen miles off, where, and in most of the country towns about,
the Tories from the city have taken shelter. It is almost incredible how many of these
vermin there are. Scarce a house we rode by, but Mr. Van Dyke would say, ' There
lives a rascally Tory.' "— Quincy's Mem. of Samuel Shaw, p. 13. Capt. Foster was in
command here on May 22, '76. — Force, v. 480.

When the Rose and Phcenix ran past the American batteries, on the 12th of July,
they did not compliment this Red Hook redoubt so much as to return her fire — being,
as Shaw relates, two miles distant. — Onderdonk, sec. 187.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 249

tion with Carleton, who was coming southward by way of Lake Cham-
plain. Meanwhile, the patriots were busily hurrying forward the
completion of their defences, before the battle which was so unmis-
takably approaching. Hulks of vessels were sunk in the channel
between Governor's Island and the Battery, and chevaux-de-frise
formed to oppose the passage of the British vessels up the East
River.1 A large force of troops was concentrated at Brooklyn,
under Gen. Greene ; Sullivan, with his army, was called from the
north, while from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and New
England troops and militia gradually augmented the American
army, by the first of August, to some 27,000 men ; of whom,
however, nearly one-fourth were unfitted for active service by sick-
ness. Bilious fever prostrated Gen. Greene about the middle of
August, and Sullivan succeeded him at Brooklyn. Governor's Island
and Paulus Hook (now Jersey City) were garrisoned, while Gen.
George Clinton, at the head of some New York militia, guarded
Westchester and King's Bridge from the approach of the British,
and Gen. Parson's brigade performed the same service on the East
Biver, at Kip's Bay.

We have evidence, however, that disaffection was still rife in this
county ; and that, while the patriot hosts were making this the scene
of their most strenuous labors in the defence of a nation's existence,
the actual inhabitants and inheritors of its soil were sadly lacking in
spirit and unanimity of feeling.2 We have previously seen that its
representatives had been so irregular in their attendance upon the

1 The channel between Long Island and Red Hook was left open, and the British
vessels passed up there in the attack, Aug. 27, 1776.

2 July 30, 1776. The Convention received a letter from the captains of the Kings
County Militia, requesting to be excused from making a draft of every fourth man
(according to Resolutions of Convention, July 19), and saying that they will turn out
their whole militia or command to drive stock into the interior, and to guard the coast,
etc. It was signed by Jno. Vanderbilt, Lambert Suydam, Barent Johnson, John Titus,
Corn. Vanderveer, Rem Williamson, Bernardus Suydam, Adrian Van Brunt, Captains;
but their request was not granted by the Convention. — Force's Am. Archives, vol. L,
Fifth Series, p. 1460.

" A Roll of the commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of the
Troop of Horse in King's County, which were upon duty to drive off the stock, com-
menced August 14, 1776. Upon duty and came over from L. I. : Daniel Rappelye, 1st
Lieut. ; Jacob Bloom, 2d Lieut. ; Peter Vandervoort, Ens. ; Hendrick Johnson, Sgt. ;
John Blanco, Trumpeter ; Reyer Suydam, John Vanderveer, Privates. Upon duty, but
remained upon L. L ; Lambert Suydam, Copt. ; Peter Wyckoff, Quartermaster ; Hen-

250 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

sessions of the Convention, as to call forth the special animadver-
sion of that body; and now, when every American heart should
have been nerved to still greater fortitude, the county towns ap-
peared still more " shaky" in their allegiance. On August 14th, Mr.
Polhemus appeared in Convention and informed them that Kings
County had held no election for deputies since May previous, but
that the County Committees had met and requested him to attend
as a member until another election. The Convention allowed him
to represent the county, except in matters relating to the formation
of Government.1 Subsequently, an election held by Kings County,
on 19th of August, was declared defective, inasmuch as the Deputies
were not authorized to frame a new form of government. A new
election was therefore ordered for the 24th of August, but was never
held,2 as Kings County was then the theatre of actual hostilities. The
rumors of disaffection in the country were at this time so strong, that
the Provincial Congress ordered a committee to repair thither, and
if the reports proved to be well-founded, to disarm and secure the
disaffected citizens, remove or destroy the crops, and even, if neces-
sary, "lay the whole county waste."* The arrest and disarming of
the Tories, in accordance with these instructions, was energetically
prosecuted, and produced a salutary effect, which would probably
have proved permanent, but for the disastrous result of the subse-
quent battle of the 27th.

Among the other approaches to the city, that by Long Island
had been amply provided for by the skill and forethought of Gens.
Greene and Sullivan. In addition to the battery at Eed Hook and
Fort Sterling, previously mentioned, and which were the first works
erected at Brooklyn, the following strong line of fortifications was
constructed across the island from the Wallabout to the head of
Gowanus Creek.

drick Suydam, Clerk; John Nostrand, Jacob Suydam, Isaac Snediker, Isaac Boerum
John Ryerson, Rutgert Vanbrunt, Chas. De Bevois, Benjamin Seaman, Roelof Terhune,
Andrew Casper, Thos. Betty, Martin Kershaw, Peter Miller, Hendrick Wyckoff, Pri-
vates. (Signed) " Daniel Rappelye, Lt."
— Force's Am. Archives, vol. i., Fifth Series, 953.

1 Ibid., i. 1506, date Aug. 17, 1776.

2 Ibid., i. 1525, date Aug. 21, 1776.

3 Ibid., i. 1497, date Aug. 19, 1776. Messrs. Duer and Hobart and Colonels Remsen
and DeWitt were appointed said committee.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

rii 1 7 1

ks & tO]j
ITYof

251

6 Lossing says, " between ismun street i
of Hoyt street at Carroll."

250 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

sessions of the Convention, as to call forth the special animadver-
sion of that body; and now, when every American heart should
have been nerved to still greater fortitude, the county towns ap-
peared still more " shaky" in their allegiance. On August 14th, Mr.
Polhemus appeared in Convention and informed them that Kings
County had held no election for deputies since May previous, but
that the County Committees had met and requested him to attend
as a member until another election. The Convention, allowed him
to represent the county, except in matters relating to the formation
of Government.1 Subsequently, an election held by Kings County,
on 19th of August, was declared defective, inasmuch as the Deputies
were not. authorized to frame a new form of government. A new
election was therefore ordered for the 24th of August, but was never
held,2 as Kings County was then the theatre of actual hostilities. The
rumors of disaffection in the country were at this time so strong, that
the Provincial Congress ordered a committee to repair thither, and
if the reports proved to be well-founded, to disarm and secure the
disaffected citizens, remove or destroy the crops, and even, if neces-
sary, "lay the ivhole county ivaste."3 The arrest and disarming of
the Tories, in accordance with these instructions, was energetically
prosecuted, and produced a salutary effect, which would probably
have proved permanent, but for the disastrous result of the subse-
quent battle of the 27th.

Among the Other approaches to the city, that by Long Island
had been amply provided for by the skill and forethought of Gens.
Greene and Sullivan. In addition to the battery at Eed Hook and
Fort Sterling, previously mentioned, and which were the first works
erected at Brooklyn, the following strong line of fortifications was
constructed across the island from the Wallabout to the head of
Gowanus Creek.

drick Suydam, Clerk; John Nostrand, Jacob Suydani, Isaac Snediker, Isaac Boer urn
John Ryerson, Rutgert Vanbrunt, Chas. De Bevois, Benjamin Seaman, Roelof Terhune,
Andrew Casper, Thos. Betty, Martin Kershaw, Peter Miller, Hendrick Wyckoff, Pri-
vates. (Signed) " Daniel Rappelye, Lt."
— Force's Am. Archives, vol. i., Fifth Series, 953.

1 Ibid., i. 1506, date Aug. 17, 1776.

s Ibid., i. 1525, date Aug. 21, 1776.

3 Ibid., i. 1497, date Aug. 19, 1776. Messrs. Duer and Hobart and Colonels Remsen
and DeWitt were appointed said committee.

ilyilt

250 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

i

^_„.. ss „ua wTu uuiwri ana COTOfieE Remsen

arid DeWitt were appointed said committee.

I

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 251

These fortifications were :

1. A redoubt, mounting five guns, and called Fort Putnam, which
was erected upon a heavily-wooded hill overlooking the Wallabout,
now known as Fort Greene, or Washington Park.1 When cleared of
its trees, this was a fine position, commanding the East Eiver and
the roads leading into Brooklyn from the country.

2. A line of intrenchment extending northwesterly from Fort
Putnam down the hill to a spring, then on the verge of the Walla-
bout.2

3. A line of intrenchment, extending in a zigzag course south-
westerly from Fort Putnam across the old Jamaica turnpike (now
Fulton avenue),3 and along the crest of the high land between and
nearly parallel with Nevins and Bond streets to the head of Gowanus
Creek (Freeck's mill-pond), at about the junction of present Bond
and Warren streets.4

4. Upon the land then belonging to John Johnson, and about mid-
way between Fort Putnam and the Jamaica Turnpike 5 (at junction
of present DeKalb avenue and Hudson street), and adjoining the
line of intrenchment, was another small redoubt.

5. On " Bergen's Hill," between Smith and Court street, in the
vicinity of First Place, was another redoubt, mounting four guns,
which was probably the one named Fort Box.6 It was subsequently
strengthened and occupied by the British ; and as late as 1852, but-

1 This hill, at the time of the Revolution, belonged to John Cowenhoven, sen., his
eon, Rem Cowenhoven, and Casper Wooster, and was known, from its heavy timber,
as " Cowenhoven's boschje," or woods.

2 Lossing (Field Book of the Revolution, ii. 806) says that the site of this spring was
marked (in 1852) by a pump in a tannery near the intersection of Flushing avenue
and Portland street.

3 The large sycamore-tree, just above " The Abbey" on the north side of Fulton, a
little above its junction with De Kalb avenue (and which was cut down in the fall of
1859 — Ed.), is believed to have marked the point where the line of intrenchment
(which was also renewed in the war of 1812-14) crossed the Jamaica road. — Furman
MSS., via. 251. No. 159 Fulton avenue now (1867) marks the site of the tree above
mentioned.

4 Lossing says, "across the Flatbush road, near the junction of Flatbush avenue
and Powers street, to Freek's Mill Pond, at the head of Gowanus Creek, near the
junction of Second avenue and Carroll street ;"., but this would have carried the line of
intrenchment along the low lands, which was not probable.

6 Lossing says, " a little eastward of Fort Putnam, near the Jamaica road."
6 Lossing says, " between Smith street and First avenue, not far from the termination
of Hoyt street at Carroll."

252 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

tons marked "42" (42d Highlanders) were found on its site. In
1812, this fortification was restored and called " Fort Lawrence."

6. On the land of Johannes Debevoise and Rutgert Van Brunt,
half way between the Jamaica road and Brower's mill-pond, prob-
ably between Atlantic and Pacific, Nevins and Bond streets, a re-
doubt was erected, mounting five guns, and called Fort Greene.

7. About at the junction of Clinton and Atlantic streets, on a very
steep conical hill, called Ponkiesbergh, and otherwise known as " Cob-
ble Hill," was a fort of three guns. Its trenches ascended spirally
to the top, where a platform was laid for the cannon ; from which
circumstance it derived the nickname of "Corkscrew Fort." It com-
manded Fort Stirling, on the Heights, and on that account was made
lower by the British during their subsequent occupation, for fear
that it might fall into the hands of the Continentals, in which case
Fort Stirling would have been untenable.1

1 The precise location of this fort cannot now be ascertained. Lossing {Field Book of
Rev., ii. 806) and Dawson {Battles of America, i. 144) describe it as being " at the head of
the tunnel of the Long Island R. Road, in the vicinity of Boerum and Atlantic streets,"
which is manifestly incorrect. Gen. J. G. Swift, under whose superintendence the lines
were reconstructed, and Cobble Hill Fort rebuilt during the war of 1812, in a letter to
the author, designates the spot as marked (1860) by a little willow-tree on the south
side of Atlantic street, near Clinton. The Savings Bank, on the corner of these streets,
is also pointed out as the site ; and Furman, MS. Notes (Oct., 1835), says that " about
40 years ago, it was currently reported about Kings County, that the spot of ground
about 100 feet northeasterly from the coiner of Atlantic and Court streets, then in the old
Red Hook lane, and near the foot of a fortification then known as Cobble Mill Fort, and
afterwards, in the war of 1812, as Fort Swift, was haunted by the spirit of a murdered
man." As nearly as we can describe it, Cobble Hill rose from old Red Hook Lane, now
swallowed up by Court street, on the block now bounded by that street, Atlantic,
Pacific, and Clinton streets, and was nearer to the Court street end of the block. As
before stated, this fort was strengthened in 1814, and called Fort Swift. Fort Put-
nam was also strengthened and called Fort Greene.

In describing the sites of these fortifications we differ, as will be seen, from Mr. Los-
sing ; but we do so with the respect which is due him as having been the first to
attempt their precise location. In addition to a better opportunity for extended exami-
nation, and with that more intimate acquaintance with the topographical peculiarities of
the region, which a local historian may be presumed to have, we have also enjoyed the
advice and assistance of Mr. SrLAS Ltjdlam, the well-known City Surveyor, whose father,
Stephen Ludlam, surveyed the old lines when they were comparatively plain, the field-
notes of which survey are still in his son's possession. From Mr. Ludlam's extensive col-
lection of farm maps, etc., as well as from his long acquaintance with, and recollection of,
Brooklyn as it was before brick and mortar had completely changed its features, we
have gleaned many facts of great use to us, both in this and other portions of our work.

All Long Island and Brooklyn historians, previous to Mr. Lossing, have been con-
tented with rehearsing the statements of Gen. Jeremiah Johnson, who has preserved

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 253

As we have already seen, the whole British naval and military
force which had been concentrated in the Bay of New York and on
Staten Island before the 13th of July, gave, as yet, no indication of
the course or manner of their intended attack. Their movements
seemed alternately to indicate an immediate readiness, and then a
certain indecision. At this time, also, dispatches were received from
England, announcing an important change in the French ministry,
and the prospect of a general continental war, in which England
would be involved. The conjecture that the tenor of these dis-
patches rendered the British commanders exceedingly cautious, and
even anxious for a reconciliation, was further strengthened by the
arrival, on the of 17th of August, of a flag of truce from the British
fleet. It was borne by Lord Drummond, who had already twice vio-
lated his parole given to the American general while engaged in
similar diplomatic errands, and the conciliatory overtures which he
presented were indignantly spurned by Washington, who availed
himself of the opportunity to administer his lordship a severe rebuke
for his former duplicity.

Washington, meanwhile, lost no time in providing against every

much relative to our Revolutionary period that history will not willingly let die, but
whose description and maps of localities are too vague to be entirely satisfactory. The
industrious Furman, who possessed the inborn antiquarian spirit of accuracy in details,
has preserved, in manuscript, much interesting material relative to these points, which
we have very freely drawn upon in the compilation of this history.

That these defences were by no means despicable, is sufficiently evidenced by the fact
that some of them were retained and strengthened by the British during their subse-
quent occupation of the island. Major Holland, of the British engineers, testified
that they were well and solidly made, and according to the rules of fortification, and
that they coidd have been held by a sufficient force for a long time, but that they had
not been entirely completed. We also have the following direct testimony of Lieut.
Anbury, an experienced British officer, published in his Travels in North America (vol.
ii. 540) : "At a small distance from the town (Brooklyn) are some considerable heights,
commanding the city of New York. On these is erected a strong regular fort (now Fort
Greene) with four bastions. To describe the works thrown up by the Americans on
this Island, would be bestowing more attention on the subject than it deserves, as they
actually cover the whole. They are not only on grounds and situations that are
extremely advantageous and commanding, but works of great strength, that I am at a
loss to account for their so hastily abandoning them, as they were certain by such a
step to give up New York. I am induced to believe that Gen. Washington thought
the Americans were so panic-struck after the engagement, as our troops pursued them
close to their lines, that they would not stand an assault ; and if his lines were carried
he was sensible there was no place of retreat, and that his army must inevitably have
been destroyed."

254 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

possible contingency of attack. Tories were transferred from New
York to the care of Gov. Trumbull, of Connecticut, accompanied
with paternal requests for their kind treatment. Measures were
taken to quench the rising flame of loyalty in New Jersey ; suspected
persons in Kings County, on Long Island,, were disarmed, and a
committee, as we have already seen, was sent by Congress to enforce
the suppression of toryism at every hazard. The public archives
were carefully conveyed from New York to the care of Congress, at
Philadelphia, the officers' wives in camp were removed from danger,
and the most liberal and tender measures for the protection and
relief of women and children in the menaced city were suggested by
Washington and promptly carried out by Congress. At New Utrecht,
Col. Hand, with his corps of Pennsylvania riflemen, was posted on
the hill above the present site of Fort Hamilton, in order to serve
as a check to, and to give information of, any landing in that quarter.
The rejection of their overtures seems to have decided the British
generals in their action. At dawn on the 22d of August, information
was received at the American headquarters from Brig.-Gen. William
Livingston, then in camp at Elizabeth, N. J., that Lord Howe had
landed a large force at Gravesend Bay, on Long Island, and that
20,000 men had gone to take possession of that island, while 15,000
were to attack Bergen, Elizabethtown Point, and Amboy. These
reports, although exaggerated, had a substratum of truth, as was
evidenced, at sunrise, by the roar of cannon and dense columns of
smoke arising from near the Narrows.1

1 The British fleet, after taking position to cover the landing of the troops, shelled
the heights and woods on the Long Island shore, in order to drive out any force which
anight be there concealed. IV was this preliminary bombardment which startled the
expectajit American army, and which may possibly afford an explanation of the follow-
ing curious circumstance as related by Judge Furman (MS. Memoranda, viii., p. 396) :

" In the month of August, '76, on the second or third day before the landing of the
British troops upon Long Island, an apparent cannonading was heard. So very dis-
tinct was this cannonading, and so very regular was it and continuous, that all the inhab-
itants of the island residing between the distance of two miles from the city of New York
and about thirty-five miles down the island, were satisfied that the British had landed
and attacked the American army. Those residing at the west end of the island imme-
diately commenced moving their families and driving their cattle towards the interior ;
and in such numbers, that my aunt Tyler, then a young girl, and living at her home in
New Lots, nine miles from Brooklyn ferry, tells me she was awakened the next morn-
ing by the lowing of cattle, and upon arising, she found the roads blocked up with cows,
horses, sheep, &c, which had been driven up during the night to escape the plunder

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 255

About nine o'clock a. m. four thousand light infantry, with forty
pieces of cannon, crossed over from Staten Island in flat-boats,
under the guns of the Rainbow and other men-of-war which lay
anchored where Fort Lafayette now rises in the centre of the Nar-
rows, and landed at Denise's ferry (now Fort Hamilton) in the town
of New Utrecht.' An hour after the landing of this first division,
a second, comprising English and Hessian troops, left the British
ships and transports, and in regular rows of boats, under command
of Commodore Hotham, passed over and landed in the bend of
Gravesend Bay, at a place now known as Bath, in front of New
Utrecht. The embarkation of the entire force, comprising 15,000
men, under cover of the Phoenix, Rose, and Greyhound, was safely
completed by noon. The main part of the invading army quickly
extended itself over the plain bordering on Gravesend Bay ; and the
country people, following the dictates of their fears or their con-
sciences, either made haste to place themselves under British pro-
tection, or abandoned their farms and sought refuge within the
American lines.

Col. Hand's riflemen, on the hill overlooking the scene, could, of
course, offer no effectual resistance, and setting fire to the wheat
and hay stacks, to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands, fell
back towards Flatbush, where they took position behind a redoubt
between that village and the Brooklyn lines.

Howe established his quarters at New Utrecht, and dispatched
Lord Cornwallis, with the reserves, Col. Donop's corps of Hessian
yagers and grenadiers, with six field-pieces, to Flatbush, and with
instructions not to attack the place if he should find it occupied by
the enemy. Taking his position at Gravesend, Cornwallis pushed
forward Donop's corps to Flatbush, which the latter reached towards
evening, — the three hundred American riflemen, who had occupied it,

of the British, as they supposed. In the morning, however, it was discovered that the
British army had not stirred a foot from their encampment on Staten Island, and that
not a single cannon had been fired ! (?) The next day after — as if, indeed, it had been
intended by a good Providence as a warning to the people of what was fast approach-
ing— the roads between the city of New York and Jamaica, nine miles distant, were
covered with the British lighf horsemen, in their scarlet cloaks."

1 On the farms of Isaac Cortelyou and Adrian Van Brunt, which lay west of the
Bath House, i. e. between the Cortelyou road and the Bath road, anciently called De-
Bruyn road. — Onderdonk, K. Co., sec. 801.

256 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

retiring before him, " a few cannon-balls being sent after them," to
accelerate their steps. Early on the following morning (23d), how-
ever, these same riflemen attacked the right wing of the Hessian
outposts, but retired on being confronted with a field-piece. On the
afternoon of the same day, another attack was made upon the left of
the Hessian line, which was driven back upon the main body, south
of the village church, where the skirinish raged furiously for over an
hour. Under the galling fire of the American sharp-shooters, the
Hessians were compelled to seek shelter in some of the houses, cut-
ting loop-holes in the walls, from whence they could fire upon their
assailants. Finally, the Hessian guns were brought into position,
before which the Americans fell back, but not until they had set
fire to several dwelling-houses.1 On the 25th, a stronger force of
riflemen, with some cannon, opened with ball and grapeshot upon
the village, from the edge of the neighboring woods, but their fire
was soon silenced by the superior metal and service of the Hessian
guns. These foreign troops, who had now been since the 22d con-
tinually in the advance, and who were severely harassed by the
unremitting activity of their lively foes — a species of fighting for

1 (Gen. Sullivan's account) : " On Friday, 23d, a party of British took possession of
Flatbush, which brought on a hot fire from our troops, who are advantageously posted
in woods and on every eminence. An advanced party are encamped a little to the N.
W. of Flatbush church, and have a battery somewhat west of Jer'h Vanderbilt's,
whence they fire briskly on our people, who often approach and discharge rifles within
200 yards of their works. One of our gunners threw a shell into Mr. Axtell's house,
where a number of officers were at dinner, but we have not heard what damage it did.

" Aug. 23. This afternoon the enemy formed and attempted to pass the wood by
Bedford (Flatbush), and a smart fire between them and the riflemen ensued. A num-
ber of musketry came up to the assistance of the riflemen, whose fire, with that of the
field-pieces, caused a retreat of the enemy. Our men followed to the house of Judge
Lefferts (where a number of them had taken lodgings), drove them out, and burned
the contiguous buildings. We have driven them half a mile from their former station."

Washington disapproved of this wasteful and scattering fire upon the enemy.

Strong, in his Hist, of Flatbush, says the British encamped in a diagonal direction
across that village, their tents extending from the little lane over the farms of Heudrick
Vanderveer, of J. C. Bergen, of Jacobus Vandeventer, and so on, in a northeasterly
line towards the road to New Lots. The main body were posted on the south of
the church and west of the main street. They soon gained possession of the intrench-
ment erected by the Americans in the north of the village. They also knocked out
large port-holes in the stone house of Adrian Hegeman, now occupied by Mrs. Cynthia
Lefferts. The house of Lefferts Martense, on the opposite side of the road, built of
wood, was also fortified. It fronted south, and in the roof, on the north side, which
extended nearly to the ground, they cut holes through which to discharge muskets.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 257

which their experience in the regular methods of European warfare
had totally unfitted them — were allowed to rest from the 24th to the
25th ; but were again alarmed at 2 o'clock on the morning of the
26th, and returned to their position in the front ; against which, on
the afternoon of the same day, the Americans made such an impos-
ing demonstration, that Cornwallis, in pursuance of previous impera-
tive orders from Howe, directed Donop, much to the latter's disgust,
to fall back upon the main body at Flatlands.

On the 25th of August, the same day on which General Putnam
took command within the American lines, General Von Heister,1 the
veteran commander-in-chief of the British auxiliaries, with General
Knyphausen, and two full brigades of Hessians, landed at New
Utrecht, and advanced on the middle road towards Flatbush,- — Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Dalrymple being left in charge of the reserves on
Staten Island. The invading army on Long Island, which now
numbered " upwards of twenty thousand" rank and file,2 was un-
equalled for experience, discipline, and materiel of war, and was
supported by a fleet in the Bay of New York, numbering over four
hundred ships and transports, and by ten ships of the line, twenty
frigates, together with bomb-ketches and other small vessels. Op-
posed to this splendid army, the Americans had only some eight
thousand men.3 mostly volunteers or militia, without cavalry, with
but slender stores of light-artillery, and unsupported by a single

Meanwhile, on the 23d of August, Gen. Howe issued the follow-
ing proclamation to the people of the island :

A PROCLAMATION

By his Excellency, the Hon. WM. HOWE, General and Commander-in-
Chief of all His Majesty's forces within the Colonies lying on the At-
lantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to West Florida, inclusive, dec, dbc.

x Lossing (Field-Book of Bee, ii. 804) says : " Lieutenant-General De Heister was
an old man, and warmly attached to his master, the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel. The
long voyage of fourteen weeks dispirited him, ' and,' says Sir George Collier, ' his
patience and tobacco became exhausted.' A sniff of land-breeze revived him. ' He
called for Hock, and swallowed large potations to the health of his friends.' "

8 Lord Howe's Observations, in Narrative, p. 45.

3 Bancroft, ix. 90, note; Almond's Debates, xiii. 9, 54, 314.

17

258 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

"Whereas, it is represented that many of the loyal inhabitants of this
Island have been compelled by the leaders in rebellion, to take up arms
against His Majesty's Government, Notice is hereby given to all persons
so forced into rebellion, that on delivering themselves up at said quarters
of the Army, they will be received as faithful subjects, have permits peace-
ably to return to their respective dwellings, and meet with full protection
for their persons and property. All those who choose to take up arms for
the restoration of order and good government within this Island, shall be
disposed of in the best manner, and have every encouragement that can be
expected.

Given under my hand at Head Quarters on Long Island, Aug. 23, 1776.

WM. HOWE.

By His Excellency's command, Rob't Mackensie, See.

A few persons availed themselves of this offer ; but the majority,
although by no means averse to British rule, were probably unwil-
ling to declare themselves until they were certain which would prove
the winning side.

In the city of New York, during the night succeeding the landing,
all was confusion and alarm. The camp and its various outposts
were the scene of vigilant activity and preparation, for a rumor had
spread that vessels had been detached from the British fleet, with
the intention of circumnavigating Long Island, and by thus stealing
a passage through the Sound and East River, to cut off all communi-
cation with the Westchester main. Under the supposition, also,
that the enemy would immediately march upon the American lines
at Brooklyn, Washington bad that same evening sent over six regi-
ments to re-enforce those defences ; and early next morning, in the
momentary expectation of an attack, he addressed an earnest appeal
to the troops at Brooklyn, reanimating their hopes and encouraging
them to make a bold stand.1 Cornwallis, meanwhile, was resting

1 The following extract is from the General's Orderly-book, August 23d : " The
enemy have now landed on Long Island, and the hoar is fast approaching in which
the honor and success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding country, will depend.
Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are freemen, fighting for the blessings of
liberty ; that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not
acquit yourselves like men. Remember how your courage and spirit have been
despised and traduced by your cruel invaders ; though they have found, by dear expe-
rience at Boston, Charlestown, and other places, what a few brave men, contending in

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 259

almost idly at Flatbush, aj3parently kept in check by Hand's riflemen,
but really in obedience to Howe's imperative orders. His caution
may be counted among the several providences which seemed to watch
over the American army, and saved it from what might otherwise
have been total annihilation. For had he, at this juncture, made
one vigorous push, he would, with the force at his command, almost
certainly have made himself master of works scarcely in a state of
completion, and an enemy poorly organized or prepared to receive
him. Gen. Greene, under whose supervision the American defences
had been constructed, and who had made himself thoroughly ac-
quainted with the whole detail of the army, and with every impor-
tant point and pass on the west end of Long Island, had been pros-
trated by illness a few days previous. Sullivan, who succeeded him
(on the 20th), was faithful and brave, but was personally unknown
to the troops under his command, and had but little opportunity to
acquaint himself fully with the field of operations. As a conse-
quence, when Gen. "Washington visited the lines on Long Island on
the 24th, he found things at " loose ends." Disorder was percepti-
ble in every department — detachments skirmished with the enemy's
vanguard, or picked off his sentries, without any orders and with
little method — others were little better than marauding parties, who
burned the houses of friend and foe alike, and robbed dwellings,
barns, and hen-roosts with impunity. Annoyed and alarmed that
such a state of things should exist in the face of an approaching
army, Washington immediately resolved to place some one in com-
mand better fitted, by local knowledge and personal influence, to
regulate and harmonize the diverse elements of which the army
was composed. Gen. Putnam, whose brave heart had been aching

their own land, and in the best of causes, can do against hirelings and mercenaries.
Be cool, but determined ; do not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from your offi-
cers. It is the general's express orders, that if any man attempt to skulk, lie down, or
retreat without orders, he be instantly shot down as an example. He hopes no such
wiE be found in this army ; but, on the contrary, that every one for himself resolving
to conquer or die, and trusting in the smiles of Heaven upon so just a cause, will behave
with bravery and resolution. Those who are distinguished for their gallantry and
good conduct may depend on being honorably noticed and suitably rewarded ; and if
this army will but emulate and imitate their brave countrymen in other parts of
America, he has no doubt they will, by a glorious victory, save their country and
acquire to themselves immortal honor."

260 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

for several days to have a hand in the approaching fight, was made
quite happy by being appointed to the command on Long Island,1
and on the 25th he entered upon its duties, under minute and whole-
some instructions from the commander-in-chief. Prominent among
these were strict orders for the suppression of the prevailing loose-
ness and laxity of morale so evident among the troops. " Shameful
it is," said Washington, "to find that those men who have come
hither in defence of the rights of mankind, should turn invaders of
them, by destroying the substance of their friends. . . . The
distinction between a well-regulated army and a mob, is the good
discipline and order of the former, and the licentious and disorderly
behavior of the latter." Gen. Sullivan, with Brig. -Gen. Lord Stir-
ling as his second, was assigned to the command of the troops out-
side of the lines at Brooklyn.

This series of works (described, ante, pp. 251, 252), which extended
over a mile and a half in length, and mounted twenty large and
small cannon, and which was defended by ditches and felled trees,
with abatis of sharpened stakes, formed simply the interior or
intrenched line of defence of the American army. Its exterior line
of defence, at a distance of about two miles from the intrenchments,
was that furnished by the natural topographical peculiarities of the
country.

In the rear of Brooklyn a series of hills, now known as the Mount
Prospect range, extends northeasterly from the Narrows towards the
Jamaica road at East New York, and, in broken elevations, con-
tinues further on beyond that point. This range was, at that time,
thickly covered with woods, pierced, at different points, with roads,
all of which offered obvious routes for the British approach to
Brooklyn. These were :

1. Martense's Lane, extending along the southern border of the
present Greenwood Cemetery, from the old Flatbush and New
Utrecht road to the coast road, which ran along Gowanus Bay, on
about the line of the present Third avenue.

2. The Flatbush Pass and road, at the junction of the Brooklyn

1 Letter of Adjt.-Oen. Reed to his itife, Aug. 24 : " Gen. Putnam was made happy by
obtaining leave to go over. The old man was quite miserable at being kept here."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 261

and Flatbush turnpike with the Coney Island Plankroad, and now
within the limits of Prospect Park. The defences of this pass were,
first, a sort of crescent-shaped intrenchment, just within the Tillage
of Flatbush, and lying diagonally across the main street, a little
south of Judge Martense's house, with a ditch of considerable depth
on its northerly side ; ' and, secondly, a small redoubt, mounting a
few small pieces of artillery, at the " Valley Grove," to guard the
passage through the " Port Eoad," 2 and by the direct route to Brook-
lyn. Near this redoubt stood an immense white-oak tree, men-
tioned in Governor Dongan's Patent as one of the boundary marks
between Brooklyn and Flatbush.3 This, in obedience to the stern
exigencies of war, was felled across the road, where, in consequence
of the then dense woods on the south and the swamp on the north,
it formed a very considerable obstacle to an enemy's advance.

3. The Bedford Pass, at the intersection of the old " Clove Boad"
with the Flatbush and Brooklyn boundary-line, half a mile south of
the hamlet of Bedford.

4. And three miles east of Bedford, on the old Jamaica turnpike,
and just at the present entrance to the "Cemetery of the Ever-
greens," was a road through the hills, known as the Jamaica Pass.

The natural line of defence afforded by this range of heavily
wooded hills could not, of course, with the small force at the dis-
posal of the American generals, be properly occupied by any con-
tinuous line of troops. All that could be done, under the circum-
stances, was to post strong picket-guards (for they could scarcely be
called more than that) at its most defensible points ; nor was it
expected by Washington that the attenuated line of troops (scarcely
twenty-five hundred in all) which held the ridge for a distance of
over five miles, would do more than a picket-guard's duty, in dis-
covering the approach of the British and harassing them on then-
march. The extreme right of the American line, which was coni-

1 Strong's Hist. Flatbusli.

2 The " Port Road" was a lane diverging from the Flatbush turnpike, near the pres-
ent city line, and extending to the East River, across Freecke's rnill-dain. It followed
the general line of the present First street, and remains of it are still to be seen near
Fifth avenue. (Ante, 159, note.)

3 This tree was in the present Prospect Park, nearly in the centre of the Flatbush road,
and about opposite the west end of the old toll-gate house. It is hoped that its position
will be carefully indicated, in some permanent manner, by the Park Commissioners.

262 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

manded by Gen. Lord Stirling, was at the Red Lion Tavern, where
Martense's Lane enters the shore road. Along this lane, which
cuts eastwardly through the Greenwood Hills, were stationed one
hundred and twenty of Colonels Atlee's and Kichline's Pennsylvania
musketeers and riflemen, who sheltered themselves behind stone walls
and among the trees, rocks, and hollows of that locality, as then-
fancy or experience dictated. The left of this line rested, or was
supposed to rest, upon the right of General Sullivan's command,
consisting of Henshaw's Massachusetts and Johnston's New Jersey
regiments, which formed the centre of the American line, at the
junction of the Port Road with the Flatbush road, near the intersec-
tion of the present Flatbush avenue with the city line. Here were
the defences mentioned on page 261, and here it was supposed, from
the previous demonstrations made by the Hessians, would be the
main point of attack. At this point the range of hills formed an
obtuse angle, forming two sides of an immense amphitheatre, look-
ing down upon a broad and beautiful plain, upon which rested, in
slumberous quiet, the villages of Flatbush, Flatlands, New Utrecht,
and Gravesend ; while in the further distance were to be seen the
town of Jamaica and the blue waters of ocean. Sullivan's arrange-
ment of his troops corresponded with the configuration of the sum-
mit of the hills upon which he had taken position ; the regiment on
his right stretching along the brow of the hill on either side of the
Flatbush road, three or four hundred feet south of its junction with
the Port Road (note, p. 261), and facing obliquely to them were the
two regiments on the left, extending nearly a mile to the east of the
Flatbush road, while Colonel Miles' First Pennsylvania regiment,
with some Connecticut levies, continued the line still another mile
further eastward, occupying the Bedford Pass (page 261) and the
woods beyond towards the Jamaica Pass.1 It will be seen, there-

1 An American officer of distinction in the battle writes the following to the Con-
necticut Courant (No. 673), as a corrective to some high encomiums which he had seen
on Colonel Miles :

" The enemy were some days encamped at Flatbush, about 3 J miles S. and E. of our
lines. Within half a mile of the enemy is a ridge of hills, covered with woods, running
from the narrows about N. E. toward Jamaica about 6 miles. Through this woods are
three passes, which we kept strongly guarded, 800 men at each, to prevent the enemy
penetrating the woods. The night before August 27, on the west road were posted
Col. Hand's regiment, a detachment from Penn. and N. Y. ; next east were posted Col.

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 263

fore, that while Sullivan's right rested, but imperfectly, upon Stir-
ling's left, his own left wing was entirely unsupported, or, as the
military phrase is, "hung in air." Yet, both the officers who
planned and the men who held these positions, seemed entirely
unconscious of the appalling danger which menaced them if the
enemy should turn their flank. As we have before remarked, it is
hardly probable, from the extremely limited force which could be
employed to occupy so widely extended a line, as well as from the
comparatively slight nature of the fortifications thrown up at differ-
ent points, that Washington intended that the Mount Prospect
ridge should be held otherwise than as a picket-line, from whence
the men were to fall back upon the fortified works at Brooklyn,
without risking any very serious engagement with the enemy.

Beyond and to the eastward of this range of hills was a fiat coun-
try, traversed by several roads, reconnoitred by mounted patrols
under Colonel Wyllys of Connecticut. In addition to these, Gen-
eral Woodhull, former president of the New York Convention, had
charge of the local niilitia, who were occupied in removing the live-
stock to Hempstead and destroying forage, in order to prevent its
falling into the hands of the enemy.

Thus, on the evening of the 26th of August, in the impenetrable
shadow of the woods which crowned the summit and slopes of the
Flatbush hills, these few regiments of raw, undisciplined troops
awaited the coming of their foe, whose tents and camp-fires stretched
along the plain beneath them, in an unbroken line, from Gravesend
to Flatlands.

The position of the British army was now as follows : the left
wing, under Gen. Grant, rested on New York Bay ; the Hessians,
under De Heister, formed the centre, opposite to Sullivan's position,
at Flatbush Pass ; while the right wing, which was designed to bear
the brunt of the coming battle, and was composed of the choice bat-
talions under Gen. Clinton and Earls Cornwallis and Percy, stretched

Johnson of Jersey and Lieut.-Col. Henshaw of Mass. ; next east were posted Col.
Wyllys and Lieut.-Col. Wills of Conn. East of all these Col. Miles of Penn. was
posted toward Jamaica, to watch the motion of the enemy and give intelligence. Col.
Miles' guard on the east of the woods, by some fatality, what I don't know, suffered
the enemy to march their main body to the east of the woods and advance near two
miles in rear of our guards in the woods without discovery."

264 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

along the eastern foot of the range of hills from New Utrecht to
Flatlands, idly skirmishing and occupying the attention of the
Americans.

Gen. Howe, meanwhile, had been informed of the unguarded state
of the road at Bedford,1 " and that it would not be a difficult matter
to turn the Americans' left flank, which would either oblige them to
risk an engagement, or to retire under manifest disadvantage." In
view of this fact, he adopted the following plan of attack, viz. :

(1.) Gen. Grant, with two brigades, one Highland regiment, and two
companies of New York Provincials, was to move forward upon the
coast-road, towards Gowanus, while some of the ships-of-war were
to menace New York, and to operate against the right of the Ameri-
can fortified lines.2 While the attention of the Americans was thus
diverted by the threatened danger to the city and to their rear,

(2.) The German troops, under Gen. De Heister, were to force
the Flatbush Pass and the direct road to Brooklyn, by assault ;
and,

(3.) At evening gun-fire, the right wing, under Clinton, Cornwallis,
and Percy, accompanied by Howe himself, was to move, in light
marching order, from Flatlands, across the country to New Lotts,

1 Stedman (i., p. 194) attributes the information to Generals Sir Henry Clinton and
Sir William Erskine, whereas Onderdonk (Kings Co., sec. 802) says it was furnished by
disaffected inhabitants.

8 (Extract from Lord Howe's letter) : " Being informed next day (26th) by Gen. Howe
of his intention to advance with the army that night to the enemy's lines, and of his
wishes that some diversion might be attempted by the ships on this side, I gave direc-
tion to Sir Peter Parker for proceeding higher up in the channel towards the town of
New York next morning, with the Asia, Renown, Preston (Com. Hotham embarked in
the Phoenix, having been left to carry on the service in Gravesend Bay), Roebuck, and
Repulse, and to keep those ships in readiness for being employed as occasion might
require; but the wind veering to the northward soon after the break of day, the
ships could not be moved up to the distance proposed : therefore, when the troops
under Gen. Grant, forming the left column of the army, were seen to be engaged with
the enemy in the morning, the Roebuck, Capt. Hammond, leading the detached squad-
ron, was the only ship that could fetch high enough to the northward to exchange a
few random shots with the battery on Red Hook ; and the ebb making strongly down
the river soon after, I ordered the signal to be shown for the squadron to anchor."

From the Journal of a British Officer, we learn that " the Admiral directed Sir Geo.
Collier to place the Rainbow, at dawn of day, in the Narrows, abreast of a large stone
building called Denyse's (now Fort Hamilton), where he understood the rebels had
cannon and a strong post, in which situation she would also be able to enfilade the
road leading from New York, and prevent re-enforcements being sent to the rebel out-
posts, as well as to their troops who were stationed to oppose the landing."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 265

in order to secure the passes between that place and Jamaica, and
to turn, if possible, the American left.

Accordingly, late on the afternoon of the 26th, De Heister and his
Hessians took post at Flatbush, and relieved Lord Comwallis, who
withdrew his division (leaving only the 42d Regiment) to Flatlands,
about two miles southeast of Flatbush. At about 9 o'clock of the
same evening the vanguard of the right of the army, consisting of a
brigade of light infantry and the light dragoons, under command of
Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, moved eastward on the road to New Lotts.
He was followed by Lord Percy, with the artillery and grenadiers,
and Lord Comwallis, with a reserve, the 71st Eegiment, and four-
teen field-pieces, accompanied by the commander-in-chief, Lord
Howe. The troops were withdrawn under cover of the darkness,
and with great caution, from their respective encampments, in which
the tents were left standing, the fires burning, and every appearance
of actual occupation maintained. The intended route of march was
known only to a few of the principal officers, and, guided by a resi-
dent Tory, the army moved over the country, through fields and
by-ways, so silently that their footfalls could scarcely be heard at
ten rods' distance,1 moving slowly, in order to give time for the light
troops in the advance to secure and occupy all the points of the
anticipated attack. Passing thus noiselessly along, irresistibly
sweeping into its grasp every human being that it met who might
give information to the enemy, the head of the column reached the
vicinity of Schoonmaker's Bridge, which spans the head of a little
creek near the village of New Lotts, and a short distance south-
west of the present East New York.2 Here was a point of defence of
which the British commander expected the Americans would avail
themselves, and he made his dispositions accordingly — throwing out
skirmishers, and taking such other precautions as seemed necessary.

1 They were seen by Captain Cornelius Vanderveer, who stated that although he
was near the fence fronting his house, on the road, he could scarcely hear them. —
Strong's Flatbush, p. 145.

2 The exact route taken by the British army on this eventful morning, is a matter
of much dispute among those who have most carefully examined the subject. J.
C. Brevoort doubts whether the enemy crossed Schoonmaker's Bridge, the approach
to which is through deep sand. In which opinion he is sustained by Ward and
others.

266 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

To his surprise, the place was found to be entirely unoccupied, and
the country open to the base of the Bushwick hills, where the Ja-
maica road enters upon the plains. Crossing the fields from the
New Lotts road, in a direct course, to this point, the army halted,
at two o'clock of the morning of the 27th, at William Howard's Half-
way House, which yet stands at the corner of the present Broad-
way and the Jamaica and Brooklyn road. In front of them, on this
road, was the Jamaica Pass {ante, 261), a winding defile, admirably
calculated for defence, and where the British expected, as a matter of
course, that their passage would be hotly contested. The perfect
success of the flank movement which Howe was now performing,
demanded that this pass should be turned without risking an engage-
ment, or even attracting the attention of those who, as it was sup-
posed, defended it. Here his Tory guides seem to have been at fault,
and, at their recommendation, perhaps, he pressed into his service
Williain Howard, the innkeeper, and his son, then a lad of four-
teen years.1 Father and son were compelled, at the point of the

1 William Howard, se. 87, says the British army was guided by N. W. along a nar-
row road across Schoonmaker's Bridge (where a small force might easily have brought
the whole British army to a stand). Thence they turned off east of Daniel Rapalje's
(threw open the fence) and crossed the fields to the south of Howard's Half-way House,
where they halted in front of his house. About 2 o'clock in the morning, after the
market wagons had passed, Howe (?), with a citizen's hat on and a camlet cloak over
his uniform, entered Win. Howard's tavern, attended by Clinton and two aids, and
asked for something to drink, conversed Avith him, and asked if he had joined the
association. Howard said that he had. " That's all very well— stick to your integrity.
But now you are my prisoner, and must lead me across these hills out of the way of the
enemy, the nearest way to Gowanus." Howard accordingly conducted the army by a
passage-way between his house and horseshed over the Jiills and woods east of hi? Jwus'e,
till they came to the cleared land north of the woods. The horses drew the artillery up
the hill in a slanting direction, and halted on the brow to breathe a little. The army
then proceeded west and came out at Baker's tavern, by the Gowanus road. The Brit-
ish took Adj. Jeronimus Hoogland, (Lieut. Troup), and Lieut. Dunscomb, American
patrols, at the big white-oak (since struck by lightning), in the middle of the road, by
the mile-post, a little east of Howard's. Isaac Boerum, a trooper of New Lotts, was
also taken in Bushwick, and died of small-pox in prison." — Onderdonk, Kings Co., sec.
805.

Lossing says (Field Book of Rev., ii. 807) that in 1852 William Howard, a son of this
old Whig tavern-keeper, was still living, se. 90, in the old tavern (Howard's Half-way
House) still (18G7) standing, although considerably altered, at the corner of Broadway
and Fulton avenue. The part nearest the corner is the building, the other part being a
house of Joseph Howard. He well remembered the above scene described in his
father's statement.

REFERENCES

MAP OF BEDFORD CORNERS IN 1766-67 AND 1867

That portion of the Map printed in black is from Ratzer's Survey of 1766-67, and shows
the farm lines, roads, houses, etc., etc., as then existing. Over this have been printed, in
red, the street lines of the present city. The large figures are designed to indicate the
several farms ; and the small figures, the houses, etc. etc., at the period of the Revolution ;
those shown in outline having been erected since 1776.

REFERENCES TO THE LARGE FIGURES.

1. P. Reid (?). 4. Jeremiah Meserole.

2. Teunis Tiebout, 1776. 5. Johnson.

3. Peter Stothoff. 6. Jacob Ryerson.

7. Rem Remsen, afterwards Barent Lefferts. House pulled down about 1840.

8. Barent Lefferts.

9. Michael Yandervoort, 1776 : afterwards Jacobus De Bevoise. House pulled down

recently.

10. Cornelius Vanderhoef, afterwards Leffert Lefferts.

11. Jeronimus Remsen, afterwards Barent Lefferts and Rem Lefferts. House pulled

down 1838.

12. Lambert Suydam, afterwards Daniel Lott, now Chas. Betts. House pulled down 1856.

13. Abraham Van Enden, afterwards Benjamin Hinchman. House pulled down 1819.

14. Nicholas Blom, afterwards Charles Turnbull, Leffert Lefferts, Sr., 1791, and John Lef-

ferts. House rebuilt about 1787.

15. Peter Yande water. Hendriek Suydam, 1791 ; Leffert Lefferts, Jr., 1835.

16. Andris Andriese, Leffert Lefferts, Sr., 1774; Leffert Lefferts, Jr.

17. Benjamin and Jacobus Yandewater to Hendriek Fine, 1743; Fine to Jacobus Lefferts,

1753 ; L. Lefferts, Sr. and Jr.

18. H. Fine to Jacobus Lefferts, 1753. Partly from Executors of Andris Andriese. House

built about 1750.

19. Peter Yandewater, Robert De Bevoise.

20. Isaac (?) Selover.

21. Rem Cowenhoven, Teunis Tiebout, Nicholas Cowenhoven.

22. Rem Vanderbeek and Lambert Andriese, afterwards Barent Lefferts.

23. John Cowenhoven, Isaac Cortelyou, and others, being part of first division Brooklyn

Wood-lands.

REFERENCES TO THE SMALL FIGURES.

1. The Tiebout house, afterwards occupied by Nicholas Cowenhoven, subsequently by

Robert Wilson.

2. The Selover house.

3. Rem Vanderbeek, afterwards Robert De Bevoise.

4. Judge Leffert Leffert^ house, built in 1838, now the residence of J. Carson Brevoort, Esq.

5. Judge Leffert Lefferts' old house, built about 1753.

6. N. Blom's house, rebuilt, 1787, by Charles TurnbulL an officer of the British arm}

afterwards occupied by John Leffert-.

7. Abm. Van Enden's, then B. Binchman's, and more recently J. P. Brinckerhoffs.

8. Lambert Suydam, afterwards Daniel Lott.

9. Jeronimus Remsen, then Barent Lefferts, then Rem Lefferts.

10. The old Bedford village school— afterwards Public School No. :i.

11. Old house pulled down in 1841.

r.'. Michael Vandervoort, afterwards Jacobus De Bevoise.

l:;. Bedford village burial-ground— the Lefferts' family burying-ground in the rear.

14. Old Remsen (?) family burying-ground.

15. Two acres bought by Brooklyn and Jamaica Turnpike Co., for a gravel bank.
Ki. Negro burying-ground.

MAP OF BEDFORD CORNERS IN 17 6 6 = 7 AND 1867.

■hv' 'H •" . '•■ ' . ;' ' iii zr

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 267

sword, to lead a detachment of the troops around the Pass, through
a bridle-path, known as the " Bockaway Path," ' which traversed
the present Evergreen Cemetery. Much to the surprise of the
British generals, the pass which they had so carefully flanked was
found to be entirely unguarded,2 and the fact was immediately com-
municated to the main body, then halted on the (East New York)
plains. Clinton promptly pushed forward a battalion of light infan-
try to secure the pass, and at daybreak he followed with his own com-
mand along the Jamaica road, and so completely possessed himself of
the heights, as virtually to decide the fortunes of the day. He was
followed by Lord Percy with the main body, consisting of the Guards,
the 2d, 3d, and 5th Brigades, with ten field-pieces, who halted in his
rear at an hour before daylight. They in turn were followed by the
49th Kegiment, with four medium 12-pounders and the baggage,
under its own escort. Being now in position on the Bushwick hills,
where they breakfasted, the troops resumed their march along the
Jamaica turnpike to Bedford, which they reached about half-past
eight o'clock, while the Americans were as yet unaware that they
had left Flatlands.3 Pressing forward now with renewed energy,
the head of the column, by nine o'clock, had reached and occupied
the junction of the Flatbush road and the Jamaica turnpike. The
British line now extended from that point to Bedford, and at the
distance of half a mile from the rear of the Americans, who were
contesting the possession of the Flatbush hills with De Heister — all
unconscious that the trap had sprung upon them, and that they were
hemmed in on all sides. But so it was. Sullivan, indeed, seems to
have been so completely duped by the feint which Grant was making

1 The course of this " Rockaway footpath," which formed one of the boundaries of
the original Indian purchase of Bedford {ante, 159), is accurately traced upon the Bat-
tle Map which illustrates this chapter.

2 The Hessian account says that " he learned in a distance of one mile and a half from
it, by a reconnoitring party, as others say by a captured American picket," — most
probably the latter.

3 We have it, on excellent authority, that when the British column reached " Bed-
ford Corners," the profound silence and secrecy which had previously characterized
their movements, gave way to a feeling of exultant joy. They felt assured that the
great object of their long and wary night-march was fully accomplished ; their bands
struck up lively strains of martial music, and, with elastic step, the troops pressed
eagerly forward towards Brooklyn.

268 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

on Lis right in the direction of Gowanus, that he quite neglected to
send out any fresh patrols towards Jamaica, although he had foretold
that the real danger would come froni that quarter. l

Fatal mistake ! The battle was lost before it had been begun.

All these movements had not been unobserved by Washington,
who, although receiving hourly reports from Putnam's camp, could
not rest satisfied without a personal inspection of the state of affairs.
All the previous day (26th) he had spent on Long Island, visiting
the redoubts and guard-posts, reconnoitring the enemy, and thor-
oughly acquainting himself with the relative position of the two
armies. The movements which he had observed towards evening,
on the centre and right of the British force, were ominous of an im-
mediate conflict. He, too, shared the general apprehension that the
city of New York wo.uld be attacked by the enemy's fleet ; and the
Southern brigades of the troops on Long Island, although the
choicest, best equipped and officered in the army, had as yet
never engaged in battle. What wonder, then, that his mind, as he
returned to New York that evening, was filled with anxious thoughts
and apprehensions of the morrow? At no period in his previous
career had the responsibilities of his position and the welfare of his
beloved country weighed so heavily upon him as on the eve of what
was to be the first pitched battle of the Revolution, and upon the
event of which the destiny of America seemed to be staked. Yet
his heart was buoyed up by a firm reliance on Him who doeth all
things well — faith was triumphant o'er his fears, and after supping
cheerfully with his military staff, he calmly remarked, as he with-
drew at an early hour to his chamber, " The same Providence that
rules to-day will rule to-morrow, gentlemen. Good-night."

Let us now return to the operations of the left wing and centre of
the British army. Almost simultaneously with the march of the
right wing on the previous evening, the left, under Gen. Grant, had
advanced towards Brooklyn, partly by the Coast Koad,2 and partly by

1 See his letter to Washington.

1 This was not the present road along the verge of the high bank froni Yellow Hook
to Gowanus; but a road which ran along the slopes further inland, nearly on the line
of present Third avenue. (See the Battle Map illustrating this chapter.)

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 269

way of Martense's Lane.1 At midnight they reached the lower pass
in the Lane, where they met a guard (probably a portion of Atlee's
Pennsylvania regiment) commanded by Major Bird,2 who retreated
before them, and sent an alarm to Gen. Putnam, within the lines.
About 3 o'clock on the morning of the 27th, Stirling, who was occu-
pying the junction of the Gowanus and Port roads, was informed by
Putnam in person of the enemy's advance, and requested to check
them with the two regiments nearest at hand. These happened to
be Hazlet's Delaware battalion and Smallwood's Maryland regi-
ment,3 which promptly turned out, and, with Lord Stirling at their
head, were soon en route for the Narrows, closely followed by Gen-
eral Parsons with Colonel Huntington's Connecticut regiment of
two hundred and fifty men. "Within half a mile of the Ked
Lion Tavern they came up with Col. Atlee's regiment, slowly re-
tiring before the advancing British column, whose front was then
just coming into sight through the gray dawn of morning, a little in
advance of the present entrance to the Cemetery.4 The American
line of battle was promptly formed across the Coast Koad, reaching
from the bay on the east to the crest of the hills which form the

1 In Gen. Stirling's letter to "Washington, written from the enemy's fleet, where he
was then a prisoner of war, he says " the enemy were advancing by the road from
Flatbush to the Red Lion."

2 Major Byrd, or Bird, was an officer in Atlee's regiment, and was taken prisoner.

Also see the following extract from a letter written by an officer in Col. Atlee's bat-
talion, dated Aug. 27 : " Yesterday about 120 of our men went as a guard to a place
on Long Island called Red Lion ; about eleven at night the sentries descried two men
coming up a water-melon patch, upon which our men fired on them. The enemy the*
retreated, and about one o'clock advanced with 200 or 300 men, and endeavored to sur-
round our guard, but they being watchful, gave them two or three fires, and retreated
to alarm the remainder of the battalion, except one lieutenant and about fifteen men,
who have not been heard of as yet. About four o'clock this morning, the alarm was
given by beating to arms, when the remainder of our battalion, accompanied by the
Delaware and Maryland battalions, went to the place our men retreated from. About
a quarter of a mile this side we saw the enemy, when we got into the woods (our
battalion being the advanced guard) amidst the incessant fire of their field-pieces,
loaded with grape-shot, which continued till ten o'clock," etc. — Onderdonk, sec. 813.

3 The commanders of these regiments were then absent in New York, in attendance
upon a court-martial, and did not arrive on the ground until the battle had begun.

4 Authentic neighborhood tradition locates the scene of this first skirmish in the
vicinity of 38th and 39th streets, between 2d and 3d avenues. At this spot the old
road ran along the edge of a swamp (now filled up, but then known as the swamp
of Simon de Hart (ante, pp. 49-55 and map), and here several lives were lost. See,
also, Cleveland, in " Greenwood Illustrated," p. 88.

270 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

western boundary of Greenwood Cemetery. Placing Atlee's force
in ambush as skirmishers, in an orchard1 on the south side of the
Coast or Gowanus road, near its intersection with the present 18th
street, Stirling, at the head of Hazlet's and Smallwood's regiments,
took his position on the slopes of the hills, between 18th and 20th
streets, a little to the northwest of " Battle Hill," in Greenwood.2 A
company of riflemen were posted, partly on the edge of the woods
and partly along a hedge near the foot of the hill, and some of the
Maryland regiment took position at a wooded hill on a curve of the
road at the foot of the present 23d street, then called " Blokje's

1 This was Wynant Bennett's orchard, a few trees of which yet remain in the south-
west part of Greenwood Cemetery.

2 Traditions current among the old inhabitants of the Gowanus neighborhood, and
worthy of credit, especially mark " Battle Hill" as a place of historic interest. Here it
is said a small body of riflemen had been stationed, among the trees which then
crowned that eminence ; and when the right wing of the British army (under Corn-
wallis), unconscious of 4heir presence, had approached within range, these unerring
marksmen commenced their fire, each ball bringing down an officer. Unfortunately
for them, the hill was surrounded before they covdd escape, and they were all shot
down. " Here, too, in all probability, they were afterward interred ; and thus enriched
by the blood of patriots — thus mingling with their dust — we may safely suppose that
this mount of burial received its first consecration."

Furman, in his Notes on Brooklyn, written in 1824, when opportunities for learning
authentic facts were good, relates the following : " In this battle, part of the British
army marched down a lane or road (Port Road) leading from the Brush tavern (at Valley
Grove) to Gowanus, pursuing the Americans. Several of the American riflemen, in
order to be more secure, and, at the same time, more effectually to succeed in their de-
signs, had posted themselves in the high trees^near the road. One of them, whose name
is now partially forgotten, shot the English Major Grant: in this he passed unobserved.
Again he loaded his deadly rifle and fired : another English officer fell. He was then
marked, and a platoon ordered to advance and fire into the tree ; which order was
immediately carried into execution, and the rifleman fell to the ground, dead. After
the battle was over, the two British officers were buried in a field near where they
fell, and their graves fenced in with some posts and rails, where their remains still
rest. But, ' for an example to the rebels,' they refused to the American rifleman the
rites of sepulchre ; and his remains were exposed on the ground till the flesh was rot-
ted and torn off his bones by the fowls of the air. After a considerable length of time,
in a heavy gale of wind, a large tree was uprooted ; in the cavity formed by which
some friends to the Americans, notwithstanding the prohibition of the English, placed
the brave soldier's bones to mingle in peace with their kindred earth."

Mr. H. E. Pierrepont, of this city, informs us that along the line of trees and hedge at
the funeral entrance of Greenwood Cemetery, the American riflemen, as tradition relates,
made a desperate stand. And old Mr. Garret Bergen used to relate, as a boyish recol-
lection, that so deadly and determined was their fire, which seemed mainly directed at
the officers, that a British officer came rushing into his father's house, and dropping
into a chair, exclaimed that " he'd be d — d if he was going to expose himself to that
fire ; that the d — d rascals picked out all the officers."

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 271

Barracks." 1 Then, as the patriots awaited the enemy's attack, Stir-
ling addressed them in a brief and pithy speech, and reminding them
that he had heard Gen. Grant, the commander of that advancing col-
umn, boast in the British Parliament, only a few months before, that
the Americans could not fight, and that, with 5,000 men, he would
undertake to march from one end of the continent to the other, he
exclaimed, as he pointed to the head of Gowanus Bay, " Grant may
have his 5,000 men with him now — we are not so many — but I think
we are enough to prevent his advancing further on his march than
that mill-pond."

Just then the British vanguard came within range of Atlee's men,
who gave them two or three rounds with spirit, and fell back on
Blokje's Barracks, which brought him on the left of Stirling, who
was on the hills. At this moment Col. Kichline's rifle corps, Col.
De Haas' battalion, and Capt. Carpenter, with two field-pieces, came
up. Gen. Stirling immediately posted a portion of Kichline's rifle-
men behind a hedge at the foot of the hills, and a portion in front of
the wood, while a detachment of light troops were ordered to occupy
the orchard just left by Atlee, and behind some hedges. It was now
broad daylight, and a brisk skirmishing was maintained for two
hours between the British and American light troops, until Carpen-
ter managed, with some difficulty, to get his two cannon into posi-
tion on the hill, and then his fire, combined with Kichline's rifles,

1 Near the intersection of 3d avenue and 23d street, the old road passed over a
small hill known as "Blokje's Berg," north of which was a ditch which drained a
morass and swamp lying east of said hill, into Gowanus Cove. The road crossed the
ditch on a small bridge. The British column is said to have advanced as far as this
hill, when it was checked by the Americans who had taken a position on the north
side of this ditch and morass, the easterly end of which abutted on the woods. Owing
to the strong natural impediment which the morass and ditch afforded to the advance
of the British, the American riflemen were enabled to make fearful havoc among the
ranks of the foe, before they could be dislodged. Many of the British were killed and
buried in pits along the borders of the morass. (See ante, pp. 58, 59.)

In advancing from the Narrows, the British compelled many of the residents to
accompany them in the capacity of guides. Peter Bennet, of Gowanus, stated that
himself and one of his neighbors, acting in this capacity, under compulsion, in guiding
a small detachment across the fields in the vicinity of the swamp at Blokje's Berg,
stumbled upon a body of American riflemen, sheltered behind one of the hedges which
formed a farm boundary, who shot down nearly the whole body of the enemy in their
front, leaving himself and fellow guide standing almost alone. It is needless to say
that the few survivors beat a hasty retreat.— Communicated by Hon. T. G. Bergen, of
New Utrecht.

272 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

proved too hot for the British, who finally relinquished the orchard,
which was immediately reoccupied by Atlee's men. One of Grant's
brigades was now formed upon the hills in two lines, some six hun-
dred yards opposite to Stirling's right, the balance of his force facing
Stirling's left, in a single line, across the Greenwood hills.1 He also
pushed forward a howitzer to within three hundred yards of the
American right, and a battery of two guns opposite to their left. The
battle, however, was rather spiritless, as Stirling's object was mainly
to keep Grant in check for a time, while Grant's instructions were not
to force an attack until warned by guns from the British right wing
that Clinton had succeeded in gaining the rear of the American lines.
Meantime, the sky was lowery, and a fresh breeze from the northeast
hindered the advance of the British ships, with the exception of the
inferior Roebuck, which, beating up against wind and tide, opened
a fire upon the Red Hook battery, and received a brisk and effec-
tive return.

Leaving Grant and Stirling thus engaged, let us return to the centre
of the American lines, on the Flatbush hills, where sunrise found Sul-
livan's men yet awaiting, as they had awaited ever since the 23d,
the attack of the British force in their front. De Heister, at day-
break, opened a cannonade from his position at Flatbush upon the
redoubt on the neighboring hill, where Hand's rifle-corps were
posted, supported by the troops of Cols. Wyllys and Miles, on the
Bedford road. Hearing this, Gen. Sullivan hastened forward with

1 Mr. T. W. Field, the closest student of our Revolutionary battle-ground, and whose
monograph on the subject will shortly be put to press, gives the following lucid state-
ment, which will do much to clear up tbe confusion which has hitherto prevailed
among lnstorians in regard to the position of the American line on the right :

"Lord Stirling's line at this time formed two sides of a triangle, of which the
hypothenuse was a line drawn from the Flatbush Road, near its junction with the
Port Road, to the shore of the bay near the foot of Twenty-third street. The obtuse
angle at the centre was yet unprotected by the two-gun battery which had been ordered
up. From this point to the shore of Gowanus Bay was a distance of half a mile, along
which the front was now warmly engaged. The right wing, resting on the bay, occu-
pied the deep cut in the road at Blokje's Barracks. The security of this position from
an assault in front, increased by a salt creek setting up into the land four or five hun-
dred feet, made it one of no insignificant strength, so that, later in the day, the torrent
of war sweeping around it left it unassailed. From the top of the hills the line bent
northerly along the high ground to near the junction of Fifth avenue and Third street.
This portion of the line was comprised of reserves — a portion of the Delaware Battalion
and such supporting troops as Putnam could spare from the intrenchments. The left

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 273

four hundred riflemen, on a reconnoissance along the slope of the
hills in part of his lines, and to the eastward of his centre, being all
this time utterly ignorant of the fact that Clinton had gained his rear.
De Heister, however, did not advance, but continued to blaze away
at the redoubt, in order to keep the attention of the Americans in
that direction, until late in the forenoon, when signal-guns from the
northward assured him that Clinton had gained the American rear.
Then, ordering Count Donop to charge the redoubt, he followed with
the remainder of his division. The redoubt was quickly carried,
and the impetuous Hessian yagers eagerly pressed forward into
the woods south of the Port Eoad, driving the American riflemen
before them, and taking possession of the coverts and lurking-
places from which they dislodged them ; so that, in a brief space
of time, the latter found themselves more than matched by their
German foes. The grenadiers followed the yagers into the woods,
admirably preserving their lines, and slowly but surely pressing
back the Americans at the point of the bayonet upon the main
body, now fatally weakened by the withdrawal of four hundred men,
which formed Sullivan's reconnoissance. That general, alarmed by
Clinton's cannon, which revealed to him the fact that his flank had
been turned, and fully alive to the danger of his position, was now
in full retreat for the American lines. But, as his imperilled troops
hurried down the rough and densely wooded slope of Mount Pros-
pect, they were met on the open plain of Bedford by the British
light infantry and dragoons, and hurled back again upon the Hes-
sian bayonets, which bristled along the woods. Meanwhile, a heavy
force from Clinton and Cornwallis' left, near Bedford, had cut the
American lines at the " Clove Eoad," and Col. Miles' panic-stricken
troops were flying for their lives. Parties of Americans, also,
retreating from the onset of the Hessians towards the Bedford road,

wing, it will thus be seen, occupied a long, irregular line, in which were breaks of fear-
ful length, which the Hessians, later in the day, took fatal advantage of. In conse-
quence of the peculiar formation of the line, the extreme left wing was much nearer
the extreme right than the centre, and when called into action to re-enforce the front,
actually exchanged positions. From this circumstance, the accounts of the Gowanus
battle have been found so conflicting as to be almost incomprehensible, and its varying
phases can only be thus explained. It was thus that a portion of the Delaware regi-
ment met and repulsed the advanced squads of the Second British Grenadiers on the
extreme left, near Tenth street and Fifth avenue."

18

274 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

found themselves face to face with the dense columns of British
troops, and turning back in dismay, became mingled hopelessly
with the troops from the extreme left of Sullivan's line, who
were hurrying forward to escape by the same road. The confused
strife — for a battle it was not — which ensued is too terrible for the
imagination to dwell upon. Broken up into small handfuls, the
unfortunate Americans, fighting hopelessly but desperately, were
tossed to and fro between British and Hessian bayonets. No mercy
was shown j1 the hireling mercenaries of Britain glutted themselves

1 An officer in Gen. Frazer's Bat, 71st Reg't, writes : " The Hessians and our brave
Highlanders gave no quarters ; and it was a fine sight to see with what alacrity they
dispatched the rebels with their bayonets, after we had surrounded them so they could
not resist. We took care to tell the Hessians that the rebels had resolved to give no
quarter — to them in particular — which made them fight desperately, and put to death
all that came into their hands."

Another British officer of rank, and more humane and generous of heart, writes :
"The Americans fought bravely, and (to do them justice) could not be broken till they
were greatly outnumbered and taken in flank, front and rear. We were greatly
shocked at the massacre made by the Hessians and Highlanders, after victory was
decided."

Mas von Elking (Hist, of the German Auxiliary troops in the North American War
of Independence, i. 33 et alios), in reference to this point, says : " Great excitement
and rage on the part of the Hessians cannot be denied, but it was chiefly caused by
some squads of the enemy (Americans), who, after being surrounded and having asked
for quarter, fired again upon the unsuspecting Hessians, who had advanced towards
them (to accept their surrender). The British surpassed the Hessians in that respect.
Col. von Heeringen, in his letter to Col. von Lossberg, remarks, ' The English did not
give much quarter, and continually incited our troops to do the same.' We have seen
in his letter, as previously quoted, how treacherously Col. John acted towards the Hes-
sian grenadier, and how the Pennsylvania regiment, after having been surrounded,
gave another volley. The natural consequence of this was an increase of the fury of
well-disciplined troops, unused to such a manner of fighting. That the Hessians did
not massacre all their enemies, we have seen from the fact that the regiment Rail,
encountering a squad of Americans, made them prisoners without any cruelty." Many
Americans did not accept quarter from the Hessians. ' They were so much fright-
ened,' writes Lieut. Ruffer in his diary, ' that they preferred being shot down to
taking quarter, because their generals and officers had told them that they would be
hanged.'

" The conquerors showed their contempt for the conquered by putting them to the
guns, which they had to draw, over very bad roads, to the ships ; although this appears
to have been more the result of necessity than of insolence, as there were no horses,
and the English and German troops, already very exhausted, would otherwise have
been obliged to do it themselves." " Howe treated the captive generals with great
civility ; Stirling and Sullivan dined with him almost every clay."

Max von Elking gives what may be considered the Hessian version of this engage-
ment : " As soon as Gen. von Heister heard the reports of artillery on his right, and

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 275

with blood. The unequal fight was maintained by the heroic band,
with all the ferocity of despair, from nine o'clock until twelve, when

knew, from its direction, that the flanking movement had succeeded, he formed
quickly for the attack. In front were the grenadiers, in three divisions, and in front
of them, as flankers, a company of yagers under Capt. Wredon. The brigade von
Mirbach covered the left flank. The troops advanced bravely, with martial music
sounding and colors flying, and ascended the hills in the best order, — the men drag-
ging the cannons with the greatest caution through the dense forest. When, with but
little loss by the enemy's (American) artillery, the troops had reached the crest of the
hill, the line was formed with as much care as on the parade-ground. The Americans
(rifle skirmishers) were quickly driven back by the advancing flankers — many were
killed or captured — while the Hessian regiments followed with closed ranks and shoul-
dered muskets. ' The enemy,' wrote Col. von Heeringen to Col. von Lossberg, ' had
almost impenetrable thickets, lines, abatis, and redoubts before him. The riflemen
were mostly pierced by the bayonets to the trees. These terrible men deserve more
pity than fear, — they want nearly fifteen minutes for loading their pieces, and during
that time they feel our balls and bayonets.' The yagers of the left wing, eager for the
combat, rushed forward so rapidly that their captain could not restrain them. They
penetrated the works of the American encampment, and saw it on their left, a redoubt
to their right. The Americans, surprised by the sudden appearance of the Hessians,
rallied into groups of fifty to sixty men ; but having no time to form, were shot down,
dispersed, or captured. This happened in view of the garrison within the enemy's lines.

" The Americans supposed that the Hessians would not give quarter. Every one of
them tried to sell his life as dearly as possible, or to save it by flight, while the Hes-
sians grew more exasperated and angry in consequence of this apparently obstinate
and useless resistance. Therefore ensued a violent contest, here in larger or smaller
crowds, there in wild and irregular rout. A part tried to escape into the woods, but
a great many fell into swamps and perished miserably, or were captured. Only a
small number succeeded in cutting their way through and reaching their lines. The
Hessians fired only once, and then attacked with their bayonets."

Lord Percy writes from the camp at Newtown, Sept. 4 : "It was the General's orders
that the troops should receive the rebels' first fire, and then rush on them before they
had recovered their arms, with our bayonets, which threw them into the utmost con-
fusion."

The Hessian account also mentions that "in this first battle in which the auxil-
iaries were engaged in the New World, all the German field-officers and aids were
on foot, as their own horses had not been brought over from the old country, and new
ones had not yet been provided. Col. Donop's aid thus writes in his diary : ' Almost
all the officers of the staff and the subaltern officers were on foot, their cloaks rolled up
on their shoidders, and a large canteen, filled with rum and water, suspended from
their sides. I had to do the same, although I aeted as an aid ; and whenever my
brigade general, Col. von Donop, wished to send a dispatch, he alighted and gave me
his old but good steed, which he had brought over from Hessia.' Another novelty was
that many officers, while marching or fighting, had their rifles over their shoulders.
Col. Donop himself carried one, and would have probably been lost without it. During
the skirmishing a rifleman near by aimed at him, but he, anticipating him, shot him
through the head. The officers of skirmishers also carried muskets and bayonets, and
the privates were allowed to do what their discipline had previously forbidden, viz.,
to carry their sabres aoross their breasts, in order to unbutton, in the unaccustomed
heat, their coats, made of a coarse, heavy cloth."

276 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the survivors surrendered, and the enemy was victorious.1 The
few who, nerved by their horrible situation, succeeded in cutting their
way through the gleaming wall of bayonets and sabres which en-
circled them, were pursued within musket-shot of the American
lines by the grenadiers, who were with the utmost difficulty re-
strained by their officers from storming Fort Putnam.2 Other fugi-
tives, less fortunate, were skulking along the hills and seeking, amid
the swamps and thickets, a temporary respite from capture. Some
in larger bodies, had succeeded in getting through the Hessian skir-
mish line, which now occupied the strip of woods between the Port
Eoad and salt meadows, and were pouring across the dam of
Freeke's Mill.3 But, upon this confused and panic-stricken crowd,
the Hessians opened a destructive fire from some guns posted on
the hills, near the Ninth avenue ; and to escape this new horror,
many diverged to the south ; some being shot and others drowned
while struggling through the mud and water of the creeks which
abound in that vicinity. Gen. Sullivan was captured by three fusi-
leers of the Kegiment von Knyphausen, concealed in a cornfield,

1 The most sanguinary conflict occurred after the Americans had left the Flathush
Pass, and attempted to retreat to the lines at Brooklyn. The place of severest contest,
and where Sullivan and his men were made prisoners, was upon the slope between the
Flatbush avenue and the Long Island railway (Atlantic street), between Bedford and
Brooklyn, near " Baker's Tavern," at a little east of the junction of these avenues. —
Lossing, Field-Book of Rev., ii. p. 810. " Between Washington avenue and Third
street, the low ground in the neighborhood of Greene and Fourth avenues, and the
heights overlooking Flatbush." — T. W. Field.

2 Gen. Robertson says : " The battalion of grenadiers, led by Col. Stuart, and 33d regi-
ment, ran across a field beyond the Flatbush road towards the principal redoubt (Fort
Putnam, now Fort Greene). Gen. Vaughan asked if he should attack the lines (which
were semicircular and the parapets lined with spears and lances), but he was ordered
back." The London Chronicle says: "Col. Monckton and Gen. Vaughan led the
grenadiers and light infantry. They saw the advantage, and told Howe the rebels
were shut up between the British and the sea. Vaughan stormed with rage at being
stopped, and sent word to Howe that he could force the lines with inconsiderable loss."

It is further stated that the American cannon not being well pointed, a large num-
ber of the shot overreached the British ; but some were killed and wounded by the fire
of small-arms from the lines. It was stated by several of the militia that the bullets
whistled over their heads as they stood in the ditch. Gen. Putnam rode along the
lines, ordering them not to fire till they could see the whites of the enemy's eyes. A
wounded British officer was brought into Boerum's bolt-house, which was used as a
hospital, and where were several rows of beds occupied by the wounded. — See Onder-
donk, Kings Co., sec. 805.

3 Ante, pp. 99, 100.

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 277

about three hundred feet from the position of Colonel von Heer-
ingen.'

Before midday the terrible struggle was over. The Hessian rifle-
men were rapidly extending their skirmish lines over and through
the hills towards Gowanus, the British right wing was now massed
in force upon the scene of its victory, and Earl Cornwallis was
pushing, with a heavy column, down the Port Eoad, upon the left
and rear of Stirling, whose long thin line had been anxiously
awaiting, since early dawn, the impending onset of actual battle.

While this was going on, a similar scene was enacting in the
direction of Gowanus. It was at early dawn, as we have seen, that
Washington and the inhabitants of the city were aroused by the
rattle of musketry which announced the advance of Grant's division
near Greenwood. In the city all was anxiety and trepidation, for
the appearance and movements of the British fleet betokened the
attack which had been so long anticipated. Washington was in the
saddle by daybreak, and the drum-beat resounded from all the
alarm-posts. But as the hours passed, and the vessels, with the
exception of the Boebuck, remained quietly at anchor, Washing-
ton, relieved of his anxiety as to the immediate danger of the city,
hastened over to the lines at Brooklyn, where, from the eminence
upon which Fort Putnam stood, he became the agonized witness of
the rout and slaughter of Sullivan's command, to whom he could
send no succor without unduly weakening the lines. As, with
troubled spirit, he gazed upon the scene, he observed, emerging
from the woods on his left, a heavy British column, which descended
the hills in the direction of Stirling's division. It was Earl Corn-
wallis, who had been detached, with the larger part of the right
wing of the British army, to co-operate with General Grant in his
movements on Gowanus Bay, by occupying the junction of the
Port and Gowanus roads. Stirling, meanwhile, doubtless wonder-
ing at Grant's forbearance, was totally unconscious of Cornwallis'

1 Heeringen, in his report, thus speaks of his prize : # John Sullivan is a lawyer, and
had previously been a servant ; but he is a man of genius, whom the rebels will badly
miss. He was brought before me. I ordered him to be searched, and found upon his
person the original orders of General Washington, from which it was evident that he
had the best troops under his command, that every thing depended upon the maintain-
ing possession of the woods, and that he had 8,000 men."

278 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

movement upon his rear, until startled by the signal-guns with
which the earl announced his approach to Grant. Then, as the
truth burst upon him, he found that his retreat towards the lines at
Brooklyn was intercepted, and that he was fairly trapped between
two superior forces of the enemy. At the same time came tidings
of the defeat of Sullivan upon his left. Grant, largely re-enforced,1
was now in full motion, and pressing fiercely on his front. Colonel
Atlee and his corps were made prisoners, after a series of spirited
and desperate skirmishes ; General Parsons' command, on the ex-
treme left, had mostly been taken prisoners ;a and Stirling, finding
that he was fast being surrounded, saw that his only chance of
escape was to drive Cornwallis, who then was occupying the " Cortel-
you house" as a redoubt, up the Port Boad towards Flatbush, and by
getting between him and Port Box, on the opposite side of the creek,
to escape, under cover of its guns, across Brower's mill-dam.3 He
knew that his attack upon the earl would, at all events, give time for
escape to his countrymen, whom he saw struggling through the salt
morasses and across the narrow causeway of Freeke's mill-pond.

1 This re-enforcement consisted of 2,000 men, who landed in boats, in Bennet's Cove,
between ten and eleven o'clock A. M. See Colonel Smallwood's letter, Onderdonk, pec.
811, also sec. 810 and 813, and Bancroft, ix. 92, who says that Admiral Howe, " having
learned that Grant's division, which halted at the edge of the woods, was in want of
ammunition, went himself with a supply from his slup, sending his boat's crew with it
on their backs up the hill, while further supplies followed from the storeships."

During this re-enforcement Lieut. Wragg and twenty of the British marines, mis-
taking Colonel Hazlet's Delaware regiment, who had just been ordered up from the
left to the front (ante, p. 272, note), received several fires from them without returning
them, and, on advancing towards them to correct their supposed error, were captured
and marched to the rear under the charge of Lieut. Popham, whose amusing account
of the affair will be found in Onderdonk, sec. 818. Original MSS. in library of L. I.
Historical Society. See also Onderdonk, sec. 806, 819 ; also, post, p. 281 of this
work.

2 Parsons, it seems, had " left his men in quest of orders, was intercepted, concealed
himself in a swamp, and came into camp the next morning by way of the East River."
Bancroft, ix. 92 ; Penn. Journal, Sept. 11, 76.

3 " The lines between Box Fort and the creek were not completed the day before.
There was an opening adjoining the creek which it was thought the enemy were
acquainted with ; for when th«y came to it, and found the entrance closed with a
breastwork and other defences, they appeared confounded." — Account in Independent
(Boston l Chronicle, September 19, '76. Also, see Life of Stephen Olney of Rhode
Island, p. 175 : "All that seemed to prevent the enemy from taking our main fort
was a scarecrow row of pahsades, from the fort to low- water in the cove, which Major
Box had set up that morning."

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 279

The generous thought was followed by heroic action. Quickly
changing his front, and leaving the main body in conflict with Gen-
eral Grant, Stirling placed himself at the head of Smallwood's regi-
ment, and forming hurriedly (in the vicinity of the present Fifth ave-
nue and Tenth street), the column moved along the Gowanus road, in
face of a storm of fire from cannon, musketry, and rifles. Driving the
enemy's advance back upon the stone house, from the windows of
which the bullets rattled mercilessly into their ranks, they pushed
unfalteringly forward, until checked by a fire of canister and grape
from a couple of guns which the British hurriedly wheeled into posi-
tion near the building. Even then they closed up their wasted ranks
and endeavored to face the storm, and again were repulsed. Thrice
again these brave young Marylanders charged upon the house,
once driving the gunners from their pieces within its shadow ; but
numbers overwhelmed them, and for twenty minutes the fight was
terrible. Washington, Putnam, and the other general officers who
witnessed it from the ramparts of Ponkiesbergh Fort, saw the over-
whelming force with which their brave compatriots were contending,
and held their breath in suspense and fear. As they saw the gal-
lant Marylanders attempt to cut their way through the surrounding
host, Washington wrung his hands, in the intensity of his emotion,
and exclaimed, "Good God, what brave fellows I must this day
lose !" Driven back into a neighboring cornfield, some were cap-
tured, some were bayoneted, while a few escaped across the Gow-
anus marsh. While Stirling was thus keeping Cornwallis in check,
a large portion of those whom he had left fighting with Grant had
found safety by wading or swimming across Gowanus Creek, which
they did with difficulty, it is true ; but they finally reached the lines,
carrying with them the tattered colors of Smallwood's regiment and
over twenty prisoners. A few were lost, either in the creek or on its
marshy margin.1 Less fortunate than those whom his intrepidity
had saved, Stirling found escape impossible. Deprived of nearly

1 The statement — founded partially on General Howe's official dispatches, and partly
on the local traditions of the neighborhood — that la/rge numbers were drowned in
attempting to cross the marsh, is probably somewhat exaggerated. Colonel Hazlet, of
the Delaware regiment, states that the retreat " was effected in good order, with the
loss of one man drowned in passing." Colonel Smallwood, who covered the retreat,
instances only seven, two of whom were Hessian prisoners.

280 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

all his men — more than 250 of whom belonged to Smallwood's gal-
lant Maryland regiment, the flower of the American army1 — he fled
over the hills, until unable to elude pursuit ; but disdaining to yield
to a British subject, he sought out and surrendered himself to De
Heister, and was immediately sent on board the British flagship
Eagle, where he found Sullivan and others fellow-prisoners of war.

Thus ended the battle at high noon. Ere evening drew its pall
around the battle-field, fully one-half of the five thousand patriot
army, which had that morning gone forth to battle for their country,
were dead, wounded, or imprisoned.

The victorious Britons, as we have already seen, were with diffi-
culty restrained from carrying the rebel lines by storm ; and it is
quite probable that, in the heat and flush of the moment, they
would have succeeded. Yet the struggle would have been fearfully
desperate, and the victory dearly bought. For behind those re-
doubts were 3,000 determined troops, animated by the presence of
Washington and Putnam, and rendered desperate by the rout and
misfortunes of their brave compatriots under Sullivan and Stirling,
to which they had just been witnesses. Ignorant of their real force,
but knowing that desperation would nerve them with new strength,
Howe, profiting by the wholesome experience which he had gained
at Bunker Hill a short time before, wisely declined the attempt.
His artillery was not up ; he yet lacked fascines for filling the
ditches, axes for cutting the abatis, and scaling-ladders to mount
the parapets.2 Preferring, therefore, to save the further loss of
blood, and to secure his already certain victory by regular ap-
proaches, he withdrew his troops to a hollow way in front of the

1 Composed chiefly of young men of the most prominent and influential families of
Maryland. Two hundred and fifty-six of them were slain in the desperate struggle
with Cornwallis' grenadiers, near the Cortelyou house. These nohle martyrs of the
Maryland and Delaware regiments were huried on a small island of dry ground, scarcely
an acre in extent, which formerly rose out of the marshy salt-meadow on the farm of
Adrian Van Brunt. This spot, then, and for some time afterwards, covered with trees
and undergrowth, was carefully preserved intact from axe or plough during Mr. Van
Brunt's lifetime ; hut the remorseless surveyor's lines have passed over it, and its site
is now far below the grade of surrounding streets. Third avenue intersects its west-
erly end, and Seventh and Eighth streets indicate two of its sides. (T. W. Field,
the late T. G. Talmadge, and others.)

8 Testimony of Captain Montressor before a Parliamentary Committee in 1779.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN 281

American lines, out of range of their musketry, and encamped for
the night.1

The strength of the American force engaged in this memorable
conflict was about 5,000, while that of the British was fully treble
that number. The precise loss of the former, on this occasion, was
never known, owing to the capture of Generals Sullivan and Stir-
ling, and the consequent absence of reliable returns from their
divisions.2 It was estimated, in General Howe's official dispatches,

1 " Reliable reports say that General Von Heister learned, from the troops who pur-
sued the retreating Americans to their lines, that the left part of the camp of the
enemy near the river was open for a distance of several hundred paces. Accordingly,
when the wings had again united with the centre, he reported the fact to General
Howe, and made a, proposition to profit by the confusion of the enemy and the valor of
the troops, to attack the camp forthwith, at this weak point ; but Howe manifested a
number of scruples, and so missed the golden opportunity of completing his victory."
— Von Elkin's Account.

2 The prisoners comprised three generals, Stirling, Sullivan, and Woodhull, three
colonels, four lieutenant-colonels, three majors, eighteen captains, forty-three lieuten-
ants, one aid, eleven ensigns, and 1,011 men. In addition to these were taken fif-
teen cannon, one howitzer, some stands of colors, ammunition-wagons, pioneers' tools,
etc. The Hessians alone took one stand of colors, five guns, and five hundred prisoners,
among tbem General Sullivan and thirty-five officers. — Howe's Return of Prisoners ;
Onderdonk, sec. 821 ; and Hessian account in Von Elkin's work, which furthermore
Bays : " Amongst the prisoners are many, so-called, colonels, lieut.-colonels, and majors,
and other officers, who have all previously been tailors, shoemakers, barbers, etc. Some of
them have been badly beaten by our men, because the latter did not consider them real
officers. I did not find among the captured officers a single one who had been in foreign
service before. They are all rebels and settled citizens. My Lord Stirling is nothing
but an ' ecJiajjpe de famille.' He resembles my Lord Granby as one egg the other.
General Putnam is a butcher by profession. The rebels desert frequently. It is not
uncommon to see colonels, lieutenant-colonels, and majors coming into our lines with
a number of men. The captured colors, made of red damask, with the motto ' Liberty,'
came with sixty men to the regiment Rail ; they carried their muskets upside down,
their hats under their arms, fell upon their knees, and begged for quarter. Not a single
regiment is regularly uniformed or armed ; every one has his private musket, just as
the Hessian citizens march out on Whitsuntide, except Stirling's regiment, which had
a blue and red uniform, was three battalions strong, and consisted mostly of Germans
enlisted in Pennsylvania. They were tall, fine men, and had very fine English mus-
kets, with bayonets." It was this regiment which was mistaken by the second bat-
talion of grenadiers as Hessians. (See ante, pp. 273, 278.) " The rebels' artillery is
poor, their cannons being mostly of iron, and mounted on naval gun-carriages." Ban-
croft, Hist. U. S., ix. 95, says : " The total loss of the Americans, including officers,
was, after careful inquiry, found to be less than a thousand, of whom three-fourths
were prisoners. This is the account always given by Washington, alike in his official
report and in his most private letters. Its accuracy is confirmed by the special returns
from those regiments which were the chief sufferers. More than half of this loss fell
upon Stirling's command ; more than a fourth on the Maryland regiment alone." In

282 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

at 3,300 ; and the British loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners,
at 3G7.1

The night (27th) which followed the battle was one of great
anxiety to Washington. His fatigued, wounded, and dispirited sol-
diers were but poorly sheltered against the heavy storm which
seemed to be gathering ; the enemy was encamped before the hues ;
the morrow would probably bring a renewal of the conflict. But
his energy again triumphed over his fears. The long hours
of night — yet all too short for the work in hand — were occupied
with efforts to strengthen his position ; troops were ordered
over from New York, from Fort Washington, and Kingsbridge ;
nothing was left undone that human effort and foresight could
accomplish.

The morning sky of the 28th was lowering and heavy, with masses
of vapor which hung like a funeral-pall over sea and land. At four
o'clock, and in the midst of a thick-falling mist, Washington visited
every part of the works, encouraging his suffering soldiers with

the absence of authorities on which Mr. Bancroft bases his estimate, we must consider
it as considerably underrated. The stress which he lays upon this being the " account
always given by Washington," etc., is, in our opinion, of little importance. It was
policy on the part of that general, in the peculiarly demoralized and critical condition
of his army after its first pitched battle, to give the lowest reasonable estimate of losses
sustained.

Dawson (Battles of the U. S., 148), usually accurate, gives the American loss, in
killed, wounded, and prisoners, as between 1,100 and 1,200 men, more than a thousand
of whom were prisoners. A thousand prisoners would leave only 200 men to be killed
and wounded out of the whole 1,200, whereas the Maryland battalion alone lost two
hundred and fifty-six men, without taking into account the number killed in other
parts of the field.

In consequence of the large and rapid desertion which occurred after the battle ; the
demoralization of the troops ; the absence, as far as we can learn, of any full and accu-
rate reports from regimental and other officers ; the capture of the three general officers
(Sullivan, Stirling, and Woodhull) who were best fitted, by education and personal
knowledge, to furnish reliable reports, etc., we find it impossible to arrive at any very
decisive conclusion as to the actual losses of the Americans. Our own examination of
the matter inclines us to accept the British and Hessian estimate as being most nearly
correct. As masters of the field they had the best opportunity of knowing the facts, nor
can we see that they have been guilty of much exaggeration.

1 Of the British, five officers and fifty-six subaltern officers and privates were killed,
twelve officers and two hundred and forty-five subalterns and privates wounded, and
one officer and twenty marines taken prisoners. The Hessian loss consisted of two
privates killed, three officers (one of whom was Captain Donop) and twenty-three
men wounded.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 283

words of Lope, and carefully inspecting the state of the defences.
By the gradually increasing light of morning was revealed the
encampment of over 15,000 troops of Britain. It is no wonder that
" there was gloom everywhere — in the sky, on the land, on the
water, arid over the spirits of the Bepublicans. They almost
despaired, for the heavy rains had injured their arms and almost
destroyed their ammunition ; but when, at five o'clock, Mifflin
crossed the East Kiver with the choice regiments of Magaw and
Shee, and Glover's battalion of Marblehead fishermen and sailors,
in all more than a thousand strong, all fresh and cheerful, there was
an outburst of joy, for they seemed like sunshine as they passed the
lines of sufferers and took post on the extreme left, near the Walla-
bout." Their arrival increased the American force to nine thousand.
The British cannonade opened at ten o'clock upon the American
lines, and was followed through the day by frequent skirmishes.
The rain fell copiously, much to the discomfort of the Americans,
who, in some parts of the trenches, stood up to their waists in
water and mud. It served, however, to keep the British within their
tents until near evening, when they broke ground within five hun-
dred yards of the American lines, and commenced regular ap-
proaches by trenches. This night, also, they threw up a redoubt
east of Fort Putnam (now Fort Greene), on the land of George
Powers, from which they opened a fire upon the fort.1 During this
day, also, occurred the capture of General Woodhull, by a party of
provincial loyalists under Captain De Lancey, about two miles
beyond Jamaica. From wounds, barbarously inflicted upon him
after his surrender, he died a few days later.

At midnight a dense fog arose, which remained motionless and
impenetrable over the island during nearly the whole of the next

1 " A strong column menaced this on the 29th. The Americans were here prepared
to receive them, and orders were issued to reserve their fire till they could see the
whites of their eyes. A few British officers reconnoitred the American lines, when one,
coming too near, was shot by Wm. Van Cott of Bushwick, who then put up his gun,
and said he had done his part. Several of the men were killed, after which the British
fell back to their first position. An American rifleman leaped over the lines and took
the officer's sword, watch, hat, and cash. This afternoon Captain Rutgers was killed :
few Americans fell within the lines." — Reported by Lt. Thos. Skillman, of Capt. John
Titus' company in '76. (General Johnson, in Williamsburgh Gazette, April 3, 1839.)

284 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

day. In the afternoon of the 29th, General Mifflin, Adjutant-General
Eeed, and Colonel Grayson reconnoitred at the outposts on the
western extremity of the American lines, near the Eed Hook.
"While there, a gentle shift of wind lifted the fog from Staten Island
and revealed to them the British fleet in the Narrows, and boats
passing to and from the admiral's ship and the other vessels.
These signs of activity, together with a knowledge of the fact that a
portion of the fleet had passed around the island and were anchored
in Flushing Bay, betokened a movement upon the city, and the
three officers lost no time in hastening back to camp.1 The news
which they brought was probably not unexpected to Washington ;
for, unknown to his aids, he had already made provision, earlier in
the day, for the concentration in the East River, at New York, of
every kind of sail or row boats, which were to be ready by dark f
but he immediately convened a council of war at five o'clock
the same evening,3 for the danger was indeed imminent. If the
British should occupy the Hudson and the East River— as any
moment, on a change of mind, they might do — they would, by
securing the position of Kingsbridge, be able to cut off all communi-
cation between Manhattan Island and the Westchester main ; thus

1 Reed's Reed, i. 225 ; Col. Graydon's Memoirs, 166, Littel's ed. ; Bancroft, Hist. U. S.,
is.. 105-107, note, in which much unnecessary space is given to a denial that Gen. Reed
could have been enabled to see the British fleet, by a " lifting of the fog," and to an
accumulation of evidence that " that fog did not rise till the morning of the thirtieth."
Now," any one who has lived on the west end of Long Island, will readily understand
that it is no unusual thing in summer for wet and rainy, " drizzly" days, such as the
28th and 29th had been, to be accompanied and followed by a misty vapor, or sea-fog,
breaking away at times and again settling heavily down upon the horizon ; nor is it
difficult to believe that a momentary lifting of such a fog permitted the three Ameri-
can officers to catch a glimpse of the British fleet. This same heavy vapor, deepening
with the approach of evening, easily settled down by midnight of the 29th into the
fog which so favored the American retreat, and which, accumulating in density as the
dawn of day approached, is naturally spoken of by witnesses as having risen on the
" morning of the 30th."

8 Force's American Archives, fifth series, i. 1211 ; Heath's Memoirs, 57 ; Memorial of
Hugh Hughes (acting Quartermaster-General in New York), 32.

3 The old Cornell house, afterwards known as the Pierrepont mansion, which for-
merly stood on the line of the present Montague street, near the little iron foot-bridge
which spans the carriage-way, was the headquarters of Washington during this im-
portant contest. It was a spacious and costly house, having large chimneys, from which
it was known as " the Four Chimnies," and upon its roof a telegraph was arranged, by
which communication was held with New York city. It was here (and not at the old

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 285

imprisoning that portion of the American army in New York, and
separating it from that on Long Island.

The deliberations of this council were brief, and their decision
unanimous in favor of an evacuation of Long Island and a retreat to
New York on that very night.1 To effect the withdrawal of some
nine thousand men, with their arms and munitions of war, and that,
too, in face of an enemy at work in their trenches, so near that the
sound of their pickaxes and spades could be distinctly heard, — to
march them a considerable distance to the river, and to transport
them across its strong, broad current, — necessitated the greatest
skill and secrecy. Orders were immediately issued to Colonel
Glover to collect and man with his regiment of hardy mariners all
the boats of every kind which could be found, and to be in readiness
by midnight for the embarkation, which was to be superintended
by General McDougal. In order to have the army in proper
marching condition, without divulging the plan of retreat, the
officers were directed to hold their men in readiness for an
attack upon the enemy's lines that night. The order excited
general surprise, but by eight o'clock the army was ready for move-
ment. That the enemy's suspicions might not be excited, General
Mifflin was to remain within the lines, and within 250 yards of the
British advanced works, with Colonel I^and's rifle-corps and the
battered remnants of the Delaware and Maryland regiments, who,
with barely a respite from the terrible battle of the 27th, had now
cheerfully consented to cover the retreat of their fresher but less
experienced companions in arms.2 By nine o'clock the ebb-tide,

Dutch church in Fulton street, as has been erroneously stated by Lossing and Onder-
donk, which was merely the alarm-post of the American army) that the council of
war was held which determined upon the retreat, and from which the orders for that
movement were promulgated. This is on the authority of Colonel Fish, the father of
Governor Hamilton Fish, and one of Washington's military family, who, in 1824, during
Lafayette's visit to Brooklyn, called the attention of the distinguished visitor to the fact,
and designated the very positions in the room occupied by the members of that council.

1 Proceedings of a Council of War held at Headquarters at Brooklyn, August 29th,
1776. (Onderdonk, sec. 161 ; Force's American Archives, fifth series, i. 1246.) This
council was composed of His Excellency General Washington ; Major-Generals Putnam
and Spencer ; Brigadier-Generals Mifflin, McDougal, Parsons, Scott, Wadsworth, and
Fellows.

2 Colonel Smallwood's letter, and Colonel Hazlet's letter to Thomas Rodney. Onder-
donk, sec. 809.

286 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

with heavy rain and an adverse wind, rendered the sail-boats of
little use ; but, by eleven, the northeast wind, which had prevailed
for three clays, died away, the surface of the water became smooth,
and with a southwest breeze favoring, both the sail and row boats
were able to cross the river full laden.

By ten o'clock the troops began to move from the lines ; and as
each regiment left its position, the remaining troops moved to the
right and left and filled up the vacancies.1 Washington, taking his
position at the ferry stairs, at the foot of Fulton street, Brooklyn,
superintended the embarkation ; and the whole movement was con-
ducted with such order and quiet, that it failed to attract the notice
of the British sentinels. The intense darkness of the night, and the
thick fog which had settled down over every thing, favored the
patriot hosts. At a little past midnight they were suddenly startled
by the deep roar of a cannon — whether from the British or Amer-
ican lines no one could tell. 2 " The effect," says one who heard it,
" was at once alarming and sublime ;" but the deepest silence

1 In Onderdonk's Rev. Reminiscences of Kings County, sec. 820, will be found an
interesting account of the battle by James S. Martin of Connecticut. He thus speaks
of the retreat : " We were strictly enjoined not to speak, or even cough, while on the
march. All orders were given from officer to officer, and communicated to the men in
whispers. What such secrecy could mean we could not divine. We marched off in
the same way we had come on tire island, forming various conjectures among ourselves
as to our destination." A correspondent in the Independent (Boston) Chronicle, Sept. 19,
'76, says of the retreat : " We went over with boats about 7 o'clock. The brigades were
ordered to be in readiness with bag and baggage to march, but knew not where or for
what ; the 2d did not know where the 1st had gone, nor the 3d the 2d. The last marched
off at the firing of the 3 o'clock (British) gun on Friday morning. The night was remark-
ably still, the water smooth as glass, so that all our boats went over safe, though many
were but about 3 inches out of water. At sunrise a great fog came up. We left half a
dozen large guns. 3 or 4 men were missing who came off in a batteau. On Friday or
Saturday the British vessels came up to the desired place." — Onderdonk's Rev. Rem.
Kings County, sec. 821.

Statement of Samuel Mills of Jamaica, L. I., a private in Colonel Lasher's First New
York regiment : " When it was known that the Americans were retreating, the grena-
diers (of which there were 120 in the regiment) were stationed at regular distances in-
side the American lines, each one having 6 hand-grenades besides their other arms. In
the afternoon and evening, previous to crossing over to New York, the soldiers were
continually marching and countermarching ; one regiment would march up and two
down ; one up and two down : so that the troops were kept in ignorance of what the
final move would be, but generally supposed that an attack of the British would take
place the next day."

' Graydon's Memoirs, 147.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 287

ensued, and the retreat went bravely on. As the night wore away
the tide was turning and a northeast wind began to rise, yet a large
proportion of the troops had not been transported over the river.
Fearful of delay, Washington sent his aide-de-camp, Colonel
Alexander Scammel, to hasten the troops who were on the march.
Scammel, by mistake, communicated the order to General Mifflin,
who, although somewhat surprised, obeyed, and evacuated the
lines with his whole force. Their arrival at the ferry, where several
regiments were already waiting to embark, created much alarm and
confusion.1 Sharp words passed between Washington and Mifflin
in the annoyance of the moment. " It's a dreadful mistake," said
Washington, when he found out that it was Scammel's blunder,
" and unless the troops can regain their posts before their absence
is discovered by the enemy, the most disastrous consequences are
to be apprehended." With heroic cheerfulness Mifflin's troops
immediately returned to the lines, and remained there for several
hours, until a second order, when they " joyfully bid those trenches
a long adieu."2 Washington, who, since the morning of the 27th,
had scarcely left the lines on Long Island, and for forty-eight hours
preceding that had hardly been off his horse or closed his eyes,
embarked with the last company.

1 It is related, on the authority of Col. Fish, one of Washington's aids, Judge Daggett of
New Haven, and others, that the crowd and confusion among the troops who were, at
this juncture, huddled on the beach, was extreme, and bordered on a panic ; and that
Washington, annoyed and alarmed at its probable consequences, sprang to the side of
a boat into which the men were crowding, and, holding aloft a large stone with both
hands, ordered them, with an impassioned oath, to leave the boat instanter, or he
would "sink it to hell." It is needless to say that the towering figure and wrathful
eye of their revered general restored the scared troops to their senses, and the embar-
kation proceeded with more order than before.

2 Colonel Hand's Account of the Retreat : " In the evening of the 29th of August,
1776, with several other commanding officers of corps, I received orders to attend
Major-General Mifflin. When assembled, General Mifflin informed us that, in conse-
quence of the determination of a board of general officers, the evacuation of Long Isl-
and, where we then were, was to be attempted that night ; that the commander-in-
chief had honored him with the command of the covering-party, and that our corps
were to be employed in that service. He then assigned us our several stations which
we were to occupy as soon as it was dark, and pointed out Brooklyn church as an alarm-
post, to which the whole were to repair and unitedly oppose the enemy, in case they
discovered our movement and made an attack in consequence. My regiment was
posted in a redoubt on the left, and in the lines on the right of the great road below
Brooklyn church. Captain Henry Miller commanded in the redoubt, Part of a regi-

288 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Meanwhile, a Mrs. John Rapalje, living near the ferry at Brooklyn,
and whose husband had been sent into the interior of New Jersey on
suspicion of Toryism, shrewdly surmised, from the accumulation of
boats on the beach and other movements which came within her

ment of the Flying Camp of the State of New York were, in the beginning of the night,
posted by me. They showed so much uneasiness at their station, that I petitioned
General Mifflin to suffer them to march off, lest they might communicate the panic
with which they were seized to my people. The general granted my request, and
they marched off accordingly. After that nothing remarkable happened at my post
till about two o'clock in the morning, when Alexander Scammell, since Adjutant-
General, who that day acted as A. D. C. to the commander-in-chief, came from the left,
inquiring for General Mifflin, who happened to be with me at the time. Scammell
told him that the boats were waiting, and the commander-in-chief anxious for the
arrival of the troops at the ferry. General Mifflin said he thought he must be mis-
taken ; that he did not imagine the general could mean the troops he immediately
commanded. Scammell replied he was not mistaken ; adding that he came from the
extreme left, and had ordered all the troops he had met to march ; that in consequence
they were then in motion, and that he would go on to give the same orders. General
Mifflin then ordered me to call in my advanced pickets and sentinels, to collect and
form my regiment, and to march as soon as possible, and quitted me. Having marcbed
into the great road leading to the church, I fell in with the troops returning from the
left of the line. Having arrived at the left of the church, I halted to take up my camp
equipage, which, in the course of the night, I had carried there by a small party.
General Mifflin came up at the instant, and asked the reason of the halt. I told him,
and he seemed very much displeased, and exclaimed : ' Damn your pots and kettles,
I wish the devil had them ; march on !' I obeyed, but had not gone far before I per-
ceived the front had halted, and hastening to inquire the cause, I met the commander-
in-chief, who perceived me, and said, ' Is not that Colonel Hand V I replied in the
affirmative. His Excellency said he was surprised at me in particular ; that he did
not suppose I would have abandoned my post. I answered that I had not abandoned
it ; that I had marched by order of my immediate commanding officer. He said it was
impossible. I told him I hoped, if I could satisfy him I had the orders of General
Mifflin, he would not think me particularly to blame. He said he undoubtedly would
not. General Mifflin then coming up, and asking what the matter was, his Excellency
said, ' Good God ! General Mifflin, I am afraid you have ruined us by so unseasonably
withdrawing the troops from the lines.' General Mifflin replied, with some warmth,
' I did it by your order.' His Excellency declared it could not be. Gen. Mifflin swore,
' By God, I did,' and asked : ' Did Scammel act as an A. D. C. for the day, or did he
not f His Excellency acknowledged he did. ' Then,' said Mifflin, ' I had orders
through him.' The general replied it was a dreadful mistake, and informed him that
matters were in much confusion at the ferry, and unless we could resume our posts
before the enemy discovered we had left them, in all probability the most disagreeable
consequences would follow. We immediately returned, and had the good fortune to
recover our former stations and keep them for some hours longer, without the enemy
perceiving what was going forward."

Colonel Tallmadge : " As the dawn approached, those of us who remained in the
trenches became very anxious for our safety, at which time there were several regi.
meats still on duty, and a dense fog began to rise and seemed to settle over both
encampments. So dense was the atmosphere that a man could not be discerned six

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 289

observation, that a retreat had been decided upon by the Ameri-
cans. With vengeful readiness, therefore, she secretly sent her
slave, on the evening previous, to inform the British commander
of the facts. The negro, however, first came upon a Hessian
guard, who, not understanding his language, and believing him
to be a spy, detained him until morning, when he was handed
over to a British officer who was making his round of inspection at
daylight. Howe was astonished at the negro's story. A company,
under Captain Montressor, was detached to reconnoitre the Ameri-
can works, which they found deserted.1 Detachments hurried off
in hot pursuit ; but they only reached the ferry in time to see the
heavily-laden rear boats of the retreating army disappear in the
impenetrable fog which yet hung over the river.2 Nobly had the

yards off. When the sun rose we had orders to leave the lines, but before we reached
the ferry the regiment was ordered back again. Colonel Chester faced about and re-
turned to the lines, where the regiment tarried till the sun had risen ; but the fog
remained as dense as ever. Finally a second order came, and we joyfully bade those
trenches a long adieu. When we reached Brooklyn ferry the boats had not yet
returned from their last trip, but they soon appeared. I think I saw General Wash-
ington on the ferry-stairs when I stepped into one of the last boats. I left my horse at
the ferry, tied to a post. The troops having all safely reached New York, and the fog
continuing thick as ever, I got leave to return, with a crew of volunteers, for my
favorite horse. I had got off with him some distance into the river before the enemy
appeared in Brooklyn. As soon as they reached the ferry we were saluted merrily
from their musketry, and finally by their field-pieces. When the enemy had taken
possession of the heights opposite the city of New York they commenced firing from
the artillery, and the fleet pretty soon were in motion to take possession of those
waters."

1 A British account of the battle, in the Parliamentary Register, vol. xiii., says : " They
were reconnoitring before daybreak, and at four o'clock discovered the lines were
evacuated. The pickets marched twenty-five minutes after. General Robertson heard
of the retreat at seven o'clock, and his brigade was ordered to march at eight ; but,
while marching to the ferry, he was ordered towards Hell-Gate to meet Lee, reported to
be landing there with an army. We were on the rear of the enemy ; some were
killed or taken prisoners in Brooklyn. We saw three or four boats afloat — some boats
not off. The debris of their rearguard embarked about eight or nine o'clock."

The Hessian account (Mas von Elking) says that the British " were astonished, on
the following morning (30th), to see the lines deserted, which were immediately
occupied by the Hessian regiments von Donop and von Lossberg. Col. von Heeringen,
who had, in the night between the 29th and 80th, occupied a hill near the Hudson,
had first discovered the desertion of the American lines, and sent Lieut. Zoll to report it
to Howe. The English headquarters was so much vexed by the escape of the Anier-
cans, that it deeply regretted having prevented the troops from storming the -heights
on the 27th."

2 Washington's letter to Congress, Aug. 31, 1776. The guns of Fort Stirling were
19

290 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

"fishermen-soldiers of Marbleliead and Salem" labored at their
muffled oars during the long hours of that perilous night ; naught,
save a few heavy cannon, was left behind ; none, save a few lagging
marauders, were captured ; and when the fog at last rolled away,
the American army was joyously moving towards the upper portions
of Manhattan Island. " That retreat, in all its circumstances, was
truly wonderful. Surely that fog was the shield of God's providence
over those men engaged in a holy cause. If ' the stars in their
courses fought against Sisera,' in the time of Deborah, these mists
were the wings of the cherubim of Mercy and Hope over the Amer-
icans on that occasion." '

The British, following close upon the heels of the retreating
Americans, took possession of their deserted intrenchments, which
were garrisoned with English and Hessian troops, while the remain-
der of the army was quartered at Bushwick, Newtown, Hell-Gate,
and Flushing. Howe established his headquarters at Newtown,
whence he dated his official dispatches announcing the results of the
battle ; and, for the period of seven years, two months, and ten days
from this time, Long Island and New York city were held in pos-
session by the British.

The defeat of the American army, and its subsequent retreat from
Long Island, produced results most disastrous to the patriot cause.
" Our situation is truly distressing," wrote Washington, two days
after the battle. "The check our detachment sustained on the
twenty-seventh ultimo has dispirited too great a proportion of our
troops, and filled their minds with apprehension and despair. The
militia, instead of calling forth their utmost efforts to a brave and
manly opposition in order to repair our losses, are dismayed, in-
tractable, and impatient to return. Great numbers of them have

unspiked and turned on the "boats of the retreating Americans. Three persons, who
left the island last, in a batteau, fell into the enemy's hands. — N. E. Chronicle.

1 Lossing's Life of Washington, p. 282, who also says that in a letter written by the
Rev. John Woodhull, of Leacock, Pa., to his wife, dated Sept. 2d, 1776, he mentions that,
for almost a week previous to the battle on the 27th, the wind " had been contrary"
for the British fleet, and prevented their coming up the bay. This prevalence of a
northerly wind at New York, for so long a time, in August, is unprecedented. In the
same letter he says, after speaking of the retreat : " A great fog favored us, the only
fog that has been here for a long time."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 291

gone off; in some instances almost by -whole regiments, by half
ones, and bj companies, at a time. ... I am obliged to confess
my want of confidence in the generality of the troops. . . . Till
of late, I had no doubt in my own mind of defending this place
(New York city) ; nor should I have yet, if the men would do their
duty ; but this despair of." And two days later he wrote again in
the same desponding strain : " Our affairs have not undergone a
change for the better, nor assumed a more agreeable aspect than
before. The militia, under various pretences, are daily diminishing ;
and in a little time, I am persuaded, their numbers will be very
inconsiderable."

These gloomy forebodings, which so deeply shadowed the gen-
erally buoyant and hopeful heart of the commander-in-chief, were
by no means groundless. His own army, demoralized by defeat,
were gradually slipping away to their homes, carrying with them,
wherever they went, the panic with which they had been infected.
The enemy, flushed with their late victory, had occupied and
garrisoned the American works at Brooklyn ; and within a
week after the battle their whole force, except four thousand
troops left on Staten Island, were in full occupation of Long
Island. Their heavy vessels had anchored near Governor's Isl-
and, within easy gunshot of the city j1 while a forty-gun ship2 had
passed the American battery at Stuyvesant Point, and was anchored
in Turtle Bay, on the East Eiver, ready to act in conjunction with

1 Upon their approach, the small garrisons at Governor's Island and at Red Hook
removed to the city. One man, at Governor's Island, lost an arm, by a ball from a
British ship, while embarking.

2 The Rose, which had taken this position the night after the battle. General John-
son, who incorrectly states the date as the 15th of September, says that she " passed up
Buttermilk Channel, and anchored opposite Bushwick Creek, near the shore. On the
16th (?) the Americans brought two 32-pounders to Burnt Mill Point (Stuyvesant's Point,
where the Novelty Ironworks now stand), and towards night commenced firing upon
the Rose. They fired eighteen shots, and hulled the frigate with seventeen balls, and
would have sunk her if daylight had not shut in. The first shot struck her railing at
the gangway, and killed a cow taken from Jacob Polhemus, who was on board and
saw his cow shot. The frigate removed at night, and anchored between Blackwell's
and Long Island, where her hull was protected by the land."

Lossing says that Major Crane of the artillery, acting under orders from Washing
ton, posted two guns upon the high bank at Forty-sixth street, New York, with which
he annoyed the frigate, as above described.

292 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

several other British ships already in the Sound. Their movements
were such as to induce the belief that they intended shortly to make
an attack upon the city, which "Washington foresaw could not be
successfully defended in the present dispirited condition of his
troops, scantily supplied as they were with provisions, clothes, and
ammunition. The counsels and opinions which agitated the Ameri-
can camp, at this critical juncture of affairs, were diverse. Suffice
it to say that the untoward circumstances which surrounded them,
as well as the increased activity of the enemy, combined to urge
them to a prompt retreat from the city. Of this retreat, which
forms so interesting a link in the history of our Revolution, we shall
not speak at length. Suffice it to say that on the 13th of Septem-
ber the main body of the army moved towards Mount Washington
and Kingsbridge, leaving a rearguard of four thousand men, under
General Putnam, in the city. On the 16th "Washington established
his headquarters at the Morris mansion on Harlem Heights.

On the 15th occurred the occupation of New York island by the
British, which is thus described by Gen. Jeremiah Johnson, an eye-
witness : " In the evening of the 14th,1 the Phoenix and Dutchess of
Gordon frigates passed New York, with a large number of batteaux :
the frigates anchored opposite Kip's Bay,a where the Rose joined them.
The batteaux were placed near the (Long Island) shore, at the house
of Peter Kolyer.3 Early on the morning of the 15th, a division of
the British army marched from Brooklyn, through Bushwick, to the
shore at Mr. Kolyer's, where they embarked on board of the bat-
teaux at high-water. About 7 o'clock the ships opened a heavy
fire of round and grape shot upon the shore, to scour off the enemy.
The firing continued an hour and a half : when the leading boats
passed the ships, the firing ceased. The boats passed to the shore,
and all the troops landed in safety. We may be incorrect as to
dates, but the facts are as stated. I saw the scene. It was a
fine morning, and the spectacle was sublime. Thomas Skillman,
of Bushwick, and John Vandervoort, and Jacob Bloom, of Brook-
lyn, with their families, were at Kip's Bay, in the house of Mr.

1 We correct Gen. Johnson's dates. 2 Foot of 34th street, New York.

3 On site now occupied by residence of Mr. Samuel Sneeden, Greenpoint.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 293

Ki}:>, when the cannonading of the three British frigates, which
lay opposite the house, commenced. The cannon-balls were driven
through the house. This induced them to take to the cellar for
safety, where they were out of danger. After the landing the men
were sent to prison in New York, and the next day their families
returned to Long Island. When the troops landed, a line was formed
across the island to the North Biver, to inclose the Americans in
New York. ' In vain is the net of the fowler spread in the sight
of any bird :' the American rear-guard had escaped."

From a careful consideration of the facts connected with the
" Battle of Brooklyn," it is evident,

1. That (as we have already remarked, ante, 263), the American
exterior line of defence was too much extended to admit of its being
held against the enemy, except as a mere skirmish-line.

2. That the troops occupying this line should have been re-
enforced (which, perhaps, was impracticable and unadvisable, under
the circumstances), or else seasonably recalled to the interior forti-
fied lines, which their presence would have considerably strength-
ened.

3. That, in the absence of any orders of recall, and without re-
enforcements, these raw and inexperienced troops, supposing that
they were placed there to fight, and knowing nothing of the art of
war except to fight right on, committed the serious mistake of mak-
ing a too prolonged stand against the overwhelming odds which
confronted them.

4. That the criminal oversight of the commanding general, or the
defection of certain detached troops, or both, which left the Jamaica
Pass and road unguarded, and the approach of the British unob-
served and unheralded, enabled the latter to flank, surround, and
defeat the Americans by detail, with the greatest ease. The " bat-
tle," so called, was, in fact, simply a series of unconnected skirmishes
— of heroic, but unavailing, efforts on the part of these untrained
yeomen to maintain isolated positions which had been hopelessly
lost before the fighting began. To the military incapacity of Gen.
Putnam, who, although brave and well-meaning, possessed neither

294 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

the subordination to obey the orders with whose execution he was
intrusted, the skill to carry out the proposed plans of defence, or the
ordinary common sense which he might reasonably have been ex-
pected to display in the face of an approaching enemy, we may
justly attribute the deplorable- results of this battle. In this con-
nection we cannot forbear quoting the well-considered and forcible
remarks of Henry B. Dawson, Esq., our ablest military historical
writer, who says1 in regard to this very point :

" It is unquestionably the duty of the commander of a district to
provide, not only the means of securing intelligence of every move-
ment of his enemy, but for the protection of his position ; and, espe-
cially when any peculiar pass, or hill, or bridge between him and
the enemy would secure advantages to that enemy which would be
dangerous to him, it is the unquestionable duty of the commander
to occupy such position in force ; or, in case he neglects it, the dis-
grace is Ms, and the responsibility for any evil effects arising from
such neglect of duty devolves upon him. In fact, the commander is
a sentinel whom the commander-in-chief or the government has
placed to guard the interests of the people, and, like any other senti-
nel, he cannot sleep on his post without committing one of the high-
est crimes known to the military law.

" With these axioms before us, let us examine, as far as the evi-
dence goes, who commanded, and who slept on his post. It is said
that General Greene commanded on Long Island, that the defences
were thrown up under his direction, and that he was taken sick with
a fever and left the island.2 It is said that General Sullivan then
assumed the command;3 that, notwithstanding the enemy was still
on Staten Island, he employed mounted patrols, at an expense of
fifty dollars per night, to mount guard on roads which he saw the
enemy might use in approaching New York ; 4 and that, on the 23d
of August, — the day after the enemy's army landed on Long Island, —
he was superseded by General Putnam.6 It is said, and has never
been contradicted, that General Washington gave General Putnam
positive instructions to guard the passes through the hills leading to

1 Battles of the United States, 148-150. 3 General Orders, Aug. 20.

2 Gen. Greene to Gen. Washington, Aug. 15. 4 His letter to Congress, Oct. 25, 1777.

5 Sparks' Washington, p. 180.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 295

Brooklyn ; ' it is said, also without contradiction, that General Sulli-
van, his predecessor and second in command, enforced the same
measures on his attention;2 it is known that, although the enemy,
in full force, was encamped within four or five miles, opposite two of
those very passes, General Putnam never reconnoitred that enemy's
position — in fact, that he never left Brooklyn ; 3 and it is equally well
known that, although the enemy was then encamped at Flatbush, the
mounted patrols which General Sullivan had established,4 as well as
the guards at some of the passes established by General Greene,
were withdrawn,6 leaving the country clear for the enemy's secret
movements, and the passes conveniently unguarded for his especial
accommodation. It is also a well-established fact, that no general
officer was outside the lines at Brooklyn, on the night of the 26th,
until the advance of General Grant was made known to General
Putnam, at three o'clock, when Generals Sullivan and Lord Stirling
were dispatched to Flatbush and the Bay Koad, to oppose the move-
ments in those quarters.8

" From these facts, it appears conclusively that General Putnam
paid no attention to the orders of General Washington, respecting
the security of the passes, and that the advice of General Sullivan,
on the same subject, was also disregarded, his patrols withdrawn,
and the command outside the lines, where his knowledge of the
ground rendered him peculiarly useful, taken from him and given to
another ; 7 that, with an enemy encamped in full force within a few

1 " At the same time, I would have you form a proper line of defence around your
encampment and works, on the most advantageous grounds." " The woods should be
secured by abatis, etc., where necessary, to make the enemy's approach as difficult as pos-
sible. Traps and ambuscades should be laid for their parties, if you find they are sent
out after cattle," etc. — Orders to Gen. Putnam, Aug. 25.

2 Gen. Sullivan's letter to Congress, Oct. 25, 1777.

3 Thompson's Long Island, i. p. 222.

4 Gen. Sullivan to Cong., Oct. 25, 1777. The "patrol" which Gen. Clinton captured
was a party of officers, not a regular patrol {ante, p. 266, note).

6 This is shown by Gen. Howe, in his dispatch, where he says : " The General, learn-
ing that the rebels had not occupied the pass, detached a battalion of light-infantry to
secure it," etc.

6 See Lord Stirling's letter to Gen. Washington, Aug. 29 ; Gen. Sullivan's letter to
Congress, Oct. 25, 1777.

7 Gen. Sullivan, to Congress, Oct. 25, 1777, says Lord Stirling was ordered to the
command outside the lines, while he was ordered to remain within the lines, as Gen.
Putnam's second in command.

296 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

miles of his position, he quietly remained at Brooklyn, without
reconnoitring that enemy's position, or sending out a scout ; that he
withdrew guards and failed to remount them, where they were essen-
tial to his safety ; and, finally, that to his ignorant, self-conceited
inefficiency, the enemy is indebted for one of the greatest victories
of the war, and his country for one of the most disastrous defeats,
both mihtary and moral, which it ever experienced."

In closing this chapter, it is proper to notice the very limited extent
to which the Kings County militia participated in the battle. Previous
to its commencement, they were ordered into service within the lines
at Brooklyn, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Nicholas Cowenhoven,
of Flatbush, and Major Barent Johnson, of Bushwick, the father of
the late worthy Gen. Jeremiah Johnson. Many of them, however,
embraced the earliest opportunity to join the British army on Staten
Island, and others concealed themselves. As a consequence of this
universal defection, the regiment was reduced to about two hundred
men, and, after the battle, was still further reduced, by desertions,
to about one hundred and fifty. This remnant left the island with
the rest of the army, under command of Major Johnson,1 and marched
to Harlem, where they dispersed without leave and returned to their
homes, where many of them were captured by Tories and incarcerated
in the prisons at New York. This was not surprising, when we con-
sider the example set them by their colonel, who left his command
within the lines and went privately to Flatbush, where he was seen,
shortly after, in company with two British officers. For this he was,
upon his return to camp, placed under arrest and sent to Harlem for
trial by the Committee of Public Safety. The witnesses were, how-
ever, conveniently " spirited away," through the management of
friends, and there being no one to appear against him, the colonel
was released. After his return to his home in Kings County, he
was engaged in certain transactions in the British commissary
and barrack departments, and, with many others, was indicted be-
fore the Circuit Court, at Albany, at its October term, in 1783, for

1 Major Johnson accompanied the army to Jersey, where he was captured by the
British, and returned home on a parole, given by Howe, in January, 1777.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

297

treason against the State, but, by the good management of Alexander
Hamilton, he escaped trial. After the adoption of the Constitution
of the United States, when the public debt was funded, he was one of
the commission which investigated the claims of persons who had
suffered loss of cattle and injuries done by American troops in Kings
County before they left the island, in 1776. Col. Cowenhoven was
afterwards appointed Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of
Kings County, and died at New Utrecht on the 6th of March, 1793.
In view of his evident sympathy with the British cause, we can only
regard his loan of money, in 1782, to Major Wyckoff, as merely a
politic concession to the rising fortunes of America.1

part n.

THE BRITISH OCCUPATION OF BROOKLYN.

August, 1776, to November, 1783.

The people of Kings County, as we have before remarked, had un-
willingly espoused the cause of liberty, and the few who had been
persuaded or forced into rebellion, now found themselves abandoned
by their countrymen to all its penalties. It was not strange, then,
that they should eagerly accept the opportunity of withdrawing from
a struggle in which they had no heart, and of throwing themselves
upon the mercy and protection of the now dominant power of Eng-
land.

On the 17th of November, 1776, a large number of the freeholders
and inhabitants of Kings County — availing themselves of a procla-
mation of pardon issued by the British authorities2 — submitted a very
humble and loyal address to Lord Howe, wherein they state that,
"reflecting with the tenderest emotions of gratitude on this instance

1 On the back of one of Col. N.'s letters, dated Aug. 23, 1778, and offering Governor
Geo. Clinton money for the use of the American prisoners then in the hands of the
British, is the following endorsement in the Governor's handwriting : " Letter from N.
C. He offers (by way of laying an anchor to windward) to furnish our prisoners on
Long Island with as much money as they want."

s July 14th, and subsequently Sept. 19th.

298 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

of His Majesty's paternal goodness, and encouraged by the affec-
tionate manner in which his Majesty's gracious purpose hath been
conveyed to us by your Excellencies, who have thereby evinced
that humanity is inseparable from that true magnanimity and those
enlarged sentiments which form the most shining characters," they
beg leave to represent that they have all signed the Oath of Alle-
giance, and proceed to say, " that we esteem the constitutional
supremacy of Great Britain over these colonies and other depend-
ing parts of His Majesty's dominions, as essential to the union,
security, and welfare of the whole empire ; and sincerely lament the
interruption of that harmony which formerly subsisted between the
parent State and these her colonies." '

The submission of the rank and file was soon followed by that of
the leaders, or, at least, the majority of them, who, in December fol-
lowing, presented to Governor Tryon the following " wholesale clear-
ance" of themselves from all complicity with the Bebellion :

" "We, the members of the Provincial Congress, the County Com-
mittee, and the Committees of the different townships, elected for
and by the inhabitants of Kings County, feel the highest satisfac-
tion in having it in our power to dissolve ourselves without danger
of the County being desolated, as it was by repeated threats, some
short time ago. We do hereby accordingly dissolve ourselves,
rejecting and disclaiming all power of Congress and Committees,
totally refusing obedience thereto, and revoking all proceedings
under them whatsoever, as being repugnant to the laws and consti-
tution of the British Empire, and undutiful to our sovereign, and
ruinous to the welfare and prosperity of this County. We beg leave
to assure your Excellency we shall be exceeding happy in obeying
the legal authority of government, whenever your Excellency shall
be pleased to call us forth, being from long experience well assured
of your Excellency's mild and upright administration." This was
signed by forty persons.1

The corps of nrilitia in Kings County, in January, 1777, further
testified their " loyalty to their sovereign and zeal to the constitu-

This document, with the names appended, will be found in Onderdonk's Bangs Co.,
;. 829.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 299

tion," by voluntarily contributing the sum of £310 8s. towards the
expense of a new battalion, which was being raised about that time
by Col. Fanning.

These evidences of returning loyalty were graciously accepted,
and the good people of Kings County no doubt felt themselves
amply rewarded by the assurance of Lord Germaine, that " His
Majesty has observed with great satisfaction the effusions of loyalty
and affection which break forth in the addresses of his faithful sub-
jects upon their deliverance from the tyranny and oppression of the
rebel committees ; and the proof given by the inhabitants of Kings
County of their zeal for the success of His Majesty's measures, by so
generously contributing towards the expense of raising Col. Fan-
ning's battalion, cannot fail of recommending them to His Majesty's
favor." '

At this time, the American prisoners in New York were paroled and
billeted on the inhabitants of this county, Congress having agreed
to pay two dollars per week for their board. Col. Graydon, who,
with the other officers of Col. Shee's and Col. Magraw's regiment,
was quartered at Flatbush, gives the following humorous sketch
of his accommodations, which will answer, we presume, for a
portrait of most of the Dutch families at that day : " Though
we were, in general, civilly enough received, it cannot be sup-
posed we were very welcome to our Low Dutch hosts, whose
habits were extremely parsimonious, and whose winter provision was
barely sufficient for themselves. Had they been sure of receiving
two dollars per week, Congress or ourselves being looked on as
paymasters, it might have reconciled them. They were, however, a
people who seemed thoroughly disposed to submit to any power
that might be imposed upon them ; and whatever might have been
their propensities or demonstrations at an earlier stage of the con-
test, they were now the dutiful and loyal subjects of His Majesty
King George III., and entirely obedient to the behests of their mili-
tary masters in New York. Their houses and beds we found clean,
but their living extremely poor. A sorry wash, made up of a sprink-
ling of bohea and the darkest sugar, on the verge of fluidity, with half-

1 Onderdonk's Kings Co., sec. 830.

300 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

baked bread (fuel being among the scarcest articles at Flatbush) and
a little stale butter, constituted our breakfast. At our first coming, a
small piece of pickled beef was occasionally boiled for dinner ; but
to the beef, which was soon consumed, there succeeded clippers, or
clams ; and our unvaried supper was supon, or mush, sometimes with
skimmed milk, but more generally with buttermilk, blended with
molasses, which was kept for weeks in a churn, as swill is saved for
hogs. I found it, however, after a little use, very eatable, and sup-
per soon became my best meal. * * * * Their religious, like
their other habits, were unostentatious and plain ; and a simple,
silent grace before meat, prevailed at the table of Jacob Suydam.
When we were all seated, he suddenly clapped his hands together,
threw his head on one side, closed his eyes, and remained mute
and motionless for about a minute. His niece and nephew followed
his example ; but with such an eager solicitude that the copied
attitude should be prompt and simultaneous, as to give an air of
absurdity to what might otherwise have been very decent. Although
little of the vernacular accent remained on the tongues of these peo-
ple, they had some peculiarities in their phraseology. Instead of
asking you to sit down to table, they invited you to sit by"

After the evacuation of Brooklyn, the British, Hessians, Tories,
and refugees had unlimited range over Long Island, and were
quickly joined by neutrals and " fence gentry." Most of the Whigs
were absent with the army ; their wives, children, and aged people
alone remained at home, and their dwellings became the prey of
these wretches, who robbed friend and foe alike. The negroes, also,
became their willing aiders and abettors, and frequently guided
them in their predatory expeditions. The loyalists were all sum-
moned to attend at headquarters, in Bedford, to be registered ;
after which, they were ordered to wear a red badge in their
hats, as a protection and a token of loyalty. They obeyed with
ludicrous alacrity, and straightway the loyal badge flamed from
every hat and cap in the county. Many ladies wore scarlet ribbons,
while all the negroes, of course, were royalists and bedecked their
hats with scarlet rags ; and females even dispensed with their flannel
petticoats, in order to supply the unprecedented demand for cloth
of the requisite hue. The haughty British officers, however, scarcely

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 301

deigned to conceal their contempt for the newly-found loyalty of the
" red rags," as they were termed, and in less than three months the
scarlet emblems were doffed by all except a few negroes who courted
distinction.

The protection afforded to the people by the royal authorities,
was paternal only in its severity. Long Island, New York city,
Staten Island, and Westchester, during their whole subsequent
occupation by the British, were kept under the most rigorous mili-
tary rule. Elections were not allowed ; voting, except at annual
town meetings, was prohibited ; the civil courts were suspended, and
their functions arbitrarily dispensed either by a king's justice or a
military officer. A sort of police court was, after a while, opened
in New York city at the mayor's office ; and at length, in 1780, a
similar court was established at Jamaica, for the greater convenience
of the Long Island people. The old " Fly Market," at the foot of
Maiden Lane, New York, was protected by a guard of soldiers,
with sentinels on the ferry stairs ; and no farmer or other person was
permitted to carry any goods or provisions to or from the city with-
out a written pass, obtained either from the mayor's office or from
Col. Axtell, at Flatbush, for which a charge of 2s. was exacted. The
owner of every market-boat had to obtain a yearly license for the same,
wherein the name of each person coming to the city was entered ;
and these boats and licenses were frequently examined, to prevent
the passage of unlicensed travellers. Officers of the British army
and navy were alone exempt from this military examination at the
ferry stairs. The price of wood, and of all kinds of farm produce,
was regulated by proclamation, and the farmers themselves, their
horses, wagons, and servants, could be at any time impressed into
the king's service, at a stipulated price.1 Woodland and brushwood
was also remorselessly cut down by the British, to be used for fuel

1 When the British were preparing, in 1777, to enter Pennsylvania and take Phila-
delphia, the farmers of Kings and Queens counties were required to furnish horses,
wagons, and drivers for the use of the army. They were designated by officers, under
command of a (refugee) Captain Beman, of the Quartermaster's Department, and were
ordered to appear, on specified days, at Bedford, where the value of horse and wagon
was appraised and recorded in a book kept for the purpose. After their return from
Philadelphia, where many were lost or damaged, a day was set apart for the owners to
present their claims ; and these claims were paid, it was asserted, from a false record,

302 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

and the building of fortifications ; and when at length the wood was
exhausted, and the inhabitants began to be straitened for want of
it, the Hessians dug up the meadows for peat, in spite of the ex-
postulations of the astonished and indignant Dutch farmers.1 During
the summer months, the fields, from Red Hook to the heights of
Cripplebush, were white with tents faced with scarlet ; and before
their removal to New York, nearly all the fences were taken up and
burned. The whole district occupied by the troops was a common,
and most of the land remained unfenced till the British left the
country. In the winter season every village was filled with British
soldiers, wagons, etc., billeted in private houses or cantoned in tem-
porary huts. This quartering of officers and billeting of troops
among the people, was a serious annoyance. The first notice gen-
erally given of such occupation was an abrupt " Well, madam, I've

and at about tJdrty per cent less than the real valuation. Protest was futile, the un-
lucky farmers were told to take what was offered tliem, or go without. As if to add
insult to injury, they were graciously told by the commissioners, "Friends, there is a
barrel of rum in the entry — help yourselves !" To which two of the indignant suffer-
ers retorted : " We don't want your rum — give us our own — we can treat ourselves ;"
an answer which subsequently cost them their woodlands, which were specially desig-
nated to the barrack-masters, and cut down for the use of the army. The owners of
this wood received only two dollars per cord, while the officials charged and received
from the Government ten dollars.

1 Furman, in his MS. notes, vol. ix., p. 376, preserves this fact relative to the dis-
covery and use of peat in Kings Co. :

"My father, who is now fifty-eight years old, says that previous to the Revolutionary
War, the existence of peat in Kings County, and in the town of Newtown, Queens
County, was unknown to the inhabitants ; and that the same was discovered by the
British soldiery who were then and there encamped, in those places where wood had
become scarce in consequence of its having been all cut off. They instructed the inhab-
itants in the art of preparing this valuable article of fuel — which was found on land
formerly considered as comparatively worthless — but which is now highly esteemed.
It was on the land of my great uncle, William Furman, at the head of the ' Vlie,' in
Newtown, that the first turf was thus cut. He remonstrated with the British officers,
believing that they would ruin his land, and told them that they might cut all his
wood, but should leave his meadow. They replied that all his wood would not serve
the British troops about New York for a single month ; but that there was turf enough
on his land to serve as fuel for the whole British army in America. So they cut it,
regardless of his objections, and without paying him for it, as he was known not to be
a loyalist, and had relatives in the American army. They also told him that the
deeper it was cut, the better it was — which my great-uncle found to be true, and
always afterwards used turf for fuel, from preference. It was truly a providential dis-
covery for the Long Island people, who were beginning to be distressed for want of
wood, which had nearly all been cut off by the British troops."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 303

come to take a billet in your house." The officers usually appro-
priated one or more of the best rooms in the house to their own
use, and kept a guard constantly parading to and fro before the
door. The soldiers made themselves at home in the kitchen.
These officers, too, required the utmost condescension from the
inhabitants, who were expected, while addressing them, to hold their
hats under their arms : and should a farmer, in passing, neglect to
doff his hat, he ran a strong risk of a good caning ; although if he
did it, the Briton rarely deigned to notice him or to return his civil-
ity. As a natural consequence, insubordination arose among the
slaves, who either ran away from or became less respectful to their
masters, whom they saw so humbled before the British officers.
When we add to this the carousing, gambling, profanity, and the
many other vices of the camp which were introduced into these
hitherto quiet and orderly villages by the presence of large bodies
of troops, who spread gold and dissipation with equal liberality
around them, we cannot envy the condition of the people. It is
true that all this afforded a ready market for such of the farmer's
produce as had not been previously pilfered by the numerous
marauding gangs which prowled around the country, making equal
booty from friend and foe. The farmers flourished on British gold ;
but as there were no banks for its safe-keeping, and few oppor-
tunities of investment, they were obliged to keep it by them, and
were often robbed. The churches, also, except those of the estab-
lished faith, were freely occupied as prisons, hospitals, storehouses,
and barracks for troops : some were even wantonly destroyed.

In short, between the oppressions of their so-called " protectors,"
the British, and the depredations of the American whale-boatmen,
the good people of Kings County generally were in a most pitiable
condition. These whale-boatmen were Americans (many of them
refugees from Long Island), who lived along the Connecticut shore,
and bore commissions from the governors of that colony and of New
York, authorizing them to cruise in the Sound against British
vessels. It became, after a while, no unusual thing for them to
land, and, under pretence of carrying off British goods, to plunder
Whig and Tory alike, until at length the whale-boat warfare degen-
erated into downright piraeij. The dwellers along the shore were in

304 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

constant dread of their visits, and would often climb to the roofs of
their houses, where, spy-glass in hand, they anxiously scanned the
horizon. If they discerned whale-boats in the bay, the alarm was
immediately given by signal-guns or horn-blowing, and all valuables
were hastily hid away, leaving only a few articles in the house ; and
the robbers, after ransacking the premises, would curse the inmates
for their poverty, and depart. In this way, stores were sometimes
nearly emptied of their contents in an afternoon, and the goods re-
placed next morning. If, however, the owners were once caught,
they ran a good chance of being tortured until the goods were forth-
coming. Another more honorable employment of whale-boats, and
one in which they rendered good service, was that of surprising and
carrying off distinguished loyalists, in order to exchange them for
Whig prisoners.1

At this period, and during the war, the whole of the land em-
braced between the brow of the Heights on the river and the pres-
ent Fulton and Joralemon streets — now forming one of the most
closely-built and beautiful portions of our city — was then under high
cultivation. That portion of it nearest to Fulton street was either
used for pasturage, with its beautiful crop of grass browsed upon by
fat, well-kept cattle, or was kept, at times, in grain. The middle part
was almost entirely occupied by fine and thrifty orchards of apple,
pear, and other trees ; and the lower portion was used for excellent
gardens, which furnished an abundant supply of small fruit and vege-
tables to the New York markets. - This tract of land belonged to
several owners, among whom were the Middaghs, Bamper, Colden,
Debevoise, Kemsens. On the Heights (ante, p. 73) stood the man-
sion of Philip Livingston, Esq.,2 afterwards known as the " Jorale-
mon House," a large double frame-house, the more modern por-

1 The whale-boats were made sharp at each end, the sheathing not over half an inch
thick, and so light as to be easily carried on men's shoulders, either to be hid in the
bushes or relaunched in the South Bay. Some were thirty-two feet long, and im-
pelled by from eight to twenty oars, and would shoot ahead of an ordinary boat with
great velocity, and leave their pursuers far behind. They were always on the lookout,
and, in a calm, would row out of their lurking-places and board market-boats, or even
cut off the detached vessels of a convoy.

2 Philip Livingston and his brother owned the land comprising the farms subse-
quently belonging to Joralemon and Hicks, which adjoined that of Whitehead Cornell.
These farms were divided by a road leading from Red Hook Lane to a public landing

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 305

tion of which was built by Mr. Livingston, just previously to the
war, for his only son, who was then making the tour of Europe,
and was to be married on his return, which, however, was pre-
vented by his death abroad. The house was constructed in the
very best manner, having costly carved marble mantels imported
from Italy, and other furniture at that day unusual to American
houses. During the occupation of the island it was used
as an hospital for the British navy,1 probably as a justifiable
retaliation upon its owner, who was a prominent member of the
Continental Congress. Attached to the house was an extensive
garden, which the well-known taste and abundant means of Mr.
Livingston had made the finest in this part of America, and which —
to their credit be it said — was kept in good repair by the physicians
and officers of the hospital, who appropriated the mansion-house to
their own use, sheds and huts being erected for the sick on the farm
(formerly known as the Ealph Patchen property) on the southerly
side of the present Atlantic street. Things remained thus until
1780-81, when Admiral Arbuthnot2 assumed the command of this
station. He instituted various reforms, among which was the turn-
ing out of the surgeons and physicians from their comfortable
quarters in the mansion-house, which was forthwith appropriated to

at " The Fishing Place." This spot, famous in the memories of old Brooklynites, lay-
opposite the Livingston farms, between Cornell's Mills and the Remsen Farm, and was
called '' Livingston Beach."

1 Furman, MSS., vol. ix. pp. 184, 185 : "Dec. 9, 1839. My father tells me that at one
period during the Revolutionary War he saw lying in the harbor of New York, when
that city and Long Island were in the possession of the British army, eighteen line-of-
battle ships and a great number of frigates and smaller vessels of war, with between
eighty and ninety transports, belonging to the British navy."

2 Admiral Arbuthnot was accompanied by Prince William, afterwards King William
the Fourth, but then a midshipman in the Royal Navy. " The prince," says Furman,
MSS., " was very fond of playing a game of ball called ' rackets,' and used to go very
frequently with officers of the British army and navy ; and when they came to the
' alley,' which was in John street, New York, and found the young men and appren-
tices of the city playing, they, without any ceremony, would order them to discontinue
and to leave the alley. This, of course, caused bad feeling on the part of the citizens
towards the officers, which the former sought every opportunity of manifesting when
they could do so with impunity. Thus James West, an apprentice of my father's
uncle, James Hallett, a coachmaker in the city of New York (who established the first
carriages for hire in that city, afterwards known as ' hacks'), considering himself
insulted or wronged by Prince William in some matter about that ball-play, one night
gave the prince a good knock-down in the street, and a friend with him did the samo

20

306 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the use of the sick sailors. After that the garden began to go to
decay, until, at the close of the Kevolution, when the British left
Brooklyn, little of it remained but the name. The principal disease
among the sick was the scurvy, and they were buried from these
hospitals, in the neighboring ground, and that, afterwards, of Heze-
kiah B. Pierrepont, to the number of twelve and fifteen a day.1 For
many years afterwards, the remains of these poor fellows were from
time to time, disinterred by the caving down of the brow of the hill
all along this portion of the shore. On the banks of the river, a
little east of the easterly line of the continuation of Furman street,
and between Pacific and Warren streets, as now laid out, was a knoll
of land, where several hundred British sailors and soldiers were
buried in regular rows. The heads of the westernmost row were
exposed to the lashing of the waves of the East River, by which they
were beaten off from the trunks. On this knoll, thus enriched, a
superior quality of asparagitis was afterwards raised for the New
York markets.

Furman, from whose manuscripts we gain many of these facts,
states that the old house, afterwards occupied by Selah Strong, Esq.,
and which stood in what is now known as Strong Place, just behind
Christ Church, was built and inhabited by an English Colonel
Thornely, at the desire of the Cornells, with whom he had become
quite intimate during the Revolution, and who sold him the land on
which it was erected. These Cornells were among the most respec-
table citizens of old Brooklyn, and, as Furman says, " all staunch
King and Church men." Whitehead Cornell, a native of Queens
County, came to Brooklyn about the middle of the last century, and
married into the old Seabring family, who occupied a portion of
the Lubbertson property, near Red Hook, as described on pages
63-67. By this marriage and probably, also, by purchase,2 he be-

1 Mr. William Furman used to relate that lie saw ten or twelve bodies buried in one
grave, from the British hospitals, on the Livingston place. His son, the historian of
Brooklyn, also states, in his MSS., that by their teeth they appear all to have been
young or middle-aged men ; and that a negro man belonging to Mr. William Cornell,
the subsequent owner of the place, made considerable money by disposing of the teeth,
which he found on these burial spots, to the dentists in New York city. Artificial
teeth, it must be remembered, were not then known.

* The Seabrings, who were Whigs, left the Island with, or shortly after the depart-

THE CORNEL L°PiERREPONT MANSION.
(River Front.)

THE C O R N E L L = P I E R R E P O N T MANSION.
(Rear View)

Page 30?

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 307

came the owner of nearly, if not quite, all the Seabring estates in
that vicinity. He, also, realized a handsome fortune by contracting
to supply the British fleet on this station with meat ; the final set-
tlement for which was effected after the war by his son John, who
visited England for that purpose. The social and personal standing
of the family, however, was in nowise affected by their loyalty to
King and Church ; and their neighbors showed no disposition to
molest them, after the close of the war. Whitehead Cornell divided
his estate between his three sons — John,1 Isaac, and "William. The
former received sixty acres, including the old Seabring, or " Eed
Mills," where he pursued the milling business ; the flour of his
make enjoying a high reputation even in the English market. He
was a high-toned, enterprising gentleman, and for many years a
vestryman and influential member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church.
His brother, William, received a tract of a hundred and fifty acres
along the river, which he afterwards sold to Kalph Patchen, while
Isaac received ninety acres, adjoining John's farm, upon which he
erected a distillery.

The fine old house known as the " Four Chimnies," and afterwards
as the Pierrepont mansion, and which has been described (page 284,
note 3), was erected, as is supposed, by a John Cornell, who may
have been a brother of Whitehead.2 On the wharf, at foot of pres-
ent Joralemon street, was situated a brewery, belonging to Living-
ston, and which, during the war, was employed by the British as a
" King's Brewery," where they made spruce-beer for the use of the
hospitals and fleet on this station.3 The old people used to say

ture of, the American troops in August, 1776. The Cornelius Seabring house and mill
were burned, or partially destroyed, by the British, and owing to this and the length
of the war, they found themselves, on their return, much impoverished, and were
obliged to dispose of their property, which was purchased, as we have stated, by their
neighbors and relatives, the Cornells.

1 Not, as near as we can ascertain, the John who kept the " St. George's Tavern,"
on the Heights, mentioned on page 220 ; and who was probably of another Queens
County family.

2 For genealogy of the Cornell family, see Bolton's Hist, of "Westchester County,
New York, ii., pp. 552-557.

3 This Distillery Dock, and a molasses distillery on the same, was built about 1766,
by a Mr. Jones, a relative of the Livingstons ; and the distillery, together with the
ferry-house, was burned in 1787. Here, subsequently, was located Mr. Hez. B. Pierre-
pont's celebrated " Anchor-Gin" distillery.

308 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the best beer that tliey ever tasted, and that the hospitals used at
the rate of twenty barrels a day for their sick. These patients also
had the best of medical attention, with abundant supplies of vege-
tables and excellent soups, and, when they became convalescent,
were allowed to roam about the country, in order to breathe the
fresh, pure air, and obtain exercise.

On the edge of the hill (or Heights) between the present Orange
and Clark streets, was a half-moon fort, garrisoned by Hessian
troops, and having a battery of cannon overlooking the harbor.1
There were then no houses on the Heights, between present
Doughty and Clark streets. The first house, a two-story frame
edifice south of Clark street, was the residence of Mr. Lodewyck
Bamper,3 an elderly gentleman of fortune, who was supposed to

1 Ante, 247. On its site was subsequently placed a large hotel, brought from Flat-
bush. It stood about the junction of the present Clarke and Columbia streets, where
Mr. Henry C. Bowen's house now is ; was chiefly patronized by Southerners, and was
kept by Edward Macomber, from Providence, R. I., the father of Edward Macomber
who built the block corner of Fulton and De Kalb avenues, known as " Macomber's
Block." The building was pulled down by David Leavitt, who sold the ground to
Mr. Bowen.

2 The family records say that this Lodewyck Bamper, a son-in-law of the Governor
of the Dutch colony of Surinam, came to America at some period between 1720 and
'30, in a vessel which was owned by himself, as was also the cargo, which consisted
of drygoods and horses. The crew of this vessel were African slaves, belonging to
Mr. B., who brought with him, as household servants, four females of the same race,
named respectively Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. He seems to have been a man
of great wealth, even for that day, as he brought with him 60,000 guineas, an immense
amount of silver-plate for daily family use, including two complete tea-services, two
large urns, one for coffee and the other for chocolate, tureens, mugs, tumblers, goblets,
porringers, chafing-dish, ladles, forks and knives with solid silver handles ; also, the-
richest dress fabrics, such as silks, satins, and costly laces, piles of finest Holland linen,
and jewelry of every sort. Among the elegant furniture which they owned was a house-
organ, which was always played when the family were at meals, by a person who
acted as valet and musician. This organ (in 1842) was in use at the Lutheran church,
corner of William and Frankfort streets, New York. Soon after his arrival here, Mr.
Bamper purchased ground on the northwest corner of Beekman and Gold streets, upon
which he erected a dwelling, after the fashion of the day, fifty feet front and a story
and a half high, and wliich remained, with its exterior unchanged, until 1834 or '35.
A garden extended, in the rear of the house, to Ferry street ; and, under the care of an
imported professional gardener, was cultivated and filled with all kinds of fruits and
flowers to which the climate was congenial. In the large walks of this garden were
placed, in the summer-time, painted wooden statues, life-size, representing grenadiers
in full dress and equipments complete, also female figures representing soldiers' wives
and children. Mr. Bamper became a large purchaser in lands of the northern and
western parts of New York State ; and also on Brooklyn Heights, where he established

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 309

have retired from the Holland trade. He had a beautiful garden,
and a choice collection of fruit, seldom left his house, and in pleasant
weather passed most of his time upon his piazza, which fronted the
harbor, or in his garden. He usually dressed with silk breeches, a silk
loose-gown, a silk cap upon his head, and carried a gold-headed cane.
His residence was then a most retired spot, having no immediate
neighbors, except the " Old Stone House," at that time belonging to
Gov. Cadwallader Colden, and afterwards owned and occupied by
Samuel Jackson, Esq.1 This house, on Doughty street, fronting on
Elizabeth street, was occupied by the Hessian troops as a guard-
house and prison, and was the place where all persons arrested in
this vicinity were detained — the whole island being at that time
under a strict military police. It was a long, one-and-a-half story
building, of stone and brick, with a fine large garden in the rear,
and was afterwards the residence of Mr. Geo. Hicks. Past this old
stone house ran a private lane or footpath, from Love Lane (which
then led from Fulton street to the edge of the hill) along the brow of
the hill, and descending its side to a landing on present Furman,
near Clark street.

his country-house, above referred to, on the corner of Clark and Willow streets. It had
■within it, when taken down, some curious carvings done for the Bampers. The property
was bought by Henry Waring from Gideon Kimberly, who bought it from John Bar-
barin. Mr. Bamper was largely interested in the establishment of a glass factory, on
almost the identical spot lately occupied by the glass-works, on State street. The
first bottle ever made at this factory, having blown on it a seal bearing the name of Mr.
Bamper and the date 1754, is still preserved among the curiosities of the Long Island
Historical Society. The factory, however, did not have a long career, on account of an
insufficient supply of the necessary kind of sand. Mr. and Mrs. Bamper were mem-
bers of the Moravian church, New York. They had two daughters, one of whom,
during the Revolutionary War, was married to Dr. John Noel Barbarin, from Nantes,
in France — then a physician in the British service, and attached to the naval hospital
at the Livingston mansion. Subsequently, towards the conclusion of the war, he
resigned his position and settled at Brooklyn, in the practice of his profession. Nov.
22, 1784, in Assembly, a petition of Noel Jean Barbarin, praying by law the privi-
lege of being naturalized and becoming a citizen, was read and referred to Mr. Ford,
Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Joseph Laurence. (Furman MSS.) He was the first settled phy-
sician in this town, where he was very much respected and esteemed. A curious MS.
record, in the French language, of accouchement cases, from 1791 to 1796, kept by Dr.
Barbarin, is still in existence, and might prove interesting to some descendants of the
" old families" of Brooklyn. His son, Aime J. Barbarin, was a resident of Brooklyn
within the recollection of many old Brooklynites.

1 Jackson leased it to John Wells, a distinguished lawyer of that day, who died of
yellow fever in 1823.

310 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

During the war, the British "Wagon Department for the army on
this station, was located in Brooklyn, occupying an immense yard,
with sheds, stables, blacksmith's forges, etc., and extending from the
present Main to Jay streets, and west of Prospect street, which was
fenced in, the main gateway being near the present junction of Main
and Fulton streets.1 Joseph Fox, an Englishman, and an old and
respected citizen of Brooklyn, was for many years one of the princi-
pals of this wagon department. These wagons were, of course, used
for the transportation of stores, baggage, and tents of the troops,
but more especially for bringing in forage. Every few months, the
British commandants in New York would issue general orders, im-
posing upon the unfortunate farmers of Kings and Queens, and a
part of Suffolk County, heavy assessments of grain, hay, straw, etc.,
and specifying the times at which it was expected to be in readiness
for delivery to the forage-masters, at certain prices fixed by the
order. At the time specified, the wagons would be sent out into the
country, accompanied by military guards, and the grain was duly
collected, the owners receiving from the forage-masters written re-
ceipts, payable on presentation at the office of the Quartermaster-
General. If, however, that officer or his subordinates took it into
their heads that the farmer was secretly attached to the American
cause, he was certain to be refused payment, and might esteem him-
self lucky if he got off as easily as that. In the same manner, also,
in the fall of every year, the Long Island counties would be assessed
for many thousand cords of wood, to be cut down and delivered at
certain points, for the use of the British garrisons in New York and
vicinity. In this manner both Queens and Kings counties were
utterly despoiled of the abundant forests which had been their
pride ; and when the British finally left the island, scarcely a stick,
except a small piece of oak woods, a few miles beyond Jamaica,
which belonged to a strong Tory, had escaped the axe. All

1 Gen. Johnson says that this was on John Rapelje's land, ten acres of which was taken
in October, 1783, by the British Quartermaster, as a Forage and Wood Depot, enclosed
with a high fence, and occupied until the evacuation.

The conductors of British wagon department opened roads wherever they saw fit.
One of these roads was opened nearly in a straight line from the Jamaica road, about
one-half a mile beyond Bedford, to present entrance of Sands street, which shortened
the distance to Jamaica considerably.

1/ A P OF BROOKLAND ^FRRY, !N 1766 = 7 AND 1867.

REFERENCES

MAP OF BKOOKLAND FERRY, IN 1766-67, AND 186'

The ancient portion (printed in black) of this map is from Ratzer's (larger) "Map
of New York and a part of Long Island" — drawn on a scale of 400 feet to the inch-
in the years 1706 and '67.

Over this, the street lines of the modern city (printed in red) have been drawn by
Mr. Silas Ltjdlam, City Surveyor.

1. The "Corporation House," or " Ferry Tavern," known during the Revolutionary
War as Messrs. Looseley and Elms' "King's Head Tavern." (See page 311.)

2. John Rapalje's house, with garden extending to the river.

3. The "Old Stone Tavern," kept by Benjamin Smith.

4. Mr. Cary Ludlow's house.

5. The Hicks mansion.

6. The Middagh mansion.

7. The Middagh barn.

8. The "Whalebone Gate," so called from its being arched over with the rib-bones
of a whale. It opened, at the side of Mr. Thomas Everit's house, into a lane leading
up to Mr. Cary Ludlow's house.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 311

the woodlands now in these counties has grown since the year
1783.

At the foot of and on the northerly side of the old road (now
Fulton street, near the corner of Front), was situated the "ferry
tavern." It was a large and gloomy stone building, about sixty feet
square and two stories high, which stood in such a way cornerwise,
as to leave only thirty-five and a half feet for the entire width of the
street between it and the houses opposite. From the circumstance
of its being owned by the corporation of the city of New York, it
was known as the " Corporation House," l and had been noted as a
tavern for thirty years previous to the Kevolution. Its last incum-
bent, before the Battle of Brooklyn, was Captain Adolph Waldron,
who was also " the ferry master." Espousing the cause of the Bebel-
lion, and being active as the commandant of a company of light-
horse raised in Brooklyn, he was, of course, compelled to absent
himself from Long Island during its occupation by the British.2 He
was succeeded by Charles Loosely and Thomas Elms, thorough
loyalists, who named the old tavern " The King's Head," fitted it up
in the most complete manner,2 and catered to the tastes of their mil-

1 Also, from some circumstance connected with, hoisting a coffin on the flagstaff of the
building, known as "The Coffin House." It was the successor of the ferry-house,
erected in 1746, by the corporation of the city of New York, on land purchased of Jacob
Morris, in 1694 ; and which was burned down in 1748, as it was supposed, by the
Brooklynites, who were then carrying on a long and bitter litigation with the corpora-
tion concerning ferry rights (see Chapter on Ferries). Its site is now (1866) partially
occupied by Nos. 19, 21, and 23 Fulton street. At the time of the Revolution,
the East River, at high-water mark, came nearly up to Front street, as shown in
the accompanying plan. Subsequently to the war, this tavern was kept by Benjamin
Smith for many years. It was burned down in 1812 (its walls remaining for many
years thereafter), and Mr. Smith removed his stand to a stone building on the oppo-
site side of Fulton street.

2 Ante, p. 247.

3 It is probable that these gentlemen kept hotel " not wisely, but too well" for their
own pockets, at least ; for, soon after the signing of the provisional Treaty of Peace, in
November, 1782, we find a notice of a "Pubbc Auction of Brooklyn Hall," for " the benefit
of the creditors of Charles Loosely," of " all the genuine household furniture, consisting
of mahogany and other bedsteads, feather beds and mattresses, chintz and other cur-
tains, blankets, sheets, etc. ; mahogany drawers, dining, tea, and card tables ; an elegant
clock in mahogany case ; a curious collection of well-chosen paintings and pictures; large
pier and other looking-glasses, in gilt and plain frames ; table and tea sets of china,
plate, etc. ; a capital, well-toned organ, made by one of the first hands in London ; a
billiard table in thorough repair ; near twenty globe lamps, fit for hall or passage, etc. ;

312 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

itary friends and patrons with such shrewd energy and tact, that it
became extensively resorted to, during the war, by the officers of
the British army and the fashionables of the day, as a place of
amusement. Lieutenant Anbury, in a letter to a friend in England,
dated New York, Oct. 30th, 1781, refers to it thus : " On crossing
the East Eiver from New York, you land at Brooklyn, which is a
scattered village, consisting of a few houses. At this place is an
excellent tavern, where parties are made to go and eat fish ; the
landlord of which has saved an immense fortune during this war." '
We shall have frequent occasion to refer to this headquarters of
royalists and Tories, which subsequently seems to have been known
by the name of " Brooklyn Hall."

Just off from this old road, on what is now the westerly side of
Front street, at its junction with Fulton, was the large stone house
owned by John Eapalje, the Tory, which was confiscated after the
Revolution, and afterwards sold by the Commissioners to Comfort
and Joshua Sands, and by them to Abm. Bemsen (ante, 78, 79).

1777, September 26th. The loyalists had the pleasure of welcom-
ing Bivington, the printer, on his return from England, whither he
had been obliged to flee to escape the wrath of the Americans. On
this occasion Loosely and Elms' " King's Head Tavern" was " ele-
gantly illuminated, to testify the joy of the true ' Sons of Freedom.' "

1778. During this year, or at least from July to November, and
probably through the winter, the following regiments were encamped
at or near Bedford, the 37th, 42d, 44th, 46th, and 17th light infantry;
between Bedford and Bushwick, the 1st battalion light infantry ; and
at Brooklyn ferry, the New York volunteers.

A correspondent of Rivingtons Gazette, of January 24th, 1778,
gives the following account of the manner in which the queen's
birthday was observed, by the New York loyalists, at their favorite
resort in Brooklyn : " As the loyalty even of individuals ought, at
this time, to be properly encouraged, you will infinitely oblige the

wagons, horses, cows, etc.; two tenements adjoining the house ; a flagstaff, with ensigns,
pendants ; and several hundred transparent and tin lamps, fit for an illumination." As
will be seen in the following pages, landlord Loosely was profuse of illuminations on
every possible occasion.
1 Anbury's Travels, ii. 540.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 313

public and a number of your readers, by inserting a description of
the grand and elegant illumination at the King's Head Tavern, on
last evening, in honor of her Majesty's birthday ; and it is the desire
of the public, as Messrs. Loosely and Elms have ever shown their
attachment to the British Government, and a detestation of the
present rebellion, that, through the channel of your much-esteemed
paper, their conduct may be known and approved of in Europe, as
well as by the loyalists in New York. The tavern was illuminated
with upwards of two hundred wax-lights. In the centre were the
royal arms of Great Britain, and above it, statues of the present
king and queen, under a canopy of state elegantly decorated, which
shone, like their majesties' virtues, conspicuous to the world. The
view of the reduction of Mud Fort (on one side) by his majesty's
ships, Roebuck and Vigilant, gave that joy which Britons always
feel on the success and honor of their country. On the other side,
their generous indignation was roused by a view of those men (the
Congress) whose ambition has almost ruined this unhappy country,
and reduced its inhabitants to the greatest distress. It was very
apropos of the painter to place the devil at the President's elbow,
who tells him to persevere, with so significant a grin as seems to
indicate his having no manner of doubt of their making his house
their home in the infernal regions. The statue of Mr. Pitt, with-
out its head, was placed near the Congress, as being one of their
kidney, and gave a hint of what ought, long ago, to have been done.
The verses over the tavern door were very proper on the occasion,
and well illuminated. In short, every thing was well conducted, and
the tout ensemble had really a fine effect. Much is due to Messrs.
Loosely and Elms for their patriotic spirit, which meets the appro-
bation of every man who is a friend to his king and country."

1779. In February of this year, the 33d Regiment light infantry
(300), and 2d battalion Highlanders (750), were encamped at Bed-
ford, and the 3d Prince Hereditary (350), and 4th Charles (300), at
Brooklyn.

Gaine's Mercury, Sept. 27th, advertises " a cricket match for fifty
guineas, between Brooklyn and Greenwich clubs, to be played this
day at Loosely and Elms, 10 A. m."

1780. In May, the newly-appointed Governor Robertson writes

314 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

to the Home Government that "a large square fort is built on
Brooklyn Heights : the season is late ; not a blade of grass. The
people within the lines begin to repair and rebuild houses, and
manure and inclose lands." The fort here referred to was proba-
bly the one erected at the junction of Pierrepont and Henry streets,
and was by far the most thoroughly constructed and complete forti-
fication erected by the British during their stay on Long Island.
The land on which it was built, was, at the time, occupied by several
fine orchards, which, of course, were ruthlessly levelled by the engi-
neers of the army. The position was a very commanding one,1 and
the extremely level nature of the ground rendered the work one of
great labor. Old inhabitants used to speak of having seen from
two to three thousand British soldiers engaged upon these works
at the same time, in digging trenches, and wheeling earth in bar-
rows, to form the walls ; in addition to which, all the inhabitants on
the island were assessed according to their respective counties for
a certain number of days' work.2

1 We learn from Mr. Henry E. Pierrepont, of Brooklyn, that, according to careful sur-
vey made for him in 1838, by Alfred Craven, the well-known engineer of the Erie rail-
road, and latterly the head of the Croton Water Board, the site of this fort was found
to be three feet one inch higher than the level of the land in Washington, near Con-
cord streets, making it the highest, and therefore the most suitable position for such a
fortification in that part of the town.

We also learn from Furman's MSS., that when the British army evacuated New
York, Messrs. Middagk, Bamper, Golden, and Debevoise, owners of the lands whereon
the fort was built, commenced to dismantle the fortification, tearing down its gates,
barracks, etc. ; quite forgetful of the fact that the property really belonged to the
Government, although located on their premises. They at last quarrelled among them-
selves as to the disposition of the wreck ; and the affair coming to the knowledge of
Gov. Clinton, he issued an order, through the sheriff of Kings County, commanding
them to desist from further dismantling the fort, and to render an account of all prop-
erty taken away. Although extremely alarmed at this proceeding, the matter was
afterwards amicably arranged between the Government and the proprietors, who
finally obtained permission to complete the work of demolition. The ramparts, how-
ever, remained until about 1836, since which time the ground has been fully occupied
by one of the most elegant portions of our city.

3 All the brushwood in the neighborhood of Newtown was cut down and made up
into fascines, about twelve feet long and the size of a man's body, which the farmers
were compelled to cart into Brooklyn, where they were to be used in supporting the
earth walls of the fort. A man with two horses, or oxen, and a wagon, was obliged to
labor for a week or ten days in cutting and transporting these fascines, or timber and
other material for barracks. A large number of mechanics were also employed in
the construction of a gate and drawbridge — a most substantial and costly work of great

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

315

It is said to have been an exciting and exceedingly interesting
sight to witness several thousand men, soldiers, mechanics, farmers,

and laborers, all busily en-

in erecting this exten-
sive fortification, on lands
which, a few months previous,
had been covered only with
thrifty orchards, under whose
grateful shades cattle quietly
grazed or reposed. Nature
had yielded to the rude hand
of war ; but years have again
passed, and the same locality,
under the inspiration of mod-
ern civilization, has experienced
a still more marvellous change ;
so that the stranger who walks our thickly populated streets, can
scarcely realize that he treads upon " Revolutionary ground."

This fort was 450 feet square, with ramparts rising about forty or
fifty feet above the bottom of the surrounding ditch, itself twenty feet
in depth.1 At the angles of the fort were bastions, on each of which

BROOKLYN FORT.

weight, having a quantity of iron work about it, yet so admirably constructed as to be
easily raised and lowered by one person. Besides these, some forty workmen were em-
ployed in digging a well, in the exact centre of the fort — an undertaking of great labor
and expense. Furman's MSS. says : " So deep were they obliged to go for water,
that they almost despaired of ever finding it, but reached it finally. It is stoned -with
freestone, regularly cut, and is probably the best constructed and most expensive well
on the island, if not in the State, and is now used as a public well, a pump having been
put in it for the upper part of Henry street. It was built by a man named Schofield,
who received a guinea a day for superintending it. Schofield commenced the job a
poor laboring man, workirig himself; but before long he wore ruffles to his shirt, and
hired laborers to carry on the work, which, however, was well done." Under date
of August 23, 1823, Furman's MSS. " record the frame of the first building erected
on the site of the old British fort, through which Jackson's, alias Love Lane,
passes, put up this day on Henry street. It is to be a two-story wooden dwelling-
house, about thirty feet broad and fifty feet deep, owned by Samuel Jackson, Esq.
At this time there are no houses south of Cranberry street." The well in said fort
"has not been used since the evacuation, in 1783. It is now cleaned out, and a well-
house built over it, for the purpose of supplying the above-mentioned house with water.
Considerable part of the remains of the fort has been levelled within a year or two."

1 In the earlier village days, these ditches of the old fort furnished an excellent place
for target-firing, which was frequently practised there by the citizen soldiery.

316 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

was planted a buttonwood-tree, which afterwards attained a very-
large size. The barracks were very substantially constructed. In
front of the fort, on the line of the present Fulton street, between
Pierrepont and Clark streets, stood a row of small mud huts, erected
by the British army sutlers.1 The fortification was not completed
in July, 1781, at which time it had only eighteen cannon mount-
ed.2

On June 14, 1780, citizens of Brooklyn thanked the 76th Begiment,
commanded by the Earl of Caithness, and afterwards by Capt.
Bruce, for their constant good order and decorum during their resi-
dence at Brooklyn.3

Gaine's Mercury, of July 2d, 1780, contains the following ad-
vertisement, issued by Loosely and Elms : "Pro bono publico.
Thursday next, bull-baiting at Brooklyn ferry. The bull is remark-
ably strong and active ; the best dogs in the country expected, and
they that afford the best diversion will be rewarded with silver col-
lars." Such were the elegant and refined amusements with which
the aristocracy of the British army whiled away their leisure !

A few days later, July 17th, an address was presented to Gov.
Robertson, on the occasion of his accession, in behalf and at the
request of the inhabitants of Kings County, signed by Wm. Axtell,
Rutgert Van .Brunt, Richard Stillwell, Jeromus Lott, Ab. Luquere,
M. Cowenhoven, Rem Cowenhoven, Maj. Jeromus V. D. Belt, Adrian
Van Brunt, Leffert Lefferts, and Johannes Bergen, who " concur
with His Excellency in ascribing to the ambitious and self-interested
views of a few who conceal from the multitude the offers of Great
Britain, that our countrymen, once so happy, are brought to feel the
miseries held up to their fears, to seduce them from the felicity they
once enjoyed, subjected, as they now are, to a usurpation that has
annihilated their commerce, shed their blood, and wasted their prop-
erty, and is now dragging the laborious husbandman from the plough
to the field of battle, to support their unauthorized combinations
with designing popish and arbitrary powers. They cannot suffi-
ciently applaud His Excellency for affording them the means of

1 Furman's MS. Mem., ix., 376, on authority of Mr. Jacob Hicks, an old resident of
Brooklyn.

2 Onderdonk, Rev. lucid., 101. 3 Onderdonk, Kings Co., p. 187.

HISTOKT OF BROOKLYN. 317

extricating themselves, and assure him of their loyal endeavors for
His Majesty's service."

About this time the 43d Eegiment were encamped near Brooklyn.

This year was a lively one for the troops quartered here, if we may
judge from the following advertisements :

" Peo Bono Publico. — Saturday next being the birthday of His
Koyal Highness the Prince of Wales, Loosely, agreeable to an hon-
est old custom, wishes to see his royal and constitutional friends —
dinner at 3. The evening to conclude with fireworks and illumina-
tions. A good band of music. Kebels approach no nearer than
the heights of Brooklyn." — Rivington, Aug. 9, '80.

" Anniversary of the Coronation of our ever good and gracious
King, will be celebrated at Loosely's, 22d inst. It is expected that
no rebel will approach nearer than Flatbush wood." — Rivington,
Sept. 20, 1780.

" By Permission— Three Days' Sport on Ascot Heath, formerly
Flatlands Plain. — Monday, 1. The Nobleman's and Gentleman's
Purse of £60, free for any horse except Mr. "Wortman's and Mr.
Allen's Dulcimore, who won the plate at Beaver Pond last season.
2. A saddle, bridle and whip, worth £15, by ponies not exceeding
13! hands : Tuesday, 1. Ladies' subscription purse of £50. 2. To
be run for by women, a Holland smock and chintz gown, full-
trimmed, to run the best two in 3, quarter-mile heats ; the first to
have the smock and gown of 4 guineas value, the second a guinea,
the third a half-guinea : Wednesday. County subscription purse,
£50. No person will erect a booth or sell liquor, without subscrib-
ing two guineas towards the expense of the race. Gentlemen fond
of fox-hunting will meet at Loosely's King's Head Tavern at day-
break during the races.

"God Save the King played every hour." — Rivington, Nov. 4, 1780.

In the early autumn of this year, Lieutenant-General Riedesel
was .appointed by Gen. Clinton to the command of Brooklyn, a mark
of especial confidence, as Long Island was then the great depot of
supplies for the British army in New York, and was occupied by the
best English troops ; but few of the German mercenaries being gar-
risoned there. And, although the British were usually averse to the
authority of any of the foreign generals, yet so great was the repu-

318 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

tation which this amiable and talented soldier had won for himself,
that all, and especially the officers, vied with each other in mani-
festing their own good-will, as well as their appreciation of his
merits. The general's headquarters were in a small house on the
shore, where, early in the spring of 1781, he was joined by his wife
and family. His domestic comfort, however, was much disturbed
by his apprehensions of capture by the Americans, who were always
on the alert, and to whom the peculiar nature of the country, with
its bays, creeks, and inlets, afforded many chances of success. That
his fears were not unfounded, was proved by the fate of one of his
officers, Major Maibom, who, having just been exchanged, was one
night surprised in his bed and hurried into a second captivity.1
Eiedesel knew that he was a prize much coveted by the Americans,
and having recently suffered from the inconveniences and hardships
of captivity, took especial pains not to be caught " napping." So
careful was he, " that he slept only while his wife was awake ; the
least noise brought him out of his bed." He had sentinels in and
about his house, but never trusted entirely to their watchfulness.2
The detail of guard-service had been much neglected by the English
officers previously in command, but Eiedesel instituted very thor-
ough and wholesome reforms in this respect. At a quarter to nine
o'clock every morning the guards assembled at the rendezvous,
where the parade was formed in four sections. The pickets who
had been on duty during the previous night were also obliged to be
present at this parade, but were allowed to return to their barracks
at its conclusion. At half-past six o'clock in the evening was the

1 Probably the one mentioned by Onderdonk, Kings Co., sec. 189 : " On Sunday night
April 15th, Capt. Huyler, of Brunswick, made a descent on Michael Bergen's house, at
Gowanus, and captured a Hessian major and ensign, with their waiters. They were in
the centre of two picket guards, yet the address of Huyler was such that the guards
were not alarmed until he was fairly out of reach."

2 There were at this time (1781) quartered at Flatbush a battalion composed of Ger-
man troops, with German officers, and commanded by Major Lucke. The exchanged
Brunswick dragoons, who had been made prisoners at Bennington, were also stationed
there, under Captain von Schlagenteuffel, sen., to whom, in general orders of April 29th,
General Riedesel says, "Captain von Schlagenteuffel, sen., in locating (i. e. quartering)
the officers of the regiment of dragoons, will make such arrangements that no officer
rims the risk of being captured." And, on the 6th of May, he issued " special instruc-
tions regulative for the different guards in and around Brooklyn."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 319

"appel'l," at which the troops were present with their muskets and
full equipments. The general was always present at these morning
and evening parades. During the night, three " officers' rounds"
were made, and between each of them two patrols, commanded by
subaltern officers, visited all the guards and posts in Brooklyn, the
fort and the pickets. They also gave their particular attention to
the sailors of the British navy, who were apt, when ashore, to get
into pot-house broils.

On the 22d of July, 1781, the general, with his family and at-
tendants embarked for Canada, bearing with them the good wishes
of the numerous warm friends whose courteous attentions had made
their stay in New York and Brooklyn so pleasant.1

During the winter of 1780-81, the East Biver was frozen solid from
the Brooklyn shore half-way across, and on the edge of the ice, near
the centre of the river, hundreds of cords of wood were piled for the
use of the English army. The Long Island farmers, bringing produce
to the city, drove on the ice to the middle of the river, where they
placed their loads on board the ferry-boats. The English feared
lest the Americans should take advantage of the ice to attack New
Tork. The Americans, however, transported some troops and can-
non on the ice from New Jersey to Staten Island. — Furman MSS.

1781. "Pro Bono Publico.— By permission, four days sport, on
Easter Monday, on Ascot Heath. Purses of <£50, <£50, £100, £100."
— Rivington, Feb. 12.

" Grand Races at Ascot Heath postponed till June 6, on account of
the King's birthday ; on which occasion it is expected every true
subject will so strain his nerves in rejoicing, as to prevent this
amusement being agreeable before that time. A hurling match on
the ground, June 5, when those who have a curiosity to play (or see)
that ancient diversion, will get hurls and bats at the Irish Flag." —
Game, May 30, '81.

" To all who know it not, be it understood,
Pro bono publico means mankind's good.

" This day, being Wednesday, the 20th of June, will be exhibited,

1 Max von Elkin's Life and Acts of Gen. Riedesel, published at Leipsic, 1856, ii. 321,
333, 337, 340, 346, 359 ; for translations of which we are indebted to Dr. R. Barthel-
mess, of Brooklyn. Also Mad. de Riedesel's Mem., pp. 249-252.

320 • HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

at Brooklyn Ferry, a bull-baiting after the true English manner.
Taurus will be brought to the ring at half-past three o'clock ; some
good dogs are already provided, but every assistance of that sort
will be esteemed a favor. A dinner exactly British will be upon
Loosely's table at eleven o'clock, after which there is no doubt but
that the song of ' Oh ! the Boast Beef of Old England !' will be sung
with harmony and glee.

"This notice gives to all who covet
Baiting the bull and dearly love it,
To-morrow's very afternoon,
At three — or rather not so soon —
A bull of magnitude and spirit
Will dare the dog's presuming merit.
Taurus is steel to the back-bone,
And canine cunning does disown ;
True British blood runs thro' his veins,
And barking numbers he disdains.
Sooner than knavish dogs shall rule,
He'll prove himself a true John Bull,." '

At this time (July 8) Brooklyn Fort, although yet imperfect, hav-
ing but eighteen cannon mounted, had two bomb-proof magazines
and a garrison of two hundred Brunswickers. " Cobble Hill," also
in process of repair, was occupied by two companies.2 The Fifty-
fourth Kegiment were encamped at " Ferry Hill," two miles from
Brooklyn, and at Bedford were two hundred grenadiers.

The stationary camp at Bedford was located on broken ground,
then on the farm of Barent Lefferts, now crossed by Franklin and

Classon avenues, Bergen,
Wyckoff, Warren, Baltic,
and Butler streets. The
huts or barracks were
built by throwing out
the earth from a trench
thirty to fifty feet long
and about twelve or fif-
teen feet wide, with a board roof resting on the bank formed by the
excavated earth. A large stone fireplace or two were arranged in

1 Rivington, June 20, 1781.

2 " Cobble Hill commanded Brooklyn Fort, but was made lower, for fear it might
fall into the hands of the Continentals." — Onderdonk, p. 191.

SECTIONAL VIEW.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 321

each one. These huts were irregularly scattered, according to the
slope of the ground, so as to have the entrance at the middle of the
lower side. A small mound on Bergen street, just west of Franklin
avenue, designated,
until the ground was _ aj§| " -

leveUed in 1852, the , j ., ■

position of the flag- awA^^W/;^ V "r\\

staff and the en- ~_]1 [|

trance of the Bed- _ _ ""'-'■■"_ ri-^^^"

ford camp. Many

L "* VIEW ON LOWER SIDE.

relics have been dug

up on this camping-ground, and human skeletons are often discov-
ered during the progress of grading the land. The site of every hut
could still be distinguished in 1852. The officers were located out-
side of this camp, in the adjacent woods, and wherever convenient
and pleasant spots tempted them to pitch their tents. Headquar-
ters were at the Leffert Lefferts house, yet standing on the corner of
Fulton avenue and Clove Boacl, and family tradition states that the
lamented Major John Andre was quartered at this house when he
was called to New York on the interview with Gen. Clinton, which
resulted in his being sent up the North Biver on the mission which
terminated in his capture and execution as a spy. His personal
effects were mostly taken in charge by his fellow-officers ; but a
camp folding-chair belonging to him was for many years preserved
in the Lefferts family, until recently presented to the Long Island
Historical Society.

In the Eoyal Gazette of August 8th, 1781, published at New York,
Charles Loosely advertises a lottery of $12,500 to be drawn at
" Brooklyn Hall." The same paper contains the following adver-
tisement : " Pro bono publico. — Gentlemen that are fond of fox-
hunting are requested to meet at Loosely's Tavern, on Ascot Heath,
on Friday morning next, between the hours of five and six, as a
pack of hounds will be there purposely for a trial of their abilities.
Breakfasting and Relishes until the Races commence. At eleven
o'clock will be run for, an elegant saddle, etc., value at least twenty
pounds, for which upwards of twelve gentlemen will ride their own
horses. At twelve a match will be rode by two gentlemen, Horse

322 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

for Horse. At one, a match for thirty guineas, by two gentlemen,
who will also ride their own horses. Dinner will be ready at two
o'clock, after which and suitable regalements, racing and other
diversions will be calculated to conclude the day with pleasure and
harmony. Brooklyn Hall, 6th August, 1781."

" B. Creed's Jamaica and Brooklyn Hall Stage Machine, 6s. a
passage ; not answerable for money, plate, and jewels, unless entered
and paid for." — Bivington, March, 1781.

And again : " Brooklyn Hunt. — The hounds will throw off at
Denyse Ferry at 9, Thursday morning. A guinea or more will be
given for a good strong bag fox by Charles Loosely." — Riv., Nov.
14, '81.

1782. In March of this year we find, in the Tory prints, some
bitter complaining, on the part of the inhabitants of the county,
against the rebel leaders, on account of heavy debts contracted by
their prisoners, from May, '79, to Feb., '81, for board and washing,
which, at $2 per week, had accumulated to nearly £20,000, for
which their commissary had given notes of hand. Congress, how-
ever, afterwards appropriated $30,000 to liquidate these debts.

The Anhault Zerbet Regiment were at this time stationed at
Brooklyn.

"A sweepstakes of 300 guineas was won by Jacob Jackson's mare,
Slow and Easy, over Mercury and Goldfinder, on Ascot Heath.
The two beaten horses are to run for 100 guineas a side, on Wednes-
day nest, on the same ground." — Bivington, April 27, '82.

" May 3, on Monday se'nnight the enemy (British) began to break
ground to cut a canal on L. I., to run from the Wallabout to the
Pond, taking in Cobble Hill Fort. The length of the trench is 2|
miles. The militia are called out in rotation one day in a week, none
above 15 being excused from labor." — Conn. Courant, May 7, '82,

This " canal" is more accurately described by General Jeremiah
Johnson as a strong line of intrenchment, extending from the hill of
Bern. A. Bemsen along the high lands of John Bapelje, crossing
Sands street near Jay street, and thence over the highest land
in Washington street, between Concord and Nassau streets, across
the Jamaica Road (Fulton street) to the large fort, already described,
on the corner of Henry and Pierrepont streets.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 323

"Ascot Heath Baces. — Monday next a match for 60 guineas between
Mr. Van Mater's Juniper and Mr. Byerson's Calf-Skin. To run the
best of 3 two-mile heats." — Rivington, May 25, '82.

June 3d. " The lines drawn between Brooklyn Church and the
Ferry, by Clinton, are not likely to be completed by Carlton. They
are carting fascines now. On Long Island are now about 3,500
men."1

As we have already seen, the enterprising landlord of " The King's
Head" tavern was not insensible to the advantages of advertising ;
and this summer, by way of tickling the humors of his patrons, and,
perhaps, of aiding a lottery enterprise which he had in hand, he
issued a newspaper. This, the first paper ever issued in Brooklyn,
was printed upon a dingy sheet of about the ordinary " letter size"
now in use, and contained three columns of " close matter," printed
on one side of the sheet only. It was named (with Loosely's usual
preface, "Pro bono Publico)," "The Brooklyn-Hall Supek-Extra
Gazette," dated Saturday, June 8th, 1782, and its contents may be
characterized as displaying more loyalty and " heavy wit" than lite-
rary merit. A copy of this sheet, the only one known to be in exist-
ence, can be seen among the curiosities of the Naval Lyceum, in
the U. S. Navy Yard, in this city.2

" Baron de Walzogen, Capt. Commandant of the combined detach-
ment of Brunswick and Hessian Hanau troops, now at Brooklyn
camp, received an address from the inhabitants of New Utrecht,
thanking him for the vigilant care, good order, and discipline pre-
vailing among the officers and soldiers under his command at the
Narrows, etc." — Gaine, Aug. 6, '82.

The crops, at this time, were indifferent in many parts of the
country. It was a very dry summer on Long Island.

In December of this year there were stationed at Brooklyn,
Hackenbergh's regiment of Hessians, in the large fort back of the
Ferry, and in the redoubts a number. At Bedford, also, the garri-
son battalion of invalids, about one hundred in number, of whom a
half were officers, was quartered at the houses of the different
inhabitants.3

1 Onderdonk, Kings Co., 191. 2 See Appendix, No. 9.

3 Onderdonk, Rev. Rem. Kings Co., 261.

324 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

1783. In January of this year General Carlton appointed Mr.
Ernest de Dieniar major of the fort at Brooklyn.

" Subscription assembly at Loosely's, Brooklyn Hall, every other
Thursday, during the season, for the gentlemen of the army and
navy, public departments, and citizens. Half a guinea each night,
to provide music, tea, coffee, chocolate, negus, sangaree, lemonade,
etc"— Gaine, Feb. 24, '83.

"Bace at Ascot Heath. A purse of 100 guineas, on April 9,
between Calfskin and Fearnought, the best of 3 one-mile heats." —
Rivington, April 5, '83.

But the state of things had changed. No longer did the news-
papers teem with festive advertisements and loyalist literature.
The war was virtually ended by the provisional treaty of peace,
signed November 30, 1782, and the British were about to leave the
land where, for nearly seven years, their presence had rested like a
hideous nightmare upon the people whom they sought to subdue.
The " King's Head Tavern" blazed no more with festive illumina-
tions, nor echoed to the sound of revelry. The raps of the auc-
tioneer's hammer resounded through the halls where once the gay
officers of the British army and their " toady" loyalist friends of Kings
County had feasted, and sung, in harmonious revelry, loyal ballads
to their sovereign. The sound of preparation for departure was
everywhere heard, and the papers (significant indices of every pass-
ing breeze of popular events) were now occupied with advertisements
such as the following :

" At auction at the King's Naval Brewery, L. I., 60 or 70 tons of
iron-hoops, and 70,000 dry and provision-casks, staves, and heading,
in lots of 10,000."— Rivington, May 26, '83.

" Auction at Flatbush. — The Waldeck Stores, viz. : soldiers'
shirts ; blue, white, and yellow cloth ; thread-stockings, shoe-soles,
heel-taps, etc., etc." — Rivington, July 2, '83.

" Saddle-horses, wagons, carts, harness, etc., at auction every "Wed-
nesday, at the wagon-yard, Brooklyn." — Gains, Sept. 8, '83.

" King's draft and saddle horses, wagons, carts, and harness for
sale at the wagon-yard, Brooklyn." — Rivington, August 27, '83.

Desertions also became frequent among the Hessians, who pre-
ferred to remain in this country. Tunis Bennet of Brooklyn was

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 325

imprisoned in the Provost for carrying Hessian deserters over to
the Jersey shore.1

At length, after protracted negotiations, a definitive treaty of peace
was signed at Paris, between the American and British commission-
ers, on the 3d of September, 1783. And on the 25th of November
following, Brooklyn and the city of New York were formally evac-
uated by the British troops and refugees,2 whose requiem was sung
by ballad-singers in strains like these :

" When Lord Cornwallis first came o'er

The cannon roared like thunder ;
If he should return once more,

It will surely be a wonder.
The refugees and Tories all,

Asking mercy at our hands,
Upon their bending knees do fall,

To let them stay and enjoy their lands," etc.

As soon as the armies of Britain had left these shores, and Lib-
erty dawned again upon the land, so long deprived of hope and
peace, numerous exiles returned to look after their property and
interests. Brooklyn, which, during the war, had been wholly mili-
tary ground, presented a sadder scene of desolation than any other
town in Kings County. In 1776, after its occupation by the Brit-
ish, free range had been given to the pillaging propensities of the
soldiery. Farms had been laid waste, and those belonging to exiled
Whigs given to the Tory favorites of Governor Tryon. "Woodlands
were ruthlessly cut down for fuel, buildings were injured, fences
removed, and boundaries effaced. Farmers were despoiled of their
cattle, horses, swine, poultry, vegetables, and of almost every neces-
sary article of subsistence, except their grain, which fortunately had
been housed before the invasion. Their houses were also plundered
of every article which the cupidity of a lawless soldiery deemed worthy
of possession, and much furniture was wantonly destroyed.3 At the

1 Rivington, Aug. 1, '83.

2 On this memorable occasion the American flag was displayed from the same flag-
staff, on the Pierrepont mansion, from wbich signals had been made during the battle
of Long Island, in 1776.

3 More serious outrages by the British soldiery were not infrequent, but redress was
not easily obtained by the sufferers. " A Mrs. Lott, of Flatlands, was wantonly shot by

326 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

close of this year's campaign, De Heister, the Hessian general, re-
turned to Europe with a ship-load of plundered property. During
the next year (1777), the farmers had cultivated but little more than
a bare sufficiency for their own subsistence, and even that was fre-
quently stolen or destroyed. Stock became very scarce and dear, and
the farmer of Brooklyn who owned a pair of horses and two or three
cows, was " well off." The scarcity prevailing in the markets, how-
ever, soon rendered it necessary for the British commanders to
restrain this system of indiscriminate marauding, and to encourage
agriculture. After the capture of General Burgoyne's army, rebel
prisoners were treated with more lenity; and in 1778, the towns
of Flatbush, Flatlands, Gravesend, and New Utrecht were set apart
as a parole-ground, for the purpose of quartering American officers
whom the fortunes of war had thrown upon their hands. In these
townj3, therefore, a greater degree of peace and order prevailed, and
the farmers had the twofold advantage of receiving high prices for
their produce and pay for boarding the prisoners. Brooklyn, how-
ever, remained a garrison town until the peace, and many farms were
not inclosed until after the evacuation, in 1783.

When, therefore, the inhabitants returned to their desolated and
long-deserted homes, their first efforts were directed to the cultivation
of their lands, the re-establishment of their farm boundaries, ami the
restoration of their private affairs. This being accomplished, their
attention was next turned to the reorganization of the town — whose
records had been removed, and whose functions and privileges had
been totally suspended during the seven years' military occupation
by the British. On the first Tuesday of April, 1784, was held the first
town-meeting since April, 1776. Jacob Sharpe, Esq., was chosen Town
Clerk, and applied to Leffert Lefferts, Esq., the previous clerk, for
the town records. Lefferts deposed, on oath, that they had been
removed from his custody, during the war, by a person or persons
to him unknown ; and although that person has since been identified,

a soldier while sitting in her window ; three men of the 33d Regiment (under Colonel
Webster, quartered at Lambert Suydam's) had killed one of his cattle and were skin-
ning it, when he shot the three with one discharge of buckshot ; two were killed
in Bush wick ; three in Newtown ; one killed at a shanty, by a man named Cypher,
near the Half-way House." — Jeremiah Johnson.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 327

the subsequent fate of the records themselves is, to this day, un-
known.1

Gradually, under the benign influences of Liberty and Law, order
emerged from chaos. The few lawless miscreants who remained
were speedily restrained from their mischievous propensities by the
whipping-post and imprisonment, angry passions subsided, and those
citizens who had hitherto viewed each other as enemies, became
united.

INCIDENTS.

From the MSS. of the late General Jeremiah Johnson, we have
selected the following incidents illustrative of the British occupation
of Brooklyn :

A Bebel-shot. — " In the summer of the year 1780, four British
officers, who were in quarters in the Wallabout, were engaged in
target-shooting in my father's orchard. They were provided with a
chair to sit on, and a rest for their guns ; their target was placed
against a large chestnut-tree, on the margin of a hill, some eighty
yards off, and a servant was stationed below the ridge, with a staff,
to designate the place on the target where their balls struck. They

1 " This was John Rapalje, mentioned (on pp. 78, 79, and 312) as a prominent citizen
and Tory, who had been employed by Mr. Lefferts as a clerk, and therefore knew
which of the records were most valuable. He came to the house one day, and telling
Mrs. Lefferts that he intended removing the papers to a safe place, went into the room
used as an office, and there busied himself for some time, selecting what he pleased,
packing the whole in a sack, and taking them away. — (J. C. Brevoort, Esq., on authority
of Leffert Lefferts, son of Leffert Lefferts, the clerk in question.) These records and
papers were taken to England by Rapalje, in October, 1776 ; and his lands were con-
fiscated, and afterwards became the property of J. & C. Sands. After his death, the
papers fell into the possession of his grand-daughter, who married William Weldon,
of Norwich, County of Norfolk, England. William Weldon and his wife came to New
York about the year 1810, to recover the estates of John Rapalje, and employed D.
B. Ogden and Aaron Burr as counsel, who advised them that the Act of Attainder,
passed by the Legislature against Rapalje and others, barred their claim. Weldon and
his wife brought over with them the lost records of the town of Brooklyn, and offered
them to the town for a large sum (according to some, $10,000), but would not even
allow them to be examined before delivery. Although a writ of replevin might easily
have secured them to the town again, the apathetic Dutchmen of that day were too
indifferent to the value of these records, and they were allowed to return to England." —
(MS. Note of Jeremiah Johnson.)

328 HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

shot poorly. The writer was looking on, when one of the officers,
after loading his gun, asked me whether I would try a shot. I
replied in the affirmative, and, presenting the piece at arms' length,
fired. The servant signalled the ball as having struck the bulVs-eye.
The party looked at me with surprise and indignation, and ex-
claimed : ' 'Tis no wonder the d — d rebels kill our men as they do —
here is a boy who beats us !' I told them I could do it again, and
left them to cogitate on the subject."

Horse Racing. — A jockey or racing club was formed in the year
1780, within the British lines. Bryant Connor, of New York, was
Chief Jockey. Flatland Plain, then called " Ascot Heath," was the
race-course ; it was then a beautiful open plain, well adapted for
racing or parades. Public races were held here until October, 1783.
The British officers, with the refugees and Tories, ruled the course.
The American officers, then prisoners in Kings County, attended
these races, and were frequently insulted by the loyalists, which gave
rise to frequent fracases. Wherever a fine horse was known to be
owned by any American farmer in the county, the refugee horse-
thieves would soon put him into the hands of the jockeys, and the
course was thus kept well supplied. General Johnson saw a New
Jersey farmer claim a horse on Ascot Heath, in October, 1783, which
had been purchased by Mr. John Cornell, of Brooklyn, from a
refugee, and entered for the race. The owner permitted the horse
to run the race ; after which, Mr. Cornell surrendered the animal to
the owner in a gentlemanly manner. Whether he ever found the
thief afterwards is uncertain.1

A Military Execution at Brooklyn. — In the summer of 1782,
three men, named Porter, Tench, and Parrot, members of the 54th
Regiment, then encamped on the farm of Martin Schenck, at the
Wallabout, were arrested and tried for their complicity in a foul
murder committed on Bennet's Point, in Newtown, three years be-
fore. They were sentenced to be hung, but Parrot was pardoned

1 In 1784, public races were run at New York, on the level of Division street. In the
same year, Governor George Clinton (who assumed, though erroneously, that " it be-
longed to him as an official franchise") leased Governor's Island to a Dr. Price, who
built a hotel there and graded a handsome course on the same, on which races were
run in 1785 and '86. Afterwards they were held at Harlem, Newmarket, Beaver Pond,
New Utrecht, and on the Union Course.

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 329

and sent on board a man-of-war. The execution of Porter and
Tench, notable as the only case of capital punishment for injuries
done to citizens, was witnessed by the late General Jeremiah John-
son, who thus describes the scene : " The gallows was the limb of a
large chestnut-tree, on the farm of Martin Schenck. About 10 A. M.,
a brigade formed a hollow square around the tree; the culprits,
dressed in white jackets and pantaloons, and firmly pinioned, were
brought into the square, and halters, about eight feet long, were fas-
tened to the limb about four feet apart. Tench ascended the ladder
first, followed by Cunningham's yellow hangman, who adjusted the
halter, drew a cap over the culprit's face, and then descending, turned
him off the ladder. The like was done to Porter, who ascended the
ladder by the side of his hanging companion, in an undaunted man-
ner, and was turned towards him and struck against him. They
boxed together thus several times, hanging in mid-aii* about ten feet
from the ground, until they were dead. The field and staff officers
were inside the square, and after the execution Cunningham reported
to the commanding officer (said to be General Gray), who also ap-
peared to treat him with contempt. The troops then left the ground,
and the bodies were buried under the tree."

Militaky Punishments. — The British soldiers were punished by
whipping or flogging with the " cat-o' -nine-tails," executed by the
drummers. The regimental surgeons were obliged to attend the
punishments, which were usually very severe — sometimes as many
as five hundred lashes being given. Citizens were allowed to be pres-
ent at these floggings, except at punishments of the 42d Highland
Regiment, when only the other regiments were allowed to be wit-
nesses. Punishments in this regiment were, however, infrequent.
The dragoons were punished by picketing ; the Germans by being
made to run the gauntlet. On these occasions the regiment formed
in two parallel lines, facing inwards ; the culprit passed down be-
tween these lines, having an officer before and behind him, and was
struck by each soldier with rods. An officer also passed down on
the outside of each line, administering a heavy blow to any soldier
who did not give the culprit a fair and good stroke. Hessians were
also punished by the gauntlet, while the band played a tune set to
the following words :

330 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

" Father and mother, do not mourn
Over your only son ;
He never did you any good,
And now he gets bis doom — doom — doom — doom."

The officers often treated their men cruelly. General Johnson
remembered to have seen Captain Westerhauge and Lieutenant Con-
rady beat a corporal with their swords on his back, over his waist-
coat, so that he died the next day. They beat the man about two
in the afternoon. He was standing : the captain first gave him a
number of blows, and then the lieutenant commenced ; but before
he had finished, the man was too feeble to stand, and the captain
stood before him and held him up. The man then laid down on the
grass, while the surgeon's mate examined his body, which was a
mass of bruised and blistered flesh. His back was roughly scarified
by the surgeon's mate, and he was then removed to a barn, where
he died the next day — never having uttered a word from the moment
of the first blow.1

Among the patriotic deeds of the adherents of the American cause
in Kings County, we must not fail to record the loans of money fur-
nished to the State Government by them. It was effected in the
following manner. Lieutenant Samuel Dodge and Captains Gille-
land and Mott, of the American army, had been captured at Fort
Montgomery, and were confined as prisoners, under a British guard,
at the residence of Barent Johnson, in the Wallabout. Dodge was
exchanged in the course of a month, and reported the practicability
of borrowing specie from Whigs in Kings County, mentioning John-
son as one who would risk all in the undertaking. It was therefore
agreed that confidential officers should be exchanged, who were to act
as agents in these transactions. Colonel William Ellison was fixed
upon to receive the loan. He was exchanged in November, 1777,

1 It may be worthy of note that Mrs. Peter Wyckoff, mother of Mr. Nicholas Wyckoff,
President of the City Bank of Brooklyn, and a daughter of Lambert Suydam, a brave
officer in the Continental Army, informed the author, in 1861, that she distinctly
remembers, when a school-girl at Bedford, having seen British soldiers tied up to a
tree, in front of the house of Judge Lefferts, and flogged. She also remembers to have
seen the troops encamped in shanties and tents, between Rem Lefferts' and Peter
Vandervoort's, now the house of James Debevoise, on Bedford, near Gates avenue.
The officers were billeted on those families.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 331

and conveyed $2,000 in gold to Governor Clinton, a simple receipt
being given. In this manner, before 1782, large sums had been
loaned to the State. In 1780, Major H. Wyckoff was hid for two
days in the upper room of Eem A. Eemsen's house, in the Walla-
bout, while the lieutenant of the guard of the " Old Jersey" British
prison-ship was quartered in the house. Eemsen loaned him as
much as he could carry, and conveyed him in a sleigh, at night, to
Cow Neck, from whence he crossed to Poughkeepsie.1

The patriotism of many of New York's bravest soldiers was
poorly rewarded by the passage of a legislative act, May 6th, 1784,
levying a tax of ,£100,000 upon the Southern District of the State.
This odious and well-named " partial" tax, or a moiety of it, could
be paid in State scrip, which the soldier had received for his ser-
vices, and had sold to speculators for from two to six pence per
pound. The scrip, it is almost needless to say, immediately rose to
the value of ten shillings on the pound, leaving a very handsome
profit to the speculators, who had invested it largely in the purchase
of confiscated estates.

PART III.

THE BRITISH PRISON-SHIPS *

The Battle of Brooklyn, in August, and the capture of Fort Wash-
ington, in November, 1776, placed in possession of the British nearly
four thousand prisoners; and this number was increased, by the

1 See General Johnson's MSS., and Onderdonk's Queens County, p. 316.

* In the preparation of this chapter, we have drawn freely upon the narratives of
Captain Thomas Dring (of which two editions were published, in 1829 and '31, and
a privately printed edition, with annotations, by H. B. Dawson, in 1805) ; of the Rev.
Thomas Andros, published in 1833 ; of Captain Alexander Coffin, jr., in his letter
to Dr. Samuel Mitchell, in Hist. Account of Am. Martyrs, published iu 1808 ; The Ad-
ventures of Christopher Hawkins, privately printed, with copious notes, by Charles
I. Bushnell, Esq., in 1864 ; the Reminiscences, in print and MS., of General Jeremiah
Johnson, of Brooklyn ; and the incidental descriptions in Memoirs of Rev. Andrew
Sherborne, of Ebenezer Fox, Com. Silas Talbot, etc., all of which have become
scarce books, and, to some extent, inaccessible to the general reader.

332 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

arrest of private citizens suspected of complicity with the rebellion,
to over five thousand, before the end of the year. The only prisons
then existing in the city of New York were : the " New Jail," which
still remains, in an entirely altered form, as the " Hall of Records,"
and the " Bridewell," which was located between the present City
Hall and Broadway. These edifices proving entirely inadequate for
the accommodation of this large number of captives — to whom they
were unwilling to extend the privileges of parole — the British were
compelled to turn three large sugar-houses, several of the Dissenting
churches, the Hospital, and Columbia College, into prisons for their
reception.1 These buildings, also, were soon crowded to overflow-
ing by daily accessions of captive patriots, who, in many instances,
found not even space to lie down and rest upon the hard and filthy
floors. Here, in these loathsome dungeons, denied the light and air
of heaven ; scantily fed on poor, putrid, and sometimes even un-
cooked food; obliged to endure the companionship of the most
abandoned criminals, and those sick with small-pox and other infec-
tious diseases ; worn out by the groans and complaints of their
suffering fellows, and subjected to every conceivable insult and
indignity by their inhuman keepers, thousands of Americans sick-
ened and died. Almost preferable, by comparison, was the fate of
those who, without a moment's warning, and at midnight, were hur-
ried by the Provost2 to the gallows and an unknown grave.

1 These sugar-houses were Van Cortlaudt's, which stood on the corner of Thames and
Lumber streets, at the northwest corner of Trinity churchyard ; Rbinelander's, on the
corner of William and Duane streets ; and one on Liberty street (Nos. 34 and
36) a little east of the Middle Dutch church, now occupied as the United States
Post-office. The churches were the Middle Dutch church, above referred to, which
was used as a prison for about two months, and afterwards converted into a riding-
school for the British cavalry ; the North Dutch church, yet standing on William
Btreet, between Fulton and Ann ; and the " Brick Church," which, until within a few
years, stood in the triangle between Park Row, Beekman, and Nassau streets. Subse-
quently, this last-mentioned, together with the Presbyterian church in Wall street, the
Scotch church in Cedar street, and the Friends' Meeting House in Liberty street, were
converted into hospitals. The French church, in Pine street, was used as a magazine
for ordnance and stores.

2 Captain William Cunningham, an Irishman by birth, and a brute by nature, who,
during the occupation of New York by the British, held the post of Provost
Marshal of the city. He subsequently suffered the same fate to which he had consigned
so many victims — being hung for forgery in London, England, in 1791. In his dying
confession, which appeared in the English papers in 1794, and which has always been

332 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

arrest of private citizens suspected of complicity with the rebellion,
to over five thousand, before the end of the year. The only prisons
then existing in the city of New York were : the " New Jail," which
still remains, in an entirely altered form, as the " Hall of Eecords,"
and the " Bridewell," which was located between the present City
Hall and Broadway. These edifices proving entirely inadequate for
the accommodation of this large number of captives — to whom they
were unwilling to extend the privileges of parole — the British were
compelled to turn three large sugar-houses, several of the Dissenting
churches, the Hospital, and Columbia College, into prisons for their
reception.1 These buildings, also, were soon crowded to overflow-
ing by daily accessions of captive patriots, who, in many instances,
found not even space to He down and rest upon the hard and filthy
floors. Here, in these loathsome dungeons, denied the light and air
of heaven ; scantily fed on poor, putrid, and sometimes even un-
cooked food; obliged to endure the companionship of the most
abandoned criminals, and those sick with small-pox and other infec-
tious diseases; worn out by the groans and complaints of their
suffering fellows, and subjected to every conceivable insult and
indignity by their inhuman keepers, thousands of Americans sick-
ened and died. Almost preferable, by comparison, was the fate of
those who, without a moment's warning, and at midnight, were hur-
ried by the Provost2 to the gallows and an unknown grave.

1 These sugar-houses were "Van Cortlaudt's, which stood on the corner of Thames and
Lumber streets, at the northwest corner of Trinity churchyard ; Rhinelander's, on the
corner of William and Duane streets ; and one on Liberty street (Nos. 84 and
36) a little east of the Middle Dutch church, now occupied as the United States
Post-office. The churches were the Middle Dutch church, above referred to, which
was used as a prison for about two months, and afterwards converted into a riding-
school for the British cavalry; the North Dutch church, yet standing on "William
street, between Fulton and Ann ; and the " Brick Church," which, until within a few
years, stood in the triangle between Park Row, Beekman, and Nassau streets. Subse-
quently, this last-mentioned, together with the Presbyterian church in Wall street, the
Scotch church in Cedar street, and the Friends' Meeting House in Liberty street, were
converted into hospitals. The French church, in Pine street, was used as a magazine
for ordnance and stores.

2 Captain William Cunningham, an Irishman by birth, and a brute by nature, who,
during the occupation of New York by the British, held the post of Provost-
Marshal of the city. He subsequently suffered the same fate to which he had consigned
so many victims — being hung for forgery in London, England, in 1791. In his dying
confession, which appeared in the English papers in 1794, and which has always been

Sinai Diagr
in tho Lyceum ai ti

■by Gen. Jeremiah Johnson, and by him de
tea Nivy Yard. Brooklyn. N. Y.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 333

Great, however, as were the sufferings of those incarcerated within
the prisons of the city, they were exceeded, if possible, by those
of the unfortunate naval prisoners who languished in the " prison-
ships" of the " Walleboght." These were originally the transport-
vessels in which the cattle and other supplies of the British army
had been brought to America, in 1776, and which had been anchored
in Gravesend Bay, and occupied by the prisoners taken in the Battle
of Brooklyn. Upon the occupation of the city by the British forces,
these soldiers were transferred to the prisons on shore, and the
transports, anchored in the Hudson and East rivers, were devoted
more especially to the marine prisoners, whose numbers were rapidly
increasing, owing to the frequent capture of American privateers by
the king's cruisers.

" A large transport, named the Whitby''' says General Jeremiah
Johnson,1 "was the first prison-ship anchored in the "Wallabout.
She was moored near ' Kemsen's mill,' about the twentieth of Oc-
tober, 1776, and was then crowded with prisoners. Many landsmen
were prisoners on board this vessel ; she was said to be the most
sickly of all the prison-ships. Bad provisions, bad water, and

held as authentic, he made the following statements in regard to his treatment of the
American prisoners : " I shudder to think of the murders I have been accessary to, both
with and without orders from Government, especially while in New York ; during
which time there were more than two thousand prisoners starved in the different
churches, by stopping their rations, which I sold. There were also two hundred and
seventy-five American prisoners and obnoxious persons executed, out of all which num-
ber there were only about one dozen public executions, which chiefly consisted of Brit-
ish and Hessian deserters. The mode for private executions was thus conducted : a
guard was dispatched from the Provost, about half-past twelve at night, to the Barrack
street, and the neighborhood of the upper barracks, to order the people to shut their
window-shutters, and put out their lights, forbidding them at the same time to pre-
sume to look out of their windows and doors on pain of death, after which the unfor-
tunate prisoners were conducted, gagged, just behind the upper barracks, and hung
without ceremony, and there buried by the black pioneer of the Provost." Watson,
in his Annals of New York, states that Cunningham hung five or six of a night, until
the women of the neighborhood, distressed by the cries and pleadings of the prisoners
for mercy, petitioned Howe to have the practice discontinued. Common fame charged
Cunningham with selling, and even poisoning, the prisoners' food, exchanging .good
for bad provisions, and continuing to draw their rations after their death, or, as they
worded it, " he fed the dead, and starved the living." It was not till the spring of
1783, towards the close of the war, that a monthly list of prisoners was printed in
Rivington's Gazette.

1 Naval Magazine, 467, 469

334 HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN.

scanted rations, were dealt to the prisoners. No medical men
attended the sick, disease reigned unrelieved, and hundreds 'died
from pestilence, or were starved, on board this floating prison.1 I
saw the sand-beach, between the ravine2 in the hill and Mr. Kem-
sen's dock, become filled with graves in the course of two months ;
and before the first of May, 1777, the ravine alluded to was itself
occupied in the same way. In the month of May, 1777, two large
ships were anchored in the Wallabout, when the prisoners were
transferred from the Whitby to them ; these vessels were also very
sickly, from the causes before stated. Although many prisoners
were sent on board of them, and none exchanged, death made room
for all. On a Sunday afternoon, about the middle of October, 1777,
one of the prison-ships was burnt ; the prisoners, except a few, who,
it was said, were burnt in the vessel, were removed to the remaining
ship. It was reported, at the time, that the prisoners had fired
their prison, which, if true, proves that they preferred death, even
by fire, to the lingering sufferings of pestilence and starvation. In
the month of February, 1778, the remaining prison-ship was burnt
at night, when the prisoners were removed from her to the ships
then wintering in the Wallabout."

" Better the greedy wave should swallow all,
Better to meet the death-conducting ball,
Better to sleep on ocean's oozy bed,
At once destroyed and numbered with the dead,
Than thus to perish in the face of day,
Where twice ten thousand deaths one death delay."

In 1779, the " Prince of Wales" and the " Good Hope"3 were used

1 A prisoner (see the Trumbull Papers, p. 76) thus speaks of the Whitby, in 1776 :
" Our present situation is most wretched ; more than two hundred and fifty prisoners,
some sick, and without the least assistance from physician, drug, or medicine, and fed
on two-thirds allowance of salt provisions, and crowded promiscuously, without regard
to color, person, or office, in the small room of a ship, between decks, and allowed to
walk the main deck only from sunrise to sunset. Only two at a time permitted to
come on deck to do what nature requires, and sometimes denied even that, and use
tubs and buckets between decks, to the great offence of every delicate, cleanly person,
and prejudice of all our healths."

2 Where Little street now is.

3 We find the " Good Hope" first mentioned in October, 1778. She then lay in the
North River, and in January, '79, was designated, with the "Prince of Wales," as the
depot for prisoners of privateers arriving in New York. In August, '79, forty-seven
American prisoners were returned, under flag, to New London, who were taken out of

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 305

as prison-ships. The latter vessel being destroyed by fire in March,
1780, her plaee in the Wallabout was supplied, shortly after, by the
" Stromboli," ' "Scorpion,"2 and "Hunter," all nominally hospital-

the " Good Hope," and " it must (for once) be acknowledged, are all very well and
healthy — only one hundred and fifty left." About this time, also, she was dismantled,
and her sails, spars, etc., advertised to be sold. In September, 79, there were many
sick on board. The New Hampshire Gazette, of November 2d, '79, says that, at one
o'clock on the previous morning, nine captains, and two privates, effected their escape
from this vessel, then lying in the North River. They confined the mate, disarmed
the sentinels, and hoisted out the boat, which was on deck, and took with them
nine stand of arms and ammunition. They had scarce got clear before an alarm
was given, which brought upon them a fire from these vessels, which, however, did
not harm them. The escaped men spoke in the highest terms of the commander
of the prison-ship, Captain Nelson, who used the prisoners with a great deal of hu-
manity. Rivington's Gazette, of March 8, '80, thus chronicles the destruction of
this vessel: "Last Sunday afternoon, the 'Good Hope' prison-ship, lying in the
Wallebocht Bay, was entirely consumed, after having been wilfully set on fire by
a Connecticut man, named Woodbury, who confessed the fact. He, with others of
the incendiaries, are removed to the Provost. The prisoners let each other down
from the port-holes and decks into the water." The English Commissary, Sproat, writ-
ing to the American Commissary, Skinner, in February, 1781, says of this vessel :
" Carpenters ran a bulkhead across the prison-ship Good Hope ; the officers berthed
abaft and the men before this partition. Two excellent large stoves were erected, one
for the officers, another for the men. The hospital-ship was equipped in the same man-
ner, and every sick or wounded person had a cradle, bedding, surgeons. In this com-
fortable situation did the prisoners remain till March 5, 1780, when they wilfully burned
the best prisov^sMp in the world (/) The perpetrators were not hanged, but ordered to
the Provost. The ship lay in the Wallabocht, near a number of transports, whose
people were so alert in snatching the prisoners from the flames, that but two out of
some hundreds were missing. They were put in the nearest ship, the Woodlands,
where they remained a short time, till the ships Stromboli and Scorpion were got
ready."

1 The Stromboli was originally a fire-ship, and, like the Scorpion, was present at the
siege of Quebec, in 1759. She came out here at the commencement of the Revolution,
in company with the Jersey, in Commodore Hotham's fleet. She was commanded,
when a prison-ship, from August 21st to December 10th, 1780, by Jeremiah Downer,
and never had less than one hundred and fifty prisoners, and oftener over two hundred,
on board. She was advertised for sale, December 6th, 1780 (in which advertisement
she was still mentioned as a fire-ship), but no purchaser appeared.

2 The Scorpion' was originally a sloop-of-war of four guns, and appears in the list of
the navy as early as 1756. She was in the fleet, under Admiral Saunders, at the reduc-
tion of Quebec, in 1759 ; came out here again at the commencement of the Revolu-
tionary War, and formed one of Sir George Collier's fleet, which destroyed the towns
of Fairfield, Norwalk, and Greenwich, Conn., in 1779. In 1780, she became a prison-
hulk, and was anchored in the North River. Philip Freneau, who, with some three
hundred others, was confined in her, has preserved, in poetry, an interesting and vivid
picture of the sufferings of himself and fellow-prisoners :

" Thou, Scorpion, fatal to thy crowded throng,
Dire theme of horror and Plutonian song,

336 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

n i

sliips.1 Many other old hulks — the "Old Jersey," the "John,
the "Falmouth,"3 the "Chatham," the "Kitty," the "Frederick,"4
the "Glasgow," the "Woodlands," the "Scheldt," and the "Clyde,"
were also converted into prison-ships.

Of all these, the " Old Jersey," or the " Hell," as she was called,
from the large number confined in her — often more than a thousand
at a time 5 — and the terrible sufferings which they there endured, has

Requir'st my lay — thy sultry decks I know,
And all the torments that exist below !
The briny waves that Hudson's bosom fills
Drain'd through her bottom in a thousand rills ;
Rotten and old, replete with sighs and groans,
Scarce on the waters she sustain'd her bones ;
Here, doomed to toil, or founder in the tide,
At the moist pumps incessantly we plied ;
Here doomed to starve, like famish'd dogs, we tore
The scant allowance that our tyrants bore."

In December, 1780, her hull was advertised for sale by the naval storekeeper at New
York, but was not purchased.

1 The Hunter was originally a sloop-of-war. She was advertised for sale in Decem-
ber, 1780, but found no purchaser. Captain Dring (see his Narrative, p. 71) thinks she
was mainly used as a store-ship and medical depot.

2 Alexander Coffin, who was a prisoner in the John, says (Hist. Martyrs, 32) that the
treatment of the prisoners there " was much worse than on board the Jersey. We
were subjected to every insult, every injury, and every abuse that the fertile genius of
the British officers could invent and inflict. For more than a month, we were obliged
to eat our scanty allowance, bad as it was, without cooking, as no fire was allowed."

3 " I am now a prisoner on board the Falmouth, in New York, a place the most
dreadful ; we are confined so that we have not room even to he down all at once to
sleep. It is the most horrible, cursed hole, that can be thought of. I was sick and
longed for some small-beer, while I lay unpitied at death's door with a putrid fever,
and, though I had money, I was not permitted to send for it. I offered repeatedly a
hard dollar for a pint. The wretch who went forward and backwark would not oblige
me. I am just able to creep about. Four prisoners have escaped from this ship.
One having, as by accident, thrown his hat overboard, begged leave to go after it in a
small boat, which lay alongside. A sentinel, with only his side-arms on, got into the
boat. Having reached the hat, they secured the sentinel and made for the Jersey
shore, though several armed boats pursued, and shot was fired from the shipping." —
Conn. Gazette, May 25, '80.

4 Sherburne, who was a patient on the Frederick hospital-ship, in January, 1783,
says that it " was very much crowded ; so that two men were obliged to he in one
bunk." He and his bunk-mate were " obliged, occasionally, to lay athwart each other,
for want of room," and the former finally died, stretched across Sherburne. He says
" I have seen seven dead men drawn out and piled together on the lower hatchway,
who had died in one night on board the Frederick."

5 Andros (p. 12) says : " When I first became an inmate of this abode of suffering,
despair, and death, there were about four hundred prisoners on board, but in a short

o a

EXTERIOR VIEW OF THE OLD JERSEY."

1. The Flag-staff, which was seldom used, and only for signals.

2. A canvas awning or tent, used by the guards in warm weather.

'6. The Quarter-deck, with its barricade aboxit ten feet high, with a door and loop-
holes on each side.

4. The Ship's Officers' Cabin, under the Quarter-deck.

5. Accommodation-ladder, on the starboard side, for the use of the ship's officers.
G. The Steerage, occupied by the sailors belonging to the ship.

7. The Cook-room for the ship's crew and guards.

8. The Sutler's room, where articles were sold to the prisoners, and delivered to

them through an opening in the bulkhead.

9. The Upper-deck and Spar-deck, where the prisoners were occasionally allowed

to walk.

10. The Gangway ladder, on the larboard side, for the prisoners.

11. The Derrick, on the starboard side, for taking in water, etc., etc.

12. The Galley, or Great Copper, under the forecastle, where the provisions were

cooked for the prisoners.

13. The Gun-room, occupied by those prisoners who were officers.

14. 15. Hatchways leading below, where the prisoners were confined.
17, 18. Between-decks, where the prisoners were confined at night.
1!). The Bowsprit.

20. Chain cables, by which the ship was moored.

HISTOET OF BROOKLYN. 337

won a terrible pre-eminence in the sad history of the prison-ships,
of which, indeed, her name has become the synonym. She was
originally a fourth-rate sixty-gun ship of the British navy, was built
in 1736, and achieved a long and honorable career ;l but, in 1776,
being unfit for further active service, was ordered to New York, as a
hospital-ship. In this capacity she remained, in the East River,
nearly opposite « Fly Market," until the winter of 1779-80, when she
was converted into a prison-ship. For this purpose she was stripped
of all her spars, except the bowsprit, a derrick for taking in supplies,
and the flagstaff at her stern ; her rudder was unhung, and her figure-
head removed to decorate some other vessel. Her portholes were
closed and securely fastened, and their places supplied by two tiers
of smaU holes, each about twenty inches square, and guarded by two
strong bars of iron, crossing at right angles, cut through her sides,
for the admission of air. These, however, while they " admitted the
light by day, and served as breathing-holes at night," by no means
furnished that free circulation of air between the decks, which was
so imperatively necessary to the health and comfort of the prisoners.
Thus stripped of every thing which constitutes the pride and beauty
of a ship, this old hulk, whose unsightly exterior seemed almost to
foreshadow the scenes of misery, despair, and death which reigned
within, was removed to the solitary and unfrequented WaUabout,
where she was moored with chain-cables, nearly opposite the mouth
of Eemsen's mill-race, and about twenty rods from the shore.

The appearance of the Old Jeesey, as she lay in the WaUabocht,
is thus graphically described by Captain Dring.* Leaving New
York, together with one hundred and thirty prisoners, brought in

time they amounted to twelve hundred." This was in 1781. Dring says (p 69) •
"During my confinement, in the summer of 1782, the average number of prisoners on
board the Jersey was about one thousand." Alexander Coffin (Hist, of Martyrs p 29
32) states that during his first captivity on the Jersey, in 1782, he found about 'one
thousand one hundred American prisoners; and on his second imprisonment in Feb-
ruary, 1783, he found " more prisoners than he left, though but very few of my former
fellow-prisoners. Some of them had got away, but the greater part had paid the debt
01 nature.

'The complete history of the Jersey has been given by H. B. Dawson, in his edition
of Drings Prison-ship Recollections, pp. 196-198; and by Charles I. Bushnell, in his
notes to Adventures of Christopher Hawkins, pp. 202-214.
* Dring's Narrative, p. 26.

338 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

by the British ship Belisarius, he proceeded to the place of their
imprisonment, under the charge of the notorious David Sproat,
Commissary of Prisoners. "We at length doubled a point," he
says, " and came in view of the Wallabout, where lay before us the
black hulk of the Old Jeksey, with her satellites, the three hospital-
ships, to which Sproat pointed in an exulting manner, and said,
' There, rebels, there is the cage for you !' * * As he spoke, my eye
was instantly turned from the dreaded hulk ; but a single glance had
shown us a multitude of human beings moving upon her upper deck.
It was then nearly sunset, and before we were alongside, every man,
except the sentinels on the gangway, had disappeared. Previous to
their being sent below, some of the prisoners, seeing us approaching,
waved their hats, as if they would say, approach us not ; and we
soon found fearful reason for the warning." While waiting along-
side for orders, some of the prisoners, whose features they could not
see, on account of the increasing darkness, addressed them through
the air-holes which we have described. After some questions as to
whence they came, and concerning their capture, one of the prison-
ers remarked " that it was a lamentable thing to see so many young
men, in full strength, with the flush of health upon their counte-
nances, about to enter that infernal place of abode. 'Death,' he
said, ' nad no relish for such skeleton carcases as we are ; but he
will now have a feast upon you fresh comers.' " The new-comers
were registered and sent below ; but the intolerable heat and foul
air rendered sleep impossible ; and, when they sought the air-holes, in
order to gain one breath of exterior air, they found them occupied by
others, who seemed to be justified, by the law of self-preservation,
in keeping possession, and who could not be induced, by any amount
of persuasion, to relinquish their places even for a moment. Disap-
pointed in this, and shocked by the curses and imprecations of those
who were lying upon the crowded deck, and whom they had dis-
turbed in passing over them, they were obliged to sit down in this
stifling and nauseous atmosphere, which almost deprived them of
sense and even of life, and wait for the coming morning. But
dawn brought to their eyes only the vision of " a crowd of strange
and unknown forms, with the lines of death and famine upon their
faces "—a " pale and meagre throng," who, at eight o'clock, were

PLAN OF THE UPPER DECK, BETWEEN DECKS.

1. The Hatchway-ladder, leading to the lower deck, railed round on three sides.

2. The Steward's room, from which the prisoners received their daily allowance through an opening in

the partition.

3. The Gun-room, occupied by those prisoners who were officers.

4. Door of the Gun-room.

5. 6, 7, S. The arrangement of the prisoners' chests and boxes, which were ranged along, about ten feet

from the sides of the ship, leaving a vacant space, where the messes assembled.
9, 10. The middle of the deck, where many of the prisoners' hammocks were hung at night, but always

taken down in the morning, to afford room for walking.
11. Bunks on the larboard side of the deck, for the reception of the sick.

Cabin.

Steerage.

Cook-room.

Sutler's room

6. Gangways.

The Booms.

•J=D

THE " JERSEY "

8.

The Gal lev.

9,

11.

10. The Cook's quarters
The Gangway-ladder.

11.

The Officers' Ladder.
Working-party.

The Barricade.

ato

e- Rooms.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 339

permitted to go upon deck, "to view for a few moments the morning
sun, and then to descend again, to pass another day of misery and
wretchedness."

"On every side, dire objects met the sight,
And pallid forms, and murders of the night."

Dring gives the following minute description of the interior
accommodations of the " Jersey" : " The quarter-deck covered about
one-fourth part of the upper deck from the stern, and the forecastle
extended from the stern about one-eighth part the length of the upper
deck. Sentinels were stationed at the gangways on each side of the
upper deck, leading from the quarter-deck to the forecastle. These
gangways were about five feet wide, and here the prisoners were al-
lowed to pass and repass. The intermediate space from the bulk-
head of the quarter-deck to the forecastle was filled with long spars or
booms, and called the spar-deck. The temporary covering afforded
by the spar-deck was of the greatest benefit to the prisoners, as it
served to shield us from the rain and the scorching rays of the
sun. The spar-deck was also the only place where we were allowed
to walk, and was therefore continually crowded through the day by
those of the prisoners who were upon deck. Owing to the great
number of the prisoners, and the small space afforded us by the
spar-deck, it was our custom to walk in platoons, each facing the
same way, and turning at the same time. The derrick, for taking in
wood, water, etc., stood on the starboard side of the spar-deck. On
the larboard side of the ship was placed the accommodation ladder,
leading from the gangway to the water. At the head of this ladder a
sentinel was also stationed. The head of the accommodation ladder
was near the door of the barricade, which extended across the front
of the quarter-deck, and projected a few feet beyond the sides of the
ship. The barricade was about ten feet high, and was pierced with
loop-holes for musketry, in order that the prisoners might be fired
on from behind it, if occasion should require. The regular crew
of the ship consisted of a captain, two mates, a steward, a cook, and
about twelve sailors. The crew of the ship had no communication
whatever with the prisoners. No prisoner was ever permitted to
pass through the barricade door, except when it was required that
the messes should be examined and regulated ; in which case, each

340 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

man had to pass through, and go down between decks, and there re-
main until the examination was completed. * * On the two decks
below, where we were confined at night, our chests, boxes, and bags
were arranged in two lines along the deck, about ten feet distant
from the two sides of the ship ; thus leaving as wide a space unencum-
bered in the middle part of each deck, fore and aft, as our crowded
situation would admit. Between these tiers of chests, etc., and the
sides of the ship, was the place where the different messes assem-
bled ; and some of the messes were also separated from their neigh-
bors by a temporary partition of chests, etc. Some individuals of
the different messes usually slept on the chests, in order to preserve
their contents from being plundered during the night."

At night, the spaces in the middle of the deck were much encum-
bered with hammocks, but these were always removed in the morn-
ing. The extreme after-part of the ship, between decks, which was
called " the gun-room," was appropriated by the captive officers to
their own use ; while the lowest deck was assigned to the French
and Spanish prisoners, who were treated with even more cruelty, if
possible, than the Americans.1

The first care of a prisoner, after arriving upon the Jersey, says
Dring, " was to form, or be admitted into, some regular mess? On
the day of a prisoner's arrival, it was impossible for him to procure
any food ; and, even on the second day, he could not procure any in
time to have it cooked. No matter how long he had fasted, nor
how acute might be his sufferings from hunger and privations, his
petty tyrants would on no occasion deviate from their rule of deliv-
ering the prisoner's morsel at a particular hour, and at no other :
and the poor, half-famished wretch must absolutely wait until the
coming day, before his pittance of food could be boiled with that of
his fellow-captives." The vacancies in the different messes daily
provided by death, rendered it comparatively easy for the new-comers

1 This seems to have been the reverse of the rule observed in England, where " the
American prisoners were treated with less humanity than the French and Spanish, and
were allowed only half the quantity of bread per day. Their petitions for relief,
offered by Mr. Fox, in the House of Commons, and by the Duke of Richmond, in the
House of Lords, were treated with contempt ; while the French and Spanish had few
or no complaints to make." — British Annual Register, 1781, p. 152.

2 Sherburne's Mem., 108 ; Fox's Adv. in Rev., 100.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 241

to associate themselves with some of the older captives, of whose ex-
perience they could, in various ways, avail themselves. These
messes, consisting generally of sis men each, were all numbered ;
and every morning, when the steward's bell rang, at nine o'clock,
an individual belonging to each mess stood ready to answer to its
number. As soon as it was called, the person representing it
hurried forward to the window in the bulkhead of the steward's
room, from which was handed the allowance for the day. This
was, for each six men, what was equivalent to' the full rations of
four men.1 No vegetables of any description,2 or butter, was
allowed ; but, in place of the latter, a scanty portion of so-called
sweet-oil, so rancid and often putrid, that the Americans could not
eat it, and always gave it to the foreign prisoners in the lower hold,
" who took it gratefully, and swallowed it with a little salt and their
wormy bread." 3 These rations, insufficient and miserable as they

1 That is, each prisoner was furnished in quantity with two-thirds of the allowance
of a seaman in the British navy at that time ; viz., on Sundays and Thursdays, a pound
of biscuit, one pound of pork, and half a pint of peas ; on Mondays and Fridays, a
pound of biscuit, a pint of oatmeal, and two ounces of butter ; on Tuesdays and Satur-
days, one pound of biscuit and two pounds of beef ; and on Wednesday, one and a half
pounds of flour and two pounds of suet.

2 Andros (p. 9) says : " Once or twice, by the order of a stranger on the quarter-deck,
a bag of apples were hurled promiscuously into the midst of hundreds of prisoners,
crowded together as thick as they could stand, and life and limb were endangered by
the scramble. This, instead of compassion, was a cruel sport. When I saw it about
to commence, I fled to the most distant part of the ship."

3 Sherburne (111) says: "It was supposed that this bread and beef had been con-
demned in the British navy. The bread had been so eaten by weevils, that one might
easily crush it in the hand and blow it away. The beef was exceedingly salt, and
scarcely a particle of fat could be seen upon it. * * * Once a week, we had a mess
of what is called burgoo, or mush (the Yankees would call it hasty pudding), made of
oatmeal and water. This oatmeal was scarcely ever sweet ; it was generally so musty
and bitter, that none but people suffering as we did could eat it." He says, though,
that large quantities of provisions were daily brought alongside of the ship, and as long
as a prisoner's money lasted, he could get better than the ordinary fare. Andros (p. 17)
says of the bread : " I do not recollect seeing any which was not full of living vermin ;
but eat it, worms and all, we must, or starve."

" In the month of March, 1779, flour and breadstuff's were very nearly exhausted in
the British storehouses at New York. There was no good flour ; and the Hessians,
who were in Brooklyn, drew damaged oatmeal instead of bread. This meal, which
was baked in cakes, was unfit for use, and the writer has seen them cast to the swine,
which would not eat them. The soldiers were mutinous. All the grain possessed by
the farmers was estimated and placed under requisition. The timely arrival of a few
victualling ships relieved the scarcity, and saved the British from a surrender to the

342 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

were, were frequently not given to the prisoners in time to be boiled
on the same day, thus obliging them often to fast for another twenty-
four hours, or to consume it raw, as they sometimes did. The cook-
ing was done " under the forecastle, or, as it was usually called, the
Galley, in a boiler or ' great copper,' which was enclosed in brick-
work, about eight feet square. This copper was large enough to
contain two or three hogsheads of water. It was made in a square
form, and divided into two separate compartments by a partition.
In one side of the copper, the peas and oatmeal for the prisoners
were boiled, which was done in fresh water ; in the other side, the
meat was boiled. This side of the boiler was filled with the salt
water from alongside of the ship, by which means the copper be-
came soon corroded, and consequently poisonous, the fatal conse-
quences of which are obvious.1 After the daily rations had been
furnished to the different messes, the portion of each mess was
designated by a tally, fastened to it by a string. Being thus pre-
pared, every ear was anxiously waiting for the summons of the
cook's bell. As soon as this was heard to sound, the persons having
charge of the different portions of food thronged to the galley ; and
in a few minutes after, hundreds of talleys were seen hanging over
the sides of the brick-work by their respective strings, each eagerly
watched by some individual of the mess, who always waited to re-
ceive it." Whether cooked or not, the food must be immediately
taken from the boiler when the cook's bell again rang out the warn-
ing note, and each mess then received its measured portions of
peas and oatmeal.2 Some, more careful than others, and fearful of

Americans, to escape starvation. If the Hessians at this time received bread which
the hogs refused, what may be supposed to have been the quality of that given to the
prisoners ?" — Gen. Jeremiah Johnson, in Star, Dec. 12, 1§36.

1 This is corroborated by Fox, who says : " The inside of the copper had become cor-
roded to such a degree that it was lined with a coat of verdigris," and that the effects
of this was evident " in the cadaverous countenances of those emaciated beings who
had remained on board for any length of time." He also says : " The Jersey, from her
size, and lying near the shore, was embedded in the mud ; and I do not recollect see-
ing her afloat during the whole time I was a prisoner. All the filth which accumu-
lated among upwards of a thousand men, were daily thrown overboard, and would
remain there until carried away by the tide. The impurity of the water may be easily
conceived, and in this water our meat was boiled."

2 Sherburne (111) says : "The beef was all put into a large copper, perhaps five feet
square and four feet deep. The beef would fill the copper within a few inches of the

HISTOEY OP BROOKLYN. 343

the poisonous effects of meat boiled in the "great copper," prepared
their own food, by permission, separate from the general mess in
that receptacle. For this purpose, a great number of spikes and
hooks had been driven into the brick-work by which the boiler was
enclosed, on which to suspend their tin kettles. As soon as we
were permitted to go on deck in the morning, some one took the
tin-kettle belonging to the mess, with as much water and such splin-
ters of wood as we had been able to procure during the previous
day,1 and carried them to the galley ; and there, having suspended

top ; the copper was then filled up with water, and the cover put on. Our fuel was
green chestnut. The cook would commence his fire by seven or eight in the morning,
and frequently he would not get his copper to boil until twelve o'clock , and sometimes,
when it was stormy weather, it would be two or three o'clock. I have known it to be
the case that he could not get it to boil in the course of the day. Those circumstances
might sometimes be owing to a want of judgment in the cooks, who were frequently
exchanged. These misfortunes in the cooks, would occasion many bitter complaints
and heavy curses from the half-starved, emaciated, and imperious prisoners. Each
mess would take its meat, thus half-cooked and divide it among themselves as it was.
A murmur is heard, probably in every mess, and from almost every tongue. The cook
is denounced, or perhaps declines any further service ; another volunteers his services,
and, probably, in a few days, shares the fate of his predecessors." John Van Dyck, a
prisoner on board the Jersey in May, 1780, says he went one day to draw the pork for
his mess, " and each one of us eat our day's allowance in one mouthful of this salt
pork, and nothing else." One day, called " pea-day," he went to the galley, with the
drawer of a sea-chest for a soup-dish, and " received the allowance of my mess ; and,
behold ! brown water and fifteen floating peas — no peas on the bottom of my drawer —
and this for six men's allowance for twenty-four hours. The peas were all on the bot-
tom of the kettle ; those left would be taken to New York, and, I suppose, sold. One
day in the week, called ' pudding-day,' three pounds of damaged flour ; in it would be
green lumps, such as the men could not eat ; and one pound of very bad raisins, one-
third sticks. We would pick out the sticks, mash the lumps of flour, put all, with
some water, in our drawer, mix our pudding and put it into a bag, with a tally tied to
it, with the number of our mess. This was a day's allowance." He also relates an
instance of cruelty on the part of Captain Laird, commander of the Jersey, who one
day ordered two half-hogshead tubs, in which the daily allowance of rum for the pris-
oners had been mixed into grog, to be upset on the main decks, in full view of the
famished wretches, whose feelings of disappointment, as they saw it run through the
ship's scuppers into the water, may be better imagined than described." Coffin also
says that, " on the upper deck of the Jersey, hogs were kept in pens, by those officers
who had charge of her, for their own use. They were sometimes fed with bran. The
prisoners, whenever they could get an opportunity, undiscovered by the sentries, would,
with their tin pots, scoop the bran from the troughs, and eat it (after boiling, when
there was fire in the galley, which was not always the case) with seemingly as good
an appetite as the hogs themselves."

1 Dring (p. 98) mentions that this was an article which could not be purchased from
the sutler, and the procuring of a sufficient quantity was " a continual source of trouble
and anxiety." Sometimes the cooks would steal small quantities, which they sold to

344 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

his kettle on one of the hooks or spikes in the brick-work, he stood
ready to kindle his little fire as soon as the cook or his mates would
permit it to be done. It required but little fuel to boil our food in
these kettles ; for their bottoms were made in a concave form, and
the fire was applied directly in the centre. And let the remaining
brands be ever so small, they were all carefully quenched " and kept
for future use." "Memory," says a survivor, "still brings before
me those emaciated beings, moving from the galley with their
wretched pittance of meat; each creeping to the spot where his
mess were assembled, to divide it with a group of haggard and
sickly creatures, their garments hanging in tatters around their
meagre limbs, and the hue of death upon their careworn faces. By
these it was consumed with their scanty remnants of bread, which
was often mouldy and filled with worms. And, even from this vile
fare they would rise up in torments from the cravings of unsatisfied
hunger and thirst." The cook was the only one on board who had
much flesh upon his bones. He was also a prisoner, who, despair-
ing of ever regaining his liberty, had accepted his situation as one
which, at least, would keep him from starvation ; and, considering
the circumstances by which he was surrounded, displayed a com-
mendable degree of good humor and forbearance ; although when,
as sometimes happened, his patience became exhausted by the im-
portunities and trickeries of the starving crowd around him, he
would " make the hot water fly" among them.

The necessary routine of daily service on board the ship — such as

the prisoners ; and Dring mentions that once, while assisting at the burial of one of his
comrades, he found a hogshead stave floating in the -water, which furnished his mess
with fuel for a considerable time. At another time he managed to steal a stick of
wood from a quantity which was being taken on board for the ship's use, by wliich his
mess " were supplied with a sufficient quantity for a long time, and its members were
considered by far the most wealthy persons in all this republic of misery." The mode
of preparing the wood for use, was to cut it with a penknife into pieces about four
inches long. This labor occupied muph of their time, and was performed by the differ-
ent members of the mess, in rotation ; being an employment to them of no little
pleasure. The quantity thus prepared for the next day's use was deposited in the
chest, while the main stock was jealously guarded, day and night, by its fortunate
owners, who even went into mathematical calculations, to ascertain how long it would
probably last, if used in certain daily quantities. In a similar manner, by obliging
each member of the mess to save a little each day for the common stock, a small sup-
ply of fresh water was secured and carefully hoarded in the chest.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 345

washing the upper decks and gangways, spreading the awning, hoist-
ing the wood, water, and other supplies which were brought along-
side, etc. — was performed by a " working-party" of about twenty of
the prisoners, who received, as a compensation, a full allowance of
provisions, a half-pint of rum, and, what was more desirable than all
else, the privilege of going on deck early in the morning, to breathe
the pure air. When the prisoners ascended to the upper deck in
the morning, if the day was fair, each carried up his own hammock
and bedding, which were placed upon the spar-deck, or booms. The
sick and disabled were then brought up by the working party, and
placed in bunks prepared upon the centre deck; the corpses
of those who had died the night before were next brought up from
below and placed upon the booms, and then the decks were washed
down. The beds and clothing were kept on deck until about two
hours before sunset, when the prisoners were ordered to carry them
below. " After this had been done," says Dring, " we were allowed
either to retire between decks, or to remain above, until sunset,
according to our own pleasure. Every thing which we could do
conducive to cleanliness having then been performed, if we ever felt
any thing like enjoyment in this wretched abode, it was during this
brief interval, when we breathed the cool air of the approaching
night, and felt the luxury of our evening pipe. But short, indeed,
was this period of repose. The working-party were soon ordered to
carry the tubs below, and we prepared to descend to our gloomy and
crowded dungeons. This was no sooner done, than the gratings
were closed over the hatchways, the sentinels stationed, and we
left to sicken and pine beneath our accumulated torments, with
our guards above crying aloud, through the long night, "All's
well !"

What these " accumulated torments" of the night were, may be best
understood from Dring's words : " Silence was a stranger to our
dark abode. There were continual noises during the night. The
groans of the sick and the dying ; the curses poured out by the
weary and exhausted upon our inhuman keepers ; the restlessness
caused by the suffocating heat and the confined and poisonous air,
mingled with the wild and incoherent ravings of delirium, were the
sounds which, every night, were raised around us in all directions."

346 HISTOEY OF BROOKLYN.

Frequently the dying, in the last mortal throes of dissolution, would
throw themselves across their sick comrades, who, unable to remove
the lifeless bodies, were compelled to wait until morning before
they could be freed from the horrid burden. Dysentery, small-pox,
yellow fever, and the recklessness of despair, soon filled the hulk
with filth of the most disgusting character. " The lower hold," says
Andros. " and the orlop deck, were such a terror, that no man
would venture down into them. Humanity would have dictated a
more merciful treatment to a band of pirates, who had been con-
demned and were only awaiting the gibbet, than to have sent them
here." * And, again : " Utter derangement was a common symptom
of yellow-fever, and to increase the horror of the darkness that
shrouded us (for we were allowed no light betwixt decks), the voice
of warning would be heard, ' Take heed to yourselves ; there is a
madman stalking through the ship, with a knife in his hand.' I
sometimes found the man a corpse in the morning, by whose side I
laid myself down at night. At another time he would become de-
ranged and attempt, in darkness, to rise, and stumble over the bodies
that everywhere covered the deck. In this case, I had to hold him
in his place by main strength. In spite of my efforts, he would
sometimes rise, and then I had to close in with him, trip up his
heels, and lay him again upon the deck. While so many were sick
with raging fever, there was a loud cry for water ; but none could
be had, except on the upper deck, and but one allowed to ascend at
a time. The suffering then from the rage of thirst during the night,
was very great. Nor was it at all times safe to attempt to go up.
Provoked by the continual cry for leave to ascend, when there was
already one on deck, the sentry would push them back with his
bayonet." 2 This guard, which usually numbered about thirty, was

1 Old Jersey Captive, p. 16.

2 William Burke, a prisoner on board the Jersey for about fourteen months dur-
ing the Revolution, says: "During that time, among other cruelties which were
committed, I have known many of the American prisoners put to death by the
bayonet : in particular, I well recollect, that it was the custom on board the ship for
but one prisoner at a time to be admitted on deck at night, besides the guards or
sentinels. One night, while the prisoners were many of them assembled at the grate
at the hatchway, for the purpose of obtaining fresh air, and waiting their turn to go
on deck, one of the sentinels thrust his bayonet down among them, and in the morn-
ing twenty-five of them were found wounded, and stuck in the head, and dead of the

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 347

relieved each week by a fresh party ; sometimes English — at others,
Hessians or refugees. The latter were, as might have naturally been
expected, most obnoxious to the prisoners, who could not bear the
presence of those whom they considered as traitors. The English
soldiers they viewed as simply performing their legitimate duty ;
and the Hessians they preferred, because they received from them
better treatment than from the others.

A very serious conflict with the guard occurred on the 4th of July,
1782, in consequence of the prisoners attempting to celebrate the day
with such observances and amusements as their condition permitted.
Upon going on deck in the morning, they displayed thirteen little na-
tional flags in a row upon the booms, which were immediately torn
down and trampled under the feet of the guard, which on that day hap-
pened to consist of Scotchmen. Deigning no notice of this, the pris-
oners proceeded to amuse themselves with patriotic songs, speeches,
and cheers, all the while avoiding whatever could be construed into
an intentional insult to the guard ; which, however, at an unusually
early hour in the afternoon, drove them below at the point of the
bayonet, and closed the hatches. Between decks, the prisoners now
continued their singing, etc., until about nine o'clock in the evening.
An order to desist not having been promptly complied with, the
hatches were suddenly removed, and the guards descended among
them, with lanterns and cutlasses in their hands. Then ensued a
scene of terror. The helpless prisoners, retreating from the hatch-
ways as far as their crowded condition would permit, were followed
by the guards, who mercilessly hacked, cut, and wounded every one
within their reach ; and then ascending again to the upper deck,
fastened down the hatches upon the poor victims of their cruel rage,
leaving them to languish through the long, sultry, summer night,
without water to cool their parched throats, and without lights by
which they might have dressed their wounds. And, to add to their
torment, it was not until the middle of the next forenoon that the
prisoners were allowed to go on deck and slake their thirst, or to

wounds they had thus -received. I further recollect that this was the case several
mornings, when sometimes five, sometimes six, and sometimes eight or ten, were found
dead by the same means." — Hist. Martyrs, 96.

348 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

receive tlieir rations of food, which, that day, they were obliged t
eat uncooked. Ten corpses were found below on the morning whic
succeeded that memorable 4th of July, and many others were bacU
wounded.

Equal to this, in fiendish barbarity, is the incident related by
Silas Talbot, as occurring on the Stromboli, while he was a prisoner
upon that ship. The prisoners, irritated by their ill treatment, rose
one night on the guard, " the commander being on shore, and sev-
eral, in attempting to escape, were either killed or wounded. The
captain got on board just as the fray was quelled, when a poor fel-
low lying on deck, bleeding, and almost exhausted by a mortal
wound, called him by name, and begged him, \for God's sake, a little
water, for he tvas dying /' The captain applied a light to his face,
and directly exclaimed : ' What ! is it you, d — n you ? Tm glad you're
shot. If I knew the man that shot you, Td give him a guinea ! Take
that, you d — d rebel rascal /' and instantly dashed his foot in the face
of the dying man ! !" ' The conduct of the guards, indeed, accord-
ing to all accounts, seems to have been as brutal as it was possi-
ble to be, and was rivalled only by that of the nurses. These
nurses, numbering about six or eight, were prisoners, and, according
to universal testimony, were all thieves, who, callous to every senti-
ment of duty or humanity, indulged in card-playing and drink-
ing, while their fellows were entreating for water, and dying in
their sight for want of those attentions which they refused to give
them.

Not less revolting than these scenes of cruelty and distress, was
the manner in which the inanimate bodies of these martyred prison-
ers were hastily and indecorously consigned to the earth — in some

1 " Two young men, brothers, belonging to a rifle-corps, were made prisoners, and sent
on board the Jersey. The elder took the fever, and, in a few days, became delirious.
One night (his end was fast approaching), he became calm and sensible, and lamenting
his hard fate, and the absence of his mother, begged for a little water. His brother,
with tears, entreated the guard to give him some, but in vain. The sick youth was
soon in his last struggles, when his brother offered the guard a guinea for an inch of
candle, only that he might see him die. Even this was denied. ' Now,' said he, dry
ing up his tears, ' if it please God that I ever regain my liberty, I'll be a most bitter
enemy !' He regained his liberty, rejoined the army, and, when the war ended, he had
eight large, and one hundred and twenty-seven small notches on his rifle-stock !" — Med
Repos. Hex., ii., vol. iii., p. 72.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 349

cases, almost before they had become cold.1 Brought up each morning
by the working-party and placed upon the gratings of the upper deck ;
their glazed eyeballs staring upwards towards the heavens ; their
ghastly and pinched features contorted with the suffering through
which they had passed ; their bodies stiff, stark, and naked (for their
clothes, if they had any, were the perquisites of the so-called nurses),
these corpses of the night awaited the only remaining insult which
their captors could inflict upon them — the indignity of an unhonored
and unknown grave. Soon the dead-boat was seen approaching from
the Hunter, receiving her ghastly freight from the other vessels, on
her way to the Jersey. Upon her arrival alongside, each corpse was
laid upon a board, to which it was bound with ropes, a tackle at-
tached to the board, and the whole lowered over the ship's side into
the boat, without further ceremony. " The prisoners were always
very anxious to be engaged in the duty of interment ; not so much
from a feeling of humanity, or from a wish of paying respect to
the remains of the dead (for to these feelings they had almost be-
come strangers), as from the desire of once more placing their feet
upon the land, if but for a few minutes. A sufficient number of the
prisoners having received permission to assist in this duty, they en-
tered the boat, accompanied by a guard of soldiers, and put off from
the ship." Captain Dring, who assisted on one occasion of this sort,
thus describes the burial, which will afford a correct idea of the gen-
eral method of interment : " After landing at a low wharf, which had
been built from the shore, we first went to a small hut, which stood

1 Captain Coffin (Hist. Martyrs, p. 35) mentions " that a man of the name of Gavot, a
native of Rhode Island, died, as was supposed, and was sewed up in his hammock, and
in the evening carried upon deck to be taken with others who were dead, and those
who might die during the night, on shore to be interred (in their mode of interring).
During the night it rained pretty hard : in the morning, when they were loading the
boat with the dead, one hammock was observed by one of the English seamen to
move. He spoke to the officer, and told him that he believed the man in that ham-
mock (pointing to it) was not dead. 'In tcith him,' said the officer ; 'if lie is not dead,
he soon will be.' But the honest tar, more humane than his officer, swore he never
would bury a man alive, and with his penknife ripped open the hammock, when, be-
hold ! the man was really alive. What was the cause of this man's reanimation, is a
question for doctors to decide : it was at the time supposed that the rain, during the
night, had caused the reaction of the animal functions, which were suspended, but not
totally annihilated." This same man, Gavot, went afterwards in the same cartel with
Coffin to Rhode Island.

350 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

near the wharf, and was used as a place of deposit for the hand-
barrows and shovels provided for these occasions. Having placed
the corpses on the hand-barrows, and received our hoes and shovels,
we proceeded to the side of a bank near the Wallabout.1 Here a
vacant space having been selected, we were directed to dig a trench
in the sand, of a proper length for the reception of the bodies. We
continued oar labor until our guards considered that a sufficient
space had been excavated. The corpses were then laid into the
trench, without ceremony, and we threw the sand over them. The
whole appeared to produce no more effect upon our guards than if
we were burying the bodies of dead animals, instead of men. They
scarcely allowed us time to look about us ; for, no sooner had we
heaped the earth above the trench, than the order was given to march.
But a single glance was sufficient to show us parts of many bodies
which were exposed to view ; although they had probably been placed
there, with the same mockery of interment, but a few days before.2
Having thus performed, as well as we were permitted to do it, the

1 Sherburne (p. 109) says this was called the " Volley Bank."

2 Andros (p. 14) says : " The first object that met our view in the morning, was an
appalling spectacle — a boat loaded with dead bodies, conveying them to the Long
Island shore, where they were very slightly covered with sand. I- sometimes used to
stand and count the number of times the shovel was filled with sand to cover a dead
body. And certain I am, that a few high tides, or torrents of rain, must have disin-
terred them."

General Johnson (Recollections of Brooklyn and New York in 1776) says : " It was
no uncommon thing to see five or six dead bodies brought on shore in a single morn-
ing, when a small excavation would be dug at the foot of the hill, the bodies be cast
in, and a man with a shovel would cover them, by shovelling sand down the hill upon
them. Many were buried in a ravine of the hill ; some on the farm. The whole shore,
from Rennie's Point to Mr. Remsen's door-yard, was a place of graves ; as were also the
slope of the hill, near the house (subsequently dug away by Mr. John Jackson, and
whence he obtained the bones for the • Dvy^bone Procession') ; the shore from Mr. Rem-
sen's barn along the mill-pond, to Rapelje's farm, and the sandy island between the
floodgates and the mill-dam, while a few were buried on the shore on the east side of
the Wallabout. Thus did Death reign here, from 1776 until the peace. The whole
Wallabout was a sickly place during the war. The atmosphere seemed to be charged
with foul air from the prison-ships, and with the effluvia of the dead bodies washed out
of their graves by the tides. We believe that more than half of the dead buried on
the outer side of the mill-pond, were washed out by the waves at high tide, during
northeasterly winds. The bones of the dead lay exposed along the beach, drying and
bleaching in the sun, and whitening the shore, till reached by the power of a suc-
ceeding storm ; as the agitated waters receded, the bones receded with them into the
deep. * * * We have, ourselves, examined many of the skulls lying on the shora
From the teeth, they appeared to be the remains of men in the prime of life."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 351

last duty to the dead, and the guards having stationed themselves
on each side of us, we began reluctantly to retrace our steps to the
boat. We had enjoyed the pleasure of breathing for a few moments
the air of our native soil, and the thought of returning to the crowd-
ed prison-ship was terrible in the extreme. As we passed by the
water's side, we implored our guards to allow us to bathe, or even to
wash ourselves for a few minutes ; but this was refused us. I was
the only prisoner of our party who wore a pah' of shoes ; and well
recollect the circumstance, that I took them from my feet, for the
pleasure of feeling the earth, or rather the sand, as I went along.
It was a high gratification to us to bury our feet in the sand, and to
shove them through it, as we passed on our way. We went by a small
patch of turf, some pieces of which we tore up from the earth, and ob-
tained permission to carry them on board, for our comrades to smell
them. . . . Having arrived at the hut, we there deposited our imple-
ments, and walked to the landing-place, where we prevailed on our
guards, who were Hessians, to allow us the gratification of remaining
nearly half an hour, before we re-entered the boat. Near us stood a
house, occupied by a miller ; and we had been told that a tide-mill,
which he attended, was in its immediate vicinity ; as a landing-place
for which, the wharf where we stood had been erected. It would
have afforded me a high degree of pleasure to have been permitted
to enter this dwelling, the probable abode of harmony and peace.
It was designated by the prisoners by the appellation of the ' Old
Dutchman's ;' and its very walls were viewed by us with feelings of
veneration, as we had been told that the amiable daughter of its
owner had kept a regular account of the number of bodies which
had been brought on shore for interment from the Jersey and the
hospital-ships. This could easily be done in the house, as its windows
commanded a fair view -of the landing-place. We were not, how-
ever, gratified on this occasion, either by the sight of herself or of
any other inmate of the house. Sadly did we approach and re-enter
our foul and disgusting place of confinement. The pieces of turf
which we carried on board, were sought for by our fellow-prisoners
with the greatest avidity ; every fragment being passed by them
from hand to hand, and its smell inhaled, as if it had been a fragrant
rose."

352 HISTOEY OF BKOOKLYN.

We have already alluded to the poisonous and disgustingly impure
nature of the water in which the prisoners' food was cooked. Equally
deleterious in its effects was the water with which they were obliged
to slake their constant and tormenting thirst. This was contained in
a large water-butt, on the upper deck, and guarded by one of the
marines, with a drawn cutlass. From the copper ladles, chained to
the cask, the prisoners could drink as much as they pleased, but
were not allowed to carry away more than a pint at a time. Dring
estimates the daily consumption of water on board the Jersey at
about seven hundred gallons, and a large gondola was constantly
employed in conveying it from the Brooklyn shore.1 Brackish as
it was, when brought on board, the haste and exertions of every one
to procure a draught, gave rise to fearful scenes of confusion, which
often called for the interposition of the guard.2 So much of the
water as was not required for immediate use, was conveyed,
through leathern hose, into butts, placed in the lower hold of the
hulk ; and to this the prisoners had recourse, when they could pro-
cure no other. These butts had never been cleaned since they were
first placed there ; and the foul sediment which they contained, being
disturbed by every new supply which was poured in, rendered their

1 Dring (p. 91) presumes " that this water was brought from Brooklyn." Captain
Coffin (Hist, of Martyrs, p. 30) says it was brought from New York city, in a schooner
called the Belief — (well-named ; " for the execrable water and provisions she carried,
relieved many of my brave but unfortunate countrymen, by death, from the misery and
savage treatment they endured") — water which, he affirms, was worse than he had
ever seen on a three years' voyage to the East Indies; "water, the scent of which
would have discomposed the olfactory nerves of a Hottentot ; while within a cable's
length of the ship, on Long Island, there was running before our eyes, as though in-
tended to tantalize us, as fine, pure, and wholesome water as any man would wish to
drink." General Jeremiah Johnson, in his Bev. Becoll., states that the Jersey was
supplied daily from his spring, referred to above by Coffin. And this was probably
the case — the water being brought from New York only when the Wallabout spring
was temporarily exhausted, or when the boats were otherwise employed. Johnson
says : " The water-boat of the Jersey watered from the spring daily, when it could be
done. Four prisoners were usually brought on shore to fill the casks, attended by a
guard. The prisoners were frequently permitted to come to the house to get milk and
food, and often brought letters privately from the ship. By these the sufferings on
board were revealed. Supplies of vegetables were frequently collected by Mr. Bern-
sen (the benevolent proprietor of the mill) for the prisoners ; and small sums of money
were sent on board by the writer's father to his friends, by means of these watering
parties."

2 Dring (p. 92), and Boswell Palmer, in Dawson's Dring (p. 179), and others.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 353

contents a compound of the most disgusting and poisonous nature,1
to which is directly attributable the death of hundreds of the prison-
ers on the Jersey.

Near the Jersey, as before mentioned, lay three hospital-ships — the
Scorpion, Stromboli, and Hunter — of whose interiors Dring (who,
more fortunate than others, managed to maintain his health) says he
could only form some idea " from viewing their outward appearance,
which was disgusting in the highest degree." Their condition was
probably preferable, in many respects, to that of the Jersey, as they
were less crowded, and were provided with awnings, and with wind-
sails at each hatchway, for the purpose of conducting the fresh air
between decks, where the sick were placed ; and, what was still
better, the hatchways were left open during the night,2 the keepers
having no apprehension of any danger from the feeble wretches
under their control. Every day {when the weather icas good) a visit-
ing surgeon from the Hunter — which was the station of the medical
staff, etc. — came over to the Jersey and examined the sick who
were able to present themselves at the gangway, on the upper deck.
If a sick man was pronounced by the surgeon to be a proper subject
for removal to the hospital-ship, he was hurried into the boat in
waiting alongside — not being allowed to go below for the purpose of
getting his clothes or effects (if he had any), which became the
spoils of the nurses. The condition of the hospital-ships, however,
was scarcely less crowded, filthy, and uncomfortable than that of
the Jersey itself. Insufficient clothing, scarcity of blankets, the
want of dry fuel to keep up even the small fires that were allowed,
caused great suffering among the patients,8 whose only provision

1 Mr. Palmer (Dawson's Dring, p. 72) also mentions this water taken from the hold
of the vessel, which was " ropy as molasses."

2 Sherburne's experience (p. Ill) on board the Frederick hospital-ship, Freneau's on
the Hunter, and that of Coffin on the John, contradicts this.

3 Sherburne, who was a patient on the Frederick in January, 1783, says (p. 114) :
" My bunk was directly against the ballast-port : and the port not being caulked, when
there came a snow-storm, the snow would blow through the seams on my bed ;" which,
however, he esteemed an advantage, when he could not otherwise procure water to
quench his thirst. The sufferings which he endured from that cause alone, left their
effects upon him until his death. He also mentions that a man near him in the ship
was taken sick, and, while in that condition, had his feet and legs so badly frozen, that,
at length, while they were being dressed, the toes and bottoms of his feet sloughed off

28

354 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN

■was a gill of ordinary wine, and twelve ounces of musty and poorly-
baked bread, per day. The surgeons visited the ships only once in
several days, their manner was indifferent and even unfeeling, their
stay on board very brief, and their medicines very sparingly be-
stowed.1 The greatest neglect was exhibited by the nurses, of
whose conduct all our authorities speak in terms of indignant repro-
bation. These nurses seemed to take more interest in the death of
their patients than in relieving their wants, and scarcely waited for
the breath to leave their bodies before they despoiled them of their
blankets, clothes, and even their hair. By day their duties were
most carelessly performed, and with a heartlessness which added
additional pangs to the sufferings of those who depended upon their
assistance ; but at night there was " not the least attention paid to
the sick and dying, except what could be done by the convalescent ;

from the bone and hung only by the heel. Coffin also says, that " many of the pris-
oners, during the severity of winter, had scarcely clothes sufficient to cover their
nakedness, and but very few enough to keep them warm. To remedy those incon-
veniences, we were obliged to keep below, and either get into our hammocks or keep
in constant motion — without which precautions, we must have perished."

1 Sherburne (p. 116). "Freneau, who, as a patient on the Hunter, had ample means
of knowing whereof he spoke, has pictured, in scathing rhyme, the unfeeling conduct
of these medical men.

" ' From Brooklyn heights a Hessian doctor came,
Not great his skill, nor greater much his fame ;
Fair Science never called the wretch her son,
And Art disdained the stupid man to own.
*****

He on his charge the healing work begun

With antimonial mixtures, by the ton ;

Ten minutes was the time he deign 'd to stay,

The time of grace allotted once a day. —

He drench'd us well with bitter draughts, 'tis true —

Nostrums from hell, and cortex from Peru.

Some with his pills he sent to Pluto's reign,

And some he blister'd with his flies of Spain ;

His Tartar doses walk'd their deadly round,

Till the lean patient at the potion frown'd,

And swore that hemlock, death, or what you will,

Were nonsense to the drugs that stuff d his bill.

On those refusing, he bestow'd a kick,

Or menac'd vengeance with his walking-stick.

Here, uncontroll'd, he exercis'd his trade,

And grew experienc'd by the deaths he made.' "

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 355

who were so frequently called upon, that in many cases they over-
did themselves, relapsed, and died."

Sherburne, mentions the sad case of two brothers, John and
Abraham Fall, who lay sick upon a cot near his own. One night,
when thus left to suffer in the darkness of this foul and miserable
ship, Abraham Fall plead with his brother John to get off from him ;
and the sick around swore at John for his cruelty in lying on his
brother ; but John made no reply, he was deaf to the cries of his
brother, and beyond the curses of the suffering crowd. In the
morning he was found dead ; and his brother Abraham, whose ex-
hausted strength had given way under the pressure of the corpse,
was in a dying state. The sick were unable to relieve them, and
the nurses were not there.

Captain Dring also describes the case of a poor boy, only twelve
years old, confined with him on the Old Jersey, and who had been
inoculated for the small-pox. " He was a member of the same mess
with myself," Dring says, "and had always looked upon me as a
protector, and particularly so during his sickness. The night of his
death was a truly wretched one to me ; for I spent almost the whole
of it in perfect darkness, holding him during his convulsions ; and it
was heart-rending to hear the screams of the dying boy, while call-
ing and imploring, in his delirium, for the assistance of his mother
and other persons of his family. For a long time, all persuasion
or argument was useless to silence his groans and supplications.
But exhausted nature at length sunk under its agonies ; his screams
became less piercing, and his struggles less violent. In the mid-
night gloom of our dungeon, I could not see him die, but knew, by
placing my hand over his mouth, that his breathings were becom-
ing shorter ; and thus felt the last breath as it quitted his frame.
The first glimmer of morning light through the iron grate fell upon
his pallid and lifeless corpse." "

The Jersey became, at length, so crowded, and the increase of
disease among the prisoners so rapid, that even the hospital-ships
were inadequate for their reception. In this emergency, bunks were
erected on the larboard side of the upper deck of the Jersey, for the

1 Dring's Narrative, p. 84.

356 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

accommodation of the sick from between decks. The horrors of the
old hulk were now increased a hundred-fold. Foul air, confine-
ment, darkness, hunger, thirst, the slow poison of the malarious
locality in which the ship was anchored, the torments of vermin, the
suffocating heat alternating with cold, and, above all, the almost total
absence of hope, performed their deadly work unchecked. " The
whole ship, from her keel to the taffrail, was equally affected, and
contained pestilence sufficient to desolate a world — disease and death
were wrought into her very timbers."

Notwithstanding the increasing mortality on board the Jersey, new
arrivals more than supplied the vacancies occasioned by death, and
the ship became unbearably crowded. In their despair, the prison-
ers, early in June, 1782, bethought themselves of petitioning General
Clinton, then in command at New York, for permission to transmit
a memorial to General Washington, describing their pitiable condi-
tion, and soliciting his influence in then behalf. The favor was
unexpectedly granted by the British general, and three messengersj
chosen by the crew from among their own number, were authorized
to leave the ship on this embassy. In addition to the written me-
morial which they bore, they were directed to state, in a manner
more explicit than they dared to commit to paper, the peculiar hor-
ror of their situation ; the miserable food and water on which they
were obliged to subsist; and to promise him that if their release
could be procured, they would gladly enter the American army, and
serve during the remainder of the war as soldiers.

In a few days after, the prisoners were summoned to the spar-
deck to listen to the reading of General Washington's reply; in
which he expressed his deepest sympathy with their condition, and
his determination to mitigate its severities by every means within
his power. To the messengers personally, he had fully explained
that their long detention in captivity was owing to a combination of
circumstances against which it was very difficult, if not impossible, to
provide. " That, in the first place, but little exertion was made on
the part of our countrymen to secure and detain their British prison-
ers, for the purpose of exchange ; many of the British seamen being
captured by privateers, on board which, he understood, it was a
common practice for them to enter as seamen ; and that, when this

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 357

was not the case, they were usually set at liberty as soon as the pri-
vateer arrived in- port ; as neither the owners, nor the town or State
where they were landed, would be at the expense of their confine-
ment and maintenance ; and that the officers of the General Govern-
ment only took charge of those seamen who ivere captured by the vessels in
the public service. All which circumstances combined to render the
number of British prisoners at all times by far too small for a regu-
lar and equal exchange." Copies of the correspondence on the sub-
ject with the British authorities were also submitted1 by the general,
whose interference was soon followed by an improvement in their
fare — especially in the quality of the bread, and in the furnishing of
butter instead of rancid oil. An awning was also provided, as well as
a wind-sail, for the conducting of fresh air between the decks during
the day — which, however, was of no advantage during the nights, as
the keepers continued to fasten down the hatchways after dark. To
their other privations, the prisoners were obliged to submit, hoping —
almost against hope — that further favors might possibly be granted,
although they saw " but little prospect of escaping from the raging
pestilence, except through the interposition of Divine Providence."

There was, indeed, one condition upon which these hapless suffer-
ers might have escaped the torture of this slow but certain death,
and that was enlistment in the British service. This chance was
daily offered to them by the recruiting officers who visited the ship,
but whose persuasions and offers were almost invariably treated
with contempt, and that, too, by men who fully expected to die
where they were.2 In spite of untold physical sufferings, which

1 The whole correspondence between the American and British authorities, relative
to the condition of the American prisoners in the hulks, will be found in Dawson's
Dring (Appendix I). From these letters, it will be seen that Washington had not been
unmindful of the sufferings of his unfortunate countrymen — his first letter to the Brit-
ish authorities being dated in January 25, 1781 ; — but his authority in the premises
was limited, the real power to negotiate for the exchange of naval prisoners being
vested not in him, but in the Financier of the American Government. Exchanges
between the belligerents were to be made in kind; and owing, as above stated, to the
course pursued by those engaged in privateering, in releasing captives without parole,
or enlisting them in the American service, our Government had but few naval prison-
ers to offer ; while, to accept the enemy's offer to receive soldiers in exchange, would,
by furnishing him immediate re-enforcements in the field, have been subversive of the
interests of the United States.

2 Coffin, Dring, and others.

358 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

might well have shaken the resolution of the strongest ; in spite of
the insinuations of the British that they were neglected by their
Government — insinuations which seemed to be corroborated by the
very facts of their condition ; in defiance of threats of even harsher
treatment, and regardless of promises of food and clothing — objects
most tempting to men in their condition ; but few, comparatively,
sought relief from their woes by the betrayal of their honor.1 Arid
these few went forth into liberty followed by the execrations and
undisguised contempt of the suffering heroes whom they left behind.
It was this calm, unfaltering, unconquerable spirit of patriotism —
defying torture, starvation, loathsome disease, and the prospect of a
neglected and forgotten grave — which sanctifies to every Ameri-
can heart the scene of their suffering in the "Wallabout, and which
will render the sad story of the " prison-ships" one of ever-increasing
interest to all future generations. " They chose to die, rather than
injure the Republic. And the Republic hath never yet paid them the
tribute of gratitude /"

At the expiration of the war, the prisoners remaining on board the
" Old Jersey" were liberated, and the old hulk, in whose " putrefac-
tive bowels" so many had suffered and died, was abandoned where
she lay. " The dread of contagion prevented every one from ventur-
ing on board, and even from approaching her polluted frame. But
the ministers of destruction were at work. Her planks were soon
rilled with worms, who, as if sent to remove this disgrace to the name
of our common humanity, ceased not from their labor, until they
had penetrated through her decaying bottom ; through which the
water rushed in, and she sunk. With her went down the names of
many thousands of our countrymen, with which her inner planks and
sheathing were literally covered ; for but few of her inmates had ever

1 Coffin (Hist. Martyrs, p. 35) says he never knew of but one who so enlisted. Fox,
however, admits that some did enter the British service, and was himself one of a small
party who enlisted thus for garrison duty in Jamaica — a step which they all bitterly
repented afterwards. We have also similar testimony from other sources ; yet these
were but rare exceptions to the pure spirit of patriotic heroism displayed, in so sur-
prising a degree, by the great mass of the sufferers in the prison-ships.

In many cases, forcible impressment of our brave sailors was practised by the British
(see Fox, pp. 134, 135), and was justly characterized by Washington, in a letter to Lord
Howe, in 1777, as " unprecedented."

HISTOKY OF BROOKLYN. 359

neglected to add their own names to the almost innumerable cata-
logue. Could these be counted, some estimate might now be made of
the whole number who were there immured ; but this record has long
since been consigned to eternal oblivion," and the precise number of
these unknown martyrs who perished in the prison-ships, and were
buried in the loose sands of the lonely Wallabout, will probably never
be accurately known. It was estimated, shortly after the close of the
war, when the data were more easily attainable than now, that up-
wards of eleven thousand died in the Jersey alone!1 The statement
was never denied, either officially or by those then resident in New
York and elsewhere, who, from their connection with the British
Commissary department, had full opportunities of knowing the
truth. Calculating, as we safely may, the deaths on board the Jer-
sey as averaging five a day, during the time (1779-80 — April, 1783)
she was occupied as a prison-ship,2 and adding thereto the large
number transferred from her to the hospital-ships, where they died,
as well as the hundreds exchanged from time to time, and who

1 This estimate of 11,000, or, as elsewhere stated, 11,500, whether correct or not,
undoubtedly originated in the following newspaper paragraph :

" Fishkill, May 8, '83.

"TO ALL PRINTERS OP PUBLIC NEWSPAPERS.
" Tell it to the world, and let it be published in every newspaper throughout Amer-
ica, Europe, Asia, and Africa, to the everlasting disgrace and infamy of the British
King's commanders at New York : That during the late war, it is said, 11,644 Ameri-
can prisoners have suffered death by their inhuman, cruel, savage, and barbarous usage
on board the filthy and malignant British prison-ship, called the Jersey, lying at New
York. Britons, tremble, lest the vengeance of Heaven fall on your isle, for the blood of
these unfortunate victims. An American."

2 Bring (p. 123) says : " The average number who died on board, during the period
of twenty-four hours, was about five." Freneau, in his stinging rhyme (The British
Prison-ship) says:

" Each day, at least six carcases we bore,
And scratch'd them graves along the sandy shore."
Talbot (p. 106) states that while he was on board the Jersey, the number of deaths
was reduced, by cool and dry nights (it being then October) to an average of ten,
and this number was considered by the survivors but a small one when compared
with the terrible mortality which had prevailed in the ship for three months pre-
viously ! Johnson says, " it was no uncommon thing to see five or six dead bodiea
brought on shore in a single morning." A letter from the Jersey, published in the
Perm. Packet, of Sept. 4th, 1781, says: "We bury six, seven, eight, nine, ten, and
eleven men in a day ; we have two hundred more sick and falling sick every day."
And similar testimony on this point could be adduced ad infinitum.

360 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

reached home only in time to die,1 — the above estimate does not seem
exaggerated if applied to the mortality, not of the Jersey alone, but
of all the prison-ships.

The Prison-ships, as we have already seen, were condemned ves-
sels of war, totally unsuitable for places of confinement ; and, while
the abstract right of the enemy to use them as such is unquestion-
able,2 yet there was not the least necessity of so doing, when, within
a stone's throw, were broad acres of unoccupied land, much better
suited for the purpose. Neither was there any real or pretended
necessity for resort to the extreme measures which were adopted
towards the American naval prisoners. It is true that, according
to the law of nations, their claims for consideration, as subjects in
rebellion, were not as great as those of captives taken in solemn
war ; yet it is equally true that the main object of the war — the sup-
pression of rebellion — did not justify the severity of treatment which
these prisoners received, and which transcended that higher " law of
humanity," which every nation is bound to observe and respect. It
is evident that the Jeksey, which had once accommodated a crew of
over four hundred, with full armament, supplies, etc., might, without

1 At New London, in February, '79, arrived a cartel of one hundred and thirty of
these poor victims of the prison-ships. In such condition were these men placed
on board the cartel, that, in the short run between New York and New London,
sixteen died on board ; and sixty, when they landed, were scarcely able to move,
while the remainder were much emaciated. In November, 1781, one hundred and
thirty-two prisoners arrived from the prison-ships, "mostly sick." In December
of the same year, one hundred and thirty prisoners landed from New York, " in most
deplorable condition ; great part since dead, and the survivors so debilitated that
they will drag out a miserable existence. It is enough to melt the most obdurate
heart to see these miserable objects landed at our wharves, sick and dying, and the
few rags they have on covered with vermin and their own excrements." At New Lon-
don, in December, '78, nearly one hundred and seventy -two American prisoners arrived
from New York, the "greater part sickly and in most deplorable condition, owing
chiefly to the ill-usage in their prison-ships, where numbers had their feet and legs
froze."

Lieutenant Catlin, who was placed with two hundred and twenty-five men on board
the Glasgow, to be sent to Connecticut as an exchange, says they were aboard eleven
days, without fire, and with even less food than before ; and that twenty-eight died
during the passage, from cold and ill-usage. Multitudes of such cases could be quoted.

2 In evidence that the Americans did not question this right, we may cite the fact
that, in 1782, a vessel, fitly named the Retaliation, was fitted up as a prison-ship,
moored in the Thames river, near New London, Conn., and used as a place of confine-
ment for captured British seamen.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 361

her stores, dismantled, and anchored in a protected situation, have
easily been made comfortable for even the thousand prisoners which
she is said to have averaged. That she was not so, and that she
became a "festering plague-spot," was attributable largely to the
conduct of those inferior officers under whose immediate care the
prisoners were placed ; and who, by their disregard of the policy of
their Government, their avaricious and shameful mal-appropriation
of the supplies placed at their disposal by that Government for the
use of the prisoners, and their frequent and uncalled-for severity,
unnecessarily increased the sufferings which they should have miti-
gated.

There is ample evidence, moreover, in the various narratives ex-
tant concerning the prison-ships, that the prisoners themselves —
demoralized by the accumulation of suffering to which they were
subjected — were accountable, to a considerable extent, for much of
their own suffering.1 The same narratives also, when divested of
the vindictiveness and exaggeration to which their writers not unnat-
urally gave expression, furnish incontestable evidence that prisoners
were, in some instances, treated with more consideration than is
generally supposed. Friends were permitted to visit them and

1 For example, although the leakage of the Jersey rendered necessary the frequent
use of the pumps to keep her from sinking in the soft mud of the Wallabout, yet we
have the testimony of Andros (p. 9) that the prisoners were only forced up to the
winches, and to keep the pumps in motion, by the intimidation of an armed guard.
He also states (p. 16) that " the prisoners were furnished with buckets and brushes to
cleanse the ship, and with vinegar to sprinkle her inside ; out their indolence and despair
were such that they would not use them, or out rarely."

According to Dring, soon after the Jersey began to be used as a place of confinement,
the prisoners established a code of by-laws for their own regulation and government —
especially as regarded personal cleanliness, the prevention of profanity, drunkenness
and theft, the observance of the Sabbath, etc. For a long time these laws were scrupu-
lously observed ; but, as numbers constantly increased, and sickness, despair, and harsh
treatment began to have their full measure of influence upon the prisoners, they exhib-
ited the demoralization of despair ; and though the rules against theft, fighting, tyran-
nical conduct, etc., were still enforced, it was not so much from principle, as from an
instinct of self-preservation. Hawkins (p. 67) mentions a case of punishment inflicted
by the prisoners of the Jersey upon one of their number, which was terribly severe.

The prisoners, also, rendered desperate by their sufferings, took no pains to conciliate
their keepers ; but, according to all accounts, showed an evident disposition to annoy
the guard, the cook, and even the old marines who guarded the water-butt, and who
always repaid these petty annoyances with interest, thus adding materially to the incon-
veniences and horrors of their situation. Fox and others give many instances of this.

362 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

to furnish tliein with articles necessary to promote their com-
fort ; ' correspondence, under proper restrictions, was allowed with
their families ; in some cases they were allowed to visit their homes,
on their simple word of honor to return at a specified time ;2 and
even the reading of the funeral-service was not refused when de-
sired.3 From these well-substantiated facts, it is evident that the
cruelties endured by the unfortunate inmates of the prison-ships,
were not systematized aggravations practised by a great and civil-
ized Government ; but the result, generally, of avarice, indolence,
indifference, and unwarrantable abuse of power by hirelings, "clothed
with a little brief authority," — a class proverbially despotic, cruel,
and inhuman in then- treatment of the helpless.

Time has softened the asperities engendered by the conflict of the
Revolution ; and our own recent national experiences in the sup-
pression of a similar revolt, have largely tended to dispel the historic
glamour which has hitherto veiled the events of that period. De-
plorable as some of these events were, and totally inexcusable on
the ground either of justice or humanity, we can, at this time, bet-
ter appreciate their causes, and understand — although we cannot
excuse — the motives of the real actors therein. And, although His-
tory cannot blot out from her imperishable pages the sad story of
the prison-ships, yet Charity forbids that Vengeance should dictate
the record against those who — however harshly their actions may
be judged by man — have gone to receive their judgment before
a Superior Tribunal.

Although not in strict chronological sequence, we deem it ap-
propriate to conclude this chapter with a narrative of the numer-
ous abortive attempts to secure for the remains of these untold
and unknown heroes of the prison-ships, a fitting and permanent
place of sepulchre.

1 Sherburne (p. 116) mentions that, through the kindness of some of the benevolent
citizens of New York, all the sick on board the Frederick were constantly supplied
with a pint each of Bohea tea (well-sweetened with molasses) each day. See, also,
the Drowne correspondence, in Dawson's Dring, 173, and others.

2 See Drowne correspondence, 168 ; also other authorities in manuscript.

3 Ibid., 171.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 363

For several years after the close of tlie Revolution, the bones of
those who died on board the prison-ships were to be seen, scarce
earthed in the falling banks of the Wallabout, or strewn upon its
shores, and bleaching beneath the winter's storm and the summer's
scorching sun. And though, during this period, several patriotic
individuals called the attention of Congress and of the public to
these exposed and neglected remains,1 yet no formal movement
seems to have been made towards their proper interment until 1792,
when the citizens of the town of Brooklyn, at an annual town meet-
ing, resolved that the bones disinterred and collected by Mr. John
Jackson2 (who had recently become the owner of the "Remsen

1 Among others, Joseph P. Cook, a member (from Connecticut) of Congress then in
session in New York, writing under date of June 3d, 1785, from his lodgings in Brook-
lyn, near the Wallabout, says : " Soon after we came to live on Long Island, several
of us took a walk that way, and were struck with horror at beholding a large number
of human bones, some fragments of flesh not quite consumed, with many pieces of old
blankets, lying upon the shore. In consequence of a representation made to Congress,
they were soon after taken up and buried. But walking along the same place, not
many days ago, we saw a number more which were washed out ; and attempting to
bury them ourselves, we found the bank full of them."

2 John Jackson, a native of Jerusalem, Queens County, L. I., removed with his
brothers, Samuel and Treadwell, to the village of Brooklyn, shortly after the close of
the Revolution. It is probable that the brothers were possessed of some means, for
they soon purchased large estates in Brooklyn, which could, at that early period, be
had at very low prices. John Jackson, about 1791, purchased the large and valuable
farm then known as the " Remsen estate," situated on the Wallabout, and comprising
about thirty acres of land and thirty-five acres of pond, together with the old mill and
dwelling-house — for which he paid the sum of $17,000. It was in making improve-
ments on this farm that public attention seems first to have been attracted, by the dis-
interment of the remains of those buried from the prison-ships — large quantities of
bones being found in cutting away the high banks, which then formed the shore of
the bay. In the year 1801, Mr. Jackson sold to the United States forty acres of this
property, which has ever since been occupied by the Government as a navy-yard. In
other instances than this, also, Mr. Jackson appears in Brooklyn history mostly in the
character of a shrewd speculator — as the originator and President of the Wallabout
Bridge Company — as the builder of a saw-mill on the adjoining meadow, to be moved
by wind, which failed — as the vendor of a part of the same meadow (to Captain Isaac
Chauncey, of the U. S. N.), for the purpose of erecting thereon powder magazines ; but
the dampness of the place damaged the powder, and, consequently, the reputation of
the magazines. Indeed, in his sale of land and water privilege to the United States
for a navy-yard, he seems to have granted rather more of the mill-stream than his own
title fairly included, and to have covered the excess by an ambiguously worded deed,
which ultimately gave rise to some well-founded complaint on the part of the citizens
of the town — to which the said water privilege belonged — and to an extensive cor
respondence between them and the Secretary of the Navy. Mr. Jackson is deecribed,

364 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

farm" — on which they were situated) should be removed to and
buried in the graveyard of the Reformed Dutch church, and a
monument erected over them. A committee, of which General
Johnson was chairman,1 was appointed to carry the resolution into
effect ; but their application, in 1793, was refused by Mr. Jackson,
who, being a prominent politician and a Sachem of the then
influential Tammany Society, or Columbian Order, had conceived
the idea of turning to a political use, and to his personal aggran-
dizement, the large deposit of prison-ship remains of which he
had accidentally become the possessor. In accordance with this
plan, he subsequently offered to the Tammany Society an eligible
piece of land upon his property in the Wallabout, for the purpose of
erecting thereon a suitable sepulchre. The society accepted his
offer; and on the 10th of February, 1803, an eloquent memorial
was prepared, and presented by the learned and distinguished Dr.
Samuel L. Mitchell to the House of Representatives, then in session
in "Washington. From Congress, indeed, much was expected, as
the subject of the application to them was purely national, and one
which deeply interested the public sensibility. No measures were,
however, adopted by that honorable body, and the matter rested until
1808.2 Or. February 1st of that year it was again revived by the
Tammany Society, who appointed a Wallabout Committee, which
proceeded to take immediate steps towards effecting the long-talked-
of and long-neglected sepulture of the remains, of which upwards of
thirteen hogsheads had been collected. They initiated an extensive
correspondence, published a stirring appeal in the columns of the
public press, invited the cordial co-operation of their patriotic fellow-

by those who knew hini, as a large man, of coarse features and florid complexion, loud
spoken, energetic in liis movements, and an ardent politician.

1 This movement was undoubtedly made at the suggestion of General Jobnson himself.

5 In the interim, however, the patriotism of a private citizen, Mr. Benjamin Aycrigg,
reproved the hesitation of the Congress of a great people. As we learn from documents
published in the Transactions of the American Institute for 1852, Mr. Aycrigg, shocked
at the exposed condition of these remains, during the summer of 1805, made a written
contract with an Irishman living in the Wallabout, by which the latter was to " col-
lect all the human bones as far as may be without digging," and deliver the same to
Mr. A. at a stipulated price — which was done, and the remains thus collected formed a
portion of those which were subsequently interred in the vault erected by the Tam-
many Society. A biographical sketch of Mr. Aycrigg will be found in Stiles' privately
printed edition of the Hist. Account of the Interment of the Martyrs, etc., pp. 218-220.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

365

citizens in every part of the Union, and in various ways strove to
arouse a national interest in the sacred trust which had been con-
fided to their care. In this they were eminently successful, and the
nation, aroused by their appeal, touched by the memories which
clustered around those martyr graves amid the sand-hills of the
"Wallabout, and shamed, it may be, by a consciousness of its own too
great neglect, turned at last, with a quickened impulse of generous
affection, towards the work of providing for those honored remains a
place of final deposit.

Indeed, so unexpected was the zeal manifested by the public, and
so effective were the individual exertions made in behalf of this
object, that the committee were induced, at a much earlier period
than they had originally contemplated, to commence the building of
the vault. On Wednesday. April 13, 1808, the corner-stone was laid.
The imposing military and civic procession which took place on that
occasion formed at the old ferry (now Fulton ferry, Brooklyn), under
the directions of Major Aycrigg, Grand Marshal of the day, and
marched through Main, Sands, Bridge, York, and Jackson streets, to
the vault, on Jackson street, adjoining the Navy-yard.

Arriving at the latter place, the artillery were posted on an adja-
cent hill : the other parts of the procession took appropriate posi-
tions, and Benjamin Bomaine, Esq., Grand Sachem of Tammany,
assisted by the Wallabout Committee and the master-builders, laid
the corner-stone of the vault, upon which was the following inscrip-
tion :

"In tlie name of the Spirits of the Departed Free — Sacred to the
Memory of that portion of American Seamen, Soldiers, and Citizens who
'perished on hoard the Prison-ships of the British at the Wallabout during
the Revolution.

" This is the corner-stone of the vault erected by the Tammany
Society, or Columbian Order, which contains their remains. The
ground for which was bestowed by John Jackson. — Nassau Island,
season of blossoms. Year of the discovery the 316th, of the institu-
tion the 19th, and of American Independence the 32d, April 6, 1808." '

1 Jacob Vandervoort, John Jackson, Burdett Striker, Issachar Cozzens, Robert Town-
send, jr., Benjamin Watson, Samuel Cowdrey, Wallabout Committee. David & Wil-
liam Campbell, builders.

3(36 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

The completion of this ceremony was followed by national salutes
from the Marine Corps and the Artillery, and solemn music by the
bands. Then, before the procession and some two thousand citi-
zens gathered in a circle around the door of the vault, Joseph D.
Fay, Esq., a member of Tammany, pronounced a brilliant and elo-
quent oration over " the tomb of the Patriots." At the conclusion
of his address, the procession returned to the place of rendezvous at
the ferry, where they formed a circle around the Liberty-pole,1 near
the market, gave three cheers, and dispersed to their homes.

Upon the completion of the vault, the remains were removed
thereto on the 26th day of May following, with a civic and mili-
tary pageant unprecedented for splendor and impressiveness, and
which was witnessed, as then estimated, by upwards of thirty thou-
sand persons.2 At the head of this procession rode a trumpeter,
mounted on a black horse, and dressed in black relieved with red,
wearing a helmet ornamented with flowing black and red feathers,
and bearing in his right hand a trumpet, from which was suspended
a black silk flag, edged with red and black crape, bearing the follow-
ing motto, in letters of gold :

MOETALS AVAUNT!

11,500

SPIRITS OF THE MARTYRED BRAVE

APPROACH THE TOMB OP HONOUR, OF GLORY, OF

VIRTUOUS patriotism!

He was followed by the Chief Herald, in full military dress, and

1 This Liberty-pole stood at the foot of Fulton street, Brooklyn, near the old market,
which finally came to be regarded as a nuisance, and was torn down one night, in 1814,
by a party of young «nen. The site of the market is now marked by the flag-staff
which stands in the middle of Fulton street, near the Ferry-house.

1 A full account of these ceremonies is given in a now rare volume, entitled, " An
Account of the Interment of the Remains of 11,500 American Seamen, Soldiers, and
Citizens, who fell victims to the cruelties of the British, on board their prison-ships at
the Wallabout, during the American Revolution, with a description of the grand and
solemn funeral procession, which took place on the 26th May, 1808, and an oration
delivered at the Tomb of the Patriots by Benjamin DeWitt, M. D., a member of the
Tammany Society, or Columbian Order ; compiled by the Wallabout Committee. New
York : Printed by Frank, White & Co. 1808 : 96 pages, 12mo." A very elegant edi-
tion, limited to one hundred and fifteen copies, was issued from the " Bradstreet Press,"
New York, in 1865, with notes and historical appendix, by the author of this history.

HISTOKY OF BROOKLYN. 367

mounted on an elegant white horse, richly caparisoned, bearing the
staff and cap of liberty, from which was suspended an elegant blue silk
shield, edged with red and black crape, the field covered with thir-
teen stars in gold, emblematic of the original American constellation.
Major Aycrigg, the son of a sufferer in the sugar-house, and Captain
Alexander Coffin, himself twice a sufferer in the prison-ships, acted
as his aids. The long line which followed was composed of cavalry,
artillery, infantry, the members of the Cincinnati; the clergy, the
Tammany Society, in the full and imposing regalia of their order, sur-
rounding the thirteen coffins filled with the remains of the prison-ship
dead, to which one hundred and four Kevolutionary veterans, headed
by the Hon. Samuel Osgood and the Hon. Henry Eutgers, acted as
pall-bearers ; the sailors, members of the Municipal, State, and Gen-
eral Governments, foreign diplomatists, societies, trades, Masons,
etc. The central feature of the procession, however, was the " Grand
National Pedestal" as it was called, consisting of an oblong square
stage, erected on a large truck-carriage, the margin of which repre-
sented an iron railing ; below this dropped a deep festoon, which
covered the wheels ; on the stage was a pedestal representing black
marble, eight feet long, six feet high, and four wide, the four panels
of which bore the following inscriptions :

(Front.)

AMERICANS! REMEMBER THE BRITISH.

(Right side.)

YOUTH OP MY COUNTRY! MARTYRDOM PREFER TO SLAVERY.

(Left side.)

sires of Columbia! transmit to posterity the cruelties
practised on board the british prison-ships.

(Rear.)
TYRANTS DREAD THE GATHERING STORM, —
WHILE FREEMEN, FREEMEN'S OBSEQUIES PERFORM.

From a staff on the top of the pedestal was displayed a superb
blue silk flag, eighteen feet by twelve, emblazoned with the arms of
the United States ; the staff itself, eighteen feet high, being crowned
by a globe, on which sat the American Bald Eagle, enveloped in a
cloud of crap*.

368 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

The " Genius of America" was represented by Josiah Falconer, a
member of the Tammany Society, and the son of a Revolutionary
patriot. His dress was a loose under-dress of light-blue silk, which
reached to his knees, over which was a long flowing white robe,
relieved by a crimson scarf and crape. He wore sandals on his
feet, and on his head a magnificent cap, adorned with the most ele-
gant feathers which could be obtained, all in the Mexican style.
On the stage and around the pedestal, stood nine young men, each
holding by a tassel the end of a cord connected with the flag. These
represented Patriotism, Honor, Virtue, Patience, Fortitude, Merit,
Courage, Perseverance, and Science, and were styled the " Attributes
of the Genius of America." They were all dressed in character,
with a plume of feathers in their hats, a white silk scarf, relieved
with crape ; and each wore a scarlet badge, edged with elegant dark-
blue silk fringe, in the shape of a crescent, inscribed in gold with
the name of the attribute which he represented ; and each held also
in his hand a blue silk banner, emblematic of the institution to
which he belonged. This beautiful structure was drawn by four
horses, dressed in ribbons and crape, and under the charge of two
postilions.

The procession, after passing through various streets, reached the
East Biver, where, at different places, boats had been provided for
crossing to Brooklyn. Thirteen large open boats transported the
thirteen tribes of the Tammany Society, each containing one tribe,
one coffin, and the pall-bearers. The Grand Sachem, Father of the
Council, and other officers not attached to tribes, accompanied by
the Chief Herald, his aids, and the Trumpeter, led the van, the
boats following in order. The car was embarked on board a vessel
specially constructed for the purpose, and transported under the
management of several masters of vessels, who volunteered their
services, the Genius and supporters retaining their positions. " This
beautiful structure," says the account, " in its passage attracted the
notice of every eye. From the current, it received a direction down
the river, which made its course circuitous, describing a line of per-
fect beauty ; the elegant standard floating in the wind, on which
were seen the badges of each society, the white robes loosely flowing
around the tall and graceful figure of the Genius, and the cloud-

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 369

colored pedestal which supported them, presented to the imagina-
tion of every beholder an object of the most pleasing admiration."
* * * " Fleets of small craft were seen industriously plying to
and from the city, extending from the southerly point of the city to
Corlaer's Hook.1 Pleasure-boats, with their colors waving half-mast
high, and streaming far out in the wind, were sailing swiftly up and
down the stream. Minute-guns were fired from all quarters. At a
distance were seen volumes of smoke wheeling up the sky, succeeded
in short intervals by the roaring of the cannon. The arms of the
military glistened in the sun from the heights of Corlaer's Hook ;
and on the hills of Brooklyn crowds of ladies eyed with serious con-
templation the vast grandeur of the scene. The waters of the East
Eiver foamed beneath the oars of a thousand boats, the sails of a
hundred vessels swelled to the breeze, and a mild sun seemed to
smile benignantly on the interesting scene."

At Brooklyn ferry the procession formed again, and being joined
by many citizens and ladies2 of Brooklyn, marched to the tomb
of the valiant. " It is impossible to describe the interesting effect
of the procession marching over the green hills of Brooklyn.3 The
colors of the military waved in the wind, changing and turning to
the sound of slow and most impressive music. High floated the flag
of America, as if triumphant that the stain of ingratitude was this
day to be wiped away. The procession streamed along the valley
and over the hill, and arrived at the tomb of the martyrs amidst a
vast and mighty assemblage. A stage had been here erected for
the orator, trimmed with black crape. The coffins were placed in
front, and the pall-bearers took their seats beneath the eye of the
orator. The Genius of America, ' high upon the car,' stood on his
right. The Tammany Society arranged itself before him, and citi-

1 Foot of Grand street, East River.

•2 « There, however, was displayed a lively mark of female patriotism and affection,
as well as ingenious portray of fancy in the circumstance of arranging a beautiful
group of ladies in the train of the Genius of Liberty. These fair daughters of Columbia
gave the tear of sensibility to the memory of the brave, and exhibited the undissem-
bling testimonial of virtuous hearts." — N. Y. Public Adv., May 27.

3 The ground around the present Navy-yard was, at the time of these ceremonies,
quite high ; *nd there were several eminences in the neighborhood, such as " Vinegar
Hill" and " McKenzie's One Tree Hill," any one of which would have formed advan-
tageous positions both for the artillery and the spectators.

24

370 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

zen behind citizen covered the plain and the hill as far as the pros-
pect extended. A detachment of the military marched to the south-
east bank of the East River with the cannon, from whence they fired
minute-guns for some time ; and were answered by the thunder of
artillery from Corlaer's Hook, Fort Jay, and other military posts.
As soon as the firing ceased, a solemn silence pervaded the multi-
tude, and expectation sat on every countenance — the tomb was open
to receive them — the remains of American Martyrs were about to
be honored with the rites of sepulture." Amid the impressive
silence which reigned, the Rev. Ralph "Williston addressed " the
God of Battles" in " a most solemn, eloquent, and pious supplica-
tion." Dr. Benjamin DeWitt then delivered the funeral oration,
which he had prepared at the request of the Tammany Society, in
a style and manner dignified, pathetic, and eloquent. " He de-
scribed the heroic fortitude with which the martyrs endured inde-
scribable misery, and while the audience listened to catch the rela-
tion, tears of sympathy bedimmed their eyes. It was a solemn and
sublime hour."

At the close of the oration, the coffins were deposited in the tomb,
the ceremonies were closed with the solemn benediction, " To the
King Immortal, Invisible, the All-wise God, be glory everlasting.
Amen !" and the procession returned to Brooklyn ferry, from whence
its passage to the city was pleasant and expeditious. It was formed
there again and proceeded to the Park, where a circle was formed,
the Car of Liberty and the standards of the different societies were
placed in the centre, and an air from the band was performed ; after
which, by a signal from the Grand Marshal, the procession was dis-
missed.

Thus ended the solemnities of a funeral procession which had
excited more interest than any other that had ever taken place in
America ; and which was, as the event proved, as grand in promise
as it was empty in result.

For awhile, after the temporary interment of the bones of the mar-
tyrs, there seemed to be no doubt that a nation's gratitude would be
converted into the gold which should build their monument. Tam-
many Hall flamed with excitement. Committees were appointed to
collect money, individuals proffered donations, the State itself con-

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 371

tributed one thousand dollars. But all this fervid excitement soon
collapsed. Tammany Hall, good at the beginning, did not keep up
the stimulus. Some money was collected, but scattered — no one
knew or cared where — private donations were not called for, and the
sum appropriated by the . State was finally returned to its treasury,
to be realized, it is hoped, with increase, at some future day, when
the patriotism of our people shall finally make amends for the long
delay of the past.

So the bubble burst — the tide of population so surged in upon
this favored region of Brooklyn, that the old elements were dissolved
in the current of new-comers, and the very purpose of this vault and
its wooden covering was well-nigh forgotten. In course of time,
by an alteration of the grade of Jackson street, the walls of the
vault were infringed upon ; and finally, the very lot on which it
stood was sold for taxes ! Then Benjamin Komaine, the treasurer of
the fund of 1808 — a true patriot, and fully earnest in his efforts to
secure a monument — came forward and bought it. He had been
himself a sufferer by imprisonment in the old sugar-house prison at
New York, and he now took pleasure in rescuing from desecration
the remains of those whose sufferings he had shared, and whose
memory he revered. He erected an ante-chamber over the vault,
and other appropriate adornments and inscriptions.1

1 These improvements, etc., are thus fully described in a little pamphlet published
by him on the 4th of July, 1839 :

The following inscriptions are now displayed in and about the sacred premises :

"First. The portal to the Tomb of 11,500 patriot prisoners of war, who died in dun-
geons and pestilential prison-ships, in and about the city of New York, during the War
of our Revolution. The top is capped with two large urns, in black, and a white
globe in the centre.

" Second. The interior of the tomb contains thirteen coffins, arranged in the order as
observed in the Declaration of Independence, and inserted thus — New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Dela-
ware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

" Third. Thirteen beautifully turned posts, painted white, each capped with a small
urn, in black ; and between the posts, the above-named States are fully lettered.

"Fourth. In 1778, the Colonial Congress promulgated the Federal League Compact,
though it was not finally ratified until 1781, only two years before the Peace of 1783.

"Fifth. In 1789, our grand National Convention, 'to form a more perfect union,' did
ordain ' the present Constitution for the United States of America,' to be one entire
sovereignty, and in strict adhesion to the equally necessary and sacred State rights.
Such a republic must endure forever !'

372 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

The better to prevent any further desecration of this, to him, hal-
lowed spot, Mr. Eomaine appropriated the tomb as a burial-place
for himself and his family, and with that intent, placed there, many
years before his death, the coffin in which he should be interred.

The interior of the tomb, at this time, has thus been well described
by an old resident of Brooklyn :l

"One Saturday of school-boy leisure for that 'mischief which
Satan finds for ' idle hands to do,' I determined to penetrate the
depth of this tomb, and sought the building, fully bent on gaining
the interior, and knowing all that could be revealed to the astonished
eye. This was not very difficult — the fastenings were loose — and
after some little toil, the exterior door swung open and revealed a
sort of vestibule, in which were a few plaster busts of distinguished
heroes, covered with the incrustations of dampness and neglect.
There were steps leading below into a vault. These I fearlessly

"Sixth. In the same year, 1789, in the city of New York, Washington began the
first Presidential career. The wide-spread Eagle of Union, with a gilded sun and
star in his beak, and standing erect on a globe, is now represented as waiting on
Washington's command, and then as instantly raising bis flight in the heavens, and,
like the orb of day, speedily became visible to half the globe. Washington had ap-
peared, uncovered, before the majesty of the people, under the canopy, in front of our
City Hall, when Chancellor Livingston administered to him the oath of office, and then
proclaimed, Long live George Washington ! The air was rent with shouts of acclamation,
and our goodly slap Union moved on our ways, a model for the Universe ! A witness
to this scene declared that it appeared to him that the hosts of heaven, at that moment,
were looking down with approbation on the act ; that he was deprived of utterance,
and could only wave his hat among the multitude. I was also a witness to the scene.
Then it was, at that moment, when our State sovereignty, not our equally sacred State
rights, ceased to exist, and the sovereign power was proclaimed to be invested in the
whole people of the United States, one and indivisible !

"Seventh. The Constitution of the United States consists of two parts — the supreme
sovereignty, and the unadulterated State rights, one and inseparable. It, has" no par-
allel except the sacred Decalogue of Moses, which proclaimed our duties to God and
man, one and indivisible, six thousand years ago.

" Eighth. In the ante-chamber of the tomb will be arranged the busts, or other in-
signia, of the most distinguished deceased military men and civilians of the Revolution.
The Governors and Legislatures of the old thirteen States, will confer a great favor by
sending them to Benjamin Romaine, No. 21 Hudson street, city of New York." — Review.

The Tomb of the Martyrs, adjoining the United States Navy-yard, Brooklyn city, in
Jackson street, who died in dungeons and prison-ships, in and about the city of New
York, during the seven years of our Revolutionary War. By Benjamin Romaine, an
old native citizen of New York. New York : Printed by C. C. & E. Childs, jr., 80 Vesey
street, 4th July, 1839. 8vo, pp. 7, and lithographic view of tomb, from which our
engraving is copied.

1 A. J. Spooner, Esq., in " Once-a-Week," Feb. 6, 1864.

THE TOMB OF THE MARTYRS.
(As restored by Mr Romaine, in 1839.)

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 373

descended, and then stood entranced and nearly paralyzed by a
sense of awe which has not left me to this day. Standing, chiefly
in perpendicular positions, around the vault, were thirteen immense
coffins, each having thereon the name of one of the thirteen original
States. I could see enough through interstices to show me that
these were filled with bones, and I knew I was standing in the midst
of that noble army of martyrs whose blood had gone up as a holy
and acceptable sacrifice on the altar of American freedom. I have
felt the thrill of other altar-places ; have felt deep emotions at the
grave, and sublime sensations upon the mountain-tops ; but I am
very sure that on no other occasion did I ever feel my whole nature
so elevated to a sense of majestic reverence, as in the presence of
that sublime and silent company. Besting on one or two of the
coffins which were laid horizontally, was one smaller coffin of the
ordinary size of one individual. This was vacant, but had upon its
lid the name of ' Benjamin Bomaine,' as if it was intended that some
person of this name yet walking among the liliputians of the earth
should, in his dust, be placed here to he among these giant patriots,
secure, if with them forgotten upon earth, to rise with them here-
after."

And there, in that vault, and in the coffin so long and so rever-
ently prepared, was buried Benjamin Bomaine (at his death in 1844,
at the advanced age of eighty-two) — fit sentinel of that group, who
performed deeds of heroic sacrifice, the worthiest which pen, pencil,
and monument can celebrate.1

1 Benjamin Romaine (or, as the name should be more properly spelled, Romeyn) was
of French extraction, and a native of New York. At the commencement of the Revo-
lutionary War he was a mere lad at school, preparing for admission to King's (now
Columbia) College, but upon the occupation of the city by the British army, his fa-
ther's family retired to the neighborhood of Hackensack, in New Jersey. His studies
being thus interrupted by " war's rude alarms," he enlisted in the American army, and
served several terms of six months each, finally attaining the rank of sergeant, and
was engaged in several hotly-contested skirmishes. He was finally taken prisoner, and
immured in two of the prisons in New York ; from which, after a confinement of seven
weeks, he was released, by exchange, in October, 1781. After the close of the war, his
family having suffered considerably in the loss of their property, young Romaine
opened a school for both sexes in New York, where he soon established a very good
reputation as a teacher — numbering among his pupils Washington Irving, Professor
John Anthon, the late Judge J. T. Irving, and others since distinguished in the literary
professional, and social circles of the city.

374 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Two years before his death, however, in the year 1842, the citi-
zens of Brooklyn, through a highly respectable committee, petitioned
the Legislature for leave to remove the bones, for the purpose of ap-

In the spring of 1797, being then about thirty years of age, the condition of his health
obliged him to relinquish teaching ; and as he had, by his economical habits and natu-
ral thrift, accumulated a competency sufficiently ample for his wants, he never after-
wards engaged in any regular business.

In politics he was a Democrat, and in 1808 was Grand Sachem of Tammany So-
ciety. He also held the office of Comptroller during the mayoralty of De Witt Clinton,
to which he formed an antipathy which made him a violent " bucktail," as the mem-
bers of the anti-Clinton wing of "Old Tammany" were called. In the War of 1812
he was a strong Jeffersonian, and sustained the vigorous prosecution of the war, during
which he held an important departmental position, with the rank of major.

During the latter portion of his life, Mr. Romaine employed himself in the care of
his extensive property in several parts of the city, and in literary pursuits. His read-
ing was chiefly confined to history, politics, and the science of government, and his
pen was constantly employed in contributing to the press (under the nom de plume of
" An Old Citizen") articles upon the passing and important topics of the day. In 1832
he published a pamphlet (State Sovereignty, and a Certain Dissolution of the Union.
By Benjamin Romaine, An Old Citizen of New York. To the Hon. John C. Calhoun,
now Vice-President of the United States. New York : J. Kennaday, Printer, No. 2
Dey street. 1832. 8vo, 54 pages.), in which he vigorously assailed the doctrine of State
rights as then advocated by the nulliriers of South Carolina, and with a prescience
which, in the light of recent events, seems most remarkable, foretells the consequences
of such principles.

In literary, as well as personal character, Mr. Romaine may be said to have been
distinguished, not so much for any personal range or brilliancy of intellect, as for
soundness of understanding, elevated views, and high moral integrity. Although Mr.
Romaine was not a professing Christian, but rather a moralist ; and although " Pope's
Essay on Man" (which he knew by heart) was probably a greater favorite with him
than the Bible, yet he respected and valued the ordinances of Christianity, and, in his
own life, was a bright exemplar of all its virtues. In his personal habits he was
remarkably cleanly and orderly ; liquor and tobacco, in any form, were very obnoxious
to him, and his manner of life was extremely simple, frugal, and temperate. Possess-
ing great pride of character, with very little vanity, he passed through life unostenta-
tiously, but with comfort to himself, and with the respect of others. His personal
appearance has been described as tall, slim, and commanding in figure, with great
vigor of body and motion, and with a countenance displaying seriousness mingled
with kindness and affability.

Indeed, this kindness of heart was always manifested, except when he came in con-
tact with Englishmen. Then his prejudices quickly and unmistakably manifested
themselves, and amusing stories are yet related of the rough manner in which he
would absolutely refuse to treat with any Englishman who applied to become a tenant
of any of his houses. In fact, the recollection of what he had suffered, and of the horrors
which he had witnessed in the British prisons, filled his mind with an intense hatred
of British rule, and of anything pertaining to it, which he could never banish from his
mind.

It was this, also, in great measure, which influenced him in 1839, when the lot in
Brooklyn, on which the bones of the martyrs of the prison-ships had been buried, were

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 375

propriate sepulture. Against this Mr. Komaine remonstrated. He
said : " I have guarded these sacred remains with a reverence which,
perhaps, at this day, all may not appreciate or feel, for more than
thirty years. They are now in their right place, near the Walla-
bout, and adjoining the Navy-yard. They are my property. I have
expended more than nine hundred dollars in and about their pro-
tection and preservation, i" commend them to the protection of the Gen-
eral Government. I bequeath them to my country. This concern is
very sacred to me. It lies near my heart. I suffered with those
whose bones I venerate. I fought beside them — I bled with them."
In consequence of this remonstrance, nothing was then done.
But after the old man had passed away, in the year 1845, public
attention was again called to the neglected condition of these re-
mains, and the matter was also brought to the attention of the
National Congress, by a report introduced by the Military Commit-
tee to the House of Representatives,1 recommending an appropria-
tion of $20,000 for the purpose of affording a secure tomb and fit-
ting monument to the Martyrs. This also failed of its object, and
the matter slept for ten years. At the expiration of that period, in
1855, a large and influential meeting of the citizens of Brooklyn was
held, at which it was resolved, " that the time has arrived when the
cities of New York and Brooklyn cannot, without criminality, longer
delay the necessary efforts for rearing the monument to the martyrs
of the prison-ships," and an organization was formed for the pur-
pose, entitled " The Martyrs' Monument Association," in which
each Senatorial District in the State of New York, and each State
and Territory, is represented. They set to work with commendable
activity, selecting a fitting site — the lofty summit of Fort Greene —
secured plans for the proposed monument, agitated the subject pub-
licly and privately, solicited donations, etc., and " yet there is no

sold for taxes, to become its purchaser; and it was this which, through all his subse-
quent life, made him cling with jealous care to the custody of these remains — con-
stantly protesting against any disposal being made of them, except by the General Gov-
ernment, which he rightly considered as the only proper custodian. It has been a sin-
cere pleasure thus to collect these facts concerning tbis patriotic and useful citizen ;
and we can only regret that the diligent inquiries which we bave made have resulted
in eliciting so little information concerning him.

1 This report, drawn up by the Hon. Henry C. Murphy, of Brooklyn, forms Docu-
ment No. 177, Rep. of Ho. of Reps., 1844-45.

S76

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

monument — no stone bearing the record of their patriotic devotion
to principle, and their more than heroic death !"

We understand that the " Martyrs' Association" still entertain
hopes of ultimately securing their object, and that they have made
progress in their endeavors ; that an appropriate lot of land on Fort
Greene, or Washington Park, has been granted by the Common
Council of the city of Brooklyn ; and, surely, we may hope that this
attempt to honor the memory of the dead heroes will not prove
abortive, as its predecessors have done.

To the citizens of New York and Brooklyn are peculiarly appro-
priate those solemn words of an ancient patriot, under circumstances
not unlike our own — " Oh, my countrymen ! these dead bodies ask
no monument. Their monument arose when they fell, and as long
as liberty shall have defenders, their names will be imperishable.
But, oh, my countrymen, it is we who need a monument to their
honor ; ice, who survive, not having yet proved that we, too, could
die for our country and be immortal. We need a monument, that
the widows and children of the dead, and the whole country, and
the shades of the departed, and all future ages, may see and know
that we honor patriotism, and virtue, and liberty, and truth ; for
next to performing a great deed, and achieving a noble character, is
to honor such characters and deeds !"

THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THE ! MARTYRS' MONUMENT.'

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 377

CHAPTEE X.

FROM THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION TO THE WAR OF 1819.

For the first few years succeeding the war, but little of inter-
est can be gleaned concerning the progress of the town, or the
doings of its inhabitants. They doubtless found plenty of- work for
their hands to do in repairing the ravages which their property had
suffered during a seven years' hostile occupation. Yet the spirit of
improvement was astir ; and, in 1785, the staid old Dutchmen who
worshipped in the ancient edifice in the middle of the road at
" Brooklyn Church," as well as the few but loyal Episcopalians, who
had set up their Ebenezer in John Middagh's barn, on the corner of
present Henry and Poplar streets, found a denominational rival in
the little handful of stout-hearted " Independents," who erected a
small place of worship on the ground now occupied by " St. Anne's
Buildings," on Fulton street.1 In this year, also, were the begin-
nings of the " Brooklyn Fire Department."2 In the fall of 1786, ad-
vertisements of races and fox-hunts on Ascot Heath, Flatbush, and
a fox-chase " from Mr. Dawson's, at Brooklyn Ferry," give evidence
that there was still in the county a lingering taste for the gay sports
with which, in days bygone, the British officers had so often whiled
away their hours of leisure. The erection of that excellent institu-
tion, " Erasmus Hall," at Flatbush, in 1787, proved that the higher
interests of education and morality were properly appreciated by
the inhabitants of Kings County; while the celebration of the
Fourth of July, in the same year, by a number of gentlemen, at
Dawson's, in Brooklyn — with toasts and the firing of rockets — may
be accepted as gratifying testimony to their patriotism.

1 See Hist, of Churches, in second volume.

2 The history of the Department will be found in the second volume.

378 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

1788. On the 7th of March of this year, Brooklyn was recognized
as a town under the State Government.

1794. It may amuse our readers to learn, that at a regular town-
meeting, held in April of this year, it was " Resolved, That the Su-
pervisors raise the sum of £19, 13s., 6d., which money has been
expended for the purpose of building a cage and stocks." 1

1795. In the summer of this year the " New," or Catherine street
ferry, was established by William Furman and Theodosius Hunt —
the former of whom was interested in a rope-walk, the head of which
was in Main street, near the ferry, and extended northeasterly, over
the shoals and water.

1796. In the library of the Long Island Historical Society is a
curious little duodecimo volume, entitled "The New York and
Brooklyn Directory and Register, for the Tear 1796," printed at
New York, " by John Buel, corner of "Water street and Fly Market,
and John Bull, 115 Cherry st." This work, compiled by John Low,
comprises within the last three pages a " Brooklyn Directory, con-
taining the names of the inhabitants, alphabetically arranged, never
before published" for that year, which our readers will find repro-
duced in Appendix, No. 10.2 It is, apparently, the work of a can-
vasser, who went up. the " Old Road" (Fulton street) and down
" New Ferry street" (Main street), gathering the names only of
those persons living on or between the two streets, and does not
seem to contain the names of any persons who lived further back
from the ferry. It possesses peculiar interest, from the fact that
it antedates, by twenty-five years, the earliest village directory —
that published by Alden Spooner, in 1822.

The sum of £49 4s. was this year raised by subscription for pur-
chasing " a suitable bell for the use of the town of Brooklyn." This
bell was hung in a small cupola on the top of Buckbee's Hay Scales,
which stood on the southerly side of Fulton street, close by " Buck-
bee's Alley."3

1 Town Records. See, also, page 387.

- This Directory, -with notes by the author of this history, was published in the
Brooklyn Corporation Manual for 1864, pp. 139-143.

3 Now " Poplar Place," a crooked alley running from Poplar to Fulton street, be-
tween Henry and Hicks streets. Its original name was derived from one Buckbee, who,
with his son Palmer, kept a small grocery on the corner of the alley and Fidton street.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 379

In the spring of this year, the Rev. Dr. John Henry Livingston, a
distinguished scholar and member of the Reformed Dutch Church,
established a theological school at the then village of Bedford, now
embraced with the limits of Brooklyn. A Mr. Freligh, the first
student licensed in Kings County, studied under him at the Cowen-
hoven house, west of Mr. Brevoort's present dwelling, and boarded
around among the neighbors. The school, however, was broken
up in 1797.

1798. Rev. Dr. Jedediah Morse's "American Gazetteer," issued
this year, thus briefly disposes of Brooklyn : " A township in Kings
County, N. Y., on the west end of Long Island, having 1,603 inhabi-
tants, and 224 are electors, by the State census of 1796. There are
a Presbyterian church, a Dutch Reformed church, a powder maga-
zine, and some elegant houses, which lie chiefly on one street. East
River, near a mile broad, separates the town from New York."

VIEW OF BROOKLYN LN 179S — (As seen from the North).

We take pleasure in presenting our readers with an interesting
view, never before published, of the village of Brooklyn, as seen from
a northerly point on New York Island, copied from a remarkably
careful and evidently accurate sketch of New York City and Bay,

The family was a very disreputable one — the old man finally dying of wounds received
in attempting, with his son Palmer, to commit a burglary upon the house of James W.
Smith. Palmer, a giant in stature, and possessing great courage and strength, was
the terror of the slender police force of the village at that day, and many anecdotes are
told of his exploits. He was subsequently hung, in San Francisco, by the Vigilance
Committee.

330 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

made by Mods. Jules Fevret de Saint Memin, a French artist, of
some celebrity, who resided in this country between the years 1796
and 1810.

1799. On the 6th of June, 1799, the "Courier and New York and
Long Island Advertiser" the second paper ever published on Long
Island, was commenced at Brooklyn, by Thomas Kirk. A stray
" No. 87, vol. 2," dated Feb. 25, 1801, has come to our notice. It is
a small, dingy sheet, purporting to be published " every Wednesday
morning," and possesses little or nothing of interest to us of the
present day. Its columns are mostly filled with New York adver-
tisements. A few Brooklynites, however, seem to have possessed
a spirit of enterprise, inasmuch as John Van Brunt advertises his
house, situated about one hundred yards from the old (Fulton)
ferry, as being an excellent stand for a tavern. John Harmer,
painter and glazier, advertises his patent floor-cloth manufactory ;
"William Carpenter, his tobacco and snuff factory ; Furman and
Sands, their store at New (Catherine street) Ferry ; and Derick
Amerman, his groceries.

During this year, land, not exceeding an acre, was appropriated
by the town for a public burial-place ; but the records bear evidence
that, in 1800, the object had not been effected.

1800. In an old scrap-book of this date, in the possession of the
family of General Jeremiah Johnson, is preserved what may prop-
erly be called the first ivritten history of Brooklyn. It consists of
newspaper slips, undoubtedly cut from the columns of Thomas
Kirk's paper, " The Long Island Courier," to which are added
numerous manuscript corrections, notes, and even whole pages of
new matter, in the well-known handwriting of General Johnson, to
whom we probably do not err in attributing their authorship. That
this careful arrangement and revision of these papers was made
with a view to their republication in pamphlet form, is apparent
from the fact that they are preceded by a title-page in MS., " A
Topographical View of the Township of Brooklyn in Kings County,
State of New York (motto), Brooklyn: Printed by Thomas Kirk. 1800."
The series consist of about six papers, which form an interesting,
though diffuse, pot-pourri of historical facts, speculations, etc., from
which we select a few samples for the amusement of our readers.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 381

" Kings County," says the author, " contains 4,495 inhabitants,
including 621 electors : 930 of these are free white males, of ten
and upwards ; 700 free white male under that age ; 1,449 free white
females ; 1,432 slaves, and 46 free persons not enumerated. The
inhabitants are chiefly of Dutch extraction. Some are attached to
their old prejudices ; but, within a few years past, liberality and
a taste for the fine arts have made considerable progress. The
slaves are treated well, but the opinion relative to their freedom is
yet too much influenced by pecuniary motives. It would certainly
redound to the honor of humanity, could that blessing be effected
here."

After defining the boundaries of the township of Brooklyn, and
enumerating the different settlements therein,1 he mentions "Olym-
pia," a tract of land which, he says, " was surveyed and laid out in
streets as long ago as the year 1787, and then intended as a city ;
its progress has been arranged according to the plan, and begins to

1 The town of Brooklyn at this period — and, indeed, until the incorporation of the
village of Brooklyn — was divided, for ecclesiastical, school, and other purposes, into seven
districts, retaining the same names which had descended from the " neighborhoods" or
hamlets of the earlier settlements, viz. : " The Ferry" {het Veer) ; the " Red Hook" {de
Roede Hock); "Brooklyn" {Breuckelen) ; "Bedford" (Betfort); "Gowanus" {Gaujanes
or Gouanes) ; " Cripplebush" {het Creupelbosch) ; and " the Wallabout" {de Waal-bogM).
(1) The Ferry District included all the lands and dwellings between the Wallabout
Mill-pond and Joralemon street; and, afterwards, along Red Hook lane to District
street, crossing from Brouwer's (afterwards Freeke's) mill-pond to Red Hook lane ; com-
prising the first five of the subsequent city wards. (2) The Bed Hook District included
the lands lying west of District street, and a line extending from the head of Brouwer's
mill-pond to the corner of Red Hook road, and including Red Hook Point. (3) Brook-
lyn District comprised the land south of the Ferry to Flatbush, between the estate
formerly of N. R. Cowenhoven and the Post Road. (4) Bedford District included all the
land east of Brooklyn line, including the north farm of Rem Lefferts, to the third division
of woodlands, and along the line of Lot. No. 1 to the town of Bushwick. (5) The Gowa-
nus District comprised that part of Brooklyn lying west of Brooklyn, Bedford, and
Red Hook, and bounded southerly by the town of Flatbush and westerly by the town
of New Utrecht. (6) Cripplebush District was bounded southerly by Bedford, easterly
by the town of Bushwick, northerly by Wallabout Creek, and westerly by the easterly
line of Garret Nostrand. (7) The Wallabout District was bounded westerly by the
District of Brooklyn, easterly and southerly by Bedford, easterly and northerly by the
town of Bushwick, and southwesterly, northerly, and westerly by the Wallabout Bay
and the Ferry District.*

• Gowanus, Red Hook, The Ferry, and Wallabout Districts are bounded northerly by the North and East
rivers.

3S2 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

have the appearance of regularity. It lies to the east of Brooklyn
Ferry, and is bounded by the Wallabout and the East River."

This was evidently the Comfort and Joshua Sands estate, pur-
chased by them, in 1784, from the Commissioners of Forfeiture — it
having been the property of John Eapalje, the loyalist.1 The sur-
vey, to which reference is made, was by Casimer Theodore Goerck,
in 1788, and a copy of his map is still in existence.2 John Jackson's
Remsen estate was also included within the bounds of the prospec-
tive village. Our author then proceeds to say that

" The holders of this tract (i. e., Messrs. Sands and John Jackson — Ed.)
appear to be desirous to encourage the undertaking, by their willingness to
dispose of lots at a reasonable price. * * * This village, contemplatively
a city, comprehends at present an extent of land within the following
boundaries, viz. : Beginning at two rocks called ' The Brothers,' situated
in the East River, from those to Brooklyn Square,3 through James street
to Main and Road streets, to the seat formerly the residence of the Rev.
Mr. Johnson, now Red Hook road,4 from thence across the Wallabout,
then to the East River to the place of beginning. This tract of land is
better situated than any other near New York for the counterpart of that
city. It is certain that, on the southern side of Brooklyn Ferry (" the
Heights." — Ed.), the hills are so high, and such astonishing exertion is neces-
sary to remove them, that Brooklyn Ferry can never extend any great
distance upon that quarter, and all improvements must necessarily be made
in Olympia. Add to this the want of disposition in the proprietors of that
soil to sell any part of it.5 And, moreover, Olympia and Brooklyn Ferry
must always continue to increase in a ratio with New York, unless some
exertion of their own is made. But as that city can never extend further
southward, but is continually progressing a contrary way, it is evident, if
the former position be true, that Olympia must receive the whole progress
which otherwise would be given to Brooklyn Ferry.

" Olympia is extremely well calculated for a city, on a point of land

1 Ante, pp. 78, 79, 312. s Ante, p. 79, note 2.

3 The neighborhood of the old Dutch village of Breuckelen, ante, pp. 45, 96, etc.

4 Corner of Fulton avenue and Red Hook lane.

5 The owners of these lands on the Heights were mostly of old Dutch stock, the
Hicks, Middaghs, Joralenion, Patchen, Bamper, Golden, and others, and were averse
to change or improvement. The Hicks and Middagh estates were the first to follow
the example of their Yankee neighbors on the other side of the Old Ferry road.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 383

which presents its front up the East River, surrounded almost with water ;
the conveniences are almost manifest. A considerable country in the rear
affords the easy attainment of produce. A pure and salubrious atmosphere,
excellent spring water, and good society, are among a host of other desir-
able advantages. As regards health in particular, it is situated on the
natural soil — no noxious vapors, generated by exhalations, from dock-logs,
water, and filth sunk a century under its foundation, are raised here. Sand
and clay for building are in the village. Stone is brought from a short dis-
tance. Timber, lath, and boards are to be had on the spot. In fact,
almost every article for building is afforded here as cheap as in New York.
Could the inhabitants once divest themselves of their dependence upon
that city, and with unanimous consent resolve that their own village
should prosper, there requires no supernatural agent to inform us of the
consequence.

" Want of good title has been alleged by some against building here ;
but it is ascertained, and from undoubted authority, that none was ever
clearer or less entangled, and that reports here circulated what truth is
obliged to deny.1

" The principal streets in this village are sixty feet, but the cross-streets
are not so wide. They are not yet paved, though a vast number of peb-
bles may be had here. Latterly, it appears to have had the appearance of
a regular town. Edifices are erecting, and other improvements constantly
making. When we observe the elevated situations, the agreeable pros-
pects, the salubrity of the atmosphere, and the contiguousness to New
York, with many other interesting advantages, it may claim, perhaps,
more consideration than any part of the township."

The following remarks cannot fail to give comfort to the would-be
bridge-builders of the present day :

" It has been suggested that a bridge should be constructed from this
village across the East River to New York. This idea has been treated
as chimerical, from the magnitude of the design ; but whosoever takes it
into their serious consideration, will find more weight in the practicability
of the scheme than at first view is imagined. This would be the means of
raising the value of the lands on the east side of the river. It has been

1 The allusion to doubtful titles evidently refers to the Rapalje estate.

384 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

observed that every objection to the building of this bridge could be re-
futed, and that it only wanted a combination of opinion to favor the
attempt. A plan has already been laid down on paper, and a gentleman
of acknowledged abilities and good sense has observed that he would en-
gage to erect it in two years' time."

" It has also been observed that the Wallabout would form an excellent
navy-yard.1 Should such a plan be carried into execution, it would con-
siderably increase the importance of this place. As a retreat from New
York in summer, Olympia would furnish many superior excellences over
other places — such as its vicinity to that city, the opportunity of freight-
ing and unloading vessels during the period of fever, the sale of goods to
the yeomanry who are fearful of entering the city, etc. (Here a mutila-
tion breaks the narrative.) * * * often the resort of the inhabitants
of New York in their pedestrian excursions. This village has no peculiar
privileges of its own. Joined with the several townships, it supports two
ministers." * * *

In speaking of manufactures, he says : " With respect to ' Olyrnpia'
and Brooklyn Ferry, which are the principal villages in this town-
ship, they produce scarcely any thing of the manufacturing kind but
what is useful in common life. There are eight grist-mills in this
township, which grind by means of the tide of the East River. Some
of these mills are employed to grind grain for exportation, others to
supply the neighboring farmers. Cables, cordage, lines, and twine
are spun and laid to considerable profit. A new patent floor-cloth
manufactory is about to be introduced. * * * Brewing and
distilling, with a capital, might be carried on to advantage. Nails
are afforded very cheap. Chair-making, too, answers extremely
well. Besides these, there are all the different mechanical trades
peculiar to settlements of this kind."

In regard to literature and education, he says, " There are three
schools in this township — one at Bedford, one at Gowanus, and the
other at the Brooklyn Ferry. This last claims the preference, hav-
ing been established a considerable length of time, under the super-

1 It is probable that negotiations were already in progress for .the realization of this
plan, as the purchase, by the United States Government, of a portion of the Wallabout
was concluded in the following year.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 385

intendence of trustees. There are about sixty scholars, who are
taught the common rudiments of education, with English grammar,
geography, and astronomy. Two preceptors have the immediate
direction. A beautiful eminence to the east of Brooklyn Ferry will
afford an eligible situation for an academy." Thomas Kirk's news-
paper, The Courier, then in its first year, is favorably mentioned, and
the fact is furthermore stated that there are " no libraries, or places
for the sale of books in the town." " There is but one society,
properly speaking, in this township, and that is the Masonic. This,
which is the first and only Lodge in the county, was erected in 1798
in Olympia, at the corner of Main and James streets."

A brief outline of some of the main points of early Brooklyn his-
tory is given, and reference is made to two volunteer companies,
"whose uniform is as handsome as their conduct is patriotic."-1 A
powder-house and arsenal are said to be " already established." In
the Appendix to this compilation, General Johnson strongly advo-
cates the establishment of a village corporation, concerning the ad-
vantages of which he discusses fully and eloquently, considering it
" now proper time that a corporation for Olympia should commence
its operations, and particular appropriations be made for extensive
market-places, a square for an academy, another for a promenade,
others for public buildings of different sorts, as churches, court-
houses, alms-houses, etc., and not to sleep on an ideal prospect."
And long before the venerable author was gathered to his fathers,
he had seen the more than realization of his " ideal prospect."

The spirit of speculation, as will be seen from the above glowing
account of " Olympia," had begun to agitate the minds of the Brook-
lynites, and it received no inconsiderable impulse, in 1801, from Mr.
John Jackson's sale to the United States (through Francis Child, a
middle-man) of forty acres of the Wallabout, including the old mill-
pond, for the handsome sum of $40,000. Shortly after this, a por-
tion of the estate of Comfort Sands, contiguous to the lands of Mr.

1 These were the " Washington Fusileers," a very handsome uniformed company,
commanded by Mr. William Furman, father of the historian of Brooklyn, Hon. Gabriel
Furman, and the " Republican Rifles," dressed in green hunting-shirts and pants, and
commanded by Captain Burdett Stryker. These latter, from the color of their uniform,
were sometimes called " The Katydids."

25

380 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Jackson, was sold, and Jackson street was opened to Jackson Ferry.
About this time, also, the suppression of the rebellion in Ireland
caused the emigration to this country of many persons who had been
engaged in that unfortunate struggle, some of whom came to New
York. A portion of these refugees, who had a little property, were
induced to purchase lots on Jackson's land, at a spot to which —
cleverly appealing to their patriotism — he had given the name of
" Vinegar Hill," ' in honor of the scene of the last conflict of that
memorable rebellion.

On the 2d of April, 1801, the village of Brooklyn was incorporated
as a fire district, by an act entitled " An Act to vest certain powers
in the Freeholders and Inhabitants of part of the Town of Brook-
lyn, in Kings County," etc., the 6th section of which is of much
importance, inasmuch as it authenticated the copies of Old Road
Records, then recently transferred from the County Clerk's office to
the office of the Clerk of the Town.

"And be it further enacted, that all copies and abstracts of records in
the said County relative to roads and highways in the said Town of Brook-
lyn, examined and certified to be true copies by the Clerk of the said
County, and registered by the Clerk of the said Town, in a book to be pro-
vided by him for that purpose, shall be deemed to be the records of the
said Town, and of the same validity as the original records remaining in
the office of the Clerk of the said County." a

Crime and vice seem to have made fresh and increasing inroads
upon the primitive simplicity of this old Dutch town ; for, in 1802,
the town took measures to determine the location and ascertain the
expense of erecting a " cage, or watch-house." Whether this was a
rebuilding of the old one, or an additional one, is somewhat uncer-
tain.3 At the same meeting, the foremen of the fire-engines were

1 Near the Navy Yard.

2 A similar act had been passed, Feb. 9th, 1798, whereby, in consideration of the loss
or destruction of the original records of the Town, during the Revolutionary War, such
copies and abstracts of the County Records as related to the Town of Brooklyn, were
considered as records of the said Town.

3 This was a movable structure, made of joists strongly put together, and capable of
holding foui' persons, one only of whom could sit down. When it was deemed desira-

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 387

authorized to establish and regulate a " Guard, or Night-Watch
•within the Fire District, by and with the consent of the majority of
the inhabitants."

Previous to this time the stages from Flushing came to Brooklyn,
via Jamaica, a distance of seventeen miles, and the people of New-
town and Bushwick came here by the roundabout way of Bedford.
About 1802, a Mr. William Prince, of Flushing, procured the incor-
poration of the "Flushing Bridge and Road Company," by which route
the distance from that town to Brooklyn was shortened about four
miles. Seeing the practicability of lessening the distance to Brook-
lyn Ferry about three miles more, Mr. Prince, in the year 1805, pro-
cured the incorporation of the " Wallabout and Brooklyn Toll-bridge
Company." The road was laid out from the Cripplebush road to
the easterly side of the Wallabout Mill-Pond, over which a bridge
was built to Sands street in Brooklyn.1 Through Mr. Prince's exer-
tions, therefore, the travelling distance between the two towns was
lessened by seven miles ; an improvement, in those days of hard
roads and rough travelling, fully entitling him to the gratitude of
Kings and Queens Counties, and undoubtedly contributing in many
respects to the material interests of Brooklyn.

1806. In the columns of The Long Island Weekly Intelligencer, pub-
lished by Robinson & Little, Booksellers and Stationers, corner
of Old Ferry and Front streets, October 9th, vol. i., No. 15, we find
the advertisements of Thomas Langdon, dealer in boots and shoes ;
Henry Hewlet, general merchandise, near the Old Ferry ; John Cole,

ble, for the " moral effect" of the thing, to expose the prisoners, the cage was moved to
the corner of Fulton and Front street, where it undoubtedly attracted the attention of
those passing to and from the ferries, very much as the bulletin-board of the " Union"
office now does. Its usual stand, however, was on the shore (now Water street) near
Birbeck's foundry, and its most frequent use latterly — for it existed within the recollec-
tion of some now living — was to confine Sabbath-breaking sailors. It was finally tum-
bled off into the river.

1 Act of Incorporation dated April 6, 1805. The following gentlemen composed the
first Board of Directors, viz. : John Jackson, Pres. ; John Hicks, Treas. ; Peter Sharpe,
Sec. ; Jeremiah Johnson, William Prince, Richard M. Malcolm, and Samuel Sackett.
The bridge was originally designed to be 1,400 feet long and 24 feet broad ; but
Furman says, in 1823 (MSS., iii. 41), that it was only 768 feet in length, the remaining
part being made into solid causeway. The causeway at the easterly end of the bridge
was about 340 feet long ; in addition to which there was another at the westerly end, of
considerable length.

388 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

coach-maker ; Doctor Lowe " at the Eev. Mr. Lowe's, corner of Red
Hook Road" (present corner of Fulton street and Red. Hook Lane) ;
and William Cornwall, merchant tailor, corner of Front and Main
streets, near the New Ferry. Five apprentices are wanted at Amos
Cheney's Ship-yard ; William Milward, Block and Pump Maker, is
located "at the Yellow Store, on Joshua Sands', Esq., wharf, be-
tween the Old and New Ferries ;" while Benjamin Hilton sells China,
glass, and earthenware, " at New York prices," in Old Ferry street,
in the house formerly occupied by Mr. Derick Amerman. Land and
property is advertised by Henry Stanton, corner of Front and Main
streets ; by Robert M. Malcolm, corner of Washington and Sands
streets, and by Thomas Lalliet. Joel Bunce, Postmaster, adver-
tises the address of 53 letters uncalled for in his office.

In the next issue of the Intelligencer (October 16th), we learn
that a fire occurred on the Saturday previous, in a stable owned by
Mr. Campbell, and used by John Wilson, baker — one horse was
burned to death, and another injured. John Doughty returns
thanks to his friends and neighbors for their successful exertions
in saving his premises. The inhabitants " felt themselves obligated
to the members of the New York floating engine," for their efforts
in bringing over their machine, although the fire was subdued before
their arrival.

" We have been requested," says the editor, " to suggest the pro-
priety of each family placing lights in the front of their houses, not
having the advantage of lamps, as great inconvenience and loss of
time arises from the neglect, particularly on dark nights."

William Vander Yeen, Apothecary, " takes the liberty of mention-
ing that he has been regularly educated to the Surgery and Apoth-
ecary business, in Amsterdam." His drug store was in the house
of Dr. George A. Clussman, who, together with Dr. Samuel Osborn,
guaranteed that they would " so far attend to Mr. Vander Veen's
preparations of Medicines, that purchasers may rest satisfied that
the}7 will obtain genuine articles," etc. Possibly, the Brooklynites
of the present day would not object to a similar assurance from, their
medical advisers.

Also the advertisements of Dr. Charles Ball, in Mr. Cooper's old
house, near the junction of Old and New Ferry streets, and of

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN. 389

Thomas Crouchley, boat-builder, adjacent to Barbarin's Lumber
Yard, between Old and New Ferries.

In the issue of October 23d, we notice the advertisement of Au-
gustine Elliott, "Taylor and Lady's Dress-Maker," in old Ferry
street ; and five verses of original poetry, " after the manner of
Burns," extolling the beauties of, and the splendid prospect to be
obtained from "Brooklyn, or McKenzie's One Tree Hill." This
hill was located on Pearl street, between York and Prospect streets.
All around that portion of Brooklyn, north of Washington and west
of Sands street, was a series of hills, some of which were covered
with grass and had a few trees ; others were of sandy soil, with here
and there a slight covering of grass, and with some buttonwood
trees, while others still were nothing but sand-hills. McKenzie's
Hill, the most noted of these, was a fine green elevation, crowned
with a single gigantic buttonwood tree, and afforded a beautiful
view of the city and harbor of New York. It was marked, as was
many of the surrounding hills, by the traces of intrenchments and
fortifications thrown up by the British during their occupation of
the Island ; and was finally levelled about 1807-9, in order to fill in
the wharves built out over the flats in the river, to the northwest of
Main street. Another rather noted hill was located some distance
farther west (bounded by Front, Adams, and Bridge streets, near
the water-line of the East River), and was a barren, sandy eminence,
on which every pebble or stone seemed to have been calcined by
some extreme heat, while three or four feet below the surface were
found regular layers of ashes, mingled with bits of charcoal, and
vitrified stones and sand.' All of these hills have now disappeared —
that known as " Fort Greene, or Washington Park," being the only
one which remains. On the lower slope of the hills, near the East
River, there stood, at the time of which we write, the celebrated
" Tulip Tree," well known to the oldest Brooklynites. It was an
immense Magnolia, which, when in blossom, perfumed the air for a
great distance around ; and was a favorite resort for pic-nic par-
ties from New York, who, on warm afternoons, were wont to cross

1 There waB at this time, also, another hill on the site of present Gothic Hall, in
Adams street, between Concord and Nassau, which was used as a negro burying-ground.

390 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the river in row-boats, build their little fires under its generous
shade, when the women would boil the kettle and make tea — and
so, after a pleasant repast, would return home about sunset. The
people of Brooklyn used frequently to meet and join with them in
these out-of-door tea-parties, and the oldest inhabitants even now
describe with zest their enjoyment of those simple pleasures. Then,
in addition, there was the delight of the leisurely homeward sail or
row across the river, on a calm summer's eve, untroubled by fear of
accident, for, in those days, there was but little shipping in the
river, and steamboats had not been heard of. Sometimes, after an
unusually warm day, the clouds rolling up in the west, about sunset,
presented a most gorgeous appearance, and the voyagers would be
lost in admiration of the scene, until, admonished by a warning flash
of lightning and the deep-toned but distant thunder, to hasten their
progress, if they would avoid the coming shower.

So, for many years, it was the trysting-place of Youth, and the
delight of Old Age — but, one still summer Sabbath morning, the
good people of Brooklyn were startled by an alarm of fire. After
some time, it was discovered that the old Tulip Tree was burning ;
being hollow from age, it was supposed to have been accidentally
set on fire by some fishermen who had made a fire within the cavity
to cook their breakfast. While it was burning, the people were
afraid to go near it, on account of its proximity to a powder maga-
zine. In spite of this accident, however, it continued to put out
leaves for several years longer, and when, at last, it died, its loss
was much deplored by the people of New York and Brooklyn, many
of whom continued to visit it until its total destruction.

1808, April 13th. On this day the corner-stone of a monument
to the Martyrs of the Prison Ships was laid, as described on pages
365 and 366.

In August following, the town was one day startled by the explo-
sion of Sands' Powder Mill, which was situated in the vicinity of the
present Jay and Tillary streets. Fortunately, it happened between
twelve and one o'clock in the day, when the people were all at din-
ner,— consequently no lives were lost, although forty kegs of powder
were lost. The recently erected stone church, belonging to St. Anne's
Episcopal Society, was considerably damaged, its walls being some-

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 39J

what weakened, and the windows badly broken. An adjoining rope-
walk was also levelled to the ground.

This year the sum of $1500 was appropriated by the town for the
erection of a new " Poor-house."

1809, March 17th. " The Brooklyn, Jamaica, and Flatbush Turn-
pike Company," was incorporated. Its first officers were William
Furman, Pres. ; John Lefferts, Sec. : James Foster, Treas. The
Company, during the year, paved Main and Old Ferry streets in
the village.

In June of this year, the Long Island Star was established by
Thomas Kirk. The number for June 22, contains the following
advertisements : Joseph B. Pirsson (removed from New York), cir-
culating library, in Main st., two doors from Sands street; Joel
Bunce, corner of Old Ferry and Front streets, hardware and groce-
ries ; Joseph Herbert, boot and shoe maker, in Sands street, between
Main street and the Bridge ; and George Hamilton, who kept a Select
School, where " students were taught to make their own pens."

The number for June 29th, contains proposals for constructing a
turnpike road from Brooklyn to Jamaica — and an advertisement for
two Postriders, " immediately, at this office ;" also Hot and Cold
Baths by one Peter Van Rooten.

September 7th, John Gibbons announces that he has opened an
Academy for both sexes, at the place lately occupied by Geo. Ham-
ilton, where the various branches of education are " taught on uner-
ring principles." Also " Mrs. Gibbons will instruct little Girls in
Spelling, Beading, Sewing, and Marking." An evening school for
young men is proposed, and "N. B. Good Pronunciation."

During the months of July, August, and September, of this year,
the yellow fever prevailed in Brooklyn, which gave rise to a long
and wordy newspaper war between the physicians of the village,
Drs. Osborn, Ball, and Wendell. On the 27th of September, De
Witt Clinton, Mayor of New York, issued a Proclamation, announc-
ing the disappearance of the disease, and the resumption of the
ordinary intercourse between that city and Brooklyn, which had
been interdicted by his previous proclamation of 2d of August.
Twenty-eight persons had died of the fever in Brooklyn, all of whom
were under twenty-eight years of age. It was at first thought that

392 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

the contagion was brought in the ship Concordia, Captain Coffin, on
board of which vessel the first case and death occurred. But in the
long and very able report of Dr. Rogers, the Health officer of the
Board of Health of New York, which was published in December,
after the subsidence of the disease, the epidemic in Brooklyn was
clearly traced to purely local causes.1

1810. October 11, about 10 o'clock, p. m., a fire broke out in a
building occupied by a Mr. Lacour, for the manufacture of cruci-
bles, and extended to some stores belonging to Joshua Sands, be-
tween Old and New Ferries, which were filled with cotton and hides.
A. floating engine was brought into service at this fire.

Brooklyn, at this time, was well supplied with private schools.
One Whitney kept school opposite the Post-office ; there was also
the Brooklyn Select Academy, taught by Mr. John Mabon, and
having as trustees, Messrs. Joshua Sands, S. Sackett, and H. I. Fel-
tus. Piatt Kennedy's scholars were advertised to hold an exhibi-
tion on Christmas Eve, at the Inn of Benjamin Smith, a large stone
building on the east side of the road, opposite the old " Corporation
House."

Recreation and refreshments were provided for the public, by the
proprietor of " Columbian Garden," and Mr. Green at the " Military
Garden."*

The industrial interests of Brooklyn were at this time represented
by I. Harmer's Floor Cloth Manufactory, Chricton's Cotton Good
Manufactory, employing eight to ten looms, and three or four exten-
sive ropewalks furnishing work to over one hundred persons.

The Long Island Star, of February 14th, 1811, contains a peti-
tion to the Legislature for the establishment of a Bank in Brooklyn.
The great inconvenience of crossing the ferry in bad weather, on
days when notes fall due, is particularly dwelt on by the petitioners.
There was at this time only one dry goods store in town, which was
kept by Abraham Remsen, on the corner of Old Ferry (now Fulton)

1 See Star, for Dec. 14 and 21st, 1809. Furman's Hist,, Notes in the first Brooklyn
Directory, of 1822, gives the number who died in Brooklyn from the fever as " twenty-
nine, between the 12th of July and the 10th of September."

2 This Garden stood on the site now occupied by the Kings County Court House, at
the junction of Joralemon and Fulton streets. It was pulled down in 1862.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 393

and Front streets ;■ and the mails passed through Long Island only
once a week. The publication of the Long Island Star was relin-
quished by Mr. Kirk, on June 1st, to Alden Spooner.

In July, 1811, the census of Long Island estimates the population
of Brooklyn as being 4,402.

Proposals were issued, during the fall of this year, by Messrs. B.
F. Cowdrey & Co., job printers, for the publication of a new weekly
paper, to be entitled The Long Island Journal and American Freeman.
The design, however, was never carried into effect.2

1812, June 11. News was received in Brooklyn of the Declara-
tion of War between the United States and Great Britain.

One of the most remarkable characters in Brooklyn, at this time
(1811-12), was " the Rain-Water Doctor." He was a German who
landed in Philadelphia, in the early part of the year 1811, and came,
shortly after, to Brooklyn, where he remained for about a year,
occupying a small house above the "Black-Horse Tavern." In
1812, he removed to Providence, Rhode Island, where he had a large
practice ; then went, in 1813, to East Hartford, Connecticut, where he
enjoyed an extraordinary success, but again returned to Providence,
and died there in 1814-15. He was an educated physician, honest,
skilful, extremely eccentric, and noted for his many deeds of charity.
While he resided in the village of Brooklyn, he was consulted by
thousands from the city of New York, and from Long Island, seek-
ing relief from all the ills that flesh is heir to. The medicines which
he prescribed were mostly herbs and simples, and his recommenda-
tion, to all his patients, to use rain-water as a drink, won for him
the cognomen of "the Rain-Water Doctor." Although he gave
himself no distinct name, he sometimes signed himself, " Sylvan,
Enemy of human diseases." 3 He pretended to sell his remedies at

1 Remsen occupied a brick store and dwelling, which he had erected on the site of,
and partly with the stone of the old Rapalje house. After his failure (ante, 82) it was
replaced with the present building.

2 The more particular history of these early newspapers will be found in that portion
of the second volume devoted to the record of the Brooklyn Press.

3 He must not be confounded with his evident imitators, the " Rain- Water Doctor,"
alias Sylvan Gardener, who flourished awhile, about 1817, at Roxbury, Massachusetts,
and elsewhere (see Hist. Mag., Feb., 1862) ; or Octavius Plinth, the Rain- Water Doctor ;

394 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

cost, and — affecting a contempt for money — he frequently refused
the liberal pecuniary offers of his gratified patients. Among the
many who came to him here for relief, was one Apollos Nicolls,
who died soon after he had placed himself under the doctor's care.
The circumstances of the case seem to have so deeply affected the
physician's feelings, that he erected over his patient's grave1 a
handsome marble slab, with the following

INSCRIPTION.

"In the mournful instances of human frailty, concording to demonstrate
the destiny ; also, as a baneful occurrence of both, and of an unshaken
resolution and usual disappointment, here lies the no more animated and
wasting remains of Apolos Nicoll, born in Smithtown, Ap. 11, 1*776:
14th of the same month, 1811, departed and delivered up to the elemen-
tary menstrum of dissolution, nought, Resurrection, and Ascension ; Con-
spicuous example of an unavoidable fate, who after his having been tired
of experiencing for eight months of various diseases, in expectation to find
alleviation to his painful existence, started in quest of relief, and firm in
his resolution, notwithstanding an inconsiderable distance, contended three
weeks in battling against the progressive obstacles of his perilous situation,
opposing his design, to reach a dwelling which his delusive confidence had
flattered himself to find alleviance, the end of his distress and complicated
misery, but unfortunately found the one of his days accelerated by his bold
attempt, and both his stranguary dropsical state and the strenuous motion
of the last vehicle which conveyed him to the one by whom he eagerly
expected to be alleviated and receive his existence prolongation : but vain
hope ! soon aborted ! subject likewise to asthmatical affection by a sudden
violent paroxism, effect of the combusted system stimulating the accumu-
lated mass out of its recess, and which completed by obstructing the airy
passage speedily produced suffocation, and that fatally ; this incident ter-

or Dr. C. Humbert, alias Sylvan Gardner, who died in the vicinity of Philadelphia, in
June, 1825, at " the supposed age of one hundred years" (see L. I. Star, June 9, 1839).
This little piece of eccentric medical biography has engaged the attention of Dr. S. B.
Barlow, of New York city, to whom we are indebted for some of the facts above stated.
1 In the old public burying-ground or Potter's field of Brooklyn, situated on Living-
ston street, in the rear of the Military Garden ; this ground has been quite swept away
by modern improvements. The last monument was exhumed by the workmen en.
gaged in digging the foundation for the new County building, erected in 1862, and bore
the name of " Peter Taylor, 183-."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

395

ininated the earthly career, in putting an end to the suffering venturing
afflicted ; sorrowful consequences which inseparably has condemned the one
he so considerately intrusted with his corporal repair, to become of his dis-
aster passive spectator, instead of a desirous benefactor : predetermined in
the witness which initially and peremptorily was to sustain the view of such
sinister catastrophe, the inexorable po . t . . ces manifested to only have
afforded to their destined victim enough of vital faculty, for reaching the
spot whereupon the minutes residue of the last hour was to be exhausted,
and for implacably having after the fatal final thread cut off; To memorize
such a dismal event, the concern it has caused to the unaccustomed be-
holder, may this cold stone, relating the particulars, be of a consolatory
nature, for the surviving consort and relatives of the deceased, and help
them to be in their privation resigned to the unalterable Supreme Will,
and with fortitude submit to the execution of its irrevocable decree."

396 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

CHAPTER XI.

Brooklyn's share in the war of 1812.

The difficulties which had been for some time pending between
this country and Great Britain, ripened at length into open hostili-
ties. The Embargo of April, 1812, was followed, on June 18th, by
a formal declaration of war, on the part of the United States, against
her ancient antagonist, and ere long the papers began to abound
with war news, political diatribes and patriotic poetry, all of which
served to inflame the already excited popular mind, and to raise the
martial ardor of the nation to a " white heat."

Brooklyn, both from its position, and intimate connection with
New York — then, as now, the Metropolis of the Union — could scarce-
ly fail to share the interest, and to catch the enthusiasm which ruled
the hour, and filled every heart. The Star, of July 8th, contains the
following notice :

" A new company of Horse or Flying Artillery is lately raised in
this vicinity, under the command of Captain John "Wilson. This
company promises, under the able management of Captain Wilson,
to equal if not excel any company in the State. The Artillerists of
Captain Barbarin are fast progressing in a system of discipline and
improvement which can alone, in the hour of trial, render courage
effectual. We understand this company have volunteered their ser-
vices to Government, and are accepted. The Riflemen of Captain
Stryker and the Fusileers of Captain Herbert are respectable in
number and discipline. The County of Kings is in no respect be-
hind her neighbors in military patriotism." '

1 The Fusileers were uniformed in short green coatees, and Roman leather caps, num
bered only about twenty members, and were, at this time, commanded by Captain
Joseph Herbert. The Rifles, commanded by Captain Burdett Stryker, were a large
company, comprising some fifty or sixty members, and wore green frocks trimmed
with yellow fringe, in which originated their their familiar appellation of "Katy
dids."

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 397

Aug. 5th, 1812. " On Thursday last, the Artillery of Brooklyn,
under the command of Captain Barbarin,.took an excursion to the
Narrows for the purpose of firing at a target. The guns were
3-pounders ; the target was ten feet square ; arid placed at the dis-
tance of four hundred and fifty yards. Forty shots were fired, twenty
of which pierced the target. The medal was awarded to Mr. John
S. King."

Although her citizen soldiery were thus prompt in preparing for
the war, it was not until the year 1814 that Brooklyn became the
theatre of warlike operations. In the summer of that year, it be-
came evident that the large British fleet, which for months past had
been quietly concentrating upon the Bermuda Station, was intended
to make a formidable descent upon some point upon our coast.
Whether the blow was about to fall on New Orleans, Norfolk, Wash-
ington, Baltimore, New York, or Newport — all of which places were
much exposed — was a matter of conjecture, and in consequence
much alarm was felt at all those points. The commercial value of
New York, and the importance of its position with reference to ulte-
rior measures of offence, gave to its citizens considerable ground for
anxious fears, which were in no degree lessened by the remembrance
of a similar attack and occupation by the British during the Eevo-
lutionary War. That these fears were not altogether groundless,
was sufficiently proved by the secret report of the Committee of
Defence, appointed by the Common Council of the City of New
York, made and approved July 17th, 1814.

From this document it appeared that the city was open to an
enemy's approach, in two ways by water, and in two ways by land.
He might come up by Sandy Hook, which route was protected,
although not completely, by several strong and important works ;
or, approaching through the Sound, he might pass the unprotected
Hell Gate with safety. He might land at Gravesend, as in the Rev-
olutionary War, and arrive at Brooklyn in the rear of the fortifica-
tions ; or landing on the main-land above Hell Gate, he might at
once command the city, and cut off all communication with the
upper counties. These two latter approaches — which in themselves
presented the most feasible route of attack — were quite unprotected,
and therefore called for the prompt attention and most energetic

398 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

action of the authorities. With regard to troops and munitions of
war, the city was equally unprepared to repulse the attack of a pow-
erful and determined foe. The various United States forts in the
harbor contained guns which required the services of at least 4,000
men, whereas the regular force in the vicinity did not exceed 1,600,
mostly raw recruits, of whom probably not one hundred were ac-
quainted with the use of great guns. And even this force, being-
distributed among the various forts from Sandy Hook to Greenbush,
could never be concentrated at any given point to meet the advanc-
ing enemy without a total abandonment of the works. Nor could
the inadequacy of the regular force be supplied by the local militia,
for the brigade of artillery contained barely 1,000 effective men2 a
considerable portion of whom were principally conversant with in-
fantry tactics ; while fifty of the corps were even then stationed at
Sag Harbor, for the defence of that place. The 13,500 militia of the
State, ordered to be held in readiness for its defence, by the General
Government, were only undisciplined raw troops, whom it would be
almost impossible to concentrate at any point in time to defeat the
objects of an enemy. In addition to this, the supply of munitions
and equipments of war, both those belonging to the General Govern-
ment and State, were entirely inadequate to the crisis. Such was the
perilous situation in which the citizens of New York found their
goodly city — on awakening from the " sweet dream of peace," into
which they had been lulled by then pending negotiations, which
promised a speedy termination to the war. But, shaking off the
lethargy into which they had been well-nigh fatally betrayed, they
bestirred themselves energetically in the work of preparation and
defence. The principal measures recommended by the Committee
of Defence, for the protection of the city against attacks by land,
were as follows :

1. The immediate erection of two fortified camps, one on the
heights of Brooklyn, and the other on the heights of Harlem, which
it was presumed could soon be constructed by the voluntary labor
of the citizens, and the militia who were ordered to occupy them.

2. That the General Government should be requested to direct
the completion of unfinished works, and the construction of now
fortifications in the vicinity of the city ; as also the augmentation

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 399

of regular forces, ammunition, and provisions of war ; and the au-
thorization of the immediate enrollment of a portion of the militia,
or their payment by the United States, after being ordered out by
the State.

3. That the Governor of the State should be requested to call out,
for the defence of the city, a competent number of militia to occupy
the proposed camps, for which purpose the Corporation offered to
loan the necessary funds, to an amount not exceeding the sum of
$300,000, to be reimbursed by the State. And furthermore, that
the Governor be requested to increase the munitions of war in this
part of the State, and to cause the field artillery and arms to be put
in complete order.

4. That immediate measures be taken for the removal of the ship-
ping from the harbor to some place of safety ; for the organization
and enrollment of exempts ; and for securing the voluntary labor of
citizens on the proposed encampments.

These measures having been fully agreed upon, and assurances
of ample assistance having been received from the State and Gen-
eral Governments, the Committee of Defence requested Brigadier-
General Joseph G. Swift, of the Corps of Engineers, to furnish them
as soon as possible with the plans of such additional works of de-
fence as might be deemed necessary by him, to place the city in a
state of complete defence. To this request that energetic and
talented officer gave prompt attention ; and shortly after, being fur-
nished by him with the required plans, the Committee, on the 1st of
August, issued a patriotic and eloquent address, calling upon their
fellow-citizens to enroll themselves into effective corps, in order that
by suitable preparation and discipline they might be able effectually
to assist in repelling any hostile attacks ; and also calling upon all,
without distinction of rank or color, to aid by voluntary labor in the
construction of the proposed lines of defence, both on Long Island
and at Harlem.

This appeal was answered as with one heart and one mind.
Every one seemed most anxious to offer his services on the inter-
esting occasion. Volunteer associations pressed forward, all solicit-
ous to be engaged on the earliest day that could be appointed, in
the honorable employment of defence. In these overtures, there

400 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

seemed to be no distinction of party or situation in life. Citizens
of every political party vied with each other only in their efforts to
protect the city from invasion by the common enemy, and met on
the ground of self-defence, as on a common platform. That the city
must be gallantly defended was the universal opinion, and every
individual felt it necessary to spare no pains, or no means within
his power, to defeat any hostile attempt. The rich and the poor
proffered their services and mingled their labors on the same works
in the purest spirit of patriotic emulation. Those who, from any
cause, were unable to give their personal labor to the common
cause, voluntarily and liberally contributed of their means for the
employment of substitutes, while many both gave and worked. Even
women and schoolboys1 caught the inspiration of the hour, and con-

1 Furman's MS. contains the following reminiscence of " The jaunt of the Students of
' Columbia Academy' in Bergen, New Jersey, to work in the fortifications in the town
of Brooklyn, on Long Island."

1814. " During this summer, actuated by the spirit of patriotism and a desire to serve
our country at this critical juncture of the war between the United States and Great
Britain, several of us students signed a paper tendering our services to the Committee
of Defence, in the city of New York, and asked permission to contribute our small
assistance to raise the fortifications on the Heights of Brooklyn, in order to repel the
enemy, should he attempt to land. We then painted a flag with the following inscrip-
tion, ' Volunteers of Columbia Academy.' The nest morning we arose, and while the
stars were in the sky, took up our line of march for Brooklyn Heights, the Academy
bell ringing to a merry tune. In passing through Paulus Hook (Jersey City), we were
saluted by the women with ' God bless you, boys !' — the spirit of our Revolutionary sires
seems to have pervaded the bosoms of all. We crossed the Paulus Hook ferry free of
ferriage ; when we got to the Fulton ferry, we each received a ticket, valued at two
cents, from an agent of the Corporation of the City of New York, to recross the ferry
with. We reached the Brooklyn shore quite early in the morning, and marched along
directly through the town, in company with a large body of brewers from New York,
to Fort Greene, where we were detached by the Superintendent, Mr. (Robert) Nicholls,
to clear the easterly part of the fort of small round stones, and to carry dirt in small
wheelbarrows to raise a step to enable the infantry to fire over the top of the wall.
We worked till dinner-time, when we broke off; ate our dinner and commenced work
again, and continued until four o'clock in the afternoon, when we stopped and com-
menced our return march to Bergen. When we reached Paulus Hook it was almost
dusk. In travelling up the road to our place of destination, we met a gentleman in his
horse and chair going to Paulus Hook ; his horse appeared frightened at our flag. We
offered to lower it ; but he said, ' Never mind, boys ; here (throwing some money to our
standard-bearer), treat your company.' When we arrived at Coulters, we laid out our
new friend's donation in refreshments — some cakes — and continued on to the Academy.
We formed a ring on the square formed by the meeting of the streets at the side of the
Academy, gave three cheers for our safe return home, dismissed, got our supper, went
to bed, and soon were lulled to sleep without rocking. I feel a pride, Avhich every free-

400 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

seemed to be no distinction of party or situation in life. Citizens
of every political party vied with each other only in their efforts to
protect the city from invasion by the common enemy, and met on
the ground of self-defence, as on a common platform. That the city
must be gallantly defended was the universal opinion, and every
individual felt it necessary to spare no pains, or no means within
his power, to defeat any hostile attempt. The rich and the poor
proffered their services and mingled their labors on the same works
in the purest spirit of patriotic emulation. Those who, from any
cause, were unable to give their personal labor to the common
cause, voluntarily and liberally contributed of their means for the
employment of substitutes, while many both gave and worked. Even
women and schoolboys1 caught the inspiration of the hour, and con-

1 Furman's MS. contains the following reminiscence of " The jaunt of the Students of
' Columbia Academy' in Bergen, New Jersey, to work in the fortifications in the town
of Brooklyn, on Long Island."

1814. " During this summer, actuated by the spirit of patriotism and a desire to serve
our country at this critical j uncture of the war between the United States and Great
Britain, several of us students signed a paper tendering our services to the Committee
of Defence, in the city of New York, and asked permission to contribute our small
assistance to raise the fortifications on the Heights of Brooklyn, in order to repel the
enemy, should he attempt to land. We then painted a flag with the following inscrip-
tion, ' Volunteers of Columbia Academy.' The next morning we arose, and while the
stars were in the sky, took up our line of march for Brooklyn Heights, the Academy
bell ringing to a merry tune. In passing through Paulus Hook (Jersey City), we were
saluted by the women with ' God bless you, boys !' — the spirit of our Revolutionary sires
seems to have pervaded the bosoms of all. We crossed the Paulus Hook ferry free of
ferriage ; when we got to the Fulton ferry, we each received a ticket, valued at two
cents, from an agent of the Corporation of the City of New York, to recross the ferry
with. We reached the Brooklyn shore quite early in the morning, and marched along
directly through the town, in company with a large body of brewers from Ne w York,
to Fort Greene, where we were detached by the Superintendent, Mr. (Robert) Nicholls,
to clear the easterly part of the fort of small round stones, and to carry dirt in small
wheelbarrows to raise a step to enable the infantry to fire over the top of the wall.
We worked till dinner-time, when we broke off; ate our dinner and commenced work
again, and continued until four o'clock in the afternoon, when we stopped and com-
menced our return march to Bergen. When we reached Paulus Hook it was almost
dusk. In travelling up the road to our place of destination, we met a gentleman in his
horse and chair going to Paulus Hook ; his horse appeared frightened at our flag. We
offered to lower it ; but he said, ' Never mind, boys ; here (throwing some money to our
standard-bearer), treat your company.' When we arrived at Coulters, we laid out our
new friend's donation in refreshments — some cakes — and continued on to the Academy.
We formed a ring on the square formed by the meeting of the streets at the side of the
Academy, gave three cheers for our safe return home, dismissed, got our supper, went
to bed, and soon were lulled to sleep without rocking. I feel a pride, which every free*

PLAN OF FORT GREENE

> Gadsden, of
the Engineers, under the orders of
General Joseph G. Swift, in

1776).
. ■ Fori of 1771
■ -■ i.' Degmw streel ).

ni.I iImwii, up'iii llif (insriri:.! - r.«->\M Mr '-m..v. ],<

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 401

tributed their quota of labor upon the works, and the people of the
interior towns in the neighboring States of Connecticut and New
Jersey hastened to proffer their assistance in averting what was
felt to be a common national danger.

The lines of defence on Long Island, as planned by General Swift,
commenced at Mount Alto on the Hudson ; thence, by McGowan's
Pass, a line of redoubts and block-houses ran along the Heights of
Harlem to, and across Hell Gate, including a block-house on Mill
Rock, and a castle on the high ground of Long Island. On Long
Island, the defences began at the Wallabout, covered by Fort Greene,
and extended across to Bergen's Heights,1 to Fort Lawrence, includ-
ing several redoubts, which were overlooked by Forts Greene and
Lawrence.8

These lines were commenced upon, at 8 A. m. of Tuesday, the 9th
of August, 1814, by Captain Andrew Bremner's Artillery company,
the officers of the Third Brigade of Infantry, under command of
General Mapes, and a body of volunteers from the Seventh Ward
of New York, who broke ground for the intrenchments on Fort
Greene, under a salute from six-pounders. By the aid of the papers
of that day, we are able to trace the progress of the works to their
completion.

On "Wednesday, August 10th, the labor of the day at Fort Greene
was performed by the Tanners and Curriers, the Veteran Corps of
Artillery, a Society of Plumbers, a large force of Exempts from the
Second Ward of New York, Major Dunscombe's battalion of Gov-
ernor's Guards, and Captain Swaime's company of Artillery.

Friday, August 12. The labor was continued by the officers of
the Tenth Brigade of Infantry, the officers, non-commissioned offi-
cers, and matrosses of the Thirteenth Begiment of Artillery, under
command of Lieutenant-Colonel M. Boerum, a military association
of young men, the Hamilton Society, Students of Medicine, sixty

born American ought to feel, in saying, this is the second day I have worked to raise
fortifications, during this contest, to protect my country from an invading foe."

Furman mentions, also, that between Nassau street and Fort Greene, all was open
fields, covered with buildings, erected for the use of the quartermasters and sutlers.

1 So called from its owner, Jacob Bergen. Smith street now runs through it.

8 There, was, also an earthwork bastion on Red Hook.

402 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

hands from the "Wire Factory at Greenwich, and forty hands from
the Eagle Foundry.

Saturday, August 13th. The intrenchments were manned by a
party of citizens raised by Mr. A. Stagg, a number of volunteers
from Division street and vicinity, and the journeymen Cabinet-Ma-
kers of New York.

The appearance of these latter gave rise to the following im-
promptu lines :

" Their hearts with the love of their country inlaid,
They fling by the chisel to handle the spade ;
Leave mahogany shavings the rough earth to shave,
And prepare for invaders a coffin and grave."

Monday, August 15th. The infantry companies, under command
of Captains Skillman, Schenck, and Dean, together with the artillery
company of Captain Brouwer,1 broke ground on the old Revolu-
tionary works at Cobble-Hill, on which occasion a salute was fired,
and the fort named " Fort Swift," 2 in honor of Brigadier General
Joseph G. Swift.

Tuesday, August 16th. The workmen this day were military
companies, under command of Captains Stryker, Cowenhoven, and
Herbert, the Exempts of Bedford and the Wallabout, and the Fire
Company No. 2, of Brooklyn.

Wednesday, August 17th. The people of the Town of Bush wick,
under the lead of their pastor, Rev. Mr. Bassett, repaired to Fort
Swift, to labor on that fortification. " Their operations were com-
menced by a prayer from that venerable patriot, and an exhortation
to zeal and unanimity in their country's cause, in defence of which,
they were then to be employed on the works, which he had in per-
son, nearly forty years ago, assisted in erecting. He continued en-
couraging them, and distributing refreshments through the day ;
and at evening, returned home with his flock, satisfied with hav-
ing set an example, impressive, admirable, and commanding the

1 The Artillery corps, under Captain Laurence Brouwer, belonged to Brooklyn, but
did duty in New York, at Castle Garden, where they were attached to the Thirteenth
Regiment of Artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Boerum.

2 See page 252, note. We learn from the next paper, that this was originally called
Fort Pitt.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 403

plaudits of an approving conscience and a grateful country." — N. Y.
Columbian." '

Among the many interesting incidents of the day, the following is
related by the New York Gazette : " An aged and respectable stran-
ger and his four sons passed over the Brooklyn Ferry on Wednes-
day morning, and walked to Fort Greene, where about two hundred
of our citizens were at work. After they had taken a view of the
Heights and the adjacent country, the old gentleman observed that
he never passed through the city of New York, without coming over
to visit the ground. ' Nearly forty years ago,' added he, ' these
hands assisted to erect a fort on this spot, and, as old as they are
now grown, they shall again contribute their mite to the same im-
portant object.' He then threw off his coat, seized a shovel, and

1 During the day, they held a meeting in Fort Swift, the proceedings of which are
thus detailed in the Star :

" At a meeting of a number of the inhabitants of Bushwick, exempt from military
duty, held at Fort Swift, on Wednesday, August 17th, 1814, the Reverend Dr. Basset,
Chairman ; Tunis Wortman, Secretary ; the following preamble and resolutions were
read and adopted :

" Next to the duties which we owe to Heaven, those which belong to our Country
demand our chief attention. As a people, we are pre-eminently blessed. Divine Provi-
dence has favored us with a free and excellent constitution, and commands us to pre-
serve it. In defence of our liberties, property, and lives, for the protection of our native
land, or the land of our choice, we this day solemnly step forward — we take up arms
for general preservation, and will not lay them down while danger exists. In a crisis
like the present, no good and faithful citizen should consider himself exempt. The
spirit of party should be lost in the generous ardor of universal patriotism. All who
feel tbat they possess a country to defend and love, should step forward with a degree
of zeal and alacrity, which shall teach the enemy, and convince the world that America
is a virtuous, great, and united nation.

" Resolved, That the citizens and inhabitants of the Town of Bushwick, exempt from
ordinary military duties, embody themselves into a volunteer company for the protec-
tion and defence of Nassau and Manhattan Islands, under such officers as they shall
select.

"Resolved, That a committee of eleven citizens be appointed to request the assistance
and co-operation of our fellow-citizens of Long Island, to prepare and publish a suitable
address for that purpose.

" Resolved, That such committee be authorized and instructed to enter into such
arrangements, and to form such correspondence as may be necessary and proper to
carry the objects of this meeting into effect ; and that the committee consist of Major
Francis Titus, Dr. Cornelius Lowe, John Skillman, senior ; Alexander Whaley, senior ;
Peter Wyckoff, William Conselyea, senior ; Peter Meserole, Gysbert Bogert, Abraham
Meserole, John Van Alst, and Tunis Wortman.

" Resolved, That our thanks be tendered to the Corporation of New York, and to citi-
zens of Patterson, New Jersey, for their aid and labor in the works," etc., etc.

404 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

calling on his sons to follow his example, descended into the ditch,
•where he continued to labor with great zeal during the day. Two
of his sons continued at labor until night, — the other two, having
thoroughly fatigued themselves, gave up their labor at an earlier
hour. The old gentleman dryly observed that the latter, for their
want of courage, should be court-martialled, while the former, who
had bravely persevered to the end, should be promoted."

Thursday, August 18th. The people of Flatbush were employed
on the works.

Friday, August 19th. The people of Flatlands took their turn
upon the fortifications. Also about five hundred carpenters from
New York repaired to Fort Greene, with their tools, and there laid
seven gun-platforms, " in different angles of that extensive work, on
one of which a salute was fired in the afternoon, it being only the
tenth working day since the repair of the fort was commenced."

Saturday, August 20th. The people of Gravesend contributed their
quota of labor. A party of about seventy volunteers from Paterson,
New Jersey, commanded by Colonel Abraham Godwin (a Revolu-
tionary officer, who had been on the same grounds in 1776), arrived
at the Brooklyn Ferry, about six or seven o'clock A. m. en route for
Fort Greene.

This day, also, some 1,200 patriotic Irishmen volunteered their
labors on Fort Greene, and were " distinguished by uncommon and
well-directed industry." ' On the evening of the same day, several
uniformed companies of militia from the interior of the State, arrived
at Brooklyn to go into camp. As they landed, they met and were
enthusiastically received by the Irishmen, who had returned from
their day's labor, and, with banners, flags, and two bands of music,
were awaiting the arrival of the ferry boat, in a line which extended
from the wharf to the end of Ferry street. " On coming ashore, the
patriotic cavalcade opened their fines, faced them inwards, and
saluted the troops with flourishes of their music and colors, and a
continued roar of applause from two thousand cheering voices, till

1 The peculiar nature of their labor appears from the following advertisement in the
papers of the day : " The Patriotic Sons of Erin are requested by the Committee dt
Defence, to lend their assistance, particularly in Sodding ; and the Ward Commanders
are desired to make known this invitation as far as the time will permit. By order," etc

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

405

they had passed, with their baggage, between the ranks, through
the whole length of the jolly-hearted procession."

Monday, August 22d. The people of New Utrecht, and one thou-
sand citizens of color from the city of New York, worked on the
fortifications.

Tuesday, August 23d. Labor was performed by the Mechanics'
Society of Kings County, the Military Exempts, and Fire Companies
Nos. 1 and 2 of Brooklyn.

The unbounded popular enthusiasm of the times found expression
in the following song, which was sung, played, and whistled every-
where on the streets and in the trenches.1 It was the production
of Samuel Woodworth, well known as the author of " The Old Oaken
Bucket ;" and was entitled —

THE PATRIOTIC DIGGERS.

Johnny Bull beware,

Keep at proper distance,
Else we'll make you stare
At our firm resistance ;
Let alone the lads

Who are freedom tasting,
Recollect our dads

Gave you once a basting.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,

Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,

Yankees have the marrow.

Grandeur leaves her towers,

Poverty her hovel,
Here to join their powers

With the hoe and shovel.
Here the merchant toils

With the patriot sawyer,
There the laborer smiles,
Near him sweats the lawyer.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,

Crowbar, hoe, and barrow
Better not invade,

Yankees have the marrow.

To protect our rights

'Gainst your flints and triggers,
See on Brooklyn Heights
Our patriotic diggers ;
Men of every age,

Color, rank, profession,
Ardently engage
Labor in succession.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,

Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,

Yankees have the marrow.

Here the mason builds

Freedom's shrine of glory,
While the painter gilds

The immortal story.
Blacksmiths catch the flame,

Grocers feel the spirit,
Printers share the fame,
And record their merit.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,

Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,

Yankees have the marrow

1 [Copy of Advertisement in Long Island Star.] Brooklyn Heights.— Just pub-
lished, price six cents, and for sale at this office, a Song called the Patriotic Diggers.
Tune, " Great way off at Sea, or Rob and Joan." Copyright secured. Brooklyn, August
23, 1814.

406

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Scholars leave their schools

With their patriot teachers ;
Farmers seize their tools,

Headed by their preachers.
How they break the soil !

Brewers, butchers, bakers,
Here the doctors toil,
There the undertakers.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,

Crowbar, hoe. and barrow,
Better not invade,

Yankees have the marrow.

Bright Apollo's sons

Leave their pipe and tabor,
'Mid the roar of guns

Join the martial labor ;
Round the embattled plain

In sweet concord rally,
And in freedom's strain
Sing the foe's finale !
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,

Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,

Yankees have the marrow.

Plumbers, founders, dyers,

Tinmen, turners, shavers,
Sweepers, clerks, and criers,

Jewellers, engravers,

Clothiers, drapers, players,

Cartmen, hatters, tailors,

Guagers, sealers, weighers,

Carpenters, and sailors.

Pickaxe, shovel, spade,

Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,

Yankees have the marrow.

Better not invade ;

Recollect the spirit
Which our dads displayed,

And their sons inherit ;
If you still advance,

Friendly caution slighting,
You may get, by chance,
A bellyful of fighting.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,

Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.

Wednesday, August 24th. The free people of color of Kings
County, labored faithfully in the common work of defence. The
Committee of Defence for the Town of Brooklyn, publish a card
acknowledging the patriotic services of the inhabitants of Kings
County, and stating that " the promptitude with which those ser-
vices had been rendered, emboldened them to ask of their fellow-
citizens a second tour of duty" which they had ascertained was neces-
sary on Fort Swift. This request was accompanied by a programme
of the corporations, bodies, and associations assigned to each day,
etc., as follows :

Thursday, August 25th. The military companies commanded by
Captains Skillinan, Dean, Schenck, and Brouwer.

Friday, August 26th. The military companies of Captains Stry-
ker, Cowenhoven, and Herbert ; Fire Company No. 3, of Brooklyn,
and the Exempts of Bedford and the Wallabout.

Saturday, August 27th. The people of Bushwick.

Monday, August 29th. The people of Flatbush. This day wag
also signalized by the arrival at Fort Greene of the finely equipped

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 407

and elegantly uniformed Albany Riflemen, Trojan Greens, and Mont-
gomery Rangers.

Tuesday, August 30th. The people of Flatlands and Gravesend
united in laboring on the works.

The papers state that " the labor on the forts is continued with
unremitting assiduity. The new fort on the right of the line of de-
fence is called Fort Lawrence. This evening a large party were at
work by moonlight /" A card from the General Committee of De-
fence, signed by Nicholas Fish, Chairman, states that contributions,
especially vegetables, will be received by Major Ingraham, Brigade
Quartermaster at Brooklyn, — requests further labor on the works
both at Harlem and Brooklyn, and acknowledges the receipt of one
hundred and twenty loads of fascines (averaging twenty-five bundles
to a load) from the town of Jamaica, brought to Fort Greene by
citizens of that place, headed by the Rev. Mr. Schoonmaker. Mr.
Egenbrodt, the Principal of the Academy at Jamaica, with his pupils,
aided in cutting these fascines.

"Wednesday, August 31st. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons, to the number of seven hundred and fifty, headed by its
Grand Master, De Witt Clinton, repaired to the Heights, where they
broke ground in a field south of Flatbush Road, and constructed a
fort, called " Fort Masouic." The parole of the day was, " The Grand
Master expects every Mason to do his duty."

Fort Greene was enlivened by the presence of a company of ladies,
who came over from New York and formed in procession at the Fer-
ry, whence they proceeded, with music — their numbers increasing,
as they went, to between two and three hundred — to Fort Greene,
where they performed a few hours' labor. The Tammany and Colum-
bian Orders, to the number of 1,150, also turned out for duty.

Thursday, September 1st. The Mechanics Society of Kings
County, Fire Companies Nos 1 and 2, the residue of Brooklyn Ex-
empts, and Fortitude Lodge of Masons, with other members of the
Fraternity, performed this day's labor.

Saturday, September 3d. The Columbian of this date, says, " Near-
ly eight hundred (probably increased since much beyond the num-
ber) citizens of Newark, transported in a line of wagons nearly cov-
ering the causeway on the road, reached Paulus Hook [Jersey City]

408 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Ferry, crossed the North Eiver, and passed through this city to
Brooklyn Ferry, before one o'clock this morning. They had several
bands of wind and military music, with flags, and a label on each
hat, ' Don't give up the soil,' and proceeded to work on the fortifi-
cations at Brooklyn with an alacrity truly admirable and commend-
able. Such an instance of patriotic enthusiasm in the inhabitants
of a neighboring State, from a distance of seven miles, cannot be too
highly appreciated or recorded in terms too honorable to the zeal
and disinterestedness of our fellow-citizens of New Jersey. Newark
will forever live in the grateful remembrance of the people of New
York."

"Wednesday, September 7th. One hundred and eighty -four inhab-
itants of Hanover Township, Morris County, New Jersey, principally,
however, from the village of Parsippany, headed by their pastor,
Rev. Mr. Phelps, came over to Brooklyn and labored upon the de-
fenses there.

September 23d. The members of the Baptist Church in Mulberry
street, New York, under the lead of their eloquent pastor, the Bev.
Archibald McClay, rendered an efficient day's work.

By the early part of September, the fortifications whose construc-
tion we have thus traced from day to day, were nearly completed,
and mounted with heavy artillery. Within the lines was stationed
the Twenty-Second Brigade of Infantry, 1,750 strong, composed of
the militia of Kings and Queens Counties (the Sixty -Fourth, Ninety-
Third, One Hundredth, and One Hundredth and Seventeenth), under
command of Brigadier-General Jeremiah Johnson of Brooklyn. They
were encamped in front of Fort Greene, along the present line of
Hudson street. Kings County furnished the Sixty-Fourth Regi-
ment, composed of five companies, of one hundred men each, offi-
cered as follows :

Major, Francis Titus, Commanding.

Second Major, Albert C. Yan Brunt.

Adjutant, Daniel Barre.

Quartermaster, Albert Yan Brunt.

Surgeon, Schoonmaker.

New Utkecht Company. — Captain, William Denyse ; Lieutenants,
Barcalo, Yanhise ; Ensign Suydam.

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 409

Bkooklyn Company.1— Captain, Joseph Dean f Lieutenants, Chas.
J. Doughty and John Spader ; Ensign, William A. Mercein.

Wallabout and Bushwick Company.3— Captain, Francis Skillman ;4
Lieutenants, Joseph Conselyea and Daniel Lott.

Gowantjs Company. — Captain, Peter Cowenhoven, afterward John
T. Bergen ; Lieutenants, John Lott and Adrian Van Brunt.5

Gravesend and Flatbush Companies.— Captain, Jeremiah Lott;
Lieutenants, Eobert NichohV and Charles Bapelye ; Ensign, Jere-
miah Johnson.

This regiment was mustered into the service of the United States,
at Bedford, on the 2d of September, 1814, and the men were dis-
missed to their homes on the 13th of November ensuing.7

The Star, of 28th, remarks : " We take a great satisfaction in men-
tioning the very orderly deportment of the large body of citizen-
soldiers now quartered in Brooklyn, towards the inhabitants of the
village. The perfect quiet of the village, both of day and night, and
even in those parts contiguous to the camp, is honorable to the sol-
diers and officers. We hope our citizens are not unmindful of this,
and will do all in their power to render the situation of the soldiers
comfortable. Many of them have come two hundred miles, leaving
all the endearments of domestic and social life, and cheerfully put

1 By order of September 14th, Captain Dean, in addition to his own company, received
command of those of Captains Stryker and Herbert, to which were attached Lieutenants
Doughty, Spader, and Ensign Mercein. A Muster-Roll of this company wiU be found
in Appendix 11.

2 Captain Dean, who is now living, and to whom we are greatly indebted for valuable
information relative to the War of 1812, was commissioned Ensign in the Sixty-Fourth
Regiment of Kings County Militia, March 18, 1809 ; Captain in same regiment, Febru-
ary 29, 1812 ; Brigade Major and Inspector of Twenty-Second Brigade, June 21, 1815 ;
commissioned as same Inspector of the Forty-Fourth Brigade, to take rank from former
date, July 8, 1816 ; as Colonel (the first ever commissioned in. Kings County, in place
of Lieutenant-Colonel) of the Sixty-Fourth Regiment, March 4, 1817.

3 The Bushwick Company, Captain Van Cott, and Joseph Conselyea, Lieutenant, waa
consolidated with Captain Skillman's company.

4 Francis Skillman, appointed Ensign, March 23, 1796 ; Captain, April 7, 1807 ; Major,
May 10, 1815.

5 Adrian Van Brunt was first Ensign, then Lieutenant, then Adjutant.

6 Robert Nicholls, the late worthy President of the Brooklyn Gas Company, was
made Captain and placed in command of Fort Swift — relieving Captain Spader, then
in command.

7 The house of John R. Duryea was designated as the alarm-post of the Sixty-Fourth
Regiment..

410 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

up with all the privations connected with the life of a soldier. Let
those who are exulting in their fortunate exemption be not unmind-
ful of our brave defenders."

In addition to these, there was also stationed at Brooklyn a bri-
gade under command of Brigadier-General Samuel Haight, consist-
ing of some 1,800 men, mostly from the northern part of the State.
They were discharged from service about the same time as John-
son's brigade, and their place at Fort Greene was supplied by Colo-
nel Bogardus' regiment, Forty-First United States Regulars, to-
gether with the Albany Rifles and Trojan Greens, who were ordered
up from Camp Lewis, at New Utrecht.1 Fortunately, however, the
storm of war was averted, and Brooklyn was saved from again be-
coming the scene of warlike strife. On Saturday evening, Febru-
ary 11th, 1815, the glorious news of an honorable peace was received,
amid general rejoicings, which was testified by illuminations, bon-
fires, etc. On the 20th of that month New York city was illuminated
in honor of the event, and Brooklyn followed the example in hand-
some style on the evening of the 21st, when, among other demon-
strations, the fine band of the Forty-First United States Regiment,
then stationed here, serenaded the inhabitants, and " all went merry
as a marriage bell."

1 See Annual Message (Sept. 30, 1814) of Gov. D. D. Tompkins. There were also in
camp, Captain J. T. Bergen's New Utrecht Company ; Captain John Lott's, jr., Flat-
lands Company ; Captain Areson's Flushing Company ; Captain Van Wyck's Jamaica
Company ; Captain Leverich's Newtown Company ; and another under Captain Skid-
more.

APPENDICES.

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX I.— (Page 16.)

DEED BOOK VII.— (Doc. Hist. N. T., p. 49.)

New York, february 14 ; 1684-5.

The Deposicon of Catelina Trico aged fouer score yeares or thereabouts
taken before the right honorable Coll0 Thomas Dongan Leu1 and Gover-
nour under his Roy" high88 James Duke of Yorke and Albany etc. of N.
York and its Dependcyes in America who saith and Declares in the prsens
of God as folio weth

That she Came to this Province either in the yeare one thousand six
hundred and twenty three or twenty fouer to the best of her remembrance,
and that fouer Women Came along with her in the same Shipp, in which
ship the Governor Arian Jorissen Came also over, which fouer Women were
married at Sea and that they and their husbands stayed about three Weekes
at this place and then they with eight seamen more went in a vessell by
ordr of the Dutch Governor, to Dellaware River and there settled. This
I certify under my hand and ye seale of this provine.

Tho. Dongan.

(N. T. Col. MSS. XXV.— Doc. Hist. N. T., pp. 50, 51.)

Catelyn Trico aged about 83 years born in Paris doth Testify and De-
clare that in ye year 1623 she came into this Country wlh a Ship called ye
Unity whereof was Commander Arien Jorise belonging to ye West India
Company being ye first Ship y' came here for ye sd Company ; as soon as
they came to Mannatans now called 1ST : York they sent Two families & six
men to harford River & Two families & 8 men to Delaware River and 8
men they left att N : Yorke to take Possession and ye Rest of ye Passen-
gers went w'b ye Ship up as farr as Albany which they then Called fort
Orangie When as ye Ship came as farr as Sopus which is \ way to Alba-

414 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

nie ; they lightned ye Ship \vlh some boats ye were left there by ye Dutch
that had been there ye year before a tradeing wth ye Indians upont there
oune accompts & gone back again to Holland & so brought ye vessel up ;
there were about 18 families abroad who settled themselves att Albany
& made a small fort; and as soon as they had built themselves some butts
of Bark : ye Mahikanders or River Indians. ye Maquase : Oneydes : Onnon-
dages Cayougas. & Sinnekes, wlh ye Mahawawa or Ottawawaes Indians
came & made Covenants of friendship wth ye su Arien Jorise there Com-
mander Bringing him great Presents of Bever or oyr Peltry & desyred
that they might come & have a Constant free Trade with them wch was
concluded upon & ye sd nations came dayly with great multidus of Bever
& traded them wth ye Christians, there sd Comraan' Arien Jorise staid with
them all winter and sent his sonne home with ye «d Deponent lived in Al-
bany three years all which time ye su Indians were all quiet as Lambs &
came & Traded with all ye freedom Imaginable, in ye year 1626 ye Depo-
nent came from Albany & settled at N : Yorke where she afterwards for
many years and then came to Long Island where she now lives

The sJ Catelyn Trico made oath of ye sd Deposition
before me at her house on Long Island in y" Wale
Bought this 17th day of October 1688.

William Morris
Justice of ye pece

It will be seen that these depositions of Catalina Trico do not substan-
tiate the statement hitherto made by our historians concerning the early
settlement, at the " Waal-Boght," of the Walloons. (See Note 2, p. 25, of
this volume.) One of these historians, Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan, of Albany,
corrects his earlier error by very kindly placing at our disposal the follow-
ing translation of a Minute of the Dutch Council, which establishes the date
of the first settlement on the West end of Long Island.

(N. Y. Col. MSS. X., Part iii., p. 93.)

The Director General & Council of New Netherlands hereby certify and
declare at the request of John Cooper an inhabitant of Southampton on
Long Island, that it is true and truthful that the six or seven Englishmen
who attempted to settle in the year 1640 on Long Island in Schout's bay,

APPENDICES. 415

were removed from there by order of the Director General and Council
then in office, as appears by the extract annexed, and about the middle of
May of the aforesaid year 1640, after they had by their own declaration,
pulled down the Arms of their High Mightinesses long before set up there,
and put a Fool's head instead, after this westerly part of Long Island had,
about eight years before, to wit in the year 1632, begun to be settled and
populated by their High Mightinesses' subjects ; 8 or 9 years before any
other nation had settled themselves on any part of Long Island. Dated
10 March 1664.

In regard to the derivation and meaning of the name " Waal-Boght," we
take this opportunity of giving the opinion of that excellent scholar, Mr.
Samuel Aloesen, of Jersey City, who (in the Literary World, No. 68,
May 20, 1848) maintains that the locality was named by the early Dutch
settlers prior to the arrival of the Walloons ; and, of course, without refer-
ence to their settlement there. The name, he thinks, — like that portion of
the City of Amsterdam which bears the same appellation, — is derived from
" Een Waal" — a basin of a harbor, or an inner harbor — and " Een Bogt,"
a bend ; and, like its European namesake, signifies " The Bend of the Inner
Harbor."

APPENDIX II.— (Page 26.)

INDIAN DEED OF BUSHWICK.— (N. T. Col. MSS. G. G., 27.)

We, the Director General and Council of New Netherlands, residing
on the Island Manhates in Fort Amsterdam, under the jurisdiction of their
High Mightinesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands,
and, the Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam,
acknowledge and declare that on this day, the date underwritten, before
us in their proper persons appeared and came forward Kakapoteyno,
Menqueuw & Suwirau, Chiefs of Keskaechquerem, in the presence of the
subscribing witnesses and voluntarily and most deliberately declare with
consent of the Tribe {gemeente), for and in consideration of Eight fathoms
of Duffels, Eight fathoms of Wampum, Twelve Kettles, Eight Adzes and
Eight axes, with some Knives, Beads, Awl blades, (which they acknowledge

416 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

to have received into their hands and power to their full satisfaction and
contentment before the execution hereof,) to have ceded, transported, con-
veyed and transferred as they do hereby transport, cede, convey and trans-
fer in a true, right and free property, to and for the behoof of the Honb,e
Directors of the General Incorporated West India Company, Chamber at
Amsterdam, a certain parcel of land situate on Long Island, south of the
Island Manhates extending in the length from George Rapaelje's planta-
tion called Rinnegackonck eastward one mile and a half to Mespaechtes
and in breadth from the East river about one mile unto the Cripplebush of
said Mespaechtes, and that with all the action and right to them belonging
&c. In Witness these presents are confirmed with our usual signature and
seal, depending herefrom. Done on the Island Manhates, Fort Amster-
dam this 1st August a0 1638
Maurits Jansen

. Witnesses
Claes van Llstant J

To my Knowledge

CoRNELlS VAN TlENHOVEN

Secretary.

APPENDIX III.— (Page 36.)

PETITION OF THE INHABITANTS OF LONG ISLAND.— (Col. MSS., pp. 416, 417.)

We, the undersigned, inhabitants and subjects residing on Long Island,
under the jurisdiction of the Honble Lords, the Mighty Lords States
General of the United Netherlands, the Serene Prince, his Highness,
and the General Incorporated West India Company, and under your
Honble Government.
Request with all humble submission — whereas, a short time ago the
scum of this place, which is justly called our fatherland, hath revolted
against the righteous side, our common friends ; and whereas, we see their
preparation for hostilities tending to the ruin and destruction of the inhab-
itants who are under the necessity of earning by steady labor, in fields and
wood, food and support for their wives and children, each for himself, and
conjointly for us all, regarding the inconveniences which must spring there-
from, do request as above, and humbly pray, in all respectful obedience —
that we, in general, may be granted and allowed such public enemy to
ruin and conquer, and, further, from time to time, unto the establishment

APPENDICES.

417

of our common peace and welfare, so that at once the previous and much
wished for peace of this place may be and remain permanent. This day in
the name of us all.

Gerrit Wolffersen, Jacob Wolfersen,
(Signed) Dirck Wolfman, Hans Hansen [Bergen],

Lambert Hotbertsen Mol.

POSTEL.

We cannot, at present, resolve to attack the Indians at Mareckkawick,
as they have not given us hitherto any provocation, and as it would draw
down an unrighteous war upon bur heads, especially as we are well assured
that they would be on their guard and hard to beat, and apparently excite
more enemies, and be productive of much injury to us, whilst we trust that
it will, through God's mercy, now result in a good issue.

But in case they evince a hostile disposition, every man must do his best
to defend himself.

Meanwhile each must be on his guard and arm himself, as is done here,
according as time and circumstances shall best determine.

In presence of the Honble Director, the Fiscal, Everardus Bogardus,
preacher, Hendrick van Dyck, Ghysbert Op Dyck, and Oloff Stevenson.
Done the 27th of February, A0 1643 in Fort Amsterdam. New Nether-
lands.

It may, perhaps, seem strange to our readers that we have not, in the
earlier part of this history, given some extended notice of the Indians who
inhabited the territory now occupied by the City of Brooklyn. We omitted
to do so, because the subject was obscure at the best ; because the Indians
of Brooklyn resembled Indians elsewhere in every respect ; and because
the very little that is known of their political divisions, their habits, etc., etc.,
has already been sufficiently stated in our State and Island Histories — of
which we refer our reader to O'Callaghan's Hist, of New Neth., i., p. 49 ;
Brodhead's Hist. N. Y., i., p. 13 ; Thompson's Hist. L. I., i., pp. 93-95 ;
Furman's Notes on Brooklyn, pp. 5, 6 ; and Prime's Hist. L. I., pp. 90-120.
It will suffice to say here, in addition to what has already been stated in
our text, that the Marechawiecks, who inhabited Brooklyn, were of the

418 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Canarsee tribe, which occupied Kings County and a part of Jamaica, and
which held its council fires probably at Flatlands, at the place yet known
as Canarsee.

APPENDIX IV.— (Page 45.)

A VISIT TO BROOKLYN, IN HOLLAND.— (From the Brooklyn Eagle, Sept. 12, 1859.)

"The village lies for the most part between the main road and the
stream, and consists of three or four hundred houses, accommodating
about 1,500 inhabitants. It is a very old place ; the houses are small and
dull with age, the few streets which intersect it are very irregular, and the
people apparently without enterprise or thrift. There were a few large
houses, especially three or four, intended for refreshments or resorts for the
village topers. The Reformed Church is rather a commodious building
with a handsome spire. But upon the whole the impression of the interior
of the town was not pleasing. We went through the main road in both
directions ; for as we were probably the first natives of Brooklyn who had
ever visited it, — as least so far as any known record goes, — we determined
to see it thoroughly. We found, when we got out to the fields, snug resi-
dences surrounded with flowers and duck ponds, and every thing around
them in perfect neatness and order. On one side of the village we entered
a little covert of shrubbery laid out in walks, and containing perhaps half
an acre of ground. This was the village park, — a sign of living taste, and
we began to have a better feeling about the place. We at length crossed
the bridge which spans the Vecht and connects the two communities of
Breukelen Nijenrodes and Breukelen St. Pieters. It is in the former that
the village of Breukelen is situated ; the latter is entirely a rural district.

"The view from the point we had now reached was charming. Nothing
can exceed the quiet beauty of the scene. The Vecht is about an hundred
yards wide, and its waters flow sluggishly along on an unchanged level
from one end of the year to the other, meandering through green meadows
and in front of plain but substantial country houses, which show every sign
of comfort as well as antiquity. The village reposes upon it a picture of
perfect indolence. All along the margin of the river are koepels or tea
houses belonging to the dwellings of the town; though these summer-
houses are the least ornamental, as a whole, that we have seen any where,
being, without exception, plain square buildings, ten or twelve feet either

APPENDICES. 419

way. A little garden connects them with the houses, which are not much
largei', and in the midst of which, towering high over all, rises the church
spire. I have before alluded to the practice of giving a name to every resi-
dence which can raise a koepel. It prevails here as elsewhere, and each
one has its designation accordingly painted upon it, such as Vrede Vecht,
Vechten dorp, Vecht en hof, Boom en bosh, and the like. Some have
names of a Greek origin apparently, as Hodorama and Potorama. On
the side of the river — the east side, which we had now reached — and
directly opposite the village, stands the ancient Castle of Gunsterstein —
the abode formerly of Oldenbarneveld — venerable martyr to party ven-
geance. It has been modernized, the towers and turrets have been re-
moved, and it now presents a perfect pattern of one of that class of build-
ings in our country which delights in white paint and a cupola in the
middle of the roof. It is, however, surrounded still by a moat, and has
fine large trees in the park behind it.

"Breukelen cannot be considered a celebrity, unless it may acquire a
reflected lustre from its greater namesake. It has given birth to no genius
whose name is great even within the circumscribed limits of these provinces.
It is, however, famous for its antiquity, if we may credit the marvellous,
but still well authenticated fact that, in rebuilding the tower of the church,
one hundred and fifty years ago, they discovered, under the foundation,
coffins of stone, eight, ten, and twelve feet long, containing the bones of a
gigantic race of men, whose existence is more ancient than tradition. The
town lies in the midst of a marshy district, and hence its name; for Breuk-
elen— pronounced Brurkeler — means marsh land. And on this point I
may quote a writer, with whom all the Dutch authorities on the subject
concur, inasmuch as our home chroniclers have labored under a misappre-
hension upon the subject. 'In all probability,' says the author of the
Kabinet van Nederlandsche en Kleefsche Outheden, 'the name has the
same origin as Maarssen, namely, from its marshy and watery turf lands —
(van de drassige en broeckactige veen landen) ; and, although the name is
spelled in ancient documents and letters Bracola, Broecke, Broeckede,
Broicklede, and Brocklandia, they all indicate one and the same origin.'

" There are some curious points of coincidence both as regards the name
and situation of the Dutch Breukelen and our Brooklyn. The name with
us was originally applied exclusively to the hamlet which grew up along
the main road now embraced within Fulton Avenue, and between Smith
street and Jackson street, and we must, therefore, not confound it with the

420 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

settlements at the Waaleboght, Gowanus, and the Ferry, — now Fulton Fer-
ry,— which were entirely distinct, and were not embraced within the gen-
eral name of Brooklyn, until after the organization of the township of that
name by the British Colonial Government. Those of our citizens who re-
member the lands on Fulton avenue near Kevins street and De Kalb
Avenue before the changes which were produced by the filling in of those
streets, will recollect that their original character was marshy and springy,
being in fact the bed of the valley which received the drain of the hills
extending on either side of it from the Waaleboght to Gowanus Bay.
This would lead almost to the conclusion that the name was given on ac-
count of the locality ; but though we have very imperfect accounts as to
who were the first settlers of Brooklyn proper, still reasoning from analogy
in the cases of New Utrecht and New Amersfoort, we cannot probably err
in supposing that Brooklyn owes its name to the circumstance that its first
settlers wished to preserve in it a memento of their homes in Fatherland.
After the English conquest, there was a continual struggle between the
Dutch and English orthography. Any one who will take the trouble to
consult the colonial laws and our County records, will find quite as great
a variety of spelling of the name in them as in the Dutch Chronicles of
Breukelen. Thus it is spelled Breucklyn, Breuckland, Brucklyn, Broucklyn,
Brookland, Brookline, and several other ways. At the end of the last
century it settled down into the present Brooklyn. In this form it still
retains sufficiently its original signification of the marsh or brook land."

APPENDIX V.— (Page 62.)

COPY OF AN ORIGINAL PAPER IN THE ARCHIVES OF THE NEW YORK
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

This paper, presented to the Society by Peter A. Jay, gives some curious
information in relation to the localities occupied by Jacob Hanse and Jores
Hanse (two sons of Hans Hansen Bergen), and by their descendants. The
paper is endorsed :

"Israel Horsefield, \

ads. > Copy of what witnesses can say."

On D. of Hans Bergen. 1

Also endorsed in handwriting of Governor John Jay, " see Remsen's
Evid. respecting Nutten's Island." Underneath is the following endorse-

APPENDICES. 421

ment by Peter A. Jay : "The first two pages of these notes are, I believe,
in the handwriting of John Chambers, an eminent counsel, afterwards
Judge of the Supreme Court of the Colony — the note on the margin is in
the writing of John Jay, his nephew and executor of his widow.

" P. A. Jay."

The trial appears to have taken place in 1741, but no records have been
seen throwing light upon its results.

" Gerrit Dortland says he is 86 years of age. Was born at the ferry,
and lived after at Brookland ; knew Frederick Lubbert's land since a boy,
says that he knew where Frederick Lubbertse lived, which is S. Westward
of Sebring's mill,1 and it was commonly esteemed that Frederick Lub-
bertse's line was near to his house. Remember Joost Francey in posses-
sion of land that George Bergen and Israel now have ; fences went to the
creek, about sixty years since he knew them ; has now seen the fences and
think they stand as then. Remembers Jane Evertse Bout in possession of
Bevois land, was a man of 75, and married a girl of 16. Says he help't
him to make his fences ; work't there two years and fences stood as now,
was then about 23 years old ; never then heard that Frederick Lubbertse
made any pretension to these lands nor any for his right till now.

" Maritie Bevois says is aged 84 years, near 85, was born in New York ;
it's last May 63 years since she came to live at Brookland; knew Freder-
ick Lubbertse lived where Hans Bergen now lives. Remembers was going
to the place where Brewer's mill2 is now from Brookland by the house of
Lubbertse and saw many little hills in the way from the house to the mill
along the neck and enquired what the hills were, and was answered by
them with her that it was the Indian corn land ; knows where Mauchonell
lived a little below Tommeties ; knew the land of George Bergen to have
belonged to Maritie Gerritse, or Ex. She let it to Israel Francey (Mara-
tie Ex.) lived at New York. She remembers Francey on it about 60 years
ago, that Francey lived on it till Maratie sold it to George Hanse, father
of George Bergen. Remembers it to be always in fence, and that the
fences stood as they now stand and the same of the other lotts ; has lived
at Brookland ever since she removed from York as before.

1 This is evidently an error, Lubbertse's bouse being southeastward from Sebring's
mill, and nortb northwest of Freek's mill pond, formerly Brower's, at tbe head of a
'-nail creek, and near the junction of tbe present Hoyt and Warren streets.

2 Brower's Mill.

422 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

" Heard Jerouius Remsen's mother say, that there was only a small
creek between Nutton Island and the shoar, and that a squah carried her
Bister over it in a tub ; that that sister was the first born in this country.1

" Says that George Bergen's half-sister2 lived at Bevois place on rent,
and had a mind to buy Maratie's Ex. place but was disappointed, and com-
plaining of it with tears said it was her brother Jacob Hanse Bergen and
brother Michael that were the cause of Jorey's buying it and disappoint-
ing her.

" Joost Van Brunt, aged 11 years and upwards, born and lived at New
Utrecht, says when he was about nine years old, when the Dutch came to
take New York, he came with his father, mother and brothers in a wagon
down the hollow near Tommeties, and they said that the other side of the
hollow was Fred Lubbertse's land. Says that a great deal of the land is
wash't away against Nutten Island, and it went farther out than now, but
can't say how mutch. Remember to have seen meadow before Sebring's
house, but how far out he knows not ; has seen the fences at Bergen's and
does not remember to have seen them otherwise than as now. That he
was an arbitrator about dividing the land between Sebring and Bergen
about 14 or 15 years ago, and that there was no pretence that lands in
question were part or that they claimed any right there.

"Jerome Remsen, aged 11 years, was born about Brookland, and lived
all his days there. Knew Frederick Lubbertse lived where Hans Bergen
now — but had little acquaintance with him — remembers about 55 years
ago, that Jacob Hans Bergen, father of Lessor, lived at Lubbertse's place,
that he came to this depon't to get a pr. of shoes made, that then he told
the depon't he had been at York with Maratie Gerretse to ask if she would
sell her place, and that she had said she would, and said that he was going
to his brother George Hansen, at Flatbush, to get him to buy it ; that
George Hansen bought it soon after and lived there ; that he was there a
long time before the date of the deed ; that deed was only given at last
paym't ;8 that the year depon't was married, which was 1688, the said Joris

1 Jeromus Remsen's motlier was Jannetie, dau. of Joris Jansen de Rapalie ; her sister
Sarah, who m. successively, Hans Hansen Bergen and Tunis Gysbert Bogaert, was the
eldest child of Joris Jansen de Rapalie, and reputed to be the first born of Europeans in
the country, in which respect the testimony of the witness agrees with what is gener-
ally admitted. According to this witness, Sarah was the one carried over in a tub.

2 This half-sister, was one of Sarah de Rapalie's children, by Bogaart, her second
husband.

3 The deed is dated Sept. 13th, 1698.

APPENDICES.

423

Hanse, being a carpenter, agreed to do a job of work for depon't, if depon't
would plow for him, and that depon't did plow for him the very land now
in question, close up to the meadows, that it was then in fence and fences
stand now in the very place they were then. Fever heard of any pretence,
and says that if he had any he would not have gone to advise his brother •
says that he turned his plow ag't the fence of the land of Bevois, and that
fences stood then as now so far as he thinks. Says that he has heard his
mother say she was carried off Nutten Island by a Squah, and that it was
all sedge and meadow, only a creek between Nutten Island and Long
Island; his mother's sister was first born in this country; its now 116 or
117 years since she was born;1 his mother was four years younger; he
heard often from other people that there was but a small creek between
Nutten and Long Island.2

"Abraham Lott, aged 57, remembers between 30 and 40 years that
fences stand at George Bergen's as now ; says he was an arbitrator ; was
shown then the will of Fred. Lubbertse, who devised to his own two
daughters each one plantation as then in fence, and to his wife's two sons3

1 From this testimony it appears that Jannatie, dau, of Joris Jansen de Rapalie, who
m. Eem Vanderbeek, the common ancestor of the Remsens and the mother of Jeromus,
was also carried from Nutten (now Governor's) Island to Long Island, by a squaw ; that
her sister (Sarah) was born about 1625, which agrees with the recorded date of her
birth. Qiicere : from the witness's reference to his mother's sister Sarah, might it not
be inferred that he intended to be understood that Sarah, and not his mother Jannatie,
was the one carried over, as previously testified to by Maratie Bevoise, and that the
tradition referred to the same person ?

3 On the margin against this paragraph is the following, in the handwriting of John
Jay : " His mother carr'd from Nutten to Long Island by a squaw. Sworn 1711, at ye
Tryal." (A reference to Ratzer's Map will show that " Red Hook," or " Lubbertse's
Neck," or " the Neck of Brookland," as it was indifferently called, was almost com
pletely isolated from the main-land, in its rear, by extensive salt meadows and creeks
At certain seasons and in certain conditions of the tide — as corroborated by the memory
of those even now living — Red Hook became, in fact, an island. Moreover, being com-
paratively high ground, when viewed from the main-land, it concealed Nutten (or Gov-
ernor's) Island in some measure. It is probable, therefore, that Red Hook Point be-
came confounded, in Jannatie de Rapalie's subsequent recollections, with Nutten Island
and that the " creek between that Island and Long Island," as it seemed to her childish
apprehension, and over which she was ferried in a tub, was in fact only the overflowed
meadow between Red Hook and the main-land. This is our theory concerning the origin
of the tradition relative to the former connection between Red Hook and Governor's Isl-
and, which certainly is disproved by the earliest known surveys and soundings, and which
is unsupported by any philosophical explanation of the physical changes, etc., which
that locality may have undergone since the early settlement of the country. — Stiles.)

3 These were Cornelius Corssen and Peter Corssen, children of Tryntje Hendricks,
the wife of Frederick Lubbertse, by Cornelius Petersen Vroom, her first husband.

424 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

other lotts; seems pretty sure the words were as then in fence; heard no
discourse of any claim of neighbor's land out offence.

" Peter Stryker, aged 44, says that being on a jury of view about 6 or 1
years ago, Jacob Hanse, father of Hanse Bergen, said at his house on
talking of Worpus, there's Worpus,1 pointing with his finger thro' his win-
dow to the head of the creek by his garden ; remembers about 30 years
the land in fence as now and no claim till within this year or two.

" Peter Winans, aged 79, born at Bedford, and about 8 or ten years old
when he came to live at Brookland ; knows the land in dispute upwards
of sixty years ago, and believes the fences stand now much as they did
then ; ab't 40 or 45 years ago he went to live at Staten Island ; he remem-
bers Nicholas Baker,2 who was husband of Maritie Gerretsen, first lived
upon the land of George Bergen, and the witness's father and Joost France
hired it of Maritie Gerretsen, or her husband, and his father left it to Joost
France. He remembers Jan Evertse Bout, who lived upon the land sold
by Carel De Bevoise to Israel, above 60 years ago ; he knew Fred. Lub-
bertse, and never heard he made any pretense on any of their lotts. Knew
old George Hanse Bergen, father of the present George, in possession of
the premises above 40 or 45 years agoe, when France's time was out, and
he was often in the house.

" Benjamin Van Dewater, aged 71 years, said he knew Jan Evertse
Bout, the son of the patentee ; that he had heard and understood that the
father was owner of both the place of Bergen3 and Debevois, that he made
a will and died before his son was born ; that 63 years ago he remembers
Annetje Pieterson, widow of Jan Evertse Bout the elder, in possession of
the land of Carel Debevoise; they lived on it about 12 years and then
let it out."

In the Bergen Genealogy, p. 229, and also in Brooklyn Corporation
Manual for 1864, is a fac-simile of an ancient map of this property in pos-
session of a descendant of Hans Hansen Bergen.4

1 See ante, p. 64, note,. The " Worpus" pointed out by Jacob Hanse may also have
been the site of an Indian village, a large Indian burying-ground being located in the
vicinity, where remains were exhumed a few years ago in levelling the ground for city
purposes ; Indian maize lands being also, in that region, referred to in the early
patents.

2 Maritie's husband was Nicholas Janse, baker.'

3 The deed from Maritie Gerretse to Jores Bergen, in addition to the plantation
patented by Kieft to Garret Wolpherste Couwenhoven, covers the one-half of the neck
of land butting against Gowanus Creek, patented to Jan Evertse Bout.

4 The annotations to this Appendix are by Hon. Teunis G. Bergen.

APPENDICES.

425

APPENDIX VII.— (Page 141.)

EXTRACTS FROM ANCIENT RECORDS OF THE FIRST PROTESTANT
REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH IN BROOKLYN.

(Copied by Hon. Teunis G. Bergen.)

List of Church Members March 12th, 1660, when the Church was first
organized.

Joris Dirckson.

Susanna Dubbels.

Albert Cornelissen (Wantenear, i. e.

"the glove maker").
Tryntie Hadders (Hudden ?).
Willern Gerritse van Couwenhoven.
Aeltje Joris (Brinckerkoff).
Pieter Montfoort.
Sara de Plancke.
Jan Evertse (Bout).
Tryntje Syrnons.
Willem Bredenbent.
Aeltje Brackunee.
Jan Pietersen.
Grietje Jans.
Teunis Nyssen (Denyse).
Femnietie Jans.
Adam Brouwer.
Magdalena Jacobs.
Jobannes Marcus.
Elsje Hendricks.
Teunis Janse.
Barber Lucas.
Jan Jorisse (Rapalie).
Jan Hibon (under censure).
Gertruyt Barents.

1660, Oct. 17th. Maria Fredericks, of
the Haag.

Pieter Jansen, of tbe Manbattens.

Annetje Jans, of Amsterdam.

Dec. 29. Wiggert Reyniersen, of Oos-

turieslant.
Swantie Jans, wid. of Cornells Potter.
Jan Martyn van Campen.

1661, April lOtb. Sara Joris Rapalje
(wife of Hans Hansen Bergen), taken
on certificate from tbe Manhattans,
as a member.

Dirck Jansen, of Amsterdam.
Marritien Teunis, of Nieuw Netherland.

Tbomas Jansen (van Dyck), of Nieuw
Utrecht.

Fytie Dircks, of Amsterdam.

Pieter Prae, of Diepe.

Catharine Letbie.

Marcus Soison.

Lysbetb Rossillou, of Leyden.

May 29th. Symon Joosten, of Marrel-
beeck.

Auneken Barents, of Amsterdam.

Teunis Gysbertse (Bogaart), of Hey-
koop.

Aris Willemzen (Bennet), of Nieuw
Netherland.

Garrit Dirckzen Crousen, of Wyns-
choot.

Jannekin Pieters, wife of Jan Cornelis-
sen de Zeen.

Oct. 2d. Jan Clerk, of Brazil, admitted
to membership.

Dec. 25. Willem Willemse (Bennet).

Gertruyt van Mullen.

Thomas Verdon.

Janneken Claese.

1662, April 2d. Brecktje Hans (Bergen),
of Nieuw Netherland.

May 22. Fytie Martens, of Hamburg.

September 27th. Mechtelina Specht, of
Utrecht.

Marritie (Baddia, nee, Bennett, nee)
Thomas, wife of Mr. Paulus (Vander-
beeck).

Anneken Hans (Bergen), of Nieuw Neth-
erland.

Agnietie Jans, of Amsterdam.

Dec. 25th. Joris Jansen Rappalje

Catherine Jeronymus (Rappalje).

Catharine Joris Rapalje, of Nieuw Neth-
erland.

Frederick Lubbertsen.

426

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Tryntje Hendricks.

Paulus Derckse, with attestation of Fort
Orange.

Jan Pietersze.

Maria Hoogeboom, of Bunninck.

1663, Feb. 21st. Wilhelmus Breden-
bent, of Cujanus (Gowanus), chosen
Elder in place of Jan Jorise, who died
on the 28th of January, 1663.

March 25th. Marten Reyerszen, of Am-
sterdam, admitted to membership
with attestation of Flatbush.

Anneken Dourcoop, wife of Michael
Syperus, with attestation of certifi-
cate of the Manhattans.

Sept. 23d. Pierre Parmentier, of Man-
hiem.

Thonnet Terrin, of Manhiem.

Roelof Willemszen, of Beverwyck.

Willemken Tyssen, from Beverwyck.

Dec. 23d. Cornelis van Bossum (Borsum).

Geertje Gysbert.

Jean Messural.

Jenne Carton.

1664, April 9th. Meynert Jorney, of
Manheim.

Jacob Leendertsen, of Middlewout.

Rebecca Fredericks, of Middlewout.

Albert Coninck, of Middlewout.

Tryntje Jans, of Middlewout.

Aert Teunissen Middagh, of Heykoop.

Janneken Jans, of Almeloo.

Judith Joris (Rapalie), of Nieuw Neth-
erland.

Janneken Montfoort, of Nieuw Nether-
land.

Anneken Rems, of Nieuw Netherland.

Nieltje Jans, of Nieuw Netherland.

1670, May 13th. Dirck Storm.

Jan Pietersen Mackelyck.

Styntien Janssen, his wife.

1684, Oct. 3d. Maria Baddia presented
the Church with a silver " beecker,"
or communion-cup. (This Maria Bad-
dia, sometimes called Mary Thomas,
mar. 1. Jacob Vardon or Verden ; 2.
Willem Adriaense Bennet, and 3. Mr.
Paulus Vanderbeeck.

OLD AND NEW COMMUNICANTS OF BROOKLYN.
Extracted from a list of communicants in the Protestant Reformed churches of Brook-
lyn, Flatbush, Flatlands, and New Utrecht, from September 6th, 1677 to 1685, copied,
by Hon. Teunis G. Bergen, from the church records of Flatbush, in the handwriting of
Rev, Casparus Van Zuuren, who, during said period, was Pastor of the churches in the
above-mentioned towns. The original spelling of the record has been followed as
nearly as possible.

RESIDING AT "BETHFORT" (BEDFORD).

Thomas Lambertsz and Jannetje Jur- Willem Jorisz and Hendrikje Johannes

riaans his wife. his wife.

Jans Hansz Bergen and Jannetje Teunis Hendrik Timonsz.

his wife (moved to Jamaica).
Dirk Paulus and Aagje Teunis his wife.
Paulus Dirksz and Jannetje his wife

(moved to Jamaica).
Lysbeth Thomas.
Maria Storm (moved).
Hendrikje Johannis (moved to Staten

Island).
Hendrik Claaz.
Jacob Joris and Lysbeth Thomas his

wife.

RESIDING AT TI

Rem Jansz and Jannetje Joris Rapailie
his wife.

Jan Gerritz and Anna Rems his wife.
Teunis Janz and Barbara Lucas his wife.
Styntje Gerrits (moved to New Lotts).
Hans Teunisz- and Marritje Teunis his

wife (Bushwick).
Lucas Teunisz.
Marriy Teunisz.

Paulus and Lysbeth Paulus his wife.
Matthys.
Bourgon Broucard and Catharina his

wife (moved to Flatbush).

" WALE-BOCHT."

Teunis Gysbertsz Boogaart and Sara
Joris Rapailie his wife.

APPENDICES.

427

Jan Teunis and Catalina Teunis Bo-
gaart his wife.

Frederik Lubbertsz (dead) and Tryntje
his wife.

Jacob Hansz Bergen and Elsje Frederiks
his wife.

Daniel Joris Rapailie and Sara Abra-
hams Clock his wife.

Cataline Rapailie.

Pieter Van Neste and Judith Joris
Rapailie his wife.

Pieter Pietersz Van Neste, Jun'r.

Marten Reyersz and Annetje Joris Boo-
gart his wife.

Joris Remsz.

Femmetje Remsz, Jannetje Remsz, sis-
ters of Joris.

Aaltje Teunis Begaart (moved to Flat-
bush, and then to Jamaica).

Cataline. Boogart.

Jan Damen and Sophia Martens his wife.
Michiel Hainelle and Hendrika Strokels

his wife.
Michiel Hansz Bergen and Femmetje

Teunis his wife.
Hendrik Corsen and Josina Pietersz

Van Neste his wife (moved to the

Raritans).
Cornells Corszen and Marritje Vander

Grist his wife (moved to Staten

Island).
Pieter Corzen.
Juriaan Hendriksz and Corneliae Beau-

vois his wife.
Sander Egbertsz (died Oct. 7, 1681, at

Staten Island).
Gerrit Gerritsz Dorland and Geertrud

Aukes his wife.
Jan Buys and Willemje Thyssen his wife.
Machild Roelofs (moved to Bergen1).

RESIDING IN QUARTERS OF BROOKLYN NOT SPECIFIED.

Jacques Couzard (dead) and Lydia Wil-

lemsz his wife (of Bush wick).
Hendrik Matthysz.
Abraham de Rivier.
Volkherd Dirksasand Annetje Philips.
Cornells Nevius and Agatje Joris.
Annetje Teunis Boogaart.
Neltje Teunis Boogaart.
Femmetje Dirks.
Sara Catharina Nevius.
Aert Anthonisz Middag.
Mauritsz Teunisz.
Aeltje Akkermans.
Annetje Teunis Couvers.

Marritje Martens.

Aeltje Dratz.

Lysbeth Van Neste.

Harmtje Dirks (moved).

Maria Bennet.

Sara Schouten.

Jacob Remsz.

Hieronymus Remsz and sister Jannetje
Remsz.

Hieronymus Van Neste.

Jacomyntje Van Neste, sister of Hieron-
ymus.

Cornelia Jans Damen.

RESIDING AT THE " KREOTEL-BOSCH."

Bourgon Brougard and Catharina his)

wife.
Abraham de Rivier.

All, in 1680, removed to Staten Island.

RESIDING AT THE "VEER VAN BRETJKELEN" (FERRY).

Dirk Jansz (the ferryman) and Marritje

Teunis his wife.
Jan Gerritsz Van Couwenhoven and

Gerdientje de Sille his wife.
Jan Aartsz and Adriantje his wife.

Hieronymus Jorisz de Rapailie and An-
netje Teunis his wife.

Pieter Corsz and Catarine Vander Beek
his wife (removed to New York).

428

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Cornells Teunis and Hermtje Dirks his

wife.
J oris Jacobsz and Tryntje Claassen Ms

RESIDING IN THE

Jan Damen Buys and Willemtje Tyssen

his wife.
Wouter Gysbrechtsz and Lysbeth Jans

his wife (removed to Flushing).
Sophia van Lodenstien.
Jacobus Beauvois and Maria Joosten

his wife.
Gertrude Beauvois.

Matthys Brouwer and Marritje Pieters

his wife.
Jan Teunisz and Zwaantje Potters his
Denys Teunisz. [wife.]

dorp" (village).

Catharina Beauvois.

Cornelia Beauvois.

Hendrik Slecht and Elsje Barends Lie-
veling his wife.

Andries Jurriaaansz and Annetje Pie-
ters his wife (died 19th March, 1680).

Lambert Dorland and Harmtje his wife.

RESIDING AT " GOTJWANUS."

Adam Brouwer and Magdaleha Verden

his wife.
Pieter Adamsz.
Gerrit Croesen (died 7th March, 1680),

and Neeltje Jan his wife.
Claas Aaertsz and Lammetje Vechten

his wife.
Hendrik Clausz Vechten.
Gerrit Clausz Vechten.
Jan Frederiksz and Aaltje Jans his

wife.
Pieter Jansz and Annetje Jans his

wife.
Jan Pietersz and Elsje Pieters his wife

(moved to Staten Island).
Willem Willemsz Bennet and Gertrude

Van Mullen his wife.
Paulis Vander Beek (dead, 1680) and

Maria Badye his wife.
Aaltje Bredenbent.
Jurriaan Plank and Hester Vander

Beek his wife.
Paulis (Pauli-filius) Vander Beek and

Sara Scbouten his wife (moved to

New York).

Johannes Christoffelsz and Maria Wil-
lemsz Bennet his wife.

Thomas Jansz Van Dyk and Marritje
his wife.

Haggaus Jansz Van Dyk and Jannetje
Lamberts his wife.

Hendrik Matthysz and Annetje Tile-
mans his wife.

Willem Huykke and Annetje his wife.

Thomas Verdon and Annetje Verdon
his wife.

Lambert Hendriksz.»

Matthys Pietersz Luyster.

Willem Brouwer and Magdalena Ver-
den his wife.

Jan Jansz.

Conrad us Vander Beek and Elsje Van-
der Beek (moved to New York).

Geertruid Vander Hard.

Annetje Tilemans.

Arien Willemsz Bennet and Agnietje
Van Dyck his wife (come from New
Utrecht).

Jan Willemsz Bennet.

Tryntje Ariens Bennet.

The Records of the Reformed Dutch Church of Brooklyn commence on the 5th day
of Sept. 1660, on which day they petitioned the Governor and Council, in consequence
of the great age and infirmities of their Minister, Do. Polhemus, and the difficulties of
the road to Flatbush, to aid in providing them with another Minister. An application
having been made to the Classis of Amsterdam, Do. Henricus Selyns was sent over. At
this time Joris Dirckzen Brinckerhoff was Elder, and Wilhelmus Bredenbent and Pieter
Monfoor t Deacons of the Church. Selyns was engaged, in addition to Brooklyn, to preach
at Governpr Stuyvesant's Bouwery (farm), in New Amsterdam.

On his arrival, preparation was made to build for his use a suitable dwelling-house,

APPENDICES.

429

and also a small church, which matters were placed in the charge of the Elder, Joris
Dircksen, and with him was associated Albert Cornelisen, Schepen of Brooklyn. Aucke
Jans (Van Nuyse) and Frans Blootgoet were the mechanics employed in the erection of
the dwelling-house.

The Elder, Joris Dircksen and Deacon Pieter Montfoort having died, on the 9th of
Feb., 1661, an election took place, when Willem Bredenbent was chosen Elder, and
Teunis Jausen Coevers and Jan Jorizen (Rapalie) Deacons.

On an accounting by the Deacons, it appears that there was

received in 1660 gl. 255 5 st.

Totke2d.of March, 1661 62 28

317 33

Paid out in 1660, from 2d Oct gl. 66 15

In 1661, to 2d March 50

116 15

On hand, in specie, prior to the date of the account gl. 152

Legacy from Barent Balde, for aid to the poor 50

Joris Dirckzen having, prior to his death, acted as chorister, and since that period
Do. Selyns having performed the same service, it was now, May 29th, determined to
procure the services of a regular chorister, precentor, and schoolmaster. On this deter-
mination, on the 6th of July, the services of Mr. Cakel d' Beatjvois, schoolmaster ot
New Amsterdam, was employed, under the following regulations :

1. Said Precentor to cause the Psalms sung before the sermon to be properly set
forth or noted on the Psalm board.

2. After the first ringing of the bell, he shall place the stools and benches in the
church or meeting-place in order, and read a chapter out of the Holy Scriptures, and
the twelve articles of the Christian belief.

3. He shall in particular read in the books of the Old and New Testament, out of the
Psalms and Prophets, during the administration of the Lord's Sacrament, from the
22d, 23d, 31st, 40th, 42d, 51st, 69th, 111th, 112th, or 113th Psalms ; from the 53d chap,
of Isaiah, the 6th and 13th chap, of John to the end of his Gospel, and the 27th chap,
of Matthew. Also 10th and 11th chap, of 1st Corinthians ; 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th chap,
of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and the 2d and 3d chapters of the Revelations.

4. He shall, immediately on the third ringing of the bell, begin to sing the desig-
nated Psalm.

5. During sickness or necessary absence, he shall allow no one to act in his place,
unless known to be of good character, nor without notice to the Consistory.

6. He shall properly, diligently, and industriously attend to the school, instil in the
minds of the young the fear of the Lord, and set them a good example : to open the school
with prayer and close with a Psalm, also to exercise the scholars in the questions in
the " groat regulen" of the Rev. pious and learned father, Do. Johannes Megapoleusis,
Minister of the Gospel in Amsterdam, in N. Netherland.

Lastly. That the said Precentor, in addition to the salary allowed by the Governor
and Council of N. Netherland, and the magistrates of Brooklyn, will be furnished by
the Consistory with house-rent and entertainment or provisions.

On the 21st Feb., 1663, Jan Jorise (Rapalie) having died, at an election for church
officers, Willem Bredenbent was continued as Elder for one year, Teunis Jansen Coevers,
elected Elder, Willem Gerritsen Van Couwenhoven and Teunis Gysbertse Bogaert,
Deacons.

On the 27th of Feb., 1664, Teunis Janssen Coevers and Teunis Gysbertse Bogaert
were elected Elders, and Willem Gerritse Van Couwenhoven and Willem Willemsen
(Bennet), Deacons, who were in office when Selyns resigned his charge.

Jorissen.

430 HISTORY. OF BROOKLYN.

List of " Cateclmmeneri' (students of the Catechism) in the Church at Brooklyn, Nov.

26th, 1662.

Catalyntie Teunis. Jacob, |

Aeltie Teunis Gysbertsen (Bogaert). Will em, i

Saertie Pieters. Joost Synionsen.

Catharyn, ) , . Hendrick Janssen.

Getruyd, j" <* Beauvois. Jan Teunissen.

Hendrickie Jans. Stoffel Probasco.

Catbaryn, ) Cornells Abramsen.

Marritie, ) oos en" Lucas Teunissen (Covert).

Saertie Teunis (Covert). Joris Hansen (Bergen).

Jenrie Probasco. Marie Hansen (Bergen).

Hendrick Obee. Annetie Teunis (Denyse).

Daniel Jorissen. Janneken Montfoort.

Pieter Pietersen. Aecht Teunis.

Jan Pietersen. Janneken Teunis.

Laurens Haf. Anneken Rems.

Cornells Jansen. Aeltie Teunis Jansen.

Jan Teunissen (Denyse). David de Potter.

Nys Teunis (Denyse). Marten Reyersen.

Anna Tielemans. Pieter Lambertsen.

APPENDIX VII.— (Page 198.)

BROOKLYN TAX LISTS, OP THE OLDEN TIME.

ASSESSMENT OF THE REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE INHABITANTS OF BREUOKELEN,
MADE UP ON THE 20TH AUGUST, ANNO. 1675.

(N. Y. Doc. Hist., iv., pp. 144-150.)

Tbeunis Jansen — 3 polls, 4 horses, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 oxen, 4 cows, 4 ditto of 3 yrs. ;

2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr. ; 5 hogs, £169 ; 23 morgens of land and valley,

£46: Total, £215.
Claes Arense — 3 polls, 1 horse, 4 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1

yr., £94 ; 14 morgens of land and valley, 28 : Total, £122.
Mattheis Brouwer — 1 poll, 2 cows, £28 ; 1 J morgen valley, £3 : Total, £31.
Paulus Vander Beecke — 2 polls, 2 horses, 4 cows, 3 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr.,

£93.10 ; 20 morgens of land and valley, £40 : Total, £133.10.
Jan Pieterse, the Elder— 1 poll, 4 oxen, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr., £45.10 ; 16

morgens of land and valley, £32 : Total, 117.10.
Jan Cornelise Buys— 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 12 sheep,

£59.
Dierck Stoorm— 1 poll, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 hog, £33.
Nicklaes Backer — 1 poll, 1 horse, 3 cows, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 6 hogs,

£61.10 ; 18 morgens of land and valley, £36 : Total, £97.10.
Joost Fransen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 4 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of )

yr., £76.10 ; 10J morgens of land and valley, 21 : Total, £97.10.

APPENDICES. 431

Cornelis Corse(n) Vroom — 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 3 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto

of 1 year ; 4 sheep, 2 hogs, £70 ; 22 morgens of land and valley, 44 ; Total, £114.
Jan Pieterse Mackelyck — 1 poll, 4 oxen, 4 cows, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 hogs, £05.10 ; 12

morgens land and valley, 24 : Total, £89.10.
Dierck Cornelise Hooglant — 3 polls, 2 horses, 6 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr. ;

2 hogs, £119.10 ; 8 morgens of land and valley, £16 : Total, £135.10.
Paulus Mickielse Van der Voort — 1 poll, 1 horse of 3 yrs., 2 oxen, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 3

yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr., £58.10 ; 10 morgens of land and valley, £20 : Total, £78.10.
Willem Willemse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 oxen, 6 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr. ;

1 hog, £96 ; 13| morgens of land and valley, 27 : Total, £123.
Dierck Hattum— 1 poll, 2 oxen, 1 cow, 1 ditto of 2 yrs., £37.10 ; 1£ morgen of land, £3 :

Total, £40.10.
Rem Jansen — 3 polls, 5 horses, 8 cows, 4 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 hogs, £188 ;

19 morgens of land and valley, £38 : Total, £226.
Frederick Lubbertse — 1 poll, 6 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 7 sheep, £56.10 ;

15 morgens of land and valley, £80 : Total, £86.10.
Pieter van Neest — 1 poll, 5 cows, 2 hogs, £45 ; 5 1 morgens of land and valley, £11 :

Total, £56.
Pieter Jansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 5 cows, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr., £80.10 ; 8

morgens of land, £16 : Total, £96.10.
Big Jan — 2 polls, 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr., £44 ; 2 morgens of

valley, £4: Total, £48.
Johannes Christoffel — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 2 cows, £40 ; 6 morgens of land and valley, £12 :

Total, 52.
Thomes Jansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 cows, £52.
Conradus vander Beek — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 3 cows, £45 ; 14 morgens of land and valley,

£28 : Total, £73.
Ackeys Jansen — 1 poll, 1 cow, £23.
Paulus Dierck se — 2 polls, 2 horses, 2 oxen, 7 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 5 ditto 1 yr. ; 3

hogs, £122.10 ; 12 morgens of land and valley, £24 : Total, £146.10.
Dierck Pauluse — 1 poll, 1 horse of 3 yrs., 3 cows, 4 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr. ; 1

hog, £56.10 ; 2 morgens of land and valley, £24 : Total, £80.10.
Weynant Pieterse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr., £62.10 ;

5 morgen of land, 10 : Total, £72.10.
Adam Brouwer — 2 polls, 2 cows, 3 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 3 sheep, 1 hog, £60 ; 1£ morgen of

valley, £3 : Total, £63.
Johannes Marcuse — 1 poll, £18.
Evert Hendrickse— 1 poll, £18.
Gerrit Croesen — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 4 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1

yr. ; 3 hogs, £27.10 ; 14 morgens land and valley, £28 : Total, £99.10.
Egbert Steuense— 1 poll, £18.
Simon Aersen — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 3 cows, 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 3 hogs, £51 ; 10 morgens of

land and valley, £20 : Total, £71.
Pieter Pieterse — 1 poll, 1 horse, £30.
Lambert Jansen Dorlant — 1 poll, 4 cows, £38; 8 morgens of land and valley, £16*

Total, £54.
Jerom. de Rappallie — 3 polls, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 1 horse, £82.10 ; 8 morgens of

land and valley, £16 : Total, £98.
Daniel de Rappallie— 1 poll, 1 horse, 1 cow, £35.
Simon Claessen— 1 poll, 1 horse, 1 cow, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 hogs, £41 ; 6 morgens of

land, £12 : Total, £53.

432 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Theunes Gisbertse Bogaert — 3 polls, 4 horses, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 oxen, 14 cows, 6 ditto

of 3 yrs. ; 6 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 10 ditto of 1 yr. ; 6 hogs, £247 ; 40 morgens of land and

valley, £80 : Total, £327.
Susanne Dubbels— 2 oxen, 5 cows, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr., £49 ; 8 morgens of

land and valley, £16 : Total, £65.
Pieter Corse(n)— 1 poll, £18.
Hendrick Corse(n) — 2 polls, 2 horses, 2 sheep, £61 ; 10 morgens of land and valley, £20 :

Total, £81.
Hendrick Theymese— 1 poll, 1 horse, 3 cows, £45 ; 3 morgens of land, £6 : Total, £51.
Thomes Lambertse — 2 polls, 3 horses, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 6 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 4 ditto

of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 6 sheep, 1 hog, £129.10 ; 23 morgens of land and valley,

£46 : Total, £175.10.
Jan Gerritse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1

yr. ; 2 sheep, 1 hog, £71 ; 1U morgens of land and valley, £23 : Total, £95.
Jean Aersen— 1 poll, 4 horses, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 1 hog, £87.10.
Juff 'w Potters — 1 horse, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2

hogs, £44.10 ; 18 morgens of land and valley, £36 : Total, £80.10.
Dierck Janse Woertman — 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, £57 ; 9 morgens of land and valley,

£18 : Total, £75.
Maerten Ryerse — 1 poll, 4 horses, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 6 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of

2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 1 hog, £115.10 ; 31J morgens of land and valley, £63 ■

Total, £178.10.
Catherine Jeronimus — 1 ox, 1 cow, £11.
Jabeck Gisbertse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of

1 yr. ; 2 hogs, £67 ; 8 morgens of land and valley, £16 : Total, £83.
Jan Frederickse — 1 poll, 2 cows, 1 morgen of valley, £30.
Baerent Hegbertse — 1 poll, 1 cow, 3 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr.>

£40.10 ; 4 morgens of land and vaUey, £8 : Total, £48.10.
Jan Hansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 4 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ;

4 hogs, £80.10 ; 10 morgens of land and valley, £20 : Total, £100.10.
Pieter Jansen — 1 poll, 1 horse, 3 cows, £45 ; 8 morgens of land and valley, £10 : Total,

£61.
Michil Hansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 4 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 2 yrs., £75 ; 20

morgens of land and valley, £40 : Total, £115.
Wouter Geisse— 1 poll, £18.
Andries Jurianse — 2 polls, 4 horses, 6 cows, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 4 sheep,

£124.10; 28 morgens of land and valley, £56: Total, £180.10.
Jan Gillese— 1 poll, 1 hog, £19.
Joores Jacobse— 3 polls, 5 horses, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 5 cows, 3 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 2

yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 hogs, £167 ; 40 morgens of land and valley, £80 : Total,

£247.
Total amount of the valuation of the jurisdiction of Breuckelen, £5,204.

ASSESSMENT ROLL OF BREUCKELEN, MADE UP SEPTEMBER, 1676.
(N. Y. Doc. Hist., ii., p. 475.)

Claes Aerense— 3 polls, 1 horse, 5 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr., £96.10 ; 10

morgens of land and valley, £28 : Total, £124.10.
Jan De Swede — 1 poll, 1 horse, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 4 cows, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 1 hog, £55.10 ;

2 morgens of land, £4 : Total, £59.10.

APPENDICES. 433

Baerent Hegbertse— 1 poll, 1 cow, £62 ; 3 morgens of land, £6 : Total, £68.

Joost Fransen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 5 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1

yr. ; 2 hogs, £79 ; 19 morgens of land and valley, £38 : Total, £117.
Andries Juriaense — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 8 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto

of 1 yr., £103.10 ; 28 morgens of land and valley, £56 : Total, £159.10.
Lambert Jansen Dortlant — 1 poll, 3 cows, £33 ; 8 morgens of land and valley, £16 :

Total, £49.
(Evert) Hendrickse— 1 poll, £18.
Wouter Geisse ['?]— 1 poll, £18.
Simon Aersen — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 4 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 hog, £56 ; 8 morgens of land

and valley, £16 : Total, £72.
Jean Pietersen Mackelyck— 1 poll, 4 cows, £38 ; 8 morgens of land, £16 : Total, £54.
Jean Frederickse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 cows, £52; 7 morgens of land, £14: Total, £66.
Johannes Christoffel— 1 poll, 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 2 jts., £42.10 ; 7 morgens of

land, £14: Total, £56.10.
Mr. Paulus van der Beeck — 2 polls, 3 horses, 4 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr.,

£100 ; 20 morgens of land and valley, £40 : Total, £140.
Theunes Gisbertse (Bogaert) — 3 polls, 4 horses, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 5 oxen, 2 cows, 5

ditto of 3 yrs. ; 10 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 8 ditto of 1 yr. ; 9 hogs, £251 ; 40 morgens of

land and valley, £80 : Total, £331.
Simon Claes — 1 poll, 1 horse, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 do of 1 yr. ; 1 hog, £46.10 ;

7 morgens of land and valley, £14 : Total, £60.10.
Juffrouw Potters — 1 horse, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 4 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 hogs, £45.
Jean Aersen — 1 poll, 3 horses, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr

£74.10 ; 18 morgens of land and valley, £36 : Total, £110.10.
Thomas Jansen Van d(uyn ?) — 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, £57 ; 1 morgen of land, £2 :

Total, £59.
Acheys Jansen van deick — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 1 yr., £41.10 ; 1 morgen of

land, £2: Total, £43.10. *

Dierck Hattum— 1 poll, 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs., £50.10 ; 1

morgen of land, £4 : Total, £54.10.
Jurian Blancke— 2 horses, 1 cow, 2 ditto of 1 yr., £32 ; 6 morgens of land, £12 : Total,

£44.
Daniel de Rappallie — 1 poll, 1 horse, 2 cows (valuation destroyed).
Jerm. de Rappallie — 2 polls, 2 horses, 2 cows ; 8 morgens of land (valuation destroyed).
Pieter Jansen— 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 oxen, 6 cows, 4 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr., £98.10 ;

25 morgens of land and valley, £50: Total, £148.10.
Jan Jansen — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr„ £45.10 ; 2 morgens

of land, £4: Total, £49.10.
Hendrick Corsen— 1 poll, 3 horses, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs., £66.10 ; 12 morgens of land

and valley, £24 : Total, £90.10.
Pieter Corsen— 1 poll, £18.
Casper Cornelise — 1 poll, £18.
Willem Willemse Bennett — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 oxen, 5 cows, 4 ditto of

2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr., £99.10 ; 13J morgens of land and valley, £27 : Total,

£126.10.
Rem Jansen— 3 polls, 4 horses, 2 cows, 5 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of

1 yr. ; 2 hogs, £184.10 ; 19 morgens of land and valley, £38 : Total, £222.10.
Dierck Stoorm— 1 poll, 1 horse, £30 ; 11 morgens of land and valley, £22 : Total, £52.
Maerten Ryerse— 1 poll, 4 horses, 8 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 hogs,

£117.10 ; 314 morgens of land and valley, £63 : Total, £180.10.

434 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Aerent Isaaek — 1 poll, £18.

Susanne Dubels— 2 oxen, 6 cows, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr., £62.10 ; 18 morgens

of land, £36: Total, £98.10.
Theunis Jansen — 3 polls, 3 horses, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 oxen, 4 cows, 4 ditto of 9 yrs. ; 4

ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 hogs, £151 ; 23 morgens of land and valley, £46 : Total, £197.
Jan Hansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 4 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 hog, £69.10 ;

18 morgens of land and valley, £36 : Total, £105.10.
Dierck Pauluse— 1 poll, 2 horses, 4 cows, 4 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr., £76.10 ; 12

morgens of land and valley, £24 : Total, £100.10.
Thomas Lambertse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 4 oxen, 8 cows, 2 ditto of 1 yr. ;

4 sheep (MS. destroyed), £147.04 ; 23 morgens of land and valley, £46 : Total,

£193.04.
(Name destroyed) — 1 poll, 1 horse of 1 yr., 1 ox, 4 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 sheep, £51 ;

15 morgens of land and valley, £30 : Total, £81.
Paulus Dierckse — 2 polls, 2 horses, 2 oxen, 5 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 5 ditto of 2 yrs. ;

3 ditto of 1 yr. ; 5 hogs, £127 ; 12 morgens of land and valley, 24 : Total, £151.
Jean Gerritse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1

yr. ; 2 sheep, 1 hog, £70 ; Hi morgens of land and valley, £23 : Total, £93.
Bourgon Brouchaert — 1 poll, 2 cows, £28 ; Hi morgens of land and valley, £23 : Total.

£51.
Adam Brouwer — 1 poll, 3 cows, 4 sheep, and li morgens of valley, £37.14.
Willem Brouwer— 1 poll, £18.
Jabecq Brouwer — 1 poll, £18.
Conradus Vander (Beek) — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 1 yr., £43 ; 14 morgens of

land, £28 : Total, £71.
Capt'n Cornells — 1 poll, 3 horses, 2 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of

1 yr., £84; 22 morgens of land and valley, £44: Total, £128.
Weynant Pieterse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, £57 ; 5 morgens of land, £10 : Total, £67.
Paulus Michilse Vander Voort — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr.,

£49 ; 12 morgens of land and valley, £24 : Total, £73.
Pieter Van Nest — 3 polls, 4 cows, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 1 hog, £80 ; 5i morgens of land and

valley, £11 : Total, £91.
Michil Hansen— 1 poll, 2 horses, 5 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr., £74; 20

morgens of laud and valley, 40 : Total, £114.
Hendrick Theunese — 1 poll, 1 horse, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs., £42.10 ; 4 morgens of land,

£8 : Total, £50.10.
Jores Jacobse — 3 polls, 4 horses, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 oxen, 3 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 4

ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 hogs, 3 sheep, £6 ; 30 morgens of land, £60 :

Total, £66.
Dierck Cornelisse— 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows (MS. destroyed) ; 15 morgens of land (MS.

destroyed).
Jan Cornelise Buys— 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, 1 ditto of , 2 hogs, 12 sheep (MS. de-
stroyed); 8 morgens of land and valley (MS. destroyed).
Gerrit Croes(en) — 1 poll, 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 do of 1

yr., £76.10 ; 14 morgens of land and valley, £28 : £104.10.
The whole property of Breuckelen amounts to £5,067.18.
Taxed at Id. in the pound sterling, should amount to £21. 2s. Ad.

Your obedient servant,

Michil Hatnellb

APPENDICES. 435

VALUATION OF BREUCKELEN, TAKEN 26 SEPTEMBER, 1G83.
(N. Y. Doc. Hist., ii., pp. 498-503.)

Jeronimus Jorisen — 1 poll, 1 horse, 6 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 hogs,

£68.10 ; 8 morgens of land, £16 : Total, £84.10.
Jan Cornelis Dauien — 2 horses, 5 cows, 4 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr., £63.10 ; 10

morgens of land, £20 : Total, £83.10.
Teunis Jansen — 2 horses, 5 cows, 6 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1 yr. ; 4 sheep, 1 poll,

£90.10 ; 20 morgens of land, £40 : Total, £130.10.
Willm Huicke — 2 horses, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 3 cows, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr.,

£53.20; 8 morgens of land, £16: Total, £69.20.
Daniel Rapelie — 5 horses, 6 cows, 4 ditto of 2 and 3 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1

yr., £110.10 ; 24 morgens of land, £48: Total, £158.10.
Jan Aersen (Middagh) — 3 horses, 5 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 sheep, £70 ; 27 morgens of

land, £54 : Total, £124.
Thomas Vardon— 2 horses, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 2 and 3 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr. ; 1 poll,

£65.10 ; 8 morgens of land, £16 : £81.10.
Jacob Jansen Bergen — 2 horses, 1 poll, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 3 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto

of 1 yr., £67.30 ; 24 morgens of land and valley, £48 : Total, £115.30.
Joris Hansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1

yr., £86.10; 12 morgens of land, 24: £110.10.
Cornelis Sebrings — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 cows, 3 ditto of 3 yrs., £64 ; 17 morgens of land

and valley, £34 : Total, £88.
Tryntie Korssen — 3 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 3 yrs., £28 ; 2 morgens of land

and valley, £4 : Total, £32.
Pieter Korssen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 4 cows, £62 ; 10 morgens of land and valley, £20 :

Total, £82.
Hendrick Korssen — 10 morgens of land, £20.
Jacob Brouwer — 2 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs., £30.10 ; 6 morgens of land and valley, £12 :

Total, £42.10.
Pieter Jansen — 1 poll, 3 horses, 6 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1

• yr., £99.20 ; 18 morgens of land and valley, £36 : Total, £135.20.
Klaes Arentse — 2 polls, 4 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr., £64 ; 12 morgens of

land, £24 : Total, £88.
Paulus Dirckse— 1 poll, 3 horses, 5 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of

1 yr. ; 1 ditto of 6 yrs., £106 ; 25 morgens of land, £50 : Total, £156.
Liesbet Pouluse— 1 cow, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 5 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of

1 yr., £19.
Mattys Brouwer— 1 poll, 1 cow, 1 ditto of 3 yrs., £27.
Jan Frederickse— 1 poll, 3 horses, 6 cows, 2 ditto of 2 jts. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr., £90.10 ; 14

morgens of land, £28 : Total, £118.10.
Joost Franse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1

yr., £67 ; 16 morgens of land and valley, £32.10 : Total, £99.10.
Ariaen van Laer— 1 poll, 2 cows, 1 horse, 1 yearling, £41.10; 1 morgen of land, £2:

Total, £43.10.
Abraham Ackerman— 1 poll, 1 cow, £23.

Thomas Lammerse (Lambertse ?)— 2 polls, 3 horses, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 7 cows, 1 ditto
of 3 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 1 yr. ; 4 sheep, £136 ; 18 morgens of land,
£36 : Total, £172.
Willem Joresen— 1 poll, 5 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 horses, £82 ; 12 morgens of land,
£24: Total, £96.

436 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Folckert Hendriekse — 1 poll, 2 horses, G cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr., £80 ;

14 morgens of land, £28 : Total, £108.
Jacob Joreson — 1 poll, 3 horses, 5 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 sheep,

£87.10; 12 morgens of land, £24: Total, £111.10.
Joris Jacobsen — 3 horses, 6 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs., £71 ; 16 morgens of land, £32 : To-
tal, £103.
Cornells Nevius — 1 poll, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr., £37.
Adam Brouwer — 1 poll, 1 mill, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 3 sheep,

£143.10 ; 3 morgens of land, £6 : Total, £149.10.
Hendriekse Sleght— 2 horses, 4 cows, £44 ; 21 morgens of land, £42 : Total, £86.
Rendel Evans— 2 horses, 1 poll, £42.
Jacobus vande Water— 1 poll, 1 horse, 4 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 4 sheep,

£59.10; 12 morgens of land, £24: Total, £83.10.
Machiel Hansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 6 cows, 4 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 5 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 5 ditto of

1 yr., £108 ; 20 morgens of land, £40 : Total, £148.
Thomas Jansen— 1 poll, 2 oxen, 1 horse, 2 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 2 yrs.,

£67.10 ; 11 morgens of land, £22 : Total, £89.10.
Hendrick Tysen— 1 poll, 2 oxen, 2 cows, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 horse of 1 yr., £50.10 ; 12

morgens of land, 24 : Total, £74.10.
Josies Dregz — 1 poll, 1 horse, £30.

Evert Hendriekse — 1 poll, 1 cow, 1 ditto yearling, £24.10.
Akus Jansen— 1 poll, 2 oxen, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr., £50.10 ; 8 mor.

gens of land, £16 : £66.10.
Ariaen Willemse — 1 poll, 3 horses, 6 cows, 1 ox of 4 yrs ; 4 ditto of 4 yrs. ; 3 ditto of 1

yr., £109; 25 morgens of land, £50: Total, £159.
Jan Gerritse Dorian t — 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 5 cows, 2 ditto

of 2 yrs. ; 2 ditto of 1 yr., £83 ; 20 morgens of land, £40 : Total, £123.
Simon Aersen — 1 poll, 4 oxen, 4 cows, 4 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 1 horse, £81.10 ;

24 morgens of land, £48 : Total, £129.10.
Jan Teunisen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 4 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs., £67 ; 21 morgens of land, £42 :

Total, £109.
Jan Jansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 oxen, 7 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 5 ditto of 1 yr., £104.10 ;

21 morgens of land, £42 : Total, £146.10.
Luickes Teunise — 1 poll, 3 horses, 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 cows, £67 ; 10 morgens of land,

£20: Total, £87.
Frans Abrahamse — 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 cow, £47 ; 8 morgens of land, £8 : Total, £55.
Hendrick Jansen — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 cows, 1 ditto of 4 yrs., £56.
Johannes Kasperse— 1 poll, 2 horses, 4 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs., £67 ; 5 morgens of land,

£10 : Total, £77.
Casper Jansen— 2 polls, 3 horses, 1 ditto of 2 yrs.; 2 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs., £92 ; 11

morgens of land, £22: Total, £114.
Juraen Blanck — 1 poll, 1 horse, 2 cows, £40.
Winant Pietersen— 2 polls, 1 cow, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr.,

£49.
Hendricka Sprokels — 1 horse of 4 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 4 cows, 2 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 3 ditto

of 2 yrs. ; 4 sheep, £52.10 ; 10 morgens of land, £20 : Total, £72.10.
Jan Smit— 1 poll, 1 horse, £30.
Tuenes Giesbertse Bogert — 4 horses, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 10 cows, 6 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 6 ditto

of 1 yr. ; 2 polls, £166 ; 40 morgens of land, £80 : Total, £246.
Marten Reisen— 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 ditto of 1 yr. ; 5 cows, 3 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1

yr., £84.10 ; 19 morgens of land, £38 : Total, £122.10.

APPENDICES.

437

The widow of Rem Jansen — 8 polls, 6 horses, 12 cows, 1 ditto of 4 yrs. ; 4 ditto of 3 yrs. ;

6 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 6 ditto of 1 yr., £228.10 ; 22 morgens of land and valley, £44 :

Total, £272.10.
Johanes Cristoffelse — 1 poll, 3 horses, 2 cows, 2 ditto of 2 yrs., £G9 ; 9 morgens of land,

£18 : Total, £87.
Willem Bennings — 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 6 cows, 3 oxen,

1 ditto of 2 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr., £107 ; 21 morgens of land, £42 : Total, £149.
Rissiert Gibs— 1 poll, 1 horse, £30.
Thomas Jansen op Brackelen — 1 poll, 2 horses, £42.
Pieter Van Nest — 2 polls, 3 cows, 1 yearling, £52.10.
Jan Buys — 1 poll, 2 horses, 2 cows, £52.
Dirck Jansen — 1 poll, 3 cows, 1 ditto of 3 yrs. ; 1 ditto of 1 yr. ; 2 horses, 1 ditto of 3

yrs., £70.10; 30 morgens of land, £60: Total, £130.10.

+ Jan Cornelise Damen,

Jan Gerritse van Couwenhoven,

Clerks.

A LIST OF ALL THE FREEHOLDERS, THEIR WIVES, CHILDREN, APPREN-
TICES, AND SLAVES, IN THE TOWN OF BROOKLAND, ABOUT 1698.

[Note. — E affixed to the name, means English ; F, French.]

Adriaen Bennet

Jacob Bennet

Jan Bennet

Simon Aerson

Wouter van Pelt

Christopher Schaers

Claes van Dyck

Maria Van Dyck

Achias Van Dyck

Jan Pieterse

Volkert Bries

Geei'tie Bries

Jacobus Van De Water

Jan Buys

Cornells Poulisse

Cornells Slegt

Joannes Slegt

Cornells Van Duyn

Thomas Vardon

Jan Bennet

Willem Bennet

Willem Brouwer

Jacob Hansen Bergen

Cornells Suebring

Catharina Hendrikse

Dirck Woertman

Jan Gerritz Couwenhoven.

Robert Everden (E)

Jan Arison

311. WO.

Ch.

App.

Sla.

1 2
1 1
1 1

4

-

~

2

1

_

1 1

12

-

2

1 1

4

2

1

1 2

1

1 1

5

-

1

7

1

_

1 2

2

-

-

1 2
1

1 1

2

-

-

3

_

_

1 2

1

-

-

1 1

1

-

-

1 1

-

3

-

1 -

—

-

-

1 2
1 2
1 1

3

-

-

5

_

2

1 1

5

2

-

1 1

2

2

-

1 1

6

_

2

1 1

1

1 1

8

-

2

2

_

4

1 1

3

-

-

1 1

-

1

1

1 1

3

-

7

438

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Men. Wo. Ch. App. Ski.

Latitie Smith (E)

Stoffel Hooghlandt

Joris Jacobse

Harrnen Jorisse

Jan Woertinan

Juriaen Andriesse

Jurian Bries ,

Joannes Janse

Barent Sleght

Margaret Dolstan (E). . . .

Elsie Sleght

Jacobus Beauvois

Thomas Knight (E)

Magdalena Fardeu

Joris Hansen Bergen . . .

Jan Fredrickse

(i erret Middag

Jan Janse Staats

Pieter Gerbrantse

Pieter Janse Staats

Cornelis Jorisse Boiiman
Mighiel Hanse Bergen . .

Jacob Brouwer

Adam Brouwer

Claes Vechten

Hendrick Vechten

Jan Cornelisse Damen . .

Gerret Middag

Samuel Berry

Gerrit Couwenhoven . . .
Abraham Van Duyn ....

Judith Van Este

Annetie Rapaille

Jeronimus Rapaille

Teunis Rapaille

Daniel Rapaille

Jannetie Remsen

Abraham Remsen

Gysbert Bogaert

Teunis Bogaert

Neeltie Rapallie

Jacob Cousseau ( F)

Jacob Buys

Matthys Cornelisse

Anthony Coesaer

Tys Lubbertz

Lysbeth Tysen

Frans Abrahamse

Lambert Andriesse

Cornelis Vanderhoef

_

_

_

_

-

4

2

1

-

4

-

1

4

_

_

3

-

-

2

1

-

2

-

2

2

-

-

5

-

-

1

-

-

11

_

2

7

-

-

3

-

2

8

-

-

-

1

-

4

_

-

1

-

-

3

-

2

6

-

-

4

-

-

4

_

3

4

- .

1

3

-

2

3

-

1

3

1

-

3

2

1

6

_

2

1

-

-

5

-

3

-

2

2

-

-

1

2

-

1

2

5

-

1

2

1

_

1

1

1

-

-

2

4

-

-

1

5

-

-

1

1

1

-

1

4

-

-

1

3

-

-

_

2

1

2

1

-

-

1

3

-

2

APPENDICES.

439

Thomas Lamberts

Dirck Tyssen

Isaac Mennist

Hend'k Hendrickse. . . .
Jeronimus Remsen
Jan Gerritz Dorlant. . . .

Gerret Sprong

Barbara Luycas

Clars Barents Blom. . . .

Jan Bibon

Benj'n Van De Waeter

Ch. App.

Sla*
1

[Ought to be 78 Men and 102 Women.] 77 101 240 26 65

A LIST OF ALL THE INHABITANTS OFF THE TOWNSHIP OFF BROOK-
LAND, BOTH OFF WHITES AND BLACKS, MALES AND FEMALES, ETC.,
IN THE YEAR 1738.

(N. T. Doc. Hist., iv., pp. 195-198.)

The names of ye masters
of the house or miS-

cS to

■a ^

a©

ao

ss

a£

Jeronymus Rapalje 1

George Rapalje 2

Isaac Johnson 3

Jacob Ryerson 4

Hans Bergen 2

Jacob Bergen 2

Jeremias Remsen 1

Gizbart Bogaert 2

Gizbart Bogaert Junr 2

Cornelius Bogard 1

Nicasius Couwenhoven 3

Marten Vanderhoeven .... 4

Gerrit Adriaanse 2

Nicholas Vechten 1

Fredrick Blaeuw 2

John Blaeuw 1

Juryen Blaeuw 1

Peter Staets 4

Adrian Bennet 3

Cornelius Van Duyn 2

Johannes Hoist 2

John Bennet 3

Jacob Bennet 2

£40 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

The names of ye masters
of the house or niis-
etc.

Thomas Van Dyck 2

Samuel Stellingwerg 1

Simon D' Hart 2

Wouter Van Pelt 4

Joseph Hegeman 1

Hendrick Van Dyck 1

Elizabeth Garner 0

George Remsen 1

Rem Remsen 2

Isaac Sebering 4

Aeltje Sebering 2

Israel Horsfield 3

John Thompson 1

Mally Burwouter -

Theophilus Elsworth 4

Petrus Ewetse 1

John Rhyn 2

Gabriall Cox 3

John Rapalje 2

Thomas Browne 1

Billy Nicbin 1

Daniell Bontecoue 1

Aert Middagh 1

Breghje Glieiff

Hendrick Stryker 2

Cornelius Filkin 1

Aeltje Provoost 1

John Middagh 1

Christopher Cod wise 12

Cornelius Ewetse 7

John Ewetse 2

James Harding 1

Jacob Deklyn 1

Rem Remsen 7

Everardus Brouwer 2

Johannes Johnson 3

Albertje Johnson

George Bergen 1

Jacob Hanse Bergen 1

Cornelius Webbers 1

Isaac D'Graw 2

Joost D'Beavois 2

Jacobus Beavois 3

O

n

m 03
■3 Si

go

.id

C3

pq

a
©

3
P

IS

If

3

1
o

3

-

1

i

1

_

_

-

2

i

2

_

_

_

-

3

2

6

2

3

2

-

3

-

3

-

1

-

3

3

2

-

-

1

1

1

2

-

1

_

3

1

1

1

_

-

_

_

_

1

1

-

1

-

1

_

-

2

1

-

1

1

-

2

2

1

1

2

1

. 2

-

2

-

2

-

1

1

1

1

2

3

-

-

-

1

1

—

-

—

_

_

2

1

-

-

-

-

_

1

4

1

5

3

2

1

1

1

2

2

-

-

_

1

2

1

-

_

-

1

4

2

4

-

-

1

_

-

1

_

2

1

2

_

1

1

3

-

_

_

_

1

1

1

_

-

_

_

_

2

2

1

1

-

_

-

1

-

-

1

_

_

1

1

-

-

-

1

_

-

1

3

1

-

1

_

1

2

-

-

-

-

_

_

2

1

1

_

-

-

1

1

1

1

-

1

_

2

5

2

2

-

2

-

_

1

2

-

-

1

-

2

2

1

-

_

-

_

1

5

-

1

-

_

_

_

2

1

-

_

_

-

_

4

2

2

1

1

1

2

2

2

-

-

1

1

2

1
2

J

-

1

-

-

_

1

-

1

-

-

-

2

2

_

-

-

-

_

2

2

1

_

-

1

-

_

5

1

-

_

-

-

-

1

-

1

-

-

-

APPENDICES.

441

The names of ye masters
of the house or mis-
tresses, etc.

So

as

a>>

•2®

09 "J

go

John Ellen 1

Hans Bergen 4

Jacobus Vandewater 3

Benjamin V. D. Water 3

Styntje Vander Voort -

Lambert Andriesen 3

Jacobus Leffertze 2

George Rapalje 2

Barent Blom 2

Rem V. D. Beek 2

John Dorland 1

Hendrick Suydarn 3

Cornelius V. D. Hoven. ... 1

Cornelius V. D. Hoeven, jr. 2

Peter V. D. Voort 1

Paulus V. D. Voort 1

John V. D. Voort 5

John Van Noortstrant .... 2

Dirck Rapalje 1

Sara Rapalje -

Jacob Cossauw 5

Isaac Remsen 7

Jacob Durrie 3

Mathys Van Dyck 2

Abraham Brewer 1

Juryen Brewer 1

1

2

1

_

1

1

1

_

_

1

1

-

1
1

—

1

1

-

-

2

1

1

1

_

_

1

-

1

2

_

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

199

81 175

23

4:;

2:}

APPENDIX YIIL— (Page 206.)

THE BROOKLYN WOODLANDS.

[We are indebted for the following to Mr. J. Carson Brevoort, of this city.]
At an early date, the woodlands covering the range of hills bounding
the town north and east of the Flatbush road were apportioned in parcels
of about ten acres each among the freeholders of the town of Brooklyn,
excepting the Gowanus owners, whose woodlands were attached to their
respective farms.

442 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Some eight or nine hundred acres were thus allotted, in three larger
divisions of about three hundred acres each. The first division was com-
prised between the Flatbush and Clove roads; the second between the
Clove and Hunterfly reads; and the third between the last-named road
(which is probably a corruption of Aan der fly, that is, " the road to the
creek," or bay) and that leading to Jamaica. There appears to have been
another division north of this last road ; but, if so, it was cleared and culti-
vated shortly after its allotment.

The first division was composed of irregular-shaped lots, and was cov-
ered until the year 1855 with fine woods. The second division was divided
more regularly into long, narrow lots, of ten acres each, and of nearly equal
length, running north and south. The greater part of these woods has been
but recently felled. The third division was composed of very long, narrow
lots running east and west, of various lengths. A record of this last divi-
sion has been preserved, and is authenticated by the town clerk. The
records of the others may, perhaps, be among some of the few papers pre-
served of the town records.

THE BROOKLYN SALT MEADOWS.

The freeholders of the town, having no salt meadow attached to their
farms, it was at an early date arranged that a part of the salt meadows or
Jamaica Bay, in the town of New Lots, west of Spring Creek, and in the
County of Queens, just adjoining on the east side of .the same creek, should
be allotted to them. This last portion is known as the Brooklyn meadows,
and many lots in both of them are still owned by residents of Brooklyn.
The regular price of these lots was until recently but ten dollars per acre.
The division lines were marked by short stakes or corner-stones lying loose
on the meadow ; but no one encroached on his neighboi*, the lines being
known to all the owners. This salt hay was cut in September, and used as
a winter forage for cows and horses, though never held in very high esti-
mation for this purpose.

Sedge-grass, from the detached meadows and islands in the bay, was free
to all, and was often cut to be used as a thatch for sheds or for manure.
Sea-weed, principally eel-grass (Zostera marina), was also collected for
manure. Recently, this last grass, dried and washed by rain, has been
much used for stuffing mattresses.

APPENDICES. 443

APPENDIX IX.— (Page 323.)

EXTRACTS FROM THE FIRST NEWSPAPER ISSUED IN BROOKLYN.

This is reprinted from the only copy known to be in existence, and which
Mr. Edwin B. Spoon er, of the Brooklyn /Star, found a number of years ago
at the Long Island Hotel, in Fulton street, near the Ferry, where it had
been left some time before by a countryman, who requested the proprietor,
Mr. Carman, to preserve it for him until his return. Several years having
elapsed without any demand having been made for it, Mr. Spooner became
its owner ; and, subsequently, presented it to the Lyceum at the United
States Navy Yard, where it may now be seen.

The usual channels afford no information whatever concerning this paper ;
and it is not even mentioned in any of the histories, local or national.

From certain remarks in the Super-Extra Gazette, we might, perhaps,
infer that a paper of this name was published regularly at the Brooklyne-
Hall, or Looseley's. If such was the case, it is singular that it has not been
recognized and perpetuated by history ; and that but one copy — and that
evidently an " extra" — should have been preserved. It has been suggested
that the Super-Extra Gazette was a Brooklyn extra of the New York Moyal
Gazette, issued on some special occasion ; our own impression, however, is
that it was merely a handbill, published by the enterprising Looseley to
advertise the lottery which was then drawing at his tavern.

The " original" is printed on a dirty sheet, in three columns, and on one
side only : its spelling and punctuation is here faithfully preserved.

PRO BONO PUBLICO

BROOKLYNE HALL SUPER-EXTRA
GAZETTE.

O

SATURDAY. June 8, 1782.
Brooklyne.

N Thursday evening last, we were blessed with many refreshing
showers attended with hard thunder, &c— The distance from our

444 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

friends in New York, prevented us from giving them more early intelli-
gence.

* * * * * * *

It is with particular satisfaction we inform the public, that the people
here begin to be more civilized since they have indulged their loyal sensa-
tions for the immortal victory obtained over the French fleet.1 Bull-bait-
ings here are absolutely forbidden.

FLA T-B USE:. June

To the EDITORS of the BROOKLYNE HALL SUPER-EXTRA GAZETTE.

Gentlemen.
fT^HE Songs that generally appear in the New York papers are in too
-*- high a stile for our conception, and with the tunes we are not ac-
quainted ; therefore, accept from a Loyal Society, among us, composed for
our amusement.

Tune. Babes of the Wood, or Chevy Chace.

i.
Unhappy times of late we've seen,
Unhappy days indeed,
For such the rueful hours have been,
Did make our hearts to bleed.

Rebellion did with all its force,
Pour down upon our heads,
The stream took such a rapid course,
It drove us from our beds.

in.
But now those times are blowing o'er,
And we with heart and voice,
That such disasters be no more,
With one accord rejoice.

1 The defeat of De Grasse's French fleet in the West Indies, April 12th, 1782, by the
British fleet under Rodney.

APPENDICES. 445

IV.
For glorious news, surround our King,
And England's noble cause,
So all true souls and faithful men,
Will shout with one applause.

For now with safety we may keep,
Our hard begotten store,
For in security we sleep,
And bury gold no more.

VI.

No more our flocks and herds will stray,
Our Nymphs and Swains shall sing,
And ever bless the welcome day,
That binds us to our King.

N. B. We are extremely fond of tunes of such soft melodious sounds,
because they approach so near to our Church music, besides these were
the sort of tunes which were brought over by the first European settlers.

Religion and morality gain much ground ; for to be sure, a Tavern-
keeper, a few days since, gave away his old black coat to enable a Minis-
ter of the Gospel (just then come in from the Rebels) to mount the rostrum
with dignity.

The nativity of our Sovereign was so acknowledged amongst us, that
we outdid all our former doings : The man that was so stigmatized some-
time since by the name of BONIFACE,1 behaved beyond description, and
the Commander of our civil guns had a remarkable share in the splendour
and glory of the day.

The prospect of such plenty of fruit on this island, must make the Lovers
of cherries, peaches, &c, smile — and no doubt will produce a large effusion
of mouth- water.

Butter-milk will fall in price next week, at least one hundred per cent.

1 An allusion, undoubtedly, to Loosley, the host of the " Brooklyne-Hall" Tavern.

446 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

New Milk, Ditto. Fresh Butter, Ditto. Vegitables, Ditto. And most
articles which are the products of a farm, will share the same fate. RAM
MUTTON and BULL BEEF excepted.

Some few days since a Scrivener, who sometime resides amongst us,
indulged himself with a walk to ASCOT-HEATH RACES, he walked
around the course, refreshed himself at Loosley's Barn ; — He then walked
down to the Ferry, and very deliberately walked into the river and had it
not been for the friendly assistance of some gentlemen belonging to the
army, in all probability he would have then stepped into eternity.

So great a number of Satires in Verse have, and do daily appear here,
that one would imagine all the people of Brooklyne were turned Poets.
*******

The State of Massachusetts Bay, being now convinced of the necessity
of fitting a fleet to support their fishery, have sent two schooners of 6 car-
riage guns, and a sloop of 4 guns and well manned, to cruise off" Halifax,
with strict orders to bring all the British frigates into Marblehead.

Extract from a Philadelphia Paper.
When the account of the defeat of the British fleet, off Dominica, on the
12th of April, arrived here, the Congress, by the desire of Mr. Luzerne,
immediately assembled and passed the following resolves:

" 1st. Resolved nem. con. That the exigencies of our public affairs were
such, that the British fleet ought to have been defeated.

2d. Resolved nem. con. That as Mons. Luzerne has assured us the fleet
of his Most Christian Majesty had totally defeated the fleet of the British
King on the 12th of April, off Dominica, the British fleet certainly was
defeated.

3d. Resolved nem. con. That the thanks of this House be presented to
Mons. Luzerne, for this early and important intelligence.

By Order of Congress,

CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry.

In Congress, May 27, 1782.

After which Te Deum was sung in Congress, nemine contradicente, high
Mass performed, a Feu-derJoie fired in the evening, and the city of Phila-
delphia grandly illuminated.

APPENDICES. 447

His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esq., Minister Plenipotentiary for
the United States of America, having introduced the use of Electrical Rods
in the French navy, was the occasion of drawing the British thunder upon
them in the West Indies. Probatum est.

By a letter from Maryland we are informed, the Assembly of that prov-
ince are determined to shake off the fetters of Congress and throw them-
selves into the arms of their old friend and parent.

Now selling off at prime cost, at No. 9, the remaining stock in trade of
an eminent Clergyman leaving off business for the good of his health, which
has been much impaired by nocturnal lucubrations, consisting of a complete
set of manuscript sermons, for the year round, with national and synodical
fasts; also a variety of sermons against the 30th of January, Mons Meg
charged and primed for the 5th of November, a rod for the Whore of
Babylon, the Sins of the Nation described, Tracts upon the Crook of the
Lot, or the afflicted man's Companion, Ten Steps of Jacob's Ladder, Bos-
ton's fourfold State, the Cloud of Witnesses, Bunyan's Hitch for a heavy
ars'd Christian, ditto, Pilgrim's Progress, ditto Holy War, a Rod for Billy's
Breach, Gospel Sonnets, &c, &c, &c. Inventory of which may be seen at
any time.

The Rev. Doctor Witherspoon, President of the College of Prince-Town,
has invented a new creed, and is now writing a paraphrase upon the 5th
Commandment, by which he intends fully to prove, that there is no duty
due from a child to a parent, from an inferior to a superior, from a subject
to a Sovereign, unless a Congress, which is to be published as an appendix
to an essay, ready for the press, entitled " A Treatise against Moral Obli-
gations."

Friend Loosley suffered much on Tuesday evening last, — To grace the
ceremony and assist the joys of the people, a large piece of ordnance was
discharged so close to his house, the explosion of which shattered his win-
dows in a most terrible manner. No doubt but Loosley's glazier rejoices
at the accident.

With sorrow we inform our neighbors and our distant friends, that many
depredations have lately been made in the face of open day, on this island,
but more particularly in the city of New York.— The initials of the culprits

448 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

names are G E . A parole is appointed to traverse the streets of

Brooklyne every hour day and night, to prevent street robberies.

A melancholy event had liked to have happened here a few days ago.
A person belonging to Mr. Elms of this place, was driving a horse and
chair into the river, the horse proving unruly, was taken into the stream,
and it was with great difficulty they were got out again ; unhappily the
horse was sadly wet, but the man received no other hurt than catching a
slight cold and damaging his watch.

Our passage boats have had a middling good time in crossing the ferry
lately, not a single fee has been lost.

Whether or no we meet esteem,
Regardless as a praw ;
No real injury we mean
In our Gazette extra.
Critics may stiarl, but should they bite,
Then toe^d our pow'r exert /
For we're assured, the more we write
Will make us more expert.

A Generous Price will be given by the Editors for the latest Rebel
Papers.

BROOKLYNE-HALL LOTTERY

Commenced drawing on the 4th of June, when only Ten Tickets were
drawn, the numbers taken from the Check Book are the following ; No.
598—906— 1702— 1827— 1861— 1912— 2547— 2582— 2808— 2968.

This Lottery being for charitable purposes, every means will be adopted
to promote the interest thereof.

A few Tickets remain unsold, which may be had at the usual places.

The Lottery re-commenced drawing on Wednesday the 12th instant,
and will Continue drawing till all is finished. N. B. There were two Ten
Dollar Prizes, three of Five Dollars, and Five Blanks drawn.

APPENDICES. 449

CHARLES LOOSLEY.1
/^OXTLNUES to provide every accommodation for the reception of his
^ friends ; and they may depend the greatest care will be taken to give
universal satisfaction.

THOMAS ELMS
fT^AKES the liberty of informing the public, that he has a most capital
-1- Carriage, and excellent Horses for their accommodation. Likewise,
his commodious Stage Waggon,2 as usual for select parties.

THOMAS SMITH,
TTTATCH MAKER, from New York, acquaints the public, he has
* * moved into the house formerly occupied by Mr. Ross, at Brooklyn-
Ferry, where he carries on the business in its different branches.

JOHN ROSS
T)EGS leave to inform the public in general, and his friends in particu-
-*-^ lar, he has removed from where he formerly lived to two doors higher
up, next to Mr. Loosley's, where he has opened Tavern, and laid in an
assortment of the best Liquors.

N. B. He carries on his business as usual, at the above place.

MACKINTOSH

/"CARRIES on the Business of a Taylor, with the greatest propriety, at
^-' his Shop, situated between Mr. Smith's, Watch-maker, and Mr. Ross's
Tavern.

Vivant Rex & Regina.

BROOKLYNE-HALL: Printed in the Year, 1782.

1 Loosley, after the war (1784), kept hotel at Port Roseway, Nova Scotia, where, with
other loyalists, he suffered great privations.

2 In Rivington's paper, May 26th, 1779, we find that " Loosley and Elms propose to
run a Caravan to Jamaica and back to Brooklyn Ferry, on Fridays, Thursdays, and
Sundays."

1782, Oct. 3d. "New flying machine, on steel springs, Thursday, Sunday, and
Tuesday, from Brooklyn, at 8 o'clock, to Jamaica, and return the same evening. Break-
fasting at Brooklyn-Hall, stage mornings." There were also other stages running on
the same route.

450

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

APPENDIX X.— (Page 378.)

BROOKLYN DIRECTORY FOR 1796— CONTAINING THE NAMES OF THE
INHABITANTS— ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED. NEVER BEFORE PUB-
LISHED."

Alexander, John, rope maker.

Armstrong-, John, tavern keeper.

Barbarin, John N., physician, Main
Road.

Beezely, William, laborer.

Beezely, Thomas, blacksmith, Sand's
Dock.

Bennet, John, livery stable, Main Road.

Bennet, widow, washer, Main Road.

Berry, , farmer, near the Episco-
pal Church.

Blackslee, Archibald, near the Episco-
pal Church.

Boerum, Martin.

Brown, widow Hannah, facing Capt.
Dawson's, Old Ferry.

Brower and Beezely, blacksmiths, Main
Road.

Burlock, Thomas, livery stable, Main
Road.

Burns, widow.

Cannon, Peter, cooper, near Sand's
Dock.

Carpenter, William, lumber merchant,
near the Old Ferry.

Carpenter, widow, near the Old Ferry.

Carstand, John, rope maker.

Clows and Rhodes, store keepers, Main
Road.

Coe, Thomas, blacksmith.

Cole, John, coach and chair maker.

Coop, Edward, blacksmith.

Cornelison, John, rope maker.

Cornell, Smith, cartman.

Cornell, William, boarding-house.

Cornell, Whitehead.

Davis, widow Elizabeth, Main Road.

Dawson, Henry, near the Old Ferry.

Deane, John, shoemaker.

Denton, George, house carpenter.

Dougherty, William, house carpenter.

Doughty, John, butcher.

Doughty, Charles.

Douglas, , butcher.

Eagles, Jacob, grocer, Main Road.
Field, Joseph, grocer, Main Road.
Fisher, John.
Foster, teacher, near the Episcopal

Church.
Fox, Joseph, store keeper, Main Road.
Fuller, Benjamin, painter and glazier,

Main Road.
Furman, William, one of the proprie-
tors of the New Ferry, Main Road.
Garrison, John, butcher.
Gilbert, Robert, blacksmith.
Grant, William, Jayler.
Guy and Harmer, dyers, near the New

Ferry.
Guy, Francis, dyer, near the New Ferry.
Hampstead, , rope maker, near

the New Ferry.
Hargrave, Robert, tinsmith, Main Road,

near the Methodist Church.
Harris, widow Grace, Main Road.
Hastings, John, gardener, opposite the

Methodist Church.
Havens, Thomas tavern keeper, near

the Old Ferry.
Herbert, James, shoemaker, New Ferry

Street.
Hicks, Jacob, tavern keeper, Old Ferry

Dock.
Hicks, Jacob M., Main Road.
Hicks, John M., Main Road.
Hicks, John, one of the proprietors of

the Old Ferry.
Hicks, George, one of the proprietors of

the Old Ferry.
Hicks, Isaac, merchant; store, Pearl

Street, New York.
Higby, Aaron, tavern keeper, Main

Road.
Higby, Edward, tavern keeper, New

Ferry Dock.
Hodge, Robert, bookseller, opposite the

Methodist Church ; store, Water

Street, New York.

APPENDICES.

451

Hunt, Theodosius, one of the proprie-
tors of the New Ferry, Main Road.
Ingles, Jacob, cooper.

Jackson, , house carpenter.

Jarvis, Isaiah, tavern keeper, Main Road.

Johnston, John.

Kitchum, Pelick, tavern keeper.

Kyd and Jedlye, grocers, corner of the

Main and New Ferry Roads.

Lamhertson, , grocer.

Layhat, the Rev. Charles, Minister of

the Second Baptist Church of New

York, Main Road.
Lovett, James, saddler, Main Road.

Lynch, , rope maker.

M' Combs, John, miller.
M'Lachlan, Robert, rope maker.
M'Moneygil, widow, school mistress,

Main Road.
Maddock, Roger Whitington, brewer,

near the Brewery.
Martin, John, dock builder.
Middagh, John, hatter, Main Road.
Mitchel, Samuel, rope maker.
Montany, John, house carpenter.
Moore, Lambert.
Moore, widow.
Morris, William, land broker, Main

Road.
Mosier, John, house carpenter, near

the Brewery.
Mott, Ridgeble, tavern keeper, near the

Old Ferry.
Nicholas, Isaac, cabinet maker.
Nostrand, Timothy, tavern keeper, near

the Old Ferry.
Parsons, Nap, rope maker.
Patchin, Jacob, butcher.
Patchin, Ralph, dairy man.
Phist, Jolin, rope maker.
Price, Nathaniel, copper plate printer,

near the Methodist Church.
Rapley, Abraham, coach- and chair

maker, Main Road. ,
Rattoone, John, laborer, Sand's Dock.
Remsen, Isaac, tavern keeper.
Sands, Joshua, between the Old and

New Ferries.
Sharp, Jacob, Judge of the County

Court, Main Road.

Sharp, Jacob, jun., Clerk of ditto, Main

Road.
Shotts, Nicholas, laborer, Main Road.
Shrader, Christopher, rope maker, New

Ferry Road.
Sing, William, merchant, store Pearl

Street, New York.
Smith, Hassel, house carpenter, New

Ferry Road.
Smith, Joseph, tavern keeper, New Fer-
ry Road.
Snedecor, Lewis, tavern keeper, Old

Ferry Dock.
Somendyke, Nicholas, house carpenter.
Strytser, Bourdet (Burdett Stryker), tal-
low chandler and butcher.
Swartcoop (John V.), gunsmith.
Taylor, Solomon, blacksmith, Main

Road.

Tilford, , weaver, Main Road.

Thome, Samuel, baster, New Ferry

Road.
Tillotson, Jeffrey, hatter, Old Ferry

Dock.
Titus, Abiel, tavern keeper, Main Road.
Townsend, Nathaniel, hatter, Main

Road.
Troutman, Andrew, laborer, New Fer-
ry Road.
Tuttle, Barzillai, house carpenter, near

the Brewery.
TJnderhill, Peter, jun., taylor, near the

Old Ferry.
Van Aulen, Cornelius, laborer, Sand's

Dock.
Van Aulen, Peter, tavern keeper, Main

Road.
Van De Water, John, livery stable,

New Ferry.
Van Mater, Gilbert, grocer, Old Ferry

Dock.
Van Pelt, Thomas, mason and master

builder, New Ferry Dock.
Walling, Philip, mason.
Ward, Barnabas, chair maker, Main

Road.
Ward, John, rope maker, near the New

Ferry.
Walters, John, tavern keeper.

452

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

APPENDIX XI.— (Page 409.)

BROOKLYN VETERANS OF 1812.

Muster Roll of a Company of Infantry, under the command of Captain
Joseph Dean, in the Consolidated Regiment of Militia, commanded by
Lieut.-Col. John A. Ditmars, from Sept. 2, 1814, when last mustered, to
the 13th of Nov. 1814, in the service of the United States.

[The letters R. and F., affixed to some of these names, are *to designate them as members
of the Rifles or of the Fusileers, two uniform companies at that time belonging to Brooklyn.
These are affixed on the memory of Capt. Dean, and although generally correct, it is possible
that one or two may be wrong. Those with this t mark were part of a detachment of sub-
stitutes sent to relieve Lt. Spader, at Ft. Swift, Oct. 5, 1814.]

Joseph Dean, Captain, Sept. 2, 1814.
John Spader, Lieutenant, Sept. 2, 1814.
Charles J. Doughty, Lieutenant, Sept.

1, 1814.

Wm. A. Mercein, Ensign, Sept. 2, 1814.
Garret Duryea, Orderly Sergeant, Sept.

2, 1814.

Michael Vanderhoof, Orderly Sergeant,

Sept. 2, 1814.
David Storms, Orderly Sergeant, Sept.

2, 1814. On Furlough by permission

of General.
Thomas Chadwick, Orderly Sergeant,

Sept. 2, 1814.
Wm. R. Dean, Orderly Sergeant, Oct.

31, 1814.
James Gildersleeve, Corporal, Sept. 2,

1814.
Joseph Pettit, Corporal, Sept. 2, 1814.
Wm. Kirkpatrick, Corporal, Sept. 2,

1814.
Wm. Bennet, Corporal, Sept. 2, 1814.

Sick at home with typhus fever.

John Smith, R., Gowanus.

Jas. C. Provost, R., Bushwick.

Uriah Ryder, F.

Joseph Butler. fSubstitute for Isaac
Selover.

Michael Mapes, F.

Benj. J. Waldron, R.

Luke Covert. ■{Substitute for John Sel-
over.

Samuel Vail.

Carman Seaman. Deserted.

Thomas Lain.

David Hiliyard. fAn Irish deserter
from the British army in Canada, a
drummer, and acting as substitute
for Winant P. Bennet.

John Sharpe.

Wm. Thomas.

Jacob Coope.

Samuel Hart. On furlough, by permis-
sion of General.

Nathan Furman.

Jas. McFarlan.

Samuel McGrady.

Joseph Stringham.

Joseph Robinson.

Gilbert Reid.

Elijah Raynor.

John Swinburn (English).

John Thurston.

John Ward.

John Rogers.

Nicholas Covert.

Stephen Austin. Substitute for Wil-
liam C. Bright.

Thomas Furman.

Zachariah Clevenger, R., Bushwick.

David Craven, R.

Josiah Applegate, F.

Francis Meserole, R., Bushwick.

Jacob Nostrand. Not on list of present.

Peter Colyer, R., Bushwick.

Jas. McDonough, R.

Stephen R. Boerum, Wallabout.

APPENDICES.

451

Philctus Fleet. Substitute for (Ex-
Mayor) Samuel Smith.

Henry Dezendorf. ^Substitute for Ber-
nard Dezendorf.

John Applegate, F.

Cornelius Van Home.

Abraham Bennet, jr.

John Hulst, R.

Michael Gillen, R.

Jacob W. Bennett, R., Bushwick.

Enoch Elbertson. f Substitute for Wm.
Stoothoff, jr.

James Webb. (Name not on list of
present.)

Francis Blaise. Substitute for Wm.
Hills.

John Kaler, R.

Jesse Waterbury. f Substitute for Levi
Hart.

Richard M. Bouton, F.

Abm. Blauvell. fSubstitute for Jno.
Burtis.

Samuel Goldsmith. Substitute for Jno.
Murphy.

Isaac Devoe, F.

Henry Wiggins.

Abraham Bennett, F.

Peter Snyder.

John Hagerty.

Jas. Strain (Irish).

Richard Hunter.

Jeese Coope.

Jacob Furman.

Aaron Swain Bobbins.

Jas. Lynch. Substitute for Stephen

Schinck.
Peter Chatterlon. f Substitute for John

Burtis.
Israel Rummels.
Samuel Pettit.
Samuel Nostrand.
Abraham Bogert.
Michael Harvey (Irish cook).
Peter Bennet. Enlisted Sept. 29, 1814.
Samuel Mott. (Name not on the list of

present.)
William Jackson (mulatto servant).
John Fitch (colored servant).
Abm. Thompson (colored servant).
Edward Higbie, Drummer.

PIONEER CORPS.

William N. Kettletas, Sergeant of Pio-
neers.

Jaques W. Cropsy, R., Corporal of
Pioneers.

PRIVATES.

Henry Van Dyke,
WTm. G. Verity,
Jacob Denyse,
John Van Brunt,
William Johnson,

Henry Cropsy,
Joseph Wardle,
David Denyse,
James Wallace.

The Bushwick and Wallabout Companies, in the 64th Regiment, were
consolidated under Capt. Skillman, of the latter company. We have been
unable to obtain a full Muster Roll of these companies, but are able to
furnish a partial list of members, compiled from Capt. Dean's papers.

By order of Gen. Johnson, October 5, 1814, Lieutenants Doughty and
Nichols, and Ensign Johnson, proceeded to Fort Swift, with substitutes
from Major Ditmar's Regiment, to relieve Lieut. Spader. The names of
substitutes and principals in Captain Skillman's command, composed as we
have seen mostly of Wallabout and Bushwick men, were as follows :

[a Reported sick in camp, b Appeared when men were mustered, marched to Fort Swift,
then was missing. Those to whose names an * is affixed did not appear when the substitutes
were mustered in.]

Thomas Gardner.^ Substitute for Ely

Elmore.
David Capron.* Substitute for Henry

Lane.

John Thursby. Substitute for Jas.

Fletcher.
Joseph Goldsmith. Substitute for Mr.

Tinney.

454

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Substitute for Joseph.
Substitute for Isaac

Joseph Russell. Substitute for Thos.

Parsall.
William Boeruru. Substitute for Thos.

Arnold.
Daniel Bevoise. Substitute for Peter

Sandford.
John Wheaton. Substitute for Moses

Suydam.
Simon Denyse. Substitute for Gabriel

Debevoise.
Joseph Deshay.

Goldsmith.
Jas. Van Loo.

Ooovert.
David Weed. Substitute for Jacobus

Lott.
Charles Debevoise.* Substitute for

Abraham Boerum.
Wm. Turner. Substitute for Henry

Read.
Jos. Miller. Substitute for Jacob Ben-
nett.
Jas. Redding. Substitute for Hendrick

Suydam.
Jas. Furman* Substitute for David

W. Van Cott.
Samuel Conklin. Substitute for Joseph

S. Allen.
Jas. Wallis. Substitute for Abraham

Hoothoof.
Godfrey . Substitute for Enoch

Sopher.
Jas. Kellahan. Substitute for Horace

D. Smith.
John Van Pelt. Substitute for John

Bennet.
Zebulon Whitman. Substitute for Pat-
rick Cator.

Substitute for Wm.

Substitute for Ruli

John Simpson. Substitute for Daniel

Cortelyou.
Isaac Collins.* Substitute for Jacob

Van Pelt.
William Bache.& Substitute for John

Wardell.
John H. Curtis,

Van Pelt.
Francis Morgan.

Van Brunt.
Hugh Smith. Substitute for Stephen

Covert.
Henry Cutter* Substitute for Timo-
thy Cortelyou.
Oliver Place. Substitute for Winant

J. Bennett.
David Stewart. Substitute for Chas.

Lott.
Daniel Everitt,

Van Sicklen.
James Smith.

Lake.
Wm. Conklin.

Johnson.
Hamilton Carr.

bus Stryker.
John Van Tassel. Substitute for Dan-
iel Stillwell.
Rich. Goldsburgh. * a Substitute for

Richard J. Stillwell.
Moses Griffing. Substitute for Stephen

Stryker.
George Sagors. Substitute for Corne-
lius Emmans.
Jonah Raymond. Substitute for Steph.

J. Vorhees.
John Torrey. Substitute for Samuel

Emmans.

Substitute for John

Substitute for Court

Substitute for Court

Substitute for Corne-

INDEX TO VOLUME I.

Note.— The names contained in the Appendices VI., VII., X., and XL, are not included
in this Index.

■*•• Bank in Brooklyn. Petition for the establishment of

a, 392.

Barbarin, Dr. John N., 309, 3S3 ; Cant,, 396, 397: Aiiae
J., 309.

Barchstoel, Philip, 113.

Barcnlo, Lieut., 408.

Barentse. Jan, 70 ; Albertse, 181 ; "William, 236.

Bargay, Jno., 232.

Barns.-, Claes, 213.

Barraek- ( Hessian ) at Bedford, 320, 321.

Barres, Adjt. Daniel, 40S.

Basset, Rev. Dr. John, 193, 194 ; Ann, 189 ; Mary, 189 ;
Stephen. 189.

Battle of Brooklyn, 242-297.

Battle-Hill. 270.

Bath Road, The, 255.

Bav Ridge. 53 ; Road, The, 295 ; of Gowanus, 60.

Beattie, Mr., 194.

Boomer, The, 145; Pond.'317, 32S; Lane, 125.

Beavois. See De Brvoixe.

Bedford, 155, 157. 15s, 159. 192, 201, 206, 212, 213, 243,
261, 320. 367 : Pass, The. 26 i , 202 ; Lane, The, 213 ;
Road, The. 264, 273 ; deed of, from Indians, 159,
160; District, The, 381.

Bedsteads, Dutch, 229.

Beekman, Gerardus, 177, 180; William, 10S.

Been, Heyndrick Jansen, 120.

Beets, Thomas. See Bencher.

Bi'lixttrius, The, 338.

Beit, Maj. J V. D., 316.

Beman, Capt, 301.

Berry farm, 5S ; Rachel, 56 ; Richard, 5S ; "Walter, 58.

Beseher, Thomas. 2S, 55, 56.

" Betste." The, 224, 225.

Betty, Thomas. 250.

Bennett, Adriaen, 50, 51, 52, 201, 204. See Wm.
Atlriaense Dt'iimtl ; Cornelius, 59 ; Cornelius W.,
49, 51, 55; Jacob, 208: Jacob, Willem, 204;
Jacques. 23, 33, 49, 50; Jan, 179, 1S1, 203; John
"Willemse, 208; Peter, 27; Tunis, 324; Willem,
203; Willem Adriaense, 23, 28, 49, 50, 52, 54;
Willem Willemse, 425; Wynant, 53, 55, 58, 59,
270 ; Rev. Mr., 402 ; Bentyn purchase at Gowanus,
44.

Bennet's Point, 328; Cove, 278.

Benson, A. W., 5S.

Bergen's Hill. 251.

Bergen, 90. 119, 254; Breckje, SI; Cornelius, 53;
Dirick, 58; Elsie, 65; Garret, 52; Garret G., 55;
Geertje, 54 ; George ( or Joris ) Hansen, 66, 72, 97,
99, 209, 210, 422; Hanse, 52, 54; Hans Hansen,
24, 29, 74, 81, 88, 89, 92, 102, 213, 417, 420, 421, 424;
Hans Jorise. SI ; Hans Jacobsc, 65, 424 ; Jacob,
65, 401; Jacob Hansen, 63, 65, 66, 72, 208, 210;
Jan (or John) Hansen, 58. 157, 244, 316; John
S., 54; John, 53; John G., 55; J. C, 256; (Capt.)
J. T., 409, 410; Leah, 54; Leffert, 53 ; Martenus,
51, 54; Michael, 53, 102, ln3. 31 s, 422; Michael
Hansen, 53. 62, 97, 99, 101. 157, 201, 202, 211; Peter,
53,54; Rachel, 102; Simon, 52. 243; Teunis, 53;
(Hon.) Teunis G., 51, 52, 93, 425; Theodoras,
53; Willem Ariaense, 55.

Bible Society, the Lone Island, 185.

Bibout, John, 206.

Aarnhem, Fred, van, 159.

Aarsen, Rynier. 179, 181.

Aarten, Hendrick, 203.

" Abbey, The, " 251.

Aerson, John. 213.

Aertsen van Rossum, Huyck. See Van Rossum.

Aertsen de Hart, Simon. See De Hart.

Aertsen Aert. See Middagh.

Adriance, family, 85.

Adriaense, Elbert, s5 ; Marten, 85, 93, 236; Rem, 53;

William, 50, 58.
Agriculture among the early Dutch, 231.
Ahtirsimu.% 97.
Alburtis, family, 83; John, S4; Peter Ciesar, 24, S4;

William. 84.
Alley, Buckbee's, alias Poplar, 378.
Alol'sen, Samuel, 415.
Alstine, Johannis, 233.
American loss at Battle of Brooklyn, 281.
Amerman, Derick, 380; Jan.,' 180, 181.
Amersfoort, 106, US, 119, 121, 129, 130, 181, 197, 199,

222.
Anbury, Lieut, 253.
"Anchor Gin" Distillery, 301.
Anderson, William, 171.
Andre, Maj. John, at Bedford, 321.
Andriese. juriaen, 97, 99, 20S ; Lambert, 99.
Andros, Sir Ed., 165, 19S, 199, 366.
Anhault Zerbet Regiment at Brooklyn, 322.
Anniversary of King's Coronation. Celebration of,

317.
Antonides. Rev. Vincentius, 171, 172, 173, 175, 176,

178, 179. 181, 185, 187.
Anthon, Prof. John, 373.
Arbutlmot. Admiral, 305.
A re.su n. Capt., 410.
Arms, family, 240.
Arondeus. Rev. John, 1S4.
Artillerv, ('apt. Wilson's, 396.
Ascot Heath, 319, 322, 323, 324, 377. See FlaUands

Plains.
Assessment Rolls of the Five Dutch Towns, 197; of

Brooklyn. See Appendix.
Association, The Martyrs' Monument, 375.
Asia, The, 264.
Atlantic Docks, The, 59.
Aukes, Annetje, 77.
Atlee's Regiment, 262, 269, 271, 278.
Axtell, 256, 301, 316.
Aycrigg, Benjamin, 364, 365, 367.

Backer, Gerrit Heyndrick, 113.
Badve, or Baddia, Mary, 50, 425.
Baker. Nicholas the, 424.
Baker's Tavern, 266.
Bal, Barent, 135.
Ball, Dr. Chas., 3S8, 391.
Bamper, Lodewyck, 308, 309, 382.
Bancker, Gerard, 203.

456

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Binnen-water, The, 52.

Bird, Maj., 260.

Black. Hans, 132.

Blake, 64, 66.

Blanco, John, 249.

Blockje's Berg, 58, 2T1, 272.

Blom, or Bloom. Claes Barentse, 203; Barent, 94;
Jacob, 94. 249, 292.

Blucke's Ban-acks. See Blockje's Berg.

Boerum Farm, The, 94; Abraham, S9, 94; Isaac, 249,
250, 260; Simon, '244 ; William, 247 ; (Lt.-Col. M.),
401. 402.

Bogaert, Adriaen, 94; Aertje, 91; Cornells, 94, 95;
Evert, Willem, 239; Gysbert. Jr., 95; Joris Gys-
bert, 123; Theunis Gysbert, SI, 90, 91, 94, 113,
114, 115, 20U. L'ul. -j.i'j. -jn:;. 403, 422, 425, 426.

Bogardus, 21, 30, 12S, 239, 410.

t Bogt. Een," 415.

'• Bone Procession, the Dry," 366.

Boomgart, Gy.-bert, 204.

Boomtle's Hook. 62.

Bombay Hook, 62.

Borsum. Cornells van, 426.

Boswyck. See Bushwick.

Bout, Jan Evertse, 45, 66, 98, 99, 100, 101, 107, 152,
421, 422.

Bower, Henry C, 308.

Box, Fort, 251, 278.

Brackunee. Aeltje, 425.

Bredenbent, Willem, 68, 109, 123, 132, 135, 143.

Brenner. Capt. Andrew, 401.

Breser, 75, 76, 77, 79.

Brewster, Jacob. 216.

Biiaz. Juri.ien, 72.

Bridge and Road Co., the Flushing, 3S1 ; proposed
across the East Rive in 1800, 383.

Brier, Volkert, 206.

Brinckerhoff, Aeltje Joris, 425.

British, occupy L. I., 297; rule on L. I., 301; leave
L. I., 325; plan of Battle, 264; loss in Battle,
282 ; hospitals at Brooklyn, 505 ; wagon Dep't
at Brooklyn, 311 ; forage and wood Dep't at, 310.

Brooklyn, 29, 95, 197, 248; named, 45; municipal
privileges, 46; made a market town, 112, 19S;
represented in the " Nine Men," 106 ; two
Schepens added, 110; in Holland, visit to, 418.
420; Bell for church, 143; Charter granted, 51;
Church. 143. 2s7. 323; Church Record, Appendix
VII.; Cricket Club in 1779, 313; Delegates to
Convention, 108; Directory of 1796, Appendix
X. ; Districts. 381 ; Evacuation of, by British, 325;
(Eastern Dist.), see Bushwick; Ferry, 74. 142,
312, 320; Fort, on Heights, 315,320; Fortified,
113, 251; Gazetteer, description of, 379; Hall,
311, 312, 323. 324;— Hall, Super-Extra Gazette,
Appendix IX.: Heights, Indian name of, 9, 35,
242, 304, 30S ; fort built on, 247, 314 ; Hunt, 322 ;
Land, 112; Magistrates. 109; Meadows, 442;
Patent, 51, 154. 200; Petition for land, 116; Pop-
ulation, 215; Schoolmaster, first, 116; Settle-
ment of, 24 ; (.South). 29, 64; Square, 382 ; Survey
of land ordered. US; Taxes, 154; New Utrecht
boundary, 40 ; Flatbush boundary, 49 ; Flatbush
turnpike. 261; Town Records stolen, 327; Vete-
rans of 1812, Appendix XI. ; Woodlands, 442.

Bronck, Jonas, 25; Abraham, 100, 203.

Brouwer, Adam, 68, 99, 100, 135, 156, 157, 203, 425;
Adam, Jr., 203; Jacob, 97, 204, 230; Jurry, 69;
( Capt.) Laurence, 402, 4u6 ; Nicholas. 1C0 ; Peter,
203; Sybrant, 100 ; William, 243 ; Mills, 251, 421.

Broueart, Bourgon, 426.

Broulaet, Bourgon. 204.

Bruce, Capt., 316.

Bruington, Jacob, 232.

Brunswick and Hessian troops at Brooklyn, 323;
dragoons at Flatbush, 318.

Brush Tavern. The, 159 (or 189), 270.

Burr, Aaron, 79.

Buckbce family, bavscale and alley, 378.

Btiijs, Jan, 2114; Theunis, 208.

Buildings, St. Anne's, 377.

Bull Creek, 68.

Bull-baiting at Brooklyn, 316, 320.

Bunce, Joel. 3SS, 391.

Burial-places, Indian, Appendix VI. ; public, 3S0 ; of

Delaware and Maryland Regiments, 280.
Burke, Win, 346.
Burning of prison-ships, 334.
Burroughs, John, 234.
Bushnell. Chas. I„ 337.
Bushwick. 26, 29, 96, 143, 162, 164, 171, 182, 212.

234. 292; Indian deed of, 215. and Appendix II.;

Cross Roads, SO; Settlement of. 113; Recognized

as a town, US; Creek, SS. 291; Hills, 266, 267;

Citizens in war of 1812, 402, 403.
Buttermilk Channel, 62, and Appendix.
Bybon, John, 212.

Caesar, a negro, 219.

Cuesar, the Italian. See Albertix.

Caithness, Earl of, 316.

Cage, A.. 378, 386.

Campbell, David & Wm.. 365.

Camp (British) at Bedford. 320.

Canal of 1664 See Bali Creek.

Canarsee tribe. 29, 40. 118.

Cappoens. Christina, 113, 114,116.

Carpenter, Capt, 271; William, 330; George, 243.

Carson, Ebenezer. 58.

Casper, Andrus 250.

Casperse, Joost, 203 : Johannes, 203.

Casthalez. Nicholas. 101.

Catharine Street. 360.

Catts, David, 234.

Cemeterv of the Evergreens, 261.

Census of Brooklyn negroes in 1755, 232 ; in 1S11, 393.

Chairs, ancient Dutch, 229.

Charters of Freedoms and Exemptions, 19, 31, 32.

Chardovoyne, Win, 247.

Chatham, The prison-ship, 336.

Chauncey, Capt. Isaac, 363.

Cheney, Amos, 3S8.

Chimney Tiles, Dutch, 22S.

Child. Francis. 82, 3S5.

Church, First in Manhattan, 128; of Kings Co., 166;
Masters, 168. 179; at Brooklyn. 34. 143. 377: Ar-
ticles of Agreement. 173. 174, 175. Appendix VII.

Clark. Mr.. 169; H. L., 56, 58.

Clarkson. 169. 1S4.

Claesen, Bartel, 134; Hendrick, 203; Svmon, 120.

Clerck, Jan de, 135.

Cleyn, Jan Cornelisen. 225.

Clinton, Gen., 246, 249, 256, 263, 265.

Clodes. 230.

Clove Road, 158, 261, 273.

Clowes, 211.

Clussman. Dr. Geo. A. 388.

Coa, J no.. 74; Sarah, 74.

Coast Road. The, 208. 269, 270.

Cobble-Hill, 252, 320, 322, 402.

Qoe, 212.

Cretus, organized, 182.

Coffin, 3 til. 352. 357, 358, 367.

Colden, Gov. Cadwallader, 309.

Cole, Jordan, 64, 65. 67; John, 3S7.

Collier, Sir Geo.. 264, 335.

Colonial Assembly holds session in Brooklyn, 216.

Colored People, services in War of 1S12, 406.

Columbia College, 194, 332.

Columbia Academy, 400.

Columbian Society. See Tammany.

Commission sent to L. I., 123; of Schepens, 46; of
Schout, 46.

" Congress, The" Citadel, 247.

Coney Island, 43, 124, 261.

INDEX TO VOL. I.

457

Conover, Jno., 64, 216.

Connor, Bryant, 32S.

Conrad y, Lt., 330.

Conselyee, Lt. Joseph, 409; William, 403.

Contract for building ferry-house at Brooklyn, 224.

Cooke, Hon. Jos. P.. 363.

Cool, Cornelis Lumbertsen, 28, 55, 56.

Cooper, John, 414.

Coosen, Gerrit, 157.

Copsteedt, Hendrick de. 135.

Cotton raised on L. I., 232.

Couverts, Mauritz, 203; Jan, 203; Theunis, 203;

Luyeas, 203.
Courier & N. Y. & L. I. Advertiser, 3S0, 335.
County Records authenticated, 836.
Council of War at Battle of L. I., 2S4
Cowdrey, Samuel, 365.
Cozzens. Issacher, 365.
Cornell, Family, 64, 307; House, 284; Mill, 61, 06,305 ;

Cornelis, 179, 1S1 ; Isaac, 307; John. 66, 179, 181,

219, 307, 328; Whitehead, 3u4. 306, 307 ; William,

306.
Cornelissen, Albert, 24. 101, 109, 111, 132, 134, 200;

Claes, 104; Geertje. 54; Jan, 224; Matthvs, 203;

Peter. 45. 71, 103, 132; Theunis, 120; Wil'lein, 82.
Couwenhoven, see Van Couwenhoven.
Cox, Gabriel, 74
Crane, Major, 291.
Creed, B„ 322.
Cregiers, Martin, 142.
Cripplelmsh, The, 81, SS, 193, 206, 212; Eoad, 153;

District, 381.
Crcesus, Gerrit, 99.

Corner-stone of Martyrs1 Monument, 365.
Cornwall, William. 38 S.
Coruwallis, Earl, 255. 262. 265.
Corporation House. The Old, 311, 392.
Corssen, 61; Cornelis. 423: Peter, 72. 203, 423.
Cortelyou House, The, 52, 56. 278, 2S0 ; Road, The,

255 ; Adriaen. 57 ; Isaac, 255 ; Jacques, 57, S3,

114, US, 157, 19S, 227; Peter, 211, 212.
Cowdrev, B. F.. 393.
Cunningham, Capt. Wm., 232, 329.
Curdy,' Samuel, 365.
Curtenius, Rev. Antonius, 185.
Crouehley. Thomas, 333.
Customs, Ancient Dutch tavern, 225.
Cutting, Wm., 73.
Cypher, 326.

J>.

Dalrymple, Lieut.-Col., 257.

Damen, Fitie, S3; Jan, 83, 84, 120, 154, 155, 157, 200,
201, 204.

Darmantier, Peter, 159.

Davies, Samuel, 160.

Dawson, H. B„ 252, 337. 352, 353.

Dawson's Tavern, 362, 372.

Deacons of the City of New York, 83 ; of the Brook-
lyn Church.

Dean, Capt. Joseph, 59. 402, 406, 409.

De Bevoise Family, The, 113; Carel, or Charles, 99,
102, 103, 145, 1S1, 262. 250, 424 ; Jacobus, 102, 181.
203; James, 330; Johannes, 252; Jost, 243; Ma-
ratie, 421, 423.

lath Eoad.
Revolutionary, 251, 252, 397.

De Bruyn Road. See j
Defences of Brooklyn,

398, 401.
Defiance Fort, 62. 248.
De Forest, Isaac, 100.
De Graff, 223.
De Graw, James, 217.
De Haas's Battalion, 271.
De Hart, Simon (Aertsen), 51, 54, 203,208,212,226,

269; House. The, 52.
De Heister, Gen., 263, 264, 265, 273, 326.
De La Grange, Mr., 8S.
De Lancey, Capt., 283.

D.' Laplaine, E. P , S7; Jno. F., 54, 87.

Delavall, Capt., 153.

Delaware Reg't, The, 272, 280

Denton's Mill, 68,98, 100.

Denyse's Ferry, 255, 322; House, 26-4; Capt. Wm.,
40S ; Denys, 244.

Deputies from B. to Convention, 244 ; to Prov. Con-
gress, 244.

Department, Fire, origin of, 377.

De Peyster. Capt. Johannes, 175.

De Potter, Adriantje. 81.

De Reimcr, Margaretta. 149.

De Sille, Nieasius, 70, 113, 133, 139, 142.

De Sweede. Jan. 88.

De Witt. Rev. lk-nj . 169, 366, 370 ; Col., 250.

Diemar, Mr. Ernest de, 324.

1 Union, J . 50, 58.

Directory of Brooklyn in 1796. Appendix X.

l);rck ,- ,. .TorK 45.72, It i3, 104, 113, 129. 1:54, 141;
Cornelis. 75. 76. 77. SI, 103. 104, 1:34; Jacob, 111;
Paulus, 203; Teunis, 120; Tiercks, 120.

Distillery Dock. The, 307.

Doctor, The Rain- Water, 393.

Dodge, Lt. Samuel, 830.

"Domines' House," The, 193.

Dongan Patent, of Brooklyn, The, 200.

Donop, Col., 255. 256, 273, 275.

Dorlant, Jan (Genitse). 49, 93. 179, 181. 203, 204, 20S,
209, 213, 421 ; Lambert, 49.

Doughty, Lieut. Charles J., 203; Rev. John, 35, 91 :
John. :>>; Charles C., 203.

Downer. Jeremiah, 335.

Dreths, Josias. 203.

Dring. Capt., 337, 344, 349, 352, 355, 357, 35:

Drowne, :;r,_\

Drnmmond; Lord, 252.

Dry-Bone Procession, 350.

Dabbles. Susanna, 103.

Du Bois, Rev. Gualterus, 149, 174.

Duer, 250.

Duthles, Jacob, 132.

" Duke's Laws." The, 152.

Dunscomb. Lieut.. 266.

Duryea. John B., 409.

Dutch Funeral Customs, 191 ; houses, 227; nomen-
clature, 235; taverns, 225; mills, 234; West In-
dia Co., 14, 15.

Dutcluess of Gordon, The, 292.

East. New York. 265.

East Riding. 153.

Egenbrodt. Mr., 407.

EFstant, Claes, 416.

East River frozen over, 319.

Elbertsen, Elbert, 132, 134.

Ellison, Col. Wm., 330.

Elliott, Augustine, 3S9.

Elms, Thomas, 311.

Elmohar, 159, 160.

Eneyle, or Eneyl. See ffainelle.

Erasmus Hall, 377.

Erskine. Sir Win., 264.

Etherington, Sam.. 247.

Evertse, Jan, 155. 200; Cornelins, 81; Captain, 161.

Everitt, Wm, 247; Thomas. 247.

Evergreen Cemetery, The, 267.

Execution of Soldiers at Brooklyn, 328.

F.

Falconer. Josiah, 367, 363.
Fall. The brothers, 355.
Fallkers, Heydrick, 124.
Falmouth, The prison-ship, 336
Family Arms. 240.
Fardon, Jacob, 55, 53.

458

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

Farm, The Gen. Johnson homestead, 92.

Fiirui-houses on L. I., 221.

Fay, Joseph D., 366.

Fellows, BHg.-Gen., 2S5.

Feltns, H. J., 392.

Ferry, The Old (or Fulton), 35, 44, 74, 111, 125, 141,
142, 155. 201. 219. 365; House, or tavern, 224, 242,
311; Hill, 320; Dock, 3S1; Jackson's, 3S0; New
(or Catharine), 378; Master, 224.

Fenrde, II. Jans de, 63.

Fifty-fourth British Regiment, 320.

Filkin, Henry. 177. ITS, 179, 208. 209.

Fire Department, The, 377; District, The, 3S6; En-
gines, 3S8, 392.

First Building erected on site of Brooklyn Fort. 315;
Ref. D. Church in Brooklyn, 114, 141, 166; in
Manhattan, 128; on L. I., 10, 128; Glass Factory
in Brooklyn, 309; Newspaper issued in B., 323;
Colonial Assembly, 199; Provincial Assembly,
152; Battalion (Br.) Light Inf., 312; Meadow,
53; Dutch pastor on L. I., 111.

Fish, Col, 285.

"Fishing Place," The Old, 305.

Fiscock's Patent, 79, SO.

Five Dutch Towns, The. IIS.

Flatbusb Church, The, 12S, 256; Pass, The, 260, 264 ;
Wood, The, 317; Bounds, 179; Roads, 96, 97,
159, 260, 262, 272, 445; occupied by British, 255.

Flatland Plains, 265, 317, 32S. See Ascot Heath.
Church, 128, 143.

Flushing, 136, 24S, 3S7.

Fly Market, The, 301.

Forage and Wood Depot at B., 310.

Fort, The Brooklvn, 314, 320; Box, 27S: Defiance,
62, 248: Hamilton, 254, 264; Greene, 251, 252,
253, 2S3, 400. 401, 402 ; Lawrence, 402 ; Lafayette,
255; Putnam, see Fort Greene; Stirling, 247,

250, 252, 2S9; Swift, 252, 402. See Cobleskill
and Ponkiesbergh.

Fortifications on L. I., 247, 250.

Forty-second Br. Light Inf., 265. 312; Highland Reg.,

251, 329; Forty-third Br. Reg., 316; Forty-fourth
Br. Light Inf., 312; Forty-sixth Br. Light Inf.,
312; Forty-ninth Br. Reg., 267.

Foster, James, 391 ; Capt., 248.

Fourth Cliaries Reg't, 813.

"Four Chimnies," The. See Pierrepont Mansion.

Fox. Joseph, 810, 35S; landing on L. I., 321, 377.

Frans, Abramse, 208; Joust, 120, 203,421; Thomas,
50, 51.

Frederick, The prison-ship, 836, 362.

Fredericks. Jan, 208.

Freeman, Rev. Bernardus, 169, 170, 171, 173,175, 176,
17s, 1S2, 188; Anna Margaretta, 184.

Freeeke. John C, 100; Mills. 65, 96, 98, 99, 261, 278.

F relish, 379.

Fresh Creek. ISO.

Frenchman, settlement of, at Brooklyn, 113; Nicho-
las, The, 137.

Fulton Ferry, see Ferry ; Robert, 73; Street, landing
at, 35 ; Avenue, 45.

Funeral Customs, 233.

Furinan, Hon. Gabriel, 3S5, 387, 392; William, 251,

252, 302, 37S, 391.

Fusileers, The Washington, 385, 396.

a.

Gabrey, Chas., 82, S3, 132.

Galbniithe, Robt., 247.

Garden. The Military, 392, 394.

Garland, John, 160.

Garretse, Jno., 213.

Gardiner, Lyon, 29.

Gauntlet, running the, 329.

Gavot, 34S.

General Assembly met in Brooklyn, 216.

German troops quartered at Flatbusb, 318.

Gerrit. the wheelwright, 134, 137.

Gerritsen, Gerrit, 6S; Wolfert, 71; Martin, 2S; Md-

nitjie, 72, 97, 422, 424 ; Couyn, 101.
Gibbons, John and wife, 891.
Gilliland, Capt., 330.
"Ginger Mill," 62.
Glass Factory, the first in B., 309.
Glasgow, the prison-ship, 336, 360.
Glover, Col., 285, 2S7.
Goerck's Map of Sand's property, 3S2.
Godyn, 21.

Godwin, Col. Abm., 404.
Goetchius, Dominie, 1S9.
Golden, 382.

Good Hope, The prison-ship, 334.
Gowanus. Hamlet, 23, 28, 59, 43, 50, 51, 53, ISO, 192,

264, 268; Bay, 23, 44, 63,248, 272; Canal, 67;

Cove, 29, 64, 52, 56, 226, 271; District, SSI ;

Marsh, 279; Mill, the old, 99; Creek, 57, 58,67,

68, 95. 96, 97, 98, 100, 155, 201, 250, 251 ; Road,

266. 279 ; Oysters, 226.
Governor's Island. 25, 60; garrisoned, 249; redoubt

in, 24S.291, 328, 423.
Gouverneur, Abm., 175.
Grabie. See Gabrey.
Grace Church, 73.
Graham, Augustus, 52.
Grant, Gen.. 263; Michael Bergen, 103.
Graver's Kill, 61, 67, 6S.
Graves, E., Jr., 61.
Gray, Gen., 320.
Gravdon, Col., 1S6, 299.
Guard, or Night Watch, 3S7.
Guest. Capt. John, 194, 247; Maria, 194.
Guysbert Bogaert, Tunis, SI, 155, 157.
Gnjancs, 141. See Gowanu*.
Greene, Gen., 248, 249.
Greene, Fort, 253, 2S3.
Greenwood Cemetery, 49, 51, 55, 260, 270.
Greenwood Hills, 262, 272.
Greg, Isaac, 213.
Greyhound, The, 255.

H.

Hackenhergh's Hessian Regiment, 323.

Hackwaert, Roelant, 96.

Haes, Jan, SO, SI.

Haight, Gen. Samuel, 409.

llainelle, Michael, 49. 70, 155. 159, 200.

Half-Moon Fort, on the Heights, 247,

House, Howard's, 326.
Hallett, James, 305.

Hamilton, Fort, 254. 25.5, 264; Joseph, 391.
Hammond. Capt., 264.
Hand, Colonel. 254; Riflemen, 247, 255, 272, 285;

Account of the Retreat, 287.
Hans. Black, 132. 134; Gerrit, 93; Geo.. 72, 421;

Hans, 91, 200; Jacob. 72, 420; John, 392; Joris,

IS, 203, 208. 420; Michael, 70, 179, 1S1, 204.
Hansen, Fans, 49.
Harding, James, 213, 215.
Harlem' Heights, IIS, 119, 189, 292.
Harmer, John, 380.
Harrv, a negro. 217.
Harvey, Mr., 217.
Hattum, Dirck. 55.
Hawkins. William, 361.
Hayneste, Michael. See Hainelle.
Hayscales. Buckbee's, 378.
Hazard, Thomas, 247.
Hazlett's Delaware Reg't, 269, 270, 278.
Heeney, Cornelius, 64, 72.
Heights, Brooklvn, 9, 242. 308, 3S2, 402.
Hegeman, Adriaen, 112, 117, 160, 256; Benjamin, 179,

181; Jacob, 93; Joseph, 93, 53, 168, 175, 212;

Justice, 207. 20s; Michael, S2.
Hendricks, Ephraim, 203 ; Ilarman, 120 ; Styntie, 63 ;

Tryntie, 63, 423.
I Hendricksen, Jacob, ISO; Jan, 224.

-Way

INDEX TO VOL. I.

459

Henshaw, Lt-Ool., 2C3 ; Regiment, 262.
Herbert, Capt. Joseph, 391, 396, 403. 406.
Hessians, land at N. Utrecht, 257 : Account of the

battle of L. I., 274 ; Deserters, 324 ; Guard-house,

809; Sogers, 273.
Hewlett, Henry. 3-7.
Heynant, Charles.
Heynelle, Michael. See Hainelle.
Hibon, Jan, 120.

Hicks, George, 309; John, 247, 3S7 ; Jacob, 316, 347.
Hill s of Old Brooklyn, The, 309, 389.
Hill, McKenzie's, or One Tree, 3S9; Vinegar, 386;

Ocean, 49, 57.
Hilton, Benjamin, 3S8.
Hogeboom, 228.
Holland. Major, 258.
Efollis, Robert, 157.
Home Lots, 358.

Homestead Farm of Gen. Johnson, The, 92, 94.
Hooglandt, Cornells Dircksen, 35, 75 ; Adriaen, 104.
Haruian. 180, 181 ; Jan, 120; Jeronimus, 266.
Hook. Bed. See Red Hook.
Horsfield. 66, 424 : Israel, 02, 74, 102, 218, 420 ; Thomas,

217, 219.
Horse Racing on L. I., 328.
Hospitals, British, at Brooklyn, 305, 306 ; Prison-ships,

335, 336, 353; TJ. S. Marine, 24.
Hotham, Commodore, 255.
Howard, Joseph, 266; William, 266; Half-Way

House, 26G.
Howe, Admiral, 248; General, 248, 255, 257.
Hoyt, 64.

Hudde, Andries. 23, 35, 64, 70, 71, 74, 89, 96.
Huddlestone. Sarah, M, 103, 104; William, S3, 154.
Hudson, Henry, Manhattan, 9.
Hulsart, Anthony, 5S.
Hunt, Thomas. 53; Theodore, 378.
Hunter's (Gov.) Letter to Kings Co. Justices, 17S.
Hunter, The prison-ship. 335, 349, 353.
Huntington's Conn. Regiment, 269.
Huybertsen, Lambert, see Moll ; Adryaen, 80, 134.
Huvcken. Annatje, 54 ; William, 58, 203.
Hu'yler, Capt., 318.

1.

Ihpetonga, the Heights of Brooklyn, 9.

Improvement of travel in Kings County, 387.

Incidents of Revolutionary War. 327-331.

Incidents of War of L812, 408. 404.

Indian burying-ground, 96, 424.

Indian deed of Bushwick. 415.

Indian name of the Heights, 9.

Indian name of the Wal labour. See Marechkawick.

Indians, 414; the Canarsie, 418.

Intelligencer, theL. I. Weekly, 387.

Intrenchments (Br.) at Brooklyn, 323.

Inventory of a bride's estate in 1691, 231.

IrHimen, services in 1812, 404.

Irving. Judge J. T. 373.

Island of Nassau. 51, 61, 172.

Island, Nutten, 420, 423.

Italien, Peter Ctesar the, 83, 84. See Albertm.

Jackson, John, 82, 350, 363, 365, 382; Jacob, 322,

3S5, 3S7 ; Samuel, 87, 309, 315, 363 ; Treadwell,

363.
Jackson's Ferry, 386.
Jacobs, Abraham, 224; Bogart, 155; Cornelis, 157;

George, 213; Jan, 120; Joris, 21, 155, 200, 202.
Jan, the chimney sweeper, 135.
Jannbeus, 68.
Jans. Hendrick, 120.
Jamaica and Brooklyn Hall stage. 322; Pass, 261,

262, 293; Road, 158, 216, 260, 266, 267, 322.

Jay. Fort, 370.

Jansen, Abraham, 137 ; Aucke, 70; Barent, 70, 101,
120, 134; Casper, 203; Claes, 70; Birek, -2; II:.r-
matie, 71; Jan. -"1. 202 ; I., -tr.-r. 6s ; Mauritz.
416; Nicholas, 72. 97. 421; IVt.-r. 135. 201, 2"2 ;
Rem. 93; Tennis, 120; Tjerck. 120; William, 75.

Jersey, Th- I Md, description of, 887.

Job, an Indian, 159, 160.

Johns, Col., 350, 352.

John, the prison-ship, 336.

Jones, Frank, 247.

Jongh. Lodewyck, 71,120, 137.

Johnson, 64, 359; Barent, 94, 194, 195, 243, 249. 296,
330; Hendrick, 249; Gen. Jeremiah, 79,82.87,
-9. 94. 141. 252, 292. 296, :!Sn. 3-5, 3s7 ; Ens. Jer-
emiah, 407 ; John, 251; John B., 93, 193; Par-
menus, 72.

Johnson. The, Farm, 87, 95.

Johnston's N. J. Regt .. 262, 263.

Joorissen, Harmen, 204; Jannetie, 93; Jacob, 203;
Joris, 120.

Joosten. Simon, 120, 133,134.

Joyce, Edward, 217, 218.

Juranse, Andries Janse, 29.

Joralemon, 382; Teunis, 73; House, The, 73,304;
Ferry, The, 73.

Ka, 49.

Kaeper, Jan de, 115.

Kaatskill, patent granted of, 44.

"Katydids," The. See Republican Rifles.

Kukt'ipetyno. -6. 415.

Keike. See Kicke.

Kelsey, 64, 66.

Kemper, Jacob. 247.

Kennedy, Piatt, 392.

Kent, Henry A., 49, 53.

Kershaw. Martin, 250.

Keskaechquerem, 96 ; chiefs of, 26,415.

Ken torn, 49.

Kicke, or Lookont, 113, 155, 201.

Kichline's (Col.) Riflemen. 262, 271.

Kimberly, Gideon. 309.

King, John S., 396.

King's Naval Brewery, 307, 324.

King's Arms destroyed by a mob, 208.

« Kings Head " Tavern, 31 1, 812, 317, 323, 324.

King's Ilighwav. 97. 212. 213.

King Philip's War. 197.

Kings Countv. 29. 153, 169, 171. 199; Earliest. Patent

in, 23; Horsemen, 247 : Militia, 249, 296.
Kip, Jacob, 112. 113. 114, 115.
Kirk, Thomas, 880, 885, 391,898.
Kitty, The prison-ship, 336.
Knyphausen (Gen.), 257.
Kock, Agneta. 138; Hendrick, 138.
Koffler, (Capt.) Francis, 218.
Kolver. Peter, 292.
Koli's Kyer Kill, 67.
Kotier's Kill. 61, 67, and References on the Rataer

Map.
Krepplebosch, 55, S6, 116.
Kreiger. Martin, 122, 138, 139.
Kuypers, Dr., 194.

L.

Labadists, The, in Brooklyn, 89, 225.

Lacour, 392.

Ladies of Brooklyn. The, 869.

Laird (Capt.), 343. 344.

Lafayette. Fort. 255,

Lalliet, Thomas, 38S.

Lambertse, Cornelis, 55, 56: Hendrick. 203; Thomas,

55. 56. 93, 120, 155, 157, 15-, 159, 200, 201,202,

2n3; Pieter, 120.

460

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Lane, Red Hook, 252.

Langdon. Thomas, 387.

Langley, Win C, 53.

Lantsman, 13S.

Last public slave sale in Brooklyn, 233.

Lawrence, Fort, -107.

Leadbetter, James, 217.

Leavitt, David, 308.

Le Clerc, Jean, 113,111

Lee (Gen.), Chas., 240

Leendersen, Paulus, 135.

Leflferts Family, The, 157; House, The, 3-21; Ba-
rent, 6S, 243. 320; Cynthia, .Mrs., 250; -Judge,
256; John, 6S, 391; Leffert, 244, 245,316,326;
Rem. 330.

Leisler (Capt.), Jacob, 147, 148, 169, 204.

Letter of call to Do. Selyns, 140.

Leverich (Capt.). 410.

Lewis, John, 159.

Liberty Pole at Fulton Ferry, 366.

License to sell liquor, 158.

Lights in front of houses, 388.

Linde, Peter, 70.

Linn, Rev. Dr., 194.

Litchfield, Edwin C, 56.

Livingston, Brig.-Gen. Wm, 254 ; Rev. Dr. John.
194, 379; Philip. 72. 73. 219. 242. 304; Beach.
The, 305; Mansion House, The, 73; Landing
Place, The, 219, 220.

Lodewyck, Jongh, 132 ; Hans, 82.

Long Island. Settlement of the western end of, 414,
415; purchase of land on, 28; Indians, 416; In-
habitants, 415; S-wan made on. 33; Treaty
with natives of, 39, 40; Robberies on, 109;
Erected into a shire. 153; Called Island of Nas-
sau, 205 ; Battle of, 57 ; Occupied by the British,
290; Bible Society, 185.

Long Hill. See Ocean Hill.

Looking-glasses, 229.

"Lookout," The, 113.

Loosley, Charles, 311, 317, 321, 322.

Lossing, 251, 252.

Lott, Abraham. 423; Daniel, Lt, 409; Inglebert, 171,
173; Jeremiah. 75, 129, 409; Jeromus, 316;
John, Jr. (Capt), 409, 410; Mrs., 325; Pieter,

Lough^R.. 100.

Louis, 134.

Lourenson. Jan, 157.

Louwer, Johannes, 6S.

Lowe. Cornelius, Dr., 38S, 403; Rev. Peter, 16S, 189,

192, 3S8.
Loyalists registered, 300.
Lubbertsen, Frederick, 28. 29. 33, 00. 01, 63, 64, 65,

66, 67, 6S, 69, 71, 72, 79, SO, 96, 10S, 109, 111, 116,

132, 134, 152. 306, 421, 422, 423; Aeltje, 63;

Elsie. 63; Rebecca, 63; House. The, 65; Neck,

The, 72, 206, 423; Thijs, 203.
Ludlam, Silas, 74, 252.
Ludlow, Cary, 75.
Lupardus. Rev. Wilhelmus, 169.
Luquer, 64; Abraham, 316; Nicholas, 67; Mills,

The. 59, 67.
Lutwyche (Col.), 78.
Luyster, Mathys, 180.

Mabon, John. 392.

Macomber, Edward, 308.

Mail.orn (Major). 318.

McCormick, Daniel, 73.

MeDouaal (Gen.), 285.

McGrath, ML, 53.

McKenzie's One Tree Hill, 369.

McKibbin, 89.

Mngaw's Regiment. 283.

Jfti/iiiquiquos, an Indian, 159, 160.

Malcolm, Richard M., 387.

Mallemacque. Peter, 132.

Manhattan Island, Discovery of, 9; Purchase of, 17;
Tavern at, 34; Fur Hade depot. 11 ; Fairs es-
tablished at, 33; First church at, 128.

Mammincks. Geertje, 96.

Manje. Jan. 35. 04. 09.70. 71, 132; Peter, 132.

Manners of the Dutch. 231.

Manufactures of Brooklyn, 380.

Map, the Ralzer, 423.

Mapes (Gen.), 401.

Marcus. Johannns, 135.

MarechJcawick, U, 64, 80, 86, 95,96,100,104; The
tribe of, 37, 417 ; The bend of the, 82, 83, 84.

Marenus, Rev. Mr., 189.

Market Fly, 337.

Marine Hospital, the U. S., 24, 86, 87.

Marriner (Capt.), 187.

Marsh, John, 66.

Martense. Jooris, 203.

Martense's Lane, 200, 262, 209; Point. See Martyrs'1
Point. Family, 85, G., 96, 99; Garrett, 236;
Leflferts, 256.

Martin, Jan. See Martyn. James 8., Account of the
Ameiican retreat, 281.

Martyn, Jan, SO, 81. 120, 135. 137. 157.

Martyrs of the prison-ship, 337-376; Condition of
remains, 303; Action of Congress— Removal of
the Vault. 365, 366, 371, 373 ; Monument Associ-
ation, 375, 376.

Martyrs' Hook. See Martyrs' Point.

Martyrs' Point, SO.

Masons at work on fortifications in 1812, 409.

Masonry established at Brooklyn, 385.

Meadows, Brooklyn salt, 442.

Meet, Peter, 80.

Meinst, Peter, 135.

Megapolensis, Rev. Johannes, 12S, 137, 142, 146, 239.

Mehjns, Peter, 175.

Mellemacque, Peter, 132.

Menqueuw, 415.

Mentelaer. Claes Cornelissen (Vanschouw), 35, 71, 73,
96, 134.

Mercein, Wm, A., 409.

Merechkaivingh, 1 See Marechawieck and Wallabout

Mereckawieck. \ Bay.

Meserole, Abraham, S9, 403; John, Jr., 157, 208;
Peter, 403.

Mespaetches. See Meapath.

Mespath, The Kill of, 88, 109.

" Meuwee Point," 62.

Michaelins, Rev. Do., 127.

Middagh, Family, The, SI, 382; Mansion, 81 ; Prop-
erty, 74; Aert Aertzen, 81, 113, 185; Dirck, 81 ;
Garrett, 72, 81, 83,243; Jan, 81, 203; John, 75,
377.

Mifflin (Gen.), 283, 284 2S5.

Miles (Col), Regiment. 202, 263, 273.

Mill. Brouwer. 421; Cornell's. 66,89; Creek, 56, 58,
64.97; Red. The. See Cornells Mill ; Seabring,
The, 66, 421; Samuel, 2S6.

Miller, Henry, 287: John. 21S; Peter, 250.

Military at 'Brooklyn, 408; Execution at Br., 328;
Punishments at, 329. •

Minge, Samuel, SO.

Miserole. Jan. See Meserole.

Mitchell. Dr. Sam. L., 364.

Moelet, Peter, 135.

Mol, Lambert Hubertsen, 24, 29, SS, 91, 417.
Montfoort, 24 ; Jan. 29, 84, 86 ; Peter, 29, 83, 84, 135,
Montgomev, Fort. 330.
Montressor (Capt), 289.

Moore, John, 202.

Morris, Jacob, 54, 311.

Mott (Capt.), 330.

Monument to prison-ship martyrs, 365,371.

Mount Prospect, 260, 263 : Washington, 292.

Mud Fort, 313.

Murphy, Henry C, 151,375.

INDEX TO VOL. I.

461

Naln.de Nwmmerus, 35.

Nagle, Philip, 1S6.

Names, Dutch, 236, 237.

Narrows, The, 124

Nassau Island, Ferry to, 74.

Navy Yard, The U. S., 80, 81, 83, 363, 369.

Neck of Brookland, 423.

Negroes, Census of, in 1755, 232; Regulations con-
cerning, 208.

New Bedford, 157.

New Letts, ISO, 206, 213, 254, 256, 266.

Newport, a negro, 219.

New Netherland, The ship, 17, 221.

Newtown, settled, 35 ; Occupied by Br. troops, 290 ;
Creek, 26, 44, SS, 89, 302 ; " Vlie." See Creek.

Nevius. Johannes, 134.

New Utrecht. 2S, 43.

New York Provincials, 265; (Br.) Volunteers, 312.

Nichols, Charter to B., The, 154-156 ; Apollos, 394 ;
Robert, 400, 409 ; Matthias, 156, 160.

Nicholas the Frenchman, 135, 137.

Nieuwenhuysen, Rev. Wm., 13S, 146, 166.

Nobletts, James, 21S.

Nooten Island. See Nutten Island.

Norman's Kill, 113.

North Riding, The, 153.

Nostrand, Garret, S7 ; John, 87, 250.

Novelty Iron Works, 291.

Nutten Island. See Governor's Island.

Nyack Bay, 124.

Niuyse, Te'unis. See Nyssen.

Nyssen, Theunis, 100, 101, 135.

O.

O'Callagban, Dr. E. B., 414, and Preface

Ocean Hill, 49, 51.

" Old Jersey." See Jersey,

Old Brooklyn Church. Se<

Old Gowanus Road, 58.

Old Fulton St. Market, 366.

Old Stone House, 309.

Olfertsen, Jacob, 38.

Olympia, 381, 3S5.

Oration of T. "W. Fay, 366.

Ornamental Brick-work, 25

Osborn, Dr. Samuel, 3S8, 3!

Osgood, Hon. S., 867

Outie, 134,

31, 336, 337.
Church, 192,

Packer, Wm. S., 73.

Page, Rev. Bernard, 219.

Pagganck Island. See Governor's Island.

Palmer, Roswell, 352, 353.

Pal meter, Thos., 74.

Para, Annetje, 99.

Parsons (Gen.), 249, 269, 278.

Park, The City, 87.

Parker, Sir Peter, 264.

Patchen Property, 305 ; Ralph, 72, 307 ; Jacob, 3S2.

Patent of Brooklyn, granted by Nicolls, 154.

" Patriotic Diggers," a War Song, 405.

Payne, Elijah Freeman, 243.

Paulus Hook, 249.

Peartree, Mrs., !76.

Peat used in Kings County, 302.

Peck-Slip, 35.

Penhawitz, 29, 38, 40.

Pennsylvania troops, 140, 254

Percy, Earl, 263.

Petersen, Annetje, 424; Jan, 56, 68, 120, 135; Leffert,

157; Wynant, 00, 72, 114; Peter, 120; Barent, 120;

Casper, 120; Styntje, 70.
Peter, 159, 160.

Mansion, 284, 307,

Rey., 136. 137,
" 239, 250,

Petition, of Adam Brouwer, 63; for new land, 119;
of Midwent, for land, 184; of Eev. Prot D. Oh.

for charter, 151 ; of people concerning Indians,

416.
Peu-irhaas, 86.

Phasnia-, The, 247, 248, 255, 264, 292.
Picket. Michael, 21. 82. S3, 84
Picketing, soldiers punished by, 329.
Pikemaif (Capt.), 216, 21 S.
Pierrepont, Hez. B.. 306, 307;

325.
Pietersen. See Petersen.
Pirsson, Jos. B., 391.
Poisgot, Francis, 80.
Polhemus, 90,232; Jan Doris. 5

138, 140, 133, 135, 129. 239,

133, 166; Jacob, 291; Theodor, 58, 244; Family;

239. ''

Ponkiesbergb, 252, 279. See Coble-Hill.
Pope. Henry, 55.
Popham, Lt, 278.
Popular Convention of 1653, 108.
Population of Brooklyn, in 173S, 215.
Poor-Farm, 134
Poor-House, 391.

Port Road, 261, 262, 270, 272, 273, 278.
Pos, Willem, 203.
Potter, Cornelis de, 75, 81.
Potter's Field. 394.
Poulis, 132.

Powder Mill, Sand's, Explosion of, 390.
Powers, 60, 89 ; Geo., 103, 247, 283 ; Mary, 101.
Preston, The, 264.
Price, Dr., 32S.
Prince William, 305; William, 387; Prince of

Wales, 334.
Prison-ships. 331-33:1; Burned. 334, 356, 359, 390.
Probatskin, Geo., 120.
Proclamation to the People of L. I., by Gen. Howe,

257.
Proposals of Rev. Mr. Antonides' friends, 173.
Proposals of Rev. Mr. Freeman's friends, 172.
Prospect, Mt., 200; Park, 261.
Provisional Instructions to Officers of B., 161.
Provoost, David. 110, 111, 112.
Putnam (Gen.), at the Battle of Brooklyn, 57, 216,

248, 257, 260, 293 ; Fort. See Fort Greene.

Quakerism in Brooklyn, 136.

Queen's Birthday, Celebration of, in 1778, 312.

R.

Races at Ascot Heath, 317, 318,324; at Brooklyn,
322, 323.

Randell (Lieut.), 247.

Rainbow, The, 255, 264

Rain-water Doctor, The, 393.

Rapalje, 87, 218; Property. The, 3*2. 383 ; Annetie,
85; Charles (Lieut.), 4n9; Catalyntie. s7 : Daniel,
87, 202, 204, 2ns, 249, 250, 266; Folkert, si : Gar-
ret. 216 ; George, 33 ; Heltje, 233 ; Jan Joris. 24. 25.
85, 87, 89, 90, 92, 143, 157,' ISO, 1M ; Janm-tic. 02,
423; Jeronimus, 71, 82, s7, 2oi. 202, 2o3. 233;
John, 05, 67, 7s, 2os, 213. 2-\ 310, :!12. 322. 327;
Joris, 29, 81, 8S, 111, 113, 114 115. 129, 135, 1 11,
422; Joris Danielse, 2os; Sarah, SI, 87,91,422,
423.

Ready, John, 247.

Records of Brooklyn, 326.

Red Hook, 29, 35, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 67, 63, 116, 192,
216, 248, 250. 204, 272, 284, 302, 306, 423; District,
381 ; Lane, 304

Red Heights, The, 67.

Red Lion Tavern, 262, 269.

Red Mills, The, 61, 66, 307.

462

HISTORY OP BROOKLYN.

262: Charter ofob-

Family, The, 92.
Mansion, The,

Eeed (Adjt.-Gen.), 284.

Eef. Dutch Church in Brookly
tained. 149.

Begiments encamped at Brooklyn in 177S, 312, 313.

Eeidesel (Lt.-Gen.), 317, 319.

Eeigers. Adriaen, 163.

Belief, The. 352.

Eemsen's Dock, 334.

Eemsen's Mill, 81, 216, 333, i

Eemsen Estate. The, 72, 305.

Abraham, 89. 95, 93. -'04, 312. 393 ; Abraham. Jr.,
95; Abraham A., 94; Aris, 217, 219.233; Colo-
nel, 250; Cornelius, 82; Daniel, 93; G., 175;
Henry, 219; Isaac, 93, ISO, 181, 208; Jacob, 93;
Jeremiah, 93, 94, 95, 244, 245; Jeromus, 422;
Jeronimus. 87, 93, 2"3 ; Joris, 53, 72. 93; Eem, 93,
ISO ; Eem A., SI, 247, 322, 331 ; William, 95.

Bepulse, The, 264.

Eeyersen. See Beyerson.

Rifles, The Eepublican, 335, 396.

Eiker, James, 9.

Rinnegackonck. See Bennegackonck.

Bennegackonck, 24, 26, 58, 86, 91, 115.

Renown, The, 264.

Rents in 1660, 223.

Reorganization of Brooklyn in 17S4, 326.

Retaliation, The, 360.

Retreat of American army from L. I., 2S6.

Eoads, 3S7.

Robertson (Gen.). 289. 312, 316.

Robinson & Little, 3S7.

Rockaway Path, The. 159, 267, and Battle-map.

Boebuck'. The. 264. 272, 313.

Rogers, Rev. Dr., E. P., 196, 392.

Eomaine, Benjamin, 365, 371, 372, 373, 375.

"Eoode Hoogtjs," The. See Bed Heights.

Eoode Hoek. See Bed Hook.

Bone, The, 24S, 255, 291.

Rooten, Peter van, 391.

Eosevelt, Peter, 194.

Rotterdam, Jans from, 55, 56.

Eubel, Eev. Johannes, 186, 1S7.

Eunnegackonck. See Bennegackonck.

Running the Gauntlet, 329.

Rutgers, 2S3, 367.

Euyter, Claes Janse. 64, 69, 70.

Eycken, Abraham, 91.

Eyerson, Adriaen, S5, 236 ; Gvsbert, 91 ; Jacob, 85,
201; John, 85, 250; Martin,' S5; Mr., 323,

Sackett, Samuel, 3S7, 392.

St. Ann's Church, 39; Damage to, 390.

St. George's County, 213.

St. George's Ferrv, 219, 220; Tavern, 307.

St. Memin. a French artist, 3S0.

Sale of Wallabout lands to U. S., 363.

Salt-water Eiver, 60, 72.

Salt-meadows of Brooklyn, 442.

Sands, Comfort and Joshua, SO, 327, 382 ; Comfort,
77, 78, 79, 31 2, 3S5 ; Joshua, 77, 7S, 79, 312, 388, 392.

Sands' Powder House Dock, 79.

Sandford, Cornelius, 53; Gertrude, 53.

Saphoraken, 28.

S'ltlev, Herrv, SS.

Schaats, Gideon, 137, 142.

Scammel (Col.), Alexander, 2S7, 2S8.

Scarse. Christophel, 58.

Scheldt. The prison-ship, 336.

Schiercks, Tielje, 120.

Schenck, Cornelius, 185 ; (Capt), 402, 406 ; Lambert,
87 ; Martin, 87, 89, 233, 238, 243, 328, 329 ; Mar-
tin, Jr.. 87.

Schepens of Brooklyn. 46, 110.

.Schermerhorn, Abraham, 49. 51, 55; and Bergen
farms, 50. 52, 55 ; House, 51.

Scl,evichbi,9.

Schlagenteufifel (Capt), von, 31S.

Scholes. James. 89, 94. 95.

Schools in Brooklvn, 180. 181, 3S5, 391. 392.

Schoonmaker, Eev. Martenus, 189, 190, 191, 192, 194,
4ii7. 40-,; Joachim, 189; Lydie, 189.

Schoonmaker's Bridge. 265.

Schout appointed for Brooklyn, A. 46.

Scorpion, The prison-ship, 335, 353.

Scott (Capt.), John, visits Brooklvn, 122, 123; (Brig.-
Gen.). 2S5.

Seabring, 61, 64, 67,216: Aeltje, 65,66; Cornelius,
63, "65, 66, 67. 69, 72, 171, 173, 210. 211, 216, 307;
Isaac. 69 ; Jacob, Jr., 204, 247 ; Mill, 67.

Seaman, Benjamin, 250.

Second Battalion Highlanders, 313 ; British Grena-
diers. 273 ; Meadow, 53.

Selle, Cornells Jacobsen, 29, 91.

Seller's Neck, 118, 153, 154, 155, 201.

Selyns, Agnela.138; Eev. Henricus, 111, 114, 188,
139, 140, 143, 145. 140; Jan, 138.

Seventeenth British Light Infantry, 312.

Seventy-first British Eegiment, 265.

Seventy-sixth Eegiment, 316.

Seubring. See Seabring.

Shamese, 159, 160.

Shaw (Major), 24S.

Sharpe, Jacob. 244. 326; Peter, 3S7.

Shee's Eegiment, 2S3.

Sherburne", Andrew, 353, 854, 355.

Sickle, The Widow, 215.

Side. Cornells Jacobsen. See SeUe.

Silverware, 230.

Simons, Claes. 203.

Simonson, Aert, 203.

Simpson, Alexander, 180, 181.

Skillman, Mrs.. 87; (Capt.). 4o2. 403, 406,409,410;
Francis, 87 ; Jackson, 87 ; Jno., 87 ; Thomas,
292, 234. 283.

Slavery in Brooklvn. 232.

Slaves, The last public sale of. in Brooklyn, 233.

Sleght, Hendrick. 103,104, 204

SmalhvoodV Marvland E.-gim.-nt, 269. 270, 279.

Smith, Benjamin,' 311, 391; Claes Cornelise, 56; Jo-
seph, 58, 247; Eem Jansen, 114.

Sneedon, Samuel. 292.

Snediker, Elsie, 180; Isaac, 249, 250; Jno., 126.

Snyksen, Tonis. 120.

Spnvler, Cornelis Janse, 120.

Spader. Jeremiah, s">: John. V,: John (Lieut), 409.

Specht, Hermann. 146; Machtelt, 146.

Spencer (Maj.-Gen.), 2S5.

Spighel, Louwerens van der, 68.

Spinning-wheels, 230.

Spoonei\ Alden. 393.

Sproat, David. 33S.

Sprong. Gabriel, 208.

Soldiers of 1812, good deportment of, 409.

Sons of Freedom, 312.

Sound, Piracy at L. L, 109.

Sonso, Anthony, 203.

South Brooklyn, 29.

Stages from Flushing, 3S7.

Stage Machine, 322.

Stanton, Henrv, 388.

Star, the L. I , established, 891.

Steenwyck, Cornelius, 149, 164.

Stellenwort, Jacob. 243.

Stevense, Lucas, ISO, 181.

Stillman, 208.

Stillwell. Richard, 244, 316.

Stirling. Fort, 247, 250, 2S9 ; General, 246, 280.

Stocks 378.

Stoddard. Robert, 65.

Stoffelsen. Jacob. 45, 96, 97, 98.

S tooth of, Gerrit ISO, 181.

Storehouse Dock. The, 79.

Storv, Henry. 55. 5S.

Stro'mholi, The prison-Ship, 335, 353, 34S, S53.

Strong, Selah, 306.

Stryker, Burdett, 365: Capt. 306, 385, 396. 402, 40* •
John, 12S ; Peter, 64, ISO; Peter, Jr., 215.

INDEX TO VOL. I.

463

Sabring. See Seabring.

Sullivan, (Gen.). 260, 2S0.

Suspected persons on L I. disarmed, 254.

Suydam, 4i>3; Bernardus, 249" Fernandus, 203,243;
Hendrick. 249; Jacob, 250, 300; John, 244; Lam-
bert. 249, 330.

Staats, Jan Jansen, 99; Jan Pietersen, 56, 203, 204.

Swwirau, 415.

Suydam, Eeyer, 249.

Swamp, The, 52.

Sweede, Jan the, 88.

Sweede's Kill, The, S3.

Sweers, Hendrick, 157.

Sweet-marsh, The, S6.

Swift (Gen.), Jos. G., 399, 402, 252.

T.

Talbot (Capt), 359.

Tammany Society, 364, 36T.

Tater, Michael, 134.

Tavern on "Tower Hill," 220; " Black Horse," The

293.
Taxes for minister's salary, 130, 133, 134.
Terhune, Jan Alberts, ISO; Roelef, 250.
Teunis, Henrycus, 120.
Teunissen, Jan, 46, 167.
Theological school at Bedford, 379.
Third Prince Hereditary Regiment, 313.
Theunis. Jan, 203 : Marretje, 72.
Thirty-third Brit. Light Inf., 313.
Thirty-seventh Brit. Light Inf., 312.
Thomas, Marie, 49, 50, 55.
Thomasen, Win., 75, 76, 77.
Thorne, Thos., 233.
Thornely (Col), 306.
Throgmorton, 35.
Thyssen, Hendrick, 203.
Tithes, collected by sheriff, 121, 122.
Titus, David, 247 ; John, 243, 249, 2S3 ; Francis (Col.)

403, 409.
Tobacco raising on L. I., 232.
Tobiassen, Theunis, 203.
Tonnemau, Peter, 112, 133, 135, 137.
Tories, 254.
Tower Hill, 220.

Town of Brooklyn recognized by the State, 378.
Town Records, The. 79, 326.
Townsend, Robert, Jr., 365.
Travel in Kings Co., improvement of, 3S7.
Tree, The Old Tulip, 3S9.
Tree Point, 62,

Trico, Catalina, 16, S5, 90, 413.
Trinity Church. N. T., charter of, 149.
Troops, concentrated at Brooklyn, 248.
Troup (Lieut.), 266.
Tucker, Fanning C, 73.
Tuddens. Maehiel, 70.
Turtle Bay, 216.

V.

Union course, 328.
United Netherlands Co., 18.

United States Marine Hospital, 24, S6 ; Navy Yard,
80, SI, 363.

V.

Valley Grove, The, 261 ; Pass, The, 159,

Van Aarnham, Frederick, 159.

Van Alst, John. 403.

Van As, Evert Dirx, 114, 120.

Van Borsum, Cornelis, 120; Egbert, 70, 134, 224,

225.
Van Brugh, Johannes, 164.
Van Brunt, 66 ; Adriance, 56, 53, 255, 249, 316 ; Albert

C, 40S. 409; Cornelius, 58, 172.173; Joost, 422;

John, 3S0; Lieut., 4o9; Uutgert. 243, j: '. ■_<:■'

316.
Van Catts, Annexe. 234; Capt. 409; Cornelius, 284.
Van Corlaer, Jacob. 28.
Van Cortlandt (Col.), Stephen, 60, 61.
Van Cowenhoven (Cap;.). 402, 406, 409; Cornelia

Janse, SI; Gerrit Wolpherl.-eii, 4.",. 66. 72. 2ns,

424; Jacob Wolphertsen. 35, 75.7'.'; John. 2-">l,

213; M„ 316; Nicholas 214. 243; Nicholas I;.,

57, 296; Rem, 244, 251, 316; Teunis, -7; Willem

Gerritse, 96, 98, 143; Wolfert Gerrlteen, 23T;

" Cowenhoven's bosche," 251.
Van Dam, Nicholas. 247.
Van der Beeck, Conradus, 5S ; Paulus, 49, 50, 51, 55,

108, 185, 155, 200; Rem Jansen, 72, 92.
Van der Bilt, Aris, 93; Jan, 93, 243, 249; Jeremiah,

244. 256.
Van der Bosch, 14S.
Van der Braats, Volkert, 204.
Van der Grift, Jacob Leendertse, G3 ; Paulus Leen-

dertse, 82.
Van der Hove. Cornelius, 212.
Van der Water. Benjamin, 203, 212, 213; Jacob, 104,

201, 202, 203, 208, 209.
Van der Veer. Walenyn, 50; John, 249; Cornelius,

249,265; Hendrick, 256 ; William, 3ss.
Van der Venter. Jacob, 256.
Van der Voort, Jacob, 365; John, 292; Peter, 249,

330.
Van der Vliet, Dirck Jans. 16S.

Van Duyn, Cornelius Gerritse. 5S. 179. 181. 2<'-. 210;
Van Dyck, 24S; Agias, 53, 61; Agias Jans.-, 208;

Claes, 53, 1S1 ; Claes Thomas," 203 ; John, 01 ;

Matthias, 61 ; Nicholas, 53, 61, 62, ISO.
Van Ecklen, Johannes, 93.
Van Elfland, Claes. 76.
Van Hise (Lieut). 408.
Van Kirck, Roelof, ISO.
Van Lodenstcin, Sophia, US.
Van Mater, Mr., 323.
Van Naerden. Claes Janse, 69.
Van Nesten. Jooris, 203, 20S.
Van Nostrand, John, 87.

Van Pelt, 53; Peter. 58; Wouter. 54; Rev. 190.
Van Renssalaer, Hon. Stephen, 21, 196; Kiliaen,

235.
Van Rossum, Huyck Aertsen, 55, 66; 93, 100,101;

Trientje, 101.
Van Salee, Anthony, 28, 53.
Van Schouw. See Mentelaer.
Van Slvck, Antonissen, 44.
Van Sohaick, Magretia. 183; Sinderen, Rev. Mr., 1S2,

1S3, 184. 136; Adriaen. 1S5.
Van Twiller, Gov., 21, 23. 26. 60.
Vaas, Antony Jansen. See Van Salee.
Varick, Rev." Rudolphus, 169, 14S.
Vechten, Tennis. 195. 196; Claes. Adriaense, 57.
Van Wyck, Helen. 53; Thcodorus. 53; Lieut, 410.
Van Zu'ren, Rev. Casparus. 166, 107, 169.
Vardon, Jacob. See Fardon.
Varick. See Van Varick.
Vechte, Farm, 56; House, 52; Claes Arense, 203;

Hendrick, 203. 206. 211 ; Nicholas, 57 69.
Verden, Thomas, 204. See Vardon.
Verlockcn, Hans, 133.
VigUani, The, 318.
Vigne, Jean, the first European born in N. N., S9,

90.
Village incorporation of B. first urged in 1S00, 3S5.
Vinesar Hill. 369, 386.
Vlaack's Kill, 28.
" Vlie," The, in Newton. 802.
Vlissengen, or Flushing. 43.
Volkertsen, Dirck. S3 : Philip, 213.
" Volley Bank." The. 350.
Von Heister (General). 257, 281.
Vroom. Cornelis Corssen, 63; Cornelis Petersen, 63;

Hendrick Corssen, 65, 66 ; Peter Corssen, 63, 65,

60, 67, 423.

464

HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

W.

Waale-bocht. See WaUahout Bay.

Waale-boght. See Wallah out Bay

" Waal, Een," 415.

Waale-Kerken. See Walloon ChurMes.

Wadsworth (Brig -Gen.), 2S5.

Wagon-yard. The British, at Brooklyn, 310, 324.

Waldeck, Stores, 324.

"Walrlron (Capt). Adolph. 24T; Samuel, 21 T, 219.

Wallabout Bay. The. '-'4. 25. 2(1. 29, 44, Mi. -s. !M, 115,
141, 155, 19$, 207. 217. 239, 250, 337. 414. 415;
Committee. 304. 305. 300: District, 3S1 ; Settlers,
25, 161, 224; School, 243; and Brooklyn Toll
Bridge. 363. 3S7; Tobacco grown at, 232; Taxa-
tion of residents at, 135 ; Sale of lands in, to U.
S., 385.

"Walloons Bay. See Wallabout Bay ; Churches, 24.

Walzogen, Baron, 323.

Wampum, manufactured at L. I., etc., 33.

Wantenaer, Albert, Cornelissen, 101, 102, 114, 123,
160.

Ward (Col.), 247.

Waring, Henry, 309.

War of 1S12, Declaration of, 393, 396.

Warpoes, 64, 424.

Wartoun, Thomas, 68.

Washington, Petition of prisoners to, 356, 357; Ar-
rives atN. T., 248; Addresses troops at Brook-
lyn. 259; Headquarters at Brooklyn, 57, 2S4 ;
Visits the lines on L. I., 259 ; Death, 195 ; Park,
251.

Watch-house, A. 386.

Watson, Benjamin, 365.

Webster (Col.), 326.

Weldon, 79 ; William, 327.

Wclius, 137.

Wells, John, 309.

Wendell, Dr., 891.

Werpos. See Warpoes.

Wessels. Warnaer, 116.

West India Co., earliest deed recorded to, 26 ; pur-
chases land, 25 ; Gives bell to Brooklyn church,
143.

Westerhauge (Capt.), 330.

West Riding. The, 153.

Weynant. See Wynant.
Whaley, Alexander, 403.

L. I. Sound,
n-ship, 333, 3

John, 147.

Whale boatmen i
W/iithi/. The pri:
Wilcox, B8.

Willemsen, Willem, 68.
Willet, Edward, 215.
Williams, Henry, 244, 245.
Willemsen. Hendrick. 68.
Williamson, Rem, 249.
Wills (Lieut.-Col.), 263.
Williston. Rev. Ralph, 370.
Wilson (Capt), John, 3S8, 3
Wilward, William, 3S3.
Winants. See Wynant.
Window Curtains, 229.
Winthrop, Gov., arrives at N. N„ 118.
Woertman, Dirck Janse, 70, 71, 72, 73, 97, 204;

Tunis, 403.
Wolfman, Dirk. 417.
Wolphertsen, Gerrit, 97, 417.
Woodhull, Rev. John, 290 ; Gen. captured, 263, 264,

283.
Woo/Hands, The prison-ship, 330. 336.
Woods cut down by the British, 310.
Woodward, Joseph. 58.

Work of citizens on fortifications in 1S12, 401.
Worpus. See Warpoes.
Wooster, Casper, 251.
Wouterse, Pierre, 120.
Wrasg (Lieut.), 278.
Wyckoff, Hendrick, 250, 331; John, 55,58; Peter,

55, 58, 249, 297, 330, 403.
Wylly's (Colonel), troops. 263, 272.
Wynants, 49; Paul us Dircksen, 120; Peter, 60, 66,

203, 424.

Yellow Fever in Brooklyn in 1mi9, I
Yellow Hook, 53; Road from, 20s.
Yellow Mill. See Denton* Mill.
Yokam, 120.

Zeuw Kamingh, 49.

Ziekentroosters, or comforters of the sick, 127.

Zoll (Lieut.), 2S9.

9707