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IILADELPHIA.

Htpptncott's

Cabinet IMories of tjre itates.

NEW YORK.

9335315

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by

T. S. ARTHUR ANT) W. H. CARPENTER,

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of

Pennsylvania.

STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHXSOS AND CO.
PHILADELPHIA.

PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.

There are but few persons in this country who
have not, at some time or other, felt the want of an
accurate, well written, concise, yet clear and reliable
history of their own or some other state.

The want here indicated is now about being sup-
plied; and, as the task of doing so is no light or
superficial one, the publishers have given into the
hands of the two gentlemen whose names appear in
the title-page, the work of preparing a series of Cabi-
net Histories, embracing a volume for each state in
the Union. Of their ability to perform this well, we
need not speak. They are no strangers in the literary
world. What they undertake the public may rest
assured will be performed thoroughly ) and that no
sectarian, sectional, or party feelings will bias their
judgment, or lead them to violate the integrity of
history.

The importance of a series of state histories like
those now commenced, can scarcely be estimated.
Being condensed as carefully as accuracy and interest
of narrative will permit, the size and price of the
volumes will bring them within the reach of every
family in the country, thus making them home-read-
ing books for old and young. Each individual will,

40X1243

6 publishers' preface.

in consequence, become familiar, not only with the
history of his own state, but with that of other states :
— thus mutual interest will be re-awakened, and old
bonds cemented in a firmer union.

In this series of Cabinet Histories, the authors,
while presenting a concise but accurate narrative of
the domestic policy of each state, will give greater
prominence to the personal history of the people.
The dangers which continually hovered around the
early colonists ; the stirring romance of a life passed
fearlessly amid peril; the incidents of border war-
fare; the adventures of hardy pioneers; the keen
watchfulness, the subtle surprise, the ruthless attack,
and prompt retaliation — all these having had an im-
portant influence upon the formation of the American
character, are to be freely recorded. "While the progres-
sive development of the citizens of each individual state
from the rough forest-life of the earlier day to the
polished condition of the present, will exhibit a pic-
ture of national expansion as instructing as it is inte-
resting.

The size and style of the series will be uniform
with the present volume. The authors, who have
been for some time collecting and arranging materials,
will furnish the succeeding volumes as rapidly as their
careful preparation will warrant.

PREFACE.

The history of New York, the wealthiest and,
from its happy geographical position, the most
important of all the confederated States, has
hitherto been but imperfectly known even to its
own citizens. This defective knowledge cannot
be said to have originated from any want of
interest on the subject, but rather from the
difficulty of obtaining the requisite information
within a moderate compass, and in a connected
form ; the narrative of events being scattered
through numerous volumes, all of which are in
their nature fragmentary.

To supply this want — to place before the
general reader a clear, succinct, and impartial
history of the State, from its earliest settlement
to the present day, is the object of this volume,

8 PREFACE.

which will not be found a mere compilation, but a
work originally treated, and elaborated with care
and impartiality. Brief as it is, it yet contains
every event of marked historical importance ;
nothing being omitted but those obtrusive specu-
lations, and dry legislative details, which, in a
work intended for popular use, are neither valu-
able nor interesting.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Columbus — Voyages of the Cabots — John and Sebastian
Cabot discover the Continent of North America — Voyage
of Sebastian Cabot — His exploration of the coast — New-
foundland fisherios — Patent from James I. to the Virginia
Companies — Settlement of Jamestown — Voyage of Verraz-
zani, under the auspices of James I. — Sails from Madeira
— Reaches America — Lands in North Carolina — Friendli-
ness of the savages — Their humanity — A child kidnapped
— Arrival of Verrazzani at Sandy Hook — His description —
Conference with the natives — Bay of New York — Harbour
of Newport — Description of the natives — Exploration inland
— Departure for Europe — Claims of France — Cartier and
Roberval — First permanent French settlement — Quebec
founded by Champlain — The Five Nations — Policy of Cham-
plain — Joins a war-party of Hurons and Algonquins — Dis-
covery of Lake Champlain — Defeat of the Iroquois — The
consequence Page 19

CHAPTER II.

Voyage of Henry Hudson — Attempts to reach Nova Zembla
— Is impeded by ice — Ranges the North American coast
southward — Reaches Penobscot — Trades with the natives —
Attacks and plunders them — Rounds Cape Cod — Is blown
off the Capes of Virginia — Returns north — Discovers Dela-
ware Bay — Enters Sandy Hook — Death of Colman — Disco-
vers the Great North or Hudson River — Explores it — The
Palisades — West Point — The Catskills — Traffic with the
natives — Their hospitality — The exploration continued —
Hudson arrives in the vicinity of Albany — Is visited by
numbers of the Indians — Singular expedient to test their
friendliness — Scene of intoxication — The Iroquois tradition
concerning it — Return of Hudson — An Indian killed — Am-
bush near Harlem River — Skirmish with the Manhattans
— Departure 29

CHAPTER III.

Hudson returns to Europe — Reaches Dartmouth — Communi-
cates with his employers — Sails on a new voyage of disco-
very— Enters Hudson's Bay— Reaches its southern limit —
Searches for an outlet— Is frozen in — Scarcity of his provi-

10 CONTENTS.

sions — Mutinous condition of his crew — He sails for the
mouth of the bay — Mutiny — Abandonment of Hudson and
his companions — Signal retribution — The Dutch traffic with
the Indians — Captain Argall — New explorations — Bluk
coasts Long Island — Discovers the Housatonic and Con-
necticut Rivers — Returns with Christiaanse to Manhattan
— Fortified posts erected at Manhattan and Albany — May
examines the Delaware Bay — Alliance with the Iro-
quois Page 43

CHAPTER IV.

The English Puritans in Holland — First project of a settle-
ment— Agents sent to England to treat with the Virginia
Company — Embarkation at Delfthaven — The Mayflower —
Accidents to the Speedwell — Arrival off Cape Cod — Ply-
mouth settled — Dutch "West India Company incorporated —
Forts built on the Hudson and the Delaware — Arrival of
Governor Minuits — The first colonists of NewNetherland —
Increase of the fur trade — Commercial relations with New
Plymouth — Embassy of De Razier — Dutch scheme of colo-
nization— Provision concerning Patroons — Swanandael
purchased — Pavonia — Rensselaerwyck — Colony of De Tries
near Cape Henlopen — Its massacre by the savages — Return
of De Tries — The colony re-established — Removal of Mi-
nuits— Administration of "W outer Tan Twiller — Trading-
post established on the Connecticut — Emigration to New
England — Settlements on the Connecticut — Difficulties with
the Patroons — The manors of Pavonia and Swanandael re-
vert to the company — Removal of Tan Twiller — William
Kieft appointed governor 52

CHAPTER T.

Difficulties of Governor Kieft — Delaware settled by the
Swedes — Arrival of Minuits — Fort built on Christiana Creek
— Action of Dutch "West India Company — Occupation of
Long Island by the Puritans — Fort Nassau reoccupied —
Indian disturbances — A retaliatory murder — Kieft demands
the fugitive — Preparations for war — Failure of the first ex-
pedition against the Raritans — Trouble with the Hacken-
sacks — Two Hollanders murdered — Indemnity offered and
refused — Massacre of the Raritans and Hackensaeks — Con-
federation of the river tribes — Indian war — Deplorable con-
dition of the Dutch — Long Island and Manhattan devastated
— Unpopularity of Kieft — Attempt upon his life — Negotia-
tions for peace — Speech of an Indian chief — Renewal of
the war — Expeditions of Underbill — Destruction of Indians
at Tappan and on Long Island — Interposition of the Mo-
hawks— Treaty of peace.... 67

CONTENTS. 11

CHAPTER VI.

Close of the Indian war — Unpopularity of Kieft — His recall
and shipwreck — Governor Stuyvesant — Condition of New
Netherland — Beaverswyck— New Amsterdam— Negotiations
with New England — Provisional treaty — War between Eng-
land and Holland — Prudent policy of Massachusetts — The
Dutch solicit assistance from the Narragansetts — Reply of
one of their chiefs — Swedish settlements on the Delaware —
FortCassimer erected — Contentions with the Swedes — Cap-
ture of Fort Cassimer — Reduction of the Swedish province
hy Stuyvesant — Flourishing condition of New Netherland —
Internal dissensions — Arbitrary rule of Stuyvesant — Claims
of Maryland — Sale of Delaware to the city of Amsterdam —
Political privileges granted by Stuyvesant — Patent of
Charles II. to the Duke of York — English force sent to
take possession of New Netherland — Surrender of the
province Page 78

CHAPTER VII.

New Netherland becomes New York — Colonel Nichols go-
vernor— Meeting on Long Island — Incorporation of the
city of New York — Arbitrary system of government esta-
blished— Lovelace appointed governor — War with the
Dutch — New York reconquered — Administration of Colve
— Retrocession of New York — Government of Andros — Dif-
ficulties with Connecticut — Spirited conduct of the Puritans
— Disaffection of the people — A representative government
demanded — Reply of the Duke of York — Description of the
province — Its prosperity — City of New York, its population
and public buildings — Character of the people — Andros re-
called— Dongan appointed governor — Concession of political
privileges — Indian affairs — Convention at Albany — Designs
of the French — Instructions of the Duke of York — Conduct
of Dongan — Invasion of the Five Nations by the French —
Peace solicited — Speech of De la Barre — Reply of Garran-
gula 90

CHAPTER VIII.

Canadian affairs — Denonville supersedes De la Barre — Pre-
pares for war — Marches against the Iroquois — Is attacked
— Retires into Canada — Fate of the French garrison at Nia- •
gara — Retaliation of the Iroquois — Negotiations for peace
— Reply of Governor Dongan — Speech of Garrangula —
Council at Montreal — Stratagem of the Dinondadie Indians
— Renewal of hostilities — Dreadful massacre of the French
— Affairs of New York — Disaffection in England — Landing
of William, Prince of Orange — Flight of James — Revolu-
tion in the provinces — Dongan recalled — Agitation in New

12 CONTENTS.

York — The fort seized by Leisler — William and Mary pro-
claimed— Leisler governor — Count Frontenac appointed
governor of Canada — Negotiates with, the Five Nations —
War between England and France — Burning of Schenec-
tady— Difficulties in New York Page 105

CHAPTER IX.

Invasion of Canada resolved upon — Failure of the expedition
— Arrival of Ingoldsby at New York — The fort blockaded
— Arrival of Governor Sloughter — Arrest of Leisler and his
council — Leisler and Milbourne tried and sentenced to
death — Their execution — Appeal to the king by the son of
Leisler — Report of the commissioners — Appeal to parlia-
ment— Reversal of the sentence against Leisler and Mil-
bourne — Death of Sloughter — Fletcher appointed governor
— His character — Frontenac invades the country of the
Five Nations — His march from Montreal — Falls upon the
Mohawk villages — Returns to Canada — Activity of Schuy-
ler— Of Fletcher — His popularity with the Indians — Con-
vention at Albany — Conduct of Fletcher toward the pro-
vincial assembly — Resistance of the latter — Activity of
Frontenac — Invades the Onondagas — Torture of an aged
chief — Meagre results of the expedition 118

CHAPTER X.

Arrival of Bellamont— Ordered to suppress piracy on the coast
— Fletcher discountenanced — Exultation of the popular party
— Captain Kidd commissioned to apprehend the pirates —
Turns pirate himself — Appears in Boston — Is arrested and
sent to England for trial — Commotion in England — Address
of Bellamont to the assembly — His popularity — Engages in
a controversy with Frontenac — French treaty with the In-
dians— Law passed by the assembly against Roman Catho-
lic priests — Death of Bellamont — Nanfan lieutenant-go-
vernor — Appointment of Cornbury — His character —

, Attaches himself to the Royalists — Is granted a donation —
Second intercolonial war — Money appropriated for fortify-
ing the Narrows — Embezzled by Cornbury — Difficulties
with the assembly — Distrust of Cornbury — His profligate
career — Petitions for his recall — Arrival of Lord Lovelace
— Cornbury arrested for debt — His return to England 130

, CHAPTER XL

Lovelace demands of the assembly a permanent revenue — An
annual grant substituted — Death of Lovelace — Administra-
tion of Ingoldsby — Abortive attempt to invade Canada —
Discontent of New York — Address to QueenAnne — Colonel
Schuyler repairs to England, accompanied by five Mohawk
chiefs— Reception of the latter in London— Their interview

CONTENTS. IS

with the Queen— Governor Hunter arrives at New York —
The assembly refractory— Expedition against Canada — Its
shameful failure— Activity of De Vaudreuil — The provin-
cial troops disbanded— Indignation of England and the co-
lonies— Charges brought against St. John and Harcourt —
Controversy between Hunter and the assembly in relation
to a permanent revenue — The point carried by the governor
— Gloomy condition of the province — Negro insurrection —
Peace of Utrecht — Permanent revenue granted — Hunter's
popularity— His return to England Page 140

CHAPTER XII.

Arrival of Governor Burnet — His character — Old assembly
continued — Sale of Indian goods to the French prohibited
— Mercantile opposition — Petition to the king — Reply of
Colden and Alexander — Activity of the French — Indian
policy of Burnet — Fort Oswego built — Administrative diffi- •
culties — Alienation of Schuyler, Philips, and Delancey — New
assembly demanded by the people — Removal of Burnet to
the government of Massachusetts — Montgomery appointed
governor — Harmonizes with the assembly — Meets the In-
dians in convention at Albany — Fort Oswego threatened —
Burnet's Indian policy repudiated — Boundary fixed between
New York and Connecticut — Seizure of Crown Point by the
French — Cosby succeeds Montgomery — Ingratiates himself
with the assembly — A free school established — Violent and
arbitrary conduct of Cosby — Political quarrels — Imprison-
ment of Zenger, printer of the Weekly Journal — His trial —
Defended by Hamilton, of Philadelphia — Liberty of the
press vindicated — Illegal career of Cosby — His sudden
death — Bitter party feuds — Clarke appointed lieutenant-
governor 155

CHAPTER XIII.

Character of Lieutenant-governor Clarke — His policy — Con-
duct of the provincial party — Their reply to his opening
address — Extraordinary issue of paper money — Disfran-
chisement of the Jews — Snare laid for the popular leaders
— Its success — Permanent revenue refused — Negro plot in
New York — Terror of the citizens — Evidence of Mary Bur-
ton— The conspiracy doubted — Judicial murder of Ury — •
Arrival of Governor Clinton — His quarrel with Chief Jus-
tice Delancey — Difficulties with the assembly — War between
England and France — Activity of the French — Capture of
Louisburg — Settlements around Saratoga ravaged — Inva-
sion of Canada projected — Assembling of the provincial
levies — Boston menaced by a French fleet — Subsidence of
the alarm — Political feuds in New York — The village of

Saratoga burned — Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle 167

14 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIV.

Treaty with the Six Nations — Shirley's conspiracy — Action
of Clinton — His violent disputes with the assembly — De-
mands a permanent revenue — Their able reply — Clinton
appeals to the English government — Movements of Shirley
and Belcher — Walpole's bill to strengthen the king's pre-
rogative— Colonial protests — Its defeat in parliament —
Cautious policy of New York — Dismissal of Colden — Clin-
ton's letters to the Board of Trade — Taxation by parliament
suggested — Encroachments of the French — Exploration of
the Ohio valley — Attempt to restrict the limits of Acadia —
Patent of the Ohio company — Trading house built at
Brownsville — Indian council at Albany — Duquesne de-
scends into the valley of the Ohio — Alarm of the western
Indians — Distractions from England — Sir Danvers Osborne
appointed governor of New York — His character, conduct,
and death Page 178

CHAPTER XV.

Lieutenant-Governor Delancey — Royal instructions — Course
of the assembly — George Washington — Movements of the
French — First skirmish — Death of Jumonville — Surrender
of Fort Necessity — Congress at Albany — Franklin's plan of
union — Rejected by the colonies — Disaffection in New York
— Establishment of a college — Liberal grants by the assem-
bly for the defence of the frontiers — General Braddock ap-
pointed commander-in-chief — Congress of governors at
Alexandria — Plan of campaign — Success in Nova Scotia. —
Rout of Braddock's army — His death — Crown Point expe-
dition— Fort Edward built — Approach of Dieskau — Skir-
mish with the provincials — Battle of Lake George — Rout of
the French — Capture of Dieskau — Honours awarded to
Johnson by parliament — Neglect of Lyman — Inactivity of
Johnson — Fort William Henry built — Niagara expedition
— Reverses and disappointments of Shirley — Sickness of
troops — Fort Oswego built 190

CHAPTER XVI.

CONTENTS. 15

offensive operations — Quarrels with the citizens of New
York — Campaign of 1757 — Futile expedition to Louisburg
— Siege of Fort William Henry — Spirited defence of Mon-
roe— Surrender of the garrison — Indian outrages — Conduct
of Webb — Of Loudoun — Campaign of 1758 — Energetic
course of Pitt — Louisburg captured — Abercrombie repulsed
before Ticonderoga — Fort Frontenac surprised and captured
by Bradstreet — Forbes marches against Fort Duquesne —
Its abandonment by the French Page 204

CHAPTER XVII.

Campaign of 1759 — Plan of conquest — Prideaux marches
against Fort Niagara — Invests it — Is killed — Attempts of
the French to raise the siege — Their defeat — Capitulation
of the garrison — March of Amherst — Ticonderoga and
Crown Point deserted — Wolfe sails for Quebec — Takes pos-
session of the Isle of Orleans — Quebec — Its situation and
defences — Defended by Montcalm — His encampment —
Attempt to fire the British fleet frustrated — Occupation of
Point Levi — Wolfe encamps on the east bank of the Mont-
morenci — Battle of Montmorenci — The English repulsed —
Murray ordered up the St. Lawrence — The Heights of Abra-
ham— Plan of attack — Daring movement of Wolfe — Its suc-
cess— Incredulity of Montcalm — Preparations for battle —
The English victorious — Death of Wolfe — Montcalm mor-
tally wounded — Capitulation of Quebec — De Levi attempts
to recapture it — Capture of Montreal — Final conquest of
Canada 221

CHAPTER XVIII.

Retention of Canada determined upon — Spain joins France
against England — Treaty of Fontainebleau — Death of De-
lancey — Administration of Colden — Monckton appointed
governor — Ordered to Martinique — Independence of the
Judiciary struck at — Alarm of New York — Difficulties be-
tween New York and New Hampshire — Financial embar-
rassment of England — Action of the ministry — Stamp-tax
passed — Its reception in New York — Colden burned in
effigy — Stamp-tax repealed — Townsend's scheme of taxa-
tion— Action of the colonies — Pusillanimous conduct of the
New York Assembly — Alexander McDougal —His imprison-
ment and popularity — Rapid increase of New York in popu-
lation and wealth — Dunmore appointed governor — Removed
to Virginia — Transfers the government to Tryon — Regula-
tors in North Carolina — Their defeat — Disturbances respect-
ing the New Hampshire grants — Resistance to state authority
— Tea sent to America — Proceedings of the colonies — Con-
gress at Philadelphia — Battle of Lexington 237

16 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIX.

Effect of the battle of Lexington — Doubtful position of New
York — Ticonderoga and Crown Point seized — Descent of
Arnold upon St. John's — War formally declared — Acts of
the Provincial Congress — Opposition of the loyalists —
Washington appointed commander-in-chief of the American
forces — Other appointments — Battle of Bunker Hill — Con-
gress determines upon an effectual blockade of Boston —
Washington assumes the chief command — Return of Go-
vernor Tryon to New York — State of political parties —
Seizure of military stores at Turtle Bay — Removal of guns
from the Battery at New York — Unpopularity of Tryon —
He takes refuge on board the Asia man-of-war — Invasion
of Canada — Surrender of Forts Chambly and St. John —
Capitulation of Montreal — Montgomery forms a junction
with Arnold — Assault of Quebec — Death of Montgomery —
Evacuation of Canada — Disturbances in New York — Riving-
ton's Gazette — Lee ordered to assist in defending the city —
Disaffection of the Johnsons — Joseph Brant — Declaration
of Independence Page 252

CHAPTER XX.

Evacuation of Boston — Washington at New York — His em-
barrassments— Discovery of a plot to seize his person —
Approach of General Howe — The British encamp on Staten
Island — Arrival of Admiral Lord Howe with reinforcements
— American defences at Brooklyn — Landing of the British
on Long Island — Battle of Long Island, and defeat of Put-
nam— Washington encamps at narlem — Howe takes pos-
session of York Island — Disgraceful flight of the American
militia — New York evacuated — Skirmish at Harlem — Seri-
ous conflagration in the city — Military and naval operations
of the British — The Americans encamp at White Plains —
Defeat of McDougal — Capture of Fort Washington — Aban-
donment of Fort Lee — Retreat of Washington through the
Jerseys — Crosses the Delaware at Trenton — Situation of
the northern army — Crown Point, evacuated — Advance of
Carleton — Battle on Lake Champlain 262

CHAPTER XXL

New York Congress — State government established — Cam-
paign of 1777 — Howe's movements — Battle of Brandywine
— Of Germantown — Burgoyne's invasion — His successful
advance — Takes possession of Ticonderoga — Retreat of St.
Clair — Evacuation of Skenesborough — Of Fort Anne —
Weakness of the northern army under Schuyler — Fort Ed-
ward abandoned — Schuyler crosses the Hudson — Advance
of Burgoyne — Fort Schuyler besieged by St. Leger — Bloody

CONTENTS. 17

skirmish with Herkimer — Death of Herkimer — Arnold ad-
vances to the relief of Fort Schuyler — Success of his strata-
gem— St. Leger deserted by the Indians — Breaks up the
siege — Battle of Bennington — Defeat of Baum and Brey-
man — Schuyler superseded by Gates — Condition of Bur-
goyne — Crosses the Hudson — First battle of Behmus's
Heights — Second battle of Behmus's Heights — Retreat of
Burgoyne to Saratoga — Provisions captured on the Hudson
— British council of war — Surrender of Burgoyne Page 276

CHAPTER XXII.

Clinton's diversion in favour of Burgoyne — First meeting of
the State legislature at Kingston — France and the United
States — Effects of Burgoyne's surrender — Conciliatory pro-
positions from Lord North — Treaty of alliance between
France and the United Colonies — Howe abandons Phila-
delphia, and retreats to New York — Arrival of a French
fleet — D'Estaing offers to co-operate in the reduction of
Newport — Puts out to sea — Americans retire from before
Newport — War on the frontiers — Massacre at Wyoming —
American expedition against Unadilla — Indian incursion
into Cherry Valley — Campaign of 1779 — Predatory incur-
sions by the enemy — Capture of Stony Point by the British
— Recapture by Wayne — Sullivan's expedition against the
Indians — Exploration and destruction of the Indian villages
in the Genesee Valley — Campaign of 1781 — South Carolina
overrun by the enemy — Defeat of Gates — Arrival of Rocham-
beau at Rhode Island — Treason of Benedict Arnold — Exe-
cution of Andre — Virginia ravaged by Arnold and Phillips
— Operations of Cornwallis — Battle of the Cowpens — Battle
of Guilford Courthouse — Greene recrosses the Dan — Corn-
wallis enters Virginia — Takes post at Yorktown — Siege of
Yorktown — Capitulation 289

CHAPTER XXIIL

A national convention called — Influence of New York —
Action of the state in regard to the import duties — Meeting
of the national convention — Adoption of the Federal Con-
stitution— Action of the Anti-Federalist party in New York
— Popularity of Clinton — Fierce party feuds — Jay elected
governor — Reception of his treaty with Great Britain —
Hamilton insulted — Re-election of Jay — Foreign relations
of the United States — Alien and Sedition laws — Clinton
elected governor — Aaron Burr — His quarrel with Hamilton
— Death of Hamilton — Proscription of Burr — His western
journeys — His arrest, trial, and acquittal — Subsequent life
— Increasing foreign difficulties — British orders in council
— Berlin and Milan decrees — American Embargo Act — Col-

18 CONTENTS.

lision between the frigate President and British sloop-of-
war Little Belt — War declared — 111 success of the American
forces at the north — Important naval victories — Americans
defeated at the River Ptaisin — Capture of York, Upper Ca-
nada— Ports George and Edward abandoned by the British
— Defeat of Boerstler — Victory at Sackett's Harbour — Per-
ry's victory on Lake Erie — Xaval successes and disasters-
Battle of the Thames — Defeat of the Creeks by Jackson —
Battles of Chippewa and Bridgewater — Capture of the Capi-
tol—Death of Ross— Battle of Plattsburg— McDonough's
victory on Lake Champlain — Battle of New Orleans —
Peace declared Page 305

CHAPTER XXIV.

Political aspirations of De Witt Clinton — The Tammany
Society — Its origin — Opposed to Clinton — Tompkins elected
governor — Chosen vice-president — Clinton governor — Con-
struction of the Erie Canal authorized — Decline of the old
Federal party — Origin of the "Bucktails" — Clinton re-elect-
ed governor — Van Buren chosen United States Senator —
Revision of the state constitution — Principal amendments
adopted — Yates elected governor — Division of the Demo-
cratic party — Organization of the " People's party" — Remo-
val of Clinton as canal commissioner — Re-elected governor
— Subversion of the old political parties — Abduction of Mor-
gan— Masons and Anti-Masons — Xew organizations — For-
mation of the Whig and Jackson parties — Death of Governor
Clinton — Van Buren elected governor — Rise and decline of
the " Workingman's party" — Throop elected governor —
Marcy chosen — " Equal rights" party organized — How de-
signated by the Whigs — Merged into the Democratic party
— Marcy re-elected governor — Financial embarrassments —
Increasing strength of the Whigs — Seward elected governor
— Party fluctuations — Bouck elected governor — Election of
Wright — Anti-Rent disturbances — Their origin — Progress
of the disaffection — Tumults in Delaware county — Murder
of the sheriff — Military called out — Arrest and imprison-
ment of the rioters — Breach in the Democratic party —
"Hunkers" and "Barnburners" — Revision of the constitu-
tion— Young elected governor — Election of Fish — Conclusion 323

HISTORY OF NEW YORK.

CHAPTER I.

Columbus — Voyages of the Cabots — John and Sebastian Cabot
discover the Continent of North America — Voyage of Sebas-
tian Cabot — His exploration of the coast — Newfoundland
fisheries — Patent from James I. to the Virginia Companies
— Settlement of Jamestown — Voyage of Verrazzani, under
the auspices of James I. — Sails from Madeira — Reaches Ame-
rica— Lands in North Carolina — Friendliness of the savages
— Their humanity — A child kidnapped — Arrival of Verraz-
zani at Sandy Hook— His description — Conference with the
natives — Bay of New York — Harbour of Newport — Descrip-
tion of the natives — Exploration inland — Departure for
Europe — Claims of France — Cartier and Roberval — 'First
permanent French settlement — Quebec founded by Cham-
plain — The Five Nations — Policy of Champlain — Joins a
war-party of Hurons and Algonquins — Discovery of Lake
Champlain — Defeat of the Iroquois — The consequence.

Five years after the discovery of the Bahamas

by Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, a native

of Venice, and an expert navigator, then residing

at Bristol,*in England, was authorized, by letters

patent from Henry the Seventh, to take five

English ships, in any haven or havens of the

realm, to explore the seas east, west, or north, in

search of any countries hitherto unknown to

Christians, and to plant the English banner on

any part of the land thus newly found.

20 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1498.

Under this license, John Cabot, accompanied
by his son Sebastian, subsequently celebrated as
a daring mariner, left Bristol in the early part
of May, 1497, and on the 24th of June, first came
in sight of the continent of North America.

On reaching the coast, which is supposed to
have been that of Labrador, they found it rocky
and sterile, abounding with the white polar bear,
and with deer far larger than any they had ever
seen before. After satisfying themselves that
this cheerless region was inhabited only by
savages clothed in the skins of beasts, and armed
with the primitive weapons of bows and clubs, the
Cabots returned to England with the tidings of
their success.

The following year a second expedition was
fitted out, the command of which was given to
Sebastian Cabot. Being furnished with several
small vessels, freighted with such articles of mer-
chandise as were thought best suited for purposes
of traffic with an uncivilized people, he again em-
barked for the newly-discovered land, and after
a voyage of several weeks, approached the conti-
nent in the latitude of fifty-eight degrees.

Proceeding north, he penetrated that portion
of the arctic region since known as Hudson's Bay ;
when, finding his further progress seriously ob-
structed by masses of floating ice, he yielded to
the loudly-expressed fears of his men, and shaping
his course southward, sailed along the shore until

1606.] EARLY COLONIZATION. 21

he reached the southern limit of Maryland. Af-
ter having thus ranged the coast through thirty
degrees of latitude, his provisions growing short,
he sailed for England. It was from these two
voyages of John and Sebastian Cabot, that Great
Britain acquired the title to nearly the whole
continent of North America.

For upward of a century, however, no ad-
vantage was derived from the discoveries thus
made, beyond the establishment of fisheries off
the coast of Newfoundland. The first successful
attempt at colonization was made in 1606, when
James the First, disregarding all previous pa-
tents, granted to two rival associations of adven-
turers, embodied under the respective titles of
the London and Plymouth Companies, permission
to settle plantations on any part of the North
American continent lying between the thirty-
fourth and forty-fifth degree of north latitude.

The settlement of the London, or South Vir-
ginia colony, was to be made at any point be-
tween Cape Fear and Long Island, while that of
the Plymouth, or North Virginia colony, was
restricted to the region embraced between Dela-
ware Bay and Halifax.

The following year, three small vessels, bearing
one hundred and five colonists, sent out to Vir-
ginia by the London Company, entered the
Chesapeake Bay, and after exploring the James
River, selected a small peninsula, thirty-two

22 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1524.

miles from its mouth, where, on the 13th of May,
1607, they laid the foundation of Jamestown.
No settlement was made by the Plymouth Com-
pany until thirteen years afterward.

Profiting by the discoveries of Cabot, French
mariners, from the ports of Brittany and Nor-
mandy, sailed early to the coast of Newfoundland,
where they shared with the English in the lucra-
tive fisheries of that region.

Desirous of opening a wider field of commerce
for his subjects, and, perhaps, emulous of the
renown acquired through their discoveries bv
England and Spain, Francis the First ordered
John Verrazzani, a Florentine mariner, to take
command of four vessels, and explore the region
concerning which so many marvellous stories
were circulating throughout Europe.

Three of his vessels, having become separated
in a storm, Verrazzani sailed from the island of
Madeira on the 17th of June, 1524, with one
small caravel, containing fifty men and provisions
for eight months. After weathering with great
difficulty a fierce tempest, he succeeded, at the
end of fifty days, in approaching a low sandy
shore, which, from the numerous fires scattered
along the coast, he concluded to be thickly in-
habited. Running southward fifty leagues without
finding a harbour, he turned again toward the
north, and anchored in latitude 34°, off the coast
of North Carolina. A large concourse of the

1524.] VERRAZZANl'S VOYAGE. 23

natives immediately collected on tlie beach, and,
encouraged by their evident friendliness, Verraz-
zani ventured to land for a short time and take
a closer survey of the country. Re-embarking,
he continued his course to the north, everywhere
greeted with signals of welcome by groups of
savages gathered admiringly on the shore. Nor
were they less humane than hospitable. One of
the sailors, in an attempt to swim to them with a
few presents, being thrown by a heavy sea half
dead upon the beach, was caught up in the arms
of the savages, and borne to a place of safety.
Soothing his fears by gentle caresses, they kin-
dled a fire to facilitate his recovery, and after
drying his clothes, led him with many an affec-
tionate embrace back to the beach. They then
retired to an eminence, from whence they kept an
anxious watch until they saw him return in safety
to the ship.

Proceeding north fifty leagues, Verrazzani
anchored off the seaboard of Maryland, and sent
twenty men on shore to explore the country.
They penetrated inland some six miles, but the
natives had fled affrighted deeper into the forest.
Hidden in the long grass they found two women
and six children. They seized one of the latter
to take with them to France, and attempted also
to bear off the younger of the women, who was tall
of stature and very beautiful ; but fearing her out-
cries would endanger their safety, they released

24 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1524*

her, and kidnapped the child only. After this
outrage, so strikingly in contrast with the guile-
less tenderness exhibited by those who were called
barbarians, Verrazzani kept coasting northward
until he arrived at Sandy Hook, "a very pleasant
place, situate among certain little steep hills,
from amidst which there ran down into the sea
an exceeding great stream of water, which within
the mqnth was very deep, and from the sea to
the mouth of the same, with the tide — which thev
found to rise eight feet — any great ship laden
might pass up." When they had held a brief
conference with the natives by signs, and had
sufficiently admired the beautiful bay of New
York, which Verrazzani describes as "a most
pleasant lake, about three leagues in compass,"
the anchor was again weighed, and dropped within
the fine semi-circular harbour of Newport, where
they met "the goodliest people, and of the fairest
conditions," of any they had found in their voy-
age. They were of noble proportions, some " of
the colour of brass, and some inclining to white-
ness ; black and quick eyed, of sweet and pleasant
countenance, imitating much the old fashion."

During the fifteen days they remained at this
place, exploring parties, guided by the hospitable
savages, often ventured five or six leagues inland,
where they found extensive plains, the soil of
which was very fertile, and forests "so great and
thick that any army, were it never so great, might

1608.] CARTIER — ROBERVAL — CHAMPLAIN. 25

have hid itself therein ;" the trees being of oak and
cypress, and of other kinds unknown in Europe.

Taking leave of the courteous and charitable
inhabitants of Rhode Island, Verrazzani, still
coasting northward, sailed along the shores of
New England, and at length terminated his ex-
plorations at the island of Newfoundland, after
having ranged the North American continent for
a distance of seven hundred leagues. Hi July,
1524, he reached the port of Dieppe, from whence
he wrote to the king an account of his remarka-
ble voyage; and upon the discoveries alleged to
have been made by him at this time, the claims
of France to a wide extent of territory on the
Western continent were subsequently founded.

The voyages of Cartier and Roberval followed.
The river St. Lawrence was discovered by the
former in 1534, and various efforts at colonization
were subsequently made, all of which proved un-
successful, until the spring of 1605, when the first
permanent French settlement was established at
Port Royal, on the island of Nova Scotia. In
1608, the energetic Champlain founded Quebec.
The following year, being desirous of securing
the friendship of the Algonquins and Hurons, he
joined them in an expedition against the Iro-
quois, or Five Nations, a powerful confederacy,
which had been for many years a terror to the
surrounding tribes.

When Champlain first entered Canada, this

26 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1608.

renowned confederacy, consisting of the Mohawk,
Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations of
Indians, occupied, by conquest from the Mohican
tribes, the middle, northern, and western portions
of the territory which was subsequently included
within the limits of the province of New York.

Knowing how formidable the proximity of this
haughty and warlike Indian republic would be to
a feellie French colony, settled on their imme-
diate borders, he conceived the design of humbling
the power of the Iroquois, by rendering assist-
ance to their hostile but weaker neighbours, and
of inducing them by this means to unite in a gene-
ral league of amity with the French.

Influenced by what appeared to be the wisdom
of this policy, he joined a war-party of his savage
allies, and leaving Quebec, then an insignificant
village, consisting of a few scattered cottages in
the midst of newly-cleared fields and gardens,
ascended the river Sorel to the rapids near
Chambly. Notwithstanding he had been kept in
utter ignorance of this obstruction to the course
of his vessel, he determined to proceed. Sending
most of his party back to Quebec, he crossed the
portage with his allies, and re-embarked in one
of their frail canoes, attended only by two Eu-
ropeans. After travelling in this manner for
several days, he entered, for the first time, the
lake which now bears his name, and traversing
its whole extent, suddenly discovered near Ti-

1608.] INDIAN BATTLE. 27

conderoga a number of canoes filled with Iro-
quois. Both parties with wild shouts of exulta-
tion pulled rapidly for the shore, where they com-
menced selecting their ground for the battle. As
it was then late in the night, the Iroquois, in
answer to a challenge from the allies, declined
fighting until the next day, when they could see
themselves.

In the gray of the following morning, Cham-
plain placed his two countrymen, supported by a
small detachment of savages, in ambush, on the
flank of the enemy. Both parties were about two
hundred strong; but the Iroquois, being uncon-
scious of the powerful aid which the Hurons and
Algonquins had received in the firearms of the
Europeans, were confident of an easy victory.
Previous to the onset, Champlain had been re-
quested by his allies to single out the three
leaders of the enemy, who could readily be dis-
tinguished from their followers by the superior
size of their feathered ornaments. This having
been arranged, the Huron and Algonquin war-
riors sounded the war-whoop, and, darting out in
a body from their cover of .fallen timber, advanced
some two hundred feet in front of the enemy, and
then, deflecting to the right and left, displayed
to the astonished gaze of the Iroquois the first
white man they had ever beheld, clad in strange
apparel, and armed with weapons of singular
shape and unknown power. But their amazement

28 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1608.

was changed into extreme terror, when they saw
fire issue from the levelled tube, first from the
arquebuss of Champlain in the centre, and then
from those of his two companions on the flank,
and beheld two of their chiefs fall dead, and the
third reel back dangerously wounded. The allies
charged immediately, and the Iroquois, after re-
ceiving a few more vollies from the Frenchmen,
fled panic-stricken from the field. In the pur-
suit many were killed, and some few prisoners
were taken. At length the victors desisted from
following the fugitive enemy any longer, and re-
turning to the field of battle, passed two hours in
celebrating their triumph, by songs and dances.
Not a single one of the allies had been killed, and
but very few wounded. Satisfied with their suc-
cess, they now returned homeward ; but amused
themselves with torturing one of their prisoners
by the way. Shocked at the horrible barbarities
to which he was a witness, Champlain suddenly
put an end to the agony of the sufferer, by de-
spatching him with his own hand.

Such was the commencement of the feud be-
tween the Iroquois and the French. The policy
of Champlain, carried out in several similar ex-
peditions during the succeeding year, instead of
humbling the Five Nations to sue for peace, in-
stigated them to revenge, and engendered that
intense hatred of the Canadian colonists, which
made them fast allies of the Dutch and English,

1609.] HENRY HUDSON. 29

during the whole period that the French retained
possession of the northern territory.

CHAPTER II.

Voyage of Henry Hudson — Attempts to reach Nova Zembla — ■
Is impeded by ice — Ranges the North American coast south-
ward— Reaches Penobscot — Trades with the natives — At-
tacks and plunders them — Rounds Cape Cod — Is blown off
the Capes of Virginia — Returns north — Discovers Delaware
Bay — Enters Sandy Hook — Death of Colman — Discovers
the Great North or Hudson River — Explores it — The Pali-
sades— West Point — The Catskills— Traffic with the natives
— Their hospitality — The exploration continued— Hudson
arrives in the vicinity of Albany — Is visited by numbers of
Indians — Singular expedient to test their friendliness — Scene
of intoxication — The Iroquois tradition concerning it — Re-
turn of Hudson — An Indian killed — Ambush near Harlem
River — Skirmish with the Manhattans — Departure.

About the same time that Champlain was on
his first expedition against the Iroquois, Henry
Hudson, an English mariner in the employ of the
Dutch East India Company, was penetrating the
arctic regions in the vain search for a northern
passage to India. With a small yacht, or fly-
boat, called the Crescent, manned by a mixed
crew of Englishmen and Hollanders, he attempted
to reach Nova Zembla; but being impeded by
masses of ice, he changed the course of his vessel
to the south-west, ran down the coast of Acadia,
and on the 17th of July, 1609, anchored off the

30 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1609.

Bay of Penobscot. Finding a good harbour near
by, he entered it the following day, and remained
there a week, preparing a new foremast and
mending the tattered sails. While he was thus
engaged, a large concourse of natives arrived in
two French shallops and in canoes, and proposed
to traffic furs for such European commodities as
he might have on board. Something or other
soon occurring to elicit suspicion of their inten-
tions, Hudson ordered a strict watch to be kept.
The day before he left the harbour, having refit-
ted his yacht, he sent out a boat with six men to
capture one of the shallops, while twelve men,
armed "with muskets and light field-pieces, went
ashore in a second boat, and driving the savages
from their huts, plundered them of all tke valua-
bles they contained.

Leaving at once the immediate scene of this
outrage, Hudson glided out to the mouth of the
harbour, from whence he set sail on the following
day. Running down the coast, he rounded the
promontory of Cape Cod, and steering a southerly
direction reached the Capes of Virginia on the
18th of August. Being driven out to sea for
eight days by a succession of severe gales, he did
not land and visit the colony of his countrymen,
which he knew to have been settled on the James
River two years before; but turning northward,
discovered the Delaware Bay, examined its cur-
rents, soundings, and the aspect of the land; and

1609.] HUDSON ENTERS SANDY HOOK. 31

then, without going on shore, continued his course
northwardly until the 2d of September, when he
came in sight of the highlands of Neversink, and
entering the next day the southern waters of New
York, anchored during the same afternoon within
the harbour of Sandy Hook.

He was immediately visited by the natives,
some of whom were clad loosely in pliant deer-
skins, while others were dressed in furs, and wore
mantles of feathers. They brought on board
small supplies of maize and green tobacco, which
they exchanged for trifles.

While remaining at anchor in this harbour, he
sent a boat with five men to sound through the
Narrows, and examine the nature of the country
beyond. They found a fertile soil, covered with
luxuriant grass and goodly trees, and adorned
with such a profusion of wild flowers that the air
was filled with their fragrance. As the boat,
however, was returning, its small crew was sud-
denly assaulted by a number of Indians in two
large canoes, and John Colman, one of Hudson's
veteran seamen, shot with an arrow in the neck.
Two others were also wounded, but not mortally.
This sad accident is supposed to have arisen from
the Indians having been suddenly surprised at
the appearance of strange men within their wa-
ters, and not from any preconcert on their part ;
for as soon as they had discharged their arrows,
they fled with great speed. Two days afterward

32 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1609.

the traffic with the natives was resumed. But
Hudson, a strict, stern, cautious man, was no
longer willing to hazard the safety of his vessel
and crew among a people of whose pacific in-
tentions he began to entertain serious doubts.
Weighing anchor, and passing through the Nar-
rows on the 11th of September, he entered New
York Bay, "an excellent harbour for all winds,"
where he remained until the next afternoon.
Having determined to avoid all intercourse, as
far as it was possible, with the savages who re-
sided on the island of Manhattan, he sailed up
the great North River two leagues, and, on the
13th, proceeded with a light winct and flood tide
as far as Phillipsburg. Here he anchored for
the night. The following day he continued his
voyage, having on his left the Palisade rocks,
presenting through a distance of thirty miles, un-
broken save by the valley of the Nyack, a lofty
perpendicular front, varying in altitude from three
to seven hundred feet; while on his right he be-
held the river bounded by a low undulating bor-
der, fringed with noble trees, whose foliage was
just beginning to be tinted with the rich colours
of autumn. Sailing onward, he saw the river
gradually expand into a bay, contract again, and
again expand, until in the distance before him it
appeared to be abruptly shut in by a barrier of
mountains. The bold heart of the mariner sank
within him as he saw what seemed to him the

1609.] VOYAGE UP THE HUDSON. 33

termination of his voyage. At length he dis-
covered a deep, narrow, -winding river, up which
he sailed until he came to West Point, where he
dropped anchor, and waited until daylight for the
farther prosecution of his discovery. As soon as
the mist of the morning had cleared away, he
continued his voyage fifty miles farther up the
river, where, in full view of the Catskill Moun-
tains, he remained until the following evening,
trafficking with the natives, "very loving people,"
who spoke the language of the Mohawks. Going
with them on shore in one of their canoes, he wTas
conducted to a house made of the bark of trees,
exceedingly smooth, and well finished both within
and without. Near the house, he saw a quantity
of corn and beans drying in the sun, sufficient to
have freighted three ships. The Indians received
their visitors with great hospitality, spread mats
for them to seat themselves upon, and brought
them some food in wooden bowls painted red,
while two men were despatched in search of game,
who speedily returned with a brace of wild
pigeons. A fat dog was also killed, and skinned
with shells taken from the water. These prepa-
rations were made in expectation of Hudson and
his companions remaining during the night ; but
they determined to return on board their ship.
Apprehensive that they had been influenced to
this course through fear of their bows and arrows,
the noble-hearted savages immediately broke them

34 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1609.

into pieces, and threw them into the fire. But
the prudence of Hudson was proof against even
this act of friendliness, and he persisted in taking
his leave. Soon after, he proceeded up the river
two leagues, when meeting with shoal water, he
anchored off the flats, opposite to which the city
of Hudson now stands. Continuing on his course
by short stretches, during the three following
days, he reached, on the 19th of September, the
vicinity of Albany, where he remained with his
yacht, trafficking with the natives for provisions
and furs, while the mate with four men ascended
the river in a boat, and sounded the depth of the
channel as far up as the junction of the Mohawk
with the Hudson, or opposite the present town
of Lansingburgh.

Hudson arrived at Schenectadea, now called
Albany, about noon. The natives immediately
came flocking on board, bringing with them
grapes and pumpkins, together with otter and
beaver skins, which they exchanged for hatchets,
beads, knives, and other trifles.

Desirous of testing if any of the chiefs were
disposed to be treacherous, Hudson resorted to
the singular expedient of plying them freely with
wine and strong liquors. Under the influence of
these strange potations, they all grew exceedingly
merry, and one of them became intoxicated. On
beholding him stagger and fall, the natives be-
came dumb from utter astonishment. They all

1609.] INTOXICATED CHIEF. 35

hurried ashore in their canoes, and did not again
return to the ship until noon of the next day,
when, finding their chief perfectly restored, they
were highly gratified. Renewing their visit in
the afternoon, they brought with them presents
of tobacco and beads, and sending for a platter
of venison, caused Hudson to eat with them.
When he had done so, they all departed except
the old chief, who still remained on board, in the
hope of obtaining another draught of that attrac-
tive but poisonous fire-water, the knowledge of
which was thus first introduced to the Indians of
New York.

The tradition of this scene of intoxication, on
the arrival of the first ship, exists among the Iro-
quois Indians until this day. One relation trans-
fers the locality from Albany to New York, and
is as follows : « A long time ago, before men with
white skins had ever been seen, some Indians
fishing at a place where the sea widens, espied
something at a distance moving upon the water.
They hurried ashore, collected their neighbours,
who together returned and viewed intensely this
astonishing phenomenon. What it could be baf-
fled all conjecture. Some supposed it a large
fish, or animal ; others, that it was a very big
house floating on the sea. Perceiving it moving
toward land, the spectators concluded it would be
proper to send runners in different directions to
carry the news to their scattered chiefs, that they

86 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1609.

might send off for the immediate attendance of
their warriors. These arriving in numbers to
behold the sight, and perceiving that it was ac-
tually moving toward them, they conjectured that
it must be a remarkably large house, in which the
Manitto, or Great Spirit, was coming to visit
them. They were much afraid, and yet under
no apprehension that the Great Spirit would in-
jure them. They worshipped him. The chiefs
now assembled at York Island, and consulted in
what manner they should receive their Manitto.
Meat was prepared for a sacrifice. The women
were directed to prepare the best of victuals.
Idols or images were examined and put in order.
A grand dance they thought would be pleasing,
and, in addition to the sacrifice, might appease
him if angry.

" The conjurors were also set to work to deter-
mine what this phenomenon portended, and what
the result would be. To these, men, women, and
children looked up for advice and protection.
Utterly at a loss what to do, and distracted alter-
nately by hope and fear, in their confusion a grand
dance commenced. Meantime fresh runners ar-
rived, declaring it to be a great house of various
colours, and full of living creatures. It now ap-
peared certain that it was their Manitto, probably
bringing some new kind of game. Others, ar-
riving, declared it positively to be full of people
of different colour and dress from theirs, and that

1609.] CURIOUS INTERVIEW. 37

one in particular appeared clothed altogether in
red. This then must be the Manitto. They
were lost in admiration, and could not imagine
what the vessel was, whence it came, or what all
this portended.

"They are now hailed from the vessel in a
language they could not understand. They an-
swer by a shout, or yell, in their way. The large
canoe stops. A smaller canoe comes on shore
with the red man in it, some stay by his canoe to
guard it. The chiefs and wise men form a circle,
into which the red man and two attendants ap-
proach. He salutes them with a friendly counte-
nance, and they return the salute after their man-
ner. They are amazed at their colour and
dress, particularly with him, who, glittering in
red, wore something — perhaps lace and buttons —
they could not comprehend. He must be the
Great Manitto, they thought ; but why should he
have a white skin ?

" A large, elegant bottle is brought by one of

the supposed Manitto's servants, from which a

liquid is poured into a small cup or glass, and

handed to the Manitto. He drinks, has the glass

refilled, and handed to the chief near him. He

takes it, smells it, and passes it to the next, who

does the same. The glass in this manner is passed

round the circle, and is about to be returned to

the red clothed man, when one of them, a great

warrior, harangues them on the impropriety of

38 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1609.

returning the cup unemptied. < It was handed
to them,' he said <to drink out of as he had. To
follow his example would please him ; to reject it,
might provoke his wrath; and, if no one else
would, he would drink it himself, let what would
follow ; for it was better for one even to die, than
that a whole nation should be destroyed.'

" He then took the glass, smelled at it, again
addressed them, bidding them adieu, and drank
its contents. All eyes were now fixed upon him.
He soon began to stagger. The women cried,
supposing him in fits. He rolled on the ground.
They bemoaned his fate ; they thought him dy-
ing. He fell asleep. They at first thought he
had expired, but soon perceived he still breathed.
He awoke, jumped up, and declared he never felt
more happy. He asked for more ; and the whole
assembly imitating him, became intoxicated.

"While this intoxication lasted, the whites
confined themselves to their vessel ; but when it
ceased, the man with red clothes returned, and
distributed beads, axes, hoes, and stockings.
They soon became familiar, and conversed by
signs. The whites made them understand that
they would now return home, but the next year
they would visit them again with presents, and
stay with them a while ; but that as they could
not live without eating, they should then want a
little land to sow seeds, in order to raise herbs to
put in their broth:

1609.] INDIANS OUTWITTED. 39

"Accordingly, a vessel returned the season
following, when they were much rejoiced to see
each other ; but the whites laughed when they
saw the axes and the hoes hanging as ornaments
to their breasts, and the stockings used as tobacco
pouches. The whites now put handles in the
axes, and cut down trees before their eyes, and
dug the ground, and showed them the use of the
stockings. Here, they say, a general laugh en-
sued, to think they had remained ignorant of the
use of these things, and had borne so long such
heavy metal suspended round their necks. Fa-
miliarity daily increasing between them and the
whites, the latter now proposed to stay with them,
asking them only for so much land as the hide of
a bullock, spread before them, could cover or en-
compass. They granted the request.

"The whites then took a knife, and beginning
at one place on this hide, cut it into a rope not
thicker than the finger of a little child. They
then took the rope, drew it gently along in a cir-
cular form, and took in a large piece of ground.
The Indians were surprised at their superior wit,
but did not contend with them for a little ground,
as they had enough. They lived contentedly
together for a long time, but the new-comers from
time to time asked for more land, which was
readily obtained. And thus they gradually pro-
ceeded up the Mahicannittuck, or Hudson River,
until they began to believe they would want

40 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1609.

all their country, which proved eventually the

case."

Such is the interesting tradition, of the Iro-
quois, of their earliest interviews with the whites,
and the incidents which rendered those meetings
memorable.

After having passed several days in friendly
intercourse and profitable trade with the natives,
Hudson, finding he could proceed no higher up
the river in his vessel, set out on his return. His
ship again grounding opposite the spot where the
city of Hudson now stands, and also suffering de-
tention for some days by reason of adverse winds,
he went ashore and explored the western bank
of the river, where he found a rich soil, covered
with goodly oak, walnut, chestnut, and cedar trees,
with abundance of slate for houses, " and other
good stones."

On the 26th, he was visited by two canoes, in
one of which came the old chief who had been
intoxicated at Albanv. He had descended the
river thirty miles to testify his love, bringing with
him another old man bearing strings of beads as
a present. Hudson caused them, and the four
women by whom they were accompanied, to dine
with him. Two of the latter were young girls,
some sixteen or seventeen vears of age, who be-
haved themselves "very modestly." Dropping
down the river on the 27th, he anchored on the
29th in the vicinity of Newburgh, of which he

1609.] CRUEL PUNISHMENT. 41

took particular notice, as a "pleasant place to
build a town in." Here he remained bartering
with the natives, until the afternoon of October
1st, when he sailed with a fair wind through the
Highlands, and after descending the river seven
leagues, the wind failing, he anchored at the
mouth of Haverstraw Bay.

The Indians of the Highlands, whose chief vil-
lage was in the vicinity of Anthony's Nose— a
name which has been given to an elevated peak
on the east side of the North or Hudson River —
soon came crowding on board in great numbers.
One of them, dissatisfied with the trifles he had
received in payment for his furs, and desirous of
displaying to his friends something of a different
character, lurked in his canoe about the stern
of the ship, for the purpose of carrying off
some article or other from this wonderful floating
structure.

Watching his opportunity, he clambered up the
rudder, and entering the cabin window, stole a
pillow and a few articles of wearing apparel.
For this act, so venial in a poor ignorant savage,
he was immediately shot down by the brutal
mate. His companions, panic-stricken, took to
flight. In an effort to recover the articles, an-
other Indian had one of his hands cut off, and
was drowned.

Leaving the scene of this disaster, Hudson con-
tinued on his way, stopped for the night off the

42 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1609.

mouth of Croton River, sailed again at daybreak,
and descending the river twenty-one miles, came
to an anchor near the upper end of the island of
Manhattan.

Previous to exploring the great river which
now bears his name, Hudson, perhaps in retalia-
tion for the death of Colman, had made prisoners
of two Manhattan Indians, designing to hold
them either as hostages for the future pacific be-
haviour of their tribe, or with a view of carrying
them to Europe. Opposite West Point, as he
went up the river, these prisoners had escaped,
and making their way back with all speed to their
friends, collected a large party of armed warriors,
who lay in wait for the return of the vessel in
the neighbourhood of the inlet of Harlem River.

Near to this inlet the ship was now hove to.
One of the savages who had escaped, accompanied
by many others, came out in two canoes ; but not
being suffered to approach the vessel, they fell
back near the stern, and discharged a volley of
arrows at the crew. A fire was immediately re-
turned from the vessel, by which two or three
of the savages were killed. Finding the numbers
on shore increasing, the ship was at once got un-
der way. As it moved along, the main body of
Indians ran to the point upon which Fort Wash-
ington was subsequently erected, and continued
the assault by another volley of arrows. The dis-
charge from a cannon killing two of them, the

1609.] HUDSON RETURNS TO EUROPE. 43

rest fled into the woods ; but a dozen of the bold-
est speedily returned, and entering a canoe, ad-
vanced resolutely against the ship. The cannon
was fired a second time, and the ball, passing
entirely through the canoe, killed one of the war-
riors. A fire from the deck about the same time
killing several others, the fight terminated, with
the loss of nine Indians. Hudson, soon after,
descended to the mouth of the river, and on the
4th of October put to sea, shaping his course
south-east by east.

CHAPTER III.

Hudson returns to Europe — Reaches' Dartmouth — Communi-
cates with his employers — Sails on a new voyage of discovery
— Enters Hudson's Bay — Reaches its southern limit —
Searches for an outlet — Is frozen in — Scarcity of his provi-
sions— Mutinous condition of his crew — He sails for the
mouth of the bay — Mutiny — Abandonment of Hudson and
his companions — Signal retribution — The Dutch traffic with
the Indians — Captain Argall — New explorations — Blok
coasts Long Island — Discovers the Housatonic and Connecti-
cut Rivers — Returns with Christiaanse to Manhattan — Forti-
fied posts erected at Manhattan and Albany — May examines
the Delaware Bay — Alliance with the Iroquois.

After leaving Sandy Hook, Hudson held a
consultation with his crew, as to whether they
should continue their search for a new route to
the Pacific, or return to Europe. Finding their

44 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1610.

opinions discordant, lie concluded to sail for
Amsterdam, and report to his employers. The
voyage across the Atlantic was prosperous ; but,
as he approached the coast of England, his men
became mutinous, and compelled him to put into
Dartmouth, -where he arrived on the 7th of No-
vember, 1609.

He immediately wrote to the directors of the
Dutch East India Company, transmitting them
his journal, together with an account of his dis-
coveries. He also proposed to them the plan of
another voyage, which he volunteered to under-
take upon certain conditions ; but before they
had decided whether to accept or decline his offer,
the English government forbade him from again
entering into the service of the Dutch.

Early the following year, a London company,
in whose employ Hudson had made two previous
voyages in search of a new route to India, en-
gaged him to explore the inlets to the west of
Davis's Straits, through one of which it was con-
jectured that a passage might be found to the
South Sea.

Embarking on board a ship called the Discove-
ry, with a crew of twenty-three men, Hudson left
Blackwall on the 17th of April, 1610, and pass-
ing Greenland, Iceland, and Frobisher's Straits,
entered, on the 2d of August, the straits which now
bear his name. After having encountered many
perils from storms, and driving ice, and a great

1610.] HUDSON FROZEN IN. 45

whirling sea, he penetrated into Hudson's Bay,
exulting in the belief that he had found the long-
sought passage to the Pacific. Doomed to disap-
pointment by reaching at length the southern
limit of the bay, he shaped his course northward.
Difficulties occurring soon after between himself
and his crew, made it necessary for him to cashier
both the mate and the boatswain, and advance
others to their offices. Disheartened and per-
plexed at finding himself embayed, he wasted the
remainder of the summer in unavailing efforts to
discover an outlet to this great inland sea. Sail-
ing to and fro, and with not more than six months'
provisions on board, the season became so far
advanced, that on the 1st of November, he was
compelled to moor his ship in a small cove,
where, in ten days, it was completely frozen in.
Here they remained, arctic prisoners, until June,
1611. ♦

In the mean time, the difficulties between Hud-
son and his crew had increased. For the first
few months they subsisted principally on wild
fowl ; but when these were gone, many of the men
fell sick, and the others, emaciated by want of
food, searched the surrounding country, and
ate with avidity even the most loathsome things
to appease their hunger. At the breaking up
of the ice, they received, for the first time, a visit
from one of the natives, who, after obtaining some
presents, promised to return in a few days; but

46 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1610.

although anxiously expected, he never came back.
Seeing the woods on fire to the south and south-
west, Hudson embarked in the shallop with eight
men, in the hope of obtaining such supplies from
the Indians as would enable him to prosecute his
voyage. Disappointed in his endeavours to come
up with them, for they fled before him, he re-
turned disconsolately to his vessel, and prepared
to leave the dreary and inhospitable region which
he had wasted seven months in examining.

Dividing among his crew the last remaining
bread, amounting only to a pound for each man,
he wept while he gave it to them. Quitting his
winter harbour about the middle of June, he
steered north-west from the mouth of the bay ; but
meeting with ice, and baffled by contrary winds,
was soon after compelled to come to an anchor.

During the week he was thus detained, the
discontent whicK had for a long time existed
among his crew, broke out into open mutiny.
Headed by his deposed mate, Henry Green, the
mutineers, at daybreak on the 21st of June, seized
Hudson, his youthful son, and six seamen, and
thrust them into the shallop. A fine moral inci-
dent now occurred. Philip Staffe, the carpenter,
— a man of a brave, hopeful spirit, and generally
beloved — after attempting in vain to turn the
conspirators from their purpose, determined, in
opposition to their wishes, to share the fate of his
commander, whatever that fate might be. The

1610.] HUDSON ABANDONED. 47

wind proving favourable about this time, the an-
chor was weighed, and as soon as the ship, having
at her stern the shallop, had become partially
free from the surrounding ice, the rope was cut,
and Hudson and his eight companions were mer-
cilessly abandoned, to be swallowed up by the
waters of that wild arctic bay which they were
the first to discover, to meet a lingering death by
starvation, or to fall victims to the fury of the
savages, whose fires had been discovered to the
south-west. Not one of them was ever heard of
after.

This cold-blooded act on the part of the muti-
neers was destined to meet with a signal retribu-
tion. After beating about for a month, and barely
escaping shipwreck on three several occasions,
they at length reached, on the 19th of July, the
vicinity of Cape Diggs, where they fell in with a
number of savages in seven canoes. Being wel-
comed with a great show of hospitality, and ap-
prehending no treachery, Green, Wilson, and
Thomas, the chief conspirators, went ashore the
next day, unarmed, to meet the savages, some of
whom had gathered on the beach, while others
were dancing and gesticulating on the hills be-
yond. Two others of the mutineers, Perce and
Moter, landed at the same time, and ascended
the rocks to gather sorrel. The boat was left in
charge of one Prickett, a lame man, who had only
been passively implicated in the desertion of Hud-

48 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1610.

son and his unfortunate companions. "While this
guard was seated at the stern, some savages came
out from an ambush near by, the leader of whom
sprang upon Prickett and wounded him in several
places ; but the latter, having succeeded in draw-
ing a Scotch dagger, stabbed the savage with so
direct an aim that he fell dead on the boat. At
this juncture, Green and Wilson, beset on all
sides, came staggering across the beach, and
tumbled into the boat, mortally wounded. Moter
sprang from the rocks into the sea. Perce, badly
hurt, fought with a hatchet his way to the boat,
pushed it from the shore, and helped Moter in.
A cloud of arrows was now poured in upon the
fugitives, by one of which Green was shot dead.
Wilson and the other wounded, with the excep-
tion of Prickett, died the same day, leaving only
one of the ringleaders alive, and he perished
miserably by famine before the ship reached Eng-
land.

Such was the tragic end of Henry Hudson, the
renowned arctic discoverer, and the first explorer
of the great river of New York, and such the fate
of the principal mutineers.

It was not until after the lapse of several years,
that the United Provinces laid formal claim to the
country watered by the Hudson and its tributa-
ries ; but in the mean time, a profitable traffic in
furs had been carried on with the natives, the.
ships of the Dutch often wintering at Albany, or

1614.] TRADING-HOUSES ERECTED. 49

Beaverwyck, as it soon came to be called, where
they exchanged with the Iroquois, or Five Na-
tions, guns, ammunition, blankets, ^and trinkets,
for the beaver and other valuable skins which
were then obtained abundantly in that region.

The first voyage, undertaken in 1610, proving
extremely lucrative, led to an extension of the
traffic. The Iroquois, bitterly hostile to the
French settlement in Canada, cemented a close
friendship with the Dutch ; while the Manhattans,
though the hereditary foes to the Mohawks, the
most important of the Five Nations, so far re-
laxed their enmity toward the Netherlanders as
to permit them to erect trading-houses on their
island.

In 1614, Captain Argall, the kidnapper of Po-
cahontas, while returning from an expedition
against the French settlement at Port Royal, dis-
covered a few rude warehouses and huts on the
island of Manhattan, and compelled the traders
by whom they were occupied to acknowledge the
authority of England. The few Dutch residing
on the island, being too weak to resist, sought
safety by submission; but soon as Argall had
taken his departure, they again hoisted their own
flag.

A few months previous to this, the States Gene-
ral of the Netherlands, having granted to such
as should discover new lands an exclusive trade
to them for four successive voyages, a company

50 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1614.

of merchants fitted out five ships for exploration
and traffic. The chief command of this little fleet
was intrusted to Hendrik Christiaanse, who sailed
with three of the vessels on an exploring expedi-
tion to the north of Cape Cod, while the remaining
two, under Captains Blok and May, steered for
the harbour of New York. Shortly after his
arrival, the ship commanded by Blok, being ac-
cidentally destroyed by fire, he built on the coast
a yacht of sixteen tons burden, and passing
through the East River, to which he gave the
name of Helle-Gadt, coasted Long Island, and
determined its insular situation. Meeting with
one of the ships belonging to the squadron of
Christiaanse, he embarked on board of it, leaving
his yacht to be used by a fishing party. Having
discovered the Housatonic, and explored the Con-
necticut, which he called Fresh River, he next
examined Narraganset Bay, and finally returned
with Christiaanse to the harbour of New York.
Here, on the southern point of Manhattan Island,
a small fort was erected during the autumn of
this year, and in the course of the year following,
a similar redoubt, surrounded by a ditch, and
mounted by thirteen small pieces of artillery, was
erected upon a small island a little below the pre-
sent city of Albany. ,

While Christiaanse and Blok were exploring
to the north and east, May steered south and ex-
amining the Delaware Bay, gave to the north-

1617.] TREATY WITH THE FIVE NATIONS. 51

ern cape his own name. His exploration was
continued soon after in the new yacht built by
Blok, by Hendricksen, who ascended the river as
far as the mouth of the Schuylkill.

The chief command of these fortified trading
posts thus established was given to Christiaanse,
Jacob Elkins, formerly a merchant's clerk in
Amsterdam, receiving the appointment of lieu-
tenant, or commissary.

The redoubt at the island near Albany, being
found subject to overflow during high floods, it
was abandoned in 1617, and another fortification
constructed soon after on the mainland four miles
south. At this place a treaty was concluded be-
tween the Dutch and Iroquois, to which the Dela-
wares and Mohicans were also parties. This im-
portant alliance with the Five Nations was pro-
ductive of the most beneficial results, both to the
Dutch themselves and to the English, who suc-
ceeded them. It was maintained in good faith
for many years; and by opposing a barrier of
friendly Indians to the encroachments of the
French, effectually precluded them from inflicting
more than a temporary injury upon the frontier
settlements, while it secured a prompt and san-
guinary retaliation.

52 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1618.

CHAPTER IV.

The English Puritans in Holland' — First project of a settlement
— Agents sent to England to treat with the Virginia Com-
pany— Embarkation at Delfthaven — The Mayflower — Acci-
dents to the Speedwell — Arrival off Cape Cod — Plymouth
settled — Dutch West India Company incorporated — Forts
built on the Hudson and the Delaware — Arrival of Governor
Minuits — The first colonists of New Netherland — Increase
of the fur trade — Commercial relations with New Plymouth —
Embassy of De Razier — Dutch scheme of colonization — Pro-
vision concerning Patroons — Swanandael purchased — Pa-
vonia — Renselaerwyk — Colony of De Vries near Henlopen — ■
Its massacre by the savages — Return of De Vries — The colo-
ny re-established — Removal of Minuits — Administration of
Wouter Van Twiller — Trading-post established on the Con-
necticut— Emigration to New England — Settlements on the
Connecticut — Difficulties with the Patroons — The manors
of Pavonia and Swanandael revert to the company — Removal
of Van Twiller — William Keift appointed governor.

While the Dutch were thus busily engaged in
profiting by the explorations of Hudson and sub-
sequent navigators, a number of English Puritans,
who had taken refuge in Amsterdam and Leyden
from religious persecution at home, unable to ac-
commodate the rigid austerity of their own reli-
gious tenets to the looser though more liberal
opinions of the Hollanders, determined at length
to emigrate to some new country, where they could
maintain in its integrity the form of worship to
which they were attached, and preserve, at the
same time, the morals of their children from cor-

1620.] THE PURITANS. 53

ruption. At first they thought of settling in
Guiana, but preferring a country where their own
language was spoken, they sent Robert Cushman
and John Carver to England to treat with the
Virginia Company for a place of settlement.
Tailing to obtain from the king a guarantee of
protection in their religious principles, the ne-
gotiation languished. It was, however, subse-
quently renewed, and in 1619 a patent wTas
obtained in the name of John Wincob for the
northern parts of Virginia ; but owing to the de-
tention of the latter in England, this patent was
never used.

The establishment of a colony in America hav-
ing been decided upon, a part of the Leyden con-
gregation, under the guidance of Elder Brewster,
left Delfthaven, in a small vessel called the
SpeedwTell, toward the close of June, 1620, and
crossing over to Southampton, were there joined
by the Mayflower, an English ship freighted with
their provisions and outfit. When the passengers
had been distributed between the two ships, they
set sail on the 5th of August, but had not pro-
ceeded far on their voyage before the Speedwell
was found to leak so badly that they were obliged
to return to port and refit.

On the 21st of August, the anchors were again
weighed; but the Speedwell proving leaky a
second time, they put back into Plymouth, and
abandoned the vessel as unseaworthy. The re-

54 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1621.

maining vessel not being sufficiently large to
accommodate the whole of the company, a portion
of them were now left behind. The others em-
barked on board the Mayflower, and on the 6th
of September the voyage was resumed.

After a rough and tedious passage, which lasted
nine weeks, the Mayflower entered, on the 9th of
November, the harbour of Cape Cod. Finding
they had arrived at a part of the continent which
was not embraced within the limits of their patent,
they concluded before landing to form themselves
into a government distinct from that of Virginia.
When they had drawn up and signed a written
contract, by which they mutually agreed to yield
obedience to all just laws and ordinances as should
be thought most proper and convenient for the
general good of the colony, they chose John Car-
ver for their first governor, and immediately
afterward sent out exploring parties to examine
the face of the country, and to select a fit place
to establish a settlement.

After coasting about for nearly five weeks, they
at length fell in with the harbour of Plymouth ;
and on the 11th of December, 1621, Governor
Carver went ashore, attended by several of the
principal immigrants. Finding the situation bet-
ter suited to their purposes than any they had yet
seen, the whole of the company, one hundred and
one in number, were disembarked, and commenced
erecting soon after, of timbers hewn from the

1623.] TWO NEW FORTS BUILT. 55

living trees of the adjacent forest, the first houses
built in the town of New Plymouth.

While this little colony was struggling with
privations under which one-half of their number
prematurely perished, a great change was taking
place in the commercial relations of the Dutch
with the North American continent. The Am-
sterdam licensed trading company, which had
hitherto enjoyed a monopoly of this lucrative
traffic, was superseded by a great national asso-
ciation, which, under the title of the Dutch West
India Company, was incorporated with exclusive
privileges of trade and settlement.

To that portion of the continent embraced be-
tween the Delaware Bay and Cape Cod, was now
given the name of New Netherland. In 1623,
the first ship sent out by the new company ar-
rived in the North River, and during the same
year two new forts were built ; one called Fort
Nassau, on the Delaware River, and the other
Fort Orange, on the west bank of the Hudson,
where the town of Albany now stands.

In 1624, Peter Minuits arrived at Manhattan
Island, as Director or Commercial Governor of
New Netherland. He brought with him in two
vessels a number of Walloons, or French Protest-
ants, so called from their ancestors having fled
from religious intolerance in their own country,
and settled upon the banks of the river Waal, in
Guelderland. These Walloons, the first perma-

56 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1624.

nent colonists of New Netherland, established
themselves on Long Island, at Walle-Bocht, or
Foreigners' Bay, now called Wallabout.

During the six years that Minuits was gover-
nor of New Netherland, he was actively engaged
in extending the commercial operations of the
company ; but although the territory over which
he claimed jurisdiction was recognised as a "de-
lightful land, full of fine trees and vines," its
colonization proceeded slowly, until some of the
directors, among the most prominent of whom
were John De Laet and Kilian Van Renselaer,
formed an association for that especial purpose.

In the meantime, the quantity of furs exported
by the vessels of the company had been doubled
within the first four years. The trade with the
natives extended northward to Quebec, Fort
Orange constituting the chief mart for the interior
of the province. A coasting trade was also car-
ried on by small vessels, which gradually extended
itself from Cape May to Cape Malabar.

Six years after the settlement of New Ply-
mouth, Governor Minuits attempted, for the first
time, to open commercial relations with that co-
lony. Letters were accordingly written to the
people of New Plymouth, congratulating them
upon the success which had attended their efforts
to establish a plantation in the wilderness, and
offering to supply them with any wares they should
be pleased to deal for. The answer being friendly,

1627.] EMBASSY TO PLYMOUTH. 57

Isaac de Hazier, secretary of New Netherland,
" a person of a plain and genteel behaviour,"
embarked with great formality on board a small
vessel called the Nassau, attended by a body-
guard of soldiers and trumpeters, to support the
dignity of his mission. Landing on the north
side of Cape Cod, he crossed over to the southern
shore, where he met with a boat despatched to
receive him and his retinue, and crossing the bay,
entered Fort Plymouth, " honourably attended
by a noise of trumpeters."

Meeting with a welcome reception, he remained
several days, but failed in his efforts to arrange
a treaty of peace and commerce, as Governor
Bradford and his council doubted the claim of
the Dutch to the country they occupied, and
recommended that so important a treaty should
be agreed upon between their respective nations.
This expression of opinion did not, however, mar
in the least degree the good feeling existing be-
tween De Hazier and his Puritan friends. With
considerate kindness he offered them the assist-
ance of the New Netherland troops against the
French, if it should at any time be required, and
urged them to abandon the barren soil of Ply-
mouth for the more fertile banks of the Connec-
ticut.

When he took his departure, he was accom-
panied to his vessel by a number of the colonists,
who purchased from him some articles of mer-

58 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1629.

chandise for their own use, and a quantity of
seawan, or Indian shell money, to exchange with
the natives for peltry and provisions.

In 1629, a scheme of colonization was drawn
up by the directors of the Dutch West India
Company, and ratified soon after by the States
General. Under this charter of liberties and ex-
emptions, any person who within the space of four
years established in New Netherland, at his own
expense, a colony of fifty persons, acquired the
right to purchase from the Indians an extent of
territory stretching sixteen miles along one side
of a navigable river, or eight miles on each bank,
running as far inland as he thought proper. The
land thus bought and settled, he was entitled to
hold as absolute proprietor, with the honourable
appellation of Patroon, or Lord of the Manor.
All other persons willing to emigrate on their
own account, were at liberty to take up as much
land as they had the ability properly to improve.
The company reserved to itself the trade in furs,
and the possession of the island of Manhattan,
promising to complete the fort without delay, and
to supply the colonists with negro slaves; but
binding themselves to do so no longer than the
traffic might be found convenient or lucrative.

This charter of privileges was no sooner pro-
mulgated, than several of the directors of the
company bestirred themselves to take advantage
of its provisions. Two of them, Godyn and

1630.] RENSELAERWYK AND PAVONIA. 59

Bloemart, in anticipation of its passage, had
already commissioned their agents in America to
purchase from the natives the tract of land ex-
tending from Cape Henlopen to the mouth of the
Delaware, a distance of thirty-two miles. In
May, 1630, they made a second purchase of the
country around and including Cape May, sixteen
miles in length, and the same in breadth, from
the Indian owners of that territory. These two
tracts received the name of Swanandael, or the
Valley of Swans.

In April, the agent of Kilian Van Renselaer,
in consideration of certain cargoes or parcels of
goods, purchased the lands on both sides of the
Hudson River, above and below Fort Orange,
subsequently known as Renselaerwyk. This
territory, with additions made a few years
afterward, was twenty-four miles in length and
forty-eight in breadth, and included the present
counties of Albany and Renselaer, with a part of
Columbia. During the months of June and July
of this year, Pauw, another of the directors, ob-
tained in a similar manner a grant of Hoboken
and Staten Island, to which he gave the name of
Pavonia.

Companies were soon after formed for the
speedy settlement of these manors. De Vries, one
of the owners under Godyn's patent, established
a colony of thirty persons at Swanandael, or Val-
ley of Swans, a short distance from Cape Hen-

60 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1631.

lopen, at a place called Hoarkill, now known as
Lewistown. A number of emigrants, sufficient
to make good the titles of the patroons, were also
settled at Pavonia and Renselaerwyk.

After remaining a year in the country, De
Vries returned to Holland for supplies, leaving
his colonists to the care of Gillis Osset, a rash
and ignorant man, who, instead of endeavouring
to conciliate the affection of the surrounding In-
dians, quarrelled with them because one of their
chiefs had innocently appropriated to his own
use a tin-plate stamped with the arms of Holland,
which had been affixed to a post in Swanandael,
as a sign of sovereignty. Finding the offence
regarded as serious, the Indians cut off the head
of the chief who had committed it, and brought
a token of the deed to Osset.

Grieved that his intemperate speech should
have led to so sanguinary a result, the Dutch
commander told the messenger they had done
wrong, and that a simple reprimand would have
been all-sufficient. The friends of the murdered
chief, attributing his death to the clamour raised
by Osset, now concerted together to avenge them-
selves upon all the colonists. While the latter,
thirty-two in number, were engaged in the fields
attending to the cultivation of their tobacco and
grain, the commander Osset and a single sentinel
remained in charge of the palisaded fort, where
the settlers all lived together. Accordingly,

1682.] SUDDEN MASSACRE. 61

the Indians, having assembled to cany out their
purpose, sent three of their warriors to the fort,
as if for purposes of trade. Bearing in their
arms parcels of beaver skins, they passed the
sentinel, and cautiously avoiding a large bull-dog
which was chained outside of the house, they ap-
proached the commander, who stood near the
door, and with smiling countenances offered to
barter their furs for merchandise. A bargain
having been struck, Osset proceeded to the garret
where the public stores were deposited, for the
purpose of obtaining the commodities agreed
upon. While he was absent, the Indians stationed
themselves near the staircase, and awaited im-
patiently his reappearance. The moment he
descended, one of them cleft his head with a
tomahawk, and he fell dead on the floor. The
sentinel and the dog were next despatched ; the
latter, of whom they stood in great terror, being
shot at from a distance, until he was pierced
through and through with more than a score of
arrows. Possession of the fort having been thus
obtained, they now arranged their plans for the
murder of the colonists at work in the fields.
Collecting together into one body, they advanced
leisurely toward their victims, whom they ap-
proached with an air of idle curiosity, as if desirou3
of witnessing them at their labours. Watching
their opportunity, they fell upon the workmen
suddenly, and, by a simultaneous movement, mas-

62 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1632.

sacred the whole of them. The fort was imme-
diately destroyed, the palisades torn up, and
the southern shore of the Delaware Bay was once
more in complete possession of the natives.

On returning from Holland with additional
immigrants in December, De Vries, entering the
bay where he had left in peaceful security his in-
dustrious settlers, found nothing but silence and
desolation. Ascending the creek in his boat, he
found the valley beyond strewed with the remains
of his murdered countrymen. A few Indians
making their appearance at a distance, he greeted
them with words of peace, but it was not without
hesitancy that they advanced to meet him. De-
sirous of recovering their friendship, De Vries
distributed some presents among them, and formed
a treaty of peace and reconciliation. Disembark-
ing the few settlers he had brought with him, he
sailed up the river to trade with the natives for
supplies. Fort Nassau, built upon Timber Creek,
near Camden, which had been some time before
deserted by its garrison, he found filled with In-
dians, of whose sanguinary intentions he was
providentially forewarned. A large number of
them entered his boat, some playing on reeds,
and others bearing beaver skins for sale. Af-
ter startling them by avowing his knowledge
of their intentions, he compelled them to return
to shore, under threats of being fired on if they
resisted. "When they had reluctantly obeyed his

1633.] WOUTER VAN TWILLER. 63

orders, sixteen of their chiefs formed a circle on
the bank, and declared themselves disposed to be
friendly. From motives of policy he concluded
a treaty of peace with them, and accepting at
their hands the presents customary on such occa-
sions, offered them others in return. These, how-
ever, they refused to take, stating coldly that they
did not bestow gifts for the purpose of receiving
others.

Failing: to obtain on the banks of the Delaware
the provisions he required, he sailed to Virginia,
where he was not only furnished with supplies,
but received from the governor six goats, which
he took with him to New Amsterdam. They
constituted the first live stock owned by the colo-
nists of Manhattan.

The administration of Governor Minuits not
proving satisfactory # to the Dutch West India
Company, he was removed from his office in the
spring of 1633, and Wouter Van Twiller appoint-
ed director-general in his place. This new officer
had just arrived, and by him De Vries was wel-
comed to the fort, and hospitably entertained
during the remainder of his stay.

Under the government of Van Twiller, new
trading-posts were established, to meet the in-
creasing traffic with the Indians. A profitable
trade in furs springing up with the Pequods and
their neighbours upon the Connecticut River, led
to the purchase of land from the former, and the

64 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1634.

erection of a fortified post called the House of.
Good Hope, not far from the present city of
Hartford.

In the mean time, the colony of Plymouth
having received large accessions of immigrants
from abroad, a commercial rivalry between the
latter and the Dutch was gradually undermining
the good feeling which had hitherto existed be-
tween them. Winthrop, the governor of the new
colony settled in Massachusetts Bay, protested
against the occupation of the Connecticut by the
Dutch, on the ground that the King of England
had already granted it to certain of his subjects.
Van T wilier, in reply, deprecated any contention
about " a little part or portion of these heathenish
countries," and proposed to refer the dispute for
settlement to their respective governments.

The colony of New Plymouth now took up the
matter, and proceeded to assert a right to the
territory in question by building a trading-house
at Windsor, a short distance above the post erected
a few months previous by Van Twiller.

Indignant at this contemptuous defiance of his
authority, the latter immediately despatched a
force of seventy soldiers to break up the English
establishment; but as the Puritans evinced a
sturdy determination to defend their new posses-
sion, the Dutch commander very prudently re-
called his troops, and contented himself with
issuing a vigorous protest.

1634.] IMPROVEMENTS. 65

. Finding his English neighbours obstinately
bent on appropriating to themselves the rich
meadows of the Connecticut, Van Twiller busied
himself in strengthening and improving New
Amsterdam. During the year 1634, he rebuilt
the fort, erected barracks for the accommodation
of the garrison, constructed a church and par-
sonage-house, together with various windmills
and dwellings for the use of the colonists, and
opened several farms, or boweries, in the interior
of the island. But this sudden display of energy
soon subsided, and, while seeking to aggrandize
himself, he gradually suffered the affairs of the
company to fall into neglect.

In the mean time, a quarrel had been progress-
ing between the Dutch West India Company and
the patroons, or large proprietaries; the former
contending for a monopoly of the fur trade, while
the latter claimed the exclusive right of traffic
within the limits of their own territories. The
company finally put an end to the dispute by re-
purchasing the Swanandael lands belonging to
De Vries and others, and by resuming their au-
thority over Hoboken and Staten Island. The
manors of Pavonia and Swanandael being thus
abolished, that of Renselaerwyk alone remained.

But while the Dutch were thus busily employed
with their commercial adventures, large numbers
of immigrants were flocking into the New Eng-
land colonies, and encroaching upon the territory

66 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1638.

of New Netherland. The trading-post established
by Van Twiller on the Connecticut still remained
in the charge of his officers; but the country
around it was fast settling by the English. In
1634, the latter built a fort at the mouth of the
river ; and the following year the congregation of
Mr. Hooper, one hundred in number, settled
upon its western bank, and in the vicinity of
Van Twiller's house of Good Hope, founded the
town of Hartford.

The administration of Van Twiller not proving
satisfactory to the company, he was superseded
in 1638 by William Keift, who immediately -went
to work with great energy to remedy the disorder
into which the affairs of the province had fallen.

1638.] GOVERNOR KIEFT. 67

CHAPTER V.

Difficulties of Governor Kieft — Delaware settled by the Swedes
— Arrival of Minuits — Fort built on Christiana Creek — Ac-
tion of Dutch West India Company — Occupation of Long
Island by the Puritans — Fort Nassau reoccupied — Indian
disturbances — A retaliatory murder — Kieft demands the fu-
gitive— Preparations for war — Failure of the first expedition
against the Raritans — Trouble with the Hackensacks — Two
Hollanders murdered — Indemnity offered and refused — Mas-
sacre of the Raritans and Hackensacks — Confederation of the
river tribes — Indian war — Deplorable condition of the Dutch
— Long Island and Manhattan devastated — Unpopularity of
Kieft — Attempt upon his life — Negotiations for peace —
Speech of an Indian chief— Renewal of the war — Expedi-
tions of Underhill — Destruction of Indians at Tappan and on
Long Island — Interposition of the Mohawks — Treaty of
peace.

Kieft had scarcely assumed the government
of New Netherland before he found himself in-
volved in a perfect network of difficulties. While
the encroachments of the English at the north
were rapidly contracting the limits of the Dutch
claims in that direction, the Swedes had made
their appearance on the Delaware, and were ex-
ercising an independent authority over that re-
• gion.

This new colony owed its existence to Minuits.
Indignant at having been superseded by Van
Twiller, Minuits sailed to Sweden, and proposed

68 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1638.

to Oxensteirn, the celebrated minister of Queen
Christina, the settlement of a colony on the shores
of the Delaware. His services were promptly
accepted. Two vessels, the Key of Calmar and
the Griffin, were placed under his orders. Leaving
Sweden toward the close of the year 1637, he
touched at Virginia for wood and water, and then
proceeding to the Delaware, sailed up the river,
purchased from the Indians the lands on the
western shore of the bay, from the southern cape
to the falls near Trenton, and, building a fort
near the mouth of Christiana Creek, there planted
his little colony early in the spring of 1638.
Keift immediately issued a series of sharp pro-
tests against the occupation of the territory by
the Swedes ; but as Minuits paid no heed to his
remonstrances, he hesitated to resort to forcible
measures, until he had first advised with his em-
ployers.

But the Dutch West India Company had the
sagacity to foresee that a state of hostilities with
the English and the Swedes was by no means
calculated to benefit their American trade, and
that the only way whereby they could hope to
compete with their new rivals was to encourage
the growth of New Netherland by offering addi-
tional advantages to actual settlers. This was
done; and under the more liberal provisions of
the new charter of privileges, a large number of
immigrants arrived at New Amsterdam. The

1642.] PURITAN ENCROACHMENTS. 69

colony was further increased by persons from
Virginia and New England.

In the mean time, the English had settled New
Haven, and farms were springing up all about
the Dutch trading-post on the Connecticut, until
the lands around it were restricted to thirty acres.
Long Island was also occupied under a grant
from Lord Stirling ; the arms of the Dutch torn
down from the tree to which they had been affixed,
and, in bravado, a roughly-carved fool's-head was
set up in their place.

But this insult was too flagrant to be suffered
to pass without punishment. The intruders were
taken prisoners by a party of Dutch troops, and
were not released until they had humbly apolo-
gized for their offence, and promised to quit the
territory. They did not, however, leave the island,
but, retiring to its eastern end, founded the town
of Southampton. Another company of Puritans
landed on the island in 1641, and settled the vil-
lage of Southold. Against these encroachments,
Kieft, a passionate, headstrong man, complained
bitterly, but failed of obtaining any redress. In
despite of all his protests, settlers from Connec-
ticut spread themselves more and more over the
territory of New Netherland during the year
1642 ; while, at the same time, numerous families
of Swedes and Fins established themselves along
the shores of the Delaware. But though the
Dutch asserted their right to the country by re-

70 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1642.

occupying Fort Nassau, Printz, the new Swedish
governor, garrisoned a similar work on Tinicum
Island, a few miles below, as a place of residence
for himself, and a protection to the settlers in its
vicinity.

At any other period, it is possible that the
possession of either shore of the Delaware might
have been disputed by the Dutch governor of
New Netherland ; but when those settlements took
place, Kieft was too busily engaged in another
quarter, to show his resentment in any manner
more forcible than words. Indian disturbances
had broken out. An Indian of the Raritan tribe,
having witnessed during his boyhood the rob-
bery and murder of his uncle by one of the ser-
vants of Minuits, had nursed a desire to revenge
his kinsman's death as soon as he was grown up.
In 1641, he fulfilled his vow of retaliation by
killing an old Dutchman. Kieft immediately de-
manded that the assassin should be given up ; but
his people refused to surrender him, and justified
the act.

In this emergency, Kieft summoned a meeting
of the principal citizens and farmers, to take the
subject into consideration. They chose twelve
of their number to advise with the governor ; but
as the board, thus popularly appointed, com-
menced an active inquiry into existing abuses,
Kieft speedily dissolved it, as infringing upon his
authority. A detachment of eighty men was sent

1642.] INDIAN TROUBLES. 71

against the Raritans ; but the guide lost his way,
and the expedition came to nothing. De Yries
and other moderate men counselled a more pa-
cific policy; and the Indians themselves, finding
they were threatened with hostilities, evinced a
disposition to conciliate matters, by offering to
surrender the murderer. Unfortunately, while
the adjustment of this affair was pending, a
Hackensack Indian, the son of a chief of that
tribe, who had been made drunk and then robbed
by the Dutch, revenged himself by shooting down
the first two white men he chanced1 to meet.

Desirous of making immediate atonement, a
deputation of chiefs waited on Kieft, and offered
two hundred fathom of wampum as an indemnity
for the crime. The wampum was refused, and a
peremptory demand made for the murderer. The
chieftains declined to surrender him. "You
yourselves," said they, " are the cause of this
evil. You ought not to craze the young Indians
with brandy. Your own people, when drunk,
fight with knives and do foolish things ; and you
cannot prevent mischief till you cease to sell
strong drink to the Indian."

Notwithstanding the obvious truth of this re-
monstrance, Kieft would listen to no terms of
accommodation that did not include the surrender
of the fugitive. The chiefs were equally inflexi-
ble in shielding him. While the anger of the
Dutch governor was at its height, his allies, the

72 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1643.

Mohawks, descended upon the Raritans, and
forced them to throw themselves upon the mercy
of the Dutch. Their forlorn condition awakening
a feeling of pity, some of the more compassionate
of the colonists supplied them with food. Fearing
to return to their former homes in the vicinity
of Tappan, the fugitives took shelter among the
Hackensacks. The two tribes most obnoxious to
the Dutch being thus brought near to each other,
the war party among the colonists determined
upon their massacre ; and, in defiance of the re-
monstrances of De Vries and many of the most
influential inhabitants of New Amsterdam, prepa-
rations were at once made to carry their san-
guinary purpose into effect.

Acting under the authority of the passionate
and overbearing governor, two armed parties,
composed respectively of troops and volunteers,
crossed the Hudson on the night of the 25th of
February, 1643, and fell suddenly upon the In-
dian encampments. Taken entirely by surprise,
scarcely any resistance was offered ; and in the
stillness of the night, the noise of the musketry
and the shrieks of the victims could be distinctly
heard by the inhabitants of the island of Man-
hattan. No mercy was shown. Men, women,
children, all were indiscriminately slaughtered.
Infants bound in their bark cradles were flung
into the icy river ; and the poor frantic mothers,
who had plunged into the water to their rescue,

1643.] FEARFUL RETALIATION. 7b

were mercilessly forced back from the shore
until they were drowned. This fearful massacre
continued throughout the following day. The
wounded, who during the darkness of the night
had crawled into secret hiding-places, were hunted
out and killed in cold blood. Nearly a hundred
Indians, of all ages, perished in this barbarous
onslaught, and some thirty others were taken pri-
soners to New Amsterdam.

But the triumph of the Dutch was only tem-
porary. All the tribes around Manhattan made
common cause with the Raritans and Hacken-
sacks, and commenced a war of retaliation. In
every direction plantations were destroyed, vil-
lages burned, the men and women murdered, and
the helpless children hurried away into captivity.
The settlements on Long Island were laid deso-
late. Those on the opposite shore of the Sound
shared the same fate. Ruin and despair stared
the harassed colonists in the face. Many sought
safety in flying from the country. "Mine eyes,"
says Roger Williams, " saw the flames of their
towns, the frights and hurries of ihen, women, and
children, and the present removal of all that
could to Holland."

The fury of Kieft was succeeded by terror and
remorse. He was charged with having been the
cause of the massacre. He threw the blame on
Adriansen, an old freebooter, who had headed
the ferocious attack on the Raritans. Rendered

74 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1643.

furious by this accusation, Adriansen, armed with
cutlass and pistol, attempted the life of the gover-
nor. His assault being frustrated, he was seized
and sent a prisoner to Holland. In this fearful
state of things, all the colonists were enrolled
into service, and a day was set apart for a solemn
fast.

Happily, the vengeance of the combined tribes
was satiated. Offers of peace were made and ac-
cepted. A deputation, led by De Yries, met the
principal chiefs of Long Island at Rockaway, on
the oth of March, 1643. In the council which
was held soon after their arrival, one of the chiefs
arose, bearing in his hand a bundle of small
sticks. Addressing himself to De Yries and his
companions, he said: —

"When you first arrived on our shores, you
were destitute of food ; we gave you our beans
and our corn ; we fed you with oysters and fish ;
and now, for our recompense, you murder our
people." Here the chief put down one little
stick. Having thus indicated that this was his
first accusation, he continued : —

" The traders whom your first ships left upon our
shore to traffic till their return, were cherished
by us as the apple of our eye ; we gave them our
daughters for their wives ; among those whom
you have murdered were children of your own
blood." This closed the orator's second charge,
and he laid down another stick. Many other

1643.] HOSTILITIES RENEWED. 75

complaints of a similar nature remained behind,
as was shown by the number of sticks which he
still held in his hand.

A truce was at length agreed upon, to which
the river tribes assented soon after ; but it was
only of brief duration. Their wrongs had been
too great for the Indians to settle down quietly,
and the presents they received as an equivalent
for the damage they had sustained bore no pro-
portion to the losses they had incurred. « The
price of blood has not been paid," said an old
chief sadlv, and the war broke out anew.

In September, the confederated tribes recom-
menced their devastations upon the frontier settle-
ments, and Kieft was again compelled to call
upon the colonists for assistance and advice. A
board of eight men were appointed by the popu-
lar voice to consult with and aid the governor in
the conduct of the war. John Underhill, an
English soldier, who had already distinguished
himself by his bravery in the Pequod war of New
England, was chosen to command the Dutch
troops.

Never were energetic measures more im-
peratively needed. Nearly all the settlements
upon Long Island were deserted and de-
stroyed ; and of the plantations upon Manhattan
Island, only three remained. The distressed
colonists, flying before the fury of the savages,
were now huddled around the fort at New Am-

76 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. , [1644.

sterdam, where, half famished for want of pro-
visions, and in daily fear of an attack, which they
felt themselves incompetent to successfully resist-
they dragged out for nearly two years a misera
hie and precarious existence. Fearful of bein^
utterly exterminated, they applied for assistance
to the colonists of Connecticut, and to the Dutch
West India Company. But the former were un-
willing to embroil themselves with their savage
neighbours ; and the latter, having suffered serious
military disasters in the Brazils, was unable tc
afford any relief.

Underhill and his subordinates were, however
actively engaged to the best of their ability. Tin
Indian villages on Long Island were attacked
with partial success. The natives of Tappan
were harassed, their corn destroyed, and their
forts burned to the ground. Two other expedi-
tions to Long Island, in 1644, were still more
effective. In the first, one hundred Indians were
killed, and several taken prisoners to New Am-
sterdam. In the second, Underhill, with one
hundred and twenty men, made a sudden descent
upon a large Indian town, and falling upon the
inhabitants while they were celebrating one of
their annual festivals, slew five hundred of them,
and set fire to their wigwams.

By these fierce but energetic measures, the
spirit of the confederacy was subdued. Several
of the tribes solicited peace, but others still reso-

1645.] TREATY OF PEACE. 77

lutely held out. A reinforcement of Dutch troops
from Curacoa, arriving in June, 1645, placed
the colonists of New Netherland in a better con-
dition to carry on the war. The Mohawks at
length interposed. They sent an envoy to Man-
hattan, to use his influence in favour of a peace.
The overtures were successful. On the 30th of
August, 1645, delegates from the hostile tribes
met in council in the vicinity of Fort Amster-
dam, and by a solemn treaty put an end to a
war which had been conducted with equal ferocity
by both parties.

78 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1647.

CHAPTER VI.

Close of the Indian war — Unpopularity of Keift — His recall and
shipwreck — Governor Stuyvesant — Condition of New Neth-
erland — Beaverswyk — New Amsterdam — Negotiations with
New England — Provisional treaty — War between England
and Holland — Prudent policy of Massachusetts — The Dutch
solicit assistance from the Narragansetts — Reply of one of
their chiefs — Swedish settlements on the Delaware — Fort
Cassimer erected — Contentions with the Swedes — Capture
of Fort Cassimer — Reduction of the Swedish province by
Stuyvesant — Flourishing condition of New Netherland — In-
ternal dissensions — 'Arbitrary rule of Stuyvesant — Claims of
Maryland — Sale of Delaware to the city of Amsterdam — Po-
litical privileges granted by Stuyvesant — Patent of Charles
II. to the Duke of York — English force sent to take posses-
sion of New Netherland — Surrender of the province.

The close of the Indian war was celebrated
with great rejoicings by the harassed colonists of
New Netherland; but Kieft, who laboured under
the imputation of having provoked the disasters
they had undergone, grew daily more unpopular.
His arbitrary temper and reckless policy pro-
duced numerous complaints among the colonists,
and fostered a general desire for his removal.
Fullv conscious that the condition of antagonism
which existed between the people of the province
and their governor was greatly prejudicial to their
commercial interests, the directors of the West
India Company sought to restore harmony by the
recall of Kieft, and the appointment of Peter

1648.] PETER STUYVESANT. 79

Stuyvesant in his place. At the same time, the
few remaining commercial restrictions were
abolished, and the trade thrown open to all com-
petitors.

Stuyvesant arrived in the province during the
early part of May, 1647, and in the fall of the
same year,*Kieft sailed for Europe. The ship in
which he embarked, laden with a valuable cargo
of furs, was cast ashore on the coast of Wales,
and the sanguinary governor, together with some
eighty others, perished in the waves.

The new director-general, or governor of New
Netherland, Peter Stuyvesant, was possessed of
many estimable qualities. He was a brave, frank,
honest, and tolerably well-educated soldier. The
commencement of his rule was marked by a more
tolerant policy toward the neighbouring Indians,
though he soon showed himself disposed to regard
the poorer settlers with a feeling pretty closely
allied to contempt. In comparison with the
neighbouring English colonies, that of Man-
hattan could not be said, up to this period, to
have nourished. Its settlement, lucrative as
the fur trade had proved itself at first, had not
only absorbed the profits of the traffic, but had
cost the Dutch West India Company a con-
siderable sum besides. New England already
contained twenty thousand inhabitants; while
the whole of the settlers within the jurisdiction
of New Netherland did not exceed three

80 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1650.

thousand. A few houses were clustered about
Fort Orange, or Beaverswyk, as the present
town of Albany was then called. The island
of Manhattan was still mostly forest land, many
of the cleared plantations having been abandoned
during the prevalence of the Indian war, and only
some five or six of them, on the arrival of Stuyve-
sant, continued to be successfully worked. New
Amsterdam, the seat of government, was nothing
but a mere village of huts, roughly constructed,
protected by palisades, and by the fort of the
same name, itself hardly in a defensible condition.

One of the first duties which devolved upon
Governor Stuyvesant was the arrangement of
the long-pending territorial dispute with New
England. This, however, was found to be a diffi-
culty by no means easy to be settled harmoniously.
The Puritan colonies were already powerful, both
in numbers and unity of action ; and they were
but little disposed to regard the protests of a
weaker neighbour, whose title to any territory
at all they had always questioned. To war, the
Dutch West India Company were decidedly
averse, both from the expense attendant upon its
prosecution, and from the consciousness that a
successful prosecution of it was altogether hope-
less.

Finding that negotiation from a distance made
but slow progress, Stuyvesant bent his pride to
the occasion, and visited Hartford in person. At

1651.] WAR BREAKS OUT. 81

this place, on the 11th of November, 1650, he
succeeded in concluding a provisional treaty, by
which the New England commissioners consented
to the partition of Long Island between them-
selves and the Dutch, the boundary between the
two colonies being settled to begin in the vicinity
of Greenwich on the main, and to extend to Oys-
ter Bay. The treaty received the consent of the
Dutch West India Company, and was accepted
by the States General; but it failed of being
ratified in England.

When the war broke out between England and
Holland in 1651, it w,as at first supposed that it
would involve the English and Dutch colonies in
a similar struggle ; but Massachusetts restrained
the ardour of the western settlements, who were
anxious for the reduction of New Amsterdam,
and urged it upon the colonies, as the safest and
most prudent policy, "to forbear the use of the
sword, but to be in a posture of defence."

Deeply apprehensive of such an attack, the
Dutch West India Company had authorized Go-
vernor Stuyvesant to purchase the aid of the
Narragansetts ; but the latter firmly refused to
render any assistance. When pressed by the
oifers of the Dutch, Mixam, one of the chiefs,
nobly replied : "I am poor, but no presents of
goods, or of guns, or of powder and shot, shall
draw me into a conspiracy against my friends the
English."

82 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1655.

Fortunately, the peace of 1653 put an end to
all apprehension of an invasion from New Eng-
land, and also effectually prevented the sailing of
an expedition against New Amsterdam, which
had been authorized by Cromwell.

In addition to his difficulties with the New
England colonies in relation to boundaries, and
the subsequent danger of hostilities, Stuyvesant
became uneasy at the growth of the Swedish set-
tlements on the Delaware. At first, harassed by
the prospect of a more imposing peril, and acting
in obedience to the pacific policy of his superiors,
he restricted himself merely to protecting the
Dutch commerce in that quarter, by building
Fort Cassimer, near the mouth of the Brandy-
wine.

As Fort Christiana was not more than five
miles distant, the proximity of the rival garrisons
speedily led to annoyances and contentions.
These petty quarrels were kept up until 1654,
when Risingh, the Swedish governor, drove out
the Dutch troops, and took possession of their
fort. The news of this high-handed measure was
no sooner made known to the West India Com-
pany, than Stuyvesant was ordered to drive the
Swedes from the river, or compel their submis-
sion. Such great preparations were accordingly
made for this undertaking, that it was not until
September, 1655, that the expedition was com-
pletely organized. Sailing from New Amsterdam

1655.] RELIGIOUS TOLERATION. 83

with a force of six hundred men, Stuyvesant en-
tered the Delaware, and reduced fort after fort,
without meeting with any resistance. Risingh
capitulated on honourable terms, and the whole
Swedish colony, amounting to seven hundred per-
sons, acknowledged the jurisdiction of the States
General, and were confirmed in the possession of
their lands and personal property.

From this period the province of New Nether-
land steadily advanced in numbers and prosperity.
The Dutch themselves began to appreciate its
value ; and immigration to the banks of the Hud-
son was encouraged by wise and liberal regula-
tions.

The religious tolerance extended to all comers
influenced persons from all parts of Europe to
take up their residence in the favoured land. Bo-
hemia, Germany, England, France, Switzerland,
and Italy aided to increase the population of
NewNetherland ; and the little village of thatched
huts on the island of Manhattan speedily ex-
changed its rude and primitive dwellings for
structures of a more imposing character. Fugi-
tives from persecution in other lands found
welcome and a home at New Amsterdam. Me-
chanics, "farmers and labourers, foreigners and
exiles, men inured to toil and penury," were in-
vited to assist in building up the colony, by the
offer of a free passage from the old world to the
new ; and the directors of the company had soon

84 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1655.

the satisfaction of perceiving that their liberal
policy was productive of the most beneficial re-
sults.

The province of New Netherland, previously
retarded in its growth by restrictions and mo-
nopolies, now began to assume an importance
which justified the most sanguine predictions of
its future greatness. Agriculture flourished,
timber was exported, mechanical labourers were
in steady demand, and peace and plenty rewarded
the toils of all.

Among other commercial enterprises in which
the West India Company were engaged at this
period, was a traffic in slaves. A portion of
these soon found a market, at New Amsterdam.
Others continued the property of the company,
and these latter, after a certain period of service,
were settled upon small farms, upon the condi-
tion of paying annually a stipulated amount of
produce.

But in the midst of all this tolerance of opinion,
the people of New Netherland were far from en-
joying the same political privileges which were
exercised by the neighbouring English colonies.
In this respect, the directors of the company still
continued arbitrary and unwise. The delegates
elected to advise with the governor during the
dangerous period of the Indian war had been
tolerated no longer than their services were ac-
tually necessary; and although several attempts

1656.] DISCONTENT OF THE PEOPLE. 85

were subsequently made by the people to obtain
some concessions of authority, all such efforts
were stigmatized as factious, and speedily re-
pressed.

After numerous complaints had been made,
commercial privileges were extended, but politi-
cal enfranchisement was steadily denied. A con-
vention, called by the people to assert their right
to share in the enactment of laws for the proper
government o'f the province, was dissolved by
Stuyvesant, who regarded the demand as an in-
novation from New England, and fraught with
the most dangerous consequences. In answer to
a petition which was presented to him, requiring
that no new laws should be enacted but with the
consent of the people, he haughtily told the
deputation that the directors would never make
themselves responsible to subjects, and that his
authority was derived "from God and the West
India Company," and not from the pleasure of
the wavering multitude.

In this bold and arbitrary avowal, Stuyvesant
was fully and amply sustained by the directors in
Holland. They instructed him to pay no regard
to the clamours of the people ; but to let them
fully understand that they must "indulge no
longer the visionary dream that taxes could be
imposed only with their consent." But the dis-
content had already taken root, and although the

acts of the sturdy old governor were sullenly

86 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1659.

tolerated, the sentiment of loyalty was weakened,
and a change of rulers began to be regarded
not only without aversion, but as an object of
desire.

The western shore of the Delaware being
claimed by Lord Baltimore, the proprietary of
Maryland, the West India Company, fearful of
encroachments from that quarter, and desirous
of building up a barrier against any aggressions
on their southern frontier, transferred their
claim to all that portion of Delaware lying be-
tween Cape Henlopen and the falls of Trenton
to the city of Amsterdam, which immediately pro-
ceeded to colonize it, principally with indented
servants. This scheme, however, soon proved
partially unsuccessful. A condition of freedom,
under the more liberal government of Maryland,
induced many of the Dutch settlers to break
through the restraints imposed upon them by
their task-masters, and seek refuge in the terri-
tory of the English. During the year 1659,
Fendall, the governor of Maryland, laid formal
claim to the possession of Delaware ; but he was
answered by the Dutch envoy, that his people had
purchased and colonized the territory in dispute,
before the patent of Lord Baltimore was in ex-
istence. The reply of Fendall being of a threat-
ening character, and the claim of Lord Baltimore
being pertinaciously reasserted by his agents,
the directors of the West India Company adopted

1659.] PROPRIETARY DISPUTES. 87

the spirited resolution to defend their rights,
"even to the spilling of blood."

Similar troubles were already in agitation at
the north. Massachusetts claimed the right to
extend the territory of that colony to the upper
waters of the Hudson, and thence westwardly as
far as they thought proper; while Connecticut
had no sooner obtained a royal charter than
claims were asserted under it to a considerable
portion of territory over which the Dutch had
previously exercised undisputed jurisdiction.

Conscious of his inability to resist by force of
arms the encroachments of his English neigh-
bours, Stuyvesant went in person to Boston, in
order to try what he could effect by negotiation.
He met a convention of the New England colo-
nies at that place, in September, 1663 ; but was
compelled to return as he went, without being
able to obtain, either then, or during the subse-
quent month at Hartford, the recognition of any
territory at all, as belonging of right to the pro-
vince of New Netherland. To the cautious Pu-
ritan diplomatists, the Dutch province was a
fiction, inasmuch as the English laid claim to the
whole of the continent discovered by Cabot.

In the midst of these proprietary disputes,
Stuyvesant, foreseeing the danger that was im-
pending over the colony, sought to restore har-
mony among the people of New Netherland them-
selves, by granting them certain privileges which

88 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1664.

he had heretofore indignantly refused. In 1663,
a popular assembly was conceded, which met in
November of the same year, and in fuller num-
bers during the spring of 1664. But that confi-
dence which the government had superciliously
alienated was not to be so easily regained. The
privilege which had been extended to the " waver-
ing multitude" had been extorted from the fears
of the governor, and not from his sense of justice.
An alarming invasion was threatened, and it was
necessary to conciliate the people, in order to
prevail upon them to take up arms in defence of
the province. But the concessions came too late.

In 1664, Charles II. granted to his brother
James, Duke of York, a patent for all the main-
land of New England, beginning at St. Croix,
extending thence to the Pemaquid, and stretching
across and embracing the whole territory, from
Connecticut River to Delaware Bay.

Without any previous declaration of war against
the Dutch, three ships, with six hundred men,
were despatched from England to take possession
of New Netherland in the name of the Duke of
York. These ships, having three commissioners
on board, reached Boston in July; and toward
the close of the following month, the troops
pitched their camp on Long Island, on the site
of the present city of Brooklyn.

Governor Stuyvesant had received early intel-
ligence of the sailing of this expedition and its

1664.] CAPTURED BY THE BRITISH. 89

destination ; but all his efforts to arouse the spirit
of the colonists were unavailing. Indeed, many
of the latter, elated at the prospect of obtaining
the same political privileges which were enjoyed
by the neighbouring provinces, boldly denied that
the Dutch had ever any right to the country.

No sooner had one of the frigates entered
Gravesend Bay, than Stuyvesant despatched a
letter to the English commander, desiring to know
the reason of his approach and anchorage in the
harbour, without giving the customary notifica-
tion. Sir Richard Nichols responded by a sum-
mons of surrender, on the condition of security
to the inhabitants of their estates, lives, and
liberties.

The governor, a brave old soldier, who had lost
a limb in the service of the States, was desirous
of making a sturdy defence ; but the council and
burgomasters, whom he had convened for consul-
tation, being well aware that any resistance they
could offer would be of no avail, advised submis-
sion, provided the terms offered in the summons
were such as the inhabitants could accept.

The fiery governor struggled hard to induce
them to change their determination. He refused
to let them know the liberal conditions which had
been offered, and upon their demanding a sight
of the summons, his wrath knew no bounds ; sud-
denly producing the latter, he passionately tore
it into shreds before their eyes. Finally, how~

90 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1664.

ever, after much contention, and aided by the
good offices of YVinthrop, the aged governor of
Connecticut, Stuyvesant was driven to consent
to a capitulation. The other settlements on the
Hudson and Delaware swore allegiance to the
English soon after, and the conquest of New
Netherland was completed.

CHAPTER VII.

New Netherland becomes New York — Colonel Nichols gover-
nor— Meeting on Long Island — Incorporation of the city of
New York — Arbitrary system of government established —
Lovelace appointed governor' — War with the Dutch — New
York reconquered — Administration of Colve — Retrocession of
NewYork — Government of Andros — Difficulties with Connec-
ticut— Spirited conduct of the Puritans — Disaffection of the
people — A representative government demanded — Reply of
the Duke of York — Description of the province — Its prosperity
— City of New York, its population and public buildings —
Character of the people — Andros recalled — Dongan appointed
governor — Concession of political privileges — Indian affairs —
Convention at Albany — Designs of the French — Instructions
of the Duke of York — Conduct of Dongan — Invasion of the
Five Nations by the French — Peace solicited — Speech of De
la Barre — Reply of Garrangula.

New Netherland having thus, without blood-
shed, become subjected to the English crown,
Colonel Sir Richard Nichols took upon himself
the government of the conquered province as
deputy-governor, and in honour of the proprie-

1665.] THE CITY INCORPORATED. ' 91

tary, that portion of the territory retained by
him, together with the little capital of New Am-
sterdam, acquired the name of New York.

All the tract of land previously belonging to
New Netherland, which was bounded by the Dela-
ware Bay on the west, by the ocean and the
Hudson River on the east, and by the present
state of New York on the north, having been
granted by the duke to Lord Berkeley and
Sir George Carteret, became henceforth a sepa-
rate and distinct jurisdiction, under the name
of the province of New Jersey.

During the short period that Nichols remained
governor of New York, commissioners, appointed
for that purpose, determined the boundary be-
tween the latter province and Connecticut, and
under their decision the whole of Long Island
was included within the territory of the new pro-
prietary.

On the 1st of March, 1665, a convention of
delegates was held at Hempstead, on Long
Island, for the purpose of adjusting the limits of
their respective townships, and the appointment
of proper local officers. Three months later, the
city of New York was incorporated, the exercise
of municipal authority being intrusted to a mayor,
five aldermen, and a sheriff ; but the people them-
selves derived no political privileges from a
change of rulers. The governor, and a council
devoted to his interests, retained the sole right

92 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1673.

to impose taxes, and to enact or modify such laws
throughout the province as they thought proper.
This arbitrary mode of government was produc-
tive of the usual discontent ; but Nichols, busied
for the most of the time in confirming the ancient
Dutch grants, paid no heed to the murmurs of
" factious republicans."

Returning to England in 1667, he was succeed-
ed by Francis Lovelace, who, following out the
system adopted by his predecessor, took upon
himself both the executive and judicial functions,
and instructed his deputy on the western shore
of the Delaware to repress all disaffection in that
quarter, by laying such taxes upon the people as
might give them " liberty for no thought but how
to discharge them."

Adopting this principle as his rule of action,
Lovelace imposed a duty of ten per cent, upon
all imports and exports. But this high-handed
measure was met by a vigorous protest from eight
of the Long Island towns, who boldly expressed
their aversion to all taxes levied under the sole
authority of the governor and council, and de-
manded a participation in the government of the
province by means of an annual assembly. Love-
lace and his subservient subordinates responded
to the protest by ordering it to be publicly burned
by the common hangman.

The affairs of the province continued to be ad-
ministered in this despotic manner until 1673,

1673.] RECAPTURED BY THE DUTCH. 93

when Charles II., having been drawn by the in-
trigues of Louis XIV. into a war with the Dutch,
a small squadron belonging to the latter, and
commanded by Cornelius Evertsen, anchored, on
the 30th of July, in the vicinity of Staten Island.

Lovelace appears to have been absent at this
time, and Manning, the commandant of the fort,
no sooner received a summons to surrender, than
he sent a messenger to arrange the terms of ca-
pitulation. Not a blow was struck. The people
of New Jersey quietly returned to their old al-
legiance, and the Swedes and Fins followed their
example. The whole territory of New Nether-
land having thus quietly submitted to the arms
of the States General, Anthony Colve was ap-
pointed governor-general, and Lovelace obtained
permission to return to England in the Dutch
fleet. Manning was subsequently tried by court-
martial for treachery and cowardice, and found
guilty. Having, however, in the mean time, made
interest in England with the king and the Duke
of York, he escaped being sentenced to death, but
was adjudged to have his sword publicly broken
over his head, and to be incapable of serving the
crown for the future in any civil or military ca-
pacity.

Governor Colve retained his office but a
short period, for at the close of the war, which
took place in February, 1674, it was agreed by
treaty mutually to restore all conquests. To re-

94 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1674.

move an j disputes which might subsequently arise
in respect to his title in consequence of the pre-
vious surrender of the province, the Duke of
York obtained from the king a new patent,
covering the same lands which had been granted
him in 1664. On the 1st of August, two days
after this patent was executed, the duke ap-
pointed Major Edmund Andros to receive pos-
session of the province at the hands of the Dutch
authorities, and to renew the absolute authority
of the proprietary. On the 31st of October, this
was quietly accomplished. Hoping to obtain
some concessions from the new governor, the in-
habitants petitioned to be allowed an assembly,
and Andros favoured the prayer ; but it was dis-
approved of by the proprietary. The settlers of
the eastern portion of Long Island, preferring
the jurisdiction of Connecticut to that of New
York, also petitioned Andros to be allowed to
unite themselves with that colony; but, instead
of their wishes being acceded to, the governor
soon afterward organized an expedition for the
purpose of asserting the claim of the Duke of
York to all that territory embraced within his
patent as far as the Connecticut River. As soon
as these intentions were made known to Laet, the
deputy-governor of Connecticut, he called the
assembly together, who promptly ordered Captain
Bull, in command of the colonial troops at Say-
brook, to resist the advance of Andros. The order

1679.] SHORT-SIGHTED POLICY. 95

reached Saybrook almost simultaneously with the
appearance of Andros before the town.

He summoned the fort to surrender, and the
sturdy Puritan commandant responded by hoist-
ing his flag. Conscious that his force was too
weak to carry the place by assault, Andros re-
sorted to persuasion; but when he directed his
commission and the duke's patent to be read in
the hearing of the colonial troops, he was ordered
to desist. Finding neither threats nor expostu-
lations of any avail, he suffered himself to be
escorted to his boat by the armed provincials, and
set sail for New York.

The exercise of his authority being continually
clogged with difficulties, especially by the people
of Long Island, many of whom were of Puritan
descent, Andros strongly urged upon the Duke
of York the policy of conceding to the people a
representative form of government. To this wise
and judicious counsel, the duke replied by letter,
dated the 1st of January, 1679 : —

"I cannot but suspect that assemblies would
be of dangerous consequence; nothing being more
known than the aptness of such bodies to assume
to themselves many privileges which prove de-
structive to, or very often disturb the peace of
government when they are allowed."

Such being the decision of the short-sighted
proprietary, Andros was too obsequious a servant
to persist in urging the popular demand. The

96 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1679.

province continued to prosper notwithstanding.
It consisted at this time of twenty-four towns and
villages, in six precincts, ridings, or courts of
sessions. The number of its militia amounted to
two thousand men. Its annual exports consisted
of sixty thousand bushels of wheat, besides peas,
beef, pork, tobacco, and furs.

The city of New York contained some three
thousand five hundred inhabitants, and about
three hundred and fifty houses, almost all of which
presented their gables to the streets, the mosc
important public buildings being erected in the
foreground, so as to be the more readily seen
from the river. The chief part of the town, at
this period, lay along the East River, and on the
slope of the ridge forming the line of Broadway.
In front of the town were constructed three half-
moon forts, called Roncleels, which were erected at
equal distances from each other, between Coenties
Slip and Wall Street, the latter deriving its name
from the line of palisades which stretched from
that point to the junction of Grace and Lumber
Streets, where the North River limits terminated
in a redoubt.

Apart from the unhappy dissensions arising
from the denial of the right to govern themselves,
the inhabitants of the province of New York were
both peaceful and prosperous. Having but few
wants, and simple in their tastes, "a wagon gave
as good content as in Europe a coach, and their

1683.] COLONEL DONGAN, GOVERNOR. 97

home-made cloth as the finest lawns. The doors
of the low-roofed houses, which luxury never
entered, stood wide open to charity and the
stranger." A merchant worth five thousand dol-
lars was accounted an opulent man ; and a farmer
worth half that sum in personal property was
regarded as rich; but the merchants were not
many, the slaves were few, and servants greatly
in demand.

But the consciousness of being deprived of
those political rights which were enjoyed by all
the other English colonies was a constant source
of unhappiness and disaffection, especially among
the people of Long Island, who had struggled for
many years to obtain the same liberty of self-
government which was exercised by their kindred
of Connecticut. It was therefore with feelings
of the utmost gratification that they hailed the
recall of Andros in 1682, and the appointment
of Colonel Dongan as governor of the province.

Repeated importunities and petitions having
at length convinced even the obtuse mind of the
Duke of York, that his narrow provincial policy
was fast bringing his authority into contempt, and
alienating the affections of the people, he con-
descended to take counsel of William Penn, and
instructed Dongan to convene a general assem-
bly. After many delays, the new governor
reached New York on the 27th of August, 1683,

and almost immediately afterward issued a pro-

98 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1683.

clamation to the freeholders, empowering them
to elect delegates to the legislature.

On the 17th of October, 1683, the first assem-
bly met. It consisted of the governor, his coun-
cil of ten, and seventeen members chosen by the
people, to form the house of representatives.
The most important act of the session was the
adoption of a declaration of rights. This charter
proclaimed that, " Supreme legislative power shall
for ever be, and reside, in the governor, council,
and people, met in general assembly. Every
freeholder and freeman shall vote for representa-
tion without restraint. No freeman shall suffer
but by judgment of his peers ; and all trials shall
be by a jury of twelve men. No tax shall be
assessed on any pretence whatever, but by the
consent of the assembly. No seaman or soldier
shall be quartered on the inhabitants against
their will. No martial law shall exist. No per-
son professing faith in God by Jesus Christ shall
at any time be any ways disquieted, or questioned,
for any difference of opinion." Such was the
language of the earliest popular charter of New
York. The despotism under which the people
had so long groaned had taught them a just con-
sideration for the liberty of others.

The spirit of discontent being appeased by the
concession of political privileges, Governor Don-
gan next turned his attention to Indian affairs.
For a long series of years the French in Canada

1684.] INDIAN AFFAIRS. 99

had vainly endeavoured to break down the power
of the Iroquois, and detach them from their alli-
ance, at first with the Dutch, and subsequently
with the English. But neither hostile invasions
nor the preaching of Jesuit missionaries could
win those proud and independent warriors to ac-
knowledge the supremacy of France. But even
wdiile disposed to maintain a friendship with the
English, they were not insensible of the neglect
which they had met with at the hands of Love-
lace, and in their war-parties along the frontiers
of New York, Maryland, and Virginia, had re-
sented the aggressions of the whites. Soon after
the commencement of Dongan's administration,
the principal chiefs of the Five Nations were in-
vited to meet in grand convention at Albany, for
the purpose of renewing the old treaty of peace,
and putting an end to this desultory warfare.
In the mean time, the French, under De la Barre,
were organizing a large army, with the avowed
purpose of utterly exterminating the Five Na-
tions, and Governor Dongan received instructions
from the Duke of York to throw no obstacles in
their way. Too conscientious to regard any such
ruthless orders, Dongan warned the Indians of the
impending danger, and promised them assistance.
In accordance with their previous agreement,
deputies from the Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas,
Onondagas, and Senecas, met the governors of
New York and Virginia at Albany, on the 13th

*?""•?<■> f£

100 HISTORY OF XEW YORK. [1684.

of July, 1684, where a treaty of peace was made
with the offending tribes, the Mohawks and Sene-
cas, "never having broken the ancient chain,"
being witnesses to the same.

The warriors had scarcely dissolved the coun-
cil and returned to their villages, before De la
Barre invaded the Iroquois territory with an
army of seventeen hundred men. Bad provisions,
however, and the miasma arising from the marshes
of Ontario, had so weakened his troops by sick-
ness, that, after a delay of six weeks at Fort
Frontenac, he crossed the lake, and invited the
chiefs of the Five Nations to meet him and con-
clude a treaty of peace.

The Mohawks and Senecas, acting under the
advice of Dongan, refused to attend; but the
Oneidas, Onondagas, and Cayugas, influenced by
the Jesuit missionaries, concluded to visit the
French governor in his camp, and hear what he
had to say.

Two days after their arrival a council was held.
Addressing himself to Garrangula, an Onondaga
chief, De la Barre said: "The king, my master,
being informed that the Five Nations have often
infringed the peace, has ordered me to come
hither with a guard, and to send Ohguesse to the
Onondagas to bring the chief sachems to my
camp. The intention of the great king is, that
you and I may smoke the calumet of peace to-
gether; but upon this condition : that you promise

1684.] DE LA barre's speech. 101

me in the name of the Senecas, Cayugas, Onon-
daga s, Oneidas, and Mohawks, to give entire
satisfaction and reparation to his subjects, and
for the future never to molest them.

"This is what I have to say to Garrangula,
that he may carry to the other chiefs the declara-
tion which I make. The king, my master, does
not wish them to force him to send a great army
to Cadaracqui Fort, to begin a war, wThich must
be fatal to them. He would be sorry that this
fort, which was the work of peace, should become
the prison of your warriors. We must endeavour,
on both sides, to prevent such misfortunes. The
French, who are the brethren and friends of the
Five Nations, will never trouble their repose,
provided that the satisfaction which I demand be
given, and that the treaties of peace be hereafter
observed. I shall be extremely grieved if my
words do not produce the effect which I expect
from them; for then I shall be obliged to join
with the Governor of New York, who is command-
ed by his master to assist me, and burn the cas-
tles of the Five Nations, and destroy you. This
belt confirms my words."

Unmoved by the threat with which De la Barre

had closed his address, the proud Onondaga

chieftain, perfectly aware of the weak condition

of the army which had marched so exultingly

from Canada to exterminate his people, walked

five or six times round the circle, and then, halt-

102 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1684.

ing before the French governor, who was seated
in an elbow chair, he answered with the most sar-
castic irony: —

"Yonnondio, I honour you, and the warriors
that are with me likewise honour you. Your in-
terpreter has finished his speech; I now begin
mine. My words make haste to reach your
ears: hearken to them. Yonnondio, you must
have believed, when you left Quebec, that the
sun had burnt up all the forests which render our
castles inaccessible to the French; or that the
lakes had so far overflowed their banks that they
had surrounded our castles, and that it was im-
possible for us to get out of them. Yes, Yonnon-
dio, surely you must have dreamed so, and the
curiosity of seeing so great a wonder has brought
you so far. Now you are undeceived, since I
and the warriors here present are come to assure
you that the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas,
Oneidas, and Mohawks are yet alive. Hear,
YTonnondio. I do not sleep. I have my eyes
open ; and the sun, which enlightens me, discovers
to me a great captain at the head of a company
of soldiers, who speaks as if he were dreaming.
He says that he only came to the lake to smoke
the great calumet with the Onondagas. But Gar-
rangula says, that he sees the contrary; that it
was to knock them on the head, if sickness had
not weakened the arms of the French."

Continuing his speech in the same strain of

1684.] REPLY OF GARRANGULA. 103

fierce sarcasm, lie told De la Barre that the Great
Spirit had saved the lives of the French by afflicting
them with sickness ; for if they had not been thus
stricken down by a higher Power, the very women,
and children, and old men of the Iroquois would
have stormed the heart of the French camp. In
answer to the accusation of being subject to the
English, he said proudly: "We are born free;
we neither depend upon Yonnondio nor Corlear.
We may go where we please, and carry with us
whom we please ; and buy and sell what we please ;
if your allies are slaves, use them as such. This
belt preserves my words." When he had justified
the wars of the Five Nations with the Indian
tribes friendly to the French, he thus concluded :

"Hear, Yonnondio. What I say is the voice
of the Five Nations. Hear what they answer ;
open your ears to what they speak. The Sene-
cas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneidas, and Mohawks
say, that when they buried the hatchet at Cada-
racqui, in the presence of your predecessor, and
in the middle of the fort, they planted the tree of
peace in the same place, to be there carefully pre-
served ; that instead of a retreat for soldiers, the
fort might become a rendezvous for merchants ;
that in place of arms and munitions of war,
beavers and merchandise should only enter there.

"Hear, Yonnondio. Take care for the future,
that so great a number of soldiers as appear there
do not choke the tree of peace planted in so small

104 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1684.

a fort. It will be a great loss, if, after it had so
easily taken root, you should stop its growth and
prevent its covering your country and ours with
its branches. I assure you, in the name of the
Five Nations, that our warriors shall dance to the
calumet of peace under its leaves, and shall remain
quiet on their mats, and shall never dig up the
hatchet till their brother Yonnondio or Corlear,
shall, either jointly or separately, endeavour to
attack the country which the Great Spirit gave
to our ancestors. This belt preserves my words ;
and this other, the authoritv which the Five Na-
tions have given me."

Then turning to Le Main, the interpreter, he
said: "Take courage, Ohguesse; you have spirit,
speak; explain my words; forget nothing; tell
all that your brethren and friends say to Yon-
nondio, your governor, by the mouth of Garran-
gula, who loves you, and desires you to accept of
this present of beaver, and take part with me in
my feast, to which I invite you. This present
of beaver is sent to Yonnondio on the part of the
Five Nations."

And so ended this remarkable speech, one of
the finest examples of barbarous eloquence to be
found in any language. Utterly confounded by
the bold reply of the Onondaga chieftain, De la
Barre hastily accepted a treaty, the terms of
which he was not in a condition to dispute, and
retired with his shattered forces to Montreal.

1685.] CANADIAN AFFAIRS. 105

CHAPTER VIII.

Canadian affairs — Denonville supersedes De la Barre — Pre-
pares for war — Marches against the Iroquois — Is attacked —
Retires into Canada — Fate of the French garrison at Niaga-
ra— Retaliation of the Iroquois — Negociations for peace —
Reply of Governor Dongan — Speech of Garrangula — Coun-
cil at Montreal — Stratagem of the Dinondadie Indians — Re-
newal of hostilities — Dreadful massacre of the French —
Affairs of New York — Disaffection in England — Landing of
William, Prince of Orange — Flight of James — Revolution
in the provinces — Dongan recalled — Agitation in New York
— The fort seized by Leisler — William and Mary proclaimed
— Leisler governor — Count Frontenac appointed governor
of Canada — Negotiates with the Five Nations — War between
England and France — Burning of Schenectady — Difficulties
in New York.

The unsuccessful expedition of De la Barre
and its disgraceful termination were no sooner
made known in France, than a reinforcement of
troops was ordered into Canada, and the Marquis
Denonville appointed to supersede De la Barre in
the government of that province. An energetic
soldier, extolled for his courage, uprightness, and
piety, Denonville speedily sought to retrieve the
honour of the French arms. In order to control
the Iroquois, and, at the same time, command the
fur trade of the lakes, he suggested to the French
government the propriety of establishing a fort
at Niagara. In the mean time he prepared for
active operations against the Five Nations, by

106 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1687.

pushing forward extraordinary supplies to Fort
Frontenac.

Penetrating at once the design of the new
French governor, Dongan wrote to warn him,
that any attack upon the Indian confederacy
would be resented by the English, whose allies
they were. Affairs remained in this disturbed
condition until 1687, when the Miamis being
threatened with war by the Iroquois, Denonville
determined, by invading the latter, to force them
to forego their purpose. Collecting at Montreal
two thousand troops and six hundred friendly
Indians, he sent orders to the commanders of out-
posts to meet him with reinforcements at Niaga-
ra, for an expedition against the Senecas. The
Five Nations immediately prepared for war.
Embarking his whole army in canoes, Denonville
set out from Fort Cadaracqui on the 23d of June,
and sailing down the lake in two divisions, land-
ed at Tyrondequait, and marched against the
principal town of the Senecas, seven leagues dis-
tant. In the mean time, Monsieur Companie,
with an advance party of some three hundred
Canadians, had surprised two villages of the
Onondagas, who, reposing upon the good faith of
the missionary Lamberville, had settled them-
selves peacefully about eight leagues from the
lake. To guard against their giving the alarm
to their countrymen, these Indians were ruthless-
ly seized and carried to the fort. Reserving

1687.] BATTLE WITH THE SENECAS. 107

thirteen of the principal warriors to be sent as
galley slaves to France, the remainder were tor-
tured at the stake, where, singing their death-
song to the last, they died heroically.

Throwing forward a detachment of traders and
friendly Indians as scouts, Denonville followed
with the main body, which was composed of the
regulars and militia. On the second day of the
march, the vanguard reached the vicinity of the
town. Seeing no one, and supposing the place
to have been deserted, they quickened their pace
to overtake the fugitives. Suddenly, five hun-
dred Senecas sprang from their ambush, and,
raising the war-cry, charged upon the advance,
and upon the main body which hastened up to
its support. In a moment all was confusion.
Rolled back upon each other by the unexpected-
ness of the attack, the French retreated in disor-
der, and took refuge in the neighbouring woods.
The firmness of the Indian allies alone retrieved
the fortunes of the day. Gathering courage from
the example of the latter, the regulars under De-
nonville were rallied, and again led to the attack,
which finally ended in the repulse of the Senecas.

But the victory was dearly bought. Disheart-
ened by his losses, and the sturdy resistance he
had met with, Denonville contented himself with
burning the Seneca village, and torturing two old
men found in it. Afraid to pursue the fugitives,
he retired with his army to the south-east side of

108 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1687.

the straits, at Niagara, where he built a fort;
and leaving -within it a garrison of one hundred
men, under the command of the Chevalier de la
Trove, returned into Canada with the remainder
of his army.

He had no sooner evacuated the country of the
Iroquois, than the Senecas reoccupied it, and in-
vesting the garrison of Niagara, succeeded in
cutting off the communication, until all but eight
men perished miserably by famine.

Lamberville, the missionary, who had been the
unconscious cause of the massacre of the Onon-
dagas at Fort Cadaracqui, was soon after sum-
moned by some aged chiefs into their presence.
"We have much reason," said one of them, "to
treat thee as an enemy; but we know thee too
well. Thou hast betrayed us, but treason was
not in thy breast. Fly, therefore; for when our
young braves shall have sung their war-song, they
will listen to no voice but the swelling voice of
their anger." Humanely considerate for his
safety, even in the midst of their own sorrow,
they ordered trusty guides to conduct him se-
cretly to a place of security.

On the 5th of August, Governor Dongan met
the chiefs of the Five Nations in council at Alba-
ny, and warmly commended the courage they
had exhibited in defending their country against
the advance of the French. He advised, that
the Christian Indians who had removed into Ca-

1688.] ADVANCE OF GARRANGULA. 109

nada should be invited to return and settle them-
selves within the limits of their own territory,
and strongly cautioned his allies to make no peace
with the French, except through his agency.

Throughout the whole of 1688, the Seneeas,
Onondagas, and Mohawks continued a fierce' re-
taliatory war upon the Canadians. Fort Cham-
bly was beset, the houses in the vicinity burned
to the ground, and the warriors returned in tri-
umph with numerous captives to Albany. Several
French soldiers were captured near Fort Fronte-
nac, by the Onondagas, and held by them as
hostages until their sachems should be returned
to their own country, unharmed, from the galleys
of Marseilles.

Denonville applied, through Pere le Vaillant,
to Governor Dongan, to negotiate a peace and use
his influence for a restoration of the captives.
Dongan answered, that no peace could be made
with the Five Nations until the Onondaga sa-
chems were released from the French galleys and
sent home, the Christian Indians returned to their
own country, the forts at Niagara and Frontenac
razed, and compensation made to the Senecas for
the damage they had sustained.

Denonville indignantly refused to purchase a

peace on any such humiliating terms, and Gar-

rangula immediately advanced at the head of five

hundred warriors. "I have always loved the

French," said the scornful chieftain. "Our war-

110 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1688.

riors proposed to come and burn your forts, your
houses, your granges, and your corn; to weaken
you by famine, and then to overwhelm you. I am
come to tell Yonnondio he can escape this misery,
if, within four days, he will yield to the terms which
Corlear has proposed." Thus haughtily threat-
ened, Denonville yielded. A truce being pro-
claimed, twelve hundred warriors met the French
governor in council at Montreal, and dictated a
treaty of peace on the conditions previously
offered by Governor Dongan. As the Mohawks
and Senecas were not represented at the council,
Denonville required that deputies from them
should also come forward and ratify the treaty
on the part of their respective nations. To this
requisition the other chiefs agreed, and the terms
of the treaty having been arranged, the conven-
tion was dissolved.

But while the prospects of peace were thus
brightening, a singular artifice, adopted by a tribe
of Indians friendly to the French, suddenly in-
spired the Iroquois with sentiments of the bitter-
est hostility.

The Dinondadies, an Indian tribe at war with
the Five Nations, desirous of preventing a good
understanding between the French and the Iro-
quois, executed the following stratagem to effect
their purpose. One hundred warriors, led by
Adario, their chief, suddenly intercepted the de-
puties of the confederated cantons, at the falls of

1688.] INDIAN STRATAGEM. Ill

the Cadaracqui, or Ontario River, while they
were on their way to Montreal to ratify the
treaty of peace previously agreed upon. Some
were killed, and the remainder taken prison-
ers. Adario then boasted to the latter that he
owed his success to the French governor, who
had given him timely information of the approach
of fifty Iroquois warriors. Surprised at this ap-
parently treacherous conduct, the ambassadors
communicated to the chief the peaceful object of
their journey. Feigning the utmost indignation
and remorse at having been made an instrument
of the basest treachery, Adario instantly ordered
the captives to be set free. « Go, my brethren,"
said he ; "I untie your bonds and send you home
again, though our nations be at war. The French
governor has made me commit so black an action,
that I shall never rest easy until your people
shall have taken a full revenge."

Giving implicit credence to the story told by
Adario, the Five Nations no sooner heard of the
outrage which had been committed upon the per-
sons of their ambassadors, than, animated by the
keenest thirst for revenge, they collected twelve
hundred warriors, and on the 26th of July, 1688,
landed on the south side of the island of Mon-
treal, burned, sacked, ravaged, and plundered all
the surrounding settlements, up even to the very
gates of the city ; slew one thousand of the in-
habitants, and carrying off twenty-six captives,

112 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1688.

tortured them to death at the stake. Not con-
tent with this terrible retaliation, they returned
again to the island in October, and committed
further devastations of the most sanguinary and
barbarous character. Perfectly paralyzed with
terror, the French made no resistance ; and the
confederates, gaining increased confidence with
success, swept over the whole of Canada, carry-
ing destruction wherever they went. Only a few
fortified places remained, and these owed their
safety more to the ignorance of the savages in
the art of attacking them, than to the courage of
their respective garrisons. Of the neighbouring
Indian tribes, only two remained faithful to the
French in their adversity. All the others repu-
diated their alliance, and made peace with the
Iroquois and the English. Had the latter ren-
dered the least assistance to the Five Nations,
the whole French dominion in Canada would have
been at an end. As it was, the cities of Quebec,
Montreal, and Trois Rivieres alone remained ; the
whole country south of the lakes being perma-
nently conquered by the confederated warriors.

During the progress of these events, great po-
litical changes were taking place in the provinces.
The attempt of James II. to bring about a resto-
ration of the Catholic religion, had rendered him
odious to the English people ; and the birth of a
son in 1688, having destroyed all hope of a Pro-
testant succession, .William, Prince of Orange, the

1689.] WILLIAM AND MARY PROCLAIMED. 113

champion of Protestantism in Europe, who had
married Mary, the eldest daughter of James, was
invited to take upon himself the government of
the kingdom. Complying with the popular wish,
William landed in England in the fall of 1688,
and James, deserted even by his own children,
was compelled to take refuge in France.

The news of this great Protestant revolution
reached Boston on the 4th of April, 1689. An-
dros, who had been appointed governor of that
province, was immediately deposed; the charter,
of which he had deprived the people, was resumed ;
and the aged Bradstreet, whom Andros had su-
perseded in office, reinstated as chief magistrate.
During the month of May, Connecticut followed
the example of Massachusetts, deposed the royal
governor, and re-elected Robert Treat. Rhode
Island adopted similar measures. Virginia hesi-
tated for a short time, but at length proclaimed
William and Mary "Lord and Lady" of the pro-
vince.

In New York, the tidings occasioned great agi-
tation. The wise and politic Dongan having been
recalled by James, a short time previously, the
government of the province had been transferred
into the hands of his deputy Francis Nicholson.
A rumour was spread, that the friends of the de-
posed king intended to confirm his authority by
a massacre of the disaffected ; a fierce popular

excitement was created; a mob paraded the

10*

114 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1689.

streets; five militia companies, the only military
force in the city, surrounded the house of Jacob
Leisler,, a merchant, and their senior captain, and
demanded that he should place himself at their
head and seize the fort. It was captured on the
1st of June, with the stores and public money;
and the companies took upon themselves garrison
duty alternately. Nicholson, deprived of his au-
thority, sailed for England. A committee of
safety was immediately formed, and Leisler ap-
pointed captain of the fort, with gubernatorial
powers, until such time as an officer, duly com-
missioned, should be sent from England.

After proclaiming William and Mary at the
sound of the trumpet, Leisler wrote to the king?
explaining his proceedings, and accounting for
the use he had made of the money found in the
fort. At this period, Milbourne, the son-in-law
of Leisler, a man of great energy and ambition,
arrived from England, and was made secretary
of the province. The old council, finding it im-
possible to resist, with any hope of success, the
self-constituted authorities of New York, retired
to Albany, where a convention was held, which
proclaimed allegiance to "William and Mary, but
rejected the authority of Leisler, and refused
to surrender the fort to Milbourne, who, with
an insufficient force, had been sent up to de-
mand it.

Soon after this, a letter reached New York,

1690.] APPOINTMENT OF FRONTENAC. 115

addressed to Nicholson, or in the event of his
absence, to "such as for the time being take
care for preserving the peace, and administering
the law in New York." In this letter a commis-
sion as governor was enclosed for Nicholson ; but
as the latter had already sailed for England,
Leisler, under the supposed sanction of the super-
scription, continued in authority.

In the mean time, the disasters of Denonville
in Canada had led to his recall, and the appoint-
ment of Count Frontenac as governor-general.
Although then in his sixty-eighth year, Fronte-
nac, within a few days after his landing at Que-
bec, started in a canoe for Montreal, to animate
the desponding inhabitants, and renew the French
alliances with the neighbouring Indian tribes.
This was the more necessary as the French mo-
narch had espoused the cause of the exiled James,
and had declared war against England. Messen-
gers were also sent into the Iroquois territory to
conciliate the friendship of the Five Nations. A
council was accordingly held on the 22d of Janu-
ary, 1690, at Onondaga, at which eighty chiefs
of the confederated cantons were present. Du-
ring the conference the Indian delegates pro-
fessed themselves disposed to listen to terms of
peace, but evaded the desire of Frontenac to ne-
gotiate a treaty.

Desirous, by a display of energy and courage,
to force the proud warriors to regard an alliance

116 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1690.

with France in a more favourable light, Fronte-
nac determined to carry the Avar into the English
provinces.

Three separate expeditions were accordingly
organized, the first of which, led by De Mantet
and Sainte Helene, was to make a sudden and
unexpected descent upon New York. The second,
led by Hertel, was to surprise the settlement at
Salmon Falls, on the Piscataqua; while the third,
commanded by Portneuf, was ordered to attack
the fort and settlement at Casco Bay. They
were all successful. The war party under De
Mantet and Sainte Helene, and consisting of one
hundred and ten French and Indians, left Mon-
treal about the middle of January, 1690. After
a march of twenty-two days over the frozen sur-
face of the wilderness, during which they subsist-
ed upon parched corn, and such game as could
be procured by their hunters, they entered, just
before midnight, the village of Schenectady, on
the Mohawk River. Passing within the pali-
sades, the gates of which were open and unguard-
ed, they divided themselves into parties of six or
seven each, and while the inhabitants were buried
in profound slumber, the war-whoop was suddenly
raised, and the doors of the houses burst forcibly
opened. An indiscriminate massacre was imme-
diately commenced. Men, women, and children
were put to death in a manner too barbarous to
relate. The whole village was set on fire, and by

1690.] MASSACRE AT SCHENECTADY. 117

the flames, the rifle, and the tomahawk, sixty
persons perished, and twenty-seven were carried
off into captivity. Those who escaped the fury of
the assailants, fled, half-clad, through a driving
snow, toward Albany, twenty-five of whom sub-
sequently lost their limbs, through their exposure
to the severities of the weather during that
dreadful night. The enemy remained in posses-
sion of the village until noon the following day,
when, fearful of being intercepted on their return
by the Iroquois, they retreated hastily into Ca-
nada.

The citizens of Albany, alarmed at this daring
invasion, and weakened by internal discord, no
longer held out against Milbourne, who was ap-
proaching a second time; but passively submitted
the fort into his hands. Unhappily, the province
still continued to be torn by dissensions; and
while the popular faction clamorously sustained
the measures of Leisler, the tory or aristocratic
party placed themselves in direct and vehement
opposition.

118 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1690.

CHAPTER IX.

Invasion of Canada resolved upon — Failure of the expedition —
Arrival of Ingoldsby at New York — The fort blockaded — Ar-
rival of Governor Sloughter — Arrest of Leisler and his coun-
cil— Leisler and Milbourne tried and sentenced to death —
Their execution — Appeal to the king by the son of Leisler —
Report of the commissioners — Appeal to parliament — Re-
versal of the sentence against Leisler and Milbourne — Death
of Sloughter — Fletcher appointed governor — His character —
Frontenac invades the country of the Five Nations — His
march from Montreal — Falls upon the Mohawk villages —
Returns to Canada — Activity of Schuyler— v-Of Fletcher —
His popularity with the Indians — Convention at Albany —
Conduct of Fletcher toward the provincial assembly — Resist-
ance of the latter — Activity of Frontenac — Invades the Onon-
dagas — Torture of an aged chief — Meagre results of the ex-
pedition.

The terrible loss effected by the French de-
tachment upon the frontier settlements, proving
to the English provinces the necessity of united
action, a convention of delegates from Massachu-
setts and Connecticut was held at New York, on
the 1st of May, 1690, when it was resolved that
a force of nine hundred men, from Connecticut
and New York, should march overland against
Montreal; while Massachusetts despatched a fleet
and army against Quebec. Both expeditions
proved signally unsuccessful. A disagreement
between the leaders occasioned insubordination
among the troops, and the land forces separating,

1691.] ARRIVAL OF INGOLDSBY. 119

returned home, exasperated by mutual misunder-
standings. The command of the naval expedition
was intrusted to Sir William Phipps. He sailed
up the St. Lawrence with a fleet of thirty-two
vessels, and anchoring before Quebec on the 18th
of October, sent a messenger to Frontenac, de-
manding a surrender of the town. "I'll answer
your master by the mouths of my cannon," was
the reply of the brave old governor. Two at-
tempts were immediately made to land below the
town, but they were both repulsed with loss. The
forts opening their fire soon after, the provincials
were compelled to abandon the assault and retire
with precipitation.

In January, 1691, Ingoldsby reached New
York, from England, bearing a commission as
captain. On his arrival he demanded possession
of the fort ; but Leisler refused to give it up, con-
tending that Ingoldsby had exhibited no order
from the crown, or from Sloughter, who was
known to have received the commission of gover-
nor, though he had not yet made his appearance
in the province. Irritated at finding his authority
disputed, Ingoldsby, supported by the royalists,
blockaded the fort with his troops, and issued
a proclamation denouncing the governor and
his garrison. The passions of the militia being
aroused, shots were exchanged during the invest-
ment, by which, greatly to the grief of Leisler,
several lives were lost.

120 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1691.

On the 19th of March, Sloughter reached New
York. In the disordered state of the province,
an able and energetic governor would have
speedily remedied many of the evils which had
been fostered by the violence of contending fac-
tions. Sloughter was neither able nor energetic ;
but licentious, avaricious, and poor. Prepossessed
against Leisler before his arrival, he declined to
receive his messengers, or to recognise him in
any other light than as an usurper, and Ingoldsby
was at once ordered to arrest the obnoxious go-
vernor and his council. Soon after their arrest,
a special court was organized for their trials. Six
of the prisoners were found guilty of treason, but
reprieved. Leisler and Milbourne denied the
jurisdiction of the court, and appealed to the
king. Leisler insisted that the letter addressed
to "such as for the time being take care for pre-
serving the peace and administering the laws in
their majesties' province of New York," justified
his retaining the office of lieutenant-governor;
and the obsequious judges referred the argument
to the opinion of the governor and council. They
decided that no such interpretation could be put
upon the superscription; and the unfortunate
governor and his son-in-law were condemned to
death for high treason. One hope of escape from
an ignominious death yet remained. Sloughter
had pronounced them great villains, but hesitated

1691.] EXECUTION OF LEISLER. 121

to order their execution until the pleasure of the
king should be made known.

The friends of Leisler boldly defended his con-
duct, and denounced the malignity of his enemies ;
but the latter, now grown numerous, supported as
they were by the influence of the new governor,
demanded that the law should be put in force. In
the midst of these disturbances the assembly met.
It was soon found to be composed of persons at-
tached to the aristocratic faction, and, of course,
bitterly hostile to Leisler and his son-in-law. A
motion was made for their reprieve ; but resolu-
tions were passed on . the 17th of April, 1G91,
declaring the conduct of the prisoners illegal and
arbitrary, and imputing to their usurpations the
burning of Schenectady, and the ruin of various
merchants. The council then demanded of Slough-
ter their immediate execution, as essential to the
welfare of the province. As the governor still
hesitated, the enemies of Leisler adopted a strata-
gem to effect their purpose. A dinner party was
given, to which the governor was particularly in-
vited. While he was under the influence of wine,
he was cajoled into signing the death-warrants,
and before he recovered his senses the sentence
was carried into effect.

On the 16th of May, in the midst of a cold
drizzling rain, the prisoners were led to the gal-
lows, which stood outside the city wall. Guarded

by the troops, the sad procession moved on,

122 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1692.

thronged about by weeping friends, and exulting
enemies. '-Weep not for us," said Leisler to the
sorrowing populace, "we are going to our God;
but weep for yourselves, that remain behind in
misery and vexation." The handkerchief was
bound about his face. "I hope," said he, "these
eyes shall see our Lord Jesus in heaven." They
were his last words. Milbourne's were not less
pathetic. "I die," he exclaimed, "for the king
and queen, and the Protestant religion in which
I was born and bred. Father, into thy hands I
commit my spirit." In the midst of torrents of
rain, the people rushed forward to obtain some
memento of their leaders.

The appeal to the king, which Leisler had not
been permitted to take, was prosecuted by his
son. It was referred to the Lords Commissioners
of Trade, who, after a patient hearing, decided, on
the 11th of March, that the " deceased were con-
demned and had suffered according to law;" but
declared their families to be fit objects of royal
compassion. The report vras approved, but the
estates of the victims of party animosity were
ordered to be restored to their families. Not
satisfied with this decision, the friends of Leisler
appealed to parliament for redress, and in 1695,
the petition being strongly supported by Sir Wil-
liam Ashurst and Constantine Phipps, an act was
passed by which the attainder was reversed.
Three years subscauent to this, the bodies of Leis-

1692.] COLONEL FLETCHER. 12

ler and Milbourne were disinterred, and after
lying in state with great pomp for several days,
were reburied in the old Dutch church.

The judicial murder of these popular leaders
led to a result widely different from that which
had been anticipated by their enemies. The
principles they had espoused and supported were
only implanted deeper in the minds of the people.
Out of this signal act of tyranny grew a hatred
of oppression, and an abhorrence of the royalist,
or aristocratic party, which gradually gained
ground in the midst of fierce animosities, and
finally ended in the triumphant assertion of
popular rights.

The war with Canada still continued, sustained
principally by the efforts of the Mohawks under
Schuyler. But the vigorous energy, foresight, and
activity of Count Frontenac, were more than a
match for the feeble and ill-conducted attempts
made against him by the English provinces. Af-
ter an inefficient and distracted administration
of four months, Sloughter died, and in the ab-
sence of Dudley, the president of the council, the
control of affairs was committed to Captain In-
goldsby.

In September, 1692, Colonel Benjamin Fletch-
er, a man of strong passions, feeble talents, ac-
tive, and avaricious, arrived, as governor, bringing
with him presents for the Indians, military sup-
plies, and an addition of two companies of sol-

124 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1693.

diers. Fortunately for his subsequent conduct
of Indian affairs, Fletcher early made the ac-
quaintance of Major Schuyler, who had succeeded
to the influence which old Corlear once exercised
over the Iroquois, and from whom the English
governors were subsequently entitled "Corlear"
by the Indians. Major Schuyler, or "Quidder,"
as the Mohawks called him — for they could not
pronounce his Christian name of Peter — was a
brave, active, intelligent, and humane man; and
his unbounded authority over the wild tribes on
the frontier, rendered him eminently serviceable
to the governor, who judiciously admitted him of
his council.

During the period that Fletcher was reorgan-
izing his government, and creating various issues
with the assembly, Count Frontenac was busily
preparing for an expedition against the Five Na-
tions. On the 15th of January, 1693, he set out
from Montreal, with a force of seven hundred
French and Indians, and passing Schenectady on
the 6th of February, entered the first fortified
village of the Mohawks the same night, and cap-
tured five men, and a few women and children.
Most of the warriors of that nation being at this
time on a visit to Schenectady, a second village
was captured equally bloodlessly ; but at the third,
about forty Indians were surprised during a war
dance, and a battle ensued, in which the French
were victorious, though not until after they had

1693.] FRENCH INVASION. 125

sustained a loss of forty men. Satisfied with his
success in this sudden foray, Frontenac now set
off on his return to Canada, bearing with him
about three hundred captives.

The tidings of this invasion was no sooner
known to the Mohawks at Schenectady, than they
called upon the inhabitants to assist them in pur-
suing the retiring enemy. The people were timid,
and hesitated, much to the anger of their savage
allies ; but' their cowardice was atoned for by the
activity of Schuyler, who hastened to the relief
of his friends, at the head of two hundred men.
Being joined on the 15th of February by three
hundred Indians, he followed in pursuit of the
foe, sending back to Albany for reinforcements
and provisions. On the 17th he came up with
the rear guard of the French, and a series of tri-
fling skirmishes ensued. Two days afterward,
his force being increased by the arrival of eighty
regulars, with the much needed supply of provi-
sions, Schuyler resumed the pursuit; but the
enemy had taken advantage of the delay, and
succeeded in reaching the north branch of the
Hudson, through a driving snow storm. Provisions
again falling so short that the Indians were com-
pelled to subsist upon the dead bodies of the ene-
my, all further advance was rendered impossible,
and Schuyler returned to Albany, after having
retaken about fifty of the captives.

The activity of Fletcher on this occasion gained

126 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. ■ [1693.

him great credit with the Five Nations. He no
sooner heard of the approach of the French, than
embarking with three hundred volunteers, he
landed at Albany, a distance of one hundred and
sixty miles from New York, within five days.
He was too late to be of any service, but his zeal
gratified the Indians, who bestowed upon him the
name of "Cayenguirago," or the Great Swift
Arrow.

Reinforcements of troops and munitions of war
reaching Canada from France soon after this in-
road, the Oneidas sued for peace, and even the
faithful Mohawks wavered. To prevent the other
nations of the Iroquois from submitting to the
energetic Frontenac, and to confirm them in their
old alliance with the English, Fletcher met the
chiefs of the Five Nations at Albany, in July,
1693, where he distributed the presents with
which he had been intrusted, and renewed the
ancient covenant. This attention was well-timed,
and the Indians expressed their gratitude. "Bro-
ther Cayenguirago," said they, "we roll and
wallow in joy, because of the great favour your
king and queen have done us, in sending us arms
and ammunition, at a time when we are in the
greatest need of them."

But if Governor Fletcher succeeded in ac-
quiring the affections of the Indians, he failed in
inspiring any attachment, either to his person or
government, on the part of the provincial assem-

1695.] dissensions. 127

bly. With the latter he was coarse, passionate,
and overbearing ; and the liberal principles which
were rapidly spreading throughout the colony,
were met by him with the most pointed and
vigorous rebukes. "There are none of you,"
said he, "but what are big with the privileges of
Englishmen and Magna Charta. ' ' Having desired
them to provide for a ministry in each precinct
throughout the province, a scheme was at length
agreed upon, which was transmitted to him for
his approval. He returned it with an amend-
ment, vesting in himself the power of inducting
every incumbent. The house refusing to accept
the additional clause, Fletcher summoned the
members before him, and in a fit of passion pro-
rogued the assembly. "You take upon you as if
you were dictators," said he.

The dissensions between the governor and suc-
ceeding assemblies increased in violence, until at
length, in 1695, it broke out into an open rup-
ture.

While Fletcher was thus contending with the
people in the assertion of their rights, Frontenac
was rebuilding the fort at Cadaracqui, which was
called after his name.

The continual alarms to which the province of
New York had been subjected by the unceasing
activity of a bold and enterprising enemy, led to
the project of calling upon the several colonies
for assistance. The demand made upon each was

128 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1696.

proportioned according to wealth and population,
but it was only partially responded to.

Unsuccessful in his efforts to form a treaty of
peace with the Five Nations, Frontenac had no
sooner strengthened the fort at Cadaracqui, than
he determined upon an invasion of the Iroquois
territory with all the regulars and militia under
his command. Accompanied by a large force of
friendly Indians, he left Montreal in July, 1696.
The vanguard of this imposing army was com-
posed of two battalions of regulars, under De
Callieres, and a scouting force of Indians. The
main body consisted of a large party of volun-
teers, and four battalions of militia, commanded
by De Ramezai, the governor of Trois Rivieres.
Two battalions of regulars and a small number of
Indians brought up the rear. So formidable a
military force had never before been seen upon
Lake Ontario. Crossing to Oswego, the army re-
embarked upon Oneida Lake, and separating into
two divisions, coasted both shores, to deceive the
Indians in regard to the point where the landing
was to be effected. Entering the country of the
Onondagas, the latter at first prepared to defend
themselves; but on being apprized of the strength
of the French, they set fire to their village, and
retired deeper into the forest.

Learning that the savages were flying before
him, Frontenac, borne in an elbow chair in the
rear of the artillery, pressed forward and entered

1699.] peace. 129

the deserted village. One aged chief alone re-
mained within the rude fortification to receive
them. He was at once delivered over to the
French Indians to be put to death. Although
upward of one hundred years old, he bore
the tortures they inflicted upon him with the
most unflinching firmness. Exasperated by his
stoical indifference, one of the savages at length
stabbed him with a knife. "You had better,"
said he, "let me die by fire, that these French
dogs may learn to die like men. You Indians,
you dogs of dogs, think of me when you are in a
like condition."

The death of this one aged and heroic Onon-
daga was the only result of an invasion which
threatened the entire extermination of the Iro-
quois.

As soon as Frontenac commenced his return to
Canada, the Onondagas harassed his rear, and
succeeded in cutting off several of his batteaux.
A desultory warfare followed, which was termi-
nated in 1699 by the peace of Byswick.

130 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1698.

CHAPTER X.

Arrival of Bellaraont — Ordered to suppress piracy on the coast
— Fletcher discountenanced — Exultation of the popular party
— Captain Kidd commissioned to apprehend the pirates —
Turns pirate himself — Appears in Boston — Is arrested and
sent to England for trial — Commotion in England — Address
of Bellamont to the assembly — His popularity — Engages in
a controversy with Frontenac— French treaty with the In-
dians— Law passed by the assembly against Roman Catholic
priests — Death of Bellamont — Nanfan lieutenant-governor —
Appointment of Cornbury — His character — Attaches himself
to the Royalists — Is granted a donation — Second intercolonial
war — Money appropriated for fortifying the Narrows — Em-
bezzled by Cornbury — Difficulties with the assembly — Dis-
trust of Cornbury — His profligate career — Petitions for his
recall — Arrival of Lord Lovelace — Cornbury arrested for debt
— His return to England.

Osr the 18th of June, 1697, Richard, Earl of
Bellamont, received a commission as Governor
of New York ; but meeting on his voyage with
contrary winds, did not arrive in the province
until the 2d of April, 1698. Having been one
of the committee to which was intrusted an ex-
amination into the conduct of the party by which
Leisler and Milbourne had been sacrificed, he was
already tolerably well informed in relation to the
affairs of the province. As his commission em-
braced also the provinces of Massachusetts Bay
and New Hampshire, in order that he might be
enabled the more effectually to suppress the piracy

1698.] BELLAMONT GOVERNOR. 131

which had for a long time been notoriously en-
couraged on the coasts of North America, he
brought over with him his kinsman, John Nanfan,
as lieutenant-governor of New York.

The administration of Fletcher had given as
little satisfaction in England as it had in the pro-
vince over which he had exercised the authority
of governor. The impunity with which the buc-
caneers had visited the harbour of New York was
imputed to his encouragement and connivance.
Bellamont, an able and upright man, soon exhi-
bited his abhorrence of such proceedings, by re-
garding Fletcher and his adherents with disfavour.
Elated at finding themselves once more under an
executive who was disposed to consult the good
of the province, rather than the elevation of an
aristocratic faction, the popular party hailed his
administration with delight; and the friends of
the murdered Leisler, favoured by Bellamont,
soon found themselves in a majority, both in the
council and in the assembly.

In view of his orders to suppress piracy in
America, Bellamont, previous to his leaving
England, had made the acquaintance of Robert
Livingston, who recommended that the appre-
hension of the pirates should be intrusted to
Captain Kidd, a shipmaster of New York, who
was well acquainted with their haunts, and whom
he vouched for as a man of courage and integri-
ty. The proposal was submitted to the king ; but

132 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1698.

as all the vessels in the royal navy were required
to operate against the French, for the war had not
then closed, the project could not be entertained
by the Admiralty. Livingston then proposed the
formation of a company, to be indemnified out of
the recaptures, and offered to defray the fifth
part of the cost and charges of a vessel, and to
enter into bonds for the faithful performance of
his commission by Kidd. To evince his approval
of the design, the king took a tenth share him-
self, and Somers, the Lord Chancellor, the Duke
of Shrewsbury, the Earls of Romney, Oxford,
and others joined in the adventure, and raised
the sum of six thousand pounds to carry it into
effect. In April, 1G96, Kidd, duly commissioned,
sailed for Plymouth ; but turning pirate himself,
carried the vessel into the eastern seas, where he
committed great depredations. After securing
the wealth thus villanously acquired, he burned
his ship, and returning to America, took up his
residence at Boston. At this place, in 1698,
he was arrested by Bellamont, who having ad-
vised the English government of the capture,
a man-of-war was sent over to convey the prisoner
to England. Being driven back to port in a
storm, a rumour was spread that the ministry
then in power were in collusion with the bucca-
neers, and were afraid to have Kidd brought back
to England, lest he should implicate the whig
lords as having confederated with him for pirati-

1698.] ADDRESS TO THE ASSEMBLY. 133

cal purposes. These suspicions becoming gene-
ral, a motion was made in the House of Commons,
that all who had been concerned in the original
adventure with Kidd, should be deprived of their
offices under the government. This motion being
lost by a large majority, several of the adven-
turers were next impeached in the House of Lords.
They were soon after put upon their trial, and
from the facts then elicited, were honourably ac-
quitted by their peers.

The first assembly convened by Bellamont, met
on the 18th of May. In his opening address, the
new governor pointed out the disorderly condition
into which the province had fallen through the
culpable negligence, favouritism, and covetous
spirit of his predecessor. Reminding the mem-
bers that the revenue required to be provided for,
he added: "It would be hard if I, that come
among you with an honest mind, and a resolution
to be just to your interest, should meet with
greater difficulties in the discharge of his majes-
ty's service than those who have gone before me.
I will take care that there shall be no misapplica-
tion of the public money. I will pocket none of
it myself, nor shall there be any embezzlement
by others ; but exact accounts shall be given you,
when, and as often as you require."

The custom adopted by Fletcher of influencing
elections by his personal presence, was firmly
discountenanced by Bellamont, who recommended

134 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1699.

the assembly to provide by law for the reforma-
tion of such abuses. Confident that they had at
length obtained a governor sincerely desirous of
promoting the general welfare of the province,
the members of the assembly passed a warm ad-
dress of thanks for his speech; but vrere soon
after engaged in controversies among themselves,
which led to the secession of six of the delegates,
and obliged Bellamont to dissolve the house on
the 14th of June.

During the year 1699, the governor was en-
gaged in a spirited correspondence with Count
Front enac, relative to the exchange of prisoners
consequent upon the peace of Rysvrick. Bella-
mont included in his demand the Indians detained
in captivity in Canada, claiming their liberty as
British subjects. Frontenac insisted upon con-
sidering the Five Nations as independent, and
therefore not subject to the provisions of the late
treaty. Bellamont persevered in demanding their
release, and threatened to recommence the war
if his claim was not admitted. "If it is neces-
sary," he wrote, "I will arm every man in the
provinces under my government to oppose you,
and redress the injury that you may perpetrate
against our Indians."

While the dispute was pending Frontenac died ;
and De Callieres, his successor, terminated the
difficulty by treating with the Iroquois in person,
without admitting the right of the British gover-

1700.] FEELING AGAINST PRIESTS. 135

nor to intermediate. When the French commis-
sioners reached Onondaga to perfect the treaty,
they were met outside of the palisades by De-
canesora, an Iroquois chief, who presented them
with three belts of wampum. "By the first,"
said he, "we wipe away your tears for the
French who have been slain in the war ; by the
second, we open your mouths that you may speak
freely; and by the third, we clear the mat on
which you are to sit, from the blood which has
been spilled on both sides." The commissioners
in attendance from Albany were then invited to
witness the conference that ensued; and when
Bruyes, a Jesuit, expressed a desire to remain in
the nation, the chiefs, true to their old allegiance,
replied coldly: "We have already accepted Cor-
lear's belt, by which he offers pastors to instruct
us.

The virulent hatred inspired by the influence
which the French missionaries exerted over the
minds of the Indians, strongly exhibited itself in
New York, during the summer of 1700, when the
assembly passed an act for the hanging of every
Boman Catholic priest that came voluntarily into
the province.

Bespected by the people, and in harmony with
his council and the assembly, the latter exhibited
their confidence in the integrity of the governor
by voting a revenue for six years, and placing it
in his hands for disbursement. Notwithstanding

136 HISTORY OF XEW YORK. [1702.

this honourable proof of popular confidence, the
activity of Bellamont in preventing any violation
of the navigation acts, made him many enemies
among the merchants of the province, who, re-
garding those laws as oppressive and unjust, had
heretofore been accustomed to violate them with
impunity. The display of ill-feeling occasioned
by these differences ceased only with the death
of the governor, which took place suddenly on the
5th of March, 1701.

He was succeeded by Lieutenant-governor
Kanfan, during whose brief administration a
court of chancery was organized, and a Protes-
tant minister, paid by the province, directed to
devote his services to the instruction of the In-
dians. Unhappily, party animosities also revived
at this time, which led to acts of violence and
disorder. Livingston and Bayard, the leaders of
the anti-Leislerian faction, were treated with
great harshness by the popular party then in
power, and the result would in all probability
have ended seriously to the latter, but for the
arrival, in 1702, of the needy and unprincipled
Cornbury, as governor of the two provinces of
New York and New Jersey.

Claiming kindred with royalty, weak-minded,
arrogant, and vicious, Cornbury immediately
united himself to the aristocratic faction, which,
strengthened by his powerful support, soon ac-
quired a majority in the assembly. To his open-

1703.] EMBEZZLEMENT BY COKNBURY. 137

ing address the members heartily responded by
providing an annual revenue for seven years, by
voting him a donation of two thousand pounds to
defray the expenses of his voyage, and by in-
creasing his annual salary to twelve hundred
pounds.

War having been proclaimed by England
against France and Spain, on the 4th of May,
1702, the assembly, which met in April, 1703,
granted an appropriation of fifteen hundred
pounds for the erection of two batteries at the
Narrows. But though it was distinctly specified
that the money should be appropriated "for no
other use whatever," his lordship neglected to
build the fortifications. Dishonest and extrava-
gant, he drew the amount from the treasury by
his warrants, and applied it to his private pur-
poses.

To guard against any misapplication of the
public funds in future, the assembly of 1704 re-
fused to make any further appropriations until
the previous grant was accounted for. Angry
discussions followed. The members asserted their
rights, and Cornbury responded haughtily, by
saying: "I know of no rights that you have as
an assembly but such as the queen is pleased to
allow you."

A treaty of neutrality existing between the

French in Canada and the Five Nations, there

was in reality no pressing necessity for voting the

12*

138 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1708.

sums of money which Cornbury was repeatedly
soliciting; but when, in 1705, a French privateer
entered the harbour of New York, the alarm into
which the province was thrown, induced the
assembly to pass bills for raising an amount suf-
ficient to defray the expenses of fortifications,
and a corps of scouts and rangers, to be stationed
on the frontiers.

"Warned by the previous embezzlements, not to
trust the public funds in the hands of the gover-
nor, they agreed to sanction the grant only upon
the condition that it should be disbursed by a
treasurer appointed by themselves. To this Corn-
bury reluctantly assented, and the arrangement
was subsequently permitted by the English go-
vernment, but only so far as it applied to specific
appropriations. The firm and decided stand
taken by the assembly on this occasion, led to its
sudden prorogation.

In 1706 the house was again called together;
but the members being found equally intractable,
a dissolution speedily took place. No further
session was convened until 1708, and in the mean
time, the profligate career of Cornbury had ren-
dered him odious to all parties. He had been
rebuked for his tyrannical interference in matters
of religion, for his peculations in office, and for
his exaction of illegal fees, and no longer was
any confidence placed either in his honour or his
honesty. For some time he endeavoured to main-

1709.] CORNBURY RECALLED. 139

tain his authority by a greater display of im-
periousness and arrogance; but falling deeply
into debt, he suffered himself to be humbled by
the assembly whose rights he had so haughtily
disputed, and became contemptible in the eyes
of the people, by parading the fort dressed in the
clothes of a woman, and by similar acts of reck-
lessness and folly.

Disgusted alike with his antics and his knavery,
the public indignation at length vented itself in
clamorous petitions for his recall. Their efforts
were successful; and in 1709, Lord Lovelace
arrived at New York commissioned to supersede
Cornbury in the government of the province.
Losing with his office his immunity from arrest,
Cornbury had no sooner recognised the commis-
sion of his successor, than his creditors threw
him into the custody of the sheriff of New York,
where he remained until he succeeded, by the
death of his father, to the earldom of Clarendon.
He then returned to England, bearing with him
the unenviable distinction of having been one of
the worst provincial governors that had ever re-
ceived an appointment from the English crown.

140 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1709.

CHAPTER XL

Lovelace demands of the assembly a permanent revenue — An
annual grant substituted — Death of Lovelace — Administra-
tion of Ingoldsby — Abortive attempt to invade Canada — Dis-
content of New York — Address to Queen Anne — Colonel
Schuyler repairs to England, accompanied by five Mohawk
chiefs — Reception of the latter in London — Their interview
with the Queen — Governor Hunter arrives at New York —
The assembly refractory — Expedition against Canada — Its
shameful failure — Activity of De Vandreuil — The provincial
troops disbanded — Indignation of England and the colonies —
Charges brought against St. John and Harcourt — Contro-
versy between Hunter and the assembly in relation to a per-
manent revenue — The point carried by the governor — Gloomy
condition of the province — Negro insurrection — Peace of
Utrecht — Permanent revenue granted — Hunter's popularity
— His return to England.

'B'

The first assembly convened by Lord Lovelace
met in April, 1709. In his opening address to
the members, he demanded, on behalf of the
crown, the grant of a permanent revenue, the
discharge of the debts of the provincial govern-
ment, and, for his own satisfaction, a full exami-
nation of the public accounts, in order that he
might be exonerated from debts which were not
of his contracting.

The assembly responded by congratulating
Lovelace on his arrival among them, and by
assuring him of their desire to consult the good

1709.] CANADA INVADED. 141

of the country and his satisfaction; but as the
loose and unprincipled conduct of Cornbury had
taught them the policy of retaining in their own
hands an entire control over the appropriations,
they declined voting any more moneys than were
necessary for the annual support of the govern-
ment.

As this placed the governor and the other ser-
vants of the crown entirely at the mercy of the
assembly, there is no doubt that Lovelace would
have resisted an innovation by which his preroga-
tive was restricted within such narrow limits ; but
having contracted a disorder in crossing the ferry
at New York, on his first arrival in the province,
he died the 5th of May, 1709, while the assembly
was in session, and was succeeded by Richard
Ingoldsby, the lieutenant-governor.

The brief administration of Ingoldsby was only
remarkable for another abortive attempt to in-
vade Canada, for which large preparations had
been made by New York and the New England
provinces.

The design being to co-operate with a strong
British fleet, in a simultaneous attack upon Que-
bec and Montreal, troops from Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, assembled at
Boston, and awaited the arrival of the promised
squadron, while the quotas of New York, New
Jersey, and Connecticut, numbering some fifteen
hundred men, marched to Wood Creek, near the

142 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1709.

head of Lake Chainplain, where they erected for-
tifications, and stored their provisions.

As usual, unforeseen obstacles occurred. Just
as the expedition was about to set sail from Eng-
land, an alarming defeat, suffered by the Portu-
guese, rendered it necessary for the British
ministry to despatch the fleet and troops intended
for America, to the support of their ancient ally.
Deeply mortified at having been thus foiled in the
prosecution of a favourite project, the colonial
levies were recalled and disbanded.

New York was particularly disconcerted at this
unexpected result. The province had been lavish
of its means to make the invasion as effective as
possible. The expenses it had incurred amounted
to twenty thousand pounds. Besides maintaining
its quota of volunteer and independent companies,
it had enlisted six hundred Iroquois warriors, and
supported at Albany, during the period of their
absence, one thousand of their wives and children.

Disappointed at the failure of an enterprise
upon the success of which the security of the
frontiers so much depended, the assembly declined
to assist in an attack upon Acadia, which was
agreed upon soon after, during a congress of
colonial governors held at Newport, in Rhode
Island. Believing that in the spread of the
French from the region of Canada westward, the
greatest danger was to be apprehended by the
British colonies, the assembly, in the month of

1710.] SCHUYLER VISITS ENGLAND. 143

October, 1709, drew up an address to the queen,
setting forth their views upon the subject.

"It is well known," they wrote, "that the
French can go by water from Quebec to Mon-
treal. From thence they can do the like, through
rivers and lakes, at the back of all your majesty's
plantations on this continent as far as Carolina.
And in this large tract of country live several
nations of Indians who are vastly numerous.
Among those they constantly send emissaries and
priests, with toys and trifles, to insinuate them-
selves into their favour. Afterward they send
traders, then soldiers, and at last build forts
among them; and the garrisons are encouraged
to intermarry, cohabit, and incorporate among
them ; and it may easily be concluded, that upon
a peace, many of the disbanded soldiers will be
sent thither for that purpose."

About this time, Colonel Schuyler having ex-
pressed his determination to proceed to England,
at his own expense, for the purpose of urging
personally upon the government the necessity of
the conquest of Canada, the assembly entered
warmly into his views by passing an unanimous
resolution testifying to his long and faithful pub-
lic services, and by intrusting to his charge their
address to the crown.

Accompanied by five Mohawk chiefs, Schuyler
reached England early in the spring of 1710.
The presence of the stately savages created a

144 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1710.

great sensation throughout the kingdom. Multi-
tudes flocked to see them. Followed everywhere
by a dense throng of people, they paraded the
streets of London, dressed in black clothes, over
which were flung gay scarlet mantles edged with
gold. On the 19th of April, they were intro-
duced by the Lord Chamberlain to Queen Anne,
when one of them, after referring to the failure
of the expedition against Canada, continued as
follows : —

"We were mightily rejoiced when we heard
our great queen had resolved to send an army to
reduce Canada, and immediately, in token of
friendship, we hung up the kettle, and took up
the hatchet, and with one consent assisted Colo-
nel Nicholson in making preparations on this side
the lake ; but at length we were told our great
queen, by some important affairs, was prevented
in her design at present, which made us sorrow-
ful, lest the French, who had hitherto dreaded us,
should now think us unable to make war against
them. The reduction of Canada is of great weight
to our free hunting; so that if our great queen
should not be mindful of us, we must, with our
families, forsake our country and seek other
habitations, or stand neuter, either of which will
be against our inclinations."

"When he had closed, the orator presented the
queen with belts of wampum, in proof of the

1710.] HUNTER APPOINTED GOVERNOR. 145

sincerity of the Five Nations. He received a
gracious reply, and the audience was ended.

On the 14th of June, Brigadier Robert Hun-
ter arrived at New York, bearing the commission
of governor. A native of Scotland, Hunter first
entered upon the business of life as apprentice to
an apothecary; but running away from his mas-
ter, he enlisted in the army as a common soldier.
His fine talents, handsome person, and graceful
address, won him the friendship of Swift and
Addison, and the hand of Lady Hay. Married
to a peeress, military promotion soon followed.
His first colonial appointment was in 1707, as
lieutenant-governor of Virginia ; but being cap-
tured by the French while on his voyage to that
province, he was commissioned, on his return to
England, to succeed Lovelace in the government
of New York and New Jersey.

Hunter brought over with him, at the expense
of the crown, three thousand Germans, who had
taken refuge in England the year previous, from
the wars which had laid desolate their homesteads
on the Rhine. Many of these immigrants settled
in the city of New York. Of the remainder,
some ascended the Hudson River, where they
commenced cultivating a tract of several thousand
acres on the manor of Livingston ; while others,
migrating into Pennsylvania, wrote from thence
such favourable accounts of the country to their
friends abroad, that the latter came flocking over

146 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1710.

in numbers so great as to form extensive agricul-
tural communities in the western parts of that
province.

Hunter met his first assembly in September,
1710; but following out instructions similar to
those which had been given to his predecessor, he
soon found himself threatened with a controversy
in relation to a permanent revenue, which he only
avoided by a prorogation of the house until the
following spring.

"While this discussion was at its height, the
New England states were vigorously prosecuting
the conquest of Acadia. Thirty transports, bear-
ing four provincial regiments, supported by six
English vessels, having on board five hundred
marines, sailed from Boston in September, and
toward the close of the month cast anchor in the
harbour of Port Royal. The command of this
expedition had been given to Colonel Nicholson,
formerly lieutenant-governor of New York under
Sloughter. It proved signally successful , The
French garrison, feeble in numbers, and already
mutinous from a scarcity of food, being more dis-
posed to desert to the besiegers than to offer an
ineffectual resistance, Subercase, their comman-
der, capitulated on the 12th of October, and on
the 16th, evacuated, with his ragged and half-
famished troops, one of the strongest fortresses
in all North America. The inhabitants of the
surrounding districts immediately submitted to

1711.] CANADA AGAIN INVADED. 147

the conquerors, who, in retaliation for the suffer-
ings which their own countrymen had experienced
at the hands of the French, treated them with
but little mercy. Vetch, the second in command
to Nicholson, being left with four hundred men to
occupy the fortress, the remainder of the forces
returned in triumph to Boston.

The bloodless acquisition of Acadia, still further
stimulating the desire of the English colonies to
obtain possession of Canada also, Nicholson, at
the instance of the provincial governors, repaired
to England, and urged upon the ministry an im-
mediate prosecution of the long contemplated
enterprise.

His appeal being strongly supported by the
secretary of state, St. John, subsequently known
as Lord Bolingbroke, seven regiments of regulars
and a battalion of marines were ordered to be
embarked on board a fleet of fifteen ships-of-war
and forty transports, the command of ihe land
forces being given to Brigadier-general Hill, while
that of the squadron was intrusted to Admiral
Sir Hovenden Walker. The fleet reached Boston
on the 25th of June, 1711, where a month was
wasted in embarking the colonial forces, and in
providing supplies.

In the mean time, fifteen hundred provincials
and eight hundred Indians, commanded by Nichol-
son, assembled at Albany, preparatory to an
attack on Montreal. But with the usual fatality

148 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1711.

which had attended every attempt to conquer
Canada, the fleet which was destined to operate
against Quebec, did not commence ascending the
St. Lawrence until the middle of August. The
wind blowing fresh, "Walker put into the Bay of
Gaspe, until the 20th, when he again set sail.
On the evening of the 22d, a thick fog setting in,
the pilots advised that the vessels shculd lie-to,
with their heads pointing to the southward. The
admiral, inefficient and self-willed, countermanded
the order and directed that the fleet should head
north. The consequence was that, during the
mist and darkness, eight of the transports were
wrecked among the Egg Islands of the St. Law-
rence, with a loss of eight hundred and eighty-
four men. Alarmed at a disaster brought about
in a great measure by his own incompetence,
AValker now put back into Spanish River Bay,
where he called a council of war. Acting upon
their advice, which was evidently in accordance
with his own wishes, he concluded to abandon the
expedition and return home, congratulating him-
self that by the loss of a part of his troops, he
had been saved from hazarding the lives of the
remainder.

Fully aware of the danger by which he was
menaced, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, with that
remarkable energy which seems to have been a
characteristic of the French governors in Canada,
made every preparation in his power to meet it.

1711.] FAILURE OF THE EXPEDITION. 149

He called around liim his faithful allies, and
having strengthened Quebec and the posts below
on both sides of the river, sent out trusty spies to
watch for the first appearance of the British
squadron. When he became aware from the in-
telligence which reached him that Quebec was no
longer threatened, De Vaudreuil hastened at the
head of three thousand men to Chambly, in order
to protect Montreal against the advance of the
provincial army under Nicholson. His apprehen-
sions of an attack in the latter quarter were,
however, speedily put to rest. Nicholson no
sooner heard that Walker had set sail for Eng-
land, and that the colonial transports had been
sent home, than he disbanded his forces and de-
parted from Albany, leaving the inhabitants of
that city in great alarm lest De "Vaudreuil should
advance from his camp at Chambly and carry on
a frontier war of retaliation.

To New York the shameful failure of this ex-
pedition was peculiarly unfortunate. An expense
of ten thousand pounds had been incurred to no
purpose; the frontiers still lay open to the in-
cursions of the enemy ; while the Five Nations,
beginning to regard with contempt a people whose
projects always ended unsuccessfully, evinced a
disposition to form a treaty of alliance with the
French, whose good fortune, spirit, and energy
had won their admiration.

In England, the inglorious return of Walker

13*

150 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1711.

roused the public indignation. The regular offi-
cers defended themselves, by attributing the
failure of the expedition to the detention at Bos-
ton while waiting for supplies ; and charged the
delay upon the New England people, whom they
denounced as being selfish, ill-natured, sour,
hypocritical, and canting. The latter retorted by
asserting the enterprise to have been a tory device
intended to fail, and gotten up for the sole pur-
pose of fleecing and disgracing the eastern pro-
vinces. Parliament next took up the quarrel,
and Harley, separated from his former colleagues,
accused St. John and the Chancellor Harcourt
of having contrived the project, for the purpose
of putting twenty thousand pounds into their own
pockets. "No government," said Harcourt, "is
worth supporting that will not admit of such ad-
vantageous jobs."

While this controversy was raging, Governor
Hunter was contending with a refractory assem-
bly. The latter, abiding by their previous de-
termination to make no appropriations for a
longer term than one year, refused to pass the
bills as altered by the council. Warm discussions
ensued. The council contended that, as a co-
ordinate branch of the legislature, deriving, in
like manner with the assembly, their authority
from "the mere grace of the crown," they had a
right to make such amendments as they thought
proper. The delegates replied boldly: "The

1712.] DIFFERENCES WITH THE ASSEMBLY. 151

inherent right the assembly have to dispose of
the money of the freemen of this colony, does not
proceed from any commission, letters patent, or
other grant from the crown ; but from the free
choice and election of the people, who ought
not to be divested of their property, nor justly
can without their consent. Any former conde-
scensions of other assemblies, will not prescribe
to the council a privilege to make any of those
amendments; and, therefore, they have it not.
The assembly are sufficiently convinced of the
necessity they are in, not to admit of any en-
croachments so much to their prejudice."

Another cause of complaint at this period was
the erection of a court of chancery, and the as-
sumption of the chancellorship by Hunter him-
self. The assembly disputed his authority to
establish such a court without their consent, and
contended that the fees exacted under such cir-
cumstances were contrary to law. They appealed
to the Lords of Trade, but met with a pointed
rebuke, the act of Hunter and his council being:
fully sustained.

At the session of 1712, Hunter again vainly
endeavoured to prevail upon the assembly to
grant a permanent revenue. They would allow
no more than an annual appropriation, specifically
applied. Nothing could be more gloomy than
the aspect of affairs at this period. The assem-
bly, governor, and council were at issue; the

152 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1713.

Iroquois, tempted by French emissaries, were
wavering in their allegiance ; an invasion was an-
ticipated by sea ; and, to add to the general alarm,
a negro insurrection broke out in the city of New
York, by which several persons lost their lives.
It was speedily suppressed, however, and nine-
teen of the real or supposed conspirators were
executed. During this year, the Tusearora In-
dians, having been defeated in an attempt to
exterminate the English in North Carolina, took
refuge among the Iroquois, by whom they were
received into the confederacy, which became
known thenceforth as the Six Nations.

At length, in 1713, the second intercolonial,
or Queen Anne's war, was terminated by the
peace of Utrecht. France, humbled by the suc-
cessive victories of Marlborough, ceded to Great
Britain the territory of Hudson's Bay, the whole
of Newfoundland and Acadia, and the island of
St. Kitts in the West Indies. The subjection
of the Five Nations to the English crown was
also acknowledged; but as neither the bounda-
ries of the Iroquois territory, nor those of Louisi-
ana and Acadia were defined by the treaty, they
became, in after years, a fruitful source of dis-
pute, which engendered repeated acts of hostility,
and kept the frontiers of the English colonies in
almost continual warfare, until the conquest of
Canada was finally consummated by General
Wolfe.

1719.] GENERAL PROSPERITY. 153

But though the close of the war relieved New
York from the pressure of an active enemy, the
province still continued agitated by the differ-
ences existing between the governor and the
assembly. Finding, after several successive ses-
sions, that neither threats nor blandishments, nor
the decision of the Lords of Trade, could move
the delegates to grant a revenue in the manner
demanded by the crown, Hunter resorted to arti-
fice to obtain his ends. Personally a favourite
with all parties, and ably supported by Colonel
Morris, his confidential adviser, a gentleman of
great influence in the province, he at length suc-
ceeded, by intrigue and concession, in accom-
plishing the orders of his superiors.

At the session of 1715, « a well-disposed ma-
jority" granted a revenue for five years; and
two years afterward, authorized a new issue of
paper money to the amount of forty-eight thou-
sand pounds, for the alleged purpose of liqui-
dating long outstanding public debts, which had
not been provided for previously.

From this period until the return of Hunter to
England in 1719, every thing worked harmonious-
ly. Victorious on the only important point at
issue, the governor, always disposed to conciliate
matters, could well afford to be generous. He
permitted the naturalization of the Dutch inhabi-
tants, a privilege which had previously been de-
nied; consented that British imported goods

154 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1719.

should be taxed for the benefit of the colony, and
to the imposition of tonnage duties on foreign
vessels. The failure of his health demanding a
change of climate, Hunter surrendered the go-
vernment of the province into the hands of Colo-
nel Schuyler, and embarking for England on the
31st of July, 1719, carried with him, from the
respective assemblies of New York and New Jer-
sey, testimonials expressive of their high appre-
ciation of his public services, and of his private
virtues.

1720.] ARRIVAL OF BURNET. 155

CHAPTER XII,

Arrival of Governor Burnet — His character — Old assembly con-
tinued— Sale of Indian goods to the French prohibited — Mer-
cantile opposition — Petition to the king — Reply of Colden and
Alexander — Activity of the French — Indian policy of Burnet
■ — Fort Oswego built — Administrative difficulties — Alienation
of Schuyler, Philips, and Delancey — New assembly demanded
by the people — Removal of Burnet to the government of Mas-
sachusetts— Montgomery appointed governor — Harmonizes
with the assembly — Meets the Indians in convention at Alba-
ny— Fort Oswego threatened — Burnet's Indian policy repu-
diated— Boundary fixed between New York and Connecticut
— Seizure of Crown Point by the French — Cosby succeeds
Montgomery — Ingratiates himself with the assembly — A free
school established — Violent and arbitrary conduct of Cosby —
Political quarrels — Imprisonment of Zenger, printer of the
Weekly Journal — His trial — Defended by Hamilton, of Phila-
delphia— Liberty of the press vindicated — Illegal career of
Cosby — His sudden death — Bitter party feuds — Clarke ap-
pointed lieutenant-governor.

Schuyler administered the government of the
province with great prudence and honesty for
thirteen months. On the 17th of September,
1720, he was superseded by William Burnet, a
son of the celebrated bishop. Though a gentle-
man of fine literary acquirements, and an indus-
trious student, he was nevertheless of a lively and
social disposition. By no means averse to mend-
ing his shattered fortunes, which had been greatly
reduced by the bursting of the South Sea bubble,
he exchanged with Hunter the comptrollership

156 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1720.

of the customs at London, for the government of
the colonies of New York and New Jersey. De-
sirous of conciliating the affections of the people,
Governor Burnet rendered himself accessible to
all ; while, in his frequent visits to the principal
families, whose friendship he assiduously courted,
he delicately avoided every appearance of parade
or ostentation. Such conduct was well calcu-
lated to win the strong personal esteem with
which he soon came to be regarded, and tended
in a great degree to soften the political asperi-
ties by which his administration was subsequently
distinguished. As Hunter had taken the pre-
caution to prevent a dissolution of the "well-dis-
posed" assembly during his absence, Governor
Burnet, contrary to custom, continued it in ex-
istence after his arrival, and obtained thereby,
through the influence of Colonel Morris, a re-
newal of the grant of a revenue for five years.

But if this retention of the old assembly was
of service to Burnet in one respect, it unfortu-
nately lost him the support of Schuyler and
Philips, both of whom, as members of the coun-
cil, had strenuously advocated the propriety of a
new election.

In this measure, however, Burnet only con-
formed to his instructions ; but he acted from his
own just and enlarged views, when he procured
from the same assembly the passage of a law pro-
hibiting the sale of Indian goods to the French.

1722.] ACTIVITY OF THE FRENCH. 157

As the principal commodities required in the In-
dian trade were of British manufacture, the re-
taining of those commodities in their own hands,
was not only of vast benefit to the province in a
pecuniary point of view, but it was also well cal-
culated to effect a political change in the relations
previously existing between the Canadians and the
distant Indian tribes, who, subsequently, could
only obtain their customary supplies at the hands
of English traders.

The act, however, being productive of great
opposition from interested parties, and eliciting a
memorial to the crown praying for its repeal,
Burnet was soon after called upon to answer the
objections of the petitioners. A long and able
report was accordingly drawn up by Colden and
Alexander, two members of the council, which
triumphantly justified the course pursued by the
governor, but entailed upon its authors the last-
ing enmity of those merchants who had formerly
carried on a lucrative traffic with the French.

Indefatigable as ever, the latter were making
every effort to extend the dominion of France,
from Canada westwardly, by ingratiating them-
selves with the Indian tribes of those regions,
through the influence of their traders and mis-
sionaries. Penetrating their projects, and well
acquainted with the geography of the country,
Burnet sought to intercept the intercourse be-
tween the Canadians and the Indian tribes settled

158 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1722.

on the great lakes and the numerous tributaries
of the Mississippi, by building, during the year
1722, a trading-house at Oswego, which he sub-
sequently strengthened by a fort erected at his
own expense; thus extending the limits of the
province of New York to the south shore of Lake
Ontario. The situation was judiciously chosen,
and the Miamis, the Hurons, and unknown tribes
from the distant west, soon became frequent and
profitable visitors.

But while the wisdom of Burnet's Indian policy
was regarded with approval by all those who
were most nearly interested in the prosperity of
the province, his domestic administration was a
turbulent one. The old dispute respecting the
chancellorship was revived. This was touching
the governor nearly, for he prided himself greatly
upon the exercise of the office of chancellor, as it
afforded favourable opportunities for the display
of his erudition. His integrity was unquestion-
able ; but whether he was altogether suitable for
a judge may be doubted, as his rapid decisions
gave him but little time to reflect upon the merits
of the cause. "I act first, and think afterward,"
said he; a dangerous admission, which, doubtless,
had its weight in the scale of opposition. But
he had other sources of annoyance. Unaccus-
tomed to dissemble his thoughts, his free speech
had alienated Schuyler, Philips, and Delancey,
all three persons of influence in the province ;

1728.] MONTGOMERY APPOINTED GOVERNOR. 159

■while the continuance of an assembly, which had
already existed for eleven years, was regarded
by many as unconstitutional. The assembly
themselves, changed by the decease of old, and
the election of new members, were also becoming
insubordinate. In 1726 they refused to grant a
revenue for a longer period than three years.
The people were clamorous for a new election,
and Burnet reluctantly yielded to the general
wish.

The new assembly, which met in 1727, con-
sisted of members wholly disaffected to the go-
vernor. His decrees in chancery, his conduct in
relation to a dispute in the French church, and
the prohibition of the Canada trade, being made
subjects of severe animadversion, he took the
earliest opportunity of summoning the delegates
into his presence and dissolving them.

The commission of Governor Burnet expiring
by the decease of George I., his opponents ex-
erted their influence to procure his removal, on
the plea that his longer continuance in office
wrould be dangerous to the public tranquillity.
Their efforts proving successful, Burnet was trans-
ferred to the government of Massachusetts Bay,
and was succeeded on the 15th of April, 1728,
by John Montgomery.

Educated to the profession of arms, Governor
Montgomery had subsequently occupied the more
peaceful post of gentleman of the bedchamber to

160 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1729.

George II., prior to that monarch's accession to
the throne. His abilities were very moderate,
and preferring a life of ease to the turmoil of
politics, he won the favour of the assembly by
conceding their right to regulate salaries, and by
declining to sit as chancellor until specially
directed to do so by orders from England. Even
then he obeyed with reluctance, and only as a
matter of form, as he confessed himself unquali-
fied for the station.

Having procured from the assembly the grant
of a revenue for five years, he proceeded to Al-
bany, where he held a council with delegates from
the Six Nations, and bestowed upon them the
presents with which he was charged. At this
council he succeeded in renewing the ancient
league, and in engaging the Indians to assist in
defending the fort at Oswego, in case of its being
attacked by the French.

This judicious arrangement was well-timed;
for, during the spring of 1729, Governor Mont-
gomery received intelligence from the vigilant
Burnet, that an expedition was organizing in
Canada for the purpose of destroying the obnox-
ious trading-post. The garrison was immediately
reinforced by a body of men taken from the in-
dependent companies, and the Six Nations having
proclaimed their determination to join in repel-
ling the enemy, the prospect of success being
thus rendered doubtful, the Governor of Canada

1731.] FORTRESS AT CROWN POINT. 161

broke up his preparations, and abandoned his
design.

Unfortunately, at this period the wise policy
of Burnet was repudiated by the king, who,
through ignorance or intrigue, repealed the acts
prohibiting the Canadian trade, and thereby re-
stored to the French those advantages of which
they had been deprived by the judicious but un-
popular measures for which Burnet, trusting to
time for his justification, had willingly incurred
so much odium.

In the month of May, 1731, the long disputed
boundary question between Connecticut and New
York was finally settled. On the 1st of July
following, Governor Montgomery dying, the ad-
ministration devolved upon Rip Van Dam, presi-
dent of the council. In the short period during
which Van Dam held the office of acting gover-
nor, the French, in defiance of previous treaty
stipulations, entered the territory of the Iroquois,
and seizing upon Crown Point, proceeded to build
a fortress there. This daring and dangerous en-
croachment, which secured the command of Lake
Champlain, and laid open to the enemy the fron-
tiers of New York, Massachusetts, and New
Hampshire, was regarded with singular apathy
by the assembly of New York. No attempt was
made to counteract it until 1737, when a scheme
was projected for settling a body of Scotch High-
landers on Lake George, to serve as a military

14*

162 HISTORY OF NBW YORK. [1732.

colony in the defence of the province. It was
partially carried out, but owing to the selfishness
and ill faith of the provincial government, was
finally abandoned.

In August, 1732, William Cosby arrived at
New York, commissioned to succeed Montgomery
in the government of the province. The charac-
ter of Cosby had preceded him. Previously
Governor of Minorca, he was charged with having
illegally seized and confiscated the property of
a Spanish merchant, evading a judicial inquiry
into his conduct by secreting the papers which
would have enabled the owner to prove the crimi-
nality of the act. Having, however, been active
in opposing the measures brought forward in Par-
liament the preceding year for the encourage-
ment of the sugar islands, the assembly evinced
their gratitude by continuing the revenue for five
years, by fixing his salary at two thousand pounds
a year, and by presenting him with the sum of
seven hundred and fifty pounds for the assistance
he had rendered their agents in London. Indig-
nant at receiving so small a remuneration for his
services, he broke out into violent abuse of the
assembly, and sarcastically asked Morris, one of
the members, why they did not add pounds, shil-
lings, and pence? "Do they think I came from
England for money?" said he. "I'll make them
know better." This display of temper gained
for him an addition of two hundred and fifty

1732.] cosby's arbitrary conduct. 163

pounds, but he lost from that time the confidence
of the assembly.

Provision was made at the same session for the
first free school established in New York. The
bill for this purpose, drafted by Phillips, the
speaker, and introduced by Delancey, occasioned
no little merriment, from its preamble containing
the singular declaration that, " the youth of this
colony are found, by manifold experience, to be
not inferior in their natural genius to the youth
of any other country in the world."

Avaricious and arbitrary, Cosby was no sooner
placed at ease in respect to a revenue, than, cast-
ing off all restraint, he exhibited himself in his
true colours. He suspended Van Dam and others
from their seats in council without authority. He
deprived Morris, the chief justice, of his office,
which he bestowed upon the younger Delancey.
He quarrelled with Alexander, the secretary of
state, and with Smith, one of the leading lawyers
in the province. When reminded of his illegal
proceedings, he answered flippantly, "I have
great interest in England." He took care, how-
ever, to write to the Lords of Trade, defending
his measures as necessary for the preservation
of the king's prerogative ; charging the assembly,
and part of the council with being tainted with
"Boston principles."

Finding remonstrances of no avail, the oppo-
nents of the governor at length made known their

164 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1733.

political grievances through the columns of the
public press. Prior to 1733, Bradford's New York
Gazette was the only newspaper published in the
province. As this was in the interest of the go-
vernor, a new paper, called the "Weekly Journal,
was issued by John Peter Zenger, as the organ
of the popular party. It soon became filled with
articles in vrhich the measures of the government
were criticised with great severity. Among
these, certain "low ballads" were charged by the
chief justice to be libels. Not being able to ob-
tain the concurrence of the assembly in a prose-
cution of the printer, Cosby and his council, on
the 2d of December, took upon themselves to
order four of the journals to be publicly burned
by the common hangman, and imprisoned Zenger,
on the charge of publishing false and malicious
libels.

The grand jury refusing to indict him, Brad-
ley, the attorney-general, filed an information.
Alexander and Smith, the counsel for Zenger,
having excepted to the commissions of the judges
on the ground of illegality, the court ordered
their names to be struck from the roll of attor-
neys.

At that period there were only three lawyers
of distinguished legal reputation at the New York
bar. Smith and Alexander were among those
most prominent; the third, Murray, was a fast
friend of the governor, and could not therefore

1733.] LIBERTY OF THE PRESS VINDICATED. 165

be expected to risk the favour of the latter by
acting as counsel for the prisoner. Under these
circumstances, the friends of Zenger sent se-
cretly to Philadelphia and engaged the services
of Andrew Hamilton, a jurist of great learning
and experience. When the trial came on, Ha-
milton, admitting the fact of publication, boldly
asserted that the matters charged were true, and
therefore no libels. Being under no awe of the
court, he ridiculed the decision of the judges,
that a libel was the more dangerous for being
true, and by wit, sarcasm, and invective, and by
an eloquent appeal to the jury to protect, in the
cause of the poor printer Zenger, the nobler
cause of liberty, he so effectually diverted their
minds from the question at issue, as to obtain for
his client a verdict of acquittal.

The instant the decision was made known, the
hall rang with triumphant shouts. The wrath
of the judges, who threatened a commitment of
the ringleaders, was met by a significant rejoin-
der, and Hamilton was hurried from the court to
partake of a splendid dinner prepared for his re-
ception. He received from the corporation a
gold box, enclosing the freedom of the city, and
on his return to Philadelphia the next day, was
escorted by a large concourse of people to his
barge, which he entered under a salute of cannon.
The other colonies also rejoiced at an issue which
strengthened and encouraged the growth of li-

166 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1736.

beral principles; but the contest proved in the
end unfortunate to the "poor printer" Zenger.
Elevated for a time into a bewildering notoriety,
he launched out into an extravagant expenditure,
and, neglecting his business, sank finally into
poverty and neglect.

Setting at defiance all laws -which interfered
with his pleasure or rapacity, Cosby still pursued
his arbitrary and unprincipled career. He con-
tinued the assembly against their own petitions
for a dissolution, and in direct opposition to the
known wishes of the people. He increased the
public discontent by insisting upon a re-survey
of old grants and patents, and by infamously de-
stroying important documents placed in his hands
for inspection by the corporation of Albany. On
the 10th of March, 1736, greatly to the relief of
the province, he died suddenly. The rejoicings
which followed this event had not subsided, when
a bitter contest arose between Van Dam and
Clarke, each of whom claimed the right to ad-
minister the government. Their respective par-
tisans took up the quarrel. Morris, the former
chief justice, lately arrived from England,
espoused the cause of Van Dam, and placed him-
self at the head of the popular party. The feud
had already risen to such a height, that Clarke
had withdrawn into the fort, and called around
him the military for his protection. Upon being
asked for his advice in this state of affairs, Mor-

1737.] LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARKE. 167

ris replied significantly, "If you don't hang
them, they will hang you." Fortunately, how-
ever, the crisis was averted by the arrival of
despatches on the 12th of October, which con-
firmed Clarke in his authority, and which were
followed shortly after by a commission advancing
him to the rank of lieutenant-governor.

CHAPTER XIII.

Character of Lieutenant-governor Clarke — His policy — Con-
duct of the provincial party — Their reply to his opening ad-
dress— Extraordinary issue of paper money — Disfranchise-
ment of the Jews — Snare laid for the popular leaders — Its
success — Permanent revenue refused — Negro plot in New
York — Terror of the citizens — Evidence of Mary Burton' —
The conspiracy doubted — Judicial murder of Ury — Arrival
of Governor Clinton — His quarrel with Chief Justice Delan-
cey — Difficulties with the assembly — War between England
and France — Activity of the French — Capture of Louisburg
— Settlements around Saratoga ravaged — Invasion of Cana-
da projected — Assembling of the provincial levies — Boston
menaced by a French fleet — 'Subsidence of the alarm — Poli-
tical feuds in New York — The village of Saratoga burned —
Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle.

English by birth, though for a long time
resident of the province, the new lieutenant-
governor was no sooner fairly installed in office
than he evinced a politic disposition to overlook
past diiferences, and to disarm opposition by
smooth words and a specious courtesy.

Owing his first minor appointment in the pro-
vince to the court influence of an uncle, he had

168 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1737.

sedulously improved his opportunities until he had
reached his present elevated position. Though
labouring under the deficiencies of a limited edu-
cation, he was a man of talent, and had made
himself thoroughly conversant with the condition
and affairs of the colony. Cunning rather than
sagacious, cool and cautious yet active, he pre-
ferred to win his way by address rather than by
force, and while serving the crown with a reason-
able degree of fidelity, seized every advantage
which his station gave him to improve his own
fortune. The first act of Governor Clarke was a
popular one. He dissolved the old and convened
a new assembly. This measure, as indicating a
design to cast off his old political associates, was
regarded with alarm by the old government party,
while the provincials, hailing it as a triumph,
easily secured a majority at the ensuing election.
After a session of two days, during midsummer,
they adjourned until the 23d of August, both
parties anxiously watching the course of the go-
vernor, and desirous of securing his support.

But however much the provincial party might
have wished to obtain the countenance of their
chief magistrate, they did not, when the assembly
met in autumn, show any disposition to purchase
it at the expense of the principles they had
espoused.

Their reply to the opening address of the go-
vernor rigorously defined the policy they intended

1737.] ISSUE OF PAPER MONEY. 169

to pursue. In answer to the usual demand for
appropriations for revenue, and other purposes,
they said boldly : "You are not to expect that we
will either raise sums unfit to be raised, or put
what we shall raise into the power of a governor
to misapply, if we can prevent it ; nor shall we
make up any other deficiencies than what we con-
ceive are fit and just to be paid, or continue that
support or revenue we shall raise, for any longer
time than one year ; nor do we think it conve-
nient to do even that, until such laws are passed
as we conceive necessary for the safety of the
inhabitants of the colony, who have reposed a
trust in us for that only purpose, and which we
are sure you will think it reasonable we should
act agreeably to ; and by the grace of God we
will endeavour not to deceive them." The ses-
sion was prolonged for nearly four months, dur-
ing which a grant of revenue for one year was
passed, and a bill for holding triennial assemblies ;
but the latter was soon after rejected in England.
But by far the most important act of the ses-
sion was the passage of a bill authorizing an issue
of paper money to the amount of forty-eight
thousand three hundred and fifty pounds. Forty
thousand of this was to be loaned to the respec-
tive counties, in small sums, for twelve years, at
five per cent. ; while, to secure the signature of
the governor, the remainder was ordered to be ap-
plied to public uses.

170 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1737.

One other occurrence took place during the
assembly of 1737, which strongly indicated the
prejudices of the period. The seat of delegate
for the city being contested by Van Home, the
son of a deceased member, against Phillips, the
late speaker, the house ordered that neither
should sit until the conduct of the sheriff had un-
dergone an examination. The latter was speedily
acquitted of having acted improperly, upon the
testimony of the petitioner ; but Smith, who,
with Alexander, had been merited to resume his
practice at the bar, acting as counsel for Van
Home, disputed the qualification of Jews as elect-
ors, and after a brilliant speech, in which his ex-
tensive theological learning was brought to bear
upon the case with great effect, the assembly de-
cided that Jews were not entitled to vote, and a
law was passed soon after to disfranchise them.
Though steering a middle course between the two
great parties, Clarke had failed in obtaining a
grant of revenue for a term of years ; but he
concealed his chagrin, expressed himself satisfied
with the conduct of the delegates, and assented,
with great apparent cheerfulness, to the bills
which required his signature.

In the mean time, however, he was secretly ma-
turing a stratagem to render the popular leaders
odious in the eyes of their constituents. Affect-
ing to regard them with great favour, he offered
them places under the government, promising to

1741.] NEGRO PLOT. 171

exert his influence with the council to secure-
their appointment, well knowing at the same time
that the nominations would be rejected. The
scheme, artfully laid, was completely successful.
Morris, Johnson, and others, fell into the snare,
and not only lost office, but were viewed with
hatred and contempt by their former supporters.
Confidence in the popular party being thus weak-
ened, the elections of 1739 resulted in favour of
the government.

But the new assembly, though importuned to
do so, would not pass a grant of revenue for any
longer term than one year, and this policy was
for the future strictly adhered to. Thus, after a
vehement struggle, which had lasted for thirty
years, a great popular victory was consummated.

Fully restored to the confidence of his council,
whose countenance was necessary to the success
of his land speculations, Clarke continued to ad-
minister the government, if not without occa-
sional excitement, yet without provoking the
opposition of succeeding assemblies beyond his
power to allay.

In the year 1741, the city of New York, then
numbering some twelve thousand inhabitants,
was fearfully agitated by the pretended discovery
of a negro plot. On the 18th of March, the cha-
pel and buildings in the fort were consumed by
fire, which was at first attributed to the careless-
ness of a workman employed in repairing the

172 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1741.

gutters of the governor's residence. A report
was spread shortly after that the fire was pre-
meditated, and seven fires occurring in succession,
amidst the general alarm suspicion soon ripened
into certainty. Several slaves were accused of
having a knowledge of the plot, and during their
examination two other fires took place, from one
of which a negro was discovered in the act of
making a precipitate escape.

The evidence of Mary Burton confirmed the
general impression of a conspiracy. This woman,
an indented servant to one Hughson, the keeper
of a low tavern to which negroes were in the ha-
bit of resorting, testified that certain slaves, in
her presence and in that of Hughson, his wife,
and another woman, had consulted together to
burn the city and massacre the whites. Impro-
bable as her relation was, it was eagerly believed,
and although in subsequent examinations she
varied materially from her previous statements,
the terrified citizens still persisted in giving cre-
dence to her testimony. Twenty-one whites and
one hundred and sixty slaves and free blacks
were committed to prison. The whole summer
was spent in prosecuting these unfortunate peo-
ple. Rumours were magnified into facts, and the
wildest assertions accepted for proofs. Thirteen
negroes were burned at the stake ; eighteen were
hanged, and seventy transported. Hughson and
one negro were gibbeted. The wife of Hughson,

1743.] EXECUTION OF URY. 173

their woman-servant, and Ury, a nonjuring school-
master, were also executed.

Condemned upon insufficient evidence, in the
midst of a tumult of passion, fear, and prejudice,
it has become a grave doubt whether any of the
victims were really guilty of the crime for which
they suffered an ignominious death.

The execution of Ury, who died asserting his
innocence, was unquestionably a judicial murder.
He was accused of covertly exercising the office
of a Catholic priest — itself a capital offence in the
province — and of urging on the plot by offers of
absolution to the conspirators. He was convicted
on both indictments, though neither of the charges
were legally proved, and the last was rendered
totally unworthy of credence by the character of
the witnesses. How many more persons might
have suffered from the combined effects of terror
and religious intolerance, it is difficult now to say ;
but when the woman Burton, the principal in-
former, bewildered by the frequent- examinations
to which she had been subjected, began to extend
her accusations to persons of spotless reputation,
a reaction took place in the minds of the citizens,
and all further convictions were stayed.

In the autumn of 1743, Governor Clarke was
superseded by George Clinton, an admiral in the
British navy, and uncle to the young Earl of
Lincoln. Desirous of improving his fortune, and
neither sensitive nor scrupulous, but easy and

' * 15*

174 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1743.

good-humoured, the new governor, with the ex-
ception of being retiring and unsocial, seemed
well calculated to effect a good understanding
with the assembly. Having taken Chief Justice
Delancey into his confidence, the vast influence
possessed by that arch-intriguer tended to pro-
duce more harmonious action in the government
than had been exhibited for many yeais. This
calm was, however, but the prelude to a storm.
Quarrelling with Delancey, the governor became
estranged from his former confidant, and took
Colden, a bitter opponent of the chief justice,
into his favour instead.

The latter, placing himself at the head of
opposition, and strong in having a majority of
his relations and friends in the assembly, com-
menced a series of violent and incessant attacks
upon the executive, which lasted during the whole
period that Clinton remained in the province.

In the mean time war had been declared between
England and France. Acting with their accus-
tomed promptness, a French expedition was im-
mediately organized for a descent upon Nova
Scotia. Fort Cansean was easily captured ; but
Annapolis, formerly known as Port Royal, though
twice invested by a mixed body of French and
Indians, was fortunately saved by a timely rein-
forcement of troops from Massachusetts.

Conscious that while the French held posses-
sion of Louisburg, a strongly fortified post on the

1745.] CAPTURE OF CAPE BRETON. 175

island of Cape Breton, the New England States
would be subject to constant annoyances from
that quarter, Shirley, the governor of Massa-
chusetts, proposed its reduction by the colonial
troops alone, and called upon the other provinces
to co-operate. The assembly of New York were
at first inclined to render no assistance, but at
the session of 1745, they reluctantly voted three
thousand pounds toward the expenses of the ex-
pedition, which they shortly after increased to
five thousand. Clinton, ashamed of their luke-
warmness in an affair of so much moment, for-
warded to Shirley ten pieces of field ordnance,
and a supply of provisions obtained by private
subscription. The result justified the boldness
of the enterprise. On the 17th of June, after a
siege of forty-nine days, terms of capitulation
were agreed upon, and the garrison, amounting
to six hundred and fifty men, with thirteen hun-
dred inhabitants of the town, capable of bearing
arms, surrendered to the conquerors.

In the mean time, owing to the disputes exist-
ing between Clinton and his assembly, the fron-
tiers of New York lay open to incursions from
the enemy. Burning to revenge the loss of Lou-
isburg, a party of French and Indians were
despatched from Crown Point, and entering the
territory of Massachusetts, captured the fort at
Hoosick, in Berkshire county. Penetrating thence
to within forty miles of Albany, they surprised,

176 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1745.

during the night of the 16th of November, the set-
tlements around Saratoga, massacred a number of
the inhabitants, and carried others into captivity.
Smarting under these disasters, and inspirited
by the conquest of Cape Breton, with its almost
impregnable fortress, the old project for an in-
vasion of Canada was revived. Many of the pro-
vinces at once agreeing to furnish their respec-
tive quotas, levies were promptly made as far
south as Virginia. The New England troops were
collected at Louisburg, in readiness to co-operate
with a British 'fleet and army, while those from
Connecticut, New York, and the provinces farther
south, assembled at Albany. The chief command
of the latter was given to Clinton. The British
fleet failing to arrive, the New England levies
were partially disbanded ; but reluctant to give
up wholly an enterprise for which such vast pre-
parations had been made, fifteen hundred of the
Massachusetts troops marched for Albany to form
a junction with Clinton. They were speedily re-
called by the unexpected appearance of a French
fleet off the coast of Nova Scotia, commanded by
the Duke D'Anville, and instead of advancing on
Montreal, the levies at Albany returned to assist
in the defence of their respective provinces. The
French squadron consisted of forty ships of war,
besides numerous transports, having on board
four thousand regular troops. Boston being me-
naced, an army of ten thousand men was collected

1747.] FEUD WITH THE ASSEMBLY. 177

in the vicinity, and the fortifications on Castle
Island were strengthened and extended. But
the danger, imminent as it was, soon passed away.
The French fleet, weakened by storms, by ship-
wreck, and by sickness among the troops, was in
no condition to undertake offensive operations.
D'Anville died suddenly, and the second in com-
mand committed suicide. Another storm off Cape
Sable completely dispersed the remainder of the
armament, and such of the ships as escaped the
tempest returned singly to France.

The fierce feud existing between Clinton and
the assembly still continued to rage as hotly as
ever, and charges and countercharges were con-
stantly being made, couched in language alike
discreditable to both parties. The governor ac-
cused the assembly of wilful neglect in securing
the protection of the frontiers. The latter retorted
by imputing the distressed condition of the pro-
vince to fraud and mismanagement on the part
of Clinton. In the midst of these violent acnta-
tions, which were prompted neither by patriot-
ism nor integrity, the province suffered greatly.
During the year 1747 Saratoga was a second
time attacked by a party of French and Indians,
the village burned to the ground, and the inha-
bitants barbarously massacred. The peace of
Aix-la-Chapelle, which took place the following
year, at length brought these alarming incursions
to a close.

178 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1748.

CHAPTER XIV.

Treaty with the Six Nations — Shirley's conspiracy — Action of
Clinton — His violent disputes with the assembly — Demands
a permanent revenue — Their able reply — Clinton appeals to
the English government — Movements of Shirley and Bel-
cher— Walpole's bill to strengthen the king's prerogative — Co-
lonial protests — Its defeat in parliament — Cautious policy
of New York — Dismissal of Colden — Clinton's letters to the
Board of Trade — Taxation by parliament suggested — En-
croachments of the French — Exploration of the Ohio valley
— Attempt to restrict the limits of Acadia — Patent of the
Ohio company — Trading house built at Brownsville — 'Indian
council at Albany — Duquesne descends into the valley of the
Ohio — Alarm of the western Indians — Instructions from Eng-
land— Sir Danvers Osborne appointed governor of New York
— His character, conduct, and death.

In July, 1748, three months previous to the
final ratification of the treaty, Clinton, accompa-
nied by his chief adviser, Colden, attended a
convention of delegates from the Six Nations, at
which Shirley, the governor, and Hutchinson and
Oliver, commissioners of Massachusetts, were by
previous concert also present. The conference
terminated satisfactorily, the Iroquois and their
allies agreeing neither to send deputies into Ca-
nada, nor to allow any French emissaries within
their territory.

Soon after the convention was dissolved, Shir-
ley arranged with Clinton a secret scheme for
shaking off the dependence of the provincial go-

1748.] DISPUTES CONTINUED. 179

vernors upon their respective assemblies, by forc-
ing them to grant permanent salaries and a re-
venue at the disposal of the crown ; or, failing in
that, to foment existing disputes to such a height
as to compel the British parliament to interfere.
The project thus secretly formed was vigorously
pressed by Clinton. When the assembly met
in October, 1748, he demanded a revenue for
five years, and the annexation of fixed salaries
to the offices in the gift of the crown, but not
to the officials by name. He defended his ac-
ceptance of annual grants previously, on the
ground of the existing war, and his desire to
promote harmony ; but that now the time was
come to resist the innovations which had weak-
ened the king's prerogative.

The assembly, in reply, refused to grant a sup-
port for any longer term than one year, or to
make any change in the method of voting sala-
ries. Their address, coarse and bold, closed with
a vituperation of Golden, who was characterized
as "mean and despicable," and a censure of Clin-
ton for admitting him into his confidence. Charg-
ing them in return with a violation of decency,
the governor refused to receive the. address, of
which a copy had been sent him for perusal. The
assembly then appealed through the newspapers
to the people, for which they were pointedly re-
buked by Clinton, who threatened to send their
address to the king.

180 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1749.

At the session of 1749 the dispute was renewed,
A permanent revenue was again insisted upon,
and a positive answer required of the assembly
whether they would or would not, grant it agree-
ably to the royal instructions. The response was,
that " the faithful representatives of the people
can never recede from the method of an annual
support." Clinton now shifted his ground, and
claimed the right to disburse the moneys voted for
public purposes, on the plea that, under the En-
glish constitution, the powers to grant and to dis-
tribute were vested in different branches of the
government. Admitting that such was indeed
the usage in England, the assembly denied that
it ought to be made applicable to the provinces.
"In the one case," they said, "the disposition of
the sums raised was intrusted to the king, who
was supposed to have an interest in the welfare
of his subjects, and whose officers in that country
were amenable to justice. With provincial go-
vernors the case was different. They were gene-
rally strangers, who, holding no land in the co-
lonies over which they were appointed to rule,
seldom regarded the welfare of the people. Un-
certain how long they would be permitted to
retain their offices, they were eager to seize every
opportunity of improving their fortunes, and
would never want pretexts for misapplication if
they had the disposition of the money. This they
could do with impunity, as the people, thus plun-

1749.] appeal — Shirley's movements. 181

dered, had no mode of redress, inasmuch as their
representatives could neither call the governor to^
account, nor suspend the council."

This able vindication of their course roused the
indignation of Clinton. Charging them with being
guilty of disrespect, he refused to receive the ad-
dress ; and until it was accepted the house de-
clined entering upon the business of the session.
Against conduct so resolute the governor had no
remedy but a prorogation.

In the mean time Clinton had not been idle in
keeping the English ministry well informed with
regard to the dissensions which agitated the pro-
vince. He charged the assembly with usurping
parliamentary powers ; with restricting the pre-
rogatives of the governor, by assuming to them-
selves the sole authority to disburse the public
money ; with keeping the crown officers in a con-
dition of dependence, by granting the salaries
annually, and by naming the persons to whom
the salaries were to be paid. As an effective
remedy for this disordered state of affairs, he
urged that parliament, whose right to control the
colonies had never been disputed, should be called
upon to interpose, and take from an intractable
assembly the power to slight the king's instruc-
tions, or to weaken the authority of their go-
vernor. Shirley was equally active, and Belcher,
the Governor of New Jersey, entered warmly

with his council into the conspiracy. Chief Jus-

182 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1749.

tice Morris, at enmity with Delancey, embarking
for England on business connected with the boun-
daries between New York and New Jersey, un-
dertook to support the allegations of Clinton, and
Shirley set sail about the same time to quicken,
by his personal influence, the action of the mi-
nistry.

But the representations of the confederated
governors had already produced the desired effect
in England. On the 3d of March, 1749, under
cover of suppressing the evils of colonial paper
money, the Board of Trade, through Horatio Wal-
pole, reported a bill "to make all orders by the
king, or under his authority, the highest law in
America."

The agents of Massachusetts, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania, immediately
protested against the proposed measure as " re-
pugnant to the laws and constitution of Great
Britain," and their own privileges and charters.
Their objections being sustained by Onslow, the
Speaker of the house, the bill was finally passed,
shorn of its most obnoxious clauses.

But, though unsuccessful in this insidious at-
tempt to strengthen the royal prerogative, the
Board of Trade determined to persevere. In
New York, however, the introduction of so im-
portant a measure into parliament had the effect
of rendering both parties more temperate and
cautious. To guard against misrepresentation,

1750.] MODERATION OF BOTH PARTIES. 183

and to protect the general interests of the pro-
vince, the assembly, as early as April, 1748, had
appointed an agent in London with instructions
to correspond directly with the Speaker of the
house. This agent, Mr. Charles, owed his appoint-
ment to the recommendation of Admiral Sir Peter
Warren, related by marriage to the Delancey
family. Active in the interests of his employers,
Charles was soon enabled to inform them that the
attention of the Board of Trade had been particu-
larly directed to the disturbed condition of New
York, and that they were preparing a voluminous
report on the state of the province, to be laid be-
fore the royal council. The receipt of tidings so
alarming induced the assembly to assume a more
moderate tone.

Clinton also had his own causes for uneasiness.
He dreaded a recall ; and from the failure of the
most important clause in Walpole's bill, was either
led to doubt the success of the ministry in their
endeavours to give additional force to the royal
orders, or he feared to push matters to extremity
before he was confident of receiving efficient sup-
port. Under these circumstances, he thought it
best to conciliate opposition by dismissing Col-
den, and submitting himself to the cooler coun-
sels of Alexander. But in the midst of the tem-
porary calm which succeeded, Clinton did not
fail, during the spring of 1750, to press upon the
attention of the English government the absolute

184 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1751.

necessity of securing obedience to the royal au-
thority, and relieving the crown officers from
their condition of dependence upon the colonial
assemblies, by a system of parliamentary taxation
to be made general over all the American pro-
vinces. Adopting the same commodities advo-
cated by C olden a year previous, he suggested
that imposts on wine and West India produce
would be sufficient to defray the expenses of the
civil list. Preferring to attain the same ends by
strengthening the king's prerogative, the Board
of Trade were at first disinclined to adopt any
other mode of reducing the colonies to obedience.
But the inefficacy of royal orders becoming
every day more apparent, they finally came to
the conclusion, in the spring of 1751, to bring
the question to an issue in New York by the ap-
pointment of a new governor, strictly charged to
demand of the assembly a fixed revenue, and the
surrender of its disposition. A revenue from the
whole of the colonies, to be obtained by Acts of
Parliament, was at the same time resolved upon.
Dissensions, however, in the English cabinet, de-
layed for a time the prosecution of measures so
dangerous to the liberties of America.

During this period of intrigue and dissension,
the French were steadily persevering in their ef-
forts to extend the limits of their dominion over
the regions watered by the Ohio and the Missis-
sippi. In 1749, the Count De la Gallisonie're,

1751.] OHIO COMPANY. 185

Governor- General of Canada, despatched an of-
ficer, with three hundred men, with instructions
to explore the region of the Ohio, to bury leaden
plates, engraved with the arms of France, at the
mouths of important creeks, to take possession of
the country by formal verbal process, and to for-
bid the Indians from trading with the English.

On the north-east an attempt was also made to
restrict the disputed limits of Acadia to a part
of the peninsula now known as Nova Scotia, and
the old French inhabitants were invited to remove
from the ceded territory and open settlements
upon the newly-established frontier, where forts
had been established for their protection. In the
west the military station at Niagara was im-
proved and strengthened, and permission ob-
tained from the Iroquois to build a trading-house
in the vicinity of the Mohawk country.

In the mean time, to secure the valley of the
Ohio to the English, a company, organized in
England and Virginia, had obtained a grant of five
hundred thousand acres of land between the Kana-
wha and Monongahela, on condition of settling
thereon one hundred families within seven years
from the date of their patent. In order to effect
their purpose with advantage, Christopher Gist,
an experienced trader, was employed by the Ohio
company to examine the region west of the moun-
tains, as far as the falls of the Ohio. His report
of the country, and the amicable disposition of

16*

186 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1751

the western tribes, proving favourable, a trading
nouse vras erected in 1751, at Brownsville, on
the Monongahela.

To traverse the designs of the French, Clin-
ton, acting upon the advice of his council, invited
the governors of all the provinces to meet de-
puties from the Six Nations in congress, at Al-
bany, but only Massachusetts, Connecticut, and
South Carolina responded to the call. The con-
vention met in July. Old differences were har
monized, and a new treaty of alliance, offensive
and defensive, was formed, in which the Cataw-
bas also joined.

Notwithstanding these ominous preparations
for resistance, the Marquis Duquesne, the new
governor of Canada, determined to maintain the
claim of France to the valley of the Ohio. In
the summer of 1752, he sent a party of French
and Indians to Sandusky, to punish the Miamis
for trading with the English ; and early the fol-
lowing year pushed forward a body of twelve
hundred men to establish posts at Erie, Water-
ford, and Venango. The latter being on the
main stream of the Alleghany, the western In-
dians, alarmed at these encroachments, entreated
the Governor of Virginia to check the progress
of the French by building a fort at the junction
of that river with the Monongahela, promising
to assist in its defence. Dinwiddie wrote to Eng-

1753.] OSBORNE SENT OUT. 187

land for advice, and was ordered to repel intru-
sion by force.

While the steady and resolute movements of
the French were rapidly tending to a renewal of
hostilities, the Board of Trade were busy with
schemes having in view the better "regulation"
of the colonies. The long-pending difficulties
in New York first claiming their attention, they
determined, before appealing to the direct action
of parliament, upon making a final effort to re-
establish the executive authority by means of
arbitrary instructions. In order to carry out
this purpose with effect, Sir Danvers Osborne,
brother-in-law to the Earl of Halifax, was com-
missioned to succeed Clinton in the government
of the province, while at the same time, to conci-
liate the refractory assembly, Delancey was ap-
pointed lieutenant-governor.

Osborne was strictly and imperatively charged
to maintain in its fullest integrity the royal pre-
rogative, and to demand of the assembly "a per-
manent revenue, solid, indefinite, and without
limitation," to be disbursed by the governor alone,
under the advice of his council.

No person could have been selected more illy
fitted to perform this arduous service than Sir
Danvers Osborne. Naturally mild, amiable, and
gentlemanly, the recent loss of a beloved wife
had utterly overpowered the little strength of
character he originally possessed, and had sub-

188 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1753.

jected him to a constant depression of spirits
nearly allied to lunacy. He reached Xew York
on the 7th of October, 1753, and on the 10th,
after taking the oaths of office in the presence of
the council, his commission was publicly read at
the town hall. Returning thence to the fort with
Clinton, his sensitive nature was deeply wounded
by the contumelious expressions vented by the
people against his predecessor. "I expect the
like treatment," said he, gloomily, "before I
leave the government." On his return to the
council chamber, the bold address of the city
corporation disturbed him still more. "We are
sufficiently assured," said they, "that your ex-
cellency will be as averse from countenancing,
as we from brooking, any infringements of our
inestimable liberties, civil or religious."

Meeting with Delancey at dinner the next day,
Osborne complained of indisposition, and said,
with a smile, "I believe I shall soon leave you
the government — I find myself unable to support
the burden of it."

The following day he convened the council,
and laying his instructions before them, desired
their opinions. " The assembly will never yield
obedience," said they. AVith great emotion Os-
borne next addressed Smith, who had hitherto re-
mained silent : when, receiving a similar answer,
"he sighed, turned about, reclined against a win-

1753.] OSBORNE'S SUICIDE. 189

dow frame, and exclaimed, « then what am I come
here for?' "

Pleading ill health, he returned to his lodg-
ings in great mental distress, and during the
course of the evening consulted a physician.
After dismissing his servant about midnight, he
burned a number of private papers, enclosed and
directed a sum of money to the person from whom
he had borrowed it, and retiring to the garden
of the house just before the break of day, delibe-
rately hanged himself.

190 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1753.

CHAPTER XV.

Lieutenant-Governor Delancey — Royal instructions — Course of
the assembly — George Washington — Movements of the
French — First skirmish — Death of Jumonville — Surrender
of Fort Necessity — Congress at Albany — Franklin's plan of
union — Rejected by the colonies — Disaffection in New York
— Establishment of a college — Liberal grants by the assem-
bly for the defence of the frontiers — General Braddock
appointed commander-in-chief — Congress of governors at
Alexandria — Plan of campaign — Success in Nova Scotia —
Rout of Braddock's army — His death — Crown Point expe-
dition— Fort Edward built — Approach of Dieskau — Skirmish
with the provincials — Battle of Lake George — Rout of the
French — Capture of Dieskau — Honours awarded to Johnson
by parliament — Neglect of Lyman — Inactivity of Johnson —
Fort William Henry built — Niagara expedition — Reverses
and disappointments of Shirley — Sickness of troops — Fort
Oswego built.

By the unexpected death of Sir Danvers Osborne,
the arbitrary measures he was commissioned to
enforce failed of their intended effect. Delancey,
the new lieutenant-governor, having been so long
in the confidence of the assembly, was not dis-
posed to weaken his popularity by insisting upon
obedience to instructions which he well knew
would never be complied with. Even the council,
although a majority of them were opposed to the
extreme views of the popular party, were not
inclined to acquiesce in the demand for a fixed
revenue. Thus supported, both by his friends

1753.] WASHINGTON COMMISSIONED. 191

and opponents, Delancey merely urged, as a mat-
ter of form, obedience to the royal mandate, and
having discharged his duty to his superiors, left
the assembly free to act as they thought proper.
Under such circumstances their course may
readily be conjectured. They respectfully de-
clined making any change in the rule they had
adopted respecting annual appropriations, but
conceded to the governor and council the autho-
rity to disburse the public moneys.

This firm and steadfast opposition to the royal
commands might have given rise to serious conse-
quences, had it not been that the attention of the
English government was diverted from the ques-
tion of prerogative by the threatening aspect of
affairs upon the frontiers.

The colonies, generally, had received orders to
repel the advance of the French ; but it fell to
Dinwicldie, as governor of Virginia, to take the
initiative. Desirous of avoiding hostilities, if
possible, he commissioned George Washington,
then in his twenty-first year, a native of Virginia,
and a surveyor by profession, to cross the moun-
tains with a message to the French commandant,
demanding that the French should withdraw from
the territory of the Ohio, and release the traders-
captured at Sandusky. After a dangerous and
painful journey of eleven weeks, Washington re-
turned. He had held a friendly conference with
Tanacharison, the half-king, and various Indians

192 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1754.

assembled at Logstown; had careful y examined
the point of land formed by the junction of the
Alleghany and Monongahela "with the Ohio,
with a view to the construction of a fort at that
place ; and had delivered his message to St.
Pierre, the commandant of Fort le Bceuf at Wa-
terford, a few miles south of Lake Erie. The
answer of St. Pierre, and the unguarded conver-
sation of his officers, rendering it certain that the
French were determined not to recede from the
territory of which they had taken possession, Din-
widdie convened the assembly of Virginia in Janu-
ary, 1754, and obtained from them a grant of ten
thousand pounds towards the defence of the
frontiers. Forty-one men were despatched to
build a fort at the forks of the Ohio. The mili-
tary force of Virginia was increased to six hun-
dred men, and Washington, commissioned as lieu-
tenant-colonel of the regiment, was ordered to
Alexandria to enlist recruits.

The other colonies being called upon for assist-
ance, the assembly of New York voted, during
April, one thousand pounds to Virginia, and de-
spatched two companies of regulars to support
the militia of that province ; but declined giving
any further aid, on- the ground that it was doubt-
ful whether the French had actually encroached
upon any territory belonging to the colonies. To
strengthen their own frontiers, they granted four
hundred and fifty pounds for an additional gar-

1754.] MOVEMENTS OF THE FRENCH. 193

rison at Oswego, and agreed to become responsi-
ble for the repairs of that fort, and to bear their
proportion of the expenses which might be in-
curred in the erection of such new forts as should
be found necessary for the common defence.

While these resolutions were under debate.
Washington, at the head of one hundred and fifty
men, was marching for the forks of the Ohio, to
assist in building the fort already commenced at
that point. On the 17th of April, three days
before he reached Wills' Creek, the French, one
thousand strong, descending the Alleghany from
Venango, had driven off the workmen at the forks
of the Ohio, and were strengthening and com-
pleting the works already began there, naming
the post of which they had thus taken forcible
* possession Fort Duquesne.

Washington had no sooner received this alarm-
ing intelligence, than he resolved to push forward
and fortify himself at the mouth of Redstone
Creek, on the Monongahela, until reinforcements
should arrive. Moving but slowly by reason of
the ruggedness of the way, and the deep fords
which had to be crossed, he was met at the cross-
ing of the Youghioghany by a message from
Tanacharison, the half-king, warning him of the
approach of a French detachment, and their
avowed resolution to attack the first English they
met. Hastening to Great Meadows, he threw up

an intrenchment, and after sending out a small

194 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1754.

mounted party on wagon horses to reconnoiter,
encamped for the night. On the morning of the
27th, Gist, who had been the companion of "Wash-
ington on his journey to Fort le Bceuf, and who
had opened a plantation on the Youghioghany,
brought fresh tidings of the vicinity of the ene-
my. Late in the evening, an express arriving
from Tanacharison, "Washington marched with
his command, through the rain and darkness, to
the Indian camp, and early the following day, ac-
companied by the half-king and his warriors,
proceeded in search of the enemy. Having dis-
covered the place of their concealment, he at-
tacked them by surprise, routed them with the
loss of ten killed and took twenty-one prisoners.
Amonor the killed was Jumonville, the com-
mander.

Reinforcements coming up soon after, an inde-
pendent company was left at Great Meadows to
build a stockade, called Fort Necessity, while the
Virginians were employed in opening a road to
Gist's plantation, and a path to the mouth of the
Redstone. In the midst of these labours the
French advanced in force, and "Washington was
compelled to fall back upon Fort Necessity. On
the 3d of July the fort was assaulted, and after
nine hours fighting a capitulation was agreed upon,
by the terms of which the garrison were permitted
to retire across the mountains, bearing with them
their arms and baggage.

1754.] franklin's plan of union. 195

While these events were transpiring on the
western frontiers, a convention of delegates from
the colonies north of the Potomac, with the
exception of New Jersey, assembled at Albany
to meet the Six Nations in council, and to con-
cert measures for the common defence. It was
at this congress that Franklin, one of the dele-
gates from Pennsylvania, brought forward his
celebrated plan of union. He proposed to esta-
blish a grand council, to consist of forty-eight
members, who were to be elected triennially by
the provincial assemblies of ail the colonies, not
any one of which was to be represented by more
than seven, nor less than two delegates. The
head of this federal government was to be a pre-
sident-general, commissioned by the crown, with
power to nominate military officers, and a negative
on the acts of the council. The federal govern-
ment was to make peace or war with the Indians,
regulate the Indian trade, purchase lands from
them, raise soldiers, build forts, equip vessels to
guard the sea coast, the lakes, and the great
rivers, to enact laws, and levy such taxes as might
be equal and just.

This plan of union, though adopted by the con-
vention, was rejected by the colonial assemblies
as giving too much power to the crown ; while in
England it was regarded by the Board of Trade
as favouring the independence of the provinces.

At this period there were many causes operat-

196 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1755.

ing to render New York disaffected to the autho-
rity of England. The original European set-
tlers, the Dutch, and their descendants, had never
been disposed to submit patiently to the jurisdic-
tion of their conquerors, and the breach had been
widened by the preferences shown to the Episco-
palian form of worship. The restrictions in their
commercial relations were also severely felt, and
as constantly evaded whenever an opportunity of-
fered. Xor were those who held large and du-
bious grants of land better disposed, for while
some feared an inquiry into the validity of their
titles, others dreaded the operation of a land tax.

The establishment of a college in 1754, the pre-
sidency of which was limited to such as were in
communion with the Church of England, the mem-
bers of which did not constitute one-tenth of the
population of the province, weakened in those of
other religious denominations that sentiment of
loyalty which many had hitherto entertained,
while it inflicted the first serious blow upon the
popularity of Delancey.

Notwithstanding the growing disaffection to-
ward the lieutenant-governor, the assembly,
alarmed at the successes of the French in the
Ohio territory, readily acquiesced in his wishes
to provide for the defence of the province, and
for undertaking such other operations against the
enemy as might be thought best conducive to the
common interest. In February, 1755, they voted

1755.] ACTIVE PREPARATIONS. 197

forty-five thousand pounds in bills of credit ; and
in May, after the plan of the campaign had been
agreed upon, they ordered eight hundred men to
be enlisted, to co-operate with the forces raising
in the other colonies, and appropriated ten thou-
sand pounds toward defraying the expense of the
enterprise.

The British government having received tid-
ings of Washington's expulsion from the Monon-
gahela, were no less active. Although there had
been no formal declaration of war, they antici-
cipated approaching hostilities by appointing
General Braddock commander-in-chief in Ame-
rica, and by sending with him two regiments of
regulars to assist the troops levied in the pro-
vinces. On the fourteenth of April, the govern-
ors of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, and Virginia, met Braddock in con-
gress at Alexandria, and concerted with him the
plan of the campaign. Four expeditions were
agreed upon. Lawrence, lieutenant-governor of
Nova Scotia, was to expel the French beyond the
supposed limits of that province. Johnson, the
Indian agent in the Mohawk country, was to
conduct a mixed force of provincials and Iroquois
against the fort at Crown Point. Shirley, the
second in command to Braddock, was to assault
the post at Niagara, while the latter in person
undertook the reduction of Fort Duquesne.

The operations in Nova Scotia resulted in the

17*

198 HISTORY OF XEW YORK. [1755.

capture of Beau Sejour, and the occupation of
the settlements at Minas and Annapolis ; but the
inhuman abduction of the peaceful Acadiens from
their happy homes, and their distribution among
the English colonies, where they pined gradually
away in misery and destitution, has fixed a stain
upon the projectors of that barbarous act which
time can never efface.

In the mean time Braddock was slowly moving
toward the Ohio. Holding the provincials in
utter contempt, and profoundly ignorant of the
Indian mode of warfare, he refused to throw for-
ward scouting parties in advance of the army,
and imprudently suffered himself to be surprised
by a small body of French and Indians lying in
ambush within seven miles of Fort Duquesne.
Fighting in masses, exposed to the deadly fire of
a concealed enemy, the troops fell by hundreds.
Braddock himself, after having had five horses
disabled under him, was mortally wounded. The
troops at length becoming thoroughly disorgan-
ized, broke and fled, having sustained a loss in
killed and wounded of sixty officers, and near
seven hundred men. The Virginians under Wash-
ington taking to the trees, and fighting with their
accustomed coolness and courage, assisted in co-
vering the retreat of the regulars until nearly the
whole of them fell a sacrifice to their heroism.
The retreating forces were not rallied until they
reached the rear division commanded by Colonel

1755.] DIESKAU EMBARKS. 199

Dunbar. On the 13th of June, four days after
the battle, Braddock expired of his wounds, and
was buried at the road-side, near Fort Necessity.
Finding the spirit of the regulars utterly broken,
Dunbar abandoned the expedition, and recross-
ing the mountains, halted awhile at Cumberland,
and proceeding from thence to Philadelphia,
finally reached Albany, where he went into win-
ter quarters.

At the period of these disasters on the Ohio,
the New England troops, under General Lyman,
of Connecticut, in conjunction with the levies
from New York and New Jersey, had assembled,
on their march to Crown Point, at the portage
between the Hudson and Lake George, where,
by the 8th of August, they had built Fort Ed-
ward. When Johnson arrived 'from Albany, with
stores and artillery, he assumed the command.
Leaving a garrison at Fort Edward, he crossed
the portage with the remainder of his force,
amounting, with the Indians, to some thirty-four
hundred men, and encamped on the southern shore
of Lake George.

Aware of the dangers by which they were threat-
ened, the French had not been idle. Shortly after
Braddock had sailed from England for the Che-
sapeake Bay, Baron Dieskau embarked on board
the French squadron at Brest, with four thousand
troops destined for America. Eluding the Bri-
tish fleet cruising off the Banks of Newfoundland,

200 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1755.

he landed a thousand men at Louisburg, which
had been restored to France by the treaty of
Aix-la-Chapelle, and sailed with the remainder
to Quebec. Having been instructed to reduce
Oswego, Dieskau proceeded to Montreal for that
purpose, but was diverted from his object by
learning that Crown Point was menaced by the
provincial forces encamped on the margin of
Lake George. He immediately determined to
break up the latter expedition by an assault upon
Fort Edward, but as his Indian allies were re-
luctant to attempt the reduction of a work
strengthened by artillery, he was persuaded to
change his design, and attack Johnson in his
camp.

Unconscious that Dieskau was advancing upon
himself, Johnson sent Colonel Williams with one
thousand men, and two hundred Mohawk war-
riors, commanded by the brave Hendrick, their
aged chief, to the relief of Fort Edward. At
a distance of about three miles from the camp,
while marching carelessly, and without any ap-
prehension of meeting the enemy, the detachment
fell into an ambuscade, and was speedily thrown
into confusion. Williams and Hendrick were
both slain, but the troops being rallied by Whit-
ney, the next in comand, they fell back in good
order to the camp.

Flushed with this success, Dieskau pressed im-
mediately forward against Johnson. The camp

1755.] BATTLE OF LAKE GEORGE. 201

of the latter was secured from assault on the
flanks by impassable swamps, and in front by an
imperfect breastwork of trees hastily felled for
that purpose, and by the wagons and baggage of
the troops. A few pieces of cannon brought from
Fort Edward only two days before, were hastily
mounted and disposed along the line. Dieskau,
driving the fugitives before him, had hoped by
closing upon their rear to penetrate the camp
with them, and thus derive an advantage from
the confusion which would necessarily ensue. In
this, however, he was disappointed. Immediately
the artillery opened, the Indians and Canadians
forming his right and left flanks, halted, and
crouching in the brushwood could not be prevailed
upon to take any part in the battle. With the
regulars alone Dieskau marched directly upon
the centre, and attempted to force it. Johnson
being wounded early in the action, the command
of the provincials devolved upon General Lyman.
For five hours, sheltered by their slender breast-
work, the Americans maintained an incessant and
well-directed fire. Dieskau being wounded in
several places, and the greater portion of the
regulars terribly shattered, orders were at length
given to retreat. The pursuit being closely
pressed by the provincials, Dieskau, finding him-
self unable, from the nature of his wounds, to
keep up with his routed army, seated himself upon
the stump of a tree, and ordering his attendants

202 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1755.

to place his military dress beside hirn, dismissed
them. In this position he was found by one of
the pursuers, who fired at and mortally wounded
him.

The same evening a detachment of two hun-
dred New Hampshire militia, under McGinnis,
sallied out from Fort Edward, and intercepted a
party of three hundred French, who were retreat-
ing in good order with the baggage of the army,
and after a spirited conflict completely routed
them. The loss sustained by the French in these
engagements has been variously estimated; that
of the provincials amounted, in killed and
wounded, to upward of three hundred men. For
this victory, subsequently known as the battle of
Lake George, Johnson was created a baronet,
and received a grant from parliament of five
thousand pounds ; while General Lyman, to whom
the success of the provincials was mainly attri-
buted, obtained no other reward for his gallantry
than the honourable esteem of the people of New
England.

Instead of proceeding at once to the reduction
of Crown Point, Johnson, apprehensive of an at-
tack with artillery, lingered on the borders of
Lake George, where he employed his troops in
building Fort William Henry. When the ap-
proach of winter precluded all further advance,
he left six hundred men to garrison the newly-

1755.] SHIRLEY UNSUCCESSFUL. 203

erected fortress, and dismissed the remainder to
their homes.

The expedition of Shirley against Niagara was
not even partially successful. The troops col-
lected for this enterprise, discouraged by the tid-
ings of Braddock's defeat, and broken down by
sickness and the difficulties of the route, finally
reached Oswego during the month of August,
where they commenced the erection of a new
fort, and constructed a sufficient number of boats
to bear them across Lake Ontario. But storms,
heavy rains, and a scarcity of provisions, com-
bined to delay the progress of the enterprise until
the season was too far advanced to attempt it
with any reasonable degree of safety. Baffled
by these untoward circumstances, Shirley left
seven hundred men in garrison at Oswego, and
disbanding the rest of his forces, returned to
Albany.

204 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1755.

CHAPTER XVI.

Sir Charles Hardy appointed governor of New York — His
popularity — Congress of governors — Expeditions agreed
upon against Crown Point, Forts Niagara and Duquesne —
Surprise of Ticonderoga proposed by Shirley — Rejected by
New York — Action of the assembly — Taxation for revenue
resorted to — War formally declared against France — Ob-
noxious acts passed in England — Arrival of Abercrombie —
Assembling of the troops — Arrival of Loudoun — Activity of
Montcalm — Oswego attacked — Death of Mercer — Capitula-
tion of Forts Ontario and Oswego — Loudoun abandons
offensive operations — Quarrels with the citizens of New
York — Campaign of 1757 — Futile expedition to Louisburg
— Siege of Fort William Henry — Spirited defence of Monroe
— Surrender of the garrison — Indian outrages — Conduct
of Webb — Of Loudoun — Campaign of 1758 — Energetic
course of Pitt — Louisburg captured — Abercrombie repulsed
before Ticonderoga — Fort Frontenac surprised and captured
by Bradstreet — Forbes marches against Fort Duquesne —
Its abandonment by the French.

Ox the 2d of September, 1755, Sir Charles
Hardy arrived at New York, and assumed the
government of the province ; but as the new go-
vernor, submitting to the counsel of his prede-
cessor, did not seek to enforce the instructions
with which he was charged, he soon became
popular with the assembly, a majority of which
still consisted of members friendly to the interest
of Delancey.

Nothing could more strikingly display the ne-
cessity of union among the colonies than the

1755.] CONGRESS OF GOVERNORS. 205

want of success in the late hostile operations.
With forces far superior in point of numbers to
those which the French could bring into the field,
the various expeditions had not only accomplished
nothing of moment, but, in the case of Braddock,
had sustained a terrible defeat, which encou-
raged the Indians friendly to the French to fol-
low up the successes of their active ally, by
ravaging and laying waste the weak and exposed
frontiers.

In the midst of this deplorable state of affairs,
a congress of governors and military officers met
at New York, on the 12th of December, to adopt
a plan of operations for the ensuing year. All
of those present expressed themselves conscious
that no imposing success could attend the efforts
of the colonies until parliament should interfere,
and, by a general system of taxation and a uni-
form plan of operations, give that unity and
directness to the forces employed which the dis-
orderly action of the respective colonial assem-
blies at present prevented.

It was, however, agreed upon by the council
to raise an army of twenty-one thousand men,
one-half of whom were to renew the expedition
against Crown Point ; six thousand to attempt
the reduction of Fort Niagara ; while the remain-
ing five thousand were to be employed against
Fort Duquesne and the settlements on the Chau-
diere. A subsequent proposition was made by

206 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1756.

Shirley, who had been appointed commander-in-
chief, to surprise, by a winter expedition, the
post at Ticonderoga, and thereby facilitate the
capture of Crown Point. But the assembly of
New York, to whom the project was communi-
cated by the governor, refused to assist in the
prosecution of the enterprise, unless Shirley
would reinforce the provincial troops by a larger
number of regulars than he could spare without
injury to the plan laid down for the summer
campaign.

For the latter, however, the assembly voted a
levy of seventeen hundred men, and issued bills
of credit on the faith of the colony to the amount
of forty thousand pounds. The previous appro-
priations having exhausted the resources of the
province, the assembly, at the December session,
resorted to taxation for a revenue. Duties were
imposed on imports and on stamps, and such
other means were adopted to meet the expenses
of the war as were thought least burdensome to
the people.

Great Britain at length formally declared war,
and the Earl of Loudoun was appointed comman-
der-in-chief throughout America, with a commis-
sion as governor of Virginia, and extraordinary
powers. Acts had also been passed by parliament
subordinating the provincial officers to those com-
missioned by the crown, and for quartering the
troops on private houses. Both these acts gave

1756.] ASSEMBLY OF THE TROOPS. 207

great offence throughout the colonies, which was
not lessened by the arrogance and discourtesy
with which they were enforced.

On the 25th of June, General Abercrombie,
the second in command to Loudoun, reached
Albany, having brought over with him from
England the 85th regiment and Murray's regi-
ment of Highlanders. There also were assembled
seven thousand provincials and the remains of
Eraddock's regiments. The forts at Oswego, by
the resolute activity of Bradstreet of New York,
the commissary-general, had been amply supplied
with provisions and stores for five thousand men.
Intelligence being brought by the latter that the
French were advancing to the assault of that post,
Abercrombie, who had been vainly urged previ-
ously by Shirley to reinforce the garrison, now
ordered General Webb to be in readiness for
that service ; but his march was delayed until
the arrival of the Earl of Loudoun on the 27th
of July. The main army at length prepared to
advance upon Ticonderoga and Crown Point,
while Webb was despatched with his regiment of
regulars to the relief of Oswego. It was then
too late.

The Marquis of Montcalm, who had lately suc-
ceeded Dieskau as commander of the French
forces in Canada, seizing rapid advantage of the
isolated condition of Oswego, placed himself at
the head of a mixed force of regulars, militia,

208 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1756.

and Indians, to the number of five thousand men.
Ascending the St. Lawrence from Quebec, he
crossed Lake Ontario with wonderful expedition,
and appeared before the forts at Oswego on the
evening of the 12th of August. These forts,
two in number, were situated upon the right and
left banks of the river from which the station
was named, and at a short distance from the
lake. Fort Ontario, built upon an eminence
which commanded the more substantial works
of Oswego, was strongly garrisoned by Peppe-
rell's and Shirley's regiments, numbering over
fifteen hundred men. Against this garrison, on
the morning of the 13th, Montcalm, well sup-
plied with artillery, opened his fire ; and during
the whole day the assault and defence were con-
tinued with unceasing vigour and resolution.
Finding his ammunition failing, Mercer, the
English commandant, spiked his cannon, and
silently evacuating Fort Ontario, crossed the
river under cover of the night, and occupied Fort
Oswego with the greater portion of his force.
Montcalm promptly took possession of the de-
serted work, and commenced an uninterrupted
fire upon the opposite fortress. On the 14th,
Mercer having been previously killed by a can-
non-ball, the garrison proposed terms of capitu-
lation. The loss in killed and wounded was not
great on either side ; but one hundred and thirty-
four pieces of artillery, six armed vessels, two

1756.] OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS ABANDONED. 209

hundred boats and batteaux, and an immense
quantity of stores and provisions, were captured
by the French. The garrison, over one thou-
sand in number, after enduring some outrages
from the Indians, which were greatly exagge-
rated at the time, were sent to Montreal as pri-
soners of war. To propitiate the Six Nations,
Montcalm razed the forts, and returned to Ca-
nada in triumph.

The alarm created by the successful achieve-
ment of this important and ably-conducted enter-
prise, led to the abandonment of offensive opera-
tions on the part of the British commanders.
Webb, after advancing as far as the Oneida
portage, fell back precipitately to Albany. Lou-
doun, the commander-in-chief, recalled the main
army, then on its way to Ticonderoga, and after
reinforcing Forts Edward and William, dismissed
the provincials and ordered the regulars into
winter quarters. A thousand of the latter were
crowded into the barracks at New York; but the
magistrates of the city declining to grant free
lodgings for the officers, the imperious earl
threatened, that if the demand was not complied
with, he would billet the whole of his forces upon
the city. This outrageous conduct produced
great indignation among the inhabitants ; and
though the difficulty was finally arranged by pri-
vate subscription, the insolent arrogance of Lou-
is*

210 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1757.

doun created toward hiin a general feeling of
detestation.

The campaign of 1757 was equally inglorious
to the British arms. The early part of the sum-
mer was wasted in j)reparations ; and it was not
until July that the indolent and imbecile Lou-
doun, after providing for the safety of the fron-
tiers, was enabled to leave New York to co-ope-
rate with a fleet under Admiral Holborne in the
attempted reduction of Louisburg. Sir Charles
Hardy having been appointed to a naval com-
mand in this expedition, the government of New
York was again left in the hands of Delancey.
While Loudoun, with a well-appointed army of
ten thousand men, was loitering away his time
at Halifax, a French squadron of seventeen sail
anchoring in the harbour of Louisburg discon-
certed the proposed attack. The indignant
officers, with their broken-spirited troops, were
re-embarked for New York.

They had scarcely set sail on their return
from what was contemptuously called "a cab-
bage-planting expedition," in allusion to a vege-
table garden with which Loudoun had amused
his 'inactivity at Halifax, before tidings reached
them of the capture of Fort William Henry.
Gathering: together the whole disposable force
of Canada, regulars, Canadians, and Indians, to
the number of eight thousand men, Montcalm
ascended Lake George, and on the 2d of August

1757.] FORT WILLIAM HENRY CAPTURED. 211

suddenly appeared before the astonished garri-
son. Disembarking his troops at the southern
point of the lake, he sent a portion of the Cana-
dians to cut off all communication with Webb,
who lay at Fort Edward, only fourteen miles
distant, with an army of five thousand men.
Another strong detachment, under De Levi, was
posted in the woods to the north of the fort;
while the main body took up a position on the
west side of the lake. On the 4th of August,
Monroe, the veteran commander of Fort William
Henry, was summoned to surrender; but con-
fidently expecting to be reinforced by Webb, he
determined upon a vigorous defence. Montcalm
at once hastened up his artillery and commenced
the attack. The conduct of General Webb in
this emergency has been justly censured. During
the progress of the siege, Sir William Johnson
repeatedly solicited permission to march with a
strong body of provincials to the relief of the
beleaguered garrison; but, labouring under the
apprehension that Fort Edward would be the
next object of attack, Webb not only rescinded
the permission which after much importunity
had been extorted from him, but wrote to Mon-
roe, stating his inability to render him any as-
sistance, and advising him to capitulate on the
best terms he could obtain.

Notwithstanding the garrison at Fort William
Henry did not much exceed two thousand men,

212 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1757.

the brave Monroe protracted the defence for six
days ; "when, his ammunition being nearly ex-
hausted and only four of his guns remaining ser-
viceable, he agreed to surrender, on condition
that his troops should be allowed to march out
with the honours of war, and furnished with an
escort to Fort Edward sufficient to protect them
from the vindictive ferocity of the savages. To
these terms Montcalm consented ; but, although
both himself and his officers perilled their own
lives to shield the vanquished garrison,, from the
tomahawk and the scalping- knife, in spite of their
most strenuous personal efforts many of the pri-
soners were massacred, and a still larger number
were seized and hurried off into captivity.

Within a few days after the surrender of Mon-
roe, Webb had received additions of volunteers
and militia until the force at Fort Edward was
increased to twenty thousand men. It was then,
however, too late to render any effective service.
Satisfied with having achieved a triumph with so
little loss to himself, Montcalm, hastily reducing
the fort and out-buildings to a heap of ruins,
re-embarked for Canada, bearing with him the
immense quantity of stores which had fallen into
his hands.

In the midst of the alarm created by this suc-
cessful incursion, Loudoun arrived at New York
from his fruitless expedition against Louisburg,
and, partaking of the general panic, proposed to

1758.] ACTIVITY OF THE FRENCH. 213

encamp on Long Island for the defence of the
continent. And thus, amid the sneers of coffee-
house wits and the contempt of his own officers,
the summer was passed. With more men capable
of bearing arms in a single province than there
were male inhabitants in the whole territory of
Canada, and with an army of regulars amounting
to twenty thousand men, the English had been
shamefully expelled from the valley of the Ohio
and from the borders of Lake Ontario and Lake
George. The French, victorious in every engage-
ment, not only held possession of the disputed
territory, but had succeeded in coercing the Six
Nations to a position of neutrality; while their
own Indian allies, spreading themselves along
the frontiers from Massachusetts to Virginia,
scarcely met with any resistance to their fero-
cious and sanguinary career.

The campaign of 1758 opened under happier
auspices. William Pitt, who "trampled upon
impossibilities," and who had risen solely by the
force of his commanding talents from the humble
station of a cornet of dragoons to the head of the
British cabinet, no sooner found himself in a po-
sition to act without restraint, than he sought,
with all the energies of his large mind, to effect
a radical change in the aspect of American
affairs. Thoroughly acquainted with the condi-
tion of the colonies, he appeased the just discon-
tent of the officers attached to the provincial

214 HISTORY OF NEW YOKE. [1758.

levies by rescinding the odious army regulations,
and allowing all, from the rank of colonel down-
ward, an equal command with the British. By
a circular addressed to the respective governors
he called for all the men they could raise, to co-
operate with the sea and land forces about to be
sent from England ; taking upon himself to pro-
vide arms, ammunition, tents, and provisions ;
and, while requiring of the colonists to clothe
and pay their levies, he promised that even these
expenses should be reimbursed by parliament.

His requisitions were promptly met by a hearty
response. The governments of New England
were profusely liberal. New York enlarged her
quota from one thousand seven hundred men to
two thousand six hundred and eighty, and voted
one hundred thousand pounds to defray the
charges of their service and equipment. Lou-
doun was recalled, and Abercrombie appointed
commander-in-chief. Early in May, fifty thou-
sand men, including twenty-two thousand regu-
lars, were ready to take the field.

The plan of the campaign embraced three ex-
peditions : Admiral Boscawen, with a squadron
of thirty-eight ships of war and an army of four-
teen thousand men under Amherst, assisted by
Brigadier-General Wolfe, was to attempt the
reduction of Louisburg ; while Abercrombie, with
fifteen thousand men, advanced against Ticonde-
roga ; and Forbes, with six thousand regulars and

1758.] CAPTURE OF LOUISBURG. 215

provincials, marched to the conquest of Fort Du-
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the
valley of the Ohio.

On the 8th of June Boscawen appeared before
the fortress at Louisburg, and the same day the
troops were disembarked and the -works invested.
The siege was pressed with great caution and
energy until the 27th of July, when, the French
ships of war in the harbour having been destroyed
or taken, the garrison capitulated, and the islands
of Cape Breton and St. Johns were immediately
taken possession of by the conquerors.

During the progress of this siege, Abercrombie
marched from Fort Edward with nine thousand
provincials and six thousand regulars, and em-
barking in one thousand boats and batteaux,
sailed down Lake George, bearing with him, on
rafts prepared for that purpose, his artillery and
military stores. The cloudless sua of that July
morning looked down upon a magnificent array
of troops in scarlet and gold, jf burnished arms,
and of waving banners, wh^ie the shores of the
lake echoed back the inspiring sounds of martial
music, by which the movements of the flotilla
were accompanied. On the 6th of July, in a cove
on the west side of the lake and near to its out-
let, the army landed, and soon after, following
the windings of the river, moved in four columns
along the west bank of the stream, the regulars
in the centre and the provincials on the flanks.

216 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1758.

"While advancing in some confusion over the un-
even ground of the dense forest, the right centre
under Lord Howe suddenly encountered near
Trout Brook a detachment of three hundred
men, who, having been sent by Montcalm to
watch the movements of the English, had, in
falling back during the previous night, lost their
way in the woods. A sharp but brief skirmish
ensued, which ended in the complete rout of the
French. One hundred and fifty-seven men were
taken prisoners, the remainder being either killed
or dispersed. But this petty triumph was sad-
dened by the loss of Lord Howe, who was shot
dead at the head of his column when the firing
first commenced.

After encamping in the forest for the night,
Abercrombie thought of falling back to the place
of landing; but by the energy of Lieutenant-
Colonel Bradctreet, the bridges, which had been
broken up by \ke enemy above and below the
falls of the stream, were renewed ; and a circuit
of the stream being thus avoided, the army took
possession of the Saw-^nis, a strong military po-
sition, within one mile ai,d a half of the works at
Ticonderoga.

These works consisted of Fort Carillon, sur-
rounded on three sides by the waters of the lake,
and obstructed landward, on the north, by a mo-
rass. To defend the approach from the north-
west, Montcalm had thrown up a breastwork of

1758.] ABERCROMBIE REPULSED. 217

logs, before which an abatis had been formed of
trees felled, with their branches sharpened and
extending outward. The force within the lines,
by the opportune arrival of a detachment under
De Levi, amounted, on the evening of the Till
of July, to three thousand six hundred and fifty
men.

On the morning of the 8th, Clerk, the chief
engineer, who had been despatched to recon-
noitre the lines, returned and reported them
easily practicable. Without waiting for his ar-
tillery, Abercrombie at once determined to carry
the breastworks by storm, although Mount De-
fiance, an eminence commanding the works, was
in possession of his troops, and a few pieces of
cannon judiciously placed upon it would have
rendered Ticonderoga utterly untenable, with
little, if any, loss to the besiegers. Having
made his dispositions for the attack, the troops,
with the regulars in front, were ordered to ad-
vance with fixed bayonets, rush through the fire
of the enemy, and reserve their own until they
had passed the breastworks. Unconscious that
on the right of the French the fortifications were
unfinished, the storming party bore down upon
that portion of the works which was most strong-
ly protected by cannon.

The resolute and sagacious Montcalm instantly
seized advantage of the error. Stripping off his
coat, he drew his sword, and forbidding, under

218 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1758.

penalty of death, a single musket to be fired
until he gave the word, he waited silently until
the English had become embarrassed by the
limbs of the trees and by the loose logs and
other entangling rubbish of which the abatis had
been formed. Then, at the given signal, the fire
of his artillery and musketry opened, and swept
off the assailants by hundreds. Checked for the
moment, but not dismayed, the troops returned
to the assault, and for four hours persevered in
their desperate attempt to force a passage over
the breastwork ; while the French, covered by
their intrenchments, kept up an incessant and
destructive fire with but little loss to themselves.
Daring even to the extreme of rashness, the re-
gulars, entangled at every step they took, made
successive attempts upon the centre, upon the
left, and upon the right ; but at length becoming
bewildered by the prodigious slaughter, they
commenced to fire upon each other, when Aber-
crombie ordered the attack to be abandoned,
and retreated precipitately across the lake, with
a los3, in killed and wounded, of nearly two
thousand men.

The army, disheartened and discontented, had
no sooner reached Fort William Henry, than
Bradstreet solicited permission to lead a strong
force of provincials against Fort Frontenac. A
detachment of three thousand men being reluc-
tantly placed at his disposal, he proceeded at

1758.] FORT FRONTENAC DESTROYED. 219

once, by forced marches, from Lake George to
Albany, ascended the Mohawk River, crossed
the portage to Oneida Lake, embarked at Oswe-
go in open boats, sailed down Lake Ontario, en-
tered the St. Lawrence, and landing within a
mile of the fort, invested it on the 26th of Au-
gust; and on the following day compelled the
astonished garrison to surrender. By this bril-
liant exploit, thirty pieces of cannon, sixteen
small mortars, and nine armed vessels, employed
in supplying Duquesne and the other southern
forts with military stores, fell into the hands of
Bradstreet. Fort Frontenac, a strong stone
structure, was laid in ruins ; and of its garrison,
one hundred men became prisoners of war, as
many more having previously sought safety by
flight. In twenty-four days Bradstreet was back
at the Oneida portage, having lost but few men
by the enemy, though some five hundred of his
detachment, principally from New York, died
soon after of sickness.

In the mean time, General Forbes was on his
way to Fort Duquesne, marching slowly, cutting
a new road as he went, greatly to the indigna-
tion of Washington, who would have pushed for-
ward by the old route opened for Braddock's
army. It was not until the 5th of November
that the main body of the troops succeeded in
reaching the camp at Loyal Hanna. The sea-
son being so far advanced, and a distance of

220 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1758.

fifty miles of unbroken forest yet remaining to
be traversed, it was decided by a council of war
to relinquish the expedition until the following
year. Fortunately, at this juncture three pri-
soners were brought in, from whom it was ascer-
tained that the garrison, cut off from their usual
supplies by the capture of Fort Frontenac, had
been deserted by their Indian allies, upon whose
fidelity the hope of a successful defence had
mainly depended. Inspirited by these tidings,
Forbes resolved to leave behind him the heavy
baggage and artillery, and press forward at
once. Washington, at his own solicitation, was
thrown in advance to clear the way for the
main army. But the obstacles were many and
the progress slow ; and it was not until the 25th
of November that the troops took peaceable pos-
session of the ruins of Fort Duquesne, the French
having fired and abandoned it the day previous.
The structure was immediately ordered to be re-
newed and strengthened, and having been sup-
plied with a garrison of four hundred and fifty
men, was named Fort Pitt, in honour of the mi-
nister whose energy and decision had so greatly
contributed to the general success of the cam-
paign.

1759.] campaign of 1759. 221

CHAPTER XVII.

Campaign of 1759 — Plan of conquest — Prideaux marches
against Fort Niagara — Invests it — Is killed — Attempts of the
French to raise the siege — Their defeat — Capitulation of the
garrison — March of Amherst — Ticonderoga and Crown
Point deserted — Wolfe sails for Quebec — Takes possession
of the Isle of Orleans — Quebec — Its situation and defences —
Defended by Montcalm — His encampment — Attempt to fire
the British fleet frustrated — Occupation of Point Levi —
Wolfe encamps on the east bank of the Montmorenci —
Battle of Montmorenci — The English repulsed — Murray
ordered' up the St. Lawrence — The heights of Abraham —
Plan of attack — Daring movement of Wolfe — Its success —
Incredulity of Montcalm — Preparations for battle — The
English victorious — Death of Wolfe — Montcalm mortally
wounded — Capitulation of Quebec — De Levi attempts to
recapture it — Capture of Montreal — Final conquest of
Canada.

Emboldened by the advantages already
gained, Pitt now resolved upon the entire con-
quest of Canada. His call upon the colonies
for additional levies for the campaign of 1759
was met with alacrity. New York voted her
previous quota of two thousand six hundred and
eighty men, and appropriated one hundred thou-
sand pounds for their levy and equipment.

The plan of conquest embraced three expedi-
tions, separately commanded. While Prideaux
marched against the fort at Niagara, Amherst,
who had succeeded Abercrombie as commander-

19*

222 HISTORY OF XEW YORK. [1759.

in-chief, was to advance upon Ticonderoga and
Crown Point, and, after reducing those places,
was to proceed, by way of Lake Champlain and
the Sorel River, to the assistance of Wolfe, who,
supported by a powerful fleet under Admiral
Saunders, had been ordered to attempt the re-
duction of Quebec.

The first blow was struck by Prideaux. Leav-
ing a portion of his troops at Oswego to recon-
struct a fort at that place, he embarked on Lake
Ontario with about two thousand regulars and
provincials, reinforced by several hundred Iro-
quois warriors led by Sir William Johnson ; and
landing on the 6th of July, without opposition, a
few miles east of the peninsula upon which the
ruins of Fort Niagara are yet to be seen, in-
vested it in form.

Anxious to preserve a station of so much im-
portance to the safety of the interior posts,
detachments from the garrisons at Detroit, Le
Bceuf, Yenango, and Erie, to the number of
twelve hundred men, accompanied by a strong
body of Indian auxiliaries, hastened to the relief
of the besieged.

Receiving early intelligence of the danger by
which he was menaced, Prideaux made his ar-
rangements to meet it. Being killed on the 15th
of July by the bursting of a cohorn, the chief
command devolved upon Sir William Johnson,
who, faithfully following out the plans of his

1759.] TICONDEROGA TAKEN. 223

predecessor, posted his troops between the fort
and the cataract, so as to intercept the advance
of the French. On the morning of the 24th of
July the latter made their appearance, and the
war-whoop of their Indian allies was the signal
for battle. The contest was sustained with great
• firmness and determination for nearly an hour ;
but the Iroquois, gaining the flanks of the
French, succeeded in throwing them into confu-
sion, and the English charging at the same mo-
ment, a panic ensued which ended in the total
rout of the relieving force, large numbers of
whom, hotly pursued, were killed in the sur-
rounding forests. The next day the garrison,
six hundred and seven in number, capitulated ;
and communication with Erie, Le Boeuf, and Ve-
nango being thus cut off, those posts were aban-
doned soon after.

While the western army was investing Fort
Niagara, Amherst marched for Ticonderoga.
With eleven thousand regulars and provincials
he descended Lake George in four columns of
boats, and on the 22d of July disembarked his
troops on the eastern shore of the outlet, nearly
opposite to the point where Abercrombie had
landed previously. The French being defeated
the same evening in a skirmish at the Saw-mills,
Bourlamarque, their commander, abandoned the
lines from behind which Montcalm had repulsed
his assailants with so much slaughter, leaving

224 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1759.

behind him four hundred men to garrison the
fortress. Cautiously advancing, Amherst took
possession of the deserted works ; but, before his
batteries were completed, the garrison blew up
their magazines, and on the 26th retreated to
Crown Point. On the 31st, they evacuated the
latter fort also, and fell back to Isle-aux-Noix,
where, thirty-five hundred in number, well fur-
nished with artillery, and having a naval supe-
riority on the lake, they proceeded to entrench
themselves. The repair of the abandoned forts,
and the construction of vessels of sufficient
strength to cope with those of the enemy, occu-
pied the attention of Amherst until the 10th of
October, when, not knowing that Quebec had
already fallen, he set sail for the purpose of co-
operating with Wolfe ; but being baffled by
adverse winds, he returned to Crown Point on
the 21st, and disposed of his troops in winter
quarters.

As soon as the harbour of Louisburg was free
from floating ice, Wolfe, having under him Bri-
gadiers Monckton, Townsend, and Murray, all
three of whom were young men of station and
affluence, had embarked his army of eight thou-
sand men under convoy of a fleet of forty-four
ships of the line, frigates, and armed vessels,
commanded by Admiral Saunders, and, ascend-
ing the St. Lawrence, had landed his forces on

1759.] Quebec. 225

the 27th of June upon the Isle of Orleans, a
few miles below Quebec.

The defence of the latter city had been under-
taken by the Marquis Montcalm, whose troops,
although superior in numbers to the British, con-
sisted of less than two thousand regulars, the
remainder being militia and Indians. He there-
fore wisely determined to avoid a battle, if pos-
sible, and to depend upon the natural strength
of the country. The advantages which this gave
him he had sedulously improved to the utmost.

Situated upon a point of land formed by the
junction of the St. Charles with the St. Law-
rence, Quebec consisted of an upper and a lower
town, which, besides being protected on the north
and south by those rivers, were fortified with
great care and- art. The lower town, washed by
the river, nestling at the base of a bold and rocky
precipice, forty-eight feet in height, was over-
looked by the upper town and citadel, which
crested the summit. This rocky and precipitous
wall, extending for a considerable distance west-
wardly along the St. Lawrence, opposed an
almost impracticable barrier to any attempt
which might be made to surmount it ; and for
nine miles above and below the city, or from
Cape Rouge to the Falls of the Montmorenci,
every weak point had been strengthened and
protected. To guard these extensive lines,
Montcalm had encamped his troops behind in-

226 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1759.

trenchments along the shore below Quebec, the
centre of his position being the village of Beau-
port, while his wings extended to the St. Charles
on the one side and the Montmorenci on the
other. Such were the obstacles which it was
required of Wolfe to overcome before he could
hope to obtain possession of the city.

The troops had scarcely disembarked, before
a furious storm arose, in the midst of which
several of the smaller craft foundered. Some
of the vessels of war also lost their anchors, and
several of the transports sustained serious da-
mage. Taking advantage of the confusion
arising from this occurrence, the French let
loose, on the night of the 28th, a fleet of fire-
ships, which, floating down with the tide, created
considerable alarm ; but the sailors resolutely
boarded them, and towing them ashore, freed
the shipping in the river from the danger by
which they had been menaced.

On the next night, Brigadier Murray, with
four battalions, was despatched across the south
channel to take possession of Point Levi, oppo-
site to Quebec, and to commence the construc-
tion of batteries for mortar and cannon. "While
these works were in progress, sixteen hundred
of the citizens of Quebec, foreseeing the destruc-
tion which must ensue, volunteered to cross the
river and destroy them ; but, being seized with
a panic, they fell into confusion, fired on one

1759.] ATTACK ON QUEBEC. 227

another, and retreated in disorder. The artil-
lery opened soon after with great effect ; shells
and red-hot balls entirely destroying the lower
town, and considerably damaging the upper.
The distance being found too great to make any
impression upon the citadel, and the strong river-
works protecting the place from assault, Wolfe,
eager to bring Montcalm to battle, crossed the
north channel on the night of the 9th of July,
and encamped on the eastern bank of the Mont-
morenci, opposite to the left wing of the French
encampment.

On an examination of the river, a ford was
discovered about three miles from its mouth ;
but the opposite bank was intrenched, and so
steep and woody, that the passage was pro-
nounced impracticable. A reconnoissance was
next made of the St. Lawrence, above Quebec,
but the bold shore was found equally well pro-
tected by nature and art. Notwithstanding the
obstacles which everywhere presented themselves,
Wolfe projected an attempt to be made at St.
Michael's Cove, three miles above the city ; but
Montcalm foiled the design by planting a mortar
and artillery at that point to play upon the ship-
ping. A landing at the cove being thus rendered
too hazardous, Wolfe returned to his camp on the
Montmorenci, and adopted the desperate resolu-
tion of crossing that river below the falls, where
it was fordable for several hours between the

228 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1759.

latter part of the ebb and the beginning of the
flood tide.

Accordingly, on the morning of the 31st of
July, the brigades of Townsend and Murray
were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to
take advantage of the tide and pass the river on
foot, while a detachment of grenadiers and a
part of Monckton's brigade were descending from
Point Levi to co-operate with them.

At the proper time of the tide, the signal be-
ing made, Townsend's corps was put in motion,
and at the same moment the boats crossed the
St. Lawrence ; but the latter grounding on a
ledge, were thrown into confusion, and consider-
able time was lost before they could be gotten
off. During this interval, the march of Town-
send's corps was delayed, while Wolfe, accom-
panied by several naval officers, pushed off in a
flat-bottomed boat, and selected a better place
for the troops to land. Thinking it, even then,
not too late to make an attack, a disembarkation
was ordered. Thirteen companies of grenadiers
and two hundred of the second Royal American
battalion being the first to reach the shore, were
directed to form and begin the assault, so soon
as Townsend's corps had crossed the ford, and
the forces under Monckton had arrived within
supporting distance.

But, without waiting even to form, the advance
party rushed forward in impetuous disorder to

1759.] ATTACK ON QUEBEC. 229

storm the intrencliments. Great numbers of them
being swept away by the close and well-directed
fire which immediately opened upon them, the
remainder were driven to seek shelter in and
around a redoubt which the French had aban-
doned on their approach. Unable to organize
under so destructive a fire, they were compelled
to remain under cover until the approach of
night, when Wolfe directed their recall, fearing
that the returning tide would expose the troops
which had crossed the Montmorenci to the dan-
ger of being cut off by the enemy. The retreat
was effected in good order and without loss ; but
five hundred men had previously been killed and
wounded ; such of the latter as could not be
brought off, were subsequently murdered and
scalped by the savages.

Immediately after this severe repulse, Mur-
ray, with twelve hundred men, assisted by a por-
tion of the fleet under Rear-Admiral Holmes,
was sent up the river to endeavour to destroy
some French ships, and open a communication
with Amherst. Two different attempts made
by this detachment to effect a landing on the
north shore were repulsed ; but on a third, Mur-
ray succeeded in surprising a weak military
guard at Deschambault, and in burning a maga-
zine containing provisions and military stores.
From some prisoners captured at the latter place,
Wolfe learned for the first time that Niagara had

230 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1759.

surrendered, that the forts at Ticonderoga and
Crown Point had been abandoned, and that
Bourlarnarque, with three thousand men, was
fortifying himself at Isle-au-Noix.

For a long time Wolfe waited hopefully for
the approach of Amherst, until, chafing at his
own ill success, and worn down by toil, watch-
ing, and anxiety, he fell ill of a fever. Even
during this period of physical prostration, the
ardour of his mind remained unabated, and he
proposed to his principal officers several despe-
rate plans of attack, which were respectively
abandoned. At length it was resolved to pro-
ceed up the river, and attempt, by an assault on
the city, to bring on a general engagement. The
troops were accordingly transported from the
camp at Montmorenci to Point Levi ; but, after
a long and careful examination, the approaches to
the citadel were found to be so strongly intrench-
ed and fortified, that although the batteries of
the lower town might have been silenced with
ease from the ships, the latter would have been
subjected to considerable damage from the mor-
tars planted on the heights ; and so dangerous
and unpromising did the undertaking appear,
that Wolfe would not propose it to the admiral.

By this time the month of September had set
in, and there remained only one hazardous chance
of success. A close scrutiny of the north shore
had revealed to the quick eyes of Wolfe, at a

1759.] ATTACK ON QUEBEC. 231

short distance above the city, a narrow in-
trenched path, very difficult of ascent, winding
up the steep acclivity from the beach formed by
a small cove of the river, and terminating in the
Heights of Abraham. This path was protected
by a battery of four guns, supported by a small
force of Canadian militia, whose tents gleamed
whitely on the summit of the heights. Here
Wolfe resolved to disembark five thousand men
secretly by night, and, climbing the bank, to
form them on the plain above in the rear of the
town, where the fortifications were weakest ;
although the rapidity of the stream, the narrow-
ness of the landing-place, and the numerous sen-
tinels posted watchfully along the shore, added
greatly to the danger of the enterprise and the
probability of an early discovery.

The troops destined for this service were ac-
cordingly transported to a considerable distance
up the river, and all the necessary preparations
having been made, at one o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 13th they dropped silently down the
river in boats, without using oar or sail, but
trusting to the force of the current only. The
ships followed shortly after to cover the landing.
"Who goes there ?" shouted a sentinel from the
shore, as the boats were gliding quietly down
with the stream. "La France !" promptly re-
sponded an English captain, in the language of
the challenger. "What regiment?" demanded

232 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1759.

the sentinel. "De la Reine !" replied the cap-
tain, who recollected that such was the name of
a regiment which had been sent up the river
under Bougainville to watch the movements of
the English. "Pass on !" said the guard. They
were subsequently hailed again several times, but
averted detection by similar replies. One of the
sentinels, however, was more suspicious. Run-
ning down to the water's edge, he exclaimed,
"Why don't you speak louder?" "Hush! we
shall be overheard!" said the captain, signi-
ficantly, and the boats were suffered to pass
without further interruption. Some struck the
landing-place, and others fell a little below it.
The troops from the latter, among whom was
Wolfe, aided by bushes and projecting roots,
clambered up the precipitous wall of rock, nearly
two hundred feet in height, and dislodging the
guard intrusted with the defence of the pathway,
were speedily joined by their companions. By
daybreak the whole of the troops had surmounted
the obstacles which had impeded their progress,
and stood in battle array upon the Plains of
Abraham.

When the intelligence first reached Montcalm,
he received it with incredulity, for he had never
conceived the possibility of any large body of
men succeeding in so daring and perilous an en-
terprise. The tidings being confirmed soon after,
he sent swift messengers to Bougainville and De

1759.] BATTLE ON THE PLAINS. 233

Vaudreuil, the one commanding fifteen hundred
and the other two thousand men, to join him
with all possible despatch ; but after waiting im-
patiently for some time without being reinforced
by either, he crossed the St. Charles to dare the
issue which had been thus suddenly forced upon
him. By ten o'clock the two armies, each about
five thousand in number, stood opposed to each
other in order of battle.

The advantage of the ground was with Mont-
calm, but his troops, composed partly of militia
and Indians, were far inferior to the English.
After a cannonade of nearly an hour, from three
small field-pieces on the part of the French,
and two on that of the English, Montcalm, hav-
ing posted fifteen hundred irregulars under cover
of the corn-fields and bushes in front, advanced
with the intention of outflanking the British.
This movement being frustrated by Wolfe, who
despatched Townsend with the regiment of Am-
herst to form on the left, so as to present a dou-
ble front to the enemy, Montcalm, taking his
station on the left of his line, opposite to where
Wolfe stood at the head of his grenadiers, ad-
vanced with a dashing intrepidity to the attack.

The English troops, disregarding the skir-
mishers, by whom they were considerably an-
noyed, reserved their fire until the main body
of the enemy approached within forty yards,
when they opened with such a regular, incessant,

20*

234 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1759.

and destructive discharge of musketry, that the
French soon exhibited signs of faltering. Mont-
calm "was wounded, and his second in command
killed. Profiting by the terrible check which his
adversary had sustained, Wolfe ordered a charge
with fixed bayonets, himself leading the twenty-
eighth and the grenadiers. At this prompt and
well-timed movement the French gave way ; but
as Wolfe moved forward in advance of his sol-
diers, he received a musket-ball in the wrist.
Wrapping his handkerchief about the wound, he
continued to lead his men. He was soon after
struck more dangerously by a second bullet, but
intent only upon securing the victory, he con-
cealed the knowledge of it from those about him,
and still pressed on. Just as the French were
becoming completely disorganized, a third bullet
pierced his breast, and he was carried to the
rear mortally wounded. While reclining upon
the ground, supported by one of his officers, he
questioned him eagerly respecting the progress
of the battle. Being told that the French ranks
were greatly disordered, he desired to be lifted
up, that he might once more view the field, but
his eyes were already growing dim. Suddenly
the officer exclaimed, " They run ! they run !"
« Who run ?" said Wolfe. « The French !" re-
plied the officer. "What, do they run already?"
he responded ; and for a few moments the ap-
proach of death was suspended by the tidings he

1759.] DEATH OF WOLFE. 235

had heard. He gave rapid directions that Webb's
regiment should be marched to Charles' River to
intercept the fugitives, and then exclaiming,
"Now, God be praised! I die happy!" he fell
back in the arms of his attendants, and expired.

Monckton being dangerously wounded, the
chief command fell upon Townsend. The pur-
suit of the fugitives was stayed soon after,, and
the troops recalled. This was scarcely effected
before Bougainville, hastening to the assistance
of Montcalm, made his appearance upon the field
with a reinforcement of two thousand men ; but
the victory was already won. After some sharp
skirmishing, he secured the safety of his detach-
ment by withdrawing into the neighbouring
woods and swamps.

The fate of Quebec was now no longer doubt-
ful, for Montcalm, the only man whose genius
might yet have saved it from capture, had also
been wounded mortally while attempting to rally
a party of fugitives. Expressing himself thank-
ful that he should not live to see the surrender
of the city, he wrote the same evening to Town-
send, recommending the French prisoners to his
humanity, and died early the following morning.
In this important battle the French lost five
hundred in killed and a thousand in wounded
and prisoners. The loss of the English amounted
only to fifty men killed, though their wounded
numbered upward of five hundred.

236 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1759.

Preparations for besieging the city were im-
mediately commenced by Townsend, but on the
seventeenth of September, before any of the
batteries were constructed, the garrison capitu-
lated. With the fall of Quebec ended the French
dominion over Canada. During the following
spring, a daring attempt was made by De Levi
to retake the city, which, for a time, promised
to be successful ; but the opportune arrival of an
English fleet finally frustrated the enterprise ;
and Montreal being taken by Amherst early the
ensuing September, the conquest of Canada was
completed.

1760.] CANADA RETAINED. 237

CHAPTER XVIII.

Retention of Canada determined upon — Spain joins France
against England- — Treaty of Fontainebleau — Death of De-
lancey — Administration of Colden — Monckton appointed
governor — Ordered to Martinique — Independence of the Ju-
diciary struck at — Alarm of New York — Difficulties between
New York and New Hampshire — Financial embarrassment
of England — Action of the ministry — Stamp-tax passed — Its
reception in New York — Colden burned in effigy — Stamp-
tax repealed — Townsend's scheme of taxation — Action of the
colonies — Pusillanimous conduct of the New York Assembly
— Alexander McDougal — His imprisonment and popularity —
Rapid increase of New York in population and wealth — Dun-
more appointed governor — Removed to Virginia — Transfers
the government to Tryon — Regulators in North Carolina —
Their defeat — Disturbances respecting the New Hampshire
grants — Resistance to state authority — Tea sent to America
— Proceedings of the colonies — Congress at Philadelphia —
Battle of Lexington.

The expulsion of the French forces from Ca-
nada, and its occupation by the British, created
a general joy throughout the provinces. The
merits of Wolfe, Amherst, and their subordinate
officers, were extolled in the highest terms. Con-
gratulatory addresses poured in upon Pitt from
all quarters. France, impoverished and humili-
ated, desired peace at almost any sacrifice. In
view of this event, the American colonies were
unanimous in their desire to retain Canada as an
English possession. Pitt, and most of the other
members of the cabinet, entertained similar sen-

238 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1762.

timents ; and Choiseul, the French minister, bent
upon putting an end to a war so inglorious for
his country, was not disposed to insist upon its
restoration. Pitt, however, while lending a fa-
vourable ear to propositions for peace, stead-
fastly persevered in his preparations for a con-
tinuance of the war. Choiseul desired to retain
a harbour in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the
freedom of the fisheries. These concessions Pitt
refused, and, while negotiations were still pend-
ing, sent out a powerful fleet, which captured
Belle Isle. A third party now entered into the
quarrel.

Aggrieved by the establishment of English
commercial posts in the Bays of Honduras and
Campeachy, and conscious of being too weak to
obtain redress single-handed, Spain, during the
summer of 1761, entered into a secret treaty
with France, under the title of the Family Com-
pact; and, although differences in the English
cabinet led at this juncture to the resignation of
Pitt, war soon after broke out afresh. The Bri-
tish forces proving everywhere victorious, nego-
tiations were again proposed, and on the 3d of
November, 1762, peace was finally ratified by
the treaty of Fontainebleau.

By the sudden death of Delancey, toward the
close of July, 1760, the administration of the
government of New York had devolved upon
Cadwallader Colden, as president of the council.

1762.] ATTEMPTS ON THE JUDICIARY. 239

Appointed the following year lieutenant-governor,
he was superseded in the chief magistracy soon
after by General Monckton ; but the latter had
scarcely presented his commission as governor,
before he was ordered to take command of an
expedition against Martinique, and Colden again
assumed the reins of government.

In the mean time, the Board of Trade, in pur-
suance of their determination to attempt the re-
storation of the royal prerogative in America,
had struck at the independence of the colonial
judiciary by making the tenure of the judicial
commissions subject to the king's pleasure, in-
stead of during good behaviour, as formerly. The
office of chief-justice of New York having become
vacant, the appointment of Pratt, a Boston lawyer,
was made the first test of colonial obedience.
The subordinate judges, whose commissions were
supposed to have expired at the death of George
II., having also reluctantly consented to continue
to serve, subject to the same restriction, the as-
sembly became alarmed at the dangerous charac-
ter of the innovation, and resolved to resist it,
by refusing to grant the customary salaries.
Equally determined to carry out the measures
they had projected, the Board of Trade, in June,
1762, recommended to the king that the salaries
of the provincial judges should be paid out of the
royal quit-rents. The advice was adopted, and
the system of a judiciary wholly dependent upon

240 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1767.

the crown, as established in New York, was di-
rected also to be applied to the other provinces.

During this period of anxiety, serious difficul-
ties had arisen between the governments of New
York and New Hampshire, in respect to grants
made by the latter of lands lying between the
Connecticut River and Lake Champlain. Both
provinces claimed this territory — since known as
the state of Vermont — to be within the limits of
their respective jurisdictions ; but a royal order,
promulgated on the 17th of June, 1767, decided
the dispute in favour of New York. Had the
government of the latter province been content
to exercise the authority thus conceded without
interfering with the grants previously issued by
New Hampshire, and for which the settlers had
already paid, the controversy would have ceased.
But the greater portion of the territory in dis-
pute being already covered by the New Hamp-
shire grants, most of the sturdy pioneers refused
to purchase their lands a second time, and or-
ganized themselves into parties for the purpose
of resisting the ejectments which the executive
officers endeavoured to enforce.

But a mightier quarrel was at this time begin-
ning to engross the attention of the American
people. The long-contemplated project of draw-
ing a revenue from the colonies at length ap-
proached maturity. The remarkable series of
victories which had exalted the power of Eng-

1765.] STAMP ACT PASSED. 241

land, and secured to her, by the treaty of Fon-
tainebleau, a vast accession of territory, had, at
the same time, by the enormous expenses of the
war, plunged the nation into a condition of the
most alarming financial embarrassment. As this
distress arose in part from the heavy charges
incurred in protecting the American colonies,
the ministry sought to rid themselves of so great
a burden for the future by attempting to draw a
revenue from the provinces sufficient to defray
the cost of their support and defence. By ob-
taining this revenue through the action of parlia-
ment, the power of the provincial assemblies
would be so curbed and restricted as to be easily
subordinated to the royal authority. Accord-
ingly, in 1T63, Grenville, the chancellor of the
exchequer, notified parliament, in addition to
minor measures devised for the same purpose,
of his intention to bring forward a bill by which
all bonds, deeds, notes, and various other neces-
sary business papers used in America, should
require to be drawn upon stamped paper, to be
issued by the British government, and sold only
by agents duly authorized.

At the ensuing session of 1764 parliament
formally avowed the right to tax the colonies ;
and in March, 1765, the Stamp Act passed both
houses with but little opposition. In addition to
this, an act called the Quartering Act was passed,

by which the ministry were authorized to keep

242 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1765.

up a standing army in America, the respective
colonies being required to furnish quarters for
the troops, together with firewood, soap, bed-
ding, drink, and candles. No sooner did the
passage of these acts become known to Virginia
and Massachusetts, than, impressed with their
dangerous character, they took the lead in oppo-
sition. The other provinces speedily followed
their example. Committees of correspondence
were formed, and a call for a colonial congress
was responded to by a convention of delegates
at New York during the month of October. The
session continued for three weeks. A declara-
tion of rights was agreed to ; a petition to the
king, and a memorial to both houses of parlia-
ment, all of them able and eloquent papers, were
drawn up and signed by a large majority of the
members. The principle of taxation without re-
presentation was indignantly repudiated, and
everywhere combinations were formed to resist
the introduction of the stamped paper.

In New York the denunciation of the stamp-
tax was both fierce and vehement. Copies of the
act were publicly hawked about the streets, un-
der the title of " The folly of England and ruin
of America;" and the excitement finally rose to
so high a pitch, that the stamp distributor re-
signed his appointment, and when the stamps
arrived, toward the close of October, refused to
have any thing to do with them. Colden being

1765.] "SONS OF LIBERTY." 243

thus in a measure compelled to assume charge
of the obnoxious papers, they were by his orders
conveyed into the fort for safe keeping.

On the evening of the 1st of November, the
day appointed for the Stamp Act to go into ope-
ration, a party of citizens, many of whom had
organized themselves under the name of " Sons
of Liberty," broke open the stable of Colden, ad-
joining the fort walls, and seizing his carriage,
marched with it in procession through the prin-
cipal streets, until they reached the common.
After hanging Colden in effigy, they returned
with great parade to the Bowling-green, where,
under the muzzles of the fort guns, they burned
the carriage and effigy together. The excite-
ment continuing for several days, Colden became
alarmed, and finally agreed to surrender the
stamps to the city authorities. In the midst of
these disturbances Sir Henry Moore arrived, and
took upon himself the functions of governor.

Up to this time, most of the wealthier inhabit-
ants had not openly taken part in the quarrel ;
but emboldened by the success which had at-
tended the efforts of their sturdier fellow-citi-
zens, many of them now publicly joined the
ranks of the disaffected. On the 6th of Novem-
ber they held a meeting, which resulted in the
formation of a committee to correspond with the
other provinces, and an agreement to import no

244 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1766.

more goods from Great Britain until their griev-
ances were redressed.

Opposition to the Stamp Act being universal
throughout America, and a change having
already taken place in the British ministry,
great hopes were entertained that the tax would
be repealed at the ensuing session of parliament.
Nor were those hopes fallacious. Pitt rose in
his place, and denied the right of parliament "to
levy a tax on the colonies ;" and although Gren-
ville strove to defend the bill, and charged the
Americans with being in open rebellion, on the
19th of March, 1766, the Stamp Act was an-
nulled.

But the gratification which was felt through-
out America at this result was only of brief du-
ration. Basing their repeal of the obnoxious
act upon the ground of expediency rather than
of justice, parliament reasserted their right to
tax the colonies ; and, in accordance with this
assertion, Charles Townsend, the new chancellor
of the exchequer, on the plea of regulating trade,
brought forward a bill imposing duties on tea,
paints, paper, glass, and lead. About the same
time, an act was also passed to compel the as-
sembly of New York to comply with the provi-
sions of the Quartering Act, and forbidding them,
in the mean time, to legislate for any other
purpose.

The determination evinced by parliament to

1769.] DUTIES REPEALED. 245

raise a revenue without the concurrence of the
colonial assemblies was opposed at once by the
latter. Committees of correspondence again be-
came active, and resolutions were very generally
adopted not to import any goods from Great
Britain but such as the wants of the people ren-
dered absolutely necessary. The assembly of
New York declining to make provision for the
troops, that body was twice dissolved ; but, sup-
ported in opposition by the popular voice, ex-
hibited no inclination to submit to ministerial
dictation.

Townsend's insidious scheme of taxation,
though adopted under the pretence of regulating
commerce, soon proved as complete a failure as
the Stamp Act by which it was preceded. Oppo-
sition throughout the colonies growing more in-
tense and vehement, the English ministry, be-
coming alarmed at the storm they had evoked,
addressed, in 1769, a letter to the colonies, pro-
mising a repeal of all the duties imposed under
Townsend's act, with the exception of that upon
upon tea, — a promise which was carried into effect
the following year.

At this period, distressed by the increasing

differences concerning the New Hampshire

grants, and rendered uneasy by the dissolution

of two successive assemblies, and by the rapid

growth of republican sentiments, many of the

wealthier inhabitants of New York sought to re-
al*

246 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1770.

trace their steps and confirm their loyalty by
the election of members to a new assembly whose
political sentiments should partake of a more
conservative character. In this effort they suc-
ceeded after a sharp contest ; and under the in-
fluence of a triumphant majority the moderate
party, as they were styled, consented to accept
the conditions of the Quartering Act, and made
provision for the troops.

Outraged by this pusillanimous course of con-
duct, Alexander McDougal, a prominent leader
of the Sons of Liberty, called a public meeting
of the citizens, denouncing the acts of the assem-
bly as a betrayal of the trust reposed in them.
So bold an address roused the indignation of the
assembly, who declared it false and seditious, and
ordered the imprisonment of McDougal. This
rigorous exercise of power did but inflame the
more the ardour of the patriotic party. McDou-
gal was extolled as a martyr to the cause of
liberty ; while the soldiery, who undertook to
become the champions of the assembly, were
not unfrequently brought into collision with the
populace.

Notwithstanding this untoward condition of
things, the province of New York increased in
population and wealth with almost unexampled
rapidity. In the year 1770 it contained more
than one hundred and sixty thousand inhabitants,
many of whom were sturdy pioneers, who, push-

1770.] TRYON MADE GOVERNOR. 247

ing out into the forest, cleared settlements along
the borders of the Mohawk, Wood Creek, and
the head of Lake Champlain.

After exercising the gubernatorial authority
for four years, Sir Henry Moore died, and Col-
den, now extremely old, again assumed the ad-
ministration of the government. The following
year, 1770, he was superseded by Lord Dunmore ;
but the latter, after exercising the office for a
few months, was commissioned as governor of
Virginia, transferring the chief authority in New
York to William Tryon, who, as governor of
North Carolina, had distinguished himself by
the energy with which he had put down the
Regulators — men who had banded themselves
together, in the first instance, to resist the exac-
tion of oppressive fees and the payment of taxes
but too frequently appropriated to the personal
use of the authorized collectors. Growing bolder
with increase of numbers, these Regulators began
to indulge in excesses which justly rendered them
amenable to the laws of the province. Discoun-
tenanced by the assembly, and persevering in the
commission of various outrages, Tryon placed
himself at the head of a body of militia from the
lower counties, and marched against them. The
Regulators at once assembled in force, and gave
battle to Tryon at Alamance, near the head
waters of Cape Fear River. After a sharp con-
test, they were signally defeated, leaving some

248 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1774.

two hundred of their number dead upon the
field.

Removed to New York, Try on was soon called
upon to exercise his abilities in a more difficult
field of action. The conduct of the settlers hold-
ing lands under the disputed grants from New
Hampshire had become, year by year, more firm
and decided, while that of the New York officials
was equally pertinacious. The lands of many
who refused to take out new patents were sold
over their heads, and the sheriffs received orders
to place the new purchasers in possession.
Armed combinations were immediately formed,
headed by men of great energy and determina-
tion of character ; one of the principal leaders
being Ethan Allen, soon to be favourably known
through his intrepid seizure of Ticonderoga.

All negotiations proving ineffectual, and the
controversy threatening to break out into civil
war, the assembly, at the session of 1774, passed
an act declaring armed resistance to the go-
vernment a capital offence. At the same time,
Tryon offered a reward for the apprehension of
Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, and some six other
prominent offenders. But neither legislation nor
proclamation availed to subdue the spirit of the
mountaineers. Repudiating the title of rioters,
they yet resolved, in general convention, to resist
by force of arms all attempts at ejectment which
might be made under the orders of the authori-

1774.] CARGOES OF TEA REJECTED. 249

ties ; while the leaders, for whose arrest a reward
had been offered, publicly proclaimed their de-
termination to kill any person or persons who
should attempt to take them prisoners.

But the long- pending controversy between
Great Britain and the American colonies, by di-
recting public attention to evils of greater mag-
nitude, was soon to put an end to all civil dissen-
sions. Firmly resolved to resist taxation in any
shape, except such as emanated from the action
of their own representatives, the people of
America very generally agreed to abandon the
use of tea, so long as it came to them burdened
with a duty ; and although that duty was merely
nominal, they declined, for the most part, to pur-
chase it, as involving in an insidious form the prin-
ciple against which they had so long contended.
The British government, with a view of carrying
their point, having offered a drawback equal to
the amount of duty, the East India Company,
believing that the point at issue would now be
abandoned, instantly despatched large shipments
of tea to the various colonial ports. But the un-
yielding temper of the Americans was not so to
be conciliated. In some of the ports they per-
mitted the tea to be landed and stored. In
others, the ships were compelled to return to
England without being allowed to discharge their
cargoes. At Boston the vessels were boarded by
a party disguised as Indians, and the tea thrown

250 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1775.

overboard. At Annapolis, the people assem-
bled in open day, and compelled the owner to
set fire to the ship containing the obnoxious
article. In New York, the tea-ship was ordered
to anchor off Sandy Hook, and finally forced to
return home. A private adventure belonging
to the captain of another ship was treated less
ceremoniously ; the chests, fourteen in number,
were seized and thrown into the river.

These daring proceedings no sooner became
known to the ministry, than a bill was passed
shutting up the port of Boston, and removing
the seat of government to Salem. The tidings
speedily reached America. Public meetings
were called at various points, at which it was
recommended that delegates from the several
provinces should assemble at a stated time and
place, and take upon themselves the duties of a
Continental Congress. These recommendations
met with an almost unanimous response. On the
1st of September, 1774, delegates from twelve
provinces met at Philadelphia, and after many
long and grave debates, drew up a declaration of
colonial rights, a petition to the king, a memo-
rial to the inhabitants of British America, and
an address to the people of Canada.

In the mean time, the first serious prelude to
the Revolution was rapidly approaching. On the
19th of April, 1775, and while the congress was
still in session, tidings were received that Gene-

1775.] BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 251

ral Gage, the governor of Massachusetts, having
learned that a quantity of military stores were
deposited at Concord, had sent out a strong force
from Boston to seize and destroy them. At Lex-
ington this detachment, consisting of eight hun-
dred men, fell in with a small party of militia,
which were fired upon and routed, with the loss
of eight killed and several wounded. The regu-
lars then marched to Concord, and destroyed
such stores as were found there. The alarm
speedily spreading, numbers of minute men came
pouring into the village, and a smart skirmish
ensued, during which several of the regulars were
killed. Finding themselves hard pressed, the
troops, greatly harassed by the way, retreated
rapidly to Lexington. At the latter place they
were reinforced by Lord Percy, who, with nine
hundred men, and two pieces of cannon, had
been sent by Gage to their relief. Falling back
in good order, though closely pressed by the ex-
asperated provincials, they succeeded in reaching
Charlestown about sunset in the evening, having
lost in killed and wounded two hundred and
seventy-three men. The loss of the provincials
amounted to eighty-eight. The exhausted regu-
lars, after encamping on Bunker Hill for the
night, crossed over to Boston the following day.

252 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1775.

CHAPTER XIX.

Effect of the battle of Lexington — Doubtful position of New
York — Ticonderoga and Crown Point seized — Descent of
Arnold upon St. John's — War formally declared — Acts of the
Provincial Congress — Opposition of the loyalists — Washing-
ton appointed commander-in-chief of the American forces —
Other appointments — Battle of Bunker Hill — Congress de-
termines upon an effectual blockade of Boston — Washington
assumes the chief command — Return of Governor Tryon to
New Y'ork — State of political parties — Seizure of military
stores at Turtle Bay — Removal of guns from the Battery at
New York — Unpopularity of Tryon — He takes refuge on
board the Asia man-of-war — Invasion of Canada — Surrender
of Forts Chambly and St. John — Capitulation of Montreal
— Montgomery forms a junction with Arnold — Assault of
Quebec — Death of Montgomery — Evacuation of Canada —
Disturbances in New York — Rivington's Gazette — Lee
ordered to assist in defending the city — Disaffection of the
Johnsons — 'Joseph Brant — Declaration of Independence.

The battle of Lexington was the unsheathing
of the sword. War, though not formally pro-
claimed, was recognised to have commenced in .
earnest. "Within twenty days expresses had car-
ried tidings of the affray to every important point
in all the colonies between Massachusetts and
South Carolina. Volunteers soon encompassed
Boston to the number of twenty thousand men.
The committee of correspondence at New York,
notwithstanding the Tory predilections of a con-
siderable portion of the inhabitants, adopted a
plan of association for the defence of colonial

1775.] TICONDEROGA SEIZED. 253

rights, and issued an address to the county com-
mittees recommending the appointment of dele-
gates to a provincial congress. These measures
were not carried without meeting with consider-
able opposition, and party differences at length
grew to such a height, that it was thought expe-
dient to send a body of Connecticut troops to
within marching distance of the city, in order to
awe the loyalists into submission.

On the 10th of May, the fortress of Tieonde-
roga was surprised by Ethan Allen at the head
of a party of Green Mountain boys, the British
commander having been summoned to surrender
" in the name of Jehovah and the Continental
Congress." In this expedition Benedict Arnold
took part as a volunteer. A detachment led by
Seth Warner took undisputed possession of
Crown Point the same day. Two hundred pieces
of cannon, together with a large amount of am-
. munition and military stores, fell into the hands
of the Americans. Being joined soon after* by
some fifty volunteers, who had already signalized
themselves by the capture of Skenesborough, and
the seizure of a schooner at that place, Arnold
descended Lake Champlain, surprised the post at
St. John's, boarded and carried an armed sloop,
and with his prizes, laden with valuable stores,
returned in triumph to Crown Point.

On the 26th of May, Congress formally re-
solved that war had been commenced, although

254 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1775.

the idea of a declaration of independence was not
at this period very generally entertained. Four
days previous to this, the provincial congress
which met at New York adopted resolutions for
raising four regiments of militia, and for erect-
ing fortifications. They also agreed to furnish
supplies to the Connecticut regiment under Hin-
man, which was already in garrison at Ticonde-
roga. These measures were not carried without
embarrassment, for the royalist party through-
out the province, tenaciously averse to severing
all connection with Great Britain, succeeded in
carrying, in spite of warm opposition, a plan for
conciliation.

On the 15th of June, the Continental Congress
appointed George Washington, commander-in-
chief of the American forces. Ward and Put-
nam, already engaged in active service before
Boston, with Schuyler of New York, and Charles
Lee, lately a lieutenant-colonel in the British
serfice, were commissioned as major-generals.
Horatio Gates, also formerly a captain in the
British service, was chosen adjutant-general, with
the rank of brigadier. Sullivan of New Hamp-
shire, and Montgomery, an Irish officer who had
served under Wolfe before Louisburg and Que-
bec, were, with Pomeroy, Heath, Wooster, Spen-
cer, and Green, appointed brigadiers.

While many of the preceding nominations were
still pending, and two days only subsequent to

1775.] STATE OF PARTIES. 255

the appointment of Colonel Washington as com-
mander-in-chief, occurred the battle of Bunker
Hill.

Stimulated to more vigorous action by tidings
of so momentous a character, Congress imme-
diately determined upon a complete investment
of Boston, the British garrison at that place
having been lately increased, by reinforcements
under Clinton, Howe, and Burgoyne, to the
number of ten thousand men. Washington at
once departed to assume the command, and
within two weeks took up his head-quarters at
Cambridge.

At this juncture, Governor Tryon, who had
been absent on a visit to England, returned to
New York ; ancl so nicely balanced were the two
political parties by which the province was agi-
tated, that public opinion would preponderate
one clay in favour of the Whigs, and the next
would aid in the triumph of the Tories ; for by
these names the patriots and the loyalists were
now beginning to be known. Even in the pro-
vincial congress, the Whig majority was small
and fluctuating, though it was not long before it
acquired both strength and permanence. The
popularity which Tryon had previously acquired
with a certain class of citizens soon began to
disappear before the progressive march of
events. On the very day that the city authori-
ties welcomed the return of the governor by a

256 HISTORY OF NBW YORK. [1775.

complimentary address, the military stores de-
posited at Turtle Bay were seized and carried
off by the provincials. More daring acts soon
followed.

On the night of the 22d of August, Captain
Sears, assisted by a body of resolute men, un-
dertook, by desire of the provincial congress,
the desperate enterprise of removing the guns
from the Battery, in the face of the Asia man-
of-war, then lying in the harbour. A boat which
had been sent out from the latter to watch the
motions of the patriots, having been inadver-
tently fired upon by some of the party under
Sears, the Asia commenced firing with grape-
shot, by which three men were killed and seve-
ral wounded. Notwithstanding this serious
check, Sears determined to persevere. Drawing,
by an ingenious stratagem, the fire of the Asia
upon a point at a distance from his working
party, he finally succeeded, without any further
loss, in carrying off twenty-one pieces of artillery.

During this exciting period, Tryon was exert-
ing himself to sustain the people of Long and
Staten Islands in their refusal to sign the arti-
cles of association. Other acts of a similar cha-
racter rendering his further residence in the city
dangerous to his personal safety, he prudent-
ly concluded to abandon his government, and
toward the close of September took refuge on
board the Asia.

1775.] CANADA INVADED. 257

In the mean while, Washington was engaged
in blockading Boston. The Continental Con-
gress having determined to invade Canada, two
thousand men were directed to be raised for the
expedition, the command of which was given to
Generals Schuyler and Montgomery. On the
4th of September the latter descended Lake
Champlain, and having formed a junction with
Schuyler at Isle la Motte, the flotilla, contain-
ing above a thousand men, moved upon St. John's ;
but finding that place strongly garrisoned and
fortified, it was resolved to return to Isle au
Noix, and wait for artillery and reinforcements.
The latter arriving soon, and Schuyler having
returned to Albany, Montgomery again press-
ed forward to St. John's. While besieging it,
Fort Chambly, lower down the Sorel River, was
taken by Majors Brown and Livingston ; and on
the 3d of November the garrison at St. John's,
consisting of seven hundred men, surrendered
themselves prisoners of war. Montreal capitu-
lating soon after, Montgomery pushed his ad-
vantage, and descended the St. Lawrence to
Quebec. Forming a junction at Point au
Trembles with Arnold, who had been despatched
by Washington to co-operate with Montgomery,
the united forces, thinned by discharges, deser-
tions, and detachments to about one thousand
men, descended the river, and on the 5th of De-
cember appeared before Quebec. Desperate as

22*

258 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1775.

the attempt to carry the place by assault ap-
peared, it was resolved upon. The army was
divided into four corps, two of which were to
make feigned attacks upon the upper town, while
Montgomery and Arnold, from opposite sides,
assaulted the lower.

On the morning of the 31st of December,
1775, and in the midst of a driving snow-storm,
the columns advanced. Montgomery, at the
head of the New York troops, marched by the
bank of the river until within a short distance of
the first battery on the south side of the town.
As he approached, the enemy at first fled panic-
stricken ; but taking courage at witnessing the
obstacles which the heavy masses of snow inter-
posed to the progress of the assailants, a single
artilleryman returned to his post, and fired a
cannon charged with grape-shot when the Ame-
ricans were within forty paces. Montgomery
and his aids, Captains Cheeseman and Macpher-
son, were instantly killed. Discouraged by their
loss, the division precipitately fell back, and
made no further attempt to enter the town on
that side. On the north, however, Arnold pressed
forward by way of St. Roques, his advance being
closely supported by a body of riflemen under
Captain- Daniel Morgan ; but the obstructions
occasioned by the great depth of the snow gave
the enemy an advantage of which they were
prompt to seize. Arnold fell, with his leg shat-

1776.] CANADA EVACUATED. 259

tered by a musket ball; but the battery by which
the barrier was defended was impetuously carried
by Morgan at the head of his riflemen. The dawn
of day too plainly discovered that the force by
which he was sustained was wholly inefficient to
maintain his conquest. A gallant attempt upon
a second barrier resulted in complete discom-
fiture. Frozen with cold, many of their arms
rendered useless by the snow, surrounded by the
enemy in constantly increasing numbers, and
all the avenues of retreat cut off, Morgan and
his brave followers at length reluctantly con-
sented to surrender.

Drawing around him the remainder of his
troops, Arnold retired three miles up the river.
Sheltering his men for the winter behind breast-
works of frozen snow, he kept Quebec in a state
of blockade. On the 1st of May, 1776, rein-
forcements, under General Thomas, increased
the invading army to nine hundred men ; but
one-half of these being rendered ineffective bv
the prevalence of the small-pox, and the British
garrison having, in the mean time, been strength-
ened by the arrival of additional troops, it was
found advisable to evacuate Canada, a movement
which, after a series of disasters, was finally ac-
complished on the 17th of June. »

In the midst of these northern operations, the
city of New York was thrown into a state of tu-
mult in consequence of the obnoxious course of

260 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1776.

the editor of Rivington's Gazette, a paper sup-
ported by the influence of the Tory population,
and by the patronage of Tryon, who, from on
board the Asia, still kept up a constant communi-
cation with his adherents on shore. The publisher
having been warned, without effect, to moderate
the heat of his partisan zeal, Captain Sears, at
the instigation of the Sons of Liberty, fearing to
trust the local militia, mustered in Connecticut a
party of light-horse, and entering New York in
open day on the 25th of November, broke into
Rivington's office, demolished his press, and car-
ried off the types.

The intrigues of Governor Tryon, and the ac-
tivity of the loyalists, rendering the fidelity of
New York to the patriot cause a matter of con-
siderable doubt, Washington ordered Lee to take
command of a body of Connecticut volunteers to
assist in the defence of the city, and to aid in re-
straining the factious spirit of those who still
obstinately supported the pretensions of Great
Britain.

These adherents were, however, too numerous,
both within the city and throughout the province,
to suffer more than a temporary check. Sir John
Johnson, son to the conqueror of Dieskau, and
Guy Johnson, the Indian agent, both living in
the vicinity of the Mohawk, had contrived to
keep the Highlanders, who were settled around
them, for the most part favourable to the royal

1776.] DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 261

cause, until Schuyler, in command on the fron-
tier, sent a detachment to disarm them, and took
hostages to insure their future submission. Guy
Johnson fled into Canada, whither Sir John soon
followed him. The latter, accepting a commis-
sion as colonel in the British service, succeeded
in raising from among his tenants and elsewhere
two battalions of "Royal Greens." Joseph
Brant, the half-breed, served under Guy John-
son for a brief season as his secretary, but sub-
sequently engaged in those more active and ter-
rible operations which have rendered his name
so painfully celebrated.

Though the British troops in garrison at Bos-
ton still remained in a state of blockade, the
Tory population of the provinces was far from
inactive. Several skirmishes of a serious cha-
racter had taken place ; and as the British
ministry evinced a disposition to crush all op-
position by force of arms, the period for recon-
ciliation was generally acknowledged to have
passed away. On the 4th of July, 1776, the
Continental Congress, assembled at Philadel-
phia, resolved upon a Declaration of Independ-
ence. On this occasion the delegates from New
York declined to vote ; but the provincial con-
gress, which assembled at White Plains- on the
9th of the same month, sanctioned the declara-
tion, and ordered it to be engrossed and signed.

In the city of New York the proclamation of

262 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1776.

independence was received by the patriots with
the liveliest demonstrations of satisfaction. Not
content with testifying their joy by shouts and
acclamations, they destroyed a picture of the
king -which hung in the City Hall. Proceeding
thence to the Bowling-green, they threw down
his equestrian statue, and subsequently con-
verted the lead of which it was composed into
bullets for the use of the continental army.

CHAPTER XX.

Evacuation of Boston — Washington at New York — His em-
barrassments— Discovery of a plot to seize his person — Ap-
proach of General Howe — The British encamp on Staten
Island — Arrival of Admiral Lord Howe with reinforcements
— American defences at Brooklyn — Landing of the British
on Long Island — Battle of Long Island, and defeat of Put-
nam— Washington encamps at Harlem — Howe takes pos-
session of York Island — Disgraceful flight of the American
militia — Xew York evacuated — Skirmish at Harlem — Seri-
ous conflagration in the city — Military and naval operations
of the British — The Americans encamp at White Plains —
Defeat of McDougal — Capture of Fort Washington — Aban-
donment of Fort Lee — Retreat of Washington through the
Jerseys — Crosses the Delaware at Trenton — Situation of the
Northern army — Crown Point evacuated — Advance of
Carleton — Battle on Lake Champlain.

Ox the 27th of March, 1776, General Howe,
with seven thousand British troops, evacuated
Boston, and retired to Halifax. Confidently ex-
pecting that the next movement of the British
general would be directed upon New York, Wash-

1776.] APPROACH OF GENERAL HOWE. 263

ington hastened to the latter city with the main
body of his army, leaving five regiments under
General Ward to garrison Boston. The earliest
attention of the commander-in-chief was directed
toward putting the city of New York in as good
a condition of defence as his limited means would
admit ; but he soon found his operations greatly
embarrassed by the activity of the loyalists,
whom no prohibition could restrain from keep-
ing up a correspondence with the enemy. Even
the mayor of the city proved faithless to the
cause of liberty. A plot was also discovered
for seizing the person of Washington, and con-
veying him a prisoner on board one of the Bri-
tish ships. The principal conspirator was tried
by court-martial, and ordered to be shot.

Having conceived the design of separating the
northern from the southern states by the occu-
pation of New York, General Howe, reinforced
by the troops previously stationed at Halifax,
set sail from that port, and on the 28th of June
landed on Staten Island. In the early part of
July he was joined by his brother, Admiral Lord
Howe, with a fleet of one hundred and fifty sail,
and twenty thousand additional troops. This
overwhelming force was not without its effect,
especially upon the people of Long Island, many
of whom were already favourable to the royal
cause. A considerable number of inhabitants
immediately took the oaths of allegiance, while

264 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1776.

a portion of them organized themselves into a
militia corps, the command of which was ac-
cepted by Tryon.

In anticipation of this emergency, Congress
had already called upon the middle and northern
states for reinforcements to the number of twen-
ty-four thousand men. But it was the middle of
August before the entire force under Washing-
ton's immediate command reached twenty thou-
sand men, more than one-third of whom were
raw levies, for the most part badly equipped and
worse disciplined. To oppose these, the camp
of General Howe on Staten Island contained
twenty-four thousand British troops and German
mercenaries, perfect in their drill and admirably
appointed.

Having been commissioned to offer a free par-
don to all persons who, within a specified time,
would come forward and take the oath of alle-
giance to Great Britain, General Howe, in con-
nection with the admiral his brother, delayed the
prosecution of further hostilities until the effect
of the proclamation should be ascertained.
Finding the patriots firmly resolved to maintain
the principles they had espoused, active opera-
tions were determined on.

To check the approach of Howe upon the city
by way of Long Island, the Americans had
thrown up intrenchments at Brooklyn, a point of
land opposite New York, but separated from it

1776.] LANDING ON LONG ISLAND. 265

by what is known as the East River, an arm of
the sea three-fourths of a mile wide. Behind
these intrenchments nine thousand men were
encamped. The command of this strong de-
tachment had been intrusted to General Greene,
under whose directions the works had been con
structed, and to whom the approaches were fami-
liar ; but the latter being taken seriously ill, his
command was transferred to General Putnam,
who, though an able and energetic officer, was*
but little acquainted with the topography of the
surrounding country.

On the morning of the 22d of August, General
Howe embarked fifteen thousand troops, in sepa-
rate divisions, on board of galleys and flat-boats
previously prepared for that service. Quitting
his camp at Staten Island, he succeeded in land-
ing, without opposition, on the beach near Utrecht,
in King's county, Long Island, and about eight
miles south of the city of New York. On the
25th his force was still further augmented by the
addition of two brigades of Hessians under Gene-
ral De Heister. Between the American works
at Brooklyn and the British position at Flatbush
extended a long range of thickly-wooded hills,
pierced by several passes ; and upon the degree
of vigilance with which these passes were guard-
ed mainly depended the security of the American
camp.

Having at length arranged his plan of opera-

266 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1776.

tions, the British general ordered De Heister, on
the night of the 26th, to take the road which led
from Flatbush across the hills in front of the
lines at Brooklyn ; while a similar column, under
Grant, marched round the western base of the
hills by the river road, and approached the Ame-
ricans on their right. The object of these move-
ments was to draw the attention of Putnam from
the advance of the main body of the British
under Clinton, which, at the same time, was
skirting the foot of the hills by an easterly
route, with a view of turning the American left.
Falling into the snare thus artfully laid, Putnam
threw forward a strong corps under Sterling to
guard the river road, while Sullivan hastened to
dispute the passage of De Heister over the hills.
The approach of Clinton with the main body was
thus effectually masked by the movements of the
other columns ; and it was not until Sullivan
found himself exposed to a galling fire in front
and rear, that the stratagem of the British com-
mander was detected. After several ineffectual
attempts to force their way through the masses
of the enemy, the troops under Sullivan broke
into detached parties, and took refuge among
the hills ; but the greater portion of them, toge-
ther with Sullivan himself, were eventually taken
prisoners.

The progress of Grant by the river road met
with far more vigorous opposition from Sterling.

1776.] GALLANTRY OF STERLING. 267

Strengthened about daybreak by his advanced
guard, which the British had driven in, Sterling
posted his troops along the summit of the hills,
and, as the enemy approached, commenced a
severe cannonade, which was continued on both
sides for several hours. Although repeatedly
attacked by the brigades under Cornwallis and
Grant, the Americans at this point gallantly
held their ground until De Heister had routed
Sullivan, and their rear was threatened by Clin-
ton. His position becoming momentarily more
dangerous, Sterling at length reluctantly ordered
a retreat. Closely pressed by the enemy in front,
and having in his rear a marsh intersected by a
deep creek, this movement was rendered f ex-
tremely perilous, from the bridge which spanned
the latter having been burned in a panic by a
brigade from New England. The choice of two
courses alone remained. One was, to surrender
to the enemy ; the other, to risk an escape by
attempting to cross the creek and marsh, which
were eighty yards in width and of unknown
depth. Sterling gallantly resolved upon the
latter. Selecting four hundred men from the
Maryland battalion to cover the retreat of the
rest, he placed himself at the head of this small
force, and in full sight from the American lines
charged, with fixed bayonets, the brigade com-
manded by Cornwallis. Washington, who had
hastened across the river from New York, was a

268 HISTORY OF XEW YORK. [1776.

witness to this display of heroic bravery. Wring-
ing his hands in anguish, he bitterly deplored
the fate of men who were so nobly sacrificing
themselves to the safety of their companions.
Four times the desperate charge was repeated.
On the fifth, the British began to show signs of
disorder ; but at this juncture De Heister with
his Hessians commenced an assault in the rear.
Reduced in numbers and weakened by their ex-
ertions, a portion of the detachment, following
the example of Sterling, surrendered themselves
prisoners of war. The remaining three compa-
nies, having resolutely determined not to yield,
cut their way through the ranks of the enemy,
and endeavoured to cross the creek. A few of
them were successful in making good their es-
cape, but the greater part perished in the
attempt.

The loss of the Americans in this disastrous
battle has been variously estimated. Their
killed and wounded could not have fallen short
of four hundred. The British commander ac-
knowledged, on his part, to a loss of three hun-
dred ; but upward of a thousand American pri-
soners remained in his hands.

The victorious forces, cautiously advancing,
encamped in front of the American lines, and
made preparations for investing them in form.
In the mean time, the troops within the intrench-
ments had been reinforced from New York ; but

1776.] DEATH OF GEN. WOODHULL. 269

"Washington, after holding a council of war with
his officers, determined upon withdrawing them
from a situation so precarious. A retreat across
the river, conducted with great silence and se-
crecy, was accordingly effected on the night of
August the 29th, in the midst of a thick fog,
and without the loss of a single man. The cap-
ture of General Woodhull, late president of the
provincial congress, which occurred the day after
the battle, was another severe blow to the Ame-
rican cause. He died soon afterward, from the
gross neglect of his captors to dress the wounds
they had inflicted upon him subsequent to his
surrender.

The victory on Long Island exposing New
York to an attack from the enemy, Washington,
leaving a strong force in the city, retired with
the main body to the heights of Harlem, making,
at the same time, the necessary arrangements for
facilitating his further retreat.

The British military and naval commanders,
entertaining a hope that the recent victory would
produce an effect upon Congress favourable to
their wishes, again sought to open negotiations
for an amicable adjustment of the dispute be-
tween the confederated states and the mother
country ; but Congress firmly refused to listen
to any proposals of peace which did not recog-
nise the colonies as independent states.

An assault upon New York was immediately

23*

270 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1776.

determined upon. Supported by the ships of
the fleet, which had forced a passage up the
Hudson and East rivers, Howe landed on York
Island, about three miles above the city. The
guard stationed there to oppose his debarkation
fled without firing a gun ; and two brigades of
Connecticut militia sent to their support, being
seized with a similar panic, disgracefully fol-
lowed their example. "Washington, with Putnam
and Mifflin, vainly endeavoured to put a stop to
this shameful flight. " Are these the men with
whom I am to defend America?" exclaimed
"Washington. Indignantly dashing his hat upon
the ground, he suffered his attendants to hurry
him from the field. Orders were at once sent to
the troops yet remaining in the city to evacuate
it without delay. Under cover of Smallwood's
Maryland regiment, almost the only one upon
which any great reliance could be placed, the
retreat, though rapid and disorderly, was at
length effected ; but not before three hundred
men had been left in the hands of the enemy.
Having thus easily obtained almost undisputed
possession of the island, Howe directed a strong
detachment to take possession of the city, and
with the remainder of his forces encamped in the
vicinity of the American lines.

The next day a skirmish took place, which
revived to a considerable degree the drooping
courage of the continental troops. A body of

1776.] CALAMITOUS FIRE. 271

the enemy, three hundred strong, appearing in
the plains between the two camps, Washington
directed Colonel Knowlton, with a corps of New
England rangers, and Major Leitch, with three
companies of an untried Virginia regiment, to
get into their rear, while he engaged the atten-
tion of the enemy by making preparations to
assault them in front. The stratagem was suc-
cessful ; and although Colonel Knowlton was
shot dead early in the action, and Major Leitch
received a mortal wound, the companies main-
tained their ground. The British receiving a
reinforcement of seven hundred men ; two regi-
ments of the Maryland flying camp and three
independent companies from the same State were
ordered to the support of the American skir-
mishers. Boldly attacking the enemy with the
bayonet, they succeeded in putting them to
flight, and were in hot pursuit, when Washing-
ton, having made the impression he desired, or-
dered them to be recalled. In this spirited affair
the Americans lost, in killed and wounded, about
fifty men ; the British loss exceeded double that
number.

On the night of the 20th of September, five
days after the enemy had taken possession of
New York amid the acclamations of their nume-
rous partisans, a fire broke out in the city, by
which Trinity Church and nearly one thousand
houses were laid in ruins. The origin of the

272 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1776.

disaster was at first charged upon the " Sons of
Liberty," some of whom, in the passionate frenzy
of the moment, "were seized and thrust into the
flames. Subsequent reflection has, however, led
to the belief that the fire was purely accidental.
The American lines on Harlem Heights being
found too strong to be forced by assault, the two
armies lay inactive for three weeks within sight
of each other ; but Admiral Howe having a se-
cond time succeeded in forcing the obstructions
to his progress in the Hudson and East rivers,
the British troops broke up their encampment,
and embarking on board of flat-boats, sloops,
and schooners, landed on the 12th of October
at Frogs' Point, about nine miles above Harlem.
These military and naval movements having the
effect of cutting off the American supplies, by
way of the river, Washington resolved to aban-
don York Island, leaving behind him in garrison
at Fort Washington two thousand men under
Colonel Magaw. The main body of the Ameri-
rican army fell back to Kingsbridge, where a
part of the forces were left to throw up intrench-
ments, in order to protect the baggage and
stores, and to retard the advance of the enemy.
"With the advanced division Washington pro-
ceeded to White Plains. Toward the end of
October, the whole army was concentrated at
this point, occupying a position well chosen for
defence, and strongly fortified. Howe followed

1776.] CAPTURE OF FORT WASHINGTON. 273

up closely the retreating army. On the 27th
of October he attacked McDougal, who was in
command of a strong detachment on the right
of the American camp. The militia, making
but a feeble resistance, were soon put to flight,
with a loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, of
nearly four hundred men. After this success of
the enemy, Washington expected an immediate
assault upon his lines ; but, for reasons which
have never been divulged, Howe paused in his
advance until he should receive a reinforcement
of six additional battalions. His delay was im-
proved by Washington in removing to a stronger
position two miles in his rear ; and Howe, hesi-
tating to risk a battle at this period, moved
down the river with his forces to the neighbour-
hood of Kingsbridge. Here he made his dispo-
sitions for an attack on Fort Washington.

The necessary boats having been procured, the
assault was made in four divisions on the morning
of the 16th of November. The defence was main-
tained for several hours with great vigour and
resolution ; but the outworks being at length
forced, the men were driven back into the fort.
Finding themselves thus closely invested by a
vastly superior force, the garrison soon after con-
sented to terms of capitulation, by which nearly
three thousand men — including the reinforce-
ments sent over by Greene from Fort Lee — sur-
rendered themselves prisoners of war.

274 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1776.

The unexpectedness of this severe blow led to
the hasty abandonment of Fort Lee, with all its
artillery, ammunition, and stores. The next
movements of the enemy indicating an intention
to occupy New Jersey, and from thence push on
to Philadelphia, "Washington crossed the Passaic
with five thousand men, leaving Lee, with dis-
cretionary powers, in command of nearly an
equal number at White Plains. Another divi-
sion, under General Heath, was stationed on
both sides of the Hudson to defend the passes
of the Highlands. Retiring slowly before his
victorious enemy, "Washington commenced his
celebrated retreat through the Jerseys. With
daily diminishing numbers, he crossed the Rari-
tan to Brunswick, which he entered, on the 28th
of November, with less than four thousand meti.
Marching from thence, but without loss, though
closely pursued by the British advance under
Cornwallis, he proceeded to Trenton, where he
crossed the Delaware in the early part of De-
cember, and took up a position on the western
bank of that river.

While the forces under Washington were being
beaten at all points upon the southern border of
New York, the northern army under Gates was
scarcely in a less precarious condition. Upon
the approach of Carleton from Canada, who fol-
lowed rapidly the retrogression of the invading
army, Crown Point was abandoned as untenable,

1776.] BATTLE ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 275

the attention of Gates being wholly directed to
strengthening the fortress at Ticonderoga. The
Americans having captured or destroyed in their
retreat all the vessels upon Lake Chainplain,
Carleton was compelled to halt his army at the
foot of the lake, until the necessary water craft
could be obtained. Toward the close of summer
he succeeded in getting together five vessels of a
larger size than any composing the fleet of Ar-
nold, besides twenty smaller craft, and a num-
ber of armed boats. When he had manned this
formidable flotilla with seven hundred seamen
from the ships in the St. Lawrence, he set out in
search of the American fleet. In the engage-
ment which followed, on the 6th and 7th of Oc-
tober, Arnold lost eleven of his ships, and ninety
men ; the remainder, with great difficulty, suc-
ceeded in obtaining shelter beneath the guns of
Ticonderoga. Having, by this victory, gained
command of the lake, Carleton took possession
of Crown Point, from whence, on being joined
by his army, he threw out his advanced parties
as far as Ticonderoga. Gates, however, in the
meanwhile, had received large reinforcements of
militia ; and Carleton, fearing to risk an assault
upon a fortress garrisoned by eight thousand
men, withdrew his forces from the lake on the
approach of winter, and returned to Canada.

276 HISTORY OF XEW YOKE. [1TT7.

CHAPTER XXI.

New York Congress — State government established — Cam-
paign of 1777 — Howe's movements — Battle of Brandy wine
— Of Germantown — Burgoyne's invasion — His successful
advance — -Takes possession of Ticonderoga — Retreat of St.
Clair — Evacuation of Skenesborough — Of Fort Anne —
Weakness of the northern army under Schuyler — Fort
Edward abandoned — Schuyler crosses the Hudson — Ad-
vance of Burgoyne — Fort Schuyler besieged by St. Leger —
Bloody skirmish with Herkimer — Death of Herkimer — Ar-
nold advances to the relief of Fort Schuvler — Success of his
stratagem — St. Leger deserted by the Indians — Breaks up
the siege — Battle of Bennington — Defeat of Baum and Brey-
man — Schuyler superseded by Gates — Condition of Burgoyne
— Crosses the Hudson — First battle of Behmus's Heights —
Second battle of Behmus's Heights — Retreat of Burgoyne to
Saratoga — Provisions captured on the Hudson — British
council of war — Surrender of Burjrovne.

l&*

Durixg the whole of the disastrous campaign
of 1776, the provincial congress of New York
had exerted themselves, with considerable suc-
cess, to repress the spirit of the Tory popula-
tion ; and by judicious but energetic measures
prevented them from taking up arms and openly
joining the British standard.

The establishment of a state government hav-
ing become necessary, a convention of delegates
assembled at Kingston on the 20th of April,
1777, and adopted "the first American constitu-
tion that gave the choice of governor to the

1777.] BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. 277

people." On the 3d of July following, Briga-
dier-General George Clinton was elected to fill
that important office.

The early part of 1777 was wasted by Howe
in dilatory movements, having for their object
the capture of Philadelphia. Putting at length
his forces in motion, he sailed down the Dela-
ware, and entering the Chesapeake, landed at
the head of Elk. From thence he commenced
his march upon the capital of Pennsylvania.
Routing the American forces posted to intercept
him on the banks of the Brandywine, he followed
up the retreating troops ; and after surprising
Wayne in a night attack near Paoli, entered the
city of Philadelphia on the 25th of September.
The main body of the enemy being encamped at
Germantown, Washington withdrew his forces to
Skippack Creek, about fourteen miles distant.
Having soon after ascertained that the British
army had been weakened by detachments, Wash-
ington determined to seize the opportunity of
attacking the camp at Germantown. Marching
by four different routes, on the night of the 3d
of October, he succeeded at first in gaining an
advantage over the enemy ; but reinforcements
arriving, and a thick fog coming on, the Ameri-
cans were eventually obliged to retreat, with a
loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, of over
one thousand men.

But it was not so much upon the military

278 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1777-

operations on the Schuylkill or the Delaware,
that the hopes of the British ministry rested for
success in the campaign of 1777, as upon an in-
vasion from Canada by General Burgoyne. The
plan arranged by that active officer was, to
march with a strong force by way of Lake
Champlain, and, after capturing the frontier
fortresses in the hands of the Americans, ad-
vance to Albany. From the latter point, he ex-
pected to be able to obtain possession of the
strong passes in the Highlands of the Hudson,
by the co-operation of the British troops in New
York ; five thousand men, under the command
of Sir Henry Clinton, being stationed in and
around that city. By this complete possession
of New York, the New England states would
have been effectually cut off from all the pro-
vinces south of the Hudson River.

The march of Burgoyne was at first one series
of triumphs. With an army of eight thousand
British troops, and a motley array of boatmen
and irregulars, he proceeded to Lake Champlain,
where, after holding a council with the Six Na-
tions, he was joined by four hundred of their
warriors. As soon as he had received this ac-
cession to his force, he proceeded to Ticonde-
roga, before which he appeared on the 1st of
July. Seizing a steep hill which overlooked the
fort, he planted his artillery upon its summit, and
made his preparations for an immediate attack.

1777.] RETREAT OF ST. CLAIR. 279

St. Clair, the American commander, having un-
der him in garrison only three thousand men,
all of whom were indifferently armed and equip-
ped, saw at once his inability to successfully
contend with the force that had so unexpectedly
appeared against him. No hope being left of
saving the garrison but by an immediate retreat,
he despatched his stores and baggage in batteaux
to Skenesborough, and abandoning Ticonderoga,
fell back with the troops overland, in the direc-
tion of the same post. His flight no sooner be-
came known, than he was hotly pursued by a
detachment of the enemy, eight hundred strong,
commanded by General Fraser. The American
rear-guard, consisting of three regiments num-
bering about twelve hundred men, was overtaken
the next day at Hubbardton. One of the regi-
ments taking to flight, the whole brunt of the
battle fell upon the two remaining. These, ani-
mated by the exhortations of Colonels Francis
and Warner, fought for some time with great
bravery ; but when Frazer had received a rein-
forcement of Germans under Reidesel, they
broke and dispersed, leaving two hundred pri-
soners in the hands of the enemy. The post at
Skenesborough having been evacuated and burn-
ed, and Fort Anne soon after sharing the same
fate, St. Clair fell back upon Rutland ; but suc-
ceeded at length, on the 13th of July, in joining
Schuyler at Fort Edward.

280 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1777.

Although at this period in chief command on
the northern frontier, Schuyler had not been
able to muster more than five thousand four
hundred men, even when reinforced by the bro-
ken garrisons from Ticonderoga, Skenesborough,
and Fort Anne. -With this weak force he could
do nothing more than endeavour to retard the
advance of the enemy, by breaking up the inter-
vening bridges and causeways, and by obstruct-
ing the navigation of "Wood Creek. Upon the
approach of Burgoyne, he evacuated Fort Ed-
ward, and retreated across the Hudson to Sara-
toga.

While the victorious army of Burgoyne was
thus advancing with firm and almost unimpeded
steps into the interior of the state, a detachment
under Colonel St. Leger, consisting of a mixed
body of regulars, militia, and rangers, joined by
a number of Indian warriors commanded by
Brant, entered the western portion of New York,
by way of the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario,
and marching to the head of the Mohawk River,
laid siege to Fort Schuyler. As soon as General
Herkimer was made aware of the approach of
St. Leger, he assembled the militia of Tryon
county, and advanced to the relief of the garri-
son, which was composed of two New York re-
giments, commanded by General Gansevoort.
Having notified Gansevoort of his intentions,
Herkimer marched carelessly toward the fort,

1777.] FORT SCHUYLER BESIEGED. 281

without any of those precautions which the
nature of the warfare he was engaged in should
have admonished him to take. Near to the
road, and at a distance of about six miles from
the post he was advancing to relieve, a detach-
ment of regulars under Colonel John Johnson,
and a party of Indians headed by Brant, en-
sconced themselves in ambush. After suffering
the column to pass by, they suddenly fell upon
the rear-guard, the, Indians first pouring in a
destructive fire, and then completing the panic
by dashing upon the disordered militia with their
spears and hatchets. Animated, however, by the
conduct of Herkimer, the Americans succeeded
in gaining a more defensible position, where they
fought for some time with desperate courage.
Herkimer himself, though mortally wounded,
leaned for support against the stump of a tree,
and continued to cheer the drooping spirits of
his men. A well-timed sally from the fort, con-
ducted by Colonel Willet, at length succeeded
in changing the fortune of the day. By this
diversion in their favour, the militia succeeded
in beating off the enemy ; but not before the
Americans had sustained a loss of four hundred
in killed and wounded, many of whom were lead-
ing and influential men.

Gansevoort refusing to surrender the fort, St.
Leger proceeded to invest it in form. As the
safety of the post was of the first importance as

24*

282 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1777.

a means of overawing the Tories of that district,
Schuyler despatched Arnold to its relief. The
detachment of this daring though unscrupulous
officer having been joined by a reinforcement of
one thousand light troops under General Earned,
Arnold lost no time in ascending the Mohawk ;
but learning that Gansevoort was in extremity,
he quitted the main body, and with nine hun-
dred men, lightly armed, pressed forward by
forced marches. As he continued to approach,
he threw forward spies with exaggerated accounts
of his numbers. The statements made by these
men operated so effectually upon the minds of
the Indians, who had already suffered severely
in the affray with Herkimer, that a large part
of them suddenly quitted the English camp, and
fled into the woods. The remainder threatenins:
to abandon him in like manner unless he retired
from before the fort, St. Leger broke up the
siege, and, hastily retreating, returned to Mon-
treal.

In the mean while, Schuyler, being greatly
weakened by the detachments sent out under
Arnold, withdrew to a stronger position among
the islands at the mouth of the Mohawk. By
this time Burgoyne had reached Fort Edward,
on the east bank of the Hudson. From thence
he despatched Colonel Baum to the neighbour-
hood of Bennington, a small village in the pre-
sent state of Vermont, for the purpose of mount-

1777.] BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. 283

ing the German dragoons, and of collecting the
means of transportation for the stores which had
arrived at Fort George. The force ordered upon
this service consisted of eight hundred men, ex-
clusive of militia and Indians. A body of New
Hampshire militia having lately arrived at Ben-
nington under the command of Colonel Stark,
the latter, as soon as he was advised of the ad-
vance of Baum, sent off for Warner's regiment,
then encamped at Manchester, and for such other
parties of militia as could be hastily collected.

These energetic movements alarming Baum for
the safety of his command, he halted, on the 14th
of August, within six miles of Bennington ; and
sending back to Burgoyne for reinforcements,
commenced intrenching himself. Lieutenant-
Colonel Breyman, with five hundred men, was
immediately despatched to his assistance. The
heavy condition of the roads, and the rain which
fell during the ensuing day, retarded the ap-
proach both of Warner and Breyman. Some
Berkshire militia, commanded by Colonel Sim-
mons, succeeding in joining Stark on the 16th,
the latter drew out his forces and advanced to
the attack. As he came in sight of the enemy,
he pointed them out to his troops. " There are
the red-coats," said he: "they must be ours
before the sun goes down, or Sally Stark sleeps
a widow to-night !" This pithy expression of
his own determination gave extraordinary ani-

284 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1777.

mation to the spirits of his hardy mountaineers.
The assault was made simultaneously on front
and rear of the intrenchments in four columns.
After two hours' hard fighting, the militia and
Indians abandoned the defences, and fled for
safety to the woods.

Colonel Baum received a mortal wound ; but
the Germans continued to offer a vigorous resist-
ance, until nearly the whole of them were either
killed or disarmed. The victory was scarcely
won before the reinforcements under Breyman
arrived on the ground. A new engagement en-
sued, which was continued until night, when
Breyman, having expended his ammunition, re-
treated with the loss of his artillery and ban-erase.
The victory at Bennington threw into the hands
of Stark six hundred prisoners, besides a large
and much needed supply of small arms, together
with four pieces of artillery. Two hundred of
the enemy were left dead on the field. The
American loss was inconsiderable, being only
fourteen killed and forty-two wounded.

The battle of Bennington formed the turning
point in the fortunes of Burgoyne. Burning to
revenge the cruelties committed by the Indians
in the pay of the British, it needed but the un-
expected success achieved by Stark to inspire
the people with a determination to expel the in-
vader. Volunteers soon began to flock into the
camp of Schuyler from all quarters. Two bri-

1777.] BATTLE ON BEHMUS'S HEIGHTS. 285

gades arriving about the same time from the
Highlands, the army was rapidly acquiring suf-
ficient strength for effective operations. At this
juncture the patriotic Schuyler, by reason of his
unpopularity with the eastern troops, was super-
seded in the chief command by General Gates.

The retreat of St. Leger and the defeat of
Baum left Burgoyne beset with difficulties.
These difficulties were not lessened by the sub-
sequent desertion of his Indian allies and Cana-
dian followers. Still he determined to persevere.
Breaking up his camp at Fort Edward, he cross-
ed the Hudson on the 14th of September, and
took up his line of march from Saratoga. While
Lincoln, with a body of militia, hovered upon
the British, Gates advanced from his camp at
the mouth of the Mohawk, and intrenched him-
self at Behmus's Heights, a strong position
overlooking the Hudson, three miles above
Stillwater.

On the 19th of September the light parties of
the enemy approached so near to the American
encampment, that Morgan was despatched with
his riflemen to attack them. While driving them
before him, he unexpectedly encountered the
British advance, and in turn was himself driven
back. Successive reinforcements coming up on
both sides, the action at length became general.
The battle was continued with varying success
until darkness separated the combatants. The

286 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1777.

British claimed the victory, from maintaining pos-
session of the ground ; but this equivocal honour
was more than compensated by the loss they had
sustained in the encounter. Nor was the dubious
result of the first battle of Behmus's Heights the
only source of anxiety to the British general.
Two days previous to this, a detachment of Lin-
coln's militia, led by Colonel Brown, captured
the posts at Lake George, and, after receiving
an addition to their force, proceeded to Ticon-
deroga and invested it. Short of provisions,
with his communications cut off, and opposed by
an army constantly increasing in numbers, the
situation of Burgoyne daily became more immi-
nent. Could he have held out until a diversion
had been created from below by Clinton, he
might yet have been relieved ; but the pressure
of circumstances left him no alternative but to
fight or retreat. In view of the former, he de-
termined on a reconnoissance of the American
lines. Placing himself, on the 7th of October,
at the head of fifteen hundred men, he formed
them in battle array within a mile of the Ameri-
can camp. This was scarcely accomplished be-
fore a furious attack was made upon his left by
Poor's New Hampshire brigade. The grenadiers
under Major Ackland met the assault with great
gallantry and firmness. The fire of the Ameri-
cans soon extended along the front, until the
right wing was also implicated. The battle now

1777.] DEFEAT OF BURGOYNE. 287

deepened. Gates, as usual with him, was not
present in the field ; but Arnold, though de-
prived of his command through the jealousy of
Gates, or his own insubordinate spirit, rode
everywhere through the thickest of the fight,
cheering on the men, and exhibiting in his own
person an example of the most desperate bra-
very. The British right, outflanked by the rifle-
men under Morgan, at length gave way. A
portion of the remaining troops being detached
to cover the retreat of their companions, the left
wing, overpowered by superior numbers, was
compelled to yield the ground they had contested
so long. Major Ackland was badly wounded
and taken prisoner. General Frazcr, while
making the most active exertions to rally his
men, also received a mortal wound from a rifle
ball. Leaving six pieces of artillery in the
hands of the victorious Americans, the whole
detachment retreated to their camp. They had
scarcely entered it before a body of troops, ga-
thered by Arnold from all quarters of the field,
pressed forward through a tremendous shower
of grape and musketry, and commenced an as-
sault upon the works. Arnold, supported by a
few daring men, desperately forced his way with-
in the intrenchments ; but his horse being shot
under him, and himself wounded, his followers
fell back, bearing him with them. A much more
important success attended the efforts of Lieu-

288 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1777.

tenant-Colonel Brooke. Leaving Arnold on his
left, he led Jackson's Massachusetts regiment
against a redoubt occupied by the German re-
serve, stormed it at the point of the bayonet,
and utterly routing the enemy, maintained his
conquest in spite of all the efforts of the British
to compel him to relinquish its possession.

Conscious of the insecurity of his position, in
the face of an army far superior in numbers and
already flushed with victory, Burgoyne silently
abandoned his encampment in the night, and
withdrew to the higher ground in the rear. The
next dav "was exhausted in skirmishes. On the
9th, fearful of being hemmed in, he retreated to
Saratoga, with, the intention of falling back upon
Fort Edward ; but his communications with that
place were already effectually cut off. Following
up their success, the Americans next assailed the
boats loaded with the only supplies and provisions
yet remaining to the British army, and captured
a considerable number. In this strait, with an
army greatly reduced in numbers, with no hope
remaining of being relieved by Clinton, and with
only three days' provisions remaining, Burgoyne
called a council of war. A capitulation being
advised, the terms were finally agreed upon ; and
on the 17th of October the shattered remains of
the invading army, to the number of five thou-
sand seven hundred men, surrendered themselves
prisoners of war.

1777.] ADVANCE OF CLINTON. 289

CHAPTER XXII.

Clinton's diversion in favour of Burgoyne — First meeting- of the
State legislature at Kingston — France and the United States
— Effects of Burgoyne's surrender — Conciliatory propositions
from Lord North — Treaty of alliance between France and the
United Colonies — Howe abandons Philadelphia, and retreats
to New York — Arrival of a French fleet — D'Estaing offers
to co-operate in the reduction of Newport — Puts out to sea —
Americans retire from before Newport — War on the frontiers
— Massacre at Wyoming — American expedition against
Unadilla — Indian incursion into Cherry Valley — Campaign
of 1779 — Predatory incursions by the enemy — Capture of
Stony Point by the British — Recapture by Wayne — Sulli-
van's expedition against the Indians — Exploration and de-
struction of the Indian villages in the Genesee Valley —
Campaign of 1781 — South Carolina overrun by the enemy
— Defeat of Gates — Arrival of Rochambeau at Rhode Island
— Treason of Benedict Arnold — Execution of Andre — Vir-
ginia ravaged by Arnold and Phillips — Operations of Corn-
wallis — Battle of the Cowpens — Battle of Guilford Courthouse
— Greene recrosses the Dan — Cornwallis enters Virginia —
Takes post at Yorktown — Siege of Yorktown — Capitulation.

Had it been possible for the invading army to
have held out but for a short time longer, the
campaign of 1777 might yet have terminated
favourably for the British arms. While the
Americans were pushing their advantages to the
utmost, Sir Henry Clinton, with three thousand
men, was rapidly ascending the Hudson to tho
relief of the embarrassed Burgoyne. On the
5th of October he attacked Forts Clinton and
Montgomery, which, after a brief defence, were

290 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1778.

captured, with a loss to the Americans in killed
and wounded of two hundred and fifty men. To
General Putnam had been confided the charge of
guarding the passes of the Highlands ; but he was
compelled to fall back before the British advance,
and retreat to Fishkill, leaving Peekskill, for-
merly his head-quarters, together with Forts In-
dependence and Constitution, in the hands of the
enemy. The Tories under Tryon, and a strong
detachment of regulars under Vaughan, ravaged
and burned the shores of the Hudson almost with
impunity. The surrender of Burgoyne at length
put a stop to these wanton outrages. After as-
cending the river to within sixty miles of Albany,
the British forces returned to New York, bearing
with them, from the captured forts, an immense
supply of artillery and ammunition.

Previous to these alarming movements on the
part of Clinton, the first legislature of the state
of New York assembled, on the 9th of Septem-
ber, at Kingston, a small village on the banks
of the Hudson. After organizing the govern-
ment, appointing delegates to the general con-
gress, and making provision for the defence of
the country, the assembly adjourned. On the
15th of January, 1778, the legislature met at
Poughkeepsie, when an act was passed approving
the articles of confederation as drawn up by the
general congress, and authorizing the delegates
from New York to ratify them.

1778.] TREATY WITH FRANCE. 291

It was at this period that France began to
evince a disposition to assist the confederated
colonies in their struggle for freedom. The
American commissioners at Paris had been for
many months vainly endeavouring to obtain
something more than vague promises from the
French ministry, when the surrender of Bur-
goyne impressed Louis XIV., and Vergennes his
minister, with more confidence in the final issue
of the struggle.

This feeling was not weakened by the conduct
of Lord North, the British minister, who, on the
14th of February, introduced into parliament a
plan for conciliating the colonies, by which the
whole of the original ground of dispute was em-
phatically surrendered. Fearful that the Ame-
ricans, already deeply embarrassed by debts,
divided to some degree among themselves, and
resting more upon the justice of their cause than
the strength of their armies, would conclude to
accept the olive branch so tardily tendered them
by the British minister, Vergennes, actuated less
by a love of liberty than by a desire to sever from
Great Britain her noblest dependencies, expressed
his willingness to enter upon treaties of friend-
ship and commerce, and of defensive alliance.
On the 8th of February these treaties were con-
cluded. Impressed with the danger that now
menaced him, General Howe, fearing lest the
Delaware should be blockaded by the arrival of

292 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1778.

a French fleet, at once evacuated Philadelphia,
and retiring across the Jerseys, closely pursued
by "Washington, concentrated the whole of the
British army at New York. He had scarcely
reached there, before Count D'Estaing, in com-
mand of a French fleet consisting of twelve ships
of the line and four frigates, arrived off the Dela-
ware. Having on board four thousand troops,
D'Estaing signified his willingness to co-operate
in the reduction of Newport ; but being drawn
out to sea in hopes of giving battle to the Bri-
tish squadron under Admiral Lord Howe, the
two fleets, shattered by a storm, were sepa-
rated, and D'Estaing was compelled to put into
the harbour of Boston to refit. The Americans
under Sullivan, being thus deprived of the ser-
vices of their powerful ally, after waiting for
some time in the hope that D'Estaing would re-
turn, abandoned the lines they had established
with so much labour, and retreated from the
island. The American forces under Washington
were at this period encamped at White Plains ;
but the remainder of the campaign was not
marked by any military operations of importance.
A desultory warfare along the frontiers was still
kept up, the settlers being constantly called upon
to contend against roving bands of Tories and
Indians. , The beautiful valley of Wyoming was
laid waste in July of this year by a party of
eight hundred rangers and Indians, under the

1778.] INCURSION INTO CHERRY VALLEY. 293

command of Colonel John Butler. Three hun-
dred of the settlers were either killed or carried
off into a captivity from which but few ever re-
turned. The horrid barbarities practised by the
Indians on this occasion excited throughout the
provinces a feeling of intense indignation.

During the month of October an expedition
was organized against Unadilla, a settlement of
Indians and refugees near the head-waters of the
Susquehannah. The enterprise was completely
successful ; the settlement was destroyed utterly,
and its sanguinary inhabitants driven for refuge
into the neighbouring forests.

"While these scenes were enacting, Captain
Walter Butler, a son of that Colonel Butler who
led the Tories at the massacre of Wyoming, after
making his escape from the jail at Albany, ob-
tained from his father at Niagara the command
of two hundred rangers, and being joined by five
hundred Indians under Brant, made a descent,
on the 10th of November, upon the frontier set-
tlement of Cherry Valley. The house of Colonel
Samuel Campbell, which, by increasing the
strength of its doors and windows, and by sur-
rounding it with an embankment of logs and
earth, had been converted into a rude fortress,
was fortunately in a sufficiently defensive con-
dition to enable its small garrison of Continen-
tal troops to resist the attacks of the enemy ;

but Colonel Alclen, together with many of the

25*

294 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1779.

villagers, and such of his command as carelessly
lodged beyond the walls of the fort, fell victims
to the fury of the savages. The settlement around
was completely devastated. Sixteen of the gar-
rison, and thirty-two of the inhabitants, princi-
pally vomen and children, were killed. Between
thirty and forty others were led away into a
harsh and almost hopeless captivity.

The closing portion of the campaign of 1778
passed away without any military operations
more memorable than the surprise and partial
slaughter of Baylor's dragoons at Tappan, and
of Pulaski's legion at Egg Harbour, by British
detachments. At this period the numerical
strength of the British and American armies
was about equal ; but the former were concen-
trated within the lines at New York and New-
port, while the latter were considerably scattered.
Too weak to undertake more active military
operations, "Washington pressed forward to a
completion the important fortifications at West
Point ; and after arranging all his disposable
forces so as to form a line of cantonments be-
tween Long Island Sound and the Delaware, re-
sumed, for the winter, his old head-quarters at
Middlebrook.

The campaign of 1779 was productive of no
decisive results on either side. During the
month of May, the river counties of Virginia
were harassed and plundered by a strong force

1779.] RECAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 295

of the enemy under General Matthews. After
remaining in that province for a month, the ma-
rauding party returned to New York with their
spoils. Upon being rejoined by this detachment,
Clinton ascended the Hudson in two divisions,
and captured the American works at Verplanck's
Point and Stony Point. Leaving a strong gar-
rison to maintain the conquered posts, he fell
back leisurely to New York.

A predatory excursion was soon after under-
taken by Tryon. New Haven was plundered ;
Fairfield, Norwalk, and Green Farms were wan-
tonly burned ; New London escaped the same
fate only by the expedition under Tryon being
suddenly recalled. The Americans had surprised
Stony Point.

The command of this daring enterprise had
been intrusted by Washington to General Wayne.
The design was well planned and admirably exe-
cuted. Two columns, led by Wayne and Stew-
art, each preceded by a forlorn hope and van-
guard, appeared before the works about midnight
of August 16th, and assaulting them from oppo-
site sides, carried them with great gallantry at
the point of the bayonet. Fifty of the garrison
were killed, and the remainder, one hundred and
fifty in number, taken prisoners. The American
loss in killed and wounded amounted to about
one hundred men.

As Stony Point commanded the works at Ver-

296 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1779.

planck's, preparations were immediately made
for an attack upon the latter ; but the British
appearing in force, Washington, fearing at that
juncture to risk a battle, stripped Stony Point
of its artillery and stores, and after dismantling
its fortifications abandoned it to the enemy.

In the mean while, an expedition had been
organized to penetrate the country of the Six
Nations, and avenge upon the tribes in alliance
with the British the barbarities which had been
committed upon the frontiers. The chief com-
mand in this important enterprise was intrusted
to General Sullivan, whose army was composed
of four thousand Continental troops and one
thousand militia. The latter, mainly made up
of the first and third New York regiments, were

commanded by General James Clinton. So soon
as the entire force was concentrated, Sullivan
marched from Tioga on the 26th of August,
throwing out flanking troops on each side, and a
corps of rangers in advance. After laying waste,
on the 28th, the settlements at Chemung, the
army bivouacked for the night. On the morning
of the 29th thev encountered a large force of
Indians and Tories under Brant and Butler.
These being utterly dispersed after a sharp and
well-contested battle, Sullivan continued on his
route until he had traversed the whole of the fer-
tile valley of the Genesee, at that time the heart
of the Indian settlements. Everywhere he went,

1780.] CHARLESTON SURRENDERED. 297

he cut down the orchards, destroyed the corn,
and laid the villages in ruins.

The country of the Onondagas, Cayugas, and
Senecas being thus completely laid waste, those
tribes, together with the refugees they had shel-
tered, were driven back upon Niagara, where
they became wholly dependent upon the English
for supplies. Many of them never returned to
their old homes ; but the spirit of revenge still
animated their bosoms, and though checked for
a season, they resumed, after a brief interval,
their former savage inroads.

The course of the war during the campaign of
1780 rolled southward. Leaving Knyphausen to
protect New York, Sir Henry Clinton, who had
succeeded Howe in the chief command of the
British- American forces, sailed with eight thou-
sand men against Charleston, the capital of South
Carolina. The city was surrendered after a brief
defence, and General Lincoln, with five thousand
American troops, became prisoners of war. The
remainder of the province being speedily subju-
gated, Clinton returned to New York, leaving
Cornwallis with four thousand- men to maintain
his conquest.

Prompt in their endeavours to recover so im-
portant a province from the hands of the enemy,
the exertions of Congress speedily resulted in
the formation of a new southern army, the chief
command of which was given to General Gates.

298 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1780.

On the lGth of August he encountered Cornwallis
at Camden, but his forces were routed and dis-
persed with great loss.

At the north, the aspect of affairs was equally
gloomy. During the month of July a powerful
French fleet, having on board six thousand troops
commanded by Count de Rochambeau, arrived
at Rhode Island ; but were prevented, for some
time, from co-operating with the army under
Washington, owing to the rigorous blockade
maintained by a superior naval force of the
enemy.

It was at this gloomy period of the war that
Benedict Arnold was meditating treason against
his country. Desperately brave, ambitious of
distinction, but vain and utterly unprincipled,
Arnold, for his eminent services in the battles
which preceded the surrender of Burgoyne, had
been elevated to that rank in the army to which
he had long aspired, and, as a further testimony
to his great military merits, had been intrusted
with the command at Philadelphia. Gay com-
pany and an extravagant style of living soon in-
volved him in debts and difficulties, which were
not lessened by the means he took to extricate
himself. Charged by the civil authorities of
Pennsylvania with resorting to improper means
for the purpose of obtaining the moneys his ne-
cessities were constantly requiring, he was at
length tried by court-martial, found guilty on

1780.] TREASON OF ARNOLD. 299

two of the counts, and sentenced to be publicly
reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. This
wound to his vanity was deepened still more by
the refusal of Congress to allow the entire amount
of his claims against the United States, for sums
alleged to have been expended by him during
the expedition into Canada. Smothering his re-
sentment, he opened a treasonable correspond-
ence with Sir Henry Clinton through Major
Andre, adjutant-general of the British army.
About the same time he obtained from Washing-
ton command of the fortress at West Point, with
the deliberate design of betraying it into the
hands of the enemy. In order to make the ne-
cessary arrangements for consummating this act
of treason, Andre* was reluctantly prevailed upon
to ascend the Hudson on board the sloop-of-war
Vulture, and to hold an interview with Arnold
within the American lines. Day beginning to
dawn before the conference was terminated, Ar-
nold induced Andre* to go with him to the house
of one Joshua H. Smith, where, after the busi-
ness was concluded, the young officer remained
concealed until the evening. The return to the
Vulture being considered hazardous, Andre*, dis-
guised as a citizen, with a pass from Arnold,
and having Smith for his guide, set off on horse-
back overland for New York.

The next morning, after parting with Smith,
he was intercepted, near a small brook about a

300 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1780.

mile north of Tarrytown, by Paulding, "Williams,
and Van Wart, three armed scouts, to whom,
deceived by their replies, Andre avowed himself
a British officer, travelling on pressing business.
He was immediately seized. Rejecting indig-
nantly the offers with which, on discovering his
mistake, Andre tempted his captors to release
him, they instituted a search of his person, and
having found papers of a suspicious character
concealed in his stockings, they conducted him a
close prisoner to Lieutenant-Colonel Jamison,
who was in command at the nearest American
outpost. Recognising the papers to be in the
handwriting of Arnold, yet unwilling to believe
in the guilt of his superior officer, Jamison sent
a messenger to Arnold, informing him of the ar-
rest of Andre, who as yet was only known by his
assumed name of Anderson ; while he despatched
the papers found in the boots of the prisoner by
an express to Washington, then in the act of re-
turning from Hartford to West Point.

Two or three hours before Washington arrived,
the letter from Jamison relating to his prisoner
was put into the hands of Arnold. Instantly
aroused to a sense of his danger, the guilt-
stricken traitor rose hurriedly from the table,
and excusing himself to his guests, hastened to
the river, where he flung himself into his barge,
and passing the American forts waving a white
kerchief, the usual signal of a flas-boat, took re-

1781.] BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 301

fuge on board the Vulture, which still remained
at anchor in the river.

The case of Andre excited the profoundest
commiseration, even in the breasts of his judges.
Young, generous, accomplished, and of high rank
in the British army, he had been reluctantly in-
duced to remain within the American lines, and
to assume that disguise and false character by
which, forfeiting his right to be treated as a pri-
soner of war, he subjected himself to the sum-
mary and ignominious punishment that military
usage accords to the common spy. In spite of
the earnest entreaties of Sir Henry Clinton, he
was sentenced by a court-martial to be hanged ;
and his execution took place at Tappan on the
2d of October.

The campaign of 1781 opened at the south.
While Virginia was again suffering greatly from
predatory incursions led by Phillips and the
traitor Arnold, Cornwallis prepared to invade
North Carolina. General Greene, who had su-
perseded Gates in command of the American
army in the south, was gradually collecting a
force sufficient to resume active operations.
Morgan, with a strong detachment, being sta-
tioned in the western part of South Carolina,
Cornwallis despatched the impetuous Tarleton to
bring him to battle. At Tarleton's approach,
Morgan fell back to the Cowpens, where, on the
17th of January, he made a determined and suc-

302 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1781.

cessful stand. The British, one thousand in
number, were defeated with great loss. Tarleton
himself was wounded, and narrowly escaped cap-
ture during his subsequent flight. Foiled in his
attempt upon Morgan, Cornwallis now turned in
pursuit of Greene, and, after a long series of
manoeuvres, a battle was fought on the 8th of
March at Guilford Courthouse, in which the Bri-
tish were victorious. Greene retreated for safety
across the Dan ; but as soon as Cornwallis had
retired toward Wilmington, Greene repassed the
Dan, and boldly leading his forces into South
Carolina, advanced upon Camden, where Lord
Rawdon was in command of the British outposts.
On the 25th of April the latter attacked Greene
at Hobkirk's Hill, and, after a sharp contest, the
Americans were compelled to give way, retiring
in good order to Rugeley's Mills, where they en-
camped. In the mean time, Lee and Marion had
succeeded in breaking the British line of commu-
nication north of the Santee by the capture of
Fort Watson. They next laid siege to Fort
Motte, and Rawdon, finding himself compelled
to concentrate his forces, abandoned his whole
line of posts, and fell back to Eutaw Springs.
The battle which was fought at this place on the
8th of September determined him to retire be-
hind the stronger defences at Charleston.

In the mean while, Cornwallis, finding it im-
possible to overtake Greene, left the defence of

1781.] CORNWALLIS AT YORKTOWN. 303

South Carolina to Rawdon, and pushed rapidly into
Virginia. Lafayette was at once despatched with
a corps of twelve hundred men to oppose him ;
but his force was too weak to offer any effectual
resistance. The army of Cornwallis, swelled by
reinforcements from New York, amounted at
this time to eight thousand men. Retiring from
Richmond as the enemy advanced, Lafayette fell
back toward the Rappahannock, where he formed
a junction with Wayne, who, with one thousand
troops of the Pennsylvania line, had marched to
meet him.

While these movements were in progress, Clin-
ton, becoming apprehensive that Washington and
Rochambeau would attack New York in concert
with a French fleet expected to arrive in August,
sent instructions to Cornwallis to select a strong
position upon the seaboard, and hold himself in
readiness to embark at any moment. In obe-
dience to these orders, Cornwallis retired across
the James' River to Yorktown, where he forti-
fied himself as strongly as the situation would
admit.

New York was indeed the original point se-
lected for attack by Washington ; but learning
subsequently that De Grasse intended sailing
with his fleet for the Chesapeake Bay, he altered
his plan of operations, and resolved to attempt
the capture of Cornwallis. Before Sir Henry

304 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1781.

Clinton was aware of this design, the combined
French and American forces had marched with
great secrecy and expedition overland to the
head of Elk, and embarking in transports already
collected there, formed a junction soon after with
Lafayette at "Williamsburg.

The retreat of Cornwallis by water having been
effectually cut off by the French fleet which oc-
cupied the mouth of York River, on the 6th of
October the siege of Yorktown was commenced.
After defending the place with great spirit and
resolution, Cornwallis proposed a cessation of
hostilities ; and the terms of capitulation being
at length agreed upon, the garrison, to the num-
ber of seven thousand men, surrendered them-
selves prisoners of war.

With the capitulation at Yorktown the war of
the Revolution may be said to have ended.
Skirmishes between foraging parties, and occa-
sional enterprises conducted by spirited partisan
corps, still indeed took place ; but England had
grown heartily weary of the war. Propositions
for negotiation soon followed. On the 30th of
November, 1782, provisional articles of peace
were agreed to by commissioners respectively
appointed for that purpose. From the 19th of
April, 1783, hostilities ceased entirely ; and on
the 30th of September the independence of the
colonies was formally acknowledged and ratified.

1783.] NEW YORK EVACUATED. 305

On the 25th of November the British troops
evacuated New York ; and from that date not a
single hostile soldier remained in arms in any
portion of the disenthralled American provinces.

CHAPTER XXIII.

A national convention called — Influence of New York — Action
of the state in regard to the import duties — Meeting of the
national convention — Adoption of the Federal Constitution —
Action of the Anti-Federalist party in New York — Popular-
ity of Clinton — Fierce party feuds — Jay elected governor —
Reception of his treaty with Great Britain — Hamilton insulted
— Re-election of Jay — Foreign relations of the United States
— Alien and Sedition laws — Clinton elected governor — Aaron
Burr — -His quarrel with Hamilton — Death of Hamilton —
Proscription of Burr — His western journeys — His arrest,
trial, and acquittal — Subsequent life — Increasing foreign dif-
ficulties— British orders in council — Berlin and Milan decrees
— American Embargo Act — Collision between the frigate
President and British sloop-of-war Little Belt — War declared
— Ill success of the American forces at the north — Important
naval victories — Americans defeated at the River Raisin — -
Capture of York, Upper Canada — Forts George and Erie
abandoned by the British — Defeat of Boerstler — '"Victory at
Sackett's Harbour — Perry's victory on Lake Erie — -Naval
successes and disasters — Battle of the Thames — Defeat of
the Creeks by Jackson — Battles of Chippewa and Bridge-
water — Capture of the Capitol — Death of Ross — Battle of
Plattsburg — McDonough's victory on Lake Champlain —
Battle of New Orleans — Peace declared.

The peace of 1783 found the United States
staggering under a burden of debts from which
there was no hope of a speedy relief. The abi-
lity to maintain the independence which had just

26*

306 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1787.

been acquired at so much cost and bloodshed was
also doubted by many reflecting minds, who, see-
ing the inadequacy of the old articles of confede-
ration to perpetuate an harmonious union, were
disposed to regard as impracticable the attempt
to construct a more perfect scheme of confedera-
tion. Others, however, were more sanguine. Act-
ing on the suggestion of certain commissioners
from several states of the Union, who met at
Annapolis in September, 1786, Congress, during
the month of February, 1787, recommended that
a convention of delegates should be held at Phi-
ladelphia on the second Monday of the succeeding
May, for the purpose of revising the articles of
the confederacy. From the selection of delegates
to this important convention emanated the Re-
publican and Federal parties.

The influence of the growing power of New
York was now about to be felt. Already, as
early as 1781, the state legislature had granted
the import duties of New York city to the
United States, giving to Congress full authority
to levy and collect the same, and to appoint the
necessary officers. This act was modified in
1783 ; the general government still received the
duties as before, but the power to appoint the
collectors and other officers was assumed by the
state. In 1786 the act was still further altered,
so as to give the state the sole power to levy and
collect the duties ; but still placing the revenues

1787.] MEETING OF NATIONAL CONVENTION. 307

thus acquired at the disposal of Congress. This
law Congress refused to acknowledge, and re-
quested Governor Clinton to call an extra ses-
sion of the legislature, in order that the question
might be reconsidered. Disclaiming all power to
convene the assembly, except under extraordinary
circumstances, Clinton declined, stating his rea-
son for so doing to the legislature of 1787. Gene-
ral Alexander Hamilton, a steady advocate of a
strong national government, and subsequently to
become so well known as the bold and able de-
fender of the Federal Constitution, was at this
period a member of the assembly. As chairman
of the customary committee, he prepared an an-
swer to the governor's opening speech, in which
he rigidly refrained from any comment upon
Clinton's refusal to call an extra session. This
roused the friends of the latter, who offered an
amendment approving the course of the governor,
which, after an animated debate, was carried by
a large majority. Having decided to send dele-
gates to the general convention at Philadelphia,
Hamilton, Yates, and Lansing were appointed,
but with their course of action bounded by par-
ticular instructions.

The national convention met at Philadelphia
at the appointed time, and on proceeding to the
business before them, commenced a discussion of
three separate plans, presenting marked differ-
ences from each other. The first proposed an

308 HISTOKY OF NEW YORK. [1788.

enlargement of the powers of the confederacy;
and it was this plan for which the delegates from
New York were instructed to vote. Its rejection
being determined upon by the agreement of a ma-
jority of the members to adopt a new form of go-
vernment, Yates and Lansing withdrew from the
convention ; but Hamilton determined to risk the
censure of his constituents by placing himself at
the head of a second party, who strongly advo-
cated the plan of a purely national government.

" The Virginia plan," which was the third, was
calculated to conciliate the prejudices of both ex-
tremes, by offering a frame of government partly
national and partly federal. The constitution
formed upon this plan was finally adopted, though
not without many ominous misgivings on the part
of those delegates who reluctantly voted for it.

The Anti-Federalists in New Y7ork immediately
arrayed themselves in strong opposition. They
denounced the new constitution as crippling the
state sovereignties, and establishing a central
government with powers so extensive as to en-
danger the permanence of the republic. The
Federalists, with Hamilton at their head, entered
upon an able defence ; and at the legislative ses-
sion of 1788 it was resolved upon to call a con-
vention of delegates fresh from the people, for
the purpose of ratifying or rejecting the new
constitution.

The election took place at the appointed time,

1788.] THE CONSTITUTION ADOPTED.

309

and on the 18th of June, 1788, the convention
was organized by the appointment of Governor
Clinton as president. 'After a protracted dis-
cussion, continued through three weeks, Mr. Jay,
on the 11th of July, moved " that the constitu-
tion be ratified ; and that whatever amendments
might be deemed expedient should be recom-
mended." The Anti-Federalists strongly ob-
jected to the passage of any such resolution;
but, while the discussion was still warm, tidings
were received that New Hampshire had ratified
the constitution ; and as nine states, the number
necessary to its adoption, had thus already sig-
nified their assent, the action of New York was
now a matter of but little moment. After enter-
taining, briefly, the question whether they should
ratify the instrument or recede from the Union,
they came to the conclusion to accept Jay's re-
solution, altered in such a manner as to express
their "full confidence" that the amendments to
the constitution, as recommended by the conven-
tion, would be adopted by the national Congress.
So warm a contest between the Federalists and
their opposers naturally engendered some bitter-
ness of feeling, which the ratification of the con-
stitution did not wholly allay. Governor Clinton,
the most popular man in the state, was decidedly
averse to the surrender of so much power to the
general government, and his adherents pertina-
ciously persisted in entertaining a similar opinion.

310 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1792.

At the October session of the legislature in 1788,
Clinton, in his opening speech, recommended the
assembly to favour a call for a second national
convention, for the express purpose of revising
the new constitution. But the feverish excite-
ment gradually passed away. "Washington had
been elected President of the United States, and
so long as he remained at the head of the gene-
ral government, the people were well satisfied that
their liberties were secure.

By the extraordinary force of his personal po-
pularity, Clinton was re-elected governor in 1788,
over Yates, the Federal candidate ; and at the
election of 1792, notwithstanding the growing
strength of the Federal party, he triumphed in a
similar manner over Mr. Jay, a gentleman greatly
beloved, and of a moral character singularly pure.
The election had, however, been very closely con-
tested ; so closely, indeed, that Clinton was said
to have owed his re-election to the legislative
committee to whom the votes for governor were
referred, the voice of a majority of the state
electors being in favour of Mr. Jay. This charge,
publicly made, created a feeling of intense indig-
nation throughout the state. Fierce party quar-
rels ensued ; and as the passion deepened, the
consequences might have been of the most seri-
ous character, had not the popular leaders on
both sides exerted themselves with praiseworthy
activity to moderate the fury and vehemence of

1795.] JAY BURNED IN EFFIGY. 311

their respective partisans. Though at length the
feud was allayed, it had not been without its ef-
fect upon the fortunes of the Anti-Federal, or,
as they now called themselves, the "Republican"
party. At the subsequent state elections the
Federalists were in the majority; and in 1795
they succeeded in electing Jay and Yan Rensse-
laer, as governor and lieutenant-governor, over
Yates and Floyd, the Republican candidates.

Two days after his election, Jay arrived at
New York from his mission to England, where
he had been sent, a year previous, for the pur-
pose of negotiating a treaty with that power.
This treaty soon became a most prolific source
of contention. France, plunging into the san-
guinary excesses which followed her successful
revolution, had inoculated quite a number of
those who belonged to the Republican party in
America with a portion of her intensely-levelling
and ultra-democratic principles. At the same
time, the Federalists were accused of striving to
promote a strong conservative policy, and of a
still more obnoxious leaning toward the interests
of Great Britain.

Within a week after the arrival of Jay at New
York, the publication of his treaty with Great
Britain changed the rejoicings with which he had
been welcomed into the bitterest denunciations.
In Philadelphia he was burned in effigy ; and
throughout the confederated states, wherever the

312 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1795.

French or Republican party was predominant,
meetings were held to protest against the condi-
tions of the treaty, and to vent fierce and unjust
accusations against the now unpopular commis-
sioners. In New York, Hamilton attempted to
address the multitude in defence of his friend,
but a shower of stones compelled him to desist.
The meeting, carried away by passion, assented
to some angry resolutions, and then burned the
obnoxious treaty in front of the governor's house.

Fortunately, violent passions are usually brief
in their duration. Jay quietly bent to the storm,
and when it passed away gradually rose again,
if not to the height of his old popularity, yet so
near it as to be again elected governor in 1798,
over Judge Livingston, the strongest Republican
candidate. But, though defeated, the Republi-
can party were everywhere gaining strength.
Encouraged by the number of their American
adherents, the rulers of the French republic had
been for some time disposed to regard with a
feeling allied to contempt the repeated com-
plaints and protests of the general government.
The relations between the two countries at length
became critical ; and, in expectation of a war,
Congress passed the well known Alien and Sedi-
tion laws.

By the Alien law, no foreigner could become a
citizen of the United States under a residence of
fourteen years. Such as had not been in the

1798.] CLINTON ELECTED GOVERNOR. 313

country more than two years might be ordered to
leave it, if the president believed their presence
prejudicial to the peace of the commonwealth ;
while all resident aliens, after a declaration of
war, rendered themselves subject at any moment
to be seized and incarcerated.

The Sedition law, though limited in its opera-
tion to three years, was equally stringent. Each
person unlawfully combining or conspiring with
others to resist the measures of the general go-
vernment, or to impede any law of the United
States, or to control the legitimate acts of any
government officer, was made liable to a fine not
exceeding five thousand dollars, and to a term of
imprisonment ranging from six months to five
years.

Scarcely any amount of provocation would
have justified the rigorous harshness of these
laws. The legislatures of Kentucky and Vir-
ginia, at the instance of Jefferson, passed resolu-
tions denouncing them with great acrimony. The
assembly of New York avoided taking part in the
controversy ; but the elections of 1800 and 1801
were doubtless affected by it. The power of the
Federalists was everywhere completely broken.
Jefferson and Burr were elected President and
Vice-president of the United States ; while George
Clinton and Jeremiah Van Rensselaer were cho-
sen Governor and Lieutenant-governor of New
York.

314 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1804.

No marked political events occurred during
the three succeeding years, although the excite-
ment between the opposing parties was in no
degree lessened. In 1804, Morgan Lewis, the
Republican candidate for governor, vras elected
over Aaron Burr, who, being opposed by the
Clintons and Livingstons, was rapidly losing his
earlier political influence. It was at this period
that the circumstances originated which led to
the fatal duel between Hamilton and Burr.

Lying under the imputation of intriguing
against Jefferson in order to secure his own elec-
tion to the presidency, Burr had lost in a great
measure the confidence of his party. Failing to
procure the regular nomination for Governor of
New York, he sought and obtained an independ-
ent one. He lost his election, notwithstanding
he was supported during the canvass by a num-
ber of the Federalists, much to the chagrin of
Hamilton, although he took no active part to
prevent it.

Smarting under his recent defeat, which he
attributed to the influence of Hamilton, Burr
seized advantage of an expression in a letter
written by Doctor Cooper of Albany, in which
the latter assured his correspondent that Hamil-
ton considered Burr as " a dangerous man, who
ought not to be intrusted with the reins of go-
vernment ;" adding — " I could detail a still more
despicable opinion which Hamilton has expressed

1807.] TRIAL OF BURR. 315

of Burr." Fastening on the word " despicable,"
Burr immediately despatched a note to Hamil-
ton, which the latter finally answered by declar-
ing his willingness, under respectful questioning,
to show that the language he had used was ap-
plied solely to Burr's political, and not at all to
his private character. Burr treated the reply
as "a mere evasion," and reiterated his demand
for satisfaction. Reluctantly, and in defiance of
his openly-avowed principles, Hamilton accepted
the challenge. The parties met, and Hamilton
fell.

From that moment the character of Burr was
blasted for ever. Hated in New York, and in-
dicted for murder in New Jersey, he proceeded
to Philadelphia, where he took up his abode. In
the spring of 1805 lie started for the West, enve-
loping his movements in great mystery. Return-
ing to Philadelphia, he spent the winter of 1805
and part of the summer of 1806 in that city and
in Washington ; but in August he again set out
for the West. His treasonable designs eventually
becoming apparent, he was arrested in the Tom-
bigbee country on the 1st of March, 1807, and
conveyed to Richmond for trial.

The charge preferred against Burr was that
of treason against the United States, and of mis-
demeanour in levying troops within a friendly
territory for a revolutionary expedition against
Mexico. No one doubted his guilt ; but as proof

316 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1807.

of an overt act, by two creditable witnesses, could
not be produced, be was finally acquitted, and
took passage the succeeding year for Europe.
For four years he led a restless, wretched, wan-
dering life, but in 1812 he suddenly reappeared
in New York, and resumed the practice of the
law. His death, at the age of eighty-one, took
place on the 14th of September, 1836.

In 1807 Daniel Tompkins was elected governor,
over Morgan Lewis — both the candidates belong-
ing to the Republican party. For two years pre-
vious to this, the current of party feeling had been
greatly imbittered by the critical condition of our
foreign relations. During the progress of the long
and bloody European war carried on by the allied
sovereigns against the power of Napoleon, the
Americans, as neutrals, were rapidly acquiring
commercial importance by the great extension
of the carrying trade. To annihilate this lucra-
tive business, Great Britain adopted orders in
council suppressing all commercial relations be-
tween America and France. Napoleon retaliated
by issuing his celebrated Berlin and Milan de-
crees, which rendered American vessels trading
to England subject to seizure and condemnation.

These high-handed measures led to protests
and remonstrances, which were received with
cool indifference by both the belligerent parties.
Depredations upon American commerce still
continuing, an embargo was laid, for ninety

1811.] NAVAL ENGAGEMENT. 817

days, upon all vessels within the jurisdiction of
the United States. The militia and volunteers
were at the same time called upon to hold them-
selves in readiness for service. The great dis-
tress brought upon the mercantile interests of
the country by the operation of the Embargo,
led to its suspension until the next meeting of
Congress, in July, 1808. In this year Madison
succeeded Jefferson as president, and an act was
passed by Congress which prohibited all inter-
course with England, France, or any of their
dependencies.

The Federalists opposing a declaration of war,
which the growing dislike to England seemed
each day to render more inevitable, the Republi-
can party again gained the ground they had
previously lost by their support of the Embargo
Act, and succeeded in 1810 in re-electing Tomp-
kins for governor. Lieutenant-Governor Broome
dying soon after, De Witt Clinton was appointed
his successor.

Opinions directly antagonistic, in relation U
the right of impressment, had already compli-
cated the existing difficulties between the United
States and Great Britain, when, on the 16th of
May, 1811, the frigate President, commanded
by Commodore Rodgers, was fired into by the
English sloop-of-war Little Belt. In the action
which ensued, the British lost thirty-two men in
killed and wounded. From this time all thought

27*

318 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1812.

of preserving peace was abandoned ; the national
indignation was fully aroused, and on the 20th
of June, 1812, Congress authorized a declaration
of war.

The campaign opened disastrously. An at-
tempt to invade Canada proved not only signally
unsuccessful, but was followed by retaliatory
movements on the part of the British. Detroit,
and all the military posts in Michigan, were oc-
cupied by the enemy. Hull ignominiously sur-
rendered the forces under his command on the
19th of August; and on the 13th of October an
American detachment, one thousand strong,
which had crossed the Niagara River, and at-
tacked the British on the Heights of Queens-
town, suffered a repulse ; and not being supported
by reinforcements from the American side, were
compelled to surrender.

On the ocean, however, the navy of the United
States proudly sustained the honour of the Ame-
rican arms. Hull, in command of the Constitu-
tion, captured, on the 10th of August, the Bri-
tish frigate Guerriere. Three days afterward,
Porter, in the Essex, captured the Alert. On
the 17th of October the British brig Frolic sur-
rendered to the Wasp, though both were retaken
the same day by a British seventy-four. On the
25th of the same month the frigate Macedonian
surrendered to the United States ; and on the
29th of December the Java lowered her flag to

1813.] MILITARY OPERATIONS. 319

the Constitution, on this occasion commanded by
Bainbridge.

On the 4th of March, 1813, Madison was re-
elected president. The operations on land still
continued to terminate in the defeat of the Ame-
rican forces. During the month of January they
were signally defeated at Frenchtown, in the
vicinity of the River Raisin, and many of those
who had surrendered were subsequently massa-
cred by the Indians. An invasion of Canada by
General Dearborn was more successful. On the
27th of April, York, the capital of Upper Canada,
was attacked by General Dearborn, supported by
a small naval squadron under Commodore Chaun-
cey. After a brief defence, the garrison capitu-
lated. This success was speedily followed by
another. On the 27th of May, Commodore
Chauncey attacked Fort George ; and, after set-
ting fire to their magazines, the British retreated
to Queenstown. Fort Erie was next abandoned;
but a detachment of Americans, five hundred and
seventy in number, commanded by Colonel
Boerstler, fell into an ambuscade, and were com-
pelled to surrender to the enemy. In the mean
while, the British under Prevost had been re-
pulsed in an attack upon Sackett's Harbour ;
and on the 10th of September suffered a still
severer disaster in the defeat and capture of
their squadron on Lake Erie, by Commodore
Perry.

320 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1814.

In the intermediate conflicts at sea, the re-
sults had not been always fortunate. On the
1st of June the Chesapeake, commanded by the
heroic Lawrence, had been taken by the frigate
Shannon ; and during the following August the
Argus had been captured by the British armed
vessel the Pelican ; but the following month
the British brig Boxer surrendered to the En-
terprise.

The tide of battle now besjan to turn with a
steady persistence in favour of the Americans.
General Harrison gained a decisive victory over
Proctor at the battle of the Thames ; and during
the summer of 1811 General Jackson defeated
the Creeks in several pitched battles. On the
3d of July General Brown crossed into Canada,
and captured Port Erie. On the next day he
successfully repulsed the British at Chippewa ;
and on the 25th of October the Americans fought
at Brido-ewater the bloodiest battle of the war.
The loss on both sides was equally severe, but
the Americans remained masters of the field.

During the month of August, a British squad-
ron sailed up the Potomac River, and disembarked
six thousand men under Sir James Ross. Dis-
persing the militia assembled at Bladensburg to
obstruct his progress, Ross proceeded to "Wash-
ington, where he burned the Capitol. After
committing various other excesses, which betray-
ed more of the spirit of the Goth than of the

1815.] BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 321

ehivalric generosity of the modern soldier, he
retired to his ships.

On the 12th of September the fleet reappeared
in the Chesapeake, and made preparations to at-
tack Baltimore ; but General Ross being killed
in a skirmish at North Point, the detachment
was recalled, and the project abandoned.

On the northern frontier, one day previous to
the above repulse, Sir George Prevost, with a
force of fourteen thousand men, made a vigorous
assault upon the American works at Plattsburg.
The defence was conducted by General Macomb
with so much resolution, that the British finally
retired with a loss of twenty-five hundred men.
Simultaneously with the attack upon Plattsburg,
an engagement took place on Lake Champlain
between the British and American fleets. After
an action continued for more than two hours,
the fire of the enemy was silenced. One frigate,
one brig, and two sloops-of-war fell into the
hands of the Americans, who from that time
until the close of the war held undisputed com-
mand of the lake.

Hostilities between the two nations were
finally terminated by the disastrous defeat of
General Pakenham before New Orleans, on the
8th of January, 1815. The forces of the Bri-
tish commander amounted to fifteen thousand
men, while those of General Jackson did not
number more than six thousand. These, how-

322 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1815.

ever, were judiciously covered by a breastwork
of cotton bags, and otherwise strongly protected
by the natural difficulties presented by the
ground On each flank. In an attempt to storm
these works, Sir Edward Pakenham fell mor-
tally wounded. His troops, after three despe-
rate efforts on the centre and each flank of the
American line, fell back in disorder, with the
loss of three thousand men.

Two weeks previous to this battle a treaty of
peace had been signed at Ghent, and on the
17th of February it was ratified by the president
and senate.

1811.] CLINTON'S ASPIRATIONS. 323

CHAPTER XXIV.

Political aspirations of De Witt Clinton — The Tamman}r So-
ciety— Its origin — Opposed to Clinton — Tompkins elected
governor — Chosen vice-president — Clinton governor — Con-
struction of the Erie Canal authorized — Decline of the old
Federal party — Origin of the " Bucktails" — Clinton re-elected
governor — Van Buren chosen United States Senator — Revi-
sion of the state constitution — Principal amendments adopted
— Yates elected governor — Division of the Democratic party
— Organization of the " People's party" — Removal of Clinton
as canal commissioner — Re-elected governor — Subversion of
the old political parties — Abduction of Morgan — Masons and
Anti-Masons — New organizations — Formation of the Whig
and Jackson parties — Death of Governor Clinton — Van Buren
elected governor — Rise and decline of the " Workingman's
party" — Throop elected governor — Marcy chosen — " Equal
rights" party organized — How designated by the Whigs —
Merged with the Democratic party — Marcy re-elected go-
vernor— Financial embarrassments — Increasing strength of
the Whigs — Seward elected governor — Party fluctuations —
Bouck elected governor — Election of Wright — Anti-Rent
disturbances — Their origin — Progress of the disalFection —
Tumults in Delaware county — Murder of the sheriff — Mili-
tary called out — Arrest and imprisonment of the rioters —
Breach in the Democratic party — " Hunkers" and " Barn-
burners"— Revision of the constitution — Young elected go-
vernor— Election of Fish — Conclusion.

Before war was declared, many of Madison's
friends regarded his cautious policy in relation
to the dispute with Great Britain as indicating a
feebleness of purpose unworthy of his high posi-
tion. Prominent among these was De Witt
Clinton, who himself aspired to become a candi-

324 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1816.

date for the next presidency. His party, how-
ever, were not disposed to countenance his am-
bitious views. Various combinations were formed
against him; and, among others, he was opposed
by the whole strength of the Tammany Society,
a powerful association which was organized soon
after the peace of 1783, in opposition to the
Cincinnati Society. At first it was composed of
prominent members of both political parties ; but
it gradually took a more distinctive character,
and in 1812, by a vigorous support of Madison
against Clinton, materially contributed to the
defeat of the latter. The members of the asso-
ciation were, at this period, known as " Mart-
ling's men," from holding their meetings in
Martling's long room, since known as Tammany
Hall.

At the gubernatorial canvass of 1813, Governor
Tompkins was re-elected. De "Witt Clinton, who
sought the nomination for lieutenant-governor,
was again defeated by the opposition of the
Tammany Society. In 1816 Tompkins and Tay-
lor were again elected governor and lieutenant-
governor ; but the former having been chosen
Vice-president of the United States early in the
following year, the choice of the Democratic
party, to fill the vacancy thus occasioned, fell at
length upon De Witt Clinton. A most import-
ant measure, as bearing upon the future pros-
perity of the state, was passed at the session of

1820.] CLINTON KE-ELECTED. 325

1817. This was no other than the passage of
an act authorizing the construction of the Erie
and Champlain canals. To carry out this noble
project a large loan was called for, the interest
of which was provided for by certain specific
taxes, and by appropriating to this particular
use the rents of the valuable salt-springs at
Onondaga.

From this period, the power of the old Fede-
ral party was broken. The Republicans also
underwent a change in their organization. From
an order of the Tammany Society, who wore in
their hats the tail of a deer, arose the Bucktail
party. The most prominent leader of this new
party was Martin Van Buren, then rapidly ris-
ing into notice as a sagacious politician. The
differences between the Bucktails and Clinton-
ians arose partly from the opposition of the for-
mer to the proposed schemes of internal im-
provement, and partly from a personal dislike to
Clinton, whom they represented as haughty and
impracticable.

The elections of 1820 saw Clinton and Tomp-
kins, both prominent Republicans, opposed to
each other ; but although inanv of the old Fede-
ralists supported the latter, Clinton, personally
popular through his advocacy of internal im-
provements, and further strengthened by the
reiteration of certain charges improperly brought
against Tompkins, was re-elected. It was never-

326 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1824.

theless evident that the Bucktail party were
rapidly gaining strength. Its leader, Martin
Van Buren, was the following year elected to
the senate of the United States. At the legis-
lative session of the same year, the question of
revising the state constitution was ordered to be
laid before the people. A majority of over se-
venty-four thousand voters being found in favour
of a revision, the convention assembled at Albany
on the 28th of August, 1821. Ex-Governor Tomp-
kins was chosen president. The principal amend-
ments adopted by the convention were, — the abo-
lition of the old council of revision ; turning over
the veto power to the governor ; the reduction of
the governor's official term to two years ; the ex-
tension of the franchise ; the remodelling of the
judiciary; the election of sheriffs and county
clerks by the people ; together with many other
changes of less moment. In 1822 the new con-
stitution of the state was ratified by a large ma-
jority. In November of the same year, Judge
Yates was elected governor, De Witt Clinton
declining to become a candidate.

The rapid numerical increase and conflicting
preferences of the Bucktail, or, as it now called
itself, the Democratic, party, in the winter of
1823, threatened its own destruction. For the
presidential nomination of 1824, Mr. Crawford
was warmly sustained by the "Albany Regency,"
while many others of the Democratic party formed

1825.] ERIE CANAL COMPLETED. 327

a junction with the friends of General Jackson,
or with those who supported the respective claims
of Adams, Calhoun, or Clay. The custom of
making presidential nominations in a congres-
sional caucus was by this means broken down ;
while, to weaken the influence of Mr. Van Buren
and the Albany Regency upon the legislature, by
whom the presidential electors were then chosen,
a new faction was organized, which, calling itself
" the People's party," advocated the right of the
people to choose the presidential electors by a
direct vote. To this new party Clinton and his
friends immediately gave in their adhesion.

At the legislative session of 1822 a bill was
reported by the house, making the presidential
electors elective by the people ; but it was thrown
out by the senate. The defeat of this popular
measure, being attributed to the influence of the
Albany Regency, produced a storm of indigna-
tion throughout the state ; which was increased
by the removal of Clinton from the office of ca-
nal commissioner, the duties of which he had
faithfully performed without remuneration for a
number of years. This proscription tended to
elevate Clinton in the popular regard. At the
election in November, 1824, he was chosen go-
vernor by a majority of sixteen thousand, over
Young, the orthodox Democratic candidate.
The following year Clinton had the satisfaction
of witnessing the completion of the Erie CanaL

28 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1826.

In 1826 he was again elected governor, though
by a greatly diminished majority.

It was a few weeks previous to this canvass
that the United States were thrown into a con-
dition of excitement so fierce and vehement, as
led soon after to the entire subversion of the old
political parties. This intense fervour arose
from the abduction and supposed murder of Wil-
liam Morgan, a member of the Masonic frater-
nity, by certain unknown persons, believed to
belong to the same association. The evidence
submitted at the subsequent trials showed that
Morgan, a native of Virginia, took up his resi-
dence in the town of Batavia in the summer of
1823. Ranking high in the Masonic fraternity,
his knowledge enabled him to prepare a book
purporting to be an exposition of the secrets of
that order. After several attempts had been
unsuccessfully made to divert him from this his
avowed design, a small party of Masons con-
spired together to remove him ; and partly by
force, and partly by the connivance of certain
civil officers, themselves Masons, they succeeded
in seizing Morgan and carrying him to old Fort
Niagara, from whence, after a confinement of
three days in the magazine, he disappeared sud-
denly. The fate of Morgan was never positively
known ; but although this mysterious abduction,
with its dark result, was the work of a few reck-
less Masons only, its criminality attached itself

1828.] VAN BUREN CHOSEN GOVERNOR. 329

to the whole fraternity. At the local elections
of 1827 the question of "Mason or Anti-Mason"
sprang up, and in a little while the Anti-Masonic
party swayed the political complexion not of New
York alone, but of the whole confederacy.

The old parties being thus broken up, new or-
ganizations were attempted. Portions of the
Federalists, Bucktails, and Clintonians coalesced
for the purpose of advocating the nomination of
General Jackson for the presidency. Other frag-
ments of the same parties supported the preten-
sions of Adams and Clay. New titles were
respectively assumed, and from this period arose
the Jackson, or National Republican, and the
Whig parties.

On the 11th of January, Governor De Witt
Clinton expired suddenly, while sitting in his
library. The customary testimonials of public
respect were paid to his memory — a weak and
very inadequate expression of gratitude to one
whose able and earnest advocacy led to the adop-
tion of those grand measures of internal improve-
ment wrhich have since added so greatly to the
wealth and importance of New York.

The election for governor in 1828 terminated
in favour of Mr. Van Buren. Early the follow-
ing year, being selected to occupy a seat in the
national cabinet, the duties of the office thus
left vacant devolved upon Lieutenant-Governor
Throop.

28*

330 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1836.

One other political party was organized during
the year 1830, which fulfilled its purpose, and
then was dissolved as suddenly as it arose into
notice. This was called the " Workingman's
party," under whose auspices Throop was re-
elected governor. In 1832 William L. Marcy,
the Democratic candidate, was chosen governor,
and again elected to the same office in 1834.

In the course of the ensuing summer, the
"Equal Rights party" was organized. It con-
sisted of a detachment from the Democratic
party, professedly opposed " to all monopolies,
to bank-notes, and to paper currency as a circu-
lating medium." By the Whigs it was soon
designated as the Locofoco party, a title which
was subsequently conferred upon the whole De-
mocratic party when, in 1837, that wing of the
latter which had proclaimed Equal Rights as a
rallying cry reunited with those from whom, two
years before, they had seceded.

In 1836 Governor Marcy was again continued
in office, by the large majority of thirty thousand
votes over Mr. Bull, the Whig candidate.

During this year occurred those fearful finan-
cial embarrassments which resulted in the ruin
of so many mercantile men, and in an utter
stagnation of all kinds of business. This ter-
rible crisis was charged, by the Whigs, to have
grown out of the opposition of General Jackson
to a recharter of the United States Bank ; to his

1844.] PARTY FLUCTUATIONS. 331

removal of the treasury deposites ; and to his
specie circular of 1836, by which all moneys due
the government were to be paid in gold and silver.

Whatever may have been the cause of the dis-
tressed condition of the country, as it occurred
during a Democratic administration, it led many
persons to join the ranks of the Whigs. In New
York, the latter party, after maintaining for
many years an unsuccessful contest, at length
succeeded in electing their candidates. The
Democrats throughout the state were everywhere
defeated, William H. Seward being elected go-
vernor, over Marcy, by some ten thousand ma-
jority.

Still gathering strength, the Whig party ac-
chieved a greater triumph in 1840, by the elec-
tion of General Harrison to the presidential
chair, and in New York by the re-election of
Governor Seward.

The death of Harrison in the early part of
1841, by placing Vice-President Tyler in the
executive chair, proved seriously injurious to the
Whig cause. In New York, the Democratic
party, at the election of 1842, reassumed its old
ascendency, Bouck and Dickinson being elected
governor and lieutenant-governor, over Bradish
and Furman, the Whig candidates. In the elec-
tion of Wright and Gardiner to the same offices
in 1844, the Democratic party still evinced an
undiminished strength.

332 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1844-

Shortly after this election, the peace of the
state became seriously disturbed, in several of
the counties, by popular tumults of an alarming
character. These tumults had their rise in the
resistance offered by certain tenants of lease-
hold estates to the civil officers empowered to en-
force the payments of rents. The cause of this
serious outbreak had its origin in the early colo-
nial times. It has been recorded in what way,
during the Dutch supremacy, the manors known
as Pavonia, Swanandael, and Rensselaerwyck
were acquired. Similar grants were subse-
quently obtained from the British crown. Some
of these large proprietors partitioned off their
lands and sold them, either to speculators or to
actual settlers. Others established manors, and
claimed the customary manorial rights and privi-
leges. As lords of the soil, they granted per-
petual leases of their lands, in preference to sell-
ing them in fee, reserving certain annual rents,
payable partly in produce, and partly in labour.
The right to restrain was generally made a part
of the contract, and the patroon or landlord re-
tained by express stipulation the ownership of
all water-powers and mines. For a long time
these regulations were submitted to by the te-
nants. At length, however, they began to grow
restive under the restrictions by which they were
encumbered. Some few acts of violence occurred
in the years 1812 and 1813, which resulted in

1844.] ANTI-RENT DISTURBANCES. 333

the death of the sheriff of Columbia county ; but
the agitation partially subsided, and with the ex-
ception of occasional petitions to the legislature,
asking for a change in the tenure of the lands,
no absolutely violent disruption took place until
1839. In this year, an attempt to collect the
arrearages of rents due to the estate of Stephen
Van Rensselaer, resulted in a combination of the
tenants to resist the execution of process by the
sheriff. The organization becoming of a mena-
cing character, Governor Seward called out the
military, and the tenants, ceasing to resist, con-
sented to have their complaints adjudicated by
the legislature. Nothing, however, was clone by
the members of that body, either on behalf of
the tenants or to enforce the existing laws. Thus
matters remained, with but little variation, until
the winter of 1844 ; various bands of Anti-Rent-
ers, disguised as Indians, having, during the in-
termediate period, successfully impeded the exe-
cution of the laws, though without resorting to
actual violence. The contest now began to as-
sume a political complexion. Certain newspapers
defended the course of the Anti-Renters, and
candidates were nominated for public offices be-
cause of their known sympathy for the insurgents.
In December, several serious outrages being com-
mitted by the "Indians," the legislature took
cognisance of them so far as to pass an act to
prevent persons from appearing armed or in dis-

334 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1846.

guise ; and authorized the governor to call out
the military at any time he might think proper.

For a short time the excitement smouldered ;
but in the summer of 1845 nearly the whole
county of Delaware was in a state of riot and in-
subordination. On the 7th of August the sheriff
of that county, while in the execution of his duty,
was murdered by a party of Anti-Renters. Go-
vernor Wright at once declared the county in a
state of insurrection, and despatched thither a
military force to overawe the rioters. Many of
the latter being arrested, and sentenced, upon
subsequent trial, to various terms of imprison-
ment, order was restored throughout the Anti-
Rent region. A law passed by the legislature
at the session of 1846, abolishing distress for
rent, and taxing the incomes of the landlords,
removed to a considerable degree all subsequent
cause of complaint.

In the mean time, a serious breach had occur-
red between various influential members of the
Democratic party, which, finally widening, led to
separate organizations. The two factions thus
created were soon after known as the " Hunkers"
and "Barnburners."

A state convention to amend the constitution,
having already received the assent of the peo-
ple, met at Albany on the 1st of June, 1846.
Under the provisions of the new constitution,
nearly all the officers previously appointed by

1848.] conclusion. 335

the governor were made elective by the people ;
feudal tenures, and all the restraints previously
existing on the alienation of lands, were abolished.
No lease having more than twelve years to run,
in which rent or service were reserved, was de-
clared to be valid. Important changes were
made in the judiciary system, and the elective
franchise was extended to all free white male
citizens ; the old clause with respect to the co-
loured population being retained.

In the gubernatorial canvass of 1846, Young,
the Whig candidate for governor, was elected
over Wright by about eleven thousand majority.
During the two following years, the Whigs re-
peatedly succeeded in their judicial and other
elections, owing, in a great measure, to the want
of unity among the various members of the De-
mocratic party. A similar success attended the
former at the elections of 1848, when Fish, the
Whig candidate, was elected governor by a large
majority over Walworth, the Democratic nominee.

With the year 1848 closes, for the present,
this history of the great state of New York.
Possessing an admirable geographical position
for commercial purposes ; with a vast system of
internal improvements, immensely valuable to
the state, and equally conducive to the prosper-
ity of its citizens ; with a population increasing
so rapidly as almost to defy calculation ; and
with public schools nobly provided for and judi-

336 HISTORY OF NEW YORK. [1848.

ciously fostered, a wonderful future is before her,
which, if accompanied by the exercise of those
virtues that always attend upon true greatness,
will command the admiration of other peoples,
even more profoundly than the mystery of her
present progress elicits their wonder.

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One large 8vo. Volume. Price $3 00.

THE SCALP HUNTERS|

OR,

ROMANTIC ADVENTURES IN NORTHERN MEXICO.

BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID,

Author of he "Rifle Rangers."
COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME. PRICE FIFTY CENTS.

BOARDMAN'S BIBLE IN THE FAMILY.

€\t 36iliU in ijjr /rtmilti:

OR, HINTS ON DOMESTIC HAPPINESS

BY H. A. BOARDMAN.

PASTOR OF THE TENTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA.

One Volume 12mo. — Price One Dollar.

THE REGICIDE'S DAUGHTER:'

£( £ale of ttoo 552Fotltr».
BY W. H. CARPENTER,

AUTHOR OF "CLAIBORNE THE REBEL," " JOHN THE BOLD," AC, kO,
One Volume ISmo. Pric« Tliirty-seven and a Half Cents.

24 LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO & CO.'S PUBLICATIONS.

Splendid Illustrated Books, suitable for Gifts for the Holiday!

£lj£ %m : flu (Original intnmtir for mnj ^wtr.

EDITED BY PROF.JOHN S. HART.

WITH TWELYE SPLENDID ILLUMINATIONS, ALL FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS,

THE DEW-DROP: A TRIBUTE OF AFFECTION.

WITH NINE STEEL ENGRAVINGS.

GEMS FROM THE SACRED MINE.

"WITH TEN STEEL PLATES AND ILLUMINATIONS.

THE POET'S OFFERING.

TVITH FOURTEEN STEEL PLATES AND ILLUMINATIONS.

THE STANDARD EDITIONS OF THE POETS.

"WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.

LORD AND LADY HARCOURT:
OR, COUNTRY HOSPITALITIES.

BY CATHARINE SINCLAIR,

Author of " Jane Bouverie," " The Business of Life," " Modern Accom-
plishments," &c, &c.

One Volume 12mo. Price 50 cents, paper; cloth, fine, To eenta,

BKUira'i %m 3finp nf tjj* §Lmfo& Itabf,

ON ROLLERS.

SIZE TWO AND A HALF BY THREE FEET.

A aew map of the United States, upon which are delineated its vast works o!

Internal Communication, Routes across the Continent, &c,

showing also Canada and the Island of Cuba,

BY W. WILLIAMS.

This Map ia handsomely colored and mounted on rollers, and will he found
a beautiful and useful ornament to the Counting-House and Parlor, as weli
tx, the School-Rcom. Price Two Dollars.

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Full text of "The history of New York from its earliest settlement to the present time"

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